Proud moments

We celebrated Mother's Day on Sunday. Spent the afternoon at my parent's house with them and my sister's family. I got some beautiful cards and flowers, among other nice gifts.

Brooklyn & I played inside...

...while the boys kicked the football around, and Ella dominated the rock pile...

Then on Monday, I graduated from OSU! FINALLY! (Well, I'll complete my requirements this summer, but I walked with my class Monday night.) Even though it took me 5 years to complete, I'm so proud that I didn't give up along the way. There were lots of times that I wanted to. (Really bad!) But I couldn't bring myself to let Jackson or my dad down. Among other family, these two really motivated and encouraged me all the way to the end. Thank you.

Growing like a weed!

Brooklyn had her 6 month appointment on Friday, where the Dr informed us that she's now in the '100th percentile for height'. In other words, she towers over all other babies her age...no denying that she's Jackson's offspring! The Dr said she appears to be in great health and said 'This is as good as it gets, you guys.' She disagreed with that statement after getting 2 pokes in her thighs. :(

He gave us the green light to begin feeding her baby food...carrots were the first on her menu, and she wasn't a fan...

Before: hungry, happy, and excited!

During: a sense of betrayal arose. 'Mom, what the heck is this stuff?'!

Proceeds with some gagging...

Finale: Absolute refusal. 'Open your own mouth, Mom. This is disgusting!'

The Dr also encourages reading to babies...even when it seems they can't possibly be learning anything. So we follow Dr's orders, and try to read to her daily. I think she's ready to take the lead with daddy, though. She reads to him!

Chicagoland

Brooklyn & I hit the skies early Saturday morning for a little trip to see our friends in Illinois. It was an EARLY morning, with my alarm clock buzzing me out of bed at 3:06 a.m. Our flight left at 6, and I didn't want to chance being late with Brooklyn...nothing is easy with a baby! Babies fly for free, and sit on your lap until the age of 2. So that was our plan, but she was sleeping soundly when we began boarding. Luckily, the flight was pretty empty, so instead of having to wake her, they gave me an extra seat for her car seat. She slept during take off & just when I was dozing off, I awoke to this...

So we played for the duration of the flight. Even through landing. She was an absolute angel! Other passengers commented on what a great baby she was. I was beaming!

We strolled through the neighborhoods in the De Paul area to make our way to the Lincoln Park Zoo Saturday afternoon. Somewhere along the way, Brooklyn's fourth tooth came poking through. So it wasn't a day without some tears, but it's funny what we choose to forget...

We vegged out at Nichole's house on Sunday. Brooklyn had superb service there, arriving to an assembled crib, swing, bouncer, tummy time mat, and toys gallore! But the best part was the buddy she found in Aubrey..."baby, be happy!", she would say if Brooklyn cried. So sweet.

Went to the Chicago History Museum and Navy Pier for some shopping Monday afternoon.

It was a beautiful day to be by the water! My terrible photos just don't do it justice...

The only part of the trip that I'd like to forget is the flight home. I had to fight back my tears because I was tempted to join Brooklyn in her fit of rage! It wasn't the take-off or landing. I think she was just tired. I had to interrupt her nap to load her on the plane (no free seat on the way home). And the crying persisted for about 30 mins while on the runway and during take off. She didn't make many friends on that flight. But, she was an angel after a nap and during landing. So, overall, I'd have to say her first airplane trip was a success! (Other passengers may disagree with me, but we won't ever see them again to ask!)