Donkeys

In Schuyler, Grandma knows a lady who has donkeys.  Kylee wanted to go see them so badly.  Of course, Nana and Grandma Elaine took the kids for a quick visit.  I wasn't there to see the excitement first hand, but they pictures are adorable!

Nebraska Family

Everyone was so happy to see Brooks. Colin, my cousin, was amazed by him.  The boys were so sweet with Brooks.  Grandma Elaine loved holding Brooks too!



While we stayed at Grandma's, the kiddos collected toads.  I think by time we left, they had a total of 7 in the little pool.



First Doctors Visit

Nothing like going to the doctor to hear your baby is perfectly healthy.  I am so thankful for such a small blessing.  Hearing the doctor tell you he's gained weight, he has no sign of jaundice, and his heart and lungs sound very strong, is like taking a breath of fresh air.  I thought for sure that after having one child, the nerves of raising another would diminish a little...I was wrong.  I can't believe how much I forgot.  I am still dealing with the nerves and postpartum.  I know things will get better, just as they have did with Kylee.  I just have to have faith.

Kylee brought her baby and as they measured Brooks, the nurse also measured Kylee's baby, Katie.  She was a proud momma, just like me!

 At just 5 days old, Brooks was back to his birth weight.  He was born 8 pounds 5 ounces, and when we left the hospital he was 7 pounds 14 ounces.  On Tuesday, May 17th, Brooks weighed 8 pounds 3 ounces.  He is right where he should be!!

No More Training Wheels

Kylee decided that after our little neighbor girl started riding her bike without training wheels, that she wanted to do the same.  So while Brooks and I stayed home to relax, Charlie and Kylee headed up to the school parking lot to practice.  Honestly, I expected them to return home within about 20 minutes because one of the two got frustrated.  That was not the case.  Charlie taught Kylee to ride her bike WITHOUT training wheels in just ONE evening.  She's so good at it.  Now, just about every night one of us takes Kylee out to ride her bike.  I can't wait until we by ourselves bikes and we can hook Brooks up to the back and all go out for a family ride. 

Random pictures

Madison, Macy, and Kylee watching Mommy get Brooks dressed after his bath!  They are all amazed by him.

 Big sister Kylee holding little brother Brooks.

 Macy and Kylee having a picnic.  Good thing for sweet neighbors to help keep Kylee busy while Charlie and I adjust to the new addition.

Nana holding Brooks.  It looks like he's screaming, but he was only yawning.

 Big sister holding Brooks again.

 She actually fell asleep holding him!  My precious babies!

 Nana Patsy from Arkansas.  Patsy and Savanna came to visit Brooks just one week after he was born.  We loved spending quality time with them.

 Aunt Savanna

 She can't get enough of him!!!

Bath Time

Baby Brooks got his first bath...well, sponge bath! He didn't really like it too much, but he DID looooove his head washed under the running water.  At this point, we couldn't soak him in the baby tub.  We have to wait for his umbilical cord and ring to fall off. 

Honey, We're Hooooome!

Aunt Jill and Tyler are meeting Brooks for the first time!

 Sweet cousin Madison holding Brooks!!

 Look at Tyler....what a big boy.

 Great Aunt Sally and Brooks

Coming home is always nice, but I really wish I could have stayed at the hospital a little while longer.  After you get home, the emotions begin to kick in.  Day after day my eyes were filled with tears.  I truly forgot how hard it is taking care of an infant.  With everything from worrying about spending enough time with Kylee, to making sure Brooks is taken care of.  I never imagined it being this hard.  Even still, after 2 weeks and 2 days, I'm still a wreck.  I'm hoping the hormones will start to balance out very soon.  I don't like feeling like this.  I know things will get easier, and I know I will make it through.  I do have a 5 year old who is smart, gorgeous, and my precious little angel.  I thank God everyday for my two beautiful babies. I am so thankful for healthy babies and a supportive husband.