Granny's 100 Birthday

My grandmother turned 100 on February 18, 2010. We went to Port Arthur to celebrate with family and friends and honor Granny on her special day. Granny was born 2 months premature. She was so little her crib was a shoebox and her diapers were her daddy's handkerchief. She has blessed each family member with at least 1 crocheted blanket, until just a few years ago when she had to give it up. Luckily, my aunts took over where she left off and made Lucas an afghan using Granny's yarn.

Lucas is Granny's 33 great-grandchild. It's fascinating to think they were born nearly 100 years apart. I think about all the things Granny experienced and accomplished in her lifetime and I have to wonder what lays ahead for Lucas.

We enjoyed our weekend getting to spend time with most of mom's side of the family. It has been a while since we have all had a chance to get together. What a wonderful way to get to celebrate together. Happy Birthday, Granny!

Photos by Anthony Martinez (http://www.ajmartinez.com/)

Christmas 2009

What a special day for us....Lucas' first Christmas and it was a white one. We got about 4 inches of snow on Christmas Eve. Then, Lucas gave us the best gift ever....he slept through the night until 8:00 am! That was awesome!!

Santa brought Lucas a little baseball set and he is already swinging at the ball. His family and friends spoiled him with toys, clothes, books, and games. He unwrapped his own packages too (at least he would get them started, but then would get distracted with the next one). Later, he zoomed around the house in his walker. Sam and I enjoyed breakfast in bed then movies on the couch and homemade pizza for lunch. Tanya came to visit and we watched another movie. It was such a relaxing, special day. We hope yours was as enjoyable as ours.

Update and Anniversary

Well, we started our weekly doctor's appointments on May 4. We got to meet a new doctor since my regular doctor went on maternity leave. It was a great appointment--very informational. We both felt this Dr. spent more time with us and explained more the us than my regular doctor. He said everything is looking good--my measurements are right on target and so are Lucas', but I've had no changes, so the doctor can't say when he will arrive. I have gotten to the point where I tire quickly and my belly is quite sore from Lucas' bum staying in the same place. In fact, I'm even bruised in one spot! And of course, my feet and ankles are swelling!!! It's UGLY! We go back to the doctor tomorrow morning so we will post updates.

Jennifer started on the room this past Wednesday. It is coming along so nicely and I can't wait for it to be finished. She has done amazing work. We'll post pics as soon as its finished.

We celebrated our 7th anniversary today. We took a trip to a spa for a couple's massage and spent the day together just taking care of things. It was an amazing day--very peaceful and relaxing--just perfect before the craziness starts. We even got in a nap!!

Happy Mother's Day.

Dad's 70th Birthday

Lori's dad celebrated his 70th birthday on March 1 of this year. We were able to all get together as a family and help him celebrate in style at a local restaurant. The waitstaff sang Happy Birthday while he "rode the horse" while swinging his "lasso." It was great and he was a good sport, for sure!

The Secret is out...ITS A BOY!!

We just wanted to spread the word that we are having a lil' boy come May. We know with all of our close friends and family he will be welcomed into this crazy world. For now we enjoy all the wonderful experiences of being pregnant. One good thing is that Lori's morning sickness has slowly subsided. We will keep you posted as we get closer to May as things develop. As for now, baby (keikikane or baby boy) and Lori are doing well and on the right track. We hope your Christmas was blessed and may the blessings continue into the New Year. Love to you all.

Announcing....

....Peanut, a.k.a. Keiki Wallis (Keiki=baby in Hawaiian). Yep, you read it right. The little picture you see is our baby's first picture. Sam and I are expecting our first child. I am in my 14th week of pregnancy. The baby is due May 25, 2009.


I am doing fine, but have had a first trimester of all-day-sickness and fatigue, and by 2:00 in the afternoon, I am done! I feel like a zombie at work! The sonogram showed all is well with the baby. On December 24, we will have our second sonogram and we will know the sex of the child for sure.

On Saturday, November 22, we made the announcement to some of our friends. We invited everyone to dinner to "celebrate my birthday." We surprised everyone when we presented cupcakes for dessert--cute, little, pink and blue cupcakes decorated with miniature pacifiers. It was great, and they were so surprised!

Keep posted, I will be posting more regularly as the doctor says my sickness and fatigue should be coming to an end. Please forgive me for not posting since September!!

Sam's little bro

Sam and I got to spend Friday evening with Sam's brother, Bryan. We celebrated his birthday with some delicious sushi, sake, and dessert. It was such a good night, and we were both so glad to have gotten to spend time with him. It is so good to have him close to home! I just wish I had thought to bring the camera. I can't wait to get together again....maybe next time we will have a good ol' Texas steak from my favorite steakhouse, H3 Ranch. I won't forget the camera, either.

Happy Birthday, Bryan!