Props to the Hubby

If I don't say so myself, my hubby is a pretty smart guy. No really, he is. He was a nuclear electrician in the Navy - which meant that he went through 2 years of intense schooling and training before he set foot on a submarine. Ask anyone who's been in the Navy what they know about a "Nuke", and the first thing they'll say is, "You gotta be smart to be a Nuke!" (or is its spelled n-u-c? I dunno...)

When we got married I was aware that he wanted to go to college after he got out of the Navy. I wasn't expecting him to, but the guy worked full time and when to school full time. He truly impressed the family when he graduated at the top of his class. Wow.

He's definitely NOT a suit and tie kinda guy, but don't let that fool you. Throw a complex problem at him and you will be impressed. The man's troubleshooting skills are amazing. I love watching his face when he's trying to figure something out - it's so intense, then when he has an answer, his face is like "duh, that's easy, just do this!"

When he decided to work for a nuclear power plant, we knew that the plant operated 24/7, 365 days a year. For the past several years he had the holidays off. This year, for whatever reason, he wound up having to work on Christmas and New Years days. Mind you, he doesn't have a choice, his schedule is what it is. (On a side note, as an HR professional I usually don't like unions, but I must admit that my hubby's union works pretty darn hard to make sure that these guys are compensated appropriately, are treated fairly, and most of all - are safe.)

Anyhoo, I overheard him talking to his mom on New Years Eve. He told her he was working on New Years Day, I assume she had something to say about that, and his response was simply, "Mom, do your lights turn on when there's a holiday? Well someone has to work to make sure that people have electricity. Not everyone can have the day off..." I don't know why, but I loved that he said that... so true. I wish my mom put it like that for me when I was a kid (she was a nurse and worked every holiday imaginable... sadly, she was rarely home...)

So, yeah, I gotta give major props to the hubby. He's working today so we couldn't enjoy the holiday as a family. It's all good though. No big deal, really. I just want to go on record to say that I really appreciate him. Today and always.

Lola's Advice

I overheard my mother talking to RJ the other day and was so touched by what she said to him, ever so tenderly:

"Take care of your mom, okay? That means don't cry when she is busy. See how much she sacrifices for you? Every two to three hours she pumps milk for you to eat because you were not able to latch on properly when you were first born. It is important for her to do this for you so you must be a good boy and be patient when she's doing this, okay? Just because she is busy does not mean she doesn't love you. She will pick you up and hug you when she is done. She loves you very much, just as I love her and just as I love you too."

Barbie Black Label

Oh my gosh - could it be? Barbie has finally come out with a Black Label collection, and in this collection she's wearing... wait for it... a little black dress! I saw it at ToysRUs the other day and absolutely had to buy one for my collection. What's so sweet is that my hubby encouraged me to purchase it - hahaha, here I am at thirty-something still buying Barbies. Gotta love it!

I am now the proud owner of a Barbie Black Label Basics Collection #001 Model #002 Barbie Doll. Whoo hoo!!!

I couldn't find an image to post, but here's a link to the product:

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=R9918

2009 - A Year of Firsts

I can hardly believe that there are less than three weeks left to 2009. Looking back, I feel so very blessed this year. There were so many firsts, as well as other events, that I will never forget and am most thankful for.

January 2009 - The last month that I worked. The first month that I was placed on disability. The first time I successfully carried a pregnancy into a second trimester. The first time Rob and I took a childbirthing class.

February 2009 - The first (of many) progesterone shots throughout my pregnancy. The first ultrasound where we found out we were having a boy!

March 2009 - Rob and I started our confirmation classes. (I know, it was a long time coming... we're sorry it took us this long!)

April 2009 - Our first baby shower. It was awesome - we were so incredibly blessed!!!

May 2009 - The first time I gave birth to a live baby - welcome RJ!!! The first time our son peed on Daddy (hahaha!) The month we were finally confirmed into the Catholic church.

June 2009 - Our first month as new parents - boy did we learn a lot that month!

July 2009 - RJ's first 4th of July. He slept through the BBQ we hosted, but it was still fun for everyone!

August 2009 - RJ's first photo session (so much fun!) RJ's first road trip (we drove to San Francisco to visit Ninang Jane & family). RJ's first trip to Legoland.

September 2009 - RJ was baptized - yay! The first time the entire San Mateo family was together to visit Angelina.

October 2009 - RJ's first Halloween. He was Baby Darth Vader. We trick-or-treated with Mel, Phil and RJ's cousins, Kuya Kane (Charger's/Ninja Boy) and Baby Ryder (Dinosaur - his first Halloween too!) Good times.

November 2009 - RJ's first trip to Seaworld. RJ's first Thanksgiving.

December 2009 - RJ's first trip to Disneyland. RJ's first photo with Santa. And in just a couple of weeks it will be RJ's first Christmas, we can hardly wait!