Update

I haven't been on here for a minute and there's several occasions and experiences that have occurred that I wish to share. It's always nice to go back and reread some of these too. I guess writing on my blog is as bad as it was for me when writing in my journal. Lol. I get lazy sometimes to hop on the computer, but this is a nice way to express my feelings and thoughts, most importantly, experiences and exciting happenings in my life as well as for my little family.

My sweet baby will be 3 months next week and it's crazy how much she's grown. I feel like she wasn't even baby and she's growing faster and more mature than her age. Her two month check up she weighed in at 14.5 lbs and her height at 24 inches. Your the size of a 5 month old. Lol. My dearest baby Tina...can you please stay a baby a while, soon you'll be walking and in no time off to college or even married. Eek! The thought of that makes me want to cry. Haha. I love it when your daddy makes you laugh. Yeah, at two months you started talking back to us...baby talk of course...smiling, laughing, trying to sit up on your own, and noticing people and your surroundings even more. You even started to suck your fist and that's usually the first thing you do when you wake up. That's how I know you're awake because you smack on your fist. Haha. You've noticed your feet and I love to find you just gazing at them. You're a smart lil girl and everyone is amazed at how much you've grown and how strong you are. Oh yeah, just last weekend we got your ears pierced and you handled it like a trooper. I love you baby girl. I love being your momma and grateful that our Heavenly Father has entrusted me to raise you. I promise to raise you like He wants me to and be the best mommy to you that I can be.

I'm looking forward to this weekend. John and I will be receiving our endowments and then getting sealed. My mom and I have been planning this about a month ago and I'm excited for it to just finally happen. After our sealing we're also going to be holding a reception to celebrate our sealing and our marriage. There's no better feeling then to know that I'll be with my family for ETERNiTY! I can't imagine living without them and I'm grateful for the gospel, more fully my Heavenly Father for making that possible. I will definitely be sharing that experience!

Gotta go...baby is calling! :)

Happy Sapate!

My OH MY! Where has time gone?

Happy 1 Month

I can't believe you're already 1 month old baby girl. Time has gone by too fast and soon you'll be up on your feet. Yikes! SLOW DOWN TiME! Lol. You were born a very strong baby! Kicking off of me or the floor. You were only in newborn diapers the 3 days you were in the hospital and when we came home we went straight into size 1 diapers. You never really fit into newborn clothes because of how long you are. You started wearing 0-3 as well as 3-6 month clothes. :) By week 2, you started drinking 3 ounces and when burping you over my shoulder, you'd start trying to stand on my lap. Lol. Yes, you are a very tall baby and might I just add, smart too! Week 3, you started drinking up to 4 ounces. I rather feed you the breast milk I pump because you eat more. By breast, you eat just to fall asleep and then wake up an 1-2 hours to eat again. You love to smile and I noticed you've already started making little noises that almost sound like you're giggling. Haha. It's too cute! You now no longer fit into 3 month clothes. You have more leg space in 6-9 month clothes. Lol. You only wake up 1-2 times during the night to eat and Mommy loves it! Mommy&daddy love you baby girl and enjoy every minute watching you grow!

One month ago....

 I was admitted into Cottonwood hospital at midnight. I was 4 cm when we arrived to the hospital and the nurses advised that I walk around. I walked 1 hour and then returned to my room for a check up. I  repeatedly did that cycle until 4 a.m. By 4:30ish, I was at 6 cm and my contractions came more frequently. I had the best coaches, my sister in-law Tina, my cousins wife Shayla, and my moms sister Latu. I wouldn't say my husband was a coach, but rather more of my supporter and punching bag. Lol. I'd pull and squeeze him whenever my contractions came. My other sister in-law Lota later came about 1-2 hours before baby arrived and was my photographer. She also bought us treats in a cute little bag as well as a boppy pillow. Greatest older sister ever! My mom booked the earliest flight in and she landed right when I gave birth. I was trying to go without the epidural and it wasn't even on my mind, but two hours before giving birth I got the epidural. I remember I stood up and I felt horrible and in my mind this voice was telling me 'Just get the epidural'. The more I avoided it the louder the voice got. I was at 9 cm when I screamed for the epidural. Usually they don't give you the epidural then because the baby would be close to coming. I was lucky enough to get it because my baby girl was still high up. Yes, I was screaming for it when they told me I still had two hours before they think she would arrive. 2 hours later...

Our baby girl Tina Nevaeh Tai arrived at 10:53 a.m. on March 4, 2012

 22 1/2 inches tall and weighing at 8.5 lbs

The happiest day of our lives! Officially parents! :)

Named after her aunty Tina, one of John's 3 sisters. In the Tongan tradition, the first born is always named by the father's side or the fahu. Fahu would be Lota, she being the oldest amongst John's sisters. Since John's oldest niece is already named after his mother Cynthia, oldest sister Lota's name already used by one of John's cousins (Lota is also the name of John's father's mother), and youngest sister Angela whom John named, John decided that he wanted to name her after Tina. I totally left it up to him and his family and John came to the conclusion that our baby girl would be named Tina. So we really didn't stick with the whole Tongan tradition completely.We then decided that Tina should come up with the middle name. Nevaeh is 'heaven' spelt backwards and was John's favorite girl name that he wanted to someday name one of his daughters. We loved it when Tina made it her middle name. Tina Nevaeh Tai it was! She also has the same initials as aunty Tina, T.N.T. :) Baby girl, you are definitely heaven sent and we are blessed to have you in our lives! Mommy&daddy's little angel!

Comforted by daddy's voice.

I loved how she was soothed by our voices and quickly stopped crying.

 Proud father!

Day 2 at the hospital

24 hour survival kit from Lota

 Grandma Lini

Great grandma Nedra

39 weeks

I went for my weekly check up today and I'm happy to say that I am finally dilating. My cervix is 2cm dilated! I am so happy that we're making progress! YiPEE! I've been walking a lot this past week and I believe that has helped out a lot. I've also tried other natural methods to help induce labor, such as: moving around more (walking in place at home (due to cold weather), moving my hips side to side, dancing, lunges, etc.), eating pineapple, eating spicy foods, including love making. Yes, sex! Lol. John and I were both kind of hesitant to have sex because first, I'm already uncomfortable as it is, second, John was too nervous after doing his 'research' and afraid it would hurt the baby. Lo and behold, I think it did the trick. Or at least was somewhat of a boost. Haha. I also had two other people suggest sex. Anyways, moving on, there are other tactics I've read on that I've been unsure about, so I decided not to take that risk. Only baby and God knows when the time is right!:) After today's appointment, my ob said that I shouldn't go a week over due. :) We'll see from here on out when baby decides to enter into this world! 

My Baby Shower

The BEST Baby Shower! :)

My chubby self taken with the beautiful decor behind me. The photographer for the day was Tina carrying her two little ones in both arms.

I have to thank these beautiful ladies for throwing it for me! 

This picture was taken at Ang's baby shower, but it's the only one of us all together. Left to Right: Lota, Tina & baby Lilyana, Angela, & Me

The BEST party planner ever!

Mom and dad traveled from Vegas the day before just to be here for my baby shower. Exhausted from a long drive they still managed to help out. Ang, John's youngest sister whom I'm the same age as, has sent so many newborn clothes for baby Tina that her baby Ane out grew quickly, as well as sending baby shower goods with mom. Unable to make it because this momma is a hard worker and had to be at work. Lota and Tina both with four kids all under the age of 8, still were able to pull off a great baby shower and I have pictures to prove it. They are the definition of SUPER MOMMIES!  :) I will forever be grateful for these lovely ladies for EVERYTHiNG they've done for me since the time I married their handsome son/brother! I still remember the bridal shower they threw me in Vegas. :) So thoughtful!

Growing up with 3 brothers and no sisters, I am finally blessed to marry someone with only sisters the GREATEST SiSTERS! Like, REALLY! I've had many people tell me that as well as my own mother. I can't begin to explain how lucky I am. I look back at when I was younger and how I wished I had sisters just to talk to or share things with and now here I am BLESSED with 3! :) All hardworking, loving, kind, understanding, great mothers, and do everything from the heart.

The Beautiful Decor

Mom opened up with a beautiful introduction pouring her heart to me as well as for her excitement for baby Tina. I will cherish this moment forever!

One of the several games we played. Had two teams and every team member on each team had to undress the baby, change it's diaper, and re-dress the baby blindfolded. It was so fun to watch! Prizes were awarded to the winners!

On the left is aunt Kathy and right is my oldest brother's wife Kimm.

After fun games we enjoyed some delicious food&dessert and finished off with gift opening. :)

EVERYTHING we needed and more!

After everyone left we had more family come over and had another round of the changing the baby race and visited for a while. This was a nice way to end my valentine's week and now we wait for baby Tina to make her debut. EXCiTED!

My Sweet Valentine's WEEK

I had an amazing Valentine's week with my hubby John. I was napping with John throughout Monday and woke up around 5pm to cook dinner before he heads off to work. After cooking and waking him up for the millionth time, I was thrilled to hear him tell me he didn't have work and that he'd be returning to work Friday grave yard shift.

Our Valentine's Week

 Monday night we watched 'In Time' and played x box till 4am. :) Not a big fan of singing artists acting in movies especially the artist being Justin Timberlake, but  I would have to say this movie was alright. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. 

Valentine's Tuesday

I woke up around 10ish to make brunch.

We had crepes with a variety of fruit and toppings, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs with diced onions, diced green and red peppers topped with cheese, and a glass of orange juice. Might I add it was delish! :)

Before I woke John up for brunch, I pulled out a card that I made him and set it out.

My famous candy gram to my hubba bubba. Lol.

I had a lovely and amazing afternoon pamper thanks to my thoughtful husband.

I had the best manicure and pedicure that I have ever had in my life. The siapani guy that did my mani&pedi took his time. It was heaven! Lol. My swollen hands and feet were indeed grateful! Haha! I don't do this very often. I f I  can do it myself, then why pay for it, is how I always come about with things. That money could be used for something else. :) I only remember getting a mani&pedi like 4-5 times ever in my life. I was spoiled! :)

After that, we headed over to Siu's (John's cousin) basketball game against Kearns, whom they killed, and then came home and had another wonderful night playing x box while enjoying left over crepes and the candy gram candy.

Wednesday, we woke up late in the afternoon because we played x box until 4:30ish in the a.m. We got up and ready for another date night!

We both had different orders of pasta and sides of bread and salad. YUM!

No, we didn't watch The Vow. We're not much of chick flicks and I'm also not impressed with Channing Tatum's acting skills. We watch chick flicks, but action and comedy  we enjoy more. John picked Chronicle and it was LAME! I'm really picky with movies and this one sucked! 

Thursday, we mostly spent time at home. We watched our recorded shows and then we went over to Church because John had an appointment with our bishop. GOOD NEWS! John is  receiving his Melchizedek priesthood. He'll be able to bless me before I have baby and also give baby her blessing. So excited. Our bishop should be setting everything up in about a week. He also mentioned that we're both ready to go through the temple, so once John receives his priesthood we can set a date. YAY! We've talked about it for a little and we want to have our sealing either May or June so baby can be a part of our reception and celebrating, but we'll see. I think that's the most exciting news all week!

We later went to Petsmart with our dog Pixie and got her a bed and some odor spray. We ended the night with x box once again. :)

Friday, didn't do much because my love had to rest for work! I had an appointment with my ob and baby is doing well. I'm not dilating at all, but I am hurting more. My ob says by the looks of things baby should come around her due date. Baby has dropped and I'm feeling more and more uncomfortable each week. After my appt. I went and paid off some bills, got a few groceries and a few of our and baby's needs. Something I should've kept in mind was not to go for so long. Big regret! Not only was I tired from staying up late the night before and having to wake up for my appt, but I was sore and walking around was not helping and then having to wait in line for 15 minutes. That's long for a pregnant woman. Lol. I came home and knocked out. I had my alarm set and all to wake up and make dinner before John headed off to work, but I was exhausted and my achy body was telling me to rest. I ended up picking something up for him to eat.

It's been an awesome and fun week! I would say we have Valentine's Day everyday! I love my husband to pieces and I'm grateful to have him as my Valentine's FOREVER! I should be asleep now, but I just finished up some laundry and organized and cleaned our place up a bit. Tomorrow or I mean later today, I have my baby shower that John's sisters are throwing for me. Nice way to end my eventful week! Forever GRATEFUL and BLESSED with the best sister in-laws! 

Feeling Icky

Idk what better word to express how I've been feeling, but...ICKY!

The weather this past week totally describes the way I've been feeling. I'm down to just 4 weeks and hopefully no longer than that. I know it really just comes down to when she's ready and I guess, if she decides to make her debut later than her expected arrival date then so be it. As long as she's healthy and in no harm. 

I've been asked the question 'How are you feeling?' a lot and I know it's because people care especially it being my last couple weeks of my pregnancy. I answer with a polite 'I'm doing well' or 'Great' with a smile, but deep down inside I'm really feeling unpleasant and I want to cry. I only do so because I don't want people feeling sorry for me and then asking 'What can I do for you?'. I appreciate it, but I honestly like handling things on my own and I don't like having people do stuff for me. Call me a hypocrite! I am so down when people need my help even when I'm not in my greatest shoes.

Every woman that has been pregnant or is pregnant would understand what these last few weeks feels like. When you're laying in bed on one side and you have to think 'Do I really want to switch over to my other side?' , when you need to use the restroom every 30 minutes (maybe less), even worse is when you're finally in a good sleep you need to get up and use the restroom or when you're sleeping and you need to use the restroom and it takes you forever to get there. LOL. The list goes on, well for me it does. Some women probably don't even experience any of this and have no idea what I'm talking about. Might I say how lucky you are! :) The toughest part now is when you're sitting down or laying down for a while and you get up and it feels like a ton of weights just dropped on your pubic bone. It even pains me to walk. :/ The joys of being pregnant! :) As unpleasant as I feel now, I know when my baby girl enters into this world, those feeling's of pain and worries will clear up and nothing will matter but having and holding her. 

BLESSED&LUCKY to even experience pregnancy because I know some women don't get too!

LOVE MY LiFE

I had such a great weekend with my husband. John worked all week last week working 12 hour graveyard shifts and finally got his long change this past weekend. His last shift was Thursday and he got off Friday morning, so I picked him up and we headed over to the recreation center. John met up with some of his co-workers to play ball while I went to work out...or tried to. Lol. I speed walked for a mile and attempted to jog, but I decided to keep it under control because baby was aching my bum and my lower back and I didn't want to add more stress onto my body. After that I did some light weight lifting and headed over to watch John play ball. I could tell that he hasn't been playing for a while because he was out of breath so quick and his playing was a little bit rusty. He has some heart issues as well. I know he loves the sport, so he's going to continue to play to get back into shape and hopefully get into a league. I love watching him play and seeing him enjoy himself. We ended our Friday night with dinner and what we do best, playing x-box. :)

Our Saturday consisted of long hours watching t.v. in the morning (How the lottery changed my life Lol) and playing some more x-box. Lota, John's oldest sister, stopped by for a quick visit. :) Always enjoy having company over. We did our Saturday deep cleaning, showered and ended the night with dinner at Applebee's and some more x-box when we returned home. Haha. We love playing video games together. A lot of it some weeks more then others, but we do get other things done too. John also got a phone call from his boss confirming John's new position as Lead Supervisor. With that being said, instead of working 12 hour shifts, he'll only be working 8 hour shifts and only day shifts with weekends off. We have been truly blessed. I know John does a great job at what he does. He not only works hard, but works smart. I know that everything comes to pass through God and he did hear and answer our prayers. With our goal to be sealed in the temple this summer and John striving to receive his Melchizedek priesthood, his new position couldn't come at a better time. John is able to attend church with me and continue to when baby comes as well as being home earlier to spend time with us. We both also plan on going back to school. :) Through sincere prayer, attending church, paying our tithing, and reading scriptures, just doing our part, the Lord did his part and blessed us. I know as we continue to live according to His will, He will bless us. I know that temptations will still come and the devil will continue to try steer us a way from the straight and narrow path, but as we stand firm with what we believe, it'll be harder for temptations to interfere with our lives and the devil won't have power over us. STAY HUMBLE! :) GOD 1st in EVERYTHiNG&FAMiLY NEXT!

Sunday couldn't have been better! My favorite part of church is going to our temple preparation class. Growing up I always loved seeing the temple and as a youth doing baptisms for the dead. My favorite primary song is, I Love to See the Temple. I love it so much because there's no other feeling that can compare to the feeling when you're inside the temple. It's His House and being there I feel His presence more. Nothing but a feeling of peace and true and everlasting happiness! Our teacher said to us it won't just be the two of you when you go through the temple. When you go there you'll be holding your baby together across the altar. As he said that, I pictured kneeling across from John as we hold our baby together and I started to tear up. Mei mei tangi. Lol. We're so excited! Can't wait! There's no better feeling then knowing that I'll be with John and our baby/children FOR TiME & ALL ETERNiTY!!!! We also attended another sacrament meeting for my cousin blessing his baby. John and I are so excited for that time to come when we have baby, especially since John will be blessing her. He says he's nervous, but I know he'll do great and there's no one better to bless her then her own father. :)

~BLESSED~