Catching Up on Lydia's Life

Lydia has had an eventful fourth month. There were a lot of celebrations and new experiences that she had the opportunity to have. First of which was celebrating her first Thanksgiving! We celebrated with my Grandpa Brooks, parents, brother, sister, niece, nephews and Aunt Linda. Aunt Linda enjoyed her new Great Niece and surprised Lydia with some new clothes and adorable Christmas Ornaments. My favorite was a little glittery peanut to commemorate one of our nicknames for Lydia. I loved being able to spend the day with my family.

Aunt Linda and Lydia

We also spent an afternoon at the Doerring House in East Peoria. This historic homestead was 130 years old. It was decorated with period relevant Christmas Decor. I was fascinated by an early 1900s typewriter that was made in my hometown of Woodstock, Illinois! The members of the historical society that guided the tours were excited to see Lydia and introduce her to the interesting historical items in the home. Mommy and Lydia at the Doerring House Tour

Our Black Friday shopping was a little different this year as our focus on deals went to items for Lydia. We scored some great deals on wipes and diapers at Babies R Us as well as a new Space Saver high chair for Lydia. We needed something that didn't take up so much room in the kitchen or something that we would have trouble storing when we had company. The space saver chair was a perfect solution and was a doorbuster at Babies R Us! Lydia tried it out today as we cleaned the kitchen. She isn't eating baby foods or cereal yet, but we put in her in the chair with a few toys. It was great to have her in the room with us and occupied while we kept busy.

Lydia in her new high chair

Lydia is really starting to enjoy bath time. She has started to kick and splash which is really fun to watch. She even has started to interact with her bath toys!
Lydia has a stuffed animal named "AL" that we bought at IKEA. It has been great to have for her to use as a bolster during tummy time. She loves AL.

Lydia and "AL"

We had our Christmas Family picture and Lydia's individual Christmas Pictures taken today at Exhibit A Gallery in Junction City by Patricia Mingus. Patricia is opening up her own studio in Junction City and we are thrilled for her. She is a very talented photographer and I am positive her studio will thrive. I am anxious to see the proofs from her session!

Another event we are looking forward to is the start of Baby Sign Language Class. We are taking the class in four sessions on Tuesdays through December. The benefits of baby sign language are immense. Among the possibility of an increased IQ, baby sign language allows babies to communicate some of their basic needs with their parents. I am excited to learn more and to begin the classes with Lydia.