Brooke's Baptism

Brooke was baptized at our church several weeks ago. She wore the baptismal gown and hat that Carson wore. Nana made a quilt for all her grandbabies and each child has their name and baptism date, so we added Brooke to our Catholic family! We were so blessed to have our family join us for the big day! Grandma and Grandpa Schluep conspired with Uncle D for the biggest surprise of the weekend - Uncle D visiting from California! Granny and Grandpa Bottrell came, as did Papa and Nana, Aunt Teese, Aunt Katy and Brooke's Godparents - Alexis (and her husband Darrin!), and Uncle Fugate. Carson loved having all of his family here. It was a perfect weekend!

Just like at our house, the air in the church went out that weekend! Poor Brooke was so hot - after her baptism, we took her gown off and once we got her down to just her onesie, she was all smiles again!

Mommy and her little girl.

Carson getting big smiles from Brooke.

A family photo.

Carson with Grandpa and Grandma.

Godmother Lexi (and baby boy!!) with her Goddaughter.

Uncle Fugate and Carson comparing ties.

Our kiddos and their Uncles.

Brooke's parents and Godparents.

This is a great photo, except I'm looking at Brooke!

The Schluep Family -

My side of the family -

During Brooke's Baptism

Brooke joined our church with two other little ones.

Brooke is 4 months old!

Brooke turned 4 months old last Saturday! She has found her voice and is rarely quiet :). We call her gabby girl which seems to be appropriate! Brooke is very close to rolling over and has great hand-eye coordination! She can get anything in her mouth - including hair - and often does! At Brooke's four month appointment, she weighed 11 lbs, 6 oz and was 25 1/2 inches long! She is long and lean, like her big brother, only in the 10th percentile for her weight and 97th for her height. In 2 months, she grew 2 1/2 inches while only gaining 19 oz. We'll have to wait until 5 months to start on baby food - our wonderful doctor wants to see if we can "fatten her up" in the next month. I can't believe she's already 4 months old - but cannot imagine life without our little sweetheart. She - and her big brother - are such blessings to us.

Soccer Star Carson

Carson is playing soccer for the first time this Spring. During his first practice, he scored 2 goals but the most priceless moment was after his first goal, he ran the length of the field to hug his Daddy. He was so proud! It was a windy day so Brooke and I missed it but heard a play-by-play.

Carson wanted his team name to be the Tigers but his teammate Kassie named them the Soccer Stars; Carson wasn't thrilled but was a good sport! Here is our little man in his soccer shirt. Isn't he so cute?

Little sister Brooke attending her first of many games cheering on big brother. The weather was perfect and she loves being outside! Aunt Katy and her friend Jess completed Carson's cheering squad.
Carson's first corner kick! The man in the blue is Coach Chris, Carson's coach.

Carson narrowly missed this goal, but he has great form!

During warm-ups with his Spiderman soccer ball. Coach Ben is behind the goal. We're so lucky Carson has great coaches and a good group of teammates!

Later that day, Brian and Carson show off their grassy feet after a long afternoon of mowing, weeding and mulching! Happy Spring!

Happy Easter!

We went to Illinois to celebrate Easter - we had a fun weekend!

Another picture taken by Carson, our little photographer.

My beautiful sisters - Aunt Katy and Aunt Teese.

Carson hunting for eggs filled with quarters at Granny and Grandpa's house.

Nana and baby Brooke.

Brooke's first Easter basket!

Carson found his basket - and everyone else's!

Carson's Clifford basket was full of candy, a book about Easter and sidewalk chalk and paint!

Awaiting the Easter bunny!

Happy 30th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Mom and Dad celebrated their 30th anniversary on March 31. They set such a great example of love that we appreciate so much! We celebrated Easter weekend when we were all together - and the kids (all 6 of us now!) surprised them with a cake and a little something to help fund a fun trip this summer!

Crazy Busy!

We have been crazy busy since I went back to work - and my Econ class is sucking up any spare time I have! I'm halfway through the class, but still have a mid-term, a paper and a final exam in the next three weeks. I'll be very thankful when I'm done, even though my teacher is possibly the best teacher I've ever had. He's known as "Joe Econ" at Indiana Wesleyan and it suits him. I knew I was "getting it" in last night's episode of The Office...so, Joe Econ must be an amazing teacher! Thanks for your patience with me and my lack of posting! Here's to catching up.....

Brooke was ready for bed when Carson put her Easter basket in her bed. She grabbed onto the bunny ear and fell asleep!

Carson dressed as a pirate!
Our little lady in her adorable Lady Bug outfit from the Rackley's. Even the socks are red with black polka dots - how cute!

Brooke is at the phase where she tries to "eat" everything - here she is tasting her Bumbo seat.

Big brother giving his little sis, Baby B as he calls her, a big smooch.

Brian is training for the mini marathon next weekend. I am so proud of him! He ran a 15K a few weekends ago - in 1 hour, 23 minutes!

Brian and Carson went to cheer on the Pacers. It was actually the first time Carson went to a game without Suite tickets - it's nice to have a Daddy with such great perks!