The Fishers are coming, the Fishers are coming!

Brayden and Donny

And the friends keep a comin'. Donny and Janna stopped in on their way from Atlanta to Tally on Monday to see their old friends... um, or to play with Brayden! Donny was so excited to see him, but nothing like Janna. Talk about a mommy, Janna was loving her baby time, and Brayden loved it, too! I think he took a two-hour nap in her arms! I don't think Janna minded all the attention.

Janna and Brayden

Here's Janna with her new favorite toy. It was wonderful to see them both, and have them visit the B'ham house before we take off for parts unknown (aka. the dirty 'Ginia). Brayden's been held all over the place, but don't worry, he still remembers his parents -- Halleluyer!

That's what friends are for

Brayden's new quilt!

As I've mentioned, we've been full-up with visitors over the past few days. It's been great to introduce Brayden to all of his new friends. Here's a picture of Brayden with Kristyn, and he's on the beautiful new quilt she made for him! It hasn't come off the floor since Kristyn came - he loves it! We've been able to put him down and he's been very comfortable (he can feel all the love that went into it).

Carrie's new friend

Our good friend Carrie came over to party with Brayden for the afternoon, and he loved it. Carrie was great with him and brought even greater stories to share. We've had three other visitors since the girls, and are having more visitors tomorrow! I'll be sharing pics as soon as I can. :)

Going to the Chapel

What is this "church?"

And POOF! - it's Thursday. Could someone find out what happened to my Monday through Wednesday?

I hope you haven't been worried about us, because we're just fine. Brayden's been more active lately, and that's a "good" thing - but it's been a busy thing mostly for Nicole. We did, however, brave Sunday mornings with our one-month-old. Brayden went to his first church service! As any yuppie child would, he struggled with the perfect outfit for his debut. We had to try on dozens, but he finally decided to be shabby-chic in this faux fisherman ensemble, a gift from his Mia. The details are fabulously understated, per the next picture.

The junk in his church-outfit trunk

As you can see, there was more than the regular surprise in the behind region. Seriously, can you handle how cute he is!? I don't mean to gush, but this is a mighty cute baby!

We have been busy with many visitors over the last few days - all of them wonderful! I pledge to get some of their pictures up this afternoon for you to see.

Carousel: Part Deux

We've had a wonderful weekend, full of friends with lots of pictures to share. However, I don't have time to sit down and do anything witty with them. Therefore, Here is a video of Brayden's first Carousel ride (yes, the same one of a few posts ago). I figure you won't be too upset to see some more baby-video!

Who dat is?

Exhibit A

One of our favorite games to play of late is "Who dat is?" WDI is a rocking game of wits where we attempt to claim Brayden for Nicole or me. I think today's game is a clear winner. As we embark, please remember to keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times, 'cause this boats a rockin'!

To the right, you will see a beautiful specimen - a baby Man (and you may recognize this picture from a previous post). This little Man is the most recent addition to the family and the subject of our game. Look closely - do you recognize any specific features that you may be able to relate to one of the rents? If so, you're ready to move on to the next phase of our game... proceed.

Exhibit B

Part Two - the compare. Now that you've catalogued the little Man's features, check out the next picture (to your left). This is Exhibit B, another beautiful specimen. Notice some similarities? Can I get a "what the?!" Here's the money question: is the picture to the left of Brayden? I showed both pictures around my office yesterday, and the consensus was that they were both Brayden -- what do you think? Let the debate rage on.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Almost there!

Wednesday was a big day in the life of our little Man. He had his very first carousel ride! Even though he wasn't able to spell carousel, we thought it just fine to take him on the ride. We searched for mere seconds before Nicole nailed the giraffe as the designated baby bearer. Here I am with the Man as we check out the carousel - I wanted to make sure he knew what he was getting into.

With Mommy

Nicole saddled on up and took the Man with her. As you can see, he wasn't quite sure what to make of this. He hasn't been strapped onto a plaster animal's back before. I'm sure it doesn't engender the proper giraffe response. You traditionalists will be happy to know that all the kiddy lingo was used in describing the ride. Nicole's god-daughter, Kayla, once called them "Up-Down Horsies." Well, that name has stuck, and we will forever call the carousel UDH, even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious.

*NOTE: we were riding a giraffe, not a horsy.

Almost there!

Nevertheless, the ride was a success. Brayden could feel the wind whipping his face as he rode 'round (we were in the atrium of a mall) and could imagine his victory at Churchill Downs (riding a giraffe). We hope you enjoy the pictures!

I Heart Aunt Nancy

The little baby slept very well last night, so our houseguests slept very well, in turn. In the morning, Aunt Nancy wanted some baby-time, and I grabbed the camera. She was wonderful with him and he was apparently pleased being with her. Here's a little bit of their playtime for you to enjoy.

YMCA

B-boy and Aunt Nancy

It's traditional to pass on history from one generation to the next, and I'm proud to say my family honors that. Aunt Nancy came for a visit to celebrate her birthday with Brayden, and right now, she's teaching him the YMCA. Yes, one could rightly say that the Village People are certainly part of any young American's social history. Who can forget those school dances, wedding receptions, or the occasionally bar mitzvah when, completely unexpectedly (...) the "cool" DJ hits everyone up with a rousing YMCA. Brayden will, no doubt, be in that situation at some point in his young life, and in that moment he will think back to his loving Aunt Nancy with a grateful heart -- for he, he shall carry on our grand tradition.

A. Nancy and Gigi

Before the passing of the dance music torch, we had a wonderful dinner to celebrate Nancy's 23rd birthday. Brayden was such a joy at the restaurant (he slept the whole time). He's been a little fussy the last few nights, but we've begun keeping him awake in the evenings so he'll sleep better during the night. We have a full house tonight - Gigi, A. Nancy, and Matt (AN's boyfriend) - so we're hoping Brayden's going to behave himself and not keep his houseguests awake.

They're coming!

Where's Aunt Nancy?!
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Guess who's coming to dinner? Gigi, Aunt Nancy, and Matt are all coming into town today, and Brayden can't wait! He was so excited yesterday that he would barely stay in his skin. Here he is, cheering in anticipation!

Today is also Aunt Nancy's birthday - a very special day. Brayden's hosting a fantastic birthday dinner for her and the whole family at Brio this evening. He really likes Italian, specifically Tuscan - he doesn't like the heavy sauces. I'll be sure to get a few pictures of them tonight. Ciao!

Momma and babies

Momma and babies
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Brayden is 4 weeks old today! How time flies. Nicole took him to the doctor's office this morning to have him weighed and measured just so we can keep track of his early growth. He's officially 9 lbs. 13 ozs. and 22 inches long. That's about 50th percentile for weight and 70th percentile for length. Put together, basically he's skinny for his stature (must get that from Nicole!). But, Dr. Whitaker said he's really pleased with his growth - he was at the 50th percentile when he was born, so he's staying very steady. We think he's getting heavier by the day, but I suppose we just aren't used to walking around with nearly ten pounds of little baby in our arms all day.

Here's a picture of Nicole with both of her babies. Zoey never gets left out of a special moment - as much a ham as me!

Happy Day to ME

Daddy and Brayden

Man, Father's Day is very different on this side. Brayden woke me for my very first FD as a Father! It was such a fantastic morning, just being able to hold him and know that life has changed. As silly as it sounds, holidays are benchmarks for me. I appreciate them quite a bit and have a particular understanding of them. That has changed in a fundamental way. It's no longer about me and my experience during that special day, but about how my son grows from his own experience.

#1 Father's Day Gift!

Of course we had to document the day, so here are the official FD 06 pictures. Here I am with the little bundle, and Brayden's cute FD outfit to the left. Even though I received a few great gifts today, he is by far the best - my #1 gift!

Ode to the Big Daddy

Happy Father's Day, one and all. On this day of days, I thought you might enjoy a little history. Father's Day is one day that can't trace its roots directly to Hallmark. Instead, here's the story:

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and others are all honored on Father's Day.

In that spirit, The Family Girata would like to send hearty thanks and love to all of our "fathers." But a special shout out to the true Big Daddys - ours - we love you!

See LBB. See LBB play.

Welcome to the first installment of the Adventures of Little Boy Brayden. LBB is a big soccer fan. He's been glued to the TV every day watching a little thing going on over in Germany, perhaps you've heard of it - it's called the World Cup (the original fútbol, even though we deny it over here). LBB loves to pretend to play in the WC. He enjoys playing in the afternoons with his 7 brothers (ha!) and other friends from the neighborhood. I haven't been able to get a good picture of him in action, so I asked an artist friend of mine to do a little sketch for you. Here he is about to kick the winning Goaaaaaal!

At the risk of being creepy, I almost took a picture of a strange boy walking out of Publix today with his mother. Why, you ask? Because he looks just like I think LBB will look! Now that Brayden's beginning to develop distinct features, I'm starting to think about what he'll look like as TB, LBB and beyond. I promise, I'm not a weird creepy guy, just a new dad!

Some things still happen in Ohio

Whereas I'm becoming a priest in the Episcopal Church, and whereas the church's tri-annual General Convention is taking place in Ohio, and whereas big things could come out of it (remember 2003? "gay bishop," anyone?), and whereas you're all waiting with baited breath every day for news;

Be it resolved that you should check out this site for some way-cool, priest-anchored news briefs on each day of the convention. Yes, that's what I said - priest-anchored news reports. I cannot, in any way, express to you how "fun" they are... enjoy!

Rockin' the bottle

Brayden's first bottle

It's Brayden's very first bottle, ever! He's 3.5 weeks old today, and that's right when all the experts suggest he begin taking a bottle. When Nicole returns to work in a few weeks, he'll need to be eating from a bottle (when the grandmas are here!!). He took very well. I think we've discovered one certain truth about B: he can eat. I suppose that giftedness is genetic, right??

Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Not only was this Brayden's first bottle, it's also the very first time I've been able to feed him. It was a great experience. There is definitely something special about being able to do something so tangible to support him. I look forward to being involved more now that he'll be taking from a bottle, too.

Baby's First Headshots

A Star Is Born!

It's not every day that you can find yourself in print, but for Brayden, today is that day. So that we could have formal record of his birth, Nicole and I had birth announcements made for the family. BUT, since not all of you out there share blood, we wanted to pop one up on the site for you to see. We think they turned out really well. If there are any soon-to-be parents out there (or if you know some), I highly recommend checking out Belly Bean Designs. The artist, Jessica, is very easy to work with and does all custom work. Check out the "boys" gallery and you may see someone familiar!

Ready for my close-up

Little Buddy!

Can't you tell this kid is a star? He's not quite the ham in front of the camera that Zoey is (and I suppose I might be, too), but he's learning to love it.

We've gotten so many wonderful emails from many of you who have enjoyed reading the blog regularly. It's been such a fantastic experience for us to be able to share these first few weeks with you. We are so proud (can't you tell?!) and since we live so far from so many people we love, this is our way of staying in touch with you. Keep giving us your feedback! Even though we can give you messages through these posts, we still want to hear from you, too!

'Sup, boyee!

'Sup, boyee!
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Meet the newest member of the Dawg Pound! Yo family, it's me, B-funky! Here's a shout out to all my dawgs!

As you know, Brayden loves his vibrating chair. We usually strap him in (like super-responsible parents!), but as you see here, he's not. He does a very funny thing when he's sleeping - whenever he's moved or hears a noise, his arms shoot up and don't go back down. Here's a perfect example. Peeps, his arms STAY like this! It's a trip. I'll try to catch some other examples for you soon!

Goofball

Goofball
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

We love our son, but it's true that he's a goofball. Here is a great picture of Brayden with a typical crazy-face. He's a character and is never afraid to give us a face to make us laugh. This is the one he makes when we blow in his face. I think you'll agree that he's got a good bit of attitude (who knows where he gets that?!). We can't wait to get to know that personality more as time goes by.

Run, Forrest, Run

As I've written before, the Family Girata has been walking quite a bit every day around our sweet little suburban jungle. Today was no exception. Brayden has loved getting outside and staring wide-eyed at nothing except the clear blue sky (apparently more interesting than I ever knew).

But that's not why I picked walking today. I thought it was a great way to introduce the idea of Toddler Brayden. TB is something of an imaginary boy, someone we have yet to meet. However, we get a chance once in awhile to play pretend and make predictions about who TB will be. Today, Nic and I decided that TB will definitely wear light-up shoes. That's right, those clever inventions that fall under the category of "what a parent won't buy for their child." Even though Nicole and I never experienced the joy of light-up shoes (although marketing those suckers to adults isn't a bad idea), we can certainly see TB running around in the "yard" with Zoey while his psychedelic heels dance in his stead. (I use "yard" loosely as we are about to move to a teenie-weenie apartment in metropolis.)

Obviously, TB will grow to become Little-Boy Brayden. LBB has adventures of his own, but that will have to be held for another post. To be continued...

(Come on people, I'm grasping for material here!)

I love the 80's

Our little worm!

Someone's still sleeping! Brayden has been such a joy, and one reason has been his ability to sleep very well. As you look at this newly posted picture, a very normal example of his cutie-pie-ness, are you reminded of anything? Those of us from the Gen-Y crowd, think back on what was especially hot when we were young. I know you may be thinking about a Cabbage Patch Kid, which may be causing you to have a flashback to the very disturbing episode of "Punky Brewster" where Punky wanted a CPK, but Henry couldn't get one for her (and if memory serves, Cherie DID get one... traumatic). That's not what I'm thinking -- look again. Cutie-pie face, long body, and sleeping cap. That's right, friends, a Gloworm! Can you dig it? He's our little Gloworm (note the picture below to remind yourself just what the original was all about!).

Nicole took B-boy up to the Mercer office to show him to all her coworkers. They reportedly loved him, thought he was super cute, and very well behaved (apparently he fooled them all). We're planning to take him up to the church next Tuesday and I'm sure I'll have some pictures of that.

In other news, our computer is formally toast. We can't recover anything from the HD, but we've received our new pc. Hopefully we'll be up a running soon, with new pictures! Much love!

A little fun

In case you haven't heard of a new mini-craze, I'm here to fill you in. Apparently people have discovered that the combination of Diet Coke and Mentos creates quite a show. There are many examples of this all over the web (Googling will produce dozens) but there is one that takes the cake: click here. After watching this one might wonder why we put that in our bodies!? Enjoy!

Who you thought you knew...

So, funny story... After posting about the "Yankee/Dixie Quiz," I happened upon another little personality test called the "Famous Leader Test." After a series of questions, the test matches up your answers with projected answers from famous leaders. Nicole and I both took it and here are the results, "interesting" in the least.

Nicole:

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Chris (the one who's becoming a priest!):

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

So now you know -- give Nicole a hug (or a sandwich) and don't turn your back on Chris. ;)

Smiles for miles

In addition to the pictures from yesterday, we thought it would be great to show you a quick clip from some of the video we took during the Greats' visit. Brayden's been smiling regularly, but it's been impossible to catch a picture of it (or at least how we think it looks in real life). Here's a cutie-pie smile on video instead. He's relaxing in his spa chair and Nama is giving him a little massage -- I think he approves. I think it's a great example of his baby personality!

And your name shall be great

The Proud GREAT!

Brayden met two of his great-grandparents today! Nama and (great) Granddaddy stopped by the Ham on their way to NC. They have been fans of the blog and have been hearing stories about him since the birth and couldn't wait to get their hands on him! It's been quite some time since there has been a baby on either side of my immediate family, but even longer on my mother's side (not since Nancy back in '83!). I could tell they were "tickled" to see him. Only minutes after their arrival, Brayden was secure in Nama's arms and, of course, I had my camera in their faces. Here she is, beaming with pride.

Loving care

Nama and (G)Gdad stayed through lunch to visit with all of us (especially Zoey who, as you might expect, "requested" a good bit of their attention). As usual, books and interesting articles were exchanged - things we've found only recently - with the promise to discuss them later. We had a Mayo-family staple for lunch, pimento cheese sandwiches* (a personal favorite of mine... but not just any pimento cheese, "Nama's" pimento cheese - no others is as good as grandma's!). It was wonderful to see them and we can't wait to have them back in town for his baptism.

*By the way, some of you might be thinking that pimento cheese sandwiches sound more southern than Nicole and I usually do. I would direct you to the Yankee/Dixie Quiz -- Nicole and I are BOTH 52% Dixie. Can I get a yee-haw?

Fan-mail!

Another exciting piece of news: I received this fantastic picture today from my parent's dog, Tess. She's heard so much about Brayden, but has yet to meet him. She wanted to send him a grand welcome with her new scarf (made especially for her by Gido, my dad).

Brayden sends a BIG hug, Tess. (and Zoey said to tell you, "Woof.")

Go West, Young Man (down the street)

See the baby?

What a pretty day outside, here in B'ham. As we have been doing the last few days, we took Brayden out on another walk, but this time we took some pictures!

We're all very excited because two of Brayden's great-grandparents are coming to visit tomorrow! Nama and Granddaddy are on their way to North Carolina via Birmingham today and will be here to visit in the morning. They've been following the blog since the beginning and they had planned to visit for the first time for his baptism. But after all the pictures and videos, they said they just couldn't wait until July! We know, he's a cutie so we can't fault them. He's thrilled to meet his GGPs and we'll have some pictures up tomorrow as a record of it... hold your breath! :)

See the baby closer!

He's legal!

So it's official, Brayden is a legal, card-carrying US citizen. We received his SS card in the mail today. I know that you're thinking, you want to know the number so you can steal his identity and run up his credit cards... don't even think about it. We're not broadcasting that number on the internet! :)

We've been taking Brayden out on long walks around the neighborhood recently and he's been loving it! Nicole is finally feeling very close to normal again and that means long walks. He's been wide awake and looking around as we walk. In fact, he was awake for over 5 hours straight today (this is big news people!). At his last doctor's appointment, he was already back up to his birth weight, over a week early. Listen, little things like this didn't make much sense to me before him, but these little milestones move us closer and closer to a big 'ole healthy boy!

Another update, we ordered a new pc today, so even though we're able to post with the laptop, we'll have pictures and videos coming more often very soon. Happy Monday, and Happy Pentecost!

The Girata Spa, Babies Welcome

After a two-day absence, I thought we owed you a good one! Here's the man himself during one of his least favorite activities - a bath. You've seen the pictures, now check out the video!

In other news, our computer is officially toast. I took it to a local tech and it's not even worth the repair. I'm using my office laptop this week, but we should have something new for home on a permanent basis soon. Until then, I'm enjoying tapping into a neighbor's wireless LAN. I feel like I'm at a Starbucks in my living room - no more relagation to the office, I'm where the people are, now!

A sad day

Friends, today is a sad day. Our computer is not working properly (honestly, it's not working at all). In addition to the obvious distress with which this is plaguing me - the potential loss of pictures, etc. - I was also concerned that I would not be able to post today. Never fear! A friend of mine offered his laptop so I could let you know that today's post is only this, a sad message. Happy Friday, in spite of this sad news!

Come see the big show!

So this is a new thing for me - I hope it works. Click once on any part of the video and then once more on the "Play" button.

This is a video I shot a few minutes ago when Brayden was having a little more awake time. I know you're about to wet your pants because you think it's of Tummy-Time, but alas, it's only some pleasant moments on the bed. If there's one thing to be said about this little one it's that he's VERY pleasant. As you'll see, he's stretching out and preparing to conquer the world... watch out!