Late October thru November

I know that its been a while since we've posted anything so this will be sort of a quick review of the past month or so! We left off last time with Brooks scheduled to get tubes in his ears. I am proud to announce that he was a super trooper patient and made it through his surgery with flying colors! Here are a few pictures of him on the way home from the surgery center. Poor baby was still sort of out of it but he loved the little duckie they gave him for being such a good boy!

It didn't take long for him to recover and get all geared up for Ella's first birthday party! It was a Snow White themed affair and so Brooks couldn't dress up as anything besides Prince Charming! It was so cute to see them all together! Andrew even got in on the action and came dressed up as Dopey! They were all SO adorable!

Brooks loved all the balloons that were there...it was a whole "garden" of balloons!

From left to right: Rachel, Chris and Andrew Hunter (Aka Dopey) ; Ella (Aka Snow White), Nyrla and Chris Wollitz; Me, Brooks (Aka Prince Charming) and Mark

I just love Ella's face in the this picture...she is like "why are you taking pictures of him...it's MY birthday!"

Singing "Happy Birthday" in Portuguese...one of Brooks' favorite songs!

"So this nice old lady gave me this apple, do you think it's safe to eat?" Heehee!

Just a few days later we were "leaving on a jet plane" heading to Pennsylvania and New Jersey to visit with my family. It was such a nice change of weather for us...we left the 90 degree Florida heat and stepped of the plane to a chilly 45 degrees! Brooks loved it too! He didn't seem to mind having to get all bundled up...I think he actually enjoyed it! Here he is playing at the park right down the street from my cousin Amy's house.

What a little stinker face!

He loved it every time I put this hat on him...too funny!

We got to see lots of family while we were visiting. My dad was even up there so we got to spend some time with him too! Brooks just loves his PopPop!

He also got to see his Great-Nana...she always gets a kick out of what a "good eater" he is!

He LOVED his cousin Addie...she was a favorite!

Here we all are...my nana, my dad, Brooks and me!

We initiated Brooks into the famous Ringo's breakfast sandwich club while we were in NJ...He loved them...of course!

The Fall leaves were peaking while we were there...so pretty!

And of course we got to see Brooks' favorite "Buddy" Uncle Chet...they are best buds...can't you tell?

But I would have to say the highlight of the trip for Brooks were the two dogs, Bear and Colby. He was so excited to see them. He even got to help give them their food and treats each day!

Here he is with Colby...the dogs would just bark and bark when they saw him and he acted like it was the most normal thing in the whole world for them to be so loud...B wasn't the slightest bit scared!

Here he is with Bear and Aunt Winnie...he had so much fun throwing the decoy for her to fetch!

His second favorite thing were all the "big bucks" in NJ. Every time he would see one he would throw his hands up in the air and make the "big buck" sign...he was a hit!

We all went out to dinner for my cousin Tad's birthday...Brooks was such a trooper...it was WAY past his bed time but he didn't seem to care!

Hanging out with Amy! He loves her so much!

But he was especially taken with Tad...it must of been his facial hair! Ha!

Halloween happen to fall right in the middle of our trip so of course we brought all of Brooks' trick or treating gear with us. He got all dressed him up like a pirate and we were ready to go!

The rain held off just long enough for us to go trick or treating in one neighborhood...it was SO windy out!

This was the first house we went to and Brooks picked out his own lollypop...he held on to that sucker the entire night! He knew better than to let go of the "booty"!

By the time we were in the truck heading home he got the wrapper off and had his first taste of candy...and let me tell you he's hooked!

No one had to show him what to do...he was no dummy! Mmmm....good stuff!

My sister surprised my dad and took the train down from Boston for the weekend to see everyone. It was great to all spend time together and for her to see Brooks. She even got to go trick or treating with us! Such great memories!

We were not home a week and we were already swamped with moving into our new house! Yep that's right...we finally got a real house! It has two beautiful yards with tons of room for Brooks to run and play!

The week we moved in we had Ella over for the afternoon. Well Brooks ended up sleeping through most of the playdate but when he woke up he was go groggy and little on the crabby side. My mom brought him into the living room where Ella was and this is the picture I took of his face when he saw his friend! No more Captain Cranky Pants! No sir!!!!

And Ella was SO excited to see Brooks too...she just squeeled and ran over to him! It was so cute!

Here they are sharing snacks...so sweet!

And this is so classic! Ella wanted to give B a hug and neither one has great balance yet so the both toppled over! Their facial expressions are hilarious!

That same week we took all the babies to Animal Kingdom to see all the cool animals. The weather has finally cooled off a bit and it was great because we could dress them all in layers and just go!

About to get on the African Safari ride...they loved seeing all the animals!

Hanging out with Ella...it is so cute to see her walking all around now! And she does not go anywhere without her "nenem" or baby in english! It is so cute to see her kiss and love on Nenem...she is such a little momma already!

Here is a super cute video of Brooks and Ella dancing up a storm! The show that is playing in the background is a Brazillian Children's video of Ella's. Brooks probably doesn't understand a word they are saying but he LOVES the music! I was cracking up the entire time I was videoing...so funny! Be sure to watch Ella dance...that girl has some moves!

Because our lives aren't hectic enough already...we packed up the car last week and drove up to Auburn for the weekend! It was so great to see Heather, Lilly and Jon. Auburn is a great town and seeing good friends doesn't hurt either! Kyla, her mom Julie and her little boy Owen drove in from Huntsville on Saturday and so it was a babies, moms and grandmothers weekend! It was so much fun for us all to be together now that we all are mommies! Boy how things have changed!

Here is Brooks now that he has finally passed out on the way up to Auburn...it only took 4 hours of fussing to make him finally give up!!!!

We got to walk all around campus on Friday and take a lot of cool pictures...I just love these that Sandra took of B! Notice the sticks in his hands...classic boy!

And here are all the moms, grandmothers and babies...what a cool memory!

So besides traveling, moving and getting tubes in his ears, what's new with Brooks? He is still growing like a weed! He is about to eat us out of house and home! Just the other day for lunch he had a dish of apple sauce, a whole container of Easy Mac & Cheese, a jar of green peas and brown rice, and then 3 whole chicken nuggets from Chick-Fil-A!!!! And that was just lunch!

Brooks still loves to go to the park. He is all over the place now, running from the swings to the slide and then up the jungle gym...he wears me out!

I guess his latest fascination is with trains. He loves to listen for them to come by when we are outside. Here he is at the park and he hears the train coming...

And there it is...it's the Amtrak! He even makes the WooWoo sound now! So cute!

He also has discovered the yummy world of apples. It was by accident really, he snuck into the produce drawer when I wasn't looking and grabbed an apple. He started snacking on it and I couldn't get it away from him for almost an hour! I guess it could have been worse, right?!?!

Sneaky, sneaky with his apple!

He also loves trucks and all the cool things you can put in the back and push around. Vroom vroom!

Last but not least on the list of new things in Brooks' world is our new house! We love our new neighborhood! The house is great too! We have so much room and a wonderful backyard for B to play in all day! Brooks is so funny now that he has so many rooms to run around in...he even gets lost sometimes! We are lucky that we have wood floors so that we can hear the pitter patter of his little feet so at least we know where HE is!

Look at the size of this backyard!!!! It is a little boy's heaven! Brooks loves to explore and to find sticks and acorns. And now we have some really cool backyard toys for him to play with now thanks to some great hand-me-downs from his cousin Fletcher. Brooks loves it out there!

He has also discovered some little nooks and crannies just big enough for a little boy to hide! This is part of the pantry in the kitchen and he must go in and out a hundred times a day. The poor guy isn't going to know what to do when I finally put shelves in there for storage!

That is a face full of joy!

Here he is on a walk in the neighborhood with his daddy and GJ. He was riding his "new" John Deere tractor and carrying his little fishing pole...what a combo!

Strolling with GJ...

More backyard toys...so much fun!

Oh boy...sticks!!!!

Beating on his bucket like it's a drum...maybe he should ask Santa for a real drum set for Christmas???? Maybe NOT!!!!

And of course who does not love seeing a little bare bottom??? Running to get in the bath tub!!!!

Daddy and his naked boy! Look at that cutie-pa-tootie!!!

Early October

The last few weeks have been quite a blur for us. Since our last update Brooks has had a long series of doctor visits and attempts to clear up his persistent ear infections. After his last dose of his third oral antibiotic we discovered that the infection was still hanging on so we had to resort to a last ditch effort…three injections of a very powerful antibiotic called Rocephin. This was NO fun for any of us! From what the nurses told us this is a very painful injection that they actually have to add lidocaine to so it bearable. Needless to say Brooks was not a fan and by the third day he would start fussing as soon as we would pull into the pediatrician’s parking lot! We had to go through the entire weekend with Brooks fevering on and off and feeling like poo. It was so sad to see him feel so terrible. He even stopped eating and drinking and that really worried us. We did anything and everything to get fluids in him. This included several trips to get sno-cones and italian ice! Yum yum!

But after a weekend of being sick and taking care of a sick baby these two boys deserved to kick back a cold one! Heehee!

This past Wednesday we took Brooks to see a Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. First of all we really like our new doctor...he was great with Brooks; very kind and understanding. After a thorough examination we found out that the Rocephin shots B has last week WORKED! Yay! The infection finally cleared up (after a month of antibiotics!) He still has lots of fluid on his ears but no infection! We had a long talk with Dr. Boger about B's previous ear infections, family history (both Mark and I had ear problems including tubes) and the condition of his ears today. The doctor feels it's not a matter of IF Brooks will get another ear infection but WHEN. We are heading to Pennsylvania at the end of the month and we were all concerned about the flight up there, especially with all the fluid still in his ears. Dr. Boger feels it is best that we go ahead and put a set of tubes in now to help alleviate the negative pressure in his ears and to also help prevent a reoccurring infection. Brooks is scheduled to get his tubes next Thursday (Oct 22) first thing in the morning. Mark and I both feel VERY comfortable with this decision. We just want Brooks to feel better and stay well this time! It's been a long month with a very sick baby...we are ready to have our happy/healthy Brooks back!

On Monday Brooks and I went to have lunch with Mark at his office. It was a Turner holiday so Brooks and Mark got to spend some fun bonding time over the computer!

Later on Brooks worked out with us...he is a P90X regular these days!

And after a weekend of hardly touching food, he is back to his old self! Here he is chowing down on a PB&J...one of his new favortites! I love all the peanut butter on his lips...you know it must be good!

A few weeks ago we bought a second carseat to ship up to Pennsylvania for our trip up to see family. I washed it all up and then B had to try it out...he approves! I just love his bedhead!

Later on he needed to try it out again...this time he took his sippy cup with him and reclined like it was a lazy boy!

Brooks and I had a fun playdate with Ny and Ella this week and a really cute place called Amaya Papaya. It is a play place for little ones and they had such a good time playing with all of the different toys and such...these two are so cute together!

Mark has been off this weekend hunting in Alabama...the things he has to do for work...tough life! So Brooks and I have been holding down the fort here...today we took advantage of the awesome weather and went to the park! Brooks looks like such a big boy in his blue jeans! Before Mark left this week he was teaching Brooks what a "big buck" looks like. Now all you have to say is "big buck" and this is what he'll do! So cute and Mark is SO proud!

Such a boy boy in his Fall clothes! We are just happy to have a healthy baby again...

Brooks: Perry Party and Such

They say time flies when you are having fun and I would have to agree! Fun is definitely the name of our game around here these days! Brooks never fails to amaze me...he is one of the happiest boys I know! Poor baby has been battling an ongoing ear infection for the last month. It all started right before his birthday when we all had that nasty cold. That pesky virus decided to hold onto Brooks and turn into a secondary infection in his eyes and ears. Three different antibiotics later, we've still not kicked this thing! But like I said Brooks is a super trooper...he is so pleasant besides the fact that both of his ears are horribly infected! We go back to the pediatrician this week for an ear re-check and hopefully some good news. If not, then we aren't playing around...straight to the Ear-Nose& Throat specialist for us! Better safe then sorry! As you can see in this picture Brooks is so happy! Here he is trying on the new life vest we got for him! He loved it and didn't want to take it off!

The weekend after Brooks' birthday we took a road trip up to Perry to celebrate his birthday with all of the Schwab's! We had such a fun weekend with the family. They loved on Brooks and showered him with an awesome party and lots of birthday gifts! He is SO loved!

Here we are all packed up and ready to go...Brooks is waving "bye-bye"! Nothing like traveling with an extra person in the back...we call my mom Brooks' "backseat buddy"...it makes traveling in the car a breeze!

Brooks "eating" for the first time at Goodman's in Perry...he loved it of course!!!

All decked out and ready to go to his pool party at Uncle Chad and Aunt Dana's house! This outfit was a birthday gift from his Aunt Heather and SaSa Quicke! Adorable!!!

Playing with Richard's dog Molly...by the end of the weekend both Molly and Brooks were quite use to each other!

Ready to splash in the pool with Uncle Chad!

Pop Pop...hanging out in the cool shade!

Splish-Splash!!! Brooks loved swimming in Chad adn Dana's new pool!!!!

But he also loved playing in the baby pool with Fletcher!

In and out and in and out and in and out...

Let's see how many people we can squeeze into a little baby pool!!!! One, two, three, four...

Aunt Dana and Brooks!

That's one good looking family! I think the boys totally out number the girls!!!

Julie Ann and Caroline doing what they do best...texting!!!!

Aunt Dana made Brooks' birthday cake! It was SOOOO delicious and CUTE!!!!!

And Brooks loved it too!

Like I said...they Schwab's spoiled Brooks! This is a cute Halloween shirt that Fletcher picked out just for Brooks!

Checking out the new chainsaw that his Pop Pop gave him! Got to start him off right you know!

Safety first!!!

Fletcher thought it was pretty cool too!

Afterwards, we let Brooks play in the dirt over at Uncle Richard and Aunt Jennifer's house...nothing like having a good time getting dirty!

Oooo...pig-child!

Playing peek-a-boo with Julie Ann!

On our way home on Sunday we stopped over in Gainesville to attend Nevan Moran's baby dedication. It was so great to visit our old church Grace and to share this special occation with Patrick, Jeanne and big brother Luke! Our time there was too short but it was great to see everyone!

Paster Denny and Brooks!

Brooks and I fill our days with an assortment of odds and ends...Mondays are usually our stay at home day with the exception of grocery shopping. This is the highlight of Monday for Brooks. Our Publix gives away free balloons and Brooks never forgets! "Ba-boon, Ba-boon!!!" that is all I hear from the moment we walk through the double sliding doors until we check out and he finally gets his "ba-boon." We also clean on Mondays...that's the not so exciting part! Tuesday-Thursday we try and hang out with friends or do our errands. Fridays are definitely the start to our weekend...Brooks and I usually try and change things up and do something fun or different...this week it is a playdate! Always a good time!

Here are some cute pics of Brooks learning to crawl into his rocking chair and turn himself around. When he finally gets himself settled he rocks back and forth and sing-songs "rock-rock, rock-rock"...it is SO sweet!

Here Brooks is helping me put away the groceries...yes he is sitting on the counter but don't worry...I was right there and didn't leave him for a second! While he was up there he discovered the dried cranberries...yummy!

He loves to share...but usually he shares the ones that have already been in his mouth! Ewww...

His new favorite thing to do is explore the fridge...he LOVES it!!! He will actually push you out of the way when he hears or sees you open the door...he just loves to look at all the cool things in there like daddy's beer and mommy's diet Pepsi!

Mmmmm...mac & cheese...he got it EVERYWHERE!!!!!

But here he is saying "What are you complaining about???? YOU gave it to me!!!!"

What a cute stinky face!

The beginning of last week we enjoyed a slight weather change...it was so beautiful outside!!!! It didn't last long and we are back in the 90's here! Whew! Good thing for a baby pool and popsicles!

It was so good that he even got it in his hair!

Hey give that back...I wasn't finished!!!!

Here we are at the park on one of the cooler mornings...it was so nice to play outside and not sweat to death!

This is a funny photo sequence...Brooks spotted a little grey squirrel while at the park...he was VERY interested in the squirrel...I cannot say the same for the poor squirrel! Brooks ended up chasing the poor things all over the playground...he gained on him a few times but eventually the squirrel escaped! So cute to watch!

Bye-Bye Mr. Squirrel!

This weekend we took advantage of our Disney passes and visited Epcot's Food and Wine Festival...so much fun! Brooks had a great time with Ella and the guys had a great time with all the drink options! My mom, Ny and I just tried to stay cool...it was SO hot!!!! But we had a great time just the same...the F&W Festival never disappoints!

Is he a cool dude or what?

Look at Brooks and Ella with their matching rides...if we were asked once we were asked 10 times if the babies were twins or cousins! Geeze!

Ella Neve in her sweet strawberry outfit!

Brooks sporing the oh so cool Lobster!

Brooks LOVES his PG...they always have so much fun together!

At the end of the night both the babies and parents were worn out! It was a great time but we will be so happy when it finally decides to cool off around here!

Brooks loves Ella but he wasn't too sure about her playing with his See-N-Say toy...it is his new favorite!

Like I said...we were exhausted! Both Brooks and Mark feel asleep during the bedtime story! So sweet! They didn't even budge when I took this picture with the flash!

Brooks: 1st Birthday Week

Brooks is officially one year old! Way to go Brooks! More like way to go Mommy and Daddy!!! We did it! It's been one wild year of firsts, seconds and more! Brooks is the love of our life...he's such a joy and brings so much "flavor" to our vanilla lives! It's had to imagine what life was like before he got here. We are looking forward to watching him grow into a handsome boy and an amazing man!
We had a great start to Brooks' birthday week with a visit from Mike, Caroline and Cooper Smith. It was so fun to finally meet baby Cooper and to see what amazing parents Mike and Caroline have become! Brooks was not the least bit interested in Cooper until he started crying on the second day of their visit...then he couldn't get enough! He was all about peeking in to see him in the pack-n-play and the bouncy seat. He was all about sharing his toys...we really had to watch him!!! Poor Coop took it all in stride! He is such a great baby!
Brooks and Cooper checking each other out...

Mark looks pretty good holding a baby, huh? Don't worry...Cooper is yawning not crying!

Sweet Smith Family

Oooo...toes!

I love him Momma!

Here...you want to see my crayon???

Stinky face!

When we took Cooper out of the bouncy seat Brooks decided it was his turn! It's his new "lazy-baby!"

Chillin' with my sippy cut and watchin' Elmo!

On Saturday it was Birthday time!!! We held Brooks' party here at our condo complex in the common room. It was a great space for a birthday party...lots of room for the kiddies to run around and the adults to mingle! The Very Hungry Caterpillar was the theme of the day and there were lots of fun ways to add those special touches. Brooks had a caterpillar cupcake birthday cake and there were bugs all over the place...butterfly balloons and even bug shaped gummies! I think Brooks really enjoyed himself...he played with all his little friends and of course the balloons were a huge hit! He had his first taste of cake and he LOVED it!!! It ended up everywhere but I guess that is what it is suppose to do! Poor baby ate so much cake that he ended up with a tummy ache afterwards! It of course didn't keep him down for long...he received a ton of gifts which we really enjoyed tearing into. He had so many that we had to spread the opening of them over the course of the next several days...it was like an extended birthday!!!

You couldn't slow down this birthday boy!

Brooks and Ella...holding hands in the corner!

Brooks is saying..."on the count of three we push it down...GO!"

The yummy/cute cake!

Brooks and his little buddy Brady and his big sister Katelyn

Brooks and Ella chowing down on some animal crackers! Yum!

Balloons!!!!

Getting ready to tear into his cake!

All the party people!

Here it is...Brooks are you ready???

Yep! I'm ready guys...this stuff is so good...I don't care you are trying to get me to look at the camera!!!

This is SO yummy! Why have you been holding out on me this whole time!!!

Mmmmm...icing!

This is pretty messy...is that ok???

Getting it into his eyes...poor baby!

Here's the birthday boy with Ella and Andrew...look and Andrew posing...what a natural with the camera!

Afterwards it was straight to the sink!

He definitely did some damage! No wonder he ended up with a tummy ache!

Here are a few pictures of Brooks opening his gifts...he loves them ALL! Thank you all so much...we feel so loved!

This was his birthday package from his Aunt Becca and Uncle Troy.

I love all my new cute clothes!!!!

Am I a cool dude or what?

Literally tearing into his gifts! Teeth and all!

It looked like Christmas around our house!

These were the gifts that Uncle Richard and Aunt Jennifer sent to hin via mail...an adorable Halloween goodie bag and a fun "My First Backpack" activity book.

This is his new fishing toy that the Smiths gave him...he's getting pretty good and fishing now! Mark better watch out...he's going to be out fishing him soon!

And the awesome musical set that his buddy Tyson gave him...one of his favorites!

This is a fun one...Cookie Monster and Elmo all in one toy!

Here is the push toy from Andrew that he will NOT put down...we go to bed holding on to this one!

Thanks everyone for all the fun toys and clothes...I'm going to be the best dressed and most entertained baby on the block!

On Monday we decided to go with some friends to a Disney pool...Brooks had a little tumble while we were there and had a pretty nast goose egg to show for it. Poor baby!

Hanging out with his two best buds at Panera...

I think Ella was getting tired of Brooks grabbing her stroller...he just loves her SO much!

All in all we had an amazing Birthday week with Brooks. We feel so blessed to have this little boy in our lives. The Lord knew just what he was doing when he placed him in our family!

Brooks: Week 50-51

We are now days away from Brooks' first birthday!!! I think this has been the fastest year of my entire life...it almost doesn't seem possible that 365 days have passed since Brooks Ryan Batia came into this world!

We've had a crazy past few weeks. Most of it has been fun but some of it has been down right chaotic! We have all been battling a nasty virus for the past two weeks. Brooks and Mark were both pretty sick. Mark ended up with bronchitis and Brooks had a bad cough, a double ear infection and conjunctivitis on top of it all...poor baby! Thankfully I just had a touch of it and so I was able to take care of my poor family! What are moms for? We are ALL feeling better now...thank the Lord!

Brooks has been spending a lot of time in Celebration lately. We stayed the week with my mom last week (she had hand surgery and so I had to play nurse to her too!) We took advantage of all the fun things to do while we were there. The splash fountains downtown were a hit! Brooks liked the small water fountains but he wasn't so sure about the big ones in the middle...I can see where it might be a little intimidating to someone under three feet tall!

Afterwards it was back to my mom's for a popsicle and some running around in my diaper...well then he lost his diaper and so it was some fun in the sun...in the nude!!!

The weekend before last we made the mecca up to Gainesville for the first football game of the season and Brooks' very first Gator game! We had a great time seeing everyone especially the Quicke/Michelini clan! Brooks was thrilled to see Lilly! He loved all the tailgating action and was such a trooper. I am sure it was his first of many games to come!

Two of the cutest little Gator fans...ever!!!!

On Sunday of that weekend we helped Brooks' buddy Tyson celebrate his first birthday! Brooks LOVED all the balloons that were there...he was in balloon heaven! It is his new fascination...where ever we go if he sees anything that looks like a balloon he goes crazy. He calls them "ba-boons"; it is by far the cutes thing he says! It was great to see the Fulmers and to wish Tyson a very special birthday!

Oh look...he's holding another balloon!

And yet another balloon!!!!

On Labor Day we had a pretty relaxing day! We went to the pool for a while with our friends Ny, Chris and Ella...we all had a great time!

Two super cute water babies!

Then on Tuesday we were off to help my mom after she had her surgery! She looks pretty good for just having surgery huh? This is a picture of my mom being a "bad" patient...she was NOT suppose to be holding Brooks!

Here is B eating his first PB&J...he liked it ok...it was sort of sticky and all over the place but all in all I think he enjoyed it!

And he loves music!!!! For his birthday his GJ (Mark's mom) gave him a who semester of Kindermusik. He and I really enjoy going to the classes each week...he just takes it all in and really likes all the interaction. Here he is trying to play Mark's guitar...he didn't know I was watching him so I got this really cute picture.

Well we are in full birthday mode around here this week. Brooks loves all the mail that he is receiving! Here he is opening a special birthday package from his Aunt Becca and Uncle Troy. Isn't he so cute in all his new clothes?

Brooks went to the doctor this week for his one year appointment. He got a super clean bill of health! He is now 25 pounds and almost 31 inches tall...that puts him in 75% for weight and 65% for height. He can now transition to cow's milk instead of formula which will be wonderful for our grocery bill! He can have foods such as peanut butter and honey now and on Saturday he will have his first taste of birthday cake!!!! We are really looking forward to a fun filled day of birthday surprises!

Brooks: Week 44-46

Brooks is now 11 and 1/2 months old and I think that he can officially be called a toddler! He is developing so fast these days that it is hard to keep up with him...literally! I think he went from walking to running in less than a week! Grant it, he still is quite clumsy (he got that from me for sure!) and he is constantly fall down or bumping his head but that is all part of it I guess. He is on the move from sun up to sun down...and we are both worn out at the end of the day! Speaking of bumps and bruises...here is a sad shot of Brooks' first busted lip. He slipped on the bathroom floor and face planted. So sad...I think I cried harder than he did though...he's a tough cookie!

Here is a little clip of his new walking/running skills...it didn't take him long to catch on!



Brooks really loves other kids! He gets so excited when he sees all the kids at the park or even the one on Sesame Street! He just stare at them and then gets the biggest grin on his face! He is such a social butterfly! We have lots and lots of playdates now that he is so active and actually gets the "playing with others" thing. Here are a few pictures of some of our recent playdates.


Sandy and Christopher live upstairs here in our condo complex. The boys had such a great time playing with the building blocks and Brooks couldn't get enough of Christopher's fro...he wouldn't stop touching his hair!

And of course we can't forget Ella! She is by far Brooks' most frequent playdate friend! They really get along and play well together...especially now that Brooks is over his "pulling Ella's bow" stage!
Brooks and Ella are so lucky to have such cool dads!

Help!!!! I'm stuck!!!!Ny and I took Brooks and Ella to another Kindermusik event at Babies-R-Us...they LOVED it! It was a little chaotic but we all had a great time.

Brooks loved the bubbles...this was a pretty cool picture of him trying to figure out why they popped when he touched them!

Then it was Chick-Fil-A afterwards...it's pretty sad when the CFA employees know your kids by name!Over the past two weeks we've discovered that we needed to up our baby proofing...majorly! We've always had the important things covered or locked but the everyday drawers and cabinets needed some help. But as all moms know there is always a drawer that needs to remain unsecure to allow for some safe exploration...here is ours...who knew that tupperware and plastic cutting boards could be so much fun! It's great entertainment especially while I'm starting dinner!

The weekend before last we took a trip over to Melbourne to see Alex and Andrea Hart and to visit with Andrea's family. It was a great weekend away...almost like going to a spa! They have an amazing pool and backyard and everything is baby friendly! Brady and Brooks had a blast swimming...especially on "No Suit Saturday"! There is nothing cuter than naked baby bottoms!
Here Brooks and Brady are enjoying a popsicle...Brooks fell again and busted his lip and according to Andrea there is no better cure than an ice cold popsicle! It worked like a charm!

Afterwards all the boys took a dip in the pool!

And Brooks loved it...of course!

One of B's favorite toys is an old plastic golf club that Brady was so sweet and let him have. He carries it EVERYWHERE with him! I can't tell you how many times it has been the cause of him falling down because he won't let it go to catch himself! He LOVES it!!!!

Mark is showing him how to use it and it is pretty remarkable how well he can whack a ball! Take a look at this short video to prove it! Another Tiger in the making!

Brooks is quite the dresser these days too thanks to Uncle Rick, my mom, and Ny (Ella's mom). Here is a pic of the new shorts (I know...they are a little long but I promise they are shorts!) that Uncle Rick sent...are they cute or what?

And take a look at his little Havaianas that Ny had made from him in Brazil...on the soles it has his first and last name printed! Personalized and so cool!

My mom celebrated her birthday (30 times 2) this past week so we took advantage of her free pass to Disney! Ny and Ella and Rachel and Andrew joined us for lunch and then we were off to the parks. Epcot was very hot but we still had a lot of fun!

Brooks is trying to Find Nemo...where did he go?

He must be in there somewhere!!!!

Ella was just too cool for words!

Sombrero time in Mexico...everyone looked so cute in their hats except for Brooks who wouldn't cooperate...go figure!

Playing the drums was more of his thing!

This past weekend we took a trip up to Gainesville to hang out with the Jones'. It was Garrett's 30th birthday party and we had to help him celebrate! Brooks had the best time with Ashton and Gavin...they were all so cute together. Here is Brooks chasing after Gavin...and Gavin was running "slow" so that Brooks had a chance to catch him! What a sweet boy!

Daddies and kiddies...

What a cute bunch of kids! With those blue eyes and all that blonde hair they could be related!

Gavin just LOVES babies and he kept asking to hold Brooks...B was kind enough to oblige him!

Here is Brooks getting his first driving lesson from Daddy...don't worry they were just in the parking lot and not on I-4!

Brooks got a balloon at Publix this week when we went shopping. He played with that thing until it popped! I tell you what...sometimes the best things/toys in life really are free!

Is blue his color or what????

Brooks has never been big on bananas...but I've found that if I give him a big chunk that he like to take little bites off...yum!

Mmmm...that was good! Can't you see that I'm wearing it all over my face!

Ok...here is a funny story. Brooks loves to bite and chew on soft toys. We tried to either hide or throw away the ones that he can destroy but I guess we missed a few! Over the last few weeks we've had a few causalities despite our precautions. Here is the perfect example!

Brooks: Week 42-43

Another two weeks have flow by for the Batia’s…and boy were they eventful and full of changes! Brooks continues to grow like a weed but I just think he is getting taller and not any bigger around! It must be because he is SO active these days!

We had a great visit with my dad the week before last. He was in town for a conference and we all got to meet up for dinner. Brooks loved seeing his PopPop and we all enjoyed our time together.


That weekend we took a trip up to Perry to see all of Brooks’ aunts, uncles, and cousins. We had a great time except for the trip up there and the trip to and from Tallahassee. Brooks was miserable the entire time and just fussed and fussed…no fun for any of us! This is SO not like our little world traveler and we had to do something drastic…we turned his carseat around to face forward. We’ve not heard a peep from him since! Halleluiah! We were not suppose to turn the seat around until is first birthday but for all of our sakes a month early won’t hurt…besides that he is WAY over the weight requirement so we feel safe with our executive decision.

We had a great time with all the family and Brooks. He just loves all of his cousins…especially Julie…he wouldn’t stop giving her kisses…I know…kissing cousins…and at such a young age! He loved hanging out with Fletcher and the other boys too…he just thinks he needs to get up and go after them! That time will be here sooner than later!

Here are some cute shots of Brooks playing with his ball...he was being so silly!

So what new with big boy Brooks? Well how about walking! Yes, we officially have a walking baby!!!!! It is so crazy how fast it happened! It took forever for him to catch on to crawling but walking was a breeze! He was has been stepping between the furniture (or furniture surfing as I like to call it) for a few weeks now but last week I went to a consignment store and bought him a fun little push toy. After that it was all she wrote! Boom! He was off! He loves his “baby walker” and here is a cute video to prove it! Just watch the way he lets me know that he is stuck and needs some help! So cute!

Here is an action sequence of Brooks figuring out the "baby walker". He'll fall down but he won't let it stop him from getting right back up and trying it again! What a tough guy!

This week, after much practice with the “baby walker” and scaling walls (see the pictures below of our little Spiderman!) he has mastered his balance and is taking steps on his own!

It is so much fun to watch him succeed! He has the biggest smile on his face and he just loves his new independence! Watch out world…here comes Brooks! Check out this adorable little video clip of him taking a few steps on his own! Our lives are never going to be the same!

This past week Brooks and I went to Epcot with Ny and Ella to celebrate Ny's birthday! We had a great lunch in Mexico and we even got to ride a couple of rides with the kids. They loves it! We couldn't even get their attention to look at the camera for pictures. They were SO mesmerized by it all...those Disney folks know what they are doing...it was like baby crack!

Brooks got his very first birthday gift in the mail this week from his buddy Brady Hart! It is an adorable bath towel that is an alligator and is embroidered with his name! We both love it! So cute right? We’ve already christened it at the pool this week!

Don't you just love baby bums? I sure do! What do you think Brooks wants to be when he grows up? On this day I think he wanted to be a plummer! Ha!

Brooks is also getting to spend some fun times with his GJ (Mark’s mom). He just loves playing with her and riding up and down the hallway on his little red Mini Cooper she gave him! She has even been babysitting some so that Mark and I can go out on dates! Woohoo for date night!

Brooks continues to be an adventuresome eater. As of this week, he is totally weaned and takes formula from a bottle morning, noon, and night! This is a good thing for ALL of us…he now gets to have some special one on one time with his daddy when he wakes up and at bedtime and it’s also a nice break for me! He loves almost anything that you put in front of him…especially if he sees you eating it first! Here are some mealtime pictures of all the fun new foods he’s been trying lately.

Mmmm...goldfish and raisins!

Brooks' loves his PG's spaghetti and meatballs...there ended up being EVERYWHERE!!!! I think it would have been easier to throw him away and start all over that day!

He loves peas and carrots...who knew so many yummy things come in a can!

This is Brooks and Mark chillin on the couch last Saturday morning...nothing like dad and son watching a little hunting and fishing on ESPN...ahhh...the good life! Mark was trying all morning to get Brooks to say "big buck"...too funny!

Here are a couple of shots of Brooks and Mark working on thier tans...the pool has been SO great this summer and believe it or not Brooks is sporting some pretty impressive tan lines! Don't worry...I am a good momma and slather him down with 50+ sunscreen each and every time we are in the sun...who knew you could still tan through baby sunscreen!

The highlight of this week (besides spending time at the pool and PG’s house) was going to the movies for the very first time! Brooks and I were brave and decided to take in a matinee with our friends Ny and Ella and Rachel and Andrew. The babies were FANTASTIC!!!! We saw Julie & Julia (a 2+ hour movie!) and both the mommy and babies enjoyed it! Brooks just sat in my lap and ate snacks and either played with his “quite book” (ps…the best invention EVER) or he watch the movie. He loved the parts with music! There were a couple of jazzy tunes and he just danced and bobbed! So fun! I was super impressed with all three kids…it is definitely something we’ll do again sooner than later…don’t want to push my luck! This is Brooks totally absorbed in his "quiet book" he loves it and it keeps him so...QUIET!

So here is the status update on Brooks’ development. He now has 7 teeth; four up top and three on the bottom. According to the Publix scale he is 24 pounds (two weeks ago so who knows now) and he is definitely getting taller and leaner! It has to be from all of those extra calories he is burning learning to walk! It is so cute…he works up a sweat toddling around the house! He is trying to repeat anything you say to him…it is so cute. He will say “yes” and nod his head when you ask him a question and he will say “up” when he wants out of his car seat/highchair or to be picked up in general. He is throwing a ball now…with both hands! Mark is thrilled! And like I mentioned earlier he is WALKING! We are so excited for this new stage! I think we are going to go out and buy him his first pair of “walking shoes” this weekend to celebrate! Brooks is truly growing up SO fast…I can’t believe that it was almost 11 months ago that he joined our family. I can’t remember what life was like without him!

Look at our little smarty pants reading a book! He just loves his rocking chair that my dad got him in Nicaragua last year...

Brooks had a new friend come into the world this past week! Kyla and Matthew Kelly welcomed little Owen Blake Kelly a few weeks early but both mom and baby are doing great! Owen is still in the NICU but we are sure that he will be home before we know it!