Thankful Thanksgivng 2011

This year Thanksgiving took on a new meaning as our due date fell on Turkey Day. Luke was born on the 22nd, and every 4 years he will celebrate his birthday on Thanksgivng, starting next year. So much to be thankful for! It is such a great time to get together with family as well. This year we were discharged from the hospital the day before, and celebrated Thanksgiving at Adam's parents house, with his sister & brother-in-laws family, and my mom.

My mom was here for a week helping with Leila, Luke, laundry, and cleaning. I was sad to see her leave, but happy she was able to spend the week with us. Happy Thanksgiving, love from our turkey's!

It's a BOY!

We are so excited to introduce Luke Michael Pakes born November 22nd at 1:55pm. He is the sweetest, most mellow little boy. We can only hope he stays this way. Leila is adjusting well and loves to give her little brother kisses and hugs.

We had so many wonderful visitors at the hospital including big Sister Leila as well as my Mom (Gram-Mimi), Adam's Parents (Papou and Yai Yai), Auntie Alison, Auntie Angie & Uncle Pete, and Uncle Jon & Aunt Kristin.

We had a short stay at the hospital. It was so nice to get home and start our own routine as now a family of four!

Trick or Treating

Every Halloween we trick or treat down on Main Street here in Havasu. The town closes down the street and businesses set up booths to hand out candy. It's safe and fun, but does get a little crowded. We went down early and Leila had a great time. She walked the whole time holding onto our hands and was in awe of the lights, music, and costumes. My niece Alyssa painted my pregnant belly like a Pumpkin. It turned out really cute, and got a lot of people commenting about how cute it was while downtown. It was the new baby's 1st costume! Happy Halloween!

First Pumpkin Carving

Yesterday we carved our first pumpkin with Leila. Last year she was too young and it was enough to get her into her costume and smile for Halloween. She helped Daddy but didn't like to touch the gooey insides of the pumpkin. According to her it was "Gross and sick," but this morning she woke up asking about her "Punkin." I love making new memories with our munchkin.

Our little Pumpkin

The finished product! We had so much fun!

Getting ready for baby #2

I am officially on maternity leave! Yay! Last weekend I started to get some things ready for the mystery baby. I washed some neutral clothes and blankets, washed the car seat, and packed the diaper bag full of goodies. Leila knows there is a "baby" in my tummy, and will give it kisses but I know she's really doesn't understand what is going to happen in the next month. I know she will be a great big sister, but it will be intresting to see how she shares Mommy and Daddy with the new baby. I am 36 weeks and feeling good. I saw the doctor on Tuesday and am 1 cm dialated. Hopefully right on track to deliver before my due date of Thanksgiving Day.

After I washed the car seat, Leila grabbed her baby and told her it was time to go bye bye in her seat. We can't wait to find out what we are having!

Pumpkin Patch 2011 Fun!

We took our 2nd Annual trip to Santa Barbara's Pumpkin Patch this last weekend and had a great time visiting family. The weather was beautiful, and the kids had a great time playing together. Leila enjoyed jumping in the hay, running around the pumpkins, and getting lost in the corn maze. We watched Cousin Adam play football, played at the park by the beach, and stuck our toes in the water. Our little champ tolerated the 6-7 hour car ride well, making it a very enjoyable weekend for everyone.

Thanks to Uncle Jon and Aunt Kristin for hosting such a great weekend!