Tess and Garet

Merry Christmas

2009-12-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

We are so excited for Ali's first Christmas and love how her pictures with Santa came out. It's funny that she won't even remember this Christmas (or maybe even the next few), yet we make such a big deal about it. It has been tons of fun picking out little toys, books and cute new outfits for "her" to open this year. And the fact that I find it necessary to wrap all of her presents even though I'm the one that bought them and will open them. Either way, I'm sure grateful for this little lady to join us for Christmas for the rest of our lives:)

I finally caught it...

2009-12-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

Ali started rolling over about a week ago (right when she turned 3 months). It's so much fun to watch her roll back and forth all over the floor, but any time I tried to video tape her, she would not preform! So, even though she wasn't happy about it, I finally caught it...

She's growing...

2009-10-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ali is 7 weeks old today! It has been so much fun learning all about her and watching her grow. She has been such a sweet little girl. She's been sleeping really good at night for the past few weeks now. I can't get enough of her! I just took this picture today.

Date Night

2009-09-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Mom stayed and helped for a week and we were so grateful! When Ali was exactly one week old mom told us to go out to dinner and she would babysit. It was lots of fun and we were at ease to know the baby was in good hands, so we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves. Thank you to all of my brothers and sisters for getting us the gift card to have our delicious dinner. We went out to a steakhouse called WW Peppers. It's one of the best places in Grand Junction. Thank you Grandma AJ!

Introducing...

2009-09-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

We're please to announce the arrival of Ali Marie Milligan! I'm so excited that she's here with us...finally! I was very anxious at the end of my pregnancy and am just so happy that she's here now.

Here we are at the hospital, getting ready to check in. This is at 9:00am on Sunday and I had been having contractions since 7:00pm the night before.

Garet's parents are waiting for little Ali to get here

She made it after 3 hours of pushing! She was 8lbs even and 20 inches long

Garet and his mom meeting the new baby

The proud new daddy

Grandma AJ made it to town on Tuesday to meet little Ali

Finally home

Ali got the meet the rest of her family...Sammy and Bella

It's been great being a new mommy

She is a little bit jaundice, so she has to lay on this light. It's heartbreaking not to be able to hold her. She should be done soon though.

Due any day now!

2009-09-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

I still don't have my camera back from the "shop" (we sent it in for repairs), but here are some pictures from Garet's sisters camera. The first one is of me at work...I'm 38 1/2 weeks.

In this one, I'm at home at almost 40 weeks! Garet took this picture of me today and I'll be 40 weeks in two days. I think all of my wishing that the baby would come is jinxing me! So, I'm just trying to be calm and wait for her to come in her own time:)

The Lost Photos

2009-08-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

I was able to scrounge up some more shower pictures from some people that attended the shower. Here are just a few more pictures of our fun evening.

Lots of friends and family made it out for the occasion

The gifts

Brittany, Megan, me, Aunt Maggie and Erin...Thank you guys!

The adorable "Ali" M&M's that matched the baby's room colors

The cake was soooo yummy!!! It matched the plates and napkins:)

Showered some more!

2009-08-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

So, talk about bad timing. This weekend Garet's Aunt Maggie threw a shower for me, we had family photos the next day, and Garet's Grandma's birthday. I am also due in 3 1/2 weeks. The "bad timing" part of it is that our camera broke. We sent our camera out to get fixed last week, so I'm hoping that we'll get it back before the baby is born. If not, I'll be pleading with someone to let me borrow theirs until then:) I didn't get pictures of the baby shower or his Grandma's birthday, but fortunately a friend e-mail me some pictures. I'll beg some more people to send pictures to me, so I may have to do a couple posts. The pictures that I'm adding are of me opening some presents at the baby shower. I had such a good time there. Garet's Aunt and cousins made it so beautiful and special for me. They even ordered special M&M's with the colors of the baby's room and baby's name on them! We had amazing food, cake, weather, and company! I can't say it enough that I am so blessed to be surrounded with great people. I have wonderful co-workers, family and friends! Thank you all for everything that you do for me!

Fun Weekend

2009-08-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend, spent with friends and family. I was able to attend my friend Katie's baby shower. She is due just 2 days before me, and it has been so fun to share this journey with her. It was so much fun to be an onlooker at her shower and really see her joy. Thanks Katie for going to classes, being excited and just talking to me about all of our experiences so far. I can't wait until our babies are here!

Holy Bellies!

Later that night, Garet and I had a few people over for a BBQ to help celebrate his birthday. We had such a great time making food, sitting by the fire pit (which burnt our grass), and just talking and reminiscing with our friends. It can't say that it gets much better! The only thing that I could have done with out were the mosquito's (I had bites on my stomach...through my shirt!).

Baby Shower and Family Visit

2009-07-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

I need to start by saying that I have the most amazing friends and family that anyone could ever hope for! On July 18th, I had a baby shower that my friends from work threw for me. We had such a great time! To make the party even more special, mom, Cali, Colin, Kobe, Chloe, Chance, Aunt Peggy, Alby and Taylor surprised me and made the trip to join the festivities. It was so good to see everyone. The party was at my friend Cerina's house and she had lots of help with delicious food, fun games, and adorable decorations. I couldn't have asked for more.

Wow!! I was amazed at all the loot that people brought me! I am lucky to have such generous friends and family to get my little family started with all of the things we need.

Yummy! I loved the cookies that my friend Kendra made...look close, they're little feet!

I could show you all the fun pictures that I have opening things, but I don't know if you want to look at 50 similar pictures of me.

I had some of the best helpers when we opened the presents. Chance and Chloe both helped tear the wrapping paper and put the trash away...thanks guys!!

The girls hanging out

Look at my ADORABLE cake!!! It was so cute and it tasted good too!

To end the weekend with some more fun, Cali and the kids got to go with Garet, his parents and I to a little lake that is and hour and a half away from our house. My father in law thought it would be fun to get an inner-tube and go boating...so that's what we did! We all had a great time getting pulled in the tube and just as much fun watching the kids get pulled around.

Colin and Kobe had a blast

Chloe, Garet and Chancey

We also had fun just swimming around. Thanks for a great weekend everyone!!

Baby girl is on her way!

2009-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

After weeks to months of procrastination...the baby's room is almost done!!!! Garet and I couldn't agree on bedding for the baby, therefore NONE was picked out:) He didn't want too much pink (even though I tried explaining that she is a GIRL and I'm sure that some point in her life, she may like pink!), and I didn't like the too neutral look that he preferred. So, I was looking online and found this very simple, violet and green bedding. I didn't ask for any one's opinion, I just bought it! Then came buying the paint, which was an easy choice (purple and green), it just took a little while to go buy it. We had already picked out the furniture months ago, so it was waiting in the garage to be assembled. Garet and his mom painted for two days and I loved the way it turned out. I wanted an accent wall with stripes, but then settled for 3 vertical and 3 horizontal striped. That was fine by me since I wasn't the one painting. Here are a few pictures of the paint progression and then the room with the furniture and bedding in it. I still need to add my few loving touches to the wall (pictures), but this is pretty close to the final product. Please enjoy...:)

32 1/2 weeks and growing

2009-07-14T16:33:00.001-07:00

I'm getting bigger!! I can't wait until she's here:)

A Recent Event

2009-07-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Garet and I did a birthing class this past Saturday and it was actually good:) That may have a negative tone to it, but I really did expect some complaining out of him. Our choices were a once a week, two hour long class, that lasted six weeks OR…the class we chose, which was one day for eight hours. Garet opted for the one day class. He was surprisingly willing to participate with me (he was going to participate either way, I’m just glad it wasn’t like pulling teeth!!). I’m not saying that he’s the type of guy that doesn’t get involved, because that isn’t true either. I just don’t know how many guys are willing to go to a class that has nothing to do with their body, watch somewhat traumatic videos, and try hard not to fall asleep for the length of a day in a tiny, cold, unfamiliar room, all out of support for their wife. Our instructor had been teaching the class for 13 years and was entertaining to say the least. She really knew how to involve everyone and keep the pace going. We ended the day by taking a tour of the hospital. That part relieved a little anxiety for Garet. He wanted to feel prepared and know where to go when it’s “time”. Soooo…we’re getting closer! I’m really excited and it was good to get a tiny glimpse of some events that MAY (or may not) occur. 7 ½ weeks to go!

30 1/2 weeks...

2009-06-30T18:27:00.001-07:00

Here's me at 30 1/2 weeks along. No, this is NOT a good angle considering my chin and booty look pregnant as well as the belly:) I don't feel like that on an everyday basis, but maybe this should open my eyes to how others may view me. Oh, well! I've enjoyed being pregnant this far and will hopefully continue to enjoy it (not matter what body parts take on their pregnant form).

CALIFORN-I-A

2009-06-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

I just took a wonderful trip to California to visit my sister, Gabrielle, and her family. She had her third boy on Wednesday and I got there on Thursday. Deeter Lucus Hansen was Brand New when I met him. My mom was also able to make the trip. She arrived on Friday, so it was lots of fun to see everyone. It was a very short trip for me, but SO worth it. I had the best time playing with Dallin and Porter, holding Deeter, going on walks, playing catch, visiting with mom and Gay, going to the beach, being lazy (and not feeling guilty for it), and loving the California scenery. Here are a few photos of the trip...mostly of the new baby!

Porter was so happy every morning!!

New mama with her boys

Mom loving her "grandma time"

My sweet sister and her new baby boy, Deeter

Tiny guy!

Mom and I went to the beach one day

The future of baseball:)

Little Deeter

My last time holding Deeter. You can also see my 28 week belly.

Here's me...

2009-05-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

So, I happened to have my camera with me at work today, and my friend wanted to take a picture of the belly. We have a meeting every Wednesday morning at my office, and today was no different than any other. I was sitting there listening to my boss talk, when I hear the girl sitting next to me giggling. I turned and looked at her and she said, "That was a good one!". I wasn't sure what she meant and she explained that I must have had a big kick because she was watching my belly move. I didn't even realize it. I felt the baby moving around, but didn't know that you could see my belly physically move! So, I watched for a few kicks and that was a great start to my day...you can't help but smile:) Here is a picture of me at 26 weeks.

We can finally say SHE!!

2009-05-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

We’re so excited to announce that we’re expecting a little, baby girl! I guess I shouldn’t get ahead of myself and say little, because with the trend in my family, she could very well be a BIG baby girl…yikes! Garet and I were able to go to our ultrasound last Tuesday to find out the sex. Usually I am excited to see how the baby is growing and developing. It was strange this appointment though because I was extremely nervous. I wasn’t expecting that feeling. I was so nervous my hands were shaking! I love the doctor that I go to. The office atmosphere is always so friendly and they are known for keeping their appointments as on-schedule as possible. I never have to wait when I get there. Well, of course, this time is a different story. We waited almost an hour, which felt like an eternity. They said that the ultrasound room was not quite ready. The nurse finally called us in, and on our way to the room, we saw friends that we knew. They ended up being the hold up. This was their appointment to find out the sex of their baby and it didn’t work out. The doctor tried everything to see if their baby was a boy or girl and could never get a good angle. So then all I could think of was that we wouldn’t be able to find out either. Once we were in the room I instantly calmed down and felt really good about being there. This was Garet’s first appointment with me. The best part of it was looking over at him and seeing the huge smile on his face. The baby looked very healthy and has a strong heartbeat (which Garet was in aw of hearing). Then we were able to see that we are having a baby girl! It was sort of a strange feeling from not knowing to suddenly knowing. I had to correct myself for the rest of the day and say “she” instead of “it” or “the baby”. I was hesitant to specify the gender since we hadn’t for so long. We’re so excited for our little girl to get here…in good time:) Now comes the hard part of picking out a name!

Mexico!

2009-04-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Garet, his mom (Lynette), dad (Gary), sister (Brittany) and I all recently took a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Needless to say, we had a blast! It was one of the most relaxing vacations that I have taken in a really long time. Usually every day and night are filled with any event we can sqeeze in. Since I'm pregnant, I decided that it would be a good 'lay by the pool' vacation. We sat by the pool or beach almost every day. While there, we got to take a boat tour of the baja, Garet went golfing with his dad, Garet and his mom went swimming with the dolphins, we danced, listened to a lot of live music, ate GREAT food, and there was a whole lot of laying around. I've been so busy at work lately, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Here are some pictures of our little trip. I can't wait to go back one day!!

Garet, his parents and I went to a "fancy" dinner, but it was way too cold that night, so we had to wear blankets the whole time we ate

Our "fancy" dinner atire

The beaches there were beautiful

Seals sunbathing

Us on a boat tour of the baja (notice the arch behind us)

These are of course what our real beach bodies look like:)

This "self portrait" was supposed to show the band behind us...but you'll just have to use your imagination!

Me, Garet and Lynette on our balcany

Getting ready to go out with the family and some friends that we met at the resort

The mariachi band serenading us at dinner

Me, Lynette and Brittany

Am I Showing?

2009-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the picture that I was asked (told) to post. I'm a little over 16 weeks in it...

Am I a nerd?? I hope there were no answers because that was supposed to be rhetorical. So, I feel like I’m showing. Not a lot, but none of my pants fit anymore. I mean they don’t even “kind of" fit. And yet, I had Garet take a profile picture of me the other day and it doesn’t even look like much. I can for sure tell, but that’s probably because I see the little differences every day. It might also be that my chest has grown as much as my stomach so there’s not much of a contrast. Who knows, but one of these day’s I’ll be able to get a good picture to you viewers out there. Just hang in there with me…

Big Update...

2009-03-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Lets just say that I am a slacker...a blog slacker that is. I'm not sure what my lack of motivation is to keep my blog updated, but I never feel like it. I don't understand why I feel like that because I'm constantly checking (stalking, depending on how you look at it) every one else's. I love when people have new posts and yet I don't keep up my own. With all that being said, I'm making an attempt to get better. So, there's some news......

I'm pregnant! Garet and I found out near the end of December that we would be expecting our first addition (excluding dogs) to the family. We couldn't be more excited about it! My first due date was August 21, 2009 which the doctor recently moved out to September 1st. Either way, the baby seems to be healthy. It's heartbeat is strong and it likes to move a lot. I love getting ultrasounds because they always ask if I've recently eaten salsa or Tabasco sauce. It squirms like crazy...I LOVE it! And when we listen to its heartbeat there's always an extra thud or two picked up by the stethoscope due to the baby kicking. We get to find out the sex of the baby in a month. Here are a few of the ways that I decided to tell people. First of all when I told Garet, I wasn't home. I had an orthodontist appointment and I left for it before he got up to go to work. I wrote him a letter from Baby Milligan to dad telling him how excited the baby is to meet him. He called as soon as he read it to make sure it wasn't a joke and said he couldn't wipe the grin off his face all day. We got his mom and dad cheesy grandparent t-shirts that I'm sure they'll never wear, but a memory for sure. My mother-in-laws shirt had very bubbly writing that said, "I'm going to be a Granny!". I made her read it out loud, because she didn't really have much of a reaction and she said, "I'm going to be CRABBY!". I had to make her read it again and she immediately started crying and smiling ear to ear. Then I had mailed out little save-the-date invitations to my family to welcome the newest Milligan into the world. It was funny because not everyone got them on the same day and I think it made my mom go crazy! For work, I got little cupcakes and put cute baby buttons on them. I had one for every employee that I place one each desk individually with a little sign that said, "Guess who's expecting". The office was crazy with excitement and full of wrong guesses to many unsuspecting girls:) Maybe I have sick sense of humor, but it was a fun way to share the news!!

Pumpkin Madness

2008-11-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Garet's Pumpkin
Garets dads pumpkin (wolves)

My Pumpkin (witch)

Carving away!!

Garet's mom and I eating our chili

We had a great Halloween!! The night before halloween Garet's family came over to carve some pumpkins and eat chili. We had to draw numbers from a hat to see who got what pumpkin. Garet's mom brought over some carving kits to choose from. Everyone picked out what they wanted to carve, but Garet wanted his to be original. So here are a few pictures of the nights events...

The Joy of Giving…

2008-10-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

I can complain about my job as much as I want, but I LOVE, love, love the people that I work with!! We do so many fun activities and we get along so well:) This past weekend we had customer appreciation day at a pumpkin patch. There was a corn maze at the location and I was in charge of greeting everyone that entered the corn maze. We gave away free pumpkins and corn maze passes to all of our customers and the non customers were still able to partake in the free drinks and hot dogs! It was a great day and it felt really good to give. Everyone was so grateful and at the end I got to pick out two pumpkins for Garet and I to carve. We’re excited to see how they turn out!

Durango Family Reunion

2008-07-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad with all sixteen grandchildren

Garet and I at the Park

Chloe, Garet and Emi "hiking" to the river. The girls wouldn't let go of Uncle Garet!

Chloe, Colin and Kobe

This past weekend, my WHOLE family got together for a reunion. I emphasize "whole" family, because this is the first time in years that my mom, dad, their seven children, their spouses and all 16 grandchildren were in the same place at the same time. We had an amazing time!! There was a group family picture taken, Kobe's baptism, hiking, tennis, rafting, volleyball and much more. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of the great memories that were made!!

4th of July in Ouray

2008-07-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun time on the 4th of July. Garet and I went camping right outside of Ouray, CO. We got to hang out with friends, go riding, go into town for fireworks and we saw beautiful country. Here are a few of our fun memories!

Brittany and I
Garet and I
Garet and I hiking
Garet riding
He was in heaven!

Random things about me Tag

2008-07-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

1. Ten Years ago I was...
I was 13 and probably somewhere riding horses:)
2. 5 places I have lived..
Fenton, MO
Gillette, WY
Pueblo, CO
Rexburg, ID (for 2 weeks)
Grand Junction, CO
3. Things on my to do list...
Plan a baby shower for Ashley
Clean out the camper
Go to the grocery store....there are too many to name them all
4.Name three bad habits...
Online too much at work
Road rage
Buy too many clothes
5. Five Jobs I have had....
Burger King (with Gay!!)
Hastings
The Tanned Banana
The Buckle
Unifirst Mortgage
6. Five things you don't know about me...
I have my belly button pierced
I'm trying to grow out my hair
I hope to Garet's job transfers him to Denver
I'm the youngest person at my job
I'm scared of needles
I tag: Cali, Cassi and Gay

Bitter-Sweet Reunion

2008-06-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

My grandpa passed away June 8, 2008. It was sad and happy all at once. The strength and support of a family is an amazing thing. I am so grateful for mine!!!

Here are all of the "Popes"

Mom's family

HUSBAND TAG

2008-04-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

1. What is your husband's name? Garet
2. Who eats more? I eat more often, but he eats bigger quantities
3. Who said I love you first? I did, and he said it back. I think we had both been waiting for the other person to say it first
4. Who is taller? Garet is, but not by much if I have my high heals on
5. Who is smarter? I've got math and science and Garet has history and trivia
6. Who is more sensitive? I show it more, but we're both a little bit sensitive
7. Who does the laundry? Garet separates and washes and I hang and fold
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do (when you're standing in front of the bed facing it)
9. Who pays the bills? I do.
10. Who cooks more? Me
11. What meals do you cook together? If there's a barbecue, Garet grills and I will do everything else
12. Who is more stubborn? We're equally stubborn
13. Who is the first to admit it when they are wrong? We're both good at admitting it but I definitely don't take as long!
14. Who is more clean? We both are.
15. Who has more siblings? I do.
16. Who wears the pants in the relationship? I hate that saying....anyway, probably Garet
17. What do you like to do together? Go out to eat, 4-wheeling, concerts, etc.
18. Who eats more sweets? ME! Garet doesn't even really like sweets (lucky guy)
19. Guilty pleasures? Buying clothes
20. How did you meet? We worked together in Pueblo, CO
21. Who asked who out first? I asked him to come with me on my date (with someone else)
22. Who kissed who first? Garet kissed me even though we both new it was going to happen
23. Who proposed? Garet
24. Best features? Laugh and sense of humor
25. What is his best quality? Very family oriented
Now I tag: Amanda

We're Here!!!

2008-04-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to start a blog for such a long time and have finally done it!! Garet and I try to get out and do fun things, so we should have some pretty cool experiences to share with friends and family. Cassi and Gay make it looks so easy, so I'll be contacting them for some blogging advice! Stay posted, there's more to come soon...