Colin got Baptized July 20th

 Cousin Colin was baptized today at Crossroads church. It was a great service and prayer spoken just for him. The word that Aunt Colleen and Uncle Nate chose to best describe Colin was loving, it truly is the most fitting name for an amazing little boy. We love you Colin!

Ready to meet more family July 13th

 Daddy's family had a reunion today at Woodland Mound, I wore my plaid outfit that Mommy loves so much! It was a hit. Although I did not get a picture with Bobby and Sandy from Florida, they were thrilled to meet me! They sure are great people.

First Reds Game!!!

 Braxten's First Red's Game July 7th, 2014

Braxten made it through most of his first Reds game, Reds vs Cubs! There was a rain delay in the middle and he made the best of it with a short nap. Without that delay he would have made it the whole time! He loved watching the big screen and looking at all of the people. We think this may be an activity that he ends up really enjoying since he gets to be outside and stare at lots of people. He is one observant kid. Even though we left early the Reds won - it was a great night! Thanks Missi and Pop for thinking of us with free tickets!

July 5th Family Fun!

 What a great day!!! I woke up a happy boy but got impatient waiting for all of the fun at the pool. I cried most of the morning until we got to Mamaw and Popo's house! I fell asleep on the way there and took a short 20 minute nap before wanting to eat. I hung out with Aunt Colleen, Uncle Nate, Zoe, Cooper, Colin, Missi, Pop, Uncle Branden, Amanda, Kathleen, Wes, Donna, Maureen and of course Mamaw and Popo. Paul and Erin came a bit later so I got to meet a few more people! I would not nap inside there because I would rather be in my swing outside with everyone. Mommy and Daddy introduced me to the pool too! I loved it after getting used to it. I rode in a little boat and then fell asleep on Mommy, that water is so relaxing! We played all day and then Daddy and Wes set off some fireworks. I wasn't afraid but something went wrong with one of the fireworks and it ended up shooting towards the crowd and the house - everyone ran for cover but no one got hit! It left for a funny story that we will continue to talk about for years!

Daddy and Me

                               Rocky                                                 Mommy and Me

 Jack

Kathleen and Cooper

              










                     

                       Missi's Jello - Yum!

                           I love Aunt Colleen

My parents love me!

                                                    Kathleen, Cooper and Zoe

July 4th

Daddy and I had the day together and went to Mamaw and Popo's for a bit seeing some cousins swim while swinging in my swing outside! We then went to a friend's cottage to meet a lot of Daddy's friends! I was happy all day and made many of the women want to start a family :) Mommy got off work 2 hours early and came home to feed me and put me to bed. They enjoyed the warm evening by grilling out and sitting on the deck watching the few fireworks that were put off around them. Even though there were a few loud booms I kept on sleeping!

Tummy Time

We have been working harder on Tummy Time to strengthen Braxten's neck but it seems to only be successful for a short time. He has such strong legs that they over power his upper body and he ends up looking like a tent with his face smashed into the floor. We laughed with the pictures so decided to share.

Tummy Time Success

Tummy Time Fail :)

3 Months!!!

I am 3 Months Old!!!

• I weigh 13lb 11oz
• I am 23.75 inches long
• I sleep 10-11 hours at night
• I have learned to blow bubbles (raspberries)
• I grab toys and can transfer them from hand to hand
• I coo constantly and giggle on occasion (it is the best sound ever!)
• I am close to rolling over when I get mad but not quite yet
• I am working on Tummy Time but I don't like it
• My neck is getting much better - I look to the left on my own!
• My eyes still are not quite brown, green or gray 
• I enjoy sitting on Mommy and Daddy's laps to read books and watch tv
• I still love being outside!

Braxten was not very happy in the beginning and we got the best picture of the poor pouty lip! Another month has passed quickly! I went back to work and Ralph loves his Daddy days, this week Missi is going to begin watching Braxten too! We are so lucky to be able to make our schedules work in a way to have family watching him! Life continues to get better and better due to the smiles and laughs that Braxten has brought to our lives!

My Pouty Face

Daddy Days!

I went back to work this week, 3 days in a row! Daddy was in charge - I call them Daddy Days! Braxten is going to love them. I had a really hard time thinking about going back to work, many tears were shed and fear of missing out on something new. I want to be there when he rolls over, crawls, pulls himself up, talks and walks (along with every other milestone) but then I realized that he will do all of those things more than once. Tuesday morning I put on my scrubs and felt like I nurse. It's a great feeling to know you are going to help others feel better and maybe save a life. I was also excited for Ralph and Braxten to have a few days together. Ralph was amazing! They went to Kroger to make dinner, car rides to calm B down, napped together, went to the doctor, rapped and watch TV and B learned how to hold his own bottle :) . I would race home to try to kiss him good night and Ralph would be standing in the nursery holding him until I got home so that I could! Ralph is back to work today and I am back to taking care of my little man. Life is so amazing!

Ralph's First Father's Day

I love my Daddy!!! We had a great first Father's Day! Daddy went golfing with his friends and then we went to Popo and Mamaw's swimming pool where I played with Aunt Colleen, Uncle Nate, Zoe, Cooper, Colin and Uncle Branden. I didn't get in the pool because the water is too cold but I am hoping I can in July. I wore my bib because it is true - I put the Happy in Father's Day :) We celebrated Father's Day on Friday too with Pop and Missi. We had a cookout and watched the Reds win!
    

Thank you Daddy for being so loving and caring! You are my best friend - I love spending time with you! I can't wait for what adventures the years will bring us! I love you!

Torticollis

Braxten was diagnosed with Torticollis - basically it is a "twisted neck in which the head is tipped to one side and the chin is turned to the other". Not a big deal, it is very common, but he does not look to the left very easily due to tightened neck muscles. We took him to see a physical therapist friend and she showed us some stretches but he hates them and instantly cries and tightens up as soon as we start :( We have found other times to help him out though, as he is about to be asleep, truly relaxed and while nursing seem to work. We bought a Tortle hat to encourage him to keep his head to the left side and get rid of the small flat spot he is developing (which 58% of babies have now due to sleeping on their backs). He has begun to turn his head when he is hungry and during tummy time so we are making progress!!! We will keep up those stretches - lots of exciting things happen on the left side of life that we want him to see :)

This one he looks tough! Make fun of my hat and I will sock ya! haha