Merry Christmas! -2013-

*smiley baby boy :)

**I realize one date is futuristic, but I got too excited about my first-ever Christmas card and posted  it early.

101 in 1001

So, I guess there was a bandwagon creeping quietly through the streets that I kind of missed. But I'm jumping on the tail end of it anyway. 101 in 1001. Have you heard of it? I told you, it was driving rather quietly.

The challenge is to complete 101 specific, measurable, realistic, and stretching goals in a period of 1001 days. In contrast to new years resolutions, the 2.74 year time period gives you multiple seasons to organize and time your activities, ideally helping you eliminate procrastination.

If you're interested to see what goals I came up with, check out the tab up top. If you like it, you could come hitch a ride on the back of the bandwagon with me. And if you do, it may help me complete goal #7. Which I would thank you for continuously, leading me to finish goal #40. Which would ultimately leave us both feeling very accomplished (which you could put on your list of goals).

See how easy it is? Now let's get hitchin'.

<3 Rachel

Month Two

Holy cow. Is it too late to take back what I said about wanting to watch him grow? Cradle cap and acne kicked in way too soon and I can't believe that this little man is already two months old! He's nearly doubled in size and his sleep-fest the last two days is telling me that we may soon have a little giant on our hands.

Here's a look at how much this little baby has grown:

  4 days                                                             2 months

 10 days                                                             2 months

First camping trip (07/29/2013)

Funny boy! :)

This little baby is all smiles! :)

Here are some snapshots of lots of sweet moments, 

some not so happy faces, 

and one homemade diaper. :) 

Welcome to puberty little Brenden, we hope the second time around is just a cute.

<3 Mommy

Faith in America Project

I'm hoping that at least one person who ventures over here to see pictures of the baby sees this post and responds. There is an incredible projet on kickstarter that is in need of our help and monetary support.

The Faith in America Project, by an incredible photographer, Scott Jarvie.

The idea is to spend a year documenting buildings of faith across all fifty states, producing faith-inspired artwork and reminding the country of our common ties. There are a variety of rewards and thank yous for any size contribution.

Check out some of his work:

Every dollar helps. He will only be funded if he reaches his goal and the project closes in 10 days. This is such a worthy cause. Please do what you can to help! 

Love

Love is taking a stream of poo to the chest, covering your clothes, sheets, and pillow at four in the morning and not even getting mad about it.

And maybe even taking a moment to laugh. I think it was just Brenden's way of saying, "welcome to motherhood."

It has been so much fun.

I can't believe ten days with this little baby have come and gone! He has already grown and changed so much. I've heard lots of parents tell their kids to slow down and stop growing. And while I'd like to immortalize this cute baby face and pause time before cradle cap and acne kick in, I'm also so excited to see him grow. I can't wait to watch him learn and change into the person he will become.

Welcome to the world, baby Brenden! Hoping this welcome will leave you feeling a bit more.. clean.

At the hospital

First days home

Laughs and funny faces :)

More Baby Brenden

We love you

<3 Mommy