JC AC & CC

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

2009-09-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

We love you - Every Day All The Time No Matter What

Diaper Date Night

2009-08-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

LOVED going to the movies last night - Diaper Date Night $7 for adults, kids under 4 free. We traveled about 25 minutes South (which in the bay is "a lot" but in our hometown would be no big deal at all for some kind of event...here we're greedy like "why doesn't our city offer this?") to a private cinema chain that offers family movie days (12:30 showings) and date nights (7pm showings) I also now belong to a yahoo group that votes on what movie we want to see next...so cool. We had dinner at home, put CC in his pj's and drove down to watch The Time Traveler's Wife, a bit of a snooze but definitely got better in the middle-end. I almost made it through the movie without crying but the last 10 minutes got me :) Definitely interesting enough for me to have English Teacher discussion questions afterwards - which I'd love to propose for anyone interested after seeing this flick...won't post them now as I can't stand spoilers!

It was great to be in a theater so considerate of family needs: a) soft lighting during the film b) baby friendly sound levels. It was also a good experience to be surrounded by other families and be reminded how good we have it with our little guy. The movie was full of parents/babies bouncing in the aisle, squeals & cries to be quieted by parents with neighbors who understood, blankets and toys on the floor for amusement. It was especially good to know that my husband enjoyed himself - despite the chick flick title- and is looking forward to our next diaper date night :)

San Diego

2009-08-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weather in San Diego (as always!) and it was great to see Tio Coco who is entering his final year at UCSD :)

Here are some pics from the SD Zoo - I didn't appreciate it fully until we tried the SF Zoo (what a dump!) LOVE THIS PLACE...almost as much as Charlie.

My boy sure loves his pack....what a sweet face.

On the tour bus with the boys...great idea credited to Julian. This time we were able to see a bunch of stuff we didn't see the first time and because we got on the last bus it was getting dark and more animals were waking up!

In the hotel lobby

Date Night in Santa Monica

2009-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Jose took us out to Santa Monica for a little night on the town. I kept seeing the Third Street Promenade on the local tourist/hotel channel and had been wanting to check it out for some time-it's super cute! Here are some pics from our walk down to the pier...

Roxbury Park, Beverly Hills

2009-08-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

We stayed in century city and I went looking for a playground online to take CC to while Jose was at work. Jose suggested a park he'd seen in passing off of olympic - that tip led me to roxbury park, super close by. Don't be fooled, though it's on the edge of Bev. Hills it was no scene from 90210! Not that B.H. can't be super fab - it certainly can be, but this place was something you'd find in small town America - except for the metered parking! That's right, had to bust out the quarters so my boy could play!

In front of the rose patch

He was so excited - he "drove" his cart all over :)

My boy loves his swing - he stayed in it for a new record of almost 30 mins! The tiny baby next to him fell asleep in the swing.

Play time @ The Hammond's New House

2009-08-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Our friends Jeff & Heather

post root beer float sample, courtesy of Mrs. Hammond...

playing outside with Dad...

Travel last week to LA & San Diego

2009-08-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm wayyy behind on blogging - I've been concentrating on getting more settled in the house, entertaining friends in our new backyard, and chasing my boy who - in the last couple of days has gone to 3-4 steps to walking down the hall! Unbelievable! Here are some photos/memories from our trip last week to So. Cal. We tagged along on a business trip with Jose which we hadn't done for nearly 4 months! Needless to say travel with Charlie has evolved again - well, never stops evolving. The plane rides to LA and back from San Diego went pretty considering he used to sleep the whole time previously. The trip out we just concentrated on keeping him entertained - it was so stimulating with all the people, brochures in the back seat pockets, the windows, the peanut packs....he pooped himself out and fell asleep on the decent. On the trip home he was already pooped and slept a good portion of the flight :) Since I feel it's really important to let him get down on the ground and "do this thing" every day (he's much happier) we packed his wagon and let him "drive" for long stretches down the hotel floor hallway and in the lobby. (In San Diego the lobby is extra grande and there is a side carpeted "pavillon" where we hung out a few times :)

Driving in the San Diego lobby...

The flight out to LA - double fisting the cell phones just like Daddy :)

Locals Housewarming and Charlie's Bday

2009-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had a few friends over to celebrate our new place and to have birthday cake for Charlie. It was definitely a lot of work but I loved having our friends over and being able to just hang out in the back yard. This intravert will be hibernating...

It's amazing what entertainment $0.99 helium balloons provide...

Kanda's Pandas - My friends from teaching - Benzie is only 3 months older than Charlie...they have taught us a lot of tricks!

Our boy and his piece of cake....

Arantxa (Spanish Soul Sistah), Charlie, Cake, & Dos

With the cake in front of him, Charlie chose to go right for the fondant eye...of course, the black that will stain the best!

Mmmm...

Charlie picking out the bear's eye :)

Pictures from Cuevas Photography: Charlie's cakes

2009-08-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

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We're having a series of mini celebrations as we see family & friends. After all, what 1 year old doesn't need 26 kazillion birthday cakes? You're only 1 once!

Pictures from Cuevas Photography: Academy of Sci 8.09

2009-08-13T09:50:00.001-07:00

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Charlie & I joined my Dad, Ann, Cole & Mia @ the Academy yesterday and had a great time. My little man loves the aquarium :) Since visiting earlier this summer with cousin Jillian, Charlie has changed so much: he wants to get down and crawl/walk/investigate for himself, he wants to touch all of the exhibits, and is "tracking" live animals so well now...I can't believe the huge difference!

Pictures from Jillian Miller: More Adorable Beach Pics

2009-08-10T20:37:00.001-07:00

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Pictures from Allie: Carnitas Night in Lincoln 8.08.09

2009-08-10T20:35:00.001-07:00

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Pictures from Cuevas Photography: Charlie's first Bday cake of the series

2009-08-10T20:32:00.001-07:00

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SF Coastal

2009-08-06T20:57:00.001-07:00

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Pictures from Jillian Miller: Cuevas Family Photos 8.1.2009

2009-08-04T09:00:00.001-07:00

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Pictures from Cuevas: Charlie 11 Months

2009-08-03T14:18:00.001-07:00

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Let me know which one is your favorite - I'm having a hard time choosing!

11 months and walking

2009-08-03T13:22:00.001-07:00

As if he knew it was his monthly birthday yesterday Charlie took off walking - and literally - it was if he was a different baby (again!) overnight. Yes, there has been a big lead up to this with pushing the wagon but my goodness. Jose and I are in shock and awe and laugh at his delighted squeal of pride when he reaches 4-6-8-steps and then clamors to hold the next piece of furniture. Wow is all I have to say!

It's such a special time in our little guy's life and we can wait to celebrate his birthday with you all :-)

Happy 11 months baby boy!

2009-08-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

We love you Charlie *sitos*

We've had a busy weekend - bought a super nice treadmill super cheap from my friend Marlene (also a fitness trainer) and bbq'ed at her house Fri night. I'm excited to give that bad boy a whirl! Saturday we headed to SF for a photo shoot with my super talented cousin, Jillian and I'm excited to see some of the results - it's tough to get a pic with both of my boys in the same frame as me! Then we putzed (sp?) around SF with Charlie in the pack and when he was quiet (watching EVERYTHING) it almost felt like the "old days" when Jose and I would take off for the day and fall into things to do. There's definitely a lot more hand holding when you're not pushing the jogger :-)

Today we're up early - had a yummy breakfast and Jose is working on a ribs recipe. Charlie has much improved behavior today after fri & sat when he's "yelping" turned into full on yelling, not cute. Patience on backorder.

Happy Engagement Day ~ 4 Years Later...

2009-07-31T08:14:00.001-07:00

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We became engaged:

July 31, 2005

Half Moon Bay, California

Here are some photos of the period surrounding our engagement the details of which I'd like to keep largely to myself but what made Jose "realize" he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me is a bit funny looking back. In 2005 Jose wanted to live together but I wasn't ready to start over again so we decided he should move into my apartment in April, we then scheduled a vacation to Puerta Vallarta right afterward. I was soooooo excited - I had never been to Mexico - never been out of the country. I think it was Day 3 of our seven day getaway that when stepping of a local bus to el centro I sprained my ankle - BADLY. (This has been a recurring issue since early basketball days). How do you sprain you ankle getting off a bus? I know...sounds ridiculous but it was about a 2 foot drop into the cobblestone street and the bus starting taking off before I was completley out...nice huh? Long story short I fainted and it completely freaked Jose out because I'm now a waif of a girl...never fainted before and haven't fainted since. The local doctor said it was probably just by body's way of coping with the pain. As Jose yelled for help most of the locals thought I was just passed out - I had barely had a drink! I'll never forget Jose's face as I came to the second time (apparently I came to once and fainted again quickly) or how he shared his feelings later in the time share over room service burgers. After seeing the hotel doctor the next day he said we needed to go to the hospital and thus our journey in the Mexican hospital began, but they took great care of me.

All this lit a fire under Jose's butt because as he says he knew then that he couldn't live without me. From then on it was only a matter of time :-)

Check out the photos from our PV vacation, my ugly ankle, and telling my siblings when we returned and I was still "planning" a "wedding".

Paying It Forward

2009-07-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

We helped a vet starting over today and it feels so good to pay it forward. I know what it means to start over. I know what it means to start again with just an empty apartment. I know what it means to live without a couch or tv and to worry about how you will pay the rent on your own. I've been good about always keeping some emergency money in my savings for the unexpected and my family and friends have been so generous with me, especially in these times - one in particular. But not everyone is so lucky and today I am reminded of that.

Time out with Aunt Erin (not to be confused with Tia Ryn)

2009-07-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

So Erin and I know live off of the same main street and closer than ever (well, at least since we stopped living together in 2000 or was it 2001?) and yet it seems that - at least so far - we only really ever see each other if it's 7am and at starbuck's. We run opposite schedules with her work going until 7pm typically which is when CC's "witching hour" hits full swing. We are hoping that she can meet up with us at one of our many park outtings from this week forward.

One of us is always late, me usually something to do with Charlie - Erin with a stupid coworker or kitty issue (her wild babies). Today it was Erin and Charlie got a bit restless. He loves to push anything across the floor so he can "walk". Here he is with the starbucks' chair. I learned today that we should always sit nearest the barista bar so he can watch people work and see where all those sounds are coming from :-)

Restless

2009-07-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Having a hard time finding my peaceful perch tonight - it seems that it's taking the three of us longer than usual to find our groove back at home again. CC is wayyy off his schedule but I'm working on gentle cues to help him get back to basics.

We attended Jose's company picnic today and took in some lemon cupcakes with vanilla frosting - another hit. I am such a basic flavors girl, and my dad especially will attest to what a finiky eater I am....it feels good to experiment with flavors outside of my box. (chocolate and variations of it, basically :-) Of course Charlie stole the show, and pushed his wagon all around the park. Later on he and I snuck over to the playground for some time in the baby swing. I love that when the swing is in sight now he starts reaching for it and saying "who who who".

36 Days Until our Baby Boy turns 1!

2009-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it - and yes - I know I write that EVERY time. This year has absolutely flown by and it breaks my heart that our tiny baby is turning 1, yikes! I have had lots of people asking what we are doing to celebrate and what Charlie would like for his birthday, here is the plan:

Celebrations:

In lieu of a large party we are going to have several small celebrations with the different sides of the family/friends on different dates. More cake and more partying for Charlie. We're having cake on the Cuevas side at Uncle Tony's shin dig 8/8/09. Skaggs & Trogdon Families TBD.

Gifts:

Please don't feel obligated to give Charlie a gift, he doesn't know :-) Like many families Jose and I are in a position of only being able to give $15-$20 gifts at this time. If you feel like you want to give the little man something we're happy to take a small check for his college fund. We also have a wish list of things we think Charlie will enjoy listed on the right side of the blog. Many of these items are super expensive, so small gift cards are welcome too.

Thanks for all of your support throughout this crazy first year, we're looking forward to celebrating with you!

Back from longest hometown stay in 7 years

2009-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

So we are back in the bay - what a relief. For those of you who don't know, we've been in our hometown for two funerals from a thurs to the following Sat, minus a couple of nights in between. I find that with each passing of a life there is a time of sadness but also of reflection on our current choices and maybe our future choices. In my own perspective, life is far too fleeting, especially to put up with anyone's B.S. (I can hear my hubbie saying BE - ESEE in espanol, love you bbc). I try to focus on living in the present because when I'm living in the past I'm sad - either because I long for things to be the way they "used to be" or in some circumstances think about how they used to suck :-) When I live in the future and in future choices I have anxiety. Living in the present is where it's at - I've decided and I continue to work on this focus.

Not all of the trip was sad - we were blessed to be able to see a ton of family and there are a few special images burned in my mind:

#1 Charlie was pushing his cousin Eden's barbie "ride-on" car around Jillian's house when Eden decided she wanted to have her turn and sat down. Charlie started pushing her on the car around the house :-)

#2 Walking from the car toward the playground where my husband pushed my little boy in the swing....what a sight.

#3 Watching my husband from the back of the church in his suit: strong, steadfast, and super handsome. (I was going to put sexy for the extra "s" alliteration affect but is that too much on a family blog? LMAO)

We're glad to be home, more pics of the little man to come soon!

**********************************************************************************

Happy Birthday Today Mimi - We wish we were there to celebrate 74 years with you today!

Photographing on a whim today...

2009-07-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Pulgas Water Temple ~ See my Photog Blog for more Photos!

Pictures from this AM...

2009-07-14T10:11:00.001-07:00

10 Months 1 Week, I can't believe it!

Behind Blogger

2009-07-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, I've been terrible about blogging - moving/organizing has been all encompassing and I still feel like I have a looooooong way to go :-( A big thanks to Arantxa, Alaina, T, & Mimi for coming over to play with Charlie and help me organize. Moving (and more so settling in) with a baby has proved to be very challenging. (ie I tried to run away and live at pottery barn but they kicked me out at closing time).

The Yard Sale:

I think it went well, we got rid of a couple of bulky pieces of furniture which has given our little garage some relief but we still have stuff for sale... check it out *here*

We did find at the end of the day that a couple of our signs on the side streets fell down so that may have been a bit of a marketing malfunction. All of the people were really nice, no crazy bargain hunters which made me feel good.

Our house is a little bit funky because it's so old so we've had to be creative with furniture placement and a couple of euro style/size items. Our tv stand with all the glass (like my favorite tables) have became a baby disaster zone and we've done our best to block it off to no avail. Soooooooo I'm not above creating a "housewarming" registry on Crate and Barrel to get the 10% completion coupon! LOL, I thought it was a good idea!!! I made the date for last Sat. yard sale day :-) Hopefully that bad boy will be arriving soon so we can get the new media console ordered and we will once again have a "baby safe" zone.

Charlie is Acclimating:

But I think he thinks we're still traveling :-( It's funny that we moved for him and yet I feel guilty about uprooting him. He does enjoy our walks (as we can now walk to most everything) and our nearby park where he relaxes in the baby swing (last time for more than 20 mins which is a miracle in itself)

4th of July @ Trogdon Farms

2009-07-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

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We escaped the nightmare of unpacking briefly on Saturday to celebrate the 4th with a little Fry Family Reunion at Trogdon Farms. Of course my mom and sister put on a great party, I swear they could have charged the locals to get in! It was adorable with flags everywhere and plenty for Charlie to get into including a kiddie pool, his own lounge seating area complete with umbrella, a jumpy house, riding the "mulle" etc. It's nice to visit because Nona already has a high chair, changing area, bath accessories, food/bib, just about everything the little man could need so that really cuts down on the packing/prep. We had lots of fun as you can see in the pics. Hoping Tia Ryn will send us a few from her camera too :-)

Winters Trip 6-09

2009-06-29T07:10:00.001-07:00

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Despite the move, Jose had plans for a boys camping trip this weekend (far in advance) and I had plans to see my Spanish family :-) While in town I had lunch with my sister in law, play time with my nieces and nephew, a hair cut/visit with Amy Kate, Jillian's bday dinner, Mimi's quilt show, quality time with the Miller girls (cousins not beer! Finally!), Tia's BBQ, and brunch with Tia Ryn, Carter, & Isa. (They call her Bella but for the purposes of our Spanish visit, I will call her Isa...for awhile I thought I would name a daughter that :-) It was a busy weekend and CC and I are glad to be out of the 105 degree weather, but miss my girls.

See more photos from the quilt show on my photography site

Moving with Baby - It's a little complicated :-)

2009-06-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Getting creative after packing the kitchen. Charlie LOVES pasta with plain butter (just a smidge, still incorporating dairy slowly)...just like his Tia Mia & Tio Ignacio!

Charlie's cardboard obstacle maze

Working in the yard with mom at the new house...

Moving

2009-06-25T09:08:00.001-07:00

We'll get up to snuff on the blog soon - this fast move in consuming all my day and has left me exhausted. Charlie seems to be doing well despite all the disruption in his environment. He loves to go to the new house and race around the hardwood floors where there are no furniture obstacles.

Last night while giving him a bath he stood up (his new trick) and started "man" peeing in the tub! I couldn't help but crack up. Not the newborn spray, not the 3-6 month all over him, me and the wall, man peeing straight down....my little guy is getting too big!

More soon,

Allie

Pictures from Cuevas: New Rental House Pics

2009-06-18T15:42:00.001-07:00

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We're Moving

2009-06-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Got a sweet little rental house in RWC with a tiny backyard for Charlie. CANNOT wait for Air Conditiong, just in time for the blazing summer days.

More info/pics to come in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime we're cleaning out closets and downsizing furniture and some of our larger items. Check out our items for sale:

http://sancarlosmovingsale.shutterfly.com/

Goats at the condo :-)

2009-06-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

The goats are back and Charlie was so excited! This is the only pic I could get him to look at the camera, the rest of the time he was watching the goats!
NOT an attractive pic of me but couldn't resist how cute Charlie looks :-)

Who wants to eat baby food when you can eat off your Padre's Plate?

2009-06-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Charlie doesn't want to eat his baby food out of the jar unless he's starving now. He'll take 3-4 bites and then fuss and fuss until we take him out of his high chair. When Jose and I are eating - conveninetly he becomes starving and begs like small pup :-) Some current favs include:

tortilla

mashed potatoes

ground turkey meat

crumbles of anything sweet

More pics soon!

More Photography Work...

2009-06-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Road Trip to See Baby Jake

2009-06-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Today we took a road trip south to meet L's Baby, Jake, he's so cute! Thank goodness GSSS aka Tia Arantxa came with us because Charlie was into everything that didn't belong to him. He was a good boy for MOST of the trip though :-)

Charlie & Tia Arantxa in front of L's cool window

Taking a break from scooting with the "imagine" prop

Loved sitting with new Dad, John

Working on Photography

2009-06-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

Charlie's 9 Month Photos

2009-06-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jose came home from work and swept us off to the park for Charlie's 1st time at the playground :-) Here he is on the swing....

Is anyone else getting on this thing?

Charlie's Update

2009-06-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

6.3.09

Age: 9 months!

Weight 18 lb 15 oz.

Length 28 inches

Head Circumference 46.2

Sooooo we saw Chan Sizzle on Wednesday and yet again Charlie surprised her with how active he really is....using her hands to stand up she started laughing. His rate of growth (all according to the curve she draws in her chart) has dropped off significantly for this last appointment but she says that happens when kids hit a really active stage sometimes. We're monitoring his food intake a little more closely but you've seen this boy right? No one is starving here!

Finger Foods:

We're expanding our finger food choices and so far he's tried blueberries (+), yogurt melts (-), shredded chicken (-), tortilla bites (+), so I feel like it's going pretty well. I'm hoping to incorporate more and more of what Jose and I are eating and less of the purees as we go along.

Constipation?

That's right, you read it all here. Poor boy cries with #2, it's as though I never have to guess because his little face announces it. No real issue according to Chan, hopefully Charlie learns to deal with it like his pedos previously.

Eczema/Baths:

CC has a new breakout on his back and neck and we're trying to find the right treatment combination....I'll keep you posted. Chan says everyone's skin is different and what works for some people doesn't work for others :-( I wish there was a cure all - we're trying to keep it under control before he has to go on benadryl or steriods.

MMR:

The dreaded vaccine....Merck has stopped producing the vaccine separately which is what we were planning to do (as opposed to the compound shot you could do 3 separate shots, Measles, Mumps, Ruebella, sp?) The vaccine is traditionally given at 15 months but it's also a time where health care officials are specifically looking for signs of autism. Chan says if we're not traveling internationally she recommends waiting until 2 or 2.5 years when we "know" that our child doesn't have autism. She says that it has been widely reported (but she hasn't had a case) that there is one form of autism that causes severe regression, but more typically past a certain stage there is limited further development. I'm definitely onboard with vaccinating and we're up to date, this is just my achilles heel on the issue...I'm leaning towards delaying until 2 yrs.

Wandering Eye?

Maybe you've seen it in his pictures but Charlie sometimes displays what looks like a "wandering eye" or "lazy eye". Chan says that it's normal at this stage as kids are still learning to focus their vision especially with objects up close or at funny angles. My concern is more around the fact that two of my siblings have severe issues with this - my brother had to patch his good eye as a baby to avoid going blind and my sister has uber potent glasses to correct her eye. Chan did refer us out early to an eye specialist to get a baseline eye exam (which all kids should have before 3 yrs).

Lot's o' questions....

Hoping to get some 9 month pics done this week, stay tuned!

I know I've been procrastinating

2009-06-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

BUT I have been seriously working! Researching the new home thang is exhausting. It's different where we grew up - we knew the communities and all the neighborhoods (and pockets there of) where we could live or not live. We knew the schools, their reputations, all/most of the teachers or people with first hand experience with them. Here every 5 miles the city changes with new taxes, rec programs, schools, family amenities....TGFG (Thank God For Google :-)

My Birthday

2009-06-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Birthday Dinner with the boys :-)

6 am walk by the water with Charlie...

I'm writing a review on the Monterrey Bay aquarium and clement hotel so I decided to line it up with my bday for a little get away treat...it's definitely what this family's been needing.

Love the kelty kids pack! Charlie can see everything he wants to see and no crying to get out.

So excited in the aquarium that he later passed out.

My lunch date (he's only half the cute factor!)

Happy 9 months today Charlie :-) We head back to see Dr. Chan tomorrow so I'll update you on his stats soon :-)

And...the sweetest gift, little Haley Janae Miller (hope I spelled that correctly Mist) was born on my birthday. Nothing like sharing your birthday with your girlfriends 1st baby. Love you girls.

Charlie's 1st Dump Truck

2009-05-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Okay so technically it's a wagon with a dump truck feature...going to Toys R Us sure does get overwhelming! The big CAT trucks were all 3+ years so we thought we'd try this out at home. Charlie has been trying to crawl and push the tupperware or the remote across the floor so I thought he'd have have fun with a toy with wheels. Fun is an understatement. He was crying when Jose tried to take it away to get ready for bed time. :-) He's pushing it across the room on his knees and at times even trying to stand and take a few steps while pushing it (which I have to watch closely because I know it'll end in a huge face plant if I don't catch him).

After this latest growth spurt he's quite a tall little guy! We got back to see Chan-Sizzle on Wed for his 9 month appt so we'll have more stats then.

Check out the SFPP blog...we checked out the foster city art and wine festival yesterday too.

A FactSet Favorite :-)

2009-05-28T16:56:00.001-07:00

Blog Slackin'

2009-05-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've been slackin' on updating the blog :-( I've been concentrating my writing efforts on the new Peninsula Parents Blog I started in order to get it moving. Check it out! http://sfpeninsulaparent.blogspot.com/I'm trying to get back into the writing game, hoping to make a few dollars with the ads in the mean time, and hoping in the future I might land a free lance column in a local paper/magazine. Next week will be a big week for us as I write my first business review for the Monterey Intercontinental hotel and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I'm very excited to work with them both as they've been great to me so far :-) It's also a big week because I turn 28 on Monday and Charlie turns 9 months on Tuesday, que cute.

We've also re-entered the home hunt and I'm freakin' exhausted. We've been looking all over the area, peninsula, half moon bay, pacifica, fremont (until the shootings outside a funeral for corn sake, last night), and San Jose (Willow Glen and Cambrian so far). I think we're going to try to focus on San Jose for the commute factor and what we can get as far as the sq. feet/neighborhood combo. It's funny how a baby changes your perspective on many things....especially in how you will choose a home. Hmmm...I think I may have found my topic for the other blog today :-) Taking a break on the home hunt front until Sat. morning when we met the latest relator who I like on the phone which is a start. It's tough when your dad is a relator and the guy you trust more than everyone else...wish he could work down here with us. Hoping the next once at least has 3/4 of a brain and knows her neighborhood (she sounds really nice).

Hoping to make my bear cake today...will keep you updated!

Lunch with Nona

2009-05-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

My mom was in Los Gatos yesterday and was supposed to have a lunch appt in Gilroy but they cancelled so Charlie and I scurried down to Los Gatos for lunch with Nona :-) Charlie did great the whole time in his high chair...looking quite grown up I might add with his new hat (good pick Nona!) and handling his sippie cup. Lunch was a well-needed break from the chaos around the condo lately...here are my two fav. pics :-)

New 8 Month pics

2009-05-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

SF Peninsula Parent Blog

2009-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Blogging Solution:

Sooooooooooooooo....many people have asked whether or not they can forward on the blog, especially my girlfriends who's girlfriends I don't know are newly pregnant. I have said no many times because often what I share (especially photos of my boy) I do not want out with people outside my network. BUT I'm now starting a blog specifically for parents here in the SF Peninsula which will include funny anecdotes on parenting (I know, your fav...many of the previous stories here minus more personal details) and features including "This Weekend" and "What's for Dinner?". Help me make it the success it can be - I know many of you are talented in MANY ways and I'd love for you to contribute an article, photos, recipes etc. (Of course I'll give you credit!)

Still working on the format and trying to get someone to do a logo...but check it out!

http://sfpeninsulaparent.blogspot.com/

Getting the hang of this cake thing

2009-05-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

Of course it couldn't be without a blunder! Both of my cakes didn't want to come out of the pan this time and thus that left me with a little patch work....which of course is impossible and you should start over. I just did my best and was determined to get my roses finished in class last night.

Now that the first class is over, Erin and I are looking forward to the fondant class though technically out of order. Hopefully Michaels' will get their act together and get a schedule out soon! We're hoping to meet up with her mom next Monday night (hopefully at Millie's b/c she has the A/C....my stiff frosting has been melting....for some casual decorating without the time constraints of class. Gotta keep practicing!

Cake Drama

2009-05-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

It's all in the title...after baking a cake I was really proud of, frosting/filling it etc. I dumped it on the floor (the carpet no less) last night. My husband, always generous of spirit, thought of the idea to let Charlie try his first "bite" of cake and thus the making of lemonade began...

Charlie leaning in towards my poor crumbling cake ( minus one sample piece....gotta taste the hard work!)

A better view of my crumbling creation....and Charlie trying to get a closer look...

1st taste

Mmmmmm

Look at those eyes!

My Favorite

Charlie's Baptism

2009-05-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

I know I've been on blogging hiatus - I'm not sure if/how I might continue.

We survived the baptism weekend :-) Even with a lot of preparation we were still running slightly behind which drives me bonkers but at least we were prepped or else we would have been wayyyy behind.

Before the ceremony...

The Skaggs Family....we had pics of the other sides of the family too but they weren't very attractive :-)

Thanks for the cute cake Nona!

G.P. & Charlie

Newlyweds as of this week! Aunt Amy Kate & Uncle Tommy

Uncle Dubs & Aunt Amy Kate

Charlie & Tia Arantxa (Sophia looking on)

Cake HW & Cake Class

2009-05-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Charlie playing in his pack n play while I bake the cake. Luckily I was able to escape on Sunday to Erin's house to work on frosting with "the team" :-) Yes, there's a big in his pack...he likes to dig things out of my bag so I thought why not let him dig his own toys out of the hospital bag?

The noise of the mixer doesn't seem to bother him! (Unlike the vacuum and the leaf blower outside)

Let me out!

My Mother's Day present...very exciting. Chocolate cake...it's been a long time. (I'm excited to try to make bread from scratch this week too)

Here's my cake after a lot of frosting :-) I know the little boards underneath aren't cute...but you've got to use something to transfer it around. Here it's sitting on the turn table....quite handy when you're decorating.

In Class tonight we worked on lettering, stars and dots....which all sounds simple enough but it makes your hand hurt like no other. I choose to do the stars on the edge of the cake which looks more like a flower border when you stick them close together. I chose to work with the same color frosting so that I might minize the look of any errors!

Okay - so my lettering is not that great....but practice makes perfect. It's a lot more difficult off the practice card when you can't trace the letters and are free-handing!

Sooooooo I've only had 1 major blunder so far and I thought you'd appreciate this:

For the frosting instead of buying regular cubed vegetable flavor I bought cubed butter flavor...doesn't that sound more reasonable? (At least it does in this non-cook's head) Granted I didn't have the sheet right in front of me AND there are all those mystery ingredients including flavoring options, vanilla, butter, etc. Needless to say my pale yellow cake stood out in class. I did end up cutting the butter flavor with vanilla flavoring and I think it's pretty good! A happy accident at least this time around.

A Perfect Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

*See more landscape photos on my photography blog - linked in the upper right corner

Back from the Bookdocks

2009-05-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't my photo, but I had a similar idea and I wish it was. Yesterday Charlie and I traveled through the altamont pass to visit my mom in the boondocks and I packed my camera with the idea that I would take some photos of these beautiful green energy masterpieces on my way but I ran into a few issues:

a) lack of places to pull over to get a great shot - less willing to go to the side of the freeway and take risks with your baby in the car

b) traveling alone

c) Charlie was asleep through the pass on the way there AND back - don't disturb baby sleep on road trips stupid. I did pull over ever so briefly on the way there (on a real exit) but as soon as Charlie started to murmur I hit the freeway again (and he was out)

We had a great time visiting my mom and Bill and wish the drive wasn't so long so we could see each other more frequently. Gotta love staying in the guest house with your own coffee maker and a quiet place for babenakins to sleep.

I really missed my hubbie - gross I know! Can't help but be in love with this man...definitely over a decade now and don't want to spend one night apart :-)

Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

An excuse for a short dinner and margarita out on the town :-)

Stopping briefly on the drive home to appreciate the twilight hour....

Snuck in a moment together while Charlie dozed in the car...

Perhaps I'm meant to bake out of a box...

2009-05-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

So I went to my first cake decorating class last night and it was, well, a bit overwhelming. I don't think it helped that it was the longest I'd ever left Charlie (3 hours) which wouldn't be bad if he a) took a bottle or b) didn't nurse before bed time. The instructor, who has been teaching for 3+ years seems friendly enough but also was putting out the "stressed vibe" and that was hard to not pick up on. I also didn't know what to expect as far as homework:

Next Week:

Bake your cake, fill and frost it (all from scratch she says or what will you be learning? RIGHT)

3 different batches of frosting (stiff, med, thin)

20 parchment frosting cones

and organize, bring in all products.

Ummmm what? I think I might need a class where I just show up and make pretty frosting flowers. She did say that she had one student go to safeway before classes and buy a cake and scrape off the frosting.... Hmmmm :-)

When she was making the frosting she was very meticulous and talked about working without distractions because otherwise your designs will melt. She has 3 kids and tells them they aren't allowed in the kitchen while she preps...I think I'll try that. No Charlie, you're not allowed in here! Mom is busy....concentrating. Plus I had no idea the mysterious products it takes to make this stuff from scratch...see below... + meringe powder which they were out of. I'm trying just to buy the basics and hopefully if I continue this quest I'll buy more in the future if I need it. I just have to get that meringe stuff and some cake cardboard base thingys for next class. Trying to keep it budget friendly, no fun fancy tool caddys or cake caddys or fabulous mixers (that I've wanted forever but still) for me. Hopefully my girlfriend Erin will buy her mixer and her mom and I will be able to use it too.

Yes, Erin and her mom Millie (who I lived with for 6 months in college) are both taking the class thank god...otherwise I think I might have left crying.

Did I mention that they only had course books in Spanish? It might as well be in German for as much as my conversational Spanish helps me in this bad boy....
Shouldn't be a problem you said? Maybe you could translate these instructions for me!

I thought a good goal would be a cake for Charlie's baptism in a couple of weeks...but now I'm thinking his Sept. birthday is a better goal....we're only having immediate family anyway :-)

Our Weekend

2009-05-03T12:25:00.001-07:00

Well... I'm glad that the weather hasn't been as bad as the forecast (at least so far, hold up weather, I still have to go to costco!)

Yesterday we celebrated 8 months with Charlie and went out to breakfast. Why is it that any breakfast that I didn't cook tastes 4x better? Mmmm....I think I want breakfast for lunch again. We then took a couple of laps downtown to explore the art festival where local artists bring their wares to sell on the sidewalk. I love these little "festivals" especially when I can explore what other photographers are doing. I picked up a couple of cards and when I get some time to myself I'm planning to check out their websites.

The little man is doing well though it's getting tougher to go out as he wants to crawl/explore all over. I finally got smart and bought some BPA free tupperware so I can pre-pack rice cereal and a puree, bib, etc (spoon stays in the little sassy tupperware, love it!) so that I don't have to scramble when we are ready to leave. Ahhh the baby scramble... it's impossible to remember everything EVERY time unless it's pre packed. (That's also why I leave the cheater bag in the care, extra diapers, wipes, blanket and extra onesie and sweatpants) :-)

Better sign off before the little man wakes up and I've got nothing done! (besides blogging!)

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2009-05-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

I know we need the rain and no, I have not forgotten my farm town roots, but I can't help it, I loathe the rain. I loathe the rain even more with a baby in tow as I either stay inside all day or take tremendous care to bundle him accordingly so that no tiny drops reach his tiny limbs. I am longing for the promise of late spring - the warmth - the freedom. Lately, what has constituted a good day has been getting out for a hike or extended walk, especially on the weekend. Fresh Air/Free/Exercise/Entertainment/Discover new places... can't beat that. Looks like this weekend might be super crap....arrrg.

Overall Charlie is doing well - he's more mobile every day and is now consistently pulling himself up on his knees and a few times lately to his feet. He's eating lots of solid purees with little fuss and is learning to express himself in new grunts/octaves all the time :-) Still no teeth, but that's okay with me.

We're celebrating 8 months tomorrow.

Trying to Declutter ... and he's making a mess behind me

2009-04-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

This Week so far...

2009-04-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

This week we've had a bit more on the social calendar than usual...

Tuesday Charlie and I met Jillian & Eden at the SF Academy of Sciences. LOVED, LOVED seeing my favorite fellow mom and exploring new ideas/animals/architecture. As I was rushing to get out the door I forgot my camera and my jacket so needless to say I was bummed and cold (at least while outside) I'll post some pix from Jillian soon.

A couple of my favorite things were the penguin feeding where afterwards the kiddos really responded to the penguins swimming right up to their noses, the crazy looking albino alligator, and the nightlight fish (their eyes light up like fireflies in the depths of the ocean....also where Charlie fell asleep, no coincidence I'm sure!)

The 4 Story Rain Forest exhibit is pretty cool too and hello - is hot and humid like the real thing! I loved watching a butterfly land right on Charlie and seeing him just look down like it was no big thang.

Watch the penguins live here on their penguin cam

Yesterday I went back to the high school where I taught after almost a year. I did get nervous about any possible confrontations with a range of characters but it went off without a hitch. I was glad to visit and I knew in my heart I was over the teaching tangle because it no longer felt like "my work"...just a place I used to know....my girlfriends' work. I was surprising unemotional and even caught a glimpse in passing of my old room which looks completely different. (Of course it wouldn't be as cute/cool as the way I arranged it!) It wasn't until my girlfriend and I went downtown and ran into a former student that my heart felt a big surge. She was a student in turmoil, talented but extremely insecure, rocky home and heartbroken. Her life has turned around, she just got accepted to the school paper and I was so proud that I couldn't help the tears. I'm proud of the work I used to do and the relationships I built but my life is headed in a new direction and I feel good about it.

Mom Time

2009-04-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Mom Time - It's difficult to find when your baby is still breastfeeding...I swear the next one will take a bottle....arrrrg. Yesterday I got out for lunch with my girlfriend Erin and it's amazing what a little time out can do for you...especially when you indulge in a yummy margarita :-) We had so much fun and I was gone for 2 hours without a peep from the boys which is the longest I've been out without them. I got home to find Charlie asleep - but not as I had left him. He had woken up from his nap (too early) Jose had fed him in his high chair and put him back to sleep without having to call me....talk about sexy :-) LOL

I'm signing up for a new cake decorating class in May and I'm hoping it will be a good "regular" night out for me in the evenings. I'll post pics of the products - whether they be rookie masterpieces or disasters. Lord knows I can't cook but I can sort of bake :-) My cousins have been doing this for awhile so they would whoop my bootie.

1st time eating Gerber Star Puffs - dissolve in your mouth

2009-04-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

So we tried finger foods yesterday for the first time. Gerber Star Puffs

have been reccommended to us by two different sets of friends so yesterday at the store I took the plunge and bought both the sweet potato (his fav) stars and banana (seemed like a better idea in a "star puff"). I tried them before I gave them to Charlie (not too bad actually) and they do dissolve in your mouth though it takes a few seconds so I will still nervous about the choking potential. You can tell from the photos whether or not he liked them... he was interested in playing with them but not really in eating them! Oh well, for now at least he's working on his pincher grasp (an importantly dev. milestone) Charlie's doing much better with his solid food purees so we're happy about that!

Traveling at 7 + months is no picnic

2009-04-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

Frankly I don't have much energy to blog... Charlie is quietly watching baby einstein and I want to curl up on the couch and cuddle with my giant cup of joe. We're home from L.A. and it's a testiment to how our boy continues to grow and change. It's been a couple weeks since we last traveled and it's becoming a lot more difficult. Charlie has started the full blown crawl, still not quite as effective as his commando but his belly is off the ground. He still goes into a plank then "downward dog" as he's trying to figure it out but it's a definite crawl. At home we have a few "safe zones" where I obviously still have to supervise him but the area is generally free of hazards. At the hotel that all changes. We tried to proof the outlets but wouldn't you know that Charlie kept going after the only phone cords we couldn't create a block in front of ( Since there was one in the bathroom, I ended up unplugging them so that there were no cords hanging). We are putting sheets down to cover the carpet as much as possible but can't cover every square inch and I'm getting more comfortable with just saying "whatever" when we rolls onto yucky carpet. More later - for now...going to rest

Traveling with outlet covers

Sweet Face

He crawls OVER things now too - usually face plants, watch out!

I thought this last one was funny :-)

Bed Head :-)

2009-04-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ics from this am...

totally looks like me here :-)

Enjoying the air conditiong at the library yesterday

2009-04-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

In the kids area....

Of course as soon as I set my books down, he was no longer interested in the toys!

Pulling Himself up...

2009-04-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Riding the Heat Wave

2009-04-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it's super hot here. I know I've been slacking on the blog and I'm in no mood - it's 9:20 am and I'm already sweating - gross. I am wishing for some A/C now that we are in the middle of this heat wave. This pic of Charlie was taken yesterday down the street at the park...it hit about 97 degrees so we didn't stay out too long. Judging from the morning start today will probably top that so you'll find us at the local library today with the senior citizens enjoying some free A/C. (Note: they should really offer story time in the afternoon too!) I worry about my little boy - I already have him down to his diaper!

Shopping in SF with Uncle Dubs and Aunt Amy Kate

2009-04-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

Wore the little guy out!
With Uncle Dubs outside the dressing rooms

Easter Weekend

2009-04-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

A weekend or two ago I left my digital SLR at my mom's house (I can't believe I did that since my camera is my 1st born...goes to show you what having a baby does to you) and was able to pick it up at my sister's this weekend. Here are some pics from our visit at her house. Of course, hauling around all of Charlie's stuff at the other houses I forgot to get out my camera :-(

For the last couple of years when I was teaching and had limited breaks during the school year Jose and I have taken Easter to travel or have a small celebration together and now I remember why. We had a really great weekend with family but driving out towards Dixon for our last visit we realized how bad the traffic was going home (around 5:30). We didn't end up leaving until 9:00 and still hit really bad traffic, not getting in to the condo until after 11:30 pm. We used to make the late drive ALL THE TIME and yet we can't do it anymore. Both of us are zombies this morning - I told Jose after my 6 am wake up call with Charlie talking that I feel like I got hit over the head.

Charlie sharing a blanket on the lawn with Logan (Carter's nephew). Charlie had never sat on the grass before and instantly tried to, with persistence, eat the grass until I had to pick him up.

Nothing beats a sidewalk chalk welcome :-)

Allison H. (Carter's sister) with her son Logan, Tia Ryn with Charlie....the boys reaching for each other :-)

Charlie's 1st easter basket full of big boy clothes! Thanks Nona!

Happy boy on his blanket - in what was supposed to be his thanksgiving outfit :-) Judging sizes can be tricky!

Tia Ryn & Charlie enjoying the shade

Carter and his daughter Isabella

Isabella in her play high heels that my mom gave her :-)

Aaryn & Carter

Oprah's show on Motherhood's Dirty Little Secrets

2009-04-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Just finished watching Oprah's show for Mom's (on DVR of course, I have to catch up on everything during Charlie's nap or nighttime sleep!) and if you haven't seen it, it's a must watch for mom's, preggies, hell anyone even remotely thinking about having children.

Some of my favorite things are:

"It's easy to love your child but motherhood is very difficult"

"I had to mourn who I was before I had my baby." (You have to reinvent yourself and sacrifice much of who you are in terms of time)

Favorite Confessions:

One mom who peed in a diaper on a 7 hr road trip to avoid waking up her 2 kids

I'd trade my husband for a housekeeper - hilarious!

One of the moms is a famous blogger (note to self: MUST look her up and post a link to her site) and she started blogging to combat PPD (Post partum depression). I wonder if that's why I started....I definitely felt the need for an outlet especially with the new mom isolation.

I'd love to explore this line further but need to get ready so I can go pick up Charlie's big boy car seat that came in today. (We decided on a britax boulevard CS) I'll post some pics after I get it inspected at Stanford tomorrow, good thing I got that 8am appt just in case!

LPCH Car Seat Fitting Station (approx only 1 in 10 car seats in installed correctly by parents)

Thanks for the Seattle imports Kate!

2009-04-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hibernating

2009-04-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

It's something I do when I've bitten off more than I can chew - hunker down with the boys. This weekend we had the first real and full weekend together in I don't know how long.

Saturday Jose surprised me with a mani/pedi gift cert and I was so excited. He took Charlie and had some boys time - and it was so nice to finally get a mani! I haven't had once since Charlie was born because when I go in the shop I have to be super quick and there's not someone there to do them at the same time or I have Charlie and I need my hands to pick him up etc. when he gets fussy. We then took a drive out to Half Moon Bay where my heart REALLY lives to drive by a foreclosure condo. It needs a lot of work and I'm concerned about the HOA so I'm investigating further....it's cheap enough to warrant the research.

Yesterday Jose had to work in the morning so Charlie and I ran some errands and then played in his office until we were able to take off for SF. We bought Charlie a kelty kids backpack after mucho research and he loved it. On Jose's back he can see everything and at Crissy fields, one of our fav. spots there is always great people & pet watching. It's nice to be able able to hold hands again too :-)

7 months old today

2009-04-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our baby boy is 7 months old today...I'm still in shock over the 6 month mark :-( 7 months in my mind sounds like such a big boy, not the tiny little guy that still needs me all the time. Charlie is definitely getting bigger: cammando crawling/scooting, proping up like he might crawl then belly diving toward the toy he wants, leaning/reaching for Jose and I when he wants us, or scooting to us, definitely has stranger anxiety (though he gets over it if you let him warm up), the "elvis" (hip thrusts while laying on his back), fake coughing/squealing/"talking" to get the attention that he needs. Developmentally it's an exciting time and it can be difficult to keep track of all the milestones. I get emails from multiple sources about baby development (including our hospital which is so helpful so I can read up in short format) and this is a great chart for 7-12 month development...I especially like that it breaks it down into 3 columns: mastered skills, emerging skills and advanced skills because every baby truly is different.

We're recovering from all the travel, yep, it's caught up with us...so no fancy pics for the blog entry today but here are a few from this afternoon. I'll put up a cute 7 month pic in the next few days.

Quite Expressive...

2009-04-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

Brian's 13th Birthday

2009-03-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we traveled to Martinez to celebrate Brian's 13th Birthday.

Our nieces and nephew, Natalia, Marisa & Felix Jr.

My handsome husband in his jersey...just after putting poor Charlie to sleep upstairs

Tired boy

Adrian & Charlie

Monica helping Charlie hold his latest obsession: a water bottle.

The Bride to be wielding the cake knife - Tee hee! And her very grown up birthday boy, Brian

Working on Crawling - In Century City :-)

2009-03-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

We're home from another L.A. trip and it was good to sleep in my own bed last night and wake up to a cage to put Charlie into at 5:20 this morning :-) We've been tagging along with Jose quite a bit and I'm sure child rearing experts would have something to say about that but I have something to say about it too. Because of the demands of the economy Jose has started to take more last minute and multiple day trips. As a family we are committed to not being away from each other more than 1 night whenever possible. I feel like we're really fortunate that I'm at home with Charlie right now and that we have the companion pass so we can fly with big daddy...and I think we'd be crazy not to. I feel like it's important for all of us to be together, especially Charlie with his favorite buddy in such a critical developmental time and if we can make that happen why not take advantage? I found myself exhausted at the end of this trip and I can only imagine how Jose feels. I know that if I were the FactSetter (as many women are) that I couldn't be away from Charlie for this kind of travel and because they have such crazy check in/out clients visits, I couldn't make even pumping (much less breastfeeding) work away from him. (Though breastfeeding is much better rec'd in the workplace after legislation in the last decade could you see me toting an ice chest in with my work bag to a client?) I'd have to bring the nanny with me and have my baby in the hotel room while I worked downstairs because that's crazy quite frankly. Though I know the role of a dad is different, I know Jose hates to be away from Charlie in much the same way and if I can make that easier, I will. Plus I know my hubbie likes to have his bag unpacked, clothes and toiletries put out for the morning, and after I get up and take Charlie for the early am walk to let Jose sleep a little longer he always gets his coffee delivery :-)

Because Charlie rolls, forward scoots to wherever he pleases we had to get extra sheets to cover more surface area on the floor :-)

Push-ups

He's really trying to get up on his knees - push up/plank to yoga downward dog... but no crawls

With the PBK puppy Tia Ryn got him before when we first registered for the shower

Pre-baby, I thought baby life would always look this way, a sweet little book on top of his blanket...ready to head to the airport

But often times being a new parent feels like our poor carseat bag looks. BTW - if you plan to do more than 2 plane trips don't buy this bag! We've broken 1 zipper and as of this trip BOTH shoulder straps! Let me know if you have a rec for a super durable car seat bag!

Asleep while out in the LA sunshine :-)

Pics from this am

2009-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

In between his shrieks/squeals this am I snapped a few photos of my favorite baby boy. Still trying to figure out how to post video - you would crack up at his beginner "commando crawl". He only does one scoot at a time but it's effective and adorable...he's so proud of himself but not more than Jose and I.

Sage Advice

2009-03-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

On thursday I went to the mom's club meeting where we had a guest speaker, Dr. Joshua Coleman. If the name sounds familiar it's because he has published several books on staying happy in a marriage with children and is considered an international expert. (Not to mention appearances on the "Today Show" etc.) I was curious as to what this psychologist had to say being a once divorced father turned married (to another psychologist :-) and having twins via IVF. I had read one of his articles entitled "When a Family Man Thinks Twice" . It was the title that lured me in, though it wasn't the content I expected, it was about when a married man starts to consider divorce. While the style is not what I consider reader-friendly the message is powerful and it struck many images in my heart of what it must have been like for my own father, at times, as a divorced dad. So I was hooked.

I often feel that it's PERSPECTIVE that often determines happiness....it never hurts to have a few more tools in the toolbox to tune up a healthy perspective.

Prior to the start of the meeting I was expecting somebody who was a shoomzer a local Dr. Phil if you will. Dr. Coleman seemed shy until it was actually time for him to speak at which time he took over with great humility and a tiny spark of humor. He spoke from his own experience which I found powerful as few psychologists are willing to do. He cited a lot of research but broke it down to chunk size bites so even my audience neighbors were nodding along despite the fact that they had no Psych background. A lot of what he had to say is stuff you've heard time and time again but here are some things that I think are worth posting and giving more thought to:

(1) 70% of couples experience less satisfaction/struggle to some degree with what they anticipated marriage would be vs. what it actually is once married. He says many couples need to "grieve" the idea of the perfect fairy tale and have to let go of the idea that they need to be loved/taken care of/nurtured needs every moment etc etc. He says couples need to accept that it's not going to be all that jazz - and that you may not be as happy as you thought all the time.

I wish more people were honest about this - it would make the first year of marriage that much easier for a lot of couples!

(2) 3 stages of love

(a) Infatuation - falling in love, getting married, the "highs" etc.

(b) Dissolusionment - typically where most people get divorced, under 2 years. The larger the % of contempt/disgust for your partner is the biggest predictor of divorce.

(c) Mature Love - typically when partners can acknowledge their own vulnerabilities and take responsibility for their own crap/imperfections...that's when your marriage is in a "good place" according to Coleman :-)

He says that the idea of "soulmates" those couples that everyone has witnessed at some point or another - those that make it seem effortless are actually the couples who are doing the work behind the scenes.

3. How to make it work?

-take responsibility for your own crap without becoming defensive.

-5 good comments/interactions for every negative one. Coleman says that "soul mates" DO fight and often fight passionately but that does not define their relationship.

-60% of a couple's fights/regular diagreements will never be solved - managing these issues with respect for each other.

-he suggests that you give praise for all the things your spouse is doing right and ignore the little things.

-"conversations typically end the way that they begin. If you're going to raise a touchy subject, do it when the two of you are feeling calm and ideally, close. " Something for me to work on as I usually feel the need to "solve" things "right now".

4. Having a baby

- puts a sharp decline in marriage satisfaction rates for 90% of couples until the child enters grade school and it continues to go up very gradually until the child leaves for college when it typically matches the level of "pre-baby" again. (YIKES! LoL :-)

-increases the amount of housework 7 fold with the birth of the first child.

Advice from Ashton Kutcher in the news on this very subject:

I am so fortunate to be married to my best friend and together have a beautiful baby boy...though they can both be a pain in the ass...my life is beautiful because of them.

Feeding is a messy task

2009-03-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Feeding Charlie is quite a messy task and is, aside from nail clipping, probably my least favorite baby "chore". In my mind feeding solid foods was an exciting prospect of new little jars to try, anticipating funny expressions from the little man, and the wives' tale that babies sleep longer once on solid foods. (research shows there's no merit to this though some family and friends swear by it) As Charlie becomes more and more interested in eating - it becomes messier and messier. Hand trying to grab the spoon - food on the hand- hand funning through the hair and into...oh no... his ear :-( Needless to say, despite the doc's encouragement to not bathe Charlie often, baths in our house have certainly picked up! Charlie still isn't eating 4 tbl of food per feeding but he's making a lot of progress so I think he'll catch up soon. Here are some photos from yesterday...

Still working on the sippy cup - No, he's not sleeping...just closed his eyes with the flash of the camera

My feet are the coolest...

How can you resist this?

Still slightly leaning in the high chair :)

Go Back to Work or Stay at Home...No Easy Answers

2009-03-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

There's never a perfect scenario no matter how good anyone's situation may appear from the outside. We have nothing to complain about in our house - Charlie is home with me every day and Jose makes a stable living so we are able to break even monthly when on budget. I think in my mind that I'd always thought I'd be back to work when he was 6 months old. Now what goes through my mind is "he's so little" and "what about our bottle conundrum". "Where the heck am I going to find a job?" (as I'm watching all the teachers get pink slipped) "do I even want to teach again with the crazy English grading?". The fact of the matter is that I don't want to go back to work right now because in my heart I believe no one (except Jose) can do as good of a job with Charlie as his own Mama. This doesn't mean that I don't long to have a lunch break with co-workers where we have adult conversations that DON'T include topics such as diaper blow-outs, best butt creams, and sleep problems. I long to wear nice work clothes (as I can't justify buying nice new clothes for my dairy-free size without new income) and have time where there is no grumbling/crying/incesscent fake coughing.

But even as I type I get sad thinking about missing his daily growth. I get sad thinking about the fact that we spent the first 2 months not knowing about his dairy allergy and being, quite frankly, miserable. (I know tons of new parents who are miserable in the 1st 3 months anyway, so you don't need to email me). If we don't have a baby #2 I will really miss him being this tiny - heck I'll miss it either way.

What I do know is quality day care here is $1870/month and it's hard to swallow half your pay check going to someone else to watch your baby.

But not going back to work means no spending money and not getting any closer to house than we are right now. This week I thought we were close to getting an apartment manager position which would cut our current $1,950/mo rent to $0 monthly and would have been great to actually stay home and save money, who's ever heard of that? Unfortunately the hiring person told me at the last minute they selected another applicant and yeah, I'm bummed. I've tried to be creative with what I could do while home with the little guy: applying to apt mgr jobs, offering part time in home day-care (slightly crazy I know but I figure I could do 1-2 days/week), tutoring (but Jose's schedule can't commit to be home certain nights of the week due to travel and after paying a sitter I'd only make $10/session) etc. etc. Perhaps I'm living on pluto (which apparently doesn't exist) to think that I could find a happy medium - staying with Charlie and contributing financially to our household.

Despite all the headlines in my brain, life on pluto is good. 73 degrees outside today and Charlie and I went to have lunch at Dad's office. Though there is always a parade going in and out of the office; (most of the people don't have kids and find Charlie fascinating) Jose, Charlie and I and a quiet lunch in the sunshine in the courtyard. I know it sounds super simple, but it made my heart so happy to have 30 mins with my boys in the beautiful weather.

Abundance on a Budget

2009-03-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

I know it's silly but I'm really excited to be in this month's "Pregnancy Magazine" (however briefly). We're on page 68 in the "tips from the trenches" section where real mom's share ideas....this month on welcoming a baby on a budget. I LOVED this whole issue - so pertinent for the given state of our economy - and quite frankly our lifestyle! (For those who are not close readers but scanners, NO we are NOT prego. Charlie is quite fulfilling thank you!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T11:44:00.001-07:00

Hand-me-down Toys

2009-03-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Miller's (my cousin Jillian's family) and the Bruno's (Jose's boss & family) have been really generous with the little man and have given him some of the toys their kids have outgrown. Whenever someone offers us toys I put them out on a blanket and let Charlie check them out. Since he is such an active boy he'll show interest in what he likes right away. Therefore, we keep what he likes and donate the rest!

In his new exersaucer from the Miller's...

Taking after G.P. with his new guitar from the Bruno's...

Thanks Miller fam for the bumbo - it's really handy!

Updated Photos

2009-03-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Charlie, Aaryn & Kaylin (Ryn's college roommate)

Uncle Dubs & Charlie

Cousin Ava & charlie reaching to give each other love. Eden looking on and about to jump in on the action.

Mimi with her great-grandbabies

Hillary & Jake are hoping for another baby girl so Seth says he can't buy a nephew. I said he could change Charlie's status from cousin to nephew so we decided on "Neph-sin"

Tia Mia & Charlie

G.P. & Charlie

Wanted to Buy: Pre-owned baby items :-)

2009-03-13T16:59:00.001-07:00

Our boy is getting big and thus we are in need of new products that fit him :-)

1. Britax Convertible Car seat: Boulevard, Boulevard CS or Marathon

*Yes I know you are not supposed to buy used car seats - this would not be our primary seat but would be used for travel / Dad's car.

2. Toddler size "Bundle Me" and "Bundle Me Lite"

*Neutral color or boy color please. Any urban bundle me would be very cool too but I doubt there are used ones out there yet.

3. Kelty Kids Backpack

4. Ergo Carrier * would like to try it out with Charlie in it before purchase*

Sadly Charlie is growing out of his bjorn and still wants to live in it...it's super convenient for me as well so I'm hoping to find another carrier that works for us.

5. Like new: 12 + month boy clothes

Baby Zone

2009-03-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Chan-Sizzle usually recommends that parents start baby proofing at 9 months but because Charlie is rolling everywhere he wants to be we're getting any early start. Like everything else the baby proofing market is ridiculous and adds up quickly. I originally wanted a baby gate/fence or as Jose lovingly refers to it as the "corral" that was a complete octagon. We bought this "3 in 1 Superyard" with that idea in mind but it's basically no larger than what his pack n play would be set up that way. Basically I fenced him off from the desk/sliding door/tv area and it's working out pretty well. There is still the "under the couch" issue for when one of his toys slides underneath (the usual culprit is his beloved book/chewy) and he has gotten his arm stuck underneath once when he couldn't roll himself out. Otherwise he plays well by himself for about 30 mins at a time with intermediate yelps for when his toy is pushed just out of his rolling path. Keeping the whole condo immaculate with NOTHING on the ground is almost impossible. It seems I'm always finding a penny or a bobby pen or a chunk of cookie or something on the ground and I freak out because I know everything is a choking hazard right now :-( At least in the corral it's a controlled environment.

Happy in "jail"

Here - do you want to play?

Griffith Park Observatory

2009-03-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Daylight savings sure makes a difference, though nobody told Charlie about it :-) These pictures were taken around 6pm and they still look so beautiful. Sometimes when traveling with Jose we are lucky enough to sneak over to some local attractions around dinner hour. I've been wanting to visit Griffith Park which is absolutely HUGE. From pony rides to 3 golf courses, etc. etc. etc. They even have their own ranger station open 7 days a week 7am-9pm - who keeps those kinds of hours anymore?

If you've seen the movie "Yes Man" this is where the jogging photography class takes place :-) It's absolutely breath taking up here.

My favorite boys with the hollywood sign in the background

view

Seeing my first coyote out of captivity - it was roaming near the exit street! (this photo taken from inside our car)

Back to L.A.

2009-03-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Making himself comfortable on the plane...

Waking up from a nap to have lunch by the hotel pool

Phew it's bright out here!

Pool Cabana

Son of an English Teacher

2009-03-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Less literary analysis...more taste tests!

Play Time

2009-03-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Not sitting up by himself yet though he can do a roly poly "tri-pod" as Chan-Sizzle calls it...aided here by two pillows

Playing with his toy from Aunt Juls

After toppling over, now trying to reach his toy

This hand-me-down from the Brunos (Jose's boss) is great for Charlie to chew on...he doesn't quite understand why/how the little shapes move yet.

Hmmm...which do I choose?

Everyone needs a frog as big as they are!

Century City (Los Angeles)

2009-03-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

Perched up on the chair in the hotel room

Because Charlie's weight has not kept up with his height growth we discussed some "solids" (they aren't solid foods, they're liquid...but whatever) solutions with Chan-Sizzle. She says he can take up to 4 tbl of food per seating 2x day but he's doing about 1 tbl per feeding. We've changed the process but trying to feed him 3x/day and by adding formula to his rice cereal (instead of water that I was doing before for extra calories). 3 feedings a day can be challenging, especially when you are on the road and need to be patient. On the road this time I realized I'd better be able to do it on my own and not count on Jose to hold him. Charlie is quite the squirmer so I strapped him into his stroller harness and sat him up like a big boy and he did quite well. Another bonus to the peg - just wipe it down and you're ready to hit the road.

Charlie always likes to put his feet up - wherever he is! We ended up staying for an extra day and as a result I got smart and starting feeding him in just his diaper (and bib) to save clothes.

Mmmm...that's good.

Steps: (a) Mix soy formula, 2 ounces of water for 1 scoop formula. In a small bowl measure 2 teaspoons rice cereal and add formula (mix) until not chunky but not runny :-) Feed/mix with solid of the week - this week we're all about sweet potatoes. During and afterward I'm trying to give Charlie the extra formula in his sippy cup.
With consecutive rolling it's getting more and more difficult to leave Charlie alone even to go to the bathroom. We need to get babyproofing or just get an indoor fence/octagon so I can keep him away from the hazards but he can have enough room to play. Unless he is sleeping the travel bjorn/pack n play only lasts about 10 minutes because he can't roll very far. At home he likes to roll wherever he wants to go and then - many, many times will only be inches (maybe centimeters) from his goal item (usually the remote control) and he will squawk because he can't reach.

Yes, that's a hot tamales box in the bjorn....he wants to touch/hold/gnaw on everything and I make few compromises but this was one of them.

Beautiful Santa Barbara

2009-03-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Charlie and I traveled with Jose to Santa Barbara and L.A. this past week. We flew into Burbank and then drove the approx 1.5 hrs to the beautiful beach. Though the weather was touch and go Charlie and I were lucky enough to venture out in the morning and mid-day without getting stuck in the rain. We did the red tile walking tour which takes you around the downtown area to consider all of the historical buildings, most of which are Spanish :-) I fell in love with the courthouse building and I'm convinced it would encourage anyone to get married there an ditch the idea of a $20,000 wedding to be paid in small payments forever. Jose had business downtown so I researched hotels and found the canary hotel - very close to state street and the like. It was really reasonable and very cute - I would describe it as a boutique hotel - the kind where they have beautiful books availiable in the lobby for you to peruse when you baby is up at 5:30am :-) It was too short of a trip but we were on business time and I felt very fortunate to have the brief escape before heading to LA.

6 months old - a huge milestone

2009-03-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

As soon as I laid him down on the table in Chan's office he wanted to investigate the wall paintings. (He later flipped to attack her doctor tools!)

Yesterday on his official 6 months :-)

Charlie is 6 months old :-)

17 lbs 2 oz (50th percentile)

27 inches in length (77th percentile)

44.8 Head Circumference (50th percentile)

So....all those people stopping me on the street telling me what a giant he is can stick it! His growth has tapered quite a bit but that is normal for breastfed babies at this stage.

I can't believe Charlie is 6 months old - it sounds like such a big boy and yet he is still my tiny baby. 6 months is a big milestone and I definitely had different ideas of what this "time" would be like when I was pregnant. Before Charlie was born I thought at 6 months babies did wayyyy more cool developmental stuff. Now that I'm a parent everything he does is cool (except monster cries and monster poops)...though he has me chasing him all over now that he does consecutive rolls to wherever he feels like going. I thought we'd be getting a lot more sleep for sure. Chan-Sizzle says that Charlie has a super active personality (thus explains the constant/non-stop scanning...Jose says a personality like me) where it's difficult for him to shut off at night and even when he's sleeping. After discussing our current sleep status she recommended a sleep consultant...which of course....insurance does not cover. (For those who don't know, CIO isn't working for us). I also thought at 6 months that I'd be back to work or at least doing some volunteering a couple of afternoons a week. While there is a glimmer out there I do worry about Charlie staging a hunger strike without me there :-) We're working on bumping up the amount of solid foods. I also thought that by this milestone the house and travel would run like clockwork. I'd be smoothly in control and on top of all necessary baby items as well as whatever Jose and I need. Because Charlie's wants and needs constantly change I feel like I have just gotten the hang of something and then he hits a new stage or we go on vacation or we all get sick. For those who know me well you know I'm a classic 1st born: anal, control freak but a genuine caregiver and lover. It's difficult for me to let things go around the house so that I can take a nap (which I desperately need) or to take some time to play with Charlie. You might ask if you're not a stay at home mom - what the heck do you do all day? Well, between 8-9 diaper changes in the waking hours not including blow-outs which we have already had 3 today (they seem to come in spurts), 2 skin treatmentsfo eczema, feedings every 3 hours, 2 solid food feedings in the high chair (now getting bumped to 3 to increase the food volume) +set up and clean up time for those, play time, 2 loads of laundry +folding and putting away, meals & dishes, regular chores, re-organizing and washing C's stuff constantly because he has trashed it, chucked it or grown out of it....it all really adds up. Some days at the end of the day I find myself thinking did I shower this morning or was that yesterday? Have I brushed my teeth today and then wondering why Jose wants to kiss me. I definitely thought Jose and I would have a regular date night or weekly lunch date set up just for the two of us by now. It's amazing how scared many friends are to watch your baby and that DOES NOT inspire confidence to leave your baby behind. Overall Charlie is a healthy and happy boy. He's interested in everything he sees/hears/feels in new environments and that can be both stimulating and overstimulating for him. (He's especially interested in remote controls and cell phones this week) He's remarkably friendly for spending the majority of his time with just his mom in the condo. He will usually smile and respond with talking/reaching/kicking even to strangers if you give him a few minutes to warm up without shoving something or yourself in his face. Having Charlie is so fulfilling for us and we love how much attention we can give him right now. Some of you know that we were thinking about a potential baby #2 at 6 months and that is going to be on hold for some time I think. Not only is he still our tiny baby that needs our full attention but many days I wake up and swear my body is still on prego detox.

Enough time on the computer - going to play with the little man.

Some Current Favorites...

2009-03-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Watching Baby Einstein with Trace

We love our Mimi :-)

Pictures from Today

2009-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

I rotated these photos in iphoto and can't figure out why they won't load (or how to rotate them on blogger). I'm posting pics from today because I really believe that Charlie changes every day and the pics from vacation - some are 2 + weeks old.

I captured his latest Gene Simmons tongue trick....the side swipe...yep, all day long.

Happy in his papasan chair for...well... at least a few minutes. My Spanish Soul Sistah, Arantxa asked me yesterday what the difference was between it and the chair that is the base for his Graco sweetpeace swing. Not much was my answer. Many of my prego friends, like me, are feeling overwhelemed with all the baby products and what you actually "need". The truth is you never really know until you are in it. For me personally we could have used the $ towards more basics, more hooded towels, wash cloths, bath products, infant tylenol, mylicon (gas medicene) etc because those things REALLY add up. (This is, of course, not to mention diapers and wipes which are always my #1 at $80-$100/month). Charlie has never grown very fond of his chair though I did use it briefly around 2 months while taking a shower for under 5 mins. I think, at least in our house, we more commonly use his car seat or detach his swing seat for him to watch baby einstein etc. All this being said, I have a very active boy who wants to play on the ground and roll basically all day.

This was actually taken yesterday at Aunt Erin's when we escaped the dreaded condo demo next door. Looking like a Cuevas in this pic with the wavy hair untamed.

1st time in a pool

2009-02-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

Since Charlie loves his baths/showers so much we decided to try to put him in the hotel pool. The pool was chilly so the whole process lasted probably under two minutes. You can see how the little guy did :-( Jose and I think it also might have been overwhelming to him to be in the HUGE pool - poor guy clung to Jose!

My 1st Luau

2009-02-26T05:50:00.000-08:00

With Charlie - you can see how well the bjorn reflection band works :-) Sadly we is outgrowing the bjorn and we're going to have to figure out something else. I've heard great things about the ergo but it looks a little too "floppy", "hippie, tie it yourself" for me.

Charlie & Jose near our family table

G.P. (My Dad) & Charlie

Cole & Jose

The Cast

Beach Photos

2009-02-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

Charlie's first day on the sand

Sand between your toes

Studying the water

How'd it come in so fast?

My adorable little brother and sister

Back on Blogger

2009-02-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my blogging hiatus. I've posted some pics from our recent trip to Hawaii. Usually coming home - seeing the lights of the city either coming into SFO or driving over the golden gate bridge I have such a huge sense of relief to be home. I didn't feel that coming home from this trip. Our family vacation was a much needed time for rest (or at least more so that usual) and reflection....I could have used about 5 more days of that. Packing to be so far away from home with a small baby was daunting and returning home with all the laundry/unpacking is overwhelming. I got up to get an early start on the laundry with Charlie this am and discovered that the ant problem Jose told me about in the kitchen last night had migrated to the laundry room also. GREAT. So off to the hardware store Charlie and I went this morning to find the good ant traps (where they take the poison back to the tribe) and while I had an extra 10 mins before he woke up from his car nap I set a bunch of traps (yes I wear gloves and then wash my hands thoroughly). Die you ants...all of you die... eww creepy creepy. Also this am loud construction started at 8:00 complete with loud hammering, sawing and general nerve wracking crap. I think you'll find Charlie and I walking downtown and hanging out at the library today, returning hawaii travel books, enjoying the quiet and waiting for our ants to die.

Hawaii Highlights

2009-02-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

I'll post a bunch of photos this week but for now here is a little teaser...

Our last night in Hawaii at our "fancy dinner" :-) We walked to and from the restaurant and the sunset was simply amazing

My favorite place to be :-)

The sweetest smile & my favorite onesie on the little man!

Road Trippin' in a bucket hat

Charlie wanted to drive the 10 passenger Shulmz van :-)

Our first dinner without Charlie since his birth

Having fun in the hotel room

Big Dinner out - Tia Mia, Tia Ryn, Me, Sugar, Tio Ignacio (newly named) and G.P.

Tia Ryn & Charlie