Anthony & Michelle Palokas

2009-10-29T15:39:00.001-07:00

Happy 1st Brithday Wright!

2009-10-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Wow! Can you believe that our baby will be one tomorrow? Time has FLOWN by! I can't even begin to explain to you how much fun we are having. Wright is walking and has the cutest little personality. I am the happiest mommy in the world! Here are some recent pictures!

2009-10-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

2009-08-26T15:09:00.001-07:00

Thankful....

2009-08-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

We have been traveling a ton this summer while Anthony was out of school...and loved it! I love nothing more than going to see all the fam! Anthony started back to school today, so it was hard this morning to send Wright off to daycare. I found such comfort in knowing that he was with his Daddy everyday. BUT...thankfully he gets to be at daycare all day with his MawMaw, so I shouldn't complain. I know she is taking just as good of care of him as I would! We love you MawMaw!:)

And I have a HUGE praise to share. I recently reconnected with someone very special to me. My brother and I just saw each other last week for the first time in about 15 years. I have no idea how or why we were apart for so long, nor do I really care to know at this point. I am just so thankful to know he is safe, and well, and that he is only a phone call away. I feel more thankful and blessed than I have ever felt in my life. I have a beautiful, healthy family...and so many people to love and that love me. Thank you God for fulfilling my life in more than enough ways. I HAD to post the picture of my brother, John, and my sweet baby Wright!

Have a fabulous week!

It is HOT!

2009-06-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how HOT it has been the past few days....but I LOVE IT! We had a fun weekend with my mom and cousin David visiting. But Sunday morning Wright woke up quite fussy and I knew something just wasn't right. We tried to go on about our day, but during church I had to take Wright to the nursery because he was so fussy...and realized he had fever. Needless to say, by the end of the day he was diagnosed with ear infections in both ears. Poor baby! After a couple days of antibiotics and some good lovin'from his mama, he is just fine; he's back to his normal, happy, smily self!

Life is Grand!

2009-06-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Have I seriously not posted anything since April?! Time just seems to get away from me!

We are having so much fun in the Palokas household. I still look at Wright everyday and wonder what I did to deserve such a perfect little boy (well, not literally little). He is sooo happy; he just smiles at everything and everyone. He is content doing just about anything. He loves to sit in the floor and play with his toys, or to be held and snuggled, or to lay in his crib and babble, and of course: to EAT! I can't believe he is seven months old. It seems like just yesterday that I was laying in that hospital bed just praying for a healthy newborn.

I hope you all are having a fantastic start to the summer and that you enjoy the pictures.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ready for Spring!

2009-04-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted! It is unbelievable how BUSY your life becomes when you have a baby! Of course it is a wonderful kind of busy! Wright is sooo much fun! He LOVES to smile and coo...and EAT! He is such a chunk!

Wright has had a rough few weeks. First he had a 6 day bout with fever, rash, etc. (which turned out to be "just some type of virus" after three doctor visits). He finally got over that, but we just went to the doctor again today and found out that he has bronchiolitis. He is such a trooper; he acts like he feels fine...just has an awful cough and is having to get breathing treatments every four hours. I still thank God for my healthy baby though...it could be so much worse. He will get well in time!

We spent last weekend at my sister's house and had sooo much fun. We hadn't been to Starkville since Thanksgiving..way too long! While we were there, my sister and I decided to get some pictures of the kids. Hope you enjoy!

2009-02-11T18:13:00.001-08:00

Yes, we're still here!

2009-02-11T10:57:00.001-08:00

I have no excuses for not posting! We have just been crazy busy at the Palokas home....and when we are not busy...we are sick! I will be so glad when this winter season is GONE! I despise runny noses and stomach viruses; UGH!

Thankfully, everyone is well this week. Last night was Anthony's last basketball game of the season. So now we will have him back at home with us every night (YIPPEE!).

Can you believe that Wright will be 15 weeks old this week?! Where does the time go? He changes so much everyday. He is constantly smiling.....which makes me constantly smile. There is nothing in this world that compares to the wonderful feeling of being a mother. I still look at him in awe and thank God for such a beautiful, healthy baby.

My B/F/F (just for you Sandy), Sandy, who lives in London, came to visit us a few weeks ago. We LOVED having her with us. Even though we may go a year without seeing each other, we always pick up right where we left off...I miss her like crazy, especially since Wright has come along.

My daddy came to visit a few weeks ago too. He hadn't seen Wright since Christmas, and was shocked to see how much he'd grown and changed. Wright loves his Papa John too....daddy could just pick him up and talk to him and Wright giggled out loud every time!

Have a relaxing weekend.

Photos by Mandy Davis Photography

2009-01-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Photos by Mandy Davis Photography
http://www.mandydavisphotography.com/
Copyright Mandy Davis 2008

Wright

2008-12-30T17:04:00.001-08:00

Happy TWO month Birthday Wright!

2008-12-30T06:48:00.000-08:00

I know, I know! I have been such a slacker at posting! We have been so busy with the holidays and...as many of you know Wright spent four days in the hospital around the first of December for "fever of unknown origin". He is absolutely fine now; but it was very scary for us! All of his tests came back normal, so he most likely just had a virus. The funny thing about it is that I got to experience being a patient/parent on my very own unit! I NEVER imagined I would be in that position, but I guess now I have a parent's perspective and hopefully learned to relate to them better.

Wright is such a sweet baby; he is growing like a weed and smiling all the time! And to make all of you jealous: he sleeps from about 10 or 11pm until 5 or 6am! There is nothing in the world better than being a mother...but watching Anthony be such a great dad takes a close second. Enjoy the pictures and Happy New Year!

Three Weeks Old!

2008-11-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

I can't believe our baby boy is already three weeks old.....how time flies!

He is doing great....starting to get his own little routine and even sleeping for five hours at night....sometimes! Though we had a little trouble with his formula at first, I think we have finally gotten it right (after changing it twice)!

Anthony is out of school next week for Thanksgiving (yippee....Christmas shopping time for mommy!), so I am REALLY excited to have him home with us. He's been so busy with school and basketball that I feel he is already missing so much.

My sister and family spent the weekend with us and we had a GREAT time. On Saturday the girls went shopping and the daddies stayed home with the two boys...though I don't think they minded since football was on all day! It felt wonderful to get out of the house; but weird and scary being away from Wright for that long. Anthony is a great daddy and takes wonderful care of him though...so I had no need to worry.

We are planning on going out of town to my dad's and then then to mom's for Thanksgiving....I'm sure our first "away from home" venture will be interesting. I'll try to update again soon!

Elijah Wright Palokas has arrived!

2008-11-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

Elijah Wright Palokas was born Thursday, October 30th, at 10:59 am. He was 7 lbs, 15 ounces, and 20 3/4 inches long....and perfect.

We brought Wright home last Saturday and have been adjusting well! I can't believe he is already a week old.

Enjoy the pictures. I will try to update again soon.

38 Weeks

2008-10-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

My doctor's appointment yesterday was fine, yet uneventful. I am "barely" 1cm dilated, but hey, I'll take whatever I can get!:) My next appointment is Wednesday, the 29th. This wait is almost unbearable.

I can't wait to meet you, my precious baby boy; I will continue to pray for patience and your safe arrival.

In the meantime, my sweet kitty Fiona keeps me entertained. She actually let me put a Halloween collar on her and has now had it own for 6 days without a fuss (see pictures).

Have a great weekend!

37 Weeks

2008-10-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

And the countdown continues.....I had an appointment Thursday and I am not dilated any; my cervix is "thinning" though, so that is a good sign. I am still just trying to be patient! The selfish part of me just wants to meet him so badly; but the nurse in me knows that the longer he "bakes", the more healthy he will be!

Last weekend was wonderful! I had a baby shower at Lori's house (hosted by several of the girls from work), and we had a blast! Aunt Susan, Aunt Angie, Uncle Cliff, and Chance spent Saturday night with us...it was great having them here. You all know that I love company, so it's always so sad when they leave. Mama and my sister and neice came Sunday and spent the night with us after the shower. We had lots of fun organizing all of the gifts we received! One of the best things about the shower was just having so many family members there...many who have not seen each other since Anthony and I got married.

I have attached a few pictures from the shower. Thank you to all who came to the shower and/or sent a gift....I cried on the way home the day of the shower just because I feel so loved and blessed to have such a wonderful family and fabulous friends.

One more thing....I helped teach a CPR class at Baptist Hospital Tuesday morning, and my wonderful friends there also suprised me with a shower! You girls are the best! I miss seeing you "full-time" but love that we are all keeping in touch!

My next appointment is Wednesday, October 22...I'll keep you posted!

36 Weeks

2008-10-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! The wait for our little man gets harder and harder every day! I am trying to put my selfishness of wanting to meet him aside and just be patient....but it's not easy! I had a doctor's appointment Thursday and nothing exciting is happening; so I will go back next Thursday for my 37 week check-up.

Last weekend I had a baby shower given by the church. Mama, Mimi, Aunt Sandy, my sister Christy and neice Elizabeth were my "out of town attendees", along with the rest of the family from Carthage! It was so much fun and we got lots of precious gifts. I feel more blessed every day....especially to have such a wonderful family (including my family by marriage and church family)!

I have attached some pictures from the shower. This weekend I have more company coming to attend another shower on Sunday...I am soooo excited! Aunt Susan is coming and this will be her first visit to our "new" house (actually now a year old; shame on you Aunt SuSu!). I'll update again soon.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!:)

Happy Anniversary Honey!

2008-09-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Six years ago today, I officially became the luckiest girl in the world! Anthony and I were enjoying our reception at about this time....it was more fun than I ever would have imagined! I wouldn't change one thing about our wedding day. And I think I love him more today than I did on this day six years ago. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and best friend all in one! I couldn't help but attach a picture of our wedding day....enjoy!:)

I had my 34 week visit last Thursday and everything was fine. I guess it's just a wait and grow from here on out! I am trying to stay busy instead of counting down the days. My next doctor's appointment will be on October 9. As you can see by the belly shot, he is DEFINITELY taking advantage of this time to grow!

32 Weeks

2008-09-16T18:50:00.001-07:00

Well, I had my 32 week visit last week and everything was fine. The doctor says his head is already "low and in place" so that's good! This means less chance of a c-section and a better chance of an "easy delivery" per Dr. Griffin....although I asked him what his definition of an "easy delivery" was and he never really gave me an answer for that!:) This visit really made me get busy at work to prepare for my time away. Although I am definitely looking forward to being at home with a new baby, this will be the first time in my life where work is not a priority to me...kind of scary!

We didn't end up going to the MSU game last weekend. The weather was just too unpredictable; so my mom and stepdad decided to come for a visit instead! Mama hasn't been to visit since last February (shame on you mom), so it was about time! We spent Saturday shopping and eating..two things we are best at when we are together. Anthony and my stepdad shopped on their own (with my instructions to buy a new video camera) and then spent the afternoon watching football (or napping...who really knows). Anyway, at least they made it home with a great new video camera...one more thing I can mark off of the list in preparation for our little man!

I have attached a picture of me and mama in the nursery. Have a great week!

31 Weeks

2008-09-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing too exciting going on lately! We spent last weekend in Starkville with my mama and the rest of the family. The rest of this month will be pretty hectic. We have lots of birthdays, wedding showers and baby showers to attend! I LOVE this time of year. I am looking forward to a little cooler weather and to pumpkins and candy corn!

I have attached a 31 week "belly shot". He is REALLY starting to grow (and so am I)! I have also attached some pictures from the weekend. My neice Elizabeth and nephew Brady enjoyed some chocolate ice cream at Nana's...and it was too cute not to capture on camera. I think this was Brady's first experience with chocolate ice cream...and you can tell he enjoyed it.

We are planning on going to the Mississippi State game next Saturday (depending on Hurricane Ike). So, I am looking forward to that. I also have an OB appointment this Thursday, so I will update again after that! Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Our 29 Week Doctor's Visit

2008-08-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

We had our 29 week OB visit last Thursday. We had a early morning visit this time because I had to drink the dreaded "Glu-cola" and have my glucose tolerance test. Much to my dismay, I failed the test! Ugh! So, the next day I had to check my blood sugar before and after meals to see exactly how high it was running...thank goodness everything turned out fine and I do NOT have gestational diabetes! One day of finger sticks was plenty enough for me....it made me have MUCH sympathy for diabetics.

We also had our final ultrasound at this visit. Our little man looked just as perfect as he always has! He's a little small (in the 42nd percentile) but not too small to be worried (so the sonographer says). He's weighed in at about 2 pounds and 15 ounces. But, he still has about 10 more weeks to grow! Doesn't this mean I can eat more????!!!!

I have attached a "belly shot" of 28 weeks. We stopped taking them every week in hopes of seeing a bigger difference. So, we will take another one sometime this week (at 30 weeks).

We are looking forward to the holiday weekend. We will be going to Starkville to visit my mom, stepdad, sister and the rest of the bunch! We haven't seen them since July 4th, so I am anxious to see how they like my much bigger pregnant belly! Have a great week!;)

I can't believe I am gonna be a mommy!

2008-08-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a while since I have updated. We had a lot going on in the past week or so...all good and exciting of course! Last weekend my daddy, Aunt Angie, and Uncle Cliff came to visit. We had a great time! We shopped on Saturday and cooked out Saturday night. Norman and Dana (Anthony's brother and sister-in-law) and Danny (one of Anthony's best friends) came over Saturday night too! It was fun having a full house!:) I LOVE company!:) Also on Saturday, Anthony's Aunt Cornelia came to fix our nursery paint that Anthony and I "boogered up"....Aunt Cornelia's term for "messed up"! Thanks for making it beautiful Aunt Ne! We also picked up our nursery furniture on Saturday and started getting it all set up this week.

On Tuesday we went to the doctor to have our 4D ultrasound. I can't even describe the feeling of seeing our little man! He really put on a show for us...lots of smiles and funny faces! It is unbelievable to me that I have seen his face already....I already feel like the luckiest mommy in the world and he is not even here yet.

Hope you enjoy all the pictures!

26 Weeks

2008-08-05T17:00:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would write a quick update. We spent last weekend cleaning out a bedroom and we started painting the nursery, as you can see in the pictures. We had a pretty relaxing weekend. We just spent Saturday shopping and painting and did our usual on Sunday (went to church and then had lunch and good ole homemade ice cream at Anthony's parents').

Fiona even helped out with the painting (okay, well, she watched). Hope you enjoy the pictures.

The 26 week "belly shot" is also attached. I am actually 27 weeks today! ONLY 13 weeks left....gah, that sounds like a long time!

Our 25 Week Doctor's Visit

2008-07-26T20:18:00.002-07:00

We had an appointment on Thursday and everything was fine! I have attached a sonogram picture and a "belly shot" from this week. He weighs about 1 pound and 14 ounces right now! The sonogram picture shows his whole body....his knees are practically touching his chin and you can see his little hand in a fist behind his knee. Aren't you in love already????

2008-07-26T20:18:00.001-07:00

Santa Rosa Beach

2008-07-22T08:46:00.001-07:00

We spent 7 days in Santa Rosa Beach and it was SOOOO relaxing! We hung out at the beach everyday and ate great food (except raw oysters...I can't wait to eat those again)! I loved spending time with my aunts and uncles and cousins...and I hated coming home, but kitty Fiona sure was happy to see us after 7 days without our company (see picture of her sleeping with Anthony on the couch after we got home). Thanks to Aunt Lisa, she was well taken care of while we were gone.

While we were there, I thought a lot about how different our lives will be on our next beach trip...different, but better! He's not even born yet, but I think he's already spoiled. We just sit and watch my belly move in amazement...he already gets so much attention it's pathetic!

I have attached a few pictures from the beach. I know I am behind on belly pics, but I promise I will post a 25 week this Friday. He has REALLY grown in the past few weeks.

We also have a doctor's appointment on Thursday, so I will let you know how that goes.

22 Weeks

2008-07-10T06:40:00.001-07:00

Here is the 22 week "belly shot". I am late getting it posted...it's already time to post the 23 week one....I hope the time keeps going by fast!:)

July 4th

2008-07-09T08:32:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday we made our way to Starkville to hang out with my mom and family for the holiday weekend. We hung out at the pool, ate BBQ sandwiches and ribs, and just enjoyed each other's company! It was so nice to have an extra day off of work!

This picture of me and Anthony was taken on Christy's (my sister) and Jeff's (my brother in law) new deck at their house....which I am SO jealous of! WAHHH....I want a deck in my backyard!

We are leaving to go on vacation on July 12th....so I am counting down the days. We are going to Santa Rosa Beach with Aunt Susan and family and Aunt Angie and family....we took the same trip last year and had so much fun that we almost immediately planned another one!

Our 21 Week Appointment

2008-06-30T07:56:00.001-07:00

Our appointment last Thursday was quick and easy! My blood pressure was 90/58; my weight gain to date is 9 pounds, and the baby's heart rate was 148. So, everything is right on track. I can't believe that we are over half way thru this pregnancy and that we will get to meet him in only about four months.

As I continue to GAIN weight, it seems that Anthony is steadily LOSING (thanks, babe)! He goes to kickboxing class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and "goes for runs" quite often now. I guess he wants to be in good shape for all the sleepless nights ahead!

Due to popular demand, I am posting a "belly shot". Anthony took this last Friday, so we'll try to take one every week from now on so we can all watch the progression and growth of our little man. Only NICE comments please....pregnant women are quite emotional, you know!:)

Weekend in Sarepta

2008-06-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

I love summer! We spent the weekend visiting my daddy and family. We ALWAYS have a great time when we go there. There is something so serene about being there. I always sleep well and am just able to relax and enjoy being with family without any distractions. Being with my aunts is like being with my best friends..someone's always acting crazy and we usually end up crying about something sentimental! It's so wonderful to have family that love spending time with each other......I actually think Anthony and my cousin Chance are long lost brothers.....we always try to make it a point to visit when we know Chance will be home for the weekend (he works on the coast and usually visits home every other weekend).

Anthony and I have a tradition when we visit Sarepta; there is a little mom and pop pizza shop called "Pizza Palace" that we eat lunch at EVERY Saturday that we are there. It is sooo good and we always look forward to it! Daddy and Aunt Angie have a beautiful garden this year; so we were sent home with lots of squash and cucumbers...yummy! Aunt Jeannie and family came over Saturday afternoon and she made some of her famous homemade dill pickles using some of the cucumbers from the garden. And of course Aunt Angie has been making her famous squash pickles! Thanks to two grills and lots of cooks, we enjoyed a feast of steak, chicken, grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, and more Saturday night. Aunt Susan had to go back to Jackson, TN (her other home) Saturday, so she missed the feast and we missed her company after she left! And Aunt Susan has a secret about the spinach dip that daddy can never know....shhhh!

We have a doctor's appointment this Thursday, so I will update you after. 21 weeks tomorrow....over halfway! Yea!

Fun Weekend

2008-06-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I both had eventful weekends. Anthony went to Bonnaroo (outdoor music festival in Manchester, Tennesee) with his cousin Jacob and friend Danny. He FINALLY got to see Pearl Jam LIVE, and brags about being on the front row. I am SO proud that he got to see them....according to him they are the "greatest band in the world"! I was originally going to go with them, but being 5 months pregnant and sleeping in a tent with three guys didn't appeal to me for some reason!:)

So, since Anthony was out of town from Wednesday night until Sunday, my sister Christy came and stayed with me from Wednesday until Saturday. I took off of work Friday and we took my neice Elizabeth and nephew Brady to Geyser Falls, the water park in Philadelphia. We had a blast! I might have had more fun than the kids! I REALLY enjoyed spending time with them. Christy always makes me laugh...there's probably no one in the world that can make me giggle like she can!

17 weeks

2008-06-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

We had our 17 week visit last week with a comprehensive ultrasound. The technician said the baby looked "perfect". That was such a relief to hear. Anthony was also delighted to hear that the baby is STILL a boy...I don't think he was convinced at our last visit since it was a little earlier than most are able to determine the sex. I am feeling GREAT! I have my energy back and really don't even feel pregnant. So, this is the fun part (or so everyone tells me). My friends and coworkers who are mothers tell me to take advantage of the next few months...so I am trying! I have been thinking about decorating the baby's room and even ordered some bedding. I went shopping today and got some new clothes (that fit comfortably...finally!).....we'll keep you updated! I love this sonogram picture..it's a great facial profile! Congrats to Telena and Grant on welcoming their new baby girl. I can't wait to see pictures TeTe!

March For Babies

2008-05-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 10th, a group of 4C employees and family members participated in the March of Dimes March for Babies. We raised almost $1300 (GO TEAM!) and walked more than 3 miles in support of the March of Dimes! We had lots of laughs and a great workout...especially the ones pushing strollers!

It's a boy!

2008-05-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

We had our 14 week visit last week and have already confirmed that it's a boy! We are so excited we can hardly stand it! This is so much fun!.....especially since I feel better and am starting to regain some energy! We'll keep you updated.