tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142853213752051672024-03-13T21:27:01.889-07:00The Marty PartyDon't marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can't live without.The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-87978746309210497592011-09-26T21:35:00.000-07:002011-09-26T22:06:34.817-07:00We're still here!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe4xNP30XWySQvYRviETrA0EMNcMsuDTJUBt4yG4Vqx0x6E1WSrt1q-y4H1bb6ixuJ1N2OAXR7jgdeEmk9rHVDXJ6krFQn0gmupxlV1b9ZCP8z3YEx5L96oDR_GzhEIvqAXaLMwjUqvkm/s1600/.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe4xNP30XWySQvYRviETrA0EMNcMsuDTJUBt4yG4Vqx0x6E1WSrt1q-y4H1bb6ixuJ1N2OAXR7jgdeEmk9rHVDXJ6krFQn0gmupxlV1b9ZCP8z3YEx5L96oDR_GzhEIvqAXaLMwjUqvkm/s320/.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656898421514779474" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span>I didn't realize quite how long it had been since I posted, until a friend mentioned she missed my "now-defunct blog". Whoops! I guess it <i>has</i></span><span> been awhile. Ok, you're right. A looooong while. There's a lot to tell...do you have all day? I'm guessing you don't, so I'll give you the Cliff's Note version to get you up to speed on the Marty Party. As always, if you'd like to see the photos larger, just click on them. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>November 2010</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Amelia turns one!</p><p class="MsoNormal">* Henry Keith Marty is born!</p><p class="MsoNormal">* Miles Jeffrey Marty is born!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff7mpCA83sK5BeqVsmIRDbiIPL4x0_Np6l5cZbSrXdmCwUvdQrKA2YP9FgP_f82uPcETynUVLjPa2AM9IbhIXlQC1xjMkPPhmzrirjC7a1kKfbPrPF_f7McXKANy8YHoDYPBdG8Hkx6La/s1600/TwinsBirth.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff7mpCA83sK5BeqVsmIRDbiIPL4x0_Np6l5cZbSrXdmCwUvdQrKA2YP9FgP_f82uPcETynUVLjPa2AM9IbhIXlQC1xjMkPPhmzrirjC7a1kKfbPrPF_f7McXKANy8YHoDYPBdG8Hkx6La/s320/TwinsBirth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656894787900136018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRLuahHOUlTp21vMyar32Xi4DbetyQ53Wu3cmvM1UYQUKjEm0ymMyiRPvtHu_G_mD9WXCsmMt3Y71yrtThzBLFnn9sg4QUkxBHRSgKCk9IIRkzp646AB4N4W-98BbP5rWd6Dv_mfhflRP/s1600/AmeliasFirstBirthday.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRLuahHOUlTp21vMyar32Xi4DbetyQ53Wu3cmvM1UYQUKjEm0ymMyiRPvtHu_G_mD9WXCsmMt3Y71yrtThzBLFnn9sg4QUkxBHRSgKCk9IIRkzp646AB4N4W-98BbP5rWd6Dv_mfhflRP/s320/AmeliasFirstBirthday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656894779879979906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>December 2010 - February 2011</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Feed babies, burp babies, change baby diapers...200 a week to be exact.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>March 2011</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* We leave the beautiful state of California, headed for greener pastures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>April 2011</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* We temporarily settle in Menomonee Falls, WI with Branden's parents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Branden starts a new job at Great Lakes Naval base, just north of Chicago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* We put an offer on a house in the Chicago suburbs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>May 2011</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">* We buy our first home in Skokie, IL!</p><p class="MsoNormal">* We begin renovations on said home.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZSUxMe5pHYEXa-s3zep_HrqjL1Wl2XgVEO9zambME4gF7NuMEFj8fjSxxEJqjnaTYbewIcn-cC-WufgJdAKvD-TyHJiSOFimqRRSCjYUCkVFLnIMoxZEDAGMqbgklLHHqR9nXa6uf_cL/s1600/house.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZSUxMe5pHYEXa-s3zep_HrqjL1Wl2XgVEO9zambME4gF7NuMEFj8fjSxxEJqjnaTYbewIcn-cC-WufgJdAKvD-TyHJiSOFimqRRSCjYUCkVFLnIMoxZEDAGMqbgklLHHqR9nXa6uf_cL/s320/house.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656894487748694194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 2011</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Still commuting from Wisconsin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Stiiiiiillllll renovating.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>July 2011</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Ready or not, the movers come!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* We move in to our "new" home!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>August 2011</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Settle in to our new home/city/state.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Continue the never-ending home renovations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Diapers continue to be delivered by the case.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And here we are! As of September 2011, we are the proud parents of three beautiful babies and the proud owners of one cute little house in the 'burbs.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVpYWKzBATOEJFl_G1sAn-tIbiKBvEmhuD5fxetyT-HGOATj18R2J4b9TDn4LDGgSYafQ4CIOWmfeooP6JlEE6_-6H2we2XzH6Zrzk_Qa306x7DKI7jNCqpPhLCOQZjaCQ-CuD6qBnsfz/s1600/ThreeKiddos.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVpYWKzBATOEJFl_G1sAn-tIbiKBvEmhuD5fxetyT-HGOATj18R2J4b9TDn4LDGgSYafQ4CIOWmfeooP6JlEE6_-6H2we2XzH6Zrzk_Qa306x7DKI7jNCqpPhLCOQZjaCQ-CuD6qBnsfz/s320/ThreeKiddos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656895133696129922" /></a><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-87647792005851701412010-11-17T09:28:00.000-08:002010-11-17T09:33:46.001-08:00Speechless.My sister just got off the phone with a customer and, apparently, I was the topic of conversation. Christina mentioned I was going to be induced, rather than schedule an elective c-section. The rest of the conversation went like this...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So, she was like "Oh, so she's going to try to have the natural?" and I said yes, that you'd strongly prefer to avoid a c-section - and she goes "Oh, well, you know, babies born via c-section are SO much healthier. They come out all pink, and whole (?!) and just much healthier. I mean, I've done STUDIES on it. I mean, I am friends with people who have friends who have STUDIED it. It's really amazing. And did you know that you can also schedule a tummy tuck to be performed WHILE you're having a c-section? So it's really a much better option."<br /></span><br />Mmhmm.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>Sorry this is a short post...I need to go call the doc! I don't want to be piecing together my babies after they're born!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(BTW, I make no judgement on c-section vs. natural - that's a totally personal decision. But, seriously, c-sections babies are born WHOLE? Hahahahahaha!)<br /></span>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-15705332191876975852010-11-05T04:59:00.000-07:002010-11-05T05:30:22.482-07:00My Dream Job<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my previous life...</span><br />I spent my lunch hour sipping Chardonnay and nibbling on seared Ahi while I schmoozed customers and charged said Ahi to my beloved "green card" (aka my corporate American Express).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my new life...</span><br />I spend my lunch hour trying to convince a one-year-old why it's a good idea to eat her chicken/veggie/fruit/yogurt/anything-I-can-get-in-her-mouth-without-a-fight. And then I crawl around on my hands and knees picking up all the bits she tossed to the floor before she can eat them (why she likes things off the floor but not off her plate, I have no idea).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my previous life...</span><br />I spent so much time and money at J.Crew that my husband bought me J. Crew stock for our fifth wedding anniversary. I thought it was the most romantic gift I'd ever received (I mean, it was pretty thoughtful!).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my new life...</span><br />My personal shopper has long since stopped calling and J.Crew's stock has lost 50% of it's value (that can't be ALL my fault - can it?!). I now wish/pray/hope that Target gets in on the act of personal shoppers so I can stop stalking the lingerie department for new shipments of nursing bras.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my previous life...</span><br />I worked out, tanned, got pedicures every two weeks and never left the house without "my face" on. I wore freshly dry-cleaned clothes and cute shoes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my new life...</span><br />I shower. Almost every day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my previous life...</span><br />Our house was the party house. We threw fun, themed parties and were known for our raucous Christmas parties. Even game night drew knocks on the door from security.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my new life...</span><br />Our house is still the social center for our friends, but only because Branden and I can't leave the house after 6pm (unless we care to pay $12 an hour for our babysitter to watch TV while Mia sleeps). Everyone is still welcome, but now it's always potluck, paper plates and lights out by nine. Oh, and don't forget to take off your shoes at the door.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my previous life...</span><br />I got paid in American dollars and my boss was a smooth-talking Jersey boy. I turned in my admin on time, hit my sales goals and came prepared for meetings, so he pretty much left me alone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">In my new life...</span><br />I get paid in slobbery kisses and my boss is a two-foot-tall mini me with a feisty temper and a mischievous smile. She sets my hours and my day starts and ends when she says it does. It's her world and I'm just livin' in it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">To quote my friend, Jill...</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="UIStory_Message">"I have never worked harder, made less money, or been more exhausted than I have over the past year. BUT, I have never felt more love, learned more, or been HAPPIER either."<br /><br />It's amazing, really. I know it sounds bad when I lay it all out like I have, but in reality, I can't imagine my life before kids. I always thought I had a dream job, but now I really do.<br /></span></span>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-25801222031463563422010-10-20T09:08:00.001-07:002010-10-20T09:29:39.867-07:00Baby and Belly Updates!I guess I owe you <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot</span> of information, seeing as how I haven't posted since July! Once I catch you up, I think you'll understand.<br /><br />First and foremost, the love of our lives turned 11 months old yesterday. <span style="font-style: italic;">Oh. My. Gosh.</span> Where is the time going? I'm working on a photo book of her first year and, as I look back at all of the photos, I can't believe it's been nearly a year since her arrival. Amelia is such a special little girl and Branden and I feel so lucky to be her parents. She is still as curious as ever and has developed a fun personality. She's sassy and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mischievous</span> when she wants to be, but spends most of her time exploring, dancing and making us laugh with her funny faces and antics. She LOVES to people watch and laughs <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hysterically</span> around other kids.<br /><br />Here is a brief rundown of her accomplishments and new skills:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">8 months </span><br />* 2 more teeth <span style="font-size:78%;">(I think I mistakenly said she got three at seven months...it was only two, as the last one actually popped through at eight months)</span><br />* Cruising (walking holding on to things)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRu7rue786HihFxxu83gN_5UpG6400ng5dGGlq9IRBN3T4lTTyegspTCjgeywxWFIqFRaXSX8Oh2yGt1kvC_2le2wazrzirB9XVm5dUNaZIe46Z9rCAaBsCbYxwZFIkp18s0IZzgwuPrl/s1600/8Months3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRu7rue786HihFxxu83gN_5UpG6400ng5dGGlq9IRBN3T4lTTyegspTCjgeywxWFIqFRaXSX8Oh2yGt1kvC_2le2wazrzirB9XVm5dUNaZIe46Z9rCAaBsCbYxwZFIkp18s0IZzgwuPrl/s320/8Months3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163418382053538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Such a happy girl!<br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgY9CO4Oq1hd9Nh-32rCcpKeBrpJsgu2UQ0NZlgbRox0OtBiVnx6n0bhx4BL2rRP85lXrpxoC2UlmEXWZ-4YFP8FUgEi0Q06GFaLCgLLAAznm3l7jCsvBbFYioBCKaRDWGiYERijae2RZ/s1600/8Months2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgY9CO4Oq1hd9Nh-32rCcpKeBrpJsgu2UQ0NZlgbRox0OtBiVnx6n0bhx4BL2rRP85lXrpxoC2UlmEXWZ-4YFP8FUgEi0Q06GFaLCgLLAAznm3l7jCsvBbFYioBCKaRDWGiYERijae2RZ/s320/8Months2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163416765318882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Like mother, like daughter!<br /></span></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_sdktl99CeuxRsRHUm1wZC5Bh47_StoMDZizeTiwwQUQIl-2OGaR_55DPOAD_ZVY5AQNpyNXEahvBEvygcredAMcWuZyPWd7mUfIyhbwDmDzmtCIdp_u2cM0fqypwbxjJ4HsYTOVwfh3/s1600/8Months1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_sdktl99CeuxRsRHUm1wZC5Bh47_StoMDZizeTiwwQUQIl-2OGaR_55DPOAD_ZVY5AQNpyNXEahvBEvygcredAMcWuZyPWd7mUfIyhbwDmDzmtCIdp_u2cM0fqypwbxjJ4HsYTOVwfh3/s320/8Months1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163066050844578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Midwest summer fun</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />9 months</span><br />* Crawling<br />* Pulling up to stand<br />* 2 more teeth (that's eight now if you're counting)<br />* saying "Dada"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eSnSHMvNptcq0LDpdfrHzVZygnCk7MBB47Jat_CVhyphenhyphenCODrJ23QZOdsi8vUo45eFxAd_Wb2Vjy0LjmiuwmKzO16tvglH7fWvLoD_ULJ2o9KEVzxK6SmTEAL1R9YQojR7OfsJIV87qvq_d/s1600/Mia9Months2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eSnSHMvNptcq0LDpdfrHzVZygnCk7MBB47Jat_CVhyphenhyphenCODrJ23QZOdsi8vUo45eFxAd_Wb2Vjy0LjmiuwmKzO16tvglH7fWvLoD_ULJ2o9KEVzxK6SmTEAL1R9YQojR7OfsJIV87qvq_d/s320/Mia9Months2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163433839087522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLjOr3zW0AbkHpWlz9Yn3w6iw8Pb1M6Cr1f6TPaxMp2eO_3zJ7FZ7P55ArpzXQ4u7l7oWl4XLXkkrVC_cmbgBNAWsFjII5NmZgib0VOeP0lKzhg6a0HhAyH-_H6uJjF_sGgGiaSRdA_F6/s1600/Mia9Months1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLjOr3zW0AbkHpWlz9Yn3w6iw8Pb1M6Cr1f6TPaxMp2eO_3zJ7FZ7P55ArpzXQ4u7l7oWl4XLXkkrVC_cmbgBNAWsFjII5NmZgib0VOeP0lKzhg6a0HhAyH-_H6uJjF_sGgGiaSRdA_F6/s320/Mia9Months1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163424570526866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Funny faces! </span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />10 months</span><br />* Climbing stairs<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMdYKIjnGtZc4D6G5J9tCoXD0TIceuhV3n4ialYtaXTvjSD9teetdO00cOtl9qf3Mk0PLvrjiiSgIRtbVEmlbf4doGND3AQ5Hb93VQdNZZ34dkZ9AxNJyj9AKeRAleJFPEJJxgf6XSNf6/s1600/None(5).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMdYKIjnGtZc4D6G5J9tCoXD0TIceuhV3n4ialYtaXTvjSD9teetdO00cOtl9qf3Mk0PLvrjiiSgIRtbVEmlbf4doGND3AQ5Hb93VQdNZZ34dkZ9AxNJyj9AKeRAleJFPEJJxgf6XSNf6/s320/None(5).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163684896055122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >So big!<br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R3S0uDtbXAh_HDA5ABhEHWMNRuhjxOafa3r-nYL2euxjMZ0QYX5xpwCVbIC9Be91zYi4Twtb3ouYf5WjenrtPsrdEL4ZPq7Y3h9whyphenhyphenHwEXCcl3q69NKC195HNqeD9hVvEAlZyxEhDkxZ/s1600/None(4).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R3S0uDtbXAh_HDA5ABhEHWMNRuhjxOafa3r-nYL2euxjMZ0QYX5xpwCVbIC9Be91zYi4Twtb3ouYf5WjenrtPsrdEL4ZPq7Y3h9whyphenhyphenHwEXCcl3q69NKC195HNqeD9hVvEAlZyxEhDkxZ/s320/None(4).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163681432693362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Cheering on our team!<br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PvkiEkEqhxM-TUiK3pB0HshqTXrH8n_4yJHhA8aEWuy3ej7pwqZ3XcjnnJm01Pr96hAiBH8WTFpWIyYq9eQmdEvdNBHZ_HIMXk27r-wlht6lff4IbDtJnZ2Om6RT44QCVndEGw0Bj_nL/s1600/Mia10Months3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PvkiEkEqhxM-TUiK3pB0HshqTXrH8n_4yJHhA8aEWuy3ej7pwqZ3XcjnnJm01Pr96hAiBH8WTFpWIyYq9eQmdEvdNBHZ_HIMXk27r-wlht6lff4IbDtJnZ2Om6RT44QCVndEGw0Bj_nL/s320/Mia10Months3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163437172157026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Still a little fashionista<br /><br /><br /></span></div>She has decided she's pretty much done with baby food, so she eats what we eat. Right now, her favorite foods are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Greek</span> yogurt, soup (especially veggie or minestrone), mangoes, orange wedges and any kind of meat. She's anemic so we think that might be why she loves meat so much; her body is craving the iron. Either way, it's quite funny to watch this petite little girl dig in to an Italian Beef sandwich!<br /><br />Last week we had an early birthday party for her. It was six weeks before her actual first birthday, but back when we were planning it, we decided to have it early in case I ended up and bed rest with the twins. Thankfully, other than for a few weeks, that hasn't happened, but it was nice to celebrate while I still have some energy. We planned a Dr. Seuss themed party and Mia seemed to love it. The best part was having my parents, Branden's parents and my sister and brother-in-law there to celebrate with us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif4GhAIwkmSNs-a51JAB3tBUPT9i7U0EXiah6enywmZUpeY34nAra0ml7Etlj_E8s7twv84fg9UP-14YlzXgJDvftNlgbGqY-0SQC_EtnknwseTFdHE5_uPK0vZCQz_aSLfZfkF8nidPw/s1600/None(3).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif4GhAIwkmSNs-a51JAB3tBUPT9i7U0EXiah6enywmZUpeY34nAra0ml7Etlj_E8s7twv84fg9UP-14YlzXgJDvftNlgbGqY-0SQC_EtnknwseTFdHE5_uPK0vZCQz_aSLfZfkF8nidPw/s320/None(3).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163676402341474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWhshX0lEBSqSMo1gpJe_2kj_nlNQqiyPPoovMKsUBKKY6Jbd6Pyb_UnNemiJcXVcg3g1WXllg0fUMENRKi9yVf_1yO5BlBBbKmtNKEngYOifEmaJ69VrcCW5_sB8aGVnb-evKYjAxGPP/s1600/None(2).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWhshX0lEBSqSMo1gpJe_2kj_nlNQqiyPPoovMKsUBKKY6Jbd6Pyb_UnNemiJcXVcg3g1WXllg0fUMENRKi9yVf_1yO5BlBBbKmtNKEngYOifEmaJ69VrcCW5_sB8aGVnb-evKYjAxGPP/s320/None(2).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163673965768866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMKgXd9nr5rLandK0xKUqqJ9a3GktwRWJTXjyVbOHi34NeMJe9aZWE7i540Vucg4dImys_8nOUcE4tx3oxmH3o16UBB6WBxRwPr8nDGqyfYahyoeSIETvy5w4uDUzW_P6ntxQtwpH0faI/s1600/None.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMKgXd9nr5rLandK0xKUqqJ9a3GktwRWJTXjyVbOHi34NeMJe9aZWE7i540Vucg4dImys_8nOUcE4tx3oxmH3o16UBB6WBxRwPr8nDGqyfYahyoeSIETvy5w4uDUzW_P6ntxQtwpH0faI/s320/None.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163666042211122" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, as we enjoy and celebrate each day with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Amelia</span>, we are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of our twins. It's been a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">roller coaster</span> few months, but I'm very thankful to report that all is well now and we expect them the week after Thanksgiving! Here's the back story to get you caught up...<br /><br />As I said in my last post, Amelia and I were in the Midwest until the end of July. After two months away, Branden was coming home the first weekend in August, so we wanted to make sure we were back in time to see him. He was only supposed to be home for a few days and his visit coincided perfectly with my 20-week ultrasound. While Branden was content to keep the twins' genders a surprise until delivery day, I decided that I was good on surprises for the year (hi, TWINS?!) and so we agreed to find out the gender of the babies at the ultrasound. These days, the 20-week ultrasound is pretty much standard procedure and it enables the doctors to look for any potentially serious problems with the baby. Because it is such an in-depth look at the baby, it is also a chance to find out the baby's gender. Fortunately, most parents leave this ultrasound knowing their baby is perfectly healthy and if they are welcoming a little boy or a little girl.<br /><br />You can probably guess where this is going, but like I said, all is well now! So, as you read, keep in mind that our story has a happy ending. We arrived at Balboa (our hospital) for the ultrasound, dropped Mia off at the the daycare there and headed over to radiology. A very nice and professional tech warmly greeted us and we settled in for the two-hour scan. Right away, she asked us if the twins were identical or fraternal and we said we really didn't know. She said she thought they were identical, based on what she could see. She continued scanning for about an hour and then asked us if we wanted to know the babies' gender. YES, I said! She turned the computer towards us and showed us a very proud little BOY. We were shocked! Our <span style="font-style: italic;">last</span> guess was two boys (it's the most uncommon combination), but there was one and, since they're <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">identical</span>, one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">penis</span> means two!<br /><br />Over the next hour, she continued to scan, this time focusing on Baby B. After she was done, she said she wanted to show the doctor the photos and make sure she hadn't missed anything. I knew immediately something was up because I've had both good and bad ultrasounds and that's only something they do in a "bad" ultrasound. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Unfortunately</span>, Branden had to leave to pick-up Mia before the day care closed, so I was on my own, waiting for the tech to return. She did, with a doctor in tow. They asked if my husband was coming back and I asked if he needed to. They said yes. We couldn't get a hold of him (dumb cell phones!), so I asked them to give me the news anyways. The doctor was very kind and explained that our identical twins had an uncommon <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">syndrome</span> called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion. She briefly explained it and told me to expect a call from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">perinatologist</span> (high-risk <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">obstetrician</span>) within 24 hours.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">TTTS</span>, as Twin-to-Twin is known, affects about 10% of identical twin pregnancies. It's a little complicated, so below is a link to explain it. In a nutshell, we met with the high-risk <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">team</span> at Balboa and they told us there was a 95% chance we would lose both twins if we didn't get treatment right away. Thankfully, there is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">relatively</span> new surgery to treat this and one of the nation's top surgeons is in Los Angeles. Within 24 hours of our diagnosis, we had an appointment for surgery in LA. This link explains both the syndrome and the surgery, and the doctor and nurses featured are the same wonderful team that treated us.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-9bfjAm2ro<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwYV_UwY8MHRS73io7yZPINZhuQxNl1WdkgTlXdNapkRYYztc9LV2uJBhbVdQkZySH61AAKITWPoNzXEcm6JlcVgTTep89T0zE0I0F2VLp8BhpcoVIn-N9iwWDcRUGjzqVCSmzgR41T1r/s1600/Surgery2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwYV_UwY8MHRS73io7yZPINZhuQxNl1WdkgTlXdNapkRYYztc9LV2uJBhbVdQkZySH61AAKITWPoNzXEcm6JlcVgTTep89T0zE0I0F2VLp8BhpcoVIn-N9iwWDcRUGjzqVCSmzgR41T1r/s320/Surgery2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163050634349426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >It's go time! As nurse Terry likes to say, "it's time to save some babies!"</span><br /></div><br />When we were diagnosed, our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">TTTS</span> was a level 1-2. Six days later, when we had our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">pre</span>-op ultrasound, it had progressed to a level 2-3. This meant our donor baby's bladder was no longer functioning, his blood flow was becoming irregular and he had no fluid in his amniotic sac. He was also severly growth restricted. Our recipient baby's heart was showing some thickening and his amniotic sac was 15-16cm deep (normal is 3-8). Due to the excess fluid, my belly was measuring 37 weeks, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">even though</span> I was only 21 weeks pregnant at this point. During surgery, Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Chmait</span> removed two liters of fluid from the recipient's sac and successfully laser ablated all of the blood vessels connecting the two boys. 24 hours after surgery, both boys had strong heartbeats, so we headed home to wait and see how the next month would go (the most critical period).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIyQgYfrxRaAyPsFpoobLe8xfbdB2AjEXb28u2wDQdDgJ4i4KeirRk1F5JX6OYlGuxY123Jzk4Z6CzUYLDStlIylxYziRh9eBvgacKSP9vTe_vpaMZxt-8pSXDWMljBl44ZSZjsDYmwhZ/s1600/Surgery1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIyQgYfrxRaAyPsFpoobLe8xfbdB2AjEXb28u2wDQdDgJ4i4KeirRk1F5JX6OYlGuxY123Jzk4Z6CzUYLDStlIylxYziRh9eBvgacKSP9vTe_vpaMZxt-8pSXDWMljBl44ZSZjsDYmwhZ/s320/Surgery1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163046405451810" border="0" /></a><br />For a month after surgery, I was on modified bed rest and Branden was home to watch Mia. We had weekly ultrasounds to check on the boys and each week they looked better and better. Four weeks after surgery, we had another in-depth ultrasound and fetal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">echo cardiogram</span> (an ultrasound of their hearts). To <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">everyone's</span> relief, our boys looked GREAT. Our doctor was so pleased and said, if she didn't know our history, she would think she was looking at the ultrasound of a normal twin pregnancy. We are SO incredibly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">thankful</span> and blessed by this outcome.<br /><br />We continue to have bi-weekly ultrasounds and other monitoring, but as of last week, the boys are still making a remarkable recovery. Henry, our donor baby, weighs about three pounds and Miles, our recipient, is almost three and a half pounds. They are both in the 25-35<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">th</span> percentile for size, which is amazing considering Henry was in the second percentile at the time of surgery. Unless the boys decide they're ready sooner, it looks like I will deliver six+ pound babies the week after Thanksgiving!<br /><br />My belly is getting bigger, but compared to how it was before surgery, I feel great! I'm starting to get more tired and uncomfortable, but most days are pretty good and, of course, Amelia keeps my mind off how I'm feeling. I think my belly will get <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> big in the coming weeks (or, as Branden so kindly put it, "you're going to be HUGE!"), but I'm so happy the boys are healthy, I don't care! It's all worth it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltECXh5oZFE6dDexr-0daE7VFDcbDA6Thl6Zn7Xo3mQ7neuV29k7O_riltSGqlO_8d6hNScT9ssrGix0QBmRNXuQi4stGT9lLJiNyAcjYazrCYhsomBLkv09HooexMfmSD1lBvnKBUUDh/s1600/TwinsWeeks12-20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltECXh5oZFE6dDexr-0daE7VFDcbDA6Thl6Zn7Xo3mQ7neuV29k7O_riltSGqlO_8d6hNScT9ssrGix0QBmRNXuQi4stGT9lLJiNyAcjYazrCYhsomBLkv09HooexMfmSD1lBvnKBUUDh/s320/TwinsWeeks12-20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163055130427346" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_2hG6AOYZd_7tHNs5IbbPjd04QMzvfXfBj6MaOwSKSq-zEtOzbccf2_3Dmh1j1QjU9LD5jyHRniSQAdkKUpuhhsLKgxBuvNP4cNy0t61Car6ql8KKTbXFVfaH4YvGZBXo_mx72yLKRGv/s1600/TwinsWeeks21-29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_2hG6AOYZd_7tHNs5IbbPjd04QMzvfXfBj6MaOwSKSq-zEtOzbccf2_3Dmh1j1QjU9LD5jyHRniSQAdkKUpuhhsLKgxBuvNP4cNy0t61Car6ql8KKTbXFVfaH4YvGZBXo_mx72yLKRGv/s320/TwinsWeeks21-29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530163062336343298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sorry the photos aren't all the same direction - my brain isn't working so efficiently these days! </span></span><br /></div><br />Well, you're probably tired of reading by now and I'm tired of writing, so this is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">probably</span> a good time to call it a night. Before I go, I do want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers over the last two months. Through the worst of days, we were encouraged by the kind phone calls, emails and cards we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">received</span>. You brought us meals, watched Amelia and accompanied me to doctor's appointments when Branden had to go back to work. We will never be able to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">convey</span> the depth of our gratitude, but please know we are so thankful to have such a loving, supportive group of family and friends to lean on. We love you all very much and can't wait to introduce you to our little miracles!!The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-10333999172345034242010-07-12T17:57:00.001-07:002010-07-12T19:53:32.706-07:00Where to begin?If you're reading this, thanks for not giving up on me! I know it's been a loooong time since I've updated, but I promise you lots of photos and updates here and now. On the advice of Julie Andrews, I'll start at the very beginning (or at least back up to where we left off)...<br /><br />Since our life is now measured in monthly birthdays, I'll update you month-by-month.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mia - Four Months<br /></span>At four months, our sweet girl accomplished many things. Among the highlights were:<br /><br />* started laughing<br />* got two teeth!<br />* rolled back to belly (thus making her mobile, since she already knew how to roll belly to back!)<br /><br />As I mentioned in my last post, I went back to work during this time and Branden left on a month-long "deployment" (I use the term deployment loosely here - not really sure what to call it - a month-long "business trip"?). Things were going very smoothly until our full-time babysitter left us! She got a wonderful opportunity teaching special education children and we couldn't blame her for taking the job. Thankfully, Grandma Deal and Grandma Marty came to the rescue, flying in and taking two-week shifts until I could find another childcare solution. Mia loved her time with her Grandmas and I was happy to know she was in good hands. After much thought and discussion, Branden and I finally settled on a childcare solution...ME. Yes, after eight wonderful years at Gallo, leaving my beautiful daughter behind everyday proved too much for me. As much as I loved my job, I loved being with her more and I decided to give my notice. My bosses were extremely supportive and I knew I was making the right decision. Now, four months later, I am thankful for every minute I get to spend with her!<br /><br />So, after what was a VERY hectic month of juggling work, baby and home, Branden returned back to San Diego and the Grandmas said their good-byes. Of course, life in the military is never dull so our time as a family once again proved short-lived!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm6kkRBgttHvsHhQolTdk0MCYBTt6NabBQ3zAhzGML0IPJ3MjhwcH9X8mg7EA1K3zNM-GyPnACIASK0zaBJrDX4__bWv4DgjcIxaeoLJR6rKRduCXv99DixUOlXbpdjJ7apQBWALi95Zr/s1600/4Months%233.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm6kkRBgttHvsHhQolTdk0MCYBTt6NabBQ3zAhzGML0IPJ3MjhwcH9X8mg7EA1K3zNM-GyPnACIASK0zaBJrDX4__bWv4DgjcIxaeoLJR6rKRduCXv99DixUOlXbpdjJ7apQBWALi95Zr/s320/4Months%233.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493188731470282914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Enjoying the flower fields with Mommy and Daddy, touring Daddy's ship, swimming with Daddy, celebrating her first Easter</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4a2WMYiJ2w3iJIx7DtBANyRVRggHD8w_HFNjtSf78E8HGWrYip2NYheNto3ucgmKMiUO3T8BU6JSwudN6e6SdUcrR_IZcB-CnTbQwjRCjhndQ43jE6n5MSUKfi6k74ai6dbOEIgLyc9z/s1600/4Months%232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4a2WMYiJ2w3iJIx7DtBANyRVRggHD8w_HFNjtSf78E8HGWrYip2NYheNto3ucgmKMiUO3T8BU6JSwudN6e6SdUcrR_IZcB-CnTbQwjRCjhndQ43jE6n5MSUKfi6k74ai6dbOEIgLyc9z/s320/4Months%232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493188723581260930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Always ready with a smile for the camera! </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh939sKQewxfYCHi0mVR8NJ1SDmN-_PP-VNFoMWQ_-QxS7S7dCvNoca6wdkfoavjBSXtnzWDlyQRUps2n7P2NlBOvWOCR58Q3f8Mrvalem7i30kvSbc4h1zScq9Mm-R1iE-c5kv_7kYoi/s1600/4Months%231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh939sKQewxfYCHi0mVR8NJ1SDmN-_PP-VNFoMWQ_-QxS7S7dCvNoca6wdkfoavjBSXtnzWDlyQRUps2n7P2NlBOvWOCR58Q3f8Mrvalem7i30kvSbc4h1zScq9Mm-R1iE-c5kv_7kYoi/s320/4Months%231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493188720908633010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Welcome home, Daddy! The second photo makes me laugh - do you think she's already grossed out by our PDAs??<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mia - Five Months</span><br />Mia didn't really develop any new skills at five months, but she spent a lot of time practicing. She mastered grabbing for toys, objects (always things she wasn't supposed to have, of course) and started sitting up (albeit very timidly).<br /><br />I wrapped up work this month and Branden was back in San Diego, so we enjoyed lots of family time.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4TPY5i5Z4lkhiEJhlPLi-XrK1IPPsVhRQJJfMBKlO1hvL3-AVWl47pA-jMoNklY2o0xwIn2POMYKVlBvZ5Aps0XORZBFmtsvrGk5xXZ7RLV-ZbfhonDcWlQ94ZRzSsXcI_4shOwxOHM9/s1600/5Months%234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4TPY5i5Z4lkhiEJhlPLi-XrK1IPPsVhRQJJfMBKlO1hvL3-AVWl47pA-jMoNklY2o0xwIn2POMYKVlBvZ5Aps0XORZBFmtsvrGk5xXZ7RLV-ZbfhonDcWlQ94ZRzSsXcI_4shOwxOHM9/s320/5Months%234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493193328089874258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Celebrating our first Mother's Day! </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yJfQidSC3gAmOoCHRqX4oyToVPd5Q6i6BA1g07sQtv1O279ervlirDpMcwiziDCQyrDob8xdUjxrnWAMd7Arbult3URww4ttXrLodsDmNJd2Hu6Amw9A4q0orqMSoyxKLReCLoQX2164/s1600/5Months%233.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yJfQidSC3gAmOoCHRqX4oyToVPd5Q6i6BA1g07sQtv1O279ervlirDpMcwiziDCQyrDob8xdUjxrnWAMd7Arbult3URww4ttXrLodsDmNJd2Hu6Amw9A4q0orqMSoyxKLReCLoQX2164/s320/5Months%233.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493193317135375826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">New favorite activities - "brushing" her new teeth, eating fruits and veggies, being mischievous (in this photo she seems to be saying, "Ha ha, Mommy, I'm not napping like you want me to!!")</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQ5hKSrCW-dfs_WP5jUi1lcmbhHR5zxyrY-a00uGNYYN1ibeeoHkYu_x_CzyeWK88eNIJ7nsPDxQqrqZLIyhVFU1H3uXZ1qp7WpcvCVjuf7A_EpWrt_MbJP7Agfh4TA8SwnVIYfFEGV1H/s1600/5Months%232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQ5hKSrCW-dfs_WP5jUi1lcmbhHR5zxyrY-a00uGNYYN1ibeeoHkYu_x_CzyeWK88eNIJ7nsPDxQqrqZLIyhVFU1H3uXZ1qp7WpcvCVjuf7A_EpWrt_MbJP7Agfh4TA8SwnVIYfFEGV1H/s320/5Months%232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493193305944790754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Still entertaining us with her many expressions</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycDS74bB4sEGYCQbtid_dGGk_JukIAALcB0lG_gzZz81O_eYQLrd_sfJaeAB2-jKm8jIK8QRpP9xAfRgU9TYG_YZTPUPitb9SVMM3vXbFS3n8hjDpQUypWuecgQVTuwB1VjuYvQ_-9mzN/s1600/5Months%231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycDS74bB4sEGYCQbtid_dGGk_JukIAALcB0lG_gzZz81O_eYQLrd_sfJaeAB2-jKm8jIK8QRpP9xAfRgU9TYG_YZTPUPitb9SVMM3vXbFS3n8hjDpQUypWuecgQVTuwB1VjuYvQ_-9mzN/s320/5Months%231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493193303187111186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Starting to eat baby foods - some days it goes well, some days not so much<br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mia - Six Months</span><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> At six months, Mia finally mastered sitting up and is having a ball! Now she can reach for toys, interact with other babies and be more involved in the world around her. It's so much fun to watch!<br /><br /> Branden left on a three and a half month "business trip" this month (June), so Mia and I headed to the Midwest to visit family and friends. We spent time in both Michigan and Wisconsin and Mia got to meet many family members and friends for the first time. Everyone (especially my parents and Branden's parents) went out of their way to welcome us and we appreciate it so much!!<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj395EhOQ9WD909oUMF0s2dwHU9uwgo0knYV5jEZXpi_FkhCHQCO6IiVKn-YYrCFU2_CsfLYD9EQqJmb49QX-oXQ9mypZHuDnpPDU09m6C5Qkn5Ii2V7S193SsKzHJwYG_AkHUIQj5hXli3/s1600/6Months%234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj395EhOQ9WD909oUMF0s2dwHU9uwgo0knYV5jEZXpi_FkhCHQCO6IiVKn-YYrCFU2_CsfLYD9EQqJmb49QX-oXQ9mypZHuDnpPDU09m6C5Qkn5Ii2V7S193SsKzHJwYG_AkHUIQj5hXli3/s320/6Months%234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493195707601352898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">As always, Mommy's little fashionista</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzQRLznQAPQknePvjSOHOciid_GcwazFITMLdGQrs7-_VWEhluUzCNAMC0jc_Itu1oGOZuXbDkKILtsuNq9GWFz4t3Y7hrqJKQLj5O_xfd9v0N-zqMXn42L0x1Qe45Mj0INg3YxsvVmGo/s1600/6Months%233.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzQRLznQAPQknePvjSOHOciid_GcwazFITMLdGQrs7-_VWEhluUzCNAMC0jc_Itu1oGOZuXbDkKILtsuNq9GWFz4t3Y7hrqJKQLj5O_xfd9v0N-zqMXn42L0x1Qe45Mj0INg3YxsvVmGo/s320/6Months%233.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493195695766023074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Practicing sitting up</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHcLpga16dxwDZJ5hiOBozleJLS-BQDW6Di7ANtLxJvT7FWyJ6Dq5360vbZP_wGJ7HBiDGZgcRGe85TF5KR0dm8GG-eBxrbZfvXua_sGlQFghFYkKBVLVXG-jP6jKitGUZkpR1Iyhcyz/s1600/6Months%232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHcLpga16dxwDZJ5hiOBozleJLS-BQDW6Di7ANtLxJvT7FWyJ6Dq5360vbZP_wGJ7HBiDGZgcRGe85TF5KR0dm8GG-eBxrbZfvXua_sGlQFghFYkKBVLVXG-jP6jKitGUZkpR1Iyhcyz/s320/6Months%232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493195691096276482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Such a smiley girl!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAGYHK6DFNn9Q4cuzSQR-QDMxDyuVEN9OK4iO7chxTn_w4NEVRCuyTW52GNHnvKFv4cxeg6H1u-YV6IW4OyKXoxwKmwtqkaOYmH9Yz1l-fswdIh8psNSdms3i-qJiRdkBsLg7vrwfQywE/s1600/6Months%231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAGYHK6DFNn9Q4cuzSQR-QDMxDyuVEN9OK4iO7chxTn_w4NEVRCuyTW52GNHnvKFv4cxeg6H1u-YV6IW4OyKXoxwKmwtqkaOYmH9Yz1l-fswdIh8psNSdms3i-qJiRdkBsLg7vrwfQywE/s320/6Months%231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493195687623888834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Still not sure about the baby food</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mia - Seven Months</span><br />Mia celebrated her seven month "birthday" in the Midwest, trying to beat the heat! It was well into the 90s nearly the entire time we were there. Despite the oppressive heat, Miss Mia has been working on several new skills and tricks. Some of the highlights include:<br /><br />*getting herself up on all fours (knees and hands)<br />*clapping<br />*playing fetch (not nearly as fun for us as it is for her!)<br />*growing three new teeth (and learning not to bite!)<br />*making a piggy face<br />*dancing (whether or not there is music playing)<br /><br />She is also becoming quite talkative, babbling to anyone and anything that will listen!<br /><br />Branden is still gone, so Mia and I have decided to extend our Midwest trip by another few weeks. We'll be back in San Diego at the end of July, in time to welcome Branden home for a three day visit.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCebyK1ov3AhF0DmLDc2DjdbCKMAJZ5NUoCUzLdqXhkXf84O2WamrURBp8s6sd2i3vEUduoOBxMmTPnsjlYlGdP-IF6hgZJJjZUtrad01PCmLgHTJcDeMrBQuYH8eFHrqfbP2daQL6Bae/s1600/7Months%238.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCebyK1ov3AhF0DmLDc2DjdbCKMAJZ5NUoCUzLdqXhkXf84O2WamrURBp8s6sd2i3vEUduoOBxMmTPnsjlYlGdP-IF6hgZJJjZUtrad01PCmLgHTJcDeMrBQuYH8eFHrqfbP2daQL6Bae/s320/7Months%238.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201837252646306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy, happy girl! </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82x-NOETc6Ygi2ZCeqohzEOekjn9XKM7TRHjcKWf6CWR_MvqywKtrQmXYCpRbIGNL1xMG2KDPOdUv8MsF5XxnehV5HOfb0HrplDTshcpKIlLHVbzTEaDuf7IwHPqufEb-JBDNAbQA328T/s1600/7Months%236.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82x-NOETc6Ygi2ZCeqohzEOekjn9XKM7TRHjcKWf6CWR_MvqywKtrQmXYCpRbIGNL1xMG2KDPOdUv8MsF5XxnehV5HOfb0HrplDTshcpKIlLHVbzTEaDuf7IwHPqufEb-JBDNAbQA328T/s320/7Months%236.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201826404600114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Still acting like we're torturing her when we feed her! Such a drama queen!<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEWZNvQhuhkLIxwuw5KxjDPx3i3vRTJmE_JQRvfPUyDDr4r12zCfsyQf4ZUB9pV_aMXi1rVNcgfPjxNogXOYj6MKJerZZdOKlA7NTPY5ETC7WCY21bd_9SEYUJbhxdgKgM5z2P-hD4ME6/s1600/7Months%237.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEWZNvQhuhkLIxwuw5KxjDPx3i3vRTJmE_JQRvfPUyDDr4r12zCfsyQf4ZUB9pV_aMXi1rVNcgfPjxNogXOYj6MKJerZZdOKlA7NTPY5ETC7WCY21bd_9SEYUJbhxdgKgM5z2P-hD4ME6/s320/7Months%237.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201830145777266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Amazingly, her attitude changes when she gets to eat treats! </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tQWlAv1nGpUEy8_RV8qj0cWtUkcIdfoi0fQtG0nvKU9eb0RGO0xeNEE1ylO8Z-hns6QexpEO0DZQyxFWJzdpNUqOrkBSu7BQOAcGq-SoBIOL5HJ24OjkzYZnVgzbR59GFDlnmMiFr1wo/s1600/7Months%235.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tQWlAv1nGpUEy8_RV8qj0cWtUkcIdfoi0fQtG0nvKU9eb0RGO0xeNEE1ylO8Z-hns6QexpEO0DZQyxFWJzdpNUqOrkBSu7BQOAcGq-SoBIOL5HJ24OjkzYZnVgzbR59GFDlnmMiFr1wo/s320/7Months%235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201653296814626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Beating the heat with her favorite activity, swimming</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YI1_A_TrNZOoMgGmFJjBKNzVnP8QGkrwNf1iYN3QKIPKrYLirRVj00ZqrQW3k_na8Ekueti5n7fFEGB-PfX6QF1cEPD6n-aUnb8vNUPZpWFJB0UShMTIt7Zjgjn9anyQ5dZhK-NzUObu/s1600/7Months%234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YI1_A_TrNZOoMgGmFJjBKNzVnP8QGkrwNf1iYN3QKIPKrYLirRVj00ZqrQW3k_na8Ekueti5n7fFEGB-PfX6QF1cEPD6n-aUnb8vNUPZpWFJB0UShMTIt7Zjgjn9anyQ5dZhK-NzUObu/s320/7Months%234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201645411629362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Talking to Daddy via Skype </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP_bCFXgmFlRys8bguJQxmd3kwiG4rKPuY4ZUICQAMVmVe0CbcMC8tCe1zJPglsjNsGxXdW3DUq9QtKXlZgW1BDiGxS_FZvMMtl7xvdaimy7JutCZib-HQaa6_cdoh-K2_mY6D38mOsGa/s1600/7Months%233.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP_bCFXgmFlRys8bguJQxmd3kwiG4rKPuY4ZUICQAMVmVe0CbcMC8tCe1zJPglsjNsGxXdW3DUq9QtKXlZgW1BDiGxS_FZvMMtl7xvdaimy7JutCZib-HQaa6_cdoh-K2_mY6D38mOsGa/s320/7Months%233.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201637968594098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Practicing safe sun protection with a new hat, enjoying her own seat on the plane, loving her new toy "Rody", reading and relaxing in the bath</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaoiuLEo2LhOWhTKVr51Kt1izk1JSFVp82dcFqgxY8bhJ-Mc2BN54RZHOHD1sYhNETWwEsM3o0ivCSgChhk8eUd_Km_LY3kcqfvRdNES_6OS09LHEJd8hbmmaSVcR4leU_FTWe3AhRDnr/s1600/7Months%232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaoiuLEo2LhOWhTKVr51Kt1izk1JSFVp82dcFqgxY8bhJ-Mc2BN54RZHOHD1sYhNETWwEsM3o0ivCSgChhk8eUd_Km_LY3kcqfvRdNES_6OS09LHEJd8hbmmaSVcR4leU_FTWe3AhRDnr/s320/7Months%232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201631463126626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Sending our love to Daddy on Father's Day! </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmesP9cj65q7QhGoGzQ_rVy_OTnyFzgNZ1E7AN-f_G4QTG0Jti5Q61HmLJwYrHqqsstu5K2JB57sJ-X3SfdczZ2xUe8adv5F2N55cjZ_al1EERQkzK9pkzft5o4OjSihleJmpul1Hwj79/s1600/7Months%231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmesP9cj65q7QhGoGzQ_rVy_OTnyFzgNZ1E7AN-f_G4QTG0Jti5Q61HmLJwYrHqqsstu5K2JB57sJ-X3SfdczZ2xUe8adv5F2N55cjZ_al1EERQkzK9pkzft5o4OjSihleJmpul1Hwj79/s320/7Months%231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201626263503170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Meeting new friends and family members!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlznSJe0jVMzyR-TyyULwA3GgkYetMTSDVF3ujH14xrGdm63Br9CFP30G81xh7hbkvpI0VIiU0PTcxWmBvxIrk37j1t3GuWAUe-Mv0yI5y4YVTYXwSBN0m-BBGI4VYTg7Ii0ZLng88-NE/s1600/7Months%239.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlznSJe0jVMzyR-TyyULwA3GgkYetMTSDVF3ujH14xrGdm63Br9CFP30G81xh7hbkvpI0VIiU0PTcxWmBvxIrk37j1t3GuWAUe-Mv0yI5y4YVTYXwSBN0m-BBGI4VYTg7Ii0ZLng88-NE/s320/7Months%239.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201844954072418" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">One last thing...</span><br />Maybe you've heard a little rumor, maybe you haven't. Either way, I guess it's about time to set the record straight. Yes, our little family is growing! TWO new Martys will be joining our family in November or early December. Although we were SHOCKED to discover we were having twins, we are overjoyed and can't wait to welcome them into our family.<br /><br />We've been asked lots of questions, so here are a few FAQs and answers:<br />*Are they fraternal or identical?<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We aren't positive but one doctor said fraternal (the other couldn't tell), so we're going with that for now.<br /><br /></span>*Do twins run in your family?<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yes, but on Branden's side, meaning it didn't influence our luck! The only time that matters is if there are twins on the mom's side.<br /><br />*</span>Were you taking fertility drugs?<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Nope.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*</span></span>When are you due?<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />The twins are due December 20, but our doctor/hospital won't allow twin pregnancies to go beyond 38 weeks. Given that, they will be here by December 6.<br /><br />*</span></span>Were you trying to get pregnant?<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I mean, really, I think is a private matter, but whatev. Given our pregnancy history, the number of children we wanted and my age, we decided to let nature take it's course after Mia was born. We knew we wanted three or four kids and we haven't had the best luck with pregnancy. So, we weren't trying but we were very pleasantly surprised when we found out we were going to be blessed with two more healthy kiddos.<br /><br />*</span>Are you nervous? What are you going to do?<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />This question makes me laugh! Of course we're nervous, but we're also very excited! As for what we're going to do, well, we're going to love them and raise them and take it all one day at a time!<br /></span><br />So, that's a peek into our life! It seems there's never a dull moment around here. I'll post some belly pics and 4th of July pics soon. Thanks for checking in!<br /></div></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-10740537078541062012010-03-18T23:39:00.000-07:002010-03-19T08:42:02.758-07:00Four Months Old!<div style="text-align: center;">Mia officially hit four months this week, so I guess it's time to catch you up on her third and fourth months. As I imagine is the case for all families with a baby in the house, time flies and you're never quite sure where it all goes. Our sweet girl makes us smile each and every day...she is so much fun and her personality develops more and more each day.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >As a reminder, you can always click on a photo collage and it will open up larger.<br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BGmJNb9Gx8e-9bOu5d8c8vvo84MZm0Lw7VwZTcParPKQTSTjnWQqfryQJXi_yXq6wumIoIUFBFEATwHmg4NBlPxjW1N7rzszF7S4BD9nyFN4PqjeI5NzWV_xv3Km73lF6_hCgYiiyZmm/s1600-h/WhatILove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 62px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BGmJNb9Gx8e-9bOu5d8c8vvo84MZm0Lw7VwZTcParPKQTSTjnWQqfryQJXi_yXq6wumIoIUFBFEATwHmg4NBlPxjW1N7rzszF7S4BD9nyFN4PqjeI5NzWV_xv3Km73lF6_hCgYiiyZmm/s320/WhatILove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450257038387868002" border="0" /></a>Right now, she loves swimming, playing airplane, bouncing in her Baby Bjorn seat (she just figured out how to spin the toys and she is <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> serious when doing so) and reading books. She also loves to examine her hands, play with her ears and suck her thumb.<br /><br />She started rolling from her front to her back in her third month and now she is very close to rolling from her back to front. She is also quite the "creeper", sort of a pre-crawling move in which she digs her feet into the ground and scoots herself around. I can still leave her for a few moments, but not for much longer!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYxglTEEINlYY5TVqPIAh4lxY0EvYTZDu5Fz64Bg8KUPxfN2n5gUQ9hgrpoAFMp6KISOSyUo9hHIHrEG6D0BwzeBu53hdHE2VfDH2LGvsrGbU-muUkNeXXRYzioyIeFdIXFQ4vYY5fscr/s1600-h/Smiley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYxglTEEINlYY5TVqPIAh4lxY0EvYTZDu5Fz64Bg8KUPxfN2n5gUQ9hgrpoAFMp6KISOSyUo9hHIHrEG6D0BwzeBu53hdHE2VfDH2LGvsrGbU-muUkNeXXRYzioyIeFdIXFQ4vYY5fscr/s320/Smiley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450257030560609378" border="0" /></a>She loves to smile and just started laughing. Her giggles are music to our ears!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhil9PjPViM1FsCr4i5czvvyre0dMgcg-d6yWoX6E7z7bZBkXlD5qmkw1PIDM7GK9RsGMOeeirFtxGLnUlIec2_13IpMFPxlwuVTnTz7GuaOLA-KuD20O1GBWfmQo2BVl1uCaF7HLs0B5hE/s1600-h/smooches.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhil9PjPViM1FsCr4i5czvvyre0dMgcg-d6yWoX6E7z7bZBkXlD5qmkw1PIDM7GK9RsGMOeeirFtxGLnUlIec2_13IpMFPxlwuVTnTz7GuaOLA-KuD20O1GBWfmQo2BVl1uCaF7HLs0B5hE/s320/smooches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450260151867968194" border="0" /></a>We love to smooch her and she is happy to oblige.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVKXy5LTpv-xNWLloM_Fw2NrCd6C-zWWnX0OwvqjL7EnfBzLi9XERqzTArkgAA7BX8ABEuQcmmcN8n8fHYP2MgQD53lD7MLeWlf5L-QNCdz1tG-9a2OL31nfon81Rl5bkfr48xt-nEq7H/s1600-h/Fashionista.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVKXy5LTpv-xNWLloM_Fw2NrCd6C-zWWnX0OwvqjL7EnfBzLi9XERqzTArkgAA7BX8ABEuQcmmcN8n8fHYP2MgQD53lD7MLeWlf5L-QNCdz1tG-9a2OL31nfon81Rl5bkfr48xt-nEq7H/s320/Fashionista.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450256338686870994" border="0" /></a><br />She is very patient and lets me dress her up nearly every day. Branden says "she's not a doll, Stephanie," but I disagree!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCdi4W6qprEy5aFVun31vMPI7ZAYfJ3FkxSJWgY91mGt_IzNfEcJUs5iey8NBbsScDTvGph9B8K04L9FnY77B3xhUOP_ZazfSW7lxg-L3s1Mig_oIRQL2sepRfaAKYbt1o8ifivcNJPn0/s1600-h/Seriously.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCdi4W6qprEy5aFVun31vMPI7ZAYfJ3FkxSJWgY91mGt_IzNfEcJUs5iey8NBbsScDTvGph9B8K04L9FnY77B3xhUOP_ZazfSW7lxg-L3s1Mig_oIRQL2sepRfaAKYbt1o8ifivcNJPn0/s320/Seriously.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450256347634495378" border="0" /></a>Occasionally, I push my luck and I get an "Are you kidding me, Mom?" look...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhMbu11ogOID8NJ4cyAiSFG2z2cuufufA3GmozZHPrsx3jYQXjrt8Pe4Ka7NbVAQ5YOryRWq9vBzcdWCoc_zEt4PDR_1laqKA3Qw-dNV2Ne1w0ANEx2RDUVNpM2oOVGkGTvX3GGzWRnea/s1600-h/Chatty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhMbu11ogOID8NJ4cyAiSFG2z2cuufufA3GmozZHPrsx3jYQXjrt8Pe4Ka7NbVAQ5YOryRWq9vBzcdWCoc_zEt4PDR_1laqKA3Qw-dNV2Ne1w0ANEx2RDUVNpM2oOVGkGTvX3GGzWRnea/s320/Chatty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450256330916758626" border="0" /></a>She loves to "talk" and chat! She also just figured out how to scream and screech, so she does that quite often, even when she's happy. It's pretty funny but I'm sure the neighbors wonder what's going on over here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUBaknBs1CHeDqym1o1Ob_Uv5GCPEVDt9N4W_XIg6Fa9Wnqmj7mTKIY4DfHomzItsi0-AurbDdIphyWc_j3P9kKLTDtF2F3UI-bNp-3Pg5rCiD01MZlHg5lpbR0i7uvqvG9OV9oeOwWF5/s1600-h/BabyBlues.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUBaknBs1CHeDqym1o1Ob_Uv5GCPEVDt9N4W_XIg6Fa9Wnqmj7mTKIY4DfHomzItsi0-AurbDdIphyWc_j3P9kKLTDtF2F3UI-bNp-3Pg5rCiD01MZlHg5lpbR0i7uvqvG9OV9oeOwWF5/s320/BabyBlues.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450256318689230994" border="0" /></a>Most everyone notices her BIG blue eyes!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bNDmRdmkfr9pcm8hgAdFxsY9JMI9KlLnIj1qo-tm9LCcTKIpYycGNsgA7pd096a-zATIQXN0yz4EwOabUHh87Fl7NCakdywiJOFvnK_iB4jXbP7LQdaLghJjj7qG0nIY2EB3EFJtX_34/s1600-h/auntanduncles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bNDmRdmkfr9pcm8hgAdFxsY9JMI9KlLnIj1qo-tm9LCcTKIpYycGNsgA7pd096a-zATIQXN0yz4EwOabUHh87Fl7NCakdywiJOFvnK_iB4jXbP7LQdaLghJjj7qG0nIY2EB3EFJtX_34/s320/auntanduncles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450256306320123074" border="0" /></a><br />She finally got to meet Uncle Colin, Aunt Ellen and Uncle Ryan last month!<br /><br />In addition to watching our baby girl grow, Branden and I recently had some changes at work. For starters, I went back to work after 18 weeks off. Branden took a new job that keeps us in San Diego for another two years. He is still an aide to the same admiral, but the admiral is now in charge of a different command, so they are now stationed aboard the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. The admiral's new tour (and therefore, Branden's) started at the beginning of March. Because the Nimitz was out on deployment, Branden and the admiral flew out to meet the ship and join the deployment. Lucky for us, the ship was already on it's way home, so they'll be home soon. They'll do a couple more months at sea this summer and then, if all goes as planned, Branden will be home for the next year and a half, thank goodness! We were both getting pretty tired of his constant deployment/travel schedule over the last three years.<br /><br />Unfortunately, my timing was a bit off and I planned to go back to work the very same day that Branden left. So, Miss Mia and I have been on our own this month, adjusting to me going back to work and Branden being gone. Thankfully, we have an awesome babysitter and both Grandmas have been out to help, so the transition has been as smooth as possible. I'm not getting much sleep, but I plan to catch up once B gets home. Speaking of sleep, my bed is calling my name, so I'll stop here. Thanks for checking in with us!<br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-41133697741244142852010-02-02T23:52:00.000-08:002010-02-03T00:41:12.251-08:00Our Little MermaidTonight was Mia's first swim class! Ever since her cord fell off and she could take real baths (i.e., not sponge baths), she has loved "swimming" in the tub. We let her float around in the bath tub each night (we hold her head above water) and she loves it. So, we decided to start her in swim lessons as soon as possible and found a school that would let her start at two months. Branden and I were so excited for her to start and we've been eagerly awaiting today! To be honest, we were a little nervous that a) the half hour would be too long for her and she would get crabby before the class was over and b) that she would poop in the pool. Gross, I know, but we just weren't that confident in the swim diaper and we didn't want to be <span style="font-style: italic;">those</span> parents! Thankfully, I'm happy to report that she loved the class and they did not have to drain the pool afterwards. We signed up for a month of classes on the way out, so let's hope tonight wasn't a fluke!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh2enwBuAgy3bguJiWX9K-77ks4irS6lcM3iRXJZNjDSq4LoQfs5s6j3a2eF3PmWUMsZnEbEa1jbcIPkXfTNcpO0yUNiWxnjrWQmQoMdHSZLTntpZ3FYfEpEpcWeCRgiy-ezr8IoVBFJO/s1600-h/Mias+Swim+Collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh2enwBuAgy3bguJiWX9K-77ks4irS6lcM3iRXJZNjDSq4LoQfs5s6j3a2eF3PmWUMsZnEbEa1jbcIPkXfTNcpO0yUNiWxnjrWQmQoMdHSZLTntpZ3FYfEpEpcWeCRgiy-ezr8IoVBFJO/s320/Mias+Swim+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433924170465958802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxN7c4DL6WZXOcTcrg_-JsAppdAmMBziCANSjRhc9fbrO54J4qAnhQtKuWVnC3qAODHz3WsSk6X8J0lssziKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-76478860027468380952010-01-19T12:54:00.001-08:002010-01-19T13:42:52.834-08:00Amelia is two months old!It's hard to believe but our little Munchkin is two months old! She continues to amaze us everyday and she is a joy to be around. It's been a big month, with lots of changes. She is growing and changing so much every day. She had her two-month well baby check-up yesterday and she weighed in at TEN pounds! She hit a little growth spurt around week seven and she gained 20 ounces in just 21 days. As you can imagine, she is eating all the time to achieve a weight gain like that!<br /><br />With her two-month "birthday", our little one decided she was a big girl and started sleeping in her crib, in her own room. If you've talked to me in the last few weeks, you know this is a HUGE accomplishment, as she was still sleeping in our bed just last week! We had been putting her down for naps in her crib to make the eventual transition easier for her and then, last weekend, she just decided she was done sleeping with us. She wouldn't fall asleep in our room no matter how hard we tried, so we eventually decided to give the crib a try. Sure enough, she fell right asleep and slept for five hours! Since then, she has slept in her crib every night and has only woken up once to feed each night. I was really sad the first night, as I wasn't quite ready for Mia to move out of our room yet, but since then I'm just enjoying the extra sleep (we also have a video monitor so I can check on her anytime I need to)!<br /><br />As her body grows, so does her personality! Mia is a happy baby (when she gets her naps!) and loves to chat and smile with us. She loves when we sing to her and dance with her - her favorite songs are currently "So Long, Farewell" from the Sound of Music and "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha (yes, I know, it's not a very age-appropriate song for her, but she loves to dance to it!!). She's very active and loves to look around and see what everyone is up to. She's trying very hard to crawl (poor thing, she has no idea that milestone is still months away) and roll over. She has actually rolled over twice, but both times she was on a couch, so it was slightly slanted and gave her a little help. Given that, we're not ready to call her a baby genius quite yet. :)<br /><br />As for B and I, we're quickly settling into life as a threesome. Now that the holidays are over and the visitors are gone, we're getting into a routine and figuring out how to make it all work. I'm still on maternity leave, until March 1, so that's helped ease the transition for us. We're starting to look for childcare for when I go back to work and that has us pretty stressed. It's going to be so hard to leave our sweet girl each day! Beyond that, we're just waiting on B's next set of orders so we can begin to make plans for our move. He should be taking a new job in the next six months or so, and most likely that job won't be here in San Diego. There's also a possibility he may deploy again, so we're trying not to worry too much about the future and just enjoy each day - of course, that's always easier said than done.<br /><br />I can hear Miss Mia waking from her nap, so I'll leave you with some highlights from her second month...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-j4XYy_6u-rYSmgV4cgb0OC4PhBrgGEhnM-c98VgLYrPE_tASp4fNoZZp-Ud82-b3NVhNjDasvMlWEe0MqpWUhPXEamm44T4XzPFy9N5kCnwnAq_4LGz9XYBbFuFo8yISvBYBLLLVb-s/s1600-h/IMG_0406.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-j4XYy_6u-rYSmgV4cgb0OC4PhBrgGEhnM-c98VgLYrPE_tASp4fNoZZp-Ud82-b3NVhNjDasvMlWEe0MqpWUhPXEamm44T4XzPFy9N5kCnwnAq_4LGz9XYBbFuFo8yISvBYBLLLVb-s/s320/IMG_0406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428558481666358898" border="0" /></a>A visit from Aunt Kayla<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hGL31-p8YesXC5XJYBRqSnkw3TKlm8uzaAdC7VgaLjH-2Zg5PbaaYzlDoVFJk9eKfWAA8R_so7EiFHlnAb8dzZRJA9ZU4sREcY6sc99fwdnBAC88PvrakU0isQrLkKX6dkeQHVItq2YV/s1600-h/P1010799.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hGL31-p8YesXC5XJYBRqSnkw3TKlm8uzaAdC7VgaLjH-2Zg5PbaaYzlDoVFJk9eKfWAA8R_so7EiFHlnAb8dzZRJA9ZU4sREcY6sc99fwdnBAC88PvrakU0isQrLkKX6dkeQHVItq2YV/s320/P1010799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428558496123484290" border="0" /></a>A visit from Aunt Christina and Uncle Daniel<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISbHmFNwCsOJxxB1eprBJ9uGbc1YGtl9U9M9ch049tWt44qTx_6HpBxwjN4OKmLRayR6uxnh0rWsVubJOpaoATSQyj0_hT3t2Q83KlGTJmCPXSsRthVtiXMeWKMQowi1gFj8U4ujL35VJ/s1600-h/MiaTummyTime.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISbHmFNwCsOJxxB1eprBJ9uGbc1YGtl9U9M9ch049tWt44qTx_6HpBxwjN4OKmLRayR6uxnh0rWsVubJOpaoATSQyj0_hT3t2Q83KlGTJmCPXSsRthVtiXMeWKMQowi1gFj8U4ujL35VJ/s320/MiaTummyTime.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428557711939681682" border="0" /></a>Getting better at (and starting to enjoy) tummy time<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 78%;">If you want to see a collage up close, simply click on it and it will open up, bigger, in another window. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 78%;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 78%;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mL8ml2PjSUfL2FBbKzlZUo_V3mKbSedWbCLW8ZueEznF__PwKF9EcRjW8OPLQAFL_RoposbndVHD-vAGb9Ho7lEmY_p75M8C5KTkESGqH5dxszUkA5IaLMiE1i-jNA9wajTQSF1Rx0WE/s1600-h/MiaSmiles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mL8ml2PjSUfL2FBbKzlZUo_V3mKbSedWbCLW8ZueEznF__PwKF9EcRjW8OPLQAFL_RoposbndVHD-vAGb9Ho7lEmY_p75M8C5KTkESGqH5dxszUkA5IaLMiE1i-jNA9wajTQSF1Rx0WE/s320/MiaSmiles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428557560059934450" border="0" /></a>Melting us with her smiles!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfPShxjWzqYypIFx1IbRXLa_aeWrv_Mh45K2M5lYmjHBkdwFDOL24SD-iVLoQRpA7kP4Idj698RvKc3Qcld2TwjQ241hZS2V5mx2yAU_yzXLKib3XlAP3H3rejn2XXApVcB0JR1vHP5en/s1600-h/IMG_0419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfPShxjWzqYypIFx1IbRXLa_aeWrv_Mh45K2M5lYmjHBkdwFDOL24SD-iVLoQRpA7kP4Idj698RvKc3Qcld2TwjQ241hZS2V5mx2yAU_yzXLKib3XlAP3H3rejn2XXApVcB0JR1vHP5en/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428558487151865362" border="0" /></a>Enjoying the boat parade with Summer, Gregg and Baby Tay<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE60C6d8AGEdsJRrDhn5jlldtI_JGFjtGCjCap_qU-B1zls2kdISgbaRJxiRtfgqb2U5SPcul7inDoHD38uDPclvPH0TNnbpYCkP8WGL_XeT1qr82d-zZ2My10txXQfqc5zVCT4kqRyqS/s1600-h/MiaChristmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE60C6d8AGEdsJRrDhn5jlldtI_JGFjtGCjCap_qU-B1zls2kdISgbaRJxiRtfgqb2U5SPcul7inDoHD38uDPclvPH0TNnbpYCkP8WGL_XeT1qr82d-zZ2My10txXQfqc5zVCT4kqRyqS/s320/MiaChristmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428557551855088338" border="0" /></a>Mia's first Christmas! She was spoiled, of course!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RmqA0PjAdpebXzggUsy7X8ctTyuEsLocDsdOoKfBnN2zvC6TPJt7CxG0pDqYqc3YvProTdL4KrtRpNq3fyZHBcZdBYUix9fEhnsZKNWzbqM5jRUA8bcwzpp4fih5SPKKisgmiXU8UP_Y/s1600-h/MiaChats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RmqA0PjAdpebXzggUsy7X8ctTyuEsLocDsdOoKfBnN2zvC6TPJt7CxG0pDqYqc3YvProTdL4KrtRpNq3fyZHBcZdBYUix9fEhnsZKNWzbqM5jRUA8bcwzpp4fih5SPKKisgmiXU8UP_Y/s320/MiaChats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428557539438218274" border="0" /></a>Morning chats with Daddy<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e3YVGbX08PIfGtxfKah2cWywZGEqW8L2g-AscwojoU5h-0A5EjG6wqMj0qvo3UFVOlqcd7jlxXPz7OaulFp9cD7oRGWWRIZaN3zh3e94FRpQG27taJfTnQTmHAGUCINkTebu52-JF-t1/s1600-h/MiaAquarium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e3YVGbX08PIfGtxfKah2cWywZGEqW8L2g-AscwojoU5h-0A5EjG6wqMj0qvo3UFVOlqcd7jlxXPz7OaulFp9cD7oRGWWRIZaN3zh3e94FRpQG27taJfTnQTmHAGUCINkTebu52-JF-t1/s320/MiaAquarium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428557537145285650" border="0" /></a>First trip to the Birch Aquarium<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9CJ19aj0mjlfpSYOJqiMD1sAlevKXc4XtR4ehdxzsIbqUGLRvmswaoa7JO458Z3I2UBgT9EjOhbfqaPkyES7vs_7MUGsdbZ8ImPh4IjJvRk67M795P6M6MJj_UClgm5HH6s4-sSLUrQ5/s1600-h/Mia'sFirstFlight.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9CJ19aj0mjlfpSYOJqiMD1sAlevKXc4XtR4ehdxzsIbqUGLRvmswaoa7JO458Z3I2UBgT9EjOhbfqaPkyES7vs_7MUGsdbZ8ImPh4IjJvRk67M795P6M6MJj_UClgm5HH6s4-sSLUrQ5/s320/Mia'sFirstFlight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428557531957387858" border="0" /></a>First plane ride! I flew back to Michigan while Branden was on a business trip. Mia was a champ, both coming and going. She slept through take off and landing and woke up once to eat and play. She cried for about five minutes on each flight. It's such a relief to know she is a good little passenger (at least until she gets mobile!).<br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-44247044718991558142010-01-03T16:52:00.000-08:002010-01-03T18:41:25.704-08:00Happy New Year!Happy 2010! I hope that you all had a happy and healthy end to 2009. While 2009 was a <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">wonderful</span> year for us a family, we are looking forward to another great year in 2010. It will be hard to top '09, but we think little Mia will help us try. Before I update you on life with the little one, a quick look back...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshdy6AWMTR1_tJMig7eADBqQiO8OJTiOhvZrRw6npoQnGx_lCayGp4m_8RFwlrTocSovUvL94QblSQmul-y_znjot1gDrjkzp_sMZDxndf2nIARqt_SAS4G6tQ1DI36ke3ME-5yxtGF2a/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshdy6AWMTR1_tJMig7eADBqQiO8OJTiOhvZrRw6npoQnGx_lCayGp4m_8RFwlrTocSovUvL94QblSQmul-y_znjot1gDrjkzp_sMZDxndf2nIARqt_SAS4G6tQ1DI36ke3ME-5yxtGF2a/s320/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422685160493669042" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My parents celebrated their <span style="font-weight: bold;">30th wedding anniversary</span> by renewing their vows (and my dad <span style="font-style: italic;">finally</span> proposed!!).<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv6qdSeloI8USFR3gQv2QzKnjlaH1hHPU2njVwJEeBZsIn8LddlFAA2VdRFBy1S0Ugeub7qYAGiyLDI2HTNLKVTUvWUQ0oHp_2DBm6qL63svHHRYdjPixkwPRVNAtpcDkbYcmU56xa0aQ/s1600-h/blog3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv6qdSeloI8USFR3gQv2QzKnjlaH1hHPU2njVwJEeBZsIn8LddlFAA2VdRFBy1S0Ugeub7qYAGiyLDI2HTNLKVTUvWUQ0oHp_2DBm6qL63svHHRYdjPixkwPRVNAtpcDkbYcmU56xa0aQ/s320/blog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422685151505904530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Branden and I joined my family on a trip to Italy to celebrate my <span style="font-weight: bold;">mom's 60th birthday.</span><br /><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWmFsychz2u7qZSfylVV-Gdu3OLWBAuK-EgipTDZFnQU_AYEBYc2uAr7OI81afcA05aYWh6C-6lDtIFZ6dHNOeerRvrNnLiiJzCpuv-HTtrJYIpJXQxUaXgZs50jB5szawgHDq1fnysuf/s1600-h/blog6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWmFsychz2u7qZSfylVV-Gdu3OLWBAuK-EgipTDZFnQU_AYEBYc2uAr7OI81afcA05aYWh6C-6lDtIFZ6dHNOeerRvrNnLiiJzCpuv-HTtrJYIpJXQxUaXgZs50jB5szawgHDq1fnysuf/s320/blog6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422686512794111922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Branden and I celebrated our <span style="font-weight: bold;">5th wedding anniversary</span> with a quiet dinner out.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpP4GHKqmD-QOJuFZaBcmaSw4tkJKfFMVyoR0lVnGQrte6e2_0ZoBmSoAjXAOm3HpkOxDMuGjR57NL6s1xnSawUsVEwWQEcFUN1DF-3D7K6cigMnMo4LZ5cMWU5PVn7kpDTlUMEn5RunW/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpP4GHKqmD-QOJuFZaBcmaSw4tkJKfFMVyoR0lVnGQrte6e2_0ZoBmSoAjXAOm3HpkOxDMuGjR57NL6s1xnSawUsVEwWQEcFUN1DF-3D7K6cigMnMo4LZ5cMWU5PVn7kpDTlUMEn5RunW/s320/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422685142240815634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Grandpa Rowe turned <span style="font-weight: bold;">85 years old</span>! We celebrated with a family party at the lake.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3aass6riSxQ00SZvJDAJuGdC9smWZyV-cGXjNmWjRhyphenhyphenfr_aTap4bxUDJU_gnf1sVr787B3dHzsJ0OKja4L1PpRpABi-IhQIR7uRaaY93vnjDdQUavI2acae3LrKbUpnrTns0zUQDgI_F/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3aass6riSxQ00SZvJDAJuGdC9smWZyV-cGXjNmWjRhyphenhyphenfr_aTap4bxUDJU_gnf1sVr787B3dHzsJ0OKja4L1PpRpABi-IhQIR7uRaaY93vnjDdQUavI2acae3LrKbUpnrTns0zUQDgI_F/s320/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422685137206489250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Branden's youngest brother, Ryan, <span style="font-weight: bold;">deployed to Afghanistan</span> (and returned home safely in December).</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXITolAJcLoebkIZsTrm2y-wA1sbCJ7RTN5uihUU8eimWfpxndDqVotfGvwwV1KSAP9WL5NHwnGi92KAtCHpVWZbmrovKyTwLFTVyBo52YNdI2vq2lscSBmJUHAQ5fa_ERe7d0Gf_WFpTU/s1600-h/chrissywedding22.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXITolAJcLoebkIZsTrm2y-wA1sbCJ7RTN5uihUU8eimWfpxndDqVotfGvwwV1KSAP9WL5NHwnGi92KAtCHpVWZbmrovKyTwLFTVyBo52YNdI2vq2lscSBmJUHAQ5fa_ERe7d0Gf_WFpTU/s320/chrissywedding22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422686522090738818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My little seestor <span style="font-weight: bold;">got married</span>! Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. McIlhenney!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BjhuC_E0bYbfRe1XSirc_7P84crAan_SD13P8S8RNou7V4NitEJN2R4WU1ViZndSmAdj5qFMFZI_t_oHHzJj2Q8u-pMDxDPfInnrqIe8A5KMuOAoVWtVN0imbb0zNrQ1QYqr456VnsqF/s1600-h/blog5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BjhuC_E0bYbfRe1XSirc_7P84crAan_SD13P8S8RNou7V4NitEJN2R4WU1ViZndSmAdj5qFMFZI_t_oHHzJj2Q8u-pMDxDPfInnrqIe8A5KMuOAoVWtVN0imbb0zNrQ1QYqr456VnsqF/s320/blog5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422685170958544418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I won an <span style="font-weight: bold;">incentive trip to Spain</span> for Branden and I (Mia went too - I was 32 weeks pregnant!).<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakiYvjb_DxxCOqFshD24mtuGE14kdmxFNMcXRfr_YnslBKkMhjKRlNm5YI_COYWxhVcasuSISHZSoA5T2bBiTNi8d4o50E_Vsd0oj2j335ywy0ZC3CzcUMPXnLAqTk5Ky8JJd5sU_uUXj/s1600-h/blog7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakiYvjb_DxxCOqFshD24mtuGE14kdmxFNMcXRfr_YnslBKkMhjKRlNm5YI_COYWxhVcasuSISHZSoA5T2bBiTNi8d4o50E_Vsd0oj2j335ywy0ZC3CzcUMPXnLAqTk5Ky8JJd5sU_uUXj/s320/blog7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422686519489579746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We welcomed a <span style="font-weight: bold;">sweet baby GIRL</span> on November 15!<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">When I look back, it is hard to believe that we were lucky enough to celebrate so much in one year. During a difficult time for so many people, we are humbled by the blessings of 2009.<br /><br />While every one of these events brought us great joy, it was the birth of our daughter that truly made this a year to remember. She is seven weeks old today - I thought time flew before, but having a baby changes everything! When I look back at the photos from the last few weeks, it is hard to believe that she is almost two months old. Where does the time go??<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" ></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p2bNLUcAnq6CYbZhS9qjSY4J99mCgQ28pOS-52UElPwhZ-Leam5h2UCb_ZSwKor4KOScc0n_llVNq21OL7KNVoKahKEISlMypA63856ffHFfXNzxgNGKv5C6MKJS5LggGs2Ptqkfn4O1/s1600-h/MiaWeeks1-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p2bNLUcAnq6CYbZhS9qjSY4J99mCgQ28pOS-52UElPwhZ-Leam5h2UCb_ZSwKor4KOScc0n_llVNq21OL7KNVoKahKEISlMypA63856ffHFfXNzxgNGKv5C6MKJS5LggGs2Ptqkfn4O1/s320/MiaWeeks1-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422687543859652274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >If you want to see a collage up close, simply click on it and it will open up, bigger, in another window. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" ></span></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" ><br /><br /></span></span>Little Mia is truly amazing. I'm sure all parents say that but, of course, we're biased! Branden and I feel so lucky to be her parents. She is a happy, sweet and curious baby who loves to snuggle. When she's not cuddling with us, she's cracking us up with her expressions!<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8Ub4yrNJwVJOd_JGky3wqldQIy2Oys1GPNw_6vKeisYrorQkXXqz2diHzNvlxsiSg-0bTqH_5ABTcLkZz85-qS-DNE-J7v_pEHhE5wr_4Nl0Siqw4NVZA5ww-VpwmwoXGJ3F47_zGFQd/s1600-h/Mia'sManyFaces.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8Ub4yrNJwVJOd_JGky3wqldQIy2Oys1GPNw_6vKeisYrorQkXXqz2diHzNvlxsiSg-0bTqH_5ABTcLkZz85-qS-DNE-J7v_pEHhE5wr_4Nl0Siqw4NVZA5ww-VpwmwoXGJ3F47_zGFQd/s320/Mia'sManyFaces.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422687553419108066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >If you want to see a collage up close, simply click on it and it will open up, bigger, in another window.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div>I know I always write this, but I really promise to try and be better about posting in the future! I know you all want to see pictures of Mia, so I will do my best. Perhaps that can be my New Year's resolution...The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-59072596840787036832009-11-23T17:03:00.000-08:002009-11-24T03:36:13.195-08:00Introducing...<span style="font-family:verdana;">our sweet baby GIRL!</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8biUKaSAeV9Z69Vc4kGgpQmdNbDl3_CEoYqL8bD6EEuk5H2X_Fm5Lw7DowgAMxE6K02nzVZYCGctvDfAgkg-uBXnVIoKKPNm3ognNOoNLENG8hUX0DJj6o62uyYNswtIhqf1Vep7tZDN0/s1600/AmeliaRoweMarty1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8biUKaSAeV9Z69Vc4kGgpQmdNbDl3_CEoYqL8bD6EEuk5H2X_Fm5Lw7DowgAMxE6K02nzVZYCGctvDfAgkg-uBXnVIoKKPNm3ognNOoNLENG8hUX0DJj6o62uyYNswtIhqf1Vep7tZDN0/s320/AmeliaRoweMarty1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407628799587204338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">As you may have heard by now, Amelia Rowe Marty was born on Sunday, November 15 at 3:48pm. Mia weighed 6lbs, 15oz and is a shorty at 18.5" long. She is named after my grandmother and sister (my grandma's name is Amelia and my sister's middle name is also Amelia) and Branden's mom and grandpa (Rowe is Branden's mom's maiden name).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amelia's due date was November 8 and we spent the last week of my pregnancy trying to be patient while we waited for her to arrive. Though anxious to meet our little one, we tried to enjoy our last few days as a twosome. On Friday, November 13, I went for a check-up and was showing little sign of progress towards labor. We were happy to wait and allow the baby to come on his or her own schedule, but modern medicine had other plans. Our midwife told us that our hospital wouldn't allow us to wait past 41 weeks and 6 days, so an induction was scheduled for Friday, November 20. I had long been hoping to avoid an induction, but we were left little choice. We went home and hoped that our little baby girl or boy would decide to arrive before we were forced to induce.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Like so many things in life, even the best laid plans don't always work out as expected. On Saturday morning, November 14, my water broke around 6:30am. We were thrilled and excitedly waited for contractions and labor to begin. We called our doula and told her to be ready to come over. She gave us some ideas to help labor get started and we tried them all (walking, climbing stairs, warm shower, etc). We kept in contact with our doula all morning and early afternoon - when nothing had happened by 2pm, she suggested we start thinking about calling the midwife. Since my water had broken, she knew the hospital would want the baby delivered by 6:30am on Sunday (to avoid infection) and we were running out of time to labor and deliver before our 24 hours were up. Branden and I decided to give it until 4pm before we called. By then, I still wasn't showing any signs of labor, so we called the hospital and they told us we needed to come in as soon as possible.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We showered and got ready, again enjoying our last few moments as a twosome. We headed to the hospital around 5pm and got checked into Triage so the doctor on call could check me out. She confirmed that my water had indeed broken and decided to admit us since it had been nearly eleven hours with no signs of labor.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Once we were checked into our room, the doctor came in to discuss a game plan. She felt it was time to induce labor, so we discussed our options by which to do so. Ultimately, we decided on Pitocin. It would cause heavy, hard contractions, but it was proven safe for the baby and would force my body into labor. We called Donna, our doula, and asked her to come to the hospital for support. Already our birth plan was changing and we wanted a familiar face with us to help guide us through the world of modern medicine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The doctor started Pitcoin about 7:30pm and it didn't take long for the contractions to begin. Upon admission, I was only dilated to a 1.5-2cm, so we knew that the Pitocin and my body had a lot of work to do before this baby was born. We settled in for a long night.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The next twelve hours are a bit of a blur. I had decided on a natural childbirth, so the doctors and nurses tried to respect that as much as possible. That said, the induction required some medical intervention and we had to be flexible with our birth plan. I had to be monitored continuously, so I couldn't leave my bed or bedside. I was able to stand and squat through the contractions, which helped tremendously. I wished I had the freedom to walk or move more but, again, we were all having to be flexible and make adjustments due to the induction. Unfortunately, as the night wore on, Amelia and I required more and more interventions, eventually forcing me to lie in bed, wearing an oxygen mask and more monitors. Her heart rate kept dropping with each contraction and the lack of amniotic fluid was causing her cord to get pinched (hence the need for me to be on oxygen). These extra interventions, while certainly needed, were making it very difficult for me to deal with the pain of the contractions - I had little relief because I couldn't move around and they were very irregular due to the Pitocin. I would have three contractions without a break and then not have another one for several minutes. The combination of these factors was wearing me down.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Finally, about 3am, when I was only dilated to 4cm and hadn't made any progress in several hours, I decided I would ask for some pain relief. I was disheartened by my lack of progress and exhaustion was setting in. I knew I had many more hours of labor ahead of me and it was difficult to deal with the pain while forced to lie in bed. Branden and Donna persuaded me to wait a little longer and really think the decision through. I appreciated their support and continued to labor naturally. An little over an hour later, I decided that I really did want pain medication and asked them to tell the nurse. The anesthesiologist was in an emergency c-section with another patient, so the nurse offered some mild pain relief while I waited for an epidural. That medication did little for the pain, but it did make me a little loopy, so I labored in a bit of a fog while we waited for the anesthesiologist. Around 7am, we finally got word that the anesthesiologist was on her way and by 7:30am, I had much needed relief. While I was disappointed in my decision, I knew that getting the epidural was the best decision for me at the time. I was having trouble relaxing through the contractions and I think the tension was preventing my body and the baby from progressing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Of course, the epidural allowed my body to relax and it allowed all three of us (Branden, Donna and myself) a much-needed nap. We all went to sleep and woke up about 9:30am. Branden and Donna took turns staying with me while the other went for fresh air and food. By that time, shift change had taken place and a midwife had come on call. She took over my care from the doctor and came in to introduce herself. I wasn't showing any signs of infection, so she agreed to let us keep laboring, despite having passed the 24-hour mark since my water had broken. We were thankful for her patience and relieved that a c-section wasn't in our future (at least not yet).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Because I had the epidural, the next several hours seemed to crawl by. Though laboring naturally was hard and painful, it did make the time pass quickly and made me feel productive, like I was really working to bring my baby into the world. With the epidural, I didn't do anything but lay in bed and wait. It was hard but my body was progressing and we knew it wouldn't be much longer before our baby was born. My parents arrived at the hospital around 12:30pm, surprised that they still didn't have a grandchild!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">About an hour later, Kel, the midwife, came in to check on my progress. She discovered that I was fully dilated and ready to go! While checking though, she discovered the our little one was in a face-up presentation. Since this is pretty uncommon, she grabbed an ultrasound machine and the doctor on-call for a second opinion. Sure enough, the baby was presenting face-up, meaning we would see the baby's face upon delivery, rather than the top or back of the head. Kel said that I could still deliver the baby vaginally, we would just have to be prepared for any complications. She told me to start getting ready to push and began to prepare the room for delivery. I asked the anesthesiologist to turn down the epidural so I could feel the contractions to be able to push with them and an hour later I felt ready to go. With everyone in place, I started to push with each contraction and our sweet baby was born just 15 minutes later with no complications! After 33 hours of waiting, we were so relived that she arrived quickly! Branden quickly checked her over and told me "it's a girl, it's a girl"! She was placed on my belly and we just marveled at this new little person that had arrived.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We had only chosen one name for a girl, so we were happy that Amelia seemed to fit her. She was very very bruised and swollen from delivering face-up but, of course, we thought she was adorable regardless. We enjoyed about 45 minutes of bonding and then Branden went to tell my parents the happy news. They were thrilled and couldn't wait to meet their new granddaughter.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">A little over a week has passed since Amelia's arrival and we just fall more and more in love with her each day. She is a sweet, mellow baby and hardly ever cries (no seriously, she really doesn't cry). When she wants or needs something she just gives a little peep, as if to say "Mom? Dad?" and then that's it. Her bruising and swelling have nearly disappeared and she is just beautiful. She is petite and delicate and she seems to look a lot like Branden as a baby. For now, her hair is a medium brown and her eyes are a dark gray-blue, so we'll see if that changes. She lost a bit too much weight after birth and had a little bout of jaundice as a result, but she's doing well now. She's back up to about six and a half pounds and we expect she'll be back up to her birth weight by her two-week check up on Monday.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We want to thank you all for the many warm wishes. We've received so many phone calls, emails and cards and we feel so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. Please be patient with us as we slowly return calls and emails, but please know that we greatly appreciate the warm welcome you've all given to Amelia. I promise to keep you updated with more photos via the blog, but for now I've got a sweet little girl to feed...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >If you have a few minutes, here is a video my dad put together of Amelia's first week. It's about eight minutes long, but it has tons of pictures and some video. If you want to see it in a larger screen, you can watch it <a href="http://gallery.me.com/jeffdeal#100104">here</a>.</span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEGtBZJNn7lALH8qtIlYLLCKTqAKwjyFEpqdNhPMNOyTF5cbBgQcrigQ5NCsTd_cA3iGNezLZF1LY8LW91rw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-62097668789652378292009-11-02T15:09:00.000-08:002009-11-02T15:28:04.941-08:00My bags are packed, I'm ready to go<span style="font-size:100%;">Yes, in the words of John Denver - "my bags are packed, I'm ready to go." Definitely not leaving on a jet plane, but hoping to be heading to the Labor and Delivery floor at Balboa Hospital very soon! As of today, Diego has been incubating for 39 weeks and two days. Branden and I are so excited and anxious to meet this little one! The first eight and a half months of this pregnancy flew by, but now the days are crawling by as we wait for </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >any</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> sign of labor. So, while we wait, here is an update on our lives over the last couple of months...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >* Because this is such a lengthy post, I condensed most photos into collages. If you want to see a collage up close, simply click on it and it will open up, bigger, in another window. Also, for some photos, there is a link "click HERE" to more photos, with captions. Enjoy! </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >August: Fun in the Sun</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />For us, August was a fun-filled and hectic month. We started the month with a visit from Branden's dad, Keith. It was also Colin's last weekend living in CA, so the three of them enjoyed a boy's weekend. They hit two Padres/Brewers baseball games, played a round of golf and ate lots of yummy food. I can only handle so much baseball, so I only tagged along to one game and let them enjoy their "man-time" the rest of the weekend.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycgm19L7QWwj8T5QHHnJn_OJZT20UJ8C4fydc2XXLjoiKr1s9VQ6rRNQyl7fxtkIjNe8SQRaHTURL7mS8RJywBJCkhoN8BQRiveMB-VUzXmXx2yqHq8oBAjgvOyqU7f4xAS5XXlLbTtlW/s1600-h/baseballgame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycgm19L7QWwj8T5QHHnJn_OJZT20UJ8C4fydc2XXLjoiKr1s9VQ6rRNQyl7fxtkIjNe8SQRaHTURL7mS8RJywBJCkhoN8BQRiveMB-VUzXmXx2yqHq8oBAjgvOyqU7f4xAS5XXlLbTtlW/s320/baseballgame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377739470924143698" border="0" /></a><br />The next weekend we were off to Chicago for Steph's wedding! Steph, Rachel and I lived together at Michigan for three years. It was wonderful to be a part of Steph's wedding weekend - it was a weekend full of love and laughter and we were so honored to be included. We started the weekend with fishing (the boys) and mani/pedis (the girls). From there, the girls headed to an intimate lunch in Steph's honor. Friday night was the rehearsal dinner at Gibson's steakhouse and then the wedding was held at Trump Tower on Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding and we are so happy for Steph and her new husband, Dusten!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dkom_ydFrwmnrFE0KbtCtNbCKwS2MyZnfKs1js5kh7biqn_KSZcdo0ec77vka-8Czo3VFqvELoUtnF_pRhyphenhyphenfBVpm4ged_eCA5VIeaXvqJK3nE_m9VLS6KMpMFaUCkOKaHXnoGTAqOw-X/s1600-h/StephKarrisWeddingCollage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dkom_ydFrwmnrFE0KbtCtNbCKwS2MyZnfKs1js5kh7biqn_KSZcdo0ec77vka-8Czo3VFqvELoUtnF_pRhyphenhyphenfBVpm4ged_eCA5VIeaXvqJK3nE_m9VLS6KMpMFaUCkOKaHXnoGTAqOw-X/s400/StephKarrisWeddingCollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377738277226540738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On Sunday morning, after Steph's wedding, Branden and I took the train up to Milwaukee to see his family for the day, before heading back to San Diego. When we arrived at the Marty home, we could tell something was going on. Turns out, Kayla and Ellen (Branden's sister and sister-in-law) had planned a surprise baby shower for us!! (Dede and Keith claim no part in the surprise, but I find that very hard to believe!). It was such a special day - all of our Wisconsin friends came by, some we hadn't seen since our wedding five years ago. We were so touched by every one's thoughtfulness, generosity and efforts.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpZtdYS5nEDUUOvqUDx-WXO_Xir59h_o6oAUbKVctbzkDsT7ZUc9q1KsEjk4d6SY-5E35s959S67GKicWKuIxLA2UUZZFbg0phvvlRifqIp2wExttWtFNCi3j-MRrRzUIIHTrJOgBgNHI/s1600-h/WIBabyShowerCollage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpZtdYS5nEDUUOvqUDx-WXO_Xir59h_o6oAUbKVctbzkDsT7ZUc9q1KsEjk4d6SY-5E35s959S67GKicWKuIxLA2UUZZFbg0phvvlRifqIp2wExttWtFNCi3j-MRrRzUIIHTrJOgBgNHI/s400/WIBabyShowerCollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377738269309835554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After our weekend in Chicago/Wisconsin, we headed back to San Diego for a quick work week. I was in San Francisco for meetings, so Branden painted Diego's room while I was out of the house (more pictures of that later). When I got home, we headed to Lake Arrowhead for the weekend with a few friends. We rented a house overlooking the lake and enjoyed a gorgeous summer weekend! Lake Arrowhead is beautiful and we can't wait to go back. It's a perfect getaway and it's only two hours from San Diego.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6quVzqpNSwckzZgX0vwWY06lgfaQEcNYrxx0G4ordemObmQ6ZVXeX0IleveprdxvQ8ljQ81aSF3onPwJ_2Q7Z-MJAH5sO0ruOBnQdnSAea0UDRIf6N_vazQjrQav5atm-6kj0nMI4LYn/s1600-h/LakeArrowheadCollage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6quVzqpNSwckzZgX0vwWY06lgfaQEcNYrxx0G4ordemObmQ6ZVXeX0IleveprdxvQ8ljQ81aSF3onPwJ_2Q7Z-MJAH5sO0ruOBnQdnSAea0UDRIf6N_vazQjrQav5atm-6kj0nMI4LYn/s400/LakeArrowheadCollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377738261436628274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Since my days of travel were quickly coming to an end, we squeezed in one more trip that month. This time, we headed back to the Midwest for a baby shower in Michigan. My family threw us a great party and, since we had just seen most friends and family at my sister's wedding in July, it was fun for them to see my belly progress. I had sort of "popped" in the month since the wedding, so I was finally looking really pregnant, much to every one's delight. Again, we were so touched by every one's thoughtfulness, generosity and effort. My friends, Kirsten and Katie, flew in just for the weekend - Kir from DC and Katie from California! All in all, we felt surrounded by love and we are so thankful to have such wonderful friends and family!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6Phw_eMPGu2aHyGech6mVKOOz4l5IrPLEy8i91MYi6deGCiWQHKQ1jRDWYySowffKDq1NheOTSg4NL480knrlbQoPzkDFVTgH5DJNVE8ILDL3dkpo8tvcolvLJRqNsnbLIYTnjZL2iOt/s1600-h/MIBabyShowerCollage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6Phw_eMPGu2aHyGech6mVKOOz4l5IrPLEy8i91MYi6deGCiWQHKQ1jRDWYySowffKDq1NheOTSg4NL480knrlbQoPzkDFVTgH5DJNVE8ILDL3dkpo8tvcolvLJRqNsnbLIYTnjZL2iOt/s400/MIBabyShowerCollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377738251734772482" border="0" /></a><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br />September: The Last Hurrah</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Of course, with my growing belly came an end to my travels. As I mentioned, though, Branden and I had decided to take one last trip before my midwife cut me off from flying. Earlier this year, I won a sales incentive trip for two - to SPAIN! It was all-expenses paid and neither of us had ever been, so with our midwife's blessing, we decided to go for it. I was pretty nervous once we actually got to Chicago and were boarding the flight to Madrid - what was I doing?! Would I really be able to travel comfortably for the next week?? At that point, there was no turning back, so Branden calmed my nerves and off we went! We spent week 32 of the pregnancy touring Northern Spain and we loved every minute of it. We were SO glad we went. I felt great and had no problems whatsoever. Here are a few photos, but if you want to see more, click <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanie.marty/Spain2009#"> HERE.</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCOLyPDpixNKZInWdOQzOk2O1QWymSTBmcM9Zjiag_dBssZ9ffw8j-zgq97Cdw6JIvmnPa_zVTqi1vE3BTJXz5-jJGnpifmNaHtEr3xCgPW4H_jos605Dr3WuGM4L2TRZLh3EU3kxeneP/s1600-h/SpainCollage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCOLyPDpixNKZInWdOQzOk2O1QWymSTBmcM9Zjiag_dBssZ9ffw8j-zgq97Cdw6JIvmnPa_zVTqi1vE3BTJXz5-jJGnpifmNaHtEr3xCgPW4H_jos605Dr3WuGM4L2TRZLh3EU3kxeneP/s320/SpainCollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399613988066485378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >October: The Home Stretch<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">September flew by with our trip to Spain (and Branden's work travels - he was home for two or three days that month), so we were looking forward to a more mellow October. I wrapped up work; my last day was October 16. I'm looking forward to going back early next year, but for the time being, my mind was quickly shifting into baby mode and all I could think about was my to-do list at home. I still had so much to do, buy and prepare! Luckily, our wonderful friends took care of much of the "buying"...we were so blessed to have two baby showers here in San Diego in October. If you want to see more photos and read more about the celebrations, click <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanie.marty/BabyDiegoCAShowers#"> HERE.</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMflvM89IBOhCLj71P1bc7NMI2adzoVLcSSG7TJJmYAhMWLsOwFrAmfHwAt_vxZkMQcKIrm9-gKerFFtci6htMedG3r1epfatF4wjcTobQmuwM2vak4JL7lR4KBLsOYgKUpeHSJbcEKKst/s1600-h/babydiego'sCAshowers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMflvM89IBOhCLj71P1bc7NMI2adzoVLcSSG7TJJmYAhMWLsOwFrAmfHwAt_vxZkMQcKIrm9-gKerFFtci6htMedG3r1epfatF4wjcTobQmuwM2vak4JL7lR4KBLsOYgKUpeHSJbcEKKst/s320/babydiego'sCAshowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399613992011813362" border="0" /></a><br />The month of October ended with some Halloween fun. We had secretly hoped that Diego would arrive before Halloween (what pregnant momma in her last weeks doesn't wish that?!), but here it is November 2nd and Diego still seems pretty content in the incubator. For now, we'll just enjoy some quiet time while we wait.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >*Are you wondering who that adorable little baby is that we're holding in so many photos? That is Baby Taylor, born to our friends, Summer and Gregg, in September. We just love her and enjoy cuddling her while we wait for Diego. We think she is just the cutest little girl and Branden says that if Diego is a boy, he's talking to Gregg about an arranged marriage. :) </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa6q-REi4cf4uQT6vQBYSPRplOVV_H0L0qaQ6JGUKiNkJ20rg5FByx7QNASRLvB58Qgu_tAC5uxLbUCjyn99l2eMrsbRyJnbYfjmjf-gFBQ1D95P84ZtNYWpWybLqqZK1zfV2DL5knxRq/s1600-h/Halloween+Collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa6q-REi4cf4uQT6vQBYSPRplOVV_H0L0qaQ6JGUKiNkJ20rg5FByx7QNASRLvB58Qgu_tAC5uxLbUCjyn99l2eMrsbRyJnbYfjmjf-gFBQ1D95P84ZtNYWpWybLqqZK1zfV2DL5knxRq/s320/Halloween+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399619965087809218" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Diego Updates</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Well, as I mentioned, we're into week 39 and Diego seems pretty content in his little home. He/she shows no signs of making an appearance anytime soon, so I'm just taking comfort in the fact that there is a 98% chance he or she will arrive in the next 19 days (although, really?! I can't even imagine being pregnant for another <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">three</span> weeks!). Our actual due date is November 8, so I'm hoping Diego is more like his or her daddy and will be early or at least punctual. That said, I think karma is a pretty powerful force and it would serve me right if this kiddo took after me and was late (since I am <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">always</span> late!).<br /><br />Our little Scorpio has already proven to be a stubborn little guy (or gal). As Branden says, "stubborn like his momma (me)". As I say, "stubborn like his daddy." Either way, the kid is strong-willed. As Branden and I learned, 96% of babies get in to a "head-down" position by 32-34 weeks gestation. This gets them in position for birth before things get too tight to restrict movement into such a position. Well, of course, our little one was in that 4% of babies who decide to do things their own way. After I fell down the stairs at 35 weeks (just a little fall, no big deal!), we got an ultrasound to make sure all was well in the womb. It was then that we noticed that Diego was relaxing in an "oblique" position. He/she was sort of sideways, definitely not in an ideal position for birth. We didn't really think much about it, but when he/she hadn't turned by 37 weeks, our doula decided we should probably start taking some action. The traditional way to get a baby to turn is called an external cephalic version - I haven't had one and, from what I hear, I don't want to! In this, a doctor tries to manually turn the baby from the outside and it is, from what I hear, quite uncomfortable for both mom and baby. So, when our doula recommended trying a chiropractor first, we jumped at the chance. I had never been to one and was a bit skeptical, but the chiropractor had an 85% success rate of turning babies. Guess what? She got Diego to turn with just two adjustments and it was gentle and painless. Not only did she get Diego to turn, but she also relieved almost all of my hip, back and joint pain. I feel so much comfortable and, from the way Diego has been moving around, he is much more comfortable too. We are so thankful!!<br /><br />Many of you have asked to see the belly, so here are the most recent photos. Before we go any further, may I be frank with you for a moment? If you are chatting with a pregnant lady, whether you know her or not, please do not tell her she looks "huge", "ready to pop" or ask if she's "sure there's not twins in there"? This may be surprising, but when you get pregnant, your feelings don't actually go away. If anything, you get more sensitive and such adjectives and comments <span style="font-style: italic;">do not</span> make a pregnant girl feel any better about her changing body. On behalf of all the pregnant gals out there, I'm suggesting you either compliment her (word like "glowing" and "beautiful" are always appreciated) or just simply avoid commenting on her appearance. She'll really appreciate it and so will her husband (because no one likes to have to console an emotional, crying pregnant lady when she gets home). That said, here is the belly...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eoonoNt7t0fa6JoapEN_NtkpRmKahyphenhyphen3uLxNa8mOOYXA0ps19BI5mf7B0_84c1b8N2hyyqXzwA6GODAq_2L8soTy8OZsq9vSeAoiwbj9bfDN0LWw4gH2HfRbiV3RlYLafyuOXTBh1KFLH/s1600-h/Weeks+30-39+collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eoonoNt7t0fa6JoapEN_NtkpRmKahyphenhyphen3uLxNa8mOOYXA0ps19BI5mf7B0_84c1b8N2hyyqXzwA6GODAq_2L8soTy8OZsq9vSeAoiwbj9bfDN0LWw4gH2HfRbiV3RlYLafyuOXTBh1KFLH/s320/Weeks+30-39+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399620764665554210" border="0" /></a><br />Since I finished up work and we've had a break from traveling, we finally got a chance to put together Diego's nursery. The rest of the furniture was delivered in early October, so things have really come together since then. We love how the room came out and the best part is that nearly everything in the room was made by, created by or found by a loved one. We chose an unorthodox color scheme (and didn't want a bumblebee theme), so we couldn't rely on traditional resources for nursery decor. If you want to read more about each piece in the room and where it came from, click <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanie.marty/DiegoSNursery#">HERE.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSKD3b4PjnR-Sr3lWHFIK2JJfnexNO2urUXDzRWmerLNQdkq6TZOjbOz7P3sQA77K1zYglSawxY_tVNo0pN91AoPnmBiZg7c5-wHZa33X_BuBGAhZXj9-LySmLlFtG7lVoGFjICjW4r_o/s1600-h/Diego'sNursery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSKD3b4PjnR-Sr3lWHFIK2JJfnexNO2urUXDzRWmerLNQdkq6TZOjbOz7P3sQA77K1zYglSawxY_tVNo0pN91AoPnmBiZg7c5-wHZa33X_BuBGAhZXj9-LySmLlFtG7lVoGFjICjW4r_o/s320/Diego'sNursery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399613996769640866" border="0" /></a>With that, I think I've finally got you all caught up on the Marty Party! If you've made it this far in the post, thanks! :) Hopefully our next post will <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">not</span> be "Belly Photos - Weeks 40, 41 and 42" and will, instead, be "Introducing...". If you want to make a guess at when he or she will arrive, click <a href="http://www.expectnet.com/games/Diego">HERE.</a><br /><br />xoxo,<br />Steph & Branden<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-51319827757341567422009-08-30T22:13:00.000-07:002009-08-30T22:17:34.142-07:00Quick Belly Update<span style="font-family: verdana;">We've got lots to share from August, but until we get time to upload all of our photos and organize ourselves, here's a quick belly update. It's hard to believe Diego still has another ten weeks to go - I feel huge already!!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlccgt0bMMfiIMd0ykTwnB5ISNG8lnjHpgIAdYB5RhuW1PPe8WKB8zp-ZDFdqpZgCEhotcTLwMEqgMfOL4X1JIkwoA1_9pblTM1CWZUx-J4scxGuQa4JQ6Z64ZfV58tqC-IEg390RIe_mI/s1600-h/26-29+week+collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 105px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlccgt0bMMfiIMd0ykTwnB5ISNG8lnjHpgIAdYB5RhuW1PPe8WKB8zp-ZDFdqpZgCEhotcTLwMEqgMfOL4X1JIkwoA1_9pblTM1CWZUx-J4scxGuQa4JQ6Z64ZfV58tqC-IEg390RIe_mI/s320/26-29+week+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375992533448000690" border="0" /></a>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-63222710313672553222009-08-02T18:14:00.001-07:002009-08-02T19:14:48.627-07:00July 2009 - the Cliff Notes version<div style="text-align: left; font-family: verdana;">Happy August! Where has this summer gone? It seems like this particular summer is flying by faster than most, but maybe that's just me. Either way, July was a blur! We were really busy, but got to see many family and friends, which was wonderful. <br /><br />We started the month with a quick trip to Grandpa Rowe's, to celebrate both the 4th of July and Grandpa's 85th birthday. Most of the Rowe family joined us in Northern Wisconsin, so we got to see many family members that we hadn't seen since Ellen and Ryan's wedding last winter. Here is a little photo collage of the weekend; if you want to see more photos (with captions), click <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanie.marty/FourthOfJuly2009#"> here</a>.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSKydtScEi5Jm-4SyNwnELekLSQi9vmE2635TgrJ69o59JG3btos83nGekYGmBpjG9LFtiE0pzAvR4kES8FTuMuTHmO6oC7m2TchWtFF4n_mQihDemuBPnkKIs4Pru8dHZl52oGwpnmvB/s1600-h/Fourth+of+July+2009+Collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSKydtScEi5Jm-4SyNwnELekLSQi9vmE2635TgrJ69o59JG3btos83nGekYGmBpjG9LFtiE0pzAvR4kES8FTuMuTHmO6oC7m2TchWtFF4n_mQihDemuBPnkKIs4Pru8dHZl52oGwpnmvB/s320/Fourth+of+July+2009+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365098044656561458" border="0" /></a><br />After we got back from our visit to Wisconsin, we were busy helping finish up the last minute preparations for my sister's wedding. In the middle of the month, we headed to Detroit to celebrate the big day. It was a beautiful weekend, again filled with family and friends. To see more photos, click <a href= "http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanie.marty/ChrissyWedding#"> here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-i40m7uQ3b9zMDd6ObIMD4zeBLd7zNwCkTM391zphi0Z2oXLgexWn4ce7_eAaVvUxtmhfbqsAx96uQa4GBZV0jHRr649rDz66gbBr-cGsJRYD7fRy5pWDHTe5l7CGBlPKhL5ug93hbdc/s1600-h/Chrissy+Wedding+Collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-i40m7uQ3b9zMDd6ObIMD4zeBLd7zNwCkTM391zphi0Z2oXLgexWn4ce7_eAaVvUxtmhfbqsAx96uQa4GBZV0jHRr649rDz66gbBr-cGsJRYD7fRy5pWDHTe5l7CGBlPKhL5ug93hbdc/s320/Chrissy+Wedding+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365098034434149746" border="0" /></a><br />Besides our trips back to the Midwest, July was filled with various celebrations. We hosted a baby shower for two pregnant friends, a wedding shower and celebrated our five year wedding anniversary! We also enjoyed three sun-filled days at the lake with the Deal/Garza family after Christina and Daniel's wedding. For more photos, click <a href= "http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanie.marty/July2009Misc#"> here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevJwoL7tHYcjt24RIEzmkxeSc2wJrL-K6X4bcGO1jDxJsGFU1L5n-tMOEJk3bSf2_plBXHlnxpLiLz5rx9CTwueOyLzRB8lU1FYixYh22MXCOL6xofoIrU_di5MOI1SNGFYxTMPl-KShU/s1600-h/July+2009+Misc+Collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevJwoL7tHYcjt24RIEzmkxeSc2wJrL-K6X4bcGO1jDxJsGFU1L5n-tMOEJk3bSf2_plBXHlnxpLiLz5rx9CTwueOyLzRB8lU1FYixYh22MXCOL6xofoIrU_di5MOI1SNGFYxTMPl-KShU/s320/July+2009+Misc+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365098042670139906" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, through all of this, Baby Diego continues to grow like a weed! He/she is moving all the time and Branden and I enjoy watching my belly move with his or her acrobatics. It's amazing how a baby weighing less than two pounds can make such a ruckus! My "bump" started to really show in week 19 and seems to grow everyday now. I'm still feeling great, but the warm summer days and long hours at work definitely take their toll. Branden has been wonderfully supportive, giving foot and back rubs with little complaint.<br /><br />We're almost done with our childbirth classes and will take a few more miscellaneous classes before Diego arrives (CPR, newborn care, etc). I can't say I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">excited</span> for labor and delivery, but I'm certainly feeling more prepared thanks to our classes. Again, Branden has been wonderfully supportive and encouraging (he's probably also very thankful that he doesn't have to go through the actual contractions and pushing!).<br /><br />We've slowly started to put together the nursery and are trying to balance our excitement with a little together time and relaxation (knowing that this time will be short-lived once the little one arrives!). We've got a few more quick trips planned for August and then one last "hurrah" in September - a week-long trip to Spain (don't worry, we have the midwife's blessing). After that, we'll be close to home, making final preparations and enjoying our last moments of peace and quiet.<br /><br />Thanks for checking in!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODfPasjEUtACiee8HhdN8zq1bEXJpxsTopTo8e_aHRdUgz0QlEQMj2nkOM-gsTmtQM0BidhhWV5Wf0Bs3kzqUwv0XPausG0GEI6xhwfJ8S3mZrGFt3-9SNkB64PHunvsrdXufQqzz4844/s1600-h/Baby+Weeks+19-25+Collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODfPasjEUtACiee8HhdN8zq1bEXJpxsTopTo8e_aHRdUgz0QlEQMj2nkOM-gsTmtQM0BidhhWV5Wf0Bs3kzqUwv0XPausG0GEI6xhwfJ8S3mZrGFt3-9SNkB64PHunvsrdXufQqzz4844/s320/Baby+Weeks+19-25+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365098039155127570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-46510425627622622092009-06-23T19:32:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:01:41.895-07:0020 Weeks - We're halfway there!This Sunday marked the beginning of my 20th week of pregnancy. We're so excited, as this means we're halfway to meeting our sweet little one! We got to celebrate this milestone with our 20-week ultrasound. We're still waiting on word from the midwife, but the ultrasound tech said everything is looking great. While the tech was scanning, Baby Diego was showing off his/her acrobatic skills by constantly somersaulting! It actually allowed the tech to get all of the needed pictures quickly and provided some entertainment for Branden and I. Many of you have asked and I'm happy to say that we resisted the temptation and did NOT find out the sex of Baby Diego! I know this disappoints some of you but we will find out soon enough. Besides, won't it be so fun to receive news from us in November with a subject line of "It's a _____!"?<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The most incredible aspect of the ultrasound was being able to see every little bone in Baby Diego's body. We could see the entire skull, his/her little arm and leg bones and every single vertebrae in the spine. We could also see all four chambers of the heart and all of the teeny tiny little fingers and toes. It's amazing, considering he/she doesn't even weigh a full pound yet! We managed to get a few photos, but they didn't scan very well, so I apologize for the poor quality. Our favorite is the one of Baby Diego's little feet - this was taken in a rare moment of relaxation for him/her, when he/she was just laying there, legs crossed at the ankles. It was too cute!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ8FgwwzgOdIyzezr9f5w4FrunN-q-w8yTnac3xlTNElwvADDpa8Mr8bLJfcxAx_2bXtdAQetACDBYKEKjMZBgJvmMFE2yuaGd1W1s83U09e6K11eEuuVE3dBHHgVqgyxcwrCbmz_1kYi/s1600-h/babyarm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ8FgwwzgOdIyzezr9f5w4FrunN-q-w8yTnac3xlTNElwvADDpa8Mr8bLJfcxAx_2bXtdAQetACDBYKEKjMZBgJvmMFE2yuaGd1W1s83U09e6K11eEuuVE3dBHHgVqgyxcwrCbmz_1kYi/s320/babyarm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350720875467526178" border="0" /></a><br />Baby Diego's little arm and hand ^ - the white images are the bones, just like you see in the picture below<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr2ffc-giug2wSOvSw2N2kGI4GitEEVw6_5J5hDzfjU6UVYoI3TpW4QbFUNszUFFaHqg773Zr271M9o7ecyC42FKm8FY6Dl_1SYsW6_x6daPwl_1ZEStjAa9yo-HSE38FMfpT6hSraEFt/s1600-h/arm2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr2ffc-giug2wSOvSw2N2kGI4GitEEVw6_5J5hDzfjU6UVYoI3TpW4QbFUNszUFFaHqg773Zr271M9o7ecyC42FKm8FY6Dl_1SYsW6_x6daPwl_1ZEStjAa9yo-HSE38FMfpT6hSraEFt/s320/arm2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350721973785715026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0irgLVuz-mcA24af0aomr_jr9x7kZ7a5gq-anjDlIAwjCsFeKlD8Qtz-HnwY5toN0hQE9Ah9gbh9em2gu6IN38BbhfXA5Hsau5vcLydceMk-tJsbV3hQonsddzMs2zkT9EAjdTkeRzdiR/s1600-h/babyspine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0irgLVuz-mcA24af0aomr_jr9x7kZ7a5gq-anjDlIAwjCsFeKlD8Qtz-HnwY5toN0hQE9Ah9gbh9em2gu6IN38BbhfXA5Hsau5vcLydceMk-tJsbV3hQonsddzMs2zkT9EAjdTkeRzdiR/s320/babyspine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350720884012821282" border="0" /></a><br />Baby Diego's spine ^ - it's hard to make out in this scanned version of the picture, but there is black space in between each of the vertebrae (again, shown in white). When you see it on the screen, you can actually make out each of the 33 vertebrae!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N0xwyxAogav2bmbdYmkRJ6MEP1NNd8f3EYCqIwCHNHiEZVHxeJZRRzSFFbuKYT4vHptnq2Vz77dixk34itDVmq0owWlLNA78-Jt8lAkMFJHer7PrnhXx9QOWcJdPDhPbzrOoBXGHfpuZ/s1600-h/babyfeet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N0xwyxAogav2bmbdYmkRJ6MEP1NNd8f3EYCqIwCHNHiEZVHxeJZRRzSFFbuKYT4vHptnq2Vz77dixk34itDVmq0owWlLNA78-Jt8lAkMFJHer7PrnhXx9QOWcJdPDhPbzrOoBXGHfpuZ/s320/babyfeet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350720882759954386" border="0" /></a><br />Our favorite picture! Diego's tiny feet ^, crossed at the ankles, just relaxing in my belly :)<br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-61539523142630460192009-06-08T17:18:00.000-07:002009-06-09T10:41:18.767-07:00Mini Marty Update<span style="font-family:verdana;">Time continues to fly! The last month has been as hectic as ever. As many of you know, I love to be organized and prepared (not quite sure why I'm so messy, but I just chalk that up to my "creative" side). Given that, I've spent the last month researching, planning and preparing for Mini Marty. Branden and I were finally in town at the same time last weekend, so I made him drive all over San Diego to take care of "baby errands". With a little more than half of this pregnancy left, we've got our stroller and nursery furniture purchased, we start childbirth classes next week and we are interviewing </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family:verdana;">doulas</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> this weekend. I know, I'm crazy! </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="font-family:verdana;">Surprisingly</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">, Branden says this pregnancy has actually made me more mellow...what was I like before?! Honestly, I was </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" style="font-family:verdana;">overwhelmed</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> when I realized everything that needs to be done in preparation for a baby and spreading out the tasks makes me feel less anxious about getting it all done. Now we just need to pick names, paint and set-up the nursery, write a birth plan, stock up on baby necessities, fill out my maternity leave paperwork, find childcare for after my maternity leave (do you know how long some of these waiting lists are?!), order birth announcements, etc etc etc...we have a lot to do, but we are so happy to do it!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">I know you really came here looking for updates on Mini, so here is the latest. Mini Marty (aka "Baby Diego") is 18 weeks old now! He/she has a new nickname, Baby Diego, and I felt him/her start to move last week! That was incredible. I don't feel the movements every day, but my midwife says I will soon. Saturday morning, while I was at </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" style="font-family:verdana;">pilates</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> class, Baby Diego was moving a ton! It felt like he/she was doing </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" style="font-family:verdana;">pilates</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> right along with me. The other movements have felt more like little punches, which I don't </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" style="font-family:verdana;">appreciate</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> quite as much. :) I can only imagine how those jabs will feel as he/she grows in strength and size.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">I had a check-up with my new midwife this </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" style="font-family:verdana;">morning</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> (my doctor got transferred to the East Coast) and Baby Diego's heartbeat is still strong, in the 150s. The midwife had our test results ready for us (for </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" style="font-family:verdana;">Down's</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" style="font-family:verdana;">Trisomy</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">, etc) and everything looks great. We are very thankful for that. </span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />We have our "big" ultrasound (and likely, our last) next Friday and, of course, we are very excited for that. At this ultrasound, they will check Baby Diego in detail and make sure that he/she is progressing as expected. We love seeing our little one on the big screen and I'm sure the progress Baby Diego has made since our last ultrasound will be remarkable. Hopefully, we will get some great pictures and, if so, I will be sure to post them here.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">I do want to take a quick moment to thank you all for your well-wishes. I've tried to keep up with the emails, but I know I haven't gotten back to everyone. Please know that we greatly </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" style="font-family:verdana;">appreciate</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> all of your thoughts and prayers and feel so </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" style="font-family:verdana;">blessed</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> to have such wonderful friends and family sharing this experience with us. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPz2LxML9qgN343QhAk6ydoCc1-g4YsJjDXcmjbvAANXjexhGRO3BktX23VkNq6zANOKGHYNc-ce5YLLU0YWD0-dkBcCOegiPR6y1zyKEzcU9INBKJGMMY9WVueMwHMhHyXsG9vGTjtLl/s1600-h/15weeks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPz2LxML9qgN343QhAk6ydoCc1-g4YsJjDXcmjbvAANXjexhGRO3BktX23VkNq6zANOKGHYNc-ce5YLLU0YWD0-dkBcCOegiPR6y1zyKEzcU9INBKJGMMY9WVueMwHMhHyXsG9vGTjtLl/s320/15weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345122763448231762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj250WPJL_gGie6Hmxx48v5qp1hSgoJHlm9fyknZZ8ppiOkYh4jfHR8fhwjKrtuWTrJrxvzmm0zfu9n3WRnZBpQiYhv0nTmYYihlwcZp8r6PPEw43FPta-O_ExDTuhvLIGwqdFGftlHXdDi/s1600-h/16weeks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj250WPJL_gGie6Hmxx48v5qp1hSgoJHlm9fyknZZ8ppiOkYh4jfHR8fhwjKrtuWTrJrxvzmm0zfu9n3WRnZBpQiYhv0nTmYYihlwcZp8r6PPEw43FPta-O_ExDTuhvLIGwqdFGftlHXdDi/s320/16weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345122758931766754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMc6_go-t7qiLLOBjG60L11lECsGdy2ENZ1In8mkxpLC1sObGc9CEX0B9xFLRdYTovRhcEQtDBLPHoSdG0dOtQDRXwVOgslnucENG7IHjxN1zsAfZ1d1nhz956bipZgmpOhTta-NWRbbm/s1600-h/17weeks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMc6_go-t7qiLLOBjG60L11lECsGdy2ENZ1In8mkxpLC1sObGc9CEX0B9xFLRdYTovRhcEQtDBLPHoSdG0dOtQDRXwVOgslnucENG7IHjxN1zsAfZ1d1nhz956bipZgmpOhTta-NWRbbm/s320/17weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345122756196989730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_VxBE6rAKz23xL3R_G0d69EF__I6Rwa0yGRtzM7jAQcd8a0AFmEmYUYvfFJo8pTiskloA_NvyhnA8uDhrvMqj-rWoUXI42edPKr7vWJ05Ix3YSg4eOQP7ylEoMMXzBRZ_Gf0OusSKWgu/s1600-h/18weeks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_VxBE6rAKz23xL3R_G0d69EF__I6Rwa0yGRtzM7jAQcd8a0AFmEmYUYvfFJo8pTiskloA_NvyhnA8uDhrvMqj-rWoUXI42edPKr7vWJ05Ix3YSg4eOQP7ylEoMMXzBRZ_Gf0OusSKWgu/s320/18weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345122756016970994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-58642070828178461472009-05-11T22:40:00.000-07:002009-05-11T23:33:06.868-07:00Not just getting pudgy...Have you seen me lately? If so, you were probably too sweet to notice the pounds I've slowly been packing on. Don't worry, I haven't <span style="font-style: italic;">completely</span> let myself go (though, it does feel like it some days)...those are baby pounds!!! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yes, we are finally going to be blessed with a mini Marty in early November! </span><br /><br />We are so very excited to share this amazing and exciting news with you! I apologize now if we've lied, dodged or completely ignored a question about babies from you recently, but we weren't ready to share our news until now. On Friday we had our third ultrasound and the Mini looks amazing! It is incredible to see the changes in just a few short weeks. Mini now looks like a real baby! The ultrasound pics don't do the experience justice, but it was awesome and overwhelming to see our healthy baby on the big screen and to hear a strong heartbeat of 150 bpm. We even got a little wave, like he/she was saying "hello"!<br /><br />Enjoy the pictures and check back for more updates. While you're here, take our poll on the sidebar and let us know if you think Mini will be a boy or a girl. We're not finding out, so we're guessing too!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54b4624dQw9ZwnAvYAC-I5msLjBcCb5qKYDARt8LNtpoCqwrWoZhqI6wXnvq44CMAOu_iYCvCcz7YBZFTh47ZRMxisCMttIRajsa0mwoxEIKR6K8kaIil_XDX1Svt3owq4pnD6siPxpso/s1600-h/P1000419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54b4624dQw9ZwnAvYAC-I5msLjBcCb5qKYDARt8LNtpoCqwrWoZhqI6wXnvq44CMAOu_iYCvCcz7YBZFTh47ZRMxisCMttIRajsa0mwoxEIKR6K8kaIil_XDX1Svt3owq4pnD6siPxpso/s320/P1000419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334817019904959106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMAbD4foTTYHCRCVtPvX6-85rQTaNNQbUMsP7gP-au-wHgbeVhum4qlfRZA1LF5FB4axKF8ghh0JLIyZXpfpp0nNMPafV_UzW1YEBKSI8CgeGB3biRzCkPIsjEmovof8M1Q1U3_ZAvvDb/s1600-h/minimarty1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMAbD4foTTYHCRCVtPvX6-85rQTaNNQbUMsP7gP-au-wHgbeVhum4qlfRZA1LF5FB4axKF8ghh0JLIyZXpfpp0nNMPafV_UzW1YEBKSI8CgeGB3biRzCkPIsjEmovof8M1Q1U3_ZAvvDb/s320/minimarty1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334817014443548386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG22Da0LItw-B97un1P9ezYYpUX22xABzX56CKFYfsr2WrSzSi9EdT8gRAjffY4Y4qoB9IEdFYb7XBw21yPO2FQ-Wu6q2E4t2fUYToSkcZy2Z0GyEXmcNIpKI2IsQRaRxkkncfocF6geC/s1600-h/12weeks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG22Da0LItw-B97un1P9ezYYpUX22xABzX56CKFYfsr2WrSzSi9EdT8gRAjffY4Y4qoB9IEdFYb7XBw21yPO2FQ-Wu6q2E4t2fUYToSkcZy2Z0GyEXmcNIpKI2IsQRaRxkkncfocF6geC/s320/12weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334817011243161778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQLoX3KoiXK9zzTg8shcx5RJDBbm1P6zo-5f7J55nNioLYLVtOMFeg0lIyrlCMdQ1rvN1qmXEDWk7zTBT5Xqy_4QzAmgLw9joUkv1i142M7z17c3sOH-EURD6U7BiUUq_ry7QL9XwVTNG/s1600-h/13weeks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQLoX3KoiXK9zzTg8shcx5RJDBbm1P6zo-5f7J55nNioLYLVtOMFeg0lIyrlCMdQ1rvN1qmXEDWk7zTBT5Xqy_4QzAmgLw9joUkv1i142M7z17c3sOH-EURD6U7BiUUq_ry7QL9XwVTNG/s320/13weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334817007467504930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Zf_jpWdoRK3h1Gdie4QMK3QbIDJOwhLYFXrpmZu8MNfywgKVheez8pKMioRbbZWCWe5jCNNFck3jE9X8vEApK8r-JhUVXMJuLNkmgKnWWbdR9WLlCyaMzvOy2L4KPB_HaQWqw6Xhq6J/s1600-h/14weeks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Zf_jpWdoRK3h1Gdie4QMK3QbIDJOwhLYFXrpmZu8MNfywgKVheez8pKMioRbbZWCWe5jCNNFck3jE9X8vEApK8r-JhUVXMJuLNkmgKnWWbdR9WLlCyaMzvOy2L4KPB_HaQWqw6Xhq6J/s320/14weeks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334817000958204962" border="0" /></a>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-67187537981019339122009-03-23T22:05:00.000-07:002009-05-11T22:40:26.371-07:00Living the dreamWhile our life certainly isn't perfect (hello, six month deployments!), we definitely feel very blessed and lucky. We have one another, live in a fabulous city and enjoy love and support from wonderful family and friends. When you think about it like that, it makes the small bumps seem pretty insignificant.<br /><br />That said, while Branden's current job has him traveling <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot</span>, there are also some fun perks. Recently, an admiral from the British Navy (called a "Commodore") was in town for some meetings and work with Branden's office. Over the weekend, the two admirals Branden works for hosted the Brits for a sunset cruise and dinner party. We were lucky enough to tag along and enjoy the festivities!<br /><br />In February we also celebrated Branden and Colin's birthdays (Colin just moved out here from Florida, if you recall) and got to spend Valentine's day weekend in Chicago with our good friends.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzaJ-mugVTR5bUsimRebgydHEoRVe1TvAU0hR89johMRFqmgJGm8b63Y_zxhKGmE-e9q2L4AkUeo4A1I9mqOhSddKwdgMZdLsY5hOP1C-BIJT7aSH56qByj73oLXRk8_t9jlRzgvLRRs1/s1600-h/DSCN1580.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzaJ-mugVTR5bUsimRebgydHEoRVe1TvAU0hR89johMRFqmgJGm8b63Y_zxhKGmE-e9q2L4AkUeo4A1I9mqOhSddKwdgMZdLsY5hOP1C-BIJT7aSH56qByj73oLXRk8_t9jlRzgvLRRs1/s320/DSCN1580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316622426142520386" border="0" /></a>Chilly Chicago (our future hometown? We hope so!) for Valentine's Day weekend<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMytFTksnOWMdSzSbdI61XTTnq1CNyUfCd4pZRPUaXpeflIRvDhe167jHKSU7b-sUw2GWmBuN7bgpiueb-fnqR1IvhYQClYKd8xafYJl-QI4W7IwaLxnYhXhJIFPTM9zwVUhLS217EGXJZ/s1600-h/DSCN1573.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMytFTksnOWMdSzSbdI61XTTnq1CNyUfCd4pZRPUaXpeflIRvDhe167jHKSU7b-sUw2GWmBuN7bgpiueb-fnqR1IvhYQClYKd8xafYJl-QI4W7IwaLxnYhXhJIFPTM9zwVUhLS217EGXJZ/s320/DSCN1573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316622422034368898" border="0" /></a>Steph, Rach & Steph - I love hanging out with my college roomies! I miss them so much!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJtivraolyQ6zTB0qNWoPrESTzoQeublrOix5g5jjNqdiyn5dIpIr8lEifaN_7nxKwweKhGbhNzQgfPHbAWq72JfU5komS2XPvZ3QQlLLEq0Y8ipAyha5nKfqlTz4juntNeyyC3U0D4WD/s1600-h/DSCN1572.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJtivraolyQ6zTB0qNWoPrESTzoQeublrOix5g5jjNqdiyn5dIpIr8lEifaN_7nxKwweKhGbhNzQgfPHbAWq72JfU5komS2XPvZ3QQlLLEq0Y8ipAyha5nKfqlTz4juntNeyyC3U0D4WD/s320/DSCN1572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316622415412936034" border="0" /></a>Our new roommates (can't stay in college forever!) - Billy, Rachie's hubby, my sweetie, and Dusten, Steph's soon-to-be hubby!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNvHaErGCFu_NRd9FavPVaj2KYcDZmOrmZGbkc_ockMa535CP3mN6mXshboC5FpdLVF8Geka1S3ZuW4wc6ytqLU4g8MoKGuCOVbDfu2mzDnGQpo2Lh-pkmzW3WtgeVhCfuvXVt2wAgDiT/s1600-h/DSCN1589.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNvHaErGCFu_NRd9FavPVaj2KYcDZmOrmZGbkc_ockMa535CP3mN6mXshboC5FpdLVF8Geka1S3ZuW4wc6ytqLU4g8MoKGuCOVbDfu2mzDnGQpo2Lh-pkmzW3WtgeVhCfuvXVt2wAgDiT/s320/DSCN1589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316622413147493266" border="0" /></a><br />Happy 29th, my love! Welcome to the club of almost-30!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ydGz2A2yfRAARLjk3nwJkI7HRCjXppeZRicRZUhmil-eiAdof5HOnso3lK02nanpnC-S0o9MYx_wNQkFd5w-huQbEjzi8C2SmRWbN3QUFKbWCTEGBnXy6K7KpjTvevEBWMAhAR92da7S/s1600-h/DSCN1565.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ydGz2A2yfRAARLjk3nwJkI7HRCjXppeZRicRZUhmil-eiAdof5HOnso3lK02nanpnC-S0o9MYx_wNQkFd5w-huQbEjzi8C2SmRWbN3QUFKbWCTEGBnXy6K7KpjTvevEBWMAhAR92da7S/s320/DSCN1565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316622409322809378" border="0" /></a><br />Happy be-glad-you're-not-29-yet Birthday, Colin!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rqv-4YrAxPeXVtX0s9chJIG_aIMFCOjFMAoLywhq1yYhAj_wjDd-m-KYX4cOFsaMb1aJ6IWzMPuCLX2ElCc9kNVUMPqxya9xTaitoZTLtKKOz2T9-jBNAyw3NtoR0aQqaQmRuRg_ZQuE/s1600-h/DSCN1618.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rqv-4YrAxPeXVtX0s9chJIG_aIMFCOjFMAoLywhq1yYhAj_wjDd-m-KYX4cOFsaMb1aJ6IWzMPuCLX2ElCc9kNVUMPqxya9xTaitoZTLtKKOz2T9-jBNAyw3NtoR0aQqaQmRuRg_ZQuE/s320/DSCN1618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334804582867377730" border="0" /></a><br />Sailing around the bay at sunset with the Admirals!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9qACNbpMiD9jhSicAJ38RO8so5jo_OLt2HxtXr3_atRn4BZyTEFgaE0hK1Qfz9HoZO2hkuIgFNEZ1aWWYniz_BupxOJST4pVK8H4-FNiTrTbdDTbXJrO6tu63zu1Hhcu4qUQWLbmJw-z/s1600-h/DSCN1610.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9qACNbpMiD9jhSicAJ38RO8so5jo_OLt2HxtXr3_atRn4BZyTEFgaE0hK1Qfz9HoZO2hkuIgFNEZ1aWWYniz_BupxOJST4pVK8H4-FNiTrTbdDTbXJrO6tu63zu1Hhcu4qUQWLbmJw-z/s320/DSCN1610.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334804573099156770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2B8TExAbE1vl9DL_Ic1ftBltZI1RIgufiqYDSQ1HQ3ZdI7mwVnTjheIcg1aaTXlAV-sLbIzWplilv_jEQXSuei6acrqaiqWr3smsC_y8jdaN1g6gyRX1wmb-LGEosyv3cmX4rv1gwZeD/s1600-h/DSCN1616.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2B8TExAbE1vl9DL_Ic1ftBltZI1RIgufiqYDSQ1HQ3ZdI7mwVnTjheIcg1aaTXlAV-sLbIzWplilv_jEQXSuei6acrqaiqWr3smsC_y8jdaN1g6gyRX1wmb-LGEosyv3cmX4rv1gwZeD/s320/DSCN1616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334804575834833922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9qACNbpMiD9jhSicAJ38RO8so5jo_OLt2HxtXr3_atRn4BZyTEFgaE0hK1Qfz9HoZO2hkuIgFNEZ1aWWYniz_BupxOJST4pVK8H4-FNiTrTbdDTbXJrO6tu63zu1Hhcu4qUQWLbmJw-z/s1600-h/DSCN1610.JPG"><br /></a>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-24821778463085442662009-01-29T22:54:00.001-08:002009-01-29T23:15:02.164-08:00Yea for Soiree!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have to share my </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">VERY</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> exciting news!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In December, I entered one of my invitation creations in a contest with Paper Source. If you don't know, Paper Source is an amazing paper company that started in Chicago and now has 29 stores in the US.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">So, as I said, I entered their holiday card contest and was sad that I never heard back. I mean, of course I'm biased, but I thought my card(s) were </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">really</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> cute (yes, I actually entered two). Well, you guessed it...I got a letter from Chicago today and </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">I WON</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To be clear, I'm not the only winner (each store has one), but I was still pretty excited about this. The best part is that my creation will be featured on the </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"></span></a><a href="http://www.paper-source.com/"> Paper Source website </a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> later this year! They will be featuring all the winners to "</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">inspire our fellow PS card makers to Do Something Creative Everyday!" </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Of course, I will email you all and show it off once it hits the site. While you're waiting, check out my own little website, </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"></span></a><a href="http://www.soireepapier.com/"> seen here. </a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> I'm on an unofficial hiatus while I design, create, and assemble my dear sister's wedding papers, but someday I'll get back to it more regularly.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanks for letting me gush!</span>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-14911926490476948652009-01-29T22:43:00.000-08:002009-01-29T22:53:30.136-08:00America's Finest City<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Have I previously used the post title "America's Finest City"? If so, I apologize. But, really, with weekends like these, how can you blame me?<br /><br />Oh, and I didn't make that name up, "America's Finest City". It's <a href="http://www.sandiego.gov/"> official.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">By the way, sorry if I've confused you. Branden <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> still in Bahrain; these pics were taken two weeks ago. </span><br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVhqfTaell-4BJnms6YhpqdKL0AMzPA4nBOIU1JCtuNCRmA1Zfn3wprZGekWISnfn0YG6hnHQQShcuayEMmECKdclAWGa8ku6xH1LbcnrN5C6YBodxvpDmimIRHeywtC33hWXa3Pl-PgF/s1600-h/DSCN1406.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVhqfTaell-4BJnms6YhpqdKL0AMzPA4nBOIU1JCtuNCRmA1Zfn3wprZGekWISnfn0YG6hnHQQShcuayEMmECKdclAWGa8ku6xH1LbcnrN5C6YBodxvpDmimIRHeywtC33hWXa3Pl-PgF/s320/DSCN1406.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296974541297300642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZBT_AwQDJgG_m36ii7uQqLYN9JAIsbmXpmdHICGZ0fx83PznbNscICD5JVWYRjOAIKa_V0o5FsQcOWPZWQaAjIpzQfXSBKV_UvjKphkpi8bLxPllHD8hMv_egwq1zOdEy7NKVeaLBsxh/s1600-h/DSCN1404.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZBT_AwQDJgG_m36ii7uQqLYN9JAIsbmXpmdHICGZ0fx83PznbNscICD5JVWYRjOAIKa_V0o5FsQcOWPZWQaAjIpzQfXSBKV_UvjKphkpi8bLxPllHD8hMv_egwq1zOdEy7NKVeaLBsxh/s320/DSCN1404.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296974536224695906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghopi9nvupsfNg_igAzLHFyxUSbDrp-yIO56sPk8-DdzJYKGJRpPNpWWi1eEuHbAEo1br7gOz1GuApfHNO_pZ4h5IA_s6Z5C_5ZfuTPl-jfNAhIlcIvTtMDN5TgCOUk0AqQQ9GrV5AJBb1/s1600-h/DSCN1408.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghopi9nvupsfNg_igAzLHFyxUSbDrp-yIO56sPk8-DdzJYKGJRpPNpWWi1eEuHbAEo1br7gOz1GuApfHNO_pZ4h5IA_s6Z5C_5ZfuTPl-jfNAhIlcIvTtMDN5TgCOUk0AqQQ9GrV5AJBb1/s320/DSCN1408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296974538874605906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPRJLRTVoTfe50q1yGh-voXLyR2oLtw5zTAjE_O1K21q1FdH3Ll_e5pyk49giLnE8RXp9j_41DNuxLVR7UF0JGxt4MY2rwD0KaLJEw-_CdEhEqoOIgvfMhnL_D00PR1TspTo_Zltp2MeT/s1600-h/DSCN1411.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPRJLRTVoTfe50q1yGh-voXLyR2oLtw5zTAjE_O1K21q1FdH3Ll_e5pyk49giLnE8RXp9j_41DNuxLVR7UF0JGxt4MY2rwD0KaLJEw-_CdEhEqoOIgvfMhnL_D00PR1TspTo_Zltp2MeT/s320/DSCN1411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296974540882289746" border="0" /></a>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-25540614769291697212009-01-28T23:59:00.001-08:002009-01-29T00:47:16.886-08:00Another Pilot!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAChCb6g1UsTiTwiED7qPBBzrjY6OjRt5Q5o059n2jfErE9Tts8M8N0Psw6vRxO45aFtb6vhC0PXkr7XsCoA3LhDylrfRkmf61lNF9IDumfOLMYa-rjccwclaleZ03dlaGeYc3QU44cK2L/s1600-h/DSCN1419wcaptions.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;"></span></a>January has been a busy month for us (who knew getting older meant getting busier?! ). After just two weekends at home, we traveled to Pensacola, Florida for Colin's winging. You may remember, both of Branden's brothers are Marines. Ryan, the "little" one, is in the Special Forces (I don't really know what that means, but I 'm pretty sure it is bad a**) and Colin is, now, a helicopter pilot like B. Congrats, Colin!<br /><br />On a side note, the rest of the month consisted of Steph traveling to wine country for work and B traveling to Hawaii, Virginia, DC, Korea and Bahrain (he's there now). I guess, if nothing else, all this traveling keeps the marriage fresh! :)<br /><br /><br />And, now, back to Colin...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAChCb6g1UsTiTwiED7qPBBzrjY6OjRt5Q5o059n2jfErE9Tts8M8N0Psw6vRxO45aFtb6vhC0PXkr7XsCoA3LhDylrfRkmf61lNF9IDumfOLMYa-rjccwclaleZ03dlaGeYc3QU44cK2L/s1600-h/DSCN1419wcaptions.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAChCb6g1UsTiTwiED7qPBBzrjY6OjRt5Q5o059n2jfErE9Tts8M8N0Psw6vRxO45aFtb6vhC0PXkr7XsCoA3LhDylrfRkmf61lNF9IDumfOLMYa-rjccwclaleZ03dlaGeYc3QU44cK2L/s320/DSCN1419wcaptions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296625681589868914" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Colin and his <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">huge</span> winging (graduation) class (sign of the times?). Branden graduated with just 15 or so pilots five years ago. <br /><br />I'm very happy to report that Colin will be <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">moving to San Diego</span> next week!! The downside is he is only here for six months or so, and then he's off to North Carolina for about three years .<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwRZ8QetsQIt2d9Iml0WdxYp3DA1jMgYQy73qzBPq6qyFUOF_GzrqVwmcApW0ZM1kwuiI6a6afGZbXle_BioRt0iIPluN7YICGOQ5MtsT2teWy4ZdoAG7IyoNkqa0x2bEfi51mBNIeIfa/s1600-h/DSCN1421wnames.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwRZ8QetsQIt2d9Iml0WdxYp3DA1jMgYQy73qzBPq6qyFUOF_GzrqVwmcApW0ZM1kwuiI6a6afGZbXle_BioRt0iIPluN7YICGOQ5MtsT2teWy4ZdoAG7IyoNkqa0x2bEfi51mBNIeIfa/s320/DSCN1421wnames.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296625678239555826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeey67y51SEuvc6b5p7V1sMgo5tQ7wmINvOdK6k80jKMChBwUCrkM5egk_QzRY83a0qPL-_uyqQjhtN1y7XSChgZ1PIpz5AtqyNVvk1OqvFTaz8sui4hNWFfC86WhQg-p2NR3xkdqe9Rj/s1600-h/DSCN1427.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeey67y51SEuvc6b5p7V1sMgo5tQ7wmINvOdK6k80jKMChBwUCrkM5egk_QzRY83a0qPL-_uyqQjhtN1y7XSChgZ1PIpz5AtqyNVvk1OqvFTaz8sui4hNWFfC86WhQg-p2NR3xkdqe9Rj/s320/DSCN1427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296624815062540402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oEVyh1Oc1BTNeLJ0iJNb4fIG-h99EsUA5vcRIuwk6XXPa0qSsPfJfhoIEBtCONXjMVvPz7eisLFJ3xb8EZRY85rgfXJ6bUU4LwQ4W_f_NE5LaJ825eg4aU7iRJYMp88IU_AoCkdL9KLA/s1600-h/DSCN1433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oEVyh1Oc1BTNeLJ0iJNb4fIG-h99EsUA5vcRIuwk6XXPa0qSsPfJfhoIEBtCONXjMVvPz7eisLFJ3xb8EZRY85rgfXJ6bUU4LwQ4W_f_NE5LaJ825eg4aU7iRJYMp88IU_AoCkdL9KLA/s320/DSCN1433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296624807858566050" border="0" /></a>Ellen & Ryan, on their four-week wedding anniversary!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIibwQhwC9TomYli7vH4psQ9tKw7KHs9GodeyR17K67T2lN9RQaZwbsK6elT2MlaothTKopm9tv6G7NZDfOiO0cB8-o9aX-Gu-dzgNhnCBcjTMgF7EQ7MqbLXWDUY6v0n40W-UzkKtO5gz/s1600-h/DSCN1432ecaptions.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIibwQhwC9TomYli7vH4psQ9tKw7KHs9GodeyR17K67T2lN9RQaZwbsK6elT2MlaothTKopm9tv6G7NZDfOiO0cB8-o9aX-Gu-dzgNhnCBcjTMgF7EQ7MqbLXWDUY6v0n40W-UzkKtO5gz/s320/DSCN1432ecaptions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296628904329233602" border="0" /></a><br />After the winging ceremony, each class sponsors an after-party at a local bar. You'll see, it gets a little rowdy...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0UUKe6EU9J6nIEqfDUm7FhDHJgwhMMPNd0qMG0xYoj_Ae2nI1eiSIrnKTBRyd3fBcmMvIxXUYwGcnz5oot5WcwXJ3-CoYw5vBSJ0h7VRY4hwQofKA0wTzAeAYra1kjo-OlAS8sG18omg/s1600-h/DSCN1434.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0UUKe6EU9J6nIEqfDUm7FhDHJgwhMMPNd0qMG0xYoj_Ae2nI1eiSIrnKTBRyd3fBcmMvIxXUYwGcnz5oot5WcwXJ3-CoYw5vBSJ0h7VRY4hwQofKA0wTzAeAYra1kjo-OlAS8sG18omg/s320/DSCN1434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296624805872222898" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, geez. This is my darling husband doing the dance to Beyonce's "Put a Ring On It." Watch the video and you'll understand. No, he didn't look ridiculous.<br /><br /><br />Not.at.all.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOeY-wL58-6we_UUD6VEak89cBqrSdZAqGdx90eLV8xiUUmYD8MSstMqXVvh0y2eibrXOu-t09HUrlEuF7wxbbLGfjBZPXo2laUcKKQA3UDCceNqiXHkhFAIr2d95lYz-bkW7TSWDkpQT/s1600-h/DSCN1444.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOeY-wL58-6we_UUD6VEak89cBqrSdZAqGdx90eLV8xiUUmYD8MSstMqXVvh0y2eibrXOu-t09HUrlEuF7wxbbLGfjBZPXo2laUcKKQA3UDCceNqiXHkhFAIr2d95lYz-bkW7TSWDkpQT/s320/DSCN1444.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296623340875943170" border="0" /></a><br />Aaaaaaaand, now he's got Ryan doing it with him.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1oki4CMtFSQixahyphenhyphendEuPoXz4xhankXbPFAZW1evB0kNsPLucfylL6w6kGYrtlgvOKSqa1dC-jSJK9K1tqhIs_TvXD_AwtGayy3gfcitRJNGpy_8c0DK6V-V-1RQFJ5HIKuhCMo3OazWb/s1600-h/DSCN1458.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1oki4CMtFSQixahyphenhyphendEuPoXz4xhankXbPFAZW1evB0kNsPLucfylL6w6kGYrtlgvOKSqa1dC-jSJK9K1tqhIs_TvXD_AwtGayy3gfcitRJNGpy_8c0DK6V-V-1RQFJ5HIKuhCMo3OazWb/s320/DSCN1458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296623341936067906" border="0" /></a><br />Thankfully, night two was a little more subdued. We went to one of my favorite Pensacola restaurants, Dharma Blue. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Yum</span>. If you ever go to P-cola (as we fondly refer to it), please eat here. Ah-mazing!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEyPhx_Ck-WgijGcg6tITXQeMp-Bg-s2UY_BkS-uy0y41Un6wgZO-NBnOGtfoubYyNSBQT0_0NoC6sWr_kRTyWCYnn8zGc8GRi3AyJFljyw_NE0s9x0ih2rr2fMeKoucKaP9G-2IEw_qR/s1600-h/DSCN1459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEyPhx_Ck-WgijGcg6tITXQeMp-Bg-s2UY_BkS-uy0y41Un6wgZO-NBnOGtfoubYyNSBQT0_0NoC6sWr_kRTyWCYnn8zGc8GRi3AyJFljyw_NE0s9x0ih2rr2fMeKoucKaP9G-2IEw_qR/s320/DSCN1459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296623331125618690" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, I am officially ghetto. Waffle House is my other favorite Pensacola restaurant. Lucky for you, these fine establishments can be found in many Southern cities, not just P-cola.<br /><br />Hmmm...thinking of asking for orders to Mobile. I'll keep you posted.<br /><br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-7898323790035869492009-01-07T22:52:00.000-08:002009-01-07T23:03:21.921-08:00The amazing and talented...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);" href="http://www.shewanders.com/">Suzanne Hansen</a> took these photos. So that you don't think we are completely narcissistic, we only had this photo shoot because we had a gift certificate from Suzanne (because we referred <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);" href="http://brandenandsteph.blogspot.com/2008/09/keepin-busy.html">Billy and Rachel</a> to her). I'm happy we did, though, because these photos are a great keepsake of our life in San Diego! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwTs37VN6XHIcaZm6weGxosUK_PP4Wbehnt2yPxYDhzOys2PqXvUt6pDoYsyWhNDMMU0kBsV5O7mWagLRvK97EhaZcb4pPZlKH_x_oFAW3f_D4qaWum-85hf4epuMmy-rTnWs-KN-d-ok/s1600-h/s&b11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwTs37VN6XHIcaZm6weGxosUK_PP4Wbehnt2yPxYDhzOys2PqXvUt6pDoYsyWhNDMMU0kBsV5O7mWagLRvK97EhaZcb4pPZlKH_x_oFAW3f_D4qaWum-85hf4epuMmy-rTnWs-KN-d-ok/s320/s&b11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812817214875490" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2xd8P1FFzXlHJtGnaxYsgEryc4sBpdb9nZo00EvzNgtnB4qfQj1hItdya2dxBVPgGY7rXDn9m_4dP2lUwaApWThmUdNB3ZxisbcwlQbnTTvhGAPpKO8jE6zDPiEPhIoeBknfGmNUHx4V/s1600-h/s&b9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2xd8P1FFzXlHJtGnaxYsgEryc4sBpdb9nZo00EvzNgtnB4qfQj1hItdya2dxBVPgGY7rXDn9m_4dP2lUwaApWThmUdNB3ZxisbcwlQbnTTvhGAPpKO8jE6zDPiEPhIoeBknfGmNUHx4V/s320/s&b9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812816177368610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Swoon. </span><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5LHkZ5abDiSieMdYIYuA_vooT8iphvi87t9vEzUk3v7eWhU6JuNXS65j_RLwwH6o8TXR4tFuL8fHFWL1vAKC1E42VZnZpg9gDLctxTAObKP49_bHBFOSzMNPhSta3iVcNiy8L8jEDBNF/s1600-h/s&b8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5LHkZ5abDiSieMdYIYuA_vooT8iphvi87t9vEzUk3v7eWhU6JuNXS65j_RLwwH6o8TXR4tFuL8fHFWL1vAKC1E42VZnZpg9gDLctxTAObKP49_bHBFOSzMNPhSta3iVcNiy8L8jEDBNF/s320/s&b8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812811618213858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-xhMFXGxVblVPUqERhobmsz-eoKFxzXxsLQofd84ZHsPs510byfVKWPBS8KLzhnHuIPjADbSnsvdDw2R2sah5fbrCXe8fKyhu2_m_8cWG0VKzDTuBCqqqfDJCoHRau0KD98c6d2okPdp/s1600-h/s&b7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-xhMFXGxVblVPUqERhobmsz-eoKFxzXxsLQofd84ZHsPs510byfVKWPBS8KLzhnHuIPjADbSnsvdDw2R2sah5fbrCXe8fKyhu2_m_8cWG0VKzDTuBCqqqfDJCoHRau0KD98c6d2okPdp/s320/s&b7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812807728195410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QHFRLuuB09s4cyBpsgRgpmM5JAIIw7TestgPHFjwh-AFTvdEqSKQ__KgZP-E_pUgWPgoQACJETHR18zCOJXhIbJB0jODe6f2YnTj6tSjZyL6ATIesSXgu7viKgtIqkpjYAyjxlOE2OPw/s1600-h/s&B6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QHFRLuuB09s4cyBpsgRgpmM5JAIIw7TestgPHFjwh-AFTvdEqSKQ__KgZP-E_pUgWPgoQACJETHR18zCOJXhIbJB0jODe6f2YnTj6tSjZyL6ATIesSXgu7viKgtIqkpjYAyjxlOE2OPw/s320/s&B6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812604894361410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaJ1CPidq3vmRi1VtFrz15XjSC3nfLzymXvliHLWgj7Lp-2aGettaV_bKuP3R0110zW4kWryRSvCelMbw2V5XkU6K_pGlXODFXBW-Rwr9loDEIAelUBNXEb1jqpNX2039ITcHG4wpgqM8/s1600-h/s&b5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaJ1CPidq3vmRi1VtFrz15XjSC3nfLzymXvliHLWgj7Lp-2aGettaV_bKuP3R0110zW4kWryRSvCelMbw2V5XkU6K_pGlXODFXBW-Rwr9loDEIAelUBNXEb1jqpNX2039ITcHG4wpgqM8/s320/s&b5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812600430774402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzX63Znri87Y2vO_IoTmsaIqzsh8ulG5fv9ANlbiVAUpL7hAx5W63FXF3zJPKVzyYfXOs7cRu5hdEBnijB6cBtXtl8nMr-AyBoVhVQPLlhS2jY0T6t4QLkwBNNP61QM9EYELiCMFSFpzU/s1600-h/s&b3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzX63Znri87Y2vO_IoTmsaIqzsh8ulG5fv9ANlbiVAUpL7hAx5W63FXF3zJPKVzyYfXOs7cRu5hdEBnijB6cBtXtl8nMr-AyBoVhVQPLlhS2jY0T6t4QLkwBNNP61QM9EYELiCMFSFpzU/s320/s&b3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812598364396226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_anbr1G4z-hjMuVpHtkt6ZaYC047BfAROxlpjglSCKQfXj3UE9V2Bj3NL60Jp6AP4gNvaJgLuzeeIPoeR2AXxVaW4q1oIWtA6DHIv4Mp5BsegyRFMHqS_Fgi_Gijd_rT3u7qLVaO49u6c/s1600-h/s&b2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_anbr1G4z-hjMuVpHtkt6ZaYC047BfAROxlpjglSCKQfXj3UE9V2Bj3NL60Jp6AP4gNvaJgLuzeeIPoeR2AXxVaW4q1oIWtA6DHIv4Mp5BsegyRFMHqS_Fgi_Gijd_rT3u7qLVaO49u6c/s320/s&b2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812589336731202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3EDtHi70g3Vrpj4MW1XrfTyPAtLDFUSAwlOeD9v2A7NVElSRwEcyUIpUkDeu7RBU6U2l5YzB0QLzA7zyyVUjPDfK1Dmzeiy0A4dO2Gx6_LJqeiNo9_49xSIW8zfc0TL_N_Xw5vP7jm8Y/s1600-h/s&b1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3EDtHi70g3Vrpj4MW1XrfTyPAtLDFUSAwlOeD9v2A7NVElSRwEcyUIpUkDeu7RBU6U2l5YzB0QLzA7zyyVUjPDfK1Dmzeiy0A4dO2Gx6_LJqeiNo9_49xSIW8zfc0TL_N_Xw5vP7jm8Y/s320/s&b1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288812591975310130" border="0" /></a>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-78679975945614041492009-01-07T22:25:00.001-08:002009-01-07T22:43:30.281-08:00Holiday Travels, Part 2<div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;">Yes, I'll admit, it was a shock to our systems to go from this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yfFdkmXZmy3jQWShz_7dWPeZjwwWBpE8pJ082aNkKNyqxF4Wlo05r5W_vpvi4SeMWlSEcESQvEhTscj1JP_-B8x0cKpvSL62O6jbTb3xBKRNW1Ac16vfueM6-Vpfb5EfP4hDZIb8_PHu/s1600-h/DSCN1071.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yfFdkmXZmy3jQWShz_7dWPeZjwwWBpE8pJ082aNkKNyqxF4Wlo05r5W_vpvi4SeMWlSEcESQvEhTscj1JP_-B8x0cKpvSL62O6jbTb3xBKRNW1Ac16vfueM6-Vpfb5EfP4hDZIb8_PHu/s320/DSCN1071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807497118690658" border="0" /></a>to this...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqe1Firo90LjZnjjlEIijtcbUVI5etgn9OaFx0AyoskQRir-9HA5MAqGej28IInhiV36_ssoiJN6_Kjbj4u6FyV41ejhDBD1GqdYI-vvUCsztwoXI146J6QehFK4TjD5B88o2iB5FXA-N/s1600-h/DSCN1401.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqe1Firo90LjZnjjlEIijtcbUVI5etgn9OaFx0AyoskQRir-9HA5MAqGej28IInhiV36_ssoiJN6_Kjbj4u6FyV41ejhDBD1GqdYI-vvUCsztwoXI146J6QehFK4TjD5B88o2iB5FXA-N/s320/DSCN1401.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807494222413746" border="0" /></a><br />I'm always amazed at how beautiful the water is! The Pacific is so gray in comparison.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqI-bEZZtnTWcwEiEdXu5GZ1iLJugPzWcv5nApAeaNVS8Q59S99g1asHXaurZdERS3CMTROUQRvRaxQeeElbk9MPyMewxuE3FLZCCo-i9nPJ934wYwW_8X-1fhLUcUl7dHWGIGi_R_2tC/s1600-h/DSCN1331.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqI-bEZZtnTWcwEiEdXu5GZ1iLJugPzWcv5nApAeaNVS8Q59S99g1asHXaurZdERS3CMTROUQRvRaxQeeElbk9MPyMewxuE3FLZCCo-i9nPJ934wYwW_8X-1fhLUcUl7dHWGIGi_R_2tC/s320/DSCN1331.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807490669760930" border="0" /></a><br />For the first two days we were in Cancun, my not-so-little nephews were with us. It was great to see them and I can't believe how much they've grown!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvLEku8bTxalN4fQAqD5MYDrMdIicJoj1zy2ifwz9W_A-mZlPBw2XzpADTWc6rOo4_0we1Se5wcCGx8twHPJeLHqYXWr7us8uNSrXxzG-DfUVvRdMWdSuuIxY59_u88n_Brg6hZX2qD3U/s1600-h/DSCN1335.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvLEku8bTxalN4fQAqD5MYDrMdIicJoj1zy2ifwz9W_A-mZlPBw2XzpADTWc6rOo4_0we1Se5wcCGx8twHPJeLHqYXWr7us8uNSrXxzG-DfUVvRdMWdSuuIxY59_u88n_Brg6hZX2qD3U/s320/DSCN1335.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807238272135282" border="0" /></a><br />Dillon is 17, Matthew is 15 and Tyler is 12 - unbelievable!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMyWWx2uH1gr7zZ-ygoSCAThIdzhhustztV1EcDspwGJEt9PXAZ3BA2XahTo4inwyBWgUwLGQKZoSOwwMFvmhilGsq7S3EvUcDhFV89Jg1aREX-o_n_TJpopgpoBYyirflKsmb0TB6X5p/s1600-h/DSCN1348.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMyWWx2uH1gr7zZ-ygoSCAThIdzhhustztV1EcDspwGJEt9PXAZ3BA2XahTo4inwyBWgUwLGQKZoSOwwMFvmhilGsq7S3EvUcDhFV89Jg1aREX-o_n_TJpopgpoBYyirflKsmb0TB6X5p/s320/DSCN1348.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807239835600818" border="0" /></a><br />Heading out to New Year's dinner! Taking the obligatory photos by the fountain :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5Rk75b9GsUtR131JmT0YzUhkFyWKLILXfJv-A3myOKz5-endqli1Q59hxQF8ZMfw223oOo-LocxhyphenhyphenS1N_aeCh70Zyymd_AUxwFfVn-izGT_9rkOaOZV4Jw5pTKONwzDfuM0dtcflkrz4/s1600-h/DSCN1349.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5Rk75b9GsUtR131JmT0YzUhkFyWKLILXfJv-A3myOKz5-endqli1Q59hxQF8ZMfw223oOo-LocxhyphenhyphenS1N_aeCh70Zyymd_AUxwFfVn-izGT_9rkOaOZV4Jw5pTKONwzDfuM0dtcflkrz4/s320/DSCN1349.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807235646072722" border="0" /></a><br />Lovely ladies<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF4yp6JbcdXo-MMncSGBi-haJFLRT6rU4ijxrJOnVljlfTcbbdh9J844G64d4kcfqJrKGt1vQTsBfiTbeNzkTB65PXjmKc2NFfyPp4TMdgs1aOSFbsq-TKHTc6Vuev-jp1NBi7SnrQ2EN/s1600-h/DSCN1350.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF4yp6JbcdXo-MMncSGBi-haJFLRT6rU4ijxrJOnVljlfTcbbdh9J844G64d4kcfqJrKGt1vQTsBfiTbeNzkTB65PXjmKc2NFfyPp4TMdgs1aOSFbsq-TKHTc6Vuev-jp1NBi7SnrQ2EN/s320/DSCN1350.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807235995282386" border="0" /></a><br />Seestors!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMZV68ARhXLl6SH7xZOavUOXbfxkqKFqMcuRPttiUCzz20qJY7xWtvkCRkdPcTXOnw4L4ehnJs9aS_N4W5S7wvpNaMDU3ReARbh0pETX58DzB4ZnUpDXSyux_8Pxl9eAO0AdF6vkM7S5y/s1600-h/DSCN1352.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMZV68ARhXLl6SH7xZOavUOXbfxkqKFqMcuRPttiUCzz20qJY7xWtvkCRkdPcTXOnw4L4ehnJs9aS_N4W5S7wvpNaMDU3ReARbh0pETX58DzB4ZnUpDXSyux_8Pxl9eAO0AdF6vkM7S5y/s320/DSCN1352.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288807230461484466" border="0" /></a><br />Mom & Dad, so cute!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SiC3RpI3Q5Fm6GGs8cZakFYxvrB7dJYxw_TtXe4xr3RIGcnPKJXAbjbMK_AP1Qxdu1UxlNRU3pJynUsk1kj-XkazW-g9q7c3dwMHpzjNXMptsn2vSbI_Xs0pGgLGgPezlecrK2DLwH6J/s1600-h/DSCN1353.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SiC3RpI3Q5Fm6GGs8cZakFYxvrB7dJYxw_TtXe4xr3RIGcnPKJXAbjbMK_AP1Qxdu1UxlNRU3pJynUsk1kj-XkazW-g9q7c3dwMHpzjNXMptsn2vSbI_Xs0pGgLGgPezlecrK2DLwH6J/s320/DSCN1353.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288806949801053858" border="0" /></a><br />Does this room look familiar?? It's where we had our wedding reception! It is always so much fun to go back and remember our wonderful wedding weekend.<br /><br /></div><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqAT80oPMNNHt5w7j1rBgsAQ2iz3cquQFFvxE4D1oi4e213ljVCH6r1Fj-RLnnl8uD1rEW65ndxAsGrbJV_-olcNsdXUKjcEcwKovO-JEIbq0_3go9UsMkS4iXmfsiroAh_SldEt28jO7/s1600-h/DSCN1361.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqAT80oPMNNHt5w7j1rBgsAQ2iz3cquQFFvxE4D1oi4e213ljVCH6r1Fj-RLnnl8uD1rEW65ndxAsGrbJV_-olcNsdXUKjcEcwKovO-JEIbq0_3go9UsMkS4iXmfsiroAh_SldEt28jO7/s320/DSCN1361.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288806946984294674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznS-dQgo3tujl5BKRhot-HSvcGtNda4xwCSiaGR8rt19iVgokKPzXLJiD48h7YcWotX-c-VZQLoVRW_M2EULwO55RXIL5VRldy1_ZWWM0ZJaOtuWukZalVhbuFvJ0ZD9EklVZsOZ_UfLH/s1600-h/DSCN1368.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznS-dQgo3tujl5BKRhot-HSvcGtNda4xwCSiaGR8rt19iVgokKPzXLJiD48h7YcWotX-c-VZQLoVRW_M2EULwO55RXIL5VRldy1_ZWWM0ZJaOtuWukZalVhbuFvJ0ZD9EklVZsOZ_UfLH/s320/DSCN1368.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288806943505547506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IN21IRBLRcgeIlmiAgt8MJpp75B_j2He18r_LJmvhek6t_iZXREgjFNsCmv2F6yY8AoWTGmsEjcGzdd4eizWo3VFgeNLrU0I1Sbd7hq4QW8koMd9OVuTyPc5mThQyi9gQj5qNCRH2yV0/s1600-h/DSCN1382.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IN21IRBLRcgeIlmiAgt8MJpp75B_j2He18r_LJmvhek6t_iZXREgjFNsCmv2F6yY8AoWTGmsEjcGzdd4eizWo3VFgeNLrU0I1Sbd7hq4QW8koMd9OVuTyPc5mThQyi9gQj5qNCRH2yV0/s320/DSCN1382.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288806943519501314" border="0" /></a><br />Happy 2009!!<br /><br /><br /></div><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs2CiRPqODCG7lCI65k6B_KPPJpjNeE2r8nNRmQbAT09fRjasNBeRefGm1QSrIVOKtsgOwzPj8A3KQFk7WRplj8RQp1zuZtzHz-T8mL8TOMryoOCRFJ0Va-V3rNHozrAan4LROOGW0Y2x/s1600-h/DSCN1365.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs2CiRPqODCG7lCI65k6B_KPPJpjNeE2r8nNRmQbAT09fRjasNBeRefGm1QSrIVOKtsgOwzPj8A3KQFk7WRplj8RQp1zuZtzHz-T8mL8TOMryoOCRFJ0Va-V3rNHozrAan4LROOGW0Y2x/s320/DSCN1365.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288806936793941538" border="0" /></a>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-67296738628847344702009-01-07T21:32:00.000-08:002009-01-07T22:22:46.179-08:00Ryan Gets Hitched!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As you may remember, back in April, I went to visit Ellen, my sister-in-law-to-be. I'm happy to report that Ellen is now my sister-in-law! Ellen and Ryan got married in Minneapolis on December 27. It was a beautiful wedding and we were so happy to be a part of such a special weekend.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfW00KXMHAIW7cbjO5yb3-tRmlKgOfeS1hL3ir4X2iBzjRESizRwlOZDtC_bY_I9SyiRNVGKw3nFanxqUOiWn8VOZd1MTZa5qo30cE60tZXSl4qSg2bXbPFoiyJnjBD2a2_LG9G4zsph_/s1600-h/DSCN1173.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfW00KXMHAIW7cbjO5yb3-tRmlKgOfeS1hL3ir4X2iBzjRESizRwlOZDtC_bY_I9SyiRNVGKw3nFanxqUOiWn8VOZd1MTZa5qo30cE60tZXSl4qSg2bXbPFoiyJnjBD2a2_LG9G4zsph_/s320/DSCN1173.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288792674244353842" border="0" /></a><br />Proud parents, waiting for the ceremony to begin (doesn't the last hour before the wedding seem to take forever??).<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SZbjCqTEJAN3HQ-_Bn7QgDRrMk6pq4YXiwb2TDPYiMXoR9JFACoaym1MOQ51xGI2cCHW9fLA-7M7FcuXiYM0M9mBgVc8zxgUNvOS24E5aO6EVhq0bF7ybIzwePRdfxEuyUgiA_PENiI7/s1600-h/DSCN1185.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SZbjCqTEJAN3HQ-_Bn7QgDRrMk6pq4YXiwb2TDPYiMXoR9JFACoaym1MOQ51xGI2cCHW9fLA-7M7FcuXiYM0M9mBgVc8zxgUNvOS24E5aO6EVhq0bF7ybIzwePRdfxEuyUgiA_PENiI7/s320/DSCN1185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288792673340521730" border="0" /></a>Finally, it's time! The very handsome Marty boys waiting for their beautiful bridesmaids (and bride!).<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWah8Ealvzw80riCfv4-BdNkpKdY_g_xy2b694wf2MA-ACiSnKa7c6UKGumle8dAg0zM9S4HPPwJZRLD7d8wqANVHgEQCfa14mJlHCNmZbl9zEx2w-Tf87MJw_A2-4Uo9n0UsYYYuNl_L/s1600-h/DSCN1196.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWah8Ealvzw80riCfv4-BdNkpKdY_g_xy2b694wf2MA-ACiSnKa7c6UKGumle8dAg0zM9S4HPPwJZRLD7d8wqANVHgEQCfa14mJlHCNmZbl9zEx2w-Tf87MJw_A2-4Uo9n0UsYYYuNl_L/s320/DSCN1196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288792678830337042" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't black such an elegant choice for a winter wedding? All the girls looked beautiful!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUregcJnQwQijlKAHoMntmDMncRMVsTi2T1zlOOUL0BVCfoQl-9JsXavZQkWRzxUejTsgIDA5Uzq5RgQdnIkATX3KeN0wMWr99PwbppZvrgRvuqfpi_u8lYFuJcaAaBGZM-xzq-HzW219/s1600-h/DSCN1200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUregcJnQwQijlKAHoMntmDMncRMVsTi2T1zlOOUL0BVCfoQl-9JsXavZQkWRzxUejTsgIDA5Uzq5RgQdnIkATX3KeN0wMWr99PwbppZvrgRvuqfpi_u8lYFuJcaAaBGZM-xzq-HzW219/s320/DSCN1200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288792681689542370" border="0" /></a><br />Saying their "I Dos"<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBycy1Qqik66obVDM8DA1NwWgJhBKfqYPRFW2PqFxcEVEnIGhmRS9lrMA147MDLP023mw9-otHYyUELVch18qm6lUxX5EF8Y61OFCyzdpXch-NFm22HKnoGoSkWzSmyptr0W5r1Jka5_c/s1600-h/DSCN1203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBycy1Qqik66obVDM8DA1NwWgJhBKfqYPRFW2PqFxcEVEnIGhmRS9lrMA147MDLP023mw9-otHYyUELVch18qm6lUxX5EF8Y61OFCyzdpXch-NFm22HKnoGoSkWzSmyptr0W5r1Jka5_c/s320/DSCN1203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288792686219560258" border="0" /></a><br />The Kiss!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWLCIMLYdhCM-yFdjrNCwFNZ41JG4UgbU0Mt3MgxCVj7C59E1yhH4sshy-irffBgAdmnNWhXVXy8E_v3-haYTNUnXyEAho-WuSImc21Ft7zfzComoB8Yw7lXOYSEycZ1ll7NZs7kc0wve/s1600-h/DSCN1217.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWLCIMLYdhCM-yFdjrNCwFNZ41JG4UgbU0Mt3MgxCVj7C59E1yhH4sshy-irffBgAdmnNWhXVXy8E_v3-haYTNUnXyEAho-WuSImc21Ft7zfzComoB8Yw7lXOYSEycZ1ll7NZs7kc0wve/s320/DSCN1217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288800164293444642" border="0" /></a>A great looking group!<br /><br /><br /></div><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vPzdvaod7yIaaRqk16TAqeRoJxJzxEqQvhroGosMmDroKfY92XO2-vWzh1Qt23swQmSfNVl0yJ8WVHlYBV3Nt5e3LXHRRPhAxSWV2FvHF-2a6-dLW-0dzX-7OgjqThAx6RY_Ya3kWmKK/s1600-h/DSCN1209.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vPzdvaod7yIaaRqk16TAqeRoJxJzxEqQvhroGosMmDroKfY92XO2-vWzh1Qt23swQmSfNVl0yJ8WVHlYBV3Nt5e3LXHRRPhAxSWV2FvHF-2a6-dLW-0dzX-7OgjqThAx6RY_Ya3kWmKK/s320/DSCN1209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288800171389099010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKeYpFv_ZiYjdqhJ3hz3sVJo5mHmbvhBj7PaUvjfZTTmiZ9zCvumDd8BUjuH9oOwdQCwX29EBw0RBJZ3ExT-meWjJ-7uQwBoL0SkDkSSH4dm9FfE-0Jrr-TuM1K1dhAimAcJL0nPd7N8n/s1600-h/DSCN1212.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKeYpFv_ZiYjdqhJ3hz3sVJo5mHmbvhBj7PaUvjfZTTmiZ9zCvumDd8BUjuH9oOwdQCwX29EBw0RBJZ3ExT-meWjJ-7uQwBoL0SkDkSSH4dm9FfE-0Jrr-TuM1K1dhAimAcJL0nPd7N8n/s320/DSCN1212.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288800182074743234" border="0" /></a>Finally Mr. & Mrs.!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdShbxxRTfoIw1qN3YrVTPXGAiiT1tHezPm0p8Qi6-QJ5UlTKOVH_8-HWhJg5GcurMTj-lFBn1_xD2JzKqaU6_ePckFUknghdy9187sSgVGN1QAds8MeWfGdDCITsP6o3Nv8i1x896d7JJ/s1600-h/DSCN1226.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdShbxxRTfoIw1qN3YrVTPXGAiiT1tHezPm0p8Qi6-QJ5UlTKOVH_8-HWhJg5GcurMTj-lFBn1_xD2JzKqaU6_ePckFUknghdy9187sSgVGN1QAds8MeWfGdDCITsP6o3Nv8i1x896d7JJ/s320/DSCN1226.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288800161840684914" border="0" /></a><br />The "80's Babies"<br />Travis, Jocelyn and Branden were all born in 1980 (they're cousins).<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T3BDzXKoVn9khj4Ak4I4gDzdedbscTheDY5U1ph6QMMybt1FVBLfGQ1OS6OFKhG917CaOWxqZGyIpGxIBDwJiwsKeEBn5usK-piKq2kpfE2C8BhEbb2oXiAzDkVyQOwc9Z5JmS941Anl/s1600-h/DSCN1234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T3BDzXKoVn9khj4Ak4I4gDzdedbscTheDY5U1ph6QMMybt1FVBLfGQ1OS6OFKhG917CaOWxqZGyIpGxIBDwJiwsKeEBn5usK-piKq2kpfE2C8BhEbb2oXiAzDkVyQOwc9Z5JmS941Anl/s320/DSCN1234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288799711429379138" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry, had to show these off, since they're the work of Soiree Papier (ie, Branden and I)! You can't really see them in the photo, but each place card and menu was embellished with a tiny crystal to coordinate with Ellen's "winter sparkle" motif.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4CApWfIlgMZKTexta_cC95HXhxUD2D5BS-9QDV1Kc7HjsG5oEKy2I33WE2abcVWeGHIDTHJjPK0-Zhkjz33veCng86haqpHWyhgGnbK-jY0EBlOlDGCLkSJX_9oz7gbMDgDGwBcQZOVY/s1600-h/DSCN1256.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4CApWfIlgMZKTexta_cC95HXhxUD2D5BS-9QDV1Kc7HjsG5oEKy2I33WE2abcVWeGHIDTHJjPK0-Zhkjz33veCng86haqpHWyhgGnbK-jY0EBlOlDGCLkSJX_9oz7gbMDgDGwBcQZOVY/s320/DSCN1256.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288799702156750594" border="0" /></a><br />I love this picture! They're both laughing and the expression is pure joy.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jNbOBILlfEsxwnbNIGVdtvTjgb4oBdGyBKc9l9HjBuhgKtQhhnQdmtvGtoZKL6qEpZ5YeHb3ZEAlCp7DMZIR_k3eciMKigo-3vCt8jasOskcxAWBrLtPidCUQzmRD5kYLHubXL6y8oe4/s1600-h/DSCN1281.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jNbOBILlfEsxwnbNIGVdtvTjgb4oBdGyBKc9l9HjBuhgKtQhhnQdmtvGtoZKL6qEpZ5YeHb3ZEAlCp7DMZIR_k3eciMKigo-3vCt8jasOskcxAWBrLtPidCUQzmRD5kYLHubXL6y8oe4/s320/DSCN1281.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288799700503669362" border="0" /></a><br />Aren't they cute?! By the way, ladies, Colin is still available...<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YG9TmxtjvvALA-DMNEZNPY5awGMd4RY-bSOB_KfWYJC3C3SvIu8niF7KPtLC116vekr2EdV51gYZtcknGWOQr3vi2CgUPxjCOZKPZqBlZySKhAj5417djKv72P1JwwQ-Ssv1KdjacgzK/s1600-h/DSCN1293.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YG9TmxtjvvALA-DMNEZNPY5awGMd4RY-bSOB_KfWYJC3C3SvIu8niF7KPtLC116vekr2EdV51gYZtcknGWOQr3vi2CgUPxjCOZKPZqBlZySKhAj5417djKv72P1JwwQ-Ssv1KdjacgzK/s320/DSCN1293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288799696960221394" border="0" /></a><br />Grandpa's rule: each new Marty wife must give Grandpa the pleasure of at least one dance at her wedding!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NbwmNA-PWC3gGCkwErMfQljvNFiaGGv-BfdAGNXgdsNt3RQGvkMvyDWSs3rcjPeQc_iABxAMU8g19Eb464NHDW5AGeo_4Za4sO48BxL5eYSSE8wOBHhoLRlmes05Xur5N0yMuk412eNq/s1600-h/DSCN1290.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NbwmNA-PWC3gGCkwErMfQljvNFiaGGv-BfdAGNXgdsNt3RQGvkMvyDWSs3rcjPeQc_iABxAMU8g19Eb464NHDW5AGeo_4Za4sO48BxL5eYSSE8wOBHhoLRlmes05Xur5N0yMuk412eNq/s320/DSCN1290.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288799696949647554" border="0" /></a><br />The Rowe clan dancing to "Roll Out the Barrel". If you're new to Wisconsin, like I was, every Wisconsin wedding has <span style="font-style: italic;">at least</span> one polka dance. "Roll Out the Barrel" is a favorite!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRDOvDcsE-SwLu1hg5S9p-3-TrR1IdJH-tsg7CqxBqYsZSzg7ve89uZlyEwMGAt13Q8ApigS32QZztumqyOPBC0VOFlMH6Sm9_jAjy34b4tG-FTm5r67hpCgTql-JPv4pnF3hbeW0sRme/s1600-h/DSCN1304.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRDOvDcsE-SwLu1hg5S9p-3-TrR1IdJH-tsg7CqxBqYsZSzg7ve89uZlyEwMGAt13Q8ApigS32QZztumqyOPBC0VOFlMH6Sm9_jAjy34b4tG-FTm5r67hpCgTql-JPv4pnF3hbeW0sRme/s320/DSCN1304.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288793638109829282" border="0" /></a><br />Proud Mommas!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkG7fqyeoZZOJkge2QU57B2VKyx4BPgoxxSS90J-MBcnp-I5X_azgB-ETeEUGZ0jTWZTXspDy6pmzn6ZijOyuYRBNIuBTlzQTi_i_Nr3_Y13z5p_eQVZ4kb5TWuiGk5b-qwJf4JJrkWP1/s1600-h/DSCN1309.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkG7fqyeoZZOJkge2QU57B2VKyx4BPgoxxSS90J-MBcnp-I5X_azgB-ETeEUGZ0jTWZTXspDy6pmzn6ZijOyuYRBNIuBTlzQTi_i_Nr3_Y13z5p_eQVZ4kb5TWuiGk5b-qwJf4JJrkWP1/s320/DSCN1309.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288793634609550066" border="0" /></a><br />What a fun night! Taking a load off with Kayla and her beau, David.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqpUNHc_gMYq9I6QBLM5fqig7ojZsA1RQ1mLf20dcXqB160A69gdMFaOTn2aDAOF1MpUiLBkVxBdNOf5M2JsmLCn9Ipe6YePd2FgC1LNKxfidbCdRgUQwVfWTQC9lNRI7w7nWc8x-hwAa/s1600-h/DSCN1311.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqpUNHc_gMYq9I6QBLM5fqig7ojZsA1RQ1mLf20dcXqB160A69gdMFaOTn2aDAOF1MpUiLBkVxBdNOf5M2JsmLCn9Ipe6YePd2FgC1LNKxfidbCdRgUQwVfWTQC9lNRI7w7nWc8x-hwAa/s320/DSCN1311.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288793629717235026" border="0" /></a><br />Yea, the happy couple! Congrats!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbffS1qHOZtfIqY6hBMCN8efyei_tXgqukbq4ImnWPVDEJ1pm4yFs_D3uyoUHSkst8CR4F76-uIlPztDaGjrO8yKSSkP6ofiAQYEmAt5alADbzjxdYzjAi0e11dfSLnGCS5-02HOID0hNy/s1600-h/DSCN1318.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbffS1qHOZtfIqY6hBMCN8efyei_tXgqukbq4ImnWPVDEJ1pm4yFs_D3uyoUHSkst8CR4F76-uIlPztDaGjrO8yKSSkP6ofiAQYEmAt5alADbzjxdYzjAi0e11dfSLnGCS5-02HOID0hNy/s320/DSCN1318.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288793621086041826" border="0" /></a>Sunday gift opening with the Martys and Victors. It was fun to enjoy an intimate brunch with the families and discuss our favorite moments from the big night.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMeN-ihgPLYa_t-JN7lOq1NFbtxbFIsZ1pIOw3eDl_U_W9g9IVS38b7Dyf8itjFLMblxfT9mYlCXl5AES2GAAGUcdv6RbFUzg6_UCHetseDIhdgp-_46fiIblmRo-pOUqT2R6RWciOWaa/s1600-h/DSCN1317.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMeN-ihgPLYa_t-JN7lOq1NFbtxbFIsZ1pIOw3eDl_U_W9g9IVS38b7Dyf8itjFLMblxfT9mYlCXl5AES2GAAGUcdv6RbFUzg6_UCHetseDIhdgp-_46fiIblmRo-pOUqT2R6RWciOWaa/s320/DSCN1317.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288793621470800610" border="0" /></a><br />One last shot before heading to the airport...on to part two!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-48808585243021177742009-01-07T20:57:00.000-08:002009-01-07T21:31:25.626-08:00Holiday Travels, Part 1<div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;">Because 2008 was a busy year of travel for Branden and I (and he was deployed for six months), we had decided to spend Thanksgiving at home (that didn't happen, but that's a story for another day) and Christmas traveling to see <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> families. Given that, Christmas 2008 was a whirlwind of planes, trains and automobiles! We spent six days in Minnesota/Wisconsin with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Martys</span> and six days in Mexico with the Deals. We didn't come home in between trips, so we were quite a sight with our four huge suitcases that went all 6,000 miles with us!<br /><br />Here's Christmas in Northern Wisconsin, at Grandpa Rowe's cabin.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS7di0jEjtJYwn9hYCVcjyx9gU3ABzpzpKsBQlwKEaQQr1sn4FfImwfjvs2fVszQKDJhEss-1Dgvn35dPdKB3oBSkKjJJVgTQoeSGxbSHL__9vnBKr9P8z8m_LRdjBl-GoD6IDJP9TnzK/s1600-h/DSCN1142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS7di0jEjtJYwn9hYCVcjyx9gU3ABzpzpKsBQlwKEaQQr1sn4FfImwfjvs2fVszQKDJhEss-1Dgvn35dPdKB3oBSkKjJJVgTQoeSGxbSHL__9vnBKr9P8z8m_LRdjBl-GoD6IDJP9TnzK/s320/DSCN1142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288786571101709906" border="0" /></a><br />I wouldn't mind snow if it was always this beautiful!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqZwzbGpoNPGb7Ch8AGhv7dogYSM90mNov2RBqcRJQtvYFrVFOWcDCR4iNrZs30r0-JXo86GVbv3nNzZrS-BXc1IOk4A6NZ4N-LCZeTYr0SEia_P2XXY9ZpRVLDybGAYoC8GMOU7xLFmS/s1600-h/DSCN1140.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqZwzbGpoNPGb7Ch8AGhv7dogYSM90mNov2RBqcRJQtvYFrVFOWcDCR4iNrZs30r0-JXo86GVbv3nNzZrS-BXc1IOk4A6NZ4N-LCZeTYr0SEia_P2XXY9ZpRVLDybGAYoC8GMOU7xLFmS/s320/DSCN1140.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288786571374749762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvbh1eWKyy884X-wokoxhafHBVVJMMGKDKRWgEiIT4htiBgO4dYHW2glj-8E0QpIXHjwwd8FD-LjIxLXACF-SkEkAr7Ev9boEGORXXKQOMhgZCLROOAN50YsbHi1C331UaXnaWGsIMhOr/s1600-h/DSCN1068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvbh1eWKyy884X-wokoxhafHBVVJMMGKDKRWgEiIT4htiBgO4dYHW2glj-8E0QpIXHjwwd8FD-LjIxLXACF-SkEkAr7Ev9boEGORXXKQOMhgZCLROOAN50YsbHi1C331UaXnaWGsIMhOr/s320/DSCN1068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784193542213202" border="0" /></a><br />Cross-Country skiing on Christmas Eve<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMArIy2LvxTx96Cz7MvX1gLmuflgLFqBc3fF2sMfxwlIUhw7VGqhu5Ku49xielIFfT1Pmfvy3z4qMJNBsOkGy90yC1CsVfqrkeZANm79GYsfioc5JMQE_qCWlBwb8KitH8k_zTZpq7o2ZG/s1600-h/DSCN1074.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMArIy2LvxTx96Cz7MvX1gLmuflgLFqBc3fF2sMfxwlIUhw7VGqhu5Ku49xielIFfT1Pmfvy3z4qMJNBsOkGy90yC1CsVfqrkeZANm79GYsfioc5JMQE_qCWlBwb8KitH8k_zTZpq7o2ZG/s320/DSCN1074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784194704158930" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful Jackson Lake, frozen solid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixwp1tmmeZtoSaNMwvskGidGDLAQAqnzvffxN65M1E-0C82GAgk1FOrhVjIaVk2A1MdV17x80PEyAIXPHO0oMXtE8_MMXCPDfMnlBeJHfpvWjZMo1bFX6qYK05Zol0z21yXmxsmWcvZFa/s1600-h/DSCN1080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixwp1tmmeZtoSaNMwvskGidGDLAQAqnzvffxN65M1E-0C82GAgk1FOrhVjIaVk2A1MdV17x80PEyAIXPHO0oMXtE8_MMXCPDfMnlBeJHfpvWjZMo1bFX6qYK05Zol0z21yXmxsmWcvZFa/s320/DSCN1080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784200741737218" border="0" /></a><br />Traditional Rowe/Marty Christmas Eve dinner: Fondue. This is one of my favorite family traditions!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX1DDvs4bRh0N_PtRhAJy1G_H0aD0PMHv_99izJtNAzqbVWsk4S4F-H4cSPAxtx43nYMBzwcEYL98ldGeMvOjmAJp8quGugxYEMIbOZZvDNC7ML-iuU1HU5Fzggeg2oWR0qgYdXKDKqzj/s1600-h/DSCN1084.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX1DDvs4bRh0N_PtRhAJy1G_H0aD0PMHv_99izJtNAzqbVWsk4S4F-H4cSPAxtx43nYMBzwcEYL98ldGeMvOjmAJp8quGugxYEMIbOZZvDNC7ML-iuU1HU5Fzggeg2oWR0qgYdXKDKqzj/s320/DSCN1084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784206953014594" border="0" /></a><br />Settling in for another family tradition: Grandpa reads '<span style="font-style: italic;">Twas the night before Christmas</span> before all of us kiddies are sent to bed !<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iRYiOxMiBDgGR36rBfcX3jYAB7pEJN2_TZ_eAzsp31mpdanhNWaZB2De812_DmksTfSOtK4Wu9dZEPEigo4jjD-ORtYqkVZeYAkzaeTL76N-fErBtUYjzcK48oMTlFc096yV7RV46bV6/s1600-h/DSCN1122.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iRYiOxMiBDgGR36rBfcX3jYAB7pEJN2_TZ_eAzsp31mpdanhNWaZB2De812_DmksTfSOtK4Wu9dZEPEigo4jjD-ORtYqkVZeYAkzaeTL76N-fErBtUYjzcK48oMTlFc096yV7RV46bV6/s320/DSCN1122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288785561144724306" border="0" /></a>Christmas morning visitor!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInVPiYPw24KaUQAEAmFEwwfkzuHPn2CvcShyphenhyphenfXhI_f95b7xLyaPCofCCO0BzfmDcHTj0uzlwNKKEgVUimL3XLmdyY4_jaKyTNxCJGrKaPsZUE_3-2U1L1UJDg0xQ5-f8gmpKfZT-Z4kmt/s1600-h/DSCN1091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInVPiYPw24KaUQAEAmFEwwfkzuHPn2CvcShyphenhyphenfXhI_f95b7xLyaPCofCCO0BzfmDcHTj0uzlwNKKEgVUimL3XLmdyY4_jaKyTNxCJGrKaPsZUE_3-2U1L1UJDg0xQ5-f8gmpKfZT-Z4kmt/s320/DSCN1091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784212138635010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4W9UVRJuf8oFIhl65wYo-08JC3ey8LjZY2fgqPEGQRdy4xgX7S_n-jHMJvxL48GZuM9Sla8ezkHKXVQw5Sw703aszvXRVIy59cEmF_BNF9Jqa94AcAokHp12rWiTlwgyYg30_VkCin9G/s1600-h/DSCN1094.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4W9UVRJuf8oFIhl65wYo-08JC3ey8LjZY2fgqPEGQRdy4xgX7S_n-jHMJvxL48GZuM9Sla8ezkHKXVQw5Sw703aszvXRVIy59cEmF_BNF9Jqa94AcAokHp12rWiTlwgyYg30_VkCin9G/s320/DSCN1094.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784919672242674" border="0" /></a>Ryan, playing his traditional role of Santa<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmjulr1jBnX4IIbf9JsVf117OKyZ1l6e46KBO2i1cH8OJl48R_5N31ervRl1GYPwfSPOVVtyOEVvC2NcabmRGmk91K-csK8Vbkp_Ag6cvNi-5zrubgjngKmJGzCCLKqNQMD4eSnGtJV8x/s1600-h/DSCN1111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmjulr1jBnX4IIbf9JsVf117OKyZ1l6e46KBO2i1cH8OJl48R_5N31ervRl1GYPwfSPOVVtyOEVvC2NcabmRGmk91K-csK8Vbkp_Ag6cvNi-5zrubgjngKmJGzCCLKqNQMD4eSnGtJV8x/s320/DSCN1111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784944721002226" border="0" /></a><br />In the Marty home, it is tradition to play with all new gifts, as they are opened. Here is Grandpa testing out his new toy, a wine preserver.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-Ex6qRsC-y2rdlREe1-I0-2Mpn66_0aiqL2RSB7UZd-a_0tCQWnfJ4Cmg-hRBn_r9qjtQPNh83EPKAf6eEkWRz998RLdI3nyZKkdgZrOSsyHRQUERYg52Qy3kscxeYOBg6XbLGm1b1Gi/s1600-h/DSCN1114.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-Ex6qRsC-y2rdlREe1-I0-2Mpn66_0aiqL2RSB7UZd-a_0tCQWnfJ4Cmg-hRBn_r9qjtQPNh83EPKAf6eEkWRz998RLdI3nyZKkdgZrOSsyHRQUERYg52Qy3kscxeYOBg6XbLGm1b1Gi/s320/DSCN1114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784934687893378" border="0" /></a>Yes, I'm still the shortest!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tjOW0uTGs9eV2vVHXpY48G59uNEnBUI7w8c2qVF8j6JzjdW1ELbxBFLTFukOMKM69GzrqzrMhMY-ML_JVugQ1FsS0cucjC9_GihoacfmyZ7z0Ts9tUx9t9R4OubzTYGC74ZArguTrV_B/s1600-h/DSCN1118.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tjOW0uTGs9eV2vVHXpY48G59uNEnBUI7w8c2qVF8j6JzjdW1ELbxBFLTFukOMKM69GzrqzrMhMY-ML_JVugQ1FsS0cucjC9_GihoacfmyZ7z0Ts9tUx9t9R4OubzTYGC74ZArguTrV_B/s320/DSCN1118.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288785531808784322" border="0" /></a><br />Preparing the field for the annual Christmas Day football game (it ended in a tie, as always).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2e9-VrCBDw_8h9IqP-rrBFYN3exysRkahce_Xre9AvrzQ_NCAu6AOeOoOtbLlwo2C0nQnLSaLp4GMkFw5blzkZ0chDF7a_AnnhtNL0j8TLWAxSpw6bQSMGTH87lVGLq7_GYgYBM6325m/s1600-h/DSCN1119.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2e9-VrCBDw_8h9IqP-rrBFYN3exysRkahce_Xre9AvrzQ_NCAu6AOeOoOtbLlwo2C0nQnLSaLp4GMkFw5blzkZ0chDF7a_AnnhtNL0j8TLWAxSpw6bQSMGTH87lVGLq7_GYgYBM6325m/s320/DSCN1119.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288784947080214770" border="0" /></a>Playing a joke on Mom...Ryan's wedding was December 27, so the only rule for the football game was "no one gets hurt!". Don't worry, Ryan was fine!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu1msHsJXhQjmqJZiJpNW9miiMGswI9smnNQIjVpOwoqQrfsMuP0rIaNvgl9aV1mXQpDzxKZRw4DMgG_9yMbPVVBd7oVYoqkab7TVwp7TthsumeKKLn-glYhxibeFtrSvnlUpt0n8N5sQ/s1600-h/DSCN1127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu1msHsJXhQjmqJZiJpNW9miiMGswI9smnNQIjVpOwoqQrfsMuP0rIaNvgl9aV1mXQpDzxKZRw4DMgG_9yMbPVVBd7oVYoqkab7TVwp7TthsumeKKLn-glYhxibeFtrSvnlUpt0n8N5sQ/s320/DSCN1127.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288785567185723890" border="0" /></a>Grandpa teaching Ryan some dance moves for his wedding!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vebv0OcfAVgiBv8yUoZIxaaVWnXgn1vkBzH6hyphenhyphenGFtrnu778gbWdZk0ZeyBHax_RavpZymFO1O6N96UvUdUpSvPw-Ico7Gq0VTqyuOkmJDwoTFaJ3ZTH6BPaMEj4licGnPP_uGo_KB-lp/s1600-h/DSCN1133.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vebv0OcfAVgiBv8yUoZIxaaVWnXgn1vkBzH6hyphenhyphenGFtrnu778gbWdZk0ZeyBHax_RavpZymFO1O6N96UvUdUpSvPw-Ico7Gq0VTqyuOkmJDwoTFaJ3ZTH6BPaMEj4licGnPP_uGo_KB-lp/s320/DSCN1133.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288785566516031794" border="0" /></a><br />Christmas Dinner - cheers!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Ff4WNLBpRV99lQ7x20Ht4BjcXA8rvObwetAYmqkYIzTz3I0VY5i05pRuXBRe7ZlTT5DgPL2j9TvnGfpv7N71ect59QDB09rNfADJs1tl2JI-6FkMBMKL1Kb4g-Nhflt0PhXzXk_gLNo/s1600-h/DSCN1136.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Ff4WNLBpRV99lQ7x20Ht4BjcXA8rvObwetAYmqkYIzTz3I0VY5i05pRuXBRe7ZlTT5DgPL2j9TvnGfpv7N71ect59QDB09rNfADJs1tl2JI-6FkMBMKL1Kb4g-Nhflt0PhXzXk_gLNo/s320/DSCN1136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288785575160802098" border="0" /></a><br />Merry Marty Christmas!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814285321375205167.post-8639238479062523182009-01-07T20:44:00.001-08:002009-01-07T20:56:49.507-08:00Holiday Shenanigans!<div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;">Despite this December seeming oddly short due to a late Thanksgiving, we still managed to attend and host the annual holiday soirees.<br /><br />First up was a Holiday Sweater/Costume party at the Moeller's:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiANq1H32BWrL85chmADzSKq0RpXJlE9Fv_6lDmmD3qDJb-w6k1n0mxvSpKWvjVnnUZIe_DpcwuNScJcfne-oYTqKqN0t_9EJ25ycW5qZyaln6p89KWb9tbDCuL_c5JcZwZxayhn8rCY6Y/s1600-h/DSCN0937.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiANq1H32BWrL85chmADzSKq0RpXJlE9Fv_6lDmmD3qDJb-w6k1n0mxvSpKWvjVnnUZIe_DpcwuNScJcfne-oYTqKqN0t_9EJ25ycW5qZyaln6p89KWb9tbDCuL_c5JcZwZxayhn8rCY6Y/s320/DSCN0937.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288779249385655890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4c9e4b9AuUo249WNi0iB4ehVW446CfsuS6tKwXUc-SoQ2B8Cr2I_q6rjxLtF0pAwpngtXFsC7ktInix6kkz3yHJFsUyL8FUjcfGSpiLRvz-ykGYylplKkr-WOm08ATOo-i7xBAj0vkp_/s1600-h/DSCN0945.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4c9e4b9AuUo249WNi0iB4ehVW446CfsuS6tKwXUc-SoQ2B8Cr2I_q6rjxLtF0pAwpngtXFsC7ktInix6kkz3yHJFsUyL8FUjcfGSpiLRvz-ykGYylplKkr-WOm08ATOo-i7xBAj0vkp_/s320/DSCN0945.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288779249248736242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqS2S7h4ujgG_HYS0HFwW44AzVI5Sj8gFZbBSyOfYW-hZIrnWD7bUKgYoOff8lWmxm_t0Sxr7y920PpWmEKp0dNLP0cFrCSiX8dLq_uK-QvoPwugp-9onWOZZ1Lzay3_98I5aofD4DokM/s1600-h/DSCN0948.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqS2S7h4ujgG_HYS0HFwW44AzVI5Sj8gFZbBSyOfYW-hZIrnWD7bUKgYoOff8lWmxm_t0Sxr7y920PpWmEKp0dNLP0cFrCSiX8dLq_uK-QvoPwugp-9onWOZZ1Lzay3_98I5aofD4DokM/s320/DSCN0948.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288779248076449634" border="0" /></a><br />Krista is dressed as tinsel, fyi! Very Creative!<br /><br />Next up was the annual Marty Holiday Party. As you know, this is our favorite party of the year and we take a lot of pride in hosting a festive bash. Unfortunately, due to a noise violation at Halloween (I feel like we live in the dorms again!), we had to substantially trim our guest list. We hosted a "Cookies & Cocktails" party for out closest San Diego friends. It was a great time and everyone went home with a tray of holiday cookies! I apologize I didn't manage to get any photos of the cookies, but they were all delicious.<br /><br /></div><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWIgLq8GgAVlPWzFq61EQwibmMNJxmoRHC4wW6E3MVetTvv8J1Tf2KgppXL584kQYWyM5W_IuTznNFyP2lfbVUcAE9Gv74iBrBeh3vEPBeEh8lEa6S-lGSKqMUTDWRvAy9LnkzKUsxzOe/s1600-h/DSCN0983.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWIgLq8GgAVlPWzFq61EQwibmMNJxmoRHC4wW6E3MVetTvv8J1Tf2KgppXL584kQYWyM5W_IuTznNFyP2lfbVUcAE9Gv74iBrBeh3vEPBeEh8lEa6S-lGSKqMUTDWRvAy9LnkzKUsxzOe/s320/DSCN0983.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288779413252881586" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;">Just like Middle school...girls in one corner, boys in the other (take notice, the boys are in the kitchen, closest to the cookies!). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K61pDI2ao7jZ4TyMHn58thLWv6kzpFumn-ZPpQa5kz1C7zAL1-WgXEzOJZ5QYaA9cOLC-FS8LGzWQiY-iaKxe7RCYXlPavmxmLs6RRBziI2sbNXgrMZHlndAcoIW2lQmffiYH8Vw1cZK/s1600-h/DSCN0995.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K61pDI2ao7jZ4TyMHn58thLWv6kzpFumn-ZPpQa5kz1C7zAL1-WgXEzOJZ5QYaA9cOLC-FS8LGzWQiY-iaKxe7RCYXlPavmxmLs6RRBziI2sbNXgrMZHlndAcoIW2lQmffiYH8Vw1cZK/s320/DSCN0995.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288779410979852562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpQ0_ScI869ZJP6ISsw9doEYW8LbbU6clz-e5BMuV_4G2AcjTHVNeCKrYn2PWkvFhxZm5ao-3ubCCLCttwoEKEwQXYK5YDDqoD-QlsxMYFB32A5Ac1vkBqvTUDkD6bHBzs-H8dVweCrMJ/s1600-h/holidayparty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpQ0_ScI869ZJP6ISsw9doEYW8LbbU6clz-e5BMuV_4G2AcjTHVNeCKrYn2PWkvFhxZm5ao-3ubCCLCttwoEKEwQXYK5YDDqoD-QlsxMYFB32A5Ac1vkBqvTUDkD6bHBzs-H8dVweCrMJ/s320/holidayparty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288779416043769858" border="0" /></a>Sporting the "crowns" that came in our party poppers. Thanks, Jan Moeller, for providing the poppers (Jan is Erik and Amy's mom)!<br /></div>The Marty Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314005378405742821noreply@blogger.com0