This last month contained a lot of new firsts for the Wilkin family. Time flew by again, and we just can't seem to slow it down (not that we want to, but sometimes it would be nice to have the option).
Prior to the allergy test, Brianne had her first "peanut butter" cookie, except it was made with soy nut butter. The cookies were completely egg and nut free. Of course, this first is what led us to the allergy test which eventually taught us that Brianne is allergic to peanuts and no longer allergic to eggs. Of course, leave it to Brianne to not only be allergic to peanuts, but really any tree nut (including soy, if the whole nut is used). It is really unfortunate, because the soy nut butter cookies are actually really good!
Along with soy nut butter cookies, we also made Blueberry bread and homemade granola bars. Both of these were a big hit with Brianne. We also made REAL chocolate chip cookies, you know the ones that contain eggs ;). Brianne was a bit disappointed that Mommy wouldn't let her eat the batter, but maybe in a few more years, as the girl loves her cookie dough. When mommy and her would make eggless cookies, she would eat the dough by the handful.
In this past month we also had two firsts at the Columbus Zoo. We finally let Brianne go into the petting zoo and she had a blast! She had to pet every single goat and there are only 20 of them (trust me, I took a photo of her petting each and every one). But she approaches each goat, pats it, and says "Hi Goat", as if the goat might just say "Hi" right back at her.
The other first at the Columbus Zoo, is we lost our black bear named Bubba. He had inoperable tumors on his liver and had been at the zoo for 28 years. This really made the Wilkin Family sad as it was the only way we could see a black bear. After all, it is impossible to spot them in the Knoxville Zoo and we've yet to see any while in the Smokies. We ask that you please take a moment to honor Bubba.
If you need another moment to compose yourself, go right ahead, after all, you are the one controlling how quickly you progress through this announcement :P.
And let us not forget Movie Night! We decided in this last month to attempt making Friday nights, movie night. It is a hit. Imagine our surprise when Brianne sat through the entire movie of 101 Dalmatians, then repeatedly asked to watch it again for the entire week after. The next movie night was Lady and the Tramp (another big hit), and the most recent one was Beauty and the Beast (not sure if this one is a hit yet). Each movie she sat with us on the sofa and ate popcorn with her eyes glued to the screen.
Don't just take our word for it, her Great Uncle Chuck and Uncle Joseph can verify it as they were with us during Lady and the Tramp. Other visitors throughout the past month included, Great Grandma and Grandpa Wilkin, Grandma and Pop-Pop Wilkin, Great Auntie Sheila, Adopted Auntie Lora, and Denise.
Brianne has had her first hitting and biting episodes. Lets just say these episodes are going to be short lived, especially if we have anything to say about it. Not to mention, we are sure she will eventually do this to the wrong kid (one that might actually stand up to her).
She also has now had her first skin infection (we originally thought it was an allergic reaction, until two days later we realized that the Benadryl was not working and the hives were getting worse). A doctor's visit later (of which Brianne asked to go see the doctor) and two prescriptions and we were home trying to force an awful tasting antibiotic down her throat (thankfully the second prescription was an ointment). Needless to say, her hives/bumps/whatever you call it are almost gone.
And now for the saddest news ever! Brianne has a boyfriend, Gavin*. Gavin is about a year younger than Brianne, but that doesn't stop her from constantly asking about him, wanting play dates, and when asked, saying "yes" to "Is he your boyfriend?" It really is a sad sad day for me, I honestly thought I'd have 10, maybe 13 more years before this started.
So Uncles be prepared, if this starts to get serious, I may need you! The rest of you, pray, and pray hard. Not for me, nigh, for Brianne so that she may see the err of her ways :P.
Last but not least, and this really isn't a first, the meetup group Mommy joined with Brianne has granted both of them many opportunities to meet new friends and find new cool places to go. Of course, many of these play dates include a little boy Gavin...and his mom, Mrs Kaitie. But I won't focus on that any longer (I promise), as how can you blame Mrs Kaitie for wanting the same things for Gavin that we want for Brianne.
This last month they had a Christmas in July party where everyone was encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas outfit and enjoy gifts, food, and lots of other kids to play with.
And that concludes yet another month of Brianne's ever changing, ever growing antics.
Love,
Matt, Kami, Brianne, and Keaten
* Although Brianne did say "Yes" to Gavin being her boyfriend, she has equally stated "No" he is not her boyfriend. Also, my wife didn't want me to write that section, but I ignored her, so don't tell her or Mrs Kaitie and Gavin.
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