28 years ago today I was in San Diego's Kaiser Hospital having my second child- Brooke Elizabeth. We were so excited to have a little girl. Ian was 2 1/2. Not only was she a girl but she had different coloring than Ian did when he was born so it was a totally different experience. Her hair was blond peach fuzz and she had very fair skin! She was a quiet baby with the sweetest disposition. When she was 2 she developed a strong willed personality that has been with her ever since! I remember my sister, Patti, and I went out and bought the book The Strong Willed Child because both Brooke and her cousin, Leslie, were constantly pushing the limits!
I am here to testify that every second of her strong willed moments were worth it! Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing when he sent her precious little spirit to our family. She taught me what true patience is all about! But I also learned to appreciate her passion for life, her drive and determination, and her crazy sense of humor. She is so funny. When she was little and I would get mad at her she would always do something to make me laugh - so that I would forget about being mad! And it always seemed to work.... When she was in college and started to row for the Women's Crew I thought she was crazy. Who, in their right mind, would willingly get up at 5 am 6 days a week for 4 years, to work your body harder than anyone could imagine, in the dark on the water! Well, not only did she stick with it - she ended up as an All-American for UC Davis. That is one great example of her drive and determination.
Now at 28 years years old she has become a gorgeous young wife and mother. She has a fantastic husband and and adorable 2 year year old. She loves to run and even at 5 months pregnant she is running! I love to be with her and her family. I talk to her almost every day- sometimes twice a day! One of the great things about your kids growing up is they become your best friends.
I am here to testify that every second of her strong willed moments were worth it! Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing when he sent her precious little spirit to our family. She taught me what true patience is all about! But I also learned to appreciate her passion for life, her drive and determination, and her crazy sense of humor. She is so funny. When she was little and I would get mad at her she would always do something to make me laugh - so that I would forget about being mad! And it always seemed to work.... When she was in college and started to row for the Women's Crew I thought she was crazy. Who, in their right mind, would willingly get up at 5 am 6 days a week for 4 years, to work your body harder than anyone could imagine, in the dark on the water! Well, not only did she stick with it - she ended up as an All-American for UC Davis. That is one great example of her drive and determination.
Now at 28 years years old she has become a gorgeous young wife and mother. She has a fantastic husband and and adorable 2 year year old. She loves to run and even at 5 months pregnant she is running! I love to be with her and her family. I talk to her almost every day- sometimes twice a day! One of the great things about your kids growing up is they become your best friends.
This past weekend was really fun. I was able to be there with her, Evan, and McKenzie when they found out that they are having their second little girl! So exciting! We were all really happy to know and think it is a perfect fit for Kenzie to have a little sister. On Saturday we went to Pleasanton for awhile- we hit the Farmers Market which I always have loved to do. We went to lunch with Kathy. Then we went shopping for awhile. I had a blast with McKenzie helping her pick out her Mom's birthday present. She found the funniest card- the kind that plays music when you open it. So what do you think Kenzie would pick out? Yep- A Mickey Mouse card- that plays Mickey Mouse Club song when you open it! She was so proud of it! And she found a cute flower magnet for her gift. So-- nothing profound but it was what McKenzie picked out and she was so happy to give those goodies to mom. Then when Brooke and Evan went out for the evening we made her birthday cake. She is at that stage where she wants to do everything by herself so it was a messy and fun night.
So I hope this next year has a lot of wonderful things in store for you Brooke. One thing for sure- I know it won't be boring! Happy Birthday!
Brooke and McKenzie in San Francisco.
Brooke's birthday cake I helped McKenzie with!
2 comments:
Oh mom, so sweet. Thank you. I love you too. Every ounce of my strong willed personality ended up in my first child :) so I am getting payback now. Thank you for this post. I had a wonderful weekend and birthday, which wouldn't have been possible without you. Thanks so much for all you do for us. We love having you here.
Happy Birthday Brookie!!! :)
I love and miss you so much!
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