5 Weeks ALREADY?

Monday, our little man hit the 5 week old mark.  As I look back all I can see is this blur of parenthood in front of me and wonder...where where has the time gone?  Have I really managed to make it through 5 weeks on very minimal sleep and have I taken care of this present from God to the best of my ability?

The short answer...YES!  This little guy has brought David and I so much happiness over the past 5 weeks we both wonder on a daily basis how he will make us laugh and smile and what he will do next that will make us love him even more tomorrow and the next day and even the weeks and years to come after that.

It really, truly does seem like yesterday when we were bringing him home for the first time and now the new love of my life has outgrown his small newborn clothes, is starting to smile (which by the way could make the worst day better in an instant), is following David and I with his eyes and by the grace of God isn't peeing on us or everything around him when we change his diaper.

It took awhile for us to get that diaper thing down but for some reason being peed on by this handsome face isn't so bad.  Don't get me wrong...It's not something I looked forward to.  I am definitely not that kind of girl!! ;)

So...here are a few things I have learned over the past 5 weeks. 

1.  Getting pooped on while out running errands doesn't bother David.  For the first time ever, I heard from his mouth, "It's okay...I'll take that one for the team".

2.  It is possible to have a full conversation with your husband by text while rocking Rylan to sleep.  In the dark and while he is 3 feet from you.  Talking and light may disturb this loving creature and you all know how I hate to start something over again from the beginning. 

3.  Feeding 4 ounces at at time instead of 2 at each feeding makes for a realization that my boy is getting bigger. Or...that he has his dad's appetite. 

4.  You can never have too many pictures of him.  Capturing every smile every time is a new hobby of mine!

5.  Pulling over in a truck stop parking lot to feed a screaming Colter and locking yourself in the car while doing so is part of the "mommy" job.
NOTE: This was not the nicest looking truck stop but a girl has to do what a girl has to do!

6.  I have yet to understand why a barking dog or the vacuum cleaner won't wake this child up but the moment you open the door to check on him during nap time or open a can of Pepsi, it DOES.

7.  Fifteen minute showers are definitely a thing of the past :)

8.  Planning a trip to Target takes strategic planning even the US Army would be jealous of!!  Talk about a specific Operation Order.

9.  Having a standing date at 1 and 4 am every night now has the approval of my mother :)

10.  Slobbery milk kisses are THE BEST!!

Until next week friends and family!!

Love,

David, Kelly, Rylan, Ryker and Ava

He is FINALLY here!!

Rylan Gabrial-James Colter made his appearance on May 2nd at 5:42pm.  He weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. 

We are extremely excited that Grandma Debbie could come be a part of our special day.  I am not sure what David or I would have done without her help and support over the past two weeks was in SC!  

I will save you from all the boring details but will list a few of the memories from that day for your laughing pleasure. 

1.  It's amazing what a pregnant lady can get done between the hours of 3 and 5:30 am on the day of her scheduled induce date.  Shower...check, breakfast...check, laundry...check, doing your hair...check and even a little cleaning...yeah buddy! 

2.  Yes...I did pluck my eyebrows that morning.  Even a pregnant woman needs nice eyebrows!  

3.  Stopping for coffee at 5:30 in the morning leads to the purchase of a LARGE coffee, newspaper, gum and even some dip.  Thank god that made the mommy hospital bag.  I would be lost without it.  :)

4.  We now have proof that David and I can make light out of any moment.  Something about seeing a pregnant woman in a hospital gown that she is trying desperately to keep together so "her business doesn't show" will make bring a smile to anyone. 

5.  Watching the news footage of Osama Bin Ladin's death isn't what I had in mind but Maury wasn't on that early. 

6.  That contraction curve on the monitor doesn't do it justice!  Please insert the Big Chief tablet paper to get the full effect.

7.  After medicine has been administered, it is okay for you to snore as loud as you want!  It is your given right as a pregnant woman in labor who doesn't know what she is in for in the hours to come.  

8.  Double checking with your mother to make sure she didn't use the same towel to wipe your face as she did your bloody foot is okay.  Furthermore, laughing at the pregnant lady for asking should be frowned upon.   

9.  Making it to 5 cm dilated before begging for the epidural IS grounds for saint hood. 

10.  Sternly telling your husband and mother to "quit fighting and pay attention" doesn't count as a moody pregnant woman.  It is down right fair when they fight across you and by the way...I haven't had my child quite yet so can you two get it together?

11.  Your mother will always be in denial for letting your leg roll off the table during delivery.  I realize the monitor provides you with something fun to watch but can you please pick that up...I may need it in the future. 

And last but not least...

12.  Being the only person in the room, drugged, tired, worn and in shock who can tell you what time your son was born (in military time I might add) is priceless! 

NOTE:  No yelling or name calling took place during the labor and delivery of this child :) 

The Colter Clan Blog!

We are excited you could join us!  I developed this blog for our very special friends and family across the US and Australia so you can see how our little man is doing and keep up with the crazy life of the Colters!! 

We couldn't be happier and are excited to share the fun with each of you that is about to come our way :)

Visit us weekly as I will post new pictures and updates on life in South Carolina and more importantly the newest love of our lives...Rylan.