I've been slacking..

I should slap my wrist for not updating in such a long time. Almost two months! Shame on me!! I apologize. I'd like to say that I never have time, but that would be a lie. I am on the computer all the time now (since I work from home), but just get to sucked into the life of Facebook.

Updates on Daniel: Unfortunately Daniel was let go from him job at Thanksgiving. We got a heads up that it was coming, but still is very much a shock. He is doing his best getting linked in with people he has met over the years, and has had some really great people give him Letters of Recommendation. He worked at Arena Sports for 10 years and has some good memories there. He is trying to figure out what his nitch is... he was also told that he can go see a Life Coach, but nothing has come of that so far. Hope there is good news to come of that soon. In the mean time he loves working on his blogs with friends. Sterlinho and Media Machete. Before the MLS cup came to Seattle, he got to go with our friend Mark to Seattle and meet some past MLS players.. it was a BIG night for him :)

Updates on Me: I am working from home for a company called PlanetDDS. We are a answering service for Dentists all around the US. I was thankful with my last job with Dr. Keerti, who got me the in with them. We used the service at her office, so I was familiar with some of the way it works. I am glad to be able to be home with Digs and earn money at the same time. Lots of people in my class from PIMA are still having a hard time finding jobs. With Daniel home now too, he watches and plays with Digs while I lock myself in a room. I've had to work from Oly sometimes after the holidays when we stayed longer, and when I had to send my computer away for repairs. The other ladies say I am catching on fast.. guess that's a good thing. The income is really important for us. I am not full time, but right now EVER little bit helps.

Updates on Diego: HE IS GROWING UP SOOOO FAST! The last time I counted he had 15 teeth!! Loves to brush them and say "teeth" while he mimics brushing. This guy can eat.. loves veggies, fruits, snacks, milk(signs milk), not a fan of much meat.. not sure why???..loves whatever is on our plates. He'll come over to you and while signing and saying "Peesh?". He loves music! Whenever he hears it he starts bobbing up and down. Also loves playing drums with "Buelo"(Daniel's Dad),Singing with "Lela"(Daniel's Mom), calling for his TAs (Tia Monica and Tia Denise), reading with Mammo (my mom) and high fiving with "PopPop"(my dad). He had lots of fun with his cousins at our annual Devine Family Christmas Party. He also repeats phrases like "Hey Man.." "Oh cool!" and "Hi kiddo". He's just such a character!!

Thats all for now! Merry Christmas to you all. May it be a blessed one!

ONE YEAR OLD!

Daniel and I can NOT believe that we have a toddler now! I mean, in one day, he turned officially one year.. years?... old and started taking steps on his own without us coaching him.

On Sunday we had his birthday party at the Arena. Many family and friends came from all over to join us for a costume party. It was lots of fun! Our friends were great at participating and celebrating this big milestone.

On Diego's official birthday he started adventuring out more and taking steps from the foot stool to the couch and other shorter distances! Today he's been doing it more and more and even kicked a soccer ball too!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Videos of Digs

Here are a couple videos we have taken lately.
Diego is starting to learn that if he does something he will get an applause!! Papa was teaching him to clean up in the bathtub and he was pretty pleased with himself.





Then Daniel and I have noticed that Digs makes this ....face.... after taking a picture of him (which we do often). It cracks us up!

Puyallup Fair

I finally convinced Daniel to go to the Fair this year. We had such a good time. I hope that we can do this more in the future :) THANKS BABE!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Go SEAHAWKS!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Well, what a week! On Tuesday I got fired.... then Wednesday got a job! :) I wasn't too worried when I got the news. I knew that I did not have the skills the doctor needed and I was always waking up sick to my stomach with nerves. I really like working at the office, but in the very beginning I was looking for a front office position anyway. Thankfully, the doctor contacted the director of this Virtual Business service we used, and asked if there might be a job for me. I had an interview with her the next morning and she told me that she will try and find things for me to do. This means I get to work from home!! I am way excited and still waiting to hear what my duties will be for sure.

Diego finished out the last two days with Margie (his Daycare provider). We were sad that we had found such a wonderful place to take him, but we are glad to know that we can call her up for a date night, or if I go back to work away from home for a couple days at least a week.

Where has the time gone?

I can't get over the fact that I am starting to plan Diego's FRIST birthday party!! I kind of don't want him to get bigger, but yet he never ceases to amaze me on his development.
He is 10 1/2 months now and starting to want to walk. He's been pulling himself up and walking along furniture. Our friends Ty and Angela, let us borrow some of their son's toys so Digs can enjoy them for a bit. He loves the walker, music table and story/song cube.
Since I have a job as a dental assistant now, we had to find a Daycare for Diego. We were very luck to find one that isn't far from my work, affordable and with a really wonderful woman. It's an inhome and there are not very many children there, she keeps a low ratio. Diego has a little hard time when I first leave and when new people introduce themselves. But he really likes Margie and eats and sleeps and plays well while there.
This weekend was pretty busy.Saturday we went down to Lacey to visit friends and family. At cousin Aliayah's 1st birthday party, he got to be around his baby cousins. It was a good time. Sunday we got to go watch Daniel coach his Micro Advance team play their first game! Diego got all excited watching the kids play and was rooting them on.
Well I better get a move on, I am sure he will wake up from a nap soon. I know this because I want to nap, and usually when I lay down to nap... he wakes up ;)

Jobs, Milestones and Heatwaves

Oh my I can't believe July is already over! We celebrated the 4th of July at the Gold Cup. We were very lucky to go up in the Club Seat that Daniel's work has. Diego finally went to his first soccer game!
He wasn't too sure at all the noise at first, but eventually loved it. Then we drove down to Lacey for Denise's birthday.

I finally finished school and was looking for a job. I was trying to find a front office position but have found a position. I am now on my three month probation at EnsoDentistry. So far I am really liking it. There is soooooo much to learn, so much to remember and I think it's going to be great.

Diego is really growing. He is getting so big. He loves to eat! We are practicing Sign Language with him. Showing him how to sign -Please -Clap in Sign -Drink. Diego is also clapping to songs he knows that has clapping in it. He is crawling on his hands and knees more and more.
We are noticing of how aware he is. I will admit. In the early morning I turn on PBS and he notices that a cartoon is on. Lately he gets super excited when Sid the Science Kid comes on. He starts dancing, clapping and laughing when he hears the songs! It's pretty funny.
Digs had to get his SECOND hair cut the other week. So his Tia Monica gave him a trim and style.

Finally we have some relief from the heat!! We broke a record the other day of over 107 degrees. It's been like that for three days! The northwest is not use to it. Thankfully we got to go hangout in Monica's pool (actually the Fader's pool) to cool off.

Smartest boy in all the land!

I can't get over how smart Diego is becoming!!

BUSTED!

It seems lately that every day Diego is attempting something new. Lately he is starting to pull up onto his knees. He loves to get into the movies in our entertainment center and check out the bookcase. If Daniel or I say something simple to him, he tries to imitate the sound, like GOAL!, book, or uh uh (my way of saying no when he is getting into something). The other day I heard Digs waking up through the monitor, so I clicked on to see the video portion.... HE WAS STANDING UP!
When I got home yesterday from dinner with my mother-in-law, and put him to bed, he did it again. I had to take him out and all of his bedding to move him crib down.

Diego's first Haircut on Father's Day and Daniel's Birthday

I know it's been a long time since I posted. Right now we are still enjoying parenthood. I am still finishing up my hours for my extern to be a Dental Assistant, Daniel is still the coordinator for Lil Kickers.

Diego is crawling around everywhere, finding his voice in the kitchen, waving goodbye, giving kisses and loving solid foods.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

At the Park with my Papa

While I was at a working interview with a potential externship site, Daniel and Diego walked to Grasslawn Park and took these pictures.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Here comes the sun...doo da doo doo...

We are FINALLY getting some spring weather around here! Kind of even felt like summer since we have been having such cold temperatures. Daniel and I couldn't stand to stay inside so we went out to Crossroads Park.

If you click on the smaller picture, you can see a larger view.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Shhhhh......

Today I was working on my computer while Diego was in his Jumperoo. After awhile I noticed that it was pretty quiet. When I looked over I saw....

Make a Smilebox postcard

Roll on Over.. Roll on over Diggy!

All week long I have been trying to get Diego to roll from his back to his tummy. The other day when Monica was over, he was attempting to on his own and we held our breath as he came sooooo close! I would help him a little so he got the idea. My mom stayed last night to watch Diego, since originally I was going to go to the Sounders Game, but more on that later. Again, Diego was getting so close but just couldn't get that last UMPH! My mom left this afternoon to go back to Olympia, and while Digs was laying on the floor I walked in to the kitchen for a brief moment... and all of a sudden I did a double take at Digs. HE FINALLY MADE IT OVER!!! So of course the mean mom that I am, (;) I rolled him back on to his back to watch this time. He is getting so good at it. I am so proud of him :)

THE SOUNDERS were GREAT last night!!!! The original plan was that my father in law was going to buy tickets so the whole family could go, but they sold out way to quickly. Daniel and I tried for just two tickets and came up a bust. Daniel was so bummed. I knew how much he wanted to be there. He has been wanting a MLS team for Seattle for a while now. Then, we got word that since his work has a suite they had a ticket for him to go! He tried to get me a ticket but they didn't have one. I was fine with that, the main thing was Daniel could go. We made plans for my mom to come up and watch Diego, since I had school anyway.

On Saturdays at the Arena Daniel coaches for a class and talks with one of the grandparents who happens to be involved with Management for the Sounders. Gary Wright is the Sr. VP for Business Operations. Daniel really enjoys talking with Gary about futbol. This last Saturday, Gary's son asked Daniel if he was going. Daniel said yes, but that he was trying to get for me to come too. Gary's son was trying to get Daniel to ask Gary for tickets, but Daniel doesn't feel right about that. He doesn't want them to think that is the only reason he talks to the family. So the son yells across the room "Hey Dad! Can you get Daniel tickets to the game?!" Gary said. "Sure I'll send you an email!" Daniel couldn't believe it. He was very humbled. Later he got an email saying he got two tickets for us and the other coach who helps with the class. I was way excited to get the chance to go.

The day before the game Daniel and I talked about it and felt that Daniel should actually take his dad. He has recently gone through the lost of a dear Uncle (who was very influential in Jorge's life), and been bummed that he couldn't get tickets either. When Daniel broke the news, Jorge was JUMPING up and down and soooo excited :).

So my mom and I stayed home with Diego and watched the game on TV. MY DAD even watched the game on TV. Daniel said that it was such an amazing experience being there. GO SOUNDERS!!!

OH also, my friend from school was so very sweet and gave me her son's Jumperoo! Diego LOOOOVVVEEEESSSSS it. I love watching him get so excited in it.

The Next Michael Phelps?

Sorry I started filming the wrong way

Bathtime

Daniel really likes giving Diego baths. Which works for me since it kills my back to give him one. Daniel has noticed that if you distract Digs with a toy in his hand or a rag for him to suck on he does good.
Daniel took him out of his normal bathtub and just let him kick around in the water. HE LOVED IT! This is the same kid that SCREAMED getting baths before. Daniel even put him on his tummy and he was kicking around in the water. It was very cute!

Diego's first solids

And I would walk 500 miles... or maybe 3.72 ;)

Today was such a beautiful day that I finally got my butt out of the house and went on a walk with Diego. I got all bundled up and then when I got outside it was warm enough to take the scarf and gloves off. I just started walking not really having a game plan of where I was going. Thankfully we have the Bridle Trails park just down the road so I headed that way.

I was feeling pretty good so I tried to see if I could make it all the way to the Montgomery's house (the family I use to Nanny for) I called on my way there but no one answered, but I decided to walk all the way there and knock on the door anyway. No one answered... so I started walking down the drive way when Marshall came running out!

It was good to see him again. Boy he is getting big! I was getting Diego out of the stroller and I must of called him "Mister" because Marsh made the comment that I use to call him that. He was so talkative and loved looking at Diego.

On the way home I didn't know if I was going to be able to make it. Boy I am out of shape and need to exercise more. Digs loved looking around outside. Lots of fresh air was good for him. He got to see two horses on the way and Marshall's puppy Bella.

We had a lovely surprise tonight. Daniel usually stays late on Fridays to play some indoor footie, but his poor toe is hurting so he stayed home and got to play with Digs. This week Daniel has been getting Diego on a night routine and getting him to sleep long through the night. Last night he had a bath,got lotion-ed up, ate, and slept from 8:30 until 7:40 this morning!!! I LOVE IT!! It's nice after school because then we can have some Daniel and Stacey time. Don't get me wrong it is very tempting to go in there and want to pull him out of bed, but I like couple time too.

Other exciting news!!! Jorge (Daniel's dad0 bought the whole family opening day tickets for the Seattle Sounders game on March 19th!!!!!! We are sooooooo excited!

Lover's in the City and a sick Bebe

For Valentine's Day Daniel surprised me with a beautiful flower bouquet, a lovely card, and chocolate strawberries. He even added a cute touch of a heart made out of chocolate syrup! Adorable right?! We were able to go out for dinner and to a movie while Daniel's sister's watched Digs.



Poor Digs. Last week he started wheezing with a little wet cough and by Friday it was still here so I took him into the doctor. He is still happy and smiley, but you can tell he is sick. The doctor said it's just a cold, but she gave him albuterol. I can't believe that I have to give my almost four month old an inhaler :( This morning Diego was so stuffy his cough is about the same. Daniel and I are going to take him to the doctor for another check up to see if it's become something else.

On a happier note... We got our tax return and I was able to pay off a bunch of bills! Woo HOO!! Daniel and I even got to treat ourselves to some needed items. Also, Diego started giggling!!

Someone found his thumb

We were over at my parents the other night, and Diego was sitting in his bouncer, which he loves, when I noticed him doing this...

Silly boy! On one hand I am hesitant because as most of you know, I had jaw surgery when I was 18 (Not fun a week before Christmas), and I partially blame my thumb sucking to a late age to blame. But, I am kind of happy he is finding his thumb because maybe it will save me a trip in the middle of the night when his teto (binky) falls out of his mouth and he wants it back in.

He is starting to roll from his tummy onto his back and from his back to his side. He is growing up so fast. Lately, I have been making a high pitched screech, and Diego is answering me back. He is sleeping really well through the night. Diego gets up once MAYBE twice. But Daniel still finds himself waking up to check on him. My In-Laws were very nice and picked up a monitor for Diego's room, so we will soon be transitioning him to his crib at night. Digs does good on his schedule when we are at home, but I am noticing that he isn't getting as much sleep during the day when we are other places.

A walk in the Park

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Diego's Doctor's appointment

Today Diego had a two month old check up with our Pediatrician Dr. Howsen. She is such a wonderful doctor, she is very laid back and easy going. Diego is on the right track with everything. He currently weights a little over 11 pounds and is 24 inches long ;) So he is in the 50% for his weight and 75%-90% for his height.

Other then that not much else is going on. I am going to be done with my first sequence in the Dental Assisting program. I should be done with the program in June and will graduate in October. (they only have two graduations and I will have just missed the spring one.)

Another year over.. and a new one has just begun

Although I am wayyyyy behind on keeping you updated, I'll briefly go through the end of our year and what we've been doing so far.

We had TONS of snow, it seemed to be never ending. Before the "big storm" was coming we headed down to Lacey to be with family for Christmas time.

• Daniel got a bonus from his work, so we were able to go shopping and get gifts for ourselves and others.





• Monica got me interested in the book series Twilight.. DARN HER!! ;)





• Diego talks and smiles and it warms our hearts everytime. He wakes us up with smiles and giggles. We love it!!!!





• Christmas Eve and morning were spent with Daniel's family and then Christmas Day was with my family for my Grandpa's birthday.





• Daniel, Diego and I went back home for a couple days before going down to Lacey again for Daniel's dad's birthday.





• I went back to school after two weeks off.





• Daniel's TNT classes at the arena are growing





• Diego is getting a personality and a schedule now. Today we bought him a Bumbo and he looks ADORABLE in it.