Branner's Christening

With Mimi

Yesterday was a big day for Branner! He was christened in our church, Sardis Presbyterian, in front of many of our nearest and dearest. Barry and I are so thankful that our closest family members (blood related and also those who we choose to consider family) were able to make it to witness such an important day and time in Branner's life!

He did great! I think we have a real ham on our hands. Branner ate up being the center of attention in front of the congregation. He was an absolute angel, smiling the entire time. I am so happy that he is offically a child of God and can't wait for him to grow up in the church we have chosen for him and ourselves.

After the service, we hosted a luncheon at our house and had a great time. We hope everyone enjoyed the meal as much as we enjoyed having everyone visit in our home. Thanks again to all who came from out of town and all who attended! We love you all dearly and will post more pics (and probably a video) soon!

Namaste

Branner has taken up a new hobby... yoga. Maybe all that prenatal yoga I did rubbed off on him, because he quite enjoys doing the happy baby pose (I tried to capture it in the picture, but only got him w/ his feet in position) and sometimes throws in a few downward dogs when he's rolling around and doing tummy time. Namaste, y'all!

Screams, Skippers and Shopping Adventures

What a day, what a day! I had been planning on taking Branner shopping today so that I could get a couple of new things for my birthday. We had a regular, low-key morning. I got a few things done around the house, Branner napped while I got ready, then I bathed and dressed him when he woke up. He rolled around on his playmat while I finished up with my hair and make-up, but became fussy. So, I decided to bring his carseat upstairs for him to sit in, hoping he would fall asleep and we'd leave as soon as I was ready. Branner had different plans. I could tell he was "working something up." Even though I had just put a fresh diaper on him, I took him out of his carrier to change him before we left. When I picked him up, let's just say my hand touched something very unpleasant that had somehow leaked out the side of his diaper and all over his (adorable) outfit. I screamed! Somehow, in the past 18 weeks and 5 days, we have escaped any up-the-back or out-the-side or even bathtub "mishaps". I would like to call today a five-alarm "mishap." It took me FOREVER to get him all cleaned up. About 1,000 baby wipes, another bath, a clean diaper and a new outfit later, Branner was restored to his previous presentable state. We finally made it out the door. Once we got to Southpark, everything went well. I managed to get myself several new things as well as some ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE Trumpette Skippers for Branner. The Skippers are socks that look like boat shoes in assorted colors. I cannot think of anything more fitting or perfect for Barry's son to be wearing to compliment his outfits this summer!

Future Foodie!

As I mentioned last week, at Branner's 4 month check-up, we were given the green light to slowly introduce solid food into his diet. I tried to do that last week with rice cereal mixed with formula, but he really had no interest. Apparently, it wasn't up to his standards. His palate is a little more refined. So, after adding some banana baby food into the mix, we had MAJOR success. He loves his banana rice cereal! How do I know this, you may ask? Well, when I am feeding it to him, he encourages me to give him more by making noises at me and sometimes grabbing the spoon and putting it in his mouth. He takes after his mommy and daddy--everyone knows how we love to eat!

Beach Baby, Beach Baby, There on the Sand

Date night on the island

Playing on the porch

Wearing our shades

First time on the beach, and he slept

We just got back (late) last night from our first trip to "our" beach house. We had a great time celebrating my birthday with my family Thursday-Sunday! This trip, we were able to squeeze in all of the things it was too chilly or windy for last trip as well as the things we didn't have time to get to. We did a little bit of everything.

When Barry, Branner, Bailey and I got there early Thursday afternoon, we went out on the beach. We walked a little, let Bailey play in the waves (he truly is a beach dog) and collected shells to commemorate Branner's first time seeing the ocean. The temperature was perfect, the sun was shining and there was a wonderful breeze. It was a perfect first experience...if only he had been awake!My mom arrived around dinner time on Thursday, just in time to enjoy a glass of wine and go to the Provision Company for some yummy seafood. We made a quick run to the grocery store for some necessities and turned in early.

Branner, Gigi and I went on a looong walk Friday morning. Barry took out the wave runner for a little while, and I'm sure, had a blast. We laid out on the back deck in the afternoon, Branner under the covered part of the deck--of course. I set him up a little station on top of several beach towels with his playmat and several toys. He had a great time rolling around! Barry and I took out the wave runner again so I could (finally) drive it. I can't wait to log a few more hours on it either here at the lake or at the beach! That night, my parents babysat while Barry took me out for an early birthday dinner to Captain Pete's. We had a great time and really enjoyed a night off. When we returned, the rest of our party--Blake, Tyler and Lindsay had all arrived and were ready to have some fun.

We laid out again on Saturday afternoon while everyone else went fishing and just relaxed around the house. That night was my family birthday dinner. It was delish! We had surf and turf, salad, veggies, and of course cake and champagne! Before dinner, we got a surprise visit from Laura and Clark Gibson, who came by to meet Branner.

We finally got to take Branner on his first boat ride on Sunday afternoon, when we rode to the Provision Company again for lunch. We were going to ride down to Ocean Isle, but Mother Nature had other plans, and we had to sit that out due to an afternoon thunderstorm. We packed up and got on the road around 6:30. It's so nice to not have to be in a rush. We never are to leave the beach!

We'll be spending this week tying up all of the loose ends for Branner's Christening on Sunday. I am so excited about it and so happy that our families are going to be there to share in his special day!

4 Month Dr's Visit

Shots wear me out!

Done for the day.

We have just returned from Branner's 4 month check-up with his pediatrician. He is currently weighing in at 16 lbs, 2 oz (90th percentile and less than I had thought) and is 27 in long (97th percentile). Dr. Craig thinks he is a tall, very healthy, very strong boy. He said we should expect Branner to continue to progress/reach milestones early as he has been doing. He also gave the green light to introduce rice cereal into his diet, which I have already picked up. I can't believe how fast my baby is growing up!

Four Months Old!

He did this himself during his nap & apparently finds it hilarious!

Why are you always taking pictures of me?!

Seriously, I don't understand why.

Hanging with ducky.

As of May 15th, Branner is officially 4 months old. I cannot believe I am the mom of such a big boy! As you all know, he is teething, rolling over and sleeping great. He is now wearing 6 or 9 month clothes and size 3 diapers. We don't know how much he weighs, but he goes to his pediatrician tomorrow, so I will report back on his stats then. He is "talking" to us, Bailey, his stuffed animals and anyone who will listen these days. He continues to love his vibrating chair (in short doses), his jumperoo and his play mat. He is really becoming interested in Bailey and has started to reach out and "pet" him...more accurately described as grabbing him. He still loves bath time, story time and all the other things that he did a month ago. The only thing that he has decided he does NOT like is his swing, so we have put that in storage.

We are gearing up for another beach trip for my birthday, his christening on May 30th, a trip to Beech Mountain in June, a trip to Winchester, VA in July, spending another week (or hopefully two) at the beach in August and Jessica and Trevor's wedding in Blowing Rock at the end of August. We have a lot going on and plan to put in a lot of time that we are at home by the pool! I am so excited and grateful to be spending the summer at home with my "little" man!

Week in Review

Branner's idea of self soothing (and, yes he's sleeping like that right now!)

We were on the go all week, and finally slowed down yesterday, but only because I have hurt my back. We were planning on going to our (my) new favorite activity--Moms on the Move at the Y, but I really felt like I needed to take a day off from the working out to rest my back. It was a good idea, because I feel much better today!

Monday, we went to Peapods again, which I think Branner will start to enjoy more every week. Tuesday, we went to the Moms class at the Y for the second time after trying it out last Thursday. I swear, Branner thought me working out was more funny and enjoyable than singing songs and reading books at Peapods. However, we did yoga on Tuesday instead of cardio step & weights, and he was not happy about that. I barely got a pose in.

Gigi came to help me out Tuesday-Thursday because Barry is in Ohio, flying back tonight. We took Branner to the allergist, had a cup of coffee at Starbucks and did a little shopping. Wednesday, we went out to lunch and to Southpark for more shopping, this time strictly for Branner. Unfortunately, we were disappointed with the selection most places, so he only got a few things from Janie & Jack.

Last night was the first night Branner and I have EVER spent by ourselves! He was an absolute angel! He went right down at 8:00, and I didn't hear another peep from him until 4:00, when he awoke for a feeding. He went back down until 7:30 and is peacefully napping as we speak. We're going to run a few errands this afternoon and wait for Barry to get home. We missed him and can't wait to see him!

Tomorrow is a BIG day for me! For Mother's Day, Barry arranged for Jessica and I to have hot stone massages in the morning, lunch out (with wine) and to spend the afternoon shopping. I am so excited! I can't wait to have a day all to myself, but I have a feeling I am going to miss my boys a ton.

First Mother's Day

We had a busy weekend! We drove to Asheboro on Friday afternoon because I had to be at a baby shower for Lisa Derrick on Saturday afternoon. Now that we have Branner, we know that we cannot realistically get ready, get our car packed and get to an event or location on time if we are driving out of town.

Baby Derrick's shower was great! He got lots of goodies. Branner is so excited for his "cousin" and beach buddy to arrive! They are going on their first annual beach trip of many in August. We are looking forward to beach weeks and all of the fun the boys will have together.

Saturday night, we grilled out with Mary Alice, Charlie, Carter, Lisa, Jane (Lisa's mom), Brett, my parents, Leo, Trish, Les and Janet at the Derrick's. We had a wonderful time with the Cedar Creek Sportsmen family. Branner was definitely the hit of the party! He got all kinds of attention and was held by everyone.

Today, my first mother's day was amazing! My dad made breakfast for us, we had a laid-back morning and a late lunch with Mimi, Aunt Vicki and Andrew at Bistro 42. My boys definitely spoiled me! I am so excited for my spa/lunch/wine/shopping day next Saturday!

It was exactly one year ago today that we found out that I was pregnant. I can't believe I now have a four month old! My life is forever changed for the better. I love being Branner's mommy and all that comes with it. I am a lucky, blessed girl! I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

Peapods

Yesterday morning, Branner and I attended Peapods at the Matthews Library. We had a great time! We sang songs, listened as two books were read and played with bubbles. While we have toted Branner along to many restaurants and he has been held and loved on endlessly by our friends and family members, this is the first time we have gone to a group or playtime geared towards his age. We are signed up all month, so at 11:15 on Mondays, we'll be at the library.


You know your life has really changed when you start to look forward to having "mommy and me" playtime on the calendar. Don't get me wrong, I still find time for the things I liked to do before Branner, but there are so many more activities to experience with him to add to that list. Next up is Waterbabies at the Y--but for the record, I still more than enjoy my wine, great food, alone time and shopping!

16 Weeks

Branner was 16 weeks old on Friday. Unfortunately, we had to make a visit to his pediatrician's office because he has developed a rash. We do not yet know the cause; we are going to Carolina Asthma and Allergy in June to meet with a specialist. Until then, we have been advised to switch him to hypoallergenic formula as an allergy to cow's milk may be at the root of his rash. His Big Papa is working on getting him in sooner so that we can figure out what exactly he is allergic to and have the situation resolved. After one round of his topical medication, the rash is looking much better and we had a smooth transition to the new formula. We are constantly amazed by our son and his resilience! Nothing gets him down!