What a difference a year makes!

This year has flown by and we have loved every minute of it. Today we celebrate Brayden's first birthday. Brayden is such a joy to have in our lives and we can't imagine it any other way! We love you so much Brayden! Happy 1st birthday!

First family picture! Taken just minutes after Brayden was born!

Welcome to the world Brayden!

Celebrating his first birthday!!

Our family celebrating Brayden's first birthday! This is Brayden's tired face! He was exhausted from his first party!

You can call me Mrs. N

There have been lots of changes going around our house lately. I started substitute teaching and have been lucky enough to work 3 days last week. With me starting to teach that also meant that Brayden would be going to daycare. We have found an in-home provider for Brayden and so far he has made a great adjustment. There are other little boys there his age so that makes it fun that he has friends to play with.



I have taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. I really enjoyed being back in the classroom but I also really miss Brayden. It is tough because I always had a part of the afternoon free when the students were at specials (art, p.e, music) and that was the time that I would sit and wonder what he was doing. It was fun though when I was done and able to go pick him up because I was greeted with a warm smile and a big kiss! Here are some pictures from our first days!



Here I am all ready to go on my first day of school.






Brayden is all ready to go on his first day of daycare.

New Car Seat

I don't think Mommy ever posted about this so even though I have been sitting in my new car seat for almost a couple of months now. Here are some funny pictures from when we got it. Infant carriers are convenient but those are for babies and I am a big boy. When my new car seat came Mommy opened it in the living room and then Daddy and I played in the big box it came in. My new seat fits good in Mommy's car and I like it because I am able to look out the window. When I first went for a ride I was shocked at everything I could see while Mommy was driving. It will be very exciting when I am able to forward face and look out the front window but that won't happen for a while so I will enjoy the view I have for now.

Yeah the seat looks nice but check out this cool box! Daddy can even fit in it.

Watch out Daddy, I'm going to get you.

Okay Mom just one quick picture.

My New Favorite Hiding Spot

Brayden has found out just how independent he is and he is loving every minute of it. Lately he enjoys crawling underneath the dinning room table. Even with the chairs pushed in he is able to maneuver himself in between them so he is hiding under the table. When you bend down to find him under the table he just laughs and loves every minute of it. This weekend Andrew thought he would check it out too so he could see what all the excitement was all about. He quickly found out he doesn't fit quite as easily as Brayden does. Brayden loved having someone to play with him in his fort! I snapped a couple pictures and thought they would be fun to share! Check out the two boys trying to hide!

Be careful so you don't hit your head Daddy!

Dad, let me show you how to get under there. Just follow me!

Me and Daddy

Mommy just wanted to share this picture because she said we looked so handsome together!

Go Hawks!

I love fall because that means football and everyone loves football! A couple of weeks ago Mommy, Daddy, and I went to my first tailgate experience. We went up to Ames for the Iowa/Iowa State game. I don't think I have ever seen so many people in my life. Our friend Rob had set up a tailgating site bright and early in the morning, so early I wasn't even up yet. We didn't go up that early but by the time we got there there were tons of people there. We went to the tailgate and watched the first quarter before heading out. On the walk back to the car we found a great spot in the grass where we could watch the game on the Jumbotron that is behind the goal. So we set out our blanket and enjoyed the rest of the 1st quarter. It was great becuase we could see and hear the game and there weren't quite as many people there. Here are some pictures from my first tailgate.


Here is me and Mommy playing on our blanket. Mommy said she didn't even realize she packed a red blanket even though we were all wearing our Hawkeye gear.

YEAH! They SCORED.

Me and Mommy enjoying the morning.

Let's go Hawks!

Happy Birthday Daddy

This is a special post all about my Daddy because today is his birthday. Before he left for work I told him ddaa-ddaaaa-dada-aaadddaaa , that means Happy Birthday Daddy if you weren't sure.

Mommy and I have a surprise for Daddy when he gets home from work tonight. I can't post it yet just in case Daddy checks the blog before he gets home.

We went out to eat last week to celebrate and went to Texas Roadhouse. The last time we went there I slept the whole time. I can't wait till I can eat there too! Here are a few pictures of Daddy and I!