Last week with the Browns

This was Jay’s and my last week at my family’s house. Jay and I lived with my family for nearly 3 months! We’re both going to miss my brother and my sister and my dear Mom and Dad. Yesterday, Jeff took us back to Grandview with him! We are staying with Jeff’s parents for now, and we hope to be moved in to our OWN place here by the end of this week. While we’re still hoping for a full-time job to come along, that may take another year. In the mean time, Jeff will be substitute teaching and I’ll be taking care of a Jay and growing a Rose. 

Jay’s first balloon: a major hit! The nice cashier at the grocery store gave it to him.

It’s in his blood: watching Penn State football with Daddy

Showing his Brown roots… Jay likes basketball…

…and soccer! Any kind of ball will do.

I helped Jay ride a scooter for the first time this week…

…and I had to have a turn! Thank goodness I’m not too big-stomached yet to enjoy a good, refreshing scooter ride!

Half way there!

Singing for JOY!!! I have been pregnant for 20 weeks now!!! The worst of the nausea is over, and I only have to take anti-puke medicine in the morning now. Yay! Food in general is still a trial, but that’s just how my body is while growing a baby. I guess my stomach is only good for one thing at a time.

On Labor Day, my faithful husband took me to Motherhood Maternity clothes store and I used their major sale to purchase 5 big belly shirts. (I only have 3 maternity shirts from last time—how did I do it?—and they shrunk, so I had to start over). I decided against a pair of maternity jeans because for legs as long as mine, I couldn’t find a pair for less than $80. Instead, I got some navy blue fleece from which I will sew a pair of pants. Not quite as nice as jeans, but way comfier!!!

Meanwhile, we’re getting super excited for our little girl!! Now it’s less than 20 weeks to go…

We love her already!

Irresistible

It was nice and sunny outside today, so Jeff, Jay, and I went to the park!

Favorite picture ever. Man he’s cute.

 
Weeeee!!!

Jay must have touched every single puddle in the whole park

This slide was so long and steep, but Jay was determined to go down it. He tipped backwards and bumped his head, but that did not deter him from going back for a second ride! Little thrill-seeker

Nap time!

Jay

Jay is a joy. This little guy ROCKS! He understands SO much of what we say these days (even if he doesn’t say many intelligible words on his own). Here are a few cuties for you:

1. He loves going outside. One of the only words he says that makes sense is “ssshoooo” [shoe]—he loves his shoes because they let him go outside!

2. Jay’s favorite way to eat is all at once! He crams his mouth to bursting with nearly every bite. It’s nerve-wracking and kind of yucky to watch, but he has never choked (knock on wood…)

3. Jay loves his Aunt Melody. In church last Sunday, she sang in sacrament meeting with a big group of girls. About half way through the song, Jay suddenly perked up and pointed to Mel, who was standing in the front row. Then he proceeded to play peek-a-boo with her wearing this huge goofy grin. We were all cracking up, even Mel!

4. Speaking of church, we managed to teach Jay how to “fold” his arms.

5. Setting the table is another fun game.

6. This cheesy smile is new

7. Jay likes to clean up the road by picking up one leaf at a time and dropping it into the drain.

8. Jay falls and bangs his little body around all the time, and usually he’s pretty tough about it, but when the pain reaches a certain level, he comes and finds Mommy for comfort. (so sweet)

We are counting the days till next month, when Jay, Jeff, and I can all live together again under our own (ok, rented) roof!

It’s a…

Rose!!!  We’re having a girl, and her name will be Rose Meri White. I had the big ultrasound today. I still can’t believe it—I wanted a girl, and it actually is a girl! How rare! This does explain why pregnancy has been so much worse this time around, thankfully. It’s nice to know that I’m just not more pathetic this time—it’s a girl thing!

After a battle with the scanner, I gave up and just took pictures of the pictures:

Hi, Mom! [can you see her hand waving up by her skull-face?]

Sorry to Rose, but here’s the proof that she’s a she!!!

She’s cute already! I love her sweet little nose and chin and… everything. We are sooooooo super duper mucho extra excited!!