1 Month Dr Visit

The "little man" went to New Castle Family Physicians for his one month checkup yesterday. He is now 21 1/2 inches long (19 1/2 at birth) and weighs in at 11 lbs, 5 oz. That is the 90th percentile in height and 95th + percentile in weight. We may have an offensive lineman on our hands!

In other news, I have joined Josh's fantasy football league. Updates of the hilarity to come. I have not a clue what is going on, and since Josh is the commissioner of the league I think he will veto any dumb trades I might make.

Rock Star Baby

The first month of having Bryce in our family has flown by!

He is a much loved addition to the family. Austin and Karsen adore him. They give him kisses each morning before they get out of the van for school, and the first thing they ask when they get in the van after school is, "Did Bryce miss me today?"

He has enjoyed his first visit to Grandma and Papa Hall's house (3 1/2 hours each way!) on Labor Day weekend, which was also his first night spent away from home with the family. He took his first dip in the pool there, too. He loved the water, but not the shock of cold at first!


He is beginning to interact more, with the beginnings of smiles and coos. Austin loves it when he kisses him.
Some playtime with his mat.


Crazy bath time faces.

The little man is filling out quite nicely. He eats 6 ounces of formula at a time now, usually about every 3-4 hours. He has a doctor's appointment tomorrow so I am eager to see how big he is.

The older two have begun soccer practices and are looking forward to their games beginning next week. They also have joined an after school program at the Methodist church here in town on Wednesdays called CCKC. They loved yesterday having lessons and playing games with their friends. Bryce also is going to his babysitter Chelsea's house every Friday afternoon so I can work in Austin's class for their Success Time program. Chelsea loves having a little boy around (she takes care of three little girls on and off through the week, one being Ross's little Emily), and has nicknamed Bryce "The Professor" for his serious looks and old man faces. He loves his Miss Chelsea, and I like going in to Westwood to see Austin and Karsen's school activities.

Update by Bryce

So this morning I have been wide awake for almost three hours since I slept so good for mommy and daddy last night. I was worn out from my brother and sister's first day of school. It's hard work being so cute!


When Austin and Karsen got home from school yesterday I heard ALL about their days. Austin LOVES Mrs. Flynn. He told me all about her and her big dogs. He was very excited not to have homework, and is also looking forward to being rewarded for getting no strikes for 20 weeks straight. We'll see how that turns out in 20 weeks.

Karsen has a new best friend, who sits at her table. Her name is Karlie, and she was in Miss Beth's afternoon class last year so they have seen each other on field trips and in programs, but really hit it off yesterday. They bonded over their shared love for the Nickelodeon show ICarly, which is the character on Karsen's backpack this year. I am glad Karsen has a friend that is a girl to have fun with...although she has very nice friends that are boys, too.

When daddy got home from work I could tell he missed me a little, or a lot! He held me for a long time and I just stared and stared at him because I was wishing for him to come home and was so glad me and mommy's wish came true! We love our family evenings at home.

Here are my brother and sister on their second day of school this morning:
they look a little tired, but Karsen had a big nap yesterday because she was worn out, so she shouldn't be THAT exhausted! Although she did have some homework, which sounds like no fun to me!

I can't wait to hear what they have done on their second day of school!! But until then, I will have a cuddly happy day with my mommy.

Back to School 2010

After a busy weekend which included Austin's birthday party/sleepover on Friday night, it is back to school for the Morgan kids.

Neither Karsen or Bryce got much sleep last night--they were so excited about their upcoming day. Karsen was excited to eat lunch with her new Scooby Doo lunchbox, and Bryce was excited to get a nap uninterrupted by his loving older siblings. :)

Austin is in 3rd grade with Mrs Flynn, who he has heard from older friends is strict, but I know they will get along just fine. Karsen has Mrs Bell, who was Austin's fabulous 1st grade teacher, so that is great for her. Austin has his good friend Cooper to keep him company. There are 11 new to Westwood kids in Austin's class of 25, so hopefully Austin will want to show them the ins and outs of their new school.

Karsen has Graham, Matthew, Eli, and Sam to keep her company this year as she goes to school all day long for the first time. She also can't wait for recess when she will see all her old kindergarten friends.
Austin introduced himself to Mrs Flynn, and she said, "Would you like to take a lei?" and held out a handful of leis. Austin politely said, "No thank you," which was funny, but we then talked him into one so he wouldn't feel underdressed for their back to school beach party. Ha!

Karsen was excited that Mrs Bell already knew who she was, and also knew who Bryce was. He liked meeting his new Westwood friends, but is now very hungry, so that's enough update for today.

First Week

Brycen's first week home has come and gone...and he is such a wonderful baby.

The kids are enjoying him and he is (already) starting to be on a schedule. He likes to fall asleep for the night between 9:30 and 10:30, and usually sleeps until 2:30-3. Then he wakes for a bottle and some cuddles, and then is back to sleep around 4, and then wakes again about 7. What a blessing he has been :)

Mr. Cool.

Hope the chill, relaxed personality is a sign of things to come. We just love our little man.

Our friends and family have been so good to us. We have been treated to great meals, beautiful gifts, and special visits with so many wonderful people. It is amazing how much love we have been shown--thanks everyone!

Bryce's 1st Dr Visit

We are working on getting settled in as a family of five. Today Bryce had his first visit to New Castle Family Physicians and to see Dr Rosenfeld. He is doing very well. His weight is now 8 lbs, 4 oz. (he lost a few ounces in the hospital but is coming back up nicely), and 21 inches long.

The big boy:

We have had such wonderful company since we have been home. We came home Sunday around noon and had a great lasagna meal with Grandma and Papa Beneker and auntie Erin and uncle Ken. Uncle Ken did a photo shoot with Bryce for his announcements. Here is a sneak peek.

Sunday night Bryce had his first card night at Grandma Purvis's house, where he met uncle Donald, aunt Kim, aunt Vicki, Kenley and Bryant, uncle Gary and Ross again.

Monday he was visited by Papa Jay and Grandma Hall and Kalli.

Tuesday he met aunt Beth and uncle Mo, who brought some excellent pulled pork and potato salad. He must have really liked their visit, because he slept SO WELL last night. He was in his crib at 11 p.m., and didn't wake up until 3. He stayed awake and ate until about 4, but then slept in until 7!! What a nice gift for mommy!

Austin and Karsen are such big helpers to mommy and daddy. I am really grateful that Josh has two weeks off work: I am going to be spoiled with all the help around the house, with the kids, and even naps during the day. Josh is such a great dad and husband.

Bryce is Here! Austin's Birthday!

Brycen Joshua Morgan, 8 lbs, 9 oz, at 19 1/2 inches long made his debut into the world and our family on August 6, 2010. Words can't express. I won't even try.

He is so lucky to have his big brother and sister to guide him on his way.

It can't be that nine years ago today, Josh and I were welcoming Austin Layne into our hearts. He is one of our three miracles, and is one of the most giving little children anyone will ever meet. I had a ton of mom guilt today, not able to spend but a few hours of his birthday with him, but in true Austin spirit, he was more excited for his new brother and more worried about leaving mommy alone at the hospital than about his own birthday. I am overwhelmed with love for all of my three little ones, and can't imagine being more blessed. Ever. I have a caring husband who I am quite sure will never know what he means to all of us, and the greatest family who I underappreciate most of the time. And although I deserve none of it, it is the most beautiful gift.

Someday, Austin, I will make this day up to you. But you will probably not even notice because you will be too busy making someone else's day better, just like you do every day of your life.