B.A.M.: Catching Up (Part 2)

You Are My Sunshine

Visitors
Since the big move, Brooks has had many visitors. His first visitor was from mother nature. Hurricane Irene threatened Newport and closed down the airport and beaches. By the time it got to St. Georges it was a tropical storm, and Brooks was in the safest spot on the island (and one of the few spots left with power). But it was still exciting and stormy. Not to mention, it seemed to be followed by the first fire alarm, and boy was it loud. So loud that Brooks cried and cried until he was outside.

With Caroline

The first REAL visitor, though, was from Mommy's best friend and Brooks's honorary Godmother, Caroline. After two attempts, Caroline made it to Rhode Island and met Brooks for the first time. Brooks got to see pictures and cute videos of his godsister, Salley!

With Grammy Sue and Victor

Several weeks later came Grammy Sue and Victor, who stayed for almost a week! We all had much fun eating at yummy new restaurants, and Brooks got to sit in the high chair for the first time (while buckled in of course). When not eating, we were often walking - Sachuest Point, The Cliff Walk, downtown Newport, the beach, and campus. And Grammy Sue bought Brooks many fun toys and books and clothes!

The day after Grammy Sue and Victor left, Papa came back to visit on his way to Maine for two days. Brooks got to show off his new teeth - FIVE pearly whites. Papa was just in time for a Saturday filled with sports games across campus. We watched soccer, football, field hockey and cross country.

Downtown Newport

Changes
As mentioned above, Brooks has five big teeth and a sixth is on its way - two on the bottom and three on top. Brooks has also said his first word - "LILA!" Daddy always said it would be his first word, and it was. He has mimicked words before but Lila was both heard clearly and unprovoked by either parent. As Lila entered the room, Brooks said her name. He will almost say it on command now, but not always. He can also say "uhoh," and "Mamma." We are working on Dadda.

Cracker anyone?

Speaking of mimicking, Brooks is a master at copying his dad. First it was the headshake, which is his favorite move. Then it was the raised hand, and the blinky eyes. Caroline taught him the high five. Daddy taught him the wave. And Mommy taught him the hugs and kisses, and he loves to give kisses. In the bath, he will now splash splash splash with his hands, which he saw mommy do to the water, although Brooks prefers to splash with his bath toys.

Fall
School is back in session, so our home is surrounded by the raucousness of freshmen boys and girls. Daddy is back at work so is often gone during the day. But like school, music class is back on, and Brooks started his class last week to a new group of babies. He cried at the beginning, but quickly settled in to the music and is a master at shaking the maracas.