It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Everywhere you go.... The tree is up. The lights are on outside the house. The rosettes are made. Sure feels like Christmas to me. Brooke helped Justin and I trim the tree. Well, I should say that now she just takes the ornaments down and I have to put them up a little higher each time. And now, she just moves one of her chairs closer to the tree so she can climb that and reach even higher on the tree.

I'm looking forward to an exciting Christmas weekend. On Christmas Eve morning we'll open gifts between the three (um, make the four with Cody) of us. That evening we'll head to the Hechts for dinner. Then, the next morning we'll make the trek to the Magic City to spend time with the Burckhards. And, we are going to do the Holiday Tradition Burckhard party at the International Inn this year. It should be fun with all the babies/toddlers and more at the pool.

Brooke is growing more and more every day. She continues to be in the 97th percentile for height and weight. And, her head size jumped from 50th percentile at her nine month appointment up to the 97th percentile at her 12 month appt. The doc didn't quite believe it so she measured again. Yep. Now her head fits her body. (Not that it didn't before. You know what I mean... :-) ). She's talking more and trying to imitate sounds and words. She has learned the dogs name at daycare - Mario - and calls everything hairy by that name. (Sorry Cody. You've been named Mario by her, too.) Her other new word is shoes. Do we need to be worried that she'll be a shop-a-holic? ha!

Here are a few pre-Christmas photos of Brooke and Cody. (They are best friends by the way. It's not too often that when we are all home that they spend any time apart.)

I used that chair when I was little and so did my mom.

Brooke & Cody.

Relaxing in the snow.

All work and no play at the Hechts.

First good snowfall of December 2009.

Pool Party & More

For Brooke's birthday (11.4.09) Justin and I both spent the entire day with her. First we went to the mall to see puppies in the pet store and play in the play area. Then, out to lunch and home for a quick nap. Later that afternoon, we met up with the Anderson's and went swimming and sliding at Canad Inns water park. Brooke's been in the lake, but this was her first time in a pool. And, even though her lips turn crazy shades of blue and purple, she didn't want to leave. I think we've got a little fish on our hands.

Here are a few pictures of Brooke's pool party and a few more from tonight at Grandpa Mike and Grandma Patti's house.

Brooke's first ride her her turned-around car seat.

Sittin' pretty on a big girl chair.

Big boy Austin

Uncle Justin sliding with Austin.

Brooke's birthday slide with daddy.

1st Birthday Pool Party

Brooke loves the splash park.

Brooke & Austin at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Happy Birthday Brooke! (11/4/2009)

I can't believe that only one year ago, our darling little Brooke was born. I never knew how much our lives would change. I never knew that I could love another person as much as I absolutely adore her. Every day I know I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

Even though she won't remember everything that happened these last few days, we did a couple parties for her. The first one was for family and friends. On October 31, we celebrated her birthday at Grandma Patti & Grandpa Mike's house. A lot of people came over - Grandma Wendy & Grandpa Kenny, the Andersons, the Johnsons, the Gregoires, Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Raub, Great Grandma Hecht, Great Aunt Alyce, and cousin Adam Overvold. We had a great time with everyone and were so excited that they all could make it. Unfortunately Uncle Terry couldn't be there, but he had to work. We are looking forward to see him over Thanksgiving.

Then, on her actual birthday (today), Justin and I both took the day off of work to hang out with her. When she woke up (6 a.m. of course) she got to open her presents from us. We already gave her a Sioux hockey stick at her party, so this time she got clothes, shoes, and sippy cups. After breakfast and a morning nap, we headed to the mall to see the puppies in the pet store and to play in the play gym. She had a fun time exploring the mall. It was nice to have space for her to run around and not always hear "no". For lunch we went to Arby's since it was close. (Okay, so that's not that exciting, but I have to write this out so I remember everything we did.) Then, home again for a short nap before heading to the water park. Yep, Brooke had a pizza party at Splashers Island at Canad Inns. It was her first time there. Originally, it was just going to be Justin & I with her, but Katie didn't have to work so she brought Austin and Ryan met up later. It was Brooke's first time there and she loved it. (I'll have to download photos later b/c the camera is not nearby.) After 2 hours of swimming and playing in the water, we headed home. She definitely was pooped because she slept all the way home and wasn't awake for very long once we got here.

Today was also a big day because she got to start drinking regular milk and her car seat got turned around. Even though she's one and is becoming more and more independent every day, she'll always be my little baby.

Happy Birthday Brooke Marie. We love you little munchkin.

Dancing in the hallway.

Opening presents during her Oct. 31 birthday party.

Big girl birthday smash cake.

The Hechts & Andersons

Proud mom & dad of a one year old!

Lovin' life on her new car from Grandma Patti & Grandpa Mike.

I love sugar!

Brooke & cousin Austin (the dragon)

Make a wish.

Brooke was a Vikings cheerleader for her Halloween birthday party.

The Hechts

I'm one today!

Practicing her pouty face.

Reading with Grandpa Kenny.

Stylin' driver.

Brooke Marie

Brooke in her Minnesota Wild jumper. Thanks Ross!

Good buddies at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We were just playing around one afternoon and I found this bug costume for Brooke. It's going to be too small to wear for Halloween, but it's kinda cute.

Down for a snooze.

Are You Ready for Some Football!!!

Justin & I took in the Vikings season home opener for our second wedding anniversary gift to each other. The game was amazing. The Vikes took it all the way down to the last 2 seconds to win the game against the 49ers. The ending score was 27 to 24. Our seats were great - section 116 row 8. We sat right next to the tunnel where the Vikes left the game.

Here are a few pictures from the game.

#28 - Adrien Peterson after the game.

#4 Brett Favre after the game winning touchdown pass to Carl Lewis.

My main man, #69 Jared Allen after the game.

Action shot from the game. Trying to stop a kick.

Justin and Rick showing off their guns.

Me and Rosy showing off our jerseys ;-)

D-FENCE

Jared Allen pumping up the crowd. The noise in the dome was incredible.

One of the opening drives of the game.

"These Boots Were Made for Walkin'..."

Here we are three weeks into September and Brooke is four weeks into walking. No, I didn't mistype that. She's been walking since August 29, about one week shy of her being 10 months old. Incredible I know. She took her first steps while Grandma Wendy was here with her. We're a little bummed we didn't see them first, but it's still exciting to see her walk around the house. And, walking is all she basically does anymore. She barely ever crawls no matter how many bumps and bruises she gets when she falls. And boy is she ever Miss Independent. She doesn't want much help either.

We've been pretty busy the last month and we don't slow down for a while. At the end of August, Justin, Terry (my brother) and I went to Minneapolis for a Twins game and the MN State Fair. Thanks to Rosy and Rick Tedesco, we had a great time. Then, Labor Day weekend, Cody, Brooke and I went to Minot for Grandpa Kenny and Uncle Terry's birthdays. This was also Brooke's first trip to the Zoo. Justin spent that weekend at Lake of the Woods with all th boys. Next weekend we go to Minneapolis for Erica & Ricardo's wedding and then to a Viking's game (vs. 49ers). Brooke will stay with Grandma Patti that weekend. And finally, at the beginning of October, Brooke & I will go to Sioux Falls for a girls weekend getaway and stay at my friend Lindsay's house. Then, I better get my butt in gear to plan her 1st birthday party.

Life doesn't slow down for us. But I love every second of it. Here are some recent pictures. They are in no specific order. Enjoy and don't forget to CELEBRATE LIFE!

Boys weekend at Lake of the Woods (Labor Day)

Getting dropped off at daycare.

Looking at animals with Grandma Wendy.

Red and white carrots from Grandpa Kenny's garden.

Helping Grandma Wendy with the corn.

Swimming party in the Magic City.

Cody Martin chillin' in Minot

Brooke loves books!

At the Zoo.

With Grandpa Kenny at the Zoo.

Looking at the monkeys with Uncle Terry.

Brooke & cousin Austin

Brooke & Mommy before work.

The Tedesco's (Rick & Rosy) - Our gracious hosts in the cities!

Twin's Game!

DeAnn & Terry at the UND Alumni reception before the Twins game.