Not getting any younger!

I have been noticing my age lately- in a bad way! First my hair; it has been falling out like crazy (although I think that happens to some after you give birth or when you are nursing, it happened after Eli too), also I have noticed a lot of grey hair. I used to find one every once in a while, but now I have a TON all at once! I don't really want to dye my hair because it just seems like a big pain! I think I can hold out a little longer without dye, but I'm not sure how much longer. Next, my back- it hurts! I've had back pain before, but now it seems like more. It hurts so bad sometimes. I need to exercise my core muscles and hopefully I can get stronger and it won't hurt as much. After I hold Diego for a while, or stand up for a long time leaning over to wash dishes or fold towels is when my back and shoulders hurt the most. One more thing that makes me feel really old is all my icky clothes. My two favorite pair of jeans now have big holes in the knees and my shirts are all just old. I need to buy more clothes, but it's kind of hard because I know they will just get spit up on them and I don't want to spend a lot of money. Also, I am back to my prepregnancy weight, my body is still not the same. I have a lot of fat on my stomach that is just not going away (another reason to exercise).
Wow, what is it going to feel like when I turn 40, 50, or older???

"the Beach"

Eli has been talking a lot about the beach lately. He saw a Sesame Street about it and read some books about the beach too. I told him that we don't live near a beach and one day we will take a vacation and go to the beach. He didn't seemed satisfied, so we took a family outing to the Aurora Reservoir. It was pretty nice and fun although we desperately needed shade especially for Diego. Next time we will have to bring an umbrella.

Things are Good

So, things have been good lately.

- I got to go to the temple Tuesday night for the first time since Diego was born! It was very peaceful and beautiful.

- I have met more neighbors and have a good time talking to them when we go out on walks and sharing fruit and banana bread with them.

- Diego has only been waking once at night to eat and has been going to bed around 6 or 7 p.m. each night. His naps are also getting more regular - one morning and one afternoon nap, each about 2 hours.

- Cesar and I have read the Book of Mormon together for the past two mornings (hopefully it will continue).

- We had a nice Standards Night with the Young Women last night with a great dinner and great speaker. We learned about Good Works and how if we do service we can learn more about ourselves and how Heavenly Father views us.

- The weather is wonderful today! We took a nice stroller ride and stopped at Goodwill. We bought two books- Thomas the train, and a dinosaur book (50 cents each). We also had fun looking at the Halloween decorations for sale (it's only the beginning of September!)

- Cesar started his last semester of school before he graduates in December!

- Eli often says "I love my mommy" out of nowhere and I reply with "I love my Eli."

- Cesar and I had a nice date last weekend. We went to a restaurant and ate outside on the patio and then walked around at Southlands for a while. It was nice to be out without children and enjoy a nice summer evening together.

- One of my favorite things is when I am about to put Diego down for a nap or bed and he cries loud for a few seconds, finds his thumb and starts sucking it, then lays his head down on my shoulder. I love it!

New Favorite Scripture

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34

This reminds me that my day to day tasks are important. It is my duty to create a happy faith filled home for my family. I want my home to be peaceful and full of comfort.

It is important to clean and cook and do all the small things at home and for my family. When I do work during the day and get things done I feel accomplished and happy.

If I set a good example for Diego and Eli great things will come to them and me!

Grandparent Pictures

My kids have such wonderful grand and great grandparents! We are so grateful. Granny Joyce (my grandma) with Eli and Ivaras- June 2008
James (my dad) and baby Eli - Summer 2008

Eli and my dad at Waterworld- Summer 2009

Diego and Alecia (my mom) in July 2010

Sandra (Cesar's mom) and Diego in August 2010

Norma (Cesar's grandma) with Eli and Diego- August 2010

4 generations: Norma, Sandra, Cesar, and Eli- December 2007

4 generations- Eli, Cesar, Marco (Cesar's dad), and (Cesar's grandma) taken in Mexico- December 2008

Things I love about Diego

I love Diego! Here's why:

-the way he sucks his little thumb. It's adorable and he is able to soothe himself pretty well.
-his smiles and has great dimples. He smiles at me when I sing/talk/smile at him.
-his eyes get watery when he gets tired and it's really cute.
-he smiles when he sees Cesar. He really loves his papi.
-he laughs when I touch the palm of his hands and his side and back. His laugh is adorable!
-he is very interested in watching Eli play.
-he only poops once a week (it's pretty nice not to have to change a million poopy diapers).
-he puts himself to sleep pretty well.
-he has started to smile at strangers when they talk to him.
-his two little teeth are so cute.
-he is so strong and wiggly.
-he has such a sweet voice.
-he fits so well into our family and I am so grateful he is our little baby!

teeth, school, and a date

Diego's first teeth came through yesterday! They are the two bottom middle ones. He has been drooling like crazy and sucking on his hands and thumbs a lot! I was surprised when I felt the two little teeth because I thought it would be a couple more months until they appeared (Eli didn't get his first tooth until 7 months; Diego is only 4 months). I was so excited because it means my baby is growing up!

Cesar finished his summer class yesterday! He now has three weeks until his very last semester starts. It will be so different when he no longer has school. He spent forty something hours straight at school Monday-Tuesday, but was able to get home Wednesday morning at 2:30 so he could sleep and take a shower before his big presentation! He did really well and everyone loved his project. I'm proud of him.

Cesar and I finally got to go on a date last night (it had been a couple of months). We went to the Aurora Movie Tavern to watch a movie and eat at the same time. Thanks mom for babysitting. I felt kind of bad leaving Diego last night because he had been crying nearly all day, but of course I knew he was in good hands!

I'm looking forward to some nice family time while Cesar has a break from school. We hope to do some fun things and make some lasting memories. I really love my family!