Mommy & Baby Have Gone M.I.A.

Yes, it is true. For the last couple of months Elektra and I seem to have gown missing in action. But before you start yelling at us, let me explain....

Our disappearance was for a good reason. We left the hot dry heat of Arizona to spend two wonderful fun-filled months in Hawaii ! ! ! ! ! ! What better way to kick off the summer months then on the cool beaches of Hawaii with the two loves of my life - Rum & Coke. (Oh, sorry, I meant Ray & Elektra).

On April 17th, after way too much time apart, we arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii and was greeted by my hubby and one of our friends. During our time there, Ray showed us the military bases, we spent time at the beach and I finally got to see his sub up close and personal. We also attended the annual SPAM festival. Yes, Hawaii is a huge fan of SPAM. They even have a SPAM McMuffin on the McDonald's breakfast menu!

It was great when Ray's family flew in to spend a week with us. We toured many historical sites including the Pearl Harbor Memorial.

If you have never been to Hawaii I strongly recommend that you go, and if you've been there already I suggest you make plans to go again. Hawaii is constantly changing and new things are being built all the time. Even one of the crew members on ray's sub, who's family lives there, could not believe all the changes that happened in the one year that he was away.

So, now, yes we are back and I do plan to keep this blog up-to-date on all the newsworthy events going on in the life of the Mattingly's.

Cousins

This is Elektra hanging out with my new great-niece, Lynnae, (pronounced len-nay).

They are four months apart.

Yup, they are both pacifier babies.

Lynnae is the daugther of my oldest nephew, Jeff.

My Side of the Family

These are pictures from when my mom, Elektra and I went to see my sister, ReGina. We hung out at her house and watched her work on her new deck in the backyard. My nieces, Keisha and Tia, (yes they have grown that big), enjoyed holding Elektra. She slept most of the time we were there.

Godparents Rock!

On March 25th John and Margaret, (better known as JJ and Maggie), met their godchild for the first time. I had hoped that Elektra's cuteness would convince the two of them to start trying for their own bundle of joy. Unfortunately, Elektra was not in a good mood and I'm afraid that all her crying may have put a wrench in Ray's and my efforts to get JJ and Maggie to make cute babies.

We may have lost this battle, but we have not lost the war!

Me At Two Months

Elektra is now a little over two months old! She is 21 and 1/2 inches long. She weights 10 pounds 3 ounces. She smiles, blows spit bubbles and is slowly starting to find her voice. Her favorite thing to do? Watching the ceilling fan spin around!

First Trip To Phoenix College

This was Elektra's first trip to my old school / work. We met Lisa C. and her lovable son, Seth there.

I've been told that, at least for now, Elektra is the closest thing to a granddaughter that Gary, Gerry and Geof have. That's cool! They can use Elektra to practice on how to spoil a grandchild.

Proud Grandparents

I just wanted to show off the grandparents. They all look so cute holding Elektra. now the next step it to teach her how to beg her grandparents for stuff!!

Back In Arizona!

Hello Everyone!

Yes, Elektra and I are back in Arizona. Yup, it's hot, I'm tired, and we both miss Ray a lot! The good news is we have tons of family and friends here to help out and keep us company.

The road trip here was great. Elektra did better then I had expected. The cats, however, were a different story.

The cats were not too fond of the 'All-Girls' road trip and would have preferred to stay in Washington. Throughout the trip Whilley Kit yelled her complaints at us several time a day with Whilley Cat joining in from time to time. I must give some huge props to Linda for digging the cats out from behind the hotel beds every morning and managing to get both cats back into their cat carrier.

Elektra has made her rounds through both sides of the family and now she is making her rounds to all my friends. If you haven't got a chance to see and hold Elektra yet, don't worry, you will!!

We don't have much of a set schedule. I try to do something everyday, even if it is just taking a walk to the park nearby.

My time is split between Linda & David's house in Laveen and my mom's place in Glendale. Usually I'm in Laveen. Feel free to stop by and pay us a visit. But please call first just to make sure which house I'm at.

I do miss my friends in Washington and my friends that are now in Hawaii. But I must admit that it does feel nice to be back in Arizona. But it's still too freakin' hot!!!

Elektra's After-Birth Baby Shower

I wanted to thank the ladies at our church in Washington for giving Elektra a perfectly sweet baby shower. We had a lot of fun. Thank you soooooo much.

Love

The Two Greatest Loves Of My Life!