You're so Vain

Below is a video of Braylon watching himself in the view finder of the video camera. One day, I was reviewing a video I had just taken of him and he was so enthralled by it. He kept laughing at himself on the video and reached for the screen and himself. So, I decided to shoot a video of him while he watched himself in the view finder. This is how he responded...

Burrito Baby

Braylon has discovered a new trick. He kicks the "legs" of his mat until they collapse around him, wrapping him up like a burrito. On this particular day, I was on the floor playing with him and looked away for a second. When I turned around to see what he was doing, this is what I found. I had a quick laugh and then grabbed the video camera...

Six Months

Can it be? I cannot believe it! We are one-half of a year into the most exciting time in our lives! I don't really know what to say. So much has happened in such a short time, but there is one thing that stands out in my mind as I reflect on the past six months and what it has meant to me to become a Mom. I thought I would share a piece of an introduction I made at a recent training where I was the presenter.

So, as it goes with most presenters, it is customary to provide a little background on your experience as it relates to the topic you are presenting on. The focus of our training was social and emotional development of young children. I spoke about my education and work experience. I related professional and educational accomplishments, including recent certifications and licensures. I shared how excited I was to have just completed coursework in play therapy. And then I got to the really important stuff. I shared, with honesty, "the accomplishment I am most proud of...having become a Mom!" I shared how honored I am to be a part of the distinguished group known as parents. I stated that having a child had changed my life and had subsequently changed the way I viewed and carried out my job. I also shared my fears, hopes, and dreams as a parent. None of this was planned, it just came out of my mouth. As I listened to myself trying to impress the audience with my professional accolades, it dawned on me that none of that mattered. What matters and what ultimately makes me better personally and professionally is this wonderful little boy I've been blessed with. I couldn't help but share my joy with everyone in that room. From now on, I'll always include being a Mom as one of my most prized accomplishments.

Okay, now that I've got a huge lump in my throat, let's take a look back at the past six months.

Bouncing Baby Boy

Here's some footage of Braylon bouncing in his jumper. We've had to move the seat up (approximately 2 inches) to the second rung because he's getting so tall! The quality of this video is not as good as the others because I had to upload it to youtube in order to put it on here as the file was too big for blogger to upload. Sorry!

Splish Splash

Enjoy this video of Braylon splashing and playing in the bath.

Big Boy

Braylon has been trying to sit up on his own for some time now, but now we think he has it down. He's still a little wobbly especially when he reaches for a new toy so we keep the boppy around him to soften his fall. Never fear, Charlie is always nearby to keep an eye on our boy! He's a bit of a leaner as this photo depicts. A few other updates include the conclusion of his first full-time week at daycare. He has done really well and really enjoys his time there. I too am adjusting well, but still cannot wait to get home and be greeted by this adorable face! I have to tell you, I just love pick-up time from daycare. The enthusiastic greeting I receive is priceless!
Finally, Bryan and I bought a high chair and a big boy bath tub. Braylon loves splashing in his new tub and also enjoys sitting at the table with us at dinner time. Now, he just needs to decide that he's ready to eat big boy food! That battle continues. I'll try to upload some video of him in the tub as well as video of him playing in his jumper. He really gets to bouncing and giggling in that thing! It's fun to watch! Oh, how he's changing...Sigh!!

5 months (and 2 weeks)

So, with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I completely forgot to blog about my little guy on his 5 month birthday! This one is coming a few weeks late. Five months! Sigh! I have to say that with my return to work, I have really come to appreciate my time home with Braylon. I really miss the little guy while I'm at work. I just can't wait to get home and spend time with him each and every day. I miss his bright eyes, dimpled smile and adorable giggle. Returning to work is harder than I ever thought it would be. Although I know that he is receiving great care, I often find myself worrying about him and wondering if he's thinking, "Why did Mommy leave me here??". I am always reassured when I drop him off each morning as he smiles and snuggles with the care providers as they take him from me. He really does like to be there and I know it's good for him. He's making friends and winning over the child care staff with his adorable demeanor. My work has been great, allowing me to work part-time the month of December in order to make the adjustment. Believe me, it has been an adjustment and if I had my way, I'd work part-time FOREVER just to spend more time with Braylon!

On a final note, I wanted to share my new favorite book. This book really speaks to how I feel about Braylon and the blessings he brings to my life. The title is "You are My I Love You". Here are a few of my favorite lines...

I am your parent; you are my child
I am your quite place; you are my wild

I am your way home; you are my new path
I am your dry towel; you are my wet bath

I am your favorite book; you are my new lines
I am your night-light; you are my starshine

I am your lullaby; you are my peekaboo
I am your goodnight kiss; you are my I love you.