5 months old

Where did the month go?? It just flies by when you're home playing all day!! We have so much fun! I am pulling mom's hair & dad's beard. I like to get my hands on everything! I still love to smile at myself in the mirror, starting to "talk" to myself too! I think I'm too big to mess with rolling around, I'd rather scoot myself in a circle. You never know which way you'll find me in my bed! I enjoy putting my hands on faces & feeling, just beware of the slobber hand! It'll get ya!

My belly button hernia is getting smaller! YEA!! We'll add pics of it later. Mom thinks I have allergies, have a snotty nose, sneezing, & watery eyes. I got to go to my first baseball game to watch my cousin Garrett! It was fun! I'm on to eating fruits now too. Don't really like bananas or applesauce, but I like to eat!! I actually JUMPED in my jumperoo for the first time, mom can't wait til I jump like crazy in it! I'm working on it!

My new trick that mom & dad love is reaching for their hands, when I want to be held. I'm such a big boy!!

At 20 weeks, I weigh 14 lbs 10 oz.....At 24 weeks, I weigh 16lbs 9oz.

SPRING TIME

1st Easter

Of course I made out like a bandit!! I got lots of goodies, 5 baskets to be exact!! Today I also turned 5 months old! We went to Mamaw & Papaw Clark's in the morning. The afternoon we spent at Mamaw & Papaw Stallings'. **On the ride there, I set a new record in the car....I stayed awake all the way to Grandview! (Usually I'm out in a few minutes or less, just like Mamaw Clark!!)** Then that evening we went to Great Aunt Christine's for the Etienne side get together. Whew, what a long day! I starting jabbering like crazy, like I'm telling stories. I've got lots to say so listen up!

Easter Photo Shoot

Once again, my momma wanted to do our own pics! Here's a few of our favorites!!

Welcome Madelyn!

I have a new baby cousin & it's a girl! Madelyn Lucille Stiff was born April 7 at 11:11AM, she weighs 7lbs 3oz & was 20in long. She was definitely bigger than I was when I was born! I wasn't too sure what to think about her!

How sweet...

I'm getting to be such a big boy. Love to eat & eat, so much that look what happened...I'm turning into my daddy! This looks just like him after he eats supper too! **sorry I can't get this pic to turn the right way!***

4 month check up

I had my 4 month check up today with Dr. Johnston. More shots...boo. Daddy got to go along for the first time, maybe that's why I was such a big boy! I barely even started to fuss. Much better than last time!

They weighed me in at 13lbs 2oz (but I'm bigger than that on our digital scale at home) and I'm 23 1/2 in long. Growing like a weed!!

I started a new trick today...I go "ppphhhlllllluuubbbbb" with my tongue. Mommy taught me how cause I like it when she does it!

I did throw a fit before we came home tonight. Mommy gave me some baby orajel, didn't like it. Not sure if that's what made me so mad or if my Tylenol wore off. Boy I was mad! But went to sleep on the ride home. Pretty sure it was a tummy ache though.

4 months old

I'm already 4 months old!! I'm almost 13 lbs & 23ish inches. I'm still gaining about 6oz a week, I'm packing on the pounds! I love to jabber, especially when someone talks back to me! I get so excited!! I like to hold on to my bottle, push it away & pull it back, fun game! I try to grab things, watch out!I love to eat my fingers, they are so yummy! Sometimes I gag myself, which makes mommy laugh at me! My hands are always going, swatting around or rubbing my hands together, like I'm plotting something evil! Slobbering like crazy, mommy thinks I may be teething. I've been rolling over for everyone, showing off! When anyone talks to me, I usually smile real big & then do a playful bashful smile. I'm a big flirt! I love the ladies!! I also love to watch TV, yep, just like daddy!
I have my first snotty nose this week, even had a snot bubble, mom laughed at that too! Snot's not too bad & had a little fever a couple of times, but I'm still a good boy. I DO NOT like to have snot sucked out of my nose. I get a little mad but doesn't last long. Fine if it's not the kind of snot that seems to be attached to my brain, that kind makes me mad!!

We celebrated our 1st St. Patrick's Day, of course we all wore green! No pinches for me!!
I have been able to go outside a bit since it's been nicer. Can't wait for the weather to change for good! We're ready to get out there & play!! We finally got to go for our first walk in the stroller. I just sat back & relaxed, so relaxed I fell asleep!

I've been eating cereal for a while now, getting ready to start on my green veggies. YUMMY! (I've already had some licks of ice cream & whip cream! Love em both!!) I usually go to bed for the night around 11 and usually sleep til about 6. Get a bottle then back to sleep til around 8:30-9am. Mommy loves my schedule!

Photo Shoot 3 months

Here we go again! Refusing to spend a lot of money on professional pics we had yet another photo shoot. Mommy did a good job, don't you think? Here's some of our favorites and watch the video of more goodies!

Neonatologist Check Up

Today I had my check up with my neonatologist, Dr. Hilmo. It was the first time I had seen her since I was released from the NICU. We had a LONG wait during the visit, mommy wasn't too happy but we finally got to get out of there...to go shopping. I also saw Ann Marie, the physical therapist from the NICU, she checked my development. She was impressed by my progress for my chronologic age & for my adjusted age. I showed her all my tricksI can do . She asked if I had rolled over yet, mom said no, and then I DID! My first roll over!! YEA!! I know who to impress!

Dr. Hilmo wanted to re-check my liver enzymes & profile for jaundice levels. It was still a little elevated when I had it checked in December so she wanted to make sure it was back down now. If they were still up, I would have to go to see a GI doctor. So off to get blood work....Boy, was I mad getting my blood drawn. It hurt & I cried & cried. Even threw a fit!!

The next day, Dr. Hilmo called with the results & they were normal! So I'm free & clear from the neonatologist now! YIPPEE!

Happy Valentine's Day!

3 months old

I'm 3 months old today! I weigh 11lbs 11oz and 22 in long. What a big boy! I am jabbering like crazy. I like to be read to, especially by daddy, he does lots of voices. I like to watch people, mommy doesn't get out of my sight! Smile at myself in the mirror, mom thinks that's hilarious. Starting to eat my fingers and hands. Love to kick my legs and am sleeping 6 1/2 hours at night straight. Mom says I'm on her night owl schedule so she's happy!! The rule in our house is.... If momma's happy, everyone's happy!

We celebrated our first Valentine's Day. Mommy & I had made special homemade cards with my feetprints as a heart. Everyone loved them. I also have lots of "lady friends" to spread my love too! I'm such a ladies man, especially with my killer smile!

2/18 I'm a 12lb butterball!

Yep, I am & daddies be warned...

Another new trick

Yep, it's official...I giggled. Mom & dad caught it on video too. My daddy is so funny!! Most of you probably already know that too well!!

I went to my first Super Bowl party at Uncle Eric & Aunt Katrina's with the whole gang. We had fun, one of these days I'll be big enough to eat all that good food everyone brings! Daddy says I'm missing out, so he's nice enough to eat my share! Hey...wait a minute....

I love to smile, coo, and giggle. Of course, mom & dad are so proud!! Working on sleeping 6 hours straight at night now. And I'm almost 11 lbs, no more newborn clothes for me!

Mr. Smiley!

I have been smiling like crazy! I'm starting to coo and "talk" too. I really like to be talked to and am almost giggling, so happy!! Mom's happy cause I've been sleeping for 5 hours straight at nite!

I went to the movies for the first time. Miss Addison was my date! We all went to see Paul Blart Mall Cop. I slept through the whole movie, didn't even make a peep!

I had to have my newborn screening test redone. We got a letter in the mail saying my test came back abnormal. So mom & I went to the hospital to get it redone. They said it was my lactose level, it was borderline and needed to be checked. They thought it may have been just from my formula. Fast forward to results....all is well. Came back normal! WHEW! Mom & dad were really worried! But I'm good!!

Mom & Dad celebrated their 5 year wedding anniversary on the 27th.

I weigh 10 lbs now, still gaining about 6-8oz a week. I'm getting so big!!

2 months old!!

I started smiling last week!! (most babies start around 2 months, but technically I'm 1 month) I'm such a big boy! I smiled first for mom! Then a few more times & showed dad too. I even smiled for Mamaw Clark, Katrina & Haylee. Then I smiled just for my daddy! He was so happy! He thinks I'm a momma's boy! Yeah, I am!!
Two month check up today. I weigh 9lbs 2oz, just 2oz shy of doubling my birth weight! I am 21 1/4in long. Dr J, was surprised by how big I am, she asked if they were feeding me biscuits & gravy! (That's daddy's favorite, he wishes we'd eat breakfast every morning at Mamaw Clark's!) Got my shots today. : ( I cried! It hurt bad. Even made my first real tear!!
I have an umbilical hernia. It's more common in preemies & low birth weight babies, both me! Dr J said no surgery, whew! She said it should eventually go away on it's own. If not, then maybe have surgery when I'm about 5 or so. Here's a link to a website about umbilical hernias if you've never heard of it...you could learn something from me! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/umbilical-hernia/DS00655

NYE 2008

Since Dad has been off of work for the holidays, he has the morning shift w/me so mom can sleep in (she's still a night owl!) Dad's been learning a lot, getting used to me and how I like things to be done. He's not used to the dirty diapers though. Mommy laughs & laughs at him, while he's gagging! I am almost 8 weeks old (really almost 4) Weigh about 8lbs 10oz & 20 3/4in long. I have started smiling this week. And trying to make some noises, other than grunting! I've been a lot less noisy at night, sleeping more sound.

We threw an early surprise 30th birthday party for mom. It was at the Post w/all the gang. She was surprised! Good thing I can keep a secret!

For New Year's Eve, we went to the Post w/Mamaw & Papaw Clark. Uncle Eric, Katrina, John & Tyla were there too. I got dressed up and wore my tuxedo shirt! Daddy was embarrassing! He sang karaoke, but I slept! He's going to embarrass me a lot through the years, I'm sure & a lot worse too. We stayed out & partied til 3AM! Happy 2009!

My 1st Christmas

I weigh 7lbs 7oz and am about 19 3/4in long! Mom & dad are happy b/c I am grunting less and less! Mom gets better sleep now! I am close to smiling. Very close. My mom says I have the prettiest dark blue eyes for a boy, & long eyelashes to flirt w/girls. She thinks I'm gonna be a heartbreaker. Thankfully, my hair on top has started to come back in! But now I'm wearing off a spot on the back. Good thing I have a decent amount! And it's dark!
What a fun, very eventful past two days! Mommy & Daddy had a special tree this year, just for me! It was decorated in blues and had baby themed ornaments. They said I was the best xmas present ever!
We had the Stallings Family Xmas here at home. I got an outfit from Aunt Melanie & Uncle Kenny, my cousins Azlin & Chris. Mammaw & Pappaw Stallings got me a stuffed animal. I met Kenny & Chris & Great Mama Coco for the first time. Then Santa Claus even came to visit!
We went to Mamaw & Papaw Clark's on Xmas Day. I got an outfit and a jean jacket from Uncle Eric, Aunt Katrina, & Haylee. Uncle Grant, Aunt Shannon & my wild & crazy cousins, Garrett, Alex & Cole got me 2 outfits and a pair of shoes! Mamaw & Papaw got me my favorite...food. Two big containers of formula & a boy cabbage patch kid. Daddy made fun of it but even he had one when he was little! He just won't admit it!
That night we went to the Etienne Family Xmas, this year was at Great Uncle David & Nancy's house. The little kids have a gift exchange. I had Noah's name & got him fishing stuff. Alexandria had my name. She wrote me a sweet letter that mommy put in my keepsake box & got me a teddy bear that laughs & a pair of booties. Great Grandpa Etienne gave me my first $5. It's in my piggy bank, that Uncle Daniel, Sherry, Zeb & Max gave me.
Pat, Glenda & Addison (who is mom & dad's godchild) got me a camoflauge bottle, pacifier, and bib. Now I'm ready to go hunting with the big boys at Deer Camp!
It was a great holiday. We are very blessed with our family of 3.

Newborn Photo Shoot

Since Mommy's home with me & her being the Queen of Frugalness, she decided to be my photographer. We got lots of good pics, even got Daddy to join in. Everyone thinks these are professionally done but nope just my momma! She's so good! Take a look and see!!

1 month old!

I am one month old today! I am growing like a weed! I am out of my preemie clothes and now into my newborn size! I enjoy sleeping on my belly, that's usually how I nap during the day. My hair on top of my head has started to disappear, going bald already. I like to be sang to, dance & listen to music, jury is still out about daddy's guitar playing. I am a big burper, there's no doubt if I have burped or not. You'll hear it! I've even embarrassed mom a couple of times in public! People are surprised that BIG noise came out of little ol' me!! Hee hee!
I am 4 weeks old and technically that means I'm only 0 weeks! I like it when mommy talks goofy to me, I really listen! I enjoy my tummy time and lift my head up like a big boy. Mom & dad are so proud of me! If only I could get them to stop taking SO MANY pictures of me!!

1st Pediatrician appt

Today I went to see Dr Johnston in Owensboro. All the nurses wanted to keep me, they thought I was so little & cute! Duh! What else would you expect them to say?!
Dr J was super happy with my progress. I weighed 5lbs 14oz and was 18in long! What a growth spurt in a week! I am filling out all my wrinkles, starting to look less like a shar-pei puppy!
Mom says I'm very nosey. I like to watch people talking to me. I really like the ceiling fan, even when it's off. I can hold my head up, they think I look like a turtle! I wrinkle up my forehead (3 full wrinkles) when I'm curiously looking around, like a little old man! Mommy & Mamaw Clark just laugh & laugh when I do that!
I eat like a big boy! Around 4 oz every 3 hours. Just started to sleep 4 hours straight at night time! Mom's happy!!

First days home & Thanksgiving

Mommy is tired! She isn't used to getting up & feeding me every 3 hours. She also can't get much sleep b/c I grunt all the time! Just like a little pig. Sometimes I even sound like a billy goat, or a horse. Dad thinks I sound like a chipmunk too. Just a little noisy, like my dad! Dad wonders if if I have colic* (he's clueless about babies!), but we've heard from others that it's common in preemies. I don't have any problems sleeping so I have no idea what they are talking about!
Since I am a preemie, I'm not supposed to be around a lot of people. Therefore, we stayed home for Thanksgiving. We all went to Uncle Eric & Katrina's to have dinner w/the gang. We have a lot to be thankful for this year!

Days in the NICU

Mom & dad went home without me, they were sad, but knew I was being taken care of by the best! They came to visit me everyday! I also had other visitors, some could come back to see me but not all, the rules are strict there.
I had a feeding tube for the first 3 days while I was sediated so I didn't burn up calories. I was jaundice and had some cool sunglasses to protect my eyes from the bililights. I had lots of monitors, wires everywhere. I would pull them off as often as I could, rotten already! Mom fed me on the 4th day, I was eating just 10cc (a teaspoon). I would hold my head up like a big boy! Strong as an ox! They bumped up my formula amounts real fast everyday & I got fats and lots of nutrients. I had lots of tests & xrays done. I was doing well & doing what I was told to do!
Dr. Hilmo would call mommy each day to update her in the AM, they would visit each evening then. They were pleased w/my progress. After a week in there, I got a PICC line which they usually put in thru your head. It's like an IV, but for longer use, than the others. So I was down to just that & my regular monitors. Mom & dad liked to see all the stuff gone but hated to see that on the side of my head. I still have a bald spot where they shaved my hair! I didn't have to have it for long though, it had to come out to have a MRI done. I was close to coming home!
By the end of my 13 day stay, I was eating almost 2oz every 3 hours. My weight went up & down, but left weighing 5lbs. Mom & dad spent the night w/me the day before I was released. I was so happy!! So were they! We came home on Tuesday, Nov 25th. Just in time for Turkey Day!

Uh oh!! Here I am...

Today was mommy's appt. 36 wks 1 day. Dad came along to go to the ultrasound first. The tech seemed worried and tried to arouse me by buzzing mom's belly but nothing happened. I wasn't responding or moving, just a heartbeat. She didn't like that. She checked to see if I was still a boy, dad was concerned and yep, I was! They asked if I was big but she said "no, he's really little." And wanted to get the doctor right away. Mom & dad were freaking out & scared.
Dr Harpole checked & mom was 2 cm & 50% thinned. She said the placenta wasn't working & I wasn't growing like I should have been b/c I wasn't getting what I needed from the placenta. Therefore, I had to come out. TODAY! She said mom would have eventually started having symptoms like bleeding but it probably would have been too late for me....So they went straight to the hospital. (Thankfully mom had just finished packing their bags, the diaper bag, and put the car seat in the car that day, just to be prepared since we were under a month to go.) Wow, pretty freaky huh?!?
At the hospital, monitors were hooked up & found mom was having contractions, (didn't know it) so no need for the pitocen, but my heartbeat would drop w/each contraction. Dr H said "that's it, we're doing a c-section, be ready by 4." I was born at 4:14PM!
I let everyone know I had arrived by screaming at the top of my lungs & then peed on the nurses! : ) Sprinkler works! I weighed 4lbs 10oz & was 16 3/4in long. Just a widdle guy! But I was strong & fiesty! I got to hang out w/the 'rents for awhile but the nurse wanted to get me checked out. Mommy's glad she did, thanks Nurse Heather. (she had 2 preemies herself, so she knew!) They took me to the NICU & found out I had some blood in my stomach. It was from being stressed in mom's belly. I was hooked up to all kinds of machines & had lots of tubes & wires. It was scary for us but I was a fighter! They said I would probably stay for 10-14 days.

Vacation or not?

On Wed, mom had a doctor's appt. She was checked for the first time and was 1 cm. She asked about getting the 2nd ultrasound. Dr Harpole said she needed a reason to order one, mom reminded her of how big they were when they were born, Dr H said that's a good reason! So next time, we'll find out! Also, this appt was to find out if she could travel to the wedding this weekend. YES!! It will be a longer trip though, so she can go potty & walk around too!
Off to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg we went for Brad & Ashley's wedding. It was my first vacation and their last one alone!! : ) We did lots of fun things while we were there. All their friends can't wait to meet me! Only a month to go! How can that be?

I have a name!!

Amazingly, mom & dad didn't take too long to decide on a name for me. Mom had always said if it was a boy then the middle name would be her maiden name, Clark. So after going through every name they could think of, one kept coming back up....Brady. That's it! Brady Clark Stallings. Mom says it sounds like a baseball player!

It's a....

Mom & Dad went to the doctor today for an ultrasound, hoping to find out what I am...mom guessed a boy & dad guessed a girl. Neither one cared though. Mom had been buying and buying since she found out & way before too, mostly for a boy. Luckily, they got to see everything needed for the doctor & found out I AM a BOY!! Woo Hoo!! I can't wait to be big and play baseball with dad!
Toward my due date, we can hopefully have another ultrasound to see how big I am going to be! Mom is worried that I'm going to be big like she & dad were (9lbs 3oz & 8lbs 6oz). Plus dad had a big ol' head like a basketball!!

EXTRA EXTRA!! Read all about it!!

Memorial Day weekend, mom & dad had the gang over for a party and had some big news to share! Dad even wore his tuxedo shirt, it was an important event!! They told everyone that I was on the way!! Due 12/9. Everyone was so excited!! And shocked! They couldn't keep it a secret any longer for two reasons: #1 mom was so sick with ALL day any time sickness, sorry mom! and #2 dad was about to burst not being able to tell anyone!!