Brody went to see the Easter Bunny today at the mall! He did very well, he was awake and didn't cry. He didn't smile either...but that's ok! The pic came out very cute. I'll try to get it downloaded to share. Tomorrow he is going to get his 3 month pics taken at JCP. I am pretty excited. We haven't had any professional pics since the hospital ones they took right when he was born. He is 3 MONTHS already tomorrow! I can't believe it. He is an eating machine and we are getting on a pretty good schedule. I went back to work March 19 and am still trying to get adjusted. It's really busy being a full-time working mom, but I will get it. No time to lay around and watch TV anymore...that's for sure. Good thing I got a lifetime worth of that while I was pregnant! My grandfather is having a hard time with his cancer treatment. He is close to being dehydrated and feels very sick. Please keep him in your prayers.

Today we made arrangements for Brody's baptism at St. Patrick's church. It is going to be on Sat April 4. We have asked Phil F. and Julie K. to be the godparents and they graciously have accepted! We are going to have a small lunch for immediate family afterwards. I am excited because my mom works with this great seamstress, Paige, and she is going to make his baptism outfit out of material from my wedding dress. She is also going to embroider his name and DOB inside. We decided to get the little suit with vest and bowtie vs. the traditional dress. I can't wait to see it! Hopefully my grandparents will be able to make it to the ceremony. My grandpa was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. He is undergoing pretty aggressive treatment of radiation and chemo in preparation for surgery to remove a large tumor. His spirits are up and down, but I feel like Brody is a source of hope for him and our whole family. It is so special to me that Brody has great grandparents to love him!

I think the diet is working! I weighed myself today and I am down 3 lbs..not much but it is a start. Went to a baby shower for my friend Terri yesterday. So glad I'm not the preggo this time! Although she looks so great, you can't even tell she's pregnant except for a little bump. Brody continued to charm everyone by loudly pushing out a poop while Terri opened presents. Lovely! We visited both of our parents today. This is my last full week off of work. How depressing! I go back next Thursday.

Today was so beautiful outside (65 I think!). I took Brody for an hour long walk around the neighborhood. He slept most of the time. He really likes riding in the stroller. I am lucky to have a very scenic walking route, I look at huge 100 year old homes, some are mansions. I live very close to the historic district in Joliet, so it makes for good walks. So that is motivating me. I am officially trying to lose the baby weight now. I had the misconception that I would automatically lose the baby weight without much effort - WRONG! I should've known better because weight has always been an issue for me. So I am dedicating the next 6 months or more, if it takes, to get back to a healthy weight I feel happy with. It will help me to be a better, active mom, especially when Brody becomes mobile. And it will make me feel better about myself.

Today was Brody's 2 month check up and vaccinations. The good news he is now 11 lbs 4 oz and 22 inches long/tall. Everything looked great according to Dr Seebruch. But then.....THE WORST 2 MINUTES OF MY LIFE known as vaccinations! What a horrible thing that every mom has to go through. I have to admit I think I did well as I was instructed to hold down his little baby arms as he looked up at me with a beet red face, crying so hard no sound could come out as 4 needles were stuck into his fat little baby thighs. His eyes were saying, "why? why mom" He was pretty tough and calmed down dramatically after I picked him up and after about 5 minutes of consoling he had stopped crying. He slept for awhile and seemed ok. Then about 5 hours afterwards his legs must've been sore, because he was inconsolable again for an hour or so. It is the worst to feel so helpless and know that your child is in pain. Right now he is asleep on the couch but every now and then he jerks awake and cries for a little bit. Hopefully tomorrow he will be better. I think it was a rough day for the both of us. Luckily we don't have to go back to the Dr until May, but then he has to get 4 MORE vaccinations! Let's just say I am NOT looking forward to that...

Today I took Brody to Tiffany's house for a Pampered Chef party. They have an unbelievable new house! It's so beautiful. Brody got lots of attention and compliments from the guests. He has figured out how to put his fist in his mouth and suck on it. It takes him a few tries to get the fist in his mouth and has scared himself when he misses (and whacks himself in the face instead!) 2 month doctor appointment on March 4. I can't wait to see how much he weighs...my guess is 11 1/2 lbs.

Brody smiled a real smile for the first time last night! Rudy was singing and talking to him and he opened his mouth in a real wide smile. He did it 5 or 6 times as well as was "talking" to us. He did it again for me today, so I know it was not just gas. So exciting! The soy formula is working on his stomach much much better. I have come down with a cold, so that's not too fun. I am trying to avoid giving it to him at all costs. Check out the more pictures at my online photo album http://lisafabian.myphotoalbum.com