Spooktacular Surprise!

Everett opened his very first gift today. Thank you Grandma and Grandma Guajardo for the Halloween goodies, Everett loves it all AND had a blast opening it; he especially liked the tissue paper. :)

Fall Favorites

This survey was challenging for me, since I don't often have favorites (a pet peeve for my love, Deona).

Everett 10-20-08

1.) Favorite Smell... Definitely pumpkin pie, cinnamon.

2) Favorite Food at Thanksgiving... homemade mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and rolls.

3.) Favorite color... my favorite is typically green, but during the holidays, its red; I love all of the colors that the trees start to turn.

4.) Favorite drink... I’ve never been a fan of hot drinks so that eliminates hot apple cider and not a fan of Eggnog or lattes. So to answer this question truthfully, I’d have to answer Pepsi (or margaritas). :)

5.) Favorite Treat...pumkin roll (with cream cheese).

6.) Favorite place to visit... Usually, I stay close to home, but really miss Thanksgivings at my mom and dads in Austin.

7.) Favorite Candy... Almond Joys, all year 'round!

8.) Favorite movie to watch...Hm... during this time of the year, I’d have to say oldies like, "My Fair Lady”, “Singing in the Rain” or Disney movies.

9.) Favorite clothing to wear...Well, I'd have to say big, comfy sweatshirts/pants or Flannels.

10.) Favorite Outdoor Activity... I love going to pumpkin patches and camping in the fall.

11.) Favorite Football Team... Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns.

12.) Favorite Fall Holiday...both Halloween and Thanksgiving, for two very different reasons. A note to those who don’t consider Halloween a holiday: get over it…it’s for no other reason than to have fun with your kids/loved ones.

13.) Favorite Haunted Place…I’d have to say the “Haunted Mansion” at Disneyworld. Well, even though we won’t be there this Fall, we’ll be there over the Christmas holiday. Hooray!!

14.) Favorite Pie... coconut cream, but if we’re going seasonal, certainly pumpkin.

15.) Favorite Fall Hobby... Planning Thanksgiving dinner and activities for our guests. OH, and decorating!

16.) Favorite Fall Memory... watching football games on t.v. and going to GardenRidge midnight after Thanksgiving.

17.) Favorite Fall Sight... Seeing loved ones enjoying their time together. I’m looking forward to spending this season with Everett. I’m hoping he enjoys collecting pecans and playing in the leaves.

18.) Overall Favorite Fall Thing... Being with family.

19.) Favorite Season... Fall is my absolute favorite!


yep, that's Grampy's head in the scarecrow.
What a trooper. Everett finds it all very fascinating.

Rewind...

As I go about my day-to-day stuff, I sometimes make a mental list of it. Tonight I took the time to write it down.

Dearest Everett,

Today you:
- woke up at 5:15 a.m. for your morning feed; after 5 oz., you went back to sleep by my side
- said "dada" and "gah-goo" to wake me up
- put your hands on my face when I looked down at you
- cried because your gums hurt
- ate green beans for the very first time
- went for a walk in the double stroller, with Prince sitting up front
- laid down on your back and whined until I picked you up
- enjoyed making "bah-bah-bah" noises with your hand
- walked in your walker around the sunroom
- chewed on the bunny that was once velcroed to your papasan
- ate rice cereal and the rest of your green beans at the dinner table, with mama and mommy
- fell asleep in mommy's arms, four times
- only read three pages of Fun Dog, Sun Dog before you lost interest
- cried when mommy imitated your "monster" noise

Today I:
- wished I had a digital voice recorder to record Everett's sweet morning noises. Listening to Everett drink from his bottle is one of my all-time favorite sounds
- felt really lost when I realized I didnt have to get up at a certain time today
- had leftovers for lunch
- returned Mimi's call
- called to check on Don, since he hadn't come over
- made a list of things I want to accomplish
- checked my email
- read a few blogs and made a few comments
- read several stories to Everett
- got excited when I remembered my sister is coming to visit this weekend
- made a quick run to Party City for Everett's Halloween costume wig
- posted a cradle on Craigslist
- picked up, put up, organized throughout the day
- made homemade mashed potatoes, peas and macaroni and cheese for dinner :)
- watched "Everybody Loves Raymond"
- took several photoghraphs
- told my Deona and my Everett that I loved them

I'm glad I took the time to do this. It reminds me why I'm so exhausted. :) Now off to bed

Right now...

I am:

feeling... full from dinner.

enjoying... being home with my family.

wondering...if we'll move to a place where my love and I can legally be married.

listening... to "The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice", from the musical, Hairspray.

drinking... a glass of ice water.

wanting... to create a schedule that includes scrapbooking, making wreaths, going for walks and camping more often.

loving... the thought of having more children.

looking... forward to Disneyworld with the fam in December.

I'm hoping your "right now" includes something wonderful - be it big or small.

Texarkana

Pop's (Deona's godfather) memorial service was Thursday in Texarkana; it was beautiful. He would have been proud; especially of his daughter Jackie, who shared wonderful stories of him.

Deona, Everett and I stayed through Saturday afternoon with aunt Jackie and cousin Courtney at Joy and Pop's house.Jackie really appreciated the visit. We spent the time laughing, reminiscing, looking through picture albums, snuggling Everett, eating lots of cake, all while taking care of necessary business.

Though the circumstances were sorrowful, it was really nice to reconnect. We're looking forward to seeing them again soon.


Everett with cousin, Courtney


aunt Jackie, Ev & Courtney on Joy & Pop's swing.




Courtney, Ev, aunt Jackie and Deona

Big Boy Bath!

Everett graduated from his "Rubber Duckie" bath to the real tub. He had sooo much fun, his feet wrinkled like raisins. :)

A Perfect Fall Day

We went to the pumpkin patch today.

Deona, Grampy and I decided to visit the Pumpkin Patch at St. John the Apostle Methodist church off of Green Oaks. When we arrived, our sweet baby boy was asleep, but woke up when we met Heather M. and her three sons.

I loved that they had many "picture spots" and areas to shop, as it was very easy to photograph Everett and not feel as if we were in anyone's way. Everett had a great time. He's so photogenic, he smiles because we smile at him. I'm glad he doesnt mind that we are opportunistic with the camera. I love that about him. :)

We look forward to many more years of this holiday tradition.


Our sweet baby boy isnt so little anymore.


He started sitting up this week. Just in time.

He looks like he's pretty comfy.


Loves pumpkins


Ahhh, this is the spot.

Everett sitting up!

HOORAY FOR EVERETT!!!
Everett started sitting up today. Well, for longer than 15 seconds, anyway.
We were at Grampy's house.
Mama took pictures while Grampy and Mommy cheered!

Sad News Today

Deona's godfather, "Pop" passed away. The funeral is Thursday, 10/23 in Texarkana. Please hold Aunt Jackie (Joy & Pop's only child) in your prayers as she has suffered great loss in a short period of time. We will miss Pop (and his sense of humor) very much.

Grammie's Birthday Party!

Happy 58th Birthday *________________ !!!
*Insert name choice here (Debbie, Mom, Grammie, JoJo, Aunt Debbie)

Debbie chose to celebrate her birthday at "Incredible Pizza" in Euless.
What an event, everyone had a blast!!

Don and Debbie decided to take the motorhome with The Dankers (Debbie's neice & family from Oklahoma) in tow. There was quite a crew waiting at Incredible Pizza including, uncle Jim, aunt Diann, Kelly, Jay, Britt, Derek, Reid, Dondi, Roy, Matthew, Jordan, Everett, Deona and myself (okay, so Deona, Everett & I were 30 minutes late) :-(
After feasting on pizza, pasta, salads, desserts, it was time for presents and birthday cake (yes, more dessert) :)

As if THAT wasnt enough fun....
everyone made way to the fairgrounds. Many ran (and i mean RAN) to the indoor Go-Kart races while others chose to ride carosels, bop alligators on the head for tickets, or ride the virtual roller coaster.

I can truthfully say this was a super time. Not just because i was able to drive Go-Karts or redeem tickets for prizes, more so for having the opportunity to witness laughter, and enjoyment by all.

Looking forward to our next celebration (and a do-over at the Go-Karts....my last place finish was my practice run)!


okay, i'm slow...but i had fun.


Jordan & Roy


Everett & Mama on the carousel.


such a big boy.


uncle Jim & Don


Brit, Bryn, Mikayla


Ryan


Matthew, Dwayne & Lisa

Everett is 5 months old!

Wow, I can't believe that our little boy is 5 months old. Time has flown by.
Everett is getting bigger, smarter and funnier every day.
I know I sound like a broken record, but its true!

PHYSICAL

Eyes: still blue (& gorgeous!)
Hair: is thicker and looks brown or red, depending on the lighting, so cool.
Birthmark: still visible, as expected.
Body shape: long and thin.
Clothing size:
rompers - anywhere between size 3-9 months, depending on the brand, onesies 3-6 months
tops 6-9 months
bottoms 0-3 months. Pants/jeans do not fit properly. We put a pair of 6 month jeans on him, and the waist was too big and the pant legs were too short (above his ankles). Overalls have been a good choice.
Everett's preference: Wearing diapers only. :)

DEVELOPMENT

Reaching his milestones by leaps and bounds.

Everett...
-Grabs his feet and pulls to mouth; sucks his big toes.

-Grasps and holds objects.

-Takes objects directly to mouth.
Recently, Ev grabbed at a bottle I was preparing for him; water and formula was all over us, and the floor
Recently, at El Chico (mexican restaurant), Ev grabbed the salsa bowl and his hand was covered in salsa, faster than i could remove the bowl.

-Watches objects that are dropped.

-Is making vowel-consonant sound combinations and two syllable sounds like "da da", "na du" etc.

-Talks when others are talking.

-Is making funny noises with his mouth...inhales while sucking in lower lip.

-Loves babbling, and making bubbles/raspberries.

-Has been chewing and biting down.

-Grabs the back of his moms head and clutches a hand full of hair for security.

-Enjoys grabbing Mommy's face and proceeds to suck on her chin. SO FUNNY!

-Can lift his chest and part of stomach off the surface bearing weight on hands when on his stomach.

-Can stick butt up in the air, when on his stomach.

-While on back, can arch his back off the floor and scoot backwards, with his feet.

-Adjusts body to see an object.

-Turns head from side to side and then looks up or down.

-Is starting to sit without support; leans forward on both hands.

-Bears full weight on feet.

-Steps side to side, alternating weight on each leg while standing on laps.

-Bounces when held in standing position.

-Bangs objects on surfaces.

-Responds to his name.

FEEDING

Currently he is eating approximately 6 oz, every 2-3 hours or so. He's still on formula but has also been eating baby food; including carrots, peas, sweet potatoes and rice cereal.
Fruits will be introduced this weekend.

SLEEP

Everett continues to sleep through the night. His bedtime is 10:00 p.m. and has been waking up about 6:15 a.m. for his morning meal. After 6 oz. of formula and a diaper change, Everett naps an additional 2 hours.

MISCELLANEOS

Everett is TEETHING!
Poor baby is sometimes in sooo much pain. :(
Tylenol, Baby Orajel and a gum brush have been essential.
Thinking we'll get a tooth (or two) this month.


ACTIVITIES

His fav's (at this time) are: cuddle time, being surprised (from behind the sofa, door, etc) or games of "Im going to get you",and going for walks around the block.

Everett is no longer interested in his sitting/laying activities like his bouncer, swing and floor gym. His exersaucer is the only activity he is entertained by; he is mostly interested in activities that allow him to sit or stand up.

We'll be posting more this weekend, after a trip to the pumkin patch! Stay Tuned!!

Our first family campout!

We finally did it.
We went camping; this time with our baby boy. It was our first time to take the motorhome out, so we all thought it was best to pick a park nearby, in case we had mechanical or any other problems. We decided on Cedar Park State Park (only 30 min from home). It was a memorable experience. The weekend was perfect; including weather (mid 80's) AND UT victory over OU. HOOK 'EM!
Deona, Monica, Ev and Grampy headed out on Saturday morning (Monica even got to drive and back up the motorhome into the camping slip!)
After setting up camp, we gathered under the awning with lawn chairs to watch the game.
Grammie and cousin Jordan met us out at our campsite. Jordan (along with his imaginary friend "Baby Jaguar") and Grammie had an entire campsite to explore; no time for silly football games. :)
Our friend Sharon (Auntie Sharon) later joined and even brought us yummy muffins.
Everett's cousin Matthew, Dondi and Roy showed up for dinner. Dinner consisted of hotdogs/links (for the carnivores) and veggie foil dinners for leaf eaters.
Later in the evening, Grammie and Jordan headed up to bed (literally-above the motor cab). Grampy slept on the fold out sofa, and Everett had the entire queen bed to himself. Well, his moms would soon follow after a their evening activity of S'mores around the campfire.
Our weekend activities included walks, lounging around, watching Grammie carve pumpkins and a nature hike to "Duck Pond".
Note: there are no ducks at Duck Pond, only minnows (The minnows however were VERY appreciative for the stale hot dog buns and Jordan seemed to like having a mid-hike snack too). :) Nonetheless, we had a pleasant hike.
It was a wonderful first campout and the kids loved it! We're looking forward to the next outing.

WE ARE HAPPY CAMPERS!

Our campsite.

Grampy & Ev

Everett loves walks with his Grampy. :)

Happy camper!

Grammie and Jordan carving pumpkins.

cookout!

Our hike on "Duck Trail"

Peas & Threes!

Our little man hit another important milestone today, he tried the first batch of real people food: PEAS!

He seemed to really enjoy the taste - no suprise really, since mama is a vegetarian and ate lots of peas during pregnancy.
AND....if eating peas wasnt enough....
Our little boy has grown out of his #2 diapers and now in 3's!!!
We can hardly believe it, our baby boy is growing sooo fast.
Oct. 13th marks 5 months old.