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!

Between the feedings...

Dinner at Grandma's
Boppy Time!

I wish he would keep his eyes open for just one picture!! They are blue!

Napping with Daddy

Sometimes it seems like all we do is warm up bottles and feed Brayden. We have been trying to get him out and do different things with him during the day. Some of Brayden's favorite things to do are: spending time at grandma's, laying on his boppy, and nap time with daddy!

First Mother's Day!

Celebrating Mother's Day has always been important to me since my mother and I are so close. This year's Mother's Day with Brayden was extra special! I held him all day (I'm tired of reading not to hold your baby too much), and just thought about how blessed I was to have him in my life.

Chad took me out to eat to celebrate the day and bought me a sweet sweet card which I put into Brayden's baby book. We watched a movie together and spent the afternoon with my mom. Chad grilled the best steaks for dinner and we just enjoyed being together. I love my family!

Mid day, I did have to leave and go to the doctor...boooo! I have 2 ear infections which have gotten out of hand because I refused to take Brayden to the doctor with me. (Didn't want him to pick anything up) The night got really bad and I could hardly lay on my pillow, so I knew it was time. It was just unfortunate that it had to be on Mother's Day. The doctors office was not busy thankfully, so I was in and out and had my medicine within an hour.

Overall it was a great first Mother's Day, and I look forward to the many more to come with the special new man in my life!

Dropping the pounds

Weight before baby: 106

Weight gain during pregnancy: 27 pounds

Weight less than 1 month after baby: PRICELESS-108

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Better Late than Never!

Today Chad and I FINALLY ordered Brayden's birth announcements. They are scheduled to be in by the end of the week, so be on the lookout next weekend or early next week!! If you want to be included on the mailing list and you think I don't have you on it already then please put your address in the comments or email me!

Yeah for bath time!

After only a few nights, Brayden has stopped fussing in the bath tub! It is a time I wanted him to enjoy so bad! (I think mom enjoys it more than he does!) I think it was just overwhelming to him at first, but now we have the hang of it. Doesn't he look precious in his tub!!

Play Time!

One of the fun times in our day is Brayden's wake time in the afternoons. We read books, listen to the radio, take walks, ride in the car, and my personal favorite...play on our tiny love mat! Brayden cannot really enjoy everything the mat can do, but he does enjoy listening to the music and looking at himself in the mirror! He has layed on his tiny love mat for almost an hour at each play time just looking at himself and the hanging animals! It's too precious!

3 Weeks

I cannot believe I have had Brayden in my life for three whole weeks! We are almost off house arrest and I cannot wait to take him out and show him off! So far in his life, I have been able to get to know his cries (which he doesn't do a lot thank goodness!). He cries only when he's hungry or messy! How lucky am I?!? Although it is not time for him to have his official first smile, I watch him grin while he is sleeping. It makes me so anxious to see him actually smile! Also in these 3 weeks I have learned that Brayden enjoys riding in the car, sitting on the back porch (we are still working on opening our eyes outside), swinging in his swing, and music! He does not like having his feet touched or being cold! Brayden can lift his head and turn it side to side which is fun to watch. It's making burping him a little difficult though! I have enjoyed having him in my life and I can't wait to see what week 4 brings!

Due Date!

After Brayden's bath tonight, Chad and I were sitting around talking about how amazed we were that Brayden is finally here with us! Then we realized that today was his ACTUAL due date! Brayden came to us two and a half weeks early (thank goodness for me!) and wasn't actually due until today. I'm amazed that he has already been here two weeks, and am thankful for the time home with him. Each time I look at him, I am blown away by how precious and wonderful he is! I'm so blessed to have two of the most wonderful, sweet men in my life!

Brayden is still having a hard time fitting in newborn clothes, that's why this outfit is swallowing him! Too big for premie clothes, too little for newborn!

Take Two!

Our first bath time with Brayden was not a huge success. Tonight however, I was excited to see less tears from him! We thought he may be getting too cold in the bath, so we tried some new things and they seemed to work. He looks so precious wrapped up in his hooded towels, and seems so content after a bath! I hope it is a time he can learn to enjoy! It's a great night time routine for all of us and something we have looked forward to the past few days. It's fun designating a time for all 3 of us to be together. Hopefully Brayden will like bath time even more tomorrow!!!

Date Night!

Tonight Chad and I had our first date night post-baby! We went to dinner, had to stop by Babies R Us, and then went to the mall to walk around and just be together. I had a really tough time at dinner, and I'm so thankful that Chad is so understanding about my emotions right now! Once we got moving I did better and was able to enjoy just being with my wonderful husband. I know it is really tough to leave Brayden, but its best for my marriage and for my son. It's good for him to be around others and for Chad and I to just get out. That is SO easier said than done however! I promised Chad I would be better next time, maybe less tears then!! Until our next date night...

Precious

It seems that mommy is totally taken by precious Brayden. All I do...even when he is sleeping...is stare at him! I love to watch his expressions and moves. He is just like his daddy! One of my favorite things to watch is him moving his hands around his face when he sleeps. Chad does this too, and when I can catch him I'll get a picture of him sleeping to compare!

Brayden's First Bath

Since Brayden's cord fell off this week and his surgery has healed, last night was officially time to start baths! I have been waiting for this since he got home and hope it becomes a fun time for Brayden! I have to admit...I'm not too sure he liked it. It was his first though, so we will try again tonight. After his bath we put some baby lotion on him, combed his head full of hair, and dressed him for bed. Then he slept for 4 hours straight!!! This was great for mommy to catch up on some sleep!!

It's off!

This week Brayden's cord fell off!! Yeah...that means it's time for daddy to start changing some diapers!

2 Weeks!!!

I am blown away that my baby boy is already 2 weeks old! My original due date was May 3rd and we haven't even hit that yet! Although the nights are long and the days have drastically changed, I am enjoying every minute of my precious little one. He is the best baby! Hardly ever cries and just wants to be held! I don't know what I did so right in my life for God to bless me with this perfect child, but I am so grateful for him! I was so scared to bring him home because he was so tiny and fragile, and now I don't want him to grow!

At our one week pediatrician appointment, Brayden weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces, and they wanted him back to his birth weight by today (7 pounds 2 ounces). He weighed in at 7 pounds and 3 ounces! He was slightly jaundice the first appointment and that has cleared up totally. His cord has fallen off and his "boy surgery" has healed nicely! We have a perfectly healthy baby boy and we don't go back to see the doctor until 2 months old. In the meantime, hospital bills are coming in and we are making lots of trips to the store for diapers and formula!

House Arrest

Well, due to the "swine flu" which has been found in Newberry (not far from home), Brayden and I have been put on house arrest by the pediatrician! We are to just wait and see if anything comes of the virus in the next two weeks, but until then we are stuck inside. It's not worth the risk of him picking something up. It can be boring sitting inside all day, so some of the things we like to do are:
sitting on the back porch
watching 7th heaven marathons!
reading books
playing on the play mat
playing in the bouncer
and naps of course!!!
We have taken a few walks too, but its been so hot during the last few days we decided not to take him strolling. Soccer season for Chad is ending and after Monday he will be here every day with us. I know Brayden can't wait! He loves to be held by his daddy! I am enjoying my time at home with my little man and I don't know how I will ever go back to work and leave him! At least we have alllllll summer long before that happens though. :)

Hospital Photo

Check Brayden out at the Baptist Website:

http://www.palmettohealth.org/bodyIframe.cfm?id=252