A fireman and a baby photo shoot

When I was pregnant I had been searching for cute photos of firemen and newborns for us to do once the baby was born. I had several saved on my pinterest that I was dying to do. However, I wasn't expecting the little peanut to come so early AND spend so much time in the hospital. Once he finally came home and we got the chance he wasn't quite young enough to do some of the shots I wanted to attempt. My sister and I did a little photo shoot regardless and will just keep those other cute poses in mind for the next time I have a baby. Here are some of the shots we got yesterday in our mothers dining room! 

Two very cute models 

I just imagine Broderick screaming "SAVE ME" when I see this one.. I love the outreached arm! 

My fav ♥

See what I mean about not being young enough? He wouldn't curl up at all! 

Newborn photo shoot

Thank you Benton Photography for taking such beautiful pictures of my new baby boy! 

I love how cozy and relaxed he looks in this one. 

This one is my favorite. Love that face! 

Welcome home party

Today Broderick was finally released from the NICU! He was there for 18 days and went in weighing 5 pounds 10 ounces, he was released weighing 6 pounds 12 ounces. Having him in the hospital has been so physically and emotionally draining. It's 45 minutes from our house and I would go every single day to try and teach the little man to nurse (which he does beautifully now). Since the hospital wasn't close enough to go back and forth for feedings I would sit in a rocking chair next to his crib for about 7-9 hours a day which was 3 feedings. He had his ups and downs and I drove home crying on several occasions because he wasn't showing the progression he needed to come home. I knew he was in the right place and under excellent care but this wasn't how I had imagined spending my maternity leave, I felt so robbed of my baby bonding time. Those days are now behind us, our sweet angel is home and we can start enjoying him all day every day!

Coming home outfit

 (which be pee'd all over as soon as we got home)

Ready for the car ride! 

We were surprised when we got home that my parents and sister had planned a little welcome home party for Broderick. It was a mustache bash! 

They were even sporting mustaches when we walked in the door. Even baby Kyla had a stache! 

Broderick wanted to eat his mustache 

Mustache cake! 

Baby and daddy 

The nicu won't allow anyone under the age of 14 to visit so this was the first time Tyler got to meet his little brother. It was really hard for him going 18 days only seeing his brother in pictures! 

He loves him ♥

Baby and mommy 

Tyler wanted to help any way he could with the baby. He wanted to rock him, change his diapers, feed him, read to him, etc... He is going to be such a good big brother. 

Easter 2012

Easter Sunday was the two week mark of our little baby Broderick being in the NICU. The hardest part was trying to be with both my kids on this holiday and then feeling guilty when I was without one. I started my day off with a visit at the hospital. I stayed for two feedings, took some cute pictures, then headed home to have Easter with Tyler.

This beanie was Tyler's Eater cap when he was a baby. A little big for Broderick but still cute! 

Broderick is known for having "naughty hands" because he is always pulling out his feeding tube. Here he is without the tube, I had to get a pic before they put a new one in. 

Easter at home with Tyler! 

Cousin Kyla was really interested in the goodies for the boys from grandma. 

All lined up and ready for the Easter egg hunt. Smallest to tallest of course. 

We let Kyla have a head start. They boys seemed concerned about that. 

We tried to get one more group shot but Kyla was only concerned with stealing Tyler's eggs. Jonathan seemed ok with that! 

The "Golden Egg!" 

Can't wait for next Easter when we can ALL celebrate together as a family!