A Busy Summer

I can't believe our little guy is almost 4 months old. He's had a busy last few weeks. Erie summers are full of festivals and parades and I try to get B to all I can. He LOVES being outside, even if it's just a walk to the mailbox.

Two weeks ago, we made the long 10 hour haul to Iowa. Bryson was WONDERFUL in the car and kept right on his strict schedule. We got pictures taken of all the grandkids and the photographer did an amazing job!!! Thanks again Amy. With all the young ones, the session was crazy, but it was worth it. The pictures are priceless.

We spent Friday night at my dad and Kathy's for a family BBQ. It was nice to be able to introduce B to everyone at once. It saved mom and dad from having to rush around town, our usual home schedule. My cousin Ashley, and her little guy Evan were there. Evan is only 4 days older than Bryson and having them together was a blast. I can't until they get older.

My friend Amy also has little Brett who is Bryson's age. Brett is 11 days older than Bryson. All these babies...what a blast.

Saturday was the luau. As usual, it was a blast. All my friends made it to town for the annual festival. I love that Bryson has gotten the chance to meet MOST of my very closest friends. That night, my mom volunteered to take our guy for the evening and we could get him the next morning. Somehow, my boss Skip and his family volunteered as well, so off B went with the Youngs. My mom then got him from them. It was so nice to be able to let loose with friends and family, but that was Adam's and my first night away from him, and it WASN'T easy. I woke early to go pick him up and found him in one piece, so I guess grandma did take good care of him. :) I had no doubts.

Now we've made it back home, all in one piece, and Bryson has just started laughing. It is the highlight of my day. Here are a few videos to show you how precious our little guy is when something tickles his funny bone.

A Busy Weekend

Bryson had a weekend full of first times. My friends from Texas, Cherie and Cindy came up for a visit and we had tons of things to cram into our weekend and Bryson was right along for the ride. Sunday we headed out for Niagra Falls. Neither Cherie or Cindy had ever been there and it's a must see when you're this close. Bryson was an angel and Cherie and Cindy loved the Falls.

Sunday night we headed out to Greek Fest. We watched the Greek dancing, but showed up too late for the Greek food. I, however, did get out there and shake what my momma gave me. :)

Monday we headed to the beach. It was Bryson's first time at the beach. He got to feel the sand and put his feet in the water. Once again, he was a trooper though he wasn't too keen on me laying him on the sand to take a picture of him next to his name.

Rowan and Bryson

I am TERRIBLE about keeping this thing up to date. At the end of the last post, I was supposed to be an aunt by the end of the day, but it didn't work out that way. Baby Rowan decided to keep us waiting one more day. He was born June 9th and is SO precious.

I'm am IN LOVE with this picture. What a little peanut.

Bryson went for his 2 week checkup last Monday and he is doing well. He did have to have his shots, but daddy got to do the honors of holding him down. He weighs 15lbs and 5oz.!!! He's huge but the Dr. said that's perfectly healthy for breastfed babies. I had about a million questions to ask so I dug out the list and got started. The Dr. said that he doesn't have a flat head, which was my biggest concern so...

Today we took him to the Fourth of July Parade. He did very well. He did cry once during the sirens, but other than that he was a little trooper. Tonight we're having a bonfire here at the house so we'll have to see what he thinks of that.

Babies, Babies, Babies

Today summer starts, but alas I still have to work. Bryson and I have been lucky enough for Adam to stay home with him. Bryson is just so amazing. I find myself staring at him often. He has started to smile at us and coo. It's the best feeling in the world. Adam has really been working hard on getting his business up and going and he really is doing a great job. He has been doing a few jobs here and there and hopefully it will really pick up from here.

We went to church yesterday with our friend Will's parents. It was great to go to church as a family!!! The Kell's are such great people. It was nice to see them and to catch up with them.

On another exciting note, Adam and I will be an aunt and uncle again by the end of today. My brother Adam and sister-in-law Rachel are having their baby today. They didn't find out what they are having so it will be a surprise which is such fun. My neice Kadence also turns one this week. I can't believe she is going to be one already!!! AND, she has started walking. I guess she also has the bruises to prove it.

Nap Time

Finally I'm home long enough to update the Blog. I'm home enough I suppose but when I'm home I'm so focused on spending all my time with my precious little one. He's asleep right now, so I have a few moments to get this thing updated.

Bryson is doing great. I'm back to work and Adam has been lucky enough to stay home ***He is stirring*** with him. As I'm sure most of you know, Bryson already rolled over!!! It was about day 10 when that happened and he's done it 5 more times since. He HATES tummy time, and will do anything to get out of it...hence the rolling over.

My dad and Kathy came for a visit. It was so great having them here. They both seemed to enjoy PA and even more so, spending time with the newest grandbaby who won't be the newest for long. Adam and Rach are due any day now. We did take them on a wine tour, which Kathy seemed to rather enjoy, and we're trying to talk them into coming out for Wine Fest in September. I posted a few pictures of their trip here.

This picture is my FAVORITE. The flash didn't go off so this picture was a complete accident, but I think it's ADORABLE.

Finally Time to Update

So I know it's been forever since I've been able to update this thing. Bryson is keeping daddy and I very busy. He is officially 3 weeks today. Where does the time go? We took him last week to get his 2 week pictures taken. Of course he was awake ALL morning long from 8-11 so I knew he would be sleeping and be a bear for our 11:40 appointment, but he was great.

My very first Mother's Day was amazing. Adam made me breakfast and a great dinner. He also got me a card and cake, which as you may know, I LOVE!! He also bought me a mother/child pendant with Bryson's birthstone in it. I do have an amazing and very thoughtful husband.

On another exciting note, Bryson rolled over for the first time the other day. I was putting him on his belly for some tummy time, but he wasn't having it and rolled over onto his back. Not once or twice, but THREE TIMES!!!

We also had an exciting couple of weeks with lots of family visiting. Uncle Adam, Aunt Rachel and Cousin Aiden were the first to arrive. Aiden loved visiting with our nephews Connor and Carter and even got to venture to their house to play. Between dump trucks and running around the yard, he did find some time to sing to Bryson. It was so precious.

Grandma B, Papa Jeff, Aunt Jade and Kadence were the next to arrive. I can't believe how big Kadence has gotten. It's only been 5 months since I last saw her, but she is growing like a weed.

Grandma and Grandpa Benda will be here at the end of May. We're looking forward to their visit and I know they are excited to meet their newest grandbaby.

Bryson's First Week Home

So the little man is sleeping so I finally have a chance to update everyone. The first week home has been great. My brother Adam, sister-in-law Rachel, and nephew Aiden came to visit. It was SO GREAT to have them here. They were a huge help with all the house work which there was a ton of. I didn't think I was going to the hospital without any notice so there was plenty for them to do. Adam's mom and dad also came up. I'm not sure what I would do without them. Darlene got Bryson's room all ready for him and it looks great. She also washed all his new clothes so now he can actually wear clothes.Bryson had his first doctor's appointment on Monday. He peed all over the doctor's table. :) Other than that everything was great. He has gained weight and is right on track. He is also longer than 9 out of 10 boys. He does have a clogged tear duct, but the doctor said it wasn't an issue and to just keep some warm water on it. Mommy was so glad there were no shots to be given. Daddy gets to take him to the next appointment where there WILL be shots.

Bryson Is Here!!!

So I'm finally home from the hospital and ready to update you all on our little guy. I went to the doctor at 3:00 on Monday afternoon. Because I was already overdue, he asked me what I was doing that night. They decided to bring me in.....an hour later and get the process started. I stayed there Monday night and at 6:45 Tuesday morning, they broke my water and started the petocin. I did fairly well until about 1:45. At that point it was pretty rough and I asked for an epidural. Whoever invented that thing....I LOVE YOU. I mean REALLY love you. The epidural allowed me to take a nap and get ready for the big arrival. I started pushing at 3:25 and by 4:36 our little man was here. Adam had thought he was a girl the entire time and so it was a big surprise that we got ourselves a boy. This is me....happy and posing after the epidural. YAY DRUGS!!!

SOMEONE is having a baby....It just isn't me

So today was the official due date and though a baby will be arriving today, it will not be mine. My cousin Ashley went into labor today. I have been making a joke of how on all dates, she chooses MY due date, but in all serious-ness, I'm very excited for the new addition to the family.
I did have a Drs. appointment today. They wanted to do another sonogram since my due date is here, just to check the heart and make sure there is enough fluid around the baby. They said all is well and the next step is to come back in Monday for a non-stress test. Then, after the test, they will schedule a date for me to be induced, which I'm guessing will be either Tuesday or Wednesday morning. At this point, I am a little torn. OBVIOUSLY I would like to have the baby naturally, but since I'm so close to the 22nd, I would still love to deliver that day. That, again, is the date Adam and I met in 2005.
So that is all I know as of right now. I'll keep you posted of any new news.

40 weeks and STILL counting

So tomorrow officially marks my due date and though Adam and I are ready, the baby doesn't seem to want to play by the rules. I did get some last minute shopping done, I went today and bought a DVD camera transfer device which will allow us to transfer video from our video camera and from our regular digital camera to DVD. I also bought a new digital camera which we were in desperate need of.

I went to the Dr. today and she said I'm now 75% effaced, but I'm ZERO dialated which was discouraging. Oh well. I guess the baby will come when it's ready, regardless of what the calendar says. I said at the very beginning that I wanted to have it April 22, since that's the day Adam and I met. Now I guess I've jinxed it. I go back to the Dr. tomorrow morning for a routine sono. They want to check the fluid around the baby which they say is standard procedure now that I've hit 40 weeks. THEN, I have another appointment on Monday for a non-stress test and that's when they will schedule me to be induced, unless the baby decides to come this weekend. I did take a picture today since I hit the 40 week mark. I also took pictures of the baby's coming home outfits. Obviously, one for a boy and one for a girl. I'm anxious to know what it is. The heartbeat today was 158. I'm back to thinking it may be a girl, but who knows. I'll keep you all posted.

Baby Update

So I had my 39 week appointment today and sadly there is nothing new to report. I am 70% effaced, but have not dialated AT ALL. So, my next appointment is Wednesday at 3:00. If I haven't had the baby before then, we will discuss and schedule a time for me to be induced. They told me they wouldn't let me go more than a week over which is good because Adam, Rachel, and Aiden are coming out on the 23rd. I'm really hoping they will induce me on the 22nd IF I have to be induced. That's the day Adam and I met, 4 years ago. I would love to have it before then should it choose to make an appearance. The heartbeat today was 146. I'm so confused as to if it's a boy or girl. My feelings change from day to day. I'm just ready for it to be here. I'm getting a little uncomfortable and really had my hopes up considering it dropped 3 weeks ago and everyone keeps telling me they think it will be early. I should have known it listens to no one.
I'll keep you all posted on any new news.

One month and counting

So today is March 16th, meaning exactly one month from right now is the due date. Thursday officially marks 8 months but the reality is really starting to set in now. I finally feel I'm at the "ready" point. I'm not sure what the turning point was, but I can say that anytime the baby decides to arrive from here on out would be great. I'm still holding out for an April baby but I can see the time is getting closer. Today was a day full of pelvic pain. Fun indeed. The baby is also getting short on room, but still finds enough space to punch and kick me to let me know that he/she is still there. Because the date marks the one more month countdown, I decided to take some pictures. AGAIN, I don't think I look this big normally. It's a very pregnant shirt. I'm sure I've said this more than once, but it's true. This shirt is not actually a maternity shirt and when I bought it and asked Adam what he thought he said he didn't like it because it made me look pregnant. So now, that I'm actually pregnant I get to wear it.

Adam and I have been on the hunt for a daycare. We have a few options out there, but still have some more looking to do. Who knew that picking a daycare would be so hard? I really wish that I had the summer off but it's just not going to happen that way this year. My school in Texas had me spoiled, that's for sure, but I do love Erie.

Diaper Party

This past weekend my brother-in-law and sister-in-law threw Adam and I a diaper party for the baby. I thought this was a spectacular idea as it encouraged all of Adam's male friends to attend. I guess they were inticed not so much by the diapers, but by the fact that pizza, liquor and beer were being supplied. Only this family would throw a baby shower with booze. It was hysterical. The daddy-to-be was feeling pretty happy by the end of the night, as were many other guests. It was a riot to see all of Adam's friends walking in the door with a bag of diapers. The baby got TONS of diapers which should save us from having to buy diapers for quite some time. Adam also got some contraceptive that was purchased so that there needn't be another diaper party for quite some time. Ahhhh the creative minds of Erie, PA.

Adam's family did an amazing job with the shower. We had a great time, and we were out the lastest we've been out in a long time. Who knew that babies and Beer's went hand-in-hand? We do have some pictures from the shower to post and I'll get them up as soon as I can.

On Sunday, we went back down to Rich and Lisa's to finished the leftover food from the shower. By the time we got home, Adam's hangover had kicked in...or so we thought. Turns out he came down with the flu. He spent all day on the couch with a fever and stomach bug. He even slept on the couch to keep me from getting sick. Thankfully, he is feeling a bit better though he did complain last night of a stomach ache.

A little scare

So we did have a bit of a scare today. I didn't feel the baby move all day, so I drank a Mt. Dew (Drs. Orders) and layed down. From there I did feel the baby move a few times, but not as much as they said it was supposed to, so I called the Dr. and they asked me to go into the hospital. From here it was an adventure. My darling husband had just eaten so he had gas. In the elevator, he decided to release himself and finished just in time for us to get off the elevator and for another woman to get on. That poor woman!!!



We got into the room and they hooked me up and for about the first 7 seconds couldn't find a heartbeat. That was about the longest 7 seconds of our lives. They did find the heartbeat and then Dr. Beer stepped in. Adam was asking me questions about the ambiotmic fluid. No, I didn't just spell that wrong, that's what he said. He then coughed and "accidentally" fluffed again. The whole time I'm trying to concentrate on feeling the baby and he has me laughing so hard. Then of course, he had to check the baby's progress. As he's looking at the chart, he realized he was looking at it upside down (which he really didn't know the difference.) The lady next to us was getting ready to have twin boys. They came in to move her to a different room and Adam, for some reason decided to have a peek into her room, which he instantly regretted. He just kept saying, "I shouldn't have looked," over and over.



Once the baby moved a few times, they took me downstairs to get a sonogram. Adam talked to the male nurse the whole time about football. He was a Cowboys fan. Once the sonogram was over, we were put out in the hall to wait for our wheelchair driver. Adam proceeded to pretend to rub my boobs for the camera. He wasn't really rubbing them, but from where the camera was, it would totally look like it, and he wasn't close enough for me to hit him.



Then, the wheelchair driver showed up. She was 90 pounds soaking wet. I'm surprised she was able to push me.

Bottom line is everything is OK. We have 5 weeks to go, but they said I should still be feeling alot more movement than that so they were glad we came in.

An update on Chloe

So, as if getting sprayed by a skunk wasn't enough, Chloe was hauled to the groomers yesterday, where they found a tick AND cut her ear. PLUS she still smells. Not as bad, but the smell is still there for sure. She seems to be feeling better, she wasn't even eating ice cream the other day so I knew she felt bad but now she is working a bone over as we speak....back to her old self.

Just another day in Paradise

Yesterday was full of events. We got to go get Chloe a few days early so that my in-laws can bring some furniture up this weekend for us. We should have left her there until Wednesday, and here is why...

I'm laying in bed last night about 10:00 finishing up watching some of America's Next Top Model. I hear Adam ask Chloe if she wants to go outside. This last trip outside means BEDTIME at our house. HA HA HA....it was far from bedtime. Adam leaves Chloe outside to do her thing, again....normal and comes into the bedroom to chat with me. As we're chatting, I smell a skunk. Adam runs frantically to the backdoor and looks out, trying to spot Chloe. This usually takes a few minutes as she likes to roam the yard. When he can't find her, he opens the door and she darts in, she was waiting right next to the door where he couldn't see her. At this point, I'm out of bed trying to figure out what's going on....thinking that Chloe is getting eaten by a skunk.

As soon as Chloe comes in, the havoc begins. The whole house begins to smell and I mean SMELL. Chloe was out trying to make a friend, and Flower, as we shall call it, didn't want a friend in the ol' Clo dog. It sprayed her, and sprayed her good. I looked online to see what to do and yes, I called the Dr. The Dr. said it should be no problem me staying in the house. Adam and I ran to the store at about 10:30 to get about $35 in supplies from candles, to Febreeze, to other air freshners. We also got douche to bathe Chloe in, a tip from my mom, which actually works quite well. And, as we were going to the store, and upon opening the garage, we were sure the skunk was in there so my BRAVE husband pulled the car out for me. What I found online was that EVERYTHING in your house has to be washed. Clothes (the ones you wear and those in your closet), sheets, curtains, pillows, bedspeads, towels, (again, those not used in the linen closet still have to be washed) furniture, the car fabric since the smell was so strong in there, and everything else you can imagine. SO, I called my boss last night and I'll be able to be off early today to come home and do laundry, but I have to go in, so I'll be smelling wonderful as you can imagine.

The smell at this point is so far up my nose I can smell nothing else. AND, when it's a more direct contact, it really doesn't have a "skunk" smell. It smells more like garlic and onions. I wanted to take video of us last night, it was comical I'm sure, but I had just taped Adam's football game and hadn't downloaded it yet.

OH, and to top it all off, Chloe has an appointment today to get a bath and a haircut. I'm not sure I want to take her in case she gets home and the house still stinks and she gets all smelly again. I was trying to call everywhere to get her in yesterday. If that had happened I would have been FURIOUS!!!!

Looking back I'm sure this will be a hilarious story, but today, while I'm doing oh, 50-60 loads of laundry, I'm sure I won't think it's so funny.

Child Birth Classes

So yesterday Adam and I spent a sweet little Saturday at the Health Center in Child Birth Education Classes. Adam actually handled it pretty well. I'll be honest, I was scared that there would be more laughing on his part than seriousness but I was wrong. It was actually a very informative class but checked us both back into the reality of the possibility that many things can go wrong. We're just hoping for a healthy baby to get here, whatever needs to happen.

The one part that daddy-to-be did not do so well at was the breathing exercises. First, he kept making me laugh. She told us to use daddy's eyes for the focal point, which I DID NOT DO from the start. I knew that would never work. But he caught my attention and made me laugh anyway. The guy next to us passing gas didn't help either. I was just thankful that he belonged to someone else and not me. I thought his wife was going to kill him and Adam of course, couldn't stop laughing.

Anyway, we made it thru and I feel a little more prepared for what's to come. Adam's parents are coming up this weekend and were supposed to bring Chloe back with them. They've had her for 2 weeks, allowing her to enjoy the country life, but they are bringing some furniture up for us this week and can't fit Chloe and the furniture. I have to say I'm excited. I miss my dog!!!

Valentine's Day Weekend

Adam and I decided to take advantage of the long weekend and head down to
DuBois to spend the weekend with his parents. We figured with the baby on the way, it may be our last chance to get down there. His parents live in the middle of nowhere and it's really peaceful to be out there and see all the animals. The turkey and the deer were out all weekend long.
Of course just because we went south doesn't mean the snow stopped. Chloe enjoyed playing outside, watching the animals, and laying out the feed with grandpa.

After a healthy and HUGE dinner, Fred and I decided to compare who had the bigger belly. I think I win. :)
With less than 2 months to go, things are starting to become "real." I've been blessed with such a great pregnancy. Hopefully I'm not speaking too soon. I only hope the birth and the days at home are equally as easy. I have a Dr.'s appointment today. They are just checking the heartbeat. The heartbeat has been so varied I still have no guess as to what we're having. Adam and I are still leaning towards girl. And, if this is a girl, it will be the first girl in his family in over 60 years. PLUS, I know my step-mom Kathy is wishing and hoping for a girl. With all those boys, who can blame her. We'll know soon enough.

The Crib and Rocker

So Adam and I got particularly motivated and decided to put the crib together. Luckily, when I got home, he and his brother Rich had already picked up our items. (I was afraid we would have to battle the 5 o'clock traffic.) They not only picked up the crib, but got our rocking chair as well. We were in need of the truck and with all the snow, this is really the first chance we had to go pick it up without ruining the fabric. So, we got them both up and running in what is going to be the nursery but with the large bed that is in there (in anticipation of our families visiting when the baby gets here) there isn't a whole lot of room for anything else. In all honesty, it's making me a little crazy, AND if we knew what it was we could paint, but I really am excited for the surprise.

The crib assembly was made even more fun by the fact that daddy has no use of his right arm as he did something to his shoulder playing football on Sunday. Better now than in 3 months when the baby gets here I say.