I'm A Mama!

1.25.12 10:34 p.m.

So in LOVE with him!

 It's been exactly one week since we welcomed little Bradyn Alexander Page into the world. 10 days earlier than expected and after 10 hours of labor, he was in my arms. Suddenly having a son became a reality. I was in awe of him with his little cone-shaped head and squinty eyes. Dr. Norcross said, "He has Mama's nose." I think he has my hands and feet too. Call me biased, but I have yet to see any of Darren's features in him. Sorry, Dad.

Baby Bradyn, 10 seconds old

So precious.

Darren helping get Bradyn dressed

Such a good dad already!

  I was able to keep Bradyn close by for the entire two days we were in the hospital. There was no nursery and mothers are expected to breastfeed and keep their little ones with them 24-7. Darren stayed beside me (on the most uncomfortable reclining chair) and tended to our every need.

   

Meanwhile, I recovered and began to breastfed Bradyn. He latched on quickly, but it took a lot of patience and practice to get it just right. 

Bradyn in his UK car seat.

Putting on the going home outfit

  By day two we were anxious to take Bradyn home, but they needed to do a circumcision first. The procedure only took 30 minutes and Dr. Kiel said he was a perfect little angel. A couple hours later, we got him dressed, they checked out his car seat to make sure he was secure, and we were on our way! I remember it being cold and rainy, typical England weather. I of course sat in the backseat with him and although it was a quick drive home, we didn't hear a peep! Once we arrived, I couldn't stop taking pictures of him. Such a cutie and quite content to stay in his seat. 
We later skyped with Grandma Roxanne and Aunt Holly, fed Bradyn and then went to sleep! (For about 2 hours. :D )

I'm ready. Let's go!

 We were back to the pediatric clinic 3 days later to get a bilirubin test and make sure lil B was on the right track. He took the poking and prodding like a champ and barely cried.  His levels were borderline jaundice, so we repeated the procedure again the next day. I fed him until my eyes were bugging out, but luckily he gained weight and his poo was the right color!  Major Dimitris said to keep up the feeding and be back for his 2 week appointment February 1.

First doctor's appt. 5 days old

First Spit Bath

He loves his bouncy seat!

We will be picking up Badyn's British birth certificate Tuesday so he will have dual citizenship. What an amazing gift God has blessed us with! He has completely turned our world upside down. We never imagined we would feel this much love and pride for someone so small.

01.16.12

  Today we had the day off to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I spent the day catching up on some sleep and organizing for baby. I also did a lot of thinking. I thought about starting a countdown to my due date, but then realized there's a very good possibility that Bradyn won't actually arrive on or near the 28th.  He could come before, which I'm wishing for, or he could come 10 days later.  In which case, it could actually be 22 days until I greet this little squirt who has now made me feel as if my organs are mangled up inside.  Why make myself even more frustrated with a countdown that lasts longer than expected? So from this day forward, I'm going to think my due date is 4 weeks away and be pleasantly surprised.

  As I sit here thinking about when he will arrive, I also keep thinking about what will he look like. Darren made the comment the other day that he hopes Bradyn has my eyes, but not my feet because he hates my toes. My only flaw, haha! We both agreed he will be tall and have blonde hair, chubby cheeks, and he will most definitely enjoy eating dirt like his momma and daddy did. However, I am not going to test this theory because I have no potted plants in the house for him to get into like our parents did.  We both pray that the good Lord brings him into the world healthy and strong. 

  Here are some more pictures for your viewing pleasure- not posted to facebook. They were taken by Jacob Elliott,  soon to be famous maternity photographer. His son is in my class.  First photo shoot he's ever done and he has mad skills!

~38 Weeks~

Ready To ROLL!

01.08.11

 This week the car seat was delivered. Darren and I practiced putting it on the stroller since we bought them separately. Ebay is a wonderful thing. We saved a lot of money and lil man will be riding in style!

   I also purchased a diaper bag and this super cute changing pad cover.

For my lil monkey man!

People say I won't use a changing table, but at least it has great storage!

 I had my 36 week appointment Wednesday and she said everything was perfect. I've gained weight steadily, even with the holidays. BP's head is down and I'm really starting to feel him engage. I will go back at 38 weeks to see if I'm dilated and every week after. Our bags are packed and in the car. All we need now is a baby! 

Stay tuned....

~37 Weeks~

Happy 2012!

Matt and Rachel Miller

To new beginnings!  

  One new beginning started yesterday with the marriage of our friends, Matt and Rachel in Bury St. Edmunds. 

We have known Matt since our days at Eielson and were glad we could be there as his military family and be apart of his special day.

Darren and I were the witnesses

The wedding party-Rachel's sister, Sam and daughter, Katie-middle

Mr. and Mrs. Miller with Darren's Bentley, Benjamin

   We drove them to the reception, which was at the Deer's Leap in Thetford. We enjoyed a delicious and traditional British roast dinner.

 

36 weeks pregnant now!

Nun's Bridges in Thetford

The cake cutting started out innocently enough, but we all knew it was not going to end well.  And it didn't!

                                                  

 We got into some trouble stealing the groom. Definitely not a British tradition. Nevertheless, it was a great day and we spent the remainder of the night ringing in 2012 with some wonderful friends. 

 Here's to many more new memories and  beginnings in 2012! I can't wait to meet this baby!