Hunter the "Grunter!!"

Hunter is now 2 weeks old, and changing daily! He is still not a crier (thank goodness) but he is a MAJOR GRUNTER! Scott and I laugh during the day...but not too funny at night! It sounds like we have a pet pig. The pediatrician says, "Some babies are just grunters...it is a phase!" So, we will continue to try to laugh it off until he gets "over this." He's hungry- he grunts...he's sleepy-he grunts...he's bored-he grunts! And may I add- he grunts loud;)

We are trying to get Hunter on a schedule, we'll see how that goes! He eats like clockwork...every 3-4 hours. During the day, he sleeps for about 2 hours then is awake and observant for a little while then he is ready to eat. The cycle starts over again!! During the night, he sleeps straight through between feedings...how does he wake me up?? You guessed it...he GRUNTS!

The past few nights he has struggled to get to sleep after his last feeding of the day. Usually, he falls right asleep after eating...but for some reason he fights sleep after his 10:30pm feeding? Scott and I take turns rocking and holding him for about an hour before he falls asleep! Once he is asleep- he is "out" for the night...again, thank goodness!

The pediatrician says, "If his arms, legs, fingers, and toes are an indication of the future...you are going to have a big boy on your hands!!" Scott and I laugh at how long his arms are. He looks like our "little monkey!" He is continuing to pack on the pounds. The pediatrician says, "his rate of growth is off the charts!" So, we may have a "Scott Junior!!" Or, he may "level off." We shall see? We have mostly shorter/average genes in our families, it will be interesting to watch. Either way, we love him SO SO much and love to laugh at his facial expressions and noises!

Hunter is continuing to love his walks with mommy! He sleeps like a rock for the entire 3-5 miles...the outside totally relaxes him! Then, when daddy gets home...Hunter becomes a major "snuggle bug!" Scott won't put him down. They spent time alone in the "mancave" last night...Scott said, "We really bonded in the mancave!!" I guess I won't ask questions and accept that it is a "guy thing!!"

Hunter has already had a few outings. We went to church last Sunday...he did great (except for the 3 loud grunts during prayer!) He has been to Einstein Bagel shop to sit on the patio in the gorgeous weather! He has also run a few errands with mommy...he has no clue how busy I am going to keep him!! Well, I guess I have no clue how busy he is going to keep me;)!!!!!

**Cheers to you all...I am off to a "girls night out" while Scott babysits!! Whoo-hooo!!!!! My first ice cold Corona with a lime is calling my name!!!**

Meat and Potatoes Kind of Guy!!

Can you believe it...Hunter is 1 week old! He has already grown and changed so much. Speaking of growing...our little man is packing on the lbs! The doctor said, "It usually takes 2 weeks for a baby to get back to its birth weight...and Hunter, well-it took him 1 week to surpass his birth weight by 6 oz!!" Hunter is now 6.3 lbs and he is an eating machine. He is definitely going to be a "Meat and Potatoes kind of guy!!" I should have known this by the way he used to respond to bacon while I was pregnant!

The doctor said that I have "high calorie/fattening milk!!!" Since his weight is flying upward...I no longer have to wake him throughout the night for feedings. This is wonderful!! I feed him around 11 pm and he doesn't wake up until 5:30 for a feeding...I wake him up around 2:00 because "mother nature" wants me to feed (Ladies, you know what I'm talkin' about!)

We have had tons of visitors, and Hunter is getting plenty of hugs and kisses! He loves to be held, but he also loves his "alone time" without being touched! Zoe and Bentley are really enjoying Hunter. Bentley just wants to lick and stare all day and Zoe stays by his side..she thinks it is her new "squeak toy!!" I say squeak because Hunter makes very little noise...he DID NOT get this from me!! We have heard him scream/cry about 3 times and the rest are just "whimpers, moans." I really hope this continues.

Scott and I are getting SO spoiled...our wonderful friends have set up a dinner schedule, and Scott and I are getting catered to for 5 weeks! We are so grateful for your generosity...it takes "shopping, cooking, cleaning" off of my list, which I am so thankful for! Scott and I also enjoyed a "date morning" alone. We went out to breakfast and took our sweet time! We sat and visited for an hour after we ate! It was nice to get out with Scott, and we will continue to make "date night/date morning" a priority!

Hunters smile has already stolen my heart. Yes, I know a smile sometimes means a "toot" is coming on...but regardless, it is so stinkin' cute! He smiles a lot and is a very alert baby with those BIG eyes (like his Daddy!) Scott is back to work (first day was Wednesday) and he called 4 times to check on us, and he dropped everything to hold Hunter the second he walked in the door. Hunter is one lucky fella to have Scott as a Dad! I am so blessed to stay at home with my sweet boy...we have already had fun and I know it will continue to get better and better.

All in all...here is my one week "wrap up." As of now, Hunter has Scott's eyes, my "bottom half of face," he is laid back like his Daddy (not like Mommy), he is soft spoken like is Daddy (not like Mommy), and he is has very lanky legs, arms, fingers, toes...like his Mommy and Daddy~!!

Soakin' up the Sun...Hunter and Daddy time outside. The doctor said to give him "nude/partial sun" time to help with his jaundice eyes (which are totally better now!) This picture wraps up his personality...calm, cool, and collected!

Hunter's "New Life!"

Hunter is now 5 days old, and he has already experienced a lot for just a "little guy!" He has met so many new people....we have wonderful family and friends! Hunter is so loved...it is truly touching to know how many people "love him to pieces!" Scott and I are so fortunate to have you all support us and want to be a part of Hunter's life!

Hunter is a big eater, and he may not stay "a little peanut" for long! He sleeps through the night...we have to wake him for feedings and diaper changes (let's hope this continues!!!!!!!!) He is also VERY alert. He will sit with his eyes open for 30 minutes just absorbing his surroundings. The pediatrician says that he is a "very strong fella!" He can hold his head up by himself for a couple of seconds!! I love just holding him and watching every facial expression, and Scott loves laying down with him on his chest....we have both really bonded with Hunter! Scott has taken this week off of work and he says, "I could really get used to this!!" He has loved getting to know Hunter. And YES, Scott does most diaper changes, burping sessions, and is the swaddling CHAMP!

Hunter has already gotten to know one of "Mommy's Favorite" things and one of "Daddy's Favorite" things....taking a walk (Mom) and LSU football (Dad). We enjoyed our first, of many, family walks around the neighborhood. I love walking, so Hunter better get used to his "stroller time!" Of course, LSU game day was a big deal to Scott. He picked out Hunter's outfit for his first LSU game! It was precious to watch Scott and Hunter, in their yellow and purple, laying down with each other watching "the game!" I absolutely love "MY BOYS!!!!" I have fallen more in love with Scott and appreciate him on a whole new level;) He is "one of a kind!"

Welcome Home!

We headed home Wednesday night. I have the BEST friends in the world! Our house was totally decorated for Hunter's arrival! My sweet aunt stayed with us...good thing because it was a tough night! I was anxious because we got home so late and I didn't have time to feel "settled" much less take a shower! The next morning was our pediatrician appt...which was a total disaster! On the good side, Hunter is very healthy and looks great!

But here is the reality of "first time parents..." we show up late with Hunter buckled totally wrong in his carseat...with no hat or socks on! He had a dirty diaper and dry poop on his back from the night before (that is another story and one reason Hunter had such a rough night...total explosion!) Anyways, she says, "Hand me a diaper..." Scott and I say, "Umm, we forgot our diaper bag!" The story goes on and on...but, we will look back at that appointment and laugh SO hard one day!

The second and third night were AWESOME and he is a wonderful baby...so far, so good! I think my "nerves" and energy have a lot to do with how he feels! I am much more relaxed and enjoying every second!

Bentley and Zoe are so curious but have already adapted to Hunter, and they have accepted that "he is here to stay!" We love them so much and have no doubt that Hunter will have a wonderful relationship with his "big sisters!"

Hunter's Story!

So, Monday morning (9/13) I woke up to go to my weekly doctor appt. I felt very shaky and sick to my stomach...I forced down 2 bites of cereal, which is very uncommon for me...I love my breakfast! Bentley wouldn't take her eyes off of me, and she looked very concerned as she would not leave my side. I asked her, "What's going on, do you know something I don't?"

This was the first doctor appt. that Scott couldn't come with me due to an important client meeting. So, I show up alone and the doctor asks, "How do you feel today?" And I say, "Not too good!" She proceeds to examine me and says, "I think I know why you don't feel good..You're in LABOR!!" I said, "Okay, well I need to go home and take care of the dogs!" She says, "Umm, no- you're going down to the 3rd floor...you'll be pushing soon!" I had been having contractions every 2-5 minutes for the past few weeks,so I thought nothing of the ones I felt that morning!

So, I call Scott as the big news is starting to hit me....his response with total joy, "Shut up, say you promise!!" Then, he gets in the car and flies to the hospital. I was 5 cm dilated and still feeling good at this point. All of a sudden between 5 and 6 cm...BAM, the Big contractions hit hard. I experienced only 3 contractions before my epidural and that was enough for me! I got my epidural and flew to 10 cm. in just an hour!

After 45 minutes of pushing....we welcome our sweet Hunter! That 45 minutes is a complete "fog" to me. Scott was such a trooper and a great partner! My labor and delivery went very smooth, and I feel truly blessed. Hunter's "Guardian Angel- Zsa Zsa (my mom)" must have really pulled some strings up in Heaven;) Scott and I thought Hunter was just PERFECT from the very start!

The hospital stay was so FUN! We broke all sorts of rules by having too many visitors! Hunter is already loved by so many people. We want to thank everyone for being so supportive during this whole hospital experience.

Welcome Baby Hunter

Hunter Bradshaw Monteverde

Date: 9/13/2010

Time: 4:04 pm

Weight: 5.13 oz

Length: 19.5 in

Scott and I are so blessed to announce the birth of our sweet baby boy! Hunter and I are doing great as we both adjust to our "new life!" Scott has been so supportive with a huge smile stuck on his face...what a proud daddy he is! Words can't express the joys and excitement during this journey of welcoming Hunter. We are truly grateful! Cheers!

Here are a few pictures. I will post more pictures and details once we get home...check back in a few days.

Day by Day

Scott and I are patiently awaiting the arrival of Hunter. I continue to feel great and the doctor says that I am progressing nicely. Hunter will definitely be here within the next 12 days!! Our bags are packed and all of my "ducks are in a row." Now, we just wait for the day that Hunter decides that he is ready for the world!!

Thank you all for your support, blessings, love and encouragement! We couldn't be more excited about this next phase in our lives. We have cherished our MANY years as "Just Brandi and Scott!!"