Big Sur Camping trip McCloud/Bauen style w/ a side of Carrozzino's

These pics are from our last camping trip a couple of weeks ago with our friends Jess, Morgan, and their kids, Gavin and Makenna. Jess and I met from our internet group, the Pumpkin Pies, when we were pregnant. We connected almost instantly over the world wide web, and than when we met in person at the West Coast Pie Conference in Oregon, we made a pact to meet in Big Sur for a camping trip. My favorite new girl friend, Yuki, came down for a day with her husband, Paulo, and their kids, Kai and Mya. It was a great trip, despite the tricky weather!

Chubacca, and some interesting farm folk

Halloween 2008 Bauen Style! Last Halloween we were bringing our little bundle of joy home from the hospitol in his tuxedo onsie and pumpkin beanie. I tried to squeeze the beanie back on this year with no luck. So this year we had a little fun with Halloween and Chase got to be Chubacca from Star Wars. And as for Ernie and I, well we got to go have a little grown up fun and got dressed up ourselves. Can you figure out who we are???

Birthday Cake Champ

Have you ever seen a child actually eat their birthday cake like this?

From a baby to a toddler

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet baby boy! I can't even begin to believe it has already been a year with Chase in our lives, almost two years if you consider the "belly buddy" period. It is incredible to see what kind of little boy he has already become. Looking over this blog, starting with my first entry when he was somewhere around 4 months, I was shocked to see what changes have occurred without really noticing. I mean the walking little human is obvious, but their are other changes I haven't really taken as much to heart. Sleep! Yes, we sleep now. How have I not taken more time to thank God for sleeping again? Well here it is- THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! What else has changed? I have figured out how to balance being a mom, a wife, and myself with all 3 equally important. Inevitably, my brain is still consumed with thoughts of my little boy, but I am feeling like Brianna again and not just mommy. I am taking night classes as well, working towards applying to the nursing program. Ernie is doing great- awesome dad, provider, husband, and best buddy. We are having the time of our lives with Chase, loving every minute. This past year has been indescribable and I can't even predict what the next one will bring!

Fresh start and 1 year down

Wow life caught up to me fast and 4 months later I have so much to catch up with. I figured since tomorrow is Chase's first birthday this was the best time of any to start over! So where did I leave off? Since June we visited my family back in Maine for the 4th of July, we have been to Oregon to visit friends, family, and Pumpkin Pies. We have also been camping, having fun, and watching the most amazing boy ever grow up every day. Maybe soon enough I will have to post some pics to give you guys an idea of what a great summer we had. So now to the present. My little boy is going to be a year old tomorrow!! This time last year I was sent home from the hospital in false labor and continued to experience contractions for 36 hours without getting closer. I hadn't slept in two days and would continue not to sleep until about two months ago! Wow, time has flown by too fast. Whoever told me that the days would be long but the years are short was too right. Chase is now a walking fool- bumping his head into everything and the oppitomy of a little boy. He can say mama and dada, give kisses, and loves a crowd. One of his favorite activities is going to the grocery store. It is like his stage. He will search for someone who isn't paying attention to him and begin yelping until they look over and that is when he lays on the cheese. He will smile ever so coyly, cluck his tongue, wave, and whatever else he can do to make you fall in love with him. God I love him. On that note- Happy Birthday my baby boy. I love you more than you will ever know. Your daddy and I are so thankful for you and life is so incredible with you in it.

Sex and the city Santa Cruz style

In honor of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charolette a couple of my girl friends and I got all dolled up for the movie premiere. Courtney, Darcy, and I were dressed to the nines when we stood in the never ending line of the sold out movie. We had such a blast with our cosmos and girl-night-out spirit!

Because they are too cute not to show off...