Special Brooklynn Time

 Brooklynn has needed some extra special attention lately. A lot of the time if I ever am taking pictures of Gabby she'll do something and just say "cheese!" (like, um, take my picture, too, please.) So I do. And she's cute.

The picture on the left she is modelling all her dress up stuff she got from the Hess's for her birthday. (Thanks, guys! She LOVES it!) On the left she is modelling her tutu that I made for her. We finally made it back to JoAnn's to get some more tulle and I could finish it.

Here is Brooklynn with one of her puppets from Grandma. 

On Monday we met Josh at work and then all went out to lunch. We went to Ruby's and Brooklynn LOVED it. Here we are loving on her at lunch. What a fun meal.

The Friday Josh was home he took her to Superior Play Systems which has open play a couple of days a week. Josh has never got to go with her because the free times are when he's working. It was nice for them to have some special time alone, and it was great for me to be here by myself with Gabby for some rest. Then we went AGAIN with my Mom on Wednesday, and then AGAIN the next Friday with Josh and my Mom. (Josh took off the next Friday as well.) This is very good for Brooklynn because not only does it help burn off some energy, you can tell she LOVES being the center of all our attention once again.

Grandma Grayce

My Mom spent the week with us this last week. She got here Friday night and left the next Saturday morning. It was SOOOO helpful to have her here. I can't imagine how I would have gotten anything accomplished without her. I'm also thankful she got to see her granddaughters! Gabby and my Mom share a name AND a birthday. I always knew they would have the same birthday, but  it's fun when it actually happens! Mom got to spend lots of time with a very needy Brooklynn, and also help with Gabby while Brooklynn just wanted Mommy. We were all busy all week. 

Thank you so much for everything you did for us, Mom! It means so much to have you come out here. 

Brooklynn got to open a "Big Sister present" AND her birthday present! My Mom made several adorable hand puppets for Brooklynn, and she also got some bee pajamas that are so cute. It was my Mom's birthday, AND Gabby got a present (two shirts that say "little sister" and a pair of adorable pants) AND Josh's birthday. Brooklynn was very excited to get to open every single one of those presents. 

Grandma with her granddaughters.

Mom with Gabby at the Superbowl party.

Some Play-doh time with Brooklynn. Brooke was of course thrilled to have a helper. 

Morning snuggles with Brooklynn while she drank her milk. (And most likely watching "Nemo".)

Sisters!

Brooklynn has done super well with Gabriella. She is definitely had a rough transition, but she already LOVES her sister. It is really cute. Whenever she sees her she has to come kiss her head. I'm so thankful their relationship has gone so well. Gabby is pretty much oblivious, but Brooklynn is so sweet with Gabby. She is even very protective of her already. The first night she was very sad not to get to sleep with her in her room, she kept saying, "baby! baby!" We had to explain that it is not time to share a room YET. 

I also think Brooke's adjustment is getting slowly better. I think she is starting to realize that life isn't really that much different, and she's not going anywhere. 

Superbowl Party

Brooklynn was pretty jealous of the attention Cece was getting so Josh picked them both up. 

Notice Josh's Fu Manchu. (For the Superbowl, only. He shaved it off the next day.)

Gabby stole the show, of course. Here is everyone holding her.

Owen and Brooke both being shy. I think they might actually like each other. ;)

Brooklynn held out for a while, but got pretty tired towards the end.

Jeff was pretty excited that the Packers won.

I thought this video was pretty funny of my Mom trying to take a picture. :)