Playing in PSE

So now that I am finally starting to understand shooting in manual mode on my camera and how to get a "correct" exposure (at least according to my camera's meter) I realize how much more I need to learn and understand about PSE (the editing program I use). So today I played around with an image I took yesterday of Brady right after he woke up from his nap.

Here is the Before (SOOC):

And the After:

The steps I took to achieve this look include following PW directions for copying her "Fresh & Colorful" PS Action in PSE (here's the link) and then applying the Base Sharpen Action that I purchased from Heather Ward's Lolly's Actions.

The image looks a little grainy to me. Probably because I used an ISO of 800. My other settings are f/1.8 and 1/250ss.

I know I just totally lost most of you on this post, but I'm trying to record it for my own memory. One of my goals over the next few months/year is to improve my photography skills. I have absolutely NO DESIRE to ever become a professional photog, but I do want to be able to take some killer pics of my family. I think photos and preserving memories are so important. And I want to be able to remember this time when Brady is young for forever.