Little Musician!

She has discovered the piano!!! With a little help of course!

5 months!

She loves to grab her feet now. I didn't get one without her feet in the way! Of her first Christmas outfit! Still having so much fun with our bundle of joy!!!

Merry Christmas! 2010

Every year for the past at least ten years Ralph has asked me what I want for Christmas. My reply has always been the same until this year because I finally have what I have wanted the most! A baby! I have a beautiful baby girl that I love very much! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't look at her and think of the miracle that she is and thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me far beyond I could ever image! I am extremely grateful! She truly is the best gift I could ever get!!! Love her and every minute and memory that we are making!

Look who's eating cereal?

At first she wasn't to sure about it then it was like she couldn't get enough of it!

Who has a big girl? We do! Loving every moment!!!

Christmas Letter 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

Another busy year has passed with many changes coming to our lives. First of all our beautiful daughter Jessica Lauren joined us this year on July 25^th. Christie was lucky to have a quick labor and after just over an hour at Madigan, we now have a wonderful girl who brings so much more joy to our lives.

Second Ralph finally finished school and graduated on December 10^th with a Masters Degree in Anesthesia Nursing and passed his boards exams just prior to graduation. Ralph has also been picked up for Major and we couldn’t be more proud of him and all his hard work and accomplishments. Our next bit of excitement is that we are now moving to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where we will begin our next adventure.

We are just overwhelmed with joy from being parents and learning about how much love we really have. Not a day goes by that we don’t just fall in love again with our little girl or fail to take a picture, or twenty, to help us remember the joys this year has brought. This has truly been a year of many blessings and unforgettable memories and we hope that our next new adventure will bring us many more. If you are ever interested in the most recent pictures please visit our blog at luellens.blogspot.com and if you are coming through Oklahoma, please give us a call so we can enjoy your company.

Wishing you all a joyous Holiday Season and a great 2011!!!

Love, Christie, Ralph and Jessica

Jessica and Santa 2010

Love and Laughter!!!

Love! Love! Love her!
Grandma making her laugh!

Purplicious Day!

I love reading time! And my mom loves coordinating my outfits to story time. Not really but it just happened to work out today. I also love to stretch! This picture is a bit old but mom takes so many pictures and doesn't always have time to post all our fun activities we have together.

Thanksgiving Day! Month 4

Happy Turkey Day! I enjoyed having family over to visit and to eat lots of yummy food!

Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch!

Our Little Pumpkin!



Our good friends Adam and Melissa! And sweet Alexis!



Pumpkin Patch!



Petting Farm!



First trip to a pumpkin patch! We are having so much fun doing all the first things with our sweet little girl!

Sleeping through the night!!!

After the advice of Martha and Frank we tried to see just how long she would sleep. Last night she went to bed at 9pm and didn't get up until 8:50 am. I am so excited about this! I thought she had to get up and eat during the night and that I needed to change her so she wouldn't get diaper rash. And I always worried that she would wake up while I was up during the night and then wake Ralph up. He works such crazy hours and sleep is very precious to him. I'm hoping with a little more sleep for me will make me a more efficient mom and maybe get more stuff done around the house. Not that I can resist napping especially on a rainy afternoon with my beautiful little angel. So maybe tomorrow more will get done around the house. ;)

Happy First Halloween!!!

My very first Halloween! Grandma came up from Portland to go with me on my very first trick or treat outing. Not really sure what I thought about it! Since I don't really eat candy yet. People dressed in cool and sometimes scary costumes. Mom bypassed the scary ones so that I wouldn't get scared. It was a bit cold out and I was a little tired. I made it around for my first Trunk or Treat. Then mom and dad took me to visit with Frank and Martha! We love them so much! Mom and Dad tell me how wonderful they are and that they are a great source of advice and information. Good example they told mom to let me sleep through the night if I would. And to quit waking me up when mom gets up at night.
Halloween Day!
We went to church and then took a small nap so I could go visit a couple of mom and dad's friends. It was to show them just how cute I was in my Butterfly costume. Then we went to a couple of neighbors houses just so they could see me too and just how much I have grown. It was a fun weekend with all!
Mom has more pictures sometimes this is all she can get done in my short naps!

Grandpa's Birthday!!!

Today was my Grandpa's birthday so in honor of him I wore my I <3 grandpa!!! We went to dinner with the family tonight and had a great time and yummy food. Well they all ate yummy food and I watched them. I can't wait to eat some steak!!! Mom will post more picture of me and g-pa later! Love you grandpa!!! Hope you had a great birthday!

World Class Traveler

Jessica went on her first flight. She was such a trooper! I realized that I didn't fly on a plane until I was 19 and in college. She had a cute and cuddly friend to keep her company on the flight home. She is also hanging with dad! They are the best of friends! He always makes her smile and laugh! The two loves of my life! Many people commented that they didn't even know she was with us and that she was a good baby. The first of many many more adventures!

3 Months!

We didn't take our usually picture since we were having these done. They were taken Oct. 25, 2010!

On the phone already!

What am I going to do? She's already talking on the phone! That's not suppose to happen for a couple more years!

Roll over! Rolling keep on rolling!

Jessica can now roll from her stomach to her back and is working on rolling from her back to her stomach! Loving all the milestones!

Holding her bottle already!

Can't believe how the time is flying by! She held her bottle for the first time on our flight! 10/21/10

Too cute in my tutu!

Mom learned how to make me tutus and hair bows! I'm so excited! I will have bows to match everything! Thanks to all the great Super Saturday teachers for teaching my mom these great skills!

One of my favorite photos!

Daddy's little girl! I love that they are smiling at each other!

Bath time!

She loves taking baths! She loves the water! Bring on the swimming lessons!

Dogs love her!

Coco is always trying to creep up and be by her. It always scares me a little. But I couldn't resist this picture it's so cute!

42 Things that change when you have a baby!

Forty-two things that change when you have a baby
by Rebecca Woolf
Last updated: June 2009

Some of my own comments too!


What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be: What doesn't change? Here, writer and mom Rebecca Woolf lists her most notable post-baby observations. Then scroll down to read our favorite comments from readers about how their babies changed their lives.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid. [See a reader's perspective in #22, below.]

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.
( I would respect it more if it would shrink back down.) :(

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.
(Well said!!!) Especially those with way too much DRAMA!

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.
(and priceless! Love every minute of it!)

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.
( I still look in the mirror and say I hope I don't run into anyone I know while I'm out. This is as good as it's going to get today!)

14. You become a morning person.
(Yuck!)

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers...

1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth." — Ashley's mom

2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth." — Anonymous
( SO true! It's the smallest smile or grabbing of a finger!)

3. "You now know where the sun comes from." — Charlotte

4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have." — Sophie's mom

5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers." — Roxanne

6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night." — Kellye
(AMEN to this one! I so wish!)

7. "Silence? What's that?" — Anonymous

8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having." — Brenda
(So worth it but still wishing it would go away!)

9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had." — Ronin and Brookie's mom

10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule." — Thomas' mom

11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one." — Jaidyn's mom

12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog." — Kara
[Many readers begged to differ, saying things like, " I disagree with number 12. My dogs are my additional children," "Nothing about previous babies, whether two- or four-legged, changes when a new miracle comes along," "My dog will never be 'just a dog," and "This is sad to me. My dog is still my baby too."]
13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late." — Tracey

14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury." — Jayden's mom
(Especially if it last longer than 5 minutes!)

15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger." — Dezarae's mom

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place. — Arizona

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do!  — Ciara

18. You start to appreciate Sesame Street for its intellectual contribution.  — Anon.

19. You have to quit watching the news because you see every story from a mother's perspective and it breaks your heart. — Brooke&Boys

20. You just plain love life more - everything comes together and becomes better because of one tiny person and your love for them. — Anon.

21. You finally find out the real reason you have those breasts. — Anon.
(So I could feel like a cow. Poor cows!)

22. In response to #2 [above], I'd say that where you were once afraid, you're now fearless. I was always very timid and shy and let myself get walked all over … but now where my kid's concerned, I'll speak my mind and really connect with my inner "b"! — gummismom

23. The support you get from other people surprises you, because the people giving it are not always the ones you'd expect. —
(Don't I know this! Very sadden by this but in my time of need it came from the most unexpected places. So glad we have great neighbors and great people we have worked with they really made us feel loved. Especially when we have waited so long and gone through so much to get what we have.)

24. Nothing is just yours any longer. You share EVERYTHING! — DylanLsMom

25. No matter what you've accomplished in life, you look at your child and think, "I've done a GREAT job!" — Anon.

26. You want to take better care of yourself for your child. — Treasor

27. You can have the most wonderful conversation using only vowel sounds like "ahhh" and "oooo." — littlehulk2008

Out growing newborn size!

Jessica is finally out growing her newborn clothes. If she weren't so long they would still fit. It is getting hard to snap oneies. She can still wear the pants and gowns. She can still wears a premie gown. It's amazing how fast they grow! I saw a newborn at the Doctor' s office the other day and I told Jessica I remember when you were that small. I sure love my girl!!! She is also now wearing size 1 diapers! She can still wear newborns but I ran out and don't want to buy another whole box.

Two Month Check-up and Stats

Weight 9 lbs 13 oz (12%)
Height 21.89 (15%) I measured her the other day and she was taller than that. Oh well! She'll have an amazing growth spurt later when they figure it out.
Appointment was after this photo.

 

Announcement I designed but haven't found a place that can print them exactly as it appears! So the closest thing I could find is ordered and should be in your mailbox in the next week or two.

More pictures of cousins!

 

Anniversary #13!

Ralph does an amazing job getting me flowers every year for our anniversary. I get a rose for every year! I was pretty excited last year to get a whole dozen. So what could possible make it better? The sweet pink 13th rose for our brand new baby girl!
Can you see it? Love you Ralph!!!

Look at how my girl has grown!

I can't believe how fast and how much she has grown in just seven weeks! She is so alert and gets more fun everyday! She smiles and laughs! Just love her bunches! Angie came over and took lots of pictures of Jessica! Thanks Angie! Love them!

Blessing day!

What a GREAT but crazy day! We got to bless our beautiful little girl! It was truly amazing I have waited years for this day! She was surrounded by great men that we love and respect a lot! Our branch President from our single days drove up from Oregon. The Missionary that baptized my family many many years ago happens to live in Washington was there. He also attended our wedding.
Our wonderful Stake President, Bishop Blackner, Ralph, Grandpa and James. And Ralph's crazy friend (twins separated at birth) Adam came from Ohio. My mom and sister and her family were there along with my great friend Linda. Bishop Bennett told me to have more kids just to boost our attendance in Sacrament meetings. I had the camera with me but failed to remember to get picture of all these wonderful people we love! Thanks you so much for sharing our wonderful day with us! As for the crazy part Ralph had to go to the hospital an hour before we were suppose to be at church. He cut his eye and went and had it looked at I was so scared he would miss everything. Lucky for him he works at the hospital and knows most of the doctors otherwise he wouldn't have been at the blessing or home for hours. He had a nice black eye for a couple of days. I told him he could just tell people I gave it to him! =)

Cousins!

I got to meet my cousins! I was so excited I even smiled at mom as she was telling me about them.
They are so good to me and just wanted to love on me.
Love you Ethan and Lucas! Just wait til I get bigger then we can really play!

Mommy's girl!

LOVE HER!!! I'm having so much fun with her!
I love capturing these little moments!

What's in a name?

My sweet baby girl is named after my childhood best friend! I use to spend just about every weekend at her house with her and her family! I loved going to her house! She was one of nine children and it was so fun to have so many other kids to play with. We would often stay up most of the night talking with her big sister talking about boys! (Of course!) I would get in trouble when I got home because I would occasionally be sick after spending the weekend at her house. Total lack of sleep = a sick Christie !!! My mom would tell me I couldn't go if I was going to come home sick! When I think of my childhood I can't help but think of my special friend! I'm grateful for all the wonderful memories that I have of us! And though Facebook we have been able to stay connected and also many of her siblings too! As for her middle name it just sounded good! Really I have always thought Sophia Loren was a beautiful lady. And I love Ralph Lauren clothing! Not so much the clothes themselves but the initials on the clothes. They are the same as Ralph's! I even have sunglasses at say Ralph on them. Ralph and many friends think I'm so silly! I am so it's OK with me! We also followed a tradition that Ralph's parents started. Ralph and all his siblings middle names start with the letter "L". Ralph is RLL. Me ~ CLL so I fit right in! =) Now our sweet Jessica is JLL!

I'm looking for a picture of my friend Jessica and me as kids! Will post later.

Cousin Joey's Wedding

Aunt Sandra and Uncle Joe and my cousins Michael, Joey, Brandon and Alyssa



Joey kissing his beautiful Alyssa!



Cousin Joey kissing me!



Dad and Cousin Joey and little ol' me! =)

My first wedding! I got to see my cousin Joey marry his beautiful wife Alyssa! We are so excited for them both and love Alyssa so much! She came and saw me in the hospital right after I was born along with cousin Joey! We wish them every happiness as they start their new life together! Love you both!

Grandpa!

Grandpa came to see me at the hospital! Mom told me grandpa looked a little nervous about holding me. Grandpa replied the last time he held a newborn baby was when my daddy was born! He's a pro at it now! He comes to visit often and is much more comfortable hanging with me! Love you Grandpa!

Walking and Preggo Buddies!

These are my walking and preggo buddies! I can't even remember now how it all started and when. There is five weeks difference between us all. Kami is 5 weeks behind me and then Melissa 10 weeks. It has been so fun to be able to share our experiences with each other. We would meet up just about everyday and walk usually 2 miles. Giving us lots of time to talk about our appointments, what we were experiencing, whats coming next, and just girl talk. It is amazing how fast the time went by I now have a baby and they are both very close. I can't wait to meet their sweet little babies! And then when we need help we look to our friend JeriLynn. She had her third baby just weeks before me and has tons of great advice!
Notice the matching shorts! =) We all showed up wearing them at Kami's shower. I know I just had a baby but they are really comfy! And I love them! And these great ladies!

Dr. appointment 8/18/10

So Jessica had an appointment today! She now weighs 7 lbs 3 oz. YIPPIE! This is our third trip to the doctors they had been a bit concerned since she was little and wasn't gaining weight. That has all changed now! I'm so glad!

Ward Baby Shower!

I went to my first party! It was in my honor! It was so fun! Lots of games! Lots of mom's awesome friends that came to see me and give me gifts! I know the party is suppose to happen before I came but I think this was the best. I got held by many people that my mom loves and adores! Mom's YW president (Leanne) and her daughter (Kira) that my mom use to babysit threw the shower. There was lots of yummy food and tons of games and prizes! One of mom's friend (Simone) from high school came up from Portland and her mom (Sis. Schilling) was the Stake YW pres. when my mom was growing up. Mom's pregnant walking girls club friends were there. (Melissa and Kami) Grandma was still visiting so she attended and Auntie Lisa drove up for the day to hang with us too! The Johnson girls were there and fighting who was going to get to babysit me! Dad's evil twin's family (Kellyn and Sis. Bennett) they're not evil just Adam! Thanks for making my first party so awesome! Mom will have to work really hard to top that party! I got wonderful gifts! One was a beautiful quilt sent from Sis. deMars who use to be in our ward. She sent mom a very cool bag just for her. And then mom's friend from her young single adult days (Cheryl) made me the coolest cover up ever! Thanks again for coming to meet me and love on me! I had the best time!

Week Three!

Look what I can do! Today I went to church for the first time! Lots of people stopped by to say hello and tell me how cute I am! I am slowly getting bigger. Mom says I eat all the time! What can I say I'm a growing girl!

Deep thoughts!

She looks like she's pondering something!
I just thought it was cute!