Christmas

Ho,Ho,Ho MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
That seems to come way to early as I'm getting older. I think back to when Jennifer (my cousin) and I used to not be able to sleep on Christmas Eve and when Santa yelled Ho,Ho,Ho Merry Christmas we jumped out of bed without the slightest delay. This year as I heard those words I wait all year to hear, I though to myself "man, Brady's not even up yet, I should have like 30 more minutes to sleep." Jason and I layed there waiting to see if Brady would wake from Santa's Ho Ho Ho and slowly he did, just as hesitantly as we did, rubbing his eyes looking around as if to say, "mom, dad, what was that and why did someone wake me."
Before going to bed Christmas Eve I realized that this would be my last Christmas for a LONG LONG time that I would be able to sleep lateish and not have to rush rush rush to get through presents, as next year my baby will really get the Christmas thing.
Well that thought was true and would have held strong except Barr and Cassie wanted to do Christmas early so they could get to her parents, it's funny how Christmas can change because of marriage but that's an entire other story. So it was earlier than I would have liked and a bit more rushed than I had hoped but still a very nice Christmas.
Once up, Brady rushed to the top of the stairs looking for Da (this is what he calls his Grandpa), waiting as patiently as he could for mom to help him down the stairs. We got downstairs and he saw Da and rushed over to see what this was all about. We opened his stocking, putting mine to the side, and he got 3 Hot wheels. He took those cars and was so excited and left the room. You see Barr and Cassie have a 4 month old dog who felt she needed to be the center of attention so Brady had no room to play without getting trampled on by the dog. So off he went to play alone with his cars. We tried and tried to get him to open other presents but he wasn't into it, he wanted to play with his cars. So we got him to help with a few presents and he enjoyed opening them but didn't care about what was inside. As the day went on and the dog left, he went back into the family room and walked around looking at all his new toys. He picked his blocks first, sat on the floor and waited for mom to cut the tag so he could open them. He played with those for a bit, then his cars again, later he picked up his farm equipment toys and wanted them open. He patently waited for mom to undo a million twist wires then played with them. He was such a good boy, and seemed to really have a great time. Sometimes I wonder if Christmas is more for the parents or for the kids. It sure is amazing how times have changed. Once so excited because Santa was coming and I couldn't wait to see what he got me, now so excited because Santa was coming and I couldn't wait to see what Brady got.
I will post pictures soon, as I haven't got them on here yet.

1st snow

December 3, 2007.

Brady got to enjoy his "first" snow. Now if you look through my blogs, he did get to go out in snow in February but he was tiny and so bundled up, he didn't now. This snow he got to "play" in and by play I mean walk in and touch it. It has been so cold here lately that outside time is nonexistent. He enjoys being outside so much and really seemed to like the snow.

Sure sign it's fall

Playing in the leaves. What fun that used to be and I just found out it still is a lot of fun. We don't have many trees in our yard but tend to have a lot of leaves. The other day I decided they needed to be raked so Jason got right on it and we decided to make it play time for Brady too. He's getting so big and interested in everything we knew he would love this. Jason raked a big pile and Brady got right in. We had such a great day picking up leaves and watching Brady play in the yard. Those days are soon to be over as the cold has already come in so it's great to get out when we can.

Feeding himself

We went to Kansas City this weekend to see my college roommate Kara. We went out to eat and first thing Brady grabbed was my lemon. He LOVES them. He has been eating them for a long time. He pretty much eats the entire lemon peel and all.

When we got home Saturday night Brady needed to eat so I sat him down in his chair and he acted like he wanted to feed himself. So I figured, no big deal, he needs to learn to use the spoon sometime. We ended up with peas everywhere and mom had to finish feeding him because not many peas ended up in his mouth.

Then Sunday when we sat down for supper he wanted to feed himself again. This time I thought, this will be nice, he will keep himself busy while I eat, and sure enough he did. Picture number 3 and 4 show the mess that he made while trying to feed himself. He finally let me help some but really wanted to do it himself. There was not a clean spot on his tray or him. He went straight to the bath since he had peas in his hair, on his face and on his hands. So so much fun to watch.

It's amazing how quickly they grow up. He wants to do everything we do. He trys to drink out of a normal cup, though it ends up all over him, eats lemons and now feeds himself. I'm not sure what he needs us for. :)

While we were in KC, we went to Kara's parents house. Her mom got out a Noah's arc play set and let Brady play. He had all the animals laying out and then started handing them to people one at a time but would give the pair before picking a new animal. If we told him one to get and bring to someone he would pick up the one we wanted and walk it over to whoever asked for it. It blew my mind. He doesn't have an elephant or aligator toy here but after being told once what they all were, he remembered and took them in pairs. I was so amazed with him.

Happy Halloween

Brady's 2nd Halloween but 1st Trick-or-Treat!! We had a really good time. Brady was getting sick and it was pretty cold out so we only went to a couple houses but it was so much fun watching him. He really didn't get the concept but he LOVED the lights and all the decorations. You could tell when he was getting cold and wanted to be done because after someone opened the door instead of getting candy he started to crawl into their house. He got plenty of candy, and when I say he I really mean mom and dad got plenty of candy. :) Maybe it was a good thing he didn't feel well. Sure helps keep us from outgrowing our pants.

1st Airplane Ride

October 10, 2007 Brady got to take is first trip in an Airplane!! He did great. We got to the Kansas City Airport which used to be KCI but now maybe MCI? and learned that our plane had been delayed an hour due to strong winds in Chicago (that's where we were going by the way). So we ate and waited and once we were on the plane I worried about him getting loud or his ears bothering him so I had plenty to drink. As we took off I made sure he was drinking milk. The change in pressure didn't seem to bother him and he was so excited by all the stuff to see.

On our way home we had an extra seat between Jason and I so Brady got his own seat and it was a good thing because before we had even taken off Brady was sound asleep and sleept the entire flight until right before we landed. He did so great the entire weekend. He got to ride the airport shuttle, the hotel shuttle, the ELtrain and got to eat real Chicago pizza, which by the way is the greatest pizza EVER!! I don't know if I will ever really want Kansas pizza again.

Dunebuggy Baby

Brady got to go for a Dunebuggy ride with Grandpa last time we were home. While he doesn't look so excited in these pictures he seemed to have a good time. However if he didn't have fun I'm sure Grandpa had enough for both of them. See Brady LOVES LOVES LOVES wheels and "boy stuff" and every time the Dunebuggy is sitting out, he will waddle over there and play with the wheels or if Grandpa puts him in he likes to "drive." So while playing with the wheels Grandpa put him in and strapped him in about as snuggly as his car seat does and off they went, slow and carefully of course. Brady and Grandpa are best buds and it shows.

Brady is such a boy

There we sat, as a family at Ernestos Mexican restaurant in Parsons, for those of you from KS you will know where this is. Brady was in his highchair sitting on the edge of the table and dad a.k.a Grandpa on the sides of him. By this time it was later in the meal and Brady was getting a little bored. Our waitress was taking the order from the table behind Brady/beside us and Brady turned around and grabbed her butt. She thought she had ran into him but nope, then she came back and he did it again. I was so embarrassed, I'm sure I was 6 shades of red. My dad and Jason were laughing like crazy. Oh, boys. I guess it's just part of them.

World's Strongest Baby

We were at the

gym yesterday because I had an injured athlete that I needed to follow up on. Brady was wondering around waiting on me and this is what I caught him doing. He was being so good and trying so hard to get it to move. Check out those body mechanics, he's going to be such an athlete.

Fort Riley Open House

Over the weekend we attended Ft. Riley open house and Apple Days. We got to see a lot of military equipment and get lots of pictures of Brady enjoying the day. Jason really enjoyed getting Brady on the tank and letting him explore all the other military vehicles.

Where does time go?

I can not believe that it has been over a month since I was on here. Where does time go? We have been so busy this last month, I'm not sure I have had 10 minutes to sit and blog. Brady is getting so big. He is walking, actually running everywhere and talking up a storm. He can say lots of words and is starting to know all his colors. He is so smart. Jason really is good with working with him while they are home together.

Jason started school mid August and has been so busy we hardly see him. He does get to be home with Brady in the afternoons a couple days a week so that is nice.

I work 1-6 M-F and I just started as an Athletic Trainer for a local high school team. I go out there every Monday from 5-7 and then I'm at every home and away game. It's fun once I get there but I always feel bad about having to leave Brady but at least he's with his daddy.

Life has been crazy and I hope to make more time to keep everyone up to date on our ever changing lives. Please leave me a message or send me an e-mail if you ever have time. I know everyone is busy these days.

What stands up must fall down....

So there we were, sitting at the pool watching Brady walk back and forth to us. He would hold on to the side sometimes and other time he didn't. Well this time he didn't. He was about 3 steps from me and about 3 steps from Jason when CRASH!! Now all I saw was him go down and I knew he hit his head but I thought it was closer to his eye. It felt like an eternity before I got to him, but I bet it was less than a second. I wanted to cry with him. It scared him mostly likely more than it hurt him but UGH!! I thought, how could I let this happen to my baby. He's still learning to walk, though he gets around totally by walking, he's not an expert walker yet. We should never let him walk in the pool. Hind sight is 20/20. He walked in the pool alone yesterday and nothing happened and mostly likely will never again but I just feel so bad. A mom isn't supposed to let things happen to their babies.
However, he is fine as you can tell from the pictures. I'm not sure he even remembers what happened but I had to take some pictures to show off his first fall.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY

Brady turned one!!! I can not believe it has been a year. What an amazing year it has been. There have been some MAJOR changes in his first year of life.
Lets start from day 1. He was born. 2 weeks later we moved from KY to KS. 2 weeks later dad and I took him to TX to meet his great grandparens and were there for a week. He would only hold his Grandpa Greats finger, no one elses. 2 weeks later we went back to TX, this time with Jason, Barr and Cassie because my grandpa was dieing. So now we are about 6 weeks old and his Great Grandpa just died. Ok, lets jump past that into October, mommy starts working and Brady starts part time daycare. Daddy has him most afternoons and mommy has him in the morning, the other times he's at a sitter. This is when time starts flying. I'm not sure that I was present for the 1st year because it went so fast. His daddy missed his 11th month to go to LDAC (ROTC camp) but made it home on Brady's Birthday.
Rolling, sitting, army crawling, crawling, cruising and a few steps in 1 year.
At 1 year old he weighed 23 pounds and was 30 inches tall. He had 6 teeth and the greatest personality you could ask for. He was into everything and once his daddy got home he had to put child locks on all the cabinets.
He got lots of toys, a book and money for his birthday, plus a few phone calls. His Aunt Kara even called and asked for him so she could tell him Happy Birthday herself.
I am the luckiest mom ever and his dad and I are so proud of him. We can't wait for many more years and at this rate we won't have to wait.
Time goes to fast and we all have to remember to stop and watch the "baby."

The Flood

As you may have heard Southeast KS is flooded. I went home this weekend for my 10 year class reunion (10 years, UGH) but was unable to go because all the roads from my parents house to Parsons were closed. Then to make matters worse they came and said there was a mandatory evacuation of Coyville because they were going to open the flood gates. So mom and dad stayed and as of right now they don't have any water yet but they say it's getting deeper as the day goes on. However, Brady and I headed back to Manhattan because we weren't sure when we'd get back if we didn't leave then. Here are some pictures I took on my way back from working Saturday morning in Chanute. Dad drove me over there and thank goodness he did because I would have been to scared to cross some of the water in my Grand Prix (darn short cars). It is a mess and will be a mess for quite some time. It's not a flood area so noone expected this. So much has been damaged and there is water everywhere.
So I missed my 10 year reunion and I'm kinda bummed about it. I didn't want to go at first, but as it got closer I was really pretty excited to see everyone, I mean 10 years, people change. I did get to see some pictures and I would have loved to see those people. Maybe in 5 years we will have another one and maybe Jason will actually be around to go with me.
Now, lets hope for some sun and dry weather so everyone can start the clean-up.

This was taken about an hour before they ended up closing this road too. We were in a hurry to get back home before all the roads were closed

Water Baby

I wanted to share some pictures of my water baby. We have been going to the pool every weekend since Jason left and having such a great time. Of course I can't get any pics of him in the water b/c I can't leave him alone but I'm going to try and remember my underwater camera next time so I can get it wet. He loves the water and is really good in the water, maybe he'll be a super swimmer like his Grandpa Blubaugh.
He's my world and I know he's all I really talk about here but what else is there really?
Jason has called a couple times, he said he's busy non-stop, which means he'll want a break when he gets home and I'll want to go, go, go. :) That's how it always works when he's gone. Works the same, I'm going to take my Athletic training exam and if I pass I will work as the Athletic Trainer for a local high school.
So the last picture is snack time before we headed home and I thought he looked cute. :)

Has anyone heard Tim McGraw's new song "If You are Reading This"? Well it's amazing. It was sung at the Country music awards and I can't get enough of it. It's about a fallen soldier and it makes me cry every time I hear it. I am so proud of my husband and what he does for our freedom. Yes, I complain about him being gone but I am so proud of that man, he has no idea. I don't tell him enough, but who really tells people that enough? My boys are my world and I wouldn't do well without either of them. So if you hear that song, please stop and remember that those men and women who are fighting for our right to complain about the war are someones husbands, wives, sons, daughters, moms and dads. They are amazing people to do what they do. Ok, enough soap box, I really love that song. :)

11 Months

Oh my gosh, where does time go? Didn't I just have Brady like last week. How can my baby be 11 months old. Lets see, he's getting is 5th and 6th teeth, they are both through but just barely. We went swimming the last 3 days. Friday evening was fun but started getting a little cold by the end. The water is still cool, not bad once your in but Brady really doesn't want to sit in it.

He's pulling up on EVERYTHING and by everything I really mean it. He even tries to pull up on the trash can. Luckily for him, I clean it often. :) No really, he is wonderful. He climbs up on me and gives me kisses and big hugs. He's such a lover, when HE wants to be. He's all boy.

Jason left on Tuesday until July 17, does that day sound special? Well it is, it's Brady's 1st Birthday. UGH!!!

It's odd having him gone, you can tell that Brady really misses his Dada. Last night we were up until after midnight crying and screaming (Brady was crying and screaming, I just had a tear or 2). He's good today but you can tell that he knows his dada is gone.

He's not walking yet but does take steps between close furniture. He is so much fun and there is always something new. He talks all the time and his favorite toy is his tractor which he calls his dador.

With Jason gone we have a girl from work coming over to watch him while I work and it seems to be working out really well. He sleeps really well for her and just does so much better when he's at home. It's easy money for her and makes me feel better about leaving him.

So I think that's a good update and I sure need to be better about keeping this up-to-date.

Memorial Day Weedeng

We went to my parents for the long weekend and of course the weather didn't cooperate until Monday but it was a nice weekend. Brady was able to play outside some. Mom and dad got him a John Deere tractor for Christmas and this was the first time since then that we tried and and he's able to sit on it and started figuring out how to move it.
Saturday we went to an auction, my first, and I bid and won 2 things. They were great purchases and I was so proud of myself. We went to eat all-you-can-eat shrimp for Jasons birthday that evening and of course a trip to Wal-Mart.
Sunday, we did nothing as it rained all day, seriously ALL DAY. Well mom, Brady and I did go to Wal-Mart to Birthday shop and Jason and Dad went and looked at 2 lakes. Something to do.
Today, Monday, we played outside most of the day as it was beautiful. Brady was actually able to be outside and enjoy the wonderful weather.
As you can see, he's eating finger foods and we had to capture the Cheerio stuck to his chin. So cute. He's into everything and always on the go so we have to put him in his Pack and Play now so he doesn't have to be held all the time, since he wants to be moving. He likes it ok, but would much rather be on your lap or crawling around somewhere.
It was a fun weekend and I hope when we go back in 2 weeks that the weather is nicer and we can be outside even more.