Family Trip to Wisconsin

Driving to Rice Lake, Wisconsin was a road trip for Heath and I that was long past due. This is where I was born, and spent the first couple years of my life and

my husband had never visited. After moving to Iowa, our family would return to Rice Lake to visit every six months or so. As my siblings and I got older our

involvement in activities allowed us to be away from hometown commitments less and less. So, it was fun to be back and see how everyone was doing!

I was reminded of what a long drive from Iowa to Wisconsin can be. Bo did very well with the trip. He was changed to a front facing car seat for the trip, as he

met the requirements of 20 pounds. The entire family gathered at Grandma and Grandpa's on the evening of our departure for a big family dinner.

Thanks to everyone for coming to see us during the busy workweek! Loved See you all!

Bo Begins to Walk!

Today Bo took four unassisted steps across the living room floor. Moments later, he took 3 unassisted steps! Daddy missed the event by only a few seconds as he was just taking out the trash. Mommy screamed loud enough with excitement for he whole family! Ironically, we are without pictures or video of Bo's milestone. In fact, we have very little moments captured in the month of May. Our summer started with such excitement, it took us a bit to snap out of it!

My First Mother's Day

I worked a twelve hour shift on the Burn Unit on my first Mother's Day. I was able to come home at the end of the day and spend a wonderful evening with my family. Bo and Daddy got me an Isabel Bloom statue called "Love at First Sight". The card enclosed with the statue read: Before you were conceived I wanted you. Before you were born I loved you. Before you were here an hour I would die for you. This is the the miracle of life.

What a neat experience to have a day devoted to celebrating motherhood! Thanks boys for such an awesome day!

New to Nature

The air was still a bit cool, but the bright sunshine warmed our faces as we sat in the lawn for first time barefoot. Bo wasn't sure he liked the feeling of grass beneath his feet. He would slowly bend forward to feel the grass with his hands and would immediately grimace and pull away. Soon, he found a dandelion and was captivated by its bright yellow color. This afternoon outside was Bo's first true introduction to the outdoors. No bulky winter coat or frigid temperatures to distract his experience of fresh air.

Mama's Little Obstacles Begin!

I identify this as "the beginning". Our well approached daily routine would begin to have interesting interruptions. This is the time period that I stopped blogging because I found no time to sit and concentrate alone. These photos will illustrate only one example of Mama trying to stay on task by emptying the dishwasher. Bo has other plans for me and the dishwasher. He has turned into a natural climber. His lack of fear keeps him curious.

This of course was what he was into at that very second. Two minutes from now he will be in the pantry trying to eat a raw potato, that he plucked from the basket, with his two little teeth.

So, if anyone was wondering why it has been nearly four months since I've blogged, remember these photos in your mind. Then, pray for Heath and I that we always stay one step ahead of our little one. Also, that we stay clear headed enough to remove our son from the dishwasher before starting it.....just joshing you!

Easter

Bo loved looking at the brightly colored eggs that we dyed.  It wasn't until he was actually sitting in our laps when we thought maybe permanent dye and kiddos shouldn't get too close to each other just yet.  So, Bo went from active participator to simple observer almost immediately with this family activity.  Bo's first Easter was wonderful.  We went for an Easter egg hunt at Grandma Alicia's house with all his cousins.  He got a blue bucket and shovel to play with in the sand.  It was filled with candies for Mama.  He also, got an Easter chick that flaps its wings and sings  a catchy tune.  His Easter outfit had three spring chicks on the front, light green pants and a sweater to match.  

Burn Unit Baby Boys!

Daddy and Bo Do Laundry

Now that Bo is on the move he has tested out every new place he can find.  As Daddy was folding laundry one evening Bo-Boy crawled into the laundry basket and reclined back as if he'd been there before.  When sitting still got boring he began to help Dad by pulling the clean clothes from laundry basket and tossing over the side.  How did I grab my camera to capture such a neat moment of being parents?  How lucky we are to have such a cool person in our lives!

Grandpa Works While Boys Watch!

With Grandpa Jeff's help I researched and ordered a central vacuum unit for the house.  When we bought our home it was plumbed for central vac but didn't come with a unit.  I decided it was time.  Once the vac was delivered my dad stopped by and did all the electrical work it took to get us up and running. Often Dad helps us with projects around the house.  Heath is usually and my Dad's waist side learning as he goes.  This time Heaths participation was limited as he had a very curious shadow.  So, I snapped a picture of Grandpa Jeff adjusting a vacuum outlet while the boys watch.  

We are very happy with the central vac.  We don't know what we every did without it.  Thanks Dad for helping us pick out a good one and for hooking up!

St.Patrick's Day

We went to our first parade as a family in downtown Cedar Rapids.  Since we weren't sure on where the parade actually started we parked and St. Luke's and walked toward the crowd.  Turns out we were just chasing the tail end of the whole thing so we just planted it in the middle of the street and watched the last five minutes go by.  As you can see by the 

photo Bo didn't care either way.  When we got home from our exciting afternoon, Heath and I were standing in the kitchen when we looked over and saw Bo standing up at the television.  Another milestone!! Our little guy has pulled himself up to a standing position completely unassisted.  Notice that the TV station in on ESPN. Pardon The Interruption is one of  Daddy's frequently watched sports shows.  Heath was very proud that Bo's motivation to stand struck him when watching sports.  Way to go Bo!  Thanks for making the day so exciting!

"Mama ma ma ma"

Bo Had To Make A Few Phone Calls One Afternoon...

When I haven't heard a peep from the little guy in over 3 minutes it is time to go looking. One afternoon I had left the phone book out after looking up a few numbers. Silly Mama! We are now missing a few pages from the business section. Harmless situations like these just make my heart smile. He even has my cell phone out for dialing. This is the day that Bo's tip toe crawl turned into a normal baby crawl. He is now making good distance.

Bo Waking Up

Three Weeks Until Spring!

Heath and I talk about how fulfilling it is just to watch Bo experience something for the first time. He has seen grass before, but for Bo to sit and touch the dormant blades with his hands is powerful to see. I know that it sounds pretty sappy. But, to see his eyes express such interest and the inability to break his concentration comes much amazement to us. We often think that Bo has such serious, expressionless moments. But, we are learning that he is doing just that ... learning.

Time At The Park!

Walford City Park
We went to The Walford City Park for an afternoon playtime. It was 71 degrees Fahrenheit this Thursday afternoon so we took a walk around the neighborhood then spent our afternoon at the park. Bo has been there before but it was all like seeing it for the first time. He was able to go down the slide with Mommy and sport a big smile while doing it! He was even Mr. Brave-Boy as he crawled up the stairs to the slide. He certainly shows no fear to the stuff that scares Mommy and Daddy. It was so nice for Daddy to spend his afternoon off watching Bo smile with the sunlight in his face. You see Heath snag a kiss as he walks towards the swings with his son. I was falling behind as we arrived to the park. I am glad I did, as I captured a neat moment with the camera.

Bo Discovers His Surroundings

I caught Bo watching the dryer finish a cycle one morning. Then, he caught me taking a picture of him so he came chasing after me in his walker which is the close up you see here. He is certainly becoming aware of the world around him. He investigates the sounds he hears in the background . The walker has made him so mobile through out the house that he is able to explore and learn on his own.

On his adventures in the walker, Bo will sometimes find himself in a dark room with nobody around. This triggers immediate panic and he will begin to cry. Mommy or Daddy will always come to his rescue and the roaming continues after the tears are wiped away.

Bo's Big Red Balloon

Bo was handed a big red balloon one afternoon while we were out shopping.  We brought it home and over the days it has slowly lost its helium, bringing it closer and closer to the ground.  It caught Bo's attention one day as he was playing in Daddy's arms.  He mostly wanted to kiss and cuddle with the big red balloon more than admire its beauty from afar.  

Tupperware Tops

As Mommy cooks supper every evening, I sit near the pantry and keep myself busy with tupperware lids. I am sure to put every single lid in my mouth too!  Mommy introduced this new activity to me after she found me playing with her mixer attachments that were a bit unsafe compared to the tupperware.  

Crystal's Herb Garden Update

 

I think that I've grown a piece of grass in my thyme pot.  I pulled the suspected intruder as I was concerned it would steal the sunlight for what is supposed to be growing.  It sure feels as if these herbs are taking their old sweet time growing.  I anticipate these herbs to take at least a year to grow and mature enough to be plucked at will for my cooking. Patience is something I have acquired over the years with the help of my husband....and I will have to exercise this patience with my herbs.  

Which Belly Is Corrina's and Which Belly Is Crystal's?

Memories

Standing on My Tip Toes!

Bo Is Eight Months Old Today!

Who Does Bo Resemble The Most? Mommy or Daddy?

Brandt Blog followers: we invite you to click on the comments button below and let us know who you see the most in Bo.  Does Bo have more features of his Daddy? Or do you see more of his Mommy?  It would be fun to see what you all think!

Bo's Toes

The moment we take Bo's socks or shoes off he immediately is entertained by his feet.  Sometimes his socks leave lint between his toes.  Soon enough the lint is in his mouth.  

Baby Blue Eyes

As we watch Bo day after day, he often appears to have moments of very deep thought.  He is always watching how things are done.  His facial expressions suggest that he is forming his own opinions on many things.  He studies things with his eyes with such intent and interest.  We can tell he's a thinker.  His personality is beginning to take shape.  He is pretty expressive with his likes and dislikes.  We are recognizing that Bo is the one running the show sometimes.  We continue to learn new things as parents as Bo progresses through the stages of development.   Between the two of us we have troubleshooted parenthood pretty well.  

Day 10 of Crystal's Herb Garden

I've got growth!  It has been 10 days.  I have been keeping a close eye on my thyme and rosemary plants.  I give them time in the window and then move them to the table when Bo is on the move in his walker.  He would love pulling this down to play with.  

Sitting With No Assistance!

Bo has met another milestone.  He is now sitting without any assistance.  Our little boy is growing up so fast.  It is fun to watch him try and crawl.  He gets up on his hands and knees tries to move forward but lands flat on his stomach.  He's also done a few nose dives.  He gets a lot further in his walker.  He really puts on the miles as he circles the island in the kitchen.  He has gotten strong enough to go off the hardwood and onto the carpet.  We've had to pick up all the rugs from the floor, as those get tangled in his walker and brings him to a halt.  Because Bo has become so mobile we've had to put up our baby gate leading downstairs.