Children's Discovery Museum - Augusta

Eva & Braden

This year we decided to buy a pass to the Children's museum as an (early) Christmas gift for Braden.  We thought it would be a great place to go during the winter months - as a nice change of scenery.  We went with the Passport option, so we could try museums in different locations (Bangor, Dover, Acton, Boston, etc).  

It had been a while since we had spent time with auntie Ashlea & cousin Eva, so we decided to meet them in Augusta to try the Children's Discovery Museum.  Mimi was able to join us as well!

Playing the Piano with Mimi

Little Musicians

It was a very small museum, but Eva & Braden were able to entertain themselves for about 2 hours before it was time to break for lunch!  

"Ball!"

Loved Pushing the Carts Around

Interested in the Touch Tank

Love the Face Eva!

Climbing in the Playhouse

Eva Loved Playing Dress Up!

Nice Face Auntie Ashlea 

Braden Did Not Enjoy Dress Up!

Sixteen Months

A little summary:

* drinks from a non spouted sippy cup

* likes to put things together: lids on bowls, cups, puzzles, stackers

* two more molars popped through top left 10/8, bottom right  10/21

* finally says & identifies "momma" 10/14

* identifies nose, head, belly and is working on eyes & ears

* loves to bring books over to be read or explores them on his own

* says "belly", "shoes", "thank you", "no", "boom" (when falls), "uh oh", "go" 

    "two" when stating "one, two, three" and "keys"
* first earthquake 10/16/12

* moves pillows & objects around so he can climb onto the couch
* loves to point out ball or dog in a story
* hurricane Sandy 10/28/12
* pointing out dadda in pictures or when he comes home

* wants to walk up the stairs now (holding hands or railing)

* loves turning the oven light on 

* loves to imitate the wind 

* says "vroom" when playing with his cars

* enjoys spinning in circles

* follows simple commands: go get your shoes, let's go upstairs, go give daddy kisses goodnight, sit down, turn around (to go down stairs).

Couldn't Have Done It Without You!

I am not a runner.  I have said this before - it is not something I enjoy doing nor do I feel am very good at.  But, I like to set goals and push myself to reach them.

A year ago September, I set a goal to finish a 5k race.  This was only 10 weeks after Braden was born, so I knew that I would have to walk some.  I prepared myself as much as possible, and it was difficult, but finishing and celebrating the accomplishment with family and friends was amazing!  

The following spring my mom and I set out to tackle another 5k race on Mother's Day - the goal this time was to run the entire way!  We were both very proud of achieving that goal & improving our times.  

Unfortunately, I did not keep up with the training through out the summer.  So, when Katie asked me to run two races with her in the Fall I was a little worried.  I did as much training as I could and set a secret goal of trying to finish in under 30 minutes.  The first race I came so close, but I just slowed down too much in the last mile and couldn't reach my goal!  Quite frustrating - I had given up on myself.  

1. Race For The Cure -  34-35 minutes (B-tag didn't register the info)

2. Mother's Day 5k - 31.46

3. Great Island 5k - 30.46

For the last race Braden ended up joining us, so knowing that we would have to push the stroller along I had given up hope of reaching my goal.  But I should not have!  

We started off really strong - Katie pushed Braden for pretty much the entire race (thank you!).  We some how weaved the stroller through the beginning crowds, waited in line for the water, dealt with a wobbly stroller wheel & barely survived a huge hill towards the end!  When the last 1/2 mile came up and I wanted to slow down (give up) Katie was right there encouraging me and breaking down the minutes - telling me I could do this!  I really could not have reached my goal with out her support both in pushing Braden and encouraging me to keep up the pace.  

Of course the only photo they had was taken in the 1-2 minutes that I was pushing Braden.  Katie did all of the hard work!  I couldn't have done it without you - THANK YOU!

4. Great Bay 5k - 29.42

I am proud to say that I have continued running (although it is getting colder out, so may not last much longer).  I have begun the Bridge to 10K, so we'll see what goals will be set for the Spring!