Over the river and through the woods...

We packed up and headed to Lima for more Christmas fun! Brayden couldn't wait to visit with his grandma and grandpa Dee in Lima...it's been a couple weeks since he saw them last and couldn't wait to show them how big he is getting!

We got to Lima on Friday night and had dinner with Mike's parents and his brother Tim. Later that night Mike's sister Sheila and our nephew Nicholas came over to visit too. We just hung out for the evening because we knew that the fun was just beginning.

The next day we got ready for The Mangiracino-Collier family to arrive from North Carolina! We couldn't wait to visit with Tom, Mo, Catie and Keegan (we definitly missed Grady...but we'll see him at the beach this summer). We met up with them at Sheila and Gary's and Tim and his gang came over too. We played for a while then went home to get ready for the next day...to celebrate Christmas again!

The next day we went back to Sheila and Gary's for a Christmas Brunch...it was delicious. After brunch we had the kids open their gifts...of course Brayden was spoiled! He loves playing and watching his family. His uncle Tom took some great pictures...I'll add those as soon as I get them from him.

After a very busy weekend we headed home and we're now getting ready to celebrate Brayden's baptism.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas! We know right now Christmas is still much more exciting for us than for him. So as soon as we woke up we headed down stairs with the camera and showed Brayden what Santa had left for him...a red wagon. He looks so tiny in the wagon.

As you can see...Brecken enjoys Christmas too! After opening all of our presents we ate breakfast...another tradition is for me to make a breakfast casserole...it was delicious. Then we got ready for the day and went to Christmas Day Mass to celebrate. After church we headed over to my mom's house for more Christmas Day fun.

Brayden was happy to celebrate with our family...his g.g. is in town from Tampa and my uncles came over too to celebrate with my mom, Brad, Danny and Jonathan. After we opened all of our gifts we then ate a wonderful meal and just hung out all day. We had a great time and we are very thanful to have such a wonderful family.

Christmas Eve

Traditions. I grew up with many Christmas Eve traditions and over the years Michael has enjoyed them as well. We are so grateful to share our traditions and bring out new traditions as well with Brayden. Each year growing up we always go to Aunt Louise's house to celebrate with my extended family...so this year we baked Mike's mom's delicioius white chocolate cheesecake and took it over. So there was enough to go around Mike, my grandma and I baked two and packed up Brayden to go. Aunt Louise couldn't wait to get her hands on Brayden...as soon as he came through the door she greeted him with a giant hug.

Brayden was so tired from all the excitement of watching his family talk, laugh and play that he fell right to sleep on the way home. He woke up just in time to carry out a very fun tradition of opening one present from under the tree.

He then helped me write a letter and set out cookies for Santa too. Off to bed before Santa visits...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We've been having a ton of fun getting ready for Christmas this year. These past few weeks have been filled with a lot of Christmas spirit. We have our house decorated inside and out. We listen to Christmas music everynight. Colleen came over for our annual Christmas cookie baking...and of course tasting. This year we made sugar and chocolate chip cookies and some oreo truffles with chocolate frosting. I never got a picture since we ate them so fast...:)

Michael and I also took Brayden for his first visit with Santa Claus. We mentioned to Santa the request for a wagon...so we'll just wait and see. The cookie plate and stockings are ready for his visit too. We decided to not send Christmas cards this year...we sort of got a bit behind...but we have received so many great cards from our family and friends. We also received a very special letter from Santa...who has Brayden on the Nice List.

Mike and I went to his annual work Christmas party and my mom came to visit with Brayden. She brought over his Saint Nicholas gift...a Christmas Bib and threw in a present of her own too...she couldn't resist the adorable "Santa's Helper" pajamas...who could blame her?

Here are some of the pictures she took with him trying on the pj's...

I still can't believe Christmas is just over a week away...we still have lots of great things to do and see! Check back soon for more of our Christmas fun.

Getting so big

We love First Watch for Sunday breakfast. We've probably been there a dozen times just since Brayden has been born (yeah in his 4 short months he's a regular). This morning we tried something a little different...no it wasn't their daily special but a new seat. Brayden got to try out a big boy high chair for the first time. I know this may not seem like such an accomplishment to some but to us it is a milestone...and just validates to us even more how much he has changed in just 4 months. He loved his new point of view. He couldn't get enough of being able to people watch as everyone came in the door. And of course I took some pictures to remember the occassion...I swear his first words just might be...no more pictures...sorry little man...this is just part of the deal.

Let it snow...Let it snow...Let it snow!!

We woke up this cold Saturday morning to a wonderful sight...it snowed! We took Brayden over to the window to get a front row seat to see the snow flakes fall and collect on our back deck. Brecken was happy to look out side too and to watch from inside the warm house. The snow flakes came down pretty fast. However, we didn't get that much snow here in southern Ohio but enough to really feel the chill and excitement of Christmas. Here are some really cute pictures of the two of them enjoying the sights of winter.

A Visit From St. Nick

Last night just before bed Brayden put out his boots in hopes of getting a visit from St. Nick. To Brayden's delight...he came and brought a couple of goodies. In the morning we looked and found that St. Nick left him a new star teether-that vibrates on his gums to help him with teething and a pair of socks with a doggie and snowflakes on them. He giggled when we told him that the socks look like they have Brecken on them dancing in the snow!

Getting ready for Christmas!

Each year just after Thanksgiving we dust off the boxes in the basement marked with 'Christmas Decorations' on them and bring them up from the basement...this year was no different but with a bit more excitement in the air. We were able to get all the decorations up on the inside while Brayden was napping. Michael is waiting on the rain to stop and the roof to dry off a bit before putting the finishing touches on the outside lights. When he woke up we brought him downstairs to show him the beautiful lights and tree. He actually seemed to be impressed...he just stares and stares at the lights on the tree...tonight he talked to the tree for a good 5 minutes...kinda funny...he seemed to let the tree know, that he approves of his visit and can't wait for santa to put some presents underneath. This week we are expecting a visit from St. Nick and Brayden will be giving his Christmas wish list to him then. We hope he wants a big red wagon...especially since I made Michael stand outside in the cold to get into Target on Black Friday just to pick up said red wagon!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

We are very thankful for a wonderful healthy baby boy, great family and friends too. Brayden was very happy to spend this long weekend cuddled up inside...Ohio is getting very cold. We went to my mom's house to celebrate. We enjoyed hanging out with my mom, Brad, Danny, Jonathan, Uncle Phil and Aunt Louise. Brayden spent a lot of the time watching everyone and a little bit of football caught his eye too. He can't wait until next year to sample some goodies...he has his eye on the turkey...but until then he'll settle for a little turkey on his shirt.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

We had a great weekend! Saturday Brayden surprised me by rolling over onto his belly by himself!! We had just gotten up (he is definitly like me in so many ways...but gotta love that he slept in until 9am!!) and went down stairs. I decided to lay him down on the couch next to me and talked with him about what we should do on such a rainy day. Then suddenly I noticed he wiggled himself from his back to his belly. Luckily I got a picture very quickly (it was taken so quickly--I didn't have time to switch the setting, so it is a bit blury--so I could show off his new accomplishment). His eyes got so big in amazement...probably not from his new success but most likely because I shreaked in delight and more than likely scared the little guy. I called Mike right away and promised to have Brayden show off his new talent as soon as he got home. So we spent much of the rest of the raining evening watching him try and try to do it again...no such luck yet, but he is trying.

Sunday, was great too...Mike celebrated his 31st birthday. Brayden left his daddy a special note in the morning (since Mike was on call and had to head to the hospital first thing in the morning). When Mike got back home we started his special day off and had Mike open his cards and presents. Then we headed out to breakfast with his parents. Then had them and my mom and brother over to sing "Happy Birthday" of course and eat cake!

Congratulations Phil!!

Tonight we went to my uncle Phil's graduation. It took place at the Great Oaks - Scarlet Oaks Campus. Phil is now a Fireman! We are all so excited since this has been a dream and goal for Phil since I can remember. Brayden is also very proud of his Godfather too. Brayden laughed and smiled the whole ceremony.

After Phil's State test tomorrow he will probably be found celebrating with the Scotch and Bourbon that we (Mike and I got him the Bourbon and my Mom, Brad, Danny & Jonathan got him the Scotch) gave him for his graduation present. Phil belongs to the Scotch and Bourbon club with his fellow Firefighters. Here is a picture of Phil in front of the fire truck right after graduation!

Happy Halloween

Brayden's 1st Halloween was so much fun!! We have a tradition for the past 3 years that includes Colleen and Thaddues coming over to our house to pass out candy. Colleen also makes her awesome chili for dinner...while Mike and Thaddues make fun of Colleen and I for knowing all the neighborhood gossip (they refer to us as the Desperate Housewives of Wisteria Lane). The weather was great for this time of year. It was not too cold but we still enjoyed the firepit.

Mike and I dressed Brayden up in his Tootsie Roll costume he definitly loved watching everyone. Colleen (not Thaddeus) dressed up little Lucy in her very own princess costume. Every little girl that came by complimented her on her beautiful dress. We must have passed out 600 pieces of candy. Colleen and I took Brayden and Lucy to our neighbors for a visit and got some great candy too. Here are the pictures Colleen took, enjoy!

"So Cute It's Scary"

Today Brayden turn's 3 months old already! Wow time is flying by. He is sooo big. I think he really likes being 3 months especially since he doesn't have to go to the Doctor this month. He is really starting to sit up...not quite on his own but I'm sure that is coming soon. Tomorrow is Halloween and since he has a very cute costume we decided to play a little dress rehersal with some of his Halloween clothes. He is sending his Aunt Mo, Uncle Tom and his cousins Grady, Keegan and Catie a very big Thank You for sending him this very cute T-shirt.

We are also very excited to show you just how big he is in his other Halloween shirt! He really is sooo cute, and getting to be soooo big. We went to the mall tonight to get his 3 month pictures taken but ran into a bit of a snag. So instead of pictures we went out to eat and he really enjoyed himself. Well we're off to bed to rest up for Halloween tomorrow!

First Day at the Babysitters

Today was Brayden's first day over at the babysitters house. It was a very cold morning so he got bundled up and ready to go. He went over for a half day so that Brayden and Jenny (the babysitter) could get to know each other. Here he is above getting ready to go. And the 2nd picture is when he arrived. He was in a great mood...especially since when he got there he saw that she too has his favorite swing!! He really had a great time. When Mike picked him up he smiled and was ready to go home to take a nap from playing so much. We think Brecken enjoyed Brayden's day at Jenny's too since he got his old running buddy back for the day since he and Mike got to go on a good run.

Getting Ready for Halloween

Today was my first day back at work...it was not so bad especially since Mike is at home taking great care of Brayden. I could totally tell both of them were exhausted by the end of the day. Mike says they both played and spent some great time bonding. Tonight we had a lot of fun when I got home. We brought Brayden's Excersaucer up from the basement and he really had fun! He laughed and really checked out each part of his new toy. Here are some pictures to see for yourself.

After dinner we decided since there is only a few days left until Halloween we should carve the pumpkins. Brayden watched for a few minutes but decided to take a quick nap instead. My pumpkin was a dud...I'll spare you the pictures. Let's just say that my pumpkin was a solid rock and it could not be carved, except with a steak knife and even that was a challenge. However, Mike's pumpkin rocks...look how cool! It has two sides to it but we are still working on the lighting because on the other side of the spider he carved a web that is projected as a shadow...we'll work out the details and post more pictures of his great creation...who knew he was so crafty.

Just Hanging Out

The weather is definitly changing. I can't believe we are in the midst of fall already. Since the cooler weather is setting in Brayden has been enjoying hanging out in his oh so cute footed pj's. This week we did a lot of just hanging out together.

Brayden and I had a visit from his G-ma who brought over his Christening gown. This is a gown that has been worn by my family for over 50 years. I am so happy to have Brayden wear this at his upcoming Baptism. We wrapped up this weekend with a great dinner over at Katie and Shawn's on Sunday night. It was great to see everyone, especially Ayla and Nathan Brugger...Brayden's little friends. Then it was home early to get Brayden to bed and for me to get ready to go to work tomorrow. It's amazing how quickly 12 weeks has flown by. Brayden and Mike got me a great framed picture of Brayden for my desk at work.

This week was a little slow since Mike worked a ton this week with the opening of the after-hours clinic at work. That all gets to change for the next two weeks...Brayden, Brecken and Mike get some guy time for the next two weeks. So stay tuned for Daddy Daycare (Mike promises tons of pics too).

What a great weekend!

We had a great weekend packed full of fun. Friday Brayden visited Mike at work while I had an appointment and boy is he a flirt. He barely got through the door and Yvonne was ready to hold him...I heard Misty had her eye on him too. He had a great time and took in all of the attention. Friday night was pretty low key...Mike and I enjoyed a movie night in. We watched Gone Baby Gone; what a great movie, it is a must see.

Then on Saturday morning we enjoyed the wonderful fall weather. Brayden is not quite sure of this new cooler weather, he is a bit confused with hats on his head (especially when they creep down over his eyes). Then I headed off to my friend's baby shower. It was nice and I was able to see and talk to some great friends I hadn't seen in a while. Mike and Brayden enjoyed watching Ohio State defeat Michigan State 45 - 7!!! Then Brayden spent some quality time with his g-ma while Mike and I went out with our neighbors. This was our first time leaving the house without him--I left a pretty detailed two page dissertation on Brayden's routine (which really only included 3 hours of time...lol). Mike made fun of me because after all she does have 3 kids. My mom was a good sport and followed my directions to a T. I know Brayden really enjoyed the time he spent with her because he woke up on Sunday in a great mood. He was smiling and giggling all morning.

So we decided to give Sunday Mass another try. He did great and even fell asleep for a 1/2 hour. Then off to Panera for lunch and more football for the guys (Brayden, Brecken and Mike). I don't think they suffered through the whole Bengals/Steelers game. I however went and enjoyed an afternoon at Woodhouse Spa. It was great...I came home completely relaxed and rejuvenated. Thanks again to my friends who all got this for my 30th birthday.

Well that's all for now...We are planning to include a lot of pictures soon. So stay tuned.

mid-week update

Hello again. Well this week is going so fast, I think it is because I go back to work in less than two weeks and I want time to slow down. We are all doing well. Brayden is doing great. He is growing so fast and is finally enjoying tummy time. He got a new toy this week that helps promote tummy time (I should say that each time we are near a toys r us or babies r us his daddy gets his heart strings tugged...or should I say purse strings and he gets a special treat). This toy also has an ipod adapter...so I'm sure the ipod update is to come soon...lol! He is giggling and cooing a lot more and is really starting to study his surroundings. Just this morning at 2:45am he decided that it was not time to sleep but time to laugh and giggle...what a cutie and boy are we in trouble! I just reminded myself that these moments will not last forever and I let him play but he fell asleep shortly after. My mom just laughed at me and said, "wait until it's time for bed and he decideds to play 'hide and seek'". We also think Brecken is finally realizing that Brayden is here to stay. He brings his toys to Brayden when he cries and checks him out when he is in his swing or on the floor.

Well that's it for now but we'll update more soon!

This is just the beginning

Welcome to our blog. We hope you enjoy seeing how much Brayden grows and learns each day. He is definitly getting bigger...he now weighs over 14.11 lbs up from 8.9 lbs and has grown from 21.5" to 24" in just 2 months. It is amazing how much he has already developed his own strong personality. At 6 weeks he enjoyed his first mini vacation. We packed what seemed to be all of his worldly possessions and our bags into the car and headed to Chicago. While there he enjoyed his first ride on a train, a bus and in a taxi cab. Mike and I enjoyed the great pizza of Gino's East and Brayden got his picture taken next to his name on the wall at Gino's. Then we all took a walk along Navy Pier. After Chicago we took his first trip to Lima. He hung out with his crazy cousins and loved every minute of the attention. We had a great time and headed back to Cincinnati. On our way we home we drove carefully through the strong winds of Hurricane Ike. When we got home we learned that 90% of Cincinnati had lost power and would be out of power for much of the week. We were among the lucky 10% to not have lost power at all. Brayden and I even went to Target and shopped in the dark!