The Lamonica Family

First Airplane Trip.... FLORIDA!!!

2011-04-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

First Class on United.... of course!

First time swimming in a pool!

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

Hi Goat!

Storks are nasty animals!

Grandma loved the giraffes!

Wet piggies!

Christopher St.

At the beach!!!

Sandy beach baby!

With Daddy!

Wet piggies!

With Mommy!

With Grandma!

The family!

A family photo!

The Florida Aquarium!

Big fishies!

Nemo!

Ahhh the fishie got me!

Yummmy!

March Madness...... 6 Month Pics...

2011-04-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Target....

2011-01-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

So Christopher took Grandma and Mama to Target this afternoon. I made sure I had the coupons all sorted out 1st... Can't ever spend full price at Target....don't ya know! Here is what we came home with!

6 big boxes of diapers - 544 in all...

a dozen 2 packs of Gerber baby food...
2 canisters of Enfagrow *exchanging later for Similac
6 pack of Hanes socks for Christopher
1 canister of Similac powder
8 quarts of Similac ready to feed
3 dollar spot treasures - a book (for Christopher), a domino game (for Mama's class) and a notepad

2 shampoo and conditioner sets
2 bath soaps for daddy
1 d.o. for mama
1 vitamins for mama
2 toothbrushes
1 toothpaste
1 of those 4packs of Colgate Wisps

==========================================================
What would you pay for all this loot?

Well Target had it all priced at about $360 bucks...
After sales saved us $20ish
And Rebate Checks saved us $70
And Coupons saved us $120
And using our RED card saved us $8
And getting $25 dollars back in giftcards

We saved about 67% and spent $120 out of pocket!

Looking at diapers alone... If we paid $120 just for the diapers it would have been less than a quarter a piece for each diaper.... and normally they run about 25 cents each!

I am pretty proud....
Daddy just rolled his eyes....

SOOOO BIG!!!

2011-01-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

Our little boy is growing up...

1 month:

2 month:

3 month:
4 month:

he will be 5 months in 5 days.... wow how time zooooms by! :)

He's finally here!!!

2010-09-05T14:21:00.001-07:00

Please welcome our son:

Christopher Joseph Lamonica

Born 8/30/10 at 10:17pm

8lbs 5 oz - 20 3/4 in

Little Lamonica's Nursery is READY TO GO!!!!

2010-08-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

We picked out this bedding... and grandma bought it for us... we decided to use the quilt as wall decor! We color matched the blue and green to paint the top and bottom of the walls!

Here is the crib, complete with mobile to match the bedding. Mommy had to be a little creative with the bumper ties because the rails were so thick that it was impossible to tie them normally. So she stitched cute little animal buttons to match!

Here is the dresser with changing station on top! :)

Here is a view from the hallway. We splurged on a comfy glider/recliner to save floor space. (no foot stool needed) We also went for room darkening shades which work VERY WELL!!

We hope you like it... cause we sure do! Now all we need is our baby boy!!!

Happy 4th of July - 2 months to go!!!

2010-07-04T18:38:00.001-07:00

Today is the 4th of July.... we are due the 4th of September. Now granted it's still 9 weeks away but isn't it exciting?!?! It's getting soooo close!!

Little Lamonica's daddy surprised Little Lamonica's mommy the other day by borrowing neighbor friend Eric to muscle the nursery furniture up the stairs and then he put it together and positioned it where it is to go!!!!

Now I can start laundry and sorting clothes into drawers. Which is a good thing cause the closet is full!! The child will be very well dressed and he does have a good variety but the closet is full of clothes from newborn to 2T... so its not like he has THAT much stuff... right?!?!?! Little Lamonica's mommy does have a bit of a love for shopping! :) *sigh*

We have another OB appt on Tuesday and then the following Monday we go for another ultrasound. They call is a follow-up growth ultrasound which is normally ordered after a level 2 is done! I kinda like being "high risk" without the risk... cause I get to see my baby boy again!!!

Things have been good... feeling good... moving around good...
Had a little adjusting to do with the sleeping arrangments... Mike went out of town for a few nights and one of those nights was rough. My hips had started migrating and it didnt feel so wonderful. But nothing that a few extra pillows can't fix!!! No pain since!!!

oh and on an unrelated sidenote... our camera lens busted today... but I guess if you look on the bright side... it happened NOW and not in 2 months when we will want to be taking pictures all the time to post on this wonderful blog!!!!

Belly Pics???

2010-06-19T14:39:00.001-07:00

Totally torn on this topic!!!
I have a friend who is willing to take some professional ones...
I have a nice camera and could just take a few myself to put away for later...
I just don't know.
I have googled around for cute poses but they are either "SO NOT ME" or kinda corny!!
Mike and I ran across a few with so much skin that we nearly lost our lunch.
Then I found a few where the mom looks so uncomfy that I EVEN FELT uncomfy for her!
Also... I think I want to wait til I am BIG AND THE HUGEST!!!
I still have 11 weeks!!!
What do YOU all think?!?!!?!?

My 1st Baby Shower

2010-06-19T14:28:00.001-07:00

Below are just a few pictures from my very 1st baby shower. My co-workers put together a fun breakfast shower on the last day for us teachers, June 1st.

Here is my cake...

Here is the center table... notice the huge cart of gifts on the right side. SPOILED I AM!

Here is an ADORABLE diaper cake from the Barb and Lily. It was a blast to take apart. (a bazillion diapers and all sorts of other fun surprises)

Me and Mom!

Mike even got me a present... Baby Lamonica's first lawn mower!!!

I LOVE MY WORK FAMILY!!!

THE NURSERY!

2010-06-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend: My ol' college roomie came to town and decided that she wanted to help us paint the nursery!! So we color matched the bedding we wanted... picked out blue and green... bought the paint and in less than 3 hours the room was taped, painted, and ready to go! Thanks Auntie Erin... love you mucho!!! Notice the cute little swing? Another one of the gifts from Auntie Erin!!!

Latest Ultrasound Pics (April 26th) - 22 Weeks

2010-06-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

These pics were taken during our level 2 ultrasound on April 26th - 22 Weeks!

And here... is our favorite... Mike did NOT want to find out... I DID... I WON!!

Notice the arrow? It's pointing at HIS LITTLE MAN PARTS!! Yep... IT'S A BOY!!

STILL HERE...

2010-05-31T19:21:00.001-07:00

Sorry everyone..... *if there is anyone out there that actually reads this!!* LOL
The end of the school year occupied all my time... but school is out now!! HOORAY...
So I am planning on scanning my latest ultrasound pics and updating about that...
Tomorrow is my 1st baby shower... at work... CANT WAIT!
I will also post pics from that and then I promise to post more frequently... so check back often!

P.I.C. Ultrasound 17 weeks 5 days

2010-04-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

So today I was able to "model" for a company called, "P.I.C. Pregnancy Information Center" in Aurora. Our church sponsors them... it's right down the street. http://www.rupregnant.com They recently got an ultrasound machine and the volunteer nurses must log so many hours to stay certified, so they are always looking for "models" to practice with. I was able to bring my mother and mother in law in. It took a little less than an hour and was so much fun for everyone! The ladies were soooo nice and the nurse who did the ultrasound might be my delivery nurse at Central Dupage. (Her "day job")

THE BEST PART... I WAS ABLE TO SEE MY LITTLE ONE!!!

They printed TONS of pics... including one for each grandma/mimi.... of the little one waving!!

Below are a few of the pictures that they printed for me.

Picture below: you can see the spine and head and most likely a hand. Maybe a thumb sucker?!?!

Picture Below: kinda the top of the head but tilted to the side. kinda a profile and most likely a fist pump to cheer on Duke!
Picture below: a side view from the back. you see the spine, head and most likely a hand. next to the picture is the heartrate monitor... last time the heart rate was 136 and this time it was 150

Picture Below: a great profile

Picture below: the HUGE feet... Bear Claws... takes after his/her daddy!!

SUPER SUPER AWESOME HUH???

We will be going on the 26th of this month for the level two. It will be more intense... measuring EVERYTHING... and also getting a peek at the "gender determinining region"

STAY TUNED!!!

the waiting game :)

2010-03-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

We called and scheduled our level 2 ultrasound...

And doncha know... "they are the experts" and even though OUR doc told US that I need to be at WEEK 20... around day 135... they need to see us April 26 which is my 22nd week... day 149...

SO WE WAIT... LONGER...

But good news is... I heard from P.I.C. and we are trying to work something out for spring break week... and since its in Aurora... maybe my Mom (grandma) and MIL (mimi) can come?!?!? We will see! :)

Today is day 102.... 14 weeks 4 days....

www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-15-weeks

BOY OR GIRL???

2010-03-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

We had an appt. this last Wednesday. We were able to hear the heartbeat for the 1st time. It was so wonderful to finally hear it. It is my new favorite sound!!
I will be going for basic blood work in 2 weeks.
I will be going in 4 weeks (2 weeks after blood work) for the next monthly check up.
They will probably just listen to the heartbeat again.
Then 2 weeks after that (6 weeks from now... week 20)........... we get to go in for a level 2 ultrasound!!
They are going to measure everything... examine the organs....and MAYBE... JUST MAYBE... get to find out if Baby Lamonica is a boy or girl!!!!!!!!!!

Now...

I have had many people PREDICT....

The blog itself has a poll ticker.... currently GIRL is winning!

My neighbor Char did the "wedding ring on a string over the wrist" test (and she claims that it has never been wrong... and her hubby claims that she is a witch!!! LOL).... and it swung like a pendulum... which means.... BOY!!

My coworkers (Heidi and Kate) heard that the heart rate was 135 and instantly said "BOY!"

Everyone says that since I didn't have morning sickness ... it has to be BOY!

HOPEFULLY we can all find out in about 6 weeks.

ALSO..... I may be getting an extra special ultrasound from the staff at P.I.C. (Pregnancy Information Center, in Aurora). They are in need of "models" to practice with. They recently got an ultrasound machine and their goal is to have the option to show the babies to mothers who might be considering terminating their pregnancy. (and hopefully change their minds)
**No date set yet... I will keep you posted!

BBQ BABY!!!!

2010-02-23T15:19:00.001-08:00

So tonight Mike is making us BBQ grilled chicken for dinner.
And there is only ONE kind of sauce that the Lamonica family uses for BBQ Chicken....
You guessed it.... MMMMmmmm..... Sweet Baby Rays!

Mike just happened to look at the expiration date before he drizzled it onto our dinner...

And..... here is what he saw....

Now.. I know its blurry....

But if you focus in... you will see that our sauce expires on 4 Sep 10

MY DUE DATE!!!

So now... you know what we have to do.....

Baby Lamonica will be need to be named Ray.... and if he is a she... Rae (maybe short for Rachel)

BOY THAT WAS EASY!!!! LET'S EAT!!!

Face Morphing Fun

2010-02-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.makemebabies.com/viewbaby.php?server_id=1&folder_id=1002224&image_name=wb20100221084130ijuamjisqrmjsrufo6155kmgu7.jpg&baby_name=&o=s

To answer a few questions.....

2010-02-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

#1 - Have you had any morning sickness?

----NOPE!
**and yes I know... I know... I should either, "thank my lucky stars" or "just wait".
***many people have told me that it just HAS to be a boy since I am not puking... I am happy with a BABY!!.... which leads to the next question..

#2 - What are you hoping for?

---- A BABY!!!
**I don't want to wake up tomorrow and find that it was all a dream because honestly, this has just been a DREAM COME TRUE! If you had read my past posts you can tell that its been a long drawn out process.... and I did not even mention the year of "natural trying" or the cycles of Clomid (a pill... before the shots).... and then after the shots... the IUI cycles that did not work.
***I do not care about gender as long as it is healthy!!! :)

#3 - What happened to the remaining embryos that were created? As you might recall, we planted 2 and there are still 4.
----They are on ice!!
**They are currently in a little tube... on ice... in Chicago... waiting.
***Our plan is to use what we got and hope and pray that we do not have to go through another retrieval. We did not want them destroyed so we payed for their extended stay at the Test Tube Marriot-Chicago.
****If we do not "need" to use all the embryos that we created.... we will.... sell them.... THE BIDDING STARTS AT .... no no no.... there ARE options... donating them to couples who need them is only one option... but this option is very intense and required much thought and we are not anywhere close to that point yet!!

#4
#5
#100

Keep em coming... if you wanna know... ASK.... I am sure that it will not bother/embarrass either one of us. We are so past that point.... HA HA HA

Thanks for reading.... feel free to "comment"

but... but... the baby wants _____ .....

2010-02-09T15:19:00.001-08:00

So I have been getting a lot of use out of my latest excuse: "But, the baby wants _____". It works for everything....
The baby wants pizza.
The baby wants green olives.
The baby wants salsa.
The baby wants new carpet.
The baby wants new flooring.
The baby wants a new/bigger car.

:)

THAT'S A BIG HEAD!!!

2010-02-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

February 3rd - Our 1st OB appt.
The wait was long... but a picture is worth 1,000 words.
Dr. Lori Hardy (my OBGYN) quickly pointed out that the head/body proportion is a little skewed at this point (nearly 10 weeks) - Mike had a quick answer for that - "Big head, Big brain, Just like his/her daddy!"

"What Am I Looking At Here?" - look for the little + signs with #1's - They are showing you the measurement from the top of the head and the cute little tush. (27.2mm) - take note: the baby is upside down!!! (NOW, note the head/body proportion) - and in the 2nd pic, you are able to see the umbilical cord connected to the placenta. We were able to see the heartbeat as well as blood traveling through the cord!!

SO... after this appt. We decided that we were ready to tell the world....

World: Meet Little Lamonica!!!

What? That's It? No Party?

2010-02-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

ONE WEEK LATER....Jan. 19..... We returned to Dr. Morris' office for our next and (unbeknownst to us) final ultrasound. Once again... we were able to see a healthy heartbeat... they were able to take some measurements.... and our due date remained the same - Saturday September 4th. After it was all said and done, they told us that we could make an appointment with my OB and that was that. Mike and I talked in the car on the way home and he said, "Did that just seem anticlimatic to you too?" - I mean, Dr. Morris had seen us through 3 unsuccessful cycles of IUI (Artificial Insemination), 1 successful IVF cycle, a few weeks of ultrasounds which were so awesome, and now I would have to wait til Feb. 3rd before we could see our little one again??? Hmmmm.... A VERY LONG WAIT... when you are used to once every week... ya know?!?!?1

Is there a pixel going out??

2010-02-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

So a week later - January 11th - We went back in for our 2nd ultrasound appt. This time we were able to see "something real" on the screen. In fact we were able to see MOVEMENT on the screen!! No.. our kiddo wasn't dancing for us... but it looked like the monitor had a pixel going bad. The nurse said, "Oh... there it is... and its great to see a healthy heartbeat!" Mike quickly responded, "What? I don't see anything... no way... where?..." He had to go around to the big screen (surprised? didnt think so)... and I just stared and grinned ear to ear at my little person handheld monitor!! The pixel was the heartbeat - going about as fast as it's mama's heart!! After an updated measurement - our due date was updated to the 4th of September. I was not considered to be 6 weeks 2 days preggo.

The wait is over... yet it's only just begun.....

2010-02-05T20:02:00.001-08:00

So.... after the ET (Embryo Transfer).... you just wait... a week....
Then you go in and they test your HCG levels in your blood.
On the 22nd of December mine was 49.5.
Then they tell you, "Your levels look good, see you in 2 days"
On the 24th of December mine was 144.
Then they tell you, "Your levels look good, see you 'soon' for an ultrasound"
Then that's when I say, "I am leaving to go to Vegas for the holidays."
Then they tell you, "Oh okay... then we will schedule you for January 4th at 7:00am" (the Monday I go back to school after a wonderful Christmas break.)
So on Monday January 4th at 7am, we drive to Dr. Morris' Plainfield office for our "confirmation ultrasound".
We went back and I got into position (gitty up). The nurse came in, popped it in, and said, "Oh there it is!!"
Mike quickly piped in with, "Where What Is?.... I Don't See It!!... What Are We Looking At??"
This is what we saw....

"What Are We Looking At Here?" - well... its the "Yolk Sac" - You see the dotted line? Well the nurse is showing you the measurement - 10.1mm. (You might see that, next to "D1 =" on the right side?!?!?!?) and well anywhoo... (under that... if you saw it... and if you didn't, do not worry... cause I am going to tell you now....) It means GA1 = 5W 4D - which means that according to the measurement of the yolk sac - my gestational age for child #1 is....5 weeks and 4 days pregnant and my EDD (estimated due date is the 2nd of September)

We made sure the ask if there was only one... and after she rooted around a bit... she said, "Yes, just one!" Then she continued to say, "Congrats - you 2 are going to be parents!!!"

We were so thrilled to finally hear those words!!!

And then... I had to go straight to school!!! Ahhhhhhhhh!!!

We obviously decided NOT to say anything. I tried to change the subject to my dear ol' dad... sorry dad.... played the cancer card... not a great liar.... I get that from you!!! (love you xoxo)

And when that did not work... I had to lie... and I really played up the "well we have a dr. appt in a few weeks so... we will see what he says.... ya da ya.... we might decide to wait a bit.... ya da ya...."

But honestly...... we were going to be able to see our little one every week for a while.....

It all started when.......

2010-02-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well.... skipping ahead a couple years to the good stuff.... IT ALL STARTED WHEN....
On December 10th we drove into the city to meet with our infertility doc... Dr. Randy Morris... it was this day that I (Kelly) was put under general anesthesia (and yes I had to look up how to spell it correctly) in order to have my eggs sucked out of my ovaries. They were mighty plump and bursting with eager eggs! The doc was able to retrieve 20 eggs total. 11 were mature enough to be fertilized. 7 fertilized correctly and 6 continued into the blastocyst stage. (This was a 5 day process.... this "egg sitting" process)

After 5 days... on December 15th... we drove back into city so that doc could plant 2 of those "little guys" in my uterus. I was wide awake this time. Mike sat next to me and our embryos were implanted to beautiful Christmas music!!!!! (Oh so romantic!!!)

After the procedure was complete, the proud doc took a picture of his handy work.

"What Am I Looking At?" - well.... thats what Mike said... and I am sure you all are thinking the same thing.... let me try to help ya out....
Notice the grey fuzzy trapezoid... thats the whole picture.
At the bottom left area, you see that the grey is a lighter shade.
Within this you see a oval shape... this is my uterus... and the little whiteish spot inside that, is the embryos and "media" (thats the technical term... its just protective juice/jelly stuff)
So.... then... the waiting.... began.....

Back in the swing of things....

2009-09-07T19:09:00.001-07:00

Kelly is back to school...
Mike is back to traveling for work...

Hopefully either of us can find a minute or two to post more frequently than once every 8 months!

Mary Elizabeth Nation (Lamonica)

2009-01-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=222650&fh_id=10061

If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane,

we'd walk right up to heaven and bring you back again!

Remembrance is a golden chain

Death tries to break,but all in vain.

To have, to love, and then to part

Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart.

The years may wipe out many things

But some they wipe out never.

Like memories of those happy times

When we were all together.

~ Author Unknown

ehow.com

2009-01-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

Ever been to ehow.com?

Sometimes when I Google a topic.... this website comes up as a possible option.

You can learn how to do ANYTHING... from how to change a dirty diaper to how to fold a paper airplane.

Sometimes it's good for a laugh... "DO PEOPLE REALLY NEED DIRECTIONS ON THIS TOPIC??? COME ON PEOPLE!!!"

Othertimes it's nice.... they dumb it down for you and walk you through it like you are a 2nd grader.

Well, the talk in our house this afternoon, is how thankful we are for the jobs that we have. Not just because we HAVE a job but also because our jobs are pretty safe in today's economy.

According to ehow.com...

How to tell if your job is safe during a recession....

1) determine if your job is based on a NEED or a WANT (I teach this in 2nd grade... THEY HATE THIS TOPIC! :) ) They talked about "food". We all need it... but don't need to go OUT to eat. And "clothes"... we all need those but we don't need $400 jeans...
---- If it is a need... then DUH... if it is a want... LOOK OUT!

2) Healthcare.... people are always going to get hurt and sick

3)Government... YEAH LAMONICA'S!!!

4)Law Enforcement... people are always going to act stupid a time or two or twenty

5) Fields of Energy.... its another need.

6) SOME financial jobs...planning and saving... people tend to do this and think more about the future during a recession.

7) Almost anything to do with computers.... as long as these people stay current.... and as long as people like me LIVE on the internet... and people LIVE on their cell phone like my hubby (he he he he).... etc.

SO.......

We are thankful........ VERY thankful!

Our hearts and prayers go out to our friends and families who have been, will be, or are nervously waiting to see.... about being laid off or let go.

I do.... Yo quiero Taco Bell!!!

2009-01-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

I enjoy tacos from Taco Bell... the nachos aren't bad either.
And the prices are affordable too!
---------------------------------------
I enjoyed my wedding. Mike and I celebrated 3 and a half years together on Christmas Day... which was very special.
Thanks to many family members and friends, our wedding was very affordable and just how we wanted it. My perfect fairytale ideas came true...
--------------------------------------
Now... you may be asking.... Why is Kelly blogging about two completely unrelating things...

OH NO... MY FRIENDS.. TACO BELL AND WEDDINGS... THEY ARE ONE IN THE SAME...

at least for a couple who just exchanged their wedding vows... in a Taco Bell in Normal, IL.

And no... Normal, IL is not intended to be a joke. I woke up and read the Tribune: Couple beats wedding stress by taking wedding vows at Taco Bell in Illinois

WOW........

The couple met on the internet. She moved to the states from Australia a few months later. He proposed on New Years Eve and they are already husband and wife thanks to a "minister" who was ordained on the internet!!

WOW.......

I just can't imagine. I loved every ounce of planning my wedding....

But I guess... to each their own.

HERE LEEEEZARD LEEEEZARD LEEEEZARD!!!!!!

In my humble opinion

2009-01-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

I love my laptop.
Rarely do I sit to just watch TV without having my laptop on my lap.
I have many sites that I visit daily. Many sites that I visit multiple times daily.
Often times I find something that sparks my interest... and sometimes I feel the need to let someone know my 2 cents worth on the topic. (Poor Mike!)
Well... the other day I saw something on TV... and then I saw something about it again today on our local newspaper's website.
There is a movie coming out this Friday. It is called The Unborn.
I saw a preview on TV... made my heart race.
And then on the newspaper website today I saw that one of the young actors (9yo) is from St. Charles, IL.
Ok...
I thought the preview on TV was bad... then when I saw this... I wanted to know MORE.
I wanted to know what role he played in this movie... so I clicked a link... and watched the movie trailer. OH MY OH MY....
Now WHY??? (simple question) would a mother... allow her 9 yo old son, Ethan Cutkosky... to play a major role in a HORROR film.
I do not understand this. Somebody help me out, please!!
I know that this is not the first mother out there to allow her young child to star in a role such as this... BUT COME ON!
Why would you want to expose your child to this.
You can't tell me that this child has not seen the final cut and that he doesn't understand the plot line. You can't tell me that he is mature enough to comprehend this. You can't tell me that he is better off, having been a participant in this movie, or having experienced viewing this film.
I am sorry but like I said, I sometimes feel the need to share my opinion on things I find. And when it comes to children... this teacher feels she needed to vent. Thanks for listening/reading and if you have any insight... do share! :)
Look for more IMHO posts in '09.

Two Thousand WHAT? WOW! NINE!!

2009-01-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hello… 2008… Where did you go??
We often hear people say, “The older that you get, the quicker time will fly by!” Lucky for us, “We are only as old as we feel!”
Our year was filled with many treasured memories. On Christmas day, we celebrated our 3 and a half year wedding anniversary. 2008 was our first full year in our new house. We have enjoyed making it our own.
In January '08 we hired a Bozo to finish our basement. After we got him out of the way, with the help of so many generous family members and friends, WE finished our basement together, creating 2 main living areas, a half bathroom, and a generous sized storage area. To celebrate this success, we joined our friends Pete and Stacy in Las Vegas for a weekend get-a-way.
This past summer we got to experience the joys of parenthood when we babysat our nephew Maddux over night! Also this past summer, after ending a stressful school year, Kelly got the opportunity to interview applicants for the new principal at her school. Additionally this past summer, Kelly got to join Mike in Florida on a business trip. Labor Day weekend was a very expensive time for us. Joining the Lamonica house was a king sized bed, new bedroom set, new washer and dryer, and a new snow blower.
Following that weekend of shopping bliss, came a day of sorrow. On September 9th, Howie, our 3 and a half year old English Bulldog was diagnosed with skin cancer. He is a fighter and with the help of chemotherapy, he is winning the fight against the awful disease.

Because we are season ticket holders to Broadway in Chicago, we were able to enjoy a few productions this year. Kelly was able to see one production twice when her former college roommate, Erin, and her mother joined Kelly and her mom this past Fall. We love the theater and so we renewed our season tickets for another season. In the months ending ’08, Mike and Kelly had the honor on being in their brothers’ weddings. Kelly’s little brother, Todd married Angie in September. Mike’s older brother, Brian married Ryan in November.
We wish them and all of you love and happiness in ’09.

With love Always… Mike, Kelly and Howie Lamonica

St. Augustine

2008-08-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Alligator Farm... very fun!

never knew storks were so ugly
Timmy the turtle.
Another lighthouse to add to our collection
Our pigs in the ocean
Outside the visitor center

The Fort

Another lighthouse!

The Old Jail
The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse!
Mike's childhood memory
Ripley's was fun!

believe it or not!

WE RECOMMEND ST. AUGUSTINE TO ANY TRAVELERS!

Miss Erin and Me in Chicago!!!

2008-05-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Miss Erin and myself at the beautiful Lurie Garden in Millenium Park

The Crown Fountain
THE BEAN!!!! (Cloud Gate)

Had a blast... wish we had more time...
MISS YOU ALREADY MISS ERIN!!

Mike Has Been Busy!!!

2008-05-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Beautiful River Rock.... about 150 bags worth! ;) Thanks Mike... looks great!!

Below... please see the wonderful hostas from my brother and sister (2b)
Just loved the tulips!

WONDERFUL!!!

Beautiful!!

Thanks Mike!!

DONE!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

Short of decor and furniture.... the basement.... is.... DONE!!!!!

Come with us... as we tour our NEWLY FINISHED BASEMENT!!!

WE LOVE THE CARPET!!!

This is the view from just outside our powder room...

looking towards the larger part of the future playroom.

This is our media room. Complete with fish tank.... which will soon be filled. We are planning to decorate it with our travel treasures and pictures!

Our potty room!

I am going to decorate it with our Bulldog decor! :-)

We would like to send out a special thank you to all our our friends and family who helped us along the way:

Garry, Warren, Pete & Stacy, Scott, Alan...

CARPET FOR OUR PRECIOUS TOOTSIES!!!

2008-03-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a PRE-Carpet picture of Grandma and Howie...

Howie is wrenching and grandma is picking up!

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!

COME ONE AND ALL... LET'S TAKE THE TOUR..

NEW CARPET!!!!!!!!!!

Also... notice the NEW light... thanks Dad!

Here is the view from the base of the stairs. Thanks Garry for hanging the closet doors and trimming them up so purdy!
Doors... waiting to be hung! A special thanks to Scott for pointing out a measuring error and helping us by correcting it!
This closer door was hung by the lovely lamonica couple. It only took us 4 hours... ha ha... wasn't that bad.. and now it's all trimmed up... Thanks again Garry!
Oh the wonderful bathroom... Another special thanks to Scott for helping us fix yet another error... It's still a working process... but we got our tile picked out! Cute huh?

Here is the view from the doorway going into the media room, looking back that the closet! Notice the baseboards?!?! THANKS AGAIN GARRY!!!

Here is a picture looking at the front of the media room.

Like the paint color? THANKS PETE AND STACY!!!

WE ARE GETTING BY WITH A LOT OF HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY... WE LOVE YOU ALL.. THANKS!!

ALL... BY.... OUR... SELVES........ sing with us people!!!

2008-03-03T15:01:00.001-08:00

So...... Paul is gone..... Here is all we have to say about that....

We straped on our toolbelts.... called Pete and my dad... and we started work on checking things off our to do list, one by one.
We know what we needed to complete prior to our ceiling inspection. We did it... we scheduled our inspection. We were inspected. We passed!

Here is Mike and Pete's prized first project...

LET THERE BE LIGHT!!

Then ... remember that HUGE HOLE that we had to cut in the walls and the floor of our landing to get the dry wall down? Well it needs to be fixed the right way.... Here is Mike and Pete fixing that up.

Who's that troll lerking under our stairs???
OH... its just Pete! :-)And here is our hired HVAC guy... THANKS DADDY! We instaled the heating vents and the cold air return. All is done... and passed... Nothing a little BLOOD, sweat and tears can't solve!!

MOVING RIGHT ALONG!!!!!!!!!!

Next... installing the ceiling tiles... which we are doing tonight.... and discussing with Scott how to install the toilet and doors. Yeah... Someone... Can't.... Measure....

BUT WE CAN FIX IT......

After all... what are friends for??

QUELF!!!!

2008-02-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this past year, our Aunt Wendy bought us a board game. She knows how much I just LOVE board games and get togethers... and this game was one I had never heard of or played. It is called QUELF. It won boardgame of the year in 2005 and it is super easy to set up. Tonight we stayed in (Paul was working in our basement!)... ordered pizza and played QUELF!!

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/19370

You roll the dice and procede around a game board landing on one of 5 colored spaces. You land on a color... you draw that color card and do what it says. Some are roolz... which could be just for you or for everyone to follow til another rule card is drawn.... Some are showbiz... where you act out something... some are quizzle... which is like trivia... some are scatterbrainz where everyone thinks of words that fit in a given topic... and some are STUNTZ. Below you will see my in laws LEAPFROGGIN' around the house.... and great photo opportunity! I am sure they will be thrilled to know their rear ends are posted on the WWW. LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!

THANKS AUNT WENDY.... OH... and Todd and Angie's game was Dicecapades... which is also fun... very similar but one of their stacks of cards requires you to use certain kinds of dice... and BOY OH BOY... there are SOOOO many kinds of dice... from teeny tiny to see thru... ITS AWESOME! Super fun!!!!!!! http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/29613

SNOW MUCH MUD!!!

2008-02-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

Today (February 1st) was a productive day all around.... Kelly had a snow day and Mike had the day off!! We got laundry done and a little cleaning/straightening up!!

Paul was working hard too!!! :-)

SO SO SNOW... MUCH... MUD!!!

THE VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS... LOOKIN AT THE PLAYROOM!!!
PLAYROOM BACK "HALLWAY" TO THE STORAGE AND BATHROOM....
MEDIA ROOM BACK WALL AND CLOSET....
MEDIA ROOM FRONT WALL...
THE BATHROOM....

DRY MUD DRY!!!!

CAN YOU PICTURE IT PEOPLE??????

This past week.....

2008-02-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Once we got the approval... Paul started the NEVERENDING job of dry wall and mudding!

A special Thanks to Garry... his curiousity and his muscle came in handy with assisting Paul and Mike on the dry wallin'!!!

January 25th

2008-02-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

One week ago today... (Yeah I know... sorry for the delay in posting).... we played the waiting game. We were suppose to have a morning inspection for the FIXES... and then an afternoon inspection for the insulation stuff. Well... we waited and waited and NOTHING. Finally Paul called and with a little clarification and questioning... we were able to get BOTH inspections at the same time...

Here are the fixes... to the pipes...

SO... since we played the waiting game for a while... and then discovered that we could do both at one time....we had to hurry.... they were going to be there in just a few hours.... So we insulated at the speed of lightening! Mike and I were pumped so we offered our expertise!!! HA!

WELL... it paid off.... BA DA BING... Both inspections.... APPROVED!!!

YEAH US!!!

Holey Cow? OH NO NO NO....

2008-01-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

Holey Cow? Oh no no no....

Holey Walls.....

Holey Floors....

HOLY MOLEY!!!!

SO the dry wall wasn't gonna fit!

NOW IT WILL!!!
It's like a drive up window at Mickey D's...... 40 something peices of drywall please!!!

COMING RIGHT UP... well...DOWN..... now that the WALLS and FLOOR came down!!

Kelly DID help cut these holes with the saws-all.... WOW THAT WAS FRIGHTENING!!!

Fixed pipes and stuff.... what the inspectors say... the inspectors get.

"IF THEY WANT US TO PAINT THE WALL STUDS BLUE.... WE WILL PAINT THE WALL STUDS BLUE!!" - Mike

Well... maybe not blue...but orange.... FIRE RETARDED FOAMY CRUD.... IN ALL THE CRACKS!!!!

Funny.... the foam is gonna save the basement from burning down.... hmmm... aren'tthe studs made of wood?.... HMMMM....

BUT....

WHAT THE INSPECTOR WANTS.... THE INSPECTOR GETS!!!

AND WHAT DO WE GET??

A HEADACHE.... and a DRY WALL PARTY TOMORROW!!!!

COME ONE ... COME ALL!!!!

a pre-thank you to mom and dad and the Stalcups! YOU GUYS ARE SO GREAT!!!

STAY TUNED....

Friday... 2 inspections.... working at the speed of light in between!!!!

CROSS YOUR FINGERS AND YOUR TOES TOO!!

2008-01-23T15:20:00.000-08:00

But...
HAKUNA MATATA
Paul is fixing it...
Nothing major...
Easy fixes!
Follow up inspection on Friday... which is a normal nonworking day... so we are not behind schedule really.
We already have everything purchased that we need for the next step... so that is good!!
Stay Tuned!!!

Day 8 - POOP PIPES

2008-01-20T14:32:00.001-08:00

Day 8 - The Poop Shute!!!

Well... we didn't reach China... but we found the pipes!!!

A few trips to Menards and a bunch of PVC.... and we are ready for inspection!!

INSPECTION TUESDAY..... CROSS YOUR FINGERS AND SEND UP YOUR PRAYERS!!!

We will keep you posted... no pun intended!

MIKE JOINS IN THE FUN!!!

2008-01-20T14:29:00.000-08:00

WOW MIKE... GREAT WORK!!!!
All the speakwire has been ran... Drilling... pulling... nailing...
He's quite the handyman!
AND I LOVE HIM!!!

Day 6 and 7 - Electricity!

2008-01-20T14:27:00.001-08:00

Day Six... Electricity! Finishing up the playroom power and then hooking it all up to the main box.

See Angie.. They ARE meant to be together!

2008-01-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Day 5 - WE HAVE POWER!!!!

2008-01-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Day 5 - LET THERE BE LIGHTS... well at least the power to make the lights work!!

This is the media room. With power ran to ALL our future outlets.

This is the main switch for the overhead lights as well as one outlet.
Also... the cable lines are run...
And last... here is the far wall! YEAH POWER!!!
Couldnt help it.... it was stuck in MY head all night!!!!

Click the link... or cut and paste it to your address bar on top...

and it can be in YOUR head all day too!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtoQbXzNqkg

Day 4- Change of Plans

2008-01-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

Day Four... A change in the plans!!

Paul is a handy man to have around.

Being new home owners and honestly not really knowing much about what to do and when... we forgot to unhook our garden hose from the hook up in the garage.

WELL...it froze and then thawed and leaked into our basement. It was dripping all night and when Mike went down this morning before Paul arrived... he saw puddles and paniced!

No worries... Paul to the rescue... but wait... Pauls truck broke down a bit... no worries... Mike to the rescues... Long story short... the truck and pipes are fixed.

Below... you can see where it is now DRYING... where it once was flowing! Also notice the new nifty green shut off valve to our hot water faucet outside in our garage!!!!

While he was working on water pipes... he decided to run the cold water to our new bathroom!!

This is the view from the bottom of the stairs... the only change is those little silver boxes strategically placed throughout the future playroom. Those are our electrical outsides and switches.

After the wall dried... The rest of the framing in the corner went up quickly.
Only change... electrical boxes were layed out...

Same as above... electrical boxes added....

And finally the bathroom... complete with water!

Tomorrow??? Either start up electrical... or cut into the floor for bathroom plumbing...

IT'S GOING TO BE A SURPRISE... TUNE IN TOMORROW!!!

PS.. leave a comment so we know you were here!!!

Thanks for visiting!!!

Day 3 - Framing Duct Work... Playroom Closet... Bathroom...

2008-01-07T19:57:00.001-08:00

Day Three...
Howie was itchin' to help out!

View from the bottom of the stairs... the wall is framed out on the right and along the back around the window.
This is also the playroom... the closet around the water pipes... will be great for storage!
View from the front of the media room... looking back... notice the framing around the duct work... ready for dry wall.

This is the media room from the back looking forward. Notice the duct work again... also through the doorway... on the right side ...you can kinda see that the closet under the stairs is not all framed out and ready for a door.
This is the side of the playroom looking back towards the storage area. At the end on the left behind the stairs... is our bathroom.

And the last one for the evening... the bathroom. The white bucket?? OUR FUTURE TOILET LOCATION! Might I add... its on a diagonal 45 degree wall.... Mike helped make that decision! It is a good one!!!

At the end of today... nearly 24 hours spent... just a little bit more to do with framing.

Tomorrow? Finish framing...start electrical?.... cut into the floor to make a pipe for our pooop!

Day 2 - Framing the Playroom.. Fun with the Nail Guns!!!

2008-01-06T16:24:00.001-08:00

Day Two...
Howie wanted me to let you all know that, YES... we are legal!!!

OKay... so today Paul let us get a-whack at the big dog tools!!

Below... Kelly is using the gun to shoot nails into the cement. WOW... IT'S LOUD!!! I wore ear plugs!!
Then we got to use the nail gun to put up the wall frames. We started off with the single shot pull the trigger after the safety is released....

BUT THEN... he switched it to automatic!!! OH YEAH!!!!!!!!

GO MIKEY GO!!!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BY THE END OF DAY TWO....

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Below... the view from the bottom of the stairs... noticed that awesomely nailed frame around that window?? YEAH... THAT'S OUR HANDY WORK!!!

Below... the framing in the playroom.

Below... the view from the back of the media room looking forward.

Below... from the front of the media room looking back.

Below... you see that the base boards are all nailed down into the concrete... ready for the frames coming tomorrow.... RAN OUT OF 2x4'S TODAY!!!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST... THE FRAMING FOR OUR BATHROOM... See that nail into the concrete right there... those are the ones Mike and I did earlier today!

Wrapped it up early today... more 2x4's tomorrow... 6 hours of work today... done with the cement nailer LOUD gun thingy. Howie is pleased!!! Although he did enjoy visiting his Mimi and Papa and cousins today! THANKS AGAIN!!!!!

Day 1 - Framing of the Media Room!

2008-01-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Day One...

Paul is here!!!!! And he brought 2x4's!!!!!

And a huge-a-munga saw!

Some of the frames... before being LOUDLY nailed into the concrete!

There is Howie'e best friend... the nail gun!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

And at the end of Day One...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Above is the view from the bottom of the stairs looking at the wall seperating the "playroom" from the "media room."
Above is standing at the back window of the media room... looking towards to unfinished storage area. Notice Howie... he is in the doorway back to the playroom.
Above is standing on the other end of the media room looking back at the tools and corner closet and window where I was standing before.
RIP - 2x4's

Side note: Kelly is itchin' to get at that corner with her shop vac!!! He He He!!!

Tons o' progress made... we are thrilled and Paul is pumped.... even after working 9 straight hours!!

Tomorrow? Framing the play room!

Basement Remodel - And So It Begins!!!!

2008-01-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

Day Zero...
In the beginning, the Lamonica basement was cold and used for storage...

This is the view from the bottom of the steps... This will soon be a "play room" for our future children... before it is that... it will probally be the garage sale prep and pricing room!!

You are now looking through a future wall that will be seperating our "play room" and our "media room". The wall will stretch from the red pole to the cement wall. In the corner where you see the sump pump... this will be a closet in the media room.

This view is from the back of the "soon to be media room" looking forward. There will be a door from the playroom into this room over on the right side where the stairs are framed in.

This is better picture of our soon to be door from the playroom into the media room. People will walk down the stairs and inside the playroom. The door to the media room will be between the red pole and the framing for the stairs.

This will still be part of the "playroom". Part of the shelving unit on the right will be removed and a bathroom will be instaled to the left behind the staircase. The rest of the storage will will be there but there will be a door to the storage area... so it will be hidden from view! :)

Behind me is the part of the shelving unit that will be removed. You are looking through the future bathroom and into the far corner, where we will have ADDITIONAL storage. (Behind a media room wall... this is directly to the left of that little kid plastic kitchen thingy.) The bathroom will start where the pic was taken and end at the edge of the stairs frame... also the crack in the floor... kinda goes directly under the brown box.

Can you picture it people????????

2008-01-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Kelly - Getting the tree ready to be trimmed! I just love decorating for the holidays! Mom and Dad accompanied us to Anderson Tree farm so we could brave the rain and chop down our very own tree.

On Christmas Day we started here at our house. Our first year at the new house!!! Then we made our way to Aurora to see Todd, Angie, and my parents. After that... to Plainfield to see Mike's parents.

Christmas night everyone was able to be together at Mary and Garry's house. The men deep fried a turkey.... yum! Here is Mike putting the bird in!

I am very grateful that we were able to see everyone on Christmas day and that everyone could be all together to celebrate.

Our Christmas Letter and Picture!

2008-01-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Mike and Kelly had a 2007 full of many firsts. The most exciting event in our life was the purchase of our first home! We looked at many houses in both Oswego and Aurora, and finally settled in Ogden Falls subdivision in Oswego. The location is perfect and so far our neighborhood has been great. We have met neighbors, done some painting and decorating, and mostly just enjoyed the freedom of having so much more space. Kelly is enjoying the decorating and after the first of the year she will have even more space to play with… we plan to finish the basement.
Also this year we had many more chances to travel. We started the year off in the middle of a blizzard in the Denver, Colorado area. We got to see many beautiful sites including Pike’s Peak and Garden of the God’s. The summer started off with a visit from Mike’s brother and one of Kelly’s best friends, Erin for Memorial Day weekend. We went downtown and saw some the Chicago sights. Then in June we cruised along the Alaskan Coast! The sights were simply breathtaking and the wildlife was neat as well. We got to share this experience with our parents and other family members, which made the event that much more memorable. In July, we headed south to Mississippi to help on a church mission’s trip. It was our first time experiencing southern hospitality and 157% humidity. J Late in the summer was a trip to Ohio for Kelly to shop in the “Amish land”, but Mike did get a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame during that journey. This Thanksgiving Kelly also got her first chance to experience the north woods of Wisconsin, visiting Mike’s Aunt Lorel and family. It was mighty cold and quiet up there!
Kelly added another notch to her teacher belt by finishing her 3rd year of teaching. Kelly was pleased with her ability to survive that school year but was even more proud when in May, she graduated with her Master’s Degree from Aurora University. In August she began her 4th year teaching 2nd grade with a classroom of only 17 students. Although she really enjoys working at a tiny school building, sometimes that means having to be ultra flexible in order to meet all its needs. On day number 13 she was “asked” to take on the challenge of teaching 8 additional students… 3rd grade students. So now Kelly is well into 2nd quarter of her first year teaching a multiage classroom. Again this year, she is tutoring 32 third graders after school 2 days a week. In all the spare time, Kelly enjoys decorating and organizing the inside of the house as well as developing her green thumb in the yard outside. (HA)
Mike has really enjoyed becoming a homeowner. He loves to spend time in the “man areas”. The 3 car garage already had a work bench, and this has inspired Mike to become a handyman. Another favorite man area is the YARD! Mike enjoys mowing and trimming. He takes pride in his lawn patterns, that change weekly. Mike continues to travel for work, seeing new places each year. This past year Mike spent some time in the Washington DC area again, as well as visiting Grand Rapids MI, Buffalo NY, Portland OR, and most recently Annapolis, MD. Those hotel and frequent flyer points keep adding up and Kelly drools when she thinks of where we can “getaway” and cash them all in! And, of course, you guessed it, Mike’s love for college basketball has grown daily with the addition of a second high definition television in our house.
Howie had an exciting year also. He loves everything about his new yard… except the weekly visitor during the summer months (the lawn mower). He has had time to continue surfing the Internet and updating his web log (BLOG). Howie’s favorite part of the big move was getting to roam a new neighborhood and getting to meet the neighbor dogs. As soon as he moved in, Howie found Duke, the playful boxer next door. And, much to his surprise, Howie became a big brother. Delilah recently joined Duke’s family after the neighbors got her from Howie’s breeder. While he has not formally met his little sister, they love racing up and down the fence together.
While we were so blessed to have such a fantastic 2007, 2008 looks to be another exciting year. We don’t have any specific vacation plans yet, but there will be at least one trip to Phoenix to welcome the newest member to the Lamonica family (arriving in February). There will also be the above mentioned finishing of the basement, and if Mike has anything to say about it, a few extra weekend getaways!

We hope this letter finds you enjoying your holiday season. We pray that you have a safe, happy, and healthy Christmas and a wonderful 2008!
Love and Hugs to all,

Mike, Kelly and Howie Lamonica

First Day Fall

2007-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall Ya'll!

The joys of being home owners.....

2007-08-26T07:30:00.001-07:00

Here we are... waking up on a mild Saturday morning... knowing good and well that it has been raining the passed (what seems like) 13 years! Thinking that the ground would be perfect for digging and planting. "Lets trim some bushes... dig up some weeds and "weeds" (unwanted plants)!" We started in the back of the back yard. Moved our way towards the house. Trimmed up the back... LOOKS GREAT! "Now lets rip out those 4 plants that I hate." As we jam shovels in the soft earth we look over and see a mini geyser bubbling up from the ground. Long story short: it wasnt a water main... it wasnt oil... it WAS a leaky pipe leading from our sump pump to our sewer!

We called around and asked for advice and realized we needed some help. Dad to the rescue!

A trip to Lowes... a trip to the auto parts store... a whole lot of caulk.... and we are ALMOST fixed!!!

In case you were wondering what Howie... grandma... and myself were doing.....

WE HAVE MOVED!

2007-08-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

So... I thought it was time for a change.
We moved to Oswego and we moved our website!
I like blogspot SO MUCH BETTER...
So we moved Howie and we took over this spot.

Howie can be found at

http://howielamonica.blogspot.com/

ENJOY!!!

NEW WEBPAGE!

2007-08-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Formally known as: The World Through The Eyes of Howie.....

which has moved to

http://howielamonica.blogspot.com

So that we could move OUR blog from

http://lamonicafamily.zoomshare.com

to HERE!

We like it and its easier to create posts with pictures too... instead of going to a seperate page to see pics....

ENJOY!