Happy Halloween!!!

Okay, so I'm a day early, but was excited to share pictures of Carter with his pumpkin and wearing his giraffe costume! I'm sure I will post more pictures after Halloween!

But before I continue...Mike and I felt it was very important for us to get the flu vaccine (especially since I will pass the antibodies on to Carter) - but unfortunately most of the flu clinics in the area have been cancelled due to shortages. Mike called his doctor Tuesday morning to try to schedule an appointment for early morning later in the week (so as not to miss work). They told him that it was the last day they were offering the vaccine and would likely be out by the end of the day. I quickly called my doctor, made an appointment, and we hopped in the car (with Carter) to head to Rochester. Unfortunately we didn't make it quite in time, so Mike had to wait until after the lunch break to get his shot - and ended up calling in "sick" to work. So we stayed in Rochester for the afternoon, visited with Minda, then had some dinner with Mike's mom and Frank.

We were hoping to get the H1N1 vaccine on November 21st at Starpoint, but now I hear that only children will be able to get it due to shortages. So if anyone hears of a clinic offering the H1N1 vaccine - please let me know!

Back to Halloween...Wednesday we decided to carve Carter's pumpkin! Little did I know that Mike had NEVER carved a pumpkin before! I cut it open and cleaned it out (the dirty work)..and Mike did a GREAT job doing the actual carving. We then tortured Carter to get some pictures of him with his pumpkin and in his costume.

He Rolled!!!

Carter rolled belly to back today!!! He's been looking like he wanted to for a LONG time...but he finally got his head up high enough today to get enough force to push himself over! Oh, and he did it about 5 or 6 times!

Watch the video!

Baptism

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Carter's Baptism on Sunday, both here and from afar. We are so thankful for all the good wishes and blessings. We missed those of you who were unable to join us (many due to illness).

Sleep!

Sorry - there are no pictures to go with this blog entry...because the "nursery" is too dark!

I had heard about the Homedics SoundSpa Lullabye, which is a little machine that plays different sounds (heartbeat, ocean, rain, and 3 songs) and has 3 different light shows. I really doubted it's capabilities because Carter would NOT go to sleep without being held, much less lay in his crib without waking up crying. Well, we decided to use a gift card and purchase it. If it means the possibility of more sleep...I'm willing to spend $15!

The first few nights, Carter wasn't very interested. Not to mention the light show part broke (stopped rotating, so it was just a still picture shining on the ceiling) after the first hour or so. We returned it for a new one, and after being at my wits end trying to get him to sleep without being held all night - I put Carter in his crib swaddled and ALMOST asleep at 9:30 Tuesday night. He didn't seem to be watching the light show, but he laid there quietly. I asked my dad "What's your bet - will he start crying, or put himself to sleep?" Dad replied "Definitely start crying." For the next hour I waited while Carter made little sounds...and eventually...he was silent. 10:30pm - sleeping...ON HIS OWN!!! He slept until 4:30am. 6 hours...not bad.

Wednesday night we had a repeat. 9:30pm went in his crib, asleep about 10:30pm. Slept til about 4am. Thursday he ended up a little bit cranky (I think he just wanted to watch Grey's Anatomy with me)...so he didn't quite put himself to sleep...but when I laid him down already asleep, he stayed that way (til 3:45am). And alas, tonight, it took a couple of tries, but he again put himself to sleep around 10pm. We are finally starting to get a little routine going. Hope I didn't just jinx myself!

Just a quick reminder: Carter's Baptism is this Sunday after the 10am Mass (so about 11:15am) at St. Mary's in Lockport. You can get to it from Rt. 31...so it's really simple! We will be having a lunch reception at our/my parents' house immediately following. If you need any directions, let me know! Of course, if you are not feeling completely well, Carter asks that you come see him another time.

3 Months!

Happy Birthday!

Today we celebrated Mike's first birthday as a daddy (2 days early since we won't really see him much on Tuesday due to work, etc.)

I dressed Carter in his new football outfit:


Mike found out later that there was a back to the outfit..hehe:

Picture Update!

Here are some pictures from the past week. Carter is continuing to do well, though his weight gain has slowed a bit. He finally likes his swing, and REALLY likes to watch TV. He enjoyed the Sabres' game Thursday night (see video below).

Unfortunately, Carter has caught a tiny bit of a cold. He sounds very congested and his "voice" is raspy when he cries. We're keeping a close eye on him and hoping he doesn't develop a fever or cough. Look for Carter's 3 month photos later this week!

Welcome to October!

October is upon us, along with the chilly weather and the start of the cold/flu season! In fact, we've already seen many illnesses (croup, colds, strep throat, etc.) amongst the family here and in Rochester. Unfortunately, Carter's application for the RSV Synagis shots was denied. Another ARGH to my insurance company! Most companies will cover babies who are under 6 months at the start of the season (November 1st)...mine will only cover babies up to 3 months. And Carter will be 3 months, 2 weeks! I'm working with the doctor to appeal the insurance company's decision, but I'm not sure how much hope I have!

Carter has started to get into a "habit" of not wanting to sleep unless he is being held. This goes for naps as well as sleeping at night - which means mommy and daddy don't get much sleep. *Knock on wood* he did fall asleep laying in his crib watching his musical crib toy this afternoon...maybe we can try that again tonight!

Here are some pictures from this weekend!

Happy sleeping in Aunt Amy's arms!

"Aunt" Julie did a great job entertaining Carter so mommy could eat!

Carter in his "big boy" outfit. However, we realized that zippers on baby clothes are not very practical.

Doctor Update Re: Hemangiomas

Today was Carter's appointment with the specialist to take a look at his 2 hemangiomas (one on his forehead, the other on the back of his neck). When he was first born it was just a light pink, flat spot on his forehead which has over time become bright red and now dark red and very puffy. I hardly notice it anymore, but I want it gone before he starts school. Yes, I can't believe I'm thinking that far in advance, but I have to for this sort of thing. According to my research only 30% go away on their own by age 5. I don't want Carter getting made fun of at school.

So, our appointment was at 11:25. We finally saw the doctor at about 12:40. UGH. At least Carter was happy, then sleeping the entire time. The doctor said that since it is now dark dark red, it may be done growing and getting ready to go away. So we will go back in 6 weeks. If it hasn't changed (started going away) - he will perform the laser treatment then. I guess it's just a little painful - feels like a rubberband snapping. OUCHIES. But they won't do any numbing because he said the needle to do so would hurt more than the procedure itself. If we notice it getting BIGGER before the 6 weeks is up, we can make an appointment to have it done sooner.

After the doctor we went to Shenanigans for lunch. Then Mike went to work and Carter and I did a little shopping at Babies R Us, Target, and Carter's. I got him a couple new outfits (Mike wanted one for him to wear this weekend), especially since he needs more long sleeved/long pants stuff, and he doesn't have much of that in newborn size. It was good to get out of the house for awhile!

Here are the last of his "September" pictures:

Must have been an exciting football game

What are you doing mom?

SO BIG!

Just chilling on mommy's bed

MOM! That's enough with the pictures! How am I supposed to relax with that flash in my eyes?

Thanks Aunt Allison! I love looking at my turtle!

Carter thinks mommy's bed is more comfy than his own