A Long Couple Of Days

The last few days have been completely exhausting! I'm seriously wiped out. Brooke has had diarrhea and no appetite for the past three days, so I think her belly has been upset. As you can imagine, she's been grumpy too and grumpy babies make sleepy mamas! Luckily, though, she's been sleeping like a champ still, which is definitely my saving grace. I also think she has her eye-teeth coming in so I've been keeping on top of giving her Tylenol to help her out. She woke up at 9:15 this morning, had a non-runny diaper, ate an entire egg, and has been happy since so thankfully the worst is over! My happy baby is BACK!!!!

To add to all of that, I've also been kind of sick:-( I've had horrible allergies that have caused me to wake up with difficulty breathing and congestion. That's the worst! My eyes are pink from being so irritated and I can't wear my contacts, so I'm walking around with my glasses on, feeling frumpy and ugly. I also have another UTI (my 3RD in 3 months) and a low grade fever, so that's annoying too. I went to the doctor today and she put me on an antibiotic for the UTI (and is also referring me to a specialist to figure out the problem) and a whole boat load of medicines that should have my allergy problems cleared up too. When it rains it pours, I tell ya!

In happier news, I am so excited about Brooke's verbal explosion! She's now using two and three word sentences regularly like, "Juice please, Mama." She cracked me up yesterday and said, "Excuse you, Mama." Lol! I love that kid! Her language skills have REALLY taken off yet again and it's a blast hearing what comes out of her mouth. I look forward to watching her getting even more proficient at communicating with me. It's the best!

So you know how we're going to Pittsford Thursday night? Well, John suggested that we leave Brookie with his parents. She sleeps through the night and during the days she's a totally content baby (with the exception of the last few days). I know that she would be totally fine because her grandparents are great with her, but part of me feels like a bad mom for even thinking about leaving her overnight. John and I love being with our baby and spending time with her so we'll surely miss her if we leave her, but I think it's also important for us to have special things for just the two of us. The hotel is gorgeous and it could be a romantic getaway, but there's also that mother side of me that doubts that I'm not being selfish. I have to come to a decision by tonight and I'm not 100 percent sure what I'll do.

Alrighty, I'm off to relax before my princess wakes up from her nap.

I'm So Excited!!! I Just Can't Hide It!!!

I'm so excited because....

1. We booked our plane tickets for Florida tonight!!!!!!!!!!! We're going the 19Th-25Th of August and we're gonna have the very best time EVER. Only 22 more days!!

2. John's taking off Thursday night and we're going to Pittsford, NY. It's this little remote town that is filled with little shops, restaurants, and character. We went there when I was 13 weeks pregnant with Brooke and fell in love with it. We've wanted to go back to relax ever since and it's just how happening. We stayed in this really amazing hotel last time, The Brookwood Inn, and when John Pricelined us a hotel, we ended up getting it for $50!! I'm all about that! I can't wait!

3. I get to be a mommy to this little girl: (All of the following pictures are stolen from my brother-in-law Luke. They were taken during VBS last week)












Isn't she a cutie? I gave her that cupcake at VBS thinking that it would be a super big treat for her to be able to delve into by herself but she just screamed at cried "MESS" the whole time, along with signing "all done" repeatedly. She's a crack-up!

So, yes, I have a lot to be excited and happy about. Life is great! John went back to work tonight which makes me sad BUT he only has to work 3 days this work week so I'm thinking happy thoughts

***Tammy, thanks for your very nice comment. You made my day! I enjoyed seeing you so much and I'm really happy that we were able to spend at least a little bit of time together. You should come up more often because you're a real sweetheart and we love having you around!

The Aftermath

Wow, it looks like a cyclone went through my house this week! I was so busy with VBS that I was out of groceries, my floors hadn't been mopped in a couple of days, my furniture wasn't dusted, and I was slightly behind on laundry. I HATE that feeling of not being "caught up." Luckily today I was able to get back into the swing of things and I can truly sleep much better tonight knowing that things are in order.

This morning Brookie and I went to a couple of different grocery stores (to get the deals) and out to lunch. I came home and put her down for her nap and then gave my fridge and freezer a deep clean (by emptying them and scrubbing them with disinfectant) and then I organized all of the new groceries. I mopped, vacuumed, dusted, did laundry, deep-cleaned the bathroom, AND made cream cheese filled chocolate-chocolate chip muffins and cream cheese filled blueberry muffins for my Sunday School class tomorrow. I feel so relaxed now! I love working around my house!

So during VBS this week we had some ladies there (that happen to be sisters) who are fairly new to our church. They've come for a while but they've never really been super involved. This week they were HUGE helpers and we ended up hitting it off and becoming really good friends! My sister-in-law, Sarah (My DAWG), my sister, those two girls and I were sitting around the kitchen and I said, "Man, my house is a wreck this week." Sarah said, "When she says that, she means that she has a blanket on the floor." Alison chimed in and they started talking about how neurotic I am about my house. I seriously wasn't offended at all. I just laughed right along with them because I'll be the first to tell you that I let my house bug me too much. The one girl said that she pictured me to be like that about my house because I've got so much energy and never sit still. Anyways, later in the week the sisters came up to me and one of them said, "We really enjoyed spending time with you and we want to have you over to our houses and stuff, but we're worried that they won't be clean enough for you." I COULD HAVE FELL ON THE FLOOR! I feel so bad now! I may be a snob about my house, but certainly NOT about other people's. Honestly, I only care so, so much about my house because it's my job and my responsibility. I feel horrible now!!I never realized that I have that air about me that makes other people think ther houses have to be impeccably cleaned to be up to my standards. How embarrassing:-( I'll definitely work hard to fix that.

On another note, it's John night off tonight but he's working from 10-6 for some overtime thing because the money's super good. Ugh. I hate it but I know that he's just doing it for us. It's extra vacation money so I'm thinking happy thoughts! I just miss him so much.

Okay, I'm off to watch a movie... Alone:-( It should be a blast.

Happy Birthday, Nathan Bug!

I'm feeling kind of sentimental about my precious nephew, Nathan, because today is his 2Nd birthday. I love that baby (or shall I say BIG boy) so very much and I couldn't be more proud of him if he was my own little guy.

I still vividly remember the night he was born and how we all rushed out to the hospital at 1 in the morning to meet him. When he came home we were just fascinated by him because he was the first baby that came into our family since I was born. I distinctly remember staring at him in wonder and looking at his little feet for hours on end. It was so amazing to be a part of his life and I could only imagine how much fun we had ahead of us!

For the first 7 months of Nathan life, he was my "guinea pig." I was pregnant with Brooke at that point, and little Nathan taught me all about diapers, bath time, car seats, and all of that other baby stuff. He was pretty patient with me too! Lol

I have loved going through each stage of Nathan's life with him and watching him grow. He's such a smart, hilarious, and special little boy and there will always, always be a special place in my heart just for him. I love him every bit as much as I love Brooke, but I'll admit, it's more of a fun love. With Nathan I don't have to be the person who's worried about what he eats, when he gets his nap, discipline, etc... I just get to be the fun-loving, spoiling aunt and leave all that stuff for his mama and daddy. I love it!

So, Happy Birthday, Mr. Nathan! AJ loves you with all her heart!!

Zapped

I think it's safe to say that VBS has taken a toll on my baby and me. I'm so tired and worn out from the week (although it's been a blast) and Brooke is SO out of sorts because of our routine being shaken up so much. Today was an extremely trying day and I don't remember the last time I felt so frazzled as a mama. Let me explain...

Brooke woke up at 9 this morning (and didn't nurse.. She didn't even ask) and I assumed that she would be well rested enough to be happy. She requested pancakes and I told her that she had to get dressed and have her diaper changed real quick and she bit me. I spanked her, explained to her that she can't bite mommy, and asked her to say sorry. On we went.

While making pancakes Brooke asked for juice and because I was in the middle of flipping the pancakes, I told her to wait and she bit me. I repeated the proper discipline procedures and Brooke screamed to voice her displeasure but I really thought that I got through to her.

As the day progressed, Brooke either bit or attempted to bite me at least 5 more times and she successfully bit Nathan's arm because she was mad at ME. I just don't understand why she's doing this all of a sudden and why she's not responding to discipline like usual.

I had to go up to church early to cook dinner for tonight and Brooke was a complete and total disaster. She refused to be put down and screamed every time I didn't give her what she wanted exactly when she wanted it. She was unable to be reckoned with and it was really, really difficult for me to make her happy, let alone cook dinner for 75 people. I feel so bad (still to this moment) because when John showed up (around 5) I totally off-loaded our screaming child onto him and cried for a few minutes, due to being totally overwhelmed. Brooke's grandmas arrived shortly after John and I enlisted their help too, which I still feel bad about. I love taking care of my baby but today I was so out of sorts.

Maybe Brooke's just tired? Maybe she doesn't feel like she's getting enough attention because I've been so busy? Maybe she doesn't like having so many people around all the time? Maybe she doesn't feel well or is getting new teeth? Maybe she's sick of being out of the house every night? Maybe she hate the disruption of her routine? Maybe I'm just a horrible mom? I just don't know but something's gotta give! I hate seeing my baby so miserable and grumpy:-(

Our Day In Pictures!

Well, it seems as though I'm copping out and using pictures for my post again. This week is just too crazy to think about much so pictures seem to be the best way to get my point across! Enjoy!!

Before we headed up to the church tonight:


The rest of the pictures are of Nathan and Brookie playing in the little pool at VBS. They had so much fun and it was precious to watch! They're such good friends!

VBS Pictures!!

We had a really great night at VBS tonight. Actually, I should really say we had a good "day" at VBS because our whole entire was consumed by it. John took me to Sam's this morning to get all of the supplies for the dinners this week and by the time we finished our shopping it was time for me to get up to the church. I was so lucky though because a few ladies from church were there to help me. They are all in my age group with babies or kids so it was awesome to be able to have some time with them. I really enjoyed myself!

Like I said last night, my mom and Patty are doing a little class for Nathan and Brooke. They have been having SO much fun! Tonight they were painting and apparently my prissy little girl did NOT like it one bit. She was crying and saying "MESS!" Lol! She's SO my daughter! They got to play in the wading pool, eat freeze pops, sing songs, learn a Bible story, and play outside. I am so touched at all of the time, love, and effort that has gone into making VBS so much fun for these babies! Here are some pictures of our night...

The crazy cousins splashing in the water:


What a goof ball!


There goes the nice, clean, DRY outfit. Thanks, grandmas! Lol


My silly little Nathan Bug! I LOVE that kid!


Mommy and Brookie

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Because we have our VBS kick-off party tonight and John's off, I'll be pretty busy for the rest of the evening. So, I took some adorable pictures of my princess, instead of writing much. She's wearing her new outfit (that was originally $37, but I only paid $4!!) and her new bows (which were more expensive than the outfit. Lol!). Man, girly accessories are so expensive. Enjoy the pictures!







Alright, the long, hot week starts now. Time to go to church...

The Loneliness Is OVER!!!!

No overtime for John tonight!!!! I'm so happy I could scream. The last couple of days have been so unbearably long for me so tonight should be pretty incredible. Just having John's presence in the house will be nice! We're going to grill some cheeseburgers, maybe go for a walk, and then after the princess goes to bed we're going to just relax and catch up. The best part is that tonight is his last night before he has the next two nights off. I'm THRILLED about that:-)

The next coming week is going to be one heck of a long week. It's our church's annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) and I'm in charge of the food and John and his dad are teaching the recreation class. I have to be at church at about 3 every day to start cooking and setting up and John's last class isn't over until 8 so it's going to be a long, long, long, exhausting week. It's a lot of work but it's also a lot of fun and it's a wonderful way to reach the kids in our community. I'm excited because this year there's a class for Brooke's age (that my mom and mother-in-law) are teaching. Brooke should be kept plenty busy and entertained and I'm really happy that she'll be able to do so many fun things.

Well, I just realized that I have no American cheese for our burgers. What the heck??? I need to run to the store so we can get things going!

My Holy Child

Brooke is such a crack up! As we go throughout our day she grabs my hand, closes her eyes and says "pray" repeatedly. It's the funniest thing! She's adamant about praying too and does NOT let up until we do. This obsession with prayer comes out at the most hilarious times.. When she's in trouble, when she's upset, when she's hurt, or even when she's happy. The other day we were looking at the rain and she asked to pray so we thanked Jesus for the rain. The Bible verse "Pray without ceasing" is taking on true meaning in our home! Seeing Brooke's constant urge and need to pray, though cute and silly at times, has been a real encouragement to me in my spiritual walk. It has reminded me that I, too, should run to Jesus when I'm happy, sad, excited, hurting, rejoicing, etc... Not just to make requisitions or amends. Through Brooke's example of that I've been so blessed. The heart of a child is really a special thing!

Tonight has been kind of a rough night for me because I miss John so, so much. This over-time is pretty isolating for me because he leaves late enough for me not to be able to go anywhere (because it messes up bedtime) but early enough for me to have A LOT of time to kill on my own. Anyways, as I put Brooke to bed we prayed (of course) and then she looked up at me and said, "All done! Sleepy. Night night." As if to say, "Mommy, hurry up and put me to bed. I'm tired!" Then she looked at me with those big blue eyes and gave me the most precious kisses, out of nowhere. My whole heart melted and it just reminded me of how great life is, despite a few lonely nights.

My sister found out the gender of her baby today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's due on December 8Th so she's about half way there and finding the baby's sex was so special. I was already in love with the baby already but knowing the gender just excites me even more. I'm waiting for her to post it on her blog before letting the cat out of the bag for her but I just couldn't blog today without mentioning the wonderful news our family got today. I love you, sis, and I could be more happy or excited if it was my own little peanut:-)

Now that the princess is in bed I'm off to clean up a little (okay, a lot!). The time to be productive is now!

An Experiment In The Works...

****Update on my crock pot dinner... It was fantastic!!!!!! The pork melted in our mouths and the rice tasted like Chinese food rice. If you want a simple, hassle- free, cheap dinner you have to try this!

I came home from running errands and things this morning at about 1:30 and decided 1) that I have nothing planned for dinner and 2) that the thought of making dinner repulsed me. Frantically I searched through my stash of frozen meat, but ultimately concluded (again) that cooking just doesn't appeal to me today. So, I thought to myself... What can I do for dinner with frozen meat that requires me to do nothing? I thought about my trusty crock pot and immediately knew my dinner dilemma was solved. Lol!

Into my crock pot I threw a frozen pork tenderloin, Teriyaki sauce, a cup of rice, 2 cups of water, garlic, salt, pepper, broccoli and pineapple. I turned it up on high and hopefully we'll have dinner by 4:30 or 5. I'm aiming for a stir fry kind of taste and I think the ingredients sounds really good together!! I'm really excited but I'm also a little bit nervous because I've never made rice in the crock pot so I'm not sure how it will do. In a few hours we'll have a verdict! The worst that can happen is that dinner's a total bomb and we have to go out to eat. What a shame that would be!

I'm feeling kind of sorry for myself at the moment because John has to go in to work at 7 (which means he starts getting ready at 6 and leaves me at 6:30) tonight and tomorrow night. He picked it up because the money is hard to pass up and also because he wants to get some more DWI's so he can win the contest at work (which would be a reward of $300). I feel so selfish being concerned about ME because I know that it's not a cake walk for John, but still, it's really hard for me to not have him home. He is my best friend and we literally do everything together so when he's away it's hard to be happy. Who knows, maybe I shouldn't rely on him quite as much? It's also hard because we get NO adult time just to relax together on days like this because he leaves before Miss Brooke goes to bed. It doesn't help that I hate being alone, either. I'm the type that has to have people around me to keep me company or else I get very lonely. Like I said last night, I have a wonderful husband who works SO hard for us and I'm incredibly thankful for that but it's just so hard to be away from him:-(

Alrighty, I'm off to do some housework while Brookie sleeps. I'll update later on my dinner concoction! Wish me luck!

Baby's First Haircut!!

Brooke has a full head of curly hair that is absolutely gorgeous. It was starting to get kind of long but I didn't want to cut it and risk losing the curl. I got conflicting reports about what trimming it would do... One lady said it would make it curl more and another said that it might make it straighten out. I just didn't know what to do! So anyways, last night, Tristyn (my friend who I hadn't seen since March) was over and we were talking about Brooke's hair, because she cuts hair and all of that stuff. I was telling her why I was so nervous to cut it and she suggested that we just take off the tips to help it grow better and fall more nicely. I told her that that was a great idea and she offered to just do it then and there for me. So, with much anxiety and skepticism, I let Tristyn cut Brooke's hair right there on my kitchen counter! It only took a few minutes and having Tristyn's almost 2-year-old baby, Hudson, there to talk to Brooke throughout the process made it easier. Brookie's hair looks GREAT and it now curls even more than it used to. It's just so pretty and I wish I had a picture to share. So yesterday, on Brooke's 17month birthday she had her very first haircut. I'll have to mark that one in the baby book!

In other Brooke news, she's been a SLEEPING machine lately. HOLY COW! Monday she took a 3 hour nap, yesterday she took a 4 hour nap, and today she took a 3 hour nap too. She's also been sleeping wicked late in the mornings. Tuesday she slept until 9:30 and today she slept until 10. What's with this kid? I'm definitely NOT complaining but I've never known her to need quite this much rest! I hardly know what to do with all of this free time!

John went back to work tonight:-( Ugh, I hate the night shift. I LOATH the fact that he has to work such crazy hours, but I'm very blessed to have such a hard working husband who does whatever it takes to pay the bills. Yes, I feel pretty special being his wife:-)

A Fun Day With Nathan!

We picked Nathan up this morning and took him, along with Brooke, to the park! We had such a fun time but there were SO many kids there that I think both babies were a bit overwhelmed. There were these older girls (like 4 or 5) who were hogging this one area and when Nathan went to play near there they said, "Umm, this is OUR space. We're blocking it off." Anyone who knows me knows that I strongly disagreed with them and we continued to play wherever we wanted. Lol! I think bully kids follow me or something? Really, though, these problems seem to stem from the fact that mothers do NOT watch their children. They just let them wander off and be rude to people. Anyways, that's another story for another day though!

After the park we took Nathan and Brooke to Wendy's for lunch because when we asked Nathan what we he wanted he said "Hamburger, please. Wendy's." That kid ate 3/4 of a cheeseburger and 2 chicken nuggets. HOLY COW!! Ya know what Brooke ate? Nothing. When we were done Nathan said, "Thank you lunch. Pizza now." HAHAHA!! That kid cracks me up.

Before we dropped Nathan back off to his mommy he said, "Thank you slides. Thank you swings. Thank you hamburger. Thank you Uncle John. Thank you AJ. Love you Brookie." It was precious! That kid is just too smart for his own good and the things that come out of his mouth have us cracking up all day. He also serenaded us for much of the day by singing us his sweet little songs. What a cutie!!

So, John and came home and put Brooke down for her nap and we've since been working in the yard and doing housework. It's been 2.5 hours so I'm expecting the princess to wake up any minute. She'll be well rested and I'm about ready to pass out! Ah, the life of a mother!

John's off tonight. I'm THRILLED!!! Last night we went to see the new Will Smith movie, Hancock, and it was wicked good. Everybody needs to go check it out. It was very interesting and funny, yet it made you think and it was emotional at the same time. Can you really go wrong with Will Smith, though?

A Snuggly Sunday

Brookie and I had such a wonderful afternoon today! It was a rainy, gloomy day so after her nap, we sat in the window seat in our family room with some of Brooke's favorite snacks and stared at the rain and sang songs. It was so much fun! I love rainy days, but this rainy day was extra special because I shared it with my precious baby. Occasionally she would look up at me and say "hug" and reach over to snuggle. Other times she would kiss me or smile at me and in that moment the world seemed like the perfect place. I love being a mommy, but today I was reminded of just how much.

I sing Brooke this song that my mom has always sang to me: "Rain, rain pitter patter, rain on my roof. Rain, rain, pitter patter, thank you God for rain!" Today she kept singing "rain, rain" (in perfect key, might I add) and then I would sing it to her. Every time I quit singing she would do the sign for "more" and she wouldn't stop until I broke out in song. Lol! That kid is hilarious!

John's off tomorrow night and Tuesday night. GLORY HALLELUJAH!!! I can't wait:-)

Devil Child

No, I'm not talking about Brooke! I would never refer to my little princess with such choice words. I'm talking about the evil child at the park today, who I affectionately refer to as the "spawn of Satan." Now I have your attention, huh?

So, we went to the park with Ali and Nathan and there was this little girl (who couldn't have been more than 4) who was the worst brat I've ever met. First of all, she followed us everywhere and made mean faces at us. We were on the swings and she would NOT leave us alone, which was fine because it's not like we own the swings or anything. She then followed us over to the slides, where she continued making her mean faces and staring, but then she added hissing. Lol! Hilarious!! I was HISSED at today. So what did I do? I hissed right back and it was A LOT of fun. Haha! The next place we went was to the BIG slide, where Brooke needed help climbing up. Mid-way up the tumultuous journey to the top, this little girl tried to grab Brooke's foot and budge in front of her. While her mother just sat there and allowed this, I said "Excuse me, it's her turn and you do not need to be mean to us. We were here first." The little brat (who wasn't even remotely cute, by the way) started yelling at me and repeating to me that it was her turn. I have never been treated so rudely by a child in my life. AMAZING.

I knew this kid was a brat but after we got off of the slide I got to see her in action some more. Her mom was calling her (Sydney was her name) and she said to her, "Mom, YOU BRING ME MY POPCORN AND JUICE NOW." And the mother did!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is wrong with people? Maybe Miss Sydney wouldn't be such a piece of work if her mom a) watched her on the playground, b) taught her general respect for others, and c) didn't allow her to treat her mom like a maid. I'm truly applauded and I cannot imagine my parents letting me act like that as a child! Wow...

Thankfully we still had a fun time at the park, despite the horrible brat we encountered. I just thought I would share that story because it's pretty funny, if you ask me!

"It's Okay!"

Today Brooke and I were playing with Chipper and he began to whimper or something. She started patting him gently and saying, "It's okay!" It took me a few minutes to figure out what she was saying but after a minute John and I both caught on. How precious is that? The more and more I think about it, whenever she gets hurt or upset I rub her gently and say, "It's okay," in the same compassionate voice that she used to reassure Chipper. I think we have one heck of a future mommy on our hands! She's learning the ropes pretty early on!

Brooke has never been a snuggler but over these last couple of days she's been coming up to me for hugs and kisses and I feel like a million bucks every time she wants some loving from her mama! Mixed right in with her sweetness has been A LOT of not-so-good things unfortunately:-( I'm learning that she is VERY willful and she will stop at nothing to get her way... Hitting, biting, not breathing, screaming, throwing herself on the ground, and repeating "NO!" over and over again. We give spankings and make eye contact with her and verbally tell her that her behavior is not acceptable, but sometimes I wonder if it gets through to her little head. I think she's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because there are so many facets of Brooke and they are on one end of the spectrum or other. She's always on this emotional roller coaster!

Alrighty, it's time for me to get some rest. Morning comes quickly in this house lately. John went back to work tonight so it's gonna be a lonely night:-( I say this every week, but the first night back is always the worst...

Oh, What A Night...

I am sitting here in SHOCK over the horrible night I had. I seriously can't even believe what was required of me and I think I just may vomit as I sit here rehashing it.

**Forgive me for the crude details, but they are essential to the story!** So, since this morning our dog has had this stomach issue or something going on. We woke up to him covered in his own droppings (which he never does) and all throughout the day he's been having extremely runny poop. We had errands to run and things to do today so we couldn't stay home and when we came home he was covered again. NASTY! Anyways, John had to work at the county fair tonight from 6:30-10:30 and I had to be at church until about 7:30. When I got home at 8, I feared what I might find. Ya know? I didn't even want to open the door because I knew that something disgusting was most likely waiting in the wings. Unfortunately, as I suspected, it was bad... And ten times worse than it had been all day. The part that really stinks, is that I had to take care of it because John was not home. So, I put on my trusty gloves and bathed the poop covered creature outside with the hose. But no, no, no.... My work had just started. I then had to clean the carpet in the laundry room (where his cage is), sanitize it, vacuum it, and spray air freshener. This process took me AGES (probably 1.5 hours) and it was the most vile thing I've ever done. EVER. I'm pretty sure I would have rather spent the night in jail.

John knows how much I hate things that are gross and how much I don't like the dog so he promised to reward me by taking me on a shopping spree for some new clothes tomorrow. I'm so excited! The truth is, however, that while I DESPISE that dog and his bodily functions, I would have cleaned up his despicable mess regardless of whether I got rewarded or not because I love John.

I had taped all of my favorite shows and was going to watch them tonight while John was at the fair but instead my night was consumed by poop. Wow. And to think, some people find dogs enjoyable. Beats me...

These Early Mornings Are KILLING Me!!!!!!!

Brooke has always, always been a late sleeper, throughout every stage of her life. Up until recently, I considered 7:30 to be a VERY early morning for us and now, I'm lucky if I get to sleep until 6:15. NOT fun.

The last several mornings Brooke has been waking up between 6:15 and 6:30. I've tried to bring her in with me and nurse her but she thinks it's all fun and games and just wants to get down and play. This morning was the worst morning yet... She woke up at 5:45 and would NOT go back to sleep. I wanted to cry! She nursed for a few minutes and then went to play around for a little bit... I sat and watched her, trying to keep my eyes opened. John finally came home from work at 7:20 and took her. I thought that he would just take her for juice or to get some breakfast with him, but the next time I opened my eyes it was 9:30!!! He let me sleep in:-) He changed her diaper, fed her breakfast, and played with her and I was elated to have some extra rest.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do to resolve this sleep problem. I know that Brooke is NOT getting the rest she needs because she's getting very fussy mid-morning. I'm going this afternoon to buy some room-darkening blinds, in hopes that they will help block the sunlight out. I'm also going to take my sister's advice and set a time that I think is acceptable to get Brooke out of her crib (maybe 7 at this point?) and not pick her up until that time. I'm thinking and hoping that if I let her cry she'll just learn to go back to sleep. A girl can dream, can't she? I can't keep walking around like a zombie and I'm sick of living in a constant state of exhuastion.

John has tonight and tomorrow night off!! HOWEVER, tonight he has to be at court at 7:30 so who knows when he'll be back and then tomorrow night he's working overtime at the county fair from 6:30-10:30. I can deal but I hate that he gets no reprieve from his crazy job. It's not good for him and I always worry about him when he gets no rest.

Speaking of rest, we're going to Florida at the end of August!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The actual dates are still tentative because John's sergeant hasn't officially approved John's time off, but at least we know that we're going! I don't want to wish the summer away but I want the end of August to be here NOW so I can get away.

I'm so excited.. I took Brooke to the park this afternoon and I made friends...Two other stay-at-home-moms with small kids (one had a 3 year old and a 3 month old, and the other had a 2 and 4 year old). I was there first and when they showed up they started talking to me and they made me feel so comfortable. They told me that they're at the park a lot so hopefully meet up again soon! I was so thrilled! At one point Brooke was trying to go down the slide and I was rushing to meet her at the bottom and the one lady ran over to hold her hand as she went down. I thought that was so nice! The live right around where I live and when they found out where I lived the one lady said how much she loved my house when it was for sale and she always thought how beautiful it was. I was so proud! So yeah, making friends for me is not always easy because I don't like to bug people, but I think I made a good connection with these ladies and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we meet up again.. And soon! It was so much fun having company at the park.

Alright, my girl's sleeping so it's time to do some work around the house.

There's Something On My Mind...

My parents requested the company of their granddaughter after church today, which I thought was very nice! Brookie went to the mall, to the park, and out to dinner with her Grammy and Papa and apparently had a very nice time! I was so happy that she could have some quality time with them!! While my girl was off gallivanting I mowed the lawn, went for a long swim, did more laundry, vacuumed, dusted, swept, and mopped (again, I know). I felt SO wonderful when I was done with everything on my list. Most people don't think that "work" sounds like fun on an afternoon off, but to me, working around the house and yard is so relaxing and if I do it when I'm baby-free then I have more time to spend with my girl when she's around (which is 95% of the time).

So, what's really on my mind right now is pertaining to baby #2. I know, I know, I know that God will give us a baby in HIS time and that we need to wait patiently for His perfectly plan, but right now I'm getting kind of antsy. John and I feel so ready and excited to welcome another baby into the world but it's just not happening. I still nurse Brooke once a day and I think that that's what's causing me to have no signs of fertility or a regular cycle, but I'm not going to forfeit something important to Brooke for a life that's not even created yet. Ya know? I can't do that do her. It's just really hard because even though I realize that it takes a while for the female body to get out of whack after being on the pill and breastfeeding, all of these thoughts are running through my head.... Did they screw me up with the C-Section and now I'll never have another baby? (HIGHLY irrational, I realize) Will I have to wait another year? Will I ever be a mommy again? I feel bad for feeling these things because I have a beautiful, healthy baby who has given me than enough joy to last a lifetime and if I never had another baby, I'm still more blessed than I deserve just by having her. Still though, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting another life to love and raise.

It's really hard because I feel like people around me are getting pregnant and I just don't understand why not ME. I'm not envious of other people or anything, but I just get so impatient when someone else I know pops up pregnant or when someone asks me when we want another baby. Hello people, I'm trying as hard as a I absolutely can! We have our names picked out (for the most part) and all of this space in our house so baby #2, PLEASE HURRY!!!!

Anyways, just had to get that off my chest. I know that each month I don't get pregnant is another month that I have alone with my Brookie girl and that's a treasure that I'm leaning on. I am constantly giving this back to God and I know that if I seek Him then He will help me to accept His will. I'm my own worst enemy for dwelling on it and letting it get to me so I know that I need to think the right thoughts and allow God to take over!

What A Productive Day!!

I got so much done today!!! I'm seriously amazed and SO proud of myself. Ah, I get to sit back and relax now and it feels great. I feel like I deserve it!

While Brooke napped today I made homemade egg bread (WHICH IS AMAZING!!!!) and homemade pizza dough. That process left my whole kitchen an enormous mess so while I was waiting for the doughs to rise I wiped the counters, swept, mopped, and washed dishes. I then ventured out into the rest of the house where I vacuumed, dusted, and did laundry. Finally my bread was done rising so I had to finishing making it.. Which created another mess for me to clean up. Lol. The work never ends!

We ran some errands when John woke up and when I came home I made the pizzas. We had one plain cheese pizza with homemade tomato sauce (of course!) and then a white pizza with pesto, cheese, fresh tomatoes and garlic (which was my favorite!). John loved the pizzas and they were so much fun to make. The dough was really easy too, so I was pleasantly suprised.

After dinner I ironed our dress clothes for church tomorrow, cleaned up the dinner mess (with MUCH help from my wonderful husband) and gave Brooke a bath.. AND I still had time to finish my 1000 piece puzzle that I started last week. What a busy, but productive day. I feel so happy now:-)

Okay, off to RELAX with John before he goes to work tonight. 10:30 will be here before we know it and he'll be walking out the door:-(

Happy 4Th Of July!

We had a really nice day celebrating the 4Th of July today!! John luckily had the day off so that was great. He has to be at work at 11 O'clock tonight and I'm sure all of the drunks will be out... So unfortunately tonight won't be as wonderful as today was. Oh well.. What are you gonna do?

We took Brookie to the parade this morning and she LOVED it!! The people on the floats, cars, and firetrucks were all throwing out candy and Brooke just loved picking it up. It was precious and I so wish I had had my camera to capture the breathtaking smile on her little face. She was decked out in her red and white striped sun dress with a pretty bow (of course) and she was the perfect Little Miss
4Th of July! She also got a kick out of the music, instruments and horses that came across our path. It was a blast watching her take it all in! There were some cops there (John's co-workers) and she looked at them and said, "Badge." Lol! She's a case!

After coming home and taking a 2.5 hour nap (ALL OF US!!) we then headed over to my parent's house for a nice cookout. Brooke and John played lots of fun games with Luke and Nathan outside. It was so much fun just watching them all play together! We got home at around 6 and went for a short walk and Brooke was in bed not even an hour later. She was so grumpy and fussy that we had no choice but to put her to bed super early. She went down with no fight so she must have needed the extra rest.

Okay, off to pack John's lunch so he doesn't have to be hungry on his super long night at work. Poor guy:-( Sometimes I wish I could go to work for him...

My Little Firecracker

Ever since the first summer John and I started dating (5 years ago) we've gone to the fireworks in his home town with his family to celebrate the 4Th of July. Despite the fireworks being WAY past Brookie's bedtime and my many reservations I had about going, we went. I was reluctant because I thought the night would be a total TRAIN WRECK, however, I seriously couldn't have asked for a nicer time!

We got the the fireworks around 8:45 and they didn't start until an hour later. To pass the time, Brooke went around eating all kinds of fun snacks and visiting all of her relatives. She was so happy! Finally, the fireworks started and I just knew that she would be too afraid to enjoy them. To my complete shock, Brooke cackled and laughed hysterically at the first firecracker and she continued to do that for the entire night. In between firecrackers she would do the sign for "more" and get very impatient. It was absolutely precious.

I don't think I saw many fireworks today.... I saw something much more wonderful- The glimmer in my girl's eyes as she took it all in and I was the happiest woman in the world.

Just Enjoying Life

We had a really great night tonight! I love being with my little family so much. Seriously, nothing makes me happier!

Our night started with a really good dinner (if I can brag!), which was chicken enchiladas. It was Ali's recipe but I revamped it (because that's just what I do) by doing it just a little bit differently than she does. I mixed together shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, Colby/Jack cheese and garlic and rolled it up in flour tortillas. I topped it all off with a sour cream sauce I made and LOTS of cheese. Not so good for the waistline, but man, they were wicked good and I was so proud. Brooke even liked them:-) I made Mexican rice and a tomato-cucumber salad to accompany it and it was perfect!

After dinner we walked to the park at the elementary school that's right down the road from us. I was really fun but because it's a school, there weren't baby swings, which stunk. It was hilarious because all Brookie wanted to do was play with the rocks anyways, so it worked out all good. John and I had so much fun swinging, sliding, and playing together that I felt like a kid again. We laughed so hard and had an amazingly good time. There was this map of the US that's painted on the sidewalk so John and I each threw a ball and we decided that we would move to whatever state it happened to land. I threw mine on Texas (which is where I lived for the first ten years of my life) and John threw his on Alaska (which is where he lived as a child). Weird, huh? So, anyways, we fantasized about how cool it would be to pack up our life and take the huge adventure of moving away and creating a new life. Then we said, "Nah" and headed home. Lol

Because I wouldn't allow dumb, annoying Chipper to come to the park we then of course had to take him for a walk when we got home. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but I wanted to focus on my baby and husband, and NOT chasing some smelly creature around. We ended up going for a really long walk and we were able to talk about some things that were on my mind and laugh a lot also. I enjoyed that walk so much!

We came home and watched all of our favorite TV shows while working on our puzzle after putting our princess to bed. I don't think that I could have asked for a more perfect night with my family. I love my life!

John has tomorrow night and Thursday night off. HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)