Carson is 1 month old!

What an amazing month it has been! I have so much to post here!
I'll start with his Birthday...
I woke up at 6am... was 4cm dilated (we had gone in the night before and was on Cervidil overnight). Pitocin began and my water was broken about an hour later. I was having consistent contractions, all the pain was in my back... uncomfortable but bearable. I asked for the epidural at 9am since there was no time between contractions and I couldn't think of any reason to be in any pain if I didn't have to be! The epidural was surprisingly pain-free... though it only took on my left side. The anesthesiologist had to give me an additional injection that was 3 times the strength of the original dose so that it would work it's way to my right side, and it did. I was at 8cm immediately following the epidural. Whew! Glad I didn't wait any longer! My mom and dad were with us in the room by now, and I slept for about an hour. At noon, the nurse said it was time! But I could not feel any pressure, so they put it off a little while. At 1:00, visitors were asked to leave the room... Dr. Loncar arrived... and it was time to push. I pushed through 2 contractions and Carson Bryant was here at 1:28pm! Tim cut the cord, gave the first bath, and changed the first diaper. We were discharged from the hospital around 4pm on Sunday. That night, we received 8" of snow!!

The days that followed were easier and harder than expected. Easy because we have such a good baby. Hard because of the time he demands... I laugh that I ever thought I was tired before he arrived! Every day is easier than the last. We are learning so much, and really starting to get the hang of this parenting thing!

At his 2 week doctor appointment, Carson was 7lb 9oz (25%) and 21 1/2" (75%). Now, at a month old, he is really growing and changing! I'd say he's probably a pound heavier and definitely longer since he can't stretch his legs out in his newborn sleepers anymore. He is really strong, already starting to hold his head up some and quite the wiggle-worm when he's out of his swaddle. He's more alert everyday, which is so fun to see those bright eyes discover the world around him!! He is a very good and routine eater... and he's a good sleeper too. He has been sleeping in our room in his pack-n-play, and usually sleeps one or two four hour stretches... we recently got a five hour stretch, what a treat! And Hide and Seek seem to be coping pretty well with our new addition.

I go back to work on March 1. Though I am really enjoying this time with Carson, I am ready to go back to work. He will be going to Slaughter Road Child Development Center, and I feel confident that he will really thrive there.

January 7, 2011 @ 1:28pm
7lb 6oz and 19 1/2"


Ready to go home!



Photo Uploader is hating me right now... refuses to allow me to post more pics... will try again later...

Personal notes:
Thank you to Tim for being such a good husband to me and a great father to Carson. I am so grateful for your love and devotion! I love you!
Thank you to all of our family and friends who visited us in the hospital and since we have come home! Even those who have not yet been able to meet Carson, thank you for your kind notes and thoughts for us. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Carson is surrounded by love and we are grateful to each of you!