Joy & Acclimation

Joy & Acclimation seem to be the best way to describe the recent impact Carson has had on our life. It's hard to understand how this little life was miraculously formed in Jana. A baby is perhaps one of the greatest examples of God's perfect design. It's amazing to think about how beautifully and wonderfully Carson was made. We've been very encouraged by the good reports we continue to receive from everyone.

It's been a little tricky finding just the right pediatrician. Obviously, we'd love to find one close to home, but our thought is that some of the better ones are a little further away. After trying Peachtree Park Pediatrics downtown Atlanta, we realized with the extra distance and cost of parking we may be better off trying one around Marietta. Even so, they did say he looks really good. Carson will visit Dr. Dixon at KenMar Pediatrics on Thursday.

The Alburys have been incredibly good to us during the first week of Carson's life. Peggy and Joy stayed with us for over a week and Bob, Julee, and Michael Newman came up from Florida for the weekend to meet Carson. They were fun enough to sport T-shirts with Carson's picture on it!

I know Jana really appreciated her family around during this time. The first few days after coming home Jana had been sick suffering from shivering and sweating. She was really struggling from dehydration and some reactions to nursing, but nothing she couldn't handle (with the help of her mom close by of course). Jana has been doing great adjusting to motherhood. Delivery was tough, but acclimating to the responsibilities of infant care and the sacrifices that go along with that, have been pretty taxing on Jana. Of course, all of the sacrifices that rearing a child takes easily fall in the shadow of the joy we get by simply cuddling with this cutest of babies. I feel like the luckiest guy alive when people tell me Carson looks like me, cause I think Carson is the most beautiful baby in the world.

I ordered this DVD online called "Happiest Baby on the Block" which highlights 5 ways to soothe a crying baby. I must say, so far it's been one of my better investments! Carson really seems to take well to the 5 S's (Swaddling, Side, Shssss, Sway, & Suck). At night Carson is getting about 3 solid hours of sleep between feedings (so I know that could be a lot worse).

I started class tonight for the fall semester. Although I've got 8 classes left to take, I'm only taking 1 class this semester, which will hopefully allow me to keep working on my MBA without spending too many nights away from Jana and Carson. I know leaving Jana and Carson on their own is a big enough change for Carson on its own. But I must say that I'm incredibly grateful to all the wonderful people that have blessed us with their love and support. So many people have been bringing us meals, which I had no idea how much I'd appreciate until now. Even though I feel capable of cooking, I'm really glad to just be able to spend that time that I would have spent cooking, instead playing with Carson.

I know my parents can't wait to visit at the end of the month. I know we won't fully realize how fast Carson grows up until after we're looking back through the lense of time. But I certainly hope grandparents and family alike get to watch Carson grow as much as possible... even if the gaps are filled in over the phone and online.