Happy Birthday Ivy Ann!

January 2, 2009

Ivy's 1st birthday


A big box for such a small girl!

Grandpa, Ezra, Ivy and Grandma


Ivy and Aunt Brittany

I made the blanket. I can't believe my sweet little niece is one already! She is such a smart girl!!! When she sees me feeding Ezra she does the sign for milk (she does baby sign language). Ivy loves her Oorah, that's how she says Ezra. We love you sweetheart!

First outing

December 30, 2008

Today was Ezra's first time out of the house. He had his PKU and didn't even cry, what a brave boy! Dixie also said he heart sounds really strong and that's what a mama likes to hear! Ezra's weight was 8lbs 2oz, he lost 4oz but that is normal.


After Ezra's appointment Ryan and I got some Carl's Jr. we went to the location we stopped at right after we got married. We ordered the same thing we ordered on our wedding day, Western Bacon Cheeseburgers, yummy!

Just the three of us!

December 29, 2008
This was our first day where it was just our little family. It was wonderful! Ryan and I spent the whole day just enjoying our beautiful son. I had a really hard time when I realized how much Ezra was changing already!

Ezra & Daddy

Sweet angel boy!

Mommy & Ezra
Big smiles!

These pictures were taken January 6, 2009

4 years together

December 28, 2008

Today is our four year anniversary. What a amazing four years it has been! Here's to many, many more!!!! I love you Ryan! xoxo

Ezra's cord fell off today!

In-N-out

December 27, 2008

Ryan's sister Amie, his brother Branden and his wife Lynne came to see Ezra. They brought Mommy and Daddy In-N-out..... Food is the way to my heart!

Cousin Ivy Loves Ezra! She was blowing him kisses and waving at him as soon as she saw him.

Grandma Dorothy and Aunt Bethany stopped by for a little while. Grandma did the dishes and took our laundry.... Cleaning, another way to my heart.

Visitors!

December 26, 2008

We had lots of visitors here are a few pictures.....

Grandpa Dennis & Grandma Diana

Great Aunt Lisa & Great Grandma Colleen

Great Uncle Ryan

David & Karen

Ezra's 1st adjustment by Grandpa Todd

Mommy and Ezra had been through a lot and really needed adjustments!!!!

We were really happy Aunt Lisa and Uncle Doug could visit Ezra before they went home to California!

Our Merry little Christmas

December 25, 2008

12:01 am My water broke
10:?? am Started pushing
3:01 pm Ezra Joseph Petersen was born!
8lbs 6oz 21.5 inches long with the longest fingers and toes I have ever seen on a baby, he got those from Daddy. He also has lots of dark hair just like Mommy.

Just born

Daddy & Ezra

Ezra was born at home with the help of a midwife (Dixie). My sister Ashley was also there to take pictures after he was born. I never thought I would have my babies at home. I thought it was for crunchy granola weirdos! After much research and witnessing my niece Ivy's birth I knew this is the way I wanted to have my baby. I did not anticipate having such a difficult labor. My labor was very hard from the very beginning!!! I had TONS of back pain the whole 15 hours, not to mention the 5 hours of pushing! Although it was different then the experience I thought I would have, I wouldn't change it! It was the hardest and most spiritual experience of my life!!!

Dixie & Ezra

Later that night Ryan and I opened our stockings, it all seemed very surreal! I still feel like I "missed" Christmas, but at the same time I feel for once I truly felt the real meaning of Christmas. We also had Ivy come over and watched her open some of her presents. I was Ivy and Ezra's first Christmas, it's kind of funny. I feel bad that Ashley missed most of Ivy's first Christmas but I am glad she was there!

Grandpa Todd

Grandma Dorothy

Aunt Brennan, Grandma and Aunt Bethany


Uncle Aaron, Ivy and Grandpa

First diaper

That night when I was sleeping Ezra was mimicking Ryan by sticking out his tongue. He made lots of squeaking sounds. He also made a high pitched squeal we lovingly called his pterodactyl cry. He also started holding his head up that very first day. He is a very strong boy! We love him so much and can't imagine our lives without him!

Our Christmas Surprise!

Welcome
Ezra Joseph Petersen!!!

8lbs 6 oz 21.5 inches
December 25, 2008
3:01 pm

It was a very hard labor and delivery but Mom and Baby are doing well. Brittany and Ryan wish to send their love to everyone. Brittany says she is sorry she didn't get an e-mail out and hopes you will forgive her.

If you would like to send your love you can e-mail Brittany dancingqueenlv@yahoo.com (she can get them on her phone)

Posted by Aunt Ashely

Winter Wonderland!

Wednesday December 17, 2008

I have lived in Las Vegas most of my life and I have never seen anything like this..... SNOW!!! Not just a few little fakes but real stick to the ground SNOW! I felt like a little kid I was so giddy just watching it come down. As a child I would always pray that we would have a white Christmas. Although it is few years later then I was asking for and it was a week early for this Christmas I think it was the most wonderful Christmas present! Our only casualty was the loss of a few big branches on the olive tree in our front yard. I will post pictures later.
P.S. If you want a picture e-mail when the baby is born please leave your e-mail (even if you think I have it)! This is how we will be spreading the word.

Just the two of us

Ryan and I are so excited for the upcoming birth of our first child! But... I would be lying if I didn't say that there is a part of me that will miss just being the two of us. Right now we can just pick up and go do whatever we want. We don't have to think of a babysitter or do we have enough diapers. We have been so focused on everything baby we kind of forgot about us. So this past "weekend" (Ryan's weekends are Monday-Wednesday) we spent some time us the two of us. We went to a couple of different malls and walked around not buying anything just spending time together. We also went to dinner one night and made dinner together another night. But I think my favorite "activity" was a nap. We know that very soon a peaceful nap together will be a thing of the past.

December 28th will be our four year anniversary. Because I don't know if I will anywhere with Internet and or could be in labor I want to write a little something to my sweetheart....

Ryan,

Thank you for being the most wonderful husband! I really could not ask for more. I feel so blessed to have you in my life. It has been a wonderful journey so far and I look forward to all that awaits us. Thank you for taking the journey with me!

All my love,

Brittany

Am I done yet?

Well I lasted a pretty long time I must say but my happiness has just about run out! I am feeling very done with this whole being pregnant thing. The melt downs are happening more and more, I have nothing to wear and I keep getting the question "when are you due?" or "haven't you had that baby yet!?!" There are many things I've learned being pregnant and I would like to share them with the world.
1. NEVER tell a pregnant woman "Wow you're huge!" or "Your really getting big!" Just don't comment on how big she is getting, she already knows! (I know many times people are just trying to make conversation, but talk about the weather!)
2. ALWAYS tell a pregnant women she is looking good. (It will make her day!)
3. NEVER make fun of a pregnant woman while she is eating.
4. When a pregnant women says she is tired don't tell her"Just wait 'till you have the baby then you'll see what tired is." We all know newborns are A LOT of work and sleepless nights come with the territory. She just wants to vent.
5. ALWAYS complement her on whatever she is doing well. With all those crazy hormones she sometimes feels that nothing is going right. It is nice to hear someone thinks she is doing something well.
6. NEVER, EVER call and ask her if she has had her baby yet. AND do not ask her the very same question every time she calls you. When the baby comes, you will know!
These are just a few of the things I wish the world to know! These are very very important at the end of pregnancy (where I currently find myself) because, although she might just smile or laugh at your comment, she is really thinking how she would like to punch you in the nose!

So, I know I haven't hit my due date yet, but I guess I just thought I would have the baby early. Having a natural birth is hard in our society where most everyone is induced and has their babies early. It actually is normal for babies to come after their due date. But, sigh, I have decided to go the all natural route. So, I guess whenever the baby is done he will come. I am just having a hard time because I know several people due the same time as me and they are all having there babies now.

Enough of all this complaining! I am so thankful that the baby is doing really well! He is very healthy and active. Ryan and I have enjoyed watching him move around. When Ryan gets home from work at about 1:30 am we sit and talk to the baby and play with him, it has really been fun! I really want to be done being pregnant, but at the same time I want him to stay in there until he is good and done. We can't wait for him to come! This is where the news of his arrival will be, so keep an eye out.

No internet

We currently do not have the Internet so that is why you haven't heard from us for awhile. Listed below are a few new posts so make sure you don't miss anything!

Give Thanks

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ryan and I spent Thanksgiving with his family this year. Every other year we have bounced around to different places but this year we just had one dinner. We are trying to get more of a schedule because running around everywhere is way to much! This was my very first Thanksgiving not seeing my family at all and it was hard for me but I did it. The food was sooooo good! It is great to try everyone’s special dishes! I made rolls and my favorite dish broccoli casserole, it might sound gross but it is really good. Ryan and I were also excited to meet our new nephew Tage, he is a sweet little guy! There were only two “problems” with our Thanksgiving…..
First we didn’t get any pictures and second there was almost no delicious turkey leftover. Ryan was very sad not to have any turkey for turkey sandwiches! I told my mom and she came to the rescue by making him a turkey the day after so he could have sandwiches. Thanks mom! I also learned how to carve a turkey. It is one of those things that I had just never done so I asked my mom how to do it and I did it all by myself! We had a wonderful holiday and hope you all did too!!!
I thought I would list a few things I am thankful for….
Ryan’s job
Food to eat
A warm home
Clothes to wear
Freedom
Church
Good health
Babies (and that ours is healthy!)
Family
Friends

We are so blessed!

Showered with love!

November 16th
My dear friend Karen through me the most wonderful baby shower! The food was yummy and lots of friends and family came to celebrate this new little guy. Ryan and I really appreciate all the gifts! There are so many things we need to get for the baby and it can really add up. It is nice to have a good start on the things we need so we don’t have to spend so much money. Times are tuff right now! It is so kind that people went out of their way and spent their hard earned money to buy us gifts. I can’t tell you how grateful we are! Thank you!

Fancy cake

Thank you Karen for everything!!!

I got the cutest things!

Me at 34 weeks

These are some crazy face caught on camera while I was opening presents!

Me and Melissa we are due at the same time!

Everything was brown and blue. So cute!

Look at all that loot!!!

Thank you to everyone who came and for the wonderful gifts!

Happy Birthday to me!

Novermber 14, 2008

I am twenty- four, where did the time go? It seem like I just turned twenty-one. My birthday was on a Friday which is one of Ryan’s work days so he and I celebrated the Wednesday before. Ryan and I went to Maggiano’s for dinner, it was so yummy! On my real birthday I woke up to tons of balloons and streamers all over our house. This sign was on our freezer…..

Ryan bought Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches knowing he wouldn’t be able to fix me anything. Later that day I went to my parent house where my mom had one of my favorite meals eggs benedict, it was great! Then we (my family and Karen) went to the Town Square Mall to catch there holiday opening show. It was really crowded so we didn’t stay long. After the mall everyone (my family David and Karen) came over to my house and we had cake. My mom made my favorite cake, snickers! It was a great day!!! Fun fact…… I am the exact same age my mom was when had me and here I am having my first baby. I think it’s cool!

We're in!

November 10, 2008
Well the house still has lots of work left to do be we are now living in it. I was beginning to think this day would never come!!! Let me back up and give the full story……
Ryan and I bought my Grandfather’s house in October 2007. This is the home my mother grew-up from the age of four! Many of my favorite childhood memories happened in this home. So Ryan and I had big plans as we started to remodel/modernize it. Our lease was up for our apartment in December. Not wanting or being able to afford to pay both rent and a mortgage we moved in with Ryan’s Dad and Step mom who kindly opened up there home to us on December 29th. Our plan was to live with them for just two or three months. Well one BAD thing ( I hate to use the word bad even though some of it really was BAD!)…… Well one Crazy thing after another we lived with Ryan’s parents much longer than we expected!
So here we are. We don’t have a laundry room yet ( I do our wash at my parents) or a finish bathroom (we have a toilet and a shower done in one bathroom and we wash our hands and brush our teeth in the kitchen) and there are many other little things that need to be done, but we don’t care! We have are very own place and we love it!!! Ryan and I have put our blood sweat and tears into this home literally! I am so proud of Ryan and all the great work he has done and continues to do on the house, he is amazing! I also want to say thank you to all the family and friends who have helped us, you know who you are!
A special thank to Ryan’s parents for opening up there home to us! Words cannot express how grateful we are all there help!!!! Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!
P.S. Our house is right by UNLV so if you are ever at a Rebels game stop by. GO REBELS!!!!

Happy Halloween

It's November 1st already!?! Where did the time go?

Well here's what we did for Halloween..........

My Name is Earl

Earl & Joy

Ryan had to work on Halloween so some of the guys he works with had a party a week before Halloween. Ryan and I went as Earl and Joy from the T.V. show My name is Earl. Ryan's mustache was a big hit! Ryan made the mustache himself with some spirit glue and hair extensions. Yes, Ryan's eyes are closed on purpose. Earl can't keep his eyes open in pictures.

On Halloween I spent the day with my family making carmel and candy apples, jack-o-lantern pizzas and Trick-or-Treating.

Bethany making her carmel apple.

Also in this picture is her nephew.... See my belly.

Alan

He was really excited.

Andrew

Ivy & Grandma

My candy & carmel apples and my pizza

Ivy & Aunt Brittany

This was Ivy's 1st Halloween, she had a great time! We pushed her around in a stroller. As we were pushing her she was kicking her feet and pointing at everything. She liked waving bye bye to the people as we left the houses. Ivy was a horse for Halloween but everyone thought she was a cow and a boy. In this picture she is sporting her Halloween headband that I made her.



So years ago (2006) before I had a blog. Ryan and I went to a work party as Not so Happily Ever After. Most of you haven't seen these pictures so I thought I would post them. The story was Prince Charming and Cinderella got in a fight. Although Cinderella was pretty beat up..... choke marks on her neck, a black eye, fat lip, and one earring ripped out. It was Prince Charming who had the fatal ending as Cinderella stabbed him. Prince Charming came back to haunt Cinderella as a zombie.

So here's what it looks like when Happily Ever After isn't so happy.

The perfect couple

Not guilty!

Poor Prince Charming!

Poor Cinderella!

Dead man walking

The perfect wedding cake topper, right?

And they lived crapily I mean Happily ever after!

Make-up by Brittany