Just like that, things change. It happens so fast that you can’t even remember what it was like before. I started this blog because I wanted to remember. Remember those little moments that you think you’re going to always hold on to, but life happens and so you forget. And life does happen my friends. In a blink of an eye your child does or says something new and you grasp onto the moment, overjoyed. But, it’s short lived because there is always something new – and you’re constantly jumping to the next moment. And not to mention…I’m so tired ya’ll. It’s not a “my baby was up all night” tired. It’s just an exhausting life of swimming lessons, gymnastics class, play time, down time, reading time, eating, drinking and bedtime. Plus being mom with work, family, friends, relationships and you time that takes up space in this world that you just want to be filled with your little one.

So, with all of the hustle and bustle I’ve started to make a bigger effort in capturing those every day moments. Because I know when I look back at Braden’s life, it’s those moments I’m going to wish I had pictures of. Recently, Braden and I have started a tradition of going for a walk around the block. It was his idea 🙂 We start in the backyard, he plays in the dirt for awhile – watering his garden. It seems as though every time I go inside for a drink of water, he’s made his way around the side of the house, waiting at the gate to go out front. He explains to me that the trash (“ash”) cans are right next to the gate. I open the gate, he goes straight to the door on the side of the house and says “up”. I know this “up” means he wants me to lift him up to open the door, and then key in the code to open the garage. He wobbles his little legs around the side to watch the garage open. He grabs his supplies: car(s), t-ball, balls and lawn mower. Sometimes he meanders with Papa’s tools, but I always hope that part is short lived. He pushes his car around (mostly plays with the buckle “uckle”), plays with his balls, and sets himself down on the curb. I’m not sure why, but he really enjoys sitting on the curb 🙂

After that, we make our way down to the mailbox. He tells me all about where the keys go, reaching far up on his tippy toes before he takes off down the street onto the next stop.

This is where Braden spends most of his time. Playing with the leaves and throwing them over the curb. I love letting him do his thing. Before long he’s back up running up the hill. He stops along the way to gather some pine cones. Sometimes we bring our car along and he’ll put them in the front of the car. This time we were carless, and he enjoyed throwing the pine cones over the curb and onto the street. As we head back to the house, Braden stops a few times to tell me about his “dirty” feet. They do in fact get a bit dirty…but it just kills me how much he cares about it. I guess he’s going to be one of those kids that has to wear shoes – thanks dad 😉

I don’t know how long he’ll want to do these walks, but I’m going to savor them every morning. Gosh, I love him so much.

19 months old and counting!

I LOVE YOU,

your mommy

ps. please note I am no longer “mama” but “mommy” and sometimes on occasion just “mom” – the worst!