Movin' On Up!

Just before our trip to Chicago, we decided it would be a good idea to migrate Brady to a "big boy bed". He was comfortable in his crib and had only climbed out on a few occasions (fallen out during a fit, is actually more like it), so it wasn't an issue of safety. He'd gotten too big for a pack-n-play and would need other arrangements at the grandparents', and we couldn't let his first taste of nighttime freedom take place while we were away from home.

Migrating to a "big boy bed" wasn't that big of a move, really. All we did was remove the front panel of his crib and replace it with a toddler gate, but to Brady, it was a complete transformation. His reaction to this change was priceless. "Thank you Daddy, thank you so much for my new bed!!"

We made the change on a Friday, so that if he had a hard time staying in his bed, we would have the weekend to adjust... and nap. We told him the rule (single!), which is the same one all parents give their kids on their first night in a big kid bed; "you must stay in your bed until we come get you". Because of Brady's track record with following rules, we figured that this would go over like a lead balloon. We put him in bed, kissed him goodnight, and left the room, counting the minutes until he made his way downstairs. But he never came; he fell right asleep, stayed in his bed all night, and called for us to come get him in the morning. A fluke, we thought. If not tomorrow, it'll only be a matter of time until he's staring at us in bed in the middle of the night.

Well, it's been almost 2 full months since the conversion and I'm happy to report (knock on wood) that he's still following his only big boy bed rule. Except for the occasional creep to pick up his blankie off the floor, he's remained in his bed from the time we put him in til the time we get him out. But calls out for Mommy and Daddy to tend to his various needs (fix his socks, put his blanket over him, "what's that sound?" inquiries, and my personal favorite-- remove his "boogies" off his finger) are on the increase, unfortunately. Supernanny would have a field day with us...

Brady "Rockin' Out"

An all too common occurrence in our home these days. The boy cannot get enough of Joe Bonomassa. Don't ask...

Brady & Whitey!

Brady holding a snake at school today!

Tiger Can Keep His Job

We often spend our weekends playing the Wide World of Sports in our backyard. Tee ball, soccer, frisbee, football... you name it, we play it. Over Memorial Day weekend, Brady thought he would polish his golf skills. While Brady seems to be somewhat athletically inclined, his golf swing could use a little work. As of now, Tiger's job is safe.

Maybe Brady's buddy Drew in St. Louis can come out and teach him a thing or two... he's the only 2 year old I know that can go 18 holes!

He may have a crazy swing,

but he certainly knows how to celebrate!

And sleeps like a baby after a long day of playing!

A Boy and His Trucks (and Mother's Day)

Mother's Day was a beautiful day! The weather was warm and we spent a nice, calm morning at the farmer's market. Later, I got out for a mani/pedi, then we played and grilled in the backyard in the afternoon. I couldn't have asked for more!

I also spent the afternoon shooting my favorite subject, while he did what he does best... play with his trucks. Here are a few pics from that wonderful day.

Brady's First Shiner

I hear an important milestone in a boy's life is his first shiner. Brady's came in May of this year. Thankfully it was just a head bumping incident during "fort time" in school and not a scuffle under the bleachers. I'm sure this is just the first of many!

Easter 2011

Easter?, you ask. It's June! Yes, yes, I know. I could have just let it pass and not post anything, but I want this to be a living baby book for Brady, so it's important that I include it.

This was our second Easter in California. Holidays are hard here; we miss spending them with our families. Last year, we were lucky enough to have Matt's friend Dave Tribbey and his family come visit. This year, we went to the Kirkpatrick's.

It was a lovely morning; everyone brought a dish and we had brunch outside. The kids even had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard. We're very lucky to have made such wonderful friends out here and were happy to spend this holiday with "family".