Roll B!

Brayden's become very active in the last month, but one thing he has yet to do is roll over... until...

The Celebration

Happy Bday to ME!

As all your devotees are aware, Brayden turned the big 4 mos. a couple days ago. This put him in a definite party mood. What better way to celebrate a milestone than with ice cream?! So, we were off to one of our local hot spots, Maggie Moos (it's a mixin-type-place ala Marble Slab or Coldstone). Brayden wanted the "usual" -- a 'nanner split. The Giratas love maraschino cherries, come what may, cost what it will. We'll get 'em, however.

Rhonda and B

BUT, what's a birthday partaay without friends?!! Brayden invited two of his favorite friends from Atlanta (new VA transplants), Rhonda and Charles. Here's a picture of Rhonda being interrogated by Brayden. He was a little hyper to protect his 'nanner split. Rhonda promised not to eat any of it... but he didn't know about that! I can promise you that he had his fill. Eat me.

My Old Man

I love birthdays!

Brayden was very excited to be turning Four Months old today. Of course he didn't get too excited about the whole deal until I explained that you get great desserts on your birthday. He's a kid with his priorities straight. Oh yes, he knows goodness when he sees it. He wanted his ice cream right away, but it was too early, duh! He'll just have to wait until later to chow down on the nectar of the gods. I'm sure we'll have highlights of that very soon.

What, no school?

He's watched me leave every day for over a month, and knows that I'm going to school. He's definitely visited the campus a number of times, always to eat lots of yumminess. So it was no surprise to me that this morning, after I greeted him with a big Happy Birthday, he said, "Do I get to go to school today?!" As you can see, he's sporting his Daddy's university duds. No sir, no school for you just yet. He was disappointed. I suppose it's no wonder he's eager to get to school since his parents are both geeks. Genetics, B.

Need a close up?

Happy Birthday!

My, oh, my. Brayden is already SO old! We're thrilled to wish you a big Happy 4 Month Birthday, my man! In lieu of a picture in a party hat, here is a little ticker so you'll know just how old he is at all times!

He who hails from the ATL

Even in poor-student-land, Nicole and I have to splurge on soda. One of our favorites (and I believe Mia may be a convert) is Diet Cherry Coke, henceforth referred to as DCC. DCC is a staple. B has apparently discovered the joy that is DCC and wants to get it, get it. Here he is, striking out on his own to reach the promised land.

Hey, what's that?

Ooh.

I want some!

Aah.

Love me some DCC

Oh yeah!

MIA 'n VA

MIA 'n VA
Originally uploaded by cgirata.

We've been thrilled to host Mia this week for her very first Alexandria visit. She, Nicole, and Brayden have been all over NOVA and into Maryland visiting their peeps. Brayden's had a wonderful time and gets to have some QT with Mia tonight while Mommy and Daddy have a date (yahoo!).

FONZ (Friends Of the...)

We heart pandas

As all children should, we took Brayden out to the zoo! I can't say that he was thrilled to death to see all the animals... well, see for yourself. Here's a picture of the National Zoo's pride and joy (don't ask me which one this is -- probably Tai Shan, but who knows) striking a pose. Vogue. He was prancing all around, thrilling the visitors. And all the while, through screams and fits of tourist joy, Brayden was... well, see below.

I heart zoos

Yes sirs, B was sleeping. Sleeping like a little panda-lovin' angel. Apparently he was bored with our zoo trip. That is to say, until we were walking through the petting zoo, traveling from the Lion/Tiger exhibit to the Seals/Otters. All of the sudden, Brayden was thrilled to see... wait for it... a cow. Oh yes, a cow. Forget the Golden Whatevers from Crazy-far-away. Brayden liked the cows. Welcome. Moo.

Bouncy. Bouncy.

Fun with Mommy

There's so much fun to have when you're with Mommy. Brayden's been enjoying all his QT with Nic, including this fun game. I couldn't resist showing you how much he loves it. He squeals with laughter the whole time as he's bounced up and down (and Nic even sings to him!!). I promise to take more video of him when he's acting like a cute little muffin... promise.

Who dat is?!

After a rousing game of whatever-you-call-that, Brayden needed a little down time. He's a big ham and loves the camera.

All's well here in VA. It's been a very busy month and I'm definitely glad to see September arrive! I just had my first day of fall classes and I think my schedule will do very well. Nicole and I are finally able to establish a reliable schedule. If I learn anything particularly enlightening, I'll pass it on. Only 5 weeks until I preach my very first sermon, oh my! In case you're interested, I will be working as a Seminarian at St. John's Church in Chevy Chase, MD. Come by anytime!

Hurricane, shmurricane

Off to see Ernesto

Tropical Storm Ernesto was moving into our area, we were warned about flash floods due to almost 7 inches of rain, numerous tornadoes throughout the region, and wind gusts over 40 mph. So what do you think these jaded Florida natives decided to do? Buy bottled water, canned veggies, powdered milk?! Heck no! We went out to DQ, man! It's Friday night, our ice cream night (Fat Kid Friday, don't ya know), and nothin's gonna hold us down. Ernesto, I bite my thumb at you!

As you can see, Brayden doesn't seem a bit worried about the storm. He has his priorities straight!