2 months

Brody had his 2 month check up last week.  He's now 10 lbs, 4 oz and 22 inches long.  The pediatrician seems very happy with the rate of his weight gain.  He's holding his head up and does a great "superman" pose.  The 2 month appointment also meant it was time for his first set of vaccinations--an oral vaccine and 2 shots.  Poor Brody never saw the shots coming--I think I might have cried as much as he did.  Although it threw off his sleep pattern for several days afterward, he seems to have now forgotten all about it.

We decided to use cloth diapers, which are working out really well and come in cute colors, like the blue one here.

First Cardinals Game

To catch everyone up to speed, Brody went to his first Cardinals vs. Pirates game here in Pittsburgh, sporting his new Cardinals outfit.  Thanks to Jim's parents, we had amazing seats.  Brody made it on the "Kids Cam" on the big screen, but they zoomed in on his face so that no one would see that he was a Cardinals fan.  He stayed up on the screen for a long time--what can I say, I have a cute kid.  

That same night there was a Steelers home game, so Brody put on the new Steelers outfit he got from Aunt Carolyn.  The ball cap that matches the outfit is a little too big to wear correctly, so we set it on his head backwards--it looks a little more like a beret this way, and Jim claims it makes him look French.

A happy baby ready for bed.

Brody in his Steelers/Frenchman outfit.

Unfortunately, the Cardinals didn't win this one--Brody seems upset about a bad play. 

GO CARDS!!!

A Happy Morning

We had a pleasant morning of smiling, talking and dancing (a new morning ritual). Fortunately for me, Brody has developed an affinity for Norah Jones and Sondre Lerche (the soundtrack from Dan in Real Life), so we spend some time each morning dancing around the room, which we both enjoy.

I've decided my little boy likes to give me a challenge.  All attempts to catch him smiling result in (at best) a turned head.  This photo from last night was the best I could manage.

Brody was in a talkative mood this morning.  While Mommy was making breakfast, he had an in-depth conversation with Mr. Bird.  I'm not sure what was said, but it was a long talk in which Brody yelled at Mr. Bird for something at one point--maybe they were discussing the upcoming presidential election?

Sailor Brody

Brody in his "sailor outfit", just waking up from a nap.  He's generally a pleasant baby when he wakes up, especially first thing the morning, but I've had a hard time catching it on camera.  I'll keep trying, so check back later for a good happy baby picture!

Labor Day at Punxy

After church on Sunday, we headed up to Punxatawny to celebrate Labor Day at Jim's grandparents' retreat.  Nearly everyone on Jim's dad's side of the family showed up--I don't think Brody spent one minute not being held and fussed over by someone!

Bonfire

Brody in his 'big boy' outfit, ready for a bonfire at Aunt Jane and Uncle Bob's farm.

1 month already!

Brody sporting his lion outfit, complete with his lion snuggly.  He looks so big!

Brody, Pappy and Elmo hanging out.

Brody is already 1 month old--time has just flown by!!  The difficulty I had with nursing quickly eased, and his one month check-up brought good news--7 lbs, 14 oz and 21 inches.  Brody has been gaining over an ounce each day, making his pediatrician (and us!) extremely happy.

Saying Goodbye

Brody makes some pretty funny faces--a mixture of startled, surprised and disbelief.

Did I mention the funny faces?

Who can resist this cute kid??

Jim at the airport with Brody.  We were allowed to go to the gate to say goodbye, which was tough for all of us.  Brody tried to lighten the mood, however, when Jim leaned down to kiss his face and Brody latched onto his nose, expecting to eat...what a great kid.  Jim made it back to Korea safely and we now talk to him almost everyday thanks to the webcam.  This Christmas Brody and I will make the trip over to spend his first holidays with Daddy and break up this year long separation a little more.  At 5 months, I'm sure Brody will look quite different from when Jim left in August, but at least seeing him at 5 months should make seeing Brody at 8 months at our final reunion less of a shock.

The first 3 weeks

Brody resting up.

Snuggled up in Daddy's arm.  What better place to nap?

Perfectly comfortable on Daddy's belly.

Jim really maximized his time with Brody from the start, arriving from Korea just 2 1/2 hours before my water broke.  He spent the next 3 weeks changing diapers, giving an occasional bottle when I was unable to nurse, and cuddling with Brody.  No situation was too sticky or diaper too messy as long as he was with his little boy.

First Visitors

We had lots of visitors the first couple of weeks.  In addition to my parents, both of Jim's sisters (Maggie and Carolyn), Jim's grandparents, and Jim's Aunt Maribeth and Uncle Brad stopped in to visit our new addition to the family.

Aunt Maggie came up from Savannah the first weekend to see her new nephew.

Four generations of Fitzroy men.  Jim's paternal grandpa ("Pap"), his dad ("Pappy"), Jim and Brody.

Brody being held by Ba, Jim's maternal grandmother.

Home!

A tired Mommy, Daddy and Brody finally home.

On Wednesday the 23rd (my original due date), we were cleared to go home.  Brody was too small to fit into even his newborn clothes (he lost 7 oz. during those first several days), so he was swimming even in his coming home outfit.  

Grandma and Grandpa Wissmann

Grandma and Grandpa Wissmann came to visit us in the hospital the day after Brody arrived and enjoyed getting to know their grandson for the next week.

Our first post

Daddy with his newly arrived son. 

Mommy and Brody

After several requests, much procrastination and the eventual realization that this really is a more efficient use of time, we have created a blog spot for Brody.  I'll do my best to keep this up-to-date with photos and info for everyone.  In the meantime, I'll be posting old photos to bring everyone up to speed.  

Brody James Fitzroy was born July 21, 2008 at 5:08pm.  He weighed 6 lbs, 7 oz, and was 18 1/2 inches long.   He was very alert from moment he was born.  In this photo he's only 2 hours old!