Botanical Gardens

Casey, Brady, and I went to a park and botanical garden yesterday afternoon.  We saw different varieties of trees and flowers, and also some ducks, turtles, fish, birds, and squirrels too!  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day.  You'll notice Brady is modeling a new patriotic outfit from Aunt Casey!

Two month pediatrician visit

Brady had his 2 month check-up yesterday with the pediatrician.  He weighs 12 lbs, 1.6 oz (50-75th percentile), measures 23 1/8" long (50th percentile), and his head circumference is 15 1/4" (25th percentile).  The doctor said he looked very good and was pleased with his progress.  She was also very sweet to entertain the list of 20 questions that I had.  Nothing too surprising in her answers, but I think I may try to switch Brady back to a milk-based formula once this can runs out.

Brady also had to get four immunizations at this appointment.  The first was in liquid form to be taken orally, and the nurse was surprised with the way he enthusiastically sucked it down.  Was he hungry, she asked?  Nope.  Just ate.  She said she's never seen a two-month old take it that well.  Clearly she doesn't know my son and his healthy appetite!  The next three immunizations were shots in his legs, and he was not pleased with that.  The poor kid turned four shades of red and held his breath so long I wasn't sure what would happen.  Well, screaming is what happened.  But I swaddled him up and used my secret weapon sleeper hold on him and he fell right asleep.  Poor traumatized baby.

Later that evening, Mom, Steve, and Casey stopped by on their way home from Florida.  Casey and I ran out to get dinner, and when we got back Brady was in rough shape.  He obviously felt bad from the shots, and it was nearly impossible to console him.  In fact, me trying to eat dinner was quite comical.  If I would bend, move my hand an inch, or even think of sitting down, he let me know very clearly that he did not approve.  Mom and Steve then went on a wild goose chase for some infant Tylenol.  Infant Tylenol was recalled a couple months ago, and it is still not back on the shelves.  The doctor suggested we get a generic version, which seemed simple enough.  At the third store, they finally found some, thank goodness!  And thank goodness they were here, I'm positive I could not have managed that outing on my own.  Today Brady is back to his old self again, hooray!  I will be sure to schedule his next immunizations when Pete is in town!

Mom and Steve left this morning, and Casey will be staying here until next Saturday.  She's already been a huge help- I took a nap today that was way overdue!

Decisions

It's been a busy week here in Bradytown.  Pete left for Arizona on Sunday, and Brady has been keeping me on my toes.  I've been able to have some fun, though, too.  Katie stopped by on Tuesday to meet Brady for the first time, and she was sweet enough to bring me lunch (and dinner)!  On Wednesday, Kim-marie and the boys babysat Brady so Suzy and I could go see Eclipse.  It was fun to get out and I loved the movie!  And even though Auntie Kim can't quite swaddle like Mommy, Brady still enjoyed her company.  Denise started her new job today, but her apartment wasn't quite ready, so she stayed over last night.  It's been a good week for seeing friends!

We also bought a new and improved swing.  The one we had swings front to back, and Brady has never enjoyed it (in fact, he hates it).  We recently saw one that swings left to right, which is more like the rocking motion that he is used to.  We tried it out in the store and he liked it.  Sold!  Here he is enjoying the new ride.

Pete and I also made a decision about work- I am not going to return in the fall after my maternity leave.  I will take this school year off, but I will be able to return to a position for the 2011-12 school year.  It was a really difficult decision to make, but ultimately I think it is one that we will all be happiest with.

This afternoon Brady has his 2-month pediatrician visit, so stay tuned for an update on his stats.  Also, Aunt Casey is en route for a week of fun with "no parents!"  Woo-hoo!

Two months old

Brady will be two months old tomorrow, isn't that crazy?!  He has grown a lot this month, and unofficially weighs 12 pounds.  We've also seen Brady gain better arm control, improvement in his vision, and our favorite milestone this month- his smile!

Visiting with our soon-to-be-neighbors Aunt Mary and Uncle Rene

Snuggled up for a movie with Daddy

Happy family

Proud Grandma

Brady finally seems to like his bouncer!

Happy Fathers Day!

We've been keeping busy since Loraine got here last Monday, but I wanted to quickly post a few pictures from the week.  You'll notice some more smiles in this batch of pictures- Brady has been saving them up for Grandma's visit!

Our friends Frank, Sze, Katie, and CJ stopped by to see Brady on Wednesday; Kim-marie, Jamie, and Noel came over on Thursday, and we also had our second post-placement supervision home visit with our social worker.  On Friday, Pete and I left Brady for the first time together to have dinner out with Suzy and Chris.  We had a lot of fun and appreciated the chance to get out for a while!

Pete's uncle Rene will be relocating to our area from NC in the near future, and he was in town this weekend house-hunting.  On Saturday, he and his girlfriend Mary came over for a visit and brought us Thai food for dinner.  We enjoyed catching up and are really excited to have some family in the area!

Brady picked out this special outfit for Daddy's first Father's Day!  We also baked Pete a cake and got him some books to read while he's in Arizona.

Pete and Loraine went to Eastern Market in DC for a little lunch and shopping.  It sounds like they had a great time despite the 95 degree temps!

DC, smiles, and a clean happy baby

Last week Dad, Lyla, Dustin, and Daniel came for a visit.  On Friday Brady and I joined them for lunch and shopping, and I got to see Brady smile for the first time in reaction to something I did!  We were in the percussion section at a music store, and I was shaking a little shaker-egg for him.  It was similar to his rattle, but louder, and he liked it!  Of course I've been trying to get more smiles out of him ever since with no luck.

Saturday I left Brady at home with Pete, and I joined the family on a trip into DC.  We went to Arlington Cemetery, the American History Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial.  It was hot and we walked about a million miles, but it was a good time.  We capped the night off with dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger, and I could tell that Brady was anticipating the day when he can try one of their yummy milkshakes.

In other important milestone news, last night was the first bath that Brady tolerated without crying and screaming!  Let's hope he keeps it up!

Grandma Loraine arrives in town this evening.  Brady is very excited to finally meet her and is totally ready for 11 days of spoiling. 

Out and about

It's been a busy couple of weeks for Brady.  Since we've been back from WV, we've been busy meeting with friends and touring the daycare circuit.  Brady has been having some good days and some bad ones, with the deciding factor being how much sleep he gets.  He continues to grow like a weed, and I have noticed in the past few days that he is gaining more control of his arms.  He seems to purposefully bat at the toys hanging off his car seat now, and he can almost get his hand into his mouth to suck on.  His alertness has really increased, too. 

On Sunday we went to our local adoption agency's annual family picnic.  As a result, Brady got to be out in his first thunderstorm/tornado watch!  Don't worry, we were able to cram into the park shelter during the worst of it, and Brady's car seat and stroller kept him dry.  He didn't seem to mind the excitement- I think he was just happy to meet his friends Elena and Sam.

I'm too sexy for my shirt...

Ready for the picnic

Bethany and Sam having fun in the dirt. 

Mark and Elena, future entomologist.

Jessica getting her Brady fix.

Hello there Mr. Bumblebee!

Almost a smile?  We're getting there!