Bran...1 Month

Brannock Alan is already 1 month old!  Time has flown by and we can already see so many changes in our little man.  No one can prepare you for bringing home a newborn!  The first few nights at home were crazy.  My milk had not come in our first night so we were dealing with a very fussy/hungry baby who was also trying to adjust to his new environment.  I am not sure how much sleep we actually got, but it wasn't much!  Buddy followed us around for every diaper change/feeding/rocking/screaming session/etc...he was a trooper!  Both Buddy and Izzy are usually right by my side if we are having a bad day.  We also were not prepared for diapering a little boy.  I don't think either of us had much experience with diapers, and especially not on a boy.  Let's just say we have been peed on more times than we can count (although we have gotten much better!).  Thank goodness for wash cloths to block the attacks, haha!  Grandma Lude and Daddy had to go buy a few more newborn onesies to help keep up with all of the extra laundry we were creating.  We have also both managed to get pooped on.  Daddy was in the line of fire during a diaper change.  Bran pooped so forcefully it actually flew far enough that it got on Daddy's shirt! Mommy found this hilarious!! Mommy got her turn when we were taking newborn photos.  We had Bran in a cute pose where I looked like I was holding him in the air when he decided to let loose right in my hand, thanks Bran!

Bran has not been the easiest baby in the world as he has spent more time awake.  He has periods of being so incredibly fussy he is almost inconsolable.  It is frustrating at times but more so it is just heart breaking that we can't seem to make him happy.  The best way to the little man's heart though is through some snuggle time, that seems to fix everything eventually.  We are all learning, and what works one day may not work the next.  Bran has been an absolute dream to take out of the house though.  He loves riding in the car and has been great through a couple of adventures to go out to eat and even a trip to the grocery store.  His first trip out was actually to Zauber Brewery for a retirement party for one of our reps.

Height: 22 inches

Weight: 8 lb. 6.5 oz.

Sleeping Pattern: Since week two the nights have been for the most part pretty good.  Bran usually settles in for the night around 10-11, wakes up to eat around 3, then again at 6:30.  Mommy and Bran usually take a mid-morning nap together.  Bran had a night he slept 4.5 hours and we were so excited! He enjoys trying to cover his face when he sleeps (like Mommy) so we have to keep an eye on him and make sure he is swaddled nice and snug at night.

Feeding Schedule:  Mommy and Bran have made it a whole month breastfeeding without any formula.  Bran has taken very well to it and is a huge piggy!  It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. Bran usually eats every 2-3 hours but can go longer stretches at night (and can also have periods of endless cluster feeding during the day).  I have started pumping and Daddy has given Bran a few bottles...which he also took to like a champ (once again...Bran is a piggy!).  When he eats from a bottle we have to be sure to feed him very slowly because he tries to eat way too fast since it is much easier from a bottle. 

First bottle

Bran Likes: Being held by Mommy and Daddy. Sitting on Mommy's lap and listening to her talk. Eating! Tummy time. Looking at the dogs. Car rides.

Bran Dislikes: Being cold. Being gassy/pooping.  Having the hiccups.

Changes This Month:  We have been so impressed with his head control since day 1 and he has already gotten stronger.  He can push up and turn his head from one side to the other while in tummy time.  He also rolls onto his side quite often while sleeping.  He is becoming much more aware and is working on his expressions...a real smile should be coming soon!

What We Have Been Up To:
Bran had his first appointment with the pediatrician when he was 4 days old.  He got a great report!  Bran was gaining weight (although not quite up to his birth weight) and we got the go ahead to keep breastfeeding on demand (without waking him at night).

First visit to the pediatrician

 Grandma Lude came and stayed with us for a week to help out and get some snuggle time in with Bran.

Bran got to meet his big cousin Greer!  Can't wait to see the two of them grow up together.  She can teach Bran about the country, and Bran can show her city life :)

Bran celebrated his first Valentines Day!  It was the perfect day for this Mommy :)

Future Heart Breaker

Bran got to meet his Great Grandpa Cierri for the first time. 

We have taken advantage of some gorgeous weather and have gone on some family walks.  I bet we are entertaining to watch walking down the road.

Thanks Aunt Debbie for my awesome Buckeye Hat!

Bran had his first bath once his umbilical cord fell off.  He likes a nice warm bath much better than sponge baths that were way too cold.

First bath

Grandma and Grandpa Roelle came for a visit.

Photo Ops:

Bran loves tummy time.

Bran and his two furry body guards

We are so incredibly thankful for all of the visitors, meals, gifts, and moral support this first month.  Y'all have made what has been a crazy month so much easier!  Looking forward to month number two :)