Mommy of three

It has been an emotional 2015 thus far. Shortly before Christmas, we were expecting baby #2. Ansley was so excited to be a big sister. She fully took on the role by talking about being the "big girl" doing big girl things to help. Ansley was the one to share the news with the family. With Kyle's family, Ansley leans over the table at dinner and exclaimed, "Mommy has a baby in her belly like Mimi!" To the rest of the family, we texted a picture and her sign says: "Pink or Blue, either will do! Mommy's expecting Number 2!September 2015."

We were able to travel and see Granny and Papa and meander through life anxiously awaiting the first doctor appointment. On January 26th, the three of us piled into the car excited that we would hear a heartbeat. Ansley wanted to hear her own heartbeat, too! We all sat uncomfortably through the questions and exam and when the ultrasound machine was wheeled in, we perked up.

Sadly, we heard no heartbeat and saw no baby. It was a confusing outcome as I had been sick as a dog trying to work keeping what saltines I could down. We were told this looks like a miscarriage but we need a follow-up appointment with a different provider to confirm.

I had blood work done that day and then went back for more blood work two days later. Both blood test results confirm a pregnancy but my HCG levels started to decline. I had another appointment on February 2nd that confirmed what we already knew. We were about to lose another baby. I was officially diagnosed with a blighted ovum.We had taken the time since the first appointment to already try to process things and begin to heal our wounds.

To spare the small group of readers the details, I had elected to terminate the pregnancy as naturally as possible. I waiting for almost two weeks for my body to do what it could and then took some pills for the rest to pass. At my latest follow-up appointment on February 10th, it was validated that nature has taken its course and I miscarried 10 weeks into the pregnancy. I still have some physical speed bumps but nothing that warrants medical procedures or more follow-ups. (Phew!).

Emotionally, I have been a parent to three children. Even though we have elected not to name any but Ansley, we have been through the ringer with pregnancies. Two miscarriages and a traumatic pregnancy. We are forever grateful for our life and the plan God has for us. We have accepted the "bad" as the good comes so frequently. Our lives have forever changed because of the things we have conquered together. We are a stronger family, have a stronger marriage, and are stronger people. As we mend our broken hearts, we continue to enjoy every moment we have. We are trying to take advantage of the little things in life and count our blessings.

I am thankful for a beautiful and healthy family. I am fortunate to have a supportive family that is so loving and helpful. I love my job and the friends I have made at work have made my life richer.  Life is great and even though we experience loss, we have so much to live for.

Until next time.

2.19.14

Well, if there are readers out there, I have an update! Today's theme-- lists

We now own our own home. As of Dec, 30th 2013, we are home owners to a quaint 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home. This features (essentially) five levels: -upstairs has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and office nook. 
-The landing houses Ansley's own space we call the play room. 
-Our downstairs has the  kitchen, family room, and half bath. 
-Down a short flight of stairs is our laundry room, 
-followed by a multitude of storage space a flight of stairs below. 

We have already done minor changes to the house thanks to our wonderful support system:
-radon mitigation
-painting almost every room
-new microwave
-new drapery

Some other things that overwhelm me about the summer:
-new fence
-two new gates
-massive amounts of landscaping
-outside painting

I think that the main outcome of this is that my family is perfect and we now have a space to call our own. IT is awesome becoming a closer family in our own environment. Ansley learns every day. Things Ansley says that crack me up:
-When someone is coming, "AH! hide!" followed by scramble to hide behind something. 
-"Be careful mama. watch your fingers!"
-(AJ)"No-ah!" (Me) do you mean No? (AJ) "Duh!"
-(Me) Ansley, come here please. (AJ)"No mommy, Princess!" (Me) Ok, come here Princess. (AJ) "One minute mommy.
-"Big girl potty mommy. I do it." [We are officially potty trained.]

Our girl is growing up so fast. She says complete thoughts and is getting independent. I like to do laundry with her because she gets everything out of the dryer one at a time and gives it to me to fold and put in the right pile.  She helps feed the dog by carrying his dog bowl. She supervises my cooking and she helps read her stories at night. 

Will post again soon...

12-4-13

To update you on our life since Scotty was born over a year ago:

We are living in CO and loving it! We celebrate everything with family as it should be. We laugh, we play, and enjoy being together. We look forward to purchasing our fist home soon.

Ansley is now two and our little diva loves everything girly. She plays dress up, has tea parties, colors, sings, and dances. We are so lucky to have and we relish in the joy she brings... even when she throws a fit (can't help but laugh). She now has been teething again for those two-year molars. She spends days at daycare and with BB & Poppy. Her favorites are princess Sofia (Disney Jr.), candy, jumping, and swinging. 

Kyle is great! He will become a Deputy Sheriff for Adams County on Friday and we are so very proud of how well he did through the Academy. We are thankful for his hard work.

I now work for Cherry Creek High School is the Special Education department. It was a good change for me and the family as I now come home happy, less stressed, and I like my coworkers. I come home with stories that make us all laugh. My coworkers are kind and supportive, the students are funny and sweet. I am learning a lot about myself and continuing to develop skills I can add to my resume. 

We look forward to what comes next and hope you are all a part of it. We are thankful for all of you. 

 

Dress up. you can't see but she has on princess shoes too.

 This is a little older... from my birthday 9-9-13. 

 Scotty's birthday at the park: 11-2-13.

 We went shopping dressed like this the other day. 

 Diesel is still the best dog, ever!

Our sweet girl turned two on 11-21-13. She shared her party with our friend Ellie Miera. They had a "Double Bubble" bubble gum party and BB and Poppy's. She loved the attention.

End of 2012

November was a busy month and I forgot to update.

On November 2nd we welcomed Scotty Jo Brown into the world. Tyler and Kim had a beautiful baby girl. 8lbs. 10 oz. 21 inches long.































November 16-18, we went to Las Vegas for the Marine Corps Birthday ball. Aunt Jayne and Mike met us there and took care of Ansley while Kyle and I had a night to ourselves. It was so much fun!

After the ball, we celebrated Ansley's first birthday! She had so many people surround her with love and was so lucky to get gifts from all over. Thank you to all who helped celebrate her! She is a great kid and had a wonderful birthday!

Then came Thanksgiving and we had a lot to be thankful for. We are thankful for each other and the safe return of Kyle. We are thankful for our family and their support. Our beautiful 1-year old is such a blessing. She is so fun and brings so much joy into our lives. Diesel is a great companion and we are thankful for him. We are thankful for all the friends we have. Our health is a huge and we are grateful for that. The opportunities we have been able to take advantage of in 2012 and those waiting for us in our future... The list can go on and on. 

 December was an eventful month as well. Ansley got to meet Santa for the first time and it was a bit scary. 

We were able to take some leave and go home to Colorado. We got to spend time with family and friends. The only thing about going home is that it is never long enough. It was freezing cold but lots of fun! Thanks to all who made time for us and thank you for our generous Christmas gifts. 

Christmas came and Santa was good to us. After an evening at church and then movies, we woke up to a relaxing day. We opened presents, napped, and then feasted on prime rib. It was a success!

Last thing we acknowledge is that I completed my MBA!! With the help of my husband,  and all family, I was able to accomplish a goal I had set in my mind since I graduated high school. I am a very lucky person to have such a strong support system. 

2013 brings such promise for our family. With several options to consider we will close our chapter on the life we have built in Twentynine Palms and begin a new one. Where? we don't know just yet but it is in God's hands. We have faith that no matter what we decide, He will protect us. Our family is whole again and we will embark on the journey to come together. :) 

October 2012

I think monthly updates are my new goal.... Here is the news in October:

Kyle came home October 7, 2012. Both sets of parents were there to witness the event and experience the emotion I was talking about all last deployment. I think that "Brown Family Operation Re-integration" has been going smoothly. There are mornings that I can sleep in because Daddy has it all covered. Most evenings are the "I still only want Mommy" times but we are all doing our best to be patient with one another. Here is a video we put together and posted on 'youtube:' 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5WHQ5owtZM&feature=plcp

Anlsey is as happy as ever. She smiles a lot and with the two bottom teeth making a V, it makes it even cuter. She won't let me get a good picture yet, but soon to come. It is fun to watch her grow and become comfortable with her surroundings. She eats almost anything and everything. She eats chicken, avocado, yogurt, peas, carrots, green beans, and mashed potatoes the most. She makes the "ahhh" sound after drinking and "mmm" while eating. Soon she will eat her own cake at her first birthday. Soon we will start the final transition from nursing to whole milk! Reluctant at times, Ansley and Daddy have made great strides and have bonded a lot since he has been home. She has taken her first steps but doesn't do much walking unless you let her hold your finger. The steps were captured and posted on 'youbtube:' 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uePDBBWcFHc&feature=plcp

Diesel is a good dog. He loves walks everyday and has come to expect them. He knows that a little while after dinner it is time and he paces and nudges you until you are ready. Then all you have to say is, "are you ready?" and he goes crazy. Ansley loves helping walk him. She bounces in her stroller. 

Me? On Tuesday I will have my last first day of class. I start the capstone course to the program and six weeks later (assuming I pass) I will be the holder of a Masters in Business Administration degree. Looking back I have no regrets, I just hope it pays off. I need a good paying job! Otherwise, I keep busy finding news ways to cook for this hungry baby and husband while keeping up with the wife duties of cleaning and laundry. After I graduate I will be in the market for a hobby. Maybe I will make all the DIY projects on pinterest. :)

Upcoming events in November:

-Memorial Service for the fallen Marines

-Marine Corps Ball

-Ansley's first birthday

-Thanksgiving in 29 Palms

 We will be the "Brown" Bears for halloween! Surprisingly Ansley loved wearing the costume. 

Our family is complete again! Welcome home Kyle.

We got a new car!... well, new to us. We made our first vehicle purchase together and chose a 2003 55,000 mile Ford Escape. It is perfect for the next transition in our lives and all four of us can comfortably fit in it together. :)

September 2012

This month we have settled into a routine and it feels good to be home again. Ansley had her delayed 9-month check and she is a healthy baby!

16.95 lbs. she is in the 12th percentile for her age (Skinny Minnie). 

27.76 inches long puts her in the 45th percentile for her age; average.

She has tried shredded grilled chicken and carrots and peas for dinner and ate it all. :) 

I have to constantly watch her as she crawls EVERYWHERE. It isn't hard to find her as we got new laminate in the living room (courtesy of base housing) and every movement makes a slap. She loves to talk and move around but she still has her cuddle moments. Ansley cruises furniture and walks holding mommy's hands but isn't confident enough to stand alone. Still no teeth but everything still goes straight to the mouth. She is getting acquainted with sharing. She understands it may be someone else's turn, but to actually let go and share is another story. (See below picture). 

As she grows, so does her fascination of Diesel so I have to watch her because she tries to share her food and touch his face. Both are a "no, no." He is patient with her petting him and she is interested in every part of him: tugging on his nails, touching his tail, crawling after him, etc. 

I am now 25! Old enough to rent a car!! Thank you to all who made me feel loved for a whole week. I received phone calls, text messages, cards, gifts, and long distance X's and O's. I continue to go to school and run things around here as we count down the days until Kyle comes home. About a month more... give or take. I have started a new diet and workout regime but finding time to do it is exhausting it itself. Luckily I have a motivation group and my close friend, Katrina, is "my coach" who keeps me accountable and on track. 

Diesel suffers from desert allergies and we are once again back to the licking, scratching, and pacing. The twice a day allergy pill no longer fixes things so we may do a vet visit for more steroids. I keep telling him: "six more months..." That's all we have before the next chapter in our lives begins. 

Thanks to all back home who let her play with their cell phones, she now puts any object up to her ear and says "hi." Daddy INSISTED she play with an old cell.... I am not sure that was a good idea but there is no turning back now. 

My little climber tries to climb on me to get to things.

A pacifier is never too far away and is chewed on in every fashion.

Lately we have gotten to Skype with Kyle and it brightens the day. :)

The First taste of chicken and actual veggies: carrots and peas. Yum!

August 2012

This deployment has had its fast moments and slow but either way we are ALMOST DONE! Mid-October is our target and we hope to speed towards it. :)

Just to fill you in...

Ansley has continued to grow and blossom. Her personality is as cute as can be and charms her way into everyone's heart. 

-I am not sure of Ansley's height or weight but will have her 9 month check up at the end of the month. Last visit to the doctor in July said just under 15lbs., approx. 26 inches long and I know she has grown since then as she is in 6-9/9month clothes now.

-Ansley has been to 11 states thus far in her 8 month, 3 week life:

   -Driving from CA to CO route 1: CA, NV, UT, CO

   -Route 2: AZ, NM

   -To Granny and Papa's: GA, AL

   -To see the McFadden's: OH

   -To Brown-Sherman family reunion: WI, MI

-Pulls herself up onto tables, people, toys, couch, chairs, etc. 

-Crawls like a pro with her belly off the floor, unless she is tired and then it's belly down as if she is breast-stroking on land (which suits her because she LOVES pool or bath time).

-Loves to feed herself arrowroot cookies, puffs, and yogurt chips. She eats all kinds of baby food including oatmeal and "apples with chicken." She does not like green beans lately. She drinks from a sippy cup with water or apple juice/water mix.

-Smiles, laughs, and plays constantly. 

-Ansley doesn't like naps so mommy is constantly coaxing into a sleepy mode and it never works.

-Ansley is patient and well behaved. She smiles even when she is tired or upset. Attracts the attention of all and loves the coos from them. 

-Enjoys playing by herself as much as she enjoys playing with others.

-Needs to be in the same room as others.

-Waves, claps, and points.

-Needs to know where mommy is all the time unless she is too busy playing to notice she has stepped out of the room. 

-She loves her puppy, Grandma, Grammy, Poppy and Grandpa and is very comfortable with them holding her. 

-She has been teething FOREVER and we now have a diaper rash to prove it regardless of the amount of desitin or A & D mommy uses. 

-Sings (holds random notes) and dances (bounces or rocks) along with the radio, TV commercials, games, and someone singing.

-Says "Dada" all the time with the occasional, "BB" (for grammy BB), "DD!" (for Diesel), she will reply "Yes" or "Ya" to your questions. There are other undistinguished sounds coming out of her mouth, but she refers to everything as "this" and tonight she said "mama."

Some other news:

-Mommy is 2.5 classes from her MBA. :)

-We move back to 29 Palms with Poppy's help the third full week of this month. 

Here are some pictures the past few months in random order:

First bath in the sink (usually bath tub), an oatmeal bath thanks to the rash.

Pulls herself up onto things

Sending Love to Dada.

Your Majesty on his throne

LOVE the water!!

can't get her away from the pool

Michigan visit

 

First 4th of July

Went and visited Granny and Papa

Pretty Girls 

More love from Great Grandparents

More Fun in MI

CHEESE!