Meat Face and the Jerk

2011-09-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Reflux Part Two
When I was pregnant, I loved hearing stories about how laid back second babies are. How they sleep better, are mild tempered and just plain chill. I thought this would be my baby too. After all, I had a hell of a time with Luisa and her reflux, I deserved a relaxed baby! Enter Julian. At the begenning, he was relaxed, then it happened. I heard it, the grunt, the gurgle, the choke and the scream. I knew right away what it was. He is also suffering from reflux. Only with him, we can't get a handle on it. The medicine is not working, he goes to accupuncture twice a week, I hold him upright for twenty minutes after each feeding, he sleeps in the same stupid bouncer that Luisa slept in and yet, everytime I out him down, he has symptoms. He cant stay asleep, he cant just relax and interact, he is miserable. All the time. And so am I.

2011-09-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

She is funny, energetic, engaging, bossy, empathetic and thoughtful.

Life with Two

2011-09-09T11:01:00.004-07:00

I will be the first to admit it, two kids is hard work. I guess I should have known that, right?? Well, as usual, I am suprised. Julian is a total snuggler....as in I can't put him down. Not the easiest when Luisa also needs my attention, but we are making it work...for the most part. Luisa is doing well, minus a few tantrums, but the is three and that comes with the territory so I don'nt know if I should blame it on that or Julian's arrival. She adores Julian though. Always wanting to kiss him or touch him. She gets mad that she can't hold him or pick him up, but it passes rather quickly.

Her birthday was on Tuesday. We had a small party for her at Tom and Elaine's. It was very nice. Jenn was in town and a few of my close friends came to celebrate. Luisa felt special and I have to credit Elain with making it happen. I would not have been able to pull it off with out her.

Luisa starts ballet tomorrow and again, Elaine is going to help out and take her just in case Julian is not ready for the adventure, but I hope to meet them there to watch her in her little tutu and tights. She is so excited. Pics to come...if I make it.

Julian has reflux...just like his sister, although his does not affect his eating. He eats.....all the time. We will certainly go broke feeding this child. Breastfeeding lasted two weeks. I am a terrible breastfeeder and just have to be okay with that, even though I am not. Time will help. I just wanted it so badly for him. At least I know that Luisa turned out okay bottle fed and all.

I will try to post more often here as I need the outlet. Here are some pics.

Resurection

2011-09-09T11:01:00.002-07:00

Dear Luisa,

Today, I am 32 weeks pregnant with your brother. I realized that I needed to tell you about this time in a letter because you are so fascinating to me. You are growing up to be the sweetest girl I could have ever imagined and I can't wait to see you as a big sister.

You are very sensitive and sometimes I worry about that, but for the most part, it makes you so sweet. You have me figured out and know that with the bottom lip out and a "you made me really sad mama" you can bring tears to my eyes in a heart beat. It doesn't happen that often, but if I scold you or get angry with you, I know it is coming. It is heartbreaking, worse even for your father.

The other day, I was laughing, but I put my hands over my face and you thought I was sad. You came running over telling me "it's okay mama" and hugging me and putting your little hands on my cheeks. You have great concern for people and their feelings. You have such a big heart and you show empathy which I can't believe is possible at such a young age. It is truly amazing to watch you grow.

You are so excited for your brother. You talk to him and tell him that you want to play with him, You have a blanket for him that you sleep with every night and you are constantly trying to put his clothes on your babies. You're very maternal and I know you will be a big help, as long as I can channel your maternal energy!

Friday morning when we woke up, you wanted to play with your barn. "Play wis me, mama!" you said over and over again. Knowing I would be late, I sat down to play wis you because I can't stand not to. I know there will come a day when it will be me begging you to play with me.

I love you and your stinky little feet to the moon and back and I am so proud of you.

Love, Mama

Here kitty, kitty, kitty

2010-11-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

When you leave on a red eye on Halloween night, it makes it very hard to post timely Halloween pictures. Here are a few to get you started. I think I have more, but after being on the road for 6 days, I have no clue.

Outchie

2010-10-25T19:47:00.001-07:00

Face plant.

Two years

2010-10-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is my TWO year old. The same one who just the other day told me to behave. The one who yells at Lola for getting on the counter. The one who loves being chased and who will hide in the closet giggling and begging you to find her and tickle her. The one who finally says "I lub you" which melts my heart EVERY damn time. The one who tells you she is going to poop, but refuses to get on the potty. The one who begs to get in her crib and jump around like it is a carnival ride. The one who likes to hold hands at the dinner table. The one who loves the lizards and frogs and worms at daycare. The one who makes me read the same four books every night. The one who will go for days without a bath. The one who begs to sleep in daddy's bed only to flop around for 10 minutes before asking to go to her cribby. The one who will grow up, breaking my heart into a billion, trillion little pieces along the way,

One year

2010-10-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today was Stella's birthday party. She turned one yesterday. Luisa had a great time despite not taking a nap all day. She picked out a babydoll for Stella and even opened it for her too. Happy birthday sweet Stella!

Family

2010-09-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

A baby turns two

2010-09-06T20:38:00.001-07:00

I have no idea how it happened. I put her to bed one night when she was an infant and she woke up two years old. She is smart, funny, sweet sensitive and witty. And she is now two years old. I wish I could stop time.

I don't wanna......

2010-08-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Blog. Sorry. I have a lot to say, I just don't feel like it. In a nutshell, here's what's happening.....

Luisa is almost two; there are 50-some people coming to her party.
We are starting the house renovation in October.
We only have half the money needed to complete it.
Tom and I are going to Vegas this weekend, alone, with no baby.
I AM GOING TO SEE WILLIE NELSON IN SEPTEMBER.
Jenn is coming to Willie Nelson with me!
My house is a mess.
I miss my mom.
I am hopelessly unorganized, as usual.
My beautiful friend, Olessia, is back from 3.5 months in Russia and we get to hang out again.

That's pretty much it. I will blog again soon.

On Fear

2010-06-30T20:39:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I put something on Facebook that ended up being more controversial than I had intended it to be. I wrote "how old is too old to take you boys into the ladies room? I just saw a lady take in her 5 and 7 year old.....I think that is too old!"

In a matter of moments, I had 8 comments. One from my friend who takes her nephews in at the same age to the ladies room with her. One from my friend at work asking if they were potty trained. One from Tom's cousin asking if I would let Luisa go in at 5 or 7 and then one that bothered me most of all. One from a girl I went to high school with that wrote that she lets her 6 yea old go in along but only if the makes sure the bathroom is empty first. Then she told of a boy in Engelwood that went into a Burger King Bathroom and a man cut off his penis. Apparently this happened when we were kids.

Immediately after that comment, two more popped up saying how now they would always go in the restroom with their kids after hearing that story. This made me sad. When I posted the Facebook post, I was more concerned with the notion that these boys did not know how to go to the bathroom on their own, not at all thinking about their safety. Of course it is safer if you accompany your child into a public restroom, but is that the right thing to do? Do you change your actions based on a one in a million chance that your child gets genitals cut off? Has it really come to this?

Statistically, the world is no more crazy that when we were kids. What has changed is that now we know about it. We see it in the news and online. We are exposed to it at such a high rate that people now believe that this is the norm.; that every time you walk into a public restroom, there is a chance that you will be attacked. This is true, there is a chance but no matter how small the chance, people are still afraid.

I can not recall one single time when I was accompanied into the restroom by my mom. I know she did, but from the time I was old enough to remember, she didn't. My sister may have, or my mom would wait outside the entrance to the restroom to make sure I didn't need any help. When I think about my own daughter, I think that at age 5, if she can reach the throne by herself, then yes, I will let her go into a public restroom by herself. I will wait by the entrance, ready to help if needed, but I will empower her to go on her own. To be clear, I am not talking about a public restroom in a park or an area where it is more likely that something strange could happen, but at the Tucson airport, with a bunch of people around, yes, I will let her go.

I can't help but think that trying to keep our kids safe from every imaginable harm is doing them a great injustice. We have to be smart, informed and confident in our children and have a little faith in each other and humanity. I want my daughter to be confident, aware and empowered to make decisions on her own. I simply can not protect her from every evil that exists and I can not live a life worrying about each and every thing that might happen. If that were the case, I would never leave the house. What do you all think?

On Marriage

2010-05-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I make my marriage harder than it needs to be. Unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20 and I can never seem to get this thought out before I have wasted hours being annoyed. I have been married to Tom for 5 years. We dated for 2 years before that. I know him well, and yet when he is in a mood where all he wants to do is play guitar and not talk to anyone, I still take it personally.

Of course when Luisa walks in to "help" him play guitar, he lights up and lets her play, even if she stuffs all of the picks into the holes in the guitar.

On motherhood

2010-05-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have heard it a million times it seems. "Do you remember the pain of childbirth?" "No" they said. "It all fades away". I was skeptical of course, like anyone would be, as I glanced down at an expanding belly. But I now know what they were talking about. The pain, the tears, the fear, the uncertainty. It all fades away. Especially as I look down at my toddler, holding her little hand in mine as she marches across the playground telling me about the swings.

Of course the future holds secrets, unknowns, heartbreaks and delights. But like a dream, I see the future as a sweet, exciting and fantastic surprise. I guess that is what motherhood does. The pain fades and all that remains is the bliss. The joy of your child. The pure excitement in her little face as she empties out her sock and hat drawer, pausing long enough to try on each one of her hats.

Haven't felt like blogging

2010-04-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

So here is a video.

The internet is a series of TUBES

2010-04-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

The key to the title is tubes. Yep, Luisa got tubes in her ears, yesterday in fact. She had SEVEN ear infections since Thanksgiving so unfortunately it was inevitable. She is a champ, even while in the waiting room, after fasting since the night before, with a ton of crying kids, she played and chatted and loved. My little baby never cried (okay, she cried when the nurse took her from me, but that was it) (oh and while they took her blood pressure, but that was really it), she never asked for water or cookies, she just hung out. Then they took her back and in 8 minutes the surgeon came back and said it was done and that it went well. After another 15 minutes, we went back to see her. She was still out of it from the anesthesia, so I picked her up and she fell asleep in my lap.

We took her home, she ate, took a nap and we played the rest of the afternoon. Today, she went to daycare after almost two weeks of being with my friends and Tom's family and she had a great day. I am relieved and I am sure she is too.

I love that baby, even though she is not really a baby anymore. She is a little person, my baby.

Tia Bonita!!

2010-03-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with Tia Bonita! We miss her a ton and one little girl walks around the house saying "tia.......tia?.......TIA???" It's quite sad really. Tia should move here!

Words

2010-03-05T20:09:00.001-08:00

People keep asking me what words Luisa says. When they ask this question, I can only think of a few, but there are a lot. Here they are give or take:
Agua
Water
Leche
Milk
Hi
Bye
Hola
Manos
Feet
Shoes (her first word)
Socks
Doggies
Max
Lola
Thank you
Please
Mama
Dada
Stella
Tia
More
Snacks
Horsey
Piggy
Baby
Ducky
Pat Pat
Eye
Nose
Ears
Eat
Eggs
Cookie
Yogurt
Boots
Juice
Cracker
Fishy
Yellow
Outside
Vamos
Nana
Peas
Meatball
Chicken
Trees
Kitty
Zebra
Lilly (her friend at school)
Christian
Now, only I can understand all of these words when she says them, but I assure you, she says them.

The Good

2010-02-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

1. The smell of Luisa's hair...(yes, uncombed hair amy!) :)

2. Two funny, healthy dogs

3. Skype with Tia Bonita and Gampa Dave

4. Soft jammies from Target

5. Manchego cheese

6. Swim lessons with Luisa

7. Listening to Luisa putting her babies to bed through the monitor...."pat pat, night night"

8. The Olympics

9. Pilates

10. Sleepovers at Los Abuelitos for Luisa

11. Seeing her in the window when we get there to pick her up. She was so excited!

So cute it hurts.

2010-02-13T13:06:00.001-08:00

Lines....

2010-02-12T14:17:00.001-08:00

I suppose in my quest for "friends" I should have steered clear from work. Let me clarify. I have friends at work that are my friends. I know that they are. Then I had friends at work who I thought were my friends, but clearly, they are not. I'm sad. My feelings are hurt. I will get over it, but right now, I'm not. The people were the one thing I liked about my job. Now I don't like the people either.

Try this......

2010-02-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

Luisa

2010-02-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Remember how I was going to take more pictures? Well, so far I have failed. Here is a video though. This is Rody Pony. Luisa has since fallen off and she is not a huge fan anymore. I am trying to convince her to get back on that horse, but it has not happened just yet. Also, when I bought Rody Pony, I had to agree to get rid of a toy that was at least the same size, if not bigger. Don't tell Tom, but I haven't gotten rid of anything!

Double your pleasure? Not exactly.

2010-02-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

Remember those Double Mint Gum commercials with the twins? Double the pleasure, double the fun? Not true when the double is in terms of ear infections. DOUBLE EAR INFECTION! No, not fun, not at all.

Payback you say? Payback for those long nights my mom stayed up with me and my ear infections? Okay, well fine then. Sorry mom! At least I liked the yummy bubblegum flavored medicine and didn't act like I was being poisoned for 10 days straight.

The outcome? An appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialists. Luisa has had 4 infections in 2 months so we are the lucky winners of this specialist visit. Yay us!

2 months and 2 weeks

2010-01-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

That is how long it took Luisa to adjust to daycare. I can't blame her really, but I do, because for 2 months and 2 days, she broke my heart with her crying, fevers, quietness, sad faces, and lingering in the doorways of daycare. Last week though, it all changed. I dropped off a child that actually resembled MY child. The happy one. The one who can cut molars without the slightest bit of crankiness. The one who often wears a diaper as a hat and runs around with only one shoe on because she likes it that way. Yep, that was the baby I dropped of AND picked up ohmyGod. I walked into daycare to pick her up and the teachers looked at me with the puzzled expressions on their faces. "She was so......happy today" they said with disbelief in their voices.

I TOLD YOU SO! Okay so I didn't say it, but I wanted to. I just smiled and said, well, that's my girl. That is the baby I know. And you know what daycare? YOU'RE WELCOME! Cause she's awesome, my kid.

Friends

2010-01-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

I have always been the type of gal to have a few very close friends. When I was little, Ann was my best friend. My mom used to tell me that I was mean to her. She has really bad eczema and apparently I used to make her itch. At least that is what she told my mom anyway. When we moved, I met Amy and Becca, but they were older. My best friend was Stephanie. We were inseparable. Later, Amy was my best friend, then she moved to Sweden. Shitty Amy, shitty! Then she moved back, OMG she moved back! Then I moved.

When I got here, I didn't really have any friends. Toms friends became my friends. And they are great. Isabel, Bill, Ivan. All great. (Tom's sisters still hated me at this point....). Then I met Michele. Michele was in the room when I had Luisa. She was as much a part of Luisa's birth as Tom was and I will have her again if there is ever a baby number two, I hope there is by the way.

Then I went to Stroller Strides and I met three girls, two of who literally may have saved my life. Being a new mom is overwhelming to say the least. I did not adjust well. I met Courtney and Emily on my first day. They have babies Luisa's age. Dylan was born on Tom's birthday, three days before Luisa. These two ladies knew exactly what I was going though. They listened as I explained Luisa's reflux. They heard her scream through a bottle. They got it. Then came Olessia. She too got it.

We get each other, we have babies in common, but I believe we would be friends even if there were no babies. I love these girls. I see them all the time. They are mine, all mine. I found them, I call them, I treasure them. They are my friends.

Armida finally came around (ha ha ha) and we are friends (have been for a while, before the others). Now she has Stella and is part of the mommy crowd.

Michele was my first "adult" friend. Now there are several, five, if you consider that several. I can't tell you how happy it makes me. I am astonished, imagine that, astonished! that I have found them.

It doesn't make my other relationships any less fabulous. You all, you are, and always will be, my friends. The very best friends! The kind where you can go for years (Becca) and not see one another and still pick up and continue on like no time has passed at all. I am so lucky to have each of you in my life. I feel so blessed to have my friends.

While I still dream that Jenn, Becca and Amy will move to San Diego, I finally feel like I have friends here. Friends that are mine, all mine. And each other's too.

This is what no nap looks like.

2010-01-09T21:15:00.001-08:00

Teeth and other happenings.

2010-01-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Luisa is getting molars. All of them, AT ONCE! Is she crabby, snotty and feverish you ask? No, not at all. Ask her about her explosive diarrhea though. Now that is something! It started on Monday and is still continuing today. I finally talked to the doctor and it is going around, so it may not be her teeth at all. Who knows. Luckily for me, she is still the happy baby that she always is. I can't explain it. I am sure it means that when she turns 13, I will want to sell her on the black market. But for now? I'll keep her.

In other news....Luisa adores her cousin, Stella. Here Luisa is trying to be more like Stella by taking over her car seat. Stella is in Luisa's old bouncy so tit for tat I guess.

2010

2010-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

In this new year I will.......

drink less

exercise more

worry less

laugh more

eat better foods

take Luisa on more adventures

take more pictures

go on more dates with my husband

spend more time with my girlfriends

teach Luisa to be kind and patient

pick my battles

clean up my "piles"

de-clutter my house

hang and frame my pictures

throw out old clothes

take the dogs on more walks

take work for what it is, a job

try to find what I want to do with the rest of my life professionally

What are you going to do?

I covet these shoes.

2009-12-27T21:36:00.001-08:00

Christmas Dance

2009-12-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

Staring Luisa Rowan Amador, age 15 months

Psychosomatic Fever Disorder

2009-12-21T20:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, I made that up, but I am pretty sure I am on to something. You see, last week, daycare called to tell me that Luisa had a fever of 101.3. I took her home and took her temp the old fashion way, three times to be exact, and it was 98.5. I called daycare and they said to bring her back the next day. No big deal. Today, they called me again. 100.3. I go get her, bring her home, give her lunch and take her temp. 98.7. So now I believe that she hates daycare so much that she faked a temp to come home. She knows I will call her Abuelita and she will get sung to and danced with and generally have a very fun day that could include a visit to either Stella or Lilu. What's not to love about that day! Today, I called the Dr. to ask if I am a waco or on the verge of a huge medical discovery. Yay me. In the mean time, I caved and Abuelita is coming over tomorrow. I know, I know. I am only making it worse. But she is my only baby and it is Christmas. So there.

Dancin'

2009-12-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Luisa HATED Santa. She loves Mama though. Picture taken by my boss, Patsy.

The only bad part.....

2009-11-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

about visiting Denver is that I miss everyone so much more when I leave.

The ride home was uneventful until the last five minutes when Luisa began to scream because her ears would not pop. One good yawn and it was all over. I thought she was on the mend until today. She was miserable and by the time I got her to the Dr. she had a 105 degree temp and an ear infection. She is already feeling better. She is on medicine and the temp is down.

Here are some great pics from Thanksgiving in Denver!

What love looks like

2009-11-22T20:14:00.000-08:00

Debora sent me this picture today...with a few others. It made me so happy and sad at the same time. Luisa has been adjusting okay to daycare, but this is what she knows so of course it is going to be hard for her....

2000....a decade of HUGE things

2009-11-19T19:49:00.001-08:00

The other night I couldn't sleep. I have had some serious insomnia lately. I started to think about the New Year and the fact that for the first time, I have thought of the last decade and what kind of changes have taken place for me personally. I was a bit shocked at the outcome. Here's the list.....

2000: I am working at Travel by Dana and am on a sales blitz in Reno where Rocksann is telling me travel stories. I let her know that she should stop before I quit. My one and only sister gets married, which affects me profoundly.

2001: I am approached by Rocksann to travel with her sister......YES! My uncle passes away and leaves me and my sister a bit of money. I move home and work 2 jobs, about 70 hours a week to pay for my trip. On 9/11 terrorists strike and the world will never be the same. I quit my job.

2002: I leave for Prague on January 7th. In May, I meet a boy who will be my husband one day. I return from Europe in July. My future husband's brother passes away, which puts us back in contact.

2003: I move to San Diego and three months later, I move in with my boyfriend and his roommate, and my friend, Isabel. I begin world war three with my mom who doesn't believe in living together before you marry. Lovely.

2004: I get engaged in February and Tom and I buy a house in May. In September, we adopt the worlds worst dog, Max.

2005: I get married on March 19th. Three short months later, my mom passes away. Hurricane Katrina hits while I am in Europe on my honeymoon. Both of my sisters- in-law get married.

2006: I quit my job at the Omni and take a job at Qualcomm. We adopt the world's most aloof dog, Lola.

2007: I get pregnant for the first time, which ends in miscarriage at week 8. I quit my job at Qualcomm and go back to the Omni.

2008: On January 1, 2008 I find out I am pregnant for the second time. My dad is at my house and I whisper the news to my husband. On September 6th, 2008, I give birth to a healthy little girl you all know as Luisa Rowan. She is fantastic, but I don't adjust well and end up on medication for post partum depression. My dad falls in love with a Canadian.

2009: I celebrate my 4th wedding anniversary. My dad has surgery to clear a completely blocked artery. I celebrate my daughters 1st birthday with my sister and my husband's family, I come to realize that life is what you make it and in the last decade, a lot has happened.

Through it all, I have seen most of you only a hand full of times, and yet, you are the most important people in my life. My life blood, my support, my everything. Thank you for the last 10 years. Without you, I would not have made it. (you too Diva!)

Has anyone noticed....

2009-11-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

Her eyes are no longer blue...... they are hazel, which is okay because my mom's were green so at least she has some Baggs (Roland) still in there!!!

Realize

2009-11-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

1. I've come to realize that my chest..... will never be cute and perky without a bra.
2. I've come to realize that my job(s)...... have not had a profound effect on the world
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving... I have a SERIOUS potty mouth.
4. I've come to realize that I need.... a lot of laughter around me (makes me miss you all cause you all make me laugh the hardest!).
5. I've come to realize that I have lost.... the funniest, most beautiful mom a girl could ever have.
6. I've come to realize that I HATE it when... people think they can get their way by being mean.
7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk... I will be pissed at myself in the morning!
8. I've come to realize that money… always seems to work itself out.
9. I've come to realize that certain people... don't have a place in my life.
10. I've come to realize that I'll always... make piles around my house.
11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)… affects people positively on a daily basis (and that makes me proud and a bit jealous too.).
12. I've come to realize that MY mom… was so funny. Remember when she had to act our Titanic during Cranium?.
13. I've come to realize that my cell phone.. is the only phone I will answer.
14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning… my baby girl did not sleep in as I had hoped she would.
15. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep... I have to check on Luisa and rub her hair.
16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking...I wish I had more time every day to play with Luisa!
17. I've come to realize that my dad… is usually right....ugh..
18. I've come to realize that when I get on Face book...I usually have nothing to say (see? I even stole Becca's answer).
19. I've come to realize that today.. chock full of activities.
20. I've come to realize that tonight... I will mourn the weekend and the loss of time with my daughter.
22. I've come to realize that I really want to... do something else with my career.
23. I've come to realize that life... is sweet, sad, exciting, boring, easy, hard and not predictable.
24. I've come to realize that this weekend... has gone by too fast.
25. I've realized the best music to listen to when I am upset...is usually sad, sappy country, or Willy Nelson because it reminds me of being a kid.
26. I've come to realize that my friends... are sometimes miles away, but we always fall right into pace when we are together.
27. I've come to realize that this year.... has been so much more rewarding because of a small, sweet, little girl.
28. I've come to realize that my ex... has not surprised me a bit with his success and continued lack of need to settle down.
29. I've come to realize that maybe I should... try to be more tidy.
30. I've come to realize that I love... my husband's family and am thankful to have them close (but wish mine was closer!)
31. I've come to realize that I don't understand... people who have hatred for other people.
32. I've come to realize that my past... has made me who I am.
33. I've come to realize that parties are...only fun if small and intimate.
34. I've come to realize that.... I choose every day to be happy and make it the best day that I can.

Dear Tia Bonita and Amy,

2009-11-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

Update your blogs please,

Thanks,
Management

Eye yai yai

2009-11-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

Day two.....not so much! They had to hold her all morning, then in the afternoon, after nap time, thy had to let her keep her blankie. I hope tomorrow goes better!

Daycare

2009-11-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

Luisa's official first day of daycare was today. She is already sleeping! She had a great day.......ate all of her food, napped for an hour and a half, made the teachers dance with her and was out by 6:15 pm. I too am exhausted. It will take some getting used to getting her and myself out of the house on time. I think she liked her new friends and best of all, when I showed up to pick her up, she ran to me and we just hugged for a few minutes. The best part of my day for sure.

Mittens on Kittens

2009-11-07T15:51:00.001-08:00

NYC

2009-11-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

I know, it's hard to believe, but I do have a life outside of Luisa. I KNOW! I went to Philly and NYC last week. It was a great trip business wise, and I did enjoy the time of no responsibility, but it only took me two days to really miss that baby.

Anyway, not too much time for pictures, but I thought this one turned out pretty well.

Race for the cure

2009-11-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Luisa and I were on the Omni Girls Team for the Race for the Cure on Sunday. We had a great time and Luisa was a hit as usual.

There was a band playing at one stop and they had a huge sign that said "Saving Second Base!" It took me a minute, but when it clicked, I couldn't stop laughing.

I think Luisa and I will try to do the walk every year. It was such a great atmosphere and a great cause.

Halloweeneie

2009-11-01T13:00:00.001-08:00

Here she is, along with Stella, Christian and Kennedy.....

Morning

2009-10-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

This is what mornings look like around here!

Luisa and Stella

2009-10-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago, my mother-in-law took Luisa to see Stella. That is Luisa's old bouncy chair. I am surprised she didn't climb right on there with Stella.

Today sucked.

2009-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard day. It went fast, I was busy, but it was tough. I didn't even realize how tough it was until someone asked me if I was okay. It took me by surprise. "Yes" was all I could think of to answer. Looking back on the day, it was just filled with the guilt that a working mom feels. I usually have great outlets for this guilt, but not today. No, today everyone was in their own worlds. I can't blame them really, but it took its toll. Sometimes I want it to be about me, but it can't be that way, even if I really need it to be.

When I got home, Luisa was sleeping so I didn't get the huge smile and squeals when I walk in the door. Tom then accidentally woke her up. I went in and got her and she snuggled me, something that is rare in our house. I loved it and it made most of the day fade away. Until we sat down to eat dinner. She was still tired from being woken up and she was angry. I couldn't figure out why so I ate my dinner while she struggled through hers. It wasn't until I took her out of her high chair that I discovered the root of the crankiness. It is hard to take a big poo while sitting in a high chair. That's it people. That's all I got.

It's mine, it's all mine!

2009-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LITT3I/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

I should hsve it by Monday! I can't wait....

2009-10-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

Month 13

2009-10-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Luisa,

You turned 13 months last week. You thought I was going to stop writing at one year didn't you? How could I when so much happens in one month? After your birthday, things settled down a bit. That was until September 30th, 2009. On this day Luisa, you walked. Exactly one week before your 13 month birthday, you just took off, on your own and didn't look back!

You are so much fun walking! I love it. Yes, it is crazy, tiring and dangerous but oh my gosh, I love it! You just go on your marry way, taking in all of the things you never noticed before. You always come back, for a quick hug, and then off you go, back to the fun.

I have found myself so annoyed at work during the days and then I realized that it is because I want to be with you having adventures, taking you to the park, the zoo, the aquarium. You are so inquisitive and love to be out and about, and now with the walking. Each adventure is a new world. I miss out on a lot, but it is important for me to work. I know this, and I know that it will make your life better in the long run, I promise.

Every morning, I turn on music for you to listen to. The music starts and a huge smile crosses your face and you begin to dance. You then walk to me to pick you up and we dance together. Then we go over to the pictures on the shelf and talk about everyone in them. You are recognizing these people, your family. It is amazing to see you learn and remember things. You are smart too, almost too smart! When I put you down, you do this thing with your hands that looks like you are playing air guitar. It makes me laugh so hard. I love it.

This weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch with your grandparents. You loved looking at all of the pumpkins and kids. You love little girls, older than you. It is like you understand that they have a lot to teach you. You are drawn to them. You watch and study them. Imitating them if you can. You're just so observant.

You also met your brand new cousin Stella! You love her....until your Tia holds her. Then you want nothing more than to be in your Tia's arms. Silly little thing. I understand though. Your Tia loves you so much and you are not used to her having another baby in her arms. Don't worry, she still loves you just the same, but she has to tend to Stella too. There is room for both of you in Tia's heart, I promise!

Life moves fast little girl. Sometimes too fast but I am loving every minute of it. You add so much love, humor and excitement to my life and I am so happy to share it all with you!

Love,

Mama

Playlist

2009-10-11T19:20:00.001-07:00

1. Band of Horses: Is there a ghost?
2. Cake: Let me go
3. Death Cab for Cutie: I will follow you into the dark
4. Duffy: Rockferry
5. Elvis Perking: While you were sleeping
6. GlassCandy: Beatific
7. Kings of Leon: Fans
8. Mark Ronson featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard: Toxic
9. Mazzy Star: Fade into you
10. MGMT: Time to pretend
11. Loudon Wainwright III: Daughter
12. The Airborne Toxic Event: Sometime around midnight
13. Magnet and Jemma Hayes: Lay lady lay
14. Micah P Hinson: Beneath the rose

That;s what I love right now. What about all of you??

STELLAAAAAAA

2009-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Exactly one week ago today, I became a Tia. Stella Marie was born on Thursday, October 1st at 10:32 pm. She weighed 6 lb 15 oz and was 20 inches long. She is a beautiful little girl and might look familiar as she resembles another little baby you all know very well. Welcome to the world Stella! We love you!

Notice my sister-in-laws makeup. I did not put on makeup until Luisa was about 3 months.....true story!

Now the challenge.....which on is Stella and which one is Luisa???

To blog or not to blog

2009-10-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Becca, I feel you about blogging right now. I don't feel like I have a lot to say. I have a ton of pictures of Luisa, but not a lot of stories.

She is walking and I love it! She is hilarious. I love that she can get places she wants to go with out my help. She is a mover and a shaker. So far, it is so much fun! She is also a talker, big time. She has the best voice, I love to hear it.

Work is work. The dogs are the dogs, they need more walks. Tom is Tom, goes to Hamiltoms on a regular basis. Nothing new or exciting. Oh, except for my new niece, Stella! But she deserves her own post and I will get to that soon!

And she walks......

2009-10-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving

2009-09-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

I just bought tickets to be in Denver for Thanksgiving. You all better be there! (you too Becca!!) Or you will miss out on this........

Walking

2009-09-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Month Twelve

2009-09-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Luisa,

This letter has been looming in my head for almost two weeks now. Several times I have tried to get myself to write it, but it hasn't happened until now. I still find it hard to get the words on to the screen!

You are one year old little girl. One year!! Can you believe we made it? There were days when I wasn't so sure. But now, now! We have it down! We are a team you and me. I get so much joy and happiness from you that it is impossible to find the words to express it!

You are simply charming. You are funny, determined, stubborn, smart, and really just fun to be around! You like things your way (who doesn't?) and will test me all day long. And you know what? I don't mind! Sure, sometimes when you have turned the TV on and off a thousand times, I am ready to wake your dad and have him take over, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You make me laugh a thousand times a day.

And it's not just me Luisa. Your Tia Diva, the one who hated kids, the one who is 8.5 mos pregnant, she has to come over at least once a week if not more to see you. She has Luisa withdrawals! She walks in the door and immediately you want to go to her, kiss her and snuggle her. Today, you wouldn't let her out of your reach. I was making you dinner and you were standing with your Tia and you held on to her neck and pulled magnets off the fridge!

Your other Tia, Tia Bonita, well she came out for your birthday. We picked her up from the airport and when we got home, I told her to get you out of your seat. She was worried that you might cry. But no, not you Luisa, you kicked your legs and clapped your hands and couldn't wait for her to pick you up and love on you! She stayed for three days and you were her biggest fan and she yours. She says she will cry if we don't go see her soon so we will just have to go!

Your party was fantastic! We had over 40 people there including 12 kids! Everyone swam, ate and had a lot of fun. You got so many nice things for your birthday. You ate cake, a hot dog and of course a flat of blueberries. Your grandparents doted over you and you were certainly the birthday princess!

Through all of the excitement of your birthday came several words! Ducky, shoes, Dada, keys, Lola, ut-oh and once, Mama. Once when I tried to put you to bed when you didn't want to go I heard Maaaaaaamaaaaaa. Maaaaaammmmmmmaaaaaaa! It was the saddest little cry I had ever heard so I raced to your side, swooped you up, kissed you a thousand times and rocked you to sleep. Take that Dr. Ferber!!! Everything a mom is not supposed to do, I did it, Why? Because she called me Mama!!

You certainly have a flare for the drama! The other day, your dad and I were taking you somewhere in the car. All of a sudden, a cough came out of your mouth and instead of one little cough to help you out, you made about 20 more coughs come out. The worst, most fake coughs I have ever heard. I looked at your dad, he looked at me and I said "the drama that is coming from the back seat is overwhelming!" We laughed and laughed at your little show. So cute!

The other show is ohitos. I don't know if I am spelling it right, but you make eyes at us. Abuelita calls it ohitos! You bat you eyelashes, squint you big eyes, scrunch up your little nose and pucker your lips. Oh Luisa, it is the funniest thing I have ever seen! You just may be an actress after all!

It has been a great year little girl! I love you to a thousand little pieces!

Love,

Mama

One

2009-09-14T21:12:00.001-07:00

A letter is in the works.

Year One

2009-08-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Music: While You Were Sleeping: Elvis Perkins

My all time favorite pic of Luisa....

2009-08-26T20:38:00.001-07:00

I don't know why, it just is.

Flowers from Jenn!!

2009-08-22T11:41:00.001-07:00

Month 11

2009-08-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Luisa,

You turned eleven months old last week. I have been thinking about this post for a long time and I just couldn't get the words onto the screen. I guess it made me feel like I would be that much closer to your first birthday.

When I think back on the last eleven months, I just smile, and then I fight back tears. I have enjoyed you so much Luisa. I can't even explain the feeling I have about you. I never could imagine and I can never explain how much I love you. How much I need you. That I can just think of smelling your head and I can feel you in my arms, even if I am at work and you are at home.

This last month has been the month of you telling me stories. I can't even get in the door in the evenings before you open up the flood gates of your day. You tell me everything you did, everything you saw. Even though I can't understand a word you are saying, I can feel your joy, I can recreate your happiness in my mind. I walk in, swoop you up and just listen to your narrative of the experiences you had with Debora.

You are truly a techno baby and your dad, Debora and I spend a majority of our time trying to entice you away from the tv, computer, iPod, phones, remotes and anything that can be easily damaged by tine, pudgy, dimpled little hands. I have to admit that it is hard for me to remove you from the entertainment center because you just light up the second you pull yourself up to play with the TV. It takes all I have to move you to another location and not just watch you and laugh at your yelps, sighs and squeals.

Pulling yourself up is no longer a challenge. You can do it at anytime on almost anything. The table, my leg, the bathtub, the cabinets. You are really getting comfortable on your legs. It will be no time before you are cruising and taking steps on your own.

The other night, I was so tired, but couldn't sleep. I was tossing and turning all night. Then, just as I was about to move to the couch, I heard you through the monitor. I listened to you for about 20 minutes before coming into your room to see what you were up to. You were in your crib just chatting and playing on your own. When I walked in the door, you squealed, kicked your chubby little legs and we had a 30 minute love session. I then out you down and fell asleep myself. Luisa, I loved those 30 minutes so much! The next day was miserable, but I held those 30 minutes close all day and made it through.

Tonight, I asked your dad if he even had any idea how much we would love you. He just smiled and shook his head. We are blown away by you little girl. We are so lucky to have you. We would sell one another up the rive to keep you safe and happy and neither one of us is offended that the other one feels this way about you. I guess it is just our job as parents.

I wish I could write more Luisa, but I have a very special first birthday to plan.....I can't believe it!

I love you baby girl.

Love, Mama

She makes my day...EVERY DAY!

2009-08-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Dontcha'

2009-07-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Month 10

2009-07-12T17:13:00.001-07:00

Dear Luisa,

You turned ten months old on Monday while we were in Denver visiting our "family". There are quotes there because family does not necessarily mean blood relatives. Family can include anyone who means the world to you and you and I have a lot of those people around us. We are the lucky ones!

Month ten has been a lot of fun! Sometimes I miss the tiny three month old you, but only when I want to put you on the bed and go to the bathroom by myself and find you still on the bed! You are now a mover and a shaker!

It took you until this last two weeks, but you are mobile! Crawling all over, rolling all over, just moving and moving! Your favorite thing is still to walk though. You will walk for hours, not evening pausing for a snack. I have to remind you to eat! You are so funny. You will walk with anyone. You won't sit with anyone, but whoever wants to take your little hands and walk you all over is welcome in your world!

You have certainly found your voice and you are not afraid to use it! You know your ducky, he is De Dee. Your papa is Da Da and I think you can say Hi. At least I believe that is want you are saying!

Strangers are starting to annoy you and you can be quite the mama's girl. I don't mind really, but it has hurt your dads feelings on occasion. It's okay by me though, I know it won't last!

I feel like this month has really flown by. I know crawling is a big deal and your walking is so strong. It wont be long before you are cruising around the house, getting into everything. Each step is a new adventure. I am so glad to be on this ride with you! You are so sweet and easy going. You are eternally charming and just fun to be with. I am not saying this because I am your mom, ask anyone, they will agree with me. You are a good girl and I love hanging out with you!

I got to do it for a whole week in Denver. For 10 days, you and I have not spent more than a couple of hours away from each other. I think work tomorrow will be one of the hardest days yet. You are so much fun, I will miss you like crazy and I may cry, but don't worry about me, you will have your Debora to play with!

Denver was a great adventure. You met so many people and did so many things! You ate your first pancake, it was blueberry. You had strawberry shortcake and a touch of ice cream. I ordered your first kids meal (which you only ate a couple of bites of). You played in the fountains at The Southlands and you had lunch with your great, great Aunts and Uncles. You played with Suzy and she gave you some new books and bought you Maize the Monster! You love Suzy and it always surprises her! She used to play with your Mama when she was little and now she gets to play with you! You played with Judee and Amy and of course Tia Bonita and Grandpa Dave and his new friend Laurie! It was a great trip and I love to see my family with you. I love to hear them compliment you on how happy you are and how much fun it is to be with you. These are important things Luisa. I hope they always say these things about you!

I love you to pieces! Can't wait for month 11!

Love,

Mama

Amy......

2009-06-30T14:38:00.001-07:00

I want this camera. Do you know anything about it?

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-P90-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B001PKEJZQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

I can't get over her.

2009-06-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

I knew I would love her. I didn't know that I would be obsessed with her.

Messy Moo the Movie!

2009-06-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

A photo shoot

2009-06-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

A gal at work makes these very cool hats. My friend Colleen wants to put them on Etsy to help Cheryl sell them. So she needed models. Luisa is not the most cooperative model and I hate my camera so it was a bit of a challenge. Here are a couple of cute ones though. She is eating a Japanese baby cracker, in case you are wondering what the heck is sticking out of her mouth.....

Messy Moo

2009-06-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

I let Luisa play with her food. It helps her eat. I can't wait until my dad sees the mess that comes with a baby meal!!

Month 9

2009-06-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Luisa,

You turned nine months old on Saturday. I have thought about this post all day today. Trying to remember all of the new things you have done. I was thinking to myself all day "oh I will write this in her eight month letter...." Then, like a slap in the face, I realized that you are nine months, not eight. I really just made this realization as I finally sat down to write this and now I am almost too sad to write.

Oh Luisa, month nine has been so much fun. I know, I always say that. But it is true. I have such a good time with you. I can't get enough. Your dad always asks me if I am "done getting high on the baby". Nope. Not yet yet. Even as I type this and realize that the space bar is sticking and it is probably due to your sticky little fingers because you love to type on the computer. So far your favorite key is z. I am waiting for you to hit some secret command and clear our hard drive. I am sure I will forgive you but I better have daddy back up the computer just in case.

So month nine. What has it brought us? A lot more of your personality. Here at home you are confident, vocal and playful. Out in the world however, you are an observer. You take it all in and process it all, just like your mama. We went to a play date with Dylan and Kennedy and you were so happy to sit back and watch then girls play. It took you a few minutes to warm up. You are definitely my girl that way. It is a fine thing, just don't let it cause you to miss out on any fun!

You are not yet crawling and I am okay with that. I like to sit on the floor with you and play. I know once you crawl, our morning routine will change drastically as I will not be able to sit you in the doorway of the bathroom and get ready for work. Daddy's morning routine of sleeping until 7:30 will change too but let's not tell him yet.

You do walk however. You will walk all day if you can find someone to hold you up! We even use a pashmina to hold you so that we can stand straight and not break our backs! You get very cranky when you want to walk and no one is willing to walk you around for the 1000th time. I usually cave in because I hate to see you so frustrated.

This will be my new "spoiler" since just yesterday, you figured out the Cheerio in the mouth trick! It took you a bit. You would get them to your mouth but didn't know that you had to let go to get the Cheerio in there. You have it down now so Mama doesn't have to put them in your little birdie mouth!

You started swim class on Thursday and Daddy and I took the day off to go with you to your first class. Debora went to since she will be taking you on Thursdays. I got in the water with you and at first, you clung to me so tight! I loved that feeling. But then you got brave and started to really enjoy it. We sing songs, showed you how to row your arms and how to climb out of the pool Daddy and Debora were on the side of the pool and every time you saw them, you would squeal and laugh! Even from across the pool you recognized them. What a great thing! That afternoon, you slept like you used to when you were just born. And you went to bed at 5:45 pm!

You now will reach for me if you want to be picked up or if I come in the door after work. You will smile, squeal and reach your whole little body toward me. I can't explain the feeling this gives me Luisa. It brought tears to my eyes the first time you did it. You have a cold right now and today you went to your Grandparents to play while Mama went to a party for a friend. When I got to your Grandparents house, Grandpa brought you out of the living room. Your eyes were red and puffy from your cold. You looked so miserable. But instead of fussing, you smiled, squealed and reached for me kicking your tiny legs. When I got you in my arms, you let me hold you so close, just for a second, before looking back at your Grandparents with a giant, toothless smile. You are such a love. Oh and I almost forgot, on very special days, I get kisses. Open mouth, chewed up Cheerio, kisses. Those are the very best days, only slightly better than all the rest.

Thanks for such a great ride sweet Luisa. I am looking forward to every second of every day that I get to spend with you.

Love,

Mama

Swim Class

2009-06-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Ugh

2009-05-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Gave Luisa an early bath so her hair could have time to dry before bed. She has a bit of a cough so I thought it may help. Then she wouldn't go to sleep and finally poured a bottle of formula on her head and the blanket that I had used to make her a nest. OMG. She finally fell asleep with wet formula hair. Can't wait to see her in the morning! The are not pics from tonight, but are cute anyway.

These pics are from last week when Luisa went swimming with her friend Miya.

Good morning world, it's me, LUISA!

2009-05-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

Security Breach

2009-05-21T20:54:00.001-07:00

Luisa's dogs come for a visit!

Don't touch ducky!!

Where'd they go????

A Rant.....

2009-05-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30824587/

Read this.......I find it very concerning.

Here are my thoughts. Would love to hear yours.

This boy is 13 years old. He had one treatment of chemo and now wants to try alternate medicine. This is not a baby we are talking about here, this is a teenager. Let me be clear, this is not the choice I would make for my family, BUT I WANT THE OPTION! Why is the court system even involved? How is it going to help to have this child forcefully removed from his family and forcefully treated? I don't get it. Emotionally, I find it heartbreaking that they have chosen not to pursue the chemo with such a high possibility of success, but it is their choice. Not the court systems choice. Now people all over are bashing this woman, her husband and their child. Why does anyone else get to decide what is best for this family? I would feel differently if this child was very young because then they don't have the ability to understand the consequences. But I believe a 13 year old does. Jenn, Becca.....do you think your students understand enough about this kind of thing to make their own decision? And alternate medicine is treatment. It is just different treatment. It can be very powerful. Thoughts????

10 things I hadn't noticed when I sat down....

2009-05-17T08:34:00.001-07:00

1. The Downtown Optometry card on teh desk that Luisa took out of my wallet.

2. The quiet of a napping baby.

3. Luisa's sunscreen that has found a new home....on the computer desk.

4. Luisa's Easter basket is still on her dresser and still full of chocolate.

5. The lotion that my sister left her is also on the computer desk. It is a full desk.

6. That I never finished the trim on the wall that my sister and I painted.

7. My dogs running around out front that I can see through the window.

8. A pile of Luisa's birth announcements sit on this desk too....she was so small.

9. There is a coaster in the desk, and my coffee is sitting next to it, but not on it.....

10. I am slouching. I am a terrible sloucher.

Becca....

2009-05-16T19:13:00.001-07:00

I can't comment on your blog anymore. Says I am not a team member...

Oh my, I just read all of your posts and am so excited about each one! Your macro lense pics are AWESOME!!! I can't even pick a favorite, they are all that good!!!

everyone should have a baby girl.

2009-05-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

I am:

thrilled

honored

happy

hopeful

joyous

excited

and overcome with love to be Luisa's mama.

Month 8

2009-05-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Luisa,

You turned 8 months old on Wednesday. I truly can't believe it. I am overwhelmed with love for you. Everyday, I can't imagine loving you more....then I wake up the next day and what do you know, I do. I hope you feel the same way, at least for now. Then when you are 13ish, we can talk about that fact that at times, you think you hate me!

You may not believe it, but just like I thought, this month has been more fun than last month! You are seriously so well behaved, that we take you EVERY WHERE! And no matter where we are, people tell us how cute you are, then they move right into how well behaved you are. No one can really believe it that the cutest baby girl ever is actually quite sweet! And happy! Just today at Target, a lady said "wow, what a cute baby". Then you laughed at her and she said "and happy too". I jokingly said "thank god" and she said "well clearly it is a reflection of her parents". Papa was with us (as Target, I KNOW, CRAZY!) and it just made me feel so good to have people recognize how happy our little family is. We have our moments, just like everyone, but people notice us because you are so cute and we are so happy! What a nice thing to be able to tell you!

This month was extra special because you had two visitors! Grampa Dave surprised us and brought Laurie, is new girlfriend. She brought me flowers and she brought you some bath toys! You love them. You also love your Grampa Dave. He fed you and you both fell asleep. So cute. We took you out two nights in a row and you were so good. I think Laurie was very impressed! I was too, and you liked Laurie. She was teaching you how to clap!

Then, not two weeks later, Tia Bonita arrived! We took you to the zoo and to the park. Tia loves you so much and the love is definitely returned. You loved hanging with Tia. She would hold you as much as she could. We took you to the mall and I have to say Luisa, you did not get my affinity for shopping. We will discuss that one later.... But at one point, I had to take you out of the stroller because you were annoyed. You are a heavy little gal so I was preparing you to go back in and Tia saved your day. She jumped in, swooped you up and carried you the rest of the time! So spoiled. I loved having Tia here. I love when you get to spend time with her. She loves you as if you were her own baby. You are so lucky to have her!

You have quite the personality Luisa. Everyone wants to know if you are crawling yet and I just laugh. Because here's the thing, you like to do things your way. If there is a toy you need to crawl to and you really want that toy, you will reach and reach. Then stop and just play with another toy. Then you will reach and reach again, and then do something else for a minute. Its like you get a little frustrated, then take a break, clear your little baby head and get back to it! Hilarious. You do scoot to things but walking is your strong point!

You love to walk. You will stumble around the whole house holding my fingers. Debora gives you plenty of walking time too. Crawl though please, if only to appease Suzanne. She is worried that if you don't you will never learn to read. She is also the reason your room is pink but we can talk about that another day!

Your second tooth is through and you have had NO issues with these teeth so far so I am a little worried that we are really in for it later. I love your little teeth but you are not into showing them off at all. With these new teeth have come some new foods, mainly Cheerios! You love them, but only if someone else puts them in your mouth for you. I know, I know, how are you supposed to get one in your mouth with out letting the ones in your little hands go? I understand, why do you think I spend time sticking Cheerios in your wide open little bird mouth? You also love your mesh bag filled with pretty much any fruit. No peas though, Debora said those made you cry.

We ventured to the park one day and I put you in the baby swing. You loved it...at least I thought you did, but Tia says you will be more of a roller coaster kid! We'll see, you are a little dare devil. Papa also put you on the giant dinosaur and I took you down the slide. All very grow up things Luisa!

Oh and you say da da da da da da. It is very cute and Papa loves it. Let's work on Mama now okay? And last but not least, your hair fits in two, count em TWO pigtails. Eight months old and two pigtails. You are simply amazing and I love you to a thousand little pieces.

Here's to month NINE!

Love,

Mama

New Pictures of Luisa.

2009-05-04T20:14:00.001-07:00

A little surprise....

2009-04-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I got a message from my dad asking if I wanted company. He was in Mesa AZ with his new girlfriend and they went to Tubac and were only about six hours away. I called back immediately and told him I would love it. They arrived on Tuesday afternoon. Laurie is very nice. She brought flowers for me and some bath toys for Luisa. We had a very nice time. Laurie is from Edmonton Alberta Canada. She is very easy going and loves to travel and try new things. She also seems to be a good match for my father. We took Luisa out two nights in a row and she did great. She is such an easy going little girl. So portable and sweet. I had a nice time visiting with dad and Laurie. Here is a couple of pictures of their stay.

Dad and Luisa love to nap together!

Luisa and Debora

2009-04-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Debora brought a flash drive over the other day with pictures of Luisa on it that she had taken. Here a couple.....you can see how much they enjoy each other!

Yep, that's my baby!

2009-04-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Now THAT is a picnic!

2009-04-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

giggles

2009-04-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

An Easter collage

2009-04-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

An Easter tease.....

2009-04-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

I will post more, but here's one to get you started.

Month 7

2009-04-08T18:05:00.001-07:00

Dear Luisa,

You turned seven months old on Monday and I have officially been back to work for a month. This has been a month of change for us. I moved out of your nursery, you have a nanny, and apparently you have learned to blow kisses.

I returned to work on March 9th. That first week was actually not too bad. I missed you like crazy and while I cried the first day, my time was spent talking about you and my leave so I guess you could say that I eased into it. It only got worse. I miss you so much that some days all I do is look at your pictures. I go from the moment you were born to today and I try to remember all of the events in between. The funny thing is that I only remember the good stuff. Remember all of the posts about your reflux? I don't! :)

Grandpa Dave came to visit you so while he slept in your room, you got to move back in with me and papa. Secretly, I LOVED it. I like sleeping in the same room as you. I like to hear your breath during the night. I like to look in at you and see your little angel face embraced in a dream. I like that you are close to me and I feel like I can protect you from anything. It was such a nice feeling.

You love your grandpa Dave and he loves you! He was your personal bouncing machine. It is so nice to have him around. I tried to get him to find a condo here, but it hasn't worked yet. We will keep trying though! He babysat you the night of papa and my fourth anniversary. You were so happy that you refused to go to bed and It was a bit rough on Grandpa. At one point you hit your little head on the sofa and screamed bloody murder.... It made Grandpa feel so bad! I guess he will pay better attention next time.

When Grandpa left, I decided to move back in with papa. He snores so in order to sleep, I have to wear earplugs. I turn your monitor up really loud so I can hear you. At first, I thought it would be hard to hear you, but something happens when you become a mom because even with the earplugs, I can hear you if you take a deep breath. I miss sleeping in your room with you. It has been an adjustment for me, but a necessary one. I am finally sleeping all night and not worrying about checking in on you. You always give me little sounds at night to let me know that you are okay and in dreamland.

Debora, your nanny, has been great. You love her. She takes you to Balboa park every day. This week, she even took you to the zoo! You are so happy with her that you will not nap. She hates it when you cry so napping has kind of gone out the window. I had to finally put my foot down because you are too tired when I get home and I want you to be awake when we get o spend time together. I have instructed Debora to make you nap! It is not easy though......you cry and cry. She says it sounds like someone is in your room trying to kill you. Papa says you are just learning to manipulate us.......You are such a silly little thing!

Grandma watches you on Fridays and you love that as well. She puts on music, sings to you and dances you around! You always take a nap with Grandma. I think it is because she is so energetic that it wears even you out. I was nervous the first day I left you with her. I am not sure why. But not anymore, you love being with her and she does a great job of taking care of you. And you get to practice your Spanish and when you do nap, Grandma cleans the house. It is a great deal.

Last weekend, I spent every moment with you except for one hour when I went to Target and Papa wanted to watch you. I had the best weekend. Spending time with you is amazing. We sit on the floor and play with all of your toys. You like to put them in your bouncy chair and then pull them all out again. Sometimes you put them in there and turn on the music and vibration. Your toys sit in there and shake and shake. It makes me thing that you know what you are doing, that you remember that I used to do that with you. It is so amazing. Watching you learn makes my world go round. I have to force myself to leave you occasionally to go see my friends or do something grown up. It is good for me, but oh how I miss you.

I got a text from Debora the other morning that she thought you were learning to blow kisses. I cried. I couldn't believe I was missing it. I haven't seen it yet, but every time I get home, I blow you a thousand kisses to see if you will do it back. I can't wait!

Love,

Mama

one man's failure is another man's........

2009-04-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

I have failed at 365. But I vow to post pictures of this girl.....this SEVEN month old girl who finds a way to take my breath away every day.

baby legs were on sale.......

At the park with Grandma and Grandpa.....

whose baby is this anyway? Not mine, she is just a newborn....

Follow up

2009-04-03T07:15:00.001-07:00

Shouldn't we be educating the children we seem to be hiding the truth from?

This is the quote from the link I posted that really drove her ideas home. Tom and I have had small discussions about educating Luisa about the world. The good, the bad and the ugly. It is important for her to know things like the fact that there are homeless people, and that most of them are sick. It is important for her to know that there are bad and mean people out there and she needs to be careful. It is important to teach her that there are people she can trust and people she can not. How do we do this and still protect her innocence? I definitely do not want to shield her from all things bad, scary or just plain socially unacceptable, but I also don't want her to grow up at mach speed either.

My colleague Tawn Ly had a baby girl, Miya, on November 2nd. She and I had a discussion the other day about how trashy young girls dress and how promiscuous they are. I asked Tom how we were going to avoid this situation with Luisa. Tom thinks that we just have to be such cool parents that she wants to hang out with us and then she will never leave the house! Good in theory, but maybe not so good in practice. No matter how cool your parents are, you don't want to hang out with them when you are a teenager.

But what about us? We didn't dress trashy and were not promiscuous teenagers, were we? How did we turn out okay? I know that I feared my mom and dad. I was scared of the consequences of bad behavior....I still tested of course, got caught drinking, twice. But I remember being afraid, I don't remember being educated. I don't remember a conversation of "here is why you don't do these things"...I just remember the part about "if you do, you will pay, dearly". I don't remember any conversations about sex. My mom censored the book "Where Did I Come From?" and then she just gave it to my sister, or my sister found it, I don't remember which, but it was never given to me. Lucky for us (and her), we grew up in Cherry Creek. The kids I went to school with were just like me. Upper middle class (some upper class), white, suburban kids. Most of our parents censored that book!

I guess my struggle is that Luisa's environment is much different than mine was growing up and I am not just referring to geography, although that is a factor as well. I am talking about what Rebecca Wolf wrote about. We live in a world now where people are hyper-sensitive. Parents are trying to control every situation of their children's lives. Shielding them from everything bad and not just the homeless guy at the end of the street, but simple everyday lessons. Today, all the kids make the team. There are no tryouts, no preparing and practicing and working hard. We are living in an environment where children at missing out on life's little lessons. My dad's favorite saying while Jenn and I were growing up was "life's not fair darlin'". I know I will say this to Luisa and every time I do, I will smile and know that I am teaching her the most valuable lesson on the planet. That sometimes life is not fair and sometimes she will be disappointed. Sometimes she will have to work her cute little tushie off because that is how life works.

I live in a neighborhood that will make this lesson a bit easier. Luisa will grow up seeing that she is lucky. That not everyone has what she has and not everyone knows what she knows. I love this, but there is also the inherent danger that comes along with living where people come from different backgrounds. And here it is again, control! I think "How will I control what she is exposed to in our neighborhood when I am not around? " You see people? Fear. I want all of these things for my daughter and it all comes back to the original issue. I am afraid of how it will all pan out! It is enough to drive you mad.

The silver lining? She is seven months old. I have a long time to figure it all out.

I am a fan

2009-04-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

read it first, then I will post about why I sent you to this link.

http://www.girlsgonechild.net/2006/10/behold-blindfold.html

Shoe???

2009-04-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some confusion about the role that shoes play in a little girls life.......

and a video

2009-03-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

Waiting.......

Addict

2009-03-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

I am officially addicted to Etsy. I can't get enough, I buy things all the time and I spend hours on the site looking for things I don't need. The worst thing is that I pay with paypal and it charges me an ATM fee. NOT RIGHT! Here are all of the things I have purchased the most recent being a TODDLER car seat cover. I don't even have a toddler....can you say 12 step program?

So far behind.....

2009-03-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have not been taking pictures every day and I am sad about it. Here is a compilation of some great ones though! Can you believe she is almost 7 months old????!!!

Luisa and her Great Grandma.

These are Luisa's new sunglasses. From Tia Diva of course!

Grandpa Dave and Luisa!

This was when she was waiting for Grandpa Dave to arrive. He was late!

This is Dylan, Luisa's friend. This is how she sleeps, seriously, cute.

This is Luisa

"Chilaxing"

365

2009-03-15T20:30:00.001-07:00

Before I went back to work, I had the gals from Stroller Strides over for brunch. This is Christian, Kennedy and Luisa.

Luisa loves her toys now. Here she is playing with some of her favorites.

We went to the Anza Borrego Dessert to look at the blooms. This is an ocatillo. They were all over and very cool.

Tom made Luisa this little nest in our bed. This is where she hangs out in the mornings before Debora gets to the house.

This is how Debora dressed Luisa. Note the skull barrette. That is from Etsy.

This is Luisa's book shelf. She needs more books!

This is Luisa fighting a nap. She is in my bed. She was so tired, but would not go to sleep....

And finally, this is Luisa's owl shirt. I love it and have been dying to put her in it. Elaine picked it out for her and I finally got some pants to match! I love it!