Happy Halloween from Our Home to Yours

First time doing the trick or treat thing:

 

 

 

He was, naturally, a monkey with a super cute tail!  I do promise that we will move on from monkeys... eventually.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Bad Day

Today wasn't as good a day as others - I have a cold, Mike has a respiratory infection (aka a bad cold), and Patrick is cutting teeth and he is a total bear.  The motherboard on my laptop died out of the blue.  Plus it's colder than it usually is this time of year.

For the first time in many weeks (months, even!), I started to feel sad again.  I've mentioned before that the seasons really do a number on my mood and this Fall it's no different.  This coming weekend, we change our clocks again and it'll be dark by 4 pm.  I hate that.

All in all, there was something that made me smile today:

Here is Patrick, trying out his new birthday toy from Grandma.  His feet don't reach the floor yet, so he expects us to push his around.  What else is new?

This Kid Parties More than His Momma

Patrick had yet another party at school today...

 

 

  

 

And, of course, the obligatory video - pardon the "chongas" singing.  I work in the 'hood, remember?

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

12 Months - One Year: Where did the time go?

Dear Patrick,

Yesterday, you turned a year old. I can't believe it. Where did the time go?

Patrick, you have brought your father and I so much joy this past year. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Everyday, you make us laugh with your crazy antics. You show us the simplicity in life and we love to see the way the world looks in your eyes.

This month, you reached so many new milestones. You got a second tooth (lower bottom), starting crawling very quickly, and even starting standing on your own without holding on. Of course, once you realize you might fall, you are quick to sit down or grab onto the couch or whatever is closest to you.

A few months ago, you wouldn't eat. And now, you can't eat enough. You love Cheerios, shoving them in your mouth as if you have been starved. You also love chicken, picadillo, steak, mashed potatoes, pears, apples, bananas. I can't get over it! I love to watch you eat, chewing with your gums (since you only have two teeth!) and then opening your mouth wide to shove more in your mouth.

You have started to call out to your dad and I as well. When your father leaves for work, and the door closes behind him, you look up at me and say: "Dada?" And one night, we left you with Abuela and Abuela and as soon as we left, you called out: "Mama!"

You are now clapping on demand and giving people five. We say, "Patrick, give me five" and you start to give many fives. When we go to restaurants, you love sitting up at the table and stare at the server, waiting to be acknowledged. You are very friendly and almost always give people a great big smile. This month, we took you to Abuela's surprise birthday party and you loved being around all the guests, never complaining as you were passed around. Your favorite part of the day, of course, was eating everything that was fed to you.

I am dropping you off at day care two days a week and you love it. You have friends there and when you arrive, your face lights up when you see them, as well as your teachers. You are attending story time and the library and are captivated by the rhymes and songs you hear there.

This month, you got sick for the first time. A few days before your birthday, you caught a stomach virus, which took a lot of energy from you. I was so sad to see you weak and unlike your normal self. You managed to perk up for your small birthday party and even managed to eat some of your first birthday cake (which you thoroughly enjoyed!).

Many family and friends remembered you as you celebrated you first year and you received well wishes from Spain, Maryland, and Florida. Your Abuelos came to see you from Florida and you spent two weeks charming them with your smiles, crawling, and even climbing the stairs!

Patrick, I am so lucky to be your mom. Thank you for a wonderful year with you - I can't remember what it was life before you came into my life.

Love,

Momma

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Disbelief

I can't believe that one year ago today, mu little boy was born.

Sadly, he's sick today with a stomach bug.  :(

More to come...

Secrets can be fun...

For the last few months, along with my godmother, I have been planning a surprise birthday party for my mom.  Although she turned 70 (wowsers!) last month, she hadn't planned a trip to see us until this month (for Patrick's birthday).  We told her we wouldn't be having a big party for Patrick's first next week, just a family and close friends things (which is true)...

Anyway... I digress.  Today, we had a party for her.  A surprise.  With 25 of her closest friends from over the years.  She had no idea.  Neither did my father (we kept it from him because as Mike says, "Loose lips sink ships").  She was extremely surprised.

Here are some shots:

Happy birthday, Mami.  Glad you had a great day!

This little boy reminds me of...

 

I saw this the day it aired on television, and I somehow forgot about it until this evening.  Thankfully, YouTube is great for archiving all kinds of videos.

Enjoy!  And please... to those who know me personally, who does this little boy remind you of?