all about Kyler

As the days to Kyler's 9th birthday creep up, I begin to reflect upon everything Kyler...
I have called him since the day he was born, my sunshine, because that is exactly what he brought into our world. He is an absolute joy, an amazing soul from the start. I always had high expectations from him and he's never once let me down; never ceased to amaze me in any way. He was an early talker, early to learn basically everything. He was always a sweet boy-a mama's boy. When he became a big brother, he was the best big brother I'd seen. When he became school aged, he always brought home great reports (in his first quarter of 3rd grade, he was reading at an 8th grade level), awards(last year he won Citizen of the Year award, only 1 other student in his class won this) and has always been loved by his teachers (his teacher told him she wished she had a class full of him). He says the sweetest things to me ("if everyone had a mom like you, the world would be a better place.") and is much mature than I'd expect from someone his age.
Comedy to him, is a big deal. He has such a great sense of humor, is so witty and loves making others laugh. I always say he's a split between his dad and uncle Joey.
Now I know I'm his mother and obviously biased. However, my thoughts are solidified often by others. I just feel utterly lucky and blessed that I am fortunate enough to share in his life.

Now let me share in a few of my favorite Kyler memories/photos:
Newborn Kyler. He was a handsome boy from the start.
He had so much hair, beautiful skin and the bluest eyes.

My sleeping angel.

Daddy and baby Kyler. We spent our time marveling over him.

Kyler when he was about Arilyn's current age.

Such pretty eyes. I will never forget him at this stage.

Such a good big brother from the start.

This is a good depiction of his silly personality. Us in Monterey, CA.

Being a mother is often the most beautiful and bittersweet thing. I love to see my children grow and blossom into their own beings, but I dread the day they are ready to leave 'the nest'. So with all this being said, it's time for my sunshine to turn 9...

Here's to the best 9th year known to man, I love you to pieces.

the Great Big Blog 'o Christmas

Arilyn playing in her walker from grandma Pam. She is getting so big. She reaches rather well now, has rolled over and does a fake cough as she attempts to laugh. Such a sweet spirited child. (and of course, absolutely ADORABLE!)
The kids and I baked cookies for Santa. Homemade white chocolate macadamia nut and mini chocolate chip and walnut.

Staring at herself in the mirror as loving Kyler gazes at her.

Christmas Eve:

As always, my family's tradition is one gift on Christmas Eve.

Kyler opened this Lego set from us.

Lexi opened this walking puppy from grandma Pam.

Merry Christmas from these angels. ;)

We spent Christmas eve with my dad and Sophia.

Kyler holding Arilyn.

He kept marveling over her "she's so beautiful and strong."

(notice Lexi's bottom lip, just like grandpa's--and mama's of course)

They love grandpa!

My daddyo, Arilyn and I.

He loves his baby girl.

Every year since I was a kid, my dad asked for grey socks for Christmas. He's so funny.

I love this shot.

So sweet how they're just staring at each other.

Grandma Sophia and Arilyn. Ari fell fast asleep rocking with her.

Thumb wrestling grandpa.

Thanks to grandpa and grandma for having us over. We had a great time. Before we left my dad said "with you guys here it feels like Christmas again." It made my day.

Thanks for the gifts too, we love it all.

Before heading off to bed waiting for Santa.

Cookies and milk for Santa.

CHRISTMAS!

Santa came. (the trampoline is off to the side)

Their first glance at Christmas. (my little Lexi loves her sleep--like her mama)

They woke at 2 am, I told them it's too early, so they woke again at 3:40, I said again too early. Finally up for good at 5. They are good at staying in bed and yelling for me, instead of hopping out as I want to capture their first glances and impressions on film.

What Lexi had asked Santa for "a doll what looks like me". She named her Lily D. She is a baker which is perfect for my food connoisseur daughter. Green eyes and blond hair, just like Lexi.

Grandma Pam got Kyler what he's been asking for!

Play mat from us and baby's first Christmas bear from Build a Bear from grandma Pam. She pulls the bird and it sings.

Daddy helping Lexi set up her Barbie pool set.

Homemade donuts for Christmas breakfast.

Lexi all decked out in her new clothes from grandma and grandpa Flores, shoes from us and Lily from Santa.

Kyler was very happy. HD camcorder in hand.

As was Lexi!What our Christmas looked like...

Pulling off the final Christmas chain!

Jumping on their new trampoline.

The kids made Blizzards with their new Blizzard maker from Arilyn.

(I forgot to capture a photo of our "Meximas feast". I made chile rellenos, beans and Spanish rice as Jared grilled carne asada.)

The Christmas season is officially over. We had a fantastic time, especially with Arilyn in our lives. I am truly grateful for my family who makes me smile constantly.

It's amazing to see the Christmas magic through your children's eyes. I hope one day they can reflect upon these memories as some of their most cherished.

Thank you everyone for sending cards, gifts, phone calls, texts, etc. Just for thinking of us during the season. It means a lot. I hope your day was as beautiful as ours was.

Now on to 2011...and Kyler's NINTH birthday on January 1st. Hard to believe my first born is about to embark on his last single digit year of life.

and a merry Christmas it was...

one last preChristmas post

They make me happy.
My little beauty.

Baby talking to her big brother.

She always smiles for her sissy.

Lexi and her friend Sasha during their play date.

Smiling at daddy.

She's always so happy.

Grandpa Bob lips? ;)

Thanks to uncle Johnny for sending Arilyn this adorable dress (and pillow pets for the kids, which they love) and aunt Marissa for the pretty bow!

Precious.

I cannot believe soon he will be 9. Seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital.

Lexi is growing so fast. She is a READER now! She can sound out almost everything. So proud of these kids!!

My little happy baby. All ready for her first Christmas.

So beautiful!

Today was Arilyn's echo appointment to check on her heart murmur. The process took 45 minutes. For the first 10 minutes, Arilyn was baby talking to the tech. It was adorable. Then she lost patience, fussed for a moment and fell asleep. She did wonderfully. It was hard seeing her attached to monitors. I had been anxiously awaiting and dreading this appointment for 2 weeks now. It turns out, we won't know the results immediately. They electronically send the images to Portland to be reviewed, then our dr will call to discuss the results. I am praying with all I have in me that it is an innocent murmur and not the more serious version that requires surgery. I cannot imagine my 2 month old beautiful, sweet baby undergoing such a major surgery!

On a brighter note, Christmas is nearly here. Today Jared and I wrapped most of the gifts and placed them under the tree. Now the guessing games have began for the kids. So much fun for the kids to try to unravel the mysteries that lie within.

Tomorrow the kids and I will begin our Christmas baking. Some of my fondest memories are within the kitchen and I am hoping to pass this on to my children.

On Christmas Eve we are spending the day with my dad and step mom. It'll be nice to be with them for the day. On Christmas day, I will make homemade donuts and we will spend the day with just us 5, in our pjs. Sounds wonderful to me. Though I do miss our extended family & friends, they will all be in our hearts this holiday.

Merry Christmas. Wishing you a day filled with family, love and the warmth that only Christmas brings.