April 2014 Update

Brynlee is, 90 percent of the time, a happy baby. Occasionally she gets a little fussy, but for the most part, we got lucky.

Look at this photo I got of her yesterday, while she was playing with a toy. With how often I am taking pictures of her, we know that she won't be afraid of cameras when she is older.

She gets so excited. Especially when she is pulling on your hooded sweatshirt's strings. She just loves that.

I think I am enjoying this stage of her life a little more than when she was first born. She has a personality now, and she recognizes me. She is more fun to interact with. I can play with her and she will respond with sounds, or smiles, or laughs. Kind of like a puppy, but a human version.

She eats puree'd foods now. She really likes mangos. Rice cereal works to fill her up, too. Still loves her bottles though. She knows when it's time, and she will start kicking with joy when she notices the bottle in your hand.

Her Grandma, and her Great Aunt help us babysit when we are at work. Sometimes I think that she is more excited to see them, than she is to see us. She really enjoys her time with them. It's safe to say by the look on her face when she makes eye contact with them both. We are very grateful.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is her very favorite television show. We try to limit her time in front of the TV, because studies show that it isn't great for children under 2. But, how can you keep her completely away? You never will. When the Daniel Tiger theme song comes on, she knows it. She will freeze whatever she is doing, and turn to watch. It's pretty amazing. Her memory is fantastic.

Image from PBS.org

Four Months Photo Update

I think it's time for some more pictures from the last month. She was four months old on January 15th. She is almost five months old now... I guess I am a little late...

B's First Babysitter

8:21am

My stepsister gave birth to twins on Friday! So we decided to go visit them yesterday(Saturday) at the hospital. 

Like most hospitals that we have encountered, no small children are allowed in the maternity suites. Except for the babies, obviously. So Brynlee couldn't go. 

My wife is very attached to our daughter, which I assume is pretty normal for a mom and her infant. But at some point you have to let other people watch her. This was the perfect opportunity. A small amount of time, to get our feet wet with being away from her. She is going to have to do it when she goes back to work, anyways. 

So we dropped her off at my wife's sister's house. They have two dogs, which sometimes makes us nervous, but these two are so protective of Brynlee. It's actually kind of funny. I almost feel like we could leave her with just the two dogs! (Kidding)

After my wife explained where everything was in the diaper bag, and basic care instructions, we were on our way. We made it about ten minutes down the street when she said "ok, I miss her already".  She hasn't been without her since she was born. Not even for five minutes. 

When we got to the hospital, our thoughts were occupied by the new twins. They are so small compared to Brynlee. The boy is much smaller than the girl, which isn't surprising, since women seem to take men for everything they've got. They are adorable and I'm very excited for their family. 

After a couple of hours, it was time to get back to our little one. There was a missed phone call to my wife from her sister, so natural instinct made her worry. But nothing was wrong, just a simple feeding question. 

When we got there, she had just christened the couch, and her aunt with spit-up. She seems to do that a lot. We are pretty sure that she over-eats. But everyone has told us that if she is hungry, let her eat. She can down about 6-7 ounces each feeding, though some of it usually comes back up. 

All-in-all, I think she did fine being away from her mom and dad. I'm sure we will have a few people watch her here and there to get used to it. Plus, it's good to socialize her so that she isn't shy and too attached to us. 

Just another milestone in her book. 

Day 32 - Changes To PregoForMen Blog

11:14pm

As you might already know, I have blogged every day since the 10th week of pregnancy. But I think that is going to change. I want to focus more on writing quality posts, rather than quantity. They will still include updates on Brynlee, and the family. But I will probably use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, more often, for updates like that. 

I have decided to slow down, not only because this blog takes up A LOT of time, but also because I don't want to write posts just because I feel that I have to. That isn't quality. And I'm not ok with that. 

So make sure you follow on Facebook to keep up with new blog posts. I always link to them via all of my social media accounts (which you can find at the top of this blog). 

Day 18 - How To Get A Newborn Baby To Smile

4:10pm

I think we figured it out. We have seen her smile quite a few times. Though we couldn't really figure out what exactly she was smiling about. Other than a relief-fueled smile after a nice long bowel movement, it's hard to get her to smile on demand. Or a kiss from her dad usually works too, but that might just be coincidence. 

This morning, before going to work, my wife called me into the bedroom to show me that when you rub her face with the silky part of a blanket, she almost always smiles. She loves it. What's funny, is that I used to love the same thing when I was little. I'm going to go ahead and make the assumption that all babies must love this action, so go ahead and try it with yours. If it doesn't work, let me know. Not that I will really care. 

Dont forget to add me on Facebook and Twitter! I always interact with social media friends! 

Day 17 - Sleepy With Her Dad

4:13pm

Working a lot this week. Until 10pm tonight and tomorrow. So my wife has been great by making us breakfast and lunch earlier today so that I could get some rest. Me and little B slept until about noon today, only waking up to eat. 

Day 4 - Changing A Diaper In 60 Seconds Flat

10:17pm



I was up with B from about 4:00am to 5:30am last night, or should I say this morning? Her poor mom was pooped, so I figured I would help out and feed her. It took her about an hour and a half to relax and finally get back to sleep. I'm thinking that if I would have swaddled her, she would have fallen asleep faster. She seems to like that. She is swaddled right now, and not a peep out of her.


She spent some time with her grandpa this morning, before going out on her maiden voyage into the outside world. A pit-stop at my wife's work was first, because everyone was just dying to see her. She also had to fill out some paperwork for the maternity leave. Even though there were about 10 people hovered over her car seat, she never opened an eye.

Next stop.... Pediatrician.

Her first check-up. She loved her new doctor. A very nice person, I think we found a good one. My wife's OB/GYN actually recommended her, and we can see why. The doctor is all about organic and natural, but very down-to-earth and friendly as well. Brynlee passed everything with flying colors. As a matter of fact, I believe she was considered "perfect".

They even mentioned about a newborn little boy who was in the office earlier. Him and Brynlee would make a perfect couple, according to the staff. I had to step in and say "Hey, wait a minute, here. Let's slow down a bit!" She's already a daddy's girl, for sure.

A few more errands to Walgreens, and Babies-R-Us, and she did great. She slept about 98% of the time, with no real fusses. I guess we can't ask for much more than that, out of a newborn. She's a great baby so far, although when she wants something, you know. She happens to have quite the set of lungs.

Dad is getting more comfortable changing diapers. Not to brag or anything, but I can change a diaper in about 60 seconds flat. Not bad for a rookie.


She attracts all kinds of attention, wherever we go. Mostly because of her hair. Everyone can't seem to get enough of her full head of hair!

I got a small taste of fatherhood today, when I realized that Brynlee had eating and pooped a few times during the day, and that my wife and I hadn't eaten since dinner, the night before. It's crazy how you put your own needs off to make sure your children are taken care of. (Don't worry, we ate a good dinner tonight)


Check out this little kid's Chicago Bears jersey. I think we need to get her one!

Week 38 Day 2 - Passed Out Dad

1:23pm



I could probably write a whole story about the dangers of eating three hot dogs for lunch, like I just did. But I really don't care, because they were delicious. Actually, they were expired. Almost a month, expired. But I ate them anyways. Why? Because I am a MAN. And that's what we do. 


Although, we usually don't do this....


Last night, after I wrote yesterday's post, we continued to organize the baby's room. I had been up at 5:30am that morning, followed by an exhausting day at work. Then a family party.

Reallly, I was pretty darn tired.

Most of the following I do not remember....

My wife said that I fell asleep. On the floor. Against the baby's crib. With my iPad underneath my head, like a pillow, and my iPhone still in my hand.

Anyone that knows me, knows that this is not that hard to believe. I am glued to my phone. Then again, who isn't these days?

I wish she had a picture.

Here I was, sleeping on her new pink shaggy carpet. It looks really comfortable, so I don't really blame myself. But how did I end up on the floor in the first place? I must have been so tired that I don't even remember sitting down? Apparently, I wasn't helping organize too much.

I have a feeling that once she is here, this type of situation will happen quite a few more times. Long, late nights feeding, and comforting the baby. I know that many parents find that sleep is not as prevalent as before-baby. There are loads of stories about parents falling asleep in the nurseries, and other odd places.

I will remember last night as the FIRST of many future awkward sleeping locations.

(Also, if I don't write for a few days, assume that I am in the hospital for hotdog food poisoning.)




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Week 34 Day 7 - Time To Grow Up

9:53pm



I have been thinking about it a lot. I am so excited for all of the new adventures life is going to bring. The inclusion of one more to our family is just awesome. I am excited to raise a daughter, and trust me, eight months ago, I was scared, nervous, and far from "excited". Not that I don't want a daughter, I just wasn't ready to grow up I guess.

Sometimes I wish I was out with friends on the weekends, or that I could just up and do whatever I want. But I can't anymore, I have priorities now. I am not a kid anymore. As much as I don't want to grow up, I have to. And why wait? Why prolong the inevitable?

That is why I am excited. I am grateful that this little girl has forced me to grow up. I have to be a man now, and be the father/husband that my wife and my daughter deserve.

Week 34 Day 1 - We Are Blessed

9:08pm



You know, I don't think I have ever mentioned how blessed we are to have family and friends that are so supportive and generous. Both of our parents have given us all we ever need for this child, and baby shower. Our baby registry's big ticket items are almost all purchased already, and we still have a couple weeks until the shower. Our crib, dresser, baby shower, stroller/carseat system, all gifted to us. There are a lot of people who are less fortunate than us and I hope everyone that has helped us knows how much we appreciate it.

At the same time, I am also thankful that we can provide for ourselves. We both work hard, so that we can pay our bills and be able to have the things that we do. It astonishes me to see the people that live off of the government, and have nicer things than I do, yet don't work. But that is a whole different topic. I could go on about that for days. And I am not talking about people on unemployment, looking for work. I am talking about the people who I sell 5lbs of crab legs to on the first of the month, with their 5 kids, and food stamps. You do NOT have kids to get more money back at the end of the year. Sure seems like some people do...

I also support the idea of taking random drug tests in order to be on welfare support.

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Do you agree/disagree with me? Please let me know in the comments, or on Facebook!

Week 24 Day 4 - Spoiled Little Girl

12:21pm


Alright what is going on here? Tell me why on earth does this little unborn girl have more clothes already than I do? I need to catch back up with her!

Little girls are the most fun to shop for, at least for the mothers, aunts, grandmothers, etc. They have the most variety of outfits and cute little accessories. Both of our moms are excited to be able to shop for little girl clothes, and I know my wife is too. Me, being a guy, could really care less but honestly I am excited to shop for her too. Boys are fun too, but limited to clothes, and they just get them dirty and ruin them anyways.

Check out her collection that she already has! And she doesn't even know it yet!

I am finishing up my leftovers from last night. Not quite as good reheated but still delicious! That while doing a little blog work :)

 

Watch this video of a baby laughing hysterically at paper being ripped. Too funny!

 

4:56pm

Wife just got home. Said she doesn't feel too good. Great... We have all kinds of storm warnings showing up on the news. Tornado watches too. That's one downside of our place, it's a second level unit, so we don't have a basement. Eh. I'm sure we will be fine. We can get in the bathtub if we really have to. It's actually pretty nice out at the moment. 

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