So Much Love!

Carter is one lucky little boy! There have been so many people who just can't wait to love on him! I am incredibly humbled by the many friends and family who have been so supportive to us during this wonderful transition in our lives. We have had so many friends bring yummy dinners that have helped make our evenings a little less stressful, which has been tremendously helpful. I have loved having the opportunity to have our family and friends love on the little guy (and, I must confess, sometimes it is just nice to have an additional pair of arms to hold him!).

When people have asked me how we like Indianapolis, I have always said that we like it better than we thought we would. I go on to say that we thought we would like it, but that it is even better than we expected (minus the cold weather, of course...I mean, I am a southern girl, after all). After two years, when people ask that question, I still answer with the above response, but I add how many wonderful friends we have made and how that makes Indianapolis really feel like home. I can't imagine living here without the friendships that we have made...and I certainly couldn't imagine living here without having all of my "mom" friends to call and ask my silly questions. We are truly blessed. So, all of that to really say THANK YOU to our friends who have made living in Indy wonderful and have made having a baby 500 miles away from family much easier.

On a non-sappy note...one of my friends, Susie Lovekamp (check out her blog--it is linked on the right), turned me on to www.picasa.com which can help when posting pictures to your blog. If you are interested, check it out...it is how I made the collage above!

Carter's Trip to Alabama

Tailgating prior to the UA-Georgia game

Nick, Carter and I were lucky enough to spend last week in Alabama! We made a huge tour of the state with our GREAT little traveler. It was a great week--and the first time that Carter was able to meet my whole family (except Mom), Nick's sister, Stacey, and his cousins, Banks & Mary Reese and his uncle Jody. We started the week tailgating prior to the UA-Arkansas game (Nick went to the game, Carter and I drove back to Birmingham) and then went to Decatur where Debbie hosted a Sip N See so that Carter could be introduced to our friends and family in North Alabama. We spent two nights in Decatur and then traveled back down to Birmingham. While we were in Birmingham, we caught up with old friends, Nick played some golf, my sister, Button, took lots of pictures of Carter for us, and we had a get together at Mom and Dad's house so that we could introduce Carter to our friends and family in Birmingham. We were also able to take Carter to meet both of his great grandmothers--and they both absolutely adored him! We capped off the week with another trip to Tuscaloosa to tailgate with Steve and his friends prior to the UA-Georgia game. I have to be honest and say that I think we were all exhausted when we got back to Indianapolis on Sunday night, but it was so worth it!

Please click on our shutterfly link on the right hand side of the page to see more pics from our trip to Alabama!

Carter meeting his cousins

Carter meeting Gran (my Mom's mom) and Miss Martha

Carter meeting Maw-Maw (my Dad's mom)

A Preview

We had a sweet photographer come to our house about a week ago to take some newborn pictures of Carter. We haven't gotten the proofs back just yet, but Erica posted this on her website as a preview for us. Isn't he precious?!? I can't wait to get all the proofs back--we will share the site once we do.

We had a big weekend in Alabama! We went to Tuscaloosa Saturday for tailgating prior to the big win over Arkansas (the first Tide comeback in the 4th quarter since 2001) and were in Decatur for a Sip and See at Debbie's house on Sunday. We will post some pictures from all of the weekend excitement soon!

Carter's First Outing

Deanna and Carter at the Todd's for D & Pat's shower

Carter had his first outing (other than to the doctor) last Friday night! Nick and I helped host a couples shower for our dear friends, Deanna and Pat Murphy, who are expecting Baby Murphy at the end of October. Carter was also invited to the shower, and was excited to get dressed up and go out for the evening! He was delighted to be passed around and loved on by so many people (and we appreciated it, also). The humorous thing is that I was told all night that I was so laid back! Ha, ha! I haven't been called laid back so much in my entire life! Maybe motherhood is good for me in multiple ways!

It is so much work meeting everyone!

We are gearing up and getting excited about our upcoming trip to Alabama. We look forward to seeing all our friends and family--and some Tide football! Carter's experience at D and Pat's shower will no doubt be good preparation for all of the excitement he is in for during our trip down south!

Our Growing Boy!

Carter Weighing In

Carter had his one week visit to the pediatrician today! It was a family outing-- since I can't drive yet, Nick picked us up and we headed up to Dr. Bergstein's office. The little guy is doing great! He is already up to and beyond his birthweight--weighing in at 8lbs, 2oz this afternoon and he is now 21 and 3/4 inches long! Dr. Bergstein commented that he is an incredibly mellow little guy (yes, we all know that he gets that from his dad). He didn't cry at all with any of the poking, prodding and manipulating that she did. She said that she was especially surprised that he didn't cry during the hip check, that most babies wailed! And...when we were checking out, the lady told us that he was adorable and that already the women love him! :)

So Tired

Carter is certainly giving us tremendous joy as we watch him grow and change every day! Nick and I are slowly getting into a routine and feel like we are getting the hang of things. Make no mistake, we are definitely sleep deprived, but what a wonderful reason to be sleep deprived! Parenthood is definitely a hands-on learning experience and we ask that you please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue on the journey!

At Home

Carter is ready for Game Day

(I embroidered the onesie --thanks, Maura, for the lesson!)

Carter and I were able to come home from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. Carter is such an amazing blessing and responsibility that God has given to us! We look at him constantly and can't believe that he is finally here after the waiting and eager anticipation. Nick and I are slowly, but surely getting used to "real" life with Carter--life without a full time staff dedicated to helping us manage everything! A huge thanks to Carter's Bamma (my mom) who has been staying in Indy with us since he was born on Monday. It has been a tremendous blessing to have her here--helping take care of the pets and the house, visiting and running errands when we were in the hospital and helping us transition from the hospital to home. He loves hanging out with and loving on her and can't wait to meet the rest of his extended family in a few weeks.

Carter and Bamma

Wrigley checking out Carter--she loves to smell him!

Wrigley is being a great "big sis" to our little man. She always wants to sniff and see what is going on with him, but she is always gentle with him. Dontrelle is just mad that his favorite room in the house is now occupied, so he has been spending more time outside.

Carter with Cindy, Maddie and Mia Todd

We have been so fortunate to have many friends come by and visit so that we could introduce them to Carter. He has loved all the attention (he probably gets that from his mom!), and usually stays up at night telling us all about how much he loves it!

Kelly Todd holding Carter

Carter with Adrian and Ike Willett

Megan Todd and Carter (Megan and Carter were due on the same day, but Megan was born on July 30; Carter on August 27--almost a month apart!)


Please check out the following link for some pictures of our last full day in the hospital and of his arrival at home for the first time. I will also put the link over on the right side of the page under Friends' Blogs and Other Sites so that, if you want, you can periodically check to see if we have added new albums.

http://www.sueandnickwillis.shutterfly.com/