Brods and Liv

Brody and Livi are 18 months apart.  Even though she is not old enough to play with him, he's been taking an interest into what his future best bud likes to do.  Take for example her paci.  She likes her paci so Brody in turn likes her paci.  Don't worry folks, he's just testing it out.  To make sure it is safe for his little sis to use, of course.:) 

Livi likes her tummy time.  And what big brother would Brody be if he did not get on his tummy as well.  However, we have to stop "play" time when someone (who shall remain nameless) tries to sit on his little sister.  All 24 lbs of him sitting on whatever part of her body he can.

Livi enjoys sitting in her bouncer and swing.  As any other 1 1/2 year old, Brody likes to see what the fuss is all about with this contraption.  I mean you are able to sit in this musical chair and it magically moves, what's not to love!  He also likes to rock and push Liv in the bouncer and swing to give it that extra boost.:)

Ok, I wasn't actually going to take a pic of Brody pushing her in the swing.  It's a little frightening to watch.:)

Lately, Liv is starting to sit in her bumbo.  She loves observing this new world around her sitting up.  Brody likes to squish  his little tush in it too.

In the end, Brody just likes to love on his little sis.  He is a sweet big brother, when he wants to be.

Happy One Month, Olivia Kate!!

Olivia Kate turned a month old right before her first plane ride to IL.  We usually don't throw a grand party for our kids' month birthdays, however Stuart's secretary Paula insisted.  She came over with some yummy birthday cupcakes, a princess crown, and gifts.  It was so sweet.  She even had a candle on a cupcake for us to sing to Liv.  How cute was that?!?!

Brody was mesmerized by the candle.

Liv slept through the whole thing

A Month of Firsts!

 2011 ended with a month of firsts.  

Here are just a few of them.  Not in any particular order.

Livi celebrated her first holiday, Christmas.  Technically she was asleep for most of the day, but what do you expect from a baby only 8 days old?!?  It also was our first Christmas in Florida.  It was a nice change of pace.  We didn't have to travel anywhere else but just enjoy our family of four (plus Wrigley, don't want to forget about him).  Don't get me wrong, we love spending time with our extended families, but it's nice being able to start traditions with our very own too.

Brody testing out his new lawn mower he got from Santa.

Brody's first time holding his Sissy.  It was definitely a BIG moment.  He was so proud, as were we.:)

Livi's first time meeting her grandparents.  Well, she met Nana in a box aka Face Time, but you get the idea.  Oh, I'm still waiting on a picture from Granny of Papa Don and Liv.  I'm telling ya, I need to get better at remembering to take pictures!

Brody giving Nana a kiss on Face Time

Liv and Papa Clark

Granny and Livi

Livi's first appointment at Dr. Witte's office.  She did really well.  Brody had his 18 month appointment then too.

Livi getting weighed

Livi and Dr. Witte

Brother playing with Liv's headband while he waits.

Dr. Witte let Brody try out her stethoscope too.

Livi's first sponge bath at home.  She was NOT a big fan.

Livi's first time at the Brevard County Zoo.  We actually went to the zoo to see Santa, however I read the times wrong.  Unfortunately, as we were pulling into the zoo we saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus leaving.  Since we had packed the kiddos into the car and everything, we thought might as well see the animals.  We ended up seeing the giraffes for the first time, up close and personal.

Feeding the giraffes

Livi's first party celebrating the New Year.  We played board games with Papa Clark, Granny, Papa Don, Aunt Krista, Aunt Becky, and Addy.  Unfortunately, our family did not last til midnight.

Olivia's Newborn Pictures

While Aunt Krista was visiting us in Florida, she took Olivia's Newborn Pictures.  She captured some AMAZING photos of our sweet baby girl.

A "Star" is Born

On Christmas Eve, Livi was asked to play baby Jesus, along with Stuart and I as Joesph and Mary, for the children's message at church.  We demonstrated how baby Jesus was swaddled in strips of cloth.  After the service, our church then had a live nativity scene of the events leading up to Jesus' birth put on by the high schoolers.  

Afterwards, we snapped a few shots of the kiddos in their Christmas Eve attire.  I couldn't resist in posting the pics of our handsome little man's cheesy smiles. :)

Our Family of Four

We were all excited to get home and start this new chapter in our lives as a family of four.  Brody would not hold Livi just yet, but when we placed her in his lap he would either poke or push her.  Luckily, we were able to get this quick shot of the two of them wearing their big brother little sister shirts.  He is definitely learning the ropes of being a "helpful" big brother.  He has learned that sissy likes her paci and is always eager to give it to her, even when she doesn't need it.;)  

People always expressed to us the different feeling you have when having a girl.  How true that statement is.  I cannot truly explain it, but let's just say she certainly does have us wrapped around that little finger of hers. For instance, Brody was easy to sleep train in his crib.  He cried for about 5 minutes at the most and then gave up and fell asleep.  Liv, on the other hand, not so much.  She would cry and get so worked up that we had to go in her room every 2 or 3 minutes to comfort her and put her paci back in.  At the beginning, we would just give up and hold her until she would fall asleep (sadly to admit, sometimes it was the both us that would).  After one LONG night, she gave in.  It's crazy how different their personalities already are.

Livi and Daddy

Mommy and Livi

Wrigley meeting Liv for the first time

Brody opening his big brother present.

Brother making sure Sissy has her paci.:)

Thank you Aunt Jeanie!

We were very blessed by Stuart's Aunt Jeanie who stayed with Brody a night while Stuart stayed with Liv and I in the hospital.  We love you Aunt Jeanie!!  We cannot express enough gratitude for you staying with Brods while we were in the hospital, as well as coming home to a clean house!!

Aunt Jeanie and Livi

Cousin Devon came along for the trip as well