Cuddle Buddies

Look what I found when I came back downstairs from putting Branner down for his afternoon nap. So cute!

Things Branner Has Been Caught Chewing On...First Edition

Tastes Like Chicken!

I introduced chicken into Branner's diet today, and he loves it! We are currently using the Earth's Best variety of meat "entrees." I bought a value pack at Buy Buy Baby that includes two types of chicken, a turkey and a beef selection. Delish!

Puffs

Branner tried the Gerber Puffs for the first time today, and to say he absolutely loves them would be an understatement. I got him the banana flavor, but it looks like I'll be branching out to any and all flavors they make, because we have an addict!

Beech Mountain Weekend

Friday at lunchtime, we hit the road for Beech Mountain for Branner's second trip. We made a pit stop in Blowing Rock. We walked Branner and Bailey around the town and stopped in for a late afternoon drink (wine for me, pumpkin ale for Barry, nothing for Branner and a bowl of water for Bailey) at Glidewell's. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the temperature was perfect for enjoying a cocktail outside.

We got up to Beech just in time to unpack and start dinner before our good friends, Dirk and Rachel (plus their dog, Sissy), arrived. We had a yummy steak dinner cooked by Barry and Dirk and an outdoor fire and toasted s'mores. Yum!

Branner slept until 8 on Saturday, and after relaxing around the house all morning, we decided to go down the mountain to Banner Elk for lunch. We went to our favorite deli, Dunn's Deli, and it was delicious as usual! We then took a short walk around downtown BE and headed home for Branner's nap and to relax before going out to dinner.

All the big boys and girl's had a night out at our favorite tapas restaurant, Zuzda's. Uncle Bretty was kind enough to come babysit Branner so we could enjoy a night out and celebrate our anniversary and Rachel's big promotion to principal. We had a fabulous time at dinner even though we all ate WAY too much!

After getting to sleep in until 8 again on Sunday, we packed and cleaned and hit the road back down the mountain. We stopped and shopped at the Tanger outlets in Blowing Rock on our way home and everyone got a few new fall clothing items. It was the perfect end to the perfect weekend. We can't wait to go back to Beech!

Pulling Up!

Branner pulled up for the first time today! This is all going by so fast! Barry and I can't believe it!

"Falling" Into Another To-Do List

I'm pretty excited about my new list! I'm itching to start marking tasks off! Fall To-Do List Take Branner to a fun pumpkin patch to select Halloween pumpkins. Pick apples and make homemade applesauce for Branner with them. Take Branner to the Morrison Library storytime, Lap Lovers. Don't even get me started on that name. Learn more about my new camera and take tons of pictures. Get a massage. I really, really need (and want) one! Spend time outdoors and take Branner to the park often. That boy loves to swing! Update Fab Eats more. I'm thinking lots of soup recipes... Work on my guest room update. Also update the den/family room and dining area. Go to at least one yoga class a week. It is so good for the psyche! I always feel so much better after a class! Continue to workout at least 3 times a week. Continue going to the Farmer's Market. I heart farm-fresh fruits and veggies! Make a few mountain trips. Nothing better than Beech Mountain in the fall! Make pumpkin pastries: pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cheesecake... Drink several pumpkin lattes. See a theme? I looooove pumpkin-flavored treats!!! Find or make a fall wreath.

Summer To-Do List Update

Ok, sooooooo, about the summer to-do list... Well, after getting off to a really good start on it and marking off several things early-on in the season, it kind of fell by the wayside. It's not that I forgot about it. No. It's just that traveling and, well, life, got in the way. I thought about marking things off. I even talked about it, but I did not accomplish everything I set out to. I accomplished maybe half. Here's what I did get done: There were many days that I napped while Branner napped. Afternoon naps top my list of great things in life! I took Branner to the pool many times over the course of the summer. We went to Holden, Beech and Blowing Rock over the course of the season. We had a wonderful time at each place! I kept up a good exercise routine all summer. I hit the gym at least 3 days a week every week; more like 5 most weeks, which leads up to the next accomplishment... I was bikini-ready for the Holden Beach trip. All of my hard work payed off! I was so proud of myself for acheiving my goal! I plan to look even better next summer! Boy, did I read! I was never without a good book on my Kindle all summer! We went to the Farmer's Market several times. I really LOVE the Farmer's Market! I made several peach cobblers. Yum, yum, yum! In regards to a hobby... This blog has kind of become my hobby. I am also working on learning how to use my new camera so I can take good pics. I did have a summer signature nail polish-- Essie's Enuff is Enuff. Perfect color for summer! While I didn't make it to AA5, Barry and I did go to the outdoor concert series at the Whitewater Center one Thursday, so I am counting that as done. What I didn't get around to: Doing the 5 Factor Diet. Oh, well. Obviously, not too sad about that. Updating Fab Eats. I would have liked to have updated a lot more than I did, but it just didn't happen. Going to POPs. It didn't start until after Branner's bedtime. What can you do? Having a luncheon for my girlfriends. One day, I will make this happen. I didn't make homemade ice cream. Now, that makes me sad! My guest room still looks the same. This is not for lack of trying. I just haven't found a bedspread/duvet that I like yet. Never caught an outdoor movie. Again, didn't fit with Branner's sleep schedule. Maybe next summer. I didn't visit a museum. I still want to!!! Look for my Fall To-Do List very soon. I've decided this is going to be a seasonal thing. I can't wait to try again. Maybe I will do better this fall at marking things off!

Fourth Anniversary

Barry and I were wed in Blowing Rock, NC on Saturday, September 16, 2006. It was a perfect day and we will always remember celebrating with our dear families and amazing friends. Happy Anniversary, Barry! I love you!

8 Months Old!

Eight months have passed since the day our sweet baby boy was born. He has grown up sooooo much, I can't believe it. He continues to bring joy and laughter into our lives on a daily basis. We are totally loving being Branner's parents! It gets better everyday!

Likes: Crawling(no more scoot-scoot for him!), practicing pulling up, looking out the door waiting on Daddy to come home, Kindermusik, swinging at the park, pop-up toys, peek-a-boo, bath time, books, Bailey, Chloe, Dylan, petting the animals, putting everything he can find in his mouth, entertaining us and our friends and family members.

Dislikes: Sitting still, diaper and clothing changes, not having anything to chew on.

Clothing sizes: Still 9-12 months.

Diaper size: Holding at 3. I think we are closing in on 4, though!

Sleep pattern: 7:00 pm-7:00 am

Food: Formula, fruits, veggies, grains and teething biscuits :). He is now eating baby food for lunch in place of a bottle!

Teething Biscuits

Much to the liking of Branner and Bailey, I have introduced teething biscuits to try to combat some of the teething fussies. I am using the Earth's Best wheat variety, and they are a hit with both the boys. Branner loves gnawing away on the biscuits, then offering them to Bailey when he becomes bored with gumming them. By the way Bailey then gobbles them up, you'd think they taste like filet mignon. I think we're going to have an obese dog when Branner starts eating solid food...

Kindermusik!

Excited for Kindermusik!

Today was a big day for Branner! He went to his first session of Kindermusik this morning and really enjoyed himself. We sang songs, played with instruments and danced around with the other boys and one girl in our class. Branner was very interested in the guitar our instructor, Miss Betsy, played. Maybe he will play one day! We can't wait to go back next week!

So. Stinking. Excited.

Barry just ordered part of my anniversary present (we have been married four years this Wednesday), and I am so excited about it, I can't stand it! I am sharing the information because I know a lot of you who follow my blog are fellow mommies, and this is the best gift for a mommy ever! It is the Little Love Charmer Plus charm and a necklace from Tina Steinberg. Her website is: www.shop.tinasteinberg.com. Check her jewelry out, it is so amazing! My charm will be Branner's thumbprint on one side and his name on the other. I can't wait to get my fingerprint kit in the mail!

Raleighwood

Watching football with Uncle J. He wants me to play for State one day!

Best. Nieces. Ever.

I love Aunt Kiki!

Playing with the girls outside.

We really don't sit still for long around here. Maybe that's where Branner gets it from... We are just in from spending the night in Cary and visiting Jason, Kendra, Devyn and Courtney. We also spent our first night EVER away from Branner. He spent the night at Jason and Kendra's and while we opted for a hotel room. He was in very capable hands and had a great time at his first sleepover! His cousins played with him, walked him, fed him, changed him and just loved on him in general. He even decided to sleep through the night (9:45pm-7:00am), which has become a trend the past few days. I sure hope it sticks (again)! Last night, all the adults went out for a yummy dinner and a few drinks at The Oxford downtown. If you live in Raleigh or visit the area, I highly recommend this restaurant. It has a great atmosphere and the food is amazing! We also went to see Demetri Martin, whose show was HILARIOUS. It was an awesome night and so nice to sleep in this morning. We all went to church this morning. Barry and Branner went with Jason and Kendra, while I went to Brittany's church for the baptism of Brock. It was a wonderful service and so great to see my best friend and her adorable family! Love to the Laxtons! Thanks to Jason, Kendra and the girls for everything. We love you guys!!!

Labor Day Weekend

With all of the traveling we've been doing and trips we have coming up, we decided to cancel our Holden Beach plans last weekend in favor of a weekend at home. We started the weekend off with a low-key night at home on Friday night. We took a trip to shop around for a few things Saturday morning. Barry worked in the yard that afternoon while Branner and I took long naps. We took Branner to our favorite burger joint, Big Daddy's that evening and all had a great time! Branner enjoyed flirting with the waitresses and Barry and I enjoyed our delicious burgers. We topped the night off with a stop at Yoforia for me on the way home. It was pretty much the perfect day! On Sunday, we went out to our favorite breakfast spot, Eddie's Place. It used to be a Sunday tradition to do breakfast out for Barry and I, and I think we should start going again with Branner. After relaxing around the house, I finally got off my butt late Sunday afternoon and went to the Y for some cardio and a yoga class. We spent Sunday evening at home enjoying a yummy homemade steak dinner, some fabulous wine and funny movies. Barry and I both hit the gym Monday morning, had a great lunch at home and got a few things done around the house. We wrapped up just in time to get some quality playtime in with Branner and have some friends over for dinner. I love long family weekends!

We'll Miss You, Papaw

After struggling with Parkinson's Disease for several years, my grandfather passed away early Monday morning. He was a fun, kind, hard-working, golf-loving man who loved God and his family deeply. I take comfort in knowing he is in a much better place now; not trapped in the prison his body had become over the past few years. I only wish Branner had been able to know him and spend time with him. I am grateful Branner at least got to meet him. Papaw will be missed, but never forgotten!

AM Mayhem

Unlike mommy, Branner is quite the morning person. He likes to enjoy his cereal and relax, then play until time for his morning nap.

New Camera

After 7 months of not-so-great picture taking due to a camera that just couldn't capture Branner fast enough, we bought a new camera! I love it! If you have children, a higher-grade camera is a "must". Expect to see an obnoxious amount of pictures on here in the future. I am snapping more pictures than I know what to do with these days. The next step will be enrolling in a class so I can learn the inner workings of the Rebel. I am currently winging it and would really love to know how to operate it correctly!

Pauly D

Branner channeling Pauly D from Jersey Shore. Priceless!