Mateo's First Christmas

Here is Mateo on Christmas morning. I felt so bad for the little guy though because he felt horrible. His little nose was running, his eyes were watery, and he was coughing. He still was a trooper.

Here he is opening his soon-to-be favorite present!

Mateo's brand new wagon. He thinks it's the coolest thing ever!Here he is ready to go over to his nana's house to open presents.

By the time Christmas night rolled around, Mateo was exhausted. I can't wait until he actually understands the whole Santa idea!

Before and After

Here is Mateo before he got the stomach flu...

And here he is now with his 3 basic needs: pedialyte, crackers, and children's tylenol. Poor thing has had the stomach flu this past week, but is slowly on the mend.

Christmas around the Casa

So slowly but surely, we've built up our Christmas decor. It's definitely different this year having a child as I'm SO into the Christmas spirit. I decided, small as it may be, to show some pics of some of the Christmas spirit in our casa.

So here's Mateo doing his favorite thing right now (climbing and standing on anything within reach) next to the fireplace.

Here's our mantle with our stockings hung by the chimney with care...I love this Santa. Mateo stares at him and yanks on his boots.

Does everyone remember the countdown to Christmas box that had a chocolate for each day before Christmas? I couldn't think of a way to put biter biscuits in one so I opted for this Snowman.

My mom made this when she was in highschool...priceless. The little Santa and reindeer was a gift I gave my mom in third grade. I bought it at a bizarre for a dollar.

Here's the tree so far. We're still trying to figure out how to keep this room safe for Mateo...he thinks he can climb this sucker!

Last, but not least, when my mom, grandpa, and brother came to Riverside for Christmas in 2002 my mom sent me all of the Christmas decorations she had from when I was growing up so that we could decorate the tree together. It was one of the most special times I've ever had and has so much more meaning now that all three have passed. I have so many priceless decorations but I thought I would share this one. I made it in Kindergarten and it still looks pretty darn good for being 25 years old. I will never get rid of any ornament my children make me as I know how special it is to have pieces of your past.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving spending time with the family.

Mateo decided to dress like his daddy! Here is Cesar with his 2 younger brothers Armando and Joaquin.

Here's me with my mother-in-law Cytnhia and my two sister-in-laws Raquel and Elena.
Here's my family!

Time to lower the crib.

Mateo is so happy when he wakes up in the morning and lately he's been standing up in his crib waiting for someone to come say good morning. I think it's about time to lower the crib. Here he is with his classic morning wake-up.

I had to put this picture in as well. This is the oldest and youngest of the Chavez grandchildren!

Girlfriends

I have received so much support from my "girlfriends" that I thought I would post some quotes I love. I haven't seen some of you in forever and I still feel like we're still close as can be. I am truly proud of the individuals all of you have become. You are all amazing women and I'm privileged to have your friendship.
Alicia

I always felt that the great high privilege, relief, and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing. -Katherine Mansfield

Silences make the real conversations between friends. Not the saying but the never needing to say is what counts. -Margaret Lee Runbeck

I often think, how could I have survived without these women? -Claudette Renner

No matter by which culture a woman is influenced, she understands the words "wild" and "woman"intuitively. -Clarissa Estes

Two may walk together under the same roof for many years, yet never really meet; and two others at first speech are old friends. -Mary Catherwood

The growth of true friendship may be a lifelong affair. -Sara Jewett

Though our communication wanes at times of absence, I'm aware of a strength that emantes in the background. -Claudettte Renner

If you want to be listened to, you should put in time listening. -Marge Piercy

I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine and encourage me to grow.
-Cher

Blain Bunce III 12/12/75 - 11/3/08

I'm really sad to say that my brother passed away Monday. Some of you may remember him and the struggles that existed throughout his life. He actually was in the process of turning his life around but was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday. I am so upset, confused, mad, and an array of other emotions. As all of you may know, I've pretty much lost my whole family now except my uncle. Every 2 years since 2001 someone has passed away. I'm beginning to wonder who's next and what I've done to deserve this. I just hope my brother knows how much I loved him and how all I ever wished for him was peace, unconditional love, and happiness. I'll see you someday in heaven mom, grandpa, grandma, and brother. I miss you more than words can say.
Alicia

Halloween Get-Together

So Cesar and I decided to throw a kid-friendly Halloween party...

Complete with a jumper,

a popcorn machine,

hand-carved pumpkins,

a fire to roast hotdogs and smores,

and of course family.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe my son is almost 7 months old! Here are some adorable pics that my sister-in-law Raquel took of Mateo at 6 months. Every grandchild in the Chavez family has taken their 6 month picture in this exact onesie. The jean jacket was my husband Cesar's when he was that old. Mateo's smile just melts my heart. I think we can all agree that children are so precious and bring us so much joy!

Can I get a 411?

Hello friends past and present...I just wanted to update my information on all of you crazy ladies! Can you please write me a comment with your address, phone number and birthday. Thanks so much :) Just thought I would add a picture of the NKOTB because they're making a comeback and I used to be in LOVE with them. Also...no one in California has heard of hypercolor shirts...c'mon ladies they were the COOLEST! (I will delete them after I put it in my address book!)

It's only hair....right?

Ok so I finally decided that it was definitely time to do something new with my hair. I mean I've only had long straight boring blonde hair since I was a Tumwater T-bird! So I stroll into my hairdresser's salon and say quite proudly.. "Shanon I need more than just my highlights today, I think I need about 2-3 inches cut off and some layers!" So Shanon looks at me crazily and says she can't wait. I tell her as long as it's not above my shoulders...she says "so just as long as it's whisping your shoulders?" I agree because I think we are on the same page. Well after she's done putting my California blonde highlights back in she starts cutting away. As I look down at the ground there are 5-6 inch pieces just chillin on the floor looking up at me as if to say "Finally girlfriend!" But I must say that I was in a bit of a shock. I'm getting more used to it now and hopefully it's easier to do because trying to get ready with a baby is virtually impossible. So here is the final product.

It doesn't get any better than this...

I had a really rough day today and I'm especially tired for some reason, but I walked in the door to find my husband and son asleep on the floor....PRECIOUS.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Rub-a-dub-dub, one baby in a SINK...lol

Mateo just loves his bath time. I think we instilled a love for water because when he was less than a month old his daddy would carry him around in the baby bjorn while he watered all the plants. As you can tell by the video, he loves to splash around in the sink. The sink is far better than the tub and this little sink in our island is perfect. He sits up now but couldn't fall over anyway in this sink. He gets upset when bath time is over...now changing his diaper and wiping his nose are another thing! (Push play even if you can't see the picture)

Libby

I came across my poetry book from Mrs. Barnoski's senior poetry class and found a poem I had written about Libby and wanted to share it with you...It really hit home for me because I wrote it under the assumption I would always have my mom and now I don't so it takes on such a different meaning. I guess both of our moms had the best seat in the house through our most important times (marriage and babies) Lib never stop remembering!

LIBBY

by Alicia Bunce

I sit on my bedroom floor

next to her

I see her eyes fill with tears

What strong eyes

What beautiful eyes

They have seen such desolated pictures

Yet still shine

I want to cry too

It was her own mother

who breathed her last breath

I want to say I know

what you're going through

But I can't

I don't

She holds so much inside

People forget

She does not forget

She can't

She won't

Who do you blame?

God?

They say everyone on earth has a purpose

But how can your purpose be

to fight cancer?

I know she has many questions

Not for dad

brother

me

But for mom

Questions only a mom would know

It is hard to imagine my mother

not seeing me graduate

get married

have my first child

But her mom really will

and with the best seat in the house

Above looking down

surrounding all that lives with love

and with her special touch

Love ya Lib

A Few of My Favorite Things...

I'm continuing Demeri's post about the 10 things she can't live without.....

Of course I couldn't live without my little man Mateo! I miss my mom so much it hurts so the pictures I have of her are priceless and crucial to my existence.
For those who have not tried this Herbal Essence shampoo and conditioner, you must. It's fab and I've used expensive crap my whole life.
I have always dealt with life's obstacles or triumphs with music so my ipod is integral!

The crockpot has become a lifesaver when it comes to dinners!
My favorite candle is "orange blossom" because it not only smells exactly like orange blossoms but when I first dated Cesar, the drive to his house was alongside groves of orange trees and it was the most beautiful smell ever! They have since been cut down so the smell is beautiful radiating through our house!

I'm not a makeup girl but I at least have to have mascara and lipstick and this is by far the cheapest and most reliable mascara.Of course I couldn't have my little man Mateo without my hubby Cesar. Seeing him with our son is one of the most precious things in the world. He is an amazing father and my best friend.

Most of my fondest memories involve my family and friends so I couldn't leave them out!

Hey, everyone must enjoy a nice cold beer every once in a while...or once a day...or whatever suits your fancy!

Mateo, Then & Now

I finally downloaded all of the beautiful pictures that my sister-in-law Raquel has taken of our little family. These pics are of us when Mateo was barely a month old! I can't believe how much he's grown already.
























Here are some pics that were taken when he was 4 months old! He's almost 6 months now!