Library Time

Today Braden made his first trip to the New Albany Library. As a teacher, I felt like we should have already been by now, but I pretty much knew how it would go. :) As you can see from the pictures, we did a lot of "reading." We actually had a really nice time. Once the novelty of the fish, frog, choo-choos, and just plain running around and screaming wore off, we got to sit down and read a few books...ok, maybe one book (notice I have no actual pictures of books being read). I thought the little children's department was super cute for toddler age and I'm sure as Braden gets older, he'll enjoy it even more...and we might actually get to do some reading. Ha!

Back to school (but not for me)

Today was back to school day for all my teacher friends and Chris. Although it felt a little strange last night going to bed knowing I wasn't going back to work, I'll have to admit, I didn't mind that much when the alarm went off at 6:00 and Chris got up and I stayed in bed! As I knew I would, I had a few mixed emotions with not starting back to school today. I loved my school, my teacher friends, the families, and being a first grade teacher so I knew I'd be a little sad. However, I definitely know I made the right decision and I am going to really enjoy working with the little squirts at the preschool in a few weeks. So today, while Chris went to his back to school meetings, Braden and I had a shopping trip in Edinburgh with Michelle and Jackson and played outside when we got home. I'm not sure it's all completely hit me yet...all of the time at home I'll have with Braden, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it (especially the sleeping in part)!

Buffalo Trace Park

This weekend we went to Buffalo Trace Park in Palmyra. Braden enjoyed driving the paddle boat, chasing the ducks, and throwing rocks into the lake. Click on the little video arrow to see him chase the poor ducks (we are teaching our child to love nature and be kind to animals).

McCormick's Creek State Park

Today we went home to visit my family and play at the park in my hometown. I pretty much lived at McCormick's Creek State Park growing up so I had to take Chris and Braden around and show them my old stomping grounds. We then got to meet my family for lunch at the Inn, where I used to be a waitress in high school....oh memories. We tried to get Braden's picture with his little cousin Aleah, but as usual, he was too busy to take time out for pictures. We got a few cute ones though, like the one where he is getting ready to kiss her-ahhhh! The last picture is Braden with my brother John. I love the look on their faces!

Helping Daddy Build

Last week, Chris built a bookshelf for the preschool. Braden was quite the helper holding the "square" (why it's called a square when it's a triangle I have no idea), using the tape measure and holding the drill-the safest one of all! He's a crafty little guy.

Bedtime

Bedtime has to be the sweetest time around our house...bathtime and then stories. Braden absolutely LOVES books! I am so thankful. He will look at the same books over and over and act surprised and amazed at each page with his "WOW." You have to love when your child is thrilled to see a banana or an apple on a page-ha!

Cuteness in the tub

Is there anything cuter than a baby (um, a toddler) in the tub? I just love it! Braden sits so nicely and reads his book like a calm, sweet little thing and then he JUMPS UP AND SPLASHES WATER ALL OVER THE BATHROOM!! I just love it!

Hoops

As if we need any more toys in this house, Braden got a new basketball goal today. Since all Braden talks about is "b-ball" and all he does when he sees a goal is shoot FOREVER, I decided it was a necessity. :) He went nuts in Toys R Us buying it, said "bball, bball" all the way home, and has not quit requesting to play a game since we've been home. I'm pretty sure it was a good purchase. The funny thing is, last night I was reading this great blog from a mom that shows her readers how to be frugal. I went to bed thinking, "hmmm, I could be just like this girl and save us lots of $." So instead of making my own goal today out of cardboard and a plastic ring, I just went ahead and resorted back to my old thinking and went and bought it!

Snacks for Horsey

Feed me, feed me

Video of Braden feeding the horse (click arrow)

Tonight we went over to Chris' dad's house for a visit. They have a horse that lives nearby that people are allowed to stop and feed. We took carrots and apples and Braden had a ball feeding his new friend. This horse could put down some food ! He and Braden had quite a bit in common.

Grandma and Great-Grandma

"This is how it's done Braden. You have to run fast and jump in the air like me. I know, I know, I have mad skills, but if you work real hard, you might be able to jump as high as me one day."

"I think I'll just touch it for now and run around it. I'm not quite ready for the jumping over it business!"

Today my mom and grandma came down to visit with us. Braden had such a good time with his grandma and great-grandma. They brought him a caterpillar sprinkler so we had to try it out while they were visiting. Chris demonstrated his skills for us first. :)

Ralf!

Last night was an interesting night for us. We went to dinner and then had a few errands to run. Braden acted fine at dinner but then started getting kind of fussy during the errand running (who likes errands right?). I thought he was acting a little extra fussy and even tired, so we decided to head home. Well, half way home on Blackiston Mill Road, Braden suddenly vomited everywhere and I mean everywhere! Chris drove a 100 miles an hour and zipped into a little subdivision road. Since I am mom of the year, I had no change of clothes for Braden and we didn't really have a towel or anything to clean up with. So here is a picture of Poor Braden, sitting in his diaper (well we did have a bib that I'm sure would catch much vomit should it happen again) on the side of the road while Chris knocked on some doors looking for paper towel. Sheesh! A little old lady was kind enough to give us paper towels and wet washcloths. She didn't even want her washcloth back...I'm not sure why??? :) The other picture is Chris taking our car seat apart and cleaning it. We probably spent an hour washing and cleaning everything when we got home. Poor Buddy....he's doing better but must have a little bug....or he's trying to tell us, he really hates shopping.

SIGS Open Gym

Today we tried Open Gym at SIGS for the first time. Braden absolutely loved it! He ran all around and tried to do everything the bigger kids were doing. Of course they had a little basketball goal and some balls so guess where he ended up most of the time! They boy is BALL crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!