Category: Milestones

Sam | 3 Months Old

Sambito,

You are growing up so fast! This past month was a whirlwind and you’ve added some much more to your repitore. You can now roll over (well, you did it once but no one was looking) and you smile constantly. You also love the sound of your voice and have become quite the screecher. You and your brother often feed off of eachother’s screeches and it makes for some interesting afternoons around here.

Speaking of your brother, you absolutely adore him. You smile at him all the time and giggle when he comes near you. It’s the sweetest thing. He’s finally warming up to you more and is always very concerned as to where you are and making sure you’re not crying.

This month you had your first trip to the beach and your first swim, although not at the same time. Our beach trip was for the “walk to the beach” at church. Some church friends hiked 8 miles to the beach, but we didn’t. We arrived at the beach early to hang out and help make hotdogs as everyone arrived. It was a chilly day but you had plenty of people to hold you.

You swam for the first time this month at a friends house after church. It was really warm out but the pool was pretty cold and you did not like it. You cried at first, but then held onto me and within minutes of floating in the water you were asleep. It was heaven for me just to wade and hold you close. I so cherish those precious moments.

On Saturday, Dad and I were cleaning the house and needed to vacuum our room but you were about to go down so he suggested I lay you in your crib. I wasn’t quite ready for that step and I kind of wanted a little pomp and circumstance to mark this occasion, but convenience won over and I caved. I laid you down for your nap in your room. In your crib. And I walked out. You looked so much smaller in there than your bassinet.

So, the next day I moved you back into the bassinet. I decided you don’t need to grow up that much quite yet.

Sam, you are actual sunshine on my cloudy days. I can never be sad or mad when I hold you. You continue to be the easiest baby ever and oh, so sweet.

I can’t wait to see how you grow in this coming month and watch your personality develop even more.

I love you,

Mama

Sam | 2 Months Old

Sammy,

I feel like I just finished writing your 1 month post and I’m already writing your 2 month post! This past month flew by, mostly because we were all so sick. You caught your first cold and it was so sad. You had a hard time nursing and sleeping which made you cranky. Your brother Teddy was sick and I was sick too! It was a rough couple of weeks to say the least.

You had your first round of shots this month too. You are really strong and the nurse had to hold you down in order to get the shots into your legs — but you sucked it up and barely even cried.

You had a special visitor this past month, Alex (we call her Andie). Andie moved up to Portland a year ago and you hadn’t been able to meet her yet! She loves you very much and enjoyed cuddling you while she was here.

You celebrated your brother’s, your cousin’s, and your auntie’s birthdays this month! We drove down to Riverside to first, surprise your grandma who received The Teacher of the Year Award for her school! She was VERY surprised to see us and it was an honor to watch her receive a much deserved award. We also visited the Cotsenmoyers and then went to Grandma’s classroom so all her students could meet you! They all loved it.

This month you had your first trip to the zoo! You were, as always, a champ. You’re very “go with the flow” and are always up for everything. It makes it very easy to take you places and even though you didn’t quite know what was going on, you seemed to enjoy yourself. We did a photobooth photo and you barfed — it was hilarious and I’m so glad we caught it on film.

On mother’s day your Dad made me cards from each of you boys. He traced your precious hand prints and made coupons from you in handmade cards. I LOVE THEM. That weekend we also went to the train museum at Griffith Park. You packed a picnic lunch and hung out in the park all day. You took a nap and hung out with mama while Teddy and Dad rode the train.

You are SO smiley! You love the sound of your Dada, Mama, and brother’s voices. When we laugh you giggle and when we smile at you, you smile back. You follow our voices by turning your head, too! You are strong and push your legs up like crazy. You can hold your head up too — which is great because you love to nap on your tummy and it make mama feel better about it knowing you can lift your head.

Sam, you’re growing up fast but I’m loving every minute of it. I can’t wait to see all the things you’re going to do this next month.

We love you,
Mama and Dada

And one of you and your brother being silly.

Teddy | 2 Years Old

Teddy Bear,

You are two years old! Sometimes I look at you and seriously think, “there’s no way this kid isn’t two yet. Isn’t he three already?” You are the smartest, funniest, mood-swingingest, kid I know. You talk in complete sentences now. You know your alphabet and can count to 20 (well, 15). You can even recognize letters and numbers in your world, like the “W” of Wienerschnitzel or the “7” at 7/11.

Here is a list of your current favorite things.

Color: Yellow
Animal: Ducks, but you call them “Quack Quacks”
Phrases: “I dot chu mama!” as you chase me around the house trying to catch me, “Oh Shore” (oh, sure), “Dah doo” (Thank you),  “Ya wekcom” (You’re welcome), and “Yet’s doh!” (Let’s go).
Food: French fries or ice cream. Yes, I’m aware they aren’t the best for you — so we limit them.
Person: Your Dad, for sure.
Activity: Helping in any way you can. You love doing dishes and cooking food.
Letters: “T”, “Y”, “W” and “O”. You think that you spell your name “T” “Y” “T” “Y”.
Numbers: “2” and “9”. For the majority of year 1, you would count by saying, “2,9,2,9.” Now you can count up to 15!
Songs: “Everything is Honey” from Winnie the Pooh and “Mister Sandman” by the Chordettes.

You are constantly surprising us with things you say like…

“Eh Moon, where he go?”  — “Where’s the Moon?”
“Cookies in da ie ceam?” — “Can I have cookie dough ice cream?”
“I dotchu” — “I got you!”
“Ah-mane up in da ky” — “Airplane up in the sky.”
“Eh so coo” — “That’s so cool.”
“Oh, ee you go, mama.” — “Oh, here you go, mama.”
“Dah Doo, _______” — “Thank you, _______”.
“Ya wekcome” — “You’re welcome.”

And so much more specific these days like…

“Mama, I ba hab ice en neen bow?” — “Mama, can I have ice (yes, just ice) in the green bowl?”

You are a riot, kid.

You run everywhere there days, but you’re also a very good listener and direction follower. We compliment each other well because I love turning everything into a lesson and you love learning.  You want to understand how things work, ALL THE TIME. You are always tearing a part things and asking questions. We’re still working on the part where you put things back together after you break them, but for now you mostly get frustrated and cry.

We’ve hit the “terrible twos” like you wouldn’t believe, lately. You’ve also been sick a lot lately too. You’ve had respiratory infections almost every three months this past year and the doctor has pretty much told us that you have asthma (just like your Dad did when he was little).

Some of the things you got to do this past year were…

Travel to Hawaii, Havasu, Big Trees, Seattle, Portland and the Grand Canyon.

Get your first haircut!

Move into a NEW HOUSE.

Become a big brother.

Have your first ride in Papa’s Car. It’s very special to us.

Go to Chuck E Cheese

Get a BIG BOY bed.

You continue to love…

The beach.

The park.

Your backpack.

Coloring.

Donuts.

Your cousins.

Underwood Farms — especially the chickens.

“Happy Birthday” and “The ABC’s”.

Generally kiddo, you just love life and you LOVE learning. We are so amazed at how you’ve grown, adapted, and your capacity to love. You’re not overly affectionate but you do love hugs a certain times and you’ve been asking me to “hold you mama” since your brother was born.

Teddy, we are so excited for this next year of life with you — and all those beyond. May you be blessed on this day and every day. May we show you God’s love and ours each day and may you continue to grow into the amazing person God has made you to be.

We love you,
Mom and Dad

Sam | 1 Month Old

Sammy,

You’re 1 month old! It’s been a whirlwind of a month. It’s true that the days go by slowly while the weeks pass quickly. Each day we’re learning more and more about each other and you’re growing in strides each day!

You’ve had so many visitors this past month and you even had your first trip to Riverside. We’ve been blessed to have help from family members every week day since you were born. Everyone wants to spend time with you and your brother and I sure have appreciated the help!

From the time we got home from the hospital you’ve been growing and changing. You’ve packed on the pounds and mama has been shedding them! We make a pretty good team that way, buddy. Go us!

You open your eyes and play about 4 hours a day currently. You sleep a lot. At the beginning of the month you were going about every 2-3 hours between feelings but now you’ve stretched that to 4-5 hours! It’s been glorious to only have to wake up 2-3 times a night with you. You’re so easy at night too; I just feed you, change your diaper, swaddle you up and lay you back down and you’re out for the count. Let’s keep that up shall we?

Some things you like are: Your Dada’s voice, bassy music, your pacifier, your vibrating chair, your swing, the moby wrap and long walks. You love your mommy too and always want to be held by her. If I put you down and walk away you cry, but as soon as I walk back into the room you stop. It’s pretty funny and sweet. You also really like your Uncle Chris’ voice. You talk to him every time he holds you. You talk a lot to your Grandma and Auntie JuJu too!

Some things you DON’T like are: Your brother’s scream, anytime he crashes something on the floor of the playroom, any loud noise for that matter, being left alone, the sun when you’re sleeping, waking up in general, milk, tomato products, coffee, being wet or poopy.

This past month you’ve been visited by all our mommy and daddy’s immediate family, friends from church, neighbors, and great grandparents. We also made a trip to riverside on my last weekend of maternity leave to visit Auntie Am’s new twin girls Chandler and Tessa. You’re going to have to choose between the two of them, and good luck because they are going to be awesome. We also got to meet Baby Vasquez — Ezra. Mama didn’t get a picture of you two together because Ms. Christina and I spent the whole time catching up and talking. I promise we’ll get one soon! You were a champ on the drive (3 hours total because of stopping to feed you, change you and grab dinner) and slept most of the time. I’m sensing a theme here… You like your sleep.

You also made two trips to one of our favorite places: Underwood Family Farms. It’s a family run farm with chickens and goats and horses and cows, tractors, hay bails, and best of all — a farmers market with fresh produce. We especially love the strawberries. Yum. You were champ both times and love being in the wrap. You just sleep most of the time.

You’re going to be my lazy sleeper aren’t you? I’m going to have to work hard to wake you up in the morning, smack you in the back of the head when you fall asleep in church, and slam on the table when you fall asleep at breakfast. Heh.

I cannot wait to see your personality develop more over this coming year! What fun we are going to have. We love you so much Sleepy Sam!

 

Baby Lopez | 36 Weeks

Baby,

We’re in the month in which you’re to be born! I can’t believe its finally here. I’m so ready to hold you and see your squishy little face. You’ve had the hiccups quite a bit this month and your movements are getting so strong! You’re still sideways and you like to keep your head to the right, which it where I usually feel your little hiccups. People can even feel them on the outside of my belly, which means you must have some strong lungs! I’m looking forward to that first, super strong cry as soon as you come out.

Braxton Hicks are strong with you, little one. I’ve had a few that felt like real contractions. You have also kicked me SO hard, twice now, that I’ve had to stop mid conversation and recover.

The doctor continues to remind me that I’m measuring about a week ahead and that you are a BIG baby. Surprise, surprise. I’m actually glad you’re going to be big because that means you’ll be a good eater and you’ll sleep for LONG stretches… right?

Come soon little one! We can’t wait to see you.

*          *          *

This final month is going by…. so… slowly. My goodness. Some days are REALLY good. I have a ton of energy and my nesting is in high gear. Some days require coffee and a whole lot of Jesus. Also, naps. I am so blessed that brother bear has adjusted to his new nap routine and bed time routine. It should make the process of rocking and nursing the baby constantly a little bit easier, or at least I can hope.

Alex and I have decided that Baby bear will be our last biological child. It’s not a decision we came to without great prayer, but we ultimately are very happy with the children we’ve been blessed with biologically. We’ve always been open to the Lord growing our family in other ways and we know that our family isn’t done growing, but I’m done growing them. Hah. Don’t get me wrong, I love my babies and pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but my body is done with this stage of life. I’m ready to start raising my little ones into amazing men and women. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has blessed us with this time!

As I’m writing this, I’m actually 37 weeks along (so is my picture) so we only have 2 weeks and 1 day left until my scheduled c-section. That means only 2 more weeks until we get to find out is Baby Lopez is a boy or a girl. I’m still 85% sure it’s a boy — as if I could actually know that.

For most of my pregnancy people have said, “Oh! you’re definitely having a girl.” But, recently almost every single person has said, “Are you having a boy?” I don’t know if I’m just all the sudden carrying differently or what, but it seems as though most people are jumping on the “boy” bandwagon lately.

This month has been an interesting time for us. On March 11th of 2014 I went to the hospital for my D&C, four days before that we had our second ultrasound to confirm that the baby’s heartbeat was null. Two days before that was our 8 week ultrasound where we would find out that there was a 7 week and 1 day old baby, but no heartbeat. To say that this past week has been emotional would be an understatement. I think Alex actually felt it more than me. I think because he never truly got to process it as it was happening, where as I’ve had the whole year to feel every single bit of the grief and pain to finally reach the point of acceptance. Maybe that’s what this feeling is. Acceptance.

The Lord has provided much distraction for me this past week, between family visiting and prenatal appointments, to retreats for Alex and maternity leave prep for me. I think He knew I needed the distraction, to focus on the joy that’s about to happen. I know I’ll have time to remember and grieve but I also think God wants me to notice and remember THIS pregnancy. I so appreciate that.

It’s been a long and tiring year, but also one full of so many, MANY blessings. God is beyond good.

Baby Lopez | 32 Weeks

Baby! You are a big one and your mama is getting bigger and bigger. You’ve been all over the place lately, giving me heartburn and moving around a lot at night when I’m trying to sleep. I feel you move even more so than I did with your brother at this stage. I can actually feel your elbow or your foot when you kick and you leave it there for a long time. It’s almost as if you’re reaching out, wanting to come out. I wish you would! I’m trying so hard to rest as much as I can and enjoy this time where I can keep you safe inside me, but boy… the bigger you get and the bigger I get, the more I want you out!

You aren’t shy like your brother was. Anytime I hold someone’s hand to my belly you are sure to put on a show and I love it! I love having you so close and I love that you wiggly like crazy when you hear your Daddy’s voice.

Only 7 more weeks until we get to hold you! I can’t wait.

*          *          *

Wow! 7 weeks left. So long and yet not at all. Almost two months but then it’s really not! I can’t believe this pregnancy is almost over. So much has happened this past month. Alex and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary and I turned 29. My parents met us in Pasadena the weekend of our anniversary and took Teddy for two days. In those two days, Alex and I tore it up at the house! We painted, scraped wall paper, binge watched FRIENDS on Netflix, and got the baby’s room ready. It was a precious time together and the house looks so great!

We also had some many random mishaps this month. My tire went flat after I ran over a nail, my back brakes were shot, Alex’s car broke down, and the plumbing under the sink went kaput! With each thing, came a bill or some money that needed to be spent but God provided through the month for us. We even found out Alex’s school loans are starting up again, since he graduated and that my medical bills for the miscarriage are not finished being paid, as we had hoped. AND, our flood insurance isn’t accurate and needs to be updated. We know this house is a blessing and we know that purchasing it was the best thing for our family, but man. When thing after thing piles up… it sure makes you wonder. In those times, its so important to remember what’s most important. We have our health, clean water, clothes, food, a roof over our heads. Even if it’s tight, even if we have to use all our savings for these last minute mishaps, God has provided and has kept us safe. Even if He didn’t, we would find a way to praise Him.

This past weekend, I was beyond blessed to have a shower thrown for me by my dear friend, Jonna. She commissioned my mothers, sisters, cousins, and best friend to help her pull off a beautiful shower in my honor. We spent Friday evening moving furniture, making centerpieces, and decorating until midnight. Then, Saturday morning we did all the prep for the food (which was DELICIOUS). A henna tattoo artist came and did full belly artwork on my baby belly, as well as art work on many other shower guests. There was mimosas, Italian sodas, quiche, scones, fruit and salad. I was blessed with all the gifts I needed to prepare for this little one and many of the guests decorated onesies for little Samuel or Eleanor. The decorations were beautiful and the company was even better. I couldn’t have been more honored, blessed, or celebrated.

This little baby is craving milk and semi sweet chocolate chips like crazy. I have to limit my milk intake because I’ve discovered that it’s what gives me heartburn! Also, I’ve had to cut carbs out of my dinner otherwise I’m up all night with heartburn as well. Peaches are also a craving I’ve had with this one, but I’ve noticed that my craving for brined food items to have gone down. I remember that could eat a whole jar of Spanish olives with Teddy and while, I’m sure I could, I haven’t really craved them at all.

This baby, constantly has me guessing as to what he or she will be, but I still stand firm that it’s a boy (at least at 80%). I had my 32 week appointment yesterday and we actually got an ultrasound! I had thought we were done with those. I’ve gained 17 lbs so far this pregnancy, which I’m happy with and Baby seems to be taking up all the space in my stomach as possible. The baby wouldn’t even fit on the screen! He/she is SO BIG now. I thought I was looking at his/her head, but it was an eye! So crazy. And, the baby is laying sideways, which explains the kicking of my bladder whilst grabbing at my ribs. The doctor also said, the baby has a fairly large nose. Hah! How you can tell that, I’ll never know but it’s cool. Teddy’s nose was pretty prominent too and it’s literally the cutest little bear nose, ever.

Okay little one… If I don’t make it to 36 weeks that would be fine with me! But, I’m guessing you’re pretty comfy in there, so I’ll see you when I see you.

Love, Mommy

Baby Lopez | 12 Weeks

Little April Baby, man oh man have you made me tired. I’ve been so lucky not to have barfed at all this entire pregnancy (until the first day of week 12). You have made me oh, so nauseous though. The nausea where you’re sure if you could just barf it would go away… But, this ain’t my first rodeo kid. I’m so aware that the sickness stays and stays. But, man I thought we were in the clear! Home stretch into the second trimester and you had me barfing every hour. Sheesh!

You have eve already brought us so much joy, even in the midst of nausea. We keep trying to figure out where we are going to live and where we are going to put you and imagining what you’ll be! Your Daddy and I have decided to wait until you’re born to find out! I could not be more excited. We decided this after determining that the best course of action would be to have a scheduled c-section.  I remember your Nana telling me how crazy it was to walk up to the counter at the hospital on June 5th to have your Daddy; no contractions, no pain and yet she was going to have a baby. So, we decided that since some of the anticipation was going to be left out this time, that we might as well make it a little fun. So, we’re planning on waiting to find out what you are! Here’s hoping no one screws it up.

We cannot wait to meet you and see what you’ll look like!

*         *         *

Growing another life while trying to keep a crazy toddler alive is seriously, no joke. Throw in a two story apartment complex on grocery day, no backyard for this kid to run around in, a part time job and nausea (now barfing), and you have a deadly cocktail for one tired and angry mama bear. Listen, I’ve been living without much sleep for the past two years, but these vivid dreams and tossing and turning and barfing and hunger has gots to go!

But, seriously… These dreams. So incredibly vivid and random dreams. Most of mine lately have to do with nesting. In fact, last night I dreamed about deying my sheets a deep indigo blue: the entire process, start to finish. How mundane and boring! Hah. And yet, those sheets turned about pretty stinking amazing — I was so proud of dream me. What does it all mean? Seriously, Dad… Can I get some dream interpretation over here?

Ive also not been able to cook hardly at all. I can’t stand eggs or any raw meat. It’s extremely rare that I even have the energy to make anything let alone the desire to touch or taste anything. Why is it that I seem to be able to taste the earth from whence all the vegetables came? And why does all meat taste so… Meaty? Gah. Just give me peaches and orange juice. That’s about all I want these days. Oh! Have I mentioned that I haven’t had any coffee either this go around? I was a two cups a day kind of girl before and I literally had to quit cold turkey because the smell of coffee would make me gap. It’s crazy how our bodies respond to these babies!

Just as when they are earth side, these babies that can cause so much strife and change are truly the greatest little blessings. I’m amazed over and over every single time we get to see our little one on the screen. And I keep waiting in anticipation for this one to move so I can feel it. I can’t wait for that! It’s my absolutely favorite part of pregnancy.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you can make me feel sick all you want little one. I’m so privileged to be able to be carrying you and I can’t wait to hold you and squeeze you.

Love, Mama

Teddy’s 1st Birthday Party!

Oh boy, oh boy! I cannot believe we are celebrating our little Teddy Bear’s 1st birthday. This year has been such an amazing adventure. Teddy is a giant ray of sunshine. He always brings joy to whomever he meets. We are constantly told that he’s a beautiful and sweet boy. I hope he always remains so loving and happy.

We decided to throw Teddy a birthday party with friends and family on Sunday, the 18th and yes, the day after his Daddy’s graduation. What was I thinking? The entire weekend was crazy, but I wouldn’t have been able to pull it all off without our amazing family and friends.

We reserved one of Teddy’s favorite parks and decorated it with balloons, streamers, banners, butcher paper, crayons, and toys toys toys! We had a bubble machine and lots of food. Fun was had by all.

I made Teddy’s cake out of pancakes, which I stacked in rainbow colors and topped with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles. HE LOVED IT! He didn’t even finish the first pancake, but boy, when the sugar kicked in it was hilarious. His eyes lit up and he gave a HUGE grin. It made my heart melt.

Everyone loves this little guy so much. It’s so sweet to me that he has so many amazing people surrounding him, helping us raise him. I don’t know where we would be without all these amazing people. Thank you so much for those of you who could come and even those who couldn’t! We KNOW you love Teddy and he does too.

Teddy loved hanging with all his friends yesterday and opening his gifts. Everyone was so generous to give him toys, clothes and diapers. What a blessing to us that is! He pulled out all his toys and my house is a disaster now so, thanks everyone!

Happy first birthday party, Teddy!

Teddy | 12 Months

Teddy, your are 1 year old today! What an amazing year it’s been. You came into this world with bright eyed wonder. You have always taken in everything with great care and you are always trying to figure things out — how to say a word, how something works, where something is coming from. You are fearless and curious. You are intentional and sweet. You love being outside and going on adventures. You love singing and dancing and learning. You are everything I’ve prayed for and more. How could I possibly have been so lucky to be chosen by God to be your Mom?

This past month you learned how to say “buh”, “juh” and “joo”. These aren’t exactly words but they are definitely milestones towards you learning how to say, “Boone” “Jonna” and “Ju-Ju”. You LOVE dancing and it so fun to have daily dance parties with you to some of your favorite songs. You’ve started to watch a little Mister Rodger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street. Those are two shows I loved watching growing up. You love to help out around the house. You like unloading the dishwasher, helping me put the clothes in the washer/dryer, flushing the toilet, walking the dog, chasing the vacuum cleaner, and throwing away the trash. It takes me a lot longer to get things done these days, but I love having you part of my tasks every day. You bring me so much joy.

You’ve made it to one, bubba bear. You’ve grown so much and Daddy’s and my hearts have grown more and more each day in love for you. We are so blessed and proud to have you. Happy Birthday!

*          *          *

Wow! What a month. Teddy got to experience something this month that we definitely weren’t expecting. SNOW! We went up to Big Bear for a family wedding and it snowed! Teddy was so curious. Winter and snow are some of my most favorite things. I was so bummed we weren’t able to experience it this past Christmas, so I was probably more excited than Teddy when we woke up to a winter wonderland. When we were all ready, we took Teddy to the “Teddy Bear Cafe” for breakfast, because, well duh.

The wedding was beautiful. I had the privilege of being the photographer, which was a blast. We are so happy for you Bobby and Jennifer! Thank you for letting us be a part of your day. Gotta love those Lopezes!

We ALSO got to celebrate Auntie Jonna’s birthday this past month! We visited the new Santa Barbara Public Market for lunch and cupcakes, then we went to the beach for a little bit of cloud watching. And of course, dinner at Los Agaves.

The next weekend, Alex and I got to go on a dating flash back adventure. We traveled back to our hometown in Riverside where it all began. We visited some of our favorite spots there and in Huntington, Laguna Beach, and South Coast Plaza. We ate great food, took a nap during the day, and best of all we were able to have hours of conversation and time together with just each other. Don’t get me wrong, we love our Bubba bear and we missed him so much over that weekend, but it is so important for us to remember why we love each other and what we love about each other. So much of our time is spent on loving our little guy, that it’s easy to “forget” about needing to love each other too. Time away is a good way for us to reconnect and talk. We had a blast re-creating old pictures of our dating years, reading letters we had written to each other and listening to old c.d.s and mixed tapes. Teddy got to spend the WHOLE weekend with his Nana, Papa, Auntie Uncle, and his cousins. They took the train to San Juan and had fun adventures at the beach. We met up with them at Dos Lagos on our way home to capture one last picture with Teddy from when Alex proposed to me almost 7 years ago.

I also was able to celebrate my first mother’s day this year. We drove down to Riverside on Friday night to spend some time with Nana and Grandma on Saturday. We wanted to make sure they knew just how special they are to us. We took them out to eat, and bought them chocolates, Teddy even helped me make them bouquets of flowers. We drove home Saturday night and in the morning I got to have breakfast with my boys before church. After a great church service we went to the beach. It was SO WINDY, but Teddy had a blast. I didn’t care what we did, I just loved being with my boys.

The later part of this month was spent focusing all our efforts in helping Alex finish up his last classes, final exams, and papers. He has worked so hard over the last 18 months to finish his degree and last Saturday (the 17th) he walked to receive his bachelor’s degree in Psychology. We couldn’t have been prouder of him. Later, we gathered at one of our favorite hang out spots, The Stonehaus. The kids “played” bocce ball, while we enjoyed baguettes, food, drinks, and the wonderful company.

The NEXT DAY, we celebrated Teddy’s 1st birthday at Borchard Park in Newbury Park. It’s one of our most favorite parks. It’s right near the gym and our church meets there during the summer once a month for “church in the park”. We had balloons, streamers, toys, food and bubbles. Teddy had a blast eating his cake and playing with all the ladies his friends.

This time last year, we were holding our little (big) boy in our arms not knowing what to do with him. Now, I still don’t know what to do with this crazy, energetic, independent guy. He keeps me on my toes and tugs at my heart daily.

Happy Birthday, Teddy Bear!

Dada’s Graduation!

This past Saturday, my Alexander graduated from college! It’s been a long and hard road but he did it! This has been a 10 year process — we were married, got jobs, moved, moved again, took new jobs, moved, moved again, got a new job (again), and had babies all along the way. We lived life to it’s fullest, seeking every opportunity for what was best for our family, which meant holding off on school for a while. But boy, when Alex decides he’s going to do something, he just does it! He knew it meant sacrificing some things, but in the end, I’d say he thinks it was worth it. What an amazing accomplishment.

Family and friends joined us on Saturday at CI to wait in the scorching sun while he entered in and walked proudly across that stage. It was a huge day for Alex. His family was there, his SON was there, and he’s the first in his family to receive his Bachelor’s Degree! Needless to say, they are extremely proud of him. We all are!

Alex, wow. I can’t believe you’ve finished this huge accomplishment. Looking back at all the times we struggled over this past year, through late nights, life changing events in our family, joy, loss, and way too many cups of coffee, I wouldn’t do it again in a million years. Yes, you read that right. Hah! Okay, fine. It was definitely worth it. And we are so unbelievably proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. Thank you for continuing to be an amazing husband, father and provider. I’m looking forward to even more adventures with you!

Congratulations Dada!