Sitting, Eating, Teething - Oh My!

Someone once told me that time seems to speed up once you have kids because you begin to track time based on their landmarks. Well, those landmarks seem to happen in a series of flashes. Here are some of Estela's "landmarks" over the last four months:

June 9, 2008 - Sitting!
July 15, 2008 - Played patty cake!
August 27, 2008 - Baptized!
September 3, 2008 - Her first pearly white!
September 5, 2008 - Waived Bye-Bye!


Other wonderful news is that on June 25, 2006, Ale has obtained his U.S. citizenship. I have included a few pics from the momentous day.

All in all we are doing great and enjoyed the warm weather of another summer gone by.

Much love! Ramos'

Flower Power!

Can you smell the flowers from where you are? We sure can, and this one is especially sweet.

Estela continues to grow and it is all we can do to keep her in appropriate fitting attire. About two weeks ago she discovered how to perform a "raspberry" and now continues to entertain herself for a better part of an hour drenching the front of her dresses each day. But who can get mad, when she looks up at you and smiles, so proud of all the spitting she has accomplished. Really, we are to blame by encouraging her learn such wonderful, intelligent techniques of communicating with others.

She also has found a joy for classical music. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. each night I push play on the CD player just before her bath and for the next hour she enters the world of Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart. I think that she even has started to recognize the sequence of the songs because she falls asleep just before the last tune plays, whisking her into sweet baby girl dreams. Only these and those of Bob Marley seem to have this calming effect for her.

Ale is doing great. He ended his latest semester last Friday and is enjoying the next two weeks off of school. Although he is not getting much of a break per se, because I have increased the poor man's to do list. What would I do without him?

Other exciting news includes his passage of the citizens exam with immigration. Yeah Ale! Now, we are simply awaiting his ceremony so he can officially become a left wing, liberal American that I . . . I mean, he always wanted to become.

As for Jacque, still working on attempting to lose the last fifteen pounds of pregnancy. Well, I haven't really been working on it, but I would like to fit into my old jeans again someday soon. Here is to wishing, hoping, and praying . . . and possibly a few crunches each day.

Much love,

The Ramos Family

Growing Day by Day

I can't believe that it has been a month since I posted the last message. So much has happened and Estela is growing every day. It seems like yesterday that I was dressing her in newborn diapers and outfits. Now she weighs over 12 pounds and is fitting into three to six months clothes. She is only 9 weeks old!

She rolls over, smiles, and giggles. She especially loves when I clap her hands together and say "yeah Estela" over and over-- usually after she has loaded her diaper with poop. She especially likes bath time every night. She kicks her legs back forth splashing water all over mom.

Ale is doing great--hard at work, school and being a dad. However, he does manage to squeeze in some runs on the slopes. He is getting pretty good at skiing. I better get up there or I won't be able to catch up!

As for me I start a new job with a new firm this Monday--wish me luck!

Much love,

Ramos'

Look! A Smile!

Estela is now over a month old and each day brings something new. A few days ago she discovered how to smile. Last night, while her Aunt Ali was talking and teasing her, we were able to capture the sweetness.

Ale is back at school taking both drawing and american civics. Although work and school are keeping him busy, he is still able to get plenty of nap time with his little one.

Ale is also anxiously anticipating his interview with the Immigration office as the last step before being able to become a citizen. We are hopeful that he will get his citizenship before elections this year so he can vote . . . only for a democrat of course.

I am trying to enjoy my last few weeks of maternity leave before returning to work. Time flys when you are having fun.

Hope everyone is well and wish you the best to you and your families.

Almost Three Weeks and Loving Life

Hi Everyone!

For all of you who are checking periodically, I have included a few more photos of Estela to see her as she grows in leaps and bounds over the next few weeks. She weighs about 8 lbs now and has grown about an inch in length. She is already attempting to roll over onto her back when we have "tummy time" and has successfully done it twice with a little assistance from mom.

As for Mom, she attempts a shower at least everyday, but reluctantly gives up some days. Luckily most of the pictures of mom are taken on the days that she did manage to freshen up . . . however, no time to do the hair yet. Irregardless, Estela and Dad don't seem to mind too much when mom skips a day. We are still getting plently of snuggle time with each other.

We are also starting to average about 4 hours at a time of sleep during the night . . . yeah!!! It is amazing how refreshed you feel on four hours of sleep. I can now at least speak coherently without long pauses in my sentences.

Life is grand.

One Week Old!

We have made it through the first week. New Mom and Dad Ramos are a little sleep deprived, however, we are enjoying every moment. The other night at about 3:00 a.m. I was half asleep and half concious speaking in tongue to Ale. I didn't realize that this was a significant side effect when lacking sufficient sleep.

Estela is growing strong and preparing for her first outing into the world. She can't wait to meet all of you!

Estela Marie!

Hey there! Well Jacque and Ale's little baby girl is here. She was born on Dec. 31st at 6:03pm and she weighed 7.7, she was 20 1/4 inches long, and they named her Estela Marie! How cute is that? Here is a first look at her... She is beautiful and perfect in every way. I am sure that Jacque will post some more news so look for her to tell you all about her little girl.

Love you all,

Ali