Week 29

Well, we made it! Our very first Christmas with our wonderful baby girl Aria has come and past. What a joyful day is was. I feel so incredibly blessed to have her this year. So blessed to have a family so full of love and joy in our hearts. So blessed that togetherness is all we need to truly have a home, no matter where we are currently resting our tired heads at night. It truly doesn't matter as long as we are together.

So this year, of 2011, my beautiful little family celebrated with my larger family and extended family here on Clinton road. We opened gifts in the morning. Santa was very good to us this year. When Kevin came out and saw all the presents, he said,"Weren't we supposed to be having an off year this year?". Well yes, but we all worked together very hard to pull of just as fine a spread as ever. It was very helpful that Santa's especially dutiful elf (Auntie Gabby), had a little extra pocket money to spoil us all with (benefit of slaving at three jobs). And spoil each and everyone of us she did! I got Uggs! So comfy and snuggle heaven for my footseses. Also a beautiful down blanket and duvet cover. Sentimental items came up this year as well. Gabby got my a matching vintage pearl necklace to the one I got her for her birthday this year. It has a an extra ring on it that says "if i didn't have you". A reference to our favorite childhood movie Quest for Camelot" and the two headed dragon that perfectly represented our very special relationship. I love it! Kevin got me an iPhone 4s! How excited/lucky/surprised/overjoyed am it! Yayness to the 10th degree!! I got Kevin a Buck knife Vantage Force Pro (he asked for it to increase his manly status with his Apple gang). I got Gabby a cookbook that I made the cover of. It's going to be a cookbook scrapbook of all our delicious and favorite recipes. I also got her cooking paraphernalia. I got Dad a cup that says "Pops Rocks". We got mom and dad stockings that say "Yaya" and"Pops". Th boys got shirts, Sonic for Billy because it reminded me of being young and playing with him and Johnny Cash for Raph cuz well it's Johnny Cash and Raph likes music. Mom also got a german bird ornament and a vintage pearl necklace that has my childhood poem on it "upside down or right side up, we will love you to the top" and "yaya" in the middle. Gabby finally got the baby doll mom had started making for her years ago. She finished it! So cute :) Billy got all the "cooks" a mini burger maker and "santa" got Billy a mini burger maker. It was pretty funny. Well now that I've rambled about our loot for a good 10 minutes, I will move on :P After the presents, there was a mad scurry to get the house ready for guests. They arrived promptly at 530pm. Aunt Lucy brought a gorgeous white fur coat for Aria (which we immediately tried on her). Mom aka Yaya made a glorious feast for everyone to share in. Sweet potatoes, roast, bacon beans… Everyone else pitched in as well. It was a great night of family and fun.

Today I fed Aria some left over Christmas sweet potatoes. I got her little Gerber spoon and we had a grand time. She loved them! She kept opening her mouth for more! I think my little baby is ready to start some solids. I will of course keep nursing her but it will be fun to make her baby food and feed her. I intend to make all her baby food in the future (mark my words).

Aria can pretty much sit up like a pro now. She can even almost bring herself to a sitting position for laying down. It's amazing how much stronger she's gotten.

She continues to use her "Donald Duck" voice to communicate. It's hilarious to listen to her. She grumbles on about everything and anything.

Oh how could I leave it out. Aria got a Jumperoo for Christmas from Santa. She LOVES it! She jumped and jumped in it on Christmas day until she fell asleep. It was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. I'm so glad to find something can can tire her out enough to nap.

Which brings me to her sleep schedule. She's still an absolutely horrid sleeper. Last night she slept in her crib a total of 2 hours and I held her the rest of the night as she squirmed and grunted. She finally got out a "present" for me in the morning and I think she felt better. Most nights she wakes up at least 3 times.

Aria has mastered her pinched grasp. It's so fun to see her see something she wants to hold and then go for it with her little fingers. She loves to just move her pointer finger back and forth on anything, feeling it.

Aria also now sucks on her 2 middle fingers with her palm facing out. It's so cute!

Baby's First Christmas! 2011

Today is Christmas, mt sweet baby Aria's very first. Yesterday our neighbors stopped by with a gift for her (who can resist buying baby presents). It was an adorable red dress by firtimpressions from Macy's. I had to have her wear it to church. We went to 4pm mass at St. Nicks. Even though we got there at 3:45pm, there was no room at the inn fir us so to say. The church was PACKED! The hall was packed! We ended up standing outside the hall in the freezing cold (seriously icy cold for CA). I forgot Aria's blanket, so I took off my coat and wrapped her in it. She fell asleep on her daddy during her 1st Xmas Mass. After mass we walked back to the car half froze, with Bo feelings in our toes. Raph went to to feed James so Auntie Gabbt came with us. Off to Grammy's annual Xmas Eve party we went. At this point I was becoming seriously tired because I had been finishing my craft projects all morning. Almost killed me. Everyone at Grammy's was happy to see Aria. They all lover her so very much. Grammy's eyes just light up when she sees her abs she drops everything to hold her. Dinner was yummy and the Xmas program started shortly after. My cousin Chris did a fabulous job hosting. Billy and Grandfatger had grand musical accompaniment as well. Chris set it up for max singing participation by having a challenge before each song. The winner fit to...not sing. The loser had to pick 2 victims from the croud to join him leading the carol in front. It was awesome. There was "santa's village" pictionary, Xmas tree tearing behind the back, present wrapping with oven mits on, minute to win it style Oreo on the face to mouth, and spelling "JC" with m&ms with just a straw and your mouth. After the fun Santa came out and we exchanged secret Santa gifts. Aria got a Sophie the giraffe from Aunt Sue. Ive been seriously yearning for one of these most popular baby toys, so I was extatic! I got a 2 year subscription to Parents magazine which is great! When we got home Santa had come and left PJ's in front of the fire just like when we weee little. It was magical (I think Auntie Gabby knows Santa!). I, genius that I be, saved all my wrapping til after we got hone. Again almost took the life from me wrapping til 12am!

Bur today is Christmas morning at 7am and I have the very best Christmas present I could hope for in my arms. Aria is lightly snoring (maybe dreaming of reigndeer, probably boobies though). So happy :)

Until next time, xo Rosie

Week 26! My baby is 6 months old!!!!

Well hello again. Today is the day! Aria Rose is 6 months old! Happy half birthday to the best little princess in the world!

Today I was out with Holly at Trudy's Brides. She is getting married!! It was so fun looking at her trying on all those gorgeous dresses. The appointment was at 10am so Aria stayed at home with Daddy because he didn't work til 1pm. After the dress fittings we went out to eat at Hobbee's. I missed my baby but she was in good hands and it was really very nice to get out. I hardly ever leave the house! After brunch I checked in with Kev and since Stinky was doing so well, I decided to drop by some flowers and candy to Kevin's mom. She hurt her knee at work yesterday so was taking it easy today and I thought it would be a nice surprise to brighten her day. I stopped at Whole Foods and got some Shooting Star Hydrangeas and See's Candies for a box of assorted chocolates. Her apartment was only 2 miles from Trudy's. I dropped off the gift and left a note inside since she wasn't there, though her big kitty Evil did come out and say hello. I think he likes me know that I took care of him and his sister one day last week while Carol was in Oregon. Or he might of just been bored. When I got back home here it was 1pm and it felt absolutely fabulous to have been out and about int he morning time and still have lots of day left. Aria and I have been snuggling and napping since I arrived back home. We are going to go shopping with Auntie Gabby later today I think. (yaya is watching her now so I can get in a quick update!)

On Sunday we went to dinner at Emily and Josh's new house. It's a beautiful craftsman style home in Willow Glen, right near Carol's place. It was so much fun hanging out with another marries couple who also had a baby. Their little Carlo is just 5 weeks younger than Aria. When we got there Emily was giving us the grand tour and when we finished viewing the cute upstairs we were walking back to the kitchen and Kevin stepped right in a heap of dog poop. Poor Emily, it was quite comical. Kevin's a good sport and dog poop don't phase him. It was kind of a funny ice breaker for him I think, hehehe. Their dogs are super cute and friendly. They are Italian Greyhounds so definitely not snuggly like our pouches but I loved them anyways. I'm just a dog person I guess. Aria forgot her shoes at their home (more like I forgot them) so we must go back and retrieve them at some point. Yay for new friends!

Well miss Aria has been up to a few tricks this week. She seems more and more aware of how the noises she makes affect the people around her. I think she has learned a little pro baby manipulation. She will give out the saddest wail if I lay her in her pac n play and act like I'm walking away. She is fine if I stay and play with her though. The little stinker. She now gets a huge smile and laugh/squeals when she sees someone she loves like Daddy or Auntie Gabby. It's the cutest thing. She is getting better at sitting. She is not completely face down on her knees anymore and actually tottering up a bit and then to the side and they she falls over. Still no teeth in sight, though she drools like no other.

Well it's time, my 20 minutes are up! If I think of more I will update more later. But who knows when that will be.

Until next time xo. Rosie

Week 24-25

Well hello there. It's December! Can't believe it. I'm lying on the floor in Gabby's room and Stinky is taking nap in her big bed. My cat Zoey just strolled in! They are getting more and more forward. Last night Kevin couldn't find Xander so we ended up just leaving the door open to the little living room so he could come home if he so desired. I got new collars and tags for them the other day at Petco so I tried to assure Kevin that he would be fine. Low and behold he was in the room when we woke up this morning. Anyways that was another cat detour tangent, lol, it happens.

So yes, it's December! Last week was Thanksgiving and it was busy as heck. The holidays are officially here. Kevin, Aria and I had THREE Thanksgiving parties to go to. Of course there was Grammy's on the Sunday before, then ours, hosted here and Yaya and Pops' house on Thursday and then Kevin's Uncle Paul had one as well on the Sunday after.

Aria is not quite used to big crowds yet. Everyone in my family wanted to come and love on her and she just wasn't quite sure if she liked it or not. She wouldn't crack a smile. I kept having to tell people that she is usually more friendly but she's just a little nervous. It could be in part due to the fact that my mom's side of the family, when they get together, reaches deafening decibels even for a normal person. So I can imagine it's a bit to take in for a little tiny baby face. We attempted to take a family photo after the festivities died down but it was a little too much too late for Aria, she wasn't a fan of the photo shoot. I still want to go through the photos and hopefully make one work for a Christmas card. She looked adorable in her outfit, her attitude was just a little less than cheery. The food was delicious. My mom made the Turkey with a new recipe in which she stuffed the breast meat outer sides with sausage meat and covered the Turkey in bacon. This helped keep it very moist. All the family brought yummy food and we have been eating Thanksgiving feasts for a week straight (since we kept all the leftovers!).

On Saturday I went to Theresa's birthday party in SF. It was at an Italian restaurant. Holly and I drove together. We made it with plenty of time to spare but then proceeded to take 45 minites ot find a parking spot! Argh, the frustration of driving around in the city  looking for a spot to wedge my car coupled with the knowledge of our soon to be late appearance at the party gave me a pounding headache. We ended up parking a mile away and walking to the place. The dinner was good and Theresa is always happy person to see so it got better once we arrived. I was worrying about Aria while there though because she still refuses to drink out of a bottle. I pumped 4 ounces for her and left if with Yaya. But when we tried to practice the day before she just cried and cried like the nipple of the bottle was burning her lips every time it can near. Needless to say when I arrived home 5 hours later, she had gone on a hunger strike, completely refusing the "nasty" bottle. Sigh, my poor little spoiled babe.

On Sunday, we decided at the last minute to go to Kevin's Uncle Paul's for Thanksgiving. We hadn't been to a family Thanksgiving since the first year we started dating (6 years ago). They have a new house in Scotts Valley that is amazingly big and beautiful. They were all very nice and so excited to see us and Aria (hadn't seen them since our wedding). Kevin's cousins have 4 little kids, so it was cute seeing them running around and playing, reminded me of when I was a kid. I hope that Aria will have other kids to play with someday :( I need to find spouses for my siblings and get this party started! ;)

Since Sunday we have been dealing with a plumbing disaster here on the home front. Our toilet in our little house stopped working and we realized that there was a cesspool of sewage gathering in the yard behind the house. Gross! It's been a wreck here trying to fix it, but it's finally fixed as of yesterday. Only cost $3000 *tears*. At least we don't have to pee in a bucket at night anymore!

Well, I am in charge of feeding Kevin's mom's kitties today. I forgot to get Kevin's key to his mom's place so I'm going to have to like drive to Los Gatos and get it from him so I can go feed them.

I have a list of Aria's accomplishments from this past week on my iPhone, but it's not with me so I wll update more in a bit.

List from iPhone:
Feeling everything and I mean everything with her fingers then opening and closer them on whatever she is feeling.
Talking more- lots of dadadada, and even some mmmammmaammm
Very good eye contact, will look right at you when you say her name and smile. She started to do the "bashful baby" thing, where she looks at you then turns in to the shoulder of whoever is holding her. It's SO cute.
She sits up while leaning very far forward if I set her in a sitting position.
She wraps her legs around me when I carry her. I love it!
She likes to lean her head upside down, especially if you are trying to hold her "like a baby".
Auntie Buhbabuhbee thinks her face looks older, more like a toddler and less like a little baby.
She now likes her car-seat!!! She doesn't protest at all when I put her in and she usually goes right to sleep before we even get to the end of the street.
She still has a soft spot on her head, getting smaller though.
She started sleeping through the night for a whole week! (of course now she is back to being up every 2 hours, but hey I'll take it.)
She loves her bubbly bath-time and she officially can't take baths in her tub on the counter anymore- way too much splashing. I now put her little pink princess tub in the big tup so she can splash away without soaking the kitchen ;)

Love our little family <3

Yaya and her delicious Turkey!

She loves Uncle Raphy time :)

Just a litte nuggy nug.

Sucking thumbs is for babies. I suck toes!

Week 23

Well I missed Thursday again, now it's Tuesday!!

Last Monday was Kev's birhday and his lasagna turned out fabulously. His mom, bro and Kira came over for dinner and everyone had a great time. I got Kevin a large German stein, some Puma shoes, Macbeth shoes, the 4th Eragon book Inheritance, a belt, jeans, a long-sleeved collard shirt, aqua de gio cologne oh and a very tiny stein (it looked much bigger in the eBay picture). We all enjoyed wine, good company and gooey pumpkin cake for dessert. Kev's mom got him a nice new lunch bag, because we want to start packing lunch everyday to be healthy and save money. My family got Kevin a green Oregon jersey (number 21) and a willow tree figure for new dad's. Gabby got him some new Ugg slippers. All in all it was a good day.

Today Kevin had the day off and unfortunately we spent most of the day looking for our cat Xander. He managed to go missing. This was very worrisome because Zooey and Xander have been indoor cats their whole loves (1 year) and the last couple of weeks we have been letting them play outside because it seemed safe enough in the backyard here. We search all over and couldn't find him. Finally at about 7pm we were looking out in the dark and we heard him meowing. We thought he was in the neighbors yard (Dave and Megan) so we went over and asked them if we could look. We coouldn't find him, but we could still here him meowing. I looked over their back fence toward where the noise was coming from and low and behold there he was. He was missing from 12pm-7pm. Kevin says we are keeping him in for 5 weeks now. We'll see how that goes. I'm just happy he's home.

Earlier today Kevin and I went on a walk. We were looking for Xander but also clearing our minds and enjoying each other's company. I was asking Kevin if he was having fun playing his new video game. Some shoot em up one. I know he plays online with his brother sometimes. He said he was but that he hardly had time to play and that Steven kept asking him if he wanted to and he kept having to say no. Apparently Steven wanted to play on Saturday but Kevin was on Daddy duty as I went to the movies (first time in for-freakin-ever) with my mom and sister. As Kevin was telling me about this he threw out that he could tell Steven was getting "fussy" because he wasn't playing with him. When I heard this I had to smile. Baby talk has officially taken over our lives.

So yes, Saturday I went and saw Breaking Dawn! I thoroughly enjoyed getting out. I loved the Twilight books and I definitely have a good time seeing the movies. I think this one was well done. More gory and way more sexy than the others, but still good. Before I left Stinky I pumped some milk for her. When I got home I ran over to see my baby and she looked at me as if she could care less that I was home. I don't think she missed me at all. Apparently she was having too much fin with Daddy while i was gone. They went for a walk and watched football. He tried to give her a bottle but she refused. She would kind of taste the milk put she wouldn't suck. She really didn't have more than a few drops. I don't know what we are going to do I we ever leave her for more than a few hours and she gets hungry. Hopefully her iron will will fade and she'll allow the less than ideal boobie milk dispenser (aka bottle) to nourish her empty belly.

On Sunday we went to Grammy and Grandfather's Thanksgiving party. Kevin had a split shift, so he had to work at 7am-11am then go to dinner and go back to work at 7pm for a meeting. We went to church at 1215pm. Kevin had to take Stinks to the back during the homily because she was wining. This happened last week as well. She just is getting tired and falls asleep after about 15 minutes. After church Fr. Larry met us at the door and said "Hi there Ariel....Ari". I don't think he remembers her name, hehe. I didn't correct him. After we got home I gave Kevin a quick haircut and beard trim so he would look presentable for dinner. He was still slightly in mourning because of Oregon losing their big game on Saturday against USC. I had bought a new dress to wear for Thanksgiving but I didn't feel like wearing it when the time came so I just wore the skirt and top I had worn to church. Aria looked cure in a little rosebud romper with a white undershirt and tights on. When we got to Grammy's at 4ish everyone thought she was adorable. It's funny how much everyone loves a baby. She the light of everyone's eyes. She officially experienced her first Thanksgiving and she had a spot at the table as the guest of honor in Grammy's ancient wooden highchair. I wish I had brought my camera. Last night she only woke up once at 430 and then slept all the way till 11am!! I woke up and freaked out for a second because I thought she suffocated (she have the blanket over her faee) but she was just sleeping. She gave me that "what, mom, what look" she I pulled if off of her. Even though she went right back to sleep I had to wake her up because I needed her little self to help me out. My poor breasts aren't used to being neglected for a whole 6 hours! They usually get attention every 2 or so form my hungry little Stinky.

We are going to have real Thanksgiving on Thursday hosted here and Pops and Yaya's house. They are already preparing.

Let's see are there any new milestones.... well, she can still hit the buttons on her little piano, more and more and she totally knows what she is doing, so smart! She can almost roll over from back to front. She gets on her side quite easily.

Until next time, xo Rosie

*Edit- Apparently is WAS Monday after all, tehe, oops.

Week 22 Five Months!!

Well I missed last Thursday's update but that's okay today is an even better day. It's Monday AND Daddy's birthday! Kevin has the day off of work so he can spend his first birthday as a dad with his precious little princess. She is currently sleeping in her swing like an angel and he is getting ready to play golf with the boys.

Thankfully after a full week or horrid sleep Aria decided to not wake up every hour last night. She just got up once. It was miraculous. She has never been a good sleeper, but the second week we were here at our new little cottage house she slept great then it all went downhill. It might be because she is teething a little or about to or it might be because I got myself sick the past week. So far she seems like she hasn't gotten sick, just been sleeping bad and quite cranky. I had resorted to holding her all night again, just like when she was a tiny wittle stinky. I'm thinking maybe she didn't like the way my milk tasted because I took some Nyquil (I know, I'm bad, but I was dyying). Or I know Sudafed (I didn't take any) makes the milk supply lower, maybe Nyquil does too? I don't know, either way she's been extra grumpy but thank God last night she let us sleep!

This past week Aria started to hold little things in her hand more. She can hold onto Chapstick, bracelets, measuring spoons. She has learned how to hit the buttons on her little Baby Einstein piano and make the music play. She kind of looks like she is flailing about, but hey she gets the desired outcome. Noted digressions: still not rolling over, it's now been about 2 weeks since I've seen her do it. I noted it last week as well. I truly believe she could it she wanted to, but she just doesn't have the desire. We still do lots of tummy time and she is very strong and getting stronger everyday.

I need to make Aria an appointment for the 4 month check up. I know, she is already 5 months now! Holy cow! But I had to cancel the well baby check up at Stanford because it was scheduled for our last day at Evelyn Gardens. The soonest they could reschedule for was in mid-Januaray. I just don't want to wait that long. So I am pediatrician researching. I want to find a good one, since it is quite probable that we will be seeing this doctor for years to come.

I'm so excited for Christmas this year. Last year frankly sucked (Baby bean Aria was making be ill), so I feel like it's been 2 years since Christmas!! I can't wait for the lights, the music, the tree, dressing up, hot cocoa, apple cider, I want it all! I know I'l slightly premature it my exuberance, I am aware that it's merely the middle of November and we do need to acknowledge the great day known at Thanksgiving first. But still I can't wait. I already order Aria two dresses from eBay. I was looking for a classic vintage style red baby dress. I want top do a photoshoot for our Christmas cards. They haven't come yet, but I am hopeful that they will look adorable on my little peanut.

Well I suppose I need to prepare for Kevin's birthday dinner tonight. I am making lasagna and I think it's going to take about 3 hours. I am also making Gooey Pumpkin Cake! Carol, Steven and Kira are coming for dinner. While Kevin's out playing golf, Yaya is going to be on baby duty.

Week 21

Two weeks down at our new home. Kevin and I are still debating what fond name we should endow upon our humble dwellings, he votes for "The Shack" and I think "The Cottage" is much more embodying of the abundant love and general awesomeness that lives inside :P

On Monday we celebrated Aria's very first Halloween. She was dressed as a little lamb and everybody couldn't get enough of her. Unfortunately Daddy had to work til 10pm but we were able to hang out with some friends at "The Big House". Holly and Dwight came by, as well as Jena and Linsday. Jena was holding Aria and she started to do her slow blink blink and next thing we knew she was hanging like a floppy doll in her arms fast asleep. So cute!

(Xander is being horrible right now, walking on the keyboard, rubbing his hear under my chin, omg! I am going to kill him!)

Auntie Gabby started her new job this Wednesday. It's been rather lonely without her. Basically since Aria was born we've hung out almost everyday. Just so happens that we both weren't working for 5 months. (Oo myy goood, now he is sitting on my butt and clawing at it like a scratching post! I need to find a better place to write than laying on my bed, b/c aparantly it means free for all cat attention time.) I'm happy that her job is working out though. She has her own work laptop and a cubicle. I'm going to print out a picture of Aria for her to put on her desk. Maybe her adorable lamb one :)

Yesterday we went with Kevin's mom Carol to the DMV to officially switch over the name of the Camry to Kevin. Yay it's the first car either of us has ever had in our own name! The DMV always takes forever and then when we got out the car battery had died! My dad came and jumped it for us. There was a bit of confusion because Kevin has insurance that makes it free for a tow truck to come jump the care but my dad insisted on coming anyways, stating who knows how long the AAA people will take to get there. It all worked out in the end. 

Oh and also car related, I took Kevin's Camry all by myself and got a smog check. Then I paid online for the registration. I feel so accomplished.

Well, I'm about to have to go because Stinky is crying in her swing. One knew thing she started doing last week is pulling herself forward when she sits in her bouncer chair. I think she's getting close to sitting up! And another is she can finally hold on to toys with her little hands, she like plastic measuring spoons the best!

Aria now weighs 18 pounds! I can't believe she has grown so much! It's amazing to watch! I finally got the courage to weigh her since I've been using MyFitnessPal to try and get these pesky last pounds off myself. I'm only 10 pounds away from pre-baby days :)

Until next time. xo Rosie

Week 19-20

Well well, I've actually missed 2 Thursdays in a row, oh dear. Let me tell you what's been going on in the House household these past two weeks.

Last Fiday October 21st we officially said goodbye to our first home at Evelyn Gardens Apartments. It was craziness getting everything together but we did it. We are now snug as 3 bugs in a rug out in the "Pool House" at my parents' place. It's working well so far. Kevin and I come in for coffee in the morning and it's nice to have my family so close. I even plop "Stinky" on Gabby to wake her up at the crack of 10am.

These past two weeks Aria has really found her voice. She literally is letting out this high pitched squeal all the time. Before she would coo and blow bubbles, now it's violent spitting and shreiking. She's going to be a lovely little girl :P

Aria has also started to grab her feet, it's so cute, she lifts them up to her mouth and like everything else  she can get her hands on, she takes a nice long taste of her toesies.

Oh yes, she has digressed in one area, rolling over. When I put her on her tummy she looks as me like I'm crazy to think she might have this knowledge of rolling over. She doesn't even teeter to the side. I fear that since we have moved, she has been held so much that she doesn't see the need to practice such an arduous task as rolling over on her own. After all if she just lets out a pleasant little scream, someone will come a runnin.

Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch for the firs time ever in Stinky's life. She was all dressed up in her adorable little Halloween outfit and with her "My First Halloween" bib. We got lots of cute pictures. I had a tiny mommy fail occur in my valiant attempts at capturing the perfect pumpkin photo. I set my little princess on the hay, propped up with lots of pumpkins around her. I was trying to get her to look at the camera, when, tiiimmmbeeerrr, she went over like a little tree. It's amazing how strong she is, yet she has no ability to balance her core upright. She hit her little head a little bit on the side of a pumpkin :( She was very sad and horrified that her mommy would do this to her, but after a moment of distraction she was A OK.Unfortunately she pretty much refused to smile for her photo-shoot so I think we will redo some photos. At least her little lamby Halloween costume arrived today so she will look mighty cute in our take 2 session.

Tonight we are going to Grammy's birthday/Halloween/tripoly party at 6pm. I'm trying to decide what I should dress Aria in, hmm. Maybe her adorable pink skeleton outfit?

Until next time. xo Rosie

Sunday 10/16

Hello there. Just thought I'd stop in because I never got around to updating again on Thursday.

I figured out what those spitting bubble noises that Aria makes are referred to as. Blowing raspberries.

Aria can now stand as well! Well not really by herself, but she does love i if you make her stand. She puts her weight on her legs. She is very strong.

Right now she is sleeping in her car seat and Kevin and I are about to go for a walk. One of our last walks here in SV. I'm going to miss this place.

Pops came over yesterday afternoon and helped me get my storage locker ready. Kevin and I had already gone and set up the paperwork, but we still needed to add a lock so my dad brought the lock from their old storage place and saved me $30. So we officially have a 10 x 10 to neatly pack our life into. Amazing that that's all it takes.

Tomorrow I am going to finish packing up all the big items that are not used everyday.

Wow this is a boring entry, I'm not feeling the creative juju flowin. Take 2 another time.

Week 18

Aria has figures out how to grab! She loves to lay on her play-mat gym that Yaya got for her and grab and the crinkly creepy king toy Uncle Steven gave to her. She has been very vocal the last week. She is constantly making noises, whether screaming or just listening to her own voice.

Kevin and I are officially moving out of our apartment now. We have 1 week left! So scary. We are going to U-haul today to get moving boxes. The little apartment at my parents is almost ready for us.

Stinky finally grew out of her bassinet this week. We have temporarily put her in the pac n play.

Will update more later…need to start getting prepared.

Week 17

Hello again. This week has been an exciting one for Aria. She finally got the courage to make the leap. Yes, yesterday the 5th of October she rolled over! She has gotten so very strong in the last few weeks. I used to just set her in her swing and bouncer because she was a little immobile baby. Now I must use all the required straps to keep her in these devices. If I don't I find that she has used her back legs, lol, she's not a dog, let me rephrase, she has used her legs to lift her body up and scootch her butt down. It was so bad in her swing that her head was about where her bootie was supposed to be. This week Aria has continued to make her bubble blowing noise. She tends to do it when she is bored or just not that amusing by my mommy entertainment. It's really quite adorable.

Yesterday Auntie Gabby came over to make cookies with us. Carrey from Beau-coup was visiting in the evening and I was feeling quite homemakeresque and wished to have delightful homemade cookies to offer when she arrived. We made butterscotch cream cheese cookies. They were quite delish and I had no less than 9 (cries inside for a minute). I was sitting on the couch at one point waiting for the cookies to bake and I lifted Aria up over my head in the "superman" pose. She took this opportunity to drop a glob of her ever abundant drool directly into my open eye. Needless to say, I was just happy it was only drool and not barf, hehe.

When the big moment happened mommy was unfortunately in the kitchen, specifically scrubbing a rust spot of my henkels knife. Auntie Gabby was doing some tummy time with Aria. When lo and behold she yanked her little self over onto her back. Try as I may she wouldn't do it again. I'll give it another go today though.

Another cute thing she does now is to laugh hysterically when daddy rubs his head/blows on her belly. She thinks this is the best thing that ever happened and lets out the longest happy giggles.

Unfortunately Stinky is crying now, so I must go, hopefully to continue later…..

Well I'm back. I was planning on going on a morbid tangent about the passing of the great man known as Steve Jobs yesterday. I do not have the time now I realize as I sit here at almost 3pm with wet hair, in my pajamas with a baby wining in her swing. So I will just say, he was a great man, a great thinker, leader and someone who everyone can strive to be like. He gives us hope for our dreams, as long as you are crazy enough to peruse them. Stay hungry, stay foolish. Rest in peace.

Ta ta for now.

Week 16

So if we are going by 4 weeks in a month, my little stinker is exactly 4 months old now! Craziness I know!

This past week was a big one in Aria's life. She was Baptized on Sunday! She did so well. As long as I bounced her she wouldn't cry. She almost started to cry when I leaned her over to have the water poured on her hear but then she got very peaceful looking and just gazed into Fr Larry's eyes as he Baptized her. My arms felt like they were going to fall off by the time mass was over. My little baby isn't so little anymore and the constant need to bounce takes a toll on my "mom arms".

40 people came to see Aria's big day. Mike and Lauren came in from LA. Stefani drove down from Tahoe where she's on a 6 week rotation. Robert flew in from LA to be her Godfather. The day was filled with family and friends and everyone who will be there to support her now and for always. Her Godmother is Auntie Gabby and I'm sure she's going to be overjoyed growing up that she got the best Godmother in the whole world. She is going to be so spoiled.

My Aunt Amy, Aria's I don't know great Aunt?, got Aria an absolutely gorgeous Venetian lace gown from Italy. It's from the Island of Barona, famous for lace. When Aria was born Aunt Amy was in Italy with Tom and they just couldn't resist getting the beautiful gown for my little princess. She looks so cute and so darn spoiled in it. It has a little bonnet but Sister Rosheen made me take it off as soon as we entered the church. I'm not stupid, I was planning on taking it off when it was time for the water, but I didn't make a scene. I took it off and she only got to wear it at the reception.

For the reception Yaya made egg casserole, one of Marmar's famous recipes. I made potato salad and spinach dip. Aunt Sure brought a fruit salas. We had sausages cut up on toothpicks and Grammy brought KKD. Dessert was carrot cake from Draeger's. So delicious. I hadn't eaten sweets since my birthday so it really did taste like heaven to me. There was also festive drinks such as mimosas and sangria. The tables were adorned with lovely bouquets of lilies and white roses.

Kevin and I felt so grown up hosting a reception for our daughter's Baptism. Sometimes we are still shocked that we have her. Thankful everyday that she's in our lives.

The whole event went wonderfully til the very end, when Ben decided to tell Gabby that he wanted a break. Not cool. But even though everyone shed a few tears, we didn't let it ruin the day.

Yesterday I bought a Bumbo for Aria. I found one on Craig's List for $15. I drove to the woman's house in Los Altos to pick it up. Stinker looks really cute sitting in it like a big girl. I'm going to fish around Craigslist whenever I need baby supplies now. It's painless and saves money! Win win.

Aria is stil not sleeping, she only wants to be held all night long. Hopefully I'll have a positive update on this matter one of these days.

She is getting stronger and stronger though, she can almost pull her legs under her during tummy time, which incidentally she still hates.

Well I am off to dinner with Gabby, tending to the broken hearted is what I do best.

Week 15

Today Aria went with her Daddy and me to visit his friends who were working at the Apple store in Los Gatos. Kevin had a day off and wanted to show off his little princess to his buddies. They all were very impressed with how chunky she's gotten since her last visit. Jeff and Danny were working and it was nice to see them. One of the girl said Aria had beautiful eyes, which I was happy about since there's all this glory placed on having blue eyes (her eyes are still brownish/bluish/greenish…not sure where they'll end up, probably not blue though).

After we left the Apple store we went to our favorite Teriyaki Chicken rice bowl place, it's called Sushi Kazoo and it's right near Kevin's mom's apartment in San Jose. We haven't been there since our 6 year anniversary on March 30th! It was so very tasty! I ate way to much for a post-preggo mom trying to lose baby weight, but oh well. Kevin's mom met us there and it was nice to hang out with her. We stopped by her apartment after and visited Kevin's old kitties, Evil and Kitty. Kevin's mom loves them to pieces it's so cute.

Today also marks a change soon to come in our lives. We officially signed the form saying we are moving out of our apartment. I knew this was coming for weeks but couldn't bear to go sign the form without Kevin by my side. It's a scary thing change is. But without change there is no progress or movement. It was a very very hard decision to make but hopefully it will lead to something greater. It will, I know it will. I didn't get that sickened sense of dread after signing the notice, I had feared that I would. I feel that this is because I know it's the right thing to do for us and for our family and future to come. To the pool house we go October 21st! May we make the best of the time we have now and the best of the situation we will be in. Life is too short to be anything but happy and I fully intend on being happy no matter where we live or what path we find ourselves on. I will miss our apartment though. The first year of our marriage was spent in this little place. We found out our beautiful Aria would be joining our family almost a year ago here. I spend many a night laying on the couch trying to ease morning sickness here. It was while lying on the couch in this apartment, feeling ill as all get out, that I watched my beloved SF Giants will the 2010 World Series. So many memories. I love it here and I am sad to leave. But I will always have those memories and Evelyn Gardens will always be remember as the first home of the Houses :)

Let's see, what can I tell you about Aria this week. Well she has discovered that she has a voice! She "talks" to herself in the cutest baby way. It's different that the sounds she made before. It's using her voice more for longer increments. She also has started to laugh more. She's so funny. She loves the song "When the Saints Go Marching On". She has laughed for both me and Kevin while we sing the song to her while simultaneously moving her arms of legs about.

Aria's Baptism is this coming Sunday! So excited to show her off to everyone. I'm hoping to get everything ready for the party tomorrow so I don't have to stress out too much Saturday when Mike and Lauren are here. Either way, Lauren said they will be happy to help if there is work to be done so it should work out. I'm still trying to finalize my shmancy breakfast/brush menu.

Laughing at Saints video (only watch the first 30 seconds).

Baptism Invitation, new and improved

Added a few flourishes to make is more vintage in appearance. Faded out a cute picture of Aria in her Baptismal gown and bonnet, thought it added to the feel of the card.

Movie star baby ;-)

Who me?

Little love

Clothes are tasty!

Yes, I was correct in my first assertion: clothes are in fact delicious to lick.

I'm a little nugget

With a little nuggy face and kissy lips

Beau-coup add? hehe