Memories…

I’m feeling very nostalgic at the moment. It’s a time of great change for the Jewell family on many levels. This week is my last at IGT and, even more importantly, Brayden turns one. This post reveals unknown details or unseen moments from the past year.

Standing tall

Brayden is officially standing. He stood for five seconds on Friday and has been improving ever since. There is nothing in this world like watching your sweet baby release your hand and stand on his own two feet without needing your support. That moment was a precursor of so many things to come.

No cheesy puff uncrunched

In this episode of The Adventures of A & B, Avery and Brayden find nirvana in a tub of baby snacks.

Tiny bubbles

Brayden learned how to blow bubbles into his food while I feed him. Oh joy. And conveniently, he discovered this neat new trick while eating bright orange mangos. This picture from the momentous occasion teeters somewhere between absolutely hilarious and totally bizarre.

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.