So far so good

Last week's workouts were great!  I continued with cardio tonight and now I'm wide awake and probably won't get any sleep tonight.  Gavin was up and down again last night.  Poor little guy had a HUGE booger up his nostril and I'm sure he couldn't breathe very well.  It actually scared me so I was constantly checking on him to make sure he was breathing.

I played a little matchmaker this weekend and for the most part I think I did good!  The set up was made before Christmas and it went well.  But the guy wanted another "group" setting before he asked the girl out on a real date (totally understandable to me).  So we had a game night this past Saturday and it was a lot of fun!  I'm purposely not mentioning any names just in case it doesn't work out.  I'll try to refer back to this story if it was indeed a success just in case anyone's interested in my matchmaking skills! :)

Eric and I were pillow-talk talking last night and we realized that we have been through a lot together in the 4 years and 4 months of being with each other.  We have gone through a death in the family, addictions, a bad experience in NY, debt, moving 5 times (me - 5, eric - 2), planning a wedding, getting pregnant and experiencing ALL the hormonal issues there, and then the labor!  Even though we've been together for four years and married for only one of those years, I feel like we've experienced and learned what couples do in 7+ years.  After reminiscing what we went through, Eric asked, "Why did you stay with me?"  The only answer I had and ever will have is, "Because I love you."  We have definitely had our up moments too: trip to Hawaii, Thanksgivings in Delaware, getting engaged on a cruise, our fabulous wedding, paying off our debt, finding out we were pregnant (priceless), the start of the contractions (another priceless moment) and last but certainly not least, seeing our baby boy for the first time!  I love my husband so much and I love the life we share now and until forever.

Typed till I got sleepy,
Brooke

Gavin playing with some of his toys from Christmas - 33 Weeks Old

Working Out is hard to do

After 8 months of baby excuses, I am back on track to working out once again!  I started Monday night with just a nice 30 minute jog (indoors on a treadmill, of course....why would I jog outside is 30 degree weather?!) then tonight I lifted weights, lunged my legs off, and loved that sore feeling!  For now, my goal is to workout three times a week with the support of my loving husband to take care of Gavin.  Not sure why I didn't commit to this earlier!  I guess this is just another New Year's Resolution.

Speaking of resolutions, I have mentioned two already but I want to clarify that I made one for certain areas of my life: 
Socially:  To have monthly get togethers
Physically:  To workout three times a week
Spiritually:  To do my daily Bible study
Domestically:  To cook at least once a week
Matrimonially:  To show my husband respect on a daily basis
Motherly:  To make my son laugh every day
Occupationally:  To not be distracted with socializing
Economically:  To pay off debt and to visit mom and pop restuarants when going out.
Emotionally:  To be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19)

Let's just say that I have a lot to work on....

Christmas morning, opening gifts....

...then with our friends, Jonathan and Stacey, later that night.

Gavin's always eating....just like his parents!  Hence, the workout resolution. :)

Love, Brooke

Christmas then the New Year!

Can't believe Christmas has come and gone so quickly.  I tried my best to capture all of the memories of Gavin's first Christmas.  I will say there are just too many pictures to post!  On our way to my mom's house for dinner, Eric says to me, "I never understood the concept that 'it's all about the kids' until now."  Meaning, we didn't care if we got presents or not (knowing that's not the true meaning of Christmas) but watching Gavin try to rip the paper and play with his "noise-making" toys was SO much fun!  He got lots of toys, some clothes, a few books, a couple toys for when he turns 1 year old, stuffed animals, and a blanket made by Grandmama.  This was probably our best Christmas ever!

I'm not sure if I wrote this before but we finally have a tooth on the bottom of his gums.  Just one.  He's starting to really use his high-pitch voice when playing or just talking.  It's very piercing but it's so funny to watch his facial expressions too.  Also, it seems as though he gains weight every time I pick him up but he hasn't gained a pound!  And, he's looking like Eric more and more every day.  Poor kid.  :)

Now onto the New Year!  We have had a great start already!  We attended our church's First Annual Chili Cook-Off where Eric has the award winning Hottest Chili!  I think he made it for me. :)  Afterwards, we went over to a friend's house to watch the ball drop.  Already this month, we have paid off TWO debts!  Leaving us with only FOUR left!  I can hardly believe it myself.  We have been doing really well and we're so close to being done forever!  By our calculations, we should be done by July of this year.  Another awesome report is that we FINALLY had to buy diapers for the FIRST time since Gavin has been born!  It was on December 31, 2009 while Gavin was 7 1/2 months old.  Amazing!

As a New Year's Resolution, I would like to start a monthly gathering with friends.  I would like to make it every last Saturday of the month; we will get together for dinner, dessert, games or just chit-chatting.  We'll start with our place of residence for the month of January.  And if you can't make it this month then shoot for next month.  I want our friends to know that we do actually want to get together but we realize that life's happenings sometimes get in the way.  Now, it doesn't have to be at our house every month; we would love someone to open up their house as well.  So, I'll be sending around an email.  Let me know if you'd like to partake in my New Year's Resolution!  It'll be lots of fun!

God is Good!

Where'd it go?

Where has this past weekend gone?!  Did I sleep through it?  Did it pass with a blink of an eye?  Where'd it go?!  Well, we had a great visit with Eric's dad last weekend and we're very sad to see him leave.  Hopefully he'll be able to visit more often next year.  Have a safe trip, Jeff and I'll do my best to keep you updated! :)
 
We finally got to visit Santa for the first time in Gavin's life!  He did such a great job; no crying and smiles all over the place.  We went to Tyrone Square Mall and Santa really gets ya with those prices for pictures!  Actually, let me correct myself, he really gets ya with those prices for ONE picture.  We opted for the cd so we can print as many as we'd like but when we got home, there were no images on there!  So Eric brought it back and the kind lady was able to give us FIVE pictures instead!  I was absolutely amazed and so excited.  I'll post those as soon as I download them to my computer. 

Want to hear about procrastination....there are only 3 days left until Christmas and we are not even close to being done with our Christmas shopping!  We have about 7 more people and 4 White Elephant gifts to shop for and I'm running out of ideas.  I'm telling you all of this so in case you get your present late, you'll know why.  I'm sorry?

We definitely have a busy week ahead of us.  Tonight, I'm taking Gavin to a friend's house for a small get together.  Tomorrow I'm working and then we're hosting the 3rd Annual Christmas Party with Mr. LaChance and the Listers.  Thursday I'm working for Mark in the morning; taking Gavin to see Santa with the grandmas in the afternoon; then off to the Bates' for an annual Christmas Eve party in the evening.  Christmas morning will be at Cindy's then Christmas dinner at my mom's.  Then the day after Christmas, I'm sleeping all day....even if I have to take a sedative!

Have a Merry Christmas and I'll post pictures soon....

Love,
Brooke, Eric and Gavin

Oh Happy Day

Despite the nasty weather, today is a very special day for many reasons!  First of all, Gavin is 7 months old!  I can't believe it.  He is such a joy to us even in his fussy moments.  Just to think that 7 months ago, he was a tiny, little creature in my belly and now he's a smiley, bouncy little boy.  Soon I'll be saying that he's 1 year old....but let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Secondly, this day two years ago, Eric asked me to be his wife!  I still remember how nervous he was to ask, repeating over and over "I love you", and grabbing the wrong hand to later finding out that I ruined his real plan.  I love that memory and I especially love my husband and the life we have together!  Thirdly, Eric's dad is coming into town today from Korea!  He's been over there for almost a year for work.  I'm hoping to get a good picture of the 3 Koroknay men!  (hint, hint Jeff)  It should be a wonderful time this weekend and next week with Christmas celebrations.  Hopefully, Gavin will be able to meet Santa soon before he heads back up to the North Pole!  So....like I said, today is very special for all these reasons.  Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy!

Right after Eric proposed....

After telling our family we're engaged....

Walking on Cloud 9....

Morning Surprise

I was awoken this morning by Gavin talking to himself in his crib.  I looked at the time and it was 7:20; time to get up!  So I went into Gavin's bedroom and this is what I found....

This is definitely something new and exciting for Gavin so I'm sure he'll be doing this ALL the time now!  Tomorrow, he'll be 7 months old and we'll also be remembering a sweet day....more to come later.     

Sleep no longer exists

In my opinion, I think Gavin has a secret agenda to make us look like fools.  I bet he tries his hardest to be the happiest baby in public; smiling and laughing at our family and friends and even strangers.  Then when it's just the three of us at home, the fussiness begins and never ends.  I no longer know the concept of sleep.  Walking around like a zombie is my norm.  Not even coffee can cure my sleeplessness during the day.  I called Eric this morning wondering if we're doing something wrong.  The encouraging husband he is said to me that we're doing fine; we're new parents and this is to be expected.  I love him! :)   

In Gavin's defense, I felt some bumps on his gums and I'm sure he's in some kind of pain when he's not distracted by entertaining people.  He's crawling like crazy and is starting to pull himself up to a standing position.  Yesterday morning, I heard him grunting and huffing in his crib.  I went to check up on him and he was standing, holding onto the side of the crib!  It freaked me out because the dropside of the crib was down!  Gavin will be 7 months old this Friday.  Every day I ask myself, "How did this happen?!"

I don't know about anyone else but December is going by way too fast!  We attended our church's Christmas banquet last Thursday.  I was in charge of the games which was a lot of fun planning it out.  From what my church tells me, they had a lot of fun.  From the host's point-of-view, I could've done a lot better with the rules and regulations.  Oh well!  This past Saturday, we attended Eric's work Christmas party and Gavin received his first wrapped Christmas gift.  And wouldn't you know it, he played with the box rather than the actual toy.  Why do ALL babies do that?!  This Wednesday afternoon is my work Christmas luncheon.  Then Eric's dad is coming into town this Friday.  Next Wednesday is another Christmas party with our close friends.  Christmas Eve is spent at Greg and Mitzi's house.  Then FINALLY Christmas Day! 

Here are some pictures of Gavin at 29 weeks old.... 

Fantasy

So, tonight my husband is not feeling well.  As much as I'd like to think he's a hypochondriac, I still try to tend to his needs.  He went to bed early and hogged the bed so I decided to stay up, do my Bible study and journal a bit.

For those of you that don't know, I'm part of an all-woman Fantasy Football league.  At first, I wasn't interested; didn't know how to play or who was who on the field.  But my sister-in-law said her group needed one more girl so I caved in.  Now, 13 weeks later, I am proud to say that I'm in 2nd place and somewhat obsessed!  Fantasy Football has actually created an extra common interest for Eric and me!  Every Sunday morning he would ask if I put my players in (which I would do right after MNF, duh!) and we would go back and forth between his league and mine to see our status.  It was fun!  I'll definitely let you know what happens in the playoffs.

I really don't have any updates on Gavin.  I'm hoping that we'll take him to see Santa some time soon.  For Santa's sake, I hope Gavin will be in a good mood. :)

If you think about, pray for Eric's health.  He hasn't been sleeping very well and now that he's possibly getting sick isn't good for his work either.  Thanks!

Praying for y'all,

Brooke

  

Just starting

Hello and welcome to my blogspot!  As some of you know, I will be deactivating my facebook account for a few reasons.  Facebook has allowed me to see old friends as well as create new friends and also keep in touch with distant family members. However, I struggled with comparing myself to others, taking certain actions personally or unintentionally hurting others (i.e. getting "ignored" and/or inconsiderate status updates), and spending too much time on facebook.  If I wasn't on, I would be thinking of what I should write for my next status update.  It consumed my mind!  I'm hoping that my "friends" will either see what's going on in our lives through these blogs OR they can call, text or email.  We'll see how this goes.  My goal is to blog at least once a week with new pictures and links to videos of my family.
Ok...here we go!       

Gavin Update - 6 Months

Well today was Gavin's 6 month appointment and I couldn't be there. He got his 6 month shots, got weighed and measured and Eric was able to ask the doctor any questions he wanted. Did he have any questions? Of course not. :) Well, Gavin is now 27 inches long and 17 lbs 1 oz. He is creeping along on the floor now, sitting up wonderfully on his own and laughing it up! He is really playing with his toys now and going after the toys that are far away from him. Gavin LOVES his cousin Dylan; watch the videos if you haven't already. I had to finally pull out his 6 month clothes and I'm slowly packing the 3/3-6 month clothes which is easier said than done. For the past month, he has really enjoyed his bath time because he gets to splash and splash and splash! He really is a happy baby....when he gets his way. Oh and since it's the Thanksgiving season, we are SO thankful and blessed to have our local immediate family babysit at a moment's notice! Ever since he was born, Eric and I have had at least 2 date nights a month! This past weekend, we had TWO date nights! Yay!

We're looking forward to Gavin's First Christmas! It'll be so much fun with all those non-noise making toys! Are there such toys?! Well, until next update....

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

My First Born

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?  NO!!!

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?  Yes

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?  "Let's take ANOTHER test! It can't be true!"

4. HOW OLD WERE YOU?  27

5. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?  I took a test at work. Another one when I got home. And then another one (digital) when Eric came home.

6. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?  Eric, through a picture text

7. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?  Yes!

8. DUE DATE?  May 20, 2009

9. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?  Yes, for the first month

10. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?  The last month I craved chocolate milk

11. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?  Sadly, my husband. I would take everything and anything out on him.

12. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?  Male

13. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?  No! We wanted a boy and I thought for sure we were having a girl because of God's Wonderful Sense of Humor!

14. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?  40

15. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?  Yes...3 Wonderful Baby Showers!

16. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?  I knew

17. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?  By the grace of God, no complications whatsoever!

18. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?  Breath of Life Birthing Center, Largo, FL

19. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?  6 Hours

20. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?  Eric drove at 4:00 a.m. We live 2 minutes away (literally) and he was upset that he didn't get to drive through a red light.

21. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?  My husband, my midwife and a birthing assistant

22. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?  ALL NATURAL BABY!!!

23. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?  2 Ibuprofen and that was AFTER I delivered

24. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?  8lbs 4.5oz

25. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?  May 18, 2009

26. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?  Gavin James Koroknay

27. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?  26 days old

The Birth Story

Well, as most of you know, Gavin is here! It was such a surreal experience but I will try to explain all the details. Here we go....

May 18, 2009 at 1:30 in the morning, I started having minor contractions and they were definitely in rhythm. We timed it for an hour then we called the birthing center. The midwife was there and ready but she wanted my contractions to last a little bit longer. So we timed them for another hour and then called her back. The midwife said to come on over. We got there around 4:00 a.m. and we were ready to go. She checked my vitals, Gavin's heart rate, and how far along I was. I was 4 cm dialated and 70% effaced. I just laid there for about an hour breathing through the contractions. I was supposed to walk around and that lasted about 5 minutes. She checked me again and I was 6 cm and 100% effaced....so I was allowed in the tub (now 5:15ish). This was absolutely the best! Eric was by my side holding my hands and coaching me through. I was in there for about two hours or so; still enduring those not-so-nice contractions. I was so tired at one point that I fell alseep between contractions. Then the water wasn't working anymore and my midwife had me move to the bed. Ten minutes and two LOUD screams later, Gavin was on my belly crying at 7:38 a.m.! AND ERIC SAW THE WHOLE THING AND DIDN'T FAINT!!!! I was so proud of him! :) It was absolutely the greatest experience I have ever endured.  The only drugs I had were two Ibuprofen and that was after I delivered Gavin! 

I do have more to tell but I'll have to write another update later. Gavin's hungry! He's doing great with feedings and sleeping....the first night went surprisingly well, as did the second night. He's so perfect and precious that I can't help but look at him and hold him ALL the time.

Here are some pics!

39 Weeks

Yep...I'm still pregnant! Yesterday we had our 39th week appointment and everything is still in order. Gavin's heartbeat is wonderful; my blood pressure is perfect; my weight gain is ok. This visit was the first time a midwife checked me internally. And from her calculations, I am 1cm dialated and 50% effaced and she caused me to lose my mucus plug....so at least we're on the scoreboard! :)

Now Eric on the other hand, please pray for him because I honestly don't know how well he's going to do in the delivery room. While the midwife was checking me internally, Eric couldn't see anything AT ALL and he was hiding the fact that it made him queasy . But once the midwife left, he started freaking out! I just kept telling him, "Eric, I NEED you to be strong for me!" Of course, I tried to say it without laughing....I'm such a mean wife, I know. :) So with that being said, I will be looking for an Eric understudy! JK!

We're all set with our bags packed, the carseat in place, the nursery all set up, the phone list to be dialed, the apartment semi-cleaned and the toes painted. It's funny because every time I call my mom or dad, they answer with such an anticipated tone in their voice, "Yeeeess?!"

I will be working up until "The Day". Our due date is still May 20th and my work is ready to receive the call. So far, I've been impressed with the timing of everything. We've been able to attend certain events that we tentatively planned....like The Walk For Life; Mother's Day celebrations; concerts; and a wedding! Our next appointment is Thursday (1 day overdue) so we'll see what happens! Stay tuned....

38 Weeks

Today marks 38 weeks for us and if you haven't seen the nursery pictures yet, I think we're all set. Today's appointment was still very routine and nothing new to report. I have minor swelling in my feet but not to the point of cankles (praise the Lord!) My blood pressure is perfectly fine. To date, I've gained 37 pounds. Gavin's heartbeat is still strong and his movements are huge! I might be getting a little sick. I have a minor sore throat but I'm allowed to take Zicam and a lot of Vitamin C to knock it right out. My midwife said that I'm not allowed to go into labor this Friday day because she'll be out of town. Friday night is ok though. And then we have the Walk For Life this Saturday! Lord willing, I'll be able to walk the Walk too but we shall see....

I'm excited to get a pregnancy massage today! It's my first professional massage since I've been pregnant and I think I've finally hit the point where I'm in NEED of it. Don't get me wrong, Eric tries his best to give good back massages and foot massages but he's no professional!

I stopped going to the gym because I don't want to go without Eric. We have such mixed up schedules that it's not possbile for both of us to go together anymore. :( However, we do find time to take walks almost every day. Eric is my great encourager and leader that I can't wait to see him in action at the birthing center! He's also making it a point to cook spicy food for me. Now, I seriously doubt that's going to induce my labor only because I've been eating spicy food ever since I could remember. Pad Thai 5 stars! Jalapeno and Habanero peppers....bring it! But once again, we shall see....

Our next appointment is next Thursday! Until then, walk the Walk for Life to help save babies! :)

36 Weeks

We had our 36th Week Appointment yesterday and all is well. We got to meet a new midwife at the Breath of Life Birthing Center who will be a on call one weekend a month so our original midwife can finally have some time off. Gavin is doing great! We heard his heartbeat and it is still strong. She estimated his weight to be around 6 pounds and I'm measuring at 37 weeks. My blood pressure is very good. And to date, I've gained 32 pounds. That's right....

Last weekend, Eric and I went to Babies R Us and Target to purchase the final necessary items with the awesome gift of gift cards! I must say that Eric was a little disappointed in the toy selection at Babies R Us. But he still has time to find Gavin that special toy from Daddy. This weekend, I'll be cleaning like a maid on steroids because the rest of the apartment is D-I-R-T-Y! Thankfully (and sad to say), Eric is out of town so he won't be in my way. :)

I've been feeling pretty good. A few emotional rides here and there but I've been told that's normal. I'm still going to the gym despite the looks I get from the other members. I'm experiencing a few backaches but thankfully I have a couple gift certificates for a massage! I'm waiting till I REALLY REALLY need it.

Well, we've reached the point where we visit our midwife on a weekly basis! I guess you'll hear from me next week then! Thanks for reading!

34 Weeks

34 Weeks and only 6 more to go! I may sound like a terrible person saying this but I don't mind the wait. Eric and I were discussing this last night....how he can't wait to hold Gavin in his arms and I'm thinking to myself, "I'M NOT READY! This and this needs to get done. We have this to do and that to do. We're NOT ready!" Well, here's what's been going on this past month.

We've been busy, that's for sure! During the week, we've been occupied with parent classes, Bible studies and working for our church. Then on the weekends, it seemed as though there was always something to attend (a bridal shower, a baby shower, get togethers, a picnic, a charity event and a photo shoot). It has been crazy....but fun!

Physically, I'm feeling great! I'm eating good, still doing cardio and lifting weights. Still no cankles and my wedding rings still fit. However, I'm really veiny in my hands! I haven't had any complications except for a few backaches here and there. Gavin is still moving like crazy in there; which is an awkward yet amazing feeling. To date, I've gained 27 pounds.

We have been blessed beyond belief when it came to our baby showers! We seem to have everything in order and will probably just get the last few necessary items soon. The crib is up, the dresser is filled, the clothes are hung, the glider is gliding, the diapers are piled and the bedding is on! It was fun going through everything and putting it in its designated area (I just hope Eric won't mess it up!) HA!

Our next appointment is tomorrow and I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again. That's my favorite part of the visits. :) Take care and sorry there's really not much to update you on. Gavin's doing great!

30 Weeks

Today marks 30 weeks for us! This time is going by so fast but we are enjoying every moment of it. For those of you who don't know yet, we have picked a name for our little boy.

Gavin James Koroknay.

We had an appointment yesterday with our midwife and everything seems to be great! I passed my glucose test, Gavin's heartbeat is still beating strong, his movement is constant and I only gained 3 pounds in one month. :) I'll admit, I was a little worried about the weight gain part when we first found out I was pregnant. Not to sound self-centered but it took me a long time to get my weight off and stay that way! I worked hard to fit into that wedding dress! HAHA! It has been 4 years since I weighed this much but it's definitely worth it... :)

This past weekend, we had to take the required childbirthing classes in order to deliver at the Breath of Life Birthing Center. Eric and I both learned a lot from the class and we left more excited about Gavin's arrival (despite the very vivid 1980's videos of 1 natural birth, 2 water births, and a TON of nipples!) We also had to try out different laboring/delivery positions and breathing exercises. What made it somewhat awkward was having my male co-worker and his pregnant wife there. Thanks to Kirk, Eric will be listening for a bell sound after every stage of labor. :)

So...Eric and I have a lot going on within the next couple of months. We have baby showers coming up; which we are VERY thankful for! We are now at the "every two weeks" appointments. We have "Godly Parenting Classes" starting this month. We have to set up Gavin's area soon. And we have over 6 garbage bags full of boys clothes that we need to sort through! Thanks Heather! :) At least we now have a dresser to put them all in thanks to my mom! So, please take note, I DO NOT NEED BABY CLOTHES!!! :)

Till next appointment....