Braden's Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Braden's Second (can you believe it) birthday with a few close friends. The theme: Handy Manny (thanks Playhouse Disney). Let me tell you, 8 toddlers running around the house makes for busy mom's. Thanks to all the mom's for making it run smoothly.

Braden was excited about playing with his friends, making personalized pizzas, eating cake, and especially opening presents.
This is the only good shot I got of him. He sure loved the cake and Capri Suns.

Homemade Handy Manny Birthday Cake

Thanks for all the presents. He got some cute animals, games, clothes and candy. He has been playing like crazy the past day.

Here we are singing Happy Birthday. He is so cute at the end of the video. What a proud 2 year old.

On Saturday,

Braden opened his door to escape from his nap. That night we were headed to Wal-Mart to get door knob covers. Thank you whoever invented these.

Today, Braden had his 2 year checkup. Blake asked if he needed to watch Brody. With pride I said, "No, Braden does great at the doctors." Well, today it was like a WWE smack down. Braden isn't feeling very well and was definitely grumpy. It took 2 doctors and me to hold him down and that was just to check in his ears. We didn't do immunizations today or else he would have been scared for life.

It didn't help that Brody threw up all over me and was screaming the whole time. Oh, the life of a mother of 2. I love it! (Doesn't Braden look so big in this picture? He insists on wearing his hat like this.)
NOTE POST BELOW (HELP NEEDED)

Monsters

Yes, this is what has made our last 2 nights with Braden terrible. He is concerned about monsters. I tried telling him they are just pretend, but what 2 year old understands that? So then I took the approach of, "Monsters are so kind and nice." Once again, doesn't work!

When we try to put him down to bed, Braden gets hysterical until we go in and talk to him. Whenever we leave, he's hysterical again. I was in with him for 15 minutes last night and he proceeded to tell me everywhere the monsters weren't. "The monsters not on the ceiling, walls, bed, closet, carpet, train table, etc." It was quite cute to hear him name everything he possibly could.

We finally had to let him cry it out because we weren't helping. My mom got him this cute book called, "Go Away Big Green Monster." He did tell me several times last night, "Go away Monster," but it still didn't help. Any suggestions? Brody already keeps me up at night, I don't need Braden to as well.

Friends, Sleeping & Letter

As I have mentioned before, my whole Primary Presidency (minus the president) were pregnant. It was a race to see which one would have their baby first. I guess I won that, but it wasn't long before Miss Evelyn joined the mix. We are just waiting for baby Colton to arrive. I am sure next week I will be posting pictures of the 3 cutest babies in Pullman. They are 2 weeks apart, but Brody looks so much bigger. I am sure Evelyn will catch up.

We are super lucky when we can get Brody to sleep. He cries ALL the time. Why can't I have a crier for my first baby when I can devote 100% of my time with him? But no, I am forced to hold a crying baby all day long and make sure my toddler is entertained.

He is cute when he sleeps though. I find this is the only time I find him super adorable. Is that bad?Brody got his first piece of mail the other day. Do you remember when Braden got his? Yes, Brody is an official United States citizen. We couldn't be more proud.

Things are going well in the Barnett home. We are just so tired from holding Brody all day and night. I just hope he isn't feeling miserable. I love the little guy, but wish he was a bit happier. P.S. He still doesn't like the binky. Just our luck!

Alas...

He's taking the binky, forcefully! Still, he will suck on it if we force it upon him.

Just a couple of action photos. Look at the cute Reindeer outfit my mom got him. She also got him a bear one. He wears these all the time if we are out and about. I can wear the bjorn and don't have to worry about a blanket. Thanks mom!

I thought this was a cute photo. He takes after Braden, doesn't want more than one picture.

In other news, I took Brody to the doctor today because he has been having really bad reflux. I was worried that he wasn't gaining weight. Boy was I wrong. He is already 9 pound 12 ounces. (A hefty weight gain according to his doctor.) As far as the reflux goes, the doctor was there to witness his screaming episodes before he spits up everything. This has been keeping us up the past several nights. She wrote him a prescription for Zantac, so we are hoping and praying this works. Not only for our sleep sake, but also so my little boy will be more comfortable.

3 Week Update

Nothing too big happened for Valentine's Day. We opt not to do gifts. We swapped babysitting with our good friends, the Sutton's, and headed out for dinner. Blake even treated me to an appetizer AND dessert (I guess I consider this my gift). The food was great and the company was perfect. Brody even slept the whole time.

Update on Brody and Braden. Here are a couple of things I am learning.

1. The sleep deprivation is totally kicking in. It takes about 3 weeks to start.
2. Braden is trying to eliminate his afternoon nap, although he still needs it.
3. I am now instituting a hour of quiet bedroom time.
4. Braden was the perfect newborn, he never cried. Brody, why can't you follow his example?
5. Brody loves to be held ALL the time.
6. Braden is the best big brother. He has never tried to hit Brody or hurt him in anyway. He is so soft and is always concerned about 'baby brother.' (I know the violence will begin soon.)
7. Braden wants to be the BIG BOY now. One example: He insists on climbing in and out of the car by himself.
8. The first 2 weeks, let your baby sleep as often as they want because the third week comes and all they want to do is eat. (I was up every 1 1/2 to 2 hours last night.)
9. I have taken a shower every day since Brody was born, if I do nothing else, I still feel like I've had a successful day.
10. Father/Son swim lessons is the best thing we have done. It gives them an hour to play and get tired, while I can relax at home.
11. Only use a peanut shell (or sling) when Brody is tired. If not, he will scream bloody murder. If he is tired, it hours of hands free comfort.
12. Play dates are heaven sent, especially when you have just had a baby. You get to sit and chat while your child plays and has fun.
13. Books on tape are great for nursing at night. It keeps you somewhat awake and entertained until the baby is done. (I hope to get through the Harry Potter series before Brody is done nursing. How many books are there?)

Like I said, these are just a couple of things I have learned. I am sure I will to learn more as the weeks and months continue. I will keep you posted.

Monthly Trip to Costco

This is where we found Braden sleeping last night.

Yes, we do make a monthly trip to Clarkston to spend a ridiculous amount on groceries. Today, we decided to stop by a park that has an old train in it.
Braden was hesitant at first, but then loved to explore the train. It is kind of fun to explore because my Grandpa Forsberg used to work on the railroads. Today reminded me of Wenatchee and him.

We might need to stop here more or take a trip to Wenatchee, especially to get a Dusty Burger (is anyone with me on that?)!

Playing with 2

My mom got Brody this cute little Bear outfit. I like to use this instead of a blanket when I am out and about. Braden's new favorite game (thanks to my mom) is Brody chasing him. We had a lot of fun yesterday because the Baby Bear was chasing Braden. Braden thought it was hilarious.

Braden loves to play with Brody's stuff. We have set up some toys for Brody that Braden insists he play with. He has recently taken to Brody's car seat.

I thought this picture was funny because Braden didn't want me to take a picture of him. "No picture mommy." I obviously still took it.

It feels great not being pregnant anymore. I am able to play with my little boy. I don't feel as guilty (unless I start to nurse).

We Can Already Tell a Difference

It's fun to tell there is already a difference between my two boys. Even with Brody being (almost) 2 weeks old. Here are a couple of things we have noticed.

Braden had a strong tendency to suck. I could have been his binky all day long. Fortunately, he took to a real binky, sparing me!

Brody gets in and then gets out. He won't take the binky for the life of him and that's ok because he really doesn't need it. (We will see where we end up in a couple of weeks. I loved the binky with Braden.)
Just thought it was fun to compare Braden now in the tub to...

our little Brody in the tub. He liked his bath, as long as the towel was kept warm. Braden had little hair, if you can count this as hair at all.

Brody has long, dark and wavy hair. I hope it lasts, but I am not sure it will.
I needed time to rest and recoup with Braden. And it took months to get the weight off (or have the desire to get the weight off).

I have felt great with Brody. I attribute this to working out throughout the pregnancy. I plan to hit the gym (although it will be a light hit) starting next week.We are excited to discover their personality difference over the next several years. I just hope Brody can hold his own because I am sure Braden will test him time and time again.

Grandma Leaves

My mom left today and I will be honest, I cried like a little girl. I don't know if it's because I am now a lone mother of two (obviously with the best husband in the world) or I just miss having family close by. I bet it's a combination of both.

It was so nice to have her here. My mother is an expert in child development, so it's fun to hear her take on Braden. She is right about 99.9% of the time. I think I have said it before, but Blake always insists I call her when we are discussing a issue because she is a voice of reason (and always agrees with Blake. I think this is some agreement they signed before we got married.).

My mom got Braden and Brody these p.j.'s a couple months ago. Braden's is still a little big, but he enjoyed matching baby brother.
He was really concerned about Brody. He wanted to make sure he was smiling.

Could there be a better picture?

Here are the things my mother has discovered about Braden:

1. Presents. He LOVES them. It's quantity over quality though. My mom took him to the dollar store and spent $3. He got 2 dinosaurs and a little shooting ball gun. He was also spoiled with 2 books (which we read a million times a day), a wheeling backpack (which he takes EVERYWHERE), a car shirt that lights up (he thinks he is Mr. Hot stuff), Mr. Potato set and a little car race track thing. Non of these were particularly expensive, but sure enough, once he got one he was ready for the next.
2. He is a busy boy and cannot be redirected like most kids his age. He is a focused busy. My mom left this week a lot more tired than I am. Braden demanded all her time and she was more than willing to give it.
3. He is a thinker. My mom says this is the worst, but best trait a child could have. He doesn't just jump into things, he thinks about things before doing them. He is going to be a sneaky one, we have to watch out for that.
4. He wants situations to be controlled. (He must get this from Blake, jk!) Combine this and his 'thinking' ability and we have to make sure we are not played as parents. We will need to make sure he gets appropriate control of situations.

These are just a couple of things we fully learned this week. He misses Grandma so much and already looks forward to our visit next month. He also can't wait to see Frisbee (sorry Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles, you have been trumped.) Overall, thanks for coming mom, we loved having you. And dad, you are free to come up anytime and snuggle this little boy. I am sure there are some good sports games on.

Week 1 with 2

So we have been a family of 4 for almost a week now. Life has been busy, but so fun. I am just grateful my mom has been here this week. Brody's bilirubin levels have been high, so I have had to take him in every morning this week (at 8:15 am, who does that to a new mom?) to get his blood tested. I couldn't have done this without my mom being here. His numbers are going down, thank goodness. I swear I am going to sleep in one of these days.

As for Braden, Grandma has kept him busy. He has been so exhausted by the time night comes. He has also chosen a new place to sleep. In his train table drawer. Why fight it?

I have tried to keep Braden on his normal schedule, especially since I have help this week. We went to Wiggle Worms (his gym class) and library time today. It's been fun to play with my firstborn.
Just thought I would throw in a cute picture of my baby. This was taken at the doctor's office today. He has become familiar with this place. He has also gained a lot of weight. He dropped to 7.2 pounds when we left the hospital, so we were glad to see he is now up to 8.1 pounds.

Grandma with her 2 Grandsons, although she can't wait for her 3rd grandson to join us in May.

This is where you will find us, well, mostly me (with nursing and all). Braden was grumpy/sleepy during lunch time, so we all plopped down on the couch and watched a little Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

We couldn't be more happy as a family of 4. I love all 3 of my boys.

The Pictures Don't Do Him Justice

That's what my mom said when she first held him. It has been so nice having my mom here. It's only been 1 day, but it's still so nice. I don't think Braden even realizes there's a baby in the house. He thinks Grandma is here just for him. I plan on taking him to library time this week, just so my mom can snuggle with Brody. Braden has been too busy to let her. She doesn't mind though.

Here's Blake snuggling with his two boys watching "Imagination Movers," Braden's favorite tv show.

Cutest Little Newborn
Sleeping on the couch

Just as Smart as a Monkey

Braden got his hand stuck in the yogurt carton for about 2 minutes. Blake and I couldn't help but sit back, laugh and take pictures. Does this make us bad parents?