Brylie's 1st Pigtails

I was finally able to put Brylie's hair into the cutest little pigtails ever.  I love it!!

Family Trip to the Circus

We had such a great time taking Brylie to her first circus.  They came to town and we couldn't resist the excitement of taking her to see all the animals.  We went early so we could go walk around the arena and meet the circus performers.  I was surprised at how well she did during the show given it was during her morning nap.  She loved watching the elephants.

 Mommy and Brylie getting ready to enjoy the show.

 The elephants that Brylie was fascinated with.

 I love this beautiful girl.

 She loved being able to sit in her own seat.

 Watching the show from her seat.

Family pic at the circus.

11 Months Old

At 11 months Brylie has 6 teeth poking through.  It is amazing to see so many little teeth when she smiles.  She really seems to have grown up so much in the last few weeks.  She is making the transition from baby to toddler, but she will always be our little baby.  It is hard to believe that next month we will be celebrating 365 blessed days of having her in this world.  She is the light of our lives and we love her so very much.

Brylie loves:
To use her pointing skills to communicate.  She points at everything!!  She uses pointing to help show us what she is wanting, liking, interested in, distracted by, and to get your attention.  It is amazing to watch her communicate and express herself with her pointing.

Brylie doesn't love:
Riding in the carseat in the middle of summer.  Recently we took a short drive to get sushi as a family.  We noticed that she was a little fussy which is a little unusual for her.  When we got the the restaurant we took her out and realized she was soaking wet from sweat.  The backseat does not provide much ventilation and she was very warm.  I felt so bad for her.  I have since attached a clip on fan which makes her much happier.

Tender moment:
Watching Brylie and Bella interact.  Brylie is becoming much more interested in Bella and can frequently be found tugging on her ears, climbing on her, feeding her food from her highchair, and searching for her when she hears her name being called.  The other day we were outside playing fetch with Bella.  For those of you who have not played this endless game with her must know that she is not very good at dropping the ball.  Once she gets a hold of the ball she puts a tight grip on it and will not let go without some prying or distracting, but when Brylie extended her little hand Bella carefully and gently placed it in Brylie's possession.  She did this again and again and waiting patiently for Brylie to drop it to her.  So cute to watch them play together.  

Stink Face

Brylie is quite the character.  She is constantly finding ways to make us laugh and keep us entertained.  One thing that never ceases to bring a smile to our face is her "stink face."  She is such a funny girl with such a clever, humorous and beautiful personality.

Swimming

We bought Brylie a new life preserver and tried it out in the pool.  Unfortunately she was less than thrilled by her inability to move, and we were a little concerned about the safety of this type of preserver.  When we tried it on in the water it moved her like a little bobber putting her face in the water.  Needless to say this will not be one of her permanent swim outfits, but she did look awfully cute trying it out.

 Brylie in her little bikini.

All dressed and ready to go swimming.

Daddy and Brylie swimming.

RBR Photo Shoot

Dad and Barbara came over for a delicious lunch outside in the backyard.  Dad worked his camera magic and captured some great shots of Brylie.  Always so much fun to spend time with them.

Brylie's first time eating corn on the cob.  She loved it.  

Her happy face covered in corn.

 Brylie taking a moment to look at the sky.

 Daddy and daughter.  There is nothing better than these two.

10 Months Old

I love this beautiful girl.  She has given me such love and happiness in the last 10 months.

Photo Credit: My awesome photographer Dad.  Thanks Dad for capturing the precious moments.

Brylie loves:

Climbing the stairs, playing outside, swimming in the pool, making noise with her drums and shakers, walking using her stroller, eating finger foods (avocado, eggs, cherrios, puffs, blueberries, peas, banana etc), using a sippy cup, taking things out of a container (toys, laundry in laundry basket, clothes in her drawers)

Brylie doesn't love:

Having to remain seated in the stroller and shopping cart.  She quickly finds a way to maneuver her way out of the restraints to get a better look and continue moving.  I am constantly trying to reposition her and find ways to keep her entertained while seated.  

Tender Moments:

Brylie seems to be on the move these days.  She is loving the opportunities to test her independence and learn new things.  I love in the midst of her exploring that she embraces moments to come over to give me a quick love filled hug.  She is such a great hugger and never wastes an opportunity to give her family, friends, and even stuffed animals hugs that have the ability to capture and melt my heart.  On a recent playdate she crawled over to give her friend to give few hugs and kisses.  In the library in between playing with toys and looking through books she crawled over to nearby kids to give hugs.  At a wedding in Oregon she reached across to give a baby boy hugs.  Her loving nature and kind heart is evident even at this young age and I am so proud to be her mom and continue to watch her grow, learn and love.

Introducing Lotsie Avery Flanagan

My beautiful niece Lotsie Avery Flanigan came into the world on July 5th.  She was 8.1 lb and 19.75".  It was such a joy to be in New York to celebrate in the birth of Ally and John's precious baby girl.  She is absolutely beautiful and Ally is such a natural.  I am so excited to share in the joys of motherhood with my sister.

Beautiful mommy and baby.

 My adorable little niece.

 I am in awe of my niece.  I love her so much already.

Love!!

 So much fun.  My mom with her two daughters and two granddaughters.

The newest little family.  They make a really great team.  John is a great support to Ally and Littlest Lotsie.  I am so happy for them.

4th of July

This was a very exciting 4th of July this year.  It was Brylie's 1st 4th of July, we were in New York, and Ally got admitted to the hospital to have her baby.

 Brylie dressed in her festive red, white and blue.

 4th of July Family Pic

 Taking a little 4th of July nap.

 At lunch before going to the hospital.

 Walking to the hospital.

This was Ally's view from her hospital room.  It overlooked the East River.  Unfortunately this year they moved the fireworks show to the Hudson River on the West side otherwise Ally and John would have been able to enjoy the fireworks show from their room.

My beautiful pregnant sister.  I love her so much and am so proud of her strength and courage.

Nick Joins the NYC Fun!!

Nick came to join us in NYC for 4th of July weekend.  We were so happy to be reunited.  He arrived early on the morning of July 2nd.  It was the cutest thing as Brylie woke up half asleep on the pull out couch of Ally and John's apartment to catch a glimpse of her Daddy and got the biggest smile on her face.  She was so happy.

 Daddy and Brylie walking through the city.

 Brylie enjoying Ally and John's favorite park near their apartment.  She loves to swing.

 Daddy pushing Brylie.

 Brylie having fun in a box with the monkey that Sarah gave her.

 We were lucky enough to go to a private room in Tiffany's that Nick did some work in.  There was some beautiful jewelry and the work looked fabulous.

 Mom and Ally tried on a 14 carat diamond ring.

 Nick at Dylan's Candy Store.

 Brylie and I in front of the giant chocolate easter bunny.

 Brylie enjoying a ride in the front pack.