The Sorensen's

3 months already!

2012-01-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

Brynn is 3 months today! I can't believe how fast it's going by! I just wanted to post something quick and this cute picture of her because she is the best baby ever.

Happy 3 month birthday!

And I am going to try and take her 3 month pics at Disneyland because we leave today to Cali! So excited! Can't wait! I'm sure there will be lots and lots of pictures to post when I get back.

Green goodness.

2012-01-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

My cousin Kelly Statzer came up to me the other day and told me about the "green smoothies". I have heard about it and was very interested in trying them after watching "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead".

It's about this over weight guy on all kind of medications goes on a juice fast for 60 days. It's loaded with all kinds of fruits and vegetables! Not only does he lose a ton of weight, he is healthy enough to stop taking all his medication! It's a really cool show.

Anyways, Kelly send me a link to this website,

http://www.livingrawbygrace.com/

and she has a similar story.

Sooooooo, trying to be healthy and all Lacey and I decided to try the green smoothie. There are all kinds of recipes out there but we wanted to go simple (because this whole vegetable drink thing is all new to us, and kind of weird looking. hahah)

So we did:

1 cup of spinach

3 bananas

1 cup of water

And to tell you the truth..... IT WASN'T THAT BAD!!!

I think this could be a new thing!

The Hidden Roll.

2012-01-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

Last night when we were getting ready to put Brynn down for the night and she does what she does best......

she spit up all over her neck.

If you have seen Brynn lately she has started to pack on the pounds and has the cutest chubby cheeks ever! (not to mention the cute new rolls on her thighs). Well Russ went to clean out the spit up in her neck and on the wipe there was blood!!! Where did that come from!?!? We went to investigate and since she has gotten so chubby in her face and neck there were seriously like 5 rolls under her neck! We had to pull her head up and pull the rolls apart to see what was going on down there. The poor thing had a raw neck from moisture and spit up! We always clean her neck out but there was like a hidden roll under all the other rolls on her neck that trapped all the moisture down there! I'm surprised she hasn't been more fussy lately because it looks like it hurts! Poor Brynn! So we are keeping it dry and clean now!

Sorry Brynn! We love you!

(and are still learning....)

i'm gonna look ridiculous

2012-01-13T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well this baby weight is getting a little old now.

I was talking to Ruthie the other day on Skype and she told me about the workout she did and lost a bunch of weight from. It's one of Jillians workouts....6 pack in 6 weeks!

I thought of getting a workout pass to the gym but then decided against it. I know myself it was hard getting to the gym WITHOUT a baby for me. So I needed something I could do at home so I thought this was perfect. Of course I am such a "buddy" person I needed a buddy to help motivate myself to do this everyday. I told Lacey to come and join the Jillian party! So Lacey has come over and we have been doing pretty good.

The first time I did it i was SOOOO SORE and could barely do the moves.

We are into week 2 now and things are getting easier (but I am still huffing and puffing and sweating like crazy the whole way through it.) I hope that this can help me shave off some of this baby weight because I am not one of the lucky ones "that it just melt right off" when I am breastfeeding. I think it is the exact opposite actually (I guess that is what I get for having such an easy pregnancy). So Lacey and I took "before pictures" of ourselves to see if this video really makes a difference. Of course the real pictures are way too embarrassing to post so you get this for now. Hopefully I will have some awesome AFTER pictures and then maybe I won't be so embarrassed to post the befores.

But trust me, you don't want to see them.

We of course are trying to watch our diets as well but I feel like I still have a pregnant appetite! (and all I want are sweets!) Anywhoo, I know I just had a baby like 2 and a half months ago but I feel so sad that none of my clothes fit me and that I have to wear Russ T-shirts and the same pair of "BIG" jeans I bought for myself everyday. And you just feel gross (like I bend over and a fat roll is preventing me to bend any farther that was never there before).

I need to shed some pounds. I hope this works!

In the video there is a part that she says "You know what you are gonna do is look RIDICULOUS" That's the goal, we want to look ridiculous. Wish me luck.

(ps. did mention I hate working out)

Jillian is kicking our butts!

Proof

2012-01-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have arguments with your spouse

about their snoring?

You wake up from a restless nights sleep and roll over and tell your husband "I could not sleep last night because you kept snoring!" and there response is "No, I don't snore....whatever!"

Well, one night I got the proof.

Russ tends to snore when he lays on his back. A little nudge in the middle of the night will get him to stop (usually). One night when I was finished feeding Brynn I walked back into the room to hear a BEAR SNORE. I have never hear Russ snore this loud before! I had to get it on camera to show him..."LOOK HOW LOUD YOU WERE SNORING!" He WAS sick so that made the snore worse but just listen to this......no one could sleep through that!

Yep. More Brynn Pictures.

2012-01-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Ok....So before I had kids I would read other peoples blogs who DID have kids and say, "those pictures are cute of all their kids but what are the mom and dad up to? Where are the pictures of them? Why is it always blogs about the kids?"

Well I have turned into the mom who is obsessed with her kid and now I understand. (But I still will try to take more pics of Russ and I and keep you updated with us too!) I am always taking pictures of her and forget to take some of Russ and I as well.

Lately that is nearly impossible since Russ is working day and night. They are implementing some new software in the office and are still fixing a few bugs and training....so lets just say it's just me and Brynn most days right now. So I had to go out and take some pictures of Brynn in her Blessing dress before she grew out of it. So I had Russ help me and we loaded her up to take her for her first outdoor photoshoot at 2 months old. She better get used to this.

She will basically have a camera in her face her whole life.

Brynn is the best....

2012-01-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

As a new mom, I totally find myself staring at

Brynn when she is sleeping.

She is just too cute! I walked in to find her arms stretched so high up! It's funny because I usually swaddle her but I didn't for this nap. She really took advantage of the extra space she had for her arms. I love her.

Happy Birthday to Jesus!

2011-12-29T10:17:00.001-08:00

I saw a really cute Christmas card the said Happy Birthday to Jesus! Isn't this why we celebrate Christmas! It was so cute! Around this time of year I seem to always get so busy, doing last minute shopping, wrapping presents, decorating the tree and the house for Christmas that the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas gets lost.

I feel very grateful this year for so many reasons.

Russ and I have had so many blessings in the past few months, it's amazing.

I feel so grateful to have such a awesome husband. He works so hard to provide for our family. He picks up groceries for me on his way home from his long day at work. He snuggles with me in the morning. He changes Brynn's diapers, feeds her and puts her down when I have had enough. He helps me clean the house. He calls me when he goes to lunch to say hi. He leaves me sweet notes on the mirror in our bathroom. The simple things he does everyday reminds me of why I married him.

He is a kind and loving man and I am lucky to have him.

I am in awe of how amazing it it to have a daughter and to be a mother. She has such a happy spirit. She brings us much joy (even if we don't sleep). I love her smile, my face lights up when I see it. I love her sweet voice (even if she is crying). She is so small and I love to cuddle with her. I am so grateful I can be a stay at home mom. I love to spend time with her and see her grow and develop. She is so precious and so beautiful. I am starting to see so much of Russ in her. She will probably be a daddy's girl. =-) I am so grateful for the opportunity to carry her and bring her to this world.

We are grateful for the new home we were able to purchase. I don't think it was just "luck". I know Heavenly Father was watching over us and provided this home for us. I am so grateful for the ward and the neighborhood we live in.

We are surrounded by such amazing people.

I am grateful for the schooling Russ was able to have.

For the 3 wonderful yeas in Utah we had together.

I am grateful for the chance to move back home close to family and the job that Russ has.

We would have none of this if is wasn't for Christ's birth and ultimately his sacrifice that allowed us to be here and to have these earthly experiences and joys!

So Happy Birthday Jesus!

We had so much fun with our family over the weekend. Dinner with uncle Ryan and Bri on Thursday. Then our big extended family party on Friday with all the aunts and uncles and cousins with dinner (homemade soups!) and a fun elephant exchange!! Then our immediate family gathered together on Christmas eve for dinner and our traditional "open one gift on Christmas eve." Then Russ and I had our own family opening present time on Christmas day morning, went to church with the Mullaly's and mom and dad, then off to mom and dads to read the birth of Christ and finish opening presents! Straight from there we went to Russ moms house to have dinner and exchange gifts! It was a long but fun weekend!

Here are a few pictures from Brynn's first Christmas!!!!

Her Christmas jammies were from Nikki, they used to be Tanners. =-)

She looks cute in them!

Our first REAL Christmas TREEEEE!!!

Made by my lovely sister Brooke!

Stocking hung with care....

Merry Christmas Baby Brynn!

We had to include Domino in the festivities....

Brynns First ornament.

Russ Got her matching sweat pants like moms hahaha.

Russ also bought Brynn this cute hoody!

Our tree wouldn't be complete without a BYU ornament! (Domino thought it was his toy and was trying to eat it!)

a mini blacklight flashlight (i know it's not as cool as Scotts!)

I got him this movie because it looks awesome in blueray!

my mommy and daddy and baby ornament!

Russ made me some new church music.

and don't forget the chapstick!

He labeled each one for different parts of the house so there will always be a chapstick around (so I stop using his! )

Santa came!

new outfit number 1 (she got 2)

Brynn and daddy!

awesome shorts from kerri and marcy!

cute wallet from kerri and marcy!

These are presents to Brynn..... =-)

Love her! She is the best present we got!

Merry Christmas Brynn! (i know she is really excited inside)

Russ surprised me with a tablet and lightroom! So unexpected and i LOVED LOVE LOVED IT!

I surprised Russ with a "parking spot" in the garage. Our garage was so messy We could not park 2 card in it. So i cleaned it, had jake power wash it, and bought some shelves (that dad and jake put together for me) to put the boxes up and organize it! i am a good wife huh? haha.....

The fam on Christmas...

me and my little santa.

I love this pic of her!

The aunts love Brynn!

Dad is a loner. haha.

Happy Blessing Day!

2011-12-27T15:07:00.001-08:00

Obviously I am behind but I am doing my best to keep up with this little one and our lives (but I take so many dang pictures)! We had such a fun Christmas and there will be many pics to come of that!

On the 11th of December our little Brynn was blessed.

If you don't know what a baby blessing is in the LDS church, it is a simple ordinance that normally takes place in the chapel during a regular Sunday meeting. The father or a priesthood holder with other priesthood holders gather around the baby. They put one hand underneath and one on the shoulder of the man to their left. The person performing the blessing announces the name of the baby and then gives the child a personal blessing of health, and future development such as education, marriage, etc. It is a sweet thing to experience as a mother as Russ blessed Brynn and her future well being. She is such a happy girl and will be such an example to others around her. I know she is a strong girl and she will accomplish much in her life.

We are so happy to have this little girl in our family. =-)

She wore her sweet ivory dress and was greeted by all her family that day. We were so happy everyone could be there to support her and we felt everyones love for her and Russ and I. We appreciate everyones attendance especially those who traveled to see her. At the end of her blessing when the fathers show off the baby to the congregation, Russ did kind of a "Lion King" Simba move and held her up really high above his head....it was pretty funny......

Auntie Nikki

2011-12-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

It's been so fun to be close to Auntie Nikki! I will tell you that Brynn has been spoiled by the whole Mullaly crew. Nikki texts me asking to babysit or to come over so I can see her. She always wants to hold her when she is over, feed her, burp her, and even change her diapers! Maddi wants to hog the Brynn time too. She always wants to hold her and doesn't want to share with her mom. Jake voluntarily asks to hold her and snuggle her too! And even little tanner tries to rock her and talk to her. It's been awesome having them near and I know all the other Aunts (and grandma) better fight to be the favorite! haha, Nikki is very close so Brynn might get attached to her first!

A while ago Nikki wanted to come over just to give Brynn a bath. So i called her when it was bath time and Maddi came along too. I think SOMEONE IS BABY HUNGRY! Of course I don't complain when Nikki wants to help....I love Brynn to pieces but it gives a tired mama a break!

Here is some pictures when Maddi and Nikki came to bath her

(I didn't think to get the camera out till she was done).

I'm not sure Brynn knows what to think....haha

Thanks Auntie Nikki!

Lotion time! can you just smell the amazing baby aroma!?!

Bald is Beautiful

2011-12-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

So my beautiful baby girl has lost all the hair on the top of her head! She is still of course the most beautiful girl to me

but if she doesn't wear pink or a bow in her hair she sort of resembles a bald old man. haha.

All moms want their girls to have beautiful long hair right? Well, that will come...but for now our motto around here is......bald in beautiful.......

Russ and Brynn bonding time?

2011-12-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

Soooo yesterday Russ came home from work and watched Brynn while I had to go to a VT meeting (yes I have a new calling, and yes I will be calling YOU to see if you did you visiting teaching.....) and I said

"Russ can you put the dishes away and start putting the lights on the tree so when I get home we can hang the ornaments?"

He reluctantly agreed and I left to my meeting.

Well, when I came home this is what I found....

As you can see, no dishes got put away and no lights got put on the tree.

Can we count this as Brynn and Daddy Bonding time?

I'm not so sure.....

what are we going to do with him?

Tis the season

2011-12-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well Have have house and DANG IT we are going to decorate it for Christmas! I was so impressed when Russ one Saturday morning and went on the hunt for the Christmas lights for the house....He wanted the old school BIG bulb lights and we was determined to get them. How determined you ask? Determined enough to go to 5 or 6 stores to find them! Where did he end up getting them? Out of all the places he found some LED C9 bulbs at Walgreens! So random! So he asked his dad to come over and "supervise" as Doug put it. Basically he came over to give Russ the big ladder (since we currently d not own a ladder) and tell him when to do from the ground. Russ screwed in all the hooks and put our lights up on our house, even the second story! Go Russ!

Then on Saturday we had a family Christmas tree night! We all went out to a Christmas tree lot and picked out our trees. Yes we have a REAL pine smelling delicious tree! This is our first Real TREE! So we got the tree on Saturday and well....It's still outside in a bucket...it hasn't even made it inside yet. But it will (hopefully today!) I want to SMELL IT! and DECORATE IT!

I wanted a pick of the man who loaded our tree, he said "are you going to tag me on facebook?" haha....

Both Baby Brynn and Domino were there. Brynn stayed bundled up in her car-seat because it was SO COLD. And look what Russ is wearing....So typical of Russ (that is what he wore in the snow in Utah too.....he will never learn)

I inherited a bunch of Christmas decorations from my mom (thank you mom! love handmedowns!) And I decorated the whole house...It really wasn't a TON of decorations but when Russ came home he said "Whoa! It looks like Christmas just exploded in my house!" I don't think he is used to holiday decorations.....Anyways i am so excited for Christmas! I am listening to the music and getting into the holiday spirit! This is my favorite time of year (and i love that is is getting colder!!)

This made my day!!!!

2011-11-30T16:38:00.000-08:00

i like to sleep.

2011-11-29T15:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do like to sleep....but lately I don't get much. Brynn eats about every 3 hours (and sometimes every 2 hours). I feel like I am just constantly feeding this child! At night she is pretty good she usually sleeps for about 3 hours at a time (and she has slept 5 hours 3 times). But during the day lately (and especially in the mornings) She has been eating like every 2 hours. I try and stall her and get her to the 3 hour mark but she usually spends most of her mornings fussing.

For those of you who breast feed.....help me!

I feel like I am not making enough milk to keep up with this girl.

I have started pumping and feeding her from a bottle to give her the most that I can.

How can you make more milk?

Is there a trick to this?

I end up supplementing her with formula almost once a day now. I may not be drinking enough liquids....would that stunt your milk supply? All I know is that she is a hungry girl lately (maybe she is growing) but I need to figure out how to make more milk! Any suggestions!?!?

I just got Brynn's blessing outfit today. It's adorable! But everything seems so big on her still! Grow Brynn Grow!! ( I say that now but I will probably miss her sweet small self....)

I haven't been taking too many pictures of her lately but I do love to take pictures of her when she is sleeping. (Probably because I can actually slow down and stare at her and she look so peaceful.) haha. Here are some fun sleeping pictures of her!

I love these faces she makes when she is sleeping....silly girl!

As some of you know, she sleep in bed with us the first week or 2 she was home. It was the only way she would sleep good.

This is where Brynn sleeps now. She loves her bouncer (with the vibration ON and her night light and sound maker....)

I love this picture of her. She looks so relaxed!

She fell asleep in my office while I worked on the computer....Do you love my new canvas?! My grandpa is in that picture! Cool huh?!

This was the first time she EVER fell asleep on a flat surface. (she likes to be elevated). She must have been SO TIRED. (don't mind my messy house.....)

She likes to fall asleep with daddy.

One month old!

2011-11-28T22:16:00.000-08:00

I realize that I have not posted a picture of russ and I for a while. Well I lost the charger to my point and shoot camera and misplaced the SD card as well. I finally have a new charger and a new card so hopefully I will start taking pictures of us again. We love Brynn but we want to keep you updated with us too. (although we are not doing too much these days.....)

I did Brynn's one month pictures today! She was grumpy all morning but finally fell asleep and gave me just enough time to take some cute pictures of her. I have so much on my "to do list" right now but her pictures were about all I got done today. (I didn't even pick up the photoshoot mess yet) It's just one of those days. But this picture makes it all worth it! (special thanks to Brooke....she made the headband, tutu, bough me the cradle and redid the fabric on it! What a talented sister I have!)

I'm too sexy for my diaper

2011-11-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well everyone asked me "why are you getting your newborn pictures taken? Why aren't you doing them yourself?" Well I am taking plenty of pictures of Brynn myself but a week after you have a baby you are not in the greatest shape to be doing a 4 hour newborn session. It is nice to sit back and relax and not have to worry about taking photos all the time. Plus I wanted some photos with Russ and I and her. I found Melissa Bailey and loved her newborn stuff. She did a fabulous job and I am very happy with them. Go check out her website! I'm pretty sure Brynn is a born model. I mean she is going to have to be right? haha. I will stalk her with a camera for the rest of her life! Hope she likes to pose! So far so good!

3 weeks old!

2011-11-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

Taking pictures every week is proving to be quite a challenge for me. It's not that easy to take pictures of this girl all by myself! Well parenthood has been a whirlwind of emotion.

Joy, excitement, exhaustion, cluelessness, happiness.......

She is the cutest little girl ever! I have mixed emotion about the "newborn stage." I love how petite and small she is, I love to stare at all her little features, I love to watch her silly expressions, I love to snuggle with her, I love how much she sleeps (I can get things done around the house) I love seeing her in a "milk coma" with her glossy eyes when she is full, and so much more. But I do get tired of the sleepless nights and sore breasts. I can't wait for her to recognise me as her mother and give me a cute smile. I can't wait to see her expressions and hear her talk. I can't wait for her to sit up and to fit into some of her older cute outfits. I know that most people are going to tell me to treasure the moment because they are gone so fast. Don't worry, I am doing that. The newborn stage is not for everyone. I love my baby and can't wait to watch her grow!

Russ and I are getting into more of a regular routine now. I usually let Russ sleep most nights and take care of her (unless I am so tired or I'm just not having a good night with her). She is starting to be a little more awake during the day especially in the mornings (which makes it hard for mama to take a nap). She is eating good and we went to the doctor yesterday and she is already 7 lbs and 7 oz! (When we went to the doctor a few days after she was born she was 6 lbs and 4 oz. So she is putting on weights and she already grew an inch!

Being a mom is so much fun but pretty tiring right now. I apologize to my friends and family for not visiting much lately. We have been keeping her home to avoid getting her sick and I am just so tired sometimes to thing about packing her up and going somewhere. You have to pack SO MUCH just to get out of the house with a baby! So I prefer to stay home most of the time although I go a little crazy being home all the time by myself. It gets boring. But we have taken her out a few times now with us and she is really good.

I love this picture of her. She is too sweet.

My first Halloween

2011-11-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Well As most of you know Halloween is one of my favorite holidays!

I absolutely love it!

We just relaxed this Halloween for obvious reasons. Brynn was only 5 days old on Halloween and I had a cute little "My 1st halloween" onesie for her to wear for the occasion. We decorated the porch, put some scary music on and passed out Halloween candy to the neighbor kids. I LOVE our neighborhood by the way. There are so many young families over here and lots of trick or treaters! My parents and Lacey stopped by and we had pizza. Mom and dad went tick or treating with the Mullaly's around the neighborhood. They all came to stop by as well as Doug and Dawn who came by to see her for the first time! (They were out of town when she as born.) It was a nice Halloween with our new family. I'm glad I had an October baby! She can have costume parties for her birthdays! Whoo hoo!

Fighting the nap

2011-11-10T22:35:00.001-08:00

One thing to know about Brynn....she is a sleepy baby.

Everytime I feed her it is a fight to keep her awake before she is finished. She falls asleep so easily! Of course she has her wide awake moments (usually in the middle of the night of course) but overall she sleeps pretty good. Today I saw her fighting to fall asleep. I thought it was so funny so I grabbed my video camera to document it. Here is sleepy Brynn. =-)

First Bath

2011-11-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well I am blogging right now with Brynn in my lap so we will see how long she wants to sit here with me. She takes a binkie which is fabulous. It keeps her quiet and comfortable even though it could be feeding time right now. =-) I am trying to get her to eat a little less frequently (longer than every 2 hours) and I'm trying not to feed her every time she cries. So we are just hanging out right now. Just me and her. Like always. Not trying to say she is boring but lets just say I have been watching a little too much TV lately. I am waiting to feel a little better and more confident to take her out by myself.

I have only left the house like 3 times in 2 weeks. It's pathetic.

She has been such a mellow baby. She still getting used to life with and we are getting used to her and trying to find some routine in all this craziness. But all and all she is a great baby. She is pretty content most of the time and doesn't cry much, she just grunts and wines a lot. For such a small baby she poops sooooo much! She is a poop machine! I feel like as soon as I change her I have to change her again! She still is too small for a lot of her "newborn" clothes but she is starting to fill in a little bit.

The past 2 nights she has slept pretty well and I hope this will be a normal thing soon. She slept for a good 4.5 hours and then another 3 hours. It's getting much better. She sleeps in a swing/bouncer these days and that seems to work well for her. We kicked her out of our bed! =-) Although I love to snuggle I want my bed to myself. =-)

We cut her fingernails the other day so she would not claw her eyes out.

Russ and I still haven't gotten in the hang of changing diapers FAST before she pees all over. It happens quite often. Russ especially...I think he is too slow and uses too many wipes (he wants her EXTRA clean). The other night I was a little sluggish and she peed on me and the couch. It was very lovely. I was so tired I didn't even bother changing my shorts. I know.....it's gross.

She like to stretch a lot more now and she is pretty good at tummy time already. She is a strong girl and can already lift her head for a little bit! THe first time we gave her tummy time she lifted one leg all the way in the air! It was hilarious!

She is an acrobat!

Her first bath was fun She didn't seem to like it much. I don't think she likes being naked anyways so she wined and cried through the whole thing. And yes we tried putting a warm cloth on her tummy and head too but she still was not a happy camper. We had to get into all her crevasses and rolls to make sure se was super clean. We got her in the bath and set her on the counter in the kitchen and bathed her there. (the 3rd time we gave her a bath she had a poo explosion in the bathtub....ew)

Having Brynn is so fun and so exhausting all at the same time. we love her!

I'm 2 weeks!

2011-11-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Time is flying by!

Brynn is now 2 weeks old!

Taking care of a newborn is tough work!

We are officially zombies all the time catching some sleep whenever and wherever we can. I haven't really ventured out of the house much with her yet but I am starting to get a little ansty. It gets kind of boring when all you do is eat, sleep, feed the baby, change diapers and watch 30 rock all day long.

I'm lucky if I can get a shower everyday.

We are working with her on sleeping better at nights. She has good and bad nights and has not gotten into a schedule yet. Mom and baby are doing good with breast feeding. I will see at our next Doctors appointment if she is gaining enough weight.

My recovery has gone great! I feel pretty good these days! Still can't fit into any of my clothes. It's pretty depressing but I know it will take time to get all the weight off.

Russ comes home and is a super helpful daddy!

He basically does anything I ask him to (I mean I DID BIRTH this baby. He owes me....hahaha) But he really is a great help around the house, a master swaddler and not afraid to change gross poopy diapers. He helps put her back to sleep in the middle of the night when she is WIDE AWAKE and I am just DONE with her and will go downstairs on the recliner and sleep with her to get her to go back to bed. He is such a sweet daddy!

We are getting the hang of this mommy and daddy thing and I think we are starting to really enjoy all of it....(except for when she starts wining in the middle of the night and wakes us up.....we sit there wondering if she will go back to sleep or if the wine is going to turn into a scream....it gives us anxiety...hahaha)

The definition or our lives

2011-11-05T08:30:00.001-07:00

How's life with a baby you ask?

This picture says it all.

D day.

2011-11-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is here!

It has been a blur since we have gotten home from the hospital (mainly because of lack of sleep) but we love are little Brynn so so much!

She is just over a week old now and has been a great baby.

I delivered Brynn Ashley Sorensen on

October 26th, 2011 at 1:02pm.

Russ and I decided to get her induced early (a few days before her due date) because our doctor was going to be out of town on her due date and over the weekend and I did not want to go OVER my due date. I was READY for her to come! So for first time moms it is standard procedure that they will admit you to the hospital the night before (to labor through the night and deliver the next day) since it usually take first time moms longer to labor and give birth. So on Tues (October 25th) we checked into the hospital at 9:00pm.

We got a room and settled in. Since I was dilated to a 4 on my own when I came into the hospital they didn't want to start the induction until a little later. My family came to see me before we started the induction. It was nice to see them all so excited for me!

So Russ and I got to sit and relax. I tried to sleep but with all the excitement, nervousness, anxiety and everything it was hard for me to sleep at all so I just watched a little TV. At 2:30am the nurse came in (my FAVORITE NURSE) and she started my pitocin at a low dose to start the induction process. My nervousness started to fade and my excitement started to grow!

Now it was a waiting game.

We sat for a few hours and I started to feel the contractions around 4:30am. Russ stared at the monitor and saw when I started having a contraction. He would see my face and my body tense up, look over at the monitor and say "looks like your having a contraction....oh, your at your peak now...breath, just breath!"

Easy for him to say huh?

The contractions were bad enough that I could not talk through them but I don't think they were as intense as I know they could be. I discussed with my nurse about when I should get my epidural. She told me that there was a shift change in anesthesiologist at 7 so I would either get it at 5:30am or 8am. She told me to remember that it takes about 40 minutes for it to kick in too.

So without hesitation I chose to get my epidural at 5:30.

The anesthesiologist came in and did his thing. Since Russ has a fear of needles (and we didn't want him to pass out) he remained in front of me so he could not see the needle. He gave me a numbing shot first and that wasn't too bad but it was uncomfortable and did hurt. But after that I did not feel anything back there. I only felt contractions for about an hour and a half and then my legs went numb and in went the catheter.

It was great, didn't feel a thing.

Russ and I took a nap and rested until 7:30. At that time the doctor came in and broke my water.

I was getting excited!

I didn't feel any pain and it really made the whole experience so much more enjoyable! I could see when I was having contractions (now about 2 minutes apart) and I felt incredible. =-) From 7:30 to 10:30 I only dilated from a 5 to a 6. So I called my family and told them it was taking longer than expected so we may have her in the evening.

The nurse came in and rolled me onto my side, grabbed a "peanut ball" and stuck it in between my legs to open up my pelvis.

The peanut ball was amazing!

From 10:30-12:00 I dilated from a 6 to a 9.5!!!

I called my family again and said it was going to be sooooooon! At this time the nurse noticed that at every contraction the baby heart rate was dropping because her umbilical cord was getting squished somewhere. She tried to change my position to fix it but her heart rate still dropped. Once she "dropped" a bit more her heart rate wasn't dipping as much, so we were happy she was ok.

Doctor Erickson was in another delivery so my nurse told me that we were going to do a few pushes to get her past my cervix. I pushed through 4 contractions with her and then she says "Whoa, I think we better stop or I will be delivering your baby! Be glad you have an epidural right now...." She turned to Russ and said "Want to see the head?"

So Doctor Erickson came in about 12:30 to deliver our baby Brynn. the nurse told him

"She is going to have this baby

out in one push!"

Doctor Erickson said, "Really? What does she have abs of steal?!" Then the contraction came and I pushed, out came her head. One more half push came her shoulders and then the rest of her body.

That was it?! That was great!

What was I so worried about!? I felt nothing, and she came fast.

I was laughing when I saw her, pure joy. She came out screaming and (the doctor said) "with a quiver lip" Russ was taking pictures and when she came out he froze in his tracks just starring in amazement (it happend so fast!) I turned to him and said "Take some pictures!" haha. ( By the way, he did a great job documenting the whole event. I am very proud!) They placed her on my stomach and I just could not believe that she was just in my tummy a second ago and now here she is! It's such a crazy feeling! SO many emotions, joy, relief, excitement, peace, love........She was so beautiful.

She was 6lbs and 8 oz and 20 in long.

She was so petite and tiny! She had skinny little legs and huge ands and feet with dark hair.

My family came to see me and hold there new addition tot he family! We all adore her!

Are first night in the

hospital was pretty rough.

She had a hard time eating (latching on) and I was getting the hang of breast feeding her. As new clueless parents we took full advantage of the nurse "help" call button. We ended up staying one more night so we could get the hang of it and have one more night of free help. =-) Those nights were a blur. We constantly had nurses popping in and out, doctors and hospital staff.

You don't get much sleep while you are there that is for sure.

She was a little jaundice but not enough to be kept at the hospital. So we packed up the room and put her in her car seat and off we went.

We had a baby! WHOA!

Now we were on our own. The nights at home were much better than the nights in the hospital. But we are still sleep deprived and trying to figure out "schedule" and trying to get her to sleep in her bassinet (not our bed). So much to learn and do but we are so excited about our new life with Brynn! We love her so much and she is such a blessing!

She is a great baby (doesn't cry too much) and loves to snuggle with mom and dad. She loves driving in the car, her swing, and her swaddle. Domino doesn't know what to do with her yet but he is very gentle around her.

We love our little Brynn!

I'm one week old.

2011-11-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

I will have to catch up with all everything from her birth to her coming home from the hospital. I have so much to blog I think I might want to blog something everyday. Since she was one week old yesterday I thought I would post this. She was not good for this photoshoot (I hope this will not be the norm....she will be a very photographed baby). She cried the whole time but I still love her. =-)

We have a baby.

2011-10-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is definitely not my Official post but Russ and I made a video with baby Brynn and I am pretty in love with it. I am trying to figure out how to make this video bigger on my blog so in the meantime go check it out on facebook (it's bigger on there, Watch it in HD!!!). We love her so much!!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=807294842778¬if_t=like

The last days....

2011-10-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Russ and I have tried to get out on a few dates in "the last days" before our little girl arrives because we know how hard it will be to get out once she arrives. Looking back on the last 3 years of our marriage I am just so happy to have had that time with my husband. We have had so much fun together and have built so many memories. We know each other very well now and I think it's time to throw another little Sorensen in the mix. A part of me doesn't want to let go of the "Just me and Russ time" but I know that this little girl will bring us joy that we have never experienced before.

Russ keeps joking saying "Our lives are ending tonight" but then he says "But it is the beginning of another wonderful and exciting life."

We scrolled through our blog yesterday to reminisce about all the fun times we have had together as husband and wife. I will never forget these memories. Knowing that we are going to have a child tomorrow I can't even describe what I am feeling! It's like I have every emotion you can think of! I'm Excited to NOT be pregnant, I'm SCARED to give birth, I feel confident that I can do this, I am nervous of how well it will all go, I am anxious of the unknown, I am happy to finally meet my little girl, I am sad to let go of the Russ and Me life, I am impatient to get her out, yet I feel like I am not ready so I could wait longer. It's crazy how these bodies of ours can make these special little guys. It's so amazing.

Tonight we will be going to the hospital to get induced.

Brynn Ashley Sorensen will be here very soon.

We can't wait to meet her.

Here are a few highlights of Russ and I's life the past 3 and a half years together. I know we have so much fun together but I know we will have so much fun with our little Brynn too.

Ready for Action!!!!

2011-10-18T09:06:00.001-07:00

So in the last week or so I have had quite the turning point. Instead of anxiety and nervousness and feelings of fear of giving birth, I am now very ready for Brynn to come! I have had a great pregnancy though the last 9 months! It really has been a breeze but this last week my uncomfortable level is very high and really makes me really WANT to have her NOW (so I can not feel achy and bloated and SWOLLEN and so I can sleep without peeing in the middle of the night and so I can lay on my stomach again and get my flexibility back and my body back!) I basically don't sleep anymore and have to take tylenol PM overnight to get ANY sleep at ALL. My feet are now usually swollen and HUGE and I am retaining water like a sponge. The labor and delivery part doesn't seem as scary to me anymore because It is an escape from all of this! I am so READY FOR ACTON NOW! I am not scared, I feel prepared and ready to see her little face! I want her to come now!

I am due on the 28th and that is 10 days! WHOA! Russ and I have been talking about how this last little bit has gone by so fast! Are we ready for a little baby?! I think we are up for the challenge (and the cuteness!) Russ is very excited for the baby to come now. The only thing I hope he can do is NOT to pass out at the hospital. He gets a little queazy ESPECIALLY when he sees needles....So hopefully he can hold it together in there. I am excited to be a mommy and very excited to see Russ as a Dad. I know she will bring us so much happiness!

Now for the fun part! I'm pretty much done with Brynn's nursery! I still eventually want to get curtains and my dad is making me a shelf for her wall but I stare at it everyday and it is way too cute not to share it with the world! Here is Brynn's room! My favorite room in the house!

Upon request I was asked to tell where I got some of these wonderful things in her room! I will tell you now!

The crib bedding was from target believe it or not! I thought it was so soft and sweet and vintage! I love it! (I think the bedding is out of stock)
http://www.target.com/p/Simply-Shabby-Chic-174-Candy-Patchwork-Mini-Quilt-33-quot-x42-quot/-/A-11258817

Bought the crib off amazon in this pretty "vintage white" color. Got the conversion kit too so we can make it into a full size bed later!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031U0ZN8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I just bought this darling rug ON SALE from Urban Outfitters. LOVE IT. (they are out of stock of this as well)
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22213433&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&cm_mmc=broadcast-_-Operational-_-ShipConfirm-_-SKU&cm_lm=selenaashley@gmail.com

The dresser was a hand me down from my mom, worked perfectly in there....not sure wear it came from....

Two of the frames on the wall are Obrien and Schriddle Frames.
http://obrienschridde.com/

The other frame (the circular one) along with the chandelier (I saw a very similar chandelier at Home Depot), corner bench and baby cradle are from 2 cute antique shops in California called the Antique Station and Linda Marie's Enchanted Treasures. I love antiques! Brooke painted the corner bench and cradle and put the cute fabric on it to match Brynn's room!
http://www.LindaMariesEnchantedTreasures.com/

The white Letters on the wall were on clearance at target and the homemade banner on her dresser is handmade from my amazing friend MOLLIE!

The super cute "curtain frame" on the wall was made by my sister Nikki (freakin cute I know!)

The "headband hanger" was also made my my sister brooke (along with some of those cute headbands), I have talented sisters don't I!!??!?

Killed the Craving

2011-10-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Allison invited some friends over for a pot luck lunch at her house on Tues. For the past 2 weeks I have had a craving for waffles. During my pregnancy I haven't had very strong craving for anything really but the waffles were really calling me for some reason. I took this opportunity to ask "Can we make WAFFLES!?" HAHA, of course Allison agreed because she has this amazing recipe for whole wheat waffles, all natural, made from scratch deliciousness! And let me tell you they taste SO GOOD! It's nice not to have to work and have the chance to get together with friends during the day. Russ doesn't get home till later usually so I am alone most of the day so it's nice to get some human interaction. haha.

Can you say YUMMY!

Then with the little energy we had left with full waffle tummy's we made a mini music video upon Allison's request. (We love our videos and will never be too old to make them). I suggested the song (I'm sexy and I know it by LMFAO) and this craziness followed.

Thank you Allison for making that lovely video. I enjoyed it tremendously.

Prego UPDATE.

I am 38 weeks tomorrow. I had a doctor's appointment last week and was dilated to a 1.5. Today I got a check up and I am dilated just above a 2 now. I have another appointment next week and we will be scheduling an induction on October 28th....well that is our plan for now. I have packed my hospital bag and have waves of random anxiety every once and a while. Some days I am so ready to have her and some days I am freaked out. I can't wait to see her sweet face! I have no idea how life is about to change but Russ and I are ready for this adventure!

She will be here so soon I can't believe it!!

Wish me luck!

Pool party extravaganza!

2011-10-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well I know its been a while since this event actually happened but I am on catch up mode. Can you believe I have 2 and a half weeks until I have this baby! ahhhh! sooooo crazy! These last few weeks have gone by SUPER fast!

I hope i am ready for this!

Well my favorite thing in the world is when all of the high school gang is in town and we all can hang out together! Its so fun to see everyone and see how fast everyones kids are growing up and just catch up on life! Looks like everyone has at least 2 kids now (except Becky, but don't rush it! We love our Becky!) and I guess I have to catch up now huh? Jessica invited us all to a pool party at her house with yummy food and random music...haha....all the kids had a blast and since I have been lazy with the whole picture taking thing lately, I decided that I should take a few pictures.

I love my girls!

Curtis and Leigh watching over their little ones....

Ian loves being a daddy.

Lola is really trying to smile big.

i love lolas expression here....she looks like she wants to get into some mischief.

Becky is a mom at heart. Sorry becky. it's true.

SO MANY KIDS.

I like the pics of Russ.....he looks like a little boy.

WOW MARCUS! You are one happy guy!

I almost had to tickle him to get this smile.

party on!

Save Sam!

Mollie is so cute. love her!

Lola is showing me her kicking skills.

Russ came straight from work...what a surprise...

As Amy and Allison randomly look at their arms, leigh ann gives them a dirty look.

So cute!

That is the Ruby Stare if I have ever seen it.

SHE IS SO ADORABLE AND PETITE!

Why so serious?

Sam is lovin life.

Look at all these cute kids!

Lola smile.

We got this smile after like 6 pictures. He finally did it.

Mollie the eater.

Me and becky. babyless. for now.

All the girls! I love us!

I weirdly like this picture of amy.

looks like half of us got the tongue memo.

Jessica just eatin her chicken. yum.

37 weeks and ready to pop!

2011-10-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post something quick that I thought was pretty funny.

So Yesterday I had the weirdest thing happen to me! Russ and I had our last set of birthing classes last night and I look down and I see this.

(russ made a dent in my very chubby, very swollen foot)

I seriously thought my foot was going to explode! I mean it was normal the day before and then it was HUMUNGOUS the next day!

This pregnant thing does the strangest things to your body.

I am full term now. wish me luck.

I am excited but soooo nervous.

Can't wait to see this little girls face. =-)

Moving

2011-10-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well on top of everything going on right now we bought a new home.

I feel like such a grown up now! Our first house and we love it! It's hard to be this pregnant because I feel so helpless. I couldn't do much moving but more just bossing everyone around...."This goes over here, this goes over there...." We are so lucky to have to much family here. Most of the things we brought down from Utah remained boxed up and stored in my parents garage. So all we had to do was get a few trucks and trailers and a few people to help lift and move boxes and we got it done in a few hours one Saturday morning. We loaded everything up and into the house it went. I can't believe how much stuff we had crammed into the small basement apartment we had in Utah. If you ask Russ he will say that the majority of the "stuff" is mine. And I must admit.....I think it is....(I'm sort of a pack rat.) But since then we have unpacked most of the boxes and have had a garage sale to get rid of the clutter! The house is still a work in progress but it is coming along nicely! Here are some pictures of the move! (I almost forgot to take some pictures until mu sister reminded me.....)

notice russ looks so happy to be alive in all his pictures.....

The kids were very good helpers!

The brothers.

Russ looks so happy doesn't he. (and i look MASSIVE in this picture)

Becky is the best!

This is what Tanner did when I asked him to show me his eyes.

Again, Russ failed to smile.

Mullaly's to the rescue! Jake installed our fans for us. we love him.

I think Maddi is being a little camera shy.

The dad is getting too old to do this...haha

Dawnster

Russ!? What is your deal!

Dad was trying to have a belly contest with Ryan. I think he won.

Uniforms

2011-09-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

I am trying to catch up with past events before the baby comes because once she is here it is going to be all about her! So I will be going back into time just slightly.....

So one day (before we moved to our home) Russ and my brother Ryan (who work together) came home to my parents house for lunch as they do a lot. As they sat and ate I enjoyed their company (since I am home alone for most of the day) and talked.....As they both stood up I noticed something.....what was similar about them??? And then it HIT me....they were wearing the EXACT SAME OUTFIT! The office ordered some "Ultimate Properties" shirts for employees to wear and Russ and Ryan just happened to put on the same black shirt with khakis! I thought it was pretty funny. Of course I made them take a picture together which they both disapproved of (but who can say no to a pregnant lady?!?!)

They look real excited don't they.

(at least they are wearing different belts right?)

My Little Peanut

2011-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

(***Warning. lots of FREAKIN CUTE PICTURES.)

Well I pretty much have AMAZING friends and family that gave me the most AMAZING shower EVER!

I can't believe how much time they put into it and how much detail was incorporated through out the shower. If you have seen the invitation it had an elephant on it that said "my little peanut" and it had aqua and a coral color. Well Since I am kind of anti pink, I wanted aqua and coral for her room colors. And since ELEPHANTS are my FAVORITE ANIMAL the theme "My little peanut" WAS SOOOOO PERFECT! My family MADE most of the decorations! Aren't they so TALENTED!?!?! I can't do ANYTHING crafty like them. They really went over and beyond and I definitely recognize all the cuteness and how much time and effort went into it. Thank you so much! And mom....those CUPCAKES WERE FANTASTIC....i actually can't stop thinking about them. haha......It really was AMAZING! Thank you to my friends for helping out as well.....Becky's taquitos were a hit (they were gone so fast!) and Allison your video made me cry it was so funny. I have only watched like 10 times or so since then. =-) And everyone else that helped out! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

We had some cute games like the "smell the poopy diapers and guess what candy bar it is..." Then you had to guess how big around I was with streamers....let's just say some people were not too kind...hahaa......We also had a "blessing card" to fill out for Baby Brynn....I already read them all and they are the sweetest cards ever! Thank you to all the gave me and Brynn such precious blessings. The most unique game was Nikki's idea I think. It was so dang cute! We had everyone draw something for the letter of the alphabet for her first alphabet book! Nikki is going to laminate it and bind it for me. Everyone got to draw something and write their name on it. I have never heard of that game and I think it was so cute! The food of course was great and the company was even better. I'm so glad I got to see everyone and catch up. What a fun day it was! Russ made it for the first 5 minutes but had to retreat because of the levels of estrogen in the room. hahaha......Well I will let the decorations and pictures talk for themselves! Enjoy!

The beautiful tree they decorated for the entrance....mom made all those cute little ball things...

Brooke found such cute things to match the "Peanut" theme! I LOVE THIS!

Nikki made all of those elephants....aren't they adorable!?!

Brooke made this paper wreath from an old vintage book. such a cool idea!

LOVE.

Food was delish.

Thanks Dawn! These looked so GOOD!

I think everyone needs to have a pina colada cupcake. you will DIE.

i love this little guy!

The blessing cad board....Nikki MADE this! so stinkin cute! I had to have it to decorate Brynn's room!

Brooke made some of those headbands....brynn is so spoiled....

The best thing ever. the diaper cake. Brooke made this and I almost died.

Brooke made the "My little peanut sign". UH-mazing. She can make one for you too.. =)

Let's get the party started!

guessing how big I am around with the party streamers....

My beautiful mom! thanks for everything! it turned out so great! (i know you were stressing!)

Nikki made this cute sign! I later discovered we were missing the word "size" but I love it anyways.....

gramps made it to the party too!

She really wanted to eat the poopy snickers bar.

Becky thinks I am HUGE.

I like allisons better.....

Present time! Thank you to everyone!

I'm telling you....these cupcakes are heavenly.

laughing so hard during allison's video. sooooooo funny!

Becky knows what I like.

This was my fav. It's so Russ.

Brooke decided to take a nap in the presents.

The grandmas!

Tank you Lacey for taking the majority of these pictures for me!

The fun continues! Here are more pics of the guests! Sorry I could not get everyone in here!

And that is the END! If you want to see ALL of the pictures from my shower click here and You can see the rest of them on my facebook. THANKS TO EVERYONE! I had a great time! Can't wait for baby Brynn to get here!

Blog Hijacking

2011-09-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hi. This is Allison. You know, Allison Barry? Yes, the Allison Barry.

I am here on Selena's blog to present to you the video I edited for little Baby Brynn's shower (thanks Lacey and Becky for filming). It is quite something. Selena's family is funny, that's for sure. See for yourself:

Hope you enjoyed the video. And for future reference, my blog is better than Selena's.

the ugly flower room.

2011-09-13T13:15:00.001-07:00

Well it's kind of fun getting our house ready for us to move into! I still can't believe that it is ours!!! So crazy! I just love it an since I am not working right now I am totally focused on getting the rooms painted and ready, buying furniture and appliances, cleaning and getting it completely "move in ready!" If Russ had his way we would have moved in the day we got our house keys. But I told him now way because I had too many things to do before we have boxes and furniture in the way! So anyways this house has some interesting paint jobs that I am not quite a fan of.

The nursery right now looks like this.

But I want to turn it into something that looks a little bit more like this.

The master bedroom I want painted a grayish color. I may accent it with mustard or orange. We bought black furnature for our bedroom. I like that it will be more muted colors with a POP of some fun color like mustard!

This is what the room looks like now with the brown accent walls.....

This is what I envision with the gray walls....something like this.....

The great room has this ugly pinkish red color that must go. along with the brown accent wall in the kitchen. I wanted to lighten and cool everything down and make it have more of a modern touch with some blue accent walls.

This is what they look like now...

But I want to turn it into something that looks more like this.....

The Flower Room was a pain. It had an ugly pink thin chair-rail that I was not a fan of, multi colored flowers and purple wallpaper. not fun. So we ripped it all down! I forgot my camera so these were taken with Russ IPhone. I just had to document the tearing down of the nasty purple wallpaper!

We brought Domino to come over and check out his new pad. This room and the "Castle Room" are going to be painted a neutral tan color for now.....

Let the painting BEGIN!

Bye Bye Corolla

2011-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

If you know Russ than you know he has a few loves in his life. Besides me, he has the xbox, his cereal, Domino, and his 2003 Toyota Corolla.....along with the stereo system he installed himself (just by "googling it") with his sub and amp. That stereo was his relaxation. He would roll the windows down and listen to his music loud. There were lots of times up in Utah were we would take drives and just dance in the car. It really has some fun memories. With the new job Russ got a company car. Since then he has dreaded the day where he would have to say goodbye to his beloved car. He has been driving it whenever possible to spend some quality time with is love before he had to say goodbye. Well that day finally came.

We posted it on Craigslist on Sunday. Monday was Labor Day and Russ had the day off. He had gotten at least about 10 calls, texts, and email in the morning and we showed the car all day. By the afternoon we got a cash offer on the car and that was that, done deal. Russ had to say goodbye to his little friend. No more bumping with his base. He took all his colorful scented trees out along with his cool blue lights he installed himself inside. He was pretty sad about it. Before the new owners took off with the car (which we sold it to some people buying it for their 18 year old daughter that is a high school senior) I ran to get one last picture of Russ and his car. The poor thing held his license plate upside down. It's sad and funny at the same time. Russ said "well, it probably represents my mood..."

I think the only thing that makes him feel better is this....

Bye Bye Corolla.

the belly pictures.

2011-08-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago Russ and I got some maternity photos taken of us! As you know I am a picture freak and I can't take my own maternity pictures and of course I HAVE TO HAVE SOME! So we hired darling mrs Kathy Cole to photograph these for us. She is so fun to be around! We drove up to Flagstaff (my love) and escaped the heat of Phoenix. Russ said "Wow, I can't remember a time where I could stand outside and not sweat to death!" It was great weather and scenery. I have gotten lots of compliments on these photos and asked "how did you do your hair like that?" and "love your outfits!" If you know me very well you will know that most of the time (and especially these days) I am miss comfortable and my attire consists of Pajamas and basketball shorts. So just to set the record straight I probably only look like this only on picture days (which is probably like once a year).

For example.....

This is me today.

I am happy that I feel pretty in these pictures. It's hard to feel pretty when you have gained like 40 lbs. haha. Yep I'm not hiding it. (and I still have 2 more months....we will see the damage later) So thank you Kathy Cole for making me feel like a pretty prego. Here are some of my favs.....

I guess you are getting a baby bunny

2011-08-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

I have heard from a few friends and family that pregnancy dreams can be pretty crazy. I am not one to really remember my dreams much but every once and a while I wake up and remember them vividly. If I wake up and tell someone right away I can remember lots of my dream.....but if I wait at all I forget everything.

One morning last week I woke up to the most bizarre dream. It was normal life as usual, I was home (here at my parents house) just hanging out with my mom in the backyard but I was 9 months pregnant (about to burst at any time). I was laying in the grass and then stood up very fast. Before I knew what hit me my baby just popped out! No pain or anything! I look down to see her and it was not a baby at at! It was a baby bunny! My mom picked it up and said "Look how cute she is!" I was pissed! I did not want a baby bunny! I wanted a real baby! I did not carry this baby for 9 months to get a rabbit I could have bought at the store! So when I woke up from the dream I was very mad! I told Russ and the rest of my family about this dream because i thought it was quite funny.

As you know we have been in the middle of buying a home which comes with all kinds of annoying bumps in the road....making offers and counters offers ect. We were chosen out of 17 offers only to find out that the home appraised for less than our offer. This is a good and bad thing. So again we had to renegotiate the offer......What do we do!? We really want this house!

So last Friday I had another dream. Not as bizarre as the last dream I remember. It was normal life. Russ and I were living at my parents house in the middle of negotiating the offer on the exact home that we wanted to buy. A specific number for an offer came up in my dream....the new offer. We offered this amount and the accepted the offer and it was OURS! When I woke up still half asleep Russ was still getting ready for work. I told him, Russ I had a dream and we need to offer it at this amount. Russ then made sure he was hearing me right. "So you had a dream and you want to offer what?" Yes Russ, you heard, that is exactly what I said. "Ok" was Russ replay. I called him at work later to see if he really took my half asleep dream comment seriously and he did! He offered the amount that I told him about in my dream! I was pretty happy about that. My dad made the comment like "Are you sure you want to listen to the crazy having a baby bunny pregnant dream lady?" hahaha....

Later I received a call from Russ. All he said was "I guess you are getting a baby bunny." And at first I was so confused, then I realized what he was trying to tell me "Your dreams are coming true!" WE GOT THE HOUSE! I was sooooo excited and don't even know what to do with myself! I'm bet Russ was glad he listened to me! All I know is that we are very blessed and we have a lot of work ahead of us. I could not be more happy! We are so excited to move into our first home. With our first baby and our first dog. hahaha.....lots of firsts (but hopefully no baby bunnies). Wish us luck!

Growing belly

2011-08-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well I have been soooooo bad at taking pictures throughout my pregnancy (OF ANYTHING!) I am ALWAYS the one with the camera taking pictures and documenting events. But lately I have just not had the desire or the motivation to do it. I told myself I would take a picture of myself like every week and or month of my pregnancy to document my belly growing and had all kinds of fun things up my sleeves. But I have noticed the bigger I get the less I want to do. I had not taken a picture of my belly for like 6 weeks and I finally did it this morning. Right when I woke up, didn't even try to get cute. I thought if I didn't do it now then I never would.

Anyways. I was proud of myself.

The new prego updates.

I have been noticing I have been getting tired easier now. By about 9 or 10 I feel like I could go to sleep. Most of my pregnancy I have had a horrible time sleeping. I wake up multiple times a night, I wake up with sore muscles and insomnia. I am the type of person who could easily sleep in till 11. But pregnancy has mad me a total morning person....until lately. I went to bed at 11:30 or so last night and almost slept in till 10 this morning! What the heck! How did that happen!? It's very weird but it is nice to be able to sleep a little more soundly ( I know that is not going to last).

I have a little more back pain but not too bad. I think I did this working out thing backwards because I didn't start working out until I was like 26 weeks. (I hadn't really done much the whole first part of my pregnancy). It helps me feel not so sluggish and weak and helps alleviate my back pain as well. I was just trying to slow down the weight gain I guess....better late than never! We will see how I feel in like a month, I will be back to not doing anything.....hahaha.....

Little Brynn is doing well, she is measuring small (which is ok with me, I don't want a 10 lb baby like russ! hahah!) She kicks me like a crazy acrobatic monkey. I mean she moves like all day long. I had Russ watch my tummy last night and I feel like there was an alien trying to escape. She is so strong! I will get a video of it soon. It is really crazy looking.

My feet have not swelled up yet (although they do hurt if I am standing for long periods of time in bad shoes....aka flip flops). My wedding ring still fits so I am happy about that. I think I hate bending over, it sounds so lazy and lame but it really is annoying. I have never had any weird cravings since I have been pregnant. Russ tells me he thinks I am getting a little grumpier.....which may be true. Feeling like you have swallowed a bowling ball doesn't always make you feel all that great or cute.

I think that may be all for now.

Only 2 1/2 more months! I can do it!

WE HAVE A HOUSE! (Unofficial)

2011-08-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Our dream would be to find, buy, and move into a house (that I love) before the baby arrives and it seems that this dream may actually come true.

We knew that this was a lot to ask and that it may not happen. But we have been very fortunate.

Since we have moved back from Utah in May of this year so much has happened and we have felt so blessed. My sweet parents have let us raid their home and stay here until we could find a place to live. Russ was offered a job by my dad and has found work and a means to make a living. We have our sweet baby Brynn on the way (and I have had such an easy pregnancy with absolutely no problems). And we have been searching for a home..... (it helps that my dad is broker/real estate agent and we can easily search for homes) A few weeks ago we made a couple offers on homes and I found a home I absolutely fell in love with it. We made an offer on it and waited.......Out of 12 offers ours was one of the top offers they were considering. And last week we got the news (that I literally have been dreaming about) "Congratulations, your offer has been accepted."

I can't tell you how excited I am. I may be jumping to gun since we have not closed on it quite yet but we can close as soon as September 15th. How are we so lucky to be so blessed? It really has been an answer to my prayers. We will be in the home before the baby comes and everything is turing out according to plan. I mean, that never happens right? I think this means that I am going to be doing my visiting teaching every month (I made this promise to myself if we got this home, I'm not the best at getting it done). I feel so blessed and grateful for everything that has happened to us recently and I know that my Heavenly Father knows and loves us and knows our needs.

I am truly grateful for Russ and all of his hard work. I know I may complain about how much he is at work but he really does a lot to carry the financial load of our soon to be little family and new homeowner expenses. I can't wait to see our little Brynn's face and to snuggle her close. =-) Although I know that life has it's ups and downs, I definitely feel like I'm on an up and I am just treasuring the moments. I know our lives are about to change dramatically but I am ready for the challenge. I am so grateful for to opportunities we have been given and my heart is so full. I am one happy girl. =-)

And one more thing! It's right down the road from my sister Nikki's house! It will be so fun to be so close to family (after being away for so long!) We are even in the same ward!

So without further delay, here is some pictures of our new home. Obviously It needs a paint job (in the bedrooms especially) but I am so excited I could die!

Our house!

The backyard

Kitchen/Living Room

Dining Area

Living Room

Kitchen

Patio

Stairs

Upstairs Loft

2 Story!

Bedroom Downstairs

Downstairs Bathroom

Upstairs Laundry Room

Upstairs Bedroom 1

Upstairs bedroom 2

Upstairs Bathroom

Garage

Master Shower

Master Bathroom

Master Bedroom

I LOVE IT!

3D Ultrasound!

2011-08-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well I know it is August and I was sick of looking at my 4th of July post so I will blog a little something something. I am so sad because this pregnancy, although it has been easy physically, I have lost lots of motivation to do things (even taking pictures!!!!). So i don't have pictures of anything lately. I didn't even tae ONE picture from Russ Birthday. Weird I know......It's really hard for me to get myself going and get things done. But I have started going to the gym lately (after realizing how much weight I am gaining). I thought maybe it will slow down the inevitable.

Russ and I have put an offer on a house that we love and we are waiting ANXIOUSLY to see if our offer is accepted! There were 13 original offers on the home and we got picked to continue in the race! There are probably 2 or 3 other offers they are considering and we made one last "highest and best" counter offer. We are crossing our fingers that we can get it! It will close very fast and we will be in a month before the baby comes! (Just in time to get everything moved and ready for our little BRYNN!) Yes, her name is BRYNN but we are still thinking of middle names.....suggestions are very helpful. =-)

I got to get my 3D ultrasound with Russ and my Mom on Wed and I was so excited to see her little face! I love seeing the ultrasounds because it makes me think

"WOW, SHE IS REALLY IN THERE!"

I can see her move and everything! I am getting kind of excited to see her, not necessarily labor and delivery but just to see her sweet little face. I know i will be obsessed with her. I am measuring about 9 days behind my due date putting me at November 9th. I still hope I can have a Halloween baby. =-) We will see.

Here she is! She scowled at us the whole time during the ultrasound....what a little grump. hahaha.

Normal ultrasound....her little profile.

And miss GRUMPY BRYNN.....

The 4th of July

2011-07-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is not always the best holiday to celebrate in Phoenix. By July we are usually experiencing over 100 degree temperatures. So sitting outside sweating watching fireworks is not ever that appealing. Our family used to go to a movie on 4th of July over at the Harkins on Bell then watch the fireworks from the parking lot from the Peoria Sports Complex but now we have a new tradition. For the last few years we have gone up to Prescott and enjoyed fireworks up there! If you go for the whole day you can enjoy the parade and all the shops set up outside for the holiday. Then there is a carnival and fireworks later in the afternoon/evening. The weather is way better and totally worth the drive! It gives us a chance to cool down for a few hours before we have to head back to the Phoenix furnace. And another awesome thing about it...they had Indian Fry bread. MMMMM!!! Our whole family went up (minus Ryan and Bri) and it was the best! I love Prescott!

Matching tattoos!

Pretty girl

Messy boy

Brooke made us a bunch of hair things for the 4th! Look how cute it is!

I love when he stands like this.

eating the indian fry bread MMM! delish!

Lacey and Tori

Me Russ and Baby!

Brooke and Nikki got me into belts....i think I like them.

I love tanner.

warming up! You are not putting blankets on in Phoenix thats for sure!

Nikki the Photog

Nik took this of Jake. Why so serious?

My favorite honey and powdered suger indian fry bread (man do i sound like a fatty!) haha

Hope you had a happy 4th!

The growing belly...

2011-07-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

If you know me I have been terrified about gaining a ton of weight on this pregnancy. I know that I should not worry about it and I can lose the weight once the baby is born but a part of is terrified that I will look like this......

hahaha, yes, this was me in high school and when I think of gaining weight I think if this picture.

I am not the best at exercising but I have been trying to watch what I eat. I think I have gained about 18 lbs or so and I am 23 weeks this week so I think I am doing ok.....(but I have very low hopes for myself, I have such bad metabolism I think It will all catch me at the end of my pregnancy....) But other than worrying about weight my pregnancy has been so enjoyable.

I think I feel the very best right now (and since 20 weeks) than I have felt my entire pregnancy. I have had NO NAUSEA or morning sickness which has been the biggest blessing. I was pretty tired the first part of my pregnancy until bout 18 weeks but not that bad. I am just starting to get the oh so wonderful feeling of back pain at about 20 weeks if I am carrying a lot or on my feet for a while (but it is not bad yet). I was not emotional at all my first trimester and just started to be a little more sensitive in my second trimester. I can cry a little easier but I am not the emotional roller coaster that Russ was expecting...

I am probably jinxing myself for later in my pregnancy (or for a future pregnancy) writing about how amazing my pregnancy has been but it really has been great.

She has been kicking a lot lately....almost after every time I eat she is a wiggler. I feel her constantly through the day and they are slowly getting stronger (and moving higher). I always try to get Russ to feel her but he says he can't yet (or she will stop like every time I try and have him feel). But I know he will be able to very shortly.

At my last ultrasound they moved my due date (not officially) to November 9th according to her measurements. I am nervous to have a baby but I am extremely nervous about labor and delivery. I'm not sure if it was a mistake or not but I watched a natural birth and epidural birth videos online and the natural birth video looked crazy painful......I have nothing against natural births and I am so amazed at the women that decide to do that but I am definitely going to get the epidural. If I have a choice to feel pain or not I choose no pain. =-)

So I think I am blabbing now but the point of this blog is to update everyone on the progress of my pregnancy

AND

Show you the growing tummy (because if many requests to see these!)

10 weeks

12 weeks

I had a 16 week picture but I lost it and I am soooo sad about it!!!)

19 weeks
22 weeks
only 4 more months! whoo hoooooo!!!

Boy or Girl!?!

2011-07-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

(thank you Dawn for buying us boy and girl pj's before we knew. they are so cute!)

My dream has come true.

It's a girl!

Of course I think most mothers want a girl and most fathers want boys but I really really wanted a girl! I have 1 brother and 3 sisters so I do like being around girls. Although my heart was set on a girl I prepared myself for a boy. There are 4 boys in Russell's family and 2 girls also I thought my odds for a girl was slim. They only brother of Russ' that we can compare to is his oldest brother Dan who has 4 boys and 1 girl!

When I was 16 weeks they guess the sex of the baby and guessed a girl! I was soooo happy and excited! I didn't even know they could tell us that early! Russ and I were so excited to hear! As we looked at the ultrasound she asked, "Do you want to know what it is?" and my hear jumped a little bit. "Yes of course!" After hearing the news of having a girl I was smiling ear to ear. I know Russ was excited but I think he still had his fingers crossed for a boy.

We didn't really want to announce it till 20 weeks when they could tell "for sure". So at our 20 week ultrasound they told us again that it was a girl! WHOO HOOOOOOO!!! I may be a little selfish but when I think of a little girl I think of the pictures I could take! Bows and tutu's and dresses and pearls and all kinds or cute girly things! =-) I know she is going to be such a pretty little girl! Russ is very excited to have a girl....I think she is going to have him wrapped around her little finger. I told him "Well at least she will babysit our other children right?" haha. Russ says when you have a girl as the oldest she is bossy. And I looked at him as said "You married an oldest child....what you trying to say!?!?!" hahaha! We are sooooo ecstatic!!!!

Bring on the girl clothes!!!

Thanks to everyone who got me these clothes (i haven't bought anything yet!). I pretty much think little clothes are the cutest!

The ultra sound cuteness!

She is facing down in this one.

Her profile is so sweet!

It's a girl....Here is her bum and her legs.....