The Next Pele?

I can't take credit for teaching Braden his deft moves; it's innate skill (if I do say so myself)! Be sure to keep a keen eye out for the crossover to heel maneuver.

Funtastic 2

Another great afternoon spent at Funtastic! We met up with our friends, mommy and kid duos, Sarah and Hailey and Nicole and Jack. Braden loved going up and down the padded stairs, playing in the toy rooms and having a much needed snack in between. Braden even wiggled his way up the padded kid slide by himself for the first time. We're looking forward to our next playdate with our friends!

Polka Dot Pool Party

We helped our friend, Grace, celebrate her first birthday today! It was a special day filled with balloons, polka dots, swimming and food. Braden played with his good buddies, Brady and Carson, too. We had such a good time that Braden and I took a two hour nap when we got home. Celebrating first birthdays are F-U-N, but they are exhausting... as every mommy knows.
A special thanks to Jenny and Gracie for letting us share in their memorable day!

Bon Appetit!

Before you watch the video, be prepared to see Braden feed himself cheese ravioli that he speared himself with a fork. I dashed to get my camera once I realized what he was attempting. FYI- the shmutz on his nose is some rogue banana. I'm taking bets on his handedness as well- any wagers?

TP or not TP- that is the question

Braden made yet another wonderful discovery today. Can you guess what it is?

Helpful tip- if you place the computer arrow over the picture and click, it will enlarge the photo.

FUNtastic!

This kid-sized gym is aptly named, Funtastic. Braden and I went today, along with two new friends, Hailey and Jack (and their mommies too). Braden, Hailey and Jack are all about a month apart in age. They enjoyed playing along side each other. Braden loved climbing up and down the stairs as well as venturing up the giant, yellow, big-kid slide. He was quite the little intrepid explorer! We will definitely go back again soon.

Watch out, Sam Woods!

Braden testing out the putter his daddy cut down for him. Room to grow...
-pictures snapped Tuesday

Practice Makes Perfect

Braden is doing laps around the kitchen island with his snack container in hand. Couldn't you just pinch those cute little legs?!?

Braden's Bean Bag

Braden enjoyed lounging in his kid-sized bean bag chair today. He sat, reclined and flopped in it... for about 20 seconds. Then, he was off and running again.

Today's Update

Simple things to report today....

1) Braden was playing with his Little People farm, lining up the animals and pointing to each one individually. I wonder what he was thinking about?

2) He bent over to pick up his sippy cup with milk while standing unassisted. His balance is improving.

3) Braden acquired yet another BOON today while we were at the gym. We made it an hour. A well-deserved reward.

4) Braden practices walking by doing laps around our kitchen island. I think he's up to three laps so far.

5) Top tooth number six is creeping its way in. Not too much fuss about this one.

6) Braden got his second hair cut on Tuesday. Bye bye, baby!

Play Time!

Braden with his best buds, Carson and Danny.

1st Swim Lessons

Braden apparently thought he was ready to venture out to the pool without Mommy today.

Braden Quiz Answers Revealed

I posted a quiz about a month ago.... here are the answers.
If you didn't participate, read the questions first and then scroll down.
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.

1) Saturday
2) Maternal grandpa
3) June 8, 2007
4) Salmon
5) Sweet Peas
6) Woobie & Fafi
7) Safari animals
8) 18 lbs. 6 oz.
9) 2 at time of quiz- now has 5
10) True- in 1 week

Braden's "Boon"

Life is indeed like a box of chocolates. Everyday I eagerly await the next "sweet treat" Braden will discover.

Today, for example, we went to the gym. I checked on Braden in the childcare room about 45 minutes later, in hopes he would be playing happily, so I could lift a few weights. Sure enough, he was sitting and playing with a wooden toy at the kid-sized picnic table. I thought to myself, "how does he know how to sit at a table?". I guess there's a first for everything. Such a big boy!

We ventured into the new Nugget market in our neighborhood today as well. As usual, we needed more whole milk. Braden immediately spotted the white bouquet of balloons; his open right hand furiously pointing out the balloons. "BOON", he said. "BOON". We bobbed and weaved our way through our fellow shoppers, cart full of edible necessities for the week, and finally made it to the checkout stand. "Boon", Braden politely requested again. His little hand showing the way for the bag boy to retrieve him one. Braden finally had his much lauded BOON chip clipped to his shirt. Triumphantly, he bounced the balloon off his head giving himself a full head of static electricity hair. Everyone laughed, especially Braden.