A New Year, A New Blog

So, I figured since its been a year since I last updated our blog, I would just start out fresh. A lot has changed since January 2009. In May of 2009, we found out that we were expecting our first baby! It was a bittersweet moment due to the fact that Randy would be deploying (again) in September. Thankfully, with the help of my parents and Randy's dad and Gloria, we were able to celebrate the summer with our families. My parents made their annual trip for 2 weeks in May and definitely enjoyed buying things for grand-baby #5. Randy's dad and Gloria made their first trip out, and we enjoyed doing the "tourist" thing again. And I enjoyed eating for two during both visits :o)

Randy and I decided to find out what we were having, so that Randy could begin to form a bond before he left. July 28 is when we found out it was a GIRL! That was an amazing moment in our lives, truly the day that changed everything. I think about 3 days later, we decided on naming her Claire Lily. Randy actually picked Claire out and I chose Lily after an Aunt. Probably the easiest decision the two of us have made. We were able to get Claire's room 99% finished before Randy deployed.

Randy left in September for another long year in Iraq. Fortunately this time, he took his laptop and we are able to Skype, frequently. I went to North Carolina for the last 2 weeks of October, my last chance to fly "safely" before Claire was born. I am glad that I FINALLY got to enjoy Riley's birthday with him. I have definitely missed being around for family birthdays.

My parents came out on December 23 and stayed until January 22, I was truly thankful for that! I'm glad I didn't have to spend Christmas alone. Randy came home for R&R on December 31 and was able to ring in 2010 with me. With a due date of January 7, we figured it would be nice to have at least a week together before the baby comes.

I had a doctors appointment on January 4 in the morning, and had to stay for awhile because my blood pressure had been high. I think we were at Tripler from 9:30 until 2:00pm that day. I had been having contractions, but not regular or strong enough to be concerned. After we left the hospital, we went to Taco Bell in Kapolei (I started having contractions on the way, but still not too consistent). After lunch we headed to Target, where my water broke. We managed to walk around for a little bit before I HAD to go home. We were at the house for about 30 minutes before I HAD to goto the hospital.

About 6 hours after my water broke, Claire was born! It was truly an unbelievable and indescribable moment in our lives. It was amazing to spend the next week and half with my daughter and husband (my parents were still here, and were great help to us). Sadly, Randy's R&R was over, and he left to Iraq, another hard day for me. My parents then left on the 22nd and I had to learn how to be a mom, alone.

For the past 3 months, I have done great (we're both still alive). I am fortunate that my dad was able to come out at the end of March for 2 weeks. He was a great help.

I know this is a LONG one, but since its been a year, thats what happens. I will post pictures soon and promise to keep this more up to date.