May Days

 The month of May was a particularly eventful one in the Baugher household.  Brady got to experience many new things and he seems to be growing by the hour.  We are attempting to document all the fun and excitement, and I’d say we’re doing a pretty decent job.  I discovered over the weekend that we have taken over 1,700 photos of the little man since he was born, not including his newborn and 3-month photo shoots.  I know this is ridiculous but it doesn’t stop me from reaching for the camera whenever he does something new, something cute, or something old that’s still cute!

They say that all good things must come to an end, and I experienced the truth of that statement first-hand on May 9^th when I returned to work after 12 glorious weeks of maternity leave.  I struggled with that looming date for a few weeks before its arrival, and the only thing that really got me through walking out the door that Wednesday morning was my Mom being here to care for Brady.  It literally felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest and the breath was being knocked out of my lungs, but I did it.  Albeit with tears rolling down my face and Brady’s nightgown tucked securely in my briefcase.  (Btw, I still generously apply his baby lotion to my arms before leaving in the morning so I have his smell on me all day).  My logical side knew that this was just part of being a working Mommy and that millions of other mothers have done the same thing.  But my emotional side could not rationalize leaving a “job” that I love more than anything (caring for Brady) for a job that pays the bills.  Needless to say, I have never been so anxious to get home than on that day, and I scooped my sweet baby up the minute I walked in the door.  OK, I did wash my hands first, but you get the point.  Here’s a photo Daddy snapped of Mommy and Brady’s reunion after my first day back:

So happy to be home with my sweet baby boy!

The next weekend I was blessed to celebrate my very first Mother’s Day!  I felt especially lucky this year because it was my first Mother’s Day as a mom myself, and my own mom was in town with us.  Being able to spend such a special day with three of my very favorite people was amazing, and we spent the day just enjoying each other and soaking up the Brady smiles and snuggles.  We got outside to enjoy some nice weather and took a few photos to remember the day.

I love this one!

Family shot

My Mommy and me on Mother's Day

On May 15^th, Brady turned the big 3 months…I know, he’s gettin’ up there!  We took some pretty entertaining pictures of our own at home and also took him to Sears to get professional portraits done.  He did pretty well considering all the different positions we put him in and an outfit change in the middle.  Besides, a few tears and puddles of drool are cute, right?  Of course there are so many adorable photos that we can’t decide which ones to buy.  Take a look at a few our favorites and let us know which ones you like best!

Yea, I'm kind of a big deal!

Big Man!

Stylin' and profilin'

Happy boy!

Really happy boy!

So sweet!

Look at that smile!

Who, me??

Cracking up!

Mr. Handsome

Love his hands in this one :0)

On May 19^th, Brady attended his first-ever birthday party.  Miss Stella turned two years old and celebrated with a backyard party of water-filled fun.  B was totally amazed by all the big kids running around and particularly enjoyed watching the slip-n-slide action.  He fought sleep as long as he could but finally gave in and took a little cat nap on Mommy.  He woke up in time to sing to Stella (which he did with his own version of the Happy Birthday song) and watch her blow out the birthday candles.  After such a big day, he was happy to get his bath and turn in early that evening.

Ready for some birthday fun with Daddy!

Couldn't fight that nap any longer!

Ready to sing to Stella

The birthday girl loves her some cake!

Memorial Day weekend finally arrived, and with it came Brady’s Pops!  My dad flew down for a quick visit to spend some time with us over the long weekend.  In honor of his grandfather, Brady rocked his new motorcycle outfit on Monday and posed for some pictures.  I think Dad just needed a little Brady/Brenda fix.  We did steal my mom from him for 3 whole weeks, and then she flew over to Florida for another six weeks or something like that, so poor Dad is missing his beautiful wife.  At any rate, we all got to enjoy some quality time together and it was a great weekend.  Bonus fun, on Friday night we headed up 290 a bit to visit the Thomas family who welcomed Sweet Jaya on April 13^th.  It was Brady’s first time meeting his new friend and he really loved playing with her toys!  Mommy enjoyed holding such a little baby again and remembering that Brady used to be that small too!  My how times flies!

This picture makes me smile :0)

Pops is SO funny!

New parents everywhere!

Biker dude!

On May 30^th, Brady had to say goodbye to his Granna.  She did such a great job loving him every day and we are so lucky that she is retired and willing to spend so much time in Texas.  I can honestly say that I am the most blessed person in the world to have a mom like her…I hope one day I can be something like her to my children!  Although we were so sad to see Granna go, we were also very excited because Nana came to town!  Since Daddy’s school year didn’t end until June 1^st, we had a few more days where we needed a little help at home with Boogie Bear.  Lucky for us, his Nana was more than willing to come visit and help out.  She is doing a fantastic job with her grandson and we are so happy Brady is getting to spend so much quality time with her.  Nana bought Brady his very first truck this weekend, and we can’t wait to play with it!

A few last kisses and snuggles from Granna

So excited to see his Nana!

Snuggling right in to Nana's shoulder

Now that June is upon us, Daddy Day Care is officially open for business.  After such a fun and eventful May, we can’t wait to see what June has in store for us!  Missing everyone back home and hope to see you soon.