From Death, to New Life.

   It's been a while since I've updated my blog. Oops! In my defense, there have been lots of happenings in our little Pearson Pod! 

   In my last post, I left you on sort of at a cliff hanger.  I managed to get a flight to Ft. Myers, thanks to my daddy. Unfortunately, I wasn't in time to say my final goodbyes to my grandmother. I realize that I can't beat myself up about this. She went very quickly, and very peacefully surrounded by her two sons. Her visitation and funeral service were absolutely beautiful. I like to picture my grandma and grandpa up in heaven, finally dancing together after seven years.  I think that's how I'll always remember them... dancing. Somehow, I take great comfort in that thought. 

It was so great to see my family, although, I must say, I wish it were under far better circumstances. I got to spend some quality time with my uncle and my daddy before the rest of the family arrived. It was great to goof around with my dad again. I missed my mother and my sister so much. I almost cried when I gave my mom that first hug. It was also really good to reconnect with my sister. She's always been my best friend and I'm so glad we're still close after all we've been through. I got to officially meet my niece for the first time, and let me tell you, I am head over heels in love with that girl! She is such a sweet baby girl. I also saw my aunt and cousin, I can't even remember the last time I saw them! 

  

   These past 6-12 months have really taught me the importance of my family. I don't know where I'd be with out them, and I've never felt so close to them.  I'm so glad to see how accepted my husband is in my family. Andrew has even mentioned how he loves that my parents treat him and love him as if he is their own. He and my Uncle Dennis hit it off right off the bat! He even talks about trying to get stationed somewhere near my Uncle Dennis and Aunt Sally! It really is cute. :)  I'm so blessed to have such a loving and supportive family that's always there for me. No matter what.

  My parents have been excellent role models for me, the best, actually! I'm so blessed that God placed me in their lives. I'm so very pleased and proud to tell you all that God has decided to bless Andrew and I with our first baby!! :) That's right! The Pearson family is expanding to 3! (...Unless you count our kitty, then that's 4.)

  It's funny how Andrew was the one picked up on the fact that something wasn't quite right, and suggested taking a pregnancy test! See, usually he makes me laugh with everything he does. Every corny joke, every silly noise, every playful pun. One day last week, everything he did irked me. That was his first clue, poor thing. (Sorry, Love!) When he suggested I might be pregnant, I thought he was reaching a bit, so I took a pregnancy test, half hoping to prove him wrong and say "told you so!" Turns out I was the one that was wrong! The look on his face when he saw the word "pregnant" on that test!

  As of today, I am 6 weeks along. Andrew and I couldn't be more excited! We have affectionately nicknamed our baby "Baby Pea." We are due on November 4th. Yes, that's right, yet ANOTHER November baby in the family! I cannot tell you how grateful I am that God has blessed us with this opportunity to grow as a couple and as a family. I have my first ultrasound on April 2nd and of COURSE I'll be sharing those pictures with y'all! We are both SO very excited to hear our little angel's heartbeat. However, I am not looking forawrd to the tons of blood work I have on Monday. Yikes! I loathe needles! Oh, well. It's all for Baby Pea. :) 

 I'd like to thank my darling husband for putting up with me for the past week or so. I'm so very sorry that I've been so tired and we haven't spent much time together because I've been sleeping! I love you!! 

Until next time!! 

All our love, 

Andrew, Ana, and Baby Pea.

Heartache.

I'm hoping this blogging this will help take my mind off of how stressed out I am, I'm just going to write what comes to mind.
This morning I received word that my grandmother was only expected to live a few more days.  I cannot tell you my heartache. When Andrew and I were in the states, I wanted to go visit my grandmother, but we just didn't have the time. I should have MADE time. I feel so guilty, I may not get the chance to say goodbye to her. I'm hoping her Italian stubbornness will shine through and she'll hold on just long enough for me to say goodbye. She always got what she wanted, so I'm hoping she really wants to say goodbye to me.
Trying to buy tickets home is a nightmare. I don't want to get there too late, as to inconvenience anyone who may had to pick me up. I don't know whether to buy one ticket or two because Andrew doesn't know if he'll be able to get emergency leave or not. It's honestly one of the most frustrating situations I've ever dealt with. I feel like the White Rabbit in Alice and Wonderland. I'm running around frantically like a chicken with it's head cut off screaming "I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!' I'm surely glad I did the laundry a few days ago.
I hope and pray that God will allow me to say goodbye to her, and I hope Andrew can get emergency leave to come with me. I really need my husband.

Good Heavens, It's 2011!

Hello Loved Ones,

  I'm sorry it took so long to make a New Years blog.  New Years Eve was pretty low key for us, but fun, nonetheless. We had a few friends over for a barbecue and watched the London version of The Dick Clark New Years Eve Special, or whatever it's called. I found it sort of amusing that when they started doing the fireworks, which went on FOREVER, they played We Will Rock You, by Queen.

 After all of that, I kicked off 2011 with one of the greatest things in the world, Florida State Football! Of course, Florida State won, which I think is a great sign that 2011 will be great!

It's only 6 days into 2011, and already it looks pretty promising! As I told you all in a previous blog, I've started the search for my biological mother. Well, I got an e-mail from the adoption agency I was adopted through, and they said they've started "investigating my case." I thought the wording sounded pretty cool, pretty 007. I'm excited, nervous, and pretty darn anxious. Whenever I tell people about it, the question always comes up "How do your parents feel about that... I mean your adoptive parents."

First of all, I've always thought that it was odd to say my "adoptive parents." They're my parents. The only set I've got, the only set I'll ever have.  They changed my diapers, rocked me to sleep, dealt with my millions of ear infections, dealt with my difficult teenage ways, they were there for my wedding, the list goes on and on! Even though my biological mother gave me life in the technical aspect, my parents gave me life in the true sense of the meaning. They taught me how to live life with no fears, how to be confident, how to believe in myself, how to have Faith, and taught me to be a daughter of God, etc. Yes, I may be meeting my bioligical mother in the near future, but John Francis & MarySue Occhiuzzo will always be my parents.

Also, I've become the admin/moderator, whatever you'd like to call it, for two different pages online that are kind of like support groups for military wives. One is specifically for Air Force wifes, the other is for anyone affiliated with all branches, but it's mostly wives, mothers, and sisters. I've loved every minute of it so far. It makes me feel so awesome every time one of them comes looking for advice or an unbiased opinion. I love being able to help! These sites are so much fun. I feel a connection to every single one of them, it's almost as if they're a part of me already. Andrew has suggested that I go back to school and become a counselor. I guess he sees how happy it makes me. We'll see.

2011 is also our last full year stationed in England. I'm so excited to see where we'll end up next. I'm a a bit stressed out at the moment though. Command sponsorship is taking FOREVER, and I'm scared that I'll just sit on someone's desk and we'll have to PCS in April to Mountain Home. Well, such is the life of a military wife. Speaking of which, I live with my husband, but it seems like I never see him! Last night he got home at 5am! It can't be safe for them to work 12 hours then drive home when there's no one on the road. I guess I shouldn't be complaining, it wasn't that long ago that I went months with out seeing him and was constantly worried about his safety. Before that, I'd gone 8 month with out seeing him. I should be perfectly content just being able to sleep in his arms. I also should mention we've put in for leave April 22-29th. Cross your fingers that we get to be stateside for a week!!

I wish you all happiness, health, and blessings in the new year! I love you all bunches.

All our love,

The Pearsons

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!

It's that magical time of year again! Christmas!!  I know you all have a million and one things to do today, so I'll make this blog post short. :) 

When I was younger, my Christmas was all about me. What presents I'd get, what part in the Christmas pageant I was going to get, what Santa was going to bring me. Now that I'm older I realize that besides the obvious reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior, Christmas is about giving. God gave us his only son. I think my favorite part of Christmas so far this year was buying awesome presents for my family and husband. As I was buying said presents, I got to thinking about those who will not have all that they wish for this year. Deployed soldiers and their spouses and families that only asked Santa to bring them their loved one home safe and sound, orphans, or any other situation that pulls anyone away from their family. My heart breaks for them and my Christmas wish is that those people will get some kind of Christmas blessing, maybe even a miracle. I think I will start a tradition that as a Christmas present to myself, I will pick a charity to give to each year.

I'm so very thankful that Andrew was given not just the weekend, but 5 days (that started off on Tuesday) off for Christmas. This is our first Christmas together as husband and wife, it is also my first Christmas away from family and loved ones. We will be spending Christmas morning with each other, then for dinner we are going to my friend's house for dinner. This particular friend, Sarah, is the girl who I spent most of Andrew's deployment with. As her husband was deployed as well, we have a pretty awesome bond because of it all. I don't know what I would've done with out her. I'm pretty excited that even though I'm not with my actual family on Christmas, I'll still be with some kind of family. :).

Though Andrew and I cannot be home for the holidays this year, know that all of you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers this Christmas season. We will try to call all of you guys on on Christmas. Be expecting a phone call from a crazy number with 12 digits! ;)

A very merry and blessed Christmas to you all. 

A Birthday Tribute to Dad.

Hello, Family! 

     I'm sorry I've gotten away from this blog for a while as there hasn't been much to report.  I promise I'll write a longer blog after Christmas. I wanted to take this time to write a quick post saying happy birthday to my daddy. :)

Daddy, 

     Thank you for always being there for me.  Thank you for putting up with me through all of my crazy antics, temper tantrums, and stubbornness growing up.  Thank you for your patience.  Thank you for catching me when I stumbled along the way.  You've always stood by me with a firm, but loving hand.  Thank you for taking me to all those FSU games and making me one of the biggest 'Nole fans-- Second only to you, of course.  Thank you for being such an amazing role model in my life.  Thank you for showing me what a great marriage is, what a great person of God is, and what a great parent is (among many other things). Thank you for taking me to those Father-Daughter dances for Girl Scouts.  Thank you for taking care of me when I was sick, had the hives, and all those ear infections.  Thank you for giving me the gift of Faith.  Thank you for all the time, hard work, and money you put in to give me the world.  Thank you for all the laughter and giggles we've shared (mostly at Vanna White's expense).  Thank you for all the popcorn and peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunches you used to make for Veronica and I.  Thank you for the gift of Italian culture.... the real stuff, not this Jersey Shore nonsense.  Thank you taking me to see the world.  Thank you for teaching me the importance of family and to trust God.  Thank you for the gift of music.  Thank you for the strength you give me, whether you know you give it to me or not. Most importantly, thank you for all the love.  You are the coolest dad on the face of this planet and I will always be a Daddy's girl.  You promised (or as you say, "threatened") me that you'd live to be 100 years old and then some, so here's to many more years of happiness, health, and blessings. Happy Birthday, Daddy. I miss you and love you beyond words. I hope you have an awesome birthday.  See you soon. 

Hugs and kisses.

Love always and forever, 

Your Little Girl.  

Tradition, Tradition! (And An Addition!)

    Our first holidays as a family are rapidly approaching upon us, I cannot tell you how excited we are! ...Well mostly me, I think Andrew is just looking forward to a break from work for a few days. He's been working pretty hard lately, more so than usual. Anyway, as I was making a Thanksgiving Day menu yesterday, I couldn't help but reminisce on holiday traditions from my family.

    I remember waking up, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and making homemade Chex mix. I can almost hear my dad saying "Now, Little Miss Ana... I think that's enough.." and my mother chiming in with "Yeah! You don't want to fill up on Chex mix..." Being raised in an Italian family, we had an extra dish that was traditional for us. Linguine with my dad's famous homemade pasta sauce, we even made our own linguine some years! I don't think that will be happening this year though, but, I'm okay with it! Why? Because Andrew and I are making our own traditions and it is more exciting than I thought! 

Being stationed overseas, a lot of the single guys stationed here have no one to celebrate Thanksgiving with. I couldn't stand the thought that some of them might be alone and hungry on Thanksgiving so I invited a bunch of them over to share Thanksgiving dinner with us. :) What's on the menu? I'll tell you!  

  Turkey, mashed potatoes (a recipe called "Mater's taters", to be exact) candied yams, fruit salad, which is a yummy family recipe, honey glazed ham, green bean casserole (Andrew's favorite part), cranberry orange relish, homemade Chex mix, stuffing/dressing, mac & cheese bake, and of course... Pies! I am so excited for this wonderful feast, and for the great company of friends. 

Mama Kitty and her adorable little bundles of furry joy

 Once Thanksgiving is over, and after I've slept off all of that tryptophan, I will be cheerfully decorating my house for the best holiday EVER, Christmas!!  I would also like to take this time to tell you that we will have a new addition to our little family come December 4th! We are adopting a kitten and it will be ready to leave it's mother by then :) We have 6 babies to choose from. We are pretty darn excited!

We hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving full of delicious food, family fun, and God's blessings!


Until next time...
Blessings and holiday cheer, 
The Pearsons

My Birthday.

      Well, another year has come and gone and I am another year older. I must say, this is one of the best birthdays I've had in a while as it was filled with many surprises, not to mention, it was a GORGEOUS day! 

   A few months ago, I had started looking for my biological mother. We have had no luck so far, and are not sure if we will have any luck at all. Since I was about 9 or 10, I have always wondered if she (my biological mother) thought of me on my birthday. I know she's out there and I want to thank her for going through with the pregnancy and not terminating it. I can only imagine how much courage that took, especially in this day and age, where life is not as respected as it should be. I would also like to thank my parents for being such wonderful role models through out my life. I love you Mom & Dad and miss you terribly. 

Showing off my traditional Birthday tiara.

  My first birthday surprise was that Andrew actually came home the same day he left for work (11:30pm!). For those of you who don't know, Andrew works "swing shift," which means he goes into work anytime between 2-4pm and gets home anywhere from 2-4am, depending on the day/work load. It was so very nice. My wonderful husband made me breakfast before we headed out to base to check the mail. Once we got to the post office, I rushed in to check our box and see if my boxes of belongings from the states had arrived and lo and behold, there were six slips in our box telling us to pick up a package! I would like to thank God and the USPS for this splendid birthday present! I must say, it is nice to have more than one month's worth of clothes here. It's also nice to have my favorite things again, like my jewelery box and the blanket my mother knit for me. Such a wonderful comfort (not to mention, quite warm). Once we got home, I quickly rifled through my boxes to find said favorites, and, my tiaras.  It is a tradition of mine to wear a tiara every year for my birthday.  I now have a small collection.

The unfortunate mess in our living room!

   For my birthday dinner, Andrew and I, and a handful of friends had a lovely meal at a steak house on base called "Pinkerton's" and had a few drinks at the "Liberty Club."  Let me tell you, I had some of the most delicious salmon for dinner! Fit for a princess. :) I had such a blast with all my amazing friends here. My best friend here even sang a song dedicated to me at karaoke-- Stairway to Heaven!  

My Birthday cake!

  I should probably mention the cake! We did not do cake until the day after my birthday, as we were soo busy through out the day, and it was much too late when we got home that night. I made my own vanilla cake with strawberry icing. Now, before you go getting upset with Andrew for letting me make my own cake, I should probably explain... He had a friend over that night and I didn't want him to have to stop entertaining his friend.  Not to mention, I had made a nice dinner (Chicken Parmesan and Angel Hair pasta) and was already in cooking/baking mode. He did, however, decorate it... Not bad, 'eh?

I would like to apologize to everyone for not updating these past few days, Andrew had a 3 day weekend-- ANOTHER Birthday surprise-- and when there's a chance to spend time with him, I grab it. With his work schedule, I never know when I'll see him next!  Hope to hear from you all soon! Take care and God Bless!

Hugs and kisses from across the pond, 

Andrew and Ana.