Weekend Update

Mom and Aunt Colleen came over Saturday and had a whole bunch o' fun with Cristian. He did great showing off all his best tricks! In addition, he made me look good when he got his first scolding. Well, maybe scold is a bit harsh. Now that little boo is crawling, his favorite place to go is right over to the air conditioning vent. It is metal and makes a nice loud noise when he bangs on it. I don't really mind the noise, but the filter is behind the metal grate, so banging on it releases dust right into little bit's face. Yuck! Well, saying No didn't seem to get his attention in front of my mom and aunt so I got up and walked about 1/2 way to him and I said, with my finger pointing the other direction at his toy mat and toys, "Cristian, you know you are not supposed to be here. Turn around and crawl back over to your toys." And you know what? He did just that. Actually, when I was saying it I had no real confidence it would work. But, to my surprise it did. Mom and Colleen just cracked up. That kid is so funny! I have to admit, he was banging on the grate Sunday and I tried the same approach, this time he gave me a big smile then went right back to banging. At least he made me look good for company! Yesterday, we went to Carlos' good friend Victor's house for a BBQ. They have known each other since grade school but only recently found each other after many years. The big kicker is that Victor and his family live like 5 minutes from Carlos' moms house! We had a really great time and the food was awesome! Victor used some kind of Japanese BBQ sauce on the meat and it was delicious...sweet and tangy! Yummy! Afterwards we went by Estella's so she could see her grandson. Jimmy and her bought Cristian a little music machine that he can bang on like a drum. It made noise so of course he loved it. When we got home Cristian was still going (energizer bunny like) so we let him crawl around on the floor and play with toys while we got lazy on the couch. We knew he was finally ready for bed when he tried to use Curious George as his pillow! That kid never has a fuss (unless it is feeding time, of course).

So Much to Say

The last few weeks have been super busy. Work has been kicking my butt. We are overlapping administrations so ending and beginning all at the same time has been quite the challenge. I am also training a new editor (yeah I got help) and that has been hard because I don't have enough time. In addition, our house has become a danger zone. Cristian is crawling! Not on two knees yet, but he has mastered the Marine crawl. I am now on high alert when he is free and moving. He also has two big white teeth (both on the bottom) and he loves to drink from his sippy cup and to bite it. He is sitting up too which really helps when he plays on the floor. I think he was getting pretty tired of tummy time. Last week he had his first diaper rash. I think I was feeding him too much concentrated fruit. We used up a tube of Boudreaux's and I went back to cereal with fruit and it disappeared in a couple of days. Now we just need his nose to stop running and we will be back to normal. I think it is the weather (cold in the am and hot in the pm). I have been having the same stuffy, runny nose issue. All-in-all we are really enjoying our newly mobile little guy. He is happy as usual and makes us laugh everyday.
Sittin' Up

What is this? Apples? Are you sure?

Ok. I'll try it.

Yikes! Those apples sure are sour!

I'm awake!

I see you!

Come and get me!

7 Month Bear Chair Pic

Yes, there is still more to say, so read on. This week I got in touch with two very dear friends...Jill and Roxanne. These girls are the best of the best, two of my very favorite people growing up. I was pretty moody (to say the least) when I was young (what's new?) and I did not appreciate either of their friendships the way I should have. Nor did I put in the effort to maintain the friendships like I should have. I was so busy doing...Well, I don't know what I was doing but I should have been a better friend. It made my week to touch base with them again on Facebook! The funniest thing is that I had been talking about them alot the last few weeks; telling Carlos some old stories and how I wished I knew how to reach them. God answered my prayers because there they were, right on my screen! Actually, I got two prayers answered this week. I have been missing my Philip alot this week. Sometimes I just get overwelmed, and this week was one of those times. I have cried at my desk more than once. Anyway, ever since Philip died I have wanted to go to a grief class, but never came across the right one. Well, my wonderful friend Jan is starting a new 13 week GriefShare class at her church on Monday and I am signed up. Jan is a faithful, loving soul that I truly adore. He husband went to be with the Lord about a year and half ago (after a long illness) leaving her a very young widow. She amazes me with her strength and grace and I am thrilled that she will be leading this class. It is the perfect fit that I was looking for. Alright, it is late and I am tired. You all got new pictures of the King so I hope you are happy. We sure are! Oh, and did you notice, his hair is starting to come in!

Our First Christmas with Cristian

Yes, I have been MIA for a few weeks. The holidays were extra busy this year. Carlos and I decided to stay home this year for several reasons...money...work...traveling with a 6 month old sounds like a nightmare. So logic and a small wallet helped us make a great decision. We both had to work right up to Christmas Eve (which put a slight damper on holiday shopping and getting in the spirit), but since Cristian's school was closed for most of last week and this, we have spent lots of time together as a family. With our busy lives, family time is at a premium, so time over this holiday has been even more precious. Oh, and since my last post Cristian did indeed turn 6 months old! And, for his gift he got shots at the doctors office. Yes, I am a great mom giving him freedom from the flu, measles, mumps, rubella etc. etc. Thank you very much. No really, the shots are for a good cause, but I did feel pretty guilty about having to plan his appt. on his actual 6 month day. He was great, as usual, only a little crying and then distracted by food, tylenol, and a nap. He is such a tough guy. Our peanut is now 28 1/2 inches long and 17 pounds 1 ounce. Long and lean. He is wearing a size 3 diaper and 9-12 month clothes. He doesn't quite fill them out, but he needs the length, especially in the onsies. Oh how I hate the baby wedgie. He is almost crawling and can sit up on his own for a few seconds. The problem with sitting up is his body is super long, but his legs are not...so he is a bit top heavy. If I could get a little more meat on his bones it would help, I think. Ok, so I will stop rambling...I know what you want...pictures...well here you go, enjoy!

As promised, our Christmas Card picture.


What do you mean I'm not supposed to eat the paper?


It rolls and it makes noise! Thank you Santa!


Can you believe dad let mom put this bow on my head? Then HE took a picture! If I wasn't busy chewing on this yellow donut...


Thanks for my exersaucer Grammie. You rock!


This whole present thing is exhausting!


Grammie bought me this union suit...mommy thinks it is super cute, but I like it because it is easy to roll around in.


Great-grandma Betty got me a gift card and mom made me buy socks and a new hat. Oh well, at least my feet and my ears will be warm.


Mom bought me this cool highchair at our neighborhood resale place a few weeks ago. She finally made time to finish cleaning it this weekend and I got to enjoy my first meal in it. I like how the straps look like suspenders...a little Bob Villa, eh?

A Couple of Things

Take a gander at the button to the left of your screen. This week, a fellow blogger and new mom Jessica (her son is a few weeks younger than Cristian) is going to be showcasing some great scrapbooking ideas on her blog. Just click the button to check 'em out.

In Palacios family news, we decorated our tree and our house this week. Cristian hasn't really "noticed" the tree. He did really like the outside lights, it helped that all of our neighbors had their lights on too. He was amazed.

Today my mom was over and she helped us take pics for our Christmas cards. We had planned to go to a professional, but it was easier (and cheaper) to do them at home. I will post the winner after the cards are mailed...somehow that seems like the right thing to do. Mom also made tamales with her friends yesterday and we were happy to score a few dozen for ourselves. I will probably freeze most of them, but we did eat a few for lunch today and they were delicioso!

Here are a few of the latest pics of Cristian.
I like cookies

Uncle David visting from Las Vegas

Elephant baby

Look, I can hold my own

1st Day of School

Yesterday was Cristian's first day at daycare. And it was a doozie, more for him and Carlos than for me. I had researched and visited several places last week while on vacation and the last place I visited was the right place. Our friend Kristin has a friend from work that suggested a place close to our house where their son goes and they were right on. The place, Country Baby, was perfect. Clean with a great staff. There are only 4 babies including Cristian and they are in a seperate building from the big kids. The 2 year olds and up are in the main building. The baby place is quiet and calm, just the right place for play and nap. Carlos wasn't able to see it ahead of time so we went together yesterday morning. Cristian was awake and happy when we dropped him off. He was the 2nd to arrive and the ladies were excited to meet him. He is such a flirt they all seemed to hit it off.

Carlos dropped by at lunch (because he is over protective and sweet for his little guy). Unfortuneatly he arrived to a crying Cristian in a swing. Poor little guy, he hates the swing (which, bad mommy, I forgot to mention to the staff). He had been fed and while his teacher was trying to feed the other little ones, she placed him in the swing for some relaxing time. She had no idea the beast she would unleash! Totally not her fault, he is the only baby I know of that hates the swing. Carlos rescued him from his torture chamber and got him to sleep in a jiffy while showing the teacher how to get him to nap. He is so particular, he doesn't like to be cuddled anymore and wants to be held a certain way while having his hands rubbed. His teacher was greatful for the tips and Carlos left once he was tucked away in his crib.

Two hours later I got a call from the school. Cristian had a scratch on his face when he woke up. No biggie, he scratches his face when he is really tired. It was so great that they called though, I really appreciated the thoughfulness. I try to keep his nails cut, but every other day is apparently not often enough. When I picked him up he had a huge scratch, not quite what I expected, but a little neosporin and he would be fine. He was asleep when I put him in the car, but woke on the way home. I tried to talk to him, but he ignored me. Yes, he holds a grudge. Apparently he was not happy about being left with strangers and having to share toys with other little people. He continued to refuse to make eye contact with me when we got home, turning his head from side to side when I tried to talk to him. Wonder where he gets that from? Hmmm?

Finally, after his bottle and a loud belch, he turned and gave me a big smile. Silent treatment be gone. You know, despite his seemingly bad day, Cristian managed to eat like a champ. Comfort food? Maybe? Little piggy like mom & dad? More likely.

I am happy to report that today went far more smoothly. Carlos went by and had a visit during lunch (You could have guessed that one huh?), and Cristian was doing great. He seemed more relaxed in his new place and the staff were really positive about his day. He did, however, make a run for the rattles. Apparently he took hold of a few and refused to share. Once again, where does he get that from... When I picked him up he was in a rocker and greeted me with a big 'ol gummy smile. What a little cutie. I am so thrilled he had a good day, I hope this is just the start of many.

He spent the last 3 months with Mandy's sister Alice and her partner Albert. They were so amazing and gave me such piece of mind when I had to return to work. Cristian loved being with them. I really feel that his first 5 1/2 months have been perfect. As a newborn he got tons of love and one-on-one attention. Just what every newbie needs. Now he is beginning to play and move about, it is the perfect time for him to be around other babies. He will learn to share and play...skills I would find hard to teach him without other babies around.

I do have pictures of the infamous scratch...it is worse that you think. But, I have to get to dishes. I will post pics later when I have more time. And, by the way, leave me a comment and tell me you are out there...I feel like I am writing to ghosts.

It's Official...

Cristian said his first word last night...Momma. Then he said it again and again and again this morning. Carlos was playing with him on the floor last night and Cristian was babbling as usual. So Carlos just started saying Momma, Momma, over and over. Seconds later our little guy repeats MMMMMomma, MMMMMomma. I started crying and ran to get my phone. Yep, I recorded the next 2 times he said it. And yes, I have played it for anyone who will listen!

We are going to FINALLY pull out our video camera this week and I will try to upload video of our little chatterbox for you all to see.

In addition to his first word Cristian also rolled over from his back to his belly last night! He has done it before when no one was looking, but last night he finally started getting the hang of it and we witnessed the revolution. He has been rolling from his belly to his back for some time now, so we have been working with him to complete the roll. I have a feeling crawling is not too far away!'

I'm telling you, our kid is amazing (as all children are, of course). Carlos and I are just so in love with him and last night we just kept looking at him and looking at each other in total amazement. How did we get so lucky? Yep, we are living a blessed life.

In addition, our wonderful friend Kristen came over last night for dinner and a baby. She fed Cristian his squash.(He ate a whole serving with cereal...little piggy.) She said she had never fed a baby before, but I'm not sure I believe her. She was a total pro. Cristian was barely a mess when he was done and she got away without any squash on her clothes! If I hadn't been there, I wouldn't have believed it. After dinner she played with the little guy and then put him to sleep. Cristian has always adored Kristen, but last night he fell in love. His little face staring at her, it was precious! Some people just have a natural knack for kids, Kristen is one of them. She is patient and sweet. It was a great night.

New Pics of Our Big Boy

Since you reminded me I do not post enough pictures, this one is for you Kelli! We can't wait to go to the zoo with you and Braden!

Pre-lunch, lookin' good and clean.


If you stop moving I might actually get some of the sweet potatoes in your mouth! Cristian is still getting the hang of eating and I am, obviously, still getting the hang of feeding a moving mouth!


Our little monkey likes bananas and biting the spoon! I finally realized I have to use the plastic bibs now...after ruining several cloth ones...duh!


Twin-zees! Franny has Zooey and Cristian has Grammie! Oh yeah, its Longhorn time!


Ya'll know I am not normally into character clothes...but this is the absolute cutest! Thank you Mimi for this awesome ode to sponge bob! And, thank you Grammie for Cristian's new bedding, he loves to stare at the longhorn logos!