Nana's Visit

Nana (Mom's mom) came to visit this week and just left today. I am sad that she had to leave because we had a great time together. She watched me last night while Mom and Dad went out to dinner. I was a good grandson for her. I babbled a lot for her, giggled a little, and felt comfortable when she held me the whole time she was here. On Friday, Nana, Mom, and I went to Magic Wings and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art up in Massachusetts. Magic Wings is a butterfly sanctuary with butterflies from all over the world. It was amazing to see all the beautiful colors flying around us. I enjoyed watching them as I sat in the Kelty Kangaroo carrier on Mom. Then we went to see the bright and colorful artwork of Eric Carle. I wore my "Hungry Caterpillar" onesie just for the occasion. Of course, I had to poop in it part way through; so, I had to take it off. Anyway, Eric Carle illustrates and writes such appealing books both with his art and stories. Nana bought me the Hungry Caterpillar, and she read it to me last night for the first time. I think I'll like putting my fingers in the holes where the caterpillar ate once I have better hand-eye coordination. Overall, it was a great day out with Mom and Nana.

Some updates on my development...I slept for 8 straight hours last night! That was a first. I can find my thumb regularly and even use it to soothe myself sometimes when I need it. I still use my pacifier, but I hope to have my thumb do the trick once I can keep it in my mouth. I haven't rolled over since that one day, but I scooch my legs under my butt more now. Maybe I will roll again soon. Like I mentioned before, I talk a lot now, and I enjoy hearing my voice. I can grab things much better now and even reach out to grab things. I hold my body up better when in the sitting position and don't have my head falling down so much that drool cascades down. Oh, I still drool a lot; so, bibs are a common piece of my daily ensemble. We're off to a picnic today; so, I'll sign off. Bye bye.

I'm 3 Months Old!

Wowsers! Turning 3 months old this week brought with it lots of growth for me. Mommy and Daddy keep telling me what a great job I am doing. I giggled on Sunday for the first time, found my thumb on my own Monday, turned 3 months Wednesday, and rolled from my tummy to back three times Friday (today). I weigh 15 pounds and am about 25 inches tall. That puts me near the 90th percentile for boys my age. Uncle Drew, I'm catching up to you in height. I like to play in my exersaucer these days, too. It lets me stand a little instead of having to lie on my back or be seated all the time.

Nana is coming to see me this coming week, and I can't wait to see her. I'll show her all my new tricks. That will warm me up for when I get to see the whole family in Virginia in a few more weeks.

Mommy and Daddy are doing well. Daddy and his partner are leading their company's golf league. One more "regular season" match and then the playoffs. Mommy joined a group of other mommies who ride bikes, run, and swim together. She met up with them for the first time last night, and I stayed home with Daddy.

Life is good.

Return to Fenway - 1st Night Out Without...

Friday night was Kurt's return to Fenway after 25 years. The Sox needed a little boost and got it, winning 10-3 after an exciting game. Kurt's lower half made it on the SportsCenter highlight reel.

We dropped Braeden off in Worcester with cousins (Aunt) Laura and (Uncle) Tom. After some brief instructions we hit the road for Boston.

Kelly felt a little more tug during the evening than did Dad, but chalk it up to being in the best ballpark in the best city in the country. We left the game after the 7th and were back in Worcester by 11pm to find a soundly sleeping son and a note exclaiming what a super easy baby he was, taking two bottle feedings and being easily put to bed. (shoulda stayed for Lugo's grand slam in the eighth, but that's another story).

Laura cooked us an amazing breakfast (we recommend it to anyone) and we enjoyed our visit greatly. Our next night out will be even more enjoyable knowing Braeden will be just fine in the care of great family and friends.

New Jersey Trip

I went to New Jersey this weekend to meet some people my own age. I met Cole Fredriksen, Lexie Flamm, Spencer Brooking, and Morgan and Elli Pursel. This picture is of the girls from my Mom's neighborhood who would get on the bus together. They all have little people like me now.

It was good to see Nana and Poppy again, and feel their new carpet on my feet. Poppy is nice to sleep on...

While Morgan was sleeping, Elli found a Guinness bottle with a plastic widget inside (an Irish Rattle). That was fun to watch. We had a great time at the picnic and saw Jill and Joe open their shower presents. Joe was so excited to start using Cole's toys. And we saw Katie Pasini and Matt Miller open their engagement presents. It was a great weekend.

On the way home we stopped in Norwalk to see Caden Freyre and see his new condo. Very nice, with a view of the pool. We'll have to go back there! Caden's dad won a bike race today, too. That's great!

It's good to be home, and I look forward to my next adventure strapped into my car seat.

Great Grandpa

Well, I met my great Grandpa Johannessen yesterday down in Fairfield. He was SOOO happy to meet me and introduce my parents and I to Merna, his wife. We all had a grand time hanging out on beach front property on a beautiful summer evening for his brother's 80th birthday (my Great Great Uncle Hugh).

This was my first time dipping my toes in the chilly Atlantic.

I also got to meet Aunt Lisa, Uncle Bob, and Cousin Justin Hoak. Yeah, I have a boy cousin!

On the topic of sleeping, two nights ago I beat my record and slept 7 hours straight. Yahoo! (But again, last night, not so much.) I am strarting to move more in my crib and stick my legs through the slats. I think Mommy and Daddy should put the bumper in the crib before I get stuck.

2 Months Old

I turned 2 months old on Monday, June 25! That means I had to go to the doctor's the next day to get my first shots. They really hurt, and I cried the hardest I ever have. But I didn't cry for too long. Daddy held me tight and calmed me down. My doctor is still really nice even though he has to poke me with those needles. I weigh 13 pounds and am 24 inches tall. I forget how big my head is (pretty big), but I do know that I am in the 75th percentile for weight, height, and head circumference. That's why I'm already wearing my 3-6 months clothes.

I started noticing my feet this week, but I still cannot figure out how to move them on command. I'm working on that. I'm also working on my night time sleeping. I slept 6 hours straight on Wed. night, June 27. Of course, I didn't do that last night, but maybe soon. I only feed once each night even though I still wake up one or two other times. I'm trying to work on that, too; so, Mommy doesn't have to get up so much in the night.

Our friend, Kristen, came over yesterday to hang out with Mommy and me, and guess what? I pooped all over her shirt. That was a first for me. She said it was OK and will still come back.

Lots of new things now that I am 2 months old. I love being me!!!

June Chills and Good Sleeping

Hey, what are these things on my hands? Oh, Mommy said Daddy refuses to turn on the heat in June. It's 44 degrees out this morning, and my hands are freezing! Daddy says I have to get used to it.

I'm getting to like my swing more these days. Thanks, GranJan and GrandPops!

Last night I almost slept through the night. I went to bed at 7:30, woke up at 11:30 to feed for 5 minutes (mindight snack), and didnt feed again until 6am. I just need my pacifier a little bit more.

Thanks Aunt Bonnie for the Papelbon T-Shirt and cool pants! Go Sox!

First Baby Sitter

I had my first baby sitter today. My friend Kristin came over and my parents went out to get my Dad's birthday present. He got a cool fire pit so we can roast marshmallows in the back yard and make smores.

I had fun sleeping in Kristin's arms today. We'll have to do it again some time.

Unlce Drew's Visit

June 12, 2007

I was so happy to see my Uncle Drew for the first time these past few days. He flew in from Boulder, CO just to see me. Wow, he is tall; so, I got to see things way up high when he carried me. He calls me Mr. B. We went to Aunt Priscilla and Uncle Dave's house on Sunday and saw Nana and Poppy there. I was glad to see them again to show them how much I've grown. Today we went for a hike, and Drew carried me in the Kelty Kangaroo carrier. I slept the whole time. Drew works for Kelty, and it was the first time he ever used Kelty KIDS gear. It was a huge surprise for me when two big boxes came in the mail today for me. He sent us a jogging stroller and bigger carrier for when Mom, Dad, and I go on longer hikes. I sat in the jogging stroller already and LOVE it. I can't wait for Mom or Dad to take me for a ride. THANK YOU, Uncle Drew. We dropped Uncle Drew off at the airport a little while ago, and I already miss him. I know I'll have lots of fun with him when I see him in August in Virginia. Please bring Erin along that time.

Welcome, New Cousin!

We're so excited to welcome Bridget Hartfield Saunders to the family! Braeden can't wait to see her and congratulate Uncle Jim and Aunt Liz! She was a little smaller than Braeden when she was born at 7 lbs. 6 oz. She is REALLY cute and beautiful. The two cousins will meet in August down at Jim and Liz's. We hope Mom and Dad are getting some sleep between the hours of admiring their precious daughter.

http://members.cox.net/jsaund72/baby/index.html Videos of Bridget.

Welcome to Braeden the Blogger Blog

Braeden wanted a new format to communicate with family and friends near and far. So here we are, on the blogging blogosphere.

Braeden - I made my first trip up and down the New Jersey Turnpike last weekend. Sure wasn't very exciting, but I liked the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Mom fed me at the Clara Barton Rest Area. Apparently, she invented first aid. I got to see where the dogs do their thing. The best part was getting to Uncle Chet and Aunt Yaritza's house and meeting cousins Almy and Alyi, and seeing GranJan and GrandPop. Chet's family is going to Venezuela for the summer to see the family. That should be fun. Uncle Chet is crash coursing on Spanish!

We had a real great time at Great Aunt Liz's house celebrating birthdays. Great Great Aunt Betty had a "meet the family" hat that had pictures of all the relatives on it. She's a load of fun, and full of bad jokes.

I was sad to leave, but look forward to the next time I see everybody.

Love,

Braeden