Blessed is the Peace-Bringer :-)

This little machine is worth its weight in gold!
Gotta love Craigslist!

Hanging Out with Daddy-O

Being Inspected by the Deputy Asst. to the President

Brett got the official White House seal of approval Friday night when he got to meet our dear friend Janet Creighton, who is Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs. She had just flown home for the weekend, and it was great to see her again, and have Brett meet her!

The "Barney" dog Janet sent Brett from the White House. He sits in the corner of the crib and keeps watch over Brett. She also got Brett a White House bib and onesie!! He is one lucky little guy!

Mutt & Jeff / Big Brett & Little John

Jonathan Brett

We had the privilege of bringing Brett to see little Jonathan Strader at the Mishler residence. Can you guess which one is older? Would you believe it, Jonathan is older. He was born premature at 27 weeks. He weighed 1lb 13oz. at birth. He is a little miracle, and now weighs 4lbs.

Brett Goes to Family Court

Brett causes a stir at the Clerk Of Courts Office.

Asst. Court Administrator, Mary Ann Abel gets an armful of Brett

Most of the time, it's not good news for a fella to end up in Family Court, however, it was all good this time as Brett made the rounds to meet his daddy's wonderful co-workers and colleagues.

1 Month Doctor's Visit

Well, Dr. Kendis was very pleased with Brett's development. He had gained 2 lbs and 2 inches since his 1 week visit. She said he was in the 95th percentile, and was doing the things a 2 1/2 month old should be doing. So we are very thankful and feel blessed.

The Cuddle Bug

Out at the Park to Hear Big Band

Brett was really alert and listening to the great sounds of the Big Band sounds of the Alliance Symphony.

Wide Awake!!

When "Dad" got home from his first day back to work, a sweet, wide-awake little fella greeted him!

Ready for Church

Bonding Time

Brett & Dad

"Ahem...Ahem....I'd like to thank all my fans out there for your interest in my arrival, and my progress. Thanks for all the love, peeps!"

Mommy Learning to Multi-Task! :-)

Mom was "gettin 'r done" and watching Brett at the same time!

Napping in Dad's Office

Nap Time (I think he's growing...don't you?)

The Cherub, at rest.

Grandma & Grandpa Luther Visited Monday and Tuesday

Busting....

...at the seams.

Long Time No Blog!

Well friends, we have begun to cross over into the "feeling human again" category. Brett is sleeping 3-4 hours at a stretch each night. Gone are the 2, 4 ,6 8 nights, and replacing them are the welcome 3:30, 7:30 nights. He eats a house a fire during the daytime, although when he does eat at night, he eats a good bit then too.

Merrilee and I both feel blessed and able to deal with this pattern if it continues!

Merrilee is making a little more progress each day, although she still is not at 100% yet. The ladies in our church have been so kind in bringing meals. The following ladies have brought an evening meal during the last 2 weeks: Genevela Campbell, Mary Kaufman, Melinda Mattern, Sandra Grabill, Amy Stratton, Sue Myers. Hulda Newcome is coming tonight. These ladies have been life savers, and have allowed Merrilee to heal while still eating great meals--she would have gotten tired of me fixing her hot dogs and hamburgers, and pizza etc. So, a HUGE THANK YOU to all of these kind and thoughtful ladies. Also, a shout out to Bette Maier--one of my CASA/GAL volunteers who brought a scrumptious coffee cake by the house last Tuesday--and my colleague Jean Desmond who sent some killer cookies!! Thanks ladies!

We also can't thank all of you enough for the cards, comments, calls, gifts and visits. We are so blessed to have so many great friends!

Brett's First Boat Ride

Mom Stetler, who was such a huge help to us over the last week, headed for home late Thursday afternoon. So, in the evening, we thought it sounded so very therapeutic to go to the lake and take Brett out on the boat. We loaded up the travel system, and diaper bag and headed for the relaxing, peaceful water. It was just what the doctor ordered for two sleep-deprived new parents. The evening was simply gorgeous. A nice warm breeze blew, and we watched a beautiful, breath-taking sunset go over the horizon as we held God's creation of new life in our arms. Funny how everything has taken on a new more meaningful perspective in light of our new little fellow's arrival.

This morning we celebrated the much anticipated passing away of the remnants of the umbilical cord! (It's the small things, people). Well, it's almost bath time....gotta go. Thanks to all of you who have left comments and well-wishes. It is a huge highlight to hear from our friends and relatives, even when we can't always respond.

First Doctor's Visit

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Thankfully, the doctor said Brett is doing great, and is on-target! We are very grateful. He was a sweetheart on his first field trip out of the house. Since Brett was sleeping after his doctor's visit, Merrilee and I stopped at one of my favorite little Chinese restaurants in Canton and had our first meal out. It felt so good to do something "normal" again :-).

Bath Time