February 26, 2012 - Hanging with Dad

We had a really good day today. I don't want to jinx anything, but Brig is starting to get a bit of a routine and I am starting to get a little bit of confidence in being a mommy.  Had a good time at church.  Joe came home and had a pretty long nap.  Well deserved, I must say, given his nighttime contributions this weekend.  We went over to Suelzle's for dinner and when we got home, Brig was wide awake and we got these really cute pictures.  We've been working on Brigham's routine and things have been going well.  We decided to try to get him through the night tonight.  We weren't going to try until the weekend, but it went well.  I went to bed around 9:30.  Joe woke Brig up at 10:30 and fed him.  I guess he was a bit of a sleepy head and Joe had to try pretty hard to get him to eat.  So he went down around 11:30 and slept until 4:30.  That's a good 5 hours.  He cried at 4:30 and we left him, he only cried for 5 minutes and then slept again until 5:30.  I tried to leave him again, hoping he'd get to 6:30 but he cried for 20 minutes before I finally got up and fed him at 6:00.  I thought he would eat like a champ, but he didn't too much.  Had a good little eat and some awake time before he was back off to sleep.  Then we drove Aunt Hilly and Uncle Mike and Ethan to the airport.  What a good boy I have!

February 25, 2012 - Deep Fried Ice Cream

Had some tubby time today with Joe.  Brig looks a little like Joe in these pics I think.  Brig loves tubby time and is pretty happy about it.  I can't wait til he's a little bigger and we can go swimming.  I think he's going to be a water baby.  I hope so because I love the water so much.  We went to rem and Peggy's tonight and Joe tried to make deep fried ice cream.  It didn't work out all that well, but he tried hard for me because he knows it's my favorite dessert.  After the first two didn't work we ate the other two uncooked and they tasted great anyway.  My little man only woke up once in the night and Joe took that feeding so I pretty much got two nights off!  What a blessing!

February 24, 2012 - Best Night Ever

It's a little tough sometimes to get a good picture of him when he's fussy, but here we are just hanging out again.  We caught up on some Grey's Anatomy episodes today.  It was a pretty good day but I was so happy for Joe to come home. I love Friday's because it means I get to have Joe home, not only for his help, but for his company too.  I now also have a new love for Fridays.  Joe is helping me get a little rest by taking the nights for me on Fridays.  I get to go downstairs and put in some earplugs and sleep as long as I want.  It made all the difference for me to get a whole night's rest.  It gives me a little something to look forward to on those tough nights and gives me that boost I need for the coming week.  I can't believe how blessed I am to have such a good husband and father.

We went over to Nathan and Glenda's for dinner and a movie tonight as well.  I have to admit I slept through the whole movie, but it was nice to go and visit and get out a bit.  Her boys, especially Derek, love Brigham and so he gets a lot of attention there as well!

February 23, 2012 - Glad to be Home

On Thursday we went over to Hillary's to play.  I'm sure I've said it before but it is so nice to have her around to hang out with.  It can get pretty lonely just doing things around the house on my own.  And Brig isn't really old enough to be entertaining yet, or to need to be entertained.  He is finally starting to fit into some real clothes though and so it's fun to get him all dressed up.  He is also starting to have more awake time, usually about a half hour after each feeding.  It's so fun to kiss and cuddle him and to find out the new things he does each day!

February 22, 2012 - My Birthday

I got to spend my birthday with the best of both worlds.  Woke up at mom and dad's and spend the day with carlee and mom and brig.  I love that little munchkin.  What a cute face!  Carlee made me some AMAZING cupcakes for my birthday that took a lot of work.  It was so much fun to spend a few days with her and get all her mommy tips.  Then dad took me to Red Deer and Joe picked Brig and I up.  We went out for dinner for my birthday and then made it home in good time.  I even got a nap on the way home!  27 years down and I can't wait to see what 28 brings!

February 21, 2012 - Staying at Gram's

So I stayed after family day weekend for a couple of days to get some help with Brigham and to spend some time with Carlee.  She is pretty bored out in Drumheller and I'm fairly bored at home as well.  We have had a lot of good talks about what to do with Brig in a lot of different situations and I am learning a lot. Jake and Krym got me the awesome baby carrier and we went for a walk today. Brig didn't like it much at first, but as soon as we got moving he fell asleep in a hurry.  My little boy is sure growing up.  8 weeks tomorrow!

February 20, 2012 - Family Day

Today was our last day at the Andruski Grandparents before Joe when home.  Brig and I decided to stay and play with Carlee and her kids for a couple more days.  I think Joe will get a good rest so hopefully he enjoys that.  We had a good day just hanging out with our family.  I love being able to come home and feel completely secure and loved.  Being a mommy has been a tough road for me and I always feel like I can come home and get that little extra boost of support.  I sure love my family!

February 19, 2012 - Brigham's Blessing

Brigham was blessed today.  We had the blessing in my home branch of Three Hills.  It was a good midway point for all the family to come and it was nice for me to have some of the people who I have grown up knowing there.  It was a great day and Brig was such a good boy.  No crying or anything!  The blessing was beautiful and I am so happy to have such a special son of God in my care.  And I love his little tie!  It was a gift for Brig's shower from my friend Robyn!

February 18, 2012 - More Family Time

Got to spend the day at my mom and dad's with most of my family.  Just Jay and Alisha were missing. It's hard to have them away down in Utah, but I'm sure it's harder for them to miss out on things.  Ethan and Rory run wild and give us all a lot of entertainment.  It's a houseful and sometimes a little stressful, but it is so good to be able to get together with family and continue to build our relationships.  

February 17, 2012 - Travelling Friday

Today we took a road trip down to Gram and Pop Pop's.  Brig did great and slept the whole way!  He was such a good boy earlier in the day too. He had a big morning nap and I was able to get the house cleaned and start getting us packed up.  Brig is starting to be awake a little more during the day and so he was my little helper while I was packing.  Not sure how much he liked it, but I was glad he was such a good boy!

February 16, 2012 - Mom and Dad's Anniversary

Well, Joe and I didn't have much of an anniversary.  We were going to go out for dinner on Wednesday, but Joe was sick and I'm still a little housebound by the end of the day.  Joe had Young Mens and I had relief society on Thursday so we went off to the church.  Brig came along and hung out with Joe while I did yoga with the sisters.  It was a fun time and I got to goof off with my sister and Sharlee while we tried to do yoga!  But I am so grateful for the 4 years that Joe and I have had together.  I am excited for the next four years and all the ones after that.  

February 15, 2012  - My Mac Boy

So Mac has been a really good boy through all of these changes with our new little addition.  He spends most of his day in his bed like this.  He usually sleeps downstairs at night but he'll come upstairs and sit by me while I feed Brigham in the night.  He is a good little companion and we are excited for him and Brig to become good buddies!

February 14, 2012 - Doctor's Visit

Today we had our six week checkup at the doctor's office.  It was almost seven weeks but we had to reschedule because our doctor had her baby last week and went on maternity leave early!  Our new doctor is Dr. Pickle.  He's pretty nice and does a good job.  Brigham did great at his appointment and was a perfect little patient.  He now weighs 10lbs and 7oz.  What a big boy!

February 13, 2012 - Another Fun Day

Well, we had a pretty good day today.  Only one feeding in the night, though he still ate like a horse last night.  We were feeding around 7am this morning while Joe was getting ready for work and Brigham was all smiles while daddy was beside us on the couch.  We tried to get a picture but by the time we got the camera, he was done smiling and wanting to eat again!  We had a fun tubby today and then we went and played with Ethan at Anutie Hilly's house.  It is so nice to have my sister so close by to go and spend time with.  

February 12, 2012 - Making Cookies

Today Brigham actually had some pretty good awake time.  It's weird because he doesn't really do anything when he's awake and so I just want him to sleep all the time so I can sleep or get things done.  But I also love just watching him figure out his little world while he's awake.  So today he sat in his chair and watched us while we made cookies for sunday dinner!

February 11, 2012 - Kind of a Rough Day

Well, Friday night was one of Brigham's worst nights.  He is going through his 6 week growth spurt and wants to eat ALL THE TIME.  But feedings are still really tough for us.  He has a hard time latching and gets a lot of air and therefore a lot of gas and so he gets really fussy and upset.  It's hard to watch him in pain and it's tough to be up all night.  So we spent Saturday just hanging out.  Notice how we are in the same position as yesterday, same clothes as well, and yet we both look a little worse for wear!  What a trooper.

February 10, 2012 - Family Dinner

Today was the day that I beaned Brig in the head. I was trying to pull my bra down after feeding him and my hand caught and I pulled it and it beaned him in the head.  I heard his first little scared/pain cry.  So sad!  But we had cuddles and he was quickly okay.  I think he's going to be a tough little guy.  We had a family dinner today to have mom and dad meet Kaitlin's boyfriend Bobby.  It is so nice when my family comes over.  First of all, it makes me put myself and my house back together!  And I love how much everyone loves him and wants to be around him.  And it's great to have someone else to hold and feed him and give me a little break. 

February 9, 2012 - Another Baby Shower

Well Brigham and I are pretty spoiled.  Kay Hodder threw me another baby shower and I was lucky enough to have my mom come up and be there with me.  Brigham was in perfect form.  He ate right before we left and then he was awake for the whole thing, just being as cute as can be.  He ate again as we left and when we got home.  And then he slept for 5 hours!  Wahoo!  I love the nights when he has a little longer streak.  I get a little more sleep and then I am able to function a little better the next day.  What a little guy!

I also finally got Brigham's nursery all finished.  The pictures are on the wall and everything.  I love his little room that we had planned for so long just for him.  

February 8, 2012 - Just Another Day

Just hanging out with my boy today.  We love it when daddy comes home and we get some hang out time with him.  Brigham also has a cross-eyed problem every now and then!  Hahaha.

February 7, 2012 - Auntie Katie

Today Auntie Katie came over for a visit because she had the day off.  It was nice to have someone around to visit with and hang out with.  We ran a few errands and she helped with a few chores around the house.  Brig looked so cute all ready to go out.  He does really well on our little adventures and is never fussy unless we're out too long and he gets hungry.  It's so nice to have my sisters in the same town and be able to have them around for help and support!

February 6, 2012 - Visitors

Monday was another Monday.  Joe left for work and I tried to survive another day.  I find being a mommy so much harder than i thought it would be.  Part of the trouble is the monotony.  I am exhausted and so I feel like most of what I do is feed brig and sleep.  If I'm lucky I'll get a shower or a chore done here or there.  It's just so much different from my previous life that I feel like I'm never getting anything done!  But I know that being a mom is the greatest calling there is.  And it doesn't always feel that way.  But I love the moments where we just snuggle and he gives me a little smile, or he's awake and looks right at me.  I know those moments are precious and I try to enjoy each one.  He truly is the most amazing blessing in my life.

Kaitlin and her boyfriend Bobby came over for dinner.  It was nice to have company and a bit of a nudge to get showered and make a real meal.  After dinner we had a good visit and watched a little tv.  I tried to feed Brig again around 11:00 and had another meltdown.  He wasn't eating for some reason and he was fussy and I got so frustrated.  I have found breastfeeding to be one of the most frustrating things I have tried to do.  I have been so ready to give up on so many occasions, but we keep at it, and slowly, both Brig and I are getting better at it.  Joe is always there to rescue me when I am ready to implode, so he took Brig again and fed him, again.  How grateful I am for a supportive husband who is so willing to stand by me through thick and thin...and crazy!

February 5, 2012 - Superbowl Sunday!

I find going to church with a newborn really difficult.  Brig is not on any kind of predictable schedule so I never know when he'll be needing to feed, and I am not good at the breastfeeding yet so that's not happening at church.  And then everyone wants to hold him so he doesn't get a decent sleep.  Then he half feeds for the rest of the day and everything just goes nuts.  So I had a spaz attack when we got home and Joe had to feed him while I went to bed in tears.  Yay for church!  Anyway, I felt a little better after a nap and Hillary and Mike had a little impromptu superbowl party with us and Lamonts, so we went and had a good time hanging out.  It was nice to get out of the house and get some encouragement from the other girls.  Brig and Joe had fun doing boy stuff too!

February 4, 2012 - Baby Face

Another Saturday.  Joe had to be gone most of the morning for scout stuff, but he came home early to rescue me.  Feeding is still a real struggle, the actual feeding goes okay but I think my poor boy gets so much air that he is grunty for a half hour after he's done.  Poor thing.  He also had a good case of baby acne.  His little face looks like a sixteen year old's.  Oh dear.  Hope it will clear up soon.  My sister's cousin is a doctor and he said you wouldn't believe the moms that come in asking for something like baby accutane. How ridiculous.  My baby is still beautiful to me.  Look at those sweet little hands!

February 3, 2012 - My Little Football

So when I was pregnant I found this idea on pinterest and Joe fell in love with it.  So today we made Brig's little football onesie before he grows out of the one I bought.  It didn't take too long and Brig is always very cooperative when I am trying to do some crafts!  Brig also went 6 hours between feedings this night.  He ate at 7:00 and then didn't wake up again until 1:30.  Had I known I would have gone to bed at 7:00 as well.  Oh well, still a great sleep and maybe we are moving to sleeping through the night?  Who knows?  Most people tell me I'm nuts, but I have friends who have done it so we'll see what happens!

February 2, 2012 - Hanging with Cousin Ethan

Had my first pretty rough night with Brig since we've been home from the hospital.  We've been letting him "cry it out" a little at night once he's fed and changed, but it's hard to do that with a house full of other people.  He just wouldn't settle, so we were up most of the night.  And surprisingly, Brig was awake most of the day too.  Ethan was very good at "visiting" with him in between all his other adventures.  And fortunately Brig was happy while he was awake so that my mom and I could work on the quilt I'm making for his nursery.  We made it home safe and sound and it was so good to see Daddy.  I was exhausted and Joe was a great support tonight. I got to have a long shower and a nice nap.  Off to bed for this tired momma!

February 1, 2012 -Visiting in Drumheller

On our second day at gram's house, we packed up and drove to Drumheller to visit with Carlee, Rory, and Ellie.  It was a blast!  We took the kids to the dino museum and they were thrilled.  They kept running around exploring everything and Ethan learned a new word: "dine-o-SAUR"  Most of the time it was just "saur"!  There was a part in the museum where the floor is glass and you can see through to a water exhibit.  The kids didn't quite understand that you could walk on it and it was pretty hilarious watching them venture out on it and make it to the other side.  It was great to visit with Auntie Carlee and we even got to meet Uncle Ben for dinner.  What a great trip.  Makes me wish they were closer!  Then my little boy was wide awake that night so he got to hang out with gram.  I sure love that face!

January 31, 2012 - Road Trip

Hillary and I were both up at the crack of dawn with our kidlets so by 7am we were out of the house and on our way to grandmas house.  Both Ethan and Brigham did great while travelling and we made it there without a hitch.  We had a fun time visiting with gram and pop-pop, and it was nice to have gram and aunt hilly help with mr. brig.  While watching tv, my little man got ahold of my finger and showed it who was boss.  I guess he might have been a little hungry.  It was so cute I bugged gram until she went and got the camera.  What a guy!

January 30, 2012 - Family Home Evening

We had an extra special family home evening tonight as it was our last night together before we had our first separation.  Daddy had extra snuggles with Brig.  I think Joe was a little nervous and a little sad for us to be leaving.  One of the things I have looked forward to about being a mommy is being able to take my kids and go stay at my moms for a few days.  But it was hard to leave such a great dad and husband and I missed him a lot while we were gone.  Brig also got to wear some new jammies we got from our friends, the Calverts.  We got a whole bunch of hand-me-downs from Derek and Tyson.  A big thanks to Glenda for being so generous!

January 29, 2012 - So Content

This is the face I strive for multiple times a day...that content, all is right with the world face.  I love his little smiles and to see him happy and comfortable.  It makes me feel like a good momma, and like I just might survive another day.  What a sweet boy!

January 28, 2012 - Just Hanging Out

Saturday is always a great day because Daddy is home.  It's great to have his help with Brig but I definitely appreciate his company so much more!  Brig loves Daddy snuggles and his dad loves them just about as much.  I love to hold him and I could hold him all day, but then I wouldn't get anything done.  The last photo is an attempt at my favorite face.  He always does it when he's stretching right after he eats.  It is hilarious.  I will try to get a better picture but I think he's outgrowing it already!  I sure love this boy!

January 27, 2012 - Minute to Win It

Friday night we went out for our first real date night since Brigham was born. (When do you stop counting going to get groceries as a "date"?)  Our friends set up a Minute to Win It game night and we had to have a matching team uniform.  So note the purple armbands and the moustachios!  It was a ton of fun though it stressed Brig (and therefore me) out just a little.  But it was so good to get out of the house and I am learning to work around him.