Growing Up!

I can't stop thinking about how much Braelyn is growing up. She is not my little baby anymore. I know everyone says that about their kids as they are getting older, but I never realized how true it was. It's like their little personalities just transform right before your eyes. They turn into these little people with opinions, preferences, and a couple doses of attitude!

I haven't really sat down and recorded a "like" list for Braelyn at this age. I write in her baby book here and there about things she is doing, but here are a few recent favorites . . . for today at least:

1. Her princess book. It is a huge book and she has dropped on her toes a few times trying to carry it around, but she loves the stories and the pretty dresses.
2. Playing with kids. Everyday she asks, "Play with kids?" We go to library story time twice a week and aerobics the other days, so she gets her fair share of playing time. She especially loves the days we go back to Anthem to play with her best friend Drew.
3. Applesauce. Those on-the-go applesauce pouches are a gift from the heavens!
4. Elmo. No comment.
5. Purses and shoes. She'll put my shoes on, swing her purse over her shoulder and yell, "bye Babe! See ya later!"
6. Hippo. This will probably never leave the list. This girl cannot function without her stuffed hippo. It is her cuddly bedtime buddy.
7. Sweets including: ice cream, cookies, cake, banana bread, cupcakes, chocolate, jelly beans, and plain old sugar. We like to bake a lot!
8. Daddy. She squeals as soon as he walks in the door. Ben gives the best rides ever!
9. Phones. The little squirt is always trying to snatch them up.
10. Music and dancing. She can really twist and shout to the music!
11. Diapers and wipes. If you leave her alone for one second she has grabbed all the diapers and scattered wipes everywhere. She pretends to change her baby's diaper and she dusts the furniture with the wipes.
12. Bubble baths. We've come a long way since that first bubble bath she took where she was in a complete panic watching the foam inch it's way closer and closer to her. Now she strips her clothes off and jumps in the tub before I can even get the water started.

Oh boy, there are so many other favorites. The list can go on and on: babies, books, songs, slides, chalk, rocks, etc. She is such a fun loving sweetheart. I have such a great time playing with her and listening to all the funny things she has to say.

 Always helping mommy bake. She loves licking the batter!

 

She loves playing outside in the backyard. Of course, I have to come outside too. She always needs a sidekick.

 Cheeseball! She likes it when you take pictures, even if you are faking it with no camera. Haha!

Visiting the aquarium. Braelyn wasn't too sure about the fish that day. She kept requesting, "All done fish! All done! No like fish!"

 Having fun on the merry go round trying not to barf.

Dressing up like always.

I know most parents are sad to watch their kids grow up so quickly, but I am loving it! Every minute she gets cuter and funnier. I know someday she'll be out of the house and on her way to bigger and better and then I'll be sad, but for now the growing up is great. She's my little punkin!

Love you stinks!