HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As 2009 draws closer and closer, I have found myself reflecting more and more on the the many blessings we have been given in 2008. It was both a difficult and joyous 365 days. At this time last year, Lucas was still a just a dream. I remember being so disappointed last Christmas that we couldn't surprise all our family and friends with the news of a pregnancy... but, that is all a distant memory now as we got to share our baby, not a pregnancy, this year! I would never wish the health concerns and scares that we had this year with our pregnancy on my worst enemy; it was agony at times..... but, it also was the most amazing and wonderful time that I had ever experienced in my life. Of course, the highlight of the year was November 26th when Lucas was finally welcomed into our arms. I know why I am here on this Earth now.. to be a mommy to my precious boy. It truly was a wonderful year for us. It is not everyday or every year that honest to goodness dreams come true! I look forward to the new year and everything it has in store for us. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our First Christmas As A Family

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year.. full of love and surprises! Santa left lots of goodies for for all 3 of us!

Christmas Eve at Mom & Papa's

Every year on Christmas Eve, the Bray family always gathers at my Mom and Papa's house for a night of opening presents and playing bingo. It is always so much fun! I look forward to it all year!

Today

I am feeling a bit sentimental today... this was Lucas' original due date! To think about how we longed for this day to come, and now, to be able to hold our 4 week old(!) in my arms as I write this.. it's just too wonderful to put into words. Instead of spending Christmas in the hospital, we get to share our first one as a family in our home. This is the greatest Christmas ever, and the exciting part is that I know the very best ones are yet to come!

Christmas Fun with the Fitch's

We had lots of fun with the Fitch's last night! We all got lots of great presents, but the best gift of all was spending time with family!

The Christmas Card You Would've Gotten...

This year I was so excited to create a photo Christmas card to send out to our family and friends, but unfortunately it doesn't look like I will be able to. Our shipment was lost in the mail somewhere between Atlanta and LaGrange. :o( (whimper, whimper!) We took our pictures and ordered our cards within just a few days of being home from the hospital, and the company we ordered them from shipped them out on the 8th of December... but they have never arrived at our home. David has talked with the postal service and they are "investigating." They apologized and said that ours is one of several packages seem to have gotten "lost" that day. So, these are the pictures that you would have gotten... isn't Lucas cute in his Santa outfit!

All Tuckered Out

Lucas had a big morning of fun playing with some of his toys! He is beginning to "swat" and touch things in front of him. It is so cute to watch how he is developing. I snapped this of him just as he was drifting off to sleep (and fighting it hard, I must add).

ZZZZZzzzzzz...

Lucas wants to thank his cousins Taylor and Anna Grace for letting him borrow their baby swing! He is loving it! It is the kind that rocks back and forth and plays music. It is very soothing to him. Mommy and Daddy are thankful too... they actually ate a meal together last night and Mommy took a whole shower and put on makeup today.. :o) lol!

Nana

Lucas and I wanted everyone to know how much we appreciate and love Nana!... David came down with the sniffles on Sunday, so my mama came over to help me with Lucas while David was banished to the back room. lol She was a HUGE help!!!! From feeding Lucas.. to folding laundry.. wrapping Christmas presents.. and warming bottles at all hours during the night- we don't know what we would have done without her!! She went back home (sadly) last night when David was given the all clear by the doctor that he could be around Lucas again. Lucas and I both were so glad to have daddy back... but, Nana, you can come back anytime!! :o)

Update and First Bath

Lucas had his first bath this afternoon. I thought he just might enjoy it after he did so well with washing his hair last week, but nope.. he didn't like it one bit! lol He was glad to have it over with though!

Also, an update on the colic... David found something called "Gripe Water" made by Little Tummy's at CVS that is safe for newborns to take for gas and colic. It seems to have made a big difference... I hope I am not jinxing us! Lucas still has his fits, but they are more predictable and consolable... much easier to deal with!! Thanks to everyone that sent suggestions.. keep them coming, we appreciate tips and ideas that we might not have tried yet!

I am off to eat a quick bite of supper and then David is taking Lucas and I riding to look at Christmas lights... FUN!

Suggestions?...

Calling all other mommy's...

Lucas seems to have developed colic. From everything I've read, he has the classic symptoms... inconsolable crying for 1-4 hours a couple times a day, gassy (we've been trying the Mylicon drops, but they don't seem to be helping much), abdominal discomfort (not constipated.. bowels are definitely still moving!), etc. Has anyone else had any experience with it, or know of anything that will soothe him during an episode? It is so hard to see him so upset and not be able to make him better... especially when I am here by myself. Rocking and holding him close seems to comfort him some, but not completely... it is really taking a toll on my emotions to see him so upset for so much of the day (and night).

Our Little Tiger... For Nana and Big Daddy Pop Pop!

Tommy Tuberville's Replacement... :o)

Lucas loves his Auburn outfit that his Nana and Big Daddy Pop Pop got him! As you can see, he still has some "filling out" to do before it fits him just right, but that's a good thing... that means we get to show our Auburn pride longer!

Happy 2 Week Birthday Lucas!

Uh-oh... I am home alone with Mama and she's got that camera out again....

He's not too sure about this Santa thing yet...


How Sweet!


I can wear my daddy's ring!

WOW! I can't believe it's been 2 whole weeks!! Time really flies with a new baby! Lucas is still doing just wonderful. He had his 2nd pediatrician appointment yesterday and he is already a little over 8 pounds! He is growing like a weed!! We are so proud of him. Even though we are sleep deprived, hungry (he always wakes up just as we sit down to eat), tired, BUSY, and most of the time a bit overwhelmed... we wouldn't have it any other way! We are loving life with our sweet angel!!!

All Clean!

Lucas had his hair washed for the first time last night. David and I were both hesitant about it... Lucas doesn't like anything disturbing the warmth of his snuggly blankets, but to our surprise.. he loved it. He couldn't get enough! It was just precious!

Pictures

Just thought I'd share a couple of pictures that we took this weekend. The top one is Lucas making one of his many "faces." It seems that he makes a new one everyday! :o)

Life Is Good!

Lucas loves to look at the Christmas Tree

Notice the pose... :o)

Life just doesn't get any better... we are loving every minute of being parents!.. even all the yucky diapers and frequent feedings! :o) Lucas is doing wonderful! We bundled up and went to his first pediatrician appointment this morning. He is up to 7 pounds and 6 ounces. Dr. Lisa was pleased with his weight gain and wants to see him back in one more week to make sure things are still going well. We were so glad to get all good news!! We just sit and watch him in amazement sometimes... okay, all the time! He is just such a precious gift to us. We love all of the cute faces that he makes, the noises, the sighs... it is all so great. God has blessed our family beyond words. Life is Good!

Pictures

A Gift from Heaven

Ready to Leave the Hospital

Finally Home from the Hospital... and EXHAUSTED

Lucas and Mommy

Lucas and Daddy