The Primo Salon

The day has finally come for Brayden's first haircut! Brayden is rapidly approaching his first birthday and his hair has not curled cutely behind his head. Instead, it's straight as an arrow and beginning to look untidy. After a recommendation, we decided to take him to Cartoon Cuts, a salon specializing in kids cuts. They were great, with cartoons (age appropriate, even!) playing at each cutting station. Brayden was a champ... perhaps Barney's happily obnoxious self prancing across the screen helped a bit (not a fan of the purple blob). He's not our little baby anymore!

Getting ready with Mr. Lee

You may think this is a bit of trepidation, but don't mistake the brainwashing effects of the dino-monstrosity.

In process... homage to the fauxhawk

Here it is, the real deal. He was brilliant... never a peep.

The finished product, from above

The new little toddler!

Proud mama and her new man

And no, Nicole didn't cry! She was such a brave mama.

Little Trickster

As all parents do, we subject Brayden to little lessons each day... in other words, we're teaching him how to perform tricks. As he gets older, he's getting trickier and trickier (or smarter and smarter... right?). So, for your viewing pleasure, check out the cutest baby ever:



Believe me, it was hard to confine Brayden to simply this handful of tricks. He was at the driving range earlier in the week driving balls over 250 yards... but I told him that posting a video of that would be showing off. He agreed to wait to spring that on you (at least for a few more weeks). Cheers!

Real Walking... Yes!

Hi all -- it's the walking baby again. I hope you enjoy a little more cruising speed. B picked up an early birthday present this afternoon and took to it very quickly. He'll be running the mile in 6 flat by next week. Oh yeah.

(NOTE: Those very discerning viewers - and by discerning I mean those of you with sight - may notice a slight "crookedness" near the end of this video. Believe me, it is not usually so. In fact, only minutes before delighting us with this walking routine, B himself made the aforementioned "adjustment" to the waterlilies. We do so hope that its skew does not detract from your viewing pleasure.)



I've been thinking about other cute stories to share, and Nicole reminded me of one a couple nights ago. I think it was Thursday (although it may have been Wednesday) of this past week. I did my normal evening routine: 10p - feed B, 10:15p - bathe B, 10:30p - hand B over to Nic and take Zoey out for her evening walk. Typically, Brayden falls asleep with Nicole while I'm out, but that night, after I had already been outside for a few minutes, Nicole said that Brayden stopped what he was doing, looked around, looked up at her and said, "Woof, dog? Woof, dog?" Then said, "Dada?" Apparently he realized that we weren't there and was wondering where we had gone! (Do take note about who came first in that sequence...) Too cute. In fact, he's communicating very well. We have a great video with astounding tricks coming next... stay tuned.

Walking Tall

Finally, we were able to score a little video of Brayden walking. Admittedly, this is not the best example of his walking ability. However, since he seems enamored with the video camera and can't concentrate properly, this will do. Yahoo -- a walking baby!



Also, in case you're in need of a little Easter news, check out my sermon from Sunday on doubting Thomas. If you read it, let me know what you think!

Tax day, tax day, la, la, la, la,la.

Dear All: Here's wishing you a wonderful Tax Day and many happy returns.

Brayden wanted to send his love (and perhaps sympathy) to all of you on this day when we celebrate democratic unity in shared civic responsibility. Yay for us!

Oh yes, I am!

A close up of the joy

I'm lovin' you, too.

a HUGE day!!

Before we get into the news du jour, I wanted to make sure we got some video of this cutie out on the blog. This is the tale end of a laughing fit Brayden was having with Nicole. It's not quite as good as it would have been had I been ready with the camera, but it's a great example of his budding personality. I think the funniest thing about this is he falls out laughing -- too much!



Okay, the moment you've all been waiting for -- today, yes, just this very morning, Brayden took his FIRST STEPS!! Holy, holy! Here's the scene: Brayden had crawled into the kitchen where Nicole was doing some work at the counter. He crawled over to our microwave stand, where we keep his extra jars of food, and stood up in front of it. He grabbed a jar in one hand, then grabbed a jar in his other hand, and let go! Nic said that he must have realized he was standing without any support, holding his food, because he turned to find her and, when he did, he took 3 clear steps to reach her. She freaked out!! It was so unexpected! Nicole immediately took him out to the living room and tried it again. He walked to her over and over again. She called me at work and I was so excited! What a great birthday present from my son! We will get some video up here very soon... patience, patience.

Happy Easter!

It's baby's first Easter! Brayden had a wonderful day and was dressed up in his spankin' new Easter outfit, a gift from Mia and Poppy. He had a very full day with church and a big Roenick family dinner in Maryland. BUT, there's always a little time for a photo-op. Here he is in his Easter glory:

A smiling Easter baby

Walking with Mommy (he's VERY close to his first steps!)

Remember when the Easter Bunny was bigger than you? Here's Brayden with his first bunny. The little toys in the bunny's basket come out (very nice) and the bunny is first-class soft. Cuddly.

Ooh, a bunny!

Yo, people. Happy Easter.

Tongue of fire

Just for your giggles, here's an example of Brayden's newest toy: his tongue. While we were in Texas, he began doing tongue Olympics. He's much better at it these days, but this is still a funny video. Enjoy!