The Tonight Show: Starring Preston and Andrea : Life is good

I realize it's been a while since, I've updated. To be honest, I'm surprised I've done it as much as I have! When I look back at the last post, it's ridiculous how much Carter has changed and how much he's learned and how much we've gone through.

Lets start with Carter:

He's about 8/12 months

Hmm now that I think about it the sleeping thing in the 5 months post hasn't really changed.. He has really struggled in the sleep area. I mean, REALLY... STRUGGLED...
It kinda goes up and down. He has actually had like 3 good nights before, but then something happened and it went back to horrendous night of waking up literally like every hour. And he will not fall asleep again without being nursed... It's been rough.
And about 5 nights ago, I fed him to sleep and when he woke up we decided to let him cry. Now say what you will, everyone's opinions are different. But we seriously tried everything. I've had a really hard tim letting him cry because I just don't feel good about it and I worry that when he actually gets hungry, (which I know he does in the night at some point) he'd get confused when I pick him up that time and not all the others. Or how do I know something isn't actually wrong, like he's sick and I just leave him there to cry. Anyways there are a bunch of reason I've struggled with the idea, but we tried it anyways because we were done, and he cried and cried until his little voice was all raspy and I cried and cried because I hated every second, and he finally fell asleep after like 45 minutes. He did pretty well that night and I fed him when I thought he woke up from hunger. the next night he did even better! And I tried to nurse him then put him down almost asleep. He did pretty well and cried for like 15 minutes and slept for like 7 hours! I was thrilled. The next night was pretty good as well and I really felt like we had a breakthrough and that he was finally getting it. Naps were going better as well and it was really great for everyone. Then 2 nights ago he had a really high fever so that blew everything out of the water, of course. Poor poor tiny baby.. It was horrible because I didn't know how to help him and he was miserable. Anyways he feels tons better this morning and I'm so happy about it. Last night he actually cooled off and felt pretty good all night. He woke up a million times, and I'm convinced that we broke our good streak and are going to have to start over. (naps and all, based on todays attempt at a nap... oh help). It's been the most frustrating thing. I just feel so bad that he can't fall asleep by himself. It breaks my heart. And when he gets close he just fights it and tries so hard to stay awake and he wakes himself back up.
Anyways, I'm done with my rant now. I just pray that he'll figure it out again so he can be rested and happy.

Phew! ok lets move on to something happier.

During the day, he is so much fun. I honestly look at him and think, You are the most precious little angel, multiple times in a day. We love him so much! He's just our favorite human.
He laughs so hard and it is so adorable.

He loves people. He's very social and loves watching people and things and doing things outside.

He loves sitting. He just sits and plays with his toys all the time. It's so funny to see him just sitting there like a little person.

He loves his little bouncer thing. He gets really excited and it's so cute to watch.

He's such a string bean!! He's in like the 90th percentile for height based on his gestational age.

He's on the lower end for weight, but no one is worried because he's going up the curve just like he should be.

He loves bath time. He's so funny to watch.

He chews on everything in sight.

He LOVES eating. (come on, who doesn't). And is hilarious when he tries to feed himself. He grabs bananas and stuff and smashes it into his little mouth. When he tries to pick up little things I just cant help but laugh because he concentrates so hard and grabs it in his hand then kinda forgets about it because it's in his fist and he can't see it anymore. or he'll try to put it into his mouth to no avail. Preston and I decided that little kids are like tiny drunk adults. When you watch them you'll realize it's true. Soooo funny!

He gets really excited and tightens his fists and grunts. it's very funny.

He got his first 2 teeth! They're so cute! And every time we try to pull his lip down to see them, he sticks his tongue out. I can't believe he has teeth! He's so big!

He's so interested in watching and examining things. He's a little genius in the making, I know it.

He's as cute as can be and we seriously love him so much. If he would just sleep he'd be perfect. ;) no he's definitely perfect and brings us a lot of happiness, teaches us patience and humility, and invites the spirit into our home.

In other news, we just moved to an apartment complex with 2 bedrooms. It's been a couple weeks now, I think, and I'm loving having a bedroom for carter instead of having him in the living room!
It's pretty nice and we're liking it so far. I did like the privacy and more homey feeling of the other place, but it's also nice to be closer to people because it forces us to be social ;)
Our new ward is really great thus far! Everyone seems really nice and we're excited to be here, even though it's only for a year. This is the first time w'eve moved into and place and known exactly how long we'll be here.

As for school, Summer semester is almost over (after this week!) and I'll only have 1 semester left and finish in december! I am so ready to be done. Preston, for now, is planning to finish in the spring so he can stay at the school and keep his jobs and research stuff going, and to spread things out a bit. This next semester is going to be killer because we both have 12 credits, (which isn't a ton but it's still considered a full load). And I'll still be working from home, usually about 10 hours or so a week. Preston is still working 20 hours at the MTC as well as picking up 16 more hours or so as a microbiology lab assistant at the school. So pretty much we'll never see each other and who knows how and when we'll actually be able to study. Anyways, pray for us.. we'll need it. It's only one semester though and carter will turn 1 during it!! WHAAAAAT?! Don't speak of it. I want him to stay little forever. So scary and exciting! Anyways, I'll keep you updated if I can find the time.

Also, shout out to my hub. He's the best man in the world and my best friend and I love him so much. I honestly don't know how he still loves me and puts up with me after I turn into the green goblin when I don't get sleep. However, he continues to do so. He makes me happy when I'm upset and I can tell him anything. He's the most easy person to live with and he's the best dad. I am so blessed to have these boys in my life. I can't say that I deserve them, but I'm definitely grateful.