Impossible!

I can't believe you can possibly be ten months old already Brennan! When you were born, time kicked into overdrive in our lives I think. You are looking like such a big boy these days, and wanting to act like one too. Yet somethings are still exactly the same as the day you were born. You still love to go to sleep with your hands by your face. Ears are a fascination for you right now, so your hands are usually on them. You also still love to kick. You have this way of kicking both legs at once. You do it when your sitting in the bathtub, in your car seat, in your stroller, on the floor, and I know that's exactly how you kicked in my belly a year ago. Jumping has continued to thrill you. We will hold you on the bed or in a chair, and you bounce yourself up and down. The cutest is when you stand at the superyard and jump up and down. That's how you greet us most days.

You are cruising everywhere, and will stand by yourself for several seconds at a time. You love to crawl as fast as you can to "get away" from us when we are about to pick you up. You have six chompers now, two more on top. Recently, you have started asserting your independence. You will have little fits if you don't get to do what you want. These mostly happen with Mommy so far. If we could understand all you have to say, we would all be a lot smarter by now. You talk constantly, and seem so serious about your proclamations. One of my favorite things you are doing now is giving us love. You will crawl up and snuggle on my shoulder. When I pick you up, you often pat my back and smile.

This has been a fun month. It started with UNA's Homecoming. Nonna received an Alumni award, so she was in the Homecoming parade. You and Maeleigh dressed in matching outfits, and we all went to see her. Afterward, we attended a picnic lunch, visited with some of Nonna's friends, tailgated, and watched the UNA football game. You loved it all! That weekend started my fall break. We took time that week to go to Tate Farms pumpkin patch, paint and prepare a playroom for you, go to the children's museum with Connor, and spend a lot of relaxing time together. Mommy and Daddy celebrated their anniversary on the 11th. Daddy was out of town for part of a week, so you and Mommy had a crazy week on our own (with lots of help from Nonna). We added both Alabama and Auburn jerseys to your wardrobe this month. They are both pretty cute. You have learned to signal TOUCHDOWN. You throw your hands straight up and smile real big. During the games on Saturdays, you get so excited and move as fast as you can all over the place. There has been a lot to be excited about for our teams this year. Alabama started the year #1, after being National Champs last season. Now Auburn has moved to #1 for the first time ever, and is still undefeated this season. We had Christmas pictures made this month. Tonya Melton and Bailey Eaves made them on a farm in Cullman. You were all smiles! I can't wait to see them. Halloween is a few days away, and your costume is all set.

I have started to plan your 1st birthday party. That will be such a busy time of the year, and I want to make sure that day is all about you. The party will be on your birthday the 28th. I've debated whether to do a snowman theme (my original idea since you were born), or a fire truck theme because we are going to have the party at the fire station community room by Nonna and Papa's house. I know this one's more about my preferences really, and by next year you'll have a preference yourself. We made our first trip to Toys R Us recently to get gift ideas for the upcoming holidays. I think you were in awe. You just sat back and stared at everything. You definitely like toys with wheels, that play music and make noise, are balls, or that you can easily hold in your hands. You also love books. We looked for ideas in those categories, and found lots. As you might guess, Daddy is most excited about the toys right now. He can't wait!

Your days have stayed pretty consistent. You take one good nap most days. You are still not a fan of sleeping alone, but we continue to work on it. You're enjoying stage three foods now, and really like the spaghetti and lasagna. You've also tried more table foods such as shredded cheese, baked potato, and black-eyed peas. I think you weigh around 24 lbs., and wear size 12-18 months clothes. Today we made the leap that officially makes you a big boy in my mind. Daddy picked up your final big boy car seat. You already use them in Daddy and Nonna's cars, but now you'll have one in my car also. That means your amazing Chicco infant seat will go away. We have all loved that seat. I think you'll miss your great naps in it, and I will miss the long naps like Sunday when you slept in it for almost three hours. It must be a very comfortable ride. Now we will be on to more toddler transitions I'm sure. You bring so much excitement to our lives little guy! We love you beyond words!

Oh What A Wonderful Week!

Fall Break! It's one of the great things about working in Madison County. A whole week off, at a great time of the year, when it is always needed. We have had a fabulous week!


It kicked off with Homecoming at UNA. We went to an alumni awards banquet on Friday night, then Saturday was filled with a parade, picnic, tailgating, and the football game. Mom received an award at the banquet, was in the parade, and then had a lot of friends around for it all. We all really enjoyed the gorgeous weekend on campus.



On Monday, our family went to Tate Farms pumpkin patch. I had never been there before, and was amazed at how nice it was. We really went for the pictures this year, and to start a family tradition. I had no idea it would be so much fun for us all. The weather was cool and beautiful. I can't wait to take Brennan each year.



Tuesday was a work day for Mike and I. We painted Brennan's new playroom. I think it has become our favorite room in the house. It feels so wonderful to walk down the stairs and see a finished room ahead. It is a grey/blue with a whimsical brown tree and huge chalkboard wall. I found cute sports knobs for the cabinets (on sale at Hobby Lobby, even more fun) and a big play rug with roads and buildings. It's a little sparse right now, but ready for all those Christmas and birthday gifts in a couple of months. Of course, the first time I took Brennan down to play I sat him in the middle of the floor and he headed for the door. I think he thought the cart of paint supplies in the next room looked real interesting.

On Wednesday, Brennan and I left Mike to do yard work while we shopped. I know shopping normally sounds like fun and a treat. It was a treat to have time to shop, but I was in desperate need for basic fall clothes and really had to find some things. It turned out well. I'm probably a little older than Old Navy's target buyer, but I love there basics.

Thursday was a day to rest a little and catch up around the house. Friday morning Brennan and I met my friend Kacie and her son Connor at Earlyworks. It was my first trip there as a mom, and Brennan's first play experience. We had a great time. Biscuit's Backyard was perfect for their ages, and they also loved the building section. I loved having a little time to catch up on grown up time.

Friday night Mike and I celebrated our anniversary. It is actually Monday, but Friday fit our schedule a little better this year. We had our first Melting Pot experience, and it was the first of many I hope. It was wonderful! I especially loved the chocolate fondue. I want to go back just for dessert. He had called ahead and gotten a back corner booth for two, a card, and a rose. So romantic! I was really surprised by that part.


Now we are enjoying a relaxing weekend of football and rest. War Eagle! But I have to say B looks pretty cute in his new Alabama jersey. No worries, he'll get cleaned up tonight in his orange and blue. I hope I can store up some of this stress free, rested feeling to carry me through those crazy weeks to come.

Nine Months...A Little Late

Happy Belated Nine Months Brennan! We've been having so much fun that I just haven't stopped to blog. It has been a busy month for us all. We are continuing to get used to spending our week days apart, and making the most of our time together. When we are together, you love to play and crawl all over the place. You pull up on anything that will stay still and cruise all around. You have become very vocal lately. You love to say ma ma, and now can discriminate when to say it. You also say da da at times, and your favorite for the month has been ot oh (however that is spelled). That expression is used for everything. You also like to just yell. You will yell until you are red in the face, and then make a oo oo oo sound over and over. It reminds me of a lion.

You're now the age Maeleigh was when you were born.She seemed so big then, and I can't believe you're already at that stage. You weigh almost 22 lbs. now and are 28 1/2 inches long. Four pearly whites are shining every time you flash your beautiful smile. You are wearing mostly 12 month pants and 18 month shirts. We've bought a few pairs of shoes recently, and I think a size 5 fits best at this point. You are eating stage 3 foods, and recently discovered you love the lasagna. You still love your bottle, and don't care for your crib. You have made it a few entire nights in your bed, but it still isn't a consistent thing. You are happy most of the time, but a few things are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud: the dogs, daddy, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and mommy's tickles. This month you've decided that the changing table isn't so great anymore. You sometimes scream when we start toward it, try to roll all around and get off, and have a little temper tantrum when we make you stay still enough for a diaper. You love to be held and carried around. When you spot something to get down for though, you just drop your legs and turn into a limp noodle. That's always a great move to use when mommy's hands are full of you and a laundry basket.

A few firsts this month have included: a Falkville football game, UNA football game, Daddy's birthday, Uncle Pick's birthday, Depot Days, watching Auburn and Alabama football, Harvest PTO meeting, and a flu shot. You are looking so much like a big boy now. Every once in a while I'll see an expression from you that I have a feeling is a preview of your toddler years. If so, life will only continue to be filled with joy from you.

Football Frenzy

Lions, tigers, elephants, and blue devils! The football circus has started at our house! I can't believe fall and football season are already here. I love this time of year, and normally spend weeks anticipating it's arrival. This year it sort of snuck up on me. I'm still trying to fathom that my baby is already eight months old, and that a new school year has started, and now football too!

As you may know, we are a House Divided. In the past we have had fun with that: going to both teams' games, decorating, and of course throwing jabs now and then. Most of that continues, but now we have added ONE new little member to the team. A team that goes two ways, with one new member too young to decide for himself. Yep, it has created a greater divide. We are still working on how we will handle all situations. I had thought he would have an outfit for each and we would share time wearing each. That's what we had done up until now. He now also has UA pjs and a Big Al costume. At this rate my kind thought of "we'll let him decide on his own and be as unbiased as possible until he does" may not last another week. Of course, I do decide what he will wear most days, and do all the laundry ;). We have agreed that he will wear a House Divided shirt on game days. We've come up with two pretty cute ones so far.

More importantly than our rivalry, Brennan does like football! He went to his first game at Falkville Friday night. He spent most of the time staring at the loudest fans around us. Saturday we went to UNA. He really enjoyed that game. We had pictures made with Leo and Una, both the mascots and real lions. He watched everything, from the game and the band to all the fans around us.

Zoom! Zoom!

Zoom is what this month has done! Zoom is how you crawl now! Zoom is how fast you have changed! You are eight months old Brennan, and you have had an unbelievable month. You are hardly even the same baby we took on vacation a month ago. Our month started with me going back to work, and you beginning your sitter rotations. We are still settling into this new lifestyle, but you're adjusting pretty well. You and Daddy have a lot of fun on Mondays. One week you went to meet your Granddaddy Swafford, and another week you came to eat lunch with me and my class. Tuesdays and Wednesdays with Nonna and Papa are pretty exciting. You get to play with Maeleigh, visit friends and family, and get out and about a lot. You have been at home on Thursdays and Fridays with Bethany, and seem to enjoy relaxing there.

Your firsts this month have been amazing! I think you thought you needed to grow up real fast since I'm not with you every day. You have started eating finger foods and love puffs, Cheerios, banana pieces, and crackers. Your first two teeth have FINALLY come through. Your eating all kinds of vegetables now, and some meats. You began the month with waving bye-bye. Now you are waving and saying hi, saying ma ma, and da da (all the time). You are also crawling all over the place. You started with an inch worm crawl (raising up on your hands and knees then falling forward over and over). Last weekend you just took off. You have also pulled up on the ottoman and walked several steps around it. When I open the refrigerator you crawl as fast as you can to get to the door shelves. The bottom shelf is now empty :).

It doesn't seem like we have done a whole lot this month. I try to get home as soon as possible every day, and spend as much time with you as possible. It's never enough, but we play and have a lot of fun every day. We celebrated Papa's birthday this month. We also went to Brooks' first birthday party on the 13th. Today we are celebrating Joseph's first birthday at our house with a pool party, so you get a big celebration for your eight month birthday.

You are wearing twelve month clothes now, and weigh just over 20 lbs. Your hair has grown a lot, and is becoming more brown. Most people think you look like Daddy, but at school everyone thought you looked like me. I think you also look like your Granddaddy Swafford in the pictures. Your sleeping hasn't improved a whole lot. I'm ready to just get a big bed for your room, because you apparently really don't like your crib. You are using a big boy car seat in Daddy and Nonna's cars, and don't seem to mind them much. You do love getting into your infant seat in my car and playing with Giraffee, as we call him. You still love music, and often raise your hands and sing during praise and worship time at church. You also like: kids, dogs, the outdoors, going anywhere, greeting us when we get home, eating snacks (and anything else for that matter), being on the floor, and being talked to. You still don't like sleeping alone or loud noises. You are such an easygoing fellow, and smile all the time. You brighten every day! I love you to the moon and back!

7 Months

Happy 7 months Brennan! You are becoming such a big boy. You weigh about 20 lbs. and are about 27 inches long. You are moving into 12 month clothes now. You are a very happy little fellow, with a smile that lights up your whole face and our whole world.

It has been a fun month. We celebrated Independence Day with a swim party on the
3rd, and with friends and fireworks on the 4th. You woke up for the fireworks and watched like you saw them all the time. We celebrated Granny's birthday with cake and ice cream at their house on the 9th. You attended your first wedding, for Brandon and Emily, on July 17th. We hosted a supper club that night, and your friend Connor came to play. A big event this month was our trip to Gulf Shores. It was our first family vacation, and your first stay away from home. You are such an easygoing little guy, and traveled very well. We left at 5 a.m., so I just got you out of bed and put you in the car. You slept for the first 3 1/2 hours of the drive. When you woke up we stopped for gas, and to feed and change you. I found a surprise when I took you out of the carseat. You had one of the most messy diapers yet! I thought with the five bags that were packed for you that I had prepared for everything. I wasn't quite prepared for this one though. Luckily it did not get on your carseat, but I ended up throwing those p.js away. The rest of the trip was much less messy. The first time you touched the sand and felt the water you squealed and laughed. You loved holding the sand in your hands and tried to eat a little. Because of the large oil spill in the Gulf, the beaches were not crowded. We did not see any oil, but did see teams cleaning it up in different places. The pool had water shooting up at different places, and you loved to splash in it. You would soak your whole self, face and all, then just laugh. It was a great trip for us all.

You have tried more foods this month, and there is nothing you don't like so far. You love to eat! You sit up very well and are trying to crawl. So far you can go from sitting to a crawling position, and then scoot backwards. You also sit and turn in circles. Sometimes you scoot while sitting too. Mostly you prefer someone there to move you, but with a little fussing you will go on your own. You love to be held up to walk also. You still love to sing songs including: Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old McDonald, ABC, Wheels On the Bus, and Lover, Lover (since our country music on vacation). Playing on the floor is one of your favorite activities. You love to look at books, play ball, knock down stacks of blocks, and chew on everything. You've been trying over half your life now, but you still don't have a tooth.

There aren't many things you don't like these days. You don't like the sound of the food processor/ blender, and will cry if you're in the room. The only other thing you don't like is sleeping in your bed. You wake up repeatedly, and it takes awhile to get you back to sleep. You would prefer to just sleep with Mommy and Daddy, and that does happen. You are doing a little better in your bed now that I put you on your side. You'll sleep there until sometime in the middle of the night. I'm hoping this gets better quickly.

We go for a walk everyday. You sit back, kick your feet up, and relax in your stroller. Our routine has stayed pretty much the same so far. You nap around 11 a.m. most days, and then again around 2 p.m. You eat four times a day. You have a bottle at each feeding, one fruit a day, one veggie, and cereal twice. I think this is going to increase soon though. Our whole routine is about to change as well. We are about to have to start sharing each other everyday. I start back to work next week, and you'll start your rotations with Daddy, Nonna, and Miss Bethany. I've known for seven months that I would struggle with this change. I'm hoping you will take it in stride though. I'm going to miss our days together so much, but I will be so excited to see you every afternoon.

You are an amazing little boy Brennan Abbott! We love you so!

Down By the Sea Shore

There's nothing like a day at the beach to wash your cares away! We decided to support Alabama tourism this year, and go to Gulf Shores for a little vacation. I had not been there since junior high school I don't think. It turned out to be the perfect first family vacation for us. The drive was relatively short, and we were able to enjoy a few care free days together. Our condo was gorgeous, and had a great pool with it. The beach seemed fine, but double red flags were flying warning that there was oil present. We didn't spend as much time on the beach as I would normally want to, but we did manage to capture plenty of pictures while we were out there. Brennan loved it all, including the sand he tried to eat! After he blessed us with a super messy diaper only a few hours from home, and by the way those clothes went in the trash, he was the perfect travel companion the rest of the time.

We spent our days lounging by the pool, eating great food, shopping, and enjoying the roar of the waves. On our way into town, we stopped to eat at Lambert's. It was a new experience for me, pretty cool but way too much food. We walked that off at the outlets, and snagged a few good deals while we were there. LuLu's was our next fun stop on our second day. The food was great, and I loved all the bright colored furniture, etc. We went for lunch so we didn't get the whole experience I don't think, but it was pretty neat to see. That night we just wanted a little something, and we wandered into The Hangout. I don't remember hearing about it from anyone before, but it turned out to be so much fun. It is open air dining, with a sand dune outside for the kids to play on and live music for the adults. As soon as we sat down they started a game that everyone in the restaurant could participate in, then there was participation music and dancing. At one point people were running and dancing around the restaurant to the song Shout, while tossing paper napkins everywhere. Pretty funny to watch! We also visited The Original Oyster House, Mellow Mushroom, and several souvenir shops throughout our stay. Our last food stop was Sweetie Pies. Um, Um, Yum! We had their breakfast sandwich and a slice of chocolate pecan pie. Needless to say, we were stuffed the whole trip. It was a fantastic start to what we hope will be a great family tradition.