Good Times with Grandpa Lee

I learned to use a straw sippee cup this week

(it's also fun to chew on!)

WOW! Look what my Grandpa Lee

brought for me!!!

I love hanging out with Grandpa. He makes me happy.

Mommy and I had more company at the

Farmer's Market this Saturday.

We then went to the Arts Festival...I like to just

"chill" and kick up my feet while I people watch.

I like to play "peek-a-boo" now. It makes me laugh.

-This weekend started off with Brooks' 9 mo checkup. He weighs 20 lb 14.5 oz (60th percentile) and 29 3/4 in long (90th percentile). He did not get his vaccine because he still had a little cold. We will just wait until next week. He is able to start more solids. He has tried a handful and seems to like them. However, he is really not very interested in eating now that he is motoring around. It is kind of frustrating at times...but he is gaining about 1 lb a month. He is creeping everywhere and into everything! He loves the dog bowl...go figure...as well as the dog toys. He loves pulling up on the furniture (and banging his head). He is quickly learning to "toughen" up and is becoming "hard headed"....wonder who he gets that from (ha). He is imitating so much and is a talker. He loves chasing after the dogs. Brutus gets a little startled at times when Brooks sneaks up behind him. Sweet Pea just sits and lets him grab her ears and hair. He still breaks out from their saliva and I wonder if this "cold" is allergies???? He really loves his daddy and I can see the bond forming before my eyes. He loves the rough and tumble play with daddy.

-Grandpa Lee and his dog (Kap'em) came in town this weekend. He has not seen Brooks for 2 months because he had his knee replaced. Grandpa is getting around great and it meant so much for him to visit! Brooks missed him. He came with goodies and of course Brooks LOVED the balloon. I think it will be hard for Brooks not to be a Cardinals fan :). We had a wonderful weekend of fun, food and laughs with Grandpa. It was sad to see him leave, but we will see him next month!

9 Months Old: It's Official!

Hey mom...look what I can do!

I can crawl!

Nothing is safe anymore.

First trip to Conner Prairie Apple Store

I like hanging out with dad.

Here Comes Trouble!

-Brooks is now 9 months old! I can't believe it. He decided to start crawling yesterday and almost has it perfected by today. It's amazing how quickly they learn. He is already into cabinets and pulling up onto his knees. He has also found the drapes and cords. Nothing is safe anymore...especially the dogs! They are so freaked out that he is moving and really don't know what to do. It is kind of funny, but we really need to watch them with Brooks. You never can be too safe. Brooks is so happy now that he is motoring around. The frustration has dropped some for now :)

-Brooks is now cutting 3 teeth. Ouch! This weekend he started coughing, sneezing, and had a runny nose. He either has his first cold or it is the teething. Either way...he was miserable this weekend at night time. And now I can say it's official..I'm a mom! (ha) Brooks had his first weekend of restless sleep. I was up Saturday night with a snotty boy. I felt so bad for him. He just could not breathe normally. Then Sunday night he kept crying out in his sleep...which of course kept me up. Oh well....motherhood has it's ups and downs. I'm exhausted and headed for bed now. This little stinker is wearing me out!

Applause Please.....

-Brooks loves to clap when we say "yeah". The funniest thing happened the other morning. It was around 5 am and I heard Brooks cry out. I flipped on the video monitor (I love technology!) and found he was sound asleep....clapping!!! He had yelled out "yeah" and was clapping. Too funny. He also fell asleep sitting with his trunk leaned forward another morning. He was practicing his gross motor skills and pooped out in sitting. Too cute.

-He got two more teeth today!!! He has two more upper teeth. I thought he might have been teething again, but was so surprised to see two! He is into everything despite the fact that he is not yet creeping. He is REAL close, but right now resorts to rolling and transitioning into sit to motor around the home (pretty smart;)). He is pulling up to tall kneel on everything! He sometimes is able to pull to stand (when I let him). We plan to do some baby proofing this weekend. Watch out dogs!

The Cinci Crew

My new friends were so cool!

I was so bored when they left.

-Our friends from Cincinnati came in town this past weekend. It was their first time meeting Brooks. He put on a show for them and was so good! We enjoyed hanging out and eating good food. They are so much fun to hang out with....we wish they lived closer! They are going to go skiing with us this season. Can't wait!!!

Up, Up, and Away!

This shopping cart thing sure beats the pumpkin car seat!

Hey...you even get balloons at this grocery store!

Oh no!!!! (good thing mommy had

a good hold on it!)

-Brooks is my shopping buddy. He likes to get out and "flirt" with all the people. He experienced his first time sitting like a "big boy" in the grocery cart. He usually stays in his pumpkin seat (because it was easier for me)....but I figured he is old enough now that he should sit in the big boy seat. He LOVED it! He was reaching for everything and talking to everyone. It was SO cute. He did get a little fussy at end (wanted things I would not give him and nap time), but hung tough after getting his FIRST BALLOON! He was SO happy banging it around. It is the perfect "toy" for him. He loves strings and this kept his attention all weekend. He looked so cute hanging onto his balloon for dear life. He found out quickly what happened when he let go of the string....up, up, and away....until mommy grabbed ahold of it.

-Brooks learned to clap and "click" his tongue today and now has a few new tricks.

Wedding Sneak Peek...

Still smiles despite being hot and sweaty

http://www.jessicarstrickland.com/blog/

Feel free to go to this blog website to get a sneak peek of my sister's wedding. She looks so beautiful and happy. I can't wait to see all the rest. The few pix of Brooks are precious. It was a hot day and we all still look so happy. Congrads to Tammy and Brian!!

Labor of Love...

Grammy and PaPaw Videmschek came to visit me

My first Rib Fest! Oink Oink!!

I had a blast hanging out at the festival and loved

watching the kids play around me. I loved dancing

to the "rock" music....it was a little loud at times however.

I went to my first IU soccer game on Sunday to

watch my Uncle Tyler play.

Grandma McCarroll and Aunt Tammy were there too!

I got my first BIG soccer ball!

Check me out!!

I had fun hanging out with mom while "watching" the game.

Uncle Tyler did SO good. He's so cool.

Uncle Tyler even got me this bully shirt!

My first time in a bounce house at my friend

Cailyn's 4th birthday party. I was a little scared.

-Brooks had a jam packed weekend. It was SO nice here. Josh's mom and step dad came in town Friday til Sunday morning. We went to the Rib Fest downtown on Saturday. Brooks was a little scared at first because there was REALLY loud live music. Once we got further away from the stage, he had a blast! He was enjoying dancing, playing, and eating (no ribs yet!). He stayed up way past his afternoon nap time, but was a trooper. He really enjoyed all the attention and getting to know his Grammy and Papaw a little better. He is starting to develop a little stranger anxiety and was a bit timid around them at first. He warmed up great and was all smiles after no time. He does get scared when men wear hats or sunglasses on their head. Not sure why...but it is kind of funny.

-We went to my brother's IU soccer game on Sunday and then out to dinner with him afterwards. Tyler really missed seeing Brooks so it was really special for them to spend time together. Brooks has a special place in his heart for Uncle Tyler. They share the same birthday and Brooks thinks he is really funny. Brooks "caught" an IU soccer ball! (well....not really). The starters throw balls into the stands at the start of the game and one of Tyler's teammates made sure Brooks got his first one. Tyler got to play in each half and did SO good. It was fun to watch.

-We ended the beautiful weekend with a birthday party. My friend Jen had a birthday party for her little girl, Cailyn. Brooks had fun watching all the kids play around him. He even tried to take a toy away from one of them. He will soon be chasing after them all. He was such a joy to be around this weekend and went with the flow.

-We think Brooks is turning to find "ma ma". Grammy tried it all weekend long and almost every time he would turn to look at me and smile. It was SO cool. I almost wanted to cry. He is even starting to say "ma ma" when seeing me. It kind of sounds like he says "my ma ma". I know...that is a little far fetched...but the sounds he is making really sound like words. I can't wait for him to start talking. Everyday is so fun and he brings such joy into our lives.

Waves of Emotions and Memories....

Hey mom! Look what I can do now...

sit up on my own after nap time.

Peek-a-boo

Mom said she never posted pix of my cool room.

I love spending time in here.

That's my name...don't wear it out!

What's up with all these owls?

Weeeeee.....

I love going to the Carmel farmer's market

every Saturday with mom

-Well... this week has been a wave of emotions for me. Brooks has officially weaned himself from nursing. He became less and less interested each day. As of 8/27/10 he was done. That was the first day that I did not nurse him. You can imagine how I felt the evening before knowing it was our last time. I know it sounds kind of silly to some of you, but nursing was such an amazing experience for me. It was my special time with my little guy. When he started to wean, I felt kind of rejected. Silly I know...but he had been "attached" to me in some way since I found out I was pregnant 4/9/09. I just could not imagine anything different. But, I am quickly learning that in order to be a good parent, you can not always do what is right for yourself. I needed to listen to my son. He was shouting (in his own way)...I want to move on mommy. I know this will not be the last time I have to "let go" and give him room to grow and make choices on his own. Ok Ok...I know he is only 8 months, but he is definitely opinionated. He knows what he wants!

-On a happy note, 8/27/10 was Josh and I's 5 year anniversary. Wow...what a difference 5 years makes! We ended up celebrating it the previous weekend because Grandma McCarroll was able to watch Brooks then. Brooks had his first official sleep over at her home. He did great! Josh and I went to a movie and dinner. It was SO nice to just hang out. Not to mention sleeping in without a monitor by my head:) Josh was so sweet and bought me some wooden roses (5 yrs is the "wooden" anniversary) as well as some real ones. I am looking forward to what the next 5 years have in store for us.

-Since Brooks was done with nursing and I was a little sad about the whole thing...we celebrated our actual anniversary at home with a dairy party!!! I had not had dairy for almost 5 months. We ordered my favorite pizza (Ale Emporium) on Friday and I got to have some buttered corn on the cob on Saturday! The simple pleasures of life!!! I sure did miss my cheese and milk. It is one of the only positive things about stopping nursing.

-Brooks went to the doctor last Monday to see if there is anything more we could do about his eczema. The doc gave us some ideas on things to change and what to put on it. It looks so much better...but that is thanks to the medicine. We have also changed his formula to Soy since I am no longer nursing. We are thinking the milk may be causing the eczema or maybe our dogs. We know he reacts to the dogs saliva, so why not the hair too? We are trying our best to keep him on the blankets and away from the dogs. I hate having to do that because he squeals with delight when seeing our bullies. He loves going on walks with them and enjoys holding onto Brutus's leash. He has also learned a new trick. As you can see from the above pix, he has learned to sit up in his crib after nap time. I freaked out the first time....but then thought it was so funny. I was just caught off guard. Soon I know he will be standing at the side when I enter. He is growing up too fast! He is 20 lbs now....my back is feeling it!

8 months old

Pretty soon I'm going to be all over this place! Watch out dogs!

I like to dance

My mom likes to put me in this weird position

-Brooks is now 8 months old! He is getting so big and heavy to carry around now. Not sure how much he weighs..but probably close to 20 or so pounds. He is wanting to grab and get into everything! We are in trouble when he starts crawling. He likes me to put him on his hands and knees as he rocks. He is not getting there yet himself, but is real close to moving forward on his belly. He is also close to moving in and out of sitting. Brooks loves playing with toys and is working on his grasp patterns. He impresses me by putting objects into containers (he loves the ball popper). He also loves playing the "drums". Well....we made our own drums out of pots and pans. He is so funny and loves us to make silly faces or dance around him. He is now trying to dance himself. I will say "dance, dance" and he is starting to respond by bouncing. Too cute! He loves the African music. He is saying "mama" all the time. Even though it is not purposeful yet...it fills my heart with joy to hear those words! He has 4 teeth now and likes to bit things. Speaking of biting.....he is starting to show signs of weaning himself from nursing. (might be a good time now that he has 4 teeth...ouch!). It makes me SO sad to think of stopping, but I have to pay attention to his cues. He is so busy and social that he does not want to take the time to be "down" and nurse. He has been nursing for less time each day and would then snarf a bottle down. He still is interested at night time and sometimes during the day. I just can't think about cleaning all those bottles and buying all that formula. Pricey! But, like I said, I need to listen to him and my body. I am going to try for awhile longer to make sure this is not just a phase he is going through right now. I think I will miss it more than him! He is starting to eat more baby foods finally. He still has bad eczema on his legs and still appears to have food sensitivities (milk for sure). I just pray he outgrows it. I have been really missing my dairy and will look forward to some ice cream, mac and cheese, pizza, grilled cheese, and cereal! Yum Yum.

My First Wedding!

I've been working on my pinching and snapping.

Mom seems to be impressed with this...don't know why.

I just like to use it to pull her hair!

My mommy loves me so much. I had fun hanging

out at Aunt Tammy and Uncle Brian's house Thursday

before their wedding.

I was SO excited to play in this cooler thing. I really

did not mean to flick my mom off. I just could

not control my excitement!

My first massage chair. I got stuck with all the

ladies at the nail salon. I could get used to this!

All ready for the rehearsal dinner. Ties only.

Hey...look at me! I love mommy and daddy! I got to

meet lots of my mom's family too!

Uh....what are these things?

Grandma looked so pretty!

Ahhh...the life of a baby. I was the ring bearer for my

Aunt Tammy's wedding. This was an easy job. Why was

everyone laughing? Maybe it was this silly peacock thing.

-What a weekend we had!! My little sister Tammy got married this past weekend to Brian. We are SO thrilled for them. It was a beautiful wedding and my sister looked like she stepped out of a bridal magazine. I can not wait to see the professional pix. These are all the ones I had to post...but I'll post more as they come in.

-We started the weekend of festivities Thursday night for a cookout at Tammy and Brian's home. It was a nice chance to get to know the rest of the bridal party. My sister Tara and I were the (old) Matrons of Honor. Brooks was the ring bearer (the cutest one I've ever seen!)

-Friday all the bridesmaids and some of my extended family had our nails done. It had been forever since I was pampered like that...thanks mom! Brooks got to hang out with the girls and did great. He enjoyed the massage chair, but no manicure for him! Friday night we met at the Woodstock Club for the rehearsal dinner. It was very nice and Brooks hung in there for the most part. These late dinners make bedtime routines difficult. He fell asleep in the car ride home and was out for the rest of the night. It is so nice to know he can adapt to the situation and still sleep.

-Saturday was packed with wedding stuff all day long. We started off at my parent's home for hair and makeup. I felt so pretty! Again...not used to the pampering. Thanks again to my mom. Brooks enjoyed the ladies again and was passed around the party. My Aunt Sharon and Cousins Heidi and Gretchen were a huge help that day! We then headed off to the IMA for the wedding. We had lots of pix before hand and then the wedding took place at 4:30pm. Brooks was asleep in the pack'n'play until 4:15. We rushed to put on his tux (grandma made the suspenders and bow tie) and off we went. He just chilled in the wagon as cousin Cassidy pulled him down the isle. He was a pro! Tammy and Brian had a beautiful ceremony and the rain held off. It was HOT...but the sun made the wedding site beautiful. The reception was stunning. The florist did a wonderful job and it really had that garden feel. Brooks hung out during dinner but quickly got fussy after a full day of festivities. We had the babysitter put him down for the night in the bridal suite. He ended up waking up an hour later totally freaked out. He acted like he had a cold or ear infection with coughing, choking, and runny nose. Nothing would settle him. Finally after some Motrin and nursing....he settled and was out. We ended up leaving early because he was so out of sorts and appeared to be getting sick. However, he woke then next morning at 8am all smiles. So, who knows what was going on. I quickly got a dose of what parenthood is like with all the sacrifices that are made to keep your child safe. My heart was breaking for him and he ended up not even being sick. This little man is filling my heart so full that it is about to overflow. He lights up my day and can always make me smile. He was so wonderful this weekend despite my anxiety and fears of everything that could go wrong. He always proves me wrong. Even though we had to leave early, he got through the day without any problems. Josh was quick to point out the positive side of the weekend. I was so upset about missing out on my sister's reception. But, our little man needed to be home.

-I wanted to thank my parents for a wonderful wedding and all the love they put into my sister's wedding. They are such wonderful parents and Grandparents. I just hope I can be half the parent to Brooks as they are to me.

Lots of Firsts.....So fun!

Uhh....what is this on my head?

Ok..not the best quality. Mom is still new to the video thing.

She keeps making me wave "hi". What's the big deal?

Here she is again.....enough mom, I'm trying to play!

-Brooks and I had a nice last week despite the fact that Daddy was gone to Florida for a guy's trip (nice huh?). I really love spending time with my little guy, so it was not that big of a deal. Don't get me wrong...I was a little jealous when he called from the pool or beach. But, I got to see many more of Brooks' "firsts". He is sitting well to play with toys (still falls back at times if not paying attention) and starting to transition out of sit. He still does not show interest in crawling...but I'm really ok with that right now! He is putting balls into containers and really starting to figure out the cause and effect toys. It is SO fun to watch his mind work. He is imitating funny actions or sometimes sounds. He is now waving! I love this one!!! I captured just a glimpse of the wave in the above videos. Of course when you have that camera on him, he does not perform quite as well. I apologize for the quality. It is from my camera and not video camera. Still trying to figure it all out.

-Brooks also got this third tooth. His upper left tooth has popped now. He has taken very small pieces of solid chicken and seems to like it. He still does not eat too much of his baby foods (maybe 2 total jars a day). Everyone says it is just for practice, but I feel like he should be eating a little more. He would rather eat solids or nurse. He continues to nap a few times a day and sleeps 10.5-11.5 hours at night (knock on wood). He tends to wake up around 4 am the week before his tooth comes in.

-He is getting ready for his big debut as a ring bearer for my sister's wedding. So exciting! Again...pray for some cooler weather for the big day. His cousin Cassidy has been such a big help this summer taking care of him while I helped finish all the wedding stuff. She is SUCH a good babysitter at 10 years of age!!!

-On a side note, I wanted to brag about my nephew Cameron. He just got back from the youth National soccer camp. There were 100 U-14 boys there that made it from the regional soccer camp. Then there were 20 boys that were personally invited to the camps. Cameron was one of them! He played against the top 120 boys in the nation at this camp. Then, at the end of it the coaches choose the top 36 to play in some games. From that 36, then the coaches choose the top 18 for the U-14 National team. That team then plays in tournaments across the country. Well...Cameron made the top 36 boys and there is a very good chance he made the top 18. Nothing is official yet....but we may have a superstar on our hands!!! Great job Cameron. Brooks has such a great role model to look up to!

"Chew Toy"

Just hanging out with mom and dad on couch

What is this thing?

-We introduced the sippee cup to Brooks this past week. He did a great job of bringing it to his mouth (as you can see in video) but to chew rather than sip! Oh well. Figured I would introduce it now so he can get used to it. Right now it is a good teething toy. I think his top teeth are wanting to come in soon. He woke again at 4:30am last night. He did that last time his teeth were ready to pop through the gums.

-He has been doing this crazy thing with his jaw. He tilts his head down and says "yah yah" as his "pops" his jaw! It is so weird and I hate it! I feel like he is going to pop his jaw out of place. Don't know where or why he picked that one up. Babies do the silliest things when experimenting with their bodies. I hope this stage passes soon or he might be the youngest known person to have TMJ!

Lazy Days of Summer

Grandma McCarroll got me this COOL swing!

Peek-a-boo!

-I can't believe summer is almost gone! Where did it go? It has been SO hot that we have not been able to do much outside. Brooks sweats so bad and gets hot easily. He does not seem to mind it too much...but bothers me. My sister's wedding is coming up soon and it is outside. I pray for a cool evening so Brooks does not get too hot (wishful thinking!). He is the ring bearer, so he has been practicing riding in a wagon. I can't wait to see him in his tux!

-Brooks has eczema. Ugh! It recently flared up the worst it has been. It started out as dry spots on his legs and now developed into red "rash" on creases of his knees and elbows. Of course I am worried about food allergies again. He just has the most sensitive skin and tummy. I pray he outgrows all of this. Only time will tell. I know that I am still so blessed that this is the biggest problem I have encountered so far. I could only imagine how it must feel to have a baby who is really sick. I work with so many kids with special needs. It makes me realize how strong and special the parents are through their struggles. No matter how bad you think things are when you are going through things...there are always others who have it worse. I have learned that it is a mother's job to worry. I don't think it will ever stop. I love my little boy unconditionally and with all that I am.