Owen's First Birthday Party in Phoenix

We held a birthday party for Owen at my parent's house in Carefree. It was just a small group because the original date had been postponed due to Braden's tragedy. Never-the-les, we did have a great time. Owen was a rock star! He was so social and active. He ran around like crazy and thought the cake was a wondeful idea. He also had a great time opening the presents, believe it or not! Most kids let their parents do it but he thought it was pretty cool.

Goodbye Brady

Please click on the photo above for a video of Braden and Sawyer

Before I move on, I think it is very important that I share with you a sad tragedy we have experienced. First, back story. When Eddie, Sawyer and I moved back to AZ from CA I was very fortunate to find a position nannying for a wonderful family. Their son, Braden, was only 3 days younger than Sawyer and they were instant friends. The boys were only about 6 months old when Sawyer and I started spending our days with Brady. The boys have grown up together and even after I stopped working as their babysitter I was lucky enough to become close friends with Braden's mom.

On Wednesday, March 19th, Brady had routine surgery to remove his adenoids and tonsils. He was sent home with his wonderful parents and the family was ready with Popsicles, yogurts and plenty of movies to ride through the recovery. Something went terribly wrong. Brady stopped breathing during the night and despite the heroic attempts of his mother and older brother, Brady never regained consciousness. He was on life support until Easter Sunday when his parents made the gut wrenching decision we all pray we will never have to make. Brady went to heaven that afternoon surrounded by those that loved him most.

Our family is weathering the storm. We fluctuate between disbelief and sorrow a few times an hour. We think constantly about Brady's family and how they are dealing with things and about our sweet Sawyer who lost his best friend. I wrote in an email that it makes me sad to think that Sawyer will not have clear memories of Brady because of his age but luckily, I am a camera fiend and have documented so much of the boys' lives together that he will always know Braden.

Brady's mom and I used to joke that when the boys got older, Sawyer would be the instigator and Brady would be his big-muscled back up. Together they would rule the school!! Eddie and I still believe that Brady is Sawyer's big-muscled backup except now he is doing it with the power of heaven behind him. I have faith that someday, when it is Sawyer's turn to make that journey, Brady will be standing there with open arms and they will quickly pick up right where they left off...in play, hugs, and laughter.

Owen Walks!!!!

On Monday, 3/24, Owen took his first steps!!! We were in Soy's room getting ready to do our book reading before bed and I stood Owen up. He had this look like, "Are you ready for this!?!?!" I yelled, Honey, I think he is gonna walk. Watch! Watch Watch!"
Owen didn't take 2 steps like most first timers...he took about 7...walking almost 1/2 way across the room!!! The boy has been holding out on us. I wonder if he has been practicing in his crib when no one is watching!!
Anyway, I was a dork and said, "Don't let him do it again until I get my camera!!!" I caught Soy's first steps on film and I wasn't going to put this off! So, posted here is video of his first steps (with Eddie & Soy behind him...I have no idea what Soy is doing with his foot) and his walking a mere 1 week later in the living room.
Enjoy!