Brock

Very behind on posting...

2010-09-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Since it has been months since I've posted...there have been a few changes in our house! We have welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Knox through adoption. He is now 2 months and over 14 pounds and full of smiles! He is so sweet and such a joy to love! He is so different than Brock but Brock loves him so much already and so do we.

2010-04-27T18:34:00.001-07:00

2010-04-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the "photo of the year"!!!! (well, for our family it is!)

He was very serious about hitting the ball as hard as he could!
Look at this big boy playing golf!
Easter egg hunt...before the chocolate eating frenzy...

February

2010-02-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

We had 1 warm day in February. Brock chose to play in the dirt for 2 hours! Yes, that's dirt on his slide. Brandon and I were able to relax and watch. We need more 60' days!!!

Can you tell Brock is getting a little bored being cooped up in the house all day because it has been TOO COLD for most of the winter!!!

When Brock goes missing...this is now where I look!

Our 2nd snow of 2010.

January is almost over!

2010-01-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

Here is Brock's new room decor...I used my new sewing machine to make new curtains and a blanket for him. I think it turned out pretty good for my 1st project and all under $20! The first thing he said when he saw his new curtains was "Elmo"...and yes, they are pretty much the color of Elmo.
This is what our days look like if we don't find a way to get out of the house!

Brock's new trick of the week...when he wants gold fish crackers to eat...he makes a fishy face and sound. So funny, but it took me a while to figure out what he wanted. Now I know...smart Brock...silly Mommy.
Our big SNOW DAY...almost 5 inches of snow! Just enough to sled down our little hill in the back yard. Brock kept saying "more more".
Big Boy Cuz and Lil Boy Cuz together...15 months apart... yet only 2 pounds difference. Brock calls cousin Dane..."Dun".

2010-01-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Cousins
Our snow day about a month ago

New Camera!

2009-11-22T17:47:00.000-08:00

We got our new camera and look at our first shots...we think they look pretty good so far. Brock was napping at first, so Abby became our first subject. Now we are ready for our VERY active almost 18 month old toddler! It's a quick shot and clear even in dim light. Merry Christmas to ME!

Snack time

fetching action shot...look at those ears flapping!
tongue action shot!
Hi BB...say cheeeeez

November Happenings

2009-11-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

Brock's 2nd haircut...done by Mommy while watching Baby Beethoven in his room. It looks even to me!
Zoo day Sunday with Daddy
Our WILD animal!
Our sweet boy playing outside...in the dirt. His hands are covered with dirt where he is digging and throwing.
Cheeeeeeeeez
Happy Veteran's Day...the downtown Veteran's Day Parade
walking in the woods...beautiful weather

Go VOLS Go!

Happy Fall!

2009-10-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Happy BOO at the ZOO! Brock's a green Dragon ($2 2008 Kmart special courtesy of my Sister-Thanks Sis!). Don't forget to be on the lookout for next year's costume November 1st. Dane can wear this one in 2010. Don't worry, we let Brock out of his stroller, but we waited until we got all the candy (and Krispy Kreme donuts) before we set him free to run.

Cheeeeeeeeez Mommy! There's about 6 pots & pans all over the floor that you just can't see. And yes, his shirt says "I Love Dirt"...and yes, that's very true too!

Cheeeeeeeeeez Daddy! Rrrrrrrrr! A Bear...where???

Us in Gatlinburg and you can almost see the fall view behind us...whoops!

One beautiful sunny day in Gatlinburg. This is Clingman's Dome view. I made this trip without Brock...thank goodness. He would've hated the walk uphill and I would not of liked pushing his stroller.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2009-10-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Where did September go? And how is it already mid-October!!! We've been so busy lately! Brock has been going going going and growing growing growing! He now weighs 19 pounds 3 ounces and is about 30" tall. He is still very tiny for his age, but a very healthy active 16 1/2 month old.

Brock dancing at the Bethany families picnic...
Brock realizing he can touch the speaker and stereo equipment...

Play time and the park.

Brock now goes down the tunnel slide all by himself.

Brock's first popsicle...yum yum ORANGE!

Meeting Cousin Dane for the first time. Notice his t-shirt says..."Big Boy Cuz".

Movie STAR!

AND the DRUM ROLL PLEASE...Brock's 1st haircut...

Before, with his wild hairdo. It was about 5 inches long when pulled straight.

Getting a little nervous to lose the curly locks...
Uh oh, where are they going?

And after...a few inches shorter, but still cute & curly.

Awesome Adoption Story...

2009-10-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to The Hamilton Family! Awesome family with a great adoption story.

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2009/aug/23/ut-athletic-director-tells-how-he-and-his-wife-wer/

Fun time with Coach Head!

2009-10-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Brock Brandon (16 months)

Annlee Frances (3 1/2 years)

Dane Michael (less than 1 week old)

Look at these 3 wild ones in the gym. Uncle Mike let us come and play during his lunch break and we had a blast!

First Day of School & Zoo Visits

2009-08-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

So happy to be at school where they have nothing but toys wall to wall!

First day of "school" and first day facing forward in the car seat too.
Through the tunnel at the play area...and Mommy follows too.
The otters were swimming that day.
Brock was a little unsure about the carousel.

I know it's been a while since we've blogged...been super busy chasing after a VERY active almost 15 month old little buddy.

We have started a Mother's Day Out program on Mondays. And so far Brock loves it! These are a few pics from his first day. And the other photos are some of our many zoo trips we take. We've been going every week!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our silly faces family at the cabin in the mountains. Notice there were a few that chose not to make a silly face...for fear it would end up online for the world to see!!! I do love Annlee's silly face...I just don't know who she was making it at. Daddy I guess. Mom & I make the Brock "mean face" like pros!

Happy 4th of July weekend! We hope everyone had a wonderful safe celebration. RED, WHITE & BLUE beautifully coordinating MIL!

July 5th...Look at the size of our tomato plants! They are HUGE! They are filled with green tomatoes. So we decided we would pick one and make fried green tomatoes for dinner. So delicious!
We also found 2 roma tomatoes "red enough" so we picked them too and gave one to Brock to hold. The next thing we knew, Brock bit right into it and started eating it. He ate the entire tomato! He also shared a little with Abby dog too. It must have been good...because I didn't get a bite.

6 teeth showing now

Here's the first bite...it was too late to turn back now.
Happy 4th of July! We got to see awesome fireworks sitting right in our driveway. There were about 2 dozen houses near us putting on their shows about 9pm. Brock loved it!
Brock would not let the flag go. Happy Birthday USA!

Brock & Daddy celebrating Father's Day together a few weeks ago!
One hot day in our gator green pool.

He is up and going...going...going

2009-06-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

Look close and you can see black paint from his "crib chewing breakfast". Whoops...messy and not very tasty.
The many faces of Brock! This is the day he took his first 3 steps. Both Brandon & I were there to see him take off!

Brock is walking! I am very excited about it too. I have been waiting for the day when his hands would no longer be on the ground...ewwww so dirty! But now, he is walking...and that means he will be running very soon...away from me I'm sure.

PCB...here's Brock!

2009-06-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

water time...the best time
Our 5-29 baby
Whooops...right through our family sunset picture!
pool time...the best time
beach time...the best time
walk time...the best time
Hello..."I'm watching my dvd and eating breakfast"
sand time...the best time

Happy Birthday Brock!

2009-06-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Brock turned 1 this past weekend! WOW! His first year has flown by. Brock had many friends & family join us on Saturday for a great day to celebrate his first year of life. He loved everything about it... people, food, cake, gifts, excitement & all! He got a TON of GREAT gifts! And loves them all...THANK YOU to everyone! But I think his very favorite is the "happy birthday" balloon we got at the Dollar General for $1! He hasn't let it go.

There's that balloon...
Brock's surfer Mickey Mouse cake was so cute & delicious too! (But where's Mickey now??...does anyone know?...he's missing...)
Presents, presents everywhere! And a lot of super duper helpers too!
Mmmmm chocolate cake...a smeary mess! And what were we thinking all wearing white? We all had chocolate on us.
Pure JOY!

Here comes trouble...

2009-05-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Dog bowls...yippeee...splash...splash in Abby's water. Completely soaked from Abby's water bowl is best! Brock splashes until all the water is gone.
Notice Abby's concern as Brock takes over her room.

Every day Brock waits for the bathroom door to come open so he can slip in there and undo the entire roll of toilet paper.
Eating outside makes the mess a little bit more fun! This is strawberries and bananas.

Watch out dishwasher...once I climb on...I like to jump up and down too!
Too cool for my shades.
Yum Yum bananas! More on his face than in his mouth.
Brock is all about finding some mischief these days. Whether it's making a mess with his meals or just finding things to climb on...he is on it and into it!!! You gotta watch him...he's quick!

11 months TODAY!

2009-04-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Our Brock-STAR!
Brock is 11 months old today...April 29th! He is growing so fast and he has got the cutest personality...as you can probably see in these pictures. He has learned how to say "hi" and wave. He can give you "FIVE" and loves to play outside. (good thing the weather has been beautiful here!)

The video below is in honor of Vickie (my mom-in-law)...see there is sound on your camera!

No need for a video camera!

Brock's 1st Easter

2009-04-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Brock's first Easter was a wonderful day celebrating our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. The weather was beautiful and Brock had so many new experiences. On Saturday we had to hunt down the Easter Bunny too. As you can see Brock couldn't stop watching him.

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." Matthew 28:6

Trying new things...

2009-04-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

Yum Yum... celery!

Brock enjoys trying new foods...but quickly decides he doesn't like it most of the time. He loved his first biter biscuit...however, so did Abby. Brock was being so sweet and trying to share with Abby, but instead she snatched it away from him and swallowed it. He then looked at me and reached out his hands for another. So he got biter biscuit #2... 5 minutes after biter biscuit #1. He definitely enjoyed it! Check out his excitement in the video below.

Gone Fishing

2009-03-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Brock had his first fishing trip this past weekend. We visited a friend's cabin on the river and had a great time. The weather was beautiful and Brock really enjoyed the great outdoors and chasing our friend's dog, Sadie, around in his walker. But no fish were caught by Brandon. Maybe next time...

9 months & Growing!

2009-03-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

Brock had his 9 month checkup today and he is 27.5 inches long and 16 pounds and 12 ounces. He's a little guy, but very healthy. He's grown 1 1/2 inches since last visit! Although it has only been 9 months, I can barely remember his first few days. He was so little! Look at this sweet Baby Brock at just a few days old and under 6 pounds. Wow! Time does fly by! And boy does he grow fast!

Oh so silly...

2009-02-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Brock has decided that he can pretty much go all day without a nap. Lately he has been taking 2 very short naps...we call them "nappettes". By short, I mean less than 30 minutes. Where does he get his energy because he is up and running...really...speed crawling! He can climb the stairs and can stand one handed! He is silly and fearless! I remember what my sister told me...choose your "no's" wisely because otherwise all he will hear is "no". Because all he wants to touch is stuff he shouldn't. What toys? His world is full of toys...the entire house is a toy! He is quite an explorer and can find anything...he even looks under the bed for Abby.

Daddy got up Brock's swing but it was way too cold to stay outside for long. Don't worry Walter...Brandon would not allow any holes in the pergola! He found another way to hang it other than drilling holes in his new shade structure.

Brock also has 2 teeth showing. And boy are they sharp. He grabbed my finger the other day in the car and chomped down hard and I screamed. I must have scared him as much as he scared me because he started to cry. Whoops.

On the move...

2009-02-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

Brock is quite the crawler these days. He is constantly pulling up on everything. Watch out Abby dog...Brock is on the move! Brock has also figured out how to stand in his crib. We'll have some tooth marks on the rails for sure, as he has a need to chew on everything!

Teeth, crawling & standing all in the same week! Now my daily goal is to be sure he doesn't hit his head everywhere he goes. But he is fast...so I am getting my workout every moment!

There is a tooth in there, I promise!

2009-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

30 Random Facts About Me (Brock):

2009-01-26T07:16:00.001-08:00

1. My adoption was final on December 23, 2008, making it our Christmas Miracle.
2. I love my brown dog, Abby. And she loves me too!
3. I put everything in my mouth.
4. My first tooth just appeared last week.
5. I can crawl now which means I also think I can walk (but I can’t…yet).
6. I can squeal REALLY loud and high pitched.
7. I really enjoy jumping, especially in my doorway jumper.
8. I can’t sit still…EVER!
9. I eat fruit for breakfast and veggies for dinner...along with my bottles of course.
10. I especially love watermelon and bananas.
11. Sears has taken my pictures at 2 months and 7 months. I did great!
12. I am a BBB. Triple B!
13. I was named after 2 of my Great Grandmothers…Barbara Brock and Emma Brandon.
14. I still get up for a 2am bottle. I can’t help it…I’m hungry!
15. My Daddy gives me a bath every night at 7pm and I pass out by 7:30pm.
16. I love music…especially jazz and the lullabies that put me to sleep.
17. I can’t keep my hands off cell phones and remote controls.
18. I like books. They are not just for reading anymore…they are also for tasting.
19. I love to be outside and especially enjoy taking walks around the neighborhood in my stroller holding Abby’s leash.
20. I like Mickey Mouse and I watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse at 9am on Disney each morning.
21. My hair is super soft, dark and curly and is going to get much curlier.
22. I am little…I am in the 25th percentile in height and weight. I now weigh 16 pounds.
23. I have had 2 colds so far and am working on getting my 3rd this week. Yuck!
24. My laugh is really cute and I’m very ticklish everywhere.
25. If my ticket was free…my parents would take me to every UT basketball game because I love them!
26. My Grandparents are NUTS over me! They all spoil me and I love it!
27. I adore my 2 cousins Annlee & Emersen and their dogs too.
28. My Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Mike think I am the cutest baby boy EVER!
29. Nothing gets by me…NOTHING. I hear and see all.
30. My Mommy and Daddy LOVE everything about me!

Our Christmas Celebration...

2009-01-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

Brock had a wonderful 1st Christmas! He loved Santa and getting so many great gifts. However, he loved the bows and wrapping paper the best.

We also had a wonderful family celebration just in time for Christmas...Brock's adoption was finalized on December 23rd. God is so good! We are so blessed!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Look at the cutest Santa ever!!!

2008-11-30T15:04:00.001-08:00

Brock is now over 15 pounds and full of personality!

2008-11-05T17:58:00.001-08:00

Big Boy Brock is trying new foods.

2008-11-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

Look close...you can see that Brock has also learned how to spit his food. He creates his own art project at every meal...see the high chair tray. He has tried sweet potatoes, squash and carrots. He doesn't seem to like any of them. He would much rather play and "spray".

Brock's 1st Halloween

2008-11-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

Brock was in this pumpkin outfit all day. We even went to the grocery store where everyone said he was the cutest pumpkin. Then we went to a Halloween party where Brock dressed up in his puppy costume. He was very cute in it too!

First day on the golf course

2008-10-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Brock's pumpkin didn't taste too good.

2008-10-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Play time on the swing

2008-10-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived!

2008-10-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Brock is going to be a puppy for Halloween!

2008-10-01T13:10:00.001-07:00

He loves his costume!

BB & BB giving kisses!

2008-09-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Brock got his name from a wonderful lady...my Grammy.
She is loved and missed!

Little Pumpkin!

2008-09-26T11:31:00.001-07:00

Brock is ready for fall!

Look at this sweet baby face!

2008-09-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Brock loves his Rainforest Jumperoo!

2008-09-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

At first Brock just loved the lights and music...but now that he has learned to jump...our pictures come out blurry every time!

Look...I rolled over all by myself!

2008-09-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Brock rolled over all by himself on September 7th. However, he did not like being on his belly, so he has not attempted to roll over again since then.

BIG News!

2008-09-21T19:53:00.001-07:00

I almost forgot to mention...Brock slept through the night on Wednesday, September 17th!!! He fell asleep at 7:30pm and did not wake for another bottle until 7:30am on Thursday!!!! Can you believe it? However, back to normal on Thursday night....getting 1 bottle around 4am Friday. But that's ok...he did it once!

Brock's visit to the Knoxville Fire Department

2008-09-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Brock and I had a kids day visit at the fire hall. He loved it! He squealed when Ronnie, our firefighter pictured here, put on his gear. You can see Brock touching his jacket! He was so cute! Then after his big fire hall visit...he took a big nap!

www.photographybylaurenb.com

2008-09-14T15:31:00.001-07:00

My sister's friend has just started her photography business and offered to take some photos of Brock and our family. We think they turned out great! He loves the camera! He smiles and giggles all the time now.

Game Day-UT vs. UCLA

2008-09-03T08:12:00.001-07:00

Too bad we lost in overtime. Brock was ready!!!

Thank you!

2008-08-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Brock has met so many wonderful people who are so thoughtful! We had an awesome diaper shower in July with our family, a beautiful pool party and an awesome BBQ lunch with our church friends! Everyone was so generous! Brock got so much great stuff and everything was well needed and MUCH appreciated! Thank you!

Visit from Aunt Lindsay!

2008-08-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

2008-08-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Brock loves just "chillin" in the cooler.

Brock's Getting Ready for UT Football!

2008-08-12T10:24:00.001-07:00

Brock Party!

2008-08-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Brock's photo shoot

2008-07-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Brock fell asleep all by himself...the first time ever!

2008-07-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Meeting GG and the Family in New York!

2008-07-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Bright Eyes!

2008-07-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the gifts!

2008-06-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been so generous! Brock has received SO many gifts welcoming him!

Life is good...

2008-06-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Bath Time!

2008-06-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Brock loves to get his hair washed.

Meeting Brock!

2008-06-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here comes the family...Brock meets everyone!

Brock's 1st Week

2008-06-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Brock had jaundice during his first week of life. But he did well with the light therapy treatment and is totally jaundice free after 3 days in the "baby tanning bed".

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

2008-06-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Brock entered this world on May 29, 2008 at 5 pounds 11 ounces and 19 inches long.

Thank you Birth Mom for giving Brock life!