Thanksgiving 2010

We had so much to be thankful for this year, and I owe it all to God! He really has blessed us with wonderful family and friends and especially a beautiful baby boy! The food turned out delicious as always and we all had a great time. One of my brothers called me way back in August asking if he could come down when the baby was born and I was all about it! We figured that the week of Thanksgiving was going to be the best time because the baby was going to be here for sure. So as the week approached I was getting more and more excited about him and his girlfriend (one of my best friends) to come to El Paso, and I was even more excited that I was going to get to spend Thanksgiving with them! I had talked to another one of my brothers who also lives in TX about what his plans were and he was thinking that he would be able to get off of work to celebrate with us as well.

Anthony and Brittany flew into El Paso on that Sunday and William and I were at the Airport to meet them. When we got there they were waiting for their luggage. We got to my house and they had so many great gifts for the baby from themselves and also some from my mom and sister who really wanted to come too but there is so much family back home that they had to tend to for the holiday. So I called back home and we got on the web cam so that my mom and sister could watch me open the gifts they sent.

The whole week we hung out and did the "touristy" things, I showed them around the city and we also did some shopping at some of the specialty shops and Anthony even bought a pair of cowboy boots since El Paso is known as the "Cowboy boot Capital of the World". On Wednesday night we did our normal Wednesday night thing and went to Hudson's for free tacos. We met Joe, Ann and the kids and their grandparents and also Jimmy there. The guys got talking and since us girls had planned on baking that night the guys thought that it would be a great idea for them to go out so that they wouldn't be in our way. We thought it was a great idea as well, a nice relaxing night baking without the guys? Sure!

We left Hudson's and Brittany, William and I met Ann at her house and we started to get to work, even though I had to run all the way back to my house because I forgot the MOST important ingredient, the apples for one of Ann and I's favorite dessert, Apple Crisp. We were really happy to have Brittany for another pair of hands and we got done with everything in half the time it took Ann and I last year. The guys were out till late which was expected and I still had things to get ready for breakfast the next morning.

We finally got home and I got the french toast casserole made and put in the refrigerator. We got to bed and before I knew it I was up and in the kitchen again getting breakfast for everyone. We had scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast casserole, fruit salsa and this really good drink that Ann and Joe brought over and all it was was orange juice and champagne, I forget what it's called but it was yummy! Ann and Joe had to get home so that they could get the turkey in the oven and start getting things ready for dinner. Brittany, Anthony, Will and William all crashed out and took a little nap. Rocco called and said that he would be in town just in time for dinner and I was so excited that I got up off the couch and made him a pumpkin roll.

We all got ready and headed over to Ann and Joe's. Dinner was amazing and I was pretty excited to have Anthony, Rocco and Brittany there this year. After dinner we had some dessert and the guys sat out by the fire. We decided to put on a movie, and it was "A Christmas Story", so appropriate. After that we made our way home with full bellies and sleepy eyes, we all hung out a little longer on the couch watching TV and visiting and then we went to bed. I fell asleep with a big smile on my face because of the great friends we have and especially because I had family in town.

The rest of the week was wonderful, but it came to a end way to fast! I enjoyed spending time with Anthony, Rocco and Brittany. This Thanksgiving will be remembered forever and I thank God for our family and friends that he has blessed us with this year.

*Our First Thanksgiving as a family of 3*

Daddy and baby taking a nap

"Gobble Gobble"

Yummy Pumpkin pies right before they went in the oven

My brothers and I

Ann and her little helper :o)

Our little man in his turkey shirt Aunt Rachel made for him

Uncle Anthony and Aunt Brittany

William and Skyler

Gavin LOVING his first Thanksgiving Meal

B and Me

*Ann and Joe*

Uncle Rocco meeting William for the first time

**And Baby makes Three**

2 Weeks Old

WOW! I can't believe our little guy is two weeks old already!!! Everyone always said it goes fast, and yep they were right... We are having so much fun as new parents, even though we haven't been getting that much sleep, but I tell you what it's all worth it! William is doing great! He had his 2week checkup today and is growing growing growing! He weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces... Almost a WHOLE pound already! He is sleeping really good, and eating great! I was really nervous about the whole breastfeeding thing, but it is a piece of cake. I have gotten pooped on a countless number of times and I tell you what little boys have a good aim (if you know what I mean) I guess those are just some of the wonderful moments of motherhood, maybe I should make daddy change his diapers more often (hehe). His favorite thing right now I would have to say is being held! He is getting so spoiled, Will has been off for the whole two weeks now and if I'm not holding him Daddy for sure is! We are so super excited for the holidays also, we can't wait to start new family traditions and create new memories with our baby boy. We just cant get enough of him, he is just so precious! We thank God all day long for this little guy, He really has blessed us!

Our Beautiful Baby Boy

Well he is here and we couldn't be happier. I thought I knew what beautiful was, that was until I looked at my child for the first time. Our beautiful baby boy decided to come into our lives on November 5th 2010, weighing 7lbs 15oz, and 20.5 inches long. The day that changed us forever!

It all started with my weekly OB appointment on Thursday afternoon, I knew I was already 2 cm from the appointment the week before. I had two projected due dates and the one was actually the 5th. The midwife checked me and said I was a little over 2cm but she stretched me to 3! She said that would probably get things started and if not and I still hadn't delivered by the following Wednesday that I would be induced. I was really hoping that wouldn't be the case, I just wanted everything to happen on it's own the way it's suppose to.

The day went on and I was feeling pretty good, nothing seemed like it was happening just yet. Both Will and Joe had to work that night so Ann asked me to go to Skyler's last soccer game with her and Gavin. It just so happened that Ann read the schedule wrong and her game was the night before, but oh well no biggy, the kids were getting hungry so we went to Burger King and had dinner. We got back to Ann's house and we just hung out and did what we do best and gossiped about people ha ha. The kids went to bed and Ann got out her video from Skyler's birth. It was amazing and I really started to get excited! As we were sitting there Ann looked over at me and asked if I was alright, I felt fine, but my stomach dropped seriously right before our eyes, it was the weirdest thing. I wasn't feeling any discomfort or anything, just tired is all. The guys got home about 2:30am and Will and I headed to our house.

We got home and I told Will that I wasn't feeling too good, and he thought it was just because I had seen Skyler's birth video and I was just excited and that it was all in my head. We laid down to go to bed and I started to feel some cramping. I figured it was nothing, so I just ignored it and tried to get some sleep. About an hour passed and I was still feeling the cramping consistently. They were getting worse and worse, I woke up Will and told him, we started to time them and then we knew that they were contractions for sure. It was almost 4am and I called Ann and let her know what was going on and she told me to hang in there and let her know when they start getting really bad. I went about another hour and it was bad! I called Labor and Delivery to see what they thought, and they told me to come in when they were 3-5 mins apart for 2 hours long. Every hour they got stronger and closer. Will tried and help me relax but I was far past that, I called both my mom and my sister and they told me to try and relax and start getting everything ready for the hospital.

I made sure everything was ready to go because I knew this baby would be here in no time at all. Will got up showered and got dressed, we tried to lay in bed a little bit longer, but nope that wasn't happening for me! I tried everything, but I wasn't going to make it too much longer. Ann called and said that she had to get Skyler ready and take her to school and that she would be over, the plan was to wait for her, but I looked at Will and told him it was time to go! I called Ann back and told her to just meet us at the hospital. Will loaded up the truck and off we were!

We got to the hospital about 7:30am, I got checked in, sat down in the waiting room for a couple minutes and the nurse came to get me, she checked me and said yep, your at 6cm. I was so relieved because I really thought she was going to say I was only at a 4. By the time they got me into the room and hooked up to the machines I was 9cm!!! This was going by so fast I couldn't believe it. The nurses left the room for a minute and I didn't think they were going to make it back soon enough. I looked at Will and told him that he had better go out and get Ann. I'm glad we sent for her when we did because I was ready to push! I was stuck at 9cm for a little bit longer than I wanted to be, but at 10:14am the baby was here!

I couldn't believe it, I was a feeling that I cant even explain to see our baby for the first time, anyone who has had a child knows exactly what I'm talking about. The baby was crying and they got him all cleaned up and told us that he had to go to the nursery for a little bit because he had some fluid in his lungs, i was so nervous but Ann reassured us that he was going to be alright and that it was just to be safe. Will went down to the nursery with him so that he wouldn't be alone and I sat there with Ann still in shock! It was wonderful. Ann ordered me some lunch and then we headed down to the nursery and then to my room where I would be staying the rest of the time. The baby was suppose to be back with us by that afternoon but he they didn't bring him to me till 1:30 in the morning. We were able to go down and see him, and I got to feed him every couple of hours. It just broke my heart to see him with all those wires and IV hooked up to him, but I knew he was going to be OK!

We got discharged that Sunday and we are doing great! We decided to name the baby William Harvey. He is named after his dad and grandfathers which makes him the 5th! We can't wait to get back to PA so our families can meet the him! We love being parents, and we have God to thank for such a wonderful, health baby boy! I am so blessed to have such a great husband and friend! I couldn't have done it without them! I really wish we were closer to home so that my mom and sisters could have been there too, but with the military being away from home is a sacrifice you have to make.

We are so excited to be a family and cannot wait to see how God will continue to bless us!

**Halloween Weekend**

Halloween is by far my favorite holiday ever! When Will and I first started dating and I found out that was his birthday I was even more excited to be with him! I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. We were hoping for our baby to be born that day, but the day came and went and no sign of baby. I just thought that it would be pretty neat for the baby and Will to share the same birthday, but our little guy just doesn't want to come out yet, but no one is pregnant forever so he will come when he wants to right?!

Well we had a great start to the weekend, Will had a four day pass, and I found out that I was just about 2cm dilated, so we knew that something was starting. Friday night we went to a friends house for a little costume party and I let Will decide what we were going to be and he wanted to dress up in Togas. We went out and got all the stuff we needed to make the costume and I put them together with no trouble at all. I made spinach dip and we went over and picked up the Mercier's, and since I cannot drink I figured why not be the DD for Will, Joe and Ann so that they could enjoy a couple drinks and we would be safe on the road?! We had a good time... what am I talking about, it's always a good time with Bobby and Tessa!

Saturday Will and I did just about nothing. We just hung out together and watched football alllll day long! It was perfect! I made dinner and then we watched Halloween movies the rest of the night.

Sunday was the big day, we were on pins and needles when we woke up thinking that the baby was going to be born, but like I said before, nothing! I decided that I would make Will a nice yummy dinner and a pumpkin pie AND banana cream pie since he absolutely loves both of them. We went to church and then to the grocery store and I started cooking. I was in the kitchen all afternoon and then the Mercier's came over and Ann brought "White bean chili" and "Haystacks", both were amazing! We had a great dinner with my stuffed shells and Ann's chili.

We had our first trick-or-treaters ever and then we decided that it was just about that time so we got Gavin and Skyler all dressed up and headed out. Gavin was all about it for a while but then he fell asleep and Skyler had to warm up and then by the end of the night she was going up to the doors all by herself. Both the kids got a ton of candy, they were so excited. After going around the neighborhood for a couple hours we headed back to our house and enjoyed some pie and candy. It was getting about that time and Ann and Joe had to get the kids home and put them to bed. Will and I relaxed the rest of the night, we were exhausted! Will had a great birthday and I'm so happy that he enjoyed himself and his delicious HOMEMADE pies.

Our Spooktacular Baby Shower

Our families have been begging us to get back to PA so that they could throw us a baby shower and we had every intention of getting back, but when we decided to go I was too far into my pregnancy that the airlines wouldn't let me fly in case something would happen. So Ann and I got talking and she wanted to have a party for us and then a ton of ideas started popping into our heads and we decided on a Halloween baby shower. I personally think it was a hit! It definitely wasn't your average baby shower that's for sure! There were both girls and guys there and just about everyone dressed up in costumes, it was perfect!! We had SO much food and let me tell you it was all delicious. Ann and I spent all day Friday shopping and then Saturday day decorating and putting it all together, not to mention that Ann and I were both up till 2am on Friday, I was making pumpkin roll and Ann was cleaning. We had a great turn out and my brother was even able to make it all the way from Laredo :o) ((he was just passing through, but still pretty cool)) Everyone had a great time! We are sooooooo thankful to have such great friends like Ann and Joe, we appreciate everything they do for us!! They are true lifetime friends!! We love them both so much!












**Thank you to everyone that came and for all the great gifts!!!**

36 Weeks

Yesterday I was officially 36 weeks along in my pregnancy! I have NO clue where the time has gone, I remember that first doctors appointment and hearing the great news that I was pregnant, now it's just about over and I am so ready to meet our baby boy! We have gotten a lot a great gifts and super cute outfits from wonderful family and friends, and this weekend I will have my baby shower which I cannot wait for! I am now seeing the doctor every week and tomorrow Will and I have a birthing class. With the holidays right around the corner these days are going by so fast, but that's alright because we cannot wait to hold our little cuddle bug.




Just a quick look back...
8 weeks


12 weeks


16 weeks


20 weeks


24 weeks


28 weeks


32 weeks


36 weeks

"Fall" in Love

My favorite time of year has arrived. The only thing about living in El Paso though that I do not like is there are really no season changes. Fall is probably my favorite because of all the beautiful colors that the leaves change and down here there are NO trees, and if there are they aren't like the ones back in PA by any means. Well last year Ann and the kids just moved out here and we were talking the one day and she asked if there were any pumpkin patches around because that was a huge tradition for her. I did my research and found one about 45 mins away called the La Union Maze. We decided to check it out and it really wasn't all that bad, kind of smaller than what we are used too, but it worked. Their main attraction is their corn maze, this year they decided to expand it and in doing so it cut out a lot of the pumpkin patch, in my opinion the BEST thing there. We were a little disappointed about that this year, but it's alright we were still able to get some good pumpkins and gourds to take home. All in all we had a great day and enjoyed every second of it even getting lost in the corn maze. Ann and I just couldn't believe that a year has already gone by, last year Gavin was just about a month old and Will and I never thought we would be so close to having a baby. So much can change in a year for sure, but we have had a great year getting to know such great people and having them become a huge part of our life. We know that the Military or any other job can take us anywhere in the blink of an eye, but Ann, Joe, Skyler and Gavin are going to be a part of our lives forever no matter where we end up.