The Aston Project

"Oh teddy bear you're hilarious!"

2010-02-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

10 months with my slobber monkey bubba boy!

A weekend in San Diego: Mommy 27/ Jay 9 months

2010-02-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

Paul planned a perfect 3 day weekend for my BDay celebration. I really wanted to take a trip as a family... San Diego just far enough from home. Our hotel was in the Mission Bay where our patio overlooked the Harbor. We walked to the beach, up the board walk, and up to the ocean. Jay had a great time. He was great at the zoo and had fun looking at all the animals.

Pandas. Lions. Tigers. Koalas. Giraffes. Elephants... you name it. We saw it! Thanks Papa for our first/awesome family vacation!

Santa Baby- Jay is 8 months old

2009-12-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Jay met Santa... He was a little upset/scared of the big guy. If you look closely, his little nose is red from crying. Poor little man. Merry First Christmas from J.P. and Santa too. 2009

Portland!

2009-11-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Jay and I got to visit Mandy and Jeremy in Oregon last week. It was so fun for Jay to meet Mandy! Jeremy made us dinner. We went to the Rose Gardens, the Waterfront, VooDoo Doughnut, the Art Museum, Downtown Portland, and even had time to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Washington for Thanksgiving. Packed a lot into 3 days. The trees and the mountains were beautiful. I made Mandy walk everywhere with me so we could get more of that Pac Northwest air. Portland is a awesome city. Loved the vibe. "Keep Portland Weird"

Thanks for taking off the weekend to hangout you guys :) Miss you already.

Get up- Stand up...

2009-10-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

My little man is getting adventurous. almost 6 month old!

Little Green Man from Planet Neptune

2009-10-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Take me to your leader!

Happy Halloween Boos and Ghouls

5.5 Months Old

2009-10-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

My Mom won't stop taking pictures.

Jay always looks at the camera too.

I heart puppy

2009-08-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Marley had surgery and I thought she needed some indoor time. Her and Jay hit it off. Now when ever Jay cries she runs to his rescue. 4 months old and he loves to pet the puppy.

Paulo es 30!

2009-08-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

I pic of Paul's 30th Bday cake. Home made ice cream cake with strawberry topping. For his day we went to the Brea Improv with some friends. I love you Paulo!

we are penn state

2009-08-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Jay and I got to meet Cassie at the baby shower this weekend. It was beautiful and so was glowing mama Cassie. Jay got to meet Babs and she had an alumni gift for him.

Thank you Barbie for the PSU pride PJ's. Maybe Owen and I can play catch in a few years.

go state!

A day with Grammy Stan

2009-08-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Friday I asked my mom to babysit while I went to work. My mom was lovin her one on one time with Jayden. All day long she was texting me pictures. She's a good Grammy.

lil monkey

2009-08-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Push ups

2009-07-26T18:06:00.001-07:00

Jay is into working out now

One Year

2009-07-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

We made it through the first year honey. We have been so busy... it flew by. I love loving you Papi xoxo

hello cousin

2009-07-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Jessica, Amy, and I had fun trying to get two little ones to hold still for the photographer. This is my first pro pic of Jay... awww

Eli is 6-7mo. and Jay is 2.5

4th of july

2009-07-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

This Independence Day was spent with family. We celebrated at Rick and Dana's House and had a great time. Fireworks. Music. Fun. It was great to catch up with everyone. Paul was the firework guru. We watched the Knott's show and the El Veloz display :)

Growing Little Guy 2.5 months

2009-07-09T10:45:00.001-07:00

Jay's new favorite thing to do is smile. He laughs and plays with his toys in his crib. We have been taking him with us to the pool to cool off during the hot summer. We have a water baby :) Next is swim lessons. Everyday he is stronger and more independent. At 12 lbs, he is still easy to carry with us where ever we go.

Smiley Boy

2009-07-02T11:59:00.001-07:00

Wow. I can't believe Jay is 2 months old now. He and I have been enjoying the hot weather. He is starting to smile and hold his head.

I just gotta show you some more pictures

2009-05-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Two weeks old

Three weeks old

One week old

The Club

2009-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

I now understand what mothers are talking about. The love you have for your child... there isn't a description that could do the emotions justice. To have your baby that you carried in your belly for 9 months finally in your arms looking up at you... That is amazing. That is life in its purest and most natural form. I feel privileged to have my little boy. Thankful and blessed that he is healthy, and so overjoyed that I just have to cry and smile.

My first Mother's Day is already here.

To All you mommys-

Happy Mother's Day

We did it!

2009-04-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

Jayden Paul Birth Day 2009

Look at that chin

Just chill'n with mom

Jayden Paul Aston

Born: April 21st 2009. 6:43pm. 7 lbs 3 oz 20.5 in.

Our family has now started. These are the pictures that we have from the first couple days at home and the hospital. He is a very healthy eater and sleeper. Mommy, Daddy and Baby are doing great. He is such a wonderful gift.

Overdue

2009-04-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

This is just a waiting game now. I was due on the 13th. I went to the doctor on the 14th and if I don't go into labor by the 20th, I'm going to be induced. I will stay in the hospital overnight and my labor will be over on Tuesday.
So, I guess it can only be so much longer until this is all over with.

Easter around the corner

2009-04-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Beware of Identity theft this Easter!

Just a few more days... til Easter and for this baby.
It would be nice if you came out this weekend and everyone could meet you while they were in town for Easter Jayden. Just a thought kiddo. You have been so good this whole time. You even got through your first car accident. What a champ. Since you are so well behaved, I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. See you soon.

Holy cow did a car just hit me?

2009-04-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

So, I'm driving along the 55 fwy south. Actually... I was in true California highway form (at a trafficy complete stop)
And wadda know... No screeching. No abrupt stop made by me. Just an SUV slamming into the back of my little red car. I was speechless. Called the CHP. Then, in true pregnant form, I cried for about 10 minutes.
The culprit? Mr. Mukutmoni. A little Indian man born in 1930!
So, the police report was made and information was exchanged.
I was actually on my way to see my OB Doc. (I'm going once a week now) So, I just went to my appointment. They give me an exam and rushed me off to get blood work, ultrasound, and fetal monitoring. I was getting nervous that they thought I needed so many tests. I called Paul at work and let him know that they were giving me a bunch of tests and I think when he heard that, he freaked a little. I think it was when I said, "They are testing for internal bleeding."
My mother thought I was playing an April fools on her. My phone wasn't getting reception and I had to go from office to office quickly. So, no one could really get a hold of me. I think that my mom and Paul were pretty relieved when they were finally able to get the full story when they found me on the fetal monitor in a different office. Her face was white and Paul looked stressed. aw...
It was a memorable April 1st. A part of me was hoping to be dilated. But, I can wait.
My neck and back are sore, but the baby is safe. I'm just glad that he was in my belly and not in the car seat in the back. If the airbags deployed it would have been messy. There is about 2k of damage to the car. But, it is drivable and I have been going through the insurance hoops.
Thank you Mr. Mukutmoni! I don't think he even realized that he hit a 9 month prgnant lady. Those were some serious glasses he was wearing. 80 years old... Maybe its time to stop driving sir.

Can you see my feet?

2009-03-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

37 wks on Monday. OH BOY. He's getting big.

Shower Shower

2009-03-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

This Sunday my Auntie Rita hosted my shower. The weather was perfect for the outdoor get-together. Mom, Megan, and all my Aunties put in so much time! Megan did a great job with the games and the cutest decorations. I had family from all over come to Orange County this weekend. It was nice to get all the "Mommy" advice from my sisters and aunties. I was so excited that I couldn't fall asleep until 1am. I just kept thinking about getting everything settled and ready for Jay. Thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends that worked so hard this weekend to pull together a beautiful Baby Shower. I could feel how excited Jayden was to have so many people there to love him.

Portraits

2009-03-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

Around Christmas time, my cousin Tiberon, a photographer, asked me if I wanted to have a maternity shoot. I never thought about it until she offered to shoot me. At 31 weeks, she put toegther a portrait shoot and as a shower gift, she had these ready for me. I was so shocked. She did an amazing job. I'm so glad she convinced me to go for it. If you need a photographer, Tiberon is your girl.

2009-02-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

Past-times of a Pregnancy

1. Online shop on maternity store sites, fill your basket of items and cancel the screen before your boss sees your shopping list. (Same goes for your Baby Registry)

2. Disinfecting everything.

3. Searching for the origin of whatever smell is driving you crazy in your car or house and vanquish it.

4. Cleaning floor boards, window sills, garbage cans, shampoo carpets, shaving all the hair off your dogs.

5. Washing baby clothes for 33 week old baby that hasn't arrived yet; folding and rearranging them by category, color, and size.

6. Counting all the different scenarios that could lead to you having to be forced into a C-Section and worry.

7. Watching your belly move. (Hello Jayden)

8. Lather whole body in Coco Butter 2x daily.

9. Search for stretch marks, veins, or any other marks that weren't on your body 8 months ago and cry about them.

10. Vow to go on the most strict diet of your life in 6 weeks.

11. Enjoy your pre-diet cuisine while you can.

12. Sike yourself out by watching way too many births on the Discovery Channel and cry along with the family on television when the baby is finally born.

13. Avoiding full length mirrors, snapshot pictures, and the scale.

14. Look for things that you've misplaced for the third time that day.

15. Trying not to fart around any innocent bystanders. (Sorry Paul)

Preggo and Losing Brain Cells

2009-02-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Preggo brain story: Yesterday, I couldn't find my phone for an hour. I looked and looked and I didn't want to leave the house without it. My apartment is only so big. I hadn't left the house yet. I just made a call. What the heck? Keep in mind Paul and I only have cell phones no land-line.
I emailed a friend at work and asked her to call me. Later, I find out She was out to lunch. While waiting I did what any "nesting" fat lady would do: I cleaned and rearranged things for the 15th time this month. Complete with disinfecting all the doorknobs and cabinet handles. I didn't get call from her until about a half hour later. The phone was in the bathroom under a hand towel... geese.
I fell asleep in the afternoon and woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I fell asleep next to the pile of laundry that I was "planning" to putt away. I couldn't find the phone. It rang and rang. The ring was loud and clear. I knew it had to be right under my nose! I sifted through all the laundry on my bed and even turned my purse next to me completely inside out. Huffing and puffing, I was frustrated and losing my mind... 10 minutes later, after the ringing had stopped, I find that the phone was in my pocket.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T13:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Snuggle your sweetie. Kiss a cutie.

2009-02-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

We started Childbirth101 class this week. I have been reading so much about this pregnancy and trying to share with Paul. But, it was really great to have Paul in the class with me so he could hear all the good stuff for himself. As an introduction exercise, the class talked about some of the aches and ills of pregnancy. I feel very lucky. A little back pain is manageable.

Paul is being a very good husband/daddy. Sometimes I get emotional, he asks why I'm crying and my answer is "I don't know!" It must be so confusing for guys. Thank you honey for putting up with me.

Some of my favorite "I'm bored" shows as of late:

A Baby Story

Bringing Home Baby

Birth Day

I have seen so many different births and situations on television and the Internet now. It makes me feel like I'm a little more prepared with what could happen. So words or procedures don't seem so foreign. I keep praying that he will be healthy. He will come on his own without induction and he moves down the birth canal on his own. I try not to hope too much, because the plan can always change.

Jayden is kicking and moving all the time. I can't believe there is a person in there that is going to be bigger than me someday. I can't wait to meet him and say hello face to face.

Birthday Fun

2009-02-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me! On the day of my B-Day my mom gave me a pretty garnet/birthstone ring, Auntie Rita spoiled me with a facial, and Paul had a wonderful candlelight dinner with flowers waiting for me when i got home.

That Saturday 10 of us met for dinner in Irvine and then went to the Improv. I have been dying to go to a comedy show for years, yey! Dinner was yummy. The show was hilarious. The headliner was DL Hughley. My belly was jiggling with laughter the whole time. Everyone enjoyed the show.

Queen Mary

2009-01-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

We took a afternoon to walk through the Quenn Mary. It was fun. A lot of stairs for mama to truck up and down from deck to deck. The history of the ship was so interesting.

Jan 13th

2009-01-15T12:48:00.001-08:00

The day has come where I can't really see below my belly button and I go through a bottle of Coco Butter a week. So, strangers aren't affraid to make comments anymore. They know for sure that its a baby bump. I have been walking so my legs are staying strong. But that doesn't keep the rest of me from plumping up. Jayden is going to keep me out of my pre-preggo clothes for a while. He's worth it :) The weather has been nice lately, it helps this mama work up a sweat. Its long way from PSU conditioning. But, part of me wishes that I had the athletic trainers to motivate me into game shape. Please compare my new belly to our honeymoon pictures... wow.

The Penn Stater

2009-01-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

Katie is the biggest die hard PSU fan I know. We alumni love our tailgating and here she is dressing to impress. It was a great season 2008. Going to the Rose Bowl was a great boost for Joe Pa who just signed a 3 year extension and will never stop coaching. I believe he's 83 years old...so, the So. Cal weather was good for his arthritis on New Years Day.

Needless to say:

"Its hard to be humble when you're from Penn State"

The "Neal" Side for Christmas

2008-12-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

It was great to see my Dad, Aunt Nancy, Jan, Uncle Larry, Matt, Tiberon, and Tristan on Christmas morning. It has been a long time. Nancy put together a wonderful brunch and we ended up staying all afternoon. I think my Dad or Uncle Larry could have made great Santa's. HO HO HO!

Cancun Honeymoon July 2008

2008-07-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

July 12th 2008 - Our Wedding Day -

2008-07-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Handsome Paul

It was a perfect day.

2008-06-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sushi, Teppan, and Sake. Our favorite!

This was about a month before we got married. So, June of 2008.

Rick & Patty's Wedding

2007-01-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

Jan. 2007

Rick and Patty's Big Fat Catholic Mexican Wedding. It was beautiful and there were 12 attendants on each side. As you can see we were both in the wedding party.