She’s become very expressive. Not that she ever really lacked this skill, but she’s been honing it as of the last few months.

She had a few sleep-overs with friends.

She enjoyed an excellent 4th of July fireworks extravaganza, compliments of Ladera Ranch.

Berlyn has grown ever-so-fond of her pug, Zoey. Zoey doesn’t seem to mind her too much.

We made many trips to the park; mastering all varieties of slides.

More parks, more slides (and swings).

Even more.

Posing, running, and screaming in delight in San Juan Capistrano.

Berlyn loves pumpkins.

Naturally, she was a peacock for Halloween. And mom decided to copy. Berlyn approves.

Berlyn forcing helping Cailey to walk.

Today we enjoyed an acrobatic show of pillow diving (bunge-ing as she calls it), summersaults, and many smiles. A typical Saturday evening at the Brumfield’s.

Today we celebrate your first birthday.
Happy birthday, we love you more than words can say.
Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Beckey put up a special birthday post on her site at hippo brigade

This afternoon, we decided to put Berlyn in her adorable Christmas gift outfit from the Mattsons. She enjoyed the pink and grey hooded ensemble so much that she decided to explore the entire house in it. Of course, I (pat) followed her around documenting the events that followed.

She started in the kitchen, looking through the pantry for things to play with.

She got her hands on a measuring cup, and that was more than enough to keep her busy for a few minutes.

But then on to bigger and better things: our Carnation Instant Breakfast (the best!)

After she had enough of the chewing, it was on to climbing. First she tried to climb up my legs, but before long she took off and climbed up all of our stairs — for the first time ever. It’s at this point that I realize the outfit has given my daughter super powers.

With her new-found powers she decided to try and chew through Zoey’s crate.

After an unsuccessful attempt at giving Zoey freedom she moved onto something a little easier on all 6 of her teeth: an old computer mouse cord. Soon that lost its luster, she pulled the hood off of her head, and sighed — all in a days work.

Here’s what Berlyn is up to lately:

• She claps her hands
• She feeds herself with a spoon
• Pulls herself up and cruises on furniture

Like any good parents, we dressed our daughter up in the most outrageous costume we could find for her first Halloween. We then proceeded to take pictures of her. She had a good time looking at all the other outrageous kids, and enjoyed passing out candy at the Mattson’s. First Halloween: success.

We broke out the tripod, the bib, and the yummy rice cereal for Berlyn’s first encounter with solid food (if you can even call it solid). And while it was no braised lamb with a red wine reduction, we think she kinda likes it. Although she’s still a bit ambivalent with her new skill of eating off a spoon, we know she’ll be digging into ice cream and tater-tots in no time. Yum.

After a good meal, Berlyn loves to digest upside down.

All that food makes Berlyn sleepy. Apparently she sleeps better with her pants half-way on.

We loaded up the Passat with triscuits and a stack of diapers for a trip up to L.A. to celebrate Jax’s first birthday. We were greeted by an adorable one-year-old with an appetite for Eggos and pine needles. Berlyn’s good friend, Jaxon, was a great host; providing cupcakes and swinging lessons for all.

Ahh, the relaxation of toe-sucking.

Daddy’s little girl.

Jax and Berlyn are becoming good friends. He thinks it’s funny when she drools, we kinda agree.

Well, great then.

Dena and Beckey; proud (and hot) moms.

Berlyn Likes:

• wearing pink
• grabbing stuff
• posing for pictures
• shopping
• rolling over
• hanging out in her exersaucer
• when strangers think she’s cute

Berlyn Dislikes:

• teething
• explosionary poops
• KIIS FM
• when her hair falls out in clumps
• to be taken out of her exersaucer
• when mom picks her nose
• spitting up on her favorite outfit

You are here, and I was right, you transformed everything. Two and a half months ago you were pulled out of my body, cut from my womb, and brought into the world. You are so needy and I am so tired. My eyes are swollen from a lack of sleep and my stomach looks like a lump of uncooked pizza dough. This is motherhood. Self sacrifice. I envy those around me that don’t have to breast feed every three hours and can get a full night’s sleep. But all that melts away when you smile. When you flash that gummy grin I am reminded of what a miracle you are and how you have changed me in such a monumental way. And I will never be the same.