Half a Year!

Somehow we have already reached this point...the half way mark to his first birthday! I cannot believe it, the days are long but boy the years truly are short. I feel like I blinked and a half of a year is gone. I cannot imagine life without this precious babe, but at the same time I feel like it was just yesterday that we were welcoming him into this world and becoming a family of 5.

He continues to grow and develop more and more with each passing day. He is in love with his toys right now, grabbing everything in sight and shoving it in his mouth (including things that are not toys too). He loves his sophie the giraffe, balls, peek a boo scarfs, musical toys, water toys that blow air/water into his face, and watching big brother's trains go around and around. He can sit up unassisted, although he still prefers to lay on his back, which is evident by his rolling over to his back the moment you put him on his tummy, so I am sure there isn't going to be any crawling anytime soon ;), and I'm okay with that. He does push himself backwards when on his tummy though and can make a 360 circle kicking those legs, so who knows. He stands very well and I think loves being at the level of his siblings.

He is still a great nurser/eater and a pretty good sleeper despite teething which has been happening FOREVER over here, we are waiting on the tooth or teeth to pop through any moment now. We have enough drool to fill up buckets. Mommy needs to jump on the solid food band wagon soon too, he has sucked on some watermelon and peaches (which he loved), and I actually tried a couple foods with him but he was NOT a fan, so I am curious how he will take to solids.

He loves being outside, the pool, baths, books, music, jumping, being tickled, songs (Head Shoulders Knees and Toes and Jesus Loves Me are his favorites), watching his siblings play (he wants to get in there and play SO badly, he flails his little arms and toes its hilarious), and being held (he is definitely a cuddler).

He chats away, SCREAMS all the time (this kid has a set of lungs), and blows bubbles/raspberries. Still waiting on that mmmmm sound for mama although he does go mmmm for food but not mama, I heard the dddddd sound the other day and of the last couple days he says dadadadadada, so daddy wins again.

I still can't believe he is  6 months old, but it has been a blessed 6 months for sure. So thankful for this little bean, and for how he has filled our hearts with so much joy. He is such a gem, and we thank Jesus for his life and pray for his salvation daily.  Happy half a year baby boy!

5 Months

Our sweet precious Brandt is 5 months old! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this age. He is such a joy, and a lovebug. His little personality continues to develop, and I am pretty sure that he is the sweetest baby there ever was. He is looking more and more like his big brother (except for his coloring is COMPLETELY opposite!) each day.

He LOVES to talk still (waiting for him to say mama and dada), and scream (to get our attention over all the noise with his big siblings of course). He loves being outside, going for walks, watching his siblings play and trying to participate, baths, toys, sleeping, eating, being talked to, music time, patty cake and this little piggy, and cuddling. He is totally aware of mommy and daddy and familiar faces and lights up whenever he sees you...melt my heart!

He has rolled over a handful of times from front to back but I am pretty sure he regrets it every time ;). He can sit up for a little bit on his own, and I am sure will be doing it more regularly this month. He loves sucking on those hands still and bringing everything into his mouth (toes included).

He is still an EXCELLENT sleeper, SO SO thankful for that! And a great eater! He has been teething for the past few weeks and we are anxiously awaiting that tooth to pop through, because let's face it, teething is no fun for anyone :(.

I can't say how much we love this little boy, I can't imagine our life without him. I am cherishing every cuddle, every early morning feeding, and every precious moment with this little man. He is a gift  and we thank the Lord for him! Happy 5 months little baby.

Happy 4 Little Man!

Oh Brandt (or Brandt-o-bean as your brother and sister so sweetly refer to you as ;)), you are such a love and my goodness, you make mommy want ten more (haha just kidding, but seriously). You have started noticing when mommy isn't in the room, and whenever I come you lock eyes on me and stay focused...I LOVE it, and I love you. You get so excited when I pick you up or come near you, squealing away, kicking those legs, pointing those toes, and flapping your arms around. It melts me every time. I can't believe you are already four months old, and if I could I would stop time now, please grow slowly my sweet baby.

 You are such a cuddler, and I LOVE that about you, I hope you never outgrow that, at least not for a long long time. You LOVE to talk, ALL the time. I am not sure if you just like the sound of your own voice or if you are trying to make sure you get just as much attention as your other two siblings, but it is probably the cutest thing in the world listening to you chat away about anything and everything (if only I knew what you were saying). And boy are you strong, you can stand forever, reminds me of your big brother.

This month you have started sleeping LONG stretches at night (8-9 hours) and taking pretty good consistent naps. You are the first one of our kiddos to do this at this young of an age, you are mommy's little champ when it comes to sleeping. Let's hope it lasts!

You are so interested in watching your big brother and sister play, and they of course love you too! You started taking baths with them which is SO cute, and I am pretty sure you love it because you give them some belly laughs when they splash you (why do siblings always get the best laughs?!). I know you cannot wait to join in on all their fun, soon sweet boy.

Tummy time still isn't your favorite thing, but you tolerate it pretty well, and now are moving around on the mat. You LOVE your hands, they are in your mouth pretty much 24/7. You have grabbed your toes a few times too, but they still haven't captured your interest quite yet. You can hold toys and bring them to your mouth too. You love music, books, balls, being outside, water, blowing bubbles, playing patty cake, if you're happy and you know it, and this little piggy.

You are mellow, pretty content most of the time, and quite the observer. You are serious around new faces, but with the ones you know you are all smiles and talk constantly. You are just the sweetest little peanut, and I don't know what we did without you! We love you little boy, so very much...here's to four months, we thank Jesus for you!

Brandt at 3 Months

My baby is no longer a newborn, and I can't believe it! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, TIME FLIES! The sweet little bundle of newborn littleness we brought home from the hospital just 3 months ago has turned into a growing baby, with his own personality developing, and boy do we love watching him grow!

He is still a good eater and growing quickly, although he's slowed down a little he is still a big boy, and mommy loves the chub. He is wearing mostly 6 month clothing and almost ready for size 3 diapers. At the beginning of the month he was sleeping like a champ but as of the last few weeks he's been too excited about life to sleep as well ;) (or maybe he has just become too dependent on the pacifier and other things, but I am enjoying the extra cuddles) but we're working on it. He officially moved from mommy's bedside in the bassinet to his room and crib too this weekend!

He LOVES his siblings, especially Brayden. He lights up whenever he sees them. He also LOVES his daddy, which is the sweetest thing ever. He is overall a very happy and content little guy. He smiles at us ALL DAY LONG, and boy, those smiles melt this mommy's heart every single time. We've discovered he's ticklish and that he likes to laugh! He can roll from tummy to back but doesn't do it that often, and tummy time is now becoming a nuisance to this little fellow ;). He coos and talks quite often, and has recently started talking to his toys (so precious). He loves his crab, being outside, reading books, daddy, bath time, and being talked to. He doesn't like his car seat or being tired. He is batting at toys and can hold onto things when we give them to him. He puts his hands in his mouth constantly, and is figuring out what they are there for.

He is such a love bug, cuddler, and sweet little man. We adore him in so many ways. He is  a gift to us, and we praise Jesus for entrusting him to us. We've chosen Psalm 86:11-12 as his life verse and pray that he will walk in the ways of the Lord, all the days of his life. "Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. "

Brandt-2 Months

You're two months today sweet little Brandt, and boy do we adore you. You are a dream baby (although you have your fussy times of the day, you are pretty content most of the time, and oh so patient). You are such a love bug, so so so smiley, and talkative, and every time we get the chance to talk to you, you get SO excited. You have stolen our hearts.

You are still a great eater, and a pretty darn good sleeper at night (most of the time). We are thankful that the Lord is growing you big boy, you are already in 3 month clothing (moving towards the next size), size two diapers, and weigh 14lbs!

You love watching your big bro and sis play, and are curious as to what they're doing most of the time. I look forward to the day that you'll get to play with them :), soon buddy. You are still a huge fan of the fan and it gets so many smiles. You recognize mommy's voice and search for me everytime I am not around you and get so excited (legs and arms moving) when I come sit by you and chat. It melts my heart. We just started reading books to you and you LOVE them, the animal pictures especially make you light up. You are pretty good at tummy time, and don't mind it most of the time, maybe it is because you are SO strong. You like being outside, when it isn't too bright, and love going on walks in the solly carrier, which mommy loves because you always fall asleep on her :).

We've heard you laugh, well daddy has, and you've rolled from tummy to back once, not sure if it was on purpose though ;).

We love watching you grow, and seeing your little personality come out, and can't wait to continue see the little man the Lord is making you into. We love you to pieces sweet boy, and are so thankful the Lord chose us to be your mommy and daddy. We pray that you would come to know and love Him deeply. Here's to 2 months baby boy! 

To My Trio...

To my sweet babies...all three of you,

The past six weeks have been an interesting transition for all of us. Each of you, in your own unique way, has learned something new and grown in a way that makes this mommy proud. If I could freeze time and enjoy each of you individually at every moment of every day, I would, but that just isn't a reality. But in all honesty, I think that is a GOOD  thing, because through all of these challenging seasons and moments, there is growth taking place, in all of us. 

Mommy guilt is real, and I often experience it when I think about what you or I might be "missing" out on. But the Lord is gracious to remind me often that there is nothing "missing" in this equation, but rather that He purposefully planned that our family would have three kiddos, in three years, and it is for all of our GOOD.

Brayden, my oldest little man, you have grown up a lot in the last six weeks (although you remind me often that you are still little), and I am so proud of you. I have seen you take on your role as "big" brother in a new way, and really "get" what it means to be a big brother to both your sister and brother. You have been such a help to mommy, and I am so grateful for your life, and that I get to call you mine. Sometimes I look at you and remember that just three years ago, you were the baby I cradled in my arms, and rocked to sleep every night, and here you are, a big three year old. Sometimes I forget you are just 3 though, and expect too much from you, and for that I am sorry. Mommy is still learning how to manage three little kids 3 and under, and often times, you darling, are the one who gets the short end of the stick. You still crave mommy's cuddles and affection and I adore every snuggle I get to share with you knowing that sooner rather than later you won't fit in my lap anymore. You are learning so much right now, about the world around you, and about yourself, and mommy is trying to point you to Jesus as often as I can. Your soft heart is evident in your response to life situations and I am thankful for that about you, and prayerful and hopeful that the Lord will redeem it for His good. You are doing great with this transition, after all, this isn't your first rodeo ;), second time around and you've got the hang of it. I'm sorry I am missing some moments with you as I tend to your baby brother and sister, please know I wish I wasn't. I love you more than you will ever know, you will always be my first, sweet little baby, holding such a special place in my heart.

Brooklyn, my sweet little girl, this transition has been the hardest on you, and mommy knows it. You went from being the baby to having to grow up overnight, or so it seemed to you (and to me). Although you put on a tough act most of the time thanks to your independent personality, I see it in your eyes sometimes, that you struggle, and it is okay, mommy does too. I miss being able to tend to you immediately when you need something, or to just hold you and cuddle you for extended periods of time whenever you wanted to snuggle "just because". I am sorry that sometimes I can't fix your boo boo right away, or play with you when you ask every time since mommy has to tend to baby brother. I wish I had more arms, more time...but I hope and pray that through all of this, you are learning how much we all need Jesus (and I think you are). I am prayerful and hopeful that he is working in your heart, even now at this young age, to draw you to Himself. I can't believe that you are almost two, and a part of my heart aches when I think about how big you are getting, and know that I am "missing" moments I wish I wasn't. But at the same time, I know that all of this is a good good thing, and I am seeing fruit from it, in your life and mine. And I am thankful I still get to hear you say "mommy I want you" and rock you before bed and naps every day, those are some of my most favorite moments. You are such a joy to me precious girl, I am so grateful I have a daughter, and that it is YOU. I love you fiercely.

Brandt, my littlest love, oh how I adore you. You are just so sweet, so cuddly, so precious in EVERY single way...I just want to eat you up. You too have been such a trooper coming into this family as the third baby, and being patient with mommy as she helps your older siblings. I feel sad, and guilty sometimes knowing that I haven't been able to hold you as much as I would like to, or to devote the attention I would want to, to JUST YOU. But then again, I am reminded that the Lord planned for you to be our third, and that you get things the other two didn't get, like a big brother and sister who adore you and entertain you...most of the time ;). And I pray that he will use the patience you will have to develop as our third, as a tool to see how much you need Him and to bring you to Him one day. You are growing so fast, and as exciting as that is, to watch you develop and change, there is a part of this mommy's heart that is sad, that is already missing the tiny newborness that was you just six short weeks ago. But I am loving seeing your little personality start to develop. I love everything about you sweet boy, and please know that even though I can't hold you all day, or spend hours just gazing into your blue eyes and smiley face, that you are treasured, and cherished more than you will ever know.

I know I will look back one day, on this crazy season of life, and smile, and miss even the chaos of it all. I know that in the blink of an eye you littles won't be so little anymore, someone please freeze time. So I pray that I will cherish every moment I get with each of you, individually and as my trio, and that you will know that I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always, forever and always my babies you'll be.

Brandt Luke- One Month Young

I cannot believe we have already spent an entire MONTH with our little precious boy, time is flying. He is such a sweet sweet boy, and I am treasuring his "littleness" so much!

This past month has consisted of lots of growing for this little man (he is following in big brother's footsteps. He is a good eater, he likes to sleep (especially during the day), and a pretty content little fella when he is fed, changed, and not sleepy :). He loves watching his siblings play, and boy do they LOVE him. Brayden has made sure to show him lots of trucks and trains, and Brooklyn has already invited him to a tea party ;). This little bear is super alert, just like big brother and sister were, and I can only imagine what he is thinking. He has given mommy, daddy, and Brayden smiles (the real thing), and boy did it melt this mommy's heart. He recognizes mommy's voice, that is one of my most favorite things with our little ones, and loves worship music, the sound of the rain, being walked in the solly wrap, laying on daddy's chest, and mommy singing to him. He also has incredible neck strength and can hold his head VERY well, both on his tummy or when we hold him.

This past month has been a big transition for this family, going from four to five, but the Lord has been so kind to all of us, and it has went super smoothly (all things considered, and thanks to having grandparents close by to help). We are so grateful for this new little arrow we have to shoot into the world, and pray that Brandt would come to know Jesus early on, and live a life that serves and adores HIM. Happy one month sweet little heart, you have stolen our hearts!