Our little "Ookie"

When Brooklyn was first born, everyone in our family each had a different nickname for her, such as pumpkin little, Brookly, bubba goo, and Brookie. Jacob, being just 2 1/2 decided he needed one as well, and came up with "ooka", which has occasionally changed to "ookie". Many people are concerned as she tells them her name is "ooka"! Thus, the title of this blog!

We have been so blessed to have this sweet (but lately naughty) little girl in our lives. Her timing was perfect! It was rough at first, as we had the ups and downs of wondering if the baby would make it and if I was really indeed pregnant or miscarrying. After the confusion settled, several blood tests and a second opinion given, we celebrated the fact that we would have another little one joining our family.

At the time, I was teaching Kindergarten at a school that would soon be closing. I had been hired at a new school being built and had been attending several Master's classes for the following year. During all of this, I was struggling to be a "mommy" to my 2 other little ones, working full time and trying to find time to be a wife and spend some time with Dave. I was really hitting burn out!

When I found out I was pregnant, and that all was going well with the baby, Dave and I talked many times and decided that it was time to stay home and finally be a full-time "mommy"! I was very nervous! However, I foresaw the future of getting 3 kids, 4 and under ready for a babysitter in the morning, surviving another year of isolation spending my breaks in my room pumping, getting home at 6 p.m. to fix dinner and put the kids in bed, NOT having time to spend with them, and I knew it was the right decision to stay home.

With Brooklyn, I have really understood the joys of parenting! I have been able to embrace the role of a mom, a role I found difficult to embrace with my older 2 as I worked full time and barely saw them during the week. I will always be thankful for those who so kindly watched Madison and Jacob during my first years teaching, and for the values instilled in their young minds. It was comfort for me knowing they were still being raised righteously while I was away. We were fortunate to not have to use daycare as our source of care for them. I really am not sure I can measure up to what each of you did, but I am so thankful that I can now be home with them.

So glad your are in our family!