10 months old and a year ago today...

Braden is 10 months old! We can't believe that he is almost a year old already. He is crawling all over and gets into everything, but he is so much happier and less frustrated with life that it is amazingly worth it. I can't believe how quickly he is learning new things! It just amazes me how kids grow and learn. He waves bye-bye, turns lights on and off, points to everything, crawls up stairs, signs "all done", and I could probably just keep going on and on, but I'll stop now. :) He loves crawling around with us on the floor - particularly Justin. That is the typical "daddy's home" routine - chase each other around the house and do some rough and tumble playing. Braden loves it, and Justin does too for that matter!

Justin and I went to the beach yesterday because it was so beautiful and warm we just couldn't pass it up. The water has already cooled down so much, we wore our swimsuits but decided just to put our feet in the water! Anyway, as we were walking we realized that one year ago to the day Justin was here in Virginia interviewing for medical school and we had no idea where we would be ending up, or if we'd be ending up in medical school. It's amazing how much can change in a year! We are so glad we are here. It's been a great few months and I'm sure will prove to be a great few years!

a bunch of Monkey Business!

I found this monkey a few weeks ago on clearance and I fell in love with it for Braden. He was happy about it, but I think I bought it as much for me as for him because it is just so cute and almost as big as he is. Plus it's squishy and soft and fun to cuddle with. He LOVES stuffed animals and immediately hugs them and does his little lamb-like laugh whenever you give one to him. It is so cute. Anyway, I felt the need to take some pictures of him with his little friend, the monkey. :)

giving the monkey "loves"

Monkey even gets kissesI love this picture. Justin was trying to get Braden to "show his guns" then he show Braden how you do that. I had to get a picture. Quality father and son time, eh? They are so cute together!

And some more videos! Braden has learned how to dance. I can't help but just laugh every time he starts swinging those hips back and forth. It is hilarious and very cute! Well, to me anyway. Not that I'm biased at all...ha! Oh, and the one where he's bouncing and then falls...I hope no one thinks we are cruel for laughing, but it was just so funny! He's such a tough little guy. Hopefully no one thinks we are terrible parents! We love him I promise!