I AM A MOTHER

So now that Braden is almost three months old, I feel like I have experienced enough of what its like to be a Mother that I can fully say that I am one. I have been pee'd on, smiled at, cuddled on, thrown up on, been the comforting hug he needed,watched his excited eyes, enjoyed him in his sleep, all of the typical stuff. I never expected what would happen this morning, and I certainly wasnt ready for it, but when stuff like this happens, all you can do is jump and enjoy the ride.

This morning, typical of every morning I was not ready to wake up when Braden was ready for me to be awake. This morning I felt like I had been hit by a train in more ways than one, and just for two seconds wished that my kid would sleep in until 10am this morning, then wished Devin didnt have to go to work today (I almost asked him to work from home just for a couple hours this morning so I could keep sleeping), then wished I had a nanny to take care of my kiddo when I felt like I do today. But of course, I opened my eyes and turned my head over to see Braden kicking his legs and smiling away and remembered how in love with him I am and how dang cute he is, even when I feel like a train wreck.

While he was chowing down, practically choking on his bottle he drinks it so fast, I could tell that he was having a little bit of a situation in his pants, just gas I assumed, because it was silent and scentless. When he was through eating, I quickly took off his diaper to find a surprise inside. I hurried to grab more wipes and started cleanup. As I looked to the side to grab another wipe, once I had moved the diaper away of course to prevent feet and hands in the contamination, I hear the Wells Fargo wagon coming down the track just in time to catch it with the wipe, but it just kept coming. Braden, Braden, Braden, what am I supposed to do, the wipe is fully covered and wont catch any more of the oil spill so I do what any mom would do to protect her bed from a natural disaster. Thats right, it all went right into my hand. That was when I was through with today. I wiped all the hazardous waste off my hand, finished cleaning up his cute little bum, and diapered him as usual, with the most irregular washing of my hands 80 times in steaming hot water.

So today has already ended for me. My to-do list has been dashed in order to take a day for my sanity. Except wait Braden is getting shots today. So how is this day going to end up? I have no idea, but already I have had a bright brown start to what would have been a potentially busy day but has within the first 20 minutes of being awake, become a "ME" day.

And for all Braden knows, his tummy is full, his intestines are empty, his diaper is clean, and his Mommy is smiling at him. All is well in Braden land! I love being a MOM! Oh and in case you were wondering, the sheets remained without a trace.

The Cutest Boy

Braden is so much fun! He is so adorable and has been in such great moods lately with smiles galore! It is so cute! Thanks to one of my friends, he even gets a little play time in each day. He loves this little gym and really gets a kick out of all of the little features. He just lay in it and watch the lights and look at all of the bright colors. It is so great to be able to have something to entertain and distract him for a time. There is a little monkey that came with the gym that Braden just loves. He will just sit and stare at his little monkey friend forever and then look away, but then start staring again. The little monkey comes everywhere with us because he keeps Braden entertained.
Nap time with the monkey!

Just thought this was a funny picture of my silly boy!

I Believe in Santa Cruz

This past week Braden and I got to go on a little trip to the beach! It was great. We had a fabulous time, I enjoying the much needed sun, sand, and waves, and Braden enjoying his time in his home-made tent and listening to the relaxing sounds of the sea.

Using the Barney chairs and a boogie board I made Braden some shade. (Naturally as soon as we got there, the beach umbrella went inside out and was completely thrashed.) We all had big plans to shred again, its been a long time, but of course the swells were so flat you really couldnt even boogie board. The weather was pretty cold so the little girls were the only ones brave enough to get in. Sarah was even attacked by a wave and got knocked to the sea floor and had sand everywhere. Her hair was on big sandy mess. It was pretty funny to watch. I on the other hand, steered clear of the water. My feet never even touched the water. When I think about it, as much as I love the ocean, its pretty sad that I didnt take advantage of my time there. But at least I did get some sun for the first time since I had Braden. The beach was complete with two dead seals, a dead bird, one skinny dipper enjoying the ocean, kite surfers, and of course annoying drunkards. We walked down to the Surfing Museum at Lighthouse Point, and watched some kiddies surf at Steamer Lane. In the evening, we headed over to the Boardwalk for some rides. Its been a while since I have been there and I must say that I was unimpressed and so nostalgic for some Disney magic. It was like a permanent county fair. Everything about the Boardwalk made me miss Disneyland; the cleanliness, the music, the noise, the stench, the rides, the people, EVERYTHING!! We were so sad that Daddy couldnt come join in the fun and cant wait to take him to the beach.

Braden looked so dang cute in his fall-time get up! I cant wait to be able to bundle him!!