Memories & Matching Outfits

The girls wore their first matching outfits today! What fun:) Macy Brooks shirt is actually a pajama shirt, but no one needs to know:) I hope there's more matching outfits to come!


What we've been up to....

Laying in the grass with daddy in the evenings looking for airplanes


Running around in the grass after dinner


Talking to Daddy about our day



Looking like Daddy


Talking to Kate



Snuggling Momma (please excuse my non-showered self!)


Being cute!



Memories I never want to forget...
*A couple weeks ago Macy Brooks randomly switched from calling me 'Momma' to what sounded like 'Money'. I worked with her a few days on that second 'M' sound and now she only says 'Mommy'. I thought I liked hearing 'Momma,' but I LOVE hearing 'Mommy!'

*MB is constantly running around saying "Mommy, where are you?" "Excuse me Mommy," "There it is!", "Thank you Mommy," "Mommy, Look!" Tonight I was rocking Macy Brooks and she said. "Oh, Mommy Kate is crying." I told her "Kate is ready for night night." And she replied "Kate is ready for night night, oh well me too!" It is very fun communicating with her and listening to all the new language developments that occur daily!

*Kate is turning into such a happy baby (once all her needs are met)! Today she played on the playmat for 20 minutes just kicking her feet and smiling. I hate to say it, but there have been many times I've described her as a 'screamer', turns out it has just taken me a little longer to get to know her. I now know what her cries mean and what she needs when. She is doing great!

*Kate really wants to coo and talk, but can't quite get the sounds out yet. Won't be long!

*We'll be playing or wrestling or tickling and Macy Brooks will say "stop it Daddy" it's adorable!

*Whenever we meet a friend for lunch or at the park or even if a stranger comes to talk to us, the first thing out of Macy Brooks' mouth is 'Kate' while she points to her sister. It's like she's introducing her. Very sweet. When we get in the car to go somewhere, MB always asks me if I have Kate or if she's coming. She's being the best big sister! I pray they will always get along and be best friends.

*Contemplating potty training. I can't decide if it's good timing, just because when a 2 year old says they have to go potty you have to drop what you're doing and take them right away. Not sure if that's doable with a newborn. After nap today she ran around with no diaper for the rest of the night and did go in the potty. Denny and I of course made a big deal! She has done it several times, just not consistently. After she went to the potty, I sat down and went. Before I knew it, she was cheering for me; clapping her hands and telling me good job! She even yelled to Denny and said "mommy going potty, yea". It was hilarious and awesome!

*Anytime Kate sneezes Macy Brooks is quick to say "Bless you Kate." Warms my heart every time!

*And one of my favorites I never want to forget is how loving Macy Brooks is right now. She's constantly hugging and loving on every one in the family. She will randomly come up to me and kiss my arm. I tell her all the time how thankful I am that she is so loving.

I LOVE THESE GIRLS!!! OH AND MY HUSBAND TOO:)

Brooks 3rd Birthday

Well, it's been 3 years since we said hello and goodbye to our sweet boy. I feel like it was a lifetime ago, yet I remember every detail like it was an hour ago.

I am so thankful I still remember every little thing about his delivery and time in our arms. I hope they never fade away. My mom asked me what I thought about when I think of 3 years ago. I told her I just think of exactly what was going on at that time 3 years ago. I in turn asked her what she thought about. She thinks of when I phoned her with the news. She also told me that she pictures Brooks in Heaven a lot. I'm not sure why, but I rarely do. I usually just think of what we experienced. Calling Denny to come over to that last doctor's appointment, watching America's Funniest Home Videos while we waited for medicine to work, holding Brooks in while we waited for our family to arrive at the hospital, taking a nap with him on my chest and leaving the hospital empty handed. Those vivid memories help me feel close to Brooks. I know he's in Heaven praising and worshiping our Heavenly Father and I'm incredibly grateful for that. But for now, I like remembering our time spent together.

To celebrate Brooks 3rd birthday we made a cake at my parents house-it was plate licking good:)


The whole family dressed in blue and we went to Build-A-Bear and MB made a bear. We asked her repeatedly all day who's birthday it was. We'd tell her Brooks, her brother, and then we'd ask her where he was and she learned he lives with Jesus. Momma forgot her camera so these are cell phone pictures.


Then we rode the train in the mall and walked around.


3 balloons (1 popped) decorated our mailbox all day in Brooks' honor. Each year we plan to buy a toy or clothes for his age and go donate them as a family.


Brooks actual birthday isn't usually as difficult as the days and weeks leading up. Those first couple weeks of September hit a little harder. The weather turns cooler and my mind just floods back to Brooks final days. The actual birthday is good family time spent doing something he would have liked. We just enjoy being together.

I will say the past 2 nights Satan has tried to invade my thoughts with terrible things happening to Kate and Macy Brooks. I checked on them constantly while they slept. I prayed for them even more than usual. I panicked when Macy Brooks spiked a fever. It's like as the time comes to celebrate and remember Brooks, I grip tightly to those loved ones I do have. I scramble to try and control something, since I couldn't and can't control what happened to Brooks. Strange I know, but that's what happens.

This is what we do every weekend morning, pile in our bed (this is at my parent's house) and watch tv and snuggle and giggle. It's the best way to start your day! I'm very thankful for these to blessings that bring joy to Denny and I. It made this morning a whole lot easier:)

Brooks, we miss you so much and cannot wait to see you again! Thank you Jesus for scooping Brooks in your arms and welcoming him to Heaven to praise you!