Manak Family

Matthews birth story

Yay for a totally natural childbirth!!!  No pitocin or drugs of any kind. Exactly how I wanted it...and a very healthy boy! Thank you, God!

My body has been slowly dilating by come and go contractions for weeks now. On Sunday night I noticed some thin discharge happening with contractions. I called my doctor on Monday morning and went in to find out I was 8 cm dilated, fully effaced and leaking amniotic fluid.

My doctor then sent me to the hospital. At 3:00 I had my water broken and several minutes later contractions started. At 4:00 I knew things were happening faster and Jason wasn't here from work yet. He walked in at 4:10 and I was in transition. The contractions were on top of each other and I was 9 cm.

I started feeling the urge to push around 4:25 so they called my doctor who came right in already dressed! I started pushing and he was born at 4:32pm!  He cried once and I knew he was ok.

Matthew Thomas Manak is a healthy big boy. Christopher and Monica were 6lbs 6 oz but Matthew was 8 lbs 14 oz! Almost 9 lbs! His apgar scores were both 9. I can already tell he will be a easy going baby and I'm so excited to be chosen to be a part of his life!

Where will these tiny Feet go? What wonderful things will his Hands accomplish?  How will the world be a better place because of him?  Stay tuned to find out!

Please continue to pray for our safe recovery. Jason leaves on Saturday to England on business for 2 weeks. I am already feeling so much better than I did with Christopher and Monica. I guess 100% natural is the best in terms of recovery!

We can't wait for you all to meet Matthew!!!  I will post pictures when I get home. Love to all!

P.s. There are a few pictures on our facebook pages. :)

Matthew Thomas Manak
July 6, 2009
4:32 pm - 8 lbs 14 oz
20 inches long

OK...so...this is officially the shortest my hair has ever been! It's been getting hot here though and being 7 months pregnant and sick for the last 6 months, I needed something changed! Thank you, Mommom, for the birthday money!

The Last two are the bridesmaid dress for Jason's Mom's wedding.

The kids are eating right now...they are side by side in their highchair seats. Monica started coughing when she got too much water in her mouth and Christopher immediately responds, "bless you, bless you, bless you!" Which only makes her start fake coughing so he can keep blessing her! :) Gotta love kiddies...

How your baby's growing:
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He/she is busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Hi all,

We have several friends as well as Jason's Mom getting married this year! I saw this post and really liked some of the ideas in the comment responses. Can you all give me your input? What gifts were most helpful when you got married?

Original post located here at MONEY SAVING MOM:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/01/ask-the-readers-frugal-wedding-gifts.html#comments

The past 6 weeks have been ones of great change, sacrifice and little joys!

Jason started his new job on December 17th and what a blessing that has been for us! His commute is an hour each way, but he takes the motorcycle most days and really enjoys riding. He enjoys his job and co-workers very much. They all seem to be very appreciative of him and like his work. They even gave him a Best Buy gift card for Christmas! LOL...that proves it's a good fit!

The kids and I have been adjusting to having Jason gone during the day. He most often doesn't get home till 6:30-7:30, so the kids have been eating dinner around 6ish, then Jason and I eat when he gets home. I miss having dinner together as a family, but at this point I'm not sure how we can. The kids just can't wait that long to eat. So, Jason gets his "play" time in with them when he gets home! How they LOVE that! When Christopher hears the garage door close he yells, "Daddy!" As soon as Jason walks through the door, Christopher takes off calling behind him, "Get me, Daddy, Get me!" And hence the chase ensues...

I've also been missing stopping into my handsome's office for the periodic, "I love you" kiss! What a change it is having him an hour away! It does make evenings a time to look forward too and I order my whole day around my Beloveds entrance into our home! I've been making a big effort to have the house clean, make-up on, sweatpants off, dinner ready and a kiss awaiting him whenever he enters the door! I LOVE my vocation as his wife and a mother to our three children!

Speaking of three children... Baby number three is still residing inside me, but making his/her presence known by constantly giving me little knudges, kicks, and hugs from the inside! I love feeling him/her! It's so amazing to see Christopher and Monica crawling/running around and realize they were once where this new little one is! What a miracle life is! Seriously...a soul is growing inside my body...where will he/she go? What will she/he do to make this world a better place? Where will those feet go...who will those eyes see...what wonderful things will those tiny hands that are forming do? I'm so in awe of the wonderful miracle that surrounds my days.

That being said however...my morning sickness experience from the last two pregnancies has revisited me. In some ways I really wish I could go into hibernation until the baby is born! January 1st our old insurance expired, but we had to wait for Jason's new insurance to process us before we could get some more meds to help with the effects of morning (day for me) sickness. So...I spent about two weeks literally near the bathroom! Without the meds, I can't keep ANYTHING down until 8-9PM. NOTHING! It was really hard because I was still nursing Monica, but it helped with the weaning process! I just felt so weak! Monica is now only nursing once during the night and sometimes never. She's been getting very good at taking the bottle. However, she still breaks my heart when she climbs onto my lap, facing me, and says, "eeese, eeese, eeese!" She knows the word please and uses the combination of that word with her cute looks and invoking hands to twist Mommy's heart into giving her the desires of her heart!

One day we REALLY needed to go to Costco to get diapers. Getting down to 2 diapers when you have two toddlers in them is NOT a good situation to be in! I was really sick, but knew I had to get into Costco and out no matter what! I got the diaper back packed, shoes on all three of us, coats on and keys in hand...as we headed for the door I knew I wouldn't make it so I ducked into the bathroom. Usually I go in there, shut the door and do my stuff, but this time I left the door open since it came on me so fast. Christopher comes in to find me throwing up. His initial reaction is, "Oh No, Mommy!" with a sound of horror filling his voice! He then realizes this really isn't what Mommy needs right now, so he changes his tone and begins to say, "Good job, Mommy! Good job. Way to go! There, Mommy, Good job!" So...there I am laughing while throwing up! Monica then enters the bathroom and seeing how Mommy is not able to stop her, she proceeds directly to the toilet paper and unrolls it onto the ground. Christopher says, "No Monica. Bad girl." He takes her out of the bathroom and comes back in and rolls up the toilet paper for me! What a great son! :)

I'll try and post some pictures soon. Jason has been downloading them all onto his Mac, so I need to see if he can put them on the media server so I can access them from my machine as well.

Until then...farewell...

Monica turned 1 yesterday! My little girl is growing up! She got her first doll and while I think Christopher was more interested than her, she definitely enjoyed the baby bottle that came with the doll. :)

Then she and Christopher enjoyed ice cream!!! Monica's Godfather was going to bring a cake, but he ended up being delayed so it didn't arrive until after Monica was in bed...so we'll have to have an extended party tonight and get the cake demolition pictures!

Last night Monica walked across the room to Jason for the first time! She'd taken a step or two or three here and there, but never attempted something so big. Jason was thrilled! She was so proud of herself!

This morning Monica was playing with her doll before Christopher woke up and she was getting really frustrated cause she kept trying to get the doll to stand up, but it would just flop over onto her. She turned it upside down, inspected the feet, then tried again. It was pretty funny to watch her trying to "teach" a doll how to stand up!

I got Christopher up at 8AM and his first request was, "Play, baby?" He was so happy when he saw the baby doll waiting for him! He's so gentle with the baby doll...hopefully a foreshadowing of how he'll respond when his new sibling gets here.

During this Advent, I've been really meditating on God's choice to give us this new baby! Most days I already feel so overwhelmed, but I know it's His Will to entrust us with this wonderful, beautiful soul that is now living inside me and He will provide all the graces we need to be faithful parents. This song was sent to me by a dear friend and it really made me think about what plans God must have for this newest member of our family...

It's a beautiful song and the images go with it so nicely. Hope you enjoy!

I'M SO FRUSTRATED AT COMCAST!!!!! I just spent over 45 minutes on the phone with them... After about 4 months of trying to get their services to work, we decided to switch to AT&T. I called Comcast and cancelled the services we had with them. They cancelled them, but then reactivated them the next day, charging us all the activation charges as well! So, today I get a huge bill saying we have late fees as well! I "think" they figured it all out and cleared the bill, but boy was it frustrating!

So...I decided to take my frustration out on JibJab.

Check these out....I at least got a laugh!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/wNgEAMjAVFDGeXptQyBn

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/Pg6MftfjCdwQK6Ul83Ii

We kept the news of this newest addition to our family a secret for about 4 weeks. We weren't sure how far along I was and wanted to wait to tell the majority of the world on Thanksgiving when we'd be seeing Jason's Mom. Now that the news is out, I wanted to share a e-mail I wrote my friend, Leilani about some random thoughts on pregnancy...

Dear Leilani,

Well, I can’t blog about things I’m going through…since this baby is still a secret to the majority of the world. However, I feel the need to get some things out, so you don’t have to read this, but I just needed to write.

What a weird thing pregnancy is! I’m really trying to be positive, but come on! I mean, why do our bodies turn so totally against us when we are carrying another soul? Is it God preparing us to forever place another over our own wants, desires, and inclinations? Tonight I went from detesting the very thought of food (but still having to get dinner for the kids), to REALLY wanting salmon with pasta (which I made when the kids went to bed). Then I just HAD to have a piece of apple pie… But now the pie is almost done and I don’t want to ever look at it. The lingering smell of salmon in my house is repulsive! If I didn’t know I was pregnant I’d probably suggest a mental hospital!

Even through all this sickness, weirdness and the looming threat of labor, I’m already feeling this intense love for the little soul growing inside me. What will he/she be like? Will this Little One (LO) have Monica’s ability to make me laugh and smile…or shall he possess Christopher’s ability to amaze me each day by his artistic intelligence and sensitivity? Will I have the strength to be a great mother to all three of them? This morning I felt like such a failure to my two children. Here I am throwing up, barely able to change their dirty diapers before taking off at high speed to the bathroom. Christopher wants to cuddle while he watches the movie I “had” to put on…but I tell him I can’t because I don’t know when I’ll be off to the bathroom again. I’m so thankful right now for the gift of Zofran and that God gave my doctor in Virginia the wisdom to prescribe it for me. I feel like a wimp…but I know if I ever needed it, it’s now!

Anyways…I’m gonna go take the pie out of the oven and head to bed. Maybe your Mom will want some when she’s here tomorrow! I’ll call you after my appointment! My prayer now is that I’m the mother of 3 healthy kids!

Thanks for your friendship and putting up with me!

Love ya,
Christen

We recently found out I'm pregnant with Baby Manak #3! It's always been exciting for me to be pregnant during Advent because I feel like I can really relate to Mary. With Christopher I was 20 weeks, with Monica I was 9 months and with this one I'm around 9-10 weeks!

Please keep this baby and my morning sickness in your prayers this Advent. I'm really praying that by Christmas the morning sickness will be gone and I can truly celebrate the 12 days with much joy...and feasting...

I'd like to request that you keep Jason's job intention in your prayers during this Advent Season. We are really hoping and praying he'll be offered a full time job before Christmas Day! Thanks so much!

I wish you all a most Blessed and Holy Advent season in preparation of Christ's birthday celebrations! May God bless you all!

P.S. I have an ultrasound on Friday, so I'll try to remember to post pictures of our little bundle of joy!

A friend posted this on her Facebook page and I thought it was very helpful information to pass on...

Today I noticed I had about 4 diapers left...per child...so we jumped in the car to head over to Costco. It's raining today...pooring! At the corner of Westborough and El Camino there were about 150 supporters of Prop 8... They were praying and holding signs. They were so energetic and young.

It was SO amazing to be reminded that people still care about morals in this country and are willing to fight to have them upheld...standing on a corner in the pooring rain! I literally started crying as I passed them, giving them the thumbs up!

During this election time, I've grown so weary of seeing so many get their priorities mixed up, so to witness what I saw today gave me so much hope!

Last night was a night of dreams come true for me! It was amazing and I know nothing I write will even do justice to the spectacular events of the night...

It all started about 7:30...

Monica is asleep...
Christopher has eaten dinner...
I'm curling my hair...the last finishing touch to my appearance!
I'm wearing a new dress Jason surprised me with...my hair is flowing over my shoulders...I'm wearing black high heel sandals...I have a dressy purse with no diapers in it!

Then Shane and Leilani walk through the door enabling my handsome prince to take me out on a date for a HOT dinner with no kids to distract me till my food is cold...

First off, I want to send out a big THANK YOU to Shane and Leilani (and Lily too) for coming over to watch Christopher and Monica so Jason could take me out. You guys are the BEST! I'm so thankful for your friendship in our lives!

Jason got a scholorship from the Academy of Art and decided to use a part of it to take me out to the Ritz in Half Moon Bay for dinner! It was the night of nights! I felt like Cinderella at the Ball!


We were seated side by side in a secluded booth. The table had a really interesting oil lamp on it which reflected in the shined table wood. Our table settings were so ornate and perfectly placed making one almost not want to disrupt the beauty of it!

Our waiter, Darrell, was really awesome! He explained the food so well and was so attentive. He is a father of two girls, ages 17 and 20. He reminded us to enjoy and treasure these times with our children because they pass so quickly! It was a good thing to be reminded of on our night out!

The food was SO good! We got scallops and a pork dish for appetizers then I got a New York Steak while Jason got a Duck dish for our main course! It was SO good! They also served fresh sourdough break and our Darrell brought us a plate of chocolates and jellied candies for dessert!

As I was eating my steak, I started cutting large bit size pieces in a hurry. I typically cut all my food up right away, so I can eat it with one hand while I tend to children. I then realized...there are no children here...they are sleeping at home...I don't need to rush... So, I savored each bite, cutting each piece into petite sizes! It was all so good! Jason and I shared each others dishes, fork feeding each other!

We talked about so many things and just enjoyed eachothers company so much! I feel so refreshed in my vocation as a wife and mother! Sometimes retreats away are such a blessing from God to reinvigerate our desire to do the smallest duties our vocation requires. I feel so bless to have friends like Shane and Leilani who would give their evening in service so that Jason and I could enjoy creating special memories! May God bless them both!

I'm especially thankful for my wonderful, handsome husband who strives each day to make me feel happy and beautiful as his wife! I'm so thankful God lead me this vocation He prepared for me! I feel so blessed to have such an awesome husband, adorable children and caring friends!

A friend e-mailed me this address delivered by Archbishop Chaput on October 17th. You can find the whole thing HERE, but I wanted to paste this excerpt on my blog. It's been really troubling me this election, how many people, even dedicated and committed Christians, place various issues over that of abortion.

The words of Archbishop Chaput:
"I believe that Senator Obama, whatever his other talents, is the most committed ''abortion-rights'' presidential candidate of either major party since the Roe v. Wade abortion decision in 1973. Despite what Prof. Kmiec suggests, the party platform Senator Obama runs on this year is not only aggressively ''pro-choice;'' it has also removed any suggestion that killing an unborn child might be a regrettable thing. On the question of homicide against the unborn child - and let's remember that the great Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer explicitly called abortion ''murder'' - the Democratic platform that emerged from Denver in August 2008 is clearly anti-life.

Prof. Kmiec argues that there are defensible motives to support Senator Obama. Speaking for myself, I do not know any proportionate reason that could outweigh more than 40 million unborn children killed by abortion and the many millions of women deeply wounded by the loss and regret abortion creates."

The other day I was doing laundry in the kitchen and Christopher came running up to me. "Mommy, Mommy, help! Help!"
"Help you with what, Christopher?," I replied.
He replied, "Help, where did she go?"
I went running to the staircase, but the child gate was still in place. The doors were still shut going outside...where did she go? I called her name, but no reply... Then, i hear a giggling over near the futon! Monica had hidden herself under the futon!!!

She and Christopher often play hide and seek, but she's always the seeker! This time she decided to be the one sought after and this 9 month old somehow managed to hide herself from a 2 1/2 year old...a compliment to one...um...the other...well....

Anyways, I thought it was cute! Christopher's concern for his sister is so awesome at times! I hope he keeps it up when she's a teenager!

Now that Christopher is able to verbally make requests of me, I've found myself putting him off with a "Just a Second, Christopher," so I can finish whatever small thing I'm doing before I oblige his request. Yesterday morning I called him for breakfast. He was playing on the living room floor and said to me, "just a second, mommy!" It was SO cute...I just started laughing so hard! I love those special Mommy moments. . .

I got this e-mail as a forward today, but I think it is really interesting!

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us great clues as to what foods help what part of our body!
God's Pharmacy! Amazing!
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All o f the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

A couple weeks ago I decided I wanted a new blog look and went in search of a new Blogger template. The standard Blogger ones were very boring to me, so I looked elsewere online (Love google searches!) I found quite a few, but had trouble putting the code into the blogger system. With my handsome hubby's help, I finally figured it out and feel like I've learned a TON in how things work behind the fancy web front. I still have some work to do on it, but this template went from THIS to it's current state by my nitpicking at the code and doing some photo changes. :)

Today I was catching up on laundry from last week when Jason's Mom, Ray and my brother Grant were visiting. I get a load going and then head to load the dishwasher. As I finish loading the dishwasher I see Christopher watching the washing machine. I walk over to see what he is doing and notice that he put a bunch of his red clothes into the load of whites I had previously put in! There was his Superman Shirt, his Red Dog Sweater and Red Blanket! LOL!!! Guess we know which clothes he wants to wear tomorrow! He was so proud of himself too...

His favorite clothes are his Superman Shirt, his Thomas the Train Sweater and his "Pocket" overalls! :)

Post Script: In response to Trisha's comment: That was the amazing thing! When I saw red clothes he'd put in there I thought for sure my whole load would be pink at the end, especially since it was on hot water. I said a quick prayer to my guardian angel and decided it wouldn't be that big of a deal since it was mostly crib sheets and Monica's clothes. But, in the end none of the colors decided to share their dye with anything else!

So, tonight I'm serving an early supper at 4:30 and then we are packing up the kids for a family trip to Cold Stone Creamery!!!!! Here is why....

Cold Stone Creamery: Free Icecream--September 25, 2008

On Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 5:00-8:00 PM, all guests to any Cold Stone Creamery location in the nation will be treated to a 3 oz. serving of icecream. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The two free flavors available are: Marshmallow ice cream with OREO® Cookies, Chocolate Chips and Fudge or Nutter Butter® ice cream with White Chocolate Chips, Kit Kat® and Yellow Cake. More details here.

My little Miss Monica cut her first tooth this morning! AH HA! Now I know why last week was such a difficult week for her. Not only did she have the cold that was passed around our family...but she was working hard to push this razor sharp tooth up through her gums! She just turned 9 months old and out popped this shiny pearl.

Last week all four of us were sick with colds. Poor Monica just wanted to be held, Christopher just wanted bottles and "Nino (nemo) please, Mommy." Both of them were up alot at night and Christopher would sleep in pretty late each morning. I didn't get a whole lot done, but we cuddled alot.

Last week I sent an e-mail to Breyers ice cream. We never get ice cream now because prices have just gone up so much in the food department. In my e-mail I told them that we've had to cut out things like ice cream from our shopping list and asked them if they might have a coupon I could use to get us a special treat. Yesterday I got a whole envelope of various coupons from them - including one for a free package of Breyers Ice Cream (up to 7.00)!!! Safeway often has Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Breyers Ice Cream, so I'm going to wait till that sale comes back and then I'll get two packages of Breyers Ice Cream for free! Jason's Patron Saint's feast day is September 29th (Feast of St. Michael) so maybe we'll celebrate with ice cream!

Also, yesterday was my little Sister, Mary Therese's, birthday! Happy Birthday and may God grant you many more, precious sister! I'm reminded of you quite often as Miss Monica reminds me allot of how you looked when you were her age.

Gotta get to bed now - more tomorrow...

I walked into Costco 2 weeks ago to find...

Christmas Lights
Christmas Wrapping Paper and Bows
Christmas Decorations
Christmas Tree Bulbs...

All right in front of me! At first I panicked...it's still September, right? Yep...date on my phone still says September 4th...

But, as I thought about it, I decided to start my shopping now and have everything done before Thanksgiving. I really want to enjoy the spirit of Advent and Christmas without having to go out into the Christmas Shopping Rush. So, while I was at Costco I looked at their toys. I found this cool set for $29.99


I looked online when I got home and everywhere I found was selling the exact same set for $79.99. I felt like I got a pretty good deal. Then I found this other set for $19.99 at Costco, but 49.99 everywhere else. Monica doesn't have any dolls yet and spends more time playing with Christopher's train set, so I decided to get them both and give one to her for her birthday (December 18th) and the other to her for Christmas. Now all I need for her are some stocking stuffers and finish her Christmas dress!

With the rising costs of food, especially here in the Bay Area, I've been consumed with trying to figure out a way to lessen our food bill. I stumbled across this SAHM's shopping blog and it's been amazing. There are alot of free samples out there if you only spend a few minutes to sign up on websites. I figure the free sample along with coupons they send, I'm actually saving us alot of money.

For instance, last week Cascade was giving away a free sample so I went to their website and signed up. They sent me 4 all in one cascade squares - thats 4 loads of dishes for free. Plus they sent me several save $1.50 off any cascade product coupons. Now I just need to watch Safeway and Walgreens and when their cascade products go on sale, I double up this coupon with the sale to save the maximum...pretty cool huh? It's going to require some effort and time on my part, but I've already scheduled Wednesday night as my night out to work on this. I'm going to go to Starbucks with my laptop and just delve into Money Saving. :)

Here is the website that has really helped me. There are also links from her blog to others, including blog giveaways. www.moneysavingmom.com

I hope to post more about this in the future, but please keep me in your prayers as I delve into this project. Saving dollars is important! :)

P.S. Has anyone checked out any of these books? www.biblicalwomanhood.com/supermarket.htm

My little brother is 8 today!!!!!

I love you Jacob and am praying for you today! I have your 2 year old picture hanging on my fridge...how the time flies!!!

May God bless you and grant you many more years filled with joy and blessings!

This past weekend we had a party for Catholic Married Couples in our area. With 13 adults and 7 kids we had a blast! The theme was Mexican Fiesta...and it was so yummy!

Breaking from the Mexican side, I picked up some Chocolate Chip cookies from Costco (they make the best ever!). Christopher munched on them for several days following the party. He'd come ask me for a Kee Ko! I finally figured out he was asking for Cookie when he led me to the box sitting on the counter. I tried to teach him to say Coo-kee, but he kept saying his own version. Finally, he came to me and said, "Kee-Ko please?" I laughed and said, "you want a kee-ko?" He looked at me and gave me a "you finally got it right, Mom" look! I'll treasure that always!!!

Another one...
My little Christopher takes after his Father in enjoying the variety of life. His most popular phrase throughout any day is now, "'nother one, Mommy?" From toys he's playing with, food he's eating, movies he watches, books we read... (Another one = different one!) It's been a challenge sometimes, especially if he can't have something different at the time, but we are both growing through it and I'm filled with awe each day as I see my little boy growing into a boy with distinct desires.

This is just more of a comment, but what's up with Mom's loving PB&J and kiddies not? I remember growing up, my Mom's favorite lunch (and not just for the ease and convenience of making it, but because she truly enjoyed eating it) was Peanut Butter and Jelly. ALL of us children detested it! I remember watching her enjoy her sandwich with a tall glass of milk and think . . . yuck!

Well...now I'm a Mom and this is one of my favorite lunches! Ever since Monica's pregnancy I've really enjoyed anything peanut butter! When pregnant with her, I'd crave apples with peanut butter on them.

But, I've been given a son who is allergic to Peanuts!!! I recently tried making him an almond butter and jelly sandwich and received the same "you really want me to eat that?" look that I'm sure I gave my Mom more than once. I still indulge in the pb&j goodness though and remember my Mom each time!

I can't believe it's been a month and a half since I last posted! I will try to do better now that summer is over. It's been a busy year...

Nothing really spectacular has happened, but the day to day happenings of a Mom of two have kept me on my toes! It seems like every day is filled with making children happy, cleaning house, making bottles, feeding baby food, doing laundry...and then doing it all again! Rewarding in it's own way, but it doesn't leave much time for blog posting.

In good news, I've started seeing a chiropractor who says in a month or so I'll have no more back pain!!! Ever since my pregnancy with Christopher, my back has been hurting more and more. It had gotten to the point where I could only sleep on my side at night and even then I would wake up several times a night. I can't wait to have this fixed!!!

I've been really trying to keep a very neat and orderly house. Each night after the kids go to bed, I breeze through picking up anything leftover from the day. It's SO refreshing to start the day in a nice neat and orderly house!

Lately we've been going on a lot of play dates. Christopher is a very social child and I'm learning that Monica enjoys getting out as well. Two weeks ago we went to the San Francisco Zoo. Christopher and I had last gone there when he was about 10 months old...too young for him to really notice the animals. This time was SO much different! He LOVED the animals! We ate lunch while we watched the muskrats and prairie dogs. Christopher had so much fun watching them dig in the dirt. Then we spent alot of time watching the grizzly bears "play". The area for the Bears was SO cool. I took some pictures with my phone, so I'll post them as soon as I figure out how to get them onto the computer.

Monica is now MOBILE!!! Very Mobile! She's standing up to everything...can even stand on her own for a few seconds. She LOVES food...must be the McCaffrey blood in her! She is a mix of both sides of our family, but in all the opposite ways than Christopher is. She is such a little angel and I love her so very dearly! Her favorite foods so far are pizza crusts, oranges and banannas. She had her first bite of fish last night and seemed to enjoy it too. She's (finally) beginning to realize not all things small are food and some things just shouldn't enter a human beings mouth (such as fuzz balls lying on the floor). She's also determined she doesn't like bell peppers at all, but her older brother insists they are quite good!

Lately I've really been trying to find ways to cut food costs...it seems like even the beans and rice staple is getting way out of hand in terms of price. I do almost all of my shopping at Costco and only get chicken and fish when it comes to meat. I've been doing some research into coupons and have found alot of other stay at home moms who have coupon tip blogs for each week. I'm gonna try to do more research into that area and see if I can save more money on food.

Tomorrow I'm getting an Elliptical!!! I've been looking on Craig's List for some weeks now because with two small kids I'm just not getting to the gym like I used to when I only had Christopher. I was jogging with the double stroller, but since Monica's gotten more mobile, she's decided sitting in the stroller while Mommy runs for an hour is not her cup of tea...so this way she can play on the floor - doing what she loves best, while I burn calories! Win/Win all the way around!

Well...I'm off for tonight, but I promise to try and do better with posting here more often. God bless you all!

95 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

The past week has been a busy one. For the 4th of July we watched fireworks with our friends, the Aherns. Christopher really enjoyed them and Monica watched half, then decided nursing was a better use of her time! :) It was a fun day...and a lazy weekend followed.

To all those who might have been peaking at my blog every now and then, I'm sorry to have disappointed you. I have really been horrible about keeping this blog up, but I hope to make it more of a priority in the future.

The truth of the matter is that I'm not really online as much anymore. We moved in early May to a townhouse. It's probably the nicest house I've ever lived in...it just fits us so well! The first floor contains a living room, family room, 1/2 bath, kitchen and dining room. The upstairs has a landing area which we've turned into a reading room, Kid's room, Jason's office, Kid's Bathroom, my linen closet!, Master Bedroom and Bathroom. It's so lovely and I'm really enjoying getting everything set up. I'll post pictures soon...

The Kids are doing so awesome. I love them SO much! Christopher is such a gentle soul, but full of conviction. He's so spiritual...more so than any other little child I've ever seen. He asks me every morning when he wakes up if we can "see Jesus" today. He loves to draw, really taking after Jason. He has a set of 50 washable markers (the best thing ever...so much nicer than crayons!) and he is so cute when he asks me "ease (for please) color." He sits in his highchair and colors on plain paper. A couple weeks ago he drew his first real shape and it was the Cross. He got so excited and pointed to it saying, "Jesus." He is so meticulous about how he draws and has now moved on to circles and squares...but every page is started with a cross.

Christopher is also obsessed with Motorcycles right now. Jason got a motorcycle so that he can cut gas and parking prices going to and from the city for class and work...a necessity with gas prices up to and over $5/gallon here. Jason named his new bike Sophira (after the dragon in the Eragon). So, now, whenever I take the kids anywhere Christopher finds the motorcycles and exclaims, "Daddy!" He then promtly says, "Bye now, Daddy" as the motorcyle passes by. His goodbye's are so cute... He always waves and says "Byenow" as one word. :)

Monica is the cutest child ever. She has a very joyful spirit, but is also peaceful and content. She is the best baby I've ever been around. I often find myself wondering what she will be like as a woman. She's also very cute. People are constantly asking me if they can take her picture with their cell phones! Monica has Jason's complexion and hair color, but my blue eyes and full cheeks. I love waking up to her smile and coos! She and Christopher play very well together and Christopher is so gentle with Monica.

Well...it's getting late...so I'm gonna have to cut this entry short.

More later...

Jason and I went on our first date without kids since Monica was born! Jason arranged everything telling me only to wear something really nice and be ready by 6PM! He asked our friend Leilani to watch Christopher and Monica...and I'd like to really thank her and her husband, Shane for spending Valentine's Day with our little ones.

My Grandmother sent me some money for my birthday and when she heard about Jason's surprise plans for Valentine's Day she told me to use the money to get something to wear...so I did! I found a really cute dress at Macy's that was even on sale! It was perfect...

In the car up to San Francisco on Valentine's Day Jason told me we were going to the Symphony!!! We went to one of the restaurants at the top of the Westfield Mall in San Francisco. We only had time for appetizers before leaving for the symphony, but it was actually really perfect. The National Russian Orchestra was playing. It was so beautiful! Jason got us box seats to the right of the orchestra, so we were looking down on the musicians and could actually see what instrument was playing at all times! It was so enjoyable! Afterwards we went got coffee and dessert...Carmelita Bars...the best!!!

Monica was really good for Leilani, but I was ready to hold my baby again when we got home! Time with my wonderful and handsome husband is so wonderful though...and it was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had!

This past week was very busy for me...

Sunday
I noticed Christopher, who had a bad exema breakout the week before, started getting water blisters on his legs. I thought he had somehow contracted Chicken Pox when we took Monica into the pediatrician for her two week checkup. So...I figured we'd have a stay at home week...

Monday
My 6 week Post Pregnancy Checkup. Everything looks great and I was given the green light on all activity. That means I get to go back to the GYM!!!! WOOT! I've really missed working out. It's weird to walk out of her office knowing that the next time I see my doctor, I'll most likely be pregnant again! I've seen her so many times since last May. I was so impressed with her...how attentive she was to Monica and my health. She even had me come in the evening she went on vacation over Thanksgiving just to make sure everything looked ok before she left...I was being seen by her only three hours before her flight out of the country!!!

Tuesday
I noticed that the water blisters that started on Christopher's legs have not spread to his torso, head or arms...and instead of scabbing over they are becoming swollen and painful for him. I took him into the Doctor who said he had a Staph Infection. Come to find out about 90% of our population has Staph bacteria on their skin, but for it to become an infection it needs to become "trapped" under the skin. Christopher's exema provided the prime circumstances for this to occur. The doctor proscribed an antibiotic to put him on right away.

Wednesday
I took Christopher back to the doctor for a follow-up visit. Christopher's doctor was on her day off, so her associate doctor saw him. This doctor decided that the sores needed to be opened and drained. It was excruciating pain for Christopher while he pushed and prodded his swollen legs. It was so hard for me to hold Christopher...I was in tears. By this time Christopher couldn't even walk and even clothing touching his skin hurt him. The Doctor gave him some pain meds, but even with those he still couldn't walk.

Thursday and Friday we just stayed at home with Christopher on the couch all day. We read books, colored, watched movies, and cuddled...and took 3-4 baths a day to help draw the infection out. I even fed him on the couch since it was too painful to move him.

Saturday
Christopher started crawling on his hands and feet in the morning and by late afternoon was walking!!! It was so good to see him in less pain! Saturday night some friends came over to celebrate my birthday and we watched Dejavu together...and ate cheesecake! Yum! They stayed till 1:19AM - the time of my birth.

Sunday
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DAY!!! The weather was AWESOME today! Monica got me up at 7AM for some special Mommy/daughter time...she even smiled and cooed at me! Best birthday song ever! We went to the 11:30 Mass at St. Dominic's...got frappacino's and then headed to the park at the top of the hill near St. Dominic's. They have an awesome toddler/little guy park there. Christopher had so much fun playing with me on all the toys as Daddy and Monica watched. We went down the slides..played in the sand...went on the merry go round...the swings...the bouncy animals...the moving walkway... we had a blast! Then we came home and all took naps before heading out to dinner with Shane and Leilani at Chili's. It was an awesome birthday...I'm so thankful to God for the gift of my life, handsome husband, and cute children!

I know I'll sound wimpy for saying this, but having two kids under two is such a big change! So many adjustments...more for Christopher than anyone else. :) We've made it one place on time in three weeks! Getting out of the house includes a major checklist now...

Diaper bag
- outfit for Monica
- 3 diapers for Monica
- wipes
- spit up clothes
- hat for Monica
- outfit for Christopher
- socks for Christopher
- 3 diapers for Christopher
- diaper ointment
- 2 bottles of applejuice/soymilk for Christopher
- Nursing blanket for Monica

Monica with hat in carseat
Christopher with jacket and shoes
My wallet, cellphone, car keys and...a necessity now, Lipgloss (so it doesn't REALLY look like I'm not getting my normal hours of sleep)

After writing all that, I don't feel so bad about being a few minutes late. :)

Really though, the adjustment from having 1 child to having two children really isn't that bad. I felt very overwhelmed in the beginning, but I think alot of that was due to having a c-section to recover from while going through the holidays. It was so awesome to celebrate Christmas with a very new baby in my arms. Meditating on Christ's birth came very easily this year!

Christopher is now cutting...not 1...but 4 teeth! I was trying to figure out why he was being so "grumpy" and had just chocked it up to sibling jealousy until I was changing his diaper two days ago and noticed he was chewing on his hand. I then looked at his teeth and found 4 of them just poking through his gums. Poor little guy...

Monica is really doing awesome! She is already three weeks old and really starting to pack on the ounces. I love getting to see her chubby cheeks get more full each day!

Oops...gotta run...mailman knocking on the door, Monica needs to eat, and Christopher wants me to color with him...lol...yep...still adjusting here!

This woman was due with Twins the same day as me...she had her babies yesterday! Here are some pics. They are doing well right now, but could always use prayers. The little girl is 1 lb 3.5 ounces and the little boy is 1 lb. 12 ounces.

http://s214.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/kristenheet/

Today was an awesome day!!! I had my 26 week checkup... My Doctor did another ultrasound for me...and Monica is here for sure! lol It's good to know for sure...now I have to start on all her things...She is also head down and already starting to drop. I think my body likes to do things slowly and gradually instead of right before delivery.

Worked out today...that felt good...got another barrette done... :) I even put up some of my barrette's on ebay...we'll see how they do.

Well...gotta run put Christopher to bed! Have a good evening!

Ahh...well, it's 12:24 in the morning and it's a cool autumn night...so I have a cup of Swiss Mocha next to me. I know...crazy...caffine at this hour! I guess it was one of those pregnancy cravings. Plus...how am I supposed to sleep with my Handsome Prince being over 3,000 miles away! Well...more of that later...


Yesterday I just had this feeling that I needed to get out of the house for a bit by myself! I put Christopher down for his nap and Jason told me to go...he'd listen for the little man. I went to Barnes and Nobles and just walked around for awhile looking at various books. It was so nice to browse a store! I haven't gone shopping without Christopher since before he was born.


After strolling through Barnes and Nobles I walked across the street to Joann's Fabrics. I figured while I had some time, I wanted to look for some fabric for Monica's crib set. I was thinking of doing an angel theme for her room, but gave up when I couldn't find one fabric pattern with angels! Not even in the Christmas stuff!

Then...at the back of the store in the Home Decor Fabrics, I found this lovely lilac pattern. It was originally 19.99/yard (ouch!) but was marked down to 9.99 (still ouch! lol). However, I found a sales flyer advertising a 50% additional markdown on all red tag fabrics starting today! That means it would be 4.50/yard (a little less ouch...). Here are a few pictures of my find...








I returned to Joann's today to purchase the fabric. When I went up to the register their machines wouldn't accept debit cards or credit cards, so the cashier asked all those who were making purchases using that medium to walk up the street to the ATM machine. When I returned with the money to buy my precious fabric the cashier told me she was going to take an additional 20% off my purchase! I think she felt bad for making a pregnant lady with a toddler trek up the street...LOL!!! I was so happy though! I got fabric worth 19.99/yard for 3.60/yard!


Praise God! "Do not worry about tomorrow..."


While at Joann's I also purchased a gift for my adopted bro...Justin Rohr. He broke his leg while jumping on the trampoline and hasn't been able to walk. It's been a hard time for him, but he's been so courageous through it all! I wish I could see his face when he gets the little package...


This morning I dropped Jason off at the airport. He has a meeting at American Life League tomorrow and then returns very late tomorrow night . It's so weird not having him here...makes me realize how very dearly I love him when he's not there for me to smother with kisses and hugs. I've been keeping busy though...


Lately I've been thinking allot about ways I could make a little extra money for the holidays this year...and Monica's arrival, as well as just having some date money! I went to Dad's grave a couple weeks ago and really felt him encouraging me to put into action an idea I had discussed with him earlier this year. So...it's been in the slow works for a couple weeks, but Christen's Beaded Creations is finally underway!!! I've only put up two items so far, but more will follow in the next couple days. We'll see how it goes, but I'm excited to have taken this first step...so enjoy browsing!

So...lately I've really been trying to save money and watch our budget carefully. I've read about how Luv's diapers are really good about not letting leaks out...so I wanted to try them, however I couldn't find any place around here that sold them. So, I went online and found www.diapers.com. It's got the best prices for numerous brands of diapers and they also have free shipping if you get over $50 worth of merchandise. They have lotions, diaper creams, wipes, diapers and more. I used to buy diapers (huggies) at Costco because they were the cheapest, but even the Huggies on this website cost less than Costco! You can also send them coupons in the mail and they will add them to your account (Costco doesn't accept coupons), so that saves you even more money. Anyways...I thought i'd pass on the info. If you want to sign up enter this code (CuteBaby) to get money off your first order and I get $1.00 credit when you place your first order!

OK...so some of my friends have really been on my back about posting more on my blog. I admit...I have been really bad about it. No particular reason, it just seems like life being 5 1/2 months pregnant with a 16 month old doesn't give one much time for the computer. However, I just laid my little man down for the night, so I'm gonna write for a bit while my handsome husband finishes some programming web work...then we are gonna cuddle up for a Friday Night Movie! :)

Life has been awesome lately! Fall is beginning here, which means the weather drops about 10 degrees and it's clearer during the day, not so much fog. I got a little freaked out a couple days ago when I realized Monica is due in 3 and a 1/2 months! Where has this pregnancy gone... I feel like I have so much to get done before she gets here...and Christmas to boot! A few of the things I want to sew are:

1.) Bassinet set for a girl
2.) Crib set for girl
3.) New Curtains for kid's room...the ones in there now are pretty boyish. :) Gonna go with something more neutral.
4.) Christening Gown...though we may just borrow one from my little adopted family in Christ if I don't find the time to make one.
5.) Curtains for the Changing Table, as well as a changing table pad cover. I want this to be neutral as well since Christopher will still be in diapers when Monica gets here.
6.) Christopher's toddler bed set

I've already started on Christopher's toddler bed set. We've decided to get him this toddler bed for Christmas. It matches the crib that we have, so I think they will go well in the same room together. I've cut out everything for the quilt, bumper pad, ruffle and pillows. The bed will be up against a wall on one side, so I'm gonna have a bumper for that wall instead of the railing. I think it should be pretty cute once it's finished.

For the bassinet... we have the Eddie Bauer one (Picture here), but the bedding is a plaid natural color and I'd like to make something a little more girly, but also have alot of white. It will be in our room and we have a navy blue bedspread, so I don't want too much pink. Perhaps something along the lines of this. I'm gonna have to come up with my own pattern, but I like the idea of the skirt from the bassinet going all the way to the floor.

For the Crib set I'd like to do something with Roses...I think. The only other alternative would be if I found a nice Angel theme. As far as Roses go, I'd like small rose patterns and more of a deep pink...almost burgundy...than a bright pink.

Anyways...enough about baby stuff and what I have to do! Though...I would like you to keep in prayer another idea I'm working on. If it works, it might bring in some extra money for Christmas! I'll keep ya posted...

Monica is growing well...and fast. :) She is SO much more active than Christopher ever was in the womb. It's so awesome to see the differences between them even now! Christopher has always been very possessive of himself...he doesn't like having his hand held...or his fingernails or toenails clipped... He just doesn't like someone else getting too close into his personal space. :) Even in the womb when I'd lay down on one side, he'd show this side of his personality by really kicking or punching the side I was laying on...as if to say...get off...open up again. :) Monica doesn't do that at all, but she loves twisting and turning and kicking everywhere! Christopher was head down the whole pregnancy, I guess portraying his contentedness, however Monica is EVERYWHERE! It's really cool to be feeling her and getting to know her a little bit. She loves it when Daddy puts his hand on her...and is always ready to give him a good kick when he does that. They already play this little game together...he'll push down, she'll kick then wait for him to push down again before she'll kick his hand. :) She won't do that for me...guess she knows Daddy's more fun!

On September 8th we had an awesome Birthday Party for Mary, the Mother of God! We had about 16 people over to our 2 bedroom apartment...but it was SUPER nice! We all had such a blast though I think Christopher was a bit overwhelmed at the number of people consuming his Play areas! :)

Lately I've just been busy being a wife and mom...little Christopher's been cutting his molars, but he's also just been really clingy for his Mom. He likes to be with me ALL the time...except for at the gym. He really likes going into the play area for an hour while I workout. It's nice for him to play with other Children and Christine, the babysitter there. He loves her! I really enjoy the time to workout.

Jason's going out of town this weekend on business. He leaves Sunday morning and doesn't get home until about 11:30-midnight on Monday night. We are gonna go to Mass together on Saturday night... I'm gonna really miss him! I know it's only 2 days, but that seems like a long time. :) At least there's no chance of me going into labor! Hopefully I'll be able to use the time to work on a surprise I have planned for him.

Well...it's Movie Date time...so I'd better run. I'll try very hard to be better about updating this blog in the future. To all those who read it...thanks and keep on me if I slack off again.

A friend sent this to me this morning. I've just spent about 15 minutes enjoying reading it...take a few yourself!

Ebay Auction Link - read the description! It's hilarious!

"Because I said so..." ~ Blog of mom2my6pack

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm so sorry we've been so bad about staying in touch with people lately. Ever since Jason's Dad passed away in early May, it's been a whirlwind of things needing to be done and us just needing some space. From the middle of June to the end of July we were in Colorado (with a week out east to visit the Rohr's and my Grandparents in the middle) helping Jason's Mom go through things and get her house ready to sell. Christopher was truly amazing on the trip! I was concerned that he might not travel well, since he's the first child and is kept on a routine most of the time. It was a blessing to be near family during this difficult time, however it is also good to finally be home!

Little Christopher has grown so much and is such a joy in our lives. He is constantly making me laugh. He is a very affectionate little man; approaching me many times a day just to give me kisses! He loves variety and details! He can sit and play with a small paper box for an hour, but he also loves to "go bye bye" and explore the world. Ever since he was born he loved to be walked outside and his daddy coined him the phrase "I want to see new things..." It fits Christopher well! He is now walking everywhere and gets quite frustrated when he can't walk in the sand very well! Christopher is also very social and really enjoys going to the gym daycare for an hour while Jason and I workout in the mornings.

I'm now 20 weeks along with the newest member of our family! It's hard to believe this pregnancy is going so fast! I have so much to get done before this little one gets here... We found out on August 14th that we are having a little girl! We have named her Monica Lorraine. Monica is kicking me allot now and such a joy to feel. On the feast of the Assumption (August 15th), Jason, Christopher and I went to Mass at 5:30 and then I stayed for the Solemn Mass at 7:30 with the polyphony choir. As I was sitting there "by myself"...realizing that it was just me at Mass, Monica starts kicking me...as if she was saying, "I'm here too, Mommy!" It was so precious!

I will try to be better about keeping in touch with everyone. Know that you are all in our prayers. Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Jason's Dad and our little family of four! God bless you all!

~ Christen

The Manak family found ourselves taking two plane trips on Saturday the 23rd to arrive in Denver Colorado! Michelle Marie, our neice and Goddaughter, was baptized on the 24th and we've been having a good time just spending time with family.

Yesterday we went to the Rocky Mountains! It was awesome...we walked around a lake that was so blue... The weather in the mountains is much nicer than here in the plains around Denver, which have been about 100 degrees or more!

I'm now in my second trimester! And I've also started feeling our new little one...exciting!

Catch you all later!

Yesterday Jason got me Scrapbook Factory Deluxe! It's awesome!!! I've used it to make the three posts after this one...what do you all think! Worth $20? :)

I'm enjoying entering the world of graphic design...

Well...to all of you who have voiced concerns over Christopher, following the McCaffrey tradition of walking before crawling...you need not be concerned any longer! Christopher crawled today! I saw him crawl across the room to a toy he wanted, so I tried to get him to crawl to me...no go. However, later today he was crawling to me...crawling on the beach...and crawled so much he wore himself out! He's now sleeping very soundly. :)

My baby is not a baby anymore...he's growing so fast...where does the time go!

Well...Today I had the biggest scare since becoming a mother. After playing with Christopher this morning I laid him down for his nap and after he was asleep laid down myself to snooze. I was awakened by a "bam" on the monitor and then Christopher crying. I went into his room thinking he must have hit his head against his crib rails, but no...there he is sitting on the floor in his room! Thank God for Guardian Angels! Today Daddy (Jason) lowered the mattress so any more attempts to escape from his crib should be thwarted! It really scared me though...not only could he have really been hurt, but my little baby is getting so big! He stood up by himself! I think he is going to walk before he crawls. He loves pully himself up to things and "walking" while holding onto my hands.

I have much to write about my brother, Grant's visit for spring break. He took some AWESOME sunset pictures...of which I'll share a few. Christopher LOVED his Uncle Grant!

Recently I've been having some problems uploading pictures to my blog that everyone can see. I've heard that sometimes they show up with a little red x in the corner. When that happens they usually work if I re-upload them, so please just put a little comment in the comment area for that blog submission where the pictures aren't working. Thanks so much!

I liked the idea of having this one out during Advent - perhaps in the center of our advent wreath. Then having the next one out during the time in between Christmas and Epiphany. Anyway, I thought they were beautiful images of the Holy Family.

Hmm...all those in one post? LOL!

Valentine's Day I got Strawberries and Whipped Cream for our dessert. Christopher saw the Whipped cream bottle as he was helping me cooked and when I let him hold it he tried to taste the top. At that moment I sprayed some into his mouth! He gave me such a look of surprise! But he totally loved it! Now when we are cooking he gets excited when I open the fridge and gives me a begging look. :) It's SO adorable!

On February 4th, after Sunday Mass, we all got our throats blessed for St. Blaise's feast day. As we were going up in line Christopher was being a chatty little guy...as usual. As soon as we got to Father Xavier he started to leave forward to say hello and it was so funny to watch his reaction as Father held the candles up against his throat. Christopher flattened back against my chest and gave Father a horrified look. It was so funny! Even Father burst out laughing!

Valentine's Day was awesome this year! Since we usually go out for my birthday, we always stay home and I make Jason a dish of his choice for Valentine's Day. Neither of us like the crowds for Valentine's Day...so it works out well for us.

For many years, Jason has had a tradition on Valentine's Day. He started it while in Savannah. Every year on Valentine's Day he would go to the Cathedral and give Mary two roses...one red and one white. He asked her to take care of his future wife and keep both his future wife and him pure the next year. He told Mary when she lead him to his wife, his wife would then get the red rose and she would always get the white. So...I picked Jason up in the city after his class on Valentine's Day. I was worried he would forget about this tradition since he's been so very stressed and swamped with school...but no...there he was with two roses waiting for me! We went to Mass and after Mass Jason gave me the red rose and Mary the white rose! It was so special!

We then had dinner at home and I gave Jason a Valentine letter I had written. It was so awesome! He said it was the best Valentine's Day he's ever had...and that the letter was the best anyone has ever given him. That meant so much to me. I love making him happy!

This morning I went to the foot doctor to get orthodics (sp?) for my shoes. I've been having a lot of problems with my knees after working out and I think it's because my feet are so flat. Afterwards I called Jason and Christopher and asked them if they wanted a frappacino for Mardi Gras! :) So...home I came with our drinks! :) Christopher loves the whipped cream on top...and I enjoy the bottom. I get two straws...and he sucks the whipped cream and I get the slushy mocha below.

Anyway...off for now. I'll post some patterns I got at the Joann Sale on Saturday. I can't wait to make them!

His two first teeth...

12 month sleepers! He's getting so big!

Christopher after his nap. These overalls were given to him by a good friend, Mackenzie, for Christmas! I love them! They are so adorable and feel great!

Me...trying to get both of us in the picture...almost made it! lol

Saturday was my 23rd Birthday! It's hard to believe I'm that "old"! It was a awesome day and I'm so thankful for the gift of life. I definitely view my birthday differently after going through labor and delivery with Christopher . . . I'm so thankful my Mom went through so much to bring me into the world!

Christopher got me up at 5:30AM on my day...I guess he wanted to be the first to wish me a "Happy Birthday" and how could I refuse when it comes from someone so cute and close to my heart. He truly is such a joy for me! I am so thankful to have this little guy a part of my life.

The day was rainy...but even that was a blessing and birthday gift from God! I've missed my Virginia snuggle up with a cup of mocha...do some sewing...cause it's a rainy, foggy days - so God sent one especially for me!

Saturday afternoon Jason's Grandmother watched Christopher for a few hours so I could go with Jason into the city for his project meeting. It was so awesome to watch Jason presenting, leading and directing the meeting! What a handsome, cute, talented, and loving husband I have! On our way home we enjoyed a Frappacino and each others company without the distractions of a little guy...cute as he may be.

Upon arriving home, I made us a steak and mashed potato dinner...and Jason went down the street to the 7-11 to get me Coffee Ice cream! After Dinner (and he made me eat every bite!) I got to open my presents! I like 23...I got so spoiled!

My grandparents sent me a wonderful "care" package with the highlight being a new pair of casual shoes. They are so comfortable! My Grandmother also included Virginia Peanuts (hmm...why don't they sell those in San Francisco?!), a book, a cake recipe that's special to my grandfather, and a heart shaped box of chocolates! The heart shaped box of chocolates has been a tradition since I turned 13. Every year...without fail...my Grandmother picks out a new heart of chocolates! I always look forward to it so much!

My Rohr Family sent me a gift so wonderful...I will treasure it always! My little bro, Justin, sent some pictures he drew for me while on his Friday date with his Mom in Holy Hour! They are so special! The rest of the gift was a photo album filled with pictures and notes that date back to our first meeting! It truly made me feel "home" to go through them all. Kelsea is getting so good at taking pictures. God has truly given her a gift for capturing special moments!

My handsome husband gave me the best gift of all! I am so very blessed by God to have this man in my life . . . he has given me his heart and has always sought my happiness. Through his gentle touch and his ever calling me his "Princess" or "too beautiful", he has given me the gift no other could ever come close to giving me . . . the unbelievable gift of his heart and love! On this 23rd Birthday, Jason, my husband, is the one thing I am the most thankful for in my life.

Jason also gave me an ipod for working out! My old one, a hand-me-down, died about 2 weeks ago and my workout have been much tougher without the motivation of tunes. He also gave me some new perfume (Vanilla Sugar . . . yum!) and a beautiful shirt. He spoils me so much . . . but I love all the little ways he tells me he loves me!

My parents sent me a book entitled "Raising them Right" by Theophan the Recluse. My Mom enclosed a wonderful note - full of love. Jason's parents sent me two beautiful statues...1 of Mary and baby Jesus and the other of the Good Shepherd. They are on a side table in our Living Room under the swan lamp my Dad gave me when I was born.

Thank you to all who wished me a Happy Birthday and prayed for me and this 24th year of my life. Please God, may I grow much in holiness this year!

Well...I know I'm a week late, but better late than never huh? Actually...I'm not that late! It's still Christmas...the 8th day of Christmas! :)

This last week of Christmas has been packed with Midnight Mass, Christmas morning, visiting with family, walks on the beach, yummy candy, good food, new Christopher phases and much, much more!

Mass on Christmas Eve was quite an adventure! Christopher had been up much of the night before so Jason and I were so exhausted on Sunday morning that we slept through the alarm clock...with Christopher in bed with us too! Christopher usually wakes up from the alarm clock when he is sleeping in his crib, so it was very odd that being right next to us in bed he didn't wake up when it went off. Usually our Church has an evening Mass, but since those Masses became the Christmas vigil Mass, Jason and I weren't sure what to do until we remembered the 1:30PM Spanish Mass! The homily was a bit hard to understand...but Christ was there and it was awesome!

After Mass on Christmas Eve, Christopher and I took a nap before heading over to Jason's Aunt Lisa's house in Belmont for dinner and games. It was so much fun to be together with family! Spaghetti and Meatballs were so yummy and we headed off from her house about 10:00 to attend Carols and Midnight Mass at St. Dominic's in San Francisco. For those of you who were at our wedding, St. Dominic's is a bit bigger than St. Alphonsus, the Church we were married in. For Midnight Mass St. Dominic's was full to the rafters! I wish it was always like that! The music for Mass was so beautiful with the full chant, polyphonic choir, and wonderful organ & brass ensemble.

Christmas morning Christopher got us up at 9AM...probably the latest he'll ever let us sleep in on Christmas morning from now on. We opened presnts, but after his stocking and his second present he decided it was nap time! This gave Jason and I time to spend together opening presents and eating breakfast. In the afternoon we went over to Jason's Aunt Lisa's again and had Christmas dinner with Jason's grandparents and his Aunt, Uncle and cousins, Justin and Lauren. After dinner we played a very long game of Cranium. It was a lot of fun and Christopher took a nap on Lisa's bed which gave me some fun free arms time. :)

For Christmas we got Christopher some cute little toys, two church outfits and a baby walker. He loves being outside on the deck, but we didn't have anything to put him in out there. The walker is perfect. He really enjoys watching the cars drive by the golf course from our deck. Jason also got Christopher the cutest little stuffed animal cat...it was in the top of Christopher's stocking on Christmas morn.

Jason gave me workout clothes, a watch, casual clothes, the first Zorro movie and Dove Chocolate! Yum! Jason loves to spoil me for Christmas. Because his finals went through Friday he didn't got shopping till Saturday night...he loves me so much. I really like the workout clothes. They all feel so good! I'm excited to continue working out this new year. I feel so much more positive, energetic, and better about myself when I consistently work out hard.

I gave Jason a leather daily planner. He's been wanting one to keep all his school, professor, project appointments in. Jason's also been wanting a leather jacket but everywhere I looked they were WAY too expensive. Then I walked through this one store a week before Christmas and they had one leather jacket on sale marked down from $375 to $59!!! I was SO excited! I also gave him some cologne/afterspray. He was running out and said that he wanted me to pick him a new kind. I was really at a loss when I went to the store. I was smelling all of the different samples...the clerk asked me if I was ok! Finally I picked two that I liked and they were sold out of one, so Jason got the other. :)

Thursday night Jason's grandparents and aunt and uncle came over for dinner to celebrate Lisa, Grandpa Bruce and Jason's birthdays since they are all around the same time. We had steaks (yum!) and a big tray of brownies with pies! It was great to have Jason's family over to our apartment.

Saturday afternoon my family (on my Mom's side) came over for a early dinner and Christmas visit! They included my Mom's sister, Aunt Nancy Rose, and her son and my cousin Brent, his wife, Anna, and their son Jonathon. Their visit was so much fun!!! We took a lovely evening walk on the beach and caught the end of the sunset before heading back for dessert. Brent also brought a photo album of his childhood and teenage years. It was so great to see pictures of my Nana, Grandad and Mom...as well as family I've never met. My Aunt Nancy Rose gave me a hand painted scarf that she made. I'll take a picture soon and post it. It is SO beautiful!!!

Pictures of Christmas will follow soon! May God continue to bless your Christmas Season!

JASON WAS BORN!!!

December 22nd was Jason's birthday. He'd been in finals that week and I was determined to make the 22nd his most awesome birthday...I'm not sure if it worked, but I think it came close.

Jason was at the lab very late on Thursday night...so Friday morning at 2AM he called me to ask me to come pick him up since BART had stopped running at midnight. I went into the city and picked him up and then drove by the 24hour Starbucks to start out celebrating his birthday! It was great! Then the next day his 2D Animation Final Project was due so he was out and in the city all day till late afternoon.

Jason's Aunt Lisa came over about 6:30 to watch Christopher for the evening so Jason and I could go out. This was the second time that we have gone out as a couple since Christopher was born! The first time was in June when Jason's parents visited and kept Christopher so we could go to a Holy Hour together.

For Jason's Birthday Date I planned the night...He enjoys Japanese food, so I found a really great Japanese Restaurant on Sutter and Taylor Street in the city. We took BART into San Francisco and walked up Powell Street - the major shopping street. It was decorated for Christmas and filled with shoppers.

The food was really awesome at the Japanese place. We got Teryaki and Tempura... I ate with chopsticks for the first time! The server kept offering me a fork though...so I'm not sure I did a very graceful job. lol

After our dinner we went back to Powell and walked around a few shops near Union Square. It was a beautiful time of year to "browse" though everything in that area of town was super $$$ priced.

About 9:50 we made a beeline to Westfield Mall and got Hagaan Daas Ice Cream near the foodcourt and then went to the top floor of the mall which has a dome and tables/chairs/couches. Since it was mostly deserted due to the late hour, Jason and I easily found a comfortable couch to enjoy our ice cream on. We had an awesome conversation about the past year...our favorite memories...worst memories...ways that we grew the most...want to grow the most...and much more. It was a memory I won't ever forget!

As we were getting ready to think about heading home the couch we were sitting on started shaking...as if someone was jumping on the other end! It lasted about 5 seconds and was gone. I asked Jason what it was and he told me I had experienced my first earthquake! It was only a 4.7...but an earthquake I won't soon forget.

All in all though...it was a perfect evening! I hope Jason enjoyed himself as much as I did. :)

Dear Family and Friends,

2006 has been a busy and exciting year for our family! Starting out the year in Virginia, we’ve found ourselves in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina…a trip across the country and now California and the Pacific Ocean! Looking back over the year, Jason and I are blessed and humbled to see many ways that God has lead and guided our lives.

In March, Jason and I took a little vacation down to Tennessee to visit our friends the Fisher’s and then on to see my cute little niece, Shaelyn, and her mother Kim. It was awesome to visit with them! Then we traveled on to Savannah, Georgia…the city where Jason and I fell in love…and started dating. We visited with the Thigpen’s and saw many of the places Jason enjoyed including the cathedral and Fr. Clark, the priest Jason would write to me about and the Dojo and Sensei where Jason trained in Jujitsu. Then on our way back to Virginia we stopped in Charleston, South Carolina for a night and ate at a really good restaurant near the river. The next day, on our way home, we had lunch at an abandoned beach. It was a break we both needed and we returned ready to enjoy the coming of the new addition to our family.

The biggest highlight of our year was the birth of our firstborn son. Last year on September 23rd, we found out God had added a member to our family! The morning sickness was tough, but otherwise the pregnancy was healthy. It was such an awesome experience to feel our baby growing inside me. Even in the womb I could tell our baby was a very calm and loving child. On May 5th, we met our little son, Christopher Jason, for the first time! It was amazing for Jason and me to welcome our son into the world. I recovered quickly, but Christopher had to return to the hospital 5 days after his birth for some UV treatments over the next two days.

It was during the two days that Christopher was receiving his UV treatments that Jason was accepted to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. It is the best school in the country for a Masters Degree in Computer Animation and quite an achievement to be accepted. After much prayer, we decided to go for the 2 year program. After the decision to go was made, God put everything else into place…literally. My friend, Shannon and two of her friends rented our townhouse and I was able to find a place online (thanks to Craigslist.com and God’s direction) for us to live in Pacifica, California, which is about 15 miles south of San Francisco City! American Life League also kept Jason employed even though he’d be working long distance while attending classes. It was so clear to us that this was where God was leading us!

In June, before the move, we went on the annual McCaffrey vacation to the beach! Mommom & Daddad, my Grandparents, rented a house in North Carolina on the Outer Banks for all of us to enjoy. It was Christopher’s first time on the beach! And he went right to sleep…which must have meant he loved it. Being together with family was such a joy and we created many wonderful memories that week.

In mid August, Jason drove across the country with his Dad while Christopher and I flew. We stopped in Denver, CO to visit Jason’s family and then continued to California. Our 2 bedroom apartment is about two blocks from Sharp Park Beach and overlooks Sharp Park Golf Course. It is so beautiful that it doesn’t really feel three thousand miles from our home in Stafford, Virginia…but more like a long vacation. Our Church is St. Dominic’s, a Dominican Monastery in the city of San Francisco. The priests are awesome and the choir is so beautiful. We are slowly meeting new people and making new friends.

Jason is really enjoying school at the Academy of Art. His teachers are amazing and so are his classmates and other contacts he is making. He met a couple of guys who worked on Cars, the newest film by Pixar, and a guy who worked at Disney for many years and helped make Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and the Lion King. Jason takes BART (the Bay Area Rapid Transit System – kinda like the metro) into the city 3-4 days a week. The school is located in the middle of the Financial District, which is one of the really nice areas in the city.

In October my brother, Duke, got married to a wonderful young woman, Amanda (Mandie). It was great to witness this joyful event! They went on their honeymoon to the Pocono Mountains and are now settled in Mount Jackson, Virginia. It was a lot of fun to go back to the East Coast and see family and friends.

This year for Thanksgiving, Jason’s family came out here as well as my friend, Shellie and her wonderful 8 year old daughter, Callie. It was so nice to see family and friends again…and to show off the surroundings of our new life. Thanksgiving weekend we went to Nevada to visit Grandpa Joe and Granmarie, Jason’s grandparents. It was an awesome visit and we even got to see snow over the Sierra’s on our way home!

Christmas we will be staying here…close to home…and enjoying our first Christmas as a small family! We are looking forward to getting our Christmas Tree on Gaudate Sunday and especially attending Midnight Mass at St. Dominic’s! Jason gets half of January off of school, so we are hoping to visit Lake Tahoe for a family weekend away in January!

We wish you all a very blessed and joyful Christmas and New Year! Please keep us in your prayers and may God bless you!

Love in Christ,Jason, Christen & Christopher Manak

Our Christmas Tree! Without the bulbs...

Christ in the Manger!

No fireplace...guess the bookshelf will have to work!

Last Sunday was Gaudate Sunday...and we decorated for Christmas! It was a weird Sunday because Christopher was up all night Saturday night cutting his second tooth...so he has his two front teeth for Christmas! We ended up sleeping in late (till about 1PM!) with Christopher. When we got up we went and picked out our tree at Santa's Tree Farm in Half Moon Bay (South of us about 15 miles). Jason cut our perfect selected tree down and tied it to the top of our car. Christopher, still working on cutting that tooth, was not at all amused or comforted by the process. When we got home Jason pulled the tree up over the deck and into the living room. It was a bit bigger than we imagined it being while at the farm admist a forest of trees! But it is beautiful! Jason did a wonderful job putting the lights on the tree. We then went to the candle-light Mass at St. Dominic's! A Sunday of Joy indeed!

This week has been finals for Jason...and his last one is due today! Instead of final tests, he has final projects. His final in Miya, the 3D package he uses, was Tuesday. Then Wednesday was his final in computer animation and today his final 2D animation project is due! Today he also turns 25!!! He was at the labs very late tonight...so late that BART (the metro system) had stopped working! So, Christopher and I drove into the city to pick him up. I then drove by the 24 hour Starbucks to celebrate his birthday...that was at 2AM in the morning!

When we got home I couldn't wait...so Christopher and I gave him his presents...

It seems the pictures won't upload now...I'll try again later! Happy first day of winter everyone!

Sounds strange...but...it was just that! Jason had me meet him after his class on Friday evening at the intesection of Powell and 5th Street in San Francisco! Christopher and I rode BART into the city (quite an experience with a stroller and baby) and then met Jason in the lower level of Westfield Mall. This is a new mall and quite a sight to see. It's about 6 stories high and very clean, beautiful and expensive! We ate dinner at the food court - it was almost like a gourmet restaurant! Dinner was served on glass plates with real silverware. Christopher slept through dinner which gave the night an added bonus on my checklist. :)

After dinner we walked around for awhile and "window shopped" since everything was SUPER expensive. It was great to just be together though, experiencing everyone shopping for those they loved. We went into a little shop and got a present for Jason's grandmother and my grandmother...can't mention what it is here in case they ever peek at this blog! :) I'll tell after the 25th! Just suffice it to say I think they will both love it very much!

On the way out of the mall I broke my diet and Jason and I got Ice cream! It was SO yummy! Jason got a Mint/Chocolate ic cream cup with crushed oreo cookies and whipped cream! I got a Mocha ice cream sundae. It was so yummy! Christopher even loved tasting it. Then we headed home...

Tonight we went to St. Dominic's Advent/Christmas party! It was a lot of fun! The party started at 6PM with food/drinks and good company! At 7:30 we went up into the Church and sang Christmas Carols with the choir. It was so beautiful! Fr. Francis dressed up as St. Nick and Christopher loved his outfit and beard! :)

I've almost finished the Christmas Cards! What a big project! Hopefully you'll all be getting them soon! Tomorrow I'm going into the city and meeting Jason after his class so we can all go to the mall in the city. Jason's been there for some meetings with his professor and says it's really nice. Hopefully that will wrap up Christmas shopping!

Saturday I'll be making Christmas cookies to give away as gifts. It should be fun! Sunday we are getting our tree and decorating it...YAY Gaudate Sunday! I'll post pictures soon...

This past Sunday my friend Jane, her husband Christopher and their baby David came to visit us from Peteluma, CA! It was great to see them. Our families have SO much in common! :)

FISHERMAN'S WHARF
The Fisherman's Wharf was a great way to end our day in the city...we decenced to the pier just as the sun was setting.

OK! I've definitely dropped the ball on this blog! Things have been really busy...but I'm gonna write a long post to try and update everyone. ;)

The end of October we went back to Virginia for my brother, Duke's, wedding. It was awesome to spend time with family and see friends again...and all just in time for the beautiful fall leaves! Christopher was so great on the flights (there were 4 of them in all)! Jason came for several days surrounding the wedding, but Christopher and I were on the east coast for almost 2 weeks. We had great visits with so many people! In the end though, Christopher and I were very happy to return home to find a handsome Daddy waiting for us.

The day after we returned from the east coast, Jason took me out to the Cliff House. It is an awesome place for a romantic dinner! We took Christopher...and he wasn't too interested in sitting still as soon as our food was brought ( go figure ) so Jason and I took turns eating and walking him around. It was awesome though! Then we headed over to St. Dominic's for the Sunday night Candle Mass. It was the perfect way to end a perfect date!

After our return from the East Coast, I joined 24 Hour Fitness in Pacifica. It has been so awesome to go to the gym every day! It was something I definitely needed and it's been really good for Jason to have some quality Daddy only time with Christopher. Working out has helped me stay more positive. :)

Jason has taken up surfing!!! He really enjoys putting on a wetsuit and heading out to ride the waves. I will probably have him teach me in February...after I've finished getting off the rest of the weight from Christopher's pregnancy. :) Here is a picture of the beach where Jason surfs...LindaMar Beach, which is only several miles down the coast from our house.


My friend Shellie and her daughter, Callie, came out from Virginia for Thanksgiving! It was so awesome to spend time with them...showing them around our new life! On Thanksgiving Tuesday we went to LindaMar beach to watch Jason surf while eating Round Table Pizza (the best pizza ever). Callie, who is 8, and I ended up having a water fight! It was SO much fun!

On Thanksgiving Wednesday we went to the Bouldin Sour Dough Bread Factory for lunch and then spent the evening at Fisherman's warf. We had such an awesome time and Christopher was so good! :) I will post a few pictures on the next post.

Thanksgiving Day was so beautiful! Shellie, Callie, Jason, Christopher and I went to Chit Chat Cafe - a cafe on the end of the pier here in Pacifica - for some morning coffee and then took a wonderful walk on the beach. We arrived back home to find glorious smells of roasted turkey! After having an awesome dinner, Jason, Christopher and I went over to Jason's grandmother's house for dessert. Jason's parents, sis