Tyler's new toys...

We finally pulled this new toy out of the attic this week. Another awesome hand me down from Tyler's cousins. It's amazing how one day you look at your son and say maybe he'll fit into this outfit and bam he's in 9 month old clothes...then you think well maybe he'll play with toys and next thing you know he's putting everything he sees straight into his mouth with the force...(insert analogy) not so good at those. Anyways, here he is playing with his slider thingy...at first he was terrified of all the noises and really wasn't sure himself if he could handle it...but day by day he's getting better with it...he still gets pretty frustrated with some of the toys but we've learned to just switch him around. It's pretty funny to watch and listen to him "work out his frustrations." He is so temperamental!

Next we have a jogging stroller. Yep, I'm going to get into shape with Tyler. I've already tried some baby pilates...wow...should have started that when he was only 9.9 lbs! Anyways, the Baby Bjorn is getting too tiresome for my back and I think Tyler gets uncomfortable as well. So we decided on this stroller...so far Tyler really liked it...and I've already learned that you must lock the swivel wheel before jogging with it! I only jogged for like a minute and my legs about died! Wow, I've got a long way to go!

Doesn't he look so grown up! He'll only be 5 months old on the 25th! And by the way, I removed his sweatshirt before we left...it was pretty warm in Savannah today and quite beautiful!
And his 3rd new toy for the week! His toes! Tonight was the first night I've seen him put his toes in his mouth without the assistance of me or Aunt Jenny. We've created a monster! It was really hilarious and despite losing a few tablespoons of oatmeal cereal he had a fun time...off to the bath we go!

PS-today was his first taste of oatmeal cereal...next he tries barely cereal and then on to his 1st foods of peas, greenbeans, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes. You are supposed to only introduce 1 new food every 3-5 days to make sure there is no allergic reaction. So far Tyler is taken really well to eating like a Big Boy. Tonight he even sat at the big boy table and ate dinner with all of us.

Speaking of dinner...I've been meal planning with posted meals for the week on the refrigerator. I've been having a blast. This week I've made oatmeal cookies, homeade biscuits, shortcake (for strawberries), oven fried porkchops, real mashed potatoes, and pasta primivera! I love my new job of stay at home wife/mother/sister. I am so thankful for this opportunity! Praise Jesus!

Tyler's First Baseball Game...and more

Grandma takes Tyler to his first baseball game! "Look at all these people...this is baseball!" Tyler is sporting his Iowa Cubs gear which was Grandma's gift to Tyler before he was even born!

Last night was a monumental night for Tyler...not only did he go to his first baseball game, he stayed awake for the whole game PLUS fireworks at the end. This really made my mom's trip memorable and exciting. She was really happy! We had a cookout at our house before the game and invited Tyler's three cousins and our neighbor Alex, the boys played football, some of them ate and others forgot. At the game my mom treated to some drinks and I had a few skittles to share...but all in all we made it through 9 innings (besides getting there a little late and barely finding seats!) and the boys were boys, they dodged the foul balls, except one lady in the stands did not...she got knocked out with a bloody nose...but she was OK and got a standing ovation from the crowd. They found a baseball only to have to return it to it's owner, played tag, and of course annoyed a few fans jumping over and over and over them. It was exactly what was expected with four boys and a baby! Here are pictures of our eventful night out on the town.
A family affair!

The boys hanging out on the fence (James, Matthew, and Alex).

The fireworks show was pretty good...at first we were worried about Tyler, but he really enjoyed them and never really got scared...hopefully he won't have nightmares!


Also this week we ventured out to River street for lunch that my mom treated us to. Nothing too exciting except that Tyler was a really good baby. We had a really good time with Grandma A. this week, but now she has to go...until next time. We love you and will miss you!

Grandma A is BACK!

My mom (Tyler's Grandma) made it back to Savannah Monday night. She started her drive from Iowa on Saturday but made a pit stop in Savannah, TN where she toured the battle fields of Shilo. She said she had a blast and learned so much! She is quite the Civil War nut. Anyways, when she arrived (I was at a meeting) she ran in asking where her baby was...running right past John-E! Scott said, Well, John-E is right there and Carrie is at a meeting!" She said no....Where's Tyler? You see where we stand in her life anymore! He was in his crib taking an evening nap...it was OK though for her to get him up. She had a blast and he was of course spoiled with two big stuffed animals and lots of hugs and kisses. I keep saying...isn't he big...can you believe it? Here are some pictures and I'm sure more to come later. Feeding Tyler some Cereal with his new I LOVE GRANDMA bib!

Tummy time is getting much better....but he sure does drool a lot!

March 3, 2008

April 8, 2008. They say he's gained 5 inches on his height...it looks like a lot more than that and look at those huge legs...they barely fit in the bumbo seat!

Tonight for dinner we had my Dad's famous Pizza....newly named...Mr. John A's pizza (pause) LOADED! With sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms and lots of cheese!

Solids and Nap Boot Camp

So we've started feeding Tyler cereal. The first go at it last Thursday went OK...we kept it pretty liquidy but then he got all congested. So, last night we decided instead of using breast milk we would use water and maybe he wouldn't get so much mucus caught in his throat. He really liked it and we made it thicker and warmer. We have it on video...he whined every time Scott took the spoon away. It was so cute. It's really messy and who know how much he actually eats but he's getting the hang of it. We're starting with 1 meal a day and working towards 3 meals before we introduce any new flavs! It kind of makes me sad already...our little boy is growing up. This was him today...he wasn't as interested in it this time as you can tell!Nap Boot Camp. OK I had to do it, mainly for his own benefit and a little sanity on our part. I know he needs to learn to fall asleep on his own and I also know that we're the one who created this monster...but hey he had a rough start to life. So far it's going OK, I still go in to settle him after a certain amount of time, but I keep it short and don't talk to him (much). I'm moving to the 10minute time frame tomorrow. We're on our third day. Every once in awhile I think, "wow he's getting it." Then something like, "mom, I'm hungry cry comes up" so I feed him and back down for more napping...then he spits up as he is crying, so I comfort him and can tell he's still very sleepy, especially from all of his crying! So here I am now and he's finally back to sleep. Hey, we're on a 25 minute continuous nap right now though. We're getting there, I can tell already that he is much happier in the off-nap time. Oh here he goes again...he can't get past that transition sleep without waking up crying AHHHHHHHHH! 7 minutes of crying...gotta go! oh maybe he's settling...nope, yes, nope...yes...please...nope

Charleston for the Weekend!

After a successful closing on our Richmond condo, Scott, Tyler, and I jumped in the car and headed to Charleston for a much needed weekend getaway. We didn't do much besides lounge around Scott's friends condo. It was nice because there was nothing to distract us such as no desire to do any house hold projects and/or clean. We just hung out and relaxed. We did get out and about on Saturday for lunch at The Rooftop in downtown Charleston and then walked around the battery for about 10-15 minutes. We spotted a pay phone and had to take a picture with Tyler in it...who knows how much longer they will be around and Tyler will not believe us when we tell him about "the old days." Life is good, we feel refreshed, Tyler was really good and slept most of the way to Charleston and home. Something about those car rides, but with Tyler they are either hit or miss. Tyler update: His 4 month check up went great. Another round of shots, his heart murmur detected on his 1 month checkup is gone and it was confirmed yesterday by the heart doctor as well, we are trying some Prevacid for reflux in hopes it will help his fussiness (not working), I've been laying him to nap on his side and he is sleeping much longer for his naps (a few wake-ups in between but much better!), we even tried some solids last week (really liquid cereal) and it didn't go very well...he is still pushing it out with his tongue (we are going to try again this week), plus he got his first cold, which scared us as he was gagging up mucus from his throat, he rolled over from his tummy to his back all on his own for the first time last Thursday (March 27th 2008), he hasn't done it since but he's getting stronger each day.

This is Tyler in his new outfit from Aunt Amy. He LOVES it!

Aunt Debbie visits and LOW TIDE

Things are going pretty good down here in Savannah, this week we have my Aunt Debbie in from Iowa for her Spring Break from school. She loves Tyler and Tyler loves her. She brought him a new doggie blanket that is really soft! Last night she made us an awesome Tator Tot casserole and my favorite pasta salad. Oh and I can't forget the cherry crisp...so good and easy too! (2 cans cherries, 1 box white cake mix and butter all over top...in oven 350 for 30-35 minutes or until top is golden brown!). Today we went down to River Street in Savannah, I had my first Po Boy Shrimp Sandwich at Lizzie's Seafood...it was gooood! We put Tyler in the Baby Bjorn and walked along River Street. Tyler loved it...unless we went inside a store or stopped moving...such as in this picture.
This is along the River with the big bridge in the background (notice Tyler's bib says, "Probably the best baby in the universe) Ha Ha. We attempted at eating at Lady and Son's (Paula Deen's restarant in Savannah) but they were all booked up...they said they start taking reservations at 8:30am for lunch...I offered to make it happen tomorrow but since we are going to The Crab Shack tomorrow for dinner we are going to wait until the next time she comes into town. However she did get to go in the gift shop where her two sons were signing books! Here is their picture:
We are just having a blast. It is so fun to have visitors!

______________________________________________________

Below are pictures of the lowest tide we've ever seen at our house taken on March 8th 2008. All of our neighbors were amazed as were we at our floating docks....not floating anymore! CRAZY!

Another MD Home Group Addition

Congrats to Rob and Danielle in Maryland on the birth of their daughter: Anna Stuart on March 11th! 7lbs 14 oz and 19 3/4" long. Good luck catching up on the sleep and getting over the exhaustion...it's so crazy emotional...God just gives you the strength though!

So far from the 2005-2006 Young Married Small Group that is Ava (Pat and Kristen), Chase (Jessica and Adam), Lilly (Jason and Diane), Tyler (us), and now Anna (Rob and Danielle)...soon to be another from Zach and Stacey. We're still waiting on news from a few other couples...but man like clock work God is really blessing our families. Can't wait for a reunion with everyone!

We love and miss you all!
Carrie and Scott

Sewer Project

Goodbye to the septic tank....it's gone! We have city sewer! Now we don't have to worry about what toilet paper we use, how many showers and loads of laundry we are doing. OK we really didn't until we started overflowing the septic tank with all of our visitors and new roommates. Anyways, the project is complete (almost...the yard needs to be re-seeded) we have unlimited (minus the bills) water usage again!

The day started off without a hitch...until we couldn't find the sewer line in our yard and thought we'd have to go across the street. But then they just kept on digging and found it...I was having a stressful day waiting on the contract to go through in Richmond...and when they first told me they couldn't find the sewer line I about lost it...then when Scott came back in and told me they found it...I burst into tears...just over whelmed with everything. Anyways, it took 2 days and all the plumbing has been re-done under the house and all hooked up ot the sewer line. My brother was helping the whole time...crawling under the house and gettin' dirty.

I am just so thankful that I have such handy men around to help save a few bucks on all the projects this house needs.

Stay at Home Mom

It's official...I am a full time stay at home mom! I called my company today. My boss was so understanding and gracious. I was really lucky to have worked for a boss like her. She never asked for an explanation and was so supportive. I was a little nervous but when she answered I just got right to the point and she said she kind of expected it! She will be closing me out tomorrow and it will all be over with. I am so excited to be able to stay at home and raise Tyler. One of the main reasons for the official decision to stay at home is that our condo in Richmond has a contract on it and is scheduled to close on March 28th. Please continue to pray that there are no hiccups there. We are taking a leap of faith that we can manage everything on one income from here on out. God is so good to have provided everything we have and the opportunity to live out my dream of staying at home with my kids.

Crib and Nap Training

It's been an interesting week with Tyler...trying to get him to sleep in his Crib for his daytie naps. He knows when it's bedtime so that is a good thing, but when it comes to daytime naps he's a little confused. He's getting to the point where he just doesn't want to miss out on anything (reminds me of Scott) he always wants to be in the action...but when he gets fussy he's no fun. I've been trying to settle him down 30 minutes before his nap time should be like using quiet voices, singing to him, and reading him a book. Idealy "they say" infants should get at least two 90-120 minute naps and possibly a 3rd mini nap before dinner. Tyler is getting more comfortable in his crib, but the nap only last for 30 minutes at a time and he cries in between. Putting his pacifier back in works but only for a little bit. It gets better each day but of course this weekend has been all messed up, so we'll start again on Monday. Wish us luck.
A few milestones: he is interlocking his fingers and finds them pretty fascinating, he grabs and plays with his toys, loves facing outwards in his Baby Bjorn and going on walks, his head is getting much stronger and he can sit in his Bumbo seat. This picture was taken yesterday (it was 74 in Savannah) our time outside only lasted 3 minutes as we were soon attacked by the famous Savannah Sand Gnats (no not the baseball team) the real nasty little annoying bugs that only come out on the nicest of nicest days to ruin your time outside. Anyways, also note the new shoes we got Tyler at Target...they are cute and he has room to grow into them.

Still nothing on the sale of our property...we do have some interested buyers in Richmond so we are praying for a contract soon.

We were supposed to get hooked up to the city sewer last week, but the guys equipment was broken, so this week we've decided to have someone else do the work...plus some additional work for about the same cost. I hope that all of that will be behind us after this week.

33 YEARS

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

(insert mom and dad's wedding photo here....) need help from mom!

Can you RAED?

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe.

I pulled this from a Maryland Builder's Website...and I thought it was entertaining. Anyways, we are in the process of calling all builders in Maryland to tell them about our lot in Annapolis. Hopefully that will sell very soon. Also we are desperately trying to sell our condo in Richmond. We need all the prayers that you got to give! I know we are not alone in this mess of a Real Estate Market.

A lot going on here...

We learned on Feb 9th that we are on a septic tank...with so many visitors, it not being treated for who knows how long, and new washer and dryer hook ups and new bathroom we have overflowed it. Also we were driving all over our yard and probably crushed the drain field, so even though it drains...it's real slow. Now we are in a tough spot...we must hook up to the city sewer...just not the best timing in the world.

This is Tyler wearing his first pair of jeans...thanks to Grandma S. This is the full gift set with the hooded sweatshirt and all. It's so much fun playing dress up. Isn't he a cutie!

This is Grandma Suesy feeding Tyler a bottle...we had to get Tyler used to the bottle before I had my surgery so he could be fed some stored breast milk while I was recovering. It worked out pretty good, except he's so hard to read and sometimes he would suck one down other times he wouldn't want it.

Tyler's first bath in the new bath tub. I know this is a daring picture but it was too fun not to post...plus I'm in a swimsuit! Tyler has really come to enjoy his bathtimes...he just doesn't like getting out and being cold and he doesn't like lotion at all!

And then there is tummy time...which Tyler HATES! He has really had the same strength he did as his first week home. He just doesn't get it...I think he thinks we're punishing him when we try tummy time. We have to be very selective of his mood. Plus I guess he has a big body to push up on...poor guy. His head keeps getting stonger day by day though. Right now we're struggling with Nap times and having them in his crib. This afternoon he slept for 2 hours in his bassinet in our bedroom, I guess he is just used to it because he sleeps great there at night. But he did not get a morning nap at all. And I also think he's on another growth spurt wanting to eat every 2 hours. But again, he's a big boy and needs food!

As far as my recovery, I'm doing well. I'm up and about. My incision hurts a little and sometimes I have sharp pains. My stomach muscles are getting stronger again...thanks to my big baby boy. I barely take any pain relievers anymore. Tyler takes everything out of me...but it's nice to have all of this behind us...hopefully no more surgeries.

Carrie

Surgery Outcome

The surgery to remove the cyst on my ovary was a success. My ovary is still in place...the Dr. took his time and made sure to do everything to save it...instead of 45 minute operation he took almost 2 hours...there was not only 1 cyst but 2 connected to each other. One was 2" and the other 2 cm...something like that...I don't really know...I'm still a little dazed about the whole thing. I remember when I woke up being really cold and in a lot of pain. They kept me in recovery for almost 2 hours and then wheeled me to the next room and said..OK get into that chair. I about puked as I transferred myself without hardly any help to the chair. Later that day once I got home I really panicked about how much pain I was in. Good thing I had so many people there to help me and help me calm down and understand that I had to take the pain medicine. The Dr. called back later to coach me on the pain and reassured me that the pain I was in was normal. But it is better to deal with it at home than hooked up to IV's at the hospital. I am glad I was home but it is also scary not knowing how much is too much pain. Anyways I stuck to the pain medicine and am still on it. I am still in a lot of pain, I can't imagine not taking the medicine. If you think of it, I pretty much had a C-Section minus the uterus layer. And now my baby is 16lbs not a newborn. Luckily I've had so much help and I've been in bed only to get up for the bathroom and a quick shower this morning. Tyler is being really good for everyone, he had some pumped milk, but now is nursing again...they say the only effects should be some sleepiness from the medicine I'm taking...which is a good thing if anyone knows my son. The challenge is always getting him to sleep...he fights it so much.

Thanks for all your support and prayers...I'm slowly getting better...which is really driving me nuts...I just want to be back to normal again...I'm making myself take it easy.

In other news...we are on a septic tank NOT public sewer!

Also my sweet grandma left today...she did so much for us...she will be missed...more pictures and update on our 10 days together later.


Carrie

Great Aunt Chris and Great Grandma Suesy Visit

My Aunt Chris visited last week for 3 nights. We had a great time and Tyler was smiling and cooing away for her. She helped out so much and even made 2 batches of lasagna for us...one to eat and one to put in the freezer for later. My brother and Jenny took her downtown and they walked on River Street and had lunch. Otherwise we just hung around the house and tried to calm Tyler and get him to be Happy Baby. I'm so happy she came down...it means a lot to us to have our family see where we are living and the reasons why we are so happy here.

Sunday night we hosted our 2nd Annual Super Bowl party. I was going for the Giants as my friend Kristen says, "keeping it in the family." We are both Peyton Manning/Colts fans. Scott was in charge of all the games outside, Jenny made the Super Bowl Game board (free squares this year with crazy medical supply prizes). And I was in charge of the Chili (which was pretty spicy but turned out to be a hit because I didn't have near as much left over as I did last year!) oh and I made some pretty sorry looking chocolate chip cookies, but they were good anyway. We celebrated 5 January Birthdays from our small group: Happy Birthday Jeff, Bethany, Ken, Scott, and Greg!!! Scott and the boys played some paint ball shooting contest, football, and everyone roasted marshmellows for smores with the chiminea. Tyler was a little bit fussy because he refused to nap all day long, but everyone still enjoyed seeing and holding him. Kimberly finally got the little squirt to sleep at the end of the game...and I got to watch the best part of the game (the winning drive!). It was a blast and I am so glad everyone came!

And another visitor!

Yesterday we picked up Great Grandma at the airport. She will be spending the next 10 days in this crazy household of ours. Scott leaves on business for 3 nights, his first time away from Tyler. My surgery to remove the cyst on my ovary is scheduled for February 12th, the day before I have to do a bowel cleanse...FUN! Tyler had a procedure done last week and he is doing great...he's my little champion. Here is how much he has grown!

Tyler on December 18th, 2007.
Tyler on February 5, 2008 (7 weeks later)

Lastly, to all those new moms out there....do you ever find yourself listening to what others are doing with their little ones and feel like maybe your doing something wrong? I know everyone wants to be the perfect mom. Someone once told me that your baby thinks you're perfect and that's all that matters...we are all doing our best and every baby is so different. It's hard to read books and listen to advice when each baby has their own quirks. Anyways, good luck all you new mothers and hang in their with all the books, news reports, other mothers advice, and so on. You are doing your best and as long as you love your little baby with all your heart and pray everyday...everything is going to be just the way it's supposed to be.

Carrie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDDAD!

(Jenny The Professional took this picture!)

We woke up this morning and got the gang together for a special Web Cam Birthday Card for my dad on his birthday! Here is what it looked like...and we sang to him as well.

Love you DAD! From all of us!

Jenny, John-E, Carrie, Scott, and Tyler

Five Immunizations

Tyler survived his doctors appointment today...I thought he was only getting 2 shots...nope he got 4 shots and one oral vaccine. The look on Tyler face when he realized what was going on was heart breaking. He was so at peace sitting on daddy's lap with his pacifier in his mouth and as soon as the nurse took out the first shot his eyes shot wide open and then his face went beet red and he started screaming. After the 4th shot went in I couldn't get to Tyler fast enough to pick him up and hold him. Thankfully he calmed down right away on mommy's shoulder. That really made me feel like a mother. It was definitely an experience to remember.

He weighed in at 15 lbs 1 oz (totally naked) and 24.5 " long. Here are some pictures of how fast he is growing. Remember he's only 2 months old! He has officially out grown the changing table on the pack 'n play/bassinet. (Weight limit 15 lbs)

Tyler next to the bear on 1-21-08.

Here is how we have to swaddle him at night...he's outgrowing this miracle blanket, so now we just swaddle his arms and leave his legs out. He also has been wiggling and squirming around the bassinet...he likes to be close to the side...good thing they are mesh sides.

By the way, he's been totally knocked out all day. Last night he did sleep from 11-5am and then again until 8am. It was really great. We'll see how tonight plays out though...I remember those days of booster shots in the thigh and being pretty sore...hope he just sleeps right through it.

Tyler and Granddad

My dad came to Savannah last week to help my brother drive the moving truck 18+ hours from Des Moines. He also got to spend some quality time with Tyler. It was fun to see him deal with Tyler's fussiness and to have "talks" mainly about who was going to win a football or basketball game. I even heard my dad say that he was a cutie. Unfortunately we kept Tyler sleeping the whole time and now we have to deal with the consequences. (see below).

Tyler up close. The last two nights have not been so great with the hours of sleep. Tyler has decided to revert back to newborn days. Actually it's probably our fault because we are getting pretty good at getting Tyler to go to sleep to prevent daytime fussiness (for our own benefit), and we may have confused his little brain into mixing up his days and nights again. OOPS! So it's been a challenge trying to keep him up the last two days. Today I was able to go see a movie with some friends, thanks to Jenny for babysitting. Tyler slept the whole time (1-3:30pm). I'm glad he was good for Jenny, but I am worried about tonight. Luckily I did get a quick nap!

I love you DAD! Thanks for coming and staying with us...please come back soon!