12 entire months

As I sit here, feet sore and quite worn out, I can't help but feel so entirely grateful. We just celebrated our baby girl's first birthday. I never thought I would actually get to say that sentence. If you are a new friend or not super close with our family, there was a time when Ryan and I thought we would never be able to bring a child home from the hospital and get to raise them.

(If you want the whole story, here it is... http://armybrownie.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-angel-baby-landon-ryan-brown.html  )

Even after having Levi and being able to bring him home, we still always worried and knew our odds, literally they tell you the number and chance of something bad happening again. Not many people know this but Alexis Elizabeth is a true miracle baby.

She was ready to enter the world at 34 weeks. I had contractions all night long, 12 hours straight- about 4 minutes apart. I timed everything on my contraction app because I was just sure that this could not be happening. I knew that babies born that early do not have developed lungs and stay in the NICU. Even if Alexis was okay, I could NOT handle leaving my baby when I came home. This just could not be happening to me.

Thankfully, with a lot of rest, ton of water and a few homeopathic remedies, we got her to stay in a few more weeks. I will bear you the details because as my husband says, 'not everybody wants to know that' lol. ;)

But after Alexis was born, we found out she did not have the biggest/best blood supply and that he food supply was VERY diminished. Our doctor said that he does not see this a lot and when he does it is C- Section babies and they normally aren't healthy. We had already had all kinds of tests and seen the best of the best doctors constantly because of everything in our history. They said it was something they could not have seen nor prevented.

If you know me well, you know that I am SUPER claustrophobic- like, I just can't take it. I have been this way since like 16 or so but the older I get, the more I can't stand the thought of any of it. So being restrained while having my baby is NOT what I wanted in the slightest.

Alexis was born at the hospital, we barely made it, even with getting pulled over! But, thankfully, I made it to a bed and my doctor there to catch her, before I had her. She was born with no medical intervention and was born perfect!

We are so thankful for our two miracle babies. As I know oh too well, lots of people do not get to have babies and we have two! Two babies to raise and love on.

So, with less than 24 hours left, until my last and final baby turns 1, I will tearfully post a few pictures from when she was born. It was fast, crazy, all natural and amazing. I am so thankful to have this precious, happy, bubbly little girl, to call my baby.

Happy Birthday Alexis. You are forever 'my girl' and I love you more than I can ever tell you.

Skin to skin with my girl<3

Daddy doing skin to skin with his Princess!

Alexis and her best friend. From the day they met, this girl loves her brother fiercely.

7 days old here and so perfect <3

We love you Alexis. You make the days brighter. Life was good before we had kids, but life is amazing now that we have you and your brother. Thank you for making me the happiest Momma in the world. Love you my princess!

*We are taking life day by day and counting our blessings along the way*

10 months!

Well, the time has finally come, our baby girl is 10 months old today. You never realize how quickly time passes until you have your own children. I can't even believe it. I would be lying if I said it didn't make me sad.

I am normally the Momma who never cries and tries to look at the bright side. I just can't help but feel cheated though, as my 'baby' is 10 months. I have only got to see 2 of my kids turn 10 months. I feel like I should have gotten to experience this 3 times. Unfortunately, life had a different agenda for us...

So today, in honor of Landon, I am extra thankful for these two amazing babies I get to raise.

Happy 10 months Alexis Elizabeth. We love you.

Happy 4th of July!

POOP! 

That is right, you read it. That is all I am going to say but that is how my day started yesterday and today as a Momma. Ugh! There are just some of things that never get easier, no matter how long you have been a parent. ;)

On a good note, I am down 2.6 pounds!!! Seeing that on the scale, definitely made my morning cheer up! I have a goal of trying my hardest to loose 17 pounds by my birthday. Got to get myself healthy to raise these babies and keep up with them. When Alexis starts walking, I am going to have to keep up with her and Levi! Got to get my butt in shape before they can beat me. 

Today is the 4th of July and as everyone that is close to me knows, the military is very close to my heart. I see that the 4th equals freedom, because of those who serve and have served. Let us never forget that. It is not just a day to see fireworks and cookout. Many veterans are suffering illness, pains and injuries. Did you know that 22 veterans a day commit suicide?

Yep, you read that right... 22 people who served our country and were in the military, decide that the situation they are in right now, is too much to bare. So they call it quits and take their life. 22 a day is too many! Please reach out to anyone you know that is a veteran or is active duty. Check on them once a month, take them out to dinner. Make sure they are doing okay in their current situation. I guarantee it will mean more to them then you know.

Happy 4th of July from The Brown Family

Here's to *taking life day by day and counting our blessings along the way*

Long time no see

Well, it has been a bit since I have written. I find this fun, therapeutic and relaxing. So, here it goes!

We will start with the youngest, Alexis. She is doing well. She is 9 months old now and constantly getting into something. I put her down on her stomach and within 10 seconds, it seems, she has rolled and moved herself to a sitting up position. This is obviously great that she does it, as far as a milestone but when it comes to your baby's face crashing into something when they go from sitting up to the laying down.. yeah, not easy for Momma and Daddy. ;) She is still breastfeeding and we plan on doing it until at least a year and a half, which is how long Levi breastfed. She has had organic sweet potatoes and will be trying org bananas and org avocado soon. Below, you can see a cute picture we just had made for her 9 months photos!

Next is Levi! He is crazy about his sister and loves her so much. He definitely takes after Ryan and me, when it comes to loving to be with someone. Ryan nor I are 'loners' so Levi is just the same and loves playing with Alexis. He talks up a storm and loves to make you laugh. (Definitely has his Daddy's charming-ness and sense of humor!) He will start dancing and shaking his booty when he hears music he likes, no matter where he is at. We frequently walk by a store at the mall, which will have music blaring and Levi starts sticking his lips out and just shaking it. That boy loves to move it! We bought a big pool this year and it has a slide in it, this quickly became a favorite of his. We also got a membership to the local zoo, BEST MONEY SPENT! Levi loves seeing all the animals (gets to run around and get himself nice and tired too. lol ) At least once a week, he wakes up and asks me to go see the animals. Below is a picture of Levi climbing in the bounce house, at the mall.

Ryan and I are doing well. We live a fast paced life for about 4 days a week and then things slow down and we spend a lot of family time. Then, just as we get use to it, life speeds back up. Ryan loves his job, is doing well and constantly has some crazy stories to tell me. Below is a picture of us last month, at the local zoo!

I look back over the past, almost 6 years, and can't believe this crazy life we have lived together. It finally feels like we are 'home' living here and like everything is starting to fall into place. I am so thankful to be able to stay home and raise these two babies and live the life, that we do.

I plan on blogging more often, so stay tuned for more picture of these cuties :)

Here's to *taking life day by day and counting our blessings along the way*