Brenley Gets a Haircut - a real one this time

So the boys got up Saturday morning to get their haircut (at the insistence of Mama).  Brenley overheard they were going to get their haircut and she wanted one too.  We preoccupied her with something else and the boys went on their way.  But she kept telling me that she wanted her haircut too.  Now I should say, I have been contemplating a haircut for her. Thinking it would thicken up her baby fine hair, and knowing it would be a lot easier to care for as we head into Spring/Summer. But I wasn't planning to do it this weekend...........but she kept insisting..........

So I called our haircut place, and got her in............and here is my pretty girl.  A lot of the blond is gone in the back, so she is officially a "dirty blond" but she still is very pretty, and was it ever easy to brush! This is our big girl with her first "noticeable" hair cut!

End of the Birthday Night

It's Sunday night, February 6th.  Brenley's birthday is coming to a close. Brian and I have the kids in jammies. They are back in their room's watching TV.  We are settled in and watching a great Super Bowl game, and to what did our wandering ears hear?  Brenley crying and whimpering. We didn't think much of it as she does that when her DVD skips, but I kept hearing her. No screaming for Mommy. No"HELP!", just soft whimpering and crying. So I ran back there and found her swimming in PUKE!  OREO PUKE!   Black gooey oreo puke! But allow me to rewind the story a bit. When I ran back there I didn't turn on the light, so all I see is this dark stuff surrounding her body, it's on the bed, in her hair. I immediately think it is blood so I scream blood curdling screams for Brian to get back there and turn on the light, as I have picked her up at this point and am basically frozen, and we quickly realize it wasn't blood - thank goodness - but boy did I get every one's adrenaline pumping last night.

So back to the oreo's.............I let her have some mini oreo's earlier that evening/afternoon, because after all, it was her birthday. Guess I didn't realize how many she ate!  Lesson learned and boy did we feel awful. She, however, felt a ton better.  She got another bath (it was in her hair and all over her).  Her bedspread and sheets got a good scrub down.........and by good scrub down I mean we washed them twice scrubbing the black goo off the comforter by hand. We thought at one point it was a goner, but we got it out with a little more Zout, a soak over night, and a lot more scrubbing.

So anyway, that's how we ended the 3rd birthday........

Brenley is 3

So anyone that spends anytime with Brenley is immediately attracted to her orneriness, humor, stubbornness, strong will, and heavy charm. I happen to be included in that group. This little woman is the bestest little girlfriend a mama could ask for.

No doubt she makes me tired, as you never know what mood she might be in.  And her "do it myself" attitude can really slow things down. She gets frustrated, I get frustrated..........but in the end I've learned........just leave her alone, she'll get it figured out. She might kick and scream the whole way, but she will get it figured out.  I love the determination in her and it makes me want to bang my head all at the same time. 

So this year has went by so fast.  She speaks really well now (although stuttering is still an issue as she thinks about using the correct words). She is a jumper. She LOVES to jump and climb.  She continues to love her books, coloring, Dora movies, and being outside. Her recent love has been hitting a baseball off a tee stand and wanting to catch a ball. Her Daddy likes that so much that he bought her a pink bat and glove for her birthday.

She has warmed up to the idea of wearing dresses - especially princess dresses. And she even tolerates skirts.  She has to wear her hair in ponies - at least one, if not two.  She is growing out of the nap stage and that hurts my heart a bit, although, when she does sleep............... I could watch her the entire time. She is such a beauty. Long eyelashes. Petite nose. Pretty shaped mouth.

When she wants to give you love, she gives you love. "Hold on tight" hugs are what she is famous for, and she gives good kisses, but don't take offense if she doesn't want to love you...........it has to be her decision.

We have yet to master the potty.  I have to say, it's one of the things I am most worried about. The fact that she dresses herself from head to toe (by herself), and supposedly goes at daycare and has dry pull-up's all day.......should give me some solace in knowing it will happen one day...........but it hasn't yet. I don't understand why she won't potty in the potty when she is at home. You don't have to tell me. I already realize this is a sign of things to come.

Oh by the way, considering I am looking at her right now sneak a drink of my soda..........did I mention she is a fan of Dr. Pepper? Good grief!  And her love of Cheetos, sausage and M&M's also continues! And yes, sometimes those are eaten all at the same time. (Did I mention we were going for Parent of the Year awards?).

Well, that's the update as I know it right now of my perfect Brenley May.  She is just the sunshine of my day. I love her, I love her, I love her. Happy Birthday, baby girl. I hope you have a wonderful year!

Brenley's Birthday Party (2 of 3)

We had an awesome day with both sets of grandparents today.  We celebrated Brenley's birthday one day early so we could take advantage of  sunny day, Bedlam basketball (albeit not on Kansas TV!), and Beau's afternoon basketball game.

We had a nice lunch together, Brenley opened her presents, then we had yummy cake (that Brenley decided to lick, then later cut the pieces herself) and ice cream  It was a great way to spend the day, and watch the wonderment of Brenley as she opened singing cards, played with dolls, puzzles, and water paints.  Oh, and she read books to her grandparents also. It was really precious.  So blessed we could have our family over today to help us celebrate.  Brenley LOVES her grandparents and I know it goes both ways. Beau had a lot of fun playing with them also.  Special day for us.

Dance With Me

So Brenley has decided that she likes to dance.  She hits a button on her "laptop" to play her favorite tun, and gets her groove on.  Her partner of choice is none other than her Daddy.  Here she is with her Princess tent, music, and dancin' with Daddy.  Precious moment.  P.S. I think I am requesting a new FLIP video camera for Valentine's Day so my video quality will be better. I like the videos on my blog, but I'm past this cheapy version I've been using! (Brian, was that hint big enough, honey?).

Winter Session Basketball

I am LOVING watching my son play basketball this season. He is a DEFENDER. Mean, tough, and smart.  I like that combination.  His team has really come together and really are all very fun to watch. They are really getting it, and so far (knock on wood) are 4-0 this session.  Today was a close game. Not many points scored, but they won in the last few minutes of the game.  They have successfully beaten both teams that beat them last session. Way to go Tigers, and way to go Beau Charlie Grant!  You have been so much fun to watch and your hustling and listening to Coach make MOM and DAD so proud!

Brenley's Birthday Party (1 of 3, I think??)

We decided to celebrate Brenley's 3rd birthday with the Grant family a little early this year.  First of all, we were all together already (for Laurie's shower). Secondly, with two new cousins due to arrive within the next month, we thought it might be easier on Aunt Laurie to stay close to home in the coming weeks.

So after Laurie's shower, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for a pizza and ice cream cake party.  Brenley had a great time opening gifts, eating cake, and just loved the attention.  She didn't act really confused that she was getting to celebrate her birthday, as she seems to think most every day is her birthday.  And I mean, really, who wants to tell her any differently if it makes her happy? :)