Easter Bunny

We just got back from meeting Shana and Carter at the mall for Branner's first visit with the Easter Bunny! He was so good and looked adorable in his Easter outfit. I was impressed! I'm sure his Easter basket will be full this year since he's been such a good boy!

Penny Loafers

As you can see, Branner broke out his penny loafers today! Barry & I were shopping @ Destination Maternity when I was pregnant, saw these and couldn't resist! You all know how Barry digs loafers, so of course we HAD to have these for Branner. He wore them just long enough for me to snap a few pics, but judging by the look on his face, I'm not quite sure he enjoyed the loafers so much.

We had a great weekend! We started it off by going to Loco Lime in Plaza Midwood with Jen and Trey on Friday night. If you live in Charlotte and haven't been, I highly recommend it. It's up there with Cabo Fish Taco! We went on a long family walk with Bailey Saturday morning and had a cookout Saturday night. We had a lazy day on Sunday--haven't had one of those since Branner was born. We watched Season 5 of Weeds on Netflix and got sushi take-out, all in all, a great day!

This week, we are gearing up for Easter and our beach trip next week! Shana and I are taking the boys to get their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait to dress Branner up in his special outfit and see how he reacts!

Professional Pics

Please click below to view the album of professional pictures we had done by Lucy Parker Photography.

Click here to view photos

Branner's Big Boy Outfit

Ok, so for those of you close to us, you know Barry & I are denim fanatics. So, how could I resist when Jess & I were out shopping on Sunday, and I saw these adorable baby jeans?! You probably guessed by now that Barry picked out and bought the shirt for him since it looks just like something he would wear. Branner looks like such a big boy today! I think it's the perfect outfit for his first cookout at Lauren & Bennett's.

Getting Excited...

We are counting down the days until we leave for Branner's first beach trip! We'll be spending a long weekend at Holden Beach (4/8-4/11) to attend the wedding of Margaret Derrick and Kent Beck. We are excited and hoping for good weather so we can get out for walks on the beach and a ride on Big Papa's boat. Branner decided he wanted to wear his sea turtle outfit today in preparation. We'll probably have to start packing in the next few days to make sure we get all his stuff together--hahaha!

Save the Date

For all of our family members following our blog:

Please save the date Sunday, May 30, 2010 for Branner's Christening. Details to follow soon!

Visitors!

Wearing Uncle Blakey's sunglasses!Sitting w/ Uncle Blakey



Uncle Bretty let me borrow his hat!


Uncle Brett came to Charlotte!

We have had visits from everyone in my family this week! Gigi and Big Papa drove down for the night on Saturday and Uncle Bretty also visited that day. We went to Target (Branner slept the whole time), went out for a yummy sushi dinner, had a drink at our favorite wine bar and headed home to watch the games and hang with Jen and Trey. It was a wonderful and busy Saturday!

I had a visitor of my own last weekend. Jessica met me at 300 East on Sunday afternoon for brunch complete with wine AND dessert, which we both thoroughly enjoyed. We even snuck in a little shopping at the mall and I finally picked up my push present. It was a great day that Barry and I capped off with a yummy homemade steak dinner!

Blake and Lindsay came over for dinner and a visit last night. Branner was so excited to see them! We are looking forward to mild temperatures and pretty weather this week!

Beautiful Friday!

Branner in his Puma tracksuit ready to walk the track!
Chloe enjoying the sunshine

Dylan hanging in the shade


Bailey sunbathing

It is such a beautiful day out, we are going to take advantage of it by going on a nice long walk and soaking up all the sunshine we can just like Bailey, Chloe and Dylan! We have a fun and busy weekend ahead. Gigi and Big Papa are coming to spend Saturday night with us! We can't wait to see them! There will be Lexington BBQ, shopping and ballgame watching going on. We're also planning to go out to dinner somewhere. On Sunday, I am having brunch w/ Jessica, and I can't wait! I may even sneak in a pedicure, too! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys this lovely weather!

It's Official!

Us with the happy couple at Linden Vineyards last February

As of 12:30 pm EST, Chris and Shawn are officially married! I know there are some broken hearted men out there--they are both hotties! I am so excited that Shawn is is officially my brother-in-law even though Barry and I have called him that for years. Congrats, guys and to all same-sex couples in DC who are taking the plunge!

Big Day!

Wow! We had a lot going on today (for us)! Big Papa stopped by this morning for a short visit--just long enough to feed & burp Branner while I got ready--thanks, Dad! Then, we were off to lunch with Allison & Kate at Big Daddy's. After that, we stopped by to visit Barry at work. Branner seemed to really enjoy his visit and is excited about TCI's products, as you can tell from the middle picture above. I think we have a future salesman on our hands!

2 Month Appointment

Branner after his 2 month appointment

We just got home from Branner's 2 month appointment, and I am so impressed with how well he did despite the fact that he had 2 shots. He now weighs 13 3/4 lbs and is 24 1/4 inches long. I can't believe how tough he is. He has had an ear infection that didn't phase him and now shots that he cried while getting, but calmed down immediately after. He does not get this trait from his mommy or daddy (sorry Barry, but you know it's true)!

According to his dr, everything is great! She says he is a strong boy and that he is advancing according to plan if not a little early. Since he has been able to hold his head up since birth, he has exceptional neck strength and control. He is also doing some things (like laughing and cooing) that most babies do a little later. Next up is rolling over. I have a feeling once we get to that point, he is going to keep me busy ALL the time!

Branner is 2 Months Old!

These pics are from today...Branner's 2 month birthday! He is growing up so fast, I can't believe it. He has graduated from wearing size 0-3 months to wearing 6 month outfits already. He is sleeping in his crib now and continues to love his swing and vibrating chair.

He is still an easy going, happy baby and Barry and I are eating him up. We love him so much and he brings so much joy into our lives! We feel very lucky and blessed!

Reasons #762 & 763...

These are pics from earlier today.

Reasons # 762 & 763 I love being a stay-at-home mom:

#762: Enjoying lunch dates with no time limit and no restrictions. My Aunt Mary Beth came to visit today, and we were able to enjoy over 2 hrs out in the lovely weather at lunch. It's so nice to be able to sit at lunch as long as you like (Branner permitting) without having to rush back to work and worry about how long you've been gone or if you'll be in trouble for staying gone too long.

#763: Being able to have a last-minute adult playdate on a Tuesday afternoon. We're off to my friend, Stacey's, to visit w/ her and Ashley (who got off early today) with our bottle of Las Rocas in tow. Can't wait to catch up with my girls over a glass of wine!

Spring Fever!

After being spoiled with beautiful weather for the past 2 days, Branner, Bailey and I have decided it's time for spring! We are so sick of yucky, wet weather. Branner and I like to get out the BOB and walk every day we can. We have perfected our loop in the neighborhood. When it's nice out, we walk for about an hour. The fresh air does both of us good and walking for an hour does my ass good. Bailey likes to go out on the back patio and sun himself for long stretches of time. So, we are hoping these nice temperatures stick around. Even if it rains, anything is more enjoyable at 65-70 degrees than at 30 degrees! Hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the beautiful day today!

Back from the 'Boro

Our trip to the 'Boro was a success. I survived Branner's first night with a wonderful babysitter and managed to really enjoy myself at the cocktail party.

Branner got to meet his Aunt Britt, see (g)Uncle Tyler, Lindsay, Uncle Blake, Gigi, Big Papa, Mary Alice, his Mimi, his Aunt Vicki and his cousins, Andrew and Lauren and Lauren's husband, Jordan! And, Big Papa bought him a sled to use at our mountain house!

To Gigi's House We Go!

Before I really get down to business, the reason for the sleeping Branner pics is: HE HAS SLEPT FOR 4 1/2-5 HR STRETCHES THE PAST 2 NIGHTS! This is HUGE for Barry and I. We are very much hoping this isn't a fluke and that it continues! On to the actual post topic...

We are packing our overnight bags (and all of Branner's baby necessities) to head to Asheboro this morning. This is our third visit to Gigi's house. Branner already loves spending time there! We are going to a cocktail party tonight in honor of Margaret Derrick and Kent Beck as they are getting married on April 10th. Branner is also going to meet his Aunt Britt and will have his first sitter tonight!!!!!!! Sarah Johnson will be watching him, and we are excited to have a couple of hours out alone for the first time. It should be a good trip. Pics to come!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Congratulations!!!

We are so, so happy for Barry's brother, Chris, and his longtime partner, Shawn. They are finally able to get married after many years together. They are getting their marriage certificate today and will wed on March 17, 2010--St. Patrick's Day. Now, we will have two things to celebrate that day!

We love you guys so much and are ecstatic that you are able to realize your dream!

Mommy's First Night Out

I have to take a minute to brag about Barry and what a GREAT daddy he is! Not only has he been involved in all things Branner from day one, he watches him for me whenever I ask so that I can get out and have some "me" time or run errands. I feel so VERY lucky! I truly think part of it is because he has watched Jason be such a good dad all of these years.

Until last night, I had been out and about to get a couple of pedicures, do some grocery shopping, go to a meeting and have brunch with Tyson. But, last night was different. It was the first time I have been out for drinks with the girls in over 10 months! I went to Brio with Ann, Rachel and Tracy for dinner and drinks and had a fabulous time.

As you all know, for the old me this wouldn't have been anything to write about. But, I now know what a big deal it is to get dressed in something other than loungewear, put on make-up and have a couple of glasses of wine with the girls. It was much needed! Thank you, Barry!

Now that I've made time for alcohol, I really need to figure out how to fit the gym into my schedule...

Welcome!

I think this is a great way for our family and friends living out of town to keep up with us, so I am trying my hand at blogging. As all of you know, Barry and I welcomed our first (or second depending on who you ask--Bailey would argue he was the first) son into the world in January. Branner Gregory made his big, much-anticipated debut into the world on January 15, 2010 at 3:12 pm. Our lives haven't been the same since, and we wouldn't change one minute of our time with him thus far! He has us, his Gigi, his Big Papa and his aunts, uncles and cousins wrapped around his finger already!

Branner will be 7 weeks old this Friday, and we are wondering where the time has gone. It is flying by already! You all know that Branner was a big boy when he was born, and he is growing like a weed. At his 1 month visit with his pediatrician, he was 11 lbs, 4 oz and 23 1/2 in. I am going to have to start lifting weights at the Y again very soon just to be able to carry him around in his carseat!

The pictures you see above are from our first professional session with Kara Michelle Photography. We will be having more professional photos taken in the near future with Lucy Randall Photography, and I will post them as well. We miss and love all of you and hope everyone is doing well!