Brandon: The second month (January 2011)

On his one month birthday, Brandon weighed in at 11 pounds 2.5 ounces.  The month of January was a hard one for me.  I missed having Sean's help as he had to go back to work and having family around over the holidays.  My parents had to go back to work as well.  Plus the weather was terrible so it was hard to get outside.  I had my new Sherwood New Mom's Group on Wednesdays that I loved and went to each week.  I really became good friends with Samantha in that group and her daughter Gianna who is one month older than Brandon.  We would meet at Washington Square mall and walk at the mall once a week.

Brandon relaxing in his swing 

Gotta love those half smiles while sleeping

Brandon playing on his play mat at the beginning of January

During January, Brandon was able to sleep usually one five hour stretch at night and then usually a three hour stretch after that.  Brandon ate about every 2-3 hours when awake which amounted to about 8 times a day.  Brandon got his Rainforest Play mat for Christmas and loved the bright lights in it.  He would stare at it some times in the morning for 20 minutes and I was able to make coffee and eat breakfast.  Brandon also was obsessed with vertical blinds and loved staring at them.  Brandon also loved his swing and would often times sleep in his swing at night.  Brandon was still sleeping in his bouncy chair at night in our room but toward the end of January we started the transition to his pack n play in our room.  Brandon disliked taking baths (mainly getting his hair wet), being cold, having a dirty diaper, and being cranky because he was tired.  Towards the end of the month, he making vowel sounds ("ah goo"), played with his hands, smile occasionally, and respond and look at me when I was talking.

Brandon and Daddy

The Oregon Ducks team made it to the National Title game against Auburn.  We were so excited to watch the Ducks play.  It was the first time in the Ducks football history that they made it to a National Title Game and they were undefeated that season.  Ben and Brendan ended up having a National Title Game party that we went to with Brandon.  The Ducks lost but we had a great time and got some cute pictures with Brandon in his Ducks gear.

National Title game gear

Brandon and Sean during the National Title Game

Towards the middle of January my Aunt Lael and cousin Lauren came to visit.  It was so fun to see them and have some company while Sean was working.  We went shopping and watched lots of TV and went out to dinner.   

My cousin Lauren and Brandon

My Aunt Lael snuggling with Brandon

Family shot in the middle of January

I became reconnected with my friend Amara who I became friends with in college.  Amara would come over many nights after Sean went to work and keep me and Brandon company.  We watched lots of Murders She Wrote and other silly TV.  It was so nice to have her company.  I remember it being really hard to make myself dinner and eat it because Brandon always liked to be held and would fall asleep and nap on me.  

Brandon per usual napping on me

Brandon on Amara