Can't wait to see what the day brings.

What memory will Bryce create today?

I strive to be like him. Everyday for Bryce is a new day. No regrets, no worries, nothing holding him back (except when mommy is grabbing him before he falls off of the chair arm he is trying to jump off of), ready to capture the day.

I find Bryce teaching me more than I am teaching him. He looks at situations in such a pure way. Nothing is complicated, over-analyzed, or done with fear (although I wish he knew the wrath of mommy was around the bend when he was getting ready to nail the cat with his toy golf club.)

He doesn't worry about failing and doesn't care what other people think of him. He lives each day just to live it.

How simple and intriguing...

Since I am one of his role models, I have had to "check" myself. What beliefs are we going to present to him? What morals and values will we teach him and what "methods" will we try?

Bryce has been the most amazing and most important life lesson I have ever "studied" and I thank God for allowing me to be this little blessings mama.

....

Thought for the day:

Children are the players of seize the day.

Don't miss the show.

Stay for the encore.

-Anaughtymouse

Plant a seed, watch it grow.

When did he go from little "old-man-bald-looking" baby, to tall (almost 3 feet), blonde, and handsome?

Mike and I both can't remember when this transition occurred. Mike looked at Bryce last night, running around playing, and asked "When did he turn into a little boy? I don't want him to grow up anymore."

It's so difficult (on the heart) to want him to grow up and become an independent mind, but at the same time, we check the web to make sure he is hitting (or passing) all of the developmental milestones of the month.He understands EVERYTHING. Even if you aren't directly speaking to him he will repeat a word he heard in your conversation. It amazes me how much of a sponge he is. I always heard that kids are sponges but when it is your own, the "WOW" factor is multiplied by a gabillion!

I can't wait until he can fully communicate. I know every parent says, "believe me, you want him to not be able to talk for as long as possible." But I hate to see him get frustrated because he can't verbally express what he wants. He can usually show me or I can eventually figure out what he wants, but it still makes me ache for him.

He is grouping words together to create more 2 or 3 word mini-sentences, and will "WOW" me with a 4 word-er every now and then. He'll say, "Mommy, Kitty all gone." Of course, in his I-just-want-to-squoosh-him, little-boy-from-the-south voice.

We are off of the bottle and he rarely asks for it. He never really has been a difficult baby, as far as weening him off of things. I think potty training will be easier then we expect. I think the challenge will be on Mike and I to stick to a potty training schedule/routine.

(Check back with me on that potty training thing in a few months.....)

Born to ride!

The Byrd's are mobile! We bought a trailer/kid seat for Bryce. It's one of those that is hooked to the back of a bike and is pulled. We had to return the first one we bought because it was bent when Mike took it out of the box.

Once Mike got all of the bike tires situated (he had to put new tubes in the used bike he bought) and once he hooked up the trailer, we loaded Bryce up and took a night-time ride.

Why, you ask, was it at night? Because no project can be simple.

We went to Wal-Mart to exchange the damaged trailer for a new one. Everyone and there mother decided to exchange or return something that night.

So 30 minutes later, we were back home and ready to ride. Right? Wrong.

Mike had to fix the "new" used bike by putting the innertubes in the tires. Of course he couldn't just pop them in. Again, he is a Byrd and that means the innertubes had to be "forced" into the tires, with the use of at least 2 tools (or it wouldn't be a true Byrd project.)

Okay, the new, used bike was together. Now to put air in Mike's bike. Hook up the air pump and fill 'em up.

Ready to ride. Right? Wrong-o again.

Now the fun part...hooking up the trailer.

The sun had started to set and the gnats and mosquitoes decided to have some fun..."The Byrds (really Mike) are tackling a "simple" project, PAR-TAY!!!" Let the blood sucking begin...."

So Mike decided that it would be easier to hook up the trailer to the new, used bike. FIRST MISTAKE.

DISCLAIMER: The words "easier" and "simple" must first be thrown out the window prior to starting any "Byrd" project. It's kind of like when you are driving on a known busy highway and you merge onto it and the traffic is moving pretty good. Then you jinx yourself by saying, "Traffic's not so bad." That's when you come over the hill and hit the brakes and sit in bumper to bumper traffic for 2 hours. Some Newton's Law or something...

The new, used bike ended up with the back wheel dangling from the chain and several small, metal pieces rolling around on the ground and a couple in Bryce's grip.

By the time Mike decided the new, used bike would actually not be a good fit for the trailer, the sun had gone to bed and the mosquitoes were drunk with our blood, Bryce had become bored with the bike helmet and gloves and had cashed in his patience card, and I was ready to take a shower (from all of the grease on my hands....yeah, no.)

Mike was drenched, dirty and very excited to go on a bike ride (yeah, no.)

So, we strapped Bryce in his new wheels and took a ride around the block.

Never noticed before that our street is on an incline.....

Bryce absolutely loved his new ride and kept saying "weeeeee!" and "Mommy, bike."

We've been riding around almost everyday. Bryce insists on taking crackers and his water since that is what we did the first night. Creature of habit I guess.

(Don't forget to turn the music off at the top, left side of the page)

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(These pictures were taken on Tuesday, Sept 2nd)

CHEESE! (...and crackers, of course...)

Sloppy, "Cetch-up" Blog...

Hello blog world! I'm back.

I'll have to start with the more recent happenings at the nest and work my way back. Hopefully by the time I am done with what we did this weekend, I will have remembered what we did a month ago. :)

Bryce had his 18 mos old check up. Yes, I am aware that the boy is actually 20 mos old. We are spreading out his shots and it is difficult to keep appointments with Mike's schedule. (Or, we're irresponsible parents and can't seem to get over to the Dr's office that is 5 minutes from the house!)

Bryce did pretty good considering his appointment was at 1:20 in the afternoon, just late enough for him to be a little cranky but not late enough to make him sleepy-happy-loopy. He played with the kids in the lobby and this really cool train-set-table. (Mike said he priced them after he saw it at Bryce's previous appointment Pricey.) Then I guess he got hungry and decided to eat a peanut that he found on the floor. On the Dr.'s office floor. In the lobby. Ugh.

Bryce's stats:

Height- 34.25" 95%
Weight- 27.2 lbs. 50%-75%

Head- 19" ?%

Overall, the Dr. said he looks good and was amazed when she asked him to open his mouth and say "Ahh", and then he did. :)

He also got a tetanus or DPT shot (I think that's what it was called.) His leg was sore and he made sure to tell everyone about his new booboo. Milked it. (It did hurt him though. He was actually limping a little that night.) Poor baby. We took him to McDonald's for being a trooper (and because mommy wanted some fries.) Then we went to Publix and he got his free cookie and balloon (his 10th one this week.)

Friday I had a girl's night out with a bunch of girls from high school. We went to Channelside and ate at Tapas and then headed over to Howl at the Moon and Banana Joe's. We had a great time!

Mike played golf with some buddies.

I went over to Katie and Mel's and spent the day playing with Bryce. He spent the night over there while Mommy and Daddy "played" with their friends. He saw the cows, colored, read books, cooked, completely destroyed the house. We ate dinner and Granna gave him a bath. He was so upset when we had to leave. He was crying for Granna as we drove off.

Sunday we drove downtown to pick up the Honda and then played.

We played outside, went for a walk, saw the train, collected acorns, and got ice cream from the ice cream man for the first time.

I was so excited when I could match the rambling, typical ice cream truck music with this brand spankin' new, white, sparkly van! The pictures of the ice cream and popsicles on the door were perfectly straight and colorful. And the man driving the truck..."Thee Ice Cream Man"...just think Norman Rockwell. Crisp white hat, bleach white, starched shirt and pants. Big smile with pure, white teeth........AND THEN THE MOVIE WAS OVER.........Nope, typical ice cream truck. Old, run-down van with the typical ice cream truck man. He was very nice and Bryce was in awe of the music and the fact that this van pulls up and a couple of shady-looking characters inside hand over some goodies....Wow. He waved as the white stallion (rusty, ol' van) rode off into the sunset, music blaring for all kids' (within a 50 mile radius) to hear.

We gave Mike the snow cone and put my ice cream sandwich in the fridge. The Astro Pop came with us on our walk. Let's just say that gnats and popsicles don't go very well....Bryce didn't care!

Granna (yes, Grandma finally has a name now!) finished with the trial she was working on in Pensacola. She was gone for almost 2 months! Too long. Bryce was super excited to see her. He started calling her "Granna" and wanted to show her everything.

I need to focus a little bit here or this blog will run on and on. We'll use the hyphen. Seems to help keep me on track.

-My Aunt Susan came down from Indianapolis for the weekend. She stayed at Nona's house and they stopped by on Sunday, the 16th. Mom brought over a sandwich platter and fruit and I bought dessert and cheese and crackers. Big Yiayia and Big (or King Paupau as he likes to be called) came over too. We got to see Bobby and Tonya and little bug. Summer is rolling over! Her laugh is infectious and her calm, sweet nature is addicting. Jen stopped by with baby Dylan. He is adorable and big for a 7 weeker. He weighed as much as Summer and she is 4 mos old.

Cousins...

Bryce did pretty good with all of the babies at his casa.

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-Mike played golf.

-Bryce is a ton of fun. His personality is a combo of Mike and I (perfection, I know.) Kidding.

-He talks all of the time. A few weeks ago we counted over 100 words. He waves at everyone in the stores and tries to play with kids at the park. He tries to explain things to you and uses his hands when he talks.

-He laughs at himself and makes jokes (that he only gets)

-He'll dance when the Imagination Movers is on and gets embarrassed when you he thinks he is alone shaking his booty but you peek around the corner and see him. Very cute!

-Coloring. All of the time.

-If you don't know if I am his Mommy, you will know in .5 seconds. And if you forgot, don't worry...he will mention it again, and again, and again.

-His puppy is his security pal. We now take him to public places. Puppy gets a bath (in the washing machine) regularly.

-Bryce hates getting his hair washed. Freaks out. Granna bought a neat tool that we will get. You pour the water out of it on to his head but it has a rubber guard that prevents it from running in his eyes and on his face. Good investment.

-We are checking out bike trailers that kids ride in. You hook it to the back of your bike and pull it. It was that or buy one of the child seats that attach to the front of the bike. The trailer seems to be safer and will last longer. (BOUGHT ONE ON WEDNESDAY)

-Mike played golf at Innisbrook.

-Daddy has been taking Bryce to the park throughout the week when he is able to. Bryce absolutely loves kids. He's more independent and will climb up slides and wants to swing on the big kid swings now (Yiayia started that one.) He sits there and swings, real low of course, but like a big boy.

-Still obsessed with balloons and the trains that drive by the house. I am convinced that he has bionic ears. He will hear a train, yell "Mommy, train!" and then 60 seconds later, I will hear it. Crazy.

-Bryce likes to golf and has to use Daddy's golf balls and clubs (can say both.)

-He can say "Tonya" now and tries to say Summer. Summer is still "Baby" but we'll work on it.

-Obsessed with Uncle Bobby.

-He says "bear" but it is the SWEETEST sound I have ever heard. "Beer-er" or something like that. :)

-We took him to a Rays game with Yiayia and Paupau. We had great seats thanks to my season-ticket-holder boss. 3 rows behind visitors dug-out. Sweet.

Bryce was behaved, just all over the place. He ate and ate. Mike thought it would be a good idea to buy cotton candy. Bryce loved it. He couldn't figure out that he didn't really have to chew it.

I took him for a walk and then passed him off to the guys for awhile.

Let's just say I have no idea what the final score was and have no idea who they played. :)

After the game we stopped by Bobby and Tonya's and got to see baby Summer.

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Things to come...

1. Introducing new foods

2. Big boy toys

3. No bottle (almost there...emergency bottles only)

4. Peeing on the potty (here and there...nothing consistent yet)

5. Going to bed in crib and not with mommy on the floor

6. Less time outs and melt downs

7. Continue good behavior in stores (what a relief)

8. Buy a single club or set of kid's golf clubs (gee, I wonder whose idea this is....) :)

9. Get comfy with the bike trailer & go on evening & weekend bike rides (weather permitting)

10. Learn to count (can almost consistently count 1-3)

11. Work on colors (no Bryce, everything is not "yeh-yoh")

12. Continue being Mommy and Daddy's little helper (loves to help with chores- laundry, putting away groceries, and cleaning)

13. Cut the afro (really needs a haircut. No worries, I am over the desire to give him a mohawk)

14. Finish the children's Bible Granna bought us

15. KEEP HAVING FUN!!!

SAY WHAT?!?!?!?!

Bryce is somewhat of a jabber box these days....

Shopping Cart + Rain = FUN!

For all of you non-Floridians, the rain here is actually Bud Light. If soaked into the skin, it is intoxicating and can make you do crazy things...with shopping carts...and babies in shopping carts...at least that's what Mike told me.

Baby Book Update *WARNING- LENGTHY BLOG AHEAD*

Since this blog is actually Bryce's baby book, I thought I should give a little update on his new tricks, developmental break-throughs, and the adorable things he has been doing:

-He can say 2 words together now: "Daddy's shoes," "Mommy's shoes", etc...

-With much sadness, because my little baby is now a toddler, we bought him a new "big boy" potty. It is his throne. He is king of pottyland. Very cute how proud he gets when he pee-pees on the potty. I am absolutely the court jester...pouring the royal pee-pee in the big toilet and singing "say good-bye to the pee-pee, to the pee-pee, to the pee-pee....." You get the drift. Then I get to dance my happy a@* to the sink to rinse out the remains of the pee-pee, never failing each time to grab the rim of the seat and have the royal pee-pee run on to my finger and down my wrist.

The joys of potty training.

-He still loves raccoons. Papu bought him a stuffed raccoon which we have named "Bobo." Bobo is very real-looking. We checked the tag to make sure he was made in China and not stuffed in the back hills of Kentucky...

-He eats like a frickin' pig. However, he hasn't gained weight. He is still 28 lbs. On his list of faves: watermelon, grapes, bananas, brownies, pasta, bread and apple butter, pancakes, candy, hot dogs, turkey wraps, crackers, cheerios, pizza, and asparagus and spinach.

-We play games like "Who turned the fan on" (It's always Uncle Bobby) and "Get off my pillow" (makes him crack up every time).

-We are trying to get him off the bottle. Let me re-phrase that, Yiaya is trying to get him off the bottle. Mommy is not as eager to take this next step. Look how happy he is Yiaya!!

-He only takes one afternoon nap now. Can last anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours.

-He loves to read and will read to you in his own spanglish-chinese-russian-slovakian tongue.

-He still has a temper and will throw himself down and hit when he is upset.

-He completed his first session of swim lessons. He liked kicking, singing the "wheels on the bus," and playing in the splash pool. I think next year we will pay for private lessons.

-He runs. He runs fast.

-He is strong. Very strong.

-Imagination Movers on the Disney Channel is still his favorite show. I would say he was an addict but he would deny it.

-He is obsessed with construction cranes. Everywhere we go he is on the hunt for one. They are always yellow like the balloons, his other passion. Forget Disney. A fun weekend for Bryce would be to drive up and down car-dealership row on Hwy 60- car dealerships always have balloons on the cars.

-He is outgoing and will wave to complete strangers but when they approach him or respond back, he gets a little shy.

-He gets embarrassed. Very sweet. He'll hold his lips together and try not to smile. Very cute.

-In the morning, he will wake up and sit in his crib talking. Then after a few minutes he will call for Daddy or Mommy or Yiaya. It depends on who he played with or saw the day before. He is very happy when he wakes up.

-He is wearing 2T or 24 mos shirts (what is the difference anyways?!?!) and 18 mos shorts. He owns a pair of orange crocs (which we just retired, too small), a navy pair and a black pair (Yiaya got them on sale.) Best shoes ever for fat-footed kids.

-He dances but not uncontrollably like some kids. He just kind of bobs his head and moves his arms and will bend a little at the waist. Not like we were expecting Fred Astaire or anything. Look at his gene pool! :)

-Papaw's motorcycle is so cool. And it "pops."He can say "cool" and every time he hears a motorcycle it is Papaw.

(The video goes in and out of focus....)

-Mike thinks Papaw's motorcycle is so cool too.

-I have been a middle-aged blonde, Hannah Montana and Angela Lansbury. No, this is not my roster of fake ID's from high school...every woman Bryce sees in a magazine and on TV is Mommy. Great for the self image.

-Every man is Daddy. Mike has been a Hispanic athlete, a red-haired boy, and Bart Simpson.

-He will cry if you put him in his crib when he is awake. Hopefully he will grow out of this and learn to calmly put himself to sleep at night.

-He loves to cook still. We make brownies at least once a week. Hopefully he will never grow out of this.

-He can say "tattoo"

-Loves to color. Is very serious when he is coloring and I am not allowed to look at his drawing until he gives me permission.

Mike loves to color too. He is very serious when he colors..... :)

-Strong-willed, determined, loving, funny, intelligent, happy, energetic little (baby) boy who loves to run around naked....