4 months...

I can't believe my little punkin is 4 months.  The time has gone by so fast...

This was a beautiful blanket made by my mother-in-law's friend.  Bryant is after all 1/4 Japanese.  Phil has a Japanese middle name "Musashi".  We debated about whether or not Bryant should have a Japanese middle name in addition to my father's name as his middle name, but I thought that would make him more Mexican with four names.  My father wanted us to not use his name as a middle name and instead use a Japanese middle name.  So we thought about it.  We even went down to the Phil's grandfather's grave to see his Japanese name and thought about naming him after his great-grandfather, but it wasn't listed. (Phil has great memories about his great-grandfather, and wishes he would have attended his funeral.  His great-grandfather died when Phil was a little boy).  We asked Phil's great uncle for advice on Japanese names, and got some great family stories.  In the end after much thought we decided not to give him a Japanese middle name.  Although my father insists on him having "Samuri" as his middle name and calling him "Samu".  Phil and I find this funny because Musashi is a famous samuri, but Phil didn't want to name him Musashi. 

Bryant with my cousin Monica's little girl Julia Abbey born three weeks after Bryant.

home sweet home...

In a year it is amazing to see how far the condo has come. In case many of you don't remember how bad our condo looked like a year ago when we purchased it, I have decided to show you some of those pics.  (Note to our neighbors, this is why we paid so much less than you.  We didn't just a great deal.)  There was the masive stained and popcorn ceilings...

the no paint on any of the walls (in years)...

a hole in the bathroom wall...

the bathtub that was unusable... (at least I didn't want to use it!) Apparently the previous tenants did.

the retro decor... (and not in the cool way)

So far we have been making it so much better, but still have so much more to do.  This was especially difficult since I was pregnant through most of the construction, painting, etc.  I could smell the paint for days.  Also, being pregnant made it really hard for me to decorate, I couldn't just move the furniture around, and organize without the help of Phil.  

The "after" oictures to come, I am still decorate the Christmas stuff, so there crap everywhere.

Our next year's project is going to be to buy a flat screen TV (not my idea), dinning room table so we can have some fabulous dinner parties ;) and update the kitchen, which has appliances that are older than Phil and I.

cali...

Although like everyone else I complain about living in Southern California because of the traffic everywhere and at every time, I really should not complain.

This is my commute from Newport Beach to Long Beach...

Yes, I know I really should not complain when this is my view. Even though I could take the 405 and be home 10 minutes faster, why would I, when I see Pacific Ocean everyday. I think of all the people who are already shoveling snow, and I think how lucky am I that I live in Cali. Can you see the building in the background? It is downtown Long Beach. The picture was taken off of Goldenwest and PCH in Huntington Beach. Every time I cross this intersection, I can see the Los Alamitos marina, and think I am almost home. I wish I had a better lens so you could see the marina.

just one of the guys...

Bryant has just become one of the guys watching football with his "Raiders" jersey on. (Thanks to my aunt Lucy and cousin Monica for the Raiders clothes).

One day, probably every soon, he will be attending the game with Phil and my uncle Rigo on the 50 yard line.

Election Day

Phil and I voted early in the morning before Phil went to work. We didn't have to travel too far since it was at the Clubhouse. However, when we got there, there was a long line. I wish I had my camera, or not because I didn't get a chance to ready, and didn't look photo ready.

In the evening I went to a DG alumnae meeting, and when I got home I found Bryant like this...

Apparently Phil was trying hard to watch the election results, and Bryant wasn't cooperating. Phil feed him, which is why you see the two (by the way I was only gone for two hours!) bottles. Phil covered him thinking the light was bothering him. Phil took off his sock, because he might be too warm. He tried everything even entertaining him with his favorite too. Not so easy taking care of the little guy is it, babe?

**Phil's version of events:  Bryant and I were playing the election night drinking game.  Every time a state went for Obama, he would take a drink.  By the end of the night the little lightweight was wearing a towel on his head and dancing with the musical duck while missing a sock.  I took this picture after California was called for Obama.**   

Half Marathon...

I am soooo proud of Phil for finishing the Long Beach 1/2 marathon on October 11, 2009 considering he didn't even train, and I was not able to train with him.  Bryant's birth really prevented him from training, and then the lack of sleep thoses months (he still wakes up all night to eat every three hours).   

AND he beat his time from last year!!! http://www.runlongbeach.com/Home.htm

Originally, I thought that I would be able to run, but I was still recovering from the pregnancy. I can't wait for next year to run. 

3rd month

Bryant turned 3 months on October 20, 2008... do you think he is getting bigger? It is really hard for me to notice, since I see him everyday. By taking pictures of him with the dog, you can really see the difference.

BBQ...

Phil "helped out" at a BBQ competition. Eric's brother and cousin compete in BBQ competitions throughout California. Since the competition was going to be in San Diego, Eric asked Phil to help them as a body guard while they carry the food to the judges. Phil was so excited to go, that we were in San Diego at 7 am. Phil has never been a morning person, so for him it was a big deal.

The food was delicious. Although when Eric's cousin said that the chicken was the best chicken ever, I had my doubts. First of all, I only like white meat, and the chicken was the thighs. But when I ate it, and I ate it after I had eaten the ribs and brisque, which were great, they were right. The chicken was the best chicken I have ever had. I really think they should sell it or be allowed to sell it at the competitions.

my little pumpkin...

This is the same costume that Eli and Max wore last year. However, it bearly fit Bryant. We were so nervous that it was not going to fit...

Rachel Ann made this for me and the other DG girls. It was too cute to eat.

Eddie's mom made these. Also to cute to eat. Although for Max and Eli's Birthday the other kids did not have any second thoughts about eating them.

Favorities...

I just have to say that my favorite thing to eat is chocolate... especially chocolate doughnuts..(the other doughnuts are Phil's)