Laughter is the best medicine

Three months

Brady turned three months old yesterday!  We have seen such huge growth this month, both in his size and development.  He currently weighs 13.5 pounds.

He is spending more time being active during the day and napping a little less.  He loves his play mat (with toys hanging above him), the mobile in his crib, and rattles.  His favorite toy is a blue octopus- I think he likes it because it rattles and it has a face to smile at.

He is getting really good at holding his head up, he needs very little neck support.  He loves to sit upright in our laps and watch what is going on around him.  He is also getting better at controlling his arms.  He is fairly good at getting his fist into his mouth to suck on, but he has trouble keeping it there.  He has recently started using both hands- one to steady the other.  Smart!

Brady loves to carry on “conversations,” especially with females.  I think he likes the higher pitched voices.  He’s turning into quite the flirt!

He has also laughed a few times.  I've been trying to capture it on video, but he just stops and stares at the red light on the camera when I turn it on.  I'll keep trying!

Brady's First Vacation

Last week we took Brady on his first vacation.  We went to Orlando to spend the week with Dad, Lyla, Daniel, Casey, Lysa, and Chase.  It was very stressful to plan and pack for a soon-to-be three month old, but it all worked out very well.

On the two hour flight to Orlando, Brady was awake for the first hour and slept for the second.  He was very good- no crying, no fussing at all.  I was very relieved!  We rented a car and drove to the house Dad rented.  It is the same place we stayed last year, so we were familiar with the area.

We had a great week, with equal parts fun and relaxation.  We went to the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Boardwalk, and Downtown Disney, we went shopping, and out to eat a couple times.  We also relaxed in the hot tub, played video games, watched a movie or two, and swam.

Brady was really funny in the pool.  It was heated, and Dad likes to keep the temperature quite warm, so it was probably indistinguishable from Brady's bath water.  Oddly enough, he had no reaction when we carried him into the pool.  None at all.  It was as if we were just carrying him around the living room like normal.  At least he didn't dislike it... we'll try again next year!

Brady did great the entire week, and he slept through the flight home.  We are so lucky to have such a good baby!  We were also really happy that he could spend a week with his family.

At the airport ready for the fun to begin!

Pete and Brady checking out the pool.

Testing the waters...

Casey and Dad at the Boardwalk

Sneaking a picture of Daniel

Casey at the Magic Kingdom

Dad and Gayle ready to set sail on It's a Small World

Sisters at Disney World

Looking cute in his new suit.

First swim!

Daddy's turn with Brady.

Chase having a ball.

Mesmerized by the fan.  Best toy ever, and we didn't even have to pack it.

Casey enjoying the game room.

Our second try at swimming.

Family swim time!

All worn out from doing laps in the pool.

Lyla and the boys.

Casey in her natural habitat.

Lyla working her sleep magic.

One last self portrait...

Exhausted after a fun vacation!

Catching up

Casey and I had a great visit last week.  We went out to lunch with friends, shopped, went back to the pool, and had ice cream twice.  Brady loved spending time with Aunt Casey, and especially liked when she would sing to him and walk him around the house.  We had a lot of fun, and we can't wait for her to visit again next time!

Casey left on Saturday, and Pete came back from AZ that evening.  Hooray!  We were so thrilled to see him!  The three of us went out to dinner Saturday after we picked him up at the airport.  There was a little bit of a wait, and we found out later that a very nice woman asked the hostess if she could trade us spots in line so we didn't have to wait as long with an infant.  We were touched by her kindness, and we'll be looking for a way to pay it forward.

On Saturday night, Pete did all of Brady's night feedings so I could catch up on a little bit of sleep.  I really appreciated it, and I think it helped him appreciate what the last two weeks have been like for me!  On Sunday evening, I went to dinner with Bethany, Jessica, and Jessica's sister, who was visiting from out of town.  It was fun to get out and we had a great time chatting!  On Monday we had Meredith, Steve, and Sofie over for dinner.  Sofie is about a month younger than Brady, so it was like looking back in time and seeing how much he has grown already.  She is adorable!

The rest of this week is going to be equally busy.  Brady and I are going to be getting together with friends, running errands, and the social worker is coming for our monthly home visit.  Most exciting of all- we are flying to Orlando on Saturday to vacation with Dad, Lyla, and Daniel (and Casey for a few days)!  I've started making a list of everything we need to pack, and that is enough to overwhelm me for now.  Brady sure does require a lot of "stuff!"

My favorite smile

Cracking up!

Brady bounced himself right to sleep

Niles is not sure about this creature invading his space

Casey helping out

My unhappy little patriot

Worn out from celebrating Independence Day

Monkey face

Lunch with Kim-marie...

Jamie and Noel...

Gayle and Suzy...

the birthday girl Evan, and Casey!

Brady's First Fourth

Brady's first Fourth of July was, well, pretty uneventful.  Casey, Brady, and I went to a park for their Independence Day celebration.  We found some shade and enjoyed the music, but it was really hot outside so we did not stay long.  In the evening we grilled hot dogs and watched fireworks on TV.

It was another scorcher outside today.  We went to the pool for a short while so Casey could swim, and then we went out for BBQ for dinner.

Red, white, and blue

First trip to the pool

Casey cooling off with the rest of the neighborhood

OMG it's hot

Seriously Mommy, why are we outside today?

Grateful for the A/C!

Full tummies