Brooklyn turns 2!!!!!

We had an a-DORA-ble party for Brooklyn on Sunday. She had a wonderful time and got a ton of presents! Here are the photos from her party.

Yesterday, Kevin and I took the whole day off. We went to Chuck E. Cheese's with her. She had a great time watching the Make Believe Band playing and dancing in the booth with her pizza in her hand. As long as she didn't have to get too close or touch them, she was okay. She loved to climb into all the cars and ride for a bit and then she was done. She just kept running around playing. Last night, I made her favorite - shrimp - for dinner and finished it up with white chocolate pudding with whipped cream and shaved chocolate on top. She dove right in! Here are some pictures from the festivities yesterday.

And now, for the finale...

Just minutes after she was born
Monday, December 19, 2005 at exactly 1:00 p.m.,
weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces, 19.5 inches long...

And, yesterday she turned 2!
Where does the time go??

Brooklyn has changed our lives so much and we couldn't imagine anything without her. She is the most precious, beautiful, loving, gentle, feisty girl in the world, and I can safely say that Kevin and I wouldn't want her any other way. She completes our life and our family! I am head over heels in love with my lil' girl - my lil' best friend!!!

Merry Christmas to Mommy!

Since I was absent last week from my blog and from work, I can safely say it's good to be back. Where was I? Terribly, terribly sick. Kevin came down with a nasty cold after Thanksgiving that was transferred to Brooklyn the first week of December. Last Monday (Dec. 10), after I realized she really wasn't getting a whole lot better, I took her to the doctor. She had conjunctivitis in her eyes due to the cold she had and everything draining. The draining part though went to her ear and created a mild ear infection. She didn't mention her ear hurt and the doctor said that it probably didn't. He gave us antibotics to knock out the infection. However, after she took her first round of Amoxicilin, she broke out into hives. It freaked me out really bad, and after I called the doctor and explained what was going on, he directed me to get her some Children's Benadryl and he prescribed a new antibotic to start the next day. After several doses of Benadryl her hives went away, and the eye drops were helping her conjunctivitis to get better as well. So, as she was on her way out of the illness, I was just on my way in. I started with a scratchy throat on Saturday, December 8. Of course that was the same night as our junior youth group Christmas party. After a while, I went home because I was feeling so achy and my throat was hurting even more. Sunday, I woke up and was feeling about the same minus the aches and pains. And, Monday when I took Brooklyn to the doctor I was feeling a little better, but more tired. Then Tuesday night, I realized I was getting worse, so I decided I should go to the doctor to see what was going on. My appointment was Wednesday around noon, and before I went, I was sitting in our chair in the family room with Brooklyn in my lap watching a movie and snuggling, and I was crying and moaning and in so much pain. My voice was gone for the most part, and I think that was in large part to my terribly sore throat. When Kevin picked us up to take me to the doctor, I was feeling terrible. Finally after I got in to see the doctor, and having to wait for 30 minutes in the actual room, the doctor diagnosed me with a double severe ear infection and a bacterial virus. The doctor asked me if I had my tonsils taken out because she couldn't even see them. I told her no, and she said that everything is just so swollen she couldn't see them at all! As she was writing me a doctor's note to stay home the rest of the week to get better, I started to cry again for like the hundredth time since Tuesday night. She asked me if I were alright and I told her I just am emotional. She told me that I was really, really sick so it's okay. She even gave me my prescription of antibotics right there so I didn't have to go to a pharmacy or pay extra or anything. As Kevin got us lunch and drove us home, I realized that this is the sickest I had been in like five years. Kevin took the rest of the day off so I could rest, and Thursday my grandma came up as she always does to watch Brooklyn. I stayed in bed most of the day and relaxed. I couldn't sleep because my ears were pounding so hard and hurting. I didn't even realize how bad they hurt because I really thought it was my throat that there was something wrong with. I have only had one ear infection my whole life, so I guess I made up for all the times I could have had one as a kid. I can say I am not a fan!

I started to really feel better Friday and then Saturday and Sunday, I was feeling much better, which is a good thing! Brooklyn's 2nd birthday party was Sunday, and we pulled it off, and had a lot of fun! I will post on that on Thursday complete with pictures. Brooklyn's actual birthday is tomorrow, and Kevin and I have the day off to spend with her all day!!

Playing Santa

Now I know how Santa feels, minus the whole sleigh and eight reindeer thing. I just finished playing Santa to a few of my favorite clients. Our company sends around a Christmas list in November. Everyone gets a chance to put down clients, contacts, or organizations to give Christmas gifts to and what we would like to give them. The first two weeks of December we hand deliver all the gifts. This year I had five people/companies that I love working with and wanted to give them a gift to thank them for their business, and to let them know I love working with them. Now, for those that don't know, I work at a newspaper in the advertising department, so when I say thanks for the business, I mean thanks for using our newspaper for advertising.

So, yesterday I started out meeting a gentleman who does carpet installation and sales. He works out of Parker, which would have been a long drive, but instead we met in Denver where he was working that day. We had never met face-to-face, but have talked over the phone dozens and dozens of times. The minute I introduced myself, he said, "Oh, honey, let's hug!" and gave me a big hug. I gave him his gift (a gift bag full of Mountain Man goodies) and told him that we really appreciate his business and that he's a real pleasure to work with. He thanked me, offered the same to me, and told me I am SO young! Not sure how to respond to that (I didn't want to say, and you're SO old!) I said thank you. We chatted for about 10 minutes and then we said our goodbyes and I was off to my next stop.

I pulled up across the street from the Brown Palace Hotel in Downtown Denver, paid my parking fees, and made my way into the lobby of the hotel. The first thing I noticed was the Christmas Tree, so beautiful! As I made my way down the employee staircase, lowering my head so I didn't hit in on the low ceilings, winding past the kitchen, I came to the Human Resources office. I entered the office with the gift, a lovely red poinsettia, and was greeted by all the people that I had talked to on the phone. They thanked me profusely for the gift and gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of the Brown Palace. Much like any other hotel, but since the building is old and has history, it was fun!

My next stop was an advertising agency. These two ladies that own the agency used to work at a daily newspaper and opened the agency after they left the daily. It's only the two of them in the office, and the minute I walk in, they are all smiles and waves. I have met them before, so I know who they are and apparently they remembered me. We chatted about holiday plans, business and what the impending snow storm would do for the ski slopes. I got two hugs from these neat ladies, and was off again.

This morning, I drove to Brighton to meet the Human Resource Manager at United Power. As I walked into the building, I immediately wanted to work there. What a very cool green office! The lights turn off when you walk out of the room and turn back on when you go back into the office. When I met for the first time the HR Manager, she shook my hand and looked into my eyes and said "I have a personal question to ask you...are you Kevin's wife?" When I said yes, she immediately turned on this beaming smile. She said she loves his writing and finds herself laughing at all of his columns. She knew all about Brooklyn too. We talked for quite a while about Brooklyn, Christmas Day plans and life in general. What a wonderful woman! So down-to-earth and a true genuine person. We hugged before I left.

My final stop was to ITT Technical Institute to meet with the executive secretary. When I got there, she wasn't in yet, but I got to leave her gift outside her office door. I was a bit bummed I didn't get the chance to meet her.

The experiences I have had meeting people for the first time, getting to thank them for all they have done this past year, and to chat with them like we are old friends, was truly special. I look forward to next year's visits. But, until then, I have to finish my Christmas cards for the rest of my clients and get them sent out real soon!

It's about the Cross

Pause my song list, as you listen to this! It's really beautiful and a great reminder of what this time of year is truly about!

Decorations Galore!

CHRISTMAS TIME IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR! I just love the holidays...the decorations, the music, the smells, sights and sounds, the hustle and bustle in stores...I love it all!

One of my favorite things is putting up the Christmas trees and decorating inside and outside our home. This year, we got Brooklyn her own tree to decorate. It's 3 feet tall and is covered with Dora the Explorer ornaments, babies and angels, her Hawaiian Santa and teddy bears. She pretty much wanted to put all the ornaments on her tree! We compromised and put the heavier ornaments that she loves on the big tree, but down low so she can visit them. We completed her tree by putting on a string of garland that has green, silver and red stockings hanging from it.

Mommy & Brooklyn picking out

the first ornament to hang up.

Brooklyn admiring her tree...
and as she said "all done."

One of the tradition we started last year is to have Brooklyn place the star at the top of the big Christmas tree, with Daddy's help of course. This year, she got it on the first try and was pretty proud of herself!

Reach, lil' one, reach!!

Yeah! We did it!
I love the way she is looking at her Daddy, so precious!

Cousins

There's nothing like a cousin. They aren't your sister or brother, so chances are you won't have much quarreling or rivalry, and sometimes if you're lucky, they're better than a friend because they are family and always have your back. I am the oldest grandchild on my dad's side of the family, thus meaning I am the oldest cousin, and I have 12 cousins. I have very fond memories of sleepovers with all the cousins at grandma's house, playing doctor or house during a family get together and at Christmastime we would all get together to perform a play for the rest of the family. Those were the best times.

Now, that I'm a mother, and my daughter has a cousin that is 13 months older than her, it excites me. I want them to have fond memories of their childhood together, just like I do. I want them to be close, and get every opportunity to play and enjoy each other. At Thanksgiving, I got a glimpse of what their relationship will be like. As we were over at my brother-in-law's house, Brooklyn and Kendall (my niece, her cousin) were sitting at Kendall's table and "eating" the meal they prepared for themselves. A cupcake for Kendall and veggies and a hot dog for Brooklyn. They seemed to communicate with one another in their own language and you could tell they knew what the other one was saying. They ended the night with a big hug and kiss, and of course all parents had their cameras safely tucked away. When they were done, and the cameras were out, we couldn't capture the moment...but it was very sweet! They are both very precious, very intelligent, very loving and very special girls. And, I can't wait to see their relationship flourish.

Brooklyn & Kendall at Gramma & Grampa's house in August
Brooklyn chasing Kendall through the yard.
I know what Brooklyn was thinking..."If I
get my hands on you, we're hugging!!"

The girls at White Fence Farm in October.
Another photo opportunity missed when the
goat jumped up on Kendall's back because
the girls were getting ready to feed it.

I'm very THANKFUL for....

- My Husband. He’s the head of our home. He goes above and beyond to help out around the house and with Brooklyn (he’s an incredible Daddy!!). He has such a witty sense of humor, which is one of the reasons I was initially attracted to him. He is the love of my life, and everyday I feel so blessed we’re walking through life together.
- My Daughter. She’s my miracle. She brings spark and pizzazz to every day. When she wraps her arms around my neck, places a kiss on my lips and says “love you,” it melts my heart. I love to just sit back and watch as her imagination takes full force in a game she is playing or when she is coloring. She is definitely a Mommy’s girl, and I relish every moment of it!!
- My Mom & Dad. What can I say? These two people raised me to be the person I am today. They are both way more than my parents, they are my friends. I feel so blessed of the relationship I have with both of them. My Mom is the strongest person I know and I’ll admit, I am a Daddy’s girl through and through. I played softball in high school for my Dad (and I ended up really liking it!).
- My In-Laws. My in-laws are definitely my second family. My mother-in-law has a very kind and giving spirit. She’s always looking to help out in any way she can, and she offers an ear anytime you need it. My father-in-law is definitely a family man. I have never seen him so excited than when all of us went to his hometown in South Dakota over Memorial Day weekend. He had a smile that lasted all weekend! My brother-in-law definitely has the best stories and even though he’s a police officer, he really has a gentle side – you should see him with his 3-year-old daughter! My sister-in-law is going to make an amazing mother someday. She’s always in-tune with Brooklyn.
- My Sister. When she was first born, I really didn’t like her at all. I used to hit her on the head when she was a newborn and say “nice, nice baby,” which of course I got in trouble for. I didn’t want a sister at all. I was an only child for 7 years, and I wanted to keep it that way. Boy, was I ever wrong! I cannot imagine my life without my sister. We have become very close over the years, and we will always be that rock in each other’s life.
- My Grandmas. I have two grandmas. Grandma Betty watches Brooklyn while I work. I know I can speak for Kevin too when I say that we are both so very grateful for all she does for us. It’s because of her that Brooklyn isn’t in daycare! Grandma Gwen is very, very loving. She has 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 6 children, 4 daughter-in-laws, church family and many friends, but she loves everyone and has never learned to say “no” to anyone.
- My Cousin, Sarah. I have 12 cousins and while I am not trying to leave anyone out, I have to say how grateful I am for Sarah. She’s four years younger than me and when we were growing up, there was definitely a sense of competition. But, now that we are grown up and both married, I am relishing in the relationship we are building. She’s a wonderful person, so giving and like my sister-in-law, she’s going to make an amazing mother someday.
- My Closest Girlfriends, Jessica & Jenn. Life wouldn’t be the same without these girls. I share such a special bond with each of them. Kevin and I are Jessica’s daughter’s godparents and Jenn and her husband are Brooklyn’s godparents. We are experiencing mommyhood together and will always have each other to lean on through everything in life. These girls are more like sisters to me than friends.
- My Friend, Steve. If you want to meet someone that is very sincere and genuine about knowing how you are, let me introduce Steve. He works with my husband, but over the years, he has become a dear family friend. My in-laws have considered adopting him!
- My Fellow Jr. Youth Group Leaders, Lori & Renee. These ladies are my sanity when it comes to planning all things Jr. Youth oriented. They also provide me with stories and tips about what it means to have a teenager, since they both have boys in the Jr. Youth Group. Yikes! Can I keep Brooklyn a toddler forever!?!
- My Bloggie Friends. I love sharing stories with you, and getting to see a glimpse into your life. You making this blogging adventure that much more fun!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!