First Solids!

Slap me on the wrist! Our Pedi told me at our last appointment that I could wait til 6 months to start solids since everything is on track with Brooke's growth. Well, after a week straight of extra hunger at night, I decided to start cereal last night. Also, I could tell she was ready for something more so I made a personal decision... now all I have to do is face my Pedi in 11 days! Back on topic, Brooke LOVED rice cereal. I was expecting her to spit it all over the place and give me some "that stuff is gross" facial expressions, but instead she kicked her feet and opened her mouth for more! If anything, she was really confused. I gave her a little less than the recommended serving because I was so nervous she would throw is up with her reflux, but she kept it down all night! Tonight we had round two and it went just as well, except she has a bit of a cold and kept sneezing the cereal all over the place!

One year ago!

One year ago, on February 27th 2008, I took a pregnancy test. AND I think you know the rest of the story! I remember getting up that day, going to babysit, and just having a feeling that something was different. Here is a picture I took of Brooke this morning, turning to look back at me while playing in her bumbo. It is crazy what one year can do!

Zombie Mom

Brooke slept like a little angel the first 3 months of her life. During Christmas break she slept from 10pm-8am for a week straight, and I thought we were finally at the "sleeping through the night" point. Well, boy was I wrong! First we had a growth spurt that had us up every 2-3 hours for a week straight. We went back to a 6 hour stretch followed by two 3 hour stretches but now we are back at up every 2-3 hours! Usually if I cannot console her I bring her to bed and nurse her, well I fall asleep and awake 1 hour later to put her back, so I feel as though I am up double. So for now, I will be a Zombie Mom. /vent

I talk about Brooke a lot on here, because we love her so much, but I guess I should write a family update! Dustin and I are currently in the market for our first home! We have seen about 20 homes already and are still out there shopping, so hopefully "THE" home will pop up soon! I am also thinking about getting a part time job but the thought of leaving Brooke is maddening, so we will see what happens there!

No Words

I spend some time on a mom forum, daily, where I can interact with other moms, share stories, and get answers. A couple of weeks ago a mother of two beautiful twin girls got devastating news. Her little girls were diagnosed with a disease that would eventually take their lives and little did we know, this fate would come sooner than expected. Last night they lost Carynne and tonight her sister Sydney joined her. I cannot imagine the pain and sadness their parents are feeling right now, so if you are reading this, please keep them in your prayers.

http://sweetgirlies.blogspot.com/

Another blog I recently came across was about a little girl named Cora. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer around 10 months of age and died 3 weeks later. I am amazing by her parents strength during this time, and encouraged by their words and actions. There is a foundation on Etsy.com where everything you purchase will help fun a playground in Cora's name.

http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/

I cannot help but feel blessed by the healthy, beautiful girl that God has blessed us with and give Him praise each and every day for her. I also must remember that she is not mine, but His, and pray daily that His will be done in her life.

3 things.

1. Everyone should have one of these. I am sure there are about 50 other toys that I will eventually say the same for, but so far this one is a hit! Maybe it will wear off in a week or two but for now, it provides entertainment for at least 30 minutes... which is a lot for a baby!

Fisher-Price Rainforest Shake n' Chime Ball.

2. Brooke grew a few inches of hair this weekend.

3. Brooke is definitely becoming a Daddy's girl.