Weekend Visitors

Over the weekend, Clinton had two very special visitors...Bebe and Pop. Grandparents are so special and I'm excited my parents now have the opportunity to experience that. I have very fond memories of my grandparents and still get excited about seeing them. No one ever makes you feel as loved and special as grandparents do. Clinton got all kinds of loving this weekend.

While his grandparents were here, Clinton went on his very first hike in the woods and took his very first Civil War tour (something all true Southerners do). The hike was close to 4 miles, and Clinton only cried at the beginning. A bottle and half later, he was ready to go and we were back on the trail. Mother carried him in the Baby Bjorn most of the way, and then Dad carried him the rest. The Civil War tour was neat. There's a plantation in Franklin that was turned into a hospital following the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Beside it is a cemetery where many of the Confederate soldiers were eventually buried. It was quite amazing to see how many young men sacrificed their life...and at such a young age. It made me feel as if I'm not contributing enough to this world or standing strongly enough for the things I believe in. It's definitely got me thinking...

Clinton also got lots of attention and was held for four days straight....once again, thanks to everyone who spoils my son and then leaves me all alone with a child who wants constant attention. :-) Just kidding, he has been fine...he loves to watch music videos on TV, so when I really need to work I sometimes resort to that. Something about music really makes Clinton happy.

Below are some pictures from our fabulous weekend!

Clinton sticking his tongue out at Bebe.


Clinton and Pop standing in front of some Civil War bullet holes.


Clinton all pooped out after his company left yesterday.

Gettin' my groove back...

As of this morning, Mommy is back on a diet. For the last several months, I have put aside my neurotic obsession with my weight in order to provide a healthy home for my baby. The past couple of months it has felt like I've been losing a lot of weight, because I had the baby and walked out of the hospital nearly 20 pounds lighter. However, I gained almost forty pounds and until recently wasn't really capable of exercise...so I've still got some work to do. We're going to the beach at the end of next month...seeing as I already have to deal with all the comments about by beautiful porcelain skin blinding everyone, I'd like to at least have a decent shape. Now I will say, tugging around a 500 lb. car seat has kept my arms quite tone...so that will not be the focus area. No, my problem is a little too much junk in the trunk...and a flabby tummy...but I'm not really sure how you get rid of skin that has been stretched out. I'd be happy to hear any suggestions. This weekend I went and got a jogger stroller. Since Clinton helped me put the weight on, he's going to help me take it off. Today we began our work out. We took a 1 1/2 hour walk/run...heavy on the walk. We were both pooped when it was over...even though one of us took a nap during most it. Below are some pictures of us at Omikoshi last night (my last good meal!) and today after our work out.

Hope everyone is doing well! Love to all--Courtney

Mommy and Clinton getting ready for a yummy dinner. Clinton was so well behaved during dinner...but what else can you expect from the perfect baby?

All pooped out...but loving the new stroller.

Mommy's little angel...

Yesterday was Easter Sunday and Clinton had another perfect Sunday in church. He was greatly admired by the family in the row behind us who praised us for such a beautiful and well-behaved baby. What can I say? We done good. Of course, we selected another perfect outfit for the very special day. We're already looking forward to next year when he might be able to hunt Easter eggs.

Today we went to the doctor for our 2 month check up. Clinton weighed in at 12 lbs., 2 oz. and measured 24 inches long. His weight was only in the 65th percentile but his length was in the 80th percentile...so he's pretty long and slender compared to other babies. Everything appeared to be good except a small problem with his little private area. We're going to go see a pediatric urologist sometime in the next week. It's either a hernia or excess fluid. A hernia will require surgery in the near future, but it is a minimally invasive procedure. The fluid could require an operation but not for some time. We'll keep everyone posted. Clinton also got four shots today. I had to tap into my mommy super powers to hold it all together as he cried and shrieked. I couldn't wait until they finished so I could take him back and get him clamed down. Our baby is normally just so laid back, it's hard to see him all stressed and unhappy.

He's been a little more tired and fussy today, but I happened to catch some shots of his beautiful smile during play time. Hope you enjoy the pics. And thanks for all the birthday wishes...it's been a blessed and busy birthday! Love to all.

The perfect Easter outfit.



Play time with Mommy. He's going be able to charm the ladies with that smile...just like his Daddy.

Two Peas in a Pod...

Today Clinton is 8 weeks old...and becomes more adorable everyday. One of my favorite parts of each day is picking out his adorable little outfits. Today he got to wear his flannel shirt coat...which makes him look a little chunkier than he is. We spent most of today running errands...the jewelry store, the cell phone store, Target (we never leave the house without going to Target), and an antique mall I found today. Clinton naps from around noon until about 5, so errands are usually pretty easy if I can fit them into that time frame...he loves to sleep in his car seat. Below are some pictures we took this afternoon of little Clinton with his best bud, Gracie Mae. I'm still trying to catch one of his beautiful huge laughing smiles on camera...as soon as I get one, I'll post it. Hope everyone is doing well. Love to all.

Mommy & Daddy attempt Easter pictures...

Rodney and I decided to use our fancy new camera to do Clinton's Easter pictures ourselves. Of course, we believe they would be perfect no matter what because our subject was so adorable. However, our tulips made the perfect little backdrop and mother sent my Easter basket for Clinton to use. Thanks to Samantha for yet another perfect outfit!

Almost 7 weeks old...

I have to admit, I have fallen head over heels in love with this precious little boy. I don't even mind getting up in the wee hours of the morning to feed him...I'm not saying I don't groan a little, but as soon as I see his precious little face I'm just excited to be holding him! Rodney has now finished his first finance class, so Clinton and I are being much less considerate of his sleep...we're letting daddy change diapers in the wee hours of the morning. This allows me to get a drink of water and throw my hair in a pony before hiking upstairs to fill up Clinton's little belly.

I'm continuing to enjoy playing dress up with my little man and taking pictures...although, I think my friend Samantha has me beat! For those of you who remember my college roommate, you can check out her blog at fromthekadishfamily.blogspot.com. We can't wait to get our little boys together and have them to grow up as good of friends as we are.
Clinton's achievements since the last post are as follows...

1. He can follow objects with his eyes. I like to sign songs to him as I sing them and he loves to just watch my hands. He also likes to lay on the bed while I fold laundry. I think he likes watching all the different colors.


2. He can scratch in the midst of a fit....and not just himself. He's been scratching me when he gets mad. A sign of a temper...hmmm, I wonder who he gets that from...although mine is much more under control these days.


3. He can hold his head up without any help at all. He loves looking around.


4. He can smile and laugh....although it's still a rare moment. We continue to encourage him when he does smile and laugh in the hopes of seeing it return again soon.


5. He can push off with his legs. When he is laying in my lap he pushes really hard with his legs against my stomach. Sometimes when I'm burping him, he'll stretch his legs out and push against my lap as if he's trying to stand. I know, I know....how advanced! :-)

See the pictures below...

In deepest thought.


Pictures with some of his stuffed animals...although I seem to have only gotten his face!


Another cute outfit mommy threw together at a moment's notice.



Clinton giving mommy a hard time in public...what can you do?

5 1/2 Weeks Old and Growing...

We've reached 5 1/2 weeks and I am amazed every day at the changes I see in Clinton. He has learned to smile and grab, and now he let us know when his diaper needs changing. He can definitely recognize mine and Rodney's voices...and loves us to be around...however, he loves being held by anyone. Clinton has revamped my body clock for a 4:30 am feeding...which I've learned to accept as a special time that Clinton and I get to bond rather than an interruption to my sleep. Clinton has also gotten to where he can focus really well and pays attention to the songs I sing him. We are looking forward to all the ways our little blessing will continue to amaze us... See lots of pictures below.

By the way---I know several of you have tried to call. As soon as all our company is gone, I promise to return all calls....please bear with me!!

This is Clinton's new favorite place to hang out while mommy showers and gets ready for the day. It's a great little glider swing.

I tried taking his pictures at one month, but he was less than pleased with me at the time.

Winking at mommy.

Aunt Zsazsie came back for her spring break to hold and spoil her little nephew...and boy did she do a good job, he only wants to be held now. Thanks, Zsazsie.

Bath time is so much fun, but when he gets out it's terrible. Check out the belly on that baby!!


Baby's first St. Patrick's Day...and we were able to dress appropriately thanks to a very cute onesie sent by Samantha and Tristan.

Great Mama Peggy is here now, and the baby is continuing to be held and spoiled with lots of love.

Finally...a post!

Sorry for the lack of blogging. I have been very busy learning how to be a mommy. While I'm loving every minute of it, I sometimes feel a little overwhelmed. But a little prayer and the occasional nap usually makes me sane again. I am almost fully recovered, and Clinton and I have been getting out more and more. He's not aware of any trips he's been on because he sleeps as soon as he gets in his car seat. We're on a pretty decent schedule now. Clinton usually sleeps from about 10.30pm to 4.30am and then from 6am to 10 or 11am. Last week we had two nights in a row where he slept for 9 hours straight...I've never treasured sleep so much!

I have made several postings today...so make sure to scroll down and see all the pics posted.

If you've ever seen my baby pics, this little boy looks a lot like me. Although, he often makes a face that makes him look just like my cousin Colter. Here, Clinton is sportin' an outfit sent to him by Alan and Nene.

Check out my tricks...

I can sleep....and I really like naps with my Daddy.


I can cry...especially when someone tries to change my diaper.


And I can lift my head...sort of. I'm getting better everyday.

All dressed up...

Going out on a date with mommy (and daddy). We went to mommy's favorite Japanese steak house, but I don't remember it because I slept the entire time.

This is my longhorn bath towel that Ken and Jeanette sent me...and that's my sister, Gracie Mae, trying to sniff me.

This is my really cute lion sweater that Samantha and Tristan sent me.

Visitors from Texas...

In my short little life, I've already had a number of visitors. And next week, my Great Mama Peggy is coming to see me. Here are some pics of the visitors I've already had.

This is me with my Pop...I was named after him, so we're pretty tight.


...with Bebe...and that's pronounced be-bay.

...with Aunt Zsazsie...aka Chelsea.

...and with Whitney, who is expecting in August! We were so excited you got to come visit! We can't wait to meet your baby!

Surviving the first week...

Well, we survived the first week of parenthood. The first two nights were pretty crazy...with lots of feedings, some baby belly aches and sleeplessness for mommy and daddy. Since then Clinton has been sleeping at least 6 hours a night. Sometimes it doesn't start until after 3am, but still 6 hours. We've even had a couple of 8 hour nights...with one quick feeding in the middle.

Clinton is becoming much more alert and giving us a couple of hours of awake time in the morning and again in the afternoon. He had two doctor's appointments this week. He had his initial appointment and then a follow-up appointment to test his billirueben (sp?) levels. Everything looks good. His continuing to gain weight and eating like a mad man. Mommy had a little doctor's visit of her own. I took a little visit to the ER last night with severe pains in my abdomen...something I had been trying to tough out for several days, but finally gave in. Turns out everything was fine, just some normal post partum complications that can be fixed with a pill. I'm feeling much better now.

We'll keep you posted as Clinton reaches new milestones.

Chillin' with Daddy.


Snoozin' all day.

Hanging out with my cousin Emma.

Snoozin' in my car seat...

Mommy took my 1 week old pictures.

Introducing...Clinton Robert Williams

Praise God! We have been blessed with the most beautiful and healthiest baby boy. He weighed in at 8 lbs. and was 21 1/4" long. He is the longest and skinniest newborn I have ever seen. Labor and delivery went well. We were actually scheduled for an induction Thursday morning, but Clinton must have been as anxious as we were. Thursday morning I woke up at 3 am with contractions which continued until we arrived at the hospital. Once we arrived we had to register, get settled in our room and then I had to "get dressed". Around 9 am they started the pitosin (sp?) to make the contractions stronger, around 9.30 am they came and broke my water, and around 11.30 am I reached my breaking point and received my epidural. I was scared of the epidural so I waited a while before getting it. Then, of course, the epidural was a piece of cake and my attitude drastically improved. Rodney's dad stopped by several times to check on us and spent most of the day in the waiting room. Mother and Cathy (Rodney's mother) arrived around 1 pm and hung out with us in labor and delivery for the afternoon. We watched A Baby Story and Bringing Home Baby and the breaking news about Anna Nicole Smith. The nurses had predicted an 8.30 pm "go time" for pushing, but Clinton and I surprised everyone by being ready at 5.30 pm. When we got ready to push they informed me this process usually takes a couple of hours....try less than 45 minutes. So at 6.22 pm on February 8, 2007, we had a beautiful new son. Rodney and my mother stayed with me for the delivery. Rodney surprised everyone by being able to watch the entire delivery and cut the umbilical cord...I was so proud of him. My husband has a bit of a weak stomach, but he was able to take in and appreciate every moment of this miraculous event. Check out some pictures below of our wonderful new blessing!

Mommy and Daddy enjoying new baby Clinton.

Checking everything out from Daddy's arms.

Sleeping like a baby...my favorite thing to do!

Look at this beautiful face!!

All ready to go home!