The interaction of Brooke and Annika

Everyday is a learning experience around here. Just when you think you got it down, a wrench is thrown in the system. It is fun, and I am SO grateful that Matt is home this week and Grandma Lee will be here next week. The thought of 4 days of just me and the girls is scaring me, but I know I will be able to trudge through it. Then Grandma Ruth will be heading out here!

It is fun to see how Annika reacts to her new sister. I think she realized that Brooke isn't going to go anywhere. For the most part, she is pretty gentle around Brooke. There are times that she means well, but she is a little rough. When Brooke is in the bouncy chair, for instance, Annika likes to try to punch down on the chair, but she does it rather hard. She is learning, though. I know one thing that is hard for Annika (and me) is that I can't lift her yet. Matt has been responsible for bathing and taking her in and out of her crib. I know that Annika doesn't totally comprehend everything, but she knows that her Momma isn't toting her around as much. Also, when I feed Brooke, poor little Annika will bring me her sticker book, eager to play with me. It is hard to disappoint her, but I do make sure to spend as much time as I can with her one on one.

One of our favorite times is usually in the evening, Brooke is awake and Annika likes to sit by her. She always has to touch her little sister...either by patting her head or patting her feet. Like I said, for the most part she is gentle, but undoubtedly we have to supervise her.

Today, hopefully, we will get a chance to go to the park. Annika needs some running around time. Yesterday, Brooke and I managed to take a nap for a while and Matt was able to take Annika to the little playset in the neighborhood. Hopefully the weather stays nice and we will be able to head out to the cool park with a lot of slides--Annika's favorite!

PS--I have added a few pics to "Summer 2009". For now, I am going to have folders for just Brooke and a folder for the applicable season. Check for updates on both of them!