These two have practically the same facial expression!! :) LOL - that's just too cute, there's no mistaken Cristian for Jose's son...even if he is blanco y rubio!! :) I love it!
3 weeks ago
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Que cute!!!
I know I am biased b/c Cristian is my son...but I can't help it, he's so darn cute I can just eat him up!!! :) Check out some family pics...and see for yourself who he resembles. I think he is a wonderful mix of his Mami and Papi! Love you little Bubi! xoxoxox
Mami at 6 mths.
Mami at 6 mths.
Papi at 6 mths...?
Grandma Annie
Mami...Cristian's hair color is exactly the same as mine in this picture!!
Mami again...do we notice a trend?
Papi...Cristian has this same exact facial expression!! :)
Uncle Kevin
Aunt Kim
Tio Juan Luis
Papi again...Cristian does the same thing with his mouth...and he has the same big, brown eyes!!
Hope...Faith....Love...and the greatest of these is Love!!
Some of you may have noticed on my blog a tag that says "Pray for Stellan". And that's what we have been doing for the last month or so. I came across a blog months ago and have followed this family's journey with their youngest son, Stellan. I am so touched by this story b/c Stellan is close to Cristian's age and it just tugged at my heart strings. I wanted to post the picture below of Cristian wearing orange in support of baby Stellan - yesterday he had surgery on his heart...and as a show of support we all wore orange on 4.21.09 and prayed extra prayers for Stellan. If you feel compelled to do so please take a moment to read his story and say a prayer for Stellan and his family.
Hope...Faith...Love...and the greatest of these is Love!!! :)
We are so blessed...in so many ways...and Jose and I are forever grateful and thankful to God for blessing us with a beautiful, strong and healthy baby boy!!!!!! xoxoxoxox
Friday, April 17, 2009
4.17.09 - 7 months already!!??
Today Cristian is 7 months old!!!!! Wow, these days have passed us by so quickly. I remember being pregnant this time last year...and it seems like yesterday! :)
Cristian is so wonderful...he's just so active and fun! He smiles and laughs so much. And he thinks his Papi is the funniest thing ever b/c he cracks up at him every single time he sees him! LOL! I have tons of pics to upload and will get them up soon. There's so much great stuff to update on with Cristian...I just have to find a minute to get it all organized so I can post about it.
We had a nice Easter and Cristian got not one, but two Easter baskets! Grandma Annie and Papa David got him a big ole basket filled with lots of goodies and then Jose and I got him a basket filled with a couple new toys. Cathy got him the cutest Duckie that he really likes to chew on! LOL We didn't get to take pics with the Easter bunny this year, but we will next year and I'm sure Cristian will scream in delight! LOL And we didn't get to do an egg hunt but we did get some really cute pics of Cristian with some bunny ears and some plastic eggs as props! I'll post them soon. We went to Mama and Papa Moon's for Easter lunch and had a nice time and during this Easter celebration we also remembered the sacrifice that was made on our behalf and gloried the fact that the Lord is Risen and the tomb is empty...how wonderful is that! :) We hope you all had a great Easter, too.
Now...here we go with 7 things we love about Cristian at 7 mths...
*His gorgeous smiles and laughter - when Jose and I walk in the door from work he sees me and then immediately looks for Jose...and when their eyes lock Cristian immediately bursts out laughing! I think its b/c Jose looks so silly...lol, j/k! :)
*His sweet kisses - I have taught Cristian to give me kisses. They are open mouthed and very sloppy and wet but they are still kisses! It's precious...I kiss him sooo much I think he learned by example...but if I tell him "Dame un besito/Give me a kiss" a few times he'll open that mouth and plant a big wet one on me! I love it!! xoxoxox
*Cristian is just like me in so many ways...when I was little I loved when my Mom cleaned my ears with a Q-tip...and sure enough Cristian is the same way. Jose and my Mom are witnesses to this...after his bath we put him on the changing table and lotion him up and put on his pj's and comb his hair and clean his nose and ears. When I get that Q-tip out he will just lay there and as soon as I start to clean the inside ever so gently he'll close his eyes and make this face like "Ahhhh...." It's too darn cute!! I have to try to get a pic.
*He's just started reaching for people when you're holding him and its the best thing ever. For instance Jose will be holding him and he'll say go with Mami and I'll hold my hands out and he'll come to me!
*Cristian is fairly easy to get ready for bed - after his bath he knows its time for his bottle and Jose and I take turns feeding him and lately he's been a little fussy with Papi at bedtime and so I take over and he calms down. He's already showing that preference for Mami and Papi...some nights he wants one of us more than the other. :)
*I love waking up with Cristian! He's such a happy baby...and he usually wakes up around the same time each day and on the weekends I love waking up and hearing him talking on the monitor. I give him a few minutes to stretch and roll around and then I go get him. As soon as he sees me he starts smiling and moving all around...its the best feeling to greet him each day and just cover him in hugs and kisses!!
Ok - that's 7 so I'll keep it at that. But for the record...there's so many wonderful things about Mr. Cristian!! He's started talking up a storm now and his first official word is "Da-Da" Jose is in hog heaven!!!! It's so cute to hear Cristian call his Papi...he says "Da, da, da, da, da..." over and over!!! :) And his first tooth is about to be completely out...it's the bottom left one. I'm already missing the gummy smile...but that one tooth is pretty cute too! :)
Cristian is so wonderful...he's just so active and fun! He smiles and laughs so much. And he thinks his Papi is the funniest thing ever b/c he cracks up at him every single time he sees him! LOL! I have tons of pics to upload and will get them up soon. There's so much great stuff to update on with Cristian...I just have to find a minute to get it all organized so I can post about it.
We had a nice Easter and Cristian got not one, but two Easter baskets! Grandma Annie and Papa David got him a big ole basket filled with lots of goodies and then Jose and I got him a basket filled with a couple new toys. Cathy got him the cutest Duckie that he really likes to chew on! LOL We didn't get to take pics with the Easter bunny this year, but we will next year and I'm sure Cristian will scream in delight! LOL And we didn't get to do an egg hunt but we did get some really cute pics of Cristian with some bunny ears and some plastic eggs as props! I'll post them soon. We went to Mama and Papa Moon's for Easter lunch and had a nice time and during this Easter celebration we also remembered the sacrifice that was made on our behalf and gloried the fact that the Lord is Risen and the tomb is empty...how wonderful is that! :) We hope you all had a great Easter, too.
Now...here we go with 7 things we love about Cristian at 7 mths...
*His gorgeous smiles and laughter - when Jose and I walk in the door from work he sees me and then immediately looks for Jose...and when their eyes lock Cristian immediately bursts out laughing! I think its b/c Jose looks so silly...lol, j/k! :)
*His sweet kisses - I have taught Cristian to give me kisses. They are open mouthed and very sloppy and wet but they are still kisses! It's precious...I kiss him sooo much I think he learned by example...but if I tell him "Dame un besito/Give me a kiss" a few times he'll open that mouth and plant a big wet one on me! I love it!! xoxoxox
*Cristian is just like me in so many ways...when I was little I loved when my Mom cleaned my ears with a Q-tip...and sure enough Cristian is the same way. Jose and my Mom are witnesses to this...after his bath we put him on the changing table and lotion him up and put on his pj's and comb his hair and clean his nose and ears. When I get that Q-tip out he will just lay there and as soon as I start to clean the inside ever so gently he'll close his eyes and make this face like "Ahhhh...." It's too darn cute!! I have to try to get a pic.
*He's just started reaching for people when you're holding him and its the best thing ever. For instance Jose will be holding him and he'll say go with Mami and I'll hold my hands out and he'll come to me!
*Cristian is fairly easy to get ready for bed - after his bath he knows its time for his bottle and Jose and I take turns feeding him and lately he's been a little fussy with Papi at bedtime and so I take over and he calms down. He's already showing that preference for Mami and Papi...some nights he wants one of us more than the other. :)
*I love waking up with Cristian! He's such a happy baby...and he usually wakes up around the same time each day and on the weekends I love waking up and hearing him talking on the monitor. I give him a few minutes to stretch and roll around and then I go get him. As soon as he sees me he starts smiling and moving all around...its the best feeling to greet him each day and just cover him in hugs and kisses!!
Ok - that's 7 so I'll keep it at that. But for the record...there's so many wonderful things about Mr. Cristian!! He's started talking up a storm now and his first official word is "Da-Da" Jose is in hog heaven!!!! It's so cute to hear Cristian call his Papi...he says "Da, da, da, da, da..." over and over!!! :) And his first tooth is about to be completely out...it's the bottom left one. I'm already missing the gummy smile...but that one tooth is pretty cute too! :)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Essence of a New Day...
I have a poster in my office at work that has a Joshua Tree on it and behind it a beautiful sunset on the horizon and then in the corner of the purple/orange/red sky there is a crescent shaped moon...amazing!!! It has a quote underneath the picture that talks about the Essence of a New Day and I wanted to share it b/c once again...my heart told me to. :) I find following my heart these days is a lot better than following my head! :)
"The Essence of a New Day"
This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you left behind...let it be something good.
Also - a good friend of mine sent me the following and I wanted to share. So, so true! :)
Have a great day!!!!! Stef (a.k.a. "The Wife")
Somethings learned along the road of LIFE...
I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful Feelings in the world.
I've learned..... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned .... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a Roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned..... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts..
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned..... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned...... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both Soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I've learned....That trying to live up to other peoples expectations is not worth it...you have to be true to yourself.
I've learned....That standing up for yourself or what you believe can sometimes be uncomfortable and can put a strain on relationships.
I've learned...That forgiveness is not something even the most regular church goer can easily do...that old saying practice what you preach is not always followed.
I've learned...That some people are just stubborn and have too much pride to admit they have any fault.
I've learned...That having a conversation or disagreement with people is sometimes not possible, no matter how persistent you are some people just choose not to hear what you are trying to tell them.
I've learned...That the truth hurts no matter how hard you try to run from it.
"The Essence of a New Day"
This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you left behind...let it be something good.
Also - a good friend of mine sent me the following and I wanted to share. So, so true! :)
Have a great day!!!!! Stef (a.k.a. "The Wife")
Somethings learned along the road of LIFE...
I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful Feelings in the world.
I've learned..... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned .... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a Roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned..... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts..
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned..... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned...... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both Soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I've learned....That trying to live up to other peoples expectations is not worth it...you have to be true to yourself.
I've learned....That standing up for yourself or what you believe can sometimes be uncomfortable and can put a strain on relationships.
I've learned...That forgiveness is not something even the most regular church goer can easily do...that old saying practice what you preach is not always followed.
I've learned...That some people are just stubborn and have too much pride to admit they have any fault.
I've learned...That having a conversation or disagreement with people is sometimes not possible, no matter how persistent you are some people just choose not to hear what you are trying to tell them.
I've learned...That the truth hurts no matter how hard you try to run from it.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Motherhood
Let's see, I have officially been a MOM for 6.5 mths...my how time flies! :) Technically though, I have been a MOM for 16.5 mths - b/c I carried Cristian for 10 months (yes, you read that right!) and that time counts too!! By the grace of God, I carried him without any complications - thankfully. But I also did my part to take extra special care of the life that was growing inside of me. I was priviledged beyond measure to carry this precious child that we all know and love named Cristian! :)
The topic of this post came to me just out of the blue today...so I decided to take a short break and get it out while it was fresh on my heart, otherwise I would get distracted by the gazillion other things in my life that pull at me from every direction. Mommy-brain is real...I know all of the Moms reading this understand what I mean w/out any explanation! :) This secret Motherhood thing has a gazillion perks - Moms understanding Moms is just one of them!
For me being a Mom to Cristian is one of the best things, if not THE BEST things, that has happened to me. God only knows just how grateful I am to have this precious little boy in my life...and to be the one that God chose to be his MOM! In the 6.5 mths. I have held this role I have grown and learned so much, from one small boy...and can not even imagine all that I have yet to learn in the lifetime ahead.
Dads - you are important too - don't get me wrong! My wonderful, loving husband is one in a million - he's the cream of the crop as far as I'm concerned. He has been an awesome friend and husband to ME and has been a wonderful and loving DAD to Cristian...he's just that good, plain and simple! We love you, Bubi. But I digress...the point of this post is about me being a MOM to Cristian and what I have learned so far.
When I used to hear people say being a parent (or MOM) is the hardest but most rewarding job in the world I never could fully understand what that meant b/c until Cristian came along I only had myself, Jose and Scooby to worry about (note - I always worry for my loved ones, my family and friends - but I'm talking my immediate family circle - the people I shared a home with). I thought that was enough to worry about...boy was I wrong!! LOL! That was only scratching the surface. :) Being a MOM is all that times about a million!
Being a MOM has taught me so many things...let me hi-light some below.
*To be unselfish. I put Cristian's needs before my own even when I'm dog tired and just pure exhausted mentally and physically. It's an automatic response that comes natural. It's that primal instinct to take care of your baby no matter what the cost. His needs are met first and then mine and Jose's. When my bones are weary and I'm feeling like I need a boost of caffeine straight to my veins all it takes to snap me back is to see that sweet face...those big brown eyes and those chubby cheeks!! :)
*To be patient and accept a change in plans. Having an infant I've learned to be more patient b/c he's so small and new to this world that he relies on me to guide him and show him the way. He is not going to pick up on things instantly and watching him grow is teaching me a lesson in patience. Yes, he's growing quickly but in stages...its all at Cristian's pace, not mine. I am not the most organized person in the world, but I do like some type of order. You can plan and plan and plan and having an infant you learn that plans have a way of falling apart mid-flight!! No matter how much precision you take in planning the details ultimately the baby dictates your schedule now. Feedings, diaper changes, naps, spit-up stained clothes requiring a change after you've buckled baby in their carseat...LOL, all these things are like monkey-wrenches in whatever plans you thought you had!! I have always been infamously late...now, forget about it!
*To stop and smell the roses. I know it sounds ironic. I'm busier than ever now being a MOM - so how can I stop and smell the roses when things are moving faster than the speed of light?! But raising Cristian I have a different view on life...that's ever changing. It's like by having a baby you are allowed to see the world thru their eyes too...what a blessing! When I say "stop and smell the roses" I mean to slow down and appreciate the quiet moments in life more...to stop running around like a mad person trying to do it all. The superficial things in life seem to melt away and the really important stuff takes center stage. I have learned that babies don't keep...meaning every moment they are changing and growing and if you put other priorities before them you'll miss out on so much! For example: a clean house is nice...but I've learned I am not Super Mom...I am human. If I do not have the time to clean the house as much as I would like but instead spend some quality time with MY BOYS (nowadays this refers to Jose and Cristian - and Scooby) then that's by far more important. I would rather miss having a clean house than to miss one, single moment in my families life! Time is moving all around us no matter what we might be going thru...so instead of wasting time on the superficial stuff that really doesn't matter...why not jump in with reckless abandon and enjoy every moment with the people that you love!?? Having Cristian I have gotten over that hang-up of trying to do it all before enjoying myself...and now I choose the reckless abandon route...I don't want to waste precious time on whats really important to me...my precious, precious FAMILY!
*A greater respect and appreciation for my extended Family. Now that I am a MOM I see things differently than I did in my younger days. I have an even greater respect for my own Mom b/c now I see a glimpse of the journey that she traveled as a new Mom over 30 yrs. ago. I love my Mom so much and appreciate the relationship that we have today...sure its had its bumps and bruises but it all had to happen in order to get to where we are today. I appreciate my Mom in so many ways...and I thank her for understanding me and giving me the room to make plenty of mistakes and loving me along the way...she's a great woman and I am proud to call her Mom. One day I hope Cristian is as proud of me as I am of my Mom! :)
There are so many others that are right up there with my Mom (namely Mama & Papa Moon) and I don't want to be remiss and leave them out...but to keep this short and sweet let's just say you know who you are! :) And I love you all just as much and thank you immensely for all that you have taught me and given to me in my life.
I will close this post now...b/c I don't want to get too far off course here. I know I will never be a perfect MOM to Cristian, but my intentions in this life are to be the best MOM I can be to him (and our future children)...and I pray and hope that Cristian knows just how much I love him. It's a love that is unconditional...that will not change no matter what. I know we will disappoint one another and we will be angry with one another and we will disagree with one another and we will not see eye to eye on certain things....and the list goes on...........but one thing I can surely say with all my heart and soul is that I will always be there for Cristian as his MOM and I guess at the end of the day I want him to know without a shadow of a doubt that he can come to me, always, with whatever is on his mind and that I will be there to lean on and to depend on and to support him and to encourage him and to carry him and to listen to him and to love him with reckless abandon and to forgive him if he - or I should say when he - does/says something that angers me or hurts me. I want to live and breathe the example that I am teaching him to be.
Ahhh, after all this I feel lighter inside. This was on my heart and I just felt the need to share.
Sorry if I went all over the place with my writing...I just typed and didn't really worry if it all made perfect sense!
And lastly, to my precious little boy Cristian - I love you more than all the stars in the sky...endlessly, unconditionally, for all time! xoxoxoxox You are my precious gift...thank you for being YOU! I thank God for you...to see the world thru your eyes is a gift and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful son - you are my everything! :)
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