Welcome Home Carter!



































































































 I decided to let go of my expectations of when you’d be home. We were waiting on you to be off oxygen and eat really good on your own. You had a feeding tube as well as oxygen. Your dad and I would come and see you twice a day to feed you and give you lots of love. You became quite the celebrity in the nicu. Everyone knew and loved you. I’ll never forget the sweet nurses, specifically Jen Murphy ( the peds doctor on call when you were born) Angela and Amber. They’ll always hold a special place in our hearts. They’re family. I remember Amber encouraging me to go to Idaho for our family reunion. Reminding me that I’ve got other kids to love and take care of and that you’d be absolutely fine while we were gone. I’m so glad I listened to her advice. We had a great time in Idaho and it helped to stock up on breast milk while we were there. 

Your dad dropped me off at the hospital to see you on our way home. It felt so good to hold you again! We came home to a baby free of oxygen and an NG tube! I joke that you had fomo and didn’t want us to go on another trip without you. Apparently the night before you had ripped out your NG tube and never went back. You started taking bottles like a champ, but still struggled with oxygen. A week or two later we got the okay to take you home! The funny thing is, your sisters had been at their dad’s house for almost three weeks for summer break and we were getting them back that day for three weeks! We went from having one kids to four kids and it was pure bliss but also kind of crazy! 

We set up a sweet little bassinet in our room and welcomed you home. Everyone was so excited to meet you! You were already a month and 1 day old! You had lots of snuggles that day. Your siblings crowded around you taking in everything. There was always someone holding you. You made us feel complete. 

It’s been about 2 months since you were born and you’ve just integrated so well into our family. Your dad has given you several blessings and it has really strengthened my testimony of the power of the priesthood especially when it’s someone who honors their priesthood. You have had a few different doctor appointments and more to come, but overall you are SO healthy. Weighing 11.7 lbs, eating like a champ. Hitting milestones, smiles and a little bit of cooing. Sometimes I forget your downs because of how typical you seem. 

I’ve come to accept your downs and think it’s the very best part about you. I see it as a happy trial. We are here to support you all the way and give you the very best. We take each day one by one and don’t think too far into the future. We love you sweet caterer. Thank you for choosing us to be your family. 


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