Homecoming

The few weeks after bringing home a baby are such an amazing time. Honestly, I've said it before and I'll say it again: I felt with both my children equally exhausted and elated. The no sleep thing is SO difficult, yet that first little yawn just sends you into a state of euphoria-this child is mine! I am so blessed!

Cooking a meal for a family with a new baby is the kindest gesture. We returned home to my SIL's chicken tetrazzini-yum!

I'm not sure of her recipe or I'd post it-Sorry! 

And cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes! Definite cure for the flabby belly ;)



My mom and sister also hooked me up with this cute wreath for my front door.

I love all the visitors that come to see the new baby too. It's so nice to have help and Carsyn loves the attention.

Hank is such an easy baby.  He rarely cries and sleeps a lot...during the day ;)  He is such a good eater too.  He loves being held and its hard to put him down.  He will sleep in his pack n play for a few hours though.

Carsyn has really been enjoying her books lately.  We are working on picking out colors and objects.  This Dr Seuss book is her favorite right now.

you see why she loves her uncle Robby!

 I'm just glad everyone overlooks mom being a wreck and toys all over the house.

Lastly, I'm so very lucky my mom retired this year and has spent a lot of nights camping out at our house. A girl needs her momma after having a baby! And Carsyn and Hank love Rosie!

One Week

 A week ago today our lives changed forever.  I figured Hank would turn our world upside down, but its like he's been in our family all along.  I am enjoying all kinds of baby snuggles while my mom is here taking care of Carsyn.  He's a sweet, snoozy little guy that sleeps a lot and rarely cries.  He's eating every 2-4 hours and his sweet cheeks are filling out. 

Of course the little miss wanted to "sit big girl with hink"...She currently calls him Hink and its so cute we don't correct her.  I hope it doesn't stick..poor fella will hate us his whole life!  She is adjusting very well.  She loves picking out his outfits and bringing me diapers.  When we have company she definitely wants to be the center of attention though!

Here she is preparing to "lightly tap" Hank on the tummy...

..and while it appears innocent..

..it just might have been a little startling!

The Story of Hank

The last few weeks leading up to the birth of baby boy were a whirlwind. We planned the date of July 19 about mid pregnancy and I'm so glad Hank waited around til that day. I had a scheduled c section with Carsyn due to her being breech and opted to do the same this time even though Hank was not in the same position.

The hubby and I dropped Carsyn off at my sisters and checked into the hospital for blood work and registration on Wednesday afternoon. I realized while waiting in line for the rest room I hadn't taken a bump picture in a while so I snapped this.

This time around I gained about 25 lbs... About 10 less than with Carsyn- odd! I think I looked about exactly the same.
After the hospital the hubby and I headed to the Disney store to pick out some gifts to Carsyn from Hank. Her favorite? The Belle nightie of course!

We ran to the baby store and picked up a few items and met our families for dinner. Everyone tried to convince us to have a small dinner together, but I knew I wanted everyone there. Even if it meant Carsyn running around like a wild child.

My sister picked up a cake from my favorite bakery and I might have eaten 4 pieces.

After dinner we went back to my sister's house for a while.. I got absolutely no sleep that night. Poor Carsyn was awake all night and I just laid there worrying about her. I think it's Gods little way of preparing me for the next year ;)

The next morning the hubby and I were up early and arrived at the hospital at 6:00 am. My surgery was scheduled for 7:30 and it took til then to get prepped. I actually had the same nurse prep me this time that prepped me with carsyn, which really helped me relax. I was telling her I had never had a contraction and she said sure you have- you had one 3 minutes ago!! Who knew? I went into the operating room and got my spinal and then Shane came in to join me. It seemed like minutes later I was hearing the cry of my sweet little blondie. Funny how everyone told me the minute I laid eyes on him I'd love him just as much as Carsyn, but I doubted them- it was love at first sight again.

I actually fell asleep immediately in recovery and slept an hour. Our families were enjoying seeing Hank in the nursery and Carsyn pointed out her little brother to everyone.

Honestly, the birth of Hank and my entire hospital stay was much more relaxed than with Carsyn. He had no problems nursing and was such a snoozy little fella.

Carsyn had little interest in her brother most of the time, but she loved having all the people around.

Big sister trying to be the center of attention..

He had so many visitors and so much love.

 

So in love with this little guy!

Thanks to all that visited us at the hospital and a big thanks to my big sis and her family for taking such good care of Carsyn while we took care of Hank.

The whole world calls me Hank

Hansford "Hank" Mitchell made his debut July 19 at 7:50 am. He weighed 7 lbs and was 19 1/4" long. Mom and dad were immediately smitten!





Love you baby boy!

Happy Birthday Granny!

My MIL had a birthday dinner on Saturday night and it was so much fun.  Carsyn adores her granny!

Photo Op with Daddy..

Cart ride with Uncle Robby and Bebe..

Carsyn already looks a lot like her Aunt Kristi, I think!

Love my little girl!

We had a great evening with a beautiful view..thanks to Auntie for arranging it!

 

Watercolor

We spent a nice, relaxing week at Watercolor a month or so ago. We visited the area for the first time last year and fell in love. I was determined to go back despite the 12ish hour drive. The weather was perfect, the beach was pleasantly uncrowded and baby girl was my typical beach babe.

We rented a house that was next door to the resort which worked out pretty well. During nap time I could shop at the local stores or hang out at the beach or pool while the hubby was back at the house with the babe.

 Please don't feel sorry for him..he had a nice view and loathes shopping ;)

For those who have been to the area before we also took strolls to Seaside quite frequently. Carsyn loved playing in the grassy area with other kids and we caught several sunsets on the way back.

Carsyn really began her little exploring phase on this trip...she's no longer my baby that's happy to sit in the stroller for hours.

 

Oh, and we're in the Barbie and coloring phase also..

In addition to Seaside we also visited the Destin area and Baytowne Wharf.

Carsyn LOVES the water!

 

...and Daddy and Mommy!

One of the things I love about this area is the architecture...I always take pictures and tuck them away for my dream home folder.  I'm adding a sleeping porch, soothing bedroom paint colors, and daybeds to my list!