BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later

Subject: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 01:52 PM

It's my son's first birthday today. And I've had enough requests for updates over the past year that I figured that this would be a good time to get those interested caught up on his progress.

First of all from a starting weight of 3 pounds 10 oz he's currently up to 21 pounds 4 oz. And that's a nice little chunk of baby. He's in pretty good health - we've had a few problems with asthma and colds but nothing out of the ordinary. He has four teeth coming in at the same time so he's not always in the best mood but over all he's a very happy baby. He's a little ray of sunshine when he wakes up. All you have to do is look at him and smile and you get a big grin right back. And he's a watcher - nothing escapes his attention. He's all eyes whenever someone is talking. Or opening the refrigerator.

We do have a behavioral problem however. According to the teachers at his daycare he's a binky stealer. He has no use for them himself and I guess he just can't understand why anyone else would want one. We'll have to break him of that habit. It's also very difficult to change his clothes or diapers because as soon as you start he loves to spin. Can anyone explain that? It's hard to believe that a little child can be so strong until you try to hold him still long enough to get clothes on him.

He'll eat just about anything but his first bite of it will get you a scrunched up look. Then he's fine. He loves books { for chewing } remotes { for chewing } grabbing ear rings { for chewing } - do you get the picture?

He likes my mandolin and guitar but he goes nuts for my octave mandolin. When he hears that he bounces and dances and smiles like crazy. He likes classical music { Segovia } for sleeping but he tends to like bluegrass and celtic music for "dancing". The more upbeat the better. But he's still having trouble making a barr "F" chord. No pressure from dad of course. I've also told him that I don't care what college he goes to - Berkley and Julliard are both alright with me.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank everyone for all of their messages of love and support from last year. It was a very difficult time for Bretta and I but we still feel like we've been incredibly blessed. If you could see Brendan smiling in his crib early in the morning you would agree. Thanks for indulging me - and have a great Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 01:59 PM

I was just thinking about you-all, and was going to PM you for an update and with some well-wishes, so I'm glad to read this. Wow, he's 1 already! Just remember, once he really starts this walking thing, he'll be a LOT taller than you think, and all your careful childproofing will go right out the window with the "high" shelf you put everything on! Kiss him (and Bretta twice) for the Mudcat, would you? And a very merry right back atcha!

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Morticia
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:04 PM

I've been thinking about him and Patrick too.Glad to hear he is progressing as normally as all little ankle biters do. Thanks for the update...now,how about photos, Wes? Give him a cuddle from his auntie Morti, and one to Bretta too.
Much love,
Terri

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:04 PM

Bless 'im. Bless you.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:11 PM

Ah geez Wes, such good news....and there is so much I'd like to say........But I'll leave it at this.......Have a wonderful Christmas and we all thank YOU for sharing Brendan with us. Much love to the three of you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: MMario
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:40 PM

Thanks for the update, Wes. and yes, thanks for the sharing.

But I'm with his Auntie Morti. Want pictures!

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:41 PM

Please educate the ignorant

What is a "binky"

Gerry

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 03:43 PM

A binky is a pacifier...much better than a thumb in my opinion.

Wesley, try giving him a toy while changing diapers. As far as schools, tell him he can go to a state school or one you hate as long as he changes his name. Keep up that music and dancing, oldies mucic is good for dancing too. And George Winston for listening...weren't you the one that went to school with him?

Thanks for the update. Hugs and kisses for all.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Kim C
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 04:16 PM

They do get squirmy, don't they?! I don't have any meself but I do get to play with a folkbaby once in awhile.

Happy Birthday to the li'l guy and Merry Christmas to all!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 04:43 PM

Happy Birthday, Brendan!

Wes, thanks so much for the update. You and Brenda are to be commended for the way you've handled this whole past year of mixed sorrow and joy. Good to hear Brendan is coming along so nicely. Sounds as though his nickname ought to be "Mr. Wiggly!" **BG**

All my love to you, Bretta, and Brendan and special thanks for little Patrick watching over all.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 05:34 PM

In the U.K what you term a"binky" is known as a "dummy" having said that"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENDAN"

Gerry

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 05:44 PM

As far as nicknames go my wife calls him "punkin" and I call him "stinker" or "stinkerbelle". For obvious reasons. And we have tried giving him a toy while changing his nappy but that just gives him something to hold onto while he rolls.

Yes - George and I go back a ways. Brendan gets to listen to some of his music too. His favorite song - that I sing to him - seems to be Hobo's Lullaby.

He's standing by himself - with something to hold on to. I pity the cats once he starts walking. They won't be holding their tails in the air anymore I'm sure.

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Llanfair
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 05:46 PM

Happy birthday, Brendan,

Cheers to you all, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 06:05 PM

21 pounds and a binky stealer - my kind of guy! Thanks for the update, Wes! And happy holidays to you and Brendan and Bretta.
God bless us everyone!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Giac
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 06:39 PM

Happy Birthday, Brendan ! !

Has it really been a year? Glad to hear about him. Hugs to each of you. Thanks for the update, and, may I redundantly inquire: PICTURES?

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 07:46 PM

Wes,

Funny you should mention "Hobo's Lullaby" -- when Shayna (who turned 7 on Dec. 5) was born, I held her in the birthing room and sang,

Go to sleep, you little baby
Let the days roll slowly by
Listen to your Daddy singing
Singing Shayna's lullaby

Best to you all, and I'm sure Patrick is giving Brendan lots of advice and suggestions all the time...

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 09:51 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Brendan, and don't worry too much about those bar F chords. Daddy probabbly ain't too wild about 'em either. And I know exactly how you feel about all those other kids with their binkies. Nothing worse than sitting around with a room full of folks sucking pacifiers. Bunch of babies, I'd say.... just funnin' with ya there Brendan. Keep up the good work doing the Twist when mom and dad try to change you diapers. My son still does that and he's 16 years old. Hates to get em' changed. It's so bad that I only change the boy every month or so...

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith : One Year Later
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Dec 01 - 12:23 PM

Wes, Bretta, Brendan--

Belated happy birthday to Brendan, and as always, much love and delight for you all.

~Susan