Thirteen Months

Another year begins...

I feel like he has changed and grown so much in just a month!

A little summary:

* gives high five

* gives open mouthed "kisses" on cheek or lips 

* walking while holding onto toys, chairs or anything else he can find

* real crawling most often now

* enjoys swimming again & enjoyed hanging out in the float

* gasping in surprise

* up on feet & hands in a hand stand

* can climb the stairs 7/20

* arms up in question 7/21

* more talking constantly saying "what's that?" "what is it?" jumbled together

* signing "milk"

* enjoys pat-a-cake 

* 8th tooth finally popped through 7/26

* shaking his head yes & no

* standing on his own for brief periods

* saying "oh no" mostly just the ohhh part

* experienced the Dubay family reunion

* Children's museum with Amanda B & the Wild's

* celebrated friends 1st birthdays

First Birthday Video

I created a video of Braden's growth and accomplishments over the first year.  I had it all ready for his birthday party to be played as background music.  And then I forgot to start it.  So, since I took the time to make it I thought I would share!

Braden's First Birthday

I am actually writing this post one year & one month late!  But, as I am thinking about starting his 2nd birthday post I thought I should write about his first birthday.  I did include some highlights in my Summer Update last year.

For Braden's first birthday we went with a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme.  I found tons of amazing ideas for decorations, favors & cakes on Pinterest of course.  

Guest "book"

Favors - butterfly bubbles & caterpillar playdough

Sun decor

Mini caterpillars that we hid around the yard

More party favors - butterfly snacks

I used Braden's monthly pictures to create a "guess my age" game.  I couldn't use the onesie pictures, because that would give it away! ;)  Mimi won - but I think she studied?!

Braden had his own little cake, which of course at that time had to be dairy free.  There were regular chocolate/vanilla cupcakes for everyone else.  

When it was time for the cake Braden did not dig right in.  I had to help him a little bit by giving him a small piece.  He slowly ate some of it, but really never got into it.  

We are so thankfully to have so many friends & family members close by who could join us in celebrating Braden's 1st birthday!

It was also pretty special to have some of Braden's new little friends join us as well!

Twelve Month Birthday

A little summary of the month:

* "real" crawling in the grass or when approaching something

* pulling himself up to standing more frequently

* cruising along the furniture

* first time at the Maine Jump (slept in the Ergo)

* babbling constantly

* prompts wanting to walk by grabbing onto your hands

* fake laughing or imitating someones laugh

* attempting to climb the stairs

* loves watermelon & grapes

* first Fourth of July celebration in Poland

* first experience sleeping in a tent
* falling asleep on his own and without a pacifier

* participating in the Scarborough library summer reading program

* swimming in the lake with dad (fell asleep)

* 20 lbs, 14 oz (22%), 33 in (99%), 18.5 in (69%)

Pinterest Projects: Quiet Books

Awhile ago I started pinning ideas for creating my own "quiet book" that Braden could eventually play with, use & learn.  I was unable to find a complete book that I loved, and had slowly pinned a page here and there.  I also realized that it would take a really long time to create templates for the details on each page.  Which is why I was so happy to find Shelley Wallace Designs on Etsy.  She not only has premade quiet books available, but she sells her own patterns to help buyers create their own books.  So, I decided to try the "Colors" book!  

Originally, I had thought about creating something like this book, but I love how Shelley's designs are interactive.  I loved the patterns (and not having to worry about creating my own).    The instructions were really easy to follow and it is so easy to vary each book for individuality.  I look forward to creating more "Colors" books as gifts!  

I will let the photos tell the story!

 The cutting took a little while, because I had to cut out the pattern pieces first.  

Sewing the details for each page

I think in the future I will use two different shades of pink for the flowers & possibly add some cotton fabric.  Because the pale color makes the page a little muted.  

I learned how to sew buttons & button holes using the machine.  I need some practice with the button holes.  

Adding the writing & other details.

I think I may try to some how incorporate Brown & I'll have to come up with another page option to compliment it.  

Overall, I think the book looks great, it took some time, but I am happy with how well everything came together!  

I would really like to try the ABC book next!

Pinterest Project: Height Chart

From the beginning, Braden has always been long and lean.  He was 22 inches long at birth and at his 1 month appointment he was in the 99th percentile for height.  I of course have been tracking his growth along the way, but I wanted a way to share it visually without writing on the walls.  

When I saw this pinterest project - I knew I wanted to create our own family height chart.  I am  so excited for how well it came out and anxious to put the top coat on, so I can start marking Braden's growth!  The best part is that if we were to move (though I am not planning on it) it can be transported! 

I didn't want it to be too dark, so only a very light coat

Measuring - marking of every inch

Adding the numbers

Photos with B.  Just needs a finishing coat & then we will starting marking his height!