Summer Fun

John and AJ in the pool. AJ's first "real" time where he didn't scream. The water was just the right temperature. - June 20th


Our unexpected guest that showed up for a mid-afternoon swim. This snapping turtle took John almost 30 minutes to get out of the pool. When I saw him, I don't think I could have gotten AJ out of the pool any faster. I was pretty scared, I know, pathetic.


AJ's first trip to the Manheim Pool-- June16th. Needless to say, we paid 9$ for him to lay on the blanket in the shade and laugh the entire morning. At least he kept me entertained while I got some much needed sun. (June 16th)




AJ's first roll-over from his stomach to back. Obviously not a happy camper... thrilled that it happened on John's birthday; June 25th. He has been rolling over quite a bit from his back to belly which I hear is a lot harder to do. Way to go AJ! :)

Graduation

Miss Maura graduated from her highschool in Maryland on June 2nd. The graduation ceremony was huge and the auditorum was packed! AJ did a great job and only really got fussy around the end although we did watch Maura walk and get her diploma. She looked beautiful! She chose to then go to lunch to Volt. It is a restaurant in Maryland that is owned by someone on Top Chef. The food was amazing and "Textures of Chocolate" dessert was out of this world. (textures of chocolate dark chocolate: ganache, chocolate caramel, raw organic cocoa... YUM!) Congratulations Maura! Off on a new adventure! We love you!

We are moving! October 30th is the day and it can't some soon enough! I am so excited. Our house is finally on the market and we are patiently awaiting offers. I have to keep reminding myself, and John, that it will happen when it's suppose to happen.

We purchased this house on May 27th. It was truly for sale for maybe 3 days and we just fell in love with it. It is exactly where we want to be, as we already own a lot in the same development (planning for the future I guess). The house is move in ready although I already have a few projects that I want to start working on.

The owners are wonderful! They took us around the entire property and gave us pointers on how to care for the flowers, what to do maintenance-wise every couple of years, etc. We are also really lucky because we will be at the end of the culdesac where AJ can ride bikes and play with the other kids.

Bring on the fall!

First Friday

The first Friday of every month, Lancaster opens all the shops in the evening, has live music, etc. I have only been there once and had a really fun time. This past Friday, a group of girls got together and went again. We played Cash Cab the ride there, and yes, we kicked butt, winning $100! WHOA WHO! We went in small shops, tasted wine at the wine store, and ended up at the Alley Kat to eat. We had so much fun! Later that night, we met up the husbands and ended at an 80's dance club... a really cheesey, but fun dance club. There were so many 80's hair styles, tight leggings, and older men there.

What an awesome way to spend time with friends.

14 weeks and loving life. AJ is really starting to make noises and interact with people. He is smiling ALOT and John and I are having a blast with him. He is the happiest in the mornings. We will bring him over to our bed around 6 or 7 am and he will lay there and laugh the morning away. He is a super good baby :)


One of AJ's many sleepovers at my parents. He had just woken up from napping with my dad. (13 weeks)




12 weeks: AJ loves Grandma's photo corner! It seems everytime we head to Lebanon, we come home with a full camera chip. The two of them just have the best time. We have been so greatful that my grandparents have been able to watch him while I get a hair cut, run to meetings at work, etc. Ali and my grandma have taken AJ on carriage rides through the neighborhood, played on the activity gym, etc. I must say, my grandmas is also an AWESOME garage sale shopper! She has picked up so many little things along the way for super cheap! I know now where I get my rush for bargains!




AJ and Mia: My parents recently moved to North Carolina this past Saturday. Things will definitely be changing and AJ is trying to suck up all the grandparent time he can.


10 weeks! Happy as a clam while I pack lunches and do dishes in the morning.


My little Houdini! After I found AJ this morning, I knew it was time to get rid of the positioner! I put him the positioner vertically and found him in this position the following morning. He didn't fuss or anything; just a little wimpering. I love it! He's such a mover and shaker... does this have any indication of how he will be at 2 years old? (9 weeks)


8 weeks: John's grandmother passed away and family gathered for a ceremony to celebrate her life.




AJ's first shower. I must say, it was very slippery, but we did just great. Dad was there to help pass him off to afterwards and he did wonderfully! He loves the water and has no problem with the shower water hitting him in the face. He is so content and just looks around the whole time. I don't think he really wanted to get out. Ever since, we have continued to get showers and well as bathes. He is much more calm and enjoys the water. I'm so glad, especially knowing that when he gets older, John will have him dunked in the pool in no time. He'll be quite the little fish come summer time.


This is one of my favorite pictures. I have it in my badge at work and my patients comment on it all the time. He is such a happy baby and so laid back.

B. Jovi

Hershey Park Stadium was packed!


The Circle Tour. Bon Jovi had their own stage made. It was a pretty cool setup.



I will admit proudly that we know the man behind us.. with the faux mullet! HAHA!


John having the time of his life.


A life long dream of John's. He commented many of times throughout the night that this was his dream since high school! Pathetic, I know.
The concert was awesome! I had friends purchase the tickets when they first became available and it was to be a surprise to John. Needless to say, he found out and couldn't keep his mouth shut. I'm glad he enjoyed himself though!

Easter Bunny

AJ had an uneventful first Easter. We only had 2 stops to make, but needless to say, the car was loaded in baby gear for the afternoon. We packed food, strollers, bottles, pumps, etc. I don't know how we are ever going to go on vacation with him because the car was already filled with just the short trips we took today.

First stop was great-grandma and great-grandpa's. Everyone was there from my family. Cousins came home from college, boyfriends were there and it was the first time for some to finally meet AJ. We had so much awesome food, many startches though, and beautiful weather to enjoy.


My grandma surprised John with a little shirt she made with his highschool football number on for AJ. Manheim Central colors and everything! She did such a good job and I can't wait for him to be able to sport his sweatshirt at the fall games.



Everyone enjoyed AJ and he received so much love throughout the day. He was notched by cousins, grandparents, etc. Needless to say, he didn't really nap though.




After my grandparents, we went to John's parents for dinner. Andrew was so well behaved and slept through dinner, allowing John and I to enjoy time with family. Again, he was loved! He got his first little Easter basket from Nan and Grandpa with coins for his bank. His college fund is growing fast... haha!

Overall, it was an amazing Easter to spend with family and friends. We are truly blessed in every way.

Welcome Home!

My grandparents came home from a couple of months in Arizona, only to finally get to meet little Andrew. You could tell that they were totally in love with everything about him. They brought him sooo much clothing, little toys, etc. I think this child has a fuller wardrobe than his mother at this point! (and that takes a lot to say that).

The day after my grandparents returned home, Andrew and I went to spend a few hours with them. No giggles quite yet, but he was more than content being around them. Needless to say, my grandmother is begging to babysit any day now. This is her first great-grandchild.

Thanks!

Thanks Mia for watching me while mom and dad go to church... I love my massages too!

....Love

The silent, unpaid babysitter....

Ahh, the warmer weather is almost here. This weekend it reached almost 60 degrees; warm enough to get outdoors. I am going stir-crazy inside all day. Maternity leave needs to be given to women when their children are 2 years old. Don't get me wrong, I am loving all the time I have been able to spend with Andrew... he's only this little once. We've taken the jogging stroller to the mall (YEH! his first outting to the mall!) and on long long walks. He's passed out for most of the walk, but I love it.

12 days old

The husband of a lady I work with took newborn pictures of Andrew. He was not on his best behavior that evening as he peed on every sheet and was extremely squirmy. After about 2 hours, we called it quits. I must say, his pictures turned out wonderful and Ben did an amazing job capturing all aspects of Andrew.

Thanks a million Ben.... :)

Here's just a sneak peak at some of the 100 pictures taken.

Dazed

I LOVE being a mom! Andrew and I have fun days together... at least when he seems to be awake.

Here is a run down of our days...


We sleep. He is quite the sleeper. He ranges anywhere from 3 to 6.5 hours of solid sleeping at night. John and I have to set an alarm just to go check on him when he doesn't wake up. Even though that's the worst feeling, walking across the hall in the middle of the night, it's bitter sweet to see his soundly sleeping.


We eat. I am continuing to breastfeed and pump all the same time. It must look like a circus to anyone entering our house. I truly need 4 arms at times. John loves to feed him when he gets home. The two of them bond like no other and I love watching their interaction.


We sleep again....


We play. AJ goes through days where he is up from 7am-1pm. He is content in his boppy while I shower and get ready for the morning. We started reading books and I've noticed, this puts him right to sleep. I don't know if it's a good thing or not yet.


And when dad gets home, we hang out together. We got our official "bath" on Wednesday after the cord stump fell off. Before, we were attempting sponge baths and AJ was not liking this at all! Needless to say, he didn't really enjoy the tub bath either.

John and I are loving being parents. I love watching John go to AJ when he comes from work. We actually look forward to weekends when we can all be together and we truly don't mind being awaken at 6 am on Saturday. There is nothing better at this point and we couldn't ask for anything more. I'll say it again, we are truly blessed....

On our way to the hospital....


Our little 6.79 pounder.... 19 inches








What a journey this pregnancy has been! We have been so blessed with no complications throughout the entire 9 months.
On Monday night, John and I decided to take a trip to the mall, as we had just purchased a new Apple computer. (John has gone high-tech and anxious about exploring all the computer has to offer). We walked the mall for about an hour and decided to come home. Once we got home, cramping started, but only a little. I made it through making dinner, and just about going to bed, as I had to work at 3AM the following morning. There was no resting this night....

The contractions started irregularly, and so I didn't think anything of it. Just tried pacing, using the birthing ball, etc... I was still set on working the following day. Needless to say, this little guy had other plans for me.
John forced to me go to the hospital around 11pm. (As I look back now, I am so thankful he made me go.... Thanks Babe!) We entered the ER and headed to L&D. I was completely fine, again cramping every 4-20 minutes. Yes, very speratic. I was checked and at 4/90/-2. I was so disappointed in myself that I wasn't further along. At Friday's appointment, I was already 3/70. The doctor said I most likely wouldn't see my next appointment.

Anyway, after being checked, birthing ball time began. Everyone came in and out, explaining epidurals, pain management, breathing techniques, etc. By 12:30, I wanted the epidural. Checked again, 7/100%. Finally, things were moving. 2 minutes later, 9 cm. Another couple minutes, 10 cm. This was craziness! Things happened so fast and there was no time for pain management. After 20 minutes of pushing, Andrew John was born at 1:17am. Awesome experience! I don't think I would have done it any other way to be honest. I had amazing nurses and doctors who talked me through everything and were super supportive of all my decisions.

After a rough post-partum ending, all is well. AJ is healthy, I'm healthy, and John survived the birth! We couldn't be more blessed and are amazed at how much love and affection we have for such a little person. He changes the entire outlook of our day. Even at 4:30am when he's screaming, you can't help but love him and all his little wrinkles. He is awesome!

Still Preggo

I am still here....

Snowed in, and sick! Major head congestion and sinus pressure. I hate it.

Since last weekend, we have gotten around 30+ inches of snow. I will be posting pictures as soon as our computer is up and running again. I will also be posting a belly picture as we are fast approaching 39 weeks.

I am so praying for this kiddo to come, as both John and I are anxiously awaiting to find out the gender. Looking at the weather pattern in PA, I think this child is already going to be making rough appearance for us. But I couldn't be more excited. Thank God for 4 Wheel Drive!

Pictures and more posts to come soon! :)