Relay For Life 2013

In memory, in honor, in support of those who have been lost, who have survived, and who are fighting

Colt Michael Ito has Arrived

Colt Michael Ito was born August 19th, 2012

As I woke up for church I noticed I had a text message from Laura saying they were heading to the hospital. The text was from 2:00 in the morning. I flipped out wondering if little Colt was here and I missed it from the one time my phone is on silent. I quickly called Lisa knowing she was right there with Laura. Lisa sounded tired and not too excited. I knew if that baby was here there would be some enthusiasm on the other end. Instead it sounded like what every anticipating spectator sounds like. Laura got on the phone told me how her contractions were. She sounded great for being in labor. I told her I would be on my way after church.

Off to church I went with my family.....

On the way there we were explaining to Bri'elle that little Colt would soon be here. Bri'elle kept saying Happy Birthday Colt. It was so darn cute.

At church.... I get a text message that they are breaking her water. What?! So off to the hospital I went. I couldn't wait any longer and DID NOT want to miss welcoming Colt into the world. When I got there all was quiet. Laura was trying to get some rest. Not long after being there they gave her an epidural. And the waiting continues. I sat in the waiting room to let her get some rest until the time was near.

We got the phone call.... the baby was crowning, it would soon be time to push. They got everything together, prepared for the baby, etc. Sherin was in Iran at the time so it was just Mike, Lisa, and Tracy. She had just walked in as Laura started pushing. Perfect timing! Laura did great! It's so different being on the other end of not having a baby and watching someone give birth. I was making faces, breathing hard, holding my breath as if I was pushing all working up to get that baby out. Finally after many pushes Colt was here. It's such an emotional thing watching a little baby whom you love so much come into the world. God's work is truly amazing. Every single part of it.

A Full August

August was a full month for us. We were doing something everyday of August it felt like it. Of course part of that is because I celebrate my birthday pretty much every day of the month. What can I say I LOVE birthdays especially mine. 

Birthdays we celebrate in August:
Laura, Melissa, Rowan, Shelly & Travis, MINE, Haley, Jodi

A NEW August Birthday:
Baby Colt who arrived on the 19th

Here's some pics from the month - **beware there will be ALOT**

Not as many pics as I thought. I'm sure I will find some more down the line.

Dad's 50th (post from July)

I'm still trying to catch up the blog so I'm going to be back tracking as fast as I can. In the meantime I'm going to hold off on the current postings so they don't get caught in between the old postings. The old postings that I should have posted about previously will be more condensed to at least get the information on here. It will be easier to keep track of when I have this printed. On to the good stuff....

Dad turned 50 this year!!! Wow Dad!!!! The BIG 5-0!!!!!

The party was a little more low key. Just the usual clan. Mom, dad (of course), us, and my bro & sisters. We had delicious juicy steak with the best corn on the cob. I think it was the best I've ever had it. The food was followed by great company and Jojo painting her room. Never a dull moment in that house. Dad this is only the beginning, I wish you many many more birthdays filled with love, joy, and laughter.

P.S. Later this month Dad had a mild heart attack. It was the scariest thing ever!!!! Mom was away in Mexico and of course dad doesn't tell us the whole truth. I freaked out when my dad left me a voicemail. I could tell something was wrong. And then Haley texted me. My body stopped, everything in my body stopped for a split second. Dad, I'm so thankful you are okay. I prayed to God that you would be alright and well you are! Thank you Lord!!!!!

Life with Two Princesses

Life with my little girls has been absolutely fabulous. Even better than what I expected it to.

Before Jalilah was born I thought, how will I be able to take care of two kids. Will I do okay? Etc etc. I'm not sure if everyone thinks this but I did. You see people do it all the time but you have no idea what it's like.

And then Jalilah came and it blew me away how quickly you just transition into caring for both kids and still manage to do everything else. Juggling different things here and there, it call came natural.. Being a mom is awesome!!!!

In our house we have more love, more joy, more laughter, and more fun. It's crazy to imagine how much more we have and it grows everyday. My girls are my world and its crazy how you automatically adapt to give, nourish, and cherish another being.

Now around the house we have our ups and downs. What house doesn't? Especially when you and everyone else in the household are still adapting to the new ways and walks of life with a brand new baby. But I will have to say, you learn to do things you never knew you could do. One example, take a shower with a 2 year old and a baby. Yes, ladies and gentlemen I successfully did this when I needed to. Mind you both girls were in the bathroom with me but I was at least able to shower. Or how about talk on the phone, make Bri'elles lunch all the while feeding Jalilah. Things can be done.

Big Sister in Training: The new baby

It was love at first sight when Bri'elle got to meet her baby sister.

I have never seen anyones eyes light up the way Bri'elles did when she saw her. 

She totally understood...Mommy has no belly...sister is here!

Bri'elle was so excited to hold her. She just stared at her with awe and amazement. 

Bri'elle came to visit us at the hospital about 8 hours after I delivered which was the early afternoon. I was missing her so much and wanted our family to be together. It was so much fun to spend time with her. My mom left to grab something to eat with my sister so we can have some family time with her. Jay put on a movie on his laptop and we all sat in the bed and watched the movie together, as a family of 4. We wouldn't get to all be together until the next day when we were to go home. Until then my sweet little Bri'elle. It was so hard to let her go home but I knew the day and night would quickly go by, and that it did. 

My mom took Bri'elle home to wait for us about an hour before we arrived. She cleaned the house and kept Bri'elle occupied. When we walked through the door the first thing Bri'elle asked for was her sissy. It was so cute. I wondered if she would soon realize sissy is here to stay. She was so excited as soon as we set the carseat down she began to "share" with her by placing her toys on Jalilah's lap. It was super cute. I couldn't get a decent picture because Bri'elle was too excited to sit still. 

Sine then these two have been inseparable. Bri'elle always wants to help feed her or hold her. We gave Bri'elle the job to throw the diapers away. Also she helps us bath her by washing her arms, legs, and belly. It's actually nice to have her help with different things. It always makes me smile. Now on another note, we didn't have too much trouble with Bri'elle. She did have a hard time listening for the first couple weeks. She knew I was preoccupied and I would have to tell her to do something twice sometimes even three times. She has gotten a little better and I have realized its normal for a kid her age. They are discovering so much at this age and beginning to talk and make sense. I have learned to take a deep breath, release, and start over. Being 2 months into having a little sister she is much much better. We don't really have any issues. She does have her days but there the usual up and down days, who doesn't have those? 

I couldn't be any happier at the moment.

To my sweet Bri'elle: You are growing up so fast. I'm having to treasure each moment more and more. You are a great big sister and can only pray you will continue to be one. Remember, your little sister is littler than you so you always have to look out for her and protect her. Your job from now on is to teach her things that you know. She will learn so much from you. She already looks up to you. I will let you know now, she will get on your nerves and at times you might not want to play with her but always love her and know she does it because she loves you. God has blessed our family so much and we need to always be thankful for what we have. You will be a good teacher and leader of the Lord. Mommy and daddy love you so much our sweet Bri'elle.