Christmas Eve 2010

Carson celebrates Christmas Eve!


Christmas Eve at our house...we may need a larger living room next year!


Santa has arrived! Oh, that is just Lucy!


Let the opening begin! This year we went around the room each opening one present at a time! It may have set the record for the longest gift opening ever!


Uncle J and Aunt Ashley


Carson's favorite Aunt KK.


Nannie got to hold the best gift of all!


My favorite present...being with my two boys!


Carson sees his stocking made by Aunt KK and Granna for the first time.


Christmas 2010

Our Baby is ONE month-old!

On the 28th, our sweet baby boy turned one month-old. It is amazing how much they change in such a short period of time. Each day, he resembles his daddy a little more. This past week, the little man was diagnosed with reflux and is now taking meds to help relieve the discomfort. The things that I absolutely love about Carson are...

-his fascination with his hands
-his little smiles that are becoming more intentional each day
-the way his hair sticks up in the back after a long nap
-his long fingers and toes that everyone notices
-those dark blue eyes that gaze up at you as he cuddles in your arms
-his coos and many grunts
-his love of music and lights
-the way he enjoys soft touches to his head, back of neck, and nose
-his amazing strength of which we prayed for daily before he arrived
-his ability to recognize his mommy and daddy's voice
-the way he stretches with his arms straight up in the air above his head
-the way he rounds his lips and sometimes gives the pouty lip
-the way his little ears are curled in on the top just like his daddy's
-the way he lowers his chin to give himself the double chin

...and the list continues. Once again, it is amazing to see the little creation that God designed just for us. The last few days the thing that has stuck out to me is how dependent little Carson is on us. His every need requires his mother or father to assist in some way, whether it is something good or changing of a dirty diaper. It is a reminder to me of how dependent on our Father that we are. There are so many times that my selfish nature tells me that I can do something all by myself when the reality is that I can't. So..as I go about today, I am trying to have a heart that is more thankful for the little things because without my Creator, I wouldn't be able to accomplish any of them.

Carson, we love you so much! Yes, you are a handful, especially with the reflux, but I wouldn't trade the sleepless nights and the ability to be your mother for anything. We are so thankful that this first month has gone so well! We love you little man!

Now, here are some special pictures from the last couple of weeks.






Carson meets is Great-Granddaddy for the first time!


Carson enjoys his first Christmas with his Great-Grandmother, Great-Granddaddy, and Mimi


Carson receives his first basketball goal!


Carson enjoys Christmas with his Great-Grandma and Great-Aunt Charlotte!


"I've been attacked by reindeer!"


Christmas at Mimi and Pop's house.


"Thanks, Mimi and Pop, for all of my new presents!

More Pictures!

Carson arrives home!


Kisses from Mommy!


Carson's first outfit! Thanks Kelly and Craig!


Isn't that smile precious?


Carson survives his first bath at home!


Carson meets Great-Grandma!


Carson meets Great-Grandmother!


Mommy's happy boy!






Thanks grandparents for all the help this first week!

A Thanksgiving to Remember...

Due to my travel restrictions, we celebrated Thanksgiving this year at our house. We decided to continue the tradition of cooking the same foods that my "Mima" started years ago. The biggest challenge was the dressing, but I have to say it tasted pretty good! Everyone pitched in on the cooking, including dad! Way to peel those potatoes!

On Friday, we decided to join the crowds for the Black Friday sales. This was the first time ever we have been in the city to take advantage of the sales. Needless to say, we did lots of walking on Friday and Saturday. Then, the fun began...

Saturday evening at approximately 10:20, the contractions began. I told Brandon before we went to bed that I thought that I was having them but that I would wake him up if they continued. Well, at 1:30, I decided that it was time! The contractions were consistently coming at 5-6 minutes apart. Trying not to wake our company, we continued to monitor the contractions and prepare to go to the hospital. The one thing that I hadn't done was to pack the bag. At 3:30, we went and told my parents who were staying in the guest bedroom. After finally realizing that it was me, they shot straight up out of bed and from what I hear never went back to sleep. We ended up getting to the hospital at about 5:00 a.m.

After arriving at the hospital, I was told that I would be put on observation for 2 hours despite being dilated to 3 cm. About 5 minutes later, the nurse came back in and said that she had spoken to the doctor and that they were admitting me. Soon after, family began to arrive at the hospital in hopes of meeting our son.

At 1:33 p.m. on Sunday, Carson finally arrived! As I look into my son's eyes, tears fill them. I see a lot of Brandon in him, a little of me, and a whole lot of grace, love, and innocence from our Father. I feel like Christmas has already come. I can't imagine a better gift than to hold this newborn child that was knitted together by our Creator. He is perfect in every way! I look forward to seeing how God will use him in His Kingdom!


Mimi and Pop


Grandy and Granna


Aunt K.K.


Aunt Ashley and Uncle J


Nannie

Happy Birthday Carson!!!

Well we thought he might come a little early, but we weren't thinking it would be today! I guess November 28th will be a day for us to remember forever now! He came on the most perfect day as we had almost all of our family in town and ready for the arrival. Carson Reed Thomas joined our family today at 1:33pm (the offical time, even though my watch said 1:36!). He weighed 6 lbs 5.5 ozs and was 19.75 in long. He has blonde hair and dark blue eyes (I think he has already inherited Daddy's receeding hairline! :) ) He and Mommy are both doing great! Even though most of you know I can go on for days (and especially now about my son!) I will cut it short and get to the part that you will all care about... THE PICTURES!! I will post a few for now and then let Mommy post the rest later and give you all the details. I hope this finds you having just as great of a day as we are! It is awesome to hold a little child that we know is made in the very image of our creator! God is good!

CARSON REED THOMAS

Just a Few More Weeks???

I am currently 36 and 1/2 weeks pregnant! This past month has flown by to say the least. At our doctor appointment today, I was dilated to 1 cm. The doctor still believes that Carson will be coming a little early. Her prediction continues to be between Thanksgiving and the end of the first week of December so we will see. Carson continued to demonstrate a strong heartbeat and all of my measurements were on target today! The last few weeks have consisted of lots of basketball, finishing up at work, and making last minute preparations before the baby arrives!

This past Saturday, Brandon's basketball team and their parents graciously hosted their own baby shower. Our little man will finally be decked out in Mustang gear!



Here are a few of the boys!

35 1/2 weeks Pregnant

Yesterday, I had my weekly doctor's appointment. Thankfully everything looks great, and Carson is continuing to prepare to make his debut. The doctor is predicting that he will come a little early. The expected time is between Thanksgiving and the first week in December so we will see. At our sonogram last Thursday, Carson was weighing 4 lbs, 13 oz. All of his measurements were within normal limits. This week my belly has grown so my assumption is that he made it over the 5 lb. marker. The doctor is predicting that he will be between 6-7 lbs. So...as always...thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers! God is sooooo good!!!

34 1/2 weeks pregnant

Today began the weekly doctor's visits. Time has flown by, and we will be welcoming baby Carson into this world within the next 5 1/2 weeks. Carson has already turned to get ready for his debut! Thankfully, my blood pressure and weight were great. His heartbeat was 138 bpm. Due to the measurements of my tummy being on the lower end, we will have an ultrasound this coming Thursday to make sure that everything is ok. The doctor said that she believes he is doing well and believes that my small size is due to the baby's position. I am not going to worry, but as always, we would appreciate your prayers that Carson spends a few more weeks inside my tummy and that he is growing as expected!

**Aunt Kelli, the doctor said that it's not looking like he will stay in until after the 15th! Sorry! There is only so much that I can do! Love you!

World Series

This past Saturday night, Brandon, his dad, and my dad went to the World Series! From what I hear, they had a great time to say the least! They were able to witness the one game that the Rangers won against the Giants!





Pop and Grandy

Thankful for...

This past month, there have been several scriptures from Colossians that I keep coming back to. As the days of our family of two coming to an end, I have been able to reflect on where we have come from and what the future holds. Just looking back over the past 8 months of pregnancy, two very special people in my life have gone to be with our Savior. Back in May, my Pappa, entered those Heavenly gates, and then, my uncle Rue followed shortly behind a week and half ago.

Carson, I know that you will never know these two men, but I want you to know what they meant to me. These men represented what family is all about. They loved our family! When I read Colossians 3:12, (Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.) I am reminded of them. They were men of God. They exemplified these characteristics, especially, "kindness". They lived very humble lives and were willing to provide for others wherever the need was. Both of these men, gave graciously so that your mommy could attend a college that helped shape her and mold her into the woman she is today and for that I am eternally grateful! Both of these men, knew that you were on your way, which puts a smile on my face. I pray that your Daddy and I will continue their example and lead you in a way that truly knows God. You see, it is not about a checklist of just going through the motions. It is so much greater than that! It is about a true, pure relationship with your Heavenly Father, Your Creator!



This picture just makes me laugh! It will always be a reminder of their humor and true love for each other:)!

Our Family Shower: October 3, 2010 (30 weeks pregnant)

This past Sunday, my amazing Christian friends hosted our family baby shower. I can't imagine not having a church family that is always there for us in the times of joy and sadness. I have often wondered if I would ever have a baby shower, so Sunday was an emotional day. Thank you to all of my friends and my family that went above and beyond to make this an incredible day! I love you all!



"The Hostesses": These girls did an incredible job of making this day so special. They created a "red wagon" theme that was sooooo sweet. I absolutely loved all of the little red wagons. The personal touches of his name on the blocks and the UT outfits were great! Thanks again for all of your hard work. You girls are amazing friends!




"Our Family": Thank you all for making the trip to come and celebrate this special day with us. I can't wait to introduce each and everyone of you to baby Carson. Thanks for being so supportive through the ups and the downs! I love you all so much!







Aunt KK anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Carson!

















One of my favorite gifts was these burp cloths made by "Granna". Thank you mom for all of your encouragement and being my rock. Thanks for being an amazing example of a "mom".




You girls always make me laugh!




Thanks to all who came to celebrate our little one!