Visit with Karol and her kiddos...

As many of you know, Karol used to be my babysitter...and we have since become friends and she is a good friend of the family. She has two cute little boys...Nate (5) and Ben (2 1/2) (sadly I didn't get a pic of Ben). She was recently pregnant with her 3rd kiddo and it was a surprise! Sarah Marie was born last Tuesday, so Brooklyn, Grandma and I went for a visit today.

Let me tell you...there is a big difference between a 6 day old and a 6 month old...crazy!! I haven't had a true realization on how much Brooklyn has grown because Sarah seemed like a feather!!! She was so tee-tiny and Brooklyn looked HUGE next to her (or to me it seemed that way!). She was so so precious and I just wanted to share our visit. Nate loved to hold Brooklyn and kept saying "she's so cute!". They were adorable children and so well behaved...I have never seen two little boys with such incredible manners!!! We will have many future playdates!!!

Picture Time

Just thought I would share a few pictures of Brooklyn while I had some time...

Cute outfit form Aunt Teri. Ready for Ruby and Maudie's birthday party!!

Big beautiful blue eyes...

"Let's Do Lunch...It's on Me" from Ms. Marilyn

Maybe one day I'll become a pro at this tummy time business...

Look at my new Jumperoo!!! (Sorry video below didn't work)

Khloe likes to help out during tummy time...I think she thinks she is helping. She usually lays down right next to her...and she is so so good with Brooklyn! We keep an eye out and referee, but she doesn't mind when Brooklyn gets a handful of her ears, fur or paws...

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I hope to post something tomorrow about her SIX month check up and we'll see how big she has gotten!!! Speaking of big...she still seems so small to me, but she isn't getting to wear all of her clothes...it makes me sad (and she has more clothes than any child should own...so that makes it difficult). I can't get down her box of clothes by myself (heavy, and on top shelf of closet...I might bonk myself in the head)...so finally the other day my Mom and I got it down and got out her six month stuff...and umm, apparently I should have had them out a while ago...she is nearly too long for some stuff!!

Our little jumping bean...

I can't believe that our little girl will be SIX months old next week!!! Where has the time gone?? She is just as close to turning one year as our trip to labor and delivery....how is that possible?? It's a scary thought that time passes so quickly, but we have loved every second of it. If anything, we are learning to cherish every moment because her little phases don't last long.

She got a Baby Einstein Jumper from my parents for Christmas...however, it always seemed a bit large for her...so my Mom and I finally returned it and exchanged it for a Fisher Price Jumperoo...which she LOVES and seems to have more fun in it every day. When we pick her up to put her in it...her legs automatically start "jumping" with excitement.

This jumper has been an excellent way to keep her off her back. Things in life that currently entertain her are her jumper, the bumbo...and tummy time (although she would beg to differ on the tummy time). She has a very mild flat spot on the back of her head...we went to a specialist, which we will see again in a month for re-evaluation...but for now, we have strict orders not to use the bouncer or lay her on her back (except for at night)...and I have been trying to use the sling when we are out and about...instead of leaving her in her carseat. We are hoping her mild little spot will correct itself with re-positioning techniques. The doctor said hers is purely preferential...that she has full range of motion and just prefers to face to the right...and being a good sleeper doesn't help things. Apparently this is very common since the "back to sleep" campaign was started. It has reduced the risk of SIDS, but created flat spots on babies heads. However, she does take little naps on her tummy because I can "supervise" and keep an eye on her...and she seems to like to sleep on her tummy.

Anyways...I will try and post more pics next week in honor of her turning SIX months old!!! But for now...here is a fun video of her jumping her heart out!

5 Months Old!

Our little Brooklyn is 5 months old today!!! She is talking up a storm and all of a sudden her new favorite thing to do is make this squealing screech at the top of her lungs. Sometimes it is in distress and other times it sounds like it is just for fun because it ends with a smirk. She has also started making "spitty" sounds when she blows and thinks that is pretty funny. I also think she is learning how to do things for attention.

We wanted to wait until Daddy was off work...so yesterday and today we have started her on rice cereal. Brooks and I gave it to her yesterday a.m. and apparently mixed it way way too thin...because Grandma Jan gave it to her yesterday p.m. and she did so so good!!! She hardly had any on her bib and learned right away to open her mouth when the spoon was coming, she loved to grab onto the spoon and would kick her legs in excitement! Click here to watch her first attempt at cereal.

Cereal or fingers...hmmm

Today Brooks and I wanted to take her to the neighborhood park and were going to help her "slide." However, by time we got down there all the school kids were playing so we just sat and watched. In our "kid observations" we decided that kids are mean...and it scares us for her to get that age. We did take the Shelby and Khloe with us...and Khloe pooped out about half way down there...so she got to ride in the stroller basket....and I must say...she was a big fan!!!

"Hey Khloe, where are Shelby and Daddy going??"

Khloe's new way to go on a "walk"

4 Month Check-Up

Just a quick update. Brooklyn had her 4 month well visit with Dr. Ferreris on January 8th. He was so excited to see her!! ...and she was so happy the entire visit!! He said she looked great! She weighed 11lbs 12oz...her pediatrician has decided that she is just not going to be fat because she doesn't come from a fat family (oh, if he only knew...lol). So her weight is still in the 10-25%, but looks good because she has continued to go up on her weight curve (no dips!). Her height was a whopping 24.5" and in the 50%. She was also tortured again with shots...but she is such a trooper she did great!! Hardly fussed at all...and just had a bit of a fever later that day.

Showing off her hologram band-aids before they fell off

Recently, over the past week, Brooks and I have been working really hard to establish a bedtime routine for Brooklyn. Brooks has started bathing her, giving her a massage and reading her a book each night...and then I feed her. We try to start this anywhere between 7:30-8:30 and then are aiming to get her down each night around 9. So far she is doing great!! We are hoping over time she will start to associate the baths and books with bedtime...we shall see. Some nights we are lucky and she will put herself to sleep and other nights she needs to be rocked or nursed to sleep.

Having fun in her "Happy New Year 2009" shirt from Gina and Rowan :)

The cutest outfit ensemble ever from Aunt Teri for Christmas!!! I can't wait until she is big enough to have her picture taken in it!!

On a side note...today is Grandma K's birthday!! She was so gracious to spend the night with us last night since Daddy went hunting! So we are getting to spend her birthday with her! Tonigth we will go celebrate! Also, did I say that I think I broke my right pinky toe?? On the bouncer no less. Now I understand why Melissa got rid of theirs...although Brooklyn is still enjoying hers. At least it's my right toe this time....two years ago I broke my left pinky toe. Fun times.

Happy 30th!

Happy 30th Birthday to my wonderful husband, partner, best friend, Brooklyn's father...and so much more!! We celebrated last night at La Fogata with my parents, my Aunt Jamie and Steven. Brooks enjoyed his usual..."poco de todo"..."a little bit of everything" and we all stuffed our faces with yummy mexican food. I didn't get a cake baked...but my parents so generously brought a Tiramisu cake...which was absolutely decedent and he loved every bite! He received numerous Bass Pro Shops gift cards which are going in his stash for a bow...he wants to take up archery. He came home and we celebrated with our own little party and opened presents! Brooklyn and I gave him a new shirt, some ties, house shoes, a coffee cup with her picture, an Indiana Jones hat and leather gloves. He also got a really pretty shirt and a fun fishing book from Teri and Betsy.

His 30th birthday celebration continued on today with lunch at Double Dave’s accompanied by his two favorite girls...Brooklyn and I picked him up. She decided to stay awake the whole time and talk to us. She is really having fun listening to herself...it's so much fun to hear what she has to say!! Her other discovery is her feet...and playing with them...pulling socks...and if she's lucky getting them in her mouth!!

Howdy Pardner! How do I look in Daddy's "Indiana Jones" hat??

Tonight Grandma & Grandpa K babysat while we sent to a new tepanaki restaurant, Osaka and had the funniest chef ever!!! We had a great time!! The chef also chopped up a shrimp into four pieces...for us to catch in our mouths!!! I had no idea that was his intention...Brooks knew what he was doing...I figure it must be a guy thing...especially because it is apparently a hidden talent that my husband possesses that I knew nothing about...and well, I pretty much stink at it. I was 0-2 for my shrimp catching...and he was 2-2. On his second shrimp...it was literally catapulted from the spatula from about 15 feet away and he caught it (and even though I have been obsessive with the camera lately...I didn't bring it...so I missed this photo opp)!!! He even surprised himself. Once again a guy thing. I decided he and Steven probably sat around in college practicing this. And to further my point, our nephew Quentin was walking around at Christmas throwing food up trying to catch it in his mouth...again, a guy thing...they must start practicing this skill early...because he is 6!! Never something I acquired a desire for.

You sure do get a lot of presents when you turn the big 3-0!

And props to my husband for setting up a really fun, surprise date night on Monday. He surprised me and took me to a theater called The Rialto (pretty much like Alamo Draft House...but he decided they had better food...and I must say....our burgers were both really yummmy!!). We saw "Marley and Me," while we ate our burgers and both cried nearly the entire time!!! If you haven't seen it...you must. If you are an animal/pet lover....bring some tissues. We left feeling extra sentimental about our little doggies and our family...so we spread a sheet out on the bed Monday night and let them sleep with us. It was our entire family all on the bed...minus Brooklyn who is doing so so wonderful sleeping in her room!! I think it is harder on me than her.

It is crazy the amount of love we have for that little girl and how she makes us feel. Brooks has told me so many times in the past 24 hours how truly blessed he feels. I think turning 30 has made him contemplate his life and where he is. He has told me how lucky he is to have me, Brooklyn, a house, a good job, family that loves him....and overall a good life...and I have to agree...I'm glad we have him in ours! Brooklyn and I love you with all our heart and soul!!

His best present :)

4 Months Old!

We have no idea where the time has gone...but somehow it is 2009 and Brooklyn is 4 months old!! She has decided that her feet are pretty fun to play with...especially when she can grab a sock and pull it off...she thinks that is extra special. She continues to fill our hearts with her wonderful smiles and laughs. She has begun to really grab onto things...and loves to hold toys and stick them, her fingers...or anything else in her mouth.

Brooklyn with all FOUR grandparents!

She had a great 1st Christmas!! Our first celebration was in Midland with Brooks' family where she got a ton of new toys and a purple rocking elephant!!

Brinin had to make sure it rocked...he was a pro!

We then celebrated Christmas with my side of the family at Aunt Jamie's house where she got more toys...and a jumper!! Hopefully she will be able to play in it soon...she is still just a tad too small.

Brooklyn and Mommy received a Hotsling from Grandma Jan for Christmas so I can "wear" her. It's a super fun, artsy flower pattern that reverses to solid chocolate. So far she seems to like it! Haven't used it "out and about" yet...but it is nice walking around the house, she hung out it in it so we could eat Christmas dinner at the table...and she even napped in it for an hour today!! I think it is going to be a hit! She loves to be swaddled...so this just makes her feel extra cozy too! There are multiple different ways that it can be used to "wear" your baby...supposedly up to 35lbs!!! When they are older it will support them on your hip...or even on your back!! We shall see!! This one seemed like a good options...because it is SIMPLE (even though it did come with an instructional DVD)! There is nothing to tie, no rings to pull fabric through or things to snap in place! Hopefully it will be a good thing...

She had a play date with Rowan yesterday. Rowan had a blast holding her and showing her all of her toys!!

Sure to become great friends...

Today Brooklyn and Mommy went for a walk around the block...such beautiful weather for the middle of winter!!

Ready for my walk! I love my feet...and this tray is great to prop them up on!
Thought we would try out the new shades....she wasn't a huge fan...

Happy to be 4 months old!

Merry Christmas

We are off tomorrow morning for Brooklyn's first trip to Midland!! My parents are coming with us and we'll come home Christmas day and do Christmas with my side of the family on Saturday. Brooklyn is really excited for Grandpa Joe and Grandma Q to see her...because she has gotten so so big!!! Here are some pics from the holiday season...

Our Christmas Tree

Favorite "First Christmas" Ornament

Stockings still need to be personalized...

Having fun staring at all the bright lights and ornaments!


Ready for Grandpa's office Christmas Party

Khloe showing her festive holiday wear

Just a fun picture of Shelby

Labor of Love

Brooks and I decided that we would tile our bathroom for our Christmas present to each other. He did the tiling...and I tried to keep bring the tiles to him and keep them organized. Brooks did a great job....but it was a lot more labor intensive than anticipated...but worth it. We decided to do slate...so we had them laying all over the house so we could see all the different colors. Needless to say...the slate kicked us out of our own bedroom. Our room has become a mess through this process...and our toilet has been moved to the garage. So...it's like we are on a vacation. We have now been staying in our guest room and Brooklyn has officially moved to her own room! It has been an easier transition on us just being 1 wall away from her! For me, staying in the guest room is a nice excuse to be near her! It's much harder than one would think to move her so far away! Anyways, it is looking like it will be after the first of the year before we get our bathroom done and move back. We still have to seal it, grout it, seal again, put toilet back and get baseboards up.

Progress so far

Cute outfit mommy wanted to dress me up in...wrong season...but she made me show it off for a picture since I really never got to wear it!

Just for fun...happy girl

Speaking of being a happy girl...the other night she truly got tickled! She has had little single laughs and chuckles here or there...but she laughed for at least 2 minutes straight the other night! We got the camera out in time to capture some of it. Hope she makes you smile as much as us! Click here for the video!

Daddy Daughter Love

Just a fun picture from tonight...wanted to share :)

Happy Turkey Day!!

We celebrated Brooklyn's first Thanksgiving today at Uncle/Cousin Steven's house. She was able to spend time with family, friends and watch us all stuff our faces!! The funniest part of the whole day was when she got a good grip on her hair and couldn't let go. She was having fun lying on a blanket while we ate and all of a sudden started screaming! I looked down and she had a whole handful of hair in her right hand. I picked her up and she was still quite upset and wouldn't open her hand...we all got a good chuckle. She was back to being happy once we helped her to stop pulling her hair. She also got all dressed up today...(not really)...she was "dressed to the nines" in her black onesie that said "This is my little black dress"...I thought it was too cute.

A quick re-cap on our lives. She had her weight check a week ago and unfortunately only gained 7 ounces, weighing in at 9lbs 12.5oz. She was also still having quite a bit of spit-up...so the doctor sent her for an Upper GI with barium. I was quite apprehensive, but it didn't even faze her! She drank the stuff they gave her (I actually think she was a big fan) and then the doctor watched her stomach and esophagus...and sure enough it confirmed that she has reflux. As soon as she finished swallowing...it came back up...poor thing. So, it also verified that everything is anatomically correct inside of her and connected in the right spots...she just has reflux (apparently without the "normal" signs). The doctor has now started her on Prevacid...so we are giving this antacid a try. Since she was such a big girl, she was given a little stuffed fishy from the hospital. My mom and I took her for a second weigh in yesterday at the doctor’s office and she did much better!! She gained 6 ounces in 7 days!! (much better than the previous 7 ounces in 14 days)....so as of yesterday she weighed 10lbs 2.5oz...we are in double digits!! :)

Aunt Jamie and I took her to see Santa Claus on Monday...he was at JC Penny's...so we had her Christmas pictures taken...some with Santa and some without. Brooklyn really had fun grabbing his beard. They sat on a couch by the fireplace and Christmas tree...got to share secrets...and read a book together!

Today Daddy hung up all of our Christmas lights...he wanted to make sure and decorate for Brooklyn's first Christmas! The house looks great!! (on the outside and inside!!) We did some major cleaning this week, which was much over due. We had a little dinner party Tuesday with Melissa, Aaron & Tillie (yes, Brooklyn finally got to meet Miss Tillie...I think they will be buddies)...and Catherine & Greg! It was a fun night...we may just start up a little dinner club! :) Anyways, we have Christmas lights on the house, our little magnolia tree, candy canes in our flower bed...and hope to get the tree up this weekend!! Auntie/Cousin Jennifer is here visiting and staying with us...so maybe we will have time to decorate!

...and if you look below I finally posted more pictures!! :)

Brooklyn's Birth Announcement

Brooklyn's birth announcements have finally been labeled (wasn't going to hand address them), stuffed and mailed!!! Better late than never, seeing as they went out just after her two month birthday. However, we absolutely love them!! Catherine Lopez of FOUR Creative Studio (friend, photographer and designer) was so generous to make them for us. Hopefully our next kiddo's won't be as delayed since we now have our list of people...but I'm sure our life will be more hectic...so who knows! We are so excited to share her arrival with all our friends and family...even if she did arrive in September! :)

Brooklyn's newest discovery...

Just thought I would post a quick update about Brooklyn's newest discovery...and it is most entertaining! Lately we have learned that sometimes she is most happy and content to just lay on a blanket or the couch and "kick and squirm." Over the past few days she has begun to hold her hands, which has helped her control them...and she loves to lick them!! If she is lucky, a finger or thumb will land in her mouth and she will go to town sucking on them! It is so cute!!!

2 Month Check-Up

Just a quick update...Brooklyn had her 2 month check-up with Dr. Ferreris today. She looks great and got a good report. His only concern was that she is a bit skinny. She weighed 9lbs 5.5oz (10-25th percentile) and her length was 22.75" (70th percentile)...so he wants to see us back in two weeks and hopes for her to be 11 pounds!!! So...Mommy and baby have a lot of work to do! We are going to go to the lactation center again to see if they have any tips for us! We may have to start waking her up in the night for an extra feeding or two.

She also got FIVE shots!!! Three in one thigh and two in the other. Her only prize was two pink camoflauge band-aids. Someday she will get a chocolate milkshake. She did great! She cried and turned bright red, but as soon as they were over we held her and she was fine.