Brady's 1st Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Brady! Today we celebrate his first birthday. I made a batch of mini cupcakes for Brady's class (and a whole lot of others) to enjoy during the day. Once we got home, Brady enjoyed a bottle of strawberry milk (his new favorite) and a full-sized birthday cupcake complete with a candle. And rather than blowing out the candle - which AJ was more than happy to assist with - Brady attempted to put it out with his fingers. Let's just say that wasn't a great idea. The big family party, complete with a Winnie the Pooh cake decorated by daddy will be on Sunday. I'm sure he doesn't mind!

He Walks!

Brady has been testing the waters for the last couple of weeks - standing around, hanging onto things, occasionally reaching from one stationary object to another. That phase has passed and he's decided it's time to walk! Once he started, he really didn't stop tonight. Below are 3 clips of his first strolls around the house. He is now unstoppable! Look out world!!

St. Patrick's Day - Leprechaun Race

As some of you may already know, Brady was one of 40 babies selected to participate in a local radio station's "Leprechaun Race" on St. Patrick's day. I'm told there were over 900 pictures submitted, and Brady made the cut. Mom Aviles and I went up to the Enfield Square Mall for the race and Brady was ready to go.
The race was broken up into 4 heats of 10 with the winner of each heat making it to the final. The winner of the final got the grand prize. Unfortunately, at race time Brady decided that he would rather stay with Nana than crawl to the other end where I was waiting. We don't think he saw me - he was too upset to notice. The baby who won Brady's heat also ended up winning in the final...that baby was FAST!

Thanks to everybody who voted for Brady. It's an honor just to be nominated! ;o)
Click HERE to see the video shot by the radio station - 96.5 WTIC

Almost Walking!

Well ok, standing by himself anyway. Brady spends a lot of his time standing around hanging onto things like Millie and me, or a convenient piece of furniture or toy. Today he experimented with standing without holding onto anything at all. It won't be long before our little man is running around the house!

Announcing Brady Michael Bell

Hello everybody! I'm know Millie already got word to several of you, but here's an official announcement. Don't be surprised if Millie sends a prettier version soon!

The stats: 21 1/8 inches long and 7 lbs, 15 oz.

We arrived at Yale/New Haven Hospital at about 5:30a this morning and Brady was born at 7:45a. Mom and baby are both doing well. AJ and Brian will have to fend for themselves for a day or two. Feel free to give Millie a call or text message - and she loves visitors!