On the move!

We officially have a crawler on our hands!  Brady has been taking a couple "crawl-steps" the last week or so, but over the past two days he has increased that to being able to crawl a few feet!  We have been waiting for this milestone and we are so proud of the little man!

I'm off to baby-proof the house...

He's got confidence in his eyes (and drool running out of his mouth)!

All business

"Got it!"

New moves

Brady has evidently decided that he should get his teeth in one right after the other.  He's working on his fourth now- the other top front tooth.  It seems like it's really close to coming down- probably just another day or two.

He's also been working hard on motor skills this month.  He can get from his stomach to a sitting position.  In fact, he can do it pretty easily now, no matter what obstacle may be in his path.  He's incredibly flexible- we've seen him pull some Cirque du Soleil-style contortionist stunts!  He's been hopping around on his rear-end to get where he wants to go, but we've been trying to encourage crawling.  And within the past few days he's become very good at pulling himself up to standing!  Although he'll only pull himself up by climbing on us for now; he hasn't tried on furniture or toys yet.

Bath time has become increasingly difficult...  Brady loves it so much that he just goes bananas in the water.  It's very funny, but hard to hold him still long enough to wash him.  Last night he was lifting up both his legs and dropping them to maximize splash potential.  Then he would lean back to slide down the back of the tub and lay on his back.  He also rocks himself forward so that he can put his face in the water.  He has no fear!  Seriously- it's a two person job.  One to wash and one to keep him from drowning!  He's a handful!  I can't wait to see if he likes the pool this summer as much as the bath tub.

Enjoying a play date with Sophie



Guy Smiley



Rock on wild man

Taking advantage of a warm day

"I can stand up like a big boy!"

Birthdays

Today Brady is 10 months old!  His mommy turned 33 this weekend, too.  We thought we would be celebrating with Grandma and Aunt Tina, but unfortunately their flight got canceled and they were forced to reschedule their trip to see us.

We attempted to go out to breakfast for Gayle's birthday.  There was a short wait for a table, and Brady made it known that he was not in the mood to sit patiently.  LOUD and clear!  So we went home and tried again for dinner.  We made it a little further into the meal before the shrieking began, but it was definitely not our most relaxing evening out.

In news that we think is related to his unhappiness, Brady has cut one of his top front teeth!  He still won't let us near it, so don't expect a picture any time soon...

Self-portrait

 


Tickle tickle tickle



Pleased with himself after a particularly messy dinner

Ten months old!

Gayle's yummy birthday cake from her friend Meredith

Beautiful weather and a beautiful addition

We were lucky this week to have a few days of spring-like weather, with temps reaching the 70s!  Brady loved being able to go outside for long walks to check out the cars, trees, and occasional road kill.  Back to reality now, though... they are calling for a wintry mix this evening.  Boo!

We have been busy getting ready for Pete's mom and sister to visit later on this week.  We are so excited for them to see Brady- he has changed so much over the last four months!

We are also trying a new nap schedule.  You'll remember how Brady revolted the last time I messed with his sleep, but we are optimistic that this time will be better.

He's been fairly grumpy the last few nights, we think he's working on some more teeth.  Unfortunately he is not a fan of me checking inside his mouth, so we will just have to wait and see.

Ol' Brown Eyes

Brady likes to blow on the ball before throwing it.  Perhaps an early indicator of his future skills at the craps table?

Our Little Monkey

"How you doin'?"

I'll file this one away in the "Embarrass Brady in front of his date" folder.



Last but not least...
Introducing Allie, Suzy and Chris's bundle of joy and Brady's latest gal-pal! We are so happy to have this new little face to love!



Our Little Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!  As promised, here is Brady's new-and-improved smile (you can click on the picture to make it bigger).

First tooth

We have some very exciting news, readers... Brady cut his first tooth!  And maybe even two!  They just broke through his gums today, so they are not quite ready for their close-up.  I'm not sure how long it takes for teeth to completely make their way through, but I'll be ready, camera in hand!

Yesterday evening we had a great time getting together with the adoption crew at Bethany's house.  We were celebrating our newest arrivals, Shannon and Lilliana!  It's always a blast to see everyone, but the group definitely has a new energy with five kids running around now (and counting).  Such happy times!

It's Super Bowl Sunday, and we've got a battle of our home teams with Pittsburgh and Green Bay battling it out.  Brady was disappointed that he couldn't get a bedtime extension tonight to stay up and watch a little longer.  There is something about football that he really loves.  Let's hope it's the colors and not the hitting!

Bundled up on a snowy day

 

One of the last toothless smiles you'll see!

Brady's Tarzan impression (we find him this way some mornings)

"I'll have a steak, please."

"Oh, but the special sounds good."

Sharing a secret with his buddy, Shannon

Pete introduces himself to Lilliana

Party time

The big kid table

"Not now Mommy, I'm busy."

Go Pack Go!

9 month pediatrician appointment

I took Brady to the pediatrician for his 9 month check-up today.  It's official- he's growing!  He weighs 21 lbs 5.8 oz (50th- 75th percentile), is 29" long (75th percentile), and his head circumference is 17 3/4" (50th percentile).  He had to get one shot and one toe-prick, but he was maddest of all when the doctor used her tongue depressor to try to look at his teeth (gums)!

Though it wasn't on the doctor's checklist of developmental milestones, Brady's newest skill is to give kisses!  You've got to catch him in the right mood, and they are slobbery and gross, but we love them!