10 Months of Fun

6/25/2014

Dear Brookelynn,

Happy 10 months my little pumpkin pie! I feel like this is a huge milestone and I can't believe we are here already, in just two short months you will be a year old.  I wish I could keep you this size forever, yet, I know you must grow and watching you develop into the little princess that you are brings me a joy I never knew existed until you were placed into my arms. 

A lot of exciting things have happened during the last month. I'll start by telling you that it's true what they say, '9 months to put it on, 9 months to take it off', I officially reached my pre-pregnancy weight and fit into one pant size smaller than before I was pregnant. I'm sharing this with you because I want you to know that after you become a mother your body will eventually go back to normal. I also wanted you to know that you don't have to breast feed, have a strict diet, or a personal trainer to get there, your body will do the work on its own. Just have fun being a mom don't worry about a few extra pounds because I promise it will work itself out. The most important part is being happy within yourself, no one else can tell you what that looks and feels like. You're beautiful and that's all you'll ever need to know.  

About you this month...

You're my little chatter box, as your vocabulary continues to grow. You said your first phrase 'Pa-Pa Pa-Pa oh no!' (5/28) I guess Grandpa was getting into something you didn't want him to (even if he wasn't here).  You also can say bottle (5/30) in your own words it sounds more like bobble. You also have learned to say Glammy as Glamma which sounds like am-ma. You know what please and thank you are and say p...p...p and dank you. You also let us know when you want up by telling us and you said lamp (amp) while playing with your Fisher Price toy lamp.  You love puppies but not so much real ones but with the safe stuffed ones you kiss their faces and say, pup-pup (6/9).  Your love for reading continues to grow along with your vocabulary and you now say book, which is ook (6/10). You also say Brooke the same way. While playing with your Minnie Mouse toys you always say Mimi and her friend Daisy is day-day and during the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hotdog Song we will hear you signing hub bog. You also say yep and yea when you want to say yes to something. 

My little chow hound no longer cares for baby food because all you want is 'big people' food, we pretty much just give you anything we eat at this point.  You are more and more like me everyday, your a healthy eater but you love your cheese, goldfish, Cheerios, and cupcakes! Some of the more memorable foods you've eaten this month aside from fruits and veggies are tater-tots for breakfast with Grandpa, a cheeseburger and fries you shared with Mommy from In-N-Out, and pizza. Every time you are served food you have to smell it before you will eat it, there is something you don't like, but we aren't sure what that is, but it's funny to watch you. Our adventures with food will continue I'm sure as you insist on feeding yourself. 

You love your independence and surprised us all that you could climb the stairs this past month and you go all the way up and straight to your room with Mommy or Daddy following close behind of course. 

You also will get items when asked to, such as, your baby, puppy brother, Cinderella, or Daisy. You will also point to objects when you are asked where they are (6/6). And you love giving all your toys kisses. Oh and you finally learned to share (6/10). But you always take it right back.  You also love to pretend play with your toy kitchen, you sip your coffee and take and pretend to eat your toast. It's very cute to watch. I can already tell you are creative. 

You also can stand without holding on to anything for a pretty long time, especially if your holding a toy (6/12).  And you have officially started walking as you stood in place not holding onto anything but your tea cup and took two steps toward me before falling down (6/24).  You will get it down pat in no time. For now you can keep on cruising. Mommy never rushes you and I think that's why you excel so much because your just naturally curious and eager to learn (another trait from Mommy). And now you have this new fancy crawl which is half crawling, half walking, I'm not sure what that's about but I call it the ribbit crawl because you look like a frog. 

The worst part of nine months was you had your very first illness on 6/2.  When Mommy woke you up that morning I instantly knew something was wrong your whole body was hot to the touch.  I knew you must have a fever and I took your temperature, 102.4, of course Daddy was at work but luckily on his way home that day. I felt like the worlds worst Mom for not catching your fever earlier (not that I would have known). I called and made you a doctors appointment. The doctor said you had your first virus. So, Mommy stayed home from work that next day, we snuggled, watched Disney Junior, and took Tylenol for a little over 24 hours until you cracked your first smile. I hated seeing you so miserable but you were a trooper. It's bound to happen but I'm just glad (as was the doctor) that we made it to

nine months before you got sick.  The only thing that came close to this upsetting to Mommy was when I found you with my flip flop in your mouth after I turned for less than two seconds, I didn't want you to get sick again, but guess what you didn't. You survived the flip flop horror.  

You finished your swim lessons and you are officially a mermaid. You can hold your breath, float, roll over and remove items from your face in water.  You were tested in your clothes and a regular diaper to simulate falling in the pool unexpected and I'm happy and relieved to say you know what to do.  It was the best money we have ever spent, next to your cord blood.  

You are quite the little character...You have some OCD tendencies, your very bothered by my freckles and try to remove them and when they don't come off you say, ut oh.  And you especially don't understand why I have holes in my jeans, they are suppose to be like that but you don't get this fashion trend. Speaking of fashion you shop lifted for the first time (and hopefully last), a pair of shorts, luckily we didn't leave the store with them before the girl working told us what you had done. I was so embarrassed.

You got your first treasure from Grandpa's treasure chest, a little rubber ducky we call, Lucky Duck. You have the best Grandpa he collects things for his treasure box and when you get older you will get to choose a treasure when you come over (he better collect a lot)! You love your little duck and it's your favorite part of bath time.  

One of my favorite parts of this month has been your dance moves to the song, Bye,Bye,Bye which your Dad discovered you liked. Your quite the little choreographer and you have your moves down pat. And you love to sign the words, you always have a song in your head and everything is music to you. I know your going to be our little dancing queen. 

Oh and you went to your first Wedding this month. You had lots of fun dancing and eating cake. Next month you will get to go to your Godmother, Lana's wedding that will be a lot of fun for you, as well. 

Finally, I'm convinced your going to be a vampire soon I can see your right eye tooth making it's way through your gums (6/23) before your front teeth, maybe your Halloween costume will be even more fitting this year (remember you're going to be Vampirina Ballerina).  

Here's to a happy and healthy 10 months Lashes! I love you more than the whole wide world and back again! -XOX! 

9 Months Outside The Womb: A Walking, Talking Peanut

5/25/2014

Dear Brookelynn,

Another month has come and gone, it amazes me how fast time passes by and how just a few months seems like a lifetime ago all at the same time. 

You are growing quickly and becoming your own little person but, you are still our little peanut according to the doctor's measurements at your 9 month appointment. It's so funny to see you stand and try so hard to walk more than a few steps because you are so small (it's incredibly cute). 

You have the most adorable spirt and I love to see you light up when we play patty-cake and you clap your little hands. Now that you stand on your own you love to shake your booty during our dance parties!  The way you get excited to put your lipgloss on aka Chapstick brings a smile to my face every time , you know exactly what to do and pucker up as soon as you see Mommy put hers on, I better have yours on hand! I love watching you have tea parties with your puppies and as you put makeup on your dolls and comb their hair. You're the little girl, I've dreamed of my whole life, my very own mini-BFF (I loved your shirt you wore on Mother's Day-'Mommy's my BFF!' and my presents too)! Unfortunately, you have inherited some not so nice things from me, as well, you don't like to share because you're a hoarder...Mommy is not a hoarder in a bad way, I just don't like to let people use my things because they don't take care of it the same way I would-except for Glammy, she's my only exception! But, we will continue to work on your sharing, it's mostly books you won't share, you really do love to read and that's perfectly ok with me. 

As much as I love you, you cut at least 10 years off my life on 4/25, you gave Mommy quite a scare this month when you spit up and it came out your nose too.  You're poor acid reflux was acting up and I was so scared I considered calling 911-it was that bad (but your Daddy is 911)! So instead I called Glammy who rushed over to find out you were just fine. I hope you will grow out of your acid reflux soon.  

Baby Steps:

You've been standing alone for quite some time now but on 4/27 just a few days after your 8 month birthday you took your first unassisted steps. On 5/17 you took five unassisted steps and we continue to work on this new skill daily. Soon enough you'll be running around. You think your a hot shot to walk around the table with your purse or shopping bag on your arm. 

New Adventures in Food:

We've started feeding you table food (4/29), now that you have two teeth.  You love Gerber puffs but the first real table foods you had were avocado and carrots. You gagged on the avocado and the carrots ended up everywhere but in your mouth. You are excellent at picking up food with your fingers but not so much at eating it.  You also hate the texture of whole bananas as well...but you love some puréed ones. And with peas you just roll them around in your mouth and never actually eat them...this is why I call it an adventure in food. 

Miss Gabby:

So the attitude has resurfaced, so Miss Tudie is back, but this time she has a little (sometimes loud) voice to match her spunk...yes, I'm talking about you!  You are a talker and talk all day long.  You've added some new words and even some phrases to your growing vocabulary. On 4/29 you learned your very first Spanish word, Hola, you say it as 'Oola'.  On 5/1 you said Bye, Bye, and Ow.  On 5/13 you said boo (during a game of peek-A-boo).  And on 5/19 you said, wow...which has turned into oh, wow.  You also learned another sign to add to your list of sign language skills, 'I want'. In addition you now shake your head no too. You also have started calling your Grandpa, Pa-Pa and say things like ut-oh Papa.  And when Daddy comes home from work you squeal with delight and say, Hi, Dada! As for Mommy you only say my name when you want some lovin, especially while swimming and when you wake up from your morning nap. Finally, you are attempting to say please, but for now it comes out as just the sound a 'P' makes. 

Peace, Love & Baby:

Your 9 month pictures turned out exactly how I imagined them, soft, romantic, vintage, hippie, beautiful.  I love the teepee we used which is now all set up in your room to play in.  It's the perfect reading spot for you and I can't wait to have sleepovers in it when Daddy goes to work when you are bigger. Your 12 month pictures are scheduled and planned, and I can't wait to surprise everyone with my ideas! The only hint I will give is that it's soo you!

Our Little Mermaid:

Finally, this month you started swim lessons (Infant Swim Resource) and it's amazing, in just two weeks time (10 days 10 minutes each) and you can roll over, float, and hold your breath. I can't wait to see how the course finishes out and to see your new skills.  You love the water and now bath time has become little more messy as you kick and splash but he smile you get on your face is worth the splashes to the face! 

 

9 months old! As you would say, Oh wow! I can't believe your 9 months old, it's amazing when you think about it. It took 9 months in Mommy's belly for you to form into the most perfect version of yourself and here we are 9 months from your birth and just when I think I couldn't possibly love you anymore you prove me wrong! I love you more than the whole wide world and back again my sweet pumpkin pie! -XOX! 

Happy 8 Months

4/25/2014

Dear Brookelynn, 

Happy 8 months pretty girl.  As I stare at your precious face, with the sweetest puckered lips and gently folded lashes I no longer see a tiny and fragile baby.  You're growing into a little girl with spunk and pizzazz.  And though I wish I could bottle up your babyhood and savor it forever every month I continue to say, 'This is my favorite stage', being a mom is the most wonderful feeling in the world but being your mom is heaven on earth. How did I get so lucky?  

7 Month Firsts:

This month there have been a ton of firsts for you and they have been incredibly exciting for Mommy & Daddy. I love watching you learn and to see how proud you are of yourself as you master a new skill. 

On 3/27 you officially sat up from laying down. You had mastered sitting unassisted a while ago but now you can sit up from any position on your own.    

A New Little Friend:

On 3/28 some of Mommy's most favorite people came to visit from Utah, Suzanne, Stuart, Mackenzie, and Orion. Although you were not too sure of your new little friend who was just over one year old. He gently touched your face and you got very upset at him.  Poor little guy was so worried.  Then you continued to be bossy and yell at him while he was nicely playing on the floor as you sat supervising on Glammy's lap.  But, you sure did evaluate his every move because just a few days later you were on the move!

On 4/1 you perfected your crawling even more and now when you are on the floor Mommy better get ready to be on the move! Because not only do you crawl like your running a marathon you also decided to stand up for the first time, as well.  Just a few days later on 4/3 you took three assisted steps. You love standing and attempting to walk.  But, your so tiny it looks so funny to see you do these 'big girl' things. 

Our most favorite thing that you learned this month is to clap and say 'yay'! It's pretty much the cutest thing ever. You clap to music or whenever you like something and it's usually accompanied by a huge smile which is infectious. You also, say 'yea, yea' I'm not sure how I should feel about that one my little sassy pants. 

On 4/13 you learned to drink from a straw which you loved but some days you prefer your sippy cup over your straw and that's ok. This month we have also started eating more foods and you are a little chow hound your always hungry, another trait you got from me. On 4/21 we decided it was time to advance to second stage foods. 

On 4/16 you got your first tooth (right bottom). Finally! I feel like I've been waiting for a tooth for so long. And just a couple days later the second tooth arrived on 4/18 (left bottom). It's so cute to see these little pearls emerging. And your a trooper because you've hardly been affected by teething. We haven't had to give you anything other than a cold teether. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they all come in that easy. 

On 4/23 you stood without holding on to anything and blew kisses for the first time.  It was so sweet. Now you do it from the window when I leave for work.  Mommy loves that! You also love to stand on your knees and jump around. You are standing on your own and pulling yourself up on everything. 

Baby Idol:

On 3/29 you lip sang the words to Doc Mc Stuffin's theme song as both Daddy and I watched in amazement. Which brings us to the things you love besides, music and dancing that is. 

Things you Love:

You love giving Eskimo kisses and giggle when Mommy kisses your cheeks and tickles your rib cage. Your laugh is a little awkward but I love the sweet sound. 

Baby Talk:

Boy, can you talk up a storm, and I wonder where you got that from? You are definitely Italian because you can't talk with out using your hands to gesture. We have a lot of in depth conversations regarding many topics from, Disney Jr. to shopping.  Which by the way you got very upset about! Glammy and it went shopping and when we came home with bags you put your hand on your hip and the other one out and started explaining to us that if we are going shopping you want to go.  Well, at least that's what we think you were telling us. You do love shopping because whenever Daddy says he's taking us shopping you squeal! Which reminds me, he's created a monster, you already love sparkly things.  Daddy took us jewelry shopping for Mommy's push present and first Mother's Day gift. You loved all the sparkles. And you and Daddy did a great job with Mommy's presents. Mommy finally got her push present, a little diamond bow ring and a pink sapphire band to represent you. And another larger pink sapphire ring for my first Mother's Day! I will cherish them forever! I love that I can wear them everyday and always be reminded of my beautiful baby girl. 

Speaking of talking you learned another sign, you now sign for when you want food. It still amazes me how much you are able to learn at such a young age. I hope you continue to love to learn as you grow. 

Cute Things About You:

You have the cutest nose scrunch.  I love all the expressions you give us, you're very animated. 

You're hair is getting curlier and filling in, maybe we can start wearing some hair clips soon.  But, I still love that I had a little bald baby. 

While taking a bath you put your toy fish immediately under water as if you know fish belong in water. 

You love, love, love shoes. Almost as much as you love dancing! 

Your favorite color is pink. When there is a bunch of colored items in front of you, you always pick the pink, just like your Mommy. 

Whenever you say, Dadda it's in a very soft whisper and you only say Mama when you are upset. I haven't figured out why this is, but I would like you to say Mama more than when you are mad! 

Mommy's Favorite Things: 

SOLID POOPS!!! Diaper changes just got much easier. I think that's enough said.  

Your teepee came, we are using it for a photo prop for your 9 month pictures in May but it will also be set up in your room as a reading/hide-a-way spot.  I can't wait to have sleep overs in it and count the stars from your night light on the ceiling. We are going to have so much fun glamping!

Baby Drool, No it's Mommy Drool:

OMG, can I just say, I have never been more mortified, well maybe I have but this was bad.  I was so exhausted one day I fell asleep holding you while you napped on the couch and when I woke up I had left a huge puddle of drool on your head.  Your Dad of course was taking pictures of the whole awful incident. I felt so horrible, how could I drool on my sweet baby's head? Oh but I did! I mean, I really did! I was exhausted! I'm so sorry! 

Another First-Your First Easter:

On 4/20 we celebrated your first Easter with Glammy, Grand-O, Unkie, Auntie Robin, Phil, Nana, Brandon & Sammie, and Josh & Laura. Daddy had to work. You wore a cute little onsie that had a mustache with bunny ears that had your name on it. The Grandma and Grandpa Easter Bunny left you a basket full of goodies, including a purple chick (a stuffed one thank goodness...I was worried that Grand-O had convinced the bunnies to get a real one). Auntie Robin & Nana brought you Easter goodies as well.  And Unkie bought you a new fashion city shirt. You had a very eventful day. You weren't too sure about Brandon and Josh, but you loved Laura and even fell asleep in Nana's arms. You also had snuggles with Auntie Robin. You seem to be more comfortable with women than men, but you do love to flirt. 

Because Daddy had to work the Easter Bunny decided to stop by our house on Friday night.  You made out my sweet bunny.  You had so much fun with all your new things but you especially loved your little light toy and your Sofia The a First The a Floating Palace DVD. 

This year for your first Easter I bought you The Easter Bunny's Assistant and the Easter Bunny brought you, your own copy of Peter Rabbit so now both you and Mommy will have one from our childhood.  I hope you will keep that tradition going.  And I hope you will continue to love to read. 

Coming Up Next Month:

We signed you up for ISR swim lessons, I'm so happy that Daddy & I are able to afford these lessons so we know if you accidentally fell in the water (which of course would never happen) you could survive until help arrived. It provides peace of mind. You are a natural water baby so I hope you enjoy the pool. You do love all your new swim gear. 

So my spunky little lashes, I'm sure life with Brookelynn during month 8 will be just as exciting and full of laughter and fun. I can't wait to see all the new things you learn!-XOX

7 Months: Let Your Heart Be Your Compass

3/25/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

Today marks your 7 month birthday and a time for Mommy to reflect on all your milestones and experiences during the last month (while you were 6 months old). How time flys when you're  having fun. 

I'm reminded as I peek at the list I made over the last month just how special you are and how you shine as you push yourself to accomplish more. You're our little Twinkle Toes.  

I couldn't be more proud to be your Mommy (this month, however, I'm mad at myself because I had this blog post written...and then it happened...deleted...dates and all so everything is by my memory-which is pretty good, so after a little bit of a Mommy melt down here I go writing again). 

As you know 'Pretty Girl' was the theme song we chose for you during Mommy's pregnancy and to remember 2013 by. A song that will always remind me of the day we found out Baby B was Brookelynn and how perfect unlucky 13 could be. Mommy decided that having a theme song just wasn't enough, with a love for music like yours, you need a soundtrack for your life. A way to remember every perfect year. 

Once again the song choice for 2014 was easy, 'Compass' by Lady Antebellum ("So let your heart, sweet heart/Be your compass when you're lost/And you should follow it wherever it may go/

When it's all said and done/

You can walk instead of run/

'Cause no matter what you'll never be alone"). 

A compass doesn't always point you in the right direction, but, you know that no matter where your compass takes you whether it be down a narrow and steep pathway, or to a rocky shore, or even a bridge that is collapsed in despair just know that you are never alone and everything is going to be alright, maybe not today but eventually. I can promise you that. 

I will never judge you, a Mommy's love is unconditional (And so is Daddy, Grand-O, Glammy, Unkie, and Auntie Lana's). You will never be alone pretty girl you have a network of love and support. 

If you listen to only one piece of advice from me (and there will be many) this is what I want you to remember; you're allowed to terminate toxic relationships, you're allowed to walk away from people who hurt you, you're allowed to be angry, selfish, and unforgiving. You don't owe anyone an explanation for taking care of yourself. And most of all no is a complete sentence.  It doesn't require justification or an explanation. 

I dream about how God created you giving you beauty, intelligence, and charm. And how the greatest gift he gave you is your heart. You have the kindest, sweetest little heart. I know if you allow it to be your compass you will always be pointed in the right direction. Remember to never be a copy when you were born to be an original. You were the light at the end of a gloomy and twisted tunnel called pregnancy and you will always be enough for Mommy. I'm the luckiest Mommy in the world to have you by my side. 

My sweet and pretty girl sometimes the people around you won't understand your travels. They don't need to, it's not for them. Trust your heart it knows best and be gentle with yourself. 

I'm the person I am today because I fought to be her. You will find your way in the world by battling one small step at a time. Life is not a sprint it's a marathon and it doesn't matter how long it takes to get where you are going. As long as you see the wish instead of a weed. 

Be an open book to yourself and others, never be ashamed if your story, it will inspire others. 

And when all else fails, grab a cupcake. You can't be sad when you're holding one. And always be overdressed & over educated because there is no such thing. 

Please leave a little sparkle wherever you go! The world was a little duller before you were born. 

And now for the updates...

New this month:

On 2/28 just a few days after your 1/2 birthday you sat right up in your bouncer needless to say the bouncer is long gone and your enjoying your excersaucer. 

Your 6 month check up was on 3/3 and you finally reached the 50% tile for weight, weighing in at 16 pounds. Your still a little pip squeak. 

After your doctor appointment  you got lots of snuggles and two new puppies (Pluto & Goofy) for getting your shots.  You also got to have your first food, sweet potatoes, a day you have been waiting for all your life, all 6 months of it. Since then you have enjoyed, bannanas (you love them now but you weren't sure at first), cereal, peas (you still don't like those too much, but you try), and carrots. Soon you will get to enjoy pears, peaches, apples, and green beans. Mommy was going to be Betty Crocker and make your food but we decided Gerber Organics was just as good at the last minute, so we packed the Bebea up and sent it back. You love your food and even say num, num (3/20) and you have started to sign bottle. You also smack your lips for food when your hungry. The first time you did this Mommy & Daddy were drinking a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Frappee, now we feel bad even drinking something in front of you. 

You also started practicing using a Sippy cup, you thought it was a chew toy (3/6) and prefer to drink from a cup and you do it almost perfectly until you decide that its fun to drink out of it like a puppy. You're just too funny. 

You now wave hi and it's usually accompanied with a hey in a country twain (or hi ten times) and it always is followed by a big 'Uncle Jessie' smile (now you have another type of smile, one as if you have teeth, which you don't, even though Grand-O thinks he saw one in a picture on 3/20...maybe it disappeared like the one Daddy and I thought we felt last month).

We can't forget about your selfie diaries, you love the camera and to take your picture. It's so cute to watch you light up like you do. 

St. Patricks Day-

This month we celebrated St. Patrick's Day with our Lucky Charm (Glammy & Grand-O too). You wore a custom clover Onsie, with green & white chevron leg warmers, and a rainbow headband. You were our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The leprechaun came for a visit and left you a green gift bag with a Sofia The First Look and Find book which you love and a book called, 'The Night Before St. Patrick's Day'.  Another little leprechaun left you some treasures at Glammy & Grand-O's too. Four new Itty Bitty's, Dorothy, The Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz. You love those things. 

The day was also filled with a little magic, you sat up unassisted for a long period of time on the floor and you began crawling faster and have almost mastered it, prissy crawl and all (when you get tired you lay on your side and put your hand on your hip, it's hysterical to watch). 

You're all girl for sure, you love to play makeup and smile at yourself in the mirror after. You also smack your lips after we pretend to apply lipgloss. I can already tell your a mini-me. We are going to be the best of friends. 

You got a big girl car seat (3 of them, one in Daddy's truck, Mommy's Explorer, and Glammy's truck). You love it. You even have begun to point to your car seat buckle when you want to get out. It's nice to know what you want. You really are the easiest baby. We are so lucky. 

Your other skills include temper tantrums when you want to be held, we try so hard not to laugh. Your a rocking, jumping, dancing queen. I'm going to sign you up for dance class as soon as your allowed, your perfect rhythm didn't come from mommy but I love our dance parties anyway.  Your favorite things to dance to are the Game of Thrones credits (we watched all three seasons to catch up and you would wake up every-time the credits would play), music from Frozen, and The Little Einsteins intro song.  You still get overly excited for Sofia The First and Doc McStuffins, as well. 

On 3/18, almost a year after deciding to be a stay at home mom I'm back to work helping out the marketing team working on Project Management at home a few hours a week so I don't take away any precious time from you. You of course think you are my assistant. I think we will be buying you a baby lap top soon. It's adorable to watch you fascinated by my work and to see you check your calendar on your play phone. But even more adorable was when you said 'hi momma' when I came home from work on 3/20. 

By far the best part of this month is that you have learned what a kiss is and kiss Mommy and Daddy on command on our cheeks, less slobber than before as well. I'm looking forward to our adventures over the next month. Everyday is full of love and laughter I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Love you there and back again lashes. -XOX! 

The Big 1/2 Birthday

2/25/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

Happy 1/2 Birthday Princess Brookelynn!  I can't believe 6 months has flown by this fast. Today we are celebrating a huge milestone, of course in style with what else than a 1/2 Birthday party complete with cupcakes, ice cream, balloons, presents (a real tea set, a Monster's Inc. book & Sulley doll, and  Lady PJ's, a Lady Baby (Lady from Lady and the tramp), and a book called Disney Dogs because you love your puppies), and a special 1/2 birthday outfit. Now on to planning your Sofia The First Birthday Party! Or should I say Brookelynn The First as your Save The Dates say? Mommy and Daddy are going all out on our little Princess' first birthday and whisking her away to a magical kingdom not too far away soon after, we are so excited to take you to Disneyland!  

This month you also celebrated another important birthday Grand-O's 60th birthday.  He loved spending his special day with you. You got him a book called How to Babysit a Grandpa. He loved it. And we also celebrated Glammy's 39th birthday( for the 3rd time)! 

As we enter your 6th month of life I look back and think about how busy month 5 has been and how much you have grown and changed.  Being your Mommy is the best thing in the world, you make me laugh everyday and I can truly say you are and always will be my best friend. I love to watch you grow and see your personality emerge noticing more and more how much you really are just like me...poor Daddy...but he loves his girls, sassy attitudes and all. 

New this month:

You have always played with your feet but on 1/29 you decided to start eating them and sucking on your big toe as if it is a thumb, needless to say, your socks are ALWAYS wet and your cute white fluffy bunny slippers are no longer pure white and fluffy, they are clearly loved.  

You love giving Mommy & Daddy kisses on the cheek. We usually get a lot of slobber but with all the love that comes with those wet messes we love them. 

Your hair is finally starting to fill in. You had hair when you were born but it all fell out and came in as peach fuzz. It's a beautiful auburn brown now. Mommy can't wait till hair clips will stay in and I really can't wait to curl it, braid it, and style it. But we have a ways before then, a LONG ways. 

We had to lower your crib because you were trying to escape. You're a very clever little girl. 

We've decided your eyes are officially brown just like Daddy & Mommy's (no surprise there). 

As of today you still don't have any teeth, but we did feel a little sharp edge on top on 2/15. But, now I think we were all just crazy because that was ten days ago and it's no where to be seen. 

And now you not only have one dimple you have two! They are getting more pronounced each month. I love your smile! 

Your going to be a crawling machine soon. You mastered your army crawl on 2/24 as you went for a toy (a pink puppy of course). 

You also know and respond to your name, all of your names actually. And you understand no, when you want to that is. 

You love to laugh but recently you have begun having giggle fits and snorting occasionally when you do. It always makes us laugh too. 

And you are starting to put your hands out when you want to go to someone. Sometimes it hurts Mommy's feelings when you choose to go to Daddy. But...I know your his little Princess too. 

Our little Marketer:

You love labels. Maybe you are taking after Mommy in that aspect as well.  You love to see Daddy's Fire T-shirts and attempt to read them after he points to the letters.  I'm pretty sure you are going to be an avid reader like Glammy and Mommy.  You are one smart little baby! 

If Not a Marketer perhaps your name will be in lights on Broadway-

Your love for music, costumes & acting amazes me, especially at such a young age.  Perhaps it is the orchestra music I played while you were in my tummy (along with our country tunes).  You light up when you hear music of any kind and dance to each beat. Daddy & I said you would be the only baby that could go to a Broadway play and not make a peep...but it's completely true. 

And for whatever reason, you love What does the Fox say...maybe it's our crazy dance parties that follow.  But...'Hey Brookie, what does the Mommy say?---No, no, no, no (that's our little joke).'

But even crazier than that is your love for the song, Rock-a-by-Baby. This was the song they played at the hospital when you were born (which we had all forgotten until we listened to the recording we made as we left the post-op and went to recovery). Every time your upset we sing that song and you smile the biggest smile and you calm right down.  That song is probably one of your very first memories and since your love for music is strong, I'm sure it reminds you of that very special day.  Even though it's a song that makes little sense to Mommy it's become a favorite of mine as well, because of the beautiful smile it brings to your face. 

First Words:

On January 31st you said your first word, Hi (which has evolved into Hey with a country twain).  This is the first word you have said that you understand and use correctly.  Unkie came home for lunch while we were visiting Glammy and said hello to you.  You sat straight up on Glammy's lap with a huge toothless smile and squealed hi in a very high pitched voice.  The three of us looked at each other in shock, I think you even surprised yourself since you looked around the room to see who had said that. Since that day you say hi to everyone and everything.  It's pretty much the cutest thing.  

While reading Cinderella in the evening of 2/7 every time I would say Cinderella you would say Ella. I'm not sure you know this one on your own but you do repeat it every time I say it to you. 

On 2/21 you said dada and ma for the first time knowing who you were referring to. It's the cutest thing to see you look at us and say our names. 

Holidays-

Groundhog's Day:

Mommy & Daddy buy you a book for every holiday so of course we could not leave out Groundhog's Day.  This year we read Substitute Groundhog and learned about Groundhog's day. You loved the pictures of all the animals.  This year the Groundhog saw his shadow which means there is 6 more weeks of winter.  But, here in California we aren't having much of a winter.  

Valentine's Day:

Your first Valentine's Day was very special. You were our little Queen if Hearts and adorable as always. You spent the morning having red velvet waffles with Glammy. The rest of the day you spent as Mommy & Daddy's little Valentine. You of course got Valentine surprises from everyone too. And of course a book called my Snowy Valentine, a very sweet story. 

'6 Month Pictures':

On 2/3 we had a photographer come to our house to take pictures, a few family ones and a couple with Daddy but the focus of these pictures was on you of course for your 6 month photo shoot but also to capture you and me since you took your 3 month pictures with Daddy. The images are beautiful and truly capture us.  While we took pictures you sat up for the first time all on your own (aside from tripod). You toppled over a few times but it allowed us to snap the most perfect moments to cherish.  

Things you love:

Your love for Sofia The First and Minnie's Bowtique continues to grow. You get so excited to see them or hear them on TV. You also love your Lambie and puppies. 

You love having tea parties and checking your stocks with Grand-O. You'll have a full understanding of finances by the time you are two. 

You love to read; fairy tales, palace pets and Doc McStuffins are some of your favorites. 

You love to play with your kitchen even after it gave you your first bruse on 2/8. Luckily it only lasted for a couple hours. 

And you loved watching the ice skating during the Winter Olympics. 

Things your Learning:

Mommy's goal is to have you reading by Kindergarten. We will work on that over the next couple of years but I know you will be a quick learner. Your love for reading grows more and more. 

In addition to learning sign language you are also learning Spanish. Hopefully, you will be able to say you know 3 languages when you are older. Mommy thinks that would be pretty cool. 

And Finally: 

On 2/20 you stayed with Glammy and Grand-O so Daddy could take Mommy out on a day time date to Sonoma and Yountville for our anniversary (only a few months late). I missed you so much though! We talked about you all day. But you had lots of fun. 

Next week you go to the doctor for your 6 month checkup. Your still a little pip squeak! Just weighing in at 15.6 pounds. We are so excited to talk to the doctor about you starting solid foods. Mommy is going to make all your baby food. I have found some really yummy recipes for you and I'm excited to try them. 

So as you can see your 5th month here has been pretty eventful but I am sure that it will continue to be more amazing every month as you learn and develop more and more. 

I love you Lashes (your new nickname-I love your ridiculously long and outrageously thick eyelashes)!-XOX!

A New Year full of Confessions: 5 Months Old

1/25/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

Holy cow...another new year has begun, a new year means a lot of different things, new beginnings, new adventures, new goals, it's a fresh start, to start over or continue working on the things that mean the most to you. On New Years Day we read Squirrel's New Years Resolution, a very cute book about the meaning behind this yearly tradition. 

This year I made a simple New Years resolution, to read more. I'm devoting a little time each day to myself to read a book or a magazine and have a cup of tea. So far, I've managed to do this most days but with a little spunky baby girl like you, sometimes Mommy doesn't get a little escape to a far off land or erotic day dream (like the book that started it all...Fifty Shades of Grey...just kidding). But, everyday we do read together (But, not shades of course). Reading is the foundation to learning and having an imagination which is why it's so important to me that we take the time to do this everyday, Neverland, floating palaces, and runways are only a few pages away. And at only five months old I can already see your imagination blooming. 

This year we celebrated the New Year at home and you wore a fabulous tuxedo dress, you love tutus so this dress met your fashion standards for your glamorous night in drinking bottles and watching Disney movies with Daddy and Mommy. 

Miss Fancy Pants:

You love showing off and you think you are so fancy. You love playing with your toys on your tummy and trying to crawl which you first attempted just before New Years on 12/29/2013 and to my amazement you began army crawling in your Pack n Play on 1/23/2014 just a short month later to get your toy monkey. 

You still do your fake cough but have added to your skills with kissing noises and raspberries, which you think is historical.  Mommy has learned to accept the slobber that comes with them. It compliments my makeup nicely. 

On 1/2/2014 you completely mastered rolling over in both directions, you were a little backwards and started the hard way first, front to back which you have had mastered for months but you struggled with front to back for a short time. Now we can't stop you from rolling around. 

You love looking at the baby in the mirror now, the first time you smiled at yourself was on 1/3/2014, before then you were mad Mommy was holding another baby. 

You've also mastered the tripod pose. You first started doing this version of sitting up on 1/5/2014 and mastered it by 1/9. You went from laying flat to sitting up on 1/21 while laying next to Mommy on the couch. You really thought you were fancy then, until you toppled over. 

On 1/10/2014 you stood up on your own while sitting on Daddy's lap. Your growing so fast and learning so much it's been an incredible month watching you discover what you can do. Your such a little peanut though weighing in at only 15 pounds with a diaper and PJ's on, your still only in the 40 percentile but that's ok, your a very cute and spunky little peanut. 

And I think you are going to be so excited to eat real food after you turn 6 months because you love to stare at Mommy and Daddy and mimic us as we eat. You are trying to figure out how we do it. It's pretty funny to watch. 

Baby Love:

You love Glammy and squeal, giggle, and light up when you see her.  Her and Lambie (from Doc McStuffins) are your BFFs. And Glammy loves Lambie because it rhymes with Glammy. You also love when Glammy gives you manicures. You sit there so perfectly and intensely watch what she is doing. I can't wait till you can join us for our monthly pedicures. 

You love, love, love your toys! And you have tons of them, but right now here are a few of your favorites besides Lambie:

You love puppies and have several of them, you love puppy brother (your stuffed taggie dog) which reminds me how much you love your fur sister Miss Paisley Bella, you get so excited when we go out to see her.  She loves her Brookie too. And you love to see pictures of puppies on Pinterest. 

Your obsessed with Mommy's cell phone (which we don't let you play with) so we had to buy you one you could play with. It really looks and works like Mommy's, so of course your very proud of it. Now you enjoy calling Mommy (it dials my number for you), checking your schedule and listening to your music on it. 

Every month gets more exciting and fun as you grow. Your little personality develops more and more every day and it truly is amazing how many changes occur over a months time. And just a short five months into this life with Brookelynn, I have managed to be almost back to normal though my mind is never going to be the same, I'm convinced. Just ask Glammy about how I wore my pants backwards all day and didn't know it...but that's a story that needs it's own post-Mommy Problems! 

Happy 5 Months little peanut! Here is to a year full of love and firsts! I can't believe this time next month I'll be writing about your half birthday party! Time flys when your having the time of your life with your best friend! -XOX! 

Four Months Old Already?

December 25th, 2013 

Dear Brookelynn, 

I can't believe today you are four months old. Where has the time gone? I'm sure I'll say this every month...but seriously, time seems to go faster the older I get so make sure you cherish every moment in your life big or small, significant or not. Every minute of life is special. You'll learn that as you grow. 

Not to brag, ok I'm bragging...you are the best baby, EVER.  Thank you for making it easy on Mommy after everything we've been through. Although we have some bad days I can only count them on one hand. You are the happiest baby and are easily pleased. And your an amazing sleeper. You will sleep anywhere and you choose to sleep when you need to. I don't believe in schedules and I'm more of a go with the flow type mom and you caught on quickly. You've been sleeping through the night since about 6 weeks old and before that you slept through the night you just got up early in the morning (around 5:30/6:00). I love waking you up in the morning and getting that beautiful smile when I say, Princess Briokelynn. We have to wake you up to give you your acid reflux meds at 8:30. (These meds work so much better for you than the first ones we tried). 

This month has marked a lot of firsts...

Thanksgiving:

Your First Thanksgiving, you wore a fluffy gold dress with diamonds and spent the day with Daddy, Mommy, Grand-O, Glammy, Unkie, and your Great Uncle Rick and Aunt Nina. 

You went wine tasting for the first time and you were a perfect angel (your bottle was full of milk-not wine). 

Christmas:

There were many first when it comes to your first Christmas: the first time you met Santa (Mommy held you not because you were crying but because I didn't want any germs from all those sick kiddos Santa held before you), your first trip to Candy Cane Lane (we get Starbucks and listen to Christmas music on our way), Jingle Bella, the elf came to stay with us, Glammy said she's a pain! Mommy had fun with her while she visited and can't wait for her return next year. We went to the Christmas Tree Farm, we made Ginger Bread houses (castles, not Mommy's best one) and Christmas cookies with Glammy and Unkie. We talked to our friends at the North Pole via The North Pole Communicator, and Jingle Bella brought you a Santa Key to make sure Santa could get in since our chimney is small and a Santa Signal Light. We read a Christmas story each night, you loved Santa comes to California And Sofia The First: Christmas in Enchansia (of course!). You spent your first Christmas with daddy, Mommy, Grand-O, Glammy, and Unkie and boy did you get spoiled. You wore a cute black sweater dress with diamonds and black & white sweater tights. And of course a white fur jacket. 

Here are the accomplishments you made during the last month: 

On December 5th you decided to hold your own bottle. You've done it before but this time you mastered it like a pro. Now you choose to do it when you want to. Your very independent. 

On December 11th you started grabbing feet and now we can't get you to stop (not that we've tried its great entertainment to you).  You even put them in your mouth sometimes. That's kind of gross. 

On December 16th you did a High-five. We haven't mastered this one just yet. It's still a hit or miss. 

We are working on sign language. You haven't mastered any signs yet but you do have your own signs for certain things. It helps to understand you a little bit better. 

Things you love:

You love to Face Time with Grand-O and we FaceTime Glammy when you are acting up and she tells you that you need to be nice to Mommy. 

You lit up when we watched the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, your a girl after my own heart, lots of sparkles and beautiful costumes. You love sparkles. 

You still love Sofia and when she came on the TV you said, "Oh, yea, oooooohhhh!" Both Mommy and Daddy stopped what they were doing and asked each other if that really had just happened- It did. And now you love Tinker Bell too (a fairy door appeared in your room so maybe she will come to visit from Pixie Hallow). You will get to meet her when we take you to Disneyland for your first birthday! Mommy and Daddy can't wait (Grand-O, Glammy, and Unkie too)!

And the problems: 

You talk non-stop! It's cute though so it's not really a problem except for when you talk for an hour when we put you to bed and we are trying to sleep. Daddy and Mommy lay in bed and laugh. Glammy has been able to hear this as well and she stayed awake in the guest room cracking up. Your a little bit gabby! 

The doctor says your going to be a long term teether, meaning you show all the signs but it may be a month or two before a tooth actually pops up. Your defiantly teething you chew everything in sight. 

And you have a little hoha problem which we won't get into but let's just say your defiantly my daughter! I'll explain when your older. 

Overall your right on track if not advanced. Your a little smarty pants. We love you so much and each month gets more and more exciting. So far three months has been my favorite! I'm sure they all will be from here on out. We love you Brookie! -XOX!