Just a glimpse at what we have been up to since we’ve been home…

SISTERLY LOVE

Reading a story to baby brother (who’s in the bassinet)

BATH TIME

Braden didn’t love his first bath, though he did enjoy being all snuggled up afterwards.

 

VISITS FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS

Granny, Braden, Riley & Dalton

Ashley, Riley, Riley & Braden

Uncle Jeff & Aunt Paige

Bella, Braden, Riley, Katie & Christopher

HANGING OUT

 

What a happy moment it was watching Riley meet her brother for the first time.  My sister had picked her up from dance class and brought her to the hospital.  That’s when Riley started asking all the tough questions (how did baby brother come out of mommy’s tummy?).  Thanks Paige for fielding those for me!

A little hesitation at first…

 

But she quickly got over it and jumped right into the role of big sister.

Braden Edward...

Born Monday, September 21st at 5:39 pm

 

Weighing 8 lbs, 4 oz and 20.25 inches long

We are in love with the newest addition to our family, including big sister Riley.

Lots of pictures to come from our first few days as a family of four.  Just trying to get our feet settled and adjust!  Will be back soon…

After a great "last supper" with family, Riley is at her Granny & Papa's house and we are at home, trying our best to make the time go faster! Actually, it's just me. Josh is completely occupied with the Cowboys game, but I am sitting here feeling like a nervous wreck!

We have to be at the hospital at 6:00 am, which cannot get here soon enough! We'll keep everyone posted on the arrival of Braden.

Today marks 38 weeks, and I am so excited about reaching this date!  Here are a few pictures we took today.  Yes, I am wearing pajama pants…they are one of the very few things that fit me these days, and I am all about comfort at this point.  And yes, Riley has a “baby” in her tummy too.  The imagination on this girl is endless.

I cannot believe that you are already three. It literally feels like yesterday that we welcomed you into this world, and here we are entering your fourth year of life.

Here you are the day of your arrival…

One…

Two…

And now, the sassy little diva that you are…

My sweet Riley,

You are the sweetest and silliest little girl I know. You are so curious about everything, asking why all day long. Even though you are confident and fearless most of the time, you are still slow to warm to new people and situations. I love the way finding open tickle spots can always cure your grumpy moods. Your favorite color is still pink, although you also love purple. You love to play teacher, even though you are a little bossy! We can always tell what you did at school when you come home and play the teacher to your babies. You also love Dora, and it’s influence is apparent when we here you running through the house saying “ayudame” and “cuidado”. You get frustrated when we suggest you play pretend, because in your eyes, pretending is for babies and you are a big girl! I love when you say “ah man” instead of amen, and “duh udder dun” instead of the other one. You are a creature of habit, wanting to read the same books before bed each night, and would eat a panpake (as you still call it) each morning if we let you.

As we are on the verge of welcoming your baby brother into this world, I want you to know how much your mommy and daddy love you. We sense the changes that you are feeling – reverting back to “baby talk” and acting like a baby at times (crawling, crying, wanting to use baby’s stuff) – but we know that in time this will change. I have no doubt that you will be a great big sister.

Happy Birthday babycakes. We love you!

Not much going on around here. I had two doctors appointments this week and there's not much to report. I am 1cm dilated and feeling contractions most days, although nothing consistent. My OB scheduled an induction for 9/21 if nothing happens before then.

As we are getting close to the end of this pregnancy, I am feeling completely exhausted yet excited at the same time. I'm still working, although I am taking tomorrow off to get some rest and much needed time off my feet.

We are very ready for Braden's arrival, especially big sister Riley! I think she senses that it is getting close due to some of her strange behavior in the recent days.

I'll keep the blog updated as things progress.