Monday, January 27, 2014

Where has the time flown?

Dear Froggie,

I have kept meaning to write to you on here but as usual for your Mommom, time disappeared. Suddenly, here we are. You are 1 year old. You aren't a baby anymore but a toddler. You have a personality. You are a little person. I think we know a little of who you will be when you grow up. You have an amazing sense of humor. You love to smile and make others smile. You are a little bit of a trickster. You like to hide your friends' pacis from them and then giggle. You are adventurous. You love to climb and explore and fly on your swing. You love without reservation. When I tell you no, you are sad but you quickly move on. You are a tiny spitfire and we adore you.
Your 1st birthday was pretty adventurous. You had a birthday party one weekend with all of your friends. There was a Sesame Street cake and lots of snacks, but most of all there was lots of time on the swing set your grandparents bought you and your Pawpaw built for you. You got Little People, bubbles, and balls, all your favorite things. Then on your actual birthday we took family pictures with all your grandparents and Aunt Melissa and Uncle Maz, then you got to eat spaghetti and a cupcake at home! You were a MESS! but so happy.   Mommom had a moment yesterday out shopping with Daddy. There was a little preemie outfit. Seeing how tiny you were and what a big girl you are now makes our hearts fill with joy. I can't wait to see what every day brings with you around.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

5 months

So it may only be once a month that I write but its better than nothing I suppose.  You just turned 5 months old on Tuesday and you are getting so big. We think you are around 13lbs and are just changing every day. I look at your pictures and its amazing how much your face has changed.

This last month you have been staying with Daddy. He has gotten up every morning and fed you while Mommy gets ready for work and then you guys get to hang out. Mommy has been a little jealous but you always have a smile for me when I get home.  You are such a happy baby, it is so rare for you to really cry. You have come to help Mommy fix her new classroom and have spent some time in the pool.

Hopefully in a few weeks you can start swim lessons and maybe some yoga classes.  Mommy wants to be healthy so that I can keep up with you when you are running around :)

love you little one.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

So maybe Mommy lied....

Ok, so you are now 4 months old and you are the most beautiful baby we have ever seen.

Recap of the last couple of months:
You have been such a happy baby and after 3 months of sleeping on Mommy, you decided on your own that you are ready for your own bed. You still sleep next to Mommy and come into bed with her for about an hour of cuddles/sleep before early mornings.

Your favorite time of day is morning and after Daddy feeds you, you are all smiles and giggles. It is so much fun to see you throw big smiles in the morning when you see us. Then you go to your Abuelitos and hang out there. You love to be outside and anytime you get a little fussy, your Abuelito takes you outside to listen to the fountain.

You have been lots of places already- Rebuilding projects, the Zoo, NHS's prom and Pleasure Pier in Galveston where you had lots of fun trying to catch the wind. For your 4 month birthday your Grandma and PawPaw got you a bouncy chair and your first bathing suit. You had fun charming everyone even though Grandma Lilly says you are growing up too fast. You also got your UH rocking horse which first time on you smiled and kicked like you wanted to ride a horse for real

Mommy has been having a little bit of a rough time trying to get everything done at work and home but your smiles and cuddles make it worth it. She wishes she hadnt decided to teach summer school so that she could be home during the day but at least the 3 day weekends and earlier time off will allow her to spend more time with you.  Here are you and Daddy on Cougar Red Friday :)


Thursday, March 28, 2013

2 months!

Wow, I can't believe it has been a full 2 months since you have been here and almost as long since I have written you.

You have been such a joy to have and we are getting to see more of your personality every day. For the most part you have been pretty calm and happy...unless you are hungry. You also have quite the comedic timing. Intentionally or not!  Anyway, here are a few highlights from the last 2 months.

Sleep- you sleep pretty well at night as long as Mommy or Daddy are with you. For the 1st month, Mommy slept with you on the sofa. Some for you but mostly for her since she was still hurting from the surgery.

The week after we had you home, Mommy was a little emotional knowing how crazy your birth had been. So she started crying...to which you rolled your eyes. When I said "Hey little girl, you can't start rolling your eyes at me yet, you're not a teenager" you proceeded to stick your tongue out at me.

It took about 4 weeks for Mommy to be able to drive and about 5 to be able to get out of the house easily. Thank goodness for your Great-grandma Lilly and PawPaw for coming over almost every day to let Mommy take a shower and maybe catch a nap (or wash bottles/clothes/etc)

At the same time, Mommy interviewed for a new job teaching at Stratford and GOT IT!  (yay!)

Months 1-2:
you are almost 9lbs and healthy. Mommy just went back to work on March 27 and you get to stay with your Abuelito, Abuelita, and Uncle Karim. You are so lucky because they love you so much.

We love taking pictures of you though we wish you would hold your smiles a little longer so we could get them on camera.

You have been to the mall a couple of times, visited both Mommy and Daddy's schools, and the office lots of times.

Also we have told everyone not to make jokes about babies when they are in mommy's belly. it comes back to bite you! We told our students we were having a velociraptor and when you get hungry you get screechy and try to eat your own hand. One of my students called you a ninja and it looks like you are one when you eat.

Also, we have been able to visit Audrey and Evan (born 2 months before you) and Henry (born 2 weeks after) maybe we will be able to meet Emma and Vivienne soon too!
it will not take me another 2 months to write I promise, little love! 

Thursday, January 31, 2013

First days home

Dear Froggie,

Wow,  what a crazy week! After your surprise appearance a month early, it has been very hectic. We spent 4 days in the hospital, mostly because of Mommy since you were born very suddenly. Then we got to bring you home. Mommy and Daddy are doing ok. Your daddy has had his hands full taking care of both of us, since Mommy can't do too much right now, and your grandma, naniji, and Gigi have been coming over almost every day to see how they can help. Thank goodness because Mommy has been very overwhelmed and daddy is exhausted. It's crazy, because there were lots of other pregnant mommies who were supposed to have their little ones before us but here you are! We are so blessed that you are healthy and happy and eating (a LOT) and doing all the things you should be doing.  Between your baby tai chi and air guitaring we think you are going to be quite the creative one. Well, today is your first drs appt since leaving the hospital which means its also time for your first bath. Love you little one!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Birthday!

So you are as impatient  as your momma. You decided to scare us half to death and come a full month early. After being rushed to the hospital by ms. McClendon the librarian at hollibrook where we were on a field trip, just an hour later you were here. You are so beautiful and everyone is so excited to meet you even though they were all worried about both of us. Your uncle maz even finished setting up your room since he was so nervous.  You have been so calm so far, so we hope it stays that way. Going to get you from the nursery soon...love you Sooooooo much little one!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Paint colors

So little one, we picked out the paint color for your room today. Our first idea was green, then sky blue, and now we decided on a purple. Actually your daddy picked it out. Hopefully this weekend your room will get painted and we will start getting your room together. We are so excited and love feeling you move around and kick. Especially when you play with your dad by kicking him when he taps you. We are very lucky you know to have such an awesome dad. While mommy is definitely worn out, we know it is so worth it. Will post pictures soon!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

New Year, More Kicking

Dear Froggie,

It has been awhile since your Dad or I have written anything. Between giving final exams, family being in town, and trying to get the house cleaned up after everyone left, Mommy was very tired.  So, whats been going on....

Well, you seem to really like 2013 and keep moving around. Sometimes it has been difficult for Mommy to breathe and you seem to like kicking her ribs, but it is totally worth it. But, work has been stressing Mommy out as well, and some people seem to forget that I am not working at full speed anymore. Oh well, it is what happens.

We had your 33 week drs appointment today. We got to hear your heartbeat again and it was pretty funny that you kicked the machine. These next 2 weeks we should get your room set up as your Aunts Shelby, Melissa, and Linda are throwing a baby shower, so is your grandma, and 3 other baby showers, so we are excited to see all the stuff for your room.

Anyway for tonight, Mommy is going to go to bed early so hopefully we can both get some rest.

Love you, only 7 more weeks to go!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Last Trimester

Dear Froggie,

EEEEEEK!!! We are officially at the last tri-mester which means you are closer and closer to making your appearance. Mommy worries because she isnt getting very big, but hopefully you are all good in there :) Daddy says Mom should relax!

Anyway, both of your parents are teachers and as such we dont have a very high tolerance for ridiculousness. Know that we will help you if you struggle with something (well everything) but giving up or acting up is not an option.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

November 2012

Dear Froggie,

Once again it has been a little while since your Dad or I have had a chance to write anything. November and December are always very hectic. This year more than normal. Thanksgiving was early this year so we didnt put up our Christmas tree until December 1st. As always your Aunt Leila was a huge help with decorating. Your Uncle Anwar had fun making silly faces at us while we decorated outside. Mommy and Daddy dont go too crazy with the Black Friday shopping (and by dont go crazy, I mean we dont go at all) I think we spent that whole day watching movies/playing games/being lazy. We keep getting warned that once you come we wont have much lazy time, but hopefully you are either as good at napping as your Mom or as laid-back as your Dad. I did spend a little time and bought you some outfits online but between your Aunt Shelby and Aunt Melissa, I think you will be good on clothes. So far, we havent really done much in your room but that is because your aunts, uncles, and cousins will be coming from Mexico so we want them to have someplace to sleep. But, after Christmas it becomes your room for good :)

As of right now both Mommy and Daddy are enjoying all your kicking, though sometimes it makes Mommy feel like she is on a roller-coaster but if it means that you are strong and happy, we will take it. We are also trying to make sure that everything is ready to go for Mommy's work and activities just in case you come earlier or later than expected. Its a little stressful but it makes for a very easy 2nd semester.

We are getting close to the third tri-mester and we are both excited and terrified at the same time. But we have found with all the stress and insanity, hugs, kisses, and cuddles always make things better, and I am sure they will as you grow up as well.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Trips and other fun events

Dear Froggie,

Hi sweetheart. Sorry it has been a while since your daddy or I have written anything. This week was very hectic, but you did very well when Mommy had to travel to UT and Texas A&M and it was a long day. You are a very lucky little girl you know. You have more adopted aunts and uncles, big brothers and big sisters than anyone else. They were excited to see Mommy's belly on the trip and are all probably going to come meet you after you arrive. This week was also a doctors appointment for Mommy and apparently you are doing great, though you like to move around so it was hard to find you for the heartbeat!  Tomorrow we are going with Aunt Shelby to start picking out stuff for your room. Always remember these little things and how much you are loved.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election Day

Dear Froggie,

Today is election day and one thing you will need to know is that your daddy and I both feel that it is very important to become part of the process.  There will be lots of discussions and arguments with families but know that no matter what is going on, being polite and not name calling is very important. We don't know who will win tonight but your vote will always count.

Monday, November 5, 2012

24 weeks in

and Mommy finally had to give in and give you a little growing room. It is apparently appreciated since you are kicking during the day a little more than normal. These next 10 days are going to be a little hectic so hopefully we work together and get stuff done. But, after that things should calm down and we can focus on getting stuff for you and starting to get your room together.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

5 months down...4 to go

Dear Froggie-

You have now been growing for 5 months and we only have 4 months to go. While it seems like a long time away, I know it will fly by. Guess we need to start looking at stuff for your room soon :)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Family, Teams, and Naming you!

Dear Froggie,

This weekend was a little rough. Your Grandpa has some issues that we as a family are going to have to help with. I know he is very excited to meet you though. All your grandparents love you so much already, they can't wait to meet you in a few months.

On the other hand, like your Dad said, he and I make an awesome team. We may argue sometimes but at the end of the day, there is no one I would rather spend my/our lives with. Right now, we are having fun trying to combine Mommy and Daddy's schedules. Its a little complicated but I am sure we will get used to it. Just know that you will be a very active little girl.

Lastly, we have had your name picked out, I think since before your dad and I got married. Your name is from a series of books by Robert Jordan. Your dad loves them (all 200 of them j/k dad!) and I got through about 4 of them but the one thing I got, was your name. Anaiya. We had no idea what it meant, we just both really liked the name. Then your mom, being a history person, liked the story of Katherine of Aragon before she married King Henry. (no worries, you will get to read about her later!) Her Spanish name was Catarina. With all the cultures you have going on (Mexican, Pakistani, Irish, Italian) we wanted to try to include as many of them as possible.  Luckily, after we found out what you were, we started looking the names up.

Anaiya- which is based in India- means "she who brings sunshine" or "God's gift"
Catarina- which is Italian/Spanish (and based in Greek) means "pure"

We both saw the meanings of your names and realized how perfect they are for you. You are going to bring sunshine to so many.

PS- lots of people have asked if I have felt you yet, and YES!!! You have quite the little personality there. Apparently you dont like the buttons on my pants all of a sudden and have decided to kick them repeatedly. You also like to move around right when Mommy is ready to take a nap. But, the stronger you are and the more you move, your Dad gets to feel you too. And, actually as I am writing this, you are kicking the buttons. Guess they are pushing on you in a weird way. Time to go get bigger clothes.

We love you little one!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Greetings from the other side...

So, hello there, Froggie...

I figured that it was long past time that I weighed in and gave you a few words. Your Mom and I are going to make mistakes. We know that going into this. But, we also know that, regardless of any of our mistakes, we will be there for you. I am a terrible role model and I would hate for you to make some of the mistakes that I have made but, I understand that each of use has to find our own way. I will do my best to give you wisdom, gained through my blood, sweat and tears, comfort, from the many hugs and protection I hope to provide and, more than anything else, smiles and laughter because, a life without smiles - a life without laughter is a life unworthy of your time.

Your mother and I are both stubborn. this is not especially important, I just wanted you to know. We will both want to get our way both with you and each other. Sometimes that will cause friction. You should know now that it will happen from time to time. Mom and I are an amazing team but we are still individuals. We both have our opinions on things and they sometimes clash. It doesn't change our feelings for you or for each other. That is just, sometimes, how we operate.

Mom is really bad about uncovering surprises that are meant for her. That said, it is totally o.k. to be sneaky when it comes to planning fun things for Mom. Otherwise, you should try to be honest.

P.S. - Don't try to grow up too fast. Being a kid is one of the best things this world has to offer and you should try to enjoy the wonder and candor that come with the territory. try to keep your eyes open and marvel at the natural surprises that the world has in store for you if you just take the time to see them. I will do my best to point out a few once you get here.

So...you're a .....

Girl! Your daddy and I are excited to finally know what you are. We told both sets of grandparents by taking them pink flowers, and both of us have pink flowers in our classrooms. Also, apparently you are a little bit of a show-off, moving all over the place during the ultrasound. We have a good picture of your head and your hands but the rest we can't really tell what it is. While we now know what you are and what you will be named, you are still our little froggie.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Please be on your best behavior today!

Dear Froggie,

Today we go to the doctor to find out if you are a girl or a boy. Since you already know what you are, it would be nice for us to know too. Mommy likes everything to be organized and your Daddy wants to start decorating your room!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Your daddy's first week

Dear Froggie,

I guess you decided to put on a show last night when we were helping your dad set up his classroom. Of course that could be because I hadnt fed you since lunch. :) sorry! Mommy forgets to eat sometimes. (I know that isnt a good thing) Anyway, your dad's classroom is pretty cool. Maybe I should get him a little stuffed frog so that he has a little piece of you, since I get to have you with me all the time.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Cuddles

There will always be time made for cuddles, its a very important part of the day.