Our Journey

Oook...

2010-07-29T11:28:00.000-04:00

I know I know...Once again something happens in my life, I get all flustered and forget that I have an obligation to provide pictures of my children and to write witty captions filled with meaning about what cute things they are doing. Or to write cations anyway...But to catch you up, I've had a baby, moved from Texas to Indiana, and here I now sit trying in vain to sum up months of my family's life in a few pictures and captions and failing. But this is how I do things, and I'm sure my readers are used to me by now. SO...here is the good stuff that we all stalk each other's blogs of facebooks for...pictures of our children.

A blog post wouldnt be right without my Bub...so here is my handsome 3 year old

Dressed up in Daddy's shirt and tie for a Father's Day photo shoot (idea stolen from LL)
Demonstrating his Sanders genes and sleeping standing up.

Ribbit...Ribbit... He decided in July that he finally wanted to wear his Halloween costume...go figure. He wouldnt wear it for Halloween, but July seemed like a good time to put on a head to toe polyester get up and run around. Truth be told, he called it his bee suit after seeing Memaw, Pops and Daddy working with the bees outside in their suits...but still...polyester...July...? He's nothing if not quirky.

Playing in Memaw's room looking mischevious...and he was. I believe he'd been getting into a armoire or some such thing and found things that probably werent meant to be toys...

Here is my precious baby...whose not so small anymore, but still the baby I love.

This is Bradley Edwin Sanders. He was 8 pounds 6 ozs for about 2 seconds and now he is 6 months old and approx. 22 pounds. How time does change things. He's as cuddly as he is squishy, and we like him just the way he is. He loves his older brother, but most of the time his older brother would rather he go to bed and stay there. But Bub is 3, so I'm not too worred....yet...

Here is Daddy having some fun at his expense.

A rare moment of benevolence from Bub.

Here he is now...sunning his thunder thighs.

Additionally...

2009-10-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

your truly is gestating.

And quite effectively, if I do say so myself. I am about 29 or 30 weeks (there is some confusion on that with my doctors), and officially in the third trimester now. We are having another little boy, so this house will be a whole lot of fun in pretty short order I would imagine. Luke and I are really excited, and very suprised that we are going to the the parents of 2 little boys now. It doesnt seem like we're old enough be here yet...but given my girth it seems an inevitable reality. The Bub, at a little over 2, is naturally indifferent to the whole thing and is just excited for the day that he can jump on Mommy again. He does, however, find my doctor appointments highly entertaining because he gets to listen to my "noisy belly." He's 2...what can we say.

Love you all. Sorry for the delay, but by now you know how we do things around here...sporadically.

Whats we've been up to

2009-10-22T14:12:00.001-04:00

...and by "we" I, of course, mean the Bub.

Giggles

2009-08-18T16:38:00.000-04:00

Bub thinks that getting serberts is funny, but he especially loves watching his Daddy give them to his Mommy...evidenced by the giggles...

Walking a mile in Daddy's shoes...

2009-08-17T20:35:00.000-04:00

Because I Can

2009-08-12T12:20:00.000-04:00

This post is for the grandparents...and because Bubba is so cute!

Welcome Home!!!

2009-08-11T12:08:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures from Luke's homecoming. I'm sure many of you know that Luke had been deployed for the past 14 months, but he arrived home last Tuesday. I dont know who was more excited, me or the Bub. I apologize to our family who probably wanted a picture of the three of us, but after 2 1/2 hours of waiting, we were just ready to get out of the hot gym, get Luke's bags and go home. I'll post more pictures of our life over the past week later on.

Thank you all for your prayers. We felt them! We love you all!

Happy Friday

2009-07-24T20:38:00.000-04:00

I wont go into the details of our little family's tradition of "Pizza Friday". Just know that its a standing date every Friday night, and one which my 2 year old has clearly taken to. Much to his Mommy's amusement. But the evidence really speaks for itself, now doesnt it?

Better Late Than Never??

2009-05-20T23:04:00.000-04:00

Yes...yes...I know...I'm sure you're all thinking I'm cruel. Well...those of you who knew Luke was home for his R and R are thinking that anyway. But as it turns out...I'm not cruel...just absent minded. Does that help? No...I didnt think it would. Will pictures? Yes...I figured as much.

Enjoy!

Movie watching

Reading "Sam" or "Green Eggs and Ham" to us normal folks over the age of 2

Happy Easter...a month late!

Reading "Pooh" before bedtime

Am I forgiven??

Sanders Family Visit

2009-03-31T22:36:00.001-04:00

Luke's family came to visit for their spring break again this year. We have been having a lot of fun. Pops had to fly home today to work, but I have Memaw, Ike, and Hannah until Saturday.

Here's what we've been up to so far:

Hannah reading to the Bub at breakfast

Bub and his new lawn mower that Memaw and Pops got him for Easter.

Pop reading out of the Winnie the Pooh story book before bedtime. I believe its about a "wedged bear in great tightness."

I should probably have included pictures to document the countless hours that Chris put in to get our pool up and running, but I dont have any. You'll just have to trust me when I say that he spent A LOT of time getting our poos up and running! Thanks, Pops! We miss you!

Go Cubs!

2009-03-18T13:18:00.000-04:00

Spring is upon us, and this picture seems fitting for such a time as this. Some wonderful things happen in spring. Spring training for example :)

The Bub

2009-03-12T14:15:00.000-04:00

Hello and Greetings from Texas. Or, as the Bub would say, "Hiya!" Here is an account of the past few weeks in the language every grandparent loves....pictures!

Here is Bub with his hoop

Here is documentation of the carnage that occurs in the living room just 30 short seconds after Bub wakes up in the morning. And this is only after 30 seconds, mind you. I was too busy dodging puzzle piece grenades to document how things looked after 45 seconds.
Here we are with our favorite article of clothing lately...our hat. You will see a theme sooner or later with the hat making at least 50% of the pictures.

With our new letters for the tub. He thinks they're the best thing ever. And of course we needed a turtle tub toy to scoop up all the letters. Because when one has letters, one must also have the turtle to scoop them up. Its law! (plus mommy thought the turtle was cute ;))

Here we are watching "The Music Man" so Mommy can get her shower. He's laying on the "pijos" he "heped" me put on the bed. He is also "bundooed" in his blankie, in case you wondered :)

I love this Bub!

Sleeping Cutie

2009-02-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

Of late we have been having sleeping issues. And by "we" I mean Bub. I've never claimed any issue with my sleep...but issues with the sleeping habits of others. So maybe I do mean "we." I'll clearly have to give this some more thought. Anyway. Bub has been waking up unusually early, so I have taken to going in, telling him to lay back down, patting his bottom a few times, and then climbing back in my own bed and trying to pretend its not 0 dark thirty in the morning. Usually, if its early enough, he'll go back to sleep, but some days like today he gets up at 5 and just never goes back down. So now you see the reason for the above pictures. This was my child at 10 this morning. Precious, but oh so not naptime yet...but I guess I will be flexible. Maybe I should have taken a nap, too.

Cowboys and CooCoos

2009-01-29T12:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was filled with wonderment for the littlest member of the house. Not only did he get a present in the mail from his GaGa, but he and Mommy made, what we call in this house, coo

coos. That's cookies to the untrained reader not familiar with Bub's particular dialect of toddler speak. Needless to say, he had a good day!

Cowboy Hat and Horse from GaGa

Waiting and watching the coo coos bake
Telling Mommy all about the coo coos. He was proud that he "helped" me make them.

Oops!

2009-01-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

So it occurs to me that I'm not so diligent about this blogging thing sometimes. I say it occurs to me, but really it came from Luke first. I think his words were, "You need to post on the blog." So, after a few times of being reminded, I've buckled down and made myself sort through my pictures from the past...dare I say it...2 1/2 months since I last blogged. It also occurs to me (and yes, I came to this realization all by myself) that if I would blog more often, there would be less sorting to do and less time involved. Not novel...I know. So here is my penance for being absent so long. Mind-numbingly cute pictures of my now 18 month old doing what he does best...keepin' it real!

Enjoy!

To start this out right, I must tell you that these first few were not taken by me. They were taken by a family friend who gracioulsy offered her services in helping me have professional pictures taken of the Bub for Luke this year for Christmas. Thank you, Gerri!!!

The following are from November:

Bub reading his church bulletin. Who knew those things could be so interesting?

Here he is pushing his car...

and driving his car

Bub and his aunt Hannah.

These pictures are from December:

Sitting on the presents under my parent's tree. I guess he figured if he wasnt allowed to touch with his hands, maybe his rear end would be acceptable

Helping Gaga roll out yeast roll dough

Our antlers. He really did like them, despite how annoyed he looks.

With my dad's headphones and radio on. The Bub does love himself some good tunes!

Watching football on GaJa's new TV

Christmas morning holding his emamems from his stocking. Is there anything that will make a toddler happier than pure sugar?

Playing with his new puzzoo

Christmas photo in front of the tree at my Grandma's house

Pops and Memaw showing off their new blanket with some help from Bub (and aunt C)

These pictures are from January

Here is Bub tonight while I was making dinner...he's one cool cat!

Here's Bub and his ankie

Wearing Daddy's running shoes

Consider yourself caught up!

He's cute, isnt he? See...I told you!

Curious George?

2008-11-01T11:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween-ish to all! Here is my favorite one year old channeling the animal he most resembles on any given day...a monkey.

Here we are trick or treating

Here's the bub riding the choo choo all by himself!

Puzzled about something...maybe wondering why all the small peoples parents dressed them all up so silly and keep laughing at them.

October

2008-10-22T01:19:00.000-04:00

The way I figure it, I'm averaging about one post a month. So, in keeping with the spirit of tradition, here is an update...let's call it October. Yeah...

Because I don't know anyone who doesn't like pictures like this...I've included two. This particular one occurred 2 nights ago. I went in to check on Bubba and I couldn't see where he was under all the animals and blankie, so I did what any other good parent would do...I got our the camera, made sure the flash was on, and took a picture to ascertain his location. This is what I found.

Here he is napping the next morning...on, I think, all of the animals that live in his bed with blankie thrown in for posterity.
Here's Bubba and Pops on Memaw's bus. I dunno if he was having fun or not...what do you think??
Here he is in Daddy's Colts Jersey...you cant tell from this picture that he would proceed to strut around our bedroom with it on, well aware he was lookin' good...
Here is Brayden...in his old bouncy seat. That thing has sat where it is for months without any interest in using it how its intended to be used (usually it gets thrown or tipped upside down). But, my friend Lena and her 3 month old came over and Natasha used it...so of course Bubba had to get in on the action the next morning to drink his bottle. If any parents out there don't already know, the surest way to get your kids to play with an old toy is to let another child use it. Instant favorite.
Here is Bubba hittin' up his friends on the celly on a Friday night.
And...here he is after his first round of eating spaghetti solo. Well...not really solo...someone had to periodically put the noodles back on the plate for him to push back off. We did actually manage to get 90% down the hatch...after a long long long time. After it was all said and done, one of us had a nice round belly full of noodles...and one of us scoured the dining room. Such is my life with the Bub...I'm a lucky girl!

Crumbs

2008-09-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

Look Mommy...a cracker!

It's really goooood....
Want a taste?

Here we...he is...

2008-08-19T10:53:00.001-04:00

Here is a sampling of our trip to see Luke's family in Indiana. As you will notice, Pops and the Bubba werent apart much if they didnt have to be. There really are pictures with other people in them, but I dont have them right now so I'll post those later.

Here they are on the 4 wheeler

and the lawnmower
and building a chicken tractor

enjoy!

We're still alive!

2008-08-08T10:21:00.000-04:00

Hello to my faithful reader...

We are still alive, just out of town. I'm writing this from Middletown, IN. Brayden and I will be up with family until Octoberish, so posting will probably be much what it has been...scarce.

But have no fear...I will try to have pictures when I do post...probably...

Meet My Mate Monday

2008-07-20T23:25:00.000-04:00

So when I last left you, I let the phrase "two year plan" hang ominously in the air until next time...which would be this time.

Somewhere along the line the bonfires (and school) ended. On the last day on campus several of us gathered to say goodbye. Long story short, I ended up following a friend most of the way home because her car was unreliable. As it happens, it wasn't on my way to go as far as she needed help, so Luke also followed (ya know...to be a help and all...) to help her get where she needed to go. I popped in my sad mix CD and shed a tear or two at the thought of not seeing the boy of my dreams for a whole summer. Oh the agony!

When I arrived home I found that he was on instant messenger (this lovely piece of technology turned out to be a thorn in the side of our relationship down the road, but that's a whole other series of posts). We talked for quite a while that first night home, mostly flirting shamelessly.

Now on to the 2 year plan...

Luke and his roommate had decided to sign a pledge to not date anyone for the first two years of college. For some reason they thought this would be a good idea and that it would work. As it turns out, his roommate had been breaking this rule quite flagrantly...but whatever! I had known about this plan and found it to be very silly and ridiculous (mostly b/c it stood in the way of my schemes to snag Luke). Well, Luke decided to bring this point up, mostly to torment me and make me think he was being held back by a code of honor to not date set up between he and his roommate. I shouldn't have taken him seriously, and if he tried to pull something like that now I would see right through it, but love is blind...and paranoid. I really thought this guy wasn't going to ask me out after all this shameless (and I do mean SHAMELESS) flirting. Well, after much deep thought, contemplation, and internal angst on his part (hah!) he decided to toss the 2 year plan and asked me out. I guess I was just cute enough for it to be worth it.

That was over 5 years and 1 baby ago, so I guess he made the right decision.

I only hope he thinks so!

Meet My Mate Monday

2008-07-13T23:15:00.000-04:00

From last week: I have said before that we both ran in a rather large circle of friends, so when a bonfire to celebrate the end of the year was planned, there was no anticipation in regards to time with Luke. Fate, however, had other plans...

While at the bonfire, the flirtation bug hit my future husband with full force (now that I know him, I too am shocked at his behavior). We were all sitting around the campfire singing and chatting when Luke invited me to come sit on his lap because he was cold and so we could keep each other warm. I wasn't cold, but I'm also not stupid, so I went. And for the record, Luke's is a furnace. He's not the one of us that gets cold. In hindsight this only adds to the comedy...don't you think? Anyway, as you can imagine, this raised the eyebrows of all our friends. Did I care? Mmmm...no! I was just dizzy with excitement.

This was the beginning of the end for me. I was totally crazy for this guy! Over the course of the week I stole his screen name from the girl who went to his banquet with him and added it to my friends list on instant messenger. No sooner had I done that then he messaged me...literally as I was adding it. Well...this led to a very long night of "studying" and chatting. The next night we chatted for a while, and then my phone rang...who could it have been? I wonder.

We talked on the phone every night of finals week until at least 4 am. We talked about interests, family, and other such things. Then, when we would see each other during the day we tried to play it cool like we hadn't spent all night on the phone. My friends were on to me, though. It could have been the matching dark circles and goofy grins in each other's direction...or they were just psychic...

There was just one problem with this whole flirtation, though. The 2 year plan...

Dance Fever

2008-07-13T22:30:00.000-04:00

Grumpy?

2008-07-13T10:04:00.000-04:00

Bubba is wearing my "Grumpy" hat that Luke bought for me our first Christmas married while we were in Florida. To clarify...Luke was not trying to send me any messages. I wanted the hat. I thought it was funny.

Are we proud of ourselves?

2008-07-09T22:36:00.001-04:00

Absolutely!

(and Mommy is scared!)

Meet My Mate Monday

2008-07-07T00:10:00.000-04:00

When we left off, there was a banquet that Luke had to go to that I was DYING to go to with him...

So I slyly told one of my friends to put a bug in his ear. This, however, backfired on me. She managed to tell him I wanted to go to the banquet. Just with his friend, and could he put in a good word for me with this friend. (Now at this point I could have just died...and brought my friend with me...). I kindly told her she was VERY WRONG and that Luke was the one I wanted to go with. Alas, it was too late. He asked the girl who lived across the hall from me, and if that wasnt enough, his friend took someone else, too. This all wouldnt have been quite so bad if the girl Luke took hadn't proceeded to tell me, when she got home from said banquet, how she thought that Luke liked her. Ugh!

Needless to say, I went against how my Momma raised me and gave up. This girl was very pretty, and I wouldnt have blamed Luke for going after her. He had no idea I though he was wonderful. I went on, rumpled in spirit but alive.

I have said before that we both ran in a rather large circle of friends, so when a bonfire to celebrate the end of the year was planned, there was no anticipation in regards to time with Luke. Fate, however, had other plans...

Happy Birthday Bubba!

2008-07-06T16:16:00.000-04:00

Meet My Mate Monday

2008-06-30T10:16:00.000-04:00

I apologize for missing last week...

When we left off:
I probably passed dozens of evenings in the library where Luke was there for at least part of it. This went on the whole first semester.I dont remeber seeing him much the first half of the second semester...but the second half things came into focus quite a bit.

There came a point in time when all of a sudden I remember a lot more of Luke. Probably around Spring Break time I noticed that Luke was everywhere. I saw him on my way to class, in the cafeteria, when our large group of friends were out making trouble...and one day he was standing outside my dorm as I was coming back from a class. He had been standing talking to someone else (who I couldnt tell you). As I walked up I remember feeling jealous of whoever he was talking to and excited to see him all at the same time.

He stuck around after he was done talking with _________ and told me he wanted to ask me some questions. He had just decided to change his major and was trying to figure out what he wanted to change to. I guess my major was one of the contendors. We talked outside for almost 3 hours, and only about 10 of it had anything to do with my major. The rest of the time was about our families, friends, interests, and some shameless flirting on my part. From there we walked to dinner together and sat and talked through dinner, too. Much to my embarassment, this did not go unnoticed by my girlfriends who peppered me with questions as soon as Luke and I werent near each other anymore. I of course, was not successful in deterring their curiosity. I think the grin from ear to ear gave away the truth of the matter.

It's safe to say, I went to bed a very happy girl that night.

Luke was in ROTC, and I knew he had a banquet coming up, so I slyly (or not) put a bug in a friend's ear to mention me to him as a prospective date. This, however, didn't quite turn out how I planned.

Tune in next Monday.

Meet My Love

2008-06-16T11:17:00.001-04:00

To clear up any confusion about the following, I am participating in Meet Your Mate Monday started by Lora Lynn at Vitafam. A group of us bloggers will be sharing over the next several Mondays how we met the loves of our lives...and letting others in on some of the funny moments that led us to where we are now.

Here goes!

I, like so many other young ladies who go off to college, never intended to seriously get and MRS. Oh sure, you secretly hope it will be a perk of attending a small Christian college, but you convice yourself you will be one of the ones who leaves unattached.

I entered Olivet very excited about my new independance and the road ahead. I made a lot of friends in the first week at Olivet. Many are still friends...one is still my best friend.

I was an Exercise Science Major with a Biology Minor, so that basically meant that I got to take all the intro level science classes with the pre med kids and pretend I was smart like them. This also meant that I spent many a late night in the library studying and meeting to work on projects. One of my fellow bio nerds was a guy named Andrew. Andrew had a roomate named Luke (you see where this is going, right?). Luke was a nursing major, so he was a kindred spirit to all of the bio majors as far as class load and time spent in the library went. I remember thinking he was really cute, very nice, but also very quiet. In case any were wondering, I'm not the demure type, and much to my embarassment now, took great fun in making fun of his roomate and friend, Andrew. I also had to qualms about sharing my opinion on most topics, whether it was asked for or not (I like to think I've tamed my tongue a bit...a small bit maybe). At any rate, I probably passed dozens of evenings in the library where Luke was there for at least part of it. This went on the whole first semester.

I dont remeber seeing him much the first half of the second semester...but the second half things came into focus quite a bit.

You'll have to come back next week to hear more...

We are still here...

2008-06-13T21:09:00.000-04:00

I've begun writing this post at least 3 times, but can never find the words. I just dont know how to wrap my brain around it all. I guess I will just do my best at explaining emotions that I dont quite know what to do with yet. I'll try to make this short.

Luke arrived safely early Tuesday morning and, as far as I can tell, has hit the ground running since then. He has meetings and other such things to prepare them for when they move out to their real destination...Iraq. That will be sometime in the next 3 weeks I would think.

I've talked to him on the phone about 4 times since he left, and he sounds like he's keeping busy. He sounds good, though. It's hard to know if I like that he's keeping busy or whether I want him sitting around missing me. I suppose he can do both...be busy and miss me, right? I like to think so. The strangest thing about it all is talking to him while I'm feeding the Bubba lunch, and he's getting ready to head to bed.

Brayden is doing fine. He is catching on to the fact that he's stuck with just me, but mostly just goes about his day like normal. We do play the DVD of Daddy reading bedtime stories right before he goes to bed, and he gets up and points at the TV and says, "Dada" so I know he knows whose reading to him. I'm sure he is quite curious, though, about why Dada is living in our TV now...We'll explain when he gets older...

I'm probably not faring quite as well as the Bubba, but thats to be expected. Sometimes I'm numb and sometimes I'm...not numb I guess. Like I said, it's very hard to wrap my brain around all of this. Sometimes my day seems to go by fast, and sometimes I cant believe its just Friday. Thats to be expected. I'm anxious for my upcoming visit to Illinois where I'll get to see both my parents and Luke's. It will be nice to be out of a house where I see Luke everywhere and a routine that he still seems so much apart of. God is truly providing for us, though. He has provided me with great friends here and across the country who know what I'm going through firsthand, and that is a huge help.

Thus endeth the update...and my ranting. We love all of you!

Antics

2008-06-09T11:49:00.000-04:00

If you read this blog regularly, you know who the star of the show around here is. This blog is a feature for the many antics of the Bubba. This blog will be no different, so hold on to your hats people!

This is Bubba climbing into one of his drawers in the kitchen

Playing in said drawer
"Are you just going to stand there? Help me out!"
This is a curious little habit the Bubba has. When we change his diaper the takes off as soon as he can and plays for as long as we will let him.
Here he is showing off his new shoes we got yesterday. I call them his "blue piggies." This is our attempt at getting him used to wearing shoes before my sister's wedding this summer.
The "blue piggies" up close.

Family Pictures

2008-06-07T23:08:00.001-04:00

So you can see for yourself

2008-06-04T21:12:00.000-04:00

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday

2008-06-04T20:58:00.000-04:00

Since Luke is leaving this weekend, I decided to throw both boys a birthday party tonight. It was just the three of us here at home for a quiet dinner followed by...well...you'll see.

Both boys with their respective birthday desserts (because they both cant have the same thing!)

You see where this is going, right?
Ah yes...cake EVERYWHERE!
Can we say "Sugar High!"
MWAHAHAHAHAHA! Cake!!!
And now you know what followed...

Pictures of Luke half naked with his cake all over him in our next post (just kidding!)

Quick Fluff

2008-05-28T10:13:00.001-04:00

Among the many things Bubba has a pension for, the dryer is top on his list. He can hear the laundry room door opening from a mile away, and will come grunting and scooting down the hall to come play with the dryer. Yesterday, since he was in the way anyway, I stuck him in the dryer while I was folding his diapers (we cloth diaper) and then ran to get the camera...of course!

This is what went down

Ribbit...

2008-05-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

We have a new addition to our Texas home...a froggy pool compliments of Brayden's Memaw. As you may have previously noted, our Bubba loves the bath, so it stands to reason that a pool would be a big hit...and the logic doesnt fail us here! He loves it! A little trepidation at first, but after the initial shock of having a bath outside, he warmed up to the idea swimmingly (no pun intended...haha).

Here are our first cautious moments.We like...we like...
We LOVE!

(Of course, Daddy had to join in to make the adventure complete).
Testing out the sprinkler attachment...
And thus endeth our first foray into swimming.
I think all boys concerned were thorougly entertained!

Stud Muffin

2008-05-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

We, per usual, were having a bit o' fun with the Bubba last night before bathtime. I found this face especially comical. Here is the Bubba standing in the tub. He insists on taking baths standing up now, so I'm thinking its time to give the shower a try (just kidding Gigi and Memaw!)
Buen poto, no?

Quack Quack

2008-05-20T12:07:00.000-04:00

My mother of the year submission...

2008-05-20T10:58:00.002-04:00

So this morning Luke and I decided to have a little fun with the Bubba and see if he would fit into his halloween costume. With some maneuvering we managed to cram our 10 1/2 month old into his 0-3 month duck costume...because we could...sort of.

To catch both of you up...

2008-05-19T11:54:00.000-04:00

I am taking advantage of it being naptime to update our two readers on whats been going on deep in the heart...

Brayden, in general, is quite the little ham. I know that this comes as quite a shock to our readers...or not...but he is just that. If the camera is out, our little performer doesnt miss a beat. Here he is showing Daddy his "piggies." Here he is climbing on the couch in his room after bathtime. I believe, if I remember correctly, this look was meant to convey to us that he was perfectly prepared to make it an all-nighter. His mommy was not.
Here I am, looking very enthusiastic. As we moms know, if we want a picture of ourselves with our children, we often have to take it ourselves.
Here are the boys. They pretty much run things around here given the numbers are in their favor. They are thick as thieves. Make no mistake, though. I'm more than willing to bend to their wills. They're too cute to do any different.
To illustrate my point, here is a picture of Brayden watching Luke change the oil in my car. He was very vexed that Mommy would not allow him to help his daddy. Because, of course, Daddy needed his help.
Here the boys are chipping a few golf balls into the neighbors yard.
As you can see, Brayden is often quite proud of himself. He loves pushing the bar stools around and climing up and down...up and down...
Daddy cuddles.
Another wresling match...Once again, we are not sure who won, but they all look exhausted!
Consider yourselves caught up...until naptime is over.

Sleep, Eat and...Cheese

2008-05-09T09:59:00.000-04:00

Our little guy is always good for some comic relief. The other day we walked into his room after his morning nap to find him amidst his stuffed animals looking like they had been having quite the duel. We laughed as we pondered who the victor was.This is Bubba last night with his beloved baseball bear that plays, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." He cuddled up to him, wrapped his arms around him, gave us a big toothy grin and went to sleep. A very sweet moment for his mommy and daddy.

And this is his first solo attempt at eating oatmeal off a spoon. He missed the mark a bit, but didn't seem deterred.

Slam Dunk

2008-05-08T21:46:00.000-04:00

As you can see, we are very proud of our little hoopster!

Faces

2008-05-05T12:32:00.000-04:00

These are Brayden's thinking cheeks as we call them. They are what you see when he is focused on something of the gravest importance. This particular day...the strap on his high chair...This is the toothy grin we have come to adore. If you look closely, he has a knack for displaying all 5 pearly whites just so. Beautiful.
These are just two of my favorite bubba faces...hope they are yours, too!

We Wish To Welcome You To...

2008-04-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

Munchkin Land...

Because...

2008-04-27T17:18:00.001-04:00

After having some of Mommy's birthday cake...can we say sugar high?After Mommy's birthday cake wore off
Post Strawberry SmoothieMornings are rough!
Displaying his skills
After an afternoon walk in his sun hat...he hates it...Mommy loves it
Brayden with his drawer in the kitchen
Brayden with the dishwasher...a "no touch" despite the fact that we took a picture first and then told him not to touch
I would make excuses of why I continually promise to more diligently post, but I dont want to have to think that hard...or lie. The truth is, because...thats why. But I hope this will once again atone for my laziness...

Visitors, milestones, and bath towels

2008-04-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

Since its been some time since we have posted I will attempt to catch our readers up on whats been going on.

In the middle of March, my family came down for Olivet's spring break and got to spend a week with us. At the end of March, Luke's family came and spent another week with us during their spring break. So, as you can imagine, Brayden was rotten by the time everyone left. I dont think he still has recovered from the lack of attention. He practically leaps into Luke's arms when he gets home out of sheer joy that there is finally someone different to play with him. I leap into Luke's arms for the very same reason (I joke...I joke).
We reached our 9 month milestone Sunday. We are now 20 lbs 7 oz and 27 inches long. Or as Luke put it, he's 2'3.
And this is the new big boy towel that my mom made for Brayden. He has pretty much outgrown his baby towels with the hoods and we had to move to using regular towels until we got his new one! My mom made these towels for my sister and me when we were little so now Brayden has one.
And this is his name embroidered on it!

You are now mostly caught up...I think...Enjoy!

Drop and give me 20

2008-03-11T22:18:00.000-04:00

Brayden has taken to doing a lot of new things lately...shocking I know. He scoots around on his tummy like an inchworm, pulls electronics down on himself (just his monitor, I promise!), and this...our favorite of all the new things because what child does this? Front leaning rest position is the technical Army term I do believe. Push ups, anyone? And because he is now mobile and very quick when he puts his mind to it, he is relegated to the pack and play if he's awake when I need to get a shower. But like any good 8 month old, he's begun planning his escape.
But one must have their beauty sleep after all that work, and this is how I found him this morning during his nap...he played himself sleepy...
and clearly needed less light for his afternoon nap

Brayden's First Snow!!!

2008-03-07T12:44:00.000-05:00

So it's big news in these parts that we have snow in March. Now granted, there wasnt much to speak of where we live, but thats besides the point here in Harker Heights. Where Luke and I come from...not such a big deal...but we're not in Indiana anymore now are we? Anyways...since Brayden was a summer baby, he had yet to experience snow...that is until today. So, like any good mother, I bundled both of us up (because it still was 35 degrees out), and took him outside at about 7 am before the sun melted what little snow we have. All of this so I could chronicle his first snow and bring the exclusive photos to our loyal readers (and so my neighbors could talk about the crazy lady who had her kid sitting on the driveway at 7 am taking pictures of him in his snowsuit). Here is our little snow bunny!
And this one because we all know playing in the snow, no matter how long, is a tiring buisness!

Playing catch up

2008-03-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

Brayden still loves his cuddles with his daddy after bathtimePutting something he shouldnt in his mouth...per usual
GO BUCKS!!!
Brayden and Gabriel having a play date
Getting a ride from Daddy (with ear handle bars included)

We are alive...

2008-03-03T12:19:00.000-05:00

...but have been a bit under the weather. Luke and I have been fighting colds and Brayden has been fighting double ear infections. Add to that a new computer that doesnt have our camera software (and we lack to motiavtion to intall it) and there is our sad excuse of not posting. Hopefully the next few days will bring better health and increased motivation!

Because he's so funny...

2008-02-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

I always knew that I would be highly entertained at the expense of my children (in a purely innocent way of course...) but little did I know how entertained I would really be...I have to say...the mohawk NEVER gets old!

And as you can see, we have the video to prove it!

Video!

2008-02-11T11:33:00.000-05:00

Hopefully this video thing will work and we will now be able to bring video to our readers.

Enjoy...and dont mind my appearance.

He sleeps

2008-02-07T12:24:00.000-05:00

For those of you who dont know, we have a very active child. He's always wiggling and moving about. Unless of course he's doing this, which he is also quite adept at.

I must also note that he gets his propensity to sleep anywhere at anytime from his father.

Where has the time gone?

2008-02-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

I do realize that it has almost been a month since we last blogged...and I apologize. I have been reminded regularly by family and friends and I offer my sincerest apoligies from the bottom of my heart! Now that thats done...here is your baby fix (because Luke and I know thats who really brings you back to our site).

The boys watching football Enjoying his new jumpee toy
bathtime fun for mommy
patiently waiting on the pitas to be done
Brayden's first friend Gabriel...he and his mommy came to play yesterday!
And happy 7 months to our little peanut who's not so little anymore!

Mealtime

2008-01-11T18:27:00.001-05:00

Mealtime around here has been very interesting of late. Breakfast is fine, but lunch has taken an unexpected turn. I should probably start out by saying that Brayden has never been much of a napper. In other words, he's like I was as a child and fears he may miss something if he sleeps. Now sure, he could take a short siesta of about 20 or 30 minutes, but not long enough for me to get anything reall substantial done...that is until this week. This week he MIRACULOUSLY turned into a two nap a day child (can I get a hallelujah!!!). I should also add that Brayden likes him some food. He's a great eater and is very good about opening wide and wolfing down whatever we give him. So, keep these things him mind when I share the next part. He has decided that as soon as I put him in his highchair for lunch is a great time to fall asleep mid bite and take a nice long 2 hour nap. I know! I know! I was just as shocked as the rest of his adoring public, but you saw that I have the pictures to prove it. So while I'm not complaing that my child takes two hour naps (at least this week he has...now that I've shared that with the class he'll make a big liar out of me) I still find it hilarious that he is suddenly so tired that he...cant...go...on...enough to at least fill his belly before he falls asleep. Cest la vie...

Enjoy!

This is for you, Dad

2008-01-09T12:50:00.000-05:00

My dad, whose been gone for the past week and a half, has requested more pictures of the boy for his computer's screen saver, so naturally I am more than willing to post more pictures of my beautiful child.

Our flying nuh...er...reindeer

We've graduated from the cramped baby tub to the big tub and he thinks this is just marvelous! This is Brayden first thing in the morning as captured by Daddy this past weekend. You just cant have enough of these pictures! Apparently there was a fly in the room that Brayden was hoping to catch...

This is Brayden, tired of having to sit upright, because his life is so tiring and all.
In related news, we are sorry to report that, despite our best efforts, he continues to grow up. At his 6 month appointment he was 17 lbs, and I couldnt help but remember the 7 1/2 lb child we brougth home from the hospital. It goes way too fast!!

Big Sitting

2008-01-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

A new event has taken place in our house...Brayden is sitting up on his own (mostly...unless you count the occasional slip ups where he flops backwards). I'm a very proud mommy because he mastered it in about one day. Oh sure....there were clues that he'd do it soon, but yesterday must have been a good day for his patience because he let me sit him on the floor and basically keep throwing new toys at him to keep him distracted from the fact that he wasnt being held. At any rate...this mommy's heart is full of pride and I just thought I'd share it with all of you who read this.
P.S. Brayden has recieved a lot of praise lately when he sits on his own, hence why he looks so proud of himself in these photos.

Brayden this weekend sitting with a little help from Daddy

Last night on the bed before bathtime
In the tub
This morning, proving he's still got skills!

Happy Holidaaaaaays!

2007-12-30T21:30:00.000-05:00

This is a photo montage (in no particular order) of our Christmas holiday with the Sanders side of the family. I'll spare all my attempt at wit for now and let you peruse our pics. I will say, though, that we had a blast getting to have a full house, eat lots of good food, and play games til we dropped every night (literally). We're so glad they all made the trip down here to spend Christmas with us!

Enjoy!

Brayden with AmyReading with Aunt HannyAunt C
Memaw
Smiling for Daddy after naptime

Pops makes a good pillow!

The kids Christmas morning
Ode to pictures past (Mommy had a picture like this her first Christmas)
Can I open my stocking now?!
Uncle Isaac
Happy with his Bear
All bundled up and ready to go!
Brayden loves his bike

Checking out his loot
Sampling his loot

Tis the Season

2007-12-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

In addition to being delinquent in posting, we are a bit behind the 8 ball when it comes to putting up decorations. Well, for me anyway. I come from a very serious lot of Christmas decorators. My Grandpa was the Grand Poo Pa of decoration. Every Thanksgiving all the grandkids were called upon to help him decorate the tree. Now, this seems like a simple enough task, but it really wasnt. There was a precise method to the madness, and you quickly found out where ornaments were to go and how they were to be placed. It was comedic really...my Grandpa taking it all very seriously while all the grandkids looked around at the other adults like, "He's joking, right?" but their grinning would always confirm that he was indeed VERY serious so we usually all proceeded to laugh at the whole process...but more so at him...
I was reminded of this process as I applied our lights to the tree in a very willy nilly fashion (neither Luke or I have what you would all an eye for detail) and couldnt help but smile knowing that my kids will also be the recipients of the same tradition I was. Even though my own Grandpa isnt here anymore to pass this tradition on to my kids, my own father seems to have picked up where my Grandpa left off with the OCD Christmas tree decorating...and I cant wait to sit back, watch and laugh.
Here are the pictures of our tree...not fancy or Jack Holcomb decorated, but I bet he'd approve.

Give Thanks

2007-12-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

This is an aptly named blog considering the time of year we are in and also because I'm sure all the grandparents are thankful I'm finally posting.

These are some pictures that have been taken since we last posted, most happening over the Thanksgiving holiday when my parents came down to visit along with my sister and Grandma (my Dad's mom). It was really nice to see family, but its hard when they have to leave. The house still seems empty, but with Christmas and Luke's family coming we will get a few more days of a full house. Its funny how you work hard to forget how far away you are from the ones you love. If I try really hard I can make myself believe they are just down the street, but sadly, they arent. And with each visit it takes just a bit longer to forget the distance. So Luke and I are grateful for many things, but today I feel overwhelming gratitude for my family that was just here as well as for Luke's family coming soon.

Oh...and of course there are two men in my life who I cant leave out, even if one is screaming for attention right now...you decide which one that is...he shall remain nameless.

Making my company prep go a little slower

"I think my present is bigger!"
"Do you need something? We're trying to read here."
Holcomb family picture

Lions and Tiggers and Bears, OH MY!!!

2007-11-18T20:06:00.000-05:00

Today Luke put Brayden in his crib and let me take a glorious 30 minute nap. When I woke up Luke told me go come look at Brayden. I walked back to the bedroom to find the little guy still hugging the Tigger he must have been wrestling (Uncle Isaac, you would have been so proud!). All I can guess is he just fell asleep mid half-nelson.
And this is our little man displaying how big he is. He LOVES to stand and I was at the counter and he wanted to watch what I was doing so Luke held him standing on the kitchen stool at the bar. I'm thinking he's caught on to the fact that he's cute.

Issues

2007-11-14T11:31:00.001-05:00

So I cant seem to get my act together when it comes to this blogging thing. I think about blogging every time a cute picture is taken, but getting it onto the blog is another story entirely. My hat goes off to those mommies with more than one child who blog religiously (you know who you are). In their shadow I feel like a failure. But I take solace in the fact that I'm at least not failing to take pictures. I do have lots to contribute when I do post. That gives me some reprieve, right??

Things are going well here. Luke has had some time off lately, so its been nice having long weekends with him and getting to spend more time together as a family. We're getting ready to have my parents, my sister and my grandma here for Thanksgiving, so that will be exciting. Brayden will become more spoiled than he already is, I have every confidence. But he is the first of his kind for both our parents and siblings. I just cant help but feel that when he gets a sibling it will be a rocky road for the little guy. In the meantime he's the center of our universe, as he should be. Enjoy more of our little man!

Before Bedtime I'm ready to get up now....
Arent you going to get me up?
Daddy makes a good recliner

What?
Mommy cuddles
Whoa I'm tall!!!
I need a nap between courses

Since We've Been MIA

2007-11-02T12:01:00.000-04:00

Since we've been failing miserably at keeping up with blogging, we will catch all our loyal readers up on whats been happening since last time without my rambling...but that will come later! You can count on that!

A little fun New game with Daddy
My Boys
Eating Daddy's shirt
After a lovely dinner of squash...
Mesmerized by his new bedtime toy

Our little bird on Halloween
...because we just cant get enough of these pictures
What Brayden does while I clean the bathroom

Chicken Little

2007-10-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

As all parents out there know...there are innumerable joys of being a parent. Today I discovered a new joy...Halloween costumes on my 3 1/2 month old...it makes your heart sing, does it not? Ok...maybe not sing...but giggle at least.

We're Home

2007-10-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to send out a quick post for everyone who is checking to make sure we made it safely on our drive back to Texas. It was a long drive but it was worth it because we had a great time visiting family for the past 10 days. We will post more about our trip later but I just wanted to make sure everyone knows we're ok.

Tummy Time Is Tiring!

2007-10-02T13:42:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I put Brayden on the floor for some tummy time while I did a few things in the kitchen. When I no longer heard him grunting and cooing in the living room I went to investigate. Now you're probably thinking I had nothing to worry about, but he has started to roll over and for all I knew he had trapped himself under the couch. He hadnt, in case you were wondering, but I did find this...my child sleeping soundly on the floor right where I put him.

Our Chunky Monkey

2007-10-01T15:25:00.000-04:00

Since I seem to be SERIOUSLY delinquent in posting I am ingnoring my growling stomach and throwing caution to the wind and posting instead of eating lunch. Why not do both you say? Well I'll tell you. Brayden has deemed naps as optional and when he does nap its really more of a...mmm...cat nap than a real nap. So I have limited time to eat as it is...but this is how much I care for our readers...and how guilty I feel for depriving the internet (ok...ok...the three of you who read this) of the precious face of my first born.

We have a lot of fun taking pictures of Brayden, but in looking through the ones we've taken recently I've noticed a trend...we LOVE taking bathtime pictures. So in light of that I have only included a small sampling of the lastest bathtime pictures in addition to our boy sporting the only sports onesie that seems appropriate for this time of the year (GO CUBS!!!)

These bathtime pictures are especially precious in light of the fact that Brayden has found his best friend...his daddy. After baths, as soon as his naked cheeks his the towel the grin spreads across his face in anticipation of the daddy cuddles that ensue. Our little guy just jabbers at Luke while he dries him off and talks to him. It does this heart good. And what kind of proud wife and mother would I be if I didnt show my boys off to all who care to venture here?!

Precious, no?

Per request of some of our readers

2007-09-21T11:05:00.000-04:00

Post-cereal...like we've said...he LOVES cereal time Brayden gets Daddy cuddles after his bath last night Striking a pose...and no I didnt pose him...he did this
Having a bit-o-fun at Brayden's expense
He's ready for snow!!!

I Cant Wait!!!

2007-09-19T21:48:00.000-04:00

I just got a call from Luke saying that he will be home earlier than expected...meaning 2 am instead of 6 am...but we take our victories where we can in this house...and that my friends is a victory!

The past month has been bittersweet. It was amazing getting to see family and show Brayden off, but it just wasnt the same without Luke there with us. And now, having been home for two weeks I miss him coming home for dinner every night. Its no fun cooking for just me! No fun I tell ya!!! On top of that I want to share every giggle and smile that Brayden gives with him. I dont want him to miss a second of that sweetness (for proof see previous posts...he's seriously cute)

But now all that is about to end...and all I can say is, I cant wait to get back to buisness as usual!!

The Brayden Chronicles.

2007-09-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

Since I usually have nothing interesting to say, and more often than not put too many words and far too few pictures of our life on here, I will oblige our sparse but loyal following with a montage of our greatest source of entertainment...our child. Enjoy!!

Daddy's got the touch! Bathtime fun...for Mom and Dad
HUH?
We love our cereal!

A Rough Day In Babyville

2007-09-08T09:29:00.000-04:00

Brayden had his first shots yesterday. If you are not a mommy you will not know the agony it is to hold your 2 month old down while someone sticks him FOUR TIMES with ginormous needles. Now I know the nurse doing this must have nerves of steel to be able to do this to children because I dont know how else you could do that all day. She was a very nice lady, and seemed to take no pleasure in hurting my baby, but still. I guess my heart still hurts a bit from it. I'm also not looking forward to his next visit. Did you know they do that to them every 2 months!?!?!? Anyways...So today he is still out of sorts and is sleeping like a rock while I just stare at him and pray he feels better by tomorrow...

What a day...make that two...

2007-09-08T09:12:00.000-04:00

So as I stated in the last posting, Brayden and I flew home on Wednesday...and Thursday. Allow me to explain myself. We arrived at the airport in Chicago, schlepped our stuff through security (that includes diaper bag, purse, stroller, car seat, mommy and baby), reassembled our stuff, and got to the gate in record time...thank you very much!!! So while at the gate we find that our flight has been delayed. No big deal until its delayed 3 more times meaning we will most likely miss our connecting flight in Atlanta...joy! The lady at the counter assured me that we would have a vehicle waiting to transport us to the gate in Atlanta in hopes of catching our flight since I had a baby with me and couldnt make it by taking the tram. If not we would be put up in a room in Atlanta and fly out the next morning. SO...since there was nothing I could do about my present circumstance I resigned, boarded the plane (eventually) and hoped to make the connecting flight. Well...as luck would have it...we didnt. When we arrived in Atlanta another plane was unloading where we were supposed to because we were running so late, so we went to another terminal of equal distance away from my new gate so I didnt worry. I didnt worry until I got off the plane and realized my transportation was at the other gate. So we hoofed it to our new gate only to see we missed it. See, that plane left on time...imagine that!!! I then proceeded to find myself the customer service counter to rebook a flight for the next morning and collect my hotel and meal vouchers as well as some dirty looks from the girls behind the counter. After that ordeal was the ordeal of getting outside to the shuttle to the hotel. This as made a bit easier by the fact that I had no luggage...which in hindsight I would have rather had since I had no toiletries..but thats taking this story to a darker place than I needs to go. I digress. So we made it to the shuttles, but when ours wasnt there after about 20 minutes another shuttle driver took pity on me and took me to the hotel, which was just a bit too late to prevent a meltdown on Brayden's part. But he was entitled considering the day he'd been through. He was only doing what I wanted to do but couldnt since proper decorum wouldnt permit...plus I'm the mommy. Someone had to stay sane, or at least look sane. So we had a good nights sleep (haha) and got up bright and early to make our way home...which we did in case you were wondering. About18 hours late, but we made it. I guess I'll console myself with the fact that it didnt happen both trips.

There's more than corn in Indiana...and Illinois

2007-09-04T22:01:00.000-04:00

If you're wondering where we've been...see the title of this entry for the answer. Luke is currently deployed to Ft. Bliss in El Paso and White Sands, NM until the end of September so I took the opportunity to be brave and get on a plane with Brayden to Illinois to see my family, and to Indiana to see Luke's. Its been a ton of fun. I got to go to a wedding where my whole Dad's side of the family to go meet Brayden and then I went to Luke's parent's house and both sides of his family got to meet the baby. We leave tomorrow morning to go back to Texas where I'll have a few more weeks until Lukey comes home...and I can hardly wait. Visiting family isnt' the same without him with me now. Funny how that happens. I went 19 years without him and now after just 4 1/2 years with him I'm lost when he's not around. I guess thats how its supposed to be.

At any rate...I will post pictures of our little chunk soon. He's grown a ton and gets cuter my the day if you ask me...but I'm partial.

Pictures..as promised

2007-08-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

having a chat

always thinking

passed out

what they do best
daddy cuddles
kisses
our bright eyed boy
happy in his bouncy seat

Our..My Apologies

2007-08-15T17:40:00.000-04:00

So I'm sure it hasnt escaped anyone's notice (if anyone even still reads this) that there has been some delinquency where the blogging is concerned. I find myself realizing that before Brayden came I couldnt wait to have him here to blog about, but now that he's here I find myself less motivated (and with a lot less time on my hands) than I had anticipated. Cest la vie I guess. Its not that we havent taken any pictures...you know us better than that...its the mass amounts of pictures that make uploading, sifting through, posting, and coming up with something interesting to say that has proven to be the most daunting. I should know by now that words are no needed where grandparents are concerned. And aunts and uncles, too...they would just settle for all the pictures without all my mindless rambling...which I seem to be doing so I'll get to the point. We had our first smiles this week, as I'm sure you figured out from the montage I did post (more wordless posts soon...maybe even today...haha). Enjoy our little ray of sunshine (and lots of coos!)

And More

2007-07-29T19:45:00.001-04:00

More Pictures

2007-07-29T19:41:00.001-04:00

Yes, we're still here!

2007-07-29T19:14:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy time of late with adjusting to Brayden more than he seems to be adjusting to us. He still hasn't quite figured out which time of day is nighttime yet because some days he figures it out better than others. He also is trying to figure out who actually lives here and who is just visiting. Last week Luke's family was in town for their first chance to visit the newest member to the family. Luke's mom and sister arrived first by plane and then the rest of the crew arrived a few days later. We enjoyed the time we spent with them and Brayden enjoyed getting to meet his grandparents with aunt's and uncle's in tow. Here are some of the pictures that were taken during the visit.

Birth Story

2007-07-19T12:16:00.000-04:00

Yes Yes...I am aware that its been almost 2 weeks since Brayden was born, and I could have done this a while ago, but I would much rather have posted the cute pictures of my little bumkin than to talk about my experience in labor. Dont get me wrong...being a mother is wonderful, and the process of labor has its beauty and magnificence (until the real pain starts)...but the cutsie pictures are usually better recieved. So, if you would like to just X out of this entry, I dont blame you, but for the inquisitive ones in the flock here goes nothing.

I had to be induced as you all know, and I was dreading the pitocin that I knew I would have to end up being hooked up to. I did my homework and found out that that little drug makes labor very unpleasant. Not that labor is a cake walk, but pitocin only makes it worse. So you can imagine my excitement when they hooked me up to that first thing...literally. So I was on the pitocin and having contractions, but by mid afternoon wasnt making much progress. So, the turned it off and wanted to wait for my contractions to die down before trying to insert a pill to ripen things up...up there. But they couldnt do it until my contractions went away almost totally. Well...they never did. Seems the pitocin worked...just not well enough. So I knew I was in for a long labor. About an hour after they told me my contractions werent stopping an angel from heaven in the form of an OB/GYN resident came in, declared I was dilated enough to break my water (which I was told I wasnt far enough along to do a bit earlier) instead of doing the pill thing...up there. I dont think I really was dilated enough...but thats why she's an angel. The only snag with that was, Luke was taking a walk. So he came back to find me flat on my back, tears rolling down my face, thinking something terrible had just happened. Not that he really missed anything, but still...

After they broke my water they turned the pitocin back on and man o man did things get going from there!!! About an hour after they broke my water I was asking for some relief, so the anesthesiologist was called up. This is where things got hinky. See, I have a family history of whats known as a spotty spine...so I dont numb up like i'm supposed to. Needless to say, it took about 8-10 hours before we got the epidural thing right...which ended up being about 2-3 hours before Brayden was born. So...I think I sufficiently

New Pet

2007-07-16T15:37:00.000-04:00

So thanks to Aunt Christen Brayden has his first "pets." These are the fuzzy socks/slippers that she brought with her this week. They are probably the cutest things I've ever seen. The problem is that Brayden thinks getting whatever is on his feet off is some sort of Olympic sport and does it with all the grace and dexterity of a baby twice his age...honestly...so the pups didnt stay on for long, but Mommy captured the moment before the kicking and removal began. And before anyone says so...we are aware the they dwarf his body...but would it be as cute if they didnt??

My loves...

2007-07-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Being a parent has definately been a new experience. Never in my life did I think I could smile at 3 am...I mean literally...I didnt know it was possible. Nor did I realize what a sound sleeper Luke is. He can "wake up" and rub my back while I'm feeding Brayden and yet never really truly wake up. If only I had the gift of "waking up" to feed the baby and not really wake up. Hmm...but then I guess I wouldnt be coherent to smile while smooching some sweet baby cheeks, would I? Quite the conundrum.

At any rate...this is a montage of my husbands new found spiritual gift...baby whisperer. He can get Brayden to go to sleep on his chest in a way I wish I could. But I think my smell means food. Luke must be putting out all the sleep vibes...and my vibes must be screaming "MOOO!" But I'm at peace with that...and I have cute pictures of my two loves as a result.

In Case You Were Wondering...

2007-07-11T16:56:00.000-04:00

So I know that we havent been as diligent about posting pictures of Brayden as we promised, so this is my feeble attempt to make up for it, and to hopefully make peace with all our out of town family who religiously check the blog.

Brayden is doing great. We had a really good night last night, which was nice since Gigi had to step in and help me lull him back to sleep the few nights before. Luke was out in the field Monday and Tuesday, so she was my savior after 2 or more hours of no success lulling him back to sleep. All you moms out there know what I'm talking about. But its all worth it when I look at how beautiful he is and think about how blessed we are to have him.

I'm feeling great and grateful for that fact, but still trying to take it easy. My mom has been great but is leaving tomorrow, so we will be excited for Luke's mom and sister to get here on Saturday so we can have a few extra hands. Luke has to go back out into the field Sunday night so they will be a Godsend while I still try to figure this mommy thing out.

Enjoy our little angel!

Home At Last

2007-07-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

So now we are home. Brayden was born early Friday and we were cleared to come home around lunchtime yesterday (Saturday). We are really excited to get started with real life, even if that means feedings every 2-3 hours and a baby that hasnt quite figured out this post utero thing yet.

The delivery was hard but you realize that its true what they say...you forget faster than you think you will. Plus, you get to stare down at the fruits of your labor anytime you want to. I'm feeling a lot better just getting to be home sleeping in my own bed, and Gigi is taking great care of us via good meals and lots of waiting on hand and foot. I'm sure I'll be back in fighting shape in no time...right???

My mom stays until this upcoming Thursday, and then Luke's mom and sister come in Saturday evening, so the help just keeps on coming and we like it!

Here are some more pictures of the delivery/hospital stay. I'm embarassed to say we dont have many pictures from here at home yet...but dont let that discourage you...photo ops will be abundant from here on out.

Happy Birthday Brayden!

2007-07-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a very abbreviated version of how everything went. Today is already one of the most exciting days of my life and it's only 10 AM. Kristin and Brayden did an amazing job and you can see the results of the work they put in. Brayden weighed in at 7lbs 7 ounces and 19 inches long. We arrived at 6AM yesterday and he was born @0323 this morning after 21 hours of work. We will give a much more detailed account with more pictures later but Mommy and Brayden are happy and healthy and should be coming home Sunday morning because the hospital wants 48hrs observation time. Long story short I'm a Daddy to a baby boy!! YES!!

Induction Day

2007-07-05T08:35:00.000-04:00

Well, it's 525 and we're putting things in the car and touching up the house for when we return. I couldn't help but get a couple more pictures in before Kristin's belly shrinks down to normal size. I know that we have a fair amount of people following us and waiting for results so i will try to get those out as soon as possible. But as for now we need to get going so here's the bright eyed and bushytailed 5 AM pictures.

D Day

2007-07-04T14:40:00.000-04:00

So here we still are on the 4th of July...and at this point we are waiting very impatiently for a different kind of delivery of our little guy. Tomorrow morning at about 6 am we will go in for an induction. It seems that Brayden is a bit too comfy in Mommy's tummy, but luckily at this point my discomfort trumps his comfort. So hopefully by Friday morning we will have our much awaited bundle of joy and will finally have something more interesting and much more precious to post on our blog.

I had my 41 week appt yesterday and everything with Brayden looks great so hopefully things will go smoothly tomorrow and into Friday!!!

Hopefully our next post will not only hold good news, but pictures of the fruits of our/my labors (literally).

Due Date

2007-06-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

For those of you who dont know it...today is my due date. I am still here...obviously...My mom says its because Brayden is waiting on Gigi, but I think I've made it just a hair too comfy in my tummy, so as of today I am beginning to poke and prod him more than usual. He seems to have noticed since he has taken to kicking and stretching in response. I think we're gonna have a character on our hands when he gets out!

On a more serious note...today it hit me that I'm going to be a mommy to someone. Someone will soon look to me to take care of their every need and will, for a time, find me to be all knowing and wise (you may laugh now if you like...I find that fact hilarious myself). When I said this to Luke over dinner he just nodded and looked pensive...he was probably thinking about his own role in all of this. Its scary to think that a little life has been entrusted to you. Its like a test and a gift all wrapped up into one tiny little package. If I had to be honest, and I'm sure Luke will agree with me, there is a lot a solace in knowing that not only did we have great role models in how to raise children in our own parents, but that we still have that guidance from them along with lots of love and helping hands from family and friends. It helps to know that you have a whole cheering section behind you rooting you on this journey you're starting. It gives us peace knowing we really arent alone in this.

So this is update on my uterus and my deep thought for the day...maybe even the week depending on how things go in the next few days. Oh...dont I just wish!

Alrighty...

2007-06-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

I just got back from my appt with my doctor and things "look perfect" as they always do, thank you very much. That is the good news. The bad news is that not a whole lot has changed since my last appointment. He did some more digging in there, talked to me about what to do if my water breaks or I start having contractions, and then went to make some phone calls to put my induction date on the calendar...just in case (Luke leaves for the field on the 9th of July and wont be home til the 20th, so we'd really like to have the little guy here before then for obvious reasons). My doctor doesnt seem to think I'll need an induction date, but he scheduled us for the 5th of July if the need arises.

We will try to keep our loyal readers up to speed in the coming days, and you may even get lucky and have a post informing you of our departure to the hospital. That post will probably be from Luke...

Keep your fingers crossed!!!

Still...

2007-06-25T13:00:00.000-04:00

Here! Thats really all that runs through your head when you're in the week leading up to you due date. You wake up everyday and think..."Well, I'm still here..." Dont get me wrong...I'm fine still being "here" but then I wake up on days like today...at 4am...to a baby fighting with my insides for space. This in and of itself is not a rare occurance. The rarity is the fact that it didnt let up until well after Luke left for work...or at least until I was finally able to fall back to sleep through the maylay. The good news is, the fighting has stopped for now. The bad news is that I fear all my internal organs will soon go on strike for being severly mauled once again, and for me just laying there doing nothing. I think they're tired of losing...and I'm tired of their griping! All I can do is continue to remind Brayden that there is MUCH more room out here with Mommy and Daddy. Problem is...I think he's content to keep fighting it out for a bit longer. *Sigh*

On a brighter note...I have another appt tomorrow to find out if any of the wriggling and stretching has brought us any closer to seeing our little guy. I'm not holding my breath that my doctor will be good for much concrete info (as I explained in my last appt update), but for anyone whose ever been pregnant you know that there's just something about getting to hear how your baby is doing from someone who seems to know what they're talking about. So I will anxiously go in tomorrow, probably be poked and prodded in ways unimaginable (and frankly a bit inhumane), and come home and promptly update my loyal public of my progress, if any.

Until then!

38.5 Week Appt.

2007-06-18T23:55:00.000-04:00

So today we were finally able to have that appointment. Things went fine as expected. I am still 2 cm and 50% effaced so he dug around in there to see if he could help me along...ouch! We'll have to let you know if there was any progress gained from the discomfort at a later date...maybe it will even send me into labor (commence holding breath). But other than that Brayden and I are fine. My doctor says things look good and that I should deliver on my due date...give or take about 5 days or so (he's a riot I tell ya!)

Lukey took the pictures today for everyone's enjoyment! As you can see, things are progressing nicely as I like to put it. I think I spend half my day on my exercise ball bouncing to relieve the pressure and to hopefully encourage a quicker descent than has recently been occuring. If nothing else I hope to be making Brayden very sea sick. That'll teach him to dig his head into my pelvis, right?!

We're Still Here

2007-06-17T18:10:00.000-04:00

For those of you out there who were wondering if we made it through the weekend, the answer is yes...we did. We have had a nice relaxing weekend followed, I hope, by a good "first" Father's Day for Lukey. I suppose there is still time to have a real Father's Day, but the chances grow slimmer by the minute. Oh well...I guess there will always be next year. In the meantime we have made it to see another appointment (hopefully) set for tomorrow. We will keep you in the loop when we know anything else...exciting or not.

The Appt. That Wasnt...

2007-06-14T01:00:00.000-04:00

For the faithful readers who are wondering how my appt. went today...it didnt. Since many of you are not familiar with government health care, I will just say that while it is free it is not hassle free. Tricare had only approved me for visits until June 6, so when I got there today I was not authorized for any more visits. Makes no sense, I know, since I'm due the end of June...but like I said...NOT hassle-free. Its an easy fix, and hopefully I will be all set for my rescheduled appointment Monday at 3. I'll be sure to let you know what progress (or lack thereof) that we've made when the time comes. Until then you're just stuck with me and my mindless ramblings. Night!

Here's the scoop

2007-06-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

So today I have another OB/GYN appt. at 2:45. I know it will tell me everything is fine...but I guess now Luke and I look forward to them because we can see if I've progressed any this past week. He's the optomist. He thinks I will be a 4 or something even better...thats why I love him...ever thinking positive. Me? I'm hedging my bets that things will be pretty much the same as they were last week. I think Brayden is still pretty comfy in there...squirmy but comfy. So, I guess all you news hungry readers will find out in our next post later on today what the scoop is. Stay Tuned!!!

Attempt At Labor Induction

2007-06-09T19:55:00.000-04:00

So last week I made a new step in my life...Luke taught me how to use our lawnmower and I even gave it a whirl by mowing the front yard all by myself (mostly). I was sweaty and very winded and as I was giving the mower to Luke to finish I got a brilliant idea. I decided that next time, I would mow the whole yard myself to maybe try to speed the arrival of Brayden along a bit. So, today I did just that. It was hot and I was once again sweaty, but I did it. And since I'm blogging about it you can infer how well it worked...not a thing happened! Oh well...there's always next week!!!

36.5 Week Dr's Appt.

2007-06-06T10:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had the "big" appointment. It was big because it marked the beginning of weekly visits to my doctor as well as the appointment where I was checked to see if I've made "progress" so to speak. It's a nice way to say my cervix was checked (sorry guys...). I had the option of waiting til next week, but I've been feeling crampy/pressure down there for a while now, especially the past week or so. So I told him I was curious and he did his thing and to my suprise (and to the Doctor's...I think since this is my first pregnancy he didnt expect a whole lot) I was 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I know that means nothing to some of you, but mommy's who read this will know. I'm not in labor, nor will Brayden be sticking his hand out waving at anybody in the near future. It just means that my body has already begun the process of getting ready for the little guy to come out. And I guess it means labor had technically started. It also means I have less progress to make before they will admit me to the hospital when I do go into actual active labor (at our hospital I have to be 4 cm and have contractions 5 mins apart at least). It could be that I'm close...or it could be I have a while left to wait...which I'm finding out is true with all pregnant women. You can be dilated and have made lots of progress at your appointments but still deliver late, or you could have made no progress and deliver early. It seems like this childbirth thing is just a crapshoot really. And Brayden is in total control...but that doesnt stop me from asking him several times daily, "Dont you want to come out and see Mommy????" The answer so far has been "No, but thank you for asking..."

So...in a minute after I publish this post I will be going on a brisk walk...up LOTS of hills! Can't hurt, right???

36 Week Belly Shot

2007-06-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

This is another installment in the chronicle of the ever growing Brayden Edward Sanders (and by default...me). Enjoy!

This is Brayden's World...We're Just Living In It!!

2007-05-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

So recently we posted that things are falling into place supply wise for our little guy. We have purchased (and been given) copious amounts of clothing, we have purchased diapers, diapering supplies, bath stuff, the changing table pad, diaper pail, and we recieved our Pack and Play yesterday from Luke's Grandma and Papaw. We also now have our car seat in the car and ready thanks to our friend from church, Marlene, who teaches car seat safety. This stuff along with other such small items has sucessfully (we hope) gotten us pretty much prepared for Brayden to come. I'm sure we could always think of more to buy, as is always the case, but we are happy to report that we are ready as we'll ever be! Tomorrow I am finally going to allow myself to pack a bit for the hospital. I promised myself I would wait until I was considered "full term" and with that day being today...I feel I will no longer be jinxing myself and now feel safe to pack and plan a bit more. It seems that all thats left is to hurry up and wait for the big day!!!

An Exciting Time...

2007-05-25T17:45:00.000-04:00

Recently the preparation for our little guy has kicked into high gear. We decided to cloth diaper, so after much research we settled on the type and quantity we would buy. This past Sunday we ordered the cloth diapers and diaper covers that we'll be using. Yesterday we got the cloth diapers in the mail, and I set out on the large task of washing and drying them to make them soft for baby buns...which if you dont know much about cloth diapering requires you to wash and dry the diapers 4-5 times before they are suitable. So as of right now we are still listening to the sweet hum of the washer and dryer (we are halfway done).

Today while we were wading in our backyard (we've had Texas monsoon season the past 12 hours...pictures included) the jolly postman brought our diaper covers. So, being the anxious ne parents that we are, we once again enlisted the help of my Truthful Teddy to practice diapering on...the results of all our exploits follow.

Self Explanatory...

2007-05-25T01:30:00.000-04:00

For those of you who know Luke, or any Sanders man for that matter, you know that they can pretty much fall asleep anytime and anywhere as soon as they are no longer occupied with or interested in anything thats going on. I think Grammy says this is because they all have clear consciences...and this may be but its a funny quirk none the less. I've taken pictures of Luke in his "natural state" before with every intention of posting them, but ususally they end up being deleted from the camera. But tonight I resolved to actually post how cute he is. Its a fair bet that he will be asleep by 9 pm on any given night. Tonight was a special night, though. This picture was taken and 7:45...

35 Week Belly Shots

2007-05-23T21:21:00.001-04:00

As promised...here I am in all my glory. As you can see, Luke was tired of being left out of all the belly shots.

In looking at myself on the camera I would be inclined to agree with those who have told me that I'm coming along nicely. The thing I wonder now is, can my body stretch much more before I topple over?