Merry Christmas

Unfortunately, our second annual trip to see Santa at the mall did not change Bradyn's mind about the big guy in red.

Bradyn was happy and had a great time watching all the kids while we were waiting in line. She especially liked her trip to Carlton Cards where Daddy showed her Baby Jesus in a nativity scene. Right up until we started walking towards Santa, all was good. But then she got quiet, and hugged me just a little bit tighter. While we talked to Santa, I thought Bradyn might actually be warming up to him. Boy, was I wrong. The second I stepped up to Santa and tried to move her towards his lap, the death-grip settled around my neck. There was nothing that was going to break that hold. We quickly came up with Plan B, and decided to have a Reeves family photo with Santa.

(Is it mean of me to laugh every time I look at this picture and see that expression on Bradyn's face? I just can't help myself.)

The good news is that Bradyn recovered, the second we left Santa's immediate vicinity. She even realized that the purple thing the camera lady was using to try and make her smile, was Barney. What a goofy baby.

Yesterday, we went to Canada Place and took another chance at getting Bradyn's picture taken with Santa. I am pleased to report that we had success. Stayed tuned for those photos soon.

Bradyn, Kevin and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, a safe and happy holiday season, and all the best in 2008.

I Got It... I Got It!!!!!

One (just one) of the most frustrating things to me right now is my inability to get a great shot of Bradyn. She has the best smile in the world... the kind that will snap you out of any bad mood, instantly melt your heart, and make you warm and fuzzy all over. Her laugh is even better.... it's so infectious.

What I just can't figure out is why a 22 month old won't sit pretty, smile and say 'Cheese' on demand. (By the way, that's why, despite my best intentions, none of you got a Christmas card showing Bradyn sitting in front of the Christmas tree wearing a fancy dress. Well, that and the fact that I didn't get my act together, and she doesn't seem to be a fan of 'froo-froo' dresses. Maybe next year.)

I am happy to report that tonight, I had a EUREKA moment. When does she always smile and laugh? When you tickle her! Now that I have the technique, I just need to get a camera with faster shutter speed. (Hey Kev, do you have any airmiles left?)

Her Pipi Longstocking look.


Just look at that smile!!!

Close your eyes, and imagine you can hear that giggle.

Taking a brief rest.

Here we go again.

Did I mention Bradyn gives the best hugs in the world? I was tackled and given lots of them, seconds after this shot. (Don't worry, I managed to dodge the pen and escape without being stabbed.)

Yep.... I'm the luckiest mom in the world.

Brenda & Bradyn's Day Of Fun

Last Saturday, Bradyn and I had a really great bonding day. We started the day off mourning the fact that Daddy was working, but quickly snapped ourselves out of it by running downstairs to put up the Christmas decorations. We turned on the Christmas music, opened the blinds so we could see the snow coming down, and got to work on the boxes. I wish I could have cloned myself that day so one of me could have been with Bradyn while the other one of me videotaped our fun. I quickly lost track of all the "Oooo"s, "Aaaahhh"s and "What's That?"s, but I now understand what people mean when they talk about seeing things again for the first time through your child's eyes. I had so much fun, and was reminded of why I love Christmas (and snowmen!) so much.

Mommy's little helper.

Off and and running again.

When we decided it was time for a break (read: Bradyn started to get cranky), we bundled up and headed outside to play in the snow. I don't think there's a parent in the Lower Mainland who wasn't out taking pictures of their kids in the snow this past weekend.

Ready to go.
(Yes Mom, I realize Bradyn should have boots and not running shoes on her feet, but the early snowfall caught me unprepared.)

Bradyn covered every inch of the yard, and kept picking up the snow to check it out.

Again, I wish I could have caught this on tape. Brady started at the fence: she would rub her hand across the grass, wiping away the snow, then move forward a little bit and repeat the process.... all the way down to the sidewalk. When she got there, she marched back up to the fence and started again. Too cute!

Brushing Her Teeth

OK - I apologize for the lack of sound, but I had to grab the closest piece of recording equipment to get this moment on tape. Bradyn brushing her teeth.... no screaming, no tears, no fighting, no wrestling holds, no chasing her around the room. Just Bradyn brushing her teeth, all by herself. I think it's the best 48 seconds you'll have today (my favourite part is the big grin).