Last Day in Nashville

After Annie and Ella left, Brodie had to get ready for pictures with his cousins. His cousins wore thier football and soccer uniforms for one picture and Easter outfits for another. Brodie wore an outfit with a football on it for the sport picture and a cute sweater outfit for the other one. I will scan the pictures to post later. They turned out really cute, especially the one that Mimi and Tig were in.
After pictures everyone went back to my parents house for dinner. I had to pack b/c our flight was leaving the next morning at 6:30. I had to get up at 4:30am. I ended up staying up with my mom until 1:30 so I didn't get much sleep.
I was so sad to be leaving. I miss my family very much.
Brodie did great on the flight back. He drank a bottle on take off and landing. Thank you God for no ear pain! Dad was waiting for us in Tampa and Brodie and I slept the hour back to Ocala.
What a wonderful trip we had. I can't wait to go back!

Annie and Ella

On Saturday, my best friend and roomate from college, Annie, drove to my parents house from Bowling Green, KY with her 2 1/2 year old, Ella. The last time I had seen Annie she was pregnant with Ella. I never got to meet Ella because right after she was born we moved to Florida. She is the cutest little girl. She sang songs to Brodie and held him. She is full of energy and had a good time running around my parents house. I was so glad to see Annie. She has always been a great friend to me and I have missed her. It was so nice of her to drive to Nashville to see us.

3 Months Old

On Friday, March 28th, Brodie turned 3 months old. I can't believe how fast it is going! He is laughing and smiling all the time. He wakes up with a smile on his face. He recognizes me and his daddy, he eats cereal from a spoon (a few tablespoons), he chews on his hands, toys, and bibs, and is holding is head up for longer periods while on his tummy. I'm also amazed at how strong his legs are. He is such a sweet little boy.

Happy Easter

Brodie had a great first Easter. He wore his cute bunny outfit I got him at Target and looked so cute. He got an Easter basket bigger than him filled with all kinds of good stuff. He got books, a Baby Eienstien video, a puppy mirror for the car, a duck, a rattle, and candy that mom will eat.

He stared at his basket and played with the egg decorations around the handle. The Easter bunny ws very good to him!

Casi, Shopping, and Out to Eat

The next 2 days we spent our time shopping at Rivergate, Opry Mills and Providence and went out to eat. Brodie is such a good shopper. He loves looking around at everything.

Before we went to Opry Mills we had lunch with my good friend Casi. I know Casi from college and hadn't seen her in years. Brodie loved her.

Our visit with Casi

After lunch with Casi, me, Brodie, and my mom went to Opry Mills. We bought some good stuff and stopped a few times to let Brodie have a bottle. Tig even showed up to visit a bit with us.

We had a great time!

Opry Mills

We were worn out from shopping but went again the next night. We went to Providence Mall then out to eat at Olive Garden. Brodie was very good again.

Eating at Olive Garden

McPherson's

We met our good family friends Margaret, Jerry, and Leigh McPherson at the country club at 6:30 on Saturday. I hadn't seen them in so long. I wish I could've seen thier son Reid but at least I got to meet Leigh's husband and her little boy Jackson. I used to babysit Leigh and can not believe she is now a nurse and had a baby before me (Jackson is 9 months old).

Margaret told us about her new shop. She monograms and makes beautiful things. We went to visit her store and got some really cool stuff the following Monday. I got a ring with a "B" on it, a luggage tag, and outfit for Brodie with his name on it, and a bracelet for my friend Annie's little girl with her name engraved on it. My mom got some neat shoes amoung other things. Check out her shop at: http://www.enchantedthreadsembroidery.com/

It is the neatest store!

After catching up with everyone we headed back to my parents house. It had been a looong day. Up at 4 am, visit to Honey and Daddy Mack's, visit with cousins, visit with Macpherson's.

Whew...time for bed!

Margaret, Leigh, and Jackson

Leigh, Jackson, me, and Brodie

Meet the Cousins

Brodie, Uncle Alex, and cousin Colby

After visiting Honey and Daddy Mack, Brodie and I headed back to my parents to get ready to meet his Uncles, Aunts, and cousins.

He was awake a little bit for them but was still very tired. He loved visiting with my brother Alex, his wife Kelly, and cousins Colby, Briscoe, and Jayce. He also met Uncle Larry, his girlfriend Pebs, and cousins Britney and Angie.

We ate all kinds of good food and Brodie got an Easter basket from Cloby, Briscoe, Jayce, Kelly, and Alex. It had Brodie's very first Bible in it with his name engraved on it. He also got an outfit, toys, a night light, candy. It was so nice of them.

We had such a great time with everyone. At about 5:30 everyone left because me, Brodie, and my mom and dad had to get ready to go to the country club to meet up with Margaret, Jerry, Leigh, and Leigh's husband and little boy, Jackson. I grew up next door to them and hadn't seen them in years.

My brothers Alex and Larry and cousin Colby with Brodie

Pebs, Britney, Angie, and Brodie

Kelly, Colby, Briscoe, Jayce, and Brodie

Visit to Honey and Daddy Mack's House

We visited so many people in Nashville. Our first visit was to Daddy Mack and Honey's house. Brodie was so exhausted from the trip he slept the entire day. I told Eric's parents I would bring him back over the next morning since he had slept the whole time.

We went back over early the next morning because they were flying out to Arizona. I'm glad he was awake and they got to visit with him this time.

Airport

Brodie asleep in the most comfortable hotel bed ever!

Wow, was making it to the airport an ordeal. Since Ocala doesn't have an airport we had to drive an hour and a half to Tampa to fly out. We decided to get a hotel room Friday night so we wouldn;t have to drive there at 3am Saturday morning. Our flight left at 6:30 Saturday. We planned on getting to Tampa early evening but of course that didn't happen. Eric was supposed to get off work at noon but the other guy coming in so that he could leave had a wreck and Eric had to work all day. He didn't get home until 7:00. (The guy in the wreck is fine by the way). After he got home we had to take Tallulah to her Doggie Daycare, pack the car, then drive to Tampa. We didn't get there until midnight and we were exhausted. Brodie slept in the car and loved the plush hotel bed. We got up at 4:30 am and headed to the airport. I was so nervous. We got through security. I bought a bottled water to mix formula with on the plane and it was time to board. Brodie did great on the plane! He took his paci on lift off and a bottle on landing. We were so excited to be in Nashville. I only have one picture of Brodie at the airport and will post it when my parents send it.

Packing for Nashville

Tomorrow morning Brodie and I are going to Nashville. We will be flying. Eric is staying here to work. He is sad that he'll miss Brodie's first Easter but we'll take lots of pics for him. I am a nervous wreck . I am not a fan of flying and I am worried about flying with a baby. I don't want him to get sick, I don't want his ears to hurt, I don't want to be, "the girl on the plane with a crying baby". But I really want to go see my family. We are going to Tampa tonight to stay in a hotel because our flight leaves at 6:20 and we don't want to get Brodie up at 3am to get to the airport. I know we'll be fine.
Packing has been an all day event. I have 2 big suitcases and have no idea what is in them. I'll post pictures from our trip once we are there.
I'm saying a little prayer that Brodie sucks on his paci or drinks his bottle on take off and landing so his ears don't hurt!

First Portrait

On March 19 we took Brodie to Sears for his first photo shoot. He did great but boy is it an ordeal to get a baby ready for pictures and to get them to the picture studio happy and then to get them to smile once you are there. He looked so cute in his new Gap outfit. We got set up in our first pose after 15 minutes and wouldn't you know the camera wasn't working so we had to go in the next room. Brodie smiled and laughed and did great. I will post some pictures when I get them. He was worn out by the time we hit the car.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Despite us all wearing green here we didn't have much luck this St. Patrick's Day. It all started with the dog. Brodie, Tallulah, and I went on our daily walk about 12:00 and came home. I had Brodie on the floor doing tummy time and smelled something awful. Sure enough, Tallulah had thrown up 2 times on the floor. I cleaned it up and sat back down, thinking she must have eaten some mulch or rocks on our walk, which is not uncommon for her. After sitting down I still smelled the awful smell. I walked into the hall and she had used the bathrtoom everywhere. I know...Gross. I cleaned that up. I was so mad at her for eating stuff besides her dog food. Next, I am giving Brodie a bottle on the couch and Tallulah comes and sits beside us and I notice she is shivering really bad. I call her name and she looks at me and her eyes are swollen up like a balloon. I call the vet and say to bring her in. My neighbor, Jen comes to sit with Brodie while I rush Tallulah to the vet. By the time I get her there her lips are ballooning up. Poor baby! And I had been mad at her and she couldn't help it. After the doctor looked at her he said she had been bit by something and was having an allergic reaction. A few shots, some benedryl, and a hundred dollars later Tallulah is feeling like new. We love our dog and I freaked out when she looked at me all swollen.

When we get home I decide to dress Brodie in his "Lucky Charm" St. Patrick's Day shirt and take some pictures. He did not like this idea. He cried and was mad. Finally, though, I got a few pictures to capture his first St. Pattie's Day.

Eric got home around 7:00 and we decided after my long day at home and his long day at work we would go eat at the Irish pub down the street.

Whew..it was a tiring day but we made it. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Eating cereal

Brodie's reflux still seems to bad even after propping his mattress up and giving him Mylanta. After speaking with the doctor we started putting 1 and a half tablespoons of rice cereal in his bottle. It seems to be workign somewhat. He usually starts the restless sleep and jerking/whimpering again around 3:30 am every night. He doesn't spit up hardly at all anymore though. Oh, I hope the rice cereal does the trick, I don't want him to hurt.

2 Months Picture

I forgot to post Brodie's 2 months old picture. He is getting so big! He is laughing a lot and smiles all the time!

Crib Time

On March 11, Brodie slept in is crib all night for the first time. Of course I slept on a blanket on the floor next to the crib. I was so proud of him. Now if I could just sleep good in my room away from him! He loves his crib. He seems much more comfy in it his crib than the pack and play. He especially loves the mobile but seems scared when he wakes up and there it is hanging in his face, so we make sure and put him down away from it. Way to go, Brodie!

Prune Juice

If you ever have a constipated baby let me tell you that prune juice works!
On March 6 Brodie had his first drink of something other than milk. The doctor told us to give him prune juice the next time he was having trouble pooping. Well, this day he did and was hurting so I gave him an ounce of prune juice and an ounce of water. A half hour later...success! Also a ruined onesie and poop all over my shirt and legs! I had to give him a bath! I will take that though over a fussy baby with a hurting tummy. Prune juice is a God send!

Honey and Daddy Mack Visit

Eric's parents came to visit Brodie on Feb. 29 and stayed until March 3. Brodie calls them Honey and Daddy Mack.

On Friday I went to the County Teacher of the Year Awards and saw my good friend Jen win Teacher of the Year for our whole county...she won a Volvo, as well as lots of other prizes. Go Jen! While I was at the awards Brodie hung out with his grandparents and dad.

Saturday we went to the mall and got Brodie got a bathing suit, shorts, shirt, and the cutest loafer shoes at Baby Gap. We went home and made dinner at the house.

Sunday we went to "The Villages", a living community that has live music on the square every night with lots of shops and restaurants. Brodie slept through the live music but woke up in time to experience being at his very first restaurant. We went to "Bourbons" and were the only people there. A few others came in while we ate. Bourbons is a New Orleans eatery adn Brodie loved looking at the decorations there. He was so good. He had his bottle and looked around while we ate.

Monday, Eric an dI took Brodie for his shots, then came home to get Honey and Daddy Mack for lunch. We ate at Beef O' Bradys and Brodie slept the whole time. When we got home we said our goodbyes adn Honey and Daddy Mack headed to the airport. We had a great time with them.

2 Month Check-Up

Brodie had his 2 month well check On March 3, 2008. I had been dreading it because I did nto want to see him cry when they gave hom his shots. Eric took off work so he would be there with us.
First they weighed and measured Brodie. He weighed 12.9 pounds! In the 75% percentile. He was 24 inches long. He was laughed and smiling at the 2 nurses doing his measurments the whole time. They said, "your not going to like us soon". Oh, poor baby!
Next, Dr. Hawk came in and discussed feeding issues with us. We told her about Brodie's restless sleep (drawing up legs constantly, whimpering, spitting up). She said he must have reflux and to prop up his mattress and give him mylanta at night. She also switched his formula to Similac Sensitive for fussiness and gas. She said to give him prune juice for his tummy troubles. Eric and I were relieved to have some answers about that issue. Dr. Hawk also said Brodie would keep his blue eyes and that she could tell he would be very social.
Last were the shots. Each nurse gave Brodie 3 shots. He SCREAMED and cried. It broke my heart. He was inconsolable for about 5 minutes then calmed down. He went to sleep in the car.
Overall, I think he handled his shots like a champ. No fever, just sore legs. Glad that is over (until 4 month shots).

First Outing

No, I don't mean to the doctor, of course it was to shop because I had something to do with it. Brodie's first outing was to Dillards department store on February 22. It was a brand new building and was having a grand opening. We went early when not many people were there. Eric and I packed up his diaper bag and stroller and headed out for a fun day of shopping. After Dillards we went to Stienmart. Everyone kept saying how cute Brodie was and that he was a big baby. He was so good and loved looking at the bright lights and seeing all the people walking around. When we finally got home we realized he hadn't eaten in over 4 hours. He was having so much fun he forgot to get hungry. I attempted to take some pictures at Dillards.

No More Insert!

On February 11 I went to put Brodie in his swing and what did I need to do but take out the insert we had been using ao that he fit in it. We had also been using it in his car seat. Wow, he is growing so fast.

One Month Old

Brodie turned 1 month old on January 28, 2008. Here are some pictures I took on that day.

WooHoo-He is sleeping at night!

Finally...Brodie started sleeping 4-5 hours a night the week of January 20. Anyone with an infant knows this is a most triumphant time due due the exhausting ngihts that came before this.

Instead of getting up to eat every hour and a half to two hours, he slept 4-5 hours. I of course didn't sleep too well b/c I was too busy watching him to make sure he was breathing. Good Job, Brodie!

Matt and Jamie Visit

On January 19, our good friends from Nashville, Matt and Jamie came to visit Brodie. We were so glad they came and appreciate them hanging inside with us while Brodie was on "house arrest" due to flu threats. Jamie took the cutest picture of Brodie that looks like he is praying

We miss Matt and Jamie and had a great visit!

Jamie took this picture of Brodie. He looks like he is praying, so sweet.

"The Count"

When Mimi and Tig came to visit they gave Brodie his very first nickname, "The Count". This came from how Brodie holds his hands when he sleeps. He crossed them at his chest and sleeps like a vampire. It's pretty funny. I sure do love "The Count"! He still sleeps like this sometimes, but not as much anymore.

Mimi and Tig Visit

When Brodie was just 2 weeks old Eric had to go out of town to Dallas for a week. I was terrified to be home alone with a newborn so imagine my relief when my mom and dad said they would fly down and stay with me the whole time. I was so glad to have them with me. We were told by the doctor to keep Brodie at home for 2 months because it was flu season. My parents were great. They sat in my house for a whole week. We went nowhere and I know they were stir crazy by the end of the week, but they helped me out so much and I know they enjoyed spending time with thier new grandson.

Brodie had his days and nights mixed up at this time so my parents would watch him during the day if I had been up all night so that I could nap. They helped me bathe him and rock him and change him. Mom stayed up at night with me, too. They also fed me well that week. Outback, italian, Starbucks coffee and mint brownies. I enjoyed thier visit and so did little Brodie!

MiMi and Brodie

MiMi and Tig holding Brodie

Tig comforting little Brodie

Now that we are home

So now that we had our baby boy home what do we do? We fed him, changed him, watched him sleep, put on his 1 million new outfits and took pictures of him. We also put him in his boppy chair, boppy pillow, and swing. He loves them . At first he was too small for them and needed an insert. We didn't think to put the insert in the swing at first so he didn't really use it for about 5 weeks. Look how little he looks in it below. Here he is that first week in his chair, swing, and on his pillow:

Tallulah meets Brodie

Our dog Tallulah had been our "child" for the last year and a half. We were anxious to see how she would react to Brodie but had a feeling she would be fine. Our worries were totally unwarrented because Tallulah has been outstanding! She is so protective of her "little brother". She sits beside him and follows us wherever we take him. She used to never bark and now goes crazy when someone comes over. I took Brodie strolling and she barked when a boy in our nieghborhood got close to his stroller. She brings her toys to him and wants to play with him.

The sweetest thing ever, though, was the night Brodie's tummy was hurting so bad from his formula. He was constipated also and just screaming. We had laid him on a blanket on the floor to change him and he fell asleep. Tallulah laid down by him and put her head on his side and fell asleep on him. She was so worried about him. Here are a few pictures from that night:

What a good dog she is. She loves Brodie so much!

So Sweet

Here is my favorite picture of Eric and Brodie at the hospital. It just melts my heart. So sweet!

Flowers

A big thanks you to my best friend NixB and her family, Eric's work, and to Brodie's grandparents, Honey and Daddy Mack for the beautiful flowers celebrating Brodie's arrival. How pretty! And isn't the fire truck so neat that Sherwin Williams sent. It's a toy to use later. Love it!

A Good Day

On January 4, 2008 we got to bring Brodie home. We woke up to the phone ringing at 7am that morning. It was the pediatrician calling to tell us Brodie was set to go home. We were so excited! Originally we were told his meds via iv would not be done until 11:00 that night so we would have to wait until then. Bringing him home earlier was perfect. No more back and forth to the hospital, no more losing sleep because I missed the little guy and felt sad he wasn't in our cozy home. It was time to load him in his new car seat and bring him back to 24th Street!



We arrived at about 9:00 am and dressed Brodie in his "Life is Good" ensemble so that he could get his birth pictures taken before we left. The outfit was big on him but he looked so cute. Here he is in his outfit:



The picture man came about 10:15 and took Brodie's picture. Eric told him he had the hardest job in the world. It's not easy getting a newborn to pose and look at a camera! The pictures turned out really cute. When I look at them now I see how bloated Brodie is from all the antibitotics he had pumped in him through his iv.



After pictures the nurse sent for a wheelchair so that I could be wheeled out to the car ( I was fine to walk but this was a hospital policy). The wheelchair came and we thanked Dr. Avi and the nurses and said goodbye. Doctor Avi said, "Oh, this is a good day!". And it was. Here is Brodie in his carseat for the first time.

Funny Feet

When we would feed Brodie in the hospital nursery we noticed the cutest, funniest thing. He straightens his legs and feet out and flexes his toes while he drinks. He still does this and I just love it! It makes me laugh everytime he eats. Check it out:

How Cute is that!