TJ's First Father's Day

TJ's first Father's Day was a multi-celebratory occasion. We flew with my parents to Washington State because Grant turned 4 the day after Father's Day. Carys went on her first plane ride. She did very well, only crying when she was trying to fall asleep.
On the Friday afternoon before Father's Day, my brother James arranged a fishing trip that took TJ, my dad, Andy (my brother's friend) and him out to the San Juan Islands. The trip was more than successful. Here TJ is with a very hungry Ling Cod.
Thank goodness that was not the only one he caught!

Father's Day Sunday was the day of Grant's birthday party. Holley, James, TJ and I spent a lot of time the day before working on the masterpiece we called Grant's cake. We had a great celebration with the entire family including Aunt Heidi, Holley's sister.

The two proud fathers, TJ and James, made a bean bag toss for Grant's party. The kids enjoyed feeding the shark beanie fish but it was a real hit among the adults at the party.
TJ was proud to land seven fish in the shark's mouth challenging others to do better.

Always a ladies' man, Ayden, a two year old was quite smitten with TJ. She first gave him all the balloons she could find.

Then she decorated him, giggling the entire time. What I found the sweetest is that Ayden was shy in the beginning of the party but warmed up to TJ very quickly.

And of course do not forget the Godfather...I mean Grillfather. Happy Father's Day 2009!

Take me out to the Ball Game...

TJ and I were avid Astros fans, going to several games last year. We had a great time supporting "The Good Guys". So we were excited to take our little one to a baseball game this year.
Carys went to her first Astros game on Thursday June 4, 2009. The Astros were playing the Rockies.Ready to go...I got my rally monkey!

If only we could get a real pic with Biggio and Lee.

The roof was open that night, something rare in a Houston summer. Carys enjoyed a nice bottle and slept through the majority of the game.

Unfortuneately the Astros lost, but we had a nice family outing and saw an old friend from high school in the meantime.

Carys at 4 months

Carys turned 4 months old on June 4, weighing 14 lb 2 oz and 24 inches long. She is getting much stronger at holding up her head and can hold it nice and steady now. She continues to have the best smile.

Just to emphasize her size difference here she is at 4 months, followed by her at 2 months.

Kermit is getting smaller and smaller, again Carys at 4 months followed by her at 2 months.

Apparently TJ's hands are getting smaller too. Here Carys is at 4 months followed by 2 weeks.

Everyone asks how are the dogs handling the new baby. Well, Maya has the most issues, always in your face, trying to get any attention she can get. Macy does seek our attention a little more than usual but is pretty laid back about the newcomer. Both girls love Carys and sneak in a little lick here and there. One thing is for sure, they know to keep their distance...or else!

The greatest thing about Carys being 4 months old now is her giggle.

The best-laid plans of mice and men...

When I was pregnant, I had everything planned down to the smallest detail. The biggest one was about my due date. I was due February 24 and Carys had to wait until then, so that I could take 14 weeks of maternity leave and not return to school until the fall. Well...

"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry"-John Steinbeck

I knew when she came 20 days early that there was a reason...why did I have to go back to work the last month of school? Well I firmly believe it was so I could meet Katey, the perfect mother and babysitter. I met Katey through a friend. Katey was interested in babysitting for the month as she has twin 2 year old daughters and thought Carys would be a good test run for seeing what life might be like with another child. She was easy to get along with and you could hear her kindness even in her voice.

Carys loved talking to Katey.

Carys loved playing with the baby toys Katey pulled out of the attic for her.
Carys loved to play with the twins, Hanna and Cora, staying awake, wanting to be a part of the action.

Hanna and Cora turned into litte helpers, helping with bottles and rocking the "bebe" to sleep.

Hanna even read to Carys.

When Carys had tummy time, Cora joined in.

The twins even shared their special Elmo chair.Katey discovered how much Carys likes to stand and put her in a standing bouncer. Looks like we need to buy one!

By the end, Carys was very adjusted and going to Katey's was as comfortable as being at home.

One thing is for sure, Carys was always happy and sleepy from a full day of activities. We are blessed to have Miss Katey, Hanna and Cora in our lives.

Happy Birthday Maya!

Yes, I am wishing a dog “Happy Birthday”. Maya is my chiapoo, Chihuahua/Poodle mix. She turns 3 today, so in honor of her third year of life, I thought I would blog about her so I would remember my little best friend.

Maya is my “Latin Lover”. She loves to lick. She licks so much it is almost an oral fixation. I have yet to figure out what is lacking in her diet or what she was deprived of as a puppy that she has this uncontrollable impulse to lick. It is hard to be patient with her, as the licks do get annoying, but all she wants is love.

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Maya is part of the perfect pair. We bought her because she looked like Macy. Many people ask if Maya is her puppy, but they are totally different breeds. One thing is for sure, they are sisters and do not like to be separated. At the dog park, if I take Maya to the little dog side, Macy and her pace at the fence together. They are the tall and short of it. Partners in crime.

Maya is smart. That is the poodle in her. Maya is also stubborn that is the Chihuahua in her. I would have to say not the best combination. The underlying message here, she knows better than she acts.

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Maya is the instigator. Maya is the Brains and Macy is the Brawn. It is usually Maya that riles up Macy, causing Macy to lose control and not listen. If you can control Maya, then you will have no problems with Macy.

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Maya has issues with her size. Nothing frustrates her more than not being able to get your attention. She often climbs to the highest point like a cat. She likes to sit on the back of the couch so she does not miss anything. She also climbs on the seats on the deck, the highest point in the backyard, to make sure we do not miss her. She is very persistent that we do not miss her.

Maya has to be part wiener dog. Maya has the smallest little feet and the longest body…I would say an extra 6 inches that should not be there. But this extra length helps with her height issues, as she can stand on her back feet and reach the top of the coffee table.
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Maya is a cuddler. I always wanted a lap dog and boy did I get one. She has to be next to you at all times and have at least one body part touching you. She also sleeps under the covers curled up next to TJ or me.

Maya loves cheese. She will do anything for cheese. She can hear the drawer open from the back of the house and comes bounding looking for treats. She can do “twirlies”, “paw” and “high five”, anything just give her the cheese!
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Maya is the dog I always wanted. I always wanted a tri-color, long-haired Chihuahua that I could carry in my purse. I love dressing her up, though she does not. She is perfect and I would not trade her for anything…even though she is "the devil".