Getting to Know Carter Lynn

After our first grandchild was born, we left the hospital around midnight. We weren't sure if we would be able to sleep. We also weren't sure if we would have a motor home to go home to. As we watched the weather reporting from the hospital waiting room, we had seen the wall of storms marching through our campground. They reported several tornadoes on the ground, and we didn't know what to expect. We certainly would have closed in the motor home slides if we would have known about the 60-80 mph winds in this storm. So we were relieved when the motor home appeared unscathed from the storms. We were most interested that our little granddaughter had made it through the storm so beautifully.

The next days were filled with taking turns holding Carter Lynn, while she slept most of the time.

She arrived weighing a hefty 6 pounds and 9 ounces, and 18 inches long. She is all swaddled up into a pretty pink package. We took this picture to document one of the few times she was lying in her crib without someone holding her.

Just 36 hours after she was born, the new little family was discharged from the hospital.

We had beautiful weather, and Carter got to spend some time outside with her adoring fans.

Our son Blake arrived from Oklahoma City. Not only is Carter the first grandchild for both sets of grandparents, but that also makes her a first niece as well. While Uncle Blake held Carter, her sleep-deprived Father looked on.

We all hung out together during the day, cooking and helping with jobs around the house. And of course, we were all taking turns holding Carter. Occasionally, we even let her Mother hold her. She's an awesome Mom!

How many people does it take to go on a first walk? Obviously eight adults, one guard dog, and one baby snuggled in the carrier with her mother.

With the motor home parked just 20 miles away from their home, we were able to see her every day for the first nine days of her life. We did some baby-sitting so her sleep-deprived parents could take an occasional nap or run errands.

But mostly we just held her and marveled at the miracle of her perfectly-formed tiny fingers and face.

We hadn't been in Kansas City while the dogwoods were blooming. Who knew that the little tree in their front yard could be so beautiful in the spring?

This gray-haired Grandma is enjoying lots of baby-time. Carter's head-full of black hair reminds us of her Daddy's when he was the same age.

We're learning that a smile very often means that her diaper will soon need to be changed.

We also found that even if all her grandparents and uncles are playing Rock Band at top volume, Carter can sleep if someone holds her.

But when the party is over and Mom and Dad want to go to sleep, Carter is wide awake.

We also are learning that one little girl can certainly change the lives of all those around her. She is definitely in charge of the schedule, as we all fall madly in love with her. We love the fact that we are retired and have a home on wheels that allows us to live just down the road for now! We can visit and still go home to our own bed at night while we learn to spoil our first granddaughter.