Halloweenies

So maybe the Dino didn't dance with the banana, but he certainly offered her a roundhouse kick to the mellon followed by an apologetic hug. Brady is still struggling with Mallory's purpose. He can't play with her, she doesn't talk, she doesn't want a bite of his grilled cheese and she sure does spend a lot of time with mama! He has given her exactly 2 months to pump up the fun factor or it's "out to the curb with her." I have assured him Mallory will comply with his request and good times will ensue.

For Halloween Brady didn't hit the streets this year. He preferred to be the official greeter at the Shannon homestead. He was certainly more welcoming to the fairytale princesses than the bloodied faced scary men. As far as he was concerned they all deserved knuckle sandwiches and protested every time they got their sugary treat.

Next year Brady will give up his post and scavenger the neighborhood grabbing fists full of high fructose corn syrup and gobbling up all the wonders Halloweenies has to offer. He might even realize Mallory's purpose...wing (wo)man. Double the fun, double the candy!

Halloween Part one

In preparation for the official day Brady and Mallory slipped into their

skeleton costumes. I noted that the tag on Mallory's get up says "wear snugly," NO PROBLEM. The sleeves are so tight they could be painted on. Check back later to see a dinosaur dance with a banana!

3 months

Mallory is three months old. Whoa! And it's safe to say that she has spent the majority of the last 91 days at the all you can eat buffet. There is nothing better than some meatloaf thighs and our girl can rock'em. Thank God sweats are fashionable for babies because she needs something with a little give. Mallory is beginning to show her personality and it is sweet as a bowl full of Halloween candy.

Brady is a big fan of his sister. He gives her hugs and often shares his toys with her. Unfortunately, his sharing technique involves chucking large objects at her head and giving her toes a good pull. His aim and control could use some fine tuning. He is anxious for the next 3 months to whizz by so they can start rough housing like real siblings.

Scottish Rite

After over 2 years on a waiting list, Brady was accepted into the Scottish Rite Speech Therapy program at the Munroe Meyer Institute. YEAH!! I phone stalked them for most of that time...just to ensure them that we are gunners for the program...and when I say "We" you know I mean ME! I really, really wanted Brady in this speech program. I have heard so many wonderful things about it and from what I witnessed today, we've got a winner. There are only 5 kids in the class all ranging in abilities and there are about 4 teachers. The ratio is great and they really bombard Brady with a variety of speech techniques, which to Brady seem like play time. If you have a little one call NOW and get them on the waiting list. They can't be accepted until after they are 2, but get on it! Here's the #: 402-559-6460

In preparation for yet another day in the classroom Brady has been hitting the books (both literally and figuratively). He is determined to be head of his class. Which as you can see from above he considers personal hygiene an essential component to a successful school regiment. His morning routine consists of making his bed (it really sets the mood for the day), brushing his teeth (all six of them), running a brush through his hair, pressing is t-shirt, slamming some eggs Benedict, visualizing his reading and speech techniques and finally a couple of quick stretches to ensure proper mobility. You've got to respect this self discipline and dedication!

The Scottish Rite program is Brady 's 3rd speech therapist (4th if you count me). Speech is currently our primary goal for Brady. Therefore we are loading him up with multiple opportunities. We are doing everything we can to help him become more verbal. One of our fears is that once Brady begins to talk more, it will be mumbled and incomprehensible. We want him to have the best experience possible once he turns his voice on full speed.

Dino-saur

"OMG... let's hustle it up people"


"Enough with the pictures, let's move on to the good stuff"



"Where's the grilled cheese?"

ROAR!!!!!

Today Brady had a Halloween parade at pre pre school. He was the

biggest, baddest d-i-n-o-s-a-u-r in town. He was no fossil, that's for sure. He was tromping all over town. I had a hard time keeping up with him. The whole trick or treating ritual is a bit new to Brady. He didn't understand why people were handing him spider rings and not grilled cheese (his current favorite meal item). He thought if they were offering treats then surely they would tailor it to his preference. So really they were giving him tricks even though he clearly stated he preferred treats. Ahhhh the frustration of Halloween. If this keeps up, I'm afraid Brady will not be adding Halloween to his favorite holiday list.

In true Shannon fashion, Mallory will wear several costumes for her first Halloween. Her dress up ensembles are:

1. Casper

2. Banana

3. Skeleton

So far she has not replicated he brother's holiday outfit protests. Please remember that when Brady was her age and I happily outfitted him in appropriately themed get-ups, he promptly crapped them out. She is much more a lady than her ornery big brother. That's my girl!

The Proof

I can't believe this video for three reasons:

1. Brady actually walked when I turned on the camera. Typically when he hears the camera turn on he turns into a big fat diva. "I can't be filmed in this light" "Where is my bowl of green M&M's?" "Did you make my dinner reservations?" "Chop, chop woman!"

2. Brady is walking! It's still seems a bit strange to see him walking around. It feels funny to set him down on his feet.

3. Brady didn't crash. I swear all that's in that sippy cup is milk, but looking at the topsy turvey trot Mr. B is displaying, one would think it was a white Russian (maybe I should check...he did say he was celebrating his graduation day!)

I'm off to make some dinner reservations....

Graduation Day

Brady graduated from private physical therapy today. His diploma? A big fat walking certificate. The world is your oyster B-man! Of course something of this magnitude demands a celebration. Brady has been on the line spreading the good word "I'm a walker folks, A WALKER!" and "Dad's you better watch your daughters because I'm mobile man, mobile." He has such swagger for a 2 year old. With a full "sack" and spending most of his time upright his confidence is pretty high, border line arrogant.

Brady would also like to wish his cousin Brooklyn a HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY!