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!!

Tooth and Giggles

BJ had been sleeping pretty terribly for a few nights and yesterday I was sitting on the couch, letting him chew on and drool all over my hand and I discovered why.  He is getting a tooth!  Sure enough there is a little one (his bottom central incisor- my mom helped with that description) popping through!  I rushed out to Target for some Oragel- put it on last night and he slept like a champ- what a big boy.  

His other thing- new tonight - he started giggling.  He had done noises with smiles before, but I tickled his belly while getting hime changed for bed and he giggled.  I quick called B in from the garage, and we sat there and laughed at his giggles for a few minutes.  It was so cute!  I love being a mom to such a wonderful little boy.  So fun!!

St Patrick's Day outfit- "Kiss me", "Mommy's good luck charm"

Long overdue update

This is seriously overdue.  I have plenty of good excuses- but I'm sorry anyway.  BJ turned 5 months yesterday, and we are amazed at how blessed we have been by our little gift from God.  Here is what has been going on the last month or so. 

The end of February, BJ and I flew back to Omaha for 4 days for Miranda's baby shower.  It was a great time!  We were able to celebrate the upcoming birth of Miranda and Jason's baby, and we couldn't be more excited.  Miranda has done exceptionally well being pregnant- I think (last I checked) she is still running and she is around 38 weeks pregnant!  We can attest to how being parents can be such a dicotomy- so extremely difficult and so extremely rewarding- and we know that Jason and Miranda will do so well.  There were many highlights to the trip, but a huge one was getting to visit Grandpa Bowerbank (Brandon's grandpa- in Creston, IA).  BJ and I drove out on Monday and spent around 5 hours with Great-Grandpa.  It was wonderful to see the two of them together- they do resemble each other, both chubby and without hair.  BJ is such a social guy which is such a blessing when you visit new people.  I think our visit was really treasured by Great-Grandpa.  BJ was all smiles for Grandpa, and Grandpa was eager to show him off to his sister Maxine.  It was a short trip, and I know Grandpa really would have liked us to stay longer, but I think he was glad for every minute we could spend with him.

We came back to Denver and had BJ's 4 month checkup.  Despite being so sick with RSV, he continues to be our chunk.  He was 25 1/4 in (90%) long, 15 lbs 13 oz (85%), and his head was 17 1/4 n (>95%).  He is meeting all his milestones, and loves smiling at everyone.  He was quite upset about the shots, but made sure to calm down enough to smile at the nurse before we left the office!!  He clearly has a great heart for people!

Unfortunately, BJ picked up a cold (likely on the plane to Omaha) so now has spent all but 5 days of the last 10 weeks having sometime of respiratory virus.  Poor guy.  Now he just continues with a cough and wheezing- which has really messed his night time sleeping up- coughing himself awake and hungry.  We took him in yesterday to the doctor and she  recommended starting him on an inhaled steroid neb in addition to the albuterol to help decrease the inflammation in his airways.  Nothing is for sure, but given the fact that he continues to cough and wheeze so far out- he likely has or will have asthma.  We are totally bummed about this, but know many people who do amazing despite their asthma- and know it could be a million times worse.  

Last weekend, BJ was so blessed to have both sets of grandparents out for his dedication.  He spent the weekend showing off, smiling, rolling over (still only from his belly to his back), eating his toes, and jumping in his Johnny Jumpup (a new favorite).  The dedication was really special (I only cried once).  Our church does a dinner and then each child has a quick picture video and a time to talk about the meaning of their name and a prayer.  Brandon means fervent, and our pastor prayed that he would be fervent in his love for God and his love for people.  Nothing would make me prouder than to see that prayer fufilled.  I can already tell he will be fervent in his love for people- he is definitely a social butterfly.  He loves to play hard, but would rather talk and spend time with people.  

Brandon doing "pride rock" with BJ

He continues to be huge- yesterday with clothes and a diaper on- he weighed 17 lbs. 11 oz.  Amazing.  He loves to eat and sleep, and he is definitely putting both to use in his growth.  He is doing better with naps at daycare, sleeping 1-2.5 hours at a time- which is so great.  

Work has been stressful for Brandon and I both.  Brandon has moved into a different area of work which has been more challenging and demanding- and they lost 2 people (out of an office of 24 or so) recently in layoffs due to the economy.  Luckily it seems they are done with layoffs for a while, so we can breathe a little easier.  I am back to my long hours and being on call, which has been physically and emotionally tiring.  There are still many days that I am very sad leaving BJ at daycare, but I look forward to his smile when I come home.  

That is probably enough for now- sorry it has been so long, but life is busy- as many moms or residents can attest!  

BJ's amazing dad

Those of you who know Brandon well know that he isn't the biggest help when it comes to housework. Not that he is incapable, just that he, like many men, does not see the need to clean and pick up. Whatever he lacks in domestic chore finesse, he more than makes up for as a dad. BJ really has an amazing dad. I know there are many women out there who worry about leaving their kids alone with their dad for any period of time (one woman actually told me in a panic that she had to hurry home from work one night because their nanny was out of town and her husband would be alone with the kids after work). I definitely do not worry about either one of the two (or three counting Pedro) boys home alone with each other. Brandon has really come in to his own as far as being a dad goes. BJ is becoming more interactive every day, and it is so fun to watch the two of them together. I am back on a inpatient month (the 80 hour/week 30 hour shift schedules) so I was on call yesterday and overnight. I came home this afternoon and picked my precious little boy up from a nap while talking to Brandon. BJ was still pretty dazed, but as soon as he saw Daddy broke out in a big grin (I'm only a little jealous). They are quickly becoming best buds. Brandon is so good with him-playing hard, recognizing when he's ready for a nap, even sitting at the hospital for an hour, waiting for me to have a break so I can breastfeed once while on call- everything. He has become more patient with the rare inconsolable crying spells. Today he even stepped up and washed a load of BJ's clothes quickly after a blowout diaper. He'll race me to BJ's room wanting to be the firs to get him when he is crying after a nap. I've had so many people ask how I do it, being a mom and a resident, working these crazy hours. I tell them it is because of my wonderful amazing husband and his superdad abilities! Brandon, I love you- and I never tire of watching you with our son. Thanks for sharing in the miracle of BJ.