One Crazy Christmas

Without question, the hardest family photo we've ever had to work for!

This year Billy and I hosted our first official Christmas celebration for our families.  Yep, you read that right...BOTH our families were in town for the festivities.  This resulted in over thirty guests at our house on Christmas Day alone.  Pregnancy hormones aside, I think I did a pretty good job playing hostess.  There were some mishaps (Nanny, I'm looking at you and the bourbon sauce I am STILL cleaning from the crevices of my kitchen stove...) but that is to be expected, right?  Unfornuately, as hostess I had little time to take many photos to document the festivities.  Sure I ended up with about 200 pictures, but that is well short of the 500 or so I probably would have taken.  Oh well.  We sure did have fun anyway. 



We did manage to get his shoes on for mass...well, at least the first thirty minutes or so...



My two handsome men.

The festivities started with Christmas Eve mass.  Beau did fairly well considering we had to arrive an hour early and it ran through his dinner time.  But once at home we were joined by Deb, Tom, Aunt Lizzy, Melinda, and eventually my parents as well.  Lots of gumbo and pistachio cake rounded out the evening. 



Beau loved Chase.  Chase, well she tolerated him.

Christmas day was a blessed chaotic event.  Beau wanted nothing to do with opening presents.  He was just as happy having someone else unwrap the gift and place it in his tiny outreached hand.  And to my delight he was gifted as many outfits as toys. Thank you, thank you, thank you.  The toy cabinet has reached its maximum capacity. Really though, our families were so generous to our little boy. 

Maw Maw and Paw Paw know just what he likes.

The tent was THE present of this year's Christmas. 

Can you tell he was in heaven?

Even daddy got in on the action!

Aside from some minor mishaps (see the bourbon sauce incident above) Christmas dinner was a delight.  Full of good food and good family and friends, we were reminded of how fortunate we truly are. 

Yes, that's real Burberry...thanks, Aunt Lizzy!

Three generations and one little pot belly. 

However, despite the success of our first Christmas, I am very much looking forward to next year in Texas.  And yes, while it will be nice not to play hostess (I mean, worrying about where to seat 30+ people can take a toll on you) it will be even nicer to celebrate it with our newest family members, Jellybean and Nameless Baby Boy Brian (Yep, Robyn and Marcus....doesn't that sound pitiful?  "Nameless Baby Boy Brian."  Maybe you should pick a name...MARCUS!)  Next year at this time we'll have three grandchildren to make the season merrier - a two year old, an eight month old, and a seven month old.  Gracious...that should make things interesting!   

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.  And from the Billy Brian Family, here's wishing your family the very best the new year can offer! 

Halfway There...

This pregnancy has flown by.  I honestly didn't realize that I had reached the halfway mark until I read our own blog and saw the little ticker on the right side.  Twenty weeks?!  Twenty weeks?!  Then I realized that I had not taken a single "belly bump" picture for this baby. Poor thing.  I was so good about it with Beau.  Guess I had a little more time back then though...

Well, Billy's Christmas party was this weekend so I had an excuse to get all gussied up and take a rather pretty "belly bump" photo. 

Of course, a blog post would not be complete without at least one shot of Beau.  He has been walking around like a mad man lately and actually trying his hand at running.  *GASP*  More video on that to follow...

Here Comes Santa Claus...

Sunday Beau, Aunt Robyn, and I visited Santa Claus.  Beau was not having the best day (a combination of a missed nap and daddy out of town) so I was pretty worried that he might have a major meltdown when he saw the man in red.  Surprisingly he was fascinated by Santa and spent the visit starring at him and giggling.  The picture isn't the best, as it really doesn't do justice to the whole experience, but it's pretty cute all the same. 

Merry Christmas!!



And then my heart melted...

This morning Beau and I were partaking in our early morning ritual.  There we sat in the easy chair, me with my hot chocolate and Beau with his raisin toast, watching Sportscenter.

We haven't exactly told Beau that we're going to have another baby because we didn't think he'd exactly understand.  But he loves babies so much I figured I'd give it a go.  I lifted my pajama top to expose my baby bump then pointed to it and said, "Baby."  He looked at me perplexed.  I said it again, "Baby." 

He looked at me, smiled, then leaned over and kissed my belly.  He looked up and smiled at me again.  My heart melted.  Did yours? 

Just another day

What, your kid doesn't play in the cabinets? 

Seriously, if we turn our heads for one second, he has opened a door and is contently playing in the confines of any number of cabinets within our home...with or without the door open.   

One of his favorite past times is to crawl in one door of his bathroom vanity cabinets; shut it; and then crawl out through another door.  I think we have an explorer on our hands. 

I'm Walkin'...Yes, Indeed!

Last week was rather eventful, and not necessarily in a good way, so it was nice to end the week with a little treat.  Saturday morning while Billy was at the lease my mom and I sat in my living room having our coffee and just enjoying Beau.  I walked over to the "toy cabinet" and opened it up.  Well apparently this really got Beau going because out of nowhere he stood up...and STARTING WALKING!  That's right...no coaxing, no bribing, no pushing.  He just decided that the toy cabinet was far too enticing to leave alone. 

I was pretty bummed that Billy was out of town and missed it.  And I was just sure that like so many other milestones, Beau would practice all day and then be bored with it the next day.  Luckily I was wrong. Billy came home late that night and the following morning Beau was not up for more than thirty minutes when he stood up and walked straight to daddy! 

Since then, there's been no stopping him.  Guess it's time for a new pair of shoes!!

It's My Party!

My cozy coup from Nanny!  I love this thing! 

October 30th (yes, two weeks ago...I realize I am late on this post - I'm looking at you, Sarah Weissmann Watson) Beau celebrated his first birthday with a party with all his friends and family. He had an absolute blast. He just loves being around other kids and apparently, not unlike his mother, enjoys being the center of attention. Yes, this is an attribute he surely did not get from his dad. The ham in him is alllllll me.

Thanks, Nanny. 

 There were lots of balloons, coloring, and a bubble station that was a real hit.

Jakey enjoying the bubbles.

Aunt Natalie and the always smiling Core. Look at those baby blues! 

Mmmmmm...icing. 

Drew just taking it all in. 

"Brothers hug!"  Ok, maybe the're not brothers, but they might as well be.  However, Beau seems to be into it just a little more than Core. 

 He celebrated with his own cupcake and then...on to the presents.

Need to make sure I get it ALL in there. 

 Good Lord, that child really racked up. Apparently our friends and family are far more generous than we have ever imagined. There were so many that we've placed them in the cabinet and have been rationing them for the last few weeks. It's worked out well - every couple days he gets a new toy and it's like his birthday all over again!

My BR friend, Barrett!

Beau and his girlfriend, Kaitlyn.  Again, Beau is into the hugging and kissing a little bit more it seems. 

So, now that the birthday is out of the way...on to Christmas! 

Well THAT was a long day.  Now I can sit back and relax with a cold bottle of milk 

In case you hadn't heard...

Last weekend, Aunt Lizzy came in for the Alabama/LSU game.  We had a great time...but that's a story for another time. 

During the tailgate I was talking to a girlfriend of mine I hadn't seen in quite some time.  When I told her that I was the recepient of Lizzy's second ticket she asked how I got so lucky. I said, "Easy, I'm the only pregnant one.  I had dibs."  Her jaw dropped.  Oops...had I not told her I was expecting?  Turns out, no. 

Then I started thinking, who else have I forgotten to tell?  The list quickly grew.  I guess things have been so busy that an official announcement slipped my mind. 

Sooooo...this is it.  The official announcement.  Billy and I are expecting Baby Brian No. 2 on April 25th!  We are so thrilled.  And I know that if Beau actually had any idea of what was going on, he would be excited too! 

Happy Halloween Partner!

While this was technically Beau's second Halloween, it's the first one that "counted."  Afterall, last time he was only five days old and slept through all of the festivities.

Always such a happy kiddo!

His first official Halloween costume was a cowboy outfit.  And, he LOVED it!  Seriously.  He wore it all day long.  And even more impressive, he kept on his hat ALL DAY LONG.   

"I'm the law in these here parts!"

"I've got my eye on you..."

Even though he was fast asleep before most of the night's trick-or-treating was taking place, he had a wonderful time.  Next year, maybe he'll even get a piece of candy or two. 

The Pumpkin Patch

We took a trip with some friends to Red Bluff Farm in Folsom to the annual Pumpkin Festival. Beau had a blast. He crawled through the pumpkin patch, strolled through the numerous tents, and petted the farm animals. His practice at the fair really paid off...this time petting animals required no coaxing from Mom.

A Day at the Fair

Hunting season opened October 1st, so Billy was out at the lease taking care of business.  But what about me and Beau?  What were we to do?  Well, Paw Paw Mike reminded us that it was that time of year again - time for the St. Tammany Parish Fair!  What fun! We loaded up the car and took off for the fairgrounds. 



We just missed the sheep shearing.  But the kids were so sweet to help Beau touch and pet the animals. 



Beau had so much fun getting to look at and pet all the animals.  Of course, he liked some more than others.  His favorite was the goats.  Maybe he thought they looked like big dogs...with horns. 



"That is one big dog, Mommy."





"Hey, what are you looking at?"



The little chickens were pretty neat too. 

As for the cows...well, maybe their size was a little intimidating for the little guy.  He didn't want to pet them and was content watching from afar. 

"Maw maw, do not...I repeat...do not let go."

Beau also got to ride on the carousel for the first time.  Again, not really sure what to make of that one!  By the time he warmed up to the idea of spinning round and round on a horse, the ride was over.  Oh well, maybe next year we'll have better luck. 

On the Lakefront

We had our first snap of cool (notice I didn't say "cold") weather a couple weeks ago.  It was gorgeous.  And, as Beau was not letting me get any work done, I decided we should take a ride out to the lakefront and enjoy the beautiful weather.  (Not to mention I thought the trip might tucker him out just a tad.) 

While he HATED...I repeat...HATED the swings, he did enjoy crawling around and playing in the grass.  He's a quick little sucker these days and it's hard to get a decent picture of him while I make attempts (often futile) to stop him from falling, tripping, sliding, skidding, etc.  Luckily, I was able to get a few cute shots of our excursion. 

Eleven Months!

That's right...just one more month before Beau celebrates his FIRST BIRTHDAY!  Oh where has the time gone?! 

It's been particularly busy around the Brian residence with work, birthday parties, and of course, football season.  As a result I have been remiss in my picture taking duties.  (Not to mention that with Beau's new found speed, agility, and trickiness, I need to have one hand available at all times to prevent the next near disaster!)  So, to make up for the lack of photo documentation, I figured I'd give you a little insight on our eleven month old with some of his current likes and dislikes. 

LIKES

*  Sitting on items that he likes.  Yep, Beau crawls up to a favorite item or item of interest and turns, aims his rearend at the item, and sits.  Then he smiles and claps.  Items have included special toys, dad's shoes, Murphy, Murphy's food bowl, Murphy's water bowl, and then more Murphy.  Man, that dog is a good sport!

*  Speaking of clapping, this has become one of Beau's favorite forms of expression.  Give him the toy  he wants, he applauds.  Feed him something particularly tasty, he applauds.  Sing him just the right song for that moment, he applauds.  It's so endearing. 

*  Beau's fine motor skill have really developed over the last several weeks.  And to practice this new dexterity one of his favorite new pasttimes is opening the battery case from our remote controls.  And, if he's really feeling fiesty, he'll remove the batteries too!  So safe, I know. 

*  While we have NO idea what he is saying, Beau is constantly having conversations with us.  Now, I'm not talking about baby babble.  No, this form of communication goes much further.  He will look you in the eyes and say, "Dadada, fiiiiiisssss, ne ne ne, waaaa."  And then look to you for your response.  Mine is usually, "You don't say..."  Because, seriously, what else am I supposed to say to that?

 *  Climbing on top of items and crawling under them.  He has been doing the army crawl under items for a couple months now.  The tighter the fit, the more excited he gets.  He's been climbing for quite some time too.  But now he has learned to push items together to get higher.  For instance, the other day he pushed my laptop case in front of the sofa so that he had a little help climbing onto the cushions.  Oh yes, Beau can now climb on to the sofa with little or no help.  Problem is, he hasn't master getting down.  Huge problem now as he likes to leap headfirst. 

*  Walking behind his dumptruck.  The dumptruck provided endless hours of entertainment when it was used to push buttons and make funny noises.  But, once he discovered that he could stand behind it, push it and walk - well that was really exciting!  His first venture actually took him about 2/3 around the living room.  He squealed with pride and delight the whole way. 

*  Pushing his John Deere tractor around the living room.  Also, he tries to say "vvvrrroooommm" but all he gets out is the "ooooommmmm."  Too cute. 

DISLIKES

*  Diaper changes.  Oh this one is fairly new but it's brutal.  I suppose he hates having his diaper changed because it means a break from his playing ways.  The only time he seems to appreciate a diaper change is usually when it's a particularly dirty one.  Then he has actually been known to smile and laugh at the changer's disgust. 
*  Dinner.  Yep, dinner.  Not breakfast.  Not lunch.  Not snacktime.  Dinner.  Our little guy is a hungry, hungry hippo.  His breakfast has been known to include an entire bowl of cream of wheat AND a whole banana AND an eight ounce bottle.  Lunch has been an entire grilled cheese sandwich AND a whole nectarine AND an eight ounce bottle.  Dinner?  Well I guess by then he is just tired of eating.  Oh well.  If he wasn't such a good eater the rest of the day, I might be worried. 

*  The locks on the cabinet doors.  After months of opening and shutting the doors and, of course, crawling in and out of the cabinets and removing everything within reach, the cabinets have been officially "child proofed" and Beau is none too happy about it.  Of course, this doesn't stop him from reaching his little arm in as far as he can to try to grasp something.  This isn't a problem, until I later open the cabinet and those items which have been precariously teetering on the edge come crashing out.