Needless to say, it was a busy weekend. I got home from a short trip to Utah Thursday night, then after a day of catch up and Sprout Shell stuff, we headed quickly into a whirlwind of activity over the “holiday.”

Saturday morning we continued our condo search, with a mixture of results. We found one we LOVE that’s in an ok area, and then one we like a lot in an area that we like a lot better. It’s so frustrating!

On our way home the Getty Center beckoned. We haven’t been there together, and figured Brit would like the gardens. By the time we got to the top–an hour later–we were questioning our sanity, but it turned into a fun trip and we learned about the gardens there.

Brit really wanted to go into the water…we had to hold him back.

He likes the view from Daddy’s shoulders and had fun in this sculpture garden.

Very interesting poppies that looked like ladybugs. Brit wanted to touch all the flowers.

Sunday was spent relaxing and recovering from our adventure.  But, we couldn’t “waste” the holiday and sit around, so Monday’s activity was the Aquarium of the Pacific. We love having our season passes because we feel like if we’re only there a couple of hours we’re not wasting our money. Brit likes it more and more each time we go.  To prepare Brit has been practicing his sign language and now signs “fish” and calls them “shsh”

The rays were very interesting.

There was even a friendly ray who kept coming up to the surface and sticking his “arm” out of the water and shaking hands with people. Brit even got to feel a couple of times.

The friendly ray.

Squirting squids got Brit’s hand…over and over again…

Adoring the fish.

We had a fun day and ended up in Glendale to check out the area there. We really like it. It feels almost small town even though it’s right outside LA. We’ll see if we can find anything there.

Brit’s new favorite thing is his Baby Signing Time. He has learned how to turn on the DVD player–somehow he hits the right button every time–or he brings us the case. He’ll watch is 3 times in a row! Even today I turned it off because he wasn’t watching and he came back and turned it on again. When the first song called “Baby Signing Time” starts he makes the “baby” sign and then is glued to it the rest of the time.

He loves his milk too, and now that he signs for it, if we don’t get it fast enough, he’ll bring us empty cartons from the recycling to make sure we know what he’s talking about. Silly baby. He will now sign “eat” and today he FINALLY started to sign “drink” though, he can kind of say it, so sometimes it’s not necessary. He’ll sign “banana” and his other new favorite is “thank you.” He knows what other ones are though if we show him, he knows what they mean.

Another new trick we’re not sure how he learned is shaking his head no. He doesn’t do yes–even when that would be the obvious answer. But, when he doesn’t want something he’ll definitely let us know with an emphatic shake of the head. And, since he is a big fan of standing up in his high chair when he wants out, he now stands up and shakes his hands “all done” too.

He loves to dance and any time there is music he stomps his feet and moves around. We are having so much fun with him. There is something new all the time…next post? His new talent.

So, I’ll have a more interesting post about our weekend soon, but as I was getting photos off of my camera, I realized that I hadn’t done it in a while and had some pics that should’ve been posted long ago…enjoy.

My great friend Teresa came out just before his birthday…it was a great visit, and he loved her.

Britton is a lounger. He loves to slide down in his highchair and lean on back…

We went on a walk with Mav and Paige on his birthday…they seemed to have fun.

Earlier, Brit got to enjoy Mav’s toys all alone while Mav napped. I think he loved it!

We made the trek…to the other side of town…and went to the zoo.

It was Shanni’s idea, so we went with her and Teo and a couple of her friends with kids. The day was hot, but the company was good and Brit liked the animals a tad bit more than 9 months ago! But not nearly as much as he likes fish. His new sign is “doggie” and that’s what most of the animals were to him. He did it over and over.

Random thoughts on my motherhood…

I love my little Britty. Yes, I call him Britty. I love being his mom. He is such a sweet and loving little boy. He’s so helpful and generous with tender little feelings. He’s funny and inquisitive and quite athletic (I don’t know where he got it.) He helps me stop and just enjoy the little moments when we read a story–preferably his ones about fish or shapes or peek-a-boos.

He definitely knows what he wants–or doesn’t–and lets us know.  But, is also so easy going that we can cart him all over the valley every Saturday and he hardly makes a peep. Doggies get him really excited and he’s thrilled to sign it to us. I love watching him discover something new and try a trick over and over again. When he goes to sleep I love watching his deep, even breathing and will him to wake up so  I can hold him again.

He makes being worn out and having a messy house worth it.

And, I was excited for Mother’s Day because I got to reflect on all of the amazing to be his moms in my life and how there are so many different types of mothers. Thank you to all of the wonderful women in my life who inspire me to be the best mom I can be.

And, as much as I love Brit, I think he’s a bit attached to me too. When he’s hurt or upset or tired he likes to go to me first. To show his appreciation, he got me a movie and a game for the Wii. Mark made a delicious breakfast and dinner and cleaned up almost all the dishes. (Maybe next year he’ll actually help.)

I love my guys. Thanks for making my day so special!

Missing post? Yes. I did miss a post. Why? Well, the past couple of weeks we’ve been going non stop.

We (Sprout Shell) participated in the Baby Celebration LA the 25th and 26th and it went pretty well. We learned a lot, made some good contacts and are looking forward to working with a few more stores. Yay! We’re excited for the fun things that have been happening lately. Unfortunately we didn’t make it in the StartUp Nation Leading Mom’s in Business competition, but we do thank you for all the votes and support!

The day after the expo my aunt Teri and I drove with Brit up to Utah for my sister Shaela’s wedding. It was a long drive. Brit’s never gone all in one day before, so I think he did really well.

It was pretty busy the first couple of days getting the business things taken care of, then we had a bachelorette party and a “rehearsal dinner” with the wedding party and immediate family. It was fun meeting Ethan’s parents and sisters. Shaela and I even have in-laws with the same names…Karen and Dennis.

The wedding day was crazy as they usually are. But, it turned out beautifully…

Ethan and the cutest ring bearer ever!

Cake and bouquet

Nice cake feeding

Mark tried to get the details that are important and sometimes get over looked.

Congrats! We love you!

The next day we drove up to Burley, Idaho to visit our friends Ashley and Jason who moved there in January. It’s pretty much in the middle of nowhere. But, it was a nice little old-fashioned town. We had a great visit just hanging out. Ashley and I went to the Walmart to get dinner and got to  catch up a little bit. Hudson and Britton are only 2 weeks apart (Brit’s older) but they didn’t interact too well. Oh well, maybe next time.

After the whole night we didn’t even get a picture! (Another reason for not posting-no pictures lately) We were happy we got to see them though. Miss you guys!

Saturday night we had dinner with my good friend Holly at her house. I haven’t seen her in forever and  it was so fun to catch up. (Again, no pictures. we totally slacked!) Thanks Hol

We were happy to see everyone and spend time out of the ordinary and visit with friends.

Brit is getting so grown up. He tries talking all the time now and finally does signs for milk and dog. He’s definitely got that one down. It’s fun seeing him learning so much and trying new things. He is all over the place now and we have to watch him constantly though. But, he said “hi daddy” the other day when Mark got home. Mom? never. Oh well.

PS–his hair is curly now!