Sissy Tried Rice Cereal

She's in a good mood- I think I am going to go for it.

Hands in the mouth- a definite sign she's hungry...

Now she's getting nervous, her eyes are begging me to stop...

ABORT! ABORT! ABORT!!

A nearly empty bowl!! We did it!

As it turns out, Natalya's first shot at rice cereal is deemed MISSION: SUCCESSFUL. Surprisingly, I could see after her first bite that she liked it. What's really amazing is that the majority of it ended up in her belly. 

Blazers beat the Lakers

Last night I was proud to be a Blazers fan. Those boys played with passion and intensity- I felt privileged watching. The level of emotion that this team inspires in me is beyond measure. When I watch them play it feels like I am part of the team, like I have a personal attachment to them. And to me that says a lot, seeing that I am not a life long fan of basketball. I never would have thought that whether or not the " the game" is on would be of any importance to me- but the Blazers have made it so.  As they fight for a winning season, I am fighting with them.  I can't wait to watch what they become.

At the Pool

Portland has a couple of great community centers, which we frequent. Today was Natalya's first time at the pool and she absolutely loved it. She floated around for a whole hour, kicking her feet and splashing her hands, and watching Matthew in delight. Of course everyone at the pool was in love with her. Both Natalya and Matthew met a couple of new friends who go swimming regularly, so I think we are going to make this a weekly adventure. Matthew loves the social exposure. I am so grateful that I will be able to stay at home with the kids, as it makes scheduling a lot easier. With both Carlos and I working, we just didn't have the time to encourage Matthew to try new activities. Now that he realizes I will be at home with him all day, he is coming up with all kinds of ideas to fill our time. He starts karate during summer session, so stay tuned...

Happy Birthday Marianne!

Today, I want to wish Marianne, Carlos' mom, a special day. She is driving to San Diego where Carlos' brother Anthony and his family are throwing her a birthday party. Happily, the kids were able to wish her a great day on iChat, but I know that we all wish that we could be with her to celebrate. She is a phenomenal person, someone I admire a great deal. She treats me with the warmth and love that only a mother could provide and has given me support when I needed it most. For that I will forever be indebted to her. 

***Mare, we love you to the moon and back! Happy Birthday!***

12 lbs. 15 oz.

Ok- so I over-estimated Natalya's weight a little. They always seem bigger to the mother. The good thing is that Natalya is a healthy, growing baby. She is 24 inches long, weighs 12 pounds and 15 ounces, and has a head circumference of 16 inches. Perfect in every way. Dr. Higby, her pediatrician, was charmed by her cheerly disposition and impressed with how well she handled the three vaccinations that were due.  As the pictures depict, her tears were quickly mitigated with a bottle.