Ode to Noelle

I've wanted to do this for a while, and now I have the time. All parents are allowed to put their children on pedestals every now and then. For those of you who have been around our daughter, Noelle long enough for her to shout and sing "Where is Thumbkin," you will most understand this blog. For the rest of you: this is Noelle - she is almost two years old, has curly brown hair, a beautiflul smile and an angelic personality. She loves eating turkey sandwiches, and prefers raisins for dessert. Grocery trips are her favorite trips, because there she sees all of the yummy food she eats. Her favorite person in the world (besides her parents) is probably her cousin Lucia; they love getting into mischeif together, already. It seems that every day this little girl makes us laugh until it hurts! It might be the way she cocks her head to the side and lets us know exactly what's on her mind, or perhaps it's when we're in the grocery store, and she and her mom are on one side of the store, and I can hear her from the other side of the store saying "turkey, momma, turkey!" She is so energenic too. Instead of walking from one place to the next, she finds it necessary to run; it's so cute, because her run isn't yet smooth, so it's more of a fast walk combined with bouncing. The crowning event, though was when I was playing with her, acting silly, of course, and she turns to me and says "silly daddy!" I was laughing so hard! Noelle has definitely made parenting a fun experience. Aside from her silliness she carries about her a soft, and gentle spirit, which is my favorite. We both love her very much, and hope all of you get a chance to get to know Noelle as we know her.

Dan

Check Out the Poll!

Naming a baby, we found, can be pretty comlplicated, so we decided to accept suggestions from you all, and came up with a poll of some of our favorite names. If anyone can suggest other names that aren't shown on our poll, please let us know. Have fun with it!
-Dan

Apple Hill Trip #1

What a perfect setting: the rolling California foothills, blanketed with a low layer of clouds. We covered our heads with our hoods, so the drizzling mist wouldn't get us too wet. The smell of warm apple pastries filled the air, and took me back to when I was Noelle's age. It was such a treat to go to Apple Hill as a child. There was that pitiful little pond that houses close to a thousand stocked trout. I still stood and gazed across its surface in hopes that I would see some fish jump out of the water, and a little part of me wished I'd have brought my pole. Apple Hill is an autumn icon. Hoards of people flood the small community of Camino just to perhaps relive some of their fondest childhood memories and traditions, or do like we did and start new fall-time traditions with their own children. One of my favorite items at Apple Hill is that dumpy looking, yellow thermos that sits on the edge of a wall (and I am sure it is the same one I saw as a kid). The thermos is full of fresh-squeezed apple juice, and is surrounded by disposable Dixie cups that are used to test its yummy taste. There was an eerie feeling walking up and down, and in and out of all the craft boutiques, because there were only a handful of people that were doing the same. Usually the isleways are filled shoulder to shoulder with people looking to buy some little knick-knack. I always thought my Big Grandma was the only person that bought things from those shops (if you saw her seasonal decorations you'd understand). Conversely, the restaurant area where you can buy the famous Apple Hill Apple Fritter was still shoulder to shoulder filled with people.
So our first Apple Hill trip was one for the books. Noelle loved being outdoors, where she was able to wander and absorb her surroundings. Unfortunately, our trip was shortened due to the increasing threat of rain; that's okay, new memories were made, and a new autumn tradition was started. Until next time...

A Lil bit o' us

IT"S A BOY!!!

Well, I am finally getting around to writing on our blog. Dan has done all of the work thus far! (I have been so impressed with how much time he has spent on it) I have sat in the chair beside him saying, "Oh-yah! I like the picture there, etc." As Dan has mentioned, life is at it's all-time craziest! Every day is filled with adventure as Dan works to juggle full-time school, (and really-really hard classes) the early morning shift at UPS, an internship with an occupational therapist in the afternoon, watching Noelle in the evenings (while I work) and an all-day Friday position at the Local Plumber's Union office. He is such a trooper- and never complains! I, on the other hand am fortunate to work a semi-full time position assistant-managing at the gym, rotating between days and evenings to allow time at home with Noelle when I can. While we are gone, Noelle either spends her time with Grandma Shirley, Nana or Papa Aldama or Nikki. Fortunately she loves "all of her people" and is so happy to be with any of her caregivers. We are so blessed to have willing and loving family to help us through this busy period! (I often say, that we have a village raising our child) She is so happy and I know so much of this is due to having so many people who care for her and love her!

Last Wednesday, we found out that we are pregnant with a boy! Yipee! I have been in frilly-girl land for the last two years. What a change this is going to be! The addition to our home is going to be exciting. You know, when you buy a car and then start looking around at the other cars like yours on the road... I feel that way now. I can't stop looking around at all of the little boy babies I see. We are really, really excited! (However, I can wait!) We are about 5 months along and expecting in March. (Stasia's b-day to be exact) I am enjoying my one-on-one time with Noelle. I had no idea that one and a half was such a fun age. I love spending time with her-she's just a little buddy. She is talking all of the time, playing alot, singing all of the time and just curious as can be. She loves winnie the pooh, her cousins, reading, climbing and going to gymanstics! (Started jumping-it's really cute) Life seems to get better every day! It is a blast!

I hope all of you are doing well! We are entering into Gina and Josh's wedding weeked. (I get to have my toes and nails done today!) We will post pictures after the wedding! Happy October!
All of my love, Tami

No more confusion...hopefully

Due to recent confusion, I reinvited a bunch of you. I think I might have changed a setting or two - hey I'm new at this stuff! Anyway, I hope everyone is well. Please continue to pray and hope for the best for Ruby and Ella. They are two of the sweetest girls I've ever met. Love ya bunches.

Dan and Tami

School's In Session - Bummer!

It's Dan:
So the first couple of weeks in school have been fun, but challenging. I think this semester will be really hard, because of my work load (Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Biomechanics, and a writing intensive class), but the hardest part will be my time away from Noelle. I can't believe how attached I have grown to her. I never thought love could be anchored so deeply, as it is between her and I. We definitely have a special Father-Daughter bond. What a change married/family life can bring to someone. When love is reciprocated between human beings, great things can happen. Tami and I are and probably will be in the poorest financial position of our lives right now. We have chosen, though to make the best of our situation, and try to please each other by being sensitive to our personal wishes. I love her, and am so happy to have committed my time and energy to her happiness.
So aside from shool, and family I am also volunteering at a local Developmental Occupational Therapy clinic. The therapist is awesome! She provides therapy to high to low functioning autistic kids. I am learning so much from her therapy sessions. The field of autistic research and development is growing tremendously, though no known cause of autism has been found, which makes therapy difficult at times. How do you fix something when the cause is unknown? It's fun to think that I have the opportunity to be part of this growing field!
Thanks everyone for sharing your lives with us. Best wishes to all - o - ya'll!! Adieu.

Dan