It's Over

It is with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that I write this entry. Today was my last day as a full time, stay at home Mommy. My maternity leave has come to an end and tomorrow I go back to my 'other' full time job.

I cannot believe that a year has already come and gone. I had so many big plans for projects I would complete this year. Things I'd do, places I'd go and how often I'd go to the gym so I could be in even better shape than before I got pregnant. I was so naive. I had no idea that even just having a shower every day would be a great achievement.

However, what I did accomplish is way more important than any of the things I thought I'd do. I managed to give birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl, love her with every part of my heart and soul and raise her, so far, to become an incredible little person. I had no idea that I would be so content to spend hours just watching her sleep, eat, play and discover the world around her. We have had so much fun together and she has taught me some very valuable lessons. I can't imagine not being with her for the many more 'firsts' to come. I guess I'll just have to convince her to save them for evenings and weekends.

Although I am sad that I no longer get to spend every day with Bradyn, I am looking forward to going back to work. I miss my work family, my clients and having a life outside of Bradyn. (Did I also mention that I'm looking forward to going to the bathroom by myself, without two little eyes watching me or two little arms stretched out towards me, wanting to be picked up?)

I want to thank all of my family and friends who helped me make it through this year with some semblance of sanity. Your support is and will continue to be priceless. The girls in my Mommy Group were true life savers. If any of you ladies have or are going to have babies, go find yourself a Mommy Group. Your friends and family love you unconditionally and are always there for you, but those Mommies are right there in the trenches with you and from them, you quickly learn that what you're thinking and feeling is normal.

Most importantly, I want to thank my wonderful husband Kevin. He has proven time and again what an amazing husband and great Daddy he is. I know that things got pretty intense at times over the past year, but no matter how awful I was, especially to him, he stood by me and helped me get through it. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. I know I don't tell you often enough Kevin, but I really do love you... more than I can ever tell you.

As I head off to bed to hopefully get some sleep, I close this chapter and look forward to what tomorrow brings. If the next year is as exciting as this one has been, I can't wait.

The Evil Smile

Thanks to Tara in my Mommy Group, we finally have a picture that almost captures Bradyn's alter ego. Every once in a while she flashes this smile that is part little bugger, part evil and part clown. Combine that with the funny little laugh that always accompanies it and you just can't help but smile. I think Kevin and I are in for some real trouble from this little one.

Enjoying The Sun

We've had a bit of a sunny streak out here on the 'Wet Coast', so Bradyn and I have been trying to get out for walks more than usual (When you're starting from zero, that's not too hard). We went twice with Daddy last week, and today it was just the girls because Daddy was at work. Bradyn was all set to kick back and enjoy the scenery ... she had her ladybug shades, a drink in her hand and Mommy to do all the work. We stopped at the park along the way for a swing and a slide. Bradyn even managed to attract the attention of a little 2 1/2 year old boy named Jacob. Oh no - it's starting already!

Bradyn has had some pretty exciting firsts over the past week or so: she has figured out how to put her doll's bottle in the doll's mouth so she'll make drinking noises; she has progressed to walking on her feet with her walker instead of her knees; she can go all the way up, and down, the stairs and, she has learned to "Move like an Emu Moves". (If you have kids who watch The Wiggles videos, you know what I'm talking about. If not, it just means Brady now puts her hand in the air when the guys on the video do - it's really quite cute.) She's still not showing any signs of wanting to stand by herself or walk, but I swear she is speaking actual words amongst all that jibber jabber. I'm sure I heard 'I love you' this morning and 'Baby Beluga' this afternoon (although it sounds more like Beebee Boo). Last but not least, it looks like more teeth are on the way. She's had 8 for months now, but after all the drooling lately, I'm sure it's a molar I see coming in on the bottom. I wonder what's in store for us next.

She's Got Kevin's Hair

This morning I couldn't help myself. I had to take a picture of Bradyn's bed-head .....it's just like Daddy's!

11 Months Old

Can you believe that Bradyn is 11 months old today? Where has the time gone? She just keeps growing and learning, and is turning into quite a lovely little girl. While I look forward to seeing the person she is going to become, at the same time it makes me sad to know that she'll never be that little baby again. Yesterday she learned to say 'Uh oh' and tonight, her and Daddy had lots of fun saying it over, and over, and over again. She was also very chatty all day long. I can't wait until she learns to talk so I can actually know what she's saying. It sure sounds like she has some very important things to tell us. We had lots of laughs today too. Big, hearty laughs. They are pretty rare from Bradyn, so I just love it when I hear them.

Over the last few days I have found myself really savouring everything Bradyn does and every moment I have with her. In 3 short weeks I'll be back at work full time and our lives will change completely, yet again. I know she will be well cared for because, after a false start, we have found wonderful daycare. I just hope that I don't miss her too much and that my job doesn't turn into one where I'm watching the clock, counting the minutes until I can be with my little Bradybug again.

Here are some pictures I took today:
1. Wearing her Christmas sweater and hat from Great Aunt Marny (she got lots of compliments on them when we were out today)
2. With her Holly Hobbie doll (I sure hope she grows to love hers as much as I love mine)
3. Doing one of her favourite things - playing in her kitchen drawer

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

On Wednesday when we got home from Bellingham, we couldn't get in our driveway because of all the snow that had fallen while we were away. (Well, that and the snowplow that had gone by.) Yesterday we decided to get all bundled up and go play in the snow. There is an elementary school across the street that has a playground for toddlers and behind the school are miles of hiking trails. The snow on the trees was absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately I couldn't find a toboggan for Bradyn, so her first toboggan ride will have to wait.

Her First Trip To The ER

On Christmas Eve, Bradyn learned the hard way that you shouldn't put your hand over the steam from a vaporiser. We were all in Kiera's room listening to Uncle Jason read a bedtime story when Brady moved too quickly for us to realize what was about to happen. She cried for a while, but was eventually distracted when I handed her her toothbrush. We thought all was good. Unfortunately, on Christmas morning we found a huge blister on the pad of her left hand, between her index and middle finger. I felt so bad for her, but it sure didn't slow her down. On Boxing Day the blister broke and since she was still crawling around on it and using it to grab everything she could, I was afraid it would get infected. So, off we headed to the hospital ER. Bradyn just stared at the nurse as she bandaged her hand up. She quickly adapted to using her one-thumb 'Boxer' hand and just kept on motoring. I am happy to report that the burn is almost completely healed and I am almost certain that there won't be any permanent scarring.

Fun In The Tub

Christmas Day Chaos

Opening a special gift with Aunt Sherri


Like my new hat?


Look - I got shoes!


Still going at 8 pm

Wearing Their Christmas PJ's

Here are Bradyn and Kiera, bright and early on Christmas morning. Since there was no snow for a sleigh ride, Uncle Jason took them for a basket ride around the living room.

A Special Christmas Eve Service

On Christmas Eve, Bradyn and her cousin Kiera were baptized at the United Church where my Mom & Dad and my sister & brother-in-law were all married. We were so proud of both the girls for being so well behaved during the service. Just before they went up to the front, I noticed Brady rocking out on Gramma's lap, while listening to the choir sing. The girls were each presented with a Bible for toddlers, a candle and a rose, from the church. As you can see here, Bradyn dove right into her Bible and started reading up on her first story titled 'Jonah and the Big Fish'.

Christmas in BC

Since it was our year to spend Christmas in Ontario with my family, we celebrated with Kevin's family early this year. Here are just a few pictures of Brady's first Christmas.

Hello, I Want Milk

Here's Bradyn in her new rocking chair from Great Grandma and Great Grandpa. She's waving for the camera, but it is also the sign she uses for milk. I guess we still have some work to do on our communication skills.

Learning New Tricks

I just absolutely adore this picture of Bradyn. The part I don't like is that she was standing at the bathtub in our ensuite, turning the tap on and off. She hasn't done it since we got back from Ontario, so maybe she's forgotten about it. Either that or it's just a matter of time until she's up to her old tricks again.

Where Did December Go?

I can't believe it's January 2 already. This past month went by way too fast and I know it's only going to get worse when I go back to work full time next month. Lots of things happened in December, so I have lots of blogging to do in order to catch you all up on Little Miss Brady's life. We're actually both under the weather right now with colds, but I promise to get lots of pictures up for you soon.

Here's a picture of Bradyn during her first visit with Santa. Unfortunately, she was pretty scared of the big guy this year. Hopefully next year she'll be old enough to understand who he is and that being his friend is probably a really good idea.