4th trimester

Yes, I know, the word "trimester" is defined as only having three parts, but the first 12 weeks after birth is quite significant as Brooklynn, Nancy and I adjust to our new lives. It's with this in mind that I thought I would mark these first 12 weeks as the 4th part of a journey Nancy and I started a year ago.

After two miscarriages and difficulty getting pregnant a third time, there were moments when my faith was definitely challenged to believe I would be holding my child in my arms. And now, it takes an effort to recall a time in our lives when Brooklynn wasn't a part of it and we weren't totally focused on her. And that's only after 12 weeks of her being here!

Our friends and family have been such an encouragement and blessing to our lives. It's you who genuinely love us, pray for us, and read our blog! So, thank you for supporting us through all 4 trimesters!

Here are some photos of Brooklynn after a recent bath with her Pooh robe on. Precious!




And here's a short video of Brooklynn talking and almost touching her feet!

Nancy's First Mother's Day

Last Sunday, Nancy was blessed with her first Mother's Day celebration. I surprised her with a corsage and another willow tree angel, this time one with a mother holding her baby. After church, we took some pictures with everyone dressed up.



My parents were in town as well over the weekend and so I was able to spend Mother's Day with my Mom as well!



Later in the afternoon, we drove to the house of Nancy's parents where my sister and her family met us. It was Kimberly's first Mother's day as well! Here's a picture with all the mother's and their children.

Taking family photos takes a lot of preparation. You've got to make sure everyone's hair is fixed and noses are clean...

Shake, Rattle and Lean

Another week has already passed. They just seem to go by quicker and quicker.

On Monday, Brooklynn had her first pediatric appointment. Everything checked out great and she's fit as a fiddle. Brooklynn started out in the 25th percentile in weight when she was born and has moved up to the 75th percentile at a whopping 11 lbs. 5 oz. Brooklynn also started out and maintained in the 50th percentile in length. She's now 22.5 inches long, almost 3 inches longer from when she was born. Finally, Brooklynn maintained in head circumfrence with 36.7 cm., landing her in the 10th percentile.

Brooklynn's bottle taking took a couple steps back on Monday after unrestricted access to Nancy over the weekend. But, she picked back up much quicker by midweek, so all in all this week has been more successful then last week was.

Brooklynn has started to hold objects longer now. She's shakin' and rattlin', but not quite rolling over yet, but she is starting to lean to the left. I've included some pictures of her shaking her rattle.

2 Months Old

Brooklynn turned 2 months old today. She weighed 11 lbs. 3 oz. on the home scale. That's a 61% increase from her birth weight in just 2 months!

It takes a considerable effort now to remember what it was like to have a day where we weren't caring for her. Life is even more special now that she's here.

Here's a cute outfit we picked out for her on the 2 month anniversary of her birth.




Life with the paparazzi is hard...