LTJG Yates (my promotion ceremony)

So after working three nights in a row...I stayed after on that third morning to get promoted to LTJG. Here are some pics of the ceremony. Hope you enjoy!

Here is a side pic of me. People seem to enjoy pics of my belly...especially from the side view...so here is a pic!

Here is a sweet pic of my dad and I! I am so glad he could be there on this special day. It is because of him I am doing what I am doing today! I just love the "military life."

As you can see here is a pic of Brenton and I. Look how exhausted I look. I worked three nights in a row and had to stay after on that third day for the ceremony. I was literally a walking zombie! but I made it!:) And thank you baby for being there on my special day! Get ready...you get to pin me when I make LT.!

Here is a pic of my dad pinning me. It was so special that he could be here for this special day! As a retired marine himself, he took a lot of pride in pinning his daughter...especially here at Camp Pendleton where I was born! Thank you dad for staying and being a part of my first promotion ever!

Here we are "renewing" our Oath of Office...and yes...I promise to support the constitution of the United States of America. I promise to serve this country in the best way I can!

Here is a picture of the whole gang! I normally wear skirts cause they are so much cuter...but no...I am in prego gear! haha! so flattering...I look huge! 32 weeks and counting!

After the ceremony...Brenton and I ran around the hospital signing paperwork and getting name badges...etc. all changed with the new rank! It was definately an exhausting morning. We also had an appt. with my midwife. Everything looks great! Kingston finally decided to turn and is head down! Yes!!! He is moving now more than ever. You can just watch my belly and see him move around...it is actually kind of freaky! We are now 32 weeks pregnant...8 more to go! We definately can't wait to meet our lil' man! Hope all is well with everyone else. We love and miss you all!

xoxoxox

Brenton, Mel, Hurley & and of course Baby Kingston (in utero)!

Our trip to Portland!

For those that didn't know...Brenton, Hurley & I recently made a trip back home to Portland to see my brother graduate from Vancouver Fire Academy (go Matt!!!), our baby shower, and a trip to the zoo with our precious niece (Tori) and nephew (Gavin). It was a short trip...but full of fun and we were able to spend some quality time with family. Well worth the drive!
This first picture would have been a lot nicer if the wind didn't blow my hair in my face right when the pic was being taken...haha! This pic was taken at the Portland Zoo with Tori and Gavin! We love you guys!

Here is a pic of my brother Matt, me, and Brenton all standing by our cakes and even cupcakes. My aunt and uncle made them and they were delicious. Gosh, they are so talented! Brenton even got a cake made for himself for graduating from Tank School with the Marines (and he was promoted to LCpl)!


Here is a pic of my girls! Where is Ang??? She wasn't there yet! and I can't believe Kylie is one already!

Here is a pic of me and my cousin Shaun! I just had to post this one...too funny!

And of course...MY LETTERS! I have been wanting to get these made. Thank you thank you thank you Aerin and Mary for assisting me with this project! They turned out great and we absolutely love them!

Well now that Brenton and I are back into the full swing of things again, we are anxiously counting down the weeks till Kingston arrives. We have been busy getting the house and nursery ready for his arrival!...and I am still busy working full time! We want to thank everyone for all the wonderful gifts from the baby shower and making our trip home so wonderful. We miss and love you all!

xoxoxo

Brenton, Mel, Hurley & baby Kingston (in utero!)

Old Town, SD with Carol and Kyle!

Kyle, Carol, me and Brenton at Old Town, SD.

Carol and I! It was such a beautiful day and we enjoyed seeing Carol and Kyle! It has been way too long! We had tons of fun!!! Come visit again you guys!!!

Us!!!!

I just wanted to write a post about Brenton and I and our upcoming adventures. We leave Tuesday for Fresno. We are going to stay overnight with Brenton's aunt and uncle....and Seaniepoo!!! Then we are going to wake up early Wednesday morning and drive up to Portland so see family. And YES....Hurley is coming with us. We would never leave our little pup behind. We are very anxious to see family. It feels like it has been forever. We will head back down to SoCal around the 12th! I am already scheduled to work on the 14th! So far work is going great for me. I am now 28 weeks and baby Kingston is starting to grow like a little weed. People have been asking me if I just "popped." It is all very exciting. We already can't wait to meet the lil' man. My family is throwing a huge baby shower on Saturday May 9th and we hope to see many of you there!!! We love and miss you all!

xoxoxo Brenton, Mel, and Hurley...baby Kingston too!:)

Hurley with HIVES! Yikes!

Poor Hurley had some allergic reaction to some vaccination that he received earlier today. Brenton had to take him back to the vet. The vet gave him some anti-histamines and a steroid. Hurley is doing a lot better....but still has chubby, swollen cheeks! His eyes are so swollen in this picture and those little bumps are hives. He had them all over his legs and paws. Poor little man was panting hard and was so miserable. Now he is just wiped out from all the meds and has been sleeping the evening away. But most of all...he is better. He gave dad quite a scare today while mommy was at work! The love we have for our dogs...I say this as I am looking at the vet bills!:)

Wind and Sand Beach in La Jolla!

25 Weeks!!!! We spent the day at Wind and Sand Beach in La Jolla. As you can see, Brenton's brother Sean came down to visit! We had a blast and enjoyed the sun!

24 week pictures!!!

So...here is an update...FINALLY! Brenton is home and has been home for quite some time now. We have been busy working, unpacking, and trying to get this house in order. Brenton has already checked into his reserve unit on Camp Pendleton and already drilled for the first time! I am officially off orientation on the Labor & Delivery Unit at the Naval Hospital. It can be scary at times...but I know all my co-workers are watching out for me. Baby Kingston is growing like crazy. I feel like I am carrying him more in front now. Before I felt like I was carrying all around and into my sides...but not anymore. Also, my sciatica is gone! Yahoo! That was painful!!! Hurley is such a happy dog these days. He loves having daddy home all day long. They both like to play in the backyward and catch some sun! Of course they do this while I am working...haha! Other than that...not much else is new. Just getting excited for Kingston to come and are trip to Portland in May! We love and miss you all!

xoxoxoxox Brenton, Mel, Hurley& and baby Kingston