Boatin' Baby!

My baby is a boatin' baby. We had THE perfect weekend up on Lake Erie on Ellie's boat. We played, we ate, we swam, and we slept! And Brooks did so well. He was crabby here and there, most likely because he had to wear that giant life vest. It was so awkward to carry him in that but we couldn't risk baby falling in the water without it. He was a champ though. And everyone else seemed to enjoy his company as much as he loved theirs. He's always fascinated that there are other people in this world other than his mommy, but he was particularly obsessed with Ellie's dad Doug. He immediately took a liking to him. But for some reason, when he was driving the boat, Brooks would always give him a death stare..what a weirdo! But we were living the life this weekend!













The lake was a little too chilly for baby so after boating Sunday afternoon, we took him to the pool at the club. HE LOVES THE POOL! He did not stop smiling or kicking the entire time. He loved watching the older kids, and loved to show off his swimming abilities. Our pool day was unfortunately shortened due to storms, but it was the perfect end to our day!








Everybody lovin on the baby...






Brooks was the best dressed of the night at dinner Saturday night, thanks to good friend Karlyn Riker for his seersucker jacket. We did not walk by one person without them commenting on his outfit.







Developmental Milestones:
It seems like as soon as Brooks learned to sit up on his own, he has not stopped going. Today, he pulled himself up on his own, to a standing position! It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. His little legs were shaking trying to hold all of his weight. He pulled himself up onto his treasure chest so he could pull out the toys that he wanted. But he was using all of his strength to hold himself up, that he was too afraid to let go of his grip to grab a toy. BUT, after holding on for so long, he worked up the courage with a few grunts to reach out for a toy. And by golly he got one! He is the man!


And it seems like just yesterday all Brooks could do was lay under his play mat and stare up at the toys hanging and stare at himself in the mirror. But today, I laid out his mat just to see what he would do with it. And 2 seconds after I laid him on his back in the mat, he was sitting next to it. And 2 seconds after that, he had flipped the mat over him, and was happily sitting there with the mat on top of his head, playing with the toys! I think I'm gonna have my hands full with this guy!




It took me so long to get all of these photos uploaded, that I don't have much energy to write about them and I also have a lot of studying to do! So I hope you all enjoyed your weekend as much as Brooks and I. And thanks so much to Ellie for letting us up to her boat. And thanks to Bob and Todd for hanging with us as well. Brooks wanted me to remind you guys... Always Wear Sunscreen!


And if you're looking for a new way to work out...talk to Eleanor...she calls this P90Ellie

Time Flies

Oh hey! I look super cute don't I? But did you also know that I pooped out of my diaper today all the way up to my shoulder blades? And I managed to get it all over mommy's hands and jacket! Whoops!



You guys, my baby is eight months old! In an effort to show you all how much he has changed, look at the crazy differences in these photos:











In eight months, Brooks has changed me into such a better person; something I've been trying to do for 24 years. He has made me more responsible, assertive, organized, loving, and understanding. Brooks has forced me to be more confident, to enjoy housework, and to actually go jogging. He has taught me to manage my time wisely, to appreciate the time I DO have, to overcome my fears (mostly bodily functions and talking to people haha), and to love unconditionally.

I know I'm sure this sounds cliche to most of you, but even though the circumstances may not have been picture perfect, I would not change one microscopic part. I cannot wait (but do not want to rush!) to see what else is in store! Soon the hubby will be home and I will get to experience this all over again with someone who loves Brooks ALMOST as much as I do.

I'll leave you with some photos to get you through this rainy week! (Thanks to Ellie who took them!) Enjoy!