Labor and Delivery

Okay here is the story most of you have been waiting for……

6:15am Sunday morning (Dec 14th) I woke up with the cramps. I tried to go back to sleep but they just weren’t going away. I finally called my sister an hour later and asked her what it could mean. She tells me it could be early signs of contractions. These cramps felt like menstrual cramps and were uncomfortable. I was planning on going to Tavo’s playoff softball game that morning, but wasn’t feeling up to it at that point. I was bummed. (They won 1st place) Plus my sister said I should probably try and get some sleep anyway. I tired to sleep, but realized I needed to get some things done around the house if I was going to start having contractions. So, I cleaned the bathrooms, sweep the floors, vacuumed, did laundry and etc. The cramping had gone away by 10:30am and didn’t return till about 1:30pm. During this whole time I had been talking and texting back and forth with my sister. (My sister has great knowledge when it comes to having babies, she has 4 of them.) My sister decided that I was probably going to have Jaycee soon within a couple days, my due date probably the 16th. She says I am coming down (she lives in AZ). This is wonderful news, even though it’s really hard for her. She was leaving her husband who had been battling cancer for the last 6 months with the 3 older kids. She brought Zerah (my 2 ½ month old niece) with her. I was worried that if she came it was all going to be false labor and it would be a wasted trip. Shane needed her, but he had been feeling much better and wanted her to come. I am so grateful she was here; between Tavo and her I couldn’t have done it without them.

My sister arrives late Sunday night and Tavo and I had been keeping track of the contractions since 4:30pm that afternoon. They were all over the place, but had started getting alittle closer by the time she got there. My sister sends Tavo to bed; he was going to go to work in the morning (back in YUMA). We were thinking Jaycee wouldn’t come till Tuesday and Tavo would have plenty of time to drive back. So glad I didn’t have to go another whole day of contractions like that. After Tavo went to bed, my sister and I decided to try and get some sleep. But I couldn’t sleep, not one bit. I tired so hard and didn’t want to wake Tavo or my sister. My sister had just driven 7 hours and Tavo was going to work. After my sister had only been sleeping for an hour, I woke her up. I was too weak, I couldn’t get through the contractions by myself, I needed someone to rub my back and talk me through it. I felt really bad, but I knew she understood. At this point it’s 12:30 – 1am in the morning and we both had been up since 6am. The contractions had been 5 minutes apart for hours. I was trying to stay at home as long as possible. (I really wanted to do a natural birth). My sister suggested trying the shower, so I got in the shower and stayed in there for about an hour. Even had my sister turn up the water heater because the water was getting too cold. By this point, my sister realizes Jaycee is coming soon. Tavo shouldn’t drive to Yuma. I get out of the shower and we wake him up to tell him he isn’t going to work and to try and get some more sleep. He decides to get up anyway. By 3am I look at my sister and say I think we should go to the hospital now. She agrees and says the worst that could happen; they will just send us back home. We get everything ready and I can’t even get to the car without having a contraction. We get to the hospital about 4am and they check me in, I was 4 ½ centimeters dilated. I still didn’t want to get an epidural at his point, so we walked around the hospital and I stayed in the shower. My sister and Tavo were so wonderful; they really got me through it. They took turns, so one of them could hold Zerah. She was such a good girl through all of this, she didn’t fuss at all. She was amazing also!

Hours go by and the contractions are getting harder and harder. The nurse needs to monitor you and the baby every hour or so, so they want you to lie down in the bed so they can hook you up to the machines. I hated this, it made the contractions worse, and it even made me throw up at one point. I was lucky to get a great nurse and she was willing to work with me, she was really nice! When they checked me again I was still only 5 to 6 centimeters and had been for 6 hours, so the doctor decided to break my water. WOW, that made the contractions even harder and hurt like HELL. But I still wanted to try without the epidural. I just didn’t want to be stuck in that damn bed for the rest of the time. I thought I can do this. Stayed in the shower after that point, it made things so much better. My poor husband, as he is trying to comfort me I bit him twice. The contractions were just so intense I didn’t even know what I was doing, I felt so bad. But he understood. After another 2 hours in the shower they checked me again to see if I had dilated more, which I should have sine they broke my water. Well, I was still only 5 to 6. At that point I had had enough, and couldn’t deal with the pain anymore. It was 11:30am and I was so tired I could barely stand. I got the epidural. My friend Sani was just arriving as I was getting the meds. I was sad at first that I didn’t make it without the epidural, but now I realize I did my best and tired really hard.

After getting the epidural everyone said. I slept like a baby, fell right asleep. I guess I slept for hours. When I woke up I realized I was stuck in bed and I was uncomfortable. By 6 or 6:30pm they told me I was 10 centimeters and it was time to push, I was feeling the contractions again at this point even with the epidural, but nothing like before. I was worried the epidural would keep me from feeling the contractions and I wouldn’t know when to push, but I did. I had only been pushing for half an hour and it was time for the nurses to switch shifts, I was bummed I was losing my nurse, she was great. The new nurse was just okay, didn’t like her as much at all. When she came in, her and the doctor were already talking about a caesarean. I was like, I have only been pushing for a half hour, give me a break. I really didn’t want a c-section. This made me mad and made me want to push even harder. The doctor kept saying Jaycee was face up and her head wasn’t coming down, that was why a c-section was necessary. Jaycee came out just fine and face down and I didn’t have a c-station. I pushed for about 2 hours and Jaycee came at 8:47pm on Monday December 15th. It was so WONDERFUL when they handed her right to me after being born. I cried so hard, I couldn’t believe she was finally with us after 10 months. I was the happiest mommy ever. She was so beautiful with a head full of hair.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas from the PEREZ family! I hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas! We are staying cozy in our home today while it's pouring rain. Tavo and I are really blessed with our little princess this Christmas and couldn't be happier. One more thing we are really blessed for.............knowing we got wonderful news last week that my brother-in-law is cancer free! Go Shane, we knew you could fight the ugly CANCER! We love you!


The Perez Family!

Handsome Daddy with his little girl!


Mommy and Jaycee!

Our little PRINCESS

Jaycee Renee right after being born and all bundled up like a burrito!

Proud Daddy after the birth of his daughter!

Getting ready to go home from the hospital.

Our first day at home as a family! Laying in bed with Daddy!

Chillin with Daddy at the computer.

What a cutie!

Estella Lousie with baby Jaycee!

Sleepy little girl!

Thank you Michelle for updating everyone! Tavo and I really appreciate it! We have been adjusting to parenthood so haven't had much time for the computer. This is going to be a quick blog with pictures as I need to get to bed. Sleep is very important these days! I'll update everyone later on the labor and all. We are really enjoying our new bundle of joy! It's such a wonderful feeling being a parent. I will give you a quick update on the doctor's appointment today. Jaycee is doing great, she gained 3 oz so that is good. I guess she likes mommies milk!

Pink Bundle of Joy

Jaycee Renee is here!

She arrived last night at 8:47 PM

She weighed 7lbs 9 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.

Mom and Baby are doing well and I got a text messaged picture of her and she is beautiful.......sigh! Another wonderful addition to the clan!

BREAKING NEWS

Heather is in labor, Jaycee is on her way!

Hello Heather's Friends and Family, it's Michelle, one of Heather's long time trusty side kicks.

I just caught wind of the wonderful news and thought I would share on her behalf. I have no details, bad I know but my phone is dead. I do know she is surrounded by her Hubby, Her Sister and Sani. They are helping her through her pain......poor girl! She went into labor sometime today.

More to come as I uncover the HOT news of today!

Feeling GREAT!

My friend Monica just came over and I feel WONDERFUL! She gave me one of the BEST massages ever! I feel so GOOD! Monica came over last week to say hello and we talked about me getting a massage this week, but I totally forgot about it. My AWESOME husband gave her a call today to ask if she would be coming over. Guess Tavo doesn't have pregnancy brain like I do. How can you forget about a massage? Silly me! Thank you Monica and Tavo! I should sleep great tonight. I love you both!

Wow, only 8 more days!

Can't believe Jaycee is going to be with us soon. We are soooooooooo excited to meet her. I hope she comes soon and isn't late. I went to the doctor's today and everything is good. Still have protein in my urine and high blood pressure. They took more blood today, but didn't hear back from the doctor so the blood results must be negative, no news is good news. Next doctor's appointment is the 16th, Jaycee's due date. Hopefully she will be her before then. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I have been keeping myself really busy since my last post. I have been running errands, got the carpets and couches cleaned, cleaning the house, washing Jaycee's clothes, decorating the house for Christmas and buying Christmas presents for our nieces and nephews (only presents we are even buying this year) all before Jaycee comes. Don't worry I have been resting also, been taking naps almost everyday. Never was a nap person until now.

Tavo got home Friday late afternoon, jumped in the shower, and then we were off to my company Christmas party. We had a really nice time! We even won a great prize a gift card to Macy's. Saturday was a busy day, Tavo helped finish decorating the house and we went and bought our Christmas tree. Got a small one this year. It fits perfect in the corner by the window. Saturday evening we went to a friend's to watch the fight. Sunday Tavo had his softball game, went to lunch with Leo and then had to pack Tavo's bags again for the week. The weekend was good, but short. I am praying this is the last week Tavo is away from home. Come on Jaycee, bring Daddy home!


The family stockings all ready for little Jaycee Renee.

Jaycee Renee's 1st Christmas tree!

Happy December 1st

First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a nice relaxing day then went to my mother-in-laws for a wonderful dinner. She is amazing, worked all morning till about 1pm and then came home and cooked a wonderful meal for everyone.

Wednesday was my first day off work for good. I didn't do much but rest all day. I wasn't feeling the greatest, so I just made one with the couch, like my friend Michelle told me to do. I laid around waiting for Tavo to come home. He got home early because they got rained out at work. It was nice to have him home, he just took care of me the rest of the day. He even made dinner and cleaned up things. It was nice to have him home early and know he would be here for another 4 nights. Yeah!

Friday we went and bought a camcorder. It's really nice, now we need to figure out how to work it before Jaycee is born.

Even though we had a long weekend, it felt short. Guess we just had lots to do. Overall it was a good weekend. We did get some upsetting news earlier in the week and later in the week. My friend Melissa's father passed away and Tavo's god father passed away. Such sad news especially during the holiday’s. Our hearts and prayers go out to both families. We attended mass and a viewing this weekend.

Saturday a friend of ours, Dana, took maternity pictures down at the beach. It was fun! Can't wait to see how they turned out. Here are a couple samples with our camera.

Doctor's appointment update from today...........went really well. Yeah! Blood pressure is almost back to normal. 130 over 90, much better than last week. The doc says any day now. Guess I need to finish packing our hospital bag. I know we should have that done already. I still need to finish washing some of Jaycee's things. I guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow.

Doctor's Appointment Update

Went to the doctor's this morning........found no protein in my urine today. Yeah, good news! But took my blood pressure and it was 160 over 100, wow........that's too high. So the doctor had me give more blood to make sure I still don't have preeclampsia. He talked to me more about possibly being induced, I am keeping my fingers crossed that we don't have to do that. No call from the doctor after my appointment so that's good. Means the blood test came back normal. Drives me crazy that's the way he does things, no call is good news. I would at least like to get a call with the good news.

The doctor made me stop working as of today. He told me light duty from now on. Take it easy, put my feet up and relax. Good thing I was pretty much caught up at the office, so all I had to do was go back and wrap things up. I still didn't leave the office till almost 7pm, but at least I am pretty sure everything is done. I must of sent out over a dozen emails, probably drove everyone crazy with all the emails. Sorry!

I wonder now, what am I going to do with myself. RELAX, how do I do that. Guess I need to learn quickly. I have to for the health of Jaycee and me. Hopefully with all the relaxing I'll be doing my blood pressure will go down. My next doctor's appointment is Monday.

The good thing, no alarm clock tomorrow. I get to sleep in, yeah!

The Holiday's are here!

We went to Tavo's company Christmas party last night and had a great time! Dinner, gambling and prizes. Tavo and I played black jack the whole time and did pretty well, won $3600, too bad it wasn't real money. We had so many tickets for prizes from all our winnings, we won a GPS. Cool! We were hoping to win the camcorder since we have really wanted one for Jaycee. I even went up to the couple that won it and asked if they wanted to trade, the guy said "no I'm going to give it to my 10 year old daughter as a gift". I thought what 10 year old needs a camcorder. Oh well, I guess we will just have to buy one ourselves.

Can't believe this coming week is already Thanksgiving! We are looking forward to some yummy food at my mother-in-laws. Especially yummy macaroni salad she makes every year. I’ll make deviled eggs and two pumpkin pies to take over and it will be good times.

Doctor's appointment update........went this Friday the 21st and my blood pressure is still high and found protein in my urine again. Everything is fine; they are just going to keep a close eye on everything, so I have to go back on Tuesday the 25th. I’ve already been going every week and now I have to go more often than that. I’ll do whatever they ask just to make sure our little Jaycee is doing all bueno. She has dropped a lot more since last week so that’s good, she is getting ready :-)

Breastfeeding class

Just got home from breastfeeding class and I'm feeling really sad! I was really close to not even going tonight because Tavo was unable to go (still in Yuma). But I dragged by butt out the door and went. I got there and I was the only woman without her husband, so I thought. As I was almost in tears I see another woman sitting by her lonesome self also. I feel a little better. As if having Tavo gone wasn't hard enough and missing him all the time; tonight made it harder. Tonight’s class really made me miss him even more, the class was really helpful for the men to understand breastfeeding also and the roles they can play to help mothers. I know he wanted to be at the class tonight and was really sad when he found out about 15 couples were at the class and two of us without our husbands. At one point before I saw the other lady without her husband I wanted to get up and walk out, I know what a baby I am. I stayed strong and hung in there and stayed for the whole class.

I really want Tavo home and can't wait to see him tomorrow. I know he wants to be home also and he can't help being in Yuma. At least he is working. I know this is just as hard on him as it is on me and we are both trying to stay strong. Friday just can't come fast enough. I love you mi amor!

What weekend?

The weekend was here and then it was not. I hate that they just fly by so quick these days. Tavo came home on Friday and I didn't get home from work till late, so the night was short. Good thing I had dinner in the crock pot waiting so we had the evening to just enjoy each other and not have to worry about cooking.

Friday I spent most of the morning at the doctor's. My appointment was at 8:45am, so I was there a little after 8:30am. Didn't get out of the docs till almost 11am. Wow! The doc was running behind like always. The nurse takes my blood pressure and it's 150 over 90, wow that's high. She continues asking me questions and then takes it again and it's still high. The doc comes in and checks Jaycee's heart beat, all is good. Does some cotton swab check, along with checking to see if he can feel Jaycee's head. He doesn't feel anything and try’s to move her around by moving my belly all around, talk about uncomfortable and still isn't sure that she is head down. He then says he wants me to have an ultrasound just to make sure because she could be breach. During this time the nurse is in the room and she said they found protein in my urine. Oh boy, the doc wants an ultrasound and more blood work. The doc wants to do the blood work because he thinks I could have preeclampsia because of the protein in my urine and the high blood pressure. He also asks me if I could be stressed and if I was still working. I said YES and YES. He thinks I should stop working or at least start working part-time. At this point it's almost 10am and I know Tavo is waiting for my text message to tell him everything went great at the doctors. Well, I can't text him and tell him that, not yet. So I am waiting for the ultrasound and they take my blood pressure again and it's 148 over 98, of course it went up at this point. So I decide to text Tavo and tell him if he has a minute to call so I can explain things to him. He calls and I tell him what's going on, I can hear the worry in his voice. Which I didn't want to do, especially with him 2 1/2 hours away. They call me in for the ultrasound and she is head down and doing well. YEAH! Now off to pee in a cup again and give blood. Never hear from the doc all day, which he said if you don't hear from me, then it's good news. I call today and they tell me all blood work came back normal and no signs of preeclampsia. Great news! Hopefully when I go to the docs this Friday my blood pressure will have gone down and no protein in the urine.

Saturday morning got up and went to baby class. Learned all about the Epidural and planned and unplanned caesarean. I really hope I can have a natural birth. If I have to have an Epidural I won't be totally crushed, but I am going to try my hardest not to have one. After class we had lunch and went home to do laundry and get Tavo's bags ready for the week again. We also cleaned up Jaycee's room and it's looking better everyday. We are almost done, just can't find the right kind of blinds to keep out the sun. That room gets really bright.

Sunday got up and went to Tavo's softball game. It was a really good game; they ended the game with a triple play. Never seen a triple play like that in softball before, it was great. They called the game because of the 10 run rule. We went to lunch with Uncle Kike and Uncle Leo. Then came home to finish packing Tavo's bags and cook a nice dinner. Sat down to a nice dinner and good movie and 6pm.

Our yummy Sunday night dinner!

Today at work I finally decided I would start working part-time till I start my Maternity Leave December 5th. It was a really busy and long day (11 hours), got a lot done. Michelle was wonderful in helping get our 300 company Christmas cards out. We still have to finish on Wednesday but should be able to get them done. Thank you Michelle! I am taking tomorrow off and have a To-Do list a mile long. Not really, but it feels that way. I do plan on getting a pedicure first.

My To Do List:

Fill out disability forms for both Tavo and I (Tavo is taking the first week off Jaycee is born)

Finish filling out hospital forms

Look for Christmas stocking for all of us, especially Jaycee

Call to RSVP for Tavo's Christmas party this weekend

Call around for carpet cleaning quotes

Return blinds

Get oil changed in car

Get a pedicure (a must for sure)

Happy 2nd Birthday Davis!

Uncle Tavo and I are missing out on the birthday fun in AZ for Davis! Happy Birthday little man. We love you and miss you bunches!



The amazing cake my creative sister made for Davis. Poor Jaycee she will not be getting these kinds of cakes for her birthday unless Auntie Shelly makes them.

November 15th, 2006 Davis only a couple hours old.


February 2007, what a cutie!

Look, I can play the panio!

May 2008, helping mommy with the laundry!

November 13th, 2008, eating yummy blackberries!

THE LONG WEEKEND!

Tavo came home on Friday to spend 5 nights at home, YEAH! Since Tuesday was Veterans' Day, the union gave the guys Monday and Tuesday off. So, I decided to take Monday and Tuesday off work also and spend time with my husband. It was nice having him home, it's been hard having him gone. This week makes the 6th week he has been gone. He is going to continue being out in Yuma for probably another 3 weeks or so, maybe even up until Jaycee is born. We are not sure yet, still keeping our fingers crossed he will be home sooner.

Friday night we didn't do much, just relax and spent time with each other. Saturday got up early and went to baby class. This week we watched a video on the birth of a baby. The video gave a lot of the guys and women in the class a good scare. You could see the guys covering their eyes and the women just wide eyed. After the video one of the woman asked, is it really going to hurt that bad. Of course it's going to hurt, silly. At least that's what I wanted to say to her. It's for a beautiful reason, a little person. Not going to say I am not nervous about giving birth, but it's going to be worth it for sure. After class we ran some errands, and then headed home to get ready for a Birthday Party. We had a really great time at the party and danced most of the night. Great party Sherry! We had a blast!


Happy 50th Birthday Sherry!

Sunday we slept in a headed to Tavo's softball game. This season isn't going so well for the team. It's been a rough season so far. After the game we came home and Leo and Kike came over for dinner. Monday we slept in again, got up and made a nice breakfast and went shopping for Jaycee. We got some more things for her room. Her room is really coming together. We are almost done. I even washed a lot of her clothes and hung them up in her closet. Tuesday we spent all day relaxing and watched a movie.

We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Happy Veterans' Day! Thanks to all the Vets that have served our country.

Baby Classes & Hospital Tour

We had our first baby class yesterday. It was very entertaining. The teacher we have makes it fun. I think we are going to enjoy it, at least Tavo feels we will. One husband in the class was counting down the minutes till the class was over. He was upset he couldn't play tennis that morning. We will be taking classes every Saturday for the next 3 weeks, starting at 9:30 am and class ending at 12pm. A total of 4 classes. We played a game, splitting up the husbands and wives. We both had a sheet of paper asking what our dislikes and likes were physically and emotionally. Some of the guy’s answers were too funny. One guy put down his dislike "no football" what wife doesn't allow her husband not to watch football just because she is pregnant. Crazy if you ask me. He was probably the guy that put down that his wife was very controlling.

After baby class, we went to the hospital were baby Jaycee is going to be delivered and had a tour. The hospital is nice. I think we are going to really like it. The labor and delivery room is private, along with the room they put you in after the delivery. The labor and delivery room is really big and has a nice spot for Tavo to sleep. The postpartum room is even good size with a nice bed for Tavo to sleep also.

On Tuesday Nov 4th we will be 34 weeks and have 6 more to go. We are counting down the weeks, not because I am uncomfortable, but because we are so excited to meet our little girl. The biggest down fall right now about being pregnant is I'm unable to wear my wedding ring; I have been wearing them around my neck on a chain.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend; ours was nice and relaxing, but short. Gotta get back to packing Tavo's bags for Yuma. This is really getting old each week; we are also counting down the weeks till he will be home again for good. We are not sure when that is going to be though. We are praying they are going to let him come back at the end of the month, which means we have 4 more weeks of being apart. The job he is working on is supposed to go on till December sometime, but having him away in December would be so close to my due date. I don't think I could handle that or him for that matter. It's been hard on both of us.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Our first Halloween in this house. We never got a lot of kids before in our old neighborhood, but this year we got a ton. We ran out of candy. It was fun passing out candy and seeing all the cute costumes. Tavo just got home tonight from working all week in Yuma, so it's been a nice relaxing night, just the three of us.

What do you think of the costume?

Jaycee's first pumpkin!

Baby Zerah's first Halloween!

Conor as Batman, Davis as Incredible Hulk (love the green hair) and Miss Aidan as Cinderella. They are too cute and my sister said they had a blast. I wish we could of been there to see them. Love the pictures sis, thanks!

Our other cute niece and her first Halloween as a bunny!

4D Ultrasound

On Sunday we got to see Jaycee :-) We had a 4D ultrasound done and Tavo's mom came along to join us in the experience. It was really cool! Jaycee didn't really cooperate that well, she was sleeping and we couldn't wake her up. But it was still a really cool experience. We got lots of pictures of her face with her chubby little cheeks and her button nose. Looks like she is going to have her mommy's nose. I am 33 weeks tomorrow and only have 7 more to go. We are so excited to meet Jaycee we can't stand it. She weighs about 4 pounds 3 oz right now. Check out a couple pictures below. She has her hand under her chin most of the time and sometimes her foot.

Our Babyshower!

Yesterday we had our babyshower. It was wonderful! We had a GREAT time! Mom and Dad came down and we had a nice time with them here. It was a short trip for them, but nice of them to come. They arrived Saturday morning in time to help out with the shower and left this morning. My two BFFs (Maria & Sani), Mom, Dad, Tavo's two aunts (Telvi & Petra) and America (Tavo's mom) did an awesome job in making sure everything was perfect. Also thanks to my amazing sister for sending out all the invitations. She was unable to be at the shower, but was missed very much! We had great food, yummy tacos. The taco man was cooking away. Thanks everyone! We love you! We got a lot of great stuff for Jaycee and really appreciate everyone coming and being apart of this special day with us.

My friend Maria's creative idea for the favors! CUTE, love them!

The very cute diaper cake my mom, sister and niece made. Love it!

Tavo and his aunt Telvi.

Proud grandma to be with Tavo and I.


The happy parents-to-be!


Us with the other proud grandparents!


The winning baby plate. Everyone that played this game had to put the plate on top of their head and had 30 seconds to draw a baby.

My niece (Ariana) and I.

My honey's favorite recipe

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 pounds lean beef chuck, well trimmed, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons tabasco brand pepper sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, drained
• Hot cooked rice

Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef until browned on all sides. Remove; set aside.

Add onion and garlic; stirring frequently, cook 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt and tabasco sauce; cook 1 minute. Add water and chilies; bring to a boil.

Return beef to pan. Reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.

Serve over rice with tortillas.

This is an easy meal that makes my honey really happy! Enjoy!

Our weekend!

We decided at the last minute to drive to Phoenix to see my sister, Shane and the kids. We hadn't seen Zerah yet. I saw the other 3 right after they were born so I was really dying to see her since she was already 3 weeks old. We knew if we didn't make it to AZ over the weekend we wouldn't make it out till after Jaycee was born. This upcoming weekend we have the babyshower and our November weekends are full of baby classes. Busy times coming up. Then before we know it Jaycee will be with us. We can't wait to meet her.

So, Friday I drove to YUMA to pick up Tavo. Then we drove the rest of the way to PHEONIX. The drive went by fast; we didn't even have the music on. We just talked the whole way catching up from the week. We got there and the kids were so excited to see AUNTIE and UNCLE TAVO. My sister was holding Zerah and I took her right away after giving hugs and kisses to Conor, Aidan and Davis. We had a really nice visit, just wish it didn't have to be so short. Shane was up and feeling okay (as well as you can feel after being pumped with Chemo the week before). Friday night we stayed up talking after putting the kids to bed. Saturday we didn't do much, just hung out around the house. Shane wasn't feeling the greatest, but started to feel a little better by dinner time. Poor guy, I do feel for him. CANCER SUCKS! We stayed up again late talking Saturday night. Sunday it was time to go home :-( I got up and tried to help my sister with some things around the house before leaving, we left by 9am. My sister and Shane both woke up with a fever and not feeling well at all. Fevers are all gone now and they are starting to feel a little better. They already have enough on their plate, getting sick was the last thing they needed. I prayed for the sickness not to stay around the CARR house hold. Maybe my praying worked.

I miss my sister, Shane and the kids already. I wish we lived closer, it's hard being so far away. We miss seeing the kids grow up! Plus during this time it would be nice to be closer so Tavo and I could be there and help out. Even if it's just to go over to cook them dinner and put the kids to bed. My sister is the strongest woman I have ever met and I admire her. No matter what bumps in the road GOD continues to give her and her family she continues to hold her head up high. She is super woman! I LOVE YOU SIS!

Uncle Tavo and Davis having fun!

Uncle Tavo and Conor playing Dinosaurs with Aidan peeking in to say "Cheese"!

Baby Zerah Jane! What a beautiful little girl!

Auntie feeding Zerah her first bottle. My sister pumped just so I could feed her. Zerah took the bottle well, with no complaints.

Davis, he is going to get you!

I was TAGGED!

I was TAGGED! My BFF Michelle My Mommy Rocks tagged me to complete this fun little survey!

TOP FOUR WISHES:
1. I wish my husband and I didn't have to be apart.
2. I wish to live closer to my family (I miss my sister, my two nephews and two nieces everyday)
3. I wish my brother-in-law didn't have cancer. I wish for no one to have to go through cancer.
4. I wish I didn't have to work.

FOUR PLACES I WANT TO TRAVEL TO:
1. New York
2. Ireland
3. Mexico (can't wait visit and meet Tavo's grandmother)
4. Colorado (want to visit my BFF Michelle)

FOUR CAREERS I WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN:
1. Being a mommy - can't wait!
2. Volunteering
3. Teacher
4. Housewife

FOUR THINGS I WOULD LIKE GOD TO SAY TO ME AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN:
1. Welcome
2. Thanks for believing
3. I'm glad you are here
4. You are a great mother, wife, sister and friend!

Happy 1 Year Tavo!

My handsome husband on our wedding day!

To my handsome husband.............

Octavio, you are my life, my love, and my best friend. Our wedding united two lives in the miracle of love. The true beauty in marriage is reflected in its ceaseless possibilites to bring out the best of what we are and what we can become.

As we have started our life together, wish for us a love that makes both of us better people; the kind of love that will continue to give us a joy and a passion for living, and provide us with the energy and courage to face the responsibility of our life together. May we continue to grow both separately and together and may our love for one another expand and deepen with the passing years.

Mr. & Mrs. Perez

Since Tavo is working out of town and we are unable to be together today we celebrated our special day over the weekend. We had a great weekend together, but it was short. I picked up our Anniversary cake on Friday and we enjoyed it all weekend long. YUMMY! Friday night and Saturday we just hung out together, not doing much. Sunday we went to dinner at Forever Fondue in La Jolla and had a wonderful time! We had great conversation talking about our future and how much we have grown together and how we are better people because we have each other in our lifes. We both feel very blessed to have met one another and couldn't imagine life without each other. Te Amo mucho amor!

The cake!



Tavo dipping in the yummy cheese!



Us at the restaurant!

Recipes

I have several recipes I would like to share. The first recipe Tavo and I really like and have made many times. It's easy! The others are new recipes we haven't made yet, but were highly recommended by a friend.

YUMMY PASTA

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 bottle of ‘Good Seasons Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette w/ Roasted Red Peppers’ Dressing (Albertson’s in SD is the only store we can find this at)
• 1 box of pasta (The Rotini or a thicker noodle to absorb dressing, even the Barilla wheat pasta is good)
• Mushrooms – Amount varies by desire
• McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning
• Tin foil
• Non-stick spray (not flavored)
• Oven Tray

Preperation

• Place tin foil on your oven tray and spray with non-stick spray
• Place FROZEN or FRESH boneless skinless chicken breasts on tray and season (to your liking) with Montreal Steak Seasoning
• Place in PRE-HEATED oven at 375 degrees.
• Cooking time verifies on oven and depends on if you use frozen or fresh chicken breast.
• After pasta is done cooking leave the pasta in the strainer.
• Put the empty pot used to make pasta back on burner and reduce heat of burner to LOW
• Mushrooms – fresh or canned (whatever your liking) – sauté in a pan. I personally apply a little of the Montreal Steak Seasoning to give it a little spicier kick.

Now it’s time to get it all together

• Pour/squirt a little of the dressing in the EMPTY pot used for the pasta (it will hiss and even seem like it’s burning but it helps to not have the pasta stick)
• Pour ¼ of the pasta in the pot
• Pour 1 chopped up (to your sizeable liking) chicken breast in the pot
• Pour ¼ of mushrooms in pot
• Pour/squirt ¼ or so of the dressing and STIR
• REPEAT steps 1-5 until all chicken, pasta, mushrooms and dressing are used.
• STIR one last time for good measure (leave on low heat so it’s warm for second helpings!)

Warm Chicken, Rice and Black Bean Salad with Mango Mojo Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup almonds, slivered
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup sliced scallions
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

Mango Mojo Dressing

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small hot red chile, stemmed and seeded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 mango, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Diced red pepper, for garnish
• Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

For the chicken:
In large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the almonds and saute until golden. Add rice and cook 1 minute more. Stir in chicken stock and cover saucepan. Let simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked. Mix in cilantro, chicken, scallions, beans, avocado and diced pepper.

For mango mojo dressing:
In small heavy skillet over medium heat place the cumin seeds and toast until fragrant (about 2 minutes). In mini food processor combine the toasted cumin, garlic, chili, and salt. Grind to coarse paste. Add olive oil, mango, orange juice and lime juice.

Return mixture to skillet and heat until warm.

Drizzle chicken mixture with half the mango mojo dressing and toss. Spoon into serving dish and garnish with red pepper and cilantro sprigs.

INDIAN-STYLE CHICKEN WITH GINGER AND CURRY

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup bottled nonfat Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
• Plain nonfat yogurt (optional)

Preparation
Mix first 6 ingredients in 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add chicken; turn to coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Remove chicken from marinade and reserve marinade. Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to skillet and sauté until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Add reserved marinade and chicken broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer chicken and sauce to platter. Serve with yogurt, if desired.

SPICY CHICK PEAS

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped onion
• garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1-2 small chiles, coarsely chopped
• 1 Tbsp ghee or canola oil
• 2 tsp tamarind concentrate
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups of cooked garbonza beans (chick peas)

Preparation

• Saute onions, garlic, and chiles in ghee or oil until onions are tender- about 10 minutes.
• Dissolve the tamarind paste in the water.
• Puree the onion mixture, tamarind liquid and all the remaining ingredients except the chickpeas.
• Add this mixture to a non-reactive, heavy saucepan.
• Add the chick peas and simmer, uncovered, on low heat for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce becomes thick and dark.
• Serve at room temperature or hot.

Missing my husband

I am really sad! My husband had to leave to go out of town for work this morning. He works for a sheet metal company and the company has been having a lot of layoffs. So when they asked him to go work in Yuma, which is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours away from us, we felt we had no choice. They need him to work for 6 to 7 weeks at this job site building a casino. Any other time in our lives we would be sad, but would be able to deal with it better. It's especially hard right now with me being 7 months pregnant. He left this morning and it was really hard to say goodbye. Of course I cried like a baby. Even though we know it's not the end of the world and at least he has a job, it's still hard. He will be able to come home on the weekends which is good, especially since our babyshower is this month and next month every weekend we have baby classes. In the 7 years we have been together we have never been apart for a huge length of time. We have had a couple weekends here and there apart and when my sister had her 3rd child I was gone for a week, but that's it. So this is going to take some getting used to for sure. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet, but I miss him like CRAZY already. To top things off he is going to be gone for our 1 year wedding anniversary :-(

Baby Ariana Luz

Jaycee is a special little girl. She has two girl cousins born this year. I hope the three of them grow up to be really close friends. Tavo's sister had a little girl this year also on July 8th, 2008. I almost got to be there for the birth, until the mean nurse kicked me out of the delivery room. Atleast I was there to help hold Diana's hand during the pushing. Diana did well and was really strong!

Ariana Luz just born

Proud uncle Tavo holding Ariana almost 6 weeks old now.


Sleepy Ariana almost 12 weeks old. Pretty little girl!