Coaches Convention

Pat is away at the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) convention in Dallas, TX until tomorrow. I can not wait until he comes home! There is a AFCWA (American Football Coaches Wives Association) convention that occurs at the same time. It is a way for all the wives to get together and relate to the crazy life as a coach's wife. Next year's convention is at San Antonio, TX so I think I will end up going to that. If anything Damian and I can go to the riverwalk :)

Miss you Pat!

Damian Turned One!!!!!

I can not believe it. My little baby is now a toddler! I would be lying if I said I didn't tear up. This has been the most amazing, mind-blowing, exciting, fun-filled year I could have ever imagined. Damian is truly the best baby I could have ever asked for.

He has grown so much! On December 27th, 2009 my little man was born. A little sweet baby I could fit between my hand and forearm is now a toddler who walks extremely well and loves to give kisses.

Pat and I put together a little birthday party (last minute) and invited family and friends over that were in town. Damian ate his very first cake and it wasn't what I expected. I thought Damian was going to shove the cake in his face. Instead, he took little pieces in between his fingers and took very proper little bites. Towards the end it did get messy but not because of his bites.

My friend Sandra brought her twins with her and Damian had so much fun with them. They were playing with all of his presents together...too cute.

It was perfectly intimate for a one year old but with enough excitement to keep kids and adults entertained. Thank you to everyone who made it special. We love you!

First Family Flight

On December 23rd, we ventured on our very first family trip via airplane. Our first flight was from Boston to D.C. We boarded the plane, was told we should arrive 15 minutes earlier than expected, and then were delayed for an hour! It was awful just sitting in the runway, but what made it worse is we almost missed our connecting flight. We literally boarded the plane with 5 minutes left. Then, we were delayed for about 15-30 minutes. Damian was such a good baby on the trip. He didn't even fuss! I was really worried that the pressure would bother him, but we made sure he was drinking from his sippy cup or was being nursed. I was so proud of him!

Pat and Damian waiting in the airport

When we finally arrived at Sea-Tac my Grammy was there waiting to pick us up. We were waiting for our luggage at the baggage claim only to find it wasn't even on the plane! It wasn't due to arrive until four hours later. United gave us a loaner car seat and we ate at Fuji Restaurant in Chinatown and then shopped at Uwajimaya. When Pat and I saw our baggage when we came back I think we literally jumped for joy!

Damian and Grammy at Sea-Tac

We are so happy to be home to see our family and friends for Christmas and New Years.

Stonehill Football Coaches Party

We had so much fun at the football staff holiday party. We went to Cafe Bella in Randolph, MA. The Chef/Owner is a Stonehill alum and boy did he take care of us! I had some of the best Italian food since I was in Italy.

Our first course was two different pizzas. Our first was a tomato and sausage pizza, and the second was a tomato, goat cheese, and arugula pizza. The pizza was perfectly crisp and fresh! Our second course was Calamari. I didn't get a chance to eat it because I was still on the pizza course but I heard great things. Our third course was shrimp and greens. The shrimp/prawns were huge. Just the way I like em! Fresh Pappardelle pasta in a tomato and meat sauce was our fourth course. After the first bite you could tell the pasta was freshly made. Some of the best I have had. The fifth course was the pork tenderloin. I personally do not eat pork so I just ate the veggies, but everyone kept saying how tender it was and how it kept melting in their mouth. Lastly, our dessert course consisted of a couple different choices. There was a plate of fresh fruit (with some of the yummiest pears) and two different ice creams, grapenut and an espresso, biscotti, and chocolate ice cream. All were made in house served with biscotti. I couldn't get enough!

If any one is near Randolph, MA, I highly suggest trying it.

Having a night out with out the little ones intimidated me at first but Damian had fun with the sitters, and we enjoyed a grown-up only dinner. After the eating portion of the night, we had a white elephant exchange. Apparently it's called a "yankee swap" out here. Maybe it's an east coast or New England thing? I opened a DVD box set to "Martin", and then got "yankee swapped" for a Chili's gift card, and then swapped again for an Amazon.com gift card. I love Amazon so everything ended up working perfectly.

Coach Talley, the head coach of Stonehill football, gave all the guys cards with bottles of liquor to match their personality. Pat received a bottle of Bacardi Superior because he was so smooth. Love it! Sarah, the head coach's wife, gave all the wives and girlfriends a mini martini glass, a mini bottle of absolut, and Hilliards chocolate. Hilliards is my obsession. It is a local chocolate/candy store with the best ice cream I have ever had and delectable chocolates. It is seriously to die for. You can also order online at their website for those who are tempted to try at: http://www.hilliardscandy.com.

The Women Behind The Football Men

Stephanie, Me, Nichol, and Sarah

A big thanks to the Talleys for a fabulous night out!

First Professional Photos

This has been a (almost) year of firsts.  Damian got his first professional pictures taken for our first family portrait, his birthday, and Christmas.  We are so pleased on how they turned out!  Damian had such a straight face we were afraid the photographer wouldn't have any smile shots.  Check out some of our favorite pictures.

Swim Classes

Damian and I did "Mommy and Me" swim classes during September and October.  Damian absolutely LOVES the water and swimming.  By the end of the swim classes we even got him kicking!  Granted, we had to throw a toy for him to swim to.

One day I couldn't find my swimsuit so Pat got to fill in!

Summertime

Summer was such a great time for us.  Pat's work schedule was less demanding in the first half of summer.  We were able to explore Mass and spend time as a family.  We spent a lot of time on the beaches of Cape Cod.

Another popular spot for us was the Aquarium.  Damian loves seeing the fish swim by.  The New England Aquarium is so wonderful.  They have penguins, sharks, sea turtles, seals, and all sorts of other marine life!

My Grammy came to visit for my birthday, and it was the best present I could have asked for.  Damian even recognized her!  I attribute a lot of his recognition to Skype, where he was able to see her on the computer and hear her voice.

Damian was able to see Pat coach for the very first time!  It was a beautiful day and I was able to find grass for Damian to crawl on.  He didn't like the feeling of grass at first.  Then, after about twenty minutes he thought it was cool.

Wedding Bells!

Pat and I got married on May 29th, 2010 this year. It was the perfect wedding for us. It was very low key and had our immediate families involved. It took place at Tumwater Falls Park (one of my favorites) on the bridge with the waterfall behind us. I was so nervous it was going to rain, but thankfully it didn't! My friend Brittany officiated the wedding for us. It made everything so personal, especially since she's been there since Pat and I started...when I was 15! It's a day I will never forget. Here are a few of my favorite pictures:

Daddy Is Coming Home!

Pat has been gone since March and will be coming home on Wednesday the 19th.  As most of you know, Pat coaches football at Stonehill College and had to return for spring practice.  Well now spring practice has ended and I can not wait for him to see how much Damian has grown!

Pat and I Are Getting Married In Two Weeks!

I can not believe how time has crept up on us.  In about two weeks, Pat and I will officially be married.  Who would have thought I would have ended up with the boy who approached me during a basketball game when I was 15?!  Pat is the most amazing father, fiance, and friend I could ever asked for.  I just wanted to tell him "thank you" for everything and being there.  I love you!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of us