First Days

We welcomed Marin Warren Carter into the world on September 20th at 7:05 pm. She weighed 8 lbs 15 oz and was 21 3/4 inches long. We are so in love with this little girl already. Each day seems to get a bit easier. She is a fantastic night sleeper, but we're working on taking naps during the day. She has so many funny expressions and the cutest smile I have ever seen. She squeaks and chirps all the time, which makes us laugh. We have enjoyed some nice walks around the neighborhood and even a picnic in the park one day. Mark comes home at lunch and can't wait to see her. He is definitely head over heels for her. She is definitely Daddy's girl. Here are a few pictures from our first couple weeks together. As you can tell, she loves sleeping on her tummy ...especially when she's curled up on mommy or daddy's chest.

First night

Happy family after a long day!

I'll never forget the moment I heard Mark say, "It's a girl!"

Big girl!

There's nothing better in this world than seeing the man you love

holding your baby girl. I love them both more than anything.

I can stare at that sweet face all day.

Bentley is so good with her.

Daddy's girl

Her favorite position

She was so good for visitors!

Daddy reading to her for the first time

So sweet

Last Day

Baby Carter is now 8 days late and is being forced out tomorrow. So, today was our official "last day of Independent Mark and Kathy." Thinking about how much life will change for us makes me nervous and a little sad. Mark and I have had so much fun together over the past 7 years that it's hard to accept things changing too much. So, today we knew we had to enjoy every moment. The day started off with a delicious breakfast at Panera and then a nice long walk on the trail at Lakeshore with Bentley. It was a beautiful morning, and it was so nice to enjoy it just the three of us. We came back home and relaxed and then got the house clean for when we come back. Then we had dinner at PF Chang's and walked off some of our dinner strolling around the Summit. When we got home, we enjoyed the night with Bentley on our front porch. Have I mentioned how much we love our front porch? We live out there. Anyway, Mark and I have definitely enjoyed lots of fun adventures together, but some of our most favorite memories are days just like today. We're hoping for a somewhat smooth day tomorrow, and we can't wait to share the news of our arrival!

I love my boys! Aren't they the cutest?

Just Waiting

As you can see by the ticker and by the size of my belly, we are only days away from meeting this little one. We are more than ready to meet him/her. For weeks, the doctor has said... "could be any day now." Hearing that just makes the wait seem even longer. I have not made any progress in the last couple weeks, so it seems like Baby will probably arrive after the due date. I think we're as ready as we'll ever be. The nursery is complete, clothes are washed, bags are packed, and names are picked out! Everyone at school is shocked when they see me every morning... apparently I look huge and ready! I'm so thankful that I still feel great. I haven't had any swelling or stretch marks.

The other thing we have been anxiously anticipating has started... AUBURN FOOTBALL! We made it to the first game, and it was so fun just to be back in Auburn. Of course, I finally got my Amsterdam turkey wraps and sweet potato chips that I've been craving. Our offense was exciting to watch, and we are really looking forward to this season. I did have some contractions on the way home from the game. I didn't tell Mark, though, because I knew that panic would ensue. Sadly, this is the only picture that we got at the game.

Summer Project

This is Baby's coming home outfit and my first attempt at smocking. It's certainly not perfect, but I'm feeling proud of it! It was fun to learn something new, but it definitely took some time and patience. Hopefully there will be more outfits to come. We are just getting some last minute things together this weekend and finally packing our bags for the hospital. We're getting really excited to meet this little baby. The suspense of knowing he/she could arrive any day is so exciting!

Getting Closer!

We're getting close! I went to the doctor on Tuesday and I was 1 cm dilated and 50%. That's not much, but it's progress. Most people seem to think I won't even make it to September, but I don't really feel any differently. I am still feeling great and taking Bentley for walks everyday. School has started back, so I'm definitely tired at the end of the day. The beginning of the school year is always exhausting, but this extra weight on my feet is not helping. I'm so glad I'm not swollen, though. I think we have gotten all the last things we need for Baby. We still need more clothes, but I guess those will come once we find out boy/girl. Everyone still believes it's going to be a boy, but I have no idea. I am so excited to meet this little one, but I'm also enjoying my days with just Mark and Bentley for now.

Belly at almost 37 weeks

Baby Shower Fun

WOW!! Look at that ticker! We have less than 40 days until we meet this little one! It's unbelievable really. As Mark says... we're about to have a roommate for the next 18 years that we've never even met! He's getting a little nervous about the whole delivery, but I think he'll be fine when it really comes.

I had my big shower last weekend and had a great time! I never feel like I get around to talk to everyone as much as I should as those types of things, but I really appreciated everyone who came. We had a very yummy lunch with one of my favorite desserts... Baby Bites! We got a lot of gifts and I spent this week getting some essentials that we didn't have yet. I had to get everything close to ready since I start school NEXT week! Yes, I'm going to be exhausted! But, I'm sure it will also help these last few weeks fly by! Let's say a little prayer that I have a sweet class this year that really gets along... no girl drama PLEASE!

34 week belly

Weekend Getaway

A few Thursdays ago, Mark and I decided that we couldn't let an entire summer go by without a trip to the beach. So on Friday we packed Bentley up and headed down to Fort Morgan. It was fun to be able to include Bentley in the trip. He had a blast!! We basically just hung out on the beach and enjoyed some dinners out. The beach was beautiful. There were a few tarballs, but nothing that stopped us from getting in the water and walking along the beach. Bentley was in and out of the water all day long! Mark and I challenged each other to a couple games of miniature golf! I won only because Mark gave me a handicap. It was so fun just to get away for a little break to the beach. There's something about being at the beach that is good for your soul. I hope we can still find time to spend together after the baby comes. I also hope Baby is a good traveler. We love to be on the go!

Even though we set up an umbrella for B-dog, he wanted to be in the small spot of shade right behind our chairs. He always wants to be right by us.

Life is good!

This is the best, daddy!

Super sandy