Baby Jacob Is Here

Well last year we introduced you to Jordyn Mackynize Simmons, and now we have the pleasure of introducing her little brother Jacob Wayne Simmons!! Baby Jacob was born Sunday morning the 23rd of January at 2:08 am. He weighed 6 pounds, and 10 ounces and totally looks like his sister!! Josh and Jenn surprised us on the night that Brayden was induced that they were expecting again..we were shocked and overjoyed!! We are also glad that he arrived a little early given the fact that he was due on his sister's birthday...that she might have gladly shared with him. We are so overjoyed and happy for Josh, Jennifer and Jordyn on their newest edition to their family!! We are glad to be apart of all the wonderful things that have happened and are yet to come! We love you!!

Brayden's 7 Month Update

Goodness gracious how the time is flying!! Daddy and I can't believe that you turned 7 months old on Sunday...it just doesn't seem possible. So much has changed in just a matter of weeks. You are becoming a brave soul and pulling up on everything..kitchen chairs, the couch and your baby gate. It has been awhile since we have weighed you but we are guessing anywhere from 16 to 17 pounds. You have a very healthy appetite..especially since we have been making some of your baby food. My oh my baby boy I just can't believe all the growing up you have been doing and it is soo hard to imagine that we are already making plans for your 1st birthday. Mommy and Daddy love you soo much William Brayden!!

-We are starting to get you on schedule with eating and napping
-We are working on Mama, Dada and Bye Bye
-You are becoming more and more talkative
-You are still in 3 diapers
-Still no teeth
-You are a very fast crawler
-We introduced you to "puffs" banana flavor...yummy
-So far homemade foods you like are...bananas, apples, peas, carrots and green beans
-Your laugh is becoming louder and has more personality...I LOVE IT

Brayden's 6 Month Update

Holy cow we have reached the half way point!! I can't believe my baby boy is already half way to being ONE!! I have been a little slow with updating because of the holidays, but I am finally glad to be doing it. At your well baby check you weighed 15 pounds and were 24 3/4 inches long. You turning 6 months has been the most interesting of them all..you have experienced so many wonderful and new things and it is just the greatest to see how you will react to them! Can't wait for what this new year brings!

-Well you have succeeded at sitting, crawling and pulling your self up
-You are eating your veggies from the table
-You can drink water from a sippee cup or mommys cup
-You are very alert to all of your surroundings
-You still wake up in the middle of the night for your paci
-When you are falling asleep you reach for mommys hand
-You still wake up with a smile on your face
-You have been recently exploring your mischievous side
-You are starting to give hugs...and I must say they are the sweetest

Brayden's 5 Month Update

It is official Brayden is a mover and a shaker!! He is so alert to all of his surroundings and is a bundle of craziness. We believe he is between 15 and 16 pounds, we will know for sure when he goes back for his 6 month well baby check. This last month has brought us so much joy in watching him grow and change and we can't wait for what is in store in the upcoming months!

-You have outgrown most of your 3 month clothing
-You are sleeping thru the night..only waking a up a few times for paci
-You are sitting up all by yourself
-Mornings are still your most happiest time
-You love you fruits, except for prunes
-You can really move around in your walker..and torment the dog at the same time
-Learning to crawl is becoming your biggest mission at the moment
-You are very talkative
-You are a BIG flirt

Sunday Suppers

Well I am starting something new in our family!! We are usually so busy and always on the move, Brad and I decided no matter what unless he was working that we were always going to try to have a Sunday dinner here at home with me cooking. I love to cook I just really haven't gotten the chance to do it much lately since Brayden was born. With that I thought it would also be a great way to share some recipes! Hope you enjoy them if you decide to try them!! :)

Bacon-Swiss BBQ Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
26 oz bottle of barbecue sauce
6 slices bacon, halved and crisply cooked
6 slices Swiss cheese

Place chicken in a slow cooker; cover with barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours. Arrange 2 stripes halved bacon over each piece of chicken; top with cheese slices. Cover and cook on high setting until cheese melts, about 15 minutes.

Brayden's 4 Month Update

Well we reached the 4 month point last Saturday and we just can't get over the burst of energy and development he has reached. He has been rolling over since he was 3 1/2months old, but in the last few weeks he has just amazed us! He is now up to 13lbs and 23 inches long. We can't believe that you are 1/3 of the way to being One!! You have learning some awesome things, but you are also teaching us every step of the way..Brayden you are truly a blessing!

This past month...
-You have rolled from your back to belly and belly to back (you are slowly enjoying tummy time)
-You are most happiest in the mornings when you wake up
-You have tried eating apples and baby oatmeal
-You are offered 4 to 6 ounces at a time
-You have sat in your high chair (only during your spoon feedings)
-You can recognize your name
-You reach for things and can hold on to things like a champ
-You love sleeping on your side or belly
-You some how manage to escape from your swaddle on some nights (maybe it is time to retire the swaddle)
-You love to blow bubbles and raspberry noises
-You are beginning to put EVERYTHING in your mouth..toys, fingers even your hand when you can get it to fit
-You can scream like nobody's business...your daddy says you have your momma's temper
-You are most ticklish on your belly and sides
-Your laugh is indescribable
-You are a snuggle bug

You have changed so much and it is so hard to believe! Momma and Daddy love you to pieces!

Our Smoky Mountain Vacation

Well we are back from our vacation and slowly but surly getting everything unpacked. It is amazing how much more stuff you have when you are vacationing with a child! It was nice to just get away and not worrying about Brad being at work or appointments, getting to sleep in and just spending time with family. We did alot of walking, shopping and eating!! We even went to see the new Titanic Muesum in Pigeon Forge...it was really awesome! It was also just awesome to be with Brayden he has been changing so much and it was nice to just slow down and savor everyday with him, we can't wait to go back next year!! There will be much more to pack and much more to do! Here are a few of our photos...enjoy!