Catching up on the last month....

Once again, I'm playing catch-up! Lots and lots of things have happened in the past month - see below for lots of pictures and updates! The most recent ones near the top, working backward...

I must confess that I'm 0-2....Brooke's first word, just like her big brother, was dada :). Apparently, being pregnant, labor and delivery just weren't enough to edge me out over him!

Brian and I went to dinner (Weber Grill - yummy!) and saw Wicked last night at the Murat Theatre. It was my 30th birthday gift and the evening was perfect. Thankfully, Aunt Katy stayed with Carson and Brooke, even though Brooke was sick. It took almost 6 months to get sick, but Brooke has survived her first sick days. Poor baby girl was so congested she lost her voice, had a horrible cough and an ear infection in her right ear. Except for preventative Tylenol for shots, this was her first experience with medicine. She's feeling much better and the evening went off without a hitch! This self-portrait isn't so great of me, but a good memory! Right before we walked out the door, Carson asked us to take lots of pictures. We couldn't use our camera during Wicked and I'll spare you the pictures in the restaurant :).

You know it's raining too much when....a turtle shows up on your front porch.
Brian and Carson went to the Air Show last weekend with some good friends. Here are some cute pictures of Carson and his "good buddy" Jack checking out the planes.

Aunt Teese came to stay with us last weekend! Katy, Therese and Brian went to see ColdPlay Friday night and Therese stayed until Sunday - what a wonderful weekend!

One of my favorite things in the world - taking pictures of my two favorite little-people. In their jammies. This was my fave of the most recent photo shoot. Most of the others had Brooke trying to bite Carson's hands!

Speaking of biting - Brooke's first two teeth came in last weekend without much fanfare! The first arrived Friday and the second, Saturday morning. She was really enjoying her teething ring! Brooke also started saying - gagaga - at times, very loudly!

Brooke fast asleep after her first trip to the Zoo! She acted like she was in a parade - smiling, cooing and babbling to everyone nearby.

Brooke in her snugli enjoying the ride (actually squealing with delight).

Mommy and Carson watching the ducks and lemurs "fighting" over the lake.

Carson and a walrus. Not a real one :).

Brooke experiencing her exersaucer for the first time.

I love this photo. Carson was playing with Brooke, showing her all the new toys. It also captures the light coming in the living room in the morning - something I'll always treasure about this home.

Brooke fast asleep after her first fire in the fire pit. We made s'mores with our neighbors! Carson loves building fires with Daddy and is looking forward to another camp-out in the back yard like last summer!

At 5 months, Brooke had her first taste of real food - she loved it! So far, she has tried bananas, applesauce, carrots, sweet potatoes and green beans. We think she actually prefers food over her formula!

First bite....

And the second...

Carson's soccer season ended - he really enjoyed it and is already asking to play basketball this fall.

Enjoying some post-season treats: Matthew, Kassie, Evan and Carson.

Coach Chris and Carson with his trophy.

Brooke turned 5 months old on 5-18! After the pictures, she started eating the sign....after snapping a few pics, I took away the paper and dug it out of her mouth. I don't think she ate much :). Carson thought this was hysterical!

At some point, Carson and Brooke will argue. Or not get along. Or both. When they do, I'm going to pull out this photo and show them how much they really do love the other one.

Another photo shoot of my babies - after church and all dressed up, this time.

Kissing her....so precious.

One guess who Brooke is smiling at....

Another "blackmail" shot to prove how much they adore one another. :)

Thanks for your patience with me ;). Much love to you all (well, anyone actually still checking in on me!)....B, C, C and B

Carson's 5th Birthday!

Carson turned 5 on May 4 - I cannot believe how grown up he is! We celebrated several times - he took red and blue Spiderman cupcakes to school, we had a small party at our house with some close friends, and then celebrated with Papa (who Carson is lucky enough to share a birthday with!), Nana, Aunt Teese and Aunt Katy.

Yummy brownies from Sam's!

The Birthday Boys!

Carson's new Spiderman bike!
Daddy putting the new bike together.

This is Brooke's "look" while we are outside playing. She LOVES being outside - as soon as the air touches her face, she smiles, and when she is outside, she kicks her feet the entire time!

Carson in his cool California outfit - with flip flops. In the background is the sign he made for Daddy's mini-marathon.

Carson showing off his blue hands from his birthday cake.

Making a wish...

Carson's Spiderman cake. This is the first year I haven't made Carson's birthday cake. I had a sinus infection and decided not to risk infecting all our guests. Brian and I got off work early, ran to Sam's and Carson couldn't have been happier!

Carson's birthday party is always the same day as the Derby. Our very good friend Miss Dana made a Derby pie, complete with racing flags and horses!

Aunt Katy spent the entire day with us - keeping the kids during Brian's race, and helping with party set-up and clean-up. Thank you soooo much, Aunt Katy!

Carson's Pre-school Graduation!

Carson had a graduation ceremony from his preschool last night, Thursday, May 28. It was so cute! Aunt Katy went with us - and saved the day by having her camera (my batteries failed me a few minutes into the night!). Special thanks to Katy for uploading all the pics for us!

The "tube" made an appearance again - filled with books, candy, and mini superheroes! Thanks, Papa and Nana!

Miss Megan, Miss Stefanie, Carson and Ms. Tammy. We LOVE his teachers!

Carson with his really good buddy Will R.

Aunt Katy with the Graduate!

The Schluep family.

When we try to get a good family photo, there are usually SEVERAL "outtakes." This is a cute one becuase Brooke is grabbing Carson's face :).

Look at that smile!

Carson and Will R.

Mommy and Brooke.

Carson getting his diploma.

Those boys are trouble!

They are singing "We Are the Champions" and playing rock band guitars - with sunglasses on. Seriously. Hilarious!

Carson brought us a picture of him in his cap and a flower as a thank you.

Walking into graduation.

Carson and his classmates singing We Are the Champions - it was so funny!

Brian Runs the Mini

On Saturday, May 2, Brian ran his first mini-marathon. He finished the 13.2 miles in 1:48:15 - his goal was under 1:50! My friend Becky and I took her daughter Caroline (Aunt Katy stayed home with Brooke and Carson) to brave the crowds to cheer on Brian and Brent. It was awesome! I was so proud of Brian. I was close to the finish and we actually saw one another - here's a great pic of him smiling and waving (very impressive considering this is mile 13.1!).

Brian and I after the race. Brent, Caroline and Brian.