Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Michael's birthday is today, and we've had so much fun celebrating! It's made extra special by the fact that it's the first one we've been able to spend together.



Braiden whisking the cake batter last night.


Braiden is the master sprinkles sprinkler! A few made it in his mouth too.


Ta-da! Ready for Daddy! We brought lunch and the cake to Daddy at work. So much fun! Braiden loved exploring Daddy's office and running in the hallways.


Make a wish! Braiden, appropriately, helped blow out the candles - not only is it Michael's birthday, Braiden is 18 months old today!

Happy birthday, honey! Noah, Braiden and I could not ask for a better husband and daddy. We love you so much!

Playgroup at the Beach - and Noah Playing

Our playgroup was held today at La Jolla Shores. We had so much fun with our friends! Braiden played hard, Noah took a nice nap in the carrier, close to mama, and I had a great time chatting with my friends! It was overcast to begin with, but the sun broke out towards noon. What a great morning!


Braiden loves sand!


The three amigos: Braiden, Bryce and Mateo running around on the board walk.


Noah was there too! Not many pictures of him - he spent most of the time in the front carrier, napping.


Braiden found out chasing sea gulls is tons of fun!


Another milestone reached... Yesterday we noticed Noah was taking an interest in the toys attached to his exersaucer. Today he was intentionally reaching out for them and playing. His favorite is the frog that spins around! Click here to see a video of him playing.

Tuning in... to the Nature Channel!

For a few weeks now, we have been enraptured with a hummingbird mama in our backyard. She built a nest in our guava tree, and now keeps busy feeding two babies!


Here she is on March 11th, incubating the eggs.


And here we are! It's a bit hard to see, but here she's feeding one of the baby birdies.


Waiting for food! These little guys are amazingly tiny. The guava tree itself is a small tree with small leaves, so maybe that gives some idea on their tiny size.


Can't have a post without a picture of our two little guys! Here reading together yesterday.

Barnes & Noble on Saturday

Mama and Braiden left Noah and Daddy home on Saturday, and did one of our favorite things: we went to the book store! We spent almost two hours reading, running around and playing with the train set there. Here are some (cell phone) pictures of Braiden.

Our Disneyland Trip

Greetings from Mickey and the gang! We had a great trip to Disneyland this week. Grandma met us at our hotel, and we spent two days discovering that Disneyland is best experienced through your kids' eyes. The weather was great, and we escaped the worst of the spring break rush. Braiden was inwardly excited - he didn't show too much excitement, but took it all in, in his quiet way. And then he would look at us and sign 'more'! All in all, the boys were very good. They both took naps in the stroller, as we got to the park around 9am and didn't leave until 7pm. Noah spent time in the stroller or hanging out with mama in the carrier. Braiden was either in the stroller or running around with a monkey on his back. :) We went on a lot of kid-friendly rides, and Michael and I even got to sneak out a few times just the two of us, thanks to Grandma!


Meeting Grandma at our hotel on Monday night.


Here we come, Disneyland!



Our little train fanatic got to go on his first train ride! We rode the train around the park right away. :) Click here to see a video of the train arriving.


Riding the fire truck in Mickey's Toontown.



Playing with Daddy in Goofy's house.


We met Mickey Mouse! Here are videos of Braiden meeting Pooh and Tigger & Eeyore.


Taking a tour of Donald's boat.


Noah took a mid morning nap in the stroller.


Mama and the boys in front of Cinderella's castle.



One of Braiden's favorites was the parade! Click here to see a video.


Daddy and the boys in front of the Disneyland train station.


On the second day, we rushed out to get in line to ride the fire truck. Braiden was the first one on, and he got to ring the bell! Here's a video of the fire engine leaving.



Braiden and Daddy rode the Astro Orbitors in Tomorrowland.


Taking a snooze!


We spent most of the second day at the California Adventure Park. One of the roller coasters mommy and daddy rode is in the background!





Braiden could have spent hours playing in the S.S. Rustworthy boat!


Grandma, mama, and the boys in front of the Hollywood Tower of Terror ride.


Noah catching some zzzz's.



We wrapped up the second day with another parade! This one had characters from the movie 'Cars'. Braiden loved it!

Noah Is 4 Months Old!

Happy 4 months, Noah! He continues to be his happy, smiley self. He loves to be held, although he is very content no matter what. He laughs a lot - especially if we sing or laugh with him! He flashes a big smile whenever someone pays attention to him, which he does get a lot, even from Braiden.
Noah still seems to have an endless supply of spit up and drool. :) He continues in Braiden's footsteps - we have another binky addict! Although now he tries to shove in his entire fist as well... Definitely showing signs of teething!
Noah is the happiest sitting or standing up, as he loves to look around and see what's going on. He is a good, fast eater, and most of the time sleeps well.

First time in the jumperoo!

Nosey nosey! Braiden was very excited for Noah.

Noah inherited Daddy's cowlicks too - his hair sticks up in the back, and there's no taming it!