Vlogging Again

Chatty Vlog-

I busted out my new phone and shot a little video while the kids were napping yesterday!  I ramble a bit, but I want to start vlogging more, for real!!  I was playing around with iMovie and I would really like to start making more videos, so that we can look back as a family and see what was going on.

Topics discussed in my random vlog-

• Life updates
• Halloween costumes
• Budget (saving $)
• My hair cut
• Staying positive with difficult situations

Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel, for more updates!

Stay beautiful xo

Bradley {7 months}

My dear, sweet, baby boy.  .  .

What can I say?? Your eyes have me, and Daddy and everyone else like--whoa.  I swear, everyone tells us how amazing your eyes are and I couldn't agree more!! Sister may have the baby blues, but boy, you have some dreamy eyes yourself!!

In typical mom fashion, I've misplaced my monthly stickers…so we haven't had any 5, 6, or 7 month sticker photos. OOPS.  I still love you more than anything Bradley, sorry!



Where do I begin?? You have never been very little, but you sure are growing like a crazy man!  You are busting out of 9 month onesies, and 12 month footed pjs are starting to become snug.  It's been so hot that you're usually in just a diaper and a bib.  We change bibs more than your diapers around here!



At your 6 month visit you were 20 lbs 6 oz {88%} and your length was 39 inches which is over 99%! You're a big boy I tell ya.  L-O-N-G legs and arms like Daddy.



You have ONE TOOTH!! Daddy noticed it when we went to visit him at work one day.  He was super proud that he saw it first.  It's a bit blurry, but there it is!! The first tooth.



You have the sweetest disposition and I know for sure are going to be such a kind and caring little boy. Both your Daddy and I have "seen" glimpses of what you're going to look like when you're a little older.  At not even a year old, we can see what you'll start to look like as a child and not as a baby.



You also have the biggest and happiest smile we ever did see!



Your chubby legs and cheeks are irresistible and I cannot tell you how many times I day I kiss them!  You love being held, rocked, played with, and just don't like being alone.  It makes for bedtime a little tricky, but I just don't mind rocking you to sleep…hopefully you'll go to sleep on your own again, but for now I don't mind one bit!! You sleep through most nights, but sometimes wake like this morning at 4am--you started whimpering, and once I got up you stopped and must've fallen back to sleep.


You love--

Food!  Watermelon in the mesh feeder is your jam right now.  Baby oatmeal makes you go "Yumm mum mum" along with all the foods…you didn't seem to love the cranberry too much, but I get that.  It's kind of a tart flavor!

Your sister.

Rocking back and forth trying so hard to crawl!

Your doorway jumper.

Walks.

Being outside in general.

Music.  You love to dance with us!

Everything goes in the mouth.  You love new toys; I have to keep rotating. You don't seem to have a favorite, so we just keep mixing them up throughout the day.

You are great in the car, as long as you're fed!!

I still play around with how much to feed you and when.  You'll guzzle 8 oz of formula but most likely spit up at least an ounce or more, so I've tried to do 4 or 6 and more frequently instead of every 4 hours.  Once these teeth of yours all come in,  I have no doubt you'll be housing more food than I can ever imagine! We hope less spit up comes with that as well.

You started sitting unassisted a few weeks ago, and you hold your own bottle.

 You love to move, move, move!!  You rock back and forth, but aren't crawling yet.

Silly little thing.  So close to the crawl!

What, ma? All the cool kids are crawling!!

Happy 7 months big bubs! 

Daily Routine:

6-7 wakeup

Bottle in bed with Daddy

Mesh feeder or

Fruit puree

Between 9-10 you fall asleep for about a half an hour.

another bottle

[Between 11-1 I will run any errands or appts]

veggie/fruit or cereal

It's my goal in life to get you and your sister to nap together, so around 1 is a good time to give you a bottle and you both sleep for about an hour (2 if I'm lucky!)

another bottle after nap 

From 3-5 we try to get outside or do something fun

--Play--

Dinner (usually veggies or mixed) 5-6

mesh feeder

Sometimes you seem still hungry so I give you more baby oatmeal

Bath time and then bed between 7-8

You will wake up sometimes, but for the most part you sleep! Thank you for that.  Thank you for teaching me patience and to continue to just do my best.  Perfection doesn't exist and being your mommy is making me grow in ways I never knew I could.  We love you so much Bradley bean!

"I Write, therefore I am"

I just needed to feel my fingers bang out some words on this here, old keyboard.  It has been far too long and I may not be able to "physically escape" my surroundings, as the kids nap, but I can at least escape with my mind!!

It is an absolutely gorgeous day here in the 585. I am hanging ever so tightly to these high 80 degree days as I know that the "S" word is right around the corner.  In fact, Fall is trying to make its entrance as I type because a mum is side eyeing me as I sit and type this!! Life is good around these parts.  Nothing terribly awesome or terrible happening.  We are BUSY in the season of baby and toddler--I won't go into too much detail but potty training is not easy folks, and well, baby brother is teething. So my lunch today revolves around a cup of vino and brownie.  Judge me, I dare!!  I keep taking deep breaths and reminding myself "it's only a season" but some of these seasons are far more challenging than others.

I get these grandeur ideas of what I want to accomplish in my 24 hours in a day and well, let's just say by the time I get Brookie into bed, I become a couch zombie and am lucky to have a halfway decent conversation with the hubs.  It's all good though, as I know that we'll get back into another routine (read solid naps/sleep) and then I'm sure something else will happen.  Because you see, when you have two littles, one won't really sleep well, unless the other is..um, asleep. Shocking?

Baby boy will be 7 months tomorrow and I am so behind on his updates, but I do hope to share all that he is up to.  He has a tooth.  ONE TOOTH already.  Gosh, I am really not ready for all this yet but at the same time, I am.

Holly spent the week at my sister's which was actually really nice.  I wasn't yelling at her to not lick the baby (or his spit up) and yes, I know that gross, which is why I yell!  Or worry about someone walking by and her barking/waking them up.

Today was a simple Sunday and yet special because Joe is OFF all day and we went out to breakfast. We NEVER go out to breakfast, mainly because I make really great meals and because who wants to get out of the house early? But we did and baby boy slept, so we ended up driving around and checking out our new land again.  Breakfast was amazing and I definitely will want to do that again.  The kids were pretty good considering their ages.

So, with a sliver of summer left, I am hoping to knock a few more things off my unofficial bucket list:

• Splash pad with the kids at least one more time
• S'mores in the backyard fire pit
• Beach
• Museum of play (because I bought the membership---I want to use it!)
• Grill on the charcoal
• Host a little party
• Just be outside as much as possible

For myself, personally, I need to get back into working out again. I did SO well before my birthday but I just can't find a rhythm.  I am actually feeling really great in my skin, eating mostly healthy but enjoying life and food because, summer.  I am SOOOO happy I have AdvoCare products to help me just enjoy small indulgences, and not ever feel super guilty about those choices.  Seriously, I think I am smaller now that I was in 2009 when we went to Vegas the first time (the photos popped up on my TimeHop) and back then I was most likely trying to "diet"….I guess that the 80/20 really does work and everything in moderation.  

And since it's summer, just say YES to wine.  I will love all that Fall will bring but for now, let the sun shine and the cold drinks pour!   {and then we can move to reds at a room temperature haha!}

I hope that if you are reading this, you are living in the moment, loving on yourself, and focusing on all that is good and well.  Life will never be perfect, but it's how we enjoy each moment that matters.

xo

Cheers!

4 Months {Bradley Joseph}

You guys…is this normal, to start feeling like maybe you want "Just one more" baby around 4 months of your current baby?! OY!  It's not like it's been easy, or perfect, or even like I know what I am doing 90% of the time.  I get frustrated, I tear up, I spend all day in my clothes from the night before…I drink caffeine like it's my J-O-B and yet…..at four months, I am like, where is my baby?! How can he be starting to roll over, and know what is going on around him, and start baby food? Maybe, just maybe we will have one more.  Oh my gosh…

Anyway back to the man of the hour.

Bradley Joseph.

You are SO much fun baby boy!! I swear the only thing that I don't like, is that you throw up some of your formula…all…day…long.  I have timed your meds 12 hour apart and give you the first dose before your first bottle [2 ml] and [2 ml] at night before your last bottle.  But you probably puke up about 1-2 tablespoons after every bottle, which by the way you're taking 8 oz every 3-4 hours.

You're sleeping through [most] nights.  Thursday night you got up around 3:30 and wanted to party/drink a bottle.  It was cool though, I don't mind.

You also had a pretty cranky day Memorial Day. I was hoping to socialize and talk to adults [no offense kids] but that just didn't happen. I spent most of the day feeding you inside or walking with the Boba so you would calm down.   I am not mad, but I felt awful I didn't know (and still don't) what was wrong!?  Could be too many people wanted to hold you. Maybe it was the scorching hot temps. Or even a tooth is starting? Who knows. You've been totally normal since being home...

You handled your shots quite well Mr!! We still delayed some, so you're not up to par yet, but I don't like overwhelming your little body with all those vaccines right away.  You're doing great and Dr. gave us the green light to start solids!  Hopefully it will help you not spit up so much; she said you eating 8 oz every 3 hours is a lot for your belly, but we will see.  You love to eat, so do I kid, so do I!

For kicks, this was little Miss Brooke at her 4 month checkup!!

I think the best quote of today or even so far, is your sister saying, "Fart brother, fart!!" As you tooted along this evening with one of your poos.  Only my kids could make that look adorable to me! I guess that is what being a mommy is all about.

So we started out 4 months with more outside time.

Your eyebrows kill me.  I think they are so darn adorable and I just giggle every time you raise one (or both) of them.

My sister, your Aunt Brianna informed me this weekend that she thinks you have my eyebrows. haha

So what are you up to little guy?  LOTS. I tell ya, lots.

You're a movin and a groovin all day long.

No lie. I was trying to get as similar shot to your 3 month photos because it was Daddy's favorite.

Oh ya, these are getting harder to take! You love to move!

You are a drooling machine.  I keep checkin for the teefers, but haven't seen anything yet. Maybe, just maybe a little something working its way on the bottom left.  But for now? Drool. Drool. and more drool.

I mean, come on. That smile?!

I literally had just put this onesie on you for your photos, and within 4 minutes, drool.

You love your friends --aka your forest mobile from Grandma.

Dose chunky monkey legs---oh I love em!

I try to keep the 'gloves' or socks off you as much as possible because you love to explore with your hands!! You're always grabbing at things, my necklace, your toys, anything!! But when you get sleepy, you rub rub rub your eyes and if I don't have the gloves on, you scratch and that is not good Mr!

You apparently crave and thrive on routine.  Every morning you get up between 5-7:30.  I obviously prefer the latter, but I do whatever you please.  You cry a bit but within a minute or two you start laughing and talking.  And usually your sister is talking to, and I am not gonna lie, sometimes I lay in bed and listen to you two "talk".  You still get your first dose of zantac first thing.  

What's new:

-You can roll over, therefore

-No more swaddle!  You face planted one time and after that we were DONE.

-You scootch backwards on your butt, so you are mobile.  Legit, I can't leave you on the bed any more!  You went all the way from your room to your sister's room on your back, by pushing with your feet.  Crazy!!  You also go right off the rug in the living room.

-Started solids

--Rice cereal, apples, pear & banana.  I know there is so much debate, but we did this with Brooke and she is the best little eater I know, so I decided BLW is not for us and we are just starting to have fun and explore with foods.  You take about 5-6 small spoonfuls of cereal/fruit and LOVE it.  As soon as you spit it out or act done, I don't push it.  No need!   [It has seemed to help with your reflux a bit]

-You go to sleep in your own crib at night…no rocking, no swing, just you and the crib (and the sound machine!)

Loves:

Your sister.  You just think she is the funniest thing in the world.

Books

Toys

Outside

Stroller 

Teething toys--it's been so hot I think you love when I keep them in the fridge 

Being tickled, sang to, danced with

Routine

Dislikes:

Falling asleep, you crank out a little bit before you just fall asleep sometimes.

Being alone, you still love being with mama, a lot.

A bunch of random people holding you

Hot temps

Being off schedule 

You are wearing 9 month clothing for the most part, some 6 month still fit, but sleepers or anything that is one piece has to be 9 month to fit your length.  I am happy it's starting to get warmer because I feel like a bib and a diaper are gonna be your main outfit this summer! It helps me keep down on the laundry haha

"Daily Routine" at 4 months:

The times change from day to day, but it sorta looks like this…

7:00 wakeup, meds, bottle

play

9:00-11:00 nap

11:00 bottle

play/run errands etc

12:00 have some cereal and fruit

1:00-3 nap

3:00 bottle

play

5-6 you usually take a little cat nap

meds/ 6:00 bottle

bath/play

7:30 bed

10/11 bottle

Maybe a 3:00 feeding, maybe you sleep til morning. 

That's where we are at.  You've been taking 2 longer naps one in the morning and one when Brooke does, which is great--if I can keep Brooke away from you long enough in the morning you'll sleep, but usually she wakes you up and you get your best sleep when she does as well.  I enjoy that time to workout, shower, or catch up on a blog.  Much needed!

I'm not sure how much longer you will be fitting in your swing, as I have to buckle you in to keep you safe and your legs are really long!  I can't believe you're so big already, but I am so grateful you are healthy and well, and completely thriving.  We have a lot of fun adventures coming your way this summer and I know you will have a ball on our vacation. I can't wait to see what you think of a pool. You are so sweet little love, and I am so proud to be your momma. I still sit and stare in complete shock, that I am a momma to both a little girl and a little boy. I don't always know what I am doing, but I sure do try my best and most of all, love you with my whole heart.  

3 Months {Bradley Joseph}

Really?

You're (over) 3 months…and I am just a little in shock about this.  You are the sweetest little boy I have ever laid eyes on, and I can tell you're going to have a heart of gold.

Loves:
Swaddled
Our bed {you will fall asleep instantly, then I move you to your crib}
Brookie
Daddy--just hearing his voice you start turning your head all over
Being held up high and talked to in goofy voices
Swing
Jungle floor activity mat.  You'll talk to your little friends for a LONG time!
Bouncer seat--in the kitchen
Dancing.  Your Daddy, Brooke and I had a 70's dance party Saturday night and it was a lot of fun.
Baths
Pacifier



Dislikes:
Being in the car without your binky. I can't always reach it and it's usually when we are on the expressway and I can't just pull over.  I hate hearing you cry! :(
The swing (you love it sometimes and HATE it others, so weird!)
Tummy time.  You'll be cool like 5-10 minutes but not much.



Nicknames:
I call you Mr. Bubs.  {I've heard Daddy call you it too, but lately he calls you:}
Bradley Bean (he kind of sings it and you smiiiiiiile
Brudder.  Every morning you will hear Brooke say, "Good mooooooorning brudder!"  Either she will come tell you if you weren't awake, or she'll yell it in her room if you make noise first.



Milestones:

Full blown belly laughs.
Starting to stick out tongue and talking so much more.
Wanting to sit up more, you're about half way to being on your own I would say.



You are just so in love with your sister; if I could only get her to see how much you stare and watch her.  You are such a love bug; I can't help but squeeze, hold and love on you every moment that I get.  I know for a fact how fast this time will fly, so I definitely find myself just relaxing with you and sister--being in the moment.  You love to listen to us read books, sing songs and just be goofballs.  You also watch the TV! I don't know if it's the colors or what, but you'll watch it if Brookie is watching one of her shows.



Sleep:

Fall asleep swaddled in the swing (not moving) or our bed between 9:30/10pm.  If I'm lucky, you'll sleep through, or most likely get up around 3:30/4:30.  Lately it's been a lot more, but I think it was the lack of meds…so 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 6:30

You woke up 6:30 on Sunday morning wide awake.  Chirping like a bird.  I'm talking, you had no desire to go back to sleep.  So, I brought you downstairs and you talked in your swing, so I could sleep an extra hour.

You've been all over the place, which is fine.  You slept through two nights and Daddy and I were like, OH MY!! I almost got a little sad because you're the baby and I wasn't ready to not hold you and feed you in the middle of the night.  So, you heard me say that and decided to keep waking up!!  I think you slept through two more times, but that is about it.  I try to give you a dream feed, but sometimes that wouldn't be until 12/1 and I am not up that late, so you'll just wake me if you're hungry.  You love your food and when you are old enough, I am SURE you will be like your sister in that regard.  Ok, I hope.  She was/is such a good little eater, but I attribute that to your Daddy and I.  We just love good food, so that is pretty much all you'll know.  You'll hate college food one day, trust me!



Thoughts:
We are getting ready for when you can sit in the doorway swing and the exersaucer.  I put you in it for a second and you were SO excited for all the friends/toys on it, but you're still too tiny and I am in NO hurry.  I wanted to see how much little-ness I had left!

I don't wish time away, I LOVE YOU LITTLE--but I hope that once you can sit up on your own and eat solids, it will be thicker and help your little belly digest, and not come back up!!  We are trying you on a new medicine and still haven't decided if we are going to have you go through the upper GI next week…we believe you are healthy and well, but peace of mind may be worth it.



I love you so much baby boy; just like I do with Brooke, I have visions of what kind of boy and man you will be.  I see such a little brute in you; a big strong guy who will have such a loving heart.  I should be sleeping too right now, but I can't help but love the sound of your little breath over your pacifier.  All swaddled, snuggled and cozied up.  If I could keep you and Brooke this age, I would.  So sweet. So innocent.  You're at the perfect age where you make me crazy changing 20 diapers a day, but my heart so full, it feel as though it may burst.  I just don't think I could kiss either of you enough; but I sure try every day.



We love you so much Bradley Joseph!

Bradley Joseph {2 Months Old}

My dear sweet baby boy.   I am in awe that two months ago, you entered this world.  How is it possible that you're already doing so much at just two months?!

Stats:

You're a little over 14 pounds, not sure of your length.

You are in some 3 month onesies, but mostly 6 month outfits, 3/6 month clothes and all 6 month pjs.  You're a big boy!!  I believe we are starting to settle into a beautiful routine and I can truly say, you fit right into our life.  You are eating every 3 hours; sometimes 2 and then you'll go 4 or 5.  You still like to wake up in the middle of the night twice; usually a 1 or 2 then a 4 or 5.  If I can get you to eat around 11/12, then you'll sleep until 3:30, then get up around 7. I am trying to get you til 6 or 7, because then I could just wake up for the day, but we will get there.  You've had a rough few weeks not feeling your best and so I am just happy to see you eating comfortably and sleeping so well.

Dislikes:
Being hungry
overtired
wet/dirty diaper
carseat until moving
being alone
You let us know right away when you're not happy!


Loves:
Your bottle
Tummy time for about 10 mins
Looking at yourself in a mirror
Mommy, Daddy and big sister talking/singing to you--your smile is captivating!
Music
Binkies
Birdies on your swing and bouncer
Bath time
Stroller rides
Being in the baby carrier/wrap
Swaddled
Falling asleep on our bed


Your little head is always lifted when you're on our shoulders to burp.  You like to headbutt us, or try to, so we have to really be careful of that! Your little legs are rather strong and I can't believe I'll be bringing up the excersaucer sooner than later, and then the doorway swing. AHhhh make time slow down, I know how fast it all goes!!

Since we've figured out that you love formula, you are the boy that I just thought you would be.  Easy going, go with the flow, fall asleep wherever and then sleep through things [dog barking, sister screaming, doorbells, blender].  I look forward to taking you to lots of fun places as we start getting out and about more now that the weather is breaking.

You love little friends/animals.  

Your favorite place seems to be under your toys on your play mat or in the crib watching your mobile friends.

I should probably find the bumbo soon and see if you fit/like it.  You can sit up with some help!

Daddy's blanket. Look at your hair!

Grandma Maria made your little car booties!

You blow little bubbles as you coo.

Holly wanted in on the photo sesh too!

This is how you spend a lot of your time, since I'm in the kitchen quite often! You love to just sit and kick, coo, and look around, and usually fall asleep.

I am SO happy that month two has started off so well and that you're really thriving.  I am excited to see you grow, but sad you're already getting so big! I love you so much little man; Daddy and I are so blessed to be your parents.

Bradley's One Month Update

My oh, my….how time surely flies! I seriously cannot believe on 2/17 you turned one month!  We spent the evening just the two of us shopping at the mall. Ok, well I shopped and you slept the whole time!  It was the perfect way to celebrate hehe.   It's been a crazy month and we enjoyed every bit of it. You had your first holiday {Valentine's Day} and lots of visitors all month long.

Stats:

At your last visit to the Dr. you were:

11 lbs 13 oz

22 inches long

Newborn clothing fit for one week.

0-3 months fit until your 3rd week.

You fit most 3 month clothing, although the sleepers have begun to get tight.

You have a big ol' noggin son! Your 0-6 months hats only fit a few days…

I've started to pull out 3-6 month and 6 month clothes!  I feel bad because you have some super cute shorts and tees in that size, but with all this cold and snow, that's not happening!

You sure love your food!  Nursing started out wonderfully and as my supply regulates, we're trying to figure it out together.  At first I made so much milk, you could barely handle just one side, but lately I think it's gone down some as I stopped pumping extra, and sometimes you'll take both sides.  If you start fussing a lot, I usually just nurse you and it tends to do the trick.   You tend to wake up 2-3 times a night, sleeping at most in 4/5 hour stretches. {thank you!}

You do spit up a bit more than we remember Brooke, and I have a heck of a time to get you to burp.  I get conflicting reports on whether the food I eat directly affects you; the Dr said it's all inconclusive whereas other moms say it is true.  I try to avoid onion and broccoli, as when I ate chili or salsa you were really gassy and fussy.  But there are times when I don't have that and you're unhappy too.  It's all a learning curve and we will figure it out!  Since you're such a big boy, the Dr is not concerned, I'm just being an overprotective mama who doesn't want her baby boy in pain.

I feel bad that in our first month you've already had to deal with Thrush (and we are still dealing with it) and that your belly gets gassy and you don't like that one bit.  You are a growing and healthy boy, other than those issues and I just want you to smile and coo always! We hate seeing you in such discomfort and mommy has already slept in your room with you a few nights.  I pray daily you won't get Crohn's like Daddy, and that your little system is just working out its kinks and all is still developing.

Your sister loves to give you "Dukes" when you make a fist, which is pretty much always. #poundit

{My baby blanket}

Dislikes: 
Clothes going over your head.
Being alone, other than when you are sleeping. You really love to be held!
The carseat.  Once we get driving, you're cooing and totally fine, but until we hit the road, notta fan!
When things are dropped/fall on the floor and make really loud noises. That always wakes you up.
Cold Wipes.
Gas pain.  :(

Likes:
Bath time
White noises--humidifier, hairdryer, vacuum, sleep machine.
Being swaddled.
Smiling and being talked to.
Music.
Warm wipes.
NUK and 49ers pacifiers

I love your silly little, up to no good already, look.

Your daddy and I agree, you make the best and funniest faces! You have fit right into our lives, like you've always been here, and yet make our life all brand new.   We cannot believe how fast one month flew by with you and know that each day is a true blessing that you are in our lives.  I do not wish time away, as I know it will go by fast enough, but I am SO looking forward to warm weather with you and your sister!! It's going to be so much fun to get outside. Daddy and I keep talking about how much fun our family vacation with you will be!  For now, we will stay bundled up and cozy inside, huddled up in blankets, keeping each other warm.

We love you so much little one! Thank you for being our son.