Brady: Name of the Game is "Sports"!

On New Year's Day, it was the Stanford Cardinal. Yesterday, he was "rolling tide" with the rest of the 'Bama fans. Tonight? He's all decked out in Missouri black and gold (thanks to Grandpa Steve!)

For the record: We live about 5 miles from Stanford, and Matt's parents, brother, sister-in-law, cousin, and cousin-in-law all went to Missouri. I have no idea where the Alabama thing came from.

3/365: Waiting for the field goal.

Brady eats, sleeps, and poops sports right now. Football. Basketball. Hockey. It's 24/7. If he's not watching a game, he's checking scores on his "sports apps" or talking about yesterday's games. Or last week's games. Whatever he still has on his mind.

Or watching Sports Center, for the love of Pete.

Currently his favorite teams include... Denver Broncos, Miami Heat, Chicago Blackhawks, Alabama Crimson Tide, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Stanford Cardinal, Missouri Tigers, and Michigan State Spartans. I've tried talking to him about loyalty a thousand times, but he just cannot put all his eggs in one basket. He's a bandwagon fan, at it's finest. And it's just fine by him.

In one breath he can go from talking hockey highlights, to BCS standings, to a bad call on on the Chargers on 3rd and 8. I'm a sport-loving kind of girl, but I have sports whiplash most days with this one. Is this a normal thing with boys?!

But he's passionate about it and it makes him happy (well, mostly happy. Boy had a MAJOR BREAKDOWN when Alabama lost to Auburn a few ago. Oh maaaan....) I have to say, what I love most about his sports addiction is how educational it has been for him. When he talks scores, he always includes, "they're winning by 7!", or "they lost by 22", or "they're ranked higher because they have 2 more wins". I am really amazed at how his math skills have soared in the last 6 months.

Two years ago he was so into guitars and Joe Bonamassa that I thought for sure he had found his true calling, but now... he can barely recall the words to his old favorite song, "John Henry". So, who knows what the future will hold for this one, but right now, sports is the name of his game!

A boy and his dog.

To say that Cole is obsessed with Tinley would be an gross understatement. Brady was definitely into Tinley when he was very young (and sadly, his interest has faded over the years), but Cole, man is he all over this dog.

From the minute he wakes up, 'til the minute he goes to bed, he's always looking for "Tin-la" (the phonetic way he pronounces his name, so adorable!) He wants to give him water. He wants to give him (his) food. He wants to give him bones and his rope. He also wants to give him random things like cars, his paci, his blankies, and his... hat?! Nothing surprises me anymore.

Poor Tinley. He's getting up there in age (7.5 years, that's crazy!) and sometimes he just looks at me like, "really lady?!" But Cole is really very gentle with him and wants nothing more than to make him happy. So I let them be. After all, Tinley is very capable of getting up and running away if he's had enough, right?!

Yesterday, I was busy taking shots of my Holiday Card Holder, as part of my Catch The Moment 365 project, when I turned around to see this exchange between a boy and his dog...

2/365: A boy and his dog.

Cole is saying "hat? hat?" and Tinley is (clearly) saying, "no hat, no hat".

So Cole says, "that's okay Tin-la, I still love you."

And he does. No matter what.

For the record... here is the shot I was capturing when I got distracted with the cuteness on the couch. Now that the holiday cards have stopped coming in, my card wreath is complete. And it's so beautiful, I just can't bear to take it down with the rest of the holiday decor.

2/365: Blessed with wonderful family & friends.

I love looking at the faces of all the people I know and love. It might just have to stay up a little longer!

Back From A Break. Welcome 2014!

A few months ago I decided I was done with writing on this blog. At the time, I was throwing myself into work and my other blog, and I felt that this one had (sadly) run its course. But then I realized that giving up on this blog meant giving up on chronicling our family's lives, and that didn't settle too well.

Over the years, I have shared so many details of Brady's life on "Everything Eatherton", but have talked so little about Cole and his development over his first year and a half. Such is the life of a second child, I suppose, but I need to try and give him as much attention as Brady received. So I decided I would breathe new life into this blog in 2014 and that's what I'm here to do!

1/365: Just like his big brother-- this boy LOVES to read.

Fave books: Little Blue Truck, Going on a Bear Hunt, My Truck is Stuck, Big Red Barn

I've decided to participate in a new project that will (primarily) live on this blog. It's called Catch The Moment 365 and it's a photography challenge that encourages us to take a photo every single day of the year. Ideally with your DSLR, but if that's not possible, a phone will do. I decided to do this for 2 reasons... 1) I need to practice more with my DSLR and 2) I was recently at a friend's house who did a similar Project 365 then printed a book with all the photos. It was so incredible to see their life unfold and I knew immediately that I wanted to do it this year.

So, without trying to capture everything that's happened over the last 6 months (maybe I'll do that another time), let's just agree to move forward from this point together, m'kay?!

Keep checking back every day for a new photo, and maybe, just maybe, I'll write from time to time. And if you can't come every day, peek in on Mama Dish every Friday for a week in review.

Happy New Year! Here's to a fantastic 2014!

Another School Year in the Books!

I've said it before and I'll say again, I can't believe ANOTHER year has gone by. Friday was Brady's last day of Three School (I know it's confusing, especially since he's 4 1/2, but it's called that because he was 3 when it started) and I find myself just shaking my head...

The physical change isn't all that dramatic. Only a little taller, but definitely more mature looking. His smile is definitely getting... more natural looking. In the photo on the left, he's wearing 2T shorts, 3T shirt, 2T jacket and size 10 Nikes. On the right, he's wearing 3T shorts, 4T shirt and size 10/11 Crocs.

He continues to be extremely comfortable at school and very outgoing. Everyone (including parents) knows who Brady is and he is always being asked to attend birthday party and playdates. We often joke that he's the "Mayor of Montecito" (his school) because when we walk on the property, everyone calls his name and waves. It's crazy!

His teachers say is a joy to have in class. He is always welcoming the new kids and wants to include everyone in games and activities. He's very good at sharing and has learned that he doesn't have to be the first one to stand in line, answer questions, and share during Show and Tell.

Brady has developed a love for writing and drawing this year. The amount of "art" he brings home every day is overwhelming. He can write his first name clearly all by himself, and can write pretty much anything else if you tell him how to spell it. His drawings have really taken shape as well; his bodies have arms, legs, hands and feet, and his faces even have foreheads!

He continues to play with his best friend Lyla at school, but has also become a "boy's boy" and has started playing more with his buddies Lucas and Logan. And he really enjoys staying for the after-school enrichment program, where he gets to play with the bigger boys from the 4 and Pre-K classes. His favorite older friends are Robert and Calvin.

Brady & Lyla

Brady & Lucas

Brady performing at his Year End Sing-Along

Next year, Brady will be returning to Montecito for his 3rd and final year of preschool before he goes into Kindergarten. It's going to be a tough year because Lyla will be transferring to a school closer to her home and most of his other classmates are going into the 5 day program (Brady is staying in a 3 day program again next year). But because he's shown that he can adapt to any situation, I know he will do just fine.

Way to go buddy, Mom & Dad are so proud of you!

Brady Said What?! (Mother's Day 2013 Edition)

I didn't think it could get more bizarre than when I heard Brady tell Matt last year that they should get me a piece of asparagus for Mother's Day. Delicious? Yes. Practical? Yes. Desirable?! I don't think so.
Then I had this conversation today with Brady...

I should start off by saying, Brady cannot keep a secret. And he doesn't like to wait to give a gift. As soon as he makes/buys you a gift, you're getting it. So I knew something was coming out of his mouth right after we saw a commercial on TV where someone was getting a gift for Mother's Day--

Brady: "Mom!"

Me: "Brady, I don't want to know. If you have a secret for Mom about Mother's Day you need to keep it. Don't tell me."

Brady: "But Mom, I have to tell you. I'm giving you hummingbird earrings for Mother's Day. 2 hummingbird earrings. For you. For Mother's Day."

Me: "Brady!"

Brady: "They were $5."

Me: "Oh yeah, where do you buy $5 hummingbird earrings?"

Brady: "At the mall. At a store called 'Jewelry for Moms'".

Oh Brady, you sure say the funniest things. And you have a wild imagination.

(Note: I am 99.99999% sure there are no hummingbird earrings in my future. Thank goodness.)

More Milestones Reached

It feels like Cole has just been running down the milestone list lately, checkin' off boxes...

     - Sit up on own. Check.

     - Sit in a highchair at a restaurant. Check.

     - Get first cold. Check.

     - Clap. Check.

     - "Crawl" backwards. Check.

     - Rock on hands and knees (in prep for crawling forward). Check.

     - Sleep on stomach for extended period of time. Check.

     - Cut teeth. Check. (The bottom two are visible but not really "up" just yet. Very soon!)

It's been a very exciting time, minus the cold part. So exciting, in fact, that's you'll notice how "sleeping through the night" is still not on this list... damn.

Just today, Cole learned to pick up a Cheerio and put it in his own mouth! It takes a little while to get there, but I have a feeling he'll have it down pat by Thursday. And ohmygoodness, don't you just want to eat those chubby hands?! He is so yummy.

February Check-In

Haven't posted in a little while, so I just thought I'd catch you up on what's goin' down...

First, Grandma Linda came to visit! It was just for the weekend, but we're always happy to see her. Cole was a little unsure of who she was when she first got here, but he quickly warmed up to her and he and Brady were sad to see her go on Sunday. We all went out to dinner and Cole sat in a highchair and ate spinach! It was very exciting. The highlight of the evening was when Brady asked us, "our waiter is very pleasant, isn't he?" I don't know where he gets this stuff.

Brady showing Grandma his shell collection

Grandma pushing Cole in the swing

Cole eating like a big boy!

Daddy & Cole horsing around

Right after Grandma left, the cold bug invaded the Eatherton household. Somehow, Matt got it first. Then Brady. Then Cole. Then Me. Then Matt, again. Nothing too serious, just low-grade fevers, sore throats, and lots and lots of boogies. I am not joking at all when I say we've gone through about 10 boxes of Kleenex in the last 2 weeks!

It's so funny to hear Brady talk about us being sick... he thinks there's an actual bug that is going person to person in this house. "First, the bug went into Daddy's mouth and got him sick in the throat. Then, the bug came into my throat and got me sick. Then, the bug flew into Cole's mouth..." Could you imagine if that were really what happened?! Yikes. I just hope the cold bug flies itself right out the front door because I am done wiping noses around here! If we're all due for a round two like Matt, I'm screwed.

Do you know what a cold does to a baby who is a poor sleeper?? It makes them an even worse sleeper, especially when you throw teething into the mix (there are tiny white spots on his bottom gums, so they are on their way!) Cole has been waking up multiple times a night for the last week and we've been very attentive to his needs since he hasn't been feeling well. Looks like we'll be starting back at square one with sleep training (again!) once he's well. Wish us luck!

Now don't go thinking that an illness and lack of sleep will keep this baby down. No way! This week, Cole decided to become a bonafide sitter (one that rarely tips over) and clapper! He doesn't do it on command just yet, but we catch him having a private clapping moment with himself every now and again. It is so cute! He is also starting to wave hi/bye/night-night and rock on his hand and knees. I imagine it won't be too long before he's crawling. Brady better hide his good toys now!

Big Sitter!

Speaking of Brady, he's been very busy at school lately. He's gotten very interested in "art" and started taking a hip-hop dance class after lunch. Don't ask him to show you his moves though, those are for school only. Also, I think he has a crush on his dance teacher! We've been busy making his valentines for school, which he'll pass out on Wednesday during his Valentine's Day party. We'll be signing him up for t-ball for the first time next week and he is really excited. I can't wait to see him in his first "game"!

The cutest laundry helper in the world!

In other news, our niece Reese turned one this past week and we were sad to miss her first birthday party. Sounds like she had a wonderful time and enjoyed her cake. We look forward to being at all the parties in just a few years! And my sister and Tim signed on a reception hall in Rosemont and finally picked a date-- June 28, 2014. We can't wait!!