Look at this hadsome little man, almost a week old. He is growing and changing so much already. He looks more and more like Daddy everyday.

Welcome baby Luke on November 8th, 2008 at 5:05am. He is another little piece of Miguel I get to hold in my arms every night, which is very comforting. He has been a joy, a very mellow baby so far. We have been home almost a week now and are finding our way as a family of 4 (eventually to be 5... geez that sounds like a lot!). Life is hectic but I wouldn't have it any other way. We are so lucky to have three beautiful, healthy, vibrant children. Never did I think in a million years that this would be where I am at right now in my life....we've been so blessed and I am thankful everyday for that. Now all we need is our "Papa Bear" to come home and our family will be complete. We are counting down the days!

My Last Week Of Pregnancy

The countdown has begun, only 3 more days left until I get to meet my new son. I know, I know, I look like I am ready to pop! On Friday, November 7th I go into Hospital to be induced. It's hard to believe it is finally here. The pregnancy has not dragged horribly, but the ailments I've been having have definitely made it a challenge. A false alarm dragged me to the Hospital a few weeks back, only to find out the back labor I thought I was experiencing was actually muscle spasms. They are horrible and I feel for anyone who has them. Once they hooked me up to the monitor they saw that I was having contractions as well, 2-3 minutes apart. But apparently they were not strong enough yet. I had also dilated to 2 cm. and was 70% effaced (for those of you who actually know what that means, lol). The doctors decided it was better to medicate me then to go ahead and induce me at the time, which was a bit annoying considering I was 37 1/2 weeks (full-term). I guess at this point I should consider myself lucky that they decided to only make me wait until I'm 39 weeks. Let's just say I'm not real thrilled with all of this, but unfortunately Naval Doctor's tend to be a bit less concerned with your wishes then Civilian Docs (which I have always had with the other two). It's out of my hands, though. It's odd, you would think after already having two children you wouldn't be so nervous. You'd think I'd feel like a pro by now, but that is not the case. I am on pins and needles... perhaps because it's the first time for me doing it alone. Of course my Mom will be there, but I can't help but be a little sad that Miguel is going to miss it. When I get really down about it I just remind myself of how amazing his homecoming will be in the Spring. What better gift to come home to then a new son, right? I forgot about all of the emotions that arise in the last few days of pregnancy... the curiosity of what he'll look like, his personality... how labor will go. Mainly I'm just very excited... and ready to get my body back!

Halloween Fun

The kids had a blast this year trick-or-treating. We went to a party on base on the 30th, then of course trick-or-treating the following day. Mikey was "Dracula" and Kaela was "Little Red Riding Hood." I surprised myself by actually keeping up with the kids on their quest for candy. My parents had come down as back-up in case I couldn't make it, but I lasted about 2 hours, the kids were ready to come home before me! They got so much candy, I'm bound to gain at least 10 lbs. this month. I think I'm eating more of it then they are!

My Baby Shower

My Pretty Little Cheerleader

OCTOBER 2008 Kaela has taken up cheerleading. She is cheering for The Titans, which is thru the military sports program. She really loves it, and wants to do competetive cheering next year. She's got quite a knack for it.

Mikey's First Day Of Preschool

So as usual, I'm way behind on my blog. This is Mikey the morning of his first day of pres-school, September 3rd. He was very excited to use his new backpack and school clothes. I was a little worried about how he'd take being away from me for a full school day, but he did great. I think it got to me more then him. My little man is growing up so fast!

Road Trip To Cali

JULY 2007

Yay, Miguel is finally done training in California. I just took a trip out there to bring him home. It was a long 6 months, and the kids are ready for Daddy to come home!

Pretty Girl

JUNE 2007

Here is Makaela's 3rd grade school picture. She seems to get more and more beautiful every year. It's hard to believe how fast she is growing up. She continues to make me prouder with each day that passes. She is growing into a very lovely young lady.

Mikey's Soccer Days

JUNE 2007

Mikey is taking soccer as his first sport. So far the coach has said he thinks football may be more his forte'. He prefers to run around tackling people.

Miguelito

JUNE 2007

Mikey got a haircut today and I thought it was picture-worthy. He's looking very handsome these days.

Missing Daddy

MAY 2007

Although the miles between my husband and I are many, I have a constant reminder of him. Every day Mikey looks more and more like his Daddy. When looking at him from behind today I thought to myself, "Could this kid look anymore like his Daddy?"

Good Friends, Good Times- April 2007

The kids are having a great time getting to know our new neighbors. Luckily, thru all the travels the military has taken us on they always manage to find good friends along the way. They have also become extremely adaptable. Spring is here and they are enjoying the nice weather that is giving us a taste of what summer will bring.

Bella's Visit

MARCH 2007 Well, we are officially back in North Carolina. Miguel is out in California training for 6 months, learning to fly the Huey. Since this is our final destination I decided to go ahead with the kids early. The military also would not pay for us to go to California with Miguel, so financially it made more sense. We had a great visit with my friend Monica and her sweet little gal Isabella, or Bella as we call her. Mikey was so happy to see her... she's his new girlfriend. They are so cute together. I foresee some beautiful brown babies in the future, lol!

Christmas In Chicago

DECEMBER 2006

We had a great time at the Rainforest Cafe in downtown Chicago. The kids really loved seeing all the animals.

While visiting Chicago, we got to take the kids on the infamous "L"... for those of you who don't know what this is, it's a train that goes around downtown Chicago. The kids were pretty impressed, especially Mikey.

Good Times With Old Friends

While in Chicago we also got to visit Miguel's best friend Kevin. He is always good for a laugh.

Christmas Trip to Chicago

We had a great trip to Chicago for Christmas this year. Pictured here are our neighbors from our old apartment in Alsip, Chicago. The girl in the pink is Diella, Makaela's best friend from her Chicago days. They are from Saudi Arabia. We got to learn a lot about their culture while living next door to them, which was really neat. We had lost touch for 2 years, so they were very surprised and happy when we showed up to visit.