Jonathan's First Thanksgiving

Well, Jonathan celebrated his first Thanksgiving this year. Sad to say, but the Sunday night before Thanksgiving, he cried and cried and wouldn't sleep. I had a feeling he had an ear infection. I took him to Dr. Meredith Monday morning and it turns out he had a double ear infection. Poor Baby. This was his first time to really be sick and take antibiotics. Up until Thanksgiving day he looked extremely pale, watery red eyes, etc. Thursday, he started looking and feeling better. Thank goodness.

It was extremely special because my cousin Piti was in town. Talk about eating amazing food. He's an incredible Chef. He arrived Sunday and we saw him Monday. He met Jonathan for the first time Monday and Jonathan immediately loved him and followed him with his eyes at all times. He wanted to play with him and Piti is such a baby lover. He will be an amazing dad one day. On Monday we ate Arroz con Pollo (Chicken and Rice). Laura Diaz joined us for that. Tuesday, we ate Fried Plantains stuffed with Shrimp in a red sauce (AMAZING!). Wednesday, my favorite, we ate a pork loin stuffed with cream cheese and guava with congris (white rice with black beans mixed together). I also cut off 12 inches of my hair to donate to Locks of Love. Thursday, we went over to Debbie and Phil's house to eat at noon. Holy Moly! We were all early! It was a first for us and my parents. They were shocked! It was a delicious lunch. Everyone made their best dishes. Jonathan ate some too and loved it. That night, I had a dinner at our house to host a Thanksgiving for the Diaz family since they were in town. We made pork, Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas), Yucca in a mojo sauce, sweet potato casserole, squash casserole, Key Lime Pie, Turtle Pie, and I bought Mini Cupcakes from Whipped. They also had to have it Puerto Rican style with the beverages. They definitely had plenty to drink. So much fun, that they started singing Karaoke on the Wii. Hysterical!

It was also a special day because Natalia, my oldest and dearest friend, got engaged. I couldn't be happier for her and can't wait to see her on her big day. She is going to be the most beautiful and amazing bride. We are just so happy for her and Robert.

A Huge Appreciation for Stay at Home Moms

I have an immense appreciation for my mom. She gave up having a career to stay home with me. I never knew how hard that was until I had Jonathan. The days I've stayed home with him by myself have been the most amazing days, but it sure does wear you out. At our house, my mom always had the house spotless, beds made, dinner made, etc. I have no idea how in the world she did it.

When I stay home, I do well to take care of Jonathan, pick up a little, and maybe be able to take a shower at some point. I am amazed at how worn out I get from staying home with him. My mom now does it all over again with Jonathan. She stays home with him and we are so blessed to have the best care for our baby. Jonathan adores her and she loves him more than me, I think. He has become her world and Jonathan is the luckiest baby to have her every single day. I don't know where she gets all the energy.

Working moms have it a lot easier. We are at work all day (continue to have a career and a life outside of the home), then, we see the babies after work. We don't have to find a way to entertain them all day long. On the other hand, we have it hard because we might miss the "firsts" in their little lives. We also have to come home, cook, clean, and it not take away from time with the baby. Regardless of if you are a stay at home mom or a working mom life has become exhausting but incredible. I wouldn't change it for the world.

More Pictures from Christine LeGrand

What a Weekend!

This weekend was way too busy for us. I think we are that family that never stops. We are so worn out that Travis and I argued about who was going to take a shower first this morning, because neither of us wanted to get out of bed. LOL! I'd say we are like the energizer bunny, but I know I don't have the energy to keep this up. I will say that it was an awesome weekend with family and friends and we are so blessed to have each other.

Friday, after work, we went to Boo in the Zoo with my parents, Jacob and Merri, Ashley, Ayden, Kendall, Mimi, Katie, Makayla, Star, and Joe. Boo in the Zoo is the cutest idea and the kids had a ton of fun. Not to mention, it wasn't too bad for the adults either. Merri was the funniest at Boo in the Zoo. As we walked through and she got candy, she would eat it. She only had one piece left and I'm sure it was because she didn't like it. Merri and Jacob made sure to feed Jonathan Cotton Candy and of course he loved it. So funny. All in all a great night.

Saturday, we woke up and went to Manchester, TN. We met up with Jay, Jenn, Jaydee, Justin, and Erin. We had lunch together and just hung out. It's amazing that I've been friends with Jay and Justin for half of my life. I love them both and they are extremely lucky to have such amazing women in their lives. Jenn and Erin are incredible. Jay is extra lucky because he has Jaydee and another beautiful little girl on the way. Afterward, we drove back to Chattanooga to hang out with Ashley, Justin, Chad, Kendall, Ayden, and Jacob at Coolidge Park. Kendall was amazed with the fountains. Too funny to watch. We had a great time running around and loving being together. Lastly, we went over to Charley and Misa's house for Trick or Treating. The kids were so darn cute. Arianna was the cutest elephant I have ever seen! I hate that I missed Lilianna dressed up as lady bug. We had dinner together and a wonderful time. Misa and Beth did Arts and Crafts with the kids and they decorated brownie bites. They made a huge mess and Misa was such a trooper. She loved and enjoyed every minute of it. We have incredible friends. We had a blast over there.

Sunday, was Debbie's birthday! Yay! Happy Birthday Gammie! We went over to their house and ate an early dinner together as a family. Ashley and I enjoy that so much to get everyone together. There is nothing better than spending time with family and seeing the kids loving on each other. That's the best. That bonding time we get when we are all together is the most important thing in the world. Making memories as a family is just too important and valuable and so glad we get those moments. Travis and I feel so lucky that we got to spend family time together with Ashley and the kids all weekend long. We couldn't be more lucky. Love you guys!