Happy Halloween!

Our first family picture! We match and everything!

Isn't she SPOOKY!?

Her Halloween Eve outfit - says "Mommy's Under My Spell"

Thanks Aunt Meggie for my first holiday outfit!

Maybe Mommy should be a photographer...?

Our baby girl's first holiday has come and gone - and what fun we had!

I think Mommy had more fun dressing her up in her SPOOKY outfits than she should have, but hey - she'll never have another FIRST Halloween! Why not take advantage of a few cute photo opportunties?

The past few days were full of fun visits with family!

Aunt Meggie came and spent the day with us on Thursday, which we loved so much! Cousin Stephy ended up stopping by as she was in town for the day as well! We had such a great day just being girls - the only one missing was Stacie! Stacie has been sick and we hope she feels better soon! We've missed her weekly visits!

Last night was Trick-or-Treat night, so we packed Brookie up and went to Gram Joyce's for the evening. All of the kids from the neighborhood were dressed adorably in their costumes - but my personal favorites were Halle, Big Max, Zoe, and Miss Marlee - aka - The Flower, The Bee, Victoria from the Incredibles, and Little Ladybug! They couldn't have been cuter! I only wish we could have captured a picture of all 5 together...

I'd say our first Halloween was a success! I can't wait until Halloween rolls around next year - I wonder what Miss Brookie will want to be!!?? I have a feeling she'll be pretty cute!

Coming up this weekend -

Grammy Kathy's visit on Saturday morning...

Michelle's baby shower Saturday afternoon with Leah and Caleb (Brooke's future prom date!)

An attempt to take Brooke to church on Sunday morning...

Have a great weekend!

Daddy's Return, Pajama Morning, and Aretha Franklin...

Good Morning!

Brookie's smile has grown even larger in the last few days, and I feel pretty sure that it is because of a few fun events in the Wray household!

#1 - Daddy is back! Zig finally made it home from his L-O-N-G hunting weekend yesterday afternoon! We were so happy to see him and it seemed that he couldn't get in the door quick enough to see his baby girl! She smiled when she saw her Daddy - and he loved that!

We gave Daddy some time to get cleaned up, and then we took off - just the three of us - for a quick trip to Kmart, Wilson's Meats, and to Pap and Nana's for a quick visit! Daddy made us some delicious steaks on the grill and we spent the rest of the evening together! We are so glad that Daddy is back!

Watching out the window for Daddy!

#2 - Brookie and Mommy are having a pajama morning! (It's actually over now...but...) We woke up for her 9:00 bottle this morning and by 10:00, I had her hooked into her car seat ready to take a quick trip with Mommy to the bank. The only thing I HAD to do today was take some money to the bank, and I couldn't see rushing a shower for that one and only trip out of the house... SO... We both went to the bank in our pajamas! How fun! Brooke smiled from ear to ear when I told her that this is something that Mommy likes to do in the summer and on weekends... We both got dressed and ready shortly after coming back, but I thought it was fun to take her out of the house in comfy clothes...just like Mommy! I just love the girlie things we can ALREADY do together!

Check out the ladybug feet on my jommies!

#3 - As random as this may sound, Aretha Franklin is the latest reason for my gorgeous girl to flash her million dollar smile! As I was getting some pictures downloaded onto the computer, Brooke was laying across my lap. On the TV was The View and Aretha Franklin was singing a Christmas song from her new album and then sang her classic "Respect." When she started "WHAT you want...baby I got it...," I started singing along. I was dancing and waving my arms while I sang the entire song to Brooke - and you should have seen her smile! She even cooed like she was trying to giggle at her silly Mommy! Although it was really ME that she was smiling at, I'll give Aretha the credit! We've had such a great morning already!

We have to take a minute to again say HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY to our favorite little man, Joshua! I can't believe my nephew is 2 already...jeez, time really does fly! What an awesome two years - I can't wait until he's even bigger... Love you lots, little man!

We are looking forward to Aunt Meggie's visit on Thursday, and also to FINALLY put these adorable Halloween outfits on Brooke. We aren't exactly sure what night is Trick-or-Treat night in Burnham, and honestly, we haven't even decided if we are going to be at home for that event. It's a little crazy around here around Halloween - hundreds of kids flock to the avenues in Burnham, so passing out candy is no easy task. As long as we get to see Halle, Max, Zoe and Marlee (and pictures of Joshua aka Cookie Monster!!), we'll be happy! No costumes for Brooke this year, just cute Halloween theme onesies!

For now, enjoy some fun pictures of our beautiful girl!

Another new 3 month outfit! She's getting so big!

Tummy time on my boppy!

Happy Monday!

P.S.
How 'bout them LIONS! Take THAT, Buckeyes!!

Missing Daddy...

I know that Daddy will be home in a few days (Mommy keeps saying the day after tomorrow...) but I sure do miss him!

This is the first time since I was born that Daddy has been away for more than a short time!

Mommy has been sad, she even cried when my Daddy left yesterday, but she keeps telling me that Daddy will be home very soon - and that makes me very happy!

My Daddy is just the best!

He holds me every night and helps me fall to sleep!

He plays with me and makes funny noises!

He tells me jokes and makes fun of Mommy - he's so funny!

When I'm crying, he does whatever I need to make me feel better!

He helps my Mommy out a lot - he makes bottles, changes my pants (not my poopy pants!), he rocks me, and he stays home with me when Mommy has things she needs to get done...

Mommy and I are really starting to appreciate all the things he does when he's here!

Mommy is doing a great job with me all by herself, but we both think that it's much better when the three of us are together as a family!

My Mommy and Daddy tell me that they love me all the time! They even tell me that they love me more than anything else in the whole world! That's a lot! Mommy has had to tell me TWICE as much that she loves me, since Daddy isn't here to remind me right now.

Mommy and I are staying busy while Daddy is gone. Nana came and spent the morning with us and Gram Joyce came and visited this afternoon - even though I spent most of the afternoon spitting up! For some reason, I don't want to eat all of my milkies, which makes me hungry sooner, then my belly gets upset. I only spit up a little on Gram Joyce...but she didn't mind! Mommy was really worried about my upset belly, but I'm OK!

We are going to my Nana's for supper tonight, but I hope we aren't gone too late! Tonight is tubby night and my Mommy sings me lots of songs during my tubby! I can't wait to hear what she sings tonight!

It's almost time for my 4th nap of the day, so I'm going to fuss a little bit to get my Mommy's attention!

I really miss my Daddy...but he'll be home really soon! And when he gets here, I think I'll give him this million dollar smile! I'm pretty sure his heart will melt!

I love you Mommy and Daddy,

Love,

Baby Brooke

6 Weeks...Really?

Wow! Has it really been 6 weeks since this precious baby girl came into our lives?

I found myself saying "Six weeks ago today..." this morning to Baby Brooke! I happened to look at the clock right before 9:02am which was exactly when she was born 6 weeks ago today!

Things have been much better lately with Brooke! When I go back and read my last post from a few days ago, I can't believe I actually made it to the 6 week mark, but thank goodness she has been more like herself lately! She's been sleeping 5-6 hours at a time through the night, which is just fine with Mommy! Anything is better than only 2 hours TOTAL sleep! Truly...anything!

A little warning for my readers...

Daddy is going away tomorrow and won't be returning home until Sunday afternoon!

We started talking about this big hunting trip he would take shortly after I became pregnant, and of course, it didn't seem like such a big deal at the time! Now that we have a newborn in the house (whose favorite thing is NOT sleeping), I'm a little worried about being on my own with her for that long of a time.

I'm totally used to having her alone during the day when Daddy is at work - but there are some days that I'm counting the minutes until 5:00 when I know he will be home soon, just to help me out and give me a break in the evenings.

He has offered not to go at all, and Nana and Amanda have offered to help with anything they can... But we'll be fine. I've already told Zig that I might be mad at the world by the time he comes home - and that he may have to tell me that I'm allowed to take the rest of the school year off, just to make up for being away so long!

I guess what I'm saying is that...this could get ugly... I'll try to keep my posts as civil as possible!

I know I'll be tired and feeling a little bit overwhelmed, but maybe I'll surprise myself and have the best weekend alone with Brooke!

A few pictures for you...

This first picture is the Princess in her crib after her FIRST ENTIRE NIGHT sleeping there! We decided that it was time for her to sleep in her a few days ago and she's been doing a great job! She really doesn't seem to care where she sleeps at night... I was the one laying in bed saying "Zig, is it sad if I miss her??" She's such a big girl!

And this one... I'm sorry... A few nights ago, Zig was holding Brookie when I heard him giggling from across the room... When I looked over, he told me to get the camera and 'come look!' This is what I saw... She really IS her father's daughter!!

A LONG couple of days...

My new 3 month outfit! I'm so cute!

My Mommy is so funny!

Tell me another one, Mom!

Whew...

I seriously thought I was going to 'lose my religion' with this beautiful little girl over the last few days - but with a face like that, how could I do anything but smile! When I caught these priceless smiles, we were talking about Daddy and how STINKY he is...she just loves when Mommy tells her stories about Daddy! I have a feeling we will gang up on him a lot in her lifetime!

So, it's been a rough couple of days in the Wray household!
I have to begin by admitting my weakness to peer pressure...After a terrible night's sleep on Wednesday night, (the only sleeping being done from 7-9am...yes, AM!) Zig and I decided to try some cereal to see if it would help Brooke to sleep better at night. We had had such wonderful nights where she was sleeping for 5 and 6 hours at a time, but she started going backwards and staying wide awake at night! It was making us crazy! Well, Since Grammy Kathy was here for a few days, she served as moral support for us giving our baby her first bite of cereal! I was nervous...and Zig had the video camera to document the new experience.

So, it went like this...
Tubbie, mix up cereal, drink 1 ounce of bottle, try a few bites of cereal, finish 2 ounces of bottle.
Sounds easy...and it was...that time. Uh huh.
SHE LOVED THE CEREAL - attacked the spoon like an animal, but Brooke's sleep pattern wasn't much different at that first night of cereal, but we were encouraged that it might take some time to get her into a routine - one where she understood that cereal was a night time thing and that it meant it was time to sleep with that full belly!

So, we try again Friday night.
She must really love the taste of cereal because she couldn't get enough...so, silly Mommy gave her just a few more bites than she had the night before. Big mistake Mommy! It was almost instantaneous...when I took the cereal away and got her ready to settle in for the night, I heard her belly rumble louder than an adult stomach...then it began...GAS - and LOTS of it...and SCREAMING...oooh, the screaming!

Daddy was away fighting a fire and was gone from 9:30 pm until 5:00 am the next morning - so Mommy was on her own with a screaming baby. She had never screamed like this before - and honestly, I think I cried as much as she did. That cereal must have bound her up in a way that her little insides just couldn't handle. I didn't know what to do for her...my heart was broken into a million pieces because it was the first time that I - her Mommy - couldn't calm her...couldn't make her stop crying! Something was hurting her and there was NOTHING I could do!
I must have called Zig a million times, but since he was inside of a burning building, there wasn't a whole lot he could do for us... When he finally checked in with us around midnight, she was still screaming and I was about to rip my hair out! He was stuck where he was and so was I...

Eventually, around 1:oo am, Brooke settled down and slept for a few hours. I wondered whether or not she'd be hungry with an upset belly, but she was and she ate her regular bottle. She fussed a good bit before falling back to sleep for a few more hours - but once she was awake for the day, all she did was scream all morning! I'm telling you - parents that have to deal with babies who develop Colic - there are no words to describe the helplessness you feel!

We began to think that this might not end until she pooped, which could be a while since she's only been going every 3 days!
So - after a fussy Saturday evening, a sleepless Saturday night (one where Zig was up all night with us) and a fussy Sunday morning (one that made us have to skip church), she finally pooped!
I can honestly say that I've never been more excited to change a pooped diaper - only because I thought she would finally feel better!
After her pants were changed, she fell right to sleep and was O-U-T for over 4 hours!

We finally had a pretty normal evening with her last night...bottle at 8, fast asleep... But when I laid her down for the night, she woke up screaming...again! After trying everything to calm her and get her back to sleep, we finally tried feeding her a small bottle...and it worked! She ate again at 10:30 and went right back to sleep! I heard from her at 2:45 this morning and again at 7:45...

HOPEFULLY, we're back to the way we were before the cereal incident occurred! Zig and I both agree that we are going to take cereal out of the equation until she's a little older. She obviously isn't ready for it and I regret ever trying it with her! I learned my lesson...I'm just glad she's alright.

We truly don't have a lot going on this week... Hopefully an uneventful, normal, fussy-free week is ahead...yet another week to fall head-over-heels in love with this little girl!

Little Girls...

Look how LONG I am!

Wait a minute...that's not Brookie! It's Miss Marlee!

I love sharing my play mat with my cousin Marlee!
Aunt Libby loves her new baby niece!

Hi!

We were pleasantly suprised when Grammy Kathy showed up at our door with baby Marlee yesterday! Grammy is staying with us for a few days while she helps Aunt Stephanie with a few things - mainly keeping an eye on the kids while she gets to feeling better! While Zoe Joy was at preschool, Grammy and Miss Marlee came to play with Brooke - and what fun we had!

Brookie was such a sport - she and Marlee are already learning to be friends and to share! While Grammy enjoyed some time with Brooke, I held, fed, burped, and rocked Marlee to sleep! I just loved that special time with her! These two babies are only 15 days apart and they are so different! I hope they grow up to be close friends...and enjoy each other as much as we enjoy watching them be together!

We are looking forward to a fun weekend with Aunt Meg, Uncle Jason and cousin Josh! Meg and Jason are heading to the Penn State game on Saturday, so Nana, Pap and I will have the kiddies! We're hoping for nice weather so that Josh can take lots of tractor rides with Pap - and Brookie would enjoy some fresh air as well! I'm sure I'll have some fun pictures of the kids by the end of the weekend!

Enjoy the latest pictures of our precious little girls! Have a great weekend!

A day to remember...and be even more thankful!

Our Angel...

Good Morning Everyone!

Our precious baby girl is five weeks old today...and today more than ever, I am THANKFUL and feel truly blessed for all of the wonderful things in my life.

If you've taken a look at the 'fellow bloggers' section of this site, you may have read about a little boy named Isaac who spent the most precious 16 minutes on this earth with his Mommy and Daddy before going home to Jesus. This family has been the truest testament of faith that I've ever seen in my life and they have truly restored my faith in God! The pain that they have suffered in losing their precious baby boy is indescribable - yet their strength and trust in God is stronger than ever!

Today, October 15, is the National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, it has been suggested that grieving parents and family members light a candle at 7 p.m. in their respective time zones to create a wave of light around the world in memory of babies lost to pregnancy and infant loss.

My heart is heavy for baby Isaac today...

I'm praying for all of the tiniest angels who have gone to heaven way too soon...

Our precious angel baby that we lost in June of 2007 and many other angles that we are blessed to have known...

The weight of today, I'm sure, sits heavy on many Mother's shoulders...

I'm going to be sure to enjoy every second of this day - remembering our angels and being even more thankful for the angel that God blessed us with 5 weeks ago today!

I'll hug her a little bit tighter...

I'll kiss her a few more times...

I'll be sure to tell her how much I love her...today and every day!

Our BIG SLEEPER GIRL!

I've forgotten what it feels like to actually feel rested throughout the day, but thanks to our wonderful, BIG SLEEPER GIRL, Mommy and Daddy got a great night's sleep and are ready to face the world today!

Our Brookie turned one month on Friday and it seems that she's growing right before our eyes! The last month has been a long one when it comes to the lack of sleep and getting used to living life with a child - but it has gone by so quickly when I think of how far we've come as a family of three!

The big girl is eating more at each feeding, lasting longer time periods between each feeding and seemingly starting to understand the difference between night and day!

Two nights ago, Brooke was going 5 hours between each 3 ounce feeding, which felt amazing during the night! Really, she was only sleeping for a solid 3 hours between each of those feedings until I finally got her to sleep...but still, three solid hours felt great!

And last night, after an awesome evening with Brandon, Manda and the kids, Brookie ate at 9:30, we laid her down at 11 when we got home, and didn't hear her fuss until 6:00 this morning! She never cried - but her Daddy and I were up to check on her every 15 minutes just to make sure she was OK! So although we didn't get a complete full night's sleep, we enjoyed our first night of not getting up and down...and my body appreciates that this morning!! What a big girl we have!

This long sleep periods will probably not happen again for a while - I'm sure last night was a fluke...but here's to hoping that this is the beginning of the end of the sleepless nights!

In other news, Brooke made her first trip to the grocery store with Mommy this morning! Such fun we had! She was wide-eyed most of the way through the store as I explained every item I dropped in our cart - she seemed very interested! She really must be the cutest thing EVER since many different people stopped us so that they could 'Oooh...and Awww" over her! I just love that! She fell asleep in the check out line and we were home before she ever awoke! I loved our little outing!

Not too many things planned for this upcoming week - Grammy Kathy is coming for an extended stay with all 3 of her girls, we're hoping for a visit with Leah and Baby Caleb, I'm sure we'll spend lots of time with the Brandon, Manda and the kids, and we're super excited for Aunt Meggie, Uncle Jason, and cousin Joshua's visit next weekend for the Penn State game!

Enjoy some of our latest pictures...isn't she just the best?

Our best day yet!

Napping in my big girl crib!

My new favorite outfit! Thanks Aunt Meggie!

Big Max is 1!! Happy Birthday Buddy!

My Uncle Scubby loves me...

Happy Friday! And what a beautiful fall Friday it is! The weather in central PA couldn't be better right now - especially for those hunters looking for the big bucks in the early morning!

In the last few days, our little Brookie turned 4 weeks old, spent the day with her favorite Aunt Meggie, went to her very first birthday party, consistently started eating 3 ounces at each feeding, AND turned ONE MONTH OLD!

It was exactly one month ago today that our precious baby girl came into the world! As Manda and Brandon celebrate ONE YEAR with Big Max, one month doesn't seem so big, but seeing the changes in this little girl in such a small amount of time gives me a peek into all that is to come in this lifetime!

This little gorgeous girl just keeps getting better and better! Her eating habits have improved, she's definitely growing, she's becoming much more alert and she is sleeping for longer periods of time during the night!

Yesterday was definitely OUR BEST DAY YET! Aunt Meggie played 'hooky' and spent the entire day with us! It was a day with just the girls, as my Mom joined us for lunch and special time with Brooke as well. Brooke must have been very excited to see her Aunt since she stayed awake for 2 whole hours after her morning feeding! We played on the floor and had long talks with Brookie until she eventually fell back to sleep in Nana's arms just after noon! The child slept until her next feeding (4.5 hours improved from 3!) and stayed awake until we left for Big Max's birthday party! She fell asleep in the car and slept through the entire party until we woke her after almost 5 hours to eat before heading home! Her awake time paid off after we were only up to feed at 10:30, 2:45, and 6:30! Not so bad!

Nana came to stay with Brookie for the first time this morning while I went to my follow up appointment with Dr. Grill! It was so crazy to be in that office and NOT be pregnant - let's just hope it's a LONG TIME before that happens again! When I got back from my appointment, Nana and Brookie were enjoying a bottle and I was greeted with a 'big girl burp' from my gorgeous girl!

This afternoon we went to Daddy's work to see all of the girls! Jenn, Keitha, and LeAnn just fussed and fussed over this little girl and her Daddy and I just loved showing her off!
After a quick lunch out with Brandon, we took Daddy back to work and now we're home to rest for a little while! It won't be long until she needs to eat again!

We're hoping for lots of outside time this weekend! Maybe a walk with Manda and the kids is in order for today!
We can't wait to enjoy this awesome fall weekend! Enjoy the new pictures!
Until next time!

A Flash from Mommy's Past!

My heart was full of love yesterday afternoon after a long-overdue visit with one of my dearest friends!

Way back in my South End Playground Supervisor days, a little girl by the name of Jenna Mae Craig was a regular attendee and took on the role of my 'little sister!' I worked there for 4 consecutive summers, and even when Jenna Mae became too old to attend the playground, she still attended almost every day to help! She and I were joined at the hip every summer, and although there were 5 years between us, we always kept in very close contact and made it a point to spend time together whenever possible!

We've always had such a special connection - I've watched her grow and I've been as proud as a REAL big sister would be of her little sister! She's absolutely gorgeous, she's incredibly smart and driven, and she happens to be the captain of her collegiate basketball team at Millersville!

Jenna has always been on the list of people that were updated about our pregnancy with Brooke and she was definitely one of the first to know when she had arrived - so when she was on home on fall break this week, she made a special visit to see this little girl that she knows I've wanted for so long!

I just loved seeing Jenna hold Brooke - talk to her, smile at her, and laugh about her story of coming into this world! Brooke slept away as Jenna and I got caught up on all of the exciting things happening in her world - talking with her reminds me of a very special time in my life (my teenage years!) and I love that she has that affect on me!

We've had dozens of visitors in and out of this house over the last month, and each has been special in their very own way. But Jenna Mae's time with us was so dear to my heart that I already miss her this morning...and Brooke and I both hope that she comes back very soon! - She promised to bring Brookie a little Millersville jersey and her very first basketball on her next visit! We can't wait!

So Jenna Mae - We are so proud of you and we love you so much! Don't stay away too long!

What a Weekend!

Happy Monday!

We hope you enjoy a whole new round of pictures from the last few days!

Aunt Meggie found the precious outfit in the pictures above at the Children's Place and she bought a few more just like it! Although they were NO WHERE CLOSE to fitting Brooke last week, they fit her now and they make the perfect pajamas! I remember Joshua wearing the exact same outfits - in boy colors, of course - and he looked so long and skinny! Same goes for Miss Brookie and I love it!

Our weekend was over quicker than it started, it seemed!

Daddy was very excited for the first day of Archery Hunting Season on Saturday morning, so we tried to let him have a good night's sleep on Friday night! It was tub night at our house so we all settled in for the night shortly after a tub and a bottle! We didn't have the best night of sleep, but we survived!

Daddy left very early Saturday morning, but I was able to get Brookie settled enough that we both went back to bed and got a few hours of solid sleep! I was beginning to forget what that felt like!

Since the morning turned out to be rainy and cold, Daddy came home early and had breakfast with us. He spent the morning napping on the couch before heading back out with his hunting buddies for lunch. Brookie and I stayed in to watch the Penn State game, which she slept right through!

When the game was over, Daddy and Brandon went back out to his tree to hunt until dark and since the sun had finally decided to come out, Brookie and I got to enjoy a wonderful walk with Manda and the kids! I love these walks we take and I'm sure going to miss them once the weather gets too cold to go outside!

When the boys finally got back from hunting, the three of us went over to Manda and Brandon's for a late supper and spent the evening with them! Manda doesn't get much time with Brooke on her own, so she greatly enjoyed rocking with her since Halle and Max were fast asleep! Evenings with the Hertzler clan are our favorite - I can't wait until Brookie is older and she, Halle, and Max can be off playing and getting into trouble while the 'adults' socialize together!

After a rough night's sleep on Saturday night, Daddy did some babysitting on Sunday morning so that I could run to the grocery store! When I got back, Grammy Kathy and John were here and had some nice visiting time with Brooke before heading over to Scub and Stephanie's to get ready for the party!

The pictures below are of Zoe and Uncle Scub with his birthday cake, Grammy Kathy and John with Brooke, and Aunt Stephanie with Miss Marlee...

We had such a nice time visiting with family! After a great meal of steak, baked potatoes, salad and yummy birthday cake, Zig and Scub sat outside on the deck, Zoe went next door to play with a friend, and Stephanie and I actually had a chance to sit inside with the girls and talk! I've greatly enjoyed getting to know Stephanie over the last few years and I'm very grateful for how close we've gotten - It makes me think about how close my Mom and my Aunt Rhonda always were when I was growing up! The fact that they were such good friends made it so that Meg and I were always spending time with Stephie and Stacie... And I truly hope that Zoe, Marlee and Brooke can be as close as I was with all of my cousins!

We're heading out to Nana and Pap's for supper tonight and I might see if I can convince Zig to take to us Walmart while we're out! Brookie needs new bottles and I'm very anxious to do some shopping for Big Max's 1st Birthday this week! I'll definitely have pictures to post from this little guy's birthday on Thursday - I can't believe he's going to be 1!

Until then - have a great week - and enjoy the latest pictures of our gorgeous girl!

Big Girl Tubbie - Take 2!

Future GAP Model? I think SO!

Daddy thought it was funny to take this picture of us...jeez, we were tired!

We call this outfit 'baby camo!' This child has more pink polka dots than you could count!

Happy Penn State Saturday everyone!

I wanted to title this post "Second Verse, Same as the First" from the scene in the movie 'Ghost' when Patrick Swayze is singing 'Henry the Eighth!' (My sister might be the only one who knows what I'm talking about here...)

We tried the big girl tubbie for the second time - and it went almost exactly the same as the first! Screams of terror and lots of tears! And what did Mommy and Daddy do? Grab the camera, of course! In the very short minutes that Brooke wasn't crying, Daddy was snapping pictures! You HAVE to love the picture of her in the tub with her little legs wrapped around the 'baby hammock!' For some reason, no matter how many times I lift her higher and put her legs back up with her body, she drops them back down into the water! She must not like her pigs getting cold!

Yesterday was an awesome day for us! While Daddy was at work, Brookie and I spent the day getting ready for our big outing to IVMS! And what an outing it was! We got to the school around 2:45, with just enough time to visit with the office staff before they headed out for the day! The secretaries and my principal and vice principal just loved getting to hold her and get their first peek at this baby that we waited so long for! It was so cool to be able to show her off!

As the school day came to an end, Brooke and I hid in the office - out of sight to all students who had heard that Mrs. Wray was in the building - until the halls were clear! I swear, almost every teacher must have come through that office after dismissal to sneak a peek - and I just loved seeing everyone!

When the coast was clear, we headed up to the sixth grade floor to see the upstairs gang! All of my most favorite people were there waiting for us and they passed her around like a hot potato! What a trooper she was - she just looked at everyone and sucked away on that stinky binky! As she got to know Mommy's friends, I had a chance to actually visit with people and get caught up on all of the latest and greatest in the world of sixth grade! It felt so good to be back among such great friends and actually be in my classroom - although a lot has changed...

After a quick bottle and a little puke from Brooke, we loaded up and headed home to meet Daddy for supper! He decided to grill bacon hamburgers for us on the grill! Very yummy! Nana stopped by to drop off some 3 month outfits for Brooke and held her while we ate! It's always nice to have an extra set of arms - and Nana certainly doesn't mind helping!

Daddy spent last evening getting ready for hunting season! He was preparing his bow and arrows and getting things packed into the truck to leave bright and early this morning! So after he was done, we awoke our Sleeping Beauty for tub time, fed her once more, and got her settled into bed! Last night was awesome compared to the last few nights...we fed at 10, 1:30, 5:30 and 8:30!

So - after a rainy morning in his tree stand, Zig is now fast asleep on the couch, and Brooke is fast asleep in her crib taking her morning nap! We are looking forward to another lazy day at home while we watch the State game...my favorite Saturday activity!

We are looking forward to Grammy Kathy and John's visit tomorrow as they are coming to celebrate Uncle Scub's birthday! He is 30 today! We will be going to their house tomorrow afternoon for his party and Brooke is already is excited to visit with Aunt Stephanie and her cousins Zoe and Marlee!

I'm off to enjoy the little bit of quiet time left for me this morning...enjoy the new pictures!

FIGHT ON STATE!

Just for Aunt Meggie...

Aunt Meg thinks that Brooke's best color is purple - so here are a few pictures in the cutest purple Baby Gap suit ever...just for Aunt Meggie!

Not only are we sporting a new outfit today, but Brookie is enjoying her new play mat! As she gets bigger and sleeps a little less each day, her Daddy and I thought it might be fun to find something to try to keep her occupied and stimulated throughout her awake hours...

I found this play mat at Babies R Us and it arrived today! I couldn't resist buying it - it has the cutest toys, lights, and songs that go along with the comfy mat for her to lay on! There is a precious baby doll rattle that is the perfect size for her and a mirror for her to see just how beautiful she is each day!

She is really enjoying the music that plays, which is probably as good as it's going to get for a month or so until she can reach out and play with some of the toys!

For now, though, this play mat gives us a new picture opportunity and something new for our princess to experience!

Enjoy these new pictures...(especially you, Aunt Meggie! We love you!)