the angry samoan

Under Construction...

2009-08-25T12:30:00.004-04:00

I am finally updating my blog! Don't mind all the changes, it will be finished soon...hopefully!

No More Kisses!

2009-05-28T22:16:00.004-04:00

Last week I had to go somewhere early in the morning. I woke up Ethan and he came along for the ride. When Jason came to pick him up from me, Jason tried to kiss him and Ethan just cried and shook his head 'no'. Jason tried to give him a bottle and he turned his head and cried some more. I came along and gave him a kiss. Ethan shook his head 'no' and pouted, he was soo cranky! I asked him "Don't you want kisses?" Of course, he shook his head 'no' again and stuck out his lower lip. I see now that Ethan does not like to be woken up before his normal time.

Here is a picture of our cranky baby who didn't want kisses! It is soo funny how much of a personality he is growing into...I love it!

8 Months

2009-05-16T19:12:00.001-04:00

Ooh La La!

2009-04-21T10:34:00.009-04:00

While we were on the people mover downtown Detroit, I saw a little sign that said Crepes. I never had seen it before, but when I did I told Jason we HAD to go when we could. We stopped by yesterday, the store is called good girls go to paris crepes. I had the Black Kristy (strawberries, chocolate, whip cream), and Jason had the Shannon (Bananas, chocolate, coconut). I love love LOVE crepes!

While watching the travel channel last year, we saw a crepe stand in Paris. One of the tourist ordered a crepe with bananas and chocolate. It looked sooo good, we tried to make one ourselves but it did not turn out too good. So, needless to say, we were excited once we saw this crepe stand!

Wheelhouse Detroit

2009-04-21T10:01:00.014-04:00

This past friday was a beautiful, sunny day and we took full advantage of it! I took the day off and we headed downtown to the riverwalk and rented some bikes from Wheelhouse Detroit. We backed all along the riverwalk and then headed to Belle Isle and back.

Ethan was ready to go when we first started, but he soon grew tired of it! I think it was because he was hot, then hungry. We had to stop so he could have a bottle break. Near the end of the ride, he fell asleep and nothing could wake him!

Niko and Stefano really wanted to ride a bike and not sit in the trailer. We had to coax them and tell them we were taking them out for ice cream afterwards!

Chris did not like that he had to ride with two kids on the back of his back (he did not look 'cool' enough). It was funny because the boys did not want anyone else to pull them but their daddy! It was quite a workout pulling them on the back.

I just love this picture of Jason and Chris riding with their boys (although you can't really see Jason and Ethan). It's a great father son(s) moment.

Green Thumb

2009-04-17T10:37:00.008-04:00

I normally have many 'projects' I like to do, most of which I don't complete. I am excited for my newest project: North Cass Community Garden. For only $25 a year, I get a 4X8 raised planter! I can work on my getting my green thumb (just like my grandparents)...Forget that I end up killing all my house plants, I think that's a different ball game (not that a garden is any easier to maintain).

North Cass Community Garden is the only community garden in Detroit. There will be upcoming volunteer services to help get it together. Below are 'before' pictures of one side of the garden.

The best part of it all?...It is one block over from where I live! I will keep you all posted.

Beautiful Day

2009-04-16T10:40:00.003-04:00

The sun if finally shinning in Detroit! I took full advantage of it and went for a walk with my little teddy bear.

7 Months

2009-04-10T09:38:00.003-04:00

7 Month Stats

2009-04-03T19:15:00.002-04:00

7 Months
19 lbs 8 oz
29 inches long

Ethan still loves to eat! He can sit up on his own, hold is bottle, crawl (more like a dead man's type of crawl), shakes his head 'no' at every question asked, cries when I leave the room, and says 'dada'.

6 Months

2009-03-15T08:22:00.003-04:00

Hey There!!

2009-03-03T19:27:00.002-05:00

So I know its been a while, but I will be updating my blog shortly...I promise!

5 Month Stats

2009-02-11T09:47:00.005-05:00

We went to the doctors yesterday and here are Ethan's stats:

23 Weeks
17 lbs 6 oz
27 inches long

He is growing like a weed!

5 Months

2009-02-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-02-08T10:29:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday to Me! I am 27 years YOUNG!!! I had a great time, I started my day off with Zumba, then I hung out a little with my cutie Ethan (before taking him to Grandma's), had dinner in Mexican town with family and friends, and ended the night with some fun at Winter Blast.

Thanks everyone for your calls, notes, and thoughts...I feel loved! Enjoy the pictures below (nevermind how fat I look, I will be skinny next birthday =D ).

Lorna and Marian

Justus and Aaron

Chris and Jason

Maria and Stephano!

Niko

Stephano

The boys at Winter Blast in Downtown Detroit

Winter Blast!

Maria and Me

The Lyons. Yes, Chris loves those glasses =)

My Dream Car

2009-02-08T10:19:00.005-05:00

I totally forgot to post my favorite part and car at the Auto Show...now who wouldn't want to ride with this sweet luxury?!!!

North American International Auto Show 2009

2009-02-05T07:05:00.013-05:00

Prepare for picture overload! A couple weeks ago we went to the Auto Show in Detroit. It was my first time going and we saw LOTS of cars!

My Employer...

Hopefully this will be my car (below) one day!

Starting early...

Classics...

Eating at FatBurger

Welcome to America!

2009-01-26T06:09:00.010-05:00

So this is a funny story. Normally, I wouldn't care too much about it BUT this happens to me a lot.

At Jason's birthday/dinner party, I was sitting on the couch with Ethan and Jason next to me. One of the guests there comes up to us and asks us how old our son is. "Four months," Jason replies.

"Oh what is his name?" she asks.

I reply with "Ethan."

Then she smiles at him and says to Ethan in a slightly louder voice, "Welcome to America!"

Okay...Are you serious? Welcome to America? I really want to give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she meant, welcome to the world, or something like that. I know our son looks a little on the Asian side (as do I), but who would assume that Ethan (and I) were foreign? This is America and everyone here (except the Native Americans) is of foreign decent...so what gives? Jason thought this was funny (which it was) but like I said earlier, this happens to me a lot.

Another example, Jason is usually asked the question 'where is your wife from (meaning what ethnicity or what country)?' He tells them, I am Samoan (of course most people here have never heard of a Samoan so then Jason tells them I am Hawaiian (which can you believe that I have run into some who have never heard of a Hawaiian or Hawaii??!!)), then they proceed to ask if I can speak english well. He always finds this to be funny (and sometimes I do too), but seriously...do I naturally look like I can't speak english? Everyone always assumes that Jason 'picked me up' when he was in the Navy, then when I open my mouth and talk, I am really 'Americanized'.

NOW...when someone asks me where I am from or what am I, I either say Utah or that I am American. Of course, the next question is ALWAYS, 'Oooh, are you MORMON?'

Happy Birthday Babe!

2009-01-16T15:41:00.003-05:00

Today is Jason's 27th Birthday! Jason is a wonderful father, husband, and friend. We have been through alot over the years and I can't imagine being without him. I especially LOVE how is with our son, he does everything for Ethan (giving bath's, feeding him, changing diapers, singing and playing with him) and I am so grateful for that. Pictured above are the two loves of my life. Happy Birthday and I love you, boo!

'THAT Mom'

2009-01-14T06:43:00.006-05:00

So it's come to my attention, that I have become 'That Mom' that I'd never thought I'd be. I am 'That Mom' who likes to talk about nothing but my kid, and I record everything that he does. I didn't think so, but then I took another look at myself. The last 4 entries on my blog was about Ethan. I also made Ethan his own baby page (which, by the way, his link is on my link side bar). Hummmmm, I guess I really am 'That Mom'. Oh well, all I have to say is wait till you become a Mom, you do things you NEVER thought you'd do! =)

Favorite Pastime

2009-01-12T07:02:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I recorded Ethan and his favorite thing to do...watch TV (just like his daddy). He LOVES watching kid TV shows, especially the shows where they sing and dance. I think he is over his Spongebob phase.

And yes, my tree is STILL up. I am too lazy to take it down, but it will go down soon...maybe...

4 Months

2009-01-06T23:39:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-21T16:20:00.004-05:00

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE...

...OR ELSE

Thanks Tia!

2008-12-21T16:17:00.000-05:00

I forgot to add in that while I was in New York for a few days, my sister Tia came to help watch Ethan. Ethan got so attached to her, that he started yelling at his baby cousin at Thanksgiving when he saw her holding him. Thanks again, Tia =)

Congratulations Eddie and Rose!

2008-12-21T15:53:00.003-05:00

This last Saturday my brother Eddie got married to his sweety, Rose. Rose moved all the way from Australia to be with Eddie. The were married and sealed by my grandfather on Friday, December 19th, 2008 in the Laie, Hawaii Temple.

They did not have any pictures, nor did they want any taken (I am still mad about that), but here is the only picture I have of them taken earlier this year at the Hawaii Temple.

Congrats Eddie! Welcome to our family, Rose!

Catching Up

2008-12-21T13:42:00.005-05:00

So alot has happened that I need to catch up on. I will make this short and sweet...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NULY! My cute little nephew Stefano had his second birthday on November 30th. We love you Stefano!

Stefano 2nd Bday 2008

On November 29th, My mother-in-law and her fiance Dave, of 10 years tied the knot! It was a very simple short and sweet ceremony held at her house. CONGRATULATIONS!

Jeannine Dave Wedding 2008

November 19-23rd, I took a trip to New York with two of my co-workers Dee and Kristina (her husband Kirk also came with us) to see Marthat Stewart...yes, Martha Stewart. I am actually quite surprised at how much of a personality Martha had. She was very nice and funny (she always seemed boring to me). She had hip hop playing pretty loud in her studio, it was fun.

We also saw the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty, some of the night life, the New Your Library, Central Station, and more. I will say that I was a bit disappointed when I saw how small the statue of liberty was...I did not know her pedestal was as big as she was.

Well I had a great time there. I love the diversity and the hustle and bustle of the big city.

2008-11-19 NYC

Called to Serve

2008-12-02T09:42:00.003-05:00

Tia got her mission call!!! She will be serving in the Santa Rosa (or San Jose?), California Mission. I couldn't hear to well on the phone as she was reading it, but either way I am happy for her!

3 Months

2008-12-01T09:23:00.002-05:00

2008-12-01T02:14:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while since I last posted, but I will catch up soon. I have alot to write about!

My Boys

2008-11-13T09:52:00.004-05:00

I love these pictures! Below, Jason is singing and Ethan is not sure whats going on =)

I came home from work one night, and found Ethan like this...

Happy Veterans Day!

2008-11-11T09:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-11-10T09:32:00.004-05:00

Today is my dear mama's birthday. Here she is with her favorite grandchild, Ethan (haha...her only grandchild)! We love you!

Flashback Friday - Anchors Away

2008-11-07T09:19:00.008-05:00

I am feeling a little Patriotic...here I am in my working whites. I sometimes miss my Navy days (2001-2005), but mostly, I miss the great friendships and bonds I made during that time. Pictured below is also my squadron (vp-5) and the aircraft Iused to work on.

On a side note, my car looks pretty good (it's clean and shiny!). Those who have seen my car know what I mean.

The New President-Elect!

2008-11-05T06:02:00.004-05:00

Looks like America is ready for Change...I know I am!

At the Polls

2008-11-04T15:56:00.000-05:00

It was a great turn out at the voting polls. I voted and I hope you did too!

Peekaboo Photos

2008-11-04T07:36:00.004-05:00

Happy Anniversary to Us!!!

2008-11-04T07:34:00.001-05:00

Oct. 29th, 2008 was our 3 year anniversary!!! Jason and I have been together since we were 19 years old. It's kind of crazy to think we were that young!!!

Below is a picture taken on our wedding day (obviously) in Canada...yes, we got married in a cheesy chapel (hence, the pink background and fake flowers). That was a long story, but I will save that for later. Anyhow, I LOVE YOU JASON!!!

Samoan Lover

2008-10-31T22:23:00.005-04:00

Hey girls, I know that i appear to be young, but I've been looking for the one to complete me. If you feel the same hit me up at: Big Somoan Baby Love at blogspot.

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T11:36:00.005-04:00

My Current Obsession

2008-10-28T09:25:00.005-04:00

Here I go again with an obsession...pumpkins. With fall here and pumpkins everywhere, I am obsessed with pumpkin flavoring. Everywhere I go, if there is anything pumpkin, that is what I want. From Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte, to IHOP's pumpkin pankcakes, to pumpkin cake donuts. The list could go on and on. Currently, I have my house smelling like pumpkin spice and I love it!

Stay-At-Home Mom

2008-10-27T07:41:00.005-04:00

I really wish I could be a stay-at-home mom. Before and during my pregnancy, I never thought that I could or would ever be a stay-at-home mom. After I had Ethan, I changed my mind. I really would love to be a stay-at-home mom!! Unfortunately, I go back to work today. I am not looking forward to it and I am really not looking forward to dropping Ethan off at daycare. Luckily for me, my daycare provider is trustworthy and Ethan won't be there the entire day. Jason gets off a few hours after I start, so Ethan is away from us for only a short while.

Flashback Friday - Baby Pictures

2008-10-24T21:34:00.005-04:00

Pictured below; Jason's newborn picture, my baby picture (almost a year old), and Ethan's newborn picture (even though it looked nothing like him).

Tagged by Brookey

2008-10-24T20:14:00.004-04:00

8 TV shows I like to watch:
1- Dexter
2- Entourage
3- Army Wives
4- Desperate House Wives
5- Lost
6- Family Guy
7- King of Queens
8- The Daily Show with John Stewart

8 Restaurants I like to eat at:
1-TACO BELL!
2-Coney Islands
3-Brazilian Steakhouses
4-Texas Road House
5-Olive Garden
6-Terry B's
7-Mosaic
8-On the Border

8 things that happened today:
1- Slept as much as I could
2- Called and visited a home day care
3- Found the daycare I will be taken Ethan to on Monday
4- Connected our new house phone...no more interference!
5- Talked to Tia, Mom, Al, Jason, Aunty Vagi, Aunty Veenie, Maria, Vaofu'a, and Asia on my awesome new house phone.
6- Looked for a milk frother or steamer
7- Finished my detox (sort of) and went to eat out
8- Watched an episode of Desperate Housewives

8 Things I am looking forward to:
1-Eating
2-Sleeping
3-Going to the gym
4-Thanksgiving
5-Our Anniversary
6-Going out sometime in the near future
7-Seeing Ethan's Pictures
8-Going to see the Pistons play

8 Things on my wish list:
1-ME being ALL the way done with school...hopefully that will one day happen
2-Acupuncture
3-Loosing all this fat
4- Have a house
5- To have everything I want organized
6- A Prius
7- To know how to cook
8- To one day hire a maid

8 people I'm tagging:
1- Cammi
2-Asia
3-Maria
4-Carolynn
5-Whitney
6-Carola
7-Lavi
8-Cristina

A New Beginning

2008-10-21T08:03:00.004-04:00

Well I have decided to start my weight loss program...I am soo tired of being fat! I am going to start off with a detox/cleanse and do the regular eating right and exercise routine. I am announcing this on my blog so that maybe it will motivate me to go all the way through with it. I won't disclose my weight because...well I just won't put myself out there like that. I will only tell when I loose it all. I start today...wish me luck! Will keep everyone updated on my progress.

My Goal: to reach my post-navy, pre-michigan weight of 135 lbs.

Happy 23rd Birthday Al!!!

2008-10-21T07:56:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my brother Alastair's Birthday! Since he was a baby, Al ALWAYS had a huge smile on his face. It didn't matter what you said to him, he could be completely clueless of what was going on and still have that huge smile of his. People love being around Al and he is the BEST babysitter to have...ALL the little kids love them some Alastair. Happy Birthday Bro!!!

6 weeks

2008-10-16T14:16:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Ethan recieved his first set of shots! It was soo sad holding him down, but I think both he and I handled it well.

At 6 weeks old Ethan is 11 lbs 4 oz and 22 1/2 inches. He is still eating A LOT, and is starting to smile and talk to us. He loves to smile at his daddy and is finally starting to sleep during the night (although he won't sleep until about 12 or 1 am). We love him!

All Bundled Up

2008-10-16T14:14:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple of cute pictures of Ethan on one of our trips. =)

My Little Traveler

2008-10-16T14:00:00.007-04:00

Here are the rest of the photos of Ethan with family members during our Utah trip. Ethan and I also traveled to Denver and Wyoming (about an hours drive from Denver). Ethan did very well on the plane rides and is overall a good baby!

Pictured below is: My Grandpa Soliai, My Dad, My Mom, Ladd & McKenzie, Cliffy, Tia, Sani, Ammon, Ampee, Josh, Asia (in Wyoming), Michelle (Denver), and Chris (Denver).

Hey Carolynn...

2008-10-11T14:04:00.003-04:00

invite me to be a reader on your blog...I don't know your email address so this is the only way to get a hold of you (that is if you read this). My email address is nesagardnerATgmailDOTcom. Thanks cuz! =)

Ethan's Baby Blessing

2008-10-10T17:51:00.005-04:00

I am slowly but surely posting up pictures from out trip to Utah.

Below are pictures that was taken at Ethan's baby blessing. He was blessed September 28th, 2008 by his great-grandfather (my grandpa). Ethan is sooo cute in his white tux. Jason was being real goofy with Ethan, and I cannot believe that I actually look like I do in these pictures! Anyway...thanks for the pictures Ampee and to everyone one else, enjoy!

Ethan Baby Blessing Sept 2008

Ladd's Wedding Pictures

2008-10-09T23:26:00.005-04:00

Ok, I have finally posted up some of the pictures taken at Ladd's wedding...there you go Fu'a! I copied all these pictures from Josh and Tia, Enjoy!

Ladds Wedding

Happy 16th Birthday Sani!

2008-10-02T04:46:00.005-04:00

October 1st was Sani's 16th Bday! I am soo happy that I was able to spend it with him this year. We had yummy chinese food then went home and had cake and ice cream. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANI!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

One Month

2008-10-02T04:15:00.003-04:00

My baby is one month old...and he loves his mommy!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Mauigoa

2008-09-30T19:35:00.004-04:00

Ladd and McKenzie Mauigoa

September 26th, 2008

Timpanogos Temple

More pictures to follow...

Nap Time

2008-09-30T16:40:00.002-04:00

Ethan and his daddy's favorite past time...sleeping =)

Catching Up

2008-09-30T16:21:00.006-04:00

I know I've been away for awhile, but I will catch up as I can. I am currently in Utah, we (Jason, Ethan, and I) flew in last Sunday to attend my brother Ladd's wedding. As we were flying in, we stopped in Cincinnati, Ohio and got stuck for a day. I wasn't prepared for this layover, so I was a few diapers shy of making it to Salt Lake. My poor baby sat in his soaked diaper (soaked through his blanket) for a couple hours. I felt like a horrible new mommy =(

Here is a couple pictures of Ethan sleeping in his bed at the airport.

Update on Vaofu'a

2008-09-14T12:05:00.006-04:00

Here is an update on Fu'a. She is still in Iraq, but it's getting close for them to be going back to Japan soon. I know they are probably all getting tired of each other, I remember those deployment days. You eat, sleep, work and play with the SAME people for 6 plus months. So I am sure they are very anxious to get home.

Anyway, the pictures below are some of what Fu'a has been doing. There is a picture of her squadron unit, one with an iraqi police officer, her poop tent that they shared with Recon Marines, and her searching the women for explosives. She said it was a really great experience and that the little children are beautiful! The children didn't know what was going on...strange people with guns checking their mothers was probably scary for them.

Flashback Friday - Jacksonville, Florida 2003

2008-09-12T18:40:00.007-04:00

My sisters and mother came to visit me while I was stationed at Jacksonville, Fl. This was after I came home from my Puerto Rico deployment. I miss my skinny days =(

Oh...and Tia, I am NOT taking your picture down bahahaha. Besides, you look fine =)

More Pictures

2008-09-10T20:54:00.004-04:00

Here are more picture of Ethan...this is more for my brothers and sisters who asked me to post more pictures.

A few things about Ethan:
*He LOVES to eat. He gets extremely angry if he doesn't get all the food he wants. He eats about 4-6oz in one feeding. It's alot of food and I try not to give him so much, but he will not stop yelling until he gets it all! He's so greedy!
*He loves to sleep with his arms over his head...it is sooo adorable!
*He is very strong. He is already holding up his head on his own (mainly when he is looking for more food!)
*He is very long and skinny, with a big head! =) His feet are big and his hands are very long!
*He seems to observe everything (just like his daddy). When I put him on his play gym, he sat there and looked at the toy for a long time. Then he even hit the toy a few times...it was too cute (and it did take his mind off eating for about 15 mins).

Ethan and his daddy chillin' on the couch

Ethans favorite position to sleep

Ethan looking at his play gym!

Ethans big feet and skinny legs! ;)

One Week Old!

2008-09-08T15:11:00.005-04:00

It's hard to believe that Ethan is a week old! I adore him soo much!! He also eats like a little monster. Yesterday my mom flew in to spend the week with us...she stayed up with him all last night and just loves being with him. It's been great having her here (I can sleep now!)

Ethan LOVES his boppy pillow. He eats, sleeps, and spits up in it. I posted a few pictures, I am a little camera crazy right now so bear with me while I go through this phase =).

Our New Addition!

2008-09-07T02:19:00.004-04:00

ETHAN CHRISTOPHER SAMASONI GARDNER

August 31st, 2008

Detroit, MI

7 lbs 6 oz, 22 inches

Labor and Delivery

2008-09-04T23:57:00.009-04:00

Here is my labor and delivery story. It will be a somewhat quick play by play of what happened (this is more for my own purposes).

SAT, AUGUST 30TH 2008
* 9:45am Started feeling contractions
* 10:45-11:15am contraction 3-5 minutes apart, went to hospital
* 11:30am arrived at hospital; 2cm dilated 70-80% effaced
* 12:30pm 4cm dilated 80% efface...admitted into labor and delivery
* 1:00pm got my epidural...*sigh* it was wonderful
* 3:00pm 6cm 80% effaced
* 6:00pm 6cm 80-90% effaced
* 9:00pm 8cm 80-90% effaced
* 10:20pm 8-9cm and they broke my water
* 11:40pm started pushing and screaming for more drugs (did not know they stopped giving it to me...when I asked/screamed they told me I was still getting it)
* During the pushing I broke out into a fever, tried a couple positions for pushing.
* Doctors came in, then I got scared they were going to cut me (I had a midwife). They were all whispering so I pushed him out shortly after due to my fear of the doctors.
* I sort of blacked out the last 10 minutes of pushing, all I remember was I was praying HARD to get him out.
* Ethan finally arrived at Aug 31st @ 1:16am!
* The nurses told me that the first thing I said when someone asked me a question after Ethan was out was (don't remember the question)...I AM NEVER DOING THAT AGAIN!
* Around 7am, Ethan was taken to the special care nursery and they put me and him on anti-biotics. He choked a couple of times on mucus that he swallowed on the way out. They said he is a silent choker.
* They pumped out the mucus and kept a close eye on him...he continued to spit up.
* 6:00pm Tues, Sept 2nd; We are FINALLY able to go home!

WE LOVE OUR BABY ETHAN!!!!

Here I am after getting my epidural...see how happy I am! I won't post the picture after they took the drugs away (it wasn't pretty)

First time I held my baby!

First time Daddy held baby

First time Grandma held baby

My poor baby in the special care nursery

Feeding Time @ the nursery!

This is what happens after having an IV hooked up to you...I look like I have webbed feet!

Birthday Boys!

2008-08-30T06:45:00.006-04:00

Yesterday were the birthdays of Niko and Steve. Niko and Steve are the sons of Jason's cousins (Chris and Steve). Happy Birthday Boys!!! I love you guys, muah! (Hope you don't mind that I stole this picture from you, Maria).

Niko: 4 years old now!

Little, little Steve: 2 years old now!

Tagged by Cammi

2008-08-30T03:52:00.009-04:00

The Rules:Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them.Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

#1 - I have OCD...not really, but my husband tells me that I do all the time. He likes to rub only one of my eyebrows, then sits there and watches me. I have to rub the other eyebrow with the same intensity and speed to make my face feel even.

#2 - I have serious road rage...I am always yelling at someone and cussing them out behind the wheel. I sometimes forget to calm it down when people are in the car with me!

#3 - I am 26 years old and am STILL afraid of the dark.

#4 - I love southern rap and booty dancing music! It always seems to make me happy.

#5 - I am a Samoan Mormon from Utah who was in the Navy and now lives in Detroit (that's a quirk, right?). Jason likes to call me...THE SAMORMON, hehehe.

#6 - I have a brain. It may not sound weird or like a quirk, but many people often look surprised when they realize that I have some intelligence. Whenever I am asked what I do for a living and then I tell them, the next question (with a puzzled and surprised look on their faces) is always...How did you get that job? So, yes people...behind what often looks like a clueless face is a girl with a brain! =)

I tag: Brooke-Lavi-Carola-Asia-Maria

Midwife Appointment

2008-08-29T06:41:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was my regular appointment with my midwife. I am 1 cm still and about 70% effaced. I asked her to strip my membranes to help move things along. I also asked at what point do they induce women...she said, if it is a healthy pregnancy they will induce at 42 weeks and not a day earlier. The only time they induce earlier is if something is wrong with the baby or mother.

I pray he comes before then. If he doesn't, everyone watch out! There will be a very Pregnant ANGRY Samoan Lady running around!

Going Mad!

2008-08-27T11:41:00.006-04:00

So I went in to Labor and Delivery today to address a few concerns. I have been having extreme sharp pains shooting up my right side of my body and a few other things. I did not think they were contraction because I keep hearing that once they start, I will know. I just thought these pains might not be normal. Anyway, I went in and got checked out and they say that it is round ligament pains. I am just about 39 weeks and I am only 1cm dilated and 50% effaced and he is still sitting a little high...ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!

I am so ready to get this baby out, but apparently he is not. This is one stubborn baby and he is driving me insane! I really cannot see how some women actually LIKE being pregnant. I guess this is what I get for having a really good pregnancy at the beginning (no morning sickness, aches, or pains).

That light that everyone says is at the end of the tunnel...HAH! I don't even see the tunnel yet.

The Cutest Practical Gift - Diaper Cake

2008-08-23T08:12:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Jason's people from work gave us a diaper cake! How adorable is that?! I love love love it! It was too cute not to post.

Flashback Friday - Missing A Front Tooth

2008-08-22T08:40:00.006-04:00

This is a painful and embarrassing memory for me, here it goes...

In eight grade, I was getting ready to get braces put on my teeth. Before doing so, the dentist was working on my front tooth for the past 12 months. Apparently, my front tooth's nerve died when I chipped it years earlier. Calcium deposits were made in the tooth every 3 months to restore it. One day, while playing basketball with my Jr. Jazz team, a girl elbowed my front tooth. I went to the dentist and he told me she fractured the tooth and there was no way to save it.

Now here is the part of the story where it goes HORRIBLE...

The dentist tells me that they have to remove the tooth. I was thinking ok, this will only be a weekend thing. So the next appointment, he broke my tooth in half, inserted a metal post with a hook sticking out of my gums, placed a wire across my teeth, and tied a string from the wire to the hook. The whole purpose of this was to come in every week so they could tie the string tighter, so the root that was left would slowly descend from the gums and become exposed. Once the root was exposed enough, they would place a cap over the root.

Yeah, so the whole weekend thing...turned out to be OVER 6 months. 6 MONTHS!!!! I was front-toothless in the 8th grade...the grade where kids are very cruel...8th GRADE AND NO FRONT TOOTH!

I was sooooo embarrassed! To soften my situation a little, I fabricated my own front tooth...with Wrigley's Spearmint Gum. I had to chew it for about 5 minutes before it would come close to tooth color, then I shaped it into a tooth and stuck it up in the empty front tooth space. I didn't talk that much to people that year, and sometimes if I laughed hard enough the gum flew out of my mouth...very embarrassing!

Now that I know better about dental work, I wonder...why didn't they just do a root canal? They could of done that instead of the calcium deposits, instead of breaking my tooth and half, and instead of creating the worst year of my life. This is why I HATE f'ing dentists. If I could meet with that dentist again, I would tell him where to shove my front tooth he needlessly broke off!

My Trip to IKEA

2008-08-22T08:34:00.004-04:00

Shortly after my shower, we made a trip to Ikea...I was so tired and my feet were so swollen, I had to be pushed around in a wheelchair. A WHEELCHAIR! I would have never thought I could be so handicapped, how can anyone really like being pregnant?

More Baby Shower Pictures (Thanks Carmen)

2008-08-22T08:23:00.004-04:00

Here are some more pictures from the shower (taken by Carmen)...I have never looked skinnier

Aunt Vennie and my mother-in-law

Dee and Me & my belly hanging out

Tropic Thunder

2008-08-20T05:37:00.003-04:00

This movie was...HILARIOUS! I usually hate watching movies like this, especially since Ben Stiller and Jack Black have been in less than notable movies lately but, Jason insisted we go and see it. When the movie actually started, I didn't even realize it. I was just confused and thought they were previews. My favorite part about the movie? Robert Downing Jr. playing a black guy...I laughed so hard my eyes teared up and my stomach started to ache.

If you are looking for a good laugh, go and see this movie!

Oh Boy! Tropical Baby Party

2008-08-19T08:22:00.009-04:00

Saturday, August 16th 2008 was my co-ed baby party! It was a tropical theme and I pretty much got a lot of my ideas from the Internet. Below are pictures taken at the party. They are not that good quality because I took them with my phone (I was too lazy to charge the batteries to my camera). The party was held at my place.

THEME and Gift Table

(Made by Moi)

INVITATIONS

(Made by Me)

HAWAIIAN HOST PARTY FAVORS
(Thanks Mom and Auntie Genie!)

DECORATIONS
(Made by Me)

FOOD!
(Made by Chef Cliff and Asia...THANK YOU!!!!)

ASIA AND JASON
(Love you guys!)

GIFTS FOR ETHAN!
(Thanks Everyone!)

The party was a great success! Thanks to everyone for all the help! A really Big Thanks to Cliff and Asia for flying in from Colorado and helping with everything! They flew in late, started cooking, cooked and cleaned throughout the day, and put up with me and my angry agitated self. Thanks to my mother-in-law and Dave for funding the party and helping out with everything! Thanks to my family for sending lots of goodies for my party and baby. Thanks for those who stayed behind to clean. Last but not least, thanks to my hubby! He was really a good sport and helper, no matter my mood =).

There were some Crazy moments at the party...I won't tell all that happened, but I will mention the elevator incident. As Jason, his mom, Cliff and Asia were taking stuff downstairs to pack, they got on the elevator and got stuck! They were stuck for about a half hour before Detroit's finest arrived (fire department).

...More pictures to come

...no baby yet

2008-08-19T04:56:00.004-04:00

So...still no baby. I guess the whole moon thing didn't pan out to well for me. I did know 2 women, who's due date were very close to mine, had their babies the night before the full moon.

I really need to stop thinking about it, but it feels like I have been pregnant FOREVER!

Full Moon Baby Boom?

2008-08-15T06:08:00.011-04:00

I have heard that hospitals staff more people in Labor and Delivery on a full moon. For some reason, a full moon is believed to cause women to go into labor if it is already near their due date. What occurs during this phenomenon is that the gravitational pull that the moon has on water (sea, ocean, etc.) has the same effect on the water in a woman's amniotic sac. There is a pulling that eventually will cause the water to break if under pressure.

I asked my midwife yesterday how much truth there was to that. She said that there was some statistical studies that prove it to be true. She also did say that LDR seemed to be a little more busier than normal on full moon nights.

I really really hope that there is some truth to this. I am 37 weeks and from this point on, Ethan can be born (he is fully developed). This Saturday is the next full moon! I am seriously hoping that I go into labor tomorrow night! Tomorrow is also my shower, so going into labor during the daytime hours is not really an option for me (I know that it's not up to me, but a girl can dream right?).

On another interesting note, I was born when the moon was in the Waxing Gibbous phase (tonight's phase). A Waxing Gibbous Moon is when the moon is 98% full....hmmmm, interesting.

Like I told my midwife, don't be surprised if I go into labor Saturday! I will be one happy mama!

Back to Normal

2008-08-11T06:37:00.003-04:00

Jason has been home now for a couple of days and it's been great! We visited family members, ate out, got my toenails cut (because I can't reach them), and sat around and watched movies (one of our favorite things to do).

Now it's back to normal. Work, work, and more work.

8/8/08

2008-08-08T12:32:00.002-04:00

Today is 8/8/08, I wonder how many people are getting married today?

Hmmmm....

2008-08-08T12:27:00.004-04:00

So the lady from the restaurant just called me, but didn't leave a message. Hmmm....I wonder what she is calling for (remember I cashed her check in yesterday). Hmmm....more to come I am sure.

Tomorrow

2008-08-08T08:35:00.002-04:00

Jason will be home tomorrow!

Morphing

2008-08-08T07:39:00.007-04:00

So this was fun. I morphed a picture of Jason and I to see what our son might look like (Please remember that this is ONLY FOR FUN...I really don't think that Ethan will look like this!)

Hahahaha....It looks like a more feminine Jason!

Got My Money!

2008-08-07T20:57:00.004-04:00

I got my money back today! I am happy, although I did loose out on $18. I originally put $150 down for the catering service and left $10 gratuity. I was going to give them the rest when they delivered. Anyway, the lady gave me a check for $150. I went straight to her bank (comerica) and cashed it just to make sure it was a good check. They charged me $8 since I was not an account holder, what a rip off! If I wasn't so worried about the check bouncing, I would of deposited it straight into my account. Oh well, I am happy with $142.

Good News!

2008-08-06T23:06:00.004-04:00

As many of you know, Jason has been gone for army training now for almost eight weeks. I have been counting down the days. I am happy to announce that he is coming home on Saturday morning, which is one day earlier than expected! I know one day doesn't seem like a lot, but when time and distance is involved one day could mean the world!

It should be great, that day is his mothers block party. So depending on how Jason feels, we just might make it! Yay!

This feeling of euphoria is almost unreal. I can't contain it!

Really?!!!

2008-08-06T22:46:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, I put a down payment on the food that was being catered for my baby shower. I decided to cut the amount of people to cater for, so I called them Monday (they are closed on Sunday). Their phone was busy all day, so I called their fax line...disconnected. I started to get mad. So the next day, I stop by there on my way to work. There was a sign on the door that said 'closed until further notice.' REALLY?!! Are you F'ing serious!

I immediately called my bank to pull that money back (I put $150.00 down). This is the good thing about using a credit/debit card, the credit companies can always pull money back. They told me that they were going to put in for an unauthorized transaction and get my money back. I am supposed to hear back from them by tomorrow. I hope it goes through.

WELL, it just so happens that today, I recieved a phone call from the lady at the restaurant. I believe she called from her cell. Apparently, their place caught fire...which I saw no indications of a fire when I stopped by (but it could of happened in the kitchen). She said she was going to give me my money back. We are supposed to meet near my work tomorrow. I hope she gives me cash, if not, I am going straight to the bank to cash it. I don't know how good that check will be. Not only that but, is she being extremely honest and really wanting to give me my money back OR did the company get a hold of them and she is trying to keep out of trouble? I don't know...but from what I have learned from being around people, trust no one.

So, the lesson here...use credit if you are making big purchases. If they insist on cash, be very cautious! Cash is not traceable and you definately will never be able to get it back. Checks are good up to the point until it has cleared.

I am huge on keeping track and talking about finances. I know it is a touchy subject to people, which it shouldn't be. We all can learn from our own AND other peoples successes and failures (this is what I learned from Oprah). Don't be surprised or uncomfortable when I do talk about my finances or other peoples (of course I wouldn't mention names)! I take in the good and bad!

Beautiful Eyebrows

2008-08-03T19:59:00.004-04:00

About 1 month ago, I went in to get my brows waxed...now women should be very clear on what they want done and NEVER assume that people will know. Anyway, I assumed that the girl doing my eyebrows was just going to clean them up...WRONG! She took off half my eyebrows! They were so thin they looked like I drew them in with a pencil! ARGGGHHHH!!!!!

Today, I was finally able to get them fixed. I know that I have been looking crazy at work walking around with my messy eyebrows, but I am happy to say that they are perfect now! I went in to get them threaded (as I normally do, and should of done instead of waxing them). Threading is a technique used by Indian and Middle Eastern women. They simply use thread to get rid of unwanted hair...and they are really good at it too!

Happy Birthday Asia!

2008-08-03T19:50:00.006-04:00

I know I am a little late posting this, but Happy Birthday Asia! I promise I didn't forget! =)

Love ya!

Remeber our Niagara Falls trip, Asia?! That was the best!!!

Countdown...

2008-08-03T11:02:00.003-04:00

7 days until Jason comes home from Georgia.

34 days until Ethan's expected arrival.

I am so excited!

Flashback Friday - Turning 4!

2008-08-01T22:26:00.005-04:00

Here are a couple pictures of my 4th birthday! The first picture is of me (of course), and the one below is with my family. My brother Ladd is pictured to the far left, I have to mention he is my brother because when he was that age everyone thought that Ladd was my twin sister! He did have girlish features and he looks a little jealous that he can't blow out MY candle. Next is my mother who is holding my brother Alastair. Alastair is still the same today, same big smile (he smiles at anything and everything) and the same big head...=).

The two that are missing in the above picture is my dad (who is probably taking the picture) and my other brother Eddie...Yes, there were four of us at that time (I am the oldest)! My parents really had their hands full!

Ugly Car

2008-08-01T12:53:00.004-04:00

I know I don't have the best car in the world, and I think the Prius is cute...but this has got to be the ugliest car I have ever seen!

Don't Mind Me...

2008-08-01T00:46:00.001-04:00

Sorry my page look keeps changing. Once I learn to make my own page, it won't change as much.

Please Remove Your Leg!

2008-08-01T00:09:00.006-04:00

I am 34 weeks now and my little belly bump keeps moving around inside of me! I would of thought that he would sleep a lot, but that is not the case with Ethan. He is constantly moving, I will only have peace every 30-45 minutes until he wakes up and stretches, turns, and kicks for another 30 minutes. This is VERY uncomfortable and annoying (although I am glad to feel that he is still moving)!

Today at work, he was in his normal routine of inflicting pain (like he is right now), when I suddenly felt him shift to my left side. I put my hand on left hip and...TAH DAH!....out pops his leg! It was unbelievable! I painfully felt his upper thigh, his bent knee, and his calf protruding from my body. I was shocked at how thick his leg could possibly be at 34 weeks. I also could not believe that he could stretch as far as my hip bone. Being pregnant never ceases to amaze me.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-29T22:50:00.004-04:00

This movie is, by far, the best movie I have seen this year! I went and saw it on Sunday with a friend of mine at the IMAX. There were many great actors; Christian Bale was hot, Morgan Freeman still hasn't aged, and Heath Ledger...AMAZING! I didn't think I was going to like Ledger as Joker, but I was wrong. His acting skills (especially his facial expressions) were on par. Great performance! I strongly recommend people go and see this movie if you haven't already seen it. If you can, see it at an IMAX!

Paranoid

2008-07-29T22:45:00.004-04:00

Last night after work I went into Labor and Delivery to get checked out by the midwife on staff. I thought that I might have been leaking a little amniotic fluid. I went in because I started to become paranoid, but I am happy to report that everything was normal! Better safe than sorry!

While I was waiting for the midwife, many women checked in to deliver their babies...its was crazy! All rooms were filled. When I left, there were two women in the hall waiting for a room. They looked like they were in so much pain! I have come to the DEFINITE conclusion that I will be having an epidural.

Flashback Friday - Baby J

2008-07-26T10:17:00.007-04:00

These are baby photos of my love! In order from top to bottom; J and his parents, J & his mama, playing on his mama's drums, and J with his Uncle Brad (I think) and Denise.

These pictures are too adorable, I love it!

Genuinely Good People

2008-07-26T08:56:00.007-04:00

It's always good to know that there are genuinely good people out there. I mean, I know they are out there but most people aren't always what the seem. Anyhow, at work yesterday, one of the engineers came to setup his test (our groups work together alot). I set up the equipment for him and as he left he asked how long I had left in my pregnancy. We talked about it for a little and I told him J was gone and wouldn't be back for a few more weeks.

He left and gave me a call 5 minutes later asking if I wanted to take his place at a health spa for a massage. He had a coupon for an hour massage and gave it to me. I called them up and set up an appointment for a FREE one-hour prenatal massage; I am sooo excited!!! J is happy about it and feels really bad that he isn't here (which he should, lol). Thanks, M!

I guess being pregnant and having a military husband (who is away), is not always that bad =).

Wordle...Fun with Words!

2008-07-24T11:54:00.006-04:00

This is so much fun! I went to the website wordle, via LotusHaus blog. You type in words you want to use, press 'create', and now you have a custom made word cloud! I typed in my blog address to create this.

My New 'Healthy' Obsession

2008-07-24T11:51:00.003-04:00

I LOVE Starbucks new Banana Chocolate Vivanno Smoothie. It contains 270 Calories, 21 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber...it's perfect for a hot day and when I don't have time to make something nutritious. Check it out!

19 More Days!

2008-07-22T22:52:00.005-04:00

19 days until Jason comes home!!! I can't wait! I don't think it would be so bad, having Jason gone, if I wasn't so far along in my pregnancy. I am just glad he comes home soon!

New Doctor

2008-07-22T21:51:00.005-04:00

Today I saw my new doctor, actually she is my new midwife. I switched from Henry Ford Hospital and a doctor (not a big fan of doctors) to Hutzel and a midwife, because I did not like the service I received at Henry Ford AND I heard Hutzel was one of the best in the state. My first visit with the midwife was excellent! I loved her and I loved the experience I had. It seemed more on a personal level, which is exactly what I was looking for!

Ethan is doing good, his heartbeat was strong and normal. 6 more weeks until I finally meet my son!

Driving in Detroit...

2008-07-21T09:02:00.004-04:00

During Jason's family reunion this past weekend, Asia and I saw some pretty crazy things while driving in Detroit...

Crazy sight #1) We saw a dead man!!! We were driving down 7 mile and there were a group of boys standing in a circle. I saw someone lying on the ground with no shirt on then I looked away (I was driving). Asia gasp and yelled "that guy was dead!" She then further explained that the dead guy had a hole on the side of his head and blood everywhere...I can't believe I didn't see all that! I wanted to turn around and get a better look, but the emergency people were just arriving.

Crazy sight #2) We saw an accident that just happened on the freeway in the opposite direction. There were about 5 cars involved, some of which were totally smashed. Asia saw a mustang that was tore up with the person still inside!

Crazy sight #3) Last night we went to the festival of colors in downtown Detroit. On the corner of the crosswalk was a rear bumper with the tags still attached...who would leave their bumper AND tags on the corner of a busy street?! Crazy!!!

Burke Family Reunion

2008-07-21T08:53:00.004-04:00

This year, Jason's Grandmothers family had their family reunion (held every two years) in Detroit. It was so good seeing everyone again, I can't believe the first reunion I attended was also in Detroit...six years ago!

I had a good time at the Hyatt, the picnic, and brunch with his family. They did a good job at putting it together. I did feel a little awkward and out of place, especially without Jason (I wish he was home!), but having Cliff and Asia there made me feel a bit more at ease.

Overall, it was a great family reunion. Below are pictures of Almeta's side of the family (Jason's Grandma), Cliff and Asia, and me and my fat self!

Flashback Friday - Fine Italian Dining with the AT's

2008-07-18T07:10:00.006-04:00

For this week, I am remembering my shop in the Navy...Work Center 210, Avionics Shop. I worked with really a great bunch of people, they were a very intelligent and sarcastic group (I loved it!). The things we worked on were the aviation electronic components (radar, communication, navigation, flight instruments, pretty much anything electrical).

This was my last deployment, in Sigonella, Italy (2005), and last dinner with the people I have known and became good friends with. Lots of good and bad memories!

To view the rest of the photos, click here.

Chicco Keyfit Travel System

2008-07-17T11:58:00.003-04:00

Here is what I got in the mail yesterday (don't you love getting things in the mail?)! Now I have all the essentials for Ethan and I am happy. Thanks Fu'a for buying it for me!!! Love ya, muah!