Carter Turned ONE

Our little sweetheart turned one. He makes such cute faces

and laughs and smiles all of the time. He has the sweetest disposition.

He enjoyed his birthday party. He had fun splattering the

frosting on the floor and eating the cake. We feel so blessed

to have both our beautiful children.

We're still Alive and Around

It's been awhile since we've updated this. We are doing well! We spent a lot of time at Disneyland these days. We got annual passes this year and during this season is the best time to go because it is not busy at all. We have so much fun (of course).

Avery loves Buzz Lightyear and Peter Pan.

This is Avery's snow white bike and she loves to sit on it in her favorite nightgown. She is a girl who loves pink.

Bath time

Brian took Avery on a Daddy-daughter date to D-land.

They had a good time just the two of them

They're Growing Up so Much!

Carter's first outing after surgery!!!

Goin' Swimming.

So sweet.

After Surgery

Carter's surgery went well.  His surgeon was able to make the repair he required.  The 24 hours following surgery he was draining quite of bit of blood so he required more blood transfusions but they were able to get that under control.  He currently has buildup in his lungs and fluid around his lungs.  They are working to take care of both of these problems.  It looks like he will still require oxygen for a while at home until his lungs get strong enough without, but the goal is to ween him eventually. He is doing very well today.  He was "talking" to me a lot and to the nurses.  They all think he is so cute and come visit him often.  He has been such a trooper through this whole thing.  The Unit can't believe how calm and sweet he is.  After surgery I guess he was going a little wild but we found out today that sometimes Morphine and Down's Syndrome don't mix.  This picture was taken a few days after surgery.  I decided I wouldn't scare anyone with a picture of ventilators, catheters, and other IV lines,  so this is a toned down version of what he looked like after surgery. Thank you all for your prayers and love.  We hope to bring Carter home very soon!

Fun Pictures

Here are some fun pictures of Avery and Carter!

Avery just got her big girl bed. She loves it and wants to play on it all the time.

This is Carter the day before surgery. We were having a hard time getting any good ones because he kept moving around so much, but here he is.

Avery wanted to wear my shoes like she always does, and just as the picture was taking, she decided she wanted to put her finger in her nose. She just started this. She'll walk up to me, put her finger in her nose and say, "Mommy look" ... kids will be kids I guess.

I can't believe how much she is growing up.

So we have to check Carter's heart before we give him his medication and about a week ago I checked his heart, went to grab the medication off the counter in the kitchen, and came out to find Avery checking his heart. When she noticed me she said, " Mommy it's good." She is so cute with him.

Here is our little man, sooooo cute!

Carter's Blessing

We had Carter's baby blessing in our home and some friends and family came to share the day with us.  He looked so cute in his little outfit.  These pictures really don't show how cute he was but here they are anyway.  Oma and Ompa came down we had a really good time.  It is always sad to see them go. Oh, and for those of you who don't know Carter is having his heart surgery on the 30th of this month.  We are getting so excited, and scared, but mostly excited.  We have heard that after these little ones have surgery there are amazing differences!!

Carter's Last Hospital Visit

We have had a couple long weeks, but things are going much better.  Carter had been having fevers for 3 weeks and finally they admitted him back into the hospital and then released him 2 days later, that same day his fever was 107.00 and his heart rate was 230.  His normal rate is between 120-160 so you can tell how high it was.  Anyway, he ended up with a digestive infection so we were in the hospital for another 7 days.  Aunt Becca came down to help.  She is almost finished with nursing school so she was able to say and do things we wouldn't have known to do.  Thanks Becca.  Avery had fun playing with her to.  We were sad to see her go.

Aunt Becca did her hair

Isn't that a sweet smile of his even in the hospital 

he is such a good baby