We are IN!

So we are moved in.... thank goodness! Still trying to lock down a routine, but it will come in time. Aiden is still getting use to being in the city with all the noises. The birds during the day seem to be loud and wake him early from his naps.

Aiden seems to really enjoy our little walks around our neighborhood. We live across the street from a Blockbuster, Vons, and SaveMart. Every couple of days it seems like we are over in one of those places getting something we forget the day before. LOL He still doesn't want to be in the car, especially if he's tired. But he seems more at ease now that he has other kids his age to play with.

Right after we moved in, we all got sick. All something different. I got Laryngitis... yeah I know... Me? Not talk? HA! It has been interesting. Aiden had a double ear infection, eye infections, and a respiratory infection. We weren't doing so well for about 4 days, which is why it's take me some time to get here to update things.

We also had a hell of a time getting Internet and cable... it's a loooong story. Suffice to say, we got the first month free and $25 off every month for 6 months for the hassle we were put through. I am NOT a happy customer with AT&T U-verse!

Riley (John's large dog), decided a couple of days ago he was going to go on a terrorist trip in our living room. He chewed up some of Aiden's toys and he got sent to solitary confinement. He now will be staying outside on our patio area when we aren't home. I have had one too many encounters with his jealousy with Aiden, and now it's enough! He chewed on one of Aiden's favorite toys (Riley seems to scout out what Aiden plays with most), his fire truck from my Aunt and Uncle. He did the same thing not long ago with a different riding toy that Aiden LOVED. I may end up having to get rid of it. Sad.

Hope all is well with everyone else and you are all avoiding the sickness that seems to be going around. Love to all! xoxo

We are on the move.

The house hut I was on for four days in Fresno didn't turn out too well, the housing market has shown it's ugly colors in the rent as well. A house in Tarpey shouldn't cost $1,200 a month with NO refigerator. So we decided to move into a town house for a while and see if maybe we can find something better. We really wanted a fenced back yard for the dogs and a front yard for Aiden to play on. But we will have to settle for what we can afford right now in a neighborhood that it's shaddy or crime ridden.

Things are being packed and we are rounding the last week in Washington state. I'm a little sad about leaving, mainly because I'll miss the trees and the nice weather... but also because Aiden won't see his grandparents much. We plan to Skype with them a lot, but it's just not the same. They are planning a trip to come and visit, hopefully bringing Evelyn with them (YEAH! We'll see how her mother responds to THAT idea!).

I am also excited to turn over a new leaf and start fresh. I don't want to keep moving around from place to place. But it looks as though for now it is in our best interest. I'm already sick of all the boxes in the hall and the garage is a mess (of course). I feel like I am drounding in a sea of cardboard and packaging tape!!

My back and hips aren't doing so well with all of the bending down and reaching up I have been doing the last week. Alas... I am back on my medications. I wanted to stay off of them mainly for Aiden's sake with breastfeeding. But we decided (Aiden and I) that it was time to give it up. I was a little upset about it, but I was tired of being bit all the time and he wasn't ASKING for it anymore. I lasted until after he was a year old and just decided to let it go. I counted the hours, then the days, then the weeks since I last fed him... it's now been a month. But I still feel the same about Aiden as I did before (for you new mommy's and mommy-to-be.... it's not THAT bad. Just kinda sucks at first, my feelings were a little hurt), and he doesn't seem fazed by it.

Tonight Aiden fell off of his riding fire truck he got for Christmas from my Aunt. He screamed for a minute, but he has a fat lower lip. It really sticks out there. Poor kid. I gave him some Tylenol and a teething ring and he's been fine since. Thank goodness. He bit through his lower lip, but I don't think it's serious enough to take him to the Dr. We'll watch him the rest of the night and tomorrow and see what happens, but he is acting just fine.

This week will be a crazy one, for sure! I am flying out of here on Tuesday morning with Aiden and spending a couple of days with Nate, Jen, and Sophia. Then I'll head to Fresno on Thursday or Friday I think. John is driving with his dad, sister, and brother-in-law in the hopes that they will make it in a day drive. Though it is sounding more and more like they are going to stop and sleep somewhere. We won't actaully move into our place til Saturday.

We're moving!!! - again.

The word out out and we are excited! We are moving back to Fresno, CA. We have thought long and hard about this decision and it seems that it would be best for us and our family. We want Aiden to be surrounded regularly with family. We live too far out in Rochester, WA to be around family everyday. Plus we feel like we'd be happier there. It's not to say that living here and moving ( A LOT!) hasn't been an adventure and we aren't ruling out the possibility of moving back up north again in the future. We will miss some of the people and the weather has been good to us. We aren't looking forward to the heat in Fresno, but it's a sacrifice we will have to make. Just gotta find a place with AC!

John is still going to work for Ferguson in Fresno - transferring from here and making 6% more. Which is great for us! It's been a tough time the last two years with the way the economy has been treating everyone and Johns has survive a few lay offs in the company. We are SO grateful he has a job and that they are willing to transfer him down there. I am heading down there to scout out a place to live, hoping that I will find a place that will accommodate John's 80lb dog Riley. We have two dogs and it can sometimes be hard to find a place that will take them, even if they are docile.

Here's to a new adventure and lots of packing in the next couple of weeks.

Been a busy month

This month has been busy, feels like Christmas was just here. John took a trip with his dad to Fresno to visit with his Grandma. She was having some heart issues and had to be admited into Saint Agnes for a week. They drove down there and she eneded up going home the next day. They stuck around a few more days to help around the house and get her all set up. She's doing much better as of today - we Skyped with her and Aunt Lupe. John came home on Sunday and Mom went back to CA on Tuesday - Aiden said "Bye" for the first time at the airport, of course because he's pretty good at waiting til someone isn't looking to wave.... she didn't hear him cause she was on the other side of the gate. Silly boy! He waved for a long time after she left and knocked on the bedroom door for a couple of days after. It was kind of sad for me to watch cause I missed her before she'd even left!

I have been making cards and doing a a lot of experimenting with my Cricut. I have paper that I haven't even used and I'm looking at ads for more? I think I may have an addiction. Below are some of the creations I have made this last month. It's kept me sane and busy while Aiden is sleeping. I like having some time to myself. I actually have thoughts that don't include Aiden, bills, and John.


This is a Explosion card I made for

John's Grandma. She loved it. There is a cut out of Aiden in the middle. It looks like a box at first. Turned out really cute and she bragged to all her doctors at the hospital. It was sweet.

This is a card I made for my Aunt and Uncle's Anniversary. It looks like there is no "I" before the "V", but that's the way it had to be to be linked together as one word since the "I" doesn't have a tail on it. It turned out pretty darn cute!

This card, with the little boy holding a frog (which happens to be one of my favorite silhouettes), I made for John's cousin. They had a baby the day after Thanksgiving. We recently got their announcement in the mail. His name is Kingston, if you can't read it.

And of course, we can't forget a picture of Aiden. He is growing so fast. He has 6 teeth now and eats just about anything you give him. He is attemping to run now. His favorite things right now are books and "growling". He hates going for rides in the car, would rather be at home playing on the floor with his toys. He also enjoys Skype - still trying to figure out people in a box.

That's all for now! xoxox

Christmas came and went

Pbbbbhhhht!

Opening present at home.

Christmas day heading to the Douglas' for dinner.

Happy First Birthday Aiden

Aiden Eating cupcake #2!

Aiden feeding Mommy some cupcake

Aiden turned a year old, we had a small party with family and he had a blast eating his cupcakes. He is walking now and trying to master running. He is getting big so fast, looking back at some of his pictures just melts my heart. It doesn't make me was another one, but one never knows!

Happy Birthday Aiden! We love you so much! You have changed our lives. My heart is full and over flowing with love because of you. You have been a pure joy to watch and love!

Christmas is coming......

So are you wondering why the old site is no longer being updated? Well after Aiden turns one, there won't be anyroom on the site for more pictures without purchasing the website. The pictures will still be available to view, just won't be updating it anymore. Here, will be the updates from now on. I plan to print out the other website ( http://www.babysites.com/sites/parraz ) - so if you have any last comments to make, ya better get on it soon!

Aiden's birthday is just around the corner (12.23) and Christmas will sneek in right behind. We will be visiting with lots of family during that time here at home. My mom is coming for a visit, I'm pretty excited about that. We have a great relationship and John loves his MIL more than a guy should express. (lol)

I have been paper crafting up a storm, surely driving John crazy with paper, glue, and buttons everywhere. Since John's hours were cut recently, I decided that it may have to be another homemade Christmas gift year. Although, I feel like we are cheating the giftee's... it really is the thought that counts. A lot of people don't keep that in mind. This year I hope that they are greatful and appreciate the thought. I know we do.

We have been blessed that John still has a job. Ferguson hasn't been the most gracious employer John has worked for, but in these economic times we really can't complain too much. We keep reminding ourselves that things don't matter, our lives and family are what matters most. I think the economy has brought us much closer to our families this year, it seems as though that has been the case for a lot of people. More game nights seem to pop up on their calendars and extended family meals are more often proposed than going out to a club. In the long run, maybe this is good for our souls.

Hope everyone is doing well. Christmas cards will be out soon - stay on the look out.