First Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in NJ and CT with family. Soph did so well on the airplanes going and coming home. I was a little nervous, but she mostly nursed and napped.
She had a blast celebrating Thanksgiving "Venezuelan style." My S.I.L. threw a wonderful party filled with families from Venezuela. Spanish was the theme of our trip and I am pretty sure she is bilingual now. She also learned to salsa, courtesy of her Tia and friends. The boys seemed to enjoy her and had fun doting/spoiling her rotten. They were such big helps our whole visit.
We are so grateful to God for ALL His many blessings. Jaime and I both reflected on how blessed we are to have a beautiful, healthy daughter, a loving family, and a wonderful church home. This season we are savoring God's manifold blessings and the gift of His Son Jesus.


Cute outfit Tia picked out for us.




When Mommy let her try to feed herself: the beginning.

The end. Oh, how she cried when I took her bowl away.

My 3 handsome nephews.

My beautiful SIL.

He was totally enamored.

Daddy having fun in Janie and Jack.

First Thanksgiving. She was enjoying dinner.

Daddy's girl

September and October Fun

Aunt Whoppa look down below!


I really like the grass and think it tastes pretty good.

T R O U B L E

I am my Momma's girl

Aunt Whoppa has been missing me, so I wanted to post some pics just for her. I am growing and changing quite a bit these days. I have learned to scream really loudly, mostly just for fun, but sometimes to let Mommy and Daddy know somethings got to give. Poor Mom, she doesn't know what to do with me just yet. I am teaching her though. I also am learning to stand on my own and am getting braver every day. My hair is coming in and I think I am going to like it. Mom keeps making these big bows for me to wear and they are just so-so. I'd rather eat them or throw them on the floor. I am getting more teeth and they really really hurt, but I can eat all kinds of things now. Cheerios are a new favorite, as well as cheese. Yummy! Come see us Aunt Whoppa, so I can play with my cousin(s).
So-So


My cool pumpkin onesie from Aunt Whoppa. See Aunt Whoppa I am saying hello to you.

It's not all bows around here!

Daddy's Birthday

Going for a jog with Mom

Tutu's aren't just for waists:)

Pictorial Review

Super Harvey

Check out her slipper socks. Jaime calls them elf boots.

Me and my super cool bros.


SIL Holly and Aunt Becky

The sweetest girls on the planet.

Aunt Janet and Woogie Bear

My princess wedged between pillows on her big girl bed.

Love her!

Attacking the frozen banana.

Sweet Daddy feeding his girl breakfast.

On my birthday. Not such a great picture, but wanted to document.

Look at her hair.

I am getting so big!

New Business

Be sure to check out and support my sister's new business,
Slap Happy Photography.

She will be travelling between the DFW area and West Texas. She and her husband take wonderful pictures at fantastic prices! Be sure to check them out. Christmas is just around the corner. Thank you.

Birthday Eve

Tonight I had the privilege of dining with some great friends to celebrate my birthday. I was a frazzled mess when I arrived, but like the good friends they are, they were welcoming and loving. The food was slow in coming, I had to step out to feed Soph in the car, and my clothes and hair were just "off." After a quick piece of ice cream cake, we headed to the movies to see Julie and Julia. What I saw of the movie, I really enjoyed and will just have to wait to see the rest. Jaime attempted to feed Soph a breastmilk bottle and she simply said, "no thanks Dad, I am not interested. " She just happened to use an awfully pitiful cry that was breaking my heart over the phone. I felt like a terrible mother, but I rushed home and fed my baby what she has eaten for the last 6 months of her little life. She fell right to sleep, with a full tummy and a consoled heart. As I was holding her, I was just thinking how blessed I truly am. I have an amazing husband, a wonderful daughter, an incredible family, and the best friends a girl could ask for. I am a part of something that is so much bigger than me and I belong. I belong to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to the family of believers that gather under His name. I "fit" not because of who I am or what I have, but because I have trusted in God's love for me-in His Son, Jesus Christ and His precious atonement for my sin. As I turn another year older, I have been reminded of this work the Lord began in me long before I knew Him. He is not finished with me yet, and the work He began in me, He will complete. Hallelujah, because I feel like a train wreck has occurred here. The school calendar says summer is ending, but I feel like mine is just beginning. Soph and I are working out the kinks of mommying and daughtering together, and we are just getting our footing. I look forward to this new year and pray for wisdom to profit this pilgrim and peace to stay my heart. Thank you to each and every one of my dear friends who have and are enduring my many transitions. Don't give up on me yet, the sun is shining through now! I love ya'll BIG!

Baby Dedication

There are two new posts below this one! We had Sophia's baby dedication at church a few weeks ago. It is where Jaime and I, as her parents, promise to raise her in the knowledge and ways of the Lord, thus publicly dedicating her to Him. Our pastor asked us first if we believed in Christ, His death and resurrection, and had trusted Him for salvation. He then asked is we would raise up Sophia in the fear and instruction of the Lord. The last question was if the Lord saw fit to take her home at an early age, would we abandon the faith. Our answers were yes, yes, and no. Jason then prayed over Jaime, myself, and then Sophia. Lastly he asked the church if they would come alongside us and help raise Sophia in the truth, which was answered by them standing. It was moving to see their response and such a special time for the 3 of us. Almost my entire family was there and in the hustle and bustle of it all, I did not take any pictures. Here are some from after lunch at our home.



During the dedication


My little love bug

Daddy and his princess


Priceless

Awwww!

Abuela

Abuela came from Venezuela and stayed for 3 weeks. We had a wonderful visit and she was head over heels in love with her newest granddaughter. While she was here, she cooked so many delicious Venezuelan meals. It was so nice to have someone else cooking and helping in the kitchen. We did lots of shopping and took a short trip to San Antonio to do the same. She only speaks Spanish, so needless to say, so did I. I feel like I learned so much more about her this trip than ever before. I am so thankful the Lord blessed my mind and my tongue, because I have not studied, nor practiced a bit since Soph was born. Sophia loved her Abuela and thought she was quite funny. We were sad to see her go, but cannot wait until she returns.

First meeting at the airport.


Proud Momma and son


Jaime's sweet cousins from VZA-Jaime and Yoanna


Hanging out with Abuela

Admiring her two handsome and silly cousins

Austin

Several weeks ago, Sophia and I headed to the Austin area to see our great friends the Epley's. We had a great time visiting and eating Mrs. Gina's yummy food. Our time together was too short and we cannot wait to return.

It was only a 2 night trip!


Our lovely welcome sign.


The beautiful Epley offspring.
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My dear friend Gina and I.


The littlest Diddles.

Little Mike and Soph.


Insert "Whistling" here.

Sara and Soph. Thanks Sara for helping me take care of her. We love ya'll!!