Bryce & Brennon

Brennon Joshua Allen arrived at 8:28 friday morning. He weighed 6 lbs and 13 oz. He was 20 inches long. His entry into the world was smooth and controlled. I will let brooke tell the story when she feels better. Here are some early pics of Brennon. We will have more soon. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts.

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.