This is the real thing...

Well Carter is 5 and 1/2 weeks already... these weeks have brought our little family tears, joy, exhaustion, patience and it has really been a beautiful learning curve. Being a mother is absolutely amazing and every thing i ever dreamed of.. however... being a mother also comes with a few challanges that nobody ever talks about.... like... nursing, sleeping, scheduling and trying to calm a crying baby when your not exactly sure what is wrong... and even... S.t.r.e.s.s.... but we would not trade it for the world.... When life gets busy and baby is upset I've learned that you just need to be patient... relax.. and share a cuddle.

We have been giving so many helpful hints and tricks but when it all boils down to it... do what works best for you and baby. Carter is our L.I.F.E. Carter seriously enjoys sleeping on his belly, bum in the air and letting out as much gas as possible.. it is wonderful. And i know what your're thinking... "your not supposed to sleep a baby on his belly.. ever..." same as bumper pads and same as making his bath with only a little bit of water... but the reality is... who would want to take a bath with only your ankles in it? Not me. I am still to nervous to sleep Carter on his belly at night time but during the day for a nap is good.. when I am around and can watch him.

Brian and I went and got Carter an adorable little fish tank that you put inside his crib... it lights up and sings songs and Carter loves it. Although it is a little to stimulating to put him to sleep all the time... it keeps him occupied enough so I have time to shower, change the laundry... or blog!

Our friends Andrew and Andrea have one for their little boy, Lincoln, and apparently he loves it. Thanks guys.... good suggestion!

Speaking of Andrew and Andrea.. they, along with a few other friends are who we rang in the new year with.

Carter even stayed up for the countdown and New Year Kiss!

New Years Eve entailed games, good friends, awesome snacks and just catching up... oh and Brian and Mishelle kept going in to the living for a dance off.... weird guys.... just kidding they were playing a dance game off of Kinect.. that is so fun! Thanks for letting us borrow it Steven!

Mishelle killed it! She was Awesome! And Brian.... well... he was better than i thought he would be lol.

Carter was spoiled with lots of attention but I think he really loves Andrea so much, she is so so good babies and I am excited for fun play dates at the park.

We had an awesome new years and it was nice to get out. Carter was so good all night. We are blessed!

We have started off our New Year.... Busy. Yesturday was Lena's Surprise Birthday Party! So we gave Carter a bath....

Got him dressed, headed over to Lena & Jarren's house

and.... SURPRISE!!!!

The "SURPRISE" was so big that some of us got startled and got crocodile tears...

And some of us got stressed.....

But then everyone felt much better....

....and we celebrated Lena with good company and yummy treats. Happy Birthday Auntie Lena! We love you so much! XoXXOo