From Our Family to Yours

MERRY  CHRISTMAS!

We want to wish all of you a merry merry christmas and a happy new year. 

May all our hearts be full of love, joy, kindness, gratitude, and adventure.

God bless you and those you love. 

* the briggs family

ps. On Christmas Eve River was 2 months old. :) I decided to make it apart of the Christmas celebration instead of a "River's Log" moment, so we took lots of pictures this holiday. :) So stay tuned for some more holiday cheer. 

River's Log : Star Date -- Due Date (40 Weeks)

Today, December 16th, is River's Due Date.

We celebrated by cooking a nice dinner and eating some yummy strawberry cheese cake.

Happy Due Date Day River!! We're glad you're here even if you arrived super early. :)

Our Little Houdini

River has a new magic trick.

The Baby version of The Great Straitjacket Escape. 

In 5 minutes or less he can get his arms out of any swaddle.

I love in the last picture he looks like he's saying "Tah-Dah!!" just like a true magician. 

Welcomed Visitors

River LOVED meeting some of his cousins today. :)

It was really fun to have my brother and his cute family visit with us today. 

We love you guys! Drive home safe and come visit any time!

River's Log -- Star Date : 38 days (37 weeks 7 days)

Scrubba dub dub, River in the tub!

River loved his swaddle bath. I mean really loved it. He didn't quite know what to think at first, but then he just relaxed and enjoyed the pampering. Afterwards he slept soundly through the night, waking up only to be fed and quick diaper changes, which means Mom and Dad loved the swaddle bath too. :)

River's Log -- Star Date : 5 Weeks (37 weeks 3 days)

I can hardly believe that River has out grown his Premie outfits.

What a happy way to celebrate his progress at 5 weeks! 

My little boy is growing and growing. I love his chubby little cheeks that have filled out since we first met.  This morning I noticed how big he looked in my Mom's arms as she cuddled him before she and my dad left to go home after a quick weekend trip to get a "river-fix". He didn't look like the small bird he did when he was first born. He looked like a real baby. :)

I have loved dressing him in those cute little snugly clothes, but now they're just too snug. Newborn clothes still drown him, but we can live with rolled sleeves and baggy legs. 

River's Log -- Star date : 1 Month

Grateful is an understatement. 

I can't even begin to put into words the emotions and thoughts that are filling my heart beyond capacity. And when i try i cry, so i'm going to keep it lite. ;)

This Thanksgiving being grateful is truely an understatement. After a month in the NICU our son is home and we got to spend the holiday together, as a family, and oh how I love my little family!

River is 1 month old today and to us that is a miracle. He'll always be our miracle.

At the doctor's yesterday he weighed in at 4 lbs 12 oz. Our little "feeder and grower" sure is growing and feeding.

My sweet husband, is just that, so so sweet. He helps me with the night time feedings, has painted river's room, works everyday to make sure things are going good, loves me unconditionally, and cuddles his son so sweetly it makes my heart melt. I love him through and through.

There's so much more my heart could whisper to you about the beauty that is this life. A beauty that comes from understanding its purpose. I am Grateful to be alive, to have my baby in my arms and my husband by my side. Eternally.

I am grateful to my God, who walks with me, and who walks with all His Children.

We are never alone and we are never forgotten.

And that is Beautiful.

Happy 1 Month birthday Honey Butter Baby.

We love you more each day!

Skyler was determined to have a wonderful Thanksgiving, afterall it's our first Thanksgiving in our house and as a family. So Away he went to the store and bought some ingredients and whipped up the most wonderful delicous Turkey Dinner. He even improvised some delicious sweet potatoes that I am craving the left overs.

Thank you Skyler!! Dinner was delicious and so was the company!!

River's Log -- Star Date : 28 Days

Let's be friends, Wanna?

Some of our friends have asked us what Charlie thinks of the new baby.

He's very curious about River, sniffing his bassinet often and perking up every time he a makes noise. i was a little worried at first be cause i think charlie thought the baby was a toy, but he's stopped licking his cops when he sees River and is much more interested in stuffed animals and tennis balls. ;)

  Feeding times are fun because Charlie likes to watch River especially when we sit him up to be burped. Of course we're not letting him get very close, Charlie's more like an admirer from a far. We're following Caesar's advice and establishing that River is OUR baby.

Don't worry though, Charlie does get in on cuddle time. Usually i am cuddling River in one arm and scratching Charlie's head with the other hand.

A proud Daddy Moment

Skyler's facebook page celebrating River's Firs Movie :)

River's Log -- Star Date: 27 days (36 weeks 2 days)

RIVER'S HOME!!

We got to bring our little cricket home today! He's graduated from the NICU. 

Now the adventure really begins.

Here's our first Family pictures, and yes they are taken with a webcam, but look how cute we are!

This is us leaving the hospital. After almost a month in the NICU, it was really weird to leave our wonderful nurses that have basically become family. We wanted them all to come home with us. :) We love them and look forward to seeing them at the reunion!

Let the Fun Times begin!

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 23 (35 weeks 5 days)

Guess who doesn't have a feeding tube anymore!!

RIVER!!

No more nose worm or tape mustache for my baby.

Look how cute this face is!!

stealing kisses 

hmmm, I think the new born out fit is a little big for our River. His feet end before the footies even begin, but it makes him look like he has long legs.  

UNCLE KENZ is here to play (and paint the nursery and sneak in a Football game.)