4th kid - first week

Carson has been with us for one week now.  The last time we had a newborn, Rachel was four and a half years old (same age as Kendall now) and Andrew was two years old.  I must have been drowning, except I wasn't drowning because I didn't know any different!  It's funny how that works.  This time around, Rachel is 9, Andrew is 6.5 and Kendall is 4.5 and it has a completely different feel.  I am really enjoying watching the big kids with him.  He has been getting a lot of love from them - probably more than he bargained for.

Rachel is a baby hog, and would hold him for hours if I let her, but it is very rewarding to see her taking care of Carson so well - she is being selfless and motherly.  I am trusting her more and more as she gets more comfortable with a tiny infant.  Andrew is interested, but only for a few minutes a couple times a day.  He does talk a lot about the future and all the fun things they'll do and all the matching outfits they will have.  Kendall is minimally interested, but safe enough that I don't have to worry about her poking him or trying to pick him up out of the swing.  She loves giving him kisses and talks about him, but doesn't ask to hold him all that much.

I LOVE my newborns.  I have felt so much joy and happiness this week just being at home with my family and spending time getting to know Carson.  I feel like this newborn honeymoon stage is a reward for being pregnant for 9 months!  I feel like he knows me and trusts me completely and feels safe in my arms.  All I have to do is talk to him and he is reassured that I am near.  I love when he curls up on my chest and cuddles and when he dive bombs at my neck with a wide open mouth ready to eat.  I like nursing fine, but I always stress about how much they are getting since I tend to have a lower milk supply.  We will see how long it lasts with Carson - I'd like to exclusively nurse until 3 months if possible.

Brandon took the older three kids to the Allred reunion this weekend, so it's just Carson and I spending time together at home.  Not only that - but Brandon and my mom did all the yard work before he left and then my mom came and helped get the house clean.  Nothing better than being alone (with Carson) in a quiet, clean house enjoying a sweet newborn.  Dream come true!  I am so lucky - thank you, Brandon!

Side by side of Andrew and Carson - they look very similar, but he also has some Rachel

ALLRED REUNION