A journey of a 100 posts begins with a single thought

How fitting is it that today, New Year’s Day 2012, is the 100th Jewell Family Blog post? With more than 6,000 page views since our inception, you’ve been there through all our moments. Today’s milestone post is a look back and ahead.

From a basic stats perspective, today Brayden is exactly 16 months old. He’s about 30 1/2 inches tall and weighs 22 pounds. Beyond that, it’s hard to say. Why? Well, his hair and eyes aren’t a color with a name. I don’t think it translates well through the pictures I post, but Brayden has the most interesting coloring I’ve ever seen, and I’m not just saying that because I’m his mom. People ask me all the time, “What color is hair/eyes?” Brayden’s hair is a mix of light honey and warm caramel with kiss of glossy auburn on top. And his eyes are an inner ring of green surrounded by a pool of blue. It’s a striking combination. I hope it never changes.

This picture from his one-year photo shoot in September kind of captures it:



Brayden is a spunky little livewire with an easy smile and friendly personality. He shakes his head “no”, knows 15+ words and recently discontinued eating red foods. He loves petting Avery, reading books and having laundry-folding dance parties with Mommy. He even knows how to turn on and unlock my iPhone. Seriously.

Brayden is at an age where he’s discovering his independence (which is a nice way of saying his compliance and defiance are trending in opposite directions). These pictures illustrate my point.

Exhibit A – This morning

Mommy: What are you doing?!? How did you even get on the couch? No climbing! Listen to Mommy!!!

Brayden: All I hear is “wah wah wah” like in the Peanuts cartoons.



Exhibit A – A year ago

A sweet baby that couldn’t move (or sit for that matter).



Exhibit B – This morning

Mommy: Hi, love bug! Can you wear this cute “Happy New Year!” headband so Mommy can take a picture?

Brayden: Take a picture of my sweet rear as I run away (on the couch I’m not supposed to be on)!



Exhibit B – A year ago

A baby that not only wore what Mommy asked but was happy about it! (granted he really had no idea what was going on in general at four months old but those are just details)



Exhibit C – New Year’s Eve

Mommy: You look so adorable in the bath!



Exhibit C – Last April when Brayden was seven months old

Mommy: You look so adorable in the bath! (OK, maybe some things haven’t changed)



Brian and I can’t wait to see how Brayden develops in 2012. He’s a loving, bright boy who makes every day special, and we couldn’t be luckier parents.

Here’s to a fun, safe and memorable 2012! Happy New Year!

P.S. I hope you like the blog's new design. A fresh new look for a fresh new year. :)