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!

Daddy's Boy

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

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!

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!

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!