Ok, I can post too...

It finally happened...I caved in and wrote a blog post. Its not that I don't have anything to say, it's just that Alli always posts and covers everything so I never felt the need to! Well, here we go...

October 14, 2011. One of the greatest days of my life. I always assumed that holding your child for the first time would be great...I never knew it would be as great as it was though. The whole thing happened kind of in a whirlwind...we went from "ok, we better get some rest because it's going to be a long day at the hospital" to "oh my gosh, we are going to the OR in 5 minutes." I don't do well with medical things (no seriously...I almost pass out if I have to get blood drawn), so I was nervous about the entire birth to begin with, but then when it became a C-Section I got really scared! I didn't want to have to see anything because I knew I needed to be awake for Alli and not passed out on the floor. Luckily we had sort of mentioned my "condition" to our doctor so he didn't start until I was safe and sound behind the big blue curtain. Due to the fact it was a surgery I was just concerned for Alli and Barrett and them both being ok...so hearing Barrett take his first breaths and cry was one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard in my entire life. I looked around the curtain, risking seeing something I didn't want to, to try and catch a glimpse of him and all I could see was his dark long hair!! I couldn't believe it. It is amazing though and it has become his trademark. We can't go anywhere without someone saying "look at all that hair!" Traditionally I have been very careful holding babies...I mean I have 7 brothers and sisters, so I've held my share of babies, but I am always super careful. For some reason...I don't feel that way with Barrett. I mean, don't get me wrong...I'm careful. But I'm not scared I'm going to hurt him like I may have been with someone else's child.

I can't believe it's been almost 4 months since that day...it seems like so much longer!! :-) It's probably all the sleepless nights, all the diapers, and the fact that all my clothes smell like baby spit up. There is not one thing I would change about any of this though. Every time I see him smile, I remember what a miracle he is. Even though I've probably had a full nights sleep less than a handful of times since he was born...I wouldn't trade him for anything.

See, that wasn't so bad...maybe I'll write another one in another 4 months. And now...some pictures I really like (hopefully they aren't duplicates of any Alli has posted...if they are...too bad! Look again! haha)

Visiting Aunt Lindsey and the ZTAs

Barrett had a big weekend last weekend! It was his first road trip that wasn't to Gamma and Poppy's house. We spent the weekend with Uncle Chris and Aunt Lindsey in the Woodlands. Aunt Lindsey pulled out her one toy, Mickey Mouse, for Barrett to play with, and he loved him!

On Saturday we went to a ZTA shower for Nicole and Peanut. Barrett got to play with sweet Hannah Kate and FINALLY met all of his Zestie Aunties.

The rest of the day was all about exploring and finding new things. He sat on top of Daddy's shoulders and saw the world from a whole new perspective. He also chewed on Daddy's hair.

He discovered his first cupcake (which the rest of us enjoyed eating).

And he stayed awake for the first time ever while we went out to dinner!

Sweet boy is going up so fast! He'll be 4 months in just a few days!!! Now if we could just find a cure for those tummy issues...

Sunday Funday!

We've been working really hard on Barrett's nap times the past few days. Because of that, he hasn't left the house in a couple days. (We have! Aunt Kelley babysat for us!) Today was so pretty we decided to take him outside, and since he's been trying so hard to sit up by himself, we put him in his stroller without his car seat. We've been noticing how big he's gotten over the past few weeks, but he looked so tiny sitting in his huge stroller! We didn't stay outside long (nap time was approaching) but we had some fun taking pictures of our little man.

Barrett's also just reached the point where he can start playing. Most of his playing involves a lot of kicking ... and kicking ... and kicking. He's laughing and giggling a lot more, and growing just a LITTLE more independent. His favorite toys right now are his lovey and a ball. He will stare at it (or his hand) forever while he holds it up in the air. Below are some shots that Daddy's captured of Barrett playing , smiling, and sleeping.

And last, but certainly not least, Daddy captured Barrett sleeping in his carseat dreaming of being a Fightin' Texas Aggie.

Whoop!

Adventures of Poppy and Barrett

No doubt the relationship between a father and son is special.

And the bond between a grandfather and his grandson is, in turn, also a special relationship. But the bond between Poppy and Barrett is extraordinary.

Barrett has FOUR grandparents that adore him and would move heaven and earth for him. But Poppy is ... well ... he's just a big kid.

Poppy's eyes light up the second he is in the room with Barrett, laughs in admiration at everything that Little Man does.

Barrett smiles. Poppy laughs.

Barrett furrows is eyebrow. Poppy laughs.

Barrett makes a coos. Poppy laughs.

Barrett looks away. Poppy laughs.

Barrett starts kicking while he's playing. Popply laughs.

Barrett ignores Poppy. Poppy still laughs.

There's nothing this kid can do that Poppy doesn't absolutely adore.

Barrett got to see Gamma and Poppy this weekend. Since we've been back home, I think he's really missing his grandpa. Poppy is Barrett's big toy. I'm pretty sure if my dad lived here, Barrett would be constantly entertained. The second Barrett looses interest in whatever game they're playing, he's moved to a new position, and Poppy starts his "Make Barrett Giggle" quest all over again. As much as I want time to slow down (my little boy is growing way too fast!), I'm excited to watch him really play with Poppy when he gets a little older. Barrett will so many memories of playing with his Poppy … and many adventures to tell.

We love you Poppy!

Saturdays

Today was a great day! We had a perfect family day ... starting with a lazy Saturday morning. Barrett woke up a little earlier than usual today, but he played with Daddy until I was able to wake myself up. This week I seem to have lost so much sleep, but I can't seem to go to sleep when I'm supposed to!

We learned this morning that Barrett is big enough (and strong enough) to sit in his Bumpo. He's such a big boy!

Then Barrett and I went to go visit his friend Caroline Bescancon at her Sip & See. Even though it takes over 30 minutes to get to the Bescansons, and he sleeps the whole way there, Barrett will wake up the second we walk into their house. Every. Single. Time.

After the Sip & See, we went to go watch Daddy play in his first ice hockey game. He slept through most of the game. (As pictured above).

So Aunt Tracey and I made sure we took pictures so we can show Barrett what he missed. (Matt's the one in the black.)

Here's a closer picture.

Even though Barrett slept the whole game, I was able to get a picture of his baby hockey jersey.

Barrett and Daddy after his game. Barrett is STILL sleeping!

When we got home, Gamma and Poppy were here to play until bedtime. Just like Daddy ... Poppy has a knack for making Little B giggle. After our big day, Barrett should have sweet dreams tonight!

3 Months!

Yesterday was Barrett's 3 month birthday. We are having so much fun with our little munchkin, and you can see in the pictures below how much he's grown!

His 1 month and 2 month pictures were a little rough, but his 3 month "photo session" yesterday was so much fun!

Usually I take these pictures myself while Matt's and work ... and when I catch Barrett in a good mood. However, yesterday I was in charge of making him giggle while Barrett's daddy took pictures with our nice camera, and Aunt Lindsey snapped some pictures with my camera. (One day I'll learn how to use the "good" camera and I can post those pics on here!)

I'm also just now getting around to posting his newborn pictures. He has changed SO MUCH since then ... and it was JUST a couple months ago! Below are some of our favorites.

Giggles!

We spend most our days trying to get Barrett to smile. Occasionally, we'll get a giggle. Last night Barrett couldn't control his giggles ... so much so that he gave himself the hiccups. Which of course made Matt and I laugh even harder. (As you can hear in the video. Just ignore us.)

Our evenings are probably the most difficult part of our day. And not because they're actually difficult, but it's the end of the day for all of us. Matt and I want to wind down, but Barrett wants to play ... even though I think his body is telling him to wind down too because he gets pretty cranky. But our little man never wants to miss out on what's going on. So we had a little party before bedtime.