The Many Hats of Brenner

6 Month Photos

My friend, Eileen, took some photos for me. I think he's starting to resemble Carter more now. Leave me a comment letting me know your favorite!

Snuggling and New High Chair

I had to take this photo because this is what happens every evening at our house. Between 7:30-8:30 PM Brenner takes a snooze on Daddy. He just hums or sings himself to sleep. And then after about 45 minutes he pops his head up and is ready for his evening bottle. This is the kind of stuff Steve missed with C & C when he was traveling each week. I'm so glad he's around to have this time with little B.
Here's the new high chair I ordered. I'm so excited. My friend, Stacy, has this chair for her daughter, Mia. I've always done just a $20 chair that you attach to your kitchen chair. Since our table only has 4 chairs I knew Brenner would get a real high chair. He has LOTS of room to grow in it. I'm so excited we can just wheel him around wherever we are. I am sure he will be in this chair plenty.

Lots of New Posts!!

There are 8 new posts in the last day... so don't forget to read them all.

Learning to Eat

Brenner started waking up in the middle of the night. We knew he was getting hungry. I was hoping to put off eating until after the holidays. But, I packed the cereal just in case.

He's a hit or miss at best. He just recently started getting the hang of it. I think he likes the idea of eating more than actually doing it. He really likes the spoon in his mouth. I must say this is one of my least favorite baby things. It's just such a messy process. Hopefully he'll get better at it really soon.

Christmas: Part Four

On Christmas day we loaded up and headed south to Spicewood. The Shans flew down with their 3 boys that night. On the morning of the 26th we celebrated Christmas together. From left to right: Mason (almost 3), Carter (5 1/2), Brenner (5 months), Cole (4 1/2), Caleb (7 1/2), and Grant (14 months)

Steve and Shereda jumped in and Grant was screaming his head off. I think with 6 little boys there was always someone screaming or whining or fighting.

The older boys all enjoyed opening their gifts. It was a bit chaotic with toys piling up in every direction. So many fun and new things to play with and enjoy for the next year.

Brenner got a turn to get in on the action as well.

Family fun!

Caleb and Carter got The Beatles Rock Band from Grammy and Grandpa. We also gave them Lego Rock Band (which is much easier to play). They have had a blast playing it!

Christmas: Part Three

I was so jealous of the snow everyone was getting back home. Why is it the first time we decide not to go home for Christmas that it decides to snow back north! Well, I think God knew I was complaining and decided to let a little of it fall in Waco.

The boys ran outside (in their flip flops) so we could get a few Christmas Eve snapshots.

Later that night after the boys were "snug in their beds", Santa came for a visit. So glad he remembered we were at the farm this year!

Carter was so thrilled to get a new Lego along with a science set.

Caleb got a new Lego and a microscope.

Here's the 3 boys in their Santa hats!

Brenner loved all the attention! What a great Christmas! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Christmas: Part Two

Gorham Christmas was the night of the 23rd. Here I am with the Gorham girls- my cousins: Leah, Emily, and Anna.
Before dinner the younger great grandchildren had a wonderful presentation for all of us. It was the crowning of the King and Queen of Christmas! Brenner was crowned the King and Chelsea (born this past spring to my cousins Joel/Christy) was crowned Queen. Kayla and Lindsay announced that "Brenner from the House of James" was the King of Christmas. It was so cute. He was given a perfect crown- a headband with stars attached. Granny hand sewed his cape. The little boys played the drums in the background while my aunt played "We Three Kings" on the piano. It was so fun!

Brenner loved being the King of Christmas!

Here's all the kids taking their bow.

Time for dinner! We eat the same meal every year. Lots of tradition. I love the message baked into the bread.

Along with the ham we have garlic grits, over-the-rainbow mac n cheese, and bing cherry salad.

Here's the big girl table. No boys (or kids) allowed!

All of the grandsons and (grandsons-in-law) sat with Granny at the dining room table.

Here's the little boy table with Granny.

After we dinner we all moved from my parent's house to Granny's house (next door) and crammed into the parlor. Time for Santa to come and open some gifts.

Santa showed up to visit all 17 great grandchildren. Brenner was the first on his lap. He could have cared less.

Carter (wearing a paper crown from Granny) enjoyed visiting with Santa.

When it was Caleb's turn, Santa (my cousin Michael) asked him what he wanted for Christmas. Caleb looked wide-eyed and said, "I gave you my list already." I could just see the panic setting in with Caleb wondering why Santa would ask him that question this close to Christmas.

Here's my cousin, Emily, and my girl, Kayla. These two Tulsa girls love each other!

And here's me with my Granny. She'll be 88 in February. We all adore her.

Cloverland Bowl 2009

The morning of the 23rd was the annual Cloverland Bowl- Green Vs. Gold

Now this is a serious game with year long bragging rights for the winning team.

There's my brother, Andy, making a spectacular catch. Garrett, who happened to be our 4 year old ring bearer on our wedding day, played defense.

Here's Andy also playing quarterback. Look at that form!

My dad caught a pass! And you can see Steve celebrating big!

Dad and Steve even did a chest bump. Oh, it was funny!

And here's my dad with cousin Michael coming after him. You can see my cousin's wife, Christy, also chasing Dad down. Christy is an OSU grad, so she makes sure her school is also represented... notice her pants!

Steve is down on the ground after making a catch. What a guy!

Kayla opted to watch the game from the swing with her new AG doll.

Well, Gold beat Green this year. Although it seemed Mark had drafted a better team, Garrett clearly picked better talent.