Christmas at Phil's Grandma Lupe's House

10 pictures
View Album at Shutterfly

Aquarium with Liz, Eddie and the boys

7 pictures
View Album at Shutterfly

Happy Birthday Bryant!!

It is his 6th month birthday.  Now I know how other parents felt when they used to see Bryant as a newborn and say that they remembered when their baby was a newborn.  During mass on Sunday, a lady had her newborn 6 weeks old, and I could not stop myself from saying “I remember when my baby was a newborn, it seemed like it was just yesterday” as she was looking at my little guy holding his own bottle, while her baby was sleeping through mass.

 

But he is still so cute…my little pumpkin...

what are your resolutions...

(First off I would like to say, "sorry Dad no pics on this post")

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Are you keeping them?

I finally decided to post mine on rather than keeping them a secret.  Apparently if you let others know about your goals you are more likely to follow through with them.

1. Lose 20 lbs- I decided that I really need to lose 20lbs (and no it isn't baby weight I am back to where I was before I was pregnant.) I also want to run a 1/2 marathon this year, maybe the Long Beach. --So far I have been taking a lunch into work daily, but I need to workout.  I think I need a workout or running buddy;)  

2. Travel - Phil and I really don't have the money to travel somewhere far like Australia like Is and Ric.  We decided that even going somewhere close like Palms Springs, Santa Barbara/Solvang would be fine.  Our original plans BB (“Before Bryant”) was to travel to Europe and do a two week big city tour that Phil’s uncle and aunt did.  They had such a great time, and saw so much.  Right before booking the trip I found out I was pregnant.  Although we were sad, it could have been worse financially if we had found out after we booked the trip.  --We already booked a trip to Palms Springs in Feb 29-Mar 1!! Next book our trip to Santa Barbara/Solvang

3. Pass the BAR- I am currently working for a certified estate planning attorney, and she motivates me to pass the bar, get my LLM and be a certified estate planning attorney. First goal is to pass the BAR.   She is so knowledgeable, organized and passionate about what she does that it is contagious.  She is also super nice! I am working for her for a while, while her permanent legal assistant is going through chemotherapy.  I am working full time and making more money than before.  Hopefully to save enough so that I can study full time for the July or February (next year) Bar.  I don’t like thinking about not having money to pay bills while I am suppose to be studying.   --So far reviewing my outlines during lunch since I take my lunch in daily I don't have to waste my time going to get my food.

4. Hang out with Friends-I also having been felling somewhat depressed more like sad after having Bryant.  I felt like I was all alone with no friends here in Long Beach.  Then I realized that it isn’t that I don’t have friends, but that I don’t ask to hang out with them.  I also decided that doing fun things like taking sewing classes and scrapbook classes, I would meet more people with similar interests. --Calling/e-mails to friends to hang out.

Maybe I could do two resolutions at the same time such as travel with friends, travel to another city to run a half marathon, or take the Bar in San Fran(but would I enjoy San Fran? maybe not.)

Share your resolutions on your blog or on the comments section.

something in the water...

There must have been something in the water last year because a lot of my friends and family had babies.

Pictured from left to right isRosio, who had a baby in December, Laura, who had Sophia in September, and myself who had Bryant in July.  This picture was taken at Laura's graduation party in June.   

These party gifts are from Clara's Baby shower.  Clara also went to college with me.  Her shower was in October, and she had her son in December on her birthday!! This is really funny because she did not like her birthday being in December, it was either finals or vacation time and either way no one could join in the festivities.

As for my family... my cousin Monica had her daughter Julia three weeks after Bryant, and cousin Joshua and his wife Melissa had their daughter a few weeks ago.  This picture is from the baby shower I had for her . 

it's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS...

The count down to Christmas...

This is my favorite time of the year, even though I hate cold weather.  There is nothing like going to the parades, (Whittier Christmas Parade.  Liz's mom's club participated)

boat parades, 

posadas, 

Christmas parties, 

and seeing all the decorations.  I guess I feel this way because of parents love of Christmas that they have passed to us.

And we are passing the love of Christmas down...

Christmas past...

phil's 32nd birthday

Happy Birthday Phil!!!

32 years ago God was in a very, very good mood when he made you!!! I've never met anyone so hilarious, so energetic & so unforgettable!
If you've read my blog for a while you may think that Phil sounds kind of perfect. Well, that's because he kind of is. I mean, if playing video games is the worst thing someone can then play away! :) I guess he has to balance out our relationship with my drama and craziness!

Count 'em down! 32 reason I love you!

1. I love how whenever you have a receipt or piece of paper in your hand you fold it up as tiny as possible. Then I have to unfold all of them to see if you wanna keep it or throw it away.
   
2. I love how thoughtful you are of everyone around you.
   
3. You turn off your headlights if they're in someones eyes.
   
4. I love how you wake up with Bryant so I can sleep.
   
5. I love when I try to take a picture of you this is what I get... your muppet smile...
6.  I love those kissable lips.
7. I love when we watch Craig Fergeuson (sp?)  you practice stand up routines in front of me.
   
8. I love when you sing the Sunday/Monday night Football theme song at the top of your lungs while watching game, and that you are trying so hard for Bryant to learn the songs.
   
9. I love that you are a great role model for Anthony.
   
10. I love that you massage my back and my feet after a long day!!
    
11. I love that you are the Best Dad!
12. That you take me to the ballet, philharmonic, theatre, and operas, eventhough I know you really don't like them.  I love that you surprised me with second row seats to see Wicked for my birthday.
13. I love how every single night since we've been married the last thing I hear is "sweet dreams."
14. I love how after evey single phone call you tell me "I love you".
15. I love that you probably change a many diapers as me (although I have to ask).
16. I love that you've never wanted to miss a day of church since starting your catechism class.
17. I love that you let me pick where we travel on our vacations, even though I know you are not into traveling and would just prefer for us to stay home!
18. I love when you drive me around late at night to buy donuts!
19. I love when you call around every restaurant in town on Valentines Day to find my perfect chocolate souffle.
20. I love when you take me out to get my cafe mocha and croissant from the Coffee Bean.
21. I love that after you finished the triathlon!!! Even when the other guys backed down.
22. I love that when we go on the cruise you sing your heart out at the piano bar.
23. I love your smile.
24. I love when you get so excited about buying crap and how much you saved!
25. I love that you are such a law dork!!  I love the great job you did in your Trial Ad class in cross-examing that you made the poor girl cry.
    
26. I love that you have so much fun playing golf with the guys.
    
27. I love how you are completely supportive with my scrapbooking and all the time that it requires.
    
28. I love how you always order the exact same thing off the menu at Islands and don't understand why I ever even look at them.
    
29. I love how much you want to go back and help at Habitat for Humanity for their Christmas in April service projects. I thought you only joined the Rotary Group with me at UCSD to date me!
30. I love how much pride you get from having a fixed up home.
31. I love how you immediately make people smile when they talk to you.  I love how you have me rolling on the floor laughing with the drop of a quote and a silly joke.  I love that you hang out with your friends all the time, and try to think of things for us to do to hang out.
32. I love when you get home from work and I feel like a dead mommy you look at me like I'm beautiful!!
    

love ya' babe!!

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.