Where have we been?

I know...Did we fall off the planet? I am sorry I have not posted in a few months. We have been so busy! I started a new job. I'm now a clinical coordinator. I still work on the OB unit. But I am basically the nurse educator for Labor and Delivery, Nursery and NICU! Quite a change! First, it is day shift. Second, as Madlyn says, I "have an office?" And alot more responsibility! I am enjoying it! But it is alot different and I am still getting used to it! Jeremy played baseball this summer on a men's team. They did pretty well. He pitched alot and played catcher. Not too bad for an old man! Jeremy has started another year teaching! I think he is really excited to get back to it! Madlyn started 4th grade and so far loves it! Emily started Kindergarten on Thursday! She is 'feeling very old". I will post pictures soon. Don't tell her...but we have a bet in our families of how long it will take before we get a call that she has gone to the Principal's office. As our pediatrician put it best...The question is not whether Emily is ready for Kindergarten...it is whether Kindergarten is ready for Emily! Isabelle continues to be the happiest baby. We are so lucky! She is very rarely crying and mostly just smiles and laughs. She is mobile and has been for some time now. She is not quite walking on her own, but she crawls and walks holding onto something. We all think it is because she has to keep up with her sisters. Not an easy feat if you ask me! Madlyn continues with gymnastics and soccer. Mom has her in handbells at church now too. Emily quit gymnastics this year. She says it is "not for her". She has been begging to take dance...we'll see. Madlyn got braces this month. I think she looks great! She is doing pretty well with them too. Hopefully she will only need them for about a year. Well I guess that is it in a nutshell. I will try and post some pictures soon. I hope everyone is doing well.

Love, Sarah

Easter with the Johnson Family

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. My dad's side of the family came down to Nashville for a visit. It has become a tradition for them to visit over Easter...a tradition that I have come to love and cherish. This year was even more special because they were introduced to the newest member of our family, Isabelle. Seeing my grandmother love and spoil her great grandchildren is such a gift! And the girls adore her! Growing up, my extended family was an incredibly important part of my life. We lived 16 hours away from them, but my parents were determined to keep us close. They succeeded! And now that I have children of my own, I love that my daughters are close to them as well. During Easter we only have a few days together. However, we sure know how to make the most of it! This year, Easter included golf, The Frist, Easter Egg Hunts, shopping, hiking the Natchez Trace, Monell's (yum!), Becca's Birthday, Happy hour, 65, Yahtzee, Farkel, Mom's Manacotti, Egg Dying, Bowling, Baseball, and of course...Church...Twice! How did we pack it all in?

I hope your Easter was a wonderful as mine!~

Love, Sarah

Family Times

A lesson in sharing!

I was doing laundry the other day and walked into the living room and this is what I found. I thought it was too cute and wanted to share it with you. After I took a few pictures of it, I proceeded to yell at Emily. Isabelle had been in her swing when I left the room and when I returned Emily had put her in her bumbo right next to her. We have had a few conversations and timeouts because Emily seems to think she is big enough to pick her up and this was a fine example. Hopefully we have curtailed this activity, but I still have to admit, I really smiled when I walked into the room. Emily's response when asked why she picked her sister up was even more priceless. She responsed..."Mom I was trying to share the cartoons...You always say to share". Guess I can't argue with that one!

Recent Pictures of Isabelle...It has been awhile!

A self portrait...and she smiled!
Isabelle in her bumbo which she loves!

BLACKMAIL!

Izzy...the shirt says "Daddy I want a pony!"

Any idea who picked that out!

So it has been awhile since I posted anything. A mixture of being really busy and losing the cord that downloads the pictures from the camera. Today I found the cord behind Isabelle's crib. We won't ask how it got there but I'm pretty sure that Emily had something to do with it! I am back at work and have been since Feb 8th, thanks mostly to the economy! It has been extremely busy at this house since I went back. My once cleaned house has become a disaster area again. And quite frankly, I'm just too tired to mess with it.

Which brings me to my next topic, No...Izzy is not sleeping through the night! Any day now, Any day now! That is what I keep telling myself. At her 2 month check-up she weighed 10 lbs 10oz. The old wives tale says she will sleep through the night when she reaches 11 lbs! I don't believe it! She had her appointment 3 weeks ago...I know she is over 11 pounds! HELP!

Baseball season has officially started, which, of course, means no husband. Not his fault, just the nature of the beast! He is really excited about his first season as a head coach! Everyone wish him luck.

Emily is getting ready for Kindergarten in the fall. We are madly working on writing her name, recognizing letters, knowing her address and telephone number, etc. Boy, they have to know alot these days to go to Kindergarten. When I went to kindergarten, it was about sleeping on the mat and eating the finger paint! That explains alot...doesn't it!

Madlyn just had her 9th birthday. I can't believe it. She is loving the 3rd grade and doing well. She is excited to start another season of soccer. Emily will NOT be joining her. Soccer was not her sport. Madlyn continues at gymnastics and still seems to love it. She is getting quite good at it...if I do say so myself!

Well, Izzy just woke up from her nap so I better be going. I hope everyone is doing well. We are looking forward to Easter with the Johnson crew. I know everyone is excited to meet Izzy.

Love ya'll!

Sarah

Sweet and Sassy

Madlyn's Friends after they were made "Sweet and Sassy"

The Birthday Girl

Getting her hair done

Savanna and Madlyn

Madlyn turned 9 on Feb. 10th! I can't believe she is already 9 years old. It really does go fast! She wanted to have her party at Sweet and Sassy in Franklin. It is a childrens salon that does hair, nail and make-up parties for girls. Everyone had a great time and I didn't even have to clean my house! Hot Dog! Afterwards we went to Cici's Pizza and had pizza and cake and opened presents. Madlyn had a fantastic time and got to invite her 4 closest friends. They all came which she was "stoked" about. Emily attended also but spiked a fever while they were doing her nails and so that was all the partying she was able to do. Poor thing. Daddy, Isabelle, Grandma Martha, Grandma Karen and Papa John also attended the festivities! A fun time was had by all...well except Emily but she was a good sport about it.

Baby Pictures Galore!

Madlyn Nichole
Emily Taylor

Isabelle Gracelyn

I was putting some old pictures on the computer and thought I should share some baby pictures with you. The first one is Madlyn, then Emily, then Isabelle. They all look alot alike. We have some pictures that Jeremy even had trouble figuring out which one was which. How sad! I guess we have a small gene pool...I don't know. We are all doing well. I am trying to determine when to go back to work. Part of me wants to go back tomorrow and the other part has no interest in it at all. I think I'll be going back sooner rather than later. I have to make a decision! I hope everyone is doing well. I'll try and post a few recent pictures of everyone soon!

What an amazing day!

"Today was a very special and amazing day"...that is what I told my children! And I believe that with my entire heart! Today we have a new President. We have elected and sworn into office, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and our 1st African American president! Of course, this day would have been important no matter who we elected president, as it has been for the past 43 Presidents. However, today was different! Today, this wonderful country did what many people believed to be the impossible! We put aside our petty differences. Hatred did not creep into politics, and therefore, into life. We realized that we have the ability to truly be one nation! As I sat on my couch with my 2 youngest children and watched the festivities on TV, I realized how fortunate we are to live in this country and how proud I am to be an American. A popular sentiment on a day like today!

I grew up in a very loving family that believed greatly in our abilities to shape our own future. My brother and sister and I were encouraged on a daily basis to be the best people we could be, whatever that was and wherever that took us. We were made to believe that we were second to none! It has always been my desire to instill this belief in my own children. That anything is possible if you want it bad enough and work at it hard enough. We could not have had a better example of this principle than today...than in President Obama!

Today was not about Democrats...It was not about Republicans...It was not about liberal beliefs or conservative ones...It was about the belief that we can be better! Together, we can be better! Unified as a country we can do wondrous things! I can not help but think of my father on a day like this! He would have so enjoyed every second of today! It was my father who taught us about understanding! It was his belief that you can disagree with people. However, you should always strive to understand their opinions. You don't have to agree with them, but dismissing them was ignorance!

It is my hope that our elected officials will work together to continue to make this country great.
There is an atmosphere of promise that is contagious and a desire to be exceptional amongst even the youngest of us! I pray we will be able to make it a reality. I am confident in President Obama and our country and look forward to the kind of change we can be proud to teach our children!

One Month!

Isabelle's first picture

December 11, 2008
Isabelle at a month old!

It is hard to believe that it has been a month since Isabelle's entrance into our family. I am not one to be sentimental and serious. However, I must admit that I have really enjoyed this past month! Isabelle has brought a tremendous amount of happiness to our family! She is a beautiful little girl and I am so in love with her! One this day, I realize how incredibly lucky I am to have all of my children in my life. Each one of them has made me so thankful for all that God has given me. I have a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful daughters. I am truly blessed. My wish for all of you this season is that you will be as happy as I am and that you will realize how lucky you are to have your special people in your lives!

Sarah

Christmas and more!

Isabelle
The Johnson crew on Christmas Eve

Isabelle's first tub bath

Aunt Becca and Isabelle

Making cookies for Santa

It has been awhile since I posted any pictures so here are a few from Christmas. We have been a little busy lately...like everyone else with the holidays...just add on a new baby to our mix. We spent Christmas Eve with Sarah's mom, Martha, and sister, Becca, and one of Martha's best friends, Pam. We went to church and then ate Grandma Connie's Chicken and Noodles before opening presents. ALMOST as good as Grandma Connie's but not quite! We spent Christmas day with Jeremy's family. Jeremy's brother from Jacksonville, Kyle, was there along with his parents. We opened presents and ate all day long while we played board games all day and night (a brown family tradition). It was a wonderful Christmas! And we felt especially grateful this year to spend it with a beautiful new addition to the family! We loved all of our gifts and we are so fortunate to have such generous people in our lives! My only regret is that we did not get to go spend Christmas in Minnesota since I actually had all of Christmas off this year! But hopefully we'll get up there soon! We love you all and hope everyone enjoyed the holidays as much as we did!

Best Friends

The Saturday after Isabelle was born the Brown family received a special treat! Sarah's best friend from childhood, Rebecca Cherry Wooldridge and her family, moved back to Spring Hill! Rebecca and Jason have 4 children...Savanna (9), Analiese (5), Hagan (1 1/2) and Jillian (8 weeks). Savanna is in the same grade as Madlyn and now going to the same school. Analiese is a year older that Emily and Jillian and Isabelle are 6 weeks apart! My girls are extremely excited to have a new set of friends to play with and they all have always gotten along so great! Just wanted to share a few pictures of the Wooldridge and Brown crew a few days after they arrived in Spring Hill!

My wonderful friends at Williamson Medical Center

Sign on our room door

Room 231
One of the "window" signs
The other read..."Happy Birthday Isabelle"

Courtney brought her boys up to play with my girls.

They get along so great!

The nurses will even get in bed with you when you are in labor!

My good friend Courtney!

Beth and Trish with Isabelle

The girls brought my lunch on Friday.

I have the greatest friends on earth! The nurses at Williamson took such wonderful care of Isabelle and myself. They decorated my room before we got there. They brought me lunch one day. They fought over who would take care of us. Not sure if that is true or not but it was nice for them to say they did! They brought in presents and cookies, food, and cupcakes! I could not have been more blessed! I love each one of them and will be eternally grateful for all that they did for us! At Williamson Medical Center you truly can "Expect Excellence"!

First few days at home as a family of 5!

Isabelle always had her feet crossed on
of the ultrasounds! She has the longest toes! Proud sisters with Isabelle...Her face is yellow
from the bruising that is healing well!
No jaundice anywhere else!


Madlyn and her baby sister


Leaving the hospital

For all of my Willamson friends (especially Trish)

Isabelle in her "Expect Excellence" onezie

Well our first few days at home have not been what I expected...Jeremy had to return to work on Monday, Madlyn went back to school, Emily did not want to go back to school without mommie taking her there, and breastfeeding has been a struggle. Everything is working itself out though. Jeremy and Madlyn have adjusted well. Isabelle and I rode with Emily and Grandma Martha to take Emily to preschool. Then Isabelle and Grandma waited in the car while Emily and I went to her christmas party. And breastfeeding gets easier everyday. I'm almost scared to say that out loud. Both of my others were so easy to breastfeed and Isabelle was so easy in the hospital that even this "baby nurse" had a few meltdown moments. But, with the encouragement of a few friends (you know who you are), both Isabelle and I are "getting it". I am tired, but my family and friends have been me helping out! I could not have have done it without you! I will keep everyone updated and try and post pictures here as often as possible. And to the Funks...I'm sorry we had to miss Funk christmas this year. But Karen and John showed us pictures and it looked as though a fun time was had by all. We will be there next year and I'm sure our song will be impressive! Congratulations to Jake and Lauren...can't wait to meet the next Funk! Keep us posted! Love to everyone.

Sarah

Emily's Big Night

Emily and her trophy!
So Proud!!!

Due to all the excitement of Isabelle, I failed to post any pictures of Emily's Big Night at Gymnastics! I'm starting off this mother of 3 thing with a bang, I'd say! Last Monday night was Emily's night to get her first year award trophy. She was so proud of herself and kept telling Madlyn that now she had a trophy too! The week before she had received her very first trophy ever and that was her soccer trophy...For those of you who know, Emily did not exactly enjoy soccer and so even though it was her first trophy, she was not all that excited! This one, however, was a BIG DEAL! She was so proud!

She's here!!!!!

Madlyn and Isabelle

Emily and Isabelle


The Proud Parents and their "Smurf"



Jeremy's four Girls

The Sisters

Well...she's here! Isabelle Gracelyn Brown was born yesterday, December 11, at 3:43 PM. She weighted 7lbs 10oz and was 20 inches long. It was a long day for everyone, but we are so proud to have our new addition to the family. The girls are very excited. As with any member of this family, Izzy was born with a blue face and was quickly nicknamed Baby Smurf. This was caused by bruising due to the fast approach to the world. Today her face is pink and beautiful. So much for the new nickname!!!!!!! Emily keeps saying that she is so beautiful and get a little upset when she can't hold the her the whole time. Maddie is taking things in stride and is being a great big sis. The proud parents are a little tired, dad needs a beer, but we are doing great. The hospital is treating mom like a queen and her little angel a princess. We will be going home Saturday and hope to post more pictures in the future. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Isabelle's Big Day

It is official....we will be welcoming Isabelle Gracelyn Brown on Thursday December 11th! Unless, of course, she has other plans. I will be induced that morning. I will keep everyone posted.

Love,
Sarah

Finally...the Bunk Beds!

Well, we finally did it. We bought the girls bunk beds for their room. We moved both the girls into Madlyn's room to give Baby Isabelle a nursery. The girls are VERY excited about it! We will see how long that lasts. I'll let you know. Madlyn has chosen the top bunk, which seems to not bother Emily in the least. They slept in it for the first time last night. And everyone slept through the night, including us. Emily usually comes and wakes us up at least one time every night...so we are thrilled! We still have some things to do before Isabelle makes her arrival, but overall things are coming together quite nicely. Wanted to share a few pictures of the girls' new bed!

Thanksgiving 2008

Jeremy making the turkey!
Jeremy and Sarah posing after stuffing themselves at Grandma Martha's

Madlyn and Emily prior to eating

Emily (Galloping Horse) at her Thanksgiving Party

Emily's class singing "One Little Indian"

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. We went to my mom's house and aunt Becca was there from Baltimore. The girls love seeing aunt "Becky" as they call her. Of which, she does not approve, which makes it that much more FUN! We had turkey (thanks dad!), mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash soup (Aunt Becky's favorite), green bean casserole, broccoli, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy (Emily's favorite), pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies, and 2 kinds of jello! All for 6 people! Ridiculous! But GOOD! Then, of course, we watched the Titans kick the Lions's "rear ends". GO TITANS! Emily had a Thanksgiving day party at her school on the 21st. The kids sang songs and dressed up as Indians! Emily picked out her own Indian name...Galloping Horse. Very appropriate for her since she LOVES horses! Then they had a Harvest meal, which I and another parent was in charge of. It is extremely difficult to come up with a meal that 4 years will eat! So we had chicken nuggets, which we called "turkey nuggets", carrot sticks, apples, grapes, popcorn, pumpkin pie (for the parents...but Emily ate), and cookies! Oh well, we tried! This blog seemed to be mainly about food! I guess that is partly what Thanksgiving is about. Of course the bigger picture is about about being truly thankful. I am so grateful for everything and everybody in my life! My family and friends are the best. And with Isabelle coming soon, I could not be more appreciative for what I have! I have a wonderful husband, beautiful daughters, and fantastic family and the best friends anyone could ask for! Not to mention a roof over my head, a job I love, and all of the material things I could need! I am truly fortunate! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and look forward to a fabulous Christmas season!

Much love,

Sarah