Bradley's 6 months old!!

   Bradley turned 6 months old on March 14th. It really blows my mind that 6 months have already come and gone and we only have 6 more till our baby is one!! Why must it go so fast?!?! We had his 6 mo check up on the 14th as well. He is now 27 inches long (69th percentile) which is that exact same as Carson at that age, 15lbs 8 oz (14th percentile) which is skinner than Carson at 6 mo., and 43 in. head circumference (above average) which is also the exact same as Carson's at 6 mo. The doctor says he looks great and showed us his two bottom teeth that are trying to make their appearance. He sits up on his own now and recently has been trying to pull up on somethings, he even tries reaching for things in a beginning crawl stance, and has begun eating baby oatmeal, veggies, and fruits everyday! He is a very smiley baby, loves watching brother, playing along side brother, being held, yelling and chatting, and toys that make sound.  

 Bradley at 6 months (please excuse the snowmen pjs in March)

   Carson at 6 months

Carson continues to amaze us with his large vocabulary and knowledge and recently has become a big sports fan. Kyle took him to his first Thunder game a month ago and now he is hooked! The other night he told me he couldn't take a bath because "I gotta watch the Thunder with Daddy!" He is now asking to go to all sporting events and when its warm out his wants his t-ball set, basketball goal, and golf set out! Needless to say Daddy's excited! He is also becoming more and more of a big brother with Bradley. He wants to help him do everything!! 

I'm on Spring Break this week so the boys and I are enjoying our life of leisure with playing, picnics, zoo trips, and napping!!

Carson's 1st Thunder game!

 

Happy Spring!

Bradleys 5 months & Carsons potty trained!!

So our family was finally getting back to normal and then sickness got us again! A couple weeks after RSV and ear infections, Kyle came down with strep throat. Then the stomach bug hit the entire family! Needless to say we are all over this winter season and getting sick! 

However, through out our sickness our boys continued to grow and change! Bradley turned 5 months on Valentine's Day. This past month he started trying out cereal and is now eating it twice a day. He loves watching brother, playing with his toes, and bouncing. He rolls everywhere!! If he sees something he wants he'll roll to get it. We were sure hoping he'd follow Carson's development pattern and become mobile later. If you leave him on the floor don't walk too far because he will not be in the same spot when you return.When feeling well, which has been rare the last two months, he is such a smiley and content baby.

Carson has now been wearing his underwear and potty trained for almost a month. We've been working on this for some time now but weren't really getting anywhere. Then one day he woke up saying he needs his underwear and hasn't looked back since! We of course are still working on a couple things, public, nap, and night time, etc. but he is doing great and we are so proud of him!! 

Due to the cold weather and sicknesses it was a pretty uneventful month but our family is looking forward to the warmer weather and all the fun Spring has in store now!

Bradley's first taste of cereal

Bradley at 5 months and our two sweet Valentines!

Kyles the Big 3-0 & Bradley's the big 4 months!!

Kyle turned 30 on January 12th! On the 11th we had our friends over for a beer tasting party. We had such a good time looking at old pics of Kyle and celebrating his 30 years. Such a wonderful time that I forgot to take any pictures of the friends that came and all the decorations :( I am so disappointed in myself. But I know Kyle had a great time so I guess that memory is all I was really shooting for! Thanks to all who came!! On his actual birthday we spent the day relaxing and that evening the boys and I took him out to eat at Ted's. Its hard to believe we've spent 11 birthdays together, I still feel we are 23, lol! I can't wait to spend all the rest with you either babe!

Our house has been quite the roller coaster ride here lately. Starting Christmas Eve and lasting about week, the boys got really bad head colds. Luckily they pasted before I had to return to school. However, the Friday before I was returning to work I came down with strep throat. Thankfully that pasted in time for me to head to work Monday. Unfortunately then I felt like I was treading water all week to keep up with school and home work from being down a whole weekend. Moms truly weren't meant to EVER be sick!! Then on the 11th poor Bradley started to show signs of coming down with something. By Monday morning we knew it had to be something pretty serious because it was getting worse. Kyle stayed home with him that day. When he dropped Carson off at school that morning Bradley's teacher stopped Kyle and told him a child in our class had RSV. That made us a little worried. By the time I returned home from work we realized he was really struggling to breath. We called the doc and the nurse listened to Bradley over the phone and determined we should go straight to the ER since he was breathing to hard and fast. So Monday we spent the evening mostly waiting in OU Children's ER waiting room. They did confirm he had RSV, and thankfully he was able to obtain anywhere between 90-100% oxygen while we were there so we were able to go home. They did also warn us that we probably hadn't hit the worse of it yet so to come back if his symptoms got worse. They were right, we hadn't seen the worse of it! Tuesday Bradley turned 4 months and we already had his wellness visit schedule for that day which was perfect because the ER wanted to have a follow up visit with either them or our regular pediatrician. While at the doc we learned the RSV had caused Bradley's first ear infection as well. So we had one sick little man and it was a rough week for everyone involved. As of today Bradley seems a lot better. His breathing sounds a lot better, he is coughing less, and is more playful. The sickness really took a toll on his eating and sleeping. He was eating around 30 oz before he was sick and was only waking once during the night if his paci was lost. Now we are lucky if he will eat 3 oz at sitting and he is waking to eat every 2 hours. And to top it all off Carson has now gotten a stuffy nose and cough! Needless to say we are all very exhausted and are praying he will bounce back any day now.

 Bradley 4 months old (taken on 1/19/14)

Above: Carson 4 months old. I think they look a lot alike! 

   At 4 months Bradley weighs 13 lbs 14 oz (17% for his age/weight/height) and is 26 inches tall ( 85%). He is tall for his age group and is skinny for his age and height. Since our doctors first visit with Bradley he he has been telling us how tall Bradley is and how he is sure he'll be bigger than Carson. This visit he predicts Bradley will eventually even be taller than Kyle! I can imagine having children the same size of my hubby but I never could have imagined them being any taller since I'm short. Can't wait to see if the doctor is right! Currently Bradley loves talking. I think its to keep up with Carson's chatty personality. He loves to play with Kyle, Carson, and myself. He especially loves to watch what Carson is doing. He grabs for things, giggles, loves to be held to sit up or stand, and hates tummy time! He did roll over two times on Christmas (from tummy to back) but hasn't done that since. We got the ok from the doctor to begin the journey of cereal and baby food when we are ready. I can't believe we can start that already, please time slow down!         
Carson is still in love with brother and keeps talking about the things "they'll probably play" when he is bigger. Carson loves school, friends, books, trains and all modes of transportation, Disney Jr., peanut butter and jelly, and doing everything by himself! He is such a smart and sassy 2 year old. I can already envision what our parent teacher conferences will be like with his future teachers :/ He keeps it very fun and interesting around our house!!       

I hope you'll continue to pray with us for our sweet boys to regain full health and mommy and daddy to regain their sanity.          

3 months old

   This post is a little late, but with family in town and all the holidays it was a challenge to blog. Since my last post I have returned to work, celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my birthday, and Bradley has turned three months old. That is a lot for one month!!
   I went back to work on November 18th. That Monday was pretty rough and long!! There were tears shed in the morning, of course by me and not any of the boys, but once my sweet little 2nd graders walked in and showered me with hugs and I missed yous it made my little heart feel a little better. A student's parent even sent flowers to my classroom to help brighten my day! Bradley of course had a great first day. Kyle was a sweet hubby and even called to check on Bradley mid day for me to insure everything was going well.
   Since going back to work our school has had a week off for Thanksgiving, three days off for snow, and now two weeks off for Winter break. So our little family hasn't really been able to establish a great weekly routine. I am not complaining one bit about the extra snuggles and family time I have gotten. But if you know me well you know I thrive on a good routine!!
   Over Thanksgiving break Kyle's parents flew in to meet our newest addition and to spend Thanksgiving with us. While they were here we got the chance to take Carson to the Science Museum for the first time. He really loved the big tree house area, the train exhibit, and the children's area. We also went downtown to look at the Christmas tree and all the beautiful lights. Also over the break my brother, sister in law, and nephew moved back to Oklahoma. Devan took a position with the ROTC at OU teaching a class. We are so excited to have them back and to get a chance to make some cousin memories with the boys. Unfortunately, sickness feel over everyone on Thanksgiving and the rest of the weekend so we didn't get to do much of anything else. But we enjoyed his parents visit and Bradley's first holiday with us!

 Playing at the museum

 My first Turkey

 Thanksgiving 2013

  Kyle's Mom and Dad at Thanksgiving dinner

 After Thanksgiving break a big snow storm hit Oklahoma. Carson loved all the snow and getting to play in it. Kyle and Carson built their first snowman together. And every day after Carson insisted on checking on him! It was a sad day when he began to melt :(

   Kyle and I were given tickets to the Bedlam game, which was in the middle of the below freezing temps and snow. But we went anyways!! I don't have any pictures to show of it but we had a good time for as long as we lasted! And I like to think the only reason we pulled off a victory was because we attended the unbelievably cold game!!
   We visited Santa again at Bass Pro Shop for the third year. This year was very exciting since Carson had a better understanding of what the whole Santa thing is all about. So he took telling him his wish list very seriously. However, I guess Kyle and I didn't explain WHEN he would actually get the presents very well. As we were walking away from Santa and getting our picture Carson burst into tears. Once we were able to calm our upset and napless two year old down a little, we discovered that he thought once he asked Santa for the gifts he would receive them right then and there!! I felt terrible for him, he was soo upset and confused. We rediscussed when he gets his presents, had a nap, and perhaps a little I'm sorry gift was involved, and he was good as new and excited for Santa to come to our house again!  We of course also did a lot of talking this season about what the true reason for the season is and celebrating Jesus's birthday was something he looked forward too. The entire candle lighting service at church he kept asking Kyle and I when we were going to have the cake since we were there celebrating Jesus's birthday, lol! So as you can see our little man takes everything very literally and this month has really taught Kyle and I a lesson on how to explain things to him!

 Carson, Bradley, and Cousin Aidan

   Bradley and Carson (Carson wouldn't stop waving at the man taking the pic)

On December 14th our little Bradley turned three months old!! I can't believe it (I'll probably say that every month.) This month he has been smiling like crazy, giggling when tickled (he is very ticklish), he rolled over on Christmas Day, and is staying awake longer during the day. He enjoys listening to everyone talk, being held, any toy or chair that vibrates, standing up, his elephant toy, and being swaddled. He no longer needs a feeding in the middle of the night and only occasionally wakes for a paci!!  On Christmas eve I had to take him in to the doctor because he was unable to sleep due to a bad head cold. We were afraid it was something worse that is why we visited with the doc. Thankfully it wasn't and we just needed to give him some extra snuggles, saline, and Tylenol to help him get over the it! While at the appointment they took his weight and he is now 13lbs.

 One month

 

Two months

Three months

   Unfortunately that same nasty head cold hit Carson Christmas morning. He woke crying and with a fever so the excitement of Santa leaving him gifts wasn't as mommy and daddy had hoped :( Carson wanted more trains, train tracks, race cars, and Thomas the Train books for Christmas. Santa, mommy and daddy granted those wishes so in spite of the cold we did have a very thankful and happy 2 1/2 year old most of the time!

   It was a very busy and fun month for our little family of four. However, having these boys makes the holidays and all of our celebrations twice as much fun and even more worth it!
  

Bradley's 2 months old

 September 14, 2013

 

October 14, 2013

 

November 14, 2013

Bradley turned 2 months old this past week, and I am yet again amazed at how fast these little boys grow!! He turned two months old on Thursday and we had his wellness doctor visit on Friday. He now weighs 11 lbs 12 oz which is the 35th percentile, is 23.5 inches which is the 72nd percentile, and his head is 39.8 which is the 70th percentile. The doctor says he looks great! This past month he has started smiling, "talking", occasionally giggles, bats at objects and has really good head control! He enjoys being held, talked to, swaddled, being in anything that moves or vibrates, and bath time. He is sleeping pretty good during the day and only wakes once during the night. So I feel we are pretty lucky! 

Friday marked my last day of maternity leave :( I really thought it'd be a little easier since I had done this once before but having to let others care for your little tiny one is not easy! I am praying that the next week flies by and that we all have a wonderful week of transition! I am however excited to see my 22 little friends. I have worried about them for the past 9 weeks, and am ready to be with them and insure that they also have a wonderful 2nd grade experience while they are away from their moms and dads all day! Bradley, and occasionally Carson, and I all had a great time on my leave. It was filled with fun days of leisure, visiting friends, and fun outings. It already makes me excited for summer vacation and all the fun me and the boys will have! 

Since the last post Carson had his fist neighborhood trick or treating experience. He seemed to have a really good time once he figured out the more houses he went to the more candy he received. Towards the middle of October my sister and I took Carson to look at Halloween costumes. Once he spotted the Thomas the Train costume he was done! Currently he LOVES trains. I may be biased but I thought he wore it well! The picture on the left is Carson getting ready to go to his "school" (daycare) for the Halloween party. He was soo excited all week waiting for that party.

 Our little pumpkin on his first Halloween.

 Though I am sad to be off leave, I am looking forward to getting into a routine and having a great rest of the school year. And our little family is excited for the holidays and all the exciting upcoming events! 

Bradley's 1 month old!!

 

Sept. 14, 2013

Oct. 13, 2013

Our little man has been with us for 1 month, and I really can't believe its already October!

 Bradley is staying awake a little more during the day and is enjoying hanging out in his vibrating bouncer chair, tummy time, being held, and swaddled. He is getting really good at holding his head up for small periods of time and has started doing a little "talking." Each week he gets better and better at taking naps and sleeping through the night, so I'm hopefully we will get a goods nights rest sooner rather than later :) We've also started venturing out together and besides hating the car seat or when the car stops he is a pretty good companion. He even made his first trip to the OKC Zoo this past month. We went with big brother and our fun friends, the Kochenowers, and we all survived and had a good time! We also took the boys and my mom to Chester's Pumpkin Patch this past month. Carson really enjoyed running around, seeing the animals, and picking pumpkins, Bradley was just happy to be fed and burped by Grandma. 

 Pumpkin Patch 10-12-13

Carson seems to still really enjoy and love Bradley. He loves to help, even when help isn't needed ;) Last night we were coming home from a friends house and Bradley just wasn't enjoying the ride and Carson sat through the whole crying spell holding Bradleys hand telling him it was ok. And all the while Carson is smiling and dancing to the music, just enjoying the moment. It made my mommy heart so full! I pray they continue to grow to love and enjoy each other like that always.

We are also working hard with Carson on using the potty. We had one successful moment and since then no others, but we are determined to help him figure it out. He does however love underwear and getting to wear those around, so I think that's a step in the right direction.

So I guess we've had a pretty exciting month and we are looking forward to all the Fall festivities and holidays to come with our family of four!

Settling In

Bradley 1 week old

Carson 1 week old

Bradley 2 weeks old

 

 Bradley 3 weeks old

The first three weeks have really flown by, full of so many changes! Many have asked if it is harder or easier now with the second one. And honestly it is an entirely different ball game! Knowing what to expect with the hospital, bringing home a newborn, and the lack of sleep were a little easier to handle since we already knew how that went. But having a toddler to think about and entertain make it more of a challenge in many ways too! So I could get to know Bradley and his personality and to not rock Carson's world too much we have been keeping him on his daily daycare routine. His teachers tell me almost daily how he comes in talking about his new baby brother and how tiny he is. He really seems to enjoy the baby and getting to help and touch him whenever possible! However, the first week Carson was a bit of a hot mess. I was thinking it was a mix of the terrible twos and a new sibling, but we later found out he had a double ear infection! Since we've gotten that taken care of things have really changed and everyone seems a bit happier. It is the cutest thing to see Carson interact with "his baby."

Before we were discharged from the hospital our pediatrician came to check on Bradley and found that he has an asymmetric butt crease. Which sounds funny but actually can be a sign of a tethered spinal cord. The doctor assured us that Bradley was probably fine but if at the weight check in a couple of days the crease didn't seem to even out we'd have to have an ultrasound on his spine. Well at the weight check a few days after birth the crease had not evened out, so we were scheduled for an ultrasound. The percentage of newborns with some sort of birth mark near their lower back with a tethered spine is about 5 %, but to air on the safe side the doctor ordered the ultrasound. On Thursday, October 3rd we went to Children's Hospital to have Bradley's ultrasound. The tech thought things looked fine, but we'd have to wait for the doc to confirm that. Friday morning we heard everything was normal! Thank you Lord!! 

Bradley stats at his 2 week check: Length 20 3/4 inches / 50% compared to others, Weight 7lbs 15 oz (we have another big eater)/ 20% compared to others, and Head 35.3/ 20% compared to others. The doc thought he looked great!

Thanks to my dear friend Whitney, who set us up a meal train, we have been showered with many many meals and visitors. It has been so nice to see so many neighbors and friends and not have to worry about dinner! I'm not sure I'll remember how to make dinner for the boys once this month is over!