Carter Update

Dear Everyone,

As many of you know, Carter has had some health problems and he came in a very special body. To update everyone, Carter has Down's syndrome and a heart defect that will require surgery in 4 to 6 months. He was born on February 7, 2009 at 9:54 am. He weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and measured 19 1/2 in. long. He has blondish brown hair, dark blue eyes (but those are subject to change), olive skin, and the cutest little face.

Carter had to stay at the hospital in the NICU due to the need to start medications for his heart and lungs. His stay was then extended to present day due to decreased body temperature, a bacterial infection, and loss of weight. He is also having problems keeping his oxygen levels normal, so he is on oxygen and being fed through a tube. He often gets too tired to eat and it is too much stress for his heart. Currently, antibiotics have cleared the infection, his body temperature has stabilized (allowing him to come out of the incubator), and he is eating better again and gaining weight. If he is still clear of infection and improving in the other areas by next Tuesday, then he will get to come home. YAY!!! But we are skeptical, because he really likes the nurses so he may find a way to stay longer, and they really like him too.

We will have to work very hard to keep him healthy and strong. Because of his heart condition and other factors, his immune system is weak and any illness could be very serious. As a result, we will not be taking him to public areas until after his surgery. We will also have to keep ourselves healthy and avoid any sick visitors from coming to our place. We appreciate your help and understanding in this matter. His heart medication will strengthen his weak heart. He has a "hole" in the center of his heart. All four chambers are exposed to each other due to the absence of the separation between the left and right chambers. So the surgeons will create a “barrier” and create two valves out of the existing large valve that separates the top and bottom chambers.

The first couple of days, both Abby and I were living at the hospital thanks to the help of Abby's mom who stayed with Avery. With the need for parental love for Avery, I am now spending most of my time at home with Avery and sleeping at home. Abby comes home for a while to spend time with Avery and I, but spends a lot of time, including nights, at the hospital. We have received (and continue to receive) much help from family and friends. We thank you for all of your love, support and prayers. He has already been a blessing in our lives and we love him so much. We can't wait to bring him so that we can have our family all together. And I can't wait to take to places like the beach and teach him how to play basketball and all other sorts of things he won't be able to do for years. We know the road will be hard, but we also know that we can make it. We will keep you updated on his progress and more pictures are to come. We wish you all the best.

Love,

The Rex Family

He's Here!!!

Yay!!! Our beautiful new edition has come. Carter was born on Sat., February 7th, 2009 at 9:54 am. He weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and measured 19 1/2 in. long. He has dark brown eyes, blondish brown hair and the cutest facial expressions. As many of you may know, he is still in the hospital with some health concerns. He should be coming home around Feb. 14th or 15th. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Bringing him home will be a great gift. Thank you to all that have helped, offered prayers, and expressed their love!!! We love you all.

Introducing Carter Hanson Rex

OUR PRECIOUS LITTLE ONE

So Small

He has such a sweet smile

Here is Carter, mommy and daddy.

Carter trying to stop the papparrazi. "No pictures, please."

Isn't he cute?!

Mommy looking good after giving birth.

Daddy looks tired or at least he can't open his eyes.

Carter hanging out with Grammy.

Carter with Poppa.

UPDATES

I thought I would write a post letting everyone know we will almost be a family of four.  We are getting so excited to invite this little guy into our family.  We are nervous how Avery will respond, but I think any parent is especially when they are expecting their second.  We anticipate that Avery is going to be his "little mommy" she loves babies and loves to take care of her dolls. 

We are still waiting to hear back from more dental schools right now.  We are finding that this is the hardest part... waiting.  Who likes to do that?! But it's all part of the process I guess. Brian has been able to be home more the last two weeks and it has been such a big help for me. The end of pregnancy is never fun so it's nice that Brian plays with Avery and can give me a break.  Well, I think that's it.  We will let you know when the baby comes and hopefully post pictures faster than we did Christmas.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

I have been accused of not being a very good blogger... and it's true, I'm not.  But here are a few pictures of Christmas to catch everyone one up on us.  Avery was a little overwhelmed again.  We are learning that one or two things is really all these little ones need. She was excited about her new bitty baby for Ompa and Oma and tricycle from Brian and I. It was nice that Grammy and Grandpa's baby buggy arrived two weeks late so she could be really excited about getting that.  She loves to put her baby in it and lets us know that "Baby's sleeping" 

Avery has this things with shutting her eyes for pictures when she says "cheese" eventually we hope to actually see her eyes in a posed picture.

Avery is very into Mommy's accessories right now.  She needs to wear my earrings, bracelets, and necklaces all the time.  Make up time is also getting to be a big deal.  It usually consists of eyeliner and eyeshadow on the cheeks but it is all very cute. 

Hannah got Brian these "perfect pushup" things.  Now Avery has to be involved every time she sees Brian doing them.  He's always good about letting her get her exercise time in too.

The Gingerbread House

This is Avery's first gingerbread house.  We did it Christmas Eve and she had such a great time with the candy.  She would put one on the house, give a couple to Grandpa and then a few to herself.  We were impressed with how long she was involved, but when she was finished she raised her arms and said "ALL DONE" and then hopped off Grammy's lap.  We all had a good laugh.

Hannah and I tried to be in charge of the frosting.  Grammy had her thoughts of what she wanted the house to look like... I think we missed her vision.

AVERY BEING AVERY

Oma got Avery this skirt for her birthday and she absolutely loves it.  When she wears it to church she has to wear it all morning over her pajamas before we get ready.  She is such a girl.  Last week she wanted to wear the bloomers on her head so of course that meant picture time.  She cracks us up.

Striking a pose