Big Sister

Brady would like to announce that he has officially filed for a title change for Mallory. She is no longer to be referred to as his "little sister." Her current stats land her in the big sister category. Our cupcake weighed in at an impressive 19lbs 3oz (95th percentile) and measured a staggering 27" tall (92nd percentile). It took Brady almost a year and a half to put up those numbers. Fortunately, she is proportional so sumo wrestling won't be her only career choice.

Brady's Chiropractic Care

Typically Brady does not allow photographs during his sessions so count your lucky stars! I hate to sound like an 83 year old lady, but my back has been out of wack lately! I've been to the chiropractor a couple of times with little to no relief. THEN....Brady informed me that he could offer some assistance. It started off as one of Sargent Slaughter's take down moves and ended up in complete crack-tastic relief. Whatever Mr. magic did, my back felt great! Brady later informed me that he's been taking night classes and is 80% certified in the art of chiropractic care. Apparently he's been bored with the same old pre school routine and needed a challenge.

He's developed a guru complex and insisted that Mallory needed an adjustment. I explained to him that it is highly unlikely in her 5 short months of life that things are out of alignment, BUT he is the master and insisted. (Seriously, The Master. He refuses to go by Doctor, stating such a title is beneath his talents and only Master Shannon is suiting). So as you can see from the above photos Brady gave his little sis an adjustment. She's never been happier and reports that rolling has never felt so good. Well there you have it folks, another satisfied client. Brady would like you all to know that he does except all major insurance and will offer his exceptional services by appointment only. If you don't have insurance he will accept payment via grapes, the currency of real men.

Sweet music

A lot of people ask me if it's different raising Mallory vs. Brady. Well of course! Mallory is actually a lot more work. Brady was more like easy rock and Mallory is somewhere between heavy metal and techno music. It's like she came pre-installed with a microphone and speakers. She has a boom'n system vs. Brady who was more like an antique record player. He was a baby Kenny G (minus the curly mullet) and Mallory is a bit Lady Gaga (minus the platinum locks and metal bra). The two couldn't be more different, but throw them in the same concert hall and you've got a symphony. Each kid will or has presented different challenges, but they seem to balance each other out. There is sweet equilibrium between them. Brady taught me to embrace every moment and Mallory is teaching me how fleeting the moments are. For now I'm just thrilled to be on tour with both of them.

Smack Down

"Sleep with one eye open little man!"


102, 103, 104.... "look at my beautiful muscles"

Brady has turned our humble home into a WWF ring. Unfortunately his favorite opponent is the defenseless Mallory. I've been ring side watching Sargent Slaughter jump from the top rope, slamming all 25lbs onto his victim. Thank God Bill got out when he had the chance. Part of me is impressed with his gross motor skills and the other part is completely appalled. Where did he learn such craziness? Surely, not from us! He's one step away from throwing chairs and pulling hair! UGH! As evidence, Mallory is sporting a bit of wear and tear above her right eye.

I hope this adventure to crazy town is short lived other wise Brady's next stop will be a permanent one to time out land.

Brrrrr

Brady's reaction when it was time to conclude his winter festival.


Its a swinging good time

See ya!

Winter has finally settled in giving us a big dose of cabin fever. The entire city looks like it was swallowed by a marshmallow. Brady had had it with the indoors and made a break for it. He braved the elements and bee lined to the nearest snow drift, which was about 3 ft from our front door. He barely stopped to heed my warning about the yellow snow and more importantly the brown snow! Live and learn my friend, live and learn.

He was in snowman heaven. He drilled Dad with a couple of snow balls and built an igloo sure to with stand the elements. He plans to transform it into one of those swanky "ice bars." Its all the rage in Iceland.

Sleeping beauty

This is what Mallory wakes up to! Big brother, the king of the hover.

One of my favorite times of the day is when I plop into Brady's room to rescue him from his sleepy slumber and I see this! He cracks me up. It's like he hasn't seen me in three years and suddenly....bam! Here I am. I slap him a high five and the rest of the day explodes from there. He is going a million miles a minute from dawn until dusk. He spends most of his afternoon perfecting his dance steps. I will have to get it on film for you all. He incorporates a couple of twists and combines them with several knee slaps. It is uniquely Brady...of course. He would have been center stage on Solid Gold for sure!

Enjoy the snow. Brady is determined to get a naked snow angel in before noon tomorrow. Mallory and I have both advised him to consider snow pants, but he is a determined fell'a.

Passed

Jeff and I passed the parenting test. We made it through an extremely trying week and I am offically of parenting probation. The New York Magazine featured an honest article about parenting: http://nymag.com/news/features/67024/

The article has received some brutal criticism, but if you are really honest with yourself, parenting isn't always hot chocolate and marshmallows. It's tough. It's hard work and darn it those little monkeys know how to kick you when your down, but then they also know how to make you smile with one silly high five.

Brady is extremely intuitive. It's like he has mad Superman skills and can tell when mama isn't on her game. If he senses my stress he bombs in with a hug and a silly smile that instantly zaps negativity. He reminds me to focus on the joy and assures me that the fun will return. This crazy connection he has with people is one of his greatest strengths and I adore him for it. Today has given me the strength to gear up for the next test.