Friday, December 31, 2010

Looking Forward...2011

2011 will be a year of milestones for both Branner and I. Branner will turn one on January 15th. I turn 30 in May (which I am not really looking forward to). Branner will be starting preschool at our church in September. I'm sure the next year will bring many more "firsts" for Branner and our family, and I am looking forward to all of them. If the year to come is half as good as the year that just passed, it will be amazing!

All of you know how much I love lists, so here is my list of New Year's Resolutions:

**Try one new recipe a week.
**Lose weight/keep up my fitness routine.
**Be more positive, upbeat and patient.
**Go to church more.
**Take a class at CPCC. Maybe cooking, maybe photography, maybe a food and wine course, but I want to learn something!
**Welcome my 30's in style.

Here's to 2011!!! Cheers!

2010--Our Best Year Yet!!!

So many wonderful things have happened this year! We became a family of three. Barry and I became parents. We visited many of our favorite places. We spent time with our families and friends. We developed a new appreciation of how precious life truly is. We celebrated holidays with a new vigor because we got to experience the wonder of seeing everything through Branner's eyes. We laughed. We cried, both tears of sadness and joy. We loved. We lost. We kissed. We hugged. We watched Branner grow before our very eyes. He rolled over. He was Christened. He sat up. He crawled. He pulled up. He even took his first few steps. The good definitely outweighed the bad this year at our house. We look forward to 2011 with grateful hearts. Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Daddy's Boy


Clearly, he is his father's child. Apparently, a Dyson handheld makes a great toy. Who knew?

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Step by Step

Branner took his very first steps tonight! What a wonderful Christmas gift! Our families, friends and even the ladies at the dry cleaners who B loves to show off for and visit have been telling us that it was coming soon. They were right! He only took a couple steps and they were a little wobbly, but our little man did it none the less. Bye, bye baby! Hello, toddler!

Branner's First Christmas!




Branner's first Christmas was amazing! He loved all of his toys and clothes from Santa, Gigi, Big Papa, Uncle Blake, Uncle Brett and us! His favorite toy so far: the Cozy Coupe. He loves going on rides in it. He loves sitting in it and turning the steering wheel and beeping the horn. He is also very interested in his tent/playstation.

When Branner woke up, we went to see what Santa brought and started getting ready for the family Christmas lunch with my family that we hosted. My parents and brothers got here right after Branner's nap. We let Branner open all of his presents before lunch, then we all ate (turkey, gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade cranberry jello salad and rolls). After Branner went down for his afternoon nap, the adults exchanged gifts and had dessert.

We continued the festivities with a delicious dinner at the DiProspero's, where Branner played his heart out with Summer and Meadow and also where Branner TOOK HIS FIRST STEPS EVER!!!! I love the watch Barry and Branner gave me, but that was the best Christmas gift I could have received! I cannot believe we have a walking toddler on our hands now!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with love and family and made some amazing memories!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Have A Holly, Jolly Christmas!


We've made our list, we've checked it twice and now we just have a few loose ends to tie up! Branner has been very festive this holiday season, sporting everything from Christmas pajamas, to festive color combinations to this adorable shirt my friend, Shana, made him. He is SO holly, jolly right now! We are enjoying experiencing the magic of this wonderful season with him!

Monday, December 20, 2010

So Many Pairs of Christmas Pajamas, So Little Time





Between my mom and I, Branner ended up having 4 pairs of Christmas-themed pjs this year. I have been trying to make sure he wears them as much as possible. So adorable!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Our Christmas Card

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Mommy's Job(s)

Remember a long time ago when I posted that I had a job(ish)? Well, apparently some issues came up with the website I will be blogging for, and it is now going to be launched mid-January under a new name and owner. As soon as I have more info, I will definitely post it. I am meeting with the new owner at the end of this month, and I can't wait...Highchairs and High Heels lives on!

Also, I have taken on a new and fabulous role managing the social media for my girlfriend's amazing company, Swap Handbags! You can find them on the web here: www.swaphandbags.com, on Facebook as Swap and on Twitter as @swaphandbags. I would love for everyone who follows this blog that also loves fashion and handbags to follow the Facebook and Twitter pages as well!

11 Months Old!



Where did the last month go? Branner is officially 11 months old and I really cannot believe it! Exactly one month from now, I will be posting about his first birthday party and the fun and festivities surrounding it.

When did my baby grow into a "big boy"? While there is no way to pinpoint that moment in time over the past few months, what I am sure about is that he is a big boy now. Soon, he will be walking. Soon he will be so much more independent. In some ways, I am ok with these things because it will make my "job" a little easier (and hopefully ease some of the back and hip pain I have been having lately). But, I am also wistful that he is no longer a baby. I like doing things for him! I love being the one he depends on to meet the most basic of his needs and the bond we have formed because I am his main caregiver. But, we must all move on, and honey, Branner's all over the moving part! What life is like these days:

Likes: Talking, talking, talking, moving, moving, moving, waving, clapping his hands (still using his own little version), hugging Barry and I, baths, books, chewing on any and all objects he can find, Bailey, Chloe, Dylan, trying to eat their food, playing in their water, pulling things out of cabinets and drawers, going to the Y, lunch dates with Shana and Carter, trying new foods, apple juice, sippy cups, our Christmas tree, flirting with girls and women of all ages, other babies and children and never sitting still.

Dislikes: Being told no, not being able to eat the animal's food, not being able to stick his fingers in sockets.

Foods: Formula(last month of that!), juice, fruits(except apricots), veggies, meats, grains, crackers, Nilla Wafers, homemade breads (banana, apple, etc.), little pieces of chips if we're out to lunch.


Monday, December 13, 2010

Happy 31st Birthday, Barry!

The guys enjoying a pre-dinner drink

Barry has entered his second year in his 30's, and it definitely seems to suit him! A lot of good things have happened to him in the past year from welcoming his first son into the world to a huge promotion to finally having a year where he didn't have to have any part of his body operated on! We celebrated early on Thursday by having dinner at Cajun Queen with a group of friends, then heading over to Jackalope Jack's for (a really bad) karaoke night. I think Barry had a little too much fun, but that's what birthdays are for.

Happy Birthday, Barry! We love you!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

So, It's Been Awhile...

I have been absolutely terrible about updating lately, but have no fear! The Kirby family has entered into the amazing (and slightly scary) world of the MacBook, and I will be posting a lot more in the days to come! There is lots of catching up to do! Beware!