Change

We have been having some really nice days, so I took some pictures of Lauren and Blake outside. I'm afraid the wind has been blowing today and that means only one thing: the weather is changing. I'm going to miss the warm days.
The weather isn't the only thing that is changing. Lauren will be turning 6 years old on Sunday and Blake is almost the same weight as Lauren. Just kidding. However, he is a big boy! They are both changing so much.

These pictures are random and from our trip to Oakley in August. I've been meaning to put these on because they are hilarious. Where is Lauren? haha. I used to ride where Lauren is when I was younger. This was my mom's bike. We all had a good laugh.

Blake's Blessing

This past weekend was Blake's blessing. A lot of family came up for the occasion. We had a bbq and a party for Jason's sister, Elaine. Lauren spent a great deal with her cousins and loved every minute of it. It was a special weekend.

Lauren's in Kindergarten and More...

Lauren has started kindergarten. She was more than ready. She loves everything about it, especially riding the bus and recess. It has been so fun hearing about her day and what she has learned. Blake and I walk her to and from the bus stop.

Lauren took swimming lessons this summer. She passed Level 1 and can now swim on her own. At the beginning of her lessons she didn't have goggles, but, once she got a pair she became a new woman and passed the class. Now we will find her in the bathtub looking like this.

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.