Is it still Spring?

I took these pictures of Sienna in April sometime... yes, I am that behind. But, I absolutely love how they came out and how they captured the season. Russell's family's property has a hill on which was a patch of purple wildflowers. And this hill has absolutely breathtaking views. I just love Paso Robles in the spring- the smells, the bright wildflowers, the green (we have had LOTS of rain this year) and the first leaves and grape buds in the surrounding vineyards... I love it all besides my awful seasonal allergies that have reached a new severity this year... and the thought that harvest is approaching...

Where am I?

I am way behind on blogging yet again! I have so many posts I would love to write covering the last month- our anniversary getaway, mother's day, etc. But it will have to wait.

This weekend is the second of four straight weekends that we are out of town. I am tired just thinking about it. Last weekend we had a quick weekend trip to Orange County to see some of my family and for Russell's cousin Jake's wedding, which was fabulous! (another post I hope to write in the next year or so...) Tomorrow morning we are flying up to Coeur D'alene, Idaho via Spokane for our good friend's wedding... which will be our second trip sans the munchkin. Should be lots of fun. And even though we get back Sunday evening, I am taking Monday off to recover and spend every moment with my Sienna. Next weekend for Memorial Day we are camping at the lake with some family and friends- Sienna's second camping trip. And the following weekend is my half marathon in San Diego! Whew... I am so busy I keep forgetting about that one! Finding time to run has gotten difficult!

This has been a miserable week for Sienna! Our weekend trip was great, but she had a runny nose starting Saturday. It never got too bad. On Tuesday she had a mild fever most of the day (no other symptoms) and by that night it had reached 102-103 (I have 2 damn thermometers that are NEVER consistent, drives me bonkers). The oncall doctor gave me updated doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen to alternate to help reduce the fever. I mentioned her double ear infections just 2 1/2 weeks ago, so she told me we should bring her in within the next couple days. So when I called the dr yesterday they of course were completely booked, with only one dr in the office for 2 days, nothing open until Friday (and we leave early in the morning).

So I took her to Urgent Care yesterday, they checked her out, and she has double ear infections again! Thank goodness we caught it early this time (could just be lingering from the last ones). Now, she is on a new antiobiotic for a longer duration... Oh and the wait at Target Pharmacy was 2 1/2 freaking hours! Anyway, she had a pretty rough night but seems to be feeling better today, and should be back to her old self soon. I just am so relieved that I took her yesterday so it didn't get worse over the weekend when we are 1100 miles away. (Ok saying that still made me nervous about being away). She will be in the best hands with Russell's parents, we are so lucky for that!

Maybe I will get a bit more caught up with blogs next week, and share some of the 15,000 pictures over the last month...

Four years in the making

Last Thursday was our 4th wedding anniversary! After having an AMAZING weekend getaway (another post) we wanted to celebrate the actual day low key. So after work we met at a flooring store (can't wait for the hardwoods!), exchanged gifts (Pretty pearl earrings to match my very special wedding necklace, and Russell got a nice new saute pan). Then we played with Sienna outside, did her bedtime routine, and then picked up sushi and sake to eat at home, and caught up on Top Chef. What a perfect night!

Remembering our wedding day is one of my favorite things to do. Just such happy memories! And one of the most special things about our wedding was the location- at Russell's family's ranch, where he grew up. The ceremony was in his grandma's incredibly beautiful side yard, and the party, I mean reception, was a few feet away. And we shared the day with 300+ of our closest family and friends :)

A couple weeks ago we were out at Russell's parents house and I wanted to get some springtime photos of Sienna since it is absolutely gorgeous at the ranch this time of year (why I wanted a spring wedding!) So our first stop for pictures was his grandma's and the wedding site. I enjoyed taking pictures of our baby in such a symbolic area...

Here I am pre-wedding in front of the beautiful yard where the ceremony was held:

Here's Sienna on the other side of that railing, looking out into Great Gma's beautiful flowers...

Here I am walking down the "aisle" with my dad (I loved that it wasn't through the center of the guests)

Here is Sienna walking the same path with her Daddy. Which makes me think, how perfect would it be for Sienna to get married here someday in the way distant future? No pressure at all Sienna!

We said our vows and had our first married kiss under a beautiful gazebo that Russell's Grandpa built...

Here is Sienna standing in that same spot...

And here she is playing on the grass where our closest family watched:

Sick Baby = Sad Mama

So I have like 12 posts to catch up on over the last couple weeks, but right now I just want to say (I am sure every parent agrees):

Having a sick kid is the WORST thing ever!!

Last Tuesday Sienna started to have a runny nose, it was clear and she was in a good mood, I didn't think too much of it because she was also cutting 2 bottom molars. (Which by the way caused NO where near the discomfort and fussiness as the top molars, thank goodness).

By Thursday, she was more congested and just not her usual self. Thursday night she woke up a couple times and Friday morning she was pretty miserable with a cough and congestion. Luckily Russell's mom was able to watch her for a couple hours, so I could at least make an appearance at work and catch up on things. The rest of the day was spent cuddling on the couch, watching her baby macdonald video and jack's big music show about a hundred times. She had a mild fever and was just tired but it was hard for her to sleep. I debated trying to take her in to her dr, but figured since it was already late in the morning on a Friday it would be hard to get it...

Saturday she seemed to be much better, happy and playful... We kept her at home all day... Sunday morning Russell left at like 4 or something crazy to go fishing all day. Sienna had already woken up a couple of times, and at 5 I brought her to bed, and she was burning up with a fever, not happy, but fell asleep in my arms for a couple hours. She seemed a little better after that, not much of a fever, but I know I needed to take her somewhere to get checked. Being Sunday I took her to Urgent Care, which only took an hour start to finish (was expecting worse). And she has a double ear infection! I feel so horrible! I know it's very common, we are lucky that this is only her first one, but it feels awful to know she was in so much pain. So we got antibiotics and tylenol with codeine to help with the cough and ear pain (and sleep!) When we finally got home from the pharmacy, she took a nice long nap. She hadn't eaten much all day, didn't really want to, but then she ate a decent late lunch. She seemed fine playing, but then threw up all her food about a half hour later. So first ear infection(s) and first time throwing up in one day, with just her mama at home...

Since then, she has improved grately. She slept pretty well yesterday night, just waking up a couple times coughing. She had a good day at Lolly's and has had a better appetite. So she must be on the mend, which I am very relieved.

Side note- Russell was SUPER SICK all day Sunday while deep sea fishing. He has never ever gotten seasick, gone out on similar fishing trips several times, and was in the Navy! so this was a huge shock for him. Poor guy was throwing up or trying not to move laying in a tiny cubby hole pretty much the whole trip (6 am- 4 pm).

Here are some pictures of Sienna this sunny,warm afternoon, she was feeling much better!

My pretty girl!

She loves her picnic table

Laughing at Mama

Frustrated that she can't stand inside her play tunnel:
Her curls are starting to kill me!

Miracle Miles for Kids

A couple weekends ago (I have fallen behind on blogs, yet again) as a family we participated in the Miracle Miles for Kids 10K. The race started at Morro Rock in Morro Bay, and ended at the Cayucos Pier. Yep, 6.2 miles along the beautiful coastline!

Well, it wasn't all pretty. It was rough at times with loose sand, water, wind, rocks and cliffs to navigate over (with a 23 pound snoozing baby in a jogging stroller!)

The race itself was delayed close to 30 minutes to allow extra time for people stuck in the traffic getting there, and we were stuck in line to get our bibs for about that long! We started 20 minutes after the delayed start! It was kind of a relief to miss the initial crowds though. We had a good start- the sand was firm, weather was perfect, Russell was pushing the stroller, and Sienna was happily snacking.

Then there was a small stream to pass and I was not very happy to have wet socks and shoes that early on! Then the wind picked up, and we were of course running against it! But Sienna took a long siesta, and we trekked on, until the first huge obstacle- a rocky cliff, that bottled-necked into a single file line from 2 areas. It took forever to get through! Luckily it was just wide enough to push the stroller across and we got back to running after the delay. Then the sand got softer and looser, and rockier and there were a few more hurdles that we had to now carry the stroller over. I figure we can take atleast 15 minutes off our time for all the time waiting to cross and climb, right? :) Come to find out, they weren't expecting the tide to be in so high, with the late start, usually the course is much better.

But we made it! And hope to make it a yearly event! It was for a great cause- kids and families in need!

At the Starting Line

Just getting going...

Climbing the first cliff

At this point, I was wishing we could trade spots

Let us through!

About half way through

WE MADE IT! 6.2 miles later. The rock was the starting point!

*TEAM IN TRAINING UPDATE!

This race was actually a planned event for my team, and a "break" in our training program, since it was lower miles than we had been running (We did 8 the Sat before). Break? Haha! My muscles hurt in all new ways! My half marathon is quickly approaching- just over a month away!! The miles are really adding on now! It has been very challenging to keep up, with life being so busy (the big birthday, being sick, now awful allergies, rainy weather, weekend trips). Usually, any one of those excuses would be a reason for me to completely stop my past workout routines. But I am determined, and if I miss a run or two, I know I will be ok. I am confident that although I am slow, I will finish those 13.1 miles! Slow and steady wins the race, right? And I like to think about how excited Griffin and my mom would be to see me cross that finish line.

Fundraising has also been hard, but I am very close to being at the fundraising minimum of $2500. But of course I would love to pass that! Please consider donating to an amazing cause, in the memory of my nephew Griffin's fight against the bad guys!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr10/rmolina69g

Stats and such

Last Friday was Sienna's 12 month checkup. In 2 days, she will be 13 months old! Are the months really going to speed up even more now that she broke the year mark? Anyway, the doctor visit went very well and her stats were:

Height: 32 inches (still off the charts!)

Weight: 23 pounds (75%)

Head: can't remember, but its also off the charts

So she just keeps growing! Dr was impressed with her growth and development in all areas... Nothing too exciting, besides us being there for an hour and fifteen minutes! They took forever and then longer, so Sienna was past nap time and not very happy. Luckily, she only had one shot, and a toe prick to test her hemoglobin, which I was very nervous about, but she wasn't bothered in the slightest bit. And the test showed a good level...

What else has happened these last weeks?

*We have switched her over completely to milk, and she is doing great with that... we are now cutting out bottles, and have a special transition type sippy cup for mornings and pre bedtime.

*As I mentioned in a previous post, we had a difficult few weeks with starting daycare, changing schedules, getting MOLARS (teeth count now is 10), and being sick with a bad virus causing sleeping and digestive problems. Oh and planning and throwing a huge birthday party. But the last couple weeks have been great with a routine is setting in. She is happy, and so are we!

*Daycare is fabulous! It's still hard dropping her off in the morning, wishing I could just be with her, but she doesn't cry when I drop her off any more! I really like the owner, and she has a warm and fun home (plus has been doing this for 14 years). She has 3-5 kids on a given day, including a couple younger infants and one boy a month older than Sienna who is her best buddy! Sienna loves the kids, especially the older ones... I am so pleased this has worked out so well. It was really overwhelming and difficult at the beginning...

*Mondays are at Lolly's house where she has SO much fun. I am so grateful she has this time with her grandparents! She gets to ride around in the golf cart, play with the dogs and cats, play in the dirt (she loves loves dirt), "help" in the garden, and visit with Great Gma, Aunt Cherie, and her buddy Sami... And have some time with Pop, one of her very favorite people!

*Talking, boy does she talk! Besides constant chatter, she is able to communicate wants and needs with us! When asked if she wants something, she says "essss" and rocks her upper body. And she points to everything she sees and wants... Words she says regularly include: dog shasta ("shas" our dog), bath (which she repeats over and over again when we go by the bathroom), duck, hi and bye (which she says after blowing a kiss to absolutely anyone and everyone)...

*Food! She still is a great eater, but getting a little pickier and either really wants something, or wants nothing to do with it. She is a bit more particular and prefers us to vary her food choices day to day. She is getting all table food at this point, and wants to feed herself completely. This results in quite the mess and a mandatory bath post dinner. Her favorite foods are hummus (she is obsessed, as in could eat the whole costco sized tub if she had the chance), blueberry waffles, bananas (will eat a whole one), veggie burgers, cottage cheese, string cheese, peanut butter (especially in a sandwich with Lolly's pineapple apricot jelly), sweet potato fries, peas, berry rice cakes, all kinds of beans, freeze dried pears, applesauce (will "drink" it out of the container)...

*WALKING. She has been working on perfecting her skills and balance. After taking her first steps a couple months ago, she still prefered crawling and crusing. In the last month and last two weeks in particular, she has been walking a lot more. She is really cautious and slow, with her hands up in the air... She doesn't fall or trip too often and can take tons of small steps easily- across the whole room. It has been so incredible watching her progress and seeing her confidence and independence grow daily!

I could write even more of a novel describing all the other cute and querky things she does and what she likes and gets excited for. She is just a pleasure to be around for everyone and I am so proud to be her mommy (or "muh muh").

this day five years ago...

It was a typical wednesday workday. I worked in a R&D lab at a medical diagnostics company- my first "real" job. We were living in redondo beach, had been for about a year. Russell was working at LAX airport fixing xray machines and had a crazy always-changing schedule, but off this afternoon. I worked 6-2:30, and would often come home and take a nap, or at least lounge around (what's a nap? oh memories...) On this day, all I wanted to do was to come home and relax. So that's what I did, with ice cream in bed, and found the movie Innerspace on TV.

Out of no where russell came in our room, and was fumbling in the dresser right next to the bed, I turned to see what the heck he was doing, and he was down on one knee!! Looking nervous, an expression i will never forget, he had something in his hand, which sparkled! I COULD NOT believe it! I can't even remember the exact words he said, I was just in shock and kept thinking "THIS is the story i will repeat millions of times- ice cream and Innerspace?" I of course said YES, and gave him a huge hug, and he was shaking.


It was such an incredible moment, between just the two of us, when we knew this was the next step of our journey through life together. It wasn't elaborate or involving rose petals with a ring hidden in dessert, but it was romantic in its own way. It was fitting to us, and if it had been a huge drawn out event, i think i would have died in shock, because that is NOT russell, it's not us!


That night after calling everyone i knew, we went out to sushi to celebrate. It was a crazy feeling the next morning making the announcement and showing off the ring to coworkers. They couldn't believe i got a proposal on a wednesday afternoon! Yes, it was out of the blue in that sense, but it was absolutely perfect!


Sidenote- Russell had the ring for about 2 hours before he proposed. We had planned a fancy date night for that friday, just because it had been a long time... and that was even my idea. So he had planned on proposing during the date. But he just couldn't wait (we both aren't great at surprises), and he says it just seemed like the right time (i was in my happy place with ice cream i suppose...) So the date night had even more of a special meaning, something to celebrate! We dressed up and headed out to eat in santa monica then danced to a live blues band in a martini bar.

And really, has it been FIVE years? To say a lot has happened is such an understatement- a huge wedding, 2 big moves, new jobs, job losses, trips, family hardships and tragedies, a beautiful daughter... our share of challenges and accomplishments... but we have made it through together, grown together, learned together, and are in it for the long haul!