19 Months Old

Here is Miss Brooke at 19 Months Old.  She continues to be so much fun every day!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2009 was a wonderful family affair.  We were in Chicago with Scott's family and lots of dogs (okay, 3).  The holiday "kicked off" with the traditionally Christmas Eve pajamas, which Dad shows off here (uh, those are Brooke's, and no, Dad didn't get a matching set).

On Christmas morning Brooke opened a new sled!  Very fitting as it snowed all day Christmas and the next 2 days (and the next 14 when we returned home).

At Christmas dinner, Brooke tried out her first candy cane, thanks to Grandpa Chief.

A closing shot before bedtime...Christmas smiles all around!

Merry Christmas to All!

Santa, Take 2

We visited Santa a second time this week, with Brooke all smiles as we waited in line.However, tears quickly replaced the smiles as we approached Santa's chair. Again I tried to remind her, Breathe Brooke Breathe. I guess it's not a bad thing she's frightened of strange men with long white beards. Hopefully we can keep up that "stranger fear" to keep her safe until she's 25!

Gingerbread House

Brooke and Mom made their very first gingerbread house. Being a first attempt there's a bit of a learning curve in the frosting decorating, candy application, etc. We also fully admit we should leave the artistic activities up to Aunt Kathleen. Lastly, we also think, if it wasn't cold outside, this should be considered an "outside activity," as frosting and candy seemed to get everywhere (much to Maddie's pleasure). Brooke ate more candy than she helped apply to the house. (not so good for dinnertime, as we made the house at 5:30pm, then tried to eat dinner at 6pm -- not so interested in peas at that point). Maybe next year things will go smoother...

Doctor visit update

Brooke's 18 month well check appointment went well, and the doctor was impressed with how well she behaved during the examination. Her growth: weight 23 lbs 14 oz (40%), height 32 1/4 inches (65%).

She keeps us busy day in and day out. She spent Sunday pushing her large Snoopy around in her doll stroller.

Holiday Event at Dad's Office

Dad's office had a special holiday event on Saturday, with a "holiday breakfast", holiday crafts for the kids, Santa, etc. It was fun for Mom and Brooke to go downtown and see his office. Brooke enjoyed his swivel chair.
As well as working at his desk.

Beautiful blue eyes was a little tired/hungry as the morning wore on...

Leading to a disastrous Santa picture. Breathe Brooke, Breathe. We'll see Santa again on Wednesday so hopefully that goes smoother.

She was all smiles a few minutes later, as she changed (and played hide-and-seek) in Dad's office.

UB Visits

UB (aka Uncle Brad) came in for the weekend -- to see our new house, visit his niece Brooke and go to a Blackhawks/Penguins game with Scott. Brooke was overjoyed to have someone "new" to play with for the weekend.

Brad was very patient in reading Brooke the same book at least 3x in the same hour... It was great to have him visit and we look forward to him returning with his other half, Aunt Heather.

Baby #2: 2nd Ultrasound

At 19.3 weeks we had another ultrasound to check on the baby. Baby is doing well!
It's hard to believe there's a baby in there, and cracks me up to watch it move on the ultrasound. I guess when you have a little one already to chase around (aka speedy-into-everything-and-running-everywhere Miss Brooke), you don't have a spare moment to think of this new life forming!

And I finally felt the baby move on Friday (Dec. 4th) -- that adds to making it more real!