Here kitty, kitty…

There is an epic battle of skill and cunning being played out between Brayden and his fur brother, Avery. Brayden moves fast; Avery moves faster. Brayden stealthily hunts Avery; Avery can hear him a mile away. Brayden grows by the day; Avery jumps higher. This picture perfectly captures their duel…

Planes, trains and automobiles

This post is part flashback, part current day look at Brayden’s experiences with all modes of transportation. Besides the cuteness of the pictures, it’s neat to see how the little man has grown over the past several months.

In November 2010, we visited Grandpa Jewell in Sacramento when we bought the Acura MDX. While we were there, Dick (Brian’s dad) brought us to see his airplane so Brayden could play pilot at 5 months old.

Forgive me for skipping the order of the post’s title, but our next stop down memory lane is going to be automobiles (or in this case, trucks.) Brayden’s Grampa (my dad, Bob) has always wanted a classic car, and this year he found a great cherry red Ford 1950s truck to fulfill his dream. Here are some pictures of Brayden and Grampa from June (when Brayden was 9 months old) in the truck snapped by my Uncle Henry. I can’t wait for Brayden to be old enough to cruise around town with his Grampa!

That brings us to trains! Here are some pictures from today with Brayden’s new Alphabet Train. Yes, I realize this isn’t the train you were exactly expecting to see but I’m allowed some creative license with my own blog. Brayden is 10 1/2 months old and already doing such a good job standing and walking with help. And just look at that smile! It literally stops people in their tracks at the store. If I had a dollar for every compliment I got on Brayden’s cute face and smile, his college education would already be paid for!

Chomp and stomp - Brayden's first steps (with help) and first bite

Brayden has joined the ranks of the elderly. He can take a few steps with a walker! And he also experienced his first baby-on-baby assault this week. As in, he was bit. In the face. Then head-butted. Seriously.

Baby Jail

Brayden’s doing hard time in cellblock Jewell. What was his crime? Being the fastest baby this side of the Mississippi and developing an interest in getting into everything and being everywhere in the blink of an eye. Yup, today was the day we installed a gate.

Craziest. Month. Ever.

Aliens have taken my child and replaced him with a crazed, moving machine. It’s like Brayden woke up on June 1, and said, “Watch out world. Here I come.” And he meant it.

Little fish in a big pond

Our favorite little fish is in the big time now! On Saturday, the Brayden floated in grand style in our neighborhood’s pool.

Father’s Day Amazing Extravaganza!

This post has it all! Spectacular milestones, fun firsts, super sweet Father’s Day moments, a heart-wrenching injury and…an appearance by Mickey Mouse!

Thank you, sir! May I have another?

Well, that was quick! No sooner had Brayden's first tooth sprouted on Friday than a second one appeared on Monday. And, like promised, I have a picture...

This just in…literally!

Brayden’s first tooth is coming in! Most babies get their first tooth around 7 months, but Brayden took his sweet time and clocked in at over 9 months. And, considering our family’s shared teething experience so far, we’re happy it took so long!

Loch Ness Brayden

The elusive and mythical Brayden has finally been caught on camera demonstrating all his new skills.

Puff the Magic Sweet Potato

Brayden is officially a “multi-textured” man. Our baby boy has officially experienced the wonder that is puffs! For those of you unfamiliar with puffs, they’re small, airy rice flour snacks that melt in babies mouths and come in a wide variety of fruit and veggie flavors.

Movin’ and groovin’

To say Brayden moves around would be an understatement. He’s not crawling yet, but he’s mastered all the introductory methods of motion: rolling, pulling himself and leaning forward. And, as of May 28, he can officially…

The littlest branch on the Jewell family tree

May has been filled with family! Grandpa Jewell has visited twice, and Grandma Karen came to town as well. Grandma Karen’s visit was especially fun for her because she hasn’t seen Brayden since he was two weeks old.

Flash back: Brayden's baby pottery

This flash back post was meant to be published in late April, but Brayden's hospitalization usurped it.

There's nothing like seeing itty bitty hands and feet captured in clay. When babies turn into kids who grow up into adults, those little molds always stand as a reminder of where they started no matter how big they get.

Our first Mother’s Day

Our first Mother’s Day was a wonderfully fun three-day event. Friday was a special celebration at daycare with a lovely breakfast and presents from the babies, Saturday was a visit at Nana and Grampa’s (which included playing with their new puppy, Bella, one of Lacey’s daughters) and then lunch and shopping Nana and Sunday was a happy family day with Brian, Brayden and me.

Brayden and Brian gave me a fabulous spa certificate for some pampering, and we went to dinner that night all together. Brayden was on his very best baby behavior, and all the waiters and waitresses at BJ’s stopped to say he was the cutest baby they’d seen all day. We would tend to agree…

		Mother's Day Weekend 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL