I forgot to post this video of Brody. Kim had him so tickled!!!

A Day in the Life of Bryce

Today, I picked up Kim's son, Bryce, from Daycare and took him for lunch at McDonald's and swimming at my parents' house. Oh my goodness, how much energy three year olds have.

After lunch, I took him to my parents, got Brody changed, and all four of us went swimming. My brother, Michael, was there to pitch in and be an extra playmate. Brody hung in there for awhile, but it quickly went downhill when we realized it was Brody's lunchtime. He took a bottle and went down for a nap.

So...down to the three of us, we played "football" in the pool with everyone tackling Bryce. After swimming and Brody's nap we headed back to my house to watch Eggo and Infinity and Beyond (aka Diego and Toy Story). Bryce saw Ken's four-wheeler in the back yard and of course wanted to go for a ride. So I told him, once Ken came home they could go. So about every 20 minutes or so, or whenever he got a glimpse of the four-wheeler, I heard "Coooole, when's Keen coming home?" Yes, Bryce calls Ken, Keen, like rhymes with teen. Too funny! So when he did finally get home Ken took him around the neighborhood. I got a quick picture of Bryce holding Brody on it before they took off.

I knew I missed hanging out with Bryce and Kim and Rob, but I guess I forgot how much we saw each other. Just sitting out in the front yard or on the back porch. I've been very fortunate in my life to have an amazing core group of friends since Jr. High. Making new friends after having that has been...well...different. Realizing that you are an adult now and interests change and you can have other friends too. Kim and Rob are such amazing friends, we really couldn't ask for more. They love Brody as their own, as we do Bryce.

So to Bryce...if Mommy reads this to you...

We LOVE you with all our hearts and Brody and I had a BLAST!!!! We hate that you had to leave, but I will definitely be getting you on a regular basis. Hope you and your Daddy have so much fun at Deer Camp this weekend! We LOVE you!!!

Sunday Swim

Ken and I decided to take Brody swimming after Church yesterday. He's been so sick with all these ear infections so we haven't been able to take him for awhile. But we went yesterday and everyone had a blast. Brody loves to splash in the water and would rather chew on the inflatable crab than actually ride in it. Oh well.

After a few hours of swimming, we ate dinner and came home. Everyone was asleep by 8:00.

*Side Note: I forgot his hat, so we borrowed one from Michael. The men in my family have small heads, well except for my son. So the hat actually stayed on!

A Busy Couple of Days

We've have been super busy around the Hayman House the last couple of days. Tuesday night we went out to dinner with some friends of our, Crystal and Cassidy. We went to Mexican of course and there was the funniest Mariachi band playing. They came over to us and played a couple of songs. They meandered their way through the other diner's and came back to us again. At this point I was trying to get Brody to sleep and they weren't going away without more one song. So I asked them to play a lullaby and they said "Si, Si". The next thing I know I hear, " La, La, La, LaBamba!" Not exactly the lullaby I was picturing. Needless to say Brody did not go to sleep!

Here are some pictures of Crystal and Brody. Brody wanted to play too!

Wednesday, Michael and I went up to the school to work in my classroom. After about 4 hours of moving bookcases, tables, anything else you can think of from a Kindergarten classroom, we were EXHAUSTED! Then we found out that they had hired a moving company to move everything for us the next day. UGH! But it gave me a chance to start rearranging things and I felt like we accomplished a pretty good amount. I'll post pictures of before and after later.

After we left school, I rushed home to pack clothes for me and Brody. We learned Tuesday night that Crystal had an interview in Saucier,MS (We had so much fun learning how to say that word...So Shu...short u on the end, which of course killed us teachers who were pronouncing it sauce ier like it had too much sauce on it. That's how its phonetically pronounced!)So I decided that would be the perfect opportunity for me to see my grandparents in Long Beach. After packing, I had to get me and Brody ready for pictures. We were taking family pictures at 5:30 and then leaving from there to pick up Crystal. (I know, how much more could I have packed into this day?) On our way to take pictures, Dawn, the photographer called and said it was pouring and we would have to reschedule. We were going to take them out at Reunion. So hopefully the third time is the charm with these pictures.

Actually by this point, I was thinking, "Now we can get on the road a lot sooner." Not even close! Crystal was getting ready so I decided to stop by my parent's and feed Brody. I think by the time we actually got on the road it was around 7:00. We made one stop in Hattiesburg to pick up my sister and got to Long Beach around 10:00. Of course Brody was wide awake and didn't go to sleep until around 1:00. He just kicked around and played in his pack and play.

Okay, now I've gotten you up to Thursday. We visited with my grandparents; I'm so mad I didn't get any pictures! Later that afternoon, on the way out, we stopped by Christie's house. They are redoing it and its looks amazing! Again, no pictures, sorry! She has painted their living room a really pretty green and her cabinets in the kitchen are a dark brown. I love it! I can't wait to see the whole thing when its finished! Brody loved Christie, as I knew he would. I'm so glad he's warm to strangers. I hope that doesn't go away. He doesn't care who's holding him as long as he's getting some attention. Completely spoiled, I know!

Lauren took some cute pictures of Brody on the ride home.

This picture was actually on the way down to the coast, Wednesday night.

Brody's New Trick

Well...sort of. Brody has been trying to hold his bottle and everything else he can get his hands on. We introduced him to a sippie cup but he'd rather chew on it than drink anything out of it. So here is Brody holding his bottle of juice.

Update:

We also took him for his 6 months shots today. Doc wouldn't give them to him Friday because he was running fever. Doc talked to Brody's neurosurgeon and they advised a visit to the clinic and maybe a CT. So basically, this is all routine and they just want to chart his growth and compare CTs. He had a CT at about 2 months. Everything looked great then, and I'm hoping it will look the same this time. We are scheduled to go Aug. 25th. I'll keep y'all posted.

Brody's New Exersaucer

We finally decided Brody was big enough to have an Exersaucer. (I think after the rotten three days he had this weekend, I felt bad for him.) He is holding himself up pretty well and hopefully wouldnt face dive into it. Ken assembled it pretty quickly, while I put the 12...yes 12 AAA batteries in all the toys. Insane, I know!

Brody wasn't sure what to do at first, a little overwhelmed I think. He wants to tuck his legs under his booty instead of putting them down. Of course I took pictures of everything so yall can decide for yourself if he likes it or not.

Much Better Day!

Update on Brody: Much Better...Yay! Today was the first morning he woke up fever free, with a smile, and ready for a bottle. We have spent the last two days with a very fussy baby.

He was starving, he would grunt and reach for his bottle, but his throat hurt so much, once he began to swallow he would gag and make himself spit it back up. It was scary because we couldn't get him to eat more than an ounce or two at a time.

He didn't sleep either night. But the antibiodics must have finally kicked in because he is doing fabulous today. After waking us up at 2:30 this morning to eat, he slept until 7 and took 6 ounces of a cereal bottle! He had juice a couple of hours later and took a long nap. He woke up from his nap and ate sweet potatoes, his fave!

While Ken took a nap, I starting cleaning up from breakfast and heard him just talking away in the living room. This is how I found him:

Brody's 6 month Check Up

Today we went for Brody's 6 month check up. He woke up with 102 degree fever so we weren't able to get his shots today. We will have to reschedule that appointment.

He still has an infection in his right ear, and a red throat. He has been exposed to Hand, Foot, and Mouth, so he checked him over for anything that might indicate that. He didn't seen any visible signs, but went ahead and ran a white blood cell count to make sure. His count was elevated, but not terribly high.

So final diagnosis: Ear Infection, Red Throat, some sort of viral infection. Treatment: Another round of anitbiotics, Amoxicillin (however you spell it.)

Brody's Stats:
Weight: 15.1 lbs (10%)
Height: 28 inches (95 %)
Head: 45 cm (87%)

My LOOOOONNNNG string bean!

The Smile Award

These are the rules!
1.The recipient must link back to the award's creator. ( The Babblings of Mere)
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

So, now its my turn to pass the award on...

1. Bryce: She has helped me in so many ways. Mainly keeping me sane when I thought I was doing EVERYthing wrong. Ha! I love when she finally updates her blog. Ella is an amazing, sweet girl. I love reading about her and seeing all her pics!

2. Kim: She is the one who introduced me to the blog world. However, she has definitely been neglecting her blogging duties. I'm hoping this award will inspire her to post more. I hardly get to see Bryce anymore! Miss you guys!

3. Molly: She is relatively new to blogging. She is a new mother of a beautiful 3 months old Emily Kay. She is taking a year off from teaching and I look forward to seeing all of Ms. EK's adventures!

4. Adair: Adair is also a straggler in the blog world, so I'm hoping award will inspire her as well. She is an amazing teacher of Kindergarteners and will make a great mother one day. I miss you girl!!

5. Amber: I am a new reader of Amber's. She is a true inspiration. With a one year old and a baby on the way, she still blogs frequently. I love reading about Harper and can't wait to hear about Ms. Sadie!

Thanks, April for the award! It was fun thinking of people to give the award to.

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again!

Brody has been slowly working on sitting up. While he can't do it by himself yet, when put in the position, he can stay for a couple of seconds. Momma's proud!!!!

Michael came over for a little while Saturday night. Brody LOVES his Uncle Mike! His face lights up everytime he sees him! He'd better make frequent visits when he goes back to State.

Here is a picture I caught of Brody playing with my phone. Its getting harder to have him in my lap and play on the computer, or text on my phone. He's curious about everything and of course wants to put it in his mouth

Last night we went over to Ken's parents house. They were so sweet to cook dinner for us. A delicious dinner I might add. I feel bad for poor Ken. I just don't cook as often as I should! I took a few snapshots of the night.

M.E. and Brody with his new toy!

Ken and Brody "I see you, Daddy!"

Me and Brody
Brody loves talking to his M.E.!

I think the Tylenol was wearing off, he starting pulling his ear towards the end of the night.

Papa and Brody right before we left. We had a very tired baby on our hands!Again, thanks so much for having us over! We enjoyed it!!!

So Much To Celebrate!

Today is our anniversary and Brody's 1/2 birthday!

Its amazing to think back 8 years ago when I first met Ken. Who knew our life would end up so wonderful. We met while I was working at Gap at the age of 17; He was 20. (My parents took a while to get used to the idea of a 20 year old.) He asked if he could walk me to my car after my shift. Of course, I said yes and the rest is history! I'm so lucky to married to such an amazing husband and father! I love you baby! Happy 3 years!!!

Its hard to believe Brody has been with us for 6 months. When I think back to the day I delivered him, a million feelings come back to me. I was so scared, more of the unknown I think. Not knowing what the C-Section would feel like, not knowing if him coming early would effect him, not knowing how to be a mother. Somehow God has given me the tools to take care of him. (Mostly in the form of wonderful grandparents, sisters in law, Lisa,Kim, and everyone else that has fielded the millions of questions I have asked.) It took nine hours from the time he was born until I was able to see him. Short visits to the NICU were the highlight of our day. I can remember not being able to sleep the second night. Ken went with me at midnight, just to hold him, smell him, breathe him in. We never knew how blessed our life could be. Happy 6 months Brody!!

Happy 1/2 Birthday!!

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Sick Baby

We went to the doctor yesterday and discovered Brody has a full blown infection in his right ear, and a red left ear full of fluid. And doc said his gums were really swollen due to teething. So as for right now, baby boy is not feeling to sporty. I finally got him down for a nap, but there's no telling how long he will sleep. I'll be glad for the day when he can tell me whats hurting. I feel bad that I let it get so bad, but it was hard to tell if it was his ears or teething because he really never ran a fever.

Another note from the doctor is that he wants a CT done on Brody's head. He measured his head and it is growing pretty fast, not always a bad thing. (My head had pretty much stopped growing at this point due to craniosynostenosis, so it looks like we are in the clear for that as of now.) But doc said his fontanel was fuller than he'd like. His head kind of bulges at the top and is tight. If that makes any sense. He wants to rule out hydrocephalus, which I also had and is a symptom of Phieffers Syndrome, which he does have. Doc is going to call our ped. neurosurgeon that I still see and see if there is a just cause for him to have another scan. I really think he's being overly cautious just because of my history, but I'd rather him be that way instead of finding out in 6 months before things got really bad. And Brody can't really tell us what's wrong, when I, at 16, could say "My head hurts".

So...just keep him in your prayers. I'll keep everyone posted if we do end up having a scan done. But for now, the house is quiet, he's finally asleep, and I think I may go try to do the same!

Gerber Baby!

...As my dad calls him...

Its my new favorite picture!

Happy 4th!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. Ken actually had the weekend off...AMAZING, I know! Friday we spend the afternoon with my parents, swimming and eating. Yummy! Saturday, we hung around the house, the boys took naps, while I enjoyed having a quiet house to myself. Saturday afternoon, we met Mitch, Bryce, and Ella in Canton for the Balloon Festival. We ended up not staying the whole time because the babies were getting hot and tired. But it was fun while we were there! Hope everyone had a great 4th!

Its Official!

I have now officially signed up for NBPTS (National Board Certification). Nervously I might add...
It's going to be a long, busy year! I'll keep you posted.

Play Date at Summer's

Jessica and Summer hosted a Playdate today. Brody, me, Emily Kay, Molly, Crystal, and Miriam were all in attendance. The adults had way more fun than the kids catching up, and scaring Crystal from EVER having kids. (Ha! Crystal you will be an amazing mom!...and if it were really that bad, people would never have kids.) We put the kids in the pool. That only last about 5 or 10 minutes. It was just too hot outside. But we had a blast. Thanks again to Jessica for letting us come over!

Brody not so sure of the pool...

Summer

The three stooges....whom NONE of which really wanted to be in that pool I don't think.

Summer and Brody

Brody...he looks like a baby doll here, he's so rigid. He was cold I think.

Molly and Emily Kay...isn't she gorgeous!

Jessica and Summer

Brody, asleep again! He wears himself out at these playdates!

Emily Kay is tired out too.

Summer, who's a little older and wiser, stays up to hear all the gossip!

Whatever Works...

I have been cleaning all morning so that when we get back from our playdate we can just relax. I went in Brody's room to put his clothes away and check on him and this is how I found him.

To Teeth...Or Not to Teeth, That is the Question

Finally...the lazy days of summer, or so I thought. Yesterday was my first official day with Brody at home all day. I had all these plans...

1. Feed him cereal and bananas...I never get to feed him breakfast, daycare always does.
2. Give him tummy time, he does NOT get that at daycare and needs it desperately.
3. Put him down for nap, and clean the house. (Fun huh, you know your jealous!)
4. Wake him up, eat lunch, go swimming!
5. Another nap
6. Get ready to go to M.E. and Papa's house to see Uncle Tom.
7. Come home and CRASH out.

Pretty good list, huh? Well, none of it got done. You heard me, nothing. He woke up fussy, wouldn't eat more than three or four bites of food, wouldn't take more than 3 ounces of milk (cereal or not). He fussed with everything we did. So... I'm dealing with the fussing the best I can, he's been doing that since Saturday afternoon. (He's generally not a fussy baby unless its feeding time, or bed time.) I keep thinking, if I can just make it until we go to M.E.'s house everything will be fine. You know how grandmothers can magically make every wrong go right all of a sudden. Well about 2:00 he lets into this blood curdling scream that wouldn't stop. I tried EVERYTHING!!!!! Finally I broke down and called my mom, took his temp (100 even) and decided to give him some Tylenol. Obviously something was wrong. By this time it was 5:00 and he was still going strong with the screaming. So once the Tylenol kicked in, he passed out in my arms for about an hour. (I was so scared to move him...so we just stayed put.) He woke up in a much better mood, and we just figured all this was due to teething. I gave him a teething ring and he went to town. I keep feeling his gums to see if there's anything there, but I feel nothing. I almost wish it was something else, so we don't have to deal with this everytime he cuts a tooth. OH...and congradulations to my nephew Ryan, who just got his first toothy!