Swimming Lessons!

This week Brycen took his first swimming lessons at the Swim Ranch. He loved to be in the water, but really enjoyed climbing out of the pool and jumping in. Mom got to swim with him for three days and dad swam the other two.

What has "b" been up to?

B has been playing with his cousins on their new train!

Playing golf with daddy in the front yard, back yard, car, house.... wherever we will let him bring the clubs. Thankfully we have two sets cause one club has already disappeared.

B has been swimming at the pool or in the yard. Next week Brycen goes to swimming lessons.

And how sweet is this!!!!! B is learning to sleep in. Isn't it nice to sleep until the 7 o'clock hour! One day we woke at 8:03 and hadn't heard him yet. I thought I slept for two days.

Summer Fun with Mom!

I have had many days to hang out with Brycen. We have had a lot of fun and had the chance to visit and play with our friends.

Enjoying the aquatic center. GREAT for little ones!

Getting adjusted to the water.
"Should I go in?"

Brycen wanted Bishop's boat. Next time I will take better toys than the shovel and scoop from the bath tub.

"Play Date" at Bishop's house

Thanks for having us Charlsie and Bishop. We had a blast and both of us took extra long naps afterwards.

Brycen ALWAYS tries to help with the chores. Most of the time that means getting into the dishwasher, or taking the laundry away from where I am trying to fold it, or destroying his drawers as soon as I neatly put everything away.

I am sad that June is almost gone. Next week I will be in a class so I hope he has this much fun with his Nonnie and his baby sitter. I will miss him!

Now we're walking!

Brycen is officially walking!

After purchasing some shoes that squeak, B took off!

Way to go buddy.

Happy Birthday Brycen!!!!!

May 29, 2008

What a year it has been and it all came to a peaceful birthday celebration today!! Brycen celebrated his 1st birthday today and after all the parties he's already had, we decided just to spend it as a family at the park. He loved it and so did we. What an awesome day to celebrate and reflect on such a difficult year. In addition to his golf clubs, Mickey Mouse, and helicopter from us, I also wrote Brycen a letter so that one day he can reflect on what he went through.



May 29, 2009



Brycen,
Happy Birthday buddy! You’re not old enough to understand this right now, much less read it, but one day you’ll be able to. I hope you can look back on it and understand just how much you mean to your mom and I.
One year ago today, you came into this world at 6:14am. The feeling of knowing that you were truly here and that you were my son can’t be put into words. I had always heard it from my parents growing up, but it truly is a special feeling that only a parent can understand. I’ll never forget my first impression of you and it was, “Wow! Look at that hair!” When I cut the cord and the nurse took you to clean you up, I rushed over to watch them wash you off and weigh you. I was so proud! I couldn’t take enough pictures. Your entire first day here was filled with excitement from one visitor to the next.
The next day though was one our family will never forget. We were so excited to take you home, but then Dr. Wagle told us of the news. You had a heart murmur that led to the detection of more heart troubles. You had coarctation of the aorta and we’re getting enough blood to your legs. All of the excitement your mom and I felt was wiped away and fear and anxiety took over. You would be flown on Angel One to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for further treatment. Yep, you got to go on a helicopter and even through all of the fear and emotion, I was jealous that you were getting to fly.
We made it to Little Rock about an hour after you did and we found you in the NICU with your favorite nurse Ms. Cydne. You were in your crib just sound asleep and as peaceful as you could be. I knew right then that you were a fighter and a winner. You made it through the weekend and then had open heart surgery that Monday, June 2. What was supposed to be 7 or 8 hours took only 3 and you were in recovery. After a long and scary battle that Monday afternoon and night you again defied the odds and continued your road to recovery. From Tuesday morning on, with each passing hour you made stride after stride and overcame the battle. At the young age of 1 week old, you had been through more obstacles than most people go through in their entire life. In 1 week you proved yourself to be a champion.
But, Brycen, what you proved most of all is that you are a child of Jesus Christ. Without Him in our lives, you wouldn’t be here today to push your fire truck, ride in the wagon, or call the Hogs with Daddy. But Jesus has a Mighty plan for you and your future. Your story is so incredible that God will use you in everything you do. And guess what? You’ve got the scars to prove it.
Every year on this day we will celebrate your birthday and all the joys that you have brought to us. And every year on this day we will always remember the battle you fought. But, every day we wake up on this Earth we will remember that Brycen David is a gift from God.

I love you!


Dad

May 29, 2009

First Birthday Party

This weekend we had Brycen's first birthday party with our family. He had a great time!

After many hits the cousins finally busted the pinata! Thanks Grandpa for using your fan to hang Brycen's pinata. I thought we were going to lose the fan with the pinata.

Brycen was more interested in the boxes and his "smarties" candy than the actual toys (of course).

Then there was the cake. Brycen has no interest in eating cake. I guess that is a good thing!

Happy Birthday B! We love you!

Congratulations Uncle Michael!

Michael graduated from Conway High School last Thursday. Congrats Michael! We can't wait until your at U of A. See you in August!