Brady at 11 Months

Every month I'm amazed at Brady's new developments, and this month was no different! In addition to his first haircut, this month included a fifth tooth and the big one, Brady's first steps. He took those right around the 10 month mark and has been gaining speed, distance and confidence since.

Aside from walking, a favorite new activity this month is clapping. Things Brady deems worthy of applause: his own reflection, his walking attempts, a meal being placed in front of him, most of Seven's activities, and anytime anyone says, "Yay!".

This month Brady took his first plane ride, to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Whittier. He did well on the plane thanks to a steady stream of snacks, and had a blast being showered with attention and new toys for a solid week.

Next 'first'? A birthday!

You Cut, I'll Drive

Brady, while continuing to be completely adorable, had taken on a decidedly Donald Trump-ish appearance in the hair area.  In related news, an alarming number of people had begun to comment on what a beautiful little girl he is.  I decided it was time to bite the bullet and find someone to tame his mop.  Some Yelping led me to a charming kids' salon in downtown Livermore (how does Pleasanton not have a place that cuts babies' hair?!), conveniently located near an ice cream place I've been wanting to try (verdict - delicious).  

Brady was unconcerned about his new surroundings and the woman wielding scissors, although he did seem to recognize the responsibility to drive his Thomas the Train chair as very serious business.



Half an hour later, I was no longer the parent of a baby - I had a bonified big boy on my hands, exhausted from the effort of keeping Thomas on course.





Brady at 10 Months

Another month has flown by!  The big news this month has been the arrival of Brady's two front teeth.  In related news, he also started eating solid food (July 19th, for my own reference).  By the truckload.  So far Brady is a great eater and gobbles up anything he is offered.  When he's not eating us out of house and home, Brady enjoys playing peekaboo and loves being chased around the family room, especially by his daddy.

Brady at 9 Months

Brady has had another big month - he added cruising to his list of hobbies and is very impressed with himself.  His current favorite pasttime is cruising laps around the family room. 

Brady's ninth month marked a first for Bryan and I - we left together overnight for our friend Carla's wedding in Carmel.  Gorgeous wedding and a great time!  One highlight of the event was when an older gentleman told Bryan he looks like Pee Wee Herman.  We are still getting mileage out of that one.  While Pee Wee and I danced the night away, Brady enjoyed the undivided attention of his Grandma and Grandpa and had a ball.  Here he is learning to ride the dog (which, by the way, is frowned upon in this establishment).

July 4th

This year was Brady's first time attending the Nova Court July 4th Extravaganza!  When we bought our house, the selling agent touted this party as a selling point, and it does not disappoint.  Every year, our friend and neighbor Madelyn (the Yankee Doodle Queen of Nova Court) organizes a really fun day for the kids (and grown ups too!).  Brady spent most of his time watching the action (which included a bounce house, snowcone machine, and water slide).



Sabine and Coco, official snowcone quality testers



Some grown ups also enjoy the slide.

Brady squeezed in a little pool time with his friends Coco and Sebastian.

That night, we had a huge potluck dinner and dessert, and then the kids piled onto our next door neighbors' driveway to watch a movie projected onto the garage door.  Overall, I'd say Brady's first July 4th was a success... he can't wait until he can slide with the big kids!



Travelin' Man

This month, we enjoyed a trip to Sunriver, Oregon.  My grandfather has a home there and Bryan and I have been lucky to use it since we've been married.  This year, Brady got to check out the Sunriver scene!  For anyone who might be wondering, vacationing with a 9 month old is a very different experience from vacationing without one.  You heard it here first.  Speaking of firsts, Brady experienced a few on this trip! 

He ate his first meal in a restaurant high chair.

Rode in a shopping cart for the first time (Yes, I let him ride in the cart without a protective cover.  I have a theory that the germs are good for him and build his immune system.  I repeated said theory over and over to myself when he leaned forward and started sucking on the shopping cart handle.)

First time on a swing!  By far Brady's favorite part of his trip.

First bike ride.  By far Brady's least favorite part of his vacation.  

Before



After



The Next Michael Phelps

Except Michael Phelps couldn't pull off this hat.