They got us again

Portrait Innovations.....I don't know how they do it! We had Brady's 1 year photo's done today. Of course they did a great job, and of course we bought waaay too many pictures! But we had a family picture done this time too, so at least it's a little something extra! Brady's one year stats: Weight 25lbs and Height 30 inches. Healthy as can be! Enjoy the pics...tomorrow's the first day of school, so say your prayers for Mommy and Daddy!

Look at his hair! It's going over his collar! Almost time for a haircut!!!!

Brady didn't cooperate quite as well this time...he was on the move!
excuse me, did you know there's something on the floor?YEA for 1!!!
Look at this sweet face and those beautiful eyelashes! What a sweet baby boy with a boo boo on his head!
he looks like such a toddler in this picture
Brady was playing peek-a-boo with Jeff in this picture...just thought it was funny!again...peek-a-boo

the Brewer's!

The big day!

Are you guys tired of birthday posts yet?!?!? I told you guys I like to make a big deal out of birthdays...but this is the last one I promise! But how could I not post pictures of Brady on his big day?!?! Try not to focus on the rash that has consumed the little man's body. We have taken him to the doctor and have been assured it's nothing to worry about. And for all you moms who brought your children to Brady's birthday party and are freaking out a little bit...it's not contagious!! We're taking the birthday boy in for his one year check up tomorrow..so stay tuned this week for his "stats". Okay on to the fun stuff....the birthday review in pictures!

Good Morning birthday boy!! Jeff and I walked into Brady's room this morning singing happy birthday. He loved it and immediately started laughing! (so we did it again at nap time!)

birthday breakfast...homemade waffles and scrambled eggs (that he can have now that he's 1!)...served on the special birthday plate of course!Our first mid-morning snack as a 1 year old!
Birthday lunch...#1 chicken nuggets, peas, carrots, and cheese...YUM! (I'm not sure why this pic is sideways...sorry) Brady's birthday present...doesn't every 1 year old want their bathroom re-decorated for their birthday??

peek a boo monkey!

We spent the morning playing and hanging out at the house (mainly b/c it was raining)! After nap time, Aunt Julie, Uncle Matt, Jacob, and Hannah came down to help us celebrate. Aunt Julie's birthday was Wednesday, just three day's before Brady's so we had a joint birthday dinner! Happy Birthday Aunt Julie...thanks for coming down to celebrate with us!

The Birthday boy and aunt! Brady decided to let Aunt Julie use the special birthday plate for dinner! What a sweet boy!Cake Time! Forks are overrated guys! Hannah, are you done with your cake?

I'm going to need your plate

It was a GREAT first birthday! I'm sure Jeff and I enjoyed it more...but such a fun experience! I can't believe it's over....a first and a last! Today..his first full day as a 1 year old proved to be an exciting one as well. Little man decided to take his first real steps. Obviously once we catch it on video it will be a post in and of itself, but couldn't help but share another first!

A year ago TODAY....

Brady Scott Brewer entered the world! Our 7 lb 14 oz 21 inch preemie changed our lives forever!

(warning: This video is long....what did you expect?!?!?)

Brady,

From the moment your dad and I realized we would spend the rest of our lives together we began talking about and planning for you. We were both so ready to be parents and couldn't wait to meet the miracle God had in store for us. After much anticipation, and a very "exciting" pregnancy we finally met you and instantly fell in love.

Your contagious smile and dancing eyes make our hearts melt. You are such an amazing little person, and we are still in awe of how much you've grown and changed in the past year. From the first time we saw you smile, to the first time you found your toes. From the first time you nestled your little head on our neck to your first time to stand by yourself....we've cherished every moment.

You are becoming such a little man and it is so fun to watch as your personality begins to bud. You're so head strong and determined. You know what you want and let nothing stand in your way. You love to "talk" and when you do you're so animated. On our late afternoon walks you sit in your stroller, wave and say "hiiii" in your sweet little voice to every house on the block (that's right houses not people...we're working on it!). You are so very social. You love to watch and observe other people and love to have people watch you as you perform. You have the ability to make others (especially your mommy and daddy) smile when they see you. And your sweet dimpled grin helps to get us through the day, and to keep you out of much trouble!!

We love you so very much Brady Scott and are so honored and humbled that God chose us as your parents. We look forward to watching you continue to grow and learn what this world is all about, and we can't wait to hold your hand along the way. Little B we're so glad you became part of our lives...a year ago today!

Happy Birthday

Mommy and Daddy

Cheesy Mommy Moment

I knew all of my blog stalking would pay off! Tonight as I was perusing blog pages I came across this poem/excerpt out of a Karen Kingsbury book. With the big birthday 3 hours away it spoke (meaning I'm sitting here typing with red puffy eyes!) to me. What precious gifts we, as parents, have been given.......and what a great reminder of how precious and fleeting our moments here on earth are and how important it is to slow down and cherish every first and last. The dishes might not be done, and the bed might not be made - but time spent playing with and loving on our children will never be wasted!

(no this is not just my attempt to make an excuse for my dirty house! AND I warned you guys that the sappy "my baby's turning 1" posts were coming!!)

Let Me Hold You Longer

Long ago you came to me,

a miracle of firsts:

First smiles and teeth

and baby steps,

a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away

and leave to me your past,

And I will be left thinking of

a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time when I hold a bottle

to your baby lips.

The last time that I lifted you

and held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke up crying,

needing to be walked,

When last you crawled up with your blanket,

wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,

still small enough to hold.

The last time that you said you'd marry

me when you grew old.

Precious, simple moments and

bright flashes from your past-

Would I have held you longer if

I'd known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,

your final midday nap,

the last time when you wore your favorite

faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten,

those last days of first grade,

Your last at bat in Little League,

last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all

your yesterdays long passed.

So what about tomorrow-

will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog

in that old backyard pond.

The last time that you run barefoot

across our fresh-cut lawn.

Silly, scattered images

will represent your past.

I keep on taking pictures,

never quite sure of your lasts...

The last time that I comb your hair

or stop a pillow fight.

The last time that I pray with you

and tuck you in at night.

The last time when we cuddle

with a book, just me and you.

The last time you jump in our bed

and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson,

last vacation to the lake.

Your last few weeks of middle school

last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days

that haven't come to pass.

But as I do, I sometimes miss

today's sweet, precious lasts...

The last time that I help you with

a math or spelling test.

The last time when I shout that yes,

your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for

a ride from here to there.

The last time that you spend the night

with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster,

stealing precious days that pass.

I want to hold on longer-

want to recognize your lasts...

The last time that you need my help

with details of a dance.

The last time that you ask me for

advice about romance.

The last time that you talk to me

about your hopes and dreams.

The last time that you wear a jersey

for your high school team.

I've watched you grow and barely noticed

seasons as they pass.

If I could freeze the hands of time,

I'd hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning,

you'll be going far away.

College life will beckon

in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, one last good-bye,

one quick and hurried kiss.

One last time to understand

just how much you'll be missed.

I'll watch you leave and think how fast

our time together passed.

Let me hold on longer, God,
to every precious last.

Birthday Party Part 2!

Others have shared their birthday party pics with me and there were some cute ones....just thought I'd share a few. Tomorrow's the big day!! My baby's turning 1! We have a very special day planned starting with a special birthday boy breakfast! Details to come...check back tomorrow!!!

Brady's so excited about all his new toys!

I told them I wanted chocolate.Cake anyone?
Brady's friends Avery, Trenton, and Julia playing at Brady's new table!
Brady got a BIG dump truck from Nana and Grandanny...the favorite past time these days is being pushed through the house riding in it!

Dump Trucks, Hard Hats....

And lot's of fun...Brady Scott Brewer is turning 1!!!

I can NOT believe we just had a 1st birthday party for Brady! This year has flown by and has been so much fun. Of course he's not actually 1 yet...that's what I keep telling myself! Next Saturday is the big day, and of course the sappy "my baby is one" post will come later, but yesterday we celebrated in style!!! And in case you haven't yet guessed, our theme was construction. We had all the dump trucks, road signs, cones, and caution tape you could ever imagine!

The invites

sorry I blanked out the address...thus the blurry blank spot!

The decorations.......

The cake

Brady's cake

Brady is so loved and had sooo many friends and family that came to celebrate his birthday. The house was a little crowded, but we had a blast opening presents, eating cake, and jumping in the moon walk. All in all a great 1st birthday party....one I'm hoping I'm not expected to "one-up" each year!!

The Birthday Boy with his balloons...which by the way were his favorite part of the whole day. I could have saved a LOT of time and money if I'd know this!!
opening presents with some of his friends

CAKE TIME!

What's this?Wait a minute, these aren't fruit snacks!

I LOVE SUGAR

Don't worry I didn't let him eat the whole thing!

JUMPING! A big thank you to Mr. Gordon who brought over, set up, and took down the fun moon walk! And a ride down the driveway in our new wagon (thank you Grandma) to help wind down for the night....he was pretty wired...can you say sugar shock?!?
Thank you so much to everyone who came to celebrate and help make Brady's first birthday party such a special day! I will try to do another post this week with some shots of all his friends and family at his party!!

Monkey See Monkey Do

Jeff and I took Brady for a quick trip to the zoo one afternoon last week. I know, we go to the zoo a lot!! Evidently the afternoon is play time for the monkey's. The Orangutan exhibit has a ground level glass panel and there was a very friendly Orangutan out that afternoon. Brady pressed his face up against the glass and so did the monkey! Brady waved, so did the monkey! It was PRECIOUS! He played with the orangutan for several minutes before realizing that he was standing face to face with a monkey and having a COMPLETE melt down. Oh well, we got some good pictures!

Hi Mr. Monkey

Mom, can Mr. Monkey come to my birthday party?

What's that smell?Can you see the monkey's face against the window? And let the melt down ensue!!!

Stay tuned...we have a pretty big birthday party coming up this week. I can't believe my little man is almost one!! We're having the birthday party a week early...it's what happens when your mom's a teacher and wants the party done before she starts back to school!!