What a Year!

What a year this has been.  I am finally pregnant again after over two years of trying.  I couldn't be happier!  We are having a boy and that will definitly change the dynamic of our family in this next year...can't wait to see how it changes!  My husband still has a job and I am still able to stay home full time with Philomena.  What a huge blessing that is.  I'm not saying it's easy...we definitly make sacrifices, but it's so worth it.  Our extended family has grown this year with the birth of my nephew and Godchild Egan and my niece Olivia.  We also grew by adding Nick to Dom's side of the family.  He is a wonderful brother in law and a fantastic uncle!  My sister in law Maria joined the convent in Alma, Michigan this year, which has been a huge change for everyone.  We are so excited for her in whatever God calls her to be during this time of discernment.  We are borrowing her car while she is gone this year and that has been so wonderful.  This allowed us to sell our van, but continue to have two cars so I am not stuck at home all day.  Hooray!  Dom joined WW and has been working hard at altering his diet.  He has aslo altered his schedule so he can excercise more frequently.  I am so proud of him.  Mena turned three this year and is acting much more grown up.  She is so joyful and can often be seen singing around the house as she caters to all her little dolls.  So maternal!  She can't wait until her new brother arrives and she hugs and kisses my belly daily.  So cute.  I started homeschooling her using the Montessori method this year.  This is new for all of us.  We are taking everything slowly and it is very enjoyable at this pace.  Afterall, childhood should be fun!  That seems to be all the big stuff of this year.  We are looking forward to 2010 and all the joys and struggles (more to offer up!) it will bring!    
    

Camping in December

Dom took Mena camping in Ortonville, Michigan the other day.  They had a ball!  Mena went sledding for the first time and absolutly loved it, as you can see from the pictures here.  She spent some time with her CiaCia's (Dom's sisters) up on the top bunk, and had lots and lots of goodies. 
I had a wonderful time on my nice warm couch at home as this was all taking place.  I watched a chick flick and took a super long, much needed nap!  Fun times were had by all.  I am just so thankful for these adorable pictures so I don't have to totally feel like I missed out. 

 

Christmas 2009

Been Awhile...

Lots has happened since I last blogged.  Sorry for not keeping you all in the loop.  Lets see, the biggest news is that our doctor is 75% sure that we are having a baby BOY!!!  We are so excited!  We are still tossing names around but it won't be a secret when we finally decide on one.  Please pray for me as I may be gestationally diabetic this pregnancy and my diet has been hard to change.  I am 14 weeks and 3 days as of today.  Wow how time is flying so far!   

My parents were supposed to come in for a nice wek long visit but that didn't pan out in the end.  I was so bummed.  I am so close to my family and I love, love, love when they come to my neck of the woods to visit.  They have rescheduled the trip and hope to come in late Febuary.  I am really looking forward to that. 

Dom has been home for a little over a week now and Mena and I are thoroughly enjoying having him home.  We have not done too much other than relax and do the normal Christmas celebrating because Dom and Mena have been sick.   Both with the stomach flu and a cold - cough at one time or another.  They seem to be at the tail end of it so we should be able to enjoy the rest of Dom's break.   

Christmas was very nice and I will post pictures in another post. 

Dom took Mena camping for a day with his family and they had a wonderful time.  It was the first time Mena wen't sledding.  Pictures to come. 

That just about catches you up on life in my household.  I will try to post again soon.

Mena-ism: brother or sister???

Dom asked Mena if she wanted a baby brother or sister.
Mena:  I want a brother.
Dad:  Oh, someone to play cars and trucks, planes, and trains with.
Mena:  I want a sister!
Too funny!  She usually answers sister whenever we ask her.  I have my 12 week ultrasound (although I am 13 weeks on Saturday) scheduled for tomorrow morning and can't wait for Mena to be able to see the little one moving around on the screen.  We get to bring in a video to record the ultrasound and I would like to record with my camera Mena's reaction!  Very fun!  Still too early to know the gender, I can't wait for that day!!!

Non-professional Photo shoot

Here are some pictures that I took of Philomena at the CC Christmas dinner tonight.  I love taking her Christmas pictures here because there tree's are always so nicely decorated and it is just a beautiful backdrop.  Enjoy!

Pregnancy: 12 weeks

Here I am at 12 weeks along in this pregnancy.  I am starting to fell a little better.  A lot less headaches which is definitly a good thing.  I was getting really frustrated getting these horrible headaches everyday and couldn't imagine them ever stopping.  Hooray, they are finally getting better!  I don't feel really pregnant yet, just really fat.  Such a fun time.  I still fit in most of my pre-pregnancy clothes, ecspecially with the help of my bella-band!  I do wear some maternity and they fell so comfy!  Anyway, that's the latest! 

Trimming the tree

Bathtime fun

St. Nicholas Day

Before...

After!