Bryce & Brennon

Last night your aunt Brianne and cousins Amy and Seanna came over and we played cards and ate pizza and just had a fun girl's night! We had a great time and I'm pretty sure you did too because you were moving around the whole time! When you get here, you and your daddy will have plenty of guy's nights!

I just thought that I would put some more pictures on here. These are pictures of the past week. We had a little party at Aunt Rhonda's house and we played cards and ate brownies. (All the women around the table)
The picture at the dinner table is of your Pappaw, Mimi Shay, Uncle Britt, Mommy, and Daddy at dinner at Red Lobster. We had a great time. Uncle Britt thinks it's weird to see me with a big belly because that was the first time he's seen me and you since June and it is now August 2.
The other picture is of your Daddy, Grandpa, Granny, and Uncle Jason. We went to visit them one night while they were staying in Mt. Pleasant, TX. They are moving this week to Tyler, TX so we will get to see them alot more because it is so close.
Hope you enjoy the pics.

This weekend Daddy went to Little Rock, AR to see a concert with Brady. He left Friday afternoon and came back Sunday around noon. I missed him very much. You and I had a full weekend with the girls. Friday night we went to the movies to see Princess Diaries 2 with Jo Jo, Ellie, Aunt Rhonda, Brianne, Michelle, Allison, and Jennifer. We had a good time. We went to Applebee's after the show. The movie was pretty good, not one you'll want to see I'm sure. It was sort-of a girl movie. A teenage girl movie but I still liked it! Then Saturday Beth Soileau was in and we went to Texarkana with Amy, Bri, Aunt Rhonda, and Jo Jo. It was fun.

We had such a good weekend this weekend. We went to Nana and Papa's house in Daisy, AR. We got to see Austin for the first time in about a month and a half and he is SO cute!! Here are some pictures.

I went today for my follow up test to check and see if I have gestational diabetes. I got there at 8:00 and didn't leave until 12:00. My first sugar test came back with high sugar levels so I had to take this second one. When I got there they drew blood and had to send it downstairs to get the results. If it was over 115 I didn't have to take the test because that would mean that I have the diabetes for sure. My results came back at 90. So I had to drink this nasty really sweet orange drink and wait an hour then take my blood. I had to take my blood another two times at each hour. Needless to say my arms are a little sore. But the good news is I do not have the gestational diabetes. Obviously, she said that I had eaten or drank something sweet the night before the first test and it hadn't exited my system yet and messed up the readings. I'm very happy with the results. The only harm it would do during pregnancy is it would have made me have a big baby (10-12 lbs). Which would have been hard to deliver. And almost half of the women that have gestational diabetes develop diabetes later in life so for both of these reasons I am excited that I don't have it. So for all the women who are pregnant....when it comes time to take the sugar test, don't drink any juice or eat anything sweet within 24 hours or you'll be sitting at the doctor's office for 4 hours. And believe me it is very boring! =)

This weekend we were so busy! Thursday night we drove to Tyler, TX to see your uncle Jason play football. He did a great job! But we didn't get home until 11:00. Friday night I went to eat with Melodie and Aunt Karen and your daddy went to a ball game with uncle Simon and some other friends. Then Saturday around 12:00 we left for Kirby, AR to go to Nana and Papa's house. That night we went to a surprise birthday party for Aunt Betsy, but she already knew about it so it wasn't very much of a surprise. We stayed in Kirby Sat night and then drove back to Atlanta on Sunday. Today (sunday) about 2:30 we had a surprise party for Aunt Rhonda's 50th birthday! And it really was a surprise and it was lots of fun! Needless to say we are all partied out! I have slept the better part of today. I am getting extremely tired now! But we only have a month and a half to go so it's time for me to want to slow down! I Love You.

I wanted to put some pictures of Bryce's cousins on the site. the first picture is your cousin Rachel. She will be a good babysitter someday. The next is your cousin Austin. Austin was born about 6 months before you will be. I'm sure you and him will be really close.

Bryce, I wanted to tell you before hand how lucky you are! You are going to have so many friends in your family that are your age! Your Uncle Simon and Aunt Betsy (Daddy's brother and wife) have a 5 month old son, Austin. You guys are going to have so much fun playing together. And you will have another cousin, Abigail. She is Aunt Brianne's daughter and she is due to arrive on January 20. The two of you will be 2 months apart. I have a cousin Seth who is 2 months older than me and we had a wonderful time growing up. I hope that you and Abigail will be just as close. You will have to protect her and make sure no one messes with her! You will also have a second cousin down the line, Isabella. My cousin Misty Piazza is pregnant with her right now and she is due February 3. And we can't forget about little Maggie! She is your daddy's God daughter. Brady and Danielle are her parents and we love them like family. You all will have such a great time!

Bryce is here! He was born at 7:25 Monday morning, November 8th. He is 6 lbs 5 oz, and 19 1/2 inches long. He had a pretty quick entrance to the world. His cord had wraped around his neck twice and his heart rate droped. The doctor decided to do a emergency C-section. I will let Brooke tell the story in more detail when she feels like it. Anyway, he is doing great and I could not love him more. Thanks to everyone who came by and called. It really meant alot to us.

I just thought I would put a few more pictures on the blog.

Finally, You were born!!!! It seems like it took forever for the nine months to pass but in a matter of 15 minutes you entered the world. You are the most beautiful and perfect thing I have EVER seen. I know every mom says that about her child but I really mean it! Here's the story:

We checked into the hospital at 6:00 AM Monday, November 8,2004. When we entered the room they gave me a gown and told me to change. Then I got into the bed and they hooked me up to the machines. I was not very nervous at all. I was prepared to get an epidural, turn you around and sit in bed with a patosin (spelling?) drip until late afternoon when you would be born after heavy labor. They were asking me lots of questions and I calmly answered every one with confidence. Your father was sitting in a chair near my side. Then the anastesiologist came in to read to me all of the "legal" things that he had to tell me before giving me any medicine. The things he said scared me a little but when I looked at your daddy with fear he said it was all just legal and none of the scary stuff like death and being paralyzed ever really happened. Your father always has a way of calming me down. I love him for that. Then as the anastesiologist left the room I felt like I was having a contraction and just assumed it was ok. Then the nurse rushed in and told me to turn on my side and started moving around the monitor they had on my stomach. This monitored your heart beat. She said that your heart beat had dropped but it would be ok that you had probably just moved onto the umbilical cord. Then another nurse came in and another. Soon I was surrounded by 3 nurses pushing and poking at my stomach trying to get your heart rate back up. Then another nurse came in and said that Dr. Thompson was on her way and we were going to do an emergency c-section. I was terrified. I had never really thought of losing you. I was just thinking of the pain I would go through with a c-section and I didn't want that but this was the first time that I had thought that I could lose you. Your father could not come into the operating room with me and that did not make me very happy. He kissed me goodbye and told me everything was going to be ok and in a matter of seconds he was out of my sight and I was being wheeled into the O.R. It was now 7:10 AM. As I was sitting in that cold room looking at the ceiling all I could think was "God, please take care of my baby". I told him that I was ready to go if I had to but just make sure that you were alright. All I could think of was that I may never get to see your face. Then a nurse told me to breath into the gas mask they had over my face and I would be asleep in 30 seconds. That's the last thing I remember.

Then you were born at 7:25 AM, November 8. 6 lbs 5 ozs of perfection. You were 19.5 inches long. You have the cutest button nose and rosy red lips. I can't get over how perfect you are. The next day your dad asked Dr. Thompson how serious of a situation it really was. He wanted to hear it from her. She said it was extremely serious and it gives her chills to think about how close we came to losing you. You had the umbilical cord wrapped twice around your neck. If we had turned you like we had planned you would have probably choked to death. If we would have been home at 7:10, you would not have made it. If we had waited until 40 weeks you would have been still born. I can't thank everyone enough for their prayers. Without them you would not be here now and I owe it all to God. I love you more than words can even begin to explain.

Mommy

Well Bryce, you are a week old today. It is amazing how many things change in one week. You are now opening your eyes alot more often and for a longer period of time and you can roll over onto your side with no trouble at all. You sleep the majority of the day and you love your pacifier and your swing. You hold up your own head and you cry very loudly. At first we joked that you sounded like a hawk screeching because you didn't really cry... it was more of a screech. But buddy, now you cry so loud I almost have to hold my ears. But I'm so glad because I know that your lungs are good. You are still so skinny. I want you to gain some weight so I feed you every time I get the chance. But I know you'll grow soon enough.
I'm also doing great. I'm doing almost everything I want to with the exception of driving and vaccuming. A c-section is not all that terrible. Plus, everytime I look at your beautiful face I don't even remember the sting of the cut. I love you so much.

Mommy

Today I had to call the pediatrician for the first time! You got some goopy stuff in your right eye and I wiped it out and then it came right back after you napped a while. It didn't look like it felt very good and I knew it wasn't suppose to be there so I called the doctor. She said it is very common for newborns to have a blocked tear duct. So, to my delight she gave us some ointment. I probably worried a little too much, but I didn't want you to hurt. So now we're putting the ointment in your eye twice a day for 5 days and hopefully it will clear up.

I was wondering if any other of the moms had any tips on how to stay awake when you're feeding during the night. I'm having a hard time staying awake and not getting frustrated with myself. Just curious if there is anything you guys have found to cure it!
Brooke

Today we went for your two week checkup. You now weigh 7 lbs. 9.5 oz. I am so proud of you. With breast feeding it is a little hard to tell if you are getting enough nourishment, but obviously you're doing great. The Thursday after you were born you had dropped to 6 lbs. so you have gained 1 lb. 9.5 oz. in a week and 4 days. That is amazing. You also went from being 19 1/2 in. long to being 21 in. long. You are in the 75% in your height but in only 25% in your head and body.
We had a little accident at the doctor's office...you urinated all over the place!! The doctor was looking at a little rash that you have and while your diaper was off you squirted like a water fountain. It went EVERYWHERE! It was hillarious. Then they had to stick your heel to take some blood and you burried your face in my chest and slobbered all over my shirt while screaming. They put a little cotton ball over the spot where they suck you and held it in place with some blue tape stuff. It looked like you had a sprained ankle (picture). You were awake the entire time at the visit. I loved it!

Love you
Mommy

Saturday we went to Abigail's shower and I am just now getting around to putting pictures on here. Abigail will be your first cousin, my sister's child. They had a shower here in Atlanta,TX at the Atlantian. It was wonderful. She got so many gifts it was ridiculous. And on Tuesday night we're going to a shower for your second cousin (to be) Isabella Piazza. Now I know you're going to look at this when you get older and think why?! Why did I drag you to all of these girly events and the reason is because I have to show you off!!! Just joking....really it's because I can't stand to leave you! I debated leaving you with your daddy and just going to the shower alone but I decided to take you as my date. Not that I don't think Josh can take care of you because in all honesty he is even more wonderful with you than I could have ever dreamed. He loves his baby boy.

Love you
Mommy

For the past two nights we have been putting you in your crib and it is so much better. We did have you in a bassinet beside the bed and every little noise you made we would jump to the rescue. Finally, we figured out that you just like to grunt and make little noises while you're sleeping. It doesn't mean anything is wrong. When something is wrong you cry very loudly. It has been great having you in your crib. Of course, it is right across the hall from our bedroom so it really isn't but a couple of steps away. But we have the monitors hooked up and ready at all times. If you cry I get up and feed you and change you and you usually go right back to sleep. Sometimes it takes the assistance of your little mobile but whatever works is great with me! Yes, you sleep good with the exception of your 4:00 AM feeding. After you eat and I change you, you want to play. Your eyes are wide open and you have no intention of going back to sleep. And nothing works, not rocking, not patting, not your mobile....NOTHING! So I sit up with you until around 6:00 AM. Because even though you close your eyes and you start to breath heavy like you're asleep, the minute I put you down you start to scream. I guess you just like to be close to mommy, at least that's what I think :) But all in all, the crib experience has been a good one for both you and us.

Tonight was the first time for just us guys to hang out. Mommy had a baby shower to attend so we did the usual guy thing and had dinner and watched hunting and Sopranos. You were all decked out in your camo. I fed you for the first time from a bottle that your mommy had pumped for you before she left. You sucked it down so fast! I was afraid you would still be hungry and I wouldn't have anything else to feed you, but you were content and fell back asleep. This is the first of many times me and you will spend together. I love you.

I went for my check-up today. After having a c-section there are lots of things that I couldn't do: drive, take baths, vaccum...things like that. It was very hard to just sit around, but I knew I had to in order for my scar to heal correctly. Today Dr. Thompson told me that I can go back to doing everything except picking up anything heavier than you in your carrier. This is GREAT news! I can actually get out of the house and go visit people instead of just sitting on the couch!
While we were in town, I had to change your diaper. You urinated everywhere while your diaper was off even with me having something over you! I always bring you an extra change of clothes when we leave the house, but I never thought that I would need extra clothes. My jeans were soaked!!! I'm glad I have a good sense of humor about these things because you do this ALL THE TIME!

P.S. I took this picture tonight when we put you to bed...I just love you so much I am even amused by pictures of you sleeping! The other at the top is of you in your bath...you love taking a bath!!!

We have had such a great time this past week that I haven't even written anything! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family. You are getting so big now. You were 3 weeks old this past Monday. I can see a change in you everyday. It is so much fun to just sit and watch you. You love to watch things around you. You will just sit and stare at things: stuffed animals, bright colors, basically anything near you. You love noises too. If you're getting a little fussy...I just turn on some music or one of your toys that makes soothing sounds and you are calm instantly. You've been a great sleeper. I get up with you 2-3 times a night and generally you go right back to sleep after you eat. Now, there have been a few occasions where the night hasn't gone so smoothly...but that's ok. We went and stayed with Nana and Papa this past week so that Daddy could work in Kirby, AR and you didn't sleep a wink! You and I averaged 2 hours of sleep a night and your Dad didn't get much more! At least it was only 2 nights. We chopped it up to the fact that you were in a unfamiliar place. Because as soon as we got you home and back to your crib you were just perfect. We'll try the over night thing again when you're a little older but for now we're staying home!

love mommy

WHAT A HANDSOME BOY!!!

You are so blessed to have such a wonderful father! I went to work last night for the first time and although I didn't work long... a couple of hours is a long time to be away from you! He came and picked you up from the beauty shop and you guys headed home. When I got home he had dressed you in what HE wanted you to wear because the clothes I had you in were "too girlie", he had taken tons of pictures of you, and you were happy as could be! You guys are going to be big buddies, I can already tell.

Today, I had to take you to the doctor in Texarkana because you have a rash on your face that turned out to be nothing but baby acne...but I still don't like it! I just don't want anything to spot up your perfection. But that's ok..you're still perfect! :) Anyway, we went by Daddy's office and you stayed with him while I went to do a little shopping. It is great for me to feel totally secure when you're with him! He's great!

Love Mommy

I can't believe it , sugar.... you're already a month old!!! It just seems like last week that we were looking at your adorable face for the first time! You're growing so fast!!! Today we went to the doctor and you weigh 9lbs 5.5oz. I am so proud of you! Considering when we brought you home from the hospital you were only 6 lbs! You are the most beautiful baby I've ever seen...sorry other babies. I'm a little partial! Your eyelashes have gotten so long. And your eyes are so wide and full of expression now. (well as wide as they can be with your father and I as your parents) You coo, kick your legs and arms in play, and grunt with the best of them! When you yawn you make the cutest noises, like yawning is the greatest thing on earth. You love to hold your legs in the air and roll all around. You can keep eye contact for quite a while and we love it! Sometimes you get a little cross eyed when bright colors are close to your face. But the best thing about your eyes is when you look at me while you're feeding, it makes nursing so fulfilling. You smile, but only in your sleep. Which by the way is going great. You sleep so well at night. You wake up about once a night now, somewhere around 3:00 AM. It is well worth the long nights in the beginning to get to where you are now and it can only get better. It is amazing how in love with you I am after only a month of your life. I can't even begin to put it in words. You and your father make me so happy! This is exactly how I'd always imagined it. I love you.
Mommy

Last night we had the church Christmas banquet. We all got dressed in our red and green and headed off to the Christmas banquet. It is a banquet that our church has held every year since I can remember. We get together and eat dinner and sing Christmas carols. They draw names for presents and all the children get really excited. My cousin Amy wrote your name down for the drawing and you won a present. It was a red teddy bear. I think you would've liked it but there was the cutest little red headed girl around the age of 3 who was crying because her name didn't get drawn and she didn't receive a present. So I gave her yours. She was so excited. Sorry that I gave away your present but when you get old enough to care...I'll get you another red teddy bear. This was just one of the usual Christmas rituals that has gone on year after year and I'm excited to share them all with you. Your first Christmas holiday has officially begun.

Love Mommy

Your two favorite things right now are the toys that spin over your swing and your pacifier. We call your pacifier a passy. This is from my sister Brianne because that's what she called her pacifier. She sucked a passy until she was 3 and when she finally quit we threw her a passy party. So while all the other kids have a binky...you have a passy. And you love to look at the cute little animals that twirl above your little learning center. You still don't really show much expression but we can tell you like it because you coo and kick your legs and arms. You're just descovering new things everyday. These are fun times and they can only get better.
Love Mommy

You were deciated this past Sunday at church. It is a public showing that your father and I promise to raise you in a Godly home and with the values that are spelled out for us in the Bible. All of your grandparents except for Pawpaw and Mimi Kelly were there. But I know they were there in spirit. It was a beautiful dedication. Pastor Billy Dupree dedicated you. He annointed you with salt and olive oil. An old custom where the salt represents the prevention of decay in your life and the oil symbolizes annointing on your life. It was so meaningful to your father and I. We know you are going to grow up to be a mighty man of God.
Love Mommy

This Monday we went to Kirby,AR for Daddy's Mack-Reynold's work Christmas Party. Your cousin Austin was there. You two were so adorable!! We sat you beside each other to get a picture of the two of you and yall started holding hands. You were looking at each other and it was TOO cute! I know that you will be big buddies!

Here are some family pictures from the holidays.

These are just some cute pictures.

Finally, the holidays are over and you are back on a schedule!  Right before  christmas you had gotten on a very predictable schedule,  you would sleep and eat at about the same time every day.  Then Christmas hit and we were running all over the place.  Alot of your Dad's family live out of town....and even if we were in town we weren't at home at youir bedtime.  But now everything is back to the way it was!!!  I tried to do the Baby Wise method of sleeping, playing, and napping but you won't have any of that!  You nap when you want to and I can't get you to sleep otherwise and you play when you want to.  Which I decided was ok because you've only been waking up about once a night, and I feed you and you go right back to sleep...so, that's good enough for me! Love you  Mommy

Today you are 2 months old.  You are such a developed little boy!  I am so proud of you.  Here are a few of the things you've accomplished in the first 2 months of your life:

- You smile at me, your daddy, and pretty much anyone who will smile at you.  You smile more in the mornings than in the evenings.

-  You have started sucking your thumb...and contrary to what others may say...it's as cute as can be!  Though you only suck your thumb during the night.

-  Even though you suck your thumb at night you still love your passy as much as you did in the hospital nursery.

-  You love bath time.

-  You have a very healthy appetite.  You now weigh 12 lbs. 3 oz. (sorry, I can't remember how long they said you were...but I know it was over 22 in.)

-  You love to hit at your toys with your fist.

-  You always pull your pacifier out of your mouth with your hand and grab onto the handle and wave it around.  (this may not be on purpose but it sure is cute)

-  You have learned to scream very loudly when you're angry...it's definately a different cry than your "hungry cry"  and your "dirty diaper cry".  You usually scream when you don't want to go to sleep but you keep dozing off.  I think you're fighting the inevitable.

-  Your father and I call you every pet name in the book from punkin, to honey, to sweety,  and I think Brycie-poo is catching on!

You're just such a big boy, I am so proud of you!!  And I don't know how it's possible, but everyday I love you a little more!

Mommy

Today we went to see Papa at the Arkansas State Capitol.  He is State Representative #7.  He was being sworn into his third and final term.  This is the beginning of 2005 session.  You got to see most of it....the rest of the time you and I were walking around, rocking, swaying, patting, and the whole nine yards trying to get you quiet.  At least we were in the VIP room and not in the crowded area where we couldn't have done much.  But it was okay...I think you were just a little disoriented....we made you get up at 8:00...you will sleep until 10:30 if I'll let you.  You wake up to eat every now and then of course.  We had a great time and I want to thank you, Dewayne for letting us come and watch. 

Love Mommy

Today we went to get your pictures made at Sterling Images Studio.  You did great...with the exception of a few mishaps.  You were doing so well until you had a bowel movement all over the beautiful white bedding in a white bassinet.  It was funny, but terrible at the same time.  I felt so bad about it, but Randy, the photographer, just laughed and said that it happens all the time with little babies.  You took some of the most beautiful pictures EVER!!!!  You smiled in a few...looked longingly into our eyes in a few....were asleep in a few....and screamed in a few.  We took pictures of your naked behind which will probably come back to haunt you when you're older...but I thought they were so precious that I couldn't help it.  I can't wait to get the proofs in a week or so. 

Love, Mommy

Finally....Abigail Elise has arrived!!!  I am so excited that she is finally here!  I was in the delivery room with Brianne and stood with the doctor at the foot of the bed.  I watched EVERYTHING!  It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life.  Aunt Bri is a tough cookie!  She did an incredible job!  Abigail was born at 9:10 Saturday, January 22, 2005.  She weighs 6 lbs 14 oz. and is 20 1/2 inches long.  She has TONS of brown hair.  Her hair is probably an inch and a half long!  It just sticks up everywhere!  It's too cute!  And she has beautiful skin. 

You were great while we were at the hospital.  Of course you couldn't come in the room so you sat in the waiting room.  Actually you slept most of the time.  We went to the hospital at about 11:00 PM on Friday night.  But you did great.  Everyone commented on how well behaved you were.  I can't wait to see you and Abigail playing together!  You two will have some fun times! 

You are such a big boy...or as Papa Don says..a big man!  When you were born you weighed 6 lbs 5 oz.  Now you weigh around 14 lbs.  I look at Abigail who weighs 6 lbs 14 oz and I can't imagine that you were smaller than her.  She is tiny!!!  And you seem so big compared to her that it seems impossible that you were ever that small!  You are growing so much.  I love it on one hand and it makes me sad on the other.  You are getting big so fast and I know that it is true that one day I will wake up and you will be grown.  I just want you to be my baby forever....and you will be! (just preparing you)  Back to Papa Don, the two of you are big buddies.  He strolled you around the hospital while we were visiting Abigail...and he strolled you around outside their house today...the two of you goo and ahhh at each other..it's adorable!  I'm glad that he's got a boy now because the poor man had to live with us three women for so many years...he deserves it!

I also wanted to point out that you LOVE your thumb.  You started only sucking it a little bit, but now you want that thumb ALL THE TIME!  You suck it so loudly it is hillarious!  At first you would only suck your thumb at night while you were sleeping, now you suck it riding in the car, playing in your swing, laying on the floor, laying on the couch, while I'm holding you, and just about anywhere else it's accessible!  You have choaked yourself with it a couple of times!  I try to pull it out of your mouth and put in your passy, but you will have none of that, you spit that passy out and go to town on your thumb again.  I guess we'll see if I can break you of it, but I doubt it.  At least it's cute!

I Love You!    Mommy 

I took you to the doctor yesterday.  You have been very fussy the last week and a half and I couldn't figure out why!  I would try to console you and it took almost 20 minutes to calm you down.  I felt like something was hurting you by the way you would be laughing one minute and screaming bloody murder the next.  Dr. Busceme said that you have acid reflux.  It causes you to feel the same pain that we adults feel when we have heart burn.  You were in such bad pain that when you ate, the milk would burn your asophogus (I have no idea how to spell that!) and you wouldn't eat longer than 5 minutes at a time. I couldn't figure it out.  I hadn't noticed that you were losing weight but you are down to 12 lbs 9 ozs.  At your 2 month visit a month ago you were 12 lbs 3 ozs.  So in 4 weeks you've only gained 6 ozs.  This is probably from the last week or so that you haven't been eating well, you probably dropped some weight in this time.  But you are taking Prevacid once a day now and since I gave it to you yesterday you've only had one instance where you seemed to be hurting.  So I'm praying that you will feel better and I know you will. 

I Love You, Mommy

We have been having so much fun with Abigail.  We've been over to their house almost everyday to see her....and Brianne of course.  She is just a doll!!!  You will stare at her for a few seconds with no expression and then look away.  I know that you two will be great friends when you are older.  As for now you will stare me down if I'm holding her as if you are jealous.  It is so funny.  Here are a few pictures from the last week or so.

One of the pictures is from Nana and Papa's house in Kirby,AR.  We went to visit them this weekend and had a great time!  Your cousin Rachel got baptised.  We're so proud of her. 

Well, we went back to the doctor today and got a whole new perspective on things!!  Tuesday when we went to the doctor, she told me that you may have acid reflux, to give you prevacid and keep nursing you.  Well, it didn't help A BIT!  You screamed and screamed....and your father and I just couldn't take it anymore so we tried to give you some formula, keep in mind we've given you formula once before and you've had breast milk in a bottle about 6 times in our life.  I had fed you about 15 minutes prior to giving you the formula and you sucked down the 4 ounces of formula in less than 3 minutes.  You poor thing....I WAS STARVING YOU!!  I didn't know that you were hungry because you would eat for about 5 minutes and then act like you didn't want anymore...I didn't know it was because you weren't getting anything!  So I have continued to feed you formula and you are a totally different baby!  You are so sweet.  You smile and laugh most of the day and sleep like a champ.  You are sleeping so much better at night and actually taking good naps.  The last few weeks you had seemed like a different child than before and now you're back and better than ever!  So Dr. Busceme says to keep you on the Prevacid for another 2 weeks and we will take you off and see how you do.  OH!  And in the 3 days between visits (with formula) you have gained almost a pound!  You are now up to 13 lbs 4 ozs.  I'm so happy that you are healthy and happy now! I hope it continues.  I love the time that I got to spend nursing you, but I love more that you are not hungry anymore!  I Love You!

Mommy

Feeding you formula is a whole new ballgame!!!  Since you are now eating formula, you have to wear a bib after you eat.  You don't always spit up but it is my luck that if I didn't put a bib on you, you would spit up on your clothes.  If we go somewhere I have to make sure you have a bib, a burp cloth, a couple of bottles, some formula, water for your formula....it is crazy!  When you were nursing you only needed me!  Now we have to bring the whole kitchen!  But the formula despenser is one thing that has made it alot easier.  It is a rubber container that has 3 different sections and holds the formula.  So I fill your bottles up with water and then when you're ready to eat I just dump in the formula and shake!  It is much easier than trying to find some water at the right temperature everytime.  Thanks Jennifer for the tip!  You like the bottle at room temperature thank goodness because there is no heating it up that way.  You're sleeping so much better and seem to be a much happier baby.  I love you and I'm proud that you are doing so well.

Mommy

You are 3 months old today!  WOW!  I can't believe how much you've changed since you were born.  I'm so proud of you.  Here are some of the things you're doing now:

1.  You can actually grab things with your hands, opposed to just swinging your fists at them.

2.  You smile when smiled at and you laugh alot!

3.  You are drinking anywhere from 4 - 6 ounces of formula at every feeding which is around every 2-3 hours.

4.  You love to sit up, of course with the help of others.

5.  You will not let me hold you in the "baby" hold anymore.  You like to be on my shoulder or sitting so that you can look around, you're a very curious baby.

6.  You wear size 2 diapers.  (I know nobody cares...but I want to remember all of these things when I'm 80)

7.  You have a colorful turtle that your daddy bought you that you LOVE!

8.  You've started wanting to eat everything.  Anything that comes close to your mouth whether it be clothing or a toy, you want to put it in your mouth.

These are some pictures that you and I took today.  I was going to wash the sheets on my bed (they're white) and decided to throw one over the couch and pretend for a breif minute that I'm a photographer.  Thanks for the idea Julie and Madge! 

YEAH!!!!  You finally slept all night long last night!  We put you to bed around 9:00 and you slept until a little after 6:00am.  This is a first for you!  I am trying not to get my hopes up about tonight, but I have to say I'm crossing my fingers that tonight will go the same as last night!  You usually wake up once or twice a night but now that you're getting formula you are sleeping for longer periods of time, but between 3:00 and 5:00 am you were still getting up to eat...until last night that is!  ...sweet dreams baby.... 

For Valentine's Day, Daddy got you a Mega-saucer.  It has all kinds of toys around it, you can reach the bottom with your feet and the seat turns 360 degrees so you can play with all sides of the saucer.  It is too cute watching you play!  You aren't really good about playing with the toys right now, you just kind-of swat at them and stare.  But it is so much fun to watch you explore, everyday finding something new and exciting to learn.  I'm so very proud of you.

Abigail and Aunt Brianne came over today and you and Abigail had the most fun!!!  We had fun watching you too!  We put the two of you in your crib together and you were trying to hold hands and give kisses.  Aunt Bri and I just laughed and watched you play.  That is until you got a little rough with Abigail and wanted to lick on her face...then we had to move you apart.  Tonight we're going out to eat with Mimi, Abigail, and Aunt Bri for dinner.  Your Daddy is out of town with Brady "caving" in North Arkansas (I think they're exploring some caves or something like that).  They're camping out tonight and tomorrow night so I'll be ready for him to be home on Sunday.  But until then, we'll just play with Abigail!

Today it was so gorgeous!!  We took a walk with Abigail, Aunt Bri, and Nana.  You love taking walks in your stroller.  I sit you up and you just look around at everything we pass.  We walk around in our neighborhood.  It's a good place to walk, all the dogs are in their pins!  I can't wait until spring when we can take long walks everyday.

Here are just some fun pictures that I took of you today while you were playing in your bouncy seat.  As you can tell by most of the pictures on this blog recently, you are a toy kind of guy!  You constantly want to be entertained!  We just move around from toy to toy and book to book trying to find something to hold your attention.  Most of the time you love something and are so excited for a total of about 15 minutes, then it's on to another.  But it's fun for me to see you exploring so many things.  I Love You! - Mommyv csvbnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn;;lllpp'l

While I was typing this entry, I had you sitting in my lap and you typed that last part....HOW FUNNY!!!  You're such a silly boy!

We went to Dallas this wekkend and had such a great time.  We left Friday afternoon around 5:00.  We went to eat that night and then just back to the hotel.  Saturday we got up and got ready, we met Jana at Northpark Mall and shopped until we dropped, of course we had to eat lunch at PF Chang's...we have to go there everytime we're in town.  Later that afternoon we headed to Frisco to Stonebriar Mall.  You are outfitted for the summer that is for sure.  I just couldn't help myself.  I would look at your Dad and say, "ok, that's enough clothes for him", but then we'd walk by another adorable store and I couldn't help it!  It's so funny how your shopping changes when you have a baby, your father and I only bought a few things for ourselves but anything cute in sight was going in your bag!  We had such a great time with Jana, and everywhere we ate was of course wonderful.  We shopped a little on Sunday at the Galleria and headed home around 3:00.  It was so much fun but we were all worn out.  I just want to tell you, Josh, that I am so thankful for how well you held up with all the shopping....I'm impressed!  Not even one complaint!  Thanks boys for a great weekend!

(I couldn't help putting some bunny ears on you, it is getting close to Easter!) 

You have found your feet!  It is so funny to watch you exploring your body.  First it was your hands, you would stare at them like they were so amazing until you could put them in your mouth.  And now you're amazed by your feet.  They are your favorite toy of the moment.  You started out just bringing your feet towards your body while you were playing on the floor or while I was changing your diaper.  Then, I was changing your diaper and you just grabbed at your feet, not yet reaching them but trying your darndest!  Finally, a day or so later, you grabbed your foot and held on to it.  Ever since, that is your favorite thing to do.  You grab your feet and pull them toward your face, I know that the next step will be you putting them in your mouth.  It is so funny how the littlest things like that can make me so proud.  I love you! 

I had to take a few pictures to show how much drool you get all over the place!  And I know that it looks like you never wear any clothes, but I promise that I do dress you sometimes!!!  You just like to be in the buff! :)

Tuesday night we went to eat dinner with the Howard family.  Misty and James had a daughter, Isabella Rose Piazza, January 30, 2005.  They live near Dallas,TX so when they came in this week we wanted to see them all, well we really wanted to see Bella (that's what they call her) and James and Misty were a perk!  It was the first time I had seen her in person and she is beautiful!  She has tons of hair like Abigail, I guess you didn't get that gene baby!  This picture is of you and cousin Zane.  He is a mess!  You two will have so much fun.  You will learn alot from him about sports I'm sure, he's a great baseball player and all boy!  It was great to see everyone and the food was delicious.  Thank you Grandmommy for a good night spent with the family.
P.S. This is the only picture that I took and it didn't turn out so well! But at least I meant well.

I was changing your clothes today and you got fussy.  I had put on your shirt already but was going to find you some pants to wear but you were having no more of this clothes thing.  So I took you by the hands and stood you up.  You looked just like Tom Cruise in Risky Business with that shirt and those socks on!  I had to take some pictures....if only you could have slid across the floor!!

More pictures of play time fun!

This is my favorite outfit for you to wear.  I LOVE IT!  Thank you Danielle for such a cute little outfit.  You're about to outgrow it and I don't know what I'll do.  I'm going to have to find another favorite outfit.  That will be easy since you look just fabulous in anything! haha!  I Love You! - Mommy

Today you took a bath with me while Daddy took some pictures of you in the tub.  Then he took you to your room to dress you while I finished taking a bath.  When I got into your room he had dressed you in the Razorback shirt that he wore as a baby and a hat that Rachel had given you.  It was so funny!  You really don't like things on your head so we definately didn't get any pictures of you smiling, but it was too cute none the less!

You are now 4 months old and doing so many fun things:

You love to stand up.  I only have to hold your hands for support, but your legs do all the work.  The Dr. said that you have advanced motor skills.

You aren't sitting on your own, but you're trying so hard.  While sitting in your car seat or swing you lift your head and top of your shoulders off the back of the seat and you hold it there for a long time until you let out a long sigh and just lay back down.  I know you want to sit up so bad, and soon you'll get it.

You are eating cereal at your first meal of the morning and the last one at night.  In addition, next week you will begin eating veggies for lunch and dinner.

You have a very healthy appetite.  You still want to eat around every 2 - 3 hours and you are eating 6 oz. of formula every time.

You have found a new favorite sleep toy.  I call it a silky.  It is a blanket that has a silky side and a teddy bear head attached.  You will go to sleep as soon as that silky reaches your face.  You rub it on your face and in a few seconds, you're out.

You don't really take long naps, just a few cat naps throughout the day.  However, you are still sleeping through the night without eating.  You go to bed at 8:00 pm and wake up between 7:00am and 7:30am.  Your main nap is from about 8:30 am to around 10:30 am. 

You love to look at books, play with stuffed animals, and watch Baby Einstein Movies.  

Your Dr. says you have started teething.  You were fussy for a couple of weeks, but now you've gotten better.  You are just drooling EVERYWHERE!

I can't imagine my life without you!  The last 4 months have been the best.  Thank you little one!  I Love You. - Mommy 

We had so much fun this weekend.  We went to Little Rock, AR to visit everyone.  We had such a great time with Brady, Danielle, and Maggie.  We love seeing them and probably over stay our welcome, but they don't seem to mind.  I didn't take any pics of you and Mags!  I'm so upset!  But there will be more times to do that!  We went to the Kirby High School boys basketball State Play-Off game.  We saw all the family there!  It was great.  We had you and your cousin Austin shirts made that said Trojans (Kirby's mascot) on the front and your last names and your father's high school jersey numbers on the back.  You two looked so adorable!  We took pictures of yall and Austin was trying his hardest to eat your shoes!  He is so cute!  We were going to let you spend the night with Nana and Papa, but I couldn't do it!  I just couldn't let a night go by without you.  So they got to keep you for about 7 hours on Sunday and I know you had the best time!  They love you so much.  Your cousin Rachel was there to play with you too!  We saw all your Aunts and Uncles on your Dad's side this weekend and enjoyed every minute of it!  What a great time! 

You are now eating cereal, green beans, and carrots.  I wanted to start you out eating green beans only so that I could know if you were allergic.  You aren't, so then I incorporated carrots.  You're not allergic to them either.  So when you run out of these I will get some sweet potatoes.  You have been holding your own bottle for about 3 weeks and you have now started wanting to hold the spoon.  We think you're amazing because you hold it and put it in your mouth, however, we realize that you put everything in your mouth!! :)   I Love You! - Mommy

We just had to take your picture on the 4-wheeler at Papa's barn.  You are too cute!

We had such a great time Saturday at Grandpa and Grandma's house.  Your Nana and Papa were there with all your Aunts and Uncles and cousins.  It was alot of fun.  There were tons of babies there.  Austin slept most of the time so I didn't get a picture of the two of you.  I found the hat that you had on in Dallas and your Daddy doesn't like it very much but I thought it was so cute!  Everyone got a kick out of it anyway.  We had good food and enjoyed spending time with everyone.  It was the first time alot of them had seen you in person.  Grandpa and Grandma's house is up in the mountains in North Arkansas so we don't get to visit as much as we'd like.  It was a good Easter-Eve!   

We had a great Easter this year even though it was rainy, yucky weather.  I hope that you grow up to treasure the meaning of this day.  We went to my Nana's for lunch.  It was great, we had steak with all the fixings.  Steaks are Grandy's specialty and we get to eat them at least 5 times a year...it's so yummy!  We tried to pose you and Abigail for some Easter pictures but you were trying to eat her, and she wasn't wanting anything to do with taking pictures.  You both looked so adorable in your little Easter outfits!  You're getting so big!  You're going on 5 months and your Easter outfit is 9 months...and it kept coming unsnapped under your bottom because it was too short in the stride!  You're just growing too fast!  You can stand up now holding on to a coffee table, and you can stand by yourself for a few seconds if you have someone close by to grab you as you fall.  This may be completely normal but to your dad and me you're a genius!  So I had to take a picture of that!  Keep up the good work sweetie!  I love you - Mommy

Today was a very big day for you!  We went to the doctor around 10:00 this morning with Abigail.  You have a little rough skin on your legs so while we were there they checked you out!  You are just moving around too much and rubbing rough spots.  No problem, she gave us a little cream for it.  While we were there you sat up all by yourself.  You've done this one or two times before, but this time it was for a long time and you kept doing it over and over again!  Then tonight you rolled over from your back to your tummy.  I was wondering when you were going to do the both of these since you're already standing so well...and now I have my answer.  By the way, you weigh 16 lbs 2 oz.  Gosh, I guess you're just going to be big.  Abigail did good at her check up.  She's 2 months.  I can't believe it!  She weighed almost 12 lbs, a few oz off, but I'm not sure how many.  She got her shots and only cried a little.  She's a tough cookie. We obviously feed you guys well.  I'm convinced that the reason I didn't have enough breast milk for you is because you're such a big eater!  You eat ALL THE TIME!  And a wide array of things: bananas, carrots, peas, green beans, cereal, pears, apples, you just love it all!   

I could never get you to smile at me while I was taking pictures when you were lying down. Now that you can sit up, you will smile! How much fun you are! You squeel all the time now. You wake me up in the mornings squeeling! I just love it! You roll over all the time..just rolling all over the place. I'll put you on your back in one spot and I come back in the room and you're on your stomach on a completely different spot in the room. I'm so proud of you but could you quit growing now please...I want you to stay my little baby forever! I love you - Mommy
- Sorry about the poor pictures...my camera takes forever when the flash is on b/c of the red-eye reduction, so I just turn off the flash. I'll get daddy to fix that!

Abigail has a blog and I entered her first real entry.  I just put some pictures on there until I could teach Brianne how to do it!  The address is www.abigailelise.com.  Give it a visit!

You are now 5 month old and I can't believe it!  I wish that I could freeze time and each month would last for 6 months.  But that's not the way it works so I'll get you up to date on all the new things you are doing now!

You are now going to sleep at 7:00 pm and sleep until at least 7:00 am but most of the time longer.

You love carrots!  They are your favorite veggie but you eat every other baby food vegetable also.

You are like a rolly polly.  You will not stay on your back for anything...sometimes you roll over at night and sleep on your tummy which scares me b/c the Dr. says to put you on your back...but you're having none of that!

You eat fruits: apples, pears, blueberrys, and bananas (but you don't really like bananas!)

You are eating 6 oz. of formula, with 4 scoops of cereal mixed in at first morning and last evening feedings.

You can sit up with support of your hands.

You blow bubbles and like to make a humming sound, as well as squeel and say Ah...Booooo! - you also say mamamama when you are really mad!

You throw fits by kicking your legs and flapping your arms.

You laugh out loud and smile more than you throw fits thank goodness!

You weigh over 16 pounds.

You wear size 2 diapers. - but soon moving to a size 3 - we're just waiting to use up all the size 2 that we bought!

You still take a passy and put anything in your mouth you can get your hands on.

You love your Daddy.  You smile everytime you see him.

You love me too!

And we love you!

You love bath time!  You take a bath every night before bed.  You really enjoy it!  But you hate it when I take you out and put lotion on you...you would think that I am rubbing acid on you!  It's terrible the way you scream, and if I stop with the lotion, you stop with the screaming!  You will put anything in your mouth these days and the wash cloth and your foot are no exceptions!

Today was such a beautiful day!  We had a great time outside with Aunt Bri and Abigail.  Aunt Rhonda  came over on her lunch break and played with you guys for a little bit.  I just love this weather!  It's not too hot or cold...just right!

We went to see your Daddy's Grandma and Grandpa.  They live near Mt. Magazine.  It is beautiful up there.  It takes us a little over 4 hours to get there so for your sake and our sanity we tried to break it up a little.  Friday night we stayed with Nana and Papa at their house in Kirby,AR.  Then drove to Waveland, AR (where Grandma and Granpa live) on Saturday around noon.  You were so good all weekend.  You got a little worn out Sunday afternoon but you were great all in all.  We went to the top of the mountain to see the new lodge and cabins they are building.  It will be beautiful when they are done.  It is so peaceful up there.  You were more concerned with chewing on your hands than looking at the scenery.  It was a great trip.

The whole reason for going to Mt. Magazine this weekend was to celebrate Grandpa and Grandma's 60th anniversary.  It was so sweet!  I watched them this weekend and noticed a few things.  They are so happy and I tried to pick up on how they've stayed so happy for so long.  They laugh together, they still hug and touch hands, and they never complain!  It's like they're still on their honeymoon. You can tell that they are best friends. Their relationship is so beautiful. I hope that you will someday find someone that you can spend 60 years and more with!  Happy Anniversay Grandpa and Grandma, you're an inspiration to us all!

Daddy's been out of town for 2 nights now and I am sad!  But we're going to see him tomorrow night finally!  He's been taking a class in Arkansas.  These are some pictures we took today.  One is of you and Grandpa Randy, he came by on his way through town to see us (you) today.  And the other is of you in the nursery at the gym.  I take you there everyday while I exercise.  You are such a good boy!  You love the lady that keeps you and I kinda think she likes you too!  She gives you lots of kisses and hugs.  This is your only experience with a baby sitter and will probably be the only one for a while. (I don't like leaving you - at the gym I can walk over there and check it all out) 

We love and miss you Daddy!

We had such a great time this weekend!  We went to watch your Papa play with his band The Bear Creek Boys at the Texarkana Golf Ranch.  They were fronting for Tracy Lawrence, Trick Pony, and Jeff Bates.  Then Papa got to play the drums for Tracy Lawrence!  How fun!  Your Papa is a fun man, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure that out on your own.  That was on Sunday evening.  Then on Monday, there was the Tracy Lawrence golf tournament which your Daddy and Uncle Simon played in.  Papa rode along with them to watch so Nana came and kept you while I worked a couple of hours and then we went shopping.  It was a fun weekend.  We got to meet Tracy Lawrence (me and you), your Daddy and Nana and Papa already knew him. He use to sing for the Bear Creek Boys before he moved to Nashville.  And then we met Neal McCoy..he was there watching. I thought it was pretty neat!  You stayed out past your bedtime all weekend so get ready, we're about to buckle down! I Love You - Mommy

I just wanted to post a few more pictures for those of you who don't get to see Bryce very often. 

This week you have been sleeping with your booty in the air and head down.  Then today while you were playing on the floor (you were on your stomach of course, you won't stay on your back anymore) you got on your hands and knees and started rocking back and forth.  Daddy is out of town until Sunday night so he says you better not try anything until he gets home.  But I'm sure this is just the first little step...it will probably last a while.  You also started, in the last week or so, taking steps while I'm holding your hands.  It's so cute, your like a little walker, it's so funny how you just knew to pick up your foot and then the other and step forward each time.  How are you so smart?!  I'm so proud of you on one hand and on the other, you're getting too independant.  You don't even care if I play with you, you can entertain yourself!  At least you'll still let me hug you and rock you at bedtime.  I love you punkin!

Ok...so I've always said that it's not a good idea for your baby to sleep in the bed with you.  But this last week and weekend when your Daddy was gone for so long, I slipped up!  I let you sleep in the bed with me the last night he was gone!  And I hate to admit it...I LOVED IT!  It was the most precious thing ever!  I woke up the next morning to you patting my face with your adorable, tiny hand and when I opened my eyes to look at you, you grinned the most beautiful grin ever!  How could I put you back in your crib after that.  But, I have been putting you in your crib ever since.  It's a hard thing to do now that I've experienced it!  Julie, now I know why Madgeline is still sleeping with you guys!  And Brianne, I don't think I need to even say anymore!  I love you Bryce...and even though I missed daddy, I'm always glad for time spent with you!

You're so active now! There's something new and exciting everyday!

Wow!  I can't believe you're already 6 months old.  6 months seems like such a milestone.  It seems like it was just last month that you were born...and not long before that that I found out I was pregnant.  I can't even begin to tell you how amazing my life has been with you in it.  I have been to 5 countries in Europe, to Hawaii, the Bahamas, and tons of other places that before you seemed spectacular.  But nothing that I saw in any of those places compares to what I see when I look in your eyes.  You are the most amazing and wonderful thing I have ever seen and experienced.  Everything you do gives me pride, joy, and astonishment.  I never thought that I would be so proud.  I knew that I would love you and want to protect you, but the love that I have for you goes beyond anything else in the world.  I love noone on earth the same way that I love you.  It's not even a love that can be explained. 

Anyway...I could ramble about how wonderful you are for days.  I wanted to list all of the things that you are doing now that you're the big 6 months!  When you're older you will probably be interested in all of this (at least when you have a child of your own).

You can sit on your own with out the help of others.

You roll over all the time.

You drink formula (similac advanced with iron) and eat baby foods (veggies and fruit).  You don't like bananas but that's about it.

You wear a size 3 Huggies diaper.

You are 28 inches long: 95% and weigh 16.2 lbs 30%(you're long and skinny).  Your head was in the 50%, I don't remember how big it was.

You mostly wear 9 month clothes.  Sometimes you wear 12 months depending on how long they are from neck to crotch.  You've got an extremely long torso so sometimes they won't button at the bottom.  Usually however, your clothes are too wide for you b/c you're so long and thin.

You are SO active.  Seriously, you won't sit still.

You are starting to learn to crawl.

You laugh and smile all the time.  You're definately a happy baby.

You love all of your toys.  But most of all you LOVE your silky.  You have to have your silky to go to sleep.  You rub it on your head and face...it's so funny.

You like to walk with me holding your hands.

You love Abigail.  You always try to pull her hair.

You go with me to the gym almost every morning and you stay in the nursery.

You're starting to get where you don't like me to leave you alone or with anyone else.  I guess you're getting attatched...good sometimes, bad sometimes. 

When your Daddy comes home from work you get SO excited. 

You love to "social cough".  You cough to get people's attention and then when they look at you, you laugh.  You also cough at your stuffed animals.

You say Ah, Ba, and sometimes Ma.  but Ba or some form it is your favorite.  You babble all the time.

I'm so proud of all you are and all you do and I LOVE YOU!

Today we went for your 6 month checkup.  Your Nana met us at the doctors office.  Everything went good with your checkup, your ears are perfect, your weight and height is great.  But then they had to drag out the dreaded shots!  I just hate it for you.  You screamed bloody murder!  It was aweful.  We finally got you calmed down and you were fine until we got back home.  You were so fussy at Mimi's shop and we came home and I took your temperature and it was 101.7.  I gave you tylenol and it finally went down but that's the first time you've had any fever so I got worried.  I called the nurse and she told me that it was normal to get a little fever like that after shots.  So, you're going to live! :) 

The pictures of you with paper in your mouth are from the doctors office while we were waiting for the dr. to come in the room.  You were chewing on my "notes" for the dr. I always have questions, so I make out a list.  You loved that paper so Nana took some pictures.  It was so funny.

When we go to the grocery store you have to sit in the buggy now!  You will not sit in your carrier anymore!  You look around at everything on the shelves as we pass.  It's so funny!  You hold on to the handle bar and shake yourself forward and back.  You give me something to smile about everyday!  Another picture is of your hair sticking up!  I put lotion on it and stuck it up!  You have alot more hair than it looks because it's so blonde.  You are a fun little guy and I love every minute of the day with you!

This weekend we were gone from home from Thursday until Sunday night. Needless to say, you didn't want to go to sleep last night. Anyway, we went to Hot Springs for Cory & Dinah's wedding. It was beautiful. They had the rehearsal dinner on Thurs. night and the wedding Friday evening. It was at Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs and was just gorgeous. It was very hot though. You played in the grass the whole wedding. It was great seeing all of our friends again. Congratulations Cory & Dinah!

When we were at the hotel this weekend we decided to take you swimming.  It was amazing!  You just got right in and kicked your feet and splashed in the water.  Your daddy would put your head under the water and you would come up all confused...it was so funny.  But you didn't cry.  You were having a great time. 

Then we went to the park and you swang in the baby swing.  You LOVED it!  I'm so proud of you that you're not scared of new things.  We'll have to go to the city park some this summer and let you and Abigail swing away!

We had to take a picture of you holding the bottle with both your hands and feet because it was so funny.  You looked like a little monkey!  You won't let me hold the bottle for you, you take it away from me.  But you will let other people give it to you....What's the deal?!

I love you and I'm so proud of you! - Mommy

This one if for you Josh!  I finally fed him some toast.  We had read that Bryce was suppose to be eating crackers by now.  But me, being a nervous, worrying mother, just couldn't bring myself to give him a cracker.  So I bought the Zwieback Toast.  And he loves it!  He had it all over his face, his nose and his ears had toast crumbs on them.  You're such a mess Bryce!  I got worried once though because a big chunk came off in his mouth but I was watching him like a hawk, frozen there staring at him eating it, so I fished it out of his mouth and took it away.  This toast stuff makes me nervous! 

On another note...We miss you Josh!  Come home soon!  We Love You!

Randy, Kim and Jason came to visit last weekend.  We had a great visit.  You were showing off big time!  They just adore you and you adore them.  You'll have many more great times with the Allen's, I'm sure of it!

We went to Memphis this week.  We actually stayed in West Memphis, AR which is across the river from Memphis, TN.  The river is the divider for the two towns.  Josh had an Assessors Convention to attend and Bryce and I played!  We went into Memphis everyday and went shopping one day, went to the zoo the next, went on a dinner cruise and just had an overall good time!  You're pretty tired though, Bryce!  You are getting a tooth and it is no fun for anyone!  Your gums are swollen and your nose is runny, not to mention all the fussing you're doing.  It is hard for me when you are fussing so much because I hate for you to hurt.  Besides that, you're just not a fussy baby, you're usually happy so this is a big change for me as well.  I can see a little white dot on your gums, but no tooth yet.  Hopefully it will pass soon.  You were only fussy the last day we were in Memphis thank goodness!  We had such a great time and I just want to thank Dewayne and Janice for everything!   - I hope you get to feeling better punkin! - Love, Mommy

Ok...so I'm kind-of behind on my blog entries!  But boy do you keep me busy "Baby Bryce".  That has become my new nick name for you...Hannah started it and it just caught on with Mommy.  You are now 7 and a half months.  Wow does time fly.  I'll look back and say just last week it seems like he was in Kindergarten, then in High School, then before I turn around you'll be getting married.  I cherish every day that I have with you.  I wish that I could write into words how incredibly special you are to your father and me.  We love you so much.  I bought Josh a onsie (for you to wear) that says Daddy's Best Friend and he loves it!  You are honestly our third musketeer.  Your Daddy and I love each other so much that you coming into our lives just made it that much better!  Here are a few of the things you are now doing at 7 months:

You are crawling like a mad man!  I mean, I'm not sure that you could walk any faster than you crawl.  Your poor little knees are all red and scratched because that's all you do!

You have started pulling up on everything.  The couch, your crib, chairs...you want to walk so bad!

You are talking alot more.  You say ah...ba...and even ma ma a couple of times.  ( Sadly, when you said mama you were playing with your toys and looking at them, I don't really think you knew what you were saying...but a girl can dream)

You are eating anywhere from 3-6 bottles (6 oz) of formula a day, you eat cereal both first thing in the morning and last thing at night, you eat 1 fruit, 1 veggie, and 1 veggie/meat combo dinner a day. 

In the last 2 weeks your sleeping pattern has been quite unpredictable.  Sometimes you will sleep all night without a wimper and others you will wake up 3 times.  Usually you just wake up once, but that's more than what it has been the last 3 months.  I have been assured that it's just your teeth, but I haven't seen a tooth yet.  Your gums are still swollen and there is still a white spot, but no tooth.

You are taking longer naps, you never have been a napper, you use to nap for 15 - 30 min. max.  But now your cranking out 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour naps!  I'm proud of you.  However, this could be related to the less sleep at night.

After trying every size 2 and size 3 diapers, we finally found one that I liked, and you didn't pee out of!  You wear size 3 Pampers Cruisers.  It seems like everytime you change sizes, we've had to change brands...but whatever works!

I love you and absolutely adore you. - Love, Mommy 

You are such a little mess!  I love that your personality is showing so much now!  I can actually get a little reciprocation (sp?) for the love I give you.  You give hugs and kisses.  It's so sweet!!!  Almost every time I go in your room after you wake up, you are either peeking over the bumper pad to try and look out or you have pulled up and are looking over the top rail of your crib.  It is so funny!  I Love You Punkin!  - Mommy 

The Purtles are back in town!  Meredith has had cancer almost all of her young life. They went to San Antonio for a stem cell transplant about 4 months ago and returned today.  Her bone marrow is now free of all cancer cells. Praise God. He does work miracles. She is so precious to me. I can't wait for you to get to know what a sweet, fun girl is behind that shy exterior! We had them a welcome home at the church.  She couldn't get out of the truck but they drove through and she talked to all of us out of the window.  She's is such a remarkable young lady.  At the tiny age of 10 she has seen more than I can even comprehend.  She has the biggest heart and most wonderful faith.  Her family and friends support her so much.  We love you Meredith!  Welcome home Jeff, Pam, Garret, and Meredith!

Yesterday we went to see your Daddy at work while we were in Texarkana.  He was showing you off to everyone like usual, and it happened.  You said Dada.  But he didn't even tell me b/c we were in a hurry to leave (I always have tons of errands to run).  So on the way to the car you said it as clear as day "Dada".  I looked at Alison and she said..."Did he just say Dada?!"  And I said "YES!"  We were so excited and I got the phone to call your Dad and you said it again.  I called him and told him what you had said and he said"Oh yeah!...I forgot to tell you, I thought he said it earlier but I wasn't even sure if that's what he said!"  But sure enough, that's what you said and you haven't quit saying it since.  Of course you don't say it on cue like I'd like (I want everyone we come in contact with to hear it).  But I'm so proud of you!  You change everyday!  It's so much fun being your Mommy!  - I Love You!

Here are some cute pictures of you playing!  You play well by yourself as long as you've got some toys!

We are going to the lake this Sunday so I bought Bryce a life jacket but when we got home and I tried it on him it looked so hilarious.  He could hardly breathe in it!  It zipped all the way up to his neck and I was afraid it would squeeze his air pipe ( I'm a little paranoid...so what?!).  Anyway...I've seen the other blogs and seen that the babies are wearing life vests and I'm just wondering where you got them at.  Because this one is just not cutting it!

Standing up holding onto the tub is your new favorite place to be.  If I am taking a bath you will come in there and stand the whole time I am taking a bath.  Then, while I'm blow drying my hair or brushing my teeth...there you are at the tub.  You love it!  If I didn't shut the door to the bathroom you would be in there all the time I'm sure.  It's so funny now that you can crawl...you'll just follow me around.  I've caught myself patting my legs to get you to follow me as if you're a little puppy.  I don't mean it that way but I know that you like to follow us where we go so that's my way of showing you I'm leaving the room.  You're just so much fun my little one!  - I love you!

I CANNOT believe that you are 8 months old.  That just seems so big!  You're acting and looking so much like a toddler now.  Your personality is showing in full form.  I love it.  I love when you grab for me to pick you up...or how you crawl to me and look up and smile, then work your way up my leg until you're finally standing.  You have the sweetest little smile and you smile alot.  You definately recognize people now.  Not just your father and I but other family members and friends.  You love, love, love dogs.  Especially Hannah's dog Maverick.   You think you can walk but you can't....so your face has encountered the floor a couple of times.  You're a little too big for your britches...you think you're bigger than you actually are.  You love to swim and love your baths.  You are eating everything like you were last month except you have gone up to 7 oz. of formula instead of 6 oz.  And we have also started giving you snacks like fruit puffs and the variety of things your Daddy likes to feed you from the table.  You're still not a big napper but take at least a 30 minute nap a day.  You're not sleeping so well at night anymore but we are going to try to let you cry it out this week...we'll see how that goes!  You're such a little social bug.  We are starting to notice that you are getting attatched to me however.  You've never seemed to really prefer me over anyone else, but lately you've been reaching for me while other people are holding you.   Including your Daddy, which he's not so happy with.  But you really don't mind strangers holding you or playing with you...you just smile like you know them!  You pull up on everything including walls and glass doors.  You have climbed the stairs in our house a couple of times (there are just 3 of them, but still, that's pretty impressive).  You wave and say bye bye.  You also say Dada.  You like to watch Dora the Explorer and Baby Einstein.  I prefer that you watch Baby Einstein, but maybe you can learn a little Spanish from Dora.  I could go on and on about all the amazing things you are doing.  But I'll stop here.  I love you more everyday.  It's amazing having you as a son.  Love, Mommy

On Friday night we threw Nana a Surprise Birthday Party.  It was in Daisy, AR at Papa's barn. She had no clue and it was so much fun.  You and your Daddy have the same shirt so you both wore them and everyone thought it was so cute.  In most of the pictures you were not looking because there were 3 dogs there and you were too interested in them.  Happy Birthday Janice!

For such a young age you sure have been to alot of weddings.  On Saturday we drove up to Little Rock, AR for Scott and Sara Hickman's wedding.  It was gorgeous.  Your Daddy got to see alot of his fraternity brothers that he hadn't seen in a while and I saw a few people I knew too.  We had alot of fun.  You were so well behaved the whole time.  I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted at the reception because you were asleep most of the time which kept me at the table most of the night.  It was good seeing everyone and the wedding was beautiful.  But after such a busy weekend I sure am glad to be home!

You are such a happy baby!  I would have never imagined you would be this much fun!!!  I could just sit back and watch you... you're constant entertainment!  These are some pictures of our fun times!  There's one of you and your new puppy (it's not real of course) you love him.  You and your Daddy play alot too.  You guys are too cute!  And then there's TV...now that's something I'm probably going to have to stay on you about when you're older.  You LOVE watching tv!!  I don't know why but you love Dora the Explorer and you also love your Baby Einstein movies.  You will sit there and laugh..it's so adorable!  You just make my days so much better and I love you for it! - Love, Mommy

You started day school last week at the First Methodist Church Day School downtown.  It's such a great program!  I've started back to work about 3 days a week and wanted you to go somwhere that you could be stimulated as well as safe.  You seem to love it and your teachers are so amazing.  Right now there is only one other baby in your class until the full school term starts.  There will be more then.  You are having such a good time and I am doing better with you being there (I cried the second day, I guess that's when it really set in).  I love you so much! - Mommy

Today you said your fourth word.  It was Dada, then Bye-Bye, then Mama, now Duck!  You always play with your rubber ducky while we're in the bathroom..and sometimes you carry it around the house with you.  I always tell you that it's a duck.  This morning while I was getting ready in the bathroom you were grabbing for it in the tub, so I gave it to you.  You looked at it and said, "Ducccckkk". As plain as day.  You really pronounced the ck sound and drug it out for a long time.  It was so cute.  So of course I called your daddy and let him hear you say it.  I would say, "What is that Bryce?" and you would say "duck".  Just like you could say it all this time.  You kept saying it over and over.  I think you could tell how proud I was so you would say it and look at me to see if I heard you.  It was hillarious!  I love having this blog so that in 20 years I can go back and read little memories like this!  I love you - Mommy

We had a great time this weekend.  We went to Daisy, AR to visit Nana and Papa.  Rachel came down from Benton and we got to spend some time with Uncle Simon, Aunt Betsy, and Austin too!  It was a lot of fun!  We went to the Pine Tree parade and Festival and just goofed around in their new pool....it was a splash of a time! ;) - Love, Mommy

You are now 9 months and alot of fun!  You talk alot and are very active.  I love to play with you.  You still eat 7 oz of formula 4-6 times a day.  You eat oatmeal and fruit for breakfast, a veggie and juice for lunch, and a veggie/meat dinner at night.  Then you eat oatmeal again at bedtime.  You eat fruit puffs, cookies, and toast for snacks.  You are around 19 1/2 lbs.  You have started getting frustrated b/c you really want to walk but can't quite do it yet.  You love day school, your passy, your silky, and dogs.  I could go on and on but not alot of major things have changed since last month, you are just getting closer to walking and say alot more words or should I say gibberish!  I love you - Mommy

We are home from our first family summer vacation.  We went to Seacrest, Florida.  This trip definately had it's ups and downs.  First of all we flew  from Shreveport, LA...to Houston, TX, then on to Pensacola, FL where we rented a car and drove to Seacrest.  There we met up with Brady, Danielle and Maggie Davis and Jeff and Lili Hicks.  We had such a great time.  The first few days were rough b/c Bryce didn't feel well at all.  Actually, I don't remember much about those first days except that you were not feeling well... I even had to call 911 one night.  Then, the rescue unit came and told us that you were probably just teething...and guess what?!  You do have a tooth coming through on the bottom (finally).  Anyway, after that whole fiasco I finally relaxed and had a great time and hopefully made up for all of our poor spirits the first couple of days.  Brady and Jeff cooked some killer hamburgers, Lili and Danielle indulged me in some great conversation, and Maggie gave lots of hugs! Jef and Lili brought their dog Rudy and you loved him! It was so cute how you would chase hime and he would run from you, however by the end of the week, he had warmed up to you and Maggie and would let you guys pet him. The house we stayed in was gorgeous and I got lots of home decor ideas. I had so much fun with everyone. It was just a great trip and I can't wait until next year.  Vacationing is definately different with a 9 month old but fun.  Thanks for all the good times guys!   

Grandpa came over for a visit before our beach trip. He was so excited to see Bryce. I'm pretty sure by the grin on Bryce's face, he was glad to see him too!

Little Bryce finally got his first tooth!  He is so cute..figuring it out, rubbing his tongue on it, and he's getting another one in beside it.  He is just acting so much more like a toddler and it kind-of saddens me.  Even though I'm proud of all his accomplishments and think that he's so brilliant, I don't want my baby to become a toddler...it's just not right...he should still be 4 months old, let me rock him and take naps on my chest.  His one year birthday is not too long from now, I'm planning it and thinking of all the things to buy, and that's where I want to keep my focus of the occasion...b/c thinking the reality that in 2 months he will be a one year old is not fun!  But until then, I will sneak in as many little baby football holds and cuddles that he won't squirm out of. 

This weekend we went to see Nanny Stewart in Maulden, MO.  We had such a great time.  It was a very relaxed weekend.  First of all, Maulden is the cutest little town.  It is everything you think of when you think of a small town.  We went to a parade the first morning.  Then later that day we went to the museum that Nanny and her friends have put together with old Air Force memorabilia.  It is the neatest place.  There are so many people's memories in one little room that the atmosphere is almost overwhelming.  It's definately moving.  The next morning we went to Nanny'ss church and you could not get enough of her.  You giving her kisses all through church.  Of course we ate great food the whole time thanks to Nanny and just had a wonderful trip.  Grandpa and Grandma Allen and Uncle Jason went with us.  I hope to get pictures posted soon. 

I cannot believe it!  You are 10 months old.  And you are more fun than ever.  You are the most loving little fella!  You just give hugs and kisses to everyone...even people you don't know.  You don't meet a stranger.  You think everyone is just wonderful.  Here are a few updates for this month:

Foods:  You will not eat baby foods anymore unless you're at school, somehow they can get you to eat it!  For me you eat all sorts of table food.  From macaroni to green beans.  For breakfast you eat a banana, grapes, and toast.  At lunch you eat baby food if you're at school, if you're with me it's usually a veggie.  For dinner you usually eat a veggie and a starch ( potatoes or bread).  For snacks you eat cheerios, toast, or fruit.

Naps:  You usually take 2 short naps a day, one before lunch and one after.

Teeth:  You have 1 1/2 teeth, one isn't completely in yet.

Clothes:  You wear 12-18 months clothes.  With the exception of some of your 9 month clothes that are stretchy.

Diapers:  You have just moved up to size 4 diapers after a few messes made by wearing the 3's.  Big sign that it's time to move up!

Words you say:  You have a very large vocabulary.  In the last 2 weeks you have started saying puppy, Bryce, baby,and ball in addition to the old ones: dada, mama, and byebye.  Along with lots of baby talk that noone can understand.  You are trying to say "love you" and "peekaboo" with your daddy and I being the only ones that can tell that's what you're trying to say mostly b/c of when you say them.

Favorite games:  You love to play patty-cake, you will clap and mumble like you're singing then throw your hands up when it says "throw 'em in the pan".  You also play peekaboo.  You hold a blanket, towel, or your silky over your face and then pull it down with a big smile and we'll say peekaboo as you try to mumble it.  You're so much fun.  Who would've thought that how much fun it would be to play such simple games?

TV:  You like to watch tv, pretty much any cartoon that's not got too much going on in the way of colors and patterns keep your attention.  You mostly watch Baby Einstein movies and Dora the Explorer.  You really rarely watch anything else b/c I don't want you watching too much tv.

Favorite toys:  balls, cars, anything with wheels for that matter, TAD your learning friend (it's a little frog that sings and teaches colors and numbers), ducks, and anything that makes loud noises.

I just love you lots and can't believe how amazing you are! - Love, Mommy

We had their pictures made the other day. If cute babies and naked rears offend you, turn away.

I want to apologize for not posting much on your blog the last month or so.  You keep me so busy!!!!  I have had more fun with you in the last couple months than I could have ever imagined.  You seem like such a little toddler.  We've been planning your first birthday party even though it is still about 5 weeks away I'm so excited.  You are so verbal and active.  If you hear us saying something, you try to say it back.  Your new words are "Bri Bri" for Brianne, I'll sing you the first part of the ABC's and you'll sing "ABC"...., and you will turn the pages of the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" until you get to the page that has a yellow duck on it and point and say "duck".  You know alot of people by name and if we ask you to say their name and you can't you just turn and wave at them.  I just am amazed at all the new things you do daily!  It's something new everyday.  The reason that I don't post things as often lately is b/c your daddy's been out of town alot, and you and I have been on the go.  I don't like to stay home by myself all the time.  So, I'm sorry to everyone that is so faithful to read the blog, but I can't promise that I'll do much better, but I'll definately try.

Well, it has happened...you're trying to take off!  You've taken a few steps by yourself.  You've done this about 3 times...you'll walk a few steps and then UHOH! you're on the floor.  You don't cry or get upset, you just look at where you were going and crawl away.  I thought you wouldn't try to walk for a while because you haven't really shown any interest until this weekend...but without warning you've just started letting go of things and trying to walk.  It's exciting but sad, as are all of your milestones.  But I'm  extremely proud none the less.  I love you. - Mommy

You're such a little explorer!  If the fridge is open, you climb in it...the dishwasher, same thing. You crawl up and down the stairs to the laundry room...there are just 3, but it's still alot of fun!   You open and close the cabinets and doors, you've started wanting to take out all of the pots and pans inside (I'm wondering if you got this from Maggie in Florida, she seems to think it's a blast too!).  You love to throw your baseball back and forth, give kisses to Abigail and love on your Aunt Bri Bri.  But most importantly you love church.  Mommy has been helping sing with the praise and worship team and I can watch you from the stage, you smile and clap the entire time the music is going.  I love seeing you enjoying God's praise. 

The biggest changes lately are that I have had to buy you a whole new wardrobe of 12 and 18 month clothes.  And you no longer fit comfortably in your car seat or changing table.  You have been needing the bigger car seat for a while but I have been reluctant to change it out.  It's so simple to carry you in somewhere if you're sleeping that I'm just dreading giving that up.  You've also had to start wearing shoes because you always want down to walk.  You just look like such a big boy, and you're a little wonderer, always learning new things.  I love you - Mommy

This weekend was Aunt Charity (chuchi) and Steel's wedding. It was beautiful. It was in Bryant, AR by a lake. She was so pretty. Maggie and Austin were there so you got to play a little. You were walking around holding onto Maggie's dress...it was so funny. Of course you and Austin were giving "loving" to each other...you would just put your faces against each other. The trip was great until after the wedding...that's when the real fun started. You had a "Florida episode". You are getting four teeth on top and it is killing you. I feel so helpless. But now you're feeling better and you don't have anymore fever. Over all it was a great trip to the Rock and we had fun.
p.s. Thanks Janice for the late night help. ;)

So....you're 11 months old.  You're getting so big!  I love every minute that I'm with you.  You are so amazing.  I just love watching you learn and grow.  I can't even begin to express how proud I am of you.  Here's what's going on now:

You eat all table foods and about 3 sippy cups of milk a day.  You wear size 3 or 4 diapers....just depends on what we buy.  Either is fine.  You wear 12-18 month clothes.  You can take a few steps on your own, but only when you want to.  Your likes and dislikes are the same as the last few months but you're just getting a little more expressive on relaying those likes and dislikes.  If you don't like something, you make a face, grunt, and push it away, or throw it...depending on what it is.  If you like something you get so excited that you breath extremely loud and flap your arms and stomp your feet.  Along with clapping, you've started doing a little "dance" when you hear music.  You kind of shake your booty, it's so funny, you move your little booty from side to side.  We've all noticed and talked about how well you keep beat...I am SO serious!  You can clap on beat, it's funny.  You've also started throwing more things...it was just balls, but now you throw anything.  You especially like to throw your passy, don't ask me why, then you laugh and chase after it, maybe it's a game.  You still jibber jabber all the time.  You're just a blast and I love you so much. - Mommy

Grandpa and Grandma got you the cutest little John Deer 4-wheeler.  You love it!  It has about 4-5 buttons that make different sounds.  One sings a song and of course you love that.  But instead of walking while you're on it, you pull your leg over, get off, and push it while walking beside it.  Today Abigail tried to play with it and you pushed her over.  You did not want her playing with your 4-wheeler.  While we're on the subject of Abigail coming over today, you bit her on the eye.  Yes, you're a biter.  She had two big teeth marks on her eyelid.  Anyway, thanks Randy and Kim for the great gift...we love it.

Well, we're dealing with our first little illness. It's not so much fun. It all started because you're getting four teeth right now....that's right, four at one time. So your little nose has been running so badly. A little bit of a runny nose turned into a cold and that in turn made your ears red. Dr. Porter says that your ears are enflamed and this could cause an ear infection so she gave us medicine to clear up your runny nose and that will clear up all the other symptoms. So, after a few sleepless nights you're finally sleeping like your old self again. I'm so glad that it's helping you to feel better, but trying to get you to take medicine is NO FUN! You fight me the whole time. But if it makes you feel better, we all feel better.

Well, after two weeks of staying home just you and me, we've gone back to our old schedule.  The fever's gone and the fussiness too so you're back to school and I'm back to work.  None of the swollen teeth have come through yet but one feels like it will any minute.  You did great today for your first day back.  You usually only get to go to school 2 days a week because I don't really work more than that, but those two days make a big difference. While you weren't feeling well I held you alot and we're definately seeing the effects of that!  You cling to me and want me to hold you all the time.  We'll work on that even though mommy loves it, I can't get anything done.  Cooking was quite a chore tonight.  I'm so happy that you're feeling better. - Love, Mommy 

Last night started out like any normal night.  We were at Mimi and Papa Don's house when you ate some scrambled eggs.  Not long afterwards you started scratching your eyes and they were turning red and swollen.  You were crying but you've always had such sensitive skin that we just thought it was a skin irritation.  So we headed to Texarkana to get something to eat.  You slept the whole way.  As we were turning to go to the resturaunt you woke up and threw up all over yourself and it just kept coming.  I have never seen so much coming out of one little belly.  So we immediately went to the ER.  While we were at the hospitalwe sent out a call for everyone to start praying.  You were red and broken out in whelps all over your body.  After about an hour and a half you started acting more like yourself (you had just been laying your head down until then) and your rash was starting to go away.  Then you had a little diahrea.  By the time the doctor got to the room it had been 2 hours and you were back to normal.  He was a little strange...we didn't like him at all.  He said he didn't think it was the eggs and that it could've been and airborn virus or something.  Who knows, I'm going to call your normal pediatrician tomorrow and ask her what she thinks about it all.  But to say the least this has been the scariest moment of your life (besides birth) up to date.  I'm so glad that you're feeling better though.  Love, Mommy

Well, your first Halloween has come and gone.  You were a little ninja.  The outfit was given to you as a gift when you were born from a friend stationed in Japan.  It was so cute on you.  Abigail and Amy were cheerleaders.  They were cute too.  We only visited a few houses because it was raining pretty hard here.  We had a great time.  Happy Halloween everyone.

We have finally gotten you a front facing car seat.  This is truly a blessing.  You love it!  However, I have had a problem with it because I want to watch you the whole time I'm driving!  I keep an eye on you in my rearview because you're just so cute.  You will laugh and clap to the music and watch every single thing that passes your window.  One of life's simple pleasures but it sure is sweet.  Thanks Nana and Papa for the great car seat. - p.s. we call it a baby recliner because it's so comfy and it's got a cup holder. :)

So I talked to your pediatrician today and she said that it doesn't sound like you're allergic to eggs.  She said that it sounded more like a viral infection or something of the sort.  Because of how quickly your symptoms subsided, she says it was more of a virus.  She agreed with the emergency room doctor that we should wait a few weeks then try eggs again....I'm not so sure about that.  I don't plan on making any more ER visits anytime in the near future...or forever for that matter. Glad to hear it's probably not eggs, they're in everything! - Love, Mommy

Well, it has happened.  You have had your first birthday party.  You will officially be one on Tuesday.  But we had your party this past Saturday.  It was so great.  Everyone that we love was there - minus a few who  couldn't make it- and we had a wonderful time.  It was admittedly quite wild.  You got so many toys (noisy toys).  Our little house is filled to the brim.  You have had so much fun with the boxes that they all came in that I hate to throw the boxes away.  We may have to keep them for a while longer.  Over all it was a good time and I am so thankful that everyone took the time to come and celebrate with us.  Thank you all!!!!!

And yes he does wear clothes....sometimes!! :) Being in only a diaper is just too much fun!

Ok.....it's official!  You're a big one year old.  I just can't hardly stand it!  Thinking back to one year ago today brings back so many memories.  Some hard to think about and some so heartwarming I could cry.  November 8, 2004 didn't start out so great with all the scares we had in the beginning, but after they brought you to me and we were both healthy without any after effects of our little trauma it was all down hill.  While I'm writing this, you're in your crib taking your morning nap.  I went in there a minute ago to peek at you and couldn't help but think how perfect you are.  You far exceed every expectation I ever had about my first born.  I love you more than words or actions or thoughts...I love you beyond forever. You will always be my baby, no matter how big or strong you are, no matter how smart or foolish, you will always be mine, my little boy.  Thank you for the most wonderful year of my life.  Happy Birthday! - Love, Mommy 

We had to go to the Emergency Room AGAIN!!  When we got there your fever was 104.7 and your oxygen level was low.  The Doctor ran blood tests and did x-rays on your chest and throat.  He decided that you have croop (I'm not sure if that's how you spell it) and an upper respiratory infection.  He gave you liquids in your IV because you were a little dehydrated and then he gave you a breathing treatment and a steroid shot to strengthen your lungs.  Finally, he gave you antibiotics through your IV and once your fever had been down long enough we went home.  6 1/2 hours at the emergency room is WAY too long for me.  I'm almost tempted to quit working just to keep you out of day school.  Even though I only work a couple of days a week, it's enough to get you exposed.  The doctor sent us home with a 3 day antibiotic and some cough and decongestion medicine.  Your fever has not come back up since before we left the hospital.  Your poor little cough is pittiful.  If anybody could give me some comforting stories if they've had similar situations that would be so helpful. And please continue to pray. 

Well, since you were sick today, I didn't want to chance it and take you outside to play.  So we had to find some new fun things to do.  I taught you to write on paper with a marker.  You liked it okay but wanted to eat the marker more.  Then I turned the TV off so that you would MAYBE take a nap (the steroids are keeping you awake) and you looked at me and pushed the button and turned it right back on.  So although we couldn't get out and do our normal play things, we still had a good time!  I love you.

I brought Bryce to see his pediatrician today.  She said that his croup is pretty much gone, but that he has so much congestion it's causing his ears to be red and could lead to an ear infection...which we've dodged so far and don't want to start.  She took him off everything he was taking and gave him an antibiotic shot.  Then put him on some antibiotics by mouth and some de-allergy.  She says he should be much better by Thursday.  I'm definately looking forward to that.  We'll keep you updated and thanks for all your prayers.

Every baby needs a rocking chair.  We've all had one in my family and I was thrilled when Dewight and Laura gave Bryce his rocking chair when he was born.  He loves to climb in it and rock himself back and forth.  It is so cute. 

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend.  We didn't get to make it to see Pawpaw and the Eaves family.  We also did not get to see the Allen family.  So they get to be our priorities during the Christmas holidays.  You are a blessed little boy to have so much family.  We ate WAY too much and found out that you love Cranberry sauce from the can.  Nana usually makes the homemade kind but puts out the canned cranberries just for me...and now I'm not the only one that likes them!  The Holidays have definately changed since you and Abigail have popped onto the scene....but in a good way.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  We love you all. 

You love Hannah!!  She can make you laugh no matter what.  So glad you have her to teach you things.  She's 3, so the concept that you're 1 and can't walk and talk and eat the way she does is a little hard for her to grasp.  It's so funny how she tries to feed you things or pick you up, or try to get you to play with her "big girl" toys.  You're not quite there yet...but you'll get there!

Ok...so here's the deal...you've been "able" to walk for a while now.  However, being able to do something and actually doing it are two different things!  You would take a few steps then flop down.  You would walk holding onto my finger, but without my finger (which you didn't even really rely on by the way) you would refuse to walk.  Everyone else seemed to be worried that you weren't walking yet, but not me!   You have been showing out at home for a while now, but not in public.  In the last week you have grown four teeth and gone from taking a few steps without mommy to running around the living room.  I wish that we could put video on the blog because it is hillarious to watch you!  You take the tiniest, fastest little steps with your arms stiff, straight out to your sides like a zombie!  It is so cute!  You truly are a bundle of joy! - Love, Mommy

Last night I went to hear Paula White preach in Texarkana with the girls, so Josh picked you up from Dayschool.  He called and told me after he got you that you had bitten another one of the children.  I felt so bad!  So today when I brought you I asked one of your teachers about it.  She said that you were trying to love on him and just took a big bite out of his forehead.  I checked out his little forehead and sure enough it broke the skin.  I'm so sorry Cooper!  I hope this will not be a trend and was truly an accident! - I guess getting 4 teeth in one week can do a number on you...you just had to test them out right?!

Today we went to your Daddy's work party.  We had a good time.  Your little gums are still swollen from the large amount of teeth you've gotten in the last week so you are still a little cranky.  But still, the food was delicious and it was fun to see everyone. 

You are now 13 months old and are completely hillarious!  I can't even remember all of the funny things you say and do but I wanted to write down some of my favorites so that 20 years from now I'll have them on paper.

You love Christmas lights and call them "spots".  Don't know where it came from but it's oh so cute!

When Daddy tells you "No", you stop what you're doing then look at him and shake your head up and down and say "yes".  When Mommy tells you "No", you smile and keep doing it.

You love to immitate people when they sneeze.  When someone sneezes, you laugh and then pretend to sneeze yourself, then of course laugh again.

You try to trick Abigail, if she's playing with something that you want, you pick up something, give it to her and take what she has. 

You shake your booty when you hear music that you like.

You clap for yourself when you want us to acknowledge that you did something great.

You want to push the buggy at Wal-Mart or Target and push your stroller whenever I want you to ride in it.  Everyone that sees you doing this laughs because you look so funny.  You're just so tiny pushing such big things.  And to add to the scene, the entire time you're pushing, you look at your feet.  It's just a hillarious sight!

To sum it up, you're perfect in every way.  The funniest baby I know, and a genious!  That's what I think anyway! ;) - Love you! - Mommy

Tonight we went over to Mimi and Papa Don's and you had such a good time playing with Abigail.  After we fed you guys dinner you were playing on the floor and you messed your pants...and I mean messed them good.  You were already in your pajamas and I didn't bring anything else for you to wear so we had to put you in one of Abi's nightgowns.  It was pale pink and hillarious to see on you!  Her socks didn't fit you so you had to wear her, of course, PINK houseshoes.  We just had to take pictures!  Sorry Josh! :)

Today we went to do some last minute shopping at the mall.  And guess what?!  Someone does NOT like Santa!  I thought that we'd stop by and get your picture taken with Santa.  You DID NOT want to sit in his lap.  You looked at me in terror.  I was laughing but I really felt bad.  The girl taking the picture asked if I wanted her to keep trying to get a good shot and I declined because I could not put you through that!  Don't want to scar you or anything.  But then he gave you a sucker and you were all better. 

Then we went to Cavender's boot city (I know I'm a Texas girl but they actually have some really cute stuff - cute toys for kids too) and you found a horse that you just loved.  I might have to go back and get it for you.  It was not a rocking horse but a bouncy horse.  It had a stuffed animal's fur but was hard so that you could sit on it.  It was connected to wooden edges by some bands and you just sat on it and bounced and bounced.  I, of course, had to take a picture.  Love you - Mommy

Friday we made a little day trip up to Daisy, AR to visit Nana and Papa and have Christmas with the Puttman family.  We had such a great time.  We don't get to see that side of the family as often as we would like so it is always a pleasure.  There were so many babies and boys EVERYWHERE.  Out of 10 great-grandchildren there are 7 boys and 3 girls and another boy on the way.  (Betsy and Simon are expecting in January)  So as you can imagine there were lots of sports being played.  Nana and Papa got you a snare drum, tamborine, maracas, and a harmonica.  You are so cute playing all your little musical instruments.  We had great food and great fun.  Thanks Nana and Papa.

Grandpa and Granma Allen and Uncle Jason came over on Saturday, Christmas Eve.  They only got to stay for a few hours but they brought you a Tumbling Tigger.  It is the cutest thing ever.  You guys had a good time playing with it.  You are always the center of attention when they come around....you're the only little one so you show out!  Thanks for yet another good time.

On Christmas Eve we always go to Nana and Grandy Milam's house.  It's a tradition.  We eat dinner, sometimes play games, we used to go carroling, open presents, and talk about Christ's birth.  This year with 2 babies, we didn't go carroling or play any games.  But the spirit of the season was still the same.  Grandy's steaks were great as always and we laughed and talked about old memories.  I hope that when you are older you love this tradition as much as I do.  Of course you received gifts.  Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Michael, Amy, and Beth got you a programable Elmo.  He says "Hi Bryce, let's play" and "Bryce love Abigail, Elmo does too".  You program him to say things like your favorite foods and color, you can even program him to have a schedule and when it's time to go to bed he'll tell you and when to eat or play.  It's just so neat.  Nana and Grandy got you a guitar so with the drums and other musical instruments you got you're going to be a one man band.  With all the noise makers you got for Christmas I'm just going to let you keep them at their houses so they can enjoy them as much as you do.  Just Joking!!  Thanks everyone.   

Merry Christmas, Bryce!  This was the second Christmas of your little life.  Last year, however, was very different than this one.  You were not even 2 months old last year and this year at 13 months it was a big change. We woke up on Christmas morning and opened your presents from Santa.  Then we went to Mimi and Papa Don's house and opened more presents.  Around lunch we went to see Pawpaw and, yes of course, more presents.  You're one lucky kiddo!  Aunt Kaci and Uncle Britt were there and we were so happy to see them.  Then, Christmas night we went back over to Mimi and Papa Don's for a big Christmas party.  This was such a wonderful Christmas filled with love, family, and the appreciation for God's perfect gift, Jesus.  Thank you for making Christmas more than I ever imagined.  I love you.  Mommy   

It was such a pretty day here today.  It was about 65 degrees.  I just had to post these pics.

In 2005 we were so blessed! I can't even begin to count how many ways God has blessed us this past year!  We rang in the New Year in Little Rock, AR with Brady, Danielle, and Maggie. We had such a wonderful time! You and Maggie just love each other. The two of you would just giggle at each other, it was so cute to watch.  We sat up and talked until after midnight and of course, you and Maggie slept right through it. Last year I went to sleep at 10:00 on New Year's Eve, but you were not even 2 months old...what do you expect?! This year I'm not trying to make any big resolutions, I just want to be better at everything I'm already doing...a better wife, a better mother, a better Christian, and a better American. I'll be busy with all of that...no need to dissappoint myself and try to lose weight or anything, so I'll just stick to those! I love you more than words - Mommy

I tried to have a little photo session with Bryce and Abigail.  Abigail is such a little diva!  She wanted right in the camera and you were having none of it!  You kept pulling down my make-shift white background (a sheet) and laying on it.  Needless to say the two of you are definately photo worthy...I mean, it doesn't get much cuter than the two of you!  Love - Mommy

Today when Josh went to pick Bryce up from Day school his teachers told him that when they were outside playing, some of the kids in the older toddler class were eating dirt and Bryce was watching them.  Then later they looked over and Bryce was eating dirt!!!!  He had it all over his shirt, it was hillarious!!!!!

Yesterday we had to go see Dr. Porter and you were really showing off...laughing at her, trying to get her instruments, giving her kisses, and digging in her cabinets!!  Yes, I took pictures.

Aunt Bri Bri and I took you and Abigail to the park in Texarkana and took some pictures of you playing.  First we went to the side of the pond where the ducks and geese were.  You and Abigail loved them!  You were trying to grab at them but I didn't let you get very close.  It's quite a chore to get you and Abigail to take a picture together...as you see, it usually doesn't work out! Love you - Mommy

Abigail turned one and had a wonderful little party.  Her cake was so adorable, I wish I would've taken a picture of it.  Her theme was Paris
Poodles and it was the sweetest thing ever!  Baby pink and black polka dots to decorate and a poodle on the invitations and cake.  Just Precious!  You are getting a couple of teeth right now and as we've already discovered, you have a HARD  time getting them!  Needless to say, we left the party right when it was over.  The day of the party was your Daddy's birthday too.  You had a croupy cough to accompany your pain from the teeth, so we didn't get to celebrate Josh's birthday...sorry Josh!  Maybe next weekend we can have a big belated birthday bash!   Love you both! 

I thought that I should write down some of the things that you are saying now and what they mean, because I know that time will fly and before I know it, you will be saying these words the "right"way.

Daw - Dog (and you've recently started adding a "oof oof" after Daw

Oof Oof - Woof Woof

Baf - Bath

Bawl - Ball

Buwd - Bird

Dowa - Dora

Ooooh - Uh Oh

Pi - Pig

Ba Pa - Back Pack

Deea - Deer

Mana - Banana

Nummy Nummy - Yummy

Jsss - Jesus

Baoon - Balloon

Bo - No

Maddie - Maggie

Peepa boo - Peekaboo

As you can see - you leave off some of the sounds and can't quite get the "r" sounds down yet.

These are some of the things that you say correctly. 

Mama - Daddy - Abi - Bri Bri - Mimi - Papa - Duck - Apple - Bye Bye - Map - Baby -  "I poo poo" (also used at appropriate time) - your father has taught you to call the Hogs, and you raise your hands and say "oooooh".

And yes, for those of you who could tell, we do watch Dora. That's where he got some of his words!  I swear I heard him say a spanish word today, we'll see if he says it again, it could've been a fluke.

Glad to have the blog to record all of this for the future.

Well, we had our first and hopefully last car wreck.  A car ran a stop sign and hit us in the side.  It was thankfully on the passenger side.  You were on the driver's side of the care behind me in the back seat.  I looked back in the back seat when we were being hit (I saw it coming) and you didn't even change your facial expression.  Your little head just kind-of swayed from side to side but you didn't even seem to know we had been hit.  It was very scary to say the least.  Thank the Lord that it was only a little wreck and noone was hurt.

Mimi has started a tradition of cooking Sunday lunch for us after church.  So after church yesterday we went to Mimi and Papa Don's house to eat Sunday lunch.  Grandmommy and Mamaw Smith came also.  Before lunch was ready we played outside because it was absolutely gorgeous out!  The pictures speak for themselves...you and Abi are adorable!  I hope this becomes a tradition...of course we always eat and run, but that's how it goes with a baby.  Love you.

We had our first visit to Chuck-E-Cheese.  You loved it!  We're definately going to have to make that our new play place.  It is new and so clean, and at 2:00 on Monday noone was there....perfect play conditions.  Austin was so cute playing with you, I wish we could play with them more often.

This time Daddy came to the park with us.  You two had a blast!

Simon and Betsy Mack had a new baby boy Tuesday, January 31 at 5:23 PM.  Andrew Wayne Mack weighed 9 lbs 1 oz.  Big brother Austin is so proud.  Congratulations!  He is beautiful, we love you.

Congratulations on the new baby girl. This is Bryce's newest cousin, Lacey. We will be there to see you soon. Call us if you have any questions or need anything. We love yall.

There's been such a big change in you in the last couple of months.  It's so strange.  I think you're beginning the stage they call the "terrible two's".  You are into everything!  We really can't take you many places right now because you are starting to throw little fits!  You kick and scream...the whole bit!  You won't stay in your stroller, you won't sit through a dinner at a restaurant, and a church service?...forget it...you go straight into the nursery!  Don't get me wrong...you're a great child...just very active!  You want to run around and explore all the time!  You are definately all boy!  You climb on things, throw things, hit things.  The other day I had to take you to the doctor's office and while I was filling out some paper work, I turned my back for a second and you had taken the bag of goldfish crackers out of your diaper bag, poured the whole bag on the floor, and started stomping them into the ground.  When I turned around and said "Bryce!" you ran over to the chair, stood by it with your hands behind your back and looked at me like "who me?!"  I had to laugh because it really was cute.  Hopefully this is just a stage.  Everyone that is around you says that you're all boy...a very busy, busy boy!  I'm anxiously awaiting the warm weather so that we can get outside more and let some of that energy out. I love every minute of it! - Love Mommy 

We are at Nana and Papa's for the day so I decided to at least write a little entry even though we can't post any pics.  You are doing so many new things that I didn't want to forget them.  We have had to move your bed down to the toddler position even though we still have all the sides intact (it's a convertable bed, turns from crib to toddler, to full size).  You were starting to climb over so your mattress is now about a foot off the floor.  You can repeat almost anything we say. You really like other children.  You still have your "Mr. Independent" attitude at times where you just want to sit in the floor with toys and have no help from anyone, but you've gotten to where you want other children to join into your games some.  You have a hard time sharing with Abigail.  The other day she was at the house and playing with one of your toys and you walked up to her and said, "Abi NO!"  We are working on sharing.  You are smarter than I ever imagined.  They always comment at your school and at the church nursery (the only two places you ever go without me) that you talk so much for your age. I am working 2-3 days a week and am at home with you the rest, it's a perfect schedule for us.

Songs you sing:  Old McDonald, Back Pack (from Dora), Patty Cake, the Elmo Song (from his movie), and the song at the beginning of Dora the Explorer.

Animals Sounds you can make when asked "What does the (animal) say?":  Puppy, duck, cow, and horse

Your favorite toys:  any type of ball, trucks, puzzles, crayons and paper, books, drums, tamborine, and your guitar.

Favorite foods:  macaroni & cheese, french fries, milk (your most favorite), grilled cheese, goldfish, crackers, bananas, yogurt. - You also like to feed yourself, you will almost never let me help, even with yogurt.

Some of your most recent firsts: You get my keys, hold onto one of them, try to put it in the door knob and say "outside".  If I hand you some food or toy you don't want you shake your head and say no.  If you want something you usually ask for it by name - even things I didn't even know you could say. It was very important to me early on not to let you just point and whine, so far it is working. When you want your shoes on you bring them to me and say "shoes".  You will stay in the bath tub as long as I will let you and love it.  If Hannah and Alison are at the gym when we are there, the two of you don't want to leave each other.  The other day when we were leaving she was crying for you and you were crying for her, reaching out and saying "Nannah!!!" (that's how you say Hannah) it was just pittiful. 

I have lots of things to write because of the long break from the blog, but maybe I'll have more time later.  Love you - Mommy

We finally bit the bullet and bought a new computer. Expect some new entries very soon.

You are now 3 days away from being 17 months old.  17 MONTHS OLD!!!!!  I cannot believe it!  You are so precious!  I really enjoy every day more and more.  You're so sweet to give hugs and kisses.  You love your passy still and ask for it by name.  You're starting to form sentences, you've been talking for a while now but just one word alone, now you're saying things like "I want balloon", "passy Mommy", and you even ask "cacker pease" (cracker please).  Of course I'm proud of you, but even more than that I'm a little sad that you're growing so rapidly.  You are definately getting too big!  You call for Daddy and Mommy by name and will look all over for us.  You've gotten over your little fit throwing stage, I guess you've adjusted to some of the things that were previously frustrating you.  At this point in your growth you are so much fun!  Learning everyday and enjoying every minute of it.  We love you.

Facts: Weight - 25 lbs.; Clothes size - from 18 mnths to 2T (depending on brands); Diaper size - 4; Naps - a 2 or 3 hour nap once a day 

We had a big Uh Oh tonight....or as you would say, Oh No!  I was getting your bath ready while you were standing by the tub, I started running the water, got all your toys ready, and put my hair back.  Then I walked right outside the bathroom to say something to Josh.  In the 2.5 seconds that I was away I heard a thud and ran back into the bathroom to find you face first in the tub.  You had tried to climb in like usual, but then fell in....clothes, diaper, shoes, and all.  You always try to get your leg up on the edge of the tub but had never even gotten close to getting over.  The side of the tub is about 2 or more feet off the ground and the water was only about an inch high, but we all know that kids die that way.  Needless to say the both of us were shaken up, but looking back it is a little funny.  Sorry sweetie....I realize more and more everyday that you're not to be left alone......EVER!!!!!!

Here of some pictures of you from the last few weeks.  I put captions with them.  Enjoy!

I walked into your room to find you quietly playing with your "Little People".  Which is pretty normal, but I stayed there watching you for a few minutes and you started making one walk up to the other and you were pretending that they were talking to each other.  Moving one from side to side and then the other as if he was responding.  It was the cutest thing!  It is amazing how many things you just pick up and do without anyone ever telling you how.  It's just amazing watching you play!!  I love you - Mommy

Today you hunted Easter eggs twice.  This morning at the church easter egg hunt and this afternoon at "the farm" with our family.  I had to work just a while this morning so your Daddy took you to the church easter egg hunt.  He took some cute pictures.  He said that you only picked up one egg.  Then I went with you guys to hunt eggs at the farm and you really did a good job.  We would say go find an egg and you would pick it up and put it in your basket.  It was so much fun to watch you.  I love you - Mommy

We had a beautiful Easter Sunday.  We went to church and had a great service and then came home and Grandma and Grandpa came over.  We had a great lunch thanks to Grandma.  It was just perfect.  I am so upset though because I couldn't take any pictures of you in your adorable Easter outfit!  I took the memory stick out of the camera and forgot to put it back in!  What good a camera does when you can't record the pictures.  Your outfit was the sweetest baby blue linen suit with your first initial monogrammed in white and a monogrammed anchor on each side.  With of course white knee socks and white shoes!  Anyway....I'll have to dress you up and take pictures another day.  Being in the south our Easter outfit is a big deal!!!!  Daddy even wore a tie to church with his sleeves rolled down...very impressive.  Anyway...the day was about more than clothes and eggs, it was about Jesus and I hope to always remember that.  I love you - Mommy 

Today you were so tired but would not go to sleep so about 11:00 I gave you some lunch and was going to try to put you in your bed again after that.  I was loading the dishwasher and the next thing I knew, I looked over at you and you were asleep in your high chair holding your fork....it was so cute!!!!  It was definately a kodak moment so I grabbed my camera but by the time I got back you had dropped the fork.  Still a cute picture.  Love you! - Mommy

We just had to cut your hair.  We cut about an inch and a half.  It was just starting to look too much like a mullet.  I just cut the back and sides and left all of the top and front long.  I had cut it once before but just a tiny bit.  This time you got a "real" haircut.  It oddly didn't make me sad...probably because you were just looking too much like a little red neck!  It just grew all of the sudden and was too much. It now looks adorable.  Love you - Mommy

You have gone potty now for about a week on average about once a day.  You're doing so great!  You have been telling me " I poo poo" for a few months now.  When you starting saying that I introduced you to your potty.  You have just now gotten to where you have wanted to go on the potty...I've never really pushed you because you're still so young.  But now you will come to me and say "I potty" and walk to the bathroom so you better believe I jump right on it!  You've done really well, you sit on the potty and go.  I have high hopes that it will gradually get easier and maybe around age 2 you might be potty trained....we'll see!  No pressure!  Love you - Mommy

You are now forming little phrases. Just thought I'd write a few of them down before they're old news!
"I did it"
"It's Mommy's"
"Where's (name)" (you ask where everyone and everything is, even if you can see it or them)
"It's a (name)"
" Mmm...yummy yummy yummy"
"Who's that?"
"What's that?"
You are also doing very well with asking please and saying thank you - of course the majority of the time I have to remind you to say them...but sometimes you say them voluntarily so I know it's working! I am so proud of you! Love, Mommy

Tonight Daddy and I were singing to you some of your favorite songs and you were dancing and it was so cute I had to capture it.  And I realized something else totally amazing tonight...you know things I didn't know you knew.  Day care has obviously been teaching you things that you are keeping to yourself.  Tonight I was singing the Barney "I love you" song, which I have never sang to you except for a handful of times in a year and a half because frankly...I don't like it.  But anyway...you starting singing some of the parts of it like you knew it, then I realized that you watch Barney at school when you guys can't play outside.  I stared at you in astonishment...you're brilliant and influenced by everything around you.  You love music which I am so excited about because that is a big part of our lives.  Love you punkin ~  Mommy

Last night we went to the Texarkana Golf Ranch to see Papa's band, The Bear Creek Boys, play music before Tracy Lawrence.  They did a great job and you loved watching Papa play the drums.  I brought you to the side of the stage, you stood close to the drums and clapped and danced, it was just adorable.  We got to go to the same benefit last year and it was much more fun this year watching you enjoy yourself so much.  You met lots of new friends...girl friends!  You're quite the little flirt.  We had lots of fun.  Love you - Mommy

We have been so busy these last few weeks.  We sold our house, bought a new house, remodeled it  (and I mean an overhaul) and have moved in all in 2 weeks.  This has been quite time consuming considering that both weeks I have had extra work at the salon because of graduations and proms.  But almost all of the remodeling is finished and we're on the downhill slide into a little relaxation.  Today I took you to the doctor and you have an ear infection because your allergies got worse over the weekend and I've got a sinus infection and an ear infection.  We both got shots today.  So I'm looking for us to both feel better in a few days.  I'll post some new pics in a few days. 

Here's some recent pictures of Bryce goofing around.

This weekend we went to Daisy, AR for Austin's 2nd birthday party. It was lots of fun to see all of the children playing together. Happy Birthday Austin!

Today was Memorial day and we went to Alison and Kevin's.  We swam  and just enjoyed a day of relaxation.  The sun wasn't out and the water was a little cold but we still had a good time.  You were so funny with the floaties.  I would let you go and you would squint your eyes and hold your breath....obviously you didn't like that too much.  Hannah was leading you around.  You really like to "jump" off the side, you actually would just step off into the water.  It was a good day. Love, Mommy

I drove into the driveway today with the cutest view...you and Daddy were in the yard, he was sweeping the drive and you were just running around exploring, it was too cute.  Then when I drove up you were so excited to see me!  I love just looking at you and when you show love to me back I just completely melt. - - - I look at these pictures and wish that my hair was blonde again so that you could look more like me again...but changing hair color is too much fun! Love you!

You're such a little chatter box these days but there's one thing that you had never said... I love you.  We always tell you how much we love you and you wouldn't even attempt to say it.  Tonight you crawled on the couch beside me, leaned over and gave me a big wet kiss, and said, "I wuz you".  It was the sweetest thing EVER!  Along with this new phrase are a few more things you've started saying the last few weeks.  You now sing your ABC's by saying..."A B C D ah ah ah...H I J J J J ah P".  It's hillarious!!!!!  You also are counting to ten, well, sort of....you say " two, free, fo, sibe, seeks, seben, a, nien, ti".  You're just too cute!  It's like your own little language.  But you won't say one.  You like to tell us what noises things make: pig, lion, puppy, cat, duck, horse, chicken, rooster, and sheep.  The funny thing is that you're so very animated that it makes it just so hillarious.  Obviously I think that you're the smartest and funniest child ever...but maybe I'm just a proud mommy. I Wuz You!

Last week you took your first big trip with just you and Daddy.  You guys left Wednesday night and headed to Nana and Papa's in Daisy, AR to spend the night.  Then got up bright and early Thursday morning and headed to Waveland, AR to see Grandpa and Grandma up north.  I think breaking up the trip made it easier on you.  Your daddy said that you guys had so much fun.  Meanwhile I was here missing you an aweful lot!  You and Daddy traveled back to Nana and Papa's Thursday night and spent the night there.  I came up to see you all Friday.  When I walked in you looked at me with a confused expression and said "No Daddy?"  Josh had been at work all day and hadn't come back to Nana and Papa's yet.  I was heartbroken!!!!!!  There I was so excited to see you because I hadn't seen you in 3 days and you did not even care...you just wanted to know where Daddy was.  Needless to say the rest of the weekend was different thank goodness!!!!  I love you punkin and hated being away from you...

We were in Daisy, AR this weekend for Beth's wedding.  Mommy was in it and we had rehearsal dinner Friday night and the wedding Saturday afternoon.  As always you looked adorable and I am dreading the day that I have to dress you in Kahkis and a button down.  Love you - Mommy

We love to play in our new back yard.  I've not really gotten my plants actually planted yet in back...but the front yard looks gorgeous! Thanks grandma for all the help!  You also like to help me water my plants.  Caught you in the act.  Here's some pics.

Tonight we took the front off of your crib and turned it into a toddler bed.  I loved this crib when I bought it because it converts from a crib to a toddler bed, then to a full size bed.  So it will be with us for a while.  You love your new big boy bed!  You kept crawling in and out of it and were just so excited!  You're in there asleep right now.  Once I put you to bed you didn't try to get out and went to sleep quietly.  We'll see how the rest of the night goes.  You also wouldn't take your shoes off tonight...I just bought them for you today for when we're outside but it seems that you liked them a little more than that!  Love you. 

I took you to see Superman this weekend.  It was hillarious!  You sat there for a good part of the movie.  Then you would want to run around in the theater.  I would say...are you watching superman?  And you would try to say superman but it came out more as nunaman.  It was too cute.  I took some pictures of you in the seat packed full of coke, candy, and cheetos.  Hope you had fun!  Love, Mommy

We've been doing time outs lately when you do things that are unacceptable.  I have been reading alot about how to deal with toddler's aggressive behavoir and time outs are working very well for us.  We have a particular corner in the breakfast room where you sit in time out.  I first started putting you in time out for a minute, we would talk about what you did wrong and I would make you say that you are sorry.  So this worked perfectly for a few times until you figured it out.  Then, when I would put you in time out you would immediately start saying, "I sorry Mommy!  I sorry Mommy!"  To which I had to turn and laugh.  Then today you did something you knew you weren't supposed to do and you looked at me, walked to time out, sat down and said, "time out".  It was so funny!!!  I guess you do understand WAY more than we give you credit for.  At this rate you'll be training yourself to behave in no time!  Love you - Mommy

We took our summer vacation to Gulf Shores, AL.  We had a great time.  We went with friends of ours who have a little girl, Hannah, who is 4.  We drove there, 8 hours, and you both did wonderful!  The resort was beautiful and thank goodness for the pool.  Neither one of you kids liked the beach.  I think it was a combination of the sand and the salt and the sun.  To tell  you the truth I don't really like the sand in my shorts either.  One night we went to look for sand crabs and your daddy caught one.  You were very interested in it until you went to touch it and Hannah squeeled.  Then you went into hystarics!  I took you back up to the sidewalk and you were screaming, "Oh No! Oh No Cwabs!"  the whole time!  You loved jumping into the pool and playing in the sun.  You have the cutest little tan line!  I love you - Mommy p.s. - there are lots of pictures...just humor me!

We've been so busy the last couple of weeks it has just been crazy around here.  Melodie came in from India and we were so excited to see her.  She has been there for a year working with a Christian organization and was here for a week.  She will move back to India next year for a 4 year stay.  It was great to see her!  We also had Cory and Elizabeth's wedding reception that same weekend.  Papa and Nana came down the following week and picked you up from school and you were so excited!  The following weekend was Sam Week's birthday party and a wedding shower.  This weekend we had a wedding reception and we are moving back into the salon (it burnt back in February and is now rebuilt and beautiful).  This week school starts so hopefully work will slow down.  Starting this week I will only work on Mondays and Wednesdays instead of everyday.  I am looking forward to getting to spend more time with you!  I love you - Mommy

P.S. And there are no pictures because I haven't taken any due to the full camera and no time to get the pictures developed...go figure!

You never cease to amaze me little man!  Lately you have become a little songbird.  I mean if I humm something you can humm it right back to me in the exact rythm.  It is just neat that you pick up on musical things so quickly.  You can clap on beat and you sing all the time.  You play your drums on beat too. I just wanted to put down the way that you're singing songs now.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star = Winka Winka Wittle Stawrs..mumblemumble..what are..up a a a high...like a sky...winka winka wittle stawrs

Jesus Loves Me = Hesus wuz me..a a know...bible so.. (with long emphasis on know and so - hillarious)

Theme song from Go Diego Go = Ego...Ego..Do Ego Do

Theme song from Dora the Explorer = yes it's pittiful but you sing or humm the entire song along with every other song from the show like "backpack's song", "I'm the map", "we did it" ( if your child likes Dora you know what I'm talking about)  He also says a few of the spanish words from Dora and says "OH MAN!" like Swiper.  Needless to say Dora is our morning time TV while mommy's getting ready.

So thanks for bearing with me on this long entry but I just don't want to forget the little things!  I love you - Mommy

You're getting to be such a big boy!!!  I finally got to take some pictures this afternoon of you playing in the yard. You love to play with your chalk and write your "name" (scribbles) on the back porch.  You say as you're writing, "B-R-Y-C-E, Bryce!  It's so cute! I cannot believe you're old enough to spell your name...it's just blows my mind how smart you are.  You have become very fond of babies and always want to kiss them right on the mouth.  We have gotten rid of your passy.  It was actually very easy.  I took a cue from Danielle and Betsy.  We basically just copied what they had done.  We cut the end of the passy and told you it was broken.  And you are very aware of when things are broken (you're always telling us things are broken when they aren't working well).  So when we were at Red Lobster I asked you if you wanted to give your passy to the fish in the tank since yours was broken...and you agreed.  So you've gone almost a whole week without a passy and you've only asked for it once!  I had to tell you that we left it with the fish and you said.."Nemo?"  and I assured you that Nemo the fish had your passy and you were satisfied.  Along with removing the passy in the same day we got rid of the silky blanket that you sleep with.  This was actually an accidental removal because we've misplaced it while returning from Nana and Papa's house last weekend...so it is also a thing of the past and you have not even mentioned it once!  Along with these big advances comes a little saddness...I realize you are getting older and I'm just not sure that I like it!  You also got a big boy haircut this week.  I was trimming your hair and you didn't much like me doing it so you would not sit still and it got a little short in the front so we got Mimi to cut it and you were so still and cooperated for her...so you got a full meal deal haircut!  Clippers and all!  I do think that it is adorable but on the other hand I can't wait for it to grow out!  You haven't really acted like you've noticed it yet. You however have started wanted to pick out your own clothes. You are very firm about what shoes you want to wear...this changes daily, and you usually want to wear what you call Daddy's shirt, one of your polos. It's just hillarious! So sometimes needless to say you get to wear what you want and it's not always pretty. Nonetheless I love you and am so proud of you more and more every day!  Love, Mommy   
New Song of the Week: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. - you love it!

I just had to post a few pictures of you having fun with some new toys. Of course I had to buy you the stick horse...too cute!
P.S. And yes you are preferring to wear this hat now days. And yes I just let you wear it if you want! It's gonna be pittiful when you want to wear something crazy because that's just small fries to me - you'll just get to wear it!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day.  Sunday Janice and Dewayne came to visit us here and Monday we went to see Randy and Kim in Tyler,TX.  We had such a good time with all of the grandparents.  Of course I forgot to take any pictures in all the excitement.  But I took some tonight of you in your new Atlanta Rabbits football jersey.  You are very proud of your "bootball shiwrt".  We're starting to get football fever at our house and can't wait for Friday night games. 

While in Tyler we made a trip with Grandpa and Grandma to Toys R Us and of course didn't leave without something!  Grandpa picked you out the best toy EVER!  Your very own Thomas the train with a caboose and track.  You LOVE it!!  You don't want to stop playing with your Thomas to do anything!  When we're leaving the house you say,  "Bye Thomas!" and when you're going to sleep you tell him night night.  Thank you Grandpa and Grandma...what a great gift!!!!!

Tonight we went to the Atlanta High School football game and you had the best time!  You and Hudson played the whole time...it was so cute!!!  You wouldn't let go of the football that the cheerleaders were throwing into the stands. You make everything so much fun. I love you pumpkin!!!!

We have had so much fun in our backyard lately.  Every morning we go out and play in our pajamas.  This week it has been so cool that I have had to put on long sleeves before the sun gets over the trees.  I leave the back door wide open and you come in and out as you please and I love the fresh air.  Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons so I am definately loving the smell in the air and the cool crisp air...if only it felt like that at 3:00 in the afternoon.  The backyard is your little playland and I'm so glad that you like to play outside.  Of course it's not "finished" from my point of view...I'd like new landscaping and outdoor furniture but that will get passed over until we get you all the toys you can stand.  I love you - Mommy

We brought you and Abigail to the pep rally at the high school yesterday and you sat by Hudson and loved every second of it.  You danced and clapped and waved at the rabbit mascot.  Abigail on the other hand did NOT like the rabbit.  So she was in Brianne's lap the whole time.  I just had to get a picture of the two of you.  I wanted to get a picture of all of the kids at the pep rally that were around your age because all the boys had on their little jerseys and all the girls had on their cheerleading outfits it was too cute!  Love you - Mommy

I'm a little over due with this update but I thought I would write a few of your current accomplishments and stats.

Talking:  You talk all the time.  You talk in phrases and sentences and repeat everything.  My new favorite is "whoa dude!" 

Behavior:  You are a very loving child.  You laugh all the time and are always playing.  You have not been biting much so that's a good thing.  You haven't had to be in time out in a few weeks. 

Learning:  You recognize a few letters.  You can spell out your name.  You recognize a circle, a triangle, and a square.  You recognize your name if written on something.  You recognize the colors red and green.  You can make the sounds of 16 different animals. 

Stats:  I'm not quite sure how much you weigh because we've not been to the doctor in a while but I imagine you weigh around 27-28 pounds.  You wear a size 24 months or 2t clothes and a size 5 diaper.  You wear a size 7 shoe.

Favorite songs: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "Jesus Loves Me", "I've got the joy in my heart", "Wheels on the bus", "I love you", "ABC's", "Itsy Bitsy Spider".   Songs from "The Wiggles", "Dora the Explorer", Go Diego Go", and "The Doodlebops".  And you sing your little heart out with every one of them.

Favorite foods:  pizza, mac&cheese, bananas, yogurt, cheetos, cheese sandwich, peanut butter sandwich, chicken nuggets, and fries.  You will usually always eat these really well.  You still don't like any veggies except corn.  You still LOVE milk, you have also started drinking sprite, orange juice, and water.

Other Favorites:  You love animals - zoo and farm animals are your favorite.  You love all sports, cars, trucks, airplanes, tractors, and trains.

I am so proud of you and love you very much.

You LOVE music.  You sing or hum or dance all the time.  You have always tried to play your harmonica since you got it last Christmas but just tonight you were able to play it for the first time.  It was so cute, you were dancing and playing until you went to bed.  So cute!!!  Love you - Mommy

You loved riding on Abigail's little motorized four wheeler.  I guess you are big enough for a power wheels because you LOVED it!  You would say..."It's Abigail's turn" but then you wouldn't get off...you just wanted her to ride behind you. Fun times, Bryce. You're just always full of fun times! I love you!

Your 2nd birthday party is only a week away and as I plan everything I just can't help but think back on how wonderful the last two years have been and how different this party is going to be than last year.  This year we invited some of your little friends that you will be so thrilled to see and I've bought every last decoration with your interests in mind.  You are absolutely the best child I could've asked for.  I went through all of the old pictures and just could not believe how much you've grown.  You are definately the most beautiful little boy and will always be my baby.  I am so proud of you and couldn't love you more!

You had a Halloween party at school.  You go to a Methodist day school so it was a nursery rhyme theme instead of ghosts and goblins.  They had little games set up and the other kids were dressed up like nursery rhyme characters.  You were Peter Peter Pumkin Eater...haha...Mommy didn't do very good with the costume.  You had a pumkin on the belly of your shirt, that's believable right?!  One of your little classmates, Greta, was the baker's man with her little baker's hat on and apron, she was too cute!  And then there was a Jack and Jill and they had their little pails of water...their mom's put alot of thought into it.  Sorry honey!  But you had no clue!!!  You had the best time anyway!  You loved the fishing game, I forget the nursery rhyme that that was from but all of the games went with a rhyme.  There was a humpty dumpty game and old mother hubbard.  It was just too fun!  I love you!

We had your 2nd birthday party here at our home this Saturday, November 4th.  You had such a good time.  All of you and your little friends just played and played.  We mainly invited only family and very close friends.  Since this was only number 2 we wanted to just have it at our house, after all the fun you all had this year we will have to definately have a big blow out at one of those "crazy" places next year (aka: Chuck-E-Cheese or something of the sort) and invite everyone that we enjoy spending time with.  It was very relaxed this year and I thank everyone for coming and sharing this special day with us.  And my goodness all the presents!!!!  You have been having a ball with all your new toys!  I love you baby!

P.S. Thank you Danielle for being my photographer. I would've never gotten any pictures with everything going on!

I bought you a Diego back pack the other day and you love it!  You call it your rescue pack and talk about baby jaguar and finding the tree frogs.  You were walking around the yard in your pajamas and rescue pack, picking up sticks and chasing butterflies, it was so cute!  It is amazing to watch you use your little imagination and explore new and exciting things.  I love you so much! 

We're proud to announce that we are expecting another baby.  We are due June 15.  But since I will be having another c-section the doctor says we will take this baby a week or 2 early. I am now 10 weeks pregnant.  Bryce is very excited but I don't think he completely understands.  He did think the baby was in his stomach for about a week but now he rubs my tummy and it's adorable!  We can't wait for our little arrival!

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday this year.  We went up to north Arkansas, Magazine Mountain, to see Grandma and Grandpa Puttman on Thanksgiving day.  We had such good food and you loved playing with all the other grandchildren.  I misplaced my camera (as you get older you'll realize I misplace lots of things very often)...anyway, so I didn't get any pictures but Nana said she'd let us have copies of hers.  Then we went back to Nana and Papa's house in Daisy, AR and stayed until Saturday morning.  Saturday night we had a Thanksgiving dinner and celebrated Grandy's birthday at Nana and Grandy's house in Atlanta.  We just had such a good time this holiday.  Thank you everyone for making it so wonderful.  It's not hard to be grateful this year.  We have so much to thank God for.  I love you - Mommy

We put up all of our Christmas decorations and you loved helping me decorate.  You say Mischris instead of Christmas...you get it backwards...it is so cute!  You love to see Christmas lights on houses.  There is one street in town that we have been driving by the last three nights even if it is out of the way because almost every house has lights - tacky lights to say the least - but you love it!  Thank you baby for making everything so wonderful!

We went to the park this morning.  You did not want to leave.  Here are some pics of you having fun!

We went to the Christmas parade downtown Atlanta on Saturday night.  You and Abigail had such a good time!  You two were so cute getting so excited to see all of the lights and floats.  You kept yelling for Santa and Abigail loved the horses.  Neither of you were scared of the loud noises or horns.  You both loved every second of it...too cute!  We had alot of fun despite the cold weather.  Love you!

Well....I thought that I would be posting a picture of you and Santa today, but instead I will have to tell the story only.  You have been so excited about Santa Claus.  I won't even notice a picture of Santa and you will point it out.  So I took you to the mall to see him and you were so excited.  The closer we got to him you would sit up and look all around for him.  As we got to him I looked at you and your face had changed...you were not ammused to say the least.  He leaned over and gave you a sucker and you ran to me saying, "Mommy!!!!!"  So I picked you up and Santa sat in his chair.  I asked you if you wanted to sit in his lap and tell him what you wanted for Christmas (you usually say a choo choo train) and you said so loudly, "NO WAY!!!  NO WAY!!!"  It was hillarious!  So, needless to say, we don't have any pictures of you with Santa Claus because you wouldn't even sit in his lap.  Love you!

- Go back and look at the picture from last year!!!  You didn't like him at all last year! Too funny!

We had our annual Christmas Banquet for the church this past weekend.  You looked so cute but you were not into taking pictures!  So here are a few of the pics that I took.  Love you -

You walked into our room Sunday morning while getting ready for church...after your bath of course...and your stomach was covered with brown marks and the palms of your hands were completely brown.  At first I thouht it was chocolate, or mud, but then you showed me your brown marker!  You had thankfully not drawn on anything in the house, just yourself and it washed off very quickly!  Thank goodness!  Needless to say we were late to church and one of our bath towels is now brown, but it sure made for a good picture!  Love you!

You love bubbles so tonight when I was giving you your bath I decided to make it a bubble bath!  You loved it!  I had to take pictures!

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year!  You got so many toys and gifts...you are one lucky boy!  We got to spend this holiday with all of our family and it was great to get together.  God has truly blessed us with so much this year from new babies to a healthy and happy family.  We went to the Mack's house on Saturday.  Then Sunday we went to morning service at church then to the Milam Christmas for our traditional Christmas Eve at Nana and Grandy's that night.  Christmas morning we got up and had Christmas here at our house (Santa brought you a drum set...what was he thinking?!)  Then went to Mimi and Papa Don's house for breakfast.  We then went to the Eaves' house for lunch with all of Mommy's brothers and sisters.  Then we went to the Howard family Christmas party that night.  We have so much family and are so blessed in that way!  Not very many children can say that they have as many grandparents and even greatgrandparents as you have.  
I did want to note that you opened every present yourself and were not willing to let us help. This is a big change from your Birthday just a little less than 2 months ago. You would then open one present and be done, want to play with the first present and ignore the rest. Thankfully you savored every minute of the Christmas and gift giving experience. I also wanted to note that you were very aware that Christmas had something to do with Jesus because we have been on the story of Jesus in your study Bible that we read at night. Not sure you know he was born on Christmas...but you knew there was a connection there. I'm so proud of you! I love you
Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for making it so special!  We love you all!

Well, my poor baby, we just got home from the hospital.  You were admitted Tuesday afternoon for pneumonia and a bacterial infection.  Which basically means that it was bacterial pneumonia as opposed to viral pneumonia....which is a good thing.  They treated you with 2 rounds of strong antibiotics through an IV and breathing treatments every 4 hours.  You wouldn't let me get out of your bed most of the time so neither of us got great sleep.  The worst part was the IV, you kept asking to "take it off again".  Your fever broke by Tuesday night and your chest was clear by Wednesday night.  We took more x-rays Thursday morning around 8:15, then the doctor came in at about 9:00, gave us a clean bill of health and released us from the hospital.  The hospital staff knows all about Thomas the train thanks to you!  You are running around like yourself again and we are so happy and thankful that you are okay!  You were such a strong little boy through the whole ordeal!  I love you and am so thrilled that you are well.  Thank you Jesus!

You are feeling so much better and I am just thrilled!  You have, however, turned the house upside down in just a matter of hours!  You must have had some serious energy piled up from sitting in that hospital bed for 3 days.  Every toy you have had since birth has been pulled out and played with!  There are toys covering the floor but I don't mind - as long as you're feeling better!  I love you!

Well, we're half way to the arrival of our new little boy!  Our doctor's visit this week went very well.  No more crazy fainting spells or dehydration.  I have gained a total of 8 pounds and am feeling much better.  I have to say that I have not enjoyed being pregnant as much this time because of all of the sickness and pain I've been in.  But he is kicking now...he moves all the time so I love that part.  It's so sweet!  I can't wait to meet our little buddy!

I went through all of Bryce's old clothes and just sat looking at them one by one for hours.  I washed them all up and folded them neatly into his armoir.  The socks were the cutest...I can't believe how tiny they are! 

Right now I'm searching websites, looking at fabric swatches, and checking out magazines to find the perfect bedding for the nursery.  I've got the decorating bug, but I also want to get started on the painting - which I can't do right now.  I am thinking something with alot of green...different patterns : stripes, plaids, polka dots...  I'm just getting a little antsy and want to get it done right now...but we've got time!  Poor Josh, I'm probably going to drive him crazy before this pregnancy is over!! 

This update is long overdue!  I have not written much about your "accomplishments" lately so I thought it was time!  You know so many colors, shapes, letters, and numbers!  It's just amazing how much your little mind can soak up.  You do so many cute and memorable things these days I wanted to make sure to document them so we never forget how darn cute you were!

Every night after we give you your bath you run straight to your bedroom, lay on your rug with your towel covering your head and wrapped completely around your body.  You think you're hiding and we can't see you - it's so funny!  We call for you and look all in your room for you(because we have no idea where you are ...wink wink) and then you jump up and say "Ta-Dah!"  Love it!

You have started counting in spanish at random times but you only count from 2 to 5.

We pray every night before bed and these are some of the things you have prayed for lately:  more fruit snacks, a haircut, the new baby, Thomas the train and other trains, friends and family, and sometimes just things that you enjoyed that day. 

You have started being so sweet.  When you were younger you weren't just the most affectionate baby.  Now you will run and give big hugs and kisses and tell us that you love us.  It's just precious and melts my heart!

You are a Daddy's boy alot of the time but when Daddy has been out of town for a couple of days you follow me all around the house and won't let me leave your side.

A few mornings ago when you woke up you came and got in bed with us and nuzzled up to Daddy and asked him to snuggle.  He just ate that up of course!

You can carry on long conversations and can say almost any word that is thrown at you. - my favorite phrases: "Ummm....sure!", "That's pretty cool", "I Never!"

You love to sing and dance.

You have started telling wild stories about how you hear elephants in your room or something like that.  You have tried to trick me at times by lying to me.  You once told me that Mickey Mouse was in a cabinet that is off limits to you and told me that he needed help, I went to open the cabinet door and said that I didn't see anything and you said "let me see" and pushed me aside and started playing in there...you just wanted to get to play in that cabinet the whole time!  I couldn't believe it!

I just love you so much! I enjoy everyday that I have been given with you!

Abigail had her 2nd birthday party.  Here are a few pictures from the party. 

It snowed here on Wednesday and Thursday.  It only snowed a short period both days but it was large snow flurries which here in east Texas is a pretty big deal.  We usually get ice a time or two a year but snow is rare.  You loved it!  You looked out the window while we ate dinner (there was noone there, I guess everyone got scared and stayed home).  I wish it would've stuck to the ground so you could play in it but the joy on your face was priceless none the less.

Today we went to Hudson's birthday party and you had an absolute blast!  You just love playing with Hudson you two are adorable together.  You were chasing each other and throwing popcorn at each other.  He had a super hero party and there were alot of little boys there your age.  I saw you rolling on the floor with one of the boys wrestling and usually other kids don't like to play rough like you do.  So I rushed over to make you stop and the little boy was laughing.  According to his parents he likes to wrestle too, so you two kept tackling each other and neither of you cried at all.  You're sometimes a little aggressive for children your age so I was relieved for once that the other child realized your were playing.  It was a cute little party over all and you seemed to really enjoy yourself!

We have a flipper everyone!  Yesterday when I went to my doctor appointment the baby had flipped from breech position and is now head down!  I'm not surprised at all! He kicks all the time and moves all over my stomach. However, this makes my mind wander...the wheels are definately churning.  I was so convinced that I was going to have to have another c-section b/c I felt sure that this baby would be breech too.  With the new developments it has gotten me thinking that if I were to decide to have a vaginal delivery, how would it go?!  The doctor says that my chance of rupturing the uterus is only 1 %.  The blood clot risk is equal for vaginal and c-section delivery.  This also puts my mind at ease b/c I have been a crazy nervous wreck this time about blood clots (in our small town 4 people have died in a years' period b/c of blood clots).    So whatever God decides is fine with me...I guess it's all in his hands anyway.  If I go into labor on my own, so be it!  If I have to have a c-section, so be it! (you can't be induced if you've already had a c)  This little guy could also flip back into breech position (I still have 15 weeks to go).  I'm just praying for what will be best for me and the baby.  But this sure is food for thought in my pregnant little mind!

Tonight we decided to make some pizza...one of your favorite foods! You did such a good job: pressing the dough, spreading the sauce, putting on the cheese, and sprinkling the parsley. Then I put some garlic butter on the crust (my pregnant touch) and put it in the oven. Sounds good right?! Well, American Idol came on and I forgot about the pizza and burned the edges...but the middle wasn't burned and was delicious! I love you my little chef!

Since Daddy is usually gone in the mornings by the time we're up and running I decided we should give you your Valentine present tonight!  Happy Valentine's Day...we really love you more than words can say!

You all had a Valentine's Party at school today.  You didn't eat the heart shaped rice crispie treat but you did eat all the chocolate you received!  School parties...and it begins!

You went to work with me for an hour or so the other day and you found your harmonica in your bag.  Then of course you were showing out for everyone that came in.  I had to take a picture because you were so serious about it!  You keep us laughing!  Love you!

We received Brennon's bedding the other day and you took advantage of the box!  You crawled in there and closed yourself in and then would pop out like it was a big surprise...and of course we acted totally surprised!  Your little imagination is really taking off and I love watching you play pretend!  Love you - Mommy

Well...I have to say I am feeling really crunched for time with this baby.  I've got the bed, the bedding, the armoir, and have picked out the wall color.  However, there are so many things still left to do!  I love the bedding...it's so bright and colorful which is the total opposite of what Bryce's baby room was like, but it is adorable! 

In other news we have decided on a name for the new baby:  Brennon Joshua.  It is always hard to pick a name for your child that will be theirs for their entire life.  But I just can't think of a more perfect name for our second little boy!

I went to the doctor this past week and everything is going great.  My blood pressure is a little low and has dropped since last time but my doctor's not worried about it!  I have gained a total of 15 pounds.  The heartbeat was perfect.  Brennon is moving around like CRAZY!  He flips and flops constantly.  I have been having alot of Braxton Hicks contractions and they are waking me up at night...but this too shall pass!  Can't wait for little Brennon's arrival!

Your second cousin (her mommy is my first cousin) came to visit this week.  They live in west Texas and we only get to see them on special occassions.  This week she came to stay with her grandparents and we got to play with her one day.  You two had a blast!  You guys colored, ran around the back yard, ate pizza, flew kites, and you guys drove us around while we checked the cows!  You were so sweet to her and were sharing every single toy of yours with her.  We're glad we got to spend some good quality time with little miss Izabella! (I posted some extra pictures for Bella's family!)

Well...you are rapidly approaching the 2 1/2 year mark!  I cannot believe it!  You are such a joy!  I wanted to write a few of the things you have been doing lately because they are so cute, but I know in a few months something new will be happening and I may forget...so here goes!

You are obsessed with Thomas the train.  I am not exaggerating!  You have to carry at least one train with us at all times, you know all of the trains by name, you love to watch the movies and read the books.  You have started saying hillarious things related to the narration of the movies...they are kind of old timey and it is so funny when you quote things, here are a few things you have said recently:  "I love Thomas...Thomas the train, my oldest friend!",  "Oh no!  sighed Percy",  "Here comes Harold to the rescue!"  You always role play with your trains too!  They talk to each other - most of the time it is things you've heard in the movies - and you line them up on the tracks and say "Come on, let's go to the Island of Sodor"!  I love watching you play!

You have also started stashing things in your pocets (i.e. the picture I took) and I never know what I'm going to find.

You LOVE eating breakfast and wake up most mornings asking for food.  Your favorites are bananas, strawberries, rice crispies, and pancakes.  Everytime you eat rice crispies you say with such excitement, "hear 'em poppin'?!"

Lately you've been asking to go pee-pee on the potty...but nothing has made it actually into the toilet yet.  So I'm following your lead and if you ask to go potty, I take you and otherwise I'm perfectly fine with changing diapers!

I love you and try everyday to let you know how precious you are to me...I treasure every second I have with you!

It has been so beautiful here the last couple of weeks!  The temperature has been from 70 - 75 degrees and the wind has blown, just enough clouds, and all of the beautiful flowers are blooming.  We've just had a great time being outside in the beautiful weather.  Sunday you and Abigail were so cute playing that I had to take pictures of the two of you in your church digs!

We had lunch this Sunday with the whole Howard family.  That is my mom's side of the family.  It was my grandmother's birthday and she wanted us all to get together so we went to eat fish.  There was about 25 of us and quite a few were missing.  It was nice to get to see everyone.  I wish we did it more.  I took some pictures...I'll caption them!

We had a great Easter weekend!  We started out by going to stay at Nana and Papa's a few days in Daisy, AR.  Then on Saturday morning we went to North Arkansas to see Grandpa and Grandma Puttman and of course the rest of the Puttman family.  We drove back home that afternoon.  It was such a long trip for Mommy...I was so tired!  But now I think I've gotten my energy back.  My legs were swollen for a while Saturday night!  Sunday morning we went to church and then to Aunt Rhonda's for lunch with the Milam family.  I talked to you about what Easter was really all about and you kept singing all day Sunday a song that I guess you made up because it didn't sound familiar to me....it went: "I love Jesus"  over and over again!  It was just precious!  I love you!  Happy Easter everyone!

I am so anxious about Brennon's arrival!  I cannot wait!!!!  I went to see the doctor today and was hoping that she would move up my due date again...or say she was going to take him early...but no such luck!  I am very aware of the importance of keeping him in until the perfect time but I am sick of being pregnant and want to meet this little fellow ASAP!  At my last visit I had taken the "sugar" test and my sugar was high...so she insisted that I come back as soon as possible to take the dreaded 3 hour test.  I know all about the 3 hour test because I had to take it with Bryce.  It came back that my sugar levels were just fine with him and I hope that's the result this time also.  I also found out that I have low iron, so she has started me on some iron pills (this was also something that I dealt with during my pregnancy with Bryce).  This pregnancy is like Bryce's in those aspects but completely different in others.  I am carrying Brennon SO high...and he is measuring alot bigger than Bryce did.  I am crossing my fingers that he will be bigger than Bryce, but it would be ok if he's just a little tiny baby too!  I'm doing as expected on weight so that's not a worry but we need to get these other things under control and all will be well!!  Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers - and keep 'em coming!

The guest room is finally finished!  I just had to post something about it because in my highly pregnant state it was quite a feat!  So, to all of you weary travelers...we did let the new baby take over the old guest room but made you a new cozy guest room thanks to Josh giving up "his" room!  But a note for all the guys: have no fear, the room is still equipped with it's very own play station - we just did away with all the hunting stuff, razorback chairs, Sig Tau flag and college memorabilia.  But Josh has moved on and now has tons of shelving in the garage to house all of his things! p.s. I didn't get to take many pictures because my camera went dead!

We've also come a long way with the baby's room.  It is painted the perfect shade of green and has all of the precious white furniture in place.  Josh still has to figure out how to put the crib together and there is nothing on the walls...but I'll post pictures as soon as it is finished!

I have been having some problems with my blood sugar during this part of the pregnancy...so pricking my finger is nothing to me at this point...but I only have a little over a month left and I can't wait until little Brennon is born. I am so excited to see him, and of course for my body to be back to normal! Thank you everyone for your prayers.

This past doctor visit stats:
weight: lost 1 pound - pregnancy total of 22 pounds
blood pressure: excellent - 108 over 62
belly measurement: 36 weeks - he's measuring a week big
baby's heart beat: steady and strong
blood sugar: really high - but we're working on it!

I now have a little less than 3 weeks left until little Brennon is born.  - 2 weeks and 4 days to be exact.   I can't wait!  I am more ready than I thought I would be.  I have had such a hard, scary pregnancy these last couple of months but it will all be worth it.  I fell a couple of nights ago, but all is well.  I had to stay at the hospital for observation for just a couple of hours.  Baby is fine and so am I.  My sugar is under control thanks to diet.  Pricking my finger 4 times a day is not so much fun but I have no swelling or high blood pressure due to the gestational diabetes and thanks to the diet I've lost weight instead of gained.  The GD sometimes makes women have very large babies but my doctor doesn't think that Brennon will be too big.  We have a c-section scheduled for the 8th of June.  She does not want to take him a day early due to lung development (it is slowed by GD).  So I'll try to keep you posted on the next couple of weeks!

I am so behind on posting an update on my sweet little Bryce.  Our computer had to go into the shop but it's back now so I am going to overload this entry with pictures.  We love playing outside in his little pool...it is a pain filling it up everytime we want to play in it but it is sure fun! - and cools us off...nice for me especially!  Bryce loves being outside and so do I.  The weather has been so nice here...warm but not humid.  Which is shocking for East Texas, usually the humidity makes the air so thick you can hardly breath, but it's been great lately!  Emjoy the pictures!

Oh yeah - I had to mention something funny!  Everytime we pass McDonald's, Bryce says, "Oooh!  Old McDonald's!  I want some pancakes!"  It's so funny - he thinks that McDonald's is like the song Old McDonald...it's too cute the things they think up!

Brennon's room is finally finished!  It turned out exactly like I wanted!  There is not really a theme but it is really bright and colorful!  Can't wait to walk in there and see that little guy lying in his bed.
P.S. This blog will be a blog for both of the boys. I thought about making a new blog for Brennon because this blog is brycecolby.com...but I decided that it would be much easier to just put both boys on this blog and hopefully it won't hurt Brennon's feelings in the future!

I went to the Dr today and am dialated to 1 cm and baby is in head down ready position....this doesn't really matter with a cesarean, but it's nice to know anyway!  We had a sonogram today to get weight of baby and look at amniotic fluid.  Brennon weighs about 6 pounds today and had plenty of fluid, his heart looked great and so did all of body parts.  For me - no weight gain, perfect blood sugar and blood pressure.  Everything's set, now we just wait!

I love lounging around on Saturdays!  This morning we went outside and played in your pool until lunch and then came in and you sat at the coffee table, watching tv, eating pizza and drinking coke.  I had to take a picture because does it really get much better than just doing what you want to on Saturdays and not feeling lazy?!

We had a great Memorial Day!  Abigail and Bri Bri came over and played all morning.  You guys swam, ran, jumped and laughed the whole time.  You were both playing so good together!  They left around noon and we all took naps. (yes, even Daddy!)  That night we went to see Shrek the Third, but didn't see all of it...you and Abi just can't seem to sit still for too long...but for 45 minutes you were both excellent.  Then we met the guys at Zappata's for dinner.  All in all it was a fun day!
And yes...swim diapers do count as swimsuits! :)

I went to my last required doctor's visit before our scheduled cesarean.  I was thinking about the difference between my pregnancies with my two boys and they have been so different that if we hadn't found out the sex of the baby I would have been sure I was having a girl!  With Bryce I was not sick at all (except for when I ate too much) and with Brennon I was sick at least 3 times a day EVERYDAY for 5 months.  I carried Bryce so completely different than I have carried Brennon.  Bryce was breech and Brennon's head down ( and his feet are under my ribs! - and it hurts!)  I weighed 10 more pounds when I gave birth to Bryce than I weigh with Brennon.  That is obviously due to the fact that I have had to be on a strict diabetic diet.  I have gained a total of 19 pounds with Brennon.  I had gained 23 but after they put me on the diet I lost.  I will be happy about this after he is born even though it has been really tough.  Testing my blood 4 times a day has been alot more hassle than I expected. When I was pregnant with Bryce I could sleep late, lay around if I was tired, take naps, and just pamper myself when I felt like it!  But this pregnancy has been so different in that aspect because I have Bryce to entertain.  I have absolutely loved every second of it and am not complaining at all...I just wanted to write all of this down because as all of you other mothers know, I will be brain dead after next week!

I decided to cut your hair off because it has been so hard to keep clean with this heat!  You pull at it and always wanted it off your neck because it would be wet with sweat.  I really almost cried...hormones maybe...but I think it is adorable on you.  You look like you're 4 years old though...it makes you look so much older!!!  I took these pictures when you and Daddy were checking on the baby birds that we have in a nest in my fern on the front porch.  You love to look at them every evening - I think Daddy enjoys it as much as you.

Well, I couldn't have asked for a smoother, more perfect delivery.  I was so anxious and nervous Friday morning when I woke up.  Having a scheduled c-section is perfect for planning:  having someone to babysit Bryce and just knowing the time line of when everything will happen.  But the downside is that you have plenty of time to think about the process of having surgery.  After all of my worrying and stress, our beautiful baby boy was born at 8:28.  We of course had to be at the hospital bright and early at 6:00 on Friday morning, by the time they went through all of the paper work and explaining everything to me, it was time for surgery.  I don't even remember alot of what happened before Brennon was born because I was so nervous, but when I heard him crying it's like I woke up out of the fog and felt amazing.  My doctor is amazing and answered everyone of my questions without skipping a beat.  He cried and cried before they took him to the nursery, and as strange as it is, that's such a reassuring thing!  Josh left the room with Brennon and I felt so peaceful. Of course, I had God on standby so I knew I would not be alone. I am so thankful for all that God has given us and done for us. He has blessed me with 2 beautiful boys whom I will love and cherish for all of t heir lives.

The first few days at home have been a process and have gotten better and better with each day.  Bryce has been the perfect big brother and has not let this new addition to our family interrupt him at all.  He just plays like always, doesn't even question me nursing Brennon and wants to help at only the appropriate times.  I don't know how we got so lucky, but Bryce has done exceptionally well with all of the changes.  He doesn't even wake up at night when Brennon cries which was a huge concern of mine. 

The first night home with Brennon was a long, long night.  He never really slept for more than 30 minutes at a time and when he wasn't crying, he was eating, or getting his diaper changed.  It was trying to say the least.  But everynight since then he has slept for longer periods of time and done so much better! He is nursing very well and has the most pleasant disposition. I just couldn't ask for much more for my family of four.

Brennon loves to swing in his swing.  Until last night, however, I couldn't get him to lay in his bassinet.  I have seriously considered letting him sleep in his swing at night but I had been putting him in bed with us.  I am totally against having your children sleep in the bed with you, but when you're going on basically no sleep it becomes less of an issue.  Last night he slept half the night in his bassinet thank God!  I had been attempting it and it finally took...so maybe he'll start liking his bassinet as much as his swing.

Bryce, you love ice cream and I just had to post these pictures of you enjoying your favorite treat!

Brennon, you have changed so much in 2 weeks.  I can't even believe it!  You sleep so great now!  At least 4 or 5 hours at a time during the night.  During the day is another story...but if you want to eat every 45 minutes you better believe I am going to feed you every 45 minutes - you're my last baby.  I do, however, feel bad when you spit up...but we'll work on a schedule in a month or so.  I just couldn't ask for a more peaceful, precious little boy.  You're also staying awake for longer periods of time and will look us in the eye, it's so sweet!  You HATE me giving you a sponge bath so I can't imagine how you'll act when it's time for a real bath, but who knows, you may change your mind by then.  I took you to your 2 week check up and you are doing great! You have gained a pound and grown an inch. We are afraid you have acid reflux because of some of the swallowing noises you make after you eat. But time will tell more about that. I love you more than words!

Bryce was in my cousin Cody's wedding this weekend and here are some cute pictures from the rehearsal and the dinner.

Bryce, you did great the day of the wedding.  You ran down the isle instead of walking down and came to sit with us almost immediately after you got to the stage.  You looked adorable in your tuxedo and were just the most handsome little fellow I've ever seen! - even with a boo-boo on your cheek!

Brennon, we had to take you to the doctor this week because Daddy and I had decided that you have acid reflux because of the noises you make after you eat.  You had also started gagging during naps and the middle of the night and it seemed as if you were choking on something.  So we went to see Dr. Porter and she said that because you don't spit up all  the time and aren't a fussy baby that she wasn't sure if it was acid reflux.  So she sent us over to the hospital to have an upper GI done to see if you were having reflux.  It wasn't traumatizing to you at all.  You were hungry so you drank what they wanted you to and just laid there like a sweet little boy.  And there's something to be said about motherly instinct because you in fact do have acid reflux and are now on prevacid and seem to not be refluxing as much.  I'm so glad that we caught it early before it became too painful for you.  I love you and am glad that you will be more comfortable from here on out!

Bryce and Abby at Swim Lessons

Brennon has become so curious about colors and sounds.  He will look around all wide eyed (sometimes cross-eyed) when he hears a noise or sees something moving close to him.  Bryce loves for him to lay under his little play gym and push the buttons to make the animals move and the music play.  Bryce loves any kind of toy or playground. We've been frequenting the play area in the mall because it's too hot outside for Brennon. I had to share pictures.
- The last picture is of Brennon with Aunt Mae after church last Sunday. The sweetest woman ever! She has been such a large part of our church since I was a little girl. This is such a special picture.

We had a great fourth this year!  July 4th is Papa and Uncle Dewight's birthday and they had a big party at Papa's barn in Daisy, AR.  We had such a good time seeing family and friends!  We also went to our cabin at Albert Pike with my side of the family on the 3rd.  We just had a great holiday all the way around!

Bryce has started wanting to take pictures...I think he's doing a pretty good job!  I thought I would post some of the pictures he took.

Brennon, you are growing so fast these days!  I had to take some pictures of you so that I can capture how cute you are right now because I know you'll change in only a matter of days!  I just can't get enough of your little chubby self...you're so cute! - Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to use the red eye reduction setting on my camera so you have red eyes - sorry babe!

Mommy is a little camera happy these days.  Brennon, you are changing every week so I am keeping the camera close in order to capture it all!

Bryce, you had a good time fishing last weekend. Here are some fun pics!

I went out of town this past weekend for one night with the girls.  Brennon is nursing so of course he went with me and he was perfect!  I could not have asked for a better baby that's for sure.  We had a great time but I definately missed Bryce.  Bryce stayed here with Josh and they had boy time.  I only got one picture during the whole trip because I kind of got caught up in the fun and forgot!  I took a picture of Brennon's first time sleeping in a hotel bed.  And Josh took some pictures of what he and Bryce did...it looks like the chocolate covered donuts were really good! 

Here are just a few pictures of what we've been doing lately.  I put captions with them.

We went to Sam's birthday party today and Bryce had lots of fun.  Brennon was perfect as always! 

Our little boy has started smiling at us!  It is so sweet!!  I haven't been able to take a very good picture of it though.  He was smiling yesterday when we were getting ready to leave the house so I grabbed the camera but didn't really catch him in a full smile, but I caught a glimpse!

Brennon was dedicated this Sunday at church. I forgot to get someone to take pictures. I am so thankful that we live in a country where we can raise our children to believe in God and go to church. I look forward to what God has for Brennon and our family.

Bryce wanted me to take pictures of him and Brennon today.  So cute!

Brennon, you are 8 weeks old today.  I took some pictures of you.  They are like the ones that I took of Bryce when he was 3 months old.  You two don't really look a whole lot alike, but then you do at times.  I have to say that you are both just beautiful boys...I don't know if I'm just partial, but I can't believe how lucky we are to have two totally different looking, yet equally beautiful baby boys!  On another note, now that you are 8 weeks old, you can roll to your side, you have been doing this for a few weeks now.  You smile a little more everyday and have started cooing.  You eat every 2-3 hours, more often though it's every 2 hours.  You burp very well and spit up often - I carry a couple of extra outfits everywhere we go.  You are still taking prevacid for your acid reflux and are doing so much better, not choking near as much.  You honestly are one of the best babies I have ever been around.  You are awake for longer periods of time now, but sleep really well.  At night you usually have your last feeding somewhere between 7:30 and 8:30 and I put you in your crib (you just moved out of the bassinet and into your own room this week) and fall fast asleep.  Then you wake up anywhere between 1:30 and 3:30, eat, burp, change your diaper and I rock you back to sleep (really you're asleep long before I put you back into your bed but this is special time for mommy).  You don't wake up again until somewhere between 5:30 and 7:00.  Everynight is a little different for you but only waking up once in the actual "nighttime" is excellent in my eyes!  I love you very much and think you are just a precious, precious boy!

We went to the doctor last week for your 2 month checkup, Brennon.  You are so chubby that I never realized how long you are!  Your measurements are as follows:

Height:  24 1/2 inches - 95%

Weight:  13.2 pounds - 85%

Head:  15 3/4 inches - 50%

As a side note:  Bryce didn't even weigh 13 pounds at 3 months!  I love my little rolly polly! Oh - and you've been sleeping for longer periods of time every night...before long I am going to have a full night's sleep I just know it!!!

We went to a new store in our mall called Animaland the other day and Bryce wanted a duck.  It's kind of like Build-A-Bear, you pick your animal, then help stuff it, adopt it and give it a name.  You can also buy clothes for it.  Bryce picked a bright yellow duck and named it Baby Einstein.  He wouldn't really help stuff it but he wanted to stand nearby and watch. 

We had a church honey do shower for Doug and Jennifer who are getting married next month.  It was alot of fun!  Bryce is staying with Janice and Dewayne in Daisy, AR this weekend and so Josh and I (and Brennon) had a date on Friday night and stayed up late watching movies after we got home and went to the shower Saturday night.  Sunday morning we woke up at 10:00!  I haven't slept until 10:00 in 3 years - I'm not even joking!!  I haven't even slept until 8:00.  Needless to say we were late to church but we are use to Bryce waking us up at least by 7:00!  It was funny, I said that our human alarm clock wasn't here and we were lost!  I can't wait until he's home!!

Brennon is holding his head up so well now!  Bryce can't hardly stay away from him, it's hillarious, and so sweet!

Well Mr. Bryce, you are finally making big strides at potty training.  You are wearing "big boy undies" exclusively now.  You wear pull ups at nap time and at night.  You are doing great with just a few accidents here and there.  I have never really pushed the issue but knew you would catch on when you were ready.  We're proud of you, baby.  On another note, you are still in love with Brennon.  You want to kiss him and will race me to get to him if he is crying.  So sweet.

We all scream for ice cream!!!  One of Bryce's favorite things is ice cream.  So of course Daddy took him to get some good ole ice cream today.

If you didn't know me as a child, then you may not see the resemblence, but Brennon looks just like his mommy!  Bryce is such a mixture of Josh and I but it's ridiculous how much Brennon looks like my baby pictures.  Of course, like me he looks different in every picture I take of him!  His hair is lightening up and his smile is just too precious!  He sleeps all night without a peep and weighs between 14 and 15 pounds.  He still eats every 2 hours and when he's hungry EVERYONE knows it...it's seriously the only time we hear much out of him.  If you can't tell by the pictures he's a little chunk and I love, love, love his little rolly polly legs!  Such a sweetie!  Oh...and he says "goo" I mean, I know that that's what baby dolls say and babies on TV but I had never heard a "real" baby actually say "goo", it's too cute!  We love you so much Brennon!

Bryce loves his cousins Austin and Andrew! Unfortunately they don't live very close so we don't get to see them as often as we'd like.  This past Monday they came into town and met us at the mall (Bryce's favorite place to play) and the three of them played so well together.  I wish we were closer to them!  Then this weekend we went to Little Rock and had a great weekend.  Saturday we went to Jackson's birthday party at the Jump Zone, such a great party place.   He loved it and I loved getting to  see all the little cuties that we see on the blogs but again live too far away to see very often.  And Sunday we ate lunch with Brady, Danielle, Maggie, and Mimi and had lots of fun.  It's always so laid back with those guys we could be doing nothing and it's still fun! Good times.

I can't believe that Brennon is already 3 months old!  He is such a great baby and such a joy!  He is the easiest baby ever!  He still nurses every 2 hours but sleeps all night long (at least 11 hours) without waking up or a feeding.  He doesn't take very long naps during the day, just cat naps here and there. I have started trying to get him to take a nap during Bryce's nap in the afternoon but so far he just lays in his bed looking at the mobile and kicking!  He has really started to suck on his fingers and thumb, I of course take his hand out of his mouth and put in the passy but he quickly spits it out and puts his hand back in his mouth! He is wearing size 2 diapers and 6-9 month clothes, some 9 months! His beautiful hair is starting to fall out and my mom thinks it will come back blonde...we'll see. He can handle lots of loud noises and if sleeping can sleep through anything. He has started noticing the television when it is on and will focus on it for a little while. He recognizes people that are close to him like parents, Bryce, and grandparents. He smiles at the time. He has started to "look" like he's laughing but nothing is coming out...so cute! I could go on and on about how perfect he is, but I guess I'll give it a rest!!! I love you Brennon!

We went on our family vacation to Dallas this past week.  What a fun time we had.  A lot more active a vacation than our usual beach trip but just as enjoyable!  We had days packed with lots to do!  We went to the Fort Worth Zoo, The Dallas World Aquarium, The Magic Time Machine and lots of other fun places.  Not to mention that our hotel was fabulous!  Bryce was so excited about everything, especially all the elevators everywhere we went.  We rode a train at the zoo which now that we're home seems to be one of the highlights for him!  Brennon was excellent the entire trip except that he really doesn't do well in Dallas traffic.  He isn't too fond of the car seat.  Over all we had the best time on our first 4 person family vaca.  Brennon now has a bit of a stuffy nose, we're guessing due to the hotel air and Bryce fell at the zoo and skinned his face so badly (you can see it in some of the pictures) but those are the only two negatative things that happened during the trip.  Great times that we will never forget!

My sweet baby boy has had to go to the doctor for his first "sick" visit. I took him on Monday and she gave him some amoxicilin. He's just been congested and had a little runny nose. He hasn't been sleeping well at night and I feel so bad for him because I can tell he's having a hard time breathing! It really doesn't seem to bother him except at night. He's gradually getting better. Today I took some pictures of all of his cute little expressions! The one with his mouth open is blurry but I had to post it because that is what he does when you give him a kiss...it's like he's trying to kiss you back - so cute! On another note - he's rolling over now from his stomach to his back. This is a little early for Mommy, I think he should still be laying there lifeless! But I'm proud of him none the less! Oh - and he weighs 15.9 pounds. We'll see what all of his other stats are in a couple of weeks when he goes for his 4 month check up. I love my baby boy!

Bryce, I found you drawing on the chalk board at church yesterday and asked you what you were doing and you said..."I'm making a P" and seriously drew a capitol P.  I was so surprised!  You know so many more things than I ever imagined!  Your little mind is like a sponge and you alre constantly learning new things.  You can also draw the letter O.  I've got a book of letters and words they begin with that we look at all the time so there is no telling what other letters you can recognize.  I'm going to have to get a picture of what you draw and post it!  On a side note: you drew one P with your left hand and then one with your right. You do everything left handed but can also do most everything with your right hand too - I guess time will tell which one you will favor.

I just wanted to keep a record of what is going on with you right now, Brennon.  You are no longer taking the prevacid and no longer have acid reflux.  I am so happy about this, I don't like to have to give medicine to such a little guy!  Your congestion is much better but we have a few more days of the antibiotics.  And you are growing so rapidly that I put an outfit on you today that you wore 2 weeks ago when we were in Dallas and it would not button around your neck, you have already outgrown it!  Slow down buddy - you're growing too fast for Mommy! :)

Brennon, you were 4 months old yesterday...4 MONTHS OLD!  I can't believe it!!  It honestly seems like I was just posting your 3 month update.  My goodness does time fly!  I took you for your 4 month checkup at the doctor's office today and you did great until it was time for shots and you only cried for a minute.  You weigh 15.9 1/2 pounds - 50%, are 26 inches long - 80%, and I don't remember your head's numbers but it was in the 25%.  You are really fascinated by your feet right now.  You love your bumbo seat, I usually sit something in front of you while you're sitting in it (like the toy in the picture) and you'll sit and play for a long time.  You love Bryce and your daddy.  You smile all the time and laugh when I tickle your stomach and sides.  You are still exclusively breastfed without any baby food or rice cereal, but I think we're going to try rice cereal at night time pretty soon. You're such a joy!  We love you!

Bryce, you are Mr Inagination these days.  You play pretend all the time.  Most of the time you will tell me you are petting puppies (imaginary ones of course), but sometimes you'll tell me you are on your way to see friends or that you're at the farm with the animals.  It is so cute to watch you play.  You have such big opinions about what you should wear these days too!  The other day you dressed yourself and your Daddy took a picture, it was hillarious - you had on your heavy winter coat and what you call "cowboy" boots.  You are also getting really good at your picture taking skills.  These are some pictures I found on the camera after I caught you taking pictures this weekend.  You were obviously watching two of your favorite shows "Hannah Montana" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody".  Too funny!!!

Bryce really enjoys helping me cook (and clean) these days!  So yesterday we got really creative and used 4 different colored cookie doughs to make some fun cookies!  He did such a great job!  (Mommy helped of course)  He decided what he wanted to make and what colors we should use where!  He's also helped me make  regular everyday meals.  This week included tacos, pizza, and sandwiches (not quite gourmet but what do you expect?!)  He loves putting grated cheese on things...and eating a little as we go!  It takes a lot longer to cook with his help and the cleaning has to go far beyond the normal areas but it's worth it!
P.S. And yes, the baking sheets have had lots of use, but don't you know that the food tastes better when they're worn in! ;)

Brennon's new trick is taking out the passy and putting it back in his mouth!

Saturday we went to the local pumpkin patch.  Bryce had a blast and Brennon just strolled along in the stroller like such a champ!  There were blowup jumpotrons, a petting zoo, face painting, and pony rides.  Such fun!

Brennon, you have been sick since we got back from Dallas!  That was like 6 weeks ago!  First you had a cold, then an ear infection, then congestion, and now you're wheezing!  I am one of those people that doesn't even think that people really need tylenol.  I am very against most medicines but I also know that it is necessary to medicate certain illnesses so that they don't get worse!  So, to my dismay you have been on a round of amoxicilin and cefzil (both antibiotics), inhaled pulmicort (a steroid), inhaled Albuterol, and are currently on another round of the inhaled Albuterol.  All of these medicines over a 6 week period.  Is this crazy to anyone but me?!!  They've done 2 chest x-rays to rule out pneumonia and it is apparently a upper respiratory virus.  I am praying that this will be your last round of meds for a very long time.  You have had no fever and seem to feel fine (except when it's 4:00 in the morning and you want me to hold you - of course you sleep like a log but mommy can't sleep sitting up!)  You don't look ill but I hate that at such a young age you've already been on so many meds!  The doctor did assure me however that you will be much stronger for it in the future! She just thinks that big brother keeps bringing things home from school that he's immune to but it affects you!  So, I just ask that everyone pray with me for a speedy and COMPLETE recovery!!

Well, last night we went out for our first night without either of the children!  They stayed with my Aunt Karen and Uncle Larry.  They did great until the end of the night but that was no problem because we were only 3 minutes away!  Right down the road is a safe way to go out!  It was a fun time but I was thinking about my little muffins the whole time!  I'm going to cut the cord one day!  I promise Josh!
On another note - Brennon is all better and feeling great! The only problem is that he is now waking up 1 or 2 times a night. We'll cross our fingers that that will change soon!

Bryce, Halloween was so much fun with you this year!  You picked out your costume a long time ago when we were in Dallas and have been so excited about it every since.  You were a pirate which looked so adorable on the manequin in the store but when you actually put it on it looked more like a skeleton costume than a pirate!  But that's ok, you were still really cute!  You had a blast at your school party where they had games set up for you guys, then went inside for goodies.  Then that evening we went to the trunk or treat at your day school.  They had cars and games set up in the parking lot with candy and a big jumpotron.  Of course you loved that!  It was just a treat to watch you enjoy Halloween!  Love you!

Well Bryce, we had your 3rd birthday party this Saturday.  I can't believe that you are going to be 3 in a few days!  But I have to admit I love this age!  We went with a bug theme for your party and you loved it!  I decorated the tables outside while you were taking a nap and when you came outside after your nap you said "Oh Mommy!  This is so pretty!  Who did this?"  and I told you that I did and you said "Good job Mama!"  You were so cute the whole day.  You were so excited about your party and kept saying that all your friends were coming.  And when the party started and you got to play with your little buddies you were so thrilled!!!  You got so many presents and loved your cake!  You wanted a cookie cake from the American Cookie Factory in the mall!  So that's what you got!  I also made you a dirt cake (oreos, choc pudding and cool whip with gummy worms all in a bucket and served with a shovel) and bug juice (I put plastic bugs in the ice tray and froze them in ice cubes and put them in the cups with kool aid).  You had a blast.  Everyone got little bug catchers with tweezers, a jar, and magnifying glass to take home with them.  Austin and Andrew let us borrow their blow up jumpotron and everyone enjoyed that.  You couldn't have been happier with your 3rd birthday party, and me either!  I loved it!  We'll go to the doc next week for your 3 year check up and I'll post all your stats then!  Love you! - Oh yeah, and you put stickers all over your shirt for your party, and of course we don't stifle your creativity! ;)

Brennon, you are such a big eater!!  For a couple of weeks now I could tell that you weren't satisfied with just breastfeeding anymore and I decided that you needed a little something else!  So I started out giving you rice cereal.  This helps some, but you were still acting hungry between feedings.  So now you are eating pears, prunes and cereal.  You have had a bit of a "going" problem so I'm hoping the prunes will help.  I'll add more of a variety of fruits in another week or so.  You're such a big boy and have such a big appetite that last night you ate 3 bowls of rice cereal...THREE!!!  You are still nursing every 2 to 4 hours...just depends on the day.  I think you enjoy food as much as your daddy and me...now if we can only get Bryce to want something other than junk food!!!

Bryce had his Thanksgiving program at school where some of the classes were Indians and some were pilgrams.  Bryce was obviously an indian.  They sang a few songs and then had a Thanksgiving feast.  Brennon enjoyed all the action too! 

We had so much to be thankful this year during the Thanksgiving holiday.  We went to the Howard family get together on Thursday.  Then Saturday we went to Daisy, AR for the Mack Thanksgiving and back to Atlanta on Sunday to celebrate with the Milams.  Everywhere we went the food was great and it was so good to get to see everyone!  Brennon was a trooper through all of the traveling.  I'm so thankful for my wonderful family! ~ Unfortunately, I only took pictures at the Mack Thanksgiving, sorry to all of the fmaily memebers at the other get togethers, I just simply forgot!!

Brennon, you are growing so fast I just can't stand it!!  You are already sitting on your own with no help!  It's just not time yet, right?!  Why are you sitting up?  Don't you need mommy to help you still?  But I do have to say that you are very dependant on me, more so than your brother that's for sure!  You have started to cry when I leave the room and sometimes even when I'm in the room with you but just doing something else, you still cry and look at me like, EXCUSE ME!  You're not sleeping well at night unless your Daddy's not here with us and I put you in bed with me!  You don't nurse during the night you just wake up and want to be held, I guess when we move we will have to let you cry it out!  You don't really have any interest in watching Baby Einstein movies like your brother did, or anything on tv  for that matter.  You like toys and play with your passy more than it's in your mouth.  The last picture is one I took when you went to the shop with me one day.  You go with me to work now (I work 2 days a week).  We tried mother's day out but you didn't do well switching from breast to bottle for those couple of feedings so I just decided that you could be a salon baby and I stop and feed you when you're hungry!  That day you were so sleepy but wanted to see everything and not go to sleep, but in just a few minutes you had fallen asleep in your bumbo!  So funny I had to take a picture!!!  I love you my baby boy!

The picture of you in the brown plaid is from Bryce's birthday party a few weeks ago (Nov. 3) when you first started trying to sit up alone.  The red outfit was the other day while you were playing in the floor.

So we have gotten settled in and finally gotten things back to normal...well a little more normal anyway.  For those of you who don't know- we have moved to Conway, AR.  Josh and I both went to college here and knew we would like the town so when a job opening came up we couldn't pass it up.  We put our house on the market, sold it, closed on it, and moved all in about a month and a half so it has been crazy! We had a great Christmas and New Year's eve.  I will post a few pictres as soon as I can.  The battery on my camera is dead because I have misplaced the charger in the move.  Who knows where it is.  It was very stressful trying to move during the holidays...well, moving period is just a big mess!  I didn't know we had so much junk!!!!  We gave away a ton of toys and clothes and I think we had like 20 trash bags out for the garbage truck!  We are renting a great house until we figure out exactly where we want to be.  Bryce and Brennon have adjusted beautifully.  I am working on finding somewhere for Bryce to go to preschool because he is really asking about his friends.  So we will start the search tomorrow.  I haven't decided if I am going to work or not.  I really enjoy working but only would like to work maybe 2 days a week like I have been so the right shop will have to come along. 

Well - it is the end of January and I am just now posting pictures of Christmas 2007.  We had a perfect Christmas if you don't count all of the moving and the mess!  But this was the most fun Christmas because of Bryce's age!  He loved every second of it!  He still sometimes asks me where Santa is!  He got so many fun things for Christmas - Santa brought him a bean bag with his name on it, a Smart cycle (which he is obsessed with by the way!) , a hop frog, and of course what he asked for - a train, a car, and a red yoyo!  He got tons of other things from Santa and all of our family.  Brennon got lots of little play things too!  His favorite is a little leap frog toy has a steering wheel and lots of lights and NOISES!  We all had a great Christmas full of family, fun and food!  And lots of joy and love! 

Abigail had her 3rd birthday party this past weekend and it was the first time that I've taken pictures in a month.  I had been so busy between trying to find Bryce a school and get the house in order that I never got around to getting new batteries for my camera until last week.  So here are some of the first pictures that I've taken in forever!!!  Abigail had the most precious party with no theme but lots of bright colors and stripes, polka dots, and other adorable shapes!  Brianne did a great job!!!  And the cake was SO cute - I hate that I didn't get a good picture of it! 

Well Mr. Brennon, you and I have had some big changes in the last few days.  It all started about a month ago when I could do nothing but hold you.  You have become so dependent on me that it has not been good for anyone in our little four party family.  I could not do anything without you, you didn't want your Daddy to hold you, and I felt as if I was neglecting Bryce because I had to hold you so much.  I did however, get pretty good at doing things with only one hand (literally, dishes, laundry, cooking, going to the bathroom).  It just all became a little too much for me to handle.  So last week we both got sick and I was up with you all night because the only thing that you like if you don't feel good is to nurse.  Some nights you would want to nurse up to 8-10 times in one night. So as soon as you got on medicine and started feeling better I decided it was time to switch to formula.  You have adjusted beautifully, my body on the other hand is not yet adjusted, but this too shall pass. I love you very much and want you to be a well rounded and well adjusted child with no anxiety or seperation issues. Hopefully this will be better for my baby boy!
The top pictures are of bath tme, which you love! You will chase all the bath toys around the tub. So cute! The bottom two are pictures of what you have been doing when I put you down because I need to, you know - take a shower, or get dressed, or fix Bryce a snack. Let's pray this will get better soon!

We went to the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock today.  The both of you loved it!  I surprised but Brennon had plenty of things to do and tons of things that were age appropriate to play with.  I love watching you guys grow and learn!  I love you!

Bryce is settling in nicely.  He hasn't skipped a beat and still loves doing all of his usual things.  These pictures are of him dancing around the house, watching movies, and of course making cookies!

Brennon, you turned 8 months old this past Friday and I thought it was time to update everyone on what your up to.  You weigh between 18 1/2 and 19 pounds.  You wear size 3 diapers during the day and size 4 at night.  You were wetting through the size 3s at night since you are sleeping all night now!  Yippeee!!! You take 8 - 10 ounces of formula 4-6 times a day with rice cereal in at least 2 bottles. You eat baby food 3 times a day and there's nothing that we have found that you don't like. You are dying to eat our table food and literally lick your lips and watch the whole time while we are eating. Y  You are still not crawling or scooting - you're completely uninterested.  You can roll over but don't do it much - only when you're in a bind and want to move out of your position quickly!  You can pull up to your knees and like to do this during the day when I put you in your crib for a nap and you don't want to be in there!  You take a long nap in the morning and another long nap in the afternoon and still take a few cat naps in the car.  You can say "dada" and "bubba" of course not as names, but as sounds.  It's still cute.  You don't say Mama unfortunely - but it won't be long as much as I whisper it in your ear!!  You are the mostly cuddly, loving, sweet baby ever!  You just love to be hugged and will squeeze around my neck and shoulders if I hug you close!  You still like me to hold you alot and would be happy if you were in my lap all day!  I love you so very much!  I hope I never forget the simple things that you are doing today!

We were very busy this weekend and it all began on Friday night.  We had dinner with the Hicks family, and both of the Davis families.  It was alot of fun.  The dinner went so smoothly, we had 6 kids and nothing went wrong!  I was pretty impressed!  Then we went over to Brady and Danielle's house and had a good time.  Bryce and Mimi danced around!!  It was so cute how she looked at him!  I loved seeing everyone and all of your beautiful children.  I'm just crossing my fingers that Jeff and Lili will have another baby and have a boy!  Our boys are the only boys and will really be outnumbered when the other two girls arrive! (two of the moms are pregnant - yes, with girls!) 

Our first birthday party this weekend was on Saturday.  It was your cousin Lacey's 2nd birthday!  She is so cute!  And so tall!  She has grown so much since we last saw her.  Her party was here in Conway at Playworld.  They have more family that live in the area so they came here for a party.  We all had such a good time!  It was great to see everyone, wish we could spend time with them more often.  Happy Birthday Lacey!

Mimi had her 2nd birthday party on Saturday at Larry's Pizza in Little Rock. I didn't really get to take too many pictures at Mimi's party.  I was too busy catching up with everyone!  It was a fun, laid back party.  Of course with Danielle as the hostess it always is.    And as a side note - Brennon loved the cake! ;)

Bryce loves taking a bath in "my" bathtub.  (yes, mommy needs her own tub for tub time!)  We put soap in it and then turn on the jets and he loves it!  The other night I let him play in there for a little while with the jets on and I walked away.  I heard him saying very calmly, "Mommy!  Mommy!"  I went in there and there were bubbles everywhere!  It was so funny!  So I turned off the jets and ran to get the camera, which of course was in the car so by the time I got back the bubbles weren't near as out of control as they once were but I still took pictures because it was too cute!

I took Brennon to the doctor today because he has had a runny nose for a few days and I just wanted to make sure it hadn't turned into an ear infection.  It hadn't thankfully and she didn't even put him on any meds because it was just the crud that everybody else has right now.  Anyway, the reason I had to post this is because my baby boy weighed 19 pounds 10 ounces today.  That is crazy!!!  Bryce only weighed 20 1/2 pounds at a year. I know that Bryce was always skinny, but Brennon is so big!  I love all the rolls and hope he stays this way for at least a little longer so Mommy can get in some good cuddling! - oh, and on a side note, he's still not interested in crawling or scooting. He just doesn't want any part of that.

We found the public library here in town and went for a visit today.  Bryce loved it!  He loved all of the books and there was a little area where they had hand puppets and a stage set up.  Bryce opened and looked at book after book.  Brennon liked looking at the books too but after he fumbled through them for a second he just wanted to put them in his mouth.  They have storytime a few days a week.  We'll try to make it to one of them next week.

Bryce started swimming lessons Tuesday and was so excited to go back tonight but before we could make it there we got a little sick.  First, Brennon was sick this morning.  He threw up three times, the last time was about 2:00 this afternoon and he's had 2 bottles since and been fine.  Thank God that it is obviously a short little virus.  And he never acted like he felt bad at all!  No fever or diarreah, nothing, just throw up.  But then it got passed to me of course, and I have only thrown up once as of now and I also feel fine, just threw up.  Very strange virus but it is hopefully over and Bryce and Daddy won't get it.  (I think Brennon got it from the gym last night because when I went to pick him up he had someone else's bottle in his mouth.  That's ok, I will be labeling everything from now on!  Lesson learned!)

My boys are the best!  Bryce and Brennon have been "playing" together lately.  Bryce of course choosing very carefully which toys Brennon can and should play with and Brennon just wanting to chew everything.  Today it rained all day and their play area was just a mess!  Oh well, they had fun!

We had about 3 - 3 1/2 inches of snow here today.  It was so beautiful this morning!  When we first woke up it was coming down and Bryce loved it!  Of course he had to go out and play but that didn't last long because his hands got cold!  Then after lunch, when it got a little warmer, we all went outside - Brennon included - and played for a while.  Daddy got to stay home today too because the roads were too bad and the court house was closed!  It was a great day!!

Brennon is such a great eater!  Lately I have been pureeing everything that we eat and feeding it to him.  Today Bryce ate Spaghetti and meatballs for lunch but he didn't like the meatballs so I blended the meatballs that Bryce didn't want and a little sauce and noodles and gave it to Brennon - he LOVED it!!!  He loves table food and for the most part will eat anything.  He really likes avacados, peaches, bananas, potatoes, and carrots.  I never thought I would be one of those people that makes their own baby food, but it is so easy with a child like Brennon b/c I pretty much just puree everything that we eat. 

We had such a good time Monday!  First that morning we went to the gym (you guys like to play there and Mommy likes to not feel lazy - so we go), then we went to story time at the library.  It was so cute.  There were songs and stories and lots of kids - what more could you ask for?!  Bryce loved it of course and Brennon even paid attention most of the time.  Then we went to eat Pizza at Cici's (they have a game room and Bryce always likes that).  Brennon liked the carrot sticks, of course he just chewed on them and didn't actually eat any of it and he LOVED the pizza.  I just let him taste it and then took it away b/c I was afraid he was going to bite off a peice and he did not like that!!!  I had to take a picture of his reactions to the pizza, happy then very very mad - so funny!  After all the excitement we were back home by 1:30 or so and they were both out for a nap.  It was a great day!

My baby is 9 months old?!?  Are you kidding me?!  It just doesn't seem possible!  You, Mr. Brennon, are such a cutie pie!!!  I love watching you explore and learn.  You are a completely different baby than your brother was so it always makes things interesting for me and your daddy!  We don't go to the doctor for your well checkup until Thursday so I'll post the stats then, but for now I wanted to document some of the things that I don't want to forget!

Food:  You are eating almost everything now (that I can puree!).  I do cut up small peices of banana and peaches for you but that's about the only chewing I'm comfortable with!  You have tried chicken and beef and will eat them both.  You even like foods with rich flavor and pepper.  This makes it very easy on me!  You drink anywhere from 8-10 ounces of formula 4-6 times a day. 

Sleeping:  You were sleeping through the night until the last couple of nights but we're hoping that's going to go back to normal in just a few more days! (I think it's b/c of your teeth)

Teeth:  You have 1 tooth and are starting to get another.

Medicines:  You are on a steroid inhaler everyday for now.  You still wheez alot and sometimes have to have albuterol.

Movement:  You do not crawl but love to stand while holding onto something and walk with assistance.  You can move from sitting to your stomach and back to sitting. You do this for reaching your toys and never stay on your stomach for long at all - you actually HATE being on your stomach.

Communication:  You say Mama, Dada, and Bubu (sometimes for Bryce sometimes for bottle).  You really only say Mama when you want something or are mad - typical, huh?!  You have started shaking your head "no" when I try to give you something that you don't want and it is so cute!  You make lots of the usual baby noises too, you know, just jibberish.

Other:  You always want food whenever you see it!  It's hillarious, you're already like your mama.  If we've got anything - even gum, you want some and you move your little hands and grunt and lick your lips, it's so funny!

Basically, you're perfect and we love so so much!

It was so pretty here today.  The perfect weather.  Mid 60's a light breeze, just great! Oh! And we found a new park that we definately have to frequent.

I have bought a new laptop and it should be here in a few days. Brooke will be updating you on everything then. Thanks.

Well...as josh said, we just got a new  computer.  The problem is that now we are having a hard time connecting to the internet.  So I appologize for the lack of entries...I'm not too happy about it either.  this is the only way I scrapbook!  Keep checking.  I will have pictures and updates as soon as I can get connected!