ULV Graduation

I can't believe my graduation has already passed! I received my B.A. in Communications/Journalism in August 2008, but had to wait for the Winter Commencement to actually walk. It took place last week at the University of La Verne.

It was definitely a bittersweet experience. I was so excited to close a chapter in my life, yet kind-of sad at the same time. Even though I plan on going back to visit, it was weird saying "goodbye" to my old work study boss, Shane Rodrigues and adviser, Eric Bishop. I was also disappointed that I didn't get to talk with any of my professors, since it was impossible to find them afterward.

Even though Ethan is only 25-months-old, I could tell how happy he was for me by the way he was glowing and how he squeezed me tightly, grinning from ear to ear. Then there was my proud husband who kept taking pictures of me. All of my family members who came to cheer me on seemed very proud. I am so blessed to have family and friends that have supported me all throughout my college years. Thank you so much! I love you all!

Motherhood Survey - First Born

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? No, but not unwanted!

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes, a newlywed.

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? I was overwhelmed with joy!

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? Absolutely not!!!

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 24-25

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? I had pre-menstrual symptoms all week long and didn't start my period, so I took a pregnancy test in the morning and another one in the evening (just to make sure...LOL).

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? My husband, who was in shock!

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Yes...I don't like secrets.

9. DUE DATE? It got changed several times...but my last due date was December 25, 2006.

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Off & on...I had more nausea and dry heaving than vomiting.

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Carls Jr. Santa Fe Chicken Sandwiches, regular coffee (that I had to give up), frozen yogurt, and fruit.

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? I wanted to get the nursery ready right away, but since my husband changed jobs and we had to move I had to patiently wait.

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? *Boy*

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No way...I wanted a boy to be the first born!

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 40 lbs.

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes, a couple's shower.

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I knew about it. Again, I don't like surprises.

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? No, praise the Lord!

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Wildomar, CA

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? I was admitted at 6:00 a.m. I was scheduled for an induction, which took place at 8:10 a.m. and went well, since I was contracting on my own. When the doctor went to break my bag of waters at 10:15 a.m. it already had a slow leak. I was 10 cm at 3:00 p.m. and Ethan was born at 4:05 p.m.

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? My husband drove me, my mom, and mother-in-law.

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? My husband, mom, and mother-in-law were all my labor & delivery coaches. :)

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Natural

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? I had a low dose of Pitocin to help induce labor and a low dose of Nubain (which I was told is similar to Tylonel). By the time I had to push the medication had completely worn off, but once I saw my precious baby the pain went away. <3

27. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILD'S WEIGHT/HEIGHT? 8 lbs. 3 oz. 19 in.

28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ? December 29, 2006

30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Ethan Thomas

31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? He is 25-months-old. Where did the past two years go?!