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

SURPRISE DADDY!!!

Emma "Hiding from Daddy"

Everyday, when the kids see Michael pull up from work they all STOP and hide. Some days they come out screaming, "SURPRISE DADDY!" Other days they just tackle him at the door, but when they are really into it, they don't move until he comes to find them. I think he really treasures this time, because I'm sure his employees are never this excited to see him. Everyday without failure this ritual happens, no matter how late he gets home. Yes, and for the time being, Brianna still gets involved. I'm sure it won't be long until she thinks this is lame. The end is near. But for now we're still enjoying her being a kid.

XOXO,
Gaby

Back to school 2009

This is going to be quick! The kids are back to school today. HOORAY!!! Brianna was so excited to show off her new Hello Kitty lunch pail and bling-bling watch. H.K. has come a long way since my Sanrio days. Lauren was just concerned that I wasn't going to wake up on time. I'm happy to report that all went well and they were at school 20 minutes early.

I'm off to the paint store, linen store and of course grocery store. I'm rearranging rooms this week, so I'm in total HGTV mode. The painters come next week so I have one week to finish planning for three rooms. I'll post before and after pictures soon.

P.S. To my loving and concerned friends, I did not go to the Rose Bowl with Mike and the kids. I just couldn't face the nasty potties. I did send the kids with toilet-paper, wipies and hand sanitizers.

Have a great week!

XOXO, Gaby