Shameless Plug..

I found this site, its like paypal without the fees (which makes me happy!), plus... if you click this little button here and make an account, I get $10 for referring you! So if you feel really sweet and want to get me free money so I can save up for an Ergo, please click click away hehe

A lovely birthday

I had a lovely day on wednesday, started by Josh waking me up and singing happy birthday to me in bed, then bringing me a cup of tea! He then came home with some roses, a card and my favorite ginger beer from central market!

We then had a lovely lunch with Pam and Kenneth at cousins, it was lots of fun! I went to Babies r us and got some outfits for Rachel, then to Target to take pictures of the girls.

Josh then dropped me off at the mall to have my haircut, which I'm really pleased with! He dropped Esther off at with Pammy and Poppy and came back for me. We then drove over to Arlington and went to Le Madeline, which through a series of hilarious events put us in a goofy and giggly mood. I started teaching Josh some phrases in French and if you know Josh, you'll know he's terrible at accents and pronouncing other languages. We laughted to much!

We then went to half price books, Josh and I like going to bookshops, Josh found a copy of a book he wanted plus a copy of 'The Elms, Chess Hotel' to replace his missing copy, which I was excited about too. Then we went to Barnes and Noble, I bought a copy of the Princress Bride and we got coffee. I tried a soy latte but i really didn;t like it. So after trying rice milk, almond milk, soy milk and even tofu ice cream - I'm giving up!

Anyway, it was a really nice day, I got to do all things I wanted to do as it suited me, and Josh and I had a really relaxing, refreshing evening!

Heres a picture of me with 8 inches less hair... skip down a few posts to my last pregnant picture to see how long it was!

Life as a mother of 2.

School has begun and our schedules are once again very busy. I've had to learn that its ok for the house to be a little messy, its ok for there to be toys everywhere and I don't need to put laundry away right away or dust every other day. I'm having to learn that I don't need to be superwoman.

I've discovered, not to my suprise though, that I have to be diligent about having a quiet time with God as soon as I get up and spending time in scripture - sure it means I have to put the cartoons on for Esther, but if I don't I find myself stressed and perhaps feeling a little depressed about my abilities to be a good wife and mother and time flies by, I keep meaning to talk to God and before I know it... its bedtime and I fall asleep praying.

Instead, I have found that starting my day spending time with my Father helps me to keep focused on Him all day, to keep me praying and talking to Him as I go about my day - He strengthens me, helps me to find joy throughout the day, to be more patient and calm when Esther is throwing a tantrum while I'm nursing Rachel! He helps me to be a better person, keeping my eyes on Christ.

I've learnt that I need to start cooking dinner earlier so that it gets done on time, because there are ALOT more distractions. Last night I started cooking late, since Esther was having so much fun at the park I didn;t want to take her home, I was enjoying watching her have fun (I'm still so tired that I'm at the sitting on a bench and smiling from a distance while wearing the baby stage)! So after taking me 3 hours to get dinner ready, it was 9 before we ate and Josh had to leave for work before dessert had baked!

I've discovered that buying in bulk is good - I think I am going to get a costco membership because the less shopping trips out, the better when you have to take a newborn and toddler with you! Plus, it saves money by buying in bulk, saves on gas and makes more time to spend at home with my precious ones.

I've been having alot of fun trying new recipes lately, so if you have any to share please let me know!

Esther has been fighting naps for a while now, so I've mostly given in and I have to admit that its actually working better for us for her not to have a nap. See, her taking a nap didn;t guarantee Rachel being asleep, so I wasn't getting to take a break or nap. Then Esther would not go to bed until 8:30-9, and still wake up at 5-6am. Rachel has a wakeful time at around 9-11, so I wasn't getting much sleep.(However Rachel is a great sleeper and once she gets to sleep, she is out until morning other than a little whimper to let me know that she wants to switch to nurse on the other side).

Without a nap, Esther will be in bed before 8 and will wake up around 7am. So that way I get some time with Josh before work/bed, then get a bit more sleep at night. Its funny what a big difference an hour at night and one in the morning makes to our lifes!

Rachel has a dairy allegy, so I've had to stop eating so many things that I get pleasure from... ice cream, my morning yoghurt, granola and fruit, cookies and milk... BUT I have found new pleasures in buying a wider range of fruit which is better for us! I found some good deals at sam's yesterday, and grapes and melon's are cheap this time of year so I've got a lovely stash of melon, grapes, pears, plums, apples and bananas, and also bought a big box of granola bars. So it seems that this is actually better for me and I am eating alot better - and already wearing me pre-pregnancy jeans!

I am participating in this years 'walk around campus', so far with the hot weather and 2 children, I have only made it out once and did 4 laps (4 miles) but I hope to step it up as we go into the cooler fall weather.

Esther is potty traing at the moment, and doing really well. We've switched her back into cloth for nights and outings now that i can stomach toddler diapers a little more since it helps her feel the wet and the cloth feel reminds her of her panties so she remembers to tell me she needs to go potty. We have a potty we take everywhere at the moment thats in the car!

I've got plans to move furniture around and re-do the house a bit. Here are some other projects you can expect to see:

- I am going to re-write my cloth diaper 101 for everyone who is trying to navigate the world of cloth diapering for the first time.

- I am going to begin a new seperate blog dedicated to my journey as a wife and mother and managing the household. I have been wanting to do this for a while, since I get alog of questions to I thought I blog would be a good idea. I'll be documenting my journey to becoming more thifty, being earth friendly while keeping costs down, recipes, menus, making household cleaners, sewing projects, how God is teaching me to be a more effective helper for my husband and mother. In the meanwhile I've found this blog really helpful

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The Birth of Rachel Elizabeth!

So, I realise that alot has happened in the last month or so and I haven't updated. So I may post several 'blogs' on different topics! This is a birth story so if are squimish or don't want to hear about birth stop reading NOW!

After visiting Kelsey and Lisa at the birth center on Thursday 7th August, I was very encouraged to find that Rachel (well, we didn't know it was Rachel then!) was at + 1 station and I was 3cm dilated. They were very sweet, encouraged me through some tears and promised to pray for me.

At 2am I woke up with contractions 10 minutes apart, and they continued for several hours, Josh and I both thought Rachel was coming soon. We walked ALOT, ate Indian food etc and still no change. Kelsey came to see what was going on and found that although I was not in labor, I had gone to 4cm since she saw me 24hrs before and was effaced more.

These contractions continued saturday, sunday, and by monday night, I had decided that nothing was happening imminently. At 11:40ish pm Josh called me from work to see how things were going. One guy was off work and the other might need to leave since his little boy had a high fever. I reassured Josh that I was not going into labor that night so he needn't worry. In fact I would probablt be pregnant forever.

I forgot to mention that I had battled with Josh over whether Pam (Josh's mom!) needed to spend the night 'just in case' while he was working. I lost, not that I don't love Pam to peices, I just didn;t think I needed to be babysat hehe.

I was just falling to sleep a around midnight when I felt a gush, and stood up and knew my water had definately broken. I can honestly say that this was one of the most exciting moments of my life - I was going into labor on my own, ( I was worried about having to be induced again!) and my baby was on its way!

I called Kelsey, and she told me to go to bed, try sleep and call when the contractions started. Josh arrived home around 12:40 just as the contractions started coming about 4 minutes apart. So Kelsey, Lisa, Heidi and Lisa headed over. Kelsey arrived just as I didn't think I could hadn't the contractions without some guidance, I prayed through every contraction, talking to God and asking Him to help me relax, stay calm and to encourage me. My contractions were all in my back, so kelsey had me drape over the birthing ball which was sooo much better. She massaged my back, and she's REALLY good at it, I told Josh that she was better than him so he rubbed my head and helped me drink water instead!

I remember in the birth class that Lisa had said that husbands just need to keep telling their wifes ' You are doing so well, this baby is going to be here really soon!' So, when Kelsey and Josh kept saying that, I really didn;t believe them, I thought they were just saying that to encourage me. Turns out they were right.

We made it upstairs, I was 8cm and baby at a +3, and thats when things got really hard, I thought things like 'I wonder if what happened in Freaky Friday is really possible the someone else could do it for me' .... 'I'm crazy, I'm really crazy. Why am I doing this' ..... 'What are the logistics of getting to the hospital for drugs?' I decided that I couldn't get through these contractions in a car, so I figured I was stuck at home. I knew if I lost control, it would hurt more and be harder so I just kept talking to God.

I finally could feel babies head really low, and figured I give pushing a try, even though I didn't have an urge, but I discovered that it felt ALOT better than not pushing, so I carried on. I was very tired, so I did lots of little pushes which turned out to be a good thing since it helped prevent tearing alot with Kelsey working hard with warm clothes and oil to prevent also.

Kelsey told me she could see dark hair and I was in shock because Esther was bald and blonde! I saw her hair and touched her little head and was encouraged. Soon out she came, caught by Josh and I just held her and forgot to even see if my baby was a boy or a girl!!!

Once I knew, I looked at her and told Josh, 'This is Rachel' and he agreed that it was indeed! It was so exciting to have a suprise baby and to not have settled on a name - Just to be able to name her when we saw her. I think I'll always want to do it that way in the future.

Unforunately, soon i began to hemmorage, but fortunately, Lisa, Kelsey, Heidi and Peggy, knew what to do and impressed me so much - they are not only great at delivering babies but they are very highly trained and efficient when dealing with an emergency. They had pitocin on hand, and soon slowed everything down. I had an internal tear so they got that sewn up. Also made me drink the Chlorophyll, but I didn't get away with just the 8oz they had said... with the blood loss I had to drink the whole bottle, it was really disgusting and the glass is still green tinged!

Rachel nursed right away - she new exactly what to do! It was so lovely to have her cuddled up in bed with me, nursing, in my own bed. After a little while we weighed her and she was 7lbs 15ozs and 19 3/4 inches long. So sweet and precious. I am so excited to be blessed with 2 little girls, I am excited to see them as they grow up as sisters!

Kelsey had got a call to another birth, but Peggy stayed with me for several hours to make sure me and Rachel were doing well. She sat with me and we had a lovely time talking.

Having a homebirth is definately a wonderful and beautiful experience, while its true that natural childbirth is hard, it is painful, the benefits to mom, baby and the whole family are so worth it.

I could see a big difference in Rachel - she came out at her own time and pace, and drug free which I feel made her calmer, more alert and made nursing easy for her. The first week of her life she spent being held close, either in bed with me, by daddy or by a friend or family member. It seems to me that it is where they belong, it seems so traumatic for a baby to go from being inside their mother to being, like Esther was, laid naked in a plastic bassinest under a bright light with no touch.

It was better for me, I was in a comfy bed of my own, with my husband able to sleep next to me. Esther did not have to be away from me for several days, she got to be home when the baby was born, and stay at home. I think that contributed to the tender feels and love she has for Rachel, other than learn to share mommy she hasn't seen Rachel as a rival. She knew Kelsey and all the midwives and knew that there was a connection with the baby in mommy's tummy and they had been to our house before, so when she saw them it was familar and made sense. The baby was born at home, so it made sense to her that this is where the baby belonged.

Kelsey came and visited me at home after 2 days, and then Lisa and Kelsey came out to a 2 week visit. I cannot express how grateful I am that I did not have to try and get out the house with a toddler and tiny baby so soon.

I have come to feel like the midwives at family birth services are family, and I am going to miss seeing them! They have been friends, they have prayed for me and spent time talking to me and encouraging me. They also were the people who helped me have a birth which I can truely say was the most beautiful experience of my life.

Its been a while...

So I figured you might want a little update! Well, my due date is quickly approaching, its monday in fact. So Josh and I are waiting as patiently as we can and getting way to excited at every sign something may be happening! Please be praying for a safe and healthy delivery. For those who don't know, we are having a homebirth with wonderful midwives at Family Birth Services in Grand Prairie, we couldn't be more blessed to have met these wonderful women.

In case you feel like tackling some theological debate, Josh has a blog up at www.jmatthanbrown.wordpress.com There isn't too much up yet, but what is up there is creating some debates!

If you don't know, Josh is working at the Union Gospel Mission here in Fort Worth. He is really enjoying his job especially the opportunity to preach the morning sermon. Also be praying continually for his safety, he has already been in several very scary situations and I am at the point of being suprised if he has not had to call 911 on a shift! Also be praying for his ministry as he share's Christ's love and His word.

As well as a youth group on wednesday nights, Josh and I have started a College group on monday nights in our home. We are currently reading and discussing 'Jesus among other Gods' by Ravi Zacherias.

Josh and his good friend Joel has their work cut out this semester as the Francis A Schaeffer Philosopical society is now an official campus society. Josh is vice president and will be busy with new student orientation, planning a debate with the TCU philosophy students in the fall, presenting papers and planning a conference on post-modernism for the spring.

With 3 out of 4 of the members of The Noble all waiting on babies right now, they haven't had chance to do much with music but watch out for a concert soon. Pray for Meghan and Aaron Finch and Dave and Emi Ronderos whose baby girls are due anytime now.

Esther is growing up way to fast, she's pretty much the cutest, smartest and most talented 2 year old girl I know hehe. She's talking up a storm and saying the funniest things. Here favorite things are doing 'dishes', dancing, serving cups of tea, animals, princesses, picking out her own clothes, fries, cake, walks, squirrels, fishes - both of which we have an abundance of on campus and having daddy lift her so she can try and catch the moon. Oh and getting the mail.

Here's afew pictures... Me,yesterday, tired and 39 1/2 weeks pregnant! Of course various Esther pictures too.

Win Bumgenius :-)

Win a Bum Genius 3.0 Starter Kit from Nature's Child - Wholesome Goods for Mothers and Babies

The Bump

Since Ruth and Grandma have been requesting a bump picture! 32 weeks!

Esther's Party!

Its a mini Jackie!

Esther has a striking resemblence to her Mamaw in this picture... we think anyway! More Esther 2nd birthday pictures coming soon!

Zoo

Here's afew pictures from the Zoo last month. Esther had a great time! She even got a bird to sit on her feed stick and that was really very exciting! She didn't know what quite to make of the

lions and tigers, she loves them on TV and in books, but she just stared at them at the zoo. She got very excited about the Monkeys, the giraffes, elephants and mearkats.

Baby...

Due to the popular demand of my super sweet friends and family who are way to good to me, I have made babie registries, i feel kinda silly posting it... but I have been asked to do so! We are registered at www.Target.com, www.babiesrus.com, and also at www.cottonbabies.com for cloth diapers. Hope that helps :-) Love you guys, you're all too nice!

Easter!

Heres a link to Daron's album of pictures that she took on Easter sunday! I'll have some zoo pictures up from yesterday soon.
http://picasaweb.google.com/dardar216/Easter2008

Simply...

Pictures of Esther from today.Because Ruth asked for more pictures!

Snow in Texas

Yes, it really does snow! It did just afew days ago, and today... it was 90 degrees. Don't you love Texas weather! OK so its not super impressive snow, but its snow...

Let this be your prayer...

As Christians, we should be completely committed to doing what God desires for our lives... even if its not our plan, even if it doesn;t make sense to us, even if its outside our comfort zones. I just love this song, its a prayer of my heart... Lord - Let me be your hands, let me be your feet - I'll go where you send me!

We have a date...

This baby is due on August 4th!!! And.... we don't know what it is for sure... only 75%, so that doesn;t mean a whole lot!!! So today, I am 19weeks 3 Days.

Baby Update

Just thought I would let you all know that I am finally feeling some little kicks, it went from first flutters 2 days ago to clear little thumps today. Still a much more laid back seeming baby that the fu was, Esther was having a party from being 16 weeks in my belly! I am feeling pregnant already... that big, heavy, can't get comfy, achy feeling... which didn't hit me for several more months with Esther. Then again I am in the process of moving and also have to chase a toddler and keep up with her schedule... tired!! Here's a picture of my already rounded stomach. I think I am somwhere between 17-18 weeks.

Hanging out today in the sun!

Here's some pictures of Esther playing outside the front of our house today, plus one of Timothy for Leah! Oh and one of the front of our row of houses for mummy, grandma, grandad and ruth... I need to add also that we have been trying to teach Esther to say 'cheese' for her photo, but instead she says 'please!!!' and does her little sign.

Sunshine in my home!

My lovely grandma and grandad sent us this beautiful arrangement of flowers saying' Congratulations on moving to your new home' They made my day and make me smile every time I look at them!

Bootleg Clip of The Noble...

Darkness and Lies clip

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No Intelligence Allowed.

Josh and I are very excited about a new docu-movie called 'Expelled' narrated by Ben Stein. It basically looks into the civil rights abuse of scientists who dare to question the holes in the 'Theory' of evolution. We hope to get to see it in a few week, but for now, you can check out the trailer at www.expelledthemovie.com

Baby Brown

So, we don't have a very accurate due date yet again!!!! Baby was curled up in a ball, so we have to go back for another one. They managed to get a measurement of the babys abdomen, but apparently thats the most unreliable, but they got 16weeks 3 days from that. So... we'll see at the next one on march 13th.

Sonogram tomorrow!

We will finally have an offical due date by tomorrow!!! :-) I'll keep you updated!

Pictures - Finally!

We just got the internet up and running today! So hear are a few pictures of our new place.





We just got the internet up and running today! So hear are a few pictures of our new place.

Moving!

Just want to let you all know, if you don't already, that we will be moving house next week, i'll get photo's etc. most likely tuesday or wednesday. :-)

An empty chair at the breakfast table.

On wednesday morning, the day after Pam had got home from Minnesota we went for Breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We all suddenly noticed that there was only one empty chair at the table, that normally our darling Stina would have filled. It was a teary moment. Here is a picture of the empty chair.

Christmas Photos!

It just occured to me that we haven't told you anything about our Christmas trip to England, so for now, I will show you some pictures!
Us in our golden Christmas crowns!


Esther opening a gift...

Grandma will be embarassed I posted this picture...

Esther in a poncho to keep dry at Bolton Abby

Eating Chinese in Manchester

Esther visiting with her Great Grandad John

Baby bean!

We had our 2nd visit to our lovely midwife , Kelsey this wednesday. We tried to hear the babies heart beat but coudln't find it which made us all very nervous. We went upstairs to have a look on the sonogram machine, and there was our tiny one, wiggling about with a lovely strong heartbeat!

Meet baby brown...

The Noble @ The Curtain Club

Put this date in your diary!!!! The Noble will be playing a Battle of the Bands at the Curtain Club in Dallas on February 17th. Please come out and support The Noble! Winners are chosen by the Loudest applause! So we need YOU! Tickets are available from us in advance, sooo just let us know if you need afew.

For those who do not yet know...

We are excitedly expecting our 2nd child in July!