6 months

I can't believe how fast the time flies by. It seems like I just had this little baby boy and he is already 1/2 a year old. I am still amazed by how quickly he is changing and growing during this first year. His 6 month appointment went great. He is a long lean baby (like his mommy was) measuring in at 28 inches and 17 lbs 9 oz. He got all his vaccinations along with the flu and H1N1 shots, so it wasn't the greatest visit for him, but overall he did great with the shots. He has started eating solids and while he is warming to the idea, he doesn't love them. We have always gone out to lunch and dinner with him quite often, and it is nice that he can start to participate in these meals. A couple of nights ago, Chad and I took him to Texas Roadhouse and I realized that I forgot his bib. Chad made a makeshift bib out of one of the napkins and he kind of looked like an outlaw. He got lots of adoring looks from the diners around us. Braeden is kind of a nosey kid, he is always staring at the people sitting around us at restaurants. In fact, most of the time he won't turn away until they acknowledge him with a smile. As his as they smile, he will smile back at them and then turn away.

Every Monday, I meet my parents and my brother Travis for lunch at this local Mexican restaurant called 4 G's. It is near my parents office and we have been going there for years. In fact, we don't even have to place an order with our regular waitress because we all have a "regular order". Anyway, Braeden has tagged along with me on Mondays since he was born. On this particular day it was cold and Travis was wearing a beanie. We put it on Braeden, and while he didn't love it, we thought it was soo cute.

As far as other milestones. Braeden has been rolling both ways for some time now. His 2 front lower teeth made an appearance during the last month (he was definitely happier when they finally broke the skin). He still loves his excersaucer.

He still wakes throughout the night. I can honestly say, he is a terrible sleeper. In fact, the only time this child cries is when we try to put him to sleep. Oh well, it can't go on forever right...someday I will sleep through the night again :-)

I am loving every minute of this little boy. I am trying to appreciate all of the stages (even the sleepless nights) as I can already see how quickly this time is passing. I can't believe in another 6 months we will be celebrating his 1st birthday. I love this little guy :-)

Mexico

If you had asked me a few years ago if I would take a 6 month baby to Mexico, I would have said no way. Well, times have changed. Last winter, my good friend Chrissy got engaged to her boyfriend Travis. I was so thrilled for her, Travis is a great guy and I knew they had a great relationship. Given Chrissy's adventurous spirit, I wasn't surprised at all when she started talking about a destination wedding. She and Travis decided on Riviera Maya in November 2009 and I was so honored when she asked me to be a bridesmaid. At the time I was pregnant with Braeden and I quickly did the math on how old he would be when the wedding came around...6 months...hmm, would I be ready to leave him then...probably not. So, lucky for me, I have an amazing mom, who was happy to tag along on the trip, to be our on call babysitter. I am so glad I decided to bring Braeden. Since I stay home with him during the days, he is very attached to his mom, which I love :-) Additionally, I am still breastfeeding, and I wasn't sure about the effectiveness and logistics of pumping to keep my milk supply up. Lastly, Braeden is still struggling in the sleeping department, especially when other people try to put him to sleep, so I definitely would have worried a lot had we left him in Denver. All in all, I was glad to have him with me for 4 days in Mexico. Might the trip have been more relaxing without him...probably. Would it have been as good...no way!

So, on Wednesday morning, November 18th, Chad, Braeden, Grandma and I headed to the airport for the little guy's first international trip. Did you know they require infants to get passports!! The crazy thing is that they are good for 6 years, like it will look like him at all. It will be a good memento for the memory box. Luckily for us, Braeden has been a great plane traveler so far. With one trip to Wisconsin and now the trip to Mexico under our belts, I can honestly say he hasn't really cried at all on the plane.

The resort we stayed at was very nice and super kid friendly. They provided a crib in the room and they even had highchairs at all of the restaurants (and it was the same highchair we have at home.) We got to take Braeden swimming for the first time. They had a kids pool area with shallow, warm water and Braeden really liked that area. He was super cute in his swim trunks and sun hat. I am already looking forward to swimming with him this summer.

Chad and I stayed busy with all of the pre-wedding hoopla. There was a welcome party on Thursday, the Rehearsal Dinner on Friday and the Wedding on Saturday. Additionally, Chrissy took all of the bridesmaids on a snorkel cruise on Friday morning. That was such a great, relaxing time for me to hang out with the girls. I can't tell you the last time I sat in the sun, no worries, for 3 hours. It was great. All of Chrissy's bridesmaids were awesome too. We had so much fun hanging out.

As expected, the wedding was beautiful and Chrissy looked amazing. They got married at sunset on the beach and everything went perfectly.

A few funny things...a tractor that picks up seaweed, drove right behind the ceremony area just before the bridesmaids started walking down. Also, there was a nudist colony a few resorts down from our resort. Apparently, the nudists like to wear banana hammocks when they clothe. I didn't see them, but there was a couple standing 30 yards from the ceremony making out, and the man was wearing his g-string swimsuit. Chad thought it was humorous enough to take a picture :-)

The reception was a lot of fun. Great company, good music and lots of dancing. Overall, it was a great wedding. I am soo happy for Chrissy and Travis. I look forward to lots of fun years ahead as married couples.

The trip back to Denver ran into a couple slight glitches. Mainly, that our plane was delayed 3 hours and almost didn't take off. Apparently, the flight attendants oxygen mask wouldn't stay up in the compartment, and legally, they can't fly with it dangling down. Thank goodness, they found a way to fly at a lower altitude to get us back to Denver that night. I was so thankful, as I was definitely ready to get home. It was a great trip, but I was glad to get back to our own beds (and crib) and back into our routine.

I want to thank my mom again for coming with us. She was a godsend. We definitely couldn't have gotten by without her. Thanks for being a great mom and an amazing grandma. I love you!