Spoiled Milk

 Kaiden's two favorite things - being spoiled and eating!!!  I love that little boy so stinking much!!

We are starting to approach the two month mark.  It is so hard to believe!  We have accomplished a lot over the last few weeks.  We have determined that Kaiden has my blue eyes (we are secretly hoping they stay blue) but looks just like his Daddy.  I guess that means he is going to be one handsome little dude forever!!!  Watching him grow and change is such a blessing.  I still wake up every morning and think wow this is really my life.  I am actually a mommy!!  Ricky and I are so extremely blessed!!!

Recently at our doctor's appointment, we were told that we might want to introduce a bottle to Kaiden.  When I have to return to work, we need to make sure he will eat.  It was not a comforting idea for me.  I really enjoy that special time with Kaiden.  He always stares up at me while he is eating and I talk to him.  It is our time together just the two of us.  I must say though, it was really sweet to see Ricky feeding him his first bottle and having that same time with Kaiden.  Our goal is at least one bottle a week.  I know Ricky is looking forward to having that special one on one time with him.
Daddy and the 1st Bottle Feeding

Kaiden has started to smile and coo at us when we talk to him.  I don't know what the coos actually mean but in my mind it is a great conversation with my son!!!  He just melts my heart.  Kaiden will also laugh really hard in his sleep.  He does not do this when he is awake.  I guess he is dreaming about something really funny (probably his crazy Mommy).  My Sister said it is like a quiet conversation they have with God in their sleep.  He and God are laughing at how silly the parents are and loving everything that they are doing.

  Kaiden truly is our blessing.
Getting ready for Church with Aunt Chrissy

The dogs absolutely love him.  We were wondering how they would adjust to this new little person who gets all of the attention.  They both will come and check on him.  If he starts crying, Harleigh, our oldest dog, comes straight to me.  Poor thing cannot really hear but it  never fails, she always finds me.  Gabriel loves Kaiden.  He will bring his ball to Kaiden wanting the baby to play.  Every time I sit down with the baby, he has to smell him.  I told Ricky, he is trying to make sure we still have the right baby.  One of the kid's baby dolls was on the couch, Gabe went over, smelled the doll and looked at me a little confused.  It was pretty funny. 

While I was pregnant there were a lot of foods that I avoided.  Just so I can help everyone understand, certain foods were avoided to help with the babies development and growth.  My doctor and I both agreed that a clean pregnancy could only be beneficial to the baby and me.  One of the foods eliminated was deli meat.  I was not allowed any deli meat unless I went to whole foods for a special and expensive treat every once in a while.  I was very excited to have my first sandwich from Firehouse Subs since last June!  It was only the best and finest that you can get, a Hook and Ladder.  Mmmmmm, my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.  I could eat there a lot!  If you have never eaten at a Firehouse Subs, try it.  They have one in Fredricksburg.
Me and the Kids Easter Morning

Kaiden got to finally meet his favorite Marine.  His Uncle Ben will be serving our Country this year in the Middle East.  We were hoping that he would get to actually hold Kaiden before his deployment and he did!  It was really sweet to see them together.  Kaiden was sporting a little camo for Uncle Ben and their pictures together!!!!  We love our military filled family and are so thankful that they are making such large sacrifices!!!!  Ooh-Rah Uncle Ben.  Thank you for keeping watch!!!!

Meeting Uncle Ben

Kaiden is not a military brat but he is learning what the word deployment means.  Ricky has been gone for about 3 weeks now.  His job requires him to travel for months at a time.  Just before he left, we purchased IPods to help us keep in touch.  They have really been a blessing for this deployment.  Ricky is in Canada working.  Trying to communicate by phone is very expensive.  The IPods have allowed us to use something called Facetime.  We can see each other while we talk and best of all it is free!!!!  Kaiden will stare at his Daddy while he is talking to him.  It is really cute.  We can't wait for Ricky to make it back home so he can enjoy how much our little guy is changing.  We really miss him!!!  While he has been gone, I have had the opportunity to see what single parents or military parents go through.  It is not easy and some days you wish you had a clone that cooked and cleaned.  We are learning as we go and doing a fine job!!

Daddy with Kaiden in the Sasha Wrap

To visit the Easter Bunny or not?  I had this debate with myself for several days before Easter.  Kaiden is so small and won't remember it but will I be disappointed to not have the infamous 1st Easter Bunny screaming baby picture?  I asked the lady at the mall how much it would cost ($22.00) and quickly decided that life would be fine without an Easter Bunny picture!!!  As it turns out, Wal-mart had an Easter Bunny that did pictures for FREE!!!  Low and behold, little man has a picture with the Easter bunny that not only will he not remember but he never laid eyes on the thing.  He was asleep the entire time!!  Thank you Wal-mart for the bargain!

Kaiden and the Easter Bunny

Just before Easter Service

For Easter weekend, we loaded up with Nana and Papa and headed to North Carolina.  My Sister and the kids were also a person short for this special holiday.  Kaiden did a wonderful job on the road trip.  It was his first and it was a five hour trip that took us almost eight hours but he was happy and fed the entire way!!  Ashlyn and Wyatt were so sweet to baby Kaiden while we were there.  They both took turns holding him and babysitting.  They are four and two years old and would help with just about anything.  We visited my Sister's Church for Easter Service.  It is huge and so much fun to visit when we are there.  Of course, they had a thirty minute wait to just enter the Church and standing room only for service.  God is working hard in Jacksonville, NC.  Just before we left Chrissy and the kids, Wyatt decided he wanted to hold baby Taiden, as he would say - it is so adorable to hear him call his name.  He sat on the couch like a big boy with Kaiden in his arms and my sister just a few inches away and sang to him.  It was the sweetest thing you have ever seen.  I just love that little rascal!!!  When we tried to leave, he put his arm around Kaiden's waist and said, "No Mommy, I hold him."  It was an awesome weekend!!!!

Wyatt Singing to Kaiden

Nana and Pops came to see Kaiden when we returned to Virginia.  This little guy is so spoiled and loved.  They brought him a really cute Easter basket.  It had an Easter Bunny and an outfit in it.  I cannot wait for him to grow into the outfit.  It is absolutely adorable.  They also got the opportunity to babysit Kaiden while I went to the grocery store.  Thank you Nana and Pops for helping out!
Nana & Pops Breeden
 
Kaiden is so blessed to have both sets of Grandparents live so close.  They are the best!  I know they really enjoy their time with him, especially the spoiling part!!!!

Happy 1 Month Birthday Kaiden James!!!

Kaiden at One Month

I have been trying to post this blog for 3 weeks, so here it is. - It is hard to believe that Kaiden has been in our arms for a solid month.  He has got to be the sweetest, cutest and best baby in the entire world.  We spend all of our time just starring at the little guy in amazment.  He is really ours and he is not going anywhere.  Thank you God for the best gift!  He is making us smile everyday.

Aunt Chrissy



Uncle Ben

 

We have so much to share with everyone.  It is hard to update the blog as much as we were prior to Kaiden's arrival.  It appears that he decides when we do pretty much anything and it is awesome!!  Let us start by saying: "Thank you to all who have made meals for us!".  You have truly been lifesavers.  We have managed to make many meals ourselves but it is so nice to know that we can just open the fridge and microwave real food.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Cousin Jennifer

Kaiden just had his 1 month check-up.  At his 2 week check-up, he had already gone from the 7lbs. 5oz, when we left the hospital, to a solid 8lbs.  At his 1 month check-up, he is weighing in at 9lbs. 11oz.  He has also grown to 22 1/4" long.  Our little man is growing and it is wonderful and sad all at the same time.  I want him to stay little forever.  I think that is every mother's wish!

Great Granny & Aunt Peggy

We have discovered that we are either not very good at the diaper changing task or he is testing our every ability.  We have had tons of adventures with this.  So far, we have totally watered down the changing room at babies "r" us (Ricky had to scrub the entire room), the changing table and floor in his room, the comforter on our bed, the couch, the stroller, Dad (Ricky) and Mom (myself).  I have also learned how to change a diaper on my lap in the backseat of a Chevy Blazer.  Let me just start by saying you really do not have enough room to change a diaper in the backseat of a Blazer but we have managed.  We tried to make a trip to Fredericksburg the other day and only made it 10 miles down the road before we stopped and feed Kaiden which resulted in me being covered in spit-up and pee, 3 diaper changes and 2 outfit changes.  Thankfully, Ricky and I have both found the humor in every disaster diaper change.  We have had plenty that go completely well but it is always when you think you have it covered that you realize maybe not!

Great Grandma Ward, Nana, Papa, Cousins Ashlyn & Wyatt

 

We have discovered that Kaiden actually enjoys a bath.  We gave him his first bath by us a week after we arrived home.  We were well prepared for the screaming baby but he actually never even wimpered!  He does really well.  He stays calm and even coos a little. 

We have had many visitors come to meet Kaiden.  I think everyone enjoys holding him as much as we do.  He is such a good baby and so beautiful and fun to look at.  We have also taken him to church and he has done really well.  We are waiting for him to let out a scream, burp or pass gas, all of which are very loud.  It would be his small contribution to Pastor Greg's sermon.  So far, he has taken his nap during that time.

Nana, Pops, Olivia, Aunt Amber and Uncle Ryan

Great Granny Breeden

Kaiden has had his first sleep-date.  I guess you could call it that.  Friends of ours came over for dinner and brought their littel girl.  Both babies pretty much slept the entire time.  So Sweet!!!  It was a lot of fun to catch up with each other after Kaiden's birth.  Laura was a wealth of advice for me prior to his delivery.  We are so thankful to have such wonderful friends!!

Pastor Denise with Kaiden

 Kaiden and Piper for their Sleep-Date

 David (Piper's Daddy) and Kaiden

 Laura (Piper's Mommy) and Kaiden

 We have also discover something called Giggle Bellies on Youtube.  For any parent with children, we highly recommend you give this little video a try.  Kaiden loves it.  He will be fussy and once we start the video he will go right to sleep.  The only problem we have with it is that we have a hard time staying awake ourselves. 

Please look for another update in a few days!  I am hoping to fill you in on many more of our adventures.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!!!!

Wow!  We have been nothing but busy!  We have so much to share with you so here we go.

On the 17th, we went to our doctor's appointment and got to see our baby's doctor.  We enjoy visiting with her and her update was a good one.  Kaiden was down and ready to go.  We had not progressed from our previous appointment but she felt things would move along once we did.  When we got home I told Ricky that we needed to take just one more picture of my belly.  We had reached the end of our 39th week and felt like this would be our last opportunity for a belly update.  Boy were we right! 

On Friday night I started to feel a little twinge now and again but nothing very significant.  By Saturday morning, the twinges were occurring more often.  They were ranging about 3 to 4 an hour.  We decided to spend the day at home just in case we were in for a trip to the hospital.  I was supposed to meet Mom for our girls day out to have pedicures done.  It was not looking good.  At about 7pm, I decided we would give it a try.  We managed to find a nail place in Charlottesville that was still open.   The pedicure was relaxing and my toes were looking good for my trip to the hospital.

Saturday night continued to progress nicely and in the early hours of Sunday morning, Ricky was making a call to the doctor hotline.  My contractions were a regular 4-6 minutes apart and lasting from 1-2 minutes every time.  We arrived at the hospital around 5am and checked into a room.  At that time, I was only measuring at 3cm but the contractions were still consistent.  They admitted us and our first nurse Michelle started monitoring the baby.  A call was placed to Dr. Culver who happened to be on call for the day.  The monitor showed that Kaiden was doing great and so was mommy.  By lunch time, my contractions decided to stall out.  Ricky and I made the decision to call it a day and go back home.  We did not realize at the time that the snow flurries had started.  We still felt that if we were at home in our own environment that we might progress a little faster.  We arrived home and I told Ricky to catch a nap.  I knew we would be headed back to the hospital but wasn't sure when.  While he slept, I walked the floor with a note pad and the kitchen timer.  Around 6pm, I woke him and asked him to check out the window.  Everything was covered in snow and not just a little but a beautiful blanket that was still steadily falling.

 

By 7pm, my contractions had gone from a wide range of 2 -15 mins. apart to a regular 2-3 mins. apart and lasting closer to 2 mins. at a time.  I must say that I have the best husband in the world.  Ricky quickly got my stuff gathered up, helped me find shoes and shuffled me to the car all while calling the doctor's office to let them know that we were on our way back.  He also made sure that I did not get stressed out about the weather and he helped me breathe through my contractions for the entire 1 1/2 hours it took us to get to the hospital due to the snow.

When we arrived, we were admitted and placed in a room.  I was really hoping that we had changed some.  If not I was going to be really upset.  Things were definitely not feeling well and I was working hard to breathe through some contractions.  Little did I know things were about to get much worse.  At 5am, Dr. Arnold came in to check on us and see how we were doing.  When he checked, we were between 4-5cm.  At least I had progressed!  He decided it was time to break my water.  I must say that was totally not the feeling/sensation/experience that I had pictured in my mind.  Honestly, I am not really sure what I was expecting.  After they broke my water, contractions became much more intense and lasting much longer.  (Oh, I also opted to not have an epidural!) 

By 10am on Monday morning, the nurse said it was time to start pushing.  Can I just say, Ricky was absolutely awesome!!!  He continued to encourage me by letting me know that I was doing a really good job, he said I was amazing, he let me squeeze the blood right out of his hand, he counted through every contraction and reminded me how beautiful I was.  (Looking back at some of the pictures from those moments, I was not looking too swift!)  We also had some amazing nurses.  Our first nurse through the hectic labor was Kristi who did an awesome job encouraging me.  Our second nurse, who was actually with us through delivery, was Bonnie.  Bonnie encouraged me through each contraction letting me know that I was doing a wonderful job of breathing through each one and remaining calm, keeping my blood pressure at very relaxed levels.  Between Ricky and the nurses, I felt I could make it to the end without the epidural and I did.  As the baby's head started to crown, Bonnie went to call the doctor.  Ricky coached me through 3 contractions all on his own.  He was amazing!!  As it turned out, Dr. Owens was in the middle of an emergency c-section and it was going to be awhile before she could get to us.  Thankfully, Dr. Culver rushed back to the hospital just in time to deliver our sweet baby boy.

At 12:56pm on 2/20/2012 Ricky and I welcomed Kaiden James Breeden into our arms.  He weighed in at 7lbs. 14oz. and 21"long.  He was and is the most beautiful baby.  His nurses Lara, Bonnie, and Gale, along with Dr. Culver all were present for his birth and agreed that he is perfect.  Kaiden scored 9's on both of his APGAR tests as well.  Way to go little man, you are our perfect little gift from God!!

We had such an amazing experience at Martha Jefferson Hospital and are so thankful for the wonderful staff and doctors.  They are definitely top notch!  We actually had both of our nurses Kristi and Bonnie request us for every shift they worked while we were still there.  It was really nice to have them continue with us for our entire stay.

We have been home a week with our little guy and he is filling our home with so much love!  We stare at him all the time amazed that he is ours and here to stay!  We have been so blessed and are so thankful to God for such an amazing pregnancy, a beautiful (with lots of hard work) birth and now a sweet baby.  We don't know how this journey could possibly get any better but we are so excited to see where it takes us!  

 

2 Baby Docs and a Shower

On Friday, we went back to the doctor for another update on Kaiden.  We got to meet with our regular doctor who we have not seen since October.  We were so excited to see her and she was excited to see us.  After sharing some small talk, we got down to business.  Kaiden's heartbeat is strong and he is down and ready to go.  My cervix is softening quite nicely and we are 1/2cm dilated.  YEAH!  That is better than nothing but we still have a long way to go.  She said we could go early, late or right on time.  Only time will tell.  I am having more Braxton Hick's contractions.  They are stronger than they have been but nothing to get overly excited about.  I am still feeling really good.

 On Saturday, my Mother-n-law and Sister-n-law threw Ricky and I an awesome shower.  It was fishing themed and completely perfect.  They worked really hard paying attention to every detail from decor (water features, books, outfits and more) to food and drink that contained fish, ducks and a fishing pole.  It was awesome and a lot of fun.  We had friends come in from out of town that we spent some extra time with.  We miss having them around and their girls are growing so much.  We also had some friends attend the party that we have not seen in a really long time.  It was really good to have the opportunity to catch up with all of them.  We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.  Once again, they gave us some totally awesome gifts.  Now we need little man to arrive so we can start using all of the wonderful loot that we have gained!!!

On Wednesday, we had another baby update with the doctor.  We met with another doctor in the practice that we really like.  He always seems to make us laugh.  You can tell he really loves his job and enjoys spending time with the soon to be parents.  Kaiden's heartbeat was strong and around 145.  The doctor was pleased with our progress and said so far we have had a picture perfect pregnancy.  We cannot agree more!  God has truly blessed us with the best pregnancy ever.  We are hoping the delivery will follow suit.  We have progressed to 1cm.  Not much change!  They are thinking that Kaiden will be somewhere between 6 1/2 to 7lbs.  We are hoping they are right.  In the back of my mind I know that our family does not produce small babies.  We like the 8+lbers.  The doctor laughed at me when I told him that and stated that depending on how the baby has tucked himself in, he could be hiding his true weight.  He also said it was better to pump us up before the birth and then be surprised after all the hard work has been completed.  He has a good point!  We are going with the 6 1/2 to 7lb thought.

Ricky and I are planning a date weekend this weekend.  We are thinking dinner and a movie.  Something we have not done in several years.  We are looking forward to some alone/down time before Kaiden arrives.  Tonight at dinner, we looked at each other and both said this is our last week without a baby in the house.  We have waited so long for the opportunity to have a little one in our lives. It is hard to believe that his arrival is right around the corner.  We are down to 12 days from our due date and cannot wait for Kaiden to get here. 

Tonight we thought we would give the belly cast a try.  It turned out pretty good.  It was Ricky's first time doing one and it is not easy.  It is actually pretty messy.  I think I ended up with the plaster all over me.  Ricky was a very good sport and worked hard to make sure he covered everything he was supposed to.  I required 2 showers to remove all of the excess plaster and the stinky gel that you put on your skin for protection.  If we happend to progress tonight, I should be very clean heading to the hospital.  We cannot wait for it to completely dry so we can do some shape work to it.  It will be a wonderful memory to keep and look back on in the future. 

Weather Prediction = Showers!!!

We have had an awesome week.  It started with my first baby shower last Saturday.  My Sister and Mom worked very hard to give us an awesome party.  It was a lot of fun and we had lots of family and friends attend.  Some that attended we have not seen in quite awhile.  It was fun to see them and have them help us celebrate.  The day started with snow and sleet and we were worried that people would not be able to make it to the church.  I would say with the attendance reaching 60 people that it didn't stop them from showing up.  We got so many wonderful gifts, even a few that were handmade.  One of my little cousins made us a baby hat and booties and two friends made beautiful baby blankets.  We received so many wonderful items and are so excited for the little guy to get here so we can use them all.  It took us well over an hour to unwrap everything and we completely filled the blazer to get it all home. 

37 Weeks - Here we are!

 

Saturday was also my Sister's birthday.  We (our family and her husband Ben's family) all went to dinner to celebrate.  It was nice to be able to spend some time with her as well.  Since they live in North Carolina, I don't get to see her as often as I would like.  Happy Birthday Chrissy!!!  We love you!!!!

 Ricky & I at the WorldStrides Baby Shower.

On Tuesday, my friends at work threw my second baby shower.  They surprised me by inviting Ricky to attend the celebration.  It is such a rare treat to actually have him home and a wonderful experience to share with him.  We completely filled a conference room and had some wonderful food.  I was shocked when I walked in the room and saw everyone waiting, all of the wonderful food, and the gifts.  It was so much fun.  My friends worked really hard and it definitely showed.  I am so grateful to have them.  They make everyday at work a lot of fun!!!  Once again, we filled the blazer with little room for us to make it home.  Ricky spent the evening sorting everything out so we could begin to put it all where it belongs and begin the assembly process of some of the gifts.

My friend Lisa made our cake.



Our Diaper Wreath!  It is so cute!!



We are extremely blessed to have wonderful family and friends who made this week so special.  We have another family shower coming up next week and we cannot wait.  Our Sister-n-law and Ricky's Mom are giving us our third shower and we know it will be just as amazing and fun as the first two.

I also had the opportunity to pass along a cute tradition at work.  It started many years ago with a coffee mug that is shaped like a pregnant woman.  You are given the mug to display at your cube until someone else announces they are expecting.  I have had the mug since August and finally had the privilege of passing it along to another friend at work.  The mug is quite cute so I have attached a picture that we took before I passed it along.  I wish my friend the best in her pregnancy and I know she will be a wonderful Mommy!!

We also had the first of our every week doctor's appointments today, Thursday.  We met with the last doctor in our rotation and we really like him a lot.  He was very easy to talk to and very informative.  He said we are right on schedule and baby Kaiden is doing great!!  His heartbeat measured at 145 today.  Way to go little man.  I have not dilated but my cervix is soft.  He said that was good.  My body is already starting to prepare itself for the big event. 

Unfortunately that was not my only doctor's appointment of the day.  I have another terrible sinus infection that is totally kicking my butt.  The doctor's have decided to try the Z-Pak in hopes that it will clear up before delivery.  Hello meds, I am not happy to have to see you!!!  I seriously hope that the meds will clear up this yucky, snotty, coughing and choking disaster!!  

Ricky and I feel extremely blessed and are so excited that we will be meeting our little one in just a few short weeks.  We have been so blessed with such a wonderful pregnancy!  We cannot thank our friends and family enough for all of their support!  It won't be long now before Kaiden arrives and we get to introduce him to everyone!!  

Friends, Class & Ultrasound

     It has been one busy and amazing week.  Thankfully Ricky and I were able to enjoy it together.  Our week started with friends and a dinner date.  We had some wonderful company over to our house for dinner, relaxing and catching up.  They just had their third child in December so it was really nice to be able to hear their story and get some much needed advice and laughs about what's to come for us.  It is always good to have someone who can help calm your fears or give you an experienced perspective.  I keep telling them they are going to be on speed dial for any emergencies that arise. 

Next on our agenda for the week:  Breastfeeding Class.  I am really looking forward to breastfeeding Kaiden.  I want to learn as much as possible before he arrives in hopes that it will be a great success for me and him.  Our Instructor was awesome.  She answered a lot of questions and was very good at explaining how to be successful with latching and what to watch out for.  She also helped us practice different ways to position the baby and even had the dad's practice so they would understand how to help mom when the time comes.  I am even more excited now.

     Our last big item of the week was a 4D Ultrasound.  I must say that we were not aware that we should have gone much sooner than we did.  In our minds, we were thinking the closer we are to our due date the more we will be able to tell who Kaiden will look like.  When I called to make the appointment and explained to the lady that we were transitioning into our 35th week, she was nice enough to tell me that we may not get very good pictures or video at all.  We decided to make the appointment anyway and she was right.  The pictures that we did get were not as clear as we would have hoped but the experience was awesome.  Sandra, the tech at Bella Baby who did our Ultrasound, had a lot of patience and was very determined to do everything she could to get us the best pictures possible.  Our 20 minute session actually lasted for an hour and twenty minutes.  All in all, we were able to see that our little guy will have chubby little cheeks (a trait from both his Mom and Dad), big feet, long legs, the sweetest little lips, and he sleeps with his legs crossed at the ankles and his hands crossed under one cheek.  We cannot wait until he arrives and reveals to all of us his precious little face.  Ricky and I left our appointment feeling quite prideful and excited that we will of course have the most beautiful baby boy in the entire world.
Kaiden's foot

 Facial Profile

Kaiden's hands crossed at his cheek as he sleeps. 

Kaiden's little legs crossed at the ankles. 

Our Beautiful little boy's face!!!  Isn't he the cutest you have ever seen!?! 

If all goes as planned, we are headed to a camping show tomorrow and then spending Monday at home relaxing!  We will also have our first baby shower next week.  It is going to be so much fun seeing everyone!!!