Tired

Can I just be real for a moment and say that I'm tired! I'm so tired of Carsten throwing up. I'm tired of him gagging all day long and coughing and choking. It starts at 6 in the morning and goes until 12 at night. And now, he's doing this weird smacking thing in the middle of the night and it wakes me up. I'm not even in bed yet and I can hear him in our bedroom smacking away! I'm too afraid to put him in his crib because I'm afraid he will throw up while he's lying down and choke to death. So, he's still in our room waking me up at all hours smacking or snoring like a freight train because of his small airway. Of course Chad sleeps through the whole thing and it doesn't even faze him. And now, I have to wait about four hours between feedings so I'm up about 2 times a night. If anyone reads this, please pray that Carsten would grow out of this vomiting thing SOON! Its so stressful and draining. I was just reading someone else's blog talking about the story behind the song "It is well with my soul." About how the author had lost all four of his daughters in one day and how he still praised God for his faithfulness. I don't think I've praised Him one time during Carsten's vomiting. Still somehow, the story brought me a sense of peace and a sense that God is in control. I know I need to look to Him and upon Him during these times and He will get me through.
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
For all that have been asking, I promise I will update with pictures soon.

Little Razorback

Look everyone! I'm a Razorback fan.

Saturday Afternoon

Hello everyone! I'm starting to get a hang of this blogging thing, I think Chad is getting jealous because I'm hogging our blogsite!:) Thought you might enjoy some pictures from last Saturday at Pinnacle Mountain. We just spent some time walking around the park and pushing Carsten in his stroller. Carsten enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, both of which he hasn't had much of. We had a Gastrointestinal appointment today and they changed his formula to what we call the "cavier of baby food" because it is SO expensive. Hopefully this will help his reflux issues. This coming weekend there is a meeting for the Down syndrome association in Little Rock. We can't wait to go and get involved with starting a new moms group and connecting with other families in the area.
Also, Chad and I are going to attempt the marathon in march! Well, me the half and him the whole. We'll see how training goes with an infant:)
Love to all,
Momma Bridges

Can't get enough:)

Last night we dressed Carsten up as a little Vampire/Bat and took him down the street to our friends house Aileen and Howard. They were excited to see the little bug and we made caramel popcorn while Carsten fell asleep on Howard's shoulder. Of course Chad and I forgot to take a pic of him in his costume so I'll have to dress him up again and get a quick flash today. Here are a couple of others in the meantime:)

Eating

Another note,
Please continue to pray for Carsten's eating which isn't so great! He's still getting about 80-90% tube fed. Please also pray for moms sanity and patience when trying to feed Carsten and Carsten's constant reflux, gagging, and frequent vomiting. I know that he will grow out of most of this but it is very hard to sit there and watch him cough, choke, and spit up. Thanks everyone!

The Bridges Bunch

More Pics

Okay so the last pics didn't do Carsten justice. Here are some more of our favorites:)
(I can't believe I've blogged twice in one week!)
Love to all,
Momma Bridges

OUR LITTLE PUMPKIN

Here's some cute pics of our little pumpkin! People have been asking for more pictures so here are some recent ones. Carsten is grinning constantly now, his beautiful smile just makes your day. He is very happy and such a content little boy. Last weekend we went to the Buddy Walk Fundraiser for Down Syndrome in Northwest Arkansas. Lots family and friends came and it was a great time. Its so nice to see the community that they have in that area. We are planning on attending a meeting here in Little Rock next week to generate some ideas for activities here. I'm hoping to put together a new moms group for encouragement and support. I talked with a mother at the Buddy Walk that said if she had not gotten connected with other moms in the area that she would have aborted. Its sad that almost 80% of people abort when they find out a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Even during hard days, Carsten is still the best thing that has happened to Chad and I!