Clayandchayla

A little bit of Christmas

2012-01-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

Our little family has received many blessings in 2011. Lizzie is growing stronger and smarter everyday. Her heart doctor said that he highly doubts she will ever need another heart surgery again! Yay! Heart doctor check-ups have been reduced to once a year! Whoo hoo! We moved into a new and darling lil house this summer and we are loving it. I have been serving in the young womens and have made lots of cute cute friends and we are starting to love Roosevelt more and more everyday (never thought I would say that.) Our greatest blessing is our family. Clay and I are grateful everyday for our amazing parents and grandparents and the amount of love and support they show for our lil family. We are blessed.

a little bit of christmas eve...

a little bit of christmas morning...

just a little spoiled by santa, grandmas, grandpas and cousins...

spreading lots of christmas cheer!..

hope you all had a very merry christmas and a very happy new year!

HaLLoWeen~2011

2011-11-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Playing PattyCake at Grandmas...

Passing out candy to all of the Trick-Or-Treaters...

... and eating it to!

Lizzie's fake smile (but still so cute)...

Hugs for Halloween!..

Hope you all had a Berry Spooky Halloween!

Buddy Walk 2011

2011-09-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

This year was kind of our trial year for the buddy walk since it was our first time there and we really didn't know what to expect... We are so glad we went! There were lots of fun activities! A train, a great big jump house, music and so many cute cute kids. It was so fun to see and relate to other families who had a child with Down Syndrome

Lizzie's cute cousins came to support Team Lizzie and join in the fun

A few facts about Down Syndrome posted along the trail...

This fact made us all really really sad...

On a happier note... Look at all of the cute friends we made at the Buddy Walk!

This is Aleah and she is 2 years old. She is just the cutest sweetest baby girl we have ever seen! We enjoyed talking to her mom and getting some good advice along the walk.

Does anybody else think Lizzie looks just like Grandma Cheryl in this picture???

Lizzie just loved playing with her new friend Nicole.

She is another darling baby with Down Syndrome and another mom that I enjoyed chatting with.

Oh just look at all the fat rolls. I Love It!

Team Gabilicious!

We were so happy to see cute Gabi and her parents there, we love chatting with them!

Team Lizzie!..

Thanks everyone that joined Team Lizzie this year and all of those who donated to the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation! See you all next year!

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday

2011-08-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

We all had a great time celebrating Lizzie's first birthday! Lots of food, candy, cupcakes and friends...

{the plastic wrap is not a part of the display}

{Tristan, Will & Kye}

{Lola, Milo & Fisher}

{Finn}

{birthday kisses}

{sweet Olivia}

{Dozer the Dog}

{Aunt Mel & Uncle Tom}

{Grandpa Mark & Grandma Cheryl}

{Great Grandparents}

{one lil candle}

{make a wish!}

{everybody loves a pinata!}

Thanks everyone who helped make Lizzie's first birthday so special!

Lizzie's OnE YeAR!!! and a few family pics

2011-08-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for our Lizzie Jane to turn One! We are so proud of her (if you can't tell). We got her pictures taken by a photographer in Vernal. She did a great job and she took them right in her back yard! We had a lot of fun...

I had no idea what lizzie would do with a birthday cake all to herself, I was not expecting her to gag when she finally took a bite! Guess I haven't fed my child enough sugar?

Family Pics...

So many cute pictures! Thank you Mindy Smith for doing such a great job! Visit her at melindasmithphotography.blogspot.com

SUMMER TIME FUN

2011-07-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

This summer has been busy busy busy! but oh so fun!

Yes, I flat ironed Lizzie's hair. I couldn't resist.

Lizzie's first haircut...

We finally cut off the rattail

and this is how G-ma Tracy washes Lizzie's hair...

Sleepover with Stella

Stella and Lizzie stayed home with Grandma Tracy and Grandpa Perry while the rest of the Frazier fam went to Flaming Gorge. I told my mom to take lots of pictures of the little besties. This is all that was on my camera when we got back Haha...

My 10 year high school reunion

I'm old. I know and I'm so sad I didn't take more pictures but my camera went with Lizzie and Clay to the cabin. Yes, clay went to the west fork cabin instead of going to my high school reunion, which may seem so rude but I decided to spare him the pain. Charlotte and I had a great girls night out and had so much fun catching up! Here are a few pictures I stole from Charlotte's phone...

West Fork Cabin

Just a warning: This is REAL camping people! Out house, tents, and cooking with a wood burning stove. It's the real deal...

My mom and dad joined the Brown family fun at the cabin this year!

Grandma Tracy had fun walking fergie the dog and playing with Lizzie

Grandpa Mark took everyone on horse rides...

Lizzie did really well camping! I'm thinking she is going to look forward to the West Fork every year, just like her dad!

Lizzie loves Grandpa Perry...

... and his beard

Fireworks!

Cousins!

Millie LOVES riding four wheelers...

Lucy LOVES babysitting Lizzie and LOVES riding horses...

bathing Lizzie... pioneer style!

And Fisher.

Well, Fisher is just ALL boy...

Hope is just the sweetest girl ever, and such a good helper!

pooped from all the fun.

Island Park Weekend Getaway

2011-06-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to spend a weekend with the Brown family in Island Park. We had a lot of fun and the cabin we stayed in was amazing! Here are a few pictures of our fun family road trip...

Bear World...

Yellowstone...

We saw lots of Buffalo!

Old Faithful...

and of course... cousins!

Where do I begin!

2011-06-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of what we have been up to lately...

I officially lost my USB cord somewhere in the move, so I'm blaming the lack of blog posts on that.

New House...
Just a few pics of our lil house. I still have a lot to do and still have some wall space to fill up, and have no ideas, I need help.
(Anybody that just loves interior design and would like to help me, please help!)

Master bedroom pillow makeover...

Yep. Did that myself. With a glue gun.

I still am on the lookout for some cute pillows to add to these ones.

Lizzie's room is still an ongoing project. I still have the pillows and bed skirt to sew, frames to hang, shelves to paint, curtains to put together and the cute chandelier to get out of the box so this is just a sneak peek...

My thrifty night stand before and after...

Clay is in the process of making me some really cute shelves. I'm really excited to post pictures of them hanging in my kitchen...

Lizzie updates:

Lizzie is now 9 months old! And considering a few little set backs (like heart surgery) she is doing pretty well! She is getting stronger and smarter everyday! Did I mention Lizzie's checkup with the heart doctor went great! A few months ago, Lizzie went in for a check up with her heart doctor, I was really scared that they were going to tell me that her heart was still having some heart blocks and would need a pace maker. They told me there were no signs of a heart block so they won't need to see her for another 9 months! Yay! Blessings Blessings!

She loves to jump and use her legs!

Hold the bottle all by herself! (Big Accomplishment!)

She loves the T.V. (I'm not sure if that is a good thing.) Her favorites are baby signing time, word world and elmo. She laughs and giggles every time elmo dances. It's really funny.

I'm not sure if I should be happy that she pays attention and reacts to what's going on or if I should be a little concerned that she might be turning into a little couch potato...

Lizzie is an EXCELLENT eater! She LOVES carrots! She loves them SO much, she eats the carrots AND the spoon and won't give it back!..

We are so excited about the progress Lizzie is making! Not to mention she is ALWAYS happy! She is our Little Miss Sunshine! She is starting to talk more and more! A few of her words are bababababa and dadadadada! We LOVE the "B" sound and the "D" sound! Yay for Lizzie! I have lots of videos of her talking and if I knew the quickest way to upload a video on this thing I would but i can't figure it out! (advice would be greatly appreciated.)

... And last but not least...

Lizzie is getting teeth!!!

EaSteR 2o11

2011-05-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny found Lizzie this year!...

I was so excited about all of the cute summer outfits and swimming suits!... Lizzie was just happy with green paper grass

3/21 World Down Syndrome Day

2011-03-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! 3/21... 3 sets of the 21st chromosome. I feel blessed to have Lizzie in my life and I feel especially blessed to live in a time where Down Syndrome is celebrated and not something to be ashamed of. One of my favorite stories is told by a father who has a son with Down Syndrome. His story is called "Down Syndrome and Evidence of the Divine" Here are some of his amazing and inspired words. . .

"If we each had just a little bit of what these people have in them, the world would be a better place.

Science tells us that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome -- the 21st chromosome to be exact. This microscopic genetic addition has given those with DS special characteristics and personality traits that are consistent yet varied. It also, in my opinion, draws others to them. They are almost always happy."

"To identify what it is about these special people that allow us to glimpse the divine isn't difficult. It's something most of us pursue and long for - even if only subconsciously. It's the purity and innocence they have within them."

"I suppose I could credit that small, extra chromosome #21 for this. That's why I call it the "divine chromosome". There are lessons for all of us when we have the opportunity to meet someone who has what society calls "disadvantages". We are called by God to accept and love all people and these special people openly and eagerly invite us to do so! God wants each of us to show others his divine spark. Most of us typical folks aren't able to do this as well as those with Down syndrome.

As I have often reflected, if God were to appear to me and tell me that if I wished it, he would make Michael typical I would respectfully decline his offer. I have received blessing in my life beyond compare because of the way Michael is and he has touched the lives of so many people I just can't imagine him any other way."

If you would like to read the whole story "Down syndrome and evidence of the Divine" click HERE

I love my little "divine" angel

6 month photo~shoot

2011-03-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

can you believe just 2 weeks before these pictures were taken, Lizzie looked like this?!..

A Father Indeed

2011-02-27T15:25:00.000-08:00

I love this message. So touching

Happy 30 to the sweetest man I know

2011-02-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

Today is Clay Brown's Big 30th birthday! I just thought I would honor him with this little post, maybe embarrass him a little. Clay is literally the sweetest, most genuine person I have ever met. When i met Clay, I knew there was something so different about him. He was unlike any other guy I had ever met and maybe that's because I didn't get out enough or maybe it's because he puts up with me. Either way, I truly have never met a guy as sweet as Clay. I'm not sure how I was so blessed to find Clay, sometimes I really don't think I deserve such an amazing man... I lucked out! Clay and I have faced a few trials this past year, these trials have definitely brought us closer and have helped us grow. When I married Clay, I truly didn't think I could love a person more than I did on that day. Wow! This past year has proven me wrong! I can truly say that I have reached a whole new level of humility and love and we have been blessed to have felt that together. I cannot imagine my life without him. I cannot imagine going through what we have gone through with any other person. He is perfect and anyone you ask will tell you that he is truly the perfect friend, son, brother, dad and husband. Happy birthday to the sweetest man I know.

Since Clay is working on his birthday, Last friday I decided to throw him a surprise get together with a few of his good friends while staying with our Lizzie at primary children's. Beside the fact that Clay and I showed up about 30 minutes late because I couldn't get him to leave the hospital, we had a really good time and he was surprised! Thanks Everyone!

Lizzie's Heart Surgery

2011-02-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

Day 1:

February 14, 2011

Taking her in on valentines. They drew her blood and (TRIED) to get a sample of her pee.

Q: How do you get a 5 month old to pee in a cup?

A: You don't. You tape a little plastic bag to her little privates. When that doesn't work, you find a plastic ziploc bag big enough for her to fit in and put her in it, feet first... and then wait and hope it works. I would have posted pictures of that experience but thought it would be slightly inappropriate.

Day 2:

February 15, 2011

We checked in at primary childrens at 6:oo am. Gave them our sample of what pee we could catch in the plastic bag. First we talk to the nurse practitioner, then the heart surgeon, Dr. Burch. He explains the procedure and of course gives us all of the risks. He explained that where the hole is located in Lizzie's heart, there is a chance that the conductor could get damaged and she would have to depend on a pace maker for the rest of her life. Of course at that point I had a melt down. After talking to Dr. Burch, in came the anesthesiologist. Did some more talking, I don't remember a word he said. Thank goodness Clay was listening. We dressed Lizzie in her robe, carried her to the operating room and then handed her to the anesthesiologist. I didn't get any pictures at this point because I was crying, really emotional and didn't think to take out the camera. After sitting in the waiting room for a long 5 hours, the surgeon came in and explained that the surgery went well except for one thing. After he finished the surgery, her heart was beating all on its own for about 20 minutes and then stopped, something he had never seen before and explained that her heart was in fact depending on a pacemaker. Once again, I broke down. They called us up to the pediatric intensive care unit where she spent the next two days...

Day 3:

February 16, 2011

They took the oxygen machine out and she was still obviously in pain and just out of it. At this point, her heart was still on and off the pace maker and she was still really swollen. I was in shock when I saw her right after the surgery, it looked like someone had filled her up like a balloon! It was so sad.

Day 4:

February 17, 2011

We showed up at the PICU early in the morning and found our baby girl with the coolest hair do I have ever seen! I'm sad to say, I cannot take credit for this one. The nurse that was with her that night, bless her heart, had good intentions. Lizzie's hair can get really out of control at times. To be really honest, we laughed really hard and shortly after snapping a few pics, we washed her hair and gave her a little shampoo set..

Things started looking up, a little more awake but still with chest tubes. Only used the pace maker once and got the big i.v taken out of her neck!

Day 5:

February 18, 2011

Lizzie got her chest tubes taken out and was acting a little more like herself. I wish I could thank personally whoever invented these weird little singing animals. This is Lizzie's favorite toy. When the i.v team put more needles in her arm, she didn't even notice! Didn't even flinch! Just as long as her little pink thingy was singing to her, she was just in love.

She even attempted to smile!

Day 6:

February 19, 2011

Lizzie was sent to the childrens surgical unit. This meant she was closer to going home! She was moved to her own room and Clay and I got to sleep in her room with her (I slept on the couch, Clay slept on the floor). We were so excited at how well she was doing and couldn't believe how quickly she was recovering!

Day 7:

February 20, 2011

Lizzie was laughing and smiling a lot more, her heart was beating completely without the pace maker and she was doing well.. so despite how tired we were we couldn't help but feel excited and hopeful.

Day 8:

February 21, 2011

We were told that we would be going home. The cardiologist told us we have to stay one more night because they want to monitor her just a little longer. We were really board, tired and ready to go home! Lizzie started to get really restless hanging out in her bed, hooked up to all kinds of wires and heart monitors. We took her on a ride around the 3rd floor in the wagon. She loved it, and we loved that she finally got to sleep!

Day 9:

February 22, 2011

Finally going home! We were so excited when they told us we could officially get released! Lizzie was completely off the oxygen, and had not been dependent on the pace maker for a few days. We were honestly so excited to be going home so soon! We had planned to be there for at least 2 weeks because of how her heart reacted right after the surgery. Lizzie truly is one strong baby girl! She surprised us all and recovered so much quicker than we had even expected! We are grateful for our family and friends and are extremely grateful for everyones prayers.

We are so excited for our Lizzie and can't wait to watch her exceed our expectations again and again in the future!

New Heart for Valentines

2011-02-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Lizzie gets a new heart for Valentines this year. Well, maybe not a new heart but a repaired heart. The surgery is scheduled for the 15th but we have to take her in on Valentines day. This is a Valentines we will never forget that is for sure! The doctors tell us the recovery will be a week maybe two. We are extremely grateful for Primary Childrens and for all of their amazing nurses and doctors. When Clay blessed Lizzie, he mentioned how blessed she is to have been born at a time with all of the amazing advances in technology. We feel blessed. We are scared, but so grateful at the same time to see the great progress Lizzie will make with a repaired heart. She is one strong little girl. I remember when she was born, everyone was crying and there was Lizzie just looking around like she knew everything was going to be ok. Even when they wheeled her out to the ambulance to take her from Payson to Primary Childrens, I found strength just looking at her. She was calm, and just content.

I was watching one of my favorite cheesy chick flicks the other day, Return To Me... It's about a girl that gets a heart transplant. Her cute grandpa says something to Grace (his granddaughter who receives a heart transplant) that was so simple and true. He said "It's those that are the strongest that God gives the most challenges to, you can take that as a compliment!" I do believe Lizzie is strong and I do believe that she can take it as a compliment to have been sent to this earth with the challenges that she has. We are so blessed to have been given such a strong baby girl. Thanks everyone for all of your love and support, Don't forget our Lizzie Jane in your prayers this Valentines.

HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINES!

The Many Smiles of Lizzie

2011-01-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing"

~Mother Teresa

5 months today!

2011-01-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

10lbs 4oz

Lizzie has been trying to hold her head up and her mouth hangs wide open every time she tries. Its really funny. She also is starting to talk, A LOT! and is smiling and laughing... which I will catch her smile on camera, one of these days. I can't even tell you all how much I love my baby girl. She is my personal little angel that I will have by my side forever and ever. It is something new everyday, her personality just shines.

Look! she is holding her head up! Whoo hoo!!!

(Don't you love how I have like 50 of the same picture?)

HaPPy NeW YeAr 2o11!!!

2011-01-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

2011-01-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

Just a few pics from our merry christmas break!...

what's christmas without presents!!

Milo in his cute cowboy outfit from Grandma Cheryl

love this boy...

pooped from all the fun...

We had lots of fun this christmas! Lizzie got lots of fun gifts like books, toys, pj's, some cute outfits, baby signing time dvds, a rocking horse (actually a rocking butterfly named Betty), a trike and even a Wii..! most of these gifts we will be re-gifting next year. The grandmoms and granddads did a great job of spoiling all of us! Hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas!

Just because I love Christmas and just because I love this baby!..

2010-12-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

merry christmas to you!

Lizzie meets Santa Claus!

2010-12-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

On monday, back up to Primary Children's we went! Lizzie had her monthly checkup with the cardiologist. This time, they had to put her to sleep (cause ya know, babies move around a lot) they did a sedated ECO and an EKG. Her heart is in the same condition they found it when they first looked at it. This is actually a good thing, even though every time we meet with the heart doctor we hope to hear that her heart has just healed itself, we are just grateful there were no new surprises and she is able to wait until she is a little older to get heart surgery. The doctors tell us that she has an Atrioventricular Canal defect (AV canal) this defect basically means that she has a hole in the center of her heart. {*one-third of all children born with AV canal have Down Syndrome} This defect also can include abnormalities with the valves in the heart. Lizzie has one big valve where she should have two. She will have to get open heart surgery, where they will go in and put a patch in the middle of her heart and somehow separate the one valve and make two! The doctors want to do the surgery in the middle of February. Even though I'm not very excited to live at Primary Children's again, I am extremely grateful for such an amazing hospital and amazing doctors!

3 months!

2010-12-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

3 month checkup

(I know, I'm a little late)

weighed in at 8lbs 14oz

23" long

Lizzie's Big Day..

2010-12-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

On sunday, we blessed our sweet Lizzie Jane. We talked with our bishop and decided to do it at Clay's parents house and keep it really small. It turned out great! I am so grateful for such an amazing husband and worthy priesthood holder. Clay gave our baby girl a beautiful blessing and there was not one dry eye when he finished. He loves his baby and is so proud. We feel so incredibly blessed to have this perfect baby girl in our lives. She is the best, easiest baby anyone could ask for. She hardly ever cries, sleeps all the way through the night, takes her bottle and even nurses like a little champ! She is nothing but pure JOY!

Oh so pretty...

Lots of love and support...

Thank you family & friends for making Lizzie's day so special!

As Cute as a Bug...

2010-11-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

We really didn't do much for Halloween this year, just spent the weekend moving.

2 month check-up

2010-10-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

2 months!

Today, Lizzie went in for her 2 month check-up.

Weighing in at 8.1

Length: 20 1/2

getting her shots... It just broke my heart to see such a sad face

one in each little leg :(

Glamour Shots...

2010-10-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Since we were sent straight from Payson hospital to Primary Children's where we stayed for 3 weeks or so, we were unable to get the newborn pictures that I always wanted. It's a well known fact that photographing a newborn works best about 10 days after they're born, so that might explain why Lizzie was not very cooperative when we tried to squish her into the cute little newborn poses. Despite the fussiness and lack of interest, I think Sarah did a great job getting some beautiful shots of our little Lizzie Jane.

...by the end we had just given up on trying to get her to pose. Looking like a little old grandpa was not what I had in mind but this little baby is just like her dad!.. Glamour shots are just not her favorite thing!

This is how much Lizzie LOVES the kissy mushy pictures...

Down Syndrome Awareness

2010-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Grab This Button

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month! I had no idea! But now that I am FULLY AWARE of down syndrome, I'm joining in on raising awareness! One of the many things that I was not aware of was how connected these families really are! It's like we've suddenly made a whole network of new friends that I wouldn't have had otherwise! I absolutely love that all of the families who are dealing with down syndrome are all so connected and are so willing to reach out and support one another! So thank you to all of our new friends that have checked out our blog and offered your support!

The last 2 weeks...

2010-10-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

This is what has been happening in the life of Lizzie for the past 2 weeks!..

September 23rd we got to bring our little Lizzie home!

We stayed the night at the NICU thurs. night (got no sleep at all) and waited and waited all day Fri. to finally take her home

Our favorite NICU nurse Rochelle. She was so nice and so helpful. I already miss all of the nurses that took care of Lizzie, I wish I could have just taken one of them home with me!

Yay! finally on our way! (don't mind if we look extremely tired)

Thank Goodness for Granny Tracy and Grandpa Perry!

They came out to Roosevelt the very next day and made us dinner, helped with baby duties, and Grandpa perry set up the swing! We love them dearly!

...And Thank Goodness for Granny Cheryl and Grandpa Mark!

They came out to Roosevelt right after Granny Tracy and Grandpa Perry left. They made us dinner, helped with baby duties, and Grandma Cheryl organized ALL of the baby stuff! We are so grateful for everything the grandparents have done for us. We couldn't have made it through without them.

First bath at home...
After Granny Cheryl & Grandpa Mark left, Cheryl came back to our rescue with our nurse/aunt Hayley!

Meeting the cousins...

All of Lizzie's cousins were so excited to finally meet her! It was like christmas morning they were that excited!

Even Grandma & Grandpa Knotts were so excited for Lizzie to come home!..

... Our new bassinet

Our good friend Mike Johnson surprised us with this beautiful, black walnut, handmade bassinet! We are so incredibly grateful for this amazing labor of love. In the midst of these tests and trials, I've realized that we are so blessed with amazing family & friends who are so excited to serve and learn from our sweet baby girl. This beautiful gift will be an heirloom in our little family forever and will always bring sweet memories of such a trying time.

... and if your wondering about the darling quilt, it was made by Mike's daughter Ann! I LOVE this quilt and can't wait to show it off!

2010-09-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Trailer :(

We were so lucky to get one out of 3 spots at the Primary Children's RV parking! They were supposed to be reserved until the end of Sept. but my mom, being the persistent, concerned mom that she is, found out that the one empty spot had been canceled and was no longer reserved. We have been so lucky to have my grandparents trailer up here for a whole 2 weeks! We have been only walking distance from the hospital! We are so sad that our 2 weeks is up but it sounds like our little Lizzie Jane will only be here for another week and then we can take her home!.. We are probably going to have to take her home with the oxygen and the feeding tube because she is not eating a full bottle yet and the doctors aren't sure she will be strong enough to finish a full bottle before her little heart surgery. But, at least she is not on any medications and oxygen and the feeding tube is all we have to worry about! So lets all hope she will be coming home at the end of the week!!!

These pictures are for Clay...

We are so bummed that he had to go back to work. Lizzie and I love it when he is here cause he is just the BEST at changing the poopy diapers! Plus Lizzie just LOVES her Dad. She goes right to sleep with a little smile on her face every time he holds her!

She gets so pooped out after she eats it is the funniest thing. This is my mom trying to burp her (don't you just love her squished little cheeks??)

Lizzie just loves being wrapped up like a little burrito! And just look at the cute little vintage quilt my mom made her...

Lizzie Updates

2010-09-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Today, Lizzie got her pick line taken out! The pick line was a permanent i.v that went under the skin to her heart. She is now eating enough that she does not need an i.v at all! They are only feeding her through a bottle every other time right now but we are hoping she will get strong enough really soon and start taking the bottle every feeding.

with the pick line...

without the pick line...

eating through the bottle...

Tiny little hands and feet...

I forgot to mention how my dad passed out his first visit to the NICU! He also passed out when I was born. Something about needles, tubes, and blood that makes him a little sick to his stomach! Good thing Clay was with him when he started to look a little pale! When he woke up, he was in the hall way on the floor with nurses all around trying to figure out what in the world they're going to do with a patient that size! Poor Perry hahahaha!!! I know this picture is a little blurry, I sent it from my cell phone. I still had to post it just because I know my dad would be SO proud!..

Our Lovely Lizzie Jane

2010-09-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Eliza Jane Brown

8.26.10

10:01 p.m.

5lb 9oz

Our perfect baby girl came really unexpectedly on thursday, august 26th. It all began at 5:am, at my parents house. My doctor was planning on inducing labor on Sept. 1st (in Roosevelt) so I figured I had lots of time to hang out with my mom, go shopping for cute clothes and nursery stuff. I decided to spend the night at my parents and go back to Roosevelt first thing in the morning. I woke up at 5 in the morning thinking I needed to use the bathroom. . I didn't quite make it to the bathroom. I seriously thought I was peeing my pants all over my mom's floor. When I yelled for my mom, she ran in and yelled "oh my goodness your water broke! We have got to get to the hospital right now!" Of course I was crying my eyes out because 1: the water wouldn't stop coming! 2: Clay wasn't there, he was in Roosevelt 3: I called my doctor (in Roosevelt) to see what I should do and I got a machine that said he is out of town for the weekend! So we ended up at Payson hospital which ended up being a really big blessing. Clay got to the hospital in about an hour (from Roosevelt!) just in time to wait another 15 hours. After our baby finally arrived, the pediatrician came in and looked the baby over. He gave us the really shocking news that our baby shows signs of down syndrome. This news was really hard for me to believe since there was never any indication of down syndrome throughout the whole pregnancy and I did get the blood test and my doctor told me that my chances of having a down syndrome baby were average to low and I probably wouldn't have to worry about that. (That blood test is only 80% accurate little did I know) We spent the night at the hospital and the next day they sent our sweet baby to primary children's to get tests and ultrasounds done on her heart. They found that she has a heart condition that is very common among down syndrome babies which will require surgery in 4 to 5 months. Eliza is still here in the NICU where Clay and I spend each and everyday trying to get her to eat and breath on her own. So far, she is doing really well! She does her very best to drink from her bottle, and they almost have her all the way off the oxygen! She still needs a little more time to do all of these things on her own but we cannot wait until we can take her home! (probably in about 2 weeks).

Even though the past few weeks have been a life changing adjustment and very emotional, I cannot put into words the feelings that we get every time we hold our baby girl. I feel so honored to have been sent such a perfect spirit and I hope that I can live up to the trust Heavenly Father has put into me. I know that this baby has been sent to us for a reason and through her, I will learn the true meaning of the Christlike attributes that each of us are here to acquire.

The Latest...

2010-08-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

Softball. . .

Playing Outfield

3rd base coach striking out

and being a good sport {It's all a part of the game}

Camping at the West Fork. . .

Clay would camp out at the west fork ALL summer long if he could!

Clay & Millie LOVE riding the horses!

fixing the salt shed {good picture of Clay's bum heh?}

Spear Fishing. . .

Shad and Clay have LOVED their new hobby of spear fishing almost every weekend this summer at the Bottle Hollow or Starvation Reservoir {don't ask me what's up with Clay's cheesy smile these days}

My Birthday! . .

I had a GREAT B-day! I got money, gift cards, cute jewelry, parties with the family, a pedicure and lots more! Clay brought me a german chocolate cake and some cheerful roses!

And last but not least, 37 weeks. . .

I only have a couple of weeks left! Even though my due date is Sept. 7th, the doctor informed me that he will be inducing labor on Sept 1st!

I'm really nervous and scared, not going to lie! First, because I am not sure if inducing labor is going to be the most painless way to go and I don't know much about it. Second, because I have no idea if I'm really prepared for this. I'm really excited to meet the little Clayla baby but I think I just want her to stay in there for one more week!

{Im really trying to suck in and think skinny thoughts in this picture. I know, it's not working}

sHoW & TeLL.

2010-07-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

I just have to brag for a second... Here is one of the many carseat covers my mom has made. Isn't it cute? Don't you worry, I will get up to her level in the sewing world... one of these days!

I love the cute fall colors and just lOOk at the inside!... Luv the PolkaDots!

7 mOnthS and still growing!

2010-07-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

You probably wouldn't believe me when I say this, but time is flying!!!

7 Months and I can't believe I'm still stretching!
I have to admit, pregnancy is the most amazing and uncomfortable thing I have ever been through!

I guess I can kind of compare it to being on my mission... Sleeping on a cement floor in a sleeping bag getting eaten alive by fleas but it still was the most amazing experience!

Bottle Hollow

2010-06-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Shad decided to buy this cool tube and pull it with his fishing boat! Who would have thought we could have so much fun being pulled by a fishing boat at the reservoir down the street?

Shad & Clay... can I say farmers tan? They should do this more often!

Outside the wake! Wow these two farmers are soooo tricky!

Clay & Weston... Their tricks obviously didn't work out so well

And even though I couldn't ride in the big blue tube, I still had fun taking pictures and getting a tan! Oh!... I would have taken more but my camera died but Im sure we'll be doing a lot more tubing at the Bottle Hollow!

3D Ultrasound...

2010-06-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

We were told that we could get a 3D ultrasound at 28 weeks. I, personally was so excited to get one and was counting down the days because I had heard so many cool things about them, like you can see the little facial features, see if they have hair etc. Well, Is it any surprise to you that this baby might be a little camera shy? If you consider how much Clay loves getting his picture taken, It shouldn't be any surprise to you when we found the little claybaby like this!..

We were so disappointed when the radiologist told us that she was kind of buried in a really tough spot with only the back of her head showing! So they made me go for a walk, do some cartwheels and stuff. When I came back the baby had turned (a little) and had her little hand over her face like she was telling us to GO AWAY!!! So we waited and waited . . .

She finally turned a little more and we got so see her squished little face and fat little cheeks. When Clay got a glimpse of her chubby face, He started laughing and said "Whoa! That baby's got some CHEEKS!"

When my dad saw these pictures he started laughing and said "Looks like she's got her face smashed up against a glass door!"

Ok... So we didn't get all of the amazing 3D results we wanted and my baby is a little camera shy, a little squished, and has some chubby cheeks... I still think she is perfectly precious.

We've officially made it to the 3rd trimester!

2010-06-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

27 weeks and everythings lookin good!

babies healthy, Im getting fatter, and we get our 3D ultrasound next week! Whoo hoo!

A small clip of the California road trip:

2010-06-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

This year Kye Welker turned 8! His baptism in San Diego turned out to be a success! Even though Clay had to stay home and work, I decided to not pass up the opportunity for a fun trip to beautiful San Diego so I tagged along with Mark and Cheryl. We had lots of fun! Visited the beach, ate at the yummy phil's BBq, visited OLD TOWN, dug for gold at the MORMON BATTALION, and most importantly, got to be a part of Kye Welker's baptism...

We made it! One whole Year!

2010-06-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

It's been ONE whole YEAR!!!

Happy Anniversary to me and clay!!!

June 5th... Still the best day ever!

About 24 weeks(ish)

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2010-04-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

CRIB

changing table

The count down begins...

2010-04-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ok... The truth is I have been avoiding the camera. I am not excited about the growing numbers on the scale but according to the "Bunko Girls" documenting my growing belly is not only FUN but it is a NECESSITY! So here it goes...(better late than never right?) Here is
20 WEEKS!

Key Lime Cream Cakes Recipe! EnjOy!

2010-04-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Finally Im posting my mini keylime pie recipe! I figured I should before summer gets here cause they make such a yummy little summer treat! *Just a helpful hint* You can find the Nelie & Joe's lime juice at Maceys Grocery Store!

Pink! Pink! and lots of Pink!

2010-04-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

~We're Having A Baby Girl~

Here's just a few girlie things...

{this cute little shirt and shoes were given to clay from cheryl, So cute!}

{a cute little dress Hayley gave to us when we found out it was a girl}

{and the cute minky blanket is just one of the MANY that my mom has made}

{...and my oh-so-stylin diaper bag that I just love}

...I just can't get enough of all the cute baby girl stuff! I can't wait to post more!

Scouts Made Easy!

2010-03-31T17:29:00.001-07:00

Clay LOVES his new calling as the Webelos scout leader! To pass off one of their ranks, the two scouts needed to go on a 5 mile hike and one of the requirements for this hike was to bring a compass..

So...somewhere in the deserts of Roosevelt, Clay found the perfect spot for a hike! A long, narrow road perfect and easy to calculate 5 miles!

2010-03-31T17:27:00.001-07:00

Along the way...

they admired the desolate, yet oh so beautiful scenery

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...got lots of valued scouting advice

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...picked up litter found on the sides of the trail. (which was actually candy wrappers that they dropped along the way)

2010-03-31T17:19:00.001-07:00

...and when asked to take out a compass, they pulled out the most essential gadget for survival. THE ipod! (how could an eleven yr old live without their ipod?!)

FuN~FiLLeD WeeKeNd

2010-03-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend we finally got to go home! (We still cOnsider spanish fork and elK Ridge home) We look forward to staying at Mark & Cheryl's whenever possible because it's just always a PARTY! On Friday night, We celebrated Clay & Cody FiNches Birthday. We had pizza, hung out with the whole Brown fam, and I think they had cake and ice cream, Im not sure cause i fell asleep and NOBODY Woke me UP!!! It was still fun though, we LOVE hanging out with everyone..(So much I gotta blog about it!) On saturday, Clay and Chase took my Dad to the Goshen Dam to shoot sporting clays and my mom and I decided to get pedicures (good tRade riGht?) To end the weekend, we went out to eat with our good friends chase & kristi, luke & Ali. I wish I had pictures but I forgot my camera. Next time I wont forget! Thanks Everyone for a fun~filled weekeNd!

cLay'S HapPy HaPpy BiRthDay!

2010-02-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

Poor Clay had to work on his birthday, and none of our friends were around this weekend to help celebrate and Roosevelt can be kind of boring especially when nobody is around! Luckily, clay still ended up having a happy happy birthday. I was really sick on clay's actual birthday so we didnt end up doing much. I felt really bad so saturday I decorated with balloons and got a yummy cake! My parents decided to drive up here for a visit and it just ended up working out perfectly! My mom brought her awesome pressure cooker and made delicious chicken and rice fajitas (in about 10 minutes! pressure cookers are truly amazing) we all ate dinner, sang happy birthday, and ate chocolate cake and ice cream! After sitting around and chatting, We made a bed for my parents (and Fergie the dog) on the floor of our little apartment. They were really good sports about it. Sunday, Clay had to go to work and got out of speaking in church but I still had to speak.. But my parents came with me so it wasnt that bad. It actually ended up being a really fun weekend. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for my parents and especially my mom who made us dinner on saturday and sunday, cleaned my house, folded my laundry, she even colored my hair! Living in roosevelt im realizing more and more how lucky I am to have such an awesome mom.

2010-02-28T16:02:00.000-08:00

Lots of catching up!

2010-02-21T17:06:00.001-08:00

...and the month of LoVe...

This month was fun! Filled with sugar cookies...

(the famous kneeders cookies that i so proudly made myself!)

Knock-and-run goodies for neighbors and friends...

Chocolate covered strawberries, Red roses and lots

of LoVe from my sweet Valentine!

Oh! and we cant forget our amazing valentines get together put on by

Maclee, Jazlyn, Courtney, and Myself.

As the men were off on a well planned out scavenger hunt around Roosevelt,

we (the girls) set up for a Romantic dinner at Maclee's.

It was so fun, despite the fact that the guys were not happy about

going on a scavenger hunt and claimed it was so "jr. high"

We still had lots of fun getting together for valentines day!

2010-02-21T16:54:00.001-08:00

{Clay just hangin out in our new little apartment}

2010-02-21T16:47:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve at our new apartment in Roosevelt.

We couldn't spend christmas eve with our families so we made our own christmas eve

dinner just filled with lots of christmas cheer!

whoa February!

2010-02-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

Yes it is February and yes November was the last time i posted anything! So Im just going to update with a few words.... Since November Clay has taken a job in Roosevelt, Ut (yes its true). But dont feel too bad for us because I was fortunate to get a job with the school district out there working with preschoolers and in the speech department and I absolutly Love it! Clay also loves being close to his very good friends and loves his weekly raquetball games with Shad, Jade and Mr Lewie Feild. There is lots we miss about not being so close to everything and everyone but its fun to take on a new adventure... So we are just going to keep on counting our many blessings. Probably one of the most excited blessings is a New Baby due September 7th! Clay and I are very excited especially when we got the first ultrasound and saw the little heartbeat! Very Exciting I know! I will keep everyone updated on the latest excitement and will be posting pictures (from christmas) soon!

Our First ThAnkSgiVinG...

2009-11-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

This year we spent thanksgiving at Mark & Cheryl's. Amber and Cheryl did a great job on setting everything up and making it all so cute! My mom helped me make her yummy sweet potatoes to take... And I'm proud to say, I actually got clay to like sweet potatoes! Clay and I are so grateful for our families and are so excited we were able to see the Welkers this thanksgiving!

2009-11-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

2009-11-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

As you can see here, Clay was so helpful when it came to setting the table...

New Member of our family!

2009-11-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

2009-11-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

... Dyson is the newest member of our family and was an early christmas surprise from Mark and Cheryl. When we brought our gift home clay was so excited he took it out and vacuumed and vacuumed and vacuumed!... and since we have made such a huge mess with moving into and remodeling our new/old house, we are so grateful for our new Dyson! Oh! and the remodeling is now finished (phew!) and I will be posting before and after pictures soon!

HaPpy HaLLoWeEn! HaPpy BiRthDay ToM!

2009-11-01T06:55:00.000-08:00

My brother's birthday falls right on October 31st! Lucky him! Thomas and his cute wife Melanie came down from Logan to celebrate his birthday and Halloween at Texas Road House. We hardly ever get to spend time together because Tom and Mel are busy studying at Utah State, and my dad is always out of town working. My dad's birthday is on the 29th so we decided to celebrate both on the 31st. Thomas and my Dad were really good sports when they had to sit on a saddle while everybody sang happy birthday! Happy Birthday Tom! and Happy Birthday to the greatest Dad ever!

2009-11-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

Meet The Random Traveler...

2009-10-19T10:15:00.001-07:00

long story short

2009-10-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Clay Sipes. Clay is a young man who is riding his bike across America From New York to Seattle to raise money for underprivileged children. He began around Sept.1st and so far has made it all the way from New York to Mark and Cheryl's house in Elk Ridge Utah. Clay and i showed up for dinner at Mark and Cheryls and they had a random little hippie friend that Hayley had picked up on a bike ride from provo. Somehow the random Clay Sipes ended up staying the night at our house. He was very grateful for a bed and he did fix my wireless router so that was a bonus. Early monday morning we donated to his cause and sent him on his way. We also gave the young man a book of mormon. He was very nice and very grateful for everything. We hope he makes it to seattle safely without having to go through too much snow!

2009-10-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

To view his website visit...

TomorrowsAmbitionsToday.org

Halloween creativity...

2009-10-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

Actually, the truth is i dont really have anything else to blog about... so im posting pictures of my crafty little pumpkins. I actually made these with the help of my mom, and we both stole the idea from thankgiving point but either way, we had fun making them and they add a lot of HallOwEen cHeeR!

2009-10-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

Friday Date Night...

2009-10-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

2009-10-02T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is Clay so excited to take me out on a friday night! He is just the sweetest!

2009-10-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

This is clay taking me out to dinner..and getting really impatient cause im trying to take his picture instead of ordering

2009-10-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Friday date night= BYU football!

BYU football= clay is happy!

2009-10-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

..This is us concentrating on the game...

2009-10-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

This is clay concentrating on the cougar fight song

2009-10-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

Oh!... And to add to all the excitement, i chopped my hair off! Hope you like it!

Class of '99!!!

2009-09-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Clay's 1OYear reuniOn! clay really didn't want to go at first but once he was there, he enjoyed catching up with old high school friends and eating yummy food and I enjoyed getting to know the class of 99!

2009-09-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

I was a little worried... When we first got there Clay just sat all alone, I wondered to myself, was he always a loner like this?

2009-09-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

...By the end of the night Clay had a table full of friends and more! I had a lot of fun getting to know all of the great people clay went to school with.

Fight Night!

2009-08-30T10:04:00.001-07:00

What is it about this that is so enticing?.. I don't know either. It's a guy thing i guess. But even though the girls aren't really interested in the fights, its still a reason to get together with friends, have a bbq, chat and have fun!

2009-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

2009-08-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have one word that describes Chet, ENTERTAINMENT! He brought a whole bag full of huge jaw breakers to share..random? Anyway, I believe the winner of the jaw breaking contest was Kaycee Feild!

2009-08-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

For the girls, its just another reason to get together and chat about more important things in life like... All the cute new clothes they just got in at Charlotte Russe!

August 16th!!!

2009-08-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

Happy BiRthdAy cHayLa!!! I woke up yesterday to clay making me french toast and flowers and a big chocolate cake just for me on the table! I was so excited until Clay left later for the Uintas! On my birthday! Its ok though i guess cause i get to go shopping and im so excited about it!