Fall-ish Update / Pics

As usual, we have slacked a bit updating this blog, but here is a quick update of what's been going on and some fresh pics of the kids from Halloween.

Seth is everything you would expect a 3 year old boy to be - rambunctious, feisty, defiant, yet addicting and lovable all at the same time. He continues to love everything involving cars, trucks, diggers, and other pieces of construction equipment. Seth started school in the early fall and we cannot believe how much of a difference we have noticed; almost as if there is a little intellectual hamster in his head that has been turned on. He can count to 15, say his abc's and essentially is fully able to communicate just like a little-man. His favorite movie is a toss up between Cars (naturally), and Toy Story. As for food, he still manages to survive on nothing but hot dogs, chicken nuggets and pizza rolls.

Brynn seems like she picks things up pretty easily as far as words and concepts go. When Seth was her age, he was just beginning to say Elmo and Nana (banana), but Brynn understands just about anything you tell her and can repeat a lot; I bet she picks a lot of it up from Seth. In fact, she just ran into the room and said Hi Daddy and stuck her hands out for a hug. For now, she's a momma's girl and sometimes cries when Stacy isn't around. Her hair has finally started to grow in and looks like she has Todd-hair, i.e. straight and fine. Her favorite movie is Winnie the Pooh and she eats anything that's put in front of her.

Stacy's projects of late have dealt mostly with helping at Seth's school, working on crafts, planning activities, etc.. She's on the clock 24/7 when I am traveling for work which is typically 3 days per week so her plate is very full. She's also been cooking a lot lately which my belly is very happy about!

My hot pepper plants won't stop growing. I went with a hydroponic system this year and am growing "The Ghost" pepper, chocolate habaneros, and orange and red habaneros. Also, after years of trying, I think I am finally on the right track to perfecting pizza from scratch...well, then dough and sauce anyways. I still buy the cheese and toppings. Oh, and I continue to waste part of my Sundays watching the stinky Browns - what is wrong with them?

That's it for now, hope everyone is well and has a great holiday season coming up. We love this time of year!!!

Lots of love,
Brent, Stacy, Seth, Brynn, Earl and Iris

Spring 2011

Wow!, how time flies... ...especially when you have little ones running around. We are way past due for a post, and sincerely apologize. It has been a busy spring at the Todd household this year.

Brynn, or "Brynners"- as we like to call her, turned one on May 10th, followed by her big brother Seth, who turned three on June 13th!! This year has been so much fun watching Brynn and Seth growing up together as siblings. They really get along great, and Seth is teaching Brynn everything he knows. Grandpa Terry, Grandma Connie, and Grandma Mimi were able to join us for the kids' birthdays, which was so awesome!! We all had such a great time!
Brynn has started to walk on her own, and will no doubt, be cruising right along side Seth in no time flat! Seth is also very excited to be starting preschool this fall, and we are looking forward to having a fun family summer. We plan to do lots of swimming in the pool and take "Brynners" to the beach for her visit. Can't wait! Enjoy the pics!!

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1 Month in the Bag!!

Here's our little lady showing off her chops. She's growing like a weed and starting to look like an actual person other than just another baby. I still think if you put a wig on Seth, you'll have a pretty good idea of what she's going to look like. Time will tell.

The other pic is our little man getting ready for the season...only a hundred and some odd days to go before training camp! Go Browns!!!

Our "Main Man" and His Big Boy Floaties

Let's not forget the reason this whole blog thing got started - our "main man" Seth Michael. Grandma Connie hooked him up with a pair of big boy floaties to help with his swimming. When you take a fearless kid and throw in some anti-drowning gear, you may have a mess on your hands. He did have a blast though and is now currently knocked out cold. Here's a little something for the ladies!

Say Hello to My Lil' Friend; Seth Meets Brynn

We were pretty nervous / unsure / ok, scared, about how Seth was going to react when he saw his little sissy. Here are a couple pics of his initial reaction, 100% unscripted. Plus, two more of just her.







Needless to say, he has a new best friend. So far, he's only thrown one thing at her...we're working on that. May the whole "it's ok to throw balls in the house" may not have been such a good idea. Crap.

Yeah Sleep!!! And Makeup?

Wow, what a difference a room change made. Everyone got to sleep last night, most importantly our little lady. She pretty much stayed in this position all evening. We would get up every three or four hours to feed her - doesn't that make us sound like vampires? In reality, we would get up, I would hand her over to Stacy and run back to bed. After all, I need my strength if I am forced to defend our room from a mounting attack...




Stacy's already getting into the mother / daughter thing. Although I didn't expect her to be putting makeup on her so fast, she just couldn't resist.



Just kidding. Actually, I think she's trying to give her a pacifier.

Day 2 is in the Books

First, thanks to everyone for all your well wishes yesterday and today. It's been great to hear from all of you and as great to feel your support.

Yesterday flew by and felt like a piece of cake. Of course, I was spectating and didn't actually have to birth a child or get ripped out of my nice cozy cocoon. So of the three of us, I was on easy street. Then came night fall...

Did I mention our room was (notice the past tense) directly across from the nurses station and directly adjacent to the main doors for the wings. I will contest that our room has NEVER had someone lay down for bed and not be ready to go on a rampage by morning. To hell with waterboarding, if someone wants to torture someone else, don't let them go to sleep.

As you know, babies sleep. In fact, that is one of a couple of things they are nearly flawless at. They go out like a light and don't budge unless there are constant, loud, sudden noises. Even Brynn couldn't fall asleep, and stay that way - she has been much better since our relocation. Anyways, we felt bad because we had to send her to the nursery last night so she could get some shut eye.

Looks like we'll probably get to go home tomorrow. Brynn made duties today which was the last test she needed to pass (wouldn't it be nice if all tests were that easy?). Stacy is doing very well too. She took a shower today and has been up a few times.

Here's a few pics from today (hit the right arrow to move through all of them):

Related? You be the Judge

Here's a pic of Brynn, as well as a somewhat similar shot of Seth (Seth is on top, Brynn just below). We don't think there will be any doubt these two are brother and sister.

She's taking a snooze right now, and has been eating like a champ all day long. So far so good...

Meet Brynn Marie Todd!!

Here is our little girl!!! Both her and Stacy are doing absolutely great. She's still in the nursery getting her makeup on, and should be joining us soon. Final stats were 7lbs. 4oz., 20" long.

It is so weird, because aside from one obvious difference, she looks exactly like Seth did when he was born.

Halloween 2009

Wow, it has been a while, much too long. We have to admit to getting a bit sidetracked in the Facebook Universe. But since the little man doesn't have his own page there...yet, we will continue to post stuff about him here.

These are a few photos from Halloween. He actually got quite a bit of candy; I think people where scared that The Count was going to bleed them dry if they didn't fork over the good stuff!

Our July Trip to N.C. to visit "The N.C. Todds"

So glad we could be part of Olivia's special day. Olivia was Christened

A Little Swimming and BBQ

Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, we were invited to the Farino's house (Melissa's parents) for swimming and BBQ. As always, they put out an awesome spread and Frank fired up the grill for some burgers, dogs and ribs. It was a great afternoon spent with family.

We also celebrated Kaitlyn's 4th birthday. It was funny though, Seth decided to help Kaitlyn get started on her cake. He put is hand right in it!! Guess we'll have to introduce him silverware soon.

Fireboomers on the Fourth 2009!!

This was actually Seth's second Fourth of July, but the first time he's seen fireworks. Last year he was barely a month old, fast asleep in his crib. Our good friends, Jon and Stacy Stapel joined us for the fesivities at the Brandon Mall. Seth had a front row seat to watch the "fireboomers", and loved it! After the show, we all headed over to The Mellow Mushroom (aka "The Mush"), for a bite. Good times!!

More Fun Pics of Seth's First Birthday Party!