If it doesn't KILL you, it will leave you nearly DEAD!

Miguel attempted and finished his first MARATHON on Saturday. He ran the Utah Valley Marathon and ran 26.2 miles from Bridal Veil Falls to Utah Lake, around the Provo airport and more. He trained for about 13 weeks. We are so proud of him. He's hobbling around like a cripple now, but he's glad he did it and doesn't ever have to do it again. It's one of those things he can check off of his "things to do before I die list." Grandma Ruiz came and helped me in the morning to get the girls ready and to go see Miguel. I can't possibly hold Julianne and keep tabs on my girls by myself. So thanks, Grandma! The girls and I drove the car around and found him around mile 24. He didn't look as bad as we thought he would. We followed him in the car, cheered him on and were there when he crossed the finish line. Yeah Papi!!!

Sophia climbed into Gabriela's shoe drawer while she was taking her nap and proceeded to empty it into the floor. You can see the joy on her face, as she likes to do things she's not supposed to. She had such a sweet smile that I had to take her picture. That's why we call her our "Sweet Sophia."

Yes, I'm still alive!

I thought I'd better give an update on us before people got too worried, especially after my last post. Julianne is 3 weeks old today and she is a blessing to have in our home. She's a good baby who only really fusses when she's hungry. She's our little Sleeping Beauty. I'm doing better and have started doing laundry again. As for house cleaning and cooking...not quite there yet. For those of you who offered advice, thanks. I think Gabriela is about to get a good dose of reality. She's 3 and is plenty capable of going potty, feeding herself, brushing her own teeth, and being a big girl. She just needs some motivation. Hopefully we will see some progress soon.

A funny thing Gabriela said...The other day I was on the computer and Gabriela was in my face. I asked her if I could "have some space." She reached up in the air and pinched a piece between her fingers and handed it too me, while she said, "there you go Mom, I got you some space." That's my Gabriela.

Feeling a Little Overwhelmed!

Wow, who knew being a mother of three children under the age of 3 would be so exhausting. Actually, I did. Man, reality is hitting me in the head big time. The baby is great and is pretty easy to handle. It's my other two munchkins that are killing me. They are both great with the baby and love her, thank goodness, but they don't give you a second to yourself. Trying to heal from the c-section is no piece of cake either and with all the demands of raising three children, keeping a house clean, cooking, nursing a baby, and being up at all hours of the night, it should be against the law to send me home after only 3 days in the hospital. There should be a postpartum resort or something for mom's who need time to heal and take care of themselves and the new little one. For instance this evening I was nursing the baby, had Gabriela putting pretend makeup on me, and Sophia jumping on me trying to drink from my water cup...all the while hoping I don't catch a knee or foot in the incision. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade any of them for world, but this is tough stuff. I just pray for a speedy recovery so I can deal with this challenge. If any of you have words of advice, I would love to hear it! Sorry if this seems pessamistic, but hey, at least it's the truth.

The Easter Bunny brought Julianne home!

Our sweet baby Julianne came home from the hospital on Easter Sunday.
She's just the sweetest little thing...a little drop of heaven!
Gabriela prepared all weekend for her big easter egg hunt in the backyard.

She colored eggs with Gigi and her aunt Cortney.

Gabriela loves being a big sister. She's really sweet with the baby.
The Easter bunny left easter baskets on the front porch after church.

Gigi made their sweet and colorful Easter dresses. We love the big hairbows too.

Julianne Faith joins our little family!!!

Julianne Fatith arrived this morning at around 8:30. She weighs 6.15 lbs. and is 19 in. long. Everything went well with the surgery and Mom is recovering great. She's a chubby little thing, or at least for us. She's a week early and still weighs more than Gabriela and Sophia did. My Mom and sister Cortney were able to fly out from Atlanta to be with us and are doing a great job at taking care of the girls for us. We are so thankful for them. Gabriela and Sophia love Julianne and give her kisses and hugs. We are so thankful for this new addition to our family and we love our little girls.

Gabriela Turns 3 !!!

We had a donut eating contest and the whole family got in on the action!
Happy Birthday to ME
I had a beach birthday cake since I always dress like its 90 degrees outside.
Sophia got in on the cake action too
She loved the princess dress that Mami, Papi, and Sophia gave her! She wears these nightgowns 24 hours a day.

My Baby's got Rhythm

Gabriela made my day by finding a Johnney Cash CD. I didn't even know we had one. But she pulled it out of her nightstand. Go figure. Anyways, the girls just love to dance to the song called "Get Rhythm." Gabriela even went and dresssed herself up, sunglasses and all, and insisted I find her a guitar. I hope everyone enjoys her performance.