Doctor Visit Update...

Today I am officially 17 weeks prego and had my monthly check-up at the doctor. I met our official doctor today too, which was wonderful. I really like him, he's so kind, very pleasant, asks questions and doesn't treat you like a number...a vast change from our last doctor. Also he got on my good side because he said I'm one of the lucky woman who doesn't look like she's four months pregnant. He kept complimenting me, it felt good! But enough about me, back to the good stuff and learning about the baby...

The doctor said the heartbeat looked great on the ultrasound and it looked really strong and healthy so thank goodness. He also said that the baby looked like it was going to be a big baby and larger than Brady. It was so cute to see him/her cuddled up in the fetal position, but since the baby was cuddled up the doc couldn't see the sex so it looks like i have to wait and find out next week with Nick at our actual ultrasound appointment. I was hoping to find out without him and try and keep it a secret, but no such luck. It was also cool to see how long the babies legs were. The doc said this is the cause of some of my pains lately and that this baby is for sure going to be a tall one. I'm going to laugh if it's a girl and she comes out a lot taller and bigger than B...poor B, he's too much like his mama.

All in all I'm feeling great now, no more morning sickness and I'm starting to get my energy back. I'm still worn out each day after running after Brady, but that's a good worn out. I'll update more next week when we find out if it's a boy or a girl.

Swimming in December

It's been unseasonably warm this December so the Bman has been swimming the past few days. Here are some photos. You can really see the missing tooth in these shots.

Too funny not to share

I know looking back one day my son will hate me for posting this, but it's too cute not to share...

The setting, Brady naked in the tub...

I see Brady sitting in the tub and it looks like he is clutching his, well in the crudest words, his balls and I ask Bubbas what are you doing. His response "I'm picking my butt." I say you're picking your butt, why and he responds with, "There's a hole in there." I say, "Yes Bubbas, that's where the poop comes out, let's not put our finger in there." He responds with a grin and stands up and says "Oh that's where the poops come out." Then he starts to giggle and proceeds to tell me over and over again how their is a hole in his butt where the poop comes out.

Kids are too much, I know it's normal but it was hard to keep a straight face with the expressions he had on his.

Love and miss you all.

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

About a year-and-a-half ago Brady fell on some tile and knocked one of his front teeth loose. We were hopeful we could save the tooth, but on our last trip to the dentist she said the tooth was now fractured and he had to have it pulled. He was starting to get an infection and if they didn't pull it, it would get worse and could potentially damage the next tooth coming in. I'm not sure who the procedure was worse on, me or the Bman. It broke my heart to see him get his tooth pulled. We prepped him for about five days, but it still did no good. They strapped him into a straight jacket/sleeping bag device to immobilize him, but he's so strong he started to bust the straps. They then gave him some nitrous to help calm him, but that didn't work, he just kept screaming. They eventually moved the nitrous from his nose to his mouth because he wouldn't breathe it in and was screaming so bad. At one point he was begging them screaming pleases take it off, and then kept yelling no thank you when they gave him the lidocaine shot and gel to numb the area. He also kept screaming I want my mommy, which broke my heart even more. It was a horrible experience and let's just say I'm not looking forward to his next cleaning because I'm sure he's now traumatized forever to go to the dentist. On the up side he got through it and is as cute as ever, just a little extra personality as my dad says. He's trying to get used to it and keeps putting his tongue in it. It's pretty funny. The new challenge is he can't use his sippy cup and can only eat soft foods for a few days, needless to say I'm not looking forward to going to bed this evening. You would think after all the screaming, nitrous, Tylenol, Motrin and lidocaine it would slow him down, but nope he's still running wild and showing no signs of stopping. Hoping to get him down for a nap soon. Any who, here are some before and after shots. Hope you enjoy. Love and miss you all.

Before...

After...

Colorful Ornaments Christmas

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

A Video for Payton from Brady

Random photos of the bman...Sept. 2010

Getting really good at riding his scooter when he's not being lazy and having dad push him.

He's such a goof, but he loves daddy's buckeye hat and his chief Wahoo (spelling) blanket.

The camera couldn't quite keep up with his bouncing on this one. Brady rediscovered his jumping toy at Aunt Mindy's and is reluctant to let baby Ethan keep it.

Look at that hair!

Our sweet boy!

Brady hasn't totally figured out this gun thing yet...Jack needs to show him how it's done.

Classic ignoring mom faces.

The man of many faces, my Brady!

Facebook | Random Sept. 2010

Facebook | Random Sept. 2010

Click the link above to view photos of the B-man! Love you all.

PS. Please comment if you can't view these and i'll post some online.

Care Page

For more baby Payton updates, visit: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/BabyHelsel/updates/2796673. She's such a brave girl and her mom, dad, brother and grandma and grandpa are amazingly strong as well.

We love you guys so much.

Baby Payton Update

It seems our little Payton is a feisty little fighter like her mama! She is still breathing on her own, had another good night last night and is gaining some weight. We appreciate all the prayers you've been saying for her continued health and for her safe homecoming, please keep them coming.

Mom and Russ are doing good, at home with Grandma and Grandpa and Jack-a-roo! They will do trips back and forth to the hospital and have been given the option to stay at the Renuccii or Ronald McDonald House for free which is a blessing in itself.

Jack continues to be a great big brother and a character as well! I just love that little boy, he's honestly too much. He and Brady are for sure going to be trouble together. Payton will have to put her feistiness to use and keep the two in-line.

Again thank you all and as I know more I'll send updates. We love you all and appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers.

Leadership From A Dancing Guy

The things kids say...

A story about my nephew Jack and his trip to the Target toy section with Grandpa.

Jack enters the toy section and immediately spots Buzz and Woody and begins to play with them and of course wants to take them home. Like most little boys right now Jack LOVES Buzz and Woody. Jack's happily playing with them and then spots some princesses and he promptly drops Buzz and Woody on the ground and says "sorry buzz and woody, I have to save the princesses."

He's a knight in shining armor already. That boy is going to break some serious hearts when he gets older!

Welcome Payton Elizabeth Helsel

To my friends and family, a message from my sister about my new niece:

Welcome our little girl--Payton Elizabeth Helsel!

She decided January 3rd was too far away and September 19 is a better birthday. She was born at 11:14 am Sunday morning, despite her mother's best efforts to keep her in. Birth-weight: 1.5 lbs. and about a foot long. I do not have all my email addresses, so please feel free to pass this on to other friends and loved ones and send my apologies! She has a very long road ahead of her. She will be in Grand Rapids in their NICU for a while. We are all optimistic. She seems to be a little fighter and a tough cookie. Please keep her in your prayers! Thanks for your support!

Love,

Nicki, Russ, & Jack

Brady line of the weekend

This weekend at Ethan's birthday party someone asked Brady if he was a genius and this was his response: "I'm not a genius, I'm a boy." Well he does have a point :-). Photos soon I promise.

love you all.

So Proud of the Bman

Last night Brady got up a few times to use the potty, but I'm so proud of him, because he kept his pull-up dry all night. He's really getting the hang of potty training and doing an amazing job. Even in the store yesterday and at dad's work, he blurts out "I gottah go pee," drops what he's doing and runs with me to the potty. I couldn't be more proud of him. I thought it was going to be a lot harder than this and I am pleasantly surprised. He still is having problems with the BM in the potty, but that's okay, we'll get there eventually. He also loves his "big boy pants." I'll ask him if he wants to wear a pull-up and he'll say no, I want my underpants. He's getting so big.

Speaking of getting big, last night Nick and I were watching TV with him and a baby came on and Nick said something about being a baby (his nickname is Baby Brady) and Brady looked at him and said no daddy I'm not a baby I'm a boy. Made me sad to think how he's growing so fast. He doesn't even look like a baby anymore, but a little boy. Maybe it's time for another baby...don't get any ideas, I'm not pregnant :).

I'll post more photos soon so you can see what a big boy he's becoming. Love and miss you all.

Brady comment of the night

Although there were many comments of the evening, this one is most memorable. The setting, Brady in the bath tub and Nick talking to him in the bathroom.

Brady to Dad: I'm peeing in the tub so I can have some more water.

Can't really fault the kid for his logic and problem solving. I need more water so why not pee in it. Silly goose!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

For those who haven't seen this yet...

The Latest Bradyisms...

Mom: Brady come sit over here please.
Brady: No
Mom: Brady come sit over here now...begin count...one...two...
Brady: OK, jeez mom!

Mom: Brady we don't say "God" we say "Gosh or Goodness"
Brady: Oh my GOSSSHHHHHHH (extend the shhh for about ten seconds.

Brady: I'm a "God"
Mom: No Brady, God wouldn't like it if you said that.
Brady: I'm a "Gosh"
Mom: Oh Vey Bubbas

Mom: I love you Brady.
Dad: I love you Brady.
Brady: I love you guys.

Mom: How's my little man doing?
Brady: I'm not a man I'm a boy.

Brady talking to Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Nicki: "I'm going to come to your house tomorrow and see you and play with the fishing pole and the frog and with Jack...but I don't bite Jack and I don't pinch Jack." :-)

Other great Brady quotes:

"I don't wanna pee on the floor, I want to pee in the potty, I tell you when I go."
"Mommy's a sucker."
"You guys love me so much and you're so proud of me...I'm the best." (yes he's confident)
"That's Terrible Daddy."
My personal favorite "It's okay mommy, I make you happy."

He's becoming quite the ham and a lot of fun. It's never a dull moment and if I wrote down all the isms I'd be here all day, so here's a taste. I hope you enjoyed. Be on the lookout for more photos and videos soon. He's always signing a nursery rhyme, R&B song, or the classic Take Me out to Ballgame, so we're bound to catch it soon.

Love you all, until next time.

It's been while

Hi All,

I know it's been a while since our last post and I apologize. Blame Facebook, I do all the updates there it seems. It's been a very busy summer for us this year. We went home to Michigan and Ohio in June and July and we've been going non-stop on weekends since our return. There have been numerous trips to Aunt Mindy's house, trips to Orange County, LA and soon to Phoenix. It's been a warm summer so we escape as often as possible. To put into perspective the coolest it's been this week is around 108 which is today up to a high of close to 120. Wouldn't you want to leave? I've been busy updating photos to our Shutterfly and Snapfish accounts though, so be on the lookout for emails soon. Mom and Dad, we're getting you guys Satellite so you can actually view the videos and photos, it's time.

Other than that, things are pretty normal around here for us. Nick is still working at Marriott and I'm still at the University. I'm always looking for the next step though. It's keeping me busy that's for sure.

That's about it for now. I'll send videos and photos soon.

Love and miss you all.

A Day of Firsts

Yesterday marked a few firsts for the Bman, the first time he went on the big boy potty unsolicited all by himself and the first time he got a hair cut at a barbershop/hair salon. We were totally surprised by his behavior on both accounts.

The potty story...we took his diaper off to let him air out his diaper rash and so we was running around the house naked...I decided to get in the shower and while I was in there I heard something and I looked out and there B was, peeing on the toilet. His excitement after was hilarious. We got him a new potty book that talks about being proud in the end so right after he said I'm so proud. It was adorable. Because he did such a great job, we decided to start potty training today and so far we've been really successful. He hasn't had a diaper on all day and has gone to the potty every 15 minutes with only two small accidents. He even went number two!!! Tomorrow we're going to bump the time to maybe every 20 minutes in the afternoon and see how he does. He seems to really like his pull ups too. He wasn't too sure about big boy underpants, but he seems to like his pull ups.

The Haircut. We actually had to do some bribing and build up for the haircut, Nick and I were really worried. We told him if he was good getting his haircut he could go to chuck-e-cheese so of course he was all jazzed about it. He didn't cry and he only had a couple of times where he was really uncomfortable. The only part he didn't like was wearing the cape. When he was done and the stylist took the the cape off he said thank you so much for taking that off. If that was the worst part then I guess we're okay. As promised we took him to chuck-e-cheese and the mall to play so I think he got his reward!!!

All in all a great day, will keep you posted on the potty progress!

The Rally Monkey

Since going to the Angels game two weeks ago, Brady has been obsessed with the Rally Monkey. We have to play the video at least once a day for him so he can dance to it. It's hilarious. Here's one of about 3o videos taken thus far of the rally monkey dance. He's not speaking much in it, but his moves say it all!

The Things Kids Say

The latest crazy comment came out of Brady's mouth yesterday while playing in his pop-up tent. I was acting like I was saving him and he looked at me and yelled "Super Mommy to the Rescue." He's nuts and I don't know where he gets this stuff. Being that both Nick and I cracked up in reaction he said it all day today which was pretty fitting for Mother's Day.

The day got even better though for me with the comments. When I was putting him to sleep he wrapped his hands around my neck gave me a big hug and said I love you so much and then whispered Happy Mother's day. This kid is too much. I love him so much and had the best mom's day thus far!

Happy Mother's Day

Brady wanted to wish all the mommies out there a happy mother's day!

60th Wedding Anniversary

This is amazing, this May marks my Grandma and Grandpa's 60th Wedding Anniversary. It's so inspiring to see them and their love for each other. Since most of us West-Coast Grand kids can't be there to celebrate in person we're having a webcam party over Memorial weekend to celebrate with them. I wish I could be there in person but at least we'll be there both digitally and in spirit. Any who, they have lots of fun things planned for their anniversary gifts and on one of them they have the following poem that is so beautiful I just had to share. I'm looking forward to when Brady will do the same for Nick and I. Love you and Nana and Papa! :-)

It started with a simple ring, many years ago,
And now you have a treasure chest that's begun to overflow.
For 25 years of married bliss, much silver did you store,
And then you reached your 40th, with ruby stones galore!
You travelled through life to 50 years of happy wedded bliss
Your treasure grew with golden gifts, to toast your happiness
And now you've reached that special day, that's only seen by few
60 years together, now its diamonds for both of you.
But the treasure that you value most isn't jewels, silver or gold
But the love you have for each other, that has never grown old!
Congratulations on your Diamond Wedding Anniversary !

Vote for Jack!!!

Hi All,

If you can, please vote for Jack, see my sister's message below. He's so cute he has to win. I posted on Facebook too, if you could do the same let's see if he wins!!! Love yahl!

FROM NICKI:
I am exploiting my child....You will think I am crazy, but if you get a moment and feel inclined I entered Jack into a Parent's Magazine photo contest and he is a finalist for the "viewer's choice" category for now and could use your votes! I did not originally intend for this category, but they sent me an email about it so I am passing it on.... Here's the link:
http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/245581?esrc=nwphotofaves4a
Thanks for your time and support :)
You can vote everyday if you want!

Photos

Hi All,

In case you see this before you check your e-mail, you can view our latest photos at:
http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3795204007/a=29089811_29089811/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

They are from December 09 thru the middle of April. If you guys didn't get the November photos I sent a while back, please let me know and I'll resend.

Love and miss you all!

I almost forgot...

The other Bradyism of the day was coming back from the pool, Mr. B was quite the gassy little man and I made the mistake of saying after one of the many loud obnoxious toots, do you feel better buddy. The next loud and long toot he had he looked at me and let a big sigh and said ahhh I feel better. I really need to watch what I say. It was pretty cute though.

Bradyism of the day...

While eating dinner we experienced another classic Brady moment. After he finished eating his food he looked over at us and said mmmmm that's so tasty. The look on his face was priceless, Nick and I were rolling.

And for the one I was going to keep to myself, but then decided to share, the other day as I was getting ready in the closet, Brady came in and hit me on the butt and said mommy's big butt...already with the jokes buddy, come on :-)

Love and miss you all tons, enjoy the weekend!

Conversations with the Bman

Brady is really coming a long way in how he expresses himself, the words he uses and the number he can clump together. Each day is something new, fun and exciting. Tonight's conversations were no different.

The setting...Brady jumping on the couch and hiding in the couch pillows yelling "I'm so cute!" And now for the rest of the conversation...

Brady to mom and dad: I'm so cute, I'm so cute, look at me, I'm so cute (insert him ducking behind the pillows and then reappearing.)

Mom and Dad to Brady: "Yes you are so cute, you're the cutest boy in the world."

Brady to mom and Dad: "Sometimes."

Mom and Dad to Brady: "You got that right :-).

Skip forward about a half hour or so to Brady playing with his toys and figuring out how to put the stake in hole of his golf cup....


Brady to mom and dad: "I did it, it's perfect. It's perfect!"


Mom and dad to brady: "Good job bubbas, you did it."

Brady to mom and dad: "I'm perfect. I'm perfect."

He cracks me up and is already a witty kid. Nick and I are in trouble to say the very least.

On a similar note, things are becoming much more fun as he is starting to get into his books, nursery rhymes and singing. He is now doing the signs and singing all the songs I've been singing to him since he was born. It's so cool to see it pay off. My favorites so far are when he does the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Ring Around the Rosie, the Wheels on the Bus, and now happy birthday (not sure where this came from, but all of a sudden he keeps wishing me happy birthday and giving me hugs and kisses, it's a little strange, but I like it). He's beyond animated with them all. I can't wait for you guys to see him again.

A Present For You

I know I say this all the time, but Brady really is a character. This weekend he melted my heart once again. The Conversation went a little something like this.

Brady to Mom: I have a present for you.

Mom to Brady: You do, what is it.

Brady leans forward to mom and smacks a big kiss on her lips and says mmmwa and I love.

Seriously, doesn't get much better than that...BUT throughout the rest of the day on Sunday he was a total monster and every time he got in trouble he would pull this present thing on me. He melts my heart, but he's such a little manipulator. :-) Love that boy

"We go to Chruch"

I haven't taken Brady to church in a while because let's face it, that boy can't sit still for more than 30 seconds unless he's watching Dora or Barney, but I've been wanting to go so I finally swallowed my pride and sanity and took him with me. I started the morning off with a trip to the park hoping that would run him down before sitting for 45 minutes and we talked and talked about going to church and being quiet. He was very excited to go, until we got there. He did okay for the first 5-10 minutes drinking his juice and sitting on my lap, but then he wanted down so I let him down to read and color...then he started saying quite loudly, I color the wall, so we quickly put the crayons away. Then we got out the fruit snack because Brady saw it in my purse and started to yell snack snack so i gave it him. That kept him quiet for about two minutes and then it was back to the floor to color and play with his animals he brought. One of his favorite things to do is to name each one and "how they go". So he proceeds to do so in a not so quiet voice. Meanwhile some are laughing at him, sorry are giving dirty looks and others you can tell are trying to ignore him and listed to father, but just can't do it. The worst or most embarrassing moment for me, however, was when he was sitting on the floor and farts. It never fails every time this boy farts he looks at me and says "did you poop" so of course sticking to his routine, he farts, looks at me and repeatedly says did you poop. It was about five minutes after that when he started to yell...we go buh bye over and over again that we made a polite exit out the door. i love the church, but I'm wondering if I need to switch to a church that has a cry room and a nursery for him to visit, because today was a disaster, maybe if I had someone else with me it wouldn't be bad, but by myself again is not recommended. At least it was funny despite my embarrassment :-)

Randall Trail

The wildflowers are out in full bloom, such a gorgeous trail.

Random Brady...He's always up to something.

Watching TV upside down is his latest thing.

Not too often do we experience this, Brady being calm.

Goofball on the patio eating breakfast.

He got stuck in his shirt.

Ethan and Brady

Ethan was kind enought to let Brady use his chair.

Ethan came to visit Brady the other day and they got along much better this time than the previous encounter. Too cute.

White Water Canyon Reserve Trail

Can you see both frogs in this picture?

Last weekend we took on two trails, the White Water Canyon Trail and the Randall trail. The Canyon trail we did with Min and Chris and Ethan. Unfortunately it was extremely windy and we weren't properly dressed and were freezing (freezing by socal standards, not MI :-)). It was a different kind of trail from what we're used to, but fun and scenic all the same.