Putting Him to work Early!

Nolan helped me fold laundry yesterday...what a cute helper! :)

More pics

Here is a pic of us girls on Christmas...it wouldn't upload in the last. Please ignore my hair, that at the beginning of the day was pulled up, but kept falling as the day wore on. Grr...

Wonderful Christmas

Brian and I had a fantastic Christmas! On Christmas Eve Julie and Bryan invited some friends over, so we joined them and the Daane's for some game playing and Santa tracking (that jolly ol' fella is fast)! Christmas day we went to church in the morning (totally goes against the Ley family tradition...we normally go on the Eve...but since Brian was an usher I let it slide this year). We came home and lit the fireplace and opened gifts. We are so blessed, we (Nolan included) recieved some wonderful gifts and we are so grateful! Then we went Matt & Kim's later in the day for a delicious dinner. I am not kidding, the food was out of this world. Everyone brought something and it was all phenominal! Beth gave the rest of us girls one of the most thoughtful and wonderful gifts I have ever gotten. She gave us each a photo album full of black and white pictures. Each of our albums included group pictures of our gang, plus she personalized each album with pictures of us and our family. My album had pictures of me when I was pregnant, pics of Nolan, Brian and myself. It truly brought a tear to my eye and it is something I will always treasure. Thanks Beth! After dinner we played a couple games. Scene It (Brian, Cindy and I were on a team and let's just say we didn't do so hot...Oprah???? Where did that come from???). Then we played Taboo, Boys Vs. Girls. It was a CLOSE game, but in the end the women conquered (of course)! And of course, since Brian and I have the best gift we could ever ask for...Nolan...we had the best Christmas ever!

First Date

Brian and I had our first date seven years ago tonight. We met at Poncho's house during Thanksgiving break (Meghan was there!) and had our first date during Christmas break. I gave Brian horrible directions, but he still made it to my parents house. He brought me a teddy bear and candle as a Christmas "gift." I was floored he would do that on our first date and thought it was was the sweetest thing ever. We went to Canetto's (spelling?) on the Hill for dinner, where Brian spilled his drink on himself TWICE before we even sat down to eat. I guess he was nervous? I loved it! Then we went to see Bugs Life and after that we were still raring to go, we went to the Train Wreck (Westport). We ended up dancing to the John Lennon song "So this is Christmas." This time of year is just that much more special because of memories like these. I never imagined my life the way it has turned out. Married to a military man, traveling the country, having a baby hundreds of miles away from where I grew up and from my family. And yet, if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing. I...WE...are right where we are supposed to be and I am such a lucky woman to have found the man who makes me laugh, who challenges me and to share this life with.

2 Days to Go...Are you Ready?

How did Christmas sneak up on us so quickly? I can hardly believe it's already (almost) here! On Wednesday (Nolan's 5 week "birthday") we took a visit to Santa Claus at the mall. Nolan sat on his lap and we got a picture of him, looking not like the happiest little boy in the world, although we think he is the cutest! We have been busy bees. Last weekend we attended Brian's squadron Christmas party, which was held at Major Duralia's home (his boss). It was great to see everyone and we had a wonderful time. The Hall's and Hlivko's were there, too, so of course Nolan's favorite pals were there, too. You'll see a picture of the three of them festively dressed here shortly...what more could we ask for Christmas with these cuties? Tuesday I attended the monthly Warrens Spouses Club meeting. There was an ornament exchange and dinner and it was nice for me to get out of the house and have some adult conversations! :) Nolan has been introduced to the bottle, so now Dad can feed him, too! Nolan took the bottle like a champ and its great for me to have a break every so often and its much better for Dad when I leave for a bit (if Nolan gets hungry). Hopefully you are all having a merry season. It's always a little bittersweet for us this time of year, because we of course miss being in St. Louis and all the fun that goes with that, but we also feel so blessed to have our Air Force family here in Cheyenne. Brian, Nolan and I will be spending Christmas (evening) at the Hlivko's with other friends and we can't wait. I am going to upload some pictures of our last week, mostly just hanging out and playing. Love ya all!! :)

Happy Birthday Jack!!

Wish we could be there to help you celebrate! We had a card for you, addressed and stamped, but it has gone missing. Hopefully if someone finds it, they'll be kind enough to drop it in a mailbox. We love you!!

Happy Birthday Keelee

Happy Birthday to you! :)

Babes of 2005

Sunday Nolan and I went to a Christmas Exchange party at Julie's. The girls all got together and exchanged names and did a gift exchange. Lindsey had me and she bought me a beautiful pair of earrings with Nolan's birth stone, that match the necklace Brian got me. I can't WAIT to wear them! Thank you so much Lindsey! Some of the ladies took pics of the whole gang, so I'll have to steal those pics later. We did get a picture of all the babies of 2005, though and here they are! Adorable! If someone else has a better pic I'll steal that too, but for now, here they are! From R-L: Evan Hall (4 months), Hudson Cardwell (9 months), Avery Hlivko(almost 3 months) & Nolan (almost 1 month). Evan was the only chilled out one that didn't start screaming or crying.

Congratulations Erin & Tom!

Saturday we had the privelage of attending Erin and Tom's wedding. We met Erin thru Amanda (who I work with). Erin works at the hospital that Nolan was born in, on the L&D floor and so she helped us a great deal when he was born. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and Nolan was thrilled to go to his first wedding. He even had a date...Hailey, who was born 2 days after him. All night people kept asking if they were twins. We had a blast and Nolan had such a good time that he let us sleep VERY well Saturday evening. Maybe we need a wedding every night... Here's Nolan's date: Brian & Erin (Sorry Tom, we didn't get any pics of you)! Ron, Amanda, Sam & Brian (uh-oh, who has Nolan? KIDDING!) And our family:

Where does the time go?

What used to seem like normal every day things to do, now seem like luxuries. Using the computer is definitely one of those. In fact as I type Nolan has become a fussy face, seeming to know how important this is to do. Hold on, I better give some kisses. Okay, I am back. I explained to him that this is mostly about him, so he seems a little more content. Things are going great, although everything is a learning process. Like, who needs windex, when your son opts to clean the windows himself with his pee? (Just kidding, we used windex when he was finished). And seriously, how can possibly prepare a new parent in how much laundry one little baby will go through? And regardless of how many times we heard it, a full night of sleep is certainly something of the past...or a figment of my imagination. I am too sleep deprived to know the difference. I am kidding! All joking aside, we can't complain. How could we really have known the overwhelming love we would feel? That when I can barely open my eyes to feed Nolan, I look down at him and my heart just soars with such emotion and I remind myself I better darn well open my eyes and enjoy every moment because I know they will pass too quickly. We are having a blast and I apologize to friends and family for our lapse in emailing and blogging. Your all in our thoughts and hearts during this season. So without further ado, before I get in REAL trouble, here are some pictures of Nolan!

We're Still Here!

I'm sorry it's been so long! We are busy spending time with Nolan and Grandma and Grampa McMenamy. Tomorrow Grammie & Grammpie Ley get here, so its a very exciting time. We are taking LOTS of pictures and I promise that when Brians back at work and our visitors are back home, I'll post plenty of pictures. It's all just so amazing. Brian asked me last night if I ever felt like this was all too good to be true. Every day I feel that way. I am amazed at the miracle of this little boy and we can't wait for him to meet all of you! We love you all!

Welcome to the World Nolan Richard

As most of you probably know by now, our son, Nolan Richard, was born Wednesday, November 16th at 10:50 AM. It turns out that induction was not necessary, which looking back we are both very grateful for. Tuesday morning I woke up having contractions and thought to myself, "today's the day." I was almost right. Brian and I spent the day running last minute errands and around 1:30 PM started timing the contractions. They were running mostly 7-12 minutes apart, so we knew it wasn't quite time, but they were consistant. We made dinner and as it was making, the contractions got closer togehter (as close as 5 minutes). We knew we had to go to the hospital! It was very surreal. After teh nurse hoooked me up to see where I was they discovered I was slightly dehydrated, so they thought that may be the reason I was having such close contratctions (I was still only 1 cm). Anyway, they had us walk laps around the hospital and at the next check, I was 3 cm dilated. They admitted me and the labor continued (yeah, no false alarm!). When I got to 10 cm, we started the pushing, but after 2 hours, there was little way to deny that Nolan wasn't going to be able to make it out alone. They used a "vaccum" to suction his head out and it was then we heard the MOST beautiful sound in the world. Our baby's crying. It was a long night and an even longer morning, but it was so worth it. Nolan weighed in at 6 lbs, 6.5 ounces,19.5 inches long. We returned home yesterday afternoon and are getting adjusted and used to our new lifestyle. The dogs are a bit unsure what to think, but are doing great and wag their tails at Nolan and Tootsie whines when he cries. Thank you to everyone for your prayers, thoughts, phone calls and visits, tehy all mean so much right now. Here are some pictures of our son, the love of our lives. There will be plenty more to come, but bear with me now, as post may not be as frequent as we adjust to the changes! :)

Wednesday, Not Tuesday

I had my doctor's appointment today (hopefully my last one while I am pregnant!) and Dr. L realized he was working Wednesday, not Tuesday. He was very apologetic, but one day isn't a huge deal. So Wed the plan is that we go in at 8 AM for the induction! Brian and I had a great weekend. Friday we decided to go to one last movie and Brian was sweet enough to agree to a chick flick, "In Her Shoes" which is a movie based on a book I had read. It was a VERY cute movie, we both enjoyed it. Saturday we went to dinner with the Halls and Hlivko's at Chili's. Sunday we went to church, took a nap, and watched Desperate Housewives. I was also able to finish the bib I was cross stitching for the baby. I am glad that's finished! Here are some pictures of our weekend. Tanner, saying "Cheese me!" Tanner, Tammi & Tim (Evan is in his car seat and can't be seen in the pic)!

Matt & Kim:

And the finished product of the bib! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCHMEGHAN!

Happy Birthday Meghan, my dear friend. You are only one more year closer to the big 3-0, but who's counting? I love that you are always older than me...tee hee!! I wish we could be there to celebrate another fine year with you. We miss you! And Jeb obeyed and didn't come today, upon orders from you that this is your day (or as you like to think, a National Holiday). Love you!

Nursery Pictures

The nursery is complete and ready for our little turkey to arrive. The only thing we haven't hung are the letters that spell his name (that we painted). Unfortunately, it is cloudy today so I had also use the room light (which if you'll notice is new, thanks to Brian's handy man work). I can't believe we'll actually have a baby for this room any day now!!!

A date is set!

I had a doctor's appointment today with our favorite doctor. He said I am still 1 cm dilated, but 80 % effaced (last week I was 50%). He said that we're just so close and he wants us to have a light at the end of the tunnel, so Tuesday (Nov 15th) I will be induced (if the baby hasn't come on his own by then). Brian and I were pretty shocked, but I trust this doctor more than anyone and know that he feels this is okay, then we are ready. Now I am simply giddy with excitement to think that in less than a week I will most likely be meeting my son!!! Yesterday I had LOTS of contractions, from about 12:30 until I went to bed. They were pretty intense at times, but never so painful that I thought "it was time." We went to Target and walked some laps to see if we could get things moving along and the contractions definitely did get stronger, so maybe the little guy will come on his own. So that is the latest news. We have another appointment Monday to get everything squared away. Please keep us in your prayers over the next week. We will be sure to let everyone know when something does happen! :)

Sigh of Relief

Brian is currently on his way home from his last November alert. Which is very relieving, knowing that any day now, I could go into labor. We kept telling the little guy to wait until after today and he has listened well, although I had a scare last night when I started having some pretty good contractions. Luckily,they must have been Braxton Hicks, because they did go away. Whew! Last night Tammi had myself and Kim (and Avery) over for dinner, as all the husbands were on alert (gasp...That never happens on the same night, especially a weekend)! She picked up Applebee's for us (what an awesome chick) and we chilled out and chatted, and had a good time playing with Tanner. I have to share this funny story about Tanner (who, if you don't recall is 3). I was sitting with him playing with a "puzzle" of sorts that spelled out his name. Each block letter was a different color and was to be put in its right order. This was a gift from Miss Keelee, he told me RIGHT AWAY! Anyway, the "T" to the puzzle was missing and I said, "Tanner, where's the 'T'?" He looked at me and then ran off and I thought he had become bored. He returned a moment later with a pitcher of...ICED TEA!!!!! I didn't get it at first of course, but he said, "Here's the 'tea'!" Tammi started laughing and explained it to me and then we could NOT stop laughing! Tanner is so smart! What a cutie!! thanks Tammi for a very relaxing night with the girls (and Tanner and Evan, of course), I think we all needed it!

New Assignment

I can't believe it is already November! Sorry that it's been so long since we've posted, but the internet was down for a few days, due to our new phone being put in. Since the phone is a line through our digital cable/computer, the new equitement they gave us wouldn't allow our internet to work without an adaptor. Brian installed it himself, with the help of Nathan (THANK YOU SO MUCH NATHAN!) so that we wouldn't have to pay Bresnan to do so. I am loving being home and have spent the week getting everything ready for the baby's arrival. I don't know if you can ever truly be "ready" but I feel good knowing our bags are packed, the house is clean and I am officially "full term." I am going to the doctor weekly now, which is so exciting!!! On a very exciting note, we found out where our next assignment is. Brian received orders to Eglin AFB, which is in Florida!!! The base is very close to Pensacola and is on the Gulf side. We are thrilled. The base is right on the beach! We aren't very much closer to St. Louis, which is the only sad thing, but we figure we may not have to twist arms as much to get you all to visit! We're 4 hours away from Orlando, so Disney world won't be too far. And of course, the first words out of my mom's mouth were: "Don't get sunburned." Our friends Jake and Jamie Malone just moved to Eglin about a month ago, so we're excited to know that they'll be there when we arrive! We'll post again soon. We're putting some finishing touches on the nursery and then we'll post some pictures of those. HAPPY FRIDAY!

Not Really Fair...

That Brian was prettier than me Friday. We went to a Halloween party and couldn't decide waht to be. All the costumes were either too expensive or too much money to make. We finally came to a decision. Sure, I didn't look so sexy, but I sure laughed alot. I am sure you will, too. Let us know what you think of our costumes!

Friday Fun

My last day of work at the college was Friday. It was pretty tough to leave. I was surprised with a lunch at the Snake River Pub by my co-workers. Brian was in on it (this guy can REALLY keep a secret). He came to work to take me to lunch, but when we got to the restaurant, there was a room full of my awesome co-workers (from the past and the present). I am SO lucky! We had a great time. Shortly after lunch, while I was cleaning my desk, my boss told me to "go away!" Meaning I didn't have to work a full day. What a guy! I am so sad to leave the best job I have ever had, but I am SO excited about my new adventure as a stay at home mom (SAHM). Thank you TONS to Brian and my co-workers for making my last day so special.

What a Guy

I came back from a meeting today to discover a surprise from my hubby. He sent me this beautiful fall arrangement, knowing that these were my favorite colors, since this is my last week of work. I am so lucky! I can't wait to give him a big smackeroo!

WOW!!!

This past Friday I went to the post office to pick up a few packages that had been delivered. Since Brian was at work, I told him I would wait for him to come home before we opened them. I spent the evening with Kim and Avery, who is growing and just so cute! She is colicky, so it's been tough on Kim & Matt, but they are doing great! Anyway, when I got home that night, I realized I had another package in the mailbox, and it was from Andi. It felt sort of like a CD. When I got Brian on the phone he told me to open it. It was a DVD, and on the front there was a picture of these beautifully decorated cupcakes that read, "Tiny Toes." Each cupcake had a letter on it and then there were other cupcakes with little feet on them!! I opened the case, and found an invitation that let me know there had been a surprise video shower given by Andi at her house on October 8th with my girlfriends (and my mom!) in St. Louis. I immediately teared up and was so touched. The invitation had the matching "Tiny Toes" theme and is so adorable. Brian (who has known all along, the little sneak), informed me that two of the packages were from the shower Andi had thrown!! Unfortunately, I can only get through half of the DVD on our player. I have tried it on my computer, and it too, is being stubborn. Brian and I are going to find someone with a new(er) DVD player and we're sure it'll work. We feel badly that we can't see the whole thing, but from what we saw, the party looked like a blast and I just can't express my gratitude enough! Sorry to those who attended that thought the packages were lost in the mail. Nope, they were at the post office and between our schedules, it took Brian and I a couple tries to actually pick the packages up. Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity, we are so touched. Everything is just precious! The third package was from Beth Orwick and her mother in law made a BEAUTIFUL little sweater for the baby. It's so cool...it zips in the back, all the way up and has a hood. Then in the front there is a space for the baby's head. It's so perfect for the COLD Wyoming weather and we can't wait to see Jeb wearing it! Thank you all so so so so much!!! I will be calling you soon, again, we are so very blessed and so grateful.

Farewell Busch Stadium

"WHEN THERE ARE LINES UPON MY FACE FROM A LIFETIME OF SMILES, WHEN THE TIME COMES TO EMBRACE FOR ONE LONG LAST WHILE, WE CAN LAUGH ABOUT HOW TIME REALLY FLIES, WE WON'T SAY GOODBYE, CAUSE TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES. YOU'LL ALWAYS BE BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES" ~Anonymous~ "...It's not about the concrete doughnut itself, or the grass or the seats. It's not about the unique structure, even if it's a circular image that will burn in many a baseball fan's eye for years to come. It's about the people. It's about Bob Gibson. It's about Lou Brock. It's about Ozzie Smith. It's about Darryl Kile. It's about Tony La Russa. It's about Albert Pujols. It's about Jack Buck. It's about the memories. And, be it as it may, Thursday night was another memory to put in the Busch Stadium scrapbook, the final entry. But there are many more memories to be created for this proud franchise, and they will be created just a matter of yards away at the new yard next door. It'll be different, yet it'll be the same. Busch Stadium is gone. Long live Busch Stadium. " John Schlegel

Last Weekend

Last weekend flew by, we were busy bee's! Friday night we went to the club (on base). There was a big to-do because there is a new General here. We found out while we were there that this was the weekend that two friends who used to be stationed here were visiting from Alabama. We went to dinner with the two of them and a group of other friends at Sanford's Pub. Then we ventured to the Albany, a bar downtown. We couldn't stay too long because the smoke was SO thick and I was getting sick. But it was nice to be out. Saturday we attended Tanner's 3rd Birthday party. It was a dinasaur theme and SO COOL! We had fun, but Tanner had the best time. He wanted to play with every single toy he opened RIGHT THEN and probably would have been a tough little man to argue with if there weren't more presents to persuade him with. Saturday evening we went to a going away party for two guys that are getting stationed elsewhere and leaving this month. The party was at our friends house, Liz and Mark Keller. Their house is GORGEOUS and they throw a great bash. People were getting pretty wild, playing a game called "Flip a Cup" where, from what I gather, you have to chug beer from your cup, turn it over, then flip it so that it stands up right. Two teams play one another and let's just say the keg ran out quickly! Here are some pictures of our fun! There's Tanner & buddies at his party, eating hot dogs and cake. Next is a picture of folks involved in a passionate game of "flip-a-cup." Next is a picture of the girls, and lastly there is a 35 week belly shot of me!

ARE YOU STILL DANCING IN YOUR SEATS????

Now THIS is BASEBALL!!!!!

Are the Cards Doomed?

Sunday's are usually laid back and light hearted in the McMenamy household. We go to church, then usually the commissary for our shopping, then we return home for our designated weekly nap with the dogs. Then we usually grill out or bake something a little extra special and enjoy a slow(er) paced meal together. Then we cozy up on the couch to watch Desperate Housewives. Yesterday began like any other Sunday, but when we awoke from our nap we discovered the Cardinal's game was ACTUALLY on! The past few games have not been, because ESPN seems to favor the White Sox. So we were hopeful and excited. But any St. Louis Cardinal's fan knows where this is going...our afternoon went downhill. The game was so frustrating to watch. It really could have gone either way, but the salt in the wound was watching the injustice of our team manager, and shortly after Jim Edmonds, getting thrown out of the game by my now arch enemy Phil Cuzzi. This man, in my humble opinion, does not need to be an umpire for the Major Leagues. He is someone who obviously has some personal issues and a hidden agenda. This isn't the first time he has acted irrationally, check out this story: http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/columnist.jsp?content=20030923_164601_4960 Anyway, despite those hiccups, we continued to watch, me with a worried, tense frown on my face and Brian literally rallying the troops. He put on his Cardinal t-shirt and visor and began cheering and getting the dogs and jumping around and "cheering" (aka barking) for the Cardinals. It was catching (pardon the pun), so we were all so excited. One out and a man on first and third. When the ball was hit, we thought we had a run. Brian started cheering like a crazed mad man, and then...THEN. Oh I can hardly finish, it makes me so sad. The double play that, had I seen against any other team but our Cards, I would think was just gorgeous. Okay,let's face it...it was a damn good play. But it won the third game in a row for the Astros. I had to leave the room and when I did I managed to upset the poor doggies and Brian was worried I was going to put myself into labor. So...shall I watch tonight? We'll see. Come on Cards, lets win this. In spite of and TO SPITE that Phil Cuzzi. For all the world who cheered for the Red Sox last year, let us win. For all the kids and the adults who have loved you since before we learned to walk. And to take us back, again, to our beloved Busch Stadium. Please. Let's WIN this series. It starts with the victory we all know you can win tonight. Let's kill those stupid bees and hush their annoying buzzing once and for all.

Happy 1 Year Anniversary

AMANDA AND RON HUBBARD!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

Another year....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SALLY!!!!! YOU CRAZY GIRL!

What an Amazing Weekend

Wow! Where do I begin? I guess I should first say that I feel like the luckiest person in the world. I have a great husband, two adorable dogs that bring us joy day after day, family that love us and wonderful friends, that many time blur the line between family and friendship, they are that good to us. We are truly TRULY blessed! My weekend plans were exciting, but not as nearly as exciting as I realized. Sunday my two good friends and co-workers, Sara and Amanda, were throwing me a baby shower. They are the two women who I traveled with to Baltimore (2002) and Seattle (2003) for conferences, among other things. Saturday Brian had to work until 1 or 2, and my friend Beth had invited me out for dessert (my favorite thing) so that we could talk about some maternity photos she is taking of my belly and of Brian and I (Beth is very talented with a camera and is doing us a huge honor by taking these pictures). Anyway, Beth came over and snapped some pictures of the nursery and we were on our way, myself with a folder full of picture ideas. We pulled up to Lexie's, a place with great dessert and Beth asked if I would mind is she ran in next door to the Nagel Warren Mansion, a beautfiul B&B (http://www.naglewarrenmansion.com/index.html) in downtown Cheyenne. Beth told me she had to grab something for the Warren Spouse's Club, which just made me think, "this girl never takes a break, she is always working!" Anyway, we walked into the Mansion and Beth sort of ushered me into one of the big rooms and before I could put two and two together, I was in a room full of friends and they were saying "Surprise!" I almost fell over. I think I turned a few shades of red and can't really recall what I said, but I remember giggling a lot. Five of my friends (Tammi, Kim, Keelee, Julie & Beth) had planned a surprise baby shower! I thought they were all going to be at Sara's the next day, but instead they wanted to catch me off guard (which they certainly did)! The party was in a beautiful room, set up for a tea party. We had "high tea" which included some wonderful tea and delicious finger foods. It was all so exquisite!! I promise to post pictures when I get them, but I didn't have my camera, for obvious reasons! :) Thank you to my wonderful friends, I am truly so humbled and grateful for your friendship. Here is a picture of the Nagel Warren Mansion: And my weekend wasn't over! Sunday afternoon I went to Sara Fleenor's, where she and Amanda Hubbard put on a beautiful shower for Baby and I. The afternoon was absolutely wonderful and everything, from the favors to the games, to the cake, was beautiful! I feel absolutely spoiled and again, so humbled to have people who care for us so much. I DO have some pictures of Sunday's shower. The cake was made my Sara herself...we know another hidden talent! Thank you Sara and Amanda, and to all my friends and co-workers for "showering" us with such generosity and kindness!