Say CHEEEEEESE!!!

Sorry I've been such a slacker and a half as far as blogging is concerned. I'd give the excuse that I'm a new mom and have little to no time, tis true true, but what a LAMO excuse at that. Our friend Kendal snapped some fab shots of Mer Mer a couple weeks back and this is a little taste of the ones that turned out. I say 'turned out' because it took us TWO photo shoots to get these (thanks Kendal for being so patient). Kendal was sick the first couple weeks of Mer's life and we had to postpone pics, thus, in the mean time she became a bit too old for taking new born pics and screamed bloody H.E. double hockey sticks through the whole shoot. Not to mention, she tinkled and pooh poohed all over me and everything as well. When you gots to go, you gots to go photo-op or not! Overall, I've decided that Mer is not one that loves being in the lime light. Any how, we are loving our lil' wiggle worm, peanut, Boolicious, fuss-nut and her endless energy, fun-lovin', spunk, loud screamin' lungs and her adorable demeanor. We are thrilled to death she is ours and she's a keeper. Now if she'd only start napping regularly and sleeping through the night................

We Came, He CoNqUeReD!!!! LAW GRADUATION....

Travio holdin' his head up high just before walking the red carpet (Law Graduation Hollywood style) and being hooded.

The Proud Wife

The Guys jumpin' for JoY!

Trav endured his three years of Law School with a FAB slew of guys. There were lots of laughs, lunches and breaks taken at the 'truck stop' and good times had (amongst hours of studying and exams of course).

The Gals!

The wives and supporters of the guys. We've all become sooooo close.

The crew

These here folks are nothing short of family and are some of our closest friends!!! From the numerous 'get your guns up' Red Raider football parties, hang outs, holiday parties, Thanksgiving dinners-you name it-we've done it all!!! We love these peeps so darn much and it's oh soooooo hard saying goodbye! However, it's not goodbye, rather, 'see ya later'.

Time truly has flown by for us here in Lubbock. Lubbock, though the wind is rather ANNOYING and cockroaches crawl freely, has certainly grown on us like we never imagined it would. It seems like we just moved in....3 years later....here we are loving it and are staying even longer. We are thankful for this past chapter and the friends we've made and look forward to the next.

SHE is HERE!!!!

Merika Corinne Hanson

Born April 18, 2010

5 pounds 18.5 inches

She's our lil' peanut and we love her to death!!!

Ahhh the miracle of life!

Wrapped up warm and cuddly

Already showin' her true colors because we were disturbing her quiet time.

Got Binki?!?!

We love you Merika!!!

Guess who's piggies these are?!?!

Every Monday I get an ultrasound just to make sure that all is well and dandy with our little babes. This past week the ultrasound tech was doing her thang and all of the sudden said, 'DANG, your little girl has LONNNNNNNG toes!' Yes siree, check out those long piggies!!! Her feet definitely take after Travs. I hope she gets his long legs too.....my stubby legs and long toes really wouldn't go. I am, however, still hoping that she'll get my nose. Trav's toes and legs + my nose=one cute little baby.

finally an update!!!

Our new home in progress--we are thrilled to move out of our apt. come May!!!

31 weeks and FINALLY able to fit into my one pair of maternity pants-yee ha! Still can't wear maternity capris though.....not big enough yet

Yes, we are alive and well!!! No one would know because we've been M.I.A. from this here blog for some time. I must say, things have been a touch crazy these past few weeks for us. A couple weeks ago I started having contractions every 5 minutes for 4 days straight. Not good! I was put on bed rest for 5 days and then was cleared to go back to work. I'm now on what I call 'booty rest'. Basically I go to work and am on my booty all day long and then go home and do the same. It gets tiresome sitting around, but I'll do anything for our little girl. Any how, my body is all too sensitive right now and doing anything sets off contractions. I also decided not to head home to UT for my showers as well...BOO....but it's definitely the wise and comfortable decision for me and the babe.

As of now, I am seeing a high risk OB two times/week and my OB once/week. I have two stress tests, an ultra sound and any other test, shot, etc. they deem necessary weekly. This sounds awful, but truly it's a blessing. I'm so thankful for my Dr.'s and nurses here-they are GREAT!!! All in all, everything is looking up. This whole time the baby has been super healthy. It's just my body that is not cooperating. They think I contract because I'm so small, thus, my body is contracting so it can grow. Due to me being so small, I feel every contraction. Thus, I'm on meds that help my contractions to lessen and my body to relax. Thank the heavens because my contractions are a lot less intense now. I'm still contracting 1-4 times/hour, but that is 'normal' for me and will take place up until birth. I do, however, have to go off of my meds at 34 weeks and hope and pray this baby will not come shortly thereafter. We need her to bake until at least May!!!

Overall, I'm still loving pregnancy and am so blessed to be able to carry this baby. At 7.5 months, I'm finally looking prego, got major cankles for 3 days straight (thankfully caused from a lung steroid shot for baby-are back to normal again), fit into maternity pants for the first time and Trav and I can't believe it's almost time to have this little wiggler. Yeah, we are thrilled, but want her to stay put until May.

Lastly, we want to thank all of you for your support and prayers. These complications have been stressful, but we have been blessed and have felt so much support and love from so many of you. Thank you!!! It has truly meant the world to us.

Our Little Ear of Corn!

us with our niece Shae-practice parenting

20 weeks

23 weeks

Yeah, our little wiggler GIRL is getting bigger by the week. She is definitely getting stronger, as I feel her kicking me harder week by week. I'm really loving pregnancy. It's such a blessing to have this little girl growing inside of me. She is now the size of an ear of corn. I love feeling her kicks and movement, however at 2 a.m. when she wakes me up...........Any how, here are some updated pics of me bells. If you have any insight, suggestions or recommendations for any baby rubbish-PLEASE share!!! We registered over Christmas and WOW, that was a touch overwhelming. Babies require a lot as we are learning. C'est la vie-we are enjoying this journey and are so excited to have this little girl come May.

Take a Look See at our Little 'Wiggler' Hanson

13 week prego shot---

Don't dis because I am completely showing (for my little self)!!!!

Tuh-Dah.....our healthy as can be little Wiggler!!!
It has my nose and Trav's long legs don't ya think?!
Ultra sound tech: 'Woa, your baby has long legs!!!' You can't tell in this pic because as you can see its legs are bent. Right now from head to booty measures 3.5 inches and the legs are a tad over 1.5 inches--5 inches total. It's getting so big! p.s. the little spot by the nose is the left hand sticking up giving 'guns up' for TTU.

Pumpkins and Butterfingers

Here Trav and I are carving away-Wilbur V-at the annual Gailan carve off. Thanks for hosting Kelli and Dana. We had a gay ol' time-pumpkins, candles, caramel corn and all.

Yes, Trav and I wear gloves whilst carving and de-goobering Wilbur's guts. Don't be hatin' on our fashionista style!!! Finito--Wilbur V in all his glory. In't he cute?!?!
Ward Trunk or Treat / Chili cook off
I was a shark with a killer homemade dorsel fin, while Trav was a Ducati biker man. Good times were had by all especially during the Trunk or Treat when I had a MAD CRAVING for a BUTTERFINGER. Oh yes it was met by some of the nice folks in the ward. Trick or Treat!!!!
Hope y'all had a Happy Halloween!!! :)

All signs point to......I'm PREGO!!!!!

POSITIVE-first test taken!

• Morning, Afternoon, Nighttime Sickness............................CHECK!!!!
• The one and ONLY time in my life that I can't fathom CHOCOLATE..........CHECK!
  
• Very Keen sense of smell........CHECK!
• Gag here, dry heave there...........CHECK!
  
• Eating is a chore vs. pleasure, constant eating and nothing sounds good.........CHECK!
  
• Not one, but SIX pregnancy tests were positive (I couldn't believe I was actually pregnant, but believed it after five days and 6 tests!)....................CHECK!
• We heard the amazing heart beat and saw our little wiggler with our own eyes (thank you modern day technology).............CHECK!!!!!
• Trav and I are both grinning ear to ear and are as HAPPY and EXCITED as little kids in a candy shop............CHECK!!!!!
• We found out in San Antonio, explanation below................................
  

*Trav: (saw the test I left on the side of the tub in San Antonio) Oh, you took a pregnancy test without me?
*Me: Yes, but not without you....I left it right there.
*Trav: Hey, what does two lines mean?
*Me: (rummaging frantically through the garbage can) where is that darn box?!?!
*Trav: smiling big, I think you're pregnant.....
*Me: No way, for real, what, really, oh my goodness.....smile.....in shock.......

• 
• This is us with the 6th and final test! By this time, I finally believed it was true!!!!
  

YES SIREE--we are stoked to announce that I am pregnant! We always said we wanted to get Trav through Law School and then have a baby. Well, it just so happens that our baby is due the day of graduation-May 14th. Wow, I guess we hit that nail right on the head. We are so happy for this blessing in our lives and CANNOT wait to be parents-wahoooooooo!

Nothin' but fun with the visitors.............

What can I say other than two of our FAVORITE people are coming out to Lubbock to visit. Yes siree, tonight come 5:40 I will be picking this lovely couple up at the airport! We can't wait to see them. It's nothing less than a party when my parents are in town, however, do y'all have any suggestions on how to entertain in this groggy weather.............I mean, Lubbock is so happening right?!?!

DO NOT DO IT!!!!

I got a flu shot 10 days ago and have been as SICK as a dog ever since!!!! All I'm saying is reconsider your decision. To be objective, however, I am an extremely small adult and they stuck me with the same amount of venomous so-called 'dead' flu viruses as they would a 300 pound porker. They should assess the situation and give me the children's shot.....why didn't I think of that...probably because I shouldn't have to?!?! For all it's worth, I will never pay $25 plus much more spent on medication and Dr. visits to date to get deathly ill again. I'm on the mend thanks to a huge shot in my left butt cheek and horse sized antibiotic pills and hope and pray to continue to get well soon.

Brach*s - the time has come!!!

Dearest Brach Candy peeps-

I love you! Thank you for creating this nothing but MAGNIFICENTLY DELECTABLE candy. Halloween, nor the Fall season would be complete without these little orange, yellow and white triangles of palatable heaven! Keep up your great work and please for the love of anything sacred and holy, make more batches of candy corn this year. Last year there was an apparent 'dry spell' for I looked high and low and travelled to numerous stores for your candy corn, but could not find a single bag near the end of October. My mouth is currently salivating as I stare at the above pic, thus, I must go stuff my face with the little buggars.

Much Love, Excitement, Respect, Thanks, and Gratitude for your Sugary Invention,

Cori

*** p.s. I too adore and crave the mallow pumpkins!!!

Viva La MeHico

Hola! Here's to sharing just a tid bit of our trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with you, our amigos. While we were there we:

had many great adventures with these two silly willy's

woke up to this gorgeous site every morn! A special shout out to the Mayan Palace for the lovely sites and amenities during our stay.

this view too-Marina Vallarta

indulged in some tastey Coke Light (much better than Diet Coke) and tons of the BEST Mexican food!!! Did we get sick of fresh salsa and chips...NO!!!walked a wee bit down town-sweat a wee bit too

partook of bread-we all got some snacks at a store and dad bought a huge loaf of bread. you go douggie boy!

swam our hearts content at the fabulous Mayan Palace poolsenjoyed gorgeous sunsets-a little less talk and a lot more action!swam in the ocean-BEEEEEAUUUUUTIFUL and perfect temp. H2O

played with monkeys-p.s. it didn't break wind or poop on me

did I mention we relaxed at the pool and beach?!

bring me two pina coladas.....YUM! we ordered them virgin, but in Mexico you never know......

zip lined through the rain forest

played with a Boa Constrictor. It had a crush on Trav and was giving him a little smooch in this pic. Trav was very hesitant to jump in and hold the fella with me. I mean, we're in Mexico, what could go wrong?!?!****THANKS MOM and DAD!!! We had a BLAST and are looking forward to our next adventure :) We love you two silly folks.

Adios amigos...

We're on our way to MEXICO! The land of great culture, people, and of course wonderful food. Here's a snapshot of where we'll be for the next 8 days!

5 years of nothin' but........

Silliness

Best Friendship

Holiday Fun

Puckered Lips and Facial Hair

Hap Hap Happy 5th Anniversary Babe! You are the best hubby out there. Thanks for everything you do. I love you so much and am so thankful that I have you in my life. To sum it up, our marriage is, 'Good Times, Noodle Salad!!!' Thanks for a fabulous 5 years. I look forward to many more memory making moments with you. P.S. as you'd say, 'it's you and me kid!!!' Love ya -mean it-

Corbo