Look like a Robinson, Act like a Vargas

My son does not act like he is only 7 months old. The kid knows how to work it. I am amazed by his ability already to read others' emotions and either mimic or correctly respond. And he always achieves this in dramatic fashion. I gathered a few pictures taken from the other day to prove my point.

He may look just like his father, but he acts just like his mom. He never wants to be alone. He always has to be touching someone. He loves to party...the more people the better. Any time he hears music, he starts bouncing to the beat. (He has way better rhythm than Ryan or have ever had.)

Knowing what I put my parents through growing up and even to this day...I have realized that their wild child is getting a little payback. At least I know things won't ever get boring around here!

Despite being a nut, he's actually quite fun. And I've decided, this kid is pretty cool.

poser

the dramatics of briggs

hi im cute. and im mischievous. and i love dad. 

thanks for stopping by! love, briggs

Broad Ripple Birthday

Yesterday was my 27th birthday. And I got exactly what I wanted....a day with my family. Ryan and I took the day off and went on a day trip to Broad Ripple. We walked the Monon, drank a beer at Broad Ripple Brew Pub and spent the afternoon at the park with our baby.

It's funny how much life can change in just a few short years. For my 24th birthday I went to Broad Ripple as well. However, it was at a very different time and for very different reasons. While I loved the "party" phase in my young twenties, I am much more content today. I have an inner peace and constant joy that I couldn't claim then. 

I realize that with every birthday will come a higher number in age and while sometimes that seems a little scary, yesterday showed me that it's okay that we are all growing up. It's a part of life. And I am living mine to the fullest with those I love most.

Green Beans? No thank you.

When we first started feeding Briggs solid foods, my intentions were to be sure to feed him his vegetables first. So we fed him sweet potatoes and carrots- which he still loves. Before moving on to the greens, we tried out some fruit. He loves them so much he may just turn into a banana.

However, now he won't eat any of his greens! He is so dramatic whenever we try to feed them to him. This green bean video just goes to show what a ham he can be.

Are we torturing our child?

Wedding Pro

Our little Briggs has become a wedding expert this year With my sister and two of my best friends getting hitched this summer/fall, he really hasn't had much of choice.  It seems like every weekend we have had either a wedding, shower, or bachelorette party and he has been planning and participating like a champ.

At Brittani's shower a couple of weeks ago, he participated in the games, charmed the ladies, and even managed to take a little snooze. This past weekend, I went up to Wisconsin at a lake house for Sadie's bachelorette party. I spent 2 whole nights away from the little bugger. While my heart ached for him the entire time I was gone, I know that it was needed for Briggs and Ryan. They needed some bonding time especially when he has been so attached to me lately (major separation anxiety issues).

I also left the weekend feeling completely refreshed. Sometimes I think as moms (or just women in general) we get so caught up in doing things for others that we forget about ourselves. The weekend with my girlfriends was such a rejuvenation of my spirit that in turn, I came back ready to conquer the world and be a better mom to the baby and a better wife to Ryan. It just goes to show how therapeutic some time with your girlfriends can be and to always stay balanced.

Here are some pictures from Briggs's shower participation at Brittani's a few weekends ago.

Being selfish with my 7 month old

7 months old has proven to be a very colorful time for the baby. He had to have a minor surgery about a week ago and is almost completely recovered. Though, I'm not sure I am emotionally recovered yet. :)

With his surgery has come some separation anxiety. I know this is completely normal for babies his age. It can be exhausting sometimes when I can't even leave his sight without him getting fussy but deep down, I'm kind of...glad. He is not always going to want me by his side. And I know I am being selfish when I say this, but I kind of like that I am the one he wants most of the time. The feeling is mutual. So for now, I am going to enjoy this selfish time with baby because I know it won't keep.

In Half a Year

Yesterday Briggs turned 6 months old. He is a half year old. From an outsider's perspective this does not seem like much for anyone. However, once you bear the name "mom" it changes your whole outlook on life.

In half a year, I have learned what it means for your heart to belong with someone else at all times. I have gotten to know a beautiful, joyful and spirited little boy. He has fulfilled Ryan in so many ways that I never thought possible. He has helped me become a more cautious driver, a better cook, a more efficient house cleaner, a songwriter, a better wife to Ryan, a proud doggy mom to his protector, Lola, even more appreciative of my parents and a more nurturing and forgiving soul. How can someone so little have such an impact in every aspect of my life? I'm not sure, but I know it happened. And I thank God over and over again every day for blessing my life with Briggs Beto.

Now in my family, it is tradition to sing a little song and perhaps receive half a twinkie on your half birthday. So since it was Briggs's very first one, I decided to have a little family get together for him. It turned into a very large celebration (why am I not surprised?) to celebrate this little bug with our friends and family who wanted to show him love too.

Earlier yesterday morning, I was singing a happy 6 months song to him. He was loving it! So I had to record his reactions....please excuse my singing voice :) Now he LOVES to watch this video of himself. Sometimes its the only thing that will console him when he is extra grumpy. He just smiles and cracks up at himself. It never fails.

Also, here are his 6 month growth pictures:

4th of July

Before having my own baby, I wasn't very aware of a child's development. The only children I really understood were those ranging from 14-18 years old thanks to my few years in high school eduction. So if you were to ask me when I was pregnant, what will your child be doing a year from now? I probably would have told you crying, sleeping and pooping. At 5 1/2 months old, while he certainly does do those things, he is capable of SO much more.

I love that he is beginning to take in the world around him. He is starting to recognize faces and voices and is more comfortable with certain people he is familiar with. Although, he can't crawl yet, he is still very mobile. Currently, his mode of transportation is rolling. He thinks its hilarious too. One moment he is lounging in the boppy on the floor, the next moment I look up at him and he is belly down playing with his toys a few feet away from where he started. When I laugh at him and ask him what he's doing, he just cracks up.

So on 4th of July, we took him to the Matthews' family lake house. He loved lounging in their hammock with me. He even watched and followed some of the boats going by. But the biggest surprise for me that night, was how amazed he was by the firework display on the lake. It is a memory I will cherish. He was taking in every moment while being so aware of the lights and colors. He would get so excited that he would start flapping his arms. He never ceases to amaze me. So at 5 months old, my son loves fireworks. And I am in awe of my 5 month old.

Briggs is loving the fireworks