gobble gobble.

Happy Thanksgiving from our little turkey to yours! I am going to GOBBLE. HIM. UP. 

overwhelming thankfulness.

Are you ever plagued with overwhelming thankfulness? Where you are brought to tears reveling in all of the ways the Lord has blessed you and your loved ones before your feet even hit the floor in the morning? As of late, I have. And I think that it is just a bonus of quieting my mind and opening my heart to God's presence and overflowing peace. I am so thankful. Goodness, thankfulness actually seems like an unfitting word for the deep, gut wrenching love, joy and gratefulness I have for:

My Savior. For loving an imperfect sinner like me. 

My family. For their selfless servitude, encouragement, and affection.

My health. For the past year I have suffered from hypothyroidism. It has been a long, difficult journey; one that brings me to tears to think back on my absence as a mother, friend, sister, daughter, and wife in the first few months after giving birth to Brooks. But, this disease is so minute compared to the sufferings  and illnesses others battle. With all that being said, I am thankful for a God who heals and is our mighty Physician. 

My friends..and their babies. These girls know that I am not perfect and still love me. They have been there for me through and through. And their babies? I truly love them as if they were my own. The capacity of a mother's heart is frightfully mind-blowing.

My husband. For his immeasurable love for me and Brooks. For his desire to grow in his walk with the Lord, his personal endeavors, and his role as father and husband. He truly is the most amazing man.

My Brooks. Oh, my Brooks. He brings me so much joy. I could go on for days about this little miracle. He truly is the best thing that has happened to me, loving me unconditionally and magnifying my sin and need for a Savior. 

The basics and necessities. I tend to take so many of the little things for granted. I have a roof over my head, a car to get me from point A to point B. I have a warm bed to sleep in, food in my refrigerator, a warm coat and rainboots for cold and wet days like today. When I think about the people who don't have these things I break. I am humbled. And I count my undeserved blessings. 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:14-17

special.

It was a special weekend.

It was special because Brooks and I drove to Auburn on Friday morning to meet my best friend's new baby, Coleman. I spent a couple of hours loving on the beebs and catching up with Feld and Conner (and Mrs. Helen). Brooks is a fan of babies these days, so he enjoyed checking out his new buddy. He was so sweet and gentle.

He is also a big fan of mama and wasn't too keen on sharing me...

Oooooooooooh baby fever!

Friday night was special because we got to celebrate our nephew Bennett's fourth birthday. Bennett wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese's so Chuck E. Cheese's we went. And want to know the kicker? It wasn't just Brooks' first time to the Cheese factory. It was mine too! HA. We all had a great time, especially Bennett. That's all that matters, right? We love you sweet Bennett boy! Thankful for all the ways you have blessed us these past four years.

Saturday morning was special because we attended little Christopher's Baptism. It was such a sweet day for the Morrows and we felt so honored to be included. I was not only invited to be a guest, but the photographer too! That calls for another post. Prepare to drool over that beautiful boy in his beautiful gown!

John went to the new house late Saturday afternoon to do some work. Brooks and I joined him early evening to take a look at everything that got done last week and things are really starting to take shape over there. 

The framing is done, plumbing is done, electrical is done, and the new HVAC system and ductwork is almost complete. This week the sheetrock goes up and the tile in the bathroom gets laid. John will also start on the trim and wainscoting and hopefully by the end of next week we can start painting. 

We have taken a step back as far as the kitchen goes. We are hosting Brooks' first birthday party in the new house on the 14th and the cabinet sub told John last week that the cabinets won't be ready to install for another three weeks. You do the math. And if you aren't familiar with renovations, the marble cannot be measured and cut until the cabinets are in and the appliances can't be set until the countertops are in. Long story short, we are not going to have a kitchen in time for the party. This mama's worst nightmare. But, you know what? It is going to be ok. Our focus will be on our Brooks and we are going to have the best time celebrating him. Done and done. 

On to the rest of the weekend...

Sunday was special because we were able to get together as a family to give thanks and gobble down some delicious food thanks to Nana and Papa! It was so great to spend time with the Dyson side of the family at the lake and catch up with Aunt Patty, Noah, Laura, Josh, and Hannah, who we don't get to see often. I wish that I had taken more pictures, but I'm pretty sure I was in a food coma.

And there you have it. Special, wasn't it? Happy Thanksgiving week! 

eleven month favorites.

This month's favorites are things that make my life a little bit easier and Brooks' life a lot more fun. He still plays with most of his favorites from previous months. We haven't really added anything new. I mean, he would rather play with tupperware and colanders than with the gillions of toys in his baskets. 

1. Cushioned Bath Mat by Ginsey - We finally got rid of the Puj and replaced it with this slip-proof bath mat. I love that it has suction cups to keep it from sliding around because these days Brooks is all over the tub. I also like that it is porous so the water drains right through. John doesn't use it. He thinks that if Brooks slips and falls that it will condition him not to do it again. Ummm, yeah. I DO use it. And it makes bath time a lot less stressful.

2. Skip Hop Whale Bath Spout Cover - BPA Free, Phthalate Free, and PVC Free. It fits great on our wide spout, protects Brooks from bangs and boos, and is super cute. I love that it matches our kneeler mat and Brooks loves playing with it too.

3. Green Toys My First Tugboat - While we are on the topic of bath goodness, this boat is the bomb.com according to Brooks. He gets so tickled when we make tugboat sounds. This toy is fun for the bath and I know it will be fun for the pool too!

4. My First Farm: Let's Get Working! board book - Has tabs focused on animals, tractors, crops, and barns; everything that our little one is really into these days. It is his go-to book. And I like to think that because of this book Brooks now says, "Woo Woo" when we ask him what a doggy says, "Boooooo" when we ask him what a cow says, and makes the piggy noise with his nose when we are what a pig says.

5. Raggedy Ann Doll - So, our Raggedy Ann looks nothing like this Raggedy Ann because, well, she is 28 years old. The last time we were in Atlanta my mom brought out my old doll for Brooks to play with and he was instantly drawn to her. So, she now resides in our toy basket. Brooks pulls her out, drags her across the room, gives her "love," and then drags her to the other side of the room, and the cycle continues. It is precious.

6. B. Parum Pum Pum Drum - Again, we want our child to be musically inclined and he is, he really is. He loves to dance to music and now, thanks to the Parum Pum Pum Drum he can join in with the band. He loves the little Shaka eggs and bee maraca and owns the drumsticks. At the rate that he is going, he is either going to be a weather man or a drummer when he grows up.

smorgasbord.

Well, Monday is over. It is Tuesday and we are finally getting into the groove of a new week. I truly wish that every day could be a weekend day. Brooks and I just love when daddy is home to keep us company and play with us! 

This past Saturday, we three amigos went to Krispy Kreme to kickstart our weekend. Brooks had been to Krispy Kreme before, but he had not yet experienced the deliciousness of a KK donut. So, on this fine morning, we let him have a go with a few pieces of glazed heaven.

To be honest, he was not that impressed. More power to him because I ate three.

John then spent the entire day over at Lancaster with his dad while Brooks and I had a tickle-fest or two. Oh, and I did some SERIOUS organizing. I spent way too much money on storage bins at Walmart. But, it was totally worth it. Everything is in its rightful place and I am now ready to start packing without having to worry about purging.

John sent me this picture to show me the progress on the front porch:

Bye Bye sun porch, hello rotten wood. Yikes. When JB got home we watched (on the edge of our seats) our Tigers pull through with a win over Georgia. WAR EAGLE! 

On Sunday we went to church, Brooks had a come apart, and we spent the afternoon running around Home Depot. 

And yesterday my best friend, Ashley, and her husband welcomed their precious babe into the world. Coleman is absolutely perfect from head to toe. I am already in love and cannot wait to get my hands on him this Friday! Aunt LaLa is coming for you little buddy!

Lastly, my neighbor walked over this morning to tell me that he spotted me on Google Earth. Get a load of this...

HILAR! We are famous Brooksie!

getting it done.

Last weekend, while John was off slaying deer in Kentucky...

...Brooks and I checked in on the cottage. The old door openings in the kitchen and existing bedroom are framed up and the new door at the back of the house, now located in the "mudroom" is cut out and framed.

We closed off the basement door from the hallway so now the only access downstairs will be from outside. It was small and would only be used for storage so this was not a problem for me. The washer and dryer hookups were down in the basement so we are turning the back bedroom into a laundry room/mudroom/back entry. It is finally taking shape and I LOVE it. 

On to the bathroom. We used to have a floor, remember? Yeah, well, John discovered more rotted wood so bye bye bathroom floor, hello black hole. I haven't been by the house this week, but John said that the hole is no more. Thank goodness! 

The plumber, electrician, and HVAC subs are over there working this week. Once they get everything in place and inspected we can put up the sheetrock. John and his dad plan on working over there on Saturday. LOTS to do, so little time. We put our new address on Brooks' birthday party invitations, so we have to be moved in by the 14th, whether it's ready, or not. Pleeeeeaaaaaaasssseeee be ready!

Brooks and I had a mommy/son date at the park after our trip to the house. This little man loves the slide. He is so fearless. He also loves to swing and anything and everything that he can ride in or on. I love being a mama to a little boy! 

We also went on A LOT of walks. While daddy's away, we like to get OUT and play (to keep my sanity).

On Tuesday of this week John and I went to Brandino Brass to pick out our kitchen cabinet hardware, we went to Kenny & Company to pick out our bathroom tile, and then went to Triton Stone to pick out our countertops. I walked into the warehouse a little bit overwhelmed, but knew that I did not want marble (because I am terrified of it. Well, ruining it, that is), but wanted something that looked like it. Quartzite? Well, come to find out, quartzite isn't that pretty and actually costs more than marble because it has the look of marble and the benefits of granite. So, back to marble we went. Here are some of our favorites:

Ooooooh. Ahhhhhhh. Naturally, my favorite was one of the most expensive: Calcutta gold. I die. Luckily, my husband knows me ALL.TOO.WELL. and budgeted for it. We have to see what the final number will be and will go from there. But, I am hoping this beautiful slab makes it's way into our home.



I also started some FIRST BIRTHDAY crafting!!! EEEEEEEK! Let the planning begin! With Thanksgiving coming up, our move, Brooks' birthday, and Christmas, I am trying to stay on top of things. Our moving announcements have already been mailed out, Brooks' birthday invitations are stuffed, licked, addressed, and stamped, and (drumroll please) so are all of our Christmas cards!!! BOOM.

We also let our rental agency know that November in 1102 will be our last month. Now, it's time to start packing...

eleven months.

It's the final countdoooooown. 

Brooks is 11 months old today! One more month until he is the big O-N-E! My sweet sugar love is inching his way toward toddlerhood.

(Side note: These photos are real life, folks. Brooks has been sick for a week and the faucet on his nose has not stopped running, his eyes are constantly watering, he has a gash on his temple from a tumble over his push toy into the corner of the baseboard, and he wanted to be doing anything other than taking pictures this morning. These pics are the best that I could do sans Johnny boy, unfortunately).

And speaking of love, do you remember when I said that my boy never wanted to be held, cuddled, or kissed? Well, that little nugget who wanted to be a part of the world, leaving his daddy and me in the dust, is now the most sweet, gentle, snuggly baby. He gives us "love" now without even asking for it, blows kisses, and wants nothing more than to be in our arms. It melts my heart good.

BUT, that's not to say being attached to us doesn't have it's disadvantages. For instance, Brooks is not a fan of the church nursery. He cries when we drop him off and is still crying when we pick him up. He used to leap into strangers' arms, but now holds on to us for dear life. And when I put him down to play? Yeah, temper tantrum central. He grabs my legs and reaches his arms up for me to pick him up while bawling his eyes out. It can be quite tiring at times. With all that being said, even though he has some attachment issues, JBB is getting better at solo play.

Want to know what else can be tiring? Reading Brooks book, after book, after book, after book, from sunrise to sunset. He is OBSESSED. And he won't sit like a little angel in a quiet corner and flip through them. He has to be sitting in our laps. He will climb over to us and point at his books and say, "booh! booh! booh!" until we pick one up to read to him. At that point, all is well with the world.

Brooks has a book that makes animal noises. The only two animal sounds he knows are "ouh ouh" (ribbit ribbit), "boooooo" (moo), and "ooh ooh ahh ahh" (the monkey sound, of course). He also has a book of trucks and when he comes to the page with the tractors he says, "dor" for "tractor." He says "tee tee" when playing with his choo choo train and "ssst ssst" when we change his dirty diapers. We call them "stinkies."

I have also noticed that he likes to poo in privacy. He finds a quiet little corner or hides behind a basket or piece of furniture. It is hilarious. When he disappears and the house gets quiet I know what's going down. I like my privacy too, buddy. Wish you would give me some...

So yeah, Brooks likes to join us in the bathroom. I'm not sure how it took him 11 months to discover it, but the toilet paper roll is F-U-N, people! You've gotta keep an eye on that little booger or else all the toilet paper that was once on the roll will be piled up on the floor.

On to food...

Brooks decided that purees are for the birds (unless it is fruit mixed in with his yogurt at breakfast, So, on October 14th we gave him his first big boy meal of all solids: chicken, steamed carrots, watermelon, and melon. He devoured it! We haven't turned back since, unless we are on the go. In that case, we just pull out a pouch of deliciousness. I am still making his fruit purees. Every morning for breakfast he has a puree mixed with yogurt and a pancake or waffle. If I feel like he isn't eating enough vegetables, I will make him a veggie puree. Surprisingly, he will eat it if I distract him with some finger foods too.

Brooks is a bottomless pit at dinnertime. I don't know where he puts it all! He honestly eats more food than I ever have on my plate. Just when we think he is all done, he will sign "more." There are evenings when I am rummaging through the fridge and pantry just to find something else to feed him! He also smacks his lips when he is really hungry. Our little piggy is too cute.

Along with three meals, and two snacks with sippies, he is taking two bottles--in the morning and at night. We are about to do away with the bottle in the morning and substitute the sippy cup.

Because little JB is eating solely solids, we decided it was time to start brushing his teeth. On November 5th we brushed those two teefies for the first time. He loved it. I think that it felt good on those teething gums. He actually cried when I took it out of his mouth! Poor thing.

So yeah, he loves having his teeth brushed (just like his momma). He loves lights. He also loves the "If You're Happy and You Know It" song. Whenever I start singing it, he starts clapping, stomping his feet, and raising his hands. He also says, "pa-pee" for "happy".

Another love of our boy is the weather channel. For some reason he is mesmerized by Al Roker and the weekly forecast. Maybe we have a future James Spann on our hands? He also loves to hold the remote like daddy and point it at the T.V.

A big day in the Bryant house was October 30th, when I noticed Brooks standing up a lot on his own when distracted by a toy, a snack, the cats, etc. Once he realized that he was actually standing he would plop down on his bottom or grab for something nearby. Just this past week, on November 11th, he started standing up on his own for the majority of the day. His balance is getting really good and he can now walk holding on to only one of our hands, like a big boy!

And lastly, when we ask Brooks if he is sleepy or ready for a nap he rubs his eyes. It doesn't matter if he just slept for two hours, he associates "sleepy" with the eye rub. It is soooo adorable. But, let's be honest, I think that everything he does is absolutely adorable. Because he is the most adorable honey boo in the entire world! MMMM, I could just eat him up.

Happy 11 months John Brooks. One more month until you are a year old. I am really looking forward to re-living that miraculous day when the Lord answered our prayers and blessed us with you. It was one of the best days of my life, angel. We love you!