A working mama

Well I have just barely survived the last two weeks. That first Monday was absolutely horrible. I was a mess, if anyone asked how I was doing, I cried more. Luckily Eric brought Carter in for lunch that first day and that made it a little easier. I wouldn't say it gets any easier for me to leave, now I just don't cry as much. I think it should be a state law that mommy's can stay home with their babies the first year. I am so afraid I am going to miss something. I always wonder if he knows that I am gone? I am thankful to have Eric home with him for the time being, that makes me feel a little better. Every second of my day now is planned. I use every valuable second I have to work during breaks and pump during recess. I actually think it has made me a more efficient teacher. My little kindergartners have been slightly more rowdy than I remember leaving them. We are in "re-training mode" right now. They are so adorable though, they ask me every day "when is baby Carter coming?" I have pictures up in my classroom of my little man so I can see him everywhere I go. Eric sends me texts throughout the day with pictures and video of them at home. I love getting them but sometimes it makes me miss him more.

Carter had his physical therapy last week. Again, amazing progress! Linda encouraged us to help him straighten his back occasionally when he sits to strengthen his muscles in his back. We are also working on more head control. I honestly think in this last week he has much more head control. Eric and I continue to work with him every day. I am hopeful that this will all help Carter in the future. The other day I was working with one of my students in my classroom that has special needs. I had to take a step back so I wouldn't start crying in front of him. I just worry sometimes about how Carter will be in the classroom. I see my kiddos in school struggle and it hurts me, I can't even imagine what it is going to feel like when it is my own child. I have defiantly become so much more empathic to my kids at school. I wish all parents could see all of the gifts that each child has. Stop and take in everything a precious child has to offer. I know I cherish every waking moment I have with Carter. Even as tired as I am waking up in the middle of the night at least I am spending more time with him. No one can ever explain the love you have for your child, it is indescribable until you have your own child.

Easter

Carter's first Easter was over at my sister in laws house. Unfortunately we were missing Grandpa Nick (my dad) and Uncle Josh (my brother) because they were both out of town.
Carter had fun with his cousin Piper. Grandma Georgia got them both bunny ears. Grandma Carol got Carter some new clothes and books. Carter's Easter basket came in a Rubbermaid container because mommy wanted her to be practical. Mommy can use Rubbermaids again instead of collecting thousands of Easter baskets. Perfect for organizing! Yeah!
Carter was a little fussy on Easter. I think he is maybe getting a tooth. My mom said my brother and I got teeth at a young age also. Carter has been drooling a lot lately and I can feel a tiny little bump in his gums. I can't believe he is teething already! This is going to be a long process, starting this early!

Carter smiles all of the time but some how I can never click the camera fast enough. Grandma Carol was trying to snap a shot for me, but he was still to quick.

Alki Beach

We went down to enjoy the sunshine at Alki and meet uncle Josh before he left for Alaska. Josh is filming for National Geographic, for a show on state troopers and will be gone for the next month.

Where is Carter? My little human sleeping bag!

Auntie Erika bought Carter a giant winter coat for those cold nights. Let's just say he has room to grow! Isn't he adorable?

Rice cereal with a spoon

I wanted to see how Carter would do using a spoon and I think for now we will stick to the bottle!

Grandma Georgia with her grand-babies!

4 month check-up

Well our little man had his 4 month check up yesterday at the doctor's. He checked in at:
Weight: 12lbs. 10 oz. (10%)
Height: 25 1/4 inches (60%)
He is a tall lean man at such a young age. Don't you worry he has plenty of rolls to go around. The doctor commented on his strengthen and was again impressed by Carter bug. We have started to add rice cereal to his diet at night with his bottle. Just in the past couple weeks Carter has started to wake up hungry so hopefully this will help. I was so blessed at the beginning with him sleeping through the night now not so much. I realize now what all these other mommies were talking about.

We took a trip over to Leavenworth as one last special thing to do before mommy has to go back to work. I have three days and I know I am going to be a mess but I don't think there is really any way to prepare yourself for it. In Leavenworth we walked around town and ate yummy food at all of our favorite places. We told stories to Carter about all of our special trips over there. And we figured out the other day that Carter was born on the same day we got engaged (Dec. 2, 2004), isn't that crazy?

Well enjoy the pictures and think of me on my journey back to school! Cross your fingers that I survive!

It's official life has changed. . .

So you know life has changed when the new smallest things can make you so excited! Being that I have to go back to work I had to buy a breast pump because I was originally renting one from the hospital. Medela has the new greatest invention, a hands free breast pump. These last couple months I kept saying someone should really invent a pump you don't have to hold. Well thank the breast pump fairies from above because my wish was granted! This bad boy straps right onto your chest, you attach the pump to your waist and you are on your way. It can't get any better than that! So if you see me driving down the street look closely because I will probably be pumping my little heart out as I drive. "But it's hand free officer"! No rules about pumping and driving . . . yet!