Tuesday, December 30, 2008

7 Little Secrets

My friend, Sarah , tagged me to tell 7 things that no one knows about me.... considering I am not a very private person, it is going to be difficult to tell you 7 secrets about myself. But I will give it a try.

1. I could live on junk food- soda pop, pop tarts, chips, cookies, Little Debbie, you name it. It is what I want for breakfast, to finish my lunch, and late at night. Most of the time I do eat it for breakfast which I know isn't good. I try hard to battle these urges because I know I need to be healthier.

2. I love to drive fast. Any where. I know it isn't smart but I can't stand going slow. It is also a way for me to clear my head when I am upset. Now I have been lucky on the speeding tickets and talked my way out of a few. Give me an open road and let me go!

3. I once trained for a mini-marathon!! For those of you that know me this is hilarious- I like to exercise if it had to do with a sport, so this was so random. Amber, Andrea, and I decided to run a mini0marthon and so we trained. Now this training lasted about a month for me until I decided that I wasn't a runner. The funny thing is Drew met me while I was training and was impressed at this great ambition, when come to find out that wasn't me at all!!

4. I could live at the beach. I love the breeze, the water, the warm weather. I do not so much love KY weather.

5. I have terrible motion sickness. I LOVE roller coasters because of the thrill but cannot ride them. I can't ride in the back seat of a car for very long. Going on a cruise is out of the question. Airplane rides are torture. There are so many things I want to do with Brayden (like ride rides) that will be hard. Drew is terribly afraid of any ride so I guesss I will have to take so Dramamine and do it anyway!

6. Having a baby is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. This may sound so cliche or simple, but nothing has rocked my world more. I have felt like I have always been able to meet challenges and phases in my life, but boy was I surprised when my baby boy came along. I didn't know what to do, how to handle it. I have always felt like I have been good at everything in my life, but with him I never doubted myself more. I have never loved more, worried more, slept less, cried more, or laughed more. I love my role as a mom more than anything, but it has rocked my world. :)

7. I have always thought that I would be famous. I don't know what for or when but I have thought it several times in my life. :) We'll see.....

Ok so now I want to know seven secrets about you:
Brooke
Jackie
Nicole
Maria
Jen
Candace

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas!

Well the Christmas extravaganza is still continuing as I am blogging from Ohio. It started on Christmas Eve when we headed to church for the service. There wasn't a nursery so Brayden went in the service with us. He did pretty well with the music and lasted about 45 minutes and then we left because it wasn't worth fighting him. We then headed to my mom's house for her side of Christmas. It was my aunt uncle and cousin from Florida (Carole Steve and Evin), then my aunt and uncle and cousins (Bo Barbara, Whitney, Brett, Ryleigh, Bryn), and my grandparents. This year we decided to only give gifts to the kids, and it was nice to not have it all about the presents. It was nice to visit with the family, and play with the babies. Our family has grown so much. It was originally the sisters and myself, and Whitney and Brett. And now there is 5 year old Evin, 2 year old Ryleigh, 1 year old Bryn, and 6 month old Brayden! So much fun.
Christmas morning Drew Brayden and I were at home, and opened our stockings. We then at cinamon rolls. We headed to my mom and dads around lunch time, and opened more presents. Then Christmas night we headed to my aunt and uncle (Keith and Tammy's house) for my dad's side. We had soups and exchanged presents. This side is growing as well with some of the nine cousins marrying and having babies!
Friday after Drew got off work we headed up to Ohio to celebrate with his family. When we got here we opened stockings, put the baby to bed and opened more presents. Then yesterday we visited with friends here, and had a make your own pizza night and then more presents! Brayden cleaned up! He got lots of books, a baseball rocking chair!, a baby laptop, lots of clothes, and more neat stuff.
We are going to be here a few more days to visit. Brayden did ok through all the visits. He was recovering from his ear infection so he was a little upset with that. He has also started with the stranger anxiety, and when anyone would take him he would start screaming. He really only wanted mommy and daddy. This made me feel bad, but not much we could do. He was really clingy, and very overwhelmed with all the people. He liked opening presents, and has napped well since being in Ohio. We are still waiting on the night time sleep to come back!
We will be heading home soon!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Pictures, Doctor's visit, and visits from friends!

Last night we had pictures taken. Brayden was adorable!! He worse his Christmas sweater, cordoureys and blue canvas shoes. There were also some naked pictures! He was serious most of the time but we got a few smiles out of him. I will post the link to the site when they come in!



Today we went to the doctor for his 6 month checkup! WEighing in at 19.5 pounds he is in the 80% for weight, 26 1.4 inches he is 50% for height, and he is head is in the 50%. He is growing and learning right on target. They checked his ears and his right ear is still infected! I am a little frustrated that they didn't check it sooner, but he was put on another round of antibiotic for that. Probably why he is still waking up every night. He had four shots today!! It was terrible! And a finger prick. I went by myself since Drew had to work and I couldn't scrounge up any volunteers to come with me. He screamed and had real tears with the shots (they weren't as fast as normal) and then I had to get his clothes on (which he hates.) I am glad it is over. He goes back in two weeks for an ear checkup, a month for another round of flu shot, and in March for the nine month checkup!



Today Krisi, Trevor, and Trent (Brayden's sitter and boys) came over to exchange presents. Brayden got some cubes that do all different things, a first christmas bupr cloth and bib, some shape blocks, and a car/walker. This was his first time opening gifts and he did a great job! The boys loved getting their UK sweatshirts with their names on the back!

Blake, Lauren and Caleb also came down for a visit Monday. They arrived around 3, and stayed till about 11. The boys played, napped, we had dinner, and once the babies were in bed played games. Caleb is getting so big (will be one next month!) and is crawling and teetering on things all over the place. He was so good, and loved exploring and playing with things in our house. It was so good to see them.

Brayden had a not so fun night being very fussy all evening, and then up all night long. I think his four shots and ear have done him in. We were up every hour with him. Drew and I are hoping for some silent nights this Christmas.....please??

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Snow Days!

So I was given the chance to rekindle my love for snow days the last two days. Somehow Georegtown got it worse than anywhere else, and I was blessed to get to spend Tuesday and Wednesday home with Brayden.
Tuesday was pretty bad outside, and Drew actually had a two hour delay to work. I stayed home all day and played with the baby.
Yesterday it wasn't as bad outside, and in between nap times Brayden and I met my mom and sisters for lunch. It worked out perfectly. He napped, I fed him, they had my food ordered, when I got there I ate, and he only sat for a few minutes, came home and it was time to nap again!
Then last night Brooke, Sejla and I (with Ella and Brayden in tow) went to dinner to celebrate mine and Brooke's birthdays. It was so good to see them. We don't get together nearly enough, but it always makes it so good when we do. The babies were good. Brayden ate some bananas and a bottle, and Ella had some rolls and salmon! They played with each other and got passed around to all of us!

Some new things going on with Brayden at six months old:
1. He LOVES his Jumperoo- He sits and jumps and cackles at himself. Hilarious.
2. He is taking three solid naps a day 1 1/2-2 hours. You don't mess with those naps or it isn't a fun day.
3. He loves his cereal, bananas, and applesause. Not so much on the carrots or sweet potatoes.
4. He does REALLY well in his new car seat. I used to dread taking him anywhere by myself because he would constantly melt down in the car seat, but so far he has done really well in the new one. I think he likes sitting up and being able to see better.
5. He is sitting up pretty consistently.
6. He likes to put his feet in his mouth.
7. He is very intrigued with Mr. Wiggles. Likes to grab at his fur and laugh at him.
8. Does really well with people but REALLY loves seeing Mommy and Daddy. :)
9. Is jabbering up a storm- it sounds like he says all sorts of words!!

He goes to get pictures made on SUnday, and the doctor on Monday so I will post on how that goes!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Fantastic Friday and Weekend!

Well this Fantastic Friday started off me getting the stomach flu around 2 a.m. It was lovely. I tried going into school Friday thinking it was food posioning and should go away, and I was nervous from missing days the prevous week with Brayden. When I got there my principal sent me home because the stomach flu was going around. So I spent the day in bed. Due to my lovely fever and vomitting here are those things that made it easier and made it a better Friday.
1. my warm and cozy bed
2. having Brittany to call as a substitute ready and willing to come in for me and always doing a good job
3. having good babysitters- even though my mom had a dinner party Friday night she kept Brayden a little longer so I could sleep whilst sick until Drew got off work
4. good friends that brought me soup :)
5. my wonderful husband that took care of me, and the baby- through the middle of the night and all
6. my generous sister who came over to help Drew for a while

Well I am finally starting to feel better and that is the most fantastic thing of all. I hate not being able to hold my sweet baby or help Drew with the work he entails. :)

Last night Drew and I went to our Sunday School annual Christmas Party. It was a catered dinner at our teacher's house. It was so nice to see everyone because we haven't been very consistent to class due to our little napper. Megan kept him for us last night, and the little baby woudln't go to sleep until we came home. He wouldn't take the bottle or lay down for anyone but else. I felt bad for Aunt Megan, but it was sweet that he wanted us.

I felt bad today, because Drew's family had a reunion in Ohio that they really wanted us to come to. It was this afternoon adn it would have been a two hour trip up and back and hit right at two nap times. We decided not to go because of the predicament and me with the recovering flu. We feel bad letting his family down but we had to do what was best for the baby, Not always a popular decision but best for him. We will be back up there in two weeks for Christmas and will hopefully see them all soon!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Mommy Thoughts

So as I was up at 4 a.m. this morning with Brayden, I was having an epiphany. Just how roller-coaster like my emotions/thoughts change in terms of being a mom. Because I am always so very honest here are my contradictory thoughts...

1. organized vs. unorganized- I always love being organized and really value it when other people are as well. I strive to be for his baby sitters, and with his medicines and so on. Then there are other parts like his closet, and other areas that are so not organized.

2. schedule vs. nonschedule- So I was all about reading Babywise to get Brayden to sleep through the night and it is all about a schedule. Well there are times I am crazy about him staying on schedule and others I don't care at all because I dunno if it matters anyway!
3. rules vs. fly by the seat of my pants! Now this directly ties into #2 but there are so many rules- let them cry it out, no bottles to get them to sleep, etc. For a while I wanted to follow all of the rules, but then I realized my life was much simpler when I gave in...Plus I realized that if does take an ounce to go to sleep it really isn't the end of the world.

4. patient vs. agitated- Now I hate to admit this one but it is true. There are times when I think I am the most patient with him than anyone else in the world, and other times I get SO frustrated. Sometimes calm and praying to help with a difficult situation, and others mad and cursing under my breath. I know not very nice, but again honest.

5. ignoring people's opinions on my mothering decisions vs. rebutting them- Now there was a time when I would just let things pass me by for example when people told me I was posioning him with Karo syrup, or corrupting him by rocking him to sleep, but more and more lately I have begun to speak my mind. When I get comments demeaning or questioning my decisions- for example giving him medicine when he is sick, or not giving him certain foods yet, or laying him down when he is tired, etc. I am beginning to stick up for myself.

6. Work vs. stay at home- Not that this is an option right now but I constantly think about this. There are times when I love teaching and being a mom and like getting out of the house and providing financially for the family. Then there are the times when I wish I could be home to take care of the house, think about maybe cooking, and just be the sole caretaker of Brayden.

Well I think these are the ones that popped in my mind. I am sure there will be more to come. :) I hope I am not the only momma who thinks this way!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Sick

So this has thrown us for a loop. Brayden has had his first big sickness. We got home from Ohio Sunday night, and he had a low fever of 100. We gave him some Tylenol, and took him to the doctor on Monday. They said it was just a cold. Then Tuesday night in the middle of the night he woke up screaming with a temperature of 104! We were so scared. He was bright red, and screaming. I called the doctor and they told us to give him Motrin because he is getting ready to turn 6 months. Then I took him to the doctor on Wednesday and found out he had a double ear infection! They gave us some drops for his ears, and an antibiotic. He spent the whole day Tuesday and Wednesday either whining or crying. Not napping, not eating.
Drew was home with him on Monday and I have been home with him since Tuesday. This has been the longest break I have ever had from work, but he has been so sick and totally comes first.
He has all his medicine lined up to take, and he has actually been doing better today. He isn't the same ol B. but he is much better! He has napped well today and actually gave me a little laugh earlier!
We haven't slept but are hoping this is going to get better! Thanks to those of you who have called and asked how he was doing!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Thanksgiving!

Well our Thanksgiving extravaganza started Wednesday night. We went to my parent's house for my dad's side. There was lots of family there, and it was great to see them all. We saw my grandma, sisters, my mom and dad, We ate too much food. Brayden couldn't nap because it was so loud, so he passed out on our way home.

Thursday we had my mom's side. It was fun because Ryleigh and Bryn (my uncle's youngest two) are around Brayden's age so he could play with them. Whitney was there, and it was good to see her and her boyfriend as well. Brayden did well again!

Friday I went out at 4 a.m. shopping with my sisters! We went to Kohls first and then I was pooped so I came home.

We then headed to Ohio. Brayden did pretty well on the car ride up- we were hoping he would take a good nap, but he ended up waking up. We got there around 2, and went out to dinner that night. That was a little hard with him, because he has gotten into this new "screaming" phase where he likes to hear himself scream for fun and thinks it is funny. He decided to do this while in the middle in dinner. Saturday all of his family came over for dinner, and we ate and then opened my birthday gifts! I was excited to get the rest of the Twilight books. Sunday we went to church and then got home around 5. Brayden did well there. He had a crib and changing table that was his daddy's, and a new excersaucer and a duck bath tub! He loved it.

Some things I am thankful for:
1. My precious baby boy. He has changed my world completly and his little face is the best thing ever.
2. Another birthday! Although I am now getting closer to an age that is a bit scary- I love birthdays and had a great one with family! Here's to 25!
3. My job. I love second grade, and my little school. Although I am tired and frustrated at times, teaching is one of the few jobs where I have so much time off and off early hours.
4. My husband- Our relationship has forever changed since Brayden, but he is strong and consistent, and does a great job supporting our family.
5. My friends- I love having the support system that I do- from advice with babies and husbands, and teaching. Just having someone to talk to and lean on.
6. My family- They have been wonderful since Brayden and helped as much as possible.

Here's to another happy healthy year!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A night with Friends!

Last night Sarah, Greg, Ivy, Kayla and Nick ventured to G-town to eat some pizza and hang out. It was so good to see them all. It had been a while, and it is so nice to just get to hang out and talk. Ivy is so fun- she is running around, talking, and ate pizza with the adults! I enjoyed getting out Brayden's toys and playing with her. She is too sweet. Her and Brayden got along really well. Ivy jumped on the blanket after I changed his diaper, and they held hands. :) It is fun to watch them grow up together.
Pizza, friends, babies = good time. :) We need to do it again soon!
** I was trying to get a good picture of them and the girls, but it didn't work out so well.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Baby Dedication

Yesterday was Brayden's baby dedication at church. It went so well! We had family come down from Ohio: Don, Roxane, Audra, Aunt Geri, Joan, Ginnger, Bruce, and then my mom and dad, grandma, and sisters. They walked us out on stage and asked us some questions and showed a video, and Brayden was great the whole time. They then brought everyone out in the end and he did great then too. He took a bottle when we were finished and snoozed through the rest of church. You couldn't ask for a better baby.
We then went to my parent's house for lunch and Brayden napped while everyone ate. It was nice to have everyone together, and for them to come to our church. We will see them all again this week!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Fantastic Friday!

It is time again! SOme things that made this week fantastic!
1. Brayden teaching me that he is in charge- So he has been waking up at a lovely 6 a.m. where he used to sleep till 7. Also he is still waking up all night long. So I took a poll from my mommy friends and the major theme was to lay him down earlier. So we were on a mission last night. We prepared his bottle, got him ready for bed thirty minutes earlier. Gave him his bottle, and at the end where he usually is conked out- he looked up at me and was laughing. "Mommy I am not going to bed now." Then when we laid him down he played in his crib for another hour!! So he ended up staying up later than ever. So just when we thought we had the whole thing figured out he taught us that he is really in charge. P.S. He did sleep a LITTLe better so we will try it HIS way tonight. :)
2. Snow- Don't get me wrong, I don't like cold, I don't like wetness, but the promise of SNOW DAYS makes my job that much better. My two sole reasons for making it through winter: holidays and snow days. :)
3. New warm fuzzy slippers. Got some this week. The sock slipper kind. Love them.
4. Brayden's laugh and expressions. He keeps getting more and more of them and he is hilarious.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Sick Sitters

So I have the BEST babysitters in the world when it comes to my work week situation, but I have had some doozy luck with it all. Megan was sick today, so thankfully Krisi took him today. She just had to take him with her to take her son to pre-school and to pick him up. She said he did well.
Last night we went to small group, and he played with Alex, another baby there. THey liked watching a bouncing Tigger, and liked looking at eachother. They are too cute.
Brayden is still having trouble sleeping which is making it hard, and I am really looking forward to next week being a two day week!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Holiday Shopping! and 5 months old!

I did some online shopping, and Brooke and I went shopping this weekend for Christmas. It was lots of fun! I am so grateful to Drew for keeping Brayden because it would have been a mess to drag him in the rainy day. It was a wonderful day to have some girl time and really shop!
I can't reveal everything I bought in case some of you read this, but we did go to Toys R Us to get Santa presents. It was so overwhelming and so fun! Luckily I found the infant aisle to keep me focused, but it was still difficult. My mom told me to go ahead and pick out x amount for her and that way it made it easier for me to get more because I knew she was going in on it.
We got him a standing music table, a cd, a driver, a ball blower, a tool box, a few more toys, and a winter coat and mittens. It was a very productive trip. I have introduced Brayden to a few of the toys since he has no idea what day Christmas is on, and he has loved it all so far. It will be neat to see him grow into everything.
He was 5 months old on Thursday. He is roling over from tummy to back, jabbering, eating cereal, trying SOME baby food but not loving it yet, still waking up several times a night but going back to sleep, loving his Exersaucer, and has a rekindled love for his swing, giving kisses, leaning to you, playing (smiling and looking away), loves peekaboo, loves his Jerry the Giraffe toy, sits up in high chairs with blankets around him, doing better in his car seat (not wonderful but better), definitely recognizes people, likes being around other babies, eating less formula more cereal, growing like a weed- in 6 month clothes, almost out of his carseat, actually jumps in his Jump-n-go now instead of spinning, no actual teeth yet, loves Mr. Wiggles, and of course loves his mommy and daddy!! :)

Friday, November 14, 2008

Things that make me Happy

So Sarah has tagged me to follow suit and list six things that make me happy. Again there are so obvious ones, so I will go the different route as she did.

1. Code Red Mountain Dew- I know there are few people out there that like it, but I can't explain it. Love it. COuld drink it morning, noon and night. I didn't have it all while pregnant or breast feeding so I am rekindling my love with it. :)

2. Working the Nursery at Church- This may seem like mostly a selfish reason but I love seeing Brayden interacting with the other babies. I also love not having to wrestle him in church or worry about what he is doing if I am not there.

3. The Jodi Picoult books- I LOVE THESE!! I started reading this summer whenever Brayden napped and I was home with him. I grew addicted and have read like half of them. Sadly since I have gone bacck to work the reading has faded, but I am hoping to pick it back up over the breaks.

4. Wednesday night dinner- Every Wednesday Drew has to work late, so my mom, Brayden, Megan, and myself go to dinner somewhere. I love having the time together and to eat some yummy food.

5. Steak and Shake meals- Every night it seems like I crave that burger and fries- no idea why- and I think I have only indulged that craving once, but every time I go I love me some healthy steak and shake.

6. Sharing baby stuff/maternity clothes- After spending all the money we did on maternity clothes and baby stuff I love that I have friends that can use it. I must add that I love that I was shared with as well! Thanks Sarah and Brooke and those at school that loaned various things.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

The Weekend

We were excited to get to see Lynsie, Robert, and Emmie (growing in Lynsie's belly) this weekend. Saturday Brooke, Ella, Lynsie, Brayden, and I went to Mancinos for lunch and then shopping at Kohls. It was so good to see Lynsie and her sweet belly! Brayden and Ella were cute with one another as well. Ella kept giving him kisses.
Then we went and saw them out at Brooke's house, and it was fun to hang out. The babies played and we got to talk. I am so excited for her and Robert. They are going to be great parents.
Today we went to church. We had to get there early and film the video for Brayden's dedication service. He was really good despite no nap. We then worked the nursery where there were 9 babies 6 months and younger. Brayden was very social, and kept talking to the others. He was pretty good but of course Mommy and Daddy were right there. We ate lunch at my mom and dad's and he took a good nap, and then played.
I wish the weekends were longer....

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Fantastic Friday

A few things that made this week/Friday fantastic!
1. Going to my parents' house for dinner. Nothing beats home cooking without the clean up!
2. Having Tuesday off! A four day or even three day week works just fine for me. I enjoyed the time with Brayden and Drew.
3. The election is over!
4. God is really working on me- Sleep has been such a rare thing this week and I know that the only thing that keeps me sane is praying. I don't know what God is teaching me yet, but he had my attention these week nights!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day- Grandparents and Carrots!

Today was a wonderful day off from work! The weather was beautiful, and I loved not going to work. :)
I had a root canal this morning, which wasn't fun but it hasn't bothered me since. Hopefully I won't have many more teeth problems.
Gran and Gramps came to visit today from Ohio, and that was fun! We hung out all day long. They came with lots of wipes, formula, and some of Daddy's old clothes to wear.
Drew and I went to vote today as well. Oh the drama of the whole election, and how I see it effecting people. I will be anxious to see the outcome, and hopefully see everyone handle it well.
Brayden started eating his first solid food tonight besides cereal- carrots! It only lasted for a few minutes, but he seemed to really like them! We will see how they go for the next few days!
He also started sucking his thumb a little today! What a cutie.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Church Nursery

Well we I was brave today and decided to take Brayden to the nursery for the first time. I was nervous, but Drew convinced me that he would be just fine. I was in the service for ten minutes when his number popped up on the screen. I could hear him screaming from the lobby! When I got in there they handed him to me, and I have no idea what was wrong. I put him in the exersaucer and he started laughing. Then I rocked him until he fell asleep. I guess we will try again sometime soo. Nursery week 1- ten minutes.
We also signed him up for the baby dedication. We are excited for that.

The Cripes come to G-town!

We were so excited that Blake, Lauren, and Caleb came to visit on Saturday. They got here, and we took a trip to Garth for the boys to play. They went on the swings, and on the slides with both mommies and daddies. We came back and they took a nap, and we ate dinner. When they went to bed we were able to play games. Thank goodness for Falling Back an hour!
It was fun to see the boys play together- they were able to interact more, and enjoyed looking at each other. Since Brayden dirtied about ten outfits, I dressed them alike at one point. It was too cute! It will be fun to see them grow up together!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Halloween Night

Well last night- we dressed the pumpkin up, and had him pass out candy. The trick-or-treaters loved the pumpkin. We brought his exersaucer on the porch and he played and loved that. Nana and Papaw and Aunts Megan and Jess came by to see him, but he was pooped out asleep on Daddy's shoulder! Next year he will be able to go door to door!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Fantastic Friday!

Ok here are some things that make this Friday fantastic!
1. Family- for inviting us to dinner, watching Brayden while we run an errand or two , and all the other things!
2. Kelly and Todd's baby GIRL that is on the way!
3. Halloween- I love Brayden's pumpkin costume. TOO cute. Even though Drew and I can't go out because we go to bed when the baby does, we love passing out candy.
4. My students- even though it is exhausting coming in here day after day- they always make me smile.
5. Baby Oragel- no explanation needed
6. My new red kitchen! So much better than the white! Thanks Drew!
7. My husband- That I have him to work as a team to tackle this teething/no sleep situation.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Dinner and Switcheroo

Well last night Megan came back over around 5, and Drew and I went to eat. We were only gone an hour, but it was nice to get to eat without worrying about B. I felt guilty for leaving him, but when we got back he had eaten and taken a short siesta on Megan, so I hadn't missed much! Plus it had been over a month since we had done anything just the two of us, so it was good! Thanks Aunt Megan!!
Well I have come to terms with the fact that since he is cutting all of his teeth right now (an exaggeration but at least three) that he isn't going to sleep soundly through the night. So we let him go to sleep in his crib until he fusses around 12 or 1. Then he usually takes the paci and goes back to sleep. Then he will fuss again around 3, and come to bed with us so that we don't have to keep getting up out of bed. One person stays in bed with him, and the other goes to the guest bedroom. Stinks, but gives us more room in the bed, and one person actually gets to sleep. We switch every night. We do what we need to do to survive working and baby.
He is growing so much. Grabbing both of his feet now, and chewing on those fingers because his mouth hurts. I seem to always worry about something.

Monday, October 27, 2008

One, Two, no THREE TEETH!!

Well- no more wondering why Brayden isn't sleeping. He started screaming tonight while eating, and we noticed two more teeth! One on the other side, and one on the top back! None in the front. It is so ironic. "He won't cut teeth until at least six months old," says the doctor. Heh. So he is getting Oragel, and Tylenol to help with pain....
We were supposed to go to small group tonight, but the fit occured right as we were supposed to leave, so we stayed in. Once the Oragel set in he did better. I picked him up from Krisi's today and he was laughing, I LOVE that laugh.
The kitchen is coming along- Drew is working hard. I just like getting color on the wall. We have had to do things gradually with the house, but it is looking nice.
I am getting a little frustrated with work- meetings ALL the time, and I just don't want to do it. As soon as the day is over- I feel like I should be able to leave and see my sweet pea. But unnecessary things are keeping me there...
P.S. I HATE cold weather. I could have summer all year long...actually the problem with fall is that it lasts for two days and then we get 39 degree winter weather.

The Weekend

So we had an eventful weekend! Friday we took a trip to Wal-mart and Brayden was big enough to sit in the front of the cart! We put the cart seat down and put blankets on his sides so he wouldn't slip and he rode away! We then went to eat dinner with my parents at the pizza place in Canewood. It was pretty good.
Saturday Gran, Gramps, and Aunt Audra came down from Ohio. We went to meet them at Mancino's for lunch, but Brayden definitely was ready for a nap, so I left early to take him home to lay him down. When he woke up he was much better! He played with them, and we went to Lowe's and Kohls that night. We are painting our kitchen red, and went and bought paint. He took a bath, and tried on his pumpkin costume for them. It is too cute!!
They stayed the night, and Sunday morning we woke up and had breakfast and they of course played with Brayden. They left right around his morning nap. He was so glad to see them!
We went to lunch with my family on Sunday, and he played in his Bounce Bounce Baby- and of course pooped while we were there. (There is something about him being near my dad that makes him poop!) Then we went to Trent's 5th birthday party. (Trent is Krisi, who keeps Brayden, son.) Then we came home and got ready for the day.
Some new things Brayden started doing this weekend:
1. riding in the front of the shopping cart.
2. giving kisses!! whether this was accidental or not when Aunt Jess gave him a kiss he turned and let her have it with an open mouth
3. recognizing people- he seems to be remembering who people are
4. still not sleeping :( up last night from 2-2:30 and 4-4:30

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Fantastic Fridays!

So I am totally stealing Sarah's idea of Thankful Thursdays, but to not be a total copy cat I will make mine fantastic Friday's and reflect on the week then of the things that made the week fantastic! :)
1. Lynsie's exciting news about having a little girl! I couldn't be more excited for her and Robert. I can't wait to start getting them some things!
2. Brayden's laugh. He gets me every time with that chuckle of his.
3. Family. They way they always step up when I need a hand with Brayden. Whether if it's needing to run somewhere quick, or a change in plans, they are always willing to help out.
4. Drew's new job- he has to work some late nights, but he gets to take off early like tomorrow and spend the day with Brayden. He is also loving now doing something that he went to school for.
5. Fridays themselves- knowing that I don't have to go back to work for a few days is great!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Early Bed times

Last night we spent the night at the house. Ordered a pizza, went for a walk (I put the picture up of Brayden in his blue coat since it is getting cold.) Brayden had a bath, and went to bed around 8:45. Drew and I were in bed by 9:15! He did pretty well- woke up once at 1:30 but went back to sleep, and then several times around 4:30. It seems to be getting better.
I had a frustrating family moment last night. I told the math teacher at our school I would help out with math night on Thursday, and then Drew comes home and says he has a meeting on Thursday. Now, I know he has to have meetings, but it is frustrating because I told someone I could do this, and then I can't because someone has to take care of baby. Oh how things change.....

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

And the nights go on...

Well we had small group last night, and Brayden went with us. We took his Exersaucer and he showed everybody how much he loved it. There were two other babies there- Alex who was born in Jan., and Elizabeth who is ten days older. HE likes seeing the other babies.
He went to bed around 9:00, slept till twelve- ate 6 ounces- slept till 3ish?(not sure of the times anymore SO TIRED!)-and slept till 6:30.....not fun, but getting better maybe??
He has a runny nose and pitiful cough that is breaking our hearts as well.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sleep Issues

Well we are going on two weeks of messed up sleep and it seems to be getting worse. Brayden is getting a tooth, but I don't know how to solve the problem. He is going to bed and then fussing every hour. I'm not sure how to solve this problem. Now we are having to take turns with nights- one of us take him in bed so that we don't have to keep getting up every hour. This stinks for us though, and I just wish I could figure out how to get him to sleep. I have been putting Oragel on his gums...still no luck...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Sunday and Mommy Thoughts

We had a very full Sunday. Brayden had another rough night waking often. We went to the early service at church- which he got squirmy through so I took him out. We then had to work the nursery- so he went with us. He was one of eight, and there was only one girl! He did well, but his naps got messed up between the car rides and the services. Once we got to my parent's for lunch he ate, and then took a two hour nap on me! He a new toy at Nana and Papaw's.. He loves his Exersaucer so much, that they got a similar toy. He got a Bounce Bounce Baby which he loves. It has toys around it, he sits up in it, and the bottom of it bounces with him. This way we don't have to tote the exersaucer there. Plus they can use it for all the grandkids to come! :)
Mommy thoughts- Drew went tonight to watch a baseball game with some friends. This has been hard for me lately. I want Drew to go and do things and hang out with other people, but sometimes I get resentful because I don't do the same. Not resentful towards him, but towards the situation. I want to go and hang out with friends or shop or etc, but I want to be here with Brayden. Especially working during the week- I want to be with him all of the time. I don't think there is much to do about this- but just was mulling it over in my brain.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Evan's Orchard

Today we went to Evan's Orchard with Brooke and Ella. It was a beautiful day- a little windy! We looked at the booths, bought some kettle corn and caramel apples, and took pictures of the babies with the pumpkins. They did really well. It was fun to see Drew chase Ella around a little while. I'm not so sure if he is ready for Brayden to walk yet or not! :) Brayden didn't make a peep the whole time, and fell asleep on the ride home! Ella was nice to him in the car, and kept sharing things with him.
Last night we ate dinner at my parents, and Brayden decided to have a poo. When we changed him- he had it all the way up his back and into his hair!! I think the bouncing in the Excersaucer caused the slidage. So he had a scrub in the kitchen sink!
I am enjoying the weekend and wishing I didn't have to go back to work on Monday!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Updates!

So Brayden is doing much better on his cereal now. He is still waking up through the night- but is definitely cutting a tooth! I went to the dentist today to get a filling, and found out I have to get a root canal! Yuck! So I am going to a specialist for that. I have had the WORST tooth problems lately. I was excited to get half a day today and spend it with Drew and Brayden.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Sleep Mystery solved!!

So....last night Drew noticed a tooth getting ready to pop through Brayden's mouth!! On the the bottom. So....this has been our sleep problem lately. Last night we put Baby Orajel on it, an dhe slept till 4 without fussing. Then he was up from 4-5. The situation is funny because the doctor told us last week it would be at least six months old.
He also had much better luck with his cereal last night! He ate almost half the bowl! So here is to the tooth popping through!!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Getting better??

Well the cereal went a little better. I think we got about five bites in. Drew fed him while I shook his crab rattle in his face. :) We may have to entertain him while he eats. I will post some pics later of his face while eating- it is funny!
Sleep wise- went to bed around 9- up at 2- changed his diaper- up again at 2:30- came to bed with me- kicked Daddy to the guest bed- and he stirred all night, but I held paci in while sleeping.
With Drew's new job it is nice having him home by 4:30 every day. We get to spend more time together as a family.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Last Night= No Sleep

The problem continues. He fell asleep around nine, started fussing around midnight. I changed his diaper, and he slept till three. Then from about three on he woke up every half hour just fussing. We would have to do in and put the paci in. I wish I knew what to do to help him sleep. I am starting to worry that he isn't getting good enough sleep now.... Last night was also "Daddy's night" to tend to baby, but that didn't seem to work out since he slept through most of it. :)
The first day back was ok. He didn't have a wonderful day at the sitter's. He pooped several times and ate funny. So I was really anxious thinking about all that. I wish I could be home to take care of him. Today he stays with my sister, and I hope he has a good day!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Mommy 911

Two things:
1. Brayden is NOT sleeping through the night. He is waking continually being whiny. We go in, put in the pacifier, and wait, but then he is whiny again in a few minutes. This lasts all night long. It is gettting tiring. We have tried feeding, but the doctor says we can't feed him every night because he will get used to this. Any ideas???
2. Brayden HATES the cereal. We have put fruit in it to help with the taste, but it didn't seem to help yesterday. Any ideas??

Brayden went back to the sitter today. I miss him.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

4 Months old!

So now baby Brayden will be four months old tomorrow! I know I have slacked on the blogging, but if you are a mommy I think you understand the demands of the first few months. Especially if you are working!
I just had the week off for fall break, and loved spending every moment with him. He went to the doctor on Friday and weighed 16 pounds 11 ounces. He is 90% for weight, 50% for height, and 65% for head. He had three shots, and it was horrible! Thankfully Drew came to the appointment with me, and he was able to hold him down this time.
He has been cleared to start eating rice cereal now. We actually have him eating barley instead of rice to help with his constipation problems. So far we have tried for two days, and he has HATED the cereal. SO....we are going to have to try to figure something out here. :)
He has been sleeping through the night since about 8 weeks. But this last week he has been waking at around 4 a.m. Drew and I felt the woes of early infancy all over again. We fed him the first few nights, but last night we let him cry so he would learn to sleep through the night again. It was so hard! He cried for 30 minutes, and then fell back asleep till 9:30 a.m! So he clearly wasn't hungry but just wanted to wake up!
He is changing and growing so much. He was getting a little bored in his swing, so I went out yesterday and got him an Exersaucer from Wal-Mart (about half the price of Babies-R-Us) and he LOVES it! He squeels, and laughs and loves exploring all the new things on his toy! He also has started in his Jumperoo. he loves that as well! He isn't jumping yet, but spinning around in it. He can hold his head up, laugh out loud, play with a toy, grab for things, stomp his feet, roll over!! (this started this week.)
I will try to keep this updated more often. I go back to work this week, and am sad to leave him.....

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Labor and Delivery

I know it has been a while since a post- but I have just now gotten the time to post about baby Brayden! I am going to post a few different blogs to help organize all the big stuff that has happened since his birth!



Here are details about labor and delivery! Warning! Thursday June 12th Drew and I went into the hospital at 8:00 p.m. to be induced. We were very nervous/excited! We checked in, and they hooked me up to an iv, and Dr. Spirek came in and put in a catheder in my cervix that dripped this liquid all night long. This was to "ripen" the cervix, and would fall out when I dialted to 3 cm. This catheder was annoying! All night I was leaking fluid onto the bed and was constantly asking the nurses to change the towels underneath of me. At midnight the nurses started giving me Pitosin to help start the contractions. This was a very light dose. They also gave me Moraphine to help me sleep through the night. The shot of morahpine was given in my rear and this hurt! This was actually to me one of the most painful parts of the whole process!!The contractions felt like light period cramps. The moraphine did let me sleep but I woke up about every hour because of the dripping from the catheder.



At 6:00 a.m. the catheder fell out because I was at 3cm. At 8:00 a.m. Dr. Spirek came in and broke my water. (This did not feel good at all!) and they upped the Pitosin a lot to get the contractions going even further. By now the contractions felt like bad period cramps but I was dealing with them. By 9:00 the contractions hurt AWFUL. They had a scale of 1-100 with the contractions and some of mine were hitting 89. They were coming every minute. I was dilated 5 cm at this point. I then asked for the epideral, but it took the guy an hour to get there! So I was in the bad labor pain for about an hour. I have had a lot of people ask me if the epideral was painful. He was giving the epideral to me during the contraction so I didn't notice a light prick to my back when my insides felt like they were being ripped out with a contraction! About five minutes after the epideral I felt NOTHING! My contractions were hitting 90's and I didn't feel a thing. This was the best thing ever! I did feel a little nauseous because of the pain medicine and no food.

They came in to check me at 1:00 and I was dilated at 8 cms. So I knew I was close! They went to get the doctor, but she was with another labor so with the relaxation of the epideral I went to sleep! They woke me up when the doctor came in around 2:15. I pushed for about 30 minutes and Brayden was here! It was the hardest work I have ever done. I couldn't feel any pain thanks to the epideral but the actual physical pushing was so tiring. Drew was by my side with the puke pan because I was feeling sick the whole time. The doctor made Drew look at the head coming out- even though he didn't want to- and she also made him cut the cord. He did really well. When Brayden came out it was very surreal- she held him up for me to see and I immediately started crying. It was all very overwhelming. The doctor then had to stitch me up since Brayden was such a big boy. It took about 45 minutes to finish all the stitches.

Drew followed the nurse to the nursery with Brayden to weigh him and held him up for all of our family to see. They all screamed and were so excited to see the full head of brown hair and blue eyes! They told us that he weighed 8 10 and 20 inches long!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

39 weeks and good news!

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
We went to the doctor today! Both grandmas came and got to see him in his last ultrasound. The ultrasound tech estimated his weight to be 7 lbs 15 ounces. The doctor decided that since he is pretty big, and his tummy is measuring bigger and bigger she wants to go ahead and induce. So unless Brayden has plans to come before then we are going to head to the hospital Thursday night. They will "get my cervix ready" until the next morning when the doctor will come in and break my water. This will start labor and little guy will be here some time either Friday afternoon or Friday night. I hadn't gained any weight this week, which they say is normal. So my total weight gain so far is 26 pounds. I was sent to the hospital today for a stress test to just make sure everything was still going ok with Brayden. I stayed for about an hour while they watched his heart rate and everything was good.
I am feeling physically pretty good. Now I am just anticipating his arrival, and now my mind is running a mile a minute thinking about him coming! So here we are with three days at the latest- we'll see if he comes before....here's to lucky Friday the 13th!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

38 weeks and dr.'s appointment!

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). he has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
We went to the doctor today on our 2 year anniversary! I had gained one more pound for a total of 26 pounds. Yikes! His heart rate was a high 172! I think he was running laps in there! Nothing had changed dilation wise since last week, but we discussed what the plan was going to be. We will be 38 weeks on Thursday, and we go back to the doctor next Tuesday morning. If he doesn't come on his own she is going to do an ultrasound, and if he is still measuring big she is going to induce at 39 weeks. (The end of next week) She is afraid if she doesn't induce then I won't be able to have him vaginally because of the size. If he measures normal size then they are going to induce at 40 weeks if he doesn't come on his own. SO the longest it can be is 2 1/2 weeks! I am SO ready and excited. 2 1/2 weeks at the longest....

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

37 Weeks and Dr's Appointment

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
I had a doctor's appointment today. I gained two pounds- now 25 total, his heart rate was 161 which is good and high for a boy! I hadn't dilated at all, but I was 50% effaced which is a good sign that things are now progressing! We go back next week. Three weeks left....

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

36 weeks- and dr's appointment!

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly.
We went to the doctor today. I had gained one more pound which takes me to 141 pounds with a weight gain of 23 pounds. My uterus measured 35 centimeters, and his heart rate was 154. My blood pressure was good. She checked to see if the cervix had opened yet or not- and so far not at all. It is still closed. So he is enjoying life in the uterus as of now....He is in a head down position which is good. We go back next week and she is going to wait to give the ultrasound until she thinks labor is getting closer. Mommy and baby are both very healthy and progressing well, but as of now no labor signs!
We also finished up all of our baby showers. We were VERY blessed and humbled by people's generosity, and Brayden has everything he needs and more! Our registry was literally cleared off. Our last shower was a tea party that friends from my parent's church threw for us, and it was SO neat. Brayden's nursery is ready for him to come!
4 weeks to go.....

Thursday, May 15, 2008

35 Weeks!

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). (Brayden is bigger than this!) Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
We go back to the doctor on Tuesday, and will know more then....now he is moving all the time, and I am pretty tired. The doctor did call the other day and said I needed to be taking iron, because the blood work came back that I was anemic. So now I'm on the Zofran, and iron! 5 Weeks left!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

34 Weeks & dr's appointment

We are now 8 1/2 months! Your baby's fat layers — which will help regulate him body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
We had a doctor's appointment today, and everything looked good! I gained one more pound to make me 140 and have gained 22 pounds overall! Brayden's heart rate was 148, and my uterus measured 34 centimeters which is right on. Feeling tired after a day's work, but I am hanging in there. I would rather be at work and get my mind off of waiting- so I am sticking it out. We go back to the doctor in two weeks for another check-up! 6 weeks left!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

33 Weeks!

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. ( Brayden is definitely bigger than this! He is probably around 6 pounds!) He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
Feeling good...7 weeks left....

Friday, April 25, 2008

32 Weeks!

Well I normally post the information a website gives me for what is going on this week with the baby, but he has far surpassed the website's size information! He is 5 1/2 pounds, I have gained 21, and he lays on my right side from my ribs down to pretty low! I had an embarrassing experience at school the other day trying to go off my medicine and got sick IN THE HALLWAY! It was really bad. I'm not going to try any more but just stay on the meds. The doctor as advised us to get our bag ready for the hospital ....and we are getting excited!! I am feeling tired, BIG, but really happy and ready.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Healthy Baby!

Drew and I had an appointment today, and we were excited because we were able to get an ultrasound. Normally you do not get another ultrasound, but we REALLy wanted to see him so our doctor let us look at him.
Well we learned that he is already five pounds 8 ounces (estimated weight) which is very big for right now! Normal is about 3 1/2 pounds so he is mesuring about four weeks bigger! But it means he is healthy and growing well! We go back in two weeks for another check-up, and then they are going to check in a few weeks with another ultrasound to see if he is still that large. The doctor is hoping he will come naturally around 36 weeks and if not a C-section will be in store if he is too big to handle come time! We just want him to come healthy, happy, and safely!
The time is counting down!
I gained 2 pounds this week with a total weight gain of 21 pounds- which I thought was alot until I learned how big my baby was!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

31 Weeks!

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Well he is moving, and hiccuping quite frequently these days. I love feeling him move around. I am continuing to blossom in pregnancy, and have felt the weight gain in my tired legs at night. I have also had a cold this week which usually isn't too bad, but it is rough trying to sleep because I can't take any medicine. I have been rocking the nasal strips though to help a little.
We go to the doctor on Tuesday for a check-up, and we are going to take a peek on him with an ultrasound. I can't wait!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

30 Weeks!

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
We went to the doctor today and everything is going well! I gained 5 pounds this last two weeks, and measured 29 cm. I now have a total weight gain of 19 pounds, and although I am freaking out the doctor says that I look and am doing fine. Brayden's heart rate was 150, and my blood sugar tested normal.
We go back in two weeks and we are going to get an ultrasound so we can see him again! :)

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

29 Weeks!

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
We are doing well. I have been on spring break this week, and it has been nice visiting with friends. Brooke, Ella, and Brittany came to visit the other day and got to see his nursery. Ella got to play with some of his toys, and it was neat seeing a baby in there! I can't wait till we have him to add to the nursery! I am growing more and more and it seems like time is going pretty fast now...I just can't wait to meet him!

Friday, March 28, 2008

28 Weeks

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. he can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. he's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
I am growing! I have had a total weight gain now of 14 pounds and he KEEPS growing! I love feeling him move all the time. We got his first piece of mail addressed to him yesterday. It was so weird to see Brayden Beckett on the envelope. I had ordered him some books and they came in the mail for him!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Shower and Dr. Appointment

Well after school yesterday they had a shower for us. It was great! Brayden received his swing/glider, lots of cute clothes, really cute swim trunks, (for his sunbathing this summer!), diapers, a vaporizer, and more stuff for his nursery. Everyone has been so nice.
We went to the doctor today- and everything is going great. I had the glucose screening and find out in a few days if everything is ok there. His heart rate was 159 and I was measuring 27 1/2 cm with my belly which is perfect- you are supposed to measure how many weeks you are and we will be 28 weeks on Thursday. I gained 6 pounds this month and am now at 132. We now go every two weeks to the doctor and it gets closer and closer!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Weekend Showers

Well we had a very full weekend! Friday night my cheerleading team threw us a shower. It was great! I had most of my girls there and received some adorable stuff. They had 2 diaper cakes (which are going to come in handy), lots of yummy food, and the cutest decorations. It was great to see my girls, and their moms were so generous. Melissa who threw the shower went above and beyond with everything- gifts, decorations, etc. Drew made stayed to open the gifts and was a good sport with all the girls.
Saturday Aunt Geri and Mary threw us a shower for Drew's mom side of the family. She did such a good job decorating with our frog theme, and even had two frogs in the punch. We received some homemade gifts which were very special, and played some fun games. There were some adorable outfits, and some great books that I know he is going to love.
It feels so good to have people care, and go above and beyond for you. We are very blessed.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

27 Weeks!

This week your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
We had another child birth class last night. We got to see one of the rooms where we could give labor, all the machines, and the recovery rooms. It was fun, and it made it all seem so close!
He is moving all the time now, and I am growing more and more it seems every day. Only 13 weeks left!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Growing and Such

Well Brayden is on the rise. I am 26 1/2 weeks and have now gained 14 pounds and look very pregnant. I had to go buy a new bra and was astounded that I went from a 34 B to a 34 D!! If any of you know me quite personally- this is quite an accomplishment!!
We went to our second child birth class- and got to see a live birth. Drew did pretty well considering!
My mom went ahead and got his bedding and let us have it before the shower so we could go ahead and put it up- it is so stinking cute! The more we prepare for him- the more I want him to hurry and get here.
We are excited to go back to the doctor in a week and a half and we have our first shower next weekend!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

26 Weeks!

Your baby now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber), from head to heel. The nerve pathways in his ears are developing, which means his response to sounds is growing more consistent. His lungs are developing now, too, as he continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when he's born and takes that first breath of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

25 Weeks and Childbirth Class

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now (in color and texture), although both may change after he's born.
Last night we started childbirth classes. It was crowded! It was interesting because most people were having girls in there. We learned how to breathe through contractions, how to push (without really pushing), and talked about different medications we could take. Being there really made it all seem real and close- since it was all on what to do when you go into labor. I hadn't really thought about labor that much yet, but now when we have to- it makes it real.
I am feeling pretty good. Definitely growing- and people are funny about it. I have been having some back pain, peeing a ton, peeing when I sneeze :(, and having leg cramps. I am still on the medicine- I go off each weekend but then usually get sick around Sunday.
Drew has been reading to him every few nights, and it is so neat because now when Drew starts reading Brayden starts to kick. The books say that the baby starts to recognize people's voices, and is soothed by those same voices after they are born.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

24 Weeks

Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when he was just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), that makes a pretty lean figure, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, his brain is growing rapidly, and his taste buds are developing. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance **that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
As you can tell from the picture Brayden is growing nicely. I have started experiencing some physical pains from all the growing- the sciatic nerve (located nicely in the butt) hurts a lot, and now some lower back pain. The doctor says it is due to the pelvis widening, and all the back muscles and tendons softening to move everything around. It is crazy how much your body adapts to having a baby!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Brayden update

Went to the doctor today and everything is going well! I have gained 6 pounds this month for a total weight gain of 8 pounds. ( I am now catching up!) His heart rate was 157 and he was doing good! We go back in 4 weeks for another check-up!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

23 Weeks

Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango). He may be able to feel your movements now, so put on some tunes and dance around the house. No matter what race your baby is, he looks red now due to blood vessels showing through his transparent skin. His true skin tone will develop over the course of his first year. Blood vessels in your baby's lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing, but complete lung development will take many more months. The lungs are the last organ to fully develop.
I am doing well- growing- feeling Brayden move- and loving it. We go to the doctor on Monday for a check up!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

22 Weeks!

Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound. His skin will continue to appear wrinkled until he gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his head and body is now visible. His lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath his gum line. His eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
I am getting bigger! Brayden is moving around a lot, and I am definitely looking pregnant! It has been a little rough sleeping now. Drew got me a pre-natal massage for V-day that I used a little early over one of my snow days and it was AWESOME! Brayden loved it too because he was moving around the whole time! I thought I was doing really well with the sickness and hadn't taken a pill basically this whole week, but when I started back to school after the snow days it crept back. I think it is just getting up early and pushing my body that makes the hormones kick in with the sickness. No worries, I will just continue to take the magic medicine that holds back the sickness.
We were also very blessed and given a bedroom set for him from a teacher I work with. She gave us the crib, changing table, and dresser, and it looks great!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

21 weeks!

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. I Your baby is really on the move now. Fetal researchers say babies move about 50 times an hour even while sleeping. All that movement helps stimulate your baby's physical and mental development. You may not notice 50 kicks, punches, and twirls during the day, but as you're settling down at night, don't be surprised if your little guy seems ready to dance the night away.
Brayden is doing well- growing. I feel him throughout the day. We set up the nursery which we are very excited about that!

Thursday, January 31, 2008

20 weeks!

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. (He is supposed to weigh 10 1/2 but Brayden weighs 14!! He is big!) He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats his entire body to protect his skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for his digestive system. he's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
Like I said above Brayden is bigger than these measurements! Hopefully he will even out, or I'll go early! At my appointment I had gained 4 1/2 pounds in two weeks- that was huge! I am now at a gain of two pounds at 120. It has been very fun and exciting spreading the news. I am trying to get used to the fact that we are going to have a boy in the family. He is going to have lots of girlfriends with my friends' girls, and great bff with Caleb (Blake and Lauren's little boy) who was born this past Sunday!
Drew and I went to register the other day, and that was stressful! We ended up finally agreeing, and are excited. If you want to check it out it is at Babiesrus.com.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

It's a BOY!!

Well today was so very exciting! We went to the doctor today and found out that it is going to be Brayden Andrew Beckett! We went in the room and the x-ray tech asked us if we wanted to know, and of course we said yes. Then she asked if we could tell what it was. At that point I thought it had to be a boy if she asked that, and she said yes it was a boy! I started crying, and everyone else was screaming.
He measured big for how far along I am so she said I could come earlier than my due date. (mid June)
Another exciting thing was I had gained 4 1/2 pounds since my last visit two weeks ago!! That was a huge gain since my last visit. I am now 20 weeks- five months along, and now know that it is a boy!! We are very excited!!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

19 Weeks

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. The hair on his scalp is sprouting. If your baby is a girl, she already has 6 million eggs in her ovaries. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. He may be able to hear you as you talk. Research shows that he's learning to distinguish your voice from others, and he'll soon show a preference for it. Let Dad get in on the act, too — encourage him to talk to your baby.
We are getting so excited!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Moving and Shaking!

Well this weekend (when I was away from Drew at a cheerleading competition) I felt baby move....alot! I guess I had been feeling a little something for a few days, but I wasn't sure what it was until Saturday night. I was laying in bed, and it felt like popcorn in my belly and it kept happening...some soft and some not so soft! I could even see it on the outside of my belly. It was awesome. Now I feel random pops throughout the day, and Drew got to feel it last night. It definitely happens more when I am laying down at night. I love it.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Doctor's Check-up!

We went to the doctor today for a check-up. I have only gained 1/2 a pound from last time (115 1/2 pds), which that was very disappointing because I feel like I have been eating like a horse! The doctor says she anticipates me to gain a lot next time. We heard the heart beat and it was 171 (high!) and very strong.
We go two weeks from today to find out if it is a boy or a girl!! Can't wait! Jan. 29th at 9:00 a.m. Get excited!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

17 Weeks

My belly is growing, and I love it! I feel pretty good- tired after work, but other than that feeling good.
Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and he's around 5 inches long. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

You know you are looking pregnant when....

You know you look pregnant when.....(my recent findings since my belly has been growing!)
1. I know I look pregnant when students in my class stuff a blanket up their shirt and say they look like Mrs. Beckett.
2. I know I look pregnant when servers always ask if the "baby" wants dessert.
3. I know I look pregnant when strangers approach me at the grocery parking lot and ask if I should be carrying whatever is in my hands.
4. I know I look pregnant when my husband looks at me and says "holy crap your belly is getting big!"
I'm sure there will be more to come!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

16 Weeks!

At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.
We are doing well- as you can see from the picture I am rounding out nicely! Still medicated- keeps me eating and growing! End of this month we will FINALLY know what this baby is!

Family on Christmas

Family on Christmas
Merry Christmas

Spiky hair

Spiky hair
All dolled up for Christmas in Ohio

My little Santa

My little Santa
Ho Ho Ho!

Happy boy

Happy boy
On the way to church

Blog Archive

Mostly about Brayden and Keaton, and the Beckett family! :)