Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet

Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved giraffes. I think it started one winter when I was little, I had a lot of ear infections and the doctor told me I had a giraffe in my ear and "pulled" one out of my ear. Silly I know! Ever year we go to the zoo, and I can't wait to see them, but always wait till the end! (Saving the best for last of course!) One year, one of them even got close enough, that we petted it. I just think these animals are beautiful and in their own way very graceful. 

Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago

This was almost exactly two years ago. I was making crab-apple jelly with Mom and Tricia. Feel like I haven't changed that much since then! :)

Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend

I am having a hard time with this one! I don't have a lot of friends. For me, it's about the friendships I have and keeping them strong, not about how many friends I can have that aren't there for me. And it's hard for me to say best friend. I have a handful of friends that mean the world to me and that I would do anything for and I know that I can count on them, near or far.

This is Cherilyn. We met in 2nd grade in New Jersey. We still talk to each other all the time and talk each other though our hard times. I can always count on her positivity and cheerfulness!

This is Jake. Jake and I first met in the summer of 1999, when he help Bryant and I break into our new house because we hadn't been given keys yet. We became instant friends and were attached at the hip all though High School! We still are the best of friends, but sometimes I think he is better friends with Aaron now than me! :)

This is Diana. We met in Science class in 9th grade. One of my first memories of her is dissecting a baby pig together for extra credit, but neither one of us could do it! I wouldn't say we became best friends right away. It wasn't until I moved into the ward that we started to build a relationship. But I would say that we are closer than we have ever been!

This is Morgan. She is also from New Jersey, however, we met in Utah. We both worked at a chiropractor's office. It is such a small world, only 11 people worked there, and two of us from NJ! Morgan is so much fun to be around! She loves life. Even more important for me, she is level headed. She helped me though the hardest time in my life and helped keep me level headed. I don't know what I would have done without her. I was sad when she moved back to NJ, but we keep in touch and she has already made a trip our here to come to a baby shower for me!

And of course the best friends I could ever ask for! My family....Mom and Dad aren't in the picture :( I know that I can always count on them for anything! And I am especially grateful for the man standing behind me! He is truly the best friend I have ever had and so glad that I can be with him for eternity!

Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date

I'm a pretty simple girl. I don't need anything fancy or expensive to make me happy. I get excited finding a penny on the street! 

A perfect date for me is anything that involves eating and laughing! I just want to have a good time. A picnic in the park, dinner and a movie, bowling, mini golf....anything fun and simple. 

My first date with Aaron was just that. He had to work at night, so we actually had a morning date. We went to IHOP for breakfast, where we talked and laughed. (He says he feel in love with me there!) Then we went mini golfing, but since it was January, we went to a mall that had an indoor, black light course. Now this was almost 8 years ago, so I don't remember a lot, but I do remember laughing and lot and not wanting it to end. (And in a way it hasn't!!!)

Day 2 – Tell us about your job

I am currently working as a Nanny for a family with 3 kids. (But only for a little bit, then I will be a full time mommy!) I will not put their names or pictures for the privacy of the family. 

The oldest is a 5 year old girl. She just started kindergarten and I think she is loving it! 

The next is a 3 year old boy. We are working on potty training, and he gets so proud of himself when he makes it!

The youngest is a 8 month old boy. He is so sweet and loving, and smiles all the time. 

When I get there at 7:30, I help getting the oldest ready for school. Then around 8:15 we take her to school. Getting the 3 kids in and out of the car is the hardest part for me being 7 months pregnant. And I only have room for 3 car seats, so they are pretty cozy in the back! When I get back with the boys, the baby takes a nap. Most mornings I then get the 3 year old ready for the day. Then we watch a movie and color. He is also learning his shapes and is learning quickly. I give him a snack around 10. At 10:45, I wake up the baby and we go get the girl from school. Then when we get back I prepare lunch. I usually feed the baby first and let him play in his highchair while the others eat. Then at 12:00 I put the 3 year old down for his nap and at 12:30/1:00 I put the baby down. This is when I get to spend time with the girl. Now, the bigger I get, the more tired I become, so she usually lets me take a little nap, and she lies with me watching a movie. She likes to have some quiet time, but it "too big" to take a nap. When I get up, we color or she goes downstairs and plays. When the boys get up, we try to play a game or do some sort of craft. We do that till 5:00 when mom gets home. 

30 day blogging challenge

I thought November would be a good month to do a challenge. I've been wanting to do one of these for a while now, but never found one I liked. Then I finally found one I wanted to do, but it was right before me moved and I knew we wouldn't have the internet for a while.  But I also knew I should do it before Sam comes, because I will be a little busy! ;) So here it is!

Day 1 – A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was. 

Me today, at 32 1/2 weeks! Only 7 1/2 weeks left!

Well, my day is just getting started, but so far it's been good. We got up early to have our yearly family photo. Aaron and I have gotten a picture every year around our anniversary even without kids, so we will always have those memories. We were a little late this year, but it was fun to have pictures done in the snow, since there is never snow in August! We finished painting Sam's room last night, so today we could put in the new hardwood floor. Right now, the room has a gross blue carpet. Hopefully we can get it in without too much stress on Aaron, and ME! Other than that I plan on taking it easy today, maybe a trip to the grocery store.

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.

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.

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!!!) 

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 :)

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.

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! :)

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. 

"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

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! ;) 

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) 

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!

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. 

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. 

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!!!)