Forever Young

Braeden and I were walking home from the nature center on Tuesday. I want to make sure that I never forget our conversation...

B: Mom, what would you do if I were 10?

J: I would cry, I don't want you to be 10 yet.

B: What if I were 6?

J: I would be sad, I'm not ready for you to get older so fast. I want you to stay little forever.

B: Okay mom, I'll try an stay little for you, but don't go crying when my birthday comes around.

That kid sure does know how to make me laugh, and even if he does grow up and get older, I know he's  always going to be my sweet little boy. 

10/29

October 29, 2007 was my due date with Braeden. It's funny how these simple little dates remain with us for ever. Even though he arrived a few days early I'll never forget that was the day my 1st baby boy was due. His actual birthday, October 24th just came and went and I can officially say I have a 5 year old! Is that even possible? He is the one that made me a mama and he fills everyday with love, laughter, and happiness. He is so smart, so sweet, and the greatest big brother. 
October 29th, 2012  will mark another of those "never forget" special dates. It was the day that we found out our family once again is growing! Come July 2013, The Smith's will be a family of 5! The only people that know as of right now are Brian and I. We plan on doing things a little different this time around and holding off on telling our relatives and friends until a few months in. We want to save this special time for us and keep this small secret between us. I am figuring we will let our immediate family know on Thanksgiving and the rest of everyone else around Christmas. We are beyond excited to be expecting and are looking forward to the next 9 months and getting to meet our little firecracker!

T-Ball

We signed little B up to play some T-Ball. He's had 2 practices so far and his first game is this Saturday. It is the most adorable thing to see those little kiddo's out on the field, chasing after balls, hitting off the tee, and in our case blowing dandilions into the wind...This should be an interesting experience for everyone. 

Doing something right

The other day I dropped Braeden off at school. As I walked him in I was stopped by his teacher. She proceeded to tell me what a sweet child he is. She went to say how great he is in class, how much he loves to help, and that he is such a delight to have around. I wish I could have seen my own face as she spoke. I'm sure the initial expression was priceless. A look that said, "huh, are you sure you are talking about my kid, my Braeden?" (Knowing perfectly well there is no other by the same name in his class). I was caught off guard for sure and as quick as that shocked look came across a different one took its place. A look of promise, a look of pride, and a huge smile. I thanked her a hundred times for the kind words and told her how happy I was to hear he was doing so well.

I walked out of there analyzing what had just happened.  Going over in my mind the words that she spoke about our little guy...then it hit me...holy cow, we as parents are doing good...we are doing something right! I already knew how great he is. I already knew that he loves to give hugs and help us around the house. I already knew that his smile can brighten any cloudy day. I already knew that he is the sweetest boy and my heart melts every time he tells me I am beautiful or that his dad is the coolest. 
Why was I so surprised by the words his teacher spoke when in reality I actually already knew? For me it was the fact of someone else seeing, feeling, and experiencing what I do everyday. Someone not wearing those rose colored glasses or that has any bias towards our amazing little man. A confirmation that we are doing good and our children ARE turning out just as we hoped...even if it's something we already know.

4 years old

Dear Braeden,
Happy birthday buddy! How have these years gone so quickly?! It has been 4 years since the first day I held you in my arms, kissed your sweet little head, and fell more in love then I could ever have imagined. You are growing into such a sweet boy and your dad and I couldn't be more proud. 
You wake up each morning with a smile on your face and wear it throughout the day. You're full of energy, charisma, passion, and heart. You are a wonderful big brother and make Cole so happy. He laughs at your funny faces and when you are being silly. You love making him smile. You love sports, playing outside, and any chance you get to dribble a basketball or have a catch with your dad you take it. You love Transformers and have about a hundred action figures. You wanted the "big" Optimus Prime this year so your dad and I got it for you. You were very thankful. You love spending time with your family including grandparents, aunts, and uncles. We are very lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives who love you very much. You are becoming more creative and into art. I come home everyday to home made pictures that we proudly display on the refrigerator. You can write your own name and you can write daddy's too. 
It really does seem like just yesterday you let out that first cry, had your first smile, took your first step, said your first word. Just today your dad took you mini golfing and you got your first hole in one! You are growing up so fast and I am so grateful to be able to enjoy your firsts and your many each and every day. Wishing you a very happy birthday my amazing little man!!! We love you B!


A few days old:

1 year old:

2 years old:

3 years old:

4 years old:

Oh the places you'll go

Dear Braeden, 

I can't believe that you are starting preschool tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday you made your surprising arrival into the world. Since that October day you have been our baby, our heart, our everything. You are full of energy, life, and love. You are so interesting and I am so happy for every second we get to spend together. You love movies, reading books, helping me cook, gardening, sports, coloring, swimming, and adventure. You love your family...we are 4 peas in a pod as you would say. You are completely smitten with your brother. He looks at you with pride and admiration. I know you will be best friends and I couldn't think of a better role model for him. You are incredibly smart and I know you will excel in everything you do. 

Your Aunt Jenna gave you a book when you were born called Oh The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. The last few pages read perfectly how I feel today and what I want for you in life. 

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

Kid, you’ll move mountains!

So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!Your mountain is waiting.

So…get on your way!

My awesome little boy, thank you for making me a mother. You are so special and we couldn't be more proud to be your parents. Good luck tomorrow, we love you!!!