Harrison's Extended Family

Four Generations of Brantley Men

Grandma Linda
Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Stephens
Grandma J
Aunt Tiffany
Puff

Aunt Amanda
Great Grandpa Brantley & Adam
Grandpa Gus
Uncle Matt & Lesley

Harrison met a lot of our family that he has never met before. Here are some pictures of Harrison with family from the Brantley and Martschink side.

Harrison's Baptism

On Sunday, May 25th, Harrison was baptized in Charleston at St. Andrew's. He was baptized by Steve Wood, the pastor who married Adam & me, which obviously meant a lot to us. Steve and St. Andrew's means the world to us and we hope to make it our church home again in the near future. A lot of our family and friends came to be a part of the baptism. Thanks so much to everyone who came to see our little man's dedication to the Lord. And thanks a ton to Allison and Garrett Reed, Harrison's godparents who stood up at there with us during this special moment in our lives.

The baptism went great. I was a little nervous when I found out that there were two others being baptized the same day. I was sure that Harrison would find that moment to demonstrate his lung power to the entire congregation. However, he turned out to be a little angel. We even passed him around to different people like a hot potato during the service. Puff was the one that we needed to worry about. When she was holding him, I looked over and she had a paci that had bubba teeth on it. She thought it would be hilarious for him to have that in his mouth during the service. Something about bubba teeth and a baptism seem a little backwards to me. Thankfully, I noticed before the damage was done.

Charleston...Friends & Beach

Marge & Sleepy Harrison

Julie thinks she isn't a baby person...I beg to differ
Lizzie & the Boopa

Hinson is the best. She kept Harrison looking really cool!



Well, there is just so much to say about Harrison's first trip to Charleston. He got to meet all of my friends from college and go to the beach all in the same day. He obviously loved my friends and the beach. Instead of telling you all about it, here are some photos...

Mile-High Diaper Changing Club

Well, the Brantley family made it safely to Charleston. Other than the bout of gas that he had at the beginning of our flight from Denver to Atlanta, Harrison handled everything like a champ. Because of a late take-off, we missed our connecting flight to Charleston. So we ended up with a 6 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta. Harrison was great...Adam and I were getting a little restless.

Something I never thought about until I got on the flight was what to do should I need to change Harrison. Well, that time did come. I was afraid to ask the flight attendant what to do, because I didn't want her to think I was an amateur. Then it occurred to me that I was indeed an amateur, and that was obvious, because I was holding a two month-old. So, for those of you who don't know, they have a changing table (clarification: more of a small piece of a wood that folds out of the wall) in the lavatory and it was an interesting experience. I hardly have enough room to move in those things by myself. However, Harrison didn't seem to mind the close quarters. By the end of the day, Harrison became pretty much an expert in aviation. Oh, and the picture on here is of Adam holding Harrison on the flight. You can't really see that he is actually on a plane.

2 Month Check-Up

Well, Harrison had his 2 month check-up today. I just can't believe that my little boy is two months old. It really does seem like we were just in the doctor's office for his 1 week check-up. Everything seems to be going perfectly for him. He is a whopping 13.1 lbs. Thankfully, he has moved down from the 95th percentile to the 75th percentile for weight. He is 23 1/4 inches in length, which is the 70th percentile. Quick question: when does it change from length to height? Right now, I feel like we measure him like he is an animal. Let's see and they also measure his head and it is 15 5/8 inches, which is the 40th percentile. So, that is the latest for Mr. Harrison. We are headed off to Charleston in a couple of days, so it may be a while before you hear from the Brantley family again. However, I am sure we will have lots of fun photos to post...For now, here are some sweet shots I just got of him cooing and smiling.

Little Tiger

This is the first (and only) outfit that Adam bought Harrison. He bought it last labor day when we were at the Clemson/Florida State game. I think I was only 10 weeks pregnant and we obviously had no idea if we were having a boy or girl at that time. Thankfully, we had a boy, because you know Adam would have made a girl wear this onesie. I do remember when he bought it that I was so embarrassed. I still can't figure out why I was so mortified. It was like I was on stage in front of an audience and not sure what to do. I think it must have been the first realization that we were actually going to have a baby. Actually, thinking back to that football game, it brings back memories of being pregnant in my first trimester on a hot Clemson day. I had to stand in a long line for a Porta-Potty multiple times while we were tailgating. One time I actually had to bee line it for the police station because I knew I wouldn't make it in the long line. Thankfully they let us in as we used the excuse of pregnancy (which we did use at opportune times throughout the 9 months). I also vividly remember walking up and down the stairs to the upper deck at the stadium numerous times. On my last venture down to the potty, I never made it back up to where we were sitting...I watched from a much better seat that didn't require me walking up any stairs (I used the pregnancy excuse again). Most importantly from that day, I remember that Clemson won. And that is a vital part of the day for Clemson fans. Anyway, so as I look at my sweet little son in that onesie, it reminds of me of my husband who was so excited about having a baby, that he went to buy a Clemson onesie, which doesn't embarrass me anymore, it makes me smile.

I Can Take a Hint

Harrison and I were playing today and I thought things were going great. He was interacting with me very well...cooing, smiling, you know, the usual. I had just finished my best rendition of one of his baby books. I got really into it with all sorts of voices and mannerisms. I left his room for a moment and came back and this is what I saw...I couldn't believe it. Part of me thinks he was faking sleep so I wouldn't do it anymore. He is already learning tricks from his daddy. I think his daddy fakes sleep at night so I will stop talking...like father like son!

My How I've Grown

I took this picture of Harrison today because he had on jeans for the first time. When I looked back at the picture he looked like a little boy. Well, I know that he is a little boy, but he didn't look much like a newborn anymore. Maybe it is the jeans, or maybe he really is growing up. Even Adam was really shocked when he saw the picture, and it takes a lot to get a response like that out of him.

My First Mother's Day

Adam had a fabulous day in store for my first mother's day. I woke up to Adam and Harrison coming to cuddle me in bed...which is my favorite part of the day. Then Adam made me a very yummy breakfast. He also gave me a couple of sweet picture frames and one had a poem in it with Harrison's footprints. Apparently, Adam and Harrison had been working on the footprints all morning. This afternoon, we all went for a hike in Boulder. It was pretty much an amazing day. I thought I would have Adam take a picture of Harrison and me on my first mother's day, but part of my mother's day gift to myself was a lazy day without a shower and it included a hike. Frankly, I didn't want a photograph to remind of what I looked like on this day. So, I thought I would include pictures of everyone else in my family. Thanks to everyone who called me to wish me a Happy 1st Mother's Day. It was very kind of everyone...I can definitely get used to having another day to celebrate!

On another note, Harrison is officially sleeping through the night. We started to try last Saturday night. We dropped the middle-of-the-night feeding. There were a couple of nights that followed with a good bit of crying from about 4 am to 7 am. But he can now make it from 11pm - 7am and we are SO thankful for that. But let me clarify, he isn't sleeping that whole time. The past couple of nights I have been waking up at 5 am to see him (we have a video monitor) just in his bed, looking at his mobile. He will talk to himself a little bit through the night, which is very cute. The point is, our little man is growing up and I cannot believe it!!

A Message to The Grandmas

I tried to get Harrison to say "Happy Mother's Day" to his Grandma Joan, Linda and Puff, but this was the best I got.

A Good Mixture

I have been feeling recently that Harrison is going to be a mini-Adam. And that is not a bad thing at all. I mean, if I could be so lucky to have another little man in my life like Adam, that would be an honor. But I have to admit there is a part of me that wants him to look a little bit like me. If he looked just like me, then I would assume he would look a lot like Tree (everyone has always said that we look just alike...except his nose is bigger...haha Tree). The point I am trying to make is that I carried him around in my belly for 9 months, got real fat for him, gave up a lot of the things I like for 9 months, labored for a really long time, and it would just be nice if he looked a little bit like me. He does have the crooked smile, which wouldn't be a feature that I would choose to pass on, but something is better than nothing.

Well, as many of you know, babies change a lot everyday. I was playing with him this afternoon and I started to see a little bit of myself in him. Maybe it was because he was cooing a lot and started to make a good bit of noise...we all know my gift for gab. But I could see that he isn't going to look just like Adam. I will say, I do have a very handsome husband and it would be awesome if he looked just like him...I just would like to see a good mixture, just like I am of my parents...

What I Have Learned In Almost 7 Weeks

I know that many of you out there got a kick out of the idea of me being a mom. I have to admit, when I pictured me as a mother, I chuckled to myself as well. However, it is amazing how once you become one (you know, once you birth a child, you are one whether you like it or not), it all seems to just happen naturally. That doesn't mean that I don't have a lot of questions. My pediatrician's office says that I help provide them job security because of the number of times that I call them. I also ask any of my friends that have kids about a million parenting questions the moment I see them. Maybe that is why I don't see them very often? Could they be tired of playing 20 Questions, or in my case 60 questions? Either way, a lot of it comes pretty naturally. I will say that it is a good thing that Harrison will not remember this time in his life as I have made some mistakes too.

So, I am starting to learn that babies are a lot like puppies. Before you get in a tizzy, I mean in certain ways they are similar. You have to learn to read their cues. One of the biggest things you have to learn when you have a puppy is when they have to go potty. Thankfully, I don't really need to figure that out with Harrison (not yet, at least). It sure would have been nice to have diapers for Marley when she was a pup. She did a number to our carpet at our old house!

This, in no particular order, is what I have learned so far about Harrison:

1. Everyone who has boys knows about the fire hose. I have learned that no matter how long you give him before he changes his diaper, he is going to let loose as soon as you pull it off. Someone recommended to me to pull the front of the diaper down, let the cool air get to it, and quickly recover it as that will cause him to "go." Yes it does work, but my son is like a male puppy in the fact that he can keep on going. He always has a little bit stored up. What I have learned: keep a washcloth over it at all times and don't get too close unless you want a shot to the face!


2. Harrison loves to be read to. It doesn't really matter what you read either...parenting books, the Bible, People Magazine, and of course, baby books. Just make sure to have proper voice inflection as you read. What I have learned: whether it is exciting or not, read aloud like you are on Sesame Street and you will get a coo or two out of him!


3. When Harrison raises his hand, it doesn't mean he has a question. What I have learned: it does mean that he is trying to get rid of some gas or something more substantial. Other cues for this: loud grunts accompanied by a very red face.


4. Harrison, while unsure at the beginning, likes it when I try new things with him. The first time I tried tummy time with him, he gave me a scowl and a little cry. Then, I would try again, and he seems more okay with it. What I have learned: the cry and scowl are more ones of skepticism when trying something new with him. Don't give up on the first try, he may indeed like it. See above photo for examples...he wasn't excited about the Bumbo on the first go around, and then I got this picture. Clearly he likes my experiments.


5. Harrison loves his changing tables. He has one in his room and then one on his pack n' play. What I have learned: if you want to get a smile or coo from him, leave him in on the changing table for a little bit and he will do it. P.S. I do realize that the time is short where you can just leave a baby on the changing table.


6. Harrison loves his daddy. When Adam walks into a room and starts talking, Harrison immediately starts looking for him. It could be because he talks so loud, but he definitely loves to see him. He also has daddy time first thing in the morning before Adam gets ready for work and Harrison is not short of smiles at that time. What I have learned: two things...1. get up early if I don't want to have to work for my smiles the rest of the day and 2. talk with a loud, deep voice, if I want to get Harrison to look at me.


7. Pacifiers are not permanent. We were a little apprehensive about the paci at first, but we figured we could take it away later. We figure that is better than his hands or thumbs (for the record, I sucked my thumb for way too long...so long, that I had to hide the fact that I did it). Adam had a good point that we couldn't take away his thumbs (legally), so it is better to let him suck on his paci. But Harrison also knows how to signal for it...he hits himself in the mouth with his hand. What I have learned: besides the way he signals for it, I have also learned that he doesn't need it to fall asleep (thank goodness). If you give it to him when he falls asleep, he does need it. But if you don't, he is golden.

I am sure that I have learned more, but that is all that my mom brain can remember right now. And I have learned other things, like, it is time to get rid of a onesie if half his chest is showing when you snap it...that was hard to learn. I was definitely in denial about him already out growing clothing.

Oh, and above and beyond, Adam and I have learned that it is possible to fall in love with something, besides a dog, that can't tell you that they love you back. As with dogs, we know that he loves us by his actions.

Thank You Doctor Hennesy

I had my 6 week check-up at my OB today and Harrison finally got to meet the sweet Doctor that brought him into this world. I am so thankful to her and how awesome she was during the whole process (pregnancy to the hardest 2 hours of my life...pushing him out). Harrison was obviously the hit of the doctor's office because he is so darn cute. Just thought I would include a picture of how cute he was at the office. Also, here is a picture of us yesterday (I just got out the shower, so I know that I look pretty darn rough). I am sure that everyone has already noticed, but his receding hairline is becoming more prominent...just like his daddy!

My Baby Frog After Bath Time

Tummy Time May Take a While

So I thought I would give tummy-time a try with Harrison this morning. I tried it before and he just face-planted on the surfboard. I noticed that his neck was getting significantly stronger, so I thought maybe he would enjoy it more. I also noticed that he was developing quite the flat spot on the back of his head, so I figured I needed to do what I can to give that spot a breather! He did like it much better today; but he liked it for like 2 minutes. I would say that is a drastic improvement. He'll be surfing away on his tummy time mat in no time. It is a bit bizarre that he has on a full-fleece outfit, yet he is tummy down on a surfboard. That is the Colorado weather for you. It is May and we had snow yesterday!!

Oh, and for everyone who has asked me how the dogs are adjusting. Everyone has seen Marley and heard about her love for Harrison. Chewy has been a little stand-offish. She hasn't been aggressive, but almost like she could care less if he is here. Well, this morning during tummy-time, Chewy took a much greater interest. She approached him and just watched him like to make sure he was okay (see photo). I thought it was super-sweet. Especially for the jealous, dramatic dog that we know she is, this was a step in the right direction. I like she really loves him, she just doesn't want us to know it yet. Chewy was really reserved when Marley came along (she acted as if Marley didn't exist). Now they are the best of friends. Although, Chewy tried (almost successfully) to get Marley to run away while Julie & Clay were out here. All that to say, the entire Brantley family, including the pets, are adjusting well to Harrison's presence.