7 and 8-Months!!!

Brixen Christopher is Getting So Big...

I have to admit, I have been slacking on updating our Blog.  I do apologize.  Being a Mommy, Wife, and having a career is hard work.  When I have a few extra minutes, I just want to relax.  Anyway, I got up early just so I could update our Blog.  I hope you enjoy!

My last Blog Update was at 6-Months and a lot has changed since that time.  Brixen was 8-Months Old yesterday!  I can't believe it.  I would say there was the most changes from 7-Months to 8-Months.  My Mom and Sister were here at 7-Months and now my Mom is coming back this weekend.  I think she will be surprised.  

Brixen has been sitting up on his own for awhile but he now can sit himself up.  He also pulls himself up, which is the cutest thing ever!  We lowered his bed because when he wakes up, I can hear him...  I go into his room and all I see is a little head trying to look over the crib.  He is standing up!  We got him this play area too and he pulls himself up in there.  

HE LOVES TOYS!  And, of course, chewing on everything.  He now has 2 TEETH and I think he is getting more.  We can usually tell because he will wake up in the middle of the night.  We just put orajel on his teeth and he goes back to sleep.  His two bottom teeth are so adorable.  I love when he smiles.

Brixen now has mastered the word DA-DA!  Chris loves hearing him say that even though Brixen really doesn't know yet.  We are teaching him that DA-DA is Chris and point to him.  No Momma yet but I hope it comes soon.  He babbles all day long and is REALLY LOUD!  LOL!

He is sleeping and eating very well.  Although, he seems to be a picky eater.  He LOVES bananas and doesn't like anything green.  I am trying not to worry about it and eventually I will try again or mix it with something.  He is still taking 2 naps a day and probably will for awhile but they are not as long as they use to be.  His schedule is about the same everyday, give or take.

7:00 AM:  Wake-Up; 6 to 8-OZ Bottle

8:30 AM:  Breakfast...  Any Kind of Fruit w/ Oatmeal

10:00 AM:  Morning Nap

After Nap:  6-OZ Bottle

1:00 PM:  Lunch (Veggie or Fruit)

2:00 PM:  Afternoon Nap

After Nap:  6-OZ Bottle

5:30 PM:  Dinner (Turkey w/ Rice or Apples w/ Chicken...  Carrots or Bananas)

7:30 PM:  4-OZ Bottle - BEDTIME

Brixen does sleep through the night.  Between his nighttime sleep and his naps, he probably sleeps about 15-hours.  This is pretty normal for an 8-Month Old.  We are pleased with it.  Almost 12-hours at night and another 3-hours during the day.  And, I am trying to incorporate new foods as much as I can.  If he doesn't like it, he keeps his mouth shut and won't open it.  Funny!

We have a Baby Dedication at our Church on Sunday, November 13.  Brixen is being dedicated and we can't wait.  We have been looking forward to this moment.  We haven't decided on his picture yet though.  Below are our two choices.  WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The Keller Family is anxious for the Holiday Season to arrive.  This time of year is our favorite, especially in-between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It will be extra special this year with Brixen's 1st.  Lots of photos and videos to come.  I just posted a ton on FB if you haven't seen them.  

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

6-Months!!!

Our baby boy is 6-MONTHS!!!  WOW!  I know this is 5-days late but we have had a super busy Summer and it sure is harder to get Brixen to stay still for a photo.  I tried once and it didn't work!  LOL!  So, I waited and almost forgot until my Mom had asked about it.

Brixen had his 6-Month Well Check-Up on Friday, August 19.  That was one year to the date we heard his heart beat for the first time.  And, the lady who did our ultrasound hinted that we were having a boy!  Pretty cool!  His appointment went very well.  He got two shots and DIDN'T EVEN CRY!  Although, he was pretty fussy the next day.  I think his little leggies were sore.  He is doing much better now.  It only phased him for a day or so.

Weight:  17-lbs; 2-oz (45 Percentile)

Height:  27.5-Inches (85 Percentile)

Head:  44.5-CM (75 Percentile)

Brixen is very tall for his age.  Maybe he will be a basketball player!  We also talked to the doctor about food.  At the time of the appointment, he was getting 2-meals per day.  The doctor said to put him on 3-meals per day and bottles for snacks and before bed.  So, I was excited about that.  We went shopping that day and bought some new foods for him to try.  We wait a few days in between trying new foods though.  So, now Brixen has a new schedule...  Last time, I had blogged about his schedule but since he is eating 3-meals per day, it has changed.

Brixen sleeps through the night consistently now.  He was waking up from time to time but the doctor suggested that he was waking up because of habit...  He knew Mommy would feed him.  So, even though it was the hardest thing I had to do, I let him cry himself to sleep and since that night, he was done awesome.  If he does wake up, I rush to his room to put his pacifier back in his mouth, rub is back for a minute, and head back to bed.  Loving it!

We have the same routine every night.  We usually start to get ready for bed around 7:30 PM.  He gets his bottle, which he feeds himself.  We rock in the chair and I read him his nighttime story and we say our prayers.  He is sleeping around 8 PM on his own.  He sleeps for 12-hours!!!  When he gets up, he likes to eat about 30-minutes after.  For breakfast, he has been getting a combo of apples, bananas, and strawberries.  It is all combined in one jar and is the 2nd stage foods.  After that, he will have some apple juice in his sippy cup!  I love that he loves his new sippy cup.  Trying to do away with the bottles.  For lunch, he has been eating squash.  For dinner, carrots.  Eventually, over the next few days, we will try difference veggies and also add in meats.  We got some turkey for him to try.  Looking forward to it.  He is also getting around 20-oz still of formula per day.

Well...  I think that is about all for now!  We are heading to MI this weekend to visit my family for my Mom's birthday.  We haven't been back in 8-weeks so we are really looking forward to some relaxation time.  Our Summer has been extremely busy.  Business is going great and getting better each and everyday!  We can't wait for the Fall and football season!

Brixen's Schedule

It was very hard for me not to have a schedule when Brixen was born.  Ever since I can remember, I always made a "To-Do List" and was extremely organized.  But when Brixen was born, I realized very quickly that I wasn't always going to get everything done on my To-Do List, etc.  I struggled for awhile with this because I always want things done a certain way.  But as time goes on, I have learned to let go (somewhat)!

Now, that Brixen is getting a bit older and I have really figured him out...  I am able to get back more on a schedule.  It definitely isn't what it was like before Brixen was born, however, it is better now!  I have learned that not everything has to be perfect.  I still have my days where I want to get everything done...  It sometimes can be hard keeping up with the house, taking care of Brixen, and working all at the same time.  But I am a strong woman and I am doing it!  It does help that I have learned to ask for help from Chris!  Being independent my entire life, it also was hard to ask for help.

Brixen has a schedule and sometimes it is the same for a couple of days and than it gets thrown off a bit.  And, it is okay!  :)  Brixen is changing each and every day.  I love seeing him grow.  Some days he is more tired than others or more hungry than others.  But I have to admit that I do like being somewhat on a schedule.  And, it sure helps that he sleeps through the night, most nights!

Typically, Brixen goes to bed between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.  It really just depends when he starts to get fussy or if we are out doing something that evening.  The past couple of nights he has gotten up around 1:00 AM...  It is hard to get him to go back to sleep with just the pacifier so I end up giving him a bottle to get him back to sleep.  I would say he gets up at 1:00 AM about 2 or 3-times per week.  I think he is doing this a lot more because he is starting to teeth.  But most of the time he sleeps until around 5:00 AM.  I always give him a bottle and he goes back to bed until about 7:30 AM, which has been about 12-hours since he went to bed.

In the mornings, he will eat oatmeal and fruit mixed in.  After that, he gets tired about an hour after he eats and will sleep for about 2-hours.  Sometimes it is less but never over.  When he wakes up, he likes to play for just a bit and gets hungry.  The next two meals, I give him a bottle.  He usually eats dinner around 5:00 or 5:30 PM.  Again, he gets oatmeal with fruit mixed in.  So, two meals a day and bottles for the other feedings.  

I think he is starting to want more baby food, so I may go to three meals a day.  He still gets a lot of formula too.  Big boy!  Oh yea, he eats about every 3 to 3.5-hours.  That is usually the same every day.  He is a hungry boy!  Typically, he takes 2 naps per day.  However, today, he seemed sleepy so he is taking a nap now, which may put him at 3 naps for today.  

When Brixen is sleeping, I am able to get work done, laundry, and even work-out, which I try to do 4 to 5-times per week.  THE BEST PART OF EACH DAY IS SEEING HIM WHEN HE WAKES UP IN THE MORNING OR FROM A NAP!  He is so precious and I just love being a Mommy.  It truly is the best thing in the world!  I can't wait to see what the future has in-store for us and our son, Brixen!  I LOVE YOU BRIXEN CHRISTOPHER!

5-Months!!!

Brixen Christopher Keller

July 18, 2011:  5-Months Old

Brixen is getting so big...  I should weigh him to see how much he has gained.  We go for his 6-Month Well Check-Up next month, the same day we heard his heart beat for the 1st time last year!  Over the past month, he definitely has changed a lot.  He SMILES all the time and at everyone!  HE LOVES PEOPLE!  Here are some of the things he is doing now...

Plays w/ Toes and Feet

Puts Foot in Mouth

Rolls Over - Back to Front and Front to Back

Grabs at EVERYTHING

Puts Everything in Mouth

Sleeps Through Night

Started Solids (Still Trying to Get into Routine)

Almost Sitting by Himself

Very Active Legs ("Mr. Kicky")

I think that is pretty much it...  I am sure I probably missed something!  The best part now is that he has been sleeping through the night since about a week before he was 4-months old.  But it is more consistent now.  He goes to bed between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.  He sleeps until around 5:00 AM (depends on the night but sometimes he sleeps later).  He will eat and go back to bed after that feeding.  So, he is sleeping about 12-hours each night with a short break.  I am very happy with it.  

Each day gets better and better!  We love being parents...  Being a Mom is the best thing in the world.  We can't wait to have another baby.  However, it will be awhile.  Brixen brings such joy to us.  We are so thankful and blessed that God brought Brixen into our lives...  He is such a happy, healthy baby boy!  THANK YOU GOD!

Trip to Harrisburg, PA

Each Summer around this time, we usually make a trip to PA to visit with Chris' family.  It is always a nice time but this year we decided to stay and extra night, which allowed us to relax and visit more.  Good decision on our part!  And, it was our 1st flight with Brixen.  We left Thursday, July 14 and came home on Monday, July 18.  

I definitely was a bit nervous about taking Brixen on an airplane for the 1st time and also making sure that I had everything for him, Chris, and me.  We checked a large suitcase and the car seat.  We carried on his diaper bag, another bag, and Chris had a carry on.  We were able to check the stroller right before we boarded the plane, which was very nice!  It felt like we were going away for weeks with as much stuff as we had but we used everything...  I guess that is how it is when you travel with babies.

Brixen did AMAZING on the two flights to PA.  We stopped in New York City.  Flew right over the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.  It was very cool because I have never seen NYC.  However, the people weren't that friendly at the airport.  And, we had to walk out of the airport and back through security to catch our other flight.  That was a pain!  Regardless, we made it to PA.  Oh yea, I was thankful that one of my friends told me to bring extra clothes for Brixen.  Something about being in the air made Brixen poop, A LOT!  :)

Thursday night, we went to Chris' favorite place, YP, for strombolis.  He was so happy!  His family joined us and it was great for them to meet Brixen for the 1st time.  Although, after a long day of traveling, Brixen was starting to get tired so we heading up Blue Mountain where his Aunt Judy lives to put Brixen to bed.  The 1st night was not fun.  Brixen was up twice!  That isn't normal for him anywhere but we were in a new place.  And, it is QUIET up there in the mountains.  LOL!  We are use to a lot of noise living in the City.  We bought a fan the next day for some noise!  It sure help because Brixen was fine the next 3-nights.

Friday, we spent the day with Chris' grandparents.  His uncle, his wife, and cousin were also there.  They took us out to this amazing Italian Restaurant.  It was so good...  I loved the salad!  Definitely want to go back there next Summer.  Hopefully, it is still there!  It was a long day and we decided to head back up the mountain and go to bed early!  We all slept like 12-hours!  I can't remember the last time we did that.

Saturday, Chris and I went out to lunch and his aunt watched Brixen.  They had a nice time together.  We were also having a family cook-out early evening.  It was a perfect night with family.  We had great food and I finally got to see Chris play the drums for the 1st time.  He is so good and I am so proud of him!  I LOVE YOU HONEY!  He spent some time with his cousins too.  The cook-out was also a celebration for his Grandma who turns 89 next week as well as WELCOME BRIXEN!  They got him a cake and he put his hand right into it.  We have plenty of video from the weekend, however, Chris hasn't uploaded anything yet so when he does, I will post videos.

Sunday, we went to Church and had to say good-bye to his parents.  It was definitely hard because we are not sure the next time we will see them.  Hoping to fly them out for Thanksgiving.  And, hoping to get to Florida for Brixen's 1st Birthday.  We had such a nice time...  The rest of Sunday was spent relaxing.  It was nice to not have to rush out on Sunday, like we always do.

Monday, was our last day!  We made our rounds and said good-bye to everyone and even had one last East Coast Sandwich!  I have to say I have never had sandwiches as good as there.  AMAZING!  It was sad to go but we were ready to get home and get back to work.  Although, we almost had to stay another night in PA!  I got a text message saying our flight was delayed out of Harrisburg for 2-hours, which would have put us past our 2nd departure in Philly.  YIKES!  That was the last flight out of Philly to Chicago.  So, with Chris' charm, he was able to get us on a straight flight from Harrisburg to Chicago.  We got home about 3-hours earlier too.  THANKFUL!  Everything happens for a reason!

After spending 5-days in PA eating our faces off with Stromboli, Middleswarth Chips, Utz Chips, Brothers Sandwiches, Cook-Outs, Etc. I worked out yesterday and planning to work-out for the next several days.  LOL!  GREAT TIMES WITH FAMILY!  THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR TAKING TIME TO VISIT WITH US.  We love you all and will see you next Summer!!!

Surprise Visit!!!

For the past couple of months, Chris' parents and I have been planning a Surprise Visit to Chicago for them to see Chris and of course, their grandson, Brixen.  I know how much Chris misses his parents and it was the perfect time for them to come to Chicago for a visit.  They haven't been here since Brixen was 3-weeks old!  Usually, I like to keep these surprises a secret to family and friends but this time I couldn't...  Chris' parents were also planning to go to PA the same time as us.  So, Chris knew that we would be seeing them in Harrisburg and everything there knew his parents were coming here for a surprise.  THANKFULLY, NO ONE ACCIDENTALLY SLIPPED AND TOLD HIM!  

It was hard to fool Chris because we NEVER go out to the suburbs or downtown on a Friday night.  It was the only flight that Chris' parents could get on so I told him I had a special "Friday Night Family Night" planned.  Usually, us 3 will do something as a family on Friday night.  For the two-days prior to his parents arrival, I gave him "clues."  However, they really didn't have anything to do with his parents visit.  LOL!  I just made everything up...

When we left Friday for Midway Airport, I told Chris he had to put on a blind fold and he wasn't too happy about that one.  But I didn't give in because he for sure would have known where we were going.  Of course, traffic was horrible so I had to take a detour and go on Michigan Ave (not a smart idea).  He knew we were down there.  So, I just started making stuff up.

FINALLY...  We got to the airport and his parents were waiting outside.  I pulled up and told Chris to hold on.  I got the video camera, went to his side of the door, opened it up...  TOLD HIM HOW MUCH I LOVED HIM AND THAT I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HIM.  He opened his eyes and WAS VERY SURPRISED TO SEE HIS PARENTS STANDING THERE!  Fun!  We have it on video somewhere but I don't think Chris has uploaded it yet.

Anyway, his parents stayed until Tuesday than headed to PA where we met them two-days later.  We spent most of the weekend visiting.  It was so nice to have them here.  They love Brixen so much and of course, brought him toys.  Brixen got a laptop, too cute!  And, some clothes!  Chris and I made one of our signature meals on the grill...  

Filet Mignon with Horseradish Sauce

Ranch Red Roasted Potatoes

Salad with Homemade Dressing

Asparagus

It was delicious!  We sure do like to grill-out in the Summer.  We also were able to take his parents to our Rehab Project.  They were very impressed and proud of us!  It was great to show them what we have accomplished thus far.  We went into Evanston as well and tinkered around.  Went shopping too!  And, Church on Sunday.  They have been to our Church before but this time it was with Brixen.  The whole weekend was tons of fun.  And, it wasn't hard to say good-bye because we were seeing them in 2-days in Harrisburg!  THANKS FOR COMING TO VISIT NANA AND PAPA!  We love you!

4th of July Weekend

It was ONE YEAR ago that we told my family that we were pregnant!  I remember the exact dates...  We told Mom, Bruce, Ashlee, and Kyle on Friday, July 2, 2010 at Mom's house.  And, we told Dad and Sherry on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Jimmy's in New Buffalo.  We got everything on video...  I posted these a year ago but thought I would post again!  ENJOY!

This 4th of July Weekend, we spent in Michigan with our SON!  We went there on a Saturday morning and left Monday morning.  It was nice to get away from the City and relax.  We didn't do much of anything but visit and eat a lot of food!  But I guess that is expected over a holiday weekend!

Saturday, we spent the day at GramJo's with Aunt Ashlee and Uncle Kyle.  That night we grilled-out at Moms house.  On Sunday, we went to the beach and grilled-out again with everyone including Mom and Bruce for my birthday.  We had so much food and everything was delicious!  I even got to blow out candles on my 28th birthday cake.  LOL!  Two more years and I will be 30!  We were planning to go light off fireworks with Ashlee and Kyle but the Keller family was exhausted.  Brixen fell asleep on Daddy's chest and Daddy fell asleep too!  We all went to bed around 8:30 PM and slept until morning.  

Brixen slept really well at GramJo's in the pack n play she bought for him.  We had a wonderful time visiting with my family.  We got tons of photos and I have posted all of them on FB.  We even took Brixen to Tiny Tots park right by my Mom's house.  VERY FUN WEEKEND!  Thank you to my Mom who made very delicious and yummy food for my birthday.  Thanks to Aunt Ashlee and Uncle Kyle for hanging out with us and Brixen Buddy!  See you guys at the end of July for your visit to Chicago!  WE LOVE YOU ALL!