NYC Part 2

Our adventures in NYC continued with Brylie's first trip on a bus, exploring the Natural History Museum, more walks around the city, and getting to see my great friend Sarah.

 At the bus stop.

 Brylie's first ride on a bus.  On our way to Costco.

 Enjoying a nice walk in Central Park.

 In front of the elephants in the Natural History Museum.

Walking through the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park.

My beautiful mommy and her first granddaughter. 

My dear friend Sarah and Brylie meet for the first time.  She was so nice to bring Brylie a monkey stuffed animal and book.  Brylie now drags her monkey around with her everywhere.

The three of us went out to dinner near Ally's apartment.  It was a great girls night out.

NYC Part 1

Brylie and I ventured for our first solo trip across the country to visit Ally the mommy to be.  We wanted to be in New York for the birth of my niece.  It was so fun being able to spend time with Ally, John, Mom and Darryl.  I loved being able to see where Ally lives and some of her favorite spots.

 Becoming a mommy has taught me the invaluable skill of multitasking.  We managed to maneuver our way through the airport pretty flawlessly.

 Brylie was asleep during much of our walks around New York.

 Brylie loved spending time with Auntie Ally.  She was fascinated with her belly and belly button.  Brylie was quick to give many hugs and kisses to the belly.

 Brylie decided that the basket at dinner would make a terrific hat.

 Walking around Central Park.

 I love this picture!!

 Mommy and sleeping Brylie at the zoo. I was so excited to take her to the zoo.  She slept most of the time, but woke up in time to see the monkey exhibit.  How appropriate :)

 The sea lion exhibit.

 At the zoo.

John and Ally on the walk home from the zoo.

Mom and Darryl walking along central park.

Brylie and the Bear

We had a wonderful day at Dad and Barbara's for Father's Day.  We went to the Huntington Library and explored the gardens and then came back to enjoy a delicious meal.  When we arrived at their house we were greeted with a huge bear for Brylie along with a rocking chair.  The rocking chair was Barbara's dad's and we are so happy to be able to use it in our home.  We were so touched by the thoughtfulness of both gifts. Brylie had so much fun with the Bear that was three times her size.  She would jump on top of it and laugh.  We were also lucky enough to have Dad capture some great photos of Brylie.  They have become some of my favorites.

Brylie letting the bear know who is boss.

Brylie and Grandbrad.

An incredible photo of Brylie taken while she was in the front pack at the Huntington Gardens.

I love this face!!

1st Father's Day

Nick celebrated his 1st Father's day this year.  There are no words to express the love, admiration and respect that I have for my husband and father of our little Brylie.  My feelings continue to grow everyday as I watch his commitment to our family and love for his daughter.  We are so lucky to have him in our lives.  Happy 1st Father's Day Nick. We love you!!

 Love her little smile!!

 So happy to show off her "I Love You" sign for her Daddy.

1st Angels Game

Nick and I met at an Angels Baseball game on Oct 15th, 2005, so it holds a special place in our hearts.  We were so excited take our little angel to her first game.  We have so many memories at Angels Stadium and it is so fun that we can include Brylie in them now.  She had a great time and really seemed to enjoy herself.  She was entertaining the group of men sitting behind us by showing them her silly faces, playing peek a boo, and waving.  We would tell her when they were going to hit and she would look to the field in anticipation.  It is really fun to see how interactive she is becoming.      

All dressed up in her Angels attire and ready to leave for the game.

 Getting ready to go into the stadium.

Looking stylish at her first baseball game.

 Family pic in front of the field.

I love these two!!  They make my life so happy.

In our seats right behind home plate in Diamond Club waiting for the game to begin.

Mommy and daughter :)

My favorite little hat on Brylie.  It got a little chilly towards the end of the game.

Having a blast!!  She would squeal with delight throughout the game.  Such a great night.

9 Months Old

My sweet angel is already 9 months old.  It is unbelievable how quickly time is flying.  This last month has proved to be a very busy one for Brylie.  She is learning so much and eager to explore.  She went in for her 9 month check up and is 22 lbs 93rd percentile for weight and 28 3/4 inches and 87th percentile for height.  It is crazy to think that she has grown almost 9 inches in 9 months.

Brylie loves:
Being on the move.  She has learned to crawl, pull herself up and stand while holding onto something.  She loves to crawl to follow you around and is quick to get into things.  A whole new world is available for her to explore.  It is so cute to watch her as she pulls herself up into her toy box.  

Brylie doesn't love:
Getting her first tooth.   Brylie has always been a great sleeper, and when she began waking up at night I thought it was a result of all the traveling and time changes.  It wasn't until I saw the little white ridges that it all made sense.  Now that it has poked through she seems to be getting back to her old routine.

Tender moments:
Watching as she claps for herself for her accomplishments or is happy about something.  When Daddy or I say "Yay Brylie" she instantly breaks into a clap and smile.  

Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival

Nick, Shel, Brylie and I decided to make the drive to Temecula to enjoy the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival.  Nick and I have been a couple of times in the past and have really enjoyed it.  There are tons of vendors, food, wine, concerts and in the evening there is a lighting of the hot air balloons.  It is beautiful to watch.  When we first arrived we watch Lee Dewyze perform.  Nick is a big fan of American Idol, so it was cool to see him.  Third Eye Blind performed later in the evening.

  

 Group pic at the festival.

 Shel, Brylie and I had to get a picture in front of the huge BBQ train.  It was so cool it even made the train noises.

 Enjoying dinner on the lawn while waiting for the balloons.

 Shel and Nick enjoying the hot air balloons.

We counted over 10 balloons that were being lit up at the festival.  We each picked out favorite.  Brylie loved watching them. Such a fun day.

Swim Lesson

Brylie started her first session of swim classes twice a week on May 23rd.  Although she has had a lot of exposure to water I thought it would be a good way to interact with other kids, and help me with the idea of dunking her under water.  We were introduced to this class through another mom that I met through our hospital.  Brylie and her daughter have known each other since they were weeks old, but have only started to notice one another.  So cute to see them start to interact.  Shelden came to watch and was able to take some great pics of Brylie.  It was so fun to have her there.

 Brylie showing her swim instructor her big kicks.

 She loves being in the water.

Brylie and her friend Marjorie would look for each other throughout the class.  Once they made eye contact they would squeal and babble to one another.

 Marjorie is keeping on eye on Brylie as they get ready to get dunked in the water.  Each activity goes along with a song.  Here we sing "Humpty Dumpty" and then dunk them at the part of the song when "Humpty" has a great fall.

 Brylie is always playing with her little tongue. I love her little Tu-tu bathing suit.

 Brylie was much more interested in the fish than working on her kicks and splashes.

 Brylie offered to share her fish with Marjorie. Sooo cute.

My little baby all wrapped up after her fun filled swim class.

Noah's Ark at the Skirball Museum

Brylie and I went to the Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles.  They built an ark that kids could explore and play in along with animals made out of many household items.  It involved a lot of hands on learning. I knew that she was a little young to fully enjoy all the wonderful things that it had to offer, but figured it would be a great experience for us.  I was so impressed and surprised by how much she actually enjoyed it and how curious and focused she was on all the animals.  The exhibit was so impressive and I am so glad we decided to go.

Brylie checking out the polar bear.

The neck of this animal was made out of various keys.  

The hair of the zebra was made out of a keyboard.

 This alligator was made with tires for the body, violin box for the body and the neck of the violin for the tongue.

 Brylie explored some rattles and noise makers.

 She loved looking at all there was to discover in the ark.

This picture is too cute.  I love the smile on my little monkey's face as she plays with a stuffed monkey. I love her :)