One Cool Cat

Strike A Pose

Brighton and I got together and did a photo shoot. He is an excellent model and I will continue to bring him work. I just called out the emotion I'd like him to show for that shot, and he interpreted beautifully. It's rare to find this level of professionalism at such a young age!

"Bewildered"





"Thoughtful"




"Surprised"




"Inquisitive"




"Crazed"





"Concerned"

Here Comes Summer!

We have been busy having lots of fun lately!! First, we drove up to Big Sky Country and spent a long, relaxing weekend out in the great wide open.









I think this guy is one of those horse whisperers.











The following week, Bournes came from miles around to take some pictures and hang out together. Brian's parents & brothers Zach & Quincy came down from the woody north. His brother James and wife Amber came up from the parched deserts of Arizona - and they brought little Jaxon along.


What a cutie! It's amazing how different he and Brighton are with just 4 months between them! We look forward to getting the little guys together again soon. Hooray for cousins!

Looks like we have a babysitter in the making - Abbi is so good with the little ones!

















Then, as if we weren't having enough fun, the pool at our condos opened - woo hoo! Now, it is officially summer as far as we're concerned.

Brighton enjoyed lounging in the shade
and staring up at the blue sky.



So, if you are ever looking for us some sunny Saturday try the pool first.

My sister brought her little guy, complete with the mandatory triple protective bionic swimwear (see below), over to test out his new dolphin floaty.

We'll have to get Brighton's other cousins up here to splash around with us!

I found out that the little plastic pants that must be worn over the swimmer diaper and under the bathing suit (new rules after last year's scary crypto outbreak) can not be found at any stores in this town!!

It turns out that they can only be purchased at two local pools and nowhere else!

My sis got Brighton 2 pairs for when he is bigger and goes swimming - which is apparently a good idea as it seems there is some kind of shortage. Probably cutbacks at the plastic pant factory.






The elusive pants are admittedly breathtaking.

Hey Mama

Well, my first mother's day was so great! Brian even brought me a chocolate donut with sprinkles in the morning - the breakfast of champions! He also got me 2 super cute plants (I loooove having plants & flowers around). What a sweetie. My Auntie Janet and Cousin Cindy in San Diego had a seriously gorgeous bouquet delivered to my door, too. Needless to say, the day started off really good for me!









We went to my dad's place for dinner and hung out with my mom & stepdad and my little sis and her family. How cute is her son, Alaric?


He is really warming up to Brighton - he has taken to petting his head like he's a little dog. I think he wonders why he won't get up & play with him.
























My dad's dog, Luna, also joined the party.
She is a highly trained attack dog.

Okay, not really - she just looks like it. If you give her a biscuit, she will spare your life.

Unless it's barbecue flavored - she doesn't like that one.









Brighton stayed awake through a good portion of the visit - I think he had a pretty good time. He has recently discovered his legs and loves to kick them like he's running in place all the time - it's sooo cute!












Check out my loot!

A Chip Off The Ol' Block

He looks just like Brian in this one - and not just because he's napping!

It Just Keeps Getting Better!

Brighton keeps getting bigger and more active & alert every day! He has a great disposition and seems to be enjoying life so far. We are going to go on our first road trip in a couple of weeks up to Montana to get some fresh air and introduce Brighton to his uncles there. This mom is super excited to get out of the city for a few days!

I've started doing some work from home and logging in a few hours at the office here and there. I'm so lucky to have a job that is flexible and an understanding boss so that I am able to either bring Brighton with me or schedule my appointments for times when Brian is home to watch him. At this point, it is very hard to leave him for any amount of time - I miss him instantly!

We're so excited that Brian was just accepted to the Master of Finance program at the University of Utah - woo hoo! Way to go, Dad!! He starts in the fall and I'm super-stoked for him!!!! Whatta go-getter!

We are excited that more family will be coming to meet our little guy! I heard that Brian's brother James, his wife Amber, and their little Jaxon will be here later this month. I have only met James once and have never met Amber - and none of the three of us has gotten to meet little Jaxon yet so that should be lots of fun! I also can't wait for my family in California to come out for a visit - I'm so happy for Brighton to get to meet my awesome uncle, aunts, cousin, and the famous G'folks!

He's Here!

Brighton Hans Bourne came in to the world on Thursday, March 27th 2008 at 4:59 pm weighing in at 7 lbs 9 oz and measuring 20" long. His arrival was eagerly anticipated by lots of loving family and friends.

Yes, the mohawk is natural!

Grandpa Bright and Grandma Sunny waited outside along with Aunt Mel(anie) and Aunt Mel(issa) and cousin Abby. They came in to the delivery room right after Brighton made his debut to meet him and welcome him to the family. Many more welcome visitors came in the days that followed, bringing thoughtful gifts and well wishes - thank you to everyone!

The Bright side of the family got us a glider chair that has become my favorite inanimate object ever! It's like magic for rocking baby to sleep - and sometimes mom, too.

Grandma Bourne hi-tailed it from Helena and was with us just hours after delivery to share our happiness. When Brian told her we were in labor over the phone, her reaction sounded as if she had just been informed that she won the lottery. Grandpa Bourne came a couple days later to meet the little guy for himself. They stayed here in Salt Lake for about a week to help us clueless new parents transition into our new life. By the time she left, the apartment was spotless, the laundry was clean, our freezer was full of yummy homemade dinners, and we had been showered with gifts for us, the house, and the baby. Having Grandma there was great - and the fact that she is a nurse was a definite bonus as it alleviated a lot of the worries that come with bringing home such a fragile, precious little life.

We have especially enjoyed visits from Brighton's sweet cousins. Alaric, who is about a year and a half old, is still a bit unsure of what to think of the new arrival. He tested out the awesome stroller from Grandpa Bourne (it is a Jeep and has an ipod port so Brighton can have his tunes on the go) and gave it two thumbs up! Abbie, Isaac, and Averie - who are a bit older- have amazed us with how excited they are about Brighton and how cute and sweet they are with him! He will be in good company as he grows up! Now, we excitedly anticipate meeting cousin Jaxon, who made his debut a few months earlier.

We are so happy and feel blessed beyond words to have such a sweet and healthy little boy. We're so grateful for everyone around us and all the sweet things that they have done for us - we are truly fortunate!!!