Almost 1 years old...

Well the time is almost here....Braylen is about to have her 1year birthday and we are celebrating her party this coming up Saturday! We chose to have it a little early because my side of the family all would not be able to attend on her actually birthday date....bummer! However, I would rather change the date to have everyone come....so we can't wait! More details to come on that!

The day Braylen turned 11 mths was the day I started the weaning process from breast milk! At that time I was only nursing twice a day, morning and evening. I decided to drop the evening feeding first, based on the fact that she usually falls asleep while I am nursing her and has become dependent on that putting her to sleep....most of the time she hardly even finishes her milk. So the process wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I tried putting her STORAGE milk in bottles and give it to her before she goes to bed but she wouldn't take it from me at all and then we learned quickly she didn't want the bottle at all either no matter who was feeding it to her. So then I switched the STORAGE milk to her sippy cups and started giving it to her before dinner and let her have it till she finishes.....this has WORKED WONDERFULLY and has been a success! As for me, it only took about a good 3 days for my breast to realize that I didn't need milk in the evenings anymore!

So I do still feed her in the mornings and plan on dropping that a week before she actually turns the BIG ONE! I think it will be more difficult on my part than hers but I am SO READY to be done! Once I run out of my STORAGE milk then I will start giving her Whole Milk...well actually I am going to start putting a little in her sippy cup with the breast milk so the taste isn't a complete shock to her.

That has been the big change thus far, still no walking....just pushing items and standing....she might take a step or two but that is it! She is defining more words and definitely is starting to mimick what we do. She holds the phone up to her ear, she trys to brush her hair with the comb, she just copies me or Grant....it is hilarious! We look forward to her party and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Pictures from our Beach trip!

Just a few photos of my sweet family! I love them all so very much!!

Bray Reunion/ Beach Trip

This Beach trip was SO WONDERFUL! It intailed lots of RELAXATION, EATING, LAYING OUT, and BEING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT! Grant, Braylen, and I arrived on a Friday evening and we hung out with the cousins and their families and the sisters and just played catch up and ate pizza! Then Saturday we all got ready and went to the ANNUAL BRAY family reunion! It was so good to see everyone and sad at the same time because everyone is getting older. We aren't the little kids anymore running around....it is now our kids doing that. I know Grandmommy and Granddaddy and all the aunts and uncles have felt that for years! Anywho, we decided to play a little "Current Events" Game so everyone could get caught up with each other. It was a success but not sure if everyone loved it or not. Oh well, at least I walked away with some NEW "NEWS" on some distance family members! So then that night, my aunt and uncle and their families were the host of dinner...it was Italian and delicious. Then, everyone called it a night because it was such a LONG DAY! Sunday was Bodie and Braylen's first day at the BEACH....it was "somewhat fun." I am not a fan of SAND up the butt and all over you and not sure if Braylen was either....! She liked the water and the sand inbetween her toes but she also wanted to eat it. Our day at the BEACH was super funny though b/c Grant insisted on having the BIG tent out there and the little small one. Well we set up the BIG tent and it was NEVER used.....and I mentioned to him that it would be pointless to bring down....he didn't think so! The little tent worked for BODIE to fall asleep but Lis and Grant couldn't seem to get the tent folded back up....it took them a while but Hannah, Rodger and I were sitting on the side lines giggling....this was a moment you just had to be there! Then we headed to the pool to enjoy the afternoon and then that night was OUR NIGHT to host dinner....we did a TACO BAR...and boy was it YUMMY and SUPER FRESH! Homemade guacomole and salsa....YUM! Anyways, that night was also our FAMILY PICTURES night.....they turned out GREAT minus the WIND blowing all of our hair. All in All they were wonderful pics! The rest of the trip just consisted of...getting up REALLY early (she was always awake) so Grant and I would rotate on who would stroll her for the hour while the other worked out and then we would come in around 8:30 or so and someone would eventually be up! Then, we would all eat breakfast and then get suited up for the POOL.....come in for lunch and Bray's nap and then Grant or my mom or dad were so kind to stay up in the Condo while I went and relaxed by the Pool! Next, up to shower, eat dinner and then just hang out! Nothing to overly exciting on this Beach trip but it was wonderful and just how we wanted it to be....laid back, and stress free!