Mmmm- Fall

It's that time of year again. Time to step out of the house in the morning- oh, around 7:30 in the morning and take a deep breath. Do you smell it? Fresh, cool, fall. The smell of the morning on an October morning takes me back to Friday mornings in high school- getting ready for the weekly pep rally. It smells of warm sweaters. Football games. School backpacks. Wet leaves. Halloween candy. Homecoming mums. State Fair. Turkey. I love fall. Period.

Here are a couple of shots of kiddos this fall. Halloween has turned into Sophia's favorite holiday. She decided to be Daphne from Scooby Doo but then changed her mind and wanted to be a mermaid. My Diegito was very firm from the very beginning that he wanted to be Spiderman. I had a hard time deciding what to dress up Carlos. He ended up being a pumpkin bc that's just a classic first costume and well, let's face it, he's round like a pumpkin.

Happy Birthday, Diego!

Celebrating the big number 3!

We had Diego's party at my parents house in Kyle this year. Their place is perfect for a party because there is so much room for the kids to run around and play. Diego picked out his cake back in July when he was staying with my parents and he picked out a fire truck themed cake, so that's what we went with. I found the cutest plates and pinate at Party city and my parents spent all of August and the first part of September getting the house ready for the party. They were so excited and wanted it to be perfect for him. My dad found a horse trainer to get the horse ready for giving the kids rides, he cleaned and painted the playhouse and my mom just went all out on the food planning.

On the way to Kyle, I was crossing my fingers and toes, hoping that it wouldn't rain. For some reason it ALWAYS rains during the middle of September in Kyle. Sure enough, once we hit Georgetown, dark clouds rolled in and it rained all evening Friday. Ugh! But we woke up to bright skies (but lots of humidity) on Saturday and I just prayed that the rain would wait until AFTER the party. Once 11:00 rolled around, the fun started complete with a hay ride, playing in the playhouse and surprise visit from the Kyle Fire Department!!! It was so awesome to see the huge fire truck in my parent's driveway.

We had a blast with the pinata. My Sophia was the one who broke the pinate... I was so proud of her! She told me later, "Mommy, I really wanted that candy. That's why I broke it!" That's my sugar monkey!

At the end of a very looong party, the clouds came in and it started to rain. How thankful we were that God heard my prayers and held the rain until the last guest left. The kids came in, took a bath and just relaxed. Sweet Carlos passed out! It was his first family function at the Tobias ranch and he was passed from aunt to aunt like a little football. To say he was exhausted is an understatement! We had a blast celebrating my little fireman. I hope he knows just how much I love celebrating his special day!

Our Brentfield Bobcat

Look out, world, we have a Kindergarten Queen in the house! Our baby girl started Kindergarten on August 23 and she has been loving it! I've been so excited about this milestone for a long time... I know that it's a big step in her life. Elementary school is such a special time for her to make some great memories. So this summer, whenever we would go out and about, I made it a point to drive by the school so that she could start becoming attached to it. Leading up to THE BIG DAY, I really wasn't nervous about letting her go. I mean, she's been in school for two years already at Canyon Creek and was used to long days at school. I would drop her off at 7:15 and not pick her up until 5:00. She was well prepared for kinder, socially and academically. Meet the Teacher Night went well. Sophia was a little shy meeting her teacher but was really interested in the classroom and wanted to explore all the shelves and cubbies. The night before the first day of school, I read The Kissing Hand to her. If you don't know this book, it's about a little racoon on his first day of school. He is nervous about going so his mom kisses the palm of his hand so that he can carry her kiss and her love with him all day long. As I packed her lunch, I started to get emotional. I wondered how it came to be that I already have a kindergartener. How did she grow up so fast? I think because she is my first born, I have constantly looked forward to each milestone with her- soon she'll be sitting up- soon she'll be walking- soon she will speak a complete sentence and then all of a sudden, here is this long legged school girl picking out her first day of school outfit and placing it next to her pink princess backpack. Makes me wish I treasured the present instead of looking towards the future because they really do grow up so fast.

The next morning, I woke up extra early to make her cinnamon rolls. She got dressed in her favorite dress, we took our time with her hair and just enjoyed the morning together. I had the camera ready at the table to take plenty of pictures. Walking into her school, I could tell that she was nervous. So was I. But I knew that I had to mask my feelings so that she could see that everything was gonna be alright. We found her seat and I got her started with her morning work. Ramon and I kissed her goodbye and walked out the door. No hanging around the room for us! I know from experience that it's just best to do a quick goodbye! But in the car, on the way home, the tears flowed. My baby girl is in elementary school! I promise to slow down and treasure every moment with her, Diego and Carlos. I will remember that these are the best times RIGHT NOW, so that I'm not so sad when they are over.

Three Months

Oh, sweet Carlos, how time flies when you're having fun. You are such joy in my life. Already three months old today! I can't call you a newborn anymore- especially since you fill out size 6 months pajamas! Whew- I have to STUFF you into those! Ha! There are so many things I want to write about as I think about these past 3 months. Here are just a few of my favorite things about you:

1. Your hair- everywhere we go, people mention how much hair you have. It sticks up in the back and I love to nuzzle my nose into it when you sit on my lap.

2. Your smile- it lights up the room and lights up my heart. You're such a smiley baby and it makes me happy to know that your world is a happy one.

3. The way you suck your two middle fingers to fall asleep. This is something that you've learned in the past two weeks and it is ADORABLE! You hunt for your fingers when your are sleepy and once they are in your mouth, it looks like you are doing the Hook 'Em sign. You usually have your left hand in your mouth while you pull your hair with your right hand- what's THAT all about? I don't know but you sure are a cutie when you do it!

4. Your rolls. On your arms, legs, tummy, under your chin. You are my chunkiest baby so far and it makes me feel good knowing that I'm doing a great job nourishing you and keeping you healthy.

5. The way you scrunch up your legs when I lift you out of your car seat or swing. Only newborns do that.

6. The smell of your baby skin. Before AND after a bath.

7. How you let your big sister and brother love on you. They aren't the most gentle, especially Diego, and they don't quite understand the idea of "personal space" when it comes to loving on you. But you let them kiss you, hug you, snuggle with you and hold you. What a wonderful attitude you have!

8. The sound of your voice during our conversations. Your "oohs" and "aaahs" sound so sweet to my ears. I wonder what you're trying to say to me- you're such a chatty little thing. And when I'm holding you and you start talking to me, I love feeling the vibration of your voice on my hand that is supporting your back. When we talk for too long, you always get the hiccups.

9. How you laugh when Daddy gives you kisses on your chubby cheeks. He loves you so...

10. I love counting your eyelashes as you sleep in my arms.

11. The color of your hair- brown with honey colored highlights. I wonder if it will stay that way?

12. The way your tighten your hands around my finger- such a strong boy! I'll always keep you safe, little man, and will always be there to hold your hand when you need it.

13. You snort. Did you know that? Whenever you start breathing too fast or crying, you start snorting. It's so funny!

14. I love to hold you. Some might say that I hold you too much, but you'll only be this little once in your lifetime, and let's face it, you're my last baby, so why can't I hold you as much as I want? I love the way your body molds to mine. I tried to explain it to Daddy the other day but my arms feel so empty and my heart physically aches when you've been out of my arms for too long. You were asleep in you swing and it was time for me to go to bed. I had to pick you up, which resulted in you waking up (everyone knows not to wake a sleeping baby), but I just needed to feel you in my arms before I went to sleep. It's like my arms want to memorize what it feels like to hold you as a little one because they know that this precious time goes too quickly and before we know it- you'll be a big boy and won't fit in my arms anymore.

I am so thankful for you, sweet Carlitos, and I treasure each and everyday with you. Happy three month birthday!

Love,

Mommy

Siblings- the best and the worst of it

I really lucked out on the sibling front. My brothers are 8 and 10 years older than I am and are awesome! As a child, I never had to deal with the bickering and fighting the comes along with having a sibling close in age. Because they are so much older than I am, they just took care of me- they taught me how to do things, spent time with me and so on. Not to say that I didn't get on their nerves or anything, but I had it pretty sweet. Fast forward to the present where I have Sophia and Diego who are 2 years and 9 months apart. I am really having to adjust to how quickly things can go from the two of them playing sweetly together to it all falling apart with the two of them throwing knuckle sandwiches at each other. They so love each other but man, when they get on each other's nerves-- it's like World War III in the living room. Ramon assures me that it's normal- his sisters and brother are all one year apart. I guess me not being able to keep them entertained as well as I would like to bc I have to take care of Carlos and not having the opportunity to take them outside to burn energy probably has something to do with it. But I want to write down that happened the other day. Sophia was playing with a toy that makes music. She was playing all by herself for about 10 minutes and then Diego came along. He apparently didn't like the songs that were playing so he turned the toy off. She turned it on. He turned it back off. On. Off. On. Off. Finally she yells at him, "DIEGO- STOP IT! YOU'RE BEING SELFISH!!" He looks at her and pipes back," I NOT A FISH!!! I A BIG BOY!!!!" Oh- I couldn't help but crack up laughing. Sophia just looked at him and walked away. She had no comeback! I know that these little fights (and some of the big ones) are just a part of growing up. I just hope that they grow up knowing that they can depend on one another, through good times and bad. I hope they cheer each other on- like my brothers did for me. I hope they learn that it's okay to have different opinions, to agree to disagree and to love each other endlessly.

INTRODUCING.....

Carlos Javier Garcia. I know, I know, I'm a little late with this entry, seeing as though he will be 3 weeks tomorrow- but cut me some slack! I've been a little busy over here! :)

Here's the scoop- our precious son was born via c-section at 7:44 A.M. on June 3rd. We had to arrive at the hospital at 5:30 which I thought was going to be hard (Ramon REALLY likes to sleep), but we were up in a flash. Actually- I woke up around 3:00 that morning to go to the bathroom and couldn't fall back asleep- I was too excited and nervous. That's a good thing b/c I remembered that we needed to pack Sophia's and Diego's gifts from the baby and snacks for Ramon. I guess due to our nervousness, Ramon and I were in the silliest mood- joking and laughing over everything! I'm still giggling over the jokes we made that morning!I guess we had a better handle over what was going to happen and since I wasn't contracting, the situation seemed less serious. Once in Labor and Delivery, the nurses were all business to keep everything on schedule. I suppose that it's a good thing we were the first ones scheduled because they were right on time- no delays. The actual procedure took a little longer than usual bc we decided to have my tubes tied. But hearing Carlitos cry was music to my ears. And seeing him for the first time was love at first sight! He weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long- my longest baby ever! He has a head full of black hair and his eyes are still a mystery- grey is the best way to describe them. My dad has beautiful green eyes so I am keeping my fingers crossed that Carlos has his eye color!

Sophia absolutely adores him and Diego is surprisingly gentle with him. I'm blessed to have had my mother come and help the first week. The second week she took Sophie and Diego to the ranch and this week Ramon is off to lend a hand. It's hard to believe our family is complete... let's get this party started!!!

Waiting

Waiting

Dear baby, here beneath my heart,

I thought that you might come today;

The timing just seemed right.

But the stars are out

And the moon is high

And sheepishly I wonder why

I try to arrange the plans of God

For now I know

You will not come until the One

Who holds eternity rustles your soft cocoon

and whispers in tones that I will not hear,

"It's time, precious gift.

Now it's time."

Last Monday

So tomorrow is my last "work" Monday for a very loooong time- I hope! I have two more work days left and I'm a little sad. Okay- I'm a lot sad. I've loved working in education- ten years of my life have been dedicated to teaching children and welcoming them into my heart. I can easily remember my first day teaching. I was so nervous! Only to think that they were as nervous as I was.... I can see all of their little faces walking into my classroom that I worked so hard on to get clean and ready for the first day of school. I remember their names and their families and all of their little stories. Then the 2nd year, I felt a huge sense of "Hey- I think I know what I'm doing here!"- only to be knocked down by that one student that challenged every fiber of my being. This little girl had seen and heard more in her 6 years than I had ever experienced in my (at that time) 24 years. Oh, the fits she threw! She was just so lost and so was I. Yet I loved her. And I wonder where she is right now and if she is okay. That's why I love the teaching profession. You love the ones that need you the most and by the end of the year, when she told me that she loved me, that she didn't want to leave me, I realize that for 7 hours- I gave her exactly what she needed to get through another day. I remember them all, really- I loved them all and I hope that they left my classroom with just a little glimpse of how much they mattered to me. And how I hope that they will remember me as well as I remember them...
I'm on to another career in two days. Stay at home mommy is my new title. I'm ready, it is what I wished for, but man, I will miss all those kids.

One month away

I have no idea how time has escaped me. It seems like yesterday I was staring at the two little lines on the pregnancy stick. But here I sit, on May 3 and we have officially one month to go. June 3rd is the day!!!! My little boy will be joining our party soon. I have enjoyed this pregnancy so much and yet, part of me has felt a sense of mourning, if you will. This is it- I will never feel this way ever again. With Sophia, everything was new. It was a true adventure! With Diego, I was just so shocked that we were pregnant I walked around in a fog for the first couple of months- then accepted it and had fun with it, but in the back of my mind I knew I would be pregnant again one day so I wasn't sad when it was over. With this one- I have wanted to just freeze time. I never want to forget the exhaustion of the first trimester- the anticipation of each and every doctor's visit- the joy of watching my belly grow- the awe of watching my baby inside me during the sonograms-to hear the heartbeat. But what I'm going to miss the most is the tickle, the nudge, the occasional bump that this child of God gives me every day- letting me know that he's mine, all mine, while he is inside me. There is just nothing in this world that compares to it. It just solidifies the bond that I have with him, just like it did with Sophia and Diego. Sophia was really quiet inside me- not much of a mover. That's how she is now- really patient, deliberate in her actions and oh, so calm. Diego was a little firecracker- ALWAYS jumping around inside and again- that's how he is in this outside world. He is so full of energy- running, hopping, falling everywhere. And this one- he's just as sweet as can be. Never crawls under my ribcage- never hurts me at all. He seems to know when I'm thinking of him because that's when he nudges me the most. Moves more than Sophia- less than Diego. I'm going to miss this so much- tearing up right now as I write this. I wish I could rub this Buddha belly forever. What is it going to be like the night of June 2nd? Ugh- I'm going to be an emotional mess! But when it comes down to it, I know I'm doing God's work- creating this little life and caring for him until it's time for him to come into this world. I am so thankful that I have been given the awesome responsiblity to do this work. I never want to forget. Ever.

Easter

This year, we spent Easter in Dallas. Usually we go down to Kyle to celebrate with my side of the family but due to me being so pregnant- we decided to stick around Dallas. I went ahead and invited Ramon's side of the family to our house. They're not so big on having a big Easter dinner so I thought it would be nice to share that tradition with them. So we went to Easter Mass at St. Thomas (love that church- just wish it wasn't so far away) at 9:00. We had to get there early to get a seat. Man! It was packed! My kids looked so cute- if I do say so myself! Trying to listen to the message was hard, though, Diego is just so active. Going to chuch is important to us- but our little man just makes it so difficult. We have GOT to work on it! We came home and I got started on the meal- ham, sweet yams, green beans and yummy salad. My in-laws came over with some of my nephews and nieces and Ramon's older sister, Lili came. After eating we had the egg hunt, which lasted oh, about 2 minutes. As the kids get older, they just get faster at the egg hunt. Probably has something to do with the fact that there were several "Golden Eggs" filled with money.
Check out the pics--- a little story about Diego's outfit. He helps his daddy get ready for work every morning and had been asking Ramon for a tie. "Como Papi"- like Daddy! So when he saw that I had a tie for him- he was soooo excited to look just like his daddy. So sweet!

Austism Awareness Day

Just want to let everyone know that April 2 is Autism Awareness day. Being an educator for 10 years has given me the opportunity to work with some really sweet children who are afflicted with this disorder. I've always felt a certain kind of awe when working with these children, to see how their minds work. And the amount of respect I have for the parents for advocating for their children is huge. But I never knew that autism would touch my family in such a close way. This past November, my brother's 3 year old son was diagnosed with autism. While we had an idea that this diagnosis was going to happen, it still didn't blunt the blow. I know that my brother and his precious wife (who stays at home with him) have a lot to learn and a lot of work ahead of them. Fortunately, they have a good plan in place and we have seen some great progress. I will always hold close to my heart of a certain memory from this past summer- we were visiting my parent's in Kyle. We- being all the adults- were hanging out in the kitchen and we heard our kids start to get rowdy in one of the living rooms. My mom asked me to get them to calm down -"Before someone gets hurt!"- so she says. (I just think all the noise makes her nervous-ha!) So I go into the living room where the laughing and screaming was coming from and I saw the most beautiful sight ever. My nephew was actually playing with my son! I mean, wrestling and falling down all over each other. Then he started mimic-ing (sp?) Diego. I started to tear up and I just let them play and chase each other around. I had never EVER seen my nephew relate to another child like that before. My mom came into the room to see why the noise was still going on and I told her to stop b/c they were playing and I didn't want to see it end. I pray the they find a cause for autism and that there continues to be huge advances in treatment. I pray that my brother and his wife will be able to stay strong through the tough days and that their other son understands this disorder better. Wear blue this Friday in honor of Autism Awareness Day!!!!

Four + One = Five!!!

I thought I would explain my blog title a bit. It's so hard for us to believe that we are about to become a family of five because we still feel like we are brand new at being parents. When people find out that I'm pregnant with my third, it's not strange for them to give me that Oh-you-crazy-crazy-girl look. I've always wanted three children. I guess it's because I came from a family of five- my mom, dad and two older brothers. There was always a tie-breaker when you needed one! Most of you know I'm a country girl that lived on a ranch and my parents named it "Five Oaks Ranch"- five for the obvious fact that there were five in the family and oaks because the house that my parents live in is surrounded by oak trees. So I wanted the word five in my blog title like how my parents had the word five in our ranch name and I wanted it to really reflect my attitude about being a mom. I just really want have fun with my family and enjoy every single moment of it like it's a party... every milestone is a celebration. And for the moments that are everyday moments, everyday frustrations- hopefully my blog title will cheer me up and put things into perspective. The name came to me when I realized that one day, after this baby is born, we will go out to eat and have to wait for a table. And Ramon and I will be both shocked and amazed by the grace of God when the host/hostess calls for us to announce our table is ready: Garcia, Party of Five! Crazy, isn't it????? Still baffles my mind!!! HA!

First time!!!

So I've decided to bite the bullet and start a blog. I love my friends' blogs because it's a way to stay in touch. I also see it as a way of recording the everyday happenings of my family, which to me are so special. I just hope I don't bore anyone to sleep! So this is the test run. I'm determined to customize the blog and add pics- make it nice and jazzy. Stay tuned!