My Baby is 6 Months

Six Months 

Brooke’s Six Month Stats:

Weight: 15.2 pounds (30^th percentile)

Height: 27 inches (90^th percentile)

Army Crawls. Rolls both directions. Starting to eat solid foods.  Gets up twice a night. Curious about everything. Cat napper. Loves walks. Loves the park. Loves Thumbelina.  Goes to bed at 8pm. Daddy’s Girl.

Seven o’clock AM.

A little voice comes over the monitor, sitting in its place on my neatly kept nightstand. 

I know that little voice.

I try to open my eyes and welcome in the new day. 

I peek into her room and see my little one wrapped up in Daddy’s arms.

She stares into his big eyes, reaching to touch his scruffy face. 

She catches a glimpse of me and starts to grunt for food. 

I am the milk machine, walking on two feet.

Before we change, I unzip the sleepy beauty from her bag.

She is free.

Brookie likes her bag, all snug and warm.

Now it is time to feed, all close and cuddly on the couch. 

I love these moments.

We bid farewell to Daddy, as he heads off for another day.

A kiss. A hug. A family prayer.

Now the day has just begun. 

We catch a glimpse of Curious George or the news.

I am starting to like cartoons again.

Brooke lies down to play on her bright green rug.

I find a moment to clean the counter or sweep the floor.

I find her over by the floor vents, or army crawling on the hardwood floor.

I call out her name and she looks up at me with her sweet smile.

She has made my day.

I hear her voice.

My “mini me” calls out for Mommy. 

We go upstairs to do a chore.

There are always toilets, laundry or dusting on the list.   

Brooke likes to help with household things.

Except vacuuming.

Ten o’clock AM.

Time for Brookie’s snack. 

I strap her in her chair. She thinks she is big. I can see it on her face.

Applesauce, Sweet Potatoes and Rice Cereal.

She likes to feed herself.

She is a big mess.

It is bathtime.

I let her play and splash for a while.

I have more fun watching than she does playing.

I towel her off and then play dress up.

She smells all yummy, I could eat her.

By now she is tired and ready for a nap.

Snuggles.  Whispered Sweet Nothings. Lullaby.

Twelve o’clock PM.

         We go outside. Find something fun to do.

Brooke loves her stroller, seeing new things.

She must be a nature girl at heart.

She likes grandma’s house. There are fun toys there and people too.

She likes the store. 

She has a fear of missing out.  She is a social butterfly.

She must be Mommy’s girl.

Two O’clock PM.

I lay down to catch some Z’s while Brooke takes her afternoon nap.

Ahh, just what I need.

Then to tidying up or preparing food.

There just isn’t enough time to do it all.

We play games on the floor.

Brooke likes my company.

I think I like hers even more though.

Five o’clock PM.

I hear the garage door.

Brooke smiles big when he walks inside.

Best Friends.  Daddy’s Girl.

They play and giggle while I finish dinner.

Brooke insists on eating with us at the table.


Eight O’clock PM

Brookie starts getting fussy.

Upstairs we go. Time to rock.

A primary song.  A book from the shelf.

Into her bag she goes again.

As she drifts to sleep, I stare at my little one.

So quiet and still. She looks like an angel.

I think of her first days. I dream of her future years.

I am her Mommy.

I will always love her. 

I wish I could hold her close forever.

Snuggle her to sleep.  Play peekaboo.

Kiss her gently and wipe her crocodile tears away.

I know these moments won’t last forever. So I treasure them.

Motherhood.

I am lucky I got this job.

And now some pictures of my sweet little lemon drop.

Little pumpkin at the patch 

Lunch with Shannon 

Fun with Emma 

Just hangin with Sabrina 

Happy 1 Month to Brooke Anneli!

Wow! The last month has flown by!!  We can hardly believe that our little baby Brookie is already a month old!  She has been the joy of our family and it is hard to imagine life without her.  

Here are a few of Brooke's Favorite Things: 

Brooke loves to sport her hands above her head, in the touchdown signal position when she sleeps in her crib.  It is pretty much adorable.  After the first night home, we discovered that she is a free woman and hates having her arms swaddled up in her blankets. 

Brooke loves care rides! This makes for a very happy Mommy and Daddy!  :) She loves to feel different motion, whether in her carseat, stroller or just being carried around the house.  

Brooke loves to coo.  She has started to discover her own voice over the past few days.  She loves to coo more and more, but we can't always tell if it is a happy or sad little sound.  Yesterday, I put her in the crib for a few minutes and listened from the other room as she had a conversation with herself. It was adorable. 

Brooke has also started to smile.  It is the best feeling to see your little one look up at you in a daze and have a darling smile spread across her face.  About a week ago, she made eye contact with her dad and got the biggest grin.  Megan finds happiness when Brooke smiles after she eats or has her diaper changed.  Brooke is smiling more and more each day. 

Brooke loves to be held and snuggled and she gets plenty of both.  All her aunts and uncles, and grandparents pretty much fight over who gets to snuggle her next.  She loves to watch tv shows with her mom and dad and get kisses from Daddy.  

Brookie loves music (who would have guessed).  When we first brought her home she loved to listen to Tai Chi music ( a CD Anthony was given by Brother and Sister Lee, from his mission).  We love to sing to our little sweetheart.  Megan has started singing Finnish primary songs to Brooke everyday in the rocking chair.   While we were in the hospital, we commented that Brooke resembled a little burrito when she was all swaddled up in her blankets.  Somehow a little jingle was created about "Brookie the Burrito" and has been adopted by her aunts and uncles on both sides of the family.   The song goes a little something like this...

"Brookie, Brookie Burrito

Making Taquitos for her amigos"

Brooke loves to look at all things "light".  We have discovered that any window could babysit our daughter for quite sometime. 

Brooke loves to go outside.  Only a few days after being home we took Brooke on her first stroller ride and she loved it.  Every time we take her outdoors she seems to like it.  A few weeks ago, we took Brooke for her first adventure to the park and then went to temple square to see the beautiful tulips as a family. 

Brooke is starting to like bathtime.  The first few times were a little rough, but now she seems to relax and enjoy the pool of warm water around her.  We can't wait till she plays with her cute rubber ducky in the bath :) 

Brooke loves to eat and she will let you know when she needs you.  Brooke has a little temper if she does not get what she wants immediately and will go from satisfied to purple within literally 30 seconds.  We wouldn't have it any other way.  It is fun to see her little personality come out more and more.  :) 

Life with a little one sure is rewarding.  We love to watch our sweet daughter develop and grow (even though we want her to look small and precious forever).  We love starring at her little face, kissing her little cheeks and toes and snuggling her to pieces.  She is so special to us. 

Happy 1 month (already!?) to our sweet Brooke Anneli! 

Let's Fly Away

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I can't stand reading.  As much as I have wanted to be that person who sits for hours, snuggled up by the fire with an award winning novel or fantasy, based in a far off kingdom, I just can't bring myself to do it.  On the other hand, I have always enjoyed a good biography.  I don't know what it is but I just love learning about the lives of real people and what they have left behind.

A few months ago, while I was feeling a random urge to force reading to become a hobby, I found a biography about Amelia Earnhart stashed on the shelf.  I thought I would give it a try.  Over the next weeks, I just couldn't get myself to stop reading!  I was amazed at all this woman did and the daring adventures she took again and again in makeshift planes during the early 20th century.  

After completing my book, Anthony surprised me with a date to the air show at Hill Air Force Base.  At first  I was a little skeptical, since the last thing I had read about Air Shows was the crash last year in Reno.  It turned out to be quite an adventure!  

As soon as we arrived, it started pouring buckets... literally.  We first found shelter under a 747 (never thought I would stand under one of those monsters) but eventually found a comfy chair to share in a hanger).  We decided to wait it out for the show.... we couldn't miss this! 

After 2 and 1/2 hours they finally said it was safe to carry on with the show!  Rev up the engines... on your mark, get set, take off!!  Luckily, we had an awesome view of the show since all the crowds fled by the thousands when the storm hit. 

waiting for the show to start... those are the mighty thunderbirds behind me!  

The Thunderbirds were amazing!  

My favorite act was the "Heritage Flight".   A modern F16 flying next to the P52 Mustang from World War II.  It was so patriotic and so amazing to see how far things have come in 70 years.  I can't believe 19 year old boys would fight battles in those little machines! Pretty courageous! 

The Thunderbirds flying in the traditional diamond formation. 

What a great final chapter to my biography on Amelia Earhart!  Thanks for the awesome date, Anth!  

Always an Aggie

He waited seventeen long years for this day.  For the day when he could put the books down, start making the "Big Bucks" (is there such a thing anymore?) and wear his cap and gown for that last time. 

 To say the least, it was a fabulous day! 

I can now say that I am married to a Master Accountant. 

I love you, Anthony!  Congratulations! 

A Congrats Is In Order...

A special heartfelt Congratulations to my sweet and smart little sister 

Shannon 

who became a BYU graduate today!! 

It seems like just yesterday you were on your way to preschool...

michael....megan....shannon 

and now... 

you are all grown-up...

We love you, Shannon! 

Congratulations!  

A New Home Part 1

It is hard to believe that in a few short weeks, our little family will begin a new adventure and leave charming Cache Valley.  Logan has been good to us.  I'll miss seeing the temple glisten when we drive out of Sardine Canyon, I'll miss our summer evening bike rides along the quaint streets of Hyde Park, I'll miss night time stops at Aggie Ice Cream and our Saturday visits to Gossner's Cheese. Even though I haven't been to school in Logan for over 3 years, I still feel like I haven't closed the door completely.  Utah State gave me so many wonderful opportunities, memories and friendships which I will treasure forever.   It really has been home to both of us and of course it will always hold a special place in our hearts because it is where we first fell in love and started our life together.  

In a few weeks Anthony will wear his cap and gown for probably the last time ever.  I am very proud of him!  The page of one chapter is turning for us, but I can't wait to experience the rest of our story!  

AN UPDATE:  The last few months have brought a lot of change for us. 

FEBRUARY:  Laid off at The National Children's Study. Budget Cuts.  Not really a surprise. Still a little weird to look for something again.   We felt calm about things and knew something would work out. 

MARCH: Lots of job searching. Less than 3 weeks after I lost my job, I found another one in Salt Lake.  I was reminded that the Lord really knows where we need to be and when one door closes another one will open in His timing.  Living apart for a few weeks... again.  Not that fun.  Grateful for technology, weekends, a car and my patient and loving husband.

APRIL: After hours and hours of searching, found a basement apartment in North Salt Lake. Can't wait to decorate again, use my washer and dryer and try out my first garden.  

Life is good.  

 

The Shelf

Megan's 3D Decorating Dimension

One of Megan's Many Talents

Delicious Enchiladas

Sugar Cookie Bars

Superbowl Cupcakes

My wife, a Lemon, wearing a Lemon apron, making delicious things!

Keep on Running . . .

This was a card that I had on my desk throughout my mission.  I sent a picture of it to my brother today who is on his mission in New England.  It always motivated me to keep giving it my all every day!

Goodbye 2011!

I know it has been a month since we said goodbye to 2011, but maybe it has given me some good time to think about all the great memories we had! 

It was a great year! Here are some of our favorite happenings!

Our first (and only so far) year of marriage! Before getting married I always remember people saying how difficult the first year is. I feel so blessed because it was just so fun for us and the most rewarding year of my life so far.

• I got a job with the National Children's Study at USU. Looking back this job has been a HUGE tender mercy for our family. I work 9-5, have awesome benefits and Anthony gets half tuition. :)

• We enjoyed a fantastic honeymoon to San Diego!

• Anthony ventured to Southern Utah with his dad for some real "Man vs. Wild" time in March.

• Anthony graduated Summa Cum Laude from USU in Accounting (my husband is SO smart and talented!)

• We had a blast vacationing to Southern Utah with our friends Mick and Emilee in May. Even though I was scared of getting eaten by bears, I ended up having a good time. :)

• Anthony completed a 3 month internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Salt Lake. He was so awesome that they offered him a fulltime job starting in September 2012!

• We had a wonderful summer together although we had to live apart. We were able to spend our first 4th of July together since I was a missionary for the last three.

• We relaxed on the beautiful Island of Kauai for a week with my family in August. 

• Anthony was awarded a $5,000 scholarship for rocking the GMAT and being the great scholar that he is. He was also chosen as one of the top students in the Huntman School of Business and had his student fees waived for Fall 2011. (Yes, I am bragging here). 

• In the Fall I auditioned for the American Festival Chorus and made it! It has been a blast to sing with a group again.

• We have met some wonderful new friends. 

• We watched my little brother go through the temple in October and go on a mission just a few weeks ago. 

• We have learned to love some new hobbies. Anthony made one of the greatest investments of his life and bought a new mountain bike. 

• I survived some pretty mean hikes this year and actually like it now (especially that I got my own CUTE camelback for Christmas. :)) 

It has been a fantastic year! Here's to a great 2012 to you and yours!

Love, Lemons

To Die For Apple Pie...

I've learned a lot in the last year.  I didn't have a lot of fears when it came time to tying the knot.  I felt pretty confident and old enough to be a married woman.  This last year has been so amazing!  It is entirely because of the man I married.  Anthony is so patient, so caring, grateful and affectionate.  One thing I love about him is he always eats my cooking and he never makes a "gross face" or peeps a word of complaint at the dinner table.  

Anyone who knows me well enough knows I am scared of the kitchen.  I was too busy and hyper in high school to let my mom show me the ropes and I certainly had to pay for it the first year of marriage.  I know what you are thinking, "Shouldn't a 24 year old be able to cook some Mac and Cheese?".  Well... I do have to say I could make Top Ramen before getting married but I was certainly no Martha Stewart or Betty Crocker.  

Over the last few months, I've actually noticed my husband "oohing and aahing" over his dinner plate on occasion.  I started recording the things he has really liked as "Lemon Family Favorites".  With all this I actually have to admit that I don't mind cooking. It now kind of relaxes me at the end of a hectic day (well... okay maybe I am exaggerating there.).  I am sure the Lord worked some miracles in me because looking back I actually did some things this year that I never thought were possible last January. I make dinner, freezer meals and bake homemade bread every Saturday and miraculously cooked Pheasant (courtesy of my husband's shooting skills). I tried pies and cakes and even Aggie Cookies for Anth's graduation.  

To any woman who ever burns her gravy or puts baking soda in the recipe instead of powder, I totally know how you feel.  I still have moments when I wonder what the heck I am doing.  I still see all the delicious goodies others make and wonder when I will make "that" stuff... yes, I know we shouldn't compare ourselves.   There have been a times for tears and moments of frustration, but after all, I seemed to have at least passed my first year in the kitchen without killing my husband with a magical potion.  

This year I found a really great apple pie recipe.  The Pie Dough is adapted from the most amazing cookbook, The American Test Kitchen Family Baking Cookbook and the Apple Filling is from the Lion House Dessert Recipes Cookbook (can't go wrong with good ole' fashion pioneer recipes).  

Apple Pie is an American Favorite, not just on the Fourth of July or during the Fall.  

Try it out, you won't be sorry! 

Apple Pie

Pie Dough Recipe

2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour

2 Tablespoons Sugar

1 teaspoon Salt 

6 Tablespoons Vegetable Shortening (cut into 1/2 inch pieces and chilled)

10 Tablespoons Butter (cut into 1/4 inch pieces and chilled)

8-12 Tablespoons Ice Water (I just use very cold tap water)

Mix the flour, sugar and salt together in a mixer until well combined.  Scatter the shortening over the top and process until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal, about 20 seconds.  Scatter the butter pieces over the top and pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, about 10 pulses.  Transfer mixture to a medium bowl, (no need to grease the bowl).  

Sprinkle 8 tablespoons of the ice water over the mixture. Stir and press the dough together using a stiff rubber spatula, until the dough sticks together.  If the dough doesn't come together, stir in the remaining water, 1 tablespoon at a time until it does.  

Turn the dough onto a lightly greased sheet of plastic and flatten into a thick 4 inch disk.  Wrap the dough tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. ( I have found it is easier to roll if I keep it in there for 2-3 hours, but it just depends on how much time you have).  Before rolling the dough, let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes. 

Lightly flour the counter, your hands and the rolling pin.  SPLIT THE DOUGH IN TWO, to make enough for the bottom and top layer.  Lay one disk on the floured counter and start rolling.  You can turn the dough every few rolls to keep it round.  Toss flour on the counter, dough or pin as needed to make it not stick. I have found it is better if I don't worry about rolling it to thin, that way it wont stick to the counter and I get a flaky crust.  Loosely roll the dough around the pin and gently place it over the pie plate, or just carefully do it with your hands.  Lightly press the pie dough into the plate, letting the access hang over the edge.  Keep the other dough in the wrap and place the covered plate and wrapped dough in the fridge. 

Apple Pie Filling

4-5 cups tart or sweet apples 

1/4-1/2 cup water (just cover the apples) 

3/4 cup to 1 cup sugar (depending on the type of apples, if you use granny smith, you can use 1 cup)

1 1/2 Tablespoons Flour

1 teaspoon Cinnamon (I through in a little nutmeg too)

1/8 teaspoon salt 

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons butter or margarine 

Meanwhile,  peel and then core 4-5 apples.  Slice into small chunks.  Place apples in a large saucepan and cover with water.  On medium heat, let the apples gently simmer until they become soft and become transparent (This is partial cooking only so that apples will cook in pie).  I usually use a fork and when they almost break I know they are good.  Eat a piece, they are so good.  

While you wait for the apples to cook, Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.  Mix well.  Spread half of the sugar mixture over the pastry lined pie plate from the fridge.  Drain the apples EXCEPT 1/4 cup of the left over apple water.  Place the drained apples into the pie crust. Add 1/4 cup of the water. (I add it slowly and if it seems like the apples are "drowning" then I stop adding, but it should be around 1/4 cup).  Sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture.  Sprinkle filling with lemon juice and dot with butter (i just put little pieces on random places).

Roll the other disk of dough out, not making it to thin.  place it on top of the mixture.  Cut a few holes on the top of the pie to let the air and moisture come through.  I usually do a few in the middle and to the sides, just making a simple design.  Carefully cut off any excess dough from the sides, leaving about 1/2 inch dough around the edge from both the top and bottom layers.  Pinch those together and then make a design around the edges.  I have tried to use a fork and go around the edges to make a seal or have pinched to make a fluted edge.  

Brush with a little milk and sprinkle with sugar if you want.  

Bake on lower shelf of oven at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until nicely browned.  If the edges start burning, I put tin foil lightly on top of the edges (by cutting the tin foil in half).  Don't burn yourself... been there, done that.  

Cut the pie and then drizzle Vanilla Ice Cream or Homemade Whipping Cream all over each piece.  Eat with a fork. Yum!  

Mele Kalikimaka!

I know it is practically Christmas, but I am finally posting some of our awesome pictures from our trip to Kauai in August.  It was a blast!  My parents were sweet enough to invite us along and pay for everything, even though we are the married couple in the family.  We did everything from snorkeling with giant sea turtles, to trekking through the Hawaiian jungle pretty much bushwacking our way to an old tunnel to relaxing on the sandy beaches and drinking lemonade. 

Ahh... better start saving money so we can go back to Paradise.