Braden's Friend

It's been so nice here the last few days. We are finally feeling like spring is on the way. The flowers are blooming out front, the birds are singing, the grass is green!

We went to the park yesterday morning and met Braden's buddy Cooper. The boys have been friends since they were born. Sara (Cooper's mom) and I often joke that they act more like brothers than friends sometimes. It is so fun to watch them grow up together and see the relationship they have even at such a young age. Braden enjoyed climbing and going down the slides. "Weeeee" "Fun" "MORE!" My one syllable child made it clear that he was glad to be at the park. The boys tried out the swings too. I think Braden forgot what a swing was over the winter. He wasn't too sure he liked it until he focused on the fun his friend was having.

Here's a picture of the boys from yesterday 3/21/08:

And here's one from their first time in the swings back on 3/30/06:

And here's a few pictures of Dylon just to be fair!

4/17/08: Sitting up!

4/17/08: Someone please feed me!

4/17/08: Look close and you can see my top 2 teeth - that makes 4!

Dylon's Dedication & Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

4/13/08: Portion of Dylon's dedication service

Sunday, April 13th was an important day for our family. We were able to dedicate Dylon during the service at our church. Two of our close friends also dedicated their children. It was so special to share this time with them.

4/13/08: Braden Weinmaster, Rebekah Cramer, Shelby Brodzeller

"MaeMae" (Chad's Mom), Aunt Barb (Chad's Aunt), and our good friend Megan Gilbertson (godmother to the boys from Lincoln, NE) all flew in to share this time with us. We also had 2 of Chad's coworkers, neighbors, and many friends from church there to celebrate this day with us.

4/13/08: Aunt Barb & "MaeMae"/Grandma

4/13/08: "Aunt Megs" Gilbertson (godmother)

We feel incredibly blessed to be parents to Dylon. He is such a happy boy. He loves to smile and show off his 4 new teeth, talk all the time, eat anything you put in his mouth, and is content to lay and just look at the world. Our hearts are overflowing with love for this special gift that God brought into our family. We pray that we will have the wisdom and perseverance to raise him to become a man of God.

4/13/08: Our Family

The verse that we chose for Dylon's dedication is: Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT): "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation."

4/13/08: Dylon's Dedication Outfit

Since Chad's mom and Aunt had never been to Chicago, we drove down on Monday (4/14/08)and went to the Shedd Aquarium. Braden loved watching the dolphin show and the big colorful fish. He even got to pet a turtle! Braden was so excited by the big fish that he had to share the experience with his special stuffed bear "Boof".

4/14/08: In Chicago

4/14/08: Who's lookin' at who?

4/14/08: Braden showing "Boof" the fish

Boys at Play

It is so much fun as a Mom to watch your two boys interact and enjoy each other. I'm sure that this is just a taste of what is to come in the future as they grow up together.

Braden "zerberts" Dylon ~ 3/29/08

Auntie Cathy (Trista's Aunt) came for a visit. She had lots of fun playing with the boys. Braden enjoyed doing crafts and painting. It was very special to have some time alone with "Ti" (as Braden says).

3/27/08: Painting w/ Auntie Cathy

While she was here we tried to get a family picture. Braden was much more interested in climbing on Daddy and Mommy than laying down to smile.

3/30/08: Family Picture?

Dylon is LOVING eating cereal! He is quite the pig -- he'll eat 1/2 - 2/3 of a cup for dinner. After we get a good check up next week, he'll get to start vegies and fruit.

3/30/08: Oatmeal Cereal

The bottom two teeth are definately in - and sharp! :) The top two are almost there. You can feel the ridges under the gums, just nothing poking through quite yet.

4/3/08: 2 bottom teeth

Braden has been sick with a cold this week. Fevers running 100 - 104 degrees. Croupy cough. And oh my - the buggers that come out of that boys nose! We've spent alot of time hanging out on the couch and watching movies. Mommy has tried to keep him away from Dylon so that we keep the baby healthy, but we'll see what the next few days bring. Braden seems to be doing better with 4 days of antibiotics in his system. Yesterday he kept asking to go bye-bye. He didn't want to go out to eat - he wanted to Shop! Yes, SHOP! So, we went to a few stores and walked around till he said he was done. What a crazy kid! :)

4/4/08: Hanging out on the couch