Lauren and Blake

Here are some pictures of Lauren and Blake together. Lauren has really enjoyed being a big sister. She has been very helpful. She loves to be around him at all times, loves to hold him, and loves to sing to him. Blake doesn't seem to mind most times. He falls asleep to her singing and smiles at her. It has been a joy to see the two of them together.

It is amazing to me how much the two of them look a like as babies. Here is an example.

Lauren's Baby Brother

I don't know where to begin with this post. But, alas, a miracle has taken place in our family. Throughout the past three years I wasn't sure if we'd ever have another baby, if it was even possible. Then, there were certain experiences that made me continue to hope that maybe we would. What a rollar coaster of emotions it has been.
In December I found out that I was pregnant. I had no idea, but I was nine weeks when I found out. So, to make a long story short, we had a baby boy on July 9th. He was 8 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long. Like Lauren, we had a boy name picked out long ago. His name is Blake Aroet Brown. Jason and I have always liked the name Lauren, as well as, Blake. Aroet is a family name on my dad's side. His father (my grandpa) was named Wallace Aroet and my great great grandpa's name was Aroet. The way to pronounce Aroet is "uh row it".
Now that Lauren is 5 1/2 years old, it has been like having a first baby all over again. I have forgotten a lot, but am learning and remembering as I go. Boys are a lot different than girls that is for sure! We've experienced more mishaps when changing diapers and giving baths. We are definitely learning to speed through both of those procedures before any accidents occur, but they still occur. Blake has been a good baby and has gained a pound already. He loves to eat and will let you know when he is hungry. Lauren just loves him to death. A little too much maybe, but I'd rather her love him then not. She is a good helper and she is his mom too. I told her she could be the mom at night, but she didn't agree to that.
Here are some pictures from the first few days after he was born. We are so thankful to have Blake in our family!

I wasn't able to get this picture to turn upright, but this was taken the day after he was born.

My sister was able to come up and watch Lauren while we were in the hospital.
 So glad she was there.

My parents came up for a few days as well.

We finally made it home. He loves to sleep too.

Lauren always wants to be where Blake is.
Blake looks just like Lauren when she was a baby.

So She Dances

Lauren has been in ballet/tap for a year now. Every week I watched her class from the window. I can't believe how much Lauren has grown up since the first day. She is graceful and eloquent. Her recital couldn't have been more perfect. All the girls were so excited and have been waiting for that moment to perform in front of a big crowd. Not one of them showed any fear. 
Okay, so I am going to try to be better at blogging.

Bruised

Here is our bruised ballerina. Over Thanksgiving Lauren was running in Grandma and Grandpa Brown's house, when she tripped and hit the side of her face on the leg of a stool.

I'll be glad when it is gone completely because I am so tired of the stares we get out in public.

This past weekend Lauren was able to go and dance on the stage where the Nutcracker is taking place. They were given wands and danced to three songs. Her teacher, Melissa, is the one dressed in street clothes. In the Spring she'll get to perform in a recital.

I can't see an end in sight of her ballet days. This could turn into a lifetime thing. I am happy that she has found something that she loves to do.

Howdy Doody Partner!

I'm behind on posts yet again.

This year Lauren was a cowgirl for Halloween.

Yeehaw!!!