Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Fun Days at School

Fire Safety Day
I thought she'd be afraid of the Fireman but I guess not.

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Water Day
I forgot to pack her swim diaper so this is what her booty looked like. LOL

















Sunday, August 9, 2009

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I've officially become one of THOSE Moms

You know the kind that makes you ask, “What the hayle?” When you see the kid out dressed like a ballerina with cowboy boots on. Yeah, that’s me.

Lately, Brooklynn is into choosing what she’ll wear out of the house. Some days are a real battle. She’s won most of them. She’s worn her nightgown to school (on top of her clothes), her too big rain boots to my sisters house (when it’s was in the 80’s and bright and sunny), too little sandals and too big crocs. I drew the line when she decided she wanted to wear my wig to my sister’s house. Yes, I said MY WIG. I let her wear it around the house. Well, she’ll point to it on my head and say, “I want dat.”. When she wears it she brushes it off of her face and turns her head left to right like she’s a star. I actually had to hide it yesterday. Anyway, when I told her that she could not wear it outside of the house she flipped. I drew the line at that one. That’s when she chose to wear the rain boots. I’m planning to make a corner in her room the dress up area. Lawdy, I don’t know if I’m setting myself up for more craziness. Yesterday, I let her wear a different pair of shoes to school. She was sooo happy. I think she liked that it wasn’t the normal shoes. I’m going to have to make it a point to switch up.


Happy she won the nightgown battle.


Showing the shoes she chose to wear.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Help us help the babies!!

We're walking on April 26th to help raise money for the March of Dimes.


The money we raise for March for Babies will help:
...support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects
...educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby
...provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care
...push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children.
Please help our team help babies— click HERE and get started! The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Friday, April 3, 2009

We're Back!!!

I've decided to start blogging again. This time the post will be from Me (Deon) and not Brooklynn. I loved blogging but kind of fell off. No real reason just kind of loss focus. I love capturing the tiny moments in Brooklynn's life and sharing them with everyone. So we're back. I think this place needs a new coat of paint. Over the next few days I'll be making a few changes around here.

Let's see...updates.
Brooklynn is...well she's Brooklynn. She's healthy and happy. What more could I ask for? She's more than I could have ever imagined. More than I could have dreamed of. That little girl is the light of my life. She's funny, loving, affectionate, stubborn and compassionate (I keep thinking what does she know about compassion. LOL). She loves all things Sesame Street, music, dancing and outdoors. I found out the hard way that she associates "outside" with the back yard. She loves to swing and leans back while I push her like she's a princess. Brooklynn loves to dance. All she needs is a little music and those feet and arms start moving. She also loves to read. She will sit in my lap for hours if she could switching from one book to another. I love that and hope she continues this love.

I feel like we're starting a new chapter. Brooklynn will be starting a new daycare/school next month. Ms. Kathy has decided to move to Alabama. We're very sad to see her go but wish her the very best. When I first got the news I was truly devastated. I literally cried. I just couldn't imagine having to find yet another daycare provider. Entrusting someone else with the care and well being of your child is huge. I quickly put on my big girl panties and scoured the city for the perfect place for Brooklynn. I received a recommendation to visit TLC (The Learning Center). Honestly, their website didn't scream what I was looking for. The website does the school no justice. I loved the school, atmosphere, teachers and curriculum. I'm praying that I've made the right choice for us.

Oh, we've joined something called Tot School. If you KNOW me then you know that I strive to provide Brooklynn the best life I possibly can. With that I want to arm her with as much knowledge as possible. I want to be able to provide her the best education I can. I want her to know the power of a good education and know how valuable it will be to her later in life. Don't worry Tot School is not like "school". I won't have her sitting at desk for hours on end trying to read at age 2. LOL It's pretty much learning through play. It just keeps me focused. I'm hoping it will help give me some direction. I like getting ideas from other mothers. I've searched the net and found a few blogs that I absolutely love. Most of these Moms are SAHM (stay at home moms). Which means they have much more time to devote to some of these activities than I do. I'm hoping to do just a few things a week. Some while I'm cooking dinner and some on the weekends. We'll see how it goes. I'm devoted to Brooklynn and especially enriching her life so what ever I have to do to make sure I prepare her for the world I'll do.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Yes We Can!!!!

Brooklynn and I attended the Obama Rally at Ault Park. It was amazing to see all of the people that came out. The energy was beyond exciting.






Monday, September 29, 2008

Ahhhh....refreshing

Buttons the Scarecrow

Mommy decided to decorate for Fall. She got me a scarecrow to go on the front porch. When she first put her out I was so delighted to see her. I thought she was a new friend. She looked a little weird but still friendly. I went over to her and gave her a hug. She didn't hug me back. I wasn't worried because I knew I could win her over with my beautiful smile. The second day we sat on the porch I went over to her and again she didn't respond. Well, I'd had enough and decided to make her play with me. I grabbed her by the collar and dragged her around the porch. I meant business! When she didn't respond I went and grabbed the flowers. She still didn't respond. Oh, well...at least I still have Mommy to play with.











Thursday, September 25, 2008

A Mommy Moment

Last night I was flipping through the DVR and stopped on Dancing With the Stars. I noticed it caught Brooklynn's attention so I left it for a second. She started swaying slowly from side to side while lifting her hands up in the air. She was mesmerized by them dancing. She did not look away until they were finished. She completed her little "dance" and looked back at me. I was so shocked and tickled that I could not budge. My mind was telling me to get the camera but I couldn't move. I about died laughing. I'm going to put it on again tonight and have the camera ready to see if she does it again. It's too funny see.

She seems to be coming out of her fuss mode. I don't know what's up with her but right now I'm walking on egg shells with the hopes of less meltdowns. I don't think she's teething which at this age seems to be every other week, she doesn't seem to be sick (except for the runny nose and cough she's had for the last few weeks). I don't know. My Mom says she was just in a bad mood. How does a 1 yr old have a mood?

I often sit back in the mornings and just observe Brooklynn at the daycare. Most mornings we're the first people there so she gets first pick of any toy. She immediately goes for this little Winnie the Pooh radio. She's learned how to put the cartridges in, take them out and press play. Brooklynn is really into pretend play right now. She also loves the little play kitchen. She'll bring me a food item and want me to sit and "eat" with her. This morning we had grapes and corn...yummy right? She's also developed her own version of hide and seek. She'll bury her head in my arm or dive behind me (if we're sitting on the couch or bed) and act like I can't see her. I then say, "Brooklynnnnnn, Brooklynnnnn where are you??? I can't find youuuu. Where's my Brooklynn??? " She pops her head up and laughs and then we start all over again. It makes me really wonder how her mind works and develops.

This morning we pulled up and Ms. Kathy had the front porch and windows decorated for fall. Brooklynn immediately started pointing to the windows before I got her out of the car. She walked over to the little scarecrow and just stared at him. I pointed out some things on his outfit and the pumpkins on the porch. I got ready to take her in and she didn't want to go. The girl wanted to stay outside with the scarecrow. So now, I think I'm going to decorate my porch for her this weekend. Maybe, just a few pumpkins, mums and of course a scarecrow. If I can find some window clings I might put those up. We'll see.

This girl keeps me on my toes...I love every minute of it.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

It's the little moments that make life big

Dear Doll Baby,
Your growing up right before my eyes. Everyday you amaze me with something new you've learned. You're one very determined little girl. You still love to laugh and play which tells me I'm doing something right. Even when your tired, sick or cranky I can always catch you smiling. You love to sing and dance. You've grown accustomed to listening to "your" music in the car and will let me know to change it when I'm listening to "my" music/talk radio. LOL. You will even dance to music from tv commercials. Lately, you been "singing" some tune that I can't quite make out. Your favorite song right now is, "If you're happy and you know it". You'll even clap your hands and try to stomp your feet. You get so excited when I sing it or you hear the song playing. Mommy is going to tap into some of that music/dance loving and find you a music/dance class to take.

You love daycare and sometimes don't want to leave at the end of the day. You still cry a little when I leave in the morning but I stand by the door and hear that you instantly stop. It makes me happy to know you enjoy it so much...it's one less thing I have to worry about.

You've been walking for about 5 weeks and very seldom crawl anymore. If you fall you get right back up and keep it moving. You're such a big girl. Walking takes baby proofing to a whole different level. There are places you can reach that I never thought about before. That's ok because I love that you like to learn and explore.

You're a carb lover like me and ravioli is clearly your all time favorite. You love watermelon and mandarin oranges too. There really isn't anything I can say you don't like you just like somethings more than others.

You now have 8 teeth. Four on the top and four on the bottom.

Brooklynn you are so smart. You pick up on things really quickly. If someone tries to teach you something you'll sit still and pay attention for a moment. A few minutes later you'll try to mimic it. You can point to your teeth, ears, nose and eyes. You know what the comb, brush and hair rollers are used for. You'll often try to use them on your hair. It's really funny to see. I turned you front facing in your car seat last month. I think you love the view. Most of the time you will try to buckle your harness straps when I say, "buckle up for safety". You don't really care for me brushing your teeth but you love to try to do it yourself. You smile and dance when I start singing the tooth brushing song. You like story time and like pointing at the objects in the pictures. The most amazing thing is when it's time to pray you clasp your hands together and bow your head.

You are still growing like a weed and still a lot larger than most children your age. You weigh 24lbs and 32 inches tall which puts you in the 95th and 97th percentile. You wear 18-24 month clothes.

Brooklynn Anna Jackson I love you more and more everyday. I marvel at the fact that God loved me enough to bless me with you.

Bubbles are so much fun!







Thursday, September 11, 2008

Brooklynn had her 12 month appt. this morning. On the top of my list of questions was the body odor. The pedi says this is becoming more and more common. He said that they "think" it may be linked to the hormones in foods. He mentioned girls starting the periods earlier and they think it's all linked somehow. He really didn't have any recommendation except for me to bathe her 2x a week using an anti bacterial soap like Dial or Safeguard. He said to watch it though because they can be drying. He also said this is why he promotes buying organic foods and milk as much as possible. I'm going to stick with using the Dove and limes nightly and see how it goes.

She only gained a 1lb and grew an inch from her last appt. in June. She's still in the 97 percentile for height but she's dropped to the 95th for weight. She's doing well and she's hitting all of the expected milestones (I already knew that). She got the last rounds of the Prevnar and HIB vaccines and the first rounds of the MMR and Varivax. To top it off he tells me I have to go downstairs and have her blood drawn. They now screen for lead and anemia.

Getting her blood drawn was a nightmare. I get down there and have to wait another 20 minutes. Brooklynn was fussy and I didn't even have a snack to give her (bad Mommy). Anyway, when we get back to the room the tech looked like she was 10. I asked her if she could just do the finger prick instead of trying to draw blood from her arm. They can always find a vein but then it moves and they are stuck moving that stupid needle around in her arm while I'm holding her down and she's screaming. She'd just gotten 4 shots and I did not want to put her through that again. Well, she told me that they have to try to stick her first. WTF? They did and of course they couldn't get it. I was BEYOND pissed. Do you know the tech brought in another person (I guess she was supposed to be the good needle sticker) to try the other arm. I told them that wouldn't be happening and they like I said before they could do the finger prick.
Anyway, 5 minutes and a finger prick later they had the blood they needed. Brooklynn was darn near histerical at this point, I was steaming and had blood on my shirt. When I went to check out I asked for the manager. The head nurse/tech/whatever came out and I explained what happened. I told them they need to listen to the parents. I know my child better than anyone on this earth. Well, the 10 yr old tech was standing behind the nurse and tried to butt in. I told her to zip it because I wasn't talking to her. All cordialness (if that's a word) went out of the door. Don't mess with me about my baby. They've got the wrong chic.

Ok, enough of that. Everything else is good. I just need to schedule her for her flu shot.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Reason for Operation GYAOMB

Brooklynn at 3am in MY bed!!!


All is well in our world. Brooklynn has been funk free for a couple of days. I've switched to Dove soap and been using limes under her arms the past two nights. It hasn't been hot here so that's helped too. It's on the top of my list to ask the doctor about tomorrow. I can't have my baby walking around with funky pits.
Oh, operation GYAOMB (Get Yo Arse Outta My Bed) + INYP (I'm not your pacifier) will start back up this weekend. I'm reading NCSS for Toddlers. I'm going to do exactly what it says. My goal is to work at it for a month. I'd like to continue to nurse Brooklynn but the all night pacifier thing has got to stop. My back is paying for it. The girl thinks she supposed to be attached to me at all times. Wish me luck.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Ok, I have a problem. My baby's underarms stink!!! I first noticed it last Tuesday. We'd stopped by my parents house after work and I had Brooklynn on my lap. She moved and I got a whiff of funk. At first I asked my mother if that was her because I KNEW it wasn't me. My mother was like girl please...I took a bath. Then I checked myself because I just knew it wasn't my baby. Well, it was Brooklynn. It wasn't just a little musty smell either it was pure funk. My Mom smelled and Brooklynn started crying. It was almost like she was embarrased. I looked it up online that night and the articles said it's extremely rare for a baby to have body odor. I thought it was a fluke so I kept with the normal routine (nightly baths). I didn't smell it again so I didn't worry about it. Well, this morning I checked before I put her clothes on and I smelled a little musty smell. I washed her up really well and put some baby powder on her. She actually took two baths yesterday. One before we went to church and another last night before bed. I always make sure I wash her really well. I'm still using the Johnsons baby soap though. Should I change? I normally don't put baby powder on her. She has her 12 month pedi appt. Thursday so I'm going to bring it up.

I don't want my child funky and I really want to know if something is wrong. The articles I read said that this could be a sign of precocious puberty.

In the winter I bathed her every other night. During the summer I've been bathing her every night except Friday. She sweats a lot and they play outside at daycare so I prefer to do it every night. I'm very particular about washing her "hot" spots really well. Her under arms has folds in them so I make sure I dry them well too.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Mommy Random Thoughts

-Children really are sponges. *I cleared my throat this morning and two seconds later Brooklynn was doing the same thing. *I left her on the bed last night watching Sesame Street. I came back and she had on my satin cap.

-Brooklynn painted her first masterpiece yesterday. It's getting framed and going up on the Brooklynn wall in my dining room.

-Ms. Kathy needs to get with the program. I need (in Kaliya's "I need it" voice) to be emailed all pictures taken of my baby...especially pics of her "firsts".

-I love my Doll Baby with every fiber of my soul. So much that it hurts sometimes. It's wierd.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008











Ain't no stopping me now....I'm on the MOVE!


Hmmm, what's in here?
Papers...I love paper. I hope these aren't important. Ok, I'm back. I think I forgot something.Enough of that....
On the move again.


Ahhh Ha! Mommy forgot to close the bathroom door. To the dining room I go.


Now that I can walk I'm all over the house. Mommy just can keep up.