Splish Splash

Today was our first "Mommy & Me" swimming lesson and we had a blast! Braxton was decked out in his dinosaur board shorts and was ready to get wet. His eyes got really big when we started to swim and you could tell that he was thinking that this was the BIGGEST bath tub that he had ever seen! For the first time he was not the only little boy in the room and seemed fine with sharing the company of the cute little ladies. It took Shane and me back to when we taught little kids at the pool. We had a great first lesson and look forward to many more.

Braxton's First Swimming Lesson...

This is so much fun!

Look at me Daddy

Higher, Mommy, Higher

Aren't I cute?

I don't know if I like these bubbles?

I love swimming with my Mommy

Look what I can do!!

Braxton is 6 Months Old!

Braxton turned 6 months old in January and it is hard to believe that half a year has already come and gone! To think that only 6 months ago he was a little 6lb. baby who seemed to only enjoy sleeping and eating. Now all he wants to do is move around as much as possible whether it is in his Johnny Jump Up, playing on his jungle mat, swinging from his Daddy's arms, or hanging out in the front pack with his mama. As for the sleeping and eating I would have to say that he still enjoys doing both. In fact his sleeping is getting much better although if you were to ask me a week ago I would tell you differently. Braxton is no longer being swaddled (which he used to love) and is now learning how to self soothe which has been a bit of a challenge for him as well as for us. However, this week he has made some huge progress and I have been able to get some well needed sleep. He still hasn't been able to sleep through the night, but we are getting very close. I am really proud of him regardless and think he is just amazing! As for his eating habits we just started him on solids. He LOVES squash and could do without the rice cereal (I don't blame him because that stuff is kinda gross). Last night we introduced bananas which he seems to enjoy, but is still not too sure yet. Shane and I are really enjoying this new stage and love seeing him try new foods in his cute little high chair.

Little Bub at 6 Months

I love sitting in my high chair like a big boy!

Daddy does a good job of feeding me

Happy Birthday Grama!!

Just hanging with my Uncle J

Me and my Grampa

You're cute so I guess I will share

They call me the "Ladies Man"

There is nothing like jumping around the house!

Happy New Year!

Christmas this year was fantastic and full memories. We spent this holiday in Bellingham and needless to say it was a "White Christmas". Despite the fact that there were days that we were snowed in it allowed for us to just relax and enjoy one another. Shane was able to relive his childhood by making an awesome sledding hill with a jump at the end. Even Braxton had an opportunity to try out the sledding hill with his Daddy, but don't worry this was before the jump was completed. Braxton seemed to be in awe of the snow fall as it hit his bundled up body, warm face and little red nose. The sledding hill wasn't the biggest challenge for everyone; it was our beloved Ryker. He would bark and chase along side the guys as they were zooming down the hill (it was pretty funny to watch). At the end of the day Ryker would relax by the fire only to get up the next morning and do it all over again. Shane and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect first Christmas as parents and it touched our hearts seeing the joy that our parents had spending their first Christmas as grandparents.

When I reflect on 2008 all I can say is "WHAT A RIDE"!! We got pregnant and had a gorgeous baby boy. Shane and I have come along way in 5 months from being the scared, nervous, and thinking "what have we gotten ourselves into" parents to becoming very comfortable, flexible, confident, and always learning parents. Besides adding a new addition to our family Shane moved to a new position at Homax as Webmaster. He throughly enjoys his job and has found a passion for home improvement products! (This isn't a plug, but if you are in need of home repairs don't hesitate to call). We also celebrated being married for 6 years and if it is possible I am more in love with Shane then I was the day we got married. Finally, I quit my job at CPS to embark on a new adventure as a "stay at home mama". Through all of this we have been blessed and I can't wait to see what happens in 2009!