5 weeks!

Mackenzie is 5 weeks today!

Lovin' my scooter!

Carter rc'vd a scooter from Grandma for his birthday and LOVES it.

Mackenzie's hip.

We took Mackenzie back to Duke today and unfortunately her hip did not correct itself. Therefore, she has been fitted for a Pavlik harness and has to wear it for 6 weeks. According to her Orthopedic doctor the success rate is 95% - so, we shouldn't see any set backs in the future.

Definition: A Pavlik harness is used in the treatment of hip dysplasia in infants. The Pavlik harness is fit to the baby and holds his or her hips in proper position. By flexing up the legs, and allowing the knees to fall outwards, the hips are held in proper position. By doing so, the hip joint is properly reduced, and the hips will form normally.

With the exception of a few inconveniences like changing her diaper, holding her a bit differently and no baths it hasn't been too bad. We can handle anything for a few weeks, right?!

Only our little princess could make this crazy contraption look cute!

The look on her face is priceless!


We'll go back every two weeks to have it checked - just to assure it is still fitting her properly.

Bath time!

Mackenzie really enjoys her bath time!

Rose!

Every year (yeah, all three of them) on Carter's birthday I receive a rose. This year was no exception - though, I didn't think it was going to happen since it was after Carter's bedtime before my rose arrived :-) Josh went out for Chinese takeout after all of our guest had left from the birthday fill weekend, in hand was a beautiful yellow rose. So sweet.

The after party!

We had a little get together back at the house to celebrate Carter's birthday with all of our family.

Carter rc'vd a hockey set from Brennan -- loves it! Thanks guys.

Relaxing.

Playin' a little corn hole.

Go Mountaineers!

Uncle Mattie even got in on a little soccer.

Happy 3rd Birthday Carter!

Carter had a GREAT 3rd Birthday. Nana & Granddaddy bought Carter a new fishing pole. Uncle Matt was able to make the trip and got to meet Mackenzie! Leave it to Auntie Ramie to put a silly hat on Kenzie. We celebrated Carter's birthday @ Bounce U in Apex... thanks to everyone that made his day so special. Click here to see all the shindig pictures!

Pretty in pink.

Mackenzie sure does look adorable in all of her pink... thank goodness, cause we've got a ton of it.

Five.on.Friday

1) Do I dare put this in writing.... probably shouldn't - but, here goes. Kenzie slept 7+ hours two nights this week. I'm certain it will be a short lived phase, but I will be sure to enjoy the sleep every chance I get.

All stretched out!
Crazy sleep position... does not look comfortable at all, but she was out.

2) Carter has spent a few hours in Miss Julie's class this week and though he says he doesn't like it his teachers are telling me otherwise. Apparently, he is doing really well and seems to be having fun while he is there. I think they will do another week of transition then he will be in the three year old class full time.... wish us luck!

I love this kid....

3) Mackenzie has been exceptionally gassy this week. Hopefully, it is something that will pass quickly. Changing her outfit (and sometimes mine) several times a day is exhausting. Poor thing always smells like spoiled milk.

Carter teaching Mackenzie how to give knuckle bumps.

4) Our poor little girl has got a case of baby acne. I feel so bad for her - even though I know it doesn't bother her one bit. Carter had it too - he actually had it so bad that I took him to his pediatrician (typical first time mom). He told me it was a mild case compared to what he had seen.... so, I'm certain Mackenzie's will too pass quickly. As the pimples go away her skin is very flaky, Carter told his teacher that her face is coming off... crazy boy!

Carter....
Mackenzie....
5) I try to be sure to give Mackenzie her much needed tummy time every day - she isn't a huge fan but does enjoy it a bit more than Carter ever did.




Here are a few random pictures from the week....

Daddy watchin' noggin with his two favorite peeps!

Carter lovin' on his little sister!

The trees in front of our house are beautiful this time of year - unfortunately, they don't stay white for long, so I grabbed a picture before they turned green.

Spring is in the air!

We had a beautiful weekend here in NC. Spring has definitely sprung. On Friday The Sioss’ joined us for some basketball watching. It was great to spend some time with them, it had been a while. The boys really enjoyed seeing each other and got along really nicely.

(please check out Natasha's blog by clicking here, as hers is always much better than mine!!)

Brennan... sorry you got a bit chopped out of the picture, your Dad was moving too quickly for me!
As you would have guessed – Reagan and Kenzie just hung out. They too will soon be best buds, enjoying tea parties together!

Josh and I decided last minute to have a spring cookout with some friends on Saturday. It was a GREAT day for some corn hole playing and beer drinking.

Cute shot of Caleb (Noah's brother). We were too busy keeping the boys from hurting each other, we did not get a single shot of them.

Frank enjoying some sweet Kenzie time!

Friday's Five!

1) We took Mackenzie to the Orthopedist on Wednesday and thankfully her hip is not dislocated like the pediatrician thought it was. However, it does become dislocated when he pushed on it just right – so, there is still a chance she will end up in a brace. We go back in two weeks to see if it has corrected itself. If it does not, she will be in a brace for 6 weeks. As much as I don’t want my little princess to be put in a brace, I have to stay positive and tell myself that it could be much worse.

2) My 1st week with no help was not as bad as I had anticipated. I do however feel like I’ve run a marathon by the time I get home from bringing Carter to school (and picking him up). It is definitely much more work with Kenzie in tow.
Granddaddy & Kenzie having a heart to heart.

3) Carter seems to really enjoy being a big brother, that is of course when he even notices she is in the room. He often walks by her swing and says “I’m your big brother” and gives her a kiss on the cheek. With the exception of a few instances he has not shown any jealousy. I’m sure it will come and go over the next few months. Josh and I really do our best to give him undivided attention until he goes to bed. Right now that is pretty easy, since Mackenzie is very content in her swing. Carter’s big thing lately is to tell us we are the bestest Mommy, Daddy & Baby in the whole wide world. It just melts my heart.

We do a lot of racing around the house – it is so cute, Carter says on your mark, ba-set, go…. of course he must have on his lighting McQueen slippers – no matter what lightning McQueen WINS. We’ll have to break him of that sooner than later.

April 1st he moves into the 3 year old class room at school. As most of you know, Carter does not do change well, so I’m a bit nervous for the transition – however, I really do like his new teacher Miss Julie. So, hopefully it goes better than expected.

4) Little Princess here has got to be the loudest eater ever. I’m pretty certain you could hear her next door! She seems to be a bit gassy, some days more than others. With the exception of some very loud grunting it doesn’t seem to bother her much… luckily. She is staying consistent with eating every 4 hours, or so. We’ll often put her down around 10pm and can almost always expect a wake-up call @ 2am… then again at 6am. It really hasn’t been too bad – but, I’d really like a few more hours of consecutive sleep. I have taken the brunt of the feedings since Josh has such a long commute – thankfully, he steps in on the weekend so I can catch up a bit.


5) I’m pretty certain Mackenzie is smiling at us… though most would say it is still a bit early and with all her gas it is unlikely – but… I feel certain it is a true smile. I’ll be sure to keep the camera close by and do my best to capture it and let you determine for yourself.