Pictures, 1st birthday, Auntie, vote

The last 5 days have been the most stressful, busiest and joyful in a long, long time. The weekend started off with Bret getting his 1-year pictures taken by a friend; the same one who took Bret's 9 month pics. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! If Bret had more hair on his head I wouldn't have minded not having a hat or jacket on, but he's bald. So there are only a few pictures of him without a jacket on. These two are my favorite so far:

You can not tell me that these pics don't melt your heart....Well, ok, maybe they don't melt YOUR heart but they make me love my husband so much more for being a FANTASTIC dad to Bret and a wonderful friend and

"other half" to me.

Although I may be ruining the surprise for a lot of people, the next pic may be the one that we send to friends and family. I wish we could take the credit for getting him to smile so beautifully but we can't. A couple was passing by with their two dogs and Bret just lit up when he saw them

coming. I don't know why but he just *hearts* dogs. I think it's because Caicos bores him now. LOL

His birthday party was awesome. Almost everyone showed up and Bret was in heaven. He played with all the other kids, opened his presents (for about 2 minutes) and then ran around looking at all his new toys. He wasn't too happy when it was bed time!! He was exhausted. I'll post some pics of his party when I have more time - probably tomorrow.

After 22 months, I've started my damn period. I was beginning to like not having one. It's back with a vengence. I started feeling crampy yesterday and then VOILA. DAMN. So now I'm back to "normal".

Bret and I went to vote this morning. It was a zoo. Not because there were a lot of people but because the volunteers weren't too coordinated. The flow of people was terrible and it was very confusing on where to start the process. Maybe I should look into volunteering.....Hmmmm

Countdown - Day 3

Bret and I are going shopping to the BabyG@p outlet store to buy an outfit and his first pair of shoes for tomorrow's photo shoot. He's getting his one year pictures taken at Wildwood. It's going to be a family session and the weather is supposed to be beautiful!! I can't wait.

9 month check up & sneak peek pics

Bret had his 9 month wellness appointment today. His stats have leveled off a bit. He weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and 27-1/2" long - 50th percentile for both. The DR said that it's not surprising since he started crawling. She said that she worries only when kids drop below the chart (and stay there). If she's not worried, then I guess I'm not either.

I asked her questions about finger foods since Bret seems to be pretty bored with pureed stuff. Since he technically only has two teeth (his tops haven't come all the way through yet), he really can't chew anything like cut up fruit, cooked veggies, etc - plus the puke factor. His DR said it's ok to give him Nutrigrain bars and stuff like that. Basically anything soft that he can mush up in his mouth. He's gained 2 lbs since his last appointment so I know he's not starving! LOL :)

Tara posted pics of Bret on her blog today so I want to share them with you, too!! I can't wait to see them all. These pics total capture Bret's personality - shy, inquisitive, determined and loving. Enjoy!