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!

Other New News...

The last 2 days have been beautiful, sunny, warm days in Idaho. Love it. And I think as a result, I've started to swell. Don't love that as much.

Yes my friends, it's true that I have fat-sausage fingers as I type this message. And last night I almost called 911 to report that my ankles were missing! Surely I would notice if someone had stolen them.... so I looked closer and realized they were right where they're supposed to be, just lost in the puffiness.

I was a tag-a-long with the Rausch's Saturday and drove down to the Magic Valley. Wanted to visit my parents one more time before the baby comes. Grandma Emmie (my Mom) loved feeling Chicken move around, she talked to him and even gave him a back rub.... nothing rubbed on me (no back or foot rubs, unless you count the cocoon). Pappa (my Dad) enjoyed the sight of the large cocoon that is keeping Chicken safe and nurtured. He flat out told me I was big... To which I kindly reminded him that just because he is my Father does not make it ok for him to say such things.... :)

I also saw Lisa and Chloe for brunch. Chloe has a very cute new swimsuit for this summer, bright yellow with red gingham frills on the shoulder straps and around the hips, with lady-bugs printed on the yellow fabric. Love it :) She will be a great cousin to Chicken!

The garden is all planted and half of it is growing like a champ. I did succession plantings of beans and onions, so the second round has not yet got excited about life. I hope to have a thriving crop here soon. Lettuces are looking good and carrots too!

Chicken is as active as ever. I'm happy to feel him move around and explore his space. He has his "usual" position, but last night he decided he only wanted to be on the right side of the cocoon. He was all crammed in there, and wasn't budging. Which wasn't so comfortable for me :) So, when it was time for bed I slept on my left side and let gravity do its thing. This morning he was back to the middle!

I see the doc this Tuesday and so begins my weekly checkups. We are coming down the home stretch friends.... stay tuned!

Baby Shower

Well it's about time I get an updated post out here :) Jeez, I'm a slacker! I wanted to share some great pics from the Baby Shower!



The amazing invitations Jenna made...

Then the delicious food... and beautiful flowers...

and a few pics... Becky, Natalie, Robin

Cornelia and Laura

Me and Kristin, look at how sassy cute Kristin's new do is! Love it!


Terra, Jenna, Robin

Mom, me, Donna, JoAnn

Kari & Hailee

Amy, Mom, Elizabeth and Desiree

It was such an amazing afternoon, we feel blessed to have so much love, support, and enthusiasm surrounding us and Baby Carroll!

Updates!

Kevin and I spent the weekend in Seattle with Drew. Good times! Lots of eating, and resting. Just what we needed. Drew got to see the "Big Top Circus" - that is to say the baby moving. Baby makes quite the commotion, lots of kicking and bulging. We went to Verite and had their delicious cupcakes... I ate the "Kate," chocolate cake with strawberry frosting. YUM! I need to start a cupcake shop, seriously... we were discussing the cost v. selling price - "sweet" profit margin. Pun intended.

This week had a doc appt. Baby is head down (he's a planner like his Mom, likes to know the exit strategy, prepare himself and lineup!). His heart beat is good and strong. Doc said I am the picture of health! Who would have thought. If my shirt or pants actually had buttons they'd have popped off with pride. Cocoon (belly) is just the right size and weight is perfect. I'm still playing tennis, feels good so I'm sticking to it!

Tonight is our first child birthing class. I'm excited. I'm not sure Kev is, I asked him and his response was "sure." I think we're both in for an eye-opener!

Kevin heads off to Salt Lake City on Wednesday for some networking... build up that business!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's - - you are fabulous and you are loved!!!

I'm going to see mine this weekend - visiting the parents in Twin.