5 Months...

With the holiday season in full swing we were pretty busy all month.  Brendan once again, just rolled with everything (including all the crazy holiday shoppers).  I'm not sure what super-fertilizer is in his formula, but man he is growing like a weed lately.  Every day he seems bigger, he is already starting to grow out of clothes again.

 

News from the last month...

• Brendan started on rice cereal after his 4mo check up and he loves his "real" food and we can't feed him fast enough. (it's more like shoveling it in)
• B is sitting up... Well, sitting up with assistance. (he thinks he is pretty big stuff)
• He is a Rolly Polly Olly too... Lay him down anywhere and he is flipping & rolling in seconds.
• Although B didn't get to eat any turkey for Thanksgiving this year, he did get to sit at the adult table and babble what he was thankful for.
• We met Santa for the first time, and Brendan really didn't seem to impressed.  He just stared and smiled at him and stared some more.  At least he didn't scream or cry...
• Two little toofies are making there way up...  As with all things teething it could be days, weeks, months. (Mommy is hoping for weeks)

 What will happen this next month?  Christmas & New Years for sure, maybe 2 bottom teeth, maybe sitting up and more talking for sure...

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Santa & his Reindeer...

Brendan decided to dress up like one of Santa's eight tiny reindeer for a Christmas Party Fun Run in hopes that Santa would be impressed by his enthusiasm.  Santa was very impressed and excited to meet Brendan for the first time.  B on the other hand thought the outfit was kinda silly (Daddy agreed) and that Santa was just some guy dressed in a soft red jacket.  So here's to our first unofficial Santa pic.

     

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Thankful Thanksgivings...

This week Americans look forward to how we will celebrate Thanksgiving, whether it is with turkey overload, football games, Macy's Parade, spending time with loved ones, fun runs, preparing for Black Friday, traveling or most importantly being thankful for all we have... This year Mark and I feel extra blessed that our prayers were answered and for that we have so much to be thankful for.

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him."  1 Samuel 1:27

XOXO - Mark & Kay

4 Months...

Another month has flown by way too fast, and Brendan is changing everyday into a little baby not a newborn anymore. He continues to be so easy going and such a little observer (I swear he doesn't miss anything).

 

In the last month...

• Official Stats from 4 Month Check-Up are: 25 1/2in & 14lbs 10oz  (and he was a trooper yet again on the shots, only cried a little... Me on the other hand, I cried...)
•  B started rolling over a few weeks ago.  He thinks it is so much fun, and squeals & giggles when he does it... Of course the chorus of "yays" from Mommy and Daddy can't hurt...
• We have a little Michael Jordan on our hands... B's tongue is always out when he is concentrating on something... I finally captured it on film too.
• Getting our little cat-napper to start having a longer afternoon nap has been a challenge, but he is finally starting to go with the flow most days... Darn Daylight Savings!
• As always, B is a talker...  The newest additions to his vocabulary are "Mo", "No", "Do" and what we think may be a "Ma". 
• B is a VERY ticklish little mans and we get the loudest laughs when the "Tickle Monster" attacks.

 

   

Here's to Thanksgiving, our first Santa encounter, lots of family gatherings and getting ready for his first Christmas...

 XOXO - Mark & Kay

TRICK OR TREAT!!!

We kept it pretty low key for Halloween this year.  Only visiting a few of Brendan's little friends houses, and he got his first few pieces of candy. He didn't know what to make of it, but he for sure enjoyed having the door bell ring every few minutes and hearing  "TRICK OR TREAT!!!" yelled at him by the big kids. 

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Pumpkin Smumpkin...

In an attempt to follow in the grand tradition of taking your children to the pumpkin patch we got nada... I know, I know B isn't old enough to care about the pumpkins (carving, painting, picking or any of it), corn maze, hay ride, petting zoo or any of the fun to be had by bigger kids.

But... all we really wanted was one good picture... One...  For once our easy going little man wanted nothing to do with the camera... Of course as soon as I put the camera up, he turned back into himself and was talking and smiling...

   

Brendan clearly wasn't impressed with the pumpkin patch this year.

Hopefully, Santa photos go better...

XOXO - Mark & Kay

3 Months...

Brendan keeps being the biggest and best blessing in our family.  This month was full of events & outings, and he was completely relaxed and just rolled with the punches.  B dazzled all the ladies with his smile, talked it up with a few of his little cousins and he even tried his hand at dancing at a wedding (I can hear the "Oh Mom..." already, as I make him dance with me when he is older...) 

 

Just a few tidbits from the past month...

• B makes the silliest faces (as seen by these pics)... His personality is starting to shine for sure.  He smiles at almost everyone he meets (really likes the ladies), but gets super excited when he sees his Grandpa or Nana.
• Talking, Talking and More Talking...  His favorite words this month were "Hooww" & "Whoo"...
• His baby bathtub is officially in the big tub now, he kicks and splashed so much that his bathroom was soaked every night... I think bath time might be his favorite part of the day.
• First cool weather of fall arrived, so B has finally been able to enjoy being outside more, going on walks and even wear long sleeves & pants (at least in the morning)...
• B thinks that it is more fun to try and sit up in his Bumbo (or anywhere for that matter) than be on his tummy and learning to roll over...
     
  Here's looking forward to this month... 
  Trick or Treating, Pumpkin Patch, cooler weather and lots of Fall fun...

We are all thumbs

So over the last few days, Brendan has some new best friends...

His thumbs...  He is not at all particular on whether he plays with right or left...  He can not figure out what to do with the four other fingers...  But he loves to put those tiny little thumbs in his mouth... He kicked out his paci just to try and suck on them.

 XOXO - Mark & Kay

Football, Football, Footbal...

So, Mark is starting B off with his Fall Weekend Ritual early.  Football, Football and more football. Whether it's college on Saturday or the Pat's & keeping up with his Fantasy Players on Sunday, I loose my husband to the TV every Fall.

I laughed so hard as I caught this image. It would appear that little man likes what he sees on the TV too...

XOXO - Mark & Kay

2 Months...

Brendan is now 2 months old and continues to amaze us everyday with his awesomeness...

In celebration of his Two Month Birthday, B had his doctors visit today including shots (our little man was such a trooper, only cried a little). He is officially 11lbs 8oz & 23 1/4inches. Wow, what a difference from the tiny 6 lbs he once was. He is even starting to outgrow some of his 3M clothes.

B accomplished some great new things over the last month... Just to name a few...

• Holds head up for long time, is trying so hard to sit up, roll over and at times thinks he can stand (um no he can't, yet)
• Talking all the time with words like "ooh", "whooo" (we have an owl), "aaah", "whoa" (like Joey from Blossom), the list goes on... Mark even thinks he meowed once (lol)
• Sleeps at night for about a 6-8 hour stretch, then up at 6:30-7:00 no matter what (he loves the mornings)
• Loves bath time (he's going to be a water baby for sure), but hates being naked after
• Wakes up every morning with the BIGGEST smile, so happy and talking up a storm
• In the last week or so, a giggle of sorts has developed (it is too cute)

We can't wait to see what the next month brings, but we have a feeling laughing, much more talking and trying to roll over will be on the agenda.

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Yay, September

Bye Bye Hot August...  You were so hot you exhausted me.

But Good Morning September...  I am so excited to meet you...

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Get on the Smile Train

It's official...  We have a real smile...  Of course every time I get the camera ready he stops and goes "oooh" or "aaaah".  Yes, he has discovered he can talk too.  Likes to talk to his toys, but doesn't understand why they don't answer back. 

Melts my heart to get that gummy grin and such sweet sounds...

XOXO - Mark & Kay

1 Month...

One month ago today Little B was born. Besides a bit of sleep deprivation; B has made parenthood so awesome so far.

Brendan's First Month included some of the below things (in no particular order)...

 

flying on a plane
sleeping through a birthday party
sleeping mostly through another party

poo poo on Daddy

enjoying tummy time (actually LOVES it)
living in a hotel for a week
sleeping at night 5 straight hours (happened once)

going w/ Mommy to Walmart & Target

loving his Wubanub
play mat time (aka baby crack)
staring at me while feeding (that or the blinds behind me)
had first fever (boo, dang heat...)

grown to over 8 lbs
met his Golly (aka my mom) & Grandpa B (aka Marks dad)
discovered self in the mirror

napped with Mommy

learned he has a really loud cry (more like a scream)
ignoring that darn camera that is in his face all the time
has a little baby acne
peed on Mommy & Daddy

snuggled with Daddy during Sports Center
talked to Daddy on Skype when he was on the road
been licked/kissed by his furry puppy
smiled (kinda)

...and most importantly he is teaching Mommy & Daddy that their hearts are fuller everyday for being his parents...

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Happy 2 Week BDay!!!

What a whirlwind few weeks... Brendan is 2 weeks old and we are celebrating with a few more hours of sleep (lol).

It all started with a text the would change everything and bring you into our lives forever. “pack ur bags! Ill call when I can”

And pack we did... Mommy & Daddy were on the first flight to AZ in the morning to be there as you entered the world. Well, we were a bit late, but as soon as we made it to the hospital we were greeted by a healthy few hour old little Baby Brendan and your birth family.

When we finally left the hospital after a few days, our new family called a hotel home for almost a week as we waited on paperwork to be completed for us to come back to TEXAS.

You met some family friends, had a few lunches out, napped with daddy, met your Grandpa B and even went to the doctor a few times.

One of the best parts of your first two weeks, was the flight back to Texas last Tuesday. You made us so proud how you slept the whole flight. We had a bottle and paci ready to go, but you needed nothing but to be held in my arms the whole time... My brave little man.Since we've been home you've began to settle into a bit of a eating/sleeping pattern, met even more friends and family and even been kissed by your furry big brother (I can tell he will be your best friend).

Brendan your the sweetest little boy and Mommy & Daddy love you more and more everyday as we watch you grow and learn. We can't wait to see what you will do over the next few weeks.

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Home Sweet Home

Brendan Crosby Mehrens

Born: July 17, 2011 at 8:05am
6lbs 3oz - 20in

After a very long wait, Mark and I are so excited to finally announce the arrival home sweet home of our beautiful baby boy. This journey into parenthood was long and hard at times but all that heartache and the frustration were quickly put behind us as the nurses placed Brendan in my arms for the first time. "Here is your baby boy Mom..."

Thank you again to our friends and family that have been there over the years. Your prayers and support have helped make this day possible.

Welcome home baby boy... Mommy & Daddy are the luckiest parents in the world.

XOXO - Mark & Kay

T-Minus 30 Days

With less than a month to go till Baby B's due date, Mark and I are prepping to get "The Call".

Since we will have to stay in Arizona for at least 7 days after B is born, there is lots to do for life in a hotel room with a newborn. I try to be a planner, but procrastinator is more my style. So the fact that there is a to do list, and thing are being checked off is amazing (of course Mark was in charge of a bunch).

Plane tickets, rental car and hotel are reserved. 2 BIG boxes are being shipped to a friend in Phoenix this week, so we don't have to cart them through the airport in a rush. Of course coming back will be another adventure, not sure if we are flying or driving (all depends on B).

Baby clothes & blankets are washed, laid out and ready to be packed. A list of things to buy in AZ and a bunch of important paperwork is piled up and ready to grab. Our luggage is out and ready to throw clothes in (hopefully clean, but dirty if it has to be).

L&S are stressed thinking about of me leaving from work (at least 8 weeks w/out me). Mark is planning his schedule around the trip. Owen's babysitter is in the works (volunteers anyone?), house-sitter is done (thanks Grandpa).

I know we are forgetting something, but oh well... We are T-Minus 30 days from becoming parents!!!

XOXO - Mark & Kay

We have a Room... Sort of...

Less than 8 weeks to go until Baby B's due date (BM & B are doing great), and finally his room is starting to come together. Hope he loves baseball as much as the rest of The Mehrens Family.

Still more to do to get it ready for him (kinda needs crib fixed up...lol), but such a change from the Junk Room with white walls it was just a year ago. To think by the end of summer, it will finally be used as the room it was always meant to be, not just a place for Owen to lounge in or to pile junk in (wish I had a good before, it was a junk pile).

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Happy 5th Birthday Owen

We need to give a shout out to our 4 legged furry baby boy. Sorry for being a few days late.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY OWEN!!!

You were so wiggly and tiny when you first came home at 6 wks old, and now you are a big (90 lbs) and silly boy.

XOXO - Mark & Kay (aka Mom & Dad)

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting...

Every day, week, month we are just a tad closer to the due date (only 11 weeks to go). And slowly but surely Mark and I are getting ready for Baby B's birth.

Pediatricians been picked out, nursery is about 1/3 way done, we've purchased the car seat, stroller, pack-n-play, bottles, diapers, some blankets/clothes and gradually we are collecting the necessities of life for a newborn.

One thing we don't have is patience for waiting. We are so ready to get that call and fly to Arizona to meet our baby boy.

I know, I know... "You should enjoy your time before your life changes forever." "Get the sleep while you can." and all that fun advise. (and all very true and good) But... When you have been waiting for over 6 years, more waiting just means more waiting.

So here's to August 2nd getting here, so Mark can count 10 finger & 10 toes on our beautiful healthy baby boy.

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Registry Ideas

In a quest to register and purchase items for our little man, I recently asked for advise from others.

Posted on FB: "Moms - What is your favorite, can't live without it or wish I thought of this baby item?"

Thank you for ALL the ideas... Here are a few of our favorites.

Miracle Blanket

Pacifier Leash

Bouncer

Formula Dispenser

Bumbo

Dr. Smith's

XOXO - Mark & Kay

Our Wait is Almost Over

A little over a year ago Mark and I started down the road to adoption to become parents after ending our journey through fertility. In June we finalized our paperwork, home visits and were approved to adopt. A few months ago we were matched with a wonderful birth-mother in Arizona. In August this little angel will be born.

We are blessed/excited/happy/nervous/filled with every emotion you can find... To FINALLY Announce... Our Wait is Almost Over... Brendan Crosby Mehrens is due Aug 2.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank each of you who has said a prayer, lent an ear and been there for us over the years as our journey to parenthood has been an interesting one to say the least. We ask for your continued prayers (for those that know about the adoption process) until our beautiful little boy is in our arms.

XOXO- Mark & Kay

Starting Over - Blogger Style

Instead of getting a whole new blog (cuz I have like 3 followers on this one) and having to re-design everything from scratch, I decided to only partially start over. Since so much of my past few years posts dealt with my fertility or lack there of, and we got off that roller coaster a while back, I decided a fresh start was needed. I made copies of all my past posts for myself, and will keep those for my memories.

This is the first post of a new mission I have to keep our family and friends updated on our life and soon to be growing family (hint hint).

Here's to partial new beginnings.

XOXO- Mark & Kay