Ice Storm= Stir Crazy!

I don't know about you guys, but we went a little stir crazy this ice storm! So needless to say, we played in it a little (and by we i mean Brandt and Eli). Eli certainly enjoyed daddy being at home more than usual!


Eli is growing and changing lots. His new favorite thing is to CLIMB! On everything and anything. He is quickly learning how to climb on one thing and then on the next, i.e. dining room chair on to the table. I have very much felt the experience of how girls and boys just play differently!

He really has been a blast! We were having lots of fun inside while i made funny noises. He was actually in tears he was laughing so hard!

The New Year brings LOTS of New Things!

Thought I would make it goal this year to be more diligent about this blog. Lots has changed for the Booram house hold... as usual right? Well since September Eli is now OFFICIALLY a toddler. He is almost 30 pounds and is 33 1/2 inches tall. Staying right at the lovely 95%. He loves cars, pushing them, pulling them, throwing them off of stairs, and making the Voom Voom sound as he watches them drive away. His favorite word right now is by far "HI!" He says it in the greatest high pitched little voice and it is usually always accompanied by a big smile. Even though there have been times of him saying it at 3am it still makes me laugh. He is also loving the snow.


Even though he has been sick with a bad cough and cold for about a month now, he has gotten some time in there to play! Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Bri even took him sledding!


For those who don't know yet, I am no longer doing hair and have joined InterVarsity Staff as an administrative assistant for one of the Great Lakes West Regional Directors. Also I back in school finishing up my Bachelors. Also, come July 16th Eli will officially be a big brother!!!


We are thrilled about our new addition to our family! I think Eli will be a great big brother. He is already giving kisses to my belly and saying and waving, "HI!".

My BIG 1 YEAR OLD!

That's right. Eli is officially one! (well he has been for about a week and a day) We had a big puppy dog themed birthday party in celebration of his big day. We had quite the crowd, lots of presents, and most importantly a fabulous cupcake. He seriously loved it! First he sucked off all of the icing to insure he wouldn't miss a drop and then dove into the cake part. The cupcake was apple spice with buttercream icing! With a puppy face on it of course!

He has just grown like a weed. On his one year appointment he weighted 27 1/2 pounds, 48cm head, and 32 inches tall. He is 95% in his weight and head diameter and off the charts in his height. I think we always knew he was going to be a big boy, but it just still always surprises me even though he is fitting into 24 months clothes! He is walking like a mad man, and chattering lots, but nothing too comprehendible.

It was so fun to take some time and look back on the day i had him. It will forever be one of the most amazing days of my life. I was induced on his actual due date, despite the fact i went into early labor at 34 weeks. Surely this was a sign of his extreme stubbornness to do things his way. I was in labor for 7 hours, and pushed for an 1 1/2 hours. Never knew having a baby was a cardio work out too, someone should have warned me! :) He weighed 9 lbs 5 oz and was 21 inches long.


Brandt and I were so shocked to find out we were pregnant. There was lots of processing time to get use to the idea of how drastic life would change. Once he was here though, and we held him for the first time, we both knew there was no going back. He is wonderful in every way, i can't ever imagine life with out!

Oh Chi Town....

So, Brandt and i did it.... well i did it. I left Eli with Brandt's parents for two whole nights. WOW i know, i am impressive. Some people probably look at me like i am crazy for it taking me this long to do an over night away, but it was soo hard. I just love being a mom and taking care of Eli everyday. But Brandt and I needed some R and R, that's for sure. So we headed to chicago for a weekend! It was a great time. We went watched some of the air and water show, then that night we had a picnic in millennium park for the millennium park orchestra and choir. Cheese and wine, it was wonderful. The next day we had a great brunch, went shopping (of course) and got to have a fabulous dinner at a Brazilian restaurant. All you can eat meat... brandt was all about it!

The next day we were both pretty ready to see our little boogie, so we headed home. He was funny when we saw us for the first time though, very confused. But then he didn't want to be away from our side.

Things have felt like a whirl wind since that weekend. Life is going so fast. Eli is walking like crazy (not a full 100% walker yet). His 1st birthday is coming up soon. OH man babies grow up so quickly huh? I look at him can't believe he will be 1!!!! He is just a wonderful blessing.

Newest things:
1- WALKING
2- He can respond to "what does a cow say".... "Moooo", "what does a duck say"....."qwak, qwak"
3- recent words; "bye, bye", "love you", "night, night", "all done" (very rarely), and a few others
4- he has an official blanket that he will NOT sleep with out.
(i caught him in a serious deep sleep!)

I'll keep everyone posted with some pictures/ video of his first birthday party!

2 Years and counting!

Today is Brandt and my 2 year anniversary. I can't believe it's been only two years. While we are still only a "baby" married couple, i feel we have experienced quite a ride already. It is amazing how much the Lord can do in two years. Since getting married in August 2008, Brandt has gone on staff with Greek IV, got out first dog in October, found out i was pregnant in January 2009, moved in July, had Eli in September, moved again this May, and then Eli is turning one in a month and a half. Life is wild, but so fun. As cliche as it sounds, i really have fallen more in love with Brandt. While i knew a lot about him already going into marriage, it has been so cool to just really get to know every detail about him even down to how he prefers to brush his teeth or style his hair. : )


I could have never imagined it being any different. Today has already been so wonderful by getting to wake up to breakfast and flowers in bed... oh and coffee OH COURSE. I have loved sending the day with both of my boys. We are taking out first trip away from Eli in a couple weeks to chicago to really celebrate. It will be hard to leave him, but it will be a much needed time for us.

Thought i would post some great moments in our life two year ago today from saying our vows to celebrating with our amazing family and friends. Thanks everyone for your continued love and support through the years. It means the world. I can't wait for the next 50 years and more!

I Brandt David Booram make this vow to you Laura Suzanne Umbaugh. No matter what trials befall us. No matter where God leads us. No matter how hard our marriage becomes. I will strive with all the strength in my body and soul, to love you the way God loves you. I will never forget that you are perfect and wonderfully made, and that delighting in you is delighting in my God. I will adore you for being the captivating woman that God has made you, is making you, and will make you. To you I give my heart for all time.

I Laura Suzanne Umbaugh make this vow to you Brandt David Booram. No matter what trials befall us. No matter where God leads us. No matter how hard our marriage becomes. I promise to strive to love you passionately, encourage you continually and support you unceasingly. I will work to always remember that you are uniquely and specifically made in God’s image. I will continue to take shelter in the strength and passion that God has given you. To you I give my heart for all time.

oh my time flies!

Eli is is almost 10 1/2 months old now. Growing like a weed and so smiley! He is just the biggest blessing. He took his first steps the other day. Thankfully Brandt and I were both there to see it. He has taken about 15 more since then, not in a row but 1-2 at a time. Not much surprise in his quick development since he literally can not hold still. He is always on the go and always getting into something (in true boy fashion). I am sure that once he really figures out this walking thing, it will be nothing but trouble!

He pretty much likes most foods, depending on the day of course. His most recent discovery is grapes and blueberries, he could probably eat them all day. He is working on getting his two front teeth in, and already has his bottom two in. LOVES bathes and pools. Splashing is just wonderful to him. He has mastered going up the stairs, but still very unsure how to go down them. He has learned to shake his head NO. We are working on YES, but ironically that seems to be much harder for kids. Suprise suprise. He almost has the sign for "all done" down. But half the time he is just cheering for himself!

He will talk up a storm with you, saying things like mama, dada, baba.... He also LOVES to be chased. Mostly with the vacuum. Brandt discovered this fun game one day when he was trying to get some chores done and all Eli wanted to do was play. Eli tried so hard to get Amos to chase him, but Amos wants nothing to do with it unless it involves Eli's leftovers. :)

Semi-Recent news for the Booram's life: we moved at the end of May. Loving our new house! Amos is very much enjoying a yard and more space to stretch his legs. Broadripple has been so fun. So many great activities that are just a walk away. Brandt and I are really into the farmers market and walking/ride bikes where ever we can! We will be so sad when the nice weather is over, but luckily we have lots more still to come!

Summer has been a blast so far. Brandt, Eli and I went to Baltimore and visited my sister katie and her family! It was os much fun to see their new life! Their house is beautiful and Baltimore is such a cool city to live in. Loved getting to be so close to the bay and who doesn't love crab?!?! I miss them dearly, but glad to know we can always drive and visit!

Up coming events: Eli's 1st birthday is approaching fast and we are very excited! I can't believe he is going to be 1 soon! I can't believe how fast time goes! What isn't fun about planning a 1st birthday party? I will totally post some pictures afterwards! Here is an old one for you: This literally feels like yesterday!

Hopefully the posts will be a little more consistent from here on out!

Life is crazy

WOW. I think i am not as consistent at this as i thought i would be. Sorry! Where do i start. Eli is 8 months, a little under 23 pounds and so busy. I LOVE that he says MAMA and wants me when he says it. We are still working on DADA though (poor Brandt). This past week has been a little tough. He has had his first ear infection and it's been a doozy. Not to mention Brandt was out of town, and i got a sinus infection too. It was just one of those weeks where you felt like you were barely surviving. Not to mention we got a house (PRAISE), but we move on June 1st. Brandt being gone for the 2nd and 3rd week in may has made this feel so crazy. I did manage to pack 1 box before i left to meet him in Michigan.

Once we got to Michigan, Eli woke up the next morning with a 101.4 fever and has had it for 2 days. We took him to med check, and everything is fine (says the small town, urgent care doctor... i have my doubts). So hopefully it will go down in the next day so my happy baby can be happy again!!!

Beside that we are excited about the move coming and the new space it will give us. Hopefully i have a healthier family to report next time!!!