Braden's Blog

18 months in the making...

2009-02-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hi fam and friends! On Tuesday I turned 1 1/2! How exciting- not that I did anything spectacular, but today was a big day! Mommy has always said that I was born with 10 long hairs right on the top of my head- and that was it! It has taken eighteen months to grow enough for a trim. I had a few random curls in the back that Mommy hated to see go, but they just looked a little dishevelled. So Mommy made it into a special occassion. I got a new booster seat and Mommy had mirror decorated with the alphabet all around it. I got my own pair of scissors and sat in the chair like a big boy. Mommy didn't cut all the curls off, just the stragglies at the bottom. Thanks, Daddy for entertaining me!

My Prayer

2009-02-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a special prayer that I know how to pray! Maybe you can learn it ,too!

Clothes?

2009-02-04T19:36:00.001-08:00

What do you mean I need a diaper? and clothes too? My new game is to run around in my birthday suit after bath time and laugh and play with mommy and daddy. I find any toy I can and see if they can catch it. I give them plenty of warning too, I can say "one, two, three... catch." I am repeating anything that is said, so be careful! I am loving elmo and big bird right now! I am eating pretty much everything and loving all of it- the more the better!I like drivng the cart at the grocery store and playing with all my friends at church. And I have used the potty a couple times, but don't know what all the fuss is about. My diaper works just fine! I am also getting a little upset when mommy and daddy want me to do something I don't want to do, but we are working on that. I had a very merry Christmas with all my family! I saw my first puppet show and that was the best ever! I had a special visit with my Auntie Jenn who has been living in Africa for the past year. In my own words... "Antie Jenn Ak Koo ka." I hope everyone is doing well and we'll be in touch!

Because Mommy is so silly

2008-12-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

We just had to get a pitcture of this! The lady who does our laundry (and the dishes and the vacuuming... oh yeah, its Mommy) found that each of us had a similar shirt! So just because Mommy is so corny, she made us all take a picture. Enjoy the laugh!

This is what Saturdays are for...

2008-12-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

My favorite place...

(can you tell which one of us won the tacky contest?)

How do you catch up on 4 months?!

2008-12-01T20:06:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been busy... Turning One, eating, walking, talking, and more eating! I definitely like to keep busy. I keep Mommy and Daddy laughing! Here are a few of my favorite quotes...

"Heggy"- what I say when I am moving a big heavy object

"Mo, Peeez"- what I say after every bite of my favorite food

"Peana Buller" & "Peaches" & "Banana"- my favorite food

"Abido ky"- airpline in the sky

My favorite Bible characters: Jesus and Goliath

Enjoy a few pics!

These Shoes Were Made for Walking!

2008-08-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Guess what I can do? W-A-L-K. The day after I turned 11 months, I started pounding the pavement! Mommy thinks I must have been practicing when she wasn't looking, because I went pretty far on the first day! I've got some new shoes and I am ready to go~ All the Time! And I am trying lots of new foods. Watermelon is my favorite fruit, and I actually love spinach. But there are some really yummy things out there~ orange sherbert and raspberry sorbet! I know lots of new words, well I have always known them, they are just now coming out! Apple-Bubble-Tickle (that was my first word)- Owl-Cow-Up-Down -Bath-Please-Stinky and the list goes on! I'll be the big 1 in just a couple weeks. I think there is a big party planned! Here is a few pictures from our trip to Navarre Beach with Grandather and Nana

Playdate

2008-06-04T08:04:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful for all my friends. We try and get together every week for a playdate. Sometimes at the park, other times at someone's house. I am one of five babies that was born last year in our small group from church. I am actually the baby of the group, but I think I outweigh some of them! Maybe I shouldn't admit that! God has really blessed my mommy and daddy to with all their friends they have met from all over! Here I am in the swing for the first time!

Around the world in 80 days

2008-05-16T18:58:00.001-07:00

WOW! Well I have been neither around the world, nor travelled for eighty days, but it sure feels like it! I have lots to share with you! Mommy and Daddy have been lugging me all across the country the past few weeks. Of course you know we went south to Alabama and Destin, but that was just the beginning. I have been to Nashville, TN actually two weekends in a row. First we met Nana and Grandfather so he and Daddy could go to a Moody Blues concert and I got to spend some QT with Nana. That was so special! She rocked me to sleep~ something I could definitely get used to! The following weekend we were back out there for Mommy and Daddy to run a race. However, Daddy wasn't feeling good at all so Mommy had to run by herself. Can you believe she went 13.1 miles and could have taken me with her in a stroller and she didn't? But I got to meet her at the finish line. Then Mommy, Aunt Rachel and me went to Jacksonville, FL to see one of my Aunt Jennifers (I have two, one is living in Africa for a year!) She is going to have a baby in December. So that means I will either have a new best friend or a wife. I'm told there is an arranged marriage already planned. I also met my great grandma and grandpa Grubb for the first time! It was a very special day! My travels didn't end there. I came home for a couple days and packed again to head to the coast... the Pacific coast!! I went to San Fransico! I had the time of my life (except for the usual meal time and bath time!) You name it, I've seen it! Fisherman's Warf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley and Yosemite! I made lots of new friends! We were on a five hour (one way- mommy and daddy didn't know that when they booked the tour) bus tour to Yosemite and everyone around me started singing my favorite nursery rhymes. I think they were trying to keep me from crying- and it worked, they were quite entertaining actually! This weekend I am going to see my Mamae and Papa Don. I haven't see them since I was two days old! Then we are going to stay at home for awhile and take lots of naps. I've had a busy few weeks! I have a few personal accomplishments I am a little proud of... I got my arms and legs to work together to crawl... and forward too! And what has a green face, green shirt and green hands? ME after eating green beans! Yup! I have had my share of green beans and squash and today I tried applesauce! Hello taste buds! (But Mommy don't get too far away- I still need you!) So there is my story for this chapter! I hope all my family and friends are doing well! Talk soon! Here are a few of my favorite pics! Me and Mommy on the plane. I survived nine hours on planes, 10 hours on a motorcoach, and countless trips on cable cars, public buses and trains! Me and Daddy at the Golden Gate Bridge. While in Chinatown, one must have egg rolls. Lower Yosemite Falls. Mommy and Daddy's favorite spot, Seal Rock at Land's End. (I am the one under the blanket!)

A Little Sand, A Little Sun

2008-04-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my first trip to the beach and wanted to share a few pictures with you. Daddy had business in Mobile, Al and we went down a few days early and visited the Gulf Coast. We stayed in a log cabin for a few nights before heading to the big city of Mobile. I had lots of fun! Daddy lugged my pac~n~play all over... in the cabin, on the beach, up on the pier. He got to fish and even cought a couple things! Mommy tried to enjoy the beach, and she did, but I definitely got more attention from her than the waves did! I saw some dolphins! And Sand! What a neat thing. It feels kinda rough, but slips through your fingers like water! I am also trying cereal again. I'm almost seven and a half months, so its time. Enjoy the pics!

Hoppy Easter!

2008-03-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, that was corny, but Mommy made me say it!

I hope you had a Happy Easter as we celebrated the resurection of our Lord!

Here's a few pics from me first Easter! I was dressed in my first suit. Maybe I shouldn't admit this but it was a 12 month outfit and I had to suck in my tummy and hold my breath for these pics. The dress shirt was a little tight! Fashion can be painful!

2008-03-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my hometown! This weekend I visted two of the ATL's hotspots...

the Varsity and the World of Coke!

I didn't get a chance to meet the "real" polar bear, so I was happy enough to meet this big guy. Sing along with me... "I'd like to give the world a coke..."

Just one of my new tricks. Why sit up and play with the toys when I can just lay here and move the whole thing? I'm really starting to get around now. I can push myself backwards, but Mommy and Daddy put toys in front of me and I just get farther and farther away from them. One of these days, in the not to distant future, I'm going to be crawling forward and really going places!

We tried some cereal a couple weeks ago. It was a big deal and I had fun with it. But that only lasted a few days. I just don't think my tummy was ready for it! I'm completely satisfied with just me and mommy and I am definetly not having any weight loss. (I was 22lbs and 28 1/2 inches at my six month check up!) I'll be seven months next Monday, so maybe we will try again soon!
I met some wonderful people this weekend! This is my Uncle Preston and Aunt Sara. Well, he is like a brother to my mommy and daddy, so he might as well be like an uncle to me! And Sara is his girlfriend!

And to top off a great weekend, I met my Uncle Jim! He is really my great uncle, but lets not make him feel too old! He is mommy's unlce from NY! He surprised us all with a visit for the weekend. We went to the park, and the Varsity and the World of Coke and sat by the pool and had a cook out with the whole family, Unlce Preston and Aunt Sara, too! Daddy made his famous chicken wings and I of course was the entertainment!

Till next time!

Picture this

2008-03-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Here are a few snapshots

Whats a kid gotta do to get some food around here?

Unless you are on the Grubb side of the family, you might not recognize this lion pillow. My Mommy remebers it being on the bed at my great grandma Grubb's cottage when she was little. We need to ask her how old this pillow is.

If I were a thug, this would be my mug shot

Me

2008-02-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

I know it has been such a long time. Life is busy in this big world when you are only a few months old. In fact I will be six months old on Sunday Feb 24! Here are a few of the highlights since my last update...
I already have one tooth and Mommy just discovered I am working on my second one. Yup, the bottom two are the first. This new bouncey seat is my absolute favorite. I can jump and fly and spin around anywhere Mommy and Daddy stick me.
I know this is a little behind the times, but here is a little quiz for you... At my four month check up, which do you think weighed more... A. four 5lb bags of sugar, B. two 10lb dumbells, C. Me, or D. all the same. Correct answer: D. I was off the charts for weight and height! I did really well with my shots, too! Afterward Mommy took me to see the new Veggie Tales movie. Actually, she wanted to go, I just went along for the ride!
Speaking of Mommy, guess what she did? She quit her job! She is home withme right now. SHe will probably do something part time, but just not as stressful and time consuming. I am so happy to be with her everyday. I am also helping her with a new business idea. She wants to start a cake business. Infact, she has already started. Its called Takes the Cake. She has made baby shower cakes, Christmas party cakes, birthday cakes and even a wedding cake! Keep her in your prayers. If this works well maybe she won't haveto go back to another job! Till next time...

My Dedication

2008-02-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

Here's my family. My Papa G, Aunt Rachel, GG, you know the two in the middle, My Nana, Grandfather and my Aunt Lacey. They all came to see me on this very special day when I was dedicated. My pastor picked me up and carried me around the front of the church and vowed to do his part in spiritual growth. He told my Grandfather and my Nana to make sure to always keep laughter in life in a world that makes children grow up too fast. He told my Papa G and my GG to teach me to "be my own person," who God created me to be. Mommy and Daddy signed a certificate stating that they would do all to the glory of God in raising me. Its was New Years weekend. What a great way to start the new year!

2008-02-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

Me and Mommy after our Christmas Eve service. And yes, my outfit says "My first Christmas!"

Were two pictures of this really necessary? I guess they just can't get enough!

My first present! Isn't the wrapping paper mesmorizing?! The colors?! The sparkle?! Now, what did I open again?

a few weeks

2007-11-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy few weeks. Sorry for the delay in updates, so we have some cathcing up to do! I am smiling a whole lot now! There are so many happy and fun things in this big world! I'm talking, too. Not quite real words, but I can carry on a conversation with anyone who will listen and talk back. Mommy thinks I can say "wow." I went to the doctor for my 2 month appointment. I am up to 24 1/2 inches and 14 lbs, 4 oz! 97th percentile for height and weight! I am getting really strong, too. I can hold my head up really well and check out everything going on around me! So here's what been going on...

On October 18 we hit the road again for another road trip. This time... Buies Creek, NC. I spent the night in a hotel for the first time this

weekend. We went up to Campbell University for Mommy and Daddy's homecoming. I toured around campus and met some people that were very special to Mommy and Daddy. I watched my first football game. (I think I'll play one day... especially if Daddy has anything to do with it!) I saw the house that Mommy and Daddy first lived in. We also went to Neill's Creek Baptist Church. That's were Daddy used to be a youth pastor. It was their Homecoming service, so we also stayed for dinner on the grounds.

Then last weekend Mommy's friend came and stayed with us, my other "Aunt" Jennifer. She's been Mommy's friend since high school! We had lots of fun playing. I got to go to the airport, too. But no plane ride yet. She's getting ready to move to Africa with Samaritan's Purse. She has a blog, too. Its listed on my links over to the side. Enjoy the updates!

Everyone knows what last night was... Halloween! Mommy made a costume for me, almost good enough to eat... I was a candy corn. We went to church and did a really fun outreach called the treat trail! It's
been a great few weeks. I'll post more later. Its nap time...

An apple a day...

2007-10-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

In keeping with family tradition, we went to the north Georgia Apple Festival this past weekend in Ellijay. Mommy and Daddy have gone every year since they moved here. We had a great time looking at all the different crafts and there were lots of kids activities that I might be able to do in a year or two. My Grandpa G went with us, too! I met some new family this weekend, too! My "Aunt" Jennifer and "Uncle" Marc were visiting. Jennfier was my Mommy's roommate in college. Here we are at the Panorama Apple Barn, home of the best fried apple pies in Georgia!

Road Trip

2007-10-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Over the river and through the woods to Nana and Grandfather's house we went. It was my first long road trip and I think I did pretty good! My necessities, like my pack-n-play, my bouncy seat, and my stroller took up most the trunk. So needless to say, Mom and Dad didn't have much room for their things. They might have to get a mini van just for me! We had a wonderful time. We walked at Shelby Farms and along the river in downtown Memphis. They say that Mississippi was just across the river. I didn't really notice, but I bet one day I'll get to go fishing there! I got to hear my Grandfather preach on Sunday morning. (I was the only one with permission to sleep through the service.) Guess what?! Memphis was so fun, I started smiling! I have smiled at Mommy and Daddy a little bit, but I was saving them for this weekend. Everyone keeps smiling right back! How fun! I'm also starting to talk some. But its only coming out in coo's, caa's, ooo's and aah's! Love to all!

More later

P.S. Here I am with Mommy and Daddy in my Sunday's finest!

And me and Mommy at Shelby Farms!

Where's Braden?

2007-09-21T08:46:00.001-07:00

I know you can't see me, but I am here at the 2007 Taste of Kennesaw on the downtown square. There was homemade ice cream and boiled peanuts, all the southern favorites. Of course I didn't get much of that, but I still had a great time! Daddy had to carry Xuxa some so she didn't get stepped on. I think she got more attention than I did that day. Mommy held me in my sling for the first time and I loved it! I just laid in there and sucked my thumb!

Bath TIme

2007-09-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here I am enjoying the warm water! Everyone has to have one of these embarassing pictures, I guess. But Mom edited it for me! (Thanks Mom)

Every night we take a bath. Its very relaxing and so soon after, I am fast asleep

Doctor update!

2007-09-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I ventured out together today for the first time by ourselves. The bad news... we only went to the doctor. The good news... no shots yet :) I have already grown one whole inch! Thats now 22 inches tall! And I'm up to 10lbs 4oz. I now outweigh Xuxa by one whole pound! Other than that, just lots of sleeping today!

Nap Time

2007-09-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite things to do. And at 18 days old, I do a lot of it! Mommy and Daddy read a lot about "swaddling" me because they thought I would be most comfortable. Well, I let them believe that for about a week. Then I let them know what I really liked. I would fight and struggle with those blankets and moan and groan until I got my arms loose. No matter how big the blanket or how tight the swaddle, I always got free. So here I am in my favorite sleeping position. Now its time to catch some z's. Sweet Dreams!

Fun on a Saturday Morning Stroll!

2007-09-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Good Morning friends and family! I hope everyone is doing great! Mom and dad took me on a 2 1/2 mile stroller ride this morning around the neighborhood. Dad carried xuxa most of the way b/c mommy was strolling (no pun intended)! Nevertheless, it was absolutely beautiful - & I didn't have to sport my mosquito net either.

I have been sleeping very well lately. Last night & the night before I went to bed around 10 and didn't wake up until 4:30 for my feeding. Dad and mom tell me that is "a good job Braden" & give me kisses. I also have started to focus more on people's faces and objects as long as they are close to my face. This has got mom and dad really excited and they've been talking to me non-stop. I just wish dad would have eaten a mint after that salsa he ate! (and he wonders why I was grimacing so much!) Well, I have to go now. Nap time is at 10:00a.m. and I need my beauty sleep. Love, Braden.

An Afternoon @ Kennesaw Mountain

2007-09-03T16:49:00.004-07:00

Hello everyone! Today is my Daddy's 27th birthday! Happy Birthday Dad! Mom was super sweet to dad & cooked him a delicious dinner tonight - Red Snapper w/ Mushrooms and Onions & Parmesan Rosemary Mashed Potatoes! I'm mad I don't have any teeth to try that! Mom also surprised dad by "hand-painting" me a special birthday celebration OUTFIT!!! (see below)

Here we are earlier in the day enjoying my first "picnic" @ Kennesaw Mountain. After about 20 tries, dad finally balanced the pillow on top of the cooler & set the timer on the camera! Mom and dad had laughed & squiggled around so much that I just decided to fall asleep!

Mom and dad woke me up from a great nap I was having, but because it was dad's birthday, I didn't even cry! We picked up 24 chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings in town and packed some tea and muscadine grapes! (I of course did not partake in that gross grown up food). Anyways, I really enjoyed the cool breeze and beautiful sunshine through the 100+ year old oak trees nearby. Xuxa also tagged along, & Dad snapped a shot of us sleeping together. I think she is my friend now, I just can't wait to play GI Joe w/ her in a few years... I bet she will love to play!

HAVING FUN IN THE SUN

2007-09-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody! Today I turned 9 days old! I was excited because after Daddy came home from church, we all went outside for a little while in the sun. Here I am sleepin' on Daddy's chest:
I also got to go outside when grandpa Grubb was here last week. Check out my new shades (below). Well, tomorrow is Daddy's birthday and Mommy needs my help with a special project. We'll send more later!

My Grand Entrance

2007-08-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Daddy has already introduced me, but I have to tell you about my entrance into this big world. Mommy and Daddy have been telling me about this marathon they ran in December. They tell me I crossed the finish line with them, but they didn't know it and I don't remember. Mommy says I am the reason she didn't reach her time goal, but that she doesn't even care. She's just glad I was there (and I believe her)! These past nine months have been like a marathon, too! Except no running and more fat for Mommy! I was getting ready to make my grand entrance, but Mommy and Daddy didn't know when that would be. The doctor said I was due on August 19. Every day Daddy would ask Mommy, "do you think it would be today?" Mommy asked me if I wanted to come on August 8, because that is my great grandma Grubb's birthday. I said no. Then she asked me if I was going to wait until August 29 which would be my great grandma Shuman's birthday. Again, I said no, I wanted my own day! Because I didn't come when the doctors thought I should, Mommy was afraid they were going to give her medicine to make me come. But I didn't need that, I wanted to pick my own day! Mommy and Daddy went for a short walk on Thursday night, August 23 at about 8:30. But Mommy missed running so much, that she decided to jog on the way home. Actually, it was more of a turtle like trot, believe me I was there! That did it! Mommy's water broke about 10:00 that night. They next morning Mommy and Daddy went to the hospital at about 7:00 am. I made my debut at 1:55 that afternoon! Daddy was right there cheering Mommy on, just like when they finished the marathon together. Mommy did it all with no pain meds! Hello World!

Hi Everyone!

2007-08-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

At 7 days old, I require a whole lot of sleep, & I'm going to enjoy it while I can! My mom and dad took me to the doctor yesterday for the first time. My doctor's name is Dr. Rodriquez & he's from Puerto Rico. Dad & Grandma spoke Spanish to him & he says my health is "maravilloso!" (wonderful!) Here I am having fun in my swing!

Meaning of My Name:

2007-08-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

Dad named me "Braden" because of his (1) heritage (being from the McIntosh Clan himself), & (2) because of his deep love for everything Scottish. "Braden" was a very popular Scottish surname throughout the middle ages, & only recently in history has it been used as a first name. In Gaelic, "Braden" means "Strength of the Salmon" or "Salmon." In English it means "Broad Field or Meadow." I prefer the former meaning! Dad tells me he chose "Braden" because it not only sounds strong, but has profound meaning... and that one day I would discover what that "meaning" truly is. My middle name "Alexander" is also very special. I am named in honor of my late aunt "Leigh Alexandra Hipps." Mom and Dad tell me I carry her name in celebration of her amazing life. My aunt "Alexandra" lived only 4 short years on this earth, but impacted & is still impacting our lives & the lives of countless others. My grandpa has written a book "When a Child Dies" that tells her story in more detail.

Well, that sums up the meaning of my name - but wait! What about "Hipps?" Well, I've been told Hipps is Dutch, and that I might get made fun of later in life w/ nick-names like "big Hipps!" or "Hipparoni"... I of course will laugh too b/c at least I don't have a last name like "Legs" or something worse!!!

*Mom has a neat story about my birth, so look for that above!