A House Full of Windows

This is Kyler's Nana. This picture can't even put into words how much our son means to her. You see, Kyler is her first grandchild, and his birth was a bittersweet event for her. Let me take you back a few years and try to paint a clear picture...

Brad and I had been in the adoption process for a little over a year when we matched up with Kyler's mom when she was 4.5 months pregnant. It was actually late into her pregnancy when we confirmed the sex of her baby, and we were so excited to share our news with everyone in a creative way that we were having a boy. FINALLY! When we told Brad's mom and dad, I remember his dad saying, "I'm getting me a fishin' buddy now!" Brad's parents were very excited to say the least. That excitement quickly turned into tragedy as Brad's dad [Almon] was soon admitted to the hospital a few days later with complications from his previously inserted pacemaker.

Fast forward a few weeks and Almon was in ICU (intensive care unit) fighting for his life against an infection from the pacemaker that had spread to his blood. At this time, we were both in Albuquerque, New Mexico waiting for Kyler to be born. Kyler was born on Oct 2 to the delight of us all, and Almon was also showing some signs of recovery. Things were looking up. Then Almon took a turn for the worse and Brad's dad died a mere ten days after Kyler was born. Brad's mother, Debra, had experienced both one of the greatest experiences of her life andone of the worst....gaining a grandson but losing a husband.

Brad had flown to be by his dad's bedside a few days earlier...I stayed in New Mexico waiting for our paperwork to clear so we could leave the state with our son. It was hard times. Brad was torn up being away from his newborn son and also losing his father, and I was a new parent with a 10 day-old infant feeling elated but tired and helpless. To our relief, our adoption clearance came the day before the funeral, so I hopped on a the next plane out with my 2 week old son in tow...determine to be together as a family for the funeral of Kyler's Paw-Paw. We landed safely in the airport that night and made our way to the family's house at almost midnight. We walked in the door and Nana was waiting in the living room to meet her grandson. It was a moment I don't think any of us will ever forget. There was total elation slamming head-on into utter sadness at the same time. There was nothing but tears a'flowing as Nana cradled Kyler in her arms and rocked back and forth with him on her knees....both praising God for blessing her with this child and wishing to the stars that her Almon could be there to share this moment together. A special bond was created in that moment. A bond between that small child and this weeping woman. Her broken heart unfolded and, consumed with unconditional love, dedicated its existence to the happiness of her grandson.

A few months ago, Brad and Kyler went to visit Nana for a few days. During that time, Kyler went with her to Uncle Bob's house where he was able to go fishin' in the small pond behind his house. I think Kyler thought catching a fish was one of the grossest but coolest thing ever. He shrilled with delight and can't wait to go back fishin' again. I think Paw-Paw [Almon] was right there in the moment standing by Nana's side....watching their grandson fish for the very first time. Paw-Paw handed the reigns over to Nana to have Kyler be her little fishin' buddy and she had succeeded.

Nana has always said that Kyler was the very one thing that saved her through the events surrounding her husband's death.She has always heard that when "God closes a door, he always opens a window." Well, Nana has stated, "He opened up a house full of windows for me." She has treasured this boy from the very first second, and her words and actions live and breathe it every moment. This woman is strong. This woman is endearing. This woman is loving. This woman is Nana...Kyler's Nana,

I look at this picture above and it just swells my heart with such swirling emotion....joy and sadness. We love you so much Nana, and we all miss you to the moon and back Paw-Paw.

-M2B

BBC Moment for My 2 Brads - Video Interview

My 2 Brads on BBC

We've Got the Media Buzzing @ My2Brads

Washington Post article June 16, 2013

We've been very fortunate how media has worked in our favor. After connecting with Kyler's mother via Facebook and then getting interviewed by Laura Evans and FOX 5 News during the holidays, The Brads have the media buzzing again.

Today, Father's Day 2013, the Washington Post ran an article on our family about how social media (specifically Facebook) played an amazing role in our adoption. Not only were we interviewed, but so was Kyler's mother.

Fast forward a few hours and we received a call from FOX 5 News to see if they could interview us at noon to be featured tonight at on the 6pm and 10pm segments. Uh, "hec yah!"   We hope to post that recorded segment on here somehow following the newscast. (see below)

What's next for the Brad's?  Well, we'd love to go even bigger and share our story across this nation. We'd love to be on Ellen or the Today Show to showcase the realities of the adoption process, how social media can play a role and, most importantly, how open adoption can be an amazing and healthy experience. After that, who knows what could be next ... maybe our own reality show - "My 2 Brads"   Whaddaya think?

Home video of the interview via my iPhone

The actual FOX page online that has the better quality video

Pork, the One You Love

We had another dinner experiment tonight.   PORK!   I had a couple of boneless pork loins in the fridge that I was having a hankering for.....I looked at Kyler awaiting in his highchair and said, "why not? It's pork, the one you love!"   I had a plan to just tell him it was chicken. s-m-a-r-t

10 minutes on the Griddler and we had us a delish meal with peas and mac 'n cheese. He look one of the cut up bites and shortly grabbed for another. SUCCESS!  Then he shocked me by asking for some "dip"  (aka ketchup) and "musser" which I took as "mustard." Whoa!  Coming right up, my boy!!!!

We had a most amazing meal together and shared some laughs about pork. I was pretending to order to Chinese takeout of Pork Fried Rice (ala "Porr Flied Lice")...although I don't really think he knew what he was laughing about other than Pop's silly faces. It would have been perfect meal together had he not ripped a big ol' man-fart half way through dinner that we both laughed about. Actually, that probably made it just perfect now that I think about it. Oh well, like Papa like son.   Frrrrrrrrrrrrrrt  :) 

He Mustard Up the Courage

Just somewhat of a follow up from my previous post. I basically alluded to the fact that Kyler can be somewhat of a picky eater. He definitely knows what he does and does not like to eat. He is big ketchup fan for dipping almost anything in. 

Tonight was a breakthrough at dinner time for me. I asked Kyler if he'd like something different to dip his chicken nuggets in. Of course he said "yes" because I really don't think he knew what I was asking.....or intending. I had a plan to see if I could get Kyler to try and possibly like mustard. 

Now as you know.....mustard is very distinct taste. You either love it or hate it. I had a gut feeling that he was not going to like it, but I just had to try.  Why?  His Dada is a HUGE mustard fan and puts in on almost everything. I just thought it'd be cute if they both had a love for mustard. 

I put out his chicken nuggets and put the tiniest of dollops of mustard on the corner of the plate...next to the larger splat of ketchup. I told Kyler is was something different and that it would taste funny, and that he did not have to like it. The boy smiled and dipped his finger right in it and off into his mouth it went. 

I wish I could have captured the face. It was a cross between "what the hec's in my mouth" and "hey this is kind of fun."  He ended up finishing off the rest of the mustard dollop with a few of the nuggets and then switched to the ketchup. Whoooo-Hoooo!   I was half expecting him to spit it out or chuck his plate (yes this sweet angel has done that before, Nana)....but not this.  WOW!

I have to hand it to him....he sure surprised me tonight. My brave little man....mustard'ing up the courage to try new things.   It's all a Papa could ask for. 

My Next Leap Into Fatherhood

Today starts a whole new journey in my quest for being a good father. Brad is going back into his show at the Kennedy Center for about 10 weeks. Combining the 8 shows a week he will do with his full-time day job makes for a very busy (and tired) Dada, but he is very excited to be back in theater where his true passion is fulfilled. I couldn't be more proud of him.

What this means for Pop (me) is that I have solo duty every night (except Monday) while Dad is in the show. I need to become Super Pop. Although it will be an adjustment, I'm really looking forward to it and the challenges I will face. Here is what I'm looking forward to:

• forcing myself to leave work "early" every day at 5pm (most ppl call this normal departure time) to pick Kyler up
• enjoying one-on-one dinners with my son and the conversations we will have
• being creative with my ability to entertain a very energetic 2 yr old for several hours
• seeing if I can still maintain sanity and balance
• supporting my fiance with his passion and welcoming him home each night

Brad has had to be "solo dad" every time I have had a work trip, and I know how difficult it can be. Am I up for the challenge?  Hec ya!  Will I have some epic failures?  Ummm, hi, yes...do you know me?  If Murphy Brown can do it....so can I!!!!  (actually, I can't believe I just referenced Murphy Brown)  Brad will still be home each night after Kyler is asleep and then again most of the day on the weekend. So no biggie, right? 

I know I can do this. I know so many positive things will come from this. I know I will grow from this experience. I know I will love my son even more. I know I can do this. I can take this leap.....this leap of faith. 

Watch me!

The Return of Super Nana

So, life is definitely different around the Benton-Letson household. Brad's mom has returned to Alabama after a 2.5 week visit after the Christmas holiday. We can definitely say that we truly miss her and that she is a Super Nana!

Kyler was extremely spoiled the last few weeks with all of the attention his Nana gave him. And we were definitely spoiled with all of the free time we had because Nana was feeding, burping, and changing her grandson any chance she could get. It was such a treat to wake up in the morning for work and "hand off" Kyler to Nana for his morning feeding while we got ready for the day. We have quickly realized (now on this first day of getting Kyler to daycare) that we need to build in a lot of extra time in the morning.  *hmmmph*

As much of a benefit as we received out of her being her, it was fortunately a two way street. As some of you know, Nana is recently widowed after the traumatic passing of Brad's dad in October of last year. The holidays were a definite time of celebration, but we are all still grieving as the absence of Almon was felt.

Nana mentioned that "Kyler was a much needed distraction," but I think he was more than that. I really do feel that he has provided some sense of healing for us all ... but especially Nana. A new chapter in her life has started, and it is not once that she chose .... but rather one that was provided to her. There are many changes and adaptations that have happened and are still yet to come, but she is remaining strong. I personally have a new deep respect and admiration for her because of her strength. Through all of this, she has held tight to her family and has shown an out-pouring of pure love. She has fully embraced every aspect and benefit of being a grandmother ... a new role she takes with pride even with every diaper change.

The three of us (Brad, Brad & Kyler) are so very blessed. Blessed to have Nana in our lives right now, and hopefully for many many years to come. We are so thrilled that Kyler will grow up to know and love his Nana and also learn about the great man he'll call "Grandpa."

Although Nana is hundreds of miles away, we can feel her every day as we know her thoughts are constantly on her precious grandson. We love you so very much. We count our blessings for you, and we cannot wait for the Return of Super Nana!

Nana and her Ky

A Fairy Godmother is Born

Tonight was a night of celebration. Kyler was visited tonight by Brad's best friend, Kim, and her boyfriend, Chris, from New York. We all headed to dinner at our favorite local restaurant, Olazzo, for some "catch-up" time. This was the first time Kim was meeting Kyler... and what a special night it turned out to be. 

Kyler (well, we) presented a small gift to Kim to open at dinner this evening. Inside was a small acrylic frame with a picture of Kyler (of course) with an inscription that read:  "Godson"    At that moment, we were sharing with Kim our desire for her to be Kyler's other godmother (he has two, you know). We figured, if he has two dads, why can't he have two godmothers?  So be it!

So, along with our niece, Jessica, Kim will join the ranks of a very important role in Kyler's life .... godmother.  We couldn't have asked for two better people that we trust to help guide Kyler in his spiritual journey ... and also just to love him unconditionally. We are truly blessed that they both have accepted their new "role," and we look forward to our son growing up surrounded by God's love with the guidance of his two godmothers.

It was truly a reason to celebrate. This video captured the event and shares it all (seen below) ... the sheer excitement on Kim's face is validation enough that we made the perfect choice and that Kyler will enjoy watching this video for years to come. Thank you to Kim and Jessica for accepting the commitment to our son. We love you both dearly!

-The Brads

Questions:  Do you have a godmother?  Are you still in contact with your godmother or godfather? What role do they play in your life today?

A Kyler(s) Christmas

Tonight was the holiday party for our condominium building here at MICA. Our Social Committee worked hard to beautifully decorate our media room and put on a great spread, including cheese and chocolate fondue. I might have said, "I do" to the fondue!


We dressed up Kyler in his little red Santa suit (see below) that was given to him by his Auntie Kathy from Seattle. He stole our heart once more when we saw how cute he was in his outfit. This was Kyler's first official party, so he needed to look his best.  ;)  

Santa suit from Aunt Kathy

The fun part of the evening was the arrival of 9 month old Kyler, who also lives in our building. Can you believe it? We only have about 4 babies in our entire building, and one of them shares the same unique name with our son. They are only 7 months apart ... if given time, I bet they could be besties. The other Kyler (OK) is extremely cute and almost looks like he has the same nose as Kyler. OK's parents seem very sweet, so we are hoping for some play-dates in the future with our sons. The picture below captured a very funny moment between the two of them. We sat Kyler down on the floor next to OK to introduce them, and Kyler's expression here is like, "This kid has my name already, and now he wants my Santa suit. HELP!" It was actually very cute ... OK gave Kyler a couple of pats to the face and then was on his way. 

"WTH?"

Kyler did play a key role in the evening though. During the White Elephant gift exchange, Brad was holding Kyler and stole a Pier 1 snowman ornament that had been previously opened. Brad was keen on keeping the gift, so he put the ornament in Kyler's hand and was saying to him, "Don't you just love your ornament, Kyler?"  At that moment, he had won ... no one was going to walk up and steal this ornament from the hand of a babe ..... or Kyler's.  LOL!  It was a brilliant move by Brad, and that's one of the many reasons I love him.....always thinkin'. 


All in all, it was a great celebration. Kyler's first holiday party was a success.... no cranks, no poops, and no smelly gas.  It's a 100% in my book, if you ask me. 


-The Brads


Questions:  Have you enjoyed any holiday parties yet? Do you have a favorite memory from a holiday party in the past? Do you hate holiday parties?