Molina Baby Steps

Is it still Spring?

2010-05-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures of Sienna in April sometime... yes, I am that behind. But, I absolutely love how they came out and how they captured the season. Russell's family's property has a hill on which was a patch of purple wildflowers. And this hill has absolutely breathtaking views. I just love Paso Robles in the spring- the smells, the bright wildflowers, the green (we have had LOTS of rain this year) and the first leaves and grape buds in the surrounding vineyards... I love it all besides my awful seasonal allergies that have reached a new severity this year... and the thought that harvest is approaching...

Where am I?

2010-05-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

I am way behind on blogging yet again! I have so many posts I would love to write covering the last month- our anniversary getaway, mother's day, etc. But it will have to wait.

This weekend is the second of four straight weekends that we are out of town. I am tired just thinking about it. Last weekend we had a quick weekend trip to Orange County to see some of my family and for Russell's cousin Jake's wedding, which was fabulous! (another post I hope to write in the next year or so...) Tomorrow morning we are flying up to Coeur D'alene, Idaho via Spokane for our good friend's wedding... which will be our second trip sans the munchkin. Should be lots of fun. And even though we get back Sunday evening, I am taking Monday off to recover and spend every moment with my Sienna. Next weekend for Memorial Day we are camping at the lake with some family and friends- Sienna's second camping trip. And the following weekend is my half marathon in San Diego! Whew... I am so busy I keep forgetting about that one! Finding time to run has gotten difficult!

This has been a miserable week for Sienna! Our weekend trip was great, but she had a runny nose starting Saturday. It never got too bad. On Tuesday she had a mild fever most of the day (no other symptoms) and by that night it had reached 102-103 (I have 2 damn thermometers that are NEVER consistent, drives me bonkers). The oncall doctor gave me updated doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen to alternate to help reduce the fever. I mentioned her double ear infections just 2 1/2 weeks ago, so she told me we should bring her in within the next couple days. So when I called the dr yesterday they of course were completely booked, with only one dr in the office for 2 days, nothing open until Friday (and we leave early in the morning).

So I took her to Urgent Care yesterday, they checked her out, and she has double ear infections again! Thank goodness we caught it early this time (could just be lingering from the last ones). Now, she is on a new antiobiotic for a longer duration... Oh and the wait at Target Pharmacy was 2 1/2 freaking hours! Anyway, she had a pretty rough night but seems to be feeling better today, and should be back to her old self soon. I just am so relieved that I took her yesterday so it didn't get worse over the weekend when we are 1100 miles away. (Ok saying that still made me nervous about being away). She will be in the best hands with Russell's parents, we are so lucky for that!

Maybe I will get a bit more caught up with blogs next week, and share some of the 15,000 pictures over the last month...

Four years in the making

2010-05-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was our 4th wedding anniversary! After having an AMAZING weekend getaway (another post) we wanted to celebrate the actual day low key. So after work we met at a flooring store (can't wait for the hardwoods!), exchanged gifts (Pretty pearl earrings to match my very special wedding necklace, and Russell got a nice new saute pan). Then we played with Sienna outside, did her bedtime routine, and then picked up sushi and sake to eat at home, and caught up on Top Chef. What a perfect night!

Remembering our wedding day is one of my favorite things to do. Just such happy memories! And one of the most special things about our wedding was the location- at Russell's family's ranch, where he grew up. The ceremony was in his grandma's incredibly beautiful side yard, and the party, I mean reception, was a few feet away. And we shared the day with 300+ of our closest family and friends :)

A couple weeks ago we were out at Russell's parents house and I wanted to get some springtime photos of Sienna since it is absolutely gorgeous at the ranch this time of year (why I wanted a spring wedding!) So our first stop for pictures was his grandma's and the wedding site. I enjoyed taking pictures of our baby in such a symbolic area...

Here I am pre-wedding in front of the beautiful yard where the ceremony was held:

Here's Sienna on the other side of that railing, looking out into Great Gma's beautiful flowers...

Here I am walking down the "aisle" with my dad (I loved that it wasn't through the center of the guests)

Here is Sienna walking the same path with her Daddy. Which makes me think, how perfect would it be for Sienna to get married here someday in the way distant future? No pressure at all Sienna!

We said our vows and had our first married kiss under a beautiful gazebo that Russell's Grandpa built...

Here is Sienna standing in that same spot...

And here she is playing on the grass where our closest family watched:

Sick Baby = Sad Mama

2010-05-03T20:31:00.001-07:00

So I have like 12 posts to catch up on over the last couple weeks, but right now I just want to say (I am sure every parent agrees):

Having a sick kid is the WORST thing ever!!

Last Tuesday Sienna started to have a runny nose, it was clear and she was in a good mood, I didn't think too much of it because she was also cutting 2 bottom molars. (Which by the way caused NO where near the discomfort and fussiness as the top molars, thank goodness).

By Thursday, she was more congested and just not her usual self. Thursday night she woke up a couple times and Friday morning she was pretty miserable with a cough and congestion. Luckily Russell's mom was able to watch her for a couple hours, so I could at least make an appearance at work and catch up on things. The rest of the day was spent cuddling on the couch, watching her baby macdonald video and jack's big music show about a hundred times. She had a mild fever and was just tired but it was hard for her to sleep. I debated trying to take her in to her dr, but figured since it was already late in the morning on a Friday it would be hard to get it...

Saturday she seemed to be much better, happy and playful... We kept her at home all day... Sunday morning Russell left at like 4 or something crazy to go fishing all day. Sienna had already woken up a couple of times, and at 5 I brought her to bed, and she was burning up with a fever, not happy, but fell asleep in my arms for a couple hours. She seemed a little better after that, not much of a fever, but I know I needed to take her somewhere to get checked. Being Sunday I took her to Urgent Care, which only took an hour start to finish (was expecting worse). And she has a double ear infection! I feel so horrible! I know it's very common, we are lucky that this is only her first one, but it feels awful to know she was in so much pain. So we got antibiotics and tylenol with codeine to help with the cough and ear pain (and sleep!) When we finally got home from the pharmacy, she took a nice long nap. She hadn't eaten much all day, didn't really want to, but then she ate a decent late lunch. She seemed fine playing, but then threw up all her food about a half hour later. So first ear infection(s) and first time throwing up in one day, with just her mama at home...

Since then, she has improved grately. She slept pretty well yesterday night, just waking up a couple times coughing. She had a good day at Lolly's and has had a better appetite. So she must be on the mend, which I am very relieved.

Side note- Russell was SUPER SICK all day Sunday while deep sea fishing. He has never ever gotten seasick, gone out on similar fishing trips several times, and was in the Navy! so this was a huge shock for him. Poor guy was throwing up or trying not to move laying in a tiny cubby hole pretty much the whole trip (6 am- 4 pm).

Here are some pictures of Sienna this sunny,warm afternoon, she was feeling much better!

My pretty girl!

She loves her picnic table

Laughing at Mama

Frustrated that she can't stand inside her play tunnel:
Her curls are starting to kill me!

Miracle Miles for Kids

2010-04-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago (I have fallen behind on blogs, yet again) as a family we participated in the Miracle Miles for Kids 10K. The race started at Morro Rock in Morro Bay, and ended at the Cayucos Pier. Yep, 6.2 miles along the beautiful coastline!

Well, it wasn't all pretty. It was rough at times with loose sand, water, wind, rocks and cliffs to navigate over (with a 23 pound snoozing baby in a jogging stroller!)

The race itself was delayed close to 30 minutes to allow extra time for people stuck in the traffic getting there, and we were stuck in line to get our bibs for about that long! We started 20 minutes after the delayed start! It was kind of a relief to miss the initial crowds though. We had a good start- the sand was firm, weather was perfect, Russell was pushing the stroller, and Sienna was happily snacking.

Then there was a small stream to pass and I was not very happy to have wet socks and shoes that early on! Then the wind picked up, and we were of course running against it! But Sienna took a long siesta, and we trekked on, until the first huge obstacle- a rocky cliff, that bottled-necked into a single file line from 2 areas. It took forever to get through! Luckily it was just wide enough to push the stroller across and we got back to running after the delay. Then the sand got softer and looser, and rockier and there were a few more hurdles that we had to now carry the stroller over. I figure we can take atleast 15 minutes off our time for all the time waiting to cross and climb, right? :) Come to find out, they weren't expecting the tide to be in so high, with the late start, usually the course is much better.

But we made it! And hope to make it a yearly event! It was for a great cause- kids and families in need!

At the Starting Line

Just getting going...

Climbing the first cliff

At this point, I was wishing we could trade spots

Let us through!

About half way through

WE MADE IT! 6.2 miles later. The rock was the starting point!

*TEAM IN TRAINING UPDATE!

This race was actually a planned event for my team, and a "break" in our training program, since it was lower miles than we had been running (We did 8 the Sat before). Break? Haha! My muscles hurt in all new ways! My half marathon is quickly approaching- just over a month away!! The miles are really adding on now! It has been very challenging to keep up, with life being so busy (the big birthday, being sick, now awful allergies, rainy weather, weekend trips). Usually, any one of those excuses would be a reason for me to completely stop my past workout routines. But I am determined, and if I miss a run or two, I know I will be ok. I am confident that although I am slow, I will finish those 13.1 miles! Slow and steady wins the race, right? And I like to think about how excited Griffin and my mom would be to see me cross that finish line.

Fundraising has also been hard, but I am very close to being at the fundraising minimum of $2500. But of course I would love to pass that! Please consider donating to an amazing cause, in the memory of my nephew Griffin's fight against the bad guys!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr10/rmolina69g

Stats and such

2010-04-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Sienna's 12 month checkup. In 2 days, she will be 13 months old! Are the months really going to speed up even more now that she broke the year mark? Anyway, the doctor visit went very well and her stats were:

Height: 32 inches (still off the charts!)

Weight: 23 pounds (75%)

Head: can't remember, but its also off the charts

So she just keeps growing! Dr was impressed with her growth and development in all areas... Nothing too exciting, besides us being there for an hour and fifteen minutes! They took forever and then longer, so Sienna was past nap time and not very happy. Luckily, she only had one shot, and a toe prick to test her hemoglobin, which I was very nervous about, but she wasn't bothered in the slightest bit. And the test showed a good level...

What else has happened these last weeks?

*We have switched her over completely to milk, and she is doing great with that... we are now cutting out bottles, and have a special transition type sippy cup for mornings and pre bedtime.

*As I mentioned in a previous post, we had a difficult few weeks with starting daycare, changing schedules, getting MOLARS (teeth count now is 10), and being sick with a bad virus causing sleeping and digestive problems. Oh and planning and throwing a huge birthday party. But the last couple weeks have been great with a routine is setting in. She is happy, and so are we!

*Daycare is fabulous! It's still hard dropping her off in the morning, wishing I could just be with her, but she doesn't cry when I drop her off any more! I really like the owner, and she has a warm and fun home (plus has been doing this for 14 years). She has 3-5 kids on a given day, including a couple younger infants and one boy a month older than Sienna who is her best buddy! Sienna loves the kids, especially the older ones... I am so pleased this has worked out so well. It was really overwhelming and difficult at the beginning...

*Mondays are at Lolly's house where she has SO much fun. I am so grateful she has this time with her grandparents! She gets to ride around in the golf cart, play with the dogs and cats, play in the dirt (she loves loves dirt), "help" in the garden, and visit with Great Gma, Aunt Cherie, and her buddy Sami... And have some time with Pop, one of her very favorite people!

*Talking, boy does she talk! Besides constant chatter, she is able to communicate wants and needs with us! When asked if she wants something, she says "essss" and rocks her upper body. And she points to everything she sees and wants... Words she says regularly include: dog shasta ("shas" our dog), bath (which she repeats over and over again when we go by the bathroom), duck, hi and bye (which she says after blowing a kiss to absolutely anyone and everyone)...

*Food! She still is a great eater, but getting a little pickier and either really wants something, or wants nothing to do with it. She is a bit more particular and prefers us to vary her food choices day to day. She is getting all table food at this point, and wants to feed herself completely. This results in quite the mess and a mandatory bath post dinner. Her favorite foods are hummus (she is obsessed, as in could eat the whole costco sized tub if she had the chance), blueberry waffles, bananas (will eat a whole one), veggie burgers, cottage cheese, string cheese, peanut butter (especially in a sandwich with Lolly's pineapple apricot jelly), sweet potato fries, peas, berry rice cakes, all kinds of beans, freeze dried pears, applesauce (will "drink" it out of the container)...

*WALKING. She has been working on perfecting her skills and balance. After taking her first steps a couple months ago, she still prefered crawling and crusing. In the last month and last two weeks in particular, she has been walking a lot more. She is really cautious and slow, with her hands up in the air... She doesn't fall or trip too often and can take tons of small steps easily- across the whole room. It has been so incredible watching her progress and seeing her confidence and independence grow daily!

I could write even more of a novel describing all the other cute and querky things she does and what she likes and gets excited for. She is just a pleasure to be around for everyone and I am so proud to be her mommy (or "muh muh").

this day five years ago...

2010-04-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

It was a typical wednesday workday. I worked in a R&D lab at a medical diagnostics company- my first "real" job. We were living in redondo beach, had been for about a year. Russell was working at LAX airport fixing xray machines and had a crazy always-changing schedule, but off this afternoon. I worked 6-2:30, and would often come home and take a nap, or at least lounge around (what's a nap? oh memories...) On this day, all I wanted to do was to come home and relax. So that's what I did, with ice cream in bed, and found the movie Innerspace on TV.

Out of no where russell came in our room, and was fumbling in the dresser right next to the bed, I turned to see what the heck he was doing, and he was down on one knee!! Looking nervous, an expression i will never forget, he had something in his hand, which sparkled! I COULD NOT believe it! I can't even remember the exact words he said, I was just in shock and kept thinking "THIS is the story i will repeat millions of times- ice cream and Innerspace?" I of course said YES, and gave him a huge hug, and he was shaking.

It was such an incredible moment, between just the two of us, when we knew this was the next step of our journey through life together. It wasn't elaborate or involving rose petals with a ring hidden in dessert, but it was romantic in its own way. It was fitting to us, and if it had been a huge drawn out event, i think i would have died in shock, because that is NOT russell, it's not us!

That night after calling everyone i knew, we went out to sushi to celebrate. It was a crazy feeling the next morning making the announcement and showing off the ring to coworkers. They couldn't believe i got a proposal on a wednesday afternoon! Yes, it was out of the blue in that sense, but it was absolutely perfect!

Sidenote- Russell had the ring for about 2 hours before he proposed. We had planned a fancy date night for that friday, just because it had been a long time... and that was even my idea. So he had planned on proposing during the date. But he just couldn't wait (we both aren't great at surprises), and he says it just seemed like the right time (i was in my happy place with ice cream i suppose...) So the date night had even more of a special meaning, something to celebrate! We dressed up and headed out to eat in santa monica then danced to a live blues band in a martini bar.

And really, has it been FIVE years? To say a lot has happened is such an understatement- a huge wedding, 2 big moves, new jobs, job losses, trips, family hardships and tragedies, a beautiful daughter... our share of challenges and accomplishments... but we have made it through together, grown together, learned together, and are in it for the long haul!

Easter

2010-04-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a post about Easter finally! Good Friday was a holiday for me at work, and I spent it at home on the couch, actually I spent the whole 3 day weekend that way. I had a bad cold that wiped me out. Sienna also had a rough weekend, her top molars were still bugging her- apparently molars cut through in two spots, and are way more than double the pain/fussiness. She also had a mild fever with a runny nose, digestive "issues" and a poor appetite. Friday we had fun dying eggs together. Saturday was a big party for Russell's uncle's 80th birthday, but us girls stayed home to share in our misery.

On Easter, she felt a bit better, still with a slight fever and just not her normal self. She was very pleased with the goodies the Easter Bunny left her: a big ball, a stuffed chick, a princess bath book, talking book, a pair of shorts, elmo dvd, and a few other books. She got all dressed up and felt good enough to take some photos and have an egg hunt in our backyard (eggs had animal crackers, goldfish and yogurt melts inside). Then Russell took her to his Aunt and Uncle's for a brief visit to see family. I am glad she felt good enough to enjoy some of the weekend and am bummed my long weekend was not what I had planned!

By Tuesday Sienna had a rash on her stomach, chest and back. She had her first ever "sick" visit to the doctor, and he knew right away it was a viral rash- the last symptom of the bug she had been fighting. Her ears and lungs were fine, and she didn't have a fever and was in a great mood. The rash was gone within a couple days and all is well now!

Here are some pics!

Scribbles!

Shasta stole and ate a crayon

Finished eggs

Sienna's first egg

Easter Basket

Party Planning and Details

2010-04-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

Being one to always go overboard, and get obsessed with planning and one who loves throwing parties, a ton of thought and time went into planning Sienna's first birthday party. I knew it HAD to be big. We wanted all our close friends and family there, and ended up inviting about 80 people (plus kids). This was such an important event for me, my BABY was ONE year old, it had to be a great celebration! I think there was about 60 people there... plus quite a few kids (hey we had over 300 people at our wedding).

Starting the planning, I needed a perfect theme. Since we live in the COUNTRY and Sienna has a cowgirl room, my first thoughts were western/cowgirl... But she really loves all animals, and is obsessed with horses and farm animals (favorite things include her barn activity center, Baby MacDonald DVD, and farm books). So the theme just had to be farm/barnyard. And how perfect since Russell's parents live on a ranch/farm!

So it started with the invitations. I didn't like any of the premade ones I saw, and wanted it to be more personal. So I decided to try and make my own with Word and Clipart and it was actually much easier than I though (still took a long time with formatting and making it all exactly how I wanted). And I love that I captured a picture of Sienna holding out her finger, saying "1"! But I loved the final product, and used Vistaprint.com to print them. They had free grayscale printing on the back side, so I added a picture of Sienna on her rocking horse. And this was reasonably priced as well (yes I ordered a ton), but I lagged a bit in making the final copy, and underestimated the processing time, so ended up spending way too much on rush processing and shipping (almost as much as the invites themselves!)

We knew the food would be easy- Molina party= BBQ. We didn't want to have a full meal, so we did finger foods including sausage, poppers, dips, chips, etc. (thank you Costco) I also had plastic "terricota" pots with peanuts in the shell on tables.

As far as the decorations went, I knew since it was outside, we wouldn't need too much. But of course, I still had plenty. And I wanted to stick with primary colors. We had a friend bring a bunch of hay bales which were perfect for extra seating. I got a roll of red and white checkered table cover from Smart and Final. I made farm animal cutouts on sticks for the tables and plastic pinwheels that we stuck in mini terricota pots filled with pinto beans. And I found various tin containers to hold utensils and craft supplies (most stuff from dollar store). The centerpieces were yellow and red sunflowers (trader joes) in mason jars with fabric ties.

I made a clothesline between two oak trees and had pictures of Sienna month by month hung with mini clothespins. I backed the pictures on fun bold printed paper. And also made a "Happy 1st Birthday Sienna" banner (michaels for those supplies).

I ordered a lot of stuff online (celebration express and oriental trading company) including the cow pinata, huge cow/pig balloons, cowprint balloons, red "1" balloons (got the balloons filled plus more colors at albertsons) and goodies for the kids (farm rubber duckies, chick shaped eggs filled with candy, and egg bouncy balls). I also got a stuffed "autograph" horse for everyone to sign as a keepsake for Sienna. For the kids, I bought white paper lunch bags for the goody bags/pinata candy bags. I had crayons and stickers for them to decorate them. And I also found really cute farm animal balloon kits.

I had so much fun planning this all out and loved how it turned out!! And will always love telling Sienna about her first birthday party!

Sienna's First Birthday Barnyard Bash

2010-04-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was Sienna's big party! And it was a beautiful day! It was a rough day for her, which was so hard for me to see, I just wanted her to be her normal happy self and enjoy every second of her day. She woke up with a runny nose, her molars were still bugging her and she was just not happy. She was overtired, snotty, drooly and cranky. So throughout the party she was very clingy, didn't want me to put her down, and not her normal social self.

My very talented Aunt Mimi made her the most perfect party dress!

We had quite the turnout at the party! Sienna's Aunt Sara and Uncle Mark came up Friday to help shop and keep me sane in the last minute party preparations. Unfortunately, Aunt Simone and Uncle Marcel couldn't make it up, as they all were fighting the flu. My grandparents and Uncle Brian came up from LA, my Aunt Mimi and cousins came from Coarsegold and my good friend Carrie came up from San Diego. And we had a ton of Russell's family and local friends there as well. We are so lucky to have so many great people in our lives that care so much for our Sienna! And we had the perfect location- Lolly and Pop's front yard at the ranch!

The party was at 2 in the afternoon and like I mentioned it was a gorgeous day, about 75 degrees and sunny! We had finger foods to munch on- BBQ'd sausages, jalapeno poppers, chips, Lolly's salsa, taquitos, dips, veggies, fruit, etc. The kids had fun playing with Sienna's barn activity center, two rocking horses, and some crafts. The cow pinata was a huge hit, Russell had agreed to a pinata only if his Uncle Chris could control it, which was very funny to watch...

Sienna had a TON of gifts to open, and really did great! She was very interested in every gift, checking everything out and was in a better mood at this point. She got SO many cute clothes, her spring/summer wardrobe is complete, with shorts, dresses, tops, bathing suits, pj's, etc. She also got several books, stuffed animals, stacking toys, sand toys, bath toys, walker popper (whatever you call those), farm magnet toys, and a water table, and a very special Winnie the Pooh drawing from one of the original cartoonists! Oh, and some money and gift cards!

Then it was cake time, and just as we expected, she had a blast demolishing her little cake! She grabbed handfuls, laughed, and ended up with cake/frosting EVERYWHERE.

What a perfect party it was! Thank you everyone who was a part of it and for being part of Sienna's first year!

More to come on all the details, and more pictures!

The Big ONE

2010-03-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sienna is officially one year old! Last Tuesday was the big day! I took the day off, and unfortunately Russell couldn't with it being his second week at his new job. The poor birthday girl had a rough morning, woke up early screaming, with top molars that had just barely cut through gums. We had some cuddles while watching Sesame Street, then she helped me make (and eat) blueberry pancakes!

After a short nap, we headed out for the day. We met Alisa, Sami and baby Makayla at our local zoo. It was the first time we had been there and nice for it to be close by. Sienna was very excited to see her PIC (Partner In Crime) and check out some animals. She is an animal lover for sure! The zoo is pretty small (can see everything in 30 minutes easily). We saw goats, a porcupine, an emu, kangaroos, meerkats, a sloth, monkeys, warthogs, flamingos, parrots, lemurs, and a tiger! Sienna also enjoyed playing in the dirt in front of the exhibits. And as a bonus, Sienna's Aunt Mo bought us a family pass to the zoo for her birthday gift!

Next we drove down to the beach, and picked up lunch to take to Russell at work (chicken strips, fries, clam chowder and a burger for Daddy). Sienna had fun checking out Daddy's new work and meeting everyone. Then we went to the beach where she had fun playing in the sand- digging, crawling, and watching it blow out of her hand. It was a beautiful day!

After a much needed nap on the way home, we stopped to pick up cupcakes and got home around the same time as Daddy! We then played with her new treehouse slide she got from her Great Grandpa and Great Grandpa.

Then it was off to dinner at Senior Sanchos to meet Lolly, Pop, Uncle David (Tio), Aunt Janie, Aunt Cherie and Barb. She had fun seeing everyone, and even colored with crayons (what a big kid, huh?)Sienna chowed down on some rice and beans (her favorites) and also tried some tamales and enchiladas. Mama enjoyed a margarita. And of course the restaurant sung to her! She thought the commotion was a bit odd, but loved the flan they gave her. She ate the whipped cream, and completely dug in head first... then grabbed and mushed handfuls... must have been the texture. We all laughed hysterically, pretty much in tears watching her.

Next everyone came to our house including Uncle Joey for cupcakes! After singing to her, I put the cupcake on her highchair tray and she instantly went for the candle, putting it out with her finger, ouch! But she didn't seem to notice. Then she devoured it. We figured it was practice for the whole cake she would be getting at her big party. Then she opened some presents from us, her favorite being the musical card that plays "it's my party and I'll cry if I want to."

Ch-Ch-Changes...

2010-03-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Big news this week, and it happened fast! Last Friday Russell had an interview for a Production Manager position, he had a good feeling but we didn't want to get our hopes up over the weekend. Then Monday they called for a second interview that afternoon with the bigger boss, and 10 minutes afterwards, gave him an offer, and he started the NEXT day. Craziness!

When Russell was laid off a month before Sienna was born, we took advantage of having him at home, and its been wonderful. We are so grateful for that time we had, and that we survived financially. The job market was awful, and we didn't see it getting better any time soon, so we took advantage of the GI Bill- getting paid to go to school! It worked out so nice to have one of us able to be home with Sienna during the day, have Lolly help for a couple hours, as he took afternoon/evening classes. He learned a ton and got very valuable experience (He was working towards a welding technology degree). We didn't see this job coming, and of course can't turn it down. The hours will be tough, and its a 45 min drive, so its not even an option for him to stay in school (we REALLY wanted him to finish the semester since he was so close). Russell is excited to be working again, but of course will miss his stay at home daddy days, (says he will miss Yo Gabba Gabba) .

So literally overnight our whole routine and needs changed. Talk about an insane mama! I am so happy,I know this leads to so much for the future of our family, less financial stress, but means we have to come up with a new plan for Sienna. And thinking of childcare full time is HARD! So I took a personal day yesterday, to run around and check places out. Of course the good personal recommendations I had were full with waiting lists, its really hard to find infant openings. The first place was close to our house, but AWFUL (unfriendly, impatient lady with caked on makeup, stilleto heels and super low-cut shirt with screaming kids, dirty outside toys, etc.)

But the second place was AMAZING! In an absolutely beautiful home (can I move in please?), with the nicest owner and full time worker, plus a part time girl. I just felt comfortable, and it felt right. Everything we were looking for: some structure, but not too much, great backyard play area, healthy meals, and a good balance of kids. They have the kids plant a garden, do crafts, storytime, circle time, and other activities. I know this will be good for Sienna, and she loves other kids! So the opening has one child taking 2 days a week, so we hope to get the other 3. I think that will be a nice transistion, and Lolly can help the other two days (we are SO grateful Sienna will have time with her). I feel such relief, and we will find out tomorrow if we have it for sure. This will be very difficult, but I do feel more comfortable, and hope it works out.

I am a firm believer in having faith that whatever is meant to happen will happen. Even with struggles and hard times we have faced in our life, we know this is true. We are so lucky to have things work out the way they are!

Side story- At the place we loved, I was talking to the owner and there was a boy Sienna's age in a riding car. Sienna was standing next to him, and totally leaned into the car, trying to kiss him!! Whoa! She blows kisses to everyone these days, strangers included, and plants kisses on us all the time, but this caught me off guard completely! The owner remarked that it must be his car, or his shirt that said "Kiss Me, I'm Irish"! Then a few minutes later, she had a little fall holding onto a tricycle (welcome to "toddling") and started crying (not hurt, just startled). I picked her up, then she saw the boy and cheered up, blowing him kisses, went to the car and tried to kiss him AGAIN. It was too funny!

Walkin' on the Pier

2010-03-18T20:01:00.001-07:00

A couple weekends ago, we went down to Avila Beach, and walked down the pier. It was a nice day, minus the cold wind! We ate at our favorite little taco shop/seafood joint- yummy shrimp burrito! I was bummed there were no seals out! And the Avila Farm (produce and farm animals) was closed. Still a fun day and I had some fun playing with Photoshop after...

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-03-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today my mom would be turning 57, in two days its the 4 year mark since she lost her battle with cancer. I really can't believe its been that long, that so much has happened without her. I am so sad that Sienna won't have her as a grandma, that she isn't here to see me as a mom. But Sienna will definitely know about her Grandma Vivi and hear stories and memories of what made my mom such an incredible person.

My mom was so very talented in the arts. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Dramatic Arts. Acting was her biggest passion, and she also studied set design and costume design. She was part of many community theater plays and it was so fun as a kid to sit in the audience and watch her on stage. She was great with many accents and would talk in the appropriate dialect for weeks around her shows. We had fun helping her with her lines, and hanging out back stage with her. She was a very proud member of the Screen Actors Guild, and loved everything about Cinema. Every year for the Academy Awards, we would make ice cream sundaes and root for our favorite films.

Drama wasn't her only passion and talent in the arts. She loved to sew, and claimed to have sewn her first shirt for herself at like 4 years old. She would sew us Halloween costumes and doll clothes. She also was fabulous at knitting, crocheting and quilting. Her next biggest passion was photography, and she converted our laundry room into a dark room. This was one art I actually was decent at. We would take day trips to take pictures, then develop them at home, it was so much fun. And she loved to dance, even in her 40's, she took tap dance for fun and would practice on our wood floor in the kitchen. The list doesn't end there, she was also great at painting, drawing, and for many years had a job framing pictures which she was amazing at. I just wish I had even a little bit of her artistic abilities!!

Her last job was working for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA (FIDM) as an international student advisor. She LOVED this job, as she loved fashion. Each year, the faculty would take a trip to a city known for fashion. My mom was so interested in different cultures and languages, loved to travel, take photos, and go to museums. In 2003 when I graduated from college, my mom's gift to me was for me to go with her on the trip, to take her husband's place. I am so grateful to have had this experience with her! Being a twin, I really hadn't had much individual time with my mom, so this was so special to me.

We decided to travel for a week before the work trip started, so we started in Paris, her favorite city. I hadn't been there yet, so it was perfect for her to show me around. We stayed in a hotel room the size of a walk-in closet right in the city. We saw all the sites, walked a ton, took photos, ate and drank cafe ole at little cafes, drank wine, she tried hard to speak french, and we had a day full of museums (Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Picasso Musuem and the Pompidou). The next stop was London, my favorite city, where she had never been. I studied a semester abroad in London 2 years prior, and was dying to go back and so proud to show my mom around. We stayed in a hotel right at Picadilly Circus, walked even more, took many more photos, saw the main sites, visited my school's campus, drank beers in pubs, and went to the Original Hard Rock Cafe (she loved going to Hard Rocks, and collected glasses). We also saw Richard III at the Globe Theatre (recreated as it was back in Shakespeare's Day) and Noises Off (a play that she had been in years prior).

The work trip was a week in Barcelona, somewhere neither of us had been. It was so amazing, I want to go back like now! There was a good size group of people, a fun young group that my mom joined. We were out late, drinking sangria and eating tapas each night. There was a big holiday, in which they had massive celebrations in the city center with free live concerts and dancing into the wee hours (dinner was around 10 pm and "discos" had no cover if you came in before 2 am). We took some more amazing pictures, both loved the Gaudi architecture, rode bikes along the beach, and soaked up the culture. Did I mention I want to retire there?

Today has been emotional thinking of my mom, especially now that I am a mom. I am remembering her my watching her favorite show, Fawlty Towers and drinking chardonnay. Happy Birthday Mom! I miss you so much.

Sandy Baby

2010-03-11T23:24:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago (apparently i only blog about things 1-2 weeks after they actually occur) we took Sienna to the park since the sun was out! We have definitely gotten our share of rain (which is very much needed). I remember the feeling after endless weeks/months of gray, wet yuckiness in Washington, when the sun comes out finally, and everyone is out in shorts and sandals and in the best mood ever... This sunday was like that, but not quite that extreme... Russell's softball team was getting together to practice and sign paperwork, so we headed out early to let the kiddo play... It was her first time playing in the sand, and boy did she have fun! She dug her hands in it, picked it up, threw it, and even ate a couple mouthfuls (yuck!)

I see many summer days at the beach in our future, and have NO problem with that! I am a beach lover, and am so grateful to live close by!!

A year ago...

2010-03-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

I was 37 1/2 weeks pregnant and looked like this:

It pretty crazy to think back to those days in contrast to where we are now. I had just started maternity leave and was ordered by my dr to be a "couch potato". It wasn't bedrest, thank goodness, but I had to take it easy because my blood pressure was creeping up. I was seeing him every other day and each time wondering if I would be ordered an induction, and we also knew that we had a big baby (or "solid chunk o' baby" as my dr would say) and she had been head (or "coconut" another dr term) down for weeks...

The fun part was collecting 24 hours worth of urine to test protein levels for signs of preeclampsia. The ultrasound showed a healthy baby, but bloodwork and pee was needed. Can you imagine how annoying it was to collect pee in a "hat" in the toilet, then transfer it to a big jug that has to be on ICE on the bathroom counter? Oh and at this point I had to pee every two minutes! That's a lot of pee, so much that the first huge jug was almost full the next day with a few hours to go, so we had to go back to the hospital to get another one! It was a sign of true love when we returned later with both jugs (wrapped in garbage bags) which the hubby carried for the hobbling prego through the parking lot and hospital!

Luckily everything checked out ok with the tests. We spent the next two weeks stationed at home on the couch and getting all the final preparations done. I remember looking at my huge belly as I got more uncomfortable by the hour, wondering if it would be "the day". I would go through freak out moments (nervousness, anxiety, fear, frustration) but tried my best to relax. More than anything I wanted to get out of the house, take a walk... What a weird feeling of being so ready and prepared but also completely NOT ready to face the unknown of parenting. I am a huge planner, so the anticipation was killing me (along with every imaginable side effect of late pregnancy). Now I wonder, how do women make it PAST their due date, I can't even imagine how much worse it gets!

Fast forward to today, and our baby girl is almost ONE WHOLE YEAR OLD! How can that be? This little girl...

Planes, Tanks, and Automobiles

2010-03-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

This is a way overdue post, seeing as it was over 2 weeks ago, but better late than never. For Christmas, Russell's grandma got everyone tickets to the Estrella Warbird Museum and their Flight Simulator. Sienna had lots of fun checking out the planes, sitting on tanks, and looking at the car exhibit (and was really attached to her pop). She also is a fan of sailors, (like her mommy).

11 months old!

2010-02-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

As of last week, Sienna is 11 months old, just under 3 weeks till the big ONE!! Is it possible to pause time for just a moment, let me catch my breath? I have been going through old pictures lately, and it really is something to see the changes month to month, remininsce and reflect... I am still in shock out how our family has developed, the beautiful baby we have and the incredible little girl she is becoming, the pure, endless love we feel. I never could possibly imagine how amazing motherhood could be, even with its challenges.

When I look at pictures of those first weeks, sometimes I hardly recognize her... Its just shows how much she has grown, and how she is visual evidence of just how fast time has flown. I just hope I can always remember those early days and the big events of her first year (our first meeting, the way she first looked into our eyes, her baby smell, her first smiles and laughs, etc. etc.) Thank goodness for our video camera! We have been watching a lot of our family videos, and Sienna loves watching them too!

Sienna is at such a fun age! I can't be too sad about her changing and growing when the new phases and milestones are so darn exciting (and frequent)! She is learning at such a quick pace, it really is incredible. She is SO curious, wants to touch/examine/figure everything out!

So what is she up to now?

*Moving everywhere! On Saturday she took her first STEPS! She took up to four tiny steps from Daddy to Mommy several times. I know she will be truly "walking" in no time, when she really decides to go for it. But at this point, she gets around SO well in other ways including crawling at alarming speeds and cruising anywhere she can, crawling over things, climbing on things, etc etc. We have to keep our eyes on her every second, and places we didn't think she could get to, she does! She is standing on her own, and loves pushing her walker toy, across the whole house. When it gets stuck, she yells and bashes it into the wall, doorframe, couch, etc. She definitely has quite the temper when something isn't working the way she wants it to!

*Eating! She still loves food, most everything! This month, she is really over purees, eating from a spoon by us, as she wants to feed herself. New foods she has tried and loved this last month include strawberries, freeze-dried mangoes, blueberry waffles, wheat bunny crackers, graham crackers, cottage cheese, black/pinto/kidney beans, and and cheerios. She mostly eats table food, whatever we are eating, which is so nice and convienent... Her fav of those meals we have made include minestrone soup, veggie pasta, spinach orzo salad, and whole wheat pizza crust.

*Growing! Most of her 12 month clothes are too small or getting close to the small side. So we are moving towards 18 month sizes... No official weight, but according to our scale she is about 22 pounds. I am sure with her increasing-every-day activity level, she isn't putting on as much weight as she has in previous months.

*Playing! Her favorite toys are her stacking cups (go dollar section at target!), her activity center barn (she knows where the eggs go, and "feeds" the cow), 2 push walkers (see above), ball popper, and books! She has always liked moving her books around, taking them off shelves, but now she actually treats them like books- opening them and looking through them all by herself! She also loves loves shoes (has been obsessed with them as long as I remember) so we might be in trouble in the years to come... but she is always carrying one around, or picking them up and going through her shoe pile. Other favorite things to do include emptying out her entire laundry hamper, pretending to feed mommy, dancing (full body and head bob), bathtime, playing with/patting/proding/poking Ozzy, and going for runs with Mommy and the pups (she watches them run next to her stroller and laughs hysterically)

*Talking! She is still very verbal and loves blabbering on and on. She mimics sounds very well. She now says "bub bub" for bottle, mumma, hi, dog "duh", and both dogs names (i am pretty sure) shasta is "asha" and she just said "ahh" for ozzy last night while patting his head! And she seems to say sh*t every other second! She also points ALL the time, and it does help show us what she wants! She blows kisses, leans in for kisses, and waves when asked. Just way too cute!

That about sums it up for now! I have so much fun with her, and love her personality more and more every day.

Our Snow Bunny

2010-02-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was Sienna's first trip up to the snow. Russell's family has an annual trip to Yosemite for his Dad's Birthday, which is Valentine's Day- his dad is such a cupid ;) It also works out well to be over President's Day weekend. We haven't made it up there the last few years, in fact the last time we went was NINE years ago when we had been dating just 2 1/2 months, and it was the very first time I met Russell's family. I will have to dig up an old picture and tell the story of that trip! Stay tuned...

Kiwi and Kristy came up from San Diego pretty late Thursday night. I had to work Friday, got off a little early and we headed up to Oakhurst, it took about 3 1/2 hours... At the hotel we met up with Lolly, Pop, Joey, Travis, David, the Rabeners and the Pollingtons. We had 4 family suites right in a row. Sienna was really over the car, tired and hadn't eaten dinner when it was her normal bedtime, so we stayed back while everyone went out to dinner. Then we just hung out in the room with Kiwi and Kristy (and some drinks).

That night was AWFUL as far as Sienna sleeping. I know she was out of her normal routine and comfort zone but she has traveled before and done great, so we were not expecting her to wake up at 1:30 and be up until 4:00! She wasn't fussy, just AWAKE! And David was sleeping in the other bed in our room, so we couldn't just let her cry in her pack 'n play or turn on the lights or TV... (although we should have cause he obviously wasn't sleeping, poor guy). So we gave her a bottle (haven't given her a night bottle in months) and brought her into our bed where she blabbered on and poked our faces and snuggled and wiggled... It wasn't until partway into her second bottle 2 hours later that she finally fell asleep... and what seemed like 5 min later it was time to get ready to head up the mountain... I guess we are extremely lucky that its the first time she has done that at night, not even as a newborn, but she is such a solid sleeper these days, it was completely out of the norm. I figure she was just too excited to get up to the snow!

Badger Pass is about an hour from the hotel, and 40 min or so into Yosemite park. It was clear and sunny all weekend, roads were clear, but there was lots of snow up there, and it was such a pretty drive through the park (minus me feeling carsick). I really want to go back in the spring and check out more of Yosemite.

I was in no way going skiing or snowboarding (on the last trip, the only time I have tried and almost killed myself 12 times) but everyone else but Russell's parents did. We had a fantastic spot to hangout on the upper deck overlooking everything. Sienna was dressed in a full snow suit (could barely move, Christmas Story-style) and I got some pics of the first time she sat in the snow.

After that, it was too warm, no coats needed! She luckily took a decent nap in her stroller, and was in a great mood (if she was half as tired as me, she hid it well). My Aunt Mimi and cousins Kristina, Brittany, and Dani live close by so they came up to ski and see us, so that was fun! And Sienna had tons of fun playing with everyone.

Everyone got in lots of runs, and we called it a day in the late afternoon. After letting Sienna play in the snow, she crawled around- even after losing a boot, got partially buried by her Daddy, and tried to take off the mittens getting in her way...

That night, we all went out to pizza and hung out at the hotel pool and hot tub. Sienna did wake up a couple times that night, but went back to sleep easy and was way better than the previous night. But again, poor David. She was going off of way less night sleep and less naps and being out of her normal routine, but all in all she did well.

Sunday was Sienna's first Valentine's Day! I mean it was Mike Molina's Birthday. Russell and his brothers growing up always told their girlfriends, that it wasn't Valentine's Day, it was their Dad's birthday, lol. Russell and I have never gotten into V-day either, I just think its too commercialized, and not that big of a deal, you should feel love everyday. So a few years ago, I think when we were engaged and on a super budget, we started our tradition of spending $5-$10 on the cheesiest gifts we could find (and we all know there are plenty of those). And I win every year! So in the past its been chocolate fish saying "you're a keeper", stuffed monkeys, chocolate frogs, lip shaped chip clips, "I Love You" mugs, and golf balls with cheesy pick up lines... This year Russell made me a rose in welding class, not cheesy but really cute! And this year I was forced to shop at Von's the night before so I found a Frog Prince for Sienna, and for Russell there was NOTHING. So I got him a heart box filled with hershey kisses and hugs, and a box of Wheat Thins with Easy Cheese. Now that is CHEESY! (Wow, huh?) But it worked cause he loves that gross stuff and it was a nice snack in between snowboarding... And this year Valentine's Day did have more meaning, just because of Sienna and how much we love her, and how we want to make sure to keep our relationship full of love! It's easy to focus on the baby, and forget to tell each other the simple "I love yous" and make sure to have time for us...

So after a lot more skiing/boarding for everyone and a lot more sun, we called it a day a bit earlier than everyone to get Sienna a good solid nap. I then took her to the playground at the hotel where she played with wood chips and leaves (and only tried to eat them twice), slid down and tried to climp up the slide.

That night the whole group of 16 went to a close-by BBQ restaurant (yum!) The next morning after breakfast, we stopped at my Aunt Mimi's house to visit, then made the trek home.

It was such a fun weekend, filled with fun people and some more firsts for Sienna. Her first time staying in a hotel which she had SO much fun exploring (but didn't sleep very well). Also her first time in the snow and her first Valentine's Day. Oh, did I mention it was her first time in a beer box? haha!

And we will definitely be doing this trip every year!! Next time maybe i will try snowboarding again, and you know Sienna will be riding down the slopes soon!

Welcome to the world, Makayla!

2010-02-16T20:38:00.001-08:00

Last Monday, February 8, Sienna's newest cousin Makayla Grace was born! She is Russell's cousin Alisa and her husband Daniel second daughter and she is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations Martinez family!! Alisa had a planned c-section but decided to keep the date secret (as well as the name) so we were eagerly anticipating the news! Everything went well with delivery and baby and Mommy are very happy and healthy. And Samantha is a very proud big sister!! Makayla weighed in at 9 pounds, 9 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Sienna and I went to visit on Thursday, their second day at home, and I fell in LOVE with this little girl! It felt incredible to hold a little baby, I almost couldn't remember how it felt. While I held Makayla, Sienna cruised around and played all on her own with "older" toys and it was amazing to me to think about how far we have come... Sami was a little bit older than Sienna is now when Sienna was born... All that can happen in just one year's time! (Yes, I just admitted Sienna is almost a year old! WOW!) I am so grateful to have the Martinez family so close to us, and am thrilled for Sienna to have cousins to grow up with! And even more exciting news, Alisa's brother Kyle and his wife Karri will soon be welcoming a baby girl as well (she is due on the 28th!)

I forgot my camera when we went to visit, so I stole a picture... Here is Makayla soon after birth, how precious is she?

Training has begun!

2010-02-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

I have taken a huge step to better myself and help others!! I am now a very proud member of Team In Training for the Luekemia & Lymphoma Society. I am training to run in my first half marathon- in San Diego June 6th. I am so excited!! And its about time I do something active! I have a long way to go, but am looking forward to the challenge and know it will be so rewarding!

I will be running for my nephew Griffin, running for his friends also in Heaven, running for my mom, running for my family and every family that has been effected by cancer, running to keep Griffin's fight alive. I am so honored to be an aunt of such a remarkable person. Griffin never gave up in his fight against "the bad guys" (his cancer) and always kept a smile on his face! I have learned so much about life and myself through him, and I feel so lucky to be ABLE to face this challenge.

If you want to learn more about Team In Training, please visit my fundraising webpage. Please consider donating $13.10 (a dollar a mile) to help me reach my goal of $5,000! No amount is too small, and every dollar, every mile WILL help us reach a CURE!! Participants of Team In Training (normal people like you and me) have raised $1 BILLION! Money directly funding research, leading to groundbreaking advances, and improving patient care! Talk about an incredible organization to be a part of!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr10/rmolina69g

I will also keep you posted on my progress. I am one week in (of 18 weeks). Thank goodness I have coaches, mentors and teammates to help me along (with a very detailed training plan). On Saturdays (long distance days) we meet and run as a team. During the week I am on my own (with help from a new treadmill!) So far, its been just 2 miles at a time. But the miles will add on fast! But so far I have made it, and know with Griffin behind me, I can face anything!!

Did I mention that I HATE running? I have always felt like every second is torture! Even many years ago in my atlethic basketball days, I could sprint back in forth, play for hours, but run any kind of long distance? Forget it! So overcoming this, and possibly enjoying running one day will be a huge achievement for me. I have always thought people that chose to run and actually liked it, were 100% insane, but maybe I can change my mind?

Flying Solo

2010-02-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Last week, I went to Sacramento for work... without my baby girl...from 6:30 am Tues unil 3:00 pm Thurs. That was a tough goodbye! I knew I would have to do this some time, and I knew she would be fine, but still.

I attended the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, a huge convention/trade show for the industry. Huge as in 11,000 people were supposed to be there. It was definitely a neat experience, I learned a lot and had quite a bit of fun as well! There was several of us from our company there and it was fun to be away from work! And I would hope people working in an industry of booze, would enjoy themselves and know how to have a good time (we all did).

After the 4 or so hour drive in the rain with my two bosses, we settled in. I had to wait for a room because there were no king beds available yet, and you bet I wanted one! I stayed at the Hyatt which was incredible of course, and also where some events were held and across the street from the convention center where everything else was at. The Hyatt is also across from the state capital building, and where our governator lives... I think he was out of town. And the lobby bar was quite the happening place in the afternoons and evenings.

There were some talks and sessions that afternoon, then after some drinks, a few of us headed to a dinner for one of our chemical vendors. It was the best meal I have had in quite some time, at a really nice, well known Italian restaurant. It consisted of prosecco (I really don't ever want champagne again), amazing wines, rigatoni with lamb sausage, a ribeye steak, gelato, and grappa... and some more incredible wine... A couple drinks later, I called it a night. It was such a weird feeling to be away and alone. I am always there for Sienna's bedtime, and not being there for that really sunk in. But I did sleep pretty soundly once i got to sleep, and the bed was super comfy.

The next morning we went to a big talk about the state of the industry which was both interesting and depressing (an economy guy spoke first, and that was real gloomy) but the wine and grape guys seemed a little more promising. People are still drinking wine so that's good. After lunch, I walked around the tradeshow, which was really overwhelming. it was just huge! SO much stuff to look at and take in from every aspect of the wine biz. There was everything from enormous tractors, vineyard supplies, tanks, crushers, bottling lines, glass, cork, label vendors, analytical services, software, marketing, etc. etc. I stopped to chat with some of the vendors I know, drooled over some new fancy lab equip, but mostly just walked through and it still took me 2 1/2 hours!

Then since there was no afternoon talks that interested me, I wandered across to the state capital. I had never been to Sacramento, and figured I should check it out. The park was awesome, there is a tour of 50 state trees which was really pretty, and lots of walking paths. I roamed around the inside of the building and it it beautiful inside the dome! I also walked past Arnold's office, into the Senate Chambers, and historical areas. I don't follow or care about government stuff much, but it was still really neat to see...

That evening we went to a vendor sponsored happy hour event and then a big party thrown by one of our wine brokers. The theme was "Carnival de Rio" and there were Brazilian dancers, music, food, and lots of booze. The party was in this really old bank, such an amazing building with hand crafted ceilings and teller windows for the bar. It was lots of fun! Followed by more fun at the lobby bar! And yes, I still missed my baby (and hubby) and counted the hours until I returned. The next morning we drove back which seemed to take WAY too long.

I was so beyond happy to get home! Sienna was also so happy to see me! She kept giving me kisses and more kisses! So, mama's first trip away was hard but she had a great time! It helped knowing Sienna was with her Daddy, and grandparents. The next step is for both of us to leave, which will be VERY VERY hard, but we are looking to do it somewhat soon...

TEN MONTHS!

2010-02-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

Sienna is now 10 months old, well actually 10 months and 10 days at this point! Just two months until her big birthday (how can this be) I might be in complete denial until the day comes!

She just had her 9 month doctor appointment that week, so her ten month stats are:

Height: 31 inches (>97% off the charts)
Weight: 21 pounds (75%)
Head: Can't remember but its 95%

So she is still super tall and growing like crazy! Dr. Macias was impressed with her growth, since at 9 months babies usually slow in growth with higher activity. And of course she is much more active, but eats about anything in sight. Dr. was also pleased with her development and all that good stuff. Of course we were thankful for our healthy girl! (and very social with her doctor, he really is so amazing with kids, just as any pediatrician should be!) Then it was time for three shots, not good! After the painful, wait-ten-seconds eruption, she calmed down when i picked her up, until she looked right at the nurse and literally yelled at her. She said "Oh, she is MAD at me!"

It is really incredible how much she has grown and learned these last months. Here is what she is up to these days:

*She wears mostly size 12 month clothes, some 18 months (but still pretty big) and size 3 diapers. I am not clearing out clothes that are too small as often, since the sizes should fit longer, so I feel like we are finally getting more use out of her cute clothes!

*She is getting more and more mobile. She is pulling herself up everywhere! including but not limited to: the couch, coffee table, crib, door jams, walls and even ozzy (perfect height dog). She also cruises along the furniture, but really prefers crawling, which she has gotten FAST! She loves when we say "where are you going?" as she heads to the hall, she looks backs at us, laughs and moves full speed ahead. Us chasing her is pretty hilarious, I guess. She also is really quick at transistioning from crawling to sitting to crawling to pulling up to sitting to crawling... and should be really close to standing on her own! I have really started thinking about what the short future will bring as we enter the toddler years!

*FOOD. As I said she eats just about anything in sight. She is getting more table food and really does well feeding herself (until she is over it and drops food for the dogs who sit and wait under her chair). Her newer favorite foods are breads, wheat pancakes, chicken, rice, lentils, beans and broccoli. And the good ol' favorites include yogurt, oatmeal, bananas, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, peas, mum mums, puffs, and avocado. She also has recently learned to use a straw!

*She is our social butterfly! She loves talking, blabbering, laughing, etc. I am pretty sure she says certain words, just still not 100% if they are "real words" like dog ("duh"). But at this point I am saying that's her first word because she has said it a few times (and its different that her da-da-da sound) plus she says it looking at the dogs, so its gotta be intentional, right? But of course, its not on demand... (I will write about the other words when I am certain they are words!)

*She also "sings" and dances! She is working on getting both legs bending and bouncing, at first it was just her left leg in a sporadic jolt, pretty hilarious if you ask me. Also, and this is mama's favorite, she LOVES giving kisses. When we ask her for a kiss, or anytime she feels like it which I am glad is quite often, she leans in and moves her mouth towards yours (usually its wide open, sometimes with her tongue hanging out). When she wakes up, she is all about giving kisses, which completely melts me!! She also waves "hi" (but not bye) and blows kisses, again both on her terms!

*She loves playing with all her new toys! But her favorite new ones are snack containers I got from the dollar section of target or anything from our tupperware drawer. She loves putting things in things, taking them out, and stacking. She is more than content playing by herself in her corner of the living room, or in her pack-in-play (or as we call it her "cage" isn't that lovely?)

*She loves music! (goes back to the dancing part) Her favorite is the Laurie Berkner Band (from Nick Jr), as in cracks up hysterically, uncontrollably laughing! Russell made her a CD for the car. So now we are "those" parents with kid's music blaring in the car and everyone singing along. But I do have to say i LIKE the music (sure having lyrics like "there's a mouse in my toolbox" and "5,4,3,2,1 blastoff- another rocketship run" stuck in your head for five hours gets old) but its much better than Barney! She also loves "Jack's Big Music Show" for the music!

*Teething- on Saturday, out of nowhere I noticed 2 more teeth that had just barely cut through (bottom sides). No signs at all!! I guess she is a professional teether now, bringing her up to EIGHT teeth! That night she was a bit fussy and overtired, but I figured she was just milking the fact that we realized she was teething without symptoms!

*About 3 weeks ago, she decided to ditch her binky! She only needed it when she was going to sleep, but I wasn't expecting her to give it up yet on her own! One day for her nap, she kept spitting it out, the next day she wouldn't let it near her mouth! Guess I am glad we won't have to face breaking the habit of a toddler. She still has her blanky! The first couple days without the pacifier were a little tougher to get her to the sleep mode, but after that smooth sailing. She is now at the point that we can put her down completely awake and she puts herself to sleep (we used to rock her, pat her back and stay with her until she was drifting off). She sleeps from about 7:00-7:30 until 7:00 in the morning, and has 2 naps a day (usually about 1 1/2 each).

That sums up everything i can think of right now! I have a long mental list of blog topics, and hope to keep on top of it! I just adore my girl and am so proud to be her mama!!

Lots of Pictures

2010-01-30T22:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the thousands of pictures from mid nov through the beginning of the year, in a completely random spatter. Sorry about the out of control formatting, I didn't want to attempt to fix it anymore. But you can see how much Sienna has grown and how much fun we had over the holidays!

Where have I been?

2010-01-24T21:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, prize for worst, slacking blogger goes to me! I have been meaning to write, been wanting to, have TONS to blog about! But for whatever reasons of "life", it hasn't happened, and keeping up is tough! So here we go, one blog to catch up on lots, then I will try harder to write on a somewhat regular basis. I love having a record of these memories and events, and keeping family and friends updated, and connecting with other mamas. Of course the Molina household has been busy these last TWO months, I will break down the major events, which really would have required their own blog(s) if I was an up-to-date blogger:

1. November 20 (yes, as in last decade) I turned 29! It was a wonderful birthday! It was on a Friday so I took the day off, we drove down to the OC to spend it with my twin (Sara)! We actually drove down Thurs evening because I did not want to spend my bday morning in the car, and it worked out great cause Sienna slept the whole drive. I had a nice relaxing Sienna-filled day, had lunch with Sara and Marcey. Then we had an evening of cocktails, sushi and rockband. Sienna had a fun weekend with her Aunt Sara and Uncle Mark and Auntie Marcey. It was SO nice to be with my twin (had been YEARS since we spent our actual bday together!) and to just hang out with adults! Sara and Mark had a housewarming party Sat night (their new house is amazing).

2. Thanksgiving! This was such a nice, long weekend! It was so great not to have to travel anywhere! Thanksgiving we had a relaxing morning as a family at home, then went to Russell's aunt and uncles for the big feast. Sienna loved turkey and rolls, and being passed around/playing with family. We have so much to be thankful for, we are so blessed, so this was such a meaningful holiday! The rest of the weekend included Sienna's first time on a swing (she loved it) and a date night of wine, sushi, drinks and adult conversation with Joey and Lori. Our friends Kiwi and Kristy passed through on their way back to San Diego and stayed a night. We had a lot of fun with them!

3. Christmas! Where do I start? We had so much fun getting into Christmas mode and I have never felt this "into" the season! It was also special and important to set new traditions. As a family we picked out and cut down our (huge) tree, decorated the house, and went to see Santa (sidenote- he called Sienna a boy when she was wearing a PINK sweater and had a clip in her hair! not the best Santa out there, I think he was missing teeth). Then it was time for TWO weeks off work and my dad came to visit! Sienna had so much fun with Grandpa! Our Christmas morning, really was perfect and magical! Sienna was a bit overwhelmed (and liked wrapping paper/tissue more than anything). I can't even explain how special the day was and how much I LOVE holidays even more now that we are a family of 3! Sienna was definitely on the "nice" list this year. The most exciting gifts were a rocking horse, barn activity center, chair with her name embroidered, walker/ride on toy, cabbage patch baby doll, ball popper, super star microphone, and of course clothes! After our family morning (which included my homemade cinnamon rolls- like my mom always made), we went to Lolly and Pop's house for presents and then Great G-ma's for family time and yummy food! Then a bit of a nap and we had the family over for Christmas dinner at our house- lasagna and chicken pesto.

4. Our first family vacation! Two days after Christmas, we drove to Aunt Sara's for a night, and left the next morning to go to Dallas to visit my sister Monique. I figured Sienna would be fine on the flight, but really didn't know what to expect. I had visions of being "that" family with the obnoxious screaming baby. Fortunately, Sienna was amazing! She fell asleep before take off, had a good nap, and played/snacked the rest of the flight. She got a bit fussy towards the end, but nothing bad. We were in Dallas a week, and the first few days my sister Simone and her family were also there. It was a full house and it was full of fun! Sienna had so much fun with her cousins Blake, Syd, Dean and Ani. We bought matching outfits for the girls, made hair clips, cooked, played, and just enjoyed the time together. It snowed the second day we were there, didn't stick around, but still was exciting! We went to a couple children museums and parks, and saw a really awesome Grinch Ice exhibit (you walk through Who-ville and the story of the Grinch, all made out of Ice). It was pretty darn cold, so we did spend most of the time playing inside. We were there for Sienna's first New Years (and she woke up about a quarter till, making sure to get a midnight kiss). And Aunt Mo happily volunteered to watch Sienna for two nights so me and Russell could go out! Our flight home on the 4th was cancelled (mechanical problems) so we were forced to stay another day (bummer). This was an important day to be there, being my nephew Griffin's "heaven birthday". This marked five years since he passed away. It was an emotional day, and I am glad we were there. My sisters are everything to me, and I wish we all lived closer, it's really hard sometimes. Our flight back was also fine, Sienna was a bit sick the last couple days, but was still a trooper with the flight back and 4 1/2 hour drive home. Boy it sucked going back to work after that!

That sums up the big events. Now we are back in the work/school routine. I live for the weekend! Russell has classes Mon-Thurs and has to drive to San Luis Obispo (40 min). So Sienna goes to Lolly's house for a couple hours those days. This coming week I will be going up to Sacramento for the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, should be interesting and fun, but REALLY tough to be away for two nights!!!

I will soon have a post of pictures (only about 8,000 the last couple months) and another post soon updating Sienna's stats and activities...

Operation backyard lawn!

2009-11-18T22:49:00.000-08:00

So since we bought our house, it has been in need of some serious landscaping in the backyard. Last weekend it was time to put in a lawn for Sienna!

Here are the before pictures, in July when the yard was at its worse. The sad part is the previous owner at some point had a nice lanscaped yard, it just died and weeds took over! (and she didn't have sprinklers back there)

On Saturday we had lots of help from Russell's parents,digging trenches and putting in the sprinkler lines. Sienna spent lots of time jumping away in her jumperoo on the patio. We had 1250 sq feet of sod delivered which we put down on Sunday with help from his parents and brothers! Thank goodness for hardworking, always-there-to-help family!!

We are so excited for Sienna to have a lawn to run around on (not in a rush for that part though). I can picture the easter egg hunts, birthday parties, bbq's and sprinkler playtime. Oh, and us sitting in the evening after work with a glass of wine, grilling up dinner with sienna chasing the dogs.

Next on the to-do list for the backyard includes paving the side yard (potential parking for the boat/rv we don't have, or space for sienna to ride her tricycle/rollerskate), building a retaining wall along side fence, cleaning out the fenceline and planting shrubs and plants of some kind, maybe some fruit trees, a play structure, a grapevine or two, herb and veggie garden... i could go on and on... and don't get me started with the wishlist of the inside of the house, if we only had MONEY and TIME!

Halloween was how long ago?

2009-11-17T21:34:00.000-08:00

Well, better late than never! Sienna had such a fabulous first Halloween!! She dressed up as a monkey (so fitting) and we were zookeepers (Russell grew the hideous mustache for the costume). I love how the costumes came out. We had a small party at our house including Lolly, Pop and Uncle Joey along with some friends. We took Sienna out to a few houses, in the nice neighborhood the next street down, haha. She loved seeing the people at the door, and as always adored their reaction and attention! What a fun time! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and I hope it is for Sienna as well!!

Our "Sienna" Pumpkin carved by Russell with appropriate teeth.

And while I am catching up, at some point before Halloween, we picked pumpkins at Lolly's garden! Our little munchkin was the perfect model, and loved getting in the dirt and pumpkin vines! Lolly scarred three pumpkins with Sienna's name/initials so we got to find them and pick them! What a fun tradition!

Harvest is over!!

2009-11-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

Yes it's been forever and a day since I have written a post. Something about not having a day off for 2 months and having a 7 month old limits your spare time. Well I am very happy to say today was my first day off! And it could not have come soon enough!! 30,000 tons of grapes later, harvest is finished, it was so hard having to leave my babe every morning for endless weeks, feeling like an absent mother, but it's part of the territory in the wine world. I do love what I do, and now will value weekends more than ever! Plus she is one lucky kiddo to have her daddy home with her, that makes it so much easier and I know they enjoy their time together!

Onto Sienna updates!

She is 7 1/2 months old! Wow does time fly! At her last doctor appointment 2 weeks ago, her stats were:

Height: 29 inches (95%- still Daddy's tall girl)
Weight: 18 pounds 10 ounces (88%)
Head: Can't remember but its >97%- off the charts! (mommy's smart girl)

Dr. Macias was very impressed with her growth and progress. He asked if either of us walked early saying he wouldn't be surprised if she does. He said she has great balance, muscle tone and strength. She is doing great in all areas. She had some shots, including the flu shot. They did not yet have the H1N1 shot, but may next month when she gets the flu booster. She handled the shots decently (of course was not happy) but did well afterwards.

What Sienna is up to these days:

*Her FOURTH tooth cut through yesterday. It is her top front right, next to her "fang" that came in a month ago. She also has her bottom 2 teeth that are fully in (and sharp!) Her first 3 teeth came in all within a month, then we had a month or so free of teeth, now with the 4th, the other 2 top teeth seem to be coming soon....

*Along with perfecting her army crawl (she is fast!) she has started getting up on her hands and knees, trying to lunge forward and rocking back and forth. She still likes to roll to get around, usually to try and attack a dog or get into something exciting (aka dangerous/off limits) such as the fireplace doors, air vents, etc. Operation baby proofing will soon be completed.

*She sits completely on her own and from laying on her back, can pull herself into the sitting position. She also tries to pull up and climb onto things, which I am sure she will be doing soon enough.

*She LOVES her jumperoo and squeals as she goes crazy jumping! If there was a way she could jump OUT of it, she would have done so by now...

*She LOVES Sesame Street and watches it every morning with her Daddy (with me this morning :) She especially loves Murray and his little lamb (must be a newer thing?) and of course elmo (she laughs at his picture on her books). She also is in love with her Baby Einstein Baby Mcdonald movie.

*She is making all kinds of sounds, including "ma" which she says when she is upset or wants something. It sounds more like "muh muh" and is so darling (and sad when she is not feeling well)

*She is getting over her first cold, luckily no fever, just a really runny nose. That along with the teething faucet of drool, has been real annoying.... She of course freaks out when we try to wipe her nose or go anywhere near it... my poor munchkin. Now today she has a bit of a cough and seems congested, we will take her in tomorrow if it hasn't gotten better. Daddy also as been sick for 2 weeks now! (As I knock on wood and take more airborne, luckily I have missed out on this)

*She loves all kinds of food, hasn't really not liked anything. She now eats two good meals a day and sometimes a snack. Her favorites are still oatmeal, avocado, bananas, pears, green beans, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, other fruits and her favorite snack Mum Mums! I have made most of the veggies, and now am due to make more and explore some new foods. We are also going to try yogurt and maybe tofu soon!

*She is 100% on formula now. After taking the antibiotics that forced me to quit breastfeeding, we nursed about twice a day. That was going ok, until she didn't seem to want to nurse as much and also bit me three times! That was the sign for me and she is doing really well with formula.

*She is wearing mostly size 12 months now and size 3 diapers. It seems I pack away small clothes every load of laundry (good thing she has such a huge wardrobe!)

*She goes to Lolly's house Tues and Thurs afternoons and they both have so much fun. She loves riding and trying to drive the golf carts and being out and about the ranch. She also thinks the cats are the funniest thing ever.

Well there is a bit of an update. I will post tons of pictures next and tell you all about our pumpkin's first halloween (it was such a blast).

Oh, my surgery last month went fine, the timing was awful and the recovery sucked... but the cyst is gone. oh I lied, I got the weekend off for that... Russell took good care of me and the baby as always.

I am just beyond thrilled to have weekends back with my girl, and to have more energy during the week as well. I am very excited for the holidays and to have some time off (but they can wait a bit to get here...)

Six Month Portraits

2009-09-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

We took Sienna to have her six month portraits today at Sears. We are hoping to get some family ones taken around xmas or at least for her one year shots... Here are my favorites, and really how is it possible to pick only some to buy and not all of them?

I really like how they came out...

And apparantly, Sienna's explosive-poop-on-white-sheet-background incident (at her 6 week portraits) is well known at the Sears Portrait Studio... We brought it up and the photographer (a different one) was all "Oh, yes I remember hearing about that." Surprisingly, no other babies have made poopy messes during photo sessions... they just have a few peeing-their-pants toddler stories...

SIX months old!

2009-09-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sienna is HALF a year old!!! I feel such a sense of pride in my little kiddo, how much she has grown and learned... and how our family has blossomed and become what it is today. And this leads to thinking of the future and how happy I am to be a mommy, how grateful I am for my healthy, beautiful, goofy girl and loving husband... I will try not to be too sentimental, but these first 6 months of motherhood have of course been so life changing and now I can't imagine it any other way. This is my life, our life...

According to our measurements, Sienna is 28 1/2 inches long and 17.9 pounds! She is now in size 3 diapers, and wears mostly 6-9 or 6-12 months clothes. She has perfected her army crawl, sits on her own for extended periods of time, and loves playing with her leap frog learning/music table. She loves her dogs more than ever, sometimes will just watch them and start laughing hysterically. And her laugh has got to be the cutest thing ever! She is still very social and loves to talk... She watches Sesame Street every morning with Daddy! She has her 2 bottom teeth and is eating more stuff... I have been making just about all of it... most recently butternut squash from Lolly's garden! Her hair is getting much thicker and is really lightening up.

She has her first runny/stuffy nose this week, but has no other symptoms and it's getting better...

She has been doing well with formula... today was my last day an antibiotics so I am going to try to nurse in the morning. I have to have surgery to remove the cyst, and will plan to have it in the next couple weeks... which will be interesting with it being harvest, but will force me to have a day or two off (somehow?)

Being a working mom still has its challenges, especially now working 7 days a week... but nothing compares to the look and smile on her face when I walk in the door. She usually will not let me out of her sight for the majority of the night... And I cherish each moment with her in our evenings together.

I love you Sienna!

Rodeo Time!

2009-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we took our little cowgirl to her first rodeo! It was also my first time going to the Creston Rodeo. Besides being pretty darn hot, we had tons of fun. We watched some roping events, and saw lots of horses! Sienna also rode on a horse for the first time with Aunt Meagan and her horse River. She LOVED being up high, walking around, petting and pulling the horse's mane!

Other events of the weekend included me working both days and shopping lots on Sunday. Our old desktop computer totally died, so we bought a new laptop which is so nice! maybe i will keep up with this blog better! We also bought someone's Halloween costume which is very cute, and fitting for our munchkin! Stay tuned...

Catching up!

2009-09-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post some assorted pictures over the last few weeks...

Rough Times

2009-09-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

I haven't written in awhile, been a bit out of commission... It's been a rough couple weeks! It started a couple weeks ago with me getting a nasty stomach flu, lots of throwing up and nausea, but since its harvest, I had to be at work! Luckily I left early a couple days, but the nausea continued for a few days... awful!

Then last week I started having intense pain in my tailbone region, I didn't do anything to injure it, but thought it could be from sitting a lot on wood stools over labor day weekend? It was strange but very intense pain! I couldn't sit down, lie down, everything hurt! The first trip to urgent care fri night, the dr just assumed it was a bruised tailbone, gave me vicodin and aleve, told me to ice it and try and rest... its a long healing process. The pain got worse and worse, even while taking a lot of vicodin... I went back to urgent care Sunday and then found out its a cyst. So its just about the worse place ever for something like this (and embarassing!) And I have been working through this all, yes being hopped up on prescription pain meds and sitting on my inflatable donut! No room for shame here! So the dr put me on strong antibiotics and darvocet (vicodin=nausea)... I am feeling much better today, didn't have to take any prescription pain meds. I have an appointment next week with a surgeon, I hope it doesn't require surgery but I also don't want it to keep coming back!

The worst part of all of this is I can't breastfeed while taking these antibiotics (10 days!). I wanted to cry hearing this! I honestly was going to try introducing formula this week, but just one bottle a day since its been hard to pump at work being so busy and tough to keep up the supply (and stressful!) I figured I could nurse in the mornings and nights, and pump once at work... But to have to quit cold turkey is so tough! I have a few servings of breastmilk frozen, but not much... Sienna has taken to formula very well which makes it a tiny bit easier. But its really really hard and emotional. Nursing was such a part of our daily routine together, something just us two could share in... the first thing we did in the morning, when I got home and before she went to bed. I looked forward to weekends (pre-harvest) when I could nurse her all day... I just wasn't ready to stop yet... I am grateful we did have 5 1/2 months of exclusive breastmilk, and that it was easy for us both... I am trying to keep up some pumping over these 10 days and we will see if we can get back to nursing then...

So trying times in the Molina household. Russell has been so great and helpful, considering I couldn't move for a few days and was also drugged out of my mind! Sienna had some fussy moments (teething) so he had 2 crying babies to deal with...

On a happier note, we had a fabulous Labor Day weekend! Aunt Sara and Uncle Mark came up, as well as Kiwi and Kristy. We borrowed Uncle Tommy's trailer and headed out to the Brown's ranch Sat afternoon. I worked Sat and Sun but just a few hours and was able to take Monday off! The weekend was lots of fun, the boys enjoyed the annual dove hunt... and we had fun visiting and just kicking back... Sienna had fun with her buddy/boyfriend Eric who is 4 months older...

Onto Sienna news... She is working on her 2nd tooth! It hasn't quite popped through her gums, but you can see it! And her first one is clearly visible now...

She now sits up unsupported for a good amount of time! She also does a full army crawl forward a couple feet or so, and Daddy has seen her get up on all fours and move backward! She usually scoots around by raising her butt high in the air (downward dog) then pushes forward off of her feet (but her head is still on the ground)... that or rolling over gets her where she wants to be...

She has been loving all kinds of foods... Oatmeal, green beans, sweet potatoes, avocado and most recently acorn squash from lolly's garden! She is also attempting to learn how to use a sippy cup, but she mostly chews on it or bangs it on her high chair.

She is SO interested in everything around her... reaches out to grab anything she can! Operation baby proof will soon be carried out. And she is just so fun to interact with, she loves talking, reading stories, singing, and is generally such a happy baby! We are so blessed!

Harvest is pretty much in full swing, but have a ways to go till the peak and quite a way till the end. Won't have a day off until November! And this is going to be a big year, much bigger than last year. Grapes, grapes, and more grapes!

Ok I haven't uploaded any pictures, or really taken many lately... I will quit the slacking and post some soon. She is getting just cuter by the day and growing so much!

A big week! 5 months old, TOOTH!

2009-08-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

What a week!

It started with us buying a car last Sunday! Yay!! We have been needing a bigger family car, one that the stroller won't quite fill the whole trunk, and where Sienna's infant seat isn't touching the front seat. The Corolla isn't ideal for road trips with the amount of stuff I pack (overly prepared- you never know you might need it, right?) For the first two roadtrips, with all the gear, we were squished in so tight, it was getting ridiculous, and Russell's 1968 Ranchero isn't exactly baby friendly. So as nice as it has been not having a car payment for the last few months, it was time to car shop!

And just as we do all of the big decisions in our life- we bought the first one we saw! This is at least after weeks of researching and overthinking details, so when we see the right one, we just know it. We are proud owners of a 2005 Chevy Equinox! It is spacious inside, but not a huge SUV... I can still manuever and park it just fine and the gas mileage is great! Its in such perfect condition, low miles, leather, all wheel drive, moonroof, heated seats, and everyone thinks its brand new! So we are so extremely pleased with our purchase!

The next big news of the week was Russell started school on Monday! Mon and Wed he has an English class from 7-8:50 (big bummer to him, and its taught like they are 5th graders...) So its a full Daddy and Sienna day, and full family afternoon and dinner... Tues and Thurs he has Engineering Drawing (CAD) from 2-4:50 then Welding 1 from 5:30-8:30. Sienna goes to Lolly's house for the afternoon until I get off work. I think the schedule will work out great! And Russell loves the welding class, will really learn a lot and looks forward to the class! The CAD class will be very valuable learning also!

Harvest has officially started! It's not too intense yet, but I really enjoyed this weekend because it may easily be my last one until November! We had our first grape trucks come through, a few maturity samples (from vineyards to see if its time to pick) and its getting busier! I have 2 seasonal employees starting tomorrow and 2 the following week, so busy times are ahead of me!! I have been dreading it a bit honestly, but have accepted it, its my job and I enjoy it, so Bring it On!! (I just really will miss my baby girl...)

On to Sienna news! She is 5 months old today!!! And she has her first tooth! Russell felt it barely poking through her bottom gums this afternoon. And she was quite a fussy little thing! I was so excited when I first saw it, was such a proud mommy! I just can't believe she is old enough for teeth! My goodness! She seems to be sleeping well now. The last few days she has been a bit fussier than normal, and is quite a chew monster, and she woke up last night screaming a couple times which is not like her at all... I hope she feels better tomorrow and it comes through easily...

She finally had her 4 month dr appointment on Friday. Dr Macias was impressed with her progress and demeanor. Everyone tells us she is so alert and love interacting with her. Her official weigh-in is 16 pounds, 6 ounces (80%) and 26.5 inches (90%). Our last measurements were higher, so we could be off but I also think her leg was bent when the lady marked it... Either way, she is a tall girl! I can't remember her head size but its 95%! Dr. Macias assured us its all her intelligence! She also had to get her next round of shots :( One oral vaccine, and 2 shots in each leg. She took the oral one MUCH better than last time when she turned purple and screamed and choked... She of course was not a happy camper with the pokes, but it wasn't too bad and she calmed down quickly after looking the nurse right in the eyes and yelling at her! She was sleepy most of the day but all in all was in a ok mood.

Now I am just thinking about my poor baby! Shots and cutting her first tooth in 3 days :( What a tough cookie she is! And tough moments to witness as a mommy!

Ooops.. i haven't uploaded any new pictures of my teething munchkin...

Ok next post... more pictures of our 5 month old and updates on what else she has been up to, and all about the big family reunion!!

Grandma's Kegger!

2009-08-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Yep, you read that right!

Last Saturday was the annual "Grandma's Kegger" for Russell's grandma's birthday.

Sienna wore a party dress:

This year Grandma turned the big 8-0! So it was even more of an extraordinary celebration of such a wonderful woman! There were 92 people there according to Lolly's count! Since this amazing lady (who you would think is 20 years younger by the way) has such an adventurous spirit, it was essential to surprise her with something grand- so what else but Harleys!! What a fabulous idea it was and it was orchestrated perfectly (thanks to Lolly!) She didn't see it coming! A procession of 12 Harleys (friends, coworkers, and friends of friends) cruised down the driveway and circled around. The look of pure surprise on Grandma'a face was priceless!

Russell's cousin Meagan and her husband Matt crafted up the perfect denim vest for her, complete with leather patches- a few were "Boss Lady", "Sanchez Cycles", "51712" (5 kids, 17 grandkids, 12 great grandkids)....

So then Grandma went for a ride! It was so much fun to see this all! No one could stop smiling, such a remarkable experience!

Happy 80th Grandma! We are all so lucky to have you in our lives!!

Sienna had a great time seeing everyone especially the older kids, and swam in the pool with Daddy. It was so nice to visit with lots of family and the BBQ was delicious as always!

Mommy time, beach baby!

2009-08-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, getting caught up on blogging, just a week behind!

Last Friday night and most of Saturday, we had Mommy and Sienna time! It was opening day for hunting season on Saturday, so we dropped Daddy off Friday evening to hang out with the guys and crash at his parent's house for an early morning wakeup. It was the first time as parents that both of us were not there for the night. But wasn't a problem as Sienna keeps to a good routine. I am sure Daddy had fun having beers and being out past 8:00, and hunting with family and friends. I rented chick flicks (He's just not that into you and bride wars) and caught up on Sienna snuggle time. And I took lots of pictures. Sienna also had fun moving all over the living room. After running to the bathroom, I came out to see her not there! And not where she usually rolls to. I looked to the side and she was over checking out Daddy's xbox!

Sunday I woke up early to take care of 2 weeks of laundry from being out of town the weekend before, cleaning and grocery shopping. Then we had a family afternoon and headed down to the coast. It was going to be 99 in Paso, so we figured the beach would be a nice option for the afternoon. I packed a picnic lunch and we drove the scenic route... Heading through Cayucos and Morro Bay it was overcast and windy, so we kept going to Avila Beach. It was also overcast there, but not that cold. We set up a blanket and relaxed on the beach for a bit. Sienna enjoyed rolling around, standing in the sand, and walking around in the baby bjorn.

Then we went to check out the Avila Valley Barn. Russell made fun of me and how excited I got with the animals. I forgot the camera in the car, but Sienna was very interested in the animals. She was also very interested in watching the older kids running around! We saw goats, emus, mini donkeys (my fav and future pet), pigs, cows, ponies, sheep, peacocks, ducks and chickens. I can't wait to go back when Sienna is older. You can buy veggies to feed the animals. There is also a ton of produce to buy, but we have our own source for that!

Weekend Trip!

2009-08-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Ok well this was 2 weeks ago now! I took Friday off work for a family roadtrip. I figured it would be the last chance to go out of town before harvest comes along and takes away all my weekends! We left Friday morning and headed south. The drive down was pretty uneventful (always a good thing with a baby on board). We made it to Chico Hills with just a couple stops. We were thrilled to see Aunt Moni, Uncle Marcel and cousins Dean and Ani! They just had moved back from Puerto Rico, and we are so so glad to have them back in Cali!! We had a yummy sushi lunch (everything was $2.50 at this neat restaurant- the sizes of rolls just varied). The Raudas were housesitting for a friend, but have found a really nice apartment in the area where Dean will go to the same school as his best friend Katelyn. First grade next year! Wow!! Sienna had fun watching her cousins play and loved watching the fish in their aquarium.

Then we headed out to Aunt Sara and Uncle Mark's in Huntington Beach. It was great to kick back and catch up Friday night.

Saturday was going to be a day at the beach! We got everything together and headed down (just a mile from their house).

Unfortunately it was too late of a start and it was already PACKED. No luck finding a free parking spot, or maybe if we drove around for a couple hours. So we headed towards the huge $10 parking lot, but it was backed up for an insane distance because the lot was full and closed off! Bummer! So we headed back to Sara's and went to the pool instead. Aunt Carrie came up from San Diego and Auntie Marcey came down from Redondo. We had a fun afternoon of chatting, playing with the munchkin and eating. Sienna had fun with everyone, showed off her rolling and scooting abilities. She also started "walking" with Daddy holding onto her hands. Like taking huge steps forward on her own! Later we played Wii and drank margaritas!

Sunday we went back to Chino Hills to meet the Raudas for lunch at Russell's fav Buffalo Wild Wings. We polished off some wings! Marcel and Russell played the trivia game and Sienna admired her cousins... She was especially interested in everything Ani was doing, it will be exciting to see them grow up together!

Then we headed home and Sienna slept like 2 hours straight. Then we entertained each other with silly noises, singing and toys. She started getting fussy so we stopped for a diaper change at a Jack in the Box. Russell got out to stretch and very luckily noticed a nail sticking straight out of the front tire! It wasn't flat yet. So baby and I hung out while Daddy changed the tire. Must have been a lovely site since we had all of our luggage out on the side in order to get to the spare tire. And it was only like 100 out... So we very carefully drove the hour and a half home and got in safely. We figure Sienna was letting us know there was something wrong, because it could have been a real real disaster!

To finish the story, Monday morning I went to try and get the tire fixed but the nail was in the sidewall (right at the border) so we had to buy a new one!

Other than that we had a fabulous trip and look forward to the next once I get through the endless weeks of harvest!!!

BUSY mama!

2009-08-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

So I am over a week behind and have lots to write about! But its 9:00 pm Sunday an I just finished cleaning like a mad woman and still have to put away like 8 loads of laundry... so I will try again tomorrow!!

We had a wonderful trip down south last weekend, lots of time with family, a busy work week and lots of mommy and baby time this weekend. We had a fun family day today down in Avila Beach...

Sienna is doing wonderful. I just love my girl so much, and she seriously gets cuter every day (if that's possible!) Her personality is developing more and more and she is pretty darn hilarious and such a sweetheart. And we can't turn our back, she is manuevering all over the place, she will roll across the whole living room or somewhat army crawl (all lower body pushing herself forward).

Stay tuned...

Sophia Grace!

2009-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

A bit late in posting this...

Sienna's new friend and future volleyball partner was born on July 24th! Sophia Grace Kepins is a healthy and beautiful baby girl, and we are so happy for Jake and Theresa!!

We went to visit her when she was 4 days old. It was so shocking to see the size difference of the two girls! Sophia was born at 7 lbs 6 oz, so Sienna was never quite that small, but still was an indication of how much Sienna has grown and changed in a few short months! In no time the girls will be running around with each other! Sophia has a FULL head of hair, and is just precious!!

Four Months Old, Fun at the Fair!

2009-07-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sienna is now four months (and four days) old!! It really is incredible how much she changes and grows, I can't say that enough these days! She now wears size 2 diapers, and wears mostly 3-6 months. However, she is now wearing 6 months, and 6-9 months in some stuff like footie jammies and some onesies due to her length! According to our measurements, she is 16 pounds and 27 1/2 inches long! We have a doctors appointment in a couple weeks so stay tuned for official numbers.

Here she is on Lolly's produce scale for the weigh-in, she was thrilled!

She also has grown vocally. Some sounds that come out of her are pretty darn cute and hilarious! Our favorites are the underwater gurgle, rolling rrrrrr, high pitch screech of excitement, and the deep belly laugh! She is quite the talker and loves being engaged in a "conversation" with anyone!

This last week especially she has really started to show affection which completely melts my heart. She is my little cuddle bug! And she reaches out to us now, when Daddy is holding her she will reach her arms and body out to me. When we hold her, she will look at us intently and reach our face and grab, you can tell she is trying to be gentle and lovey (keyword trying). Usually its your nose, cheek or lips she gets a hold of.

And she continues to become stronger physically and better at moving around. We can't leave her for long, she will roll over and over until she is in the middle of the room (or wedged up against the couch). She also can sit up for a few seconds if she leans on her arms out in front as support. And she "explores" her crib nightly! Bedtime has been much easier, I think me going back to work threw her off a bit, but we are back in the routine and she usually puts herself to sleep pretty easily.

Other news- She has continued eating rice cereal once a day in the evening and seems to like it most days. She LOVES the pool, kicks her legs, and tries to go face first into the water (and it barely phases her). She is also more of a fan of her jumperoo these days, her feet reach the floor much better and she kinda has the bouncing thing down. She is just all around a joy, I can't get enough of her!!!

Last Friday we went to the Mid State Fair. We had a fun time! The weather was perfect (its usually WAY to hot) and it was the right time to go- early evening, before it gets too crowded for the concerts. We walked around, ate corndogs, watched the 4H dog show and got our pictures taken in a photo booth. Most animals weren't there yet. Sienna enjoyed strolling around, napping, and watching the dogs.

One year ago today...

2009-07-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Was the day we found out I was pregnant! Wow, how much can happen and change in one year's time! It was a Monday and I had decided at work to buy a test on my way home. All day I was wondering "could this really be?" I was so anxious to just get home and find out. My sister assured me that yes, we are fertile, and I just had the feeling that I was indeed pregnant. I rushed home, took the test (in a hurry, we were meeting our realtor to look at a house). Almost immediately it showed two lines! We were going to be parents! I can't describe that feeling! Russell and I looked at each other, hugged each other so tight, what an incredible moment to share with my love. Then we were out the door. My thoughts were racing, already planning out the next steps. We saw the house, really liked it, decided that night it was meant to be, and put in an offer the very next morning, and the next day it was accepted. What a week! I will never forget the feeling of seeing that plastic stick indicate our lives will be forever changed as we began the rewarding and love-filled journey of parenthood.

Sienna's first camping trip and first food!

2009-07-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

We did it! Had a great time at Lake San Antonio this weekend!! This is an annual event for Uncle Tommy's birthday. It's always a fun time with lots of family, yummy food, beer, and usually most of the day is spent in the lake (floaties, jetskis, boats). This year was a huge turnout, about 50 people!

We got there Saturday around noon and it was already HOT! Most people were down at the lake so we walked down, didn't stay too long because of the heat. It was well over 100 degrees, so Sienna and I spent most of the day in the air conditioned trailer! The campsite was complete with a pool! It was very nice once it cooled down, lots of fun with all the family and a big BBQ of course. Sienna had fun with everyone and meeting some new people. We all slept in our tent, Russell and I on our camping pads, Sienna in her pack 'n play. Next year will be even more fun with a bigger Sienna running around!

Last night Sienna had her first feeding of solid food! We figured she was ready since she her appetite has been growing and its been harder to keep up! I mixed rice cereal with breast milk, got her in her highchair with a bib and she was very excited! She did really well! Of course made a bit of a mess, but I think she managed to swallow a decent amount. We fed her some more today when I got home from work, and she was so happy to get in the chair and seemed to eat quite a bit! we will keep feeding the rice cereal once a day. And then I will start a new venture- making baby food!

TGIF!!!

2009-07-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Now feeling back in the swing of things with work, I remember how fabulous fridays feel! Getting up wasn't as hard (well I did still snooze a couple times) and saying goodbye to Sienna wasn't as hard knowing I get the next 2 days with her! The time I am NOT at work is that much more meaningful now! Its been hard adjusting and trying to fit everything in a few very short hours at night, but I am doing ok. Russell has a good day routine with her: feedings, naps, lots of playtime. And she was a daddy's girl from the beginning!! Pumping is fine at work, not the highlight of my day, but I am more than willing to keep it up as long as I can. Having my ipod and magazines helps, I do need to get out of that lab at some point! So yes, I survived my 2nd week and it was much easier than the first.

Speaking of work, I am gearing up for harvest! Not really looking forward to working 7 days a week for a couple months straight (how hard will that be with the little one!), but that's my job! So I have ads for seasonal help out this weekend, and with the job market being so crappy I don't think I will have a hard time hiring some decent people.

Sienna is a mover! She rolls all over her crib now, prefers being on her stomach to look around. When she is on a blanket on the ground, she moves all over and is fast! Russell will glance down and she will be completely in a different spot. Its pretty crazy! I will try to get video soon. She also now reaches out and grabs toys, much more coordinated. And loves blowing raspberries, so cute and a bit messy! Stay tuned... I think we are going to try her first solid food soon- rice cereal. I think she is ready... its been harder to keep up with her appetite.

On another note, its been HOT this week, like super insanely hot. My car said 110 when I left work yesterday, luckily it was "only" 96 at our house. But today it said 112 when I left and was 108 at home. Geez!! Thank goodness for AC! The funny thing is at work its so cold I wear jeans and a sweatshirt all day.

So tomorrow we are going on Sienna's first camping trip! Its a yearly family thing, figured we can try one night. It will be out at the lake, and its always crazy hot out there, so I know it will be scorching! I think Sienna will be in Lolly's air-conditioned 5th wheel for a good chunk of the day. I guess Pop bought a big family sized blow up pool (the lake is yucky this year). It should be interesting sleeping in a tent with a baby, but I think it will be fun and family is always a good time!

Some pictures from the week:

Wed when I got home from work, Daddy and Sienna were making dinner!

On our walk with the dogs.

Sienna and I spent a nice evening sitting on the back patio.

Sienna loves her monkey rug!

Griffin

2009-07-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today would have been Griffin's 11th Birthday. I have felt so many emotions today. I am so sad he is not here, upset that Sienna won't have him as a cousin, grateful to have known him and have so many memories, and proud of his incredible yet short life. I miss you Griffin: your smile, laugh, wisdom, humor, spirit, zest for life. Sienna will always know her cousin Griffey.

It was even harder today (the 5th time celebrating his birthday without him) because I am now a mom. I feel so much for my sister and her loss. Now I understand the love a mother has for her child, and can't imagine the pain she has endured and continues to live with. She is so amazing, her strength and courage (wonder where griffin got it!) I will be a better mom because of her.

Today we celebrated Griffin by eating chicken strips and mac n cheese for dinner with red mt dew and skittles for dessert (griffey favs). We sent red balloons up to heaven and watched his movie. We told Sienna all about her cousin, our hero.

Living for the weekend

2009-07-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

I made it through my first week back at work. It was really tough, but I already feel the routine and am getting back into the work mode. Sienna did pretty good too I am sure it will take her some time to adjust also. Thank goodness she has the best babysitter in the world! Bedtime has been a bit harder and she has had some fussier times. I keep thinking we could blame it on pre-teething? (its easy to say it may be that). Lately when she is hungry, she is HUNGRY and when she is tired, she is TIRED and she lets you know! But she definitely has the chewing/chomping/drooling thing down.

Thank goodness for the weekend!

I held Sienna as much as I could! My friend Cathy visited from San Francisco this weekend. She was my very first friend in college (10 yrs ago, scary!) It was so cute to see them interact. Cathy talked to her, sung silly songs and entertained her lots.

We had a very nice day Saturday- went to the lavender festival in downtown Paso then drove down to Avila Beach. We walked down the pier and had lunch. It was a gorgeous day, and a much nicer cooler temp down at the coast! And we saw seals! That night was the big UFC night so we had a few people over including Lolly, Pop, Uncle Joey, Travis and Daniel. Cathy and I had some wine and went through old photos, reliving the fun, little responsibility filled days in San Diego. Sunday morning we took Cathy to the ranch to show her around- the garden, wedding spot, view from the hill, etc. It was a great weekend!

I also now remember the feeling of a Sunday- when I try to get laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc done for the upcoming week, while also trying to get in some relax time (and not dread too much that it is almost already Monday). Now I want to do all of that and not miss a second with my Sienna! So she is officially my new shopping buddy (before it was easier to leave her home with daddy). But now she can face out in the baby bjorn carrier and she seemed to love walking around my favorite store Target, then the grocery store.

Sienna is all about her Ozzy! She loves to grab him, stare at and watch him. He loves her too!

She wants to crawl! This weekend she started inching along with an army-crawl. Her arms just aren't as strong or coordinated as her legs, she gets those going!

Back to work

2009-07-06T20:57:00.001-07:00

So I survived my first day back to work. This is a day I have been dreading for quite some time now! (so much that I took vacation days last week to postpone my return until after the holiday weekend!) I couldn't sleep last night, felt like the night before the first day of school. I guess I can't complain too much, I did have 17 weeks off, and Sienna is lucky enough to stay at home with her Daddy. But still, it was tough!

Russell is actually going back to school next month! They have expanded the GI Bill to pay more (housing, books, tuition, etc.) and with the way the job market looks, we better take advantage! This is after having a heartbreaking fall through on a job the recruiter told him "you for sure will get the offer tomorrow" leading to weeks of not knowing what is going on, then figuring out the company decided not to hire anyone due to budget concerns. So frustrating! But everything happens for a reason, Sienna has had her Daddy home with her since the beginning, and we wouldn't trade that for anything! Russell who never ever wanted to be in a classroom again, will be working on a degree in welding technologies. His classes will be mostly at night which works out super well! So glad that it is falling into place...

So Russell had his math placement tests today and needed the car (the one able to transport a baby) so they droppped me off at work this morning. That way I had a few more moments with my baby and could take her on the rounds at work. I took her by when she was 2 weeks old, so everyone was of course amazed at how much she has grown. She was all smiles and giggles and enjoyed seeing new faces and talking blabber. Then it was reality as they left...

The day was about as good as you can expect. Everyone was happy to have me back, the lab has functioned fine without me, the whole "working" vibe came back a bit and I began to remember what and how to do what I am supposed to. Pumping at work was fine, that was my biggest concern about returning, but I am determined to keep it up, and now see that it might not be too bad. At least I am forced to take some breaks!

And I always have looked forward to the end of the work day, and loved the feeling when it finally comes, multiply that by a million when you have a baby waiting for you! And I remember the feeling of a monday and the countdown till friday.... but now the weekend will really be meaningful as family time!! (how many more days?

4th of July!

2009-07-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Being a parent, holidays are even more meaningful and fun! Having Sienna now, I realize even more how important it is to make memories, spend time with family and keep and develop traditions. And I also think a lot about the future holidays as Sienna grows and our family grows.

4th of July is one of those holidays! What a fun holiday for kids and families! The Molina tradition is a big family BBQ by the pool, doesn't get better than that! Aunt Sara and Uncle Mark come up for the weekend to join us, it was awesome to see them again after only one week!

Sienna went in the pool with Daddy and Lolly and just loved it, kicking and playing around. I don't think she wanted to get out, but we could tell she was getting cold! We had tons of great food (poppers, BBQ'd oysters, ribs, sausage, tri-tip, sallie's salsa, dips, grilled garlic and onions, etc. etc.) I made red and blue jello shots and we played games. Sienna had fun seeing everyone, being passed around and cruising around in her stroller. Shasta and Ozzy had fun swimming to cool off, running around, and begging for food. We also had fireworks (safe and sane ones at least) and Sienna was all about them! She didn't nap much all day, you could tell she didn't want to miss anything! When we got home, Sara and I walked to the end of our street to see the fireworks at Barney Schwartz Park. What a fun day!!

Road Trip Part Two

2009-07-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

So we left the desert Friday around noon and headed out west. We were in Huntington Beach about 2 hours later. We stopped by Aunt Sara's work to get the keys to her place and to visit. She works for Affliction, a clothing company that also promotes MMA fights. Russell was excited to check out the place, being such a huge MMA fan. He is jealous of Sara's stories of meeting all the big fighters. She gave us a tour where we saw a fighting ring and gym, where fighters will come in sometimes. We figure the next time we are there, Sienna and Daddy can play in the ring! Sara also showed off her niece to coworkers, everyone said she was super cute and were shocked she is only 3 months old (size and alertness).

We hung out at Sara and Mark's place for the rest of the afternoon and evening. I forgot to mention in Road Trip Part One that Sienna slept in her pack and play, and did so well! Being her first trip somewhere and first nights sleeping somewhere not at home in her crib, we weren't sure what to expect. All nights she went to bed her normal time and slept through the night as usual!

Saturday morning Russell and Mark were planning to go fishing, but the boat wasn't ready so instead they had brother bonding over video games! We all cheered Aunt Mo on as she finished her second half marathon in Seattle. It was so exciting to have live coverage of the finish line online. She was about 30 min faster than her first marathon and she raised tons of money for cancer research in memory of Griffin! What a huge accomplishment, I am so proud of her and inspired by her. She is already training for the next one!

Us girls went shopping at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond, then had Starbucks. Aunt Sara bought Sienna this crazy "loopapalooza" toy, a bunch of loops of different textures and materials with some stuffed bugs thrown in. She loves it, any way that she grabs it, she has something to chew on. I bought her a stuffed giraffe blanket lovey which Sara named Jazz. Since she has started grabbing and grasping, she really likes fabrics and blankets, figured this was perfect. It was later than we had expected so we didn't make it to the beach, next time! We relaxed at Sara's for a bit and took some pics with her nice camera, have to get them from her!

Then we went to Main St Huntington to Sushi on Fire for dinner. Oh how I LOVE sushi! And this was some YUMMY sushi! We also had some sake (how can you not?) WE ordered one large one and throughout the rest of our meal they brought us 3 more on the house! Sienna sat in her carseat and did pretty good, it wasa really loud restaurant and I am sure she was tired (we tried to make it really early) so she had a few "moments". After dinner Sara and I read her "Move Over Rover" and gave her a bottle, which she wanted to hold herself! It was a fun night!

Sunday morning we left Huntington and headed up to Redondo Beach to meet Auntie Marcey for breakfast. It was a short visit, but so nice to see her! She couldn't believe how much Sienna had grown and changed in just a month! Since the small restaurant didn't have a bathroom, I changed a very messy diaper in her stroller in the parking lot! Times like those are the real mom moments!

Then we headed up to my grandparents house (Mumsie and Grandad). We sat in AWFUL traffic for an hour, remembering how much we hate LA! We had a wonderful visit and lunch with Mumsie, Great Grandad, Uncle Brian and Aunt Leslie. They all couldn't believe how big she was! Sienna kept us all entertained talking and rolling around on a blanket. Oh she now can roll over in both directions!! It was so nice to see and have Sienna meet more family, Sienna is a lucky girl!

The rest of the drive home (about 3 1/2 hrs) was fine. We just wanted to be home! Sienna slept a lot, and played a bit. She was sure happy when we got home and she was in her crib! And the next morning, she was thrilled to see her play gym and other familiar toys. What a great trip! Full of memories and family! (and quite a few kodak moments).

Road Trip Part One

2009-06-30T19:42:00.001-07:00

I think I will split this up into a couple parts! We left for Sienna's first roadtrip Wed June 24th. We got on the road by 9:30, and headed out! She slept for a bit, then played. Our first stop an hour in was planned for gas, and Sienna had perfect timing for a poopy diaper change (quite a messy one too!) Then we made it another hour and a half or so for a feeding stop. Then we made it about 2 more hours until we stopped for lunch at Russell's favorite restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings, and then it was only about an hour left until Palm Desert! Sienna was about to lose it towards the end (about 6 1/2- 7 hours total trip). But overall I entertained her (and she entertained me), we talked a lot, she took some cat naps, and played with some toys (she now can grasp them and bring them to her mouth to chew on them). She was sure happy to get out of that seat!

It was very exciting for me to have Sienna meet her great grandparents! We had such a nice visit, relaxed a lot, ate good food, the standards of visiting my grandparents! My aunt Nan and her sons Lucas and Koa were also visiting until Thurs afternoon, so it was great to see them. We went in the pool Thurs morning, and she seemed to enjoy it (well she didn't hate it, seemed content).

Great Grandma gave Sienna lots of love and she was so enthralled! As she talked, Sienna just watched her intently, it was so cute. It was also wonderful to see Great Grandpa and Sienna interact, she was so interested in him!

Father's Day, 3 months old!

2009-06-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

Russell celebrated his first Father's Day! We spent the morning and most of the day relaxing at home, exactly what he wanted. I made omelettes for breakfast and picked up his favorite wings for lunch. It was a wonderful family day, focusing on how much we love him! He is such an incredible daddy (and of course husband), we are so fortunate! Thank you for everything my love! I know Sienna will always have a very loving, involved, supportive, caring and fun father! Sidenote- my ceramic footprint project was a disaster (and a long story)! I have to find something else for Sienna to make her Daddy!

We also spent time with the Molina fam and went to get burgers at the Long Branch- Pop's choice, no one argued (ortega supreme!).

Today Sienna is 3 months old. All I can say is WOW! When I look through pictures week to week, it is simply amazing how much she has changed and how much we love her. I am just in awe of her! Her newest achievement is rolling over! (from her back to tummy!) It still takes a while for her to figure out how to get her pinned arm out. But now she enjoys being on her tummy and looks all around, holding her head way up! So it won't be long until she rolls over the other way!

Some 3 month stats (unofficial since we measured her... the scale was Lolly's produce scale at the stand!)
Weight= 14 pounds 8 ounces (still keeping up the 1 ounce/day gain).
Height= 26 inches (+1 inch from last month!)

She is still eating very well (still exclusively breast feeding). She has definitely been going through a growth spurt, eating a TON the last week. Good thing I have a freezer full of milk to keep up! Also since she sleeps 12 hours a night (!!!) she eats more during the day.

Tomorrow we are leaving for her first roadtrip, first long carride, first overnight somewhere, and first time meeting both of my sets of granparents! We will be going to La Quinta to see my grandparents for a couple days first. My aunt Nan and cousins are also visiting from WA until Thurs so it is great that it worked out to see them! Then Friday we will go to my sister Sara and her fiance Mark's house in Huntington Beach for a couple days. We will also see some friends (Auntie Marcey). Then Sunday on the drive back up we will see my other grandparents! We are so excited! A lot of driving but its split up over a few days, and she will probably just sleep! I am still figuring out how many baby outfits, diapers, etc. I will need to pack.

SLEEP, moving around, swimming, 12 weeks old!

2009-06-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile! Have had quite a bit going on these last couple weeks. Sienna turned 12 weeks old on Monday! She has grown so much and learned so many new things, these last weeks especially.

The most exciting news is sleep! For the last week and a half she has slept a solid 10-12 hours straight! She still goes to bed by 7:30 and 8:30 and now doesn't wake up until 6-7 or sometimes 8 am! Then she takes a good nap affter her morning feeding. I feel so lucky she is such a good sleeper at a young age. We will sometimes hear her in her crib making noises or moving around, but she puts herself back to sleep or just plays on her own. She figured out how to suck her thumb last week, helps soothe herself. Yesterday morning after eating at 6, she slept till 8 and then we heard her wake up, but she just entertained herself and napped until 9:45! Go Sienna go!

She also has become quite the mover. A couple of days ago, when I woke up to get her she had turned around completely 180 in her crib. She will hold herself upright standing just holding onto Russell's thumbs. Also she actually enjoys being on her tummy now, will lift up onto her elbows and raise her legs up off the ground. Her favorite thing is laying on her back. She kicks her legs and flails her arms. She is very close to rolling all the way over (just her arm gets in the way). She will bring her knees and legs up then throw herslf on her side. She also likes to push off of her feet and bring her torso off the ground. So she now spends a good chunk of the day on a blanket on the floor scooting and wiggling around. Its so fun to watch!

She also has recently found her hands, loves chewing and sucking on them. And with this comes lots of drool! She is starting to grasp things, and has the motion of bringing things to her mouth, just not completely coordinated yet. She also can clasp her hands together. And she just saw her feet and was so interested!

We had a great last weekend with Russell's cousin Jeffrey's High School Graduation party on Friday night. It was at Russell's parents house, and didn't start till Sienna's bedtime so we put her down in a pack and play in the guest room. His brother David (Tio) stayed in there as she played and talked to him. Then she slept soundly even through getting her in her carseat, home and in her crib. It was great seeing family and to be out past 8 pm!

Saturday was the annual Buckles and Spurs benefit dinner at Santa Margarita Ranch (inside a gorgeous historic barn). Our good friend Tracey was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 30 years old. She is such an inspiration! This was the 3rd year she has put on the benefit and it was as always quite a success! We brought Sienna and she did great, even with the large loud crowd she slept on Daddy and met many new people. We did head home after dinner once it got to be a bit much for her.

Yesterday we took Sienna to Lolly's house and into the pool for the first time! It was in the 90's so swimming sounded fabulous! The pool was 86 degrees, my kind of pool! So we set up a shaded corner and daddy took her in first. She seemed a bit startled at first but then loved it! She seemed very content, and I think she will be a little fish next summer! She then had quite a nap in her stroller!!

After swimming we had dinner at Alisa and Daniel's. Sami is really getting interested in Sienna, talking to her and pointing to her, wanting to be close to her and see what she is doing. It is so cute! And we know they will definitely live up to there nicknames of PIC's (Partners in Crime).

Red Balloons

2009-06-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we had a fun time at the Carnival! It was to raise money for Castleman's Awareness and Research Effort- thanks to Russell's G-ma for taking us! We also met Lolly, Pop, Alisa and Sami there. There was a bunch of carnival type games and activities, a bounce house, slide, jousting ring, etc. All things Sienna will enjoy in a few years (how fun will that be?!) And there was also a BBQ lunch...

Towards the end we got Sienna a balloon and it had to be red! After my nephew Griffin passed away 4 1/2 years ago, we had a balloon release at his memorial in Dallas. Red balloons of course because that was his favorite color! Since then, sending red balloons to Griffin has been a way to remember him on certain days (his birthday and heaven birthday) and other times we are thinking of him. Sometimes we write notes to him. So this was Sienna's first time sending a balloon to her cousin Griffey! We will make sure he is a part of her life.

I love you and miss you Griffin!!! Thanks for looking out for us and your baby cousin!

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Sienna's future friend!

2009-06-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a wonderful Saturday! I met my friend Nikki from work for coffee this afternoon. Welcome back caffeine! It was nice to catch up with her, and we talked a lot about work of course! This time of year is always slow in the wine industry, but this year its REALLY slow. So its a good time to not be there! When I go back next month, we will be starting to gear up for harvest and it looks like it will be a busy one! ok, thats enough talk about work!

Then it was off to Jake and Theresa's baby shower (the official title was Family Blowout Baby BBQ). Jake is Russell's friend from High School who also was in the Navy. The BBQ was at the park and it was sunny but windy so a bit chilly for the babe. It was a good time! We are so excited for Sienna to have a friend close in age! Sophia is expected in late July... can't wait! Theresa is a volleyball player, and Russell and Jake were on the volleyball team together so we figure our daughters will grow up playing together then against each other in high school (rival schools). Now that is if she wants to! (We think being an athlete is in her blood, but we will see what her desires are!) Here are some pictures from the shower.

A day in the life...

2009-06-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Its really amazing how fast time is going by now! We have a good routine Sienna has set for herself, and each day flies by! She has been routinely sleeping about 8 hours straight, so she wakes up around 3-4 am, I feed her, she goes right back to sleep, then she wakes up around 6:30-7:30 am, Daddy changes her and brings her to me, I feed her, they have some time together out in the living room playing, she sleeps more and I get more sleep until 9 or so. Then the rest of the day is diaper change, feed, cuddle/talk, (playtime alternate play gym and jumperoo), then bouncy chair or swing and a nap (usually only 20-30 min during the day) then repeat. So its a 2-3 hour cycle. Then we have an afternoon walk with the dogs, dinner, bath if needed, more playtime, jammie time, cuddle, story and bedtime (7:30-8:30 pm). She has been really good at putting herself to sleep, sometimes just laying there talking, watching her horseys (mobile that plays "home on the range"). Then somedays we have visitors or go visit people... I love every day and am enjoying it all!!

Here are some pictures from this week. Nothing major to report, she just gets more and more of her personality everyday! She has really started to be interested in Ozzy (he is always close by), she just stares and studies him, its pretty cute!

After a bath. She LOVES bathtime, we can't wait to get her in the pool! Aren't hooded towels just the cutest?

Having fun with Daddy (good thing we have tall ceilings)

Getting ready for a walk! Love the kitty hat! (thanks Lucinda)

Staredown with Ozzy. She is going to love her doggies!

Happy girl! Right after we found out we were having a girl, we went to Old Navy and I asked Russell to pick out an outfit and this is it! (He kinda grabbed the first thing he saw, but its cute!)

Camo baby

2009-05-31T23:59:00.001-07:00

Can you see me?

Shhh, I am hiding.

For Easter, Pop gave Sienna her first camo outfit! You gotta love the girly touches! She is ready for hunting season!

We have a 2 month old!

2009-05-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

We've been busy, lots to catch up on! Should be a long one!

Sienna turned 2 months old last Saturday! Her new favorite things are chewing on her hands/fingers or anything that comes near her mouth, sticking out her tongue (and licking anything close by), sitting/bouncing and then napping in her new bouncy chair, standing up on any surface, making all kinds of noises, "singing", and having coversations with us (or her penguin and musical bear from her play gym). She is becoming quite the character! I will work on getting some good videos of her in action. She has outgrown most of her 0-3 month clothes (lengthwise) especially her onsies and footy jammies, but has plenty of room to fill out! I just love watching her learn and change every day. We also got out her jumperoo this last week. Her feet were a little off the ground, so we put a box under to boost her or we will bounce it for her. She loves the music and lights! I am sure she will go crazy once she is bigger and figures it out.

We had a funfilled Memorial Day weekend! Russell's navy buddy Kiwi and his girlfriend Kristy came up from San Diego on Friday evening and stayed through Monday afternoon. I love having houseguests and I hope Sienna does too! Friday night we ordered pizza and caught up, meeting Kristy for the first time. Saturday we went to our family friends the Brown's ranch. Lolly, Pop, Uncle Joey, and Aunt Michelle were there along with other friends. Sienna's buddy Eric who is 6 months old was there, we can't wait until they are bigger to play! And she is the same height as him (he has a good 8 pounds on her though). We had a blast visiting with everyone, eating great BBQ, and they shot skeet and fired at their range. Then we watched the UFC fight at our house and played Wii.

Sunday we went winetasting! My ultimate favorite thing to do! I love showing people around, teaching them a bit of what I know and finding new wineries. There is only about 200 to choose from in Paso alone. We went to 7! Joey, Michelle, Eric and Rosanna also joined us. Russell was our designated tour guide (driver) and baby watcher. He had Sienna in our baby bjorn carrier for some of the stops, it was pretty darn cute. We went to some big tasting rooms, and a few smaller ones, had a bunch of really good wine! It was a wonderful day!

Monday (Memorial Day) we had a lazy morning which was needed. Then we took Kiwi and Kristy to Firestone Brewery to pick out some beer to take back. Russell chatted with some old coworkers and Sienna hungout in her carrier on the bar. We had so much fun seeing Uncle Kiwi and having him meet Sienna. We also loved meeting Kristy and Sienna did too! It was Russell's brother David's birthday (Tio) so we met the family for dinner- pizza and cheesecake!

Later Monday Auntie Marcey came up to stay until Wed. We had a nice relaxing visit with her! We always have lots to catch up on and talk about. Tuesday Russell watched Sienna so we could go to San Luis Obispo to pick up the Sears portraits and have some girl time. We had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and walked around. It was SO great to have this time just us two, it had been a really long time! Then we hungout at home, Russell made Marcey her favorite hot wings. It was so nice to see her and Sienna got some good Auntie time!

This weekend we visited with Uncle David and Carol who were in town from Seattle! Friday we went out to Long Branch for dinner with Lolly and Pop. Saturday we relaxed at home and went to Lolly and Pop's for dinner. Today was Aunt Mary's wedding which was a great time. I love being so close to all of Russell's family. Sienna got to meet a few people for the first time, and see others she hadn't seen since she was first born. She is quite the attention getter of course!

That about catches me up, I will try to update more often!! I can't believe it is June tomorrow! I have just over a month till I go back to work, (let's try not to think about that). I have lots of feelings about that (another blog to come).

She's a tall one!

2009-05-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today we had our two month check up. Sienna weighed in at 12 pounds 10 ounces (gained 30 ounces in 30 days so keeping up her ounce/day gain) and she measured in at 25 inches long (+3 inches in a month). Her weight is in the 95 percentile, height is off the chart! WOW! She must get it from her daddy. I have noticed her getting longer, especially in her torso. Onesies are getting harder to button, and her pants fit her length but not waist!

We also had her first round of shots today. It was hard for me because she was in such a good mood after seeing the dr (he is great), just laying on the table cooing at me and smiling, I knew that would change in a hurry! The vaccines were one oral and 4 shots (2 in each thigh). The oral one was first, and she HATED it. It took a while to get it all down, with some tears. The shots were luckily fast, but she screamed like I have never heard her before, her face turned almost purple! I felt awful for her! She calmed down pretty fast and has been sleeping most of the afternoon. My poor baby girl!

She is continually sleeping 8-9 hrs a night! Go Sienna go! When she does wake up (around 4 or so) she eats for a few min then goes back to sleep for 3 more hours! We are appreciating this!! She is so happy in the morning too, gives us HUGE smiles. It's like she is thinking "Hey, I know you!" She is starting to giggle more which is so adorable!

She will be 2 months old tomorrow which is really amazing to me!!

On Wednesday Russell's cousin Alisa and her daughter Samantha (14 months older than Sienna) came over and we had a nice walk to the park!

Birthday, Sleep, Wine

2009-05-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Those are the three main events of last week.

We celebrated Russell's 28th Birthday on Wed. We had a nice family day at home, Russell played some new video games, and I made omlettes for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. Then we met his parents for a drink at Senior Sancho's, had dinner there, then some drinks at home. It was exactly what he had wanted! Sienna loves standing up! She flattens out her feet and is content for quite some time. She also loves bouncing, and I can't wait for her to be big enough for her jumperoo! This week she has also had some great sleep advancements! She is asleep by 7:30-8 and for the last month she would always wake up at 1 am on the dot! Then around 4 and 6. One night she didn't wake up until 3:00 and another at 5 am, and last night it was 4 am. So I am hoping it keeps up! If I went to bed when she did, I would get a full night sleep. Thank you Sienna!

The big event of the week was the Wine Festival! I LIVE for this! This was our 5th year going, and it is always so much fun. One of my very best friends Carrie came up from San Diego (her 3rd year going). We are now wine fest pros! I know most of the wineries, which ones to go to and which to skip, and I make a huge picnic of cheese, meats, bread, etc. This year we were first in line to make sure we got the best shady picnic spot. Its always extremely hot, I think our car said 102 when we were going home. I was so worried about myself being so out of practice with drinking! But I did well, had to take it slow (4 hrs of unlimited wine in heat gets to you!) This year there was 89 wineries including Tolosa! (the winery my company has in San Luis Obispo). Two of the winemakers I work with were pouring, it was great to see them.

Sienna had a lovely day at Lolly's house! Thanks again to them for babysitting! We had a big BBQ at the pool after the wine fest, just such a fun day!

Other big news of the week: Russell's brother Joey proposed to his girlfriend Michelle! We are so happy for them!! She is such a sweetheart and I already love having her as a sister!

My First Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

I had such a wonderful day! We had a nice lazy morning and Russell got me Starbucks! I still am not drinking caffeine (sure miss it) and never understood people that would drink decaf, but lattes just taste so yummy! Then we headed down to Morro Bay.

This was Sienna's first trip to the beach! We had driven around the coast when my dad was here, but it was too cold to take her out. It was a beautiful day with a bit of a cool breeze. We put her in the Moby Wrap and walked down to the sand. We took her out to let her experience the beach! Russell stood in front to get some shade and we sat her down to feel the sand on her feet. At first she wasn't too happy but then she seemed better. I just love the beach, its my favorite thing ever and I am sure Sienna has lots of beach time in her future!

Then we went out to lunch at the Otter Rock Cafe. This had special meaning because on our first anniversary we spent the weekend in Morro Bay (were living in Camarillo at the time) and we came to Otter Rock both nights after dinner for drinks and live music. We talked about how much has changed since we were there last and I was so happy to be a mommy spending mother's day with my two loves! The bar was having "mother" themed drinks, so the Bahama Mama was perfect!

We ended the day with Russell and his brothers making a big yummy dinner at the parents house! I am so grateful for all of his family and that we are able to live so close to them. I grew up close to my grandparents and I am so glad Sienna will too!

I thought a lot about all the moms I know, and especially my mom. It's been a pretty tough holiday since she died 3 years ago, but this year being a mom made it even harder. I am just sad that she isn't here to see me as a mom and to be a grandma to Sienna. I now understand the love a mother feels and I will love the day (way down the road) that I will see Sienna experience this with her own child. Motherhood is so special and precious, nothing can compare.

Thank you Mom, I love you and miss you so much!

Picture Perfect

2009-05-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

We had Sienna's first portraits taken this week! Here are my favorites. It was hard to pick which ones we wanted to get!

We had a fun time during the photo shoot. The photographer was really good with her and had good ideas. We tried hard to get her to smile, but she is not to the point of smiling when we want her to. It got hard at points to get her even to look the direction we wanted, but we got some good ones! Now I see why my sister took her babies like every week (ok maybe month).

Funny story- in her first outfit- the pink with the white background, she had a diaper blowout! We heard it (she is not quite the shy pooper) and when I picked her up, it had leaked through to their white sheet! I am sure they have seen worse! It just made us less worried about any accidents when we moved on to the naked pictures! (that's usually her favorite times to go).

6 weeks old...

2009-05-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sienna is 6 weeks old today! Look at how big and strong she has gotten!

I think our girl will be a mover! The last week, we have started "Daddy Jungle Gym" Laying on the couch, Russell will put her so she is standing on his side, laying on him. She lifts her head up high and side to side, pushing up with her feet. Then she will roll over on her side and down his legs, onto her back. Most time making sound effects! She loves it! Being big at birth, she had good head control from the beginning, but its really amazing to see how much stronger she gets every day!

Standing up, leaning on daddy...

After rolling over!

We had a nice afternoon nap, had to share a picture!

I also put her to bed tonight with a bedtime story! (Guess how much I love you) She was laying in her crib listening along and was asleep by the end! A new nighttime ritual indeed.

We have had such a great last few days! Our first night out as parents for our anniversary was so nice! Sure we checked the phone a million times and the conversation kept coming back to our baby girl, but it was just wonderful to be out! We got dressed up and hit the town. (Nice change from being in jammies or sweats all day everyday!) We had martinis (well I did, Russell had beer)at Level 4 (Restaurant & bar) then went to a wine bar for some great tempranillo. Then sushi and sake! My absolute favorite and our given way to celebrate anything! It had been way to long since I had eaten sushi so it was beyond fabulous. What a night, thanks Lolly for babysitting!

My sister Monique came in from Dallas for the weekend and my twin Sara drove her up from LA. It was so great to have them here and for Monique to meet Sienna! My aunt Mimi and cousins also came to visit, so it was a full house and so much fun! I hadn't laughed that hard in quite some time! My sister Simone and her family were here a few days early this month which was also a wonderful time. My sisters are everything to me, I am so lucky to have them and consider them my very best friends. Its really hard not to all live in the same area!! Simone is moving back to LA this summer, which is very exciting!

3 years ago...

2009-04-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

We started our family three years ago! Our anniversary has so much meaning today. I am so incredibly happy to be married to my amazing husband and perfect match and to have such a beautiful daughter. I am just filled with and surrounded by love! Russell and I have learned so much about ourselves and each other throughout our young marriage and parenthood. We are not perfect, have had some moments of wanting to kill each other, but can't stay mad for long, can't go to sleep unhappy. He deals with my moods and craziness (hello pregnancy) and just understands me. Being parents has deepened our relationship even more. We are in it together and have a perfect product of us!

One month old!

2009-04-26T14:26:00.001-07:00

Sienna is now one month and 3 days old! And I can't believe it! She really has grown a lot. She is now smiling! (I usually miss it on camera of course). She also is much more alert and loves watching the mobile on her swing. It is such an incredible feeling when she looks at us now, studying our faces. She also is quite the noisemaker, squeeking, cooing and sighing.

At her doctor appointment she weighed 10 lbs 12 ounces, was 22 inches long and her head circumference was 39 3/4. This puts her in the 90 percentile for height and weight, and 95 percentile for her head. She gained 18 ounces in 18 days! The average weight gain is 2/3 ounce per day but can range from 1/2-1 1/2 ounce. So she is growing nicely! We have a big girl! Her Newborn size clothes didn't last long, good thing I didn't have many.

So the "Oh my god I am I mom" feeling has faded. Now it just feels normal and like how it is supposed to me. Sometimes its still a bit overwhelming, but mostly parenthood feels natural. It has been so great having Russell home with us. I guess everything happens for a reason. For those that didn't know, he was laid off one week before my last week of work. Of course I hope he finds a job soon, but him having this time to bond with Sienna has been priceless. She is defnitely a daddy's girl, and she is only a newborn once! And its been much easier! I can't imagine if he had to go right back to work!!

We had a great last week! My very good friend Marcey (Auntie) came up from LA last weekend. We relaxed, watched the UFC fight, and she had plenty of Sienna time. It was very hot early in the week, felt like August in the high 90's! Monday we all went to Russell's softball game and BBQ, great weather for that! My dad came in on Thursday and is here staying with us until Mon or Tues. Its been great having him here to meet Sienna and to spend so much time with him. We have watched lots of movies and mainly relaxed at home. Yesterday we took him on a tour of the coast- had lunch in Cambria and drove down through Morro Bay. The beach was way too windy and cold to take Sienna out, so she will have her first beach experience another time. This next weekend my sister Monique is coming out from Texas and my twin sister Sara is driving her up from LA. I can hardly wait!!!!

Baby Story Part 2

2009-04-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, here we go for the rest of it!!

So we were told to go home, that it wasn't real labor. We were a bit disappointed, we hoped it would be the day. As soon as I stood up out of the hospital bed I felt a gush, my water had broken! (5:00 pm) We called the nurse in and she told us that we weren't going anywhere! This was a crazy feeling, knowing that it was really going to be happening now! No matter what she would be here with us within 24 hours (give or take). So we made all the phone calls, and got ready for the night. Sara and Mark were on their way up from LA. Our nurse let us know that she wouldn't expect anything drastic to happen that night. They would let nature take its course and see how I progress. I was checked at 2 cm.

We started walking the halls! We did several laps before taking a break, the contractions were coming stronger every 3 minutes or so, but they were bearable. Russell and I "slow danced" through them in the halls. He was such an amazing coach through all of this, I really don't know how I would have made it without him. In the next set of laps, the contractions were much more painful, doubling up on eachother with very limited time in between. Walking was a bit too much... more time passed and they kept on intensifying, I could hardly stand. At some point I was checked again, but our nurse couldn't tell how far I was, said I was the same or all the way (I know, this is a WHOLE other story, she was awful!). I knew I wanted an eppidural, it seemed early but pain relief sounded fabulous and I figured I HAD to be further along with the way these contractions were coming. Oh I forgot to mention my doctor was out of town for the next 2 days! Of course, right? So the on call doctor said it didn't matter how far along I was, to give me an eppidural. So the anesthesiologist comes about 30 min later. It took 4 tries to get it in! (Yes I was a human pin cushion at this point, forgot to mention the nurse took 3 tries for my IV). But pain relief came! It was wonderful.

We got some sleep, as much as you can. The next morning we had a new nurse!! She checked me and I was still at 2 cm! Are you serious? The eppidural had slowed down everything! I knew this was a risk of getting it so early, but couldn't believe it! So our new on call doctor ordered pitocin. It was really disappointing to know that even though I was pain free, it had been several hours with no progress. So I was relieved to have pitocin get things moving along... I have heard how awful this makes labor and contractions, but I wouldn't be able to feel anything, right?

The next few hours were fine. I don't remember how far I was dilated at this point, had made a bit of progress... I really have no concept of time after this... I started getting really hot and uncomfortable. Then at some point I started feeling the pressure. It got stronger and stronger. The nurse assured me this was good news, that the baby's head was coming down. Then the pain started! I was feeling the contractions more and more. Once the pain was completely unbearable, the nurse checked and it seemed my eppidural had come out! (another risk of having one for so long). So they ordered another eppidural, I could hardly wait for it to get there, the pain was so intense. Russell helped me breathe through it, I probably almost broke some fingers by the end (he had to keep rotating the fingers he would give me). The next anesthesiologist came in, tried to put in the eppidural a couple times, and just couldn't get it. He finally said he didn't feel comfortable trying any more, that he couldn't have that risk. (yeah not sure if its bad luck or what is wrong with my back, because both drs have been doing this for 20 plus years). I know people gave birth for ages without any drugs, but that thought to be was so incredibly overwhelming, I panicked and cried, didn't know how I could deal with this pain for hours longer. Russell assured me we would just do it.

The rest is a blur. I was put on staydol (not sure spelling) to "take the edge off." I became so completely loopy, felt wasted drunk. I would pass out in between contractions then be jolted awake in severe pain. Russell was right there with me. The contractions were right on top of eachother. At some point I was measured at 6 or 7 and that was as far as I made it. The nurse could feel the babies head, said there was a knot on it, she was trying hard to come down. The doctor wanted to keep giving me more time to progress (she thought the baby was only 7 lbs, haha). Some how I endured a few hours of this. (Issues with the doctor and how she made us feel is another story!) Then finally, the doctor told us that a c-section would be the best route as I was not progressing. This was a relief! They wheeled me into the OR, gave me a spinal (now absolutely NO pain) and Russell came in to be right there. About 5 minutes later, Sienna was out and crying!! It was so amazing to finally hear that! (8:24 pm) And she was so incredibly beautiful and perfect in everyway! The feeling of love and pure happiness is indescribable.

It was so nice to have my twin and Russell's parents (Lolly and Pop) there for her birth. We were in the hospital for 2 more days. We had lots of visitors and learned the basics of taking care of our new one, and breastfeeding. My recovery was a bit rough at first, but really not as bad as I thought. And a week later I was good to go. Russell took care of all diapers and burping, etc. I always knew he would be a great father, but I couldn't even imagine how amazing he is. Sienna is a lucky girl to have him as a daddy! On our drive home, I just felt like this was meant to be, what our life was for, that we had been waiting for this, I was so happy to have our family. And I couldn't get over how perfect she is!! (still can't!)

Her birth stats:

Born March 23, 2009 8:24 pm

8 lbs 13 oz, 21.5 inches long

Our baby story (part one)

2009-04-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

I want to write a bit about the last bit of my pregnancy, labor and Sienna's birth. I will leave out a lot of details, but do want a written record while its still fresh in my mind. This will be in parts as I don't have much time to write in any one sitting...

Overall the pregnancy was great, just some very common issues. Nausea and morning (or day) sickness and just pure exhaustion in the 1st trimester. It didn't help that it was harvest in the wine industry! This is what our pregnancy was planned around- couldn't really have a baby any time around fall/early winter! Good thing a spring baby worked out :) So harvest was late Aug through late October, I worked 7 days a week for 2 1/2 months! The peak of harvest was once I got to the heavenly 2nd trimester, so it really wasn't all that bad! I got through my first harvest, and it was the lightest one in 8 years... 3rd trimester came with the normal problems: the tiredness returned, and mostly just being uncomfortable and hard time sleeping... I stopped working at 37 weeks which was great! Had time to finish organizing and fulfilling "nesting mode." Then I just wanted her to be born! Everyday it was "please be baby day!! "

For 2 weeks I was going to the doctor twice a week because my blood pressure had been creeping up... I was monitored in the hospital at 37 weeks and checked out healthy (no other concerns). We already knew she was a big baby, the ultrasound at 36 weeks showed she was 7 lbs 12 oz (they can be a pound or so off). So we were aware of the increased chance of a c-section depending on how labor progressed. And I was ordered to be a "couch potato" so couldn't walk which I so wanted to do! I was getting so bored and ancy!

Our labor story starts Sunday March 22, right at 39 weeks. I woke up at 3 am with contractions. I had been having contractions for weeks, but these seemed different. They were pretty regular for a couple hours, then slowed down and I was able to sleep. They continued to be inconsistent for hours, and then started getting stronger. I was impatient and just wanted to get checked, especially with my blood pressure issues. So we went to the hospital at 3 pm, I was able to walk in which was a sign to them I was probably not in labor. I got checked, and was only a fingertip dilated and the contractions were irregular. The nurse said it was probably just irritability and we could go home. I asked how we would know when it was real labor, she said when she was pregnant her doctor told her "If you are crossing the street and you are standing in the middle of the intersection with a car driving towards you, if you are able to move and run out of the way, you are not in labor!" Oh now that doesn't sound scary! And now I understand what that means!

Time for Sienna's lunch... to be continued later.

Picture is the last of my prego pics! Taken 3 days before Sienna was born.

3 weeks old! New to Blogging!

2009-04-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

So here it goes! I have been wanting to start a family blog to share our day to day adventures! I will update as much as a new mommy can!

Our Sienna Rose is three weeks old today! Its really incredible all that can happen and change in your life in such a short amount of time. And the amount of love and happiness that can be added to your life! We are so thrilled and grateful to be parents. And somehow things have been easier than we expected. Sienna is happy and healthy! She is sleeping in her crib (3-4 hrs at a time). And we are both getting plenty of sleep...

At her 1st doctor's appointment on Friday April 3, (11 days old) she weighed 9 lbs 10 oz. She was 8 lbs 13 oz at birth, and left the hospital at 8 lbs 8 oz, so she is eating great! Our Dr. was pretty amazed at how much she had gained, saying babies usually take up to 10 days to get back to their birth weight. Breastfeeding has come easy to me (I am very thankful) and today Daddy gave her her first bottle! Also, we love our pediatrician. Her 1 month appointmenr is next week...

I will write more about our first 3 weeks when I get a chance... In a nutshell, it has been just amazing! And we have enjoyed lots of visits from family and friends. She has had her first bath, worn her first dress, worn her first shoes, had her first easter!, had her first shopping trip, went to her first softball game, first few family outings, and has spent lots of time in our arms! Most times we just can't take our eyes off of her.