Night Time Routines

One of our favorite times with Brayden is during our nighttime routines. We start off by taking a family walk. We have usually taken him in the stroller, but he seems to enjoy the carrier more now that he is more alert to his surroundings. Then we sit in the garage and have our family time. After that, we give Brayden his bath, which he has come to love! This makes mommy very happy! I hand Brayden off to daddy, who then wraps him up and cuddles while I clean up the tub and get out his PJ's! We lotion him up, clean his nose if needed, diaper him, comb his hair, and put on his PJ's! (We like the snap up pajamas because they are easier to change him in the middle of the night!) Then daddy rocks with him in the rocker and they sing songs off the radio. Around 10:30 he gets his bottle and goes down for the night. Brayden seems to do well with this routine because this is the longest sleep stretch we get out of him. He has gone as long as 5.5 hours straight before. He is a great sleeper at night, we just wish he wouldn't be up to feed as often as he does. I will say...he is getting better now that we got his formula straight, but mommy would like him to go just a little longer between bottles! Daddy has been a great help though, so after we dress our baby, I go lay down until his first middle of the night feeding. I enjoy our night time routines because its the one time of the day I know we will all be together!

after bath time

Love my alligator PJ's!

Game Night!

The Cubs play tonight at 8:00pm and daddy is VERY excited to have a buddy to watch the game with! He got Brayden all ready to go (too bad the game never came on because of a game delay!). So we put out Brayden's Cubs onsie for tomorrow too!

Emily this pic is just for you!!!

Not again!!!

Look close....
Yes, that is our air conditioning thermostat. It is reading 79, when it should be reading 70!!! And it is 90 outside!!! If you haven't been following the blog, then here is a quick recap.

For the past 3 years we have had A/C issues! This year when the A/C went out I happened to be NINE MONTHS pregnant! No A/C and full term is not a good combination. So I called and had my hormonal breakdown with our air people and they replaced all that was wrong...free of charge. So...

It went out AGAIN today! I noticed it was getting warm, so I cut it to 70 and NOTHING happened. Then my poor baby boy started getting fussy and was really warm. So I stripped him, put on some shorts, and called the air people back. Needless to say...my mommy claws came out! I was not a happy mama, and you know what they say-If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! Poor Chad! But my mommy complaining got me a technician 30 minutes later and within the hour my thermostat was on the way back down in numbers. Free of charge too! So now we are back to trying to find our A/C problem. For 3 years we have been dealing with this A/C! I've been after a whole new unit since the problems started...after all it is a new build. We have been dealing with it the 3 years we've been here because its just been us, but now we have our special boy to think about. So I dare the A/C people to mess with me! I WILL get what I need for my baby boy!

My Little Monkey!!!

Pictures just too cute not to post!!

Loving Life

I just have to say...I am loving life with Brayden in it! I feel like having Brayden started a whole new life for us! I feel like I have just been born myself. The whole world looks different in the most wonderful way. I stare at my precious baby boy all day long, and could all night if I wasn't so darn tired! Each day he just amazes me more and more. And I know I'm his mom so I am biased, but goodness gracious he is cute! God is so amazing...I can't wait to see what we are in store for with my sweet boy!

Brayden's Baptism

Daddy and I are from very different backgrounds when it comes to Brayden's baptism. I'm from a strong Methodist background which believes in infant baptism, where as daddy was baptised at a young adult age. They also differ in that one is a sprinkling and one is a submersion baptism. We decided together to do both for our baby boy. We decided it was our job to communicate to Brayden that when he is older, he can decide what he wants to do when it comes to church and baptism and we will support him no matter what.

Today we had Brayden baptised at my family Methodist Church. It was so special! The entire sermon revolved around Brayden and what God says about raising children. The pastor who has been a friend of my family for 7 years was able to be there to baptise him which made it all the more special. Brayden had a precious white outfit and socks with crosses embroidered on them, and we managed to make it through church with nothing on it! His great grandparents, grandparents, Aunt Britt, Godmother Amanda, cousins, and many more family were all able to be there. It was a great day!

This fall when our church does baby dedications, we will also take part in that. Then when Brayden is at an age to decide...he will make the decision when to have his submersion baptism or if that is what he wants to do. We just want our baby boy to know that there is a great God who gave him to us, and we long for him to have a great relationship with him.

Daddy!

As I've said only 100 million times!...one of my favorite things to do is watch Brayden and daddy spend time together. Our sweet boy cannot take his eyes off daddy. He just stares at him and smiles. I know they are going to have a great relationship as he grows up! He is already passing on his daddy wisdom such as: which songs to listen to, not to get "too big for his britches", and to make sure he always spits up on mommy! (Which unfortunately for me...he has listened to!)

I don't think so!

Brayden has been given some of the cutest hats, but he is not crazy about them as you can clearly see!!!

Finally's!

Now that Brayden is 8 weeks I finally:

• Can sleep while Chad does feedings
• Can sleep while Brayden does!
• Got the house clean!
• Feel comfortable carrying him without the fear of dropping him!
• Don't feel helpless and scared about meeting his needs
• Got over the fact that I will not have privacy for many many many years to come
• Can clean his bottles in a timely manner-yes it used to take forever!
• Can get the diaper bag, him, and myself ready to go out in less than 10 minutes!
• Know the names of everyone who works in the mall and at Target
• Know the cries he makes to know what he needs
• Know what he does and doesn't like to do
• Don't mind other's holding him
• Can change a poopy diaper without any problem with the smell
• Found the time for JUST Chad and I-usually Brayden's nap time
• Feel normal again!

I think the baby stole my brain!

Ever since Brayden's arrival, I have had a hard time thinking for both of us! I have actually been to Target twice in the last month and forgotten what I went for! When I am leaving to go somewhere, whether it is out of town or just to get gas...it is like preparing for vacation! So many things to remember:
diapers
bottles and nipples
wipes
change of clothes
blanket
changing pad
burp cloths
pacifier
cell phone
keys-and where I put them last!
cutting the A/C in the car on if its too hot out
By the time I have gotten my baby boy ready to go, I have forgotten the "to do" list in my head! I have had to start writing EVERYTHING down and keeping it in one central location. Wow!...and its summer...Lord help me when I have to go back to work!!!

Rainy Day Nap

We took Brayden out for lunch and a ride today, but then the day got gray and nasty. So...we came home and had our first family nap together! It was so much fun! As a matter of fact...Brayden and daddy are still asleep! :)

Aunt Britt

This week, my sister came into town for a job interview. This was the first opportunity for her to hold Brayden. When Brayden was born he was so small and fragile, she didn't feel comfortable holding him. I can't blame her...I was nervous myself! But now that he is a little bigger, she enjoyed spending some time holding him.

Constant Changes

It seems that every day, Brayden grows up a little more. He is starting to coo and smile more which is fun. He likes to sit propped up on things so he can look around, and he can lift his head for longer periods of time. During tummy time, he pretty easily moves his head side to side now. He has started to discover his hands and grabs on to things around him (mostly my hair!). It's amazing what 7 weeks has brought. As much as I want him to stay a baby, each week is bringing more and more joy to us!

Brayden propped up on the chair

Officially Summertime!

My summer vacation for the year started early when our baby boy arrived. But now daddy is home from work for the summer too! We have really enjoyed having him home the past few days! We have taken family outings to the mall and Target, taken walks, sat in the garage more, taken naps with the baby, gone out to eat, and just enjoyed each other. It's so nice having him home to help with the baby load of things to do. Diaper changes, feedings, clothing changes, loading up the car, washing clothes, cleaning...etc.

Now that it is offically summer for us both, we have been trying to find things to do with Brayden. If any mommies have any ideas, please let us know! We know we want to get zoo passes, but not sure what else we can do. Whatever we end up doing with our little one...we know it's going to be a GREAT summer!

Peek a Boo Mommy!

Back to the doctor

This week we went back to the pediatrician to evaluate Brayden's formula issues. The doctor concluded that he DOES have a milk protein allergy and must stay on nutramigen. Like I said before, I would pay anything for my baby, but I can't help but complain about how expensive this formula is! However, Brayden's tummy is much better and he is consuming more during feedings now. He also started to sleep a little longer which is GREAT!!!!!!! We go back at his 2 month mark for shots (mommy can't stand that!) and check on him again. At 6 months he will be evaluated to see if he can go back on a soy formula, but no promises were made. So in the meantime...if anyone gets any Enfamil coupons...send them this way!!

Going to school...

I enjoyed taking Bradyen up to work (after the kids left for the day) to meet all of my teacher friends. He loved being passed around and held and smiled at all the pretty girls holding him. We had a good time and they loved playing with Brayden!

7 Weeks!

Today Brayden turns 7 weeks old!!! I can't believe it! Almost 2 months. He is weighing 10 pounds 10 ounces (a big healthy boy!) and he is about 24 inches (by Chad's measurements!). I want my baby boy to stay like this forever, but each week brings new exciting things. This week he is cooing a lot more and smiling a lot more. He is also more aware of things around him and likes to look around. He still likes bath time and his play mat, and when he is on his tummy he turns his head pretty easily now. When we hold him over our shoulder he likes to push up and hold his head up. He doesn't stay up long, but its fun to see him do it!

First pair of shoes!

Check out Brayden's first pair of shoes!

Next generation!

These pictures were made special for the Bridges' family. The outfit that Brayden is wearing is Chad's! We have pictures of him wearing this outfit when he was 6 weeks old, so we took pictures of Brayden wearing it at 6 weeks too! They look so much alike. We can't wait to get them framed together.

Kisses!!!

One of our favorite things to do with Brayden is give him lots of kisses! While Chad was holding Brayden the other day, he kept kissing Chad on the cheek. I tried my best to get him in action. He is so precious!

Prayers for the week...

This week the Bridges' family would like to ask for your prayers. We are specifically praying for:

1. Brayden's pediatrician appointment-we hope we can get him feeling better and stable on a formula. Listening to him cry and not know what to do is killing mommy!

2. Chad's last week of school-the last week of school is always crazy and there are a million things to do. We can't wait for him to be home though :)

3. Cali-I'm are afraid our sweet girl is having a hard time adjusting! She seems so sad, its awful! I think when Brayden can react to her with smiles and coos she will feel better about his arrival!

4. My next follow up at the doctor-I went for my 6 week check after having Brayden and they found a cyst. I've got to go back in July to be re-checked. He is pretty confident it will be gone (as most pop or shrink), but if its not then I'll be in an ultrasound just for a check to make sure all is well. No big deal...but a pain to have to keep going back to the doctor!

My Sweet Boys!

Daddy and Brayden having fun together!

Mommy's Instinct

I have been having some trouble with feeding Brayden the last 2 weeks. It has been so bad that I can say it has been a nightmare. Listening to my precious boy scream because he is hungry but not able to eat, and not know what to do is AWFUL! I kept calling the nurse advice line at the doctor and they would say "baby's cry honey" or "try ___ formula". After the 3rd formula change and still trouble with bowels and eating I decided to take him in-even though the nurses said it wasn't necessary. I knew in my heart something wasn't right. He has not been a fussy baby or even cry other than when hungry, since I brought him home! Then all of a sudden he couldn't stop!

I felt such relief when our pediatrician complemented me on "following my instincts as a mom." Brayden definitely has something bothering him and we are in the process of trying to figure it out. It could be a milk allergy, it could be reflux. We just don't know yet. He has had his 4th formula change but seems to be taking to it great! The only down side is that it cost 100.00 a week! I can honestly say though...there is no price I wouldn't pay for Brayden to be well.

In the meantime I've had to listen to Brayden scream though bottles and cry when he is put down because it burns him inside to be on his back. It is a mother's nightmare! I want so badly to feel the pain for him, but I can't so I just cry right along with him. Then I call my mom and she is about to cry because she's at work and can't be with me! We have all been a mess. It seems that the last 24 hours have gone great on the new formula though, so I feel an answer to prayers is near. Now if we can just get God to lower the price of Nutramigen!

Thank you to those of you who have called to check on Brayden! He is doing better and we go back to the doctor next week!

6 weeks!

I can hardly believe Brayden is 6 weeks already! What an amazing 6 weeks it has been. He is starting to eat more, sleep more (Thank you Lord!), be alert more during the day, and smile (YEAH!). Tomorrow we are going to have his pictures taken professionally. I'm hoping I can keep my spending to a minimum. However, if I like it, I'm buying it! I don't want to look back and regret not having bought pictures of him as a baby. Brayden is weighing in at 10 pounds, 4 ounces and slowly getting longer!

Say cheese...

It is FINALLY starting to happen! For two days now we have been able to get Brayden to smile!!! I cannot tell you how excited this makes mommy. He isn't doing it too much yet, but it shouldn't be too long now! He doesn't hold it long enough to let me take a picture because he hates my flash. However, the minute I get one I'll put it up!

Carry me!

Brayden is starting to like the Baby Bjorn! (Or maybe mommy is!) We have started taking walks with it instead of using the stroller at night. He likes to be able to look around. I can't wait until he can hold his head up and sit where he can see out!

Family Time

They look just alike don't they!

Brayden and I are counting down the days until daddy can be home with us for good. But for the time being, when Chad gets home we do two major things as a family.

First...Bath time

Every night Chad and I get together to give Brayden a bath. He helps support his head while I wash him, and then he bundles him up in his hooded towels until I clean up. Then we both dress him (yes it takes us both) and lotion him and get him ready for the night! And I have to brag, this routine seems to work because after his bath, Brayden has his longest sleeping time.

Second...Garage time

Since it has been so hot for walks, we all get together in chairs in the garage. We take drinks and cut on the fan and enjoy the shade. Brayden sits in his bouncer or in Chad's lap and looks out in the yard. And the great thing about it is that Cali can join us too! She's been such a sweet dog through this. I even think it has helped calm her down a bit!

Where did Brayden go???

Now that Brayden is getting bigger (10 pounds 4 ounces...ahhhh!), we are having to put bibs on him during feeding. When he spits up now, there is a lot more to it! We have some precious bibs, but at the current time they are swallowing him whole! It's too precious!

Holding on to my baby

One of the main things I read about in parenting books and magazines has been about holding your baby. I can't tell you how many time it has said NOT to do it unless you are feeding because you can "damage" your baby. I have spent many hours the first weeks of Brayden's life crying over this battle. Let me tell you...I am OVER it! I'm going to hold my sweet baby boy as much as I want to. I think about those who have lost children and what they would give back to hold them. I don't want to regret not enjoying the days I CAN hold Brayden. Does he do fine when I don't hold him??...YES! I don't want to have the kind of child attached to his mother's hip, but at the same time I also want the kind of child who knows his mother will always be there for him when he needs her. So forget the books and magazines...I am going to hold my beautiful baby boy!!!

Mommy Tears

Brayden has had lots of trouble at night. During the day, he will go 4 hours (sometime more) without eating and sleep really well. Then at night he is up every 2-2 and a half hours. It is exhausting! We are trying to get him up after feedings and then put him down in his crib. We are having to let him cry so he can learn to self soothe and know we won't pick him up every time he cries. I have to admit...it is killing me to put him down and listen to him cry until he falls asleep! I can hardly stand it! I put him down and crack the door to hopefully drown out some sound...then I go sit on the couch and cry right along with him! Chad has to hold me so I'll stop crying and not run to Brayden's side. My head knows in the long run it will be best for me not to pick him up every time he cries, but my mommy heart is just killing me!

The Formula Battle

After Brayden turned 4 weeks old, I started noticing problems when he was eating. He would cry while taking his bottle, but act like he was starving. He strained for hours before anything would happen, and my precious angel who never cried...started bawling! It was awful. He would only go an hour or hour and a half at night before waking up with gas and straining. So after calling the pediatrician we switched his formula from Enfamil to Gentlease.

On the Gentlease formula he started having major bathroom issues and projectile spitting up almost every time we burped him. He was having such severe gas we had to start using gas drops after every feeding. So after calling the pediatrician AGAIN, he was switched to soy formula. They are thinking he has some sort of milk allergy or problem with lactose. So now we will see how that works. He has only been on it for two days, so hopefully he will take to it and be okay!

Swing time

Just some cute pictures of Brayden swinging!

The Sound of Music

Watching Brayden's personality start to come out has really been rewarding. One thing I can say about him for sure is that he is calmed by music. I can put him in his crib and cut his mobile on and he will lay awake listening for at least an hour. (This allows mommy to get a shower and ready for the day!) When he is fussy, Chad can cut the radio on and hold him and he calms down. It's amazing to watch him switch so quick once music is cut on!

Just like dad...

I always pick on Chad because he CONSTANTLY chews on his fingers. Well...like they say. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Brayden cannot keep his hands (mostly his thumb) out of his mouth! I have to admit...it's kind of cute :)

Brayden sucking his thumb

Growing up

One of the exciting things that has happened this week is that Brayden turned his head while on his tummy! He did it for the first time when he was one month old (last Sunday). Since then he has done it daily during his tummy time! It makes mommy very happy to see that neck building up muscle!

A Day Out

Mommy and Brayden at the park

Eating daddy's finger...time to go!

Chad and I have been trying our best to teach our little Brayden the difference between night and day! During the day we try to stay on the go so he is in the light and around noise and moving. We are now regulars at Target, Babies R Us, and the mall. Other than that, there isn't many places to just go stroll around. Yesterday, after our daily trip to the mall, we took Brayden to Irmo park! It wasn't too hot because storms have been passing through, so we thought it was a perfect time to take him. We had such a good time! We walked around, got on the swings, and enjoyed the beautiful day. We plan on going back for a picnic sometime soon. I can't wait!