More Smiles

Mr. Happy

Okay, so here he is again. He's simply the cutest. The more we look at him, the more we think he's fabulous. He was in a great mood earlier in the week when we caught this laugh. I know I promised more baptism pictures, and they are coming, but this one couldn't wait.

By the way, if you're looking for a laugh, check out "Once Upon A Summer Job" at our friend's blog (posted July 17th) -- it's quite the trip. Enjoy!

Who loves ya, baby?!

My Sunshine
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

So I have to indulge myself and post this picture. I was playing one of my favorite games with Brayden, "Fly For Kisses," when Gigi caught us. He's quite the cutie, and I think this will remain one of my personal favorites in the future.

I've been searching through all the baptism weekend pictures I've received (inbetween furious packing) and there are a number of great ones I want to share. However, I do want you to come back again... so stay tuned for coming attractions!

G is for Gigi!

My Gigi!
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Brayden learned his English alphabet over a month ago (naturally) and is on to organic chemistry. Nevertheless, he was so excited to share his learning with his Gigi -- "G is for Gigi!" We're thrilled to have the Girata grandma here for two weeks, helping with the baby boy and wih all the packing. Whew... packing. Anyway, three cheers for Gigi. Welcome.

Country Boy, City Boy

'Sup?!

As you know, it's getting very close to our move to the big city, and up north! We're thrilled (even though it means a lot of packing), but I think the move has gone to Brayden's head. He's got some attitude (where'd he get that?!), but he's gone crazy recently. Yesterday I said, "Hey Brayden, what's up?" Response, "I'm sorry, but I'm too cool to speak to you." Say I, "What? But I love you." Says B, "You're embarrassing." Geez.

Where's the party?

It's a sing-along! "I'm, too sexy for my shades, too sexy for my shades, too sexy, yeah." Can you even handle this kid? Too much.

Some Baptism pics

The wait is OVER!! Here, finally, are the first set of pictures from the Baptism weekend. These are from the service, only. There are other great ones from the weekend, but I only have so much time (selling a house and moving, ya know). Enjoy them and let us know what you think (aka, how much you love them!).

The gang's all here

The angel

Brayden with his new godparents, Jen and Eric

The new family

The Festival Weekend is upon us!

Welcome, one and all, to Brayden Christopher's Baptism Festival Weekend!! It is sure to be one fantastic celebration.

If you're reading this, then most likely you are not joining us for the Birmingham festivities. Never fear!! You can enjoy the play-by-play from the comfort of your armchair (or sofa, Al). Beginning tonight with a mondo family dinner, we will kick it off and bust it out, among others. Tomorrow morning is the big day, el baptism (that's Spanish, friends), the day was have been planning for, waiting for and praying for (gotta love ending in triple-preposition style). At left is a fresh sketch of what will be happening tomorrow, save the big pool of water and the funnily-mustached man... although I do believe Rev. Steve is Italiano! Here's to you my man, B!

Let's judge a book...

Another grin
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

You can tell a lot from a person's smile. Here's Brayden, with just a simple grin... but you can get a lot from that grin. "Don't judge a book by its cover" -- I disagree. This smile says:

"I'm a cutie, I know it, and I know you know it. You may have thought you were cute until you saw me, and now you may be feeling a little self-conscious. Never fear, my dear, for you are a beautiful person on the inside. I promise."

If there's one thing I can say about my little man, its that he's got attitude all over. Seriously, at times it's coming straight out of his ears. You love it. Don't deny it. Love, love, love.

I just can't wait!!

SO happy
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Next week is Brayden's baptism and a lot of family is coming into town. Needless to say, Brayden is thrilled!! He can't wait to see everyone and wanted us to post a picture of him so you could all see his excitement. He's such a cutie... we know. He was dancing and laughing with Nicole this morning (to the VH1 Top 20 Countdown... oh yeah, every Saturday morning, peeps!) and we caught him mid laugh. We think this is fabulous. For those of you who haven't met him yet, get jealous.

A social boy

Stylin'

Things in the Ham are going very well. We went out with some of Nicole's co-workers to the Cheesecake Factory on Wednesday night. So, of course, Brayden needed a super-cute outfit. Here it is, complete with his first pair of shoes! Now obviously, Brayden's feet are not this big. I just thought this perspective was hilarious. Stark white shoes with overalls -- can anyone say "90's flashback?" Dinner was great, but he was not altogether pleased to be there. He had been such a dream at other restaurants, but on Wed, he was kinda fussy. I attribute it to his frustration at not being offered any of my cheesecake or Nic's strawberry shortcake... such a demanding baby!

Mia with a cutie

When we got back from dinner, it was definitely time for a Kodak moment with Mia. We hadn't gotten a good picture with just the two of them, so it was about time... especially in his great outfit. As you can see, Mia is surrounded be Braydens in the front AND in the back. I'm sure she's not too upset about that.

Doctor on call

B with Dr. Whitaker

So here we are again, back at Mom's favorite place -- the doctor's office. Brayden's 6-week check-up was last week, the last time (hopefully) he'll see Dr. Whitaker. He checked out very well, almost 11 pounds and still long for his age. I hope he'll keep that up. As you can see, Dr. Whitaker is great with kids and Brayden wasn't too upset during his examination.

Are we done yet?

However, this was also the visit when he received his first series of immunizations. This is an "after" picture -- it's a "Dad, take me home" face. He was a very good boy and VERY happy because this means he's close to moving to Virginia.

The Zoeysburg Address

Zoey's Speech

"Four score and seven weeks ago my parents brought forth on this continent, a new baby, conceived in love, and dedicated to the proposition that all pets are not created equal... to babies."

Zoey has been such a great big sister, but she felt the need to speak her mind the other day. In order to get our attention she hopped into her robes and into the "pulpit." Poor Brayden was shocked at the display, but she promised that she loved him even though he's (quote) the most important now (end quote). We do love our little girlie dog - such a character!

Happy 7th Week anniversary, Brayden!

The First Bath (finally!)

What the??

Who knows what's supposed to happen with a newborn between the first and second week of life? Among other things, what's left of his umbilical cord should fall off. Well, Brayden was in love with his and it only JUST fell off. We've been waiting patiently for that big event because he can't be submerged in water until it happens. That may not sound like a big deal, but Nicole and I really love bathing (we're pretty clean people) and wanted to share that love with our new little lover. Besides, there are so many fun things that can take place in the bath -- think toys, people.

Where am I?!

Imagine this: you've been in the living world for weeks, and life as you know it is predictable, it's regular. In other words, you know that when you "ring a bell" your diaper gets its wings. One fine day, in mere seconds, you're clothes are ripped right off your tushie and your thrown into... what the?? What is this?! Well, as you can see, this is a pretty decent way to explain Brayden's reaction to his very first "real" bath. Believe me, he's enjoyed the couple subsequent sloshes much more than these pictures show. However, we thought you'd like to experience the first time with us. May all your baths be warm.

Mia's Here!

Mia and her kids
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

Blow the trumpets and bang the drums, Mia's here! As expected, her grandkids bum-rushed her with lots 'o love - take a gander. She was thrilled to see them both... and the two of us boring adults, too. She's up her in the Ham to help care for Brayden now that Nic and I are both at work. Tomorrow officially marks one month until our move. And how does one begin the countdown to a move? --- I'll tell you, you sign a contract to sell your house. Oh yes, that's right, we're selling the house! Happy minus-one-month-anniversary to US! I won't lie, I cry myself to sleep at the thought of having to leave my beloved Birmingham... right? right? mmm.

Hail to the chief!

Mom on the Fourth

Per our last conversation, Brayden and I have been trying to figure out a way to sneak our contraband "party favors" into our Fourth celebrations. I'll let you know how that pans out (Mom's giving me the evil eye). I suppose I'll be foiled again. Sorry B, I tried.

So here's the little woman and her new Independence Day purse (we nicknamed it "Brayden"). She's been looking around for one to match her outfit and finally found this little bugger - already dressed in a festive outfit!

I love all of this "USA"

Brayden's quite the little patriot and is loving this new outfit (he just got it from the Brock's yesterday! -- great timing). Since we can't do our own "partying" this evening, we're planning to watch the Capital Fourth on TV. Speaking of that, I can't tell you how excited I am to be living in DC next July 4th. There will be such fantastic hoorah-ing all over the place. We're planning to head down to the capital steps (a few days early for good seats) and enjoy the show. I'm sure I'll be able to find a great hat for Brayden, everyone needs a great hat on the fourth. Don't you have a hat to wear today -- get on board!

Happy Fireworks!

Brayden wanted to wish everyone a Happy Fourth -- but we haven't taken a picture in his July 4th outfit just yet. In lieu of his royal cuteness, here's another artist rendition of LBB with one of his favorite toys. I bought some bottle rockets for him to light this year, but Nicole won't let me do it with him (stick in the mud). I was looking forward to some Father-Son QT. Oh well, next year, perhaps! :)

You looking at me?

Wide eyes
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

So what do you do on the third day of a four-day holiday weekend? How about admire your baby -- who's 6 week's old!! Oh yeah, he's almost legal, people. Brayden popped himself right out exactly 6 weeks ago. There were quite a few ways to celebrate his 6-week birthday, so we chose the "best" - taking mom shopping. Yep, the boys went shopping with momma. I figured I might as well get him used to taking girls shopping. Speaking of moms, grandmom Mia will be arriving tomorrow afternoon. She'll be here for a couple weeks to help us as we prepare for the big move. Don't forget, DC is a beautiful vaca spot!

Is there a doctor in the house?

Kasia and her little baby

Oh yes, that's right -- MORE visitors! Brayden must be thinking that he was born to some party parents... little does he know! Our latest pair to grace us here in the 'ham are our UF friends, Kasia and Matt. They have a week off (yep, it's the summer and they only get ONE week off, man!) and they stopped by our place on the way to north Georgia. They're planning to do what Nicole and I have always dreamed of doing (in fact our ideal vacation) - go camping for a week. What? Camping for one entire week? You're from Florida... go to the beach! We hope you have a wonderful time.

Matt, Kasia, and Brayden

As we enter the holiday "time," there are a million fireworks going off in our neighborhood. Picture this - a new baby and a yappy dog... and fireworks. It's a beautiful (?) thing. Why is it beautiful, you ask -- think. Most of you are probably planning some great festivities so stay safe and enjoy it. We'll have some great baby-patriot-pics soon!

Generations

Finally... Gido!

So many visitors, so little time. Tuesday saw the first visit of Gido! He stopped by on his way to Kentucky on business. So, what did he think of Brayden -- in a word: amazing. He was fantastic with him and Brayden loved his visit. It was great to see him interacting with Brayden just like I saw him interacting with me when I was a baby (on home video, people). A very special experience and one that I might be able to share with you when I get around to editing some of my video!

Three Generations

Of course, I wouldn't be able to face my mother if I didn't take a picture of the three of us together. So here it is - three generations of Girata men. What hotties, huh? A little eye candy for you. Thanks for the visit, Gido - it was great!