18 weeks

Hayden is such a sweetheart. I think he will be a great big brother to his little sister!

New baby Kent

We had an ultrasound last week and had the best tech ever! She spent so much time just letting us watch our baby move (even in 3D, which we weren't expecting!) and even went through her systems even though it wasn't what we were there for. She even told us what we are having....

A GIRL!!!!! We couldn't believe it. We thought the baby was going to be a boy. We were shocked and thrilled all in one. Here she is with her legs stretched out showing us her girl parts, the three white lines.

She is already a cuddler, she was cuddled around the placenta, holding onto it like a pillow.

She is beautiful, even in black and white!This is her little hand. She is just precious already, just like Hayden was. We can't wait to meet her.

Happy Anniversary

July 23, we celebrated our sixth anniversary. We had a wonderful time reflecting and talking about the future. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful marriage and are thankful for it everyday. We are also blessed to have parents that have shown us great examples of marriage over the years.

Happy Father's Day

Hayden and I took Paul to the driving range on Father's Day. I think Hayden was more excited to go than Paul was! They sure were a cute pair. Paul is really looking forward to the day when he and Hayden can really golf together.

Hayden and Paul on the putting green. Just precious. Hayden was so bummed when it was time to leave. I think he could have stayed all day despite the heat.

Dad teaching Hayden a few things. It was so cute to see, I just love watching their bonding in action.

Big News

We are very excited to announce that Hayden is going to be a big brother. The newest member of the family is due January 6, 2011. Paul was out of town when I found out, so I decided to surprise him when he got home. I asked him if he wanted an early graduation gift and gave him a gift bag. I had wrapped the test up in a Dave Matthews Band onesie and tied it with a ribbon. He was very surprised when he opened it!
Paul and I celebrated the news when we first found out. We went out for Chinese food and my fortune cookie said "A new relationship is about to blossom. You will be blessed." We thought that was so funny and neat! Hayden is already so sweet about it and always wants to pray for the new baby every night before bed. He always wants to look in my belly button to see the baby.

Paradise

We stayed at an amazing resort in Playa del Carmen for a week. It was very private and so relaxing. Our room was so beautiful and we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a swim out room. We had our own relaxing pool right outside of our room.

The pool connected with the other swim out rooms but we never saw anyone in the pool at the same time as us. Every afternoon before dinner we spent time out there reading, napping, floating, etc.
The grounds were absolutely gorgeous! We loved the lush landscape and thatched roofed buildings.

Every day we got to the pool early to get "our spot". We had chairs close to the pool, easy ocean access and were close to the bathrooms!

Our first night there we went down the ocean and sat on the "swings" at the beach bar. The wind was blowing so bad I had to hold onto my hair. Thankfully, it was really the only time the wind blew the entire trip.

We soaked up every minute at the beach we could. The water was so clear and warm. The sand was soft and white without any imperfections.

We spent our days doing various activities that the resort offered. I did water aerobics...yes I said water aerobics, it was actually quite fun!

Paul played beach volleyball until the pool volleyball started.

We layed by the pool or floated in the pool when we got too hot at the beach. We went sailing multiple times. Paul even got a lesson and his skills improved since Jamaica when he almost killed us! We also went kayaking out tp a reef. We didn't see anything at the reef, but it was a fun experience. We made a pretty good team!

This was a typical daily activity. I wish I could have that patio at our house, with the weather to accompany it.
We went deep sea fishing one day. Paul caught a 7 foot, 200 pound Blue Marlin. He spent an hour and a half reeling it in. The water was beautiful and we shared the boat with another couple and unfortunately all four of us ended up throwing up!

I didn't get a good picture of the fish due my feeling so sick. The couple we shared the boat with did and I will post it when they send it to us.

We loved eating at all of the restaurants at the resort, but Portofino, the Italian restaurant was our favorite. This is the outside of the restaurant. I just love the architecture. Our dinner was fabulous, the best Italian we have ever eaten, which surprised us considering it was in Mexico.

This is us at dinner at the seafood restaurant, Oceana. It was also amazing! We already miss the fresh seafood.

We had a great trip together. It was very relaxing and while we missed Hayden, it was good to spend some time together as a couple.

Mother's Day

We had such a great day celebrating with our Mother's. We went to breakfast at Mimi's with my family, had lunch at our house with Paul's family and then the three of us went out to dinner...White Chocolate Grill, yum! It was so nice to spend the day with everyone and relax. Hayden is very into trucks right now, the bigger the better. He was in heaven when we saw this equipment so of course we pulled over and daddy and grandpa let him stand on/in them. He is all boy through and through!We had such a nice dinner, Hayden was so well behaved we actually got to have some conversation. Of course we ended dinner with a white chocolate brownie, so good! Hayden only ate the ice cream, because even though it was "white" he still informed us "Hayden does not like chocolate!" I don't know about this kid, who doesn't like chocolate?
Hayden, it is my absolute pleasure to be your mommy. You fill my heart with so much love and joy and I love hearing the clever and witty things that come out of your mouth, watching you grow and hugging you and kissing you until you say "no mommy!" Thank you for making me a mommy. Paul, thank you for appreciating me, loving me and making every day so special, not just Mother's day!

Paul's Graduation

The day finally arrived, Paul graduated with his MBA on May 8, 2010. He was the tallest and most handsome graduate up there! On a more serious note, he worked very hard for this degree, not only at CCU, but at work and continued to be a great father and husband and still graduated Summa Cum Laude. We are so proud of him! Of course I couldn't get a good picture of him getting his hood, but here he is walking across the stage.

Hayden was so good the whole time, he napped, read books with Papa...

...and gave the graduates his support as they walked out of the auditorium. Future politician??It was a big day for our little family.

Paul and his parents, Ray and Donna, who were beaming with pride as well.

Paul and his fellow graduates, who are all looking for jobs by the way...(well not Paul), but if you know anyone who needs some fine young men to come work for your institution....

That night we went to The Rio Grande to celebrate with family. Hayden was so good, yet again, and let us celebrate for quite a while! Our apologies to the bus staff who had to clean up the floor after we left, but hey what do you expect from a two year old.

Hayden actually liked Mom that day, wish a little more of that would happen, but I will take what I can get.

Paul got some great wine, great cards and gifts, and one big surprise...

He's reading his card from me...probably thinking wow do I have to read all of this now? What is that...what did that just say...?

We're going to MEXICO!!! It is all booked, planned, childcare is in order, time off of work is secured...WOOHOO!

Inside Pauls card I wrote him a little poem to tell him what his gift was:

"Now that your hardwork is done, let's have some fun in the sun. Pack your bags, we're going on a trip, get ready for some margarita's to sip. Wouldn't you like to know...

We're going to MEXICO!" So Playa del Carmen here we come! We leave on May 22, and it is a much deserved trip filled with relaxation and fun!