The Ballerinas

Evyn (3 mos.) Cameron (5 mos.) Marin (1 mo.)

Marin and her cousins, Evyn and Cameron, dressed as ballerinas for their first Halloween. Our neighborhood was packed for Halloween. We enjoyed a nice dinner together and then Marin enjoyed a bottle while everyone else went trick or treating.

It is going to be so much fun watching these three girls grow up together. I can't wait to see them play at the lake together and have spend the night parties! Will they be perfect angels or get each other in trouble?? Let's hope Marin is not the instigator if so!

So In Love

When I was pregnant everyone told me how difficult parenthood is, but no one can even begin to explain what a wonderful experience it is to be a parent. We are both just so in love with this little girl. There is nothing better in this world than that toothless grin. I know this sounds crazy, but I even like getting up with her in the middle of the night. It is such a sweet peaceful time with just the two of us. She is so fun now that she is cooing and smiling.

Marin is growing like crazy. At her six week check up she was 12 pounds and 24 inches, which means she's off the charts for both height and weight. We love her chubby cheeks and thighs! We are having so much fun with Marin, and she gives us something to look forward to everyday! What a blessing.

Road Trip

Marin went on her first out of state trip Saturday. Mark and I love to travel, so we are hoping Marin will be a good traveler too. We went to Chattanooga for a visit and it was a success. I was a little nervous how things would be traveling with a newborn, but she did great! I think she really had a good time. We love Chattanooga because the downtown is so easy to walk around. We had a good time just walking around shops and hanging out in Coolidge Park. That night we watched Auburn win another game at a fun restaurant/bar downtown. Marin was so well behaved the whole time. I think she enjoyed getting out of the house just as much as Mommy. I told Mark that this trip was just what the doctor ordered.. I needed a change of scenery! I think we're ready for a beach trip now!

She loves hotels just like Mommy

Blowing bubbles during the Auburn game

Watching a carousel

Enjoying the park

Daddy had fun showing Marin Chattanooga

Bath Time

Marin LOVES bath time! I am relieved because she absolutely hated sponge baths. I got up the courage to try out a real bath once her cord fell off. She didn't cry at all until it was time to get out. She smiled, cooed and kicked her feet the whole time. I remember loving baths as a child and now I am looking forward to many fun baths with her!

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.