That's My Man!

This last semester has been full of surprises, both good and bad. Shem decided to be a full time student all in the midst of waiting for Maycee's arrival, losing our truck, and having financial hardship. He's been the best at trying to make ends meet...selling things on craigslist and finding side jobs here and there to upkeep his business. All while doing this, he managed to get outstanding grades. In fact, in one of his classes, his grade was already at 100% by the final exam date that his teacher excused him from taking the final! Might I add, he was the only one in the class with this priviledge.



Maycee decided to tutor daddy! As you can see, she's very into what she was teaching. So adorable.


School is coming along nicely for him. This semester marks the final chapter in attaining an Associate in Arts. But that's not good enough for him. He's determined to get an Associate in Science for his transfer to ASU to be in the engineering program. Only 2 semesters left! Hooray! I'm so proud of him and his determination. When he puts his mind to something, he gets it done (I mean he did win me!). So schools our for summer! Just kidding, it only out for 2 and a half weeks. He's back in school for Summer I and II. I'm so happy he's determined to get an education. He's doing the right thing for his family and himself. I love you, Shem!

Shem's so wonderful. For Mother's Day, he spoiled me. He was sure to make my first Mother's Day extra special and he surpassed that. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. I knew he'd do something nice, maybe flowers and a nice card, but nothing like what he actually did. The night before (Saturday) he took me to Cheesecake Factory and it was delectable. The next morning, he woke up extra early to make my favorite breakfast...pull apart butterscotch rolls and cheese strata with sausage. He woke me up at 7 so I could enjoy it all with him and Maycee. When I came out to the kitchen, our tiny chalk board had a sweet message on it, "Shem loves his wife and Maycee loves her mommy, Happy Mother's Day." Next to it was a vase of beautiful flowers, a card with a gift certificate to a nail spa, and a wood carving of a husband and wife hugging; this carving is called "Promise" (part of the Willow Tree Collection). Our measley little card table was nicely set with breakfast, as well. He is too sweet. I feel like I don't deserve it. He treats me like a princess! Mother's Day was wonderful. He held Maycee throughout church so I that I wasn't distracted. I love our happy little life. :)

Mother's Day Breakfast



And the last thing...
The week before Mother's Day, we saw a man riding a Vespa scooter. That minute, we thought that would be a good form of transportation for Shem (since we so desperately need something). So immediately, we rolled our window down at the stop light to ask the man how much they are and other info. We pulled over and talked to him further. From then on, Shem began researching scooters and what would be wise for us. While doing so, he was also considering our budget. So within these two weeks, he shopped, he read, he researched, and he conquered! Sold! He found an electric blue Yamaha Vino. Perfect for him. With 80-90mpg, it's just what he needs. Of course, I forbid him to ever ride on the freeway. Surface streets only. He loves it. We've only had it a few days and the when he went to fill it up, it cost a little over $3.00! And that's my man!!!



Maycee wasn't too sure about the scooter. She's definitely a girl.

Maycee Lynn

Our daughter, Maycee Lynn, was born on February 8th. The EDD was the 6th. And, believe me, I wanted her out, but secretly I was hoping she'd come on the 8th. My reasoning behind this was the fact that both Shem and I have 8, 1, and 0 in our birth dates. Having Maycee on the 8th continued that pattern! Leading up to the scheduled induction, I was wondering if we were even going to make it in the hospital. For the week prior, there was a waiting list for all inductions. But luckily, with the induction on Super Bowl night, it seemed like all the husbands were begging their wives to stay home an extra hour or two. But, of course, Shem was the complete opposite. For days Shem was nagging at me to call the hospital and get in earlier. He was so anxious! I'm sure, in the grand scheme of things, she came when she was meant to (consider the date).

Labor lasted less than 24 hours--I consider that pretty good for an induction. And pushing lasted 51 minutes--much quicker than anticipated. Although, to me, it seemed like 15 minutes. Compared to the 10 months of pregnancy, labor was nothing. All those months of preparing and planning for her arrival, the room, the clothes, the accessories, the books, was not sufficient for what parenthood truly is. When Maycee arrived, we were elated. The moment the doctor layed her on my chest, my heart swelled with an overwhelming feeling of love. With tears in my eyes, all I could say to her was "you are so beautiful." And she really was. It was stunning to see a baby only seconds old look so gorgeous. I wasn't expecting that. Because I'm her mother, I wonder if it is my opinion or actual fact. Over the last three months, I've realized that it's a fact, shes' absolutely beautiful. She's so sweet and so innocent. She is really what Shem and I need right now in our lives.

We feel so lucky to have her as our daughter. The night she was born, we prayed and expressed our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for this new little person who is our responsibility. We are excited to watch Maycee grow and learn. Parenthood is the greatest blessing I have received this far in my life, along with marrying such a wonderful man.

These pictures were taken when Maycee was 6 days old by my visiting teacher. She is so talented. It was so nice of her to do this for us! To visit her website, go to http://www.saracoral.com/index2.php?v=v1#/home/. Some of our pictures are on there.