Just The Three Of Us

A Santa Mon-ti-ca Sunset

Johnny, Benny and I spent Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica. We listened to live music on the pier, people watched (one of our favorites) and watched the sunset. Then we walked around the pier and checked everything out and ended our trip with a taco for a snack! It was an awesome afternoon and gorgeous sunset. We haven't watched the sun set since our trip to Key West back in March and it was a perfect way to spend the little of time that we get with each other.

Benny was in good spirits for the period that he was awake and seemed to enjoy the music as always! This was Benny and Johnny's first trip to Santa Monica and Benny's first sunset!

Here are pictures from the afternoon of fun! Hope you enjoy!

Originally Benny wasn't happy about being put in his stroller

Benny was chillin!

Mmmm.. Baby smell!

The beginning of the sunset.

Santa Monica shoreline.

Benny's view of the sunset.

Finally a picture of us that was not taken as a self portrait!

I caught a moment of the farris wheel's green reflection in the water by accident

We totally played the tourist part!

And we did it very well!

The pier.

The photo ops were endless.

I think somebody stole the ATM.

Yuuummmm... tacos. They don't compare to the taco trucks' though.

Carseats are a thing of the past.

The End.

In My Life

As most of you know (well, if you know me) that music is such a huge huge part of my everyday life. And who is better at inspiring musically that The Beatles?

The song In My Life written my John Lennon has a very special place in my heart. I've posted the lyrics before on other blogging sites, and today while on my daily walk, the song randomly played on my Ipod, so I thought I'd post it again. BTW it has been considered one of the top songs ever writen.

Although John Lenno originally wrote the lyrics for a different avenue that the one that I apply them to in my life, they are still beautiful lyrics and simply say exactly how I feel about my little family.

I hope you appreciate them!

There are places I remember all my life,

though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends
I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
there is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

Random Pics of Benny

Trying to conquer the pillow.

Holding Hands... sweet!

I can't believe how well he makes this frown!

He has discovered how to put his hands in his mouth.

The "tummy hold". We spend a lot of time on occasions holding him like this to soothe his tummy.

He totally doesn't get the whole mirror thing!

It doesn't appear so, but he loves his swing now!

One year ago....

Johnny and I.. One year ago! Wow! What a difference!

A Date for Benny's Baby Book!

I will definitely note in Benjamin's baby book that he slept in his OWN bed ALL NIGHT last night! I was so excited and suprised this morning when I woke up at 6AM. I looked around me before looking in his cradle to make sure that I hadn't picked him up while I was asleep. Sure enough, he was stirring in his bed ready for nursing!

We put him to bed at around 9:30 last night and he woke at 2:00 am to nurse. Normally I lay him across my chest and he nurses then falls sleep, and I fall asleep as well. But last night I stayed awake while nursing him then rocked him back to sleep and put him in his bed. He didn't wake and cry like he normally does when I try this! So at 6 when he woke, we nursed again and he went back to sleep (on my chest this time) until 8. Yay! We all got to sleep in!

This is an enormous accomplishment for both he and I. It is almost more of an accomplishment for me though. I have separation issues during the night when I put him back in his bed even though I know that I sleep much much better when I don't have a baby on me. I worry constantly in my sleep when he is not touching me. This is why most of the time I don't mess with it, and Benny would much rather sleep on me than alone, so I give in. But really, I know I am establishing a very bad habit.

So one night down and many more to come, but at least we are making progress!

What's the good word?

Its been a while since I've been able to jump on and spend a little time here. You probably already know how awesome and crazy our lives have been lately. With work and more work keeping me occupied during the week I look forward to spending the weekends with my two homies.

Last night Lins and I talked about this special connection we have with music and its importance in our lives. After a late night of listening to jams we decided to update our story once a week with a special list of songs that will let you know what vibe "The Mendoza's" are feeling. Thanks alcohol for genius ideas. My boo is more of the word-smith and her stories are far more intellectual than mine so this method of imput to our blog is easier for me. SO BACK OFF....

To Listen to these songs go to playlist.com and enjoy. I would even put them in your i-thingy and listen to them on the go.

Playlist Title: L.A. is Burning

Vibe = smooth

Tom Tom Club- Genius of Love
Zhane - Hey Mr. DJ
Brandy - I wanna be down
Tony Toni Tone - Let's get down
Grove Theory - Tell me
Brian McKnight - Anytime
Blackstreet - No diggity
Mark Morrison-Return of the Mack
Toni Braxton- You're making me high
Jodeci- Come and Talk To Me
Guy- Let's Chill
Aaliayha- If you're girl only knew
Montell Jordan- This is how we do it
Next- Too Close
KP & Envy- Swing my way

Listen to these songs here: http://view.playlist.com/13562064651

Grandma and Grandpa come to visit!

Johnny's parents came to visit us this past weekend. I love having visitors although our place is almost too small. We managed to stay cozy during their long weekend visit and had a blast though!

We seemed to be cooking the entire weekend and I stuffed myself more than I normally do. We took a trip to Redondo Beach Pier and checked out all of the shops as well as making our weekly visit to the Farmer's Market in Torrance. Johnny's parents seemed to really enjoy it. We had an enormous sushi "snack" while at the pier and I was in heaven since I have not eaten sushi since before my pregnancy. I didn't realize how much I had missed it.

To top off Saturday, Johnny and I went out for a night on the beach. This was our first baby free night together since Benny was born. We went to Hermosa beach and watched some live music which we both totally loved. We were home by 1AM or so since neither of us can seem to "hang" anymore. We had a blast and laughed the entire night. It amost felt like a very first date again!

Adena and Megan came for dinner and a game of Catch Phrase on Sunday and I made homemade tortillas (with Mels help of course). Johnny's parents, Benny and I went to Ports 'O Call in San Pedro on Monday afternoon. Johnny had to head back to work so he couldn't join us :(. However, we had an enjoyable time and there were hardly any people there so it was ours and free to roam. It was awesome seeing all of the boats, and I fell in love with the town. I definitley want to look further into moving there. I know I would have to give up the very close distance from the beach, but I think I could manage.

I always love when Johnny's mom is here because she is such a big help and makes herself right at home so I don't have to entertain her. She originally set up my kitchen and keeps it very well maintained! (this means I don't do dishes while she is here!) It is a nice little getaway for her and Benny gets to play with grandma!

Here are a few pictures that I have from the weekend. I'l post more as soon as Melody sends me hers from her camera!

Johnny and Mel trying to figure our the air matress.

The air matress fit perfectly in our living room. I think they were cozy!

Is grandpa making Benny cry?

Benny peaks around the corner to say good morning!

Grandpa making us strawberry pancakes. They were delish!

Grandma me and Benny hanging out on the pier.

Family portrait. Can you find Benny? He is almost hidden. He slept the entire time.

The aftermath of our sushi dinner. I think there were already plates cleared when this picture was taken!

Benny in his dump truck. He's not too sure what to make of it though.

Our night out!! Yay!!

How Am I Doing?

It's 12:30pm and I'm tired. I'm just getting around to my first of many cups of coffee. Benny went to sleep nice and early last night which afforded Johnny and I some alone time, but it also equated to Benny waking up very early this morning. I've tried to get him to nap, but he does so only in 30 minute increments. He is currently squirming in his swing. I know I'll have to put this blog on hold once again. This seems to be a lot of my life. Johnny will be home for lunch in a half hour, and I would like to make sure that his lunch is warmed. It is the least that I can do to make his day smoother. And I quietly relish in the "housewife" duty. The title is so out of the ordinary for me, but I am starting to really love it although a good housewife does her dishes which I don't care to do today.

I don't think I will make it out of the house today just from sheer laziness. I really have no desire to get myself or Benny dressed for that matter. Today will make a good cozy sweats day since I have the blinds closed and the house is dark. Tomorrow will be a different story. Ben and I will be traveling to the valley again for yet another one of my doctor appointments. I will be glad when they are all said and done, but I secretly don't mind the trip THAT much since it gives me something out of my routine to do! I'm hoping that I will be told that I can begin working out so that Benny and I can begin daily jogs. Although I have lost all of my baby weight, I haven't lost the weight that I gained from quitting smoking. It is the best weight gain reason ever, but I'm just not loving the feel of the weight, and I obsess which I am sure annoys everyone. The other obsession that I seem to have reverted back to is making sure that my house is clean, but I don't actually clean it obsessively, I just make mental notes that I constantly seem to be going over in my head. I never become disappointed when I fail at achieving my mental to do list, I just begin it over again the next day and thus becomes the cycle of trying to keep our home clean.

I am looking forward to the holidays and all that comes with them. I have a few trips planned and the next six months of my life seem to be so full of excitement that life feels more than complete. Almost like I may wake and find out it was all a dream. With Benny's first holidays, Johnny quitting his second job, Ronan being born and mine and Benny's impending trip to Colorado all coming up, I feel like life this is what life is supposed to be about but sometimes I find myself sulking because I occasionally get lonely. I spend all day alone with Benjamin, just waiting for Johnny to run in and grab lunch, then at 5 pm there is a quick coffee break for him. Occasionally I will take him dinner at 8pm if Benny permits, but that is normally bath time so I never plan on being out of the house. When I catch myself sulking, I become so disgusted with myself. I have it all. Yes, I want Johnny home and I can't wait until this other job ends, but I am so fortunate to have a wonderful provider. And I am very lucky that I have a good baby who provides hours of entertainment. I hope that I am maintaining my constant goal to be better than I was yesterday.

This town is beautiful although San Pedro is where I really want to be. The beach is a little less than amazing, but nonetheless, awesome. The streets are clean and corporate america hasn't completely invaded and wiped out small business. I try to remain green and use only recycle bags at the grocery stores now. I highly encourage you to do the same. The bags eliminate your need for plastic and they are only a dollar a piece. The trick is just remembering to take them with you, so a trip to the grocery store needs to be somewhat planned. I'm thinking of heading my scholastic focus on becoming a lactation consultant since I have a burning passion for educating on breastfeeding. I think everyone woman needs to do everything within her power to nurse. I won't jump on an obvious soapbox, but this is where I'd like to see myself heading. We haven't decided when I will go back to work, but I'd love for a career shift.

So how am I doing? I'm doing fine. A blog is just the tip of the iceberg for me. I gave up on the idea of a nap a few hours ago and I've learned that a nap is not completely necessary when coffee is involved. Life is good and peaceful. Peaceful is the most important.

Baby Talk

Super Saturday Well Spent.

Halloween was uneventful compared to most that I have spent during my childless days. Benny and I hung out waiting for Johnny to get home from work. He came home early and I suprised him with a homemade cake and spaghetti with meatballs. We didn't have a single trick or treater which made the night less interesting, but I hadn't bought any candy anyway. I was a bit bummed by the lack of excitment, but I knew waking without a hangover would prove very well worth it. Whoa... we are parents.. and we do "parent" things now.....

We woke early and headed to the farmers market for the first time. It was awesome! I almost feel like I ripped the vendors off by the deals that we stole.

Trying to decide which fresh flowers to buy. In the end I chose to hang onto my money, but they were fabulous!

It began to rain and everyone scrried under tents, but we held steady for the rain to pass and it was worth the wait!

Corn= .75 cents, grapes=$2.00, fresh green beans=$2.00 and strawberries= .75 cents

These are my FAVORITE finds. I bought these for $6.00 a piece!!! I'm mad about house plants!

Annndddd.... we FINALLY bought a sofa. We had been searching for the right piece, going back and forth in our minds and trying to get the best deal for what we want AND need. I won't say the price, but it is a very nice sofa! It will be delivered on Monday, and I can't wait to sit my big butt on it!

So that was our Saturday. Benny was a fabulous kid as always and didn't shed a tear. We ran him all over town, in and out of furniture stores and his stroller, and he was a trooper!

Until next....

A diffferent kind of blog

It's late and I should be sleeping, but I find myself wide awake with thoughts. My two lovely boys are in the other room slumbering, and I finally have a moment of quiet- just for me. I quietly climbed out of bed and debated a cup of new Dunkin Donut coffee, but figured it would keep me up later than I'd like, so I've turned to blogging. I know that my new status as "housewife" is very misleading. Many may believe that I have all the time in the world for mild things such as blogging, but the reality is, most days I ask myself "when are you going to sit down?" and wonder where in the hell my day went when I finally do rest. I never seem to have an answer that is better than "I have a baby-end of subject".

Something hit me hard last night and touched me beyond my daily recognitions. I received a package over the weekend from an old co worker and friend in Tennessee. The contents were of course for Benjamin, but there also were items for me-to help me be a better parent. Now, I was really reminded that people make lasting impacts in our lives. I have not actually spoke to my friend other than a few emails in nearly two years. It is so easy for me to get caught up in my daily life that I forget about actually keeping in touch, and then feel lonely for not doing so. This package reminded me that people come in to our lives for all sorts of reasons, and some stay regardless of the miles between. And funny how some people are uplifting when you seem to need it most

The other reason that this package made an impact was the contents to help me be a better mom. As all new moms do, I have thought I know what is best. Really, I may not. My focus however, is to be the best that I can be. As I look around our empty apartment, I remember that although we haven't found the furniture we want, have very little that we call our own, and are miles from the people we know, the most important things to me are my family, and being the best that I can be. I want to be better tomorrow than I was today. For once in my life, I can look around and have nothing material that I am proud of, but I can honestly say that I am the happiest that I have ever been. I was born to be a mother. I was born to have this family.

So my days are filled with changing poopy diapers, or fretting over why Benjamin hasn't had a poopy diaper in two days. My afternoons are filled with desires for naps and dinner preparations, and evenings are consumed by tired crys and baby baths. My voice stays at the high pitch of baby talking most of the time and I have to remind myself to change my pitch when having an adult conversation. My wardrobe consists of "lounging" clothes with spit up spots, and it sometimes takes me until 6 pm to finally get our bed made, but I am part of something bigger than just me and that alone makes operating on 4 or 5 hours of sleep worth more than anything I've ever had. I'm finally at peace.

Another weekend gone and Benny is another week older!

They say time flys when your having fun athough I'm never sure who "they" are, but it is true!

My little sister and her Baby Belly flew into town last week (FINALLY) and we had a wonderful weekend in the valley. It was the first time since none of us can even remember that all of the "aunts" and "cousins" that grew up together were at the same place and time. Also, it was the first time since my sister, mom and I were together since 2002.

Johnny unfortunatley was sick with food poisoning but managed to pull himself together for a little bit of Halloween celebration. His mom was awesome again by helping me with Benjamin. It's so nice when I get to sleep in and not feel guilty! Benny was wonderful! We had a family "baby celebration" dinner for my sister on Saturday at Castillo's in Fresno and Benny was passed from lady to lady and he didn't get fussy. I was sure that I would have an unhappy baby, but he suprised me again and was perfect! Later that same night I dressed him up as a skeleton and took him to the party where he slept peacefully and perfectly. I am sooooo lucky!

My sister is having a boy!!! I am so excited! Sometimes I feel guilty for not doing all things that I want to do for her because I am consumed by Benjamin, but I can't wait to be there in Colorado to welcome Baby Ronan to the world! Her belly is adorable, and just to look at my little sister all grown up makes me smile although a little sad that she really doesn't need me anymore. As most of you remember, she was actually my first child! I am so thankful for the relationship that she and I have though... and Jess, THANKS for being and always remaining drama free! The way sisters should be!

Anyway, Benny is now another week older and fitting perfectly into his 0-3 month clothing. All of his newborn items are being passed on to Ronan. I cant believe how big he is and how time is flying by! He only wakes once in the night for nursing, and is such a smiling baby! Ok, Ok, enough baby bragging!

Onto some pics from the weekend and a few that I meant to previously post: Hope you enjoy!