this is our happily ever after

around the house {in photos}

the magic formula

literally....

At Karsten's 2 week check up Brian and I were talking to the doctor about his tummy trouble.  When he was awake he fussed, cried, groaned, etc.  He was clearly miserable, which in turn, made us miserable for him (and us). 

I told her what formula we were using (Similac Sensitive), what bottles we were using (Playtex Drop Ins) and that we were also using Mylicon faithfully.  She recommended that we switch bottles and try something I had never heard of, Gripe Water. 

After the doctors appointment I went straight to Target to get Playtex Vent Air bottles and some Gripe Water (which can be found near the Mylicon).  Within 24 hours we began noticing a difference in our little boy's tummy troubles.  He still has his fair share of gurgles and toots (yes, in 15 years he will be thrilled that I shared that with you), but he is so much better.  Occasionally I will still use Mylicon in addition to the Gripe Water if I sense that he's extra agitated.  Our pediatrician said it was fine to combine the two.  Gripe Water is more natural, consisting of fennel, ginger, and sodium bicarbonate. 

I share this with you to share with other new mothers who are struggling with gassy babies.  It may or may not work for their babies, but in my opinion it's worth a try. 

 

Karsten's First Easter {a weekend in San Antonio}

Back in February Brian and I booked two nights over Easter weekend at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort.  My aunt, uncle, and cousins also booked nights at the same resort.  After we booked our rooms we found out that Brian's aunt and uncle, his brother's family, and his cousin's family would also be in San Antonio over Easter weekend at a different resort. Shortly after that we found out that my aunt and uncle from Germany along with my cousin from D.C would be there visiting my cousin Kate.  My parent's decided they couldn't miss out on the festivities so they came too. 

When we got Karsten, Brian and I had to make a decision whether or not we would still go to San Antonio.  We decided that since it wasn't flu season, and so many family members would be there, it was the perfect opportunity to introduce our little guy to the family.  

Karsten did fantastic on the drive.  He got upset over half way through, but once I got into the backseat and held his pacifier in his mouth he was good to go until we got to the resort. 

So many people were excited to meet the newest member.

Auntie Jessica

Michael and Jessica, two of my cousins

We met the Balbin family at Rudy's BBQ for dinner, which happened to be Karsten's first restaurant.  My cousin Kate could hardly wait to hold Karsten

 

my cousin Kristina was also excited to welcome Karsten to the family

We also all got to meet Kate's boyfriend, Austin

Family Friends who live outside of SA also joined in on the fun!

Kelly also brought X and E to meet their new "cousin" Karsten

Saturday--Once Brian were up and ready we took Karsten outside for a walk around the beautiful resort.  This is my favorite family picture to date. 

Brian and I look forward to bringing Karsten here when he's older.  This resort is very kid friendly!

Then Brian, Karsten, and I headed to the JW Marriott to visit with his side of the family.

our nephew, Braedon

We had lunch

and walked outside for a bit

then found a place inside to visit

Aunt Shanda

G-Pa (Brian's Dad), Brian, and Karsten

Next we went to my cousin Kate's townhouse to spend some more time with the Balbin family.  Emma couldn't wait to hold the baby.

Brian and I met the rest of my family in Gruene for dinner at the Grist Mill---YUM!!!

 

look at those onion rings!!! 

Sunday--After packing up the car and having a Mexican brunch we drove back to Houston.  Before my Dad had to go to the airport I snapped a few more photos.  I loved having my parents here to celebrate this very special Easter with us.  My Mom is staying through next week and will be helping me pack up the house. 

 

super simple personalized brag book

I found this inexpensive baby photo album at Target and knew it was perfect to keep in a purse.  I wanted to personalize it though and added letter stickers to spell out Karsten's name.  It literally took me 1 minute tops and it cost $2 plus the letter stickers which I already had. 

jazzed up thank you cards

Little Karsten has already been given so many gifts that I knew I needed to get going on thank you cards.  I looked at Target and didn't really like any of the baby themed ones, so I bought these instead...knowing that I could make them cuter.

I went through my paper stash and found two different striped papers and cut them into 1/2"x5" strips

Then I adhered one strip to the front of the card and voila...much cuter thank you cards that can be used for many different occasions.

it took me about 25 minutes to complete 48 cards and helped me to feel creative, something I was needing to feel

the first week

Yesterday marked the first week of becoming parents.  In some ways the week has been harder than expected and in other ways much easier.

1. I am getting by on less sleep than I'm accustomed to and doing really well.  I'm thinking mostly clear, I'm accomplishing some things around the house, and am staying on top of a daily to do list.

2. Karsten has his fussy moments and 90% of the time they occur because of gas.

3. All in all he is a very sweet baby who sleeps A LOT. As I type this post he's sleeping on my bed (don't worry I'm on the bed too!)

4. Although the past couple of days he's stayed alert for 30+ minutes, content to look around.  He loves looking at the balloons my friend Christine brought over.

5. He eats about every 3 hours and seems to do really well with the schedule we have him on.  Our only issue is that he drifts off to sleep while eating, so we've had to figure out ways to keep him alert enough to eat.

6. He's had a lot of visitors this past week. 

7. He goes through about 8 diapers per day.

8. We've switched his formula to Similac Sensitive

9. Brian and I have been fed well due to our great friends and family members.

10. Most of the time parenting suits us well, although I'd be lying if I said there's been no frustration.  Structure and feeding times now dictate our lives, but flexibility is the key to happiness.

 

photos from Aunt Kelly

I was so happy that Kelly was willing to drop everything and drive here Sunday to help document our first hours as parents.  Karsten will know Kelly as Aunt Kelly because she will be like an Aunt to him like I am like an Aunt to X and E.

the new daddy

If I'm called Aunt La La will Kelly be called Aunt Lee Lee?

Great Aunt Connie

Daddy reading the Bible to Karsten

Mommy swaddling Karsten (something she's gotten quite good at!)

Feeding time

This photo cracks me up!

Is there anything more precious than baby feet?

1 week old

Karsten is a week old today...a week ago I was frantically preparing for the possiblity of being a mother...now I spend my time doing laundry, cleaning bottles, and caring for Karsten.  Brian and I are still working out some kinks in how differently we handle situations, but we'll get there. 

 

Hope you enjoyed the video...Karsten doesn't do much, be he sure is cute!

10 things that I've been reminded of this week

1. God's plan is far better than anything we could ask or imagine.  If you would have asked me a month ago what my deepest adoption dream would be I would have told you a Hispanic girl...now I cannot imagine life without my sweet natured, beautiful baby boy! 

2. It's not worth trying to manipulate God's plan...when we found out just over a week ago that we might get a baby boy I hesitated for a second, always imagining myself with a girl. We could have said no based on what I had always imagined...but then I reminded myself that God was in control and He knew best.  Thankfully I've already learned that lesson a time or two...or three!

3. Prayer works---there were so many people lifting us and the birthmom up in prayer.  I believe that the intercession and faith of other believers is what gave her peace and strength to follow through with her plan.

4. God can use unplanned pregnancies and tough situations for His purposes.  Praise Him for that!

5. I really can get by on less sleep than I'm used to...praise Him for that too!

6. Brian is amazing.  He's been very hands on from changing diapers, to feeding, to helping with bathtime, to reading and singing to Karsten.

7. There's really nothing like good friends.

8. Babies love to be swaddled.

9. Mylicon is a life saver. 

10. My kitties are great.  Zoe is a bit jealous of the baby...she has been extremely needy, but she's adjusting and we're making a point to give her extra love.  Oliver is curious and scared of Karsten.  He's not one to like loud noises and although Karsten is usually quiet and content, he occasionally screams and cries and Oliver hides. 

the meaning of the name

We've had many people ask where we got the name Karsten.

Several years ago some friends of ours were trying to come up with a boy's name for a child they were expecting.  They asked us if we knew any good names.  Well Brian and I love to research things like that so we started researching and Brian checked out German names.  Karsten was one of the names---the name we both loved and agreed on. 

Karsten is Greek or German in origin and means Annointed One, Blessed One---it's kind of like naming the baby Christian.  WE LOVE IT...

Edward means guardian of prosperity.  My grandfather's name was Edward and Brian's fathers', grandfather's, and great grandfather's middle name was Edward.