21 WEEKS!

I am more than half way there. Such an accomplishment for a girl that admits to not enjoying pregnancy! On the other hand, this sweet little boy inside of me is kicking up a storm and it's making me so anxious to meet him. I'm so happy we have hit fall and the holiday season. I am hoping this is going to really make the next few months go by quickly. I am really excited for a new born again. I can't wait to see my "boys" together. Because I am thinking this will probably be our last baby (:( ) I am going to really try and cherish all those little moments while he's little.

Latest shanigans

I know I know...it's been a long time again. I am not good at this blogging stuff! Anyhoo just wanted to say Happy Spring! Isn't it amazing outside? We are having a blast getting the backyard together for some pool time. We are also building Stellan a big sand box with a palm tree in the middle. Stellan and his many friends are going to get a kick outta that!

Last weekend, Momma Judy and Pops came into town. It was Momma Judy's Bday! We are happy we got to celebrate with her. I had a great time cooking her favorite dinner~lasagna, salad, garlic bread. I also made a special french silk pie from scratch...it was rich beyond rich!

Here's a pic:

Isn't that cute? Can't tell they are related at all!!! haha.

We also got to go to body World's (thank you to the Creel fam!) It was amazing to see the human body so exposed. Almost didn't look real.

One last thing, did I tell you how much I love my little man? I am seriously totally obsessed with him. It's true that no one can explain how much you will love or enjoy your children. My favorite time with him is when I get him out of his crib and we sit and have his "baba" on the couch. He snuggles with me and sometimes gives me milk face kisses. Here is one with his awesome morning hair.

Well that about sums it up. Gotta a busy weekend ahead of us. Momma Joanna is coming and we might even have a date night! woo hoo! Love to all!

Zoo trip

Well we finally did it, we took our little family to the Wildlife World Zoo! It was a great day, so glad we could spend it as a family. Stellan loved the aquarium and got a real kick out the flamingos. I think I was like a kid in a candy store though...I love seeing all the shapes, colors, and sizes this amazing world offers in living creatures.

Us at the aquarium...

Stellan touching the baby goats...one of them grabbed my bag of skittles out of my pocket!Stellan got a real kick out of the tortoise. He poked it's eye, poor thing.Feeding the giraffeChecking out the flamingos with daddy

Whose child is this?

Today as I warmed up Stellan's toddler tray lunch. I wondered if he would enjoy the food that I was about to set before him. A gourmet medley of chicken bites, pasta wheels, and peas. I figured he would love the pasta (he is a product of me you know!). But ass product of me, I assumed he would despise the peas. Oh how I hate peas and olives. I will eat ANY other kind of vegetables. And what did my sweet little blond haired offspring do? He went for the peas. He loved them. Devoured them. Then looked for more. Who's child is this?

Then we finished lunch with some lucky charms. He finger picked out all the marshmallow pieces first~now that is more like his mommy!

Here is a little clip. Enjoy!

What's on my mind today.

Today I was just thinking about how thankful I am for the many women in my life! I am so lucky to have 2 wonderful sisters who I adore, it's so great to have them for support. I love that I can talk to them about anything, although Liz is usually disagreeing on half of what I am saying (love you Liz)! I can't imagine how my life would have been without sisters. I went through my red photo box Mom put together with us last night, and I had watery eyes through most of it. So many fun times captured on camera with my sisters. Dorky stages, cool stages, younger, older, traveling, home...we were always all together tearing it up! My sister in law Jamie, who I wish I had more time with, we always chat it up when we our together~hopefully at some point we will see more of each other.

So lucky for my very close girlfriends too, Megan, Candis, and Brooke (in order of how long I have known you)...love when I get to spend time with my girlfriends. Gossip, share funny stories, or recipes! Love seeing all of us grow our family's and hoping Brooke and me, and maybe Megan too can be preggo at the same time soon!

My 2 mommies! So lucky to have you both. Your are so different and I love that I can experience both of you. My momma who bore me, raised me, and continues to be one of my best friends. Joanna banana thank you for loving me so much. My momma in law Judy who treats me just like her own. So lucky that we can be so close even though we aren't "blood."

My 4 Grandma's...who I know are always praying for our family. Thank you for starting it all! Love to all my Aunt's and girlie cousins wish I have more time to spend with all of you!

On that note...I am going to enjoy a "girls night out" tonight!! Cheers to my ladies!

Reflections of 2010

I got reprimanded a little the other night at Candi's birthday party for not keeping up my blog so here I go....

2010 was a amazing year for our family. What a difference a baby makes! On New Year's last year I was sadly awaiting the homecoming of Stellan from the NICU. It was definitely hard to ring in the New Year without holding your new son in your arms.

Once he got home though, we were on a role! Feeding, Diaper changes, and LOTS of screaming (thank you Stellan, I seriously think I have some permanent hearing loss!) But most of all those first few months I felt an overwhelming feeling of LOVE. My mom always told me growing up, that we were the "joy" of her lives. How much she loved us. I believed her but I don't think you can truly understand the capacity of that love till you experience being a parent yourself. And it's true that the love just continues to grow as your little one's grow up!

We took a big risk this year and bought a home without seeing the inside. Sometimes risks have advantages though, and we are so very happy we took a chance. We have been very busy remodeling and decorating. Jason has been such a trooper when it has come time to change lights, fans, remodel the fireplace, paint cabinets...the list goes on and on. Can't believe he has the energy after a full day's work. I am so thankful for him.

Our family has been healthy for the most part this year. With the grandparents getting into their 80s and 90s we are so happy that we can enjoy them and they are still with us to watch us grow!

We are praying for a healthy pregnancy in 2011. We are waiting until after my 30th Birthday to start trying. It's a bitter sweet goal for me. The thought of possibly completing our family is exciting but I am extremely scared and worried about having another terrible pregnancy and premature baby. I am going to have to put it in God's hands and roll with it. Please keep us in your prayers this year and we venture on that journey. We are also looking forward to using the pool this summer! Hoping to see lots of friends and all the new babies joining "the crew" this spring/summer.

Hoping all of us have a happy, prosperous, and healthy 2011. Love to all of you!

Stellan's 1st Halloween

We had a great Halloween weekend. Can't believe a year ago I was bedrested and wasn't sure how long it was going to be till we met our little boy! Time flies! Stellan had fun as a monkey and I have already purchased his costume for next year. We met a lot of the neighbors and absolutely love the Fall Spirit of this area. Here is a slideshow of some of our October fun!

Another free digital scrapbook by Smilebox

Blessed.

I am having a nostalgia feeling kinda day. One of those days were I just keep wanting to pinch myself and see if I wake up. I've been reflecting today on how my life has changed, and how I've changed so much over the past few years. How different my life could have been if I didn't go through some rough times. Thank God I did, because it led me to my blessed life I have today.

When I look at Stellan a feeling of overwhelming love comes over me. I can't believe Jason and I made such a beautiful, sweet, healthy little boy. He is such a joy to our lives. You truly can never understand the love you feel for your child till you have your own. It's unexplainable.

I am so lucky to have Jason. What a wonderful, hardworking, dedicated, husband he is. He always comes home with such a happy attitude and is ready to continue helping at home! I really never knew what a loving healthy relationship could be till I married him. So glad I get the chance to experience what I believe few people have.

Our new home is so calming to me. I picked fresh roses today and put them in a vase. I love the smell, the feel, the sounds of this house. Not too mention the amenities all within a 10 minute or less drive.

I love that I can stay home and raise Stellan. I am going to be nannying a newborn part time as well, and I am excited to help raise both of these boys in a comfortable and loving environment.

Our family and friends are healthy and striving. Lots of friends are expecting little ones and even the elderly are doing so well. What an amazing thing!

I hope this post helps you reflect of the things in your life that you feel good and happy to have.

Love to all! Lia

Another move!

It's been awhile since I have been on here. Now it's going to be even a little tougher. We are super excited for our move to Paradise Valley. Maricopa has been good to us, great home, nice neighbors, but we are really missing our friends and the culture/life of the city. We have some remodeling to do on our new home and are hoping for an official move date of Sept 11-13th. I am busy selling pretty much ALL our furniture and decorative items on craiglist as I will be going "modern" in the new house. We had Liz's bridal shower last weekend. What a beautiful event, and she got some amazing gifts! Looking forward to the big day in Vegas next month.

Some of our recent picture are above. Stellan got his first bottom tooth, and he is crawling like a madman!! I think he'll walk early, he's already pulling himself up on things. It is so amazing to watch him development, yet sad, because I already feel like he's not a "baby" anymore. We also got him to say Dada the other morning and when he cries he says "mmmmmmaaaaaaaaa" but doesn't get the 2nd ma in~maybe soon! Love you all! :)

Our New Pool

Not really...but maybe ONE day we will have a pool again. This summer has definitely been tough without one! I bought a $5 pool yesterday at Walmart for Stellan and we had a little "splash" party in the backyard. He really liked it and it kept him entertained for about 20 minutes. Jinxy was not too happy about it though...I think I need to buy a play pool for her too!

Besides that we are busy house hunting in the Scottsdale, Paradise Valley area...hoping we find something that works for us, and of course a renter for our home. I just keep praying that if it's meant to be, then it will all play out. Here's a picture of our splash day!

And here is another one of Stellan "eating" his book...does anyone see a trend here?

Got my new camera

Well my new camera finally came...going to take me a while to learn to use it but here's a couple new photos. Stellan is officially obsessed with his toes. And he is learning to sit up, with help from a stuffed animal or toy in front of him. And yes...he loves to put his fingers in his food...typical boy.

Red Velvet Cupcakes in a Jar-yes to that!!

Just saw this blog on another website...and think this is such a cute idea...plus how yummy is this?

Red Velvet Cupcakes in a Jar~http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2010/03/diy-cupcake-in-jar.html

My new camera

So my mom bought us a nice camera for Christmas...but I was unhappy with a few of the features. Finally I fessed up and told her, so she returned it and we ordered a new one. Thanks for Liz for doing all the research before hand, and an apology for getting the same exact camera as you!! It's in the mail and as soon as we get it I will take some new pictures and post!

In other news we are getting very excited for our upcoming Michigan trip. Can't wait to leave the heat, but also a little apprehensive about flying 5 hours with a 6 month old! I am also looking forward to redoing my coffee table when some fabric I ordered gets here next week. It will be one of my 1st larger projects...I am hoping it's going to turn out great! Look forward to blogging with you soon!

Love, Lia

Big Boy and His Solid Food

Jason had me totally cracking up today when I was watching him feed Stellan. We were having a bit of a problem with Stellan continually looking down while eating and basically couldn't get the spoon in his mouth. Leave it up to Jason to find a way to get his son to recognize the spoon! Stellan now is keeping his mouth open the entire feeding just waiting for his spoonful of food. Stellan is going to be a giant continuing to eat like this! I love seeing that he has a great appetite like his Dad and Mom. Here's a funny little video....

It's official-Stellan's 1st Haircut!

So I know it's not too exciting...but I have always wanted my son to have long cute surfer boy hair. One day he will have it...I'm vowing to not cut it again till it's SUPER long, but he had a case of "old man hair." His hair started falling out on the top and he had these two chunks on the side of his head that were long. Everywhere we went people laughed at him, in a loving way of course.

I will miss the days of our pretend Donald Trump combovers, and the days were he was acting bad and I made horns with those long pieces of hair! His new hair growing in is super blonde and thick so we took it down to one length to allow my surfer boy hair to grow. I kept his hair for his baby book and almost shed a tear! He'll be 5 months next week~where did the time go??

Before:

After:

And the official video:

Fun weekend!

What a fun weekend we've had so far! Friday night Jason had an appointment with his tattoo artist in Tempe. So after work we packed us up, and went down to my old college stomping grounds. Going to Tempe makes me wish we lived "downtown." I guess I just miss the hustle and bustle of neighborhoods that have the mix of housing, restaurants, art, and more! Maybe one day we'll get to live somewhere were we can walk out our front door and be close to lots of culture!

Anyways after Jason looked at a sketch of his future tattoo, we walked Mill Ave and decided to get some food at "The Tavern." I was a little cautious to take Stellan anywhere because he has given us one hell of a time up until now. We ordered a couple beers, nachos, and hot wings (I know REAL healthy!) and what do you know??? Our little boy was perfect! Maybe he likes the bar scene already? A live acoustic guitar player was there, and we listened to music while the sun set. Such a perfect night!

Saturday morning we got up early and headed to downtown Phoenix. Megan's husband Michael was having his graduation brunch at a place called "local breeze." It was one of the cutest restaurants ever! It's an old house renovated into a restaurant with a huge patio, mature trees, twinkle lights etc. The food was too die for! Banana Foster's French toast! Need I say more? Yum! Then we came home and relaxed. I love the weekends with my favorite two boys, or should I say three~I can't leave Samson out! Oh and Jinxy too...love that little crazy woman dog. Here's some pictures from our adventures!

Mother's Day weekend

Thank you to my wonderful husband for such an amazing 1st Mother's Day. Jason watched Stellan on Saturday while I met up with Liz, Mom, and Grandma Rosalia for a day of shopping and pedicures. It was refreshing to be able to run in and out of the stores without hauling the car seat, stopping for diaper changes..etc. I missed my little man though, and was happy to tuck him into bed Saturday night. Also saw Iron Man 2 on Sunday~what an action packed flick! Not sure if I love Robert Downey Jr. as much as mom does (she said he took over Brad Pitt's spot), but he did put on a great movie!

Also got to have a little afternoon date with Jason at "The Living Room" wine bar. We made it for happy hour and glasses of wine were only $5.00 bucks~whoopee! Overall I loved my 1st Mother's Day and we even got a few family photos in!! :)

My annoying mom videos post!!!

I



I Promise to never post this many videos again....it's just these were taken over the last few weeks and I wanted to catch you all up! My favorite video is Stellan "talking" to me. He does this all the time after he eats, it's like our little mommy and son bonding time. He gives the the biggest smiles and tries to respond back. He is so aware of the camera~maybe he's going to be an actor? Oh no~then we'd have to support him forever!! haha...Although he is seriously the craziest baby I know, I am still totally smitten with him.

My new...but back to my original hair.

I was so sick of bleaching my hair every couple of months. I have been wanting to grow it longer but it is so damaged from highlighting that everytime I saw my stylist she had to CHOP it off! So enough is enough....I decided to go back to my roots~literally. I am pretty happy with it, although I am trying my best not to have "mommy" hair. Jason is getting used to it~although he says he loves his "hot blonde wife!" Whatever!!! Anyway~I am so looking forward to a day to myself this weekend, while daddy plays "mommy." I seriously think Jason is going to see me in a whole new light after he spends an entire day with Stellan. He hasn't yet, so this is SO EXCITING!! hehe!

Mother's Day crafts!

So now that I am a stay at home momma...I am loving crafting!! I just finished my mother's day projects thanks to mod podge...the greatest stuff on earth!! I made jewelry boxes for the grandma's and momma's...they turned out so pretty! I am loving the use of scrapbook paper, modge podge, and other embellishments. I am shipping out the gifts today and hoping everyone loves them! oh and on a happier note...Stellan is finally growing out of his colic! Yippee!! He's so awesome..I love him!