Carson's Progression Photos -- 1 week

Carson did great at his 1 week appointment. We didn't actually get to see Dr. McColm because of some crazy fluke in scheduling (that I'd prefer to forget), so we were there for three hours. Austin and Graham were not well behaved, but their behavior was generally rough in the early parts of Carson's life. I'm glad that day is over. I was so emotionally and physically drained after it that I couldn't hardly speak. Yes, literally, I couldn't hardly say anything out loud I was so done in. But our youngest boy was perfectly healthy and did a great job!

ONE WEEK STATS
weight -- 7.88 pounds (54%)
height -- 22 inches (100%)
head -- 14.25 (85%)

proving he's a Spofford... making faces already!

Had to capture those tiny baby feet before they disappear!

Introducing Son #3: Carson Robert Spofford

Carson was born very early Sunday morning after laboring since about 8pm the night before. (The whole birth story is in another post.) He technically arrived two days early, which was perfectly fine by me! I was so glad it happened over a weekend and that I was with Seth when it started so I didn't have to worry about when I could get him back from Ft. Worth. When Carson was about 6 hours old, Seth brought Austin and Graham by to meet their brother.

Funny story: When they first walked into the room, Carson was out of the room getting a bath and a check-up by the doctor. Austin walks right up to me, pats my belly, leans in and says "hi Carson!" to the belly. We laughed and I said "he's not in there anymore, baby" I explained that he was with the doctor and then he asks "if he's not in there anymore, why is your belly still so big?" ha! I think Seth thought I might be upset, but I couldn't stop laughing! We then explained that it was very recent and that it would take some time for my belly to go back to normal. Then, the nurse comes wheeling Carson in and Austin goes "who's that!?". Needless to say, the initial meeting between the three brothers didn't go exactly as planned. It went better! I have laughed thinking about this story so many times since then.

Carson had some presents for Austin and Graham (Cars cars) and after opening them and posing for some pictures, Seth took the bigs home. I'm yawning as a type this, just remembering how tired I was at that moment. I was so ready for a nap and quiet room. I got out of the hospital on Tuesday and I was so ready for my bed! Seth was off from work for 4 weeks and I really took advantage of that, sleeping as much as possible so that I could heal quickly. People supplied us with meals pretty much right away and it was amazing.

Carson Robert Spofford is named (as per our tradition for naming after cities) after a Wisconsin town and Seth's late uncle. I had expected we would have a girl at some point and use Claire for Eau Claire to represent WI, but since that's not happening, we used our third son to represent my home state. I tried really hard to be less heavy-handed than I had been the previous two times and Seth's first choice was Carson. I also allowed more control over the middle name. Since both of our fathers had been covered, I didn't much care which family member we represented next. Seth chose to honor his mom's late brother (who was a third, so there's a lot of "Robert" in the family on that side). I love how it sounds. Now I just need to actually have visited Carson, WI!

Here are some pictures from the first few days of Carson's life.

I still can't hardly believe all that hair!

Sweet brothers meet the newest member of our family!

They brought me those flowers in the blue and white bag-looking vase and I LOVED them.

I loved having him in a onesie this first day. I wish I had done for the other two. I also started using his blankie and giraffe right away. He is a very chill baby and it's lovely.

Time to go home!

l-o-v-e

Daddy & Carson

"They keep bringing these things home." -Georgia Mae

Easter Season 2015

NEW TRADITION

This year, I finally bit the bullet and bought us some Resurrection Eggs. Each day of the 12 days leading up to Easter, you open an egg to reveal a part of the Easter story. It's like doing an Easter Path or other such activity, that reminds us why we celebrate the holiday and is fun for the boys. We had them take turns, every other day opening the egg for that day and Austin especially really seemed to get the connection. I'd highly recommend it for like ages 3+.

PAINTING EGGS
Instead of dying eggs by dipping them into the containers full of dye, we use brushes and paint the dye onto them. This is a little sloppy as it's essentially painting with water (I only pour vinegar in the container) which runs quickly on the surface of egg. It makes for some pretty cool eggs, though!!

Sena's

I'm not sure who painted the above and below eggs. Sorry, fellas. Momma just doesn't remember and we all know how much help your Daddy is in situations like this. 

Seth's

EASTER MORNING
One of my favorite memories from my childhood are of Easter Mornings, doing the scavenger hunt my mom set up for me to get to my Easter Basket. One year a bike was waiting for me at the end! I was adamant that we would start this year as I felt the boys were old enough to sorta understand what was happening. The enthusiasm was completely missing and I couldn't understand why they were acting so weird. It wasn't until the next day when we learned that Austin had strep and that Graham was up most of the night throwing up that we understood their behavior. I'm hoping next year goes better.

After we found baskets, we had breakfast (cinnamon rolls, of course!), got ready, and went to church.

Here is a video of Austin looking for his basket.

Austin's

Here's a video of Graham looking for his basket.

Graham's

These bubble guns were super finicky.
Graham's expression is how we all felt.

Poor Georgia Mae

EASTER EVENING
The family celebration is at Spencer & Cheryl's house now and is an evening event. I enjoy this because we get to have an afternoon of quiet/naps and then get dressed again and head up to see family. It was raining in the morning, but it cleared in enough time for the egg hunt to be outside. That's also one thing I was glad to have changed recently. I didn't have to buy stuff and fill a bunch of plastic eggs!! Both of them did a great job hunting up the eggs and they also really enjoyed smashing cascarones later in the evening. The boys' outfits came together last minute (the day before!) and I'm thrilled with how they look. Probably my favorite Easter outfit yet!

I was absolutely miserable that day and spent most of the night curled up on their couch because I was so sore and feeling 10.5 months pregnant-rotten. I went outside to watch them hunt eggs and then I went right back inside to the couch and only left it briefly to eat dinner.

Sweet Boys

lol

Presents from Nonnie & Gramps

All Five Grandkids, Easter 2015