Time for a new one... it's been almost a year!

Well so much has happened in a years time. We have grown so much as a family. We have been through some really challenging things with Carter. We have been really challenged with our faith, and really challenged as parents as we tried to and still do try to make the best decisions for Carter. We are FAR off from a full recovery... but we are sooo grateful that the Lord has brought us this far. We would not have made it on our own I don't think. Looking back... I see Him more and more in all of this. This might be a nightmare to most people.... which some days it feels like that.... but I really think that it has made us appreciate each other much more and take the time to celebrate even the tiniest victories. So... in short.... we are very thankful. :)

Carter is still on the Elemental Formula for his food. He can tolerate RAW goats milk, carrot juice, and is liking to put pears in his mouth. We have been getting NAET treatments which have been absolutely amazing! The progress physically, emotionally, and mentally have been almost nothing short of a miracle! His brain is firing pretty much how it should be now... which was not how it was a few months ago. He also was showing some pretty scary autistic signs... not wanting to cuddle, not good eye contact, in his own world sometimes, etc. After some treatments cleared... all of a sudden he would start kissing and hugging us! It was such a relief. Now he makes sure you are looking at him if you forget and get distracted. He loves to cuddle and stare into my face. There is just nothing better than that in life. :)

Here are some pics of us recently....

Grobaby

We have been cloth diapering for about 4 months now and love it. I have been looking at the new Grobaby diaper and would LOVE to try it. I have never tried an AI2 before and the aplix looks like it would really hold up!

http://www.thenaturalbabyco.com/grobaby%E2...2-ic-11_16.html

Adventures with Carter

We were just hanging out and decided to take some pics of Carter....

He was being super cute....

Then all of a sudden we see this face.....

We hear a very bad noise and then Jared say he feels something on his leg. He pooped all over Jared and himself......

He thought that it was sooooo funny. :o)

2 months....

Carter is 2 months now! I can't believe how fast time is going. Well... there are times like in the middle of the night where I secretly wish we are already at the part where he sleeps through the night. :o) He is getting so fun though. He has a lot more personality and has been laughing, talking to us and has a super cute sad face with a pouty lip and all. I have been starting to work again... which has been a challenge to juggle Carter and a job. I am starting to slowly get this mothering thing down but still working on getting dressed, etc. I guess in a few months I will get better at all this. Being a mom has taught me how little I actually know about all this and this is a completely learn as you go job. It is super fulfilling though. Even when I am so tired and have poop and spitup all over me, when he gives me a gummy smile... it makes it all worth is and makes my heart melt. :o)

Carter's first Christmas

He fell asleep like this. :o)

He was missing all the action :o)

This is a funny picture.... we look like we are a little hillbilly family. :o)

Trying to take a picture in between him crying... he was hungry and done with picture taking. :o)

Sleeping with Daddy

Carter... I caught him smiling when he was trying to poop. :o) He was 3.5 weeks here.

Introducing Carter Isaiah Painter....