Happy Easter

Yesterday was a really great day. Not only were we able to celebrate Jesus' resurrection, but we also got to spend a lot of time with family. AND the weather was nice. Hallelujah!


Brooke and Grandpa and Aunt Jamie leaving church. Yes, our church meets in a warehouse next to a batting cage. (Quick aside: We're back to Aunt Jamie. Brooke's embraced the "J" sound. I don't think she appreciated us simplifying it for her.)

After church, we went over to Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Johnson's house where Brooke opened her first Easter basket. Because she won't remember it (sorry, honey), I decided to save what I got for her Easter basket and use it to keep her busy in the coming weeks. There's always next year, right? The horsie flashlight from them was a BIG hit.



We took a quick family photo, minus Mike and Jane (with her family), me (taking the picture) and Great-Grandpa (napping). Good looking group!


We headed home for Brooke to get her own much-needed nap. We also changed into our Hawks gear. While I'm happy to support the team, I was even happier to change into jeans. I know, we're dorks. At least we embrace it.

Brooke and Aunt Jamie in their matching jerseys.

Brooke also got to go on her first Easter egg hunt. I may be a biased mom, but it seemed like she got the idea. It didn't hurt that the eggs were filled with her favorite crackers.


Then she got to open her other Easter basket, complete with bubbles. She could be outside and play with bubbles ALL DAY. I know, right? How unusual for an 18 month old. (Thanks for being our photog for these, Jamie.)




To top off a great day, the Blackhawks won. That part only really affects me as it makes Matt happy. Brooke was asleep and I was knee-deep in DVR'd Real Housewives episodes when the win actually occurred.

"He is not here, for he has risen, as he said." Matthew 28:6

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.