Elf in Training

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were a lot of fun in the Jewell household. We celebrated with my mom, dad and brother on both days, and shared in the once in a lifetime experience that was Brayden's first Christmas. I went a little crazy and cycled him through five outfits on both days but that's OK because we have a limited window of time to dress him up like this! Plus, we had a couple last minute additions (thanks Rizutto family!) to his holiday wardrobe that couldn't be missed.

Christmas Eve was dinner and family time together. The video below captures a special moment from that night. Christmas morning was a yummy brunch, Jewell family Christmas drinks (Brian's best batch ever!) and presents. Brayden is having so much fun with all his toys every day! Thank you to everyone who sent him gifts; Brayden is so blessed to have so many who love him and think of him and his future every day. We are so grateful to have you in our lives.

		Brayden's First Christmas VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

About seven years ago, my Babcie (my mom’s mom), knit me a sweater for my first born child. On Christmas Eve, Brayden wore that sweater for the first time. It was a special time for us while we remembered her and my recently passed Dziadzia (my mom’s dad). They are always in our hearts.

Deck the halls with amoxicillin

So the Jewells need a dose of jolly to go with Brayden's amoxicillin. Turns out the little man has a virus known as RSV and an ear infection. This is the first time he's been sick, and the timing is rough since I'm not feeling well either. Brian and my mom have been doing their best to keep things running around here. Brayden's been a great patient overall. He takes his medicine like a champ, and still gives us smiles to show us he appreciates our love and care. No pictures on this post (for obvious reasons) although I am tempted to post one with the bright pink medicine all over his little mouth.

On a separate note, a special shout out to the Horgan family on the arrival of their twin girls, Colette Claudia and Noelle Elizabeth, on December 22. Marcy and Nick seem as happy as can be, and the Jewells couldn't be more excited about their newly expanded family. Congratulations!

Santa Baby

WARNING: Brayden looks so sweet in this post you may go into sugar shock.

Nana and Grampa gave Brayden the CUTEST Christmas outfit of all time - a mini Santa Claus suit - just in time for Brayden's Christmas party at daycare on Friday. Brayden was a hit the second he walked through the door! We continued the fun with some pictures by the tree while the little man hung ornaments from Aunty Heather, Uncle Jake and Grandma Karen. This outfit is going down in the Hall of Fame - he looks so insanely cute!

Pre-Christmas Fun VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Santa’s Helper

Brian and I brought Brayden to meet Santa Claus for the first time today. Brayden took the opportunity to ask for a puppy, a rainbow and a condo in Cabo for Dad. After Santa, we decorated our Christmas tree and enjoyed a nice family day together. We are really looking forward to our first Christmas as a (newly expanded) family.

		Santa! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Baby Buggy Four-Pack

On Tuesday, December 7, Brayden took his first baby buggy ride at daycare with the other babies in his class. The buggy is a big and red, and it’s just too cute for words. As you can see, Brayden enjoyed his first buggy adventure and blew bubbles to prove it.

First Buggy Ride VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Separation Anxiety

Wednesday, December 1 was my first day back at work, and Brayden’s first day in daycare. It was hard, to put it mildly. Although Brayden is in the fine and capable hands of Misses Vicky, Teri and Debbie, I found it heart wrenching to walk away from his soft, sweet little body. Having been with him almost constantly for three months, I was broken up about being separated from him. And to make matters worse, I made a new mom mistake that had Brian and me back at daycare within two hours. The package on the Level Two bottle nipples said “3+ months” so, since December 1 was also Brayden’s three-month birthday, I switched him over to the Level Two nipples. Um, yeah – not a good idea. The milk came out way too fast, and Brayden couldn’t keep up. Luckily, Brian brought the Level One nipples from home and all was well after that.

For those of you keeping track, Brayden is now 13 lb. 4 oz. (as measured by the baby scale in Dziadzia’s house) and 25 1/2 inches. Here are some picture of the big day.

7 hours in heaven

THIS JUST IN!
BREAKING NEWS FROM THE JEWELL FAMILY:
Brayden slept seven hours last night, from 9p to 4a. Hallelujah!

The Jewells take Connecticut

As many of you know, my beloved grandfather (and Brayden’s great grandfather) passed away unexpectedly on November 21. He was an amazing man who unconditionally loved and supported his family. We will miss him so much.

The silver lining to this sad event was our trip to Connecticut. We arrived Thanksgiving and were welcomed by the entire family at Aunty Liz and Uncle Roger’s house. The next few days included Dziadzia’s funeral, several family and friend get togethers, lots of eating (Goten forever!) and lots of loving on Brayden. He was the center of attention everywhere he went and everyone wanted to hold and play with him. Aunty Liz even stole a pair of his socks!

On a lighter note, Brian and I have both completed the parenting rite of passage known as changing a baby in an airplane bathroom. Brayden flew like a pro, to our relief.

To everyone in CT, we love you. Thank you for a very special visit, and we’ll see you next time when you visit Reno (hint hint).

Brayden gets love in CT VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

And here’s a short video from one of our evenings with Aunty Liz and Uncle Roger.

Daycare Meet & Greet

Today we took Brayden to experience the daycare he’ll be enrolled in when I go back to work later this month. The thought of leaving him all day rips my heart of out my chest. How did my maternity leave go by so fast? On a happier note, Brian and I were very pleased with today’s visit. We met all of Brayden’s caregivers and the other babies, and we asked a ton of questions so we can get ready for the big day. The teachers were great and the room was already decorated to include Brayden – which we really loved.

Daycare Meet & Greet VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Two months old!

Brayden turned two months old on November 1, but his two-month check up was yesterday, November 8. Brayden now weighs 12 lbs., is 24 1/4 inches tall and is in perfect health. The little man grows by the day! The two-month appointment is also infamous for its shots, which Brayden took in stride. He cried during the actual pokes but calmed down right afterward. Here are some pictures of his first band-aids. Brian and I showered him with kisses to help make the ouchies go away too!

Firefighter in Training

Today was a very big day for the Jewell family. Brayden turned two months old AND visited Dad work for the first time. Fire Station 14 was the first station Brian worked at for Reno, so it was doubly special that this was the first station Brayden ever visited. Brian introduced the little man to his crew, and then he took Brayden into the bay to “train” on the equipment. I see many Jr. Firefighter outfits in Brayden’s future…

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Brayden’s First Howl-o-ween

Halloween weekend was filled with excitement for the Jewell family. The fun started for us on Friday, Oct. 29 when we all went to my office for a special kids Halloween event. It was great to see all my friends and introduce them to the little man!

Brayden dressed in spooky festive attire on Saturday and Sunday. Special thanks to Monica, Nana and Aunt Holly for sending such totally cute “1st Halloween” gear. I have to take advantage of dressing him up any way I want to while I can!

Brayden’s first official trick-or-treat was at Jaclyn and Jason’s house. Seeing as he was dressed as a sweet little puppy, Brayden brought gifts for Jaclyn and Jason’s puppies, Bailey and Charlie. After trick or treating, we visited the Morgans so Brayden could pose with Mia who was aptly dressed as a cute kitty. Purrrfect! Then, we finished the weekend off by watching the Saints take down the Steelers. Go New Orleans!

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First official family dinner out

Today was an exciting first for Mr. Brayden – going to a restaurant! We went to dinner as a family to Firkin & Wolf and watched the Giants win game two of the World Series. Being the sweet baby he is, Brayden slept the whole time!

Cooking for the boys

Brayden enjoyed dinner with the Jewell/Braun family men last night to thank them for helping so much with our move. I cooked corned beef (a Braun/Puziewicz family recipe!) while the guys hung out and watched the World Series. Brayden wore his new “Grandpa’s Sidekick” outfit just for Grandpa Bob, and as you can see from the picture, he was very excited about it.

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Splish splash! Brayden took a bath!

Monday, October 18 was a big day for the little man - his first bath! We've been told most babies don't like their first bath but Brayden totally enjoyed his. Actually, the only time he cried was when we took him out! I was on slippery baby detail while Brian manned the camera. Here’s a video of Brayden’s first bath experience with the “naughty bits” edited out. We can’t have that floating around the internet for when he becomes President…

Back in business!

We apologize for the pause in blog postings lately. We moved last week, and things were a little crazy and busy. Luckily, we’re all done now and happily getting settled in our new house. We are especially thankful to Brian’s brother, Mark, Brian’s dad, Dick, and my brother, Ryan, for helping on such short notice. One of the best things about the new house is Brayden’s fabulous new nursery. Brian and my dad, Bob, painted the room before we moved in and Mark handled the touch ups. It looks awesome! We’re also grateful to my mom, Krys, for coming over and playing with Brayden while we set everything up in the house.

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Brayden Mark meets Uncle Mark

Uncle Mark flew into town from Hawaii on Thursday, October 7 to meet his nephew, Brayden Mark. We are so excited to have him here, and Uncle Mark is equally as excited to be sleeping across the hall from the little man. Brayden yells hello to Uncle Mark several times a night!

Brayden is one month old!

Brayden celebrated his one month birthday on October 1st, and what a big month it has been! Brayden kicked off the busiest month of his life with being born and then immediately got down to business – growing by the day and charming everyone with his irresistible cuteness! Here’s how Brayden started and finished his first month of life:

Weight: Sept. 1 – 7 lb 11 oz     Oct. 1 – 9 lb 11 oz

Length: Sept. 1 – 20 inches      Oct. 1 – 22 1/4 inches

Needless to say, this has been the best month ever for our family. We are so appreciative for all the well wishes, gifts and love we have received. Thank you for celebrating with us during the happiest time in our lives.

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Baby Muffin says goodbye

Last week was hard on Brayden and the rest of the Jewell and Braun families. We gathered together for the last time because Heather and Jacob left Reno to return to Connecticut. It was a long time coming but that didn’t make it any easier. Brian and I are just thankful that they waited long enough to welcome Brayden (nicknamed “Baby Muffin” by Heather) into the family and spend a few weeks getting to know him. We wish Heather and Jacob the very best as they start their next chapter.

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