"So Cute It's Scary"

Today Brayden turn's 3 months old already! Wow time is flying by. He is sooo big. I think he really likes being 3 months especially since he doesn't have to go to the Doctor this month. He is really starting to sit up...not quite on his own but I'm sure that is coming soon. Tomorrow is Halloween and since he has a very cute costume we decided to play a little dress rehersal with some of his Halloween clothes. He is sending his Aunt Mo, Uncle Tom and his cousins Grady, Keegan and Catie a very big Thank You for sending him this very cute T-shirt.

We are also very excited to show you just how big he is in his other Halloween shirt! He really is sooo cute, and getting to be soooo big. We went to the mall tonight to get his 3 month pictures taken but ran into a bit of a snag. So instead of pictures we went out to eat and he really enjoyed himself. Well we're off to bed to rest up for Halloween tomorrow!

First Day at the Babysitters

Today was Brayden's first day over at the babysitters house. It was a very cold morning so he got bundled up and ready to go. He went over for a half day so that Brayden and Jenny (the babysitter) could get to know each other. Here he is above getting ready to go. And the 2nd picture is when he arrived. He was in a great mood...especially since when he got there he saw that she too has his favorite swing!! He really had a great time. When Mike picked him up he smiled and was ready to go home to take a nap from playing so much. We think Brecken enjoyed Brayden's day at Jenny's too since he got his old running buddy back for the day since he and Mike got to go on a good run.

Getting Ready for Halloween

Today was my first day back at work...it was not so bad especially since Mike is at home taking great care of Brayden. I could totally tell both of them were exhausted by the end of the day. Mike says they both played and spent some great time bonding. Tonight we had a lot of fun when I got home. We brought Brayden's Excersaucer up from the basement and he really had fun! He laughed and really checked out each part of his new toy. Here are some pictures to see for yourself.

After dinner we decided since there is only a few days left until Halloween we should carve the pumpkins. Brayden watched for a few minutes but decided to take a quick nap instead. My pumpkin was a dud...I'll spare you the pictures. Let's just say that my pumpkin was a solid rock and it could not be carved, except with a steak knife and even that was a challenge. However, Mike's pumpkin rocks...look how cool! It has two sides to it but we are still working on the lighting because on the other side of the spider he carved a web that is projected as a shadow...we'll work out the details and post more pictures of his great creation...who knew he was so crafty.

Just Hanging Out

The weather is definitly changing. I can't believe we are in the midst of fall already. Since the cooler weather is setting in Brayden has been enjoying hanging out in his oh so cute footed pj's. This week we did a lot of just hanging out together.

Brayden and I had a visit from his G-ma who brought over his Christening gown. This is a gown that has been worn by my family for over 50 years. I am so happy to have Brayden wear this at his upcoming Baptism. We wrapped up this weekend with a great dinner over at Katie and Shawn's on Sunday night. It was great to see everyone, especially Ayla and Nathan Brugger...Brayden's little friends. Then it was home early to get Brayden to bed and for me to get ready to go to work tomorrow. It's amazing how quickly 12 weeks has flown by. Brayden and Mike got me a great framed picture of Brayden for my desk at work.

This week was a little slow since Mike worked a ton this week with the opening of the after-hours clinic at work. That all gets to change for the next two weeks...Brayden, Brecken and Mike get some guy time for the next two weeks. So stay tuned for Daddy Daycare (Mike promises tons of pics too).

What a great weekend!

We had a great weekend packed full of fun. Friday Brayden visited Mike at work while I had an appointment and boy is he a flirt. He barely got through the door and Yvonne was ready to hold him...I heard Misty had her eye on him too. He had a great time and took in all of the attention. Friday night was pretty low key...Mike and I enjoyed a movie night in. We watched Gone Baby Gone; what a great movie, it is a must see.

Then on Saturday morning we enjoyed the wonderful fall weather. Brayden is not quite sure of this new cooler weather, he is a bit confused with hats on his head (especially when they creep down over his eyes). Then I headed off to my friend's baby shower. It was nice and I was able to see and talk to some great friends I hadn't seen in a while. Mike and Brayden enjoyed watching Ohio State defeat Michigan State 45 - 7!!! Then Brayden spent some quality time with his g-ma while Mike and I went out with our neighbors. This was our first time leaving the house without him--I left a pretty detailed two page dissertation on Brayden's routine (which really only included 3 hours of time...lol). Mike made fun of me because after all she does have 3 kids. My mom was a good sport and followed my directions to a T. I know Brayden really enjoyed the time he spent with her because he woke up on Sunday in a great mood. He was smiling and giggling all morning.

So we decided to give Sunday Mass another try. He did great and even fell asleep for a 1/2 hour. Then off to Panera for lunch and more football for the guys (Brayden, Brecken and Mike). I don't think they suffered through the whole Bengals/Steelers game. I however went and enjoyed an afternoon at Woodhouse Spa. It was great...I came home completely relaxed and rejuvenated. Thanks again to my friends who all got this for my 30th birthday.

Well that's all for now...We are planning to include a lot of pictures soon. So stay tuned.

mid-week update

Hello again. Well this week is going so fast, I think it is because I go back to work in less than two weeks and I want time to slow down. We are all doing well. Brayden is doing great. He is growing so fast and is finally enjoying tummy time. He got a new toy this week that helps promote tummy time (I should say that each time we are near a toys r us or babies r us his daddy gets his heart strings tugged...or should I say purse strings and he gets a special treat). This toy also has an ipod adapter...so I'm sure the ipod update is to come soon...lol! He is giggling and cooing a lot more and is really starting to study his surroundings. Just this morning at 2:45am he decided that it was not time to sleep but time to laugh and giggle...what a cutie and boy are we in trouble! I just reminded myself that these moments will not last forever and I let him play but he fell asleep shortly after. My mom just laughed at me and said, "wait until it's time for bed and he decideds to play 'hide and seek'". We also think Brecken is finally realizing that Brayden is here to stay. He brings his toys to Brayden when he cries and checks him out when he is in his swing or on the floor.

Well that's it for now but we'll update more soon!

This is just the beginning

Welcome to our blog. We hope you enjoy seeing how much Brayden grows and learns each day. He is definitly getting bigger...he now weighs over 14.11 lbs up from 8.9 lbs and has grown from 21.5" to 24" in just 2 months. It is amazing how much he has already developed his own strong personality. At 6 weeks he enjoyed his first mini vacation. We packed what seemed to be all of his worldly possessions and our bags into the car and headed to Chicago. While there he enjoyed his first ride on a train, a bus and in a taxi cab. Mike and I enjoyed the great pizza of Gino's East and Brayden got his picture taken next to his name on the wall at Gino's. Then we all took a walk along Navy Pier. After Chicago we took his first trip to Lima. He hung out with his crazy cousins and loved every minute of the attention. We had a great time and headed back to Cincinnati. On our way we home we drove carefully through the strong winds of Hurricane Ike. When we got home we learned that 90% of Cincinnati had lost power and would be out of power for much of the week. We were among the lucky 10% to not have lost power at all. Brayden and I even went to Target and shopped in the dark!