Catch Up Blogging

I have a lot to post but Matthew is reloading the computer tonight so the rest will have to wait. Last Saturday (Oct. 28--Happy Birthday, Mike!!), Matthew, Philip, Ruth Ann and I headed out to find a pumpkin (pictures of our pumpkin carving to come). We went to Niven's Apple Farm where Ruth Ann had taken her students on field trips. It was a beautiful day even though we had really passed pumpkin season (the only ones still on the vines were rotten!), but there was still plenty to see!




Driving the "cool" bus!


Looking at some animals with Daddy!


Philip is 32 inches tall. We need to come back each October and watch him grow!




Looking out over the pumpkin patch with Grandma. "I think I see the hayride coming!"



It's a Philip-sized teepee!



What a cute little horsey! Bye Niven's Apple Farm. We'll see you next year!

Philip Speaks!

Here's another cute video of Philip in the tub. He seems to cooperate when he's cooped up and playing in the water. I love to hear his little voice.


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My Cousin's Wedding

After attending two of Matthew's cousins' weddings this summer, this past weekend we attended my cousin's wedding near Atlanta. Melissa is 5 years younger than me so we grew up together. She and her husband Nick dated for 7 years so it was wonderful seeing this day finally come for them. I pray God will richly bless your marriage.

Here are just a few photos from the weekend. I'll post more later.


Melissa waiting in her parents' bedroom before the ceremony.


Courtney, Melissa's sister, was maid of honor.


Me with my brother Mike and sister-in-law Andrea before the ceremony.


My uncle Greg giving Melissa away.


Nick and Melissa's first dance.


Laughing together after cutting the cake.


Nick takes off Melissa's garter.

Mom's Surgery

Mom's outpatient surgery was a success this morning. Her doctor told us he only took out a small section because that muscle is so close to where he reattached her colon after removing the cancer in January. He said it is remarkable that he was able to reattach everything and that she looks like her body is healing well. I pray she is doing alright now. When I spoke to Dad earlier this afternoon, she had not used the bathroom since the procedure. Please pray that this recovery period will not be too bad and will lead to a better outcome overall. Thank you.

Our Night at the Fair

I have always loved the fair. The lights, the food, the carnies! Many people give the fair workers an unfair rap (some of them may live up to it), but honestly, none of us could ever enjoy the fair without their hard work. Enough soapbox, we just got home from the fair which comes through our town each October and I had a blast! Matthew is not much of a fair fan but thankfully, he obliged my wishes for this year to be Philip's first trip to the fair. The pictures aren't the best, but you'll get the idea.


Riding on Daddy's shoulders is the best way to see the fair!


All strapped in for the first ride! Most of the kiddie rides had a 36" requirement. Since Philip is only 32", he could only ride the ones we were allowed on too.
Philip was dancing to the music while waiting for our funnel cake. I didn't mean to dress him like a little thug. Thought he should wear his hat to keep his head warm but backwards so he could see everything!


Enjoying the fair-must-have funnel cake. It was the main selling point I used in getting Matthew to agree to go. Yum!

Meeting a horse. Now that Philip knows most farm animals by name and knows their sounds too, I was excited for him to see them up close and personal.



Meeting the cows.

Philip's other ride of the evening was the baby Teacups with Mommy. These were my favorite as a child too. This time I just kept my eyes on Philip and it wasn't too bad. Looking out around me was just a little too much. Philip on the other hand was taking it all in and by the end was looking a little woosy. He asked to ride practically everything we walked by, even the ones Matthew probably wouldn't even ride. I think we have a little daredevil on our hands.

2nd Appointment for 2nd Baby

Wednesday morning, Matthew, Philip and I went for my 2nd baby appointment for Baby Brooks 2. I've actually been going through some mixed feelings with this pregnancy which I'm finding out from friends to be quite normal. With my first pregnancy, everything was so exciting and I kept track of every detail. I could hardly keep my mind off thinking about the tiny person growing inside me. I didn't mind all the aches, pains and nausea as long as the baby was healthy.

This time is different in that Philip keeps me busy and the aches and pains are more so an annoyance than something to celebrate (even though I should be celebrating). Also there is the whole dilemma of bringing another child into the picture and wondering how it will affect my love for Philip. For a mother of just one child, it's hard to imagine how your heart will enlarge to cover two child equally. Thankfully, I've had several friends in the last few days tell me they felt the same way and it just miraculously happens. When you see the second (or any additional) child, you just fall in love all over again and each child has his or her own special place in your heart. I suppose just knowing my thoughts have been felt by others helps.

Anyway, back to the appointment. I went in not too excited but just glad to be there. During this earlier stage of pregnancy (10 weeks), I can't feel the baby at all (although I'm already in maternity pants -- something is obviously growing!) so there is not much connection. Sometimes I forget I'm pregnant all together and others I wonder if the baby is really there at all (albeit the maternity pants should give me a clue). When the nurse put the jelly on my stomach and then started rubbing the ultrasound tool around, I thought for a second that she wouldn't find anything. But suddenly, there it was... shoo shoo, shoo shoo, shoo shoo! Even having been pregnant before, I asked without thinking, "Is that the baby?" It just amazes me when the heartbeat comes through loud and clear. There IS someone growing inside my body! PRAISE GOD! Matthew was holding Philip and asked if he heard the baby's heartbeat. Philip was smiling and said, "Beep beep beep." It was a very special moment.

After waiting for 40 minutes, the doctor and nurse were in and out of the room in about 6 minutes. In a month, we'll go back and do the whole thing over.

Day at the Stadium

Although I would have enjoyed spending the day with my Dad, he graciously gave his Carolina Panthers tickets to me and Matthew because he wanted instead to stay home with Mom. Dad, I've told you already but THANKS again because we had a great day.

Yesterday, Matthew and I dropped Philip off at Ruth Ann's house at 9:30am all ready to go with her to church. We then headed up I-85 toward Charlotte. I've been to the Charlotte airport several times in the last few years but it's been since college that I've driven all through the downtown part of the city. We found the stadium very easily and were on time as it was 11:00am. The game began at 1:00pm so we had plenty of time to buy lunch and find a spot to park. It took us about 15 minutes of driving around town to find McDonalds however their credit card machine was down and we were saving our cash for parking. Next stop, Burger King. We got our order to go as we decided to find a parking spot near the stadium and eat in the car. Throughout this time the weather was at a steady rain, but the sky was light so I was praying for it to clear up. We were looking at sitting outside for the next 3-4 hours!

After eating, we left the car and walked the 5 blocks to the stadium -- now a heavy drizzle. Charlotte is not as big as some cities I've been to, but the buildings there are still quite tall and the massiveness of the stadium just adds to the excitement. Quickly the sea of turquoise blue began to surround us and there were the huge panther statues that welcome you to the stadium. I was as giddy as a child at Toys R Us for the first time!

Anyway, the game was really exciting, and the Panthers beat the Cleveland Browns 20-12. The Lord blessed us with perfect weather (not more than a mist once seated inside the stadium and just on the comfortably cool side!). The people around us were using some bad language and drinking up the beer but everyone remained on the friendly side. The people directly behind us could have come right out of the Blue Collar Comedy Show. They were soooooo countrified and one guy kept making up funny one liners (i.e. after Julius Peppers slammed into the Brown player with the ball, "You just got some Peppers, now you want the salt?!").

As we were riding into Charlotte that morning, I tuned the radio to find a sermon as it was Sunday morning and we were missing church. I came across a Franklin Graham message. He was saying that Jesus Christ was the only way to heaven as we cannot enter the presence of a holy God on our own merit. He said some say what about the millions of Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists? Graham said they must come by way of Christ also; He died for us to cover our sins. Those religions don't have anything which will do that for you but they can make it to heaven too if they would just believe in Christ as Savior. In just as bad a predictament are the millions of church-going Americans who think they're heaven bound but are also lacking that personal salvation in Christ. He made it so clear that I feel ashamed that I am not daily telling everyone I encounter of their opportunity for heaven.

I don't think it's very likely to be in the presence of millions of people at one time (at least I don't have anything like that on my calendar); however the 70,000 in the stadium was overwhelming enough. As I sat there, I thought, "Christ died for each person here and this is only a small, small representation of the world." It simply amazes me. Thinking that Christ being fully God hung on that cross knowing each of the names of all people throughout history! How can I not serve Him fully each day? And yet I don't.

Corrections of posts about Mom

Mom's procedure for this week was rescheduled for Friday, October 13th. There was a conflict in the operating room schedule. We hate that she has to wait two more days and now she and Dad are not going to be able to attend my cousin Melissa's wedding in Atlanta on Sunday. Mom is really disappointed but I reminded her although we don't understand, God works things in His timing for a reason and that she will be able to watch the video. Secondly, her colonoscopy is set for November 8th (not the 5th). I pray her body will be doing much better by then and healed from the procedure this week. Thank you for praying.

More photos from the haircut...

Here are some of the pictures my mom took during Philip's recent haircut. I had already totally forgotten what he looked like with ALL that hair. Looking at him now does make me feel glad we got it cut!

Mom's Appointments

Praise the Lord because Mom had really good appointments yesterday. Her colonoscopy is scheduled for November 5, giving her another month to heal. Her surgeon diagnosed her extremely painful bathroom visits as an overly tightened sphincter muscle. This occurs when the bottom experiences trauma, i.e. excessive diarrhea which she has experienced off and on since having radiation last October and November and now since May with her body trying to adjust. Next Wednesday, Oct. 11, she will have a small outpatient procedure to snip that muscle which should relax it allowing for more normal movements. Thank you for your prayers but we ask that you continuing praying. My cousin gets married next Saturday in Atlanta. We are praying that Mom will be up to making the drive and enjoying the weekend. Also Dad decided to stay home with Mom on Sunday (they may drive to the mountains if she feels up to it), so Matthew and I will be going to the Panthers game together! Philip will spend the day with Grandma. We should all have a good day.

More prayers for Mom (and Dad)

Mom is still having a terribly difficult time recovering. She continues to go to the bathroom 8+ times a day which is leaving her bottom raw. On top of that, she thinks she has another fissure (a tear inside) which makes it that much more painful. She has two doctors appointments today which I ask your prayers for. She met with her gastrointerologist at 11:30am this morning. I hope everything went well but haven't talked to Mom or Dad yet. She was meeting with him to schedule a colonoscopy (routine to do a year after after cancer). However, if you've ever had one, you know the prep part is not too pleasant and keeps you on the toilet pretty regularly for 3-4 hours. She is terrified of the pain that might cause. At 4:00pm today, she was meeting with her surgeon who might have to examine her. The last time she was examined, it caused her first fissure and was like torture. I pray this won't be as bad.

I'm sure having a really hard time with this. It's hard seeing your mom in pain almost all the time. She gets so mad that she is still dealing with this and is pretty much homebound. Unfortunately, it is causing her to experience severe depression and her mind is filling with lies (I'll never get better; I wish I hadn't made it through surgery). I know she is in a serious spiritual battle as well. Beth Moore said in a talk once that Satan can't directly attack God so he goes after what is nearest and dearest to His heart, His children. I believe many of the awful thoughts running through Mom's head were put there by Satan. I asked that you pray for Mom's physical healing of course but also for her spiritual strength. I pray she might find herself fully relying on Philippians 4:12-13, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Thank you for praying also for my Dad. I cannot imagine what it would be like if Matthew were seriously ill for over a year. God did bring a blessing directly for my Dad and I'm glad to share in it. He as well as Matthew have been attending a men's Bible study at our church on Thursday mornings. A few weeks ago, there was a drawing and my Dad won two tickets to this Sunday's Carolina Panthers game! I'm excited because he chose me to go with him. I look forward to this time of spending the day with my Dad and hope it will give him a much needed day of relaxation and happiness.

Goodbye Samson

Our pet ferrets have been part of the family. They stepped down a notch when Philip came along, however we tried to provide a good home for them. After Merlin passed on last September, we still had Griffin and Samson. Now we only have Griffin.

Samson began getting really sick back around Christmas time. The fur on his back and hind legs fell out as he was suffering from adrenal tumors. We thought we would lose him last spring. Well, he had a miraculous recovery, his fur grew back and he seemed fine all summer. Toward the end of August, I could tell he was losing weight and I could feel the tumors growing in his abdomen. As September passed, Samson got considerably worse (skinnier, more diarrhea and less eating). Last Wednesday, I made an appointment for Monday, Oct. 2 to take Griffin for his yearly shots and to put Samson to sleep.


By that point Samson was not even walking much so we knew he didn't need to suffer. Thursday, I came home from picking up Philip after Bible Study and found Samson motionless in the cage. He had passed away. It made me sad that we weren't here to say goodbye as soon as he had died. His body was a little stiff so I didn't move him due to my being pregnant and it being just too gross. Merlin passed away before our eyes so we could pet his still warm body. I was sad we didn't get that with Samson. Matthew buried him in the backyard next to Merlin.


Griffin seems to be getting along fine all alone. I'll probably be more apt to get him out of the cage more now. He's always been my special teddy bear ferret, calm and cuddly.

The Video Upload Worked!

If you've read my blog for some time, you know I've had trouble with adding videos. The service I was using did not allow me (or else I just couldn't figure out how) to post the video right into my blog. I did add links but then you were directed to the video service website at which you might encounter some not-so-family-friendly material in the meantime. I noticed Google had a video service and thought I'd give it a try. What do you know, it worked like a charm. Yes, the video is a little grainy but hopefully you won't have any trouble watching it. I will still continue to look for a better quality, family-friendly service which allows posting directly to blogs. Until then enjoy Philip and his phones! You might have to click the play button again if it doesn't start the first time you click it.

Philip on the phone

Philip talks to his imaginary friends on the phone

Why No Posts

This past weekend I was able to travel to Gatlinburg, TN with 8 ladies from church. I was so looking forward to getting away and selfishly taking care of only myself. Well, I did get away but I didn't even take care of myself! We stayed in a fabulous cabin in the mountains and stayed up talking until 2 am each night. My pregnant-self got totally worn down and the two days since I've been home, I've been fighting either exhaustion or a bug (i.e. lethargic, minor aches and pains, low grade fever - 100.2F). All that equals me not wanting to do ANYTHING! Not only did my late nights at the cabin add up, but Saturday night (I returned from TN at 6:30pm), we were up with Philip until 3:30am.

He is usually a really good sleeper but had been cranky both Friday and Saturday (the ladies in the cabin said for me not to worry but to attribute it to how much he missed his mommy! I think he was just worn out as much as me). We put him to bed at 8:30pm at which time he cried for about 30 minutes. He settled down only to cry again at 10:30pm. Finally at 12:30am when he was crying again, I went in to hold and sing to him. When I picked him up, his arms and legs were freezing and clammy. It really scared me as I'd never felt him like that before. I woke Matthew who held Philip while I called our 24-hour nurse hotline. I was told to give him warm liquids and keep him warm. We thought the best idea would be to bring him into our bed and let him sleep on Matthew's chest. Sick is one thing, but three people in the bed is too much for any other occasion in my opinion. I knew we wouldn't get much sleep because the nurse told me to take his temp again in an hour. His underarm temp was 96.1F and rectal was 97.0F. She said a subnormal temp can be trying to fight off a virus. I prayed for Philip as we tried to sleep between temp taking. One more temp at 3:00am (up a little to 97.4F) and this time Philip asked for milk. I put him down on the floor and he walked to his room. I sat on the floor with him while he drank milk. He then pointed to the crib saying, "Bed". I laid him down with his best friends, Lamby, Lion and Puppy, and headed back to my own bed. Sunday morning his temp was normal again (Praise the Lord!), but he and I still stayed home from church not knowing if he or I had anything contagious.

Well, that was my weekend. I do have photos from the cabin which I would like to post. Also, I need to take a photo of Philip in his new "I'm going to be a big brother" shirt! Thank you Aunt Lori for mailing it. We love it!

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

God has graciously blessed us again: I'm expecting our second baby! Philip has been such a blessing that after trying for a second child for several months, I told God that if Philip would be our only child I would still feel blessed beyond measure. However, God is always faithful and as I claimed prior to getting pregnant with Philip, He granted my prayer again this time too("Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4). This pregnancy is definitely going to be different as I am at home instead of working and chasing a toddler around instead of primarily taking care of myself. It's sweet how excited Philip seems about the new baby although I'm sure he is only responding to the excitement on our faces when we say, "Philip, are you excited to be a big brother?" He claps and says, "Bother." So precious. I can't wait to find out what God had in mind when He created this next one.


My two pregnancy tests! Just had to be certain before calling the doctor.


Here's Baby Brooks 2. Based on the size of my lima bean baby, I'm 6 weeks along meaning a May 7 due date. We thank you for your prayers for a healthy pregnancy and baby. (An additional prayer would be for my mom. She is still dealing with many painful trips into the bathroom each day. Her surgeon told her it could take up to a year to feel normal, i.e. only going to the bathroom two or three times a day and with no pain. Yesterday and today have been extremely difficult days. Please pray that the days to come would be easier. Thanks.)

First Trip to the Barber!

Philip has beautiful "corn silk"-like blonde hair. However, it grows very fast and he eventually ends up looking quite unkept. I've cut it three times at home (two times just an inch off the back and once an inch off the front). Recently it was just getting too long all over and the back was starting to flip this way and that, so I made that fateful decision. Go for a REAL haircut. Well, Matthew went to Gregory's Barber Shop growing up so I called them. I was told they see toddlers every day and would be glad to see us.

We get to Gregory's and it's a little different than what I expected. The two women working inside were as nice as they could be. However, there were photos and memorabilia all over the walls plus a couple of snake skins nailed to the wall and a stuffed fox and coyote (?) on a shelf. Not that kid friendly, but we had come this far, why leave now?! Philip watched a couple of men get their haircuts and he seemed to be ok, albeit sitting snuggly in my lap.

Philip's turn came shortly and the excitement began. He really didn't want to sit still, he definitely would not let Casey put the drape over his clothes, he was not happy about having to hold his head still (which didn't happen), he was TERRIFIED of the air hose she used to try to blow the excess hair off of him, and his sucker which was supposed to make the whole process easier was completely covered in hair! However, his haircut was perfect. Casey is quite a talented girl to be able to work through all of that. Thankfully Mom came and took more photos with her camera so I might post a shot of the trauma when she gets those developed. Here are my before and after photos.

Happy go lucky long haired boy.

Still getting over the expericnce of having his locks cropped.

The next morning brings a brand new smile!!

Labor Day

Some people go to the beach and some go to the mountains. I found a great way for us to do both. Matthew, Philip and I picked up Ruth Ann around 9:30am and headed up the road to Lake Lure, NC. It is a picturesque little town in the mountains which just happens to have a lake at which there is a little beach! Philip has yet to have been at the ocean and with this summer now over, I considered Lake Lure a good substitute. Our day began a little slow but ended up being very nice.

We arrived at Lake Lure just after 10:30am and noticed that NO ONE was on the beach. It was an overcast day, but still it was Labor Day! We walked to the entrance building and there was a sign: "May open at noon based on weather conditions." We then walked up the hill to a pizza restaurant my parents had recommended. We arrived there at 10:50am and the sign said: "Opens at 11:30am." Well, back down the hill, around a business complex parking lot, beside a small fountain (we floated a leaf in it), to the car, and then drove up the hill to the restaurant. Lunch was good and the sun was coming out from behind the clouds. Time to hit the beach.




Our balcony table at La Strada pizza restaurant.




The view of the "beach" from our table. This picture doesn't do it justice as it was quite charming how the mountains framed the lake.





We drove back to the beach entrance building, and went into the changing room. We were excited to find water wings in the gift shop, and more excited to find at the register they were on sale for 50 cents! Our next few hours were fun as Matthew, Philip and I braved the COLD mountain lake water; enjoyed watching Philip adapt to water wings; and watching Ruth Ann (who wisely remained on shore) and Philip take a stroll down the beach when he began to shiver from being in the water.



A happy yet shivering family!



Philip surprised me by not demanding the water wings off. He even floated with his feet sticking out of the water for a few minutes.


Ruth Ann and Philip taking a stroll.

All better!

Philip is doing great today. Never would have known he was sick. I also wanted to post some cute photos from last week that I just didn't get around to earlier.



Climbing on his couch cushion mountain.


Playing with his new friend Hayden. He lives across the street. His mom Sharlene is so nice and I'm glad she's my new friend too.



Smiling in the rain.



Philip is such a good helper. Here he is dusting the coffee table for Mommy. It's still hard keeping the house straight and taking care of him so I'm trying to combine the two!

When I vacuum the house, Philip would walk behind me, whining because he wanted to push the vacuum. Well, I found a solution... get him his own vacuum! Now when I vacuum, he runs off to find his popper and vacuums behind me. The boy doesn't miss a spot -- under beds, along walls, everywhere!

Philip is now big enough to eat right at the table with us (he used to eat off of a tray which attached to his chair). We bought him two cute Sesame Street placemats which he now loves. Philip never watches that show but because of this placemat, he now knows all the characters and can point to them when we say a name! I love to watch him learning!


Last but not least. I think Philip looks SO BIG in this picture. He could pass for 3 or at least 2 1/2, right?

Philip's Triple Whammy of a Week!

This has been a pretty rough week for little Philip. Monday when Matthew was home for lunch (thank the Lord he was), Philip was walking through the diningroom, carrying all his favorite stuffed animals. Somehow he lost his balance and fell into the leg of one the chairs. Matthew was picking him up when I came back into the room and at the same time, we saw a huge bump protruding from Philip's forehead. I never knew your forehead could swell that bad. After 5 minutes of crying on Daddy's shoulder, Philip was ready to get up and run around again. I did call his doctor and proceeded with another head trauma regiment (sleep in his room, wake him every four hours). The bump went down by that night, but now he has a really yucky yellow smudge on his forehead.

Wednesday, Philip woke up cranky but I thought it was from not sleeping well (we kept each other awake by tossing and turning, him in the crib and me in the twin bed in his room). He also had a runny nose, but we were excited to watch his friend Emma while her mommy Jo Ellen had a check-up (she's having another girl within the next few weeks!). Philip and Emma played pretty well together. It made me envision my house if I had been blessed with twins (right, Carrie?). Unfortunately, Emma only stayed for an hour but that was probably a blessing in disguise. After Emma left, I took Philip's temperature and it was 100.4. High enough for me to give him Tylenol and put him to bed. The boy slept from noon until 4:30pm!

He seemed better upon waking but by 6:45pm, he was asleep on the couch with Matthew. By 8:00pm, his fever had shot up to 103.3 so we put him in a cool bath, gave him Motrin and then to bed at 9:00pm. The night was long as he woke up crying at 11:30pm. I gave him Tylenol, we watched an episode of Boz (Philip is crazy about Boz!), read 6 books and settled back in to bed at 12:30am.

Thursday morning I went ahead and called his doctor because I thought he might have an ear infection. The actual diagnosis... a virus in the family of Hand and Mouth Disease. Sounds scary but Dr. John said it's common among children and shouldn't last too long. Ulcers in the mouth, fever, headache and a body rash. Yuck!!

Well there's two whammies so far (head bump and virus). His third was an awful looking diaper rash that wouldn't go away all week. I thought it was from changing ointments, but Dr. John diagnosed that too... a yeast infection! He told me to buy some anti-fungal medicine and it would go away within 5 days. My baby boy is not even two years old and he gets jock itch!! How sad! I've now had many friends say their kids have had this too which makes me feel better. Guess playing in the hot sun in a wet diaper will do that to a boy! I pray we'll get through this one and not face it again for a long while.

Philip is a tough little man! I love him more each day!