Doctor Visit Update

We went to the doctor today and were glad to see that Brandon is huge now, tipping the scales at 7lbs 4oz. Even though this seems big to us, he still needs to gain more weight. The spitting up has gotten tons better with the medicine. We are hoping Brandon continues to gain weight and his colic fades. We head back to the doctor in two weeks to check his progress.

Four Weeks Old

Brandon is four weeks old today. Wow, how time flies. I still look at him in disbelief that we get to keep him. He is such a sweetie. Brandon showed us a new trick this week that I am not excited about. Brandon has started holding his own bottle! Yes, that right HOLDING his bottle. Not just putting his hands on it or helping to hold it - actually holding it on his own. He is just growing too fast.

Cody got a new grill this weekend, so we had to test it out. We invited our friends Chip and Heather with their son Evan to come evaluate the chef's cooking. We had such a good time, and Brandon slept the entire time.

See I told you! The picture is a little fuzzy, but I was not holding the bottle at all. I thought I had months before he could do this.

Sweet dreams.

" Look how big I have gotten." These are some pants he got today - just for reference they are newborn size.

"Hey, how did my binky get over there?" This is one of my favorite pictures. Brandon looks like he doesn't understand that he spit his binky out.

We started trying to play with Brandon this week. He loses interest pretty fast right now. We tested out his bracelet rattles. Brandon was not impressed.

It cracks us up when Brandon lays like this. We always cover him up to his neck, and then he will pull his arms out. He looks like a little adult laying like this.

As we have said before, Brandon prefers to sleep on our chests. Well, he prefers Daddy's over mine. Daddy takes advantage of the advise to 'sleep when baby is sleeping'. The lamb is a sleep sheep that makes noises. Brandon loves it!

Brandon in our bed. We did not want to chance moving him to the crib or pack-n-play.

The Grillmaster! Cody grills his first batch of hamburgers on his new grill.

Cody made some great burgers. He is so proud.

Brandon's other best bud. Evan was so gentle with Brandon. They are going to get into a lot of trouble together.

Evan tested out Brandon's swing when we weren't looking. He climbed in himself and even turned on the music.

Evan and Cody

We Should Have Gotten a Cardboard Box

It never fails: You buy kids something you think they will love, and they play with the cardboard box instead!

Well that is how I felt this week. We loved this activity mat that was bought for Brandon, and just knew he would love it too. Since Brandon had been spending more of his time awake this week, I decided to let him enjoy it. It did not go as planned.

This is how the 'playtime' began. Not off to a good start.

"Mommy I hate this thing!"

This is the 'playing' that followed.

We should have just bought a box!

Three Week Doctor Visit

Brandon went to the doctor today. He is up to a whopping 6lbs 11oz and is 22 inches long. He is such a big boy! We have discovered that Brandon is colic-y. This means long nights of screaming for us. It is heartbreaking seeing him with a such a bad bellyache, and nothing in particular seems to work consistanly. If anyone knows a good remedy, let us know. Please! Brandon is also having trouble with reflux, but we actually have medicine to fix that. Who knew there was such a thing as 'baby zantac'? Other than those things, Brandon is doing well and growing a lot faster than I would like. He can hold his head up and loves to move around when he is on the floor. Cody teases me that he is getting ready to crawl - uh, not funny. Mommy is not ready for that. We will be heading back to the doctor next week to see how Brandon is growing, and if his medicine is helping.

Family Fish Fry

We headed to Temple for a fish fry on April 17th. The whole family came in for some fishing and fun. Dominick and Lexi got a chance to try out their new mud boots from Christmas. They had a great time. Uncle Danny and Aunt Connie also got to come down for the fishing.

The family was very excited to get to see Brandon, too. Brandon was a little upset when we arrived and my dad thought someone was blowing a "varmint call". Then Grammy almost full on tackled Cody to get to Brandon. So funny. When Uncle Danny and Aunt Connie got there, Aunt Connie pushed Cody out of the way to hold Brandon. Grammy loved the time with Brandon, and it was a good thing she was there. When Brandon was crying, it was Grammy to the rescue! There were a few times when Brandon was crying, and Cody could not make him stop. Then Grammy picked him up and he instantly stopped. It was hilarious! Grammy says its because Brandon likes Grammy better. I think she might be right.

Lexi with her fish.

Dominick and Lexi holding our dinner.
Aunt Margaret, Dominick, and Lexi help clean the fish.

Aunt Cynthia and Brandon. She is the self-proclaimed "favorite aunt".

Mommy and Daddy smile 'cause Brandon is sleeping. FINALLY!

Mommy and Brandon stopping to eat on the way home. Brandon had his first meal at a restaurant - a bottle. He he, I did not say it was on the menu. Brandon is three weeks old today.

Week Three - Its Playtime!

Well folks, Brandon is two weeks old. This week he really started to stay awake more and "play". We introduce him to the swing and he LOVES it. He goes right to sleep...then we turn it off and he wakes right up! Ugh!! Brandon and I made our first outings this week, and it takes FOREVER to get us ready. When I go back to work, I am going to have to get up at midnight just be to ready by 6:45!!! I have adopted the boy scout motto when traveling with Brandon - "always be prepared", so I take his entire room when going anywhere. Going to Discount Tire and Katie's house counts as traveling, right? We went to my friend Katie's house to visit her new addition Tyler. Tyler is four days older than Brandon. We had such a good time, okay "we" is used loosely. Brandon and Tyler slept and ate, while Katie and I ran our mouths.

Brandon likes to sleep on the floor with the quilt his Aunt Kristina made.

Mommy and Brandon

Daddy and Brandon - "Before"

"After" - looks like Brandon is not the only one who needs a nap.
Just a Swangin'

Mommy putting Brandon to sleep. This is one of the only ways Brandon will go to sleep. And THIS is one of the only ways Mommy gets to sleep.

Getting ready to go play with Tyler. "I am ready to go mom." Just a note - this was the original outfit. He spit-up all over this outfit and had to change. I was so mad; he was strapped in and everything!!

Our babies first pictures together. About to pop at 9 months!

On the outside.

Guess which one is Brandon? And the answer is: Baby on the right.

Tyler is on the left and Brandon is on the right. They are going to be best friend. Notice how Brandon likes to hold his "binky" in this mouth.

Week Two - Grammy is here!

My mom spent the second week with us. We were so lucky to have her here. She cooked, cleaned, and burped when Brandon was crying. I think I might have gone completely crazy without her. Cody wishes she would just move in. This week brought a new challenge with Brandon - gas. We spent many hours trying to soothe a screaming baby with a tummyache. This week Brandon also got into a routine with his eating. He is waking himself up now, which is nice because now I don't have to set my alarm during the middle of the night. We are also getting used to less sleep, well I don't know if you ever get "used" to it. Everyone always has said children grow too fast. Well, they were not kidding. Brandon is mastering holding his head up when he is on our shoulders. I wish he could stay this size longer.

Mommy and Brandon

Daddy and Brandon
This is a picture of Brandon's room. It is jungle theme. Cody and I worked on it for months. We think it is very cute.

Here is more of the jungle room.

Grammy wraps up Brandon in his burrito.

Brandon is so handsome! I have to remind myself not to say pretty and limit the amount I say cute.

Grammy talks to Brandon.

Brandon gets burped.

Brandon spends time on the floor.

Bath time again! Notice he is still screaming. Maybe one day he will enjoy bathtime.

I love this picture. Brandon is holding Grammy.

Lexi and Dominick meet their brother for the first time. They had the same reaction -- "He is so small!"

Brandon prepares for a nap with a big yawn. It looks like Daddy needs a nap too!

Our First Days Home

We are so happy to be home!

First things first -- alert the neighborhood.

Cody put up the "Its a Boy!" balloon my parents gave us.

Our burrito boy!

I love it when he is all wrapped up like this. He looks just like a burrito.

Brandon does not like to have his hands swaddled. He LOVES to stretch his arms. He acts like it is such work.

Our first doctors appointment. Daddy held Brandon as Dr. Yau looked him over. Brandon weighed 6lbs even, which is big considering he left the hospital weighing 5lbs 12oz.

Daddy was on burp patrol. He is a very good burper.

Brandon's first bath at home. He does not enjoy this bath any more than the first one. Check out that face!

Sleeping on Daddy! This is Brandon's favorite napping spot.

YEA - Grammy is here! My mom came on Friday to help us take care of Brandon and to take care of me. Her co-workers threw her a "Grammy Shower" to get her ready for her first grandchild. Here she is showing off two cute outfits she recieved. Gig-em!

Here are most of the goodies Grammy recieved at her shower. Grammy's house is decked out and ready for Brandon!