Tuesday, December 30, 2008

I'm kind of bummed...

So, I took Braydon to the eye doctor today and thankfully he doesn't have a viral infection in his eyes, but he does have clogged tear ducts. I realize this isn't a big deal at all and to correct this issue, an extremely minor 10 minute procedure will fix this and no more eye infections, goopy eyes, or constant tearing.

I'm bummed because this is just another thing to add to Braydon's roster of issues. Since birth we've learned that he's allergic to dairy (after 2 months of choking and constant spitting up!), which we're hoping he'll totally outgrow shortly after his 1st birthday, allergic to my breast milk and ALL of the OTC formulas, he has severe reflux, a slow moving stomach, skin sensitivities thanks to the Neocate (Rx formula), he's on 2 meds, one of which could effect him neurologically if on it too long, and now this -- clogged tear ducts. I just wish this guy could just catch a break.

I'll be less bummed out tomorrow, but for today, I'm feeling sorry for my baby boy!


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Monday, December 29, 2008

About Moose's 1st Christmas!

On Monday we packed up the family (dogs included) and headed west! Braydon was a champ during the drive and only had a meltdown minutes before arriving at Mimi's (Ty's mom) house in Albuquerque. Once there, Moose was the happiest little guy! We played until he crashed for the night and once he went down, so did the rest of us. For the most part Braydon was wonderful. He did, however, switch from being all about mommy, to only wanting Daddy and Mimi. In fact, when I held him and Mimi and/or Daddy left the room he'd go bananas. He'd push off of me and do his best to get away from and back into the arms of Mimi or Daddy. I was a very jealous Mommy because of this, but it's truly awesome he bonded so well with Mimi and grew even closer to his Daddy.

Anyway, as the week progressed, Braydon started feeling a bit crummy. We thought that it was probably due to being a little off his routine and not being in his normal environment, but today at the doctor I found out we were wrong in our guesses (more about that in a minute). Through the week Braydon got a rash on his face that would improve and then come back, improve and come back, over and over again. We weren't sure what it was, but put Vaseline on it and hoped that it helped. He never ran a fever, but still just wasn't himself, though he did give a lot of smiles during our week in NM. Well, the night before we were to head home, Braydon cried out all night. I gave him Tylenol and Baby Oragel and once he was good and numb, he'd crash. But in an hour or 2 later, he'd be up again and give us his "I'm in pain" cry. We knew he was cutting his 4th tooth, thus the Tylenol and Oragel.

I should also tell you that for the past month Braydon's been fighting an eye infection. Anyay, after our doctor visit today, we learned the source of Braydon's rash-y face, sleepless nights, crying out in pain, and overall fussiness. He's cutting 5 teeth at once! The doctor put the flashlight in Braydon's mouth (while using the tongue depressor) and sure enough there they were, 4 up top, and 1 more on the bottom. We knew of the bottom one but not the others. Cutting so many teeth at once has turned my happy moose into a grumpy and clingy bear.

Now about the eyes... we now have to see an eye doctor to rule out a viral infection. If it's not viral, then it's probably clogged ducts which could mean he'll need to have a little procedure done to unclog them:(

With all that said, I'm happy to say that my Moose is back to wanting his mommy!!! I was more than happy to share him with Tyson and Sherry (Mimi), but I'm quite pleased to have him back to myself!

Other than the fussiness, rash, teething, and lack of quality sleep, Braydon had a wonderful first Christmas. His Mimi spoiled him (and us) wrotten, and I'm just so happy we made back to Albuquerque for his first Christmas. I just can't believe his first Chirstmas has come and gone so quickly - before we know it, we'll be celebrating his first birthday!

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Friday, December 19, 2008

Prayers for Baby Jude Please...

The amazing Jude had his "big" surgery on the 18th and I just ask that you add him to your prayers. Please pray that he recovers well and quickly, and for God to continue giving this baby and his parents much deserved miracles.

If you'd like to catch up on Jude, go to my FRIENDS list and click on Baby Jude.

Thank you for keeping this strong and brave little guy and his amazing parents in your thoughts and prayers!


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Monday, December 15, 2008

Not Me Monday...

It's not 1:40pm and I'm not still in my PJs. Nope, not me.
I don't have a messy house that needs to be cleaned, and I'm definitely not ignoring it.
I don't have laundry waiting to be folded in the dryer and clothes in the washer that need to be dried.
I don't have two unmade beds and a kitchen table full of stuff needing to be put away.
And lastly, I HAVE NOT been snacking on Christmas cookies all day!

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Our Family


We took this just before we left for Ty's work Christmas Party:)


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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Switz Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

It's time to embrace my...

... baby bump. Yes, I'd love to have the flat stomach I once had and I wish I could fit into my entire closet full of size 0's... but as Bad Santa (from the movie, Bad Santa) would say, "Wish in one hand and sh*t in the other and see which one fills up quicker." With that said, I've decided to take all of my 0's and sell them to/at My Sister's Closet. Perhaps I'll stop torturing myself by trying those 0's on, then wishing I hadn't because the truth hurts a little bit - truth being that I'LL NEVER FIT INTO A ZERO AGAIN.

I need to accept the fact that I was pregnant twice within 2 years, my second pregnancy resulted in a nearly 10 lb. baby and if not for my baby bump I wouldn't have my beautiful baby boy. Also, Braydon loves my baby bump. It's a great ledge for him to dig his feet into and stand up on mommy and grab at my face or whatever is behind me that he's reaching for:)

So, as of tomorrow as an act of acceptance, I'm selling ALL of my zeros, so that I may never torture myself again. Perhaps I'll even buy some new clothes in the sizes that are actually comfortable. When trying to squeeze into my zeros, I look like I have something wedged in the place where the sun NEVER shines:) (blush)

Hopefully, I'll make enough money to buy at least a few cute outfits:)


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Sunday, December 7, 2008

Yesterday was a rough one...

All day yesterday my heart just felt heavy. It seemed as if I had a black cloud hovering above me, and I could not figure out why. I thought perhaps it's because I know the 2 year anniversary of Quinn and Addison's birth and death is approaching - which I'm dreading, but I didn't think that was the entire reason for feeling so down. Then at bedtime I realized that yesterday, two years ago (to the day) we found out that we were having a boy and a girl! I remember feeling on that day that my life had just been made. After trying for 3 years, surgeries, medications, and finally IVF, we were finally blessed - double blessed. While thinking about that day and the joy we felt, the pain of our loss rushed over and through me. I suddenly remembered every single heart wrenching detail from that horrible ordeal, and I fell to pieces. For hours I was trapped within my memories and it took a tear stained pillow to finally let go for the time being. I'm sad today, but not as sad as I was yesterday. I HATE that this is my reality, but it is.

And thinking about all we've gone through - I'm just so extremely grateful for Braydon. He's brought so much light, life, joy, happiness, excitement, hope, love, peace, fulfillment, contentment, and so much more into our lives. I treasure every single moment with him and thank God for giving us our miracle that is Braydon.

The two year anniversary is Jan. 4, and I'm already trying to prepare myself for how I might feel. I was pregnant with Braydon during the first anniversary and feeling him move about inside my belly, not only reminded me that God works in mysterious ways, and that life does go on, but it also really helped in softening the ache of remembering our beautiful babies - 2 little souls we'll never know, yet love endlessly and miss everyday. I imagine now that Braydon's here and dominating our hearts (and house), he'll help to guide us through this one day and warm our mending hearts with his love, smiles, laughs, cooing, hugs, and silliness.


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Friday, December 5, 2008

Braydon met Santa today!!!


At first Braydon wasn't too sure about Santa, but once St. Nick allowed Moose to play with his beard, all was simpatico! Braydon was also fascinated by the fur trim in Santa's coat:)


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Thursday, December 4, 2008

Happy 7 Months, Moose (1 day late)


I meant to post this yesterday, but was really busy. Anyway, my baby officially turned 7 months yesterday. Time is racing by way too fast!



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Friday, November 28, 2008

Daddy and Braydon (1 week old)


I can't believe he was this small - he's growing so very fast.


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My BIG Moose:)




Here are just a few pics we took today of my Moose. We did his measurements today and he's now weighing 23 lbs. and is 29 inches long... big boy!


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Thursday, November 20, 2008

The pee pee diaries...

Well, the cruisers failed us within 2.5 hours so yesterday I bought a package of LUVS. The LUVS held out the entire night, so I now love LUVS. Once our Pamper Swaddlers are gone, we're transitioning to LUVS. Not only do they withstand Braydon's nighttime issues, they also cost a lot less... yay for an overnight victory!!!


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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Peeing out the diaper...

So every night the for past four nights, Braydon has been drenching himself in his pee. At random times of the night, he'll start crying (a new cry which now means I'm cold and wet) so I'll go in and pick him up and there he is, drenched in urine up to his chest. Of course when I clean him up, put him in a fresh diaper, and dress him in clean PJs he goes absolutely BANANAS and the only way he'll settle down is to feed him (after all it's been 5-6 hours since last feeding) - thus, I'm not getting much sleep. I realize this is happening because he's a boy and his little soldier has been saluting A LOT more frequently (you know, keeping blood circulation going) AND he sleeps on his tummy with his bottom up in the air, so gravity isn't helping much there either, but I'm ready for this phase to pass. My SIL (who's son did the exact same thing since BIRTH) told me to get LUVS in a size 3, but my store doesn't carry them. So, we're trying out Pampers Cruisers (recommended by my friend), size 3, for tonight, so now it's a wait and see situation. My poor Moose - that has to feel so icky:(
I'm curious if this is strictly a boy issue or does diaper seapage not discriminate.


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Friday, November 14, 2008

Today/Tonight is Braydon's first sleepover...

... with his grandparents (my parents). I'm not handling this as well as I thought I would. I haven't cried... yet, but then again, he's only been gone for an hour and a half. My house is eerily quiet and I just miss him to pieces already. My parents are absolute pros at this grandparenting thing, so I know he's in the best of hands, and yet mama is still experiencing some separation anxiety. Braydon LOVES his grandparents and I realize he has no concept of time, so I'll try to find some comfort in that. All week I've been looking forward to some "time off" so Tyson and I can have a date and sleep through the night AND sleep in, but now I'm doubting I'll be able to sleep well at all. I'll post tomorrow and let you know how Tyson and I coped being away from our Moose.


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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Preview - picture for this years Christmas Card




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Braydon's first time with finger foods - messy time:)



We had to give him a serious bath after his first round with toast. We were warned it'd be messy, which it was, but it was so much fun watching him discover toast!


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Monday, November 3, 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

6 Month Shots SUCK!!!

On Tuesday Braydon had his 6 month shots and even though I knew he wouldn't be a happy camper for the couple days following, I had no idea he'd react the way he has. Normally the two days following his shots he gets fussy, but sleeps a ton and then reverts back to normal Braydon. Well, this time could NOT be more different. The night of the shots caused Braydon to fight a 101.8 fever ALL night, which meant he was feeling extra craptacular, and because his body was fighting the fever (and probably the stuff injected into his little system) the reflux flood gates opened and gave us both a miserable and sleepless night. The following day wasn't any better. He barely slept because he felt so bad and come night, he was SCREAMING his head off. Well, after taking a shower with him (at 9pm) then taking him on a walk (from 9:30-10:30) Braydon finally began to calm down. Once home from the walk, we fed the cranky pants and by 12am had him asleep in his swing (had to sleep upright because of the reflux). Even though last night was rough, it was by no means as tough as the night before. And thanks to my FABULOUS hubby, he let me get some sleep by taking Braydon at 6:30am this morning and letting me sleep in til 9am AND gave me time to take a shower and get dressed!

As of today, Braydon's feeling much better, but thanks to our reflux setback, we're now having to resleep train him.

Braydon's reflux is so bad that anytime his little body is fighting something (big or small) it causes his reflux to go apesh*t, thus destroying whatever system we've worked our butts off to implement, leaving us to start all over again. This will go on until he's about 1 year old. Oh well, I'll sleep when I'm old and retired and have nothign better to do. AT LEAST MY MOOSE IS DOING MUCH MUCH BETTER:)


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Monday, October 27, 2008

PRAYERS PRAYERS PRAYERS PRAYERS

Hi All,
I'm asking for all of you to please pray for baby Jude! He was born at 25 weeks, and has defied all odds, and has recently had his due date birthday. This strong little guy and his amazing parents have come so close to the finish line, but due to an infection caused by surgery to repair his bowels, he is now in critical condition. Please pour your hearts out to God and pray that He lays a healing hand over Jude and help him to pull through yet another obstacle. Baby Jude and his family have been through so much and I ask that you join me and others in prayer to ask God to deliver a much deserved miracle to this little fighter and his parents. May God forgo our wants to deliver and meet Jude's needs.
Thank you!


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Braydon has a lot he'd like to say...

... this morning, so I'm turning the keboard over to him now.

/klyezhf f55kou cdc c khf f g fg cfrgtiomj xbnn b njtvrjv l9999999999qqqa
io nnnnnnn

From your lips to God's ears, little man. Mighty profound stuff for a nearly 6 month old, don't you think:) He gives us much to think about today with his choice words of wisdom!


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Saturday, October 25, 2008

What was I thinking...

... in trying to watch a ridiculously scary movie. I made it 20 minutes in and now I have every light on and my hubby has been forced to watch the movie downstairs because I'm too scared to be near the TV. I tried watching the movie Strangers, and man was that a dumb thing to do. I CANNOT DO SCARY MOVIES PERIOD, yet I tried because my sweet hubby wanted to watch a movie together. Wrong move and now I'm probably going to have nightmares.

By the by - I'm a total wuss. I've never been able to handle scary movies, not even as an adult who knows that nothing that I'm seeing is real and is all Hollywood special effects, but I'm still a scaredy cat.

Just thought I'd share:)


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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Braydon Officially has...

2 teeth - his bottom, center ones. So, now when he's gnawing on my fingers, it's beginning to hurt. Does this qualify him as an ankle biter now? :)


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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Monday, October 13, 2008

Some Videos of Braydon: 4-5 months old








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My Moose is growing up so fast...

Braydon's first tooth has cut through! Once it's easier to see, I'll post a pic of his first pearly white:)


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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Braydon - Slideshow

Click on the picture to view the slideshow:)

View this montage created at One True Media
My Montage 10/2/08

Pictures from Braydon's dedication







My camera isn't taking the best pix right now - but at least the day has been documented:)

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Braydon's Baby Dedication...

... was today! Normally Braydon screams at the top of his lungs whenever we enter the sanctuary, but today there was a calmness in him - almost as if he knew today was his special day! To show their support, Braydon was surrounded by all 7 of his cousins and his Grandpa Mark and Grandma Patty, Grandpa Don, Uncle Darry and Aunt Christy, and Uncle Todd and Aunt Kearstin.

It was a perfect day and we all loved sharing this lovely Sunday with those we love most:)

I'll post some pictures of his dedication tomorrow... so stay tuned.

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Saturday, October 4, 2008

Happy Birthday Bestie!!!

Just want to wish my BF in KS a very Happy Birthday! Carmen, I love you lots and miss you so very much! I hope your boys spoil you endlessly today:)

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Friday, October 3, 2008

Congrats to my new mommies!!!

Just want to say congrats to my friends Stephanie and Misty, who've both become new mommies this week. Stephanie had her second baby/second girl ealier this week and Misty is delivering her third baby/also second girl at this moment! Congrats mama's:) I can't wait to see pictures of your precious little ones!

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Happy 5 Months Braydon!!!






Braydon is officially 5 months today and as excited as I am to watch him grow, I cannot believe how fast the time passes - before I know it, my "Moose" will be turning one year old. I took these pictures during nap time because he's sick right now and not too fond of sitting still for photo opps:)




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Thursday, October 2, 2008

My Dear Friend

I just want to thank my friend Merry Lynn for giving me this blog design! Not only has she always been a tremendous friend and uber supportived, she also really helped to get me through my pregnancy and has always made her presence felt, even though many states away:)

Thanks for everything, friend!

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Friday, September 26, 2008

Prayers Please

Hi All -

Just asking for some extra prayers that we sell our house sooner, rather than later. We really don't like having to deal with all the stress that comes with having a house on the market... keeping it clean all the time, wondering when someone might want to tour, etc.

Other than that, have a great weekend!