Christmas Pics - ENJOY!

Sorry that there isn't too many words but I have taken about 200 pictures in the last 2 weeks....the pics say it all!

My Moms Christmas Tree



Brooklyn & Mommy decorating Christmas Cookies



The "Boys" Christmas morning



Dave's Family during their Christmas

Brooklyn & Santa - 2008

Every year, our next door neighbor (Hoppie - dont ask...) comes over dressed up as Santa for the kids. J (our nephew) and Brooklyn both met him last year. Brooklyn didn't care AT ALL but J wasn't really excited to see him.

This year I was exicted because Brooklyn would actually know what is going on. When 'Santa' rang the doorbell, I was a little nervous about what J and Brooklyn would do. Not so much fearful of the crying but I wanted to be able to get a few good pictures.



J went right up to Santa and was so exicted to see him. Brooklyn not so much...she really didn't dislike him but didn't really wnt him there either. As long as she was with me (or on me) she was alright.



'Santa' gave out gifts and asked questions to the kids. It was really cute! Toward the end of the trip Brooklyn started to warm up. 'Santa' had jingle bells that Brooklyn fell in love with. She was having a great time making 'music' and dancing around.

Right before 'Santa' left, I got brave and sat her on his lap. To my surprise, no tears. No nothing.... we even got a cute photo.



But don't worry it only lasted a few minutes before she realized that 'Santa' was NOT Mommy and she leaped off his lap to me. Ha hA!

~Merry Christmas~

I can't believe that it is Christmas already! (well, in a couple of days) Dave, Brooklyn and I are spending this Christmas in Frederick. If you didn't already know that is where I grew up.

Every year my whole family comes over Christmas morning to open presents, eat some yummy food and relax. Did I mention the food! I am really excited that my morning sickness is starting to end and I will be able to eat it all. Yum!

This past weekend, we had Christmas with Dave's family. It was great. I haven't uploaded pics yet but will when we get back from Friday.

I didn't send out Christmas Cards this year...I just plum ran out of time. Most were already addressed but couldn't complete the whole process. Anyway, maybe next year...

I wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and an even better New Year. If you are going to the WVU Bowl game...cheer loud and make sure that we win. If we don't, it will be your fault. :)

Since it is the holiday season, I uploaded Adam Sandlers Holiday songs for your veiwing pleasure. I know that you have probably heard them but they are my FAVORITE songs during the holiday!

Enjoy..

The Christmas Song -






The Hanukkah Song - really my fave!

Pregnancy #3 Belly Pics

Here is my 11wk belly picture. Dave and I also took one at 6wks and then again at 8wks. I wont bore you with those since is jst shows all my bloating. hehehe



We 'plan' on taking belly pictures every other week. Instead of making a post everytime, the pics will be on the side bar on my blog. If you want to look you can, if not then dont!

Hope that everyone is enjoying the snow and ice in Morgantown today!

Chistmas Tree Cutting 2008

We do this every year...and EVERY year is snows a few days before we go. This year was NO execption. This year though, we now have a walking toddler with us. Brooklyn does not have snow boots yet (her feet are super small and we couldn't find any) and of course she wanted to walk aroung like she did. Not really my idea of a great time.

Anyway, here are the pics for our family outing!

We went to the King's Tree Farm in Preston County:


Brooklyn and Daddy with his eyes closed!


Brooklyn and Mommy - Excuse the rolled pants straight from the 90's. Snow was getting in my boots!


Brooklyn playing in the snow...


Brooklyn running away...


Our Tree all decorated...Isn't she awseome!

New Camera

Well, I ~finally~ got my new camera and I am IN LOVE! I am not kidding...if I wasn't alredy married I would totally be preposing to the camera. It is so great!

It always amazes me when I get new technology. I always think back to what I use to have and think the same thing.

How did I ever survive without this before? ha!

I upgraded to the Nikon D60. I got it a few days before Black Friday since BestBuy as having a kick ass deal on it. It came with 2 different lenses (the standard 18 - 55 lense & the 55 - 200 lense) My favorite so far is the 55 - 200. I can take some really close pics of Brooklyn's face with that one.

Anyway, here are some reent pics that I have taken. They are mostly of Brooklyn but there are a few of the WVU Home Basketball game for last weekend.

Enjoy!



Love the snot and drool in this pic...it really shows the TRUE Brooklyn! lol

Baby, It's cold outside!

Well, not really so cold today (for God only knows why, it is almost 60 degrees today) but the past few days have been COLD! When the weather changes every year then same thing happens but I always forget.

August comes around and I am sick and tired of the heat. I then start wishing for 60 degree days where I can wear a comfy sweatshirt and curl up under a blanket at night. Football starts and we finally get those cooler nights that I just love. All is great for about 2 minutes...ugh!

That lasts for about 3 weeks in September THEN October and November come and the weather goes from cool to bitter cold. Not any fun at all!

So NOW I am where I am every stinkin year...wishing for warmer weather but knowing that true winter weather hasn't yet to even begin.

Any one else feel this way? Anyone have this winter weather amnesia?

I am over it...

I am OVER it...

I am over the spotting.
I am over the bleeding.
I am over being scared to wipe.
I am over thinking about it.
I am over worrying about it.
I am over people telling me that everything will be alright.
I am over stressing.
I am over crying about it.
I am over ALWAYS having a stressful pregnancy.
I am over constantly watching other pregnancies be worry-free.
I am over wondering why me.
I am over people telling me to not think about it.
I am over wanting something that I may never have.
I am over being optimistic.
I am over being pitied.
I am over thinking that this time might be the last time...it never is.

I am over it.

To all of those that understand where I am coming from, I am sorry! I hate to think that I am not the only one who deals with this. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

To all of those that have no clue where I am coming from...be thankful! Trust me...it can always be worse.

I am not looking for sympathy...I just don't want to think, worry, cry about it anymore.

Bad, Bad Blogger..

God, I have been sucking lately.

Sorry about that...We have loads going on but can't find the energy to type.

Only enough energy to lay, eat when I am not nauseous and go to WVU sporting events.

You gotta have priorities.

Will update soon. Promise! Until then...

Meet Our Newest Bean...

After some haggling to get an appointment earlier than January, I was "squeezed in" this morning to see my midwife Kelly Gevas.

It was a good appointment but LONG. I think that having a 13mth old along for the ride made it a tad bit longer. Oh well...I guess that I should get use to that. It is too big of a pain to drop her somewhere for an hour just to go to the doctor.

Anyway, All the normal first appointment stuff happened. I answered all the questions about Daves and my medical history, signed a bunch of papers, learned how to eat while knocked up, and gave (well, they took) some blood.

On a side note, the lady (Olivia) that took my blood was GREAT. If you know me, you know that I hate needles. I hate looking at them, getting them, watching others get them. I make it a rule to tell the person sticking me that I am not a needle person and if they could do a good job that would be great. Olivia was very nice but didn't really instill confidence in me at all. She took a long time while feeling for my vein and that freaked me out. Let me tell you though, when she stuck that needle in....I felt nothing! Not even a poke, not a pinch, not even a tad bit of burning. I ~heart~ Olivia!

Kelly had given me lab orders to set up an appointment for my follow-up and for my Ultrasound. I kind of fibbed and told her that since I was nursing, I wasn't completely sure when I ovulated. OK...it was a big lie. I know the exact day that I ovulated. I feel bad about it...well, I dont. I needed to see my bean sooner than later. I think that Dave would have gone insane listening to rant about all my worries.

As I was making appointments, the appointment guy asked if I had time to get my U/S before I left. I would love to see what my face looked like when he said that. He probably knows that he made my day.

About 5 minutes later I was in my U/S room getting all checked out. They did the normal stuff before showing me anything good. I saw my ovaries and the tech told me which one I ovulated from. Finally, she said and this is the baby. After she said that, I immediately saw a small black/white flicker. If the stress that I was having would have made me purple, you would have been able to see the purple drain out of me.

I was really excited to just SEE the heartbeat but we were also blessed enough to hear it too. I also thought that it was cool that Brooklyn was able to hear it too. I don't think that she cared because by that point she was trying to get UNDER the exam table. ~~rolling eyes~~

I know, I know...This next one is going to be just as crazy!

Oh yeah, I forgot to say that my due date was changed from July 6th to July 8th, 2009. My mom thinks that a July 4th baby would be cool but I would like to see the fireworks. The last 2 years we havent been able to see them. I hope that '09 is not the same!

After 13 months...

Brooklyn's milk bar is finally closing. Brooklyn was born about 3 wks early and that made her extremely lazy at everything. From nursing regularly to sleeping ALL DAY. Since she had NO desire to eat and only wanted to sleep she lost a lb in the hospital. Her ped. was worried about her but she knew how badly I wanted to nurse her. Dr. Clawges stick by us and gave me hope that it would all work out.

The first 4 weeks of waking Brooklyn every 2 hours day and night was SO hard. Being a first time mom, recovering from C-section and battling all these new hormones was awful. Wait..Awful isn't right, it was more like torture with a coating of awful just for fun. Just imagine, trying to nurse a sleeping baby, while trying to wake her with cold wash cloths. Sound fun? Hopefully this next baby will come out a little more awake. I can always dream, right?

We were down to one nursing session in the morning since she turned one. Once I found out that I was knocked up again, I wanted to get my boobs back for a little while before this baby is born.

Her last nursing session was on Sunday morning, October 26th. Leading up to this, I knew that Brooklyn didn't ~really~ care. It was me that was going to have a hard time. NOT that I wanted her permanently on my boob but that it really meant that she was growing up and not needing me as much.

Well, just like I thought, Brooklyn did fine! And to my disbelief so did I. I was so nice not to worry about yet something else in the morning. Before then, I felt like I couldn't get my day going until I nursed her. Which was hard on days that she decided to sleep until 9am. Now there is no need to think that way. Whenever I wake, is when I can get ready. It was SO freeing.

Now if you are reading this wondering how ~not~ breastfeeding anymore can be freeing then you have never done it. I can't say that Brooklyn never had formula (she had to in the hospital) but I can say that she has had my very best for 13 beautiful, blissful, stressful, loving months. I wouldn't change anything about my breastfeeding experience.

Here is a picture of Brooklyn in a boob comma when she was just 3 mths old.



Adios!

Brooklyn has something to say...

The 'floor' is yours Brooklyn...






Also, wanted to say Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Tonight Dave, Brooklyn and I went over to the 'other' Shrewsberry's house to trick or treat! We had loads of fun....It wasn't too cold to start out but once the sunset, man did it get cold!

Here are some pics....Hope you enjoy!



Brooklyn's FIRST Trick or Treat Experence!
http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t75/ashrewsberry/?action=view&current=100_1514.flv


Walking back....Brooklyn was tired!



Hope that everyone had a spooktacular night! I can't wait until next year!

Officially a TODDLER!

That is right folks, Brooklyn is officially a TODDLER! She is walking...well, 40 % walking and 60 % cralwing but she can walk.

Here is some video that Dave and I took this evening....Enjoy!

What do you mean she is ~60~

That is something that have been asked for the last few weeks....Who is 60, you ask?

Well, it isn't me! It's my MOM! Here she is, you let me know what you think...



See I told you.

Anywho, since ~60~ is such a milestone birthday, my sisters and I decided to throw our favorite mom a birthday bash.



We actually decided to have a Murder Mystery Themed Party. LOTS of fun! The mystery was called...Murder of the Millionaire. Basically, a dude with millions was killed and everyone that knows him (family, friends, employees) is there to see what he left them in his will. They all want money of course.

Trieva (my sister) and I were a little worried about our family 'getting into character' but they surprising did well. Well, my Grandma was the one who was killed but when the lights went out and came back on...no one had died. It took a few minutes before she realized that she was indeed 'killed'. LOL



After all the killing, mystery solving and yummy cake eating...we found out who killed the Millionaire and the maid (my grandma). You know who it was.....can you guess....



Yup, that is Dave getting arrested for killing the Millionaire and the Maid. I never new that he had that in him. I guess that I should watch my back! HAHHAHAH

When we all finished playing mystery solvers, we sang the Happy Birthday Song and ate cake.



<3 Happy Birthday MOM! You are the best and deserve only that!

It was bound to happen sometime...

Well....it was bound to happen sometime! Everyone around me, told me that it happened to them and that I should just expect it. I thought, "Not me!" I am aware of everything that goes on.

Well apparently, I am not aware of everything because Brooklyn rolled off the couch not once but TWICE in a period of 4 days.

Ugh.....I know mother of year, right here!

To my defence...the second time it happened it really wasn't MY fault. We were at my parents and Brooklyn was having a rough night sleeping. I decided to sleep on the living room couch with her. Well, she went right to sleep but I laid there listening to her breath.

Here is where it took a turn...

I order to get some sleep myself I needed to leave her on the couch and sleep on the floor next to the couch. So I quietly slipped out from underneath her and laid on the floor to sleep. Finally I could get some sleep too. Everything was great for about 2ish hours...I heard her wake up roll a little. I was able to catch her and move to where she should be.

Well, about 30 minutes later, I feel something fall on me and hear a loudish cry. I awaken from my slumber and realize that Brooklyn had rolled off the couch onto the hardwood floor. Thankfully she took her paci and threw herself on my chest and was out like a light.

Oops....I never thought that maybe I should have kept her awake after hitting her head.

Isn't Brooklyn lucky!

The First Annual Great Pumpkin Patch Maze Race....

Let me first say that, I said this is th First Annual because Shannon and I decided that we need to do this every year! I was so much fun! Shannon, Georgie and I decided that we would continue this race every year and maybe even include a corn stalk torphey to the winning team. That team could even keep the trophey throughout the year. Sounds like a recipe for fun, if you ask me!

Anywho, we went to Rich's Farm GIANT corn maze. The maze was SO big! I was actually nervous about how long it would take us to get done.

Here are the teams:

Men vs. Women

Men's Team - Dave and Doug
Women's Team - Amber, Georgie and Shannon

Goal- To make it through the maze first AND collect all 9 clues in the maze.

Pics during the race! Sorry, boys I don't have any pics of you guys since you were not on our team!

Shannon checking out clue #3...



Georgie and Shannon looking for the next clue...



Me collecting clue #6...



And the winners of the First Annual Great Pumpkin Patch Maze Race are -

Drum Roll Please...........



Here is the picture of Dave and Doug realizing that they LOST....I think that they smelled the sour scent of defeat! LOL



Women - 1 Men - Zip

Same time, Same Place, Next year! I wonder who will win! I bet it's me! LOL

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Last week (I know this is late, but I have been busy) Brooklyn, some friends and I went to Rich's Farm Pumpkin Patch. They have "Kid's Day at the Farm" with lots of super cool activities for the kids.

I was really nervous about going. Not because I thought Brooklyn would be fussy but because I wasn't ready to know this wouldn't be her first time there. Shannon, Patty and I went there LAST YEAR when Brooklyn was only 4wks old.





Yup...that is Brooklyn at 4wks old! Isn't she super yummy and cute! I remember strolling her around 'trying' to get her involved while she wanted to sleep. I even had to nurse her at the pumpkin patch because she was nursing around the clock back then. (Didn't miss that though, LOL)

Even though Brooklyn had a wonderful time playing and trying to walk, I had a hard time dealing with the fact that this first was long gone. I know, I know, I can hear you all saying "It's alright, she will have lots of other firsts!" I know that is true BUT it is still a bit sad to think that her number of firsts are getting smaller and smaller.



Anyway, on to happier things! Brooklyn had a blast! At the farm they had pigs, geese, and a little baby cow. The cow was SO cute and Brooklyn enjoyed "talking" to them. I wish that I would have gotten a video of her "talking" to the animals. To know what she was saying would be awesome!





The farm also had a cool train that was pulled by a tractor (maybe a big lawnmower, I dont know). Each child was able to have their own car and pretend to steer themselves around the farm. I wasnt going to put Brooklyn on at first but I thought, "What the hell...If she doesn't like it I can get her off." I think in my brain I thought that she would secretly hate it and I would have to sweep into the rescue! But I didn't she loved it! I even got it on video!



After the train ride, the kids were ready to go into the kids corn maze that lead to the pumpkin picking patch. Thankfully, we didn't get lost! Shannon lead the way so we made it out pretty fast. Yeah Shannon!



After we made it out, Brooklyn 'picked' a pumpkin and we were off to lunch! When we got to the farm it was really chilly and we needed jackets BUT by the time that were ready to leave it was a steamy 75.....October, My butt!

Well, Brooklyn's Second trip to the pumpkin patch is complete and onto the third trip! EEK!

Just a Quickie....

Man, I really need to get on the blog posting kick again...sorry that I haven't posted as much. I ~promise~ that in the next few weeks I am going to try to post at least once a week.

Anywho, Top Model is on and I am writing during a commerical so....here is the quickie post!

Brooklyn had her 12 month well baby visit yesterday. Here was the play by play:

* Weight 23lbs 10 1/2 ozs (between 75% - 90%)
* Height 30 1/2 ins (between 75% - 90%)
* Head 46.2 cm (between 75% - 90%)
* Iron checked through finger prick...normal
* OKed to have full diet excluding peanutbutter and strawberries.
* Refused MMR vax. we wanted to get it separated out but it is not available so Brooklyn will get the MMR at 2 1/2 years old.
* Got her second round of Polio.

Well, Top Model is back on! Later Gators!

Happy ~1st~ Birthday Brooklyn!

I can not believe that Brooklyn is ONE today! This time last year I was sleeping off my spinal from Brooklyn's C/S. She was breech and no matter how much we tried to turn her she refused to turn. Strong willed even in the womb! Not much has changed though....she still screams when she wants something and smiles at you when you jump up. I swear she is saying "That's right...I said Jump!" LOL

Here is a video montage that I made. It is a bunch of pictures from birth to now! I hope that you enjoy...it makes me tear up almost everytime I see it.

Brooklyn's Birthday Bash!

Thank God that is over...we had an AWESOME time but it was SO time consuming and stressful (planning, getting ready).



We had beauitful weather...I think it was 78 at the most. We had about 68 people there (about 50+ adults and 12 kids). We had a ton of food but it went really fast! Everyone ate like there had never eaten before. We had 2 crockpots of sloppy joes AND a 200-count nugget tray from Chick-fil-a plus snacks and it was gone in about 45 min. Oh well!



Since there was SO many people, I didn't feel like I got a chance to talk to everyone. I felt bad and continualy said sorry to everyone...of course everyone understood. Almost everyone came that was invited and I made a simiple speech at the begining telling them that they were ~every~ important to Brooklyn, Dave and I and that is why I wanted them there.



So I just wanted to say a HUGE Thanks again for coming and celebrating Brooklyn's first year with us. You will never know how blessed Dave, Brooklyn and I feel that you ALL showed up for us and most importantly for Brooklyn. Thanks Again...



I can't believe that Brooklyn is going to be ~1~ in a matter of days, what happened to my baby girl.

She went from this....


To this...