Family Update

Since I haven't updated this thing in a while, I thought it would be fun to at least post a family update.  Things are changing quickly around here and its been a wonderful whirlwind of excitement and craziness all at the same time.

Sweet Brooklyn is going to be 9 months tomorrow!  My baby girl is flying through her milestones and growing up way to fast.  She loves...her brother, to charm her daddy, to be tackled (seriously), to be played with, to knock over towers, to make people laugh, to dance, and to push her walkers across the floor.  She doesn't like...being fed with a spoon (ms. independent likes to feed herself), having mommy leave (apparently she cried mamama when I was gone overnight last week), to be left in the nursery, or to be held when she wants to play or vice vera (she knows what she wants!).  She has only her two bottom teeth, which makes her smile especially adorable.  She giggles uncontrollably when I tickle her or blow on her belly. Her major milestones....she has been crawling and pulling up for months and actually took her first step on Saturday (just one).  I have a feeling she is really going to start taking off in the next few weeks.  We have her 9 month check up this week, so I don't have exact stats.  I would guess she is still long and lean.  Like 16 1/2 lbs and maybe 27in long.  She has beautiful long hair (its lightening up a little), dark blue eyes and a spunky easy-going personality! 

Big Brother Derek (still my baby) had his second birthday at the end of May.  We had a great time at the splash park celebrating with friends!  He loves... to swim at the rec, to be wet (sprinkler, hose, splash park, bath), to play with his sister, to roll on his sister, to jump off things (my cautious little guy has gotten quite brave), to build houses out of blocks, to color pictures, to make pretend meals in his kitchen, to follow mommy around and to talk!  He is a chatter-box (which I love!).  He is speaking in full sentences, which has been fun and diffused a lot of problems since he can tell us what is upsetting him.  He really enjoys books and soungs (which he picks up on quickly).  This weekend, he could sing most of Jesus Loves Me with out being cued.  It was a pretty precious moment.  Derek and Brooklyn are little play mates now.  They seem to always be on top of each other or in each others' space. They play chase, fetch and keep away...in their adorable baby way. It is so fun to watch them interact, but I have turned into a referee, trying to keep Der from taking her toys or hitting her or jumping on her (although she usually likes it, amazingly enough).  At 2 years, he was 20% for weight and 80% for height (basically a mini-daddy).  He has a precious big toothy smile and puppy dog like dark brown eyes, and a sweet nurturing personality, mixed with the typical two year old challenges.

Ryan finished up in Lancaster as the youth/church renewal guy.  Having more time has freed him up to really pursue photography.  There is more pressure now though that his business is needed as a source of income for our family.  He has risen to the challenge beautifully. He has been doing all kinds of pictures...from weddings and family portraits to newborns and kids and even some houses.  Recently, he did an engagement party for a professional football player and then some interior design pictures of their house.  If you haven't check out his work at his website... ryanodowd.com   He is still part-time for Mercy Church as the associate pastor.  He mostly works on the kids ministry, city groups, meeting with people, and preaching like once a month.  We have been so grateful to see God at work in our little church.  There is something so special about a church plant...like knowing everyone in the church, immediately knowing if a visitor is there, and  seeing God add to our number.  We were thrilled as a church to send out a missionary to Ghana this month and to have our first baptism celebration last month. 

I am still loving my gig as a stay at home mommy (although there are hard days like any job).  The warm weather has been especially fun with my babes.  Last week, we went swimming in some form or fashion 6 days in a row.  We have been staying busy with playdates, trips to the rec center pool and the Frisco library.  We have a splash pad in our neighborhood which we regular after dinner as a family.  I have been challenged trying to patiently love my two year old and keep my darling speed crawler from eating bugs and grass.   Last week, Ryan and I enjoyed a much-needed, fairly be-lated 6 year anniversary overnight stay at the Omni.  We loved reading by the pool, eating good food that we didnt cook (or have to clean up after), and enjoying uninterrupted conversation. 

Though I thought there wasnt too much to report, this has turned into a long post, so I will end there  :)