Hello Everyone,
Didn't get the camera out much this week, so these are some random pics of the day. The bath one was appropriate as it's definitely Braden's favorite time. I can't get him into the water fast enough as he squeals and kicks his legs, making it impossible to undress him. The other pic is just him trying to show off his tear and rip skills with his new set of teeth. I think we're working on tooth 7! We've been having PT come out and work with Braden...he's making good progress with strength and balance. His new trick has been pulling himself to a kneeling position when reaching into his toy basket. We just lowered his crib mattress today just in case he decides to further investigate this pulling-up business :-)


We're anxious for summer to arrive as the weekend gave us a nice taste of beautiful weather. Braden got a few more wagon rides around the yard and a couple of walks around the neighborhood. Tonight it's just mom and him as Daddy had the honor of coaching one of the McHenry County All-Star teams tonight. Unfortunately, the late night game didn't jive with Braden's schedule :-(


That's all folks! Thanks for checking in on us!
Love, Steph, Rich, and Braden
P.S. from Braden - no, Grandma Patsy, that's not squash on my face...I've got a chapped chin :-)

Fun, fun, fun

Hello everyone,

Here's Braden sportin' some new summer duds and his Radio Flyer wagon....just assembled today! We've been able to get out and enjoy the sunshine the past few days. It was so funny to see him sittin' all "big boy" in the wagon....even through the lumpy yard, he hung on and enjoyed the ride :-) The first pic is a great pic of his teeth (the other top tooth is just starting to poke through), and mom trying to find a hat that fit him. He turned 8 months on Tuesday...time is flying by! Below, I'm attaching a poem that was posted on the HLHS support group site. It solidifies our belief that Braden is truly our gift from God.

Its a beautiful day up in heaven. Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels say to Jesus "I dont want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you". He reassures the scared litlle angel that everything will be okay, and that she is just going for a visit. She is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus kneals down, and says "how about if you leave half of your heart here with me and take the other half with you, will that be okay". The angel smiles and says "I guess that will work". But the little angel is still a little scared. She asks "will I be okay with only half of my heart?" Jesus replies, "of course you will, I have other angels there that will help out, and you will be fine. "Then Jesus gives the angel more details about his plan, he says "when you are born, your mommy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that I have the other half of your heart". "Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday." "And when its time to come back to heaven, I will make your heart whole again" Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves"

Braden's Funny Faces

Check Back Tomorrow

Hello,
Tired night, so we'll post pics tomorrow. Braden is still as lively and energetic as ever...a bit crabby this weekend....more teeth????

We continue to count our blessings everyday for the life God has given Braden. We hold a few families close in prayer (HLHS support group members) who have recently experienced loss.

Steph

"Hoppy" Easter

Happy Easter! We had another great weekend despite the cold weather and some sitings of snow flakes. Speaking of snow.....we're so glad we ventured to the U.P. when we did. 3 feet of snow fell over the past week. G'pa Greg was all ready to winterize the snowblower - I guess you just never know up der. Yesterday, Braden's buddy Sam came over to visit. It was so nice to see Sam and his parents. It was great to catch up with them and talk about the past, present, and future with our lil' guys. As you can see, Sam is such a cutie and tolerated Braden giving him wet willies and trying to chew or kiss him in the last photo. We're so glad him and his parents are doing so well and that they were able to visit us on Saturday. Today Braden had fun with the toys he found in his Easter Basket (loved to chew on the tags more than anything). Mom and dad had more fun with the bunny ears and snapping lots of photos (sure to embarass him years down the road). We had Easter brunch with the Steven's family over at Aunt Pam and Teddie's place. He was pretty tuckered when we got home.

As for other happenings with Braden. He has been a rolling maniac. We even saw him creep a teeny, tiny bit yesterday. We're just excited to see him rolling to his tummy and staying there for more than just 10 seconds. We've found that he's been rolling in his crib to sleep on his tummy - strange for a kid who just a week ago couldn't tolerate tummy time AT ALL. PT from birth to three came over on Wednesday. She discussed some goals she'd like Braden to achieve in the next 6 - 9 months. She wants to start coming over once a week to work on neck strength and stretching. She was impressed with his mobility and was happy to see his progress since she last saw him. Oh, and how can I forget? Another tooth just yesterday! That makes 4 on the bottom and still one big honkin' front tooth on top. He's also been jabbering more (with his mouth open) and blowing raspberries - dad loves it when Braden does this with a mouth full of food :-)

Easter blessings to everyone,

Steph, Rich, and Braden

Many Firsts....

Our "big" lil' guy continues to amaze us. He now has 4 teeth - 3 on the bottom and 1 HUGE top tooth. He's tolerated them coming in pretty well. I think the U.P. was a great distraction for him :-) The rest of our trip went really well. We got a lot of visiting in with relatives and friends. He was pretty pooped by the time we left....he tolerated the car ride home and was a trooper! Uncle Nick rode with us, so we were packed in tight with having to "pack the house" in our Suby. The top 3 pics are some of my favorite. Braden is getting to meet Cousin Jacob. We put them in the chair together, and Braden is seen trying to console Jacob. Braden got a little concerned when Jacob wouldn't stop crying, and the adults were busy snapping pictures. Pretty soon, the big, pouty face comes out and Braden starts to cry. One of those, "had to be there" moments!

Since we've been home, Braden saw his pediatrician and received his last and final RSV synage (until next winter). She also gave us the okay on starting to feed him "real" food. We started slow and have been giving him graham crackers as a snack. Of course I'm a nervous nilly, so I sit and stare as he gums the cracker to mush - this then travels everywhere but in the tummy :-) Our doc also told us we could start on a sippy cup. He had lots of fun with this...he considers it a new chew toy than a source of liquid. AND, how can I forget....he rolled over from back to tummy....YEAH!!! This is a huge accomplishment for Braden as he hates being on his tummy not to mention the slightly large noggin that holds him down a bit. He first rolled last Monday, and we've been trying all week to get him to continue his new trick. No such luck until today. It's still hard for him, but you can see the determination. Of course, dad and I are the mean parents who move his toys out of reach so he has no choice but to roll to get them. PT comes on Wednesday to work with him...hopefully she's as impressed as we are with his new moves.

Rich and I have been pretty productive this weekend with the house and organizing stuff. Uncle Bob and Grandpa Harvey helped us out on Saturday with some bar building. Tomorrow, it's back to work....spring break is over :-( However, we get this Friday off and my school also takes off the Monday after Easter :-)

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for checking in on us.
Love the Petska's