Max, Max, and More Max

Let the bombardment of Max begin!!! We've been able to visit Mommy and Max at the hospital the past two days, which may be the one perk of him being born in August instead of September since school hasn't started yet. We love spending time there just staring at him and making lots of trips to the mini kitchen to indulge in cranberry juice and graham crackers. These few days have allowed us to slowly adjust from being a family of four to a family of five as well, and I think we're all taking it in stride. Max is also adjusting well to having a camera in his face almost all day long, and as a result you get to enjoy all of the pictures!

Maxwell Luis Rivera

Mom went in for one of her biweekly non-stress tests today to check on Baby Bronco, and he decided to be a bit sassy during the test. His heart decelerated a few times when Mom's tummy contracted which caused the doctor to be a bit concerned. The decision was made to send Mommy over to labor and delivery to be monitored to make sure Bronco didn't get really sassy, and then Mommy was put on the schedule for an 8:00PM Cesarean section. At least he behaved well enough that Grandma was able to make it down in time to watch us while Daddy headed over to the hospital to be with Mommy.  At a few minuted after 9:00PM, our new baby brother made his grand entrance into the world, and officially became known as Maxwell (Max) Luis Rivera. He was born 12 days early, but that didn't hinder him from being a big boy at 7 pounds 12 ounces. He was only 18.5 inches long, but Daddy thinks they could have stretched him a bit more prior to recording his height. Everything else was perfect with Bronco having ten tiny fingers and ten long toes. His hair was curly and dark brown, and his eyes were still blue. Mom's holding out hope that she's going to get her blue eyed baby, but we're not holding our breath quite yet. Whatever happens there is one thing that will not change, and that is how much we love our baby brother! Welcome to our world Max!

More Visitors

Next up...Elizabeth. Uncle Steve and Elizabeth came and spent the night with us. We filled our time with shopping, Mario Kart, and of course swimming! 

Devil Dog

Harley is nearly 16 weeks old and he is growing like a weed. He had his last puppy check up this past week and is up to a whopping 33 pounds. He has basically tripled in size since we got him back in June. We still affectionately refer to him as Devil Dog due to the one or two hours per day he goes crazy. He still loves to eat and rawhide bones have become his favorite obsession. I'm sure this will continue now that he is losing his puppy teeth and it is only a matter of time before the permanent ones come in. He has finally learned to go down stairs, but it is neither graceful or on his own accord. He has now figured out that he is big enough to jump up onto the furniture, but he jumps down quickly when either Mom or Dad give him the evil eye. He kennels well and on command, and will sleep through the night which has been a skill he has had since almost day 1. He still dislikes loud noises, especially lawnmowers, and he cannot figure out his own reflection. He also dislikes deer and acts all tough when he spots them in our backyard. He is definitely progressing well, and making himself right at home...now let's just see how he does when we add a baby to the mix!?!?

Lily the Baker

Today, I, along with two of my friends, took a cooking class at The Secret Oven called Ladybug Popsicles and Cookie Pops. It was an amazing two hours and the picture above only shows half of what I came home with.

Just Keep Swimming

AJ spent the last few days with us and we did what else but SWIM!!!

Showering Bronco

Today we celebrated the upcoming arrival of Bronco up in Green Bay. Aunt Claire threw a Pinterest perfect baby shower and lots of family members were on hand to celebrate with us. I was designated the official big sister, and was responsible for reading all of the cards. We played a few games, and guess who won the "how big is mommy's belly" contest...ME!!! It was lots of fun and now the countdown begins to the arrival of Bronco!!!