Tummy Time (not tuck!)

Revving Up!

It's never too early to begin working out - that's what we think here in the Girata household! (insert laugh here, Elyse!) Per that health mentality, we give Brayden at least one opportunity daily to have some "tummy time." It's a great way to strengthen back muscles and get him ready to run marathons. Here you can see Nic trying to coax some action out of our little All-Star, but it took a few minutes to get more than just a grin.

Yoga Master

Finally, he began doing those great back crunches we'd been waiting for. Jane Fonda ain't got nothin' on him! He was kicking up in the air and lifting his head over and over. I can't say I would have understood how great this is before I became a Dad, but now I get very excited about these things. A marathon run is still pending.

Rub-a-dub-dub

Bath time!

It's finally time for Brayden's first bath! No, we haven't waited a week to bath the child, we've just been waiting to post up a good story. Well, the good story is that he's clean. The bad is that he loathes his bathtime. I can't even tell you how difficult it was to snap this picture that presents him with a relatively pleasant face. All the others were of the most bitter baby faces you can imagine (and then some). Both of his parents love to bathe, so we're thinking this is only a phase. We'll soon show him the way to hygiene nirvana.

What kind of spa is this?!

It was only after we stopped torturing him with nudity and warm wash clothes (that's the problem!! he probably wants a loofa!!) that he calmed down. Here he is, sporting this seasons best infant spa set. Would somebody please get this boy a mud bath, a seaweed wrap... at least a facial!!

The Patriot

The Patriot

Happy Memorial Day, one and all. As Dad preps the burgers and Mom fixes the sides, Brayden wanted to share his favorite USofA outfit with his fans. Babies in red, white, and blue... eat it up.

We've had a great holiday weekend and he's doing wonderfully. He's more awake and alert every day, and is able to stay that way longer. Although he's still sleeping a good bit, he's also getting on a good schedule. Last night, Nicole had to WAKE him up to give him some food in the middle of the night AND in the morning! What a great sleeper. We know it won't always be that convenient, but one night of good rest every so often is a blessing. He also seems to be gaining a little weight back (he was down to 7 lbs. 8 oz., the loss is "normal" right after birth) and that makes us happy. We don't want him losing too much. Hopefully he's on an upward swing.

Don't Forget ME

By the way, Zoey's been getting a little jealous of all the attention given to Brayden of late. For having been as spoiled as she was PB, she has been fantastic with him. She's still a sweetheart, so here's a shout-out just for you!

We hope you all enjoy a superb Memorial Day, from our family to yours!

Want a picture in your hands?

In case you're interested in having a real-life photo in your hands, know it's very easy. You can click on any of these pictures and be transferred to Flickr. There you can click on one of two icons above the photo:

1) "All Sizes" - this takes you to another screen where you can "Download the Large size," which gives you the ability to upload it to your local picture printer or put it on a disk and have it printed wherever film can be developed.

2) "Order Prints" - (you must first setup a Flickr account) this allows you to simply select the size and number of pictures you'd like and have them mailed to you or pick them up at your local Target.

If you do order or print one and it turns out GREAT, please let us know!

Put a quarter in and let it ride

Brayden in Vibe Chair
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

A hint for all the soon-to-be-parents out there. Vibrations are money. Yesterday we busted out Brayden's vibrating rocker chair (ala "S&TC" - yes bums, "it's brand new") and man, talk about love at first sit. He could not have been happier bundled up in it just looking around. These things are great to use with or without the vibration, an interior hammock if you will.

We've also begun shooting some "formal" photos for posterity, even, perhaps, some framing action. Anyone have a favorite of the ones already posted? We'd love to hear it. Thanks, too, for all the comments. Nicole and I are "hold-up" in mi (nuestra) casa and it's very exciting to get comments back from all of you out there in TV land. Keep checking back, there will be something new everyday for at least the first two weeks. Had your fill, yet?

A boy and his Zoey

Brayden, Zoey, and Chris

How many stories combine a boy and his dog? That's right, too many to count. It's time for Brayden to begin developing his great adventure with his trusty side-kick, Zoey. As you can see, Zoey is very attune to her destiny as a fearless (downright scary) and courageous Robin to Brayden's Batman. See those blue eyes, nothin' but pure might.

Zoey and Brayden

Although Zoey's ready to assume her duties next to Brayden as he saves the world, Brayden doesn't seem so ready. As you can see, he's not sure what to do with his gallant #2. He may not be saving the world today, but just you keep your eyes to skies!

Look into my eyes

Here's looking at you, kid!
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Here we are, day 2 at home. I can't lie that I wasn't tired yesterday. The first night was a little rough. "According to the books..." babies don't feel safe in silence, so we decided a little all-night Nick at Nite was just what he needed. With pals like the Fresh Prince, Roseanne, and Cosby in the background last night, Brayden was fantastic. He slept well, ate well, and has been very pleasant all day (knock on wood...). I bounced out to get a little sound machine, complete with "Tropical Rainforest" and "Heartbeat" sounds. My vote is not going to be for the croaking frogs.

Brayden Eyes Open
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

We thought it about time to post a few pictures with open eyes. He is transitioning from being very sensitive and not keeping his eyes open, to looking around for longer amounts of time. In a few days, I think we'll have some great pictures without having to do a quick snatch and grab photo before they close again. We think he's about the cutest thing ever, but I suppose that's a biased opinion. Enjoy!

On the way home

Leaving the hospital
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

A new day has begun. We are officially parents. Stripped from the hospital world and back in the real one, we have officially maneuvered the first 24 hours. Brayden is still doing well, but I must admit the parents are a bit tired. We didn't sleep much last night due to frequent feedings, diaper changes, and general crying (aka. we have a newborn). Nicole is gradually gaining energy and is feeling better in general. We appreciate all the kind comments, notes, calls, and emails -- thanks so much! This is such an indescribable experience and knowing we're loved in so many ways just takes our breath away. Again, thank you all!

Proud Papa

Proud Papa
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

So I don't know how many pictures of me with my boy you can handle, but I thought I would test your limits. Here's a picture, hot off the camera of the new baby. He's looking great today. Again, the pediatrician checked him out and said he's progressing wonderfully. We'll be heading home tonight, and that's when it becomes very real. It's one thing to have the baby in the hospital, out of our "personal space." Tonight, we'll be back home (introducing him to his big sister!) and getting into real life. We'll keep you posted!

Welcome Mr. Brayden!!

Our Angel
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

As I hope you've heard by now, we welcomed Brayden Christopher Girata into our family on May 22, 2006. He was 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 3/4 inches long. He's been checked out by all the pros and everything looks fabulous. Enjoy these photos, more coming soon!

All the pictures below the first one are available in our photo album by clicking on Brayden!

Brayden and Nicole

Brayden and Chris

Brayden and Mia (Roenick)

Brayden and Gigi (Girata)

Getting Ready (old post)

May 22, 2006 – 1:15 pm

This is a bit of an odd post – I don’t have an internet signal and am typing this in Word to paste into the blog later. I thought it would be a good record of time and a way to keep myself occupied.

I’m sitting in the Labor and Delivery Room, trying to be quiet and let Nicole catch a little nap. She’s been doing beautifully! She’s about half-way there and Dr. Ross believes she’ll be ready to push around 4:30p (it’s about 1:15p now). We’ve been here since late afternoon Sunday, getting ready for the induction. Last night was a relatively restful sleep for Nicole (they helped her out with some meds) but not so for me. I was so excited! I’ve been buzzing around chattering away all morning. There was a period of about 30 minutes when the contractions were strong but before Nic got her epidural – and she gave me the sign. That’s right, the universal sign for “calm down and shut up,” a hand sweeping from top to bottom. I got the hint and sat down obediently. I don’t believe I was being the calming force I had intended. I was trying to keep her mind off the contractions by talking to her, but I think she wanted some quiet to concentrate on them as they came. No worries now, she’s sleeping peacefully with the helpful drip of the epidural.

I can’t really describe the way I feel. I thought I would be more fearful than I am. I’m very anxious (I want to see this kid already!) but not worried about the way life will change. We have a quote on our frig that reads, “Sometimes you have to just jump and build your wings on the way down.” I feel like that sums up my situation just right. I’m taking that jump without much fear, trusting that I will be able to effectively build my wings on the way down.

Nicole seems to be taking it like a champ. She is ready and willing. She’s still very sleepy from the “help” she received last night. That’s a great thing – she’ll hopefully have more energy for the pushing to come. Poor girl has all kinds of things in her (IV, epidural, etc.). One of the great things about Brookwood, however, is we have a dedicated nurse. Our nurse, Mary Lee, has been working as a Labor and Delivery nurse for 42 years – people, that means she only JUST missed delivering our parents!! ML sits by Nicole’s bedside constantly, leaving only for scheduled breaks when another RN comes to relieve her. It is great. We can ask her all kinds of weird questions we have, the stuff you can’t remember when the doctor/nurse is standing in front of you for just a 2-minute exam. I know it has made Nic more comfortable with the whole process. She is definitely a strong girl, having a pretty well-developed fear of doctors, needles, and all things clinical – my trooper!

Brayden’s in great position, head down and has dropped. Things look good right now, so I’m hoping they’ll stay that way. I can’t tell you how touched I am to know that there are dozens of prayers being said for Nicole and Brayden’s well-being. In fact, when Dr Ross saw us first thing this morning, he offered a prayer for them and Rev. Sara Scott Wingo (a priest at St. Luke’s) stopped by shortly after for another. I’ve also been getting text messages and voicemails from friends and family telling me that they, too, are praying for us! It is truly a blessing and a great comfort to me. I can’t wait to call/email you all to tell you the good news! Hopefully it won’t be too long now. Brayden, we’re ready!

Monday's child is fair of face

Can anyone finish that rhyme? If not, no worries. That's all you'll need to know. After consulting with our doctor, we have decided that Nicole should be induced Monday morning! She has developed an uncomfortable and rare case of PUPPs. As you can read by clicking on that link, it does no harm to the baby, it just causes a lot of pain and discomfort to the mother. The only truly effective treatment is giving birth, no joke. It is, basically, an allergic reaction to the baby. Nicole is taking an oral steroid and antihistamine that has relieved some discomfort, but that will only be temporary. Delivering the baby on Monday is the best solution. It's time for Brayden to join us!

So, just a little info: Brayden will be born at Brookwood Medical Center. It is a great hospital where the majority of babies are born in Birmingham. We'll be checking in on Sunday night for observation and Nicole will begin preparing for the induction the following morning. The doctors and nurses assure us that the vast majority of women give birth within 12 hours of being induced. We hope so. A quick and as-painless-as-possible birth would be a blessing. Say a prayer for all of us, including Brayden!

What you've been waiting for... sort of

39 Weeks!
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

There she is... Miss America...

As we continue to roll down this slope of baby-coming-soon-ness, we thought you'd love to see Nicole only days (we hope) from delivery. This Friday marks 39 weeks, so we are very close. Brayden has been moving a little less each day - running out of real estate. Nicole's ready... anytime... whenever... to be free of the extra baggage and to love the baby in the flesh!

Our next doctor's appointment is tomorrow and we're anxiously anticipating the exam. Hopefully he will tell us Nicole's close - how exciting! We're enjoying our last days (again, we hope) of non-parent freedom. Free from the dependent, free from the diapers (or what's in them), free from the entourage of parenthood... inhale... exhale... love it now.

Anyone Need A House?

At long last, we're selling the house. I suppose there's no denying it -- we're moving! Click here to check it out, and tell all your friends who are moving to Birmingham! ;)

In other news, our 37 5/8 week appointment was yesterday. Same old, same old. Brayden is tres comfortable in his little condo (aka. Nic's tummy). The countdown has really begun now. T-minus 14 days to the actual, bona fide DD. As always, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Hopefully we'll have a little munchkin to show you soon!

PS -- Thanks for the comments so far -- keep 'em coming!

Friends of few words

So it appears that many people are checking this site regularly, but no one seems interested in posting comments. I want to extend a warm invitation to all of you to write here, right here. Each post has a little link below it, creatively labeled "comments." With a simple click of the mouse, you will be transported to a screen upon which you can draft your great whims, fancy ideas, or just sarcastic retorts. Nicole and I would love to hear what you're thinking as you look at the site and, often, look at goofy pictures of us. Welcome.

Another Surprise!

Church Shower
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Yes friends, that's right. This morning I was surprised with another church baby shower! This time, the Saint Luke's staff threw it. They brought all kinds of good food, great gifts, and (of course) crowns for those of us about to be stripped of all control of our lives!

Our next doctor's appointment is tomorrow (Wed) and I know Nicole's hoping to hear that Brayden's coming real soon! Some of her coworkers said they thought her belly looked lower, i.e. he's droppped, but I say no dice. She looks just as glorious as yesterday. I'm hoping to catch her looking cute sometime this week in a sideshot to show you the big boy himself. Keep checking back!

And time ticks away

As we get closer to the big Birthday celebration, I am getting more and more excited! This morning saw the confirmation of my 9th Grade class. That was a big milestone on the path to Brayden. Now we're only 2.5 weeks away and it seems like it could be anytime.

On Friday, Dr. Ross told us that we had "at least two more weeks." That's great for the baby, but I know Nicole is beginning to feel the drain of an extra 30 lbs. hanging off her front. All our bags are packed and ready for the overnight in the L&D (labor and delivery -- clinical lingo, friends), including our iPod chock-full of the classic baby-birthing tunes.

For all of you itchin' to see this kid, fear not. I've installed all the programs I need to upload photos directly to the blog from my laptop right in the hospital room. I've had to promise on the threat of death that the pictures will only be of the baby and not the momma (at least not right after the birth). They'll come quickly, so once you hear the news, stay tuned!