Happy First Birthday, Carmen Jules!

Where did the year go?! Sounds so cliche but it's so true!

On this day just one year ago, Ruben and I set out with open hearts and open minds and welcomed Carmen Jules into our lives. Since then nothing was ever the same, it's the best! This year I learned so many new things. I learned being a parent is the biggest heartache I have ever experienced. I learned that I am completely happy to put the needs of my family before mine. I learned that I can do ANYTHING on 4 hours of sleep! I learned that spit-up and dirty diapers are the least of my worries. I learned the happiest moments are often the most simplest ones. There is much more... and God willing more to come :)

Happy Birthday, Mijita! Mommy and Daddy love you very much. Go Team Rodriguez Go!!!

not quite warm enough yet...

team rod is anxious to swim so the other day we jumped into our suits, lathered cj in sunblock and headed outside. much to our dismay it was still too cool. oh well, the water felt great on our feet and beans splashed a bit. we sat outside for awhile and for the first time ever i think, we wished it was more than 80 degrees out!

carmen jules' first birthday party!!!

Oh, wow. I can't believe we celebrated our daughter's first birthday. Our family and friends made the time so special, I was so happy the way everything turned out. Well, except that little miss was either tired or just taken back by everyone that was over! She was quiet and got cranky right before we did her cake. (i got a lump in my throat as i sang happy birthday, i was just so happy!) Oh well, my hammy little gal is entitled to a nap so she took one :) The kids hit the traditional pinata and the little ones played a cute game of "Pin the Bow on Carmen."

Thank you so much to our families and friends for celebrating with us. It means a lot to Ruben and I to share special memories with you all.

As always, much love to everybody :)

xoxoxo

Team Rodriguez

cj and her swing

hold on, beans!!

I had been looking forward to getting this for cj for awhile now. We trooped on down to toys-r-us and got her a swing. Ruben put it up, thanks handyman! The weather has been nice so we have been taking advantage and spending more time outside. Next it's on to getting our backyard into shape. As Carmen gets bigger, I know she will enjoy playing outside so we want to make it a nice area for our family and friends to hang out.

flautas, loteria and dancing

muchas gracias, maria for hosting a girly gathering potluck. oh man the food was gooood. after dinner and a few rounds of loteria we got the itch to head on out for some dancing. splendid time, ladies :) xoxoxo

Carmen Thursday