Jump! Jump!

Bananas

We decided to see if Braden was ready to try solids.  We started with some bananas and he loved them!  Yesterday I gave him just a little taste of them mixed with some breast milk.  Tonight, Mike fed him and he couldn't get enough.  He finished the whole bowl and probably would have eaten even more.  

Five Month Birthday

A little summary of the month:
* belly laughs, particularly at at the dog
* everything goes directly into the mouth :
       toys, fingers, mommy's hair, jewelry, etc
* sitting up with support
* rolling front to back (not consistently)
* rolling back to front (only once so far)
* photos with Santa
* First Thanksgiving
* 15 lbs 5 oz, 28 inches

To Be a Kid Again

Well, we pulled it off!  Mike was completely surprised for his 30th birthday and he had so much fun!  On Saturday the 5th after Mike got out of work, I convinced him that Jon was babysitting and we were going on a double date with Cam & Sarah. I had to use this story, because I knew that as soon as we started driving to Maine Indoor Karting, he would figure out where we were going.  But, he was NOT expecting other friends and family to be waiting there for him.  

It really was a lot of fun and so easy for me.  MIK took care of the drinks, pizza, cake, racing and mini golf.  The guests provided pictures, banners, appetizers and a nice warm welcome in the parking lot.  Those participating in the racing went through some safety training, and it was very entertaining watching them get into their suits.

Great entertainment...

The Oslin Boys

Tariq

The package included an 8 minute qualifier to decide how the real competition would begin.  Then after a brief intermission/appetizer break they were back out on the track for a final 8 minute race.

The racing group

Melissa is ready to go!

Checking out the stats

They even had trophies for the winners...

The winners: 

1st Place Trophy: Mike

2nd Place Trophy: Cam

"Putt Putt" Award - for being so considerate & letting all the other racers pass!

Denise

Afterwards we enjoyed some social time, food and mini-golf.  

We enjoyed some delicious cake!

And had a mini photo booth set up...

If when given the chance Mike will be right back out on the track.  Here's to the next 30 years!  Happy Birthday!

Rollover, Rollover

Look what I can do!  Not quite on a regular basis yet and still working on moving from back to belly!

Another Pinterest Project

I had found this tutorial on pinterest and wanted to give it a try.  My first attempt involved using the iron on transfers, but it was a complete mess.  Even if I had tried to use Mod Podge afterwards it would not have worked.

On the second attempt I printed each word on card stock and cut them out as stencils.  Then I used acrylic paints on the canvas.  Even though it was more time consuming, I think the final product is much nicer.  I am hoping to make one for myself and Mike and hang them in the hallway upstairs.  

Four Month Birthday

 A little summary of the month:
* shy smiles and little giggles
* grasping & holding onto objects (toys, blankets, hair, etc)
* lifting up legs & trying to reach my feet
* 4 month check up - shots (minimal reaction)
      Stats:  98% height, 34% weight, 56% head
* Shorter period of independent "play"
* First family photo session
* Visited the corn maze with family
* Celebrated Daddy's 30th birthday with a surprise party
* Lots of drooling & chewing
* Rolling from side to side - really wants to roll over
* Met Uncle Nick when he was home for leave
* First Halloween.  Had a few trick or treaters & I dressed up as Pumpkin Pi
* 14 lbs 3 oz, 27.5 inches

Weekly Photos Update

As I mentioned in this post, I have been taking weekly photos of Braden.  He changes so much in a short amount of time!  Here is a little video of Birth to 16 weeks!

Favorite Time of Day

There are of course, many things during the day that I enjoy - especially being home with Braden.  But, one of my many favorite moments is when I hear that he is awake in the morning and I go in to get him.   If only I could get him to wake up from nap time just as happy!  We'll get there.

Sorry about the quality - not as good with the ipod!  I'll have to try with the camera some day.

This is how I get to start my day!

I ♥ Pinterest

Pinterest is great!  For the last two months I have been pinning away, storing ideas like craft projects, organizational tips, kid activities, and some pretty delicious treats to try "someday".  This week I have successfully used three of my pins:

1. Homemade Samoa Bars.  

These sweet treats were pretty delicious, however, not really worth all of the work.  It takes too much time to toast the coconut (20 mins), caramel is really sticky to work with, and then to have to dip each individual bar in the chocolate.  Not as easy as whipping up some dough and throwing it in pan to bake.  

2. Marker Board.

Mike and I are always starting grocery lists and misplacing them or looking for paper to jot down a quick note.  So, when I saw this idea I thought it would be great for in the kitchen. I was originally going to do four individual frames...

But, then I found this frame at the Christmas Tree Shop, which was a much better deal.  When you add the cost of the paper it was probably a total of $11.00.  Now we have a place to start a grocery list, write down meals for the week, and a space for nice little notes!

3. Chicken & Cheese Lasagna Rollup.

     I thought it tasted pretty good, but I would add a little more sauce.  Depending on what kind of cooked chicken you decide to use it can be pretty easy to prepare.  Mine took a little longer, because I used split breast and had to shred it off the bone.  But, I would definitely try it again sometime!

If you haven't done so already check Pinterest out, and if you decide to use it let me know - I would love to follow some of your ideas!