Monday, August 11, 2008





This is the story: Gala made a cheetah at the build-a-bear at Chicago's Navy Pier. Since grandma nicknamed her "snow white" ( she was born with pale skin and red lips) we go nuts whenever we see snow white merchandise (shop-aholics, oh yes) so when we saw the costume we just had to get it. So today she was at play and mom's camera just clicked away (sometimes I swear my daughter thinks the camera is an extension of my face!). She danced and "fed" the cheetah and carried her around 'till they were both exhausted. Ok, now on to the Summer pics like I promised. See you next month!

Sunday, August 10, 2008




















The family having Chicago-style deep dish pizza at Giordano's. Yum! These are the pics from our summer trip, and do read the post at the end, it's short; I promise! Hope everyone had a great summer. I'm a little reluctant to let go (not that you should know, but I spent today with my daughter in her inflatable pool. Now that's denial, ha ha!)

With mom at the lake.


Bathing beauty.


With cousin Amy, wearing "I love my auntie" onesies. (Leslie bought Gala's and I bought Amy's).


Goofing around with Caleb outside the Red Lobster.

Gala with Dad and baby Amy. They're wearing matching dresses!!!!


My beautiful Gala Noel at the giant "jelly bean", Chicago. See below picture for size refference!


Downtown Chicago, Millenium Park: At the Giant Jellybean. Isn't it cool????? There was even a bride and groom!

Friday, August 08, 2008

08/08/08 OlYmPiC sUmMeR

The Olympics in Beijing started today. My Gala's first. Grandma got her the t-shirt which promises a nice scrapbook layout... We're back and can I just say:

What a great summer!!!
First off, I am glad to report Gala (and everyone else!) survived the plane ride. Everything was great (even though our plane did get delayed two hours... :( )
Summer in Wisconsin is the kind of summer I'm talking about. I know, not everyone's idea of what summer is about but it is to me. The whole family went, even my brother who caught us at O'Hare and rented a big car (and with today's gas prices, that's LOVE!); so that made it even more fun.

Many big milestones. Meeting baby Amalia who is just as cute as a button with goldspun ringlets and the bluest eyes ever. Caleb and Gala meeting for the second time (the first time he was two and she was a month old!) and playing together (for the most part). Gala meeting the sand and a lake for the very first time, in her leopard print bikini. Of course her first plane ride, her first visit to Chicago (MY kind of town), and... (drumroll please)... her first time eating lobster tail (Good luck trying to get her back to Gerber).

Of course she was spoiled silly by her grandma "Lala", specially at the Build-a-bear where she (in true family spirit) immediately chose the cheetah. Now I have two closets to keep. I mean, the cheetah has crocs.

Everything was sunny and beautiful and a wonderful experience down to the swing in the garden, mosquitoes and all; it exceeded our expectations. And then you pack the night before, and load the car and wave at the family you leave behind and wonder where the week went. And you feel all nostalgic and think it's a crime we only get to do this once every one or two years. But thank GOD almighty for these little encounters that lift our spirits so. Promise to post pics soon. I just wanted to post something on 08/08/08 to preserve the date. Gala is 17 months old today.
She is the reason my heart shines from the inside out. Love u my little pea!

This blog is dedicated to a lot of people. To my family (Both here, in L.A. and Dousman, Wisconsin), for playing such an important part not only in this trip but in my little one's life. That is so important to me. For Miguel, for being such an incredible dad. I see you play with her and I just melt. And I'm totally fine with her calling out for you 95% of the time. I love it.
For Rosa Elena and Mau and the Casais family. Our prayers and friendship are ever present. We love you dearly. Now let's ready for back-to-school!!!!