Puppy Love

What do you get when you mix an imaginative 3-year-old with dog-owning family member? The sweetest story I’ve shared in a long time.

Parties to the Fifth Power

Brayden clocked in at five birthday parties for his third birthday, with the finale being in Connecticut. I can’t help but think I need to curb this trend next year.

Little b’s Swashbuckling Birthday

Brayden celebrated his (impending) 3^rd birthday with a pirate-themed birthday bash. Surprises and treasures awaited little b and his mateys—including an unexpected visit from a real, live pirate!

The Beginning of the End

…of nap, that is. Brayden may be ready to start skipping nap but I’m not sure I am.

Petting Zoos and Birthday Candles

This weekend Brayden and I visited one of our favorite places, Sierra Safari Zoo, and celebrated my mom’s birthday.

Changing of the Guard(rail)

Bye-bye, baby crib. Hello, toddler bed! Brayden is now proudly sleeping like a big boy in his room.

Mommy Goes to Maui

Recipe for a Happy Mommy Maui cocktail: equal parts new friends, handsome boyfriend, pog and waterfalls. Shake. Serve with a rum float.

Two Slices of Tahoe with Cheese

Brayden, Shawn and I have been beating the heat by spending two weekends of sun and fun at Lake Tahoe with a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese in the middle.

Father’s Day Top 4

This week had a little of everything. An anniversary, a birthday, Father’s Day and even a good ol’ fashioned sod laying party.

Quid Pro Popsicle

My oh-so-smart toddler figured out how to negotiate the equivalent of a hostage exchange; in this case, he’s holding out on taking medicine until a popsicle is in his near future.

Party of Fore

Brayden enjoyed his first round of mini golf with his buddy, Elijah, and the mommies got to caddy.

Must Be This Cute To Ride

This weekend Brayden bravely faced a big adventure—his first trip to an amusement park! My parents and I took B to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and we all laughed, screamed and ate to exhaustion.

Step Away From the Lemon, Ma’am

I’m so happy I could shine in the dark. Between massages, flowers, a family BBQ and even an early morning wake up call, this has been a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Listening to the classic Toy Story theme song put a lot into perspective for me. Friends, both new and old, are the common thread in a range of recent events that include a 48-hour trip to D.C. and more dinner parties than I could count.

A pizza, quantum physicist and fire truck walk into a bar…

This week had it all—pizza with friends (twice!), a practical exam for Mensa, brownies AND big rigs!

Big Moves and Birthday Grooves

(My parents’ move to a new house + a birthday party) X a tired toddler meltdown = a big glass of wine for me

Next Stop World Cup 2030

Brayden is officially enrolled in his first organized activity, a play-based soccer program called Happy Feet.

All’s Fair in Love and Sharing Whisks

Brayden’s favorite friend from daycare, Elijah, and his mommy, Elinor, came over for a play date. These two little boys got into everything, and I’ve got the pictures to prove it.

Little b’s Hoppy Easter

The bunny trail towards Easter Day included arts n’ crafts, egg hunts, baskets and much more.

Mid-Thirtysomething

This weekend I celebrated my 34th birthday with friends and family. I’ve been pretty contemplative these last few days as I reflect on the past year and what I hope for in the next 12 months to come.

Aunty Liz’s Lucky Seven

My Aunty Liz flew out from Connecticut for some Braun family fun. We love her annual visits, and this post recaps seven of the trip’s top moments.

State of the Toddler: Two and a Half Years Old

Brayden just crossed the halfway mark on his way from two to three years old. Let’s review how Part I of the (not so) Terrible Twos went.

Mad About the Mouse

Brayden did something I had been waiting for since the moment he was born—he discovered a love for Disney.

A Shower of Sweetness

It’s that time of year when a little love goes a long way. And being the little love bug he is, Brayden gave his heart to quite a few valentines on February 14.

License to Thrill

What’s 37 inches tall, got four wheels and excited all over? Brayden “driving” a new car at his first auto show.

Super Food Sunday

When your team’s not in the big game, Super Bowl Sunday is really just a day to throw calories to the wind and indulge in a food smorgasbord.

American (Toddler) Gladiator

Remember American Gladiators where contestants would battle gladiators named Storm on obstacle courses? Well, they have them for toddlers now. They’re called bounce arenas.

Obedience Training

There comes a time in all parents' lives when they realize they are being trained...by their toddler.

Winter Funland

Brayden is officially a super sledder and snowman builder! My dad bundled him up, popped him on a saucer and showed Brayden how much fun all that white stuff outside can be.