DOC Band journey...

it's been a tough few weeks - I'm very thankful we had Christmas to break everything up!

we went to Bryn's 6 month check up and were referred to Cranial Technologies to have a specialist look at Bryn's head.  now - I've been worried about her head for months but of course our ped was not and said that eventually everything would round out and all would be fine.  didn't happen.  she's always favored her right side - no matter what we did she always ended up on that side which always frustrated us!!!  as you know - we're all told to change your infants position due to them sleeping on their backs... well... it didn't work!!

so...due to my persistence with the ped - he referred us - finally!

(looking back now I would've demanded he refer us back when she was 4 months old... )

we had our first appt the week before Xmas.

I will say - very nice people... the staff was great and I am very pleased with our specialist who got assigned to us.  She was great!!  after lots of pictures - questions - hesitation - we decided to go forward with the DOC band - otherwise known as a 'helmet.'

of course - I cried.  do I really have to do this to my baby?

as dray says - lets do it now so when she gets older we don't have to answer why her head is a bit lop-sided.  still - I don't know why I can't overcome this... is it something we did... I did... what could we have done to make everything better in the beginning??!!??

after our consultation I realized there's nothing we could've done.  her muscle in her neck on the right side is very stiff - therefore making her want to sleep on her right side of her head.  this has caused not only flattening but also her ears to be a bit uneven (never saw it by looking at her but after looking at the pictures they took it was like a shot through the heart!!  we were given some stretching exercises for her neck that we do 5x a day... at first she did not like it but feel she's getting use to use pulling and stretching her muscle.

so here we are - we go tomorrow to get the 3D image scan of her head to get the band made and then we'll have it two weeks from tomorrow.  I'm still not doing well - it hurts my heart to know she has to wear this foreign object.  she's such a happy baby and I don't want anything to spoil that!!  although - all the research I've done (and I mean LOTS of research) it's all been positive and at least I know I'm not the only mother going through this!!!  

I don't have any pics right now... I'm still in denial!!

I'm giving myself a pep talk... she's a healthy, beautiful baby and with this band she will be even more beautiful!!!  that's my way of coping!!!

they told us she does not have a bad case - it's just moderate - so therefore we're looking at around 8 weeks for the treatment.  if that doesn't work then we'll have to go to a second band for there's only so much room, molding they can do with a band.  let's pray we only go through one (insurance isn't covering it and yes, it's a pretty penny) - but can you really put a price on your child's well being???  =)

please pray for Bryn to help get her through this... and yes, pray for momma to help her through it as well... I think it'll effect me more than her but isn't that normal?!?

6 months!!

where has the time gone?

it really seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital and

now she's 6 months old!!


this pic was actually taken the night I went into labor...

and less than 24 hours later...

it's amazing how life can change.  it's funny how before kids it's all about me, me, me and wondering why sometimes life is so hard.  well... I didn't know what 'hard' was back then!!

it may be hard at times but it's the most rewarding job out there... being a parent!!

here are a few updates -

food:  we started solids about a month ago.  started with veggies - sweet potatoes, carrots, squash and green beans.  fan of all except carrots... just like her momma!!  we started feeding 2x a day about a week ago - first meal fruit, second meal veggies.  we started with banana's and now we're on apples and soon to be pears.  she loves her some fruit!!  I still mix an oz of formula w/ rice cereal and add the food in... not sure why I am doing that... she seems to love it but hopefully we'll take out the cereal soon and go straight up!

schedule:  yes, we have a routine - goes something like this:

7am wake/bottle

7:30-8:20 playtime

8:30-10:15 nap

10:15 wake/fruit/bottle

11 - 12 playtime

12 - 1:30 nap

1:30 wake/bottle

2-3 playtime

3-4:45 nap

4:45 wake/veggies/bottle

(between now and last bottle she will usually take a 30 minute cat nap)

7-7:15 bottle/bedtime routine

I'm really going to try hard to stretch to a 4 hour schedule - eliminating one feeding and one full nap... don't know why this seems so hard to me!!  I may have to do a combined schedule... she naps SO much better in the morning (I think cause she's usually awake between 5:30-6 and just rolls around and sings in her bed till I come up at 7)  so we'll see how it goes!

playtime:  lots of floor time, excersaucer time, bumbo time and we're getting much better at tummy time.  She's always hated tummy time.  she gets SO frustrated when she can't reach something... although it has gotten her to kick her legs so hard it makes her inch up... she gets so proud of herself!  When she wants something, she wants it... when she doesn't want to do something, she won't!!  hmmmmm, who does that sound like?!?!  rolling over:  she's done this twice.  she doesn't seem to have any interest in doing this.  she's rolled from her back to her tummy during nap time and from her tummy to her back during play time.  standing:  oh, her legs are strong... she kicks them out straight, pushes against the pillow or chair when feeding... but lift her under her arms to try to get her to 'stand'... she goes limp!  sitting:  she's getting good at sitting without support depending on where you put her.  she loves, loves, loves to have her arms/hands free to reach for things.  when we put her in her little rocker or put her on the changing table she tries to sit up... so I have a feeling she'll be an expert sitter soon!

all in all I think she's doing what she's suppose to - guess we'll see what the doc says in a few days!!!  I do have one hard-headed little girl!

who is Brynleigh?

she's a charmer - she can be shy - she's a talker/screamer (loves to hear her voice!) - she's a giggler and loves to laugh - she loves kisses - she loves to snuggle when she's sleepy - she loves her daddy, she lights up and gets so excited when he walks in the room - she's starting to laugh and pull at Chloe (so cute!) - she loves to try to hold her bottle and her spoon - she puts everything in her mouth (and boy, do I mean everything!!) - she loves to watch mickey mouse and is starting to enjoy all cartoons - she likes to turn the pages as I read to her - she loves to grab her feet and sometimes put them in her mouth - when she gets excited she waves her arms back and forth and squeals - she loves, loves sleeping on her side - she's starting to be aware of 'strangers' when they come up to her... sometimes she'll cry for a brief second but then she'll warm up and start smiling - she is one happy baby and for that, mom and dad feel very lucky!!


it's been fun watching her grow into her own - when she's content her personality really shines through!!!  She loves to make you laugh... I can be rocking her in the chair singing to her and she'll take her hand and grab my lip or pat my face with her little half grin facing the other direction and looking at me out of the corner of her eye... just to see if I laugh... and when I do, she starts giggling - melts my heart!


another great happening - dray and I actually got out to see a movie!!  thanks to Mary and Larry for coming over to watch Bryn... funny thing is... being new to 'handing off the baby' to a sitter I thought I covered everything before leaving... but after 3 texts and one phone call later Dray and I realized we kinda just handed her over and said 'later.'... we laughed in the car about it - I think we were just so excited to get out we weren't thinking!!  it went very well - and they even took her for her walk...

yes, she may look a little scared but she had a great time!!

and so did mom and dad!!!  I can't thank Mary and Larry enough for braving being the first non-family babysitters!!!

with all new moms - my shopping patterns have changed!  we went to the mall the other day to buy momma some new clothes and ended up buying all for her...

I mean - can you blame me?!?  thought she needed a xmas eve outfit =)

it's been a fun-filled first 6 months!!  seeing daddy play with her and her face light up is all I could ever ask for!!  we are looking forward to spending xmas in OK with Nana, Grandpa and Aunt Mandy!!  we are looking forward to the next 6 months and seeing her grow and do new things... there's nothing more rewarding then being able to spend each and every day with your little one (of course, with a little break every now and then!!)

till next time..

Santa

what parent doesn't want to get their little one's first picture with santa?!?

getting out in the rain - thinking you got there early enough - get to the line to think hey, we're not too far back - then have one of the little helpers get in line right behind you to say 'santa takes a break in about an hour, but I'm pretty sure everyone in front of me already in line will get their pic before the break' - ummmm.... no!!  

needless to say - 3 hours later - pic done!!

not half bad if I do say so myself.  no crying, which was good, but one VERY tired little baby!  wouldn't sleep while we waited - so by the time we got to santa -  smiling wasn't in the cards!

good news is... once we left santa, put her back in her stroller and started to walk away... the giggles and smiles began.... really?!?!

all in all it was a great day and we got her first pic taken with Santa!!

mom and dad feel like they accomplished quite a bit!!! 

Thanksgiving

Brynleigh's first Thanksgiving!!

it was so important for me to have Bryn's first Thanksgiving at home.

important enough to where I made such a big deal months in advance!

what was I thinking??!!??

yes, we had a great time ... yes, it was a lot of work!

oh, did I mention I had spent the week prior to Thanksgiving trying to get the house in order to put it on the market... de-clutterizing (apparently that's not a word... but it should be!) and moving quite a bit of crap... I mean stuff... to storage.

needless to say I've had a hectic few weeks... but that did not stop us from celebrating everything we are thankful for... family, friends and of course... our Bryn!!!

of course... the day started with bloody mary's and Bryn helping us cook...

and thanks to Aunt Mandy... Bryn got to enjoy a little meal of her own

of course we had to get a few up-close shots...

it was great having us all together - Bryn sure does love her Nana, Grandpa and Aunty M!!

I do wish we all would've gotten to do more - we did meet up with more family for dinner... it was great to see Rob, Janette, Alyssa and little Robbie!!  

I think I made it more stressful than it should've been but what's thanksgiving without a little stress... right!!??!!

I'm thankful for my mom & dad - I'm thankful for my sister - I'm thankful for my friends - I'm thankful I get to spend each and every day with my little one - I'm thankful I have such a wonderful and caring husband - I'm thankful we all have our health ...

and I am truly thankful for my family - Bryn has brought so much joy to us and I am thankful she's a beautiful caring happy baby!!!

seriously... does she not look just like Dray!!  she is her fathers daughter!!

she is my heart... my everything!!

five months

where did the time go???

it seems like just yesterday she was here...

she's getting so big - coming into her own - my little sweetie

I can't even remember what life was like before her... and now I can't imagine my life without her.

I've always been a writer - it's always soothed me and in the past, it's helped me get through some tough times.  It's funny really - something has to be happening in my life... whether good or bad... to make me want to start writing.  the last time I wrote anything was for my wedding - I wrote my mom, dad, sister and future husband a poem.  since then - I've thought about it - but just never really dug deep.  

my daughter brought back my inspiration (wow - I think that's the first time I actually said 'my daughter' and I'm not gonna lie - got a chill!!)  here's to the first of many...

Miss B

I loved you before I saw you

dreamt of holding you before you were born

this precious gift from heaven

a single rose without a thorn

When you came into our lives

our world became complete

your tiny little fingers

and those tiny little feet

the day we brought you home

you were perfect from the start

so peaceful and pure

you brought joy to all our hearts

you grow so much each day

and you smile with your eyes

love to giggle, love to play

it's amazing how time flies

infancy to toddler to teen

your journey has just begun

always know I'm here for you

a mother's love never undone

I hope all your dreams come true

you have the whole world to see

and thanks to your loving Nana

you will always be known as...

... Miss B

  

one moment...

there's nothing like that one moment... 

the moment you share with your little one - just the two of you - so peaceful

Bryn woke up early from her nap today... she's been really tired for the past few days but this afternoon she just wasn't having it - so - I went and got her.  normally I wouldn't do that - I would just let her fuss for a little bit and fall back to sleep - this time it was different...

so - I brought her downstairs and sat in the chair with her.

she just cooed and cooed - then... she turned her head towards me and just... smiled.  for no reason at all - I wasn't making a funny face or sticking out my tongue - just a simple smile.

that, my friends, is heaven.

(Halloween night - in her Halloween night gown and momma w/ no makeup!)

speaking of Halloween...

her all ready for the trick-o-treaters...

she lasted for about 20 minutes...

so... where are we - we are 19 wks 4 days.

being pregnant - everyone went by weeks... 'how far along are you?'  'I'm 9 weeks.'  

being a new mom I'm not quite sure what's correct.  she turned 4 months on

october 17th.  where did the time go?

schedule - we are on a 3 hour 15 min schedule... for now.

wake time is 7am

8:45 nap

10:15 feed

Noon nap

1:30 feed

3 nap

4:45 feed

bedtime feeding is between 7-8 (depending on how tired she is)

and yes... sleeps through the night!

she's been sttn since about 2 months - we were very blessed!

eventually we'll move it to 3.5 hours and then to 4 hours -

it's worked best to gradually change the times due to her clock is right on the money!!

food - she takes 7oz now... I first thought this was way too much but she takes it all and is very happy!  after our 4 month checkup our doc said we could start on rice cereal - if we felt comfortable with it.  so... we tried.  we've tried twice and I'm not sure how much she actually got in her tummy!  I think we'll wait a few more weeks and try to introduce it to her again.

activity - our schedule is really redundant.  lots of repetition.

after feeding we go straight to the floor - we practice rolling over - sitting up - sitting in the bumbo - she grabs her toys (which I love) and her newfound favorite toy is her feet!

at 4 months where should a baby be?  I've read lots of stuff and at first it was really disheartening... then (after crying to my husband) I realized that it will all be in due time - when she's ready.  so - I called The Little Gym to get some info.  they have classes that start as young as 4 months - not sure what to expect but I'm hoping to go to our first class next week.

who is Bryn?  she's a lover - a cuddler - an extremely happy baby.

she knows how to work her momma - already!!

she's a talker - I've learned that if I make strong gestures with my mouth using words she'll try to copy me - of course, she's got the tongue thing down!  she loves her hands - her butterfly - and believe it or not - she loves, loves, loves old Friends episodes.  I've started collecting Disney movies - the lion king being the first last week - so I put it in for her... she watched for a split second then lost interest - when I turned it off it was on Friends and she just cooed, laughed and giggled.  she's her fathers daughter!!!

she's rolled over once by herself - it was actually my first day as a sahm - I was in bed with strep throat and mom and Dray came in to show me - sure enough the little cutie had rolled over on her belly and was sound asleep!  we then started putting her on her tummy for naps - that is until I went to her 4 month appt and the doc said not to do that - so we're back on her back or as Bryn likes to sleep - on her right side - just like her momma!

how am I doing?  I'm not gonna lie - I've been in a slump over the past few weeks.  why?  not sure.  maybe it's losing the rest of the baby weight (I say that - I weigh less now then I did right before I got preggers but none of my old clothes fit... yet... I'm on a mission!) - maybe it's wondering if I'm doing everything I can to promote her development - maybe it's due to I feel alone sometimes... we don't have anyone here we can pick up the phone and call to come help - or come over - let's just be honest here... dray and I are pretty much loners.  I use to be very outgoing... it's still in me I just have to bring it out... that's why I'm hoping joining the little gym will do both me and Bryn wonders!  it is pretty sad that I have to call me mom (3 hours away) to come in to town so I can go get a root canal... dray's been traveling quite a bit lately... he left for Chicago today and won't be home till late Friday night... but... I do feel blessed to have a mom that is willing to drive the distance to help out!!!  thanks mom!

motherhood = sacrifice!

a sacrifice I'm willing and able to make!  I chose this - for me, for Bryn, for our family - and I know it will pay off - watching her grow each and every day and seeing her do new things it amazing - there's nothing like it.

there ya have it - she's changed SO much in just 4 months...

my little cutie - my world!

pumpkin patch

weekend started off great - our 5th year anniversary...

isn't my hubby the best!  he always knows what will put a smile on my face!

with that... we decided to grace the pumpkin patch.  who wouldn't want a picture of their child at their first pumpkin patch?!?  let's just say... I now know why our little one was probably the youngest one out there =)  there's not a whole lot a 4 month old can do... besides... it wasn't the easiest thing to try and take some good pics... afterall, she can barely sit up by herself!!

weather was beautiful - lots of people - and as you can see, good time had by all.

we've decided that next year at the pumpkin patch will be a lot better!!!

she was almost smiling... I think the bright sun made it difficult for her to put out that full gummy smile!

it was actually a cool place - we went to the original pumpkin patch in flower mound, tx.  we were already going that direction so we stopped - quite the shindig!  I can't wait to put her in a bounce house or let her ride a pony or let her sit around and eat the hay (yes, there were kids out there eating away =) )... I say I can't wait but that would mean she'll be bigger - taller - maybe even talking back... are we ready for that stage???

till that time comes - I think we'll enjoy this stage pretty nicely!!

four months

wow - four months already

I feel so blessed to have such a happy baby - I've heard so many horror stories from first time moms and I have to say (knock on wood) Bryn's been amazing and an update from last post... 

no.more.anxiety!!!

went to our 4 month check up yesterday - I am happy to report she got all A's on her report card.  second round of shots didn't go as well as the first round but she was a trooper and we made it through!

13.8lbs - 25" long

she's in the 50% on weight
75-90% on height
25-50% on head (15.8")


she is starting to get mild eczema - which I hate - whenever I would give her a bath and go to put lotion on her she would scream bloody murder... broke my heart.  I will say - for those who want to know - aquaphor lotion works wonders!!!  it's a vaseline like substance but not too greasy and it goes on very smooth - it's saved our life!!


Now for the fun part - or at least that's what I hear...

let the teething begin!!!

for the past week she's been sucking her lower lip and drooling more than usual so I asked the doc - come to find out she's got a little 'bulb' lifting up on her bottom gums so we should be expecting a little toofy soon!  now - how to get past the stage where she's miserable (not there yet) I have no clue - doc said he doesn't like to use orajel and to just give tylenol if/when she gets cranky.  she does love the little teething ring - I tried several and this was the winner.

playtime - lots and lots of mat time and bumbo time he said.  so...

as you can see chloe wanted to join in on the fun!  I still don't think she know's what to make of brynleigh... but she sure does love to smell her!  can't wait for the days when she'll be crawling after chloe and yanking on her ears!!

here's her taking a rest from playtime...
I definitely try to wear her out every chance I get for it does make her sleep better!  as my hubby tells me - I need to get better with CIO (you baby wise peeps know what I'm talkin' bout!) and not run upstairs everytime she cries... so... it's been difficult but I'm doing it!  usually after about 10 minutes she soothes herself and boom - she's out like a light!

the next pic I had to share - it's a bit blurry cause I took it from our monitor this morning - her's still sleeping waiting for mommy to come wake her up... as you'll see... she just chillin'

not too much else to share.  just trying to keep busy - do a good job - and enjoy watching her change/grow each and every day.  she's my world.my heart.my everything!  I couldn't imagine my life with her before and now I can't imagine my life without her.

I do have to add one thing - mom's gonna get a kick out of this - but...

on the subject of having another little one... I was the second child - I always joked with my mom and dad that I must've been adopted (not like I look like them or anything) cause I never saw any baby pics of me... only of my older sister... one thing mom said (of course, jokingly) was by the time I came along it was like been there done that... 

after having Bryn I can kinda see where she was coming from... although, that does not (I repeat does not =)) take away from the fact I was in my 20's before I saw a baby pic... and that was thanks to my Aunt!  do all parents go through that?  the first is new and exciting and new moms and dads are learning the world of baby... when #2 comes along is that excitement still there???  I mean I'm sure the anticipation and excitement of having another baby is there... but... do they jump at every pic opportunity or document every 'new' thing they do... 

as you can see this has been on my mind... we would love to give Bryn a little bro or sis and am wondering... will I be the same when/if it happens?!?...

I leave you with my most fav recent pic... 

my happy.cuddly.sweet Brynleigh...

yes - it's been way too long since my last blog.

where to start?!?

I went back to work on sept 12 - boy was that hard!  it's truly amazing how one can

have anxiety from being away from their little one.  from the moment I would get in the car to leave till the moment I pulled in the garage - anxiety, anxiety, anxiety.

not because of someone else taking care of her - I knew she was in good hands - but because I knew I was suppose to be home with her... so...

I have now joined the SAHM club!!!!

of course - just because I'm no longer 'working' doesn't mean it's not a job :) and I finally have a job I absolutely L.O.V.E.

it's not like I was little miss betty crocker before and I certainly wouldn't put me in the category of june from leave it to beaver - it's a whole new world for me and one that I am excited about learning, being there for her, for my husband... for our family!

it's my first week of my new job - didn't start out like I had planned for I got extremely sick and petrified I would get Bryn sick... (knocking on wood) she seems to be fine and whew cause hubby is quite the traveler with work so it's just me!

just me... sounds kinda depressing doesn't it.  one thing we truly wish is for us to have family around for as we all know it's nice to be able to lean on them from time to time.  maybe one day but for now we're stuck in prosper, tx... who knows, maybe one day we'll move closer to family or have family move closer to us - one can only hope!

Brynleigh... where to start.  she is getting so big!  last friday, as I was lying in bed sick as a dog, mom and hubby came in to show me little miss B on her tummy... that's right... she rolled over during her nap!  she really does love sleeping on her tummy - although she does get frustrated when she can't figure out what to do with her one arm when she tries to roll - so she mainly just decides to sleep on her side - I've been brave and will sometimes put her down for her nap on her tummy - she fusses some but then falls right to sleep.  she's quite the mover - I can wake up several times during the night to look at her and she'll be in the upper right corner, then she'll be on the side of the crib, then she'll be on her side in the bottom corner... it makes me smile!

wow - just about 4 months old.  she is quite the talker - she'll just sit and talk for hours - cooing, making vowel sounds... and when you talk back to her she gets louder and louder - Nana did a great job with that - the conversations they've had - I wish I could record!  Oh - believe me I've tried - I've used my phone, the camera - she'll be talking away and as soon as she sees the camera she stops... it's like she knows... or maybe she's just like her momma and doesn't like her voice on recording :)

personality - wow.  dray and I can't figure out which one of us she is more like but man - from what we can tell she's going to be little miss outgoing!  

pictures - haven't been the best.  we are in the process of trying to find someone to take a family picture... and of course... pictures for x-mas.  it seems all the pictures we have right now - except for the pics we got when she was born - have all been silly pics taken with our phones - not to mention I don't think we have any of the three of us!  yes, I will get on it asap!

guess that's about it for now - I'm sure there's so much more but don't want to put it all out there at once :)  afterall - this gives me something to do in my 'down time.'  next up... house projects and pictures... let the good times start!

one more pic to say g'bye for now...

labor day

another full weekend...

great time with aunt mandy, nana and grandpa!  the only thing that would've made it better - having dray home.  we've missed him and hope he's had a great time in houston working on his baby - by baby I mean mable - by mable I mean his camaro.

how did our weekend start... game day!!

LSU vs Oregon... and that's how you hunt!!

of course aunt mandy brought bryn the cutest outfit!!  it was a little big but she wore it purple and gold proud!!  we didn't go to the game with them but we did get out and meet everyone for lunch - bryn got to enjoy her lunch with grandpa!

it was a good time had by all!!  

we all know that when mom, sis and I get together there's alway room for shopping - and of course our shopping day wouldn't start right if we didn't go to II Brothers!  yummy!  it was another great day with the family!  bryn had two full weekends in a row and we enjoyed spending time with all the family!

 as you can see we got in a few pics - the picture fairy, once again, forgot to capture all moments.

you would think as a new mom I would jump at the chance to take pictures - well - it helps if you have the camera with you!! 

all in all it was a great weekend - I did learn a lot about myself - and no, not all good!  I learned that I need to breathe and allow other people to care for Bryn - it's hard - I never thought I would be the mom who insisted things be done my way - not necessarily the right way - but my way.

 guess I haven't had much practice in someone being here and wanting to take care and play

with Bryn... oh my... what am I going to do when we are finally ready to hire a babysitter... I already feel for that person!  I watch people with her and my mind goes crazy... 'why are they holding her that way' - 'do they know her head is just hanging there' - 'is there really multiple ways to put a diaper on' - 'no, she likes it this way' - I think I need help!!!  why is it so hard to let go of control... everyone wants to help and spend time with her and for that I should be extremely thankful... I am thankful but have come to the conclusion that i do better if I'm not here!!  :)  and ya know what - when I do get out when someone's watching her I enjoy myself and really don't worry about her cause I know she's in good hands... baby steps I guess!

with that... I bid a goodnight with this...

what infant doesn't need a stuffed alligator???  this was a gift from aunt mandy's good friend (along with the tiger in the picture) - can you guess why???  swamp people baby!!  dat der's sum good TV!!