Pregnancy Reflections

   We are officially less than three weeks away from Thomas' expected arrival and getting very excited!! Being so close has made me really stop to think about and be grateful for this adventure we've experienced over the last 37 weeks. It has definitely been one of the most amazing 9 months of my life and I am so thankful I had Marco to share the journey with. Pregnancy definitely challenges and blesses your marriage in ways I never imagined.

Day we found out we were pregnant :)

   Pregnancy much like weddings and I'm sure newborns brings out the best and unfortunately not so much the best in you and everyone around you. We've had friends and family that have absolutely amazed both of us with their generosity, love, and support. We have been so blessed with those that have gone above and beyond. From friends who give up their time to keep a pregger lady company when alone and put together furniture on their days off to family who are generous enough with their time and gifts to make Thomas feel loved and welcome even before he arrives and help prepare his future for great things. I used to think we should choose carefully who was a part of our lives but I've come to realize that anyone who genuinely wants to love and support us and our baby is welcome in our lives because there is a reason God has put them in our life.

at my Austin shower with Thomas' Godmother

   Pregnancy and motherhood have taught me so many lessons already. I have always had separation issues, always tried to be the friend or person in people's lives that gave so much that I was needed. And of course like any girl I had image issues here and there lol. Pregnancy changes all of that and I'm sure labor will even more so. When you are spending literally all you time, energy, love and body to grow this miracle inside you so that it can leave your body and one day if you're successful leave you and become a happy, independent, respectful individual in this world separation issues really become ridiculous. Your purpose is now to raise your child well enough that they are a healthy adult. Any body image issues go out the window as your body goes from being your own to a vessel for this miracle inside :) I am so grateful that I have had Marco here throughout this pregnancy to tell me how beautiful I am time and time again.
   The one thing I tried to do throughout this pregnancy was focus on the good and enjoy every second of it and I can honestly say that I have, even the emotional/hormonal days. I am so excited to meet little Thomas but sad that I won't be pregnant any more lol. From the serious food aversions and constant nausea to the heavenly second trimester and now to the hormones and swelling of the third it has been a magical and wonderful experience. I truly hope Thomas stays in for the full 40 weeks and I get to enjoy a full 3 weeks more of it!! So thankful for this journey and all of you in our and Thomas' lives.

Maternity Pictures

Whoa Baby thats a lot of growth!!!

6 Weeks

    Baby Pena has grown like crazy over the last couple months! I had my second ultrasound last week and it was completely different! No more gummy bear, there are long skinny limbs and everything! We are starting our second trimester this week and I am so excited to be in the part of the pregnancy so many of my friends have told me is the best. Our baby is about 3 inches and almost the size of an avocado. She/he was kicking like crazy during the ultrasound. Thankfully I haven't felt them yet, but I am ready to feel something. I've gained 4 pounds now but the doctor said that will change a lot in this trimester. All the health screens all came out negative which means our little one is good and healthy :) We find out the sex on December 5th at 20 weeks. 

13 Weeks

Godparent Reveal

Marco and I have been discussing who our baby's Godparents would be for most of the pregnancy. It was something that meant a lot to us. It was not an easy decision for us as we both wanted it to be people we know would be in our child's life for the long haul, there for the child and us if something were to happen to one of us, a part of their religious life, and a consistent positive influence throughout their life. Marco had wanted his cousin Miguel to be the Godfather for a long time and he's always been one of the most welcoming and warm people to me ever since I first became a part of the Pena family when we got engaged in 2009. He was an obvious choice for both of us. The Godmother part was very special to me because I'm very close to my mother and as a child had some wonderful women in my life that made my childhood so much richer. When I first got pregnant I asked my friend Paula to be my back-up birthing coach if for some reason Marco was unable to make it (gotta be prepared when you're a cop wife). She was so supportive and amazingly thankful just to be involved. My pregnancy has not been 100% raindrops and lollipops and she has really stepped up and been there for me through it all even when she was on her trip of the year. After talking with Marco, she was our easiest choice of all. We are so grateful to have these great people in our lives and feel so blessed that they both already love our baby so much. Yay for Godparents!

History Vacation

   My first big trip of the year was to Colonial Williamsburg, VA. I enjoyed the week and then found out I would be using it even more than I thought because I will now be teaching 8th grade U.S. History. Before my trip I had never enjoyed what historians call micro-history, when you study the lives of everyday individuals in a certain time period. This trip changed all that! I found out that the original Colonial Williamsburg was entirely created through the accounts of micro-history found in journals, letters, gazettes, and ledgers. Meeting the "characters" brought history to life in a way I had never experienced before. I am so excited to take my experiences back to the classroom next week!

California, here we come . . .

My adorable Godson and me :)

 I took a few great trips this summer. By far my favorite was my first ever trip to California. My best friend, her husband, and their handsome little boy moved there earlier this year. She and I are very much used to seeing each other multiple times a year so I had been missing her lots and had to get out there to see them. It was a trip of a lifetime!! We saw the oldest wharf in California, the famous Cannery Row, and Carmel Beach. It was amazing, complete with some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life. Best of all was getting to spend time with them and their awesome baby. Absolutely can not wait to see them again!! Here are just a few of the fantastic pictures I got from the trip :)

Sea Lions at Fisherman's Wharf

Crepes from France in Monterey. By far one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life

Fisherman's Wharf

Toes in the sand with my bestie at Carmel Beach

FREEZING Pacific Ocean

Gorgeous California Views

One of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen

Love this cutie!! Had so much fun with him!

Margarita Pie Time :)

Margarita Pie

This dessert is yummy but not too sweet. Perfect for the summer! 

 The crust is key make sure you get that done right! 

Crust 

1 1/2 cup crushed pretzels

1/2 cup melted butter

5 tbs sugar 

Mix together in a pie plate and press up sides and in bottom 

Filling 

1 can sweetened condensed milk (eagle brand was my choice) 

1/3 cup lime juice 

1 tbs fresh squeezed orange juice

1 tbs tequila

1 tbs liquid margarita mix

green food coloring to color

1 cup whipped cream (can make your own or use cool whip) 

Combine first 5 ingredients, then fold in cool whip, pour in shell, and freeze for several hours or overnight

Use remainder of whipped cream or cool whip to pipe on top in desired pattern. 

When ready to eat take out and thaw for about 10-15 minutes or sit pie  plate in bath of cold water for 5 minutes and then ENJOY!!

End of My First Year

  Last week marked the end of my first year of teaching. I started really wanting to go into the teaching profession as a way to use my major that I loved, history. I researched what programs to get into and chose and was accepted into Region XIII. It was a long and intense year even before I could apply. Then I applied to over 20 districts for nearly 60 positions and didn't even get a call. When August hit last year Marco was my rock to keep me positive and going. Two week before school started I got a call that I had an interview at the first school I had ever walked into to observe a teacher. It was my number one choice of district in a fantastic school. I couldn't even begin to go into how much I wanted this job. I went in and felt nervous and so unsure of how I did. Later I received a call that I had the job but they were waiting on a few things (cue more nerves). Thankfully I got the job and started in the next few weeks. I loved every second of it! I've never been more exhausted because of a job or worked longer hours or harder but I never had a day where I questioned my decision. Every day of this job there are students that make the day worth it. I was heartbroken to see some of them leave my class the last day but also so proud to know that they are moving on to the next grade of their education. Thank you to my friends and family that were there for me in the year before and during this year as well as my fellow cohorts. It has been an amazing couple of years and I can't wait for next year to get started (well I can wait a little bit lol).