New Beginnings

In November 2011, Sissy and I made a big move! Across the country from Washington state, 2000 miles away to Illinois state. It meant a fresh start for us in a whole new place. Unfortunately I left behind my amazing mom, my brothers, and the place I lived my entire life. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the move to Illinois, and I felt so welcomed by my wonderful extended family, my aunt and uncle Allison & Jesse, and my grandma Julia! One thing I wasn't used to but absolutely LOVED, was the snow!! And of course, it was Sissy's first experience with snow, so she loved it too! 

    



Sissy

December 17, 2009

A beautiful baby girl came into my life at 10:19pm. She weighed 8lbs, 5oz. and was 21 inches long. After more than a day of active labor and over 4 hours of trying to consistently push her out, I opted for an emergency cesarean to get her out safely.

 

Sissy's 2nd birthday party

Sissy's 1st birthday party



an hour after Sissy's birth




Holding her for the first time



My Life between 1990 and 2008

Kelsey Lynn J.
I was born and grew up in Washington state, between Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Poulsbo. All three towns are around the Puget Sound, across the water from Seattle. I loved this area, the rain, the trees, the Sound, the mountains. Everything about it was beautiful to me. At age 16 my family relocated to Vancouver, WA. About 20 minutes outside Portland, Oregon. I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have 2 younger brothers and a very loving and supportive mom. I graduated from high school in 2009, as well as from church early morning Seminary.



Me at the Penninsula Park Rose Garden in Portland, OR. 2008

Me and my brothers.
Bryan, Tyler, Kelsey -1995

Emily, Allison, Beth, my mom (Jamie), me, and my brother (Tyler) - 2006