Dia de Madres

Luis has been busy with school.  And I mean B.U.S.Y.  So, honestly, I thought he would probably forget about Mother's Day.  But, the boy came through!

First, when Raquel wanted to be up before the roosters, he took care of her.  Then, he made me "Grandpa's Breakfast."  Eggs, pancakes, sausage.  YUM!

He continued bathing, dressing, and playing with Raquelita so I could get ready for church, which was AMAZING since he's usually gone to meetings and I have to try getting ready when and if she naps.

He couldn't wait to give me my gifts.  (That made two of us.)  This is how he brought them to me because he said, "Presentation is everything."  (No, that Bumbo chair is not one of my gifts.)

Jewelry...of course!

AND he thoughtfully bought me an apothecary jar so I could finally make the Christmas advent calendar I've been wanting to make for two years!

 

It was a great day to be celebrated as a new mommy and to celebrate our own mommies.

Cuatro Meses

Another month has come and gone.  Raquel has grown up so much this month - especially this past week.  I think having some of her cousins around all week long taught her some new tricks.  She's always known how to cry, but seriously, she woke up last Saturday and I'm telling you, she had an all new cry.  It was so cute!  She has a different talking voice too.

Raquel at 4 Months

• 12 lbs 9 oz and 24 1/2 in.
• She is full of stories and especially likes to tell the sad ones.
• She laughs when we bounce her up and down in the air.
• She is sleeping through the night more often though not consistently.
• She is fascinated by water and is now starting to really enjoy water bottles (looking at them...not drinking out of them).
• She likes the feel of sand.
• She does not like to be in the car for long periods of time unless she has a back seat buddy.
• She doesn't mind being held by strangers.
• She likes being held facing outwards.
• She's starting to learn how to grab the sides of the crib to move herself around. 

Homies

Cinco de Mayo Swimmin' and Cookin'

Cinco de Mayo!  A day for my people...although, in case you're not in the know, May 5th is NOT the Mexican Independence Day some think it is.  That day belongs to September 16th.  I know.  I really am that smart.

This Cinco de Mayo turned out to be a big adventure for little missy.  It was her FIRST,

yes FIRST

pool day!

It started off a bit rocky when we lathered on the sunscreen and stuck goggles on her head.  "Hello Mom and Dad!  How's a girl supposed to suntan?  And don't get me started on those silly glasses!"

Quick story: there were these two "California girls" suntanning right by us and Raquel was screaming.  I was certain they were thinking, "Oh boy, could you please quiet your child!"  Hoping to soften them up, I apologized for Raquel's cries.  Immediately, they popped up and over to us, talking "baby talk" to Raquel like she was their niece.  Raquel stopped her complaints right away and just sat watching the girls as they adored her.  They were so nice...and I had been so judgemental.  I guess I just assume people will be annoyed with me if Raquel cries, but the more I talk to people about this, the more I realize I've just got to take care of my baby and not worry about what other's think; especially because there are probably more kind-thoughted people than mean-thoughted ones.

On with the swimming! 

Once Raquel finally made it into the water, she was very focused.

So, you may remember these outfits from last Halloween, but we vowed then that we would wear them every Cinco de Mayo.  We're so dorky.

I know I know, Raquel needs traditional wear too.  I'm on it... someday.

In case you're wondering, for dinner we made gorditas and for dessert we made oven-baked churros.  The gorditas were YUMMY but the churros, well, how can oven-baked even come close to fried?

Raquel in White

You've seen Raquel. 

You've seen the dress. 

You've seen Raquel in the dress. 

But you haven't seen Raquel in the dress like this.  Thanks again to my very talented friend, Jen, for yet another photo shoot.  (And now we will leave you alone for awhile.)



Date Night

Luis and I do things together all the time, but never call them actual "dates."  So, I decided to let Luis plan an official date this month, and Raquel got to tag along.  (Speaking of dates, I would love to hear your very cheap/free date night ideas.)

We started out with a "coupon date."  Anywhere we went that night (dinner, dessert, activity) had to either be free or coupon inspired.  We got Chik-Fil-A.

Then, we headed to the local park to eat and enjoy the weather.

As usual, Raquel was thrilled to be with us.  (Is it just me, or does my daughter make this face a lot?)

After a quick siesta, Raquel was ready to play.

Next, we went to feed the ducks...and then changed our minds.

As our night at the park progressed, we noticed limos and teens in wearing formal wear arriving.  Curious, we finally asked and found out that one of the local high schools were having prom at the park.  Lame.  There wasn't anywhere to dance.  Also, it was windy and there were many short short dresses in attendance.  Poor girls.  I bet their night was lousy.

We decided to leave and ended the date with a movie at our apartment.  Simple date, but so much fun.  I especially loved having that to look forward to all week long!



Tres Meses

Is Raquel only just NOW three months?  It seems like she's been this old for a while now since I've been pulling out all the 3-6 month clothing.  Although, looking at her pictures from a month ago, I can't believe how much she's changed.

Raquel at three months:

• She is 12 pounds heavy and 24 inches long.
• She can hold her head up, though it's still a bit wobbly...especially when she's tired.
• Lately, she's stopped bending in the middle and prefers to stand.
• She can grasp material and can be found with her onesie or blanket in her mouth all day long.
• Raquel can fit her entire fist in her mouth...almost.
• She can roll over from her tummy to her back.
• My reverent girl is already folding her arms.
• She's been doing this strange lip puckering lately; perhaps she's trying to copy the fishy faces I've been making at her lately.

blanket in mouth

about to roll over...and really happy about it too 

folding her arms

lip puckering