http://www.mackenziecarden.com Baby Time! Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:34:27 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Over the past few weeks, life has been busy!!! We are selling the house in Madison and moving to Tullahoma,TN. We have spent the past few weeks at Grandma's house in Louisiana and are now back to pack up the last of the house for the BIG MOVE OUT this weekend. ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/moving/ Grandma take picture. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/grandma-took-my-picture/ Last night Daddy gave me a cookie. One cookie? He never just gives me one cookie! So I looked at him and said, "No, Two!" http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/i-can-count/ Easter at the Carden house of course included a new dress and Easter basket for Mackenzie. We decided to let her discover the basket in the studio so the grandparents could see. Of course the first thing she reached for was Minnie! The big treat of the day was her first Hershey's ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/easter-2008/ In case you're wondering just how much snow there is on the ground... the pile at the end of the driveway is shoulder high. The tree at the front wheel of the RAV4 is between  the street and the sidewalk. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/lots-of-snow/ I helped Daddy with a shovel today. It was fun. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/out-shoveling/ My friend Kasia had a birthday party today. We played and ran and had lots of fun. Daddy took lots of pictures. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-birthday-kasia/ Today we converted Mackenzie's bed to a toddler bed... and put up a gate at her door. Nap time worked amazingly well. Tonight she decided to take a book to bed with her. We'll see how this first night goes... (fingers crossed). http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/toddler-bed-time/ Have been taking Mackenzie to a class at the hospital called "Kidz Talk", this was our second week of 8 weeks total. She didn't have any problem with my leaving the room today, and when it was over the therapist brought her out and I was rewarded with an enthusiastic ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/thursday-outing/ I was sitting on the couch talking to Norris, when our little one came running into the room screaming MAMA over and over again...I told her she should say Daddy and give him a hug, and she actually did it! She turned, smiled said "Dad dee" and ran over and ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/new-years-eve/ This year for Christmas we went to my Great Grandma's house in northern Minnesota, my Grandma came in from Louisiana and we drove over. (Grandma almost didn't make it 'cause her flights kept getting canceled - but Uncle Ric's airline got her here!) The weather was pretty bad on the drive ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/a-christmas-to-remember/ She walked up to the pile of leaves and just instinctively knew to fall into it. Lots of "run, run, run, jump" and big smiles! Click the pic for a video. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/first-leaf-pile/ Kenzie had her first ever opportunity for serious star gazing. Since Wisconsin is so far north, daylight lasts until beyond at least bath time. For a while during July, twilight even extends beyond her bed time. So tonight it was dark enough while we were still outside to lounge in a ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/star-gazing/ Kenzie and Cheri returned from another road trip ... this time to Great-Grandma's way up in northwest Minnesota. Yes, as far north as we already live, it's possible to still go "up north." Check out this little video clip of Kenzie bopping to the Blues Clues musical movie. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/off-the-road-again/ Tonight before we got into the bath tub - we went pee-pee in the potty for the first time! We have had a potty for a little while now so she could get used to the idea. She likes to sit on when Mommy sits on the big potty...we'll see what ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/a-first/ Spent the month of September at my Grandma's house in Louisiana. Had lots of fun!!!! My Aunt Kristen and her friend Jennifer came over and played with me lots and everyday Grandma would color with me - that is my favorite thing to do next to watching Blues Clues or Mickey ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/back-to-grandmas-house/ Mackenzie didn't really want to participate in a 2-year-old portrait session. So there are no perfectly posed images like in the past. However, you can see that she is definitely growing into a young lady with a mind of her own. As always, click on the picture to see the full ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/shes-got-personality/ Finally... pictures from Mackenzie's 2nd birthday party! Click on the image to see the gallery. The images are big, so it may time some time to load. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-2nd-birthday/ Now that Mackenzie has survived two years of my attempt at fatherhood, I have decided to share a few insights from the many lessons I have learned. Do not fall asleep on the couch with a baby napping on your chest. One of you will probably roll onto the floor. Hope ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/insights-from-daddy/ Somewhere around 6 months old, Mackenzie started leaving her pacifier in the bed. Other than night and naps... and car trips...  she has been fine without it. Today's nap time was the first without any of these green pieces of rubber. Tonight it continues. She finally settled down and is asleep. ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/plug-free/ I got to play with my cousin Peyton today. We played in my room, then went to the park with Daddy and Peyton's grandpa, then ate supper, then played in my back yard. It was lots of fun. I was not happy to see them leave. Daddy took lots of pictures. Click ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/161/ Mommy and Daddy bought me a new backyard toy - a sandbox! I got to play in it last night for the first time. Mommy showed me how to put the sand into the bucket and turn it over to make a sand castle...then I got to STOMP on it ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/demo-girl/ My MeMom and Pop left this morning after visiting me. They got here right before the 4th of July. We did lots of fun things. I went to the zoo for the first time, I liked the seals the best. Pop would take me outside for rides in my wagon and ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/memom-and-pop-visit/ There's little droplets of milk on my laptop keyboard. It's been too long since that happened! Cheri and Kenzie got home yesterday afternoon after roughly a month in Louisiana visiting Grandma and other family... and avoiding being home when the new roof goes on. Kenzie has certainly grown. She runs faster and ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/been-a-while/ I have been at my Grandma's house for the past few weeks. Lot's of people come over to play with me so I am having lot's of fun. I played in my swimming pool for the first time over Memorial Day weekend. Here is a picture of me! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/fun-at-grandmas-house/ My new favorite place is my backyard. I have a big space to run and play in and a puppy named Jake that lives next door to tease. I have a swing set that has 2 slides (that my Pop and Memom bought for me) that is really cool! My ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/my-new-favorite-place/ While Mommy was making her lunch today, I decided I didn't want to watch her program on the TV. I grabbed the remote and pushed some buttons in the right order and found my favorite show on the DVR - Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! I was pretty proud of myself, I ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/guess-what-i-can-do/ Kenzie now has herself a new ride. It's a reproduction of a 1955 Chevy in a pedal car. She's still a bit too short to reach the pedals, but we just had to get a picture with it. Just like our other cars, this one is used. So Kenzie not only ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/pink-chevy/ It was warm enough this evening for Mommy, Daddy and Mackenzie to take a walk. Mackenzie walked most of two blocks holding Daddy's hand. It was neat watching the waves of water from the melting snow flowing down the street. Daddy had a portrait shoot for a new staffer at Blackhawk ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bunny-shot/ Mackenzie got a tshirt from Great-Grandma with the Toddler Laws of Property: If I like it, it's mine If it's in my hand, it's mine If I had it a little while ago, it's mine If it looks just like mine, it's mine If I think it's mine, it's mine The t-shirt is cute. Mackenzie is ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/toddler-laws-of-property/ Before Mackenzie was born, we set up an affiliate account at Amazon.com for her. If you remember, the site at that time had links to specific things. Well from all the stuff we and others purchased, Mackenzie's college fund got nearly $50... before she was even born. If you plan to ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/do-you-ever-shop-at-amazon/ Went to visit Dr. Edward's this afternoon. I weigh 19 lbs 2 oz and am 30" tall. I had a shot and also had my finger stuck - that really made me mad!!! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/check-up/ Mackenzie has a new space to play in. The nasty kitchen carpet has finally been replaced with ceramic tile. This has been on mommy's project plan for a couple of years and is finally reality. Kenzie's first steps onto the tile were tentative, as she stopped to see if we were pursuing ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/let-the-games-begin/ You just gotta check out her curls. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/curls/ Dinner was pretty good tonight. Here's proof. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/sllluuuurrrrrp/ It is possible to give a baby a bath during halftime. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/just-a-quick-fyi/ Daddy pulled me around the back yard in my new snow sled. I didn't even care that it was cold. It was a lot of fun. Mommy took pictures and a video. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/my-first-sled-ride/ Kenzie has a new chair. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/kenzies-new-chair/ This post is a few weeks late, but Mama's been busy. While on the phone with her Grandma, Mackenzie put 2 words together for the first time - she said "Mama Cool" (and I have to agree with that)! She has a lot of words that she uses, sparingly - "Hi", "Cool", ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/first-sentence/ I got a lot of new toys today. I also got to rip up a bunch of paper. Mommy took pictures. This Christmas day is fun! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/christmas/ Daddy took me out walking today. It was cold, so I had to wear the hood up on my coat. We went down the street, then walked in the front yard. Then we walked around the back yard. I like my big yard! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/out-going-walkin/ It was warm enough today that Memom, Pop and Grandma took me outside to swing. We had lots to eat. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/swinging-thanksgiving/ Doctor Edwards says I'm buff. I weight 16.5 lbs and am 29.5 inches tall. I don't lik eshots, but at least these didn't hurt for as long. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/another-doc-visit/ We visitied our Great Grandma and did some baking - cookie dough is fun to play with! I also did something pretty exciting while there - I took my first steps (5) to my Mommy and my Great Aunt Patty - still haven't decided to just take off running yet, ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/since-our-last-posting/ Am at my Grandma's house and my cousin Ryan who is 2 is visiting as well. He and I are learning to share. He shared a Frosty with me on the way to Papaw's house. I was really enjoying myself until my Aunt Audra took it away from me. (He ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/ryan-shares/ Had my 1 year check-up yesterday. I now am 15 lbs and 28 & a quarter inches tall, that's a gain of 2 lbs and 2 inches in 3 months! Daddy went with us on this visit, he didn't like the shots either! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/one-year-check-up/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/daddy-took-my-picture/ Kenzie's first birthday was like just about any other day, except for presents and a cupcake. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/1st-birthday/   Has it really been a year already? http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-1st-birthday/ Mommy gave me mushy beans and I liked them. I have also managed to get her to give me baked potato w/sour cream and stuffing! I like Mommy's food! Happy Birthday, Mommy!!! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/yum/ Mommy told me "no" and I didn't like it. She hurt my feelings. But I forgave her 5 minutes later. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/no/ Mackenzie is really getting around now! She crawls, stands and walks while holding on to furniture. She also loves to dance. Her favorite song is "Jump" by Choo Choo Soul. She is starting to understand what Mommy says, she knows "Love Mommy (or Bear,Bunny etc.)", and is starting to learn the ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/busy-baby/ Mackenzie's new friend Josselyn visited this weekend with her Mommy & Daddy. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/playtime-with-josselyn/ Diced apples are yummy. Thank you Auntie Audra. Grandma, Elmo is cool. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/kenzie-comments/ One drawback to having a baby who can sit up and stand... until she figures out how to lay back down, Mommy and Daddy's sleep gets interrupted. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/one-drawback/ She figured out how to crawl! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/she-crawled/ We spent lots of time on Sunday standing. At one point Kenzie stood for around 30 minutes moving up and down the the couch and turning to hold onto the ottoman, then back to the couch. Mommy also got to see her sit up without any help. So yesterday when Cheri ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/standing-up/ Mommy walked in to get Mackenzie from her afternoon nap and found her sitting up in the crib. Kenzie looked up with a big grin on her face and squealed. Mommy squealed too! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/sitting-pretty/ Mackenzie got an early birthday present. I think she likes it. Click on the picture to see. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/swinging/ Have you ever wondered what happens in the life of a chair? To the left is Cheri with her aunt on Christmas in 1968. To the right is Kenzie in 2006. Yup, Grandma cried when she saw this. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/life-of-a-chair/ The grandparents from Tennessee arrived for a visit. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/memom-pop-are-here/ Mackenzie had a Father's Day stroll around the neighborhood today. The hat even stayed on most of the trip. The big news today... she repeatedly had success getting the veggie puffs into her mouth. Finger food rocks! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/strolling-with-daddy/ After nearly a week of gags and grins, Mackenzie now likes bananas. Of course she's only getting tiny bites, but it's a good thing. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/banana-update/ For everyone who has been asking, here's a quick tease of Mackenzie's 9-month portrait. Seriously, check out the Ages gallery. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/9-months/ FYI: Don't give baby bananas - she gags! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bananas/ Kenzie and Mom just left the 9 month doc visit with an All Is Well from the doc. At 9 months and 2 weeks, she weighs 13lbs, 1 oz and is 25.5 inches long. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/doc-says-ok/ Last night was bath night and Grandma captured the moment. Tonight was dinner with cousins Hank and Sharon. Kenzie got to hold a ball that was bigger than she is. Grandma goes back to Shreveport tomorrow. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bath-night-2/ Kenzie and Bunny took a nap on the couch today. Fortunately Dad had a camera handy. Rumor has it the 9 month portrait has finally been shot. Who knows how long until anything is edited. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bunny-nap/ Mackenzie made it home last night with Mommy & Grandma. In the past week she has learned peek-a-boo, noses and rolling around,  She apparently doesn't like french fries, baked potato or mashed potatoes. But she does like cinnamon toast. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/home-again/ Reporting in from Great-Grandma's. Mackenzie has learned to roll around and pull her socks off. She has also discovered the joys of splashing bath water all over the place. Both Grandma and Great-Grandma are really enjoying their time with her. They will be back home by Memorial Day. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/hi-from-great-grandmas/ It's Mackenzie's first real shoes! This cam phone image was sent from Minnesota where Kenzie, Cheri and Grandma are visiting Great-Grandma. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/high-top-bop/ Like my new hat? http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/like-my-hat/ Cheri and Kenzie have been out shopping today. It seems she likes her new car seat. Oh yeah, she's 9 months old today and is having an incredibly energetic and vocal day. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-rider/ Happy Mother's Day to Mommy, Grandma, Memom, Great-Grandmother and Aunt Susan. Uncle Kevin is the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Aztec, NM. He used Mackenzie's picture on a postcard to honor and encourage the mothers of his church as well as to provide a visual reminder of Jesus' teaching in ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-mothers-day-2/ Mackenzie will be riding to church tomorrow in style! She was about to outgrow the infant seat, so Cheri picked up a new car seat today. It took both of us but we were able to get the new seat in place. This one will last her another 52 lbs (she's ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/riding-in-style/ Thank you, Jesus, for my Mommy and Daddy. I love you! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-anniversary/ Mackenzie won't be growing up with Bindi. Last month, Bindi was diagnosed with bone cancer with maybe 2-3 months to live. She has been in pain and rather than let her suffer and potentially endanger Mackenzie, Cheri and I decided it was time to let her go. This morning, Bindi went to ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bindi-is-gone/ The little hairs on the back of her head are curly! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/its-curly/ No, it's not a portrait... but it is a bunny shot. Bunny was with Mackenzie in the NICU at Meriter Hospital and almost dwarfed her then. Now Mackenzie's arm is almost as long as Bunny. There are shots of them together in various galleries. One of the best places to see ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/the-bunny-shot/ Today Kenzie was reaching for a toy and rolled onto her tummy. Now she doesn't like being on her tummy, so she quickly continued rolling to her back. Still reaching for the toy, she ended up back on her tummy. Again, frustration had her rolling again to her back. Cheri ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/shes-on-a-roll/ Looks like the next portrait will be at 9 months. We missed 7 months because Cheri and Kenzie were in Louisiana visiting grandma. The 8 month mark came with major sniffles and a red-nosed Kenzie would not make for very pretty pictures. Shortly the March and April misc. photo galleries should ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/next-portrait-at-9-months/ Kenzie likes Cheerios! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/shhh-dont-tell-mommy/ The rebuild of MackenzieCarden.com is almost done. There are now new galleries covering some of the gaps previously left open... like Thanksgiving with the Grandparents. Also camera phone pics from Cheri have been added. Hopefully the new software will allow us to provide more timely updates for family and friends. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/rebuild-almost-complete/ Kenzie is feeling much better and went to sleep in her own bed tonight. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/back-to-bed/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/play/ Mackenzie has her first cold. Congestion is causing difficulty breathing. She's eating ok and doesn't appear to have any other issues. Just gotta let it run it's course. Oh yeah... this means she and Cheri are sleeping in the guest room... when they're able to sleep. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/first-cold/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/outside/ Kenzie grew while visiting Grandma in Shreveport. Last night Cheri decided to see if a 6 month sleeper would fit.. and it does! So she's officially gone up a size. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/shes-growing/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/cookie/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-birthday-daddy/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/87/ Cheri called from Grandma's in Louisiana yesterday afternoon and Kenzie was in a pout about to go into whiney baby... she held the phone for Kenzie ... and after a bit of me talking to her, Kenzie was happy and talking back. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/kenzie-call/ Ok, maybe just down the Interstate, but we are gonna cross a few rivers. We're off to Shreveport to visit Grandma. Kenzie & Mommy will stay most of the month. Dad flies back to Madison on Monday to keep the diaper funds flowing. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/over-the-river-and-through-the-woods/ Mackenzie is now 6 months old! We didn't do much celebrating as Mommy was sick and quarrantined to the guest room. That means Daddy just spent three days playing Mr. Mom. At least we got in the 6-month portrait session. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/6-months/ It hit 53 degrees on Valentines Day, so the whole family was able to take a stroll around the neighborhood. This was Mackenzie's first long walk outdoors in the stroller as well as her first walk with Bindi. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/strolling-the-neighborhood/ Dunno what the big deal is, but Mackenzie smiled and enjoyed her carrots tonight. I suppose there are mommies out there who will understand and appreciate this fact. We're now doing twice daily solid food feedings. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/score-the-carrots/ This evening, Mackenzie made serious moves toward Cheri's soda can. She leaned in toward it multiple times with her hands out and mouth open. So Cheri decided it was time to try a sippy cup with water. Mackenzie took to it immediately, holding it with both hands for several minutes. ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/such-a-big-girl/ Mackenzie can't seem to go more than a half an hour in activities that just a few days ago entertained her for an hour or more. Cheri says she felt ridges on her lower gum. It might be the early signs of teething. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/cranky-baby/ Squash came out of her nose tonight and there are sweet potatoes in her ears. How'd that happen? http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/food-fun/ The prayer and dedication service was excellent. Our biggest praises are that Mackenzie has been perfectly healthy. God definitely worked miracles to keep Cheri and Mackenzie safe with her complications. She is our little miracle. Cousins Hank, Sharon, Jenny and Peyton were all there. Pastor Chris commented that he was privileged ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/baby-dedication/ We plan to be at the Blackhawk Church baby dedication service Saturday morning at 10am. Join us if you can. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/baby-dedication-is-saturday/ The second real food is sweet potatoes... and today for lunch Cheri fed her both bananas and sweet potatoes. Mackenzie was really surprised when she realized both of these new flavors could be had in the same meal. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/sweet-potato-time/ Today Mackenzie got her first taste of real food. It was bananas! She was crying for food in her chair and with that first bite she completely focused with incredible enthusiasm. So she will get a bit of banana mixed in with the rice cereal. Next week maybe applesauce or ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/mackenzie-goes-bananas/ Mackenzie sat for her 5-month portrait today. You can see a couple of the images in the Ages gallery. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/5-month-portrait/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/chair-here/ Wow, over two months since this page was updated. We will try to backdate a few entries in a few days. Meanwhile, check out the latest gallery of various images from the past month. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/finally-an-update/ Mackenzie slept the whole night in the bassinet last night. Yeah, there was a feeding in there and some holding on the bed, but she slept out of our bed. Oh, so nice to have room again and not worry about rolling over on her. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bassinet-time-finally/ Mackenzie was one of the featured babies for Daddy Boot Camp at Meriter Hospital today. It's a Q&A, info and hands on class just for dads. Dads who previously attended bring their babies to help the expecting dads get a bit of a handle on what to expect. Kenzie had ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/daddy-boot-camp-part-2/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/nap-time/ Mackenzie is now eating solid food! Ok, once a day it's rice cereal mixed with formula to about the consistancy of very runny grits, but it's solid food. She has been giving us food cues for several weeks and Doc said go ahead, so we're doing it. She opened her ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/solid-food/ Doc says all is well and she's doing great. Mackenzie weighed in at 9lbs 3oz and is 22 3/4" long. I guess they don't call a height "tall" until you can stand. Anyway, she also got three shots, so lots of consoling to do in the next day or two. Cheri ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/doc-at-four-months/ It's been a while since this page was updated. Dad is trying to catch up... especially all of the great pics that are sitting on the computer in the basement. So backdated entries will be appearing below at various times. Scroll down and see what's new. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/slowly-updating/ Mackenzie has now doubled in weight. She's 20 inches long and weighs 6lb 6.5oz. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/latest-trip-to-the-doc/ Two months, of course, means more pictures... and the beginning of a gallery that will contain images of Mackenzie at various ages. Bunny will show up as often as possible to help provide a size reference. Mackenzie is now smiling a bit and even coming close to giggling. Happy time is ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/two-months/ Every fall since we moved to Wisconsin, Cheri has visited her Grandmother for a couple of weeks of baking. This year, she came to Madison for baking and to meet her new great-grand daughter. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/great-grandma-is-here/ This time Doc both weighed and measured Mackenzie. She's 18 1/4 inches long and weighs 5lb 5oz. Doc didn't want to give her back, but she had other patients to see. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/another-trip-to-the-doc/ What a difference a month makes! Mackenzie is now a month old and approaching 5lbs. The whole family took a walk around the park. Ok, Mackenzie was in a sling over Cheri's shoulder and of course Bindi was on a leash. Of course Dad got the camera out. Check out Conversations ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/1-month/ Mackenzie had her second trip to the doc today. She's up to 4lb 4.5oz. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/next-doc-visit/ Yeah, Mackenzie just got home, but it's already time for the first trip to the doctor. She weighed in at 3lbs 9oz. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/first-doc-visit/ Mackenzie came home today! The day was filled with the busy work of getting ready to leave the wonderful care of Grandma Donna and the other staff at the Meriter Special Needs Nursery. There were checklists, a last minute feeding, pictures, hugs and goodbyes. It took two nurses to wrestle ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/shes-home/ This rocking chair won't be sitting empty much longer. Cheri just called from the hospital. Mackenzie is coming home this afternoon! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/coming-home/ Mackenzie now weighs 3lbs 8.3oz (1596 grams) and is holding her body temperature well in the open crib. Things are looking good for her to come home very soon! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/looking-good/ Mackenzie is sleeping in an open crib tonight! Last night she spent an hour in the car seat wearing a blood oxgen monitor. The "car seat test" is done to prove that she can sit up in the seat without losing her ability to properly breathe. Unfortunately her body temperature after ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/uncovered/ It's bath night for Mackenzie and Cheri is up to bat. A clean baby is a good thing. The two of them put on quite a show. Check out the gallery. Temperature is very important for Mackenzie. Before she can come home, she must demonstrate the ablity to regulate her body ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bath-night/ Cheri is home now. We picked up Papa Murphy's pizza on the way home. Hopefully Mackenzie will be home early next week. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/cheri-is-home/  It's been an awesome but hectic few days. Mackenzie came into the world, Dad got the first feeding, Pop was the first grandparent to hold her, then Memom got her turn, followed by Grandma and finally Mommy. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/picture-time/ Mackenzie Diane Carden came into the world this morning at 6:02am weighing 3lbs 2.9oz and measuring 16.5 inches long. Mackenzie is doing very well in the special care nursery and Cheri is recovering from the section back on the 6th floor. Dad was grinning as he wiped a few tears ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/its-a-girl-2/ http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/how-old-is-kenzie/ It's been a day since they stopped trying to induce labor. Doc did another treatment to help get things prepared. Probably late afternoon or early evening they will start trying to induce again. Meanwhile, sleep and quiet are at the top of the agenda. Again, looking more like tomorrow than ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/sleep-now-try-again-later/  Baby is coming slowly. It's looking more like tomorrow than today. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/baby-coming-slowly/ Doc just started inducing Cheri, so Baby is coming! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/baby-is-coming/ Cheri had a surprise visitor today. Bindi arrived just as she started eating lunch. One of the nurses let us know which door was closest to the elevators. Several nurses and Dr. Edwards (org doc) came in to visit as well. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/surprise-visitor/ Cheri is curently on a monitor that tracks Baby's heartbeat. On specific Eagles songs mentioned below (July 23), Baby's heartbeat slowed down slightly. Could Joe Walsh really have a calming effect? She will test other songs and artists as opportunity and availability permit. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/musical-moments/ Latest text message received... Baby likes Buble. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/more-happy-baby/ Seems dark chocolate M&Ms are not readily available in Madison. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/none-found/ Latest text message received from Meriter room 692... More dark chocolate M&Ms. Cheri prefers the peanut variety. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/message-received/ Cheri now has a portable DVD player and a collection of Cary Grant movies to help pass time. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/movie-time/ Doc has reviewed the results of the ultrasound from yesterday. There is the beginning of some concern about the movement of blood between Baby and the placenta. Apparently this is one of the many things that get monitored with preeclampsia. Doc has reassured us that Baby should stay on the ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/still-cooking/ Doc wanted fresh measurements of Baby and a good look at the placenta. So much of the afternoon was spent in the ultrasound area. Meriter now has the new 4D machines, but because of Baby's position, we didn't get any face pics. We did get this one of Baby's foot against ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/aint-that-a-kick-in-the/ The lab somehow did something to Cheri's morning blood sample which caused them to return for a second sticking in the other arm. Thus morning wasn't much fun. The highlight of the day was a surprise visit by a bowl of Laurie's tortellini salad for lunch. After nearly two weeks of ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bloody-monday/ It seems today was Visitor Day. The list included Gigi, Joyce and Cindy & Ron. With all the visitors, Dad got the evening at home after dropping off dinner (Cracker Barrel) to unwind and spend time with Bindi. BTW, the Cardinals beat the Braves. August 5, 2005 http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/friday-was-visitor-day/ A hospital isn't the greatest place to spend a birthday. However a couple of things helped make it not quite so bad. A couple of ladies from the Titus Ministry at Blackhawk Church visited, as did Jane, Cheri's boss from the Vanilla Bean. Cousin Hank and Sharon Starkey dropped by ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-birthday/ Cheri finally got her giant horseshoe pillow so now she is comfy. She didn't think it would fit the bed, but it did. The baby monitoring has been cut back to every couple of days. This should be a good sign that they don't feel the urgency to do the daily ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/finally-comfy/ Cheri got to have an extended ultrasound session this morning, thanks to the medical students who were tagging along with the technician. They spent lots of time watching Baby stretching, Baby rolling, lungs moving... and Cheri's favorite... Baby punching! Yes, they saw Baby stretch her arm out, open her hand, ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/extended-ultrasound/ Cheri finally had a good night of sleep. The nurse didn't even wake her up to take vitals. Instead Cheri found a note in the bathroom to buzz when she did wake up ... it was around 3:30am. We've never heard of nursing staff who let a patient sleep rather ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/good-nights-rest/ It's monitor time and Baby doesn't want to be still. They've been trying to put the monitor on Cheri's tummy and Baby kept moving around and squirming out of range. Gonna try again a bit later. Doc's visit this morning did include some discussion of when to deliver Baby and if ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/baby-is-squirming/ Baby is coming along well. The ultrasound from Monday was primarily to take measurements. So we now know Baby is at least 3lbs and an ounce. Doc, nurses and everyone else says this is right in line with where she should be. One of the many pieces of advice from friends ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/weighing-in/ Cheri's doc visited this morning and is very happy with the numbers he's seeing. Thus, she is properly responding to complete bed rest. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/morning-doc-visit/ Cheri got settled into the hospital late yesterday afternoon. She got 20 questions, vitals, poking and more questions from a tag team of a CNA, RN, 4th year med student and resident. Then it was on the monitor for an hour and finally some food. Of course it's not a ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/settled-into-meriter/ Doc now wants Cheri on bed rest in a hospital bed... probably until Baby is born. They also plan to get steroids to help Baby accelerate development. So sometime this evening we'll be at Meriter Hospital. More info will be posted as it becomes available. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/bed-rest-in-a-hospital-bed/ Today was another ultrasound day ... this time to take lots of measurements. Baby's heartbeat is still going strong around 150 beats per minute. In fact, the grandmas were both treated to a phone call with the heartbeat on the other end. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/picture-time-again/ Baby has learned a new move or two. Cheri reports Baby has started rolling. In fact, when the Eagles are on, Baby rocks & rolls. We're experimenting with different musical styles. So far we've tried Vivaldi, a Baby Einsten classical disc, some country, and a few others ... but so ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/new-moves/ Bindi seems to be slightly depressed because it looks like there's a new crate in Baby's room. She actually circled it looking for the door. Bindi hasn't had to stay in a crate regularly for over a year. Most recently her crate was in the basement and she absolutely hated being ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/new-crate/ Major thanks to Ben & Gigi for their super assistance painting the nursery. The room is now a lovely Pale Daffodile. For those of you like me, that means a light yellow. Next on the list of things to do... assemble the baby bed. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/painting-day/ Bindi has now heard baby noises coming from the nursery. No, Baby isn't here yet. It's The Sounds of Baby. In line with that idea, the UPS guy brought a surprise today. Anita & Ric Crouch sent a Newborn candle that really smells like baby powder. The idea is ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/acclimating-the-dog/ Today was Baby's third photo session! Scroll down and compare her face to the previous shot. She is definitely getting bigger! Before this, Cheri got to enjoy a No Stress Test. Yes we actually have to pay to let her sit in a recliner. Of course they did hook her up ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/look-at-that-face/ Watching television in bed tonight and in the peripheral vision, Dad saw the tummy jump... and had to make sure it wasn't a hiccup. So much for holding a hand on the tummy to try and feel movement, it's time to just sit back and watch Baby put on a ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/jumping-tummy/ Today was a trip to Milwaukee to visit a couple of Cheri's favorite aunts and a cousin in the hospital. On the way we had to stop at the Johnson Creek Outlets. After stops in the Carter's and Little Ones outlet stores, Baby now officially has all of the newborn ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/outlet-mall-shopping/ Got a phone call today that Cheri's new rocking chair had arrived, so date night was transformed into furniture night. Maybe someday a camera will be allowed in the same room as Cheri when she's rocking. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/cheri-rocks/ Baby's first piece of furniture arrived last week. Now the interesting part is it arrived in a box about about a quarter of the finished size weighing 92 pounds. The instructions estimated the assembly time to be forty minutes. So, of course, it actually took three hours with a screwdriver, rubber ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/babys-first-furniture/ Baby decided to do a dance tonight... probably from glee over the sugar in the boston cream pie that Cheri had for dessert. Baby being active and dancing around is not anything new. What was new tonight... Dad could seriously feel Baby moving around! A couple of other times there ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/dancing-baby/ Today Baby had her second photo session! The biggest news ... it's a GIRL! So Marilyn's think pink theme is now official. The doc saw nothing to give us any reason to need the dreaded amnio test. Things are still looking good! Check out more pics by clicking here! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/its-a-girl/ Breakfast on Friday the 13th was interesting. First the griddle was set too hot, so the pancakes burned. Next a spatula slipped on the stove ... did you know they will actually flame? Of course the sausage had to burn as well. So it took two tries to make breakfast ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/burning-plastic/ We're officially halfway to Baby's due date!!! It's all downhill from here, right? So for Mother's Day (and Mother-to-be Day), here's a much requested tummy shot. Cheri may never allow another one, so enjoy it while you can. Last night Cheri enjoyed her first bites of Godiva ice cream in over two ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/happy-mothers-day/ We got out and went strolling around the block with Bindi. Our only problem is Bindi knows the word "stroll" and she get's excited everytime she hears it. We've got to quit using that word until Baby comes so she won't associate a "stroller" with her walks. Cheri now has one ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/strolling-and-sleeping/ We just got back from the grocery store (11pm) and it seems we are now stocked up for the weekend's cravings. At Cracker Barrel, Cheri spotted a box of Moon Pies... so that's now on the kitchen table (minus one). Any good Southerner knows a Moon Pie should go with ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/craving-of-the-weekend/ To satisfy the craving of the day, Bindi and Dad had to make an emergency run to Brennan's for a slice of watermelon. Of course Bindi doesn't mind this because Brennan's has samples of cheese sitting out and she inevitably gets a bite or two. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/craving-of-the-day-2/ Dinner time at Cracker Barrel is not all that unusual for us. What is unusual is when Cheri contemplates skipping dinner and going straight to dessert. Honestly, I can't remember the last time we had dessert out. Fortunately Cheri resisted and had chicken fried steak with green beans and carrots. ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/craving-of-the-day/ Cheri hollered this morning, saying "Come put your hand here. Feel that?" It seems Baby decided to let it's satisfaction with the morning pancakes known by dancing around a little bit. This was the first time Cheri really felt Baby moving around inside. Maybe in another week or two Dad ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/theres-something-in-there/ The monthly doctor visit has come and gone. Everything looks like it's supposed to. Heartbeat has slowed down a bit.. now around 150. Yeah, the Doc came and got the daddy out of the waiting room for that part. It appears Cheri has a sinus infection, so (baby safe) antibiotics ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/doctor-visit/ I don't know if this classifies as a legitimate craving or not, but this afternoon Cheri demanded a chili dog! She also seems to really be wanting to eat at a Sonic, but that existed before the pregnancy, so it probably doesn't count. Earlier this week she was thinking about ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/cravings/ I know someone is going to ask about the color of the baby countdown calendar above. The pink teddy bear does NOT currently indicate anything specific, though it certainly does fit in with Marilyn's "Think Pink" theme. We aren't set either way right now.. we're just thanking God for the ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/baby-countdown-calendar/ We started picking out baby stuff this weekend, even though it's still early on. You'll notice items in the right column that link to some of these things on Amazon.com. One of the cool things.. we get a five percent commission from any purchase made from those links.. and it ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/baby-stuff/ Baby has certainly been keeping Cheri's tummy going. There are now TWO alarms set for breakfast. The first breakfast alarm goes off at 3:15AM for cheese toast. The second one hits around 6:00AM. The second breakfast has settled down to pancakes within the past week. We think baby is trying ... http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/early-breakfasts/ We got our first pictures of this newest blessing! It came just in time for Cheri to take to Shreveport to surprise Marilyn. Things are looking good! http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/first-baby-pictures/ In case you never saw the Christmas card photo this year. You might know Cheri is incredibly camera shy, so it was wonderful to get this one. http://www.mackenziecarden.com/index.php/christmas-photo/