One Month

Last week Leo was officially one month old! He started smiling (not as a result of gas) coo-ing in new tones, and had a visit from both sets of Grandparents! He and I also made our first solo trip to the grocery store, it was a success.

JoAnn and Joe visited Tuesday and Wednesday before continuing their vacation in Jackson Hole & Yellowstone. Kevin and Joe made a fantastic sushi dinner - Joe is a natural roll maker! This was my first sushi dinner since pregnancy and I loved every bite!
And Mary and Steve came up for the weekend while Kevin was at his brother's bachelor party in Las Vegas. We enjoyed a trip to the Boise Downtown Saturday market with Robin and Sydney...
Also, on Saturday made a trip to BabysRUs to get Leo an activity mat, which he loves! And my Dad picked up Leo another Harley Davidson outfit from the Harley store...

My Dad and I took a nice long walk on Sunday morning while my Mom watched Leo - and cleaned the house. So helpful and very much appreciated! My parents headed back to Twin Falls Sunday afternoon and about an hour later I picked up Kevin from the airport.

Kevin's trip to Vegas was fun - gambling, poolside fun, dance clubs and cocktails - and in two weeks he'll be headed to Ohio for Ryan and Melanie's wedding!!! Sunday evening JoAnn and Joe returned from their trip. They had a great time, went rafting, took a Tram tour, and had an adventure in Yellowstone National Park. We enjoyed dinner together full of summer veggies, and they flew out Monday at noon.

3 Weeks

Leo is three weeks old! Wow. I say wow a lot these days... wow, I'm tired... wow, Leo is so precious... wow, the day has flown by... wow, another diaper change?... wow, were Kevin and I always this wiped out at 6:00pm... I could go on but you get the picture.



Took Leo for a weight check at the doc this week, he is now 8 lbs 8 oz - growing! New this week we introduced tummy time, which Leo seems to be ok with. We had a visit this week from Amy and her two sons David and Jack yesterday. It was a lot of fun and Leo will have to older playmates to run around and get into serious boy trouble with when he is old enough!


(This is a pic of Leo lounging on his changing table)

And while Leo was taking a nap I took the opportunity to get some things done. When I came to check on him, he had a snuggle partner... seriously folks this was not staged!


This however was somewhat staged... Pixie was checking out what Leo was up to and I had her lay down next to him. Leo look up at her and just stared, of course I had to grab my camera and snap a pic!

You know you're a new parent when...

Your coffee table looks like a shelf off the "Parenting" section of the Public Library. I have a stack of books all with great advice and references... baby whisperer, good night sleep tight by the the sleep lady, the womanly guide to nursing by LLL, the baby book, and itsy-bitsy yoga....

My god I am well read. If only I could find the technique that will help little Leo like to fall asleep :) At night of course. During the daytime and early evening sleeping is a breeze. It's that 10:00 - 11:30 window that just does not appeal. Kevin and I both say, "It's a good thing you're cute kid."

Yesterday I devoured books on bedtime routines and sleep techniques.... I just hope a gem or too works. Once our little man is a sleep he is great, a good 3-4 hour stretch is totally normal... it's just getting to sleep land that isn't appealing to him.

My Mom was with us this past week and WOW it was wonderful. Kevin and I really appreciated all her help with the house, the yard, and with Leo. Thank you just doesn't seem enough. The week went by way to quickly and we were very sad to see her leave yesterday.






My Dad drove his Harley up on Saturday to spend the day with all of us - he missed Mom too! Here are a couple of pics.

Grandpa and Leo

Grandpa gave Leo a Harley outfit too!

Pixie and Honda are adjusting. They're doing great. This was taken yesterday while they enjoyed a slight breeze outside in the shade. The dogs are great with Leo. Pixie likes to sit in the nursery with us while Leo eats, she either lays in front of the crib or near the glider.... occasionally she will lay in the entrance. Pretty cute!

We've also been blessed with some meal deliveries! We are so appreciative - thank you :)

Leo Andrew Carroll

Today Leo is one week old. WOW. We feel so lucky, he is perfect. Even the pediatrician said so yesterday, just so you don't think I speaking only as a completely bias mother.

Things to share.... he is squeaker, makes little noises..... is just figuring out that 10:00pm is not the "wake-up hour" or the "witching hour" but rather a great time to sleep. He loves to be swaddled - tight! He loves to suck, thus his stellar breastfeeding straight out of the womb, but for car rides and sometimes at night we pull out the Soothie. Diaper changes are one of his least favorite things, lots of fussing and protests. Dad is a rock star a diaper changes and has even caught a few on the fly...

He is such a good baby. Here are some photos of his birthday and recent pics by his Uncle Drew.

Baby Love...

Our sweet little boy is still on the inside. He is showing us who is really in charge :)

I had a doctor appointment today and we are progressing. The doc is very encouraging and believes things look great! Baby's heart rate is excellent, my size is perfect, she doesn't think he'll be big.

I am dilated 4 cm and am 90% effaced. I have another appointment this week on Thursday, although doc doesn't think I'll make it that long - from her mouth, to the babies ears, and out the chute he goes! However, if he holds up in there then I will be induced on Saturday.

That is the latest. Kevin and I are so ready to meet this boy. Feel his little feet and watch him curl up without the cover of my stomach :) Soon, very soon.....

Baby Room

So, minus two boxes of baby kitchen "stuff" that we need to find a home for the Baby's room is done. Kevin did a fantastic job of converting an existing dresser into a changing table with additional cubbies and he installed a closet organizer. It is a great space and we love it!

Oh where, oh where, have my little feet gone....

I would take a picture to show off my new plump feet, but I don't think I could capture them in the lens..... By yesterday afternoon I had swollen pigs! And this morning they're still here... who invited them? Must be the baby...

As we enter the July 4th weekend I am fast approaching our approximate due date of July 10th! Kevin and I are 85% ready, just a few last projects. But little man has a place to sleep, clean clothes, diapers, and lots of love... so we're covered! I hope to post pictures of his room soon :)

Happy July4th weekend!