Flashback 2006

I just started blogging in April, so I wanted to post some highlights from the past (almost!) three years that we have been married.

Here's a short summary of 2006--Steve moved to Edwards Air Force Base (technically Lancaster, CA) in February, I graduated from CSU in May, we got married in July, and I moved out to CA car and trailer in tow the day after the wedding. We were able to Honeymoon a week later in the Mexican Riviera, only to return to California and leave for a three-week training in Ohio at Wright-Patterson AFB. (Needless to say, our first month and half as a newly married couple was quite busy.) Here are a few pictures as newlyweds in 2006!

On our Honeymoon Cruise

While in Ohio, Steve's dad, sister, and nephew Logan came to visit us

First meal as a married couple (lasagna)

Mr. Phoenix shortly after we adopted him

Both sets of families came to visit us in the Fall, and both went to Disneyland. :)

(Is it just me, or does Will look short? Maybe he's kneeling.)

Trip to Disneyland with my parents- look we met Capt Jack Sparrow!

My "surprise" birthday dinner at Olive Garden

Thanksgiving at Edwards

Christmas in Colorado with family (we both look a little chubby.)

Halfway there and We're having a...

I'm nearing the end of week 20, and had an ultrasound on Wednesday morning. The baby was a little difficult at first, between crossing it's legs and facing the wrong direction...but as soon as we got it to move around a little it was clear to see (at least for the nurse practitioner) that we will be having a little BOY!! We couldn't be more thrilled and are excited to begin planning and imagining what our little guy is going to be like. What a blessing! (The top picture is his head straight on, right arm raised, left arm across his chest, and his big belly. The bottom picture is a profile shot.)

Remember

This 4 day Memorial weekend I am a little down (the military had Friday off as well) because I cannot spend the holiday with Steve. Most of our friends have left the base for the weekend as its the perfect opportunity to get out of the desert heat. On the flip side it gives me time to get things done and actually reflect on what this holiday is all about.

Thank you to all who have served and fought for our country and paved the way so that we can have the freedoms we have today.

19 Weeks

Me at 19 weeks! (Please ignore the background- there is only so much you can do with a camera's self-timer.) The baby is now the size of an heirloom tomato, but hopefully much cuter!

Baby Update - 18 weeks

This past Tuesday I visited the doctor for my monthly checkup. I am feeling great, and the baby seems to be doing well. His or her heartbeat was at 148 beats per minute. The best part is that in one and a half weeks we will get to find out if it is a boy or a girl! We think the baby is a boy (for whatever reason) but time will tell, and I am hoping the baby will be cooperative. :)

Other exciting news: This past Wednesday I was at the dentist and felt the first movements of the baby! It is such a funny sensation! The best way to describe it is like a twitch or a spasm, or even like a bubble bursting. I guess this is what they call "quickening." Now that I know what it feels like, it seems like the baby is pretty active! This is such a fun and exciting time as my belly slowly expands and I can feel movement! Check back soon for another exciting update!!

Colorado Visit #1

Home Sweet Home

While Steve is slaving away at his training in North Carolina this summer I get the pleasure of returning to Colorado for not one, but TWO trips! Usually when Steve and I go home it is for about 10 days. Because I am not currently working and do not have to worry about whether Steve has enough leave from work, I can return for longer visits- which is fabulous! I just returned this past Friday from a THREE week stay in Colorado. It was so nice to be able to kick back, relax, enjoy time with family, and visit with friends that I would not usually get to see when I am home because the time is so short. Here are a few pictures from my treasured time in Colorado:

The day I flew in there was a snowstorm, leaving my brother Ryan, his wife Kim, and their sweet baby Linden "stranded" at my parent's house. It was fun to have a sleepover! (This picture was taken 2 days after the storm.)

Linden and Auntie Erin (yay! I finally get to wear a sweater!)


Celebrating our niece Kaitlyn's 2nd Birthday (A little early because Kevin, Kristi, Logan and Kaitlyn went to Disney World for the kids' birthdays a few days later!)

Second snow while in Colorado- I know everyone else was ready for Spring, but I was SO happy to see snow!

I went to the zoo one Monday with my SIL Kristi, Logan, and Kaitlyn- the kids were so cute and fun to watch. Logan turned 4 yesterday!

Another cute picture of Linden! Always a joy to see how she is growing. She will be 1 in June!

My next trip to Colorado will hopefully be later in June. My best friend, Emily is getting married July 10, so it looks like it will be another long visit in Colorado. (I can't complain!) The best part is getting the chance to spend valuable time with everyone while waiting for Steve's return!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies! Thank you for your love, devotion, and support! Some of the great moms in our lives:

My mom with her grand-daughter, Linden

My brother's wife Kim with her baby, Linden

Steve's Mom with her husband and two boys (where's Kristi?)

Steve's sister Kristi with her kids, Kaitlyn and Logan

16 Weeks

Even though I noticed small physical changes around 13 weeks, this is my first baby bump profile picture taken at 16 weeks (late April.) I have a doctor's visit this upcoming Tuesday and cannot wait to find out how our baby is doing!

First Baby Picture

As promised here is the first ultrasound of our baby at 9 weeks and 1 day. Not a whole lot to look at, but still very exciting!


At this point in time the baby was about the the size of a grape. :)