Dear Brooks,

Today it snowed. And it snowed and snowed. Felt like we were living in a giant snow globe and we kind of loved it. :) While Ava slept, you and I headed out, per your request, to "play snowball fight like ELF"...oh, bring it on. ;) Wish I could have captured video of our sheniangans! But considering that I finally took my phone out with us capture some fun in all that powder (we've loved the snow the last couple weeks!) I'll call it good.

Watching you, sweet boy, try to catch snowflakes on your tongue, stomp through knee-deep snow, making and throwing snowballs in your batman gloves that are too big for your little hands, and then reminding you where your pockets were so you could warm up those hands that you said were "so wet and so code" were just a few moments that made my mama heart smile. And after you decided even your hat was "wet and code", we came inside to soak gingerbread cookies in milk, and it topped off our afternoon pretty nicely. We've had some pretty great mom-and-Brooks afternoons lately, and I treasure them. I treasure you.

Love you forever Brooks! And I'm so excited for our white Christmas next week!

Love,

Mom

Dear Brooks,

Hey sweetheart! So I am very late in writing about our little date we had last month, but goodness I hope you know how much fun we had! Ava was with our friend Penny and her girls for the afternoon, and we soaked up some "just us" time. I loved hearing your laughter on the swings, and watching you run and drag your stick in the bark dust. I kind of loved when you'd run and hide, then wait for me to find you (I'm such a worry wart sometimes). I definitely loved when you'd call, "Mama!" from your various hiding spots in that big castle park. I loved when you asked for "Beebee Eva?" I loved that you wanted to ride down the slide with me, usually you're super independent and want to do it alone. I loved that you got super excited when I pulled out a couple packets of Pop Rocks for us to enjoy...and then watching your face as they popped and crackled in your mouth was hilarious, AHAHahAHa! We couldn't stop laughing! :) I love you sweet boy. You've definitely reached your max level for being defiant and disobedient lately. But you are loving on your sister more and more every day, and you've started saying, "Goo' to see you!" when your Dad or I walk in the room. Thanks for bringing so much happy into my life. I love you Brooks.

Love,

Mom

Dear Brooks,

Left: In my arms, the day after you were born

Right: In my arms, this past January while we were reading a book

I've shared this quote with you before, but I really can't help it... J.M. Barrie (the brilliant man who wrote Peter Pan) said, "Young boys should never be sent to bed...they always wake up a day older." And you, my big boy, woke up yesterday a THREE YEAR OLD. It's equally awesome as it is tragic for my mama heart to think about. Goodness, you grow so fast. I am so proud of the boy you're becoming. Even though you have sneakily escaped out the front door too many times to count (yep, unlocked the door and everything) and you sit on your sister, you are my boy and I love every bit of you. Your Dad and I were talking yesterday about some of our favorite things about you. He mentioned the way you talk...you are so animated. And he loves dancing with you. You two are the craziest dancers with rhythm that just won't stop, neither of you can resist good music. Seriously has me smiling just thinking about it! We both agree that it's incredible watching you care more and more for your sister...you're still pretty little to be thinking of other's feelings, and we're working on it, but lately Ava will be crying and you'll say, "Ee-va, oh Ee-va is okay. Don' cwy." And you'll pat her head or give her a toy. And every time she gets up from naps or when I'm done nursing her, you get so excited, "Ee-va! Goo' morning Ee-va!" Even if it's 7 o'clock in the evening. ;)

Brooks I hope you know your zest for life is contagious. I'm so lucky to be your Mama. You're napping right now and I'm already excited for you to wake up so we can go on a treasure hunt outside because I think the Easter Bunny left us some eggs for a little practice run. ;)

Love you always,
Mom

Dear Brooks,

Hi sweet boy. I just have to tell you...lately you've been doing and saying the cutest things. You've also been more stubborn and sneaky and crazy than ever (like swiping my gum and eating 5 pieces under the dining room table, or throwing your ball "up to the ceiling" only to have it come down and bump the scentsy wax and have it spill all over the wall and floor, or you refusing to wear any shoes other than your snow boots) but let's not dwell on those things. ;)  Your Dad and I love you to the moon and back...and here are just a few reasons why:

You make us laugh when you do your gorilla impression and bang your belly (instead of your chest).

It's so endearing the how you think that when you cover your eyes you instantly become invisible.

You loooooove the "fwoot woops" that Daddy bought the other day, you count them and put them in piles according to their color. And it cracks me up that you eat them plain and prefer to drink your milk in a cup on the side.

You're a little artist and colored chalk is your medium of choice as of late.

The other morning, the first thing you said upon waking up was, "O-me-o! Haw-chaw-ket! Ma-no-nos!" (oatmeal, hot chocolate, marshmallows)

Brooks, you are a chocoholic like your mama. You sip at least one cup of "haw-chaw-ket" daily, your favorite is the kind with the tiny marshmallows (explains your request the other morning). You love helping mix it in with the whisk, spinning it in between your sweet hands, you're a pro.

After your second bowl of eggs the other day, you put my glass and your glass of grape juice together and went at it with both straws...love my growing boy!

I asked you what color the sky is, you said, "Bwoo!" Then I asked what color the clouds are, you said, "Mooooo!" It took me a second to realize you thought I asked about cows. ;) 

You still have fun singing and dancing to the song we made up a few weeks ago..."You gotta dance! You gotta shake it! You got groove all the day loooong!" And it always ends up with us in a laughing fest.

Love you forever sweet boy,

Mom

PS - Your full-belly laugh when I fly you high, doing "airplanes" and tickling your ribs with my toes, is one of my favorite sounds in the world.

Dear Brooks,

I went visiting teaching this morning, leaving you and Aves with Dad, and I came back to this...

Goodness I love you (and Daddy)!! You're slowly but surely picking up new words all the time,  and we're working with you to put multiple words together. :) I love watching you learn! Thanks for making me smile big boy. I'm so, so grateful for you.

Love,

Mom

Dear Brooks and Ava,

Yep, this is a combined letter.  I just wanted to tell you both how much you rock my world. Seriously, watching you two together is like magic. Sure, there are moments when you're both crying at the same time...I don't know if I'd call that magic, black magic maybe. ;) But Ava, you laughed at your silly brother for the first time yesterday! We were both laughing actually. And Brooks, today at the grocery store your sister was so done with being stuck in her carseat and wanted everyone in the store to know, so you stroked her little head and tried to put her binky in her mouth 'til she calmed down. You two are going to be the best of friends I just know it. Love you both to the moon and back, twice.

xoxo,

Mom

Dear Brooks,

When you first met your baby sister you were kind of out of your element..neither Dad or I had been home that morning to get you out of your crib (so grateful to Grandma Kjar who was there though). And when you came to the hospital it was a new, strange environment to say the least. You really were not interested in baby Ava, and that was okay. You wanted to either dance and color with Daddy, or snuggle and play with me (and the room's phone;) in my hospital bed. :) But it was in my bed, the second day at the hospital, that you gave her a kiss! The sweetest kiss on her tiny head, I'll never forget it.

Upon getting home, Daddy and I would talk about "baby sister Ava" (before she was born we would talk about "baby," so it was fun to have a name with it) and encourage you to give her hugs and kisses...but you mostly wanted to just look at her, and maybe give her a light kiss on the top of her head or tickle her toes every once in a while when I'd pull her feet out of her sleeper. "Ticka, ticka, ticka, tickoo!" we'd say together. It was beyond adorable! I'd offer for you to hold her and every time you'd decline, which was, again, absolutely okay. I didn't want to push anything faster than what you were comfortable with.

Well, this past Monday night Dad came home from cheering on Uncle Ben at the Olympic Trials in Iowa City all weekend...you were SO excited to see him at the airport! I think it was a miracle you went to bed that night in your own crib, you were glued to him the second he had you in his arms at the airport. ;) The next morning you came into our bedroom, I was just finishing nursing Ava, and you said, "Babyyyyy!" in your most adorable, excited voice. Daddy offered for you to hold her and you got the biggest smile on your face!


You sat at the head of the bed and held your baby sister for the first time.

Oh I'm smiling just typing this! Dad and I asked where her nose, eyes, ears, teeth (or lack there of), chin, and cheeks were...and you pointed each, tiny feature out. Oh I was one proud Mama! I think you first held Ava that morning because you wanted to show off to Dad what a good big brother you are to her...I know you're sweet to her, because you see your Daddy be sweet to her, and to me. I'm lucky to have such tender, loving boys in my life! And since that morning, multiple times a day you'll come up to me when I have her, and you'll put your little, but strong arms out and and say "Baby, baby." Then I proceed to melt into a puddle, then of course let you hold her to your heart's content. ;)

I'm so impressed to see what a sweet, tender big brother you're becoming. You've handled this transition so far SO WELL. I love you sweet boy. Keep up the awesome big brother love, Ava is lucky to have you!!

Love always,
Mom

PS - Here are some photos of you & Aves...those sweet moments are dear to my heart :)

Wish I knew what you were thinking right the, peaking at your new baby sister... 

"Ticka, ticka, ticka, tickoo!"

Sweet morning together before General Conference...

At Ava's 2-week check-up...pointing out little sister's nose :)

Kisses in Mama & Daddy's bed...

Sharing your apple ;)

First time holding her! You were so tender...

Kisses on the couch!

Love your hand on her shoulder...best friends :)

PPS - These pictures are from a little mommy-son date we went on a few weeks ago. Love that you were wearing your "big brother" shirt. :) Sweet Grandma Stum stayed home with Ava, while you and I went out to enjoy the sun and some yummy frozen yogurt. I love our time together Brooks! And I could've eaten you instead of the fro-yo, you were just too sweet eating with 2 spoons. ;)

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Spiritual Health:

Read "He Lives! The Witness of Ladder-day Prophets" from the March 2008 Ensign.  An incredible article from one of my favorite Ensign issues! The testimony excerpt that touched me most when I read it was by David O. McKay:

“‘How can we know the way?’ asked Thomas, as he sat with his fellow apostles and their Lord at the table after the supper on the memorable night of betrayal; and Christ’s divine answer was: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. …’ (John 14:5–6.) And so he is! He is the source of our comfort, the inspiration of our life, the author of our salvation. If we want to know our relationship to God, we go to Jesus Christ."

Dear Brooks,

Tomorrow is your 2nd birthday!! This Mom of yours can't believe it. You have been such a wonderful son the past two years. You've taught me so much.

Your dancing has taught me to let loose more and be silly.

Your tears have taught me to look at other mothers with fussy babies and children with a more understanding heart.

Your obsession with wooden spoons and metal bowls (for fun drumming sessions) has taught me that the best toys don't cost a thing.

Your sweet smile has taught me to be more optimistic.

Your ability to fold your arms and say "amen" has made me appreciate and love prayer even more.

Your curiosity at times has taught me patience.

Your hugs and kisses have taught me to never underestimate the power of physical affection.

Overall, you have taught me to love more fully. I am a better person because of you.

Your Dad and I can't wait to see what this next year holds in store for you, our big two-year old boy! Love you to the moon and back. Happy Birthday (tomorrow) sweetheart!!

Love,

Mom

PS -

Dear Brooks,

You are one creative little cookie. And I love it.

Even earlier this week at the pediatrician (you've been sick, but you're almost back to 100%. yay!) you cheered up as soon as you saw they had crayons and coloring sheets. Multiple times a day you ask to color :) And by "ask" I mean you get on the bench of the kitchen island and point to the drawer where your markers, crayons, and coloring books are and say, "Pea! Pea!" And when I show you the markers so you can pick which color you want, you get so giddy it kills me with cuteness.

You love to build. You build with your blocks, stacking them up and up, only to push and topple it all over then cheer and clap. You're definitely all boy ;) You also enjoy stacking your play-doh containers. You don't really build anything with the play-doh quite yet...your favorite is when I roll out tiny little balls and you squish them with your finger while making silly sounds. Makes us both laugh :)

You also have so much fun creating new dance moves. Lately my favorite is when you shake your hips and then get your little pointer fingers out and wave them around...you'll work some awesome jumps in there too. And I especially love that you'll copy any dance moves your Daddy shows you...with your own twist of course ;) I can't wait to get you in dance and gymnastic classes!

Well sweet boy, thanks to your Uncle Steve, I read about this fabulous idea today...The GOOD 30-Day Challenge: Art Every Day. It's daring us all to involve art more in our daily lives...I love that concept. And I loved the list of "Art Every Day Tasks" they share. I can't wait to do some of them with you. This month is going to be a busy one...your little brother or sister could be arriving any day now. And while I am so excited, I am also soaking up each day I have at home with just you and I. And I think taking on this challenge will be fun for the both of us! What d'ya say sweet pea? You with me? :)

Love always,

Mom

Dear Brooks,

This mama of yours can't seem to get enough of you. You are at such a fun (and oh-so sassy) age! You'll be two next month...what in the world?? And do you know what else is happening next month? You're going to be an older brother. A baby boy or girl is going to join our little family, and he or she is going to be so lucky to be your younger sibling! A lot is going to change when we bring that little one home...and this mama of yours prays every day that she can balance it all. Your baby brother or sister is going to take a lot of my time...I know this because when you were an infant you took up every second of my time, and I LOVED IT. I day dream sometimes about the days when you were an infant...just you & me at home :)

Brooks, please know that I'm going to do my best to care for the both of you. It's going to be a learning process for all of us I think. Goodness I'm getting a lump in my throat as I type this... While lots will change, there will be much that will stay the same...we'll still be able to mold play-doh together (I'll probably just have one hand available), we'll still have multiple dance parties together every day, we'll still have our little grocery store dates and share a donut from the bakery (little one will stay home with Daddy), we'll still enjoy plenty of snuggles after your bath time...

...and when your Daddy comes home from work, I know you two are still going to be over-the-moon excited to see each other! The other day you ran into his arms and he threw you in the air! In your little bomber hat, you said, "Moe! Moe!" (more) and practically gave Dad his second workout for the day with all those flying lessons ;)
People say change is the only constant in life...and that is oh-so true. I watch you learn, change, and grow more every day! But one thing that you will always have is my love for you. ALWAYS.

Love,

Mom

PS - You were so adorable yesterday...after "writing" your own little love notes on the back of your Valentines, we sent them off in the mail to your sweet Grandparents. You seemed so proud carrying them into the post office :)

Dear Brooks,

You got your first hair cut! On Christmas. I don't think that was the smartest decision...because I was an absolute mess.

I probably told the barber (your sweet Daddy) to be sure to just trim it at least a thousand times. He was so great, especially with your head wiggling around every few minutes. Playing your beloved "Tangled" on Dad's laptop and giving you a sucker (or 3) did help with the wiggle-factor though :) Overall you did awesome! And you look so stinkin' cute.

I on the other hand, was snapping pictures and probably driving Dad crazy when I'd give him pointers...he has cut men's hair for years, and I've never cut hair in my life. I was just so nervous...but why??? Part of me dreaded the thought of this change...seeing your baby curls fall to the ground. I felt like it'd make you grow up instantly. Which is why just minutes before Dad finished, I left the kitchen and went to our room, and cried. (Goodness that's embarrassing to admit). But do you know what?? Right after your Dad cleaned up the mess of freshly trim hair, he put you in the tub...he and you played, and giggled together...watching and listening to you two made my heart happy and reminded me that you're still our little boy. You will grow up, I know. And I'm slowly but surely becoming more and more okay with that. Thanks for being patient with me ;)

Here are some of the photos I got...the one of you & me is the best picture we could get of some sweet kisses pre-trimming, you just couldn't take your eyes off Rapunzel ;)

Hey, you still have some curl! :) Of course with or without curls, I love you sweet boy.

Love forever,

Mom

PS - I most definitely saved some of your sweet locks. I couldn't help it :)

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Spiritual Health:

Worked on Personal Progress - Virtue #4

Read Moroni 10:32-33, The Book of Enos, Repentance section of For the Strength of Youth, and D&C 20:77, 79.

Physical Health:

More elliptical and pilates at the gym :) And my goal is to stay longer than an hour...

Dear Brooks,

"Young boys should never be sent to bed...they always wake up a day older."

Those sweet words were said by Mr. Barrie in the lovely movie "Finding Neverland." The other day you got to spend some time with Daddy at his office, while I went to the dentist...and while having my tooth worked on I was able to watch that movie :) I've seen it many times, but while watching it that day, in the dentist's chair, with a little pillow under my lower back, and my hands on my growing belly...my thoughts went to you, sweet boy, and the baby we'll be having in March. Lately, Dad and I think it's because of your 2-year molars, you have been getting up and crying just an hour or two after being put to bed...and when I've gone in to rock you back to sleep I have found myself actually thanking my Heavenly Father because I know there aren't many of those days left that I can hold you like that in my arms. Brooks, you are growing more and more everyday...physically, mentally, emotionally...and you're becoming more of a boy and less of my baby. My heart kind of hurts thinking about it...

But then, I think of the sweet memories we've had together and how there's only more to come. I just need to savor every day with you with more passion and more patience. And before I know it, there will be another baby in my arms, and you'll be big enough to hold and snuggle him or her too! I'll be right there with you of course :) You're going to be an amazing big brother.

By the time you read this letter, you'll probably know that I am quite the night owl, so if I could have it my way, I would be more than okay with never sending you to bed...doesn't staying up in a blanket-fort eating popcorn, gummi bears, and watching movies forever sound fantastic? ;)

...because all too quickly, you wake up one day older every morning after I put you to bed.

And now you, my once tiny infant, wake up as a smiley, sassy, eats-oatmeal-with-peaches-all-by-himself big boy.

And I love it.

Love always and forever,

Mom

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Spiritual Health:

Read Mormon 1-5

Physical Health:

Going to the gym after a sushi date (veggie rolls only) with my cousin! I'll have to do some extra squats for sure after all that rice ;)

Dear Brooks,

Hi there sweet boy! Goodness it's been much too long since I've written you!

So, my little munchkin...we've been going through a bit of a phase...you and I have both been working on communicating with each other better. It's been so fun seeing your little personality come out more and more each day. But I can see you struggling with not being able to tell me, in words, what you want or need. When you get your mind on something that you want, you stick with it. You point, grunt, scream, say "peeeeeaaa!" (please) but I only know what all that means half the time...so we play the guessing game. A lot. Which I can only imagine is so frustrating for you. I'm also trying to be more patient and use the word "no" less...it's become your favorite word as of late, and I sadly think it's because of me. Brooks I love you. More than words can say. And this whole mom-gig is better than I imagined! But a lot harder too... I am so grateful for your patience with me. And I plan to keep working with you until we get it right. Your Daddy and I are always praying for you...never forget that.

You're napping right now, and I couldn't help but look through my phone at some sweet pictures of you I've captured the last couple weeks...goodness you make me smile!! While you have had plenty of sass recently, you sure know how to bring such joy into our home :)

Lately you've looooooooooved helping me with the dishes. As I load them into the dishwasher, you'll unload them by taking out the bowls and lining them up along the bench in the kitchen. Then you'll proceed to stack them...then put them back...and repeat. I'm not sure why you weren't wearing a shirt in these pictures, but I like it :)

The weekend before last, when your Aunt Corrie came to visit, we enjoyed granny smith apples dipped in caramel...and you mainly enjoyed the sticky caramel :) (and do you see the dry erase marker in your chin? yep, you're getting creative on canvases other than the white board and paper)

You and the park...a match made in heaven. Even with the temperatures dropping you have still loved it!! All you need is your beanie and a thermos of hot cocoa and you're good to go! Last time when we pulled up you about had a heart-attack of happiness because you could see the park through the windshield, we both starting clapping and cheering, it was the cutest thing.

Love you (and your heart-melting smile) forever,

Mom

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Spiritual Health:

Read Jacob 1-5

"...Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause..." --Jacob 3:1

Physical Health:

Elliptical for 30 minutes, crunches, jumping jacks, and planks...bring on the burn!