yes, you are reading entries from may 2009...nearly a year old. i will get caught up, but bear with me as i catch up. i'm too anal to start 2010 without '09 'closed'. you know me! enjoy the littleness of my kids! they're a lot bigger today. oh the difference a year makes.
February 05, 2010
to be called 'mama'...
i had no idea how wonderful it could be:
to lose your evenings to your child's bedtime routine
to hold your child on your lap while you potty
to use crazy voices while singing or reading
to go with greasy hair so your child could be bathed (forego the hair washing so your child is clean)
to dine on spagettio's and pea balls
to share a bed with your loved ones
to hear the heartfelt words, "i love you mom" from a 3 year old
to feed a baby from your breast
to watch your parents soak up the time with their grandchildren
to play kitchen, babysitter, or superhero
to watch your love become a father
to cook nutritiously so they would know 'good' food
to teach your children with your example
to make your baby smile with your voice
(undeniably, my favorite picture EVER)
on this mother's day, i relish in the beauty of motherhood. it's a day i'm honored on...and honor all of those that enjoy the blessing of mommyhood. words can't describe the love that lives in me because of these babies.
(this is creeping in to my top 3 holidays. birthday, christmas, mother's day...)
February 04, 2010
the most special lady...
she raised me. she taught me hard work, late nights, breakfast for dinner, thank you notes, and confidence. she exudes happiness and thoughtfulness, is welcoming and kind, and has an amazing and admirable love for her children and grandchildren. she's got everything a daughter wants in a mother...even some 'special' qualities...
on mother's day we meet in gruene for an afternoon of eating, playing, galavanting around the quaint little town. we enjoyed every minute...even when she was throwing peace signs!
to the special lady who showed me how great mother's mother...i love you in each of your unique and lovely ways! happy mother's day to the one and only...
February 03, 2010
zu's serious side
our zu...
here's a peek at THE most precious, smartest, fastest, coolest, sugar-i-est little guy around!
(may 2009)
in his mind, he is justified in every descriptor listed above. don't believe me...ask his shoes? they're the fastest ones he's ever had. in fact, they make him faster than everyone in his class.
may these moments and sayings stay close to me forever!
August 22, 2009
a fairy tale party...
our next door neighbor is zu's girl-friend (see last photo...priceless). the princess had her party and we had a fabulous time. robyn throws wonderful parties and my entire family waits for her yummy cookies and perfectly decorated cakes.
happy birthday, megan! may this year be full of fairy tales...
party times...
dennis is a friend from daycare. upon coming to the new school, zu instantly bonded with this sweetheart of a boy. he was gentle with zu, and took time to include him in their superhero games. i'm convinced he comes from the world's sweetest parents. not a day goes by when they don't take the time to stop and talk and check on the kids. GREAT people!
anyhow - it was dennis day to turn 4 and we celebrated at a super cool train museum. zu had a great, HOT, time playing with his friends and riding the train. even though my hands were full with baby and camera (priorities?), i enjoyed capturing this super cool place, zu's expressions and friendships, and getting to catch up with the bernal's.
family makes a full heart...
there comes a time when things slow down. that time allows me to look with 'fresh eyes'' on this amazing family i have. jess has blessed me with loyalty, unimaginable patience, love, friendship, and eye candy (he he). zu has given us love on a different level...more than i can explain. he's so incredibly sweet, with just the right amount of spice (remind me that i said this), and drama that must come from his mother and a sense of adventure that his dad blessed him with. and then there's litte, cute em. so laid back, expressive with her beautiful eyes, and lovable. she completes us.
i snapped these photos and i felt like it summarizes the warm fuzzies i have for these most loved ones, my family!
ahhh...may my heart always feel this full!
August 11, 2009
the good ol' rio frio...
a place we all love to go for a week day visit (avoid this place on the weekends) is garner state park! it's a small drive, but such an awesome place to enjoy the day. one of the blessings of living where we do.
we headed out there with the gingrich gang... had lots of fun! not too hot...just right! had a picnic or smorgasbord, as karen would call it, and a great afternoon kayaking, enjoying the clear water, and playing on the 'island'. great day and a few more memories to add to this wonderful life!
wow...life is good!
August 01, 2009
happy birthday, hubby!
jess celebrated his 32nd birthday on april 29th! (i cannot believe that we're 'in our thirties'!) to celebrate i wanted to do a 'surprise' birthday get together for him. if anyone knows him, you know that he's not a socialite, nor would he want a surprise, or for that matter - celebrate his special day, so i modified my original plan (substantially) and surprised him in his own style...
in austin with some of his bestest buds and family and at bb rover's.
i thought it would never work out, as jess kept defying the plans that bobby and i worked out. then i thought he knew and was just being nice to not spoil it for me. (he's sweet like that!)
but it did...and here's the proof!
to the birthday boy...
what a pleasure to spoil you with wings, beer, and your best buds on your very special day! may you feel this special every single day of your life! you're quite the man, husband, and father!
happy birthday, handsome!
4 girls and 1 boy
it was close to mother's day and i wanted to take a 'surprise' photo of gari shae and her girls to give to her so this was the perfect opportunity. kind of overcast, the girls had matching outfits, beautiful hair...who could resist?
and of course, my kiddos had to be captured with their buds, too!
and two more that i couldn't resist!
i love these four girls and one boy more than i can put into words!
June 28, 2009
the annual crawfish boil...
the time has come. yummy, spicy crawfish and potatoes and most of all...the mush! yum!
buddy (he's officially not a barry anymore) hosts a heck of a time each year and this was no exception. we may be the (next to) youngest folks there, but i look forward to this event, seeing the friends, and eating the yummy food (atleast watching j & gang enjoy it)!
j, ever so proud of that pile and t'anna...well, precisely why i don't do crawfish...just the other goodies!
the one night a year when i actually get to visit with val! zu had too much fun before the party got started! it didn't last long, but i couldn't resist a snapshot of it!
the girly gingrichs!
andy and j taking care of business!
em's first 8 months...
may has dawned... we can't believe how quickly these days are passing by. our sweet girl is 8 months old!
...she's sleeping on her belly
...she really doesn't care much for food. to date, the only thing she'll dabble in is pears and peas.
...still no teeth, but they're on their way!
...chronic ear infections. boo!
...she enjoys gerber puffs! it melts my heart every time i see her pick them up and get them in her mouth! the look (and smile) of success is heart warming!
...she has mastered crawling!
...she is pulling up on low objects like the coffee table.
...she does not enjoy me leaving her. mama's girl today (and will certainly change)!
...she has begun to play with her toys. her favorite is the rattle and noisy ones!
...she sleeps in her crib for a few hours and then makes her way into mom and dad's bed. (wonder how long this is going to last?)
...she loves her brother. she watches his every move. he's mostly helpful with her, unless she's taking away his trains and trucks. yikes!
our emy girl...you're STILL more than we ever imagined - sweetness and beauty! you are pure joy and are giving us such happy times!
i he(art)...
if i could have it my way, i'd make lots of crafty gifts and sell a few too. this is just what i did with these blocks... take a peek.
day with dad...
j wanted to take the kiddos hiking...and so he did! (i went to run a few family errands so i missed out.) not only did he hike with 2 kids, 1 on his back and the other wandering, but he also snapped some pictures! quite the dad he is! lucky lucky children!
goin' to austin...
oh boy does z ever love spending time in austin! he's learned all of the cities that our relatives live in and he is very proud to tell you! whether we're with him or not, while he's in austin, he has a blast. gramm's always has a little agenda for him! t'anna and buddy are typically partners in the good times!
this time he played in the pool with gramms & t'anna and found a BIG dirt pile across the street and made it his second home! silly boy loves to get dirty!
thank you for loving this sweet boy and giving him such wonderful experiences!
June 04, 2009
work it, own it, work it...
baby girl learning to pull up on her own...and having mastered the sitting up on her own, she couldn't help but pose for mama!
you're thinking model, aren't you?
we're a little crazy about the sweetest, prettiest little girl in the entire world!
a big move...
well, we have survived something i didn't think we could. sounds dramatic? you should have seen me (or frankly, my son) these first few weeks of the dreaded daycare transition. i recently took another job, working normal-late hours, so the necessity (that was inevitable to keep z entertained w/ a curriculum) to move them had come. i'm all for em staying in a home daycare but the thought of two drop offs make ZERO sense. and i digress...
the kids moved and it was incredibly tough on the big (lil) guy...which in turn made this a few miserable weeks for mom. he would literally kick and scream every morning saying he didn't want to go to 'big boy school' (as we called it as we were hyping it up for weeks ahead of time). when i would turn the corner to enter the parking lot, an onlooker would have thought i was plucking hairs out of his head. VERY DRAMATIC thing for the ol' Gs! i felt absolutely horrible as he held on to my leg, crying with big alligator tears, and screaming for me to stay. the teachers were incredible as they did their very best to love on him and encourage him to be a part. the best (absolute BEST) thing that happened was Abram Bernal (as z refers to him). Abram is my dear friend, Kristie's, child. the boys are only a few weeks apart and i was elated that he took z into his group and welcomed him warmly each day. he made this transition doable...along with time and wonderful teachers. when i finally walked away from there (in tears), i was only half way done. i still had my little em, who i knew would forgive easier than z.
i'm pleased to say that we have successfully survived the transition and both children enjoy their days...z more so than em. z looks forward to the very fun activities, the songs, the art, the outdoor time, and the friends every day! whew...
here are a few pictures of the fiesta parade they had at 'school'.
aren't these buggies the cutest things?
and zu and abram with their 'floats' that their mommies put together at the very last minute! mimi actually did most of zu's. love that lady!
June 02, 2009
mimi fun times!
we're spoiled to have grandparents come up to see us regularly! we (j & i) enjoy it, but the kids LOVE it more...as you can see!
on mimi's most recent trip up to babysit us (all of us) while dad tended to business out-of-town, we graced luby's for some good ol' southern cafeteria food (scrumptious). and what a perfect place to photograph your best company?
May 23, 2009
easter weekend
we traveled to victoria to celebrate easter with my family. as usual, we had a great time. holidays are so fun with all of the kids. the 3 older ones are able to play and everyone continuously dotes on em. it's a place we feel very loved at.
we arrived at mimi's house only to find her in a bunny outfit! i was laughing hysterically, while zu tried to welcome this concept. she wanted it to be special for them! the kids immediately put their easter goodies to work. and every year we look forward to the cascarones (confetti filled eggs)...well, sister and i do! easter was a wonderful weekend filled with many blessings...and way too much candy!
7 months of a bright life!
she's rolling over and playing with toys. she loves being held, her paci, and her brother. she's not into eating food, but still nurses well. she takes atleast 2 naps a day (11 and 2, maybe 5) and goes to bed by 9. she has ear infections, one after the other, but is so tolerant that you have to really be watching for 'signs' of pain. she still bears a beautiful gummy smile that is contagious. she's very close to crawling and is able to push up to all fours and rock back and forth...days away from being REAL mobile! she loves her baths and is now able to sit up and splash the water, which excites her! she's not very vocal....yet. she has reduced her love for the exersaucer, jumper, play mat, etc., which is breaking mama's back. she would rather NOT on the carrier or carseat, but...we gotta do it. she bears the sweetest personality and is certainly a mama's girl (for this short time). she makes this world a much sweeter place!
May 16, 2009
em's sixth month pictures...
she's our second. she deserves what her brother got. she turned six months a few weeks ago. scheduled her pictures. took them. love them!
if i'm going to pay a professional photographer, i'm going to get the whole gang in there. i wonder why i do that to myself because little guy makes this an ordeal. we survived and got some wonderful pics of our girl! and some adventurous ones of zu...of course he doesn't believe in looking at the camera, regardless of the tricks and bribes you pull out.
here are a few sneaks from brandi's blog.
brandi is a heck of a photographer...if you're in the market!
a trip to mimi's house...
from feb 21, 2009
when dad goes away, me and kids either go somewhere or have someone come up to 'babysit' us...and this time, we wandered down to mimi's house. aunt sister, caityn, and grant were there so we were sure to have a wonderful, lively visit...and we did! it just feels good to be with your mom and sister...
since it was raining, we headed to the mall for a little playground action...and you aren't with mimi unless she spoils you with sugar, hence the cotton candy!
and as soon as the rain cleared, we were doing what we do best at mimi's...enjoying the outdoors!
and because my mother is an AMAZING gardener, i took some photos of her most beautiful yard. she spends so much time tending to her flowers, grass, beds, and yes, even her sidewalks are clean, but her yard is one to envy. while this trait didn't get too deep in my blood, i enjoy watching (and listening) to her passion for it...and when i get to see it, it makes me happy! she truly is happiest while digging in dirt!
April 14, 2009
soaking it in...
watching your children enjoy each other's company is about the most fulfilling thing a parent can witness. zu loves on em all.the.time! he talks to her in the backseat. he shows her his cars, which she loves. he hands her her toys. he does his best to entertain her. and em...she loves every second of it! her eyes light up when brother is around.
i know what the road ahead looks like so i take a deep breath, let out a sigh with a smile, and soak up every beautiful moment they enjoy together! but...i'd LOVE to be WRONG!
at this point, pure joy!
i can't believe those are my babies!!??!!??
resting up...
these are sweet moments i mustn't forget... life gets going quite fast and moments like these, MAKE me slow down. ahhhhhhh!
zu and j enjoying some quiet time together
how em puts herself to sleep...her lovey and paci!
showers, sprinkles, and celebrations...
spring time is so refreshing... it's weekends full of celebrations, outdoor activities, and togetherness. the past few weeks are no exception.
my dear friend, liz, is having a baby girl. she made her way back to texas for a celebration. liz will make the most adorable and loving mommy and i couldn't be happier for her. she has loved on all of our babies...and now we can't wait for her to get back this way so we can do the same. much love to you liz as you enjoy the last trimester of pregnancy. you look wonderful and i'm sending many blessings your way.
in preparation for my sweet friend, angela's baby girl, we showered her with love, gifts, and girl time. she has so many wonderful friends...and they all have babies! her house was full! angela, i enjoy every second of our talks, walks, and messages. you're an amazing mama, wife, daughter, and friend and carisella is blessed, big time, to call you mom! i can't wait to meet the next little angel!
yep...more babies! vanessa is a true friend and it's not wonder that SO many wonderful friends showed up to 'sprinkle' her with a surprise baby shower. it did stay a surprise, much to my amazement. we got to catch up, talk babies, and enjoy being grown women and mothers during our lunch at el mirasol! vanessa, i can't wait to watch you go from 1 to 2 and experience all of these blessings all over again! the good is only getting started!
before the weekend wrapped, we had a birthday party in the line up! little miss madison turned 3! korey and alyson have the sweetest little girl who has so much happy energy and a zest for playtime! i love it! zu enjoys playing with her and we love hanging out with her parents! always a win-win! madi's party was no exception to this rule. the dinosaur theme was sure to promise zu a great time! and it did! happy birthday, sweet girl!
whew...even though we celebrate lots, we're blessed with many, wonderful friendships! this is a beautiful time in our lives, with so many of our friends celebrating joy!
the shafers...
we rarely get to spend quality time with my dad's family so in their most recent trip up here, i took advantage of that and snapped a few photos.
zu & grant must have been hiding... they were here though!
lexi & caityn are just so beautiful! watching them 'play' brings back so many pre-teen memories! still innocent, but wanting so much to be independent. they'll be all grown up before we know it. sigh!
living out spring break...
as you know, daycare aged-children and working adults don't get a spring break so...we live vicariously through my little-ist sister, lexi. my dad, cheryl, and lexi came up for a few days during her spring break and we spent good ol' quality, family time and did a little sight seeing. this is something i look forward to each year. it's a pleasure to get to see lex (and the fam, of course) and to see how 'grown up' she is. a blast we sure had!
we spent some time at the Witte Museum...
then we headed to the San Antonio Zoo...
i must say that i'm glad i waited an entire month before posting this, as my son was driving me bonkers this day. i probably wouldn't have had many nice things to say. let's just say, he/we drifted away and couldn't find the clan. not my preferred way of doing the zoo with family! oh yeah, my sis and her family also came up but the kids were both sick and didn't last long. awwwww.
lots of energy. the only way to keep him from running off.
and for some reason, typepad won't let me add any more photos....
we really had a wonderful time! looking forward to the next time we get together.
April 13, 2009
a princess party for avery & reese
we love these girls...and their mama! their birthdays are only a few days apart and, lucky for their mom, they get to have a joint birthday party. reese turned 1 and avery, already 4! every moment of the party was great!
it's a pleasure to call you all friends! i look forward to watching you grow, change, and find true friends like your mom is to me. love you and may this year be full of many blessings!