July 27th, 2009

My precious baby boy in my arms.
Right after he was born and they laid him on my chest.
Our first look at Carter.
Right before I began pushing.

On Monday morning July 27th, Clay and I went in to Labor and Delivery at 6:30am. I had scheduled an inducement after my last doctor's appt. For the first two hours it was just prep work with IV's and stuff. At around 8:30 my doctor came in and broke my water and started the potosin. Shortly after the contractions started coming and they got really intense around noon. Each time the nurse examined me the progress was substantial. I got my epidural just before one. Clay and I were settling in to the room and preparing for a long afternoon/evening. To our surprise by 3:45 I was dilated to 10 and we started to push. This was definitely the hardest part of labor. It was quite the work out! At 5:45 we welcomed Carter Elijah Caldwell in to the world. The labor and delivery was easier then I ever dreamed. He was 7 lbs 14 oz and 19.5 in. long. He is such a miracle. I appreciate all the love, support, and prayers of our family and friends. It is amazing to think that just last December we were so scared because of my fibroid tumors and then everything went so well. Our parents were basically knocking down the door so we let them in along with my sister and her husband. Carter had lots of visitors and everyone said he was so handsome and I agreed. We have already taken tons of pictures so i will try to update more soon. Right now sleep is #1 priority. He slept good last night so mom got to too!!!!

Carter's Nursery

The golf corner of the room that fits in with the argyle theme
Changing table and Carter's little rocking chair
Close up picture of bedding
Crib with name above (I think he is going to learn his name quickly)
Another shot of the room. The curtains and glider have the same striped pattern

This nursery was a lot of hard work which so many people helped us with. The painting was definitely a lot more work then I originally planned, but Clay was very helpful and worked hard to make it look perfect. We had help from both sets of parents. Also Vicki (Clay's aunt) did so much of the decorations, which are all adorable. My sister, Christy helped a ton on the diamonds! We are so excited that it is complete. Now all we need is the little guy here! The pictures are great, but in person it looks even better. If you are in the neighborhood please call us and come by and see it.

36 and 38 week pictures

38 weeks pregnant
36 weeks pregnant

I am getting further behind on my posts. I thought I would post the last two belly pics together. Well the past few weeks have been busy. The nursery is finally completed. There has been a lot of last minute things to do. Now we are just waiting... My last doctor's appt I was still dilated to a 1 and about 50 % effaced. I have another appt on Tuesday and I am hoping for lots of progression. Luckily the weather has been cooperative so that has been really nice. We also did another Ultrasound this weekend with Clay's Aunt Kay and she estimated him at 7 lbs 8 0z. So I guess he is already a chunk. We are all getting so anxious to meet him!!!

Pictures of Work Shower

Opening gifts and smiling!

Me opening gifts and talking
Up close picture of cake- It looks exactly like my nursery bedding

34 weeks and ultrasound pics

Carter's foot
A profile view
His cute little ear
34 weeks

This weather is really hot! I am definitely feeling it. I am starting to move much slower. Also my belly feels like it is dropping and getting much heavier. The nursery is close to being done, just some last minute touches. I can't believe he is going to be here so soon! July is next week!

More Shower Pictures

Me and my friends!

Razorback onesie from Clay's parents.

Me and mom with cross-stiched picture she made.

Baby Shower

Picture of guests!
Christy, Me, and Shannon. Thanks girls for the beautiful shower!
Lots of Gifts for Carter!
One of the table decorations for Dad to be.
One of the many adorable table decorations Clay's Aunt Vicki did.