Video of Joel 4 days old

Joel's first week

Joel's birth and first week - slideshow

We got to leave the hospital on Tues and since Claire's day care was 3 blocks away, we were able to pick her up on the way home, to her surprise. I had the surreal moments of sitting in the back seat between 2 car seats having a moment of "These are our 2 kids!...and I have a wonderful husband driving us home to start our new life!" "Did this really happen to me?" WOW! Jeff's parents stayed with us until Thursday morning which was a huge help in settling down and having Claire at home too. My dad was here for the weekend which again was a huge help to let him play with Claire or as he would say "Bond with my grandson" by holding him however long we'd let him. So far Joel is doing what all babies do...eat every 2-3 1/ 2 hours, spraying us with his pee, pooping like a champ, and enjoying mommy's milk. Jeff' asked Claire why she thought Joel was crying and she said, "He's a baby, daddy!" Common sense! I continue to heal from the Csection surgery and feel better each day...that whole getting in/out of bed thing is not so easy but when you have a newborn, you aren't in bed much, huh? :) We feel blessed though sleepy and thankful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends and neighbors! Enjoy some photos of family who were the first to welcome Joel into the world and our coming home and Claire already playing with him.

Arrival of Joel Clark Carver

We are excited to welcome Joel Clark Carver to our family. He was born March 10, 2013 at 8:46am at UAB Hospital. He was 9 pounds 2 ounces and 19" long. You did read that correctly...9 pounds, 2 oz! We are thankful to Almighty God, the Creator of Life for blessing us with his safe and healthy arrival. We went home on Tuesday and began our adjustment to being a family of four. Many thanks to Jeff's family for staying with us several days and caring for Claire. Many thanks to all our family for being there when we got back to the rooms to introduce him to you. Many thanks to all our friends and family who called, texted, emailed to check on us and celebrate with us. Claire is adjusting well. We brought her in by herself to meet him and she asked, "Is that my brother?"...Jeff picked her up to look in the bassinet and she said, "He's so little!" We have many pictures to share of our first week home, so check back soon.

Don't drink the water...

...at Spain Rehab! Today was my last official day of work for 12 weeks and we needed a belly shot of the pregos in our dept. There are others around the entire dept of Rehab Services who are expecting but we would have needed a panoramic view! :) Amanda (middle) is due in June and Robin (Right)is due in August. Congrats girls! I guess I'll get us started and come back in time for you to go on maternity leave!

1 week to go

Mar 2013 before Brother arrives - slideshow

So it was our last weekend as the 3 of us as we anticipate Brother's arrival. We gave Claire lots of options for fun and here's what she came up with: We found out about Bart's Art Adventureat the Bham Museum of Art and checked it out Fri afternoon. We had both rooms to ourselves and had tons of sensorimotor fun! Saturday we played some around the house and after nap, all Claire wanted to do was slide. So we headed to Chick Fil A to watch her go up and come down no less than 50 times! What fun to watch her climb and engage other kids. Sunday was a good day at church then we got a visit from our local cousins, Pam and Mary Morgan (or as Claire calls her M&M) and had a good time with our small group from church in our home. Jeff and I are trying to get our work situations situated to be away for a while and trying to embrace the fact that 7 days from today or before, we will have a SON! WOW! So there's a belly shot of me at 38 weeks and Claire propping on her brother. She's very excited to meet him as are we! We'll keep you posted on his arrival!

Cousin Fun in Memphis

Feb 2013 Memphis - slideshows

On our last opportunity to travel before "brother" gets here, we headed to Memphis to see my brother and family for the weekend. The kids had a ball. Claire and Ellie had a day together on Friday while Uncle Robert was working and Brodie was in school. The hit the gym and did some "gymnastics" together. Watch for them in the future Olympics! They enjoyed a stroll together in the wagon. It doesn't get much cuter than these girls in pigtails taking a ride together. Saturday, Brodie and Claire took in the Children's Museum of Memphis and got to try their hand at lots of activities that may help guide their future careers! What fun ages! It was lots of fun to watch them play together and enjoy time with Robert and Andrea. Thanks for letting us come and play and soon we'll add another cousin to the mix and see the fun expand!

Sunday School Class gives shower

Meet some of the sweetest folks ever! These girls came out on a busy Friday night and blessed me with great fellowship, encouragement and lots of nice gifts including lots of diapers and wipes to get us started with Baby Brother. These girls and others have prayed lots for us in this season of pregnancy and are much appreciated in how they show their love - just a Christ did- sacrificially! Thanks friends!