12 Months In the MAKING

For those of you that aren't a FACEBOOK guru like myself, I thought it would be fun to post Braylon's "month by month" photos. So crazy how he has changed in such a short time (so it seems)

Just Arrived!

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

1 Year Is Here!!!

WOW!!!!!! I can't believe that it is now time to write about our baby turning 1 year old! It is seriously ridiculous how fast this year has flown by, and I know it's just going to get worse. It seems the older he gets, the faster time flies. It's so bitter sweet. I love to see him change from a baby to a little boy, but man-sometimes I just want that little baby to snuggle again.

Braylon has hit some amazing milestones since approaching and turning 1. For starters, he will walk around all furniture with this fearless motivation. He goes from the chair to the couch to the ottoman and then to the dining room table. anything he can grab to stand on, he will. He loves to push everything he touches around the floor as well. That means the highchair, the bar stools, the tupaware, our shoes--anything! It seems he would rather push from one room or another than actually sit and play with his toys. But I guess, that's the "job" of toddler, right?

Aside from climbing and "almost" walking, another new thing he loves is discovering his hands and clapping. Anytime he hears music he claps. Anytime you clap, he claps. Or anytime he finds something funny, he claps. It's so adorable and really hilarious that he doesn't do just a normal "clap" rather tilts one hand in the hair and actually puts a little rhythm into it. I will definitely have to post a video, it's hilarious.

Braylon also started waiving this week and now knows how to give great kisses. Every night when we walk daddy to the door to leave for work, we say "give kisses'" and he goes in for the blow, open mouth and all. It's soooo funny. Daddy always says "less tongue more lips Bray". Too cute.

The 12 moth appointment went well, he is still in the 90th percentile, weighing 27 pounds and 30 inches long. We did discuss with the doc' about his little temper tantrums. She said "Ignore him, let him be and go back to him when he's done". We have been doing that lately, even if it means he is spread out on all fours threatening to bang his head on the tile floor. Surprisingly, we have gotten some thick skin these days, after all...we gotta show this mister WHO'S BOSS! I can honestly say, I think it's working. We'll see!

One of my camera settings broke while in Hawaii, so needless to say I haven't been real good in the "photo opt" department. I hope to get that little problem fixed next week so I can get back on track =) But in the meantime, I stuck some pictures in here from my blackberry.

"Little Chops"

I have been begging David for MONTHS to cut Braylon's hair. I LOVE his curls, however the sides and back needed a desperate trim. Thankfully, Daddy finally agreed and we took Braylon on his "birthday eve" for a trim. I am kind of "in between" hair stylists right now, so we decided to try something new and check out "Little Chops". The place was adorable and our stylist was super sweet. We picked out a movie to watch, which of course was "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse". Bray got to sit in a race car and "drive" while he was getting chopped. He did really well. He was his usual cheerful self, laughing and flirting with the stylist. I was a total dork mom and took a gillion photos and even broke out the video camera.

The final turn out was great. Yes, much of the curls are gone but he is more adorable then ever. He totally looks like a little man now. It's weird this "new look" and turning 1 has really matured our little man. More of those details to come ;)

BEFORE

DURING


PASSING THE TIME

END RESULT

A party for a PRINCE

This week leading up to Braylon's 1st birthday has been jammed packed.

Wednesday night kicked off the weekend when we welcomed Brooke, Chad, and Baby Powell to the Valley of the Sun. It was so great to see them (all) It was a day to remember as Brooke and Chad had their ultrasound just minutes before jumping on the Phoenix-bound Plane. We are excited to announce that they will be welcoming a baby GIRL in mid October. We can't wait. I will have yet another niece to spoil and snuggle. We had a blast while Brooke and Chad were in town and we are so looking forward to seeing them again this fall to help celebrate their "new addition".


On Thursday we watched our baby nephew Darius (who is now 14 years old...*tear) get promoted to HIGHSCHOOL. He said "goodbye" to middle school and will enjoy one last summer before joinging the "semi-real world". When I met David, Darius was just 4 years old. I can't belive that he not only graduating from the 8th grade, but also towering over me in height. One word to say to that...*tear



On Friday, we celebrated Mom and her "59th" year on this earth by a tasty mexican lunch. She didn't want to really "celebrate" this year. She kept telling me "Bon, it's just another day". I let it slide this year, after all...next year is the BIG 60!!! We will be going all out for that celebration, rather she likes it.or not. Later that evening, we went out to celebrate the birthday of my dear friend and neighbor, Molly. Our boys are very close in age, and we have a blast together. So blessed that God gave us such sweet people around us.

The next mornning you would have found us getting the house and back yard ready for a Frog Prince party for Braylon's special day. Braylon was welcomed by over 2 dozen family and friends, lots of yummy food, a beautiful dessert buffet filled with candy, cupcakes, and cake pops. Braylon enjoyed eating a ton of cake from his "smash cake" of course AFTER mommy removed all the icing. Hmmm, another "trait" of mine that he has taken on.

Bray received some amazing gifts, including adorable clothes and fun toys. Thank you to everyone who made this prince's day so special. It was truly one of the best days of our lives and we look foward to many more to come.