Go Bananas

December 9, 2006: Cousin Michael celebrated his birthday at Go Bananas with friends and family including Alex, Jasmin, Nathan, Mikayla, Isaiah, Amy, and David. They had fun riding the roller coasters, jumping in the bounce house, playing video games, and going down the giant slide. Luckily, for the parents, they all went to sleep early!!!

Snow Angels

December 2, 2006: Zachary and Nathan making snow angels

Mikayla's 2 Months

November 25, 2006: Mikayla turned 2 months this week. She is now putting on the pounds rapidly and her cheeks are getting rounder since she is beginning to take formula. This month she celebrated her first Thanksgiving dinner. Mikayla is becoming a lot stronger now as she is able to hold her own head up. When talking to her, she will smile and try to talk back-also known as 'cooing.' Throughout the day, she takes several power naps and luckily for mom and dad she is sleeping through the night. Mikayla has also started daycare recently as mom returns to work.

Thanks Auntie Tracy, Auntie Anita, and Auntie Chris for visiting us in Arlington Heights on my birthday.

The Baptism Reception

Mikayla's Baptism

November 19, 2006: Today we witnessed Mikayla's Baptism at Our Lady of Peace Church. Uncle Ramadan and Auntie Tina are Mikayla's Ninong and Ninang-the Godparents. We celebrated her Baptism with a reception at Triple Crown Restaurant.

Llanu's Baptism

November 18, 2006: Patrick and I attended the Baptism of Llanu, our godchild.

Marine Corps Ball

November 11, 2006: Pat and I attended the Marine Corps Ball this year which was held at the Marriott in Shaumburg, Illinois.

Segura Sisters Visit

The Meyers: Robbie, Visha, Uncle Jim, and Auntie Geevee

Paul, Vercelle, Patrick, Mikayla, Melissa, Philip, Candy, Visha, Gia, Jasmin, Isaiah, Michael, Alex, Robbie, and Nathan







October 28, 2006: We were very excited to see the Seguras reunited once again here in Chicago. Uncle Jim and Auntie Geevee were so gracious to host dinner for all of us at their new home in Lake Bluff. Aunti Erli,Uncle Jay, Auntie Sylvia and Uncle Len traveled from Florida. Auntie Ronnie and Uncle Jun flew from the Philippines. Surprise! Our cousin Gia also flew in for a short visit.

Auntie Ronnie and Mikayla

Nathan's first grade class.

Halloween Parade

October 31, 2006: Nathan got to walk his first Halloween Parade. It also just happened to be Nathan's last day at Fairview School.

The Gang

October 30, 2006: We were so happy to get to see Auntie Nerissa at Auntie Tracee's house. Nathan, Grace, and Lauren got along well with each other.

New Milestones

October 30, 2006: Mikayla has definitely been getting bigger and is more awake during the day. Not only has she been gaining weight rapidly, she is also smiling more and starting to get more head control.

Trip to the Picture People

October 29, 2006: Our first road trip with the cousins was to the Picture People at Oakbrook Mall to take Halloween pictures. Mikayla was dressed festively while Nathan was a Star Wars Clone Trooper, Maya a Pink Octopus, and Ethan a Green Frog. We tried our best to get a group picture but were a little unsuccessful. Maybe next year!

Up to No Good!!!

Cousin Maya Hataway Visits

October 27, 2006: Uncle John, Auntie Aisha, and cousin Maya visited us. Maya has grown since we last saw her 2 months ago. She sure can eat!!! And you should see her pink Uggs and pink shearling coat.

Mikayla's 1 Month Birthday

October 25, 2006: Today is Mikayla's 1 month birthday! She had several 'firsts' this month. This month she had her nails cut for the first time. She finally lost her umbilical cord. She went to her first restaurant. She also experienced her first snowfall in Chicago. Mikayla also met many of her relatives: Aunti Geevee, Uncle Jim, Auntie Erli, Uncle John, Auntie Ronnie, Uncle Jun, Auntie Obette, and Uncle Danny. These days she sleeps mostly throughout the day and is more alert and awake throughout the night. Daddy finally went back to work after spending a whole month at home. Today, we celebrated by...well...of course...napping!!!

Nathan and Mikayla

Trip to Panera

Saturday, October 7, 2006: Today Mikayla had 3 visitors, Auntie Anita, Auntie Tracy, and Auntie Chris. She went on her first girls day out to Panera for some lunch. Thanks to Auntie Tracy, we figured out the stroller.

Mikayla's Daily Schedule

Mikayla's second week at home was filled with many activities. Her activities include sleeping, eating, burping, diaper changes, and more sleep. Our first couple nights were a bit rough but we are all getting into our daily routine. When Mommy is tired, Daddy rocks me to sleep because I am his little princess!

Three Days in the Tanning Bed

Because of jaundice, Mikayla stayed 3 extra days in the hospital for phototherapy. She mostly slept throughout the day and night with the exception of regular feedings and diaper changes.

Mikayla's First Visitors

Mikayla had many visitors which included Lolo and Lola Echavez, Grandpa and Grandma Ham, Auntie Mila, Auntie Inday, Auntie Baby, Auntie Lorna, Auntie Irene, Cole, Kisella, Uncle Philip, Uncle Honey-do..I mean, Uncle Ned and Auntie Vercelle, and Uncle Ramadan. We were so happy they could come and visit us in the hospital.

Happy Birth-day!

Daddy and Mommy were so happy that we could hardly wait to tell everybody...

Big Brother and Little Sister

Nathan was extremely excited to finally meet his sister. He can't stop kissing her!

Welcome Mikayla Priscilla Echavez

Mikayla Priscilla Echavez was born September 25, 2006 at 4:22 pm. She weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and measured 19 1/4 inches long. Who does she look like? Mommy, daddy, or Nathan?