ahh...the party

So, apparently being from Cuba, everyone is on "island time". This whole time, I thought it was just Joaquin. The invitations go out saying party at 5:00 which apparently in "island time" means anywhere from 6:00 to 9:00. Aside from them being there at some point, we ran out of propane at a bbq, the fire alarm went off from the smoke, Ellie got lots of gifts and I think everyone had an okay time. At least for the gringos, it will be a story to tell and hey, we have another year until it all happens again!
Thanks to everyone for their help and for all the gifts - Ellie is going to be having lots of fun. And I will leave you with one of my favorite pictures of the night...

and this was before she really dove into the cake!

365 days ago...

365 days ago. I remember it well.
Got admitted to the hospital early in the morning for them to tell me sorry you are going home, but we want you to get an ultrasound today as soon as possible. Proceeded to throw up all day, had contractions all day, none of which were timed at the same amount. Went to get the ultrasound, proceeded to throw up there. (Hope no is eating while reading this). Went home, tried to rest, started bleeding, freaked out and went to the hospital again. Got admitted at 7-8 dilated, begged for the epidural, threw up and broke water all within about 15 seconds of each other and then little Elliana was born at 7:02 p.m. They put her on my chest for a minute and then whisked her away to the NICU. And then while they were cleaning up the room I remember the girl asking if she could watch the rest of So You Think You Can Dance.

Fast forward 365 days.



Like I've said, she is almost walking.
She holds her bottles and she now gets the sippy cup.
She holds the phone to her ear and says hello.
She can tell you where her nose is.
She sticks out her tongue when you ask her where that is.
Ask her where her hair is and she touches it and says wow.
Her vocabulary consists of: hello, agua, wow, momma, daddy, tete (pacifier in spanish), hi, thank you, uh oh.
She slides down off the couch or bed on her stomach.
She loves being outside and playing with dirt and rocks.
She waves hello.
She has 3 teeth.
She sings the la la's along with Elmo on Elmo's world.
She shakes her head no instead of saying it.
She is back to giving kisses.
And she still doesn't sleep though the night...

Tomorrow is going to be one big day of celebrating. Family and friends are coming for an Elmo bbq fiesta. Hope it all goes well.

Until then...

good day

Ellie is now taking 7-8 steps at a time. She may be full on by the time her birthday arrives. Although, for now she prefers crawling - she can get places faster.

My 4 day work weeks were approved! Now, I'm looking at 3 day weekends, getting Friday's off starting next week. Ellie & I are going to get to hang!

For some reason as I type this, I am watching Cribs on MTV. Keep in mind, I think MTV is completely ridiculous at this point, but this guy who I have never heard of (surprise) who plays for the Boston Red Sox has a 78000 square foot house. What the f**k does anyone do in that size of house?

I'm going to Seattle - one of the best places on earth! 2 weeks away! Joaquin has to go for training so I am going to tag along once it's over and just go for the weekend. I am soooo excited. a - it's Seattle, nuff said. but b - it is just an adult vacation which we so need at this point, or maybe it's just what I need so bad at this point.

Ellie has got to be the sweetest kid on the planet. Giving kisses right and left. She just makes me smile everyday!

i love thee...mac and walking anyone?

just messing around on the computer this morning and came upon some pretty cool shit.
I'll have to mess around some more (you know when I have some time) to see what other good stuff I can find! And of course show you the cool stuff.

And, Ellie is walking. Or at least taking 2 to 3 steps every now and then. Just wait though. We may have a walker on our hands in no time!
Now, if I could only get her to sleep through the night...

update schmupdate

So, as I mentioned before, July is one busy month for me. But apparently in all the busyness of everything I am still expected to blog. Here goes it...

1. The backyard is pretty much done. Joaquin has been working his ass off to get it all done and it looks great. We invite everyone to come to Vegas to check it out!

2. Bunco is over and done with. Had some snags since I was only supposed to have 12 people but someone kept calling subs and then I ended up with 15. But it's over and everyone should have had fun dammit!

3. Right now I'm in the process of ripping off all my nails. (You did want to know what was happening around here)

4. I started a photography class online a few weeks ago, and since starting that I have not taken one picture. I don't think that is what was supposed to happen. So, with that, no pictures of Ellie on this one. Sorry Jess, but I will send one in a care package.

5. I got my job pretty much taken away this week. They are doing everything up in SLC now. So, with that I made a proposal to work 4 days a week so I can still get benefits and then I have one extra day with Ellie. Or to scrapbook. And to my new "clients" Danielle and Megan - you could send down your stuff any day!

6. For those of you who know what I am talking about, Claritan does not work that well.

7. My mom rocks. Nuff said. But, remember when everyone used to hate coming to my house if she was home - those days are no longer.

8. I have to go bowling on Friday. Steph, the bowling team queen - any pointers?

9. I've been downloading a bunch of new music, getting ready for this cd exchange. Such pressure. So far we've got me, Emilee and Jessica and Darryl. Anyone else?

10. Don't you hate it when people are complete idiots on the phone. This is what I deal with all day.

11. Liz, or anyone else for that matter, have you seen this - The World Series of Pop Culture? This is so right up your alley.

12. And, a blog shout out to Erica. Who knew Ms. DC? Very cool.

13. Lucky number. We'll leave at that.

holy hell, could it get any hotter...

July 2nd and it is in the 110's, as in degrees. They are having a get to know your neighbor party here on the 4th at 4 pm. Oh yes, that is the day that it is supposed to be 115 degrees! We'll see if we make it out the door.

We got back from SLC. It was great to see everyone again, and how fun to meet up with everyone and their kids at the zoo. I wish I could just take my kid out on any Friday morning...
(just for you Liz)

The farmers market was fantastic! It was so much bigger than I remember. In fact, Emilee did mention that she thought it was the best this year. If you haven't been, you need to go. You won't be sorry! Even if you don't buy anything, people watching is always good!

I was talking to Emilee and Jessica this weekend and we were talking about doing some sort of cd exchange. Just mail each other a cd concoction that we have come up with monthly. Good way to learn about other music. Anyway, I thought I should blog this and see if anyone else wants in because hey, free music! So, anyone???

brought to you by the letter e and the number 11...

11 months. One more month to go until the big birthday! July is going to be one stressful month! The whole entertaining a big group of people freaks me out. And I have bunko at my house next month on top of a birthday party, good thing I am leaving tomorrow for vacation! But enough about me.

So at 11 months, this is Ellie in a nutshell...
She puts the brush up to her hair.
She points the remote to the tv.
She puts the phone up to ear.
She likes to eat things by herself, so please don't expect my house to ever be clean again!
She says ank you (thank you) and uh oh.
She is getting 2 teeth on the top, just starting to come out.
She loves Sesame Street but mostly Elmo.
She loves the swimming pool.
She is very shy until she gets to know you, so Emilee don't be sad when she doesn't come right to you.



I know there has got to be more but unless I write these things down thru out the month, they escape me. Bad momma.

And, have any of you noticed the counter at the bottom of this blog? I think there are a few lurkers out there...Come out, come out wherever you are!

reunion???

Do I see another SLC trip in my future?

Hello, Toad!!!

It's official..

and it has been for a while, I just haven't posted...

If you need to buy or sell a home in Nevada, California or Utah, Joaquin is your man! Or if you need a loan in any one of those states, Joaquin is your man! And speaking of Joaquin, he is now employed as a loan officer at WAMU, so think of all the possibilities there. Go Joaquin, we are all so proud of you!

So Liz, if you now needed that house with a pink and blue bathroom, you know where to go!

it begins with 4 and ends with ooooh!

Happy Birthday Jen!

i'm so excited...

I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control...yada yada yada.
That was in honor of my darling cousin Heather who never reads this, but just might after I announce to the world that it is her birthday - Happy Birthday!

And, yes I am excited because Ellie and I (and little Jess) are taking a road trip to SLC! End of June. IKEA, The Farmers Market, The Zoo. Good times. Anybody up for the experience? Hoping that both Ellie and I feel better by then. I'm hoping 3 weeks is a long enough recovery time...

the cafe rio gods are looking out...

So true, the saying of you don't know what you've got til it's gone. I think Poison said it best actually.
But, the point of this post is that I finally got my pork salad. It was so freaking fantastic. I'm going every day this week and I am able because my good friend Liz sent me what else - a Cafe Rio gift card!
Go me!!!

bath fun.

Since she hasn't had a picture for a while, I thought I should throw one out here.
This was her first bath in a real bathtub. I had to trash the other one since she decided to take a dump while bathing!
But look you can see her teeth! I think it might actually be the first picture I got of them.

Enjoy!

anticipation sucks.

Ever have a moment when you are just anticipating something and it doesn't happen?
Like the time when I ordered a Coke, anticipating the taste of a nice cold Coca Cola and they serve me iced tea and I didn't know it until I took a huge gulp. Nasty!
Or like today, when I was anticipating going to Cafe Rio and then finding out we had our days messed up and it really doesn't open until tomorrow. Bummer.
Of course, I am in no way lacking in the food dept, one could look at me and figure that one out but still - it's a salad!

Also, anticipating Fathers Day. What do you give your husband when he says he wants nothing? Sorry, I just can't do the nothing thing. And since he rarely reads this blog, I need some ideas. Anyone???

Thanks, and here is hoping for a salad tomorrow!

so this is what 35 feels like.

Happy Birthday to me! Yesterday anyway, and thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!
Joaquin and I went to stay at the Red Rock for the weekend. I love it there, if you are ever in town or if you live here and want to get away - Go there! You won't be disappointed. This was hilarious! Highly recommended. Especially if you liked 40 Year Old Virgin.
And, to mark the occasion, I went to Vegas on Friday! For those of you who know what I am talking about, a big bonus goes out to you!

Joaquin & Ellie gave me a new camera! I LOVE it! And, I went and got new hair last week - I'm a brunette!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!
Talk to you soon...

birthday fun.

First, Happy Memorial Day! Ellie had her first swimming experience today and to put it mildly, I'm pretty sure we have a fish on our hands. She loved every second of it.
Thanks to Ernie & Nancy for the bbq and pool fun!



Secondly, Happy Birthday Jessica. 25 years old! I can remember the day she was born. I was having a birthday sleepover at Deanna Peters house. My, how time flies!

And, Ellie turned 10 months yesterday. Crazy! I'm going to have to start planning a birthday party soon.
And, just to keep me updated, here's the scoop...

she points at things.
she loves books, and now she opens them and just blabbers away to herself.
she says wow, agua, and kaka? when you change her diapers.
she is starting to stand up and balance herself without relying on furniture to hold onto to.
she wants to get in all the cupboards and drawers and pull everything out.
she plays peek a boo herself.
and, we affectionately call her the monster.
I'm sure there is more, but right now nothing is coming to me. Anybody have anything else they want to add?

my latest obsession...

I present you this.

So excited. Finally!

it doesn't fall far...

She may not look at all like me, but look at this.

She is SO my child.
I cant wait to teach her to put her legs around her head!

we're back...

edited due to comments-
Yes, Liz if I ever make it up there again, we need to go find players houses, just like the good ol' days. Only now we have to substitute the Scirocco with the milk truck but I'm still game for the Sno Shack!

Hey all...

We made it back from Puerto Vallarta! Good times, super good times (a word that has since been reintroduced into my vocabulary). And I think Im diggin it. Super. We didn't do much, just a lot of lounge time but that is what a vacation is for, right? We did go deep sea fishing one day and that was about it and there were absolutely no dolphin sightings. That was a disappointment but what do you do? Ellie was excited to see us, I should say more Joaquin then me. It took her some time to warm up. Could be because some lady with a really bad sunburn was claiming to be her mother.

Yesterday the three of us headed to St George so Joaquin could finish up a couple classes and I went shopping. Oh my hell, there is so not anything much to do there. I hit a couple scrapbook stores that were just all right and then went to the "mall". Couldn't find a single thing. Luckily, it should be the last of the classes so I won't have to go there any time soon and our own Cafe Rio will be here shortly!

Let's talk tv. Just sitting here catching up and yes, I missed a lot.
American Idol - I'm some what happy with the results. I always thought Melinda looked like a 40 year old woman in a 20 something body.
The Office - loved it, all 60 minutes of it. This, in my opinion is the best comedy on tv.
Greys Anatomy - ??? I have no idea what to think about just what went down.
Dancing with the Stars - I haven't watched this one yet, I'm waiting for Joaquin, but here's hoping Ian is gone because anyone who says their name I-AN should be.
Utah Jazz - who can believe it? I feel like a dud, I used to know everything about these guys and now I know nothing. Makes me feel somewhat sad, I wish I could go to a game and relive my younger days.

happy thoughts.

Emilee...

Happy Happy Birthday
From all of us to you
We wish it was our birthday
So we could party too!
Ole!

Have a wonderful day and we'll see you tomorrow in Mexico!
Be safe.

Love ya,
The Ceballos Trio

stuff.

Oh Mexico
It sounds so simple
I just got to go...

We're leaving on Saturday morning. Yes, without our daughter. Yes, without our daughter on my first Mother's Day. I know she has no idea, but I do. Hopefully, on Sunday I'll be so busy swimming with the dolphins or something that I won't really remember it. Oh yeah, my mom will be there so that won't work. Wishful thinking.

My good friend Steph sent me this email, so for all you Mother's out there, I'm sure you will relate and Happy Mother's Day to all!

Before I was a Mom
>I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
>I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
>I never thought about immunizations.
>Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
>Pooped on.
>Chewed on.
>Peed on.
>I had complete control of my mind a nd my thoughts.
>I slept all night.
>Before I was a Mom
>I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
>Or give shots.
>I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
>I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
>I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
>Before I was a Mom
>I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to
>put them down.
>I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I
>couldn't stop the hurt.
>I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
>I never knew that I could love someone so much.
>I never knew I would love being a Mom.
>Before I was a Mom -
>I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
>I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
>I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
>I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
>Important and happy.
>Before I was a Mom -
>I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every
>10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
>I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
>the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
>I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

On another note, my mom was scrapbooking some things and needed to know when we went to New Jersey. Lucky for me, I scrapbook and was able to go back and get the date. But, while doing that I was looking through the old books. So many things I had forgotten about...

Seeing
Tina Yothers in concert.
Having my picture taken with Rick Fox at a Skechers party.
When I got stuck tending
Kristine W's son and neice at San Diego pride.
When Doug and Liz dressed up as cheerleaders.
The picture of the Twin Towers in New York City 03/01
Seeing Mark Eaton at Tuscany at one of the critically acclaimed Halloween parties.
The 2002 Winter Olympics where I picked up my Coke and fry sauce Olympic collector pin.
And, seeing myself years ago, thinking I was fat then-what was I thinking?

Anyway, this is a good reminder why I do all this stuff!

Have a wonderful week!

don't know what you've got til it's gone.

I remember the day when Nordstrom opened here. I took the day off work so I could go visit. I remember walking in, calling my mom and almost crying from all of the excitement. It was finally here!

Flash back to today (if that makes any sense) and I am coming out of Postnet at lunch. What do I see in front of me, but...Cafe Rio! I get the same gut feeling. Didn't almost cry though as I wasn't actually in the building. But just knowing that one day next month it will officially be opening, I just may let out a burst then.

Call me wierd, call me crazy, call me whatever. Just make sure to call me when you go get a pork salad with no rice and a whole wheat tortilla because I'll meet you there!

lucky.

I am lucky.
Yes, I AM lucky.
It's not like I need a bottle of water to tell me that. However, it does help to look at a cool marketing tool to remind me.

Cinco de Mayo has come and gone. I'm pretty sure it is safe to say that the parents will not be throwing another party any time soon. But, I'm sure a good time was had by all and here is Ellie in her party dress. Thanks to Auntie Em for supplying the goods!



And, it's day three of eating no bread. Not that I'm not eating all other kinds of shit, but it's called baby steps!

san gennaro

Tonight the three of us along with Jessica and Collin headed over to the big San Gennaro Feast celebration. Lots of eating and what felt like 8 million calories of food, including fried dough - bad choice - and seeing Gregg Peterson in real life. And when I say real life, I mean walking around like an average joe without some freaked out purple sport coat. Ellie had a great time, I don't think she has seen so many wierdos to people watch at one time. And the good mom that I am, won her a little duck!

and look at Joaquin in action. close, but still no prize.


Oh, and my long awaited passport finally came in the mail today so it's official - I can go to Mexico - phew!

the great big purple dinosaur and...

Ellie!

She got to meet him this weekend at Giovanni's birthday party!
Thanks guys for the entertainment!

finally - the #9.

In honor of Ellie's 9 month birthday, and my favorite number (thank you Jim McMahon). We are going to celebrate NINE.

birthday.

august, 1 month.

september, 2 months.

october, 3 months.

november, 4 months.

december, 5 months.

january, 6 months.

february, 7 months.

march, 8 months.

the eve of nine months.


updates:
1. 2 teeth on the bottom, finally. I just wish I could have a picture.
2. She bobs her head back and forth when she hears music on the tv
3. She no longer gives kisses (stubborn little thing - hopefully a passing phase)
4. She still loves her bath and freaks out when it is time to get out.
5. She tries to whistle and sometimes the littlest sound does come out.
6. She is on the move - crawling everywhere, walking around furniture, pulling herself up.
7. She eats just about anything we will give her. And she loves ice cold water squirted in her mouth.
8. She loves cheerios - it is basically the only thing we can give her to keep her occupied so we can get things done.
9. As always, she is just the cutest thing, we are so freaking lucky!

who knew?

bring your child to work day!

anyone else???

nice.

Tuesday morning.
All is grand.
Go to shut the window - nail breaks!
Great, guess I need to make an appointment.
Take Ellie to parents for the day. All is well.
Drive to work - get flat tire.
Great, guess I need to get that fixed.
Wait for Joaquin to come pick me up.
While waiting, walk over to McDonald's for some breakfast satisfaction.
While waiting to order, see that they have been given a B rating.
Sorry, can't eat there.
Great, guess there will be no breakfast for me.
Late for work.
It's only 8:20 a.m.
What else could happen today? I can't wait to find out!
Hope no one steals the diaper bag or Emilee's present from the car.
Probably shouldn't jinx myself...

revive.

After taking a week off and then going to Arizona for the weekend where it was shopping, shopping, shopping all day long, this is what I had to revive myself with this morning. Vitamin water. Going back to work is always tough as in not so fun really. But I guess we all know how that goes. I'm pretty sure Joaquin was glad to have me back though after being full time dad for 3 days. I say, it was good for him!

And for the update, we did get some rooms painted this last week. Always good to bring color in - don't ya think? Ellie has 2 teeth coming in on the bottom, pretty much simultaneously. And much to Joaquin's happiness, she is starting to get some curls. Our little one is growing up so fast, it's scary! And a big congratulations to Liz, Darryl and little Meredith!

Later,
Lori

so...

does this ever happen to you?

You are just going along with your daily life, all the while trying to figure out what the hell to do with yourself?

This is what I am going through right now!

I mean, I bought the house. (Which by the way is for sale if anyone is interested.)



I got married.

I had the kid.



Now what?
Seriously!

We tried the bundt cake thing but couldn't find someone willing to fork over $500k for a cake biz - go figure.
So, that was a bust!

So, now I'm back to scrapbooking.






It's what makes me HAPPY.
It's hard to find the time but when I do, it's all about that.

So, does anyone want to make me happy and hire me to scrap? Or do you want to wallow in my mid life crisis?

and throw it in the oven...

patty cake
patty cake
baker's man
bake me a cake as fast as you can
roll it
and
pat it
and mark it with an e
AND THROW IT IN THE OVEN

for Ellie and me

happy easter.

Hope you all had a good one and got through the day without a chocolate overload!

me?...no!

Okay, so this is what I have been coming home to in my mailbox for the last 3 months. Keep in mind, it is addressed to me.



Now, as most of you know, I am not hispanic but happen to have a hispanic name and so I guess people assume things.
Take for instance the telemarketers who have been calling me lately, asking for me in spanish. First time I said wrong number. Second time I said this is her and the lady had to say she was sorry because she didn't speak English. At this point, you are probably wondering why I would pick up the phone for telemarketers anyway - it is because lately, it is Grand Central Station around our house and I'm hoping if I pick up and say no they will stop calling. By the way, hasn't happened yet.
Anyway, I am sure it is a fabulous magazine and it is written in English but somehow it just ends up in the trash. I mean, Joaquin doesn't even read it.

So, if any of you reading this blog are telemarketers or editors of this fine publication - you can take me off the list.

No quiero!
Lori

where to start?

So many things to say...

First off, Ellie turned 8 months on Tuesday. I'm a little behind, I know. But, just for my records - this is what is happening around here.
She is crawling.
She is walking (of course when we hold her arms up).
She is climbing up on everything.
She blows raspberries.
She clicks her tongue.
She gives kisses.
She loves to watch her hands move.
She still has no teeth.

And, this is what she discovered today...


Second, I have been thinking that I really want to go to New York again soon. Like right now! We were supposed to go this November to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday. (She is probably going to kill me for announcing that one) But now, she is backing out. Mom, please think how fun it would be. You should really reconsider. I know it's not for a while but if I know I will be going, I could probably hold out.

Third, how do you like the new look of the blog? Pretty snazzy eh? Anyway, those of you new to blogs - you are missing out, but let me tell you a couple of things... you can leave comments - we LOVE the comments! After each post, it will have a number and then comments. Click on that under the post if you have something to say. A box will come up with 3 options. If you don't have a google account, you can click on other and put your name there (you don't need a web address which is totally stupid if you ask me) or you can do anonymous (but why would you want to hide) and then submit after whichever option you have chosen. Make sense?
Remember, we LOVE the comments - makes it all worth while knowing that someone is actually reading this!

Fourth, I have decided to sell my pez. I'm going to keep a few that I just can't get rid of but mostly, they are gone. I did this a while back at an ebay store but they went out of business so they gave them all back to me. Besides, a saw a Bratz pez dispenser the other day. It is almost like I have lost all respect. What is that about? So, if anyone is interested, I will try and post links once they are available.

Fifth, I have my scrapbooking mojo back! I have actually been able to do a few pages lately. Feels somewhat good to get back in the groove. Anyway, I thought I would just throw this out there to see if anyone would be interested... I'm thinking of doing some sort of side gig of scrapping for people other than myself. I figure a little more income wouldn't hurt. If anyone wants to know more about this, you can comment (again, see above) and I can discuss details.

Sixth, Lindsi, I hate to single you out but I sent you an email the other day regarding your questions and it came back undeliverable - did you change it? If so, I'm going to need the new one.

Wow, six things. And to think that number nine is my favorite number. I feel like I should go until then just to make myself feel better, but you probably stopped reading at number two. If not, you are too nice and let me know if I can answer any questions!

Have a super duper weekend, I know I will.
Lori

ellie. ellie. and more ellie.

Because there are some people out there who could care less about the lives of Joaquin and I, I present you Miss Ellie.
(But don't worry, if it wasn't for the two of us, she wouldn't be here! So, you will still be hearing about all of us!)

here she is standing up in her cute mini skirt!

trying to open the drawer.

modeling her I already know more than the President shirt.

playing with her baby food lids at lunch.

playing in the crib we requested at the hotel.

at the beach.

modeling her swimsuit.

completely dirty after eating a biscuit in her Joshua Radin onesie.

the picture that makes me think - when exactly did I get a three year old? Okay, maybe not three, but doesn't she look old?

out of focus, but one of my favorites!



Okay, there were alot there. Hopefully enough to make everyone happy!
Enjoy!
Later,
Lori