Just like her Mama!

Today Brooke discovered the love of reading! We usually read her Goodnight Moon before bed time, but today she wanted to hold her own book. I have tons of board books but this particular one I bought at BRU this weekend because when I took it off the shelf, her eyes lit up. Well, I was getting socks out of her suitcase and found it, so I let her hold it while I kept sifting through clothes. She loved looking at all the pictures and even turned the page once or twice, even though it wasn't on purpose. Reading is my favorite hobby and I hope to pass it on to Brooke, just as my mom passed it on to me.

Philly

Friday afternoon, around 4pm, we jumped in the car and started the 12 hour trek to the east coast. We strategically planned our departure so that Brooke would get maximum sleep time during our travels. Out of the 11 hours it too us to get to my parents home, Brooke sleep a little over 9 of them. I call that a success. Our trip back tomorrow should be interesting as we are leaving when we wake up in the morning.

Saturday we went out to lunch, spent 2.5 hours in BRU, walked the mall, and grabbed dinner on the way home. Let me back up to 2.5 hours in BRU. I will not be able to make it out for my brother and SILs baby shower in May so I wanted to buy their gifts and leave them with my mom. First it took us forever to find gifts, and second, it was just too much fun looking at everything. Brooke ended up aquiring a dress with matching shoes and socks, a book, and a Phillies onesie. Thankfully, there is a Best Buy right next door (think that was planned long ago?) so that is where my dad and Dustin spent their time.

Today we sadly were not able to make it to my home church. Dustin and I were still recovering from arriving at my parents house at 3am the night before, and to top it off, Brooke was up 6-7 times throwing fits. She was up to for good at 8am so Dustin and I handed her off to my mom and slept for another 2.5 hours. We then got ready for my brother's wedding reception. He was married in the Bahamas over Christmas so they had a party here for friends and family. It was nice because my one set of grandparents and one of my aunts had yet to meet Brooke! She did pretty well, finding a lot of time to nap on people's shoulders. She did get somewhat overwhelmed and clung to me a bit, but other than that, it was fun! It was at an Italian restuarant and we were spoiled with a big feast.

Sorry for the novel, here are some pictures.

Our little family!

Papa and Nonna (my parents)

Brooke

Miss. Mischeveous!

The day Brooke turned 5 months old, she became a different baby! I am still getting used to her new curiosities and moods, and today I was caught off guard. First, she kept trying to take a graham cracker out of my hand so I let her hold it. She had a paci in her mouth and, well, no harm done right? WRONG. I looked away for a minute and when I looked back the paci was out and she was biting off pieces, happily gumming them and swallowing. Thankfully, no choking was involved, but she was so pleased with herself. I know what snack she is going to love when it is age appropriate! It doesn't end there. I laid her on her playmat and a couple minutes later, I heard her talking near the feet of my chair. She had rolled across the room, grabbed a piece of paper, rolled onto her back, and was sucking on it.

Lesson learned: I need to keep on my toes around this little girl!

Prayer Request

Please take a moment to visit this blog and pray for this family. I read a few blogs dedicated to sick children that are thriving through God's miraculous healing. This little boy, Stellan, almost died in the womb and even though doctors said he would never live, he has! Our God is good and He has a special purpose and plan for this little boy.

Chic Bowtique!

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My friend and I recently launched our Etsy website for baby hair bows. We are targeting infants and toddlers, so if you have a baby girl or know someone who does, take a look! We have had a lot of fun making these bows each week and it has been a great opportunity for me to draw closer to a great friend. We update weekly so check back every now and then to see what's new!