Rest and Running in the Rain

Tonight I ran in a nice summer rain. It was a perfect rain to run in. Never too hard. I suppose I was very lucky that it didn't turn into one of those famous Texas storms with heavy rain, thunder, lightening, and golf ball sized hail.It was good because the air was heavy when I started my run and the rain really lightened it up.

I felt very rested today. The big news is that Carson slept through the night last night. A feat he has never been able to pull off in his short 6 months of life.12 hours. Not a peep, not a wimper, not a cough or cry. He slept. And we slept.It was pure bliss. I realize that it might not happen again for awhile but it did happen last night. And for now, that's good enough.

Carson's Sleep Formula

So I finally went in last night after he had been crying for a little while longer. I put my hands on his tired little body and I prayed over him. I prayed that God would quiet his little body down and relax him. I prayed that he would have good sleeps and good rest. I prayed for his health and for his physical protection. Then I had a brainstorm which most people won't think is a brainstorm at all. I flipped him on his tummy. And with a couple of minutes of rubbing his head and his back simultaneously he was asleep. He slept for a good 6 hours like that until about 4 am which is a huge blessing. Even then I just went in and put his pacifier in and he fell back asleep until 8. I remember a couple of friends telling me that their babies didn't get a good nights rest until they started sleeping on their tummies. Now I'm not foolish enough to say this is his preferred way of sleeping. But it worked last night and that's enough for me today.I do have to say something about how unnatural it was for me to hear him cry like that last night and not going to comfort him. Every part of me wanted to go and pick up that chubby little boy and hug him close to me. But I knew that would only prolong his "learning experience." Then I had a thought. This is just the beginning of letting Carson feeling some discomfort so that he can learn an important life lesson. When I think about what lays ahead letting him cry himself to sleep is nothing. But it's big enough for today. One step at a time.

This is SO Hard

Right now I am listening to my sweet six month old little boy cry as hard as I have ever heard him cry. I am trying to let him learn the fine art of putting himself to sleep. I neglected to let him to do this when he was younger and now I am paying for it. He has been at it for a good hour now. I have been going in every 15 minutes to reassure him that I am there but he seems to be in it for the long haul.This is new territory. Kate slept through the night at 10 weeks and has never looked back. I didn't realize that I was creating a bad sleeper until he started getting up multiple times during the night. Lately he has been getting up every hour and Jared and I have been doing the big no no, picking him up and rocking him back to sleep. But we are so tired. We would do anything for some sleep so we do the next big no no, bring him to our bed to sleep. He's six months old and should have learned this by now. Oh but my heart is hurting for him and I am wanting to go and pick him up right now. And Jared can hardly stand to hear him cry. I will probably cave tonight. Any advice? Please?!??!? This is SO hard!

Wonder Boy at Six Months!!!

Can you beat that? Our boy Carson is SIX months. This little boy is loving his life right now. He is sitting up all by himself for long periods of time. He is eating baby food and rice cereal. He is grabbing at our food non stop. In fact, the other morning when we had all piled into our bed for our Saturday cuddle time. Kate was eating a waffle and before we knew it Carson had grabbed it from her hand and stuffed it into his mouth. He didn't know what to do with it once it was in his mouth but he seemed very pleased with himself. We discovered last week end that he loves the pool. He splashed and laughed the entire time we were there. When he is waiting for his cereal in his high chair he will start banging his hand on the tray. Bam bam!! He goes by many names at our house, including, Carse, Bubba, Bubs, Bubby, and Hubba Bubba. He loves to be tickled. His hair is getting really blonde and a wee bit thicker on the top. He loves his bouncy chair and will jump and jump for some really big bounces.When he sits on my lap sometimes I feel like he is going to jump right off! He is still very cuddly and snuggly. I so love this little boy. And I feel so incredibly blessed that he is my son.

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Scenes From a Pink Bench

Dum Dee Dum sitting on a bench. La ti da sitting on a bench....

Hey, Bubba. You have something in your mouth...here let me help you take it out.

There isn't that better? Why do you need this thing? What's so great about this thing? Wait, why are you crying?

Wow! I gave it back and he's still crying! Can you beat that?

Well, I guess that's that! What to do, what to do?

Summertime Cupcakes

I was in the kitchen again this weekend to try my hand at cupcakes. Each set has something to do with summer. I love doing this because it really brings out my creative side.

Sweet Scene

Ever since I saw two pink lines on that pregnancy test last June that told me Kate was going to have a brother I have dreamed about seeing this particular scene. In the midst of their parents chaos (we were getting dinner ready for care group) these two were quietly playing together. As close as they have ever been. Kate usually goes off by herself to play when Carson is around. But this time she played right next to him. Sweet indeed.