Christmas Vacation

We braved the cross-country flight to spend Christmas in North Carolina with Mark's family. Carlton got to meet and spend the week with a bunch more friends and family members. We stayed over in Durham with Lindsay and Nick, our dear friends, before heading on to Wilmington.

Carlton got good hang out time with his great-grandmother Dee (whose husband was Carlton's namesake!),

his Uncle Brian,

his Aunt Jill and Uncle Matt,

his cousins Laila and Paul,

and his Aunt Sara and cousin Iris.

His first experience of opening presents

produced some happy Christmas faces...

and a content little boy!

Seattle friends

Here are some of Carlton's first local visitors, friends who have been dropping by to get to know our new little guy: Rachel, Annie and Kevin.

Sheerin Family Visit

Mark's parents came out to meet Carlton and spent a week with us. Carlton loved meeting his Grandma Ann and Papa, taking more walks by the water,

exploring the downtown area of our West Seattle neighborhood,

and just being held and cuddled lots more!

Hutchins Family Thanksgiving

My family flew out to spend Thanksgiving with us, and the first week of Carlton's life! It was such a blessing to have his Meme and Poppy, Aunt Kristin, Uncle Ricky and Aunt Eden with us all week. Carlton never had to touch the ground with so many loving and eager arms to hold him (the first grandchild in my family!) At his 10 day check-up, the pediatrician even commented on how well-shaped his head was, from being held so much instead of lying down! Neither Mark nor I had to cook or clean one ounce of our Thanksgiving feast....it was wonderful to be surrounded by such helpful and loving family these first ten days.

The family Thanksgiving photo...

Carlton and his Meme and Poppy (and "My First Thanksgiving" outfit)...

Carlton and Poppy (another classic shirt: "I'm Nuts About My Grandpa")

Carlton reading with his Aunt Kristin,

hanging out with his Uncle Ricky,

and walking by the Puget Sound with his Aunt Eden (and Mama)...

Firsts of the first week

Carlton's first ride in the car...

First time in his bouncy chair (which has become a favorite!)

First of many tummy time sessions (on his play blanket made by Aunt Kristin!)

First walk around the neighborhood...

First time in the sling...

First bath!

First pair of booties...

Baby time!

Our son, Carlton Daniel Sheerin, was born on Tuesday, November 17th at 5:44 pm. He weighed in at 9 lbs, 5 ozs, and was 20 inches long - a big, healthy boy! We were so thankful when labor started on Monday night the 16th, just one day after his due date, and 19 hours later, we were even more thankful to meet our beautiful son. He even shares a birthday with his Aunt Eden, my sister-in-law! Here are mother and son right after birth.

And the proud dad with his son...

Here's the napping-after-eating face, which we got to know really well those first hours and days with Carlton.

We left the hospital on Thursday the 19th, and they took some family photos for us before we left. And then the adventure really began - life as a family of three!

The anticipation...

We're in the final week, approaching the due date of this little guy.... and we are ever so ready for his arrival. We can't wait to meet him.

Our new home

We found a great house to rent in the neighborhood of West Seattle, just south and west of downtown. Our house sits up on a ridge, so we have an expansive view of the neighborhood, and one block away, a gorgeous view of Puget Sound. On a clear day, we can even enjoy the sight of Mount Rainier from our back deck.

Our nursery is still a work-in-progress, but here is a snapshot.