Unconditional LOVE

I had an Angel visit me at dawn

 

I was in a deep sleep

when I felt the gentlest touch 

&

heard the sweetest voice...

My face was being softly caressed with her small soft hands, and I heard her say to me, 

"You're so pretty, you're so pretty"

Sleepy-eyed, I opened my eyes, hoping I wasn't dreaming and there--

 I saw my little Angel looking right at me with her sweet-warm smile, 

she gently wrapped her arms around my neck and said 

"Good morning Mommy"

I responded with a cheerful "Good morning" (as I smelled my own morning breath; not pretty), 

she then planted a kiss right on my lip;

and hugged me tighter--- 

How lucky I am, to be loved unconditionally 

Beautiful sleeping Angel

Angel de mi Guarda

Dulce compania

No me desenpares

de noche ni de dia

No me dejes sola 

Porque me perderia

Amen

Our nightly prayer. 

Happy Birthday Ajai!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you!  

Happy Birthday Dear Ajai, happy birthday to you!

Ajai & his Mommy on the Monorail

Our dear friend Ajai lives in Seattle, and today he turns "3"!  

Last year we got to visit Ajai for he's 2nd birthday,  it was a lot of fun!  

Ajai & Estella playing at the fountain.  Ajai ended up getting soaked, it was the funniest thing!, he was running away from the racing water as fast as his little legs could carry him--- 

he tried, he really tried. 

We're sad we missed he's birthday this year, we hope we can get together soon, we miss you!

Twilight in the Park

Last night we enjoyed a free concert at Beautiful Balboa Park, the band playing was "Diamond is Forever" Neil Diamond Experience.  There was a lot of people, and everyone in a happy mood.  

Estella dancing to "Sweet Caroline"

Then, Estella and her BFF (Trinity) played hide-n-seek.

Estella hiding between the pillars

It was a fun night.

A tired little girl fell fast asleep on the drive home (no nap girl).  When we got home all I had to do was put her in bed (pj's were taken).  It was only 8, and she was in bed asleep!-- 

 a rare thing around here.  

My Darling Jacob and I got to enjoy the night to ourselves

with dessert and a movie.

Summer Feast

A summer feast was presented 

of Flank steak, saute onions & perogies, Reifer corn, creamed Brussels sprouts and a loaf of rustic bread

A table was set for seven to dine, with a highchair for Lil' Estella Louise, and a car seat for young Rocco to join

We Feasted

Dessert came in as second runner up, 

of Angel cake, berries and cream

& after all was settled in the belly, a game of Badminton was played.

okay, I'll stop...  

I was trying to imitate the "Night before Christmas".  

So Yes, we had the pleasure of hosting a summer dinner for our favorite peeps, we dined like Kings & Queens; good food, lots of laughter, and an outdoor activity. 

At the end of the night Photo booth drew us in.... it's always a good laugh.

Aunt Maddy & Estella

Godfather John & Estella Louise

Daddy-O & his Baby Cakes

We laughed so hard we almost peed out pants--

This kind of laughter is SO needed for the soul!

A Lesson learned

The intention this morning was to get a nice walk before the sun started crack-a-lackin', and picking up bagels at our neighborhood bagel shop, for breakfast.

 

This is what we looked like before we left the house; all smiles.  Estella asked if we could take her baby, that meant basket & stroller too; I gave in.

The intention was full filled, however--- we were only about 10 minutes into our walk, and I could already feel the hot sun on my back.  I heard Wally huffing-n-puffing,  and shortly after Estella asked to be picked-up.  I was tempted to turn around and go back home... but we were more than half way there.  I decided to go for it; I kept my cool, and I praised the child on how good she was pushing her baby on the stroller-- she was a proud & happy child.  We continued our little walk, and moments later I had a second request from my child to pick her up,  I praised some more, but this time it didn't work, the whining started (I started stressing out with the heat).  I quickly rushed us to some shade, I took a deep breath, and WE sat there for a moment.  I patiently dissembled her doll stroller, and stuffed it in my over sized canvas grocery bag... whew! that was a life-saver.  We had a little talk and carried on with our walk,  and little Estella decided she was a big girl, and walked her walk.  We ordered our bagels, had a refreshing beverage and bite to eat.  The walk back home went a lot smoother "Thank Goodness!"

We arrived home a little wilted, we guzzled down some ice-water, and enjoyed frozen yogurt.

Then we cooled off even more with some fun ice-cube painting... occasionally taking ice-cubes bites.

The lesson learned: Don't always give in, know when to pick your battles!

The infamous baby-basket stroller.

Was that a nod?

The ultrasound went really good, and Baby Reifer is doing GREAT.  

While the Doc concentrated on measuring baby body parts, I waited patiently for my turn to get a glimpse of our baby.  My Darling Jacob stood in front of me watching the Doc/ monitor and occasionally looking my way to give me a reassuring smile.

& finally, I got to see baby... wow, pretty amazing, if you ask me!  The baby looked perfect.  We observed head, strong heart, a full belly, a perfect little spine, a cute scene were the hand rested under the head, and a leg that was pushing on my full bladder (yeah, I really had to go).   

Then the big question was asked "Would you like to know the gender?" long pause--- "No!" I answered quickly.  Jake had been joking about only he finding out the baby's sex, and keeping it a secret, but I know eventually I would bug him, and he'd either give in, or mess with me the whole time, which can be annoying.  It's a good thing we both agreed on being surprised. 

After observing Baby Reifer for a while, he/she looked right into the monitor and nodded!  I tell you, looked right at us and nodded... what a social butterfly, must be the Reifer in he/ she (wink-wink)!

See the eyes looking at you?

We have 150 days to go, it feels like a small eternity, but as we all know, time flies!