Express yourself

I hate carrots
Who's crib is this?
I can't believe it!
Excuse me?

Take a step closer and say that to my face. I dare ya!

Brady may not have a vast vocabulary, but he can definitely communicate. He has the uncanny ability to shoot daggers with his eyes or cast a look of incredible doubt. If you cross the B-man, he will let you know.

Swimsuit season

With swim suit season right around the corner Brady thought he better start firming up his abs. Now that he is maturing in to a toddler he can no longer chalk up a soft middle to baby fat. He is taking pool time very serious this year, he even asked for a spray tan for his birthday. He also plans on making a poolside fashion statement, which concerns me because of his flair for European design. I'm not sure if Omaha is ready for "Brady a la banana hammock."

Activities

Zoro?
Dance baby, dance

Afternoon snack

Shout out! Happy 1st birthday Vollen!

The above pictures highlight a few of Brady's favorite activities throughout the day. This is not an all inclusive list because some activities are not appropriate for Internet posting.

The first picture is what Brady calls "unloading the dryer," which really consists of fishing through all the clothes to find a pair of my underpants and fashion them as head gear. He likes to stretch them like a bow and arrow and then snap'em on his little melon.

The second picture is a 2-fer. This activity is the rain dance. Brady's dancing skills are impressive. He has a lot of soul and he can shake his hips like Shakira. Trust me, his hips don't lie! When it rained the other day I was doing the typical mad dash for the house to eliminate complete saturation, but then Brady started laughing and signing "more." Every rain drop in his face made him laugh like thunder and glow like lightening. We finally went inside when the rain stopped. Brady was pretty disappointed I don't have a better relationship with the rain Gods, so once indoors he decided to take matters into his own jazz hands....and danced the night away begging the rain Gods to turn on their sprinklers again!

Numero 3- human weed eater. I think it might be safe to let our lawn guy go for the summer.

Last but not least- I think this is what Brady is most famous for, his contagious smile and amazing personality. It doesn't matter if you are a stranger 50ft away, Brady is going to offer a greeting. Waving "hello" to people absolutely floors Brady. He thinks it's the cats meow.

Growing...up

Senior picture

Spring time is the season of growth. Brady and I have both been experiencing some blooming of our own. Brady, with his strength, speech and overall awesomeness and me with my large bowling ball frontier and attempted removal of "helicopter Mom." In the past I have been EXTREMELY protective of Brady. You may recall the number of times I wanted to place him in a bubble (but didn't.) I think when one has a baby that has had a rough start to life it is natural for the parent to build a security wall around their off spring, AND have a natural fear of germs because of their potential to knock their baby on their buns.

I know that trying to guard him from germs, potential falls and general ickies of the world forever will do him no good... to a point. He needs to be a kid. So this spring I have taken a step back and let the Brady ball roll! So far he has had 2 black eyes, bronchulitis, croup and a good knock on the melon, BUT he is having a blast. He has faired both sicknesses really well. No antibiotics or roids (both have been standard in Brady's first year of life). I am adjusting. Proof of my growth is the fact that I let Brady play on a play ground without sanitizer in hand. I didn't even pass out when he licked the railing.

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day Earthlings~! Brady wanted to take a moment to remind you all to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. After all he will be here long after we are all gone.

He has become a pint size tree hugger. When I asked him how HE was planning on saving the planet he replied "potty train within the next 30 days (impressive), grow his own candy, shop locally, bike instead of driving to Lincoln to see Claire and unplug his wipe warmer. Now that's a man on a mission.

Walker and a Talker

Now

Then

These videos show the amazing progress that Brady has made in the last 3 months. We are so impressed with his superman strength. He is also trying to talk more and more. He's realized that he can be bossier when he uses his words. And when the words escape him he signs like a wild man. He is now combining 3 signs. Typically the hat trick involves "more, please and some food item." He is serious about his food. I think if Bill wasn't so hairy Brady would have eaten him by now.

Swingers

"Claire?"

"yes, my love!"

"isn't there a swing for two?"

Well things are really heating up between our young love birds. Typically their encounters involve Claire blanketing Brady with love and Brady sitting there like a frog on a log. BUT NOT THIS time. After months of courtship Brady is starting to make a few moves of his own. He's quite traditional and really didn't want to rush anything. At lunch he saw an opportunity to hold Claire's hand and he took it. It was the sweetest thing. The moment was perfect until Annie and I gushed and glowed, embarrassing our little Romeo. Then he offered her a few of his coveted grapes. I have been asking him for months to share his magical fruit, but NOOOO, nothing for Mom! BUT for Claire....the world!

At the park the two ogled at each other from the swings and then Brady made what he is calling his signature move "the assist." Which is nothing more than a tushy grab disguised as a push up the stairs. "I was helping her up!" Hmmmmm suspect.

Zur-burt

I think every parent has blown fart noises on every part of their child's body in order to invoke the laughing demons within. Well Brady has now turned the tables!

Fish Fry

We went to the Zoo today and I think it's obvious what was Brady's favorite attraction.... the aquarium. He is a fantastic mimic. Thank God the gorillas were behaving themselves today, otherwise our little copy cat could have picked up some inappropriate primal behaviors. I would hate to have to explain to him that picking ones butt isn't kosher and smacking your fellow mate is also frowned upon.
Last year Brady could care less about the wild life surrounding him. A trip to the zoo was about as interesting as a diaper change, but this year I could see the discovery in his eyes. He lit up as the string ray soared overhead. The next time we go Brady requested that I pack his wetsuit. He plans on getting a closer view of all the sea creatures.

Easter Bunny

Our camera is out of commission so you will have to suffice with last years Easter picture. This is surely breaking rule 42 part IIIA of the contract between Brady John and myself. After the barrage of Holiday themed outfits and nonsense I put Brady through last year he decided that drastic action was needed in order to ensure that the bunny ears, Santa suit, green fro and lion get-up are LONG gone. He knows that I have a weak spot for cutesy must haves so he knew that if he was going to win this battle he better get the law on his side.

So we now have a contractual agreement that I will no longer dress him in anything related to or in the realm of a Holiday themed suit, outfit, head gear, parka, hat, cape (though I told him he might want to rethink this part when he is a bit older), trouser etc... If I choose to break the fore mentioned contract he has the right to poop in the tub and on all previously listed items. Signed, sealed and delivered!