James Otto & More

Here are several pictures from the James Otto concert at the Alerus Center. The concert was great, but we couldn't figure out why he had a fan constantly blowing his hair. He looked like he was in a shampoo commercial.

Back to work

Brooke's first day at daycare was January 13. What a day that was! Of course, I cried when I dropped her off. I really wish I could have stayed home with her forever. But, two days later I sit her feeling a little better about it. I know this is good for her (and good for me, too). Have you heard Darius Rucker's song "It Won't Be Like This For Long" ? It talks about a little girl growing up and to love her up every second of the day. It brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it, but I still love it.

Here are some more pictures from around Christmas. I just love her little face.

Brooke's first phone from Grandma Wendy and Grandpa Kenny.



She found her thumb to suck on. This looks like her ultrasound when she was sucking her thumb.


She's sporting her Vikings jersey during the Vikes playoff game versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though Brooke showed her support the Vikings couldn't pull through. (We couldn't get her to look at the camera, she kept her eyes on the game.)

...2009

It's 2009! Boy, time flies when you are having fun. I have a week left home with Brookers. I'm not really looking forward to going back to work, but someone has to make the big bucks right? ;-) We celebrated Christmas with the Burckhards and the Hechts and had her baptism, too. Busy holiday weekend that's for sure. Then, Justin, Brooke & I took it easy on New Year's Eve. Just the three of us rang in the new year together.

Here are a few new pictures of Brooke. Some are from Christmas and her baptism. Mostly they are just randoms.

M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A, Minnesota, Minnesota, Yah GOPHERS! (Okay, so I wish we had a Sioux hat, too.)

Daddy and his little Gopher fan.

Daddy's girls

Brooke's baptism gown. Grandma Wendy and Grandpa Kenny made it from Great Grandma Esther's wedding dress. She's a pretty little Catholic isn't she?

She can't keep her eyes off her Minnesota Vikings. Go Vikes! (Girls can wear Vikings jerseys, too!)

Brooke's baptism at Sacred Heart. I know, the date stamp says 2005. The camera was being wacky.

Justin begged for a hoodie towel like Brooke's so Grandma Wendy made him a MN Gophers towel for Christmas.

Farmer Brooke and her bibs.

Peeking over the couch, looking for Santa.

And, we can't forget about Brooke's puppy Cody. Now, only if she would clean up after him in the yard. ;-)

Thanksgiving & Baby Burckhard Cousins

It's been quite a while since my last post so I figured I better get some new pictures up here of Brooke. We've had an eventful few weeks with Thanksgiving and then now getting ready for Christmas. We were in Minot for Thanksgiving for four days. It was great to be home. And, there was a double shower for me and my cousin's wife, Marissa, who just had a little boy (Paul, born two days before Brooke). Lots of aunts and cousins came; it was a lot of fun. Brooke must have been a little overwhelmed by all of the people because she was pretty fussy the whole time. It was still great to see everyone. And, to make things even more fun, all of the babies born into the Burckhard family were there, too. I'm going to keep this short and sweet because there are lots of pictures I want to include. I promise to do a better job of updating this blog more often!

Brooke's first tub bath!

Cody loves his baths, too!

Grandma, can I have some turkey please?

Just Brooke, sittin' pretty.

Brooke & her cousin Austin Anderson.

Great Grandma & Grandpa Raub

Great Grandma Betty Hecht

All of the 2008 Burckhard family babies (clockwise starting at Brooke (littlest one with no pants by the 2008): Brooke Hecht, Kambry Burckhard, Evan Helms, Paul Haman, Riley Burckhard.

Burckhard babies with Great Grandma Burckhard: Lisa & Riley Burckhard , Kayla & Kambry Burckhard, Marissa & Paul Haman, DeAnn & Brooke Hecht, Great Grandma Burckhard, & Marie & Evan Helms


Uncle Terry & Brooke

More from Brooke's birthday

She's a week and a half old now. Time flies when you're having fun! It's so rewarding to have a child. I can't imagine my life without her.

Even though these are from the day she was born, I just had to add them. I got them yesterday from my sister-in-law, Katie (thanks hun!). I love the lighting in these photos. I hope you enjoy them, too.

Brooke Marie Hecht 11.4.2008

Our little angel decided to make her grand appearance at 8:37 a.m. on November 4, 2008 (just in time to vote ;-) ). She tipped the scales at 9 pounds 7 ounces and 22 inches. With that trophy weight we decided we'll keep her :-).

Here are a few photos. Cody is taking to her very well. He's up all night whenever we are up just making sure she's okay when she's crying.

She's such a miracle. We are so blessed to have her in our lives!

Cody & Brooke

Grandma Wendy & Grandpa Kenny

Daddy & Brooke (since he's a dad now, Justin thought he would try out a mustache)

Our family

Holy smokes! 9 pounds 7 ounces!

Grandma Patti & Auntie Katie

4 days overdue & no baby yet...

Here we are again...Now, we are four days overdue and no sign of baby yet. Things are changing with my body, but nothing to get us headed to the hospital.

We had an appointment this morning and the doctor scheduled us to be induced on Thursday, November 6. So, unless we magically go into labor before we are planning to have the baby on Thursday. The good news is that we can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. And, it's been a loooooong tunnel.

Now all I can think about is Thursday and wondering what she looks like and just how big she's going to be. Any guesses? I'm thinking well over eight pounds and about 21 inches. I guess we'll see soon enough! ;-)