Sergio and Katelyn Rangel

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-22T20:44:00.002-05:00

Serg's Christmas Party

2010-12-22T20:22:00.002-05:00

Last Friday was Serg's Christmas party for work. It was the first time that I had really left Easton for more than a hour. We had a great time. It was nice to go out as adults and hang out with other adults :). Thanks to my Mom and Dad for staying the night and watching the baby, I know it must have been horrible for you :)

Around the House

2010-12-22T20:18:00.002-05:00

Our New Puppy Lucy!

2010-12-22T20:09:00.002-05:00

Lucy and her brother Chewy

Easton and Lucy meeting for the first time

Cameron and Brittani are living with a couple whose dogs had puppies. Cameron and Brit took the runt, a boy pup they named Chewy and Serg and I decided to take his sister. We named her Lucy. When we got her she was only 5 weeks old. Adjusting has been a little hard, especially with the potty training, but I'm hoping that Easton and her can be good friends. She is a beagle/hound mix and the vet said that she is going to be a big dog, which will definitely be a huge adjustment from little Kenzie.

(For those of you who don't know, mid October we had to give away MacKenzie to a rescue after yet another fight with the cats. We couldn't risk her attacking the baby. She has since found a loving couple to live with and she is thriving, even playing with other dogs. It was a horrible decision to have to make but we couldn't be happier that she is now truly happy)

Aunt Brittani's College Graduation!

2010-12-22T19:59:00.002-05:00

All smiles at the Graduation

Uncle Cam and Easton at the graduation party

My sister-in-law Brittani graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors) from Virginia Commenwealth University on December 11. She was 1 of only a handful to graduate with those honors! We are so proud of her! Congratulations Brit!

Helping Daddy do the dishes

2010-12-02T15:47:00.001-05:00

"I've got a brand new pair of roller skates, you've got a brand new key"

Now if we can just get real help when he gets older!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T22:02:00.005-05:00

Gillie, Easton and Aunt Meg
Aunt Meg and Easton

Aunt Brittani, Uncle Cam and Easton

Daddy and Easton

Practicing sitting up

Uncle Cam's friend Brett, Aunt Meg and Easton

We hosted Thanksgiving for the family at our house this year. All of my family came over and we feasted. We had a great time and everyone liked holding and loving on Easton. It was great to have my brother home for a few days too!

Happy Fall

2010-11-14T19:22:00.004-05:00

Easton and Grandma

Daddy's already tryin to get him out on the field!

My new favorite picture of Serg!

Getting loves from Aunt Meg

Aunt Meg

Uncle Cam and Baby B

So handsome.

My brother was home this weekend so we all got together for the day. We played soccer, made smores by the fire pit and took some pictures. All in all a great day with family.

It doesn't get any better than that!

2 Month Appointment

2010-11-12T21:40:00.003-05:00

Easton had his 2 month appointment today. He now weighs 14 pounds 4 ounces! He is 24 inches tall and has a head circumference of 39cm. He also got three shots, 2 in one leg and 1 in the other. He did so good and only cried a little. The doctor said he is growing perfect and was again surprised at how alert he was. He will go back again at 4 months old. Before then she said to start him on the rice cereal. He is getting to be such a big boy!

Daddy and Easton

2010-11-11T21:57:00.003-05:00

Like twins.

Beautiful smile!

Beautiful boy.

Happy Veterans Day Daddy!!

2010-11-11T10:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Veterans Day Daddy! We love you sooo much and are sooo proud of you! Thank you for all you do for us! You are the best Daddy and husband!

Tonight we are taking Sergio to his favorite restaurant to celebrate!

Happy Birthday Marine Corps!

2010-11-10T09:59:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps!

To Uncle Cam and our 8 Marine Great Uncles: We love you always and appreciate your service!!

2 Months Old

2010-11-04T21:07:00.002-04:00

Well our baby is 2 months old today! It's going so fast but we couldn't be happier! He can now sit up pretty much unassisted in his boppy. He is starting to grab at his feet and is talking more than ever. We carry on conversations every morning. He is getting so chubby! He loves to take baths in the tub and will kick and float for almost a half hour! We love him so much! His 2 month appointment will be next Friday, when he is scheduled for his first round of shots.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

2010-11-04T21:06:00.002-04:00

Halloween

2010-11-04T20:44:00.004-04:00

My cousin's kids Jasmine and Ava with Easton
Jasmine and Easton

My little pea pod! :)

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-28T22:10:00.004-04:00

Last weekend we took Easton for his first trip to the pumpkin patch! He loved the weather and looking around at all the bright colors!

6 Weeks Old

2010-10-28T22:08:00.001-04:00

October

2010-10-28T22:00:00.003-04:00

Napping with Dad

Bath with Grandma....I love to swim!

Watching TV with Grandpa

Out by the new firepit that Daddy built

Sleeping with Mom

Bath with Daddy

Go GIANTS!

1 Month Old

2010-10-05T15:46:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Easton had his 1 month doctors appointment and he is definitely growing! He gained 2 ounces shy of 2 pounds in less than 2 weeks! He now weighs 11 pounds 2 ounces! His head circumference is 38cm and he is now 22 inches. The doctor said that he looks very healthy! His next appointment will be in 1 month!

Super Easton

2010-10-05T15:40:00.001-04:00

Easton and Daddy

Superman strong!

Hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's

2010-10-01T21:30:00.003-04:00

Easton with Uncle Cam and Kyle
Hanging out with Grandpa

Getting some love from Grandma

Family Pictures

2010-10-01T21:07:00.006-04:00

Easton and Aunt Meg
Easton with Aunt Brittani and Aunt Meg

Easton with Grandma and Grandpa

Dad, Mom, Me, Easton, Meg and Cam

Brittani, Cameron, Sergio, Me, Easton, Dad, Mom and Meg

Grandpa and Easton

Grandma and Easton

Easton with Uncle Cameron - We gave Easton the middle name Richard after Uncle Cam who has the same middle name - I call Cam, Richard all the time.

Third Week

2010-10-01T19:46:00.007-04:00

- Celebrated Mom and Daddy's 3rd Wedding Anniversary with us. We went out to dinner and you slept the entire time!

- Lost your umbilical cord that night after we got home

- Met Uncle Cameron and Ashley for the first time, everyone fought over you!

- Went to church for the first time, and they announced your birth

- Grew out of your newborn clothes - into 0-3m clothes now

- Hate getting your face washed and ears/nose cleaned

Second Week

2010-09-21T13:32:00.000-04:00

- Made Daddy gag on your poop smell

- Love to hold hands or receiving blanket, it helps calm you down

- Visited Grandma at work for lunch - she showed you off to all the teachers!

- 2 week appointment - 9lbs. 4oz. - Head circumference - 35cm and 21.5 inches long

- Daddy discovered he liked having you sleep on his chest....after Mom said it was her favorite thing

- Met Tim, Weslee, Ava, Jasmine, Kyle, Peggy and The Jordan's

- Went apple picking and to your first Hume Day with Mom, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Meg

- Gave Mom a card and beautiful Mom frame for her birthday

- Projectile vomited on Mom after she just got out of the shower on her birthday...and peed on her twice that day

- Mom can't eat buffalo sauce (her favorite) it doesn't agree with your tummy

- Mom thinks you may be lactose intolerant because if the horrible gas you get after eating, going to not eat dairy for a few days to see if that helps. My relief is that at least it's coming out! You would be in a ton of pain!

Apple Picking

2010-09-19T13:16:00.004-04:00

Me and Easton

Serg and Mom

Dad and Meg

My parents <3

Our new family! <3

Picking apples

Mom and Meg

Easton, Me and Dad

The Rangel's

For the second year in a row, for my birthday we went apple picking with my family. My parents took us every year growing up and it has always been a special time. It's a tradition that Serg and I want to continue with our children, so we were excited to bring Easton, even though he slept the entire time! I had a great time, it was a great way to spend my birthday. The weather couldn't have been nicer! Afterwards, my parents took us out to eat at Outback and then we went back to there house for a little baking and to play some Wii!

2 Week Appointment

2010-09-16T10:58:00.004-04:00

Easton had his 2 week appointment yesterday and he is definitely growing! At his appointment just 1 week ago he weighed 8lbs. 9oz. He currently weighs 9lbs. 4 oz.! His head was 34cm, now it is 35cm. And he is half an inch taller at 21.5 inches! His doctor says that he is very healthy and that he looks great. She couldn't get over how alert he was!

Picnic By The River

2010-09-13T16:48:00.003-04:00

Easton failed his hearing test the day we were discharged from the hospital, so today we had to go back to the hospital to have him re-tested. He passed with no problem. Afterwards we stopped to get food then went down to the Rappahannock River to eat and enjoy the beautiful day!

Just because I think he's so cute!

2010-09-13T16:36:00.004-04:00

Around the house

2010-09-13T16:31:00.003-04:00

Sleeping with Mom

Daddy, Easton and Kenzie

First bath with Mom

Relaxin' with Daddy

Gillie holding Easton for the first time

Easton's First Week

2010-09-13T16:14:00.002-04:00

In his first week:

- He slept for 6 straight hours over night

- Had his first doctor's appointment - weighed 8lbs. 9 oz. and 21 inches long

- Was given his first bath at home by Grandma

- Peed on Mom 3 times!

- Went out to eat twice - Chili's with Mom, Grandma, Liz and the kids and Red Lobster with Mom, Grandma and Daddy

- Visited Grandma and Grandpa's for the first time

- Mom learned that he hardly ever cries, is a little piggy eater and loves the bath, especially the water on his "boys"

- Had his first picnic with Mom and Daddy by the Rappahanock River

- Passed his hearing test at the hospital on the second attempt - failed the one the day we were discharged

- Daddy read him his first book - The Pokey Little Puppy

Birth Story

2010-09-12T14:46:00.007-04:00

Sergio cutting the umbilical cord

Serg putting on his first diaper

Daddy holding his son for the first time <3

Our New Family

Thursday night around 11:45pm contractions started. They continued through the night between 5-10 minutes apart. I didn’t get any sleep and thought for sure that in the morning we’d be going to the hospital. Serg stayed home from work and my Mom and Dad came over. When my parents got here around 10am my contractions stopped. I got them irregularly throughout the day on Friday and was feeling pretty disappointed. At 8:00pm Friday night they started again hard and didn’t stop. By 1:00am they were coming about 6 minutes apart so Mom, Serg and I left for the hospital. I was taken up to labor and delivery and checked by a nurse. After having contractions for over 24 hours I was still only 3 cm (same measurement as my last appointment) but my effacement had increased from 75% to 90%. The nurse said she wanted to me to walk the level to see if they could get me dilated a little more and if I could that they would admit me. After an hour or so of steady contractions and walking I had dilated to 4cm. They decided to admit me and got me set up in my room. At this point, after over 24 hours without sleep and knowing that I had a long day ahead of me, I opted to have an epidural so I could get some sleep. I was terrified of getting the epidural, but it ended up not being bad at all and the relief it brought was amazing! I couldn’t feel the contractions at all, even after they broke my water! Shortly after that my Dad and sister arrived and I just tried to get some rest. By 8:30am the nurse checked me and said that I was already dilated to 8.5 - 9 cm and that they would start getting the room ready. I thought wow, I’ll be having the baby by 10! I didn’t think that my sister-in-law would have time to get there! After waiting 2 or 3 hours without hearing anything from the nurses I was checked again and informed that I had a little lip on my cervix that would prevent an easy delivery and would make me have to push for hours. They put me on pitocin to try to get the lip to shrink. By this time my epidural started to wear off and I began feeling contractions. By 1:00pm I was feeling the contractions even more and the additional medicine they were giving me wasn’t helping. I was completely exhausted with no end in sight, the lip was still there. By 5:00pm I was totally feeling the labor and was told that the lip wasn’t going down but that it was time to start pushing. With Serg, my mom, aunt, sister and sister-in-law by my side I started pushing. I felt my body starting to give up and I really felt like there was no way I’d be able to finish. I was actually falling asleep between contractions and pushing! But at 6:28pm our son, Easton Richard was born. They placed him right on my chest and immediately placed an oxygen mask on him. I never heard the big cry that every mom waits for, it was just more like wimpers. I knew something must be wrong and after Serg cut his cord they took him to the heater and were tapping his chest. I found out later that his heart was beating too fast. They let me hold him and kept him in the room as long as possible before taking him to the NICU. Sergio stayed with him and gave him his first bath. In the meantime I was transferred to the recovery room. At 10pm I finally was able to go to the NICU and see him. They had him hooked up to an IV and a few monitors. Serg said that they had to stick him twice to get the IV and he didn’t make a sound. By 11:30 he was able to come to our room and stayed with us the rest of our stay. He was checked out and was completely healthy, no problems. Apparently some babies just come out with an elevated heart rate. We came home on Monday and things have been great. On his second night home he slept 6 whole hours! He is so alert and such a content, happy baby. We really lucked out. He never cries, even during baths and night changes. We feel so blessed and are so in love. It’s only been a week but I already can’t imagine our lives without him. I just feel like our family is perfect! We couldn’t be happier with the little miracle that God has blessed us with!

Introducing.....

2010-09-12T14:43:00.002-04:00

Easton Richard Rangel

September 4, 2010

6:28pm

8lbs. 11oz. - 21 in. long

Emergency Appt. 39w 6d

2010-09-02T13:20:00.003-04:00

After waking up literally 10 times to use the restroom between 11pm and 7am (I believe God does this to you so you are no longer afraid of any kind of labor pain) when I wiped there was brownish blood. I wasn't concerned because it wasn't bright red so I went back to bed. At 8:15am and yet another bathroom break there was bright red blood. I called the on duty nurse and the doctor said to go in to my doctor's office. Serg ended up coming home and taking me in, hoping that we would get sent straight to the hospital. Well....nothing. Everything was fine. The doctor said that my body is just laboring and doing a really good job, it's just not "in active labor". I've been having major period like cramps and some contractions, just nothing consistent. She said that I could be induced tomorrow, and although I really want to, my body is progressing and I'm pretty certain that he will come before the weekend is out. I want what is best for him and not just think about how miserable I am. We did set an induction date for next Wednesday, September 8, if he doesn't come before then. I will have an appointment on Tuesday and another ultrasound to monitor how he's doing. I'm hoping that this labor day weekend will in fact be filled with....well labor! :D

39 Week Appointment

2010-08-31T19:02:00.002-04:00

Well I'm not very happy with my appointment today, although my blood pressure was good, his heartbeat was strong at 147bpm and I'm another half centimeter dilated at 3cm. I am 3 days away from 40 weeks - full term - my due date. The doctor wanted to strip my membranes (separating the amniotic sac from the bottom of the uterus) hoping to naturally induce labor, meaning without medication, although it doesn't always work. She never asked if I wanted her to. I told her that I did not want that done before my due date, even if it is only 3 days away. She didn't seem too happy about that decision and was adamant that we need to start thinking induction. It makes me mad that she seems in such a rush to get my baby out. Nothing is wrong with me and nothing is wrong with him, he will come when he is ready and I still feel like I have plenty of time. Trust me, I'm uncomfortable and I want this baby out, but I feel like I need to be allowed time to go into labor naturally. It's not like I'm not progressing. I'm already 3cm dilated and 75% effaced all before my due date! I have had contractions, just nothing consistent. If I'm not in that big of a rush, why is my doctor! My next appointment is Tuesday, September 7, if I don't have him before then. I'm guessing at that appointment I won't have an option of whether to have my membranes stripped or not and will be choosing a date for a medical induction.

Serg's Song For Our Baby

2010-08-27T11:33:00.002-04:00

Brad Paisley - Anything Like Me

I don't think this song could fit Serg more perfectly!

39 Weeks

2010-08-27T10:59:00.003-04:00

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

Well I had a few contractions last night and it was so funny, Serg had his watch all ready to time them :).Nothing consistent though. He just cannot wait and talks to my stomach all the time telling him to come out! Last night he did tell him, either come out or stop with the contractions so he could go to sleep, he had work in the morning! :) Baby's still moving good, just slower movements since he's pretty much out of room. I've developed a rash all over my stretch marks that apparently only 1% of pregnant women get. It's extremely itchy so I have to keep applying Benadryl cream. Bags have been packed for a week or so now and his room has been ready for awhile. Just waiting now. My family is so excited and it just makes me feel so blessed. A lot of babies don't get the chance to be born into such a great family. He's already such a lucky guy! My next appointment will be next Tuesday, August 31 if he doesn't come before then. If he doesn't, I hoping to be 100% effaced and even more dilated. The more painless dilation I can do, the better!

38 Week Appt. - 38w 3d

2010-08-25T12:07:00.002-04:00

On Monday at my 38 week appointment I lost another pound putting me at -7 for the entire pregnancy. My blood pressure was great and so was his heartbeat. I am still 75% effaced but am now 2.5 cm dilated, up from "almost 2" at my last appointment. I have had no contractions, just cramping and will take any painless dilation that I can before I go to the hospital! The doctor said that everything looks perfect! My next appointment will be Tuesday, 3 days before my due date, if I make it that long.

Another just because....

2010-08-20T13:33:00.002-04:00

Little Davey Baby

This is what my brother hopes his new nephew will look like!!

The inside story on this is that when we were on the way home from picking my brother up from boot camp, he drew a picture of me. Well what he said was me. Really it looks like a cross between Dee Snider and the guy featured above (He was Charlie Bucket's teacher on Willy Wonka). So now my loving brother calls me David Battley (the actors name) and has named the baby Little Davey Baby. The original picture always makes us laugh and I even got him a shirt with "my face" on it :). May not be funny to others...but I sure get a kick out of it! :D

Just because it makes me laugh....

2010-08-20T11:02:00.002-04:00

My sister found a baby snake in her room and I'm now calling her Bindi (The Croc Hunter's daughter). In my free time I decide to play around with photoshop a little and this is what I created. It makes me laugh so hard! Oh my little Bindi :) Needless to say....she didn't think it was as funny as I did. :D

38 Weeks - 2 Weeks to go

2010-08-20T10:58:00.003-04:00

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old.

37 Week Appt. - 37w 4d

2010-08-17T23:21:00.003-04:00

At my appointment today I gained another pound and a half, bringing my total to -6 pounds for the entire pregnancy. My blood pressure was good and his heartbeat was also at 140 bpm. I am almost 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. (Effacement: Thinning of the cervix. Usually in the last month the cervix begins to stretch and thin. This process means the lower segment of the uterus is getting ready for delivery. A thin cervix will also allow the cervix to dilate more easily.) While all this means that my body is preparing for delivery, it doesn't mean that it will be in the next day although I'm hoping it is. It is finally getting to the miserable part after I couldn't complain for 36 weeks, now it's back pain, cramping, peeing 10 times a night, not getting a lot of sleep, pressure constantly, all the joys of being pregnant! :) Here's to hoping that it's sooner than later!

35 Week Photo Shoot

2010-08-16T21:47:00.005-04:00

This was my stomach 2.5 weeks ago....it's only getting better....not :)

37 Weeks - Full Term

2010-08-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

My Brothers Wedding

2010-08-09T23:13:00.008-04:00

Dad, Cam and Mom

Serg, Me, Cam, Meg, Mom and Dad

Serg, Cam and Dad....the men of the family

Serg, Me and Baby

The Handsome Groom

Groomsman....Kyle, Serg, Brad, Grant, Dad and Noah

Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Carpenter....I have a new sister-in-law!

4 out of the 8 Bickford Kids...Uncle Dave, Mom, Aunt Trish and Aunt Cathy

Cutting the cake!

Tom Church, Mom, Nick Lannan, Megann

Couple's first dance

Mom and Serg

Mother/Son Dance

Meg and Serg

Meg, my cousin Ashley and Lannan

Lannan, Meg, Ash and Church

Meg, my cousin Sam, Aunt Trish and Ashley

My beautiful Mom and handsome Dad! <3

Jasmine and Megann

Church, Serg and Lannan

Megann, Church, Serg and Lannan

On Saturday my brother got married! The wedding was so beautiful and couldn't have been better. We had such a good time!! I'm so happy for them!

36 Weeks 4 days Appointment

2010-08-09T21:41:00.002-04:00

Well today I had my 36 week regular doctor appointment. I gained 3.5lbs since my last appointment on July 22. I am now at -7.5lbs since Dec. 31 (my first appointment). His heartbeat was 137 bpm. I am now 1 cm dilated and she actually felt his head. I think when she said that, it was a little bit of a reality check that I'm actually having a baby. I know it sounds weird that I've been pregnant for 9 months and now with 3 weeks left I'm JUST now realizing I'm having a baby, but I guess it just hasn't been real until now.

36 Week Ultrasound

2010-08-06T22:29:00.002-04:00

Well this morning we had our 36 week ultrasound. He is now 6lbs. 6 oz. and is in the 72% for his gestational age. He is measuring 36 weeks and 3 days, so he has really evened out. I'm guessing that the tech was right at the last appointment when she said he may be big because he is going through a growth spurt. I must say I'm relieved! They also said that he has a full head of hair and that it's pretty long! I'm wondering if he will make it to his 1st birthday for his 1st haircut. I have been having pains throughout the day today and am hoping that this isn't the start of labor! I have 4 weeks to go and my brother's wedding tomorrow! I am ready to get his huge booty (just like his Daddy) out of my ribcage! The first picture is a pretty good profile shot and I think looks just like Serg and the second one is pretty creepy and makes him look like a skeleton! We're both excited to see what he will be like and what he will look like. It's so hard to believe that we have about 28 days left and then we will be parents....wow.

36 Weeks - 28 Days Left

2010-08-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

Well less than a month now! I can't believe it! I've started to get extremely tired, I can't seem to get enough sleep. I guess I should get used to it, I'm sure this is what I'll feel like for the next 18 years :). We have an ultrasound this morning to check his growth again. At my appointment on Monday I guess they will decide their suggestion as far as inducing at 39 weeks. Serg and I have talked about it and are thinking that unless he is over 8 or 9lbs. now with 4 weeks to go that we will wait until he is ready. I still have a feeling that he will be coming early on his own, for no other reason than I have a feeling. I was right about him being a boy so we'll see! He has been in the position pictured below for a week or so now. I know this because I've felt his 'precious' baby feet and huge butt that he certainly got from his father in my ribs. He's moving less and there is just a lot of pressure. I am definitely full of baby! Tonight and tomorrow Serg and I will be busy with my brother's rehearsal dinner and wedding, so ultrasound updates probably won't come until Sunday or Monday. Hopefully he is growing great and doing good!

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement. At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position.

35 Weeks - 35 Days Left

2010-07-30T09:46:00.003-04:00

At my appointment last Friday I had dropped another 5 lbs. to a total of 11 lbs. since my first prenatal appointment in December. My blood pressure is great and his heartbeat is strong. They are sending me for another ultrasound next Friday to make sure he is still growing properly and to measure his size. If they think he is getting too big they may suggest inducing at 39 weeks.

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

33 Weeks - 7 Weeks to Go!

2010-07-17T21:47:00.002-04:00

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (we already know that's not true!) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

All Star Game 2010

2010-07-17T21:15:00.003-04:00

For the second year in a row Serg was VOTED by his teammates to represent them in the leagues All Star game!! Although his team lost 6-5 , he did an awesome job playing catcher for the entire game in the heat and did great behind the plate batting! I am soo proud of him!!

Wilmington, NC

2010-07-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

Battleship North Carolina

On Thursday, Serg and I drove down to Wilmington from the beach house with my parents for dinner and to walk around. We had a great dinner right on the pier and watched the sunset. It was a really great night with really great company :)!!!

Sunset After Dinner and Karaoke Night

2010-07-17T20:59:00.003-04:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of my parents!

After eating out one night we went down to the intercoastal waterway on the pier. The sunset was absolutely beautiful! After we went for ice cream and then to a local bar for karaoke night. Although none of us got up to sing we had a really great time!!

Night at the Arcade

2010-07-17T20:45:00.004-04:00

Serg and Cam

Playing a boxing game - He got a really good workout playing this game!

Cam playing the boxing game

Meg and Josh

Serg and Dad against Brit and Cam

Brit won a ton of tickets

Slushies!

Josh the pirate with Meg

Serg and Josh playing Dance Dance Revolution...it was hilarious!

Beach Vacation 2010 - Day 2

2010-07-17T20:32:00.004-04:00

Brittani and Meg

Dad

Brit

Dad

Serg and Brit

Our House

Serg buried in the sand with boobs

Serg wrote this in the sand for me....Sergio + Kate +1 (baby) 2010

He also made this for me...it was soo sweet and he did a fantastic job!! <3

Beach Vacation 2010

2010-07-17T20:19:00.005-04:00

Day 1

Megann's boyfriend Josh

Serg

Megann

My future Sister-in-law, Brittani

Pregnant belly and feet!

Serg and Cameron

xoxox.

The Original Five

The New Family! Brittani, Cameron, Serg, Me, Mom, Dad, Meg and Josh

All the 'kids' - Brit, Cam, Serg, Me, Meg and Josh

Josh, Serg and Cam

Evening boogie boarding

Serg diving into the water

Josh

This year Serg and I decided to rent a beach house right on the beach with my parents in Surf City, NC, real close to where my brother is stationed. We spent an entire week there and it was a great getaway from the daily grind! We spent most days relaxing on the beach and nights with a lot of family time and games :). We had a great time and are looking into booking the same week at the same house next year!

Happy Sergio Rangel Day!!

2010-07-17T19:08:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, July 13 we celebrated Sergio Rangel Day!! 6 years ago in Aransas Pass, TX they declared it Sergio Rangel Day, in honor of his brave service in Iraq!

Thank you for your courage and willingness to serve! I love you!

Baby Rangel - 31w 5d

2010-07-07T15:56:00.003-04:00

Since the beginning of my pregnancy I've lost a total of 6 pounds. I haven't gained anything. The doctor wasn't too concerned but ordered an ultrasound just to double check that the baby was growing properly. Well....lets just say he is! He is in the 90 percentile for his gestational age. He is currently measuring a full 2 weeks ahead at 33w 5d and is 4 pounds 15 ounces. His head circumference is 29cm. His arms are actually measuring at 34w 2d (think he may be taking after Uncle Cam on that one :) ). The ultrasound tech said it is normal for babies to hit a growth spurt and if I come back in a few weeks his weight MAY even out. Let's hope because with 8 weeks left...I'm a little nervous! Also, we got to see his face pretty good...he has the biggest cheeks, I think he will have Serg's lips and maybe my nose. She also said that he has hair, so we know that he doesn't take after me in that department. I didn't have any hair until I was 2 years old and Serg was born with hair. The picture that she gave us looks like a skeleton and you can't see the features like we saw them. The second picture she gave us was just for verification that he is in fact a boy...not like there was any question before though. Serg is pretty proud about the size....men....haha!

Ancestry

2010-07-07T15:49:00.003-04:00

My Grandma Joann (maternal) with her brother John

My Grandma again with her brother John. She is on the right.

My Grandma's mother on her wedding day

My Grandma's mother and father on their wedding day. (both on the left)

My grandmother's mother is the girl in the photo (middle), pictured with her mother and 4 brothers.

I've been researching on ancestry for both mine and Serg's family and have found some pretty great things. I recently received these pictures of my Grandmother and her mother and grandmother from my Mom's cousin who lives in TX. My Mom and Aunt had never seen these photos before so we were really excited to get them! Just wanted to share! :)

Independence Day!

2010-07-05T17:13:00.009-04:00

Dad and Meg

Ava and Jasmine

Jasmine

Nice face :)

Quadruple decker?

Pile up!

Jake

Ava

And that's your favorite child Mom? I would never make that face at you!

Rich and Mom

Edwina

Dad face...

yummmmm Bwittenkneezzz :)

Dan and Cam

Team Ninja = Jake and Serg

Colt

Serg and Colt

Gillie

Jake and Colt

Jake, Rich and Brit

Gil and Rich

Edwina and Mom

Lesson: Don't mess with your Dad no matter how old you are!

Waiting for the fireworks to start

Me and Gillie

For July 4th we had my family over for a cook out, slip and slide and some soccer. After dinner we headed out to watch some fireworks. We all had a great time, although entertaining does become a little harder when your 8 months pregnant! I don't know who enjoyed it more...Serg or the kids...???

Baby Shower!

2010-07-05T15:55:00.008-04:00

In thanks for hosting the shower, Serg and I got our moms Grandma bracelets. My mom's said Grandma and Serg's mom said Abuela. They really, really liked them!

Serg came in from the pool to help me open gifts and he had a little

too much fun with the baby clothes pins! Big surprise! :)

My most unexpected gift came from my sister and totally made me cry! My mom and aunt made a lamp for my room when I was very little using the wallpaper from my room. Well each of the Carpenter kids used it, and my sister still had it hanging in her room. We had been going back and forth because I wanted it for the baby room and she wanted to keep it. Well for my gift she gave me the lamp (with a few other gifts).

It was the most thoughtful thing, and I was in total shock!

Serg's sister Sole and my sister Megann

On Saturday, my mom and Serg's mom (who is visiting from TX) hosted my baby shower. The decorations were beautiful and I had such a great time! We got a lot of great stuff and am so thankful for our family and friends!

31 Weeks - 63 Days Left

2010-07-02T12:09:00.003-04:00

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Baby Rangel - 29w 1d

2010-06-19T22:11:00.006-04:00

Hand and foot

Hand

Foot

Well we went for our final 4D ultrasound today. It was really cool to see the progression of when we first saw his face 13 weeks ago to now. The technician said he looked pretty chubby and the way he was chewing on his hand the entire time, I'm not surprised. I'm sure I'll have my hands full when he's born! We have only 11 weeks until we can actually see and hold him and it seems like no time at all! Guess we're getting our first taste of how fast kids really grow up and he's not even born yet!

29 Weeks!

2010-06-18T13:08:00.003-04:00

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain.

Only 77 days left.....although I think he'll be here early! Serg and I are very excited because we have our 4D ultrasound tomorrow! We're hoping that he will cooperate so we can see what he looks like!

Lazy Day Around the House

2010-06-15T11:48:00.003-04:00

Nice hair Serg! :)

Thanks to Family and Friends!

2010-06-15T11:20:00.004-04:00

This weekend we went to visit my Dad's side of the family in Syracuse, NY and my cousin Tara and her family gave us these great gifts! They are soo adorable!

MacKenzie especially liked the light up sea horse :)!

Also, my cousin Liz and her friend Peggy have 2 boys each and we have gotten a ton from them! We have not had to buy a single thing yet! I spent a few days last week sorting clothes from newborn all the way up to 5T. We have a ton of boxes in the attic, I don't think we're ever going to have to buy clothes for him! We are soo thankful for all of this love and support! It has been such a blessing!

Around the House

2010-06-03T15:25:00.005-04:00

Baby birds - There were 5 in the nest. They are Eastern Bluebirds.

Little green snake that was on the front rail.

Living here has offered a little taste of country living. We've seen baby birds born and leave the nest, snakes, deer and a family of bunnies in the backyard. It sure will be neat to share with our children. It just makes us feel like we definitely made the right decision about not moving into a neighborhood. There is sooo much to do and see here!

Hanging Out by the Pool

2010-06-01T12:29:00.003-04:00

Cannon Ball!

Mom's dog Odie

Serg was trying to put Odie in the water and everytime he got his feet close he would raise his front paws above his head. It was hilarious!

Serg and I at Mom's

On the last day the boys were here we went to Mom's and just relaxed by the pool

Washington DC

2010-06-01T12:16:00.004-04:00

Simon

Simon and Derrick

Serg, Derrick and Simon

Vietnam War Memorial

Derrick

Simon and Derrick

The Three Amigos

Sunday in Washington DC for Memorial Day

Memorial Day Weekend - Slip and Slide

2010-06-01T11:26:00.006-04:00

Serg

Cam and Britt

Megann

Derrick and Simon

Simon

Josh, Serg and SimonPile Up!

Serg, Derrick and Simon

Serg with "his" ladies!

Out of respect for my mother this is the only photo I will post of her and Aunt Cap going down on the slip and slide....only because I think it's cute!

Josh rolling down the hill in a tractor tire....

Serg rolling down the hill in a tractor tire.....

Cam attempting to hit in the cage

Ladder Golf

Sergio's brother Simon and his cousin Derrick came up from Texas for Memorial Day weekend. We ended up having a mini slip and slide party on Saturday. I think everyone had a really great time although EVERYONE was sore the next day!

The Family Car

2010-06-01T11:18:00.003-04:00

Well a few weeks ago, we went and got the family car. This one has windows, unlike the Wrangler that only get windows when it snows and it also has airbags unlike the other Jeep we have. We decided to get a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee and I absolutely love it. It has all the bells and whistles you could ever think of, while still being a Jeep.

26 Weeks

2010-06-01T11:14:00.003-04:00

Our baby is as tall as an English hothouse cucumber and weighs
about 1 2/3 pounds. (Length: 14 inches, head to heel.)

Well I'm currently 26 weeks, only 14 more to go! Serg felt him for the 1st time on Mother's Day and I've been feeling him a ton since! I'm sure it will only get better...haha :). At this point I go from really excited to still not believing in 3 months Serg and I will have a child to terrified about labor. I know that everything will be just fine and God will make everything perfect, I just can't help but worry :).

20 Week Ultrasound

2010-06-01T11:05:00.003-04:00

In the middle of April we went for our 20 week ultrasound. They confirmed that he was in fact a boy and that he is completely healthy! It was awesome to see him again. Our next ultrasound will be another 4d, Father's Day weekend. We can't wait!!

If that doesn't look like his Daddy, I don't know what does!

Again....just like his Dad.... :)

Stretching all the way out!

Check out our new site!

2010-04-20T14:09:00.002-04:00

As an attachment of this blog we created a photo sharing site where you can order or save prints that I post. If you'd like me to add you as a member just shoot me an email! Enjoy!

Click Here - The Rangel's Photo Website

Serg's New Riding Lawn Mower!

2010-04-10T14:44:00.005-04:00

Adding the gas...

Checking the oil....

Ready to go!

Serg was so excited to finally get his own riding lawn mower. He just looks at the freshly cut grass and smiles! The yard looks absolutely beautiful!

Serg's Batting Cage

2010-04-08T23:25:00.004-04:00

It's always been Serg's dream to have his own batting cage in his yard. Before we even signed a contract on the house, the plan was to put a batting cage up. So for his birthday I got him the netting and a few weeks ago with the help of my Dad, he put it up. We ordered an L screen and well...he's in love! I'm so glad that we were able to do this especially now that we have more than enough space! His BA better go up this season! :)

19 Weeks!

2010-04-08T22:14:00.002-04:00

This week our baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato.

My new gun!

2010-04-08T22:09:00.003-04:00

My new gun: a Springfield Armory XD 9mm Subcompact.

I love it! Can't wait to go to the range and shoot!

Spring photos I took around the house...

2010-04-08T21:59:00.003-04:00

First Game of the Season

2010-04-03T21:44:00.004-04:00

We were up early at 6:00 this morning to leave for the first day of the Heritage Tournament. The first game Serg's new team actually played his old one. They won 10-0. The second game they played a tough game and lost 2-0. Serg did really well and really likes his new team. They play next weekend in the semi-finals and unfortunately Serg won't be able to play because he has drill.

This week the baby weighs as much as a....

2010-03-26T11:27:00.004-04:00

17 Weeks

He weighs 5 ounces this week -- about as much as a turnip.

He is 5 inches tall, from head to bottom!

Best Husband in the World!!

2010-03-26T11:14:00.002-04:00

I came home the other day and Serg surprised me with these beautiful flowers!

It was so nice and thoughtful! I love him soo much!

My Garden

2010-03-26T11:07:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I started a bunch of vegetable and flower seeds in starter pots. I planted sweet corn, peppers, cucumbers, squash, lupine, blue bonnets, sweet peas and wildflowers. I can't wait to plant them outside and start getting fresh vegetables! YUM!

First Purchases for Our Boy

2010-03-22T13:28:00.003-04:00

Cutest shoes ever!

Proud Daddy!

His Room (my cousin gave us the rug, which looks great!)

As if its any surprise, the "theme" of the baby room will be baseball. I'll let you decide who picked that :). We went out this weekend and made our first purchases for him. I really hope this kid likes baseball or Daddy might have a heart attack! :) This weekend we also cleaned out our spare room that will be the baby room. It's just starting to hit me that we're having a baby. It seems like it's happening to someone else, but I'm sure once he's here we won't be able to imagine a time without him. Seeing a room in our home, starting to look like a kid room both terrifies me and excites me! It's such a blessing from God and we're both so excited that it's our turn :)!

It's a....

2010-03-20T21:35:00.003-04:00

BOY!!

We were joking at what a fatty he was because he was sucking his fist almost the entire ultrasound!

Although I was hoping for a girl I am just as happy that he's a boy. Serg is through the roof and already planning all the "guy stuff" they'll do together! Now the hard part of coming up with a name. Figures he would be a boy since we had a girl name all picked out! :)

This week the baby is the size of an...

2010-03-19T11:15:00.003-04:00

Right now, it's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. It's legs are much more developed, it's head is more erect than it has been, and it's eyes have moved closer to the front of it's head. It's ears are close to their final position, too.

This week, the baby is the size of an...

2010-03-14T18:47:00.002-04:00

The baby now measures 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces. This is a very exciting week for us! Saturday is our appointment find out the sex...hopefully the baby cooperates! :)

This week, the baby is the size of a.....

2010-02-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

Potomac Hawks

2010-02-26T10:50:00.002-05:00

Well baseball season is right around the corner. Serg decided to switch teams this season after 4 years with the Northern Virginia Knights. He will now be playing with the Potomac Hawks. He is excited about the change and will have his first practice this Sunday!

Boy or Girl??

2010-02-26T09:54:00.003-05:00

I just scheduled our appointment to find out the sex of the baby for March 20. We are soo excited! We can't wait for the doctors appointment at 20 weeks, so we scheduled through a third party at 16 weeks. At the appointment we will get a photo CD of all the photos and a video DVD of the whole ultrasound. We will also get a sneak peak in 4D. We will go back Father's Day weekend at 29 weeks, for a whole 4D session. We will definitely post pictures after both appointments!

13 Weeks

2010-02-26T09:36:00.001-05:00

9 Weeks 2 Days

2010-01-31T21:29:00.002-05:00

Online update of the baby this week:

Your baby is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. It's starting to look more and more human. It's essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do it's tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. It's eyes are fully formed, but the eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. It has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones.

The Little Bean "er"

2010-01-24T18:18:00.003-05:00

Due Date: September 3, 2010

Well currently I'm at 8 weeks, 2 days. This ultrasound photo was taken at 7 weeks, 4 days. We won't know whether its a boy or girl until end of March to the middle of April. I am hoping for a girl and Serg is hoping for a boy and although we've started talking about names, we can't decide on anything! Good thing we have 8 more months! :) Everything has been going great for me. No morning sickness, I've just been extremely tired. In typical fashion, Serg can't wait and I'm worrying. I'm excited, just nervous about what a big change it will bring to our lives. My next appointment is in the middle of February and we're hoping to hear the heartbeat for the first time :)

Something Fun

2010-01-24T18:17:00.002-05:00

Trip to Texas

2010-01-24T17:41:00.003-05:00

I love this one!

Serg and I with our nephews; Elijah, Coven and Ayden

Uncle Serg with the boys

All the boys in the Rangel family; Sergio, Ayden, Serg's brother Simon, Coven, Elijah, Grandpa Rangel and Serg's Dad Simon

The "older" boys

We made then trip to Texas over MLK weekend to see Serg's family. It was the first chance Serg has had to see his Dad since all the medical problems in November. We had a fantastic time seeing his aunt's, uncle's, Grandpa and immediate family. We had a chance to spend a lot of time with our nephews, which we haven't had on our past trips. They are such great boys and it was awesome to see them! I wish we lived closer!

Update!

2010-01-24T17:24:00.002-05:00

Wow, I've gotten pretty bad at this! To say that I'm too busy would be a lie, although the last month and a half has been pretty busy including Christmas and a trip to Texas. I guess the most notable happening in our lives is that I found out I was pregnant on Dec. 23. I wrapped up the positive test for Serg and had him open it when he got home from work. When he saw it, he teared up and all he could say was "I'm holding you're pee stick..." haha...men :) We were able to surprise our parents and family for Christmas. What a Christmas blessing! Other than that, Christmas went well. I really enjoyed spending time with the family. I promise to try to update this more often....even though my life is about to get even busier :)

Love you all,
Kate

Our First REAL Christmas Tree

2009-12-01T23:06:00.006-05:00

On the tractor ride...

Found a good one....

Mom, Rich and Me

Hot Apple Cider

My Family! :) Brit, Rich, Mom, Dad, Meg, Me and Serg

Trimming the tree

This is the first year Serg and I have gotten a real tree. We carried on the tradition of when I was younger by going out and cutting down our own. Serg thought it was awesome and was so excited to bring it home! This is tradition that we'll keep going!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-01T22:59:00.003-05:00

Well this was our first time hosting Thanksgiving and I think it was a success! We had a ton of food, family and fun! I'm definitely looking forward to next year!

Playing football before dinner...

Gillie watching....

Yum!

Rich and Meg

Thanks to Simon for this idea! Everyone had a great time riding down the hill in our backyard in our garden cart!

Kids Driving the Jeep

2009-12-01T22:51:00.003-05:00

Serg took the kids driving in our backyard. They had a blast. When they were done driving, he had them buckle in and drove really fast around the yard. We could hear them laughing all the way from the house!

Our New Home

2009-12-01T22:11:00.006-05:00

Well its only taken me a month to post these....but for good reason. My mom has the "before" pictures on her camera, and I keep forgetting to get them from her. I was hoping to post them together so you could see the difference, but I guess I will just have to post them separately. We've done a little painting and decorating since we've moved in, but these are from the day we settled....

Our Home.

Living Room View from Living Room to Kitchen

Bathroom

Master Bedroom

Kitchen

Backyard

Grandpa Carpenter

2009-12-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

As some of you have heard, on November 13, my Grandfather, Adam Benjamin Carpenter passed away at the age of 87. We traveled up to New York for the viewing and the funeral. They had a beautiful service and a military funeral for him. I was really proud of my Dad for getting up and talking during the service before the funeral, he did really good. Please continue prayers for comfort for my family and especially my Grandma.

RIP Grandpa

Obituary