First swim

Brooklyn has been excellent at bath time, so we decided to take her for a swim in the pool. She did fantastic! Mike and I were anticipating a loud cry or fussiness but Brooklyn really enjoyed it -- maybe it was her adorable suit ;). She laughed and cooed while we floated around with her.

Video:

Three months

Three months...already?! We've seen so many changes in Brooklyn over the last four weeks. She's been smiling, more content in the evenings, and has been sleeping 8-10 hours a night in her crib (yes, we're ecstatic over the sleep!). She started going to the YMCA's daycare occasionally so Mommy can workout out. The girls take great care of her and she's become one of their favorites.

Waking up to her smiles in the morning is a true blessing each day. We're so very lucky to have her.

Preparation for Brooklyn's first Christmas

We were excited to start our own family traditions with Brooklyn as we approach her first Christmas. She experienced some of many first Christmas events last weekend. We picked out our Christmas tree and decorated it and met Santa to tell him what she wanted for Christmas.


Picking out the tree with Daddy...

Hanging Brooklyn's first Christmas ornament...

Meeting Santa...

All dressed up...

Uncle Brian

Uncle Brian was in town for the holiday weekend and met Brooklyn for the first time. We enjoyed hanging out, watching the Viking's game and a movie, and dinner. We are looking forward to visiting with him again soon!

Thankful for Brooklyn

We were especially thankful this Thanksgiving for Brooklyn. We feel blessed each and every day for our beautiful, happy and healthy little girl. We spent Thanksgiving locally with Mike's family and enjoyed great food and family -- thank you! Uncle Garrett was also able to join us.

Our little turkey...

Cousins...

Uncle...

Mom and Dad...

Two months

It's hard to believe Brooklyn is already two months old. She had her two month check-up on Friday which included a set of routine vaccinations. Being new parents we weren't sure what to expect; watching her cry out in pain was just as horrible as we had imagined. She (and us!) have recovered and are on the mend.

Two month stats:

• Length: 22"; 37%
• Weight: 10 lbs, 15 oz; 54%
• Head: 16.25"; 95%
• Weight-to-length ratio: 52%

Two months...

Warrior bandages...

Hanging in Ortonville

We spent last weekend in Ortonville with friends that have become like family to us. This was our first road trip with Josie. Josie was excellent in the car sharing the back seat with Brooklyn and even leaving her alone in her car seat. What great travelers!

We had a wonderful time visiting with the Ortonville crew throughout the beautiful weekend. Mike was able to go hunting a couple of times and I enjoyed taking lots of naps. We also snuck in a short trip across the Minnesota border so Brooklyn could visit South Dakota for the first time.

Thanks to the Ortonville crew for a fabulous weekend!

Month photos

Newborn....

One month...

Happy Halloween!

Brooklyn enjoyed her first halloween as a skunk! Her Lil' Stinker costume was absolutely adorable and we were proud to show her off. Our halloween festivities included Zoo Boo at Como Zoo with friends and trick-or-treating with Brooklyn's cousins.

Zoo Boo with friends...

Carving pumpkins...

Trick-or-treating with cousins...

Visiting Wisconsin family and friends

We enjoyed a nice October weekend with our family and friends in Wisconsin. Brooklyn was a hit as she met many of our friends and was showered with adorable gifts.

Celebrating six years

Mike and I celebrated our six year wedding anniversary on October 9. While we missed Brooklyn, we enjoyed a nice dinner at Yarusso's and drinks with Terry and Jennifer after. Thank you Grandma Linda for watching our precious girl while we celebrated.

Baptism

Brooklyn joined the Christian faith on Sunday, September 26 at St. James Lutheran Church. Pastor Stadler performed the ceremony among our family and friends. We are so lucky to have her sponsors, Anna and Aaron, to be a part of her life and provide her guidance and support throughout her life. We are especially thankful to all that were able to be a part of Brooklyn's special day.

Grandma Donna visits

Grandma Donna came from Florida to meet her first grandchild and help out mom and dad as needed. She was anxiously awaiting Brooklyn's arrival. Her guidance, assistance with Brooklyn (especially at night) and help around the house were greatly appreciated. It'll be hard to have Grandma so far away as Brooklyn continues to grow and change but we're looking forward to a trip to Florida and sending photos.