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.

Christmas continued...

Our holiday week home was quite adventurous. We headed home on Monday, the 22nd and stayed at Bryan's parents' house after a 7 hour trip. On Tuesday, we hung out with Grandma Jean in the morning, made a quick trip over to Great Grandpa and Grandma Cook's house to catch Braylon's baby cousin before they left for NE Kansas. Then it was on to Johnson for a few days with my family. Tuesday afternoon and evening were spent with Grammy and Aunt Josie and Uncle Wyatt (my mom and little sister and brother). On Wednesday we had Christmas with my dad, older brother, younger sister and their families. On Thursday, we woke up to gifts from Santa. My sister and her little guy were there and my nephew, Devin and Braylon opened their gifts from Santa. Thursday afternoon, my brother and his family came in for Christmas dinner and gifts with my mom and step-dad. Friday, we headed back to Ulysses for a final two days of Christmas with Bryan's family. Sunday morning, we loaded up and headed East where our comfy beds awaited. After a whirlwind Christmas adventure, we were happy to be home. Here are a few pics from the trip. First, here is Braylon with his Uncle Wyatt and Aunt Josie.








Braylon with his great Grandpa and Grandma Cook and his Aunt Amber and Uncle Chad.

Christmas Cheer

Braylon has enjoyed his first Christmas so far. We've spent a few days with Mommy's family and now it's off to Grandma Jean's for more Christmas cheer! Here is Braylon with his Grammy and cousins, Rylie, Caelyn, and Devin.
Braylon got his very own penguin and he loves it! The little penguin laughs, talks and wobbles. We'll post again with pics from our celebration with Grandpa Grady and Unlce Wyatt and Aunt Josie and our time with Grandma Jean, Grandpa Scott and the Malone clan.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

I've been trying all week to snap cute pics of Braylon for our Christmas cards. This is how he felt about that!
Actually, he's been such a trooper with all the picture-taking given that he hasn't felt well in almost two weeks! The poor little guy has had a cold, pink eye, and a virus after just a week and a half of daycare. Plus, Bryan and I both had the 24 hour flu bug. Needless to say, the Ramsay household has been pretty run down lately. In spite of that, I did manage to capture some good pics for our holiday cards. Here are just a few examples... In this pic, we dressed him up in a holiday sweater and khakis. Dorky, I know, but totally worth it!

Hey Mr. Snowman

Braylon has really taken to this snowman I have out as part of our Christmas decorations. He seems to enjoy just about anything with a face now; whether it be the dog, the sun on his jumper, himself in the mirror or this snowman. It's really neat to see him recognize faces and try to engage them. Here he is talking to Mr. Snowman, who talks back with Mommy's help!

As you can see, he's also a big fan of Mr. Snowman's carrot nose. I'm not sure Mr. Snowman appreciates having his nose chewed on, but Braylon does it every time!

Hump Day

Well, we are midway through our first week of daycare! I am happy to report that Braylon and I are both handling the transition quite well. Maybe that's because I know that I'm only leaving him for 3-4 hours at a time! Atleast that's the plan for the month of December. I started back to work this month part-time so will only be gone for 3-5 hours a day until January. Braylon really seems to like the staff and is adjusting to the "noise" of all of his new friends. I think he does get a bit over-stimulated though...he seems pretty worn out and is ready to crash when I get him home. He fell asleep sitting upright on my lap today, without a swaddle, which he NEVER does! We're battling a slight hunger strike as he's having a tough time adjusting to bottle feeding. Bryan and I continue to work on that at home and Braylon is improving every day, taking a few more ounces for his teacher each time! Daily reports from staff indicate that Braylon's "a happy and good baby"! I knew that already!!