Brooklyn's 6 Month Appt

Brooklyn's six month appointment was a success.  She received her vaccinations like a champ with very little fussing.  We got one small surprise a couple days before the appointment when her first tooth popped through.  There were a few small fussy periods, but for the most part she acted as if nothing was bothering her.  Brooklyn's measurements at her 6 month appointment were: 16.8 lbs (63rd %) and 27.25" (95th %).  We have begun feeding her baby food and oatmeal.  She is starting to get the hang of it and is becoming a good eater.

Sorry It's Been So Long

It is amazing everything that goes on in one short month.  This past month we were lucky enough to have my mom come down and spend the week with us during her spring break.  We had such a great time and the kiddos hated to see her leave.  During her stay they were able to make a trip up to the Columbia Zoo and also headed to the beach.  I am pretty sure fun was had by all. 

We are also very busy with the art of potty-training.  Brayden is making some very good progress.  His potty board is becoming filled with stars and smiley faces.  Lets hope he keeps on progressing.  Diapers for two is becoming very expensive.

Brookly continues to grow and amaze us each day.  I am really starting to see her girly side come out (she is quite a babbler).  She managed to roll over from back to front and shortly thereafter from front to back.  Really scaring me to think she is going to be mobile very soon.

Here are some pics over the last month along with some new professional pics.

Her Ears are Pierced

Afetr receiving her 4 months shots, we decided to take Brooklyn to get her ears pierced.  We went to a local Claire's and picked out her earrings.  Momma went with her favorite color, some amethyst studs.  Michelle wasn't sure she would be able to stay around while the piercing was happening, so she took Brayden to PetsMart while I supervised.  Brooklyn took the piercing surprisingly well.  She did shed a few tears, but it sure didn't last long.  She looks so cute with her new earrings.

Brooklyn's 4 Month Appt

We are blessed to know that we have a healthy 4 month old girl.  Brooklyn had her 4 month appointment last week and received a clean bill of health.  She measured in at both 85th percentile for weight and height.  She did a great job with all of her shots and goes back for another check-up in 2 months.

Brayden and Brooklyn Cuddling

Can't Wait to See What Changes the New Year Brings

I truly can't imagine wathching my two babies grow any more than they have this past year.  I watched Brayden become a talking machine, a caring big brother, and an independent young man.  He started the year out with some 2 to 3 word phrases to carrying on entire conversations.  It is a breath of fresh air that he can now tell us what is bothering him as opposed to guessing what a tantrum is about.  He even sings us a song every now and then. As for being a good big brother, I can't tell you how many times I have seen him comfort his baby sister when she gets fussy.  He does it all: rubs her head, reads her a book, and rocks her swing.  As for being independent, lets just say he might as well have his own place.  He is getting dressed by himself, eating on his own, and finally entertaining himself.  He could spend hours outside playing by himself and with Ace.

As for Brooklyn, we obviously only got to see her grow for 3 months.  But it was amazing to see her develop.  I think my favorite thing to see her do was to smile.  Nothing brightens my day more than seeing my little girl smile.  She has also given mommy and daddy a little break.  She is sleeping from 7:30 in the evening to 8:00 in the morning  with only 1 to 2 feedings during the night.  This is much better than the every 2 hour feedings we were experiencing.  She also loves to sit in her Bumbo chair and watch the world go by. 

With all of the changes we've seen, we can't wait to see the upcoming changes.

Happy Holidays!

We were so blessed this year to be able to travel home to Tennessee for 2 long weeks!  The trip started out in Greeneville, TN visiting Pauls extended family.  We then went to Nashville to spend sometime with my family.  We did Opryland Hotel (by the way..after the flood..they have redone it) and boy was it beautiful!  Brayden loved all the greenery and lights and little Miss Brooklyn slept in the snuggie the whole time.  We got to meet up with some old friends and spend quality time with my family.  We ended the trip in Knoxville, TN where we spent some time with Pauls family.  Both kids were troopers and loved all the attention.  Even Ace came along for the ride and did wonderful.  Santa brought Brayden a train set, clothes, and a 4 wheeler Power Wheel.  Brooklyn got clothes, a teddy bear, money, and much more.  We are so blessed with such wonderful families.  We had a great trip, but glad to be home and get the kids back on a somewhat normal routine. Here are a few pics from the trip:

Brooklyn is Growing Like a Weed

Well it didn't take long for our little girl to become not so little.  Michelle just recently took Brooklyn for her 2 month check-up.  She weighed in at 13lbs. 2oz. (95th percentile for her age) and 24.25" long (97th percentile).  I guess that momma's milk is doing its job.  The doctor was very pleased with how she looked and said that she is very healthy.  She even stated that her small hernia under her belly button seems to be healing well. 

It is amazing to watch her develop each day.  She is doing a great job with holding her head up and looking around.  She also love to lay on her jungle playmat and watch the world go by.

 Her sleeping habits seem to be improving as well.  She now goes down after her bath around 7:00 and sleeps unil 1 or 2 in the morning.  After her long stretch she proceeds to sleep anywhere from 1 to 3 hour increments.  It sure is nice for mommy and daddy to get that long stretch in there.

We are enjoying every moment we get to spend with her.

The Start of the Holiday Season

While Mimi Helle was visiting over Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to go see the beautiful display of lights at the James Island County Park.  It was a chilly night that started off with some hamburgers from Melvin's (Emeril Lagasse's voted them as his favorite cheeseburger).  Then it was off to the park.  The park offers over 500,000 lights stretched over a 3-mile drive.  Halfway trough, we stopped to enjoy some of the outdoor activities.  We toured some more lights, rode the carousel, and attempted to get a picture with Santa, or as Brayden calls him, Noah.  He has a little Noah figurine that he plays with in the bathtub that has a white beard and white hair, therefore making him think that Santa is Noah.  He said repeatedly on the way to the park, "sit on Noah's lap."  Well, he had different plans once we got into line.  As we approached the line to sit on Santa's lap, he through a royal fit until we got out of line.  Maybe next year?  Here are some of the fun pics we took while there:

Brayden thought that the Reindeer decoration was there for him to ride.

It's tough to see, but Brooklyn is all bundled up in her Baby Bjorn and under my jacket.

Our little monkey riding a monkey.

Brooklyn's Baby Dedication

On Sunday, November 21st we packed in the car and headed to the Longpoint Seacoast Campus for Brooklyn's baby dedication.  It was a very beautiful service and both Brooklyn and Brayden were excellent throughout.  We are so blessed to attend such a wonderful church.  Here are some pictures from before and during the service:

This Made Us LOL

We decided to try a red tutu on Brooklyn that Mimi Helle got her.

Apparently Brayden thought it looked so good on her, he had to put it on for himself.