Merry Christmas from our Family to yours!

Shopping is done, gifts are wrapped, house is clean and tree is lit! We are so excited for our first Christmas as a family! Here is the letter we sent to close friends and family...




Happy, Happy Holidays to our Friends and Family! I (Megan) have been anxious to write this letter since last Holiday Season. This happens to be our first annual Holiday letter! This year has been filled with many, many firsts for our family.
Beginning with the most significant month, February 17, 2009 was the day we welcomed our happy, beautiful baby girl, Alyvia Grace! Alyvia is such a good baby (I joke with Devon all the time about how wild our next one will be)! She is now 9 months old and filled with attitude, laughs, energy, and fun! Her smile is one in a million and her heart shines through her big blue eyes. Every day spent with her is such a blessing. She is the best thing that has ever happened to us and we are so thankful to have such a wonderful daughter!
Devon is working a full-time job, going to paramedic school full-time, and also working as a firefighter part-time. He is excelling in the classroom and is thankfully halfway done! In June 2010, he will finally graduate and be able to pursue his dream of being a full-time firefighter. We cherish the time we spend together because he is away from home a lot, but I know he is doing it to support our family and in the end it will be completely worth it! We have an incredible future ahead of us and I am so thankful for that!
After 4 months of staying home with Alyvia, we moved into our own home and I was grateful enough to find a job at a local daycare in August! I started in the toddler room, gained some experience in the preschool room, but my director’s were so pleased with the way I work with infants and toddlers so they permanently moved me to the infant room. And the best part is Alyvia gets to go with me! When Devon graduates, I plan on going back to school to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education, obtain licensing to become a daycare director, start my own daycare facility and eventually get my Master’s degree! It will take time, but again, it will be worth it!
Also in June 2010, Devon and I will finally tie the knot! We have been engaged since October 2008, so you could guess we are very anxious for it to finally happen! The plans are slowly, but surely coming together; and with the help of both sides of our family we will be able to have a beautiful, fun wedding!
It hasn’t been easy, but we always find a way to make it work. We are incredibly blessed with the life we do have and know we have a great future ahead of us. Stay tuned for more updates and stories! We are always thinking of you!



Wishing you a Holiday Season filled with love and laughs,
Devon, Megan and Alyvia



Enjoy your holiday!!

Too Fast...

No more baby bath! She loves the big bath tub. They really do grow too fast...

Our little Raindeer!

Last Sunday, we cut down our first Christmas tree!! Thats one of my favorite holiday traditions. Its all decorated...I mist say we did a good job! Surprisingly, Lyv hasnt paid much attention to it...until this morning. She was sitting in her bumbo about 3 feet away from it...I was in the kitchen and heard a loud thump but no crying, and when I walked back into the living room she had dove out of her bumbo to right in front of the tree. It was quite funny!

She is...crawling! Kinda, lol, she pulls her butt and legs behind her instead of actually using them to crawl, but there is noooo rush. She's already into everything!

Tmrw there is a Christmas parade in town, then we are headin to my cousin's wedding! And Sunday cousin Zoe is gettin her little ears pierced and we get to tag along! Tash went with us when Zoe was in her belly...it doesnt seem that long ago!

I am Thankful...

First and foremost, for my Family. It isnt always easy, but they are my reason for breathing and I could never ask for 2 more perfect people in my life.

2. My mom, sister, and two brothers....they are my backbone.

3. The job I DO have. These days, many people dont have one. And thankfully, I love it!

4. The roof over my head. Its not a million dollar mansion, but it's a start! And there is so much love in my home.

5. In-Laws; we've had our rough spots, but I know they'd do anything for us.

6. I get to marry my best friend...it doesnt get any better than that.

We have amazing plans for our future...more kids soon, hopefully buying a house in July or August, wedding in JUNE, Devon will have a secure and good paying job buy then too...

I am thankful!

I'm still here!

Our internet has been acting up lately, but somehow I got it to work tonight...and thought, I havent blogged in a while!!

Alyvia is...9 months old!! Teething, "crawling" on her side, sitting up, eating solids, starting to get into everything!!! Her hair is getting longer and thicker too... she's still a peanut, only 16 pounds, but happy and healthy!! She's entertaining, to say the least...dancing, singing, talking... I cant get enough!!!

I have unfortunately missed 2 straight weeks of work. The first week, I was SO sick. The most sick I have been in years!!! Then, Alyvia got sick... it was a rough week, but she's up and runnin again! The financial part is gonna suck, but we'll get through it!

My brother made it to the second round of high school playoffs as a senior. We were able to make it to one of them...I just cant believe I'm never gonna watch him under those Friday Night Lights again! But now its on to basketball season...

Dev is still busy, as usual. He turns 21 in about 2 weeks, and will also be HALFWAY done with school!! Yay!!! Come July, we will be set for life (:

I got my wedding dress!!! I am IN LOVE with it.... but I cant reveal many details cuz you know who will try to be snoopy! Its...me. And thats what I wanted! I also found my bridesmaids dresses. Super cute! The wedding planning is slowly coming together... We are happy to say Tash will be our photographer. I was debating on hiring someone so she could enjoy the day but bottom line is she'll take just as many, if not more, photos than a hired photographer! His uncle Todd will be shooting some too.

Tomorrow is the McGinnis' Thanksgiving dinner. Our first with our own family! Then it's only a 3 day work week, and black Friday madness!!!

Sinking in.

Sunday, Mom came over to do some wedding talk. We got the guest list complete, colors, wedding party selected....now I'm just waiting on Dev to tell me when his last day of school is so we can set a date!!

Monday, we went to the wedding venue where we hope to have the wedding/reception to do some measurements; I loved the place even more than I remembered! The way we originally planned things should work out just fine. BUT I do think I'm going to go look at one more place, just to make sure this is where I really want to have it!!

I have been going to work an hour earlier all week; one hour doesnt seem like much, but those babies/toddlers (including my own!) wear me OUT!!! Its so neat to watch Alyvia socialize...yesterday she and a 13 month old were yelling DaDa to each other, almost as if whose daddy was cooler or to see who cold say it louder!

I think I may start watching a 5 month old on Saturdays...not every Saturday, which is okay with me, but Daddy is gone and Alyvia wants someone to play with too! She's getting to the stage where all she wants to do is play... I love it!

She will be EIGHT months old Saturday. I absolutely cannnnooott believe it!!! I've already started looking at...birthday stuff. How crazy is that?!?!?!

Oh, and the little booger is starting to spit! She'll press her lips together and blow...trying to stick her finger in there sometimes too. We think its hilarious, for now!

Tomorrow Dev and I will be having some mommy and daddy time. First time in 8 months! We are just so attached to her, and she is in no way an inconvenience to us...so we take her everywhere (maybe to show her off a little) :) Its just gonna be for 2 hours or so, but I'm hoping to get a little Christmas shopping started.

The booger has been asleep since 730. She fell asleep last night at 745 and slept til 730 this morning. She's my alarm clock and usually gets up at 7, which is what time I get up for work...needless to say I was a little late for work this morning!!

Grey's tonight!!!! Yeah!

More Milestones!

1. Buggie is almost 8 months old.. I cant believe I just said that!!

2. I think she's pushin about 17 pounds; still a peanut, but she's gainin, eatin, and is happy and healthy! We'll find out tomorrow!

3. She says Da-da ALLLLLLLLLL the time. It is entirely toooo cute!

4. She's a dancer like her momma! Its the cutest, most hilarious thing I have ever seen. She moves her hips front to back and shakes her head and butt... I just love it!

5. 3 jars of food is what its now taking to fill her belly up!

6. We started to give her crunchies to snack on...and she loves em!

7. ALMOST pulling herself up! She can pull herself up by holding onto someone's fingers...but everyday she gets closer to doing it on her own!

8. And, she is sooo close to crawling!! The past 2 nights she's been pushin herself up with her arms and gets one leg bent, but gets frustrated when she can't get the other one up there too. It's gonna happen soon, and I dont know if Im ready for it!!!

9. Her teefers are startin to cut through her gums... no fun for her :(

We are so ready for Pumpkin Show! We arent gonna put her in the parade (sad face) cuz I dont wanna take off work, but we can do it next year!

Her halloween costume is SOOO adorable; I cant wait for her to wear it!

She's currently a sleepin princess...daddy should be home soon!

Gettin in the Groove.

I've been doing a little wedding plannin here and there. Both our guest lists are pretty much complete; we had to do a little eliminating, especially with the people we havent seen in 5 or so years, or people one of the 2 of us didnt know! I think it'd be awkward to meet someone for the first time at our wedding...

My mom and I are sitting down within the next few days to discuss the budget. I'm hoping to not spend too much money; all we wanna do is have fun!

I'm now debating on puttin bug in the Pumpkin show parade. Odds are I will, but I would also have to miss work and buy a dress for her (I've been looking with no success!).

I think Im also gonna exchange her Christmas dress; I love it, but think I found one I love even more!

Im planning on applying for an AWESOME paying job. I love the daycare, but would like to be making a little more money...especially with the holidays coming up, alyvia's 1st birthday, and when our lease is up in July we want to buy a house!

So much to look forward to (:

Milestones.

Alyvia was in a baby contest this past Saturday; she loved all the attention, of course, and won 2nd! We dont need judges to tell us she's the cutest baby (: We had lots of fun putting her in her first contest, and are looking forward to putting her in more!

We have started her on a sippy cup...this was something I wasnt emotional ready for, but she is doing a great job so far. I think she understands she's doing something new and doing it well, cuz she always has the biggest smile on her face when I sit her sippy in front of her. It is so cute!

I have also started teaching her baby sign language! Im starting out simple; more, eat, drink, all done....she laughs everytime I do it, but I have the feeling she'll catch on really quickly!

The little booger is rolling EVERYWHERE. After I feed her in the morning, I lay her on the floor in the living room and surround her with toys so I can get ready; I peek in on her every once in a while and every time she is in a different position...on her belly facing the opposite way, in the walkway between the living room and dining room, turned so she can see the tv... And she is constantly talking, saying Da-da and Ma-ma already, screaming to get our attention, clapping and giving high fives; I LOVE IT (: Oh, and she loves to stand up. We think she'll be walking before she's one! I already set the date for her bday party cuz daddy's schedule is so crazy and we have to plan that far ahead. Im excited, but dont like to think about it too much!

Last but not least, we found our wedding venue and I am sooooooo excited about it!

Trip to Marietta.

Yesterday we headed down early to Marietta for the Lyvi's first Sternwheel Fest. It was a little chilly when we got there, but overall the weather cooperated. She was such a good girl! Tash, Josh and Zoe, his mom and dad went too. We arrived around noon, did lots of walking and visited with family, then left around 430; she slept the whole way home.

That night we grilled some steaks and watched the OSU game, and finally got to sleep in a little this morning! I had to work an ice cream social with other girls from the daycare, but other than that we just relaxed all day.

Dev has 2 weeks off from school, which is so nice, but Im already dreading when he has to go back. This week/weekend is gonna be a busy one though! After work all week, Friday night is my brother's senior homecoming game, then Saturday morning Alyvia is in a baby parade, and Sunday is her friend Lexi's 2nd Birthday party! It should be lots of fun.

And LyviBug will be 7 months on Thursday...I cant believe it.

Life happens!

I go through Alyvia's pictures almost on a daily basis. I am still in complete awe that time goes by so fast. This is picture was taken almost 7 months ago, on the exact day she was born... She has made my life more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.

At 6 1/2 months old, she got her first infection/fungus...Thrush; little white bumps on the inside of her mouth. A little one in her nursery had it, so I'm guessing thats where she got it from, but it was just a few bumps and its already completely cleared up. This little booger is sitting up on her own better and better every day. She cant pull herself up completely alone yet, but we give her about 2 or 3 weeks before she can...she is though sitting up like a big girl, and it is entirely tooooo cute (:

Last Saturday, we made a trip to Jeffersonville...it was great weather, and luckily it was Labor Day weekend and there were TONS of AWESOME sales! We got her a bunch of fall/winter stuff for great sale prices.

Sunday we didn't do much of anything; housework and snuggling is usually how our Sundays are spent. I love it though! And Monday we went to my mom's house to have dinner with my grandparents and some family who was visiting from Michigan! Alyvia was the life of the party, of course (;

It was back to work today, and dont get me wrong, I LOVE my job and the kids I teach, but I do miss being home every day with my buggie. Once we have more kids, I have a degree and some working experience, I hope to be a stay-at-home momma again. Hopefully by the time she's 5 or 6, but if I have to wait thats okay. Dev will have a great job in a year or so, and I cant wait to not be worried about finances so much anymore! We arent broke, and have spending money, but it'll be nice when we can take vacations and have more spending money than we do now. hehe (: Speaking of vacations, we are going to Myrtle Beach with my momma next July and hoping/planning to make a trip to Cali to visit Dev's family who we miss very much! Oh, and I've finally realized what I want to do career wise, and I'm so excited about it!!!! I'm not gonna go back to school full-time probably until Dev's graduated and we figure out where we want to permanately live...but that'll be by next July too. Life is just gonna get better from here, if thats possible (: (: A lot will be happening around that time next year...expect lots of changes (;

This Friday is another football night, and Saturday we are headin to Marietta for the Sternwheel Fest!

My Big Girl :]

I couldnt help but reminisce about the last year or so. Especially about the past 6 1/2 months; I just cant believe how fast time really flies. I plan on blogging about it all tomorrow night.

On a not-so-emotional note, Dev had his first entire weekend off for the first time in about 2 months... we just enjoyed each others company! I had to get a new phone cuz my blackberry was burnt out, and we visited with Tash, Josh & Zoe, but other than that we hung out at home, grilled out and watched movies. Alyvia is trying SO hard to crawl, walk, and anything else you can think of; it is entirely too cute and entertaining. I love watching her grow and learn new things, but I am terrified of how quickly it is all happening! She had her 6month check-up Friday; 13lbs 9oz, 25.5 inches long!!! Growin like a weed, but still a peanut. Thats ok with me!

We also went to my brother's first senior football game. It was nice weather and good seeing some familiar faces, but Alyvia was so sleepy so we headed home early and crashed! Mommy and Daddy caught up on some quality time, and we slept in til 11 Saturday, which was SO nice. It's been a long time since we had done that! Today, we went to look at wedding bands and decided on the ones we liked! We are still hoping to have a late June 2010 wedding...fingers crossed!

We have another long, busy week ahead of us, but a 3 day weekend to look forward to! Lets hope for some nice weather!

6 months have flown by...

Alyvia Grace hit the 6month mark on August 17th. I cried...okay, I bawled when I went thru all of the million pictures we have of her. I just couldnt believe it, and still cant. I remember the day we found out, when we got the news she was a girl, all my scares/faints, every single one of her movements, and every detail of her birth. It makes me so sad that time goes by even faster when you have your own children. But I'm excited about all the experiences and memories we are going to make in the many years to come. Christmas especially!! She'll be able to wake up to all the presents 'Ho-Ho' brought her and enjoy it like a lil princess should. :] I cannnnnooooot wait!

A few others I am super excited to share with her is the baby parades I'm putting her in (beware other babies! Alyvia is beautiful and has her own little personality!), Pumpkin Show, Thanksgiving, Sleepovers...which she is having her first this Saturday with all her friends!! And before I know it, I'll be plannin her 1st birthday, and as I'm typing this I'm getting teary eyed! I have a few themes in mind, but I'm not gonna give any hints too soon!

I get compliments about her constantly... no matter where we go, at least 3 people tell us she's the most adorable little girl ever. I would have to agree :] I'm one proud momma!

We miss daddy, a lot. Work, school and clinicals take up all of his time. He's only home on Sundays, but we definitely try to appreciate the time we do have together! Only 10 more months of hell and we will be set for life :]

Daycare update: Alyvia is getting more and more used to it by the day. She loves socializing with the other lil babies. And I am now teaching 3 & 4 year olds.. it wears me out, but its fun!

My brother is now a senior. I absolutely cannot believe it. This will be the last year I will ever get to see him play under the Friday Night Lights. He is hoping to play in college as long as his knees keep up with him! And my sister is a sophomore...She has a really nice boyfriend with a sweet ass car. The family likes him, surprisingly! She and I are actually really close, which makes me happy. And little Jacob Ray is a 2nd grader. He's not my baby brother anymore..but he's still so stinkin cute! He's playing soccer and loves it!

Life lately has been all I've ever wanted. I love my family :]

We Always Pull It Together <3

HAPPIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD!

Happy August!

So much has happened the past, well uh, MONTH since I've updated!

4th of July was GREAT; Alyvia LOVED the fireworks and of course she behaved like a princess! We went to Red White and Boom & my friend Lacey's house to watch Lancaster's fireworks and hangout with her and her kids! Of course, anytime we do something, it's always a good time as long as I've got my favorite people beside me! :]

I was grateful enough to get a job a at daycare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you can't tell, I am so excited and thankful for that! I will be working with 16 month to 3 year olds, and Alyvia will be in the room right next to me!! Did I mention she gets to go for FREE!! I am so happy about that :]

My friends little girl turned 2 a few weekends ago; we went to her "tea party". She is honestly THE smartest 2 year old I have ever met!! We love you Kylie Mae!! Alyvia has many many friends: Alaina, Tanner, Alexis, Elle, Kylie, all her cousins on my side of the family -- her cousin is on the way, and a lot of my friends have babies her age too! She's gonna have so much fun growin up with all the little boogers :]

Lyvi Bug got her EARS PIERCED!!! You probably already knew that, but I am a proud momma so I have bragging rights!! She did great, and hasnt bothered them yet!

She is also rolling over both ways, sleeping TEN hours thru the night, just started on stage TWO foods cuz the stage one just wasn't fillin her belly up, trying to crawl, AND, yes, trying to pull her diaper off -- it is HILARIOUS. For now, lol!

AND...FOR THE BIGGEST NEWS OF ALL..

DEV AND I FINALLY GOT OUR OWN PLACE!! It happened suddenly, but we were looking anyways and had planned on being out by the 1st of August. It's in cville; 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, basement...$529 a month!! We just couldnt pass up that deal! I am so so so so so so happy. My mom's boyfriend Gary helped us move all our things with his truck and trailer, which we were so thankful for, and for the most part the house is all together! I wanna get a few more decorative things, adhesive vinyl for Alyvia's room, a new dresser for her cuz the drawers always always stick in the one she has, and a new entertainment center (eventually). Money is actually not near as tight as we had planned on, which is so nice! And not having to pay for childcare helps TREMENDOUSLY! We're close to everything, and its gonna be so convenient for Pumpkin Show!!! I cant wait for all the things to come, especially Christmas! Alyvia will be the right age to enjoy it, and will get to wake up in her own home to all the gifts "Ho-Ho" brought for her!! :]

I'm just so excited that we finally feel like our own family. I am so incredibly in love with my life right now!

Friday night we had a little house warming party. Our friends came over for food and fun, and it turned out to be a great night! A few friends I dont get to see very often stopped by, which I was very happy about!! Alyvia was PERFECT, as always. She slept the WHOLE night; no need for a babysitter when I knew she would be just fine :]

And today, Dev worked at the Firehouse; the town is having go-cart races and he had to be there for it. He told me a sad story last night about a man who got very hurt, unfortunately. He did his job though, as always. I dont say it enough, but I am SO happy and proud of him. In less than a year, all this busy-ness will be over and we wont ever have to worry about money or not seeing him very often ever again! I love love love love him :]

My momma is cookin me dinner tonight, YAY! She always puts together a great dinner :]

See ya later!

Busy.

Since I've started workin, I've been pretty busy. I'm not technically full time, but I work about 32 hours a week - usually get home around 7, by that time Lyvi is ready for her last bottle, a bath and bed around 10 or 11. And Dev started Medic school last night, so he doesnt roll in til around 10 3 nights a week. It'll turn into 6 nights a week when he starts clinicals. Not to mention, I am scheduling classes for Fall quarter this week...but serisouly considering changin my major...AGAIN. I know it seems like I cant make up my mind, but I just wanna find something I'm passionate about. I know the Health Care world is hurtin, so maybe somethin in that area - I cant do nursing, and I dont have the patience to become a doctor or anything, but maybe an ultrasound tech or something? IDK, we'll see how this quarter goes...

This next whole year is gonna be SO incredibly hard for Devon and me. We really only get to spend time with each other after 10pm & on Sundays. Im just gonna have to tough it out. This weekend tho is our 2yr anniversary; cant believe its been that long, but at the same time, it seems much longer!!

Wow, I suck at this.

Its been almost a month since I've updated. And its prolly gonna be short and sweet cuz I am exhausted and Alyvia's already asleep! YEEESSSSS.

* I got a job.. at Walmart. Its money & better than nothing, but temporary! I still wanna find something better. Its so hard to leave Lyvi during the day...but I gotta work for her sake!

* Alyvia is now eating (actually, devowering) jar food! Her favorites are sweet potatoes, peaches, pears, bananas, and sweet peas! She'll eat a full jar in one sitting, and sometimes some of another, then drink 4 oz of apple juice after! Oh she loooooves her apple juice too! My booger is gettin SO big.

* Still searching for our own place, but TRYING to be patient. Hopefully within the next month or two... I keep tellin myself it'll happen when its supposed to, but havin our own place will help us feel like our own family. I am grateful for what we have now, its just somethin we're lookin forward to!

* Dev and I are working on things. It's a stressful life; he works 2 jobs, goes to school. I work and am startin school back up again now that Kent sent my credits to Franklin... and we have a baby that is our #1 priority; I'm so protective of her. I know its annoying to some people, but I also know they understand cuz they've been there too. We moved the date of the wedding, and are gonna plan accordingly. Hopefully we can pull it off for like 4 grand.

* We are plannin a 50th bday/25th anniversary party for Russell & Talea. I need to go shoppin w Tash and help her with the costs! I work the night before, and requested the day off (hopefully they give it to me, or at least the night). I need to CLEAN, bake, decorate, cook...! It'll be fun.

* I miss my mom. Its summer and I havent had the chance to spend anytime with her yet! She's watched Alyvia a few times...until this Tuesday, she hadnt seen her in 2weeks! We gotta make it down there more often.

* Oh and I am plannin on enterin Lyvi in the Ashville 4th of July baby contest! I gotta make sure I dont work first. Its on June 30th (there ya go tash!) at 5PM. Attention all other 0-6 month babies: watch out for Miss Alyvia Grace! She's a gorgeous one :]

Work in the morning, time for bed. NIGHT!

I'M MORE THAN READY!

Its about time for me to go back to work. Thats not what I'm ready for...it's gonna kill me the day I leave Lyvi. I'm with her every minute of every day; it'll be a rough day when I start working again. Thats why I would like to have weekends off, so I can those 2 days with my booger!

I've been looking and looking and looking... driving around, calling people, checking postings on the internet... this freakin job market sucks :( BUT I do have an interview tomorrow at an insurance place; it is insurance sales but I figured why the heck not at least go see what they have to say. And I have another interview June 3rd as an office assistant in Reynoldsburg. Its an open interview, so anyone could come, but I'm gonna prepare myself, hopefully get a new interview outfit, and research the company so I'm more than ready and hopefully get the job!!! PRAY FOR ME!

Kent FINALLY sent Franklin my transcript. Franklin sent me a letter and said it'd take a week or 2 to let me know what would transfer and what I needed to take Summer quarter.

What I AM ready for is to get our own place! As soooooon as I get a job, we can start getting the necessities together then REALLY start lookin at places... YAY :)

Alyvia does something new every day... She let out her first big, long, most adorable laugh on Memorial Day. I almost cried.. It was soooo cute! She will be 4 months June 17th! I cant believe it.

Happy Mother's Day!

A day late, but its the thought that counts! My first was great :)

Friday Dev had to work so I went into Bdub's to see my mom and she bought my dinner.

Saturday was when we had to celebrate Mother's Day cuz Dev had to work AGAIN Sunday. We went to Columbus to watch my sister's volleyball tourney, his grandma's after for mother's day dinner, then to a friends grad party for a little bit; we didnt stay long cuz Lyvi was pooped. I was completely surprised when I got my gift; it is a gift certificate for an hour long aromatherapy massage! I cant wait to go get it :) The card was super cute too. Dev outdid himself, and set the bar pretty high for the many mothers' days to come ;)

Sunday I spent the whole day with my mom; grandma and grandpa came over for lunch. Its always nice to visit with them. Jacob is playing baseball and loves it, but is still scared of the ball. I told him we'd have to work on that! As soon as me and Lyv got home, we crashed; she was out by 8, and I wasnt too far behind her.

Decisions, Decisions.

My cousin got married yesterday! It was such a cute, simple wedding; you could tell a lot of love was included in the decorations and planning. She has 2 little boys and now a wonderful husband. I'm happy for her!

Dev, Alyvia and I had a great time at the reception. It was at the Elks in Cville. I saw some family I havent seen in a while, and of course danced a little :] Dev did the chicken dance, and TRIED to do the electric slide... my mom was crackin up at him.

Since the wedding, I've been brainstorming ideas for every aspect of our future. I am going to steal one of Allie's ideas for our wedding...ok, well 2. One of em is a BIG money saver. Mom said she's already talked to someone about being the dj at the reception, and we'll prolly do the flowers ourselves.

I called about a job today, but have a back-up plan: if anyone (that I know) would like their house cleaned once a month or so, let me know! Then started to weigh out the options of either buying land and putting a pre-built home/building a house on it, buying a home for sale, or renting for a while first. We'll be able to talk about it more once I am working. I just cant wait to do our own decorating/landscaping etc. I already know the colors I want in each room of our house... :)

Dev got into medic school :) Yes, I am happy for him, but this next year is gonna be long and hard. Once he's out tho, he'll be able to get an even better job making more money and I can finish school quicker.

I have been tanning, thank god! I cant stand being pasty white. I've already got a good tan going for summer! I hated wearing shorts because my legs looked terrible, but I dnt have to worry about that anymore. And I've started workin out every day again! All in all, I feel better about myself.

My brother turned 17 today; I cant believe it. And my little sister will be 15 in two weeks :( Time sure does fly. I got to spend time with them friday night; I stayed at my moms cuz she worked late and Jacob missed Alyvia. He wants her to call him Uncle Bub :)

Dev is at the firehouse for the 2nd time this weekend, and I cant sleep... errrr. But I'm gonna watch another movie, so night!

Prom, growth spurts, and love!

Tonight has been kinda rough. Lyvi bug hasnt felt well all day. We took her temp and she didnt have too much of a fever, but we gave her some medicine just in case and stripped her down to her diaper. She did fine up until about an hour ago. Didnt have a fever, but she was sweating, my guess was the house was too hot and she was too uncomfy. She is now laying beside me not wanting to sleep... I'm just glad shes not cryin anymore.

I started playin co-ed softball with Josh. First game wasnt my best...I havent played in 2years and you could say I was a little nervous. I'm like the smallest girl ever there- hope I dont get line drived or knocked out! We play again Thursday, I know I'll do better; no more first game jitters!

I love Devon more and more each day...We have been absolutely WONDERFUL lately and I cant get enough of it! We agree on more, listen to each other, go do things as a family while trying to save a little to get our own place. We went shoppin at Easton Friday cuz I got my tax returns. Cowgirl boots, shorts, a few tanks and a summer dress, plus some amazing smelling perfume! And we got him a nice new shirt :] It was such a nice night to be out and about. Lyvi stayed up the whole time; she loved all the lights and commotion.

Yesterday was my, I cant believe it, brother's junior prom. I went over to my mom's to help him get ready cuz she was at a volleyball tourney in Wittenburg (that lady is busier than anyone I know, bless her heart). I took pictures, and of course got a little emtional; my little bro isnt so little anymore! Well, he's always been big, but younger than me...and he turns 17 Sunday. Then my little sister turns 15 the 17th! We're all closer than ever I think...they adore Alyvia. Especially Jacob, who is 7. He gives her kisses and tells everyone "i love her" :] So cute. He'll be more like a big brother to her. My mom and I are becoming best friends. I am so happy about it, especially after the long, hard past 20 years of my life. She has been thru more than anyone I know and is the strongest mother/woman/person I know in this world. I love visiting with her, I need to do it more often than just once a week.

Dev worked last night, so we were just lazy all day today before he went BACK to work at 7pm. Errr I hate that he's gone so much, but I understand (at least try). He has next Saturday off for my cousins wedding... I'm pretty excited about that. We'll see some family we havent seen in a while. The reception is at Elk's in Circleville, and thats an option for me and dev's wedding, so we're gonna decide if we like it or not.

Oh! And Lyvi bug got her shots Tuesday. They went pretty well...she only cried for about 3 minutes. She now weighs 10.4 1/2 pounds and is 22inches long! She is growin, growin, growin! She never fails to amaze devon and me. She laughs and smiles constantly, kicks and dances all the time too! That little booger is my reason for breathing :]

This next week isnt very eventful. I gotta do some more job searching... wish me luck!

This is what life's all about.

For starters, Happy (late) Easter!

Friday, Dev, Me and Lyvi went out to eat with Adam and his girlfriend Jolie. She's the complete oppostie of anyone he's ever dated before, and I liked her a lot! Champs is where we decided to go, Mmm Mmm Mmm! It was a fun night. Speaking of Adam, he bought Dev's bike! Hallelujah! I know dev was kinda sad, and so was I, but he understood that it had to be done for the sake of our family. And plus, at least somebody he knows bought it. It will save us like $400+ a month. That much closer to gettin our own place!

Saturday was when we had to celebrate Lyvi bug's first easter cuz dev had to work on Sunday. We went and got her picture taken with the Easter bunny, came home and I made a yummy dinner, colored easter eggs, and gave lyvi her first Easter basket! She obviously didnt exactly know what was going on, but it was still fun!

Sunday I went to church then headed to mom's house. We went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse; again Mmm Mmm Mmm! She got lyv an Easter basket too, then I visited with my friend Lacey and her little girl Alaina. She is expecting a baby boy in 3 weeks! So exciting. When I got home, Tash and Josh were here. We visited for a little, and I gave them a bag of clothes lyv was growin out of already. Ahh she's gettin so big.

The past 2 days have been lazy ones. Dev took the day off yesterday, thank god, I've missed just cudldin all day. He had to go to the fire house last night, works during the day today, but will be home tonight! Lyvi is currently wakin up from a nap. She slept through the ENTIRE night for the FIRST time last night!!! I was so proud of her. :)

I get quite a bit of money back from tax returns! Happy about that, but some of it has to go to stupid Kent State. But with the rest of it, I'm gonna start tanning, get some cowgirl boots, and a few spring/summer outfits. Dev needs some clothes too.

I'm gonna start workin in the beginning of June, once my mom and Talea get out of school so they can take turns watchin her every other week. Then hopefully soooooooooon after that, we'll get our own place and start savin a little for the wedding!

I think thats the jist of it. See ya!

Year full of Blessings :]

SO, you all probably already know, but Aunt Tasha is gonna be a mommy to a gorgeous little girl in August! Lyvi is excited; she was full of smiled today, and I'm sure she can't wait to meet her little cousin! I am so excited for her and Josh... that little girl is gonna have 2 of the best parents in the world :]

Alyvia Grace is growin like a darn weed... Dev was almost in tears the other night because its already gone by too fast. She gets more beautiful by the minute. A few of her outfits are already getting too small... it makes me sad. But, what can ya do? Her next dr appt is April 21st. It'll be her 2 month check up so that means its time for shots.. ahhh!! I'll probably cry just as much as she will.

Dev has to work on her first Easter, I'm pretty upset about that, but he's trying to give up the first 12 of his 24 hrs. I think we might take her to see the Easter bunny Friday night, since Dev has to work both Saturday and Sunday.

My momma's birthday is tomorow, and I'm gonna visit her at work on Friday. Thats what she wants for her present, lol.

And tomorrow I think I'm gonna take Lyvi bug to Slate Run park. Its supposed to be gorgeous!

Never been Happier.

It's been awhile since I've updated this thing! Alyvia is now 1 month and 5 days old! It makes me sad and excited at the same time... she's growin up toooooo fast already, but I'm lookin forward to all the memories we're going to make! She is growing every day... as of March 17th she was 8.9 pounds and 21 inches long! She looks SO much like her daddy, and is more than likely gonna have strawberry blonde hair! You can tell it has a red tint to it now... both sides of dev's fam has red hair. I just hope its not firey red!!

Yesterday we were lucky enough to have Tash take some Family Easter pictures!! The one she sent me looked SO good! I'm excited to see them all. I think we're gonna mail them out to family as like "Happy Easter" cards :)

Dev's been home more the past 2 weeks than he has in the past 2 months... but starting today he'll be gone a lot this week... :( I understand he does it for our family, and he does love being a firefighter, but I miss havin him around all the time...

The trip to Marietta was fun! Alyvia got to meet her Great Great Grandpa and Aunt... and tons of other family.

She is currently almost asleep so I'm gonna head to bed myself!

Happy One Week Baby Girl.

I can't believe it's been a week already. She is currently celebrating by sleeping all day. That's okay with me, I've got some housework done. Yesterday Aunt Tasha helped out with laundry and dinner... its nice to have someone so willing to help. Alyvia also had her first doctor's appointment yesterday. She gained 2 ounces and is doing great. Her next one is in a week.

Dev had to run out to Target today cuz we think she may have a milk allergy... she's been spitting up more than usual. I'm primarily nursing and just supplementing with formula til she starts gaining more weight; we're trying soy milk to see if it makes a difference.

My Aunt Renee was induced this morning at 7AM. I think it's super cool that Alyvia and her 2nd cousin will be exactly a week apart, if things go as planned for my aunt today. She is having a girl too :)

Dev and I are still searching for a place. We found one in Hilliard that would work out great, we would just be pinching pennies for a while...hopefully something will work out!

I have lost 20 something pounds!! Its so weird not having a belly anymore... I can't we created such a gorgeous little girl.

Now its countdown to Tash's little one's arrival!! Just under 6 months to go... :)

Heaven Sent.

February 17th, 2009 was the absolute best day of my life. As painful as giving birth was, I can whole heartedly say it was so worth it. Alyvia Grace Mcginnis is the most amazing being I have ever seen. She weighed just over 7 pounds and was 19 1/4 inches long. Her eyes were wide open when she finally came out. Devon bawled; I've never seen someone become so attached to another like he did... He absolutely adores and praises her. She definitely knows who her daddy is... and is starting to have a personality like him too. She has his eyes and shape of his mouth, my nose and stubby chin. And we're still waiting for that curly hair to arrive. Last night was one I'll never forget. She layed in between us while her lullibies were playing and me and Dev held hands on her belly; my world has never been so meaningful. I can't wait for all the experiences to come. Life is more beautiful with her in it...

Much Needed Pictures!

Some Updates:

At my doctor's appt Thursday, I was 80% effaced and 3 centimeters dilated. She pretty much said I had 48 hours if I walked and did some other things. Well, I've been walking more than ever and I'm hoping its gonna work soooooooooon!

For Valentines day me and Dev went to City BBQ. I think we decided they're gonna cater our wedding; it was soo soo soooo good.

I've been slacking with posting pictures, but now we have wireless internet :)

The Jeep stroller my mom bought :)

My booger Hershey. She's getting SO big!

Alyvia's Easter outfit, picked out primarily by her Daddy :)

The quilt Aunt Tasha made Alyvia... I love it!

Alyvia's room :) Her crib is a 4-in-1, which is so nice cuz we wont have to buy another bed for a while..! Well, at least til we decide to have more kids..

I'm gonna go do some more walking/cleaning/organizing... Dev is working until Tuesday night :( Grrr.