Saturday, October 22, 2011

Baby Shower #1

So, I was only going to have one shower to make it easy on both my mom and mother in law, but my MIL decided she wanted to do her own. So today, my aunts and mom, threw me a wonderful shower! It was my family and friends. 

I was very overwhelmed with the love I was shown. My aunts even had the shower catered! I was in shock!

Now I brought the camera and planned on taking a lot of pictures, but once people started showing up, I totally forgot. So here are pictures from the beginning of the shower!

The food!

Grandma (Great) Brown holding my niece Juliet

My friend Katie who I haven't seen in 7 years!

Sweet Linda from the ward

One of the coolest people ever! Jen!!! 

My sister and our crazy cousins!

The loot!
When I got home, I unloaded everything to get a picture. I just started crying! I couldn't believe how loved his little boy is already! My heart is full and I am so grateful for the people in my life! A big thanks to everyone who loves me and my son. It was more than I deserve.

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

General Conference :)

General Conference is one of my favorite weekends of the year. We usually go to my parents and the boys build models and the girls scrapbook. (I finally finished Aaron's mission album!!!!) Anyway, the Saturday afternoon session, I wasn't feeling too good and my feet were swollen, so I stayed home and lied in bed to watch. I started falling asleep when Neil L. Andersen started his talk. Right away, I knew it would be the talk that was just for me, so I sat up. I cried all the way through and wondered why this talk hadn't been given when I most needed it. But as I listened more, I realized that I wouldn't have listened. I was too bitter and frustrated. I am so grateful for this church and the blessings that I have received. And I hope and pray that the words shared at conference will be remembered by all.
You don't have to listen, I posted it more for my sake so that I could listen to it when ever I need it.



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

This is what 27 weeks looks like....



Found the camera, didn't realize that I went 7 weeks without taking a picture! And boy did I grow!!!! The funny thing is, I thought I was big at 20 weeks. And the scariest part is that I haven't really reached the baby getting fat stage! 

Other than being sick, I am loving being pregnant and feeling Sam all the time! Getting sick was hard, mainly because I can't take anything to feel better. But Aaron has been a rock star in taking care of me and working on the house. (I'm so lucky!!!) 

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Update without pictures

Sorry, no pictures...the camera is still packed and being looked for :) But I wanted to add an update since I am VERY pregnant brained and forget things way to easy right now. 

My cousin, Ruth, was married to her sweetheart, Alex, in August. (Great month to get married!) It was a beautiful outdoor wedding in the mountains. (Forgot my camera) We are so happy for them and glad that Alex is a part of our family!

On September 11, Bryant and Elisha, had their baby girl, Juliet. They left for the hospital at 6:00 AM. Bryant sent me a text which kind of woke me up. As I was reading, I had a contraction. And Sam was super active until Elisha was given an epidural. It was interesting. Mom thinks that they were saying 'goodbye, see you in December'. She is healthy and beautiful and both Mom and baby are doing great. (Camera was packed)

We are all moved into our new place. And we love it! (Even surrounded by boxes!) We actually feel like we are home. We have been having 'fun' painting and unpacking. We only have a few more rooms to paint. Our new place has 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths with another room unfinished by plumed for a bathroom. My favorite part is the laundry room and how much storage this house has. (The laundry room is huge!) 

On to the fun stuff....the baby. Sam is doing great....right on track!!! I have gained only about 10 pounds and I swear most of that is him! He is going to be a big baby. He is moving most of the time and I love it. I swear he will be a goalie for a soccer team...he is always moving his arms and legs. His kicks are getting much stronger and he can almost kick my ribs. Aaron feels him daily now instead of the occasional 'big' one. We are so excited and are starting to feel the time crunch. He will be here in less than 15 short weeks, with lots of holidays to pass the time in between!

As soon as I find the camera I will post a new baby bump picture :)

Sunday, August 14, 2011

A rare moment

Zeus loves raw-hides. Jon and Bella do sometimes. (Most of the time Jon just watches one of them eat a raw-hide) Well, yesterday, they all had one and lied next to each other!!!! I love this picture....except for the carpet.


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

HALFWAY!!!!

Here we are at the halfway mark!!!  In just 20 short weeks we will be holding our little miracle!!!!

Not much bigger from my last, but feeling it! :)

Thursday, August 04, 2011

It's A Boy!

Introducing Samuel Aaron Sperry! 
On Monday, I had a doctor appointment. We were sure hoping we would be able to tell what we were having. The doctor put on the ultrasound, and the baby was upside down. So we started with the heartbeat. (My favorite sound in the whole world!!!) Then we found the baby's bottom. Legs spread wide open, but with a hand holding on for dear life to the crotch. I couldn't help but laugh! Aaron said, "It's a boy! That's MY son!" So the doctor started shaking my belly to try and make the hand move. When the doctor stopped, the baby kicked me twice and then gave up and moved his hand. And it was no longer a question...it's a boy! 

Today, I had the big ultrasound where they measure everything and make sure the dates are right and all that fun stuff. It was so exciting!!! They gave me a ton of pictures and even a DVD!!! :) Here are some of my favorites!






I love seeing my little boy!!! We are so excited. Aaron knew it was a boy and really wanted a boy. He is just beaming!!! :) I would have been happy either way, it has taken us so long, as long as it was healthy, but secretly I really wanted a boy. 

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

"Anything Like Me"

Here is a song from Brad Paisley...it's kind of how we are feeling right now and loving it!!! :)

I remember saying I don't care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy I'm ok
Then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said "You see that thing right there well you know what that means"

And I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me
He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride hes bike to fast
End up every summer wearing something in a cast
He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street
He's gonna get in trouble oh he's gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

I can see him right now knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass trying to melt a Tonka truck
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on
That'll be his first love til his first love comes along
He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens
And heaven help him if he's anything like me

He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast
Get a speeding ticket he'll pay for mowing grass
He's gonna get caught skipping class and be grounded for a week
He's gonna get in trouble we're gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

He's gonna love me and hate me along the way
Years are gonna fly by I already dread the day
He's gonna hug his momma, he's gonna shake my hand
He's gonna act like he cant wait to leave
But as he drives out he'll cry his eyes out
If he's anything like me there's worse folks to be like
Aw he'll be alright if he's anything like me


Friday, July 29, 2011

Finally...A Haircut!

 So we got Zeus a while ago, but we he was sick for a bit and need updated shots before we could get him groomed. And then we didn't have money for it. Aaron got a bigger check and I had a $10 coupon! It was finally time!!! 

Before :(


After!!! Now he looks like we care! :) He is so much smaller than we realized. Tricia came with me to pick him up, and when they brought him out, at the same time we both said, "Is that Zeus!?!" Getting a haircut is a lot of work for a dog, so he slept most of the day cuddled on my lap. I am having to work on separating him from me. He is super attached. He loves people, but doesn't want to be with them for long before he comes begging for me. He loves to sit on my lap which is getting harder for him, so he sits on my belly now! ;) 

Monday, July 25, 2011

What's in a name?

Next Monday we should find out what our little miracle is!!! (As long as the baby will show us!) We can't wait!!!! We have been asked a lot if we have a name picked out. And if you know me, then you know I do! I know that a lot of people don't say what names they are thinking of and wait to "reveal" the name when the baby is here. But that's not me! :) 

If it's a boy: Samuel Aaron 
We've had this name picked out since our honeymoon! I feel in love with the name Samuel when I meet Samuel Stringham. (He is the son of my Dad's cousin and his wife John and Jen) And I always knew that my first son would have his Dad's first name as his middle name.

If it's a girl: We will have to meet her! But we have 3 names picked out!
1st: Vanessa Joy
I always thought it was kind of wired when someone was named after a famous person. But find myself in the same spot. Vanessa Carlton is my favorite singer/musician. Not only can she sing, but she plays the piano in all of her songs and she has written all of her songs on 4 CD's! Now Joy actually is for my Nanny, Joyce, we just shortened it. I love my Nanny and wish I could see her more!

2nd: KimberLee Anne
My Mom has a cousin named Kimberly Anne, and I've always loved her. I would call her Kimberly Anne Allison Wonderland. (No one knows where I got that from!) It is very much a family name on my Mom's side. But I changed the spelling. Lee is a family name on my Dad's side. My Grandpa's middle name was Lee, my Aunt Maria's middle name is Lee and her daughters name is EmmaLee. 

3rd: Allison Patricia
Allison Patricia was my name for most of my Mom's pregnancy and even when I was born. I didn't respond, my mom said Charlene and I turned and smiled, she said I picked my own name. Being pregnant made me think about names, and I thought, what if my Mom had the right name, but the wrong baby! (Her name is  Patricia) 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

To Do List : August

August is going to be a great month and I can't wait!!! Here is a list of exciting things to come!!!

- Find out what the baby is!
-Celebrate our 7th Anniversary!!!!!!!
-Find out the size of the baby
-Charlene starts a new job as a nanny to 3 adorable kids
-MOVE!!!! We are moving back to West Jordan!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

16 weeks and Growing

It's been an exciting week for us. I haven't seen a doctor since week 9 and we were starting to get worried. Nothing seemed wrong, but it's taken us so long that we just were paranoid. Monday was my first real appointment and I love my new doctor. He asked me if I wanted to know the gender if he could tell. I told him yes. As soon as he put the ultrasound on, the baby waved at us. :) It was so cool!!!! Then he saw the heartbeat. That is all I wanted to see! Just to know that the baby is ok and still growing! The baby was putting on a show moving around, but not will to show us what it is! 

Top of the head and a hand...5 fingers :)

Looking right at us. See the two eyes?


I am growing fast! It is so cool! I am loving being pregnant! I still have tired days, but it's getting easier. I was able to enjoy a Jamba Juice yesterday and it was so good! Our next ultrasound in August 1st, and hopefully we'll be able to see what we are having. This baby has made our relationship so much stronger!!! In a month we will be starting the 7 year itch anniversary, but we couldn't be more in love. 

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Our Obsession....Psych!!!!

First of all, we need to thank my brother, Bryant, for getting us addicted! 

We have Netflix on the Wii, and decided to give Psych a try. We were hooked from episode one! There were 63 episodes (Season 1-4). And even with us both working at the time, we were able to watch all 63 in a matter of 2 to 3 weeks. It was all we thought about! We couldn't wait to get home to watch it. When we watched the last episode, it was a HUGH cliff hanger! I started researching to make sure that it wasn't the end. Season 5 had just ended and wasn't available yet! AHHHH! Well, it just came out, but not on Netflix, so I went and bought it! And season 6 starts this fall on USA!!!! I am so glad this show is still going strong and it is no surprise why! Not only is this show very funny and clever, but it is very well casted and written. 

Shawn Spencer (James Roday) and Burton Guster "Gus" (Dule Hill)
What's with the pineapples you ask!?! Well, there is a pineapple in every episode, but gets harder to find! Check it out and see how many you can find! :)

Receptionist: There is a Lt. Crunch here to see you.
Burton 'Gus' Guster: Crunch?
Shawn Spencer: [enters, dressed in a Civil War uniform] Actually, I've been promoted. It's Captain Crunch. 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

12 Weeks!!!

So yesterday I made it to 12 weeks!!! How it's been so far? Well, I am super tired! All I want to do is sleep. I did get sick to my stomach a lot, mostly around 2 AM :( Maybe that's why I am so tired! I haven't thrown up yet, but I hardly ever do anyway. I will do anything not to throw up!  I can't eat fruit right now. Baby doesn't like it, but I want a Jamba Juice so bad! I've only had one craving so far....RAISINS! I was about 3 weeks long. And now I can't eat them!


Here's a picture of me so far....first off, the camera adds 10lbs! I don't always look so pregnant, it really depends on what I am wearing.
We can't wait to find out what we are having! ( I want to start shopping!!!)

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Mixed Emotions

What a day yesterday. I had another ultrasound. (9 weeks) Baby number 1 is growing like a weed and has a strong, healthy heartbeat. Baby number 2 stopped growing and no longer has a heartbeat. Such mixed emotions. We have tried for so long to have a baby and then when we found out it was two we were so excited. And to lose one, is so hard. We have already been so attached and so happy. I saw my chiropractor later that day and had a really good conversation with him and he was very comforting. And my sister, Tricia, said that now our baby has a guardian angel. Which I will always let our baby know. Baby number one will be so spoiled and loved and we are still so happy that there is still one.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Our Story Keeps Getting Better :)

I am feeling very overwhelmed. Today I am exactly 7 weeks, and we had our first ultrasound. The first thing Dr. Blauer says is: "There's 2, what did we do!?!" All I could say is "WHAT?!" and I started to cry. That's when Aaron walked in. (I think I scared him) I told him it was twins and he just beamed! 

Already they are so different from each other.

This is baby number 1. Looks like a little baby, and strong heartbeat!

This is baby number 2. Much smaller, and a smaller heartbeat, but a strong one!
I really couldn't be happier. I am still very much in shock and am aware that so much can still happen. But I have my amazing family and the gospel to get me though this. My dear cousin Jen told me this, "Heavenly Father knows what He is doing!!!! He keeps you wanting only to double gift you!"

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Our Story

So, if you haven't guessed yet by the ticker, we are pregnant! Due December 27th! (Best Christmas or Birthday present ever!!!!!) It's still really, really early but we thought Mother's Day would be the perfect day to tell everyone. It's has been a long 6 1/2 years. And I haven't been strong enough to tell our story until now.
Shortly after we were married we decided to not try, but not prevent it. After a year, we started seeing different doctors. Nothing was found, Aaron checked out and I seemed to check out. We didn't have a lot of money, so we couldn't really see a specialist. But last year Aaron's works insurance started to cover fertility treatments, so as soon as we found out I found a specialist. Dr. Blauer with Reproductive Care Center. My nurse there is Liezle who started working there in December. She is the biggest blessing I have there. She is so amazing and outstanding in her job. And when I go see her, I am her number one priority. I love calling her number and have her answer. I have been so impressed with her and wouldn't have made it though without her. We started treatments last August. It started with a bunch of pills. In February/March, we stepped things up and started the IUI process. I had to give myself shots and take a lot more pills. Then Aaron would go in, and I would go in 2 hours later and they would use a catheter....well you can figure out the rest. :) The first one didn't work, and it was really hard. We had told family and close friends of the process, and it was so hard to tell them it didn't work. So we did it again on April 6th. Two weeks after I was suppose to take a pregnancy test, but I didn't want to, I was too nervous. But Aaron really wanted me to, so I did for him, because he is apart of this too. When I saw the positive I almost threw up! 


I went from feeling nervous to being super excited. I called Aaron to tell him, and could only cry. I have never been so overwhelmed with emotion before. We have been so disappointed so many times before, I had a hard time believing it. So I called the doctors office, and we scheduled a blood test. I stopped by after my half day of work. On the way home, I talked myself out of it. I figured there was a mistake and that they would call and tell me it was negative. My nurse called, Liezle, and told me my levels were 150. I asked her what that meant. She laughed and said anything over 100 is a positive! We waited about a week before we told our parents and my siblings, since they were all so involved and kept asking us. But we had to tell others because we can't keep our excitement in! We know that the first 3 months are the hardest and higher chances of miscarriage, but I also have seen that there isn't a safe date. Aaron and I are so excited and can't for this new chapter in our lives! Aaron is convinced it's twins or more because of the IUI and all the fertility drugs. He also thinks it's a boy/boys because of the Sperry curse. (Every baby conceived in Utah was a boy!) I don't know how I feel. I just want a healthy baby, and really can't feel if it's one or more, or a boy or a girl. I sometimes wonder if something is wrong since I haven't had any dreams about it, and I have heard so many stories about woman knowing they are pregnant before because they had a dream. I know that is silly, but I already have pregnant brain!!!
I also want to take this time to apologize. I had a hard time saying congratulations to anyone who got pregnant or had a baby. I wouldn't go to baby showers or blessings because it was too hard for me. I am sorry I wasn't there, and not strong enough to support you. So I want to send out a huge congratulations to everyone in the past 6 1/2 years who had a baby! :)

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Meet Zeus

Well we did it! We got another dog! His name is Zeus and he is a year old. He is a Maltese/Poodle mix.  These pictures where right after a bath, he has some tear stains that we can't get out. We are going to get him groomed as soon as the kennel cough has cleared up.



He is so much fun and basically the perfect dog! Unlike my other dogs, he doesn't lick a lot, he love toys, and loves to cuddle. He is already my best friend and follows me everywhere.   

PS....Grandma doesn't know!

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Music

I haven't been my self lately as most of you know. I rely on music to help me though things. And we are friends on facebook you know that I have been listening to the Mamma Mia soundtrack a lot! There is song on there that has really helped me and I thought I would share it with you.

SOPHIE:
I have a dream
A song to sing
To help me cope
With anything
If you see the wonder
Of a fairy tale

You can take the future
Even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream

COMPANY:
I have a dream
A fantasy
To help me through
Reality
And my destination
Makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness
Still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream
I'll cross the stream

SOPHIE:
I have a dream
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Bella

Not much going on that I want to blog about. And I haven't been taking any pictures really. But I did get some of Bella over that last couple of days. She is so funny, and will find a place to lie down anywhere! Here are just a few...


In between Aaron's feet.

Kind of in her pillow :)

And my favorite...in one of Aaron's gun cases!

(Don't you love the shag carpet! One of the many reasons I can't wait to move!!!!)

Anniversary

Daisypath Anniversary tickers