75th

The neighbors on 75th were like extended family. At times when I felt alone at my dad's, I knew the three houses across the street were always there! I grew close with them over the span of 14 years. I LOVED their kids and had the most fun planning block parties.
Today I heard of the passing of one of the guys that felt like a dad to all of us. He was the one that, as a kid, you felt like he looked out for. He would stand on his front porch and yell "Greta Lu", just to say hi. He was the first outside when he heard my cries for help after I had been ran over by a car. He was someone I looked up to and thought his family was so lucky to have.
I know a lot had changed over the last 15 years. I didn't see him or his family much, but often thought about them. They were my safety at my dad's, when I just needed to get away. I ran into him two years ago at the tulip festival and was so proud to introduce him to Walter and Felix. I walked away that day feeling so happy to have seen him again.
RIP Dave, my life on 75th was better because of my neighbors!

3!

Today we celebrated our babies 3rd birthday! This year has been so much fun! Felix has grown up so much and he is still the loving, sweet, cuddle bug that he has always been.
I love everything about him. His love for animals, his curious nature and his constant "I Love You's" make everyday with him an adventure!
We woke up with a couple presents, went to breakfast, had lunch at the airport with Grandma and Grandpa Adams, stopped by Mor Mor's for a birthday hello and finished the night off at his first Blazer game (and they won)! Our day was full and at one point Walter said he wished the day didn't have to end!

Felix Rene,
You have brought so much happiness to everyday! Your smile warms my heart and I love your random kisses! I am proud of how caring and thoughtful you are and know that you will continue to grow into an amazing person! Happy Birthday Sweetness, you are my SUNSHINE!

PS...During the game, every time they yelled "Defense!" Felix thought they were yelling "Felix!"

I am that mom!

I am the mom that gets watery eyes when her kids score a goal in soccer, the one that tears up when she hears her sons favorite song and the one that cries when she thinks about her baby celebrating another birthday!

I'm so excited to start a new chapter of our lives, but it's hard for me to think about leaving another year behind! This year has been fabulous! I have teared up and cried over a lot due to Felix!

When we wake up we will have a 3 year old...and again my eyes are watering! I love my baby, he is my right hand man for sure!

OVG!

This pregnancy has been very similar to the first. The ultrasound tech quickly ran the doppler over the entire baby at the beginning of the appointment, Walter and I were both pretty sure of what we saw. I didn't have my heart set on either sex and I was pretty sure this would be a boy!

I am so excited to bring another happy, sweet, loving boy into this world. I cannot wait for Oscar and Felix to become best friends and to build a bond that is unbreakable!

Oscar Vincent, you already light up my life! I cannot wait to hold you in my arms! I imagine what you look like and how absolutely beautiful you will be! I love feeling you kick, I love the thought of your giggle, I love imagining you and your brother playing with each other and I am so excited for our journey to begin! Always remember, I love you to the moon and back!

I hope the world is ready for the Garcia brothers!

Ridin' the Potty Train!!

I stole that saying from my sister. She recently went through potty training with my nephew. They called us on FaceTime one morning and said, "We're ridin' the potty train!" Loved it! He did it like a champ! It seemed to come so natural for him...I can't help, but be a little envious! I know there were/are difficult potty days for her, my BIL and my nephew, but he seemed to transition into the new phase really well!

So now it is our turn...we started months back, having Felix sit on the potty chair. He was hesitant and wasn't too sure, but it soon became easier. Beginning the 2nd of this month we jumped on the train! It was time to get serious! He now uses the potty most of his days. Diapers are for nap and nighttime and of course some random times in between, but in general the potty is in regular use throughout the day.

Today we took our first trip out of the house, without a diaper on and we were successful! We drove to the aquarium, no accidents! While at the aquarium, 2 bathroom breaks and no accidents! Our drive home, no accidents!

I am proud to say we are definitely, "Ridin' the Potty Train"! Choo Choo!

2013

It's a new year with new beginnings! Life in the Garcia house will be changing with the expansion of our family! It will be an adjustment for us all!
I am excited to start a new chapter of our lives. I am excited to watch Felix become a big brother! I am excited to have a little baby in our house to shower with love! I am excited that I have Walter to share the experience with! I am super excited to watch my best friend and his wife transition into wonderful parents!
2012 was a great year as I watched Felix grow into a little kid! I am anxious to see his development this year and how he will respond to a younger sibling. Right now it is all fun and games, he thinks he and Mommy both have a baby in their tummy.
Bring on the new year with a new adventure and a healthy pregnancy!

Holiday Season

We had a great Christmas holiday. I was able to take time to enjoy some of our favorite traditions with Felix and as a family. I love sharing these magical times with my family.
This year Felix really started to understand the holiday and the different traditions we have. He LOVED Santa and was very vocal about what he had asked him to bring. Another character he grew to love was The Grinch or as he said it "The Dinch". He watched part of the movie one time, that was all it took. I tried to introduce to him many of the Christmas specials on tv and he really got into the music!
Work is always busy this time of year, but I seemed to get all my shopping done and still spend time with my family, which is my absolute favorite. Our house was decorated and cookies were baked. I love this holiday and am watching my son turn into a total believer also! He definitely appreciates it as much as I do.