Baby Girl

We are proud to introduce our baby girl! I am 19 weeks pregnant and she is pretty active (just like her brother was). I've been feeling her move for a few weeks now. I wonder if her personality will be totally different than Oliver's or if they'll be similar. I hear they're all different. We're getting excited, nervous and anxious about having another child. But I'm sure that along with the challenges will come much joy!

My belly is bigger than it was with Oliver and I'm a little concerned about how big I'll be at 40 weeks, but I can't stop eating.

Sweet older brother...

Oli at My Parents' House

I'm back at home and able to upload photos again! These are some of the things Oli did while we visited my parents this week.

He rode his little truck around the house,

played at the indoor playground in the mall,

and helped uncle Rigo wash my car,

Going to My Parents' House

My mom has been an awesome grandma by visiting & helping me this past week while I had several things going on. (Today I photographed my first wedding!)

Oliver has been such a little helper these days. Here he is helping my mom as we get ready to leave to Orlando to my parents' house for a few days.

Christmas Party

This morning we were invited to a Christmas party/play group.

This is what happens when you're one of two boys in a house full of girls: You play in a kitchen, have fun with a princess guitar and dance with all the girls.

'Tis the Season!

'Tis the Season, and we're decorating for Christmas! Oliver is as tall as the small tree we put up; I actually gave him the benefit of the doubt, thinking we could leave it on the floor without him touching it. At first Oli was helpful and calm, and I was shocked that he was so self controlled - resisting pulling the ornaments off. But after a few hours, he brought over his plastic hammer and began banging at the tree. Then he ripped off the ornaments, threw them like balls, and then ripped off the little stars hanging on the garland. So . . . our tree is now safely placed next to the tv on our entertainment center. Maybe next year we'll have better luck.

This was Oli still in his helpful frame of mind. He stuck the ornaments in the tree (instead of hanging them), he was so cute!

Not sure where to put it, hmm...

Perfect spot!

Oliver at Railroad Square Park

Glenda photographed our friends, Marshall & Melissa, at Railroad Square Art Park this weekend. When she was done, Oliver struck a few poses in imitation - all on his own.

This is what he was imitating.

The beginning of Fall

I'm happy to say I'm feeling much better!  (The first trimester is almost over.)  It's the beginning of Fall and I love it!  The leaves are changing colors, the mornings are cooler, sometimes even chilly. I'm already getting excited thinking about decorating for Christmas and seeing Christmas through Oli's eyes.

He's 16 months old and talking more everyday. He says little phrases like, "oh no!" or "oh boy!".  He says, "nut nigh" repeating after me when I tell him something he did was "not nice!". He calls Brian "Papa" in Spanish and when he wants more of something he says, "mas" also in Spanish. It's funny how he decided which words he would say in what language.  He doesn't like giving hugs or kisses and frowns when asked to give them. I don't know where he got that from. It's so interesting that he has his own likes and dislikes. We've told him I have a baby in my belly and at random times in the day he lifts up my shirt and pokes my belly. He makes us laugh everyday.  

Every now and then he cooperates and faces the camera.

This was at a Fall Festival a few weeks ago.  

He loved playing with Abby in the bouncy house... 

... and going down the slide with Brian.

My friend Maria invited us to a Halloween event in her neighborhood. Oli was dressed as a monkey and her kids, Sophia and Patrick were little red riding hood and the wolf.  

Oli didn't know what to think of the pumpkin lady.

Sarah and Aurie were passing through town and were able to join us!

Little Peanut

I'm 10 weeks pregnant and starting to get more excited about the little peanut in my belly. This past week we got to hear the heartbeat and see a sonogram. For a minute I forgot about how sick I've been. One thing that's different this time is that I know what the reward feels like. Also, this time we're going to find out what we're having.  It's going to be so much fun! 

(Yes, only 10 weeks and already a big belly...)

Mini Update

Since our very happy announcement a few weeks ago, I've been feeling pretty yucky and praying that the next trimester will be here before I know it; hence the lack of blog updates. I'm hopeful about things getting better really soon :)  

Oliver is changing so much every day.  He wants to be Mr. Independent and he's communicating a lot more.  This was at an Asian Festival a few weeks ago.  We let him out of his stroller for a little while and he wanted nothing to do with us.  He is so active and doesn't ever want to stop going.  

15 Months Old and BIG NEWS!!!

Oliver loves it when Brian reads to him.  He actually pays attention for more than 10 seconds; I think he's maturing...

...which brings us to the exciting news that Oli is going to be a BIG BROTHER!!! We don't know what he thinks of it yet, but we're very excited!!!! Baby Hayden #2 is due in May!

Oliver's Dance Moves

Oliver turns on the radio on his play house and then "dances."

Oliver Laughing

For some reason, Oliver thinks it's hilarious to say 

"goodness gracious!" and to throw pillows on the floor.

Oliver's First Haircut

Oliver's hair was starting to look stringy and his side curls had grown out too long. Brian had been wanting to cut his hair for months, so I finally agreed. It was so hard to let go of the curls. 

I never knew Brian had another talent up his sleeve!

All done!

14 Months Old

Oliver's personality shines through more everyday. Although we'll influence the person he'll eventually become, it's evident that God made Oli unique.  When I think of who he is, this scripture comes to mind:  Psalm 139:13  "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." 

Oliver's very independent and doesn't like to cuddle. Every now and then, though, he'll run up to me and hug me, which melts my heart. He has a very silly sense of humor and loves to imitate me. He loves to wrestle with Brian. He has a short temper and his tantrums are getting bigger and lasting longer. He says a few things like, "all done", "mama", "dada," "uh-oh," and "no, no, no" - his favorite.  Whenever he's about to do something he knows he's not supposed to do, he tells himself, "no, no, no," and then does it, and that's how I catch him in the act. He gets into all kinds of trouble:  he flips our office garbage can upside down and scatters everything around in seconds; he takes my shoes out of the closet and spreads them throughout the house; he takes my phone and calls people; he removes the cushions from the couch and jumps on them; he climbs to dangerous places; he unrolls the toilet paper any chance he gets. He drives us crazy, but he makes us laugh.  We love him more everyday.  We can't wait to have another one!

Deep thoughts...  :)

Totally ignoring me while I'm trying to get a good shot.

He loves splashing and getting wet.

He gets upset that he doesn't fit into the basket more easily.

Silence... I knew he was up to something!

Training with Daddy.

We'll miss you, Dad

My dad, Bernard, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, August 11th, 2009.  The sadness seems to come and go in waves.  The bible says, in Ecclesiastes, that sadness is good for the heart. Glenda and I were blessed to have been able to spend ten wonderful days with my parents just last month. Oliver was too cute, all smiles, and he found a special place in my Dad's heart.  The little guy loved my Dad's walking canes!  And my Dad loved the fact that he did!  All the easier to snatch him up for a hug and a tickle. The trip was all we could have asked for.

Dad and me (1978)

My wedding day

Just last month

This poem was read during the eulogy at my dad's funeral. 

Miss Me – But Let Me Go

Unknown

 

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me – but let me go.

 

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss Me – But Let Me Go!

 

I’ve found a new place where I can be free

I’ve found a whole new beginning just made for me

I know only peace and I never feel pain

Days are full of sunshine and never rain

I’m no longer old; I’ve recovered my youth

and all of my dreams have become my truth

I can smile, I can laugh, I can walk, and I can run

I can hear every whisper, I can see past the sun

My Body is whole and my mind is so clear

I know all the answers and I’m freed from all fears

 

I know why you mourn me; I see how you weep

Your heart’s full of aching from a love that was deep

And I’m so grateful for loved ones that hold me so dear

but remember, I’ve found a better place here

I will be there beside you, always nearby

so don’t mourn me for long; nor forever cry

And whenever your sorrow bears down on your heart

think not of my ending, but of my new start

for on earth there’s no joy that I’d ever see

to compare to the joy of God smiling at me.

And he's off!

We've been told life will never be the same.

Destin, Florida

This past weekend we went to Destin with some friends.  The beach was beautiful.  This was Oliver's first time swimming in the ocean.

He loved the water!

Fearless!

A little watermelon; a little sand.

Boogie boards and watermelon.

An early evening stroll along the pier.