Brett Allan Luther

Brett Does Florida

2009-02-21T10:59:00.004-05:00

To the Paparazzi

2008-11-29T19:32:00.005-05:00

Over the last few weeks, many of you have called, emailed, commented, acosted me at church, the store and other places demanding that the blog be updated with new pictures of Brett.

When I tried my hand at creating a blog back in July, little did I know I was actually creating a pet that was going to need to be fed and watered daily. And that this pet would make friends who would come home with my new pet and cry to be fed and watered also. :-) When a feller is a new dad, these new pets can be a handful.

So, by popular demand, here are some updates. Now don't get used to them! Try to wean yourself off of frequent updates; just say no; and generally, try to broaden your life. We love ya.

Sleigh Bells in the Snow

2008-11-29T19:27:00.004-05:00

Come'on Ring That Bell!

2008-11-29T19:19:00.003-05:00

Mommy tries to avoid that new zealous Christmas bell ringer. I'm sure the Salvation Army will soon be calling Brett to ask him to work the kettles.

The Cherub - On the Road

2008-11-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

Energetic and loving to play

2008-11-29T19:05:00.002-05:00

He's getting pretty wild. :-)

"Reading"

2008-11-29T19:00:00.002-05:00

Brett loves to have books read to him, and he loves to look at the pictures.

All in a day's work

2008-11-29T18:55:00.000-05:00

The Orange Monkey keeps on providing entertainment

2008-11-29T18:51:00.002-05:00

Even Uncle David is entertained by the famous Orange Monkey.

October 24th

2008-11-29T18:47:00.001-05:00

Papa teaches Brett how to nap on a dime.

Cousins Playing October 23

2008-11-29T18:44:00.001-05:00

Cousins Heath & Brett meet and play for the first time

Cold Weather - Ugh!

2008-10-20T20:41:00.002-04:00

Brett was not sure at all what to think when his mother put a coat on him for the first time during the 30 degree weather on Sunday!

An Exciting New Toy!

2008-10-20T20:19:00.003-04:00

Here he is checking out his new toy!

Play time is serious business!

2008-10-13T22:25:00.002-04:00

Ready to head out

2008-10-13T22:23:00.000-04:00

Our Beautiful Boat Ride on Saturday Afternoon

2008-10-13T22:07:00.010-04:00

Snoozin' and Cruisin'

Getting a little tired

But still have a smile!

It was as close to a perfect day as you can even imagine!

An Eagle flying overhead!

Cute Sunday School Boy!

2008-10-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

The Reprise of the Orange Monkey

2008-10-13T21:55:00.001-04:00

Brett entertaining himself before leaving for church last Sunday

Sleeping in Church :-)

2008-10-07T19:22:00.002-04:00

Happy Boy!

2008-10-07T19:15:00.007-04:00

When Brett is a happy boy, he has the most adorable smile. Sometimes we can get him to laugh right out loud. He is really developing his personality. He has his fussy times, but overall is a good little boy who brings many smiles.

The Orange Monkey

2008-09-19T22:12:00.003-04:00

Well...there's no question...Brett would love to just reach and grab that fascinating orange Monkey. He gets all riled up watching the monkey and listening to the rings clack, but he just hasn't put it all together that the world--or in this case the monkey--is just sitting there waiting to be taken by the tail :-). When he realizes that, LOOK OUT!!

2008-09-19T22:07:00.003-04:00

Brett is ready to leave for church...waiting in his bouncy chair. He loves to play with the toys over the chair. He doesn't know that he can reach out and play with them, but his hands always seem to find them. It will be really fun when he realizes that he can reach out and touch what he sees whenever he wants.

Boys Hanging Out

2008-09-19T22:04:00.002-04:00

I try to spend some time every evening when Brett is awake, just sitting in the chair with him and soaking him in, and bonding. I wouldn't trade this little guy for anything. He is the cat's whiskers!

Tummy Time Snoozing

2008-09-19T22:02:00.003-04:00

What a cherub!

Growing...Growing....Growing!

2008-09-08T18:43:00.002-04:00

This Friday I'll be 7 weeks old! I actually slept 4 hours straight the last 2 nights. I'm keeping everyone hopping. You Blogger junkies have got to get a life---things are hectic around here!!!

4 Generations

2008-09-08T18:40:00.001-04:00

Brett with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Stetler, Papa Stetler, and Mommy

Blessed is the Peace-Bringer :-)

2008-08-24T14:23:00.003-04:00

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

Hanging Out with Daddy-O

2008-08-24T14:22:00.002-04:00

Being Inspected by the Deputy Asst. to the President

2008-08-24T14:14:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-24T14:06:00.006-04:00

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

2008-08-24T14:01:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-24T13:58:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-24T13:57:00.000-04:00

Out at the Park to Hear Big Band

2008-08-16T10:16:00.003-04:00

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

Wide Awake!!

2008-08-11T19:30:00.003-04:00

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

Ready for Church

2008-08-11T19:29:00.000-04:00

Bonding Time

2008-08-08T23:23:00.004-04:00

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! :-)

2008-08-08T14:55:00.001-04:00

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

Napping in Dad's Office

2008-08-08T14:54:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-07T14:03:00.003-04:00

The Cherub, at rest.

Grandma & Grandpa Luther Visited Monday and Tuesday

2008-08-07T14:01:00.003-04:00

Busting....

...at the seams.

Long Time No Blog!

2008-08-07T13:45:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-01T10:06:00.005-04:00

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

2008-08-01T10:01:00.006-04:00

Loading up.

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

2008-08-01T09:58:00.001-04:00

A Study in Cuteness!

2008-07-30T18:22:00.005-04:00

At complete and total peace....

Thank you for my clean diaper!

It's Hard Being A Big Sister

2008-07-30T18:15:00.003-04:00

Poor, Squire. She wonders what has occurred in her world!

Hospital Picture

2008-07-29T12:32:00.001-04:00

Here is the official Hospital photo.

http://www.achosp.org/Nursery/default.aspx

Home Sweet Home!!!

2008-07-27T21:14:00.012-04:00

Signing Brett out of the Hospital

Getting Ready To Go Home

2008-07-27T11:22:00.003-04:00

One of our nurses, Pam Phelps, taking Brett's official Hospital Photo. She was so helpful to us.

After Bath Time!

Sunday AM

2008-07-27T07:52:00.002-04:00

We survived another night in the hospital! Brett was so good...he only had mommy up twice, and he seems to be a patient baby...not demanding loudly when he needs something.
He is just so precious. The more we get to know him, the more we love him! Merrilee will be discharged today, and we will be heading home with Brett. We can't wait to see how Squire will react.

Hope all of you have great worship services this morning wherever you are!

Bedtime!!

2008-07-26T23:25:00.005-04:00

It's been a long day everybody, and I'm ready to sleep. Oh, by the way, I'm a pretty good shot too. I almost "shot" the nurses when they were weighing me tonight. All the nurses said I'd win any shooting contests!

2008-07-26T20:19:00.000-04:00

Just Before Brett's 2nd :-) Supper Time

2008-07-26T19:58:00.001-04:00

Phone Call from Grandpa & Grandma Luther

2008-07-26T18:28:00.004-04:00

Talk about sweet.

When Mom and Dad Luther called, we put the phone on speaker, and both Mom and Dad talked to him over the phone. At first he had his eyes shut, and had been fussing. But as they talked to him, he stopped fussing, opened his eyes and just listened for several minutes....it was darling.

Day 2

2008-07-26T12:34:00.003-04:00

Well, we have all survived another night and are enjoying another day with Brett. Mom Stetler stayed at the hospital, and I went home to sleep. Merrilee wanted me to go home and sleep so that I would be able to feel human again and be able to help her today. When I got home, I discovered that my neighbor Mike had mowed our entire yard. I about cried. I had been thinking how it needed done, and didn't know when I could get to it. You can't buy neighbors like that. Mike and Andrea are having their first child and are due in 5 weeks. So, I will happily return the favor when the time comes.

Yesterday, we were happy to have the following visitors: Missy and Gerald Miller, Mark and Deborah Blowers, and Ken, Carol, Erica and Christopher LeFever. It was so nice to see them all and to have Brett meet them.

Sherilyn and Andy drove through the night from Indiana, and crept into the house at 2:18am to sleep and then come see Brett.

Brett is eating like a trooper. He has presented us with 4 very productive diapers :-) As big as he is, I'm sure he'll be out of newborn diapers before we get through the supply that we have waiting at hime. They will be sending Merrilee home on Sunday, so we have that to look forward to. She can't wait to get home and sleep in her own bed...she has not slept well here (about 2 3/4 hours last night).

I asked Merrilee if she had a message for all of you, and she said to tell you, "I love being a momma. It's better than anything I imagined it would be."

Mom up from her nap...Brett just before waking up

2008-07-25T18:32:00.002-04:00

The First Day

2008-07-25T14:00:00.002-04:00

Little Brett has had three feedings, and we celebrated his first dirty diaper (yes we BOTH changed it). We were thrilled to have visits by Mom & Dad Stetler and Uncle Kenny, and Brett's Aunts Lorinda, Genevela and cousins Kyla, Kaylen Kourtlyn, Evan and Shandria. We were shocked to see Lorinda and the girls who had driven straight through from Kentucky. Everyone fell in love with this little dark-headed bundle as soon as they saw him.

Merrilee had a good breakfast, and lunch, and is getting ready to get some sleep so that we can be alert this evening. I'm gonna head home for a shower, a change, and some food (last night's supper has run out). Mom Stetler is going to stay with us for a few days, and we are very happy she can!

We will continue to update as we are able.

Mommy combing that thick hair!

2008-07-25T11:41:00.002-04:00

Mommy & Brett

2008-07-25T05:51:00.001-04:00

Great is Thy Faithfulness!

2008-07-25T05:37:00.002-04:00

We thank God for the miracle of new life, and the safe delivery of our precious son. Thanks for all who prayed and sent comments and emails. Merrilee is just finishing up feeding, and then we will try to crash for a couple hours. We can't wait for Brett to meet all of you!

Heeeeeeeeeere's Brett!

2008-07-25T04:48:00.009-04:00

HE'S HERE!!!!!

2008-07-25T04:38:00.003-04:00

Brett Allan Luther made his way into this ole world at 3:49am.

He has a head full of black hair, is 21 & 3/4" long, and weighed a whopping 9lb 13oz.

He is the cutest little perfect chubby baby boy in the world!! Merrilee did so good, and I'm SOOOO proud of her! Photos to follow!

2008-07-25T02:35:00.003-04:00

Catching a glimpse of dark hair!!!!!

2008-07-25T02:35:00.001-04:00

Catching a glimpse of dark hair!!!!!

2008-07-25T02:15:00.002-04:00

lights on...getting ready to push

Hear That Baby's Heartbeat!! See that sweet mommy!

2008-07-25T00:50:00.002-04:00

Getting Close!

2008-07-25T00:24:00.001-04:00

Well, there may be light at the end of this tunnel. We are at 9cm and just a bit more of effacement to take place before the final "push"--so to speak.

Prayers are appreciated.

Your "In-Bedded" Reporter

2008-07-24T23:55:00.003-04:00

Your humble scribe feeding the ravenous appetites of the papparazzi across the country!

Progress

2008-07-24T23:30:00.002-04:00

Almost fully effaced, and 6cm! Blood pressure cuff fires up every 15 minutes. All vital signs on the monitors for both baby and mom look really good!

Patiently Waiting

2008-07-24T23:16:00.003-04:00

The nurse putting things back together after Dr. Foster just upped the epidural. Merrilee is feeling much better now, and is not in so much discomfort....thankfully!

This is a photo of the monitor. The bottom black line show a fairly good sized contraction just receding.

"Papa Stetler" putting the time to good use.

Humor in the Midst

2008-07-24T22:26:00.004-04:00

Merrilee sarcastically reports that she's thrilled she can't feel her feet, while still being able to feel sharp contractions! :0( Having only your feet numb at this stage is about as useful as a fish owning a bicycle!

Waiting

2008-07-24T21:48:00.003-04:00

Merrilee is awake and alert. Contractions are regular but about half of the intensity that they were. Epidural seeming to wear off a little...and she's starting to feel them a bit....we're going to request them to up things a bit. She is now 90% effaced (was 70% on admission), but still 4cm. So some progress on the one hand, but not much on the other.

Zzzzzzzz

2008-07-24T20:41:00.002-04:00

Merrilee is getting some much needed snoozes. I'm watching the contraction monitor and they are still about every 2 minutes, although they don't look as intense as before the epidural. They are coming in every 30 minutes and increasing the patocin.

Dad Stetler Kisses The Mom 2 Be

2008-07-24T19:52:00.002-04:00

Mom Stetler Is Here (Dad & Kenny are in the Waiting Room)

2008-07-24T19:45:00.000-04:00

My Hero!

2008-07-24T19:44:00.000-04:00

A Bit of Relief

2008-07-24T19:26:00.003-04:00

Thank gracious they were able to give Merrilee an epidural, and she is resting much more comfortably now. They have also started the patocin. Onward.

Update

2008-07-24T18:09:00.002-04:00

Everything is status quo right now....Merrilee is holding up great, even though the contractions are a bit intense at times. Her nurse said that she was proud of Merrilee and how she was doing.

The doctor is waiting until she gets to 4 before giving her the epidural, so we are hoping that comes soon. He said they have found that giving the epidural before getting to a solid 4 actually slows things down. So, we wait.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers.

Well...Merrilee is in the Hospital

2008-07-24T15:55:00.000-04:00

This morning Merrilee called me to tell me she thought her water had broken while she was trimming the hedges. She was scheduled for a doctor's appointment at 3:30pm today, but when she called them, they told her to come right in.

When she went in, she was dialated to 3 cm, and they sent her packing next door to the hospital. She called me at 1:33pm with the news, and some poor Sheriff's deputy on Rt. 62 probably thought a black UFO had passed him.

So, we are sitting here awaiting the big moment (could be soon, or could be hours).

I'll try to update and send pictures of the progress/new baby!