The Porcaro Family

Happy 8 Months Cash!

2012-01-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

Oh, my dear sweet Cash! Daddy and I look at you every day and wonder how you got so big! Your smile has lit up our lives and we cannot believe that you are almost a year old. You definitely use it to your advantage...and we have no doubt that you will continue to use it to make us smile when we want to reprimand you!

Your newest trick the last few weeks have been pulling yourself up and standing at the couch, and anything else that you can grab onto! You are getting stronger and stronger and are so busy that you sometimes don't pay enough attention to what you are doing...

But you take all of your tumbles in stride and we know that you will be off and running soon...but PLEASE...take your time...mommy and daddy can barely keep up with you now!

You are such a busy little boy. From the moment you wake up with that sweet smile on your face, you are ready to GO! Once you get down on the floor, you aren't staying still for long...you are off and crawling...throwing and chasing your toys and keeping yourself busy busy!

Your giggles and belly laughs make daddy and I laugh and smile til we cry! You are the light of our lives and we cannot remember a time that you weren't in it. Funny how that happens...one day you will understand when you are a daddy to a sweet little boy. Hopefully he will use all of his charms on you like you do on us!

You are growing and learning and we have no doubt that the next few months you will be showing off new moves and will keep us very very busy! Thank you for every single smile, giggle, slobbery open mouth kiss, snuggle and amazing moment that you give us every day. We are so lucky that you are our baby Cashew...we love you buddy!

Cash's First Christmas!

2012-01-17T17:33:00.000-05:00

Better late than never...I really do apologize for being so late with this Christmas post! Things have been so busy since the New Year has started and Jeff has gone back to school! So I will stop apologizing and finally get to the post!

This year, we spent Christmas Eve with our friends, the Laurine's. Dawn and Moke had some family in town and were kind enough to invite us over for dinner and to hang out. We had a great time as usual with them and Cash was excited to roam another house that had a Christmas tree. He was especially nosy with all the presents under the tree...but Dawn and Moke made sure to have a little something special for Cash! We had a wonderful evening and were so thankful that we were able to share our Christmas Eve with some Florida family!

Here is Cash giving some Christmas kisses to Dawn!

Cash with two of his favorite ladies, Taylor and Dawn


Taylor is SO good with Cash! Here she is playing with Cash and his new toy, a musical penguin! Taylor is such a good helper and wants to just love on Cash all the time!

This year, Jeff and I were especially excited about Christmas morning with Cash. We knew that he wouldn't remember anything about the day, but we knew that we always will! We were sure not to go overboard with the gifts...as you can see, he was spoiled quite a bit by his grandmas, papas, aunts, uncles and cousins! Here are all of Cash's gifts loaded up in his "chariot" that Jeff and I bought him!

It was so much fun bringing Cash out to see all his gifts Christmas morning! We only had a few out under the tree that were hidden since we knew that Cash would get into them so we were wondering how he would react to all of them. Here is Cash getting a look at all his presents!

As you can see, he was into looking at everything and he really did like ripping off the paper! It took us quite a while to get through all of the presents since we had to stop for Cash's breakfast and a nap in between opening everything. It was a really nice day since we all staying in our PJ's and had no where else that we had to be! We hope that all our Christmas mornings can be so nice and relaxing, although we have a feeling they will only get crazier as the years pass!

Here is Cash checking out all his presents! He is such a BLESSED little boy!

Daddy helped Cash open his first gift Christmas morning...we think Cash was a little bummed when he realized it was pajamas from Papa David and Grandma Sandy!

Cash LOVES his Scout Leap Frog Dog from Aunt MeLynda, Uncle Dave and cousin Emily! You plug it into the computer and program it with your child's name and favorite food, color and animal! Right now, Cash's favorite food is bacon...can you guess who took care of entering the information????? DADDY!

Jeff and I got the best present ever this year...our sweet Cashew!

Playing with some of his new toys from Grandma Sue and Rich and Grandma Sue's friend, Sandy.

Stinker was sleeping and as soon as we snapped his picture, he smiled!

You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry...

2011-12-20T11:30:00.000-05:00

Ahhh...children's first visits to Santa! Will they cry? Will they scream? Will they smile? We weren't sure how Cash would react to Santa at all! Earlier in the month, we started with the "Ho Ho Ho" to see how he would react...and he cried! We kept saying it to see if his reaction would change, and in the last couple weeks, he has smiled and laughed when we did it, so we figured now would be a good time to go see Santa! We decided to take Cash to Fisherman's Village in downtown Punta Gorda for a number of reasons, the biggest being that you bring your own camera to take pictures. Awesome, since you don't know what kind of reaction and pictures you will get. So we took Cash down there on Saturday after a nice long nap and some lunch in the hopes that we wouldn't have the screaming baby! What a pleasant surprise when Cash just checked Santa out and didn't make a peep! He of course decided to take a handful of hair and beard...thank goodness it was all real! Looks like we will have to go back next year...I have a feeling it will be a different reaction!

Here is Cash already checking out Santa...he doesn't look too sure!

I am talking to him and saying that Santa is a nice guy...and that he will bring him presents if he goes and sits on his lap!

Santa was great with Cash! As you can see, Cash is not 100% on what is going on. But he does have a handful of Santa's beard just in case something shady goes down!

I LOVE this pic because it looks like Cash is saying, "I got you figured out old man!"

No smiles from Cash, but at least he wasn't screaming!

Happy 7 Months Cash!

2011-12-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

Again, I am a little late on posting Cash's monthly pictures...I blame it on the craziness of the holidays! I know that I say it every month, but we cannot believe just how fast Cash is growing! It just seems like yesterday that we were eagerly awaiting Cash's arrival and now he is 7 months old! Earlier this month we had Cash's 6 month appointment. He weighed in at 18 pounds, 5 ounces and is 28 inches long! He is definitely our little precocious little boy! He has to examine everything and is becoming quite the little "explorer" now that he is mobile. It's amazing just how fast he has gotten crawling and he sure does wear us out! Here are Cash's 7 month pictures...he is such a handsome little boy!

Big boy sitting up!

Man, MORE pictures????

These pictures are getting harder to take since Cash doesn't like to stay in one place for too long!

He is getting stronger! Only a matter of time before he is pulling himself up and trying to walk! God help us then!

Bath Time Fun!

2011-12-11T16:49:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I had to share this video with you all...Cash absolutely LOVES his bath time! Cash gets excited when we take him into the bathroom and he sees the tub ready for him. He goes crazy in the water and we have a feeling that we will have a little fish next summer! Here is Cash enjoying his bath!

And We Have a Crawler!!!

2011-12-11T16:35:00.000-05:00

Cash's sixth month has been filled with many new things and he has mastered yet another one...crawling! Jeff and I were both here to witness his big crawling debut and it was so exciting! We had been working with Cash on his "scooting" for a couple weeks now. We knew that it was only a matter of time before he really figured it out and at the end of November, he did! Jeff and I set Cash down on his blanket to play and all of a sudden, he was on the move! We both watched him make his way across the living room and were so excited! Here is a video right after Cash's first crawl across the room...we are so thankful for technology and the fact that we are able to share these firsts with all of you!

Now the REAL fun has begun...in the two weeks since Cash showed off his new moves, he can now move across the room in a flash! His belly is still on the ground, so we know once he lifts it up, we are REALLY in trouble!!!

So Much To Be Thankful For...

2011-11-25T11:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I know that I am a day late with this post, but after all the delicious food consumed yesterday, I was in a food coma last night and decided to wait a day to post! We hope that everyone had a wonderful day yesterday and that you were all able to celebrate it with those that you love, whether it was with family or friends. Jeff and I had a pretty low key day. We had dinner here at home and invited our friends, Barb and Top over to celebrate. I cooked the turkey (grandma Millie would have been proud) and some sides, and Barb and Top brought some sides and we had a fantastic meal together. We have really been blessed to have Barb and Top in our life as they have become a big part of our Florida family. We don't know what we are going to do when they retire and start on the next part of their life and start traveling around the country. We do know that we will miss them dearly and I am so thankful that we were able to share this Thanksgiving with them. This year, Jeff and I have so much to be thankful for. At this time last year, Cash was just a little turkey "cooking" in my belly...this year, he is here eating the turkey!!! Yes, I put some turkey in the baby food maker and blended it up so Cash could join us at dinner! Here he is taking his first taste of turkey!

As you can see, he wasn't too sure about it all, but he had a few more bites and seemed to like it! As I was saying, I couldn't be more thankful this year. After a somewhat eventful pregnancy, Cash was born a healthy little boy. I am so thankful that we are all healthy this year, as many family and friends have been dealing with health issues. It really makes you step back and realize just how lucky you are if you don't have to worry about health issues daily. I continue to be thankful for that every single day. Jeff and I are thankful that we have a roof over our head, food in our bellies, friends and family that love us and that we love. We really are blessed beyond measure. Our biggest blessing this year would of course be Cash. He has made us smile every single day! Here is our little turkey celebrating his first Thanksgiving!

How can we not all be thankful for this sweet little boy????

I am also thankful that I get to spend every day with Cash. Being a stay at home mom is the best job there is...I get paid with sweet smiles, slobbery kisses and giggles...and that is priceless! I get to watch Cash grow and learn and explore...I am blessed that I have been able to watch all of this as you can never get this time back and it goes by far too quickly. Here I am with my sweet baby boy!

Of course, I am thankful for the first love of my life, Jeff. From the moment Cash was born, the title of "dad" fit him perfectly. He has taken on this role with ease and I fall more in love with him when I see him with our son. I am thankful that my husband is so hardworking and supportive...he has provided so much for our family and I know that he will continue to do so. Cash is lucky to have such a wonderful role model in his life and I hope that his parents are extremely proud of the man that he has become. Here are my boys...Cash just lights up whenever his daddy comes home and it makes me smile every single time!

Finally, here is a video of our little Indian...this is Cash's new favorite thing to do and it just cracks us up when he starts to do it! We hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season, as it is just beginning. We love and miss you all!

Trip to the Zoo-Part 2

2011-11-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

How could I forget that Cash got to pick out a new buddy at the zoo??? Here he is with his new friend, Raffi the giraffe! Sophie may have some competition now!

Trip to the Zoo

2011-11-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I have been trying to find things to do with Cash that A) aren't too expensive, B) are child appropriate, and C) aren't too far from home. When we went to Michigan in October, we were going to take Cash on his first visit to the zoo, but the weather had other ideas that day. On Friday, we took a little "adventure" and went to the Naples Zoo. It is about an hour away, but we timed the drive so Cash could nap on the way there. The Naples Zoo was very nice...not too big and it was easy to find. We spent the day walking around the zoo and showing all the animals to Cash. The highlight was seeing the giraffes...you can actually feed them! While we didn't feed them ourselves, we did get to see other people feed them so Cash got to see the real live Sophies up close! It was a really nice family day and Jeff and I know that we will be taking Cash back once he is a little bigger. Here are some pictures from our day.

Ready to roll and see the animals!

The monkeys were hilarious...they were swinging all over and running around

The lion

Having a good time!

Mommy and Cash at the Giraffe exhibit...it was pretty awesome!

Lunch time!

Cash had so much fun it wore him out! Naptime!

Sleepy boy

Happy 6 Months Cash!!!

2011-11-21T17:09:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I cannot believe that Cash is 6 months old! We honestly don't know where all the time has gone and we cannot believe that our little boy is getting so big! Cash continues to make us smile every single day with his humor and sweet smiles. I honestly don't really remember my life before Cash's arrival...everything is just a million times better with him here! I am loving being a stay at home mom and am so thankful that I get to spend my days watching Cash grow and change and become the little man that he is. So far this month (sorry, I am a little late with the post), Cash has been working on sitting up like a big boy. He is still a little wobbly, but he is doing a lot better than this time last month. He is also getting a taste of new foods. I have made Cash all of his baby food so far and he has been loving every bite he gets! So far he has had apples, bananas, peaches, green beans, squash and sweet potatoes. Jeff and I have a feeling that there isn't going to be too much that he doesn't like! We go for Cash's 6 month check up the first week of December, so I will have to give you his stats then, but he is definitely growing like a weed! Here are Cash's 6 month pictures!

6 months old!

Here he is showing off his new trick!

Big smiles!

Soooo big!

Celebrating Veteran's Day

2011-11-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

One of the things that Jeff and I love about Punta Gorda is that there is always something going on Downtown on the weekends. There is usually something going on in Laishley Park, which is on the Harbor, and every weekend, we go down to the Farmer's Market and get fresh fruits and veges. This year, the Punta Gorda Chamber held the Veteran's Day Parade the weekend before Veteran's Day. We really wanted to get down there for this to not only honor all the Veteran's, but to also honor Jeff. Jeff didn't know it, but Cash and I made sure that he had a special outfit to wear that day...it was a secret just between Cash and I! The parade was a little less than an hour, but we were able to see the whole thing. Cash really liked looking at all the people...he even didn't mind the marching bands and the motorcycles! Here are some pictures from the parade.

Cash and Daddy...everyone that walked by commented on how cute Cash was and how he was even wearing camo!

Our little Cashew!

Here is Daddy's surprise...I of course helped Cash out with getting it ready!

Cash sure is proud of his daddy!

My boys <3


Momma and Cash

We also celebrated on Veteran's Day too...Cash wore his special onesie for Daddy and we went out to dinner to one of the many restaurants that were offering free meals for Veteran's. Even though Cash is still too young to understand what an important day Veteran's Day is, he has Jeff and I here to teach him the importance of it and to tell him how special it is to be a part of the Armed Forces. I know that Cash will be so proud of his dad one day...just like I am proud to be Jeff's wife.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-02T10:56:00.000-04:00

Another big first for Cash this month was his first Halloween. We did get Cash a Tiger costume to wear for some pictures, but Cash didn't go trick or treating this year. Our neighborhood doesn't have paved walk ways on the streets so kids don't usually go trick or treating here. The downtown Punta Gorda historic district (think downtown Plymouth) has trick or treating every year and it's pretty crazy...lots of people and most of the houses really go all out with decorations. We decided not to take Cash this year since he is so small and we would have had to carry him the whole way or use the stroller which would have been close to impossible in the crowd. We will definitely take Cash next year and we know that it will be exciting for all of us! We did take some pictures of Cash in his costume and carved a pumpkin for him. Here are pictures of our Halloween festivities this year!

Our little Tiger!

He had to give the pumpkin a taste...since he couldn't put it in his mouth, he brought his mouth to it!

ROAR!!!

Hiding out

Such a cutie!

Pretty good pics for doing them myself!

Cash checking out the pumpkin...Jeff and I love this picture for some reason!

Feeling the guts...wasn't too impressed

He's having fun!

Cash and momma

We were surprised that he didn't try to eat the guts

Jeff did a great job carving the pumpkin for Cash!

We thought this would be a good idea...

until Cash tried to lean forward and almost topple the pumpkin!

And he is done!

October-A Month of Firsts

2011-11-01T16:31:00.000-04:00

October was definitely a big month in our house. Cash has continued to grow and change so much and he is hitting so many milestones! On his 5 month birthday, he took his first plane ride to Michigan. While there, he met many family members for the first time. On October 20th (which is also Grandma Sue's birthday), Cash woke up with his first tooth! I couldn't believe it! He had been acting a little different when we returned home, but we thought he may either be coming down with something or that he was just trying to get back into his routine at home. But that morning, Cash had his bottle and proceeded to put my finger in his mouth...no big deal since this was a daily occurrence. But that morning when Cash bit down, there was a tooth in there! Imagine my surprise upon feeling that tooth! On October 29th, tooth #2 made it's debut and Cash is now sporting his two front teeth on the bottom! At the end of the month, we also started Cash on cereal to get him ready for real food. He wasn't too sure of it at first as you can see from the pictures, but he has grown to love it and is like a little birdie when he sees the bowl and spoon! We can't believe how much he has changed in just one month!

Cash's first taste of cereal...not too sure about it

Day 2 of cereal...REALLY not feeling it at all!

I had to put this one on here because of the Elvis lip...too cute!

Now Cash knows what is going on when he sits in his high chair...here he is ready for daddy to feed him!

Here is a picture of Cash's first tooth!

Cash also got his first mustache this month...best 25 cents I've spent in a long time!

Family Trip to Michigan

2011-11-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

On Cash's 5 month birthday, we flew to Michigan to visit our families and have Cash meet everyone. We were only in town for 5 days and boy, did we pack a lot into those 5 days! We did our best to see everyone and were able to have a few large get togethers as well. Our first day in town, we met Jeff's Aunt Rene for some family photos (those will be posted later). A few of my high school girlfriends were able to stop by that evening to meet Cash for the first time. We had planned on taking Cash to the zoo with my dad and stepmom, but we had a change of plans due to the weather and visited Henry Ford Musuem instead. Cash loved looking at all the cool stuff there and got to spend the day with Papa, Gabby, Aunt Jenny, cousins Jake and Eric and Uncle Steve. We were also planning on a big group trip to the Cider Mill, but due to windy weather and one tired baby, we weren't able to make it. Maybe next year! Jeff's Aunt Rene offered to have his mom's side of the family over for a get together at her house and we were able to relax and visit and get some pictures of the newest members to the Ouellette side...Mia, Cash and Joshua. While we were all glad to get home and back into our routine, we had a great visit and loved spending time with family and friends. We hope that we will be able to do it again soon, but flying with a baby sure is a lot of work!

Posse Ladies...Monica, Hayley and her son Roman, Cash and I, and Sara

Roman really likes Cash!

Eric and Jake hanging out with Cash

Grandma Sue loved having some extra time with Cash

Aunt MeLynda and cousin Emily Elizabeth

Papa David and Grandma Sandy

Cash really liked Uncle Dave!

Cash and Great Aunt Ann

Papa Gordie and Cash

Steve and Jeff

Our handsome nephew, Nicklas

Uncle Jimmy and Cash

Nicky giving Cash a kiss goodbye...it was the sweetest thing!

3 Generations

3 Generations and Great Great Grandpa Earl

Great Great Grandpa Earl and Cash

Cash and Grandma Michelle

Cash loving on his cousin Mia. Mia is 10 days older than Cash and it was so cute to see them interact together

Looks like trouble to me!

Mom and her girls...Jenny, Momma Sue and Shell

Siblings...Jenny, Steve and I

Grandma and her boys:Jake, Nicklas, Grandma, Cash and Eric

Happy 5 Months Cash!

2011-11-01T15:47:00.000-04:00

Time flies when you're having fun and we couldn't agree more! We can't believe that Cash is 5 months old! He is getting so big (as you saw from the last post) and is such a joy. Cash celebrated his 5 month birthday in a big way, going on his very first airplane ride to Michigan! We made sure to get his monthly pictures before we left so we wouldn't forget...so here they are!

Celebrating 5 months with Sophie

Such a sweetie!

4 Month Check-up

2011-10-03T14:33:00.000-04:00

Cash's 4 month visit was a little late this month due to Cash's doctor being on vacation and some insurance issues. We went this morning and Cash did great! He is now 15 pounds and 15 ounces and 26 1/2 inches long! Jeff and I made bets last night for Cash's stats...whoever was the closest would get a sleep in morning next weekend...unfortunately, it was a split decision! Mama was right on with Cash's length, while Daddy was closer to Cash's weight. Cash received four vaccines today...3 shots and 1 by mouth...he only screamed for a minute and then was fine...and proceeded to throw up down daddy's front! Dr.Liou, Cash's pediatrician, was very happy with Cash's growth and milestones (rolling over, sleeping through the night, hand/eye coordination). We discussed starting cereal, but we all felt that Cash was doing fine on the formula and was gaining weight well enough on his own so we are holding off on introducing cereal for another couple months. We go back the beginning of December for Cash's 6 month visit.

Here are some new pics of Cash...he is growing and changing so much every single day. I swear, sometimes I pick him up in the morning and he feels like he gained a few extra pounds!

Cash and Daddy...love these two!

Kendall, a girlfriend of mine, hand made this onesie for Cash. Boy, she hit it right on the nose!

Papa Gordie bought this onesie for Cash...Jeff and I just love it and can't help but smile at him in it!

Cash LOVES anything that plays music, especially pianos. This was our $1 garage sale find...he can sit in his Bumbo seat and play it perfectly! This is his Billy Joel shot

Daddy and Cash watching the Lions and Tigers games on Sunday

Smiles

If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will!!!

2011-09-24T14:09:00.000-04:00

I had to post this video just because it makes Jeff and I smile so much. While we haven't had a belly laugh from Cash yet, he will giggle for us...usually when we are saying something silly or being ridiculous. Here, Jeff was playing with him and Cash was a giggling fool! Hope this makes you all smile like it does for us!

Amazing what a week will do...

2011-09-24T14:01:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how much Cash changes from day to day. Jeff and I were finishing Cash's room yesterday (finally), and hanging up the frames from our shower. I had put pictures in from Cash's first month or so and he looks so different now. It's just so much fun seeing how he can "master" things and learns new ones each day. In the past couple weeks, Cash has been a roly poly as you can see from a previous post. It wasn't more than a few days from that first roll that Jeff and I watched Cash roll over with no hesitation or problems! We were completely amazed! Here are a couple videos of him with the mastered roll...we are still working on him rolling from his belly onto his back, which is an issue especially at night when he wakes up angry that he can't get back onto his side or back to sleep. We are hoping that he will figure it out soon...in the meantime, we are enjoying the fact that he is still not yet mobile...we know we are in trouble when that happens!

Happy 4 Months Cash!

2011-09-12T16:50:00.000-04:00

As I sit here and write this post, I cannot believe that Cash is already 4 months old. The time has really flown by and he is getting bigger and bigger every single day! Cash's 4 month checkup isn't until the first Monday in October (due to insurance issues), so I will not have a weight/height update until then, but Jeff and I both know that he has to be close to 14 or 15 pounds now and his legs are getting so long! Cash's personality is really starting to blossom and he is such a smiley little boy! I cannot wait to share him with family and friends next month when we are in Michigan for a short visit. Here are Cash's 4 month pictures!

It looks like Cash and his teddy bear are plotting their escape!

The one thing that my sweet baby boy got from me is my eyes...we just hope they stay light and hazel like they are now

Cash has a hat like his daddy now!

Hello ladies!

Are You Ready For Some Football???

2011-09-12T16:42:00.000-04:00

I should probably let Jeff write this post since I know that he is excited to have another man in the house to watch football with this year! Saturday September 3rd was U of M's season opener and we were sure to dress Cash for the occasion. He received a couple different outfits and a t-shirt, so we will have plenty more pictures to post as he grows throughout the season! Here are some pics from game day...I am sure that it will become a Porcaro men tradition to watch the games in our house from now on!

Looking handsome in his tracksuit from Aunt Cathy

Those other teams don't scare me!

Resting up before the big game!

He looks so tiny next to that football

We call this his little gnome picture!

Chatty Cash!

2011-09-10T18:22:00.000-04:00

Everyone that has children say that you get one just like you. Well, Cash may look like Jeff, but boy, he sure has a lot of my genes! That little boy LOVES to talk and make noise! The last few weeks, he has really begun to talk and babble and I cannot wait til he really starts talking! I have a feeling that we won't be able to keep him quiet! Here is a video of Cash telling me a story!

Mommy and Cash

2011-09-10T18:16:00.000-04:00

I always heard parents talk about how they could never imagine their life without their child and I never truly understood until I saw Cash in the delivery room. These past four months have been the most amazing, difficult, trying, tiring and wonderful days of my life. I get to wake up everyday to the sound of my happy little boy in his room cooing and when I go in to pick him up, I get the biggest smile. I love being a mom and have the best job in the world...don't get paid enough, but I get paid in smiles and giggles from my little boy! I go in and watch Cash as he sleeps and I cannot believe how much he has changed not only my life, but me as a person. I am blessed to have a happy, healthy baby and not a day goes by that I don't give thanks to God for that. Here are some of my favorite pictures of Cash and I.

Just a little peanut here!

Taking a nap with mommy

Getting ready for swimming

Me and my sweet little boy

Kisses!

Relaxing at the beach!

Mommy and Cash

Roly Poly Boy

2011-09-10T18:04:00.000-04:00

This past week, Cash has finally mastered rolling over! He has been working so hard to get there...he has been rolling onto his one side for about two months now, but he has finally figured out how to get onto his belly. The funny thing is that I almost missed the first time he rolled...I went into the kitchen to make his bottle and looked back into the family room and he was almost on his belly! I ran in there and encouraged him and he made it over! He was having some problems with his arm getting stuck underneath him, but he is getting stronger and better and pulling it out now. Here are videos of the big roll!

Learning and Growing!

2011-09-10T17:56:00.001-04:00

As I have stated in previous posts, I am so thankful that I get to stay home with Cash and watch him grow and become a little man. The last few weeks have had lots of changes...he is a lot more active and loves to play with his playgym and lay and play on the floor. He also has his piano toy that is becoming a favorite now that he can reach the bottom of it and press the piano keys! On top of playing all day, I try to read books to him and we go through his "Who Loves Baby" photo album which has pictures of his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We also have our tv turned to Sprout, which has many educational shows, including Sesame Street. Sesame Street has easily become Cash's favorite show and he will sit or lay and watch it for the whole hour. He coos and "talks" during it and is totally engrossed in it. As you can see on the video below, he almost forgets that mommy is even here when it's on! Here are some pictures of our playtime and of Cash watching his favorite show!

Playing in his activity seat from Aunt Barb and Aunt Crissy...it's like the Bumbo seat but it has a spinning table top with attached toys and cup holders. Cash is liking it now that he can sit up better.

I didn't do it...I swear Mom!!!

Making music with his piano...it's so much work that he's tired!

This music stuff is hard work! Notice the tongue out!

Wonder what happens when I press this one????

You can't see me mommy!!!

Oh, hey...there you are!

Where is Cash????

Trying to play with all his toys at once!

Loving on Sophie

Multitasking at it's best...playing with the rattle, Sophie and his elephant

Cash watching his Sesame Street

Smiles and Giggles!

2011-09-10T17:34:00.000-04:00

We are so blessed and lucky that Cash is usually a very happy little boy. He is very easy going and loves to give us smiles and "oohs" and "aahhs" every single day. This last month, he has started to screech and giggle. So on top of already having us wrapped around our finger, all he has to do is smile and giggle at us...well, at least mommy! Here are some of my favorite smile pictures from the last month. I am thankful that I get to stay home with Cash everyday and see how much he changes and grows.

See that little smirk...yeah, his dad has the exact same one...so that pretty much means Mommy is screwed!!!

Giggling for daddy

BIG smiles!!!

My little man

Cash and his Sophie...my best friend's mom, Laurie, bought Sophie for Cash and it is pretty much is favorite toy that he has. We call her his girlfriend!

My little Italian Stallion in his velour track suit from Sandy Dalton

Happy to be playing

Love that toothless grin!

This video is from the day that Cash really started to laugh...of course it was for his daddy!

Splish Splash...Cash LOVES his bath!!!!

2011-09-10T17:23:00.000-04:00

Cash's first few baths were not that easy...not only did he scream pretty much the whole time, but he was on a towel on the counter and we had to use a basin until his cord fell off and healed. Now that he has moved up to his "baby spa"(yes, it does have bubble and jets), he LOVES it! He is learning to kick and splash his feet (as you will see in the video) and he loves getting mommy and daddy wet too! Here are some of our favorite bath time pictures!

Such a cutie!

Squeaky clean!

We call this Cash's "crazy Jack" hair (it looks like Jack Nicholson's crazy hair!)

So much to say!

2011-09-10T17:15:00.000-04:00

The last month, Cash has really gotten a little personality. So far, he seems to have quite a mix of Jeff and I...some good and some bad! He really has gotten to "talking" up a storm and is usually vocal in some way or another about what is going on or if he is happy or not. Here is a video of Cash "talking" to us one evening. It's so funny to see when a new sound comes out of his mouth...he winds up surprising himself as much as us!

Our Little Water Baby

2011-09-10T16:07:00.000-04:00

We have taken Cash over to Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve's to swim a few times now. The first couple times didn't work out so well. Cash wasn't too sure of the water and was in and out in a matter of minutes. The last few times, he has really gotten into it! We are so happy that he has had a change of heart and I have no doubt that he and I will be swimming fools next summer! Here are some pictures of Cash in the pool and a video of the last time we were swimming.

Getting ready to dip his feet...

Oh this feels soooo good!

Just hanging out with daddy

"This pooling stuff is hard work...just like it's hard work being as cute as I am!"

Daddy and Cash

Taking a nap

Mommy and Cash ready for some pool time!

Happy 3 Months Cash and Visit from Aunt Jenny and cousin Jake!

2011-09-10T14:16:00.000-04:00

I apologize for getting so far behind in the monthly updates. Cash is sure keeping us busy! On Cash's 3 month birthday, his Aunt Jenny and cousin, Jake, came to visit from Michigan. Not only was Aunt Jenny so excited to get her hands on Cash, but this was Jake's first airplane ride so he was REALLY excited! Jake had a lot of fun with his little cousin, but he did wonder why he cried so much! We had a great visit and Cash got lots of lovin' from his Aunt Jenny! Here are some pics from their visit!

Big boy!

Jake and Cash

Such a sweet picture!

Aunt Jenny was loving this!

Jake is in the background...he was trying to show Cash how to roll!

Cash is smiling at Jake in the car on the way to the beach...I think Jake got the most smiles out of Cash that weekend!

Jake in the ocean for the first time

Cash's first visit to the beach. We stayed in our shade tent, but he liked it!

Aunt Jenny, Cash and mommy...that was my baby doll by the way. Jake and Eric we taking good care of her til I had a baby and Jake hand delivered it to us!

She sure does Cash!

First Night In His Crib!

2011-09-03T20:42:00.000-04:00

First of all, let me apologize for not updating with posts like I should be. Cash is getting so big and we are busy all day with new tricks and playing and I haven't updated the blog in over a month. On July 24th, Cash slept in his crib for the first time! He did great and so did mom and dad! I don't think we got up too much that night to go check on him! Here is Cash in his big boy bed...he looks so tiny in that big bed...not so much anymore!

Our Little Rocker!

2011-07-24T21:00:00.001-04:00

From the time I was pregnant and felt Cash moving around in there, he has always loved rock music...the louder the better! Even now, Jeff and I laugh at the fact that he can fall asleep to some classic rock or Metallica. Jeff likes to turn on Pandora, an internet music channel, for Cash. Cash likes to listen to the music when he is hanging out with us or when we go on walks. Here he is rocking to some Lynard Skynard while in his bouncy chair.

Cash's New Toy

2011-07-24T20:54:00.000-04:00

Here is Cash using his new play mat that we got him. He always seems to have his arms and legs going, so we figured that we should let him get some good workouts in! Here he is loving his new toy!

Happy 2 Month Birthday Cash!

2011-07-23T10:38:00.000-04:00

I am a little late with this post. Cash is almost 2 1/2 months old now, but I was sure to take his picture with his 2 Months onesie on his two month birthday. Cash had his two month check up the day before his actual two month birthday and he is doing great. Our little boy weighed in at 10 pounds 5 ounces and is now 23 inches long! Jeff and I knew that he was getting bigger and longer since he is almost too long for the changing table on the pack and play! Cash has been doing really well at getting into a little bit of a routine with us...he is eating great, is becoming more animated and vocal (which Jeff and I both love), and just this past week, he has started to sleep almost through the night! He has been eating about 7 or 8pm and not waking up til 4 or 5am to eat again! We definitely have a little sleeper on our hands here...something that Jeff and I are NOT complaining about at all! Here are some of Cash's two month pictures!

Our little boy is getting so big!

I LOVE this one...he looks like he is winking at us!

You can see his long eyelashes in this one!

The Many Faces of Cash!

2011-07-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

Jeff and I have been blessed with such a good natured little boy. Cash is usually happy...that is unless he is hungry, has a wet butt or is overtired. Since I take a million picture of him, we get some pretty funny ones...all sorts of faces! Here are some that just make us smile or laugh!

His future is so bright, he has to wear shades!

Even though he is angry here, I LOVE this picture!

Playing piano and singing away!

He really likes what is on that page of the magazine!

Smiley boy

Sweet baby Cash

Why are you making me wear this silly socks mom????

Little grin for daddy...

Bigger grin...

Oh mom...stop taking pictures!

Yawn!

Ok...are you guys really my parents?

Had to get this bib...it was on clearance at Target and was perfect!

I Love My Boys!!!

2011-07-23T10:22:00.000-04:00

Jeff and I celebrated out 7th wedding anniversary this July and have been together for 12 years now. Many of you reading this now have only known us as "Jeff & Shelly." For those of you that have known Jeff and I through our many years as a couple, you know that we have been on many journeys together. Boot camp, the Army, living in Georgia, moving back to Michigan only to move to Florida less than nine months later, Jeff's deployment to Afghanistan, the year long journey to purchase our first home and now, the pregnancy and birth of our first child. In that time, I have fallen madly in love with my husband...not just for his devilish good looks, but for his caring, loving heart, his faithful commitment to me and for the woman that he makes me when I am with him. I have always heard women say that they fell in love all over again with their husbands when they saw them hold their children for the first time. I never knew the power of that moment until May 12th, when I saw Jeff bring our beautiful baby boy over to me in the operating room. The role of "father" was probably one of the easiest ones that Jeff has taken on over the years, and yes, I am more in love with him today than I was the day we married. Watching Jeff with Cash has given me so much joy and happiness and I can only imagine all the smiles those two will bring me over the many years to come. To quote Kenny Loggins' "Danny's Song,"

And even though we ain't got money, I'm so in love with ya honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes,
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

As long as I have my two boys with me, I know that all is right in the world...and I am one blessed woman.

Operation Grandparents: Visit #4 from Papa David and Grandma Sandy

2011-07-23T10:03:00.000-04:00

At the end of June, we welcomed the last of the grandparents to Florida to meet Cash. Jeff's dad, David, and step mom, Sandy, were down for a long weekend to finally meet their grandson. I know that Jeff was really looking forward to their visit since he now understands what it means to be a dad and to share his son with his parents. David received his Father's Day gift from Cash...a special "I Love Papa" mug with pictures of Cash on it (my dad also got the same one). Even though the weather wasn't the greatest for their visit (we FINALLY got rain...we have needed it so bad), we had a great time being together and sharing our son with his grandparents. Here are some of the highlights of Papa David and Grandma Sandy's visit.

Papa with his special mug from Cash

Cash hanging out with Grandma Sandy...looks pretty comfy, huh???

This is Cash's first time in Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve's pool. He really wasn't too sure about it and he wasn't in very long before the screaming began! Here he is with daddy and papa.

You can't see Cash's face, but he was crying!

Dad doesn't look happy at all, does he????

Three Generations of Porcaros...this looks great in the frames that they both received for Father's Day

LOVE this pic!!!

Cash with Papa David and Grandma Sandy

Cash's First Big Boy Bath

2011-06-25T14:56:00.000-04:00

Cash hasn't been too keen on taking baths...then again, the first ones we have given him were out of a wash basin and he wasn't able to sit in the water. Now that his belly button has healed and we got the rest of Cash's shower gifts, we were able to give Cash a bath in his little mini spa. The tub that we registered for has a little shower wand, jets and bubbles...a little baby spa! We weren't too sure how he would handle it, but after having a poop explosion (yes, it came out of the diaper and onto my lap and the sofa) we decided to try it out. As you can see from the pictures, Cash really enjoyed it...especially having his hair washed! I have a feeling that we have a little water baby on our hands...I'm sure we will find out when we take him swimming in the pool for the first time if that is true! For now, he loves his bath and here are pictures from his first soak!

I don't think he was quite sure what was going on here...

but he loved having the water sprayed on him!

Hmmm...this isn't so bad at all!

Getting his hair washed

Gotta love the crazy hair!

Getting the full spa treatment!

All fresh and clean!

Cash and mommy

Happy 1st Father's Day!!!

2011-06-25T14:47:00.000-04:00

This year was a special Father's Day for Jeff since it was his first one he gets to celebrate as a dad. We didn't really have anything special planned...we went out to dinner the night before at Dean's (Jeff's choice), so we were just planning on having a special breakfast and spending the day together. I got up and made bacon (of course) and stuffed french toast for breakfast and Jeff got to spend the morning hanging out with Cash. Cash had me help him out and we ordered Jeff a special personalized Father's Day card with their pic on it. Jeff also got a Three Generations picture frame which will be filled with a picture of Jeff's dad, David, Jeff and Cash and a new coffee mug.

I had no doubt in my mind that Jeff would be a wonderful father. From the time that our siblings started having children and seeing Jeff play with our other cousins, I knew that he would be great at it. However, I wasn't prepared to fall in love with Jeff all over again as I saw him hold our son for the first time. I have seen a different side of Jeff since Cash was born and it makes me smile to see them together. I know that Cash has a wonderful role model in Jeff and that the two of them will get into plenty of trouble together through the years! I am just so thankful that I get a front row seat to it all...I am truly blessed.

Jeff with his Three Generations frame

A new coffee mug that says "I am your Father" with Darth Vader on it

Happy 1st Father's Day!!!

The Porcaro men

Operation Grandparents: Visit 3 from Grandma Michelle

2011-06-25T14:32:00.000-04:00

Cash is such a lucky little boy to get so many grandmas that love him! Jeff's mom, Michelle, was here for a week long visit and we sure are glad she was! Not only was Jeff sick with a really bad cold that sent him to the walk in clinic, but I also had to make a trip to the ER for mastitis (an infection in my breast). Michelle loved being able to help us out when she was here...from helping watch Cash while I went to the ER and Jeff went to bed early, to helping with morning feedings so Jeff and I could get a couple extra hours of sleep...we all appreciated her help!

We didn't have much planned for Grandma's visit, but we did make our first visit to the mall to finish up some Father's Day shopping. Cash was a perfect little angel and slept the whole time! We also made it out to dinner with some friends during the week and again, Cash slept like a champ and let us all eat dinner together. I know that Michelle loved spending all that time with Cash and she wanted to take him with her on the airplane! Here are some pics from her visit with Cash.

"So Grandma, I said to this guy..."

Cash and Grandma Michelle

I'm gonna find my thumb one day!

Got your tickets to the gun show????? Put em up, put em up!

Just a Saturday night, sharing some bottles!

Sooooo tired

Grandma Michelle, Cash and Jeff

Tummy time on my froggy mat...I'm not too keen on the frog pillow...

but I do like the Boppy a lot better!

Sweet baby Cash...he looks like such a big boy here

Cash and mommy

BIG smiles! <3

Telling Mommy a story

The Porcaros

You can't see me!

Happy 1 Month Birthday Cash!!!

2011-06-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that Cash is one month old today! It honestly feels like just yesterday that I was still pregnant and anxiously awaiting his arrival. And now he is already one month old. This past month has been wonderful with Cash in our lives. Don't get me wrong...it has been trying and difficult at times, but I know that Jeff and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I have not only fallen in love with this wonderful little boy that is my son, but I have fallen in love with my husband all over again. I have seen a different side to Jeff and I love seeing him with our son. I know that Cash is truly lucky to have Jeff as his father...he has a fine example of what a man should be and I have no doubt that Cash will follow in his father's footsteps. I am just blessed to be a part of it all.

I have no doubt that I will have many milestones and funny stories to share on here of our son. I have to say that this month's biggest milestone is that we have all survived...a little worn out, but we are all here! We may not have it all together, but together we have it all! Thank you to all of you who have offered words of advice, but the biggest help has been your love and support. So thank you to all of you...I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child...so thank you for being part of that. We love you all and can't wait to share more of our milestones and memories with you!

Baby boy's one month picture

He is one sleepy little boy!

Our little rocker

Sweet baby Cash

The loves of my life

Operation Grandparents: Visit 2 from Papa and Gabby

2011-06-12T23:49:00.000-04:00

My dad and step mom, Barb, were the next set of grandparents to come meet Cash. Cash got to spend a few days with Papa and Gabby and sure did get spoiled with all the love and cuddles. Cash loved napping on Papa! Dad and Barb got to go see Cash's pictures that were taken when mom was here and helped us pick out our favorites to order. After that, we went to dinner together at Outback and let me tell you, we were the most popular people there! All the servers were coming by our table to see Cash! Everyone couldn't get over all his hair and someone even said that he looked like a little baby doll! Yep, he's getting the ladies already! We were sad to see Papa and Gabby go, especially Cash who got used to all the cuddles and "sprinkles" from Papa!

Gabby with Cash

Dad and I with Cash

How could you not love that face???

Cash LOVED napping on Dad...and I think Dad loved the naps too!

Operation Grandparents:Visit 1 from Grandma Sue

2011-06-12T23:40:00.000-04:00

June is bringing many things to us...the beginning of hurricane season, hopefully the beginning of rainy season here in Florida, our first full month with Cash and visits from all of the grandparents! Needless to say, it will be a busy one! Grandma Sue (my mom) was the first grandparent to come meet Cash. It was also mine and Cash's first big outing together. Since Jeff went back to work, Cash and I drove to Ft Myers to pick my mom up at the airport. I know that she was eagerly awaiting her visit, which of course was delayed in Detroit. But after getting to Florida an hour late, Grandma Sue got to meet her little Romeo, as she calls him. We got to spend a few days together and mom got to spend some quality time with Cash. We took Cash to get some pictures taken at a studio and even went out to dinner at Applebee's. Cash was such a good little boy and let us all eat together too! I know that she hated leaving him, then again, who wouldn't??? Here are some pics from her visit!

Grandma Sue and Cash

Mom and I with Cash

Big Smiles for Grandma!

The Porcaro Family

Happy 3 week birthday Cash!!!

2011-06-02T08:32:00.000-04:00

We cannot believe that Cash is three weeks old today! I guess time does fly when you're having fun...that and when you are sleep deprived! We are all doing pretty well. Cash is growing and getting cuter by the day! Jeff and I are getting into the swing of this parenting thing...we are a great tag team and I am just so glad that I have such a wonderful man as the father of Cash. We have had quite a few visitors and Cash is getting to meet a lot of his Florida family. Jeff went back to work this week...big deal in the Porcaro house! On Jeff's first day back to work, I had to take Cash to the doctor by myself. This was our first outing just the two of us. We did really well...even got to the dr office on time! I am learning to nap when he does so I can get some sleep during the day as well. And all the other house chores, laundry, etc...it can wait! Today, my mom, aka Grandma Sue, flies in for a visit and to meet Cash. He and I will be making the drive to Ft Myers to the airport shortly, so wish us luck! Our visitors are starting to come now, so I am sure that we will have a lot of pics to post. Until then, here are some pics of the boy!

Rocking out the skulls and the mohawk!

Daddy and his boy

Dawn and Cash

Taylor was sooo excited to meet baby "Tash" as she called him. She is just so cute with him!

Daddy caught us napping!

Momma and her boy

Sweet kisses!

Happy 1 Week Birthday Cash!

2011-05-19T19:45:00.001-04:00

Greeting from the Porcaro house! We can't believe that our sweet baby boy is already a week old! We have had a pretty good week overall. For two people that have never done this before, I have to say that Jeff and I are holding our own. As I said to Jeff this morning, we must be doing good since Cash is still alive and so are Jeff and I! The first few days were of course a lot of trial and error. We had to try to figure out what would work for Cash and how to read his cues to us. We had a pretty difficult night on Sunday and Monday. Cash was nursing for what seemed like hours, then he would cry and scream and couldn't be calmed down. We could hear his belly gurgling and thought that he had some gas, so we used the gas drops. It would initially calm him down and then he would get going again. Finally, we came to the conclusion that although Cash was nursing, he was probably suckling and not actually getting any if much milk at all. This would also explain his weight loss from the hospital discharge to our doctors visit on Monday morning. Thank goodness we had some formula at the house...I had been given some samples at my OB's office, received some in the mail and also got some in our goodie bags we brought home from the hospital. We gave him a two ounce bottle and it was gone in about five minutes! He calmed down and was like a completely different child. Since that night, we are giving Cash breast milk and supplementing with formula. Tuesday was a great day...he was so much happier and ate well and slept well. Jeff and I said we weren't surprised...poor little boy was probably starving! We went for a weight check this morning and from Monday to today (Thursday), Cash had gained 11 ounces! Dr. Liou, our pediatrician, was very happy with his weight gain and asked what we were doing different. We explained and he said "good job mom and dad for taking control and trying something. It obviously worked and you have a thriving little boy on your hands!" This made us feel great! Jeff and I are very happy with our decision to go with Dr. Liou. He is great with Cash and he is just so laid back and friendly. He gave me a hug before he left the room today and said that we were doing great and to keep up the good work.

Here are some new pics of Cash from the week. Right now he is pretty much eating, sleeping and pooping! We can already see that he is a very independent child and that he will do things on his own time! Jeff and I love seeing his facial expressions and are both loving our cuddle time with our sweet baby boy. We can't wait for our family to come visit and meet Cash so they can share in the excitement and joy that is our little Cash!

Momma loving on her sleepy little boy

Talk about relaxed!

Our little miracle is one in a million!

Gotta love those lips!

First time in his swing...he was out!

Cash and daddy love cuddle time

Our little angel

Welcome to the world sweet baby boy!!!

2011-05-16T20:51:00.000-04:00

Hello to family and friends! What an exciting and wonderful couple of days it's been. As you all know, I was scheduled for my induction on Thursday morning. Jeff and I arrived at the hospital at 6am and the nurses were all ready for us. By 7am, we were settled in our labor/delivery room with IV in place, fetal heart monitor on, blood drawn and mom and dad ready to get the show on the road. Our nurse, Amanda, came in to get my antibiotics going and to get ready to start the Pitocin and Lil Man's heart rate was increasing. We thought it may be from excitement/nerves of everything so I was placed on oxygen and was rolled onto my left side. After 15/20 minutes of this, the baby's heartrate was still climbing and wasn't coming down so Dr B was called. He was on his way in and would be in my room first. He came in and checked me and the baby out and decided that a c section would be the best option since the baby's heart rate was not coming down. I of course, started to worry and get upset, but there was no time for that. Within 15 minutes of this decision, I was being rolled into the operating room and getting ready for my spinal block. I can't even begin to explain all the thoughts going through my head at this point, but I'm sure that for those of you that are mothers or fathers, you can imagine. My first concerns were for the baby...fetal tachycardia means that the baby's heart if pumping/working so fast that the blood doesn't have time to circulate and get enough oxygen to his body. He needed to get out and get out fast. Then I was worried about the c section itself...you read about how it's becoming much more common now, but it is still major surgery and there are always risks. But like I said, I didn't have time to worry much or even think about all of this. Before I knew it I was leaning forward on Nurse Amanda getting the spinal and losing all control of my legs and lower half of my body. For anyone who hasn't had this done, it feels like going to the dentist and the tingling of getting Novocaine. Except it's in your legs! I couldn't feel from my boobs down (sorry if that was too much)! Once the spinal was done, I was strapped to the table and prepped and then Jeff was walking in. Within 10 minutes, our baby boy was here! Cash Albert Porcaro was welcomed into the world on May 12th at 9:10 am, weighing in at 7 pounds 5 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long! The most beautiful sound I heard that morning was my son screaming his lungs out! Jeff went with the baby and got to cut the cord and bring him over to meet me. It was an emotional high for me! All the thoughts of pain from the surgery were gone...my sweet baby boy was here. After delivery, Jeff went with the baby to our room while the DR finished closing me up. I arrived back to the room and got to hold Cash for the first time which was wonderful. After a few hours, we were moved to other side of the floor into our room for the rest of our stay. All of the rooms are private and after you deliver, the room you go to also has a bed for daddy to stay in which is wonderful since there is no nursery for the babies. Your baby is kept with you in your room til you go home, which I think is nice. You get a chance to "get a grip" on being a parent and dealing with a newborn. Jeff and I were so blessed to have such an amazing night nurse. Stella was the ultimate definition of a nurse. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. She would talk to you and help you with any problems or concerns that you were having and she fell in love with Cash! And he loved her too...she was the only one that he didn't fuss too much with! Stella was our night nurse both nights we were at the hospital and she gave us such words of support before we were discharged. We wound up leaving the hospital on Saturday afternoon and have been figuring this parenting thing down as best as we can since then! Cash seems to be a very well natured baby...he is a good eater and HAS to eat when he says! He is starting to get into a schedule...at least we think he is! Overall, he is a joy and Jeff and I can't imagine our life without him! Here are some pics from Cash's birthday and his first few days. Love to all of you from the three of us!

Happy Birthday to Cash Albert!!!!

Daddy cutting the cord

Sweet baby boy!

The two loves of my life

Here I am really seeing my son for the first time...nothing compares to that...

Except maybe that first kiss!

Momma finally getting to hold and check baby out

Look at those lips and cheeks!!

Our first family photo as a family of three!

Uncle Moke was Cash's first visitor at the hospital

Daddy changing Cash's diaper...Jeff was on night duty the first night since I couldn't get out of bed at all. He did a GREAT job!

My two boys...they were listening to the Red Wings game on the radio!

This was how Cash ended up after he was done nursing...he just decided to stretch out and make himself comfortable

Welcome home Cash!

Such a sweet little face

Our Little Boy Will Be Here THIS WEEK!!!!!

2011-05-10T10:44:00.000-04:00

Hello to family and friends! Yesterday I had appointments at both MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) and my OB. My first appointment was at MFM for an amniotic fluid check. The baby was checked for good breathing and heartbeat, cord blood flow...all of this looked great. The boy was of course being a stinker and not wanting any good face shots to be taken! At one point both of his hands and a foot was up nearly covering his face! Guess he just wants me to wait to see how handsome he will be! My amniotic fluid was measured at 10.1 which is great for me! I met with Dr. O'Brien, one of the doctors there, and he said that everything looked great and they would not need to see me back since I would be having that baby soon!

I met with Dr. B, my OB later in the morning. I first had an NST (non stress test/heart monitor). Everything looked great on there, although the baby had to be "woken up" since he was very lazy at the beginning. I have a feeling he wasn't too happy about this as he was VERY active and kicking up a storm after that! The nurse came in and used a "noise maker" type thing on my belly...made a loud buzzer like noise. Like I said, after that, he was super active and moving all over! Upon meeting with Dr. B, he asked if I was ready to meet that baby! He called the hospital and set up my induction for 6am Thursday morning! So, whether this little boy comes on his own before then or he gets a little help on Thursday, we will get to meet our son this week! Jeff and I are so excited and getting anxious about it all. I have been having crazy dreams since my appointment last week and have really been having issues sleeping...not only am I uncomfortable, but I have to use the bathroom 20 times during the night! So between that and having wacky dreams (my water breaking while in bed, Jeff throwing the baby across the room at me like a football) I am ready to get a couple hours of solid sleep. Not that that will be happening very easily with a newborn! I have been taking advantage of getting naps in while I can...as Jeff says, sleep when you can!

We are both so excited to share in the debut of our son this week! We will do our best to put some pics and info up on here as soon as we can after he is born. I'm sure that between our parents, texts or Facebook, many of you will be able to hear the news on Thursday. Until then, wish us a safe and speedy delivery for all of us...daddy included!

It's the FINAL countdown!!!

2011-05-05T19:43:00.000-04:00

Hello to all! Just wanted to give an update after my visit with my OB today. My NST (non stress test/heart monitor) looked great...Lil Man sure was active today. Jeff says that he is getting excited for his birthday! Dr B checked me out and as of this morning, I was dilated 2 cm and 60% effaced! I know that I can stay this way for quite awhile, but I could also have this little boy any time! I have an appointment on Monday morning after I go to MFM...that is, as Dr B says, if he doesn't see me this weekend! I am feeling pretty good and have gotten a lot done this week...trying to wrap up any and all loose ends before Lil Man makes his debut. I had a little talk with the baby this week...just let me get to Thursday afternoon...I have a manicure and pedicure appointment that I really want to get to! Being the sweet little boy I know he will be, he let me get my pamper time in! So now the waiting game begins! I am on high alert for any and all signs of labor...none yet that I can tell. I will keep you all posted and will be sure to update once this little one shows up! Love to all...wish us luck for a safe & speedy delivery!

38 Weeks!

Getting closer and closer!

2011-05-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

37 Weeks!

Hello all! Just wanted to give an update from my appointment this morning at Maternal Fetal Medicine. This visit was not only to check my amniotic fluid, but to also get updated measurements of the baby and make sure that everything is on point. Lil Man was being a stinker as usual and hiding his face so we didn't get a good look at it but all of his measurements looked great. He is weighing in at 7lbs! At this point, babies gain a half pound to a pound a week, so the tech said that if I were to go the two weeks til my due date, he could be anywhere from 8 to 8 1/2 pounds! Looks like we might have a little bit of a chunker on our hands! My amniotic fluid was at 9.7 today which is great! We got to see Dr. McCurdy this morning, which Jeff and I were very happy about. He said that my fluid level looks great and that he wanted me to see Dr. B at the end of the week since we would have a longer time span between visits and can have more sound information from the NST (fetal heart monitor). My appointment was supposed to be Wednesday but has been moved to Thursday morning. Dr. McCurdy said that he would like Dr B to see me Thursday and depending on what we find, see me back at MFM Monday and then possibly induce the end of next week! He said to us to feel free to go into labor at this point! Dr. McCurdy was mostly concerned with getting me to 38 weeks (which is Wednesday) and rather than have to worry about going into labor on my own and worrying about fluid levels until that happens, inducing would solve the problem and we would get to meet our Lil Man! Jeff and I freaked out a little bit...we knew that this was coming but to hear that we could have our son next weekend made it become real! So I see Dr B on Thursday and will hopefully know more then...he will be checking me to see if I am dilated at all and I haven't had any contractions yet, only Braxton Hix ones. I will continue to keep you updated on what I hear. If anything, we could be posting pictures of our Lil Man's debut and sharing the joy of his arrival with all of you very soon!

Beach Belly Pics by Forever Taken Photography

2011-04-25T17:08:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, our dear friend, Dawn took some belly pics for us at Englewood Beach. Dawn and her husband, Moke, have been great friends to us since we moved here to Florida and have become part of our family. Dawn was the one that took such great pics at the airport when Jeff arrived home from Afghanistan, so we knew that she would be the one that we wanted to take our maternity pics. After seeing how these turned out, we really can't wait to have her take our baby boy's first pictures! Here are just some of the great pics she took...hope you all enjoy them as much as we do!

Lil Man's itty bitty flip flops

I love this one...we have a similar one from our wedding day

Of course, Jeff had to show off! I was just praying that the limb didn't break!

I really like this one

Kisses from daddy!

This was a sweater that I wore as a baby...I can't believe that in a few weeks, I will be able to put it on my son

More kisses for our sweet baby boy

Pretty soon there will be two new feet in our house!

We LOVE this one!!!

Happy Birthday to Momma and happy 36 weeks to Lil Man!

2011-04-25T16:50:00.000-04:00

I got to share my 29th birthday this year with the 36 week mark of my pregnancy. Since I have been on the bed rest/"house arrest" orders, I was very excited to get out of the house, even if it was just for dinner with Jeff! I had a great day...I awoke to a birthday card from my baby boy with a sweet note in it and his sweet little face...daddy put an ultrasound picture in there. Jeff also left a wonderful card for me to find when I woke up. I spent the day relaxing and got to talk to family and friends and had many great birthday wishes sent my way. Jeff and I went out to dinner at Visani's. It's a restaurant/comedy club that is right up the road from us. Only took us 3 years to go in there, but man, we sure are glad we did! We had a wonderful dinner together and decided that it was a night to celebrate mine and Jeff's birthdays since we are more than likely going to have a newborn on Jeff's birthday this year. I called it the "last supper" which we both laughed about! Here is the newest belly pic at 36 weeks!

Doctors Appointment Update

2011-04-18T15:57:00.000-04:00

I decided this was the best way to give all the info from today's appointments. Yes, I said appointments! My appointment with Dr. B was at 10am this morning. I went in for the NST (non stress test/heart monitor for Lil Man) and my BPP (biophysical profile/US to check amniotic fluid). My NST looked great...the baby was very active and everything looked great. When I went back for my BPP, the dr came in and started and said that it appeared that my fluid was low again...below 5. I of course got very upset...I haven't left the house since I got home from the hospital Thursday and have been very good about drinking plenty of water and I have either been lying down or in the recliner with my feet up. Thank God Jeff was there with me this morning...I just broke down and said that I have been doing everything that I was told and that I was just so frustrated with it because now I was thinking it was something with me that was causing this. Dr B's first response was that he wanted to admit me to the hospital...enter more crying from me. Dr. B said, I know you don't want to have to go and Jeff said, well mostly it's thinking of the cost since we had just heard from the Billers at the hospital this morning. My less than 24 hour stay cost us a very large amount of money and we haven't met our deductible yet. Dr B said that he could have me come in for daily monitoring and then decided to send me back to Maternal Fetal Medicine, where I had gone in December and February upon the initial findings of low amniotic fluid. If I couldn't get in there tomorrow, then I would come back to his office. Chris, the receptionist at the office called and I was actually able to get into MFM today...just come on over and they would work me in.

Jeff and I were confident with them since we had been there twice and saw that they knew what they were doing. We only wound up waiting about 15 or 20 minutes and then were in a room having more ultrasounds done. Since February was the last time I was there, measurements/views of the vital organs were taken before the amniotic fluid was measured. As with Dr B's findings, Lil Man's head it a little large...nothing to be worried about since the brain looked great and everything. His head measurements are about a week ahead...at least it isn't too big! Our tech, Sharon measured the amniotic fluid pockets two separate times and the average was coming up about 8, which put Jeff and I at ease. She also really took her time and got us some more great shots of Lil Man...some 3D face shots, a foot shot and of course, he was showing off the goods! She said that if she could put a smile on our face after the morning we had, then she was doing her job. God bless her for it! After she was done, we saw Dr McCurdy. This was not the doctor I had previously seen when at MFM, but Jeff and I are SOOOO glad that he was there today. He deals primarily with amniotic fluid issues...he doesn't deliver babies, isn't an OB...he is THE man to talk to when you are having amniotic fluid problems. He came in and checked the levels again himself, getting three sets of numbers which he compared to the two sets taken by the tech. My average wound up being between 7.1 and 9, which is in the low to normal range. He explained that I could very well just have low to normal amniotic fluid with any pregnancy that I have but that my numbers were still good today. Why, Dr B's numbers were so low could be a combination of things...it could be his machine (which he told us today was from 1993), his technique or a combo of both. Dr McCurdy actually assisted on the initial studies of amniotic fluid indexing in the 70's and really took the time to explain everything to Jeff and I. We both feel a lot better after seeing him and discussing everything with him. Dr McCurdy suggested following up with him next week for another check of my amniotic fluid and go from there. Jeff and I both are on board with this, as we are frustrated that my numbers continue to be low when Dr. B has been checking, which makes us both wonder if I really needed to be admitted to the hospital last week. I am not saying that Dr. B doesn't know what he is doing or talking about, but MFM is a specialist office and they have better equipment and they have THE amniotic fluid man (at least that's what I am calling Dr McCurdy from now on.) I have an appointment at MFM Monday morning and will hopefully continue to hear good news. I am sure that I will have an appointment at Dr B's next week, but I have not heard back from his office as to when. I will be sure to pass it along to you as I hear more.

So overall, my fluid levels are good (for now) and the baby is looking great. The tech gave us an estimated weight of 5lbs 13 oz right now..if he bakes for the next four weeks like he's supposed to, we could have a very big boy on our hands, since they can gain up to a pound a week! I have attached some new pics from today's ultrasound...he was being a stinker again and wouldn't give us a great face shot, but we still got some great ones! I will continue to update and keep everyone in the loop as much as I can! Love to all!!!

Look at those lips!! Such a cutie!!

Almost profile shot...can see his nose and lips again

This is his pouty face...he is sticking out his bottom lip at us! The tech was trying to get him to move and apparently, he didn't like that too much!

Kinda hard to see, but towards the top left you can see his nose and his little birdie mouth is open like he is waiting for food!

Foot

And it wouldn't be an US session without him showing off the goods!!! He is gonna hate me for this one day!

And it keeps getting bigger and bigger!!!

2011-04-17T11:14:00.000-04:00

Since I am bored out of my mind already and have to take it easy, I thought I would update the belly pics on here. Just yesterday I woke up and felt like I had grown bigger overnight...and by looking at the pictures between the two weeks, I think I may have! I am still feeling good...getting a little more uncomfortable and some things are becoming harder for me to do, even simple things like getting up off the couch. Good thing I have my wonderful husband here to help me. Jeff really has done a great job of taking care of me and I know that I will never be able to repay him for it all. The best I can do is continue to be the best wife and soon, mom to our son, that I can be. Here are the most recent pics!

34 weeks

35 weeks

And the fun continues...

2011-04-15T10:28:00.000-04:00

Hello all. Just wanted to give an update on my doctor's appointment this week. I had my scheduled appointment on Monday afternoon. I arrived to find out that the doctor was at a delivery and should be back soon. I was placed on the fetal heart monitor and then the nurse came in and said that he was at another delivery and would be gone for quite awhile. We rescheduled my biophysical profile for Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday afternoon came and I went in to the office. Upon my US, Dr. Brignoni told me that my amniotic fluid was extremely low again...5.1. I was upset, since I was doing everything he told me to...drinking tons of water & resting. He said that I should be admitted to the hospital for IV fluids and would have another biophysical profile in the morning to check my fluids. If they were back up, I would get to go home, if not, a longer hospital stay. I of course was upset and, being filled with all the lovely pregnancy hormones, started to cry. He said that the baby looked great and didn't appear to be under any distress. This is just something that needed to be done and that I would hopefully be home the next day. I left the office to go right over to the hospital, calling Jeff on the way. He met me there and I was admitted Wednesday afternoon for low amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios . When I got into my room, I was placed on the fetal heart monitor, had blood drawn and was hooked up to an IV. I have to say that I was blessed with some of the nicest nurses on the floor and my first nurse, Karen was so sweet. She really took great care of me and made sure that I had what I needed. Jeff, being the savior that he is, went home and got me a few things that I would need and brought me back some dinner since the cafeteria was closed for the day. We were able to have some dinner together and watch some TV before he left for the night.

Speaking of the night...I know that any of you that have had the pleasure of staying in the hospital overnight know that it is no place to get any sort of rest. Not only do the night nurses come in to check you all the time, then you have things beeping and going off and you have to call the nurses in to make it stop!!! On top of that, I could not get comfortable in any way on that stupid bed. After having another mattress top added to my bed and getting another pillow, I was able to attempt to sleep. I think I got about 4 hours tops that night. It was about 6:30 am that I finally got up and put the news on. I was really hoping to hear good news and get to go home Thursday just so I could sleep in my own bed with my own pillows!!! About 8:15, the ultrasound tech came in and set up for my biophysical profile. There were a few nursing students that wanted to come in to see it done, which I had no problems with. The good thing about that is that the tech explained what you should be looking for and was pointing out all sorts of stuff...his kidneys and bladder, the arms and legs, etc. And of course, my son showed off the goods to the ladies in the room! At one point I looked over when one of the students said something and there was my handsome husband! He had left work early in the hopes of being able to take me home and take care of me! The tech continued with the profile and had great news...my fluid levels were up to 8! I would get to go home!!! She was one of my favorite ladies on Thursday...her and the discharge nurse! Before she finished up with the US, she went back and found Lil Man's face and we got to see a beautiful profile shot where we could see his little mouth moving. That made me get teared up...knowing that he was ok and even though it was a grainy ultrasound screen, I have to say that I have the most beautiful son in the world!

I was released from the hospital on Thursday with orders to "drink, drink, drink" and "bed rest, no cooking, no cleaning, no shopping." I go in to see the doctor on Monday morning to get checked out again and hopefully all my levels are fine. Thank you all for your words of encouragement through all of this and your love for all three of us!!

Florida Baby Shower

2011-04-12T17:46:00.000-04:00

The first weekend of April, Jeff and I were thrown a baby shower by our Florida family and friends. Together, Aunt Lisa and my two dear friends, Crissy and Barb, gave us a wonderful afternoon celebrating Lil Man. The best part was that the shower was at our house...not only could we show off the baby's room, but we didn't have to worry about lugging all the gifts home! The ladies did a wonderful job and the baby was yet again spoiled! Even though we aren't near a lot of family, Jeff and I have been blessed to have made some of the best friends down here. We know that Lil Man is extremely lucky to have so many extra "aunts" and "uncles." Here are some pics from our wonderful day!

The gift table

Renate and I

The AWESOME cake made by Anne Heinen. I worked with Anne at the bank and she makes cakes on the side...Barb talked to her about doing a cake for the shower and she looked at the nursery pics and totally ran with it! The cake says "Baby P Rocks!"

Another view of the cake

Here I am talking to Anne (the cake maker), Irmela and Barb

Playing the safety pin game

Awesome onesie from Barb and Crissy...says My Mom Rocks!!

More gifts for Lil Man

Momma to be!!!

Almost there!!! A look back through my pregnancy so far...

2011-04-11T17:26:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that I am almost through this pregnancy! It almost seems like yesterday that Jeff and I found out we were expecting and I am now almost 35 weeks into the pregnancy! It certainly has been an interesting ride along the way! Early on, I had some spotting that put me on bed rest for two weeks. Jeff and I were on pins and needles the whole time, knowing that the "secret" we had could be just that...a secret that he and I would only ever know. We were both scared and excited to go in for that ultrasound and were so relieved to hear that little heartbeat for the first time! Our little baby was growing and thriving! We were so excited to tell our family and friends and have them share in our excitement. As the pregnancy continued and I was beginning to show, we could hardly wait to find out the sex...and two days before Christmas we did just that! Our son sure did give us a show, confirming the feelings that Jeff and I both had-that we were going to have a little boy!

As the New Year arrived, so did more complications. I had more spotting. While this is not uncommon during pregnancy, it isn't normal, especially during the second trimester. Another visit to the doctor and he placed me on bed rest again. While this was not what I wanted to hear, it was the best thing to do. I was beginning to wonder if it was something that I was or was not doing that was causing all the complications. Was I not supposed to be a mother? It was the one thing that I wanted most, and I was so worried that something would happen and that this baby, this little boy that Jeff and I created and loved so much already, would never get to meet us. Selfish, I know. I continued to have some spotting and was kept off of work. Just a few weeks ago, I went to the doctor and he was a little concerned that Lil Man's heart rate was low and that my belly measurements were small for my dates. I was wondering how they were small since I was continuing to grow, and grow and grow!!! My doctor decided that I would be placed on the fetal heart monitor and have a biophysical profile (basically an ultrasound) at my next visit to monitor the amniotic fluid. I returned the next week and during the profile, my amniotic fluid was quite low. I was told to increase my water intake and rest, especially on my left side. This increases the blood flow to the baby and limits the cord restriction to the baby. I was to return in five days and we would repeat the tests. If my amniotic fluid was low again, I would be admitted to the hospital. Of course, this is not what Jeff and I wanted to hear, but if it was what was best for the baby and I, then we would do it. I tried not to worry too much and Jeff just told me to relax and REST!!! Upon our return last week, Lil Man's heart beat was great and my amniotic fluid was back up...both great news! While my visits are weekly now, the best part is getting to listen to Lil Man's heart beat for about thirty minutes on the monitor. It really is music to my ears! I am now officially done with work...I had to start my FMLA in January and have since exhausted all of my time. While I loved my job (especially some coworkers and customers) and wish that I could return before and after Lil Man arrives, I know that I am now doing the most important job that I can...taking care of myself and our baby. I have been able to use my time off to get caught up on scrap booking, lots of books and rest since I know that once our sweet little boy arrives, I won't know what that word is! I have come to realize just how blessed I am that I will be able to be off for quite awhile after the baby arrives and that I will be able to enjoy the most precious time with him as an infant. I know that I will never be able to get that time back and that means more to me than anything. Jeff has been such an amazing source of support through all of this. He has not only been working full time, but going to school full time. On top of all of that, he has found time to get Lil Man's room ready, get the house in order, all the while taking excellent care of me and making sure that I have anything that I need. I look at him every single day and realize just how blessed I am to have such an amazing life partner, best friend, husband and father to our child. Lil Man has the most amazing role model in the world...someone that will truly show him what an amazing man is and should be.

With only about five weeks left of this pregnancy, Jeff and I know that our baby could arrive at any time. This of course has us so excited, and scared to death! We know that it will be interesting getting used to being parents, but we are so excited to finally meet this little boy that has given us a challenging pregnancy. We have no doubt that he will be a stubborn child (as Jeff and I both are still) and that we will truly be at his mercy!! This was proven to us while having our ultrasound to get measurements and find out the sex. At first he was quite shy about showing off the goods, and then kept doing it. As our tech was trying to get a front view of his face to make sure there were no deformities or problems, Lil Man continued to "hide" and turned every time she got close. I know that he will be an independent and strong willed child...and we wouldn't have him any other way!!!

I will continue to keep everyone updated on the blog as much as I can. Once our little boy arrives, this may prove to be more challenging, but I'm sure that between Jeff and I, we will be able to make some posts...we promise to do our best!!! It's so amazing how you can love someone so much and haven't even met them yet...but Jeff and I do. Our little boy is blessed already...we cannot wait to see where life will take him!

And the bump keeps growing!!!

2011-04-05T06:50:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to update the blog with new belly pics. I feel like I am getting bigger and bigger by the day!!! And I know that Lil Man is by all the kicking and stretching that he is doing in there! Here are the newest belly pics!

32 Weeks

33 weeks

Lil Man's Rock Star Bedroom!!!

2011-03-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

We have FINALLY finished Lil Man's room! Between the trip to Michigan, and Jeff's busy work and school schedule, we put the finishing touches in the baby's room this past weekend! Jeff and his dad worked hard to get a lot of the prep work done, installed a ceiling fan, and painted the walls before the shower. Jeff and I finished the stenciling and got the bedding on Friday, so we were finally able to wrap his room up. Here are some pics...we hope you all love it as much as we do!

Rock and roll all the way! Grandma Sue bought the black guitar decal for Lil Man's room when she was visiting in January. Jeff and I did all the guitar stencils on the walls.

Here is the bedding that gave us the idea for the guitars on the wall

I did this bookshelf for Lil Man. Since he received so many books at his Michigan shower, I am currently working on a second one!

The corner changing table

Dresser and futon.

This is the AWESOME lamp that my Aunt Sharon Marquis made for the baby's room. She not only made the lampshade, but also a matching blanket and tote bag! You can also see Lil Man's first Hot Wheel courtesy of Papa Gordie!

Updated Belly Pics

2011-03-29T11:03:00.000-04:00

Since I have been so bad about updating the blog for so long (sorry), I haven't added many belly pics. So here are some at different weeks for you...I will be sure to add more as we are taking a new one every week til Lil Man gets here to document the growing belly!

27 Weeks...also the same as all the maternity pics.

28 weeks

30 weeks

31 weeks

Maternity Pictures by Michelle Stewart

2011-03-29T10:57:00.000-04:00

While we were in town for the baby shower, Jeff and I met up with a girl that I went to high school with and worked with at the doctors office for years for maternity pictures. We were hoping that there would be snow on the ground so we could have some pictures taken not only in snow, but also on the beach at home. Unfortunately, the snow came that day...only much later! For anyone looking for a photographer that really takes her time, is open with any suggestions or ideas you have and is extremely reasonably priced, you need to get with Michelle Stewart. She did an amazing job on our pictures and Jeff and I are so happy to share some of them with you! We will have to wait to show you some of them, but they will be on the baby's birth announcement...they are personalized with his name! Enjoy these pictures and if any of you need her contact information, I will be more than happy to pass it along!

All American baby!


Jeff's dogtags

The Proud Parents


Hines Park

There was still a little snow on the ground...but it was definitely cold that day!

Love that little boy already!

One of our favorites!

Hopefully he doesn't wait too long past his due date!


We made that!

Another one of my favorites!

Michigan Baby Shower

2011-03-29T10:40:00.000-04:00

Jeff and I were very lucky to have a wonderful baby shower thrown for us by our four moms and sisters. Together, Grandma Sue, Grandma Michelle, Gabby (Barb), Grandma Sandy, Aunt Jenny, Aunt Megan and Aunt MeLynda worked their butts off to make sure that Lil Man would have a wonderful day to celebrate him! We almost didn't make it...as my OB did not clear me to fly due to some complications. But Daddy (Jeff) was bound and determined to get momma and baby to that shower! So after making some new plans, Jeff and I loaded up the car and drove the almost 1300 miles to Michigan. While the drive was easy, getting momma and baby comfortable was not the easiest task! Jeff was a saint, driving as much as he could and tried to make the drive as easy as possible for the baby and I. We had a wonderful visit with all our family and friends and had a HUGE turnout for the shower! Lil Man was spoiled with so many goodies...he also received many new books to start off his library, so he can learn to love reading as much as his momma and daddy does! Here are some pics of the shower!

Jeff and I opening some of the MANY gifts!


Man...those cupcakes were good!!! And baby agreed!

Scott and Jeff...been friends forever


The Preggos...Me (at 27 weeks) and Danyell (at 30 weeks)

Jeff wearing his apron from his mom! That very well may come in handy!

My oldest nephew, Nicklas

My brother and I

History Repeating Itself...29 years ago, our moms or mother in laws were all pregnant with us or our spouses, and had babies 3 weeks or so apart from each other. Stacey (middle) is Rene's daughter and was born April 21st. Mikey, Danyell's (right side) husband is Lynn's son and was born May 7th. Michelle, Jeff's mom, had Jeff on May 28th. In this picture, the time line is a little off...but all 3 of us ladies are pregnant! I am 27 weeks, Stacey is 10 weeks and Danyell is 30 weeks. Mikey and Danyell's son or daughter is due to arrive April 29th, 3 weeks before our son is due!

Mom (Sue) and Aunt Sharon Marquis

Cherry Chip cake from Mary Dennings...it was sooo good! Thank you to my sister, Jenny, for ordering the special cake!

The cake/cupcake tower


Our nephews were perfect angels that day...here they are, all lined up, Nicklas, Jacob and Eric


Just some of the gifts we received...we were able to load up our car and take a ton of stuff home with us

Momma to be and her Posse...we were missing a few ladies, but here I am with Hayley, Rachel and Monica. We missed having Melissa, Jessie and Vanessa with us that day!

He is getting spoiled already!!!!

2011-01-26T18:25:00.000-05:00

Hello to all! We cannot believe how fast the time is flying by...and we have so much to do still! Jeff and I are getting ready to tackle the baby's room..we have the theme picked out, now we just have to get going! Jeff & I are going to take down the wallpaper and get the room prepped for some helping hands. Jeff's dad, David, will be coming down for a long weekend to help Jeff paint the room and get things set up for our little guy. We are so blessed that Dad can come and help us out with this, and it will be good bonding time for the guys as well. I will be sure to post some pics of them working on the room!

It's hard to believe that our shower in Michigan is less than a month away! We have already received some gifts in the mail for the baby and I continue to find cute little outfits for our little boy while we are out and about! He is definitely going to be one well dressed boy! Here are some pics of the gifts we have received for the shower!


Here is Jeff getting ready to put the stroller together

Grandma Sue bought this...with Mommy in mind! It will definitely help with kneeling on my bad knee

Daddy working very hard...although I don't think they had that in mind for the cup holder use...yes, it's a Coors Light!

Thank you Gabby & Papa!!! That would be my dad and step mom, Barb


Car seat and jogging stroller courtesy of Gabby & Papa

Thank you Stephanie for the Moses Basket...it was the first gift we got in the mail! Inside is the blanket I made for the baby, along with a bear that Mommy & Daddy made at Build-A-Bear Workshop for our little boy! The little puppy dog is from our nephews, Eric and Jake for the baby.

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-08T18:53:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to all our family and friends! We hope this post finds you all doing well and looking forward to the new year. I know that Jeff and I sure are! We had a wonderful first Christmas together in our new house. We opened gifts on Christmas morning, and to no surprise, the baby received a TON of stuff! He is gonna be quite the little cutie in all his new clothes and also received new pacifiers (thanks Aunt Jenny & Uncle Jimmy), a beach hat from Grandma Sue, and even a piggy bank from his cousin Kelly to start saving up all his riches! We know that our little boy will surely get spoiled as he arrives in May!

Jeff and I went and registered for our little guy this past weekend. While we had a great time looking at everything and choosing things for his room, it was slightly overwhelming. Non the less, we had a great afternoon together and after 3 hours at Babies R Us, we called it a a day and treated ourselves to some dinner! To view our registries, you can either go to the Babies R Us & Wal Mart sites, or you can try these links:
http://www.toysrus.com/registry/search/index.jsp?_flowExecutionKey=_cE3EE785C-18A9-05E6-D474-19064A4147BF_k3F0AF4CC-5C0F-0DE4-C44D-CF2F58A21FA4&overrideStore=TRUS

http://www.walmart.com/giftregistry/gr_detail.do?registryId=80500031263

We are really starting to get excited about the shower up north and are trying to get the baby's room together. We have been blessed to be given a crib from our friends, Dawn & Moke, which is a HUGE help. Now we just have to find a color we like, and then get to ripping down some wallpaper! I'm sure we will post some pics of our work throughout the process!

I cannot believe that I am halfway through my pregnancy! I am continuing to grow, although haven't gained much weight at all...I hope that trend continues! Here are some new belly pics...it took a lot to take and post the bare belly pic, but I have had some requests to do so. So here they are!!

Half way there bump! 21 weeks

21 weeks...and growing!

Add caption

IT'S A....

2010-12-23T17:06:00.000-05:00

Jeff & I went for our Level 2 US today and received some wonderful news...not only are my amniotic levels ok, but our SON looks great! Yes, our child decided to cooperate with us today and boy, did he sure give us a show! Jeff and I both had a feeling that it was a boy...Jeff probably more so, but in the last couple months, I really had a feeling. And today, our little one showed it off numerous times! We are so excited to share this wonderful news with all of you! Here are his newest pics!

This is our son standing on his head! He was so curled up and didn't really show us his face too much!

Here he is, showing it all off!

A beautiful profile shot of his face

Another profile shot and he is waving at us!

Tis The Season...

2010-12-11T15:08:00.000-05:00

We cannot believe that it is already the middle of December! Where has the year gone???? At this time last year, we were both waiting for Jeff's safe arrival home from Afghanistan and spending the holidays apart. This year, we have another reason to celebrate and enjoy the holidays! Here are some pictures of our tree and other decorations, as well as a new bump picture! I'm sure that we will add more holiday pictures in the next few weeks! Love to all!

Coming soon to a Christmas card near you...

Bump Watch-17 1/2 weeks

Bucs Game

2010-11-21T11:50:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, Jeff and I went to the Tampa Bay Bucs Game. We received two free tickets thru the IAVA (Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America) site. Not only did we get free tickets, we also got seating on the Miller Lite Party deck, 3 free beers each (which Jeff had such a hard time taking mine, yeah right) and vouchers for free food. Overall, it was a great day. How many people can say they went to a professional football game for the price of a tank of gas and $40???? Not many! We had a great day and the Bucs won! Here are some pics!

Raymond James Stadium, home of the Bucs

Jeff getting ready for the game

The Bucs Pirate Ship

Here comes the team!

The Fly Over courtesy of Selfridge Air force Base

God Bless America!!!

The Porcaros at their first professional football game!

Our House Is Growing By Two Feet!!!!!!

2010-11-17T17:35:00.000-05:00

It is with great excitement that Jeff and I share our wonderful news of a new addition on the way! Jeff and I found out that we were expecting in mid September and had to keep it secret from our family until we went to the doctor to confirm. Baby Porcaro is due May 18th and we couldn't be happier! The blog will be the way that we update everyone on any news and to post new pics of myself and the baby once it is born. We will be finding out the sex and may know it as early as Monday! If we aren't able to find out then, it will be the week of Christmas! What a gift! Here are a few pics so far!

Baby Porcaro's first picture! 10 week ultrasound

Baby bump Pic #1- 13 1/2 weeks

Summer 2010

2010-11-17T15:56:00.000-05:00

There wasn't too much that went on during the summer for Jeff and I. We spent a lot of time working around the house and working on the outside as well. In April, we had our housewarming party so we were able to show off the beautiful tile work that was done while we were in Michigan and Tennessee by our dear friend Tim. Some of Jeff's friends from high school, Scott and Nicci Shippe, were in town and came to the party as well. It was a great time had by all. Other than all the house work, Jeff and I tried to enjoy the summer at the beach, boating, spending time with our family and friends. Here are some highlights!

Our beautiful entry way courtesy of Tim Oeinck

Our new tile!

This is Jeff's beer a day while he was deployed. Deborah and Terry delivered right before our housewarming party!

He looks sooooo happy!

Ready for a good day!

Housewarming, April 2010

We had quite a crowd!

Nothing like horse racing to get the party going!!!

All of Jeff's hard work...new edging and all the rocks moved.

Jeff & I got to meet our new cousin, Madison! Stacy, Dan & Madison came to visit in Longboat Key and we went to spend the afternoon with them.

That's Jeff & I with Jeremy Renner, the Oscar Nominated Actor from "The Hurt Locker"

Uncle Steve, Aunt Lisa, Dora and Smitty...celebrating their 30 years as friends and married couples

Daytona Beach with the Murphys...Murphy, Micheal, Jeff and Keith

Krissi & I...man, I miss this girl!

Keith with his ladies...me, Laura (and baby Madison) and Krissi

Gatlinburg Pics...FINALLY!!!!!

2010-11-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

Our cabin in Gatlinburg

Sorry it has taken so long to get these pics up. Here are some pics from our week in Gatlinburg. We had a great time in TN and would love to go back again, especially in the Fall when the leaves are changing. We arrived at our cabin that was nestled in the woods between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Jeff and I spent a lot of time relaxing and going out into town. It was just what we needed to unwind after our week in Michigan and to recharge before going home to Florida. Here are some pics!

We woke up to snow one day! Even though it was gone by the afternoon, it was still so pretty to see again!

Jeff and I in Great Smokey Mountain National Park. There was still a lot of snow on the ground and it was so cool to feel the air change from warm to chilly as we drove thru!

The Smokey Mountains