Melancholy

This picture was taken shortly after our little cowboy's birth 2 summers ago. Time does go by fast. It's amazing how both kids have changed, both physically and developmentally. Our little princess is still as cute as ever, although now, slightly more cautious than when she was 2. Our son, or our little jokester, as we also like to call him--he has an uncanny wit for such a young boy.

I'll treasure this picture of them forever. Now that we're expecting baby #3, I hope that they welcome her with the same wonder as we did the little cowboy. I hope that all three children realize how precious they are to each other; how they will become each others best friends, allies in what can sometimes seem a harsh world. My day begins early with almost always a daily dose of squabbles among the kids--at the end of the day, however, they say good night and give each other a good night kiss. More and more, I am starting to notice that bond between them. They do in fact, care and are interested in each other. This weekend, while the princess spent the night at the grandparent, the little cowboy asked about her--I detected a little sadness in his voice. Yes, I do believe they'll be best friends...someday.

Christmas Wrap Up

The holidays were a much anticipated event around here. We were eagerly awaiting for the arrival of my family from Panama. My aunts and their families definitely added some of the Latin warmth and cheer this Christmas.

My intent this year was to make Christmas, just that, a season to celebrate with family and friends the birth of Jesus. Although I tried to incorporate some of the religious traditions, I realized that my children are fairly young and there will be time for them to learn more and get more into the details of this religious time.

So many memories will forever be etched in my mind. It was great to come running down the stairs Christmas morning and see our Little Cowboy as he jumped on the trampoline Santa gave him-- he is so skinny that his pants had fallen to his ankles with all the jumping around. Our Princess was excited to make a gingerbread house for the first time and also to see that Santa had eaten all his cookies except for one he left behind (in her mind this one was for her). I hope my children don't outgrow the wonder of Santa too soon. I know some children as young as 6 that already smirk when you mention Santa. That expression of wonder and excitement on a kid's face is pure magic if you ask me.

Besos,
Vanessa

6 months and counting

It seems like this pregnancy has gone by faster than the others. Although anything lasting 9 months is a little too long for me. I haven't had too many setbacks with pregnancy, I did have a little morning sickness during the first couple of months. My goal of working out during the pregnancy has been a complete bust. I guess I'm getting some exercise chasing after the kids, running errands and the day to day of the household. Sometimes I wonder how I became such a housewife in a relatively short 4 years. This Sunday, hubs and I celebrated our 7th anniversary--time has definitely flown by. We've lived in three different homes, and will soon have three children. Soon, we will be planning our fourth move, location still to be determined--for us. The newborn baby will probably be around 6 weeks at the time of the move--the same happened when we had our second child.

At times like these I try to keep things in perspective and look at all the blessings we have as a family. Even though it can be stressful not knowing where we will be moving to, we do not have the stress of losing a job. So far, we've managed to keep our little family healthy, the kids are growing and make us laugh with their antics. I tell myself, just breathe, take a little time and life will not seem like such a whirlwind. After all, I'm sure it's human nature to want change when you don't have it and to want a state of permanance in the midst of chaos.

Besos,
Vanessa