First State Fair

These cows are huge!

Am I big enough to ride the rides Cousin Cameron?

Not too sure about this big Ferris Wheel

Headed to my first big kid ride with Cousin Cassidy.

Going through the farmers market: feeding animals,

picking veggies, milking cows, riding tractors

I got this hat for free....Farmer Brooks

Tractor, Tractor, Tractor!!!

My first encounter at the fair with the animals. I loved this cow!

Up, down, Up, down....weeeeeeee!!!!

-This weekend we headed to the State Fair with Aunt Tara, Uncle Geno, Cousin Cassidy and Cameron. Brooks loved it and had a blast. He got a kick out of the animals and was surprised that they actually "talked"! He thought that was cool. He went on a few "big kid" rides with Cousin Cassidy and then headed up to the top of the Ferris Wheel with Daddy, Mommy and Cassidy. We got stuck at the top for a few minutes and he kept saying, "all done". I was ready to be done too! He got to eat yummy food, ride a few tractors, and feed a goat. We had a great time with the Lindleys. Can't wait to ride the train next year to the fair!

-Saturday night Brooks got to hang out with Aunt Tracey (Josh's sister) for a little bit before bedtime. She was in town from St. Louis for a jewelry convention and stopped by the new house. It was great to see her and Brooks loved the tractors she brought him. Thanks Aunt Tracey!!

-On a sad note...just wanted to say we have been thinking and praying for the victims at the freak Sugarland concert accident Saturday night. My sister Tammy and Brian were there to witness the collapse of the stage. Thank God they are ok, but some were not as fortunate. My heart goes out to everyone involved.

Carnival of Fun!

I love playing outside on my swing set.

I can make it up to the top on my own!

I went down this huge slide on Uncle Brian's lap. Mommy and

Aunt Tammy were right by my side. SOOO fun!!

-A few weeks ago while Josh was helping his dad out in St. Louis (2nd knee replacement..ouch!), I took Brooks to a local church carnival. We met Aunt Tammy, Uncle Brian and Grandma. It was fun to watch Brooks wander around saying hi to everyone. We took him on his first Merry-go-round and he went down his first BIG slide. I was a little nervous about it, but he was safe in Uncle Brian's arms. The first time he went down he clapped and then said, "more?". He loved it and I was so proud of him.

-He has learned to climb up the ladder to get to the top of his swing set. He also likes going down that slide. I enjoy going out after dinner to push him on the swing, chase him in the yard, or play ball with him. We are really enjoying the new home and starting to settle in.

-Also...my new favorite thing that Brooks says is, luv you....but he says it, "La Lu". Maybe I'll get that one on video someday.

Home Sweet Home..at last!

Brutus and Sweet Pea are finding their sunbathing spot

I love my new backyard!

Daddy needs to fix up my swing set ;)

Can't go anywhere without my balloon!

-Ok...so this is going to be a quick update because I am exhausted! We closed on our new home 7/19 and spent the first night here on 7/20. We have been unpacking and unloading the POD all last week. I would say we are almost completely unpacked except for the basement stuff which is not on the top of my list (out of sight...out of mind). Brooks has not skipped a beat and does not seem to miss the old house. I don't blame him, he has a lot more room to run around both inside and outside. He has already met a few of the other neighbor kids and was trying to hold their hands. SOO cute! Brutus and Sweet Pea seem to be doing slightly better than I expected. However, they keep going to the door when we leave as if to ask, "when are we going home?". But, they have found their sun spot and sleeping spots. I think they will be just fine and are already waiting by the back door to go out and explore. Freedom for them!! As for me, I am going crazy with all the things I want to paint and fix up. I plan to start in the family room and kitchen first. The cabinets are a little outdated and there is a lot of wood. I plan to paint them an off white/cream color. All the rooms need painted as well. I am just overwhelmed with all I want to do and how I am going to do it with a 19 month old! I guess it all takes time. Josh on the other hand can't wait to get his hands on the yard. The swing set weeds just got cut down and sprayed. He just cut the grass for the first time and has been watering. He has ideas for irrigation system, future garden, a few more trees, fixing the fence gate, cleaning up swing set....get the picture? The house needed a new roof (sellers had to pay for it) and that is going up soon. So, as you can see....we are busy with house stuff and it is so tiring...but exciting!!! We just said the other night that it is starting to feel like home....home sweet home!

-Oh yeah.....on top of all of this Brooks turned 19 months! He continues to make us laugh and smile all the time....as well as pull our hair out at times ;) He is getting really good at understanding consequences and following through with them. "If you hit the dogs with the tractor, then we will take it away." Also, when he wants something RIGHT NOW, I'll say something like, "first we change your diaper and then you can go outside". He will calm down and participate. Now....it is not always so "peachy" as we are still getting many fall aparts, but overall it is getting better. He says funny things like "I don't know", "one more", "danger" and is understanding counting, colors and spelling. Ok....I know it is a little far fetched and "rote", but he will say "2" after I say "1" and fills in the "R", "O", when I spell his name. He even tries to say his name "Bru". Today I caught him playing with a yellow tape measure (yep, we just happen to have one laying around) and he said, "yellow". It did not register at first, but then I realized the tape measure was in deed yellow. Crazy! Maybe a coincidence, but I'm taking it!

-Ok....so my short blog just turned into a long one. Oh well, I needed a break from all this house stuff. Also, just wanted to wish "Pops" Blackmore a speedy recovery from his 2nd knee replacement!!! Thinking of you!!!

Chatterbox

-Ok...so I am awful at this video upload thing. I have to use our small camera to take videos because the blog won't accept the HD ones from my camcorder (thus the poor quality). I also can't figure out how to turn the video clip upright....so just turn your computer ;) Sorry!

-Finally caught a little bit of our chatterbox being silly. He is talking all the time, but often needs interpretation by mommy for strangers....but he is getting his needs met and trying to say everything. Again not always so clear...but good effort!

-He has this crazy viral rash pop up last Saturday on his body and it is just now getting better. It itched him a little, but nothing too bad. He just looked miserable. Poor Bubba!

-We are getting ready for "go" time this Saturday!!! We plan to move most furniture into a "POD" system then the rest of the boxes into a u-haul on Monday. Yes...we are trying to save a little bit of money by doing it ourselves. We may be regretting it by Wednesday, but right now we seem to have it all under control....is there such a thing?!?! I must say this whole moving thing has been pretty intense and frustrating at times. We are so excited, but still so sad. We keep saying, "last monday, last tuesday"....etc.

Our little helper

Hanging out at the Cool Creek Concert Series

Can you see me??

"I got it Daddy"

-This weekend was jam packed....literally. We packed up some more boxes and moved them to the basement. We now have a basement and garage filled with boxes and unneeded furniture. Brooks thought it was cool to play in the boxes and to help move them. He kept saying, "OH NO, all done?" He was confused as to why his bookcase and pictures were gone from his room. I am having some mixed emotions about moving. I know it is what we all need, but I am so sad. This home is all Brooks and the dogs know. I hope it will be an easy transition for them. There are so many emotions wrapped up into this home...so many "firsts". My heart aches just thinking about them all. But, ultimately change is good and also inevitable. There is going to be so many more "firsts" and memories to create in this new home.

-We were able to take a break Friday night and went to a local concert. Brooks had a BLAST! He was running up and down the side area saying "hi" to everyone, dancing, and trying to play football with the big boys. He was drenched in sweat but he did not seem to mind. I wish I had that much energy!

Firecracker...Boom, Boom, Boom!!!

"Oh Cool"!!

"Pops" Blackmore got me this

ride on tractor and firecracker balloon!!!

Thanks "Pops"!

My one minute of "chill" time with mommy

Watching fireworks with my family

"Isn't it SO cool daddy?"

My first ear of corn...yum yum!

"Sweet Dad's" corn is the best in Indy!

Beating up on BruBru again

(this is what Brooks likes to do to the dogs when I am not watching....ride them!) Poor dogs.

I was trying to get him to say his new phrase, "where's da ball, get da ball". I guess he picked that up from us. It took me awhile to figure out what he was saying...then it all made sense. I'll try to get it on video another time.

-Happy 4th of July!! We had a wonderful weekend. It started Friday when "Pops" Blackmore came to visit with his bulldog, Kap'em. Brooks was greeted with a firecracker balloon...he LOVED it and is still taking it EVERYWHERE with him! By the end of the weekend he was saying "firecracker". We had a few cookouts, went to a festival, played in the sprinkler, took a few walks, went to the farmers market, and set off some fireworks at Aunt Tammy and Uncle Brian's home. Brooks was shaking at first when watching the fireworks and kept saying, "all done?". Then (as the sleepiness set in) he was loving them. He would say "oh cool!" and "firecracker". The last few days he has actually been saying, "firecracker...boom, boom, boom". It cracks me up!

-Brooks ate his first ear of corn. He wanted to be a big boy and do it himself. He LOVED it. It was just the cutest. Nothing beats fresh corn from the farmers market! Well....maybe fresh tomatoes ;) I just love the summer time food. Fresh veggies, fruit, specialty tea, bread, dips, etc. scream out "SUMMER TIME".

-Brooks has been better this week as far as being crabby...thank goodness! But, boy does he like to test the waters. He has been hitting the dogs (and me) and throwing everything. He is everywhere and rarely likes the sit and play unless it's to read a book. He is trying to adjust to one nap a day (yes...he would prefer to take 2 naps still) and for some reason now sleeps less for the one nap. It has been frustrating, but I have not been consistent with it. If he seems tired earlier, I revert back to 2 naps. Oh well...it will happen eventually. Those short naps only make it for a long evening. Just when you think you have it all figured out.....ha!....it changes.

OMG...Teeth it Must Be!!!!

My first time on a REAL tractor at Daddy's work

I'm now enjoying drinking the sprinkler water

Hanging out with mommy by the lake

-Oh Boy...how quickly I forgot about teething!!!! Brooks slept 4.5 hours for his Friday nap and I just knew something was not quite right. I had to wake him and he appeared ok...just hot in his room. He soon became very fussy and clingy. He ended up having a 101 degree temp. Poor kido. I expected him to start throwing up or something. He was burning up. I think this may be the first time he has had a fever. He was so cuddly and only wanted to lay on my lap. Ok...so this I could handle. But Saturday morning he appeared to be feeling better and our "devil" child emerged ;) He only slept 45 min on Sat and about 1 hr Sunday. He woke crying and his hands were in his mouth often. So...stupid mommy decided to look in his mouth. All 4 "canine" teeth have popped at the same time!!! Ouch. It's only been a few days, but I am ready for my sweet (ha ha) boy to return!!! This teething thing sucks. It messes up naps and really tests my patience. Isn't that what motherhood is all about....testing of patience?

-We were able to have a very nice weekend together. Friday night was shot due to his fever. But Saturday we went to the Farmer's Market and went shopping. He desperately needed some new shorts. Aunt Tammy and Uncle Brian came over to hang out Saturday night. We enjoyed eating dinners outside because it was BEAUTIFUL in the evenings. I was off work Monday and Tuesday this week. Brooks and I enjoyed going on a bike ride to Aunt Tammy's house and a long walk to Daddy's work. Brooks got to sit on his first real tractor. He was supper excited until it made a loud noise. Then he was "all done". We are looking forward to a fun filled Fourth of July weekend!!!

-HOUSE UPDATE: We had the inspection on our new home. It was ok considering it is an 18 yr old home. But we definitely have some negotiating to do ;) This is supposedly the hard part...boy I thought we just got through the hard part!!! I am so ready to move in and start all the decorating and painting. It definitely needs some paint ASAP, but all the other improvements will take some time. Again...there is that Patience Thing....can I get another helping please?

Happy Father's Day: 18 months old

Like Father

Like Son ;)

-Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there! Brooks got to spend part of the day with Dada. Josh was visiting his dad and grandpa in St. Louis. We were able to have a nice dinner together at my parents home that evening. Brooks has so much fun with his Dada and I love watching their relationship develop.

-I had a blast with Brooks this weekend. It is exhausting...but fun! We went shopping (for daddy gift and grandpa's gifts), out to eat with my parents and brother, out to eat just the two of us, went on walks, and played in the sprinkler. He really enjoyed his dessert that night as you can see from the pictures above. He thought it was pretty cool that mommy let him hold his own cone!

-Home Update: Keep your fingers crossed and say a few prayers for us. There are a few things that are holding the relocation company from signing the purchase agreement on our new home. It is not our fault...but our buyer's fault for not wanting to provide some documents. It's a long, complicated story...but I'm praying it will all work out in our favor. Thanks for your positive thoughts!!!

Whirl Wind of a Week

Playing ball with Grammy Videmschek

What time is it? It's time for lunch!

Helping mom walk Sweet Pea

Cooling off in the sprinkler

SOAKED!

-Last weekend Josh's mom and stepdad came in town. We had a wonderful weekend. Brooks got to spend special time with his Grammy and "PawPaw" V. They bought him a toy John Deer Tracker. It was a hit! Brooks thinks everything is a tractor and is obsessed right now! We went to "Rock the District" where the streets were blocked off and there was live music. Of course Brooks was right up front showing off his moves. It just cracks me up! We had a blast!!

-Brooks is almost 18 months. Ugh...I can now say he is one and a half years old. That makes me sad. But...this age is SO much fun. It has his ups and downs when it comes to behavior, but I know the hard work will pay off. He is starting to understand consequences (IF you do this, THEN you can't do this, etc). His direction following is really good (when he chooses do listen). He knows most his animals and their sounds or actions. He is trying to master more detailed things. For instance he is noticing a caterpillar in a book and labels it now. He was wondering what those things above my eyes were....and now loves to label my eye brows (and almost pokes my eye out!). He is trying to count by saying "twhooo". What else.....lets see......he is starting to put a few simple 2 word phrases together (hi mama, blue ball, bye bye tractor, for example). His favorite thing to say is "OH NOOO"....as well as "NO". The way he draws out his "O" is hilarious. He has not gotten any new teeth lately and his eczema is now getting under control. And go figure...he needs another hair cut!!!

-HOUSE UPDATE!!! What a week it has been. We went to see a few more houses last Sunday. We narrowed it down to 2 favorites. We went back Monday morning to our favorites and decided to put an offer down on one!!! So crazy. We almost lost it (due to stupidity of seller's realtor)...but they accepted our offer!! We now are awaiting the inspection. We will close on our current home in am then our new home on 7/20. We also have to move out by then. Not sure how I'm going to swing all that. I am getting SO excited about the new home. The best part is the huge yard. It is already fenced in, has a swing set, and b-ball hoop! What a change that will be for the dogs and Brooks. I can't wait!!

Playing Catch Up

Memorial Day fun at Aunt Tammy and Uncle Brian's new home

My first time at a Splash Park....

Not too sure about getting wet

My third time at park...getting the hang of it now!

Cooling off with Daddy and a popsicle

Just my size!

Enjoying the morning at a free Kids Koncert Series with mommy at a nearby park.

Also, I am now obsessed about trucks and tractors. This truck is from "Pops" Blackmore! So fun.

-Where do I start...sorry I've been MIA for the past few weeks. I mentioned that our house went on sale...right? Well what a whirlwind it has been. We had it up for 1 week and had 2 showings. The first showing put an offer on our townhome!!! Crazy. We eventually accepted and just completed our inspection (waiting results). So we have been on the hunt for a new home. It is a CRAZY process. So many ups and downs. So many frustrations, disappointments, and surprises. We have seen 12 homes so far and plan to see 4 more this weekend. We will then go back to our favorites. If we plan to move from this home to a new home by 7/20..then we need to do decide in the next week. Otherwise we are moving in with my parents. Either way is fine by me...just don't want to settle on a home. I am quickly realizing that there is no perfect home. There is always a tradeoff.

-Brooks is doing great. Exploding with language and running faster each day (still falls when trying to go too fast). He is definitely testing the waters with us. He says "NOOO" all the time and laughs when getting in trouble. He gets put in "time out" (ha ha) and will look at me, smile and give me a kiss. He's got me worked already! My favorite new word he is saying is "belly button" and "alligator". Of course it is not perfect, but so cute! His favorite work is "tractor". He thinks everything is a tractor!!!! He loves his truck from "Pops" and tractor books we got him. It is fun watching his interests develop. I just wish he would stop throwing things so much! I know it is a phase...but hope it passes quickly. Wish us luck this weekend and I'll keep everyone posted!!!

Sunday Bike Rides

Playing hard at the park

Whew..it was hot out there today!

-We enjoyed another fun bike ride today before the rain came. Brooks LOVES to be outside and throws a fit to come inside. He had a blast running around the park, chasing after the ball, and climbing on the jungle gyms. He was sweating so bad by the time we left...but still did not want to stop. Who needs to work out when you are chasing after a 17 mo old all day? He is an energizer bunny!!

17 Months: "Ahhh Nuts"!!

"Bam Bam"

Brooks or Brooke? ;)

-Brooks is now 17 months old. We went to the allergist on Monday and did not so good news. After conducting a skin test of 19 common allergens, it was found that Brooks is allergic to eggs, soy and tree nuts. Ugh! The eggs and soy are worst when in "raw" form. He seems to be ok when baked into foods. That is a relief! The tree nuts are a life long and life threatening allergy. It is similar to a peanut allergy, but includes a wide range of nuts. Tree nuts are things like cashews, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, coconuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, etc. Out of the few he was tested for, cashews had a huge reaction. That explains why Brooks would have random hive breakouts on face or torso at night. We figured out that Josh must have been eating cashews then touching or kissing Brooks. It is a scary thing we are going to have to deal with the rest of his life. The epi-pen will be his best friend. I just don't want other kids in school to treat him differently or his allergies to be a hassle for the school. I guess we will cross that bridge when we get to it. For now I am happy he is happy, healthy boy and I guess it could always be worse.

-Oh yeah....our house is up for sale now! It is crazy trying to sell a house. You have to make sure things are picked all the time. It is quite exhausting and it has only been 1 week! We have had 2 showings, but no takers. Wish us luck!!!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

I like to ride on the truck "Pop" Blackmore gave me.

I'm into cars and trucks right now.

As well as air planes and helicopters!

-I finally got a video clip of Brooks trying to say "helicopter". Not perfect...but a pretty good try!

-We had a pretty low key weekend. We had some good food, did housework, and went on a bike ride. He had pork ribs for the first time. He loved them! Daddy made them good :) He also got a hair cut...finally! He was beginning to look like a little girl. When I get a chance, I'll have to post a picture I took of him with a bam bam ponytail....scary!

Momma's Boy

My MaMa

Going on my first bike ride! Not sure about this helmet thing.

We went on hiking trails

And I got to throw rocks with Daddy!

-Happy Mother's Day to all those moms out there! We had a wonderful day together. We started off going to breakfast with my family. We went on a short bike ride later in the day to a local flowing well with hiking trails. Brooks LOVED the rocks, water, and trails. He was unsure about his helmet, but liked the bike ride. He got me a cool Owl wind ornament thing for outside. I love it!!

-Brooks had is 16 mo checkup on Friday (a few weeks late). He weighs 25.3 lb (50th %) and is 34 in tall (97th %). Still doing great and nothing huge to remark about the checkup except no more shots until he is 5!!! We visited a dermatologist and are seeing an allergist this coming monday. I just have to get this eczema and hive thing figured out before/if it gets life threatening. I am praying they are things he will outgrow. My favorite thing Brooks does now is the "Itsy Bitsy" Spider finger plays. It is SO cute. His favorite new things are airplane and helicopters....such a boy! He is getting close to saying "helicopter" with some clarity. He is jabbering all the time. Some things we make out and some are a foreign language. But, for the most part he is getting his needs met. He is running all over the place! He loves to play "chase" with me. He knows that if I catch him then he has to give me a kiss to be let go. It's so funny because he will immediately turn to me, kiss me, then run. I am looking forward to a fun filled and active summer with our boy...."momma's boy" that is! Yep...he is becoming quite the momma's boy. I am enjoying it now because soon enough he will only want to be playing ball with Daddy. That's ok...I won't be far, as I'll be cheering him on from the sidelines;)

Boys will be Boys....

-Take One

-Take 2...

-Brooks and Daddy had a good time rough housing it on the couch pillows. Now....I ask myself...would I have ever thought to have done that with Brooks? The answer is NO. That is such a boy thing to do. But a very FUN boy thing! Brooks had a blast and was cracking up. He was a little scared to "fall" at first...but then he would not stop. I tend to do the silly dancing and chasing after him. He loves that too....but there is nothing like a Daddy and his son having fun doing "boy" things.

Hippity Hop!!

Oohh...what's this?

Looking for eggs...

I found one!

And there's something in it?!? Thanks "Pops"!

I got to hang out with Uncle "Ty ty" at Easter!

More family pix

Grandma and her grandchildren

My first Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Papa McCarroll's house. They take this stuff seriously! I better learn quickly so I don't get left out in the future hunts!!

-What a fun packed Easter weekend. It all started on Good Friday when "Pops" Blackmore came to visit us. We went to my parents house on Easter Sunday to hang out with the rest of the crew. What would Easter be without an Easter egg hunt? My parents hide eggs for the adults too....Yes...an ADULT egg hunt. How fun! We did not leave Brooks out and caught his first egg hunt on video. He got a kick out of finding the egg "balls" and throwing them. He was finding them all day long at our house and would get SO excited each time he found one. We had a wonderful weekend and found the "kid" inside all of us.

16 months Old: Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

I love pickles just like my daddy did when he was little

-Happy Birthday Josh!!! We know it is not fun having a birthday on a Wednesday...but we hope you have the best day you can:) We can't wait to celebrate with you in the evening. We love you!!!

-Brooks is 16 months old today! Each month just keeps getting better...is that possible? Let me count the ways I love our little Brooksy....

....I love when he runs up behind me, grabs my leg, and kisses me.

....I love when he will turn to look at me, then give me a big kiss out of the blue, as if to say, "I love you mama"

....I love it when he gets slap happy and runs around like a crazy man

....I love it when he gives the dogs a hug then kisses them

....I love it when he pats the dogs on their bottom to go outside on the porch with him (and gets PO'd if they don't follow)

....I love it when he hears a noise from outside and says "da da?" (assumes it's always daddy that he hears)

.....I love it when he asks to brush his teeth and gets SO excited each time he brushes them

.....I love it when he helps put away toys or sweep the floor (training him early ;) )

.....I love it when he says, "mama" and smiles

.....I love it when he says "bye bye" after I put him down at night and turn out the lights

.....I love his sense of humor and loving personality

.....I love his eyes and his facial expressions

......But most of all I love his heart. I can tell it is going to be a big one filled with love and kindness.