Live Laugh Love

Today is a day of reflection and appreciation. A former student was killed three years ago by a drunk driver. On any other day, I smile when I think of him: his love for Sponge Bob Square Pants, his contagious laugh, his charisma, his kindness. I have many fond memories of him and that special group of classmates. I am sad today that I won't hear about his teenage milestones like getting a driver's license, or going to prom. My thoughts are with his family. Now that I have a son, the loss of my student touches me even more profoundly.

As I sit here blogging, my son at my feet, stroking his soft, blond hair, I am reminded to be grateful. I try to live in the moment and soak in the little things about Braden here and now: his boisterous laugh, his mostly toothless smile, his Frankenstein-like walk, his innate curiosity about the world.

Life isn't perfect. I am saddened that loss is an inevitability of life. But perhaps that's what reminds us to be kind, loving and present.

A Peaceful Afternoon

Earth laughs in flowers.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson


'Tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes!
-William Wordsworth


Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed.
-Walt Whitman


I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.
-Claude Monet


A profusion of pink roses bending ragged in the rain speaks to me of all gentleness and its enduring.
-William Carlos Williams

The Braden Quiz

Here's a fun, little quiz . Some questions are harder than others. Good luck!

1) What day of the week was he born?
2) Who is he named after?
3) When was his due date?
4) What does Braden mean in Gaelic?
5) What is his favorite vegetable?
6) Can you name one of his two security, "lovey" blankets?
7) What is the theme in his bedroom?
8) How much did he weigh at his last Dr. appointment?
9) How many teeth does he have in?
10) True or False: Braden is taking swim lessons this summer.

It's The Little Things...

Braden and I were on the family room floor this evening, playing with the usual fair of toys: dump truck, puzzle, music table, etc. Braden, as of late, takes great pleasure in climbing on me, standing up and letting go. He's so proud of his new level of independence- standing on his own two feet, as it were. I think this activity is the precursor to his most recent discovery- how fun it can be to flop backward, head first, into Mommy's fluffy down pillow. I don't know exactly how it began, but I do know how much he loved falling into that pillow. He must have done it fifty times. Each time, Braden and I simultaneously burst out laughing. As the game evolved, he found new and creative ways to hurdle himself into the pillowy softness: climbing on mommy, leaning from the sofa, flopping face first. We pooped each other out; Braden fell asleep early this evening.
It's the little things in life that bring the greatest joy.

Another Braden First

Braden spent the night with his Nana and Pop on Friday. He enjoyed the spoils that come with receiving his grandparents' undivided attention; while Duncan and I made the most of a 24 hour baby break. We played golf and went to the movies to see the much anticipated fourth installment of Indiana Jones- The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Braden entertained himself, and Nana and Pop, by pulling out pots, pans and wooden bowls- all of which made wonderful drums when hit with a wooden spoon. He helped his Nana unload the dishwasher and went on a walk with his Pop through the neighborhood. Our little boy was so exhausted that he took an astounding three hour nap the morning we arrived to pick him up. The extended sleep allowed us some extra time to get the full "play by play" of Braden's first overnighter without Mom and Dad- the first of many more to come. What a lucky boy!

Boys Club 2007

Braden, Danny & Carson
from left to right

Ever tried getting three 1 year olds to pose for a picture?
Pretty good!

Gratitude

How grateful am I for Mommy Group?
Let me count the ways...

I couldn't feel as successful, supported, or validated as a mom without fellow mommy members, Cindy and Adrienne. From the beginning of our weekly gatherings, some 10 months ago, they embraced me, as well as Braden.

How many times have I asked baby related questions like, "what do you do about this? or what about this?". Thank you, ladies, for listening and offering your veteran advice. Braden is a happier little boy for it!

I have shared in the joy of Cindy and Adrienne's 2007 sons, Danny and Carson. How those boys have lightened my life! I love their enthusiasm, curiosity, mobility and innate kindness. I love the familiarity on their faces when they recognize Braden- as if to say, "hey there, friend".

Maddie and Brady- the older sister and brother of Danny and Carson. Thank you for being a big sis/bro to Braden. You are so sweet with babies, willing to help and willing to listen. The patience you are learning and cultivating now will serve you well. How lucky you are to have such loving mommies (and siblings).

What would Braden and I do without all the hand-me-down and "loaner" clothes?!? Braden is always dressed to the 9's because of you!

Thank you for opening your homes so graciously. To all the coffee, pizza, TJ's salads, coffee cake and birthday cupcakes- such special food, such special memories. Truly!

Here's to many more Mommy Group meetings together...
And here's to getting out ALONE and celebrating as friends!

Halloween '07

-Braden as huggable Lord Darth Vader
-Carson as the oh so edible Banana

What should they go as this Halloween?

Braden & Carson

Gee, I wonder how all those fingerprints got on the t.v.?

Carson & Braden

Best Buddies...

playing the morning away while the mommies enjoy their coffee.

Giant Steps Are What You Take...

Tuesday Morning Festivities

One bowl of oatmeal- 25c
A handful of strawberries- 50c
Sippy cup of whole milk- 75c
Cup of coffee for mommy- 50c

Walking by yourself while mommy has the camera rolling- PRICELESS!

The Braden Phenomenon

Ahhhh.... the simple pleasures a napping child can bring. I was able to water the flowers, drink my iced mocha and complete a thought- how novel! Time to update Braden's blog...

Braden and I went shopping with our good friend, Peggy, yesterday. We were standing in a long line, waiting to check out, when I was reminded of how appreciative I am of Braden's charismatic and patient demeanor. What could have been every parents' nightmare: one year old hungry kid in stroller, lunchtime, long line, cranky consumers- was instead an opportunity for Braden to entertain the crowd.

On a side note, I began noticing about six months ago that when we went out to run errands, it took an inordinately long time. Instead of simply going in and out of the store, Braden and I were stopped and "interviewed" by passers-by. "How old is he? What's his name? He's so cute". The interview quickly turned into a full-on conversation about their kids and memorable moments of the past. Braden and I both love the excitement he elicits from complete strangers; smiles, laughs, animal noises, impromptu games of Peek-a-boo from seemingly lucid adults in the middle of Home Depot. Initially, I coined these encounters, "The Braden Factor"- time I had to calculate into our to do list to talk with our adoring "fans". But the more and more it happened, and the more frequently we were stopped during the same errand, the name had to be upgraded. It is now known as "The Braden Phenomenon".

So we're checking out at Nordstrom Rack, and Braden has people in front and behind, waving, smiling and playing Peek-a-boo. What could have been a miserable experience, was instead a time for thankfulness. Every parent knows his or her child is special, and they are, but Braden celebrates life no matter what the circumstance. What a way to live.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

Braden loves to cruise the city streets in his bright red bike trailer... with matching helmet, of course. We've spent quite a few evenings as a family rolling through the neighborhood and taking in the sights. Great exercise for me with BR in tow. Mush, Mommy, Mush!

Braden reached another milestone today. He pulled himself up to stand and let go; he stood independently for a few brief moments. The giant grin on his face, albeit momentary, was priceless. He's on his way to becoming a true biped! Go son! I'm so proud.

Good Times

And in this corner... standing tall at 30 and 3/4 inches... weighing in at a hefty 18 lbs. 6 oz... BRAAAAADDDENNNN!!!! Such exciting news from the Drs. office today- considering one short year ago he weighed 5 lbs. 2 oz.

We finished off our day with a lovely visit from our dear friends, mommy and daughter pair, Jackie and Emily. Jackie is a much beloved friend of mine from college... the ole' field hockey days. I'm so pleased we've remained in touch and are now able to share in the joy of parenthood together. Braden was mesmerized by Emily while they played together; what young man wouldn't be by a beautiful, well-mannered, red-headed, little girl? So fun to watch them interact- sharing toys and giggling. Good times. Good times.

Braden the Builder

Today was a peaceful day. It was a day to relish the mundane. Braden and I played the day away on the family room floor. We enjoyed the inaugural playing of Braden's new blocks; lovingly hand-crafted by Braden's "Pop" for his birthday. I did most of the building (and thoroughly enjoyed myself) while Braden did all of the demolition. He loved the clack of the blocks when he hit them together- loud and disconcerting; music to the ears of a one year old boy.

Tomorrow we head to the pediatricians' office for Braden's one-year weight check. I'm guessing he's a twenty-pounder. What do you think?

Let Them Eat Cake!

Braden's first birthday party on Saturday was wonderful! What an outpouring of love for Braden. Thanks to everyone for your time, energy and enthusiasm, not only at the party, but throughout the year. I am grateful.

Today, Duncan and I took Braden out to a special birthday breakfast. He enjoyed some waffle, muffin and potatoes. Who doesn't? For lunch, he ate carrots, peas, ravioli, Goldfish and avocado. He prefers to feed himself, as you can see. There's sure to be leftover cake for dessert tonight!

Happy 1st Birthday!

In honor of Braden's 1st birthday today, I am beginning a blog. For those of you that are Calvin & Hobbes fans, you may recognize Braden's blog title, It's a Magical World- a well-suited heading for our blond-haired, exuberant, adventurous little boy.

My hope is to give family and friends a place to update themselves about Braden. Your kind thoughts and comments are graciously received. It's easy to participate. Simply create a Google account using your existing email address and Voila! Post to your hearts content.