Rio started smiling this week, I just love all these firsts!

We did it! We survived another marathon that is Thanksgiving. Racking up plenty of city miles and extra carbs we spend Thanksgiving with Brannon's family and mine. Aunt Richelle, GGG (Great Grandma Gregg), Great Uncle Walt and Aunt Nancy came to visit this year. Here are the Grandmas loving on Rio and Belize cooking with Tia Xochi. Belize is, much to my liking, developing a love for cooking, she likes to taste everything we bake after each ingredient is added. :)

Brannon's sister, Carissa returned from a few years of living in the motherland (Mexico) a couple of weeks ago. Brannon no longer has any rotations til February- YEAH!!! So we took a day trip to the Hood Canal cabin with the Orton Family (minus Xochi). Carissa brought her dog, Nayla, back from MX with her, its a cross between a German Shepard and a mangy mutt. She's been a little nervous around Belize, I also get nervous when Belize freaks out but they've been doing better and this was the first time Belize would get close enough to pet her. Belize instantly bonded with Tia Carissa (aka Carissy) and was wanting to show her everything. On the ferry Brannon and I were cleaning up one of Rio's projectile spit ups and a random guy informed us that our daughter was escaping down the stairs -aren't we great parents? Rio finally is over his cold but I think he's gotten in the habit of feeding every hour or so and its killing me slowly.

Rio has been sick for 2 weeks now so we're all a little tired . .

My baby is 2 years old! It seems like yesterday she was born. Belize is the most amazing girl, she is helpful, polite, sweet, lovey, and so much fun. I love spending everyday with her and I love being her mom! She is a great big sister and is constantly loving on Rio.

Update: Last week Belize sang Happy Birthday and counted to 13 (minus the number 5). She refers to me as Shauna half the time and has started saying things like:
"Shauna, I told you" when she's upset w/ us.
"Don't push me Mom" when we move her.
"Dad, don't hit me" when we touch her.
Can't wait til we're in public and someone calls CPS! Sweet sassy molassy! She started to be much more interested in dress up and wore her tutu to the store yesterday. She cracks me up and makes me smile every day, she is just a joyful child!

Rio is 1 months old! This week has been pretty miserable because he's had a nasty stuffy nose, sleep is a distant memory . . . sigh. He's has really good control of his head and looks at whoever is talking to him. He can also follow an object around. He's more awake and i think he's starting to recognize us! His eyes are still dark blue and his body is filling out into some little rolls. Grandma Hawkins has the magic touch and he fell fast asleep in her arms, how sweet.

I made these Double Chocolate Little Cinnamon Spice Cakes w/ Caramel Butter Cream from Picky-palate. Only they weren't cinnamon at all, cause I couldn't find cinnamon chips anywhere so I used butterscotch!!! They were rich and delicious,the frosting was best I've ever had!

Double Chocolate Little Cinnamon Spice Cakes with Caramel Butter Cream

Crazy 8 Tag

Krysten Tagged me so here goes,

8 favorite TV shows...
1. Burn Notice
2. The Office
3. 30 Rock
4. DTWS
5. TLC's What Not to Wear
6. John & Kate plus 8
7. My House is worth What?
8. Chuck

8 favorite restaurants...
1. Tucanos
2. Jai Thai
3. Cedars
4. Specialties
5. The Georgian Room (I've only been there twice but dang, it was good!)
6. P.F. Changs
7. Bizarros
8. Nana's soup kitchen

8 things that happened yesterday...
1. I nursed a baby
2. I watched raising Helen w/ Michelle
3. I changed multiple bibs and diapers
4. Read a book to Belize
5. Went to the grocery store BY MYSELF!
6. Ate leftovers
7. Checked my email, my blog and facebook several times in that order
8. Took a very interrupted 20 minute nap.

8 things I look forward to...
1. being able to sleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time
2. Rio smiling!
3. Belize saying, I love you (these are few and far between but very cherished!)
4. A house with a yard
5. Girls night
6. Christmas shopping (I don't really like the shopping part but getting gifts for people is exciting)
7. Going on vacation someday with out the kids
8. dinner with the Garcias (their food is always so much better than ours!!!!)

Rio showing off his 10th bib of the day.

I officially have a P-I-C-K-Y eater in the house, i mean this girl won't try anything new! But I came across a website I think will come in handy.
Picky Palate

Although I'm plenty tired, I'm just happy I got to spend this week with my wonderful little family.