Asi Es La Vida.

Nothing real new...yet.

2009-04-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

So life just seems to keep going...and I keep forgetting to post on this thing! I have a new picture of Bella, so here it is. It's of her riding in her car-seat...and wondering why I'm taking her picture. Lol.

Easter was alright yesterday, we didn't do much...but I made pizza and brownies. Yay!

Thanks to all of you who texted me. =)

Busy, Busy!

2009-03-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

Not a lot of time, but here's a cell picture I took earlier today of me and Bella playing. She's quite the crazy girl! Haha.

BISC. (Work Rant!)

2009-02-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

Oh the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center...how crazy you have been!!

I've decided that the main reason my blogs have been especially slow since November is mainly due to skating. However, I really like the fact that I'm getting back most of my edge (no pun intended...wait...maybe I like the pun!).

Anyway, as I previously stated, we're working on getting a synchro team started here. I've been coaching 8 girls on Tuesdays, and they've been progressing very well. One of them even brought a video camera last week, so they could watch themselves and improve on their formations. In particular, their two-spoke wheel is looking nice. I'm so excited to have the beginnings of an ISI Youth Formation team...and we haven't even had our synchro clinic yet!

I've been making videos with Ken (the skating director) in order to advertize the "new concept", and am still working on organizing a clinic for April. If you want to watch the first of the videos, go to: http://www.bakersfieldice.com/Getready1.html.

((Story for all of you music nuts:))
Particularly, there is a funny story regarding the video. The song on it, as you music nerds like me will instantly notice is "Finlandia". Why Finlandia? Because we were working on the visual aspect of the intro movie, and it's the only piece that I had in my bag at the time other than Bernstein's "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story". At any rate, it's this big joke amongst a few of us who know what the song is...because...well...it's freaking Finlandia!!! Hahahaha!!!

Depending on the interest, we will start one or two teams. I've also been so lucky to have a new coach come in (Lindsay) who knows about synchro as well. It's always awesome to have two pairs of eyes...because I certainly can't catch everything!!! I can't wait to have more people and an actual team or two to work with...I truly know which side of figure skating my heart lies...and it's all thanks to my parents, grandparents, and Chicago Jazz! (More to come on this when clinic is over, or another video gets put on the BISC site).

Other than that, I've been just teaching classes and private lessons at the rink. It's been fun also working with my huge pre-alpha classes. I would say the hardest part about it though is getting a new student when I finally get the whole class up to par on something. But my older students are always eager to help...phew!

So that's my "work rant". Of course, as always I've been skate-guarding on the weekends, and some of Dorian's cousins have come to skate at DJ night on Fridays. This picture is from last Friday, when Nayeli and her 2 friends went.

Family photo!!!

2009-01-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

(Click on photo to enlarge!)

I finally got sent our Christmas '08 photo. This was taken Christmas Eve at Gabby's house. Sorry so late!

2009!

2009-01-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

The girls + Freddy & Alex.

All the Cousins.

It's finally 2009, and what a long past year it's been. When I think about it, it could have felt long because it was the first full year of having Bella, but it was full of fun stuff.

Here are a couple of pictures that were taken on New Year's Eve. As you can see, there was a lot of family there, and the pictures don't even include the adults!

So to everyone, Happy New Year!
(P.S. Sorry the post was late...again!)

I have a reason...

2008-12-16T09:33:00.001-08:00

Yes. I know it's been a while. But this time I have a great excuse.

I've been working really late on weekends and have been at the rink so many days! We have started "Winter Wonderland" at the Ice Sports Center, and it's been so much fun! So if you live here in Bakers come check it out this weekend!

Bella has been her normal little self. Although she has had quite the tantrums lately when she doesn't get her way. We'll see how long that lasts. Here's a picture that I took for Critter a couple days ago.

Birthday Pictures.

2008-11-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Bella's Birthday Pictures are here! There are soooo many, so I had to pic and choose only a few. All of the rest are posted on facebook and myspace in a speical album.

Before the party we had to finish decorating...So we practiced waving.

My roomate (and sorority sister) form Illinois Wesleyan flew out for the party. Dorian had fun adding to the silliness.

Bella was very interested in her cake. Video of this to come!

Present time was also fun. Bella looked inside each bag...

And was very happy with what she found inside!!

This is a pretty picture of Bella and her grandma on party night.

Melissa liked taking pictures with Bella.

Uncle Junior was even playing "pass the birthday girl"!

So many other people came. Here's me and one of Dorian's cousins, Crystal.

And finally the cake with the princesses and butterflies that Dorian cut out. We had been working on the party decorations all day.

All in all it was a crazy fun time. We had over 50 people at the party, and Bella got so many gifts. It was lots of work, lots of traveling and very tiring in the end. But, I figure if I'm this tired after all of it, that it's a good sign we had quite the party!!! Hopefully in the next post I will be able to upload the videos of Bella's happy birthday song, etc. Thank you everyone who helped and attended!!! Bella's day was very special and pretty.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LITTLE LOVE!!!!

2008-11-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Today Bella is a year old! I don't have much time to post, but I just had to put something on here for my little princess.

MyHotComments

To Bella:
Daddy and I can't believe how you've grown the past year. Did you know that you've been a strong and demanding girl from the start?

I hated leaving you in the hospital for your first week of life, but the doctors and nurses took care of you. When you finally came home you had so many people who wanted to see you that there wasn't enough time in the day to see everyone. But you instantly loved the attention.

In your first month, you only wanted your bottle, since that's the milk you recieved in the hospital. And what an eater you were!!! You would have had all the bottles at once if you could!

In your second month, you had your first Christmas. Never has there been a better girl for Santa. You got lots of toys and even more clothes (especially dresses). You were such a good girl that you only cried when you were hungry or needed something.

In your third month, you started to roll over from your tummy to your back on a regular basis. This meant that Daddy and I had to keep a closer watch on you when changing your diaper, or drawing your bath water. Your exploring days had begun!

In your fourth month, you began to smile and laugh when things were funny. Daddy and I tried so hard to get you to laugh before that, but it wasn't until now that you liked the silly stuff.

In your fifth month, you went to the park for the first time. Miss Nayeli and I took you to see and play with the little kids, and you wanted to join the fun, but couldn't do much other than go into the swing...but you were scared of the swing, so Mommie took you on the slide on her lap instead.

In your sixth month, you decided that anything within your reach was automaticly yours. We had to keep the area clear of things you might be interested in that could have hurt you.

In your seventh month, you began to crawl. First, you decided that you wanted to just push your right foot and "scoot" on your tummy towards what you wanted. And then eventually you got up on all fours and "rocked" back and fourth.

In your eighth month, you had figured it out. Now you were crawling at a good rate of speed. You started babbling a lot more, instead of just saying "da-da" like you had done earlier.

In your ninth month, you clapped your hands on command. It was so fun to say "yay Bella!" and see your little excited face light up. You also learned how to pull yourself up onto your feet in your bed with support.

In your 10th month you were impossible to walk away from. You had figured out how to climb onto your changer from inside your pack-n-play bed, and were able to stand up without help. You also began to dance to music by "squatting" up and down to the beat.

In your 11th month, you finally accomplished the task of walking. First you would only try and take a few steps on the bed, and would only try there. Eventually you decided that the ground was safe, and slowly added steps to your attempts. By the end of this month you have accomplished walking all over, and even walking really fast to the things you are most interested in. You have full out arguments with people when you don't get your way, and your list of words include "Oh-oh", "Da-da", "eeee---yah" (ewww) or (yeah when said fast), and the suprised inhale of "huoooh!!". Never has there been a more accomplished girl. We are so proud of you!

Today begins your 12th month and 2nd year of life. We can't wait to see what you will accomplish next. It was only yesterday, that you learned how to play "peek-a-boo" with your own hands. I'm so glad that entertains you!!! You are a very special little girl and Mommie and Daddy love you very, very much. Enjoy your "Elmo's World" today as usual, and your 1st birthday party on Saturday!!! What a little princess!!!

Love,
Mommie

The Countdown Has Begun!!!!

2008-11-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

On Thursday our little Baber will be 1yr old. In one way, I can't believe time has gone by so quickly, and in another, it has been a LONG year. But...our little princess is growing up! *tear+sniffle!*

I'm so glad I have blogged over the past months, and it is easy now to go month by month and look at Bella's progress. I still remember when Dorian and I tried so hard to get her to even smile, and rolling over was a big acomplishment.

Well, for her birthday, Bella has completed the task of learning how to "toddle-walk", and is already a very demanding little girl(just like her mommie!). She may not be able to speak yet, but she has full-out arguments with me when she doesn't get her way. No doubt her birthday party will be the highlight of her week. So many people, so much attention!!!

The party, as most of you already know, is on Saturday the 15th. We are expecting a huge amount of people from (really) all over North America. Family and friends are scheduled to be coming in from up state, Illinois, Indiana, Mexico, and around town. Friday is going to be absolutely crazy, as we are starting already to prepare for the event. The plan so far is as follows:

Dorian goes to work on Friday and leaves early.
I go to class to take an exam (otherwise I totally would have skipped this time!)
I go to Dorian's mom's house to get some stuff ready.
I leave for LA with Dorian's brother to pick up Melissa at the airport!
Dorian comes back from work and buys everything (food,etc.) with his mom that was not already bought.

That's the nutshell of it all...somewhere we have to cook, get everything set up, and on top of it, Dorian wants to go see the new 007 movie that is to come out Friday!!! Hopefully we will get to.

I'm not sure what the plan is for Thursday, Bella's real birthday, but I think we're going to keep it low-key since Friday is going to be nuts.

Anyway, pre-happy birthday, my lil love!!!! I'm sure I won't blog again until the party is over!

Pics and Videos (part 1).

2008-11-06T07:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went out to play with Bella in the leaves and walk along the sidewalk with her. As you can see, the leaves are finally falling here in Cali.

Bella walked along the sidewalk, slowly but surely.

We were very attentive when cars passed every now and then on the street.

And had a fun time just exploring around the ground.

All in all it was a pretty fun outside experience!

(below are videos from the outing...)

Pics and Videos (part 2).

2008-11-06T07:40:00.001-08:00

Here are the videos taken yesterday. The pictures are in the above post

You can't see it on her face very well (thanks to the horrible quality of my cell phone's video camera, but Bella is making an "Ooo" shape with her mouth in suprise. She gets very excited over little things, hehe!

I WANT PICTURES!!!!!

2008-11-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

I admit it, I'm a demanding girl...

...but I want a digital camera/video camera of my own.

I'm tired of relying on other people's cameras!

Bella's halloween pictures are coming soon, and some other random ones too. I hope all of you got the cute ones from her party invitations...the beauty of those is that you can take out the picture from the slot in the invitation and do what you like with it (like put it on the fridge, or frame it! *wink!*)

For now, all I have is the following uploaded video of Bella's biggest achievement yet...walking!

Stay linked for the promised photos in the future.

*I decline to talk about the election...as I'm still unsure of how I feel about it. However, since at this point Prop 8 looks like it's passing, I am feeling better about it's outcome.*

Fall Photos!

2008-10-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Only with keys in her hand would she take her outside pictures!

Bella is unsure about sitting in the grass.

"I'm a big girl, mommie!"

Looking after a passing car.

Okay, so it doesn't look too much like fall yet, but it definitely has cooled off from the 100 degree weather it has been for the past 4 months. Bella has on long sleeves, as you can see. Enjoy!

Colder Weather Has Officially Arrived!!!!

2008-10-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

Finally...some cooler weather has arrived in Bakersfield! Is it here to stay? I guess we shall see...

At last it feels like autumn. The 90's and 100's are gone, and now the highs are in the 70's and 80's on warm days. I never thought I'd say that 70 degree weather feels like "autumn", but I suprise even myself. In the morning it has been in the 40's, so Bella has to be all bundled up when we take Daddy to work. She looks so amazingly cute in her little coat. I can't wait until she walks!

Yesterday afternoon, we practiced walking outside in the nice weather. Bella picked a flower off of one of the bushes and brought it inside to Daddy. Ahh, it was so wonderful to play outside for the first time since all the heat! She wore her new little jacket, which I should have taken pictures of...maybe another outdoor adventure is soon to come, and thus produce a photo or two. Then later in the evening Bella and I made a pizza run, giving her the opertunity to show off her little coat again. She was such a good girl, and I'm starting to really enjoy having her with me as she becomes less of a physical hastle.

Today is another school day, and then it's off to the rink! Why, yes, didn't I mention that we have a rink here, and that morning ice for me is free? Oh the joys of teaching...

Pretty pictures and New Toy

2008-10-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

A couple of "sleepy Bella" pictures. I love the cheetah blanket!

On Saturday, Bella's daddy achieved greatness. Yes, Dorian bought Bella the first toy she WOULD NOT let go of!

She now has a singing musical bear that she knows how to push the paws on. When we got to the counter to pay in the store, Bella cried because the cashier had to ring it up. Then she cried because we had to take it away for a second while we put her into the car. It's been a hit ever since. I have yet to take a picture of her with Mr. Bear, but I'm sure they'll be up soon. Other than that, we had a nice weekend, since it was more layed-back than most.

...And More Recent Stuff.

2008-09-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today's first post (scroll down to read)is of some older birthday photos. I had promised earlier to include them in my blog. Now we have some updates of more recent events.
Bella is now 10months old. She is finally cutting her first tooth, and it is very difficult to get her to show it to anyone. It is in the very front of her mouth on the bottom, and just barely starting to peek above the gum-line. Therefore, we constantly have our hands in our mouths.
As far as recent accomplishments, Bella is now dancing to almost anything she hears. However, her favorite things are anything with kid's voices, and anything else up-beat. Elmo's song is still being played daily.
Also, Bella has started giving kisses. I have a video of the dancing, but it is hard to get Bella's attention away from the camera while video-taping...so I'm going to need 3rd-party help to capture her giving kisses. But the outline goes like this: I usually say "kissy-kissy" and pucker my lips a little, and Bella will lean forward until her little baby mouth touches my lips. It's so cute. Then I praise her, saying "What a kisser!!". She will kiss Dorian, Eban, and Me so far. =)

Old Birthday Photos.

2008-09-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

The camera was finally passed onto me a few days ago. So here is the "catch up" photos I have long promised.

Below, photos from my 22nd birthday party: 7/27/08

Bella was very interested in the candles.

The Ice-cream cake Dorian got me (yummy). I have no clue why the photo won't turn around, so turn your head...I've been trying to get it back for a while now.

Finally...a post!

2008-09-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Bella checking out baby Carmen, who was born in May. She's borrowing Bella's car-seat here to sleep while Bella and the cousins play.

Bella, 9mos.

Hi again everyone...

I've been having an extremely difficult time aquiring pictures, and it seems that I never like to post blogs without them. It looks so boring without pictures. Anyway, I still have yet to post the birthday ones in July, because Freddy has the camera still. But I have a couple of new Bella pictures sent to me from a cousin in Indiana...yes, how sad that I get pictures of my own daughter from someone else. I really need to resolve the camera situation.

In recent news, I've started classes again for the semester. I'm taking a Latin-American history class (by choice) because I find the subject interesting, and a Sociology class by necessity in order to get my degree. Both classes are pretty easy for me so far, and I like my teachers. I'm also still working part-time.

Dorian has been up in the morning super early to go to work as usual, however, now I have to drive him to work so that I can use the car during the day. Needless to say, our weekends have become precious.

And...the getting better news....Bella will be a year old before we know it. We are planning quite the party for her, with a princess theme. Dorian's mom and cousin have already bought 30yards of fabric from Los Angeles for table cloths. So here's my pitch: if any of you (that is my friends/family back in the midwest) would like to come out here mid-November, we'd be happy to pick you up at the airport in LA. Unfortunately, I can't pay for airfare for everyone...but if I could, I would!

Here's a couple of pictures that I've aquired from recent days. Enjoy!

Lack of stuff...

2008-08-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on this thing in a while...mostly due to the fact of having a lack of photos.

For my 22nd birthday, Dorian's family had a party for me again, but the pictures are on Freddy's camera. I'm still waiting to borrow it and upload them. Bella was entranced by the balloons and birthday candles...hehe.

And...we're crawling regularly now...hard-core and fast too. Here's one of the most recent photos I have of me and Bella. Sadly, I'm still waiting on the others.

Hope to have more stuff soon!

A "Dark Knight"

2008-07-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

After a sleepy start to my morning, I think I'm finally fully awake.

Last night (or this morning?) we went to see the premere of "Dark Knight", the new Batman movie. Dorian and two of his brothers thought it was the greatest movie of the year, along with probably the entire packed theatre. The great thing about living so close to LA is that when movies premere out here, we have some really special events. People not only came in costumes, etc, but our theatre was hosted by a really famous radio DJ out of LA. The host, along with a few of his other "high-class buddies" was planted exactly in the middle of a completely packed theatre. There were probably 5 or 6 screens showing the movie here, and all of them were super full a 1/2 hour before the show started. News cameras and radio stations were abundant, recording interviews of fans standing in line/opinions after the show. Mr. Ledger's performance was grusome indeed, but he had quite the turn out for his last full length movie.

Needless to say, it was a long night, and I, quite frankly did not expect the turnout that it did have. It was lots of fun though. I can only imagine what it was like in LA for real last night...next time maybe we should make the drive for a premere blockbuster if we're up to it.

Wanna know a secret?
(Shh...don't tell, but I still liked Iron Man better for some reason. Dorian has already explained to me that they're not comparable due to the fact that Dark Knight was geared toward an older audience.)

~Return to Cyberspace~

2008-07-16T13:16:00.001-07:00

So...It's been about a month.

We now have internet again, as we finally got the cable people here on Monday. So much has happened since the last post. I'll do a re-cap as efficiently as possible.

July 4th- I took an extremely cute picture of Bella, but we didn't end up doing much in the category of patriotism. The day was extremely busy, and I had to work.

A couple of weeks ago, Bella started crawling. Well, by crawling, I mean "scooting". She can scoot herself across the floor now, and once in a while will get up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth, as if to actually crawl, but soon gets tired, and goes back on her tummy. We've had to keep a VERY close eye on her the past couple of weeks.

The remedy to this, has been yesterday's compra (buy) of a walker. Here, she is quite stationary, and I can get things done while she is playing with her toys. Her feet don't quite reach the floor, so the "walking" part of the walker has yet to be discovered.

And the final new "Bella" thing, is that she can now pull herself up in her crib to standing. I have caught her on several occasions pulling herself up to reach things she shouldn't, like her wipe box, and/or clean diapers. However, as soon as she notices that you notice her, she sits down in her crib...my little sneeker...

We have a new bedding set for our bedroom, and it is quite nice. I am so happy to have some new stuff. So here is a whole slew of pictures/videos and hopefully you will be able to follow them.

Pulling herself up to reach those things she shouldn't!

New comforter & pillows. Yay for me.

Bella's 4th of July photo.

Bella and her uncle Eban love to play together. She gets extremely excited when he comes to play.

Bella stops at nothing to be adored by friends and family. Here, cousin Gabby is unaware of the fact that she's aiding Bella's diva-attitude by giving her so much attention.

Bella has spent some good playtime minutes in her walker so far. In these two pictures, it's not quite assembled yet (missing the tray toys), but she is eager to try it out!

Scooting to check out the package of diapers.

Baber.

2008-06-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

A picture of Bella that Nayeli took as an add on to today's post.

Which Bottle is Mine?!

2008-06-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of Bella showing how coordinated she is with her bottle. She also thinks the water bottle is hers! I'm still trying to get a clapping video. It seems she doesn't want to clap on camera because she's too interested in the camera...lol.

Father's Day Fiasco!

2008-06-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hmm...Where do I start?? Haha.

Well, when we all woke up yesterday, I was excited to change my work hours and attempt to celebrate Dorian's first Daddy's Day with him. Boy was I in for a go-round. First, we noticed we only had a few hours before I was sopossed to go into work, so we headed out (after getting all 3 of us ready...this usually takes a while) to where I wanted to buy Dorian's gift. Originally, I had planned to get him a set of books that he has been wanting for a long time. After searching, we discovered they wern't at Barnes & Noble. 1st disappointment. Then, we couldn't decide where to eat, so we went home. By this time I had about 3 hours before I had to go into work, so before going out to check if we could eat at the Buffet, I called work, and asked if I could either come in late, or leave early...so as to spend more time with Dorian. Problem #2. My manager asked me if I could come in early, and then therefore leave early. She had told me 5pm. So we raced to the Buffet only to see rediculously long lines...(forget that!).

We ended up eating at KFC...because of our time crunch, and how overcrouded even Denny's was. Then I went into work early, and when I asked to leave at 5, they told me "No". I seriously wanted to cry. Lol. So I went on my lunch break, and drove to the mall to find a different present for Dorian. Once I had an idea, I learned that the mall was closing at 6pm, and I wouldn't be off of work until 7, so there was no way that I could pick up his present after they would have been done engraving it. Oh yes...it gets worse.

I stayed until the store's closing. By then, of course, everywhere else was too, with the exception of the grocery store, where I picked up two cards (that actually are pretty cute). I raced home in anger, and found that Bella wasn't even home when I got there. So we decided to go get more fast food and "skip Father's Day". During our next food run, I realized that somewhere in the middle of everything during the day, I had lost a $100 bill. After that, I broke. I was angry at work for making me well...work, I was angry at myself for being careless and rushing about, and I was angry at the mall, for being closed.

So today...we're going to re-do Father's Day. I am convinced that today is Father's Day...YES, A MONDAY. Why? Because I have time today, Bella isn't going anywhere, and we can present the cards to her Daddy formally and without interruption.

So see photos in the future. Lol.

Sleepy-by.

2008-06-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

"Loving them babbles"

So today I had a day off of work. I was glad for it, too. Anyway, I took a picture of Bella falling asleep in her (what has become) normal attitude: bottle in hand. Some need a nightlight, some need stuffed animals, some need to be rocked...no. Bella only needs her "ba-ble".

In recent news, Bella has learned to clap her hands, although not on command. She mostly does it when she's excited. Today she had watermelon, and let me tell you...the hand clapping was almost as frequent as the open mouth watermelon wanting.

Say...

2008-05-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today I don't have to go in to work until 3:30pm, so I thought I'd have some playtime with Bella. She's been babbling a lot more, and yes, I know it's not significant yet to her, but I know her daddy will appriciate it when he gets home! While changing her clothes, we said...(well, watch the movie to find out)!

And I'd like to give a shout-out to Vanessa, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who has been reading and posting comments on my blog! It's so neat to meet someone so far away!

Cell Movie.

2008-05-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I'm going to try and upload a poor-resolution movie. Because the camera is officially deceased (read posts below), I had to use my cell phone. Enjoy what you can see!

SIX months & Mommie's Day!

2008-05-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Late Mother's Day to all you mommies! My first Mommie's day was fantabulous. We went to church in the morning, and learned that...guess what, the pastor's wife had sang the national anthem for the Lakers' game this past Wednesday. And who was there? None other than Denzel Washington! They showed video of her singing it at church, and then also pictures of her with Denzel and his wife. What a Mother's Day present for her! What I want to know...is how she got the gig in the first place.

Anyway, after church, Dorian and I got into a long conversation (about churches) in the car, and as we did, he drove to IHop, for a suprise "going-out-to-breakfast" Mother's Day present. I had some yummy french toast...as usual. Bella got some juice and small tastes of our food along with her bottle. I'm pretty sure she enjoyed her "special food" too.

Yesterday was my first day of work at Ross, and I stayed much longer than I was sopossed to. The manager and I get along really well. She's having me move from just doing the register to C. Service. It's hard, and keeps me on my toes. The store is waiting for the "seeker shopper" to come in and give us our evaluation. Our goal= 100% customer satisfaction...which was attained by the store on the other side of town...so we have to step it up. Anyway, all the Mother's Day stuff went down yesterday, and we brought out the merchandise for Father's Day. Today I have work again at 9:30.

And...the ultimate thing of today...it's Bella's 6th Month Birthday! She survived her first 1/2 of yr of life....phew! Haha. Just kidding. I'm so proud of her. She's such a good girl. Happy Six Month Birthday, Baby Princess!
Pictures of today coming soon.

Nery's Baby...born yesterday 5/5/08!

2008-05-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Dorian's cousin had her baby. Here's a picture of when we were both preggo! Yes, it's old...but then again...we still need a new camera. =( I'm pretty sure we'll be going up to see the baby this weekend in King City.

Bella got a new play pen/bassinet set ..thing on Sunday. It is sooo much of a help. I can let her play now without worrying about her going anywhere. The boppy is just enough support for her little back if she tries to give up sitting up on her own. I'm so happy we have the new furniture. It's very pretty and from Babies R Us. I would post pictures of her playing in it...but unfortunately, I can't.

Camera...

2008-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...

So the reason there have not been any posts lately...

I was such a klutz and put the digital camera through the washing machine....go me!

Things have been running as normal around here. Eban had his birthday party this past saturday, and it was really fun. Of course, for this newly aged 9yr old, the highlight was getting the Nintendo Wii. Nothing else mattered much, haha. I know Nayeli has a video taken of Bella from that day, so maybe I'll be able to put it here once I ask her about it.

That's about it for today.

5 months old!

2008-04-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

I'm having so much trouble keeping up with these posts...

This past weekend, Bella turned 5 months old. We have some pictures from the 5 month milestone that Nayeli and I took in the park. Bella's outfit on her 5 month birthday was adorable. I love her sun hat!

This week Dorian got a raise...yes a raise. I'm a happy camper. Tax refunds and raises are awesome.

Also, in the past week, I got to catch up with Jessica Rios, a friend from high school who I haven't heard from since graduation.I was on the phone with her on Sunday night for about 4 hours I think! Good thing we have free mobile-to-mobile cell minutes!

Anyway, here are the 5 month pictures of Bella. Enjoy.

Dorian's 25th Birthday...1/4 a Century...What an old man!

2008-04-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Monday was Dorian's Birthday, and we had a great time celebrating it in the park. I gave him an art desk, and he can't wait to set it up. I felt guilty, because I bought him a gift that he had to build...but oh well...he'll have fun doing that.

Bella was a very good girl on Daddy's birthday. This helped me a lot!

Above are just a couple of pictures.

So happy late birthday, bebi!

Not much...

2008-04-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

Not much more to say for this week quite yet. I did get a really good grade on my midterm essay though...so I'm happy about that.

Bella's sleeping, and so I'm gonna try and catch up on some z's as well. Here's another baby pic.

A much better day.

2008-03-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today have been going much better than Monday. I'm finally on the downward slump of the week...this makes me happy!

I don't really have too much to say today, partly because I just got done writing an essay on California State history. It was about the economic, social, and political maturation of the state between 1850 and 1920. I had fun comparing it to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". I love that show.

I watched idol yesterday. I wasn't happy with the judges remarks about my little buddy, David A. Hopefully they'll stop hatin' on him...haha.

Bella has been a good girl, playing most of the day. Yay for that.

Way too much stuff....

2008-03-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

We had a very nice Easter Sunday. I know I haven't posted pictures, but that's mainly because...(okay totally because) we didn't take any. Bella did have a pretty white Easter dress though. We went to a new church that is only 4yrs old for the morning. I liked it a lot, but I'm sorda skeptical on whether we will stay only due to the fact that they have a huge congregation already. It's an amazingly impressive building with everything that a church needs as far as I'm concerned...but I just don't see us adding much to them ourselves. It's great to go and learn, but I'd like to be in a church where we know the regular attenders/members and can get plugged in a little more. They do have a bunch of small group Bible studies, etc. so maybe if we try those out...?? We'll see. Dorian and I have decided to give it another try next Sunday when they don't have to put on the Easter cherade. Maybe the congregation is smaller than we think.

The message was on John 3:16, which at first I was thinking was rediculously redundant, but then the pastor began to show us how it related to Easter. In fact, he showed us how it kinda was what Easter was all about...just summarized and very quickly. My favorite part of the message (call me immature still) was the part where the pastor compared salvation to the "nuralizer" from "Men in Black" and we watched the video clip. (God erases the horrible person we were and re-invents our personas). There was also a neat dramatization, so I guess that they have a drama team as well. The music was mostly familiar--a good blend of upbeat contemprary ones, and an upbeat hymn, (I think the one they revitalized was "It is Well With My Soul"). I wish my parents could have heard the new ones...maybe they already have, but of course, who knows.

Bella got a pretty Easter decoration along with all the other babies in the nursery. I can't wait until she's old enough to color and decorate her own things in Sunday School.

Anyway, we shall return next Sunday, and hopefully either get plugged in more, or decide that it's not for us. We'd like to grow with a church, not just become members of an already large congregation.

I've had a nasty cold (and Bella too) the past week. Yesterday was very interesting....for two reasons.

1. I had my first car accident. Yes, I almost cried.

* I was driving in the parking lot at school and turning left. I couldn't right away see around the bend, and there was another car going at a good rate of speed up to the stop sign. The space is small, and all the spots were filled. Anyway, she barely touched my car (inflicting no damage), but as an effort to get out of her way I moved more to the right, scraping the front right headlight corner against a truck trailer that was parked and sticking out into the road a little. There was more damage to my car, because the front headlight area has a little dent and scratch, but the main thing is that the blinker flickers faster when you turn right now. If it were my car, I'd think it was kinda funny, but since it's not, I feel terrible. I got some paint on the back right bumper of the truck that I hit, so I left a note on the window with my name and number. I'm hopeing they don't call....=(

2. My pen decided to explode in class. This is probably the 2nd or third time this has happened in my life. I had black ink all over my right hand, and had to ask a classmate to borrow one of his pens.

3. Bella was especially cranky due to her cold yesterday, so when I got back home, it didn't take but a couple of hours before I had a major headache.

Needless to say...I had a bad day yesterday...lol.

Hopefully today will be better. It's only 6:30am...so I have a long way to go! Haha.

Idol

2008-03-18T09:19:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. I don't have too much to say today, but here goes:

Dorian's at work, and since I'm on Spring Break...I'm bored...haha.

He cut my hair and dyed it...yes, Dorian. You can probably tell from the new pictures I'm about to post.

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, and Bella sported her green with a shirt and headband. She's not too Irish, but we avoided the pinches, just in case.

I hardly ever write about this, but I'm totally getting into American Idol season 7. I just want everyone out there to vote for David A., because I've decided that he's awesome. Gotta love people that come from a musical background, and who can play piano. I'm a fan. (Yes, I'm aware that the media probably hypes him up more than anyone else, and that he's been on "Star Search", etc...but that's because he deserves it. Apparently, he's been working hard, and I think that hard workers deserve the gravy. Maybe that's why I can identify with him, it takes a lot of guts to go up there and sing your heart out...and you can tell he's nervous...which I always am too. Anyway, thus is my shout-out to David. May the country vote for you! =)

2008-03-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Bella is 4 months today!!! Oh, Hap-Happer, how you've grown!

I'm extremely excited, because now she's allowed to start eating rice-cereal!!!! We're going to wait until tomorrow though to give her her first spoon-fed feeding. Dorian is also excited. He can't wait.

We're going to try to video the above mentioned feeding tomorrow...so stay tuned. I'll upload a couple 4 month pictures until then.

By the way, for all of you jealous Mid-westerners...it's 80 degrees outside today, and sunny...*wink!*

Pictures Galore.

2008-03-12T13:27:00.001-07:00

Spring family photo.

Bella and Mommie

"Baby Powder Makes Me Smell Like A Pretty Spring Flower!"

Bella & Grandpa Enrique

Bella with her Pretty Dress

Bella & "Geranamo"

Hi everyone,

Tomorrow Bella will be 4 months old, so we took some pictures today. I guess by "some", I really mean "a lot".

Here are the stats from the doctor's yesterday:

Bella weighs: 14lbs 15oz

Bella's height: 25in

She's in the 50th percentile...perfect in every way.

New activities include:

Grabbing her toys

Drooling...I think she's getting ready for her teeth.

Bringing toys, etc. directly to her mouth.

Trying to participate in conversations (more).

Getting super excited when people come home, and bouncing her arms out of her excitement.

Today's just a lazy day I guess. I'm not sure what tomorrow brings, but I think I'll use this post to showcase some good photos. Bella's new favorite toy is her giraffe, which plays music for her...I'll make sure it is one of the ones I post. We've appropriately named him "Giranamo".

Update again...

2008-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Haha...what a punk face....

My "Hap-Happer" (My happy girl)

Wow, it's been a while. Of course, this was all unintentional. I'd like to say I've been super busy, but I haven't. I guess I just wasn't in the mood to update the blog until now.

Bella has some new things that I, too, greatly admire. The first of these is her new boppy. She's had it now for a couple of weeks, and it's definately a life-saver. Last week, she also got a play gym. Now this is interesting, because she only likes the boy ones so far. They're the ones with all of the bright colors, as oppossed to the pinks and pastels. So we got her one that is like an aquarium. It has the bright colors...and isn't necessarily boy-ish.

However, this past week, she got some of the cutest clothes I've ever seen for a baby. I still have yet to take her picture in them, but trust me on this one...they're great. My personal favorite piece (no, I'm still not quite a fashionista) is her leapord print coat. It's adorable. She has lepoard print shoes to match, along with the cutest little brown pants with ties and scrunched up ruffles. I'll be sure to post a pic when we get one.

Yesterday Bella bumped her head on her stroller. She was so angry that she threw her head back in her fit, and bumped it a little. I don't think there will even be a bruise, but when she did it, it got red as there was a small mark. Poor baby.

School's going pretty well. My teacher for statistics is still driving me crazy, but what do you know, the world just works that way I guess.

We had a pretty windy storm last week, and so Dorian went to mend the fence in the backyard that was partially blown down. It was a lot of work for him, and because he didn't know where the hammer was, he used this metal pole to smack the nails into the wood. Trust me, it was work for him...and he mostly had to do it alone with the exception of me holding some planks here and there. He's hoping the wind won't be like that again any time soon.

That's about all of the random news I can think to add. The weather has (other than the storm) been really nice, and I can't believe it's only March. It looks like May or June back home.

3 Months Old!!!

2008-02-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

Today Bella is 3 months old!!! She is wearing a pretty new dress, and is sitting here on my lap watching me type. I can't believe I don't have a newborn anymore...she's growing up so fast already!

Bella has completed everything she should be able to do by this time and more. She's a professional eye-tracker, smiles on command, supports her head well, and can almost already sit up on her own. Her hand-eye coordination is improving, and she loves listening to music. Today she was doing her tummy-time on the bed with the boom box singing along to "Hoedown from 'Rodeo'", and Rossini's "William Tell Overature". They are on a CD I have called 'Good Music for Little Guys'. It's so cute that she thinks she can sing already. She enjoys anything with a strong beat that has contrast. The quieter or slower parts of a song she still misses out on, but once she hears a fast tempo or a loud timpani she's all ears. It also helps that the boom box lights up.

I don't know what is in store for today, but the room is clean and the laundry is done...so I'm going to spend some good mommy-Bella time today. Hurray for my little princess!!!

Photos.

2008-02-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad this morning is over. The hardest days to wake up are Tuesdays, after being in class on Monday nights! Bella's been a good girl today...so we took a couple of new pictures. The first picture I think is pretty, so I posted it. In the second...well, I just had to put it up, It's the most serious face ever! I couldn't stop laughing. The third demonstrates progression: her blowing bubbles...a new favorite activity.

Ehh...

2008-02-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

What a girl!

Yesterday we had a very nice Sunday. The whole family went to "John's Incredible Pizza", and pizza place/arcade. There are go-carts, games, bumper cars...it's kinda like a little version of Chuck-e-cheese. They have the "Deal or No Deal" game there, which was so crowded I didn't get a chance to play...but I really want to next time! Anyway, I was glad to get out. Although, me and Dorian's go-cart was like the slowest one...lol. I still have tickets saved up for the next time we go!!! Yes, I am going to get one sweet prize.

Today was busy, and I still have to go to my other class, so it's not over yet. Bella has been a good girl all day, and is currently sleeping again, hence I can write this. I figured out how to log into the computers at the library, so that makes me happy. Maybe I'll write my next blog entry at school, who knows!

Toy!!!

2008-02-09T12:15:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Bella did two new things that I haven't seen her do before. She can pick up a small toy now. I was so happy for her, that the first time I clapped for her out of excitement, she got scared and cried. Poor princess...life is so hard for a little baby...haha. You should see her face, it's so concentrated when she's "in the zone" of doing things with her hands. I've gotta get a good picture of it. Maybe I'll try to capture it on a picture or video later. The other thing, is that I saw her rub her eyes for the first time. She obviously was quite a tired little girl.

Today so far has been like most other days. Bella slept a little more last night, and so it was nice to get some extra rest for a change. She's sleeping right now, again...which I find interesting, because she hasn't slept that much in a while. We went to the store this morning, and I saw all the Valentines Day balloons, etc. That made me happy to see the store so pretty...yes, the unfortunate higlight of my day so far...haha.

As Promised.

2008-02-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

Bella playing on bed.

Bella watching Youtube videos. Notice the concentration level: high.

Me and Bella.

As promised, a couple of newer pictures of Bella. I don't have a lot of computer time, because I hope to finish the laundry and clean the room before Dorian comes back! Yay for not having classes today!

New Stuff...

2008-02-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got a ride to school because there wasn't a car available due to Dorian's brothers both working the night shifts. I got to spend time with my new friend Patty though, as she drove me. She is super nice, and after we took our exam (which was very easy, and thus made my day) she came over to see the baby. I'm glad I have at least one new friend at school!

In Bella news, there have been a couple of new things. The other day, she had what I would consider to be her first laugh. It was so cute. She smiles a lot, and she LOVES to listen to music. Youtube is her best friend right now. We choose music that has a lot of colors on the screen, such as Veggie Tales or (believe it or not) Justin Timberlake. For some reason, she really likes a couple of those. Don't worry, they're not the bad ones...haha.

Today we had quite the morning. Bella is starting to do things with her hands like try and grab her bottle or hit swinging things. Everything gets pulled to her mouth, of course. I don't know if she has officially "discovered her hands", because there's no hand-eye contact, but she definitely is trying to make an effort. However, her new thing is blowing spit bubbles. Oh..man! She smiles really big after she does it, as if she knows she's being funny. I have yet to capture it on video, but when I do, be sure to notice. She has been doing it all morning.

Tomorrow I don't have class...yay! This is good for many reasons. One of them being sleeping in, and taking charge of Bella for the night. Dorian's been up with her the past couple of nights due to my schooling.

That's it for now...I took new pictures, but am on the wrong computer to upload them...so I'll have to upload them later today or tomorrow.

Copy-cat.

2008-02-01T10:52:00.001-08:00

I know, I already posted for today...but I saw that Mary had a video...and I just had to copy her. Her baby is so cute, and I just wanted to see if I could post a video too! (Mary, I hope you excuse the "copy cat" that I am!)

Anyway, here's Bella playing. Unlike Emily, she loves tummy-time!

Fire at PMA

2008-02-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

So I heard the other day that the Phi Mu Alpha house had cought fire. Everyone was okay, and the house is repairable, but it apparently gave everyone a scare back at IWU. Good thing the SAIs were there to give the guys some place to stay for the night. Now, even with as many things as I don't like about the IWU chapter of SAI at the moment, I can at least say that. And even though there are some people with whom I'm extremely angry, I am also proud of the fact that my sisters could lend a hand. I guess they're putting the boys in temporary housing...and hopefully giving them some extra cash to replace what was lost. There are pictures of the damage on facebook, on some of the boys' profiles. They're calling it "The Great PMA Fire of 2008."

Today, Bella woke up hot and sweaty, and so I'm letting her play without blankets in her bed for a while. She seems pretty happy with the idea in general. Dorian stayed up all night with her again last night, in order to let me sleep. (This, of course, I thought was very cute!) Anyway, I hope the day as it goes on will lighten up, as it's already dark and rainy outside. Bella and I shall get in some good mommy-daughter time!

In Home Vist.

2008-01-30T11:45:00.000-08:00

Dorian's cousin, Nayeli and Bella, taken yesterday.

Above is Bella looking like a "big girl".

Good afternoon, all!

Well, things are back to normal this week so far. Over the weekend, we visited some cousins' houses and pretty much let loose after the funeral on Friday. It was so pretty. Some of the grandkids let white doves go at the ceremony. A weird note: if that was my funeral, I'd be pretty impressed!

So classes have started again for the week. School is getting a little more "rutine", you might say. So far in statistics we are graphing data on histograms, and continuing to add terms to our notes. In California State History, we have learned a few random facts, and were assigned to read two chapters out of our textbook, and take notes for an upcoming quiz on Monday.

Yesterday was really a neat experience for me and Bella. Apparently, there is something really neat about this state that I had not noticed until yesterday. I got a call from the hospital yesterday from a nurse who told me that she would like to come to the house for an "in home visit". They have them for all first-time mommies! I'm pretty sure (or at least never heard of) that being standard in Illinois. I thought it was so "old-fashionedly" cool! Bella got her weight, length, temperature, heart, and lungs checked. She weighs 12lbs 5oz now, and is 25in long! Yes, my little Bella is growing up. She will also talk to you now, and smile when you talk to her. The other day, she made a word/noice that sounded like "hot". It was so cute. I'm a very lucky mommy!

Unwind.

2008-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

So I know that it's been over a week again, but that is mostly due to the fact that Dorian's gramma went to heaven on Friday, the 18th. Over the past week there have been a lot of family members here, and the funeral was yesterday.

She had been doing well on Thursday, because that night apparently she started breathing on her own. But in the morning that followed, she went, without pain they say, and didn't wake up again.

I know she's in a better place now, so at least that makes me happy. And her funeral was also very pretty. At least she got to see her great granddaughter before she left us. I will miss her stories and how I could talk to her whenever something wasn't going right. She was very traditional in her views, which greatly influenced her opinions, but sometimes that was also a good thing. In any case, she was very loved, and it was a difficult past week.

I also started school on Tuesday, and it has been going well. I haven't really met any new friends, but I assume that is partly due to the fact that my statistics class starts at 8am, and everyone's tired. It's a full, but pretty quiet class. Since I took AP Stats in high school, and didn't take the AP test (due to the fact that Wesleyan didn't accept statistics as a formal reasoning class...go figure...), I feel a little bored, but at least it's not hard. On Monday, I'll be starting my California state history class...which should be a little more of a challenge, since I know nothing about state history out here.

Bella has been smiling a lot lately, and tries to talk to people when they hold her now. Apparently, she thinks she's a "big girl", and would like to join in the conversations. One of the days we were at the hospital for Dorian's gramma, and a nurse passed by. With a suprised look, she said, "Look at that!". Of course, my first thought was that she was saying that because she saw a cute baby...but in reality she was expressing her suprise that Bella could hold her head up pretty well. She's a strong baby, loves tummy time, and is very interactive with people, so I guess those are contributers to her early development. I'm happy, because she is very smart and has great progressing skills when it comes to being ahead in baby development, but also sad because my little princess is already growing up too fast.

My grandma Bastian emailed me a nice email about what she has been up to so far this month. She also informed me that it was -11 degrees yesterday. That made me smile, seeing as it's around 50 here most days. I do, however, get to see snow on top of the mountains every morning as I'm driving to school, so it's really really pretty!

Today we are unwinding from all of the hype of the past week, and are trying to settle back into a pattern of normality. Bella just finished her bottle and was changed. Right now she's staring at the computer as I type kicking her little feet like a happy girl. I really liked having all of the family here, but am secretly glad that there won't be as many dishes and things to clean up after, and that the house is quiet once again!

Two Months Old Today!

2008-01-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

Today Bella has reached that great milestone of 2 months. Of course she doesn't realize it, but that means she has accomplished some very hard things to overcome. She is way ahead in her development, so I say she's going to be a very smart girl!

On December 30th she rolled over from her tummy to her back for the first time. She now loves rolling, but for right now, it's only in that direction. Good thing too, or she'd be rolling all over! So for now all we have to do is make sure she's on her back, and she's not going anywhere. She is quite a strong baby though!

She also smiles every day now. And I think she knows how to do it herself now, because she responds to happiness with smiles...ESPECIALLY from her daddy. She LOVES to play with him. Bella already loves music and dancing with her daddy.

Eye tracking is what I would consider really good at this point. She automaticly follows people with her eyes, and can track side to side, as well as up and down. I love looking in the baby parenting books and reading about how they shouldnt be able to do that until about 3 months...but she already can. It makes me feel really good.

Today, on her 2 month birthday, Bella woke up exploring as usual. When I came to pick her up, she smiled at me, and started talking to me. I changed her and fed her before giving her a bath. There are still many family members here, and more coming all the time. Of course the circumstances are still horrible, but at least today will be a little brighter.

The news on Dorian's gramma is pretty much the same. I guess they've decided to let her go if nothing improves by tomorrow. So the family is pretty heartbroken and sad right now. Like I said in my last post, I'm trying to separate those sad feelings and only have them when I visit the hospital, because I don't want to be sad all the time.

Anyway, we plan to spend the rest of the day with family and think positive. Keep praying that Dorian's abuelita wakes up soon.

Happy (?) New Year.

2008-01-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

A couple of quick updates:

We had a pretty quiet but good new year. People came over and watched TV. Bella went to sleep early. However, with the new year came quite a sudden blow. A few days after, Dorian's grandmother went into the hospital and is now in a coma. Family has been pouring in from all directions from Mexico, to Indiana, and other parts of California. I don't know every detail, but I know she went in because she had water in her lungs, and after an incident at the hospital had a whole bunch more problems. She is currently being run by machines, and I could never want that for anyone. Please pray for her, and Dorian's family.

I've been in to see her a few times, and tried not to cry, but have given in every time. She was, for a time, the only grandmother I could talk to, because my family back in Illinois has been angry at me since I came here. I can't believe that only a few days ago, she was in the kitchen talking to everyone. She has such good stories, and I hope to God that he will bring everyone here a miracle by letting her wake up.

Otherwise, the three of us have been good. Dorian's brothers have celebrated their 20th and 23rd birthdays (on the 8th and today, the 12th) and Bella has been a good girl. She got two new dresses from Dorian's cousin who came from Indiana, and they're so cute!

I also had my post-partum appointment a couple of days ago, and everything is going nicely for me. Apparently, I'm pretty well healed up since having Bella.

Above is a picture I think you'll enjoy. Hopefully it will bring light to the situation we are finding ourselves in with Abuelita.

New Hats!

2007-12-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

Today has been a really good day so far. I uploaded a video onto facebook of Bella for my brother, and she got two new hats from her gramma! I never knew she knew how to knit...but apparently it's one of her (many) hidden talents.

I cleaned a lot today and feel very accomplished from what I have done. Bella has been a good girl today, and we got a break last night, because she stayed with her grandma. She also has new bottles that are shaped exactly like her pacifers...those things are amazing, because now she likes her binky (pacifier) more. This is something mommy likes VERY much!!!

Christmas

2007-12-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ugh...I'm having so much trouble keeping up with this thing!

Anyway, Christmas has already come and gone. I won't say it's been the easiest Christmas I've ever had, but what I can say is that it has been an establishing one. Being away from home has been difficult this year, but it was good to have an independent Christmas as well. I even watched skating on TV, which made me feel happy. I have to get back on the ice soon, before I go crazy! =)

Bella has been her normal self, as you can imagine, and on Christmas day turned 6weeks old. I have to go back in for my "post" doctor's appointment soon. For Christmas, Bella got a really pretty dress and shoes, as well as cute earings. They're diamond stud ones. I'm sure my family at home will freak out over this...just wait until I hear what they have to say about it...lol.

I talked to both my brother and grandma on Christmas, and was very glad to hear from them. Apparently my cousin made a bunch of sweets for Christmas, and went nuts baking. From what I heard, people had to take home pies, squares, and an assortment of small cakes and cookies afterward!

All in all, we look forward soon to 2008, and I hope everyone reading this had a very Merry Christmas!

1 Month Old!!!

2007-12-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Apparently I'm getting worse at this whole "lets keep up the blog" thing. Hopefully things will go in a better direction from here.

Yesterday Bella had her 1 month birthday! She is definitely keeping up with drinking her bottles, and that is pretty much all she wants for Christmas this year. "Santa: I'd like my stocking to be full of bottles, please!"

We have quite a pretty Christmas tree up in the house now, and Isabella LOVES it. She stares at it night and day, and as long as her diaper is changed and her tummy is full, the Christmas tree will keep her occupied.

Also yesterday Bella got presents from Jenna & John. She got a bunch of clothes, a Christmas spoon ordiment, and a little stuffed frog-prince. Perfect for the little princess that she is.

Well, to be honest, there hasn't been any "big" news since Thanksgiving. I did register for school at Bakersfield College for the spring semester. I'm definitely excited about that!

Otherwise, just keepin' on keepin' on. Bella gets bigger every day! =)

1 week old! (And a day)

2007-11-21T15:42:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is my due date, and let me tell you...I'm so happy I didn't have to wait that long! Bella would be almost 8lbs if she would have taken the full 40 weeks! It was kinda cool to be due on Thanksgiving, but I'm glad I actually can share Thanksgiving with everyone, instead of being in the hospital.

Bella came home on Monday at around 4pm. She's been such a good baby, and she only cries when she needs something. She sleeps most of the day, and her favorite thing to do right now is explore her surroundings after her bottle. We've had quite a bit of family over to see her over the past couple of days, and practically everyone has seen her asleep. I'm hoping Thanksgiving will show her true colors...haha.

Our first night home (Monday night) was one of the longest nights ever, but an adventure all the same. Dorian and I took turns feeding her, changing her, and comforting her every couple of hours. I think he actually was awake more than I was though, because anytime she even whimpered he shot up out of bed to see what she needed. He's taking to the Daddy thing really well. Sometimes I can see he's frustrated (anyone would be with how often she wakes up), but he's always patient with her, and she loves to cuddle with him.

Breastfeeding has been particularly difficult for Bella and Mommy, because she had been in the NICU for her whole first week. She LOVES her bottle, and gets very upset when I try to feed her otherwise. We're still working on it, and I'm trying to not give up. We'll see how the next few days progress.

Yesterday Bella was 1 week old, and had to go see the pediatrician. Man, was THAT interesting. We had to work through a bunch of paperwork to get her enrolled, and then we waited for quite a bit more time before being called. I didn't like being in the waiting room, because there were a lot of kids there, and I really didn't want her to get sick. We made a "bio-dome" out of her car seat with a thick blanket, so I'm hoping that helped.

When it was time to weigh her and take her temperature, Bella was the most cranky I've ever seen her. She got MAD! Although, I don't blame her. I wouldn't want my temperature taken in my rear either. She is the same length, but weighs 7lbs 13oz now (up 3 oz from birth). When she was being weighed, she was so feisty that she scratched her face, yet again, and left quite a mark. I wasn't happy about it, because everyone wanted to know why she had a scratch on her face. It's much better today though, practically gone, thank goodness. Other than that, her doctor's appointment was completely normal, and was accompanied by a whole list of the "do's and don'ts" that we've heard over and over in the NICU.

Today is a lazy day of getting paperwork together, and taking care of little details that weren't ironed out before. We feel much better, and we'll be enjoying Thanksgiving tomorrow! Too bad Bella's turkey will taste a lot like formula!

3 Days Old!

2007-11-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

So we just got back from visiting Bella again. We got to hold her and feed her this time! And yes, we took more pictures. Tomorrow we get to go and give her a bath! I'm definitely feeing separation anxiety now. I totally cried tonight when I had to leave her. The good thing is that we found out yesterday that she will be coming home Monday morning.

Tomorrow Dorian and I will be cleaning and sanitizing everything in the room...lots of work. I'll be washing her clothes and her no-scratch mittens...which we bought today and are my personal favorite item. We also bought her bunny socks and pacifiers and little ribbons. It was a good day for all 3 of us!!

Baby Bella: Being Born!!!

2007-11-14T19:58:00.000-08:00

My labor story:

Hi everyone! I know you all want to know exactly what happened (especially those of you who still are expecting) so here goes!

At about midnight on Sunday (Nov. 11), I went to sleep feeling just like always. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for Monday morning. I woke up around 4:15am...and there was water everywhere...my water completly broke. No warning signs, no plug, no prior discharge. But I knew...time to go to the hospital anyway. I hadn't felt any contractions, but the water just kept coming out! Dorian's aunt came and drove us to the hospital, where I was admitted about an hour later. I wasn't contracting, so they took their time admitting me...go figure. Haha. Anyway, it was kind of embarrassing sitting with a towel under me the whole way, and everywhere I walked and went!

At around 5:30, they ran an IV, and at 6 they gave me pitocin...time to induce contractions, since my water had broken. I was in labor for six hours with what felt like menstral cramps at the beginning, to really bad contractions, when I finally asked for the epidural. The epidural itself didn't hurt or anything...it was NOTHING compared to the contractions. Trust me, by the time you ask for the epidural...it's a waaay better choice. I was at 4cm & 80% effaced when I got it. For the next hour or two, I felt great. I even let Dorian leave to go get something to eat. But by the time his mom and him got back, I could feel my right side...not good. So a little later, they gave me some Demerol along with something to keep me from being nautious, and I felt a little better. They had to wait a little while before they could give me another epidural...so yay...I had to go through contractions until then, which wasn't fun again. Dorian was the best coach ever, and I don't think any daddy could have done better. He helped me focus, and I found that when he put his hand on my forehead and rubbed it hard, it was easier to deal with the pain. After I finally got another epidural (I was 7cm & 90% effaced), I actually slept for a couple of hours. When I woke up again, I was fully dilated. The nurse could feel her head already, so 20 minutes later of some seriously hard pushing, I got her out!

While I was working on getting her head out, sometime, I had an epistotomy. I didn't even feel it, as you can possibly imagine.

When she came out, Dorian cut her cord, and the nurses let her rest on my chest for a few seconds, then took her to be cleaned, and doctor stitched me up! I think he took quite a few stitches, because I seem to remember it taking a long time. At least my second epidural worked, because I didn't really feel him stitch me either.

So overall, 18hrs of labor. Isabella Christine was born on November 13th 2007 at 12:45 pacific standard time, weighing 7lbs 10oz. She was 20 inches long, 10 days early, and she looks beautiful!

The Update:

I just got home, and Bella is still in the (NICU) at the hospital, because I also had developed a fever that I didn't even really know about while I was having her. They are running anti-biotics through her system for a few days just in case. So I'm home, and we're running back and forth to the hospital to see her now.

We took 2 pictures of her while she's still at the hospital, but I'm sure there will be many more to come.

That's the story and the update! If you read it all, that's awesome!!! I know it was a lot. But I'm a mommy now!!!

<3>

37 Week Appointment

2007-11-05T18:13:00.001-08:00

I woke up today in total ignorance of the fact that the time changed back to standard. It was quite funny, because I showed up to my doctor's appointment 1hr early!

My doctor's appointment today went unusually normal. My blood pressure is still up, but it didn't seem to concern them as much as before. I saw Dr. Luu, a different one than before, and he checked the baby's heartbeat (all good). Then he told me that I'll need to have blood taken, and do a 24hr urine sample to monitor protein. I was upset that I had to do more "tests", but I guess that's better than being induced. I'm under the impression that it's better that babies come when they want to. So this gives us more time, and now I can actually go to King City for the quinceañera. He said nothing about bedrest, so I think that means I can actually do stuff, but I'm not going to push myself. I plan to take it easy, because I want to go to the party on Saturday.

I talked to my friend on the phone today, and I got to hear her little baby over the phone. He's such a quiet and good one! She's a lucky mommy! I already know...mine is going to be a loud cranky princess! I get this idea from the "what goes around, comes around" theory, meaning: I was a cranky baby.

So tomorrow is the start of another week. We continue to wait some more.

Baby Stats this week:
My weight = 145lbs, down 1lb from last week (?!) *Total gained 26lbs during preggo*
My blood pressure = 152/79
Baby's heart beat = 140bpm
Fundal Height=37cm
Baby Movement = good & normal.
EDD = 11/22/07

Catch up!

2007-11-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

So I've been kind of "out of it" as far as the blogging goes, and I should have kept the updating going, but I've been a little more busy than I anticipated.

On Tuesday, I went to the doctor again. They took my weight, and I was suprised to find out that I had gained 5lbs in only one week! This is especially strange because I've been having trouble gaining the "normal" 5lbs/month. I figured, "Well, baby's finally catching up at the last minute!". However, next I took my blood pressure again, hoping it would be much better than last week. Boy was I wrong. It was a rediculous 151/93. So as soon as I went in to see the doctor, they had me lie down for another few minutes, and came in to take it again. I was definitely worried. When the 2nd time around came, it had gone all the way down to 116/73, which is normal, but a drastic difference. The doctor was not happy to see that I had gained so much weight in one week, and that my BP keeps changing. I was given an information sheet about Pregnancy Induced Hypertention (PIH), and I was told that I have to be on bedrest until Monday. I also had the unfortunate lab results coming back from the previous week telling me that I'm anemic now...so I have to take more iron...great. The baby sounded good though, so luckily none of this has effected her as far as we know. At my next appointment, I have to go in and see a different doctor, who will tell me that I may have to be induced if my blood pressure conditions do not improve.

As you can imagine, all of this had me pretty worried, since everything up until this point has been normal and great. The good thing is, that if I do get induced, the doctor says that labors with high blood pressure usually go fast...so I'm looking forward to getting it overwith.

So it's been fun doing nothing in bed this week. =(. Luckily Halloween was Wednesday, and I did go and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. There were definitely some cute costumes! We had planned on carving a pumpkin, but unfortunately waited until the day of to buy one...and they were all ready out of the stores by the time we got there. Oh well, next year, we'll be more prepared!

The rest of the week has been pretty quiet. We're going to buy a travel system (and maybe more stuff depending on what the doc says) on Monday.

So my next update should be Monday, unless something happens on or before that! Hopefully my BP will go down, and everything's going to be great! Baby Bella may be here sooner than we think! =)

Baby Stats this week:
My weight = 146lbs. (Up 27lbs since beginning of preggo).
My blood pressure = Changing all the time. 151/93, then 116/73.
Baby's heart beat = 140bpm.
Fundal Height 36cm.
Baby Movement = good and normal.
EDD = 11/22/07....unless induced.

~Steph

Baby Shower!

2007-10-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, I was under the impression that family from King City was coming. There was a planned get-together at Dorian's aunt's house, and I was told it was another family member's birthday. But I was misinformed...by my own creative Dorian!

We had spent the morning out shopping for things we needed, and I got two new shirts, some new underclothes (thanks to baby, I'm getting bigger uptop), and Dorian got a new shirt. We also went out to lunch at Wendy's and enjoyed the 4th rainy day since I've been here. That's right 4th rainy day since we came in April! Anyway, it was a good distraction...because I was already happy I got some new things.

When we came home, we changed our clothes, and Dorian cut his hair. He even put on nice dress shoes, which I should have definitely noticed...seeing as the last time he put on dress shoes was like last year. I just thought he was actually listening to me and dressing all studly since he got a new shirt and took the time to cut his hair for the "birthday" party.

When we got to his aunt's house, I walked in and when they were all like "¡sorpresa!", I was confused. The whole front of the house was decorated in pink baby shower decorations, and people were everywhere. All of the women had little nametags and pins with little ribbons and bottle decorations on them. Almost as soon as I walked in, Dorian's mom put this huge bow on me, and the games began. The other women there were playing games, and won prizes for each game. There was a game where everyone had to guess how big I was around using toliet paper, a winner for the first person who came (which I wasn't there for), a game with clothespins where with one hand they had to pick up however many they could one at a time, and my personal favorite: the game where they had to bend over and stick bows of toliet paper on their butts as high as they could...!!! Yes, there are pictures of all these games on my myspace site.

I recieved so many gifts, and many of them were helpful. They were all so pretty. I have quite an array of sizes of clothes, an entire crib set, baby bottle cleaners, wipes, baby oil, baby powder, baby shampoo & bath stuff, soft hairbrush & comb, shoes, recieving blankets, bibs, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff! Tia Martha made my cake, and it was sooo good...peach flavored! I'm not a cake person, as most of you know, but this was definitely tastey! The men & rest of the guys were outside while all of this was going on, on the patio, so I made sure to stop by and thank them for bringing their wives and everything. Thank-you to everyone that came, and especially to Dorian's mom, Tia Martha, and Gabby for putting so much effort and time into setting up, cooking, decorating and hosting the shower. And as always, a huge thank-you to my Bebi, Dorian, for distracting me and coming along to something I know wasn't a guy's "cup-of-tea". Thank-you cards will be sent out ASAP.

Baby is going to have so many comfy clothes and goodies when she comes into the world!

Pictures from the shower are in an album on my myspace page: www.myspace.com/sing_skate_dance_live2

~Steph

Appointment Today!

2007-10-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

So I had my doctor's appointment today at 2:30. I got there on time, and drank that horrible orange stuff that you have to drink after not eating for a while. Ugh..it always takes me a few minutes to drink the whole thing. Then they told me to come back to the lab after an hour as usual to draw blood. Great...bleh.

So then I went to get my blood pressure & weight taken. My weight was good and up at 141lbs, which is 22lbs total gained since the start of my pregnancy. When I went to get my blood pressure taken, everything seemed normal during the test, so I went to wait for the doctor.

When the doctor got into the room, I had a strep B test done, then she measured me, felt for where the baby's head and rest of her body was, and then took her heartbeat. Everything normal. However, near the end of the appointment, the doctor told me that my blood pressure was 145/83 which is high. This has never happened in my life, and seemed weird and suprised me, so they took it again and had me lay on my left side. This time it was much better at 121/73. The doctor told me to make sure I lay down on my left side a few times a day to keep it down just in case the reason my BP was up was not just because of nervousness.

The best part about taking my blood today was that my nurse this time was super nice. I SERIOUSLY think that when nurses/doctors talk to you and just poke you without saying anything that it's better. I was having a conversation, and before I knew it, it was over. Unlike the last time, where my nurse (a different one) was all like "ready?" and I flinched, and blood went in all directions, which made things hurt more, and just made everything harder. This time, I declare, was much better!

So everything was great, and I'm going back tomorrow for some kind of evaluation of my care or something like that, but not seeing the doctor. I'm so happy everything is going as well as it is.

The stats again in numeric form:
My weight 141lbs, up 22lbs from start of preggo.
My blood pressure= 121/73
Baby's heart beat = 136bpm
Fundal Height= 34cm (13.39in)
Baby Movement= good and normal.
EDD=11/22/07

In other news, I got back home, and after telling Dorian about my Dr.'s App., I logged onto MySpace, to find out that my friend had her baby! Candice had her little baby, a boy, named William on Thursday! Congrats!!! I can't wait to hear your story!!!

~Steph

30 days to go!

2007-10-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

So today has been a really slow day. I especially hate Mondays because when Dorian leaves to go to work, I feel those little separation anxiety butterflies in my stomach of waking up without him here. I watched TV to keep myself company until about 6 when I couldn't take anymore of the horrible early-morning talk shows and fell back asleep, to wake up again around 10. I ate some pancakes for breakfast in the morning, and then cleaned the room and finished doing other little chores around the house.

Later I decided to call the doctor's office to schedule an alternate appointment at a better time for Dorian. I asked them if I was going to get another ultrasound, because nobody had mentioned it, and a lot of soon-to-be mommies on the CafeMom site said they had had 2-3 ultrasounds by now. I guess everyone's doctor or clinic is different, because they told me that unless the doctor sees anything wrong, there is no need for another one, and insurance doesn't cover it. To this, I have to say "grr!!". We were both really looking forward to seeing the baby one more time before she is born. You would think that THIS would be the most critical time to get one...but who knows. Maybe tomorrow, I'll be able to talk to the doctor myself and see if she can let me have another one or "find a reason" to let me have another one...such as checking on her growth, etc.

Oh, and another thing...I have to take yet another blood test tomorrow. I think I also posted some "hate" about this on myspace, because I'm seriously sick of all the blood tests. This "routine" one is another glucose one to check for diabetes yet again. You would think that if I haven't developed diabetes or gestational diabetes by now, that I won't...but NOOOO, they just have to check again, and put another bruise on my arm!

So I'll put the "stats" up tomorrow when I know them about my weight, the baby's estimated weight & size, heart beats per min, etc. Only 30 more days to go until due date!!!

Hello Blogspot!

2007-10-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, and welcome to what we hope will be an updated blog page. Here's the place where you can always keep up and keep in touch with what's happening with us! There will be further blogs in the future, along with photos and other stories that we think you, the reader, will be interested in. Hope to hear from you soon!

-Dorian, Steph, & baby-to-come