Favorite Photo Friday #24

Isn't my son so smart. He wrote that all by himself. J/K

22 months

Bryson turns 22 months today. Where does time go? Shane's family has a timeshare on the east coast of Florida and every year we go down there with them for the weekend. We were very excited to finally be able to bring "our" child along with us. The 3 hour trip there was pretty exhausting since he cried at least 2 1/2 hours of the 3. We had a wonderful time with his mom, aunt and grandmother. We were so fortunate that the weather held out for us and Faye was no where near. We took lots of walks, played in the pool and on the playground. On Sunday afternoon, we discovered a splash park about a mile from the condo. We decided that we would bring him there Monday morning to wear him out for the ride home. It worked and he slept most of the way. Shane and I have not been to dinner alone since we brought Bryson home, so on Sunday night, they all babysat Bryson while we went across the street to dinner. The restaurant was right on the water and it was a nice, much needed dinner alone. Of course, I was excited to get back and see my baby once we were done.

Just because...

Favorite Photo Friday #23

Bryson being goofy at the park

Halloween theme or not?

Bryson's 2nd birthday is just a few days before Halloween, October 27th. I have been so excited to start planning it and now that my mom's party is over, it's time to start. Since his birthday is around Halloween time, I can't decide on whether or not to do a Halloween theme. Obviously if I did do this theme, I would want it more kid friendly and not so scary. I could have the kids wear their costumes, though we live in Florida and it is likely to be pretty hot the day of his party. Here are a few cute Halloween themes I have found:

Or there is this monkey theme:

Or a monster theme:

I have decided to stay away from any characters or cartoons because Bryson doesn't have any interest in the TV which means he would have no clue who they were. Which theme do you like? Or do you have any other suggestions?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Yesterday was my mom's 50th birthday. Yes, she is still young and looks amazing. My mom is one of my best friends and we don't go a day without talking (some days we talk several times). She has been an amazing support system through every stage of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better mother and I hope to be the same type of mother to Bryson. She is amazing with Bryson and anyone that treats him that good, has a plus in my book. The Sunday before last (the 10th) I threw her a surprise 50th birthday plus I added my parent's 25th wedding anniversary (which is the 20th). It was very hard to hide something like that from my mom, but for the most part we succeeded. The morning of the party she started suspecting something, but the party still turned out great. Here are a few pictures of Bryson at the party:

Stuffing his face with sweets

Hula-hooping

My parents are in Washington DC right now. Lucky for them, they got to celebrate her birthday there and will be flying home on their anniversary. My sister is staying with us while they are gone and school started back today. It's her first day of high school and she was so nervous. Where did my baby sister go?

I forgot to mention that two weeks ago Bryson started a new daycare. I wasn't crazy about a few things at his old daycare and had started looking at new daycares. The week we went to Savannah, we had decided on a daycare and planned to register him there once we got back from our trip. While in Savannah, his current daycare called and say that they will no longer be offering daycare to the children ages 3 and under. Needless to say, once we got back, I registered him at the new daycare and he started there on 8/4. On his first day there, we walked in the building and he walked into his class without looking back. That is a huge difference from the other place where he cried EVERY day that I dropped him off and his mood was not good most of the day there. When I picked him up, the teacher said he had such a good day and didn't cry once. That was such a huge relief for me and meant that changing daycares was the right thing to do.

Favorite Photo Friday #22 (late)

Bryson & mommy feeding birds at the zoo

Favorite Photo Friday #21

In lieu of my normal favorite photo Friday, I am doing a picture comparison since today is our 6 month Gotcha Day.

1st trip

2nd trip

6 months Gotcha Day

6 months Gotcha Day

Bryson,

Six months ago today, you were placed into our arms. I can't believe it has been six months already, but in the same sense, I can't believe it's only been six months. There was a time when we weren't sure if we would ever have the chance to be parents. Now I look at you and I realize how lucky we were. The wait for you was hard, but it made us want and appreciate you more. I can't begin to describe the amount of joy you have brought into our lives. Before you came along, we would often talk about all the things we wanted to do with you and the places we wanted to take you, except now we actually get to do those things. The memories we have created together over the last six months are ones I will cherish forever. Your smile lights up the room and your hugs melt my heart. As I sit and look at pictures from our trips, the change in you is amazing. I almost don't recognize the baby boy in those pictures anymore.

You love sweets, being outside, water, books, blocks, your kitties, riding in your wagon/car/bike, throwing everything in the garbage (and I do mean everything), putting toys away than dumping them back out, waking your daddy up on the weekends. I love seeing your smile first thing in the morning, laying you to bed at night, the look on your face when I pick you up from daycare, the way you move my arms out of the way so you can crawl into my lap, when you pat my back while giving me a hug, your kisses, your million funny faces, the way you look for me in a crowded room. It's been amazing to see you grow, develop and change right in front of our eyes. You're the most amazing and special little boy. We feel so blessed to be your parents.

Love always,
Mommy

Favorite Photo Friday #20

Bryson in his monkey tent