Luke's Room

This is my favorite room in the house. Probably because I can keep the big, messy kids out of it. When Emma was born I had a local artist come in a paint a mural on her wall. I told her I wanted something that was soft and dreamlike. She came up with this wonderful scene in just two days.

Well, fast forward 4 years and we now have Luke's room. Every one of my babies has had their own nursery with their own theme. I bought all new bedding but I just couldn't bring myself to paint over the mural. So, instead I had the artist come back and make it more boy-ish. She took out the butterflies and added dragonflies, lizards and toads.

I can't wait for him to start enjoying his room!

XOXO,

Gaby

My Boys - I love saying that!

Michael Vinny & Luke

What an amazing bond these two already have.

I'm positive Luke thinks Michael is the smartest person on the planet. Michael Vinny is the sweetest little man I know. He is so caring and patient. He talks to Luke about sports, and animals and all his favorite things. The other night I overheard Michael asking him what his favorite things were. Of course, being as hormonal as I am, I cried. I honestly think Michael feels a little empowered by having a brother. He takes his role as big brother very seriously. He checks on Luke, he comforts him when he cries and like a true man, he panics when he spits up. I know the 10 year gap will take some time to close, but I'm confident these two will be best buds no matter the age difference.

One Week Old

I can't believe it has been one week since little Luke has joined our family.

One week ago today I walked into the hospital at 5am for the induction of my FIFTH baby. Who new it was going to be the longest labor of them all. Don't get me wrong, Pitocin + Epidural = No Pain. However, 12 hours pinned to a hospital bed will make anybody go crazy. All those people who kept teasing that he was just going to "walk out". WRONG! I slept, read, text and waited. I think I was dilated to 3cm for 6 hours!!! Seriously, I was beginning to think that the nurse was going to unhook me and send me home. Once I reached 5cm, and the doc broke my water I progressed really quick. Finally, at 5pm I was given the green light. And at 5:14 pm Luke made his grand entrance.

Luke has been a really mellow baby. After 2 screaming girls (whom I adore) I can't believe I've been blessed with a "super sleeper". I keep reminding myself not to get to comfortable, because colic usually doesn't set in until the 3rd week.

Michael has been amazing. He's has taken over the entire house and all the work that goes with raising 4 very active kids. It has given me the opportunity to just bond with the baby. Many people ask me how I do it with 4 (now 5) kids and honestly, I couldn't do it without him. The kids have all done their part to help Dad, and anyone who knows them knows that they are awesome little helpers. They adore their new little brother and at least one is always at his side.

I always tease that God has more faith in me then I have in myself. But when I look into each one of their little faces, I realize how blessed I truly am.

XOXO,

Gaby

Vasquez - Party of 7

We're happy to announce the arrival of the

newest member of our family

Luke Aidan Vasquez

Friday, February 27, 2009

8lbs 5 oz. - 5:14pm

It's been a long time since we've seen this much blue.

Still sleeping lots. I wonder how long that will last?

Wondering who all these crazy people are???

Welcome sweet baby boy!

Really Not Exaggerating!

This is what we have been up to for the last month or so.

Taking some time off to enjoy Valentine's Day

Brianna's "Tale of Despereaux" book report and clay model project.

Emma & Lauren getting in on some of the crafting while they wait for the big kids to finish.

Michael V. & his mission model.

He was not allowed to use a kit.

The base could be no bigger then 12X20 & the buildings had to be to scale. We did our best.

Brianna & her Science Fair project

This one took the longest because she ran her experiment 3 different times and she had a ton of questions she had to answer and prove.

Brianna & her Colossus of Rhodes

One of the Ancient Wonders of the World

Birds eye view of MV's project.

Dedicated to Tia Thelma.

Are you proud?

I'm so proud of these guys. Notice they are still smiling. They have worked so hard on their projects. Not only did they have to make models, they also had to research and write reports. I think after 6th grade Brianna will be ready for college with all the researching she's done this year. We can now sit back and enjoy the rest of the year without pressure. Well at least until next month when Brianna has another book report due.

XOXO,

Gaby

Vasquez Family Update

I am knee deep in snotty noses and school projects. My dear hubby caught a cold about 3 weeks ago, and since then Michael V., Emma & now Lauren have joined in. It's like they high-5 each other. Just when I think one is better, the next one says, "Mom my throat hurts." Brianna and I keep thinking positive, taking echinacea, and washing our hands. All I need is a week-long cold to seriously put me over the edge.

We have 4 school projects all due at the end of the month, so every free moment is spent, painting, gluing, typing, proofing. I also don't understand why every report ends up with a $30 trip to Michael's. To my mommy friends with preschooler, ENJOY the simplicity. I long for the days of finger painting.

Our room rearranging is going well. I had closet organizers installed yesterday, so I'm in the process of purging, rehanging, and refolding every piece of clothing in this house. These types of projects bring me so much joy. Like Mike says, my planets are all aligned.

Have a happy and healthy weekend,
XOXO
Gaby

Happy Birthday Emma!!!

2 months

Where has the time gone? My screaming baby is such a big girl. I have to admit, you are sooo much easier now. I never knew what was going to set you off as a baby. You hated anything that was confining. Car seats, strollers, highchairs, even shoes. I think you yelled so much because you had so much to say. You are still very opinionated, but much more articulate, which makes my life easier.

You love your routine, Playhouse Disney and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Music is your passion, especially the Jonas Bros., HSM, & Hannah Montana. I guess this is what happens when you want to be just like your big sisters. You are my only baby that will play pretend for hours with Barbies, Polly's, and Littlest Pet Shops. Your favorite person to play with is Michael V. because he never questions you.

Daddy is your BFF, nothing you do ever makes him mad. The minute he walks in the door you become his shadow. You are such a little performer, I love that nothing intimidates you. Your strong personality gives Daddy hope that retirement is near. He's certain that you'll be the one to take over and run the show.

All set to start her day with Daddy!
Happy 4th Birthday, Emmie

3rd Birthday




2nd Birthday

1st Birthday

Enjoy your day to the fullest, my littlest princess!

XOXO,

Mommy, Daddy and the Kiddos too