Carter Oliver Bartlett - born June 25, 2011

In my last post I promised to keep you posted... but lets just say that things got busy!

On Saturday morning, June 25, our world as we knew it began to change.  I woke to my water breaking at 5:00am.  I was so excited that things were starting to take place and that Carter would soon be in our arms. 

Cory called my mom around 5:30am and had her come over and stay with the kids. We drove to the hospital and checked in around 6:00am. My contractions were very light and not consistent. I knew we were going to have a long day ahead of us. By noon the nurse started me on pitocin which really sped thing up. My contractions went from every 12 minutes up to every 3 minutes almost instantly. By 3:00pm they ordered the epidural. The anesthesiologist gave me the local and when capping the needle before disposing he managed to poke himself in the finger. The needle actually poked out of the cap sideways and got him! I felt bad, but even more so, nervous! He still had to put in the epidural. I turned to him and apologized in a light hearted way hoping he wouldn't be upset about poking himself with the needle and continue to do a great job. The epidural went in a little to the right. I could feel the poking and pinching much more than I had with my past two epidurals. Shortly after the epidural was in place my entire right side went numb, but my left side still very much had feeling. So... they increased the meds and I was pretty much numb all over. Nice, but not so nice...

By 7:00pm I knew things were getting close. I was really ready for this part to be over. I needed to hold baby Carter and get unhooked from all of these machines. By 8:00pm things were about to start, however, two other women decided they needed to have their babies first. So... I waited... finally it was our turn... and baby Carter entered the world at 9:19pm on Saturday, June 25th, 2011. He weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and was 20 inches long. He entered the world sideways with his armed wrapped up around his face. But all in all... he was (and is) absolutely perfect! He has a full head of hair, but otherwise looks very much like Ethan as a newborn.

Mariah, Ethan, and Carter

Proud Daddy Cory with Carter

Our new little blessing!

Big brother Ethan holding Carter

Mommy and Carter

Carter all bundled and ready to go home 

Carter taking a peak at the world around him 

LOVE

Carter is sleeping and eating very well.  It is so nice to finally be home and begin our lives together as a family of five.  Thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.  We love the messages from everyone.  Thanks for being a part of our beautiful experience.

Love,

Cory, Kelly, Mariah, Ethan, and Carter