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!

Visit: Aunt Britt & Cousin Caleb

Well...  I haven't been very good lately about Blogging.  My apologizes.  I thought for sure this Summer wouldn't be as busy as the previous ones.  However, I was wrong.  Thus far, we have had something going pretty much every weekend.  But we are thankful for being busy with our business as well as being able to spend lots of time with family!

Aunt Britt and Cousin Caleb came to Chicago to meet Brixen for the 1st time Friday, June 24 to Tuesday, June 28.  It was so great to be able to wait for them at Midway!  It was a very special moment...  We hadn't seen Aunt Britt or Cousin Caleb in almost a year.  A lot has happened since that time, mainly us having a baby!

They arrived on a Friday afternoon so we decided to just relax and grill-out that evening.  Chris and I made our signature Peppercorn Pork Loin with Ranch Roasted Red Potatoes and Salad with Homemade Dressing.  It was delicious.  We ate at our formal bigger table.  It was a very nice evening.  Both Brixen and Caleb went to bed and we were able to sit-up and chat for awhile.  Fun times!

Saturday, we had to go to Menards because it was the last day of the sale on the cabinets we wanted to purchase for our FLIP.  I will blog more about our business later but if you are interested in watching it...  Go to www.watchourflip.com.  Put in your information and you will receive updates whenever Chris puts up new videos, etc.  We bought our cabinets and headed back to Evanston.  We decided to have lunch at Bar Louie.  It was very good!  I love that place!  We walked a little bit in Evanston but went home for naps.

Sunday, we took Britt and Caleb to our Church for the 1st time.  It is a lot like their Church down in Florida.  Caleb went to Kids Kingdom and enjoyed himself very much.  Met some new friends.  The best part is that Nana (Chris and Britt's Mom) bought matching outfits for Brixen and Caleb.  TOO CUTE!  See a photo below, even though I have already uploaded them onto FB.

Monday, it was suppose to rain but of course, the meteorologists had that forecast wrong!  It didn't rain so Brixen, Britt, Caleb, and I tinkered around at Target for awhile.  Brixen had to spend some time at our Rehab Project.  Since it was their last night in Chicago, we decided to go walk around downtown Evanston and had dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings.   

Tuesday was the day they had to get on a flight back home.  I decided to take Britt and Caleb to Lincoln Park Zoo...  I thought it would be fun for Caleb.  He was able to ride a kids train there and see a lot of animals.  We only had a couple of hours before we had to leave for the airport but it was still a nice time.  Brixen enjoyed himself too...  He loves to look at all the people and he bought Daddy a little Lion at the gift shop.

We had a wonderful time when Aunt Britt and Cousin Caleb were visiting.  Not sure when we will see them next.  We would love to take a trip to Florida soon but thinking it won't be until around Brixen's 1st Birthday...  WOW!  Time sure does fly by.  Next month, Brixen will already be a half-year old.  THANKS FOR COMING TO MEET BRIXEN, AUNT BRITT AND COUSIN CALEB!  WE LOVE YOU!