Just Married!

Yup yup, we ran off, got hitched and are loving every day of it. What was originally going to be just Alabe and I, turned out to be Alabe and I, a part of his Railroad Family and my brother Ethan and Sister in Law Melanie. I'm so grateful for those that were able to come celebrate with us last minute and for those who couldn't, we are "trying" to plan a reception to celebrate this day, but we'll see what happens in the planning process. It's been a hectic past few weeks with a ton going on in our lives, vacations, baby coming, work, process of buying a home, etc. So, the planning of a reception has taken the back burner and less of the priorities when it comes to money. We will let you know what happens with that though. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures...free of charge. =)

I can't believe it...

It's amazing to think that almost 14 years ago I gave birth to a beautiful son, Daniel Allen. If you are some one that didn't know me 6 years ago, you might not be able to fathom the fact that I am a mother of a teenager, better yet, going on 14. I met Danny's dad when I was 14 years old, well not for the first time, but that's when we "fell in love", ha ha ha! Even though his passing happened 7 years ago this July, not a day goes by that I don't think about him and his sweet spirit.

It's that time of year again with his birthday coming on April 7th. As the time approaches I notice a change in me, I'm more stressed, depressed, lonely, confused, etc. I try not to feel this way, but it is just the way of it. In feeling this way, I try to focus on the positive, the good times and on his special birthday, celebrate for him. Being that his birthday falls on a weekday, I'll be forced to go in to work, but have a plan of what Enzo and I will do to celebrate his brother that day. I will pick him up from daycare, go through the McDonalds drive through and order him Danny's favorite meal there and then we are going to the graveside to have our picnic dinner. I'm actually excited to celebrate this day with Enzo, having Danny in thought.

I wish more of you had the opportunity to meet my special son. I think God takes the best which in turn leaves a lasting impression on each one of us that were involved in his life to live and learn from the example of who he was and is. Danny was my little man that was full of love, adored his mommy to the fullest, always greeted me with huge hugs and kisses, we sang, we danced, we learned together and played together...he was my right hand through out a huge part of my teenage and early twenties, memories that stay with me forever. You are missed and will always be missed Danny. No matter how much Faith I have, you will never know how a mother feels when she looses a piece of her, it's with her forever.

And brudder (you know who you are) if you are reading this, know that I love you very much. Please know that things happen for a reason and all the while you were strucken with a huge amount of pain and memories, Danny lives within us and wants us to be happy and remember the good times we had. We had so many great times together, he loved his Uncle so much and I'll never forget everything that he gave to Danny and the love that he showed to him. From Pringles to Reese's peanut butter cups, Uncle treated Danny as his own. I'll never forget conversations we had where Uncle was concerned about Danny as he got older, not knowing how he would turn out as a teenager because of the situations he was raised in...we know now that Danny is safe and where he needs to be, where we all will strive to be one day, in peace and wanting the best for us.

Happy Birthday Danny, Mommy loves you dearly!

First Boo Boo...

It's part of being a kid right? Enzo got his first boo boo and it was sad. All it takes is one little fall, lose of balance, etc. and this is what happens. Fortunately the rod iron stair rail cleared his ear and only affected the upper portion. I thought I was going to have to run in for stitches, but the bleeding stopped and we were ok. I have a better picture I'll have to post when it's downloaded, until then, you get the point...ouchieeeeeeeI've had some back pain since Saturday, but am hoping it goes away soon. It's real frustrating when I can barely pick up my child, let alone feel pain every time I get up, walk, stand, etc.

Things are going great these days, we couldn't be happier. Like a lot of people out there, we are struggling with the money situation, but life always works out and I'm not going to let myself get worked up over it at this time.

Just a note...

I've been so amazed at Enzo lately, he seems to be scooting along in the intelligence department and it makes me a proud mama. He's been trying, and doing a great job at it, to repeat what I say. I wanted update you on his new words...

Cheese
Teeth
Cracker
Dog
Truck
Duck
Apple
Up

Yes, he says all of these words, on and Banana of course. When I read to him, he repeats the things I say.

I found it awkward that when his father came over the other day, he looked at him, gave him a half smile and then put his head down with a pouty face. It's not often that Enzo ever does those things to ANY ONE, so it always makes me wonder what his thoughts are. There is a slight possibility that his father may be going back to Uruguay, while it will be interesting to explain things to Enzo as he gets older, I think it's the best thing for his father and I know without a doubt that Enzo will be ok. We'll see what happens in time. I will miss the child support, it's rough without, but we always seem to manage in some sort of a way. If only daycare and medical weren't so expensive, we'd be doing great.

What's been going on in our life...

It seems like forever, well it has been forever. I just wanted to stop in and fill every one in on what's new in our world, or what has been going on.

Enzo is finally walking away at 14 months. He takes pride in his skills and likes to be noticed and show off, he is definitely an attention getter everywhere we go and he knows it. Yesterday we were at Old Navy and every time I put him down to do a little walking he headed straight for the door...hmmm, was he trying to tell me something? NO SHOPPING MOM! Needless to say, I wasn't there to spend money, just to be with family while they shopped.

We have an appointment tomorrow morning with an ENT Doctor to talk about getting tubes put in his ears. I'm almost positive we'll be scheduling the surgery tomorrow, which I'm a little nervous about, but I do know that this is what he needs. We have battled many ear infections and even RSV recently. It's never fun to miss out on work due to a sick child and it's happened more than enough times for me this past year. I am ready to have this procedure done, but not ready to be away from my baby while he's in surgery. Things will be ok, this I know. I'll keep you updated on when the surgery will be.

Enzo is the "popular" one in daycare. The other morning we walk in the door and he immediately starts his cute little wave to every one. My goodness, what a charmer. Of course all the girls ewwww and awwwwed over him and he just took it all in. It's nice to know how adored your child is while he's away in some one elses care, it brings me comfort. My theory with daycare is...you better have a cute kid and dress him cute, they'll more than likely take better care of yours. Sad, but think about it, pretty true.

Enzo is talking up a storm, of course only some of it is understood by me, but regardless it's cute. I love when we're driving in the car and he babbles on for days and his facial expressions go with whatever he is saying, he seems so serious. I ask him about his day and he tells me, or I ask if he had a good day and he'll shake his head yes...most the time. He loves to shake his head no and let me know that he really doesn't want something when I ask. He loves to read and lately I've found him in his room reading books to himself, I'm sure glad that I started the book routine young. His new thing is to point to things as I read. I ask him where the cat is and he will piont to it. Learning is FUN! Words that Enzo speaks on a normal basis are...

Mom
MA MA (Grandma)
Baba (milk, he no longer has a bottle)
Woof Woof
Dog
Ball
Book
Hi (as he waves)
...that's all I can think of at this moment.

Enzo loves to stand in his car, what is he thinking? You can't stand and drive, you sit and drive. Not only does he love to do this, but he looks at me like "hey mom ck me out"... and smiles big.

As for me, as you can see I've dealt with a sick child a lot, but enjoyed our time together. I started a new diet about a week and a half ago and am pretty excited about some new results. In that time I think I've lost a minimum of 5 lbs. but need to weigh myself and find out. Aside from the lbs. lost, others around me have noticed a difference which gives me more reason to keep going and obtaining my goal. I'd like to feel better about myself and be more healthy at the same time. I've been "TRYING" to do go to the gym as well, but it's first of all hard to get up at 4:30 a.m., second it's an expensive in GAS that can put a damper in my pocket book at this time and third it's just plain hard to find time to do everything in one day. I feel like my days pass by me so quickly and I barely get to enjoy the simple things in life because I'm constantly on the run/go. With Enzo's dad being out of work and having a hard time finding a job, money has been real tight and I'm doing my best to make it. I pray that things will get better soon for us, otherwise I need to look in to doing more for myself, find another job or something to get by.

Other than all that, we are Happy and Healty and can't hardly wait for Spring to arrive. I am excited to be able to take evening walks with Enzo and catch a breathe of fresh air.

Rambling

This is Enzo's new thing! When I say "UP", the puts his hands on his head and expects me to tickle him, it's too cute. It seems the past few weeks have been filled with so many new things.

Enzo is taking a few steps, woot woot! It's only a matter of days/weeks before he takes off.

Enzo's New Words
UP
Ball
Book
Mama
Ama (Grandma)
Dad (he has no idea what he's saying)
and I believe a few more I'm missing...

He loves to stand up in the Radio Flyer car pictured in previous posts. Enzo climbs in through the open, door, turns around, stands up and looks at you like "hey mom look what I can do!" The other day he actually stood up, held on to the handle as usual, but then let go and thought he was the coolest kid around standing all by himself in his car. I'm waiting for him to fall so maybe he'll learn a lesson or two. This child LOVES to climb.

Enzo loves Sesame Street! When he sees the show come on, he bounces up and down, claps his hands and smiles real big. Althought t.v. might not be the best thing for a child, I think there is some learning involved and it sure gives me a minute to get a few things done. Although when I'm away for a minute, he seems to find me in the kitchen and crawls up, holds on to my jeans and stands up. He's learning to get in to all the cupboards or anything else possible to get in to.

I have a singer on my hands. When we are driving in the car Enzo loves to sing "la la laaa la la la" It's absolutely adorable to say the least. I can only hope his love for music continues on.

Last but not least, Enzo is growing new teeth like there's no tomorrow. Two of his upper molars have popped through, but not the entire way yet...OUCH! Now the bottom two are swollen ready to make way. I can't imagine the pain, but I'm glad it's something we don't remember as we get older. He'll get over it, but for now it can be a struggle.


As for me, well I'm just working and mothering my son!

Anonymous

I've had a few unknown blog comments, maybe I should be more up to date and add site meter. Anyway, for whoever left the last comments about more pictures of mom, I almost took a picture of my mother and added it, but she laughed at me and told me they were asking for more of me. Hmmm...if that's the case, here you go! And when anonymous, leave your name, it would be nice. Until then, maybe I'll attempt site meter.

Thanks to all that come to my blog.

I imagine this is why I never put ones of myself up...look at how WELL they turn out!

Christmas Fun!

Enz

It was a ton of fun to watch Enzo open gifts this year and enjoy his new presents. I love this last picture because he's sitting on his knees and for some reason I just think it's too adorable. He's growing up way too fast. Hope you all had a Great Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

Merry Chrismtas!

I think I'm finally in the Spirit of Christmas. It took me awhile this year, maybe because of Enzo's birthday, us being sick, etc. Decorating our tree definitely helped me to feel like the Season is actually amongst us as well. I think we the economic struggles in the World today, a lot of people are doing things different. I rarely send out Christmas cards anyway, but for sure won't be able to this time around. I want to wish all that come to my blog a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'm so very grateful for each and every family member and friend that I have. I believe people come in to your life, some for a short time, some for a long time...but I cherish every one that I've encountered for I've learned from or been able teach many.

Let's not forget about the True Meaning of Christmas this year.

Love to all!

The Downhill Slope

Just when you think it will never end, things start looking better. Enzo has had a rough week, to say the least. The stomach flu/virus he caught was saddening and no fun for the both of us. To see a tiny one going through such a thing is heart breaking. On top of it, Enzo is cutting (3) new teeth at once. Not only have I had a rough week, but I can only imagine what he is feeling. The past few days though have been wonderful, he is finally feeling back to normal, so he acts. We've got back into our nighttime routine which I believe helps him in getting to sleep at night. We are back on track with one bath time before bed instead of 3 or so through out the day. I've started reading books to him before bed which I feel calms him and in turn will be a good learning experience.
I also wanted to tell you about a funny experience I've had with him recently. I remember chasing (crawling) babies around the house saying "I'm gonna get you" and seeing them crawl even faster while laughing. Being Enzo is a 'beginner' in his crawling stages I wasn't sure he would be even understand what I was trying to do, but I did it anyway. Oh boy did he catch on quick. So I start chasing after my boy, laughing and telling him I was going to get him. Enzo turned his head back, started laughing, looks forward, tries to crawl as fast as he can and *kirplunk* falls flat on his face, side, etc. It's too funny! It's a great time to watch him learn and grow.

P.S. He loves to sing!