Christmas and Our Gift Baby

Christmas Eve already? This month has been a blur. This year we let Sophia (nearly three years old) do much of the tree decorating. Mom and dad were simply tired from interrupted sleep and she was in her element, enjoying it all so much. In the end, Kevin helped redistribute some of the ornaments to the top of the tree. This year we don't have enough energy to care about perfection! Sophia's job is good enough and we are grateful that someone had tree trimming enthusiasm!

 

Many of the traditions went by the wayside this year but we did manage to make our tree trimming cookies.  

Carson had some worrisome weight gain issues for the first 2 1/2 weeks of his life. He showed weight loss at several follow-up doctor appointments. Finally we started giving him a bottle, which he loved. He has some tongue/sucking issues and this is what he needed to start gaining weight. He is doing well now and we are just grateful that he is healthy and we figured out the problem. We think he is pretty much the cutest thing ever and are enjoying loving on him!!
 

December is a fun month to have a baby. As people around the world exchange gifts, I am reminded that there is no material thing that compares to the gift of a child. We are so grateful for little Carson and so glad he is a part of our family.
   

Winter-in-general is a fun time to have a baby because you can just snuggle up on the couch and enjoy some cuddle time, while the cold wind whips around outside. You are warm and cozy with your newborn. And it is wonderful.
   

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

 

Brave Clara

Right now Clara is my hero.  She has had a rough time lately, after a scar revision surgery, but she has handled everything in stride and has been so brave.  It was an early morning surgery and Kevin took her to the hospital in the wee hours.  She didn't flinch or act scared as she faced this trial.  In fact, she thought it was an adventure because the nurse let her drive an automatic Barbie car back to the operating room.   

She has had a lot of swelling and bruising on her face (it got a lot worse than what shows in the picture below), which we were told to expect.  But she hasn't been self-conscious or worried.  On the second morning after surgery, her eyes were completely swollen shut and Kevin had to carry her in to her doctor's office for a follow-up appointment because she couldn't see to walk.  Her eyes were only slightly improved after the appointment but she still insisted she wanted to go with her dad to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

Clara, your positive outlook and love of life, despite setbacks, will serve you well in life.  You are one tough little girl.  I am so proud of you!

Carson Michael enters the world!

After a date night to see Skyfall, the new James Bond movie, contractions started heating up a little bit and my bag of waters broke at 3:30 a.m. the following morning, December 2, 2012.  If you have seen the movie, you can easily understand why it would send a woman into labor.  The first five minutes of the movie are worth the price of admission.  I kept leaning toward Kevin and grabbing his arm because I was afraid I would grab onto the woman next to me by accident!  

Here I am on Thanksgiving Day, 10 days before baby's arrival!

Shortly before noon, we welcomed a baby BOY into the world!  What a SHOCK.  We had decided not to find out the gender because we would have been completely happy either way and decided a surprise "Christmas present" would be fun.  But I guess I thought it was another little girl because that's what I make!  Ha!

Shortly before our little guy made his appearance, the doctor turned to Kevin and said, "Okay dad, you are going to be the one to announce the gender."  Kevin said something like, "Oh my gosh! It's a boy!!"  We both couldn't stop laughing.  I think at the end of my life, it will probably rate in the Top Ten most memorable experiences.  It was SO fun. We are both so glad we waited to find out the gender.    

Here he is!  Carson Michael Koons, weighing in at 7 lbs., 4 oz. (our smallest baby!!) and 21" long.

 

 

Needless to say, he has four mommies and gets LOTS of attention!  We love him and think he is pretty perfect.