Braydon's Trip to Sebastopol

Braydon has been on a world tour meeting EVERY one of Mommy and Daddy's friends. Last weekend he visited all the Schwarz neighbors and met the Hansens and Winzens on Balboa Island and now he flew up North to continue meeting all those who love him dearly. On Friday we had a BBQ at Mimi and Grampy's and Brady met Mommy's childhood friends Katie, Kaela, Mary, Kyle and Melanie. Lynn Strong and Denis Brown stopped by that day too. On Saturday Craig and I went Wine Tasting in Nanpa and Brady stayed with Mimi and Grampy for the night. They had a blast with him! On Monday he met Amy and the Geernearts, on Tuesday he met Tara Jasper and her twins, Jessica Kilcullen and her kids, Mary Gaffney, Terry McNulty, and Carol and Jay Delaney. On Wednesday he met Olivia and Brealyn and saw Auntie Robin again and on Thursday he met his Great Grandparents Peter and Carole and Uncle Lou. He had the best time visiting with so many loving friends and family and can't wait to see them all again. During hte trip he became a lot more aware and active. He loves to lay on the ground and play with his toys and LOVED watching the TV show Life with Grampy.

Braydon's First Plane Ride at 3 1/2 Months old

Braydon did sooo well on his first plane trip up to Sebastopol to visit Mimi and Grampy and all Mommies Childhood friends! He was so content and sweet on the plane, not a peep out of him! He loved people watching and everyone loved him :)

Braydon's 1st Easter

Braydon had a great Easter! He spent the weekend at his Grandma and Grandpa's Jan and Jerry in Yorba Linda. On Friday night he went to dinner with his Mommy, Auntie Cristin and met friends Erica (who's pregnant!) and Kacey. On Saturday he hungout with Grandma and Grandpa while his Mommy and Daddy went to Catalina for Uncle Jay's 30th Birthday party. He got to meet the Easter Bunny and had a blast! On Easter Sunday he met all the Gordon Lane neighbors, hungout with the Schwarz family and went to Balboa Island to visit with the Winzens and Hansens.

3 Months Old

Brady is the most amazingly mellow and adorable little man. He is super smiley and loves baths and being naked on the changing table. He laughs and coos and melts my heart. He's been to work with me a few times and is such a great sidekick. He just hangs out and entertains himself. He's been starting to grab stuff and put it in his mouth and he's really strong! He loves to have his Dad hold his hands and pull himself to a sit up position. He can come with us anywhere and he doesn't fuss. We are so lucky to have such a perfect little boy!

St Patty's Day at 12 weeks old

Braydon had a great first St Pattys Day! Aunt Wee and Uncle Chad are still visiting from Baltimore and the weather was sunny and 80 degrees in San Diego so we met a bunch of friends at the Del Mar plaza to hangout and watch the sunset. Braydon was a hit! He was such a good boy, being passed around like a football between all our friends. A band was playing reggae and the atmosphere was perfect! After we went to dinner at Il Fornio and he was a happy, mellow boy through it all.

Brady and his cousin Baby Steele

Aunt Wee Wee, Uncle Chad and Aunt Kim and Uncle Rick all came out to visit for Baby Steele's baby shower that we threw at the house. It was such a fun time and Braydon loved bonding with his Aunts and Uncles. He loves them all and is so blessed to be surrounded by such love. Aunt Wee Wee is 7 months pregnant. In this picture he's saying hi to his soon to be 5 month younger cousin.

Braydon's Birth Announcement

Braydon's 6 week checkup

Braydon is a big growing boy! He had his 6 week checkup today, weighing in at 10 pounds 6 ounces and is 22 inches long. The doc says he is in the 75th percentile. He had his first shot too which was really hard for Mommy to watch. The poor little guy went from smiling and cooing to a loud shriek :(

Braydon Smiled at Me Today!

Braydon smiled for the first time at his Momma today! We were laying in bed staring at each other and I was singing and playing with his arms and he smiled at me and held it for a while. It warmed my heart :)

Braydon's 2nd week

This last week Braydon was 2 weeks old. He had his first bath and had MANY visitors. He's a very deeply loved little boy. He also recognized his Mom and Dad's voice for the first time, sucked his thumb and found himself in the mirror. His head and neck are REALLY strong, he holds his head up a lot. He's also gained a pound in one week. The boy loves to eat! He's so good and barely cries except when he gets his diaper changed or is really hungry. We've been blessed so far with a mellow, adorable little man.

It's a Boy!

Braydon Charles Schwarz has entered our lives and we couldn't feel more blessed. On December 21, 2009 we went to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla to get induced. My blood pressure was high and I started to develop pre eclampsia so my doctor thought this would be the safest move. We got to the hospital at 7am and were induced at 8am. Craig and I were anxious with anticipation and couldn't wait to meet our baby. I was feeling pretty good, watching TV and reading magazines and felt the love from all our friends and family that were texting and calling to see how I was doing.

At 2:45pm the doctor came in and saw that there was hardly any progress which she wasn't happy about after 61/2 hours of the Pitocin. I was 90 percent effaced and 3 cm dilated and the babies head had dropped a bit. She broke my water which she said should speed up labor. At about 7pm I decided I would stand up and walk around to get Baby S to speed things up. It worked because my contractions started to get REALLY strong and frequent. I held out for about 4 hours and then decided to get the epidural because I was tensing with the contractions so much and wanted to relax. The epidural was like having a warm cocktail, I got cozy and was able to fall asleep. I wanted to save my energy for the pushing. At this time I was starting to get a high fever so they gave me antibiotics. They just didn't want the infection to spread to the baby. I guess when your water breaks bacteria can spread after a while.

At 1am the doctor came in again and checked me and still no progress. After 17 hours of trying to get the baby out and my fever not going down the doctor insisted I get a C section. Craig and I were pretty bummed out and felt like we probably shouldn't have gotten induced but then I tell myself, God has a plan and this is part of it so I should just go with it. She said the fact the baby isn't progressing could be a large number of reasons and it's hard for them to tell which combination is ours. She said it seems my pelvis in large enough and the baby isn't too big so she wasn't sure what the problem was. I called my Mom and Dad and they rushed to the hospital.

At 1:45am they wheeled me into the Operating Room where Craig was allowed to be with me. They numbed my whole body so I couldn't feel anything. At 1:54am the anesthesiologist told me I'd feel a hard push and a tug which was a weird sensation and then I heard the works "Happy Birthday little Boy!" Craig looked SO excited and yelled "REALLY?! It's a boy?!" And they lifted him up so we could see him over the curtain and he was wailing. My eyes welled with tears and I can't even explain the feeling I felt. It's like the whole world stopped and all there was was Braydon, Craig and I.

He scored an 8 APGAR and is as healthy as can be. He was 20 inches long and 6 pounds 9 oz. It was actually a blessing that we went the C section route because as it turned out the cord was wrapped twice around his neck so the umbilical cord would have cut off his oxygen if he progressed down the birth canal. After he was cleaned and tested they brought him to me and he immediately began breast feeding. They moved the three of us to our room where we would stay for the next 4 days. Daddy and I were the happiest and proudest parents. We love him so much!

A BIG week

So this week has been a big one! We closed escrow on our house on Monday and between picking out paints and flooring and packing, I've been going to doctors appointments. My blood pressure has been creeping up and I have a mild case of pre eclampsia so I've been monitored pretty closely. I'm 37 weeks this week. When I went into the doctor's office on Monday she noticed that I was having contractions that were pretty regular and 5 minutes apart. I barely felt them but it seems the baby is getting ready. I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. On Tuesday I lost my mucous plug. And today, which is Thursday I had another appointment and the contractions are still there and pretty regular. I can actually sort of feel them. It feels like a bit of cramping but nothing too intense. The doctor said the baby has dropped too which is exciting! She said she was concerned about my blood pressure and wants to induce the baby by Monday or Tuesday of next week. I'll be at 38 weeks. Since the baby already seems to be making it's way out I'm not as concerned about having to be induced, I've had this gut feeling the baby was going to come two weeks early anyhow. So we'll see what the weekend brings, the baby could decide to not wait.

Craig and I are very excited! We can't wait to meet the little cutie pie! We are just hoping to get our room and the baby's room moved before the baby gets here. What a crazy time in our lives! Moving into our first home together and having a baby all with the same 4 days!

36 week update

So I'm at 36 weeks and we couldn't be more anxious and excited! It's a bit of a crazy time for us because we are also closing escrow on a beautiful house on Monday so we are having to make a pretty big move in the next week or two. We're hoping the baby will hold on for a bit longer so we can get into the other house first.

I had a doctors appointment on Wednesday and I'm 50% effaced and the baby is in the head down position. And I've gained 40 pounds. My blood pressure was high so the doctor saw me again the next day to do an ultrasound and run stress tests. The baby is VERY healthy, sizing in the 79th percentile with chubby little cheeks :) It's heart is strong and it seems very happy. As for me, I'm feeling pretty good minus the blood pressure situation which of course worries me a bit. I'm going to be put on a special test schedule where I'll be getting an ultrasound next week and a stress test as well. The doctor said if I were at 38 weeks she would probably recommend taking the baby now but since I'm 36 weeks she'd like to just monitor me and the baby and wait as long as possible.

I can't wait to meet the little one, seeing it's adorable face in the ultrasound got me even more excited! I'll post the ultrasound photo soon!

Sneak Peek at our Maternity Shoot

Our great friends and old neighbors, soon to be neighbors again (we are both in escrow in homes just 2 miles apart), Rich and Shelby of 927 photography took our Maternity Photos last weekend. It was such a fun shoot! We went to Rancho Penasquitos Reserve and took photos in the field, on haystacks and at the Ranch House. Then we did a wardrobe change and took more photos at the old Del Mar Train Station. Rich and Shelby are so great at what they do. They made us feel so comfortable and take such great, artistic photos! I can't wait until they take Baby S's first photos :) To see their website where more pictures will soon be posted go to www.927photography.com.

Birth Classes have begun

Craig and I went to our first Birth Preparation class on Wednesday. It's all becoming so real! We only have 8 weeks left to go! The class was held at Scripps where we'll be delivering the little one. It was really informative. We learned all about labor and what to prepare for. It seems like such an amazing task. I'm hoping my body will be strong throughout the whole process and all will turn out okay. I can't wait for Baby S to come :) The H1N1 virus has made a huge impact on the hospital's processes. Apparently you're only allowed 2 visitors per day and each has to be screened at the door. And normally we get a tour of the hospital but couldn't. And no one under the age of 14 is allowed in at all. It's so crazy! I'm going in tomorrow morning to get my h1n1 vaccine because a few people at Craig's work have gotten it and I want to protect the Baby and I.

28 Week Ultrsound

Craig and I got to see the baby again! Baby S has grown so much! And the technician said we have a healthy baby so far which is always great news :) In the photo above you can see the baby's face and forearm. Apparently our baby has a BIG head! It's head is in the 80th percentile, yikes! And it's little feet are two inches long already. As far as overall size Baby S is in the 56th percentile which is good. It likes to move around a lot and was in a big ball with it's feet by it's head. We got to see it's little lips which I can't wait to kiss! After the ultrasound I had an appointment with the doc and all looks good so far. My gestational diabetes test came out negative, my blood pressure is still low and my weight gain is on track. Just under 3 months left! Hopefully all continues to go smoothly.

Northern California Baby Shower

My dear friends Amy, Olivia and my Mom's best friend Christie threw me such a fun Baby Shower! It was at Christie's house in Sebastopol and they went all out! The place was decorated beautifully and there were such great details like Baby S wood letters, a basket to put words of advice for us and the baby and a candy bar! All my best girlfriends form childhood and on were there, my wonderful Aunties and good family friends. It was so great to see everyone since it's hard to connect with me living so far away now. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and couldn't be happier to bring Baby S into such a great support group. Olivia asked Craig and I questions about parenthood and read the answers to everyone, I got teary eyed but learned a lot about Craig's hopes and fears about parenthood. Apparently he's scared of changing diapers :) We also played the who knows Kelly best game. We had such a good time and thanks to everyone who came!!

Southern California Baby Shower

My wonderful sisters threw me the most amazing Baby Shower on October 3 at Mrs. Burton's Tea House in Old Town San Diego. It was such a cute venue! The Tea House was built in the 1800's and was an Old Victorian home. When everyone arrived they put on fun hats and boas, it was like playing dress up as a kid. Everyone was served tea and crumpets and we played fun games like Baby Bingo and everyone wrote some words of advice to us and the baby. Wendy and Kim made these adorable baby bottles filled with gummy bears for favors and had delicious cupcakes for everyone. There was also a raffle for everyone that brought me diapers for the baby. Grandma Irene won the drawing :) So many great friends and family showed up, it was such a great day! I loved seeing everyone and feel so blessed to have such a great network of friends and family!! We got so many great gifts, Baby S is spoiled already :)

Craig felt the baby kick!

A few nights ago I got woken up at around 2:30am by the baby kicking and Craig was up as well. I told him the baby was kicking me pretty hard and he put his hand on my stomach to see if he could feel and he did! I am so excited he is now able to share in the amazing experience of our baby moving around. It's such a miracle.

Future Boxer?

Our baby takes after it's Dad when it comes to the amount of energy it has. For the last few days I've been feeling constant movement. Baby S is really restless! I'm not sure if it's running circles in my belly or using me as a punching bag but I can feel it moving every few seconds. Maybe we have a future boxer on our hands? Or the next Ironman or woman?

I definitely felt the baby move!

There is no doubt now that Baby S is an active one. As I've been sitting at work I can feel the baby fluttering around in my stomach. It's hard to describe the feeling but it's nothing I've ever felt before and I love it!

I think I felt the baby move!

Craig and I drove to the Grand Canyon and Sedona this last weekend to celebrate our 1 Year Wedding Anniversary. We were in the car a lot and I think the baby must have gotten restless because a few times I felt something. It felt like a turning over in my stomach :) It was pretty amazing. We're in trouble though if the baby already doesn't like long car rides cause Mommy and Daddy like to travel!

20 Week Ultrasound

We went to our 20 week Ultrasound and it was pretty amazing. I was so excited to see the baby and how much it's grown in the last 6 weeks! The Ultrasound was a full anatomy check to make sure the baby was developing well so the technician showed every little detail. We saw the baby's little ribs and the ventricles in it's beating heart, we got to see the spine and brain as well as it's cute little feet and arms. It's developed a face with cute little eyes and ears and a nose, that I can't wait to kiss. I've already fallen so in love with this baby it's crazy! It's gotten a lot bigger now and so has my stomach. The technician asked if we were finding out the sex and hard as it was to say, we said no. So she said to not look because she was going to see what we were having and document it. She turned the monitor and Craig and I both turned our heads the other way. It was really hard to do but I think it will be worth it. When we were leaving the room Craig said he thought we were having a girl. When I asked why he said because he heard 4 clicks on her keyboard for G-I-R-L. I said that could also be B-O-Y enter key or M-A-L-E. It's fun to guess, I'll be happy either way.

Our baby has ears!

I am a little over 41/2 months pregnant now and just read that our baby can hear us now! Craig and I have started to talking to the little one and I'm going to attempt to sing to it too :)