babe brady.: November 2011

It's been a great couple of weeks: John is beginning to acknowledge Cooper, his neck is getting stronger, and we think he is even showing early signs of wanting to roll over - whoa there, John! This past weekend was a very special as we celebrated John's Baptism; family and friends gathered for the event, so John was sure to put on a show. He looked angelic in his special garments, originally worn by both his father and Granny, but looks can be deceiving. For the first half of the ceremony John enjoyed the smells (which were of his own making), sights, and sounds of the church... then came his performance. It began when Father George anointed him with oil and John spit-up all over the priest's hand. John then proceeded to cry for the entire second half of the ceremony, stopping only when Father George was holding him. Naturally, he fell asleep as soon as the ceremony ended. Afterwords, we were all happy to spend time with Mema, Pop-pop, Granny, Aunt Cathy, Uncle Michael, Godmother Kelly, Jake, JJ, and Godfather Tim. It was a delightful afternoon! Thank you all for sharing in this happy occasion, and congratulations John! Happy Thanksgiving!

Some photos from the week...

He's getting SO big!

Camera one...

...camera two.

Happy bathtime!

Getting ready for his big day

The beautiful garments worn by both his father and Granny

Angel John

...the meltdown begins

Happy with Father George

...meltdown resumes.

Godmother Kelly and Godfather Tim

The whole crew (+Michael behind the camera)!

...annnnd he's out.

So strong!

A walk in the rain!

Week 10 started off with business as usual, so we never could have predicted what would come of it. Mema and Pop-pop came for a fun weekday visit proving that Christmas can come in October! Then, a freakish snow storm hit New Jersey and left the state in utter chaos and our humble home without power. At first it was kind of fun, but after 36 hours we were cold, tired, worried, and ready to make a move. Ultimately, we packed up for John’s first road trip in our candle-lit apartment on Sunday evening and hit the road to Boston. Considering John has never been farther than the doctor’s office (3 miles away), we didn’t know what to expect. He was the perfect travel mate; he slept all the way to Boston, stopping only once for a quick refresh. We were welcomed in Wellesley to a warm home and toys set out for John’s entertainment. Spending Halloween in Wellesley was super fun! John was able to meet the Maloney's and the O’Connell's, and even got a surprise visit from Miss Evie, the cowgirl! He was so happy to meet all of his new friends and we had a great time greeting all of the trick-or-treaters (sorry about the doorbell, Granny!).

The beginning of Week 11 kicked-off with John’s first flight to Chicago, to celebrate the life of Great Aunt Mary. It made us less anxious that we were able to share this experience with the Murillo Clan, who visited us regularly while in flight (thanks for making sure we were safe!). Again, John proved that he was a professional traveler and was the perfect gentleman; quiet, smiley, and curious. Although we wished we were headed to Chicago under different circumstances, it was such a joy to be able to introduce John to the Chi-Bradys and the entire Corbett Crew. John was received with open arms and so many new faces. Our return to NJ on Sunday was, again, pleasantly uneventful, and we were happy to get back to a home with power (phew)! Mema, Pop-pop, and the Palamara's, were kind enough to care for Cooper while we were away, even amidst their own crazy week – thank you very much. Weeks 10-11 were an unplanned adventure, but we are happy to have broken the ice of John’s life as a world traveler. Mary, we miss you, we love you, and we thank you for bringing together family to celebrate your life. We hope to instill in John the same gentleness and kindness you demonstrated every day... and a healthy love of bagpipes.

Some photos from the weeks…