2 Month Well baby...sort of

Easter Sunday, on our way back home Brayden, started to sound congested again. On that Tuesday we had his 2 month well baby check up, technically he was 10 weeks old, but that is when we scheduled his appointment. His stats were weight 14 lbs 1.5 oz and 24 1/2 in. Over 95% wt. and 92% height. Amazing how I have large babies! Well, he still had a heart murmur so we went to see a cardiologist the following Monday. Everything turned out normal, there is still a valve that hasn't fully closed, which is suppose to right after birth. Brayden's is taking a little slower than average and it is about to be completely closed. This is what is causing the irregular heartbeat. The cardiologist said everything else is great and it should be gone by the time he is 6 months so we will see him in about 4 months. Brayden's congestion has worsened and now he is on breathing treatments 2-3 times a day, back to sleeping in his swing and getting his nose suck out twice a day. I feel so bad that he has been sick for close to 10 weeks. Can you imagine? He is a trooper and has stayed happy for the most part.

Brayden @ 10 weeks old



Brayden and his treatment

My parents just renovated the upstairs part of their house so that my grandmother could move in and have her own space. She is 83 and my dad insists that when she comes down the stairs she has to ride one of those chairs that are on rails. She isn't too fond of the contraption but does it any ways, Gabriella discovered this new ride and she loves it! She is allowed 2 rides per visit.

Easter & The Beach, again...

Goodness, it has been a while, which I know that is a common phrase when I post.

Gabriella was on Spring Break from Preschool so I enjoyed having her home everyday and I took full advantage of getting her potty trained, which was some what successful. Since she was home from school for the week she also wasn't bringing home bugs and Brayden was feeling much better.

We were fortunate to go back to the beach Easter weekend with Brian's dad, sister & brother in-law, Cooper and the kids. At first I was hesitant about going out of town for Easter, b/c I really wanted to go to church and do the traditional family day with lunch and egg and I wasn't sure if the Easter Bunny would find us in Florida. Well he did and he was nice enough to make a visit on Saturday.

Gabriella had a blast as usual, she did great for not having a friend to play with, she missed Olivia this time. The weather was superb.

The week before Brayden started sleeping in his room and by the second night he was sleeping through the night. When we go tot the beach with an our time change and all 4 of us sleeping in one room, he woke up at 5 each morning we were there.

Brayden chillin' on the beach

Gabriella playing in the sand

Gabriella let Brian bury her in the sand

The Easter Bunny found us!

Brayden smiling as usual

5 Years

Brian and I just celebrated our 5 year Wedding Anniversary on Friday, April 3. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. These past years have been some of my most life changing and wonderful years of my life and I got to share it all with Brian. Brian and I have technically been together for 11 1/2 years and they keep getting better and better. I love him with every ounce of my body. He is my best friend and the most amazing father.



We enjoyed the weekend by celebrating with a few friends and opened the bottle of wine that our wedding guests signed. The wine was excellent, well that is what everyone had told me, I am not a red wine fan, but I did try a little bit. To make it a fun evening, some of the girls wore former bridesmaid dresses and a couple of the guys dressed in tuxes and suits. Brian and I are very fortunate to have fantastic friends and family to share our special occasion.

9 weeks already!

Brayden is 9 weeks old today. He had spent 4 weeks with a head cold, but he is finally better...YAY! He spent his first night in his bedroom Sunday night and he did fantastic. Brayden sleeps from 7:30-8 PM until 4:30-5 AM. Not too bad. Hopefully now that he is in his room he will be sleeping through the night soon. He is smiling ALL the time, especially when Gabriella is talking to him. He is also cooing and gurgling at us. I had forgotten how great this age can be. I get so tickled watching him grow every single day. We are so lucky because he seems to be a really laid back kid. He loves sitting around and watching his family.




7 weeks old

Egg Hunt Fun

Since times are tight we have been taking full advantage of free activities that are offered to us. We have taken Gabriella to not one but three egg hunts. There was one for all the children in her preschool, one with her class and then a really big one in Roswell. At first she didn't know what to do but I think by now she has the hang of it.






At the preschool egg hunt the Easter Bunny graced us with his presence and Gabriella immediately realized that this bunny was different than the mall one. Gabriella looked a little confused and then said "Look Mommy, ha ha ha, it's a NEW Easter Bunny!"


Gabriella with the "new Easter Bunny"



Gabriella's Preschool Class



Gabriella & Olivia @ the Roswell Egg Hunt

Spring & Easter Activites

We visited the Easter Bunny this week. Wasn't sure how Gabriella would react to a giant furry creature, but she did great. Immediately ran up and gave him a big squeeze. She even showed him her "Easter Bunny" bracelet a neighbor gave her. Brayden, of course slept through the whole visit. (Gotta love that infant stage where they are super easy to take places!)

Brayden is still congested. I get so nervous when he coughs, because it is like he can't catch his breath. Once his fit is over he is OK. Hopefully he will be all better very soon.

Spring Time is Here!

We kicked off the beginning of Spring by taking a trip down to the Panama City Beach. We are so grateful that my in-laws let us use their condo. I forgot how much stuff you have to pack for an infant and realized that with the little time I already have during a 24 hour period, I needed to have started packing the weekend before. Brayden did great in the car, we stopped twice to feed him. I tried to give him a bottle in his car seat while Brian kept driving but he didn't want any of that so a typical 5 hour drive became a 7 hour drive. We first stopped at the Georgia Welcome center, it was really nice because Gabriella got to get out of the car and run around and get some fresh air while I sat in the shade and fed Brayden. The second stop was in Dothan and Brian took Gabriella into the Super Walmart and I stayed in the car.

Our friends met us at the condo. Their children are the exact same ages as ours. The weather was perfect. Probably the best weather we have ever had on a trip in March. It usually is hit or miss with the warm weather so early in the year. The temperature was perfect for the babies to be on the beach under umbrellas. We dug them each their own little bed and placed blankets & towels under them and on them. They pretty much slept the whole time. Later in the season I know Brayden will not be able to go down to the beach because it will be too hot.


Brayden and Brenden chillin' on the beach!


The girls had a blast playing in the sand and basically having a giant sleepover for the weekend. Gabriella is at the age that taking her to the beach and pool was a lot of fun. She entertained herself, especially since Olivia was there, and now with swimmies can swim on her own. We don't have to hold her the entire time in the pool. :-)



Gabriella finally putting her hands in the sand.


Gabriella at the pool sportin' her swimmies


Hiep & Olivia



Gabriella really loves her friend Olivia


Silly girls!

On the way back we really only needed to stop once to fed him and we found this AWESOME park...Landmark Park & Alabama Farming Museum outside of Dothan across from Spanish Acres...if you travel to the pan handle, you know where or at least have seen Spanish Acres, the gas station with the zebra sign. It was a historical farm with tractors, barns, old homes, horses, pigs, a playground, picnic area and bathrooms. It was well work the cost of $4 an adult b/c again Gabriella had fun and we got some fresh air. Definitely a place you should check out with your kids when making the trek.