Christmas Letter

So our printer isn't working, and things seem to be crazy around here. Here is our Christmas letter, although many of you will be getting a paper copy too- unless you let me know that you don't want us to send you a paper copy!! :)

Merry Christmas! 2009 has definitely been a year of challenges, rewards, learning and growing for our family! God has been faithful and continues to bless us more than we deserve, especially with our amazing friends and family!

BJ has been an amazing addition to our family. He is now 13-14 months old (depending when you get my letter!!), and is very active and independent. He is walking everywhere and loves to make his own decisions. We are anxiously awaiting his speech to take off as that would help us know what he wants instead of pointing and whining. He started a large center daycare in Feb. and has had a myriad of illnesses. He has been diagnosed with asthma, eczema, and allergies to peanut, dairy, egg (and dog), so keeps us on our toes with his health. Due to his dog allergy, we made the heartbreaking decision to give Pedro, our dog, to Cassi’s aunt in Nebraska, but think Pedro likes his new life better than ours here. In November, BJ was hospitalized overnight and spent a week with nightly oxygen. However, given all his health concerns and our concerns for his care, we chose to take him out of the large center daycare and were blessed to find an amazing friend from church who is watching him at her home with her daughter who is 6 days older than BJ. Already he loves the change, playing with his new friends, and is finally healthy- praise God. And although he has struggled with many illnesses this year, continues to be a happy boy (even when sick) and such a joy to be with.

Cassi has adjusted (somedays well, other days not so well) to being a working mom. She is finishing her residency at Swedish Family Medicine and will be done in July. She has interviewed with 2 clinics and has happily accepted an offer at Aspen Family Care in Highlands Ranch, CO (a suburb of Denver). She is looking forward to having a better balance of mom and doctor time as she will have a day off a week (and a set schedule!!). Cassi still loves to read, run, work out, and spend time with her boys and tries to find to do so amidst her other responsibilities.

Brandon has become quite the amazing superdad! BJ and he have a great time running around the house, building towers (or knocking them down), and playing with whatever toy or object is available. He is a great dad, such that Cassi never worries when her boys are hanging out together when she is working (even overnight)! Brandon continues to work for CH Robinson and has spent time in all divisions, allowing him to step in to any and help out when needed. Brandon keeps busy with his projects at home (he likes to say he only has 2, the cars and the house, but Cassi knows better!). He has been working on a beautiful entertainment center for our almost finished basement and just recently traded the Supra for a Lexus Aristo. He laments it is the first time since 16 he hasn’t had a sports car, but has learned to make “sacrifices” for the family he loves!!

When we’ve had time for fun, we vacationed in Minnesota this year with Cassi’s family for a week, attended the Nebraska vs. Colorado game in Boulder, skied with friends, had countless movie and game nights, and continue to be active in the married couples group at church.

As always, we love Colorado, but miss seeing so many of you!! Feel free to visit anytime- we have plenty of space for those who want to enjoy beautiful Rocky Mountains. But most of all, we hope you know how important you all are to us, and thank God for the blessing of your support and love! We hope Christmas finds you contemplating the real reason for the season, God’s most precious gift to us, his son.

Brandon, Cassi, and BJ

BJ's thoughts

Since turning one, BJ has had quite the streak of independence, although I suspect that it will last more than a streak!

So in the true sense of his independence, I've decided to let him blog for you what has been happenening lately at our house.

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(I'll have to help him with some spelling here).

So my mommy says since I'm one, I can help blog some too now. I'm really big you know! I can walk all over by myself, take only one nap a day, and can climb up and down the stairs myself!! Obviously, I'm a great typer and love to help mom and dad on the computer. Pretty soon I'm going to need my own email (and maybe a cell phone!!) I've been pretty busy since turning one. I went to the doctor a while ago and they said I couldn't eat some things- milk, cheese (which I love, bummer), eggs, and peanuts. They got this shot thing that they will give me if I mess up and eat what I'm not supposed to. Mommy is learning how to bake without eggs, and I really like what she has found! A few weeks ago I started coughing a lot and it was hard to breathe. My mom took me to my favorite doctor and PA and they said my oxygen was low. So my mommy and I got to go to this cool place- I thought it was a hotel cuz they had these people who parked our car for us, but my mommy said it was a hospital- like the one my mommy works in. They made me stay in a room without leaving for a long time without many toys and these funny people with masks and gowns kept coming in to check my oxygen. I guess it was low cuz they made me sleep in this metal cage overnight there and put these things in my nose. Now I really want to know how that helps- if I can't breath- why stick things up my nose? But the next day we got to go home as long as mommy put those things in my nose to help me breathe (Cassi's note: oxygen) at night at home. I guess it was kind of scary cuz mom spent a lot of time at home with me and had a sleepover with me in my room for almost a week! She said the doctors at the hospital called it adeno and rhino virus- how did I get rhino virus? I've never met one!?! But now, Mommy and Daddy decided with all my sicknesses that I should go to a different daycare. So now, I go to play with my friend Kirina (who is 6 days older than me, but she's not really bigger than me) and her mommy helps take care of us. I really like it- Mommy and Daddy say it is a blessing from God. Mommy and Daddy have been making my house even prettier with decorations for Christmas- which I haven't broken yet, but they are really sparkle-y. They say we get to go to visit Grammy and Papa and Grandpa and Grandma soon- and I really like them. Plus they live close to my cousin Anson, who I think is pretty cool- I hear he is working on crawling, so hopefully he is moving around by Christmas so we can play together. Anyway, Mommy said it is time for a nap-so I better go, just don't tell her I'm going to stay up and read in my crib instead!!

Love you guys,

Beej

Mommy and Me for Halloween, I was a lion, she was my trainer

Daddy and Me playing football, I catch good!

Mommy and Daddy at the Nebraska vs. Colorado game, GO BIG RED!

My favorite- cheerios!!

Talking to Elmo on my cell phone!

Swine Flu Birthday

BJ is officially one!! Crazy to think how time has flown! We spent Wed. night playing with his blocks- a new toy from Mommy and Daddy and had a family birthday party with both sets of grandparents on Saturday. But we did have an uninvited guest- BJ got H1N1 from daycare. We're pretty sure he's gotten every childhood illness possible these days from daycare! Poor guy. So the party was limited to adults- no cousins coming over to infect after he spiked a fever. What a memory for all of us. Luckily with a bit of Motrin he was fairly social!

BJ at one year

Nicknames: Beej, little man, stinker, lovebug, bug, Captain poopypants, bud, Stink, Little stink, baby boy (I'll have to stop that one), Mister, Babycakes
Weight & Height: 21.5 lbs (according to our scale) He had dropped about 2 lbs with his recent rotavirus and according to our doctor will probably stay in the 50% now for a while. I think height wise he was 29" last doc appt.
Hair: Blonde
Favorite foods: cheerios, any kind of meat, applesauce, eating fruit whole
Favorite toys: blocks, kitchen utensils, books, Diego car (he pushes it around and rides it), remotes, cups, and balls (any ball)
Favorite stuffed animal: doesn't really have one
Bedtime: 7 p.m.
Wake-up time: 6 a.m.
Naps:. down to one nap at 11:45 a.m.- at home around 2 hours, at daycare, it varies
Favorite person: definitely Mommy
Latest Accomplishment: walking, having milk in a sippy cup, moving to Toddler 1 room (from Infant 2) next week
Likes: playing with Mommy and Daddy, "reading", going for walks, "cooking", hiding balls, nursing, knocking over towers, "driving" the car (with Daddy into the garage)
Dislikes: his inhalers, having to go to bed, getting dropped off at daycare, doors/drawers that won't open, having daycare workers cheer him on walking
What gets said about BJ most often: how cute he is
Best known for:
Fears: suffocating with his inhaler?
Health: this year has been a rough one for BJ's health- with RSV, rotavirus, H1N1, ear infections, asthma, eczema, and allergies- we're hoping his immune system will be amazing when he gets to kindergarden
How he's like Daddy: he likes Mommy, has a mischevious grin at times, loves to "drive the car", mostly laid back personality (although that is changing)
How he's like Mommy: his coloring, his hugs

Playing blocks with Daddy

Finally- sugar!! Loved the frosting, spit out the cake

Opening presents with daddy

"I want you Mommy!"

Big Boy!!

BJ is growing up in leaps and bounds!! The quick update- he is feeling better- was finally diagnosed with Rotavirus (bad gastrointestinal virus) and an ear infection, but it doing much better. He has started drinking his milk during the day out of a sippy cup, is moving to one nap a day, and last night took 10 steps unassisted!! We are still practicing for the real thing, but it was pretty cool! Today he had his first big boy haircut!! Here are some pics. . .

Getting into the Halloween Spirit!

Eating an apple whole- "all by myself"

Before- "What is going on?"

After. . .

Later the same afternoon- after a 3 hour nap relaxed the hairspray- playing with the pumpkin!

Sick fam :(

Wow, I guess I did not blog in September- so sorry! The short update is that I had a very difficult last month at work- being on call and having some bad outcomes- namely having two fetal demises in one night- really rocked me a lot. Also, the thought of having one of those turn into a lawsuit has been really emotional for me. (Note: no lawsuit yet, just a really upset family with a mother of the patient blaming me). Needless to say we are very happy it is October!! I can't believe in just a few short weeks BJ will be 1! When did my baby grow up? We are planning a family party later this month to celebrate- it will be great!

We have also had a month of illness. 3 weeks ago BJ starting not wanting to eat many things-eating mostly bread or puffs. Then he had a day or 2 of a fever before he started into 2 weeks of diarrhea. He, for the most part, didn't know he was sick, but defintely had a decrease in his appetite. So when I took him for his follow up appointment last week at the pulmonologist, he was actually 1 lb down from his weight 2 months ago. Which means my cutie chunk of a baby has dropped below the 50th percentile for weight. There could be many reasons for this (his increased activity, being sick, etc.) but for someone who is supposed to gain weight each month it is a little concerning that he is down a lb since 2 months ago. Our doctors are somewhat concerned, and I am taking him in on Monday for a sweat test to rule out Cystic Fibrosis (a very minute possibility but one we should rule out). Then the day after I take BJ to the pulmonologist, the gastroenteritis (read:stomach flu) bug hit us all. It was nasty. I had to take Brandon to the ER for IV fluids and IV meds so he wouldn't faint, and then come home to take care of an 11 month old who doesn't understand vomiting. Did I say we were glad September was over? I think today we are mostly on the mend- although BJ is still refusing most foods- but loves saltines and Pedialyte.

Despite such a difficult month, he continues to be super mobile- loving to cruise on the furniture, and take 2 steps on his own before diving into a parent's arms! He loves to play with books, tupperware, phones/pagers/computers, and remotes (and anything that mom and dad have). He has mastered climbing up and down the stairs- although still needs supervision.

I am busy working on my resume for work (still) and hope to send it out this coming week to a few clinics- Aspen Family Care, Kaiser, and a handful of others.

Brandon's job has changed some- he now works in a different department at work, and is missing his old department- so we pray daily for interesting challenges to keep him intrigued at work!

That's probably enough of an update for now. BJ is sleeping so I need to get the things done that need to be done without little helper hands!

Brandon and I at a Rockies Game for date night!

One of BJ's favorite pasttimes- pulling all the books off the shelf to read!

Learning early not to give up the remote just because it is time to eat!

Playing with tupperware- again- on hat day!

Vacation!

Last week we were able to spend time as a family at the Lund Cabin in northern Minnesota. It was a much needed week of relaxation and family time. The weather was a bit cooler than we had hoped (Brandon and I actually skiied and kneeboarded in 58 degree weather) but we had a blast. We spent all week with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and 5 month old nephew. BJ was very interested in playing with his cousin, Anson, but we kept a healthy distance most of the week since BJ had viral conjunctivitis- isn't daycare great?!? Despite the cooler weather the boys got to swim some. BJ really enjoyed it (unless it was too cold). He floated in his baby float, splashed in the water, made sand castles, rode with mommy on the tube behind the jetski, even drove the jetski with daddy. He loved the water, the great toys Grammy brought, and playing with mommy and daddy all week. The only down side was sleeping in a pack-n-play in our room all week, and the naps his terrible parents made him take (oh and the bath in strange colored water- it is red tinted up there in the iron range). We went on a few walks, played lots of cards at night, ate well, and had a great time. I even read a great book during the week- Into Thin Air- thanks to Miranda and Jason for recommending it! After our great week off, it was tough to get back into the swing of things- especially having to go back to daycare. It seems separation anxiety has hit in full force, but BJ has survived! We'll see how it goes when mommy starts back on inpatient service and has nights she doesn't come home starting next week.

BJ hamming it up for the camera on daycare's "Hat Day"

Getting in his life jacket for the jetski

Anson under mosquito netting for his walk- his hat was a little small.

BJ on his walk- he doesn't look too thrilled, but he liked it

BJ, Anson, Daddy, and Grammy at the lake

Driving the Jetski with Daddy

Pulmonologist

So after 11 weeks of waiting, we finally made it to the pulmonologist. After a very long visit (right in the middle of naptime), we left with her recommendations. It seems the pulmicort that we have been giving BJ is immediately aerosolized and really doesn't do well as a "blow-by" medicine we had been doing it as at home. And although it is really impossible to objectiviely diagnose asthma or reactive airways disease in someone his age, his history gave at least a few clues that he may be in the early stages of that. So she has switched him over to another inhaled steroid- Flovent and albuterol in inhaler form. We started that shortly after his visit, but will take a few weeks for it to take full effect.

Our other "trial" at this time in BJ's life is the fight with naps- not that he fights naps- which is fairly typical at his age, but that daycare doesn't think he needs as many naps as he seems to require at home, and he hasbeen coming home exhausted many days. So we've moved up his bedtime, and they've moved his crib- and we've yet to see how it has improved, but we are hoping. As I write this it is 7:11 a.m. and he is almost asleep in his highchair- but daycare insists that he doesn't need an early morning nap. Maybe he is just more interactive there because there is so much to do. I'm not sure. We're trying to keep his schedule the same both places, but struggle with a tired boy. We'll keep you updated on the nap drama.

In other milestones- BJ s crawling everywhere, pulling himself to stand and even cruising some. He loves "walking" with Mommy and Daddy (when you hold his hands and he walks). And he has been working more on finger foods for meals. We're all anxiously awaiting vacation in 1 week at the family cabin in Minnesota- so fun!

He has become quite the Momma's boy- wanting me whenever he can get me, but is still quite social and only throws a mini fit if I hand him to someone else. But after a minute or so, decides that person can't be to bad and starts to play.

His favorite food by far at the moment are "puffs"- which Brandon pointed out probably have the most sugar of anything he gets- since everything else is fresh veggies, fruits, or lean meats. I'm trying to encourage healthy eating here- so he will likely not get any cake at the b-day party today. Brandon said he was okay with that for now- but doesn't want him to be the kid who has to bring carrots to the party because his mom won't let him have cake. Don't worry, later on, sugar in moderation will be okay. (Maybe after he is one?) But Brandon let him know that I will probably not let him have Mountain Dew until he is in college. I'm still debating on that one:)

We've also had his 9 month well child check- his stats- 21 lbs 15 oz for weight (75%), 25.5 in for length (90%) and I think 18.5 for head (off the chart).

In our lives- Brandon won employee of the month in June and received an extra day of vacation (to use in Nov. for hunting). Also, he had one of his biggest months in July as far as revenue goes for CH Robinson. I've finished my first month of call out of 3 for the year. Now, I'm working on my CV and cover letter to send out to potential employers. My #1 pick at the moment has an opening and will be planning on hiring someone by Dec., but I want to check out a few places also. Anyway, I know I should really blog more often and shorter posts- life with a kiddo can be busy sometimes!! We take what we can get!

With Daddy at mud volleyball

Chowing down on Mommy's apple

My punk rocker for crazy hair day! His outfit says mommy and daddy rock!

Milestones

BJ has been busy meeting lots of milestones recently. We are quickly learning that we need to babyproof even more as BJ has started crawling!! I thought we had things pretty good until I found him on the 2nd step the other day- time for a gate!! He started July 4th weekend and has been speeding up ever since. The same weekend he pulled himself up to stand and has found he loves to stand and play. He just is still working on being able to get down! He is working on his 6th tooth, and just the other day figured out how to pick up a puff (cheerio like thing for those without little kids) and put it in his mouth. He gets about 50% in, the rest in his lap, on the floor etc, but he loves it!! He is still a very social guy- real laid back and loves to talk! At daycare we are told he doesn't let the older kids take his toys- he has a strong grip. AND he has a little girl who is enamored with watching him. He even accidentally sat on her leg and she just giggled. (He is the older man). Brandon and I spend so much time just playing with him- he loves the simplest toys (which is good since we haven't bought a lot!). Some of his favorites include the soccer ball ($4 at Target), wooden spoons, water bottles, baseball, and the wok lid). Plus he loves facebooking! He always wants to type when I'm on! Also he enjoyed swimming with his second cousins (I think that is the right relation) in Steamboat 4th of July weekend. He lounged in the pool while they took him around in float. It was a busy weekend- but lots of fun- he even slept through his first parade!! Needless to say, Brandon and I feel very blessed by God with our sweet little BJ!

Another new favorite- getting all the tupperware out!

Like I said 50% in the mouth!

Summer Loving . . .

Had me a blast! (I know a good portion of you have that song stuck in your head now! You're welcome.)

I just had the last 5 days off with BJ and loved it!! I have to go back to work this afternoon (tear) but thought I would spend my last few minutes updating you all.

We have had a great time the last few days- well mostly! The three of us packed up and made the long drive back to Omaha this last weekend- you think the drive is rough- try it with a 8 month old! We drove to North Platte Friday night and got a hotel. Let's just say it ended up being a rough night- we're still debating whether this will be a common occurence or not. There are plusses- Brandon got some rest and driving all the way through the night would have left BJ refreshed- if he slept that whole time, but us exhausted. Staying there though- BJ didn't sleep well. There could be many factors for this. We spent Sat. lunch with my aunt and Pedro- it was great to see him. He is clearly enjoying being a country dog- has lost some weight because of all of his running and playing! And has a scratch on his nose to prove he is getting into things!! But he is adjusting well. He was happy to see us, and even tried multiple times to get in the car to go with us. It was bittersweet leaving him, but I know he loves it there!

Sat. afternoon I FINALLY got to meet Anson my nephew- he is a cutie for sure and has done a great job growing after his small start- already doubling his weight by 2 months!! Such a testament to my sis as he has had some troubles with reflux making eating sometimes painful! We can't wait until Anson gets a little bigger and the cousins can play together- I'm sure they will love it!

Sat. night and Sun. morning were wedding festivities- Travis and Rachel looked very happy- I think they are adjusting to married life well. I'm so pumped God has blessed us with Rachel- she is a great match for Trav- we love them both! (And were honored to be able to celebrate with them)

Sunday afternoon evening was with the grandparents- BJ definitely had a great time with all the attention! Maybe that made the drive Monday back that much harder. . .

We stopped at Ole's for lunch Monday and BJ checked out all the hunted animals- it was a riot.

The last few days I had decided not to try and be my usual self- seeing time off as time to do more work, but to enjoy being with my boy- we went to storytime and the park with church friends, went on runs, swinging, to DQ, and to the pool in our backyard! (Our neighborhood pool was closed- a pond flooded it in the last storm :( ) I am definitely looking forward to having a job where it is a bit of a better balance between time with BJ and working. We had way too much fun.

BJ is wanting to be mobile so badly- he continues to try and crawl- any day now- moving his knees and hands, trying to stand up, and trying to get anywhere he can. I'm frantically trying to make sure all the plugs in the house are plugged up. We'll see.

Anyway, better get going, I should at least try to work out today!!

My new favorite toy!!

Papa and his boys!

Big elk!

Slide!

In the pool!

Quiet Days

Seems crazy to say things are quieter at our house given our son's recent love of babbling. But without Pedro at our house things are a bit quieter. We are still missing our guy a lot- missing the clip of his nails on the floor, his excitement when you get home, and yes his barks. But we are slowly getting used to his absence here (not that we won't wish he could come home). Although we have heard he is chasing cats, getting into ponds, and relaxing with his new best friends at Aunt Jeanie's.

BJ's health has yet to change, but we're planning on getting someone to clean the carpets and air ducts. BJ continues to be interactive and so much fun. He loves to play with lots of things- oatmeal container, his rings, old cellphones etc. He has also found out that he likes to watch electronic things- dryer, microwave, and computer. In fact, many times he wants to help email you all! He is enjoying the big kid room at daycare- all kinds of new toys and big kids to watch play! (Plus mom loves the cute things they do every week- weekly books, colors, signs, and fun Friday's- last week was favorite stuffed animal day, today was wear your swimsuit to daycare day) (Brandon thinks I get way to into it.)

In other news, I have 1 more month until I am officially a 3rd year and in my last year of residency!! I have a more relaxed schedule this month, but have tons I have put off the last few months to do (ie: my CV), and our schedule is getting quite full already for the summer! Crazy!

We just recently celebrated our 6 year anniversary. I am so blessed by being married to Brandon. He is my best friend- and is always there for me-and knows me better than just about anyone. He is amazing. (I know you are all jealous). I hope he never forgets how much I love him!

Anyway, better run- both my boys are sleeping- I should join them!

BJ and his new favorite way of sleeping- face planted.

"I'll fix that Daddy"

Laughing and hanging out with Dr. Jill

Long Goodbye

So I know that this won't make much sense to non-dog lovers out there, but I am heartbroken.  We've started the process of our long goodbye to our wonderful dog, Pedro. I know he has been a pain in the butt (a lot) but I love him so much.  We have been struggling with BJ's reactive airway disease/asthma for some time now and had him allergy tested.  He came back positive at a high level for dog allergy and is likely contributing to his wheezing.  So we are in the process of finding a different home for Pedro.  We have asked a few people, but we just want the best for him.  (But know the best for our little boy is to not have a dog and he comes first!)  So I will miss my huge lug of a dog- a lot.  I will miss his cuddling with us while watching a movie, his following me around the house when I get home, his ecstatic energy when we get home, his calming presence when I'm upset, his "keep going" attitude on runs- it is going to leave a big whole in my heart for a while.  I know Brandon isn't as heartbroken- which just shows you how much he is more my dog.  And really, he has become much more mellow and behaved in the last years.  Tonight he even walked with me off leash to the mailbox and back- heeling the whole way.  I hate that we told him his life would change with BJ but maybe for the better and now we have to get rid of him.  I know he doesn't understand anything- but it hurts.  I just hope that we can find a place where he can be loved and be a blessing to another family.  Even BJ has enjoyed watching him and talking to him over the last month or two, I'm sure they would have been best buds.  I just hope that at some level Pedro understands.

My boys hanging out together:

In other news, BJ is becoming more and more interactive these days.  He rolls all over the place, is constantly trying to reach and get to things, and loves using Mom and Dad as transportation to get where he wants to go.  Today was his first day in the bigger kid room at daycare.  Pretty funny- there are little ones who crawl and walk in there but they told me someone was crawling by BJ with a cell phone and he grabbed out of the little boy's hand- I guess we won't have to worry on him getting picked on too much!  Anyway, it is late, I should get some sleep.

Mother's Day

I have to brag about how amazing my husband is.  I am going to assume that everyone that reads this blog understands how busy I am (and how perfectionistic).  So our Mother's Day was fairly low key- I was postcall and exhausted, so I took a nap and layed low most of the day.  But at dinner, Brandon asked if I wanted my present.  He asked BJ if he wanted to tell me, and BJ responded by jumping up and down in his exersaucer.  Brandon's response was "I think she may have the same reaction."  So for Mother's Day, he had arranged for a cleaning lady to come twice a month and clean the whole house!  I bawled.  It has been a huge stress for me trying to be the perfect homemaker on top of a wife, mother, and resident, and it was such a blessing for him to recognize how much stress that would alleviate for me.  I had even started worrying about BJ starting to crawl and being in a dirty house.

On a little more serious note, we have a prayer request of all of you.  BJ continues to wheeze and cough most nights.  We haven't yet labeled it as asthma (we are hesistant to give that label to anyone too early), but it looks like it might be asthma.  Since asthma, his ezcema, and allergies all go hand and hand, and allergies can worsen asthma, we had BJ tested for allergies.  You can only be allergic to things you have been exposed to, we knew many things would still be negative.  His screen did come back positive for food allergy- we'll have to determine what still, and mildly positive for dogs.  We have appointments set up (or we are on the waiting list for August appointments) with lung docs and allergy docs, but we are trying to decide and figure out if being exposed to Pedro will actually strengthen his immune system (like allergy shots) or make things worse.  We would be heartbroken to give up Pedro, but want to do what is best for our little boy.  Thanks for your prayers.

BJ showing his love for all bottles while hanging out with Daddy.

Bottles and the exersaucer- what a great time!

Weekend

BJ is just too much fun!  I get nothing done because I'm either at work or playing with him- and the time I am not doing either, I'm cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, or trying to get a workout in. Life with baby is really busy!  But we are so enjoying it.  Last night I told Brandon we have a great life- he agreed.  Just don't ask me the same question after a long day of clinic-there will not be as much sunshine in my attitude then!  I love days off- this weekend I worked Friday morning to Sat. at lunch, but had a great time coming home and spending time with my boys.  We had church Sat. night, went to Applebee's for dinner- which BJ did great at (but had a catnap in the car on the way home).  This morning, I napped with BJ and headed out in the sunny Colorado weather for a quick run.  I'm hoping BJ enjoys our runs more later- now he doesn't dislike them but spends the first 3/4 just sitting there quietly.  I think he is checking everything out, but when I stop to look at him he looks so serious.  Then the last 1/4 of the run he waves his arms, plays with his toy, and talks.  So funny.  Pedro on the other hand has a panic attack in anticipation of a run.  I keep smiling at what a sight we must be- the petite woman with a huge baby and a huge dog.  We definitely take advantage of the wide trails!!  I've gotten some grocery shopping done, and a bit of laundry done but am hoping to pick up the house too-I guess all in all that seems like quite a bit, but is definitely less than I used to get done in one weekend.(Although do keep in mind I just got out of the shower and it is 4 p.m.)  But I do enjoy playing with my little boy more!!  

Smiling at Daddy

Going for a run

Downing some water in a sippy cup- such a big boy.  The problem is he doesn't get that holding it down like this keeps the water from coming out!

Great picture with Daddy- Brandon looks great in this pic- so happy to be with his boy.  BJ on the other hand looks ready for a nap!

Jumping- I love the shoes!!

6 months!!

Sorry to all, I really enjoy blogging and bragging about my little boy, but struggle to find the time!

I can hardly believe BJ is 6 months old!  Where did my little baby go?    Here are some updates- I'm stealing a list from a friend's blog but love it. 

Nicknames: Beej, little man, 
Weight & Length: 18 lbs 2 oz  26 inches
Hair: dark blonde except his bald spot int he back
Favorite food: Anything- loving solids and his breastmilk.  In fact, he yelps with delight when you open the fridge- it is pretty cute.   For solids he has had sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and zucchini.
Favorite toys: Johnny jumpup, Exersaucer, The Hungry Catepillar
Favorite stuffed animal: his white lamb rattle or his giraffe rattle
Bedtime: 8:30 p.m. with a snack between 10:30-11:30 p.m.
Wake-up time: 6 a.m.
Naps: he is taking between 3-4 naps still during the day- between 45 mins to 2.5 hours long-
Favorite person: Mom and Dad (he has a huge smile when we pick him up from daycare and will start crying if it takes you too much time to get to him while getting his stuff ready)
Latest Accomplishment: Solids, rolling over (he has gone from back to belly a few times now), sitting up, sleeping with at least one arm unswaddled, 1st two teeth
Likes: eating, sleeping, playing, being social with really anyone, jumping, bouncing, splashing in the bathtub, eating books
Dislikes: getting into his car seat, waiting for food, 
What gets said about BJ most often: what a happy baby he is, how big he is, his beautiful blue eyes

Other updates: BJ has gotten another cold- what a poor guy.  We're hoping that all these illnesses in his first year will mean a better immune system later:)  We've been doing a lot of albuterol nebs, trying to keep him from wheezing too much.  Luckily he is fairly unphased by it, but occasionally acts like he is in pain after coughing a long time.

Brandon was able to go back to Omaha last weekend for our 10 year high school reunion.  Crazy how time flies.  He had an awesome time catching up with a lot of our high school friends.  He was totally thrilled to hear so many of them were doing well.  (Although he was surprised how few of them acutally brought pics of their significant others or kids).

Work has been really busy for the both of us.  In fact, we got called one day from daycare to pick up BJ and we were really struggling to figure out how to make it work since we both had jam packed days, and we knew he just had a cold and needed a quick neb- luckily we were able to work out taking him over our consecutive lunch hours, getting him tuned up and taking him back.

BJ is stuggling again with nighttime sleep.  It seems he was doing well but now has had one thing after another keeping him up at night- teeth, multiple colds, everything.  He's had a few good nights lately, so we're hopeful they will continue.

Anyway, I'll blog more later (if I find the time) but thought I would update you on his 6 month milestone.  Happy 1/2 birthday BJ- we love you more than you can imagine!

More firsts

I've had a lot of friends tell me that around 6 months of age babies really take off in their development- we are definitely at that time frame.  

BJ has been working on sitting up more lately- he can sit and play for quite some time.  The only thing is if he does lose his balance, he does not yet know to catch himself with his hand, and will end up stopping himself with his head on the floor.  Luckily he usually doesn't cry with that move!!

He also now has a 2nd tooth, coming through the last few days- what a big boy. I can't get a good shot of it right now, but stay tuned to a toothy grin coming up!!

BJ started solids tonight.  We were hoping to hold out to 6 months of age (coming up in 2 weeks) but he has been overly interested and starting to be less satisfied with only breastmilk lately.  So, tonight we started with multigrain cereal.  It was pretty soupy, but he definitely gulped it down- without even spitting any of it out.  He actually sat and kept reaching for more- I think this kid was ready for his solids!  The last few days he actually would give a nice yell and reach for the fridge when you opened it while holding him- it was pretty cute!!  

The other first is that BJ has his first little cousin!!  Anson Drew was born March 26th at 5 lbs 14 oz to my sister Miranda and her husband Jason.  They have been doing great- I have been so proud of my little sis.  Let me brag a little- she worked out (ran) pretty much her entire pregnancy so she did great on labor and delivery- fast labor, strong delivery- without epidural!  She is doing a great job with breastfeeding, and although is pretty tired out- is a great mom.  Jason has been a great help too- taking Anson at his fussy times later at night so Miranda can sleep some.  I'm so proud of them and can hardly wait to meet my precious nephew.  I am also so excited for when these two little boys grow up a little more and can have fun times playing together!!  Congrats Miranda, Jason, and Anson- we are so excited for your new blessing!!