Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I think it would be a huge understatement to say we have lots o thank God for. Brandon and I feel so blessed by each other, ou family and friends and our new little blessing! We had a great time celebrating at Matt's (Brandon's brother) house with some extended family. We (including BJ) ate a ton and enjoyed the company (especially BJ who spent most of the day in someone's arms)! BJ really embraced his first thnksgiving- eating a lot starting the night before (read 2.5 hours in between feeds at one time) to eating and sleeping a lot the day of, and a long nap 7.5 hours in between a feed the night after. Mom appreciated the post dinner night more :) We also somewhat celebrated Daddy's birthday yesterday- but we'll probably try and go to a movie or dinner sometime this weekend in addition to the quick present we gave him yesterday. Today- Black Friday tradition- the Colorado vs. Nebraska game. Despite our current residence, you all know who we will be cheering for. (See the pic below). Anyway, today will be busy so I should run, but wanted to post these pics.

Sleeping with one foot out

Riding doggie

I love this pic- Pedro looks like "I didn't do anything", Brandon is oblivious and BJ is eyeing that dog!

My boys

The full Thanksgiving outfit- it says "My First Thanksgiving"

And game day gear- the outfit is a bit too big- the onsie is 3-6 months and the jeans are still a little big- but still cute.

No longer a newborn

Time flies. I can't believe that BJ is no longer considered a newborn anymore- now an infant. Tomorrow he will be 1 month old. Crazy. He continues to do well- he is growing, evidenced by the fact that some of his newborn onsies are now a little too small, and he has graduated from newborn to stage 1 diapers. The 1's are a little big- but they don't leave little red marks around his chubby thighs! He has started crying a bit more and louder, but for the most part continues to be a great little baby. His cry though can be cute- he has the best pouty lip- but I can't manage to catch a pic of it. Dad and I are definitely in trouble if he keeps that as he grows older. He went to his first Swedish Family Medicine Recruitment dinner last night and was a testament to being able to balance work and personal life (with some work for sure). This week also, he had his first bottle of breast milk which (with Daddy's encouragement and cheers) he chugged. So no worries about nipple confusion here- this kid loves to eat! Brandon was very pleased also later when BJ wouldn't wake up for the next feed, since Daddy's feeding was so good :). He also had his first snowfall this week which lasted a few hours (typical of Denver weather) since it was 45 degrees that afternoon. He wasn't exactly a fan given that it was a bit bright out that day.

He already has a huge family (and friends) that love him, including his older cousins, Wolfgang, Katarina, and Isabella. They all, but especially Isabella, want to know when he is coming to their house again and what he is doing at every moment. The girls like to sit RIGHT next to him while he eats and ask questions like "Is BJ drinking?" "Why did you have a baby" "Are you going to have another baby?" etc. They also like to make sure that we are doing everything right as parents and will alert us when he is crying :) Even Wolfgang likes to ask questions about him, wanting to know why I didn't have 2 babies, when i'm having another one, why they had to cut him out, and very concerned about seeing Aunt Cassi's owie (which is healing nicely).

I'm actually doing really well. My days are very busy- although with not exactly productive things like doing the laundry, cleaning the house, etc. This week i've been released from my 10 lb weight restriction, so I've started slowly working out, which feels good and bad, and I was able to run some on the treadmill.

Brandon still thinks he's pretty cool, spending a lot of time in the evenings hanging out with him. We are still trying to work on the basement some- hopefully it will be finished (minus the entertainment center and wetbar) by Dec. 17th when we have a recruitment dinne scheduled. So if you're in the area and want to help tape and mud, texturize, or paint, we'd love the help!

Too bright Mommy!!

"Daddy's feeding"

Hanging with Dad

"Don't squeeze his head" Aunt MariaOur precious baby, wrinkling his brow while he sleeps, just like Mom used to.

I sleep here now

So far I think we have been blessed with a pretty good sleeper. I say so far as he is only 3 weeks old and I am not naive enough to think this can't change. But so far we have been blessed. At night BJ currently is going 4-5 hours between feeds (which means he is sleeping 3-4 hours straight- which is great for mom!). During the day, he is still working on his sleeping but does pretty well. He is fond of his Orthodontic approved nuk- especially during the day if he is not sleeping as well, but still has difficulty keeping it in long term. The title of the post today, comes from Brandon who likes to narrate his son's life and expressions and keeps me laughing with his comments. BJ is such a good sleeper at times that he will fall asleep while being burped- I realize this isn't odd- many babies do, but he falls asleep when you sit him up and burp him- with his head off to the side. So Brandon's comment is always- "I sleep here now" which is hilarious to me (isn't it great to have a hubby who makes you laugh!) Currently to display his sleeping "talents" BJ is sleeping on my arm on the desk while I type. Granted he is here because he was fussing (it is almost time to eat) and he has his Nuk, but it is still pretty cute.

Things are continuing to go well. We find ways to run errands about 3 days a week to get out of the house, which is nice for the gal who is used to talking all day long at work and now tries to entertain a little one who just falls asleep to her stories!! We've even been on a few more walks- and Pedro does great- although we have yet to have to pass another dog- which will make me very nervous. Brandon's job is going great- he's enjoying himself but I'm not sure he is always on time- given his weakness for cuddle time in the mornings!! Anyway, better post the pics and get moving- BJ is hungry.

Hanging with Daddy

I sleep here now. . . Don't worry- Brandon was hovering over this pic and pulled his hand away for a split second, but you can see how compliant Pedro can be with him!

Sleeping on the changing table!

2 week check up

Yesterday we had our 2 week check up- he is growing so fast!! The goal for the 2 week check up is for him to be back to birth weight by this date- this tells us he is getting enough to eat and growing appropriately. Well, he definitely passed that goal! He now weighs 9 lbs 4 oz, is 20 1/4 inch long, and has a 15 inch head! He definitely loves his breastmilk and doesn't miss any meals! It was great though to see that he is growing so well. Dr. Jill says he looks great- no concerns from her standpoint. And since he is growing so well, we decided to let him decide when he wants to eat at night (provided he doesn't sleep longer than 5 hours straight at this stage in the game). So last night, he had 2 stretches where he went 4 hours between feeds (instead of the usual 3) which was wonderful!! Amazing what one more hour does for you when you've not slept longer than 2.5 hour stretches in over 2 weeks! He continues to be such a good baby- sleeping great at night, happy (for the most part during the day) except for baths, getting dressed, diaper changes, and when mom doesn't get to feeding fast enough! He was lucky enough to meet Grandma and Grandpa Workman this weekend, and had a full weekend of being ooh'ed and ahh'ed over- and being held every chance he could get. I think everyone had a good time! Also, yesterday, BJ and I took a trip up to Daddy's office so the proud papa could show off his guy- everyone commented how cute he was- rightly so! So things continue to be great with the Workman fam- thanks to everyone for the calls, visits, meals, cards, and gifts- I'll get thank you notes out one of these days!! More pics of our beautiful boy:

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone. BJ and I have had an eventful halloween- very scary- let me tell you. We had a normal morning- breakfast, second breakfast, and then the scary part- a bath (lots of screaming except when he was getting his hair washed he loves that)- followed by being dressed in his costume from Grammy. True to baby form (moms know what I'm talking about) not 2 minutes after I dressed him in his cute Halloween shirt, he vomited breastmilk all over it and the couch. So the shirt is in the wash- we'll try again later. But it was kind of classic- so here is a scary pic for your halloween pleasure. The shirt says "this is my costume". Literally I was going to comb his hair before it dried and then take a pic!! Too late I guess.

Otherwise, things are going well. He has his moments- the fussy times where he will not sleep, but mostly is eating like a champ- (maybe too well given the vomit!) and sleeping between feeds during the night- thank the Lord. We're starting to get into a routine, but obviously he has his own plan sometimes! Th great news is Wednesday I took him to a breastfeeding weigh in at the hospital and at 8 days of age he was already above birth weight- now 8 lb 12.2 oz!! What a great eater!! We say he didn't get to be 8 lbs in mommy's tummy because he didn't like food :). I'm feeling pretty good, but still get "zingers" around my incision around the R side. I hope that leaves soon because I would like to start some light exercise- walking and yoga, but want to be cautious especially with the pain.

Better run, Grandpa and Grandma Workman are coming today so we need to go get things ready for them. BTW Thanks for the shirt Grammy- it was a big hit (or maybe splash!)

1 week old and special thanks

Wow- it is amazing- BJ is one week old; (I realize that seems very new- it is, but it is amazing) one week has passed since God blessed us with this awesome little boy. Things have been going very well here at home. We were released from the hospital on Thursday and were happy to get home. He's eating well, loves to breastfeed and is getting on a bit of a schedule. Last night was the best night as far as sleeping goes, so hopefully it wasn't a fluke and it continues. BJ's eyes are starting to "track" together more, and he had some more awake time during the day yesterday. He went to his first doctor's appointment on Friday and things looked great. His weight did not drop anymore after being released from the hospital, and he really hasn't been jaundiced. Brandon has gone back to work (yesterday, although he worked a 1/2 day last Thursday). My parents came out for their first visit with their grandson, and it was awesome. Seriously, everyone has been so supportive and helpful and I appreciate it all, but let me take some time to tell you why my parents are so awesome. If you want to skip the sappy stuff- jump to the pics.

My parents came out Friday evening- ready to help. Both Mom and Dad were very clear they were here to minimize the work that Brandon and I needed to do. My dad spent most of the time here (minus the BJ time) working with Brandon (and without Brandon) on the basement. They got a ton accomplished- HD antennae up and wired and finished almost all of the ceiling work- which is such a great help given my 10 lb weight lifting restriction for 6 weeks. Plus my dad, in true Don Lund style, showed his true servant heart going out of his way to try and figure out what I needed- always offering to carry anything- especially up our stairs, checking on how I was feeling, and even going out of his way to make sure I had my favorite cereal in the house. I don't think he stopped working the entire time he was here. He is great with BJ, and it was great to see them spend time together and bond.

My mom has always been one of my favorite people in this whole world. She is the true Proverbs 31 woman- 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." That is my mom. She has been my best friend- supporting me always through every step of my life- and I put her through a lot throughout the years. She arrived Friday ready to take BJ so I could nap, offer suggestions and organization to make my life easier, cook multiple meals (and extra for the freezer), and clean my entire house. What a blessing. My freezer is full, I have gotten more sleep, my house is not cluttered with baby stuff I can't find a place for, and my house hasn't looked this good ever. (She even took out my staples for me on Saturday!) Plus, she has been amazing providing emotional support for a pretty emotional mom over the last few days- letting me cry about anything and everything. She is amazing with her grandson. I just can't do justice to how appreciative I am for her. Needless to say, I've already lost some tears seeing her go. It will be a lifetime goal that I can be even half the mother my mom was for me for BJ- he would be an extremely lucky guy.

Also, if I'm saying thank you's, I cannot forget my amazing husband. Like most males, Brandon was a bit nervous about having a baby and how he would be as a father, but he had nothing to worry about. He is a natural. He may be improving some of his technical skills (mostly just diapering), and he may not know all the answers, but I love seeing him with his son. He is completely smitten. He's taken a million pictures, and a fair amount of video. He can't wait to see the little guy when he wakes up or gets home from work- and asked yesterday if BJ could go help pick up some elk at a friend's house (anxious to show him off). He is constantly trying to figure out how to help me (which can be hard when I don't tell him). He continually tells me despite the leftover soft tummy I'm beautiful, despite his somewhat sleepless night that I did a good job keeping BJ quiet for him, and just that I'm doing a great job as a mom. I know that having a baby puts strain on a marriage, but I think I love him even more- and I hope he knows that.

Okay, I'm done with my sappy tribute- don't worry, I don't plan on doing this with every visitor we have or on a regular basis, but I felt I needed to publicly thank these awesome people in my life.

Now for the pic time.

Here's BJ!!!

Hey guys......So this is my first time making an entry into the blog (yeah, it's B). Our little guy decided that he wanted to come out today and into the world. Let me tell you, he chose the quick route, emergency c-section. Everything was going well, then his heart rate dropped into the 50's and stayed there for about 3 minutes. Phones started to get dialed and the chaos started. It took about 20 seconds for the 9 medical people to get into our room, and for me to get out of the way. They wheeled her off and told me to stay put. That freaked me (us) out for a little bit. Then a few minutes later I was told that everything had stabilized, but they were still going to take the little guy out. About 5 minutes later, my son was breathing on his own! It was really scary for a while, but both mom and boy are doing great! He came out 9:33 (Mountain Time) this morning (10/21/08). We named him Brandon Jacob after his proud daddy and his Uncle BJ (Cassi's brother) that he never got to meet. He weighted 8lbs 11.5 oz and 19" long. Here are a couple of the pictures from today......