T & C + B

Make me happy

2011-04-09T20:47:00.001-07:00

For a change of pace Brody decided to play trucks in the living room while we ate dinner last night. Usually he plays trucks in the dinning room. While playing he kept saying "honk, honk" so I leaned over and ....

Me: Honk
Brody: Why did you say that daddy?
Me: I said honk because you were saying it.
B: You can't say honk daddy, that makes me sad.
Me: What do you mean?
B: You have to say something to make me happy daddy.....because I'm sick.
Me: How about "I love you".
B: Yeah, that makes me happy.
At which point he came into the dining room and said
B: I want a hug daddy. I'm all better now.

- Daddy

Location:Home

Tea Party

2011-03-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure this even translates to a written story well -- but it was so funny, and sooo Brody. Tonight we were having a tea party at my parents house (all make believe with a little miniature tea set). Brody was making pineapple tea for us all and being generally adorable handing out tea cups and making new pots of pineapple tea. I then made us some lavender and lemon verbena tea and pour it into all the tea cups. Brody said he didn't want it; didn't like it and that he wanted to make more pineapple tea. He then took his tea cup and "poured" the contents into my cup -- keep in mind there was no actual tea involved here. Hilarious! He really wasn't about to even try it in the pretend world.

He then poured me a cup of pineapple tea. I smelled it and said "ooh it smells so good" and then held the cup up to Brody's nose and he sniffed... then said " It's just pretend mommy."

Dinosaur Hat

2011-02-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

It was quite chilly this morning (low 40°s burr) so we put Brody in a cute dinosaur hat which is something a feat these days as they last somewhere between 5 and 10 seconds on his head. This time, however, he took to it quite well and decided he would bring along a dinosaur book as we left for the coffee shop.

After sharing a bagel & croissant he told everyone that his dinosaur book was in the car and it was time for us to leave. So off to daycare we went. As I was getting him out of his car seat I asked if we should leave the book in the car for later. "No, I think Becky (his teacher) will like it." How can you resist that?

After braving the freezing cold light breeze and barely warm sun we stumbled inside completely unaware of the ridiculously cute interaction that was about to ensue.

Me : Phew, it's cold out this morning.
Donna (his other teacher) : Yeah, it's freezing!
Brody : It's not freezing. It's cold.
D : What is this creature your brought with you and where is Brody?
B : This is a book about dinosaurs.
D : Are you a dinosaur? *points at his hat*
B : No, this is a dinosaur hat!
D : Oh
B : Dinosaurs have .. have .. (opens his mouth and points at his teeth)
D : Teeth?
B : Big sharp teeth
D : Oh!
B : And claws! Rawr!

2011-01-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

Some Awesome pictures taken by Kelly Lynn James

2 years and 3 months and no more nana

2010-10-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

I've weaned Brody! How? Why? We were on the nurse-till-sixteen track and while on a rare shopping trip to Vons and Brody was throwing a fit to nurse. So there I was in public with my breast out nursing a gigantic two-year-old and I knew something had to change. I mention Vons because I just doubt I would have been so self conscious in Lazy Acres or Whole Foods, but I was getting so many looks in Vons. Anyway. I'm so thankful for the kick in the pants, I needed to do this. Brody is doing so well and he transitioned from boobies to bouncing before bed just fine. We'll have to cut out the bouncing too, but that is for another day. Right now I'm just so thrilled he is happy without nursing and I feel confident I haven't ruined his life forever, as was my fear.

Brody is thriving. Thomas is working hard and we are all so so happy.

Picking Blueberries on Brody's Birthday

2010-08-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Brody is Two!

2010-08-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely party. Lots of celebration, but I hurt my finger the day before his party and we failed at taking any pictures.

And then it was like a switch was turned and all of a sudden Brody is talking up a storm and bossing everybody about.

Yesterday at the sandbox Brody told a five year old "Kid, go over there. Go over there kid."
I laughed so hard! He didn't want the older boy near the stash of trucks he had collected.

He is also such a gentle pleasure -- spontaneously checking in with me or Thomas saying "you ok mommy?" or "you ok daddy?"
This evening he said "You ok Emma?" To my sister. It's just so freaking cute!

Some Brody Quotes:

2010-07-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

Mommy: "Are you a little man, Brody?"
Brody: " No, a dinosaur."
Mommy: "A dinosaur??"
Brody: "Yeah"
Mommy: " What does a dinosaur say?"
Brody: "Roar!"

At the Park there was a sea horse ride-on bouncy thing. Brody was was riding it and calling it a dragon.
Mommy: "It's actually a seahorse."
Brody: "Seahorse."
Brody (a little upset): "No, pony. Dragon. No seapony. Dragon."
Mommy: "Ok, it can be a dragon."

some of my clothes

2010-07-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

Maybird Summer

Welcome Summertime!

2010-07-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

It's July 1st and June Gloom is nowhere to be seen. Yesterday was all gloom, but somehow the weather knows the date... hmmm. hope it lasts.

Thomas and I had out 8th year anniversary on the 28th of June and are heading towards our three year married life mark! Wow. How the time passes.

News from our family:
I'm starting a new job as a personal assistant on the 6th
Thomas is still looking for steady work and contract work. Unemployment makes life tough and hopefully my job will fill in the blanks for us, but money = stress around here for sure. However we're still managing to keep things together and remembering to enjoy every moment with Thomas around to bond and play with Brody and live in the luxury of no job. It is truly a luxury when you forget about the money component.

I had an interesting adventure in trying to sell my baby clothes at the Live Oak Music festival... It was a wash all in all... I lost money really. However, contacts were made and I got my stuff out there and learned a little. You win some, you lose some, right? Something like that.

Brody news:
Talking up a storm... It's so wonderful. I love his interpretation of events. For example, if he goes to the coffee shop with Thomas he always comes home to tell me about the bagel... or cookie that he ate. Or sometimes he talks about the ducks, meaning they also went to the park. Always pulling the most important details out of every event... mainly food. haha.

Brody turns 2 on July 22. We'll have a big party in the backyard again, I'm sure. So exciting.

Lots of love to all those who are not with us in daily life!

2010-06-09T08:18:00.001-07:00

Brody says Genevieve ... so cute!

2010-06-09T07:43:00.001-07:00

A couple of new videos:

2010-06-01T09:37:00.002-07:00

2010-06-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

Easter Cuteness

2010-04-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

I could write a book

2010-04-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

of all the adorably ridiculous things that come from Thomas. Or maybe a blog.

Tonight:

"I hate the way Tuscon is spelled."

Last night:

"There are shards of glass in the bed! Or at least sharp dirt."

Hot Tunes and Other Favorites

2010-04-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Brody has, for some time now, requested "row row" whenever songs are mentioned. He just can't get enough of Row Row Row, Your Boat! About a month ago Thomas started putting Brody to bed by singing Hush Little Baby and now when we say " Would you like us to sing you a song?" he says "Yeah, Buy you." It's very cute.
His friend Cash's favorite is Baa Baa Black Sheep and Brody has now added that to his favorites and even sings the "yes, sir, yes sir" part on cue. He also has learned the theme song to Bob the Builder and kinda hums/mumbles it while playing by himself.

So for now his favorite songs are:
Row Row Row Your Boat
Hush Little Baby
Baa Baa Black Sheep

Favorite animal is still the flamingo. He has a little flamingo stuffed animal on loan from his friend Lucy and he carries it around with lots of love. He likes to gather it up and read his favorite Richard Scarry Things that Go book or have it sit on his potty. He also likes to put it to bed at night.

As far as his love for trucks and things that go -- Still going strong! Although his tastes are refining a bit. He has a clear preference for construction equipment, especially diggers and bulldozers. He had this little digger toy that was a big hit, but somehow we lost it. Every time we get in the car he calls out for it ... "Diggerrrr!" We'll have to get another one because I don't think he's going to forget it as I originally hoped after we lost it.

Other favorites:
Huggie blanket
Shovels ("shubble"), rake, trowel
fire trucks
beans and rice
cookies! (he learned the word sugar on Easter as he attempted to consume a huge pure sugar egg that I'm sure was mainly for decoration!)
kitty
neighs (horses)
hop hops (rabbits)
babies
shoes, especially trying on Nee-na and Baa-ba's crocks
swimming
saying again, you get it, mama do it, I want it, bye-bye

An old video -- Summer Fun

2010-02-14T11:40:00.001-08:00

Family Update

2010-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

I feel like time melts through my fingertips and evaporates immediately, but then each day feels so long! Living in this paradox makes keeping track of correspondences, appointments, laundry, and all other details of life very difficult. However, at the moment Thomas is out buying new Tupperware; he has been yearning for a matching set for years now, and I have a moment to update our little blog here.

First of all, Santa Barbara is a totally ideal place to raise a child; they love the outdoors. It's been tough when it rains to find activities for Brody to do that don't include spending money, so if you have any ideas please send them our way! Money is tight and Thomas is working hard to keep it coming in, but it seems to still disappear each month leaving him a little more stressed than I'd like. A reasonable amount of stress keeps him motivated, but then it just distracts him.

Brody is working on talking, jumping off the bed and bossing his parents around when is not busy harassing the kitty. I'm taking two sewing classes and getting more time baby-free, which is really good for me as well as Brody.

New favorite word:
flamingo

Well, Thomas just pulled in the driveway and I've got to go take care of Brody and let him have the computer back.
Love to all!

Lilah and Baaaboooo

2010-01-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

A little video of Brody's Christmas

2010-01-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

Merrily, Merrily, We welcome the New Year!

2010-01-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

We spent New Years eve quietly for the most part. Celebrated with Brody and his toddler friends at 6:40 with balloons and a count down. Very silly and fun. Thomas and I barely made it to midnight, but as the new year came in we shared a kiss goodnight and tucked ourselves in bed for the night. It was very precious.

On a more reflective note:
2009 has come to an end! It was a beautiful year, full of growth and change. Brody has come into his own as a little kid and left the world of little babies behind. He's talking and walking...bossing us about and asserting his independence. It's such a joy to watch and an honor to be his shepherd and guide as he grows.

New Words/phrases:
Go Out
coffee shop
train
broom
book
all done
Here ya go
thank you
snack
bite
cookie
cracker
owl
duck
wa wa (water)(a favorite)
boat
truck (we worked long and hard to get Brody to say truck and not call everything that moves a car...now everything is truck...)
wheel
baby
Leo
Emma
Baba (grandpa Ben)
DanceDance
Neigh (horse noise)
arf arf
dog
caw caw (parrot noise)
gorilla
Up, down, in, out
airplane
bonk
ouch
choo-choo
doll
keys
shoes
socks
kick it
and probably more I'm not understanding yet. Brody's language is blossoming daily!

We look forward to sharing 2010 with all of our loved ones!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

Brody and his friends made hand-print turkeys today for a little toddler thanksgiving party. Brody hates to get dirty, so he was not so grateful for this project -- but the cards turned out so cute! Sorry Brody! He got over it quickly after we washed and dried his hands.

For Thanksgiving this year we will feast at Grandpa and Grandma's house (Grandpa Frank and Grandma Debbie that is -- Brody is blessed to have so many grandparents, but we still need to figure out names to differentiate!). Frank is cooking a beautiful turkey and we caught a glimpse of some amazing pies -- it will be delicious! We can't wait.
We are so grateful for the wonderful abundance of love we have in our lives. Brody is so blessed to be loved by so many and so are we. Thank you.

A Trip to the Zoo

2009-11-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

New Mexico!

2009-09-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

Brody and I just returned from a trip to Ocate, New Mexico. We had such an amazing visit with the land and old friends. Here are some photos:

More Pictures

Walking and Talking -- Stage one

2009-08-18T12:56:00.001-07:00

Life is moving along so nicely. Brody is now taking lots of steps and learning more words.

Favorite words
Uh-Oh
Wow
Ball
Dog
and some slurred sound that we are pretty sure is "Here you go" when he hands you something.
Also NaNa or NaNi requesting some breastmilk.

And ooooo while he puts his hand in the air = elephant. He does this when he sees an elephant or a picture of one...pretty cool, huh?

He said Agua the other day as well...we've heard this is easier for babies to get than water...

He has also discovered that utensils are very fun and he wants to use the fork in my hand to feed himself. Having extra forks and spoons around is the only way to get a meal in my belly these days. He loves mimicking how we use this. Such a little boy -- into his tools.

It's so precious to see him learning so much and figuring out how to balance and move through the world. However with more understanding of the world comes more frustration. He especially hates it when we move his body without talking to him about it or we take something away from him when he hasn't finished with it. Yesterday I took the shovel away and went inside, causing a major meltdown that could be heard all up and down the block! A clear insult to his autonomy!

Our family

2009-07-24T22:57:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Brody

2009-07-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

One year ago we were all snuggled in our bed. Brody was sleeping peacefully and we had no idea what was really happening...the great changes that lay in front of us were just whispers of dreams.
Now a year later and we are a whole new family. Brody is so huge and so small, beautiful, sensitive, sweet, loud, and tons of fun. I've never been happier, or more fulfilled in my life.
I love you my little smushie one. Happy Birthday to us all!

Getting Ready for the One Year Mark

2009-07-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

I find myself so excited for Brody's birthday! It's like it's my birthday too and I'm a kid again. In a way it is my birthday too...I could just shed August 24th and adopt July 22...in many ways I died that night and was reborn as a mama. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes.
It's taken my a year to find my footing. To find my grace again. My body has changed, but that is the least of it...my whole being, my everything has transformed. I'm learning as Brody grows what is means to be me.
Too deep and melodramatic? Well...try giving birth and then we'll talk.

Anyway. I hope to see all my lovely loving support system, i.e. you, at the party on July 25th.

We'll have cake!

My Beautiful Parents

2009-07-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life, especially those who brought me life. I don't know what I would do without their help as I learn how to be a momma.
Here is a particularly nice photo of them taken on my dad's 72nd birthday last May.

Carrie and Brody go to Austin

2009-06-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hanging out by the Kiddie Pool

Helping Aunt Emma organize her fabrics

Chillin' with uncle Chris at a coffee shop

Playing with Colby and Aunt Emma while avoiding the heat

Carrie and Brody in Austin

Keeping the Laundry Folded is a little more difficult these days

2009-06-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

What is happening with Carrie and Thomas?

2009-06-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

This question might not have occurred to you, as you too have been lost in the adorableness that is our son, but we still exist and life goes on. Thomas has taken on a mistress is LA and goes to live with him for three days a week while Carrie cares for his child and pines for his return while eating bon bons and knitting him sweaters.

Just kidding. Although he does spend three days in LA … well Monday night he leaves and then returns Wednesday night… But there is no waiting around or bon bons. I’m working on regaining that pre-pregnancy youth that I seemed to have missed placed along with a box of clothes that actually looked good on me. There is some success already and soon I’ll be right back looking like I never had a baby even if my body feels as though I’ve aged 10 years.

We are actually doing great. It's amazing how much work a child is and how you just adapt to it all. The sleep thing seems like no big deal, my constant neck and back pains seem normal, and showering every other day at the most seems luxurious. Thomas some weeks only showers in LA. The wet look is in around here (referring to our hair that is)! We aren't fighting all the time and still love each other, even though we now sleep in different beds and having sex once a week seems like a great accomplishment. We even talk about non-baby related things like what Thomas has heard on NPR occasionally! We rock.

Aunt Genevieve, Carrie and Brody are heading to Austin to visit Aunt Emma and Uncle Chris on Friday. It will be our first plane trip and I'm totally excited, except for the 100 degree forcast...ugh. Hasn't Texas got the memo that we're coming from perfect Santa Barbara and our 80 degree highs?? Anyway. While we're there Emma and I are going to be setting up our baby clothing line Maybird. We're moving forward with starting our own line and it's all very exciting. Especially the part where I have something other than baby oriented tasks in my life!

We are so fortunate for the life we have and cherish all those that love us!
Thanks for checking in on us :)

Brody's World

2009-06-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Up until now, Brody's world has consisted of a small little house of the West Side of Santa Barbara, the Kitty, his mother and his father and the occasional mishap of remembering something or someone. However, this is all changing. He now remembers with certainty that he has great fun with his Nana and that he’ll find comfort and loving from his friend Delilah’s mom, Anna. He knows he is sure to find suffering and bondage in the car and cries as we approach it. He also is very suspicious of the changing table area and avoids it all together even though many of his toys reside there. He suspects there is fun to be had in the pantry area and tries without success, due to the baby gate we've installed, to discover this fun. He knows the sound of water filling up the bath means that there is fun to be had and suffers greatly when it means only that I am trying to take a solo shower (although this is a rare occurrence). And of course, he loves wheels, any shape, size or function. He seeks them out wherever we go.

He's discovering more and more daily! What sticks and what passes him by is a mystery.

Daily Brody has moved

2009-06-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

The daily pictures have been moved to blog of their own. From now on all pictures can be found at Daily Brody

2009-06-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

2009-06-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Brody is in full force teething hell and I'm right there with him! His top front four teeth have broken through and hopefully the worst is over, but oh lordy, what an ordeal.... Fevers and fussy have been the name of the game lately and lots and lots of naps (at which time I regain my sanity).

However, I think this might also be leading to a development jump...Brody seems to be working on walking...when he lets me put him down. He stood up solo in the middle of the room the other day and is generally disinterested with being on his bum or knees. We'll see.

He also had his first shoulder ride on Wednesday evening. My mom put him up on her shoulders as we walked around the construction zone in their neighborhood after hours and looked at all the big cool construction vehicles. What fun! Brody is such a boy with his interest in trucks. He even makes a vroom vroom noise when he is playing with them...it's unbelievably cute.

Outlaw indeed ...

2009-06-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

- Paine Family (via iPhone)

T & C + B

Make me happy

Tea Party

Dinosaur Hat

2 years and 3 months and no more nana

Picking Blueberries on Brody's Birthday

Brody is Two!

Some Brody Quotes:

some of my clothes

Welcome Summertime!

Brody says Genevieve ... so cute!

A couple of new videos:

Easter Cuteness

I could write a book

Hot Tunes and Other Favorites

An old video -- Summer Fun

Family Update

Lilah and Baaaboooo

A little video of Brody's Christmas

Merrily, Merrily, We welcome the New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving

A Trip to the Zoo

New Mexico!

Walking and Talking -- Stage one

Our family

Happy Birthday Brody

Getting Ready for the One Year Mark

My Beautiful Parents

Carrie and Brody go to Austin

Keeping the Laundry Folded is a little more difficult these days

What is happening with Carrie and Thomas?

Brody's World

Daily Brody has moved

Outlaw indeed ...

Hats & Hoodies

Brody Likes

At the beach with Grandma

Breakfast please ...

Riding the pony

The Morning is for Smiles

Ready for a safari

Picture of the Day

The bath could fill a little faster guys

Bath time is play time

Picture of the Day

Peek - a - boo

Staying cool

Smoke from Santa Barbara fire as seen from woodland hills

Happy little family

Our future gardener

Good times with Grandpa Paul

Our little family

Laughing Buddha baby

Daily Brody

Brody likes

Daily Brody

April Update

Some Pictures of Brody with some of his friends

8 months and on the move!

Hello Again!

Proud Parents of Brody Paine

A beautiful wife with a beautiful belly

July has come... finally... and the countdown begins

six more weeks to go!

May 23rd

Hawaiian Honeymoon

New Turtle in our pond

It's alive!

Pictures from March

And, as per usual, the kitty has been cute

Welcome