Three Musketeers

Need I say more?

Let's Cruise

I have several of these videos, but I thought this one was perfect! It shows him pull to stand, cruise and stand without using his hands. Oh, and of course he is drawn to the remote of all things. He is growing up too fast...big thanks to all of you who encouraged this blog.

OK, I couldn't post just one video! This is a little long (sorry) but, it's for all the grands who miss this guy so much and look forward to these videos. What a talker we have on our hands...Can you say, "Like father like son"?

New Toy

Papaw made Braxton a new toy...one like he had when he was Braxton's age!!! Thank you :)

Recovery

As this week has quickly passed, I am finally caught up with my posting for last week's trip. The goal for this week has been to recover from the lack of schedule. Braxton has progressively gotten better until today...the toughest of all. I assume since Braxton knows he will be 10 months old next week, he has decided napping is not for him. He plays, talks and (mainly) stands in his crib when he should be sleeping. Yesterday he played with (and pulled down) the canvases he could reach! I guess I need to find more activities for him that will wear him out!!!!

He has been much more fussy lately. He has had a stuffy nose the past two weeks, maybe a cold. His gums are also very swollen - hopefully some new teeth. Again, I ask you to pray for our little man...prayers for recovery!!!!

The End

I am proud to announce that we made it home (sweet home) safely, and Braxton did a great job on his final flight. All in all, he was 3 for 4. I guess 75% is pretty good for a 9 month old.

Braxton waiting for the bus...what a smile :)

Braxton earned his first Southwest Airlines' wings!!!

The Dallas Layover

As the crying flight descended into Dallas, I was the one who started crying. I cried for several minutes when David finally had to ask what was wrong. I was just so excited to see my family!

We take precious moments for granted so many times, and I have realized how precious each moment with my family is. Although I wasn't able to see Mike, Dad, Nita, Erin or Megan - I felt privileged to see the rest of my beautiful family - Mom, Tara, David, Hunter and Hannah. Thank you for meeting us at the airport for our long layover.

Coincidence that we were at LOVE FIELD?

Hunter is Braxton's biggest fan!

Hannah thinks he's pretty sweet. Mom and Tara can't get enough of him. The cousins Braxton under a banana tree...only fitting for our little monkey. Sorry Uncle David, we didn't get any pictures of you with little man.

The Crying Flight

There won't be any pictures for this post! We left Birmingham on time at 11:20am (during Braxton's nap time) so I figured he would fall right to sleep. But, he seemed to want to stay awake. I let him have cheerios and puffs (which is another story in itself). He looked out the window and was enjoying the flight....until he started to get grumpy.

I knew he was very sleepy so I held him and rocked, but he kept crying. I tried to lay him down - he kept crying. I tried to feed him - he kept crying. I tried to let him play - he kept crying. David tried everything - he kept crying. Until they turned the seat belt sign off, and I was able to stand and sway with him - he kept crying.

Eventually (after 20 min) he gave in and fell asleep, and I was able to sit down and hold him. The flight attendant came by to see if I wanted something to drink, and I replied, "Yes, a screwdriver!" She left to get it, but soon came back, put her hand on my shoulder and said, "You earned it!"

The rest of the flight was quite enjoyable :)

The Bread

Bread? You are wondering...there aren't any pictures of bread!?! On Friday evening we drove to Douglassville, Georgia to meet my best friend, Diana, and her husband, Adam. They live just north east of Atlanta, so we decided to meet halfway for dinner...at Outback Steakhouse. While we were waiting for our food and enjoying the wonderfully delicious bread, I gave Braxton a bite and he liked it! So I gave him a few more, and then David continued to tear bits off and put them in front of Braxton...He chowed down. Braxton probably ate half a loaf of bread by himself. I guess we need the recipe.

Diana and Adam couldn't believe how well behaved and happy Braxton was. I think we may have encouraged the baby fever a little.All that bread and excitement put Braxton right to sleep. I had to take this picture, it was too sweet.

The Four Generations

Since Dad Chaplin couldn't make this trip with us, we used a portrait in his place in order to get all four generations together...next I'll try to photo shop him in.

The Makeshift Highchair

Being away from home is quite difficult at times - we take for granted the things we use daily that are readily available at home. In this instance, a high chair. So, I used a pillow and my sling several times to strap Braxton to a chair for feedings.

The Visit

Grandpa enjoying time with Braxton. Mommy and Braxton are so tired! Grandma trying to keep Braxton still enough to love on him. Playing with Grandma.

The Alabama Arrival

We finally made it to Birmingham, and it seemed as if we were the only ones there :)

But, Great Grandpa was right there to meet us!!! He even bought Braxton his own bed.

The Houston Layover

So the flight went extremely well and we had 50 minutes before our next flight (30 minutes before boarding), so we thought. Of course things wouldn't go THAT smoothly! No, our plane was delayed an additional 50 minutes, so we decided to grab a quick healthy bite to eat :) Braxton started with cheerios, but we gave in and gave him Wendy's french fries and chicken nuggets for the first time...boy did he love them.

Once we finally got on the plane, there was an additional delay. So, we let Braxton enjoy his own seat for a while. He fell asleep on Daddy during this flight, so on the way to Alabama, we were 2 for 2 or 100%

The (first) Plane

Upon arrival at the airport, we checked our baggage and received our boarding passes....Braxton had his own boarding verification document even though he rode on our laps!!

As you can see the first flight (Austin to Houston) was a success - play time turned to nap time!

The Bus

For our initial journey (to the airport), I met David at work and we caught the Airport Flyer on Capital Metro to Austin Bergstrom International Airport. This was obviously Braxton's first ride on a city bus!

waiting at the bus stop

checking things out taking it all inchillin' with dad

Trip to Alabama

I haven't been blogging because we have been traveling to visit some of Braxton's great grandparents (on David's Dad's side). Great Grandma and Grandpa Chaplin live in Anniston, Alabama. I may have stated in a previous post that our vacationing this year would be to visit family....so, this was our BIG trip this summer. We left on Wednesday and returned on Saturday. It was wonderful to see them again (I've only seen them once). Grandma lives in an assisted living facility, which is very nice, and just a mile away from Grandpa. They are both doing well and were elated to meet and spend time with Braxton. Of course, Braxton was also excited!!! He is such a busy body these days, though, he wore us all out. I will post pictures from the most memorable moments!

Play date

Braxton's friend, Vinnie, came over to play today. He lives in Killeen and is exactly 2 weeks older than Braxton.

Braxton was very intrigued by him! You can see in the photos that he couldn't keep his hands away from him - his head, mouth, back, shoulder, etc... It was a fun day. Thanks for coming to visit us, Vinnie!!!

Moving Up

Braxton has moved into his big boy high chair...where he can join us for meals. He is enjoying chicken and carrots with us in this picture!

Early?

Who cares what time it is when you are greeted like this every morning.

What a darlin'!