Spread the Word to End the Word

The R word

Check it and pledge it.

Weather Man

"Hello Neighbor Kris" When we go on walks, Brady has to stop and knock on every neighbors door.

"No one home"

"Outdoor shower"

This sudden switch back to winter weather has put Brady in a funk. He devours everything outdoors and when the temp dipped back into the 20's, it was like a prison sentence for him. Thirsty for a taste of the outdoors Brady transformed our house plants into make shift sandboxes, sprinkling the soil on every surface. The sofa is now taupe with a hint of dirt and our blinds are ebony and ivory (couldn't help myself). He is resourceful, and I appreciate his creativity, but we need to get outside asap. Spring couldn't come fast enough. I am especially excited for warm weather because this year Brady can explore all that nature has to offer on two wheels. Last year his knees took a beating and he spent most of his time tasting rocks, BUT this year rev your engines because Brady on the move. He can maneuver slides, ladders, swings and climbing walls. He has a whole new world to (re)discover.

The Elusive Stank Leg

For the last 2 weeks I've been trying to get Brady's signature move on film. The above clip is just a sample of him shaking his groove thang, but does not contain the elusive stank leg. Apparently, Brady requires a live audience to perform the one legged jig. You will have to take my word for it that it is divinely hilarious. The icing on the dance floor cake is that he has to hold onto something vertical in order to complete the move. He instantly transforms a sofa arm or banister into something worthy of clear glass high heels and dollar bills. I have no idea where he picked it up, I was pretty certain we maintained a G Rated life. Maybe I should have a review of his pre pre schools curriculum again. :)

Shake your groove thang today people!

Spring Cleaning

This warm weather has jump started Brady's usual spring "clean up." Typically people start freshening up their homes and wardrobes, but Brady spruces up his physique. He knows that swim suit season is just around the corner and with his diet of waffles and cookies, this is a serious matter. So he's been running laps, swinging the kettle bell and tossing the 70lb sand bag. The only way to a perfect six/eight pack worthy of spring break 2011 is good'ol fashion hard work. He swears he's going to give up the waffles too, but I highly doubt it. Same story for the cookies, I just found a secret stash in his closet. He swears Mallory did it, but the evidence was sprinkled all over his face.

Ballantines Day

The big day is finally here. All Brady's preparation has paid off. He earned his bow and arrow and wings and he is infecting the world with the love bug. He's always been a pretty confident 2 year old, but today he has a certain swagger. Maybe it's because he landed himself the prettiest girl in town or maybe it's because he's been hit'n the bubbling apple cider all morning. Who knows, but I like it!

Since his beloved Claire lives in another town, Brady has decided to improvise this year. He crafted a life size cardboard cut out of his lady. The "two" of them will be dining at the Flatiron followed by a private viewing of the Kings Speech. I told him that might not be the most romantic choice of films, but he insisted that he and Claire have mature taste in movies and he has heard that it has romantic under tones. So Brady and cardboard Claire are going to have an evening to remember. "This'll be one for the books!" he says. Cheers to young love!

Love is...

When I was a kid I loved the comic "Love is." It's simple and always seemed to match every moment in my life. This year I'm writing my own "Love is."

Love is:

Looking at my little boy and not seeing Down syndrome

Today, I see a silly little boy, laughing and giggling as he tries to walk in mama's size 8 rubber boots. I couldn't be more grateful to call him our son.

Happy Valentines (Ballantines) Day! Write your own "Love is" this year.

Mr. Waffles

As many of you know, Brady is the pickiest eater on the planet. He tends to find one food item and stick to it like glue. Over the last year he has landed on the following food planets for at least a month or two. First we have the land of the bratwurst. Of course Brady had to push it one step forward and demand that his Brats be grilled, pork and all natural. He would only swallow the type that we get from our farmers and unfortunately they run out of stock. I tried to swap in a couple links from Whole Foods and our snotty food critic couldn't be fooled! He wouldn't even let it past his front tooth! Then he struck up a lovely relationship with The Happy Baby Chicken Bites. Great! They are about $6 for 9 and gave him the worst garlic breath you have ever smelled. He could kill a vampire with one kiss. I wasn't too sad to see him leave these babies behind. Next up was mac-n-cheese utopia! He gobbed that stuff down for 3 squares a day. Turns out he prefers Kraft, regular elbow noodles, no spirals allowed! Then he traveled south of the border for bean and cheese burritos. For Brady this was a true addiction. I thought for sure he was going to turn into a pinto bean and start speaking Spanish. He could slam an entire burrito in 25 seconds flat! Rapido! Our most current entree of choice is waffles! He gets giddy when he sees those little squares sucking up the syrup! I've tried to make this as "healthy" as possible. I make them myself because I'm pretty sure he would let-go an Eggo in two shakes! Here's the receipt: 1 cup almond meal, 1/2 cup coconut flakes, 4 eggs, 1 tub of whipped cream cheese, dash of vanilla and cinnamon. They are incredible and I can hardly blame him for demanding breakfast for every meal.

The trick to all this... Brady will eat anything and everything when we are out. Indian, YES! Chinese, OH YEAH!, Sushi...no chance. I have even tried saving the packeging from McDonalds and serve him healthier options in a Happy Meal box. No GO! He turned that idea into wall paper.

To say the least it is a bit of challenge to feed our little monster. I'm hoping he will follow his sisters lead and turn himself into a human garbage disposal.