Dumont Posse

Today has been a long time coming. It was two days prior to Gregory Hebert having to go to trial. He was scheduled for a long drawn out trial Monday, July 13, 2009. The night in question was June 23, 2007, two years ago. It has been a long road of trial calendar calls that led no where and a lot of Greg not showing up or having to be at any of the court dates. Meanwhile, my mother has showed up to each and every one. He was indicted on two counts. The first was driving to endanger, death resulting and the second was leaving the scene of the accident, death resulting. He had originally pleaded not guilty and today he withdrew that plea. He entered a nolo contendere plea, which as the judge stated, "Is considered guilty in the state of RI." At this point he is looking at a maximum of 2 years jail time and a total of 10 years of probation. The sentencing is currently scheduled for September 10, 2009. At this point we will find out what the judge is sentencing him to as far as jail time. He did state today that while he is sure there will be jail time, he cannot say how much jail time just yet. We just know that the maximum will be two years. He gets to spend the next 8 weeks free while he awaits the judge's decision.

All of that being said, I can't say this makes anyone happy or leaves anyone disappointed. What I can say is that I am personally glad he will serve some time in prison. While two years seems inadequate to the crime, no amount of time he serves will make me feel more at peace over losing my sister. Also, I can honestly say I am a bit relieved that we didn't have to relive those awful last moments of Ashley's death through a drawn out trial. Two months from now this will all be behind us. While it will never be forgotten, it makes no difference to me, as it will never bring her back.

Yesterday was spent with family and friends. We started with our annual tradition, breakfast at one of Ashley's favorite spots, T's Restaurant. It went well and not much discussion of Ashley, as it is still incredibly difficult to speak her name without getting teary eyed. Once they start it seems almost impossible to stop them. Next Scott, Drake and I headed to do laundry (it had to be done) and while Drake and I waited in the car and Scott loaded the laundry in, I let the tears flow. I headed over to Ashley's myspace and read Mom's comment and began to comment myself. I was unable to stop the tears and Drake gave me a look that let me know that he knows exactly why I am crying, he knows who she is and he misses her too. That is what kills me more than anything (I'm being redundant if you've already read above mentioned myspace comment) is that she never got to hold either of her nephews (that is right baby number 2 is also a boy, more on that later.) After laundry we headed to Mom's to bake cookies for the 4th of July party at Aunt Gayles this Saturday. Drake had a fantastic time ripping apart her tupperware cupboard and playing with AJ (the dog.) Lastly, we all headed to the cemetery to meet family and friends for our memorial get together. Typically these aren't sad, as everyone tries to keep an upbeat spirit about them. I did manage to escape for two seconds and in doing so the tears began to fall again. I couldn't control it, just thinking about losing her makes me really sad. I know this will always be true and from it I gather that I remember the good and the bad and she brings tears and smiles to my face and heart.

This blog is a bit all over the place and for that I apologize. Now to get a bit more hectic.

Drake began walking June 5, 2009. It was at our ultrasound appointment and we were in the office waiting room with Scott's parents. It was pretty amazing and he hasn't slowed down since.

We are 21 weeks pregnant as of Monday. What this means is Colten Robert is about as long as a carrot and approximately 3/4 pound. He has been measuring one week big which really means he is the length of a spaghetti squash and approximately one pound! I've been feeling him move about and kick for weeks now, but this week they have really increased and I don't doubt that those movements will be felt externally very soon (yay for Daddy!) At our 20 week ultrasound we learned two things, the first is that he is now breach. Drake was also breach, hence the c-section. Luckily we already know we are having a c-section so no dissapointment there. Secondly that the ultrasound technician could not tell if it was a boy or girl this go around. At our 18 week ultrasound we were told it was a boy. Needless to say, next week we will be heading in for a 22 week ultrasound to confirm boy/girl. I am almost positive it will still show a boy. I'm pretty excited that Drake will have the experience of having a brother to play and grow with.

Some past important dates and happenings...
June 6 - Ryan and Gina tied the knot! Ryan is Scott's middle brother. They have been together many years and made it official. The day was gorgeous. Drake attended the ceremony but spent the reception at Aunty Sarah's with cousin Landon and Uncle Kyle. They honeymooned in Aruba and based on stories and photos, they had a wonderful time!

June 27 - Justin and Pamela tied the knot! Justin is Scott's cousin. What a wonderful couple. I don't think any couple emmulates love like these two. You can tell they love each other simply by looking at them or watching them around each other. The ceremony was a catholic ceremony and the reception was held at Pamela's parent's house. What a beautiful home! It was an outdoor event, very simplistic but so extraordinary! The bride and groom looked amazing! They are currently honeymooning in Jamaica.

July 2 - Brian and John finally adopted India Opal Vaughn-Hallene! They've been her foster parents basically since she was born and it sure has been a process. But it is finally official. They now have two beautiful adopted daughters!

Upcoming things to look foward to...
July 4 - Party at Aunty Gayles!
July 11 - Brian and John tie the knot!
July 29 to 31 - Camping at Six Gun City in NH with Dad and Jacob!
August 1 - Baby Sprinkle!
August 5 to 11 - Trip to North Carolina to visit the in-laws!