Baby's Room...Check

No, the baby's room isn't done yet. We actually haven't even started it. But we've finally made decisions on what we are going to do with is. Below is a picture of the Sahara bedding by Cocalo we decided on. This was a big step because I was all over the place with how I wanted to decorate the room. We basically had 4 completely opposite directions we were thinking about: 1) Jungle Animals, 2) Stars and Moons, 3) Nursery Rhymes or 4) Winnie the Pooh. What made it even worse is that I found really cute bedding for each one that I really liked. The Sahara one we decided on was actually Deo's find (I actually didn't care for it at all at first). But then it started to grow on me and the more I looked at it. We also found these really cute stuffed animals that we want to decorate with. You can find all kinds of cute stuff on the website, www.besteverinc.com.

Realizing that I have only about 10 weeks left, this break I started making more and more decisions about baby stuff. I worked diligently for about 2 days straight, reading my "Baby Bargains" book and surfing the net for items to put on my "wish list." So far, I've gotten the following items picked out: crib, mattress, bedding, furniture, wall color and decorations, stroller, car seat, pack n' play, diaper disposal system, and high chair. The Baby Bargains book, which I highly recommend to first-time moms, actually suggests to wait on a lot of the other "stuff" until the baby actually comes. This makes a lot of sense to me and I'm going to try to stick by this rule as much as possible as to not over-purchase. For instance, I was looking at swings and vibrating seats, but the book says that your baby might not even like either of them. It's suggestion, wait until your baby is born and then try it out to even see if and what kind your baby prefers. The other plus on waiting and not getting carried away with "new mom shopping syndrome" is the fact that my nephew will be outgrowing many of his things as our baby arrives. That way, hopefully Cole will hand many of these down to his new cousin! Finally I feel like things are starting to come together.

Xmas Pics

Christmas was good this year although it felt very rushed. We always do Christmas Eve with my family and then Christmas day with Deo's. Here's some pics from those fun-filled days.

It was fun this year because on both sides we had 2 year olds who finally started realizing that these wrapped boxes actually had toys inside! Here is Ella waiting patiently to open one of her presents.


Here's Ella wearing a fleece hat that my mom got her to match her new Sleepytime Care Bear. Ella is in LOVE with Care Bears and we picked this one up last minute and it's a good thing. She didn't let that thing go all night!



Danny actually holding a baby! I think he was trying to get used to the feeling. Here he is with Cole.


Me (and my ever-expanding waistline) and Danny's obligatory picture in front of a xmas tree. Notice how much I look like Santa Claus?


When we got home that night, we decided to do our Christmas with the puppies. Here's a shot of Toby with his new raw hide bone he loved, laying on Hannah's new bed.


The next morning, we woke up bright and early to head to Casa Grande for xmas with Deo's family. I didn't get to many good pictures, but here is a cute one with Deo and his nieces. Poor little Malorie was so exhausted from all the excitement she passed out in his arms.

Pregnant in Vegas

This is me at 27 weeks:

This is me at 29 weeks in Vegas.


To be honest, I REALLY didn't want to go Vegas. When my husband told me that the Cats were finally making it to a bowl game (1st time in 10 years), I was excited. I was not as excited when my husband proposed the idea of actually going to the bowl game. Especially when the game was in Vegas. I had visions of being stuck in a smokey hotel room all by myself while everyone else was partying it up Vegas. I wouldn't even be able to go into any of the casinos because you can basically smoke everywhere in Vegas. And then there was walking the strip...woo hoo...waddling along with my aching feet. None of it sounded appealing. But I do love my husband. I knew he really wanted to go and if I had really said so, we wouldn't have gone and watched the game at home while my in-laws were there. So I decided to suck it up and try to make the best of it. And you know what...I actually am so glad I went even though I am still recovering from exhaustion. I had to work late on Friday because of graduation, and the game started at 5:00pm on Saturday. So me, my husband, and my brother left at 3:00am Saturday morning (Deo and I only on five hours of sleep). Deo drove the whole way. We got it around 11am, went the hotel for five minutes, and then were out the door. A "bonus" of the trip was that the Arizona basketball team was playing UNLV at Noon, so of course we had to go there only to see them get blown out of the water. After the embarrassing loss, we packed back up in the car, headed back to the hotel for another five minutes and then left for the football game. It was overcast and cold so we all bundled up, drank lots of hot chocolate, and tried to stay warm during the game. It was an incredible game and if you don't follow the Cats...we did win which was a major upset! We ended up "rushing the field" (it was actually like slowing piling onto the field) which was pretty cool. We weren't going to because I was worried about it being too crazy and getting trampled on...but when we saw only like 50 people or so on the field we decided it was safe. My little brother-in-law got to get lots of photos with football players which he loved. Here's one of the pictures of Boogie with one of the UA football players.

We finally made it back to the hotel and I crashed. My brother and Deo tried to "go out" but only made it long enough for $3.99 steak and eggs in the hotel restaurant and then back to bed. We slept in a bit, went to breakfast buffet, walked the strip for about an hour and then it was back in the car to head home. It was a very exhausting trip but one that I'm glad I went on. My only hope is that we can make it to the bowl again next year so hopefully I won't be as tired.

Oh ya...and I forgot to mention the real "bonus" of the trip: David Hasselhoff sang the National Anthem!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

So, my favorite time of year is finally here. Even though it's taken me a little while to get into the Christmas spirit this year, I'm happy we got to do some fun holiday things weekend. We decorated the inside of our house and got all our outside lights up. We still have to get our tree but I'm happy everything else is done. Ella even came over and we decorated gingerbread men cookies. I think Ella had more fun eating all the gum drops and sprinkling the table, but I think they turned out pretty cute. It was also a special weekend because the Cats won BIG over ASU and are getting their first chance to go to a bowl game since 10 years ago. And the Steelers had a big comeback over Dallas. All in all, it was a nice weekend and I think I'm finally ready to get into the xmas spirit!

Baby, Check. Gender, Check. Name...

So once you start visibly showing that you are pregnant, the first question people start asking you is, "Do you what you're having yet?" After you answer "No" inevitably you will hear, "What do you want?" or "Do you have a preference?" Now that I have an answer to the baby gender question, we skip right to, "Have you thought about any names yet?" We actually had our names picked out for both genders pretty early on. Since Deo is actually Deo Jr. and I am very into tradition and family names, we've decided to pass Deo's unique name on to our son. So, yes, our son will be named Deo Daniel Diaz the Third...I know...a mouthful. And I guess I should clarify that when I say "we decided" I really mean that when I first started dating Deo, I basically had to agree to name our first son this. Even though this is very true, we did talk about it and Deo said that if I really didn't want to use this name that we didn't have to but I actuallythink it's pretty neat to be able to continue this family tradition with our heir. The bigger question that now arises is what to call our baby boy. Deo Sr. goes by Deo and Deo Jr. actually goes by his middle name, Danny; so what do we call our son? I refuse to call him "Little Deo" or "Little Danny" and because his initials will be DDD, it's had to come up with something catchy that utilizes those. Our first choice right now is to call him Trey, even though I think it's a bit cliche. But the more we start to refer to my growing belly as baby Trey, it's definately starting to grow on me. So it looks like Trey Diaz it will be unless we think of anything else in the next 3 months. Or who knows, he may arrive and we end up calling him something totally different. Baby, Check. Gender, Check. Name, Check. I wonder what questions will come next.

Boy or Girl? We have a lot to be thankful for!

Danny and I finally found out our baby's gender on Thanksgiving. Danny had been out of town for the past three and half weeks for work. During this time, I had my doctor's appointment for the ultrasound where we could determine the gender. I didn't want to find out without Danny since this was a very special moment in both of our lives. So we decided to have the doctor put the ultrasound pictures in an envelope so we could find out together. Then, I gave a friend the envelope and she bought us a nice little gift based on our baby's gender, wrapped the gift in gender neutral colors, and then kept the secret very well! Since Danny came home the day before Thanksgiving, we decided to just wait and open it up with all of our family present. It was such a memorable Thanksgiving getting to find this out together with our families as we have so much to thankful for!

What Due Date?

I'm convinced that there is no real science to a due date. Mine has changed so many times I can't even keep track any more. Basically, when I went to the doctor this past Wednesday I was supposed to be 20 weeks. However, after measurements my doctors said I looked 22 weeks. This actually dates me back to my original expected due date based off my last period/conception. Since I was tracking my cycle pretty regularly for a few months I knew this date for a fact. When I first went into the doctor thinking I was 8 weeks pregnant, I was confused when she told me I was only 6 weeks. So I guess I "caught" up that missing two weeks. So, if I'm really 22 weeks that puts me at March 13th as a due date. However, when people ask I just say mid-March because I know the date really doesn't matter. The other thing is that Deo and I were getting excited about having an Aries baby (for different reasons of course) which would be after March 20th. I like the Aries zodiac sign and think it will mesh well with mine and Deo's signs (I know...I believe in crazy stuff like that). Deo, however, really wanted a "ram" baby which is the what the Aries sign is. He's a St. Louis Rams fan and I, of course, am a Steelers. We've already been discussing whether our baby will be a Rams or Steelers fan and he kept joking that the baby will be born a Ram! Either way, it doesn't look this will happen which means Steelers all the way. I know most of you actually read my blog will think all of this is ridiculous! Zodiac signs and football fans...real important stuff, huh? But that's us :)

Banana Bunker Infomercial

Thanks to Marisa, she was able to find the instructional video on how to use said Banana Bunker, in case you were confused.

Banana Bunkers

No lie...I was looking on HSN.com for folding tables and chairs since we decided to host Thanksgiving at our home this year. This product came up in the search process and I was immediately intrigued. This is kind of a spin-off from a recent lunch conversation about funny infomercials. I'm thinking this has to be a joke...or ingenious cross-branding from the porn industry.


"Looking for an easier way to pack a banana on the go? The MoMA Design Store Set of 2 Banana Bunkers is the perfect solution. Conforming to the shape of a banana, this uniquely styled holder helps keep the fruit free from bruises and cuts while in transit in your lunch box or bag. This practical set is simply terrific for hiking, day trips, athletic events, school, at the beach and anywhere else you want to bring a tasty snack."

The Haunted Manor

Deo and I threw our first official Halloween party this weekend. Halloween is one of our favorite holidays; we love dressing up, eating lots of candy, and having fun with friends. Last year, we were on our Honeymoon and we couldn't really celebrate (Halloween that is) so we decided to go all out this year. We transformed our house into a haunted manor and I have to say, I was really impressed. We had spider webs everywhere, changed out all our lights for black lights, had moving ghosts and ghouls, and even had a fog machine. We transformed our garage into a bloody "American Psycho" scene with blood spattered shower curtains hanging from the walls. We set the mood with a strobe light and fog machine to enhance our beer pong (I know, thow back to college days) and darts games. In our guest bathroom, we replaced the regular lights with red lights, had a motion sensored ghoul haning from the shower, and had "redrum" written in "blood" on the mirror. To top it off, I made yummy halloween sugar cookies, "chopped-finger-food" chex mix, bloody eye-(meat)balls , 7-layer cemetary dip, carmel covered apple rats, and vampire blood jungle juice with full dry-ice effect. I tuckered out at about 11:00pm, which was a lot later than I thought I would last and, of course, had my own preggers-safe drinks. Overall, I had a lot of fun and hope everyone who was able to make it out did too!

Jason (Grant), The Grim Reaper (Deo), and Patrick Bateman a.k.a. American Psycho (Nand0)

Our Vampire Blood Jungle Juice

Me and my hubby (and our frijolito bump)

As the Bump Grows

19 Weeks and growing...

The Thompson Kids

Ella and her purple Care Bear. She carries this thing EVERYWHERE!

Ella and Cole

Ella and Cole

Our Little Linebacker, Cole.

All Smiles!

Ella's Pumpkin Day

I got Deo a Flip for his birthday and I was messing around with it today. My mom and I took Ella to this Halloween thing for kids they had at her hospital. They had a mini-pumpkin patch, some candy for the kids, and face painting. Here one of my video montages that I was playing around with.

I Heart Fall

Anyone who knows me knows that Fall is my favorite, favorite time year. Cool weather, autumn colors, leaves falling, pumpkins and squash. However, in Tucson we don't get much of that kind of weather. Luckily, I was able to soak in some of my favorite kind of weather this Fall. Early October, I was able to go to Chicago for a NACADA conference. Myself and a colleague actually got selected to present at this national advising conference which we were very happy about. I had only been to Chicago once before and after being there for this short week, I realized I LOVE LOVE LOVE Chicago. It's got the New York feel but not as crowded, dirty, and smelly. Chicago is such a cool city. There's a great public transit and appeared very family friendly. We visited many landmarks and had a great time. Here is Laura and I after ariving to the conference.


I was strongly encouraged by my husband to visit the United Center (where the Chicago Bulls play) and get some pictures of the Michael Jordan statue. Here is me doing my best impression of Michael's famous dunk!

This past weekend, we took a long weekend and drove up to Flagstaff for Danny's 27th birthday. His parents live outside of Flag so they got us a hotel and we got to enjoy some more Fall weather. Flagstaff is another city that I LOVE LOVE LOVE. Especially during this time of year. It was a cool 60 degrees and all the leaves were changing color and it was gorgous. The hotel we stayed at was much like an apartment that had 2 bedrooms, a family room, a fully furnished kitchen, and even a fireplace. We got to build a fire, drink hot chocolate and even did some mild moutain hiking. Here's a picture of the whole group (Deo's parents, Holly, Mikey, and little Malorie) up in the peaks.

Here me and my baby daddy on his birthday.

17 Weeks

See...I told you I was bigger. Here I am, tonight, at 17 weeks.

And here is Danny at 17 weeks. OK, so to be honest he's pushing out his gut a lot. But he keeps thinking he's gaining baby weight too. But I thought it was funny and he doesn't know I'm posting this so I'll probably have to take it down soon. But for now...at least I can laugh.

13 Weeks

Here it is...my official baby bump. I feel like it just popped out of nowhere. This is at 13 weeks, which was awhile ago...and I'm even bigger now. I've finally moved out of the nausea stage which I am extremely excited about. However, without the nausea I'm starting to eat a lot more. I feel like I'm hungry all the time which is finally causing the scale to tip more and more. I'm still super tired all the time and usually go to bed at like 9pm. Also, my shoulders have begun to hurt a lot and bother me most of the day. But overall, I'm feeling pretty good and super excited about entering my 2nd trimester.

I Love My Life

Have you ever had one of those days where you just realize, wow...I love my life? I just had one of those moments. It's been a little more quiet in the office lately and I took a minute to look at all the wonderful pictures I have in my office. Pictures from my wedding, from my brothers wedding, of my nieces and nephew, of my dogs. I think I just noticed it more today because last night was a rough night for me. To put it nicely, I wouldn't say that I LOVED my life, last night. I guess pregnancy just puts you on a roller-coaster of emotions, and I'm definitely feeling bipolar these days. But today is a good day; a day in which I love my life!

12 Weeks

So very rarely would I ever pose for a picture, let alone post it, of me right before bed looking like crap. But as I settled for bed last night Deo and I thought we should probably start taking some belly bump shots to track our progress. I'm definitely starting to show now. I know it's different than my usual pouch as its a lot higher than my normal chub. My belly and mid-section are also starting to widen and get harder. My clothes are getting tighter and loose clothing just feels more comfortable. The way I described it to Deo was that, you know when you eat too much at Thanksgiving and you have to unbutton your pants to give a little room? Well it's like that every night but in the morning, my stomach hasn't gone down. I'm still feeling pretty bad with fatigue, nausia, and acne being my biggest complaints. But overall, I think we're staying pretty healthy and staying pretty well so far.

Family Time

Just wanted to post some pictures of my fab niece and nephew. They came over this weekend to hang out and watch football. Both Cole and Ella are getting so big I can't believe it!

Cole hanging with his Daddy

The little tubsters!

Ella with Grandma

Tickling Daddy

Look at that double-chin!

I love my husband

For those of you that don't know, Deo was out of town last month for work. The bank he works for recently bought out a local Texas bank and they were converting everything over to the new bank. They selected some current managers to go to Texas to help with the conversion and train the employees. Deo was gone for 4 weeks and was only sent home one short weekend for Labor Day. It was a long trip for both of us, especially since I just started feeling really bad from the pregnancy. This weekend I was going through the camera and found this picture. It made me realize how much I love Deo and how sweet he really is. I mean come on....to do this at the beach in front of his team...it takes a lot of guts...especially for a guy. This was from one of the weekends he was there, he and his team went to South Padre for the day since they were only an hour away. I guess I don't have to worry about whether or not he thinks about me when I'm not there!

Exciting Time!

That's right. Danny and I are expecting a baby! The due date is March 27, 2009. We're only 10 weeks but just got back from our second doctor's appointment and heard a strong heartbeat so we are feeling pretty good. Keep us in your thoughts. More to come....

Back To School

"Back to school! Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool! I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight!"

A famous quote from Billy Madison, one of my favorite movies! It was back to school for me last week and school starts at the UofA next Monday. This time of year always stresses me out but I just have to keep telling myself that I will get through it; I always do. This year is especially exciting for me as it is my last year of my of grad program. I am trying to get through 3 classes this semester which would leave me with only 1 class in the Spring. This Fall at work will also be especially busy as my boss will be out Maternity leave...no I don't hate you Pam...yet :) I have lots of support with my co-workers and I'm confidant everything will be fine. Now, that summer is over all I have is Thanksgiving and Winter break to look foward to!

More Cole Pix

Me holding Cole for the first time. I love him!

So cute!

Yes, Adam, he looks like you

Seepy Baby

So Teeny. I can't believe he's considered a big baby.

Cole Duncan is Born!

I'm an Auntie twice over! Cole Duncan Thompson was born two days earlier than planned on July 23rd at 3:30pm. He is 8lbs 9oz and 20 inches long. Dark hair and a big barrel chest (just like his daddy). I think he looks like a little old man with his butt-chin and receding hairline....but so stinking cute just the same. Both baby and mom are doing fine. Julie and Cole will be the hospital for a couple more days and then home to join Adam and Ella!

The Dark Night

Deo convinced me to go to the Midnight showing of Batman: The Dark Knight last night at the Foothills Mall. Deo was super excited about this movie and we rarely go and see movies on the opening weekend (let alone opening night) so I was happy to go with him since he was so stoked. The movie...excellent! I won't give away anything...but if you enjoyed Batman Begins, you will definitely enjoy this one. And by the way, my man Christain Bale looks as scrumptious as ever!


However, after last night I can definitely say that I am getting old. I tried to take a nap after work since I knew I would be up so late but ended up having to watch my niece. I know...take a nap, right? My dark night started off by having to leave an hour and a half early to get there in time in case there was a line. We Fandango'd our tickets but didn't want to have sit way up in the front row. We get there about an hour early and realize we were the 2nd oldest people at the theatre; just missing 1st place because of the "older" ticket-taker. It was like a high school reunion for kids who haven't seen each other all summer. All the pre-pubescent boys were fawning over their braces-toothed dates. Luckily we met some of our friends there (who happen to be older than us) which made me feel less loser-ly. Oh, I forgot about the woman who brought her four kids all under the age of 7...really, why is a one year old up at Midnight let alone seeking this kind of movie???? Anyways, we got there and the line for theatre 14 was already backed up passed theatre 11. It was two hours passed by bedtime and I just complained the whole time about these "darn youngins." I felt bad for Deo because I didn't really make his night enjoyable as I was the crabby, old lady for the night. Overall, the movie was great...but I just realized I am too old for this kind of stuff anymore. I'm more than happy to go see the matinee on Sunday. Is that so wrong?