Christmas Miracles

Who doesn't love a few Christmas miracles that are insignificant but make your day? After months and months of work we are finally done with refinishing our crib. My parents had given us the crib all of us kids used and was much older than me. After stripping down coats and coats of paint and sanding it down, and adding a beautiful finish, it is finally done. Tony surprised me by putting it all together last night. Here is a picture. It doesn't do justice how beautfiul it is now and how talented Tony is. I also had to take a picture of Alec sleeping in it this morning. He is going strong at 2 hours, which is a miracle.

The second miracle is Tony bought me a new washer and dryer. Who ever thought that a washer and dryer could be so exciting. For a family of 8, it is super exciting. Although it's my Christmas present, they were delivered early this morning. I seriously cannot wait to use them. On a side note- we would love to give our old ones which work well for being 10 years old to someone who needs them. Contact me if you know of anyone. Here is a picture of my red beauties!

We have been so blessed this year and are grateful for the many blessings we receive each day.

Merry Christmas everyone!

How he came...

I am a horrible blogger but I have intentions of catching up on the last couple of months, we have had a lot going on! I was thinking the other day, I told everyone a fewt things about Alec and how he arrived but haven't gone into details. I hope you'll humor me. :)

Alec's name was chosen simply because Aarone and Amber are born in August and we thought it would be nice to follow the "A" name tradition. His middle name Genero is Tony's Grandfather's name and Tony's middle name except for Tony's is just simply done with a "G". Tony and our kids all have an association with the number 7 related to their birthdays, it's strange but true. So, when Alec was born on August 7 it just was meant to be!

Alec was due on August 16 but made his grand entrance a week or so early. I didn't complain although it was quite humorous he came at that time. For those who don't know, I was an Event Manager for Stampin' Up!. My main event I focus on is our yearly convention typically held in Salt Lake City. It can range from 2500-6000 people. We all had a good laugh when I found out I was due a week after my event.

My boss kept saying, "If you can make it to Thursday then it will be great." He even got my a scooter to ride around the convention center. I was very embarrased but grateful in the end. I had a doctor's appointment on that Thursday the 6th and my doctor told me it would be at least 2 more weeks. She even made me schedule 2 appointments for the next couple weeks. Well, Tony and I were sleeping down at the Hotel Monaco in Salt Lake that night and I woke up about 11 and told Tony I think my water broke. After about a half hour of deciding if my water really had broken, we packed up our stuff and headed to the hospital.

Sure enough Alec was on his way. After almost 16 hours of labor I never dialated enough to push him out. They decided to do a C-section around 5:30 pm and Alec was born at 6:15 pm. I was just grateful to have him out! Needless to say, Alec waited until Thursday to be born.

I can't believe that was 8 weeks ago tomorrow. He is getting so big and chubby. He is starting to smile and talk to us. We just love him to death.

Now I need to update everyone on all the other things happening around here, never a dull moment!

What's up with Alec?

I know it's been almost a month and I haven't posted any more pictures. I am horrible I know! Here are a few pictures that have taken since we brought Alec home. We just love him to pieces and can't imagine our lives without this funny dude. He brings so much entertainment and is just the best snuggler ever! We love him!

A week or so after he came home

"The Burrito" - he barely fits in those blankets anymore like that...

One of many surprise looks...

Alec's first football game...

Rock on dude

Grandpa William O. Buck

My Grandpa Buck passed away exactly a week ago today, he was 88 years old. Tony and I were so lucky we had taken Alec down to visit Gram and Grandpa the week before. Grandpa at the time was doing okay and actually woke up the next day talking about our sweet Alec.

We had a grave side service on Saturday surrounded by family and friends in Evanston, Wyoming. We felt sad but rejoiced in what a great man and what a great life he had. We know he is surrounded now by friends and family in Heaven.

We love you Grandpa Buck and will miss your sweet smile and having you here with us!

He's Here!

Alec Genero Cefalo was born on Friday, August 7 at 6:15 pm. He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long. More pictures to come....

Happy Birthday my Love!!!

Happy Birthday to the love of my life! Thanks for being such a wonderful husband and father.

**Yes, I know I have been MIA forever. I'll hopefully get around to updating on all the things going on. **

Wanna know?

Alec Genero Cefalo

should be coming to the Cefalo home sometime around August 16! We are so excited for this new little guy to join our family.....

The beginning and end not so good, the middle fantastic!

I guess it is about time I updated our blog, I didn't realize it had been so long. Tony and I got back from our fabulous trip to Hawaii on Tuesday morning. We had some trouble getting there, when we went to check-in they informed us that our plane to Kona had mechanical problems and so they cancelled the flight.

So after many hours at the airport in Salt Lake we finally got to Maui and had to stay over night. The next morning we took a 7 man plane (including the pilot) from Maui to Kona, it was incredible. The rest of the week was filled with sun, travelling to see waterfalls, a volcano, snorkeling with sea turtles and fish, whale watching, a luau, and beautiful scenery. It just couldn't have been more delightful. I'll post some more details and pictures soon!

Getting home was a bit of a challenge, but we enjoyed the extra time we got to spend in the warm weather and just being together. I have missed having my buddy with me 24/7 this week and have also missed the sunshine (it's currently snowing right now).

Baby update- I am 20 weeks along almost 21 weeks and no we don't know what we are having. Since we couldn't get home from Hawaii I missed my ultrasound and have it rescheduled for next Wednesday the 8th. I'll keep everyone posted. I have been feeling great, had a regular doctor's appointment this week and I measure right on for 20 weeks and have only gained 4 pounds. :) I tested negative for Gestational diabetes but my thryoid is still off, which I am not surprised about. I now feel the baby kicking and moving around, it is the best feeling in the world.

Have a great day and more to come....

Hawaii here we come!

I could just scream I am so excited!! Tony and I fell into a great deal going to the Big Island of Hawaii in March. We just couldn't pass it up, especially since all the cards seem to be aligned for us to go. We will be staying a full week at the beautiful http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/. Oh the warm sand between our toes, why aren't you here right now?!?!

Gotta find me a maternity swimsuit, oh boy, any ideas out there let me know.....

12 week appointment

This morning I had my 12 week appointment with my doctor. I am officially 12 weeks and 3 days pregnant, moving right along! The best part of the appointment was being able to hear the babies heartbeat. How can you not cry and feel such a sense of relief? I finally feel like I can relax and enjoy this new life inside of me.

I also had lost 2.5 pounds which I wasn't surprised due to the fact I still can't eat much. I am starting to feel better and my appetite is coming back but I still can only eat small amounts of things. I think my stomach is growing but it's hard to tell when it wasn't so small to begin with. I'm in that in between stage where people are wondering hum, maybe she could be expecting or is she just gaining weight. Makes me laugh!!

Other than that, life is crazy as usual at the Cefalo house. The kids are back in their routines and busy as ever. Will life ever slow down? I can't complain because I love it all, especially that husband of mine!!!

How about some good news?

I don't know about you all, but I feel like all I have heard lately is bad news mixed with a slight bit of good. Even our yucky inversion here makes you just feel yucky. I decided that it is about time to share some good news, lift our spirits for a minute. Ready?

We are proud to announce the newest Cefalo will be joining our family sometime around August 16. Yep, I have a bun in my oven, isn't that great?! Why is that you feel so blessed to be carrying a new life and at the same time very angry inside that you have to be so darn nauseous all the time? I have come to love cereal and peanut butter sandwiches because they really don't have a smell and actually taste so good. Hopefully as my first trimester is about coming to an end in roughly 2 weeks I'll start feeling good again.

I had my first ultrasound a couple weeks ago and everything looked great. We feel so blessed and are so excited for our new addition!!

Life of a teenager

Misty and Amber have been both going to the orthodontist now for several months. Misty actually a tad bit longer but who's keeping track. Misty has this really cool contraption in her mouth called the "spider", she doesn't think it's so cool.

Amber has had spacers in, in preperation for her braces that went on today. It was a long process but she was a great sport. I think the braces look super cute on her. She got clear braces and hot pink bands. Oh the love of being a teenager.
Amber before

Amber with her braces