The B-I-G Day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYLEA ELIZABETH!!! MOMMY AND DADDY ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU IN OUR LIVES!! WE LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE EACH DAY!

This was definitely a huge day for Miss Braylea. I think she felt cheated on not getting anything for her actual birthday so she gave herself two gifts of her own!

This is on the way to Mallory's in the morning..

Mom goes to work..boo!

I get a phone call from Jamie around 4 informing me that Braylea decided to WALK today and she cut her FIRST two teeth!! What a birthday gift! :)

Look Mom - I'm not holding on!

I was so excited to go pick her up after work today so she could show off her new skills. It is SOOO CUTE!! For some reason my computer decided I couldn't download videos anymore on this blog so I can't show her off. It is so funny because I will kneel down and tell her to come see me and she gets this real big smile on her face and puts her tongue to the side and takes off. The scary part is she is trying to RUN instead of walk..ha. Either she is going to get the hang of running quickly or we are going to have a cracked open face..no good either way!

Below are a few pictures from the birthday bash Saturday..

I loved how her cake turned out!

She knew exactly what to do when opening presents and she never fussed.

What's the next one?

Is this really all mine??

After she got the hang of this she would say, "MMMMMMMM" after each bite. It was humorous!

She really didn't make too much of a mess..thatta girl!

One Year Ago today..

One year ago I was..

- anticipating the arrival of my first child. Braylea was an induction so I knew she would come the following day.

- 35 pounds heavier.

- packing my bag, packing Braylea's bag..

- installing the carseat base in the car.

- cleaning the house up.

- beginning to have high anxiety.

- relecting on my past and how my future will change forever in just one day.

And after almost 12 hours of laying in the hospital bed and 30 minutes of pushing..this is what Bryson and I brought into this world! A bright, beautiful, and loveable little princess! God's gift to us and we thank him everyday!

On a side note..the birthday party was a success! Braylea received lots of fun stuff. I was very appreciative because most toys were educational and fun all at the same time. Thanks everyone!! I will post pics soon but for now..it's bedtime.

Goodnight!

Preparation - check!

So in order to make sure Braylea knew what to do today, we had to prep her! Last night I made cupcakes for the big party and she got to lick her first set of beaters and was mad when she licked them both dry! Like mother like daughter!! :)

Birthday Planning..

So, I'm not a good planner AT ALL. I procrastinate really bad and time just flies by nowadays. I'm in the process of planning Miss B's birthday party..yes..her 1 year birthday is less than two weeks away..insane, right? Her actual birthday is Tuesday, the 24th, but her party is planned for the 21st.

I'd like some input on what I'm forgetting or if there is any type of an event I could throw during the party. I have quite a few kids in my family that I'd like to do something during the party to keep them entertained but not sure what would work. Since we don't know how the weather will be, it is planned to be inside. It would be so much easier to have it outside to let the kids run and play.
Here's what I have done:

- Pictures are booked for this Sunday and I have a little cake ordered for the pictures.
- Cake is ordered for the party.
- MOST of the invitations are mailed.
- I ordered a theme set of plates, napkins, table clothes, etc.
- I'm thinking of just buying some pop and water, but what could I have with the cake?

Please help! What am I missing? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

My Lil Lady Bug

I was so excited that Halloween landed on Saturday for Braylea's first Halloween because that meant Daddy got to join us! We just drove around to see the family. Braylea wasn't too sure what to think about the big fluffy costume but it was nice when it cooled down to keep her warm.

11 Months Old

Another month older already..this is the last month that I will keep track of her monthly birthdays..so crazy almost 1 year as already gone by. Last year at this time I was wondering what she was going to look like, if I was going to know how to raise a child of my own, and so many more questions..Now, I don't have time to even think of questions..life just happens and quickly at that!
Let's see..what is Miss Braylea up to these days..

• Still no teeth in sight so the food options are minimal. She has come to love turkey and cheerios. She already eats like her daddy..double fisting food and shoveling it in as fast as I can get it on her plate..much like her mom as well since she LOVES food.
• Still no interest in walking. She can crawl so fast that who needs walking to get places?? I thought she was fast but didn't know any different, but my aunt and cousin talk as well at how fast she can disappear and be clear across the house playing in a room in just split seconds. When she sets her mind to something, she does it!
• Speaking of daycare..Braylea LOVES going over to play with her cousin, Mallory, all day and I LOVE knowing she is in great care!
• Braylea's first Halloween costume is going to be a lady bug. Her Gma Lorie got it for her and probably a good thing because I'm not the most enthused with the holiday..but I'm trying!
• Braylea has never been a great napper but it has really dwindled down to almost nothing somedays. She figured out that she can sleep for 12+ hours at night and be refreshed for the whole day. When I pick her up at 5 she is normally a grouch though since she is ready for bed by then..I normally try to hold her off until at least 8ish. I'm curious how this time change will effect her.
• I couldn't take it any longer and broke down and bought her a big girl carseat. I could barely get her straps around her arms when she had a jacket on, so I was sick of it and also just really wanted to be able to see her in the car. We recently upgraded our family vehicle. We were growing out of my little Honda, so we went with an SUV (no van!) and I love it! I'm still getting used to parking and turning sharp corners since my car fit anywhere but it is nice to have something bigger.
  

She loves it!!

Now for some more pictures of the silly girl..

If you notice in these pictures, they all have something in common..food! :)

Climbing up the refrigerator..

Mom..I want in my highchair!

Now it's about time to start the planning of a 1st birthday party..of course we have to go all out, right?? :)

Until next month...

Little Personality

Well, I had a cute little video to go with this post but for some reason would not download! Anyways..here's some pics of Miss B!



Of course..always the happiest at the dinner table! Ha..