The Brown Family

Lost Tooth!

2011-12-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

Lily lost her first tooth today and boy, is she one proud little 5 year old! We have seriously been waiting for this thing to come out for at least 2 months now, so imagine her excitment when it finally broke loose (with the help of Mommy.) I just helped it out with a quick little tug. It was practically hanging and I was afraid she was going to lose it at school and it would be gone forever! LOL! Looks like a visit from the Tooth Fairy is in order!

"Nutcracker" Recital 2011

2011-12-04T18:38:00.001-08:00

The girls had their "Nutcracker" ballet recital this Saturday Dec. 4th. It was very exciting because they were both in the same dances this year. They first danced as snow fairies and then as dolls in the Mother Ginger dance. They were so cute and danced so beautifully! Getting ready for their recitals are always stressful, but watching their faces beam in the spotlight makes it all worthwhile. They absolutely LOVE to dance ballet and I love watching them!

Getting ready for the recital dresses in their snow fairy costumes

Dresses as dolls for the Mother Ginger dance :) This dance

is my FAVORITE! So cute!!!

Alex doing her "bonk." There is a part in the dance where the girls
booty bump their partners. LOL.

My Little Stinkin' Cute Boo Boo Baby

2011-11-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

I just absolutely LOVE my Bubbers! I mean, seriously, isn't he the CUTEST darn little guy ever? Oh, and I simply ADORE his little raccoon hat! He makes my heart feel SUPER happy :)

Drawings

2011-11-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

I just loved this drawing that Alex did on the Magna Doodle board. From left to right is: Alex, Mommy holding Sawyer (he is the dark mark on my face that has legs, lol), and Daddy. This is one of the first "real" drawings I have ever seen her do and I thought it was too cute! I was just sad it wasn't on paper so I could keep it for her scrapbook.

A New Look. . .

2011-11-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

Someone got a "little" carried away while using markers and decided to give herself a make over. Am I surprised? Not in the least. This is our Alexandria we are talking about. . .

Good thing she is cute and I thought it was funny, but she completely ruined that adorable little penguin shirt she wore ONE time!

First Snow of the Season

2011-11-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

Our first snow was actually back in October but it has been our best one yet and the only one the kids have been able to play in. Since then, we have been battling croupe, pneumoina, upper respiratory infections and strep. Fun stuff. Definitely looking forward to more days like this :)

BRING ON THE SNOW!!!!

Our Eternal Family

2011-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

The Brown family had the honor of being sealed together and becoming an eternal family on August 12, 2011 in the Logan, Utah temple. Such a beautiful temple! I fell in love with the stone and castle look to it. (I apologize that this post has taken so long to get to!) This experience was the greatest and most beautiful of my life. My children looked so heavenly dressed in their white angelic outfits and my husband was glowing with happiness. The feelings I had there in the sealing room inside the temple can never be put into words. There are none as beautiful as what I felt there. I am so grateful for the wonderful family and friends that were able to be there with us to share in our special day. I am so grateful for the gift of eternal families. A heaven without my family would not be a heaven at all. Thank you Heavenly Father for making eternal families possible :) I love you guys!!!

My sisters Elizabeth and Melinda, Stepmom Starla and niece Nataleigh.

Our beloved friend Tacie who also took all of our photos!

Love you girl!

Wonderful friends Nicole and Kelly Dorsey.

Drove all the way from Colorado to be there!

I LOVE the Logan, Utah Temple! Love the stone!

Officially together forever!

Love My Boys!
And My Girls!

My babies now and FOREVER :)

The Brown side of the family

Us with Grandma and Grandpa Brown

The Jackson side of the family

Us with Grandpa and Grandma Brown

Our Family is Forever!

Sawyer LOVES shoes. . .

2011-11-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

His favorites are:

Princess High Heels

And Mommy's Dress Shoes. . .

Daddy is NOT a fan :)

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

I was sooo super excited to get to dress up from characters from "The Wizard Of Oz" this year! We have been planning this for 2 years and so I was ecstatic! I got the kids all excited about it too by watching the movie together. So, this year, we starred as, Michael: Scarecrow, Me: Wicked Witch of the West, Lily: Dorothy, Alex: the most adorable Cowardly Lion ever!, and Sawyer: as the cutest little Tin Man. It was so fun and we got so many compliments! :)

Pumpkin Patch Adventures 2011

2011-10-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

We took the kiddos to Diane's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Canon City for some pumpkin pickin', tractor ridin', corn maze fun. We all had a great time! The kids loved picking out their own pumpkins and taking a ride on the tractor hay ride. They also hada really cool huge pipe slide the kids enjoyed taking turns coming down. Prices were very decent and we even left with some candy. I think we will be back next year!

Fourth Of July

2011-08-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July festivities included:

Cute Dresses. . .

Partying. . .!
Dancing. . .

Watching the parade and catching candy. . .

Watching Fireworks the Auntie B. . .

We sat very close and it was super LOUD. . .

but very ENJOYABLE!!! :)

Summer Happenings (Part 1)

2011-08-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

The events are kind of backwards but I couldn't figure out how to switch the photos around. Blogger has changed some since I was last on here. Anywhooooo. . .

This summer we. . .

Went to the Rodeo . . .

Went swimming and ate LOTS of popsicles!

Played with our friends. . .

Did MORE swimming. . .

And spent LOTS of time playing at the park!!!

Oh, how we enjoyed those summer days!!!

Just In Case You Were Wondering. . .

2011-08-21T18:36:00.001-07:00

we DID NOT fall off the face of the Earth! We are still alive and well, just very, very busy! Finding the time and energy to blog lately has been difficult and at times I have just been tooooo tired, but I am hoping to be better. I am going to try and catch up on summer happenings! Most of which with probably be picture storytelling. ENJOY!

Lily is FIVE!!!

2011-04-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

FIVE!!! Where did the time go? Makes me feel OLD to have a 5 year old! I cannot believe she will be starting Kindergarten in the fall! We love our Silly Lily Girl! She is such a joy to have around. She loves helping mommy, and being a mommy to her sister and brother. Lily loves playing with Barbies and her miniature princess dolls. She loves dogs and movies, painting and gluing! She knows her letters and most of her numbers. She can write her first and last name. She loves using big words. She is so smart! We are so proud of her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!

You fill our lives with joy and amusement :)

Alexandria is THREE!!!

2011-03-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful, fun-loving, ornery Alexandria turned 3 on January 10. She has grown so much in the last year it is unbelievable! She talks so much and says and does the funniest things! There is never a dull moment in life with her around. She has such a 3 going on 16 attitude and she will always let you know her opinion. She definitely has a mind of her own and she has no problem speaking it. She is also such a very sweet sister and is (usually) willing to give into Lily when she wants what Alex has. She loves kissing on her brother and cuddling with mommy and daddy. I love the mornings when she climbs into bed with my and we can spend a few minutes cuddling before we begin out day. She is always ready with a kiss and a hug. She loves to climb all over daddy's back hoping for a horsey ride. Alex loves the outdoors and loves playing outside whether it is 0 degrees or 100 degrees outside. She loves animals and they looove her too! Alexandria is such a special little girl and we enjoy having her and being able to watch her grow. Her face lights up when she smiles are her giggle is so contagious! We look forward to another year of watching you become a little lady! Happy Birthday Alexandria! WE LOVE YOU SISSY!!!

Sawyer's FIRST Birthday

2011-03-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

So, I am so behind on blogging it is ridiculous! Sawyer hit his first birthday milestone on February 24th. I don't know why, but his first year seemed to go by the fastest. We had a wonderful party with family and friends. I can't believe that my baby has turned one and what a miracle he is! Sawyer is such a light to everyone in our family. We all love him so much. The girls love him annoyingly, but he is such a good sport in putting up with their "affections." Sawyer is and has always been such a happy baby. He is always smiling and cooing and laughing. He makes my heart feel so full and my soul burst with joy. It is so hard for me to watch him grow up when he was may baby for so long. He was a newborn for about 6 months and then he just went from that extreme to crawling and climbing and walking with things. I remember holding his 4lb 13oz 17 1/2 inches little self and now he is longer than my lap. Sawyer, I love you so much and I am so grateful to be your mommy! Watching you grow has been such a miracle and a gift! You are so smart and so loving. I was so afraid your prematurity would effect your growth and development, but so far you have proved to overcome those odds. I love cuddling with you and holding you. It makes my heart melt every time you reach out for me and when you lay your head on my shoulder. I love it when you say "mama" and when you follow me everywhere (most of the time anyway :) ) It makes me laugh when you seek me out when I have disappeared from your sight. I love the way you "walk" so stiffed legged and how you love to push around your sisters' stroller. I love your tickle spots and your cute, cold and sweaty feet. I love your crooked smile and your tiny little fingers. My wish for you, my son, is that you grow up know how much your Heavenly father, Savior, and family love you. I want you to grow up to be an honest, kind, and just man. I pray that you seek to have a close relationship with the Lord. I wish for you to be a loyal friend and to love all of those around you. I want you to strive to become all you want to be and I will be happy for you whatever path you choose to follow. Be true to yourself and stand for what is right even when it is the hardest thing to you. Your faith will guide you, never lose it. Do well in school. Getting a good education is essential to your future and securing your financial freedom.Wear out your knees praying fervently. Be a good husband and father and dedicate your life to your family. Never lose sight of what is important. Things are just things. You can't take them with you. Love, memories and time spent is what matters most. You are never alone. Remember, remember to love with all of your heart. Happy First Birthday my Boo Boo Baby Boy. We all love you so much!

At ONE Sawyer:

* Loves to play in the toilet
* Loves to splash in water
* Loves to cuddle
* Dislikes chunky food
*Loves to push around his sisters' pink stroller
*Loves ice cream
*Loves to play outside and get dirty
*Loves his daddy but his mommy more (wink, wink)
*Loves "playing" with his sisters. (More like taking their toys)
*Drinking from cups
*Loves giving Jakey and Spooky "lovies" (more like ripping their hair out!)

Happy Birthday Sawyer!!!

Family Photos by Bridget Parnell

2011-02-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

We took family photos for our Christmas card back at the end of October. It was a very windy day and the kids were being especially uncooperative. We only managed one or two decent family photos, but we got some pretty good shots of the kids. In no particular order, here are the ones that made the cut. . . !

Thanksgiving

2011-02-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

This blog is pretty much Thanksgiving in huge pictures :) We had a great evening spending time with loved ones as we gathered together at my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Doc's home. We ate good food and yummy desserts and talked and laughed. Sawyer enjoyed his first taste of pumpkin pie and the girls loved the attention they always get from their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. It was a great way to start the holidays! I love my family!

One Fall Day In November

2011-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

I came across these photos of the girls playing outside on a fall day in November. They are so adorable that I just had to share them! I love these little faces and, in my unbiased opinion, they are the most beautiful little girls in the world!

Nutcracker Ballet Recital

2011-01-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

The girls had their very first ballet recital in December. They danced to The Nutcracker and they did so well! They were so excited to get to perform the ballet moves they had been working so hard on. Alexandria was so excited and proud to get to be a baby mouse and a lamb. Lilyana beamed as she put on her Snow Fairy costume. She also dressed up as a clown in a dance. I was a little nervous on performance night that they might forget what to do, but they did so well!

Alex in her baby mouse coustume

Alex showing off her ballet moves

Jakey modeling the mouse mask :)Alex as a baby lamb

She loves her some Nutcracker doll!Grandma doing Lily's make upShe was made for the stage!
So much make up, but so beautiful!

My little ballerinas

Grandma with the girls

Auntie B with the girls

The family :)

Lily doing her Snow Fairy dance :) (the short one!)

Lily is on the left facing the camera. She did such a beautiful job!

Alex is the little lamb looking down. She was looking for the line :)

Lily is second from the right.

Dancing her clown dance. It was so adorable and my favorite!

One proud Mama!

Lily with her flowers :)

Playing Catch Up. . .

2011-01-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

is going to take a looooong time, but there is so much to post and share! I hope that I can find more time to be better a blogging!

Happy 3rd Birthday Alexandria!

2011-01-10T21:52:00.000-08:00

Today my baby girl turned 3! I still can't believe it! She is so proud to be 3 years old! She had her special birthday party on Saturday and was spoiled rotten by all of her friends and family. Alexandria is such our little independent firecracker who keeps us on our toes! We love her sooooooooo much!

At 3 Alex LOVES:

* All Disney Princesses
* Doggie Dations (101 Dalmatians)
* Anything that has to do with DOGS! (They are her life!)
* Her tutu and going to ballet
* CANDY
* Painting and playdough
* Wearing mommy's shoes
* Play dates
* Dress Up
* Playing Outside
* Nursery at church
* Singing
* Cuddle Time
* Being a STINKER!

Happy Birthday to our SWEET and ORNERY baby girl! We love you so much and have enjoyed every moment of watching you grow this year! We love everything about you and are so proud to be your parents!

I LOVE THIS BABY!!!!

2010-11-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Sawyer is 8 months already! How fast the time has gone by. I want him to stay as he is for just a while longer. I am so enjoying his current stage. He is such a happy baby and LOVES LOVE LOVES his mama! He is such a busy body and I know he is just itching to crawl so that he can get into EVERYTHING! He has just learned to go into a sitting position all on his own. He is working on pulling himself to stand. He has done it a couple of times already. He currently has TWO teeth. One on the top and one on the bottom. He looks so funny and cute with them. He is currently cutting his other top front tooth. He LOVES his music table and his sisters (even though they seriously annoyingly love him.) He is such a good sport! He laughs every time I call him "Big Boy!" He eats and poops sooooooo much!!!! He puts a smile on my face every minute of every day. I love my little man and he reminds me every day that miracles do happen and that God is GOOD! :)Ready for his close-up!
Check out those teeth! Redneck! LOL!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this photo of Sawyer. He seriously smiles like this ALL day long! I am so spoiled by him!

I AM SO HAPPY TO BE HIS MAMA! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH! My BEAUTIFUL baby boy with BEAUTIFUL blue eyes and a smile that would melt anyone's heart <3! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!

TRICK OR TREAT!

2010-11-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

For Halloween this year, we went to our church's Halloween party and then did some trunk or treating. We were sad that this year would be different from the normal door to door, but the kids still have a really fun time and were excited to get their candy.

Our Little Trick or Treaters (CUTEST EVER!)

INTRODUCING:

ALEX:
Our scurvy pirate! "To the plank with you matey!"

No surprise she won cutest costume AGAIN this year! Our two time costume contest champ!

LILY:
Our own little purple "Hocus Pocus" witch. "Come little children I'll take thee away. . ."

Can you see the excitement written all over her face?!

SAWYER:
Our little T-REX.

ROAR!

Playing some party games.

Daddy and his DinoSAWYER :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN :) TRICK OR TREAT!

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-03T20:59:00.001-07:00

The girls each got to pick out their own pumpkins and help clean out the guk and seeds. They didn't really like the slimy insides of the pumpkins, so most of the clean out work was left up to mom and dad :)

Our end products.

Lily's pumpkin face. Love the crooked smile!

Alex aka Daddy's Jack Skellington pumpkin.
My idea! :)

Our pumpkins turned out awesome this year!

Happy 29th Birthday, My Love!

2010-11-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

My fabulous husband, Michael, turned 29 on October 25. To celebrate his birthday, the girls made him a cake. Lily came up with the idea to make him a baseball cake. So, we mixed and baked a yummy strawberry cake and then the girls went crazy decorating!

Alex and her friend Sophie frosting their cake piece.

Lily happily frosting her cake.

After they finished frosting, they enjoyed the next task of
licking the spatula clean!

Definitely the BEST part!

Then they put on the candles.

Lily wouldn't let me forget that red sprinkles are very important
to add to our finished product!
Our "Created With Love" Baseball Cake!

Singing Happy Birthday to Daddy. Sawyer tried extremely hard to get
his hands on those candles!

Daddy with his mini's.

Lily insisted on getting her daddy a tie for his birthday. She picked out this
handsome bright red one.

Alex had a little help from Mommy with picking out Daddy's favorite candy! Swedish Fish!

Michael with our niece Natty and our little Chunky Monkey Man!

Cake Time!

Baking a cake is very rewarding!

Happy Birthday, Dear! We all LOVE YOU so MUCH and we are so grateful to have you in our lives and for all the happiness you bring us! We hope you had a SPECTACULAR birthday! One more year until you hit the big 3-0, so make it a good one! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!

Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch

2010-11-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

We had a GREAT time this year picking pumpkins and enjoying the fall festival at the Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch in Longmont. The weather was nice and the kids had a blast! The best part? Just being together :)

PUMPKIN PATCH PICKERS:

LILYANA:
The Perfect Pumpkin Seeker

ALEXANDRIA:
The Pumpkin ExplorerSAWYER:
The Pumpkin Taster
WE LOVE PUMPKINS!!!

Halloween is Almost Here!

2010-10-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

With the Halloween festivities happening a day earlier than usual (we will be doing our trick or treating on Saturday as to keep Sunday a holy day,) we dressed the kids in their adorable Halloween outfits and took some photos today. To my utter SHOCK, I actually got some REALLY good ones . (Okay, so I bribed the girls with candy, but hey, no shame. It WORKED!)

Here are my masterpieces: (The photos and the kiddos :))

LILYANA
ALEXANDRIA SAWYER
ALL THREE
Happy Halloween! We hope you all have a fun and fabulous trick or treating adventure!

Life Lessons

2010-09-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

I stole this from someone elses blog. I like to blog snoop :) Anyway, I read these and they really hit home and made me think, so I wanted to share the goodness!

LIFE LESSONS:

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's OK to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone, everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come...
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

After reading these, I realized that there are a few that opened my eyes and ones that I really need to work on. My favorites are 37, 38, and 41. These are ones I need to make a mental note of and remember to implement these "lessons" daily. I don't want to waste this life on the unimportant things. Which one(s) are your favorite?

Grandma and Grandpa Jackson Came To Visit!

2010-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

We were so super excited when my dad and stepmom announced that they were driving to Colorado to visit us! We don't get to see them very often, so we were all so thrilled! The kids took to them right away and were so happy to be with them!

We got to spend two days with them. The kids really enjoyed the special attention they received from grandma and grandpa. They were excited to get to show them all of their toys and demonstrate all of the moves they have learned in ballet. Then, grandma and grandpa took Lily and Alex on a special trip to the store so that they could pick out a special prize! It was no surprise that each picked out a princess barbie doll.

The evening before they left, we took pictures out on our front lawn.

Grandma and Grandpa with the kiddos

Grandma and Alexandria

This one is a definite classic! LOL!

The more people you have in a picture, the harder it is to get a good one of eveyone!Grammie and Sawyer

Daddy and his Daughters

Starla and Michael

I love this one of Lilyana and Grandma

Lily insisted on doing a silly picture

They love their Grandpa!

Alex with her new special Tiana doll from Grandma and Grandpa

Lily with her Rapunzel doll from Grandma and Grandpa

Grandpa and Sawyer

We had a great time that night staying up late and playing Apples to Apples. It was very hard to say goodbye and see them leave in the morning. Lily kept telling me that she missed them and wanted them to come back. They recently relocated to Utah, so now they are closer. WE hope we will get to see them more often now! We love you guys!!!!

Big Boy

2010-09-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

When did MY baby start sitting up? Just another milestone to remind me that my little Chunky Monkey is growing up right before my eyes!!! When I remember his preemie days, it is so hard to believe how tiny and fragile he was! Now he is rolling all over, grabbing anything that he can get his hands on, eating baby food, talking his little baby talk, and attempting to sit like a big boy! What a precious little gem my little man is! We love him so much, but please STOP GROWING UP SO FAST!!!!

My Little Ladies

2010-09-04T22:34:00.001-07:00

We also tried taking some pics of the girls on the same day we did Sawyer's 6 month photos. Lilyana very much enjoyed doing these photos and loved getting to be a cowgirl and play a guitar. Alex on the other hand (surprise, surprise!) was not very cooperative, so it was rough getting some good photos of her. Then Bridget and I tried bravely to get one of all three kids, yeah, that was a joke! :) I haven't gotten the CD with all the pictures on it yet, but here are some of the best cute ones! (We got a decent one of me with the kids, but Sawyer's attention is elsewhere :))

I DO LOVE MY LILY GIRL AND MY SISSY!!! TWO OF A KIND CUTENESS!!!

Cowboy Up: Sawyer's 6 Month Photos, by Bridget Parnell

2010-09-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Sawyer's 6 months photos turned out absolutely INCREDIBLE! Especially considering we had to work really hard for these smiles! (He wasn't feeling his usually bubbly self:( ) I am so in love with this little baby boy and his smile that melts my heart on a daily basis. I can't believe how fast he has grown and I am so blessed to have him in my life. I am also so grateful and proud to have a best friend that is such a talented photographer and who takes my pictures for FREE! I love you Bridget and thank you for all the hard work you do for me!

I LOVE YOU MY LITTLE CHUNKY MONKEY!!!!

6 Months Old

2010-08-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, I seriously cannot believe how fast the first half year of my son's life has gone by. Today Sawyer is 6 months! My Chunky Monkey is growing so big! He had his 6 month check up last week. Here are his stats:

Weight:15lbs 12.5 0z (25%)
Height: 25 1/4 (20%)
Head Circumference: 41.6cm (20%)
(Small heads run in the family, but it certainly does not effect our big, smart brains!)

He has gotten HUGE!!! :P Doctor said he is officially a 6 month old!At 6 months Sawyer:

*Can sit balancing on his hands
*Concentrates and grabs at toys
*Loves to grab and play with his feet
*Puts everything in his mouth
*Smiles and laughs upon laying eyes on Mommy
*Loves to be held and talked to
*Thinks Lily is hilarious
*Likes to "feel" hair
*Recognizes Mommy and Daddy's voice
*Has his entire family wrapped around his finger
*Likes to chew on his blanket at sleep times
*Does well on trips in the car
*Laughs at himself in the mirror
*Has found his voice and very much enjoys using it
*Enjoys being outside
*Likes stroller rides

The Many Faces of Sawyer (includes commentary)

2010-08-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Adored
"I am so loved by everyone!"

Surprised:
"Wow! That peek-a-boo thing you do is INSANE! One minute you're there
and the next. . .WHOA!"

Ecstatic:
"I love my life! I love my family! I love food! It can't
get any better than this!"
Busy (aka working on something):
"Do you mind?! Some privacy please! I don't stare at you when you
are pooping!"
Frightened:
"What the heck is THAT?! You want to put that WHERE?"

ROTFL:

"Bawhahahahahahahahaha! That is the most hilarious thing
I have ever heard! You're killin' me!"

The Deer Caught in the Headlights:
"What? Don't look at me! I didn't make that noise! Ask Daddy!"
Flattered:
"Yes, I know I am the King of Adorable. Thank you, thank you. You may kiss the
royal cheeks now. Whichever ones you prefer."

His Jim Carey impression
"Aha aha ahahehehehahahhe!"

Amazed:
"You don't say?! She did what with who? Oh, no she didn't!"

Repulsed:
" What is that smell? Has my diaper been checked recently?!"

Clueless:
"Duh, huh?"

Aren't his faces just the CUTEST!!!! :D

Little Miss-Chevious

2010-08-24T20:12:00.001-07:00

This is what you get when you leave a little girl quiet for too long without checking on her. I caught Alexandria in the bathroom, my make up bag in hand, beautifying herself. Isn't she gorgeous?! She even managed to get my mascara unscrewed! She loves to watch me put my make up on and then she will ask for some. I guess I wasn't applying enough! This little girl certainly gives me a run for my money! She is seriously into EVERYTHING!!!! Gotta love her!

Ahhhhhh, lovely, isn't she?

Future make-up artist in the making!
I have to say, I think she got that smokey eye look down to a tee!

Sawyer's Blessing

2010-08-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

We finally had Sawyer blessed on August 1st. We had been waiting for Michael's family to come visit to have this special event. My little man looked so adorable dressed in his white suit! A very good friend of ours did us the honor of blessing our handsome baby boy. Sawyer was a little fussy during his blessing. The men had him laying down and our big boy wanted to sit up! But overall, he did well. Ceasar gave him a beautiful blessing and after church we had everyone over for dinner and dessert. It was a lovely day!

My Handsome Little Boy

Sawyer with his beautiful sisters.

The Brown Family

Sawyer and Mommy.

Grandpa Brown, Daddy, and Sawyer.

Grandpa and Grandma Brown with Sawyer.

Ceasar and Sawyer.

Pete and Grandma with Sawyer.

Auntie Daphne and Sawyer.

Ballet Class Superstar!

2010-07-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

The girls absolutely LOVE ballet! I am so excited about this! They enjoy going every week and are constantly talking about and practicing the steps they learn in class. These pictures are from the 2nd class they attended. Unfortunately, Alexandria decided she was not going to participate this day , so all of the pictures are of Lily, save the picture of her (Alex) attitude self in the car on the way to ballet. (I am sad to say I am not able to observe the girls' ballet class because if I am there, Alex clings to my side and does not participate, but if I leave, their teacher Miss Rachel says she does great! :( Stink head)

Alex all pretty and ready to go, but unfortunately not ready to dance.

Lily is super excited!

She tries so hard to follow instruction!

Unfortunately, she is not the most coordinated kiddo, but she works hard. . .

and always does her BEST!

Notice how Lily is the ONLY little girl dressed in blue. I like how I can spot her so easily! For a Princess who won't chose anything PINK, I was absolutely SHOCKED when we came out of the store with this blue leo/tutu. (For the record, though, the initial tutu she wanted was PINK, but it was a bazillion dollars, so I told her she had to choose another one. There were other pink ones, but she chose blue.)

Getting ready to do some stretches.

Waiting her turn to do some turns.

(That little girl in the black/silver outfit with the crazy see thru skirt, I don't know WHAT she was wearing! LOL! She is not normally in Lily's class.)

Doing her "turn and look" spin.

Practicing her jumping. . .

and skipping (we have A LOT of work to do on this one!)

Ballet is HARD work! But Lily is definitely dedicated and will be a great ballerina someday! Alexandria will turn out great too! She has been trying (with help from her teacher) all of the steps and seems to be liking ballet more and more with every class we go to!

I Have Turned into a Terrible Blogger. . .

2010-07-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

And I am SOOOOO sorry! I have so much that I want to blog about and events and photos that I would like to share with everyone, but it has been super hard to find the time lately. AND then when I do have the time, all I want to do is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! I know, I am horrible. . .sorry I have let you all down :) Forgive me? I promise to try and be better. That promise might come with and OVERLOAD of blogging and photos. But I did just post two new short Blogs, so check them out!

The CUTEST Kids I Know!

2010-07-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEE IT!

Just when I think I am about to go CrAzY. . . I see these stinkin' cute faces and just for a moment (and I mean a MOMENT) I forget all about the chaos. (But then Alex hits Lily, Lily starts screaming and then reality goes and slaps me in the face:) ) I LOVE every minute of it! (At least that is what I have convinced myself !)

Just Can't Get Enough Of It!

2010-07-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

I mean SERIOUSLY. . .!

Just LOOK at that FACE and that GRIN! Could you?!

When it Rains, it Definitely POURS. . .

2010-06-23T12:38:00.001-07:00

Things have been a little crazy lately. Yesterday, we had the cherry finish on the ice cream sundae. Our car, my baby, our ONLY car, decided to quit on us. My Ford Escape. Only 6 years old and 60,000 miles. The engine is about ready to blow. Something about a rod hitting a valve. Basically, when Michael took it into a friend of ours (who is a mechanic with much experience) to have the lovely clicking noise we were hearing when accelerating checked out, he told Michael to drive in the slow lane on the way home and to have the number to a tow truck handy.....grrrrr! Sometimes I feel like we can never get ahead. The mechanic says we will need a new engine. We all know how CHEAP those run. . .even a used one. What to do. . .what to do. . .thank goodness Michael has nice friends at work so willing to give him a ride. But, of course, that only gets us so far. Stress and being broke are not a great companions, but they seem to be a constant ones these days. Have faith, have faith, have faith. . .this is what I keep telling myself.

My Smiley Baby Boy

2010-06-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

I waited as patiently as I could for 3 months for my little Sawyer to give me his first responsive smiles. . .

definitely worth the wait. Oh, the things we can take for granted. Now, I can't get enough of them and I am so grateful for his little grins.
I love my little guy to pieces and his smiles make my heart turn to butterflies.

First Day of Ballet. . .

2010-06-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Was last Wednesday, but I finally got a quick chance to blog it! The girls absolutely loved picking out their tutu leotards a couple days before their first class. Lily (shockingly) picked out a pretty BLUE tutu leo with sparkles on the tutu. She did, however, want a pink on at first, but the on she wanted did not fit. Alex picked out a pink one with a pretty pink tulle tutu on it. She kept saying "Pincess! Pincess!" The both could not stop twirling around in the dressing room. Alex threw a lovely fit when we had to take them off.
The first day of class, Lily was ecstatic! She could not wait to get dressed in her ballet clothes and put on her ballerina shoes. We took some fun photos out on our front lawn. It was hard getting them to pose because all they wanted to do was jump around and twirl in their tutus! Little girls are definitely so much fun!Love this photo of the girls. Lily cracks me up. Oh,
how I miss these whimsical childhood days!
Prima Ballerina Lilyana showing off her moves.
Ballerina Alexandria
Lilyana's awesome self invented ballet move.
(Giggle to self, more like the next karate kid! Hehehe)

Lilyana did so well during her first class. I chuckled to myself to see that every other little girl in her class was wearing a PINK leo, except for my little Lilyana. She is such the star, lol! Lily tried her best to do everything she was asked to do. She looked like she was having a great time. She was very disappointed that she was not able to do the splits, but I told her she just had to keep practicing. She is very determined to accomplish it someday. Alex did well and her attention span lasted most of the class, so I was very impressed with her. She also tried to do as the teacher instructed, which really surprised me. She is just so much of her own independent little person and she likes to do her own thing. It was so much fun watching them prance and parade around and do the ballet moves in their little child way. I am so glad that we decided to enroll them in ballet. I think this will be a fun and wonderful experience for all of us!

It's My Birthday

2010-06-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

Ugh. . .only 3 years left until I hit the big 3-0. I know what you are saying, it's no big deal, but 30 is my scary age. I wish we could just count down from here. I know I am a baby. I might cry today.

My Precious Babies. . .

2010-06-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

My, how you have all grown. I love being your Mommy. I only hope that I can do right by you and raise you the way Jesus would want me too. Being a mom isn't easy. Especially, when you do daycare. It is easy to get frustrated, overwhelmed, and irritated. I hope that during these times I can find the strength to cling to the moment and remember that you won't be little forever. I want to be a good mom and I know that many times I lose my cool and disappoint you, but I love you all undoubtedly with all my heart. You are everything to me and I am so honored to be your mother. I don't deserve you, so I only hope that I can do the best I can by you and give you everything you need and deserve from a mother. I know I need to try harder and work harder to be a better mother. I need to make more time to give you and worry less about how my home looks. I want to enjoy my children again and enjoy being home with you. I don't want to waste or miss a moment with you. Like the rays from the sun, I want to soak it all in. Every bit of it I want to enjoy. . .the good with the bad. . .I know it won't last forever and that is what I am afraid of; wasting this time with you and taking you guys for granted. I know I have already made so many mistakes as a mother, trying to raise good children. I have not always set the best example for you to follow. I want to change for you and be better for you. So, I say a little prayer in my heart that when I am tempted to become angry or withdrawn or distracted from what is REALLY important that reality will reach out and slap me in the face and I will be reminded that I have made an eternal commitment to be the best mother that I can be for you and that I need to be more patient and kind and loving. That I need to laugh instead of becoming angry, speak softly when I feel like screaming and give you a big hug when they are being just downright naughty. All too often I have found myself taking for granted those that I love most. It is time to stop and relax a little (okay a lot) and just enjoy the moment. I know that one of these days I will turn around and you will all be grown. There are no second chances. Please, Heavenly Father, help me to remember this . . . there are NO second chances. I love you my babies. I am sorry for the way I act and treat you sometimes. I promise to do my best to change what needs changing.

I love you, please never forget that,
Mom

Doesn't get ANY CUTER . . .

2010-05-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

than THIS!

or THIS!

Same HERE!

This one TOO!

Can't forget about THIS one!

Look at him. Adorable. Enough said :)
(He looks fatter in pictures than he really is! LOL! Still my chubby bubby wubby lubby baby!)

3 Months

2010-05-28T12:18:00.001-07:00

My little man is 3 months already! So depressing. . .I kinda feel ripped off at times because he came so early, but I have truly enjoyed watching him grow and change over these last few months. He is behind developmentally (but on target for his gestational age.) He has just started smiling and does it often! He is super cute and LOVES to be held. He can put weight on his legs now and he has been off the oxygen for three weeks! He seems to have a bit of acid reflux, which has not been fun, but other than that, he has been doing so well! He was 10 lbs 11oz last week. He eats like a pig, so I am sure he is at 11 lbs. by now. His eyes are turning blue and all his beautiful white-blonde hair is falling out. I love it when people say he looks like me!

Here are some 3 month photos to share: I accidentally uploaded them all in the large format. Sorry! I didn't want to redo it! :) Supersized Cuteness!

WEIGHT LOSS!

2010-05-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I have delayed it long enough, but now that June is almost here, I want to be able to get my butt into a decent bathing suit and feel comfortable, so I have decided it is time to get my rear in gear and lose the rest (at least most) of this baby weight. Don't worry, I don't plan on starving myself to death (I LOVE food tooooo much!) but I do plan on cutting back on calories and implementing more exercise into my day. I am finally going to bust out the Wii Fit we have had since December and actually USE it! Maybe announcing my weight loss plans to you will help keep me motivated to stay on track with my goal. LOL! I want to lose 30-35lbs. (Don't gasp, losing that much weight I promise will NOT make be bone thin! It is weight I can AFFORD to lose!) Wish me LUCK!!!!

Grandma and Sawyer

2010-05-14T11:43:00.001-07:00

Doesn't this just make your heart melt?

It makes mine!

Stink Bug!

2010-05-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

I thought that this little position that Sawyer was sleeping in was way too CUTE! Gotta LOVE the little tooshie up in the air! I just want to squish it! We call it the Stink Bug position. It makes me SO JEALOUS that babies can have the best sleep ever in pretty much ANY position!

Too "stinkin'" adorable! :)

Alexandria's 2 Year photos (Thx B!)

2010-05-05T06:11:00.001-07:00

Getting some cute and good photos of Alexandria, also, wasn't easy, but, thankfully, Bridget is a trooper! Alex refused to sit still, look at the camera, and smile. She was such a stinker, but by the amazing power of Bridget, we were able to sneak a few cute ones. Welcome to the "terrific" twos, I guess! She sure is her own person with a mind and attitude all her own! We sure LOVE her!

Lilyana's 4 Year Photos (Thx B)

2010-05-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Bridget and I tried VERY VERY hard to get Lily in the mood for photos, but she just wasn't feelin' it. It was pretty windy and Lily was cranky and kept complaining she was cold, but I was happy to get a couple cute and decent ones! Thanks B for being so dedicated! I can't believe my first born is already four! She is growing so BEAUTIFULLY!

Sawyer's Newborn Photos (Thx Bridget!)

2010-05-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

As I have said before, my best friend Bridget is an A-MAZING photographer, so we arranged for her to take Sawyer's newborn photos. After A LOT of work and praying that the sun would stay out long enough for us to get some good ones, I have to say that they definitely turned out pretty darn WONDERFUL!!!! He is a stinkin' cute little peanut (of course in my non-biased opinion) and was the perfect subject! He did so well and, for the most part, was easily poseable! I am very pleased with the photos we got. Thanks Bridget for always being willing to take photos for me! You do such an incredible job! Love ya!

Spring has Sprung?

2010-05-01T12:35:00.001-07:00

I say that with a ? because in Colorado, the weather is so unpredictable! One day it will be 75 degrees and the next morning you will wake up and snow is falling outside your window! It was just snow flaking yesterday! Anywho, this was a very lovely day and we just couldn't resist taking advantage of the warm weather and playing outside until we dropped! The girls had so much fun riding their bikes, blowing bubbles, and running around with the dog. Hopefully, this will be a sign of more warmer weather to come!

It is nice to know that my girls can get along. They fight so often that I cherish the moments when they show their love for one another. Being outdoors seems to bring them closer together. I guess it brings us all closer together without the distractions of housework, tv, and chaos. Bring on summer! I am ready for more sunshine!

Our Little Mister Man

2010-04-30T20:27:00.001-07:00

My how he has grown, yet he is still so much a newborn at 2 months! He was 9lbs. 1oz. and 20.5 inches long at his 2 month checkup this last Monday. My baby boy is getting so big! He loves being cuddled and I just LOVE cuddling him! He is still on oxygen, but looks like not for much longer. He was at 92% on Wednesday and needs to be at 95%. Next week, maybe! Fingers crossed! Here are some stinkin' adorable pictures of my little Mister Man to share!

Hoppy Easter (in a nutshell)

2010-04-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter this year! The night before we dyed eggs with the family. The next morning, the girls had to find where the Easter Bunny hid their baskets. Boy, were they spoiled by that oh, too kind Easter Bunny, who even left a basket for them at Grandma's house. We watched General Conference and then we dressed the kids up in their cute Easter clothes and went over to my grandpa's house for some yummy Easter dinner! Afterward, we came home and the girls had their very first Easter egg hunt! They loved it and were so excited to find the eggs. It was so much fun watching them running around and searching for those brightly colored plastic eggs!

Chili's/Chuck E. Cheese B-day Celebration

2010-04-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

So, technically, this post was supposed to be before the princess party post, but who's paying attention?! Since we had Lily's b-day party the day after her birthday, we celebrated her actual birthday by doing dinner at Chili's, where she and Alex shared a delicious birthday dessert, and then going to play at Chuck E. Cheese! She even got to meet the mouse himself!What a LUCKY girl!

Lilyana's Princess Party!

2010-04-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Lily insisted on a Princess birthday party this year and what the birthday girl wants, the birthday girl gets :) She invited some of her little girl friends and they all had a blast taking turns hitting the pinata, opening presents, eating cake, and running wild. Lilyana loved all of her presents and was sooo excited when Daddy pulled a surprise princess bicycle out of the garage that she had been hounding us about for months! Thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends who made this birthday so special for her!

A Visit From Gram and Gramp Jackson

2010-04-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

We were all sooo very super excited when my dad and Starla came to visit! We hadn't seen them in a year and a half! The girls were so very happy to get to spend some time with their Grandma and Grandpa Jackson. Lily never stopped talking! The kids sure are lucky to be loved sooo much by these two wonderful people. We wish that we could live closer, so we could see them more often. Sometimes it can be so hard being away from those you love! We love you Grams and Gramps Jackson!!! Thank you for spoiling us all rotten with LOVE! :)

Lily and Sawyer with Gramps

Sawyer and Grandma

Grandpa with the kiddos

Grams and Gramps with Nataleigh and Sawyer

The girls together

They LOVE their grandma and grandpa!
(Stinkin' CUTE photo! Everyone looks good!)

The 'rents with Sawyer

I have to give my dad props. He doesn't do well with taking tons of photos and that is what happened here :) Thanks dad for being so cooperative! Love you! Can't wait to see you guys again soon!

Proud Big Sisters!

2010-04-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Lily and Alex absolutely LOVE Sawyer and adore him to pieces! They love holding him and giving him kisses. Lily likes to help hold his bottle while he is eating and talk to him. Alex loves to "pet" his hair and face, all the while trying to shove his pacifier in his mouth. They are both great big sisters and Sawyer is on LUCKY little boy!

Lilyana is 4!!!

2010-03-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

My oldest baby turned 4 today! Man, how time seriously does fly. You do not learn this until you are graduated from high school, are married, and have started a family of your own! I have learned this lesson all to well! Lilyana is very excited to turn four! She now gets to sleep on the top bunk and start ballet lessons! I thought this year would be a great year to start doing annual birthday surveys with my kids as I have seen some of my friends do, so here is what I have learned:

How old are you? 4!

What is your favorite color? Pink, I love pink!

Who is your best friend? Nataleigh (cousin) and my cousin Diego (Go Diego Go)

What is your favorite movie? Giselle (Enchanted)

What is your favorite thing to do inside? Play dolls.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A Mommy and drive the yellow bus to take the kids to school.

What is your favorite food? Candy is my favorite food.

Who do you want to marry? A boy!

Who is your favorite person? Mommy! (that's right!)

What's your favorite TV show? A princess one.

Where is your favorite place to go? To the doctor.

What is your favorite Ice cream? Strawberry Ice cream!

When was the last time you cried? About sissy hit me.

What is your favorite toy to play with? Princess and the Prince dolls!!!

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Ride my tricycle.

Who is your favorite Princess? The Princess and the Frog. . .Tiana.

What is your favorite song?"Follow the Prophet"

What do you want to do now that you are four? Ballet! Like this (stands on tippy toes and twirls)

Happy 4th Birthday Lilyana! You are our ray of sunshine!

Homecoming

2010-03-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

We were so surprised on Friday the 12th to hear from Sawyer's NICU nurses that he would be coming home on Saturday! We had just been told Thursday night that it would be at least a few more days for him, so imagine our surprise when we were told we would finally get to take our little baby boy home with us a day later!
Michael and I were not prepared in the least. Because of Sawyer's itty bitty size, we were told we had to find a car seat that was no more than six inches between the lowest strap insert to the bottom where his tushy would sit. The car seat that we has just bought him did not fit, so we spent all of Friday night running from store to store to find a car seat that wold work! We seriously had the hardest time! It was ridiculous! All the car seats we found had seven inches are more between the two points! After a few hours and 3 stores, we finally found one at Target for 150.00! 150.00! And that is not even including a stroller! I couldn't believe it! SO, we bought the 150.00 car seat for our little man, as well as a play yard/bassinet for him to sleep in! Babies are NOT cheap!!! 30o.oo and some odd dollars later, we finally arrived home to get some sleep before bringing our Mister Man home on the morrow.

Here are some pictures from the BIG day:

Getting ready to take off all the monitors and get dressed to go home!

Mommy dressing Sawyer in his cute little outfit.

Daddy's Little All Star

Daddy and his boy

So excited to be taking my little man home!

Ready to go home!

Snug as a bug!

Fighting over him already!

Proud big sister!

Alex loves her new little brother!

Grandma enjoyed having her turn holding our newest addition!

WELCOME HOME SAWYER!

My Little Monkey Man

2010-03-11T20:38:00.001-08:00

By golly I LOVE this handsome little guy! It is amazing to me how a heart can grow and LOVE this new child just as much as you love your other children. God has truly been kind and has blessed us with our beautiful baby boy. He is getting healthier every day! He is not on IV's or bili lights or even his feeding tube anymore! His breathing episodes have gotten less too!He is feeding really well on his own and has even been nursing wonderfully! The nurses say it is only a matter of days before he can join our family at home! It is hard to believe that 2 weeks ago he had so many tubes and wires attached to him! In my completely non-biased opinion, we have the CUTEST little boy ever and I just cannot wait to have him home to hold, kiss, and squish whenever I want!

Here are a few pictures we have taken of our handsome boy over the last couple of weeks:

The Newest Addition to the Brown Family

2010-03-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Sawyer Liam DeLette Brown
Born February 24, 2010 @ 10:04am

Weighing in @ 4lbs. 13oz.
and 17 1/2 inches long

It all started with me feeling really ill with fever and cold chills on Tuesday Feb. 16. Wednesday I only got worse and I just couldn't take it anymore. I felt horrible all over and I had this aching pain in the top right of my abdomen, so I called my OB and she told me to go straight to the ER. So, Michael and I went to the ER where they ran an IV and pumped me full of fluids and then sent me home. Thursday I woke up feeling absolutely awful. I already had a scheduled OB appointment that day, so I called and told them I was really sick and needed to come in earlier. They told me to come in right away, so I did. My doctor told me she thought I might have the flu and then I mentioned to her the aching in my abdomen and that concerned her, so she sent me to the hospital to get some blood work done and to get the materials to do a 24hr urine culture.
The next morning, at about 9am, my doctor called me to tell me she was worried about my test results because they were showing I had a low platelet count and high liver enzymes and there was high protein in my urine. She told me she was admitting me to the hospital and that I would be there for awhile and she was going to call them to tell them I was on my way. Can you say total PANIC attack! Not only was I worried about the baby, but I had my two girls to figure out what to do with and my daycare kid. Thankfully, my friend Bridget had already planned to pick up the girls and take them for the weekend!
So, after rushing around to take care of what we could, we went down to the hospital where I was admitted, put on this crappy drug called magnesium that made me feel like I was burning up, dehydrated, and made my eyes burn and gave me blurry vision, and confined to bed rest. Over the next three days, I was stuck with needles and made to have done and do embarrassing things. I was stressed, worried, and I missed my family terribly, but by Sunday things were looking better and I was taken off the drugs and IV's. My labs were all looking better. On Monday, my doctor came in and said she wanted to keep me at least one more day to monitor and do another blood test. I was absolutely convinced I would be going home on Tuesday. Little did I know!On Tuesday when my doctor entered my hospital room and I saw the look on her face, my heart sank. She told me that my lab results had gotten worse than before and I had what she thought was HELLP syndrome (low platelets, high liver enzymes, very very bad illness) and that she couldn't let me go home sick. She told me she was going to call Maternal Fetal Medicine and talk to them about what they should do. She told me if I didn't improve, they would have to induce labor. Again, I took another moment to completely FREAK OUT! I was only 33 weeks along and worried about having a preemie baby. Throughout this whole ordeal, Michael was completely awesome, comforting, and supporting. He put on a brave face where I couldn't and I am very thankful for that!Needless to say, my results did not improve and I was told they would be inducing Tuesday afternoon. I was put back on that horrible magnesium and back on bed rest. I suffered without sleep throughout the night where every three hours they came in to "torture" me. By Wednesday morning I was in hard labor, gave half a push and out my little man came screaming with all his might! We only got to hold him for a few minutes before he was rushed off to the NICU and put on oxygen and IV's :(. Happy and sad moment. I was completely out of it having to give birth on that magnesium. It completely relaxes your muscles and makes you feel like you have the worst flu ever! I had to stay on the stuff for another 24hrs. Wednesday and Thursday morning were pretty much a blur. My doctor came in Thursday morning to tell me that all of my blood tests were back to normal. Funny thing what giving birth can do! I was kept for another two days before I could go home. . .without my baby :( .Sawyer is still in the NICU but doing very well. He is back on bili lights because his bili reuben went back up. He is starting to nurse and he is no longer on IV's or oxygen. We are not sure when he will be able to come home, but we are counting down the days until he can be with us. Until then, we visit him every day at 5pm, which is not enough time to get all the lovin' in, but we take what we can get. We all miss him and hope that we will soon be bringing him home! Sawyer is definitely the cutest little baby ever! The nurses just swoon over him. With his beautiful white blonde hair and little dimple in his chin, he has stolen the hearts of many. We are grateful to have such wonderful nurses taking great care of our baby.
Thanks to all who have thought about, prayed for, and supported us throughout this scary ordeal! Please continue to pray for Sawyer that he will get healthy so he can come home soon!

Pretty Princess Poses

2010-02-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

Lilyana has become quite the little poser lately. To my surprise, she has been suggesting I take picture of her. The other day she came out wearing her favorite Cinderella princess dress and told me to take pictures of her. I had to giggle as she started striking these model poses and all on her own! It was so cute and funny. She can be so stinkin' adorable sometimes!

Of course Alex had her own little gidup on and wanted her picture taken too!

I love how she tries to be like her sister and copy the things that she does. It is so cute how she is pulling out her skirt in this picture. I have to say (in a very non-biased way) that I have two of the most B-E-A-utiful little girls in the WORLD!!! I love them to pieces and enjoy the imaginations they have come into as they have grown!

Lilyana's Toilet Teaching Techniques

2010-02-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Gotta love having older siblings who help take care of the things you cringe to think about starting to teach.

Way to go Sissy!Lilyana's toilet training tips have made life just a little bit easier, but I still hate potty training!

Too Tushy Cute!

28 weeks and Glowing :)

2010-01-25T19:42:00.001-08:00

28 and 1/2 weeks!
Looking forward to that last stretch from
30 weeks to 40 weeks!
Just a little bit longer! Can I hang in there?!

All Dressed Up and Some Place to GO!

2010-01-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

These are a few of the pictures we took before going to Michael's winter work party Saturday night. I don't think the first two are very flattering of me, but they were the best of the ones taken. I am lookin' a little wide in the hips, but I really thought my hair looked cute!

My mom came over to watch the girls and Lily wanted us to take a picture together.

This one is super cute of us girls! Three generations!Gotta love the ones you take of yourself! I think it turned out better then the first ones! Shows the hair cuteness!I felt very pretty Saturday night. Haven't really felt that way in awhile.The picture of us at the party. The food was sooo yummy! I told Michael that my favorite reason for going to his parties is for the food! I filled up on ceasar salad and fresh fruit! Sooo delicious!
We both had a great night together and the party. We ate and then went a played some Blackjack at a "casino" they had set up there. We each got 2000 dollars worth of chips to bet with. Wasn't real, of course, but it was enjoyable! We both did pretty well! The best part, though, was just getting to spend some quality time with my man!

A Super-dee-duper Birthday Party!

2010-01-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

Alex had a lot of fun celebrating her second birthday with family and friends. Alexandria is very fond of Barney at the moment, so my faithful and wonderful friend Bridget and I combined our creative talents and homemade her her very own Barney the Dinosaur cake. We think it turned out (a little freaky) but still very cute! Alex loved it and kept saying, "Barney! Barney!", so that is all the matters! Alex has so many wonderful people who love her, and in my eyes, nothing could be greater than that! Her birthday was spent running around with friends and family, opening presents, which she loved them all and couldn't wait to play with them, and helping herself to birthday cake. She also received countless hugs and kisses from many who adore her and I am sure others who adore her just as much, had their thoughts focused on her! It was a very fun party and Alexandria sure seemed to enjoy it!

Our Barney Cake!

Bridget and Lily "thumbs it!"

A group photoAlex loves balloons!And so does Lilyana!Bridget lookin' gangsta in the princess hat.My girliesThe beautiful birthday girl in her adorable dress!
She reminded me of a garden fairy."Yay, for my birthday!"
"Huh?"I LOVE my girls!She is such a Daddy's girl!Birthday kisses from daddy.
Lily loves her auntie Bridget and Bridget loves her Lily!Michael with Natty girl.Auntie Mel and the birthday girlMommy and Baby.Having a snack.Auntie Bridget, Alex, and Mandy.You'd think it was MY birthday!She is a purse kinda girl!Time for cake! She didn't know what to think when everyone started
to sing "Happy Birthday" to her!Blowing out the candles. We all saw a little spit flying :) So Cute!
Helping herself to some more cake.Who me?Alex and her uncle James :)What a guy!
BFFMy beautiful Lily girl. She can't wait until it is her birthday!

Happy (Belated) 2nd Birthday Alexandria!

2010-01-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

Since the internet on our computer was down for two weeks, I missed blogging Alex's Happy Birthday. I have been trying to catch up now and it has been a lot of work, but finally, I have gotten to it!

My baby turned the big 2 on January 10!

We LOVE our precious Alexandria and are so grateful and blessed to have her as part of our family. It is hard to believe that two years have already come and gone! So bittersweet! She has brought such joy into our lives and we just don't know what we would do without her!
It is so fun to have watched her personality blossom in the last two years and to see the little character she has turned out to be. She is so funny and makes me laugh every day. I am so grateful for these moments when times are stressful! Alex is so loving and nurturing. She doesn't like to see others upset and will try and find ways to soothe them. She loves babies! She enjoys taking care of them, trying to feed them, and giving them plenty of toys to play with! We know she is going to be an awesome big sister to her little brother!
Alexandria LOVES her big sister Lily. Even when Lilyana is being mean to her, Alexandria is still always trying to please and willing to share her things. She is always ready with a BIG hug for whoever walks in the door, especially her daddy! She melts my heart when she tells me, "I need hug!" Ooooh I LOVE that! She has also grown to be sooo independent! She likes to do everything herself and she is always trying to keep up with her big sister and, my, has her vocabulary grown! I am sure a lot of the things she says, such as, "Let go me!" "Stop it, daddy (or whoever)!" and "No way!" she gets from her sister. The sentences that come out of her mouth never seize to amaze me! My favorite sayings are "I need hug" and " I lul you!" and "Oh, Maaaan!" She is just so stinkin' CUTE!

At 2, Alexandria LOVES:

*Baby dolls and strollers
*Going to church nursery
*Dress up shoes
*Barney
*Saying prayer
*Playing outside no matter the weather
*Riding her push car
*Singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Twinkle Twinkle"
*Dancing to music
*ART ART ART especially painting and coloring
*Giving hugs
*Her family
*Spooky our cat
*Fruit
*Drinking from a big girl glass
*Taking showers or baths
*Flushing toilet paper down the toilet
*Being naked
*Puzzles
*Reading booksWe LOVE our sweet little girl and we are looking forward to spending many more wonderful moments watching her grow. Her giggles are contagious and her energy is unbelieveable! What a beautiful and special spirit she is and we are so LUCKY to have her as ours!
We LOVE you ALEXANDRIA! Happy 2nd Birthday baby girl!
XOXOXOXOXO

Christmas at Grandma's

2010-01-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

After opening the rest of the presents at our house, we went over to grandma's to be with family, eat a yummy feast and open yet more PRESENTS :) The girls were definitely in Christmas Heaven!

My beautiful mother and grandfather.

My cheesy face girl :) LOVE HER!

Lilers actually giving a decent smile! Who hoo!

Waiting to open presents from grandma.

Dress up set from Auntie Mel.

I LOVE this face Alex is making! Totally makes me laugh every time
I see this picture! Such surprise!

Purse with goodies from Grandma.

Christmas dinner was delicious!

Family Christmas picture. I think it turned out pretty good this year!

Alex, Natty, and Lily! Cute little girls!

Not in the mood for hugs!

Alex, Natty, and Me.
My sister Melinda and Nataleigh.

Always so full of smiles!

It was a very MERRY Christmas indeed!

Opening Presents

2010-01-21T19:56:00.001-08:00

After Daddy got home, the girls were finally able to open the rest of their presents and, boy, did they tear it up! It was so much fun watching them open their gifts and seeing the enjoyment on their faces. They were so happy with everything they got and couldn't wait to play with it all! Lily got a new collection of princess dolls and Alex got plenty of noisy things to annoy everyone with! They both made out like bandits!

"Twas the Night Before Christmas. . .

2010-01-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's time for bed!

Christmas jammies (check!)

Thanks Gramma Brown!

Christmas story (check!)

Santa's Cookies (check!)

Bedtime huggies (check!)

Time to wait for Santa!

Christmas Morning: Santa's Surprises!

2010-01-21T18:50:00.001-08:00

Sadly, Daddy had to work Christmas morning :( So, to get the kids through the waiting to open presents until daddy gets home, we allowed the kids to have their surprises from Santa. Lily was ecstatic to see that Santa had eaten the cookies and milk she had left for him. I guess Santa thought that the girls had been good this year, because he sure spoiled them!!! Lily got a princess Ariel doll with horse and Alex got a brand new baby in a stroller. They were both so excited and thrilled! They each got a book and a princess dry erase board, not to mention a stocking full of candy and goodies! The best part was seeing how happy they were!

Christmas Eve (a little late)

2010-01-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

I know that I am WAY behind on my postings! I am sooo sorry! I know that I have a lot of family who look forward to seeing the pictures, so again, I am sorry, but between this kid I am carrying and the four others I watch daily, I seem to never have the time or energy (when I do have the time) to catch up. All I want to do is be lazy and sleep and rest! I will try and be better though!!

So, anyway, this was Christmas Eve. That morning, while waiting for Daddy to come home from work, the girls and I made holly candy and made and frosted sugar cookies. Okay, not really made. Now that they have those pre-cut designs, it just makes things much simpler :) They girls really enjoyed piling on the frosting and sprinkles! What could be more fun?!

After Michael got home, we went over to my mom's house for some yummy Mexican dinner and the kids got to open up a couple of presents. Boy, were they excited! Alex loved the Tinkerbell doll she got from Grandpa Great and Lily loved the book she got from Grandma.

Grandma got to open her mousepad made especailly for her with pictures
of the grandkids on it.

Auntie Mel got to open her handprint from Nat Nat.

It was a very fun, well spent Christmas Eve. I just LOVE being with my family!

Christmas Portraits 2009

2009-12-29T18:53:00.001-08:00

Sledding and Snow Play

2009-12-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

When we got home from our getaway, it was still snowing like crazy. Lily really wanted to go sledding outside, so I finally gave in and got both girls dressed in their winter gear and all of us headed outdoors.

This was Alex's first time playing in the snow and she absolutely LOVED it!

Lily got her turn to be pulled around in the little sled first.
She laughed and giggled the whole time!

Alex wasn't sure what to think at first, but it didn't take long
for her to get into the spirit of winter fun!

Cute little Lily all bundled up!

They both had a hard time taking turns and waiting, so we just stuck them
both on the little sled together and prayed that they could hang on!

Our own little Santa Paws (tee hee :))

Whoo hoo!!!

Mommy and her girls.

Daddy with his girls

Lily likes to eat the snow and poor Alex started to fall off the sled! But she was still
loving every minute of her little sleigh ride!

My little snow baby!

Lily throwing snowballs at me.

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland!

Oh, how I miss those childhood days of enjoying snow play
as much as she was!

Got a shovel?

The snow made this picture very BRIGHT but still very CUTE!

Estes Park Anniversary Weekend Getaway

2009-12-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Estes Park Anniversary Getaway via Pictures! Sorry! I have been so busy lately that commentary is hard to get done! We had a nice trip, though, and it was beautiful up there in the mountains. We loved being able to spend alone time together! Happy 5th Anniversary to us!

Waking up to this cut our vacay a little short!

The small quarters bathtub!

Not so romantic :)