21 months old and full of fun

My first BIG WHEEL

(thanks Grandma McCarroll)

Grammy go higher!

I love Choo Choo Trains!

My first time inside Connor Prairie

Hanging out at the Apple Store in Connor Prairie

Learning how to ride the Big Wheel

-Brooks had a great weekend! Grammy and "PawPaw" came to visit from St. Louis and we took advantage of the beautiful weather. We went to Connor Prairie to explore the wilderness ;) and to get some yummy treats at the Apple Store. We lucked out and found a playground as well. Brooks also enjoyed playing inside at the Discovery Zone. He gravitated to the train table and off course to the big hot air balloon. He loved going on walks, skipping, swinging, and riding his big wheel with Grammy. He was very sad to see them leave.

-Brooks is 21 months old now!! So close to 2....sigh. I just want to bottle him up so I will never forget these moments. He is so much fun and such a happy boy. He loves to ride his big wheel fast down the driveway, go high "up up up" in the swing, and go flying down the slide. He's all boy....balls, trains, cars, trucks, tractors, etc. He is also such a mama's boy....loves to cuddle, hug and give me kisses. He loves his snuggle time with Daddy on the couch and rough and tumble play on the floor. He is such a joy and makes my day. What did we do with ourselves before life with Brooksy??

-On a side note...I want to congratulate my sister Tammy and brother in law Brian....they are prego! It was a bit of a surprise, but a welcome blessing. After a year of marriage, their lives are about to change....but for the better :) Congrats!

What matters most...

Check out that Walrus!

No you feed him Mommy

Hi Elephant!

-I wanted to first say how sadden we are that 10 years ago The United States was forever changed. Our hearts go out to those who lost family members in the World Trade Centers. We decided to spend the weekend together...as a family. That is what matters most to me, family time. We never know when life will be taken from us...so I want to create as many memories for Brooks as I can. We decided to go to the Zoo Saturday morning when we woke up. Brooks really enjoyed himself. He got to feed a giraffe, pet an elephant, and "talk" with the monkeys. He learned to say "cheetah" and "porcupine". We then went to Aunt Tammy and Uncle Brian's house for a cookout. We hung out on Sunday reliving all the 9/11 stories on t.v. It is amazing how it feels like it happened yesterday. Time might heal all....but a heart never forgets.

My first day of "skool"

Why is mom taking all these pictures so early in am?

On my way to school!

Almost there!

My classroom

I'm in the "butterfly" group

Mom? Who is she? I got CARS!

This is what Brooks looked like 10 seconds after I said bye to him on his first day of "school"....Did not even phase him!!! Not sure if I should be happy or sad ;)

-Well...today was the day I have been dreading since January. Brooks started an early preschool (mother's day out) program. I've had such anxiety about leaving Brooks with "strangers" for 4 whole hours!!! But, Brooks was such a big boy. He strutted into class wearing his backpack and saying "hi" to everyone. He looked a little unsure when we got to the classroom, but gave me a kiss and said bye. He went right in and started playing with the cars. I don' t even think he looked back to see where I went! I was so proud of him, but so sad to see my little man all "grown up". I think this will be a great social experience for him to make new friends. He appeared to have enjoyed himself and the teachers said he did great. Day 1 done! Day 2 should be much easier for mommy ;)

Labor Day Fun

Sporting my Uncle Tyler soccer button

Waiting to catch my soccer ball

I got it!

-We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Josh cooked up some yummy ribs on Saturday and we enjoyed hanging out at the house. Sunday we headed to IU to see Uncle Tyler play soccer. Brooks was so good and had SO much fun. He got another soccer ball and even got the team to sign it this time. So cool! We met Grandma, PaPa, Uncle Brian and Aunt Tammy at the game. Brooks enjoyed running around, playing ball and screaming "goal!!!!". Monday was laid back and very easy. I love days then everything just works. Brooks was happy, naps were easy, weather was beautiful, food was yummy and life was good....until the attack of the bumble bees!!! We were eating dinner outside and two pesky bees were wanting our food. One got stuck in Brooks's sweatshirt and stung him...ouch! He of course starting to break out in hives and face started swelling. Ugh....benedryl time. After about 15 minutes the hives started to lessen and the medicine started to take its affect. Good thing it was close to bed time because Brooks was feeling loopy. Poor Kid....what else is he going to be allergic to? It was almost a perfect day ;)

Fireplace update:

-I forgot to mention I got to the painting stage...finally!

After 2 coats of primer

One coat gray (bad lighting...sorry!)

(Plan to do back of cabinets in gray and rest of the woodwork in a creamy white color)

6 Years of Love...

Honk Honk!!

Tractor, Tractor!!

Can you see me?

Hee hee....

(I got these glasses at the truck exhibit)

-Last weekend Josh and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary (Aug 27). We spent the morning hanging out with Brooks at the "Things-that-go Rodeo". It had lots of different trucks, tractors, cars, and a bubble truck! Brooks was in heaven. He then spent the night at the Lindley's (my sister Tara) house. He went to his first Carmel High School Girls soccer game and had a blast hanging out with his cousins. Josh and I had a rare evening to ourselves. We went to a wine bar and then out to eat. It was a nice change of pace for the two of us and we had a wonderful evening!! We had planned not to get each other anything because we are focusing on the home, but Josh did not listen. He bought me beautiful flowers and tickets for us to see the Bad Boys of Dance at the new Palladium. I can't wait!!!! What a wonderful surprise...even though I felt awful because I did not get him anything. I can't believe Josh and I have been married for 6 years. So much has changed in just 6 years that I can not even imagine what the next 6 years will bring!

20 Months Old and My First Colts Game!

Preseason Colts Game

I thought this was SO cool.

Mommy's looking for a Dallas Clark Jersey in my size.

I felt out of place without a Colts shirt.

My favorite part was running up and down the ramps.

I hope I get to go again some time!

-Brooks just turned 20 months old. He has his checkup on Friday so I'll post details later. He got to go to his first Colts game this past weekend. It was only a preseason game, but it was so much fun! I had never been to the new stadium and really enjoyed it. Brooks loved watching the game for about.....10 minutes. He was then more interested in saying "hi" to all the people around us and of course running up/down ramps. He is getting so fast!

-I got to have another girls night out on Saturday...lucky me! Josh enjoyed some special time with Brooksy. I had a wonderful time catching up with my friends and trying to find time for myself again. I have found that I leave very little time for myself. That time is usually from 8:30-11pm when I am on the computer or watching my shows. I'd love to say I've been keeping up with my reading, but I am SO exhausted by the time I sit down that the last thing I want to do is "think". Pretty sad, huh? I have been keeping active with house projects. I am currently in the process of sanding, priming and painting the woodwork above our fireplace and cabinets. It is so hard to finish a project quickly when working and taking care of a 20 month old. It will get done eventually. I am painting it a creamy white with gray walls to compliment it. I think it will really lighten up the room. Let the fun begin!

Before shot from Kitchen...so dark.

Half way done with first coat of primer. Plan to

do 2 coats of primer then 2 coats of a creamy white color.

Whew!!! Lots of work still ahead of me!

Super Sweet Summer....

Don't let this sweet face fool you!

AHHHHH!!!

I'm gonna get ya!

-These adorable photos were from a July (18 months old) photo shoot. Mindy Hiatt was offering a free "Sweet" Photo session for kids and I jumped on it! She did Brooks's 12 mo photo shoot as well. I did not want to post them all (because some family members like to download them before I can get them printed ;) ) but they are so sweet. I can't believe he sat still enough to get some shots sitting down.....I guess a HUGE sucker does not hurt any ;). Yum.

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.