Almost a whole month old!

Brady is 4 weeks old today, with his one month "birthday" just around the corner. He's still growing like a weed; over 9 lbs now! And his hair (including eye brows and eye lashes) is finally starting to get a bit darker so we can actually see it. He's been smiling a ton (the open mouth smiles are the best!) and soaking in everything around him. I've never seen such an alert baby (what naptime?!)

We've been keeping ourselves busy by singing, doing "tummy time" and playing on the Boppy, since the cold weather keeps us locked indoors most of the time. We have had a few outings to Grandma and Grandpa Stetzer's, where we got to meet Great Papa Joe, Great Aunts/Uncles and cousins. And one trip to Grandma and Grandpa Eatherton's, for Brady's first and last trip to the house his Daddy grew up in (Steve and Linda have closed on the house and demolition will be taking place very soon). Brady got to meet all the Park Ridge neighbors and he was quite the hit!

Mom and Brady are trying to establish a routine at home, but each day is still different from the one before. Every couple of nights Brady sleeps for 5 hours and that makes his parents very happy! But for now, we just eat and nap, cry and poop (well, Brady does) and enjoy each other's company. Here are a couple of pics from the last two weeks...

"Yes, we can!"

Let me think on that...

Tuckered out

Brady with Great Grandma Bubby and Great Papa Joe

Dad learns the football hold

Brady and Uncle Justin

Snoozin' in my chair

So sweet when I'm sleeping!

Look at that smile!

Bathtime

Tinley's a baby too!

Some of you may be wondering how our first "baby" is adjusting to our new arrival. Tinley knew something was going on the second he came home from Grandma and Grandpa's last week and has barely left Brady's side ever since. He is very curious of every sound and movement the baby makes and gets upset when Brady cries. He has acted out a few times to get our attention (I have a hole in my dining room rug to prove it!), but overall, he's adjusting really well. We captured an interesting moment though when Tinley wanted us to know, "I'm a baby too!"

Tinley in Brady's Boppy

Two weeks old!

It's hard to believe that it's already been 2 weeks since Brady was born. Time really flies when you're... not getting any sleep! I've definitely learned that no amount of research/reading can prepare a person for parenthood; every day is a new adventure. While we are certainly loving every minute we have with Brady, our patience is tested over and over again. Who knew something so small could scream so loud?!

The first week home Brady did pretty well; sleeping, eating, and pooping like a champ. We tested out all the "toys" we got at our showers and discovered that he really likes the vibrating Boppy seat and is mildly entertained by the swing (although Dad doesn't let him swing very fast!) We also had our first trip to the pediatrician and everything went well. We had a few visitors; Brandon and Katie Garber, Uncle Justin and Aunt Megan, Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Jason, Cortney, Bambi, Megan and Nora, Sarah, Denise and Frankie, Auntie Manny and both Grandmas and Grandpas. We are always on our best behavior when our friends are around! :)

At our two week appt. the doctor said that he's still doing very well- has grown 1/4 inch and is tipping the scales at 8 lbs now! But the last few days have been a bit rough, as we are finding that Brady is having a bit of trouble with gas. We're trying a bunch of different remedies, but are certainly open to any suggestions! Hopefully gas is all that it is, since acid reflux and colic are two avenues we hope we won't have to go down. Fingers crossed!!

We are amazed at how fast he has grown and changed already. His hands and feet are getting bigger and he gets stronger by the day; he barely resembles the tiny newborn we brought into the world two weeks ago today. I keep telling him to "slow down", but it doesn't seem to work!

Below are a few pics from the last week and a half....

Last day in the hospital

Going home!

Dad trying out the Bjorn. Gotta love those bug eyes!

Partying in my crib with Frankie and Nora

Hangin' with Grandpa

Quality time with Dad

Conducting my first symphony!

We're Home!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we were discharged from Northwestern today. Amazing...less than 72 hours after major abdominal surgery and a new human being breathing his first breath, we were able to go home. It feels great to be back in the comfort of our normal surroundings.

As a side note, I would have to say that I'm really, really impressed with the quality care, informative/supportive staff, and amazing facilities that Northwestern has. Truly some of the worlds best health care....right in our back yard. We're very lucky.

We'd be lying to everyone if said we weren't a little anxious, outside hospital walls. Having a nurse at your fingertips is definitely a luxury that we wish we could take home. However, we're up the challenge. Brady seems to love his new room and has already fixated his eyes on our TV. He loves flashing lights and colors. Tinley is still on vacation in the suburbs with the Stetzers and comes home on Tuesday. Should be quite interesting to see how our"first son" reacts to this noisy, squirmy thing that showed up and trumped him in the pecking order!

Heather has had a rough couple days, so I just relieved her for a few hours to take a nap. I can't stop staring at him making funny sounds, movements while he sleeps...funny stuff. Heather has been a great mom. She and Brady are feeding every 2-3 hours, on the hour, so it's definitely not easy. The entire time she has kept her chin up and had a very positive, even when things get frustrating.

I'm off of work for a bit and Heather has to avoid stairs and driving for a few weeks, so we'll be camping out at home for a while. If anyone in Chicago is interested in coming by, give us a call...we'd love to introduce you to Brady.

Lots more pics, videos, and updates coming a bit later this week!

Braden's Bella Baby Pics

Bella Baby Photography swung by our hospital room on Sunday and took some great pics of Braden. They're only available online until 1/11, but we thought you would enjoy seeing them:

http://www.bellababyphotography.com/interim
login & password: 1226bradeneatherton

Don't hesitate to let us know if you would be interested in ordering any!

Oh no, these are my parents?!

I forgot to add a picture my brother took with his camera phone. Yes, this is really a picture of our son. I told you he likes to open his eyes really wide!

Braden Charles Eatherton has finally arrived!

Yesterday was an amazing whirlwind of a day! On Christmas Eve, we had our non-stress test at the doctor's office and found out that our baby boy was actually in breech position! So, instead of waiting for an induction on Tuesday, they quickly scheduled us for a c-section first thing yesterday morning.

"First thing" turned into a day long event... the patient scheduled for the 10:30a c-section went into labor just before we were going to start and had to be taken first. Then, two other women came in with natural deliveries which required our doctor's immediate attention, so we fell even further back in line. Finally, around 2pm it was our turn and wow, what an experience! Matt was beside me throughout the surgery and was able to see to baby as soon as he was... extracted. Hearing him cry for the first time was the most amazing feeling I have ever had. I was in love before I even laid my eyes on him!

It didn't take long for Matt and I to agree on a name for "Lil E" (although, I'm sure that nickname will stick around)... Braden Charles Eatherton, Brady for short. Braden was a name that Matt and I liked equally from the first time we heard it, and when we tried it out on him, he seemed to respond positively (ie, he quit crying for about 3 seconds!) Charles is in honor of Matt's grandfather who has passed but still means a great deal to Matt. Eatherton... well, that's just our last name :)

After surgery, and once Braden was assessed, weighed in and measured (7 lbs. and 13oz., 21 inches), we headed to the recovery room for a few hours. Once we finally made our way to our room, we were greeted by both my and Matt's parents, my sister and brother, and Matt's sister and brother-in-law. It was a great reception, with plenty of kisses and cuddles. And lots and lots of pictures; our son's first taste of paparazzi!

Last night was a bit of a rough one. Matt and I officially know what it's like to be new parents (no sleep!), but things have been going well today. Brady is taking to his feedings and has actually taken a few naps. He also got to meet his Great Grandma Bubby! We'll be at the hospital until Monday afternoon and welcome any and all visitors. We love to show off our little man :) Early assessment is that he has Dad's eyes and toes and Mom's nose, mouth and ears.

For those of you who are just here for the photos, I apologize for all my ramblings. We're just so overwhelmed with joy! Without further ado... we proudly introduce Braden Charles!

Brady's very first photo!

Brady and Grandma Bunny

Brady with Uncle Mike, Auntie Manny, Grandma and Grandpa Stetzer

With Grandpa and Grandma Eatherton, Dad, Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Jason

I love to open my eyes really wide!

Our first family photo!

A close up shot!

Brady with Grandma Stetzer and Great Grandma Bubby

Sleeping with Dad

We'll be updating the blog with lots of updates and of course, lots of photos, so please come back and visit soon!