SWAB YOUR EARS WITH MOUTHWASH!

I survived my first baby-to-mommy cold. I'm pretty sure we picked it up at the swimming pool. As much as I don't want to think about what is in the water that Branson so happily splashed into both our mouths, noses and eyes, I have to think that's where it came from. What would you expect to be in a pool filled with babies, toddlers and young kids? Go ahead, ponder that....

so that's how last week went. Branson got sick 2 Friday's ago, poor little guy. Stuffy nose, sore throat, didn't want to eat, couldn't sleep. Lucky for him, it only lasted 2 full days. Now only a runny nose lingers. While he was crying in my arms one early morning, I said, "I wish I could take the sickness away from you. I would rather have it myself." Well, someone above was listening at that very moment and granted me that very wish. The day we had company come in, I felt it coming on. Monday we went to the rib cook off, and I knew I had it when I could barely stand to walk around with out feeling like I was going to pass out. Then it hit full force. I couldn't swallow for the pain was soooo flipping intense. Runny stuffy nose, sinus headache and green mucus were to follow shortly after. I even went to urgent care. Why did I do that? I spent $50 for the dude to tell me since I'm "breastfeeding" (couldn't he say nursing?) I can't take anything. And that I should call my "OB" because she will know what to do. So I called my OB. Her lovely nurse (we don't like her much) informed me that they are only in charge of me while I'm pregnant. I should go see a Dr. Which at the time translated to, "leave us alone lady, you aren't pregnant any more. And even when you where you were a pain in the ass." (I had a difficult pregnancy, and the nurse wasn't very sympathetic.) Finally I got the OK from Branson's Pediatricain (what???) to take some cough syrup. So, I drank down the cough syrup and took as many Tylenol PM's as I could. Should have knocked my ass out right? WRONG. I was up until 3 am with a screaming ear ache in BOTH ears. I was in tears and desperate, so I did a little online research to find out if there were any home remedies to cure it. A popular one for both positive and negative feedback was to swab your ear with mouthwash. After reading all the people that said "yes! this works" and the ones that also said, "um, my Dr. told me I was an idiot for doing this and now my ear drum has permanent damage." I weight my options. I decided having permanent damage would be worth an hour or 2 of sleep. Not 2 minutes after swabbing my ears, I felt not only minty fresh, but enough relief to finally get some sleep. THANK YOU LORD! Who ever thought of rinsing your ears with mouth wash is my hero. I wouldn't do it on my kids, but for me it's safe enough.

Swimming

Branson had his first swimming lesson last Wednesday. To say he loves the water is the understatement of the century. Let's put it this way: he was the only baby that didn't have a melt down. The second we got in the water, he was all smiles, all splashes, and all kicks. He loved "swimming" back and forth with me and the teacher. Thank God! I'm so glad I don't have a baby that is afraid of the water. On the downside, every week I have to get in a bathing suit. Ugh. But, I've been dieting and am down 5 lbs. Only 10 more to go! This isn't about me though. I tried to upload a video of him swimming, but apparently have a degree in computers isn't enough to know how to work one. Maybe next week.

Emmy's

I'm sitting here being a naughty mom. I'm listening to my child whine and fuss and all that jazz, and I'm not doing anything about it. You see, sometimes mommy's need to do that. For their own sanity. There is nothing in the world I love more than my child. With that said, I think that sometimes he whines and fusses and cry's just to see if I will pick him up. Which, of course I do. And then he dives for the floor like there is something really great down there and he can't believe I just picked him up. Ah. Kids are so smart.

In the interim, the Emmy's Red Carpet is on. Love it. Love critiquing all these women that have the body's and guts to get out there and wear these beautiful clothes and jewels, all just for us normal everyday Jane's to sit at home, on our couch, in baby food stained pj's and judge them. Guilty pleasure I guess.

In other Emmy news, I'm hoping Modern Family takes the cake. I really love that show.

Number 2

The funniest and yet most embarassing thing happened today. Branson pooped in the pool. Yup. I had him swimming a la birthday suit, and it happened. Thank god it was a little kiddie pool, and it was at my grandmothers. You see, my grandmother is a Saint in the world of children. Ever since I was born, she has been either a day care provider or, for the last 20 years or so, a foster parent. Therefore, she has seen it all. And she laughed.

*whew*

We emptied the pool, cleaned up the mess, got a good giggle in, and filled it back up for the baby. Yup. I'm 100% mom now.

Better Late than Never

So I changed my mind on posting Branson's baptism pics. Instead, here are some fun ones from this summer. Enjoy!

BLESSED.

Bransons baptism was beautiful. I don't even think I ruined his chance to get into heaven. Even though we had a private ceremony, we were able to have it in the church at St. Albert's. A lovely surprise. My bestest friend Chrissy came in from Vegas. She and my wonderful Sis-in-law Alison are B's God-Mommy's. I couldn't ask for better people to fill those shoes. These women are so good to our entire family. We are truly blessed.

Pics to follow tonight hopefully...

My Insane Summer continues...

Keenan has gone back to Missouri, a sad thing for us. He brings so much joy to this house, he is so funny and so sweet with Branson. I am truly blessed in the step-child department.

This summer was/has been such a whirlwind of craziness. We have not stopped for more than 6 seconds, at all. Everyday was filled with vacation, travel, shuffling kids to/from the water park, mini golf, guitar store, grandma's...I mean you name it. I didn't realize just how tired I was until I was able to sit down for more than 10 minutes at once. I almost couldn't get up. I think I had a little bit of a moment and emotional let down. I cannot and will not have another summer this crazy. It was fun though, but way. too. tiring.

Branson is finally in his own room; a bittersweet thing. That room has been waiting for him for a long time, and it is SO adorable all put together. He loves being in there too, which is what really counts. Ryan and I get to have our bedroom back. This is going to take a lot of adjusting. This means we can watch TV after 7 pm if we want, we can talk in normal voices, and I won't be snapping, "please be quiet!" or "don't you dare wake that baby up!" or "stop moving you're being loud!" (my poor husband, right?). On the down side, 2-3 times a night, I actually have to get up, turn on a light or 2 and make the oh-so-long trek across the house to my baby's room to nurse. No more pulling him into bed and falling back asleep. *Side note: Dear God, please let Branson start sleeping through the night soon. Love, Me.*

Branson has also had 3 teeth cut through the last week. Poor guy! he is looking mighty cute though, and boy can he chew anything you put in front of him! This Saturday he is being Baptised. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person involved that is nervous for the thing. I am not religious at all. Let me be clear: I believe in a higher power (call it God, if you want) but I do not believe in organized religion. I respect it, but it's not for me. At all. So, I'm totally terrified that I am going to mess up my child's one and only chance to be "rid of all original sin and enter into Heaven". I mean really??????? That is quite a weight on one's shoulder! And I hardly every talk politics or religion, but can I just say that I have a really hard time believing that any BABY is born with any ounce of sin at all? There is nothing more pure or innocent. Anyhow. That is just my humble, uneducated opinion. I am, however, completely stoked for him to wear one of the super cute outfits I bought him. *smile* *pictures to come*