Introducing Carter Thomas Phillips

Carter was born March 23rd, 2011 at 3:26 pm.  8 lbs, 6 oz., 20.5 inches long.

Peace, man!

40 Weeks Update

40 Weeks

     Hooray!  I've reached the end of my pregnancy.  I can't tell you how exciting that is.  I have a ticker on my blog that tells me how many days are left and it's very weird to see it say "0".  The first 6 months, I would say I loved being pregnant.  Starting around the 7th month, it became much harder due to a stabbing pain in my ribs, which is still going on.  That, more than anything, is what I'm looking forward to get rid of.  Well and the big belly, of course.  I'm full of excitement.  Everything is ready for Carter.  I'm certainly getting nervous about labor and delivery.  It's so unknown.  Everyone knows I'm probably the biggest medical wimp ever. I hate all things medical, even Grey's Anatomy.  I'm so scared of blood.  No turning back now!  I'm confident God won't give me more pain than I can handle (with an epidural).  What kind of faith is that?  I trust you God, but only with an epidural?!  I'm nervous that the epidural won't work or for some reason they won't be able to give me one.  I'm nervous about the recovery, too.  I'm also conflicted about when to agree to be induced, because I desperately want to go into labor naturally.  I've even resorted to walking on the treadmill to try and speed things up.  I think Asia knows something is up, because she has been particularly snuggly lately.  She's playing the part of my substitute baby. 
    With all of that said, it's all worth it, because I would do anything to meet Carter.  He's so present and active in my belly, but I have no idea what he looks like.  Blair and I are so curious.....  What color hair does he have?  Whose nose will he get? Will he be a big baby?  How on earth will we be as parents?  I know God has the perfect day and time picked out for Carter to join us, so I wait with anticipation.

To my sweetie

Blair,
   Tomorrow is our first child's due date and before he arrives I want to tell you how much I love you.  I met you when I was just 15 years old and we've been together for 10 of those years.  It's hard to believe that it won't be just the two of us anymore.  We'll be mommy and daddy from now on.  When we dated in high school, there was no way I could see this far into the future and know what God had planned.  I'm so glad he brought us back together and decided to make you my husband.  You've been so sweet throughout these 9 months.  I know I was quite needy and emotional.  Thank you for the nightly leg massages, yummy cooking, listening to my crazy symptoms and complaints, coming to all the doctor appointments, cleaning, walking the dog, helping me sleep, and just being so supportive and sweet!  You made these 9 months manageable and of course, fun.  You always make me laugh and feel better.  Carter is a very lucky boy, because his daddy is the funniest man I know.  I can't wait to move into this stage of our lives together.  I'm thrilled to share this experience with you.  I'm so thankful God gave me a husband that accepts me just the way I am.  You've known me over half my life and it's an amazing feeling to be understood so completely by someone.  You make me feel totally accepted, no matter what I say or do, you love me unconditionally.  Blair, thank you for always being there for me.  Ready or not!  It's time now to become parents.  These will be the most challenging and rewarding years of our lives.  We're ready, with God's grace and direction, we'll learn how to be Godly parents.  I love you sweetie and I can't wait for you to be a daddy! 
Love,
Heather