Monday, April 10, 2006 Watch out world! Brooke is running and running and enjoying being a speed demon. Our lives have changed drastically over the past month. We are certainly getting the work out we so desperately need. Just yesterday Brooke was playing at my feet in the kitchen while I was making breakfast. In a matter of ten seconds I noticed she was gone – she vanished in thin air. I started running around the house like a mad women, my dad was running right behind me checking every nook and cranny of my house. Low and behold our little Tasmanian devil climbed up a flight of stairs and headed right for Matthew’s room where she was quietly sitting and playing with his Buzz Light-year toys. This whole scenario from start to finish happened in less then one minute. She must have flown up the stairs. I actually watched her do this maneuver and she can master the stairs in seconds. Just like Matthew did at thirteen months too. Now we have to be so quick to chase Brooke and of course when we chase after her, she giggles and squeals and just loves the action. It is definitely time to install more gates in this house. The few we have installed are clearly not enough. We had always known Brooke could climb out of the high chair while buckled in securely. She started this antic in China. When we got home Tata volunteered Chloe’s high chair because it had shoulder straps and a five point harness. For some reason, Matthew’s old high chair didn’t have the shoulder straps anymore. After three days of no shoulder straps and more of Brooke’s Houdini escapes, we gladly took Chloe’s chair. Well this morning Brooke showed off more of her talents. While I was warming her bottle, (30 seconds – timed in the microwave) Brooke had wiggled out of the shoulder straps, squiggled out of the five point harness and had climbed onto the highchair tray and onto my kitchen table where she was dancing and clapping her hands. I must call the manufacturer’s of these carriages and highchairs to see if there are any Brooke proof products on the market. Despite her escapades and her high activity level, Brooke is adjusting to life in the USA just fine. She is curious, friendly and adorable. She and Matthew have become inseparable. She is delighted when he is in the room. Brooke’s eyes just light up when she is with her big brother. Matthew adores his sister too and this morning asked if we can have a family with three more kids! I am trying to convince dad that maybe we should have one more baby – three more and I think he will pass out. Brooke loves dolls and stuffed animals and when you hand one to her she brings it close to her and hugs them. It is absolutely endearing and just melts my heart. Lately she has quite affection for anything I hand her or that she finds on her own. Today she was hugging the remote control like it was a long lost friend and yesterday she was cuddling a little pink sock most of the morning. I am so glad I have such an affectionate little girl who loves cuddling not only her mommy and daddy but her dolly and bear, remote control and sock too. I am so grateful that Brooke has adjusted to our family so well and it amazes me how well Matthew has adapted too. He was the crowned prince for six years, never having to vie for my attention. I thought we might have some “issues” but thank God that has not happened or at least not happened yet. When tax season is over we are planning on taking a family vacation. Howard can enjoy some downtime with his children and get the well deserved rest he needs. I will be looking for a nice warm sunny beach spot for us all to enjoy. See you all soon and Happy Easter and Passover to all! Mandee, Howard, Matthew Reid and Brooke Alana.

Hanging out in my recliner chair is fun! Pretty in pink and purple. School work is pretty serious stuff. Hanging with my Bro and eating some cookies. Uh Oh! I got caught lifting my sister up again.

Waiting with my Papa June and Matthew.

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