One small step for man, one giant leap for baby

So, it's official. We have a crawler on our hands. I've been fortunate enough to stay home with Brandon these last three weekdays- due to his vomiting and diarrhea. While that has not been fun (I thought with the flu shot, we'd miss that little bug!) I've loved being with him and catching him in the beginning nose dives of officially crawling. Last night as Dustin and I sat watching, he took his first few "steps" of crawling. He's still a little wobbly, but getting better with each attempt. Of course we give him all kinds of items to crawl towards....remotes, paper, his blankie, a water bottle, the cats (he likes those the best, but they always move just as he gets there...so frustrating for him). He is also learning to drink from a sippy cup. Mostly he enjoys banging it on the ground and playing with the little drops of water that spill out, and every once in a while take a few sucks from it, which leaves me with hope that he will eventually stop needing a bottle.

Enjoy the video of our little man achieving his "giant leaps".

Spring Break

Went to the park yesterday. It's a nice park here in town with a pretty good walking trail, a playground and benches spaced just enough apart. Brandon was decked out in his little GAP sweater (thanks Aunt Jaime and Uncle Russ) and a knitted hat. He was so much fun. We sat and watched the kids playing on the playground. Brandon had lots of things to say and caught the attention of each passerby. Through some conversations with several walkers, I was reminded again of the blessing and sweetness of our baby boy. He's such a miracle (babies are in general). That moment has stuck with me throughout yesterday and today. We got home from the walk, and assumed our usual routine, dinner (spinach/peas/pears with a side of butternut squash) playing and then a bath. I guess the walk put muchkin man in a good mood too, because after his bath, he was all laughs, as you'll see in the video.

He's also getting closer each day to crawling. Being able to sit up on his own is old news now and he can do it in the blink of an eye. Now he goes up on all fours, if only for a brief moment. When he realizes he can't get anywhere, it kinda makes him mad and he looks at me and usually vents his frustrations in the form of a scream. He's quite proficient when it comes to playing peek-a-boo and is losing his tolerance of mommy smothering him with kisses (I just can't help myself).

Finally, I have to address a certaidn situation that recently made my appreciaton for my husband grow. Now, my husband is pretty great. He does laundry (including folding), picks up and cleans the house, and for 9 + months he took over the litter boxes(medals should be awarded because the litter box is serious business). I knew he did all of this, and tried to always tell him thank you, but recently I've learned how spoiled I am. See, Dustin just got back from Dallas. He spent three days there. Three very LONG days. Don't get me wrong. Every moment spent with Brandon was wonderful and we played and played and played. But I missed that extra help and support. So, Dustin, thanks for being the best husband and dad.....we are glad you are home!

I know it's late, but this is our family Christmas pic courtesy of my sister in law, Megan. Brandon is 6 months old and little did we know he was on the verge of sitting on his own. He had so much fun (I think we had more fun than him). He really liked all the wrapping paper we gave him! And thought the toys were fun too! Of course, he was spoiled and we loved every moment. We were the typical doting parents, video camera in hand on Christmas morning, recording every moment of coming down stairs Christmas morning, opening presents as a family and then opening presents with aunts, uncles, grandma and grandpa. We won't ever have his first Christmas to do over again, but I can say with confidence, it was memorable.

8 Months Old...seems like a lifetime

Well, Mr. Brandon turned 8 months old on February 27 (a week ago Sunday). He's had a few major milestones since: he has learned to sit up on his own (seems to take a while, kind of like the first time he rolled over) and he's eating two meals a day! It's hard to believe our big boy is growing sooooo fast.

Yesterday we went on our weekly trek to some type of grocery store to load up on supplies. This time we decided to venture to the Walmart in Harrisonville. The drive provided time for the little man to sleep (something he does not like to do much of on Sundays) and some quiet time for Dustin and I. I was holding Brandon as we were walking around. Brandon enjoyed talking and playing with Dustin. At one point, Dustin made a noise that got Brandon belly laughing so hard that the people in the aisle would stop to watch. It was wonderful and beautiful. Nothing makes you happier than the sound of your child content and happy. Dustin grabbed his phone to record the tail end of his fits of laughter. I'll try to load it later.

cute video

He was so cute and had been in a good mood all day long. I just had to grab the camera and capture it.

Here's the latest on our family! Enjoy!