Wow

It has been a ridiculously long time since I last wrote anything.  Since I am sitting here, alone and in the quiet while Ashley has a play date with her Aunt Desi and Tate and Cole, unable to do anything due to the unbelievable pain in my neck (literally...I have done something to my neck and am having trouble moving), I thought I would do an update.
Since my last post, we went to Vegas with family and friends for the SCI convention, went to Big Sky for a ski weekend, Ashley and I took a trip to Houston to meet Blair and hang out with the Texas contingent of our lives, we've camped on most weekends in Idaho with our little outdoorsy girl who doesn't want to come home, winter skipped spring and turned directly into summer and fire season...and, the best news of all, I became pregnant and we found out on June 21 that we will be having the very first grandson on either side.  We are blessed, happy, and life is good.

Junior...20 weeks, 4 days, Due on or around October 30, 2012

Wisdom's famous, folks!

Golf in America Cow Pasture Open Golf Channel

More than two months...

It has officially been forever since I've posted.  Not sure why, but I think it's mostly because I have even less time to myself than ever!  So much has happened since Ashley walked...her amazing birthday party, her baptism, her second Christmas, her first trip to Crested Butte...she's found a new favorite thing (swimming!)

Dada's awesome cake

Enjoying her whipped cream filled cupcake

With Big Mama and Bobby

Sideways shot with Gramma and Granpa

This is only a small sampling from her party...she had so many friends there!  Gramma and Granpa White, Big Mama and Bobby, Uncle Matthew, the Raymonds, the Wick-Diaz's, the Krist's, the Stevenson's, The Enrooth's, Great Aunt Kay and Great Uncle Jerry...I don't know if I can even remember them all! 
We worked so hard on her cake! Aunt Desi helped me bake the cookies (thank goodness or they wouldn't have been all the same thickness!), and we were so proud of her very own Christmas tree!

The following day we went to Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Butte and celebrated Ashley's baptism.  Lori Stevenson and Aunt Emily are her godmothers, and Uncle Matthew is her godfather.  It was a really neat service, especially when he anointed her with the holy water and I had to hold on for the life of me when she tried to dive into the bowl.  Then she did her best to grab the flame on her candle...it was a workout just hanging on!

 Ok, now on to Christmas. 
Ashley got her very first 4-wheeler from Santa, and it's been amazing watching her progress with it as a measuring stick...when we first sat her on it, she couldn't touch the ground.  Now, she can climb onto it on her own, push it around with her feet, and steer it.  It was by far her best present!  She, of course, received many other gifts from her grandparents and aunts and uncles!  She's so blessed...next year I'm thinking of adopting a family with the rest of our friends in town...


This was the best Christmas present of them all...the arrival of Kooper Lillian Stevenson to Ashley's godmama Lori and our good friend Jimmer...we couldn't be happier for them!



Kooper with her Mama and her Aunt Mandi and Aunt Katey...1 day old!

On the 28th Jonathan and I flew down to Crested Butte with Ashley to see her Big Mama and Bobby and Mommy's "home"...(I've always thought of Crested Butte as my home, even though I was mostly in Houston!).  Jonathan and I got some skiing in and a couple of nights out on the town, it was really sweet of my folks to let us do so!  (ahem...they kicked us out of the house so they could hang out with Ashley alone).  Jonathan flew back on the 3rd, and Ashley and I stayed for a few more days.  Ashley's favorite was the Discovery Center, where she got to go "grocery shopping", play with other kids, be a pirate, dig in the construction pit...it was such a neat place.  My question is...why do people say that kids get spoiled by their grandparents?  I always feel like it's me that gets spoiled when we're with her grandparents.  They love to feed her, bathe her, put her to bed...I'm never really sure what to do with myself!

We got some skiing in with Bobby too!

Lots of walks in the Bob!

Mommy and Daddy out and about

There was so little snow that Ashley didn't get to sled, she got to ride in the wagon!



Big Mama was all dressed up for a theme party with her friends...Ashley wasn't too sure who she was!

 Since we've been home it's just been a whirlwind.  I've been busy with work, and Jonathan's been working long days to save up some time for our trip to Vegas next week.  I've been working on my ankle quite a bit, I feel lucky to have access to the exercise equipment at the Forest service.  It's still weak, but it's getting there!  We've also been spending lots of time with Aunt Lori and Kooper, which has been so nice.  I'm going to be so sad when Lori goes back to work!  Next week will be my first extended trip away from Ashley, and we are so lucky that she gets to spend time with the Raymond family.  She loves Tate and Cole, and of course Desi and Jason, too! 

Ok, I think that's it for now!  I'll let you know how my trip away goes soon!

I still can't get over this!

Ashley's Almost One!

Lately

I haven't been writing too much lately, mostly because I'm too busy chasing a small walking whirlwind around the house...Ashley walking is still intermittent (I guess it IS only the second full day...), and she's MUCH faster as a "scooter" and crawler, but I love looking over at her and seeing her just standing there, drinking her bottle or reaching for Jill (who lets her grab), or Ella (who stays just out of reach at all times...).

Plans for her first birthday are in the works...we'll have it at Gramma and Granpa White's house in Wise River, and have invited mostly family and a few friends.  My folks will be here, as will Jonathan's.  Unfortunately, her Godmama Emily, Jonathan's sister, won't be able to come due to finals starting the final Monday...
And it's possible that her other Godmom Lori Stevenson won't be in attendance either, as she may or may not be giving birth to her first baby (little girl Kooper) right around that time.  I suppose that's an excuse...
But, her Godfather Matthew, Jonathan's brother, will be there with bells on I'm sure, along with his gal Dallas and Kelly, Nikki, and Tye...their three great kids. 
Jonathan and I are making her cake and we've ordered supplies and are getting ready to get it done...should be an interesting feat! 
My mom will be here to help with the rest of the food, and it should go off without a hitch.  I know first birthday's are for the parents, but I know Miss A will have fun, too, since she LOVES being around people!



A lil family photo



She will be expecting a second dose of that whipped cream stuff at her birthday, I'm sure...
Thanksgiving Day

Sunday the 11th we'll be baptising Ashley at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Butte, MT.  It's where her Daddy was baptised, though at the time the church had not been built so his was in the rectory.  They are super nice folks there, I can't wait!  Gramma Sheila got Ashley a beautiful dress, bib, and hat, and Gramma Malla got her matching shoes...she'll look gorgeous!

Otherwise, Ashley's been inducted to the White Family Hunting Club (not an actual organization, just one that I've made up of course...but it's quite accurate).  She's been "hunting" three times already, and she's not even a year old!  We went with Matthew, Dallas, and the kids, as well as with her Granpa Martin, and today, just the three of us.  Unfortunately, the elk gods were not smiling on this sector of the White family this year, as we didn't end up with an elk....it's the experience, right?

"Hunting for elk"
from the comforts of the cabin of course...

Ashley's first Turkey Day!
With two of her godparents, Aunt Emily and Uncle Matthew

My girl

Thanksgiving 2011

It's official in our minds:  on the day after Thanksgiving, while Jonathan and I laid on the floor of our house playing with her, Ashley took three steps on her own! 


Our sweet girl in her birthday outfit



We are pretty sure this should be used for an ad or something...

photo by Kristina Larson, click on it to view her website!

It was pretty neat!  She walked from me to her dada, and as far as I'm concerned, she's a walker!

Thanksgiving was a very nice day as well...we always go around the table and say what we're thankful for, and Jonathan almost got tears when he said he was thankful for Ashley and me. 
Today we made povitica and Mamie's fruitcake as a memorial to her...with Kay, Keely, Kelly, Emily, Dallas, and me.  I'm not a huge fan of either, but they sure smelled great!

November 5, 2011

I can't belive Ashley's first Halloween has come and gone!


Our little kitty cat

 She had a great time, even if Mommy was limping from her ridiculously sprained ankle and Daddy wasn't able to be there.  We'll get her all nice and dressed up again when he gets home tomorrow!

She is basically walking on her own.  Today she was walking along, dragging her walker behind her like it was nothing, but she HAS to hold onto something.  For now.  I think she'll be walking before Mommy can walk normally again!

She has SIX teeth!
And...she is trying very hard to use a spoon and feed herself.  So far, it's mayhem, but practice makes perfect!

Getting revved up for her baptism on December 11.  I can't wait for her party either, it should be fun! 

Trying on her baptism gown, with her jammies underneath since we still have a month to go!  It fits for now!

10 months and 10 days...

10 months and 10 days old

As Ashley takes her afternoon nap, I wanted to update what she's currently doing.  She is sooooo close to walking....I think if she would just let go she would take off.  It's terrifying! 
She just learned to shake her head no...and she means just that.  She loves doing it, it's funny to watch her hanging out with herself and practicing her headshake. 
She is also doing this hilarious face that makes her look like such a snotty little kid...and when her dad makes it back at her it's pretty obvious where it came from! 
She's pointing at specific things...especially the animals on the wall in the living room.  Dada has spent quite a bit of time teaching her what's what!
Still not saying Mama the way she says Dada.  Only when she's crying, which is a little depressing!
At Lori's baby shower she was the hit of the show.  Everyone said they couldn't believe how good she is, she got passed around while Mommy and Aunt Mandi helped Aunt Lori open presents and keep everything straight.  Darlene, our neighbor, even came over the next day to say what a great little kiddo she is.  And she's right!  We feel so lucky, even on the nights (like last night when she woke up every hour) when she keeps me up all night!

October 17, 2011

It's been forever since I've posted.  I've had lots of changes, lots of new possibilities lately, and my little girl is sooooooo big!
Lori's baby shower was this weekend, and it was wonderful.  Mandi Wick is the best co-host ever, and Lisa Cummings did the most amazing food, I can't even begin to describe it.  Photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/katey.brandenberger?cropsuccess#!/photo.php?fbid=2097849969429&set=a.2097839969179.2113353.1340781605&type=3&theater

Jonathan and I have been thinking of making some changes...but no description yet til we make an actual decision.  It could be exciting though!

And as for work, I've decided to take a little step back, focus on the Big Hole Valley solely, and really concentrate on Ashley, my family, and myself.  I can't wait!

My pretty girl, sideways!

September 27, 2011

So it's been a bit of a bittersweet 9 or so days.  Big Mama and Big Bob came to visit, and we had a great time!  They love hanging out with Ashley...and seriously, it's not the baby that gets spoiled, it's the Mama!  They did laundry, cooked meals, fed Ashley, bathed her, brought her clothes and toys...and I was able to work and get lots of things completed that I hadn't been able to get to! 

 

This morning, however, after a long struggle, Jonathan's grandma Mamie passed away.  She was 97.  The funeral is on Friday, and while I know she is in a better place and getting to see her husband and loved ones she hasn't been with for a very long time, I still feel so much for Jonathan's mom, aunts, and uncle.  She will be missed.

Took a short break!

I haven't been able to sit down and write anything for some time, but I have a minute right now so here goes!
All is well in the White household...Jonathan finally returned from his fire assignment and we are settled back in...he couldn't believe the changes in Ashley!  He's working hard right now, from about 7-6:30 every day, 6 days a week, but it should slow down soon, I hope!
Ashley and I are gearing up for our trip to Seattle!  We are going on the 3rd to visit Aunt Meagan and Uncle Jeff and Gracie Mae!  I am so excited to meet their baby and just spend time with my friend.  While there I am also throwing a shower with Sheila for Jonathan's cousin Keely, and we're going to her wedding.  Since Jonathan can't go Meagan is my date!
Ashley is working hard to bust through her top four teeth.  Poor thing, last night she just needed a cuddle so she could go back to sleep with the pain.  I feel so bad for her!

9/10/11

After the longest roll EVER (I think because Ashley is changing SO quickly), Dada's home!  That was her new word as of Thursday...her first word!



On her 9 month birthday, 9/8/11 with Ryker Lyndes



Big Mama's Birthday Video, August 17, 2011

Since Blogger won't recognize Ashley's birthday video for Big Mama, here it is!


I can't get Blogger to find Ashley's birthday video to my mom...for some reason it's not updating my new videos.  So, I finally just put the link up!  It's cute, but Ashley's cute, so are you really surprised?

Lately

Ashley is doing her best to walk.  She pulls herself up on EVERYTHING....I think if Jill or Ella would hold still she would even try on them.  I am praying daily that she doesn't do it a)when I'm at work (I mean, she crawled at Desi's...I only go to work 1 or two days a week...just hold off til I get home, kiddo!) or b)before her dad gets home from his fire assignment in Phillipsburg. 
Ashley's favorite person, I think, is Kaden Krist.  They have so much fun together.  He's almost 6 months old (born March 4, 2011), and is almost sitting up on his own, rolling around quite a bit, and wanting more than anything to do things with his friend Ashley.  On Monday Ericka brought him over and Ashley took the opportunity to take a bite out of his foot.
A little on me...I am finally feeling like a human being.  The thyroid problem I have been having for the past 10 years has finally been addressed, and my doc and I are working on my dosage.  I have also changed the way I eat in a major way...paleo here I am.  I am really enjoying it, though my sweet tooth attacks me every once in a while and it's a huge struggle.  But, I've been walking a ton and am starting to drop some lb's...it's pretty great!  I plan on continuing, and hope that I stay on track!

Can someone please tell me why my photos are always the wrong way?

Snort Face

with her dog Jill

Daddy hard at work

Mommy and Ashley hard at play!

Ashley's puppies

Sweet girl with her sock monkey

 

August 25, 2011

As August comes to a close (I can't believe it), I've been thinking about the summer and how different this one has been from any other summer of my life.  I mean, duh Katey, of course it's different, you have a baby...that's what you're thinking, I'm sure.  But, no matter what people say or tell you, you simply don't realize how much a baby changes your life, for the better....it's simply the best. 

I've never really LOVED what I do for work, never really had a passion for a career like some do, and I've tried every job under the sun it seems like sometimes.  I do enjoy selling real estate, because I love helping people get what they want, explaining to them what's going on, the ins and outs of a transaction.  But it's not something I'm passionate about, by any means. 

6 months preggo

I do however, love being a mother.  I truly feel as though I finally found the career I've been searching for in my adult life (and to think I only had to carry it around for nine months and have major surgery for it!) 

I love cataloguing and experiencing her changes right along with her, I love her snuggles, when she grins while she's sleeping, reading books with her, helping her stand up, walk, eat...I love making her food and seeing what she likes or doesn't like, taking her on walks, and watching other people react to her because she is SUCH A HAPPY CHILD. 

I never in a million years thought I would have this much fun as a mom...it was always this vague "in the future" thing to me, never something I spent a lot of time thinking about.  I mean, I think I always knew I wanted to have children, and especially after meeting Jonathan I knew that I would love to be a parent with him, but I wasn't planning on having one for a while longer.  And now that she's here...how many times have you heard "I can't remember life before (s)he was in it".  That is the truest sentiment I've ever known, now that I've lived it. 

Thank you, Ashley, for helping me find my calling. 

And it begins...



8 months old.
Why does Blogger turn my photos?



August 23, 2011

I'm sitting here watching my girl in her jumperoo...amazed at how big she is, and I remembered this video from her first time in it.  I can't believe how vocal she is now, and how much more interested in all of the toys attached to it...She's such a bouncy big girl!

Our girl learns to crawl!

We are in so much trouble now...
August 15, 2011, Ashley finally gets crawling...as in, she's no longer only scooting backwards, rolling and shoving, and monkeying from place to place.  She always got to her destination, now it's just that much faster!

Oops...forgot this one!

Martin's 70th birthday video...

8/7/11

Almost three teeth...two fully in on the bottom front, one coming in on the top right.  At this rate, she's going to have a full mouth of teeth in about two weeks.

Ashley just mastered laying down to sitting.  She is now doing it over and over again to get my reaction.  LOVE IT.  We're still not crawling forwards, but she is SO close to doing that too...last night she went about two feet then collapsed.  She can, however, make it anywhere she wants to go by rolling over, pushing off with her heels, then rolling again.  It might be roundabout, but she gets there! 
When she finally gets the crawl, I fear for my sanity...she already gets into everything just rolling!  We're off for a bike ride in the cool weather, hoping everyone else is having a great day too!

8/2/11

Two teeth!  She's changing so dang fast...

My gorgeous, skeeter bitten little girl...