Brittany's Banter
Monday, February 20, 2012
Red shoes
Grandma was here a few weeks ago and bought Dax some red shoes. He's obsessed with them. They've been worn to parties, play groups, around the house, to bed, and even church. He throws a fit when we make him take them off! Thanks grandma.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was non-traditional this year. We went to Disneyland with my side of the family for Thanksgiving. We had an AWESOME time, even with all the crowds. Disneyland is SO magical at Christmas time.
On our way! The boys were great on the flight.
Everett and Nicholas were best buds.
We had Thanksgiving dinner at Goofey's Kitchen among many of the Disney characters.
On the last day in SoCal, we exchanged Christmas presents. The cousins got to wear their matching PJ's.
On our way! The boys were great on the flight.
Everett and Nicholas were best buds.
We had Thanksgiving dinner at Goofey's Kitchen among many of the Disney characters.
On the last day in SoCal, we exchanged Christmas presents. The cousins got to wear their matching PJ's.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Logan Canyon
Just before the snow fell, we found this awesome walking trail in Logan Canyon. We really enjoyed getting out in the fresh air and went 3 or 4 times before it got too cold. Dax loved all the leaves and rocks and had a great time walking all by himself.
Halloween
Clearly I'm behind, but I have been feeling all sorts of anxiety about not posting our adventures.
Dax was a puppy for Halloween. Everett was a Chargers fan. We had our neighbors over for Pizza and then we all went trick-or-treating. We finished off the night watching the Chargers on Monday Night Football.
Dax was a puppy for Halloween. Everett was a Chargers fan. We had our neighbors over for Pizza and then we all went trick-or-treating. We finished off the night watching the Chargers on Monday Night Football.
Dax turns 2
Dax turned 2 on October 5. Grandma Cordon was in town and we had a great day. Dax woke up to balloons and streamers and immediately opened his presents. He played with his new trucks and trains all morning long. We all went to Texas Roadhouse for an early dinner. Dax was the star of the show and got to sit on the big saddle while everyone in the restaurant wished him a happy birthday. We came home and had wheat-free, dairy-free, egg-free pumpkin cupcakes with 2 candles. It was a perfect day.
He LOVES his new garbage truck.
Not sure what to think about all these people yelling.
It doesn't get much better than applesauce and fall-off-the-bone ribs!
He had no trouble opening his presents this year. :)
He LOVES his new garbage truck.
Not sure what to think about all these people yelling.
It doesn't get much better than applesauce and fall-off-the-bone ribs!
He had no trouble opening his presents this year. :)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Seasons Greetings
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| This greeting card customized with Smilebox |
You don't need to click the play button, it doesn't do anything special!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
FYI
My super talented and stylish sister-in-law has started a new blog that everyone needs to subscribe to. Its a fashion blog and full of great style advice. She is doing an awesome giveaway right now so head on over and check it out.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Family Pictures
The AMAZING Sami Jo took some family photos for us yesterday. It was cold up in the mountains but we managed to get some great shots. 
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
BFF's
These two are already best friends. Dax has adjusted really well and loves his baby brother. He gives Everett hugs and kisses and becomes very concerned when he cries. I'm hoping Dax will still like his brother when he starts moving and competing for toys. :)
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Everett's Birthday
I had a doctors appointment on Monday July 25th where I was told the midwife would strip my membranes to try and start labor. This was 6 days before my due date. At the appointment that morning the midwife was unable to strip my membranes and I was REALLY disappointed and discouraged. I was huge, sore, unable to walk normally and darn right tired of being pregnant; and most of all, ready to meet my son.
I had asked my midwife about taking castor oil. I did it with Dax and I went into labor 5 hours later. She said there is no evidence that it works and it makes you really sick but that there is no danger associated with taking it. I was desperate at this point so at noon that day I took 4 tablespoons of castor oil. It makes me gag just writing about it. The stuff is NASTY.
After that I tried to take a nap, but I was too anxious. By 3:30 the castor oil was finished it's job and I started having contractions. They came on fast but were mild. They were coming every 3 minutes. I went for a walk and they were still coming. Once I got home the contractions stopped and again, I was disappointed. Kelly had rushed to the grocery store so we would have food for the babysitter to give Dax. I called him and told him to take his time because the contractions stopped.
Fast forward an hour and a half and the contractions started again. My mom made dinner and we all ate together, all the while I'm having semi-painful contractions every 3 minutes.
After dinner I called labor and delivery and they told me to come in since I have a history of fast labors and this was my second baby. We called Ashley, who was going to be watching Dax for us and she rushed to our house. While we were waiting for her to get to the house I started getting nervous that we were cutting it too close. We grabbed our bags and decided to wait outside. As Ashley was pulling into the driveway my water broke and now everyone was panicked: I delivered Dax about 10 minutes after my water broke. My mom ran inside and grabbed a towel and we raced to the hospital. I calmed down once we got in the car because the contractions had slowed down and were not super painful. My mom and Kelly were still really nervous and we got to Kaiser in about 5 minutes!
Once we got to the hospital we went through all the normal triage stuff and then, after 45 minutes, we were taken to our room. I got an IV and met my nurse and midwife and was asking to get into the labor tub. They started filling the tub but didn't want me to get in until they could monitor the baby for a few minutes. He wasn't in distress but wasn't responding to the contractions like they wanted so I was not allowed to get in the tub yet. I was still handling the contractions okay and was feeling in control.
At this point, about 9 PM, the midwife wanted to check to see how I was progressing. I was 5 centimeters and 90% effaced. This sent me into hysterics. I was starting to feel out of control and I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I thought I was nearing the end and I was only a 5! I lost it and starting yelling at everyone to get the anesthesiologist. I know very well that no anesthesiologist is going to give me an epidural (it's too dangerous because of previous back surgery). I wasn't thinking rationally at this point and I was getting really mad that no one was listening to my request for an epidural! Finally my nurse said she could give me some IV medication. It is not safe for the baby to give the drug after the mom is 7 centimeters so the nurse wanted to check me first. She checked and I was 9 centimeters and almost ready to push. This was only 20 minutes later. The midwife came in, massaged the cervix to help me fully dilate, and told me to push with my next contraction. I pushed through 2 contractions, and 4 minutes later, Everett Michael Allred was born at 9:32 PM.
They put him right on my chest and I immediately fell in love. He was absolutely perfect. I was given a few stitches for a small tear. By 9:45 I was nursing; Everett latched on immediately and nursed like a pro. We spent the next few hours holding and staring at our perfect little angel. It was truly a magnificent day.
I had asked my midwife about taking castor oil. I did it with Dax and I went into labor 5 hours later. She said there is no evidence that it works and it makes you really sick but that there is no danger associated with taking it. I was desperate at this point so at noon that day I took 4 tablespoons of castor oil. It makes me gag just writing about it. The stuff is NASTY.
After that I tried to take a nap, but I was too anxious. By 3:30 the castor oil was finished it's job and I started having contractions. They came on fast but were mild. They were coming every 3 minutes. I went for a walk and they were still coming. Once I got home the contractions stopped and again, I was disappointed. Kelly had rushed to the grocery store so we would have food for the babysitter to give Dax. I called him and told him to take his time because the contractions stopped.
Fast forward an hour and a half and the contractions started again. My mom made dinner and we all ate together, all the while I'm having semi-painful contractions every 3 minutes.
After dinner I called labor and delivery and they told me to come in since I have a history of fast labors and this was my second baby. We called Ashley, who was going to be watching Dax for us and she rushed to our house. While we were waiting for her to get to the house I started getting nervous that we were cutting it too close. We grabbed our bags and decided to wait outside. As Ashley was pulling into the driveway my water broke and now everyone was panicked: I delivered Dax about 10 minutes after my water broke. My mom ran inside and grabbed a towel and we raced to the hospital. I calmed down once we got in the car because the contractions had slowed down and were not super painful. My mom and Kelly were still really nervous and we got to Kaiser in about 5 minutes!
Once we got to the hospital we went through all the normal triage stuff and then, after 45 minutes, we were taken to our room. I got an IV and met my nurse and midwife and was asking to get into the labor tub. They started filling the tub but didn't want me to get in until they could monitor the baby for a few minutes. He wasn't in distress but wasn't responding to the contractions like they wanted so I was not allowed to get in the tub yet. I was still handling the contractions okay and was feeling in control.
At this point, about 9 PM, the midwife wanted to check to see how I was progressing. I was 5 centimeters and 90% effaced. This sent me into hysterics. I was starting to feel out of control and I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I thought I was nearing the end and I was only a 5! I lost it and starting yelling at everyone to get the anesthesiologist. I know very well that no anesthesiologist is going to give me an epidural (it's too dangerous because of previous back surgery). I wasn't thinking rationally at this point and I was getting really mad that no one was listening to my request for an epidural! Finally my nurse said she could give me some IV medication. It is not safe for the baby to give the drug after the mom is 7 centimeters so the nurse wanted to check me first. She checked and I was 9 centimeters and almost ready to push. This was only 20 minutes later. The midwife came in, massaged the cervix to help me fully dilate, and told me to push with my next contraction. I pushed through 2 contractions, and 4 minutes later, Everett Michael Allred was born at 9:32 PM.
They put him right on my chest and I immediately fell in love. He was absolutely perfect. I was given a few stitches for a small tear. By 9:45 I was nursing; Everett latched on immediately and nursed like a pro. We spent the next few hours holding and staring at our perfect little angel. It was truly a magnificent day.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Daxy's Procedure
Dax is still having stomach problems and on Monday we had to take him to John Muir hospital to have a colonoscopy. He had to be put under general anaesthesia but he did great. Everyone at the hospital was really nice and they even let him keep his blanket and stuffed monkey during the procedure. I stayed with him until he was asleep and they brought me into the recovery room before he woke up. He was a perfect patient and was back to his normal self by the afternoon. They are doing a bunch of different biopsy's so we won't have the results for a few weeks.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Almost There
I am officially carrying a full term baby...meaning I WANT HIM OUT! I am not sleeping, I can barely walk, and my back hurts all the time. I am SO excited to meet this little guy and can't wait for the newborn stage again.
I had two baby showers last week. One thrown by my best friend, mom, and grandma and another by a few friends in my mom's group. I have felt very loved! Unfortunately I only have a picture of the breakfast I did with the mom's group but both events were absolutely fabulous.
Dax and I just finished our last day of mommy-and-me swim lessons which was a great distraction before the baby comes. I had a TO-DO list a mile long and thanks to my full fledged nesting instinct, that is all done. Now all I have to do is wait...not a good thing. I'm going to have to find some things to occupy me next week or I might just go crazy. Either that or I could just have the baby!
I had two baby showers last week. One thrown by my best friend, mom, and grandma and another by a few friends in my mom's group. I have felt very loved! Unfortunately I only have a picture of the breakfast I did with the mom's group but both events were absolutely fabulous.
Dax and I just finished our last day of mommy-and-me swim lessons which was a great distraction before the baby comes. I had a TO-DO list a mile long and thanks to my full fledged nesting instinct, that is all done. Now all I have to do is wait...not a good thing. I'm going to have to find some things to occupy me next week or I might just go crazy. Either that or I could just have the baby!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Daxton's Latest Adventures
Throwing coins in the fountain outside Fenton's Creamery in Oakland.
Enjoying yummy sorbet because he's still allergic to dairy.
At the Alameda County Fair with our playgroup.
With Mommy and Liz, the elephant, at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Enjoying a nice cold beverage with Daddy while waiting to see Shouka the whale.
The whole family at the A's game!
Just SO happy that the A's are winning.
Enjoying yummy sorbet because he's still allergic to dairy.
At the Alameda County Fair with our playgroup.
With Mommy and Liz, the elephant, at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Enjoying a nice cold beverage with Daddy while waiting to see Shouka the whale.
The whole family at the A's game!
Just SO happy that the A's are winning. 
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Daxton - Dribbling soccer ball in his Raiders Unifo
Grandpa bought Dax a Raiders Jersey. He looked SO cute in it because it's about 12 sizes too big!
Watch the video to see our future soccer player. :)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Movin On
Kelly applied and was accepted to Grad School at Utah State University! He is going to get a Masters of Science in Human Resources (MSHR). I am SO incredibly proud of him! He worked so hard studying for the GMAT, writing essays, and practicing for his interviews.
Life is going to get a little crazy for us. Classes start August 29th and our baby is due August 2nd. This means we will be moving VERY shortly after the baby is born. Even though its going to be insanely busy we are excited to be starting this next chapter in our lives!
Life is going to get a little crazy for us. Classes start August 29th and our baby is due August 2nd. This means we will be moving VERY shortly after the baby is born. Even though its going to be insanely busy we are excited to be starting this next chapter in our lives!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
My Babies
Dax is 19 months old and as cute as ever. He is still having digestive issues and we are scheduled to see a pediatric GI doctor on Tuesday. He definitely has his moments when I can tell he is not feeling well, but for the most part he is a happy, active little boy.
His new favorite thing right now is trains. Every time we go to a toy store, he beelines for the train table. He also loves running laps around the living room, bouncing back and forth on the couch, doing peg puzzles, reading books, and anything involving water. He is starting to talk a lot. He can tell you what a lion, cat, duck,turkey, cow, and dog say. He points to most of his body parts and is starting to use phrases like, "go get it" and "all done." It is really amazing to me how much he is learning and developing at this age. Everyday he is saying or learning something new!
Eating popcorn and watching a movie is a Sunday ritual.
Washing the cars is a big hit with Dax.
He had fun reading books with his Great-Grandma Drena.As far as my other baby goes, I am 30 weeks pregnant and definitely feeling it. By the end of the day I am tired and sore; probably because I am chasing and carrying a 26 pound toddler. This little fetus is quite the mover and shaker. He is constantly rolling, kicking, punching, and shaking. I have a feeling he is going to be a busy body, just like his brother. We are getting more and more excited to meet this little guy and I constantly day dream about holding a newborn again!
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