My First Christmas Tree

Well it was a really cold day here, right around 20. But Mom and Dad took me to the tree farm to cut down my first Christmas tree.




Now Mom and Dad are putting up the tree inside the house. It's got lights and things!

Meeting Emmaline

Today I met my cousin Emmaline today at my friend Caden's house in Norwalk. We had a super play date. Emmaline is a good babbler, and is working on skooching like me. We are envious of Caden's ability to crawl around so well. I heard Mommy and Daddy say that they were just fine with me not being able to crawl yet.....


She and Caden are still working on getting teeth. My third tooth poked through and a fourth is shortly behind.

Daddy uploaded some more videos to youtube. Check me out!

Braeden

My First Thanksgiving

Nana and Poppy came to visit for my first Thanksgiving. We also shared it with our friends Lyssa, Jason, and Caden. Lyssa and Mommy ran in the 71st Manchester Road Race with 9,000 other people. They enjoyed their turkey trot. Daddy cooked one turkey breast inside and one outside on the grill. He said he's hooked on the grill and will do that from now on. Uncle Jim would enjoy that for sure on his big grill. Too bad I couldn't eat any of it. Maybe next year.

Nana and Poppy gave me some early Christmas presents, since I'll be flying to North Carolina for Christmas with GranJan and Pops. I finally got my Osh Kosh engineer overalls, some cool toys and books, and a warm snuggly snow suit from L.L. Bean, Dad's favorite. Thanks, Nana & Poppy!

We heard that Uncle Drew and Erin are doing well in Nepal. I wonder how they celebrate Thanksgiving there. That's really far away. Glad to hear they're enjoying their trek.

Lately I've been continuing my development by rolling all around, starting to skooch across the floor, and have more dexterity in my hands (vocabulary is coming along, too).

Love to all and check me out on YouTube - link to the right,

Braeden - 7 Months tomorrow!

Hey, my poop smells like sh&#*(Y%#!

I overheard Dad saying something about installing an exhaust fan in my room... My poops are harder to push out these days. They are fragrant as well. Another milestone passed by.

I can also roll over with ease, both ways, and I scooched forward today, too. Mom and Dad will have to follow me around more soon.

I gave Mom a raspberry today with my slobbery tongue.

Looking forward to Thanksgiving, and remembering our veterans today.

Love, Braeden.

Around My 6 Month Birthday

Lots has been happening lately, the biggest milestone being my 1/2 birthday. It is hard to believe I am half way through my first year of life! Wow!! With being 6 months comes eating solids, sitting up by myself, rolling from my back to front, grabbing and holding things pretty well, napping twice a day instead of 3, sleeping longer at night, babbling more as I discover new sounds my mouth makes, etc.
This milestone coincided with some other major events in my life. The Red Sox won the World Series against the Colorado Rockies in a sweep. Go Sox!! Halloween was a treat. I was a green costume earlier in the week to the 2 moms' M&M, and I got to visit 3 friends' houses to show off my costume. I was able to wear my groups Mommy and I are a part of. Sweet deal. One more thing, Happy Birthday, Nana! (Oh yeah, the Patriots are 8-0!)

Feeding Fun

The world of "solid" food agrees with me very much! Well, I'm not exactly eating "solid" food as Mommy the science teacher says a solid is something that doesn't take the shape of its container. My food definitely takes the shape of my colorful bowls. Anyway, I started eating oatmeal about 2 weeks before my 6 month birthday. I did very well by not getting too much on my face and not spitting it out. I wanted to please Pops (my grandpa) whose favorite breakfast is oatmeal.
When I turned 6 months (October 25), Mommy decided peas should be my first vegetable. What a birthday meal!?! Actually, I liked them OK as Mommy made them from sweet frozen peas and not from a jar. Mommy and Daddy even gave me a tiny bite of the 1/2 chocolate cake they made. Get it, 1/2 a chocolate cake for my 1/2 birthday?? I think I'll take after my 2 grandma's and really like chocolate. Can't wait for my 1st birthday when I can have real bites!
My next veggie was squash, and I liked that, too. A little bit sweet and a great bright orange color. Mommy's going to give me pears next. Finally, the world of fruits. I bet I'll like them, too. A little aside, now that I'm eating solids I leave some treats for Mommy and Daddy in my diaper.

Colors and Cows of Vermont

I made my first trip to Vermont to stay at Bromley Mountain, a family tradition, the weekend of Oct 19-21. Mommy, Daddy, and I had a super time seeing the beautiful colors of leaves on the millions of trees up there. On Saturday morning we drove to nearby Weston to go to The Vermont Country Store where there are always treats and treasures to look at. Then we walked across the road; so, that Mommy and Daddy could taste some really old cheese. They really like that aged cheddar stuff. We made one last stop on the way home at a farm to pick up some cider. When we came out of the store, Mommy and Daddy brought me over to see the cows and horses. I never saw those animals in person before!! I stared alot and didn't say anything as I was amazed at how big they were and how they ate hay. Yuck, they should try oatmeal.
I took my second nap, and then we hiked up the mountain a little from the condo where we were staying. (Thanks, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Bob, and Justin for letting us enjoy "Bromley".) I had quite the view from the Kelty pack that Mommy carried me in on her back. I could see out in all directions in one comfy ride. Life is good! Again, I was pretty quiet because I was just so amazed at all the colorful trees, wide trails, and huge mountains in the distance.
On Sunday, Daddy took me outside the condo to play in the leaves. Since I can sit up now, I was able to sit and swish the leaves all around me to make crunchy noises. I didn't even try to eat the leaves!
I am definitely looking forward to going back there in the winter, summer, spring, or fall. It was very quiet and relaxing for all of us.

Bye-Bye, Uncle Drew and Erin

I got to hang out with my Uncle Drew and Erin one last time in New Jersey before they leave for Seattle and then on to Hawaii and beyond. I won't get to see them until next summer when they return from their trip around the world. By then, I will be running all around and talking. Remember to check out their blog through the link on mine. We went for a little hike with Nana, Poppy, Drew, and Erin, and I rode in the Kelty pack. However, I soon got hungry and was not having it. Mommy and Poppy walked quickly back toward the car, but I needed food faster than they could get back. Hence, I cried and got pretty loud. It was a beautiful day nonetheless, and we all enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air.

Last week was a pretty big week for me in milestones. I cut my first 2 teeth!!! They didn't really cause me much pain that my parents could detect. We both are thankful for that. I also stopped feeding during the night; that sort of just happened. I still wake up during the night (1-3) times, but I usually go back to sleep pretty quickly. Lastly, I am down to 2 naps a day. That makes planning a little easier for Mommy. Overall, I am good sleeper. (I'm a little playful in my crib as I often find myself calling for Mom because I got my legs and/or arms stuck between the rails. I just love doing crib gymnastics, though!

Mommy and Daddy have decided I should start solids a little sooner than the 6 months they intended to wait. I will start tomorrow. Here are some photos that show a little bit of my eagerness for solids!

Bon appetit!

Christening

     I was very fortunate last weekend to be baptized!!  Many of my family came to witness and celebrate this special occasion with me.  All my grandparents, my Uncle Jim (my godfather), Uncle Chet, Aunt Yaritza (my Christian witness), and Cousins Algi & Almy came to stay with us for the weekend.  I missed seeing my Aunt Liz and Baby Cousin Bridget, but it was too long of a trip for them.  I totally understand that as a 5 month old!!  There were many other family and friends who came on Sunday to be with us.  It was a beautiful ceremony, and I did not cry when they put the water on my head.  I am blessed to be one of the newest members of the St. Bridget Church community.

     

     Over the weekend I got lots of quality time with the grandparents and cousins.  Someone was always there to hold or play with me.  I even got to sit on Algi's and Almy's laps while they read to me.  Pops took me outside to feel the different plants.  I especially liked feeling the mum.  There was always so much going on with all the people at our house, but I still did great with my naps and bedtime.  It was so quiet when everyone left on Monday.

     Mom brought me to the mom's group at the hospital on Tuesday, and I weighed almost 17 1/2 pounds.  Maybe that's why it's so hard to roll over...  I roll over from belly to back in my crib when I scooch my bum under me while trying to fall asleep, but I forget how to do that when I am anywhere outside my crib.  Time to go; I've got more tricks to learn.

4 Months Old

I actually celebrated my 4 month birthday down in Williamsburg with my whole family. However, my 4 month doctor visit (9/5) was actually when I was 4 months and 2 weeks old, and my stats are 16 lbs.,5 oz.; 26 in. long; and healthy! I was a bigger boy taking my shots this time as I didn't even realize the first one went in, I cried a little for the second, and I wailed for only 15 seconds with the third. My legs remained sore for a day or so, and I was a little cranky the next day, but not too bad Mom and Dad say. My legs didn't hurt that much because that evening I discovered I could grab my feet with my hands and bring them to my mouth for a little suckling. You should see how flexible I am now.

I am borrowing a couple toys from my friend Luke, and I'm quite enjoying them. The play mat lets me pull toys from the arches or grab for toys/fixtures when on my belly. I'm trying to get the hang of the jumpster, but I like being in there to do pirouettes for now.

Williamsburg - My Biggest Road Trip

So it isn't as far as my Uncle Drew is travelling, but my trip to Williamsburg was the longest for me so far.  We went south to visit both my mom's and dad's families (Aug 21-28).  Stopping in Bear, Delaware for a night, I got to see my cousins Algi and Almy and my Tio (Uncle) Chet and Tia (Aunt) Yaritza.  I love when my tia says, "Hi, Baby!" with a huge smile.  It was a short stay, but always good to see my family.  We arrived in Williamsburg the next day where we stayed for several days.  I loved meeting my little cousin Bridget who is 6 weeks younger than me (2 1/2 months old).  She was very kind to let me play with and drool all over her toys.  I especially liked her play mat with toys dangling down for me to grab and try to put in my mouth.  Bridget was baptized on Aug. 26, and I was glad I could celebrate that with her and watch how it is done since I will be baptized soon.  

There were plenty of other people who I was glad to see: Nana & Poppy (who will be moving to Williamsburg), Uncle Jim & Aunt Liz (whose house we stayed at), Uncle Drew and Erin (who left for St. John this week and will travel around the world after that - check out their blog that I have linked to mine), GranJan & Pops (who came for the weekend from NC), and Terry (Bridget's other grandma).  With all those people we sure did have a good time, and I got to be held and played with LOTS!  The men (besides me) played golf one day while the moms cared for Bridget and me, and then the next day the mom's went kayaking while the dads watched Bridget and me. We were super both days.  

     They all seemed to eat very well each night and had lots of celebrating with Erin's birthday, Nana & Poppy's 40th anniv. (which was actually in June), and Bridget's christening.  My family sure knows how to have a good time.

     People were taking lots of pictures; so even though we

 wished we could have stayed, we have photos and memories to remember the reunion.  Well, maybe I won't remember.  We headed back to Delaware to break up the trip home, and that was a fine idea by me.  It is not that fun to sit in a car seat facing backward for 5 hours.  I do appreciate Mom trying to entertain and play with me while Dad does his best to avoid traffic.  Those 2+ hour snoozes aren't bad, though.  Overall, I thi

nk I was a good little traveller adjusting to sleeping in my pack-n-play, being in a different home with lots of people around, and being in the car for long periods. 

     I will see most of my family at my baptism in the middle of September; so, that made it a little easier to s

ay goodbye.  Can't wait to show them how big I am when I see them then. 

Nana's Visit

Nana (Mom's mom) came to visit this week and just left today. I am sad that she had to leave because we had a great time together. She watched me last night while Mom and Dad went out to dinner. I was a good grandson for her. I babbled a lot for her, giggled a little, and felt comfortable when she held me the whole time she was here. On Friday, Nana, Mom, and I went to Magic Wings and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art up in Massachusetts. Magic Wings is a butterfly sanctuary with butterflies from all over the world. It was amazing to see all the beautiful colors flying around us. I enjoyed watching them as I sat in the Kelty Kangaroo carrier on Mom. Then we went to see the bright and colorful artwork of Eric Carle. I wore my "Hungry Caterpillar" onesie just for the occasion. Of course, I had to poop in it part way through; so, I had to take it off. Anyway, Eric Carle illustrates and writes such appealing books both with his art and stories. Nana bought me the Hungry Caterpillar, and she read it to me last night for the first time. I think I'll like putting my fingers in the holes where the caterpillar ate once I have better hand-eye coordination. Overall, it was a great day out with Mom and Nana.

Some updates on my development...I slept for 8 straight hours last night! That was a first. I can find my thumb regularly and even use it to soothe myself sometimes when I need it. I still use my pacifier, but I hope to have my thumb do the trick once I can keep it in my mouth. I haven't rolled over since that one day, but I scooch my legs under my butt more now. Maybe I will roll again soon. Like I mentioned before, I talk a lot now, and I enjoy hearing my voice. I can grab things much better now and even reach out to grab things. I hold my body up better when in the sitting position and don't have my head falling down so much that drool cascades down. Oh, I still drool a lot; so, bibs are a common piece of my daily ensemble. We're off to a picnic today; so, I'll sign off. Bye bye.

I'm 3 Months Old!

Wowsers! Turning 3 months old this week brought with it lots of growth for me. Mommy and Daddy keep telling me what a great job I am doing. I giggled on Sunday for the first time, found my thumb on my own Monday, turned 3 months Wednesday, and rolled from my tummy to back three times Friday (today). I weigh 15 pounds and am about 25 inches tall. That puts me near the 90th percentile for boys my age. Uncle Drew, I'm catching up to you in height. I like to play in my exersaucer these days, too. It lets me stand a little instead of having to lie on my back or be seated all the time.

Nana is coming to see me this coming week, and I can't wait to see her. I'll show her all my new tricks. That will warm me up for when I get to see the whole family in Virginia in a few more weeks.

Mommy and Daddy are doing well. Daddy and his partner are leading their company's golf league. One more "regular season" match and then the playoffs. Mommy joined a group of other mommies who ride bikes, run, and swim together. She met up with them for the first time last night, and I stayed home with Daddy.

Life is good.

Return to Fenway - 1st Night Out Without...

Friday night was Kurt's return to Fenway after 25 years. The Sox needed a little boost and got it, winning 10-3 after an exciting game. Kurt's lower half made it on the SportsCenter highlight reel.

We dropped Braeden off in Worcester with cousins (Aunt) Laura and (Uncle) Tom. After some brief instructions we hit the road for Boston.

Kelly felt a little more tug during the evening than did Dad, but chalk it up to being in the best ballpark in the best city in the country. We left the game after the 7th and were back in Worcester by 11pm to find a soundly sleeping son and a note exclaiming what a super easy baby he was, taking two bottle feedings and being easily put to bed. (shoulda stayed for Lugo's grand slam in the eighth, but that's another story).

Laura cooked us an amazing breakfast (we recommend it to anyone) and we enjoyed our visit greatly. Our next night out will be even more enjoyable knowing Braeden will be just fine in the care of great family and friends.

New Jersey Trip

I went to New Jersey this weekend to meet some people my own age. I met Cole Fredriksen, Lexie Flamm, Spencer Brooking, and Morgan and Elli Pursel. This picture is of the girls from my Mom's neighborhood who would get on the bus together. They all have little people like me now.

It was good to see Nana and Poppy again, and feel their new carpet on my feet. Poppy is nice to sleep on...

While Morgan was sleeping, Elli found a Guinness bottle with a plastic widget inside (an Irish Rattle). That was fun to watch. We had a great time at the picnic and saw Jill and Joe open their shower presents. Joe was so excited to start using Cole's toys. And we saw Katie Pasini and Matt Miller open their engagement presents. It was a great weekend.

On the way home we stopped in Norwalk to see Caden Freyre and see his new condo. Very nice, with a view of the pool. We'll have to go back there! Caden's dad won a bike race today, too. That's great!

It's good to be home, and I look forward to my next adventure strapped into my car seat.

Great Grandpa

Well, I met my great Grandpa Johannessen yesterday down in Fairfield. He was SOOO happy to meet me and introduce my parents and I to Merna, his wife. We all had a grand time hanging out on beach front property on a beautiful summer evening for his brother's 80th birthday (my Great Great Uncle Hugh).

This was my first time dipping my toes in the chilly Atlantic.

I also got to meet Aunt Lisa, Uncle Bob, and Cousin Justin Hoak. Yeah, I have a boy cousin!

On the topic of sleeping, two nights ago I beat my record and slept 7 hours straight. Yahoo! (But again, last night, not so much.) I am strarting to move more in my crib and stick my legs through the slats. I think Mommy and Daddy should put the bumper in the crib before I get stuck.

2 Months Old

I turned 2 months old on Monday, June 25! That means I had to go to the doctor's the next day to get my first shots. They really hurt, and I cried the hardest I ever have. But I didn't cry for too long. Daddy held me tight and calmed me down. My doctor is still really nice even though he has to poke me with those needles. I weigh 13 pounds and am 24 inches tall. I forget how big my head is (pretty big), but I do know that I am in the 75th percentile for weight, height, and head circumference. That's why I'm already wearing my 3-6 months clothes.

I started noticing my feet this week, but I still cannot figure out how to move them on command. I'm working on that. I'm also working on my night time sleeping. I slept 6 hours straight on Wed. night, June 27. Of course, I didn't do that last night, but maybe soon. I only feed once each night even though I still wake up one or two other times. I'm trying to work on that, too; so, Mommy doesn't have to get up so much in the night.

Our friend, Kristen, came over yesterday to hang out with Mommy and me, and guess what? I pooped all over her shirt. That was a first for me. She said it was OK and will still come back.

Lots of new things now that I am 2 months old. I love being me!!!