Movin' and a-shakin'!

A few weeks ago, Mike and I found a place we wanted to rent in Carlsbad. It's always been our dream to live in North County San Diego, and now that we had decided to rent, it was a dream, realized! We decided that Mike would start moving our stuff down after the baby was born, and then once I'd gotten my routine down with the baby, I'd move down with the boys. Well, that time came quickly and my parents came down with us on March 18 to help move some stuff. Luckily, Mike, his brother Mark and his father Ralph had already moved the majority of our things into the house. There was just a lot of unpacking to do! After unpacking a little with my parents (and taking some pictures of the occasion, of course), we came back to the Nocita's for a few more days to pack up the rest of our stuff.

In the meantime, my grandmother Margaret Davis and my aunt Colleen Heublein made history (again) when they finished the Los Angeles Marathon on March 21. After officials cleared up some mistakes in the results (one of which was an 83 year old woman finishing in 4 hrs and 40 min. - yeah right!), it was clear that Moggy had won the race. Upon hearing this news, not one of us was surprised. As a matter of fact, I think our family has almost grown accustomed to this "old lady's" adventures, to the point where it's almost expected she win. "Moggy won the marathon? Oh that's so cool! When's dinner?" Yeah...pretty good for an 87 year old! Congratulations, Moggy and Colleen! Here's to all of us NOT being shocked by your amazing accomplishments! HA!

A few days later, it was time for us to pack up and move out of the Nocita household. It was a teary sendoff, but an exciting one as well. Mike would no longer have to commute from San Diego to Sierra Madre, we would be 4 miles from the beach, and I'd finally get to nest:) Our first night in Carlsbad, Mike and I took the kids to our favorite sushi place in North County called Ogata. It's where Mike introduced me to sushi and where we went on some of our very first dates! It was so wonderful to be back there to enjoy it with Dane and Ryan. Dane chowed down his California Roll like a champ, of course. He's his father's son...

This past week has been a lot of fun settling into our new home together. It's taken some time for Dane to get used to sleeping in his own bed again, though. He's had some rough nights, but it's getting better each night! I also happened to get this great video of Dane chatting about the "blood on his hand." Ah yes...boys. Here's another video that Kimmy took of Dane "playing baseball" in my parents' back yard. Make sure to watch to the end!

Enjoy the photos and please send us an email to keep in touch!

What is that lying on the floor?

Oh! It's "Ryan the Baby!"

Cheers to the new home!

Here is Dane in his new "bonk bedths." These used to be his uncle A.J.'s beds, so he's REALLY excited about them:)

A front door photo.

Just takin' a drive around the new house...

The marathon champ enjoying some booze and pasta!

The two crazy ladies, Colleen and Moggy.

Kassady, Lindsay, Kimmy, Ryan, Colleen, Moggy, Dane and Kristy.

"BUH BYYYYYYYYYE!"

The Roblee family at Ogata in Encinitas. YUM!

Getting ready to chow down.

You think Ryan is too young for a salmon skin roll?

Here is Dane suiting up for his first night at the new house.

Here is Dane, not very happy about his first night in the new house. LOL.

This is a picture of Ryan after his first bath! BRRRRR!!!!

A few days after we arrived in Carlsbad, Mike took Dane to the San Diego Zoo for a big boy trip.

Look at that face...priceless...

The Panda exhibit is now open!

All smiles!

When did he get so big?!

Ryan and Gigi, hangin' out on the train.

Ryan Thomas Roblee

Well folks, it's been almost three months since my last post and believe me I have a good reason! Or many good reasons, I think. To make a very long story sort of short, we decided to sell our home in Monrovia in November, put it up for sale immediately and closed escrow December 30. I was 7 months pregnant and we were packing up our home to move in with my parents, Alan and Debbie until we found a home in San Diego. We have been wanting to move there for some time as Mike has been commuting there for work for the last couple years. Needless to say, it's been quite difficult, especially for Mike as he has not only had to travel constantly for work, but he was always having to work on the house.

After a couple months of saving and searching, we found a beautiful home in Carlsbad to rent. We are very excited to be renters again and to have someone else take care of the house. Yay! And NO property taxes! We are in the process of moving and will probably be down there by next week. We are very excited and I am so happy that Mike will be able to come home every night to us.

In the meantime...I had a baby...

At my 39 week appointment, the doctor checked me and said I was 5 cm dilated. WHOA! I was not prepared for that. She said if labor didn't start on its own by that Friday, we'd induce by breaking my water. Well, I was giddy with excitement when she scheduled it for March 5 because it happened to be Mike's birthday! And of course, I didn't go into labor. (My water doesn't like to break on its own). Mike wasn't exactly thrilled to share his birthday, but I assured him I'd make it just as special as I have always made it in the past:)



March 4, 2010 - Night before "B" Day

It was strange knowing when we were going into the hospital. We got to prepare a lot more this time around, which was kind of nice, being that we had Dane to tend to. We explained to him that we were going to "get the baby out" (his words, not ours) in the morning and he was indeed very happy. He had been watching "A Baby Story" with me every morning, so he knew pretty well what that meant. We did our usual routine that evening with some Jeopardy before bed. Dane brushed his teeth one last time as an only child, we put on Charlotte's Web for him to fall asleep to one last time as an only child, and gave him a goodnight kiss...one last time as an only child. I went to bed in my usual spot on the couch and Mike snuggled with Dane. Before we went off to bed, though, we took a couple "last time" photos.

I think I'm ready to go...

Here is Mike at 9 months pregnant.

March 5 - "B" Day

Mike and I gently placed Dane into bed with Gamma and Gampa as we headed out to have a child. We arrived at Arcadia Methodist at 6:00am ready to go. We got settled into our room, only to wait four hours for the doctor to get there. In the mean time, the clock was ticking for Mike to win the baby pool. He had until 1:33pm that day (that's when he was born), but after that, Chris Stewart would be the winner. The pressure was on!

While we were waiting, our families slowly trickled in to visit and give us love. Sadly, Dane wasn't even allowed in the hospital waiting room as children under 14 were not permitted. I was so sad because I wouldn't get to see him for 2 whole days! He was in good hands, though.

Around 10:30 or so, the doctor finally came to break my water. She promptly ushered the Anesthesiologist shortly after as my contractions were coming quite rapidly. She realized very fast that Pitocin would not be needed as I was in transitional labor already. (Duh, I already told her that would happen.) Thankfully, the Epidural kicked in and I was a happy camper.

Unfortunately, my contractions started coming one on top of the other and were very strong, causing the baby's heart rate to drop dramatically. I was really freaked out to say the least because the nurses came running in and were on the phone with the doctor immediately. They were telling me to turn on my side - then quickly they'd have me turn over on the other side. They weren't sure if the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck or not. They placed an oxygen mask on me and told me that the contractions were suffocating the baby. They gave me a shot of steroids in my leg and within a few mintues the contractions slowed a bit. It was a very scary 15 minutes, but thankfully our nurses were so amazing. They handled everything so well!

After another hour or so, I felt ready to push, and sure enough, I was! The doctor came in and told me to try pushing...I guess that's all it took as the baby's head was already coming out! The Epidural had started to wear off and boy could I feel this baby coming through. Hats off to all you ladies who have natural births. WHOA! Even with some Epidural in me, that was a feeling I cannot describe. I think I said "Get it out!" a few times and sure enough, they did!

After 4 pushes and 4 hours of labor, Ryan Thomas Roblee was born on March 5, 2010 at 2:31 pm. He weighed in at 10 lbs. 11 oz.! Even bigger than Dane! Unfortunately, he came an hour too late for Mike to win the pool. I still blame the doctor for being late!

Enjoy the photos from that day...

Adele, Kristy, Erica, Kim, Al, Debbie and Ralph are ready to meet the baby.

Oh look, there's Mike, too!

Don't I look beautiful?

There, that's a little better.

Our wonderful nurse Anous on the left, and Grace, a nursing student from Azusa Pacific on the right. It was her first vaginal birth to assist with!

Gampa Al and Gamma Debbie seeing their grandson for the first time.

Mommy holding Ryan for the first time.

Mike holding Ryan for the first time.

Granddad Ralph holding Ryan for the first time.

Nana Adele holding Ryan for the first time.

Ryan Thomas Roblee.

March 6 - The After Party

Well, after a wonderful night of holding my new little one and bonding, it was time for visitors! It was great to see my family members trickle in throughout the day, as well as some wonderful friends. I was able to take a shower and get cleaned up, which felt fantastic. Here are some pictures from that day...

Uncle A.J. holding Ryan for the first time.

Robert and Phuong Fong came by, as well as Marianne Chew - they brought some amazing food! And champagne, of course:)

Phuong's first time holding Ryan. She's practicing for next year, right Phuong? Hee hee.

Marianne's first time holding Ryan. She's teaching him how to be photogenic:)

"Am I doing it right, Marianne?"

Robert's first time holding Ryan. Practice makes perfect, right Rob?

Chillin' in my bed...

Erica's first time holding Ryan.

And there's Colleen! She could only stop by for 15 minutes, but by golly she was going to visit if it was the last thing she did!

Some cute clothes for Ryan from mom and dad.

March 7 - Time to go home...

We were ready to get back to the house after a couple days away. I was dying to see Dane, too! We were discharged around 1:00 pm and headed back to the Nocita house for some yummy lasagna to celebrate Mike's 37th birthday (and the baby's, too). It was a nice time of hanging out and relaxing, although I have to say, it was a bit chaotic! I know what you're thinking. The Nocita house? Chaotic? Noooo...and not only that, but that afternoon, my mom, sisters, Marianne and I headed over to Denise Brown's house for the Oscar party. I think she held Ryan for over 2 hours! :) It was a nice way to end the day. Thanks, Denise!

Heading home...

My heart melted...

Ryan brought home a present for Dane...

Even Danielle and Stacey stopped by for a visit!

Mike, Dane and Ryan together for the first time. What did I say about my heart melting? Click here to see an adorable video of Dane and Ryan meeting.

This is a little out of order as I took this a few days later, but cute, nonetheless.

Sigh...

Auntie Kimmy holding Ryan for the first time. Dad even did a little "Picasso-ing" for the occasion.

There's some of the welcoming committee - drinking Bellinis!

There are Lindsay and Kassady meeting Ryan for the first time.

Colorn and Mern showed up, too! It was quite a party...

Baby Ryan's first "BUH BYYYYYYE" on the front porch.

Time to celebrate Mike's birthday with some good old German Chocolate Cake...yummmm...

It was a race to the finish to see who could lick the most candles the fastest! I think Dane won...

Shaka brah!

A.J. and Porlorn enjoying the festivites.

Dane enjoyed the festivities, too:)

March 8th and Beyond!

Since Ryan's birth we've been moving into our new home in Carlsbad slowly but surely. I've been focusing on spending some quality time with Dane and making sure he feels the love...what can I say? I'm a mom! He's doing very well with Ryan and is so gentle and loving. He always wants to hold him or feed him - this lasts for about 4-5 minutes, but it's cute, nevertheless. He also likes to point out his fingers and toes and say things like, "Awww, look at the little baby fingers!" I can't get enough...

Here are some photos of our lives, post partem...

Our two sons, napping on the couch.

Here is Reggie making faces at Ryan:)

Dane is seen here wearing a diamond ring from Denise's Oscar party. So lovely. Dane said, "Look at me, Mommy, I'm sooooo pretty." Enough to warm a mother's heart. HA!

Here is Ryan sporting a sporty sweatsuit for daddy.

Mern, Dane and Mike at Irwindale Speedway for Test Day. Go Erica!

There are Kristy and Ryan, too! 6 days old and going to the drags! For all of you gasping right now, I plugged his ears...and it wasn't Top Fuel:)

Dane giving "Ryan the Baby" a little milk...

On our way back up from visiting Nana, Granddad and Uncle Mark. Dane was holding Ryan's hand to comfort him.

Yesterday at the park. We watched some little league. Look at that HEED!

Dane kept tagging that painting of a baseball player and then running back to me. It cracked me up, so of course I got a few pics:)

Dane and Ryan at the park together:)

That's the end of our story for now. Thank you to all of you for keeping track of what we're doing. It's so fun to be able to share with you. I hope that all of you will be able to meet Ryan soon. We love you all and have a great week!