Partners in Crime

Here are The Girls the day Brooke came home from the hospital almost a year and a half ago, innocent as can be. Actually, maybe Lexi already had a gleam in her eye at that point.



And here they are now, sharing barbecue potato chips and scheming for a way to get outside and play in the rain. I love it!

Introducing...

Brooke's newest cousin. Luke Timothy Edward Timmerman was born on April 4. The day after we left St. Louis. But I can't hold a grudge. He is beautiful and perfect and we couldn't love him any more.



Brooke isn't exactly sure what to think about not being the baby of the family anymore.


The cousins. I see lots of tea parties in his future (sorry, Tim!).


We also got to meet Brooke's new 3rd(ish?) cousin, Mati's brother. Beckett (Beck) Allen Westra was born on April 6. Also beautiful, perfect and completely adored. And check out that head of hair! He already has more than Brooke.


Proud big sisters.

All 5 of the Williams great-grandkids. Crazy that 2 3/4 years ago there were none!

What a sweet time.

Brooke's Double Life

I've mentioned this before, but while I'm at work 2 1/2 days a week (for only 7 more weeks - c'mon summer!), Brooke is almost always with her Grammie, which is such a blessing. While it's strange for me to think about Brooke having a "life" without me, I love to see and hear about all the fun things that they do. Here's Brooke sporting a hat this is probably intended for a full-grown man but seems to fit her nicely at 17 months.

Eating summer sausage at Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Johnson's. Apparently one of Brooke's favorite foods - and one that I've never even tried.


Playing with an egg figurine that Matt also played with as a baby.

Exploring in Aunt Mamie's room.

Sporting a little baby cleavage with Grammie's birthday balloon. In case you're concerned, that was the last time she wore that onesie.

Playing "Peeta" (peekaboo) with Aunt Mamie.


Opening her Valentine's Day gift from Grammie. Sunglasses, jellies, and a cute shirt. What more could a girl ask for?

I was around for this, but I like this picture. Hanging out with Uncle Mike and Aunt Jane. Her "sucky face" indicates being ready for bed.

Helping Grandpa before work.

Before she learned to navigate with the walking toy.

Telling Great-Grandma Johnson about her day.

Finally, with Grammie on her birthday. We love you and are so lucky to have you!

Spring has Sprung

We've been loving the nice weather lately. Brooke and Ozzie are both thrilled to get to go outside on a regular basis. Since she's walking now, Brooke's not as interested in just chilling in the stroller, but I'm not complaining.


She's so happy about this weather, she could kiss you!

Train Up a Child...

There are some things that it's difficult to groom your child for from birth. For instance, there's a good chance Brooke won't be a world class skiier or sprinter (genetics are NOT on her side for that one). However, we're finding that it is possible to brainwash, I mean groom your child to be at least a little interested in sports. We've been gearing up for the White Sox season around here.


Brooke's proud to sport her pink Sox onsie that Aunt "Mamie" (J's are a little challenging, so we're going with what works) gave her before she was born. It's a little snug, but we're going to squeeze her into it for as long as we can.


She's also VERY into her White Sox board book that Jeff and Michelle gave her, also before she was born. There was about a week when that was the only book she wanted to read for bed. She even sings, "Go, go Whi Soth" (their fight song) when I get the book out. Notice her book of choice on a recent road trip back from St. Louis.


Although they don't deserve it, we'll also give the Hawks a little love here.

What's in a Name?

Sorry - one more post about our visit to St. Louis. I wanted to show some pictures of Brooke and her Papa T and Grandma. "Papa T" picked the right nickname - it was one of the first things both girls learned to say and they actually love to chant it, too. Grandma sounds more like "Danda" (if that), so we'll see what that turns into. (I'm not sure if it was harder to get Brooke or my dad to pose for this one.)

We also got to spend an afternoon with my grandma, Brooke's Grandma Gigi (short for Great-Grandma). I've mentioned this before, but it's not lost on me how blessed Brooke is to have both sets of grandparents as well as 2 sets of great-grandparents who are able to love on her.

Down on the Farm

The weather on Saturday was beautiful and everyone was off work, so we took the girls to Suson Park Animal Farm. I vaguely remember going there as a kid, but it's been years. As Brooke gets older, I'm looking forward to discovering/rediscovering fun place for kids - both in St.Louis and up here.


Brooke really seemed to enjoy seeing the farm animals that we read about up close and personal and she pulled out her animal sounds like a champ. Turns out that she's not a huge fan of fowl. Anytime we'd approach one of their cages, she'd give a firm "No!" and head the other way. We're talking chickens, turkey, geese...you name it, she wasn't a fan.




We also spent a little time by the pond and on the playground to cap off a fun-filled day.