Go Steelers!

Alex was cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his new warm-up suit from Grandpa Dale today. Unfortunately they needed more than his cheering to win the game, but he was certainly their cutest fan! Also, Alex isn't allowed to watch TV until after he's 2, but he obviously doesn't know that yet as he was watching the football game & would cry when we shut it off! Haha!

Alex' Teddy Bear Outfit

Thank you Uncle Ryan, Aunt Julianna & Cousin Koen for this cute little outfit! I especially love the teddy bear slippers, although I kicked them off pretty quickly! My daddy thinks I look like a little girl in it, but my momma dressed me in it anyway because I can't stop her...yet.

Love, Alex

Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas this year! We have Pop & Jo down from Olympia, WA to help us celebrate, and of course Alex has been the spotlight. It was fun opening all of the presents. Our family & friends were very generous...thank you all! Alex made cute little noises & squirmed his arms & legs when his Papa was opening his gifts (well, for a little while anyway). He got lots of books, cute clothes, and his mom & dad bought him a little seat!

Is Christmas-time Funny?

At first Alex isn't sure, but then he decides that it sure is!

Waiting for Santa

Alex is 2 Months Old!

Alex is now 2 months (9 weeks) old, and today we visited the doctor. This big chunker baby measured in at 12lb, 15oz and 24 1/2 inches long! They say he's in the 90th percentile for weight and 95th percentile for length. His head circumference is in the 50th percentile though, so he has a disproportionately small noggin! We're such proud parents!

Aunt Cheryl Visits

Aunt Cheryl visited last week from Bellingham, MA, en route from Portland, OR. She and Alex had so much fun playing and hanging out together! She also was such a huge help to me in getting some of the Christmas tasks completed. We even got a Christmas tree!

Alex Graduates Itsy Bitsy Playgroup

Tuesday was our final meeting of the Itsy Bitsy Playgroup where Alex & his mommy met lots of nice friends! What a cute bunch of babies!

Alex Meets Santa Claus!

Alex made his first trip into the city on Sunday afternoon to meet Santa Claus at Derek's work. He was on display in his red outfit along with oodles of other kids. We decorated a gingerbread man (that mom ate) and met lots of nice people.

Bath Time for Alex

Alex gets a bath at Thanksgiving!

Alex just LOVES hats!

This poor baby has to suffer while his momma dresses him up in all sorts of little outfits! He's wearing a footed one-piece from Grandma Kathy (Size 3-6!) and his favorite Pooh hat from Grandma Letha!

It's December Already?!

Time flies when you're having fun! This weekend we discovered how to use the Baby Bjorn carrier (very handy!) and dressed Alex in a new little outfit with sweater vest. He also wore a hand-made sweater & hat from Carol Emerick at church in Greensburg, PA. Mommy was also thrilled to go to her first yoga class in a looooong time while Daddy hung out with Jr. Saturday morning. Derek also took Alex to the grocery store and Target! Alex has become more vocal this week with little coos and shouts, and he smiles at us when he's in a good mood. Last but not least, I had my first experience with pumping and Alex actually ate from a bottle with no problems on his first try! We were thrilled, yet not surprised that he's a good eater considering his genes. :)

Awww...'Uncle Geoffy' holds Alex

Alex loves it when Uncle Geoffy comes over to hold him! They were even wearing matching outfits this day! So cute!

Bouncy Baby Alex

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD1smdV_PdU

Happy Thanksgiving!

We've been having a great visit from Grandma Letha, Grandpa Jim and Auntie Megan from Atlanta! We enjoyed a nice turkey, yummy pies and lots of baby holding!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Love,

Derek, Traci & Alex

Lauren & Adam Visit

Lauren and Adam visited us this weekend from Washington, D.C.! They were such a huge help holding Baby Alex. They're very good babysitters! We tried out some of Alex' cute outfits for the special occasion; he didn't appear to like the bear outfit at first but with the pacifier and Adam's lap he was much more content.

Alex' 4 Week Birthday

Alex celebrated his 4 week birthday on Tuesday! He and I went to our weekly "Itsy Bitsy Playgroup" with about 20 other new moms and babies. They have a scale and the big chunker weighed in at 10lbs, 15oz, with his clothes on! He has a nice big belly! He was getting sleepy in these pics. It's rough being a little baby!!

Mr. Sleepy

Baby Alex sure likes to sleep a lot!

Our Little Pumpkin!

Alex was very excited to wear his "Trick or Treat" onesie from Grandpa Dale. We partied this year in the baby room feeding & changing diapers throughout the night! Alex wanted to leave us a few Halloween "treats!"

Ryan, Julianna & Koen Visit

We had a fun visit last weekend from our Philly-area family! Koen has grown up so much and can now run around, say little words and eat real food. We celebrated his early 1st Birthday with a couple toys, but he liked the tissue paper the most! Uncle Ryan & Aunt Julianna were excited to meet little Alex. Koen was generally unaware of the little guy except when he cried a couple times. We did manage to get a few good pictures of the cute little cousins together. :)

Alex wishes everyone a happy October!
This weekend Alex's cousin, Koen, came to visit (uncle Ryan and aunt Julianna also).
Hopefully we will get some shots with the two of them together.

Alex did very well on his first pediatrician visit last Monday. He was back up to nearly his birth weight with Alex and Traci both receiving a "good job". Gold star is in the mail...

Alex continues to receive presents nearly every day. Thanks to all for the support!

Alex, Traci and I send our love.

Alex Paul Brauner

Born 2:02 pm October 16th, 2007

Weight 8 lbs 5 oz

length 20 3/4"

This week we celebrated my birthday, and Derek got me this HUGE balloon bouquet! It was the greatest surprise! Aunt Cheryl was here to celebrate with us too - such a nice treat!

Less than six weeks to go! Junior is starting to push his or her boney limbs out of momma's belly on a regular basis. It is 104 degrees here, so summer dresses seem to be the most comfortable. The baby room is almost ready, and full of presents from all. We are looking forward to meeting our little squirmer. See you all soon.

Love- Derek and Traci

Our friends here in CA held a surprise baby shower today for Baby Brauner & I (thank you so much Adrienne!), yet that wasn't the only surprise! We learned our sneaky family in PA held two baby showers over the summer AND amazingly were able to keep them a secret all this time! Derek & I really enjoyed all of the video messages. Lots of wonderful presents made their way to Adrienne's house where we had yummy food & this awesome cake! Thanks so much to everyone for celebrating BB's upcoming arrival with us and making this such a day to remember. Love, Traci

Evolution of the Baby's room

We now have a crib! The baby room is slowly coming together. The futon, that many have spent an uncomfortable night on, is no more. Only cozy, comfy, non lumpy, bedding for our future bundle of joy.

Traci in DC

Lauren clicked a pic of my growing belly. Week 27 (July 14). Due date is currently October 9th.

-Traci