Monumental Milestone

We celebrated some milestones yesterday.
Lucia turned 1-month old and her mom turned 360-months old.

The girls.

Tummy Time

WOW . . . three weeks old already. Lucia has been enjoying tummy time and exploring her toys the last couple days.

I Love Lucy

Lucia Estela

was born on

April 24, 2008

at

2:21am

weight: 5lbs 8oz length: 19 inches

Mommy & Lucia on her birthday

Our beautiful sleeping baby

Wide awake and ready for some action

Daddy & Lucia

Look at those big eyes & dark hair

Lucia in the NICU at UVA

Mommy & Lucia getting ready to leave the hospital

Daddy & Lucia coordinating nicely

The car ride home

Lucia finally made it home on April 30, 2008

Lucia in her swing

Lucia at home in her pack-in-play

The Power of Suggestion

The power of suggestion. Yawns can be contagious. Basically a visual response. Scientific studies have been done on this social phenomenon. Of course that is not the only reason we yawn, but I think most of us have experienced this at one time or another.

Ahh . . . the power of suggestion . . .

What else can be experience by the power of suggestion . . . hunger . . . laughter . . . fatigue . . .

We went to our Preparing for Childbirth class this past Saturday. We learned some new things to help prepare us for labor & delivery and for our life as a new family. We practiced some techniques, watched some videos, and met some other couples. It was a one day/all day class held at the hospital.

We were watching our last short video after lunch.
. . . wait a minute what was that!?
Annie shifted in her chair. Her attention was diverted away from the video. Another shift. Her attention was distracted inward. Rojelio was being a good student and watching the video.

Annie tapped Rojelio on the shoulder, in a whisper with a panicked face, " . . . I think my water just broke . . ."
Rojelio with a mirrored face reflecting Annie's, " . . . are you sure?"
She shifted again. Thinking about getting up, but realizing the plug of the chair was the only thing stopping the rush of fluid from within.
" . . . yes I'm pretty sure . . . "

As they made it the 25-feet from the birthing class to the labor and delivery desk the presence of fluid made itself known.

We are expecting our little one to make her debut this week. She sure has a way of making her presence known. Earlier than expected, though we are optimistic about the outcome. Maybe she'll even share a birthday with her Uncle Andrew.

Was this an event that stemmed from the power of suggestion? Seemingly different than a yawn. Wonder if there have ever been any studies done on women going into labor during childbirth classes . . . huh . . . very interesting . . .

WHOA MAMA

Whoa Mama . . . that's all I have to say.

79 days to go!

. . . and they wed . . .

Congratulations Andrew & Jeanette!

First Dance

The Hokett Boys

Peter, Paul, Andrew & Dad

Best Man's Toast

Mom & Dad

The Peanut Gallery

Gracie, Willow & Morgan

(What's wrong with these girls!?)

A good time was had by all!

Turkey Fry

Our first turkey fry was held this past Sunday. Though we weren't totally blind going into this event, we did not have any first hand experience either. But with some strong hands, Internet research, and a couple fire extinguishers, it was no problem for this duo.

Injecting the 18.38lb turkey with a Cajun marinade.

Dropping the turkey into 14 liters of boiling peanut oil.

Maintaining that temperature. Only needing to cook 4 minutes per pound.

While the bird is cooking, let the party continue.

Pinata time!

The heavy hit that brought out the candy.

About an hour later - we're fried. Let's eat! Many stuffed bellies . . . who's ready for dessert?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Look Who's 21 . . .

Then: November 1986

Now: November 2007

A few weeks ago Annie's sister, Mary, turned 21.

We celebrated with a trip Downtown Detroit to Greektown, and of course stopped off at the casino.

The peanut gallery was in attendance.

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY MARY!

Happy Halloween

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween.

Here's a picture of the two scariest & spookiest things we've ever seen in our whole lives!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!

Paint the Town Orange

Home opening game. UVA vs DUKE.

We had a great time experiencing a university football game. UVA was victorious. Go Wa-Hoos!

Though we had a great cultural experience, it did not transform us into football fans. Our favorite parts: super dogs, snow cones, and people watching.

The US Army Golden Knights parachuted down into the stadium before the game and amazingly landed on the 50-yard line.

The Cavaliers Marching Band