smiles, saturdays, and sickness

First things first- Brooke is smiling!...Well, sort of. Sometimes we can make her smile and other times, she just looks at us like we're idiots- which is probably how we look. Anyways, I was lucky to catch some smiles. Just a preview of what's to come in the next few weeks. I'm so excited to hear some giggles to go along with these smiles!



Today being saturday, we didn't have a whole lot of things planned. Let me re-phrase that: I had/usually never have stuff planned; Just Gordon had to go to campus for a few hours to finish some homework. We slept in, Gordon left, I had a nap with Brooke, Gordon got home, I did some dishes, Gordon napped with Brooke--just a lazy day! I love days like today. I may just do a load of laundry and make some cookies. That may be pushing it, since I have an unpredictable infant, but we'll see.


Since we returned from our crazy week of traveling, I have gotten progressively sick with today being the worst. It started with a fever and then became nasal drip and now its a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. Wednesday through Friday Brooke was acting really really cranky and actually had a slight fever. Wednesday night, she screamed from 10 pm-2 am and I couldn't figure out why she was so unhappy. Luckily we had gotten some infant tylenol and the doctor said we could use it when she was acting irritable or had a fever. So, we used some and she finally slept- only for 3 hours- but thats better than screaming. Yesterday, we went to the pediatrician's office and they said she was fine. The only explanation they could think of was she was re-adjusting back to her schedule. So, I was thankful that she didn't have any ailment, but I still was feeling crappy. I talked to a pharmacist about what medication I could take while breastfeeding. The only thing he said was ok to take was benadryl. So, taking one tablet of that makes both me and Brooke groggy which is wonderful! She slept for 6 1/2 hours last night! Today she's been pretty out of it, too. I like being able to rest and get things done with a happy sleeping baby. If I'm not feeling better by monday, then I'll go to the doctor and maybe get some better drugs. I really hope I'm better, though!


As I have blogged about before, I am trying to be healthier and now, so is Gordon. He and Kent (his friend from Oregon) are doing some program so they can do 100 pushups and situps. I thought it would be good to add more weight to his training. Oh, and I do realize that I said I was going to make cookies later today. Moderation, right?


In an effort to get more accomplished, I have started putting Brooke in a child chair called a bumbo. Its the neatest thing! You're not really supposed to put them in this seat until they have total neck support, but I tried anyways and she seemed to like it! I took a rolled blanket and put it behind her neck and tucked it in beside her to try and hold her head up. It worked until she started moving. Oh well. She still liked it!

Trip to Oregon

Over the weekend, Gordon, Brooke and I were able to fly to Hood River, Oregon to visit family and friends, although the main reason we went was so Gordon could see his friend because he had just gotten home from his mission.

We arrived Friday night in Portland where John (Gordon's brother) picked us up and we all drove 1 hour to Hood River. We got to the house close to midnight and we were all really tired. Brooke was already asleep in her car seat, so we put her straight to bed and we shortly followed.

Saturday was a family day where many of the Brennan's were able to get together for lunch and catch up with each other. We had steak, potatoes, corn and salad. The steak was soooooo delicious. I haven't had steak that good for a while. I've attempted to make it on the stove top here, but a grill (or BBQ) really makes a difference. Surprisingly, there were leftovers which Gordon and I enjoyed for an evening snack. Later in the evening, we went over to the Vega's home where German (pronounced Her-mon), Gordon's friend was who had just returned that afternoon from his mission. We got back pretty late and since Brooke has a hard time falling asleep when she is being passed from person to person in the day, she fell asleep pretty easily.

Sunday we got up late for church and ended up being about 10 minutes late to our meetings...not good, especially when Gordon is supposed to be speaking in Sacrament meeting. I have a child- give me a break. Everyone in the ward was welcoming and we even picked up a few gifts, too! (Thank you to the Arbons, the Vega's and Sister Vega's sister) After church, we hung out with Kent, Lindsey and their 2 little girls, one of which was born 2 weeks before Brooke, so we had fun taking pictures with the two of them. Brooke was tiny compared to Chloe! I swear that girl has at least 5 pounds on my Brooke! Luckily, she is now in a growth spurt and can't get enough to eat. Her thighs will soon have 3 rolls on them as opposed to the 2 she has now. And, the more chub she gets, the less I will have. All the more reason to breastfeed. Lindsey and I had fun talking about our babies and experiences while Gordon and Kent were talking about motorcycles. Gordon always talks about the latest cars he wants to purchase and the count was up to 6 cars. It is now 6 cars and a motorcycle. If this actually ends up happening, then we may become homeless and live out of the cars. Or, maybe I'll use my wife veto-ing powers and veto everything. Umm.....yep! That sounds good. After spending a few hours with them, we went over to the Vega's home for a big dinner with some other family friends to welcome German home. We spent a good portion of the night there and got home pretty late. I went straight to bed with Brooke and Gordon and German watched Ironman. They didn't get to sleep until 2am. I am such an old married person. I consider 10 pm late! Haha...

Monday we slept in and then rushed packing to get to the airport in time. Even though we rushed, the sleep was totally worth it. If someone offered me a large sum of money or sleep, I would seriously take the sleep. Brooke is a great sleeper when she gets her naps in the day, but a long stretch of uninterrupted sleep sounds glorious and is practically priceless at this point in my life. {Lack of sleep makes my state of mind and my body get totally thrown off and I hate not feeling like my normal self. I feel so unaccomplished because I don't want to do anything and 99% of the time, I don't. There have been a few great nights and a few average nights, but the awful ones are what really get me!} So, we got to the airport with lots of time to spare and Brooke slept through most of the flight and actually smiled a few times during landing. (Who knew all would go well?!) Overall, a wonderful trip! We were happy to visit, but both agreed that it was just way too short. One day in the near future, we will visit for more than 72 hours and truly enjoy every moment without having to rush from one place to the next.

As for my weight loss- I usually am good about couting calories and watching my portions because afterall, I do want to lose weight. Anyways, this weekend, I decided not to because there was such great food being prepared for us and it was just easier. Thinking I had gained 5 pound, I weighed myself this morning and believe it or not, I lost a pound! So, my strategy now is to eat more. I think because I was limiting myself so much with my food intake that my body didn't want to give up any fat, SO, if I give myself a little fat than it should have an easier time giving it up. Maybe my thinking is off, but I'll try it for a week and see what happens. Pass the steak, bacon, chocolate-less chocolate chip cookies, and sugarbabies!

John meeting Brooke for the first time!

Grandpa Brennan has the magic touch! Every male relative can put her to sleep. I try and fail most of the time.
The man of the hour, German, with sister Victoria.

Kent, Chloe, Gordon and Brooke. I said "do a silly face" and they both did the exact same thing. Definetly best friends that have spent countless hours together. This is my favorite photo ever. Lindsey got a better one than this, if you can believe it.

Saturday morning, I found my two sleeping beauties next to me! Couldn't pass this photo opportunity up!

Baby's first road trip

On Monday after Gordon's classes, we all set out on a 5 hour drive to Boise for my permanent residency interview. Brooke did surprisingly well and slept most of the way (with the exception of the last hour when she screamed her little head off). C'est la vie. Anyways, my interview went well and I am officially a permanent resident for two years! Gordon's mom pointed out that its ironic I got my green card on St. Patricks Day (haha). After our interview we got some lunch and walked around the temple grounds of the Boise temple to get some much needed stretching and fresh air. Brooke did awesome on the drive back and we are definetly happy to be home. (Just as a side note, big thankyou's to my old roommate Jeanne and her husband Paul for letting us crash on their floor in Boise! You guys are great!)

Brooke's blessing

I stole this picture from David and Gisela's blog...its the only one I could get! Anyways, I wanted to post this photo to complete the 'family weekend' post. Its my cute little family! I love it!

Getting back on the horse

I gained between 35 and 45 pounds with the pregnancy (it depends what scale I'm on-weird, I know). I've lost the majority of it and since I FEEL recovered, but the doctor says technically I'm not, I've started integrating exercise into my day slowly and today was my first day where I went to the gym. It was really hard doing 20 minutes on the elliptical machine! I am so out of shape! Here was my internal dialogue as I was on the elliptical:

"I am such an idiot-why did I not work out at all during the pregnancy? This is going to take forever to get back how I was....Geeze I sweat a lot...Maybe I could convince Gordon to to watch Brooke like twice a day so I can come get rid of my HUGE back end. Sick....my stomach is gross and eww....the girl next to me farted...I'm going to pass out or vomit....My body jiggles as I glide on this thing...I'm such a weakling"

I shouldn't be complaining because I really only have maybe 8 more pounds to lose, but I lost lots of muscle, especially in my stomach and its just extra skin. Talking to my friends and just looking in the mirror I've realized that just because you are a certain weight doesn't mean that you look good! I am more unhappy now than I was before pregnancy having been at this weight before. (Did that make sense?) At least I'm making the effort. I hope my body doesn't resist the fat burning like it has in the past. But, I am trying to eat healthier, drink all my water, take my vitamins and now exercise. I'm turning over a new leaf! I am hopeful that I will be successful. So, now that all you tens of people have read this, it makes me more accountable, thus maybe giving me more motivation. Time will only tell. BUT, here is my goal (and I know I'm aiming low): By the time Brooke is 3 months old, I want to weigh less than I did before having gotten pregnant...not by a lot; Heck, if I'm only 1 pound under my previous weight, then I will take it.

That gives me 2 months, people! 2 months to get back into shape and lose 9 pounds. Thats do-able, right? A little over a pound a week-thats healthy weight loss for breastfeeding mothers.

Family weekend

This was a very eventful and fun weekend! Brooke got to meet her Grandpa Ernhofer, Grandma and Grandpa Brennan, Cousin Hyrum, Uncle David, and Aunt Gisela! You know you are loved when family is willing to travel as far as they did for such a short amount of time (my dad being the one who traveled the furthest...all the way from Ottawa!) All the family came to meet the newest member and to be here for her blessing which was done on Sunday, March 8th- exactly one month after having Brooke. I unfortunately forgot my camera on Sunday, so I don't have any pictures, but everyone else does! I will be mooching those pictures later, so stay tuned.

It was so great to have everyone here for the help and the company, but I'm happy to get back into my usual routine with my baby Brooke and Gordon.

A busy few weeks are coming up- I have my good friends 'the amy's' coming this weekend, next Monday and Tuesday we are travelling to Boise for my permanent residency interview, Thursday I have a doctor's appointment, Friday we drive to Salt Lake to fly to Oregon for the weekend (Gordon's friend is getting off his mission and he wants to see him). Its going to be hectic, but really fun! I just hope Brooke doesn't get thrown off and gets sick or something.

Anyways, here are more fun pictures of our visitors and Brooke.

One of my favorite photos of Brooke.

Brooke playing with Grandpa Ernhofer

Grandpa Brennan checking out our new carpeting

We sort of caught a smile! Its more of a half smile...

Grandpa Ernhofer, Gisela, and Grandma Brennan

I don't know why I love these photos of Brooke looking up, but I do

When Brooke is out, she's out cold

Grandpa Ernhofer with Brooke

I thought Brooke looked like a little crook because her hat and blanket had white and pink stripes on it.

Grandma Brennan and Brooke. (Brooke looks cross eyed)

Things I've learned

Since I have had Brooke, there have been things that I have learned, which, in retrospect, I probably should have known before. Nothing like life experience to re-affirm the obvious, I guess. Enjoy.

1. Babies cry.
2. No matter how secure you think a diaper is- its not.
3. Moving with a 2 week old is not a good idea.
4. Neighbors are hard to get a hold of, especially when you want something from them (like wireless internet).
5. Hiccups are more annoying for the mother than the child.
6. Gas drops aren't always a good thing.
7. Always use a changing pad...as much as I like getting peed on, its a warm, but still unpleasant experience.
8. Clipping baby nails is harder than it looks. I'm practicing.
9. Waking a baby is harder than it looks.
10. No amount of makeup will cover bags under your eyes.
11. Baby socks get lost very easily.
12. Getting too excited for a burp can scare a child.
13. Strangers ask to kiss my child (back off weirdo at winco).
14. Finding the 'just right' temperature for my child is very hit and miss.
15. Having no time to spend with your spouse comes with the territory of having a child. See you in 18 years Gordon.


As promised, more photos of Brooke. I tried to get a video on here, but it was taking forever to load. Maybe tomorrow during a nap time I'll try again.