Over the Thanksgiving trip to PA, Brayden took along his favorite things -- including books! He loves to read (by himself!) and have the books read to him. The family was happy to oblige. Here are some of the reading moments over the holiday:
One of his favorite books (at the very bottom) is Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?
...and with Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (plus Mr. Brown, again!)
I'm not sure of the exact title of this book, but it's about bringing home a New Baby. Brayden is beginning to learn about new babies. Now when we read books with babies, we always ask things like "where is the new baby?" He enthusiastically responds with a big "There!"
I told you he loves that book!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
18 Months, and all's well
Brayden had his 18-month checkup today, and everything looks good! He's almost completely clear of all that has been aching him over the last month. (In fact, we're all much better!) Brayden measured in at 25 lbs. 4 oz. (25%) and over 36 in. long (WAY over 95%). I think that measurement's a little high. I measured him between 35 and 35.5 in., but no matter -- even as low as 34.5 in. is still in the 95%. Tall boy.
To celebrate his health, I thought I should toss up a few more pictures from the holiday weekend.
In the back yard:
On the jungle gym in the back yard:
And perhaps... looking for the backyard?
I love that picture -- definitely going in some embarrassing slide show in his later years!
To celebrate his health, I thought I should toss up a few more pictures from the holiday weekend.
In the back yard:
On the jungle gym in the back yard:
And perhaps... looking for the backyard?
I love that picture -- definitely going in some embarrassing slide show in his later years!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Our trip to PA
We're back from a great Thanksgiving trip to Pittsburgh. We spent the holiday with the Giratas at my Sito's* house. The whole gang was there, including over 100 people for Nancy's engagement party on Friday. But, until I get more pictures together, I thought we'd start with these. The weather swung from the balmy to the downright cold (with snow!) while we were there. Before the temp dropped too much, Brayden had great fun in the backyard:
What a love -- I think he was grinning at his Gido** (my dad).
Even on vacation, Brayden wants to talk on the phone... like father, like son, I suppose. And one more for good measure:
More pictures of the weekend to follow!
*Sito is the Lebanese word for "grandmother," not a cute little random name some child blurted out that stuck.
**Gido is the Lebanese word for "grandfather."
-- Knowledge is power -- more Arabic lessons to follow.
What a love -- I think he was grinning at his Gido** (my dad).
Even on vacation, Brayden wants to talk on the phone... like father, like son, I suppose. And one more for good measure:
More pictures of the weekend to follow!
*Sito is the Lebanese word for "grandmother," not a cute little random name some child blurted out that stuck.
**Gido is the Lebanese word for "grandfather."
-- Knowledge is power -- more Arabic lessons to follow.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi all -- Happy Thanksgiving! We're in Pittsburgh with family for the holiday, so no picture updates until the weekend. BUT, we're thinking of you, our extended family, and wishing you a wonderful day!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Shear Genius
We're approaching "the holidays" -- and that means you have to get yourself together! We began that process with Brayden yesterday, by getting a spankin' new haircut. I'll admit, Nicole thought it was a little short, but I think it's great. He just looks so old! These pictures aren't great (too much shadow) but they'll do. I'm sure we'll have more from this weekend. I promised not to forget the camera when we hit the 'ole Gymboree.
In other news, I don't think I announced this here, but I have been officially approved for Ordination to the Diaconate (the first ordination on the way to the Priesthood -- considered a "transitional deacon") on December 21st in Atlanta!! All are welcome if you're in town!
In other news, I don't think I announced this here, but I have been officially approved for Ordination to the Diaconate (the first ordination on the way to the Priesthood -- considered a "transitional deacon") on December 21st in Atlanta!! All are welcome if you're in town!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
In one week
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is less than a week away? It seems like just last month I posted pictures of Brayden's first solid food at last year's Thanksgiving celebration. He's certainly come far since then. This Thanksgiving he'll be eating EVERYTHING!
I've been trying to catch video of Brayden doing some of the cute things that he does, but the camera gets in the way. He's certainly begun to understand that electronics are the coolest things ever (my son) and when he sees the camera, he wants it. Whatever he was doing melts away and he lunges for the camera. Hopefully I can sneak a video soon.
Until then, how about a little story-telling... Yesterday, while Nicole and Brayden were in the produce section of the grocery store, Brayden saw that an apple had fallen on the floor. He leaned over the cart, pointed at the apple, and said, "Apple!" What?! We haven't taught him that word! I'm sure he's heard us say it, and Nicole eats them often, but it wasn't anything we had tried to intentionally teach him. The moral of this story: we're teaching him all the time, even when we're not trying to teach him anything... scary.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and in preparation for that great feast, here is my thought for the day: Aren't the "good things that come to those who wait" just the leftovers from the people who got there first? Yum.
I've been trying to catch video of Brayden doing some of the cute things that he does, but the camera gets in the way. He's certainly begun to understand that electronics are the coolest things ever (my son) and when he sees the camera, he wants it. Whatever he was doing melts away and he lunges for the camera. Hopefully I can sneak a video soon.
Until then, how about a little story-telling... Yesterday, while Nicole and Brayden were in the produce section of the grocery store, Brayden saw that an apple had fallen on the floor. He leaned over the cart, pointed at the apple, and said, "Apple!" What?! We haven't taught him that word! I'm sure he's heard us say it, and Nicole eats them often, but it wasn't anything we had tried to intentionally teach him. The moral of this story: we're teaching him all the time, even when we're not trying to teach him anything... scary.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and in preparation for that great feast, here is my thought for the day: Aren't the "good things that come to those who wait" just the leftovers from the people who got there first? Yum.
Friday, November 09, 2007
A post for post's sake
It's been a long week... sorry for the gap in posting. I honestly don't have anything new to share, although tomorrow may bring something exciting! You never know what a Saturday may hold.
I do, however, have a 2-week old video. Brayden's taking to pushing his stroller instead of wanting to ride in it. I've seen kids do this and always thought it was quite nonsensical. Why push when you can ride? Why even have the ride of you don't ride? Perhaps he's developing some control issues. More likely: he's hyper and doesn't want to sit down for too long. So here's the video (although it's so short you might think of it as a videoette, or perhaps a glorified picture):
In addition to the video, I thought you'd find this latest quiz pretty funny. Now don't go getting yourself in a tizzy because I'm outing myself as a liberal. You conservatives can take your own test on its sister site (and the sites are pretty funny -- thanks to my friend, Ben, for the tip):
"Non-Jesus-based thought" ...really? Irony?
And just for "fair and balanced" fake-quiz testing, here is how I scored on the conservative site:
I think that they're both in line with my politics... 1) government should leave me alone, and 2) we are equal, not free.
(NOTE: feel free to ignore that and pop back up to watch my cute son)
I do, however, have a 2-week old video. Brayden's taking to pushing his stroller instead of wanting to ride in it. I've seen kids do this and always thought it was quite nonsensical. Why push when you can ride? Why even have the ride of you don't ride? Perhaps he's developing some control issues. More likely: he's hyper and doesn't want to sit down for too long. So here's the video (although it's so short you might think of it as a videoette, or perhaps a glorified picture):
In addition to the video, I thought you'd find this latest quiz pretty funny. Now don't go getting yourself in a tizzy because I'm outing myself as a liberal. You conservatives can take your own test on its sister site (and the sites are pretty funny -- thanks to my friend, Ben, for the tip):
My Liberal Identity:
You are a Reality-Based Intellectualist, also known as the liberal elite. You are a proud member of what’s known as the reality-based community, where science, reason, and non-Jesus-based thought reign supreme.
Take the quiz at www.FightConservatives.com
"Non-Jesus-based thought" ...really? Irony?
And just for "fair and balanced" fake-quiz testing, here is how I scored on the conservative site:
My Conservative Identity:
You are a Free Marketeer, also known as a fiscal conservative. You believe in free-market capitalism, tax cuts, and protecting your hard-earned cash from pick-pocketing liberal socialists.
Take the quiz at www.FightLiberals.com
I think that they're both in line with my politics... 1) government should leave me alone, and 2) we are equal, not free.
(NOTE: feel free to ignore that and pop back up to watch my cute son)
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Remember Halloween??
With all the excitement of the DaGirata Code, I never got around to publishing our Halloween photos. Yes, we did do Halloween right, with pumpkins and all... AND the cutest little kid ever.
Before we get to the costumes, there must be a pumpkin (or 3!). We had a family pumpkin with little kid pumpkins, too -- one for Brayden and one for Layna.
Brayden loved playing with his pumpkin more than anything. He kept saying "Ball! Ball!" and throwing it on the ground. Luckily, it stood up to the pressure.
(btw, Brayden was getting over a cold, which is why he looks a little "rough" in that picture)
This year, B was a bee! We looked at bee costumes last year, but they all had tutus. Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with tutus, just not on my infant son... right. But this year, they were ripe for the wearing.
...and our "first" baby...
...played outside with our little bee.
Finally, the little family on the way to the Seminary Halloween Party!
After we got ready at the apartment, we were off to the Seminary Halloween Party. The family group at the seminary puts on parties throughout the year for the kids of the community, and Brayden was set to have a great time. Here he is walking into the gym.
We hung out with our good friends the Humms. Tristan came dressed as a frog (LOVE it!) -- they were quite the animal pair! Would a frog typically eat a bee? No matter, here's one of the only pictures to turn out decently. (For others, click on the link to the right called "Fun with Tristan" -- Charity's pictures are better.)
Here you can see that Brayden is certainly my son... he apparently wasn't happy with the music at the party and sought to "improve" it. His new club name: DJB. Catchy.
Before we get to the costumes, there must be a pumpkin (or 3!). We had a family pumpkin with little kid pumpkins, too -- one for Brayden and one for Layna.
Brayden loved playing with his pumpkin more than anything. He kept saying "Ball! Ball!" and throwing it on the ground. Luckily, it stood up to the pressure.
(btw, Brayden was getting over a cold, which is why he looks a little "rough" in that picture)
This year, B was a bee! We looked at bee costumes last year, but they all had tutus. Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with tutus, just not on my infant son... right. But this year, they were ripe for the wearing.
...and our "first" baby...
...played outside with our little bee.
Finally, the little family on the way to the Seminary Halloween Party!
After we got ready at the apartment, we were off to the Seminary Halloween Party. The family group at the seminary puts on parties throughout the year for the kids of the community, and Brayden was set to have a great time. Here he is walking into the gym.
We hung out with our good friends the Humms. Tristan came dressed as a frog (LOVE it!) -- they were quite the animal pair! Would a frog typically eat a bee? No matter, here's one of the only pictures to turn out decently. (For others, click on the link to the right called "Fun with Tristan" -- Charity's pictures are better.)
Here you can see that Brayden is certainly my son... he apparently wasn't happy with the music at the party and sought to "improve" it. His new club name: DJB. Catchy.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
The Name: Revealed!!
Dear all -- a BIG thank you for playing our game! It was great fun for us and we hope you enjoyed it, too. Since we can't physically be with you to share the news, this little game made us feel a bit more connected. So, on to the reveal...
In case you want to continue trying to solve the riddle on your own, I won't spoil the name for you, no worry. If you're ready to discover our new baby's name, follow this link: (click here)
So there you have it! She is on her way! Congratulations to our friends, Annie and Adam, who teamed up to be the FIRST ones to guess her name correctly. You're awesome!
For those of you who have been diligently working on the riddle, would you like to know what we were thinking?? If so, continue...
In case you want to continue trying to solve the riddle on your own, I won't spoil the name for you, no worry. If you're ready to discover our new baby's name, follow this link: (click here)
So there you have it! She is on her way! Congratulations to our friends, Annie and Adam, who teamed up to be the FIRST ones to guess her name correctly. You're awesome!
For those of you who have been diligently working on the riddle, would you like to know what we were thinking?? If so, continue...
SPOILER ALERT!!
(the answer to the riddle is just below,
STOP reading if you don't want to know!!)
When you start at the beginning,
It will save you lots of strife.
- This simply means that the clue that follows will begin her name.
To Jupiter I'd be 50,
- The first thing most of us think when we hear Jupiter is the planet. But where did the planet get its name? Jupiter is the chief Roman god, equivalent to the Greek god, Zeus. Once you know that you're dealing with something "Roman," the second part of the line references 50. If you were Jupiter (if you were Roman), how would you "know" (or write) numbers? In Roman numerals, the number 50 is "L."
But on Earth I'd just start life.
- This is classic riddle language: what starts life? "L" does. Both this line and the line above point to the same letter. The first stanza tells you that her name begins with the letter "L."
You'll find the name's defined,
- This stanza will give you the definition of her name.
In a book we nicknamed Jack.
- What proper name has the nickname, Jack? John.
When you double up the wonders,
- There are 7 Wonders of the World... therefore, doubling their number gives you 14.
And take half a baker's pack.
- A baker's "pack" is a baker's dozen: 13. Half of 13 is 6.5 Put all that together and you know that the definition of the name can be found in the Book of John 14:6b ("6b" is Bible lingo for the middle of the 6th verse). When you check that verse, the first line reads "Jesus said, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life..." and the middle word of that statement is "truth." Now you know that her name means truth.
In sum, you would have discovered 2 clues: 1) her name begins with "L," and 2) her name means "truth." If you search for "girls name meaning truth" and filter to only those names beginning with the letter "L," there are only 5 listed... and we were hopeful that you would at worst simply guess them down the line and at best, trust that we would have picked the prettiest name of the bunch! :)
(the answer to the riddle is just below,
STOP reading if you don't want to know!!)
When you start at the beginning,
It will save you lots of strife.
- This simply means that the clue that follows will begin her name.
To Jupiter I'd be 50,
- The first thing most of us think when we hear Jupiter is the planet. But where did the planet get its name? Jupiter is the chief Roman god, equivalent to the Greek god, Zeus. Once you know that you're dealing with something "Roman," the second part of the line references 50. If you were Jupiter (if you were Roman), how would you "know" (or write) numbers? In Roman numerals, the number 50 is "L."
But on Earth I'd just start life.
- This is classic riddle language: what starts life? "L" does. Both this line and the line above point to the same letter. The first stanza tells you that her name begins with the letter "L."
You'll find the name's defined,
- This stanza will give you the definition of her name.
In a book we nicknamed Jack.
- What proper name has the nickname, Jack? John.
When you double up the wonders,
- There are 7 Wonders of the World... therefore, doubling their number gives you 14.
And take half a baker's pack.
- A baker's "pack" is a baker's dozen: 13. Half of 13 is 6.5 Put all that together and you know that the definition of the name can be found in the Book of John 14:6b ("6b" is Bible lingo for the middle of the 6th verse). When you check that verse, the first line reads "Jesus said, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life..." and the middle word of that statement is "truth." Now you know that her name means truth.
In sum, you would have discovered 2 clues: 1) her name begins with "L," and 2) her name means "truth." If you search for "girls name meaning truth" and filter to only those names beginning with the letter "L," there are only 5 listed... and we were hopeful that you would at worst simply guess them down the line and at best, trust that we would have picked the prettiest name of the bunch! :)
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The DaGirata Code
Welcome to The Riddle... or what I like to call: The DaGirata Code.
This riddle is our creation to guess the first name of our little baby girl (expected release date: March 17, 2008). It was fun to write, and we hope it's fun for you to play!
Here is the only rule: You must guess whole names only!! Don't comment with hints on how to figure out parts of the riddle. JUST whole names. (Got it, cheaters??) Here we go...
----------
When you start at the beginning,
It will save you lots of strife.
To Jupiter I'd be 50,
But on Earth I'd just start life.
You'll find the name's defined,
In a book we nicknamed Jack.
When you double up the wonders,
And take half a baker's pack.
----------
NOTE: This riddle will only reveal clues for the first name (the rest is up to you!).
Now, on to other details... If you submit a guess (and please do, this is fun for us, too!) then I will reply to you directly. I will not confirm or deny any guesses on the blog so that everyone who wants to continue to play can do so. I will, however, publish the name "officially" on Saturday afternoon, along with the middle name. If you have any questions about it, let me know (although I won't guarantee any help).
Have FUN!!
This riddle is our creation to guess the first name of our little baby girl (expected release date: March 17, 2008). It was fun to write, and we hope it's fun for you to play!
Here is the only rule: You must guess whole names only!! Don't comment with hints on how to figure out parts of the riddle. JUST whole names. (Got it, cheaters??) Here we go...
----------
When you start at the beginning,
It will save you lots of strife.
To Jupiter I'd be 50,
But on Earth I'd just start life.
You'll find the name's defined,
In a book we nicknamed Jack.
When you double up the wonders,
And take half a baker's pack.
----------
NOTE: This riddle will only reveal clues for the first name (the rest is up to you!).
Now, on to other details... If you submit a guess (and please do, this is fun for us, too!) then I will reply to you directly. I will not confirm or deny any guesses on the blog so that everyone who wants to continue to play can do so. I will, however, publish the name "officially" on Saturday afternoon, along with the middle name. If you have any questions about it, let me know (although I won't guarantee any help).
Have FUN!!
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