Amelia's crusin' into 2006!

Thanks to Uncle Scott, Amelia is learning to drive early. For Christmas, Scott gave her a new "car" and she's been driving around the house ever since. She currently has her learner's permit, but is studying up for her license exam. Luckily, our auto insurance hasn't increased, even though she's considered an under-25 driver.

(PHOTO: Beep, beep, honk, honk! 1/1/06 - Chapel Hill, NC - JKB)

Amelia is also celebrating Grandma Carolyn's birthday this New Year's day. She's blowing kisses across the country and looking forward to visiting Grandma in California later this month.

(PHOTO: I want to walk so badly! 1/1/06 - Chapel Hill, NC - JKB)

Wishing you all a wonderful new year, filled with many great adventures!

It's official... Amelia was a good girl this year!

Amelia had a tremendous first Christmas! Evidently, she was a good girl in 2005, as Santa successfully made his way down the chimney leaving her lots of goodies. (In other words, her Grandparents on BOTH coasts, her Aunts, Uncles, and cousin Maddie all SPOILED her rotten!)

(PHOTO: What toys? I LOVE my new Christmas ribbon! 12/25/05 - Salisbury, NC - JKB)

We celebrated the holiday in Salisbury, NC, at home with my parents. GG had the house all decorated up with fantastic holiday decorations - it never looked better! Christmas Eve was spent breaking bread with the Dresslers, as they treated us all to a delicious meal at Lucky 32. What a way to begin our Christmas celebration! Chris and Joan also joined us Christmas day for another delicious meal, this one prepared by my mom - what a cook!

(PHOTO: Merry Christmas from the Brinsons. 12/25/05 - Salisbury, NC - JKB)

We're not sure what Amelia enjoyed more on Christmas morning, her new toys or playing with the discarded wrappings. Ripping paper and playing with ribbon just might be her new favorite game. Amelia sends a big "thank you" - with lots of hugs and kisses - to all the folks who gave her Christmas gifts. We were overwhelmed by your love for her. Amelia especially loves the tea set and cell phone from Maddie! She looks forward to calling Maddie and inviting her over for a tea party.

(PHOTO: My new train is so cool! 12/25/05 - Salisbury, NC - JKB)

We left Salisbury on the Monday after Christmas to pick up Gus in Chapel Hill, before heading down to the beach. We dropped off our Christmas loot at home and re-loaded up the truck to meet GG and Grandbuddy in South Carolina. Thank goodness for Baby Einstein - the four-hour ride to North Myrtle Beach was very enjoyable this time, as Amelia was glued to the DVD player. (But as evident by this picture, we do read to her!)

(PHOTO: Goodnight Gorilla. Wait, it's too early for me to go to sleep! 12/25/05 - Salisbury, NC - JKB)

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(PHOTO: Mom said that I'm her Christmas present. 12/25/05 - Salisbury, NC - JKB)

It was a great visit to the beach. We shopped the sales, tested out new restaurants (Abuelo's just may be the best Mexican food ever to touch our tongues!), played some tennis and golf, and enjoyed our time together. My parents hosted a delicious post-Christmas brunch for Uncle Doyle, Aunt Linda, and friends Mike and Carla on Saturday. Afterwards, the boys hit the links and the girls headed back to the mall.

(PHOTO: Amelia's first Christmas - she can't wait to open her presents! 12/25/05 - Salisbury, NC - JKB)

All in all, it was a fantastic holiday week and we were sad to see it end. Amelia's first Christmas was a big success - she's still "talking" about it days later. Now it's time to take down the tree and put the decorations away... good-bye Christmas 2005!

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(PHOTO: Helping to decorate the tree. 12/22/05 - Chapel Hill, NC - JKB)

Merry Christmas from the family

In the immortal words of Robert Earl Keen (a Brinson favorite!)... "hallelujah, everybody say cheese, Merry Christmas from the family."

2005 is fast drawing to a close - it's been a great year. It's flown by as we jumped head first into parenthood. Hard to remember what life was like before Amelia - the fun really kicked in on March 14, 2005!

We're looking forward to 2006...

- Cheering for the Trojans in the Rose Bowl
- the girls' January trip to California (we'll need to warm up from the chilly NC winter)
- Welcoming Scott home from Afghanistan!
- Celebrating Amelia's first birthday
- Rooting for the Tar Heel basketball team to go all the way (we can dream can't we?!)

... and visiting with friends and family throughout the year. If you're ever in Chapel Hill, be sure to look us up!

Happy holidays everyone! Here's to a new year filled with many great adventures!

(PHOTO: Brinsons in the real OC. Laguna Beach, CA - 9/5/05 - JKB)

Nine months in...

...nine months out! Amelia is officially nine months old today. My, how the time has flown by. It's hard to remember when she was a mere 6 pound, 4 ounce, 20-inch, tiny baby. Now she's a 17 pound, 28-inch, whopping big girl! There have been so many changes - every day brings something new.

(PHOTO: Look at my new school bus - it's so cool! Chapel Hill, NC - 12/14/05 - JKB)

She now has four teeth, is a crawling machine, and loves apple yogurt. Her vocabulary is still stuck on "da-da-da" and "ma-ma-ma", but it's music to our ears. Bath time is probably her favorite part of the day. She hates to get out of the tub... just like when her Uncle Matt was a kid.

Amelia's making a last big push of being good before Santa makes his trek around the world. She sent off her wish list weeks ago and got an email from an elf that it arrived in Santa's inbox.

She asked Santa to bring...

- dad... a winning Tar Heel basketball season
- mom... more time to play
- Gus... a big rawhide bone and a stuffed squirrel!
- Amelia wants a snowboard. She knows it will be a few years before she can shred on the slopes, but she wants to be ready!

(PHOTO: Showing off my holiday tights from Grandma Carolyn. Chapel Hill, NC - 12/14/05 - JKB)

We're looking forward to the next nine months and all the treats they will bring. In March we'll celebrate Amelia's first birthday - you're all invited to the party!

Amelia’s a-moving!

Well, the world is changing, especially for one Amelia May Brinson. We loaded up the truck on Wednesday and headed south to North Myrtle for the long Thanksgiving weekend. The Brinson beach condo is a crawler's heaven... carpet, carpet, carpet! Amelia wasn't sure what that beautiful feeling was underneath her knees. It was so soft, so cushy, so perfect for crusin'.

(PHOTO: Mom... I can't breath in this jacket. Myrtle Beach, SC - 11/25/05 - JKB)

By Friday, Amelia went from a semi-crawl to full-on, haulin' diapers around the condo! She thinks a lot of herself, especially being able to pull up on coffee tables and being able to chase Gus. Well... maybe she's not chasing Gus, but she'll march right up to him, put her hands in his fur and grab on tightly. Luckily, Gus is such a good sport, just sitting there, waiting for her attention to mercifully end.

(PHOTO: I'm so cool - I can do it myself! Myrtle Beach, SC - 11/25/05 - JKB)

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving. We joined mom and dad in Southport, NC, to break bead with my Aunt Linda, Uncle Doyle, and cousin Jeb. Mike and Carla, good friends of Doyle and Linda's, also joined in our Thanksgiving celebration. It was a feast to behold - Linda out did herself with a spread of shrimp, turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, asparagus... not to mention three different, delicious, desserts! We ate until we were stuffed and then squeezed in a bit more. The Southport Brinson's did Southern hospitality proud!

Friday and Saturday were spent fighting the crowds at all the outlet malls. GG and Grandbuddy spoiled Amelia rotten... new books, Nike's, Christmas jammies, and what seems like a wardrobe of new clothes, including a fabulous fur jacket that's also a vest! Amelia was a trooper both days; missing naps, but holding up like the champ that she is.

(PHOTO: World-class shoppers. Myrtle Beach, SC - 11/26/05 - JKB)

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(PHOTO: Check out our new shoes! Myrtle Beach, SC - 11/26/05 - JKB)

Amelia gave everyone a fashion show Saturday night - modeling the latest trends in baby couture. Watch out Giselle, Amelia struts a mean catwalk!

Nothing could have been funnier than watching a very perplexed Gus checking out Amelia in her fur jacket. He kept sniffing and licking - and sniffing again - totally confused at what he was seeing. Had his dream come true... a giant squirrel in his house?!?

(PHOTO: Zena Princess Warrior. Myrtle Beach, SC - 11/26/05 - JKB)

Later that night, Grandbuddy treated nugget to a bedtime reading of some of her new books. Decked out in new jammies, Amelia was totally relaxed, entertained, and soon ready for sleep-sleep.

(PHOTO: Gettin' snuggy with Grandbuddy. Myrtle Beach, SC - 11/26/05 - JKB)

Sadly, the weekend had to come to an end. It was one of the best times we've had at the beach. We were surrounded by dear family and good friends, spoiled by loved-ones, and feasted like the Pilgrims. Celebrating with our little one reminded us how blessed we are. The only way the holiday could have been better was if Scott had been there with us, home safe and sound from Afghanistan.

We have a lot to be thankful for!

(PHOTO: I'm ready for Aspen apres ski. Myrtle Beach, SC - 11/26/05 - JKB)

PS... on our way home to Chapel Hill, Julianna talked to our good friend Judy Collins and got some great news - Judy's engaged! Her college boyfriend, Scott, proposed the day after Thanksgiving. They are planning a May wedding and we are already booking our travel. Best wishes Judy, we couldn't be happier for you!

Eight and Counting

Lee came back just in time to celebrate with Amelia. He had been in Aspen, CO, for X Games meetings and returned home Sunday afternoon. On Monday (11/14), Amelia happily crossed the eight-month milestone. Eight months! It's gone by so fast. Hard to believe she's almost been "out" now as long as she was "in"!

(PHOTO: I want to go with dad. Chapel Hill, NC - 11/14/05 - JKB)

"Babers", as Lee likes to call her, can now sit up on her own, pull herself up on anything, and is one the verge of crawling. For now, she's content wiggling like a worm across the floor. She especially likes a hardwood surface - her speed greatly increases.

(PHOTO: Look at me... I'm 8 months old! Chapel Hill, NC - 11/16/05 - JKB)

We think she's added "ma-ma" to her young vocabulary, but that could just be wishful thinking on my part. Regardless, she's definitely found her voice and it's not her quiet, inside, voice. It's a loud, very happy, on the edge of screaming, voice. It's better than crying, but can be quite distracting to fellow diners when eating out.

Speaking of words, it looks like the synapses are firing at full-blast when we say "treat" to Amelia. Usually, Gus comes running for something tasty, but now Amelia knows it means something good is on the way. Cheerios, wagon-wheels, graham crackers... don't get in between Amelia and one of these snacks! Many a car ride has improved at the sight of a wagon-wheel. Thank goodness for Gerber.

(PHOTO: Who's a happy girl?! Chapel Hill, NC - 11/16/05 - JKB)

Amelia also love to clap. She thinks she's so great when she does it. Clap, clap, clap... laugh out loud in delight. On occasion, she's even been known to "high-five" Lee. (Let's be real... we're definitely stretching our interpretation of a random hand movement!)

These past 248 days with Amelia have been life changing to say the least. It's hard to imagine our world without her. Any bad day can be immediately rectified by her smile and sweet sounds. Even waking up with her twice a night is worth it... just to see that little face light up when you walk in the room. Parenthood agrees with us and we're loving every minute!

(PHOTO: I'm a waked-upper - love the bedhead! Chapel Hill, NC - 11/16/05 - JKB)

Kisses for Amelia

View this clip on Vimeo

Where's Gus? Many loyal readers have inquired as to why there are no posts about him. He's lives a pretty secluded life these days, preferring to stay out of the lime light. A year ago he was constantly photographed, harassed, and stalked by the Paparazzi. It really got to him. Now his days are filled with many naps, keeping lookout for the neighborhood cats and squirrels that haunt his dreams, and relaxing on his "house."

In a rare interview, Gus told me that he's doing well and appreciates the interest in his life. He has agreed to use this blog as his primary outlet for communication... look for more posts on the latest in his life. For now, enjoy this brief video clip of Gus sharing the love with his new pal, Amelia. (Grandpa Kemp be warned... this will give you the heebie-jeebies! wink-wink!)

Pucks and Pigskin... Carolina Style!

My behavior during sporting events is well documented. Yet, if you think I’m bad, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! My brother Scott takes being a crazy fan to a whole other level.

(PHOTO: Brinson hockey fans. Raleigh, NC - 10/29/05 - JKB)

On Friday (10/29), the entire Brinson family (Mom, Dad, Julianna, Amelia, Scott, and I) went to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey game, courtesy of SportsMEDIA (our company). In fact, Scott and I became “regulars” at the RBC Center – attending three games in five days. A real treat for a soldier at home on leave.

The Canes kept their week-long+ winning streak alive by beating the Flyers 8 to 6. It was a phenomenal game. In fact, more goals were scored in this game than any other game in the NHL so far this season. Sitting next to Scott, you would have thought he was a life-long hockey fan. He has a thorough knowledge of the sport; despite the fact no Brinson foot has ever touched an ice skate. He commands (screams at) the Canes, from his seat in the stands, like they were Privates at reveille.

(PHOTO: Scott, Burt, Lee. Raleigh, NC - 10/29/05 - JKB)

Scott’s game behavior is proof that if you speak with confidence, even if you have no clue what you’re talking about, people will believe you. He yells at the referees, the Flyers bench, the Canes bench, and the fans. Scott believes like I do, that the coach and players can clearly hear us… and they do listen to our constructive coaching suggestions.

(PHOTO: Amelia and the Brinson family photographer. Raleigh, NC - 10/29/05 - JKB)

Enough about pucks, on to pigskin...

This past Friday (11/4) evening, Amelia and I were discussing the finer points of Tar Heel football, getting ready for Saturday’s big game. In the midst of our intense conversation, my daughter looks up at me and says sweetly “Da-Da.” I have to pick myself up off the floor! Not only has she said her first word, but, obviously, she recognizes that I’m her daddy.

(PHOTO: The Tar Heels' newest fan. Chapel Hill, NC - 11/5/05 - JKB)

To say I’m stoked Amelia’s first words are “Da-Da” is a complete understatement. Yet, as I’m dancing around the room in celebration, Gus saunters in to check out what’s going on. Amelia takes one look at him, flashes her trademark starlet smile, and says, “Da-Da.” Gus licks her face; she responds by squealing, even more loudly, “Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da.” While crestfallen that Amelia hasn’t exactly picked up on the proper use of Da-Da, I’m ecstatic that she’s putting vowels and consonants together. She’s so smart!

On Saturday (11/5), Mom and Dad came to town for the BC/UNC game. It was the first meeting for these teams as members of the same conference – BC joined the ACC this year. Much to my ultimate delight, UNC won, beating the #19 team in the nation. Not bad for Carolina, considering we’re not even ranked in the top 50… I’m so proud of my Heels!

(PHOTO: Rootin' for the home team. Chapel Hill, NC - 11/5/05 - JKB)

Amelia was a doll at the game, cheering for UNC with the best of them. But, by the 4th quarter, she was pretty worn out and napped in GG's arms.

(PHOTO: All tuckered out. Chapel Hill, NC - 11/5/05 - JKB)

It was Homecoming, so Joan and Chris were also in attendance. (For historical purposes, it should be noted that Aunt Joan helped cement my love of Carolina – taking me to campus, sporting events, and teaching me all things Chapel Hill.) We all celebrated our big win together, dining at a local pizza joint, not far from our house. I’m not sure what was more fun, watching the home team win a big game, or laughing with my daughter around the table, surrounded by my family. All in all, it was a great week for Carolina hockey, football, and family.

Things are a changin'

Guess what we're doing this weekend? We are going to the UNC vs. BC football game on Saturday with GG and Grandbuddy (Gayle & Burt), but that's not the correct answer. Take a look at the picture to the left and you may get a little clue. Could it be lowering Amelia's crib? Yup! That's the big doings in the Brinson household this weekend.

(PHOTO: Look at what I can do! Chapel Hill - 11/4/05 - JKB)

Earlier today, I walked into Amelia's room (to see if she had fallen asleep for her afternoon nap), only to find a surprise waiting for me. She had successfully pulled herself up to a standing position and was very proud. Yes, our lives have completely changed. We now have a puller-upper!

At almost eight months (next week), Amelia's new trick is pulling herself up on anything and everything within her reach. She's also on the verge of crawling... up on her knees, rocking back and forth. For weeks now, she has been quite successful rolling from place to place. Watch out Gus (and mom!), Amelia's about to be on the move! Yikes!

Pumpkin Fabulous

You may not know it, but Lee loves Halloween. Is it the costumes? Not really. The haunted houses? No, he hates them. Is it the candy? Nope, he could take it or leave it. Is it the pumpkins? BINGO!!!! He loves pumpkin pies, pumpkin spiced lattes, and best of all, jack-o-lanterns. Lee is well on his way to becoming a master carver; it's a hidden talent. I have informed Lee though, that he cannot make a career of pumpkin carving, much to his chagrin.

Our Halloween celebration started at our local pumpkin patch picking out Lee's "canvases". It would have been better if we hadn't waited until four days before the hallowed eve - slim pickins at the patch! Amelia had a ball with the pumpkins and was a big help during the selection process.

(PHOTO: Pick me! Pick me! Chapel Hill, NC - 10/27/05 - JKB)

With three pumpkins picked out, we headed home. Let the carving begin! Lee was inspired last year after visiting Fearrington Village's annual "Pumpkin Fest". (He describes it as a Star Trek convention for pumpkins carvers and he's the guy in the Klingon suit.) They have the most amazing pumpkins - each one is more intricate than the last. What's funny about Lee is he was the only one there wondering about optimal-pumpkin-rhine-thickness. As a result of this visit (we went again this year!), Lee really stepped it up and went all out.

(PHOTO: Lee "Rodin" Brinson, hard at work. Chapel Hill, NC - 10/27/05 - JKB)

This photo doesn't do Lee's "masterpieces" justice. He expertly carved a wicked witch holding a jack-o-lantern, a group of silly ghosts, and a creepy spider. I'm not sure I can choose a favorite. Fearrrington should definitely hire him next year!

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(PHOTO: Works of Art. Chapel Hill, NC - 10/31/05 - JKB)

Ok, enough about pumpkins... on to the good stuff, Amelia's costumes! Decisions, decisions, decisions. So many costumes, so little time.

Should she be a princess?



















Or how about a cute little panda bear?















Or, better yet, in honor of her dad, a Tar Heel crazy?

(PHOTOS: The hunt for the perfect costume. Chapel Hill, NC - 10/28//05 - JKB)

Nope, none of those were quite right. As you may remember from our initial blog post, Amelia was a fairy for Halloween. I made the costume, but didn't realize I had created a torture suit! Transforming Amelia involved lots of wiggling, crying, bending, crying, pulling, and more crying. (Luckily, it only took a few Cherrios to make the tears go away.) Add some silver pipe-cleaner wings and a fairy was born!

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(PHOTO: Our fairy godmother. Chapel Hill, NC - 10/31//05 - JKB)

All in all, Amelia's first Halloween was a real treat. We started the day with Uncle Jack at UNC, as he debated John Edwards' on the topic of poverty in America. It was a friendly dialogue, between two thoughtful men, on an issue that needs much more attention. The day ended with a delicious dinner with Grandma Gayle - "GG" as she's affectionately known. The only downside, was bidding farewell to Scott, as he returned to Afghanistan. We look forward to his safe homecoming early next spring.

Sadly, we had no trick-or-treeters this year. Gus was thrilled - this ensured he didn't have to dress up! You may have heard that last night over 40,000 costumed crazies visited Franklin Street (in downtown Chapel Hill), as if it were the Halloween Mecca. We Brinsons, of saner minds, were tucked snuggly in our beds well before the bewitching hour.

Until next year, here's hoping you have more treats than tricks!