We have an 18 month old!

It has been a couple months since I have posted, didn't realize it has been that long. In the middle of doing a few things at once. Been busy! Well, we made it through the new year. M-Dad had his 30th birthday- we went to Catalina for the weekend and had a relaxing time! M-Dad and M-Kid's first time there (and M-Kid's first boat trip) and my umpteenth time there (used to go every summer as a kid). M-Kid's update: Have I mentioned that he loves trains, I mean LOVES. He has the Thomas the Train train set, and he takes "Thomas" and "Percy" the trains everywhere he goes. They are his friends :) He gets reaallllly excited when he sees any train-related thing, especially Thomas. We let him watch the Thomas and Friends show every Saturday morning, and ONCE in awhile he gets to watch the DVD. It is fun stuff. M-Kid just turned 18 months old on Saturday the 17th, and he continues to learn really quickly. He has been talking a lot more especially in the last month, some of his favorites include: choo-choo, animal sounds (dog, cat, duck, monkey, frog, lion, cow), bye-bye, water, juice, up, hot, hat, down, dog, night-night, out, no, hello, ow, help, mama, dada, bath, bubbles, shoes, walk, and a few others. He also is great at waving, clapping, giving hugs & kisses, giving high 5, dancing, following instructions, jumping on mama and dada, and letting you know what he wants! He is also learning right from wrong, and will look at you and shake his head or wave his finger around before he tries to get away with something- testing us! Anyway that is all for now. Blessings!

As the year comes to an end...

A lot has happened this year, but even more has happened in just these past 2 months alone. I haven't really had time or really felt like really sitting down and typing up something, so here it goes. First off, my Grandad passed on veterans day (very suiting since he was a war veteran). In a previous post I mentioned that he wasn't doing well. He passed in the comfort of his home. I was happy to have been able to spend a little extra time with him the week he passed. It was difficult to see him in so much anguish, but really good to speak to him and hold his hand. Death has always been a hard thing for me to grasp, as I am sure is the case for many people. It is so hard to say good bye, in the physical sense anyway. On one hand, it was a relief to know that he was no longer "living" that way, but on the other hand the people who are still living have to deal with the loss. We will miss Grandad's presence. Childhood memories of him have been popping in my head before and ever since his passing...like all those times he walked my cousins and I up to the nearby liquor store for some candy, the fact that he would always make a point of attending his grandchildren's events (ie. sporting events), and more. They will always be engrained in my memory. I am glad that he was able to meet M-Kid and his other two great grandchildren. I only hope and pray that I am blessed enough to make it to that stage in life. I pray for my family to get through this difficult time and that they are able to remain strong...and eventually be at peace. The holidays went pretty well this year. For Thanksgiving, we went up north to visit the Rodriguez side of the family. We had a really good, relaxing time, and Matthew had lots of fun hanging out with his grandma, cousins, and uncles. For the Christmas holiday, we stayed in So Cal. Matthew got to see a cool light show at Griffith Park, saw Santa at the mall, went to the Children's mass at our church on Christmas eve, and more. We spent time with the Albright and Wilson families on Christmas eve and Christmas, and Matthew had lots of fun hanging out with everyone! He made out well on the gifts. Thanks everyone! Also, Daddy gave him his first "real" haircut (Mommy trimmed his bangs a couple of times before), and it turned out pretty cute! It is pretty even all around with a little tail in the back. He continues to learn and grow so quickly, a little each day. His little personality is just developing so wonderfully! May we continue to be blessed enough to be able to be surrounded by great family and friends, celebrate engagements, weddings (Congratulations to you all!), births (Welcome babies!), birthdays (Happy 50th Birthday dad!), new jobs, etc....and enjoy more good times. That is all for now. Time for bed! Happy New Year everyone. May our beloved family and friends be blessed in the upcoming new year of 2007 (and all other years of course!) Thank you for always being there for us.

M-Kid's Halloween

Picture of us at the pumpkin patch and M-Kid on halloween in his lion costume. He loved being in his costume. He tried it on several times and ran around the house. He even kept the headpiece on (for the most part, but pretty good for a toddler!) We had a good time on Halloween. Went trick-or-treating and walked around the mall. Pretty low key, but perfect!

Life and Death

As our Grandad (M-Kid's great Grandad) is getting ready to pass...I ponder about my own life and life in general. I will consider myself more than blessed if I can have half of these things in my life in no particular order: To be able to watch my child(ren) grow up, with my husband by my side. Live to be an ol granny, surrounded by lots of family, and be able to tell stories of my oh so interesting life. Pass peacefully in my sleep, knowing that I have lived a long, happy life. Don't we all wish this! My family knowing how much I love them and appreciate them being in my life. My family to live a long, happy and healthy life. "Own" a home that my family and I think of as HOME. Enough money to live and be able to do things I want to do, and be financially secure. To live my life, enjoy each moment, create new memories and experiences, and not sit on the sidelines and wait for it to go by. To not always be bogged down with the stresses and anxiety of life...which is sometimes a challenge for me! Well, that is all for tonight. Off to bed. Any prayers of peace and healing that anyone who reads this can spare for Grandad are appreciated.

Just Checking In...

Just checking in. No real reason to be here, except for the fact that I typed the website, logged in, and well, here I am. I like to write sometimes...I have like a million journals dating back from when I was a young teen. Bet you would love to read thru some of those! I have read a few of those old entries and poems to M-Dad...haha. I don't think he likes to hear those. Anyway, M-Kid is sleeping, I just finished doing some work, M-Dad is online checking ebay I think. I have plenty of housework to do, but just wanted to get some random thoughts out of my head. Halloween is coming up...M-Kid will be a lion (because he is a leo). I don't know what we will do just yet- it is up in the air. We will probably do some sort of trick-or-treating, M-Kid collects the candy, Mommy and Daddy get to eat it :) Can't lose there! Can't wait. Who said you had to grow up when you become a parent? NOPE, you can just re-live some of those childhood experiences. Tee-hee. Well, I know that in many other cases you definitely have to act grown up. Like teaching right from wrong. And paying the bills. Stuff like that. Well, that is all for now...here is pic of M-Kid in his Halloween costume. He seems to like it...has worn it around the house a few times :) YAY. Oh yeah, and he just loves M-Cat. They are becoming great friends as you can see from the second pic.

Turning 1 was Fun!!!

Well, we made it through M-Kid's first birthday! He had 2 parties, one in Great Grammabelle's garden, and one in P-Town by the beach. Both parties turned out great and everyone had lots of fun! Thanks to all the family for all the hard work they put into helping these parties turn out so well!!! M-Kid is so lucky to have so many wonderful people in his life that love him so much. You can tell they love him from all the hugs and kisses, and well gifts...would you look at all this stuff! He is definitely set! No more toys PLEASE!! On his actual birthday, he went to the zoo with Mommy & Daddy. We also went to take professional portraits. It has been a crazy couple of weeks, but so fun. And now we no longer have a baby...we officially have a TODDLER! Well, he will always be our little baby :)

It has been awhile

The pic on the above left is of M-Baby at about a couple weeks old, and the pic on the above right is him recently at 11.5 months old, both taken in his crib! Look how much he has grown! I have been meaning to write a blog, but oh, how life keeps you busy, and how time flies when you are busy! These last couple of months have been great to say the least. "Can't complain" has been something I have caught myself saying a lot. Because I really can't! Let's see, here are the updates: M-Dad: As you know, got a job in his field. So far, so good. He is gaining valuable experience that will help him in his future career endeavors. He has also been working out a lot, really motivated to get in better shape. He doesn't like to admit it, but he has actually grown to like some aspects of G-Town life. Even though, nothing could replace P-Town of course (life by the beach)! M-Mom: Continuing on with taking care of babies by day, working for my environmental consulting firm by night. I am loving it. Whenever I have spare time, I love love love taking walks outside. That is our favorite thing to do on weekends as well. Walking all around, and we are lucky since there are many great places in walking distance. Especially when it starts to cool down. Thanks to these warm summer nights :) Okay, and saving the best for last....M-Baby! He is doing sooo many new things lately. The major one, of course, is WALKING! He actually started walking between 10.5 - 11 months, and is just mastering it as time goes on. Wow, a whole new world has opened up for him. He wants to explore and discover everything! He has also started talking a little bit (babbling for the most part), he is pointing at everything (his favorites have been airplanes, helicopters, the moon, lights, trees, and anything that makes noise, moves, and is shiny), and he has been mimicking behaviors a lot (he picks up a phone and puts it to his ear, takes a comb and runs it over his head, and things like that- IT IS SO CUTE!!), he has 7 teeth (4 on top, 3 on bottom), and the list goes on. Wow, this past year has flown by. This boy has such a beautiful personality. Being a parent has been the greatest gift. It's funny too, when they say that you get to relive your childhood again. This is true! Sometimes we catch ourselves just being big kids :) Yay for that. So, last but not least, M-Baby is turning one and will be a toddler (M-Kid). Ahhhhhhhh big sigh. This will mark the end of one year with our 1st baby. It has flown by, like I know I have said plenty of times. We are on a continued journey, though, learning and experiencing new things everyday. Every little smile, hug, kiss, word, step is just another blessing. A week from today will be M-Kid's 1st birthday PARTY (and then he will have another party up in P-Town two days after his actual birthday). And just 11 days from now he will be 1. Happy First Birthday M-Baby, our Gift from God.

Precious Moments

This is a recent pic of us at M-Baby's baptism. Funny, exactly one month later on the 22nd, I post here again. Seems to be somewhat of a trend. Anyway, I just wanted to reflect on some precious moments I recently shared with M-Baby. I was sitting with my little cuddle bunny in the rocking chair in the living room, in silence. He had just woken up from a nap, and just wanted to be in Mommy's arms. The fish tank to the right of us, a somewhat cool summer wind coming through the screen door, a dimly lit and silent room surrounding us. I was thinking back to about one year ago, when I was around 7 months pregnant. I used to come out into the living room, mostly in the middle of the night, when the baby was quite active. Those bittersweet warm summer nights. I spent countless hours in a similar environment, on the couch in the living room. Thinking, wondering who it was moving around in my belly. What would he look like? What would he be like? Fast forward 2 1/2 months later, M-Baby just a couple weeks old. Similar environment, but completely different atmosphere. A new baby. New parents. New life. I remember at that time thinking back to how I felt when I was pregnant. I had moments where I wished I could go back to being pregnant. I missed those kicks in my belly. Of course, I had a healthy, beautiful baby boy in my arms instead. And our lives had changed so much. We were no longer two, but three. Would it ever be the same? Absolutely not. Everything had changed. At the time, I didn't understand just how much. The past 10 months with M-Baby have FLOWN by. I can't believe he is going to be a year old soon. Wow, time flies when you are having fun, and being busy!! M-Baby is truly a huge blessing in our lives. I couldn't imagine life without him (I know everyone says it, but it is sooo true!) and I wouldn't change all that I've experienced for anything. I am so happy to be here where I am. I have God to thank for all the good things. Furthermore, I feel so blessed to be where I am at. It worked out that I could work from home. So, I am working part time still with my company (environmental consulting firm), doing a few hours here and there at night and on the weekend. I have also started running a daycare from home during the day. This way, I get to be with M-Baby and watch him grow, while still making an income. That was my ultimate goal. M-Dad has gotten a job, not only in his desired field, but within a mile from home! And living in LA, that is truly a relief. M-Dad did get some well-deserved bonding time with M-Baby though. He took care of him while I went to work for a few months, and I am so glad he was able to do it. He is a wonderful daddy and husband. Anyway, so far so good. I now feel like I have time to "smell the flowers" so to speak. Even though I am still working, and am quite busy most of the time...this is how I like it to be!

M-Baby's Mess!

Well, he tried his first mashed potatoes (mixed w/ carrots) last week, and this was the result! He sure loves 'em. He had fun for awhile, until he rubbed his eyes...he had to have an immediate bath! Eeks. Poor baby!!

So blessed!

Yay!!! Life is really treating us well these days. Thank you Lord, our little family is so blessed. Things have been really going my way, and I am soooo grateful for it. It is hard to take a moment and give thanks sometimes, when life keeps you so super busy. My goal is to try and be more positive, and be thankful for all the wonderful people I am lucky enough to have in my life. Love to all our family and friends, and thank you for always being there for us :) I really am so appreciative. Okay, don't want to sound to sappy, but I am being genuine here. That is all for now. Love, M-Family PS- The pic above was from my first Mother's Day with M-Baby. We (M-Family and Nana A & B) went to a park in G-Town. Lovely park, lovely day. Very chill, and relaxing. Exactly what I envisioned.