Merry Christmas from the Ragans

Home Sweet Sweet Sweet Home

We had a wonderful time in Charleston.

What a romantic city.

The history, the sights, the stories...the SHOPPING! It was all amazing!

It was great to see and spend quality time with family...

We even met relatives from Canada Bryant hasn't seen since he was a baby.

We played on the beach, collected shells, and let Brooks put his toes in the surf.

And, we ate...boy did we eat. I have a love hate relationship with southern food. It truly is incredible. I could easily become a glutton if I lived down south. It would take a lot of discipline not to. We had the best bbq, collards, grits, oh the grits, and seafood I have ever had...and I am from Seattle! We only had one meal I would describe as "average," and the rest were very memorable.

It was all fantastic...until I got on my scale this morning. Dun dun dun... I have a little work to do, but it was worth it. Every rib that grazed my lips, every spoonful of stone ground grits, every helping of collards...worth every single one!

Brooks was an amazing traveller! He slept on every flight to and from Charleston, he smiled at everyone he met, and was an all around good boy, despite breaking a second tooth and a horrible bout with diaper rash, he was all smiles and laughter.

I love him. I love my husband. I have the best travel team.

My favorite morning by far started around 6:30 with Brooks up and ready to play. He was flopping between Bryant and I giving us the "peoples elbow" and pulling our hair to get us out of bed. It worked. We got up in time to grab some blankets and coffee and head up to the rooftop deck and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic ocean, huddled together as a family, and we followed that with family devotions and reading up on the Christmas story in Luke and Isaiah, and completed it all with a walk on the beach.

I have so many more stories...and a lot of pictures. Once I get caught up on the laundry (three cheers for my new washer and dryer!!!) and get my house back into some order, I will spend more time posting.

Until then...Happy New Year, Friends. May your cup overflow with blessings in 2010.

XOXO,

B and the boys

Merry Christmas

I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off (an expression my grandmother, who often butchered chickens used to say all of the time, and l think is pretty funny).

After today, I am officially done with my desk job. No more 8:30-5:30 m-f for me. My replacement is trained and ready to go, and I am packed and ready to fly out to Charleston, South Carolina to spend Christmas with Bryant's family.

I may be able to share some updates, but if not, have a very Merry Christmas, and remember, Jesus is truly the reason for the season...

I will be updating Twitter and Facebook... Follow me @rebeccajragan

All my best to you and yours.

XOXO,

Becs and the boys

Today Something Happened That has NEVER Happened Before!

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

I WON!

Have you ever seen an ad in the paper that said text "THIS" to XXXXXXX for your chance to win "THIS?"

Maybe not because it is pretty new marketing.

But, I saw it in an ad for the Aspen Club and Spa, where Bryant and I both used to be members before we were married with children and could use our money in irresponsible ways.

It is a nice place.

In fact, my OB office is in the Aspen Club, so I still got to go in and see my friends who work there or are fortunate enough to have a membership.

But, once my preggo visits were over, so were my visits to the Club.

Until today.

I got a text message announcing ME as the WINNER of a 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP!!!

WHOO HOOO!!! I am clicking my heals over this one! I have signed up for probably 150+ contests in my lifetime, and have never won one...until today...that I can remember.

I WIN! I WIN! I WIN!

Yessssssssssssssssssssssss! (with a major first grade fist pump!)

XOXO,

B

PS, if there is a Lance Armstrong and/or Alex Rodriguez sighting, I will definitely tell you.

I love this little boy...

The Great Blogosphere

You know what I love about blogging?

I love reading blogs of old friends because I feel like we picked up where we left off so many years ago. Some are still in Washington, but some like me have relocated to another part of the country, but I still get to catch up with them on a regular basis.

But one of my favorite things about participating in the great blogosphere are the women I get to "visit" with every day. Mind you, I have never met them in person, but I have gotten to know them, or at least what they want to share about themselves through their online journals.

I get to peak into their fun adventures of motherhood, life and home businesses. These women are courageous...talented...creative...successful...wonderful women.

My favorite part of reading blogs is how the Lord has used so many women to speak to others, including me. There are some amazing Christian women out there offering insight into their walks and relationship with the Lord.

I love stumbling onto a new blog and reading through a few posts to find out the author loves the Lord....it makes me smile, and I am usually humbled by their posts, because without a doubt, there is a snippet of something in there I can tuck away and chew on for a bit.

Oh and not to mention the incredible talent these women have...Wow, the ideas!

PS, Jeanne at Bushel and a Peck has an Etsy shop that I have ordered from a couple of times! Love her work, and when you receive one of her handmade creations, it comes wrapped like an amazing present, which would make anyone smile.

Here are a few of my favs...(there are many more, some are also posted to the right, but I don't want to overwhelm you)...

A Bushel and a Peck

Whatever

Humble Pie

Farm Girl Paints

Take a peak, and prepare yourself to be encouraged!

Coffee+Cops

I hail from a small rural town outside of Seattle.

Coffee is in my veins.

I love coffee.

It reminds me of my old home, the area I grew up...

I started working in coffee shops the summer before I turned 15.

My boyfriend's mom owned the coffee shop. It was so adorable and so is she.

Manitou Perk. She got the name from the coffee shop on 'Friends.' Her name is Nan. What a great woman.

Eventually I had to stop working there because of sports, school and a fizzled relationship. But, I will never forget that job, or the Tacoma police officers that sat at our counter every day for lunch. They were great, great men and women. In fact, when I got in my first car accident, several of them were the first to respond and it was nice to see a familiar face.

I started this post because I had a cup of coffee in my hand and it reminded me why I loved working in coffee shops through high school and college, but as I wrote the last paragraph, I reflected on those men and women who came in every day to eat and do their paperwork. We all felt a little safer with them at the counter...

And then I thought about the workers and patrons at Forza in Lakewood (just south of Tacoma) last Sunday. They probably felt a little safer with the police officers sitting at their favorite coffee shop.

My dad was a police officer for the city of Kent for nearly 30 years. He retired almost 9 years ago. My biggest brother Tait is a deputy sheriff for the largest county in the State of Washington. My dad's best friend is the chief of police in a small town in Eastern Washington. My sister in law's brother, Todd is an officer for Tacoma.

My dad went to work everyday... or night if he was working grave, and sometimes he was called to work on holidays or in the middle of the night, and most of the time (early on) he left in uniform. I didn't consider or maybe I didn't understand the risk he took as he walked out the front door everyday. It never crossed my mind that he might be enjoying a cup at Starbucks or Dunkin Doughnuts and be the target of someones hatred.

I am so thankful for my dad and his sacrifice and for my big brother, Tait and his call to serve, and I am so thankful that the Lord has protected them from serious injury and loss.

My heart is breaking and aching for the families who lost their parent's last Sunday, a day that probably started like any other day when their mom or dad left in uniform. A hug and a kiss, and an "I'll see you tonight." It hit so close to home.

So, here is a small but hopefully heard "thank you" to the men and women in uniform, and their families who truly risk their lives for our safety.

Bedroom Update

The walls in our bedroom are still bare, but the color is oh so beautiful. It turned out a little more green then blue, but I am ok with that, and it probably wouldn't matter if I wasn't because I don't think I could convince Bryant to help me repaint.

The frames arrived last night, but I am still waiting on the art. I really hope things come together as good in the room as it looks in my head. I ordered a large white silhouette of a chandelier for above the bed from an Etsy shop. It looks gorgeous online...I have high hopes.

Stay tuned for the results...

Christmas Conviction

It all started for us last year.

Bryant and I were convicted about the number of gifts and "things" we were buying for each other and those in our families. It isn't easy in our society to stay out of the heavy wake of Christmas gift giving...

...to your family, to your friends, to your neighbors, to your colleagues, to your kid's friends, their teachers...

We were challenged to do something different.

I am going to be frank with you, my love language is gift giving. I love watching a friend open a present that I know will make them smile, or better yet tear up. The better the reaction, the more my heart swells (I am a sucker for buying custom handmade gifts on Etsy). But, is that what it is all about? It certainly isn't what Christmas is all about.

Last year Bryant and I decided to approach gift giving within our immediate family differently. We bought everyone a little something to touch and feel, use, enjoy or wear...and we spent the rest of their gift money on gifts for others in need.

My dad, brother, nephew Tait and Bryant's immediate family all contributed toward buying bikes for doctors in Zambia so they can get to their patients.

My mom and Amy Jo provided training for five midwives in Peru.

My nieces all bought dolls for girls in Afghanistan.

My oldest brother's family donated to March of Dimes.

We had so much fun hand selecting these gifts to/from each person.

We tried to pick things they could directly identify with.

In the past several months Bryant was challenged by some men in our church to read the book "The Hole in Our Gospel," authored by Richard Stearns, CEO of Worldvision (my copy is in my nightstand...I really need to read it) It moved him in ways he could not ignore. We knew we had to do more, and we are praying about what that will ultimately look like.

Fast forward to today.

I follow a few blogs of women I have never met, but who inspire me through their stories and walks with the Lord. I read Meg's blog today, and was so moved by the passion in her post. She lead me to a movement started by six women who met in the blogosphere, and are now working together to change lives...

...To provide WATER...

Project 320 is an amazing cause.

So, not to spoil any surprises...but if you are on our list this year, you might be getting and giving the gift of water...

A well to a village in Africa where mother's would otherwise walk MILES to provide a small amount of clean water for their families...

Lord, please bless those women today.

4500 children die in the world each day due to contaminated water.

I challenge you to think about the gifts you are buying this Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I will be buying Bryant that certain "thing" he has been asking about for months, and I have things picked out for most of the people on our list, but in addition to the material gifts, they will also be giving the gifts to those in need.

If you are interested in reading about Project 320, and their cause. Click on the link, or the icon on the right.

Merry Christmas, Friends.

What have I been doing?

We have had a crazy couple of weeks. Nothing too out of the ordinary, just plumb busy.

We hired my replacement at work, so I am working on a training schedule and I am creating a "how to" file for her. It is kind of weird, but relieving at the same time. I will really miss working in the office with my girls, but the opportunity to be with Brooks full time far outweighs any hesitation I have about leaving.

This weekend I conned Bryant in to painting our master bedroom "robin egg!" He was hesitant for a couple reasons, one being that he typically doesn't like anything in the blue family and two, convincing a contractor to work on his own house on a weekend is nearly impossible. But, due to a fluke trip to Grand Junction for what turned out to be absolutely nothing, he owed me a little quality time! Yes, I win!!! I love the way the color turned out, and I can't wait to see it all put together. I have ordered some frames and a piece of art for the walls. I am hoping our bedroom will finally feel complete...

Stay tuned! Once it is all put together and I get things on the walls (give me about a week), I will post pictures.

In the mean time, I am gearing up for a couple days off this week. Trev and Amy took the kids to Washington to spend Thanksgiving with her family, so we are on our own. We might have dinner out, which would be a first for me, but it will be nice to not have a single cranberry stained dish in my sink...:)

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

All the best,

The B's

Life Changes...The News!

Crazy. Stressful. Busy. Moving.

That is how it has been since we had Brooks in April. Actually, since I went back to work full time six weeks after bringing him home.

Adjusting to motherhood, the shuffle of baby stuff, transitioning into childcare three days a week (THANK YOU, AMY JO!), and trying (often failing) to keep our personal life semi organized and tidy (Ugh), keeping Gary (my boss) happy and really organized, and let's not forget about my amazing, supportive, tremendous (HOT) husband... it has all piled high.

We have been praying. We have had people praying for us, and we really felt like we needed to make a change so we didn't wake up one day with our kids in college and wonder where the last 18 years went.

So, we stepped out in faith and I made a proposal to the VP of our company, and she was supportive, despite the state of the economy. So after a lot of thought and stress and sleepless nights, I had a conversation with Gary...

The News!

I will be transitioning into a position that is 100% from home. I will be implementing the company's strategic marketing plan. By the first of the year, I will be able to be at home with Brooks full time. I get to hear him laugh and see him smile all day long. I get to put him in his own crib for naps and do dishes and vacuum the dog hair without sacrificing my precious momma time with him.

I can't wait! I feel like the weight of Grand Coulee Dam has been lifted off my shoulders.

I praise you, Lord for hearing my cries.

You know the desires of my heart.

Love,

B

The Heart of a Doula

When either Amy Jo or I mention the word "doula" to an expecting parent, more often than not, we are met with a sideways stare and the question, "what on earth is a doula?" There are so many ways to describe her role, and they are almost all correct.

I like the two word summary, "birth coach," but in reality my role as a doula is so much more.

Having a doula isn't always about a non-medicated birth, but more about educating women on the options they have for their baby's delivery, providing hands-on support of their birth plan, and having a non hospital staffer present throughout their birth experience to assist and encourage.

I have taken some time away from doula work for a few reasons, but the main one being that I have a good paying, full time, non-flexible office job, and I can't get away for mid week deliveries...

But, I love being in the delivery room with laboring parents. Every time I step through the door I feel humbled and honored to be invited to assist in one of the most intimate life experiences each couple may ever have. I loved the birth experience, even before I had experienced it for myself.

And then I delivered Brooks...without a drop of drugs. I could not and would not have done it without my incredible team. Bryant and our doula, Amy Jo were irreplaceable. As with nearly all deliveries, there came a point when I looked up at them with exhaustion in my eyes and begged for pain medicine, but they believed in me. They knew our birth plan, and most of all, they knew I could do it...and they were right.

Amy Jo, who has been a doula for nearly 13 years has been encouraging me to get back into the delivery room, and my midwife has asked me several times when I will start practicing again, but in truth I needed some time to heal. I was not physically or emotionally wounded from my birth experience, but I needed time to process it, to understand it better.

Last night I had the opportunity to assist in a close friend's delivery. I was a little nervous before going in because I was afraid I would have forgotten all of my techniques, and this was the first time I had been back in a delivery room since Brooks' delivery over six months ago.

However, as I stepped through the door, and watched an incredible woman through her first contraction, it came pouring back, but with a greater enthusiasm and knowledge. I had been in her position. I knew what the "wave" of a contraction felt like, I knew how to relax and let the contraction work with your body. I knew what it meant to take a cleansing breath and let each contraction go. I was able to coach her through it all, and I loved every second of it.

As soon as I got into my car to leave the hospital I called Amy Jo to debrief. She almost immediately asked me if I am ready to get back into it and work with her...and without hesitation, I knew that I was.

Six Months Old!

6 month photos by Aunty Amy Jo of Lotta Love Photo

I have read it on so many "mommy" blogs.

...Time flies...

I didn't necessarily believe it until I woke up on October 21st...

and realized that Brooks is six months old.

Half a year.

Soon he will be a year.

And then, he will be heading off to play baseball in college (Go Cougs!).

Ok, I got a little ahead of myself there, but that is what it feels like.

The other day, I snuck over to Paradise bakery for a yummy treat,

and I saw two moms walking with their late teenage boys. One of the boys reached over and gave his momma a playful noogy. I laughed to myself.

It made me fast forward to Amy Jo and I walking around with Tait and Brooks.

Stand still, time! I demand it!

Ok, enough of that.

Brooks is 6 months old...

At his appointment yesterday, we learned that his head is 90th percentile (that explains 12 hours of labor...and 3 HOURS of pushing), he is 80th percentile for length, and 60th percentile for weight... right on schedule in his development

...and quite a little stud, if you ask his totally unbiased momma...

I don't exaggerate when I tell you, he is one of the happiest babies I have ever been around.

He cracks up when we play peak a boo, he smiles constantly, and he loves loves loves nuggin' with his momma and daddio.

What a joy. Pure joy.

My cup runneth over.

~The B's~

An Update

After reading through my last two blogs, I realize they might come off a little negative...

So, just a brief clarification...

Yes, my house is a little messy, and there are still baskets of clean laundry to be folded and some dirty laundry that needs to be cleaned.

Yes, our sleep has been sporadic for the last 8ish months (including the tail end of pregnancy).

Yes, working full time in a high paced office can be slightly stressful.

But, bottom line, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love being a wife, I love being a momma, I love the support we have from our local family and our families in both Washington and North Carolina. We are truly blessed beyond measure.

Thank you, Lord.

I Hate...Hate...Nights

So, last night was a doozey...A major test of my mommy skills and patience. In fact, I hate nights. I fear nights. I need sleep. Lots of uninterrupted sleep.

On a good note, Brooks is on the verge of sleeping through the night.
No more feedings...but, probably close to 15 trips to his crib to put his bink back in his mouth.

I know, all you mommy experts out there are judging my skills right now because after all, according to every book he should have been sleeping through the night months ago.

You're right. But, when you have to bring your infant to the office 50+ hours a week, it is essential he sleep as long and hard during the day as possible, therefore, his night sleep schedule has totally suffered. At least he is not sleeping in our bed any more... baby steps here, people. Literally.

Back to last night. Bryant has a horrible chest cold, so he went to bed around 8:30.
In order to be proactive and try to get in some quality sleep, I went to bed at 9:30.

The baby started his binky war around 11:30.
By 12:30, he finally fell asleep for good.

As I shuffled back to bed, I heard the dog meandering around downstairs, but figured she was up because I was up.

Wrong. I woke around 12:45 to the awful smell of dog diet gone wrong.

My stairs were the blast zone for the bombs.

I was up until about 1:30 scrubbing the carpet.

As I went back to bed, I realized I was too wound up to sleep, so I watched Private Practice on my Iphone...and started into Grey's...and finally...finally...dozed to sleep sometime between 2:30-3:00.

At 5:45 the babes woke up crying, ready for his breakfast.

I went to show a house at 8:30, and stopped back by our house on my way to the office to feed Brooks again. As I sat on the couch, I noticed another pile of goods left from the dog.

The first tear fell.

My conclusion: I need a solid, full, long, day at the spa...or a two week vacation to somewhere warm...and sunny, with a nanny and a full staff of people to take care of me.

Probably not going to happen. But, a girl can dream.

Catch 22...

(I had to use this picture again, even though it has no relevance to my blog...cause I think he is super delicious)

So, my house is a mess...

.a.mess.

I have (clean & dirty) laundry piles about knee high in random places upstairs, and stacks of papers/invoices in the "to file pile" 6 months old.

We can't find clean socks for the baby...

Bryant can't find his truck keys.

Disorganized chaos.

In my former non-parent life, this never would have happened.

But, I have found that when I have a chance to spend time with my guys, whether it be an evening or weekend...

.I.don't.want.to.clean.

Does anyone else have this problem?

It is starting to effect all aspects of our mornings...and evenings.

I guess I just need to bite the bullet and get it done...but after a long day in the office without my guys, I would rather play peek a boo, and tickle bug fights...

Martha Stewart, you suck.

And that's all I have to say about that...

I just found this tool in Picassa that allows me to share our pictures from this weekend...

...Kind of fun...

Family Weekend

This weekend we spent a lot of time together as a family. Saturday we took Brooks swimming at the Snowmass Rec center. After about an hour of bobbing around the pool, we grabbed our hiking gear and met the Everett's at the Capital Peak trail head and attempted to hike, but got weathered out...according to Khloe, the wind was "Rahring" like crazy and almost blew us off the mountain. (this is what she told a group of hikers as they finished up their hike).

We drove to the end of the road and found an incredible view of the mountains we see every day, but from much further away. To view pictures use the link in the list on the right.

Sunday was church, a quick trip to Glenwood to look at cars (minus the salesmen), and then dinner with friends we haven't seen in months.

Tonight we have our family photo session...at an undisclosed but super cool location. I am praying the weather holds out, and that we are photogenic...

Happy Canning

I got a call from a friend at church.

He told me I could order boxes of organic apples from Paonia (a small farming town in a nearby valley) for $15/box.

Being an apple fan from Washington, I jumped at the opportunity...and took it upon myself to order a box for Amy Jo, too.

One of my favorite past times with my Grandma McClure is canning fresh produce in her kitchen. Amy Jo and I thought this would be a great chance for us to make fun memories with her girls.

Karsyn and Kyla were awesome helpers, and Khloe and Tait joined in occasionally to help with an apple or two.

In total we canned 22 quarts of apple pie filling, 2 trays of baby food, made 2 fresh pies for the return of our happy hunters, and ate several apples with the kids along the way.

Being new to canning, it took us until 1:30am on Saturday and a few hours on Sunday to finish our task. We are hoping it will be a faster process next year, now that we are experts.

Needless to say, we were a little rummy by the time we went to bed Saturday, and we didn't even drink any rum...although, maybe we should have.

The pies were a huge hit with the hunters, who unfortunately did not return home with (elk) antlers in the back of their truck...but we took them in and fed them anyway.

Good thing rifle season starts next week. :)

Helping Hands

Making the pies at 1:30am...a little rummy

The product of being barefoot (and not pregnant) in the kitchen for 12 hours
ahhhhhhh...we are finished!

Our New Favorite Thing...

Toe sucking!

Last night I was getting Brooks ready for his bath.

I turned around to throw his clothes in the hamper.

When I turned back to him, he not only had his toe in his mouth,

but you could hear him sucking.

I think he was starting to get hungry.

Maybe he can join the Peking Acrobats road show... or not.

I would miss him too much.

I love this outfit

It is officially fall in Aspen, and the cooler weather means we get to wear more fun outfits!

I love this one given to us by Aunt Amy Jo...

Which means we have every accessory...socks, blanket, onesie, pants, sweater and jumper...

Gotta love her Gymboree fetish!

There's Snow in Them There Hills!

The snow covered peaks above Snowmass that welcomed us this morning

...and I can't decide if I am excited or sad.

Maybe it is a good mix of both.

With a new baby at home, there is always anticipation of the next season, as it will surely bring changes and new adventures, but in the same breath, it is sad to close the chapter on another season gone by...

Summer, even though we didn't get to fully enjoy your sunshine and outdoor adventures this year, we will miss you...

Fall, you know I have always loved you, and I always will...

Winter, I am glad we don't get to meet you for a few more months (hopefully!). But we will enjoy your company while you are here...

To seasons of change in the weather and in our lives...

Becs & The Boys

We're Back!

The view from our lake house...incredible

Bryant wakeskating

Lake girls!

Lake Guys

My Guys

After an amazing time in Coeur D'Alene, we are back home and back to the office.

We had an incredible trip and visited with at least 40 family members and old and new friends.

The Lord blessed us with sunshine and warmth, and he even broke my phone for the weekend, so I wouldn't have to worry about work. What a blessing!

The house we rented was perfect. Beautiful. Large. And the owners are great people too. If you ever want to take a large group to the lake, I highly recommend this location. Easy to play, easy to town, easy for entertaining. http://www.vrbo.com/206984

All in all, our trip was a success. Bryant was able to ride his (borrowed) bike everyday, and I was able to spend much needed time with my favorites. The Vintage Barn Show was incredible! We all found amazing little treasures...now to convince my uncle Gary to bring them when he drives down next week...

For a peek at our photos, use the link to the right labeled 'Coeur D'Alene Vacation.'

XOXO,

Becs & the Boys

Idaho or Bust!

We are off to spend a long weekend with family and friends in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho! I am so excited to see everyone, spend time on lake, and attend the Vintage Barn Show on Saturday!

Until our safe return...

Becs & The Boys

In a land far, far away, there was a prince...

...And two years ago today, he married his princess...

...And they lived happily ever after...

The End.

My Guys

Yesterday, Bryant, Brooks and I headed to the Snowmass Rec to get in a workout before we went up to Ruedi to meet the Garaffa's.

Brooks is SO strong!

Glamping

Our bed for the night...complete with our pillows, blankets, and a down comfy...ahhhhhh

The Kids

Emily and Rocco

The Spread: Pork chops, fresh trout, grilled asparagus, and peppers. I'm telling you, we don't mess around!

Just before Brooks fell asleep...

We took a short overnight trip to visit the Garaffa's who were camping for the weekend up at Ruedi Reservoir.

We had many greats...great friends, great weather, great food, and a great bed. That's right. When the baby is in tow, we don't camp, we glamp.

We have an aerobed, sheets, and even our down comforter.

Gone are the days of the mummy sack and sleeping on a jacket as a pillow...at least for now.

XOXO

Becs & The Boys

Merry Cougsmas Eve!

My dear friend and fellow Cougar, Sam deemed today Cougsmas Eve as it is the day before the first Cougar football game of the season! We will be there in spirit, but my parents and so many friends will be making the trip to my old stomping grounds of Pullman, Washington to cheer on the Cougs as they take the field in Martin Stadium tomorrow.

Brooks is sporting one of his many Cougar outfits today in celebration...



So, from our house to yours...Go Cougs, and Merry Cougsmas Eve!



"And That's Another Cougar First Down!!!"



Becca

Christmas Card Spoiler...Just Kidding!

For some reason, I am lost for words...

I Forgot This One...

Yep, that is Bryant Sr. carrying Bryant Jr.

Personally, I am glad they have upgraded baby backpacks over the years,

as that doesn't look very comfy for the carrier or the carried

On a side note, I think that baby is super delicious.

Sorta like someone else I know really, really well.

Who's that baby???

Bryant and his sister Kellie Playing at the beach

Baby Bryant and his momma

Bryant's mom brought us some slides of him as a baby during her last visit.
I finally got them printed.
Who is that adorable little boy?
Reminds me of someone else I know!

The Joys of Parenting

Last night Bryant and I went to an event for Challenge Aspen at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.

We had a rough time finding a sitter, but finally nailed down a great gal, whom we both know very well. I am not going to share her name, because we want to use her again and again. But, this story, I have to tell. Maybe you can relate???

She has watched the Everett's in the past and we know her parent's really really well.

We were very confident in her skills...

Until she started walking away with Brooks.

As she wheeled him off, she was pushing our Graco stroller backward down the walking mall. (It is one of the frames that the car seat snaps right into...so she was using the carseat bar as the handle).

I thought to myself, 'she must be trying to get the stoller out of the way before she turns it around,' as it was a little crowded where we were sitting.

But I was wrong. She continued walking.

I laughed. Hard. Tears were rolling down my face.

Bryant asked if we should go and tell her, but I said, 'no, she'll figure it out.'

And sure enough, when we picked Brooks up, she was using the correct handle.

Oh the joys of parenthood.

Caught up...For now!

I have been absent from blog world lately...well, I have been reading all of my favorite blogs, but I haven't been posting my own. Today, I finally set aside some time to catch up as best I can for now. Scroll down to catch up on our latest adventures...

XOXO

Becs

Rice Cereal is for Big Boys!

Big boy in his new highchair
Although you can't see it, he is COVERED in cereal The aftermath...a smiling baby with a full tank

I almost forgot to mention that when we were at our 4 month well check, our ped gave us the green light to start Brooks on rice cereal! He LOVES it, and despite wearing 1/2 of it on his onesie after the feedings, he is really good with the spoon (even though he loathes anything plastic we try to give him, including a bottle and binky), and daddy is a natural at feeding him, too.