What a wonderful weekend

Brian and I keep saying what a wonderful weekend it has been for us. Brian had his first 4-day weekend in 5 years and we took full advantage of it.

1. Thanksgiving at our house

2. Heather & Amy's house in Portland

3. A party at a high-end grocery store (I'll explain)

4. Shopping

1. Thanksgiving at our house.

I think it was a success and hopefully our family felt that way :) We kept it pretty chill but still had tons of food. Brian and Randy deep fat fried the turkey which is just delicious. We listened to Christmas music, played with the babies, and had a wonderful time. It was a nice way to start out the holiday season.

Brian was too late to capture Bria and Bristol talking to each other, but he captured me cleaning up Bria's throw up. Those are the moments :)

The guys chilled in the living room with the babies while we prepared some dinner.

Bristol didn't want to miss out on the excitement by taking a nap, just look at those kissable cheeks!

Kayla playing with Bria :)

And of course we ended the night with a nice warm bath. Bria loved it as you can tell.

2. Heather and Amy's

We headed up to Portland on Friday. We dropped Bria off while we went to see a friend's new house that he just purchased. Then we came back, had a delicious dinner that included mouth watering filet mignon, and played with Bria.

Bria playing with Amy and their dog George in the background.

Clapping for Daddy.

Bria is so happy when she eats, she definitely loves food!

You would think Bria was screaming in these pictures but absolutely no sound comes out, she just likes to be silently animated.

And she loves to eat the water.

3. Party at Zupan's

So after we put Bria to bed on Friday, Brian and I got to go out and have a date night with Nate and Amy. Where did we go? A grocery store :) See, Heather got some tickets to a party called Bubbles After Dark. It's the owner's way of saying thank you for shopping at my store by providing free champagne and o'dourves. It was from 10 pm- 1am and only 150 couples were given tickets, we felt like big shots ;) It was a lot of fun and felt awesome to get out and spend time with friends sans a squirmy baby.

Not that we didn't miss our baby girl, but I went a couple hours without any baby throw up on me. Score!

Brian and I tried caviar (is that how you spell it?), oysters, weird but delicious cheeses, it was awesome. We even got Brian to try a chocolate covered strawberry (he doesn't like berries, I know, he's weird), but he didn't like it. At least he tried it though. They also had the most delicious oreo type cookies, they were divine. It was all so good.

We didn't stay until 1 am because we were all pretty tired, but midnight is still late for us these days.

We definitely crashed in bed that night.

4. Shopping

After we got up Saturday morning (Heather and Amy let us sleep in, it was so nice) we ventured out in the Holiday shopping. We picked up some cute clothes for Bria and a Christmas present for her. We shopped for hours and Bria did awesome, just hanging out in the Snugglie with Aunt Heather.

When it started getting dark we decided to head home.

It was such a nice weekend and it felt great to be with so much family. Bria barely spit up at all which made me think that the Prevacid was starting to work, I was ecstatic.

Then came Sunday, where she threw up all day long. Ugh. Nevermind.

But it was still a wonderful weekend and I think it's safe to say Bria enjoyed her first Thanksgiving.

Can't wait for Christmas!

We have a crawler!!

It's official folks, Bria is crawling. She decided today that she was sick of being stationary and always depending on mom or dad to take her places, so she just crawled her little self over to MJ's toy (of course) and grabbed it. Lucky for us MJ shares her toys (and thought Bria was going to throw it so waited excitedly beside her, tail wagging).

She is still trying to master the crawl but she definitely gets to where she wants to go.

To do list:

Baby Proofing stuff

Thanksgiving 2009

This year Thanksgiving is going to be nice and relaxing, both Brian and I are looking forward to it. My sister's are spending it with their spouses' families so Brian and I decided to host a little one at our house. My brother and his girlfriend are coming over, along with my Mom and Randy, and my cousin Lanie and her husband and little girl. It's going to be pretty chill but I am still really excited to have everyone over and eat some delicious food. We'll whip out some of our games and play those too, it should be some good times here at the Holcomb Hideway :)

This little girl is very excited, as you can see she'll be our centerpiece in the middle of the table.

And she'll be downing the bubbly all night from her UPS mug.

Bria got her 3rd tooth a little bit ago, her top right one :) It looks like she'll be getting her 2 front teeth by Christmas, how appropriate. And of course with another tooth comes 2 weeks of a snotty nose. We've got the humidifier going every night in her room, vapor rub, Boogie wipes, and the booger sucker- she hates the last two. I also admit to picking her nose, I can't help it.

Brian is finishing up fall term, wahoo! Just one more week and then he has a couple off before he starts his LAST term. Oh this is just glorious news, music to my hears. The end is in sight and it's a beautiful thing.

I am just trying to stay busy with Bria and get out of the house at least once a day, the sunshine helps. I'm also attempting to teach Bria everything I can, but she prefers to talk and for me to listen. Who am I to argue, I love that little voice.

She has started yelling when she talks now which is kind of funny, until it's been for 10 minutes straight and I'm driving so I can't pay attention to her and she keeps doing it until she starts getting really mad and cries. Then gets tired and falls asleep.

It's almost time to put up the Christmas decorations, yay!

Who needs toys when you have a UPS mug to play with?

How do you sleep?

It is no lie that babies are flexible, but I about died laughing when I went to check on Bria and this was how she was sleeping for her nap. Silly girl.

9 months

Bria has now been outside the womb as long as she was inside the womb. The other day I was telling Brian how I miss being pregnant, I really do. But nothing beats holding my little one while she cuddles up on my chest.

Now that Bria is 9 months she is ALMOST doing a lot of things:

• Almost crawling. She has crawled backwards a couple times, it's also her way of sitting up.
• Almost standing on her own. She will hold on with just one hand now.
• Almost has long enough hair to put a clip in.
• Almost doing better with not throwing up.

Here is the stuff that she is doing:

• Goes from sitting to laying down, to sitting again, all by herself
• Waving hi and bye to people (cutest thing ever)
• Saying da-da, ba-ba, ma-ma (sometimes), yeah, and making all sorts of other cute noises
• Walking when we hold onto her hands
• Making herself laugh (so hilarious)
• Mimicking us
• Gets frustrated when she can't get a toy she wants (oh what fun that is ;)
• Still wearing size 3 diapers
• Wears 9 month clothes. She still has a few 6 month outfits that fit her, but also wears a few 12 months pants to give her big belly room :)
• Likes toys that light up and make noise
• LOVES reading. Books are her favorite
• Eating: nurses 3 or 4 times a day, eats solids 2 or 3 times a day, drinks water a couple times a day.
• Eats Cheerio's all by herself

She was charming everyone at her doctor's appointment today, she's such a sweetheart. Everything went pretty good, here are her stats:

Weight: 18 lbs 2.5 ounces-40th percentile

Height: 28 inches-70th percentile

Head: 17.5 inches-60th percentile

My happy girl:

She is still having lots of vomiting episodes so we talked about that a lot. We are going to move on from Zantac and try Prevacid. She seemed to be very optimistic about the Prevacid, I'm still skeptical but hopeful. If the Prevacid isn't helping we'll try doing both the Prevacid and Zantac. I was too chicken to ask if those failed. I also asked when I could expect Bria to start growing out of it and she said usually around 12-15 months. I pray that is the case (or even sooner!). I also pray that Prevacid works, all this throwing up is really bad for her esophagus. We did talk about how it's good that she is still gaining weight (which is why they call her a happy spitter). It's funny because she'll have good days where she barely spits up and on those days I think, "Yay it's getting better!" Then the next day she vomits about a dozen times and I cry. But hopefully the Prevacid helps!

She was clapping for herself in this picture:

Everything else was great, she is meeting her milestones and is looking good. She fortunately didn't have any shots, yay! But they did prick her toe to get some blood and test her iron level. She did really well though, she didn't cry, just showed us her bottom lip and tried grabbing the bandaid.

We love our little girl and are beyond excited for her first Holiday season. I know she won't remember it but WE will so I want to spoil the crap out of her. I'm planning on going shopping on Black Friday to find lots of toys and clothes for her, anyone want to join me?

Mini photo shoot

I have been totally slacking in getting more photo shoots with Bria. Sure I take a bazillion at home while she plays and does cute things, but I want to get more professional type ones done. But the weather isn't cooperating and I keep forgetting to schedule an appointment with my sister.

So I finally just decided to at least get a few with my point and shoot camera and amateur skills. After looking at them I realize the outfit I chose wasn't the greatest, but she still looks cute. Although I could punch myself for forgetting to turn off the date stamp, ugh.

I'm so mad I forgot to move the Beaver blanket before I took this one!

Next time I'll wait until Brian is home so he can take the pictures and I can try and make her smile more!

Bria's doctor's appointment is tomorrow morning so I'll be posting her stats and 9 month updates. 9 months, oh my gosh.

A comedian

We were in the car driving to Costco yesterday when Bria starts laughing. Both Brian and I turn around to see what is making her laugh. Herself. She is making herself laugh by fake coughing. It was hilarious and adorable. Then she started clapping which was so exciting since she hasn't done that on her own yet. It was sporadic and uncoordinated but it was clapping nonetheless.

Did I mention she started waving too? Out of nowhere last Thursday she decided to start waving at people and at herself. It cracks me up. She smiles and is so proud of herself when she waves.

She is turning into a little person and it's just crazy!

Fortunately she still cuddles one our chest and in our arms, both Brian and I love that. Everytime I rock her I just take in the moment because I know it'll be too soon when she'll be running around and rocking with mommy will be a thing of the past. Sigh.

Bria has started getting frustrated when she can't get to a toy she wants. Unfortunately it's always MJ's toys that she wants so I really don't want her to get them. She'll go back and forth between her tummy and sitting up, but hasn't figured out how to crawl forward. Silly girl.

She did stand up on her own in the bathtub tonight! I couldn't believe my eyes, I started yelling for Brian to get in there. It was pretty cute seeing her naked bum standing in the bathtub. She held onto the side of her little tub and just stood up. Such a big girl.

No sleep 'til...Brooklyn!!

Actually the title should say, No NAPS 'til...Brooklyn!!

Our little Miss Bria thinks naps are overrated these days and likes to fight them. I was hoping she would get Brian's desire to sleep whenever there is a dull moment, but alas she seems to be like me and doesn't want to waste the day sleeping. I can't blame her.

It's been pretty chilly here so our heater is in full force. I put Bria in the warmest PJ's possible to help her sleep nice and warm plus I set the thermostat about 6 degrees warmer than I did when it was just Brian and I. I don't want her cute little toes getting cold.

Meal time is one of my favorite times with Bria, she is the best little eater. She LOVES food. She now is having a blast eating Cheerios and MJ loves Cheerio time since half of them end up on the floor. Bria loves hearing the little click of MJ's nails on the hardwood floor and looks for her when she hears them.

Let's see, nothing much to report here. We have Bria's 9 month appointment next week so I am looking forward to finding out her stats and also having a shot-free appointment! Although apparently her heel is still getting pricked for blood tests or something.

It is amazing to me that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, that means Christmas is so close! I am really looking forward to Bria's first Christmas, I think I'll need a new memory card in the camera just for the month of December.

Brian and I figured out how we are going to do the Holidays from now on since we have a little one. I am so happy to have found a solution because going to 4 families in 2 days is exhausting for Brian and I, let alone dragging Bria around. Here it is:

One year:

Christmas Eve-Brian's Mom's house

Christmas Day-My Dad's house

The Next year:

Christmas Eve-My Mom's house

Christmas Day-Brian's Dad's house

We'll spend Christmas morning as a family, just the 3 of us opening presents in our pj's. Then we will head out and go to one of the Grandpa's houses. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I love that we'll be able to enjoy our time and not feel rushed.

I forgot to post pictures of MJ and Bria in their Halloween costumes together. We realized we forgot to take some on Halloween so we took some the next day:

"Don't move MJ, there's something on your head."

"What am I suppose to do now?"

Happy Birthday Babe

Brian's first birthday as a Dad and he spent a majority of it doing homework. Ahh the life of a Dad. Fortunately next year he will not be in school so he can party it up.

Something tells me he still enjoyed his birthday this year even though it didn't entail going to the bars.

I think this little girl has something to do with that:

And happy birthday Sara!

Men can be too rational sometimes

I was throwing MJ's rope for her and she got a little excited. She stood on her hind legs and took off...pushing against Bria's face.

I swooped up my poor crying baby and held her. She cried in my shoulder and I rocked her and sang. At this point I didn't know what the damage was because she buried her face on me. When she finally calmed down and looked up at me I nearly fainted.

I called Brian freaking out and wondering what to do. Guys are so rational, sometimes too rational. I wish he would've freaked out a little more but he said the most rational thing ever: "Take her to the ER or put Neosporin on it."

Fine. But aren't you scared to hear your daughter is dripping blood from her EYE?! Well ok, it wasn't dripping, but still, there's BLOOD there!! Your dog viciously attacked your little girl, aren't you mad?! Well ok, MJ had no idea she hurt Bria and didn't mean to do it, but still, she scratched her!!

Whatever, that didn't help.

Bria was totally over it about 5 minutes later and playing with her toys. Meanwhile I am inspecting it with a microscope and wondering what to do. I put neosporin on it and continued to do so twice a day since it happened (Monday).

Today it's barely visible.

Darn Brian and his rational advice.

Bria's Big Day

Yesterday was a big day for Bria. While she was standing up and holding onto my hands (her favorite thing to do these days) she let go with one hand and then I let go of her other one and she stood for about 1 1/2 seconds :) It wasn't long but she was doing it on her own before she started leaning forward to fall.

Then, she was laying on her belly and she got on her knees and then pushed herself up, wahoo!

THEN she decided to start trying to walk a little when I hold her hands. It is the cutest thing ever because she bends her knee all awkwardly and isn't sure exactly what to do. I really need to get it on camera so I'll try doing that tonight.

She is getting so big.

Just chillin' with her cell phone

One Little Ladybug

Bria's first Halloween started off by her sleeping in until 8:45 am. Wow. We were thrilled to death since the night before we stayed up late and went to a Halloween party while Brian's mom watched Bria. Due to the daylight savings change we've been pushing Bria's bedtime back a little bit which means she sleeps a little later, but 8:45 am was some kind of record, thank you Bria!

Then we headed to Beavertown and went tailgating. We wish we would've gotten out the door sooner because we barely had anytime to see everyone, but we still had fun.

And my Dad was in heaven with his granddaughter:

We also stopped by Dave and Cinnamon's house since they had their 2nd bundle of joy just 3 weeks ago, Sebastian. He is adorable and it was so fun to hold a tiny baby again. Don't get any ideas, Bria is plenty for us right now, no talks about child # 2 for a long time.

Then we grabbed some pizza from our favorite place, Pizza Pipeline, and headed home to listen to the game on the radio (it wasn't televised until later).

Our plan was to squeeze a nap in since we were still pretty tired and Bria had only had a 1/2 hour nap the whole day, but she decided since she slept in that she didn't need a nap. We tried to put her down 3 times but she cried and screamed and cried some more (talk about over tired baby) so finally at about 5:00 pm she fell asleep on daddies chest. Guess she just wanted cuddle time with Dad, who can blame her?

Once she was awake and fed, we put her in her ladybug costume and headed out to a few neighbors houses to show her off. Our first stop we got stuck inside watching the end of the Beaver game and drinking Pumpkin Ale beer (my favorite!!)-it was torture ;) We finally decided to continue going because at this rate we wouldn't be home until midnight. Bria was a hit and I think she had lots of fun. Once we got home she played on her blanket while I passed out candy and daddy watched some football.

Alright, so she looks a little bored, but she was still trying to wake up from her nap.

After I put Bria to bed we snuggled on the couch and watched a somewhat scary movie and ate some popcorn.

It's safe to say we had a successful and wonderful Halloween.

Flash back to Friday:

We went over to Jaime's house on Friday and had a mini halloween party for the kids. Aunt Jenny got all the kids a little black pot full of candy corn-so cute. Especially considering she was dressed as a candy corn witch, it was perfect.

The Armstrong grandkids: (from left: Jaidyn, Bria, Kailey, and Porter)

Jaidyn was a school girl witch, Kailey was a bumble bee, and Porter was a pirate. They were all so cute.

"Uh Kailey, there's something on your head."

Bria loved Kailey's little antenna's so Kailey let her play with them for awhile, it was really sweet.

Jaidyn and Bria:

Jenny the candy corn witch:

Hope everyone had a nice Halloween!