"Brandario"

Everyone knew it was coming but now it's official. Since they don't have a pedestal of their own on the internet (and, really, they should--blogger.com, check it out--or Tumblr, it's hip) we wanted to spread the news here!

If you hadn't heard already, Rosario Cortes and Brandon Kapeller are engaged to be married! Congratulations! We're very excited for you both!

A Toddler?

Well, officially he must "toddle" to be considered "one who toddles" but by the one year mark our little man is no longer referred to as an infant. (for the record, I think this means that the poundage I have settling on my hips is no longer called "baby weight" either.) I digress. Well, our little guy is a year old today. And even though he won't think today as being any different than yesterday. Mommy is a little teary-eyed when recalling his debut (which is also no different than yesterday! What has happened to me?!).

Rodney and I had NO clue what we were praying for when we were considering the jump from two to three. With great excitement (and some rockin' role models), we considered the responsibility and changes that would be the most dramatic once we were parents. We tried not to sugar-coat some obvious practical realities that would indeed change our family dynamic. Less sleep, less spontaneity, less money (esp. staying home)...not earth-shattering changes...but...differences that would require some adjustments.

We did and do sleep less...especially when we are watching him sleep. (this is just silly...but we do it every night). For Pete's sake, I really miss the late evenings/early mornings when I could rock him close to my chest...now he is restless and wants to be on the move. We are a lot less spontaneous! Same songs, same storybooks, same routines, same games....and I must say "ma ma ma ma ma ma...." at least a hundred times everyday before breakfast in hopes of hearing the slightest repetition. And if Nattie does anything fun or sweet we practice all day so Papa can see it when he gets home! yea....spontaneous....we are not. Our days and nights are not ours any longer! And it couldn't be better!! Less money has only meant that our entertainment and fun are rolled up in our nights together. Seriously!

This last year for Rodney and I have been filled with unspeakable joy and excitement for the future of our little family and an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for allowing us to have such an awesome and sweet gift. With pure elation we congratulate and share in the happiness of all (new and not) mommies and daddies who also know what a great blessing having a child is. And with the same excitement we look to our future...watching our little boy become a man and praying that God will continue to bless our family according to His will. (No, Christina, that isn't an announcement...not yet anyway.) ;)

Happy Birthday, Nathan. Your Mommy and Daddy love you so so so much. We want to shout it from all the corners of cyber-space!

C'mon!

At the current moment I am opening all my windows and doors letting in the 100 degree Sacramento "breezes" so that the smoke alarm won't screech and remind the neighbors that I CAN'T ROAST A CHICKEN. What does this bird require for Pete's sake?!? I own "The Joy of Cooking" among others, have access to thousands of recipes online, have had some organized "training" in culinary arts and I still can't get this stupid bird to look and BE delicious. My hubby, who fortunately enjoys cooking, is always having to come home to rescue my failed bird. 450 degrees for about 60-75 minutes....and it's still under cooked. Cooking it longer dries it out. Please (Sharon....Christina....anybody...) help! I want to conquer this foul fowl!

Crawling! And other milestones only Mommies and Daddies care about

Well, ok. Milestones might be a touch dramatic for a few of these...but c'mon, a first is still a first, no? Let's call them moments of interest to few...

So after months of dragging his belly across the carpet, Nathan has started to crawl. And with some coaxing (and a steady line of O's) we have even crossed the hardwood floor! Which is awesome because now Mommy can take all the little heiny pictures his album is missing! Aside from that, he's building upper body strength by pulling himself up on stuff around the house.

For the grandmas and grandpas...

we liked our first go at real milk in our big boy cup and had PB & J sandwiches...well just the one so far.

Nathan remains a 21lb "good eater" and delights his papa by loving strange flavor combinations and Chinese/Korean food.