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.