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!

La Casita Azul

Thank you little blue house for giving us a year of Happiness

but most of all a place to call Home Sweet Home

A taste of Beautiful Mexico II

In addition to Beautiful Mexico, here are some pictures from our visit to Guanajuato (Hill of frogs) and Guadalajara a few years ago... I'd say it's time to visit old Mexico, soon, very soon.

Mitzy in the city of Guanajuato-- so beautiful this colonial city, with it's architecture, good food, fun shopping and really nice people.

en el mercado (at the market) with my sweet cousin "Babe"

El Canadian y el Americano

 "El Callejon del beso"(kissing alley)

Entering Tequila, Guadalajara

After the Cuervo Factory tour, looking forward to tequila shots.

Outside our Hotel, in "La Plaza Cuervo", I was four months pregnant.

My cute cousin Kevin and I in the Agave fields.

A taste of Beautiful Mexico I

My parents returned from from Mexico Sunday night, and in their arms were sacks of gifts from Guanajuato.  It felt like Christmas.

Check out these beauty's

A Sombrero for Jacob, he's so handsome in it. 

Muñeca (per Aaron, a.k.a creepy doll) for Estella.  These types of dolls are especially made for "Jueves de Corpus" a Mexican catholic celebration for the month of June.

A beautiful handmade table cloth, made by my aunt Lola, and a water jug for me. 

We also got some yummy cheese and "panbasos"(a thin bread roll, which you toast or fry.  They could be topped with whatever toppings you like)...

Inspired by The Pioneer woman cooks :)

I made Huevos rancheros out of them this morning.  

Cotton

Our second wedding anniversary is today! 

It is said that on the second anniversary, the gift should be cotton... would it be appropriate to give my Darling Jacob cotton undies for our anniversary? he does need them! 

no, no, just joking, Mr. Reifer will get something special.

As I looked at our wedding pictures this morning, my heart skipped a beat, for it was a lovely wedding; now the reception is another story, one of a kind, and one I will not go into-- today.

El Mariachi starting off the ceremony, Mexican style

Dad walking me down the isle

 A happy Bride

all smiles, after the "I do's"

Reifer siblings... only six more missing

 

We couldn't have asked for anything more on our special day, we were blessed to have our family and friends be with us to celebrate the beginning of our new lives.

Jake and I will celebrate by going out to dinner tonight, we'll gaze into each others eyes, talk about the past, present and future.

Happy Anniversary My Love!