Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Fall is here
Bradyn has been playing soccer every Saturday. He seems to like it. Today is the last lesson for that. This is the 1st year for Tremont to have soccer lessons. He played baseball this summer and LOVED it. He could not wait to go to practice every week and then games on Saturdays. It was so fun to watch him play. That is all he wants to do in the evenings is go outside and play baseball! It is so fun watch him learn new things.
Little Miss Brenna decided to start walking at daycare on Tuesday at 14 months and 2 days of age! I was disappointed that I missed out on that but I guess that's what happens when you are a working Mom :( She has quite the little personality! Her hair is growing in the back and is curly-so cute! She can say momma, dadda, bro, and the newest word is baby. Plus she loves ducks for some reason and does this really cute quacking at this high pitched voice!
Both kids are in swim lessons. This is the 1st session that Bradyn is in the water without a parent. He has done super great and really likes it. Brenna loves the water too. She loves to splash!
Next week starts a music class that I signed both kids up for. Bradyn was in it last summer and loved it and asked to do it again. That boy loves music and I only hope that will continue to grow as he gets older.
We have lots of activities planned for the fall. Fall has definitely arrived because I had to turn the heat on the other night. Too chilly for me! Enjoy the pictures-there is too many to share in one post so make sure you check them all out. I am a little slow at posting pics so these go all the way back to July for Brenna's birthday and when my brother and his family came to visit!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Happy First Birthday Sweet Princess!
We celebrated by taking the kids to a farm park Saturday where the kids could feed the animals and play on the swingsets, etc. It was super hot but alot of fun. Brenna was so funny- she would point at the animals but did not want to pet them. Sunday we celebrated with my brother and his family who were traveling back to Utah and stopped in overnight to visit. We were so glad to see everyone. The kids had so much fun playing together-sure wished we lived closer and could visit more often!
Brenna, the past year has been wonderful with you in our lives. We look forward to watching you learn new things and growing into a beautiful young lady. Mommy and Daddy love you so very much (and so does your big bro bro Bradyn!) Hugs and kisses tootsie pie!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Busy Busy!
Brenna has been busy growing and learning so many new things in the past week. She has learned to say Mama, clap her hands (too cute), wave bye bye and now has started crawling! Unreal! I thought that she was totally going to skip the crawling because she loves to pull herself up but has figured out the crawling finally! Of course, Bradyn is not very happy about that because now she can get her hands on any toy of his!!
I took Bradyn today to sign up for baseball. He is so excited. It is coach pitched and they will have a game every Saturday for the summer. Should be cute to watch! Can't believe that he's 4!
We have had some crazy weather here lately. Can't wait for it to be warm, sunny and no rain! Have seen enough rain this spring already.
Enjoy all the pictures!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Happy Birthday My Dear Sweet Boy!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Hello from Snowy Central Illinois
We got about 15 inches of snow Tuesday night-biggest snowstorm in 20 years here! I love being snowed in at home. It was a treacherous drive home on Tuesday but we made it. Thank goodness work closed early or we would have been stranded because they closed the interstate. Bradyn and I spent some time outside Wednesday-only about 30 minutes because it was sooooo cold-only 18 degrees-brrrr! I was disappointed because the snow had a layer of ice on top so it was impossible to make a snowman and a snow angel. Bradyn prefers to "scoop" snow instead of sled riding. Santa brought him a sled and shovel. He's only been on the sled twice! Our neighbor plowed our driveway open for us or we would still be shoveling!
Brenna is growing like a weed. Time seems to go so much faster with the 2nd child. She is 6 1/2 months old and has 4 teeth already. She sits up pretty well and is such a good baby. She LOVES to watch Bradyn and snuggle with him. She started swim lessons The beginning of January and loves the water! I was really surprised! She is not much of a baby food eater. She prefers her milk! She was 16 lbs 3.2 oz (50%) and 27 inches (87%) at her 6 month check up. She is tall like her daddy!
Bradyn will be 4 soon :( He told me a few weeks ago that when he is 20 he will still be my baby! I am holding him to that! He loves his sis and loves to entertain her. Now that she can sit up on her own he loves to sit and play with her on the floor. He is the BEST big brother! He is learning so much at school and is Mr. social bug. Can't take that kid anywhere without him knowing someone and he's only 3 1/2! (He gets that from his daddy!) He also told me one day that he wants to marry me when he gets older! He cracks me up! Him and Bob went to the Monster Truck show last night and Bradyn LOVED it! It was good bonding time for the 2 of them. Bradyn's mouth ran a mile a minute when he got home to tell me all about it. I have never been to one. Next year we plan on taking him to the one in St. Louis! It is a much bigger show. He even got a monster truck at the show last night and that's all he's been playing with today. He has set up his race cars and is running over them with the truck just like at the show!
I hope that you enjoy the abundance of pictures and I promise I will TRY to do a little better with keeping up with my blog!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The time has come
The time has come for me to return to work. :( Since I did not win a million dollars while I was off I do have to return. Brenna is 12 weeks old today. So hard to believe-it sure has flown by! I have enjoyed every minute of my maternity leave (Even those first few weeks of sleepless nights!) It has been wonderful to spend the first 12 weeks of her life with her every moment of the day! She is a sweet and loving baby. She is very laid back and so much fun to be with. I really am going to miss her while I am at work.
I have also enjoyed the extra mommy and Bradyn time. It is amazing to see how much that boy has grown and changed. He is so sweet and kind and intelligent. He loves his sister and is so excited for her to start school with him this week. My first day back is Tuesday. When I told Bradyn that mommy has to go back to work and is sad, he said "well, you just need to have another baby mommy so you can be off work again!" He then says "Sissy is getting big so we need another baby!" O how I love that boy's thinking!
I love being a mommy! The joys that my children have brought into our lives is priceless. The endless hugs, kisses, snuggles and I love you's is so worth it all. I want Bradyn and Brenna to know how much I love them and how they have brought so much love to our lives. GOD definitely has blessed us with 2 beautiful children and I thank him each and every day for giving us the opportunity to be parents!
I really am dreading Tuesday-makes my stomach hurt to even think about it. I wish that we lived in a country where mommy's got a year off for maternity leave. I know that Brenna will be fine because she will be at a church daycare and will get the love that she needs while I am at work but it still makes me sad knowing that I will be away from her for so long. Bradyn has been there since he was 11 weeks old and I see how much that boy has learned and I know it is good for them but I just wish I could be with her til she was a little older.
We were able to make a trip to PA to visit family and attend a friend's wedding reception 2 weeks ago. It was nice to be home while the weather was nice. We usually are home when it's snowy outside. Bradyn got to enjoy the week with both sets of grandparents and spend tons of time outside playing which he loved. He even overcame his fear of dogs that week which I am so happy about. He was quite sad when we left the grandparents behind and cried several times on the way back. Both the kids were excellent travelers and never heard a peep out of either one of them.
We have a few fun things coming up this month with the start of fall. I hope that you enjoy the pictures!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wow 8 Weeks Already!
I think that time flies even faster when the 2nd child arrives! Brenna will be 9 weeks old on Sunday-so hard to believe. She is a super good baby just like Bradyn was! She has only been getting up once during the nights and for the past week she's been sleeping thru the night. She still sleeps alot during the day but her periods of alertness have gotten longer. It is amazing to see how much she has grown and changed in the past 8 weeks. She has definitely gained weight because her clothes are fitting much better.
We were lucky enough to have my in-laws here for Brenna's delivery so that they could watch Bradyn for us. This helped ease our minds as we were in the hospital. It is hard not having family close by. Bradyn of course enjoyed the time with them but on our last night at the hospital he had a melt down. He had fallen asleep in my bed for a nap and when I woke him so he could go home he cried because he wanted me to come too! Needless to say, wiht my pregnancy hormones being out of whack I cried too! Bama and Papa were finally able to get him out the door and when he was getting in their jeep he goes "I love my mommy so much" and had tears streaming down his face! He is such a momma's boy! Having the grandparents here instead of him staying with a friend made a huge difference for him so I am thankful they were able to come!
Big brother Bradyn has been SUPER! He has done much better than I ever expected! He is very attentive to her and is full of kisses for her. It is very cute to hear him talk to her. His voice is very soothing for her when she's crying. He tells her that she's cute all the time. So sweet that boy!
We took him for a fun outing a couple of weeks ago because he has been so good. We went miniature golfing for the first time with him and then enjoyed some ice cream after wards. He had a blast! Bob and I had fun watching him play.
My sister and parents were here recently for a visit which we were happy to see them. Bradyn loved having "new"playmates! I think he gets bored sometimes with just Bob and I. We went to Chuck E Cheese one night which was fun for all of us! That was the first night that Brenna slept through the nite and it was because she couldn't sleep while we were there because it was so noisy and bright!
My sister and I went to the mall one day which was fun because I hate shopping by myself. I got lots of good deals on kid clothing for this fall and next summer. Then my parents and us went to the Children's Museum over the weekend. There was a ton of stuff to do there and Bradyn had a good time.
Bob and I even got to go out one evening-thanks to my parents for the babysitting! We went to see "The Switch"- which was good. That's the first time out for us since last year so the babysitting was much appreciated!
Of course, we got a little spoiled by all of my Mom's homemade cooking-yummy! Thanks Mom!
We sure enjoy having the company!
We are back in the routine of things this week. Bradyn moved up to a new class at school so that is exciting for him! He has some new kids in his class so am sure we will hear lots of stories!
Enjoy the pictures!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Soon to be Big Brother!
My dear sweet Bradyn is about to become a big brother! He is very excited and wants to help with everything- which I hope continues when sister actually arrives! He is full of questions and has been entertained by all of his old baby toys that we have gotten out.
It has been kind of emotional for me- I am excited about the upcoming birth of our daughter but also worried about how Bradyn is going to do. He is such a Momma's boy and I don't want him to think that he is not getting the attention that he deserves. (Must be my pregnancy hormones!) It is amazing how a child can bring so much additional love into your life which is exactly what he has done and that love is about to double with the arrival of our daughter and I am so anxious to meet her.
We have been so busy this past month with trying to get things done. We took Bradyn to Grant's Farm the beginning of June in St. Louis and had a fun time. It is a wonderful place for families. Then we celebrated Father's Day with brunch at the wildlife park and visited with the animals afterwards. This has become our family tradition since the birth of Bradyn and we look forward to it every year. That same evening we took Bradyn to his first movie- Toy Story 3D. He loved it and enjoyed himself so much he wanted to stay and watch it again! It was a fun experience for Bob and I to see how excited he was.
Since then we have been busy working on the baby's room and cleaning the house. Bob did an awesome job at painting her room and putting up trim. All we have left to do is hang up some things.
We took Bradyn to a baseball game this past weekend- our team is an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinal. They had fireworks after the game. It was a nice evening for a game and Bradyn of course loved it. He was full of questions about the game and field! He is very inquisitive and asks some grown up questions at times.
Bradyn was looking at a bride figurine the other day that sits on my dresser and asked me "Momma- where did you and daddy get married?" I told him in a church in PA. He says 'When I get bigger and older I am going to get marred." I asked him which cute girl at his school that he wants to marry and he said "I want to marry you momma!" Cracked me up!!
The teachers at school have been trying to prepare him on being a big brother too which I think is helping. They told him that soon Mommy is going to have a baby to carry so he will have to walk and he told them "I will always be Momma's baby!" Yes, Bradyn you will always be my baby!
I will keep you updated on the arrival of our new baby! I can't wait to see what she looks like and to see how Bradyn does.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Just for today
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you came to be my son and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that GOD has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and the mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night I will hold you tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank GOD for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day...
My Sweet Boy!
I know that it has been way too long since my last post! Sorry! We have been very busy here with work, home and trying to do some fun things with Bradyn before he becomes a big brother!For Mother's day we went to the Zoo it turned out to be a beautiful day and Bradyn LOVES animals. This past week we went to St, Louis over night and then took him to Grant's Farm- it is basically a wildlife preserve area and home to the famous Clydesdale Horses! It has become a yearly thing for us to do since Bradyn was born. Very family friendly and relaxing. This weekend we are going to a wildlife park for brunch and to visit the animals. This has also become a family event each year to celebrate Father's Day. I am hoping that the humidity isn't as high because this pregnant body has a hard time with that!!
We have also been working on the baby room and trying to get that finished before her arrival! Lots of things to get done before then0 not enough hours in the day!!
I hope to get some pics up this weekend when Bob gets home. He's been out of town all week in ND and I am clueless when it comes to downloading the camera!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Bradyn's 3rd Birthday!
We celebrated Bradyn's 3rd birthday at Chuck E Cheese! What fun we had! Bob and I had not been there since we were kids ourselves so we weren't sure what we were in for. Bradyn had invited a few friends from his class but only his best little friend could come. That was ok because they had a blast spending extra time together outside of school. Peyton, his sister and his parents came to the party! The kids had so much fun. Bradyn and Peyton are 2 peas in a pod! They are only 5 days apart and have been at daycare together since they were about 3 months old and really have formed a friendship that I hope will last a lifetime! The 2 hour party turned into 4 hours!! I am not sure who was more tired when we left- the parents or the kids!!
It was an excellent place to have a 3rd birthday at. Bradyn talked about it for days after and wants to go back again!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Spring has arrived
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Dear Bradyn,
Blessed Easter
On Thursday, Bradyn had his Easter party at school and he had a good time. I had to work late so didn't get much time to spend with the family that day. On Friday, I only worked half a day and Bradyn did not have daycare so Bradyn, my mother-in-law and me went shopping in the afternoon. I finally ordered my baby bedding so I am excited for that to come in. They didn't have it in stock. We had a good time shopping and Bradyn loved hanging out with Bama.
On Saturday, it poured down rain and so we thought the egg hunt in town would be cancelled but just when it was ready to start it stopped raining so they were able to have it. Bradyn got lots of eggs and a tin of candy. He had a lot of fun after he caught on as to what he was to do. He was so funny because when it just began he walked right past an egg and I said Bradyn you missed this one and he kept on walking and said "I don't want that one!" After that we went shopping again and I actually got the baby a few cute outfits- it's so different buying girl stuff!
On Sunday, Bradyn woke up and was excited to see whether or not the Bunny had come. He got lots of fun stuff in his basket! Then we went to church and came home and Bradyn took a nap. We then had an egg hunt at home and Bradyn had lots of fun with that- he caught on quickly that some of his eggs had money in them and so each one he would pick up and shake to see what was in it and then sometimes he would open them up to eat candy! It took him forever!! After that we played outside for awhile and then had Easter dinner. Bradyn opened up his birthday gifts from Bama and Papa Long and Bob's sister. He got a hockey net and sticks that he loves! He played outside for quite awhile until a storm blew in and the tornado siren went off. That boy ran as fast as he could to the house. He was so scared! Guess he got that from his Mama! I tried to distract him but that was hard to do! We had cake and ice cream for his birthday which did help a little with distracting him!
On Monday, Bob's parents left early in the morning. We are so happy that they came to visit and enjoyed having them here. Bradyn really misses them!
The best news of all for that week was that on Saturday a week before Easter I decided that Bradyn was going to try underwear while we were at home. He did super great and has been in undies ever since! He has had a few accidents which is to be expected but I am so proud of him. He is a little stubborn at times (He gets that from his daddy!) and doesn't want to take time out to sit on the potty but for the most part he had done great even at school! I didn't expect this to go as well as it has!
That is the news from here! I will post something special this weekend for Bradyn's birthday!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
First day of spring
Not much happening here. My pregnancy is going well. The baby is starting to move a lot more so that is fun. However, she is a little stubborn because when I want Bradyn to feel her move she stops!!
We stayed indoors this weekend and got some spring cleaning done even though it's definitely not spring outside! Bob leaves for another trip tomorrow so it will be me and the little guy for a few days. Three weeks in a row of him traveling is enough for me. Bradyn starts swim lessons on Wednesday so I will be taking him. Oh what fun to see my prego body in a swimsuit!!
Bradyn's list of funny things continues to grow- there is never a day that he doesn't crack us up! I really wish that I could record all the funny things he says! This week at daycare he was playing outside with an older girl and told me that they were looking for dinosaur bones- I asked him if they found any and he said no- thank goodness!
I took him for pictures this past week and the whole way there he told me he was NOT having his picture taken and then cried for about the first 10 minutes we were there while drooling all over his sweater! I was ready to leave but we were the only ones there so the 2 girls were able to slowly get him to cooperate and I ended up getting some adorable pics. He meanwhile fell in love with the pretty blond photographer and was playing blocks on the floor with her while I was ordering pics. He did not want to leave and was quite upset that we did!! He has a thing for blonds because his little girlfriend at school is blond too! Oh my!!
He has started to tell me "Momma when I get big I go to work and when you get little you go to school!" and "Momma when I get big I wear undies and when you get little you wear diapers and I take care of you!" Too funny!
He woke up Sunday saying that he wanted to go downstairs to see what the Easter bunny brought him. He was quite disappointed when I told him he has a couple of weeks yet before the bunny comes! He is excited to have an egg hunt while Bob's parents are here.
That is the news from here. Have a great week! I will try to get some pics posted when Bob gets home!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Long overdue pics!
Bradyn is growing every day and learning so many new things! He continues to amaze me and it is hard to believe that my baby will be 3 in a month! He is such a sweet mild mannered child and I hope that he continues to be that way. He can be such a charmer. He gets compliments on his behavior every where we go. He Sunday school teacher calls him a "doll."
He cracks us up everyday with something he says! He continues to think that he has a baby growing in his belly also and it is his baby sister! He talks to his belly and mine all the time! He told me that he is going to feed the baby milk and that his baby sister is going to wear a dress! From day one he has referred to baby as his baby sister and it turns out that he is right! I went for my sono on Thursday and the doctor is pretty sure that we are having a girl! We are looking forward to her arrival! Bradyn went with us and he was so excited to see the baby moving around in my tummy. The doctor gave him his own sono picture which made Bradyn's day! He was all smiles. He told me on the way home that he is going to buy his baby sister "baby dresses, hair pretties (he must have learned that at school) and baby dolls!" He is too cute! He was so wound up that night talking about the baby AND he still thinks that he has a baby in his belly also! He says "you have a baby sister in you belly and I have a baby sister in mine too!"
He had a date with momma Wednesday! We went shopping (it felt so good to get out) and went out for lunch. He did really well and probably ate the best ever at a restaurant! He was so excited to hang out with momma and he LOVES to go shopping (he definitely doesn't get that from his daddy!!)
A few cute other things that he has said recently; We were watching the Olympics every evening while they were on and he was really into it. He loves Apolo and recognizes him whenever he's on TV. He also loves to watch hockey. He told me that he is going to play for the Penguins some day- I told him to go for it!!
When I put lotion on him I always take off my rings and he has always asked me "Who get you those, Momma?" So I explain to him that daddy bought them for me and when he gets bigger and meets a very nice girl that he can buy her a ring and get married. He then tells me that there are 2 very nice girls at school- Jordan (who is a year older than him-going for the older women already!) and Audrey who is in his class! Too funny. He has also told me this week that Audrey is his girlfriend! Oh my starting at a young age!!