Denver Pit Stop

We planned our return trip back home from Tennesse with a  long layover in Denver so we could have the opportunity to visit my parents for a while, introduce Hunter and meet our sweet baby niece Aeria. My aunt, who lives in Argentina and whom I haven't seen in over 7 years was also visiting, so it was perfect timing for a quick family reunion. We spent the few hours all together visiting, holding babies, taking pictures, and catching up. Although a very short visit, it was worthwhile and we had a great time!

Hunter and Aunt Gloria

 Cousins

New Mommies

 Meeting Hunter

Sweet babies

 Proud grandparents!

 Some of the fam

Uncle Mikey and Hunter

Tennesse Trip

For Zane's pre-deployment leave, we decided to go to Tennessee and hang out with Zane's parents at the lake. We spent our time swimming, wakeboarding, rope swinging, zip lining, and relaxing. Cally and Hunter's cousins Amaya and Mylee were also there so Cally had a chance to hang out with them as well. Zane and John also continued on their ongoing project of building an "Indiana Jones Bridge" across the pond between the cabin and the lake. With so much to do, our time there flew by but we had a great time and can't wait to go back!

Unfortunately, I was unable to take many pictures due to forgetting my camera charger however I was able to capture Cally wakeboarding with Daddy. Although hesitant, we insisted and she did it! What a brave little girl!

Since we were only 6 hours away from Pensacola, we decided to head down there for a day to check out our rental property and spend some time at the beach. It was unbelievably hot and humid but still really fun to go back and visit our old stomping grounds.

Crazy bed head after a day at the beach! 

Birthday Show

Today is Zane's 30th birthday and we began the day by going to an air show demonstration put on by Zane's squadron. The air demonstration was for all the family and friends of HMM-364 REINFORCED (Zane's squadron) to show the roles that each aircraft and machine plays while deployed on the MEU.The day consisted of watching tanks shoot live fire, seeing snipers do what they do best, and visiting some of the aircrafts as well as watching them do their thing. In the show, we saw Marines fast-roping from a Phrog, watched a CH-53 transport a humvee, saw Cobras and Hueys shoot at targets and watched jets fly over head. It was very informative and exciting and we all had a great time.

Showing Hunter daddy's helicopter 

Checking out the 53

Future Marine?

After the show, we continued celebrating Zane's birthday with birthday cake and presents and later headed out to dinner to finish the night off. We are headed to TN and FL tomorrow to continue celebrating.

Happy Birthday Love! Hope it was a good one!

1 Month Old!

Hunter is already 1 month old and I cannot believe it! This past month has gone by so fast. He's been such a good baby and I have no complaints. He sleeps most of the day waking only to eat or be changed, but as time goes by his wakeful times get longer and he is more and more alert. He is a strong little guy and loves to eat. He is filling out quite nicely and is getting cute chubby cheeks and the infamous rolls in his arms and legs are starting to show. He loves to be held and falling asleep in my arms. He starts his nights sleeping in his bassinet next to my bed, waking up every 2-3 hours to eat. By early morning he is in my bed and we sleep in until 8 or 9 am. Overall, he is a great little guy and we love having him around. Every moment with him has been wonderful, even those moments filled with exhaustion, because one look at his face makes them all worthwhile. He's such an amazing little guy!

Practicing his tough guy look

Happy baby!

An Arizona Visit

My sister Erica and her family came out this weekend to finally meet Hunter. They were all very excited to see him, especially his Auntie who couldn't wait to hold him. They stayed through the weekend and we spent the time together hanging out and catching up, while my sis got her baby fix. Cally got a chance to play with her cousins and really enjoyed having them around. My mom left with them, ending her stay here with us and going down to Yuma for a bit to spend some time there. It was great to have them all around, and I'm gonna miss the full house, but now that the dust has finally settled and I'm left alone with two kids, I hope all goes well. So far, so good. ;o) Thanks for coming out guys! Always so great to see you all!

Nickolas and Hunter

Cousins!

Girl time

At the park 

First two weeks

Now that we are home and settled, we have all began to adjust to our new life as a family of four. After just a few days at home recovering, I began to feel a lot better and started to get pretty antsy. By the 5th day we were out and about running errands, walking to the park, and we even took Cally to a small water park nearby. I, of course, just sat with Hunter and enjoyed the beautiful weather as Cally and Zane played in the water and had a great time. Although I'm not yet 100%, I have been improving every day and feeling better and better as time goes by.

 Life at home has been great. Hunter is a great baby so far and we are all enjoying having him around. He sleeps pretty much all day but is starting to stay awake for longer bits as time goes by. I took him to his 2 week check up and he is a healthy growing boy. He now weighs 10lbs 6.5oz and is 21 3/4 inches long. He is in the 90th percentile for both height and weight! He wakes up about every 2-3 hours to eat and loves to cuddle and be held. Our biggest challenge so far has been getting his diaper changed without being peed or pooped on! Cally has been great with him, always wanting to hold him or help out. She gives him lots of hugs and kisses and is is always very sweet to him.

 

1 week old!

Sweet sleeping baby

Blue eyes! 

After 10 days paternity leave, Zane returned to work and I headed to San Diego to pick up my mom. She is staying with me while Zane is gone on a 12 day training mission. She has been a great help to me, cooking and cleaning, entertaining Cally, and helping out any way she can. We have been having a great time together and I'm so thankful she is here.

Swimming with Grandma Nancy

Dress up time! 

In just a few days, Zane will return, go back on a regular schedule, my mom will leave, and I will have two kiddos all to myself.  I'm looking forward to the challenge of being a mother of two and feel so lucky to have two amazing and wonderful kids! I'm so blessed, life is great!