One week old!

Sweet Caris is one week old today. It's been a crazy beautiful week! I can't believe all that has happened over the course of just 7 short days. Our little girls has been an absolute joy and we have enjoyed every second of our time with her.

What we've been up to....

- Made my grand entrance into the world!

- Had an adventurous trip home from the hospital.

- Explored my new world and home

- Took my first bath

-Had my first trip to the doctor

- Tried on some new clothes

- Helped my grandma machita plant some flowers

- Went for my first walk

- Loved checking out my new toys: I especially love my lambie swing and pack-n-play bed

- Had lots of dirty diapers!

- Learning how to eat

- Teaching my parents how to take care of me

- Loving having family and friends come to visit!

We are completely in awe of how precious this little one is. It is truly amazing to witness such a miracle and we are so grateful for this blessing God has given us. Garrett and I feel so privileged to be allowed to be parents to this beautiful baby. Our lives are truly enriched and I have felt such a sense of purpose and love as I care for our little child. I have treasured each moment of this first week in our new lives.

Through the exhaustion and trying to figure out just how we are supposed to care for a newborn, we have experienced true and pure joy. Caris is an alert little girl and is already engaging with her deep blue eyes; I love when she focuses in on us and her surroundings. She is also quite strong, she pulls and holds up her little head and is rolling onto her side.....makes me a nervous wreck! She loves to snuggle on momma and daddy's chest and is such a content little baby. I can't wait to see what God has in store for this new little life! Happy One Week little Caris!!!

Created

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."

"It starts in my toes

                                          

         

                    

                              

                And I crinkle my nose

Where ever it goes I always know

That you make me smile

Please stay for a while now

Just take your time

Wherever you go"

 - Colbie Caillat - Bubbly - 

"I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well"    

Psalms 139: 13-14

Caris and Camille...The last 5 days...

Camille at 37.5      weeks - 

  Caris minus 3        days

Instant mutual fascination and addiction!

Comfort from momma's hands!

Our peaceful "nugget" of a blessing!

We all made it home last night and our new world is beautiful.

G

Sunrise, Sunrise....

21 April 2009     0830

"Sunrise.....

 Sunrise.....

 It's like morning in your eyes....."

As this Norah Jones song played on my iPhone at 8am this morning, and Caris's beautiful big blue eyes checked me over, I had my first dance with my little 17-hour baby girl.....Amazing!!

Her eyes were blissfully content yet curiously inquisitive.

Look at the morning in those eyes - makes for one heck of a sunrise!

Garrett

ODE TO CARIS....

With Caris's arrival quickly approaching, her grandfather JJ (Camille's dad) put his pen to paper and found inspiration.  We were touched and enlightened by his words, talent, and the emotion, love, and spirituality found in his gifted articulation of our blessed connection to Caris, our Creator, and each other.  We wanted to share his words with our friends and family and with his blessing we do so here: 

"To Know To Meet"

 

Now like a new star emerging

            Many before and after

            No less diminishes – maybe magnifies

            We know you

By our shared sparks of life

            Now new, unique, impressed

            With the breath of God

            Connecting us all

By your name

            That moment

            Your identity implied

            What you will define

By the sound

            Your presence beats

            Into the planet and

            The beat you share with us

By our intrusions

            Into a secret Trinity

            Illuminating briefly

            What’s so close

Soon by the air we share

            Eyes to eyes

            Mind to mind

            Spirit to spirit

 

                        - Jeff Jones

                 April 2009 

Easter....Baby??

Easter weekend was quite an eventful weekend! Since we are officially on Baby Watch 2009, both our respective families decided to stay and/or come to the Houston area for the holiday. We were so blessed to spend great time with the Blundells and the Jones crew. The families were hoping for an 'Easter Baby' given the latest progress.



I have tried to remain very guarded in my expectations for Caris' arrival. It's hard to prepare for the possibility of an early arrival while also balancing the idea that she could still hold out for a few more weeks. Garrett and I did not think that our 'Easter Baby' was possible, even though there were several signs indicating that it could be in the cards.


So....Sunday morning at around 2:00 a.m. I started having pretty regular and painful contractions. I have had several episodes of contractions over the past few weeks that lasted for a few hours, so I figured it was much of the same. Around 7:00 a.m. the contractions became less than 5 minutes apart and after over an hour of that, I called the doctor and they directed me to the hospital to be monitored and checked. I was kind of in disbelief as I thought there was no way that this could all be happening after all the speculation of the Easter baby! But I followed all the instructions and all signs pointed to labor, so we trekked up to the hospital. They got me all hooked up to the monitors and contractions were pretty consistent at 2 minutes apart for the next hour. However, I had not progressed enough to be considered in active labor, so they sent me home. (With dishcarge papers directing me to return when my contractions were 2 minutes apart....??) I had contractions for the next 6 hours that were about every 2 minutes. But no Easter baby! Sweet Caris gave it her best shot to come meet everyone :) She wanted to be part of the celebration.


Our doctor's appointment on Monday indicated that progress has been made to the point that there is no more to be made other than to have this baby! So here we are, wondering if that will be hours, days, or weeks. It feels strange to be in this holding pattern of waiting and speculating. This week of hospital visits, doctor's updates, work, and continued baby preparations have begun to take their toll on this momma. I am so grateful to have the continued support and presence of my family and we know that Caris will arrive on God's perfect timing.


My sweet husband just sent me a message containing the statement 'Your body's sacrifice will soon reveal its joy'. The truth in this not only offered great comfort for my current circumstance but also serves as a wonderful conclusion to our 'Easter baby'. The sacrifice made for us on this day exemplifies this sentiment. Jesus did exactly that; sacrificed his body for the hope that we may all experience the joy that is salvation in Him and in our relationship with our Creator. I am so thankful that I am able to experience one of God's most perfect creations in the form of the new little life we are about to meet and am humbled by the bodily sacrifice Christ made for me so that I may live a new life in Him. I am truly overwhelmed by the joy bestowed on us through 'sacrifice' . Easter. Baby.

'Now I lay me down to sleep'

After almost a full 9 months, a week of assistance by our hardworking Machita, a devoted day of PTO, hours of sewing plus a weekend of help from Grammy Jane, and many hours of work by daddy G, we can FINALLY say that Caris has a place ready for her arrival! So join us for a little photo tour of her room...

I have loved picking out each item for little Caris' room. From the beginning, I have been drawn to garden items for our little girl. I think she is a nature lover! We've implemented birds, twigs, butterflies, and flowers into the decor, she definitely guided the process.

I searched far and wide for bedding fabric that I felt suited my vision for the room. It was more challenging than I envisioned. I finally found some 'big girl' bedding at a store in Sonoma, CA for 50% off! Luckily, my mother-in-law is quite talented and had offered to create the nursery bedding, curtains, and other items out of the fabric. I think it turned out great!! Just what I was hoping for. Caris' crib is a pewter metal and was one of my first and favorite purchases, as part of our Christmas gift from Garrett's parents. I love the 'antique' look and I am hopeful that it will be an heirloom piece.

For her name, I found these cool letters made from twigs and dried flower/herbs; I was obsessed and couldn't wait to put them up in her room! I love the little butterflies my mom found hanging in the corner. In her crib, you can also see her little Dr. Dennis monkey that Aunt Shelby gave Caris, she's going to love him! Caris's closet and room are also stuffed with the gifts from the many who have shown her much love and graciousness already. Her room brims with the evidence that Aunt Alli has made certain that she will never be without a cozy, stuffed animal to cuddle with, a book to read, or a cute little outfit to wear. Her closet contains all her baby gear, with a hook-up from Jordan and Natalie who gave her some of her needed items. I will have to get some pictures soon of some of our other favorite items :) The nursery has truly been a group effort!

Garrett, the master furniture man, refinished an old dresser to match her crib. I think it turned out great! We were able to find some cool knobs to match as well. I think it looks even better with her frilly pink dress and pink tutu on it (courtesy of Auntie TJ who makes sure Caris is always pretty in pink ruffles!). Machita convinced me to add a pink rug (which you can kind of see below) and I am so glad she did! I think it adds just the right amount of color.

Let me just say this glider is AMAZING! I have already spent several hours in it and it is truly my new favorite place in the house. It was our Christmas present from my parents and I think it is going to get some great use! (It turns completely around, rocks, and glides!) Her sweet little pink 'birdie' lamp is right beside the chair ready for hours of reading. I really love the curtains on this window as well, so soft and sweet.

Garrett also custom made her changing table at a height

more manageable for her pops and that will function as a bookshelf for our little learner. I guess that means that he now has diaper duty?? I was so impressed with how the changer turned out and love that Caris will have something that her Dad made in her room. Grammy Jane is working on basket liners out of the blue fabric to match the bumper. I think it is going to be great! We stole the butterfly pics from my mom's house, but I love how they tie everything together. We have some finishing touches to make, but overall are excited to feel like things are in place.

Caris! Your room is ready for you! We went into overdrive this week/weekend partly because the latest Dr's visit indicates that we continue to make progress towards meeting our little girl. We aren't sure how quickly she will continue to make her way, but we are ready for her when she chooses to maker her debut.

We hope your little room is a welcoming place for you! I know we will spend many hours together here.

'I pray the Lord my soul to keep.'

Why can I not wait for Caris to arrive?

DISCLAIMER: This is Garrett speaking - All forthcoming statements are my opinions and my opinions only. They should not be viewed as representing the opinions of the To B.... blog, Camille, Caris or the Blundell household at large. Read at your own risk...

(don't worry, I sought and received clearance for a post from the editor-in-chief - that is as long as I included the above disclaimer. I guess she thinks I am a radical, fringe sort of writer or something:)

The following post may not be in line with the Blog's intentions but it branched off of another post that I was putting together and so I include it here. Camille warned me about my posts becoming novelesque. So, with that editorial advice in mind, I split this off as its own, somewhat random post.

The reasons that I cannot wait for Caris to arrive are truly endless but these are some that really make me excited:

- I cannot wait to hold her in my arms and just "jam out" with her for hours. Her Ipod is ready for "game time" at a moments notice! She is going to love it as much as myself - I just have a feeling! Her little ears, neurons and mind are going to eat it up! She may not have the physical strength to dance for awhile but her mind will be dancing without a doubt.

- I cannot wait to wiggle her mini-fingers and mini-toes between my "Goliaths".

- I cannot wait to read her eyes and feel her little eyes read mine.

- I cannot wait to kiss her little "Camille" nose.

- I cannot wait to feel the breath of her life against my cheek.

- I cannot wait to experience the raw life that she will radiate.

- I cannot wait to watch the little gears turn in her noggin when her eyes engage her SWEET art cards.

- I cannot wait to see her mother in her. I cannot wait to see myself in her. I cannot wait to see our Creator in her.

- I cannot wait to share in her innocence and naivety while being mentored by her lack of prejudices. I envision her purity as being endlessly refreshing.


- I cannot wait to mooch off of the simplicity that she will embody - the simplicity of a life that, for a while at least, will remain free from the societal convolutions and perversions of a fallen humanity.


- I cannot wait to soak-up the spirit of contented peace that is encountered when vulnerability is cared for and sheltered.


I guess it still became somewhat of a novel....


Cheers to you, Caris!


Safe travels....


Garrett

Another type of expansion.....

Due to popular request and as someone who easily complies with requests...

I will demonstrate proof of my own expansion project.

The BELLY!!!

Belly at 12 weeks!! You can see the little pouch there :)  

Although Garrett says I was 'pushing it out'

Belly at 20 weeks! Starting to show....early December I think? 

At 26 weeks!! Really starting to show then. Between this picture and the previous, I could no conceal the pregnancy with my clothes at work....

The most recent shot! At 34 weeks. Of course it is the one that is a 'close up' so I look even bigger! I wanted to wear the same pants throughout but I can't find them right now.... That must mean that I need to do laundry....

A few benefits of the growing belly:

- Serves as an ever present conversation piece. Perfect strangers have no qualms asking about due date, commenting on my size, speculating on baby's gender, and offering sage (and not so sage) 'advice'. Those awkward silences on elevators and such confined places now have a simple transition to conversation. Regardless if I would like to participate in said conversation or not.

- SOMETIMES (an emphasis on some) I get preferred seating at crowded meetings. People are a little nicer about giving up their spot at the table when a large belly is hovering around..... although sometimes the seat is so coveted that it precludes chivalry. But my chances for a chair have dramatically improved as the belly grows. 

- I currently have an ever present resting place for my hands, papers, drinks, candy.....the 'shelf' is functional! 

- The belly also allows my caloric intake to continue to increase guilt free in public places. Saying 'baby's hungry' with a smile allows me to consume all the extra deserts I please. 

- Most of all, it serves as daily proof of the continued growth and health of baby Caris! It is amazing to have a daily reminder of the miracle of a new life. Keep on growing belly!

Linking you to the Bayou City....

Weekends in the Blundell household have been fully filled affairs in recent months. We are typically traveling to various destinations to celebrate one of our families many life events. Last week's trip to my doctor resulted in a prohibition of travel this past weekend as baby has evidently made some early progress.

How my suitcase has remained for the past 2 months....embarrassing? yes. but reality....

With travels halted, we missed out on my sister Tara's wonderful Albany pre-wedding reception party. My parents hosted a local event so those who couldn't travel to Sonoma for the wedding could celebrate with the Bobby and Tara. We hated to miss it! They all worked so hard and a lot of friends and family were able to attend. From what I hear, it turned out to be a great event.

My sisters attempted to make me feel included in the 'getting ready' process by sending me pictures of the bride; always a fun time for the Jones girls. Tara looks so BEAUTIFUL!! She's going to be a gorgeous bride. I hated to miss out!

So, instead of traveling, we filled our weekend with several Houston events. Saturday morning we attended the 4th Annual SCOPE Run . This event promotes awareness for Colorectal Cancer; March was colorectal awareness month, so although I am a day behind, check out the website and this video and be informed! I am the chair person for the Kid's 1K and entertainment, so I coerced Garrett into helping me coordinate the event that morning. When we arrived at 5:00 a.m., it was 32 degrees and didn't warm up until 10:00!! It was so cold, the kid's couldn't even participate in all the games we had arranged. Other than then the temperamental Houston weather, the event was a great success. We had a record number of participants and the kid's were entertained by a clown, puppet show, carnival games, arts and crafts, police officers fingerprinting, and a SUPER Colon!! A fun, but tiring, morning.

Continuing with the theme of weather, Sunday was one of those rare afternoons where all was right with the weather in Houston. A perfectly clear, warm, and non-humid day where the sun and breeze both made their presence known. We don't get too many of those around here! So to take full advantage of the day, Marci and I conspired to (coerce? include? bribe? force?) our respective spouses to join us at the Bayou City Art Festival. Although the traffic/shuttles/ crowds were initially a little more than we anticipated, we had a GREAT afternoon enjoying the local scene, checking out some great art, and visiting with one of our favorite couples, the Lane's! In the end, I think Garrett and Tyler enjoyed the art booths more than their wives did :) Garrett became obsessed with this :

The amazing wooden music boxes that G obsessed over....evidently Ben Harper plays one these drums. Subsequently, G and I have a renewed appreciation for this song/video....enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRm8PfrsCs8


What a great weekend in the Bayou City!!