Super Grandma!

Over the past couple weeks I have been extremely thankful for all the love and support that has been poured out on since the arrival of James Bradford.


All the emails, cards, meals and help has been greatly appreciated. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! ( I apologize for slow response to emails and being behind on Thank you notes)


We are loving being a family of 3 and we are so blessed to have James Bradford. Parenthood is hard though! So all the support and love has helped me so much. And I can't say Thank You enough!


A huge shout out and thank you to my mom aka Super Grandma! Ever since we got home, my mom has been a huge help and on call 24/7. She runs over as soon as she gets my phone call - whether it be 9:30pm or 4am (or whatever time I call). I sure am glad that she and my dad live so close (how close?! - in our same neighborhood, not even a 1/2 mile away!) She stays and takes care of James Bradford, so Cory and I can sleep and just wakes me up for feeding times. She cleans, does laundry, runs errands, provides doggy day care and has taken incredible care of us. She has been so patient and loving even when I am overtired and and frustrated.


Thank you Mom for all your help, your unconditional love and support for us & James Bradford. We love you Grandma!!

Week of Firsts

(From James Bradford's perspective)

Wow! Tuesday, I turned 1 week old!! Over the past week I have already done so much! I can't believe how fast a week goes by. A week in mommy's tummy always seemed to last so long. Not much to do in mommy's tummy though - other then to kick and sleep - so time went by slowly, but now there is so much to do!!

First of all, over the past week I have met so many people that love me so much. Everyone wants to hold me! I love all my family and new friends. Thanks for all the love you have shared with me, mommy and daddy. I love all the hugs, kisses, and the yummy food you have given me. I am so spoiled! Have you ever seen one of these?!
I always over heard Mommy & Daddy talking about my big sister Sabrina. But I didn't know she would have 4 legs, be hairy, and like to lick a lot. This is me meeting her for the first time. I love her, and she loves me!

My Mommy and Daddy really want me to like the water. I had my first at my house. Grandma assisted mommy. I wasn't to sure if I liked it so much, but I loved the cuddle time in my towel after. I think I will learn to like the water more especially when I can splish splash in the bath with my bath toys. And I can't wait to swim in the lake I have heard so much about!!

I watched my first Bama Football game with my daddy. Oh it was so fun! And I even wore one of my special game day outfits. (Thanks Mrs. Brooke, Mr. John and Will!) I sat in my swing and just enjoyed watching the game with my daddy. I can't wait to watch lots more!! Daddy is still trying to teach me the fight song - might be awhile though. Although that was a good game to learn the song - I wonder how many times they sang it?! - I can't count that high yet!
Can you believe it?! - I have already had my first baby sitter! One of mommy's friends got married on Saturday night. She, Daddy, Grandma and Gramps all went to the wedding. So my sweet and loving new friend Mrs. Cooper came to stay with me while they were gone for a couple of hours. I had so much fun cuddling with her and being loved on. And I got to swing in my swing. She was so much fun. And I felt so safe.

Here is a picture of Mrs. C and I. Thanks so much Mrs. C for taking such good care of me!

Here are a couple of pictures from Miss Lisa & Mr. Chris's wedding. Mommy and Daddy had a great time.


Tuesday I turned one week old. Grandma's sweet friend, Mrs. Davis brought us dinner. It was so yummy. And it was so fun, because it was like a party! Mommy's family was there - Grandma, Gramps, Aunt Ellen, Aunt Laura, Uncle David, and my cousins Davis and Isaac. (We missed you Uncle Dan!) I even sat in my high chair for the first time at the table with everyone. What a fun night! I can't wait till I am a big boy and can run around with my cousins - they have such fun toys and they are so cool - they came over in their pajamas! I shared my books with them though.

Yesterday I went to the pediatrician. I was excited about going out for an outing. Mommy and Daddy were excited to see how much I weighed. I don't know what the big deal is with weight - but they seemed happy. Today I weighed 6lbs 9.5 ounces. That's .5 ounces more then I weighed at birth. And when I left the hospital I weighed 6lbs 4 ounces. I think all that means is that I am eating well. That was an ok part of my check up, but I didn't realize they were going to hurt me and make me and my mommy sad. They pricked my foot and took blood - ouch! Mommy had never heard me cry like that. Mommy and Daddy had lots of questions for Dr. Wilson. She was so nice and gentle. And oops - when Dr. Wilson was checking me out, I accidentally teeteed on her. I'm sorry!! - She said she was used to it. Mommy said I was good boy so I was rewarded - no, I didn't get a cookie, but I got extra special love from my mommy and daddy.

Did you know Mommy loves to take pictures?! I had my first photo shoot with her. She is so silly she put me in a basket.

Well I've got to take a nap. Its been a long day. Goodbye for now! Love, James Bradford

James Bradford's Birth Story

Monday September 13, 2010

I walked into work and everyone was so surprised to see me. Everyone thought for sure that James Bradford was going to make his arrival that weekend. But sure enough - 8:30am Monday morning rolled around and I was back into the daily grind at work.

Quitting time rolled around and I was headed home. Cory and I had no plans that evening - we ate dinner at home, and I ran out to run some errands. I was in need of blue ribbon for our mailbox bow - the last minute thought of thing I needed before James Bradford's arrival. So Sabrina and I took a car ride out to Joann Fabrics. No sign of baby (yet!), but needed to make sure that bow was complete and ready for the mailbox.

I headed to bed around 9:30pm. At about 10:30pm - I woke up needing to go to the bathroom. After using the bathroom there was a gush. I immediately yelled down to Cory and had him come upstairs and told him I think my water broke. I had him look at it - he was like "I don't know!" So I immediately went downstairs and googled it. There is so much information on the internet! After everything I read, I still wasn't 100% sure, it was broken. I wasn't having any pain at all. Just in case, I finished packing the last minute things we needed and cleaned up the house. I started having cramps aka contractions. They weren't painful though. Cory and I began timing them and they were consistently between 3 and 4 minutes. So I called the Dr. on call. She said to head to the hospital. We took our time, I took a shower while Cory packed the car. We jumped in the car, called my mom and headed to the hospital

Tuesday September 14, 2010

We arrived at the hospital around 1am. After being admitted, they examined me. They were unable to tell if my water had broken, and I was still only 60% effaced and 2 cm dilated (same as it was at my last appointment) I felt so dumb - false labor! I thought for sure they were sending us home. The nursing staff decided to keep me until the Dr. arrived between 6:30 and 7am. She told us to get some rest and we would just see what happened in the morning.

As the night progressed my contractions got stronger, closer and painful. I got some pain medication. They checked me again at 3am - no change. UGH!, I couldn't believe it!

At 5am they checked me again. 5 cm dilated and in excruciating pain. They went ahead and called in the Dr. on call. (Did you know you can't have an epidural, until the Dr. is at the hospital?! - I learned this) I felt like I turned into a totally different person waiting on that Dr. to arrive!!

Finally the Dr. arrived (not sure, and didn't care what time it was!) I finally got the epidural at 8.5cm dilated!! Wow - relief! To all you that gave birth without an epidural (Ellen did it twice!), I admire you! They finally confirmed that my water had broken earlier in the night. (Good! - Now I didn't feel so dumb!)

I was so happy to see my Dr. walk in. I wanted her so badly to deliver my baby. I have known her for years and she goes to church with us.

Around 7:15 we were told it was about time to start pushing and that James Bradford would be here soon. James Bradford was not a fan of the contractions, and his heart rate would drop each time I pushed. They decided they needed to use a vacuum suction. My heart was racing hearing that. A million things racing through my mind - I just kept praying for God to keep him safe and let the rest of the delivery go smoothly.

James Bradford's first picture with our sweet Doctor, Dr. Cecilia Stradtman.

8:20 am - A perfect baby boy was born. - 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 20.5 inches long. They immediately handed him to me, and let me have 30 minutes of kangaroo / skin to skin time with him before they cleaned him up and checked him all out.

James Bradford's first picture with his Daddy.

My first picture with James Bradford. Already in love with him!!

I was in awe of what a blessing God had given Cory and I. What a miracle life is!

Us with our sweet labor & delivery nurse, Beth. She was amazing!

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the heavenly lights . . ." James 1:17

Happy Birth Day James Bradford!!

He's He's Here!!!

James Bradford arrived at 8:20 am this morning. He weighed 6 lbs 9oz and was 20.5 inches long. Mom, Dad and baby are all healthy and doing great.

Birth story and more pictures to come soon!! Thanks for all your prayers, support and love!

39 Weeks!

Well, Hello 39 weeks!! We made it through the weekend and still no sign of baby Hall! We really thought he was going to come this weekend - shows how little we know! We were glad he wasn't a September 11th baby since its 9/11 - but hey if he had been born on that day we would of welcomed him and his birthday with open arms. And plus the upside of September 11th is that it is good ole Coach Paul Bear Bryant's Birthday! (Can I get a Roll Tide?!) I joked, that we could always change his name. (Ha! Yeah right!)

At 39 weeks James Bradford is approximately 20 inches long and weighs just over 7 lbs - the size of a small watermelon! (Dang - No wonder my stomach is so big!) All of his organs are now fully developed. His lungs were the last to fully mature. He also continues to put on fat - I can't wait to squeeze those chubby legs of his!!
We are now just playing the waiting game now!! Will we make it to my 40 week apt. on Thursday, or will he make his arrival before than?!

Our weekend consisted of waiting on the arrival of James Bradford and lots of college football. Cory ended up staying home and not going to the Alabama v Penn State Game. He told me that I wasn't allowed to go into labor during the game and that if I did - he was thankful that my parents lived so close so that they could give me a ride to the hospital!! I told this to a couple of other Bama fans at Sunday School the following morning - and they all laughed and agreed, they would make their wife wait too!! Well, there was no labor - but a another big win for Bama! Overall a fun and relaxing weekend!

Fabulous Friday Finds - Inchbug Name Tags

So its been awhile since my last Fabulous Friday Find. But I'm back now! I honestly can't take the credit for this find, because I have several friends that already have them, but at the same time, I can't not write about them, because they are so awesome and there are still a lot of people who don't know about this awesome invention.

Are you tired of writing on your bottles and sippy cups with sharpie?? Or tired of being worried about your child coming home with the wrong bottle or cup from daycare or the church nursery. Here is your solution:

Aren't they so cute! And his whole name fit on it. These are dishwasher and sterilizer safe. They can be left on the bottle while they are in the sterilizer! They also fit most bottles, sippy cups and even water bottles!

They come in all different colors and you choose how you want them personalized. Check them out here. And don't forget to search for a coupon code if you decide to order some - I found several for 10% off. These are going to be just perfect for when James Bradford starts Mother's Day Out in January and will be great for the church nursery!

Happy Fabulous Friday!! Hope you have a great weekend!!

Some Progress Finally - 39 week appointment!

This morning I had my 39 week checkup. 39 weeks - Oh my! Can't believe we have made it this far!! As I have said numerous times before, I thought he would be here now going off of our family birth history! God has a way of perfect timing though! And he is showing us that, because Cory is now through with his traveling for the next couple weeks - Woohoo! So, no more worrying about James Bradford making his arrival while Cory is out of town or tearing up the highways trying to get back!
We had a 10am appointment today. I always try to get the earliest available - just because I feel like the later in the day the appointment is, the harder it is to find a parking spot and the longer you wait for the Dr. I was right about the parking this morning - Cory and I made our own spot in the deck! But we didn't have to wait long at all to see the Dr. We were in and out! Before leaving work though, I told the other ladies in the office that if I hadn't made any progression and I come back crying - James Bradford wont be here until 41 weeks!
So did I come back crying? NOPE! Thank goodness. I had some progression - not a ton, but enough not to get upset over. I am now 60% effaced (was 50% last week) and 2 cm dilated (was 1 cm last week). And I measured right at 38 weeks, so he has dropped. Plus he is in great downward position for delivery. The Dr. reported he could come any day now. So that was great news. Although I still had to make an appointment for next week.
Making that appointment for next week was hard. Why? - Because Lisa, one of my best friends from high school, (see blog post below) is getting married next weekend. Seeing all of her wedding festivities on my calendar along with that 40 week appt, made me sad. I know I prob. won't be able to make all the wedding festivities or be able to stay long at any events if James Bradford is here, but I still can't imagine not seeing her walk down the aisle and seeing her marry the love of her life. But like I said earlier - God's timing is perfect in all situations! So we'll just have to wait and see what happens!

An Exciting Email!

Yesterday I received such a fun & exciting email. Here is the picture that was attached in the email:

One of my closest friends from high school got engaged this past holiday weekend!! Our friends Casey and Paul live in New York City and they went to the Catskill Mountains for the weekend and this was the outcome!! I am totally pumped for my sweet Casey!!

The "Fab Four" will all soon be married - Casey, Christine, Lisa & Me. We call ourselves the Fab Four - because we were all friends in high school and still continue to be close - although we are miles apart - NYC, Texas and Birmingham. Everyone will be coming to Birmingham in less then 2 weeks! They will be coming to Birmingham for Lisa and Chris's wedding -another member of the fab four.

Here are all the soon to be newly weds - when we went to NYC in January - Chris, Lisa, Casey & Paul . Cory and I are hoping and praying to be able to make it to Lisa's wedding next weekend - as long as we aren't in the hospital with James Bradford - we'll be there! Cant wait for the fab four and our spouses/fiance to all be together and to celebrate everybody!!
This picture is a couple years old - but its a picture of the complete fab four (plus our four sweet boys) at Camp Collier. (the Halls, the soon to be Ritchies, the soon to be Whittimores and the Stoops)

Congratulations Casey & Paul!! We are so excited for yall. Welcome to the group Paul (not that you weren't already a part!)- we love you!

38 Weeks & Happy Labor Day!

"Our bags are packed, we're ready to go . . " Oh we're ready to go alright, but no sign of baby yet!! I thought James Bradford would be here by now - but hello week 38! Today I am officially 38 weeks pregnant! I am still feeling great, but I am very ready to have this baby! I have had a fantastic and easy pregnancy, but feeling uncomfortable and huge is starting to get tiresome. And plus I cant wait to meet and hold this precious life that God is going to so graciously bless Cory and I with. Sorry to the 7 people that voted we would have the baby this past week - here's to hoping the 10 people that voted for this week are right!!

At 38 weeks, James Bradford should weigh approximately 6.8lbs and be 19.5 inches long (like a leek!). His organs have progressed and his is now able to live outside of the womb successfully and he even is able to grab things with his little fist! - I cant wait for the little fist to be able to grab my finger! So come on James Bradford - hurry up, we can't wait to meet you!!

Labor day must be a day for laboring! We got word from 2 friends that they are in the hospital having their babies. I keep telling James Bradford - wouldn't it be fun to share your birthday?! One of our friends went in yesterday and another one of our friends went in in the middle of the night. Cant wait to meet these precious baby boys! Maybe after meeting them in the next day or so, James Bradford will be wanting to make his appearance and meet us!

This weekend was a relaxing one, and I'm glad it's not officially over yet. I love 3 day weekends. Saturday was such a fun day, filled with lots of football. For Cory though, unfortunately though, this was the first Bama Home football he has missed in 3 years. Poor Thing! Oh well - we set up our own tail gate, had friends over and grilled out and still enjoyed a big Bama win!

Next week Bama plays Penn State. Cory has been looking forward to this game for 2 years now. It's the only game he cares about seeing all season - So I am hoping James Bradford arrives before or after so he is able to attend! Although, of course he is more then happy to miss if James Bradford chooses to make his arrival - its me, that really hopes that Cory is able to go!

Quick Week 38 Appointment Update

Just wanted to write a quick update about my 38 week appointment today. I went in thinking "This is it - James Bradford is coming this weekend." I thought there was going to be much progression and I was super excited about the appointment.
We go in and see the Dr. - no change! NO CHANGE?! Are you kidding me?? No change, in the past 2 weeks?! Still 50% effaced and 1cm dilated. Next appointment - next Thursday. Bummer! My Doctor is going to be out of town this week, so that's the only plus of him not coming this week - I really want her to deliver him.

On a more exciting note though - Bama kicks off their season opener tomorrow. ROLL TIDE! Who knows why, but why would the current #1 team in the nation be televised on pay per view?! Oh well, we don't care! We are setting up our tailgate with our fellow MLA tailgaters and gonna tailgate right here at home and watch the game. Tent, Outside TV, Grill, Lucky Shakers and all!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and that are your team wins tomorrow. (Unless of course you are a San Jose fan!)

Surprised and Spoiled!

Today at work, my coworkers surprised me with a baby shower lunch. I was told this morning that the office was going to order in lunch for everyone because it had been a "bad week." I didn't realize it had been a bad week - but I would never turn down a free lunch. Olive Garden or my Lean Cuisine?!- I think I will go with Olive Garden and save my Lean Cuisine for tomorrow!

While I was on the phone chatting with my sister (Ellen - were you told to call me?!) they were setting up lunch in the conference room and putting out this cute cake.


We had a yummy lunch and a delicious and adorable cake. ( I did not have my camera, but one of the girls took pictures on her IPhone for me)


They spoiled us with a Bama bib (James Bradford needed one of these for game day tailgating with the MLA tailgaters) and with a generous gift card to Buy Buy Baby. Now to decide what to get! Maybe James Bradford's big boy car seat or maybe even indulge in a jogging stroller!

Over these past 6.5 years at Baxley Dillard - they have treated us so well. I am so thankful for this job and that they are so willing to accommodate me part time after James Bradford's arrival. Thank You everyone at Baxley Dillard Dauphin McKnight & James!!