A Perfect Sunday Morning ....

Last Sunday, Daddy picked up some munchkins for "his girls". To Brooke they are not simply doughnuts, they are "Dunkin Doughnuts" Here she is reading her 'compers' (we think she combined comics + paper to make that word) and having a Dunkin Doughnut.

Don't forget what you're worth ....

Women have strengths that amaze men
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy..

They smile when they want to scream
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend..
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning..

They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

T G I F

This week I saw the Dr on Wednesday and he was happy with the results of last week's Non-Stress Test (NST) and the Ultrasound and said that we're past the point where they would stop labor. Today was another NST and once we woke the baby up - we had the desired activity level in 20 minutes. We'll be spending the weekend continuing to prepare the house for the big arrival. It is supposed to be beautiful here in CT this weekend and we are looking forward to it!

Its been a busy week but a few nights Daddy actually got home early enough to hang out before Brooke's bedtime. Here they are in their "comfy clothes" on the couch.

Rockstar......

Brooke LOVES to be outside and LOVES to wear her sunglasses. The most recent pair were a gift from Msgr.

Brooke and Daddy - Hangin' Out

Paul and Brooke went back to work and school today. They had a great week off and seemed to find time to have lots of fun AND get some projects done around the house. We had great weather here in CT this weekend and Brooke was happy to get outside and play in her sandbox.

Test "Results"

So today was our "non-stress" test and the ultrasound to check the growth of the baby. The baby was great for the non-stress test - you have to be hooked up for at least 20 min to establish a baseline heart rate and they they look for spikes that last 15 secs. We had a perfect strip of activity in the minimum time - Woo Hoo! The ultrasound was also uneventful. We asked the tech to tell us when to look away so we still don't know if we are buying blue or pink. At this stage in the game (35 weeks) there isn't a lot of extra room in there so the picture isn't as good as earlier ones. The tech told us the baby already weigh about 6 lbs 3 oz (+/- 14 oz) WOW!!!

5 weeks and counting .....

On Tuesday I went for another "baby" appointment and we've now hit the mark where I'll start going weekly. Paul and Brooke are on vacation this week and came with me to hear the heartbeat - the first time for both of them with this baby. Brooke was scared of the exam room AND the Dr but when she realized he was not touching her she settled right down. I wish I had brought the camera to snap the look on her face when she heard the baby's heartbeat her eyes got wide as saucers. The Dr has scheduled an ultrasound on Friday to 'check' growth - he ordered a similar late pregnancy scan with Brooke too! This time since I am older I also get to have weekly non-stress tests, the first one of those is scheduled for Friday too. My due date is May 17th and I am planning on working til May 8th. The walls and the trim in the baby's room are painted and Paul just needs to paint the baseboard heaters. Slowly the list of things that need to get done is shrinking.

On Wednesday, Brooke and Daddy had a fun filled, busy day. They met Mr. Rob and Sammi at a park in Colchester and played for an hour. Then they loaded up and went to McDonald's for lunch. After a trip home for a nap for Brooke and some chores for Dad they were off to the Chinese Buffet to meet Uncle Artie and Msgr. Brooke really enjoyed being the center of the attention with them. Msgr brought her some sunglasses - Brooke LOVES glasses and she stole pineapple off of Uncle Artie's ice cream. After all that activity she definitely needed a bath. She used her giraffe towel complete with ears and tail - she thought it was "sooooo cute"

Easter 2009

We had a great Easter starting with Good Friday at Auntie Dale & Uncle John's house, the food, the company and the entertainment (Brooke) were terrific. We finally colored our eggs after dinner on Saturday. Brooke was very into the egg coloring thing and gave up using the spoon and the wire dipper - she switched to her hands. Somehow we were able to get the color off her face and hands before Sunday Morning when we got all decked out in her Easter dress.

She was not happy when Egg Coloring was over!

We got an extra special treat on Saturday night when Uncle Mike, Auntie Kimmie and "Ry-Ry" came bearing Easter presents for Brooke. That night was a big milestone for Brooke, she collected all her Binkies and left them for the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny came through big time, leaving M&Ms, marshmallows and jelly beans in place of the binkies. Much to our surprise she has asked about them only a few times and once reminded we gave them up, moves on to something else. I think the last few months, Mommy and Daddy were more attached to them then she was.

You can't help but smile when you hear this giggle

Brooke has a collection of Baby Einstein Videos that she still really enjoys. In Baby Newton there is this one particular skit with a duck that she finds really amusing. The quality of the video isn't great, but the sound of her giggle is perfect. You can't help but smile.

"This place is a mess!"

It is the tradition at our church on Palm Sunday to lay palms down both aisles and across the front of the church. Brooke was initially distracted by a few palms as we made our way to our "usual" seat. When Rev. Bill called the kids down front for the Children's lesson it was then that she realized the palms were EVERYWHERE and promptly announced to the Congregation "This place is a MESS" ....... everyone laughed - well everyone but ME!

When we got home from our big Church outing - she celebrated with one of Gigi's Easter Cupcakes. I wonder what she'll say NEXT week .......

Welcome Jacob

A few weeks ago we welcomed the newest member of the Holliday clan to the family by celebrating his first birthday. My cousin and her husband, Tracy and Webb, happily introduced another son, Jacob and are in the process of finalizing his adoption. Jacob joins them and their oldest son, Kurtis. He is adorable and was not shy about enjoying his birthday cake. Brooke fell asleep on the way there and missed much of the party, she did make an appearance in time for cake even though she was still in a bit of a fog.

Easter Bunny Visit

Today we ventured to the Mall to meet the Easter Bunny - Paul and I were curious to see how it would go since our attempt at Santa was not successful. We were pleasantly surprised, she said she did not want to see him, but when we gave her a sparkly pink egg to take with her she was fine.

You are my Sunshine.....

You are my Sunshine is one of Brooke's favorite songs, here she is singing while enjoying her tubby.