This Christmas...

B, with one of his many new toys

My dad, the chef!

Just a couple of my gifts from Aunt S!

Was by far the bestest, most exhilerating, most amazing Christmas, of all Christmas past!

Being a parent during Christmas time is an unexplainable high!

It all started Christmas eve where we headed over the hubs parents house to start off the festivities. B, Hubs and I all opened our gifts while we waited for the rest of the family to arrive. I got so many tops, jeans and scarves. Hubs also got all the things needed for a PS3. But of course the main attraction... was B and ALL his toys! Oh. My. Gosh. He got SO MANY toys! Leap Frog tables and houses and banging, singing trains galore. I have never had more fun opening and hanging with family while watching B's face light up everytime a new box arrived :) Brilliant!!

B, Grandpa and Hubs


Me about to get a B delivery



Hubs, B, and Uncle G

We got home around midnight on Christmas eve, and Mr Man was asleep upstairs, while we put together all his toys and straightened up the house for the next day of fun.

Christmas morning, Mr Man awoke at around 5 AM with those big blue eyes filled with joy and the biggest smile on his face.


I think he had an inkeling of what was to come, but he didn't want us to know ;-) We carefully brought him down the stairs and waited for my parents to arrive. We let him play with yesterday's toys and he was happily squeeling and dancing to all the songs.


By the time my parents arrived, there was coffee brewing, B was taking his morning nap and presents were waiting to be opened. We took the opportunity to open our gifts and let B take a good long nap.


Hubs got a PS3 (as I said earlier), baby bro was smothered with presents including a gaming chair, some wolf pictures, and a BB gun. Mom was given VIP seats to a Tony Bennett concert (with my dad) and Dad was given more golf stuff than he knew what to do with! I got some amazing gifts as well... I got 2 more (that's right Uncle R) signed G-men photos, Antionio Pierce and Osi, AND I got the Sports Illustrated cover of when they won the Superbowl. Not to mention
a BEAUTIFUL platter, table, curtains, and CD from my parents. Overall, it was too much to even recollect. We were all very blessed this year!



After all the excitement we ate a beautiful Frittata breakfast, piled on the couch and watched Mama Mia, and started cooking all over again! (All the food from yesterday is on the food blog!)




Overall, it had to be on the top 10 Christmas' ever!

Thank-Christmas

My beautiful parents and B about to eat my mom's broach

My mom and B. Isn't she beautiful for 50???

B, waving the flag

The Grand Puba!

B, very excited about our rain check Thanksgiving

Since my parents were out of town for Thanksgiving, we all decided to have a "rain check Thanksgiving" this weekend. I have to say, it was probably the nicest thing we have done in a while! We all got together, had turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy and pumpkin pie :)

As hubs put it, "Just what my waistline needs... another Thanksgiving in between Thanksgiving, NY and Christmas." But it really was a blast! It felt so special the way the table was set and everyone dressed up.

Not to mention, my parents bought B a high chair, so he got to sit at the table and enjoy the festivities. It was such a special day!!

I've been Elfed!

Today is filled with un-packing, re-organzing and getting our lives back to this snowy southern state. I hope you all had a great week. More re-cap to come :)

Got this off a friends blog, and Oh My is it funny!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Smashing Time!

So far, we are having a blast! Mr Man is a hit with all the relatives, as we expected! It is so good to be home and to see everyone.

Here are some pictures so far ;-)

B and I, on the plane. Parden his hat hair :D

The cute couple!!

Uncle C and B. It's like they have known each other forever.

Nan and Hubs at the Dinah!

Auntie C and Hubs withe some really old liquor

Uncle F and I

Baby F and B

Uncle J and B

Going Home...

Well, not really home. But, as they say, home is where the heart is. And my heart... is definetely in NY!

This Friday, hubs, B and I are heading to NY to see my 84 yr old grandmother and all the rest of my family.

I am so nervous about packing all the stuff I have to pack for B. I feel like I am packing our lives. Portable crib, clothes, bottles, food, bowls, spoons, etc., the list seems to go on forever.

I know it will be a blast though.

No one up there has met Mr Man, so I can't wait to take a bazillion pictures, and get some great memories.

We are all getting older and I know time is short.

------------------------------------------------

Yesterday was a sad day, as my hubs great aunt passed away. It is weird, because even though I have only known her for 6 years, I feel like she was such a special part of my life. She always told Hubs to take care of me, he had caught a good one, and those simple comments, are so cherished. She will surely be missed!

------------------------------------------------

Then, the day before (Dec 1 - my Poppy's birthday) my cousin had a baby boy. Little Anthony was brought into the world. I am so happy for them, and I can't wait to meet the little guy. What's funny is that my dad was on a business trip, in the same city they live, so he was the first family member (on our side) to meet the little man.

--------------------------------------------------

It seems in this time of growth, so many things are changing. We are getting older, Mr Man is getting older and wiser, and it really makes me sit down and be thankful for all the blessings in my life.

The truth is, we all get old, and we all die. But to have those special memories, that special time with the one's you love, just means the world to me!

The White Flag is Waving!

Photograph taken by Simple Treasures Photography

I have admitted defeat against NaBloPoMo! I gave it all I had, but in between a very active 7 month old, spending quality time with hubs and family, I have to give up :(

I am kind of scatterbrained today, so I thought my post should express that, here are some things:

• Mr Man is so active I can't even keep track. He crawls and pulls up on everything. Not to mention he is talking and putting everything in his mouth. He is just so fun, but exhausting. Last night I had picked him up so many times (he does weigh 19 lbs) my muscles were burning.
  
  

• Friday we had a great dinner with hubs family. It was his dad's birthday, and we had great conversation, cheap wine, a great dinner and plenty of laughs. So fun!

• Saturday was another packed day, with my mom getting up to shop at 5:30 AM, then getting breakfast, getting my hair done (it looks totallly FAB!) and having dinner with Hubs parents to end the evening.
  

• Sunday was a lazy day of watching football and cleaning.

• Today, I hope to accomplish more cleaning and baking my pumpkin bread for Thanksgiving gifts for my neighbors.
  

We also got a bit of a scare on Saturday, when we headed to Babies R Us to grab some odds and ends, when we took a look at the carseats. See, I have been doing research on all the carseats and everyone (I have spoken with) said the Britax was over-rated, and there were always recalls. So I opted to check out the Evenflo's. My hairdresser swares by hers! (and she has 3 kids that have used them - one currently still in it). However, when I started asking the employees about the carseats, they told me the Britax was the best way to go (and of couse they are $329.00 and the Evenflo was only $186.00), so I opted to do a little more research. THEN... the guy tells me that the Chicco carseat I currently have only goes to 20lbs. UM... Mr Mobile is already 19 lbs. So I don't know what to do. I obviously don't have the money for a $329 carseat, not to mention, I don't even know if I want that one.

Then... I realized I have to get a new car to get a new carseat (no I am not kidding.) See, we have a Honda Element that I have been driving. Yes, it fits a lot of stuff, however, the drawback is that it has suicide doors - yes you have to open the front in order for the back to open. Yeah... flipping great for throwing a frisbee through (like they show in the commercial) but really shitty for taking a baby seat (that weighs 25 lbs) in and out of while parked next to a car. Not to mention, the back has stadium seating, which is another great quality when you are all of 5 feet tall. Score! My solution is to park in BFE, next to no cars, all the while praying no one parks next to me, and hoisting my entire body weight to help me move my little man's infant carrier OVER the seat. Phew - my muscles hurt just thinking about it!

Just one more thing to add to my already long list.

Please know that when I say I wouldn't change my life for anything, I truly mean it. But let me tell you, when you have a baby.... GET READY to change everything :D

Anyway, sorry to ramble. Hope you all have a fab Monday! And a thrilling Thanksgiving should I not write again!!

Ciao, Ciao!

Two weeks

Approximately...

We have about 2 weeks until Thanksgiving! Oh Man!

And then... Christmas!

I am so excited! I cleaned out my closet today and found all the Christmas gear.

Our new stockings from Pottery Barn Kids , our tree ornaments, and the tree skirt! I can't wait to put out all my snow globes and the garland. Oohhh! And Christmas lights. Oh man I am SO excited!

I am listening to Christmas music right now and smelling a Christmas scent candle, just to really get in the mood.

Squee!

Any fun Christmas stuff you and your family do?

Can I get a Hell Yeah!!

(A sneak peek! )

Well, this morning, bright and early, we headed to get our family photos taken.

I think they turned out A-DOR-ABLE!

Mr Man could not have been cuter! He was smiling and flirting with the photographer.

My mom bought the perfect outfit and Matt and I coordinated to the little one. Overall it was a fun day with lots of smiles and lots of pictures.

Then... I came home to the TiVo'd Giants game and they won... 30 to 10. HELL YEAH!

This day just couldn't get any better.

I am exhausted from the weekends activites but it was well worth it!

Hostess with the Mostess!

Or so I like to think of myself!

Last night we had a Halloween party with all the family members and I just have to say... it was AWESOME.

We cooked some chili, had some sweets, and saw cute trick or treaters.

Mr Man's first Halloween was a twinkling evening filled with toys and sweets, and I have no complaints!

Slightly Flustered!

I feel like there is so much to do before our family beach vacation! Yes, the rents, myself, B, hubs and the baby bro are all headed to a beach gettaway in 2 weeks. The scary part being that I have to pack for a 14 day getaway for my little man, not to mention myself.

Oh and did I tell you... my mom, baby bro and B are all driving... for 19 hours?? Oh and I have to breastfeed every 2 hours. Guess I will be hiding baby bro's eyes and I will be pumping so B can stay in his carseat. This... could get interesting folks!

I also feel like so much has to get done around the house before we go. We have a chihuaha to care for, a cat to be watered, and not to mention a pool that needs filling.

Gosh... I am just tired thinking about it! I know things will all work themselves out, I just hope no detail goes unnoticed.

I really shouldn't be complaining... I mean, I am going to the beach for gosh sake, but it is just a bit overwhelming.

Have you freaders got any fun vacations planned in the near future? If not... where would you go, if money was no option?

I've got nothin'

Sorry folks. My brain is fried today. No idea why? I think it could be the never ending laundry and dishes I do ;-)

I do have a great summer recipe though!

Check out the food blog!

http://www.cookingintexas.blogspot.com/

Love you Dad!

We're Back!

It was a fun journey to the far far away land of 4 hours from here ;-) And Mr Man was awesome the whole way there and back! I am kind of sad we had to return so quickly, but it was a well deserved break in the routine!



Wednesday we took the drive and it went pretty well. Mr Man was fed every 2 hours and it was nice to just head out of town. We stopped for lunch, which was an adventure in itself... it seems B has impeccable timing with food. As soon as the food arrived, he screamed b/c he was hungry. So I trotted off to the car to feed the man, when on our way back in, he decided to have a poop-splosion...all over his clothes. The silly mommy that I am, I didn't have an extra outfit in the diaper bag and so we had to truck to the car again to be changed. Finally, I got to eat some food, and because of the craziness I had to endure, I rewarded myself with a key lime pie (my fav)!



Then, that evening we tried another restaurant near the hotel and again, Mr Man decicded to scream with hunger pains just as the food arrived. We headed to the car again, fed him and returned to enjoy a beer and pasta!

This is Mr Man in his first hotel room!

Thursday, Hubs had to head to his meeting, so B and I were on our own. Luckily, hubs has family in the area, so I met up with his cousin and B and I went shopping. OH Yeeeah! I got some great stuff. JCrew - you rock! Baby Gap - could you carry cuter clothing? and BCBG - Damn you Paris line! I love the way your clothes fit and look!

After a long day of shopping, B and I headed to the hotel for a quick nap and then out the door again for some delish Mexican food! Since we never get to see hubs cousin, we decided another slice of Key Lime Pie was in order, so we headed to the restaurant and ordered some slices. It was really a blast getting to hang wih the cuz!

Finally, yesterday, we met up with Cuz and her boyfriend for some awesome breakfast and hot coffee. We said our goodbyes, B was fed again, and we were on the road. Only this time... we stopped and did some more shopping. (YES - both hubs and I really to shop.) After 3 hours of retail therapy, we were finally on the road to head home. We arrived a little later than planned but overall it was well worth the trip.

Chillin' at breakfast

Cuz and the BF! So cute!

It was so nice to just get away!

Our cat, Basil, greeted us as soon as we walked in the door, and this morning we picked up our little chihuahua, Mochachino, from his boarding. He was all clean and extatic to see us!

Overall, it was really nice trip and I hope we can do it again soon!

You know you're in Texas...

When you are driving and you reach West, TX which is actually in central TX and where 35 East and 35 West come together to go South. Seriously? I should send this to Jay Leno!

The mini vaca has begun :) So far we have had some key lime pie, B has slept and had a poop-plosion (all OVER his onesie), and we are headed to a brew pub this evening for some delish beer!

You know they say, have a beer a day while you're breast feeding because the yeast is great for the baby! Um... hell yeah! Check that box!

Hope you all had Wed!

Mini Vaca!

Well freaders, hubs, baby and myself are all headed for a mini vaca. We are not going far, but we are going somewhere to get away from it all. Lord knows there has been a lot of crap going on lately (with which I need not discuss) so we need to de-stress and take a breather!

Hopefully this will re-charge our batteries and get us in a better groove.

Hope you all have a fab week! Ciao dearies!!

Amazing Photo's!

As I said before, one of my birthday gifts was that we bought proffesional photo's of our family. They turned out absolutely amazing and http://www.simpletreasuresphotography.com/ is a fantastic place to get your pictures if you're in the TX area!

Considering I am not photogenic, I think she did an amazing job! However, I think hubs and B are just amazingly photogenic and really stand out in every pic.

Here are some of the photo's!

*These are copied off the website, and it is copyrighted, but we already ordered 20 of them, so if there are any fam that wants some, just let me know!

Let me know which one is YOUR favorite!

Have a happy Memorial Day weekend!

What a week!

This is B alseep in our huge bed.

This whole week has just been so weird. Well, I shouldn't say weird, I should say... it has just made me think. It has made me thankful for all that I have and really be aware of all that is going on.

As you all know Mr. Man was Christened on Saturday, then Sunday we had a party to celebrate the family! So, as I was driving home Sunday night, and I began to think of all the things that are going on in my life.

You know, getting to be a stay at home mom, having my baby turn 1 month old, having him Christened and now, tomorrow, turning 27. Not to mention, seeing all my family, I realize just how precious time is. I mean, my grandmother is getting so much older, it just breaks my heart that she lives so far away. Not to mention, my "baby" cousin being so much taller and more handsome. I mean he has been out of college for 3 years. EEK! We used to share bath time, now we share a beer. It is so bizarre how the world evolves.

You know, I look at my dad, who has always been my rock, and the one man I loved. And now, there are so many men in my life, My husband and my SON. It is like a ball that never stops rolling. No matter what happens, no matter what you do in life, that ball just keeps rolling and you better roll with it or get out of its way!

Don't you ever just wonder where the time goes? Why you weren't nicer to people, or more thankful for everything that you have? I wish I could say I wake up and say Thank You to the Lord above for all that he has blessed us with, but most mornings (these days) I am sleep deprived and all I care about is who is hungry, who needs a diaper changed, and do I have time to pee. I need to be more thankful! I think we ALL need to be more thankful. At least be thankful for the time you have with whomever you love, because who knows, it could just be the last.

Mid Blog...

This is my dad, hanging with the boys.
Baby Cousin and Hubs, smoking Cigars!

The 3 Amigos!

Granddad, Mom, and Jess.

This is how we celebrate! Lots of wine and good Italian food.

Mom and Daughter

B, meet your great Nona.

So seriously, last night I was right in the middle of writing a blog (for the boob blog), when I fell asleep. I mean, how tired do you have to be to put the computer down and crash :)

I guess yesterday was just a busy day. We said goodbye to my Nona (B's great Nona) in the morning, then we went shopping, and by mid afternoon, we had to say goodbye to my Aunt and my baby's cousin (B's godfather).

It was kind of an emotional day, but I wouldn't have changed it for anything. I really wish my cousin and aunt lived closer. It was just so special getting to spend time with them. Not to mention hubs and my cuz were like 2 peas in a pod. Just seeing them together makes my heart smile.

Here are some pictures of the week. Hope you enjoy.

A Blessed Occasion!

This was the cake.

A little water on the head...

Hubs, myself, B, the preist, Michelle (the godmother) and Lawrence (the godfather)



Hubs and I on B's big day!


He is so cute!

More pictures!

Today was Mr Man's christening, and it was more beautiful than I thought it could be.

He was baptized in the outfit my aunt (and godmother), myself and my baby cousin were baptized in. It was so beautiful and B could not have been better.

He slept through most of it and didn't even cry when they poured the water on his head. It was truly a beautiful moment.

We had all our family and friends close to us and it was such a beautiful, meaningful moment. It really could not have gone better.

Here are some pictures of the day... Enjoy!!