These photos are by LyraLyra Photography - sheer genius.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Words Simply Won't Do...
Words simply cannot describe the love I have for my family, so lets try pictures....
These photos are by LyraLyra Photography - sheer genius.
These photos are by LyraLyra Photography - sheer genius.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thankful
so so so so so very thankful.
Wednesday was my 28th (!!!!!) birthday and it was simply perfect. Work was unexpectedly quiet so I left a few hours early for some Tessa time. This was not before I was taken out for a wonderful laugh-filled lunch by the O'Hagan sisters. Thank you ladies for being the wonderful/amazing friends you are.
After some mall browsing I returned home to my beautiful little boy and loving mother cooking dinner. [Well, it was more like Ayden eating and playing with the food while Gram-e moved at lightening speed to prepare dinner between Ayden's demands.] I figured the least I could do was take Ayden outside for a walk while mom and Jenna (who came home to help!!) finished the dinner preparations (and a little wine) together.
In the nick of time, J returned home from travel. Whether it was the food or his wife's bday driving the urgency is hard tell ;), but either way, his family was ecstatic to see him and Ayden's angelic giggles filled the house.
Dinner was delicious and complimented by the delightful company of Grandpere and Grandmere (whose 84th bday was the day before!!). Of course, photos should have been taken, but sadly were not. We were simply too busy laughing, crying at the beautiful cards, reminiscing and talking to think 'photo op!' (Plus, Ayden was sound asleep in his bed.....and who wants a photo these days without that beaming face?)
The question you have all been pondering.......Yes, we did in fact have World Class Chocolate for dessert. It simply would not have been a Tessa birthday without it. Not to mention, I think Grandpere is just as excited for my birthdays as I am so he too can share in the simply sinful WCC delight - this experience did not disappoint!
A highlight of the day was all the lovely phone calls, texts, emails, cards, facebooking, IMs that inundated every mobile device I own. In fact, by the end of the day both phones were out of batteries, begging me with red bars to give them a rest =)
27 was a wonderful year filled with many firsts, personal challenges and accomplishments and as always, overflowing with friends and family.
Here is to you who made it the fantastic year it was.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love.
Wednesday was my 28th (!!!!!) birthday and it was simply perfect. Work was unexpectedly quiet so I left a few hours early for some Tessa time. This was not before I was taken out for a wonderful laugh-filled lunch by the O'Hagan sisters. Thank you ladies for being the wonderful/amazing friends you are.
After some mall browsing I returned home to my beautiful little boy and loving mother cooking dinner. [Well, it was more like Ayden eating and playing with the food while Gram-e moved at lightening speed to prepare dinner between Ayden's demands.] I figured the least I could do was take Ayden outside for a walk while mom and Jenna (who came home to help!!) finished the dinner preparations (and a little wine) together.
In the nick of time, J returned home from travel. Whether it was the food or his wife's bday driving the urgency is hard tell ;), but either way, his family was ecstatic to see him and Ayden's angelic giggles filled the house.
Dinner was delicious and complimented by the delightful company of Grandpere and Grandmere (whose 84th bday was the day before!!). Of course, photos should have been taken, but sadly were not. We were simply too busy laughing, crying at the beautiful cards, reminiscing and talking to think 'photo op!' (Plus, Ayden was sound asleep in his bed.....and who wants a photo these days without that beaming face?)
The question you have all been pondering.......Yes, we did in fact have World Class Chocolate for dessert. It simply would not have been a Tessa birthday without it. Not to mention, I think Grandpere is just as excited for my birthdays as I am so he too can share in the simply sinful WCC delight - this experience did not disappoint!
A highlight of the day was all the lovely phone calls, texts, emails, cards, facebooking, IMs that inundated every mobile device I own. In fact, by the end of the day both phones were out of batteries, begging me with red bars to give them a rest =)
27 was a wonderful year filled with many firsts, personal challenges and accomplishments and as always, overflowing with friends and family.
Here is to you who made it the fantastic year it was.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Weekend Wrap Up
Weekends...they take forever to arrive and a blink to go by. But darn if I don't get a few pictures of the little man in ;)
This past weekend was, per usual, packed to the gills with fun activities and loving friends.
Ayden kicked off the weekend with an ad hoc date with Gram-E on Friday. As Ayden was still a little under the weather, Gram-E was able to pick him up early and give him some much needed down time at home. I too was able to skip out of work early and meet up with them for the perfect start to the weekend......shopping at TARGET!!
Saturday began, as all Saturday's do these days, with a French Toast Mafia run. Thank you Karen for the new kick-my-butt route. And HUGE shout out to the Rupprechts who pulled it off with Taylor in tow. Now that is inspiration. I, on the other hand, chose to drop Ayden off at my mom's for some play time and a nap.
After breakfast my mom and I took off to Lynnea's bridal shower. What a beautiful event. It has been a while since I was at a bridal shower (everything seems to be about babies these days!), but it brought back some very fond memories of my showers and pre-wedding chaotic, yet fun, filled days. Hard to believe it has almost been five years....where has the time gone??
My favorite part of the shower was the guests. I was not acquainted with too many, but through conversations quickly learned that most were technically not family - despite being called Aunt Rose or Cousin so and so...they were not truly blood relatives. But, they were still family. Lynnea grew up with these people, celebrating holidays, sharing good times and bad. They were her family in the truest sense. And it certainly showed in their faces that they shared the same sentiments. I can't help but smile when I think about all the family (both blood relatives and not) that Jeremy, Ayden and I have all over the world. (Largely located in Tucson...another reason we simply cannot bring ourselves to want to leave any time soon!!).
[Side note - the disappointment of the shower was that I decided NOT to bring Ayden. In hindsight a solid decision on my part, considering all the low hanging fruit ripe for crazy toddler picking at the host's beautiful home]
But I digress...
The day continued with some much needed outdoor family time.
As you avid readers are well aware, my child is not shy about food. You could say he's an eater =) Funny thing is he enjoys sharing that passion for food with everyone (dogs included).
My favorite part of this was when poor Erowyn decided that the piece by piece distribution was not cutting it and went in to try and feed herself from the bowl. Her little head was greeted by a very abrupt little boy hand coupled with a frustrated grunt/yell. Though no words were communicated between the toddler and dog, the message was clear...'either you eat what I feed you or you don't eat at all!' Needless to say Erowyn returned to graciously taking the food from Ayden's eager outstretched hand one tiny kernel at a time.
Sunday began with a beautiful breakfast at La Paloma with Tata. Ayden was his usual busy busy self. Thankfully we sat outside and he was able to run around the patio and grass with his 'baaa'. I had high hopes of getting some pictures of Ayden and Tata, but clearly the word 'hope' was a good descriptor. you'll just have to take my word...it was simply splendid!
The weekend ended as they always do: a delicious family dinner (care of Gram-e), lots of laughter, a nap for Nana (aka Jenna) and a few of our favorite TIVO'd shows.
Is there a better way to kick off a new week??
This past weekend was, per usual, packed to the gills with fun activities and loving friends.
Ayden kicked off the weekend with an ad hoc date with Gram-E on Friday. As Ayden was still a little under the weather, Gram-E was able to pick him up early and give him some much needed down time at home. I too was able to skip out of work early and meet up with them for the perfect start to the weekend......shopping at TARGET!!
I heart this shirt! and Target ;) and clearly this little man!
Saturday began, as all Saturday's do these days, with a French Toast Mafia run. Thank you Karen for the new kick-my-butt route. And HUGE shout out to the Rupprechts who pulled it off with Taylor in tow. Now that is inspiration. I, on the other hand, chose to drop Ayden off at my mom's for some play time and a nap.
After breakfast my mom and I took off to Lynnea's bridal shower. What a beautiful event. It has been a while since I was at a bridal shower (everything seems to be about babies these days!), but it brought back some very fond memories of my showers and pre-wedding chaotic, yet fun, filled days. Hard to believe it has almost been five years....where has the time gone??
My favorite part of the shower was the guests. I was not acquainted with too many, but through conversations quickly learned that most were technically not family - despite being called Aunt Rose or Cousin so and so...they were not truly blood relatives. But, they were still family. Lynnea grew up with these people, celebrating holidays, sharing good times and bad. They were her family in the truest sense. And it certainly showed in their faces that they shared the same sentiments. I can't help but smile when I think about all the family (both blood relatives and not) that Jeremy, Ayden and I have all over the world. (Largely located in Tucson...another reason we simply cannot bring ourselves to want to leave any time soon!!).
[Side note - the disappointment of the shower was that I decided NOT to bring Ayden. In hindsight a solid decision on my part, considering all the low hanging fruit ripe for crazy toddler picking at the host's beautiful home]
But I digress...
The day continued with some much needed outdoor family time.
As you avid readers are well aware, my child is not shy about food. You could say he's an eater =) Funny thing is he enjoys sharing that passion for food with everyone (dogs included).
[To answer the question affront all your minds.....No, Ayden has not yet tried the dog food himself - key word, 'YET'!]
Sunday began with a beautiful breakfast at La Paloma with Tata. Ayden was his usual busy busy self. Thankfully we sat outside and he was able to run around the patio and grass with his 'baaa'. I had high hopes of getting some pictures of Ayden and Tata, but clearly the word 'hope' was a good descriptor. you'll just have to take my word...it was simply splendid!
The weekend ended as they always do: a delicious family dinner (care of Gram-e), lots of laughter, a nap for Nana (aka Jenna) and a few of our favorite TIVO'd shows.
Is there a better way to kick off a new week??
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Gut Wrenching!
Where to start?
I'm headed home after a typical long and tiring day at work. I'm running late to pick up Ayden, gone is the hope of getting him early today, and I'm just about to turn out of the plant site when the phone rings. I look down to see it is Olga, our nanny. She doesn't call often during the day so I think my heart naturally skips a tiny tiny tiny beat every time she does. I answer in my usual cheery way only to be greeted by a very distraught and crying Olga whose only audible words are, 'I'm so sorry Tessa'.
I'm sure many of you have had a (mommy or daddy) moment like this. The 30 seconds that lasts an eternity. The 30 seconds where you forget to breath, you lose touch with reality, every moment of your child's life and future goes whizzing before your eyes. Your stomach tightens up so severely you could have sworn it flipped inside out, traveled at lightening speed towards your head, grabbed every organ in sight and lodged itself in your throat.
Amazingly enough, on the inside the previously described events were occurring, but on the outside and in my voice, I was quite calm. I smoothly asked Olga what happened; the back of my mind screaming...'talk faster...hurry....get it out!!!' After what seemed a decade, Olga is able to tell me that she and the kids were in a car accident. They are all OK, but the car is pretty bad.
Phew...
I ask her where they are, tell her to calm down, everyone is OK and that is all that matters, and I'll be there soon.
Unfortunately, 'soon' meant 30min in traffic, but thankfully my Uncle David was quickly on the scene (the other three kids were his...as was the car). I arrived to a very calm car load of unharmed children (adorable Mac eager to give me the play-by-play of Ayden's reaction), a rattled Olga, my Uncle talking with the Police, and two smashed cars.
Ayden did suffer a little bruise and scrape from the belt along his neck, but beyond the initial frightened tears (all according to my eyewitness Miss Mac Montijo) he was in great spirits.
After some discussions, Ayden and I went home (with a quick stop to wish Grandmere a Happy Birthday - to be discussed in next post). We had a wonderful evening together, just the two of us, and he is now sound asleep dreaming of sugar plum fairies...or whatever it is that little boys dream about =)
Not to get too sappy and deep on you, but you have to admit little trials like this always make you think. They make you rattle in your head the old saying about how quickly your life can change. They ground you to what is important. They remind you the importance of making sure those you love know it each and every day. As a parent, I know I will not be able to protect Ayden from all the world might throw at him, (I will certainly guide and teach and prepare as much as possible) but I do know I can and will always be there if and when it hits. That's my job. That's what I signed up for when I decided to bring this amazing little boy into this huge unpredictable world.
I'm headed home after a typical long and tiring day at work. I'm running late to pick up Ayden, gone is the hope of getting him early today, and I'm just about to turn out of the plant site when the phone rings. I look down to see it is Olga, our nanny. She doesn't call often during the day so I think my heart naturally skips a tiny tiny tiny beat every time she does. I answer in my usual cheery way only to be greeted by a very distraught and crying Olga whose only audible words are, 'I'm so sorry Tessa'.
** pause **
I'm sure many of you have had a (mommy or daddy) moment like this. The 30 seconds that lasts an eternity. The 30 seconds where you forget to breath, you lose touch with reality, every moment of your child's life and future goes whizzing before your eyes. Your stomach tightens up so severely you could have sworn it flipped inside out, traveled at lightening speed towards your head, grabbed every organ in sight and lodged itself in your throat.
** and... we're back... **
Amazingly enough, on the inside the previously described events were occurring, but on the outside and in my voice, I was quite calm. I smoothly asked Olga what happened; the back of my mind screaming...'talk faster...hurry....get it out!!!' After what seemed a decade, Olga is able to tell me that she and the kids were in a car accident. They are all OK, but the car is pretty bad.
Phew...
I ask her where they are, tell her to calm down, everyone is OK and that is all that matters, and I'll be there soon.
Unfortunately, 'soon' meant 30min in traffic, but thankfully my Uncle David was quickly on the scene (the other three kids were his...as was the car). I arrived to a very calm car load of unharmed children (adorable Mac eager to give me the play-by-play of Ayden's reaction), a rattled Olga, my Uncle talking with the Police, and two smashed cars.
Ayden did suffer a little bruise and scrape from the belt along his neck, but beyond the initial frightened tears (all according to my eyewitness Miss Mac Montijo) he was in great spirits.
After some discussions, Ayden and I went home (with a quick stop to wish Grandmere a Happy Birthday - to be discussed in next post). We had a wonderful evening together, just the two of us, and he is now sound asleep dreaming of sugar plum fairies...or whatever it is that little boys dream about =)
All is well that ends well.
Not to get too sappy and deep on you, but you have to admit little trials like this always make you think. They make you rattle in your head the old saying about how quickly your life can change. They ground you to what is important. They remind you the importance of making sure those you love know it each and every day. As a parent, I know I will not be able to protect Ayden from all the world might throw at him, (I will certainly guide and teach and prepare as much as possible) but I do know I can and will always be there if and when it hits. That's my job. That's what I signed up for when I decided to bring this amazing little boy into this huge unpredictable world.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Looks like TROUBLE!
(and yet there I stood taking pictures for the blog....priorities???)
Ayden is avidly exploring his environment these days. I think the term 'exploring' puts a nice spin on the demolition derby currently occurring everywhere we go.
But, where would one be without their sense of humor?? The kid is curious, what can I say?? So far, there has been no major casualties, and in fact, I see Ayden learn something new each and every day through his sometimes haphazard explorations.
I trust there will be much more blogging about Ayden's 'exploring'.
Ayden is avidly exploring his environment these days. I think the term 'exploring' puts a nice spin on the demolition derby currently occurring everywhere we go.
But, where would one be without their sense of humor?? The kid is curious, what can I say?? So far, there has been no major casualties, and in fact, I see Ayden learn something new each and every day through his sometimes haphazard explorations.
I trust there will be much more blogging about Ayden's 'exploring'.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
"My Boys"
*sigh*....my boys. I just love saying that.
I love that I get to gobble them up each and every day. That I can plant as many kisses and hugs on them as I want (barring the dreaded truth that Ayden will grow up and perhaps one day not be as willing to accept my never-ending kisses ;)). That I am committed to doing all within my power to bring these smiles out. And that a photo like this can in one fell swoop brighten an otherwise downer day. I am the luckiest person in the world.
So, for no other reason than the pure simple fact that these pictures make me glow, I share them with you =)
I love that I get to gobble them up each and every day. That I can plant as many kisses and hugs on them as I want (barring the dreaded truth that Ayden will grow up and perhaps one day not be as willing to accept my never-ending kisses ;)). That I am committed to doing all within my power to bring these smiles out. And that a photo like this can in one fell swoop brighten an otherwise downer day. I am the luckiest person in the world.
So, for no other reason than the pure simple fact that these pictures make me glow, I share them with you =)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Riley's Do Easter
Or don't.....
We are officially no longer in the running for parents-of-the-year (allow me my delusion that we were ever actually in the running). J and I did absolutely, not one, tiny, little iota of an Easter celebration for Ayden. Despite not discussing it, it was understood that this was to be the calm before the storm. The last Easter without:
- eggs rotting somewhere in our house and yard (how can anyone possibly remember where they hid all those eggs???)
- gobs of fake plastic grass strewn around the house seemingly reproducing like rabbits
- multi-colored hands for weeks ('dye washes off with water and soap'???? Maybe they mean hydrogen peroxide!!)
And so we quietly let the agreement go unstated that we would relesh in the calm while secretly beginning preparations for next year.
Truth be told, Easter has always been my favorite holiday - seriously! My parents used to do a scavenger hunt every Easter, no matter where we were in the world. My brother and I woke to a note under our pillow....our first brain teaser clue. Which led to another clue, and so on until we each found our baskets. I honestly looked forward to nothing with more excitement than those Easter morning brain teasers. (thanks mom and dad!)
And so, despite our poor showing this year, I promise you the Riley's....WILL....DO....EASTER....!
In other news....
We did have a lovely lunch at Gram-E's with Grandmere and Grandpere. It was the perfect setting. Ayden was once again spoiled by Gram-E with a new Easter toy. (I thought it only fair that he need to solve some clues to get it - aka how to build it - but Gram-E felt otherwise and made me do it for him).
What a toy it is....Ayden is obsessed! Thanks Gram-E!
For good measure I am adding these photos as well, because it wouldn't be a true Ayden post without some good food gorging shots ;)
We are officially no longer in the running for parents-of-the-year (allow me my delusion that we were ever actually in the running). J and I did absolutely, not one, tiny, little iota of an Easter celebration for Ayden. Despite not discussing it, it was understood that this was to be the calm before the storm. The last Easter without:
- eggs rotting somewhere in our house and yard (how can anyone possibly remember where they hid all those eggs???)
- gobs of fake plastic grass strewn around the house seemingly reproducing like rabbits
- multi-colored hands for weeks ('dye washes off with water and soap'???? Maybe they mean hydrogen peroxide!!)
And so we quietly let the agreement go unstated that we would relesh in the calm while secretly beginning preparations for next year.
Truth be told, Easter has always been my favorite holiday - seriously! My parents used to do a scavenger hunt every Easter, no matter where we were in the world. My brother and I woke to a note under our pillow....our first brain teaser clue. Which led to another clue, and so on until we each found our baskets. I honestly looked forward to nothing with more excitement than those Easter morning brain teasers. (thanks mom and dad!)
And so, despite our poor showing this year, I promise you the Riley's....WILL....DO....EASTER....!
In other news....
We did have a lovely lunch at Gram-E's with Grandmere and Grandpere. It was the perfect setting. Ayden was once again spoiled by Gram-E with a new Easter toy. (I thought it only fair that he need to solve some clues to get it - aka how to build it - but Gram-E felt otherwise and made me do it for him).
What a toy it is....Ayden is obsessed! Thanks Gram-E!
For good measure I am adding these photos as well, because it wouldn't be a true Ayden post without some good food gorging shots ;)
That's my boy!!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Grandma-C Visits the Old Pueblo
This past week Ayden had a special visitor....Grandma-C! All the way from NY!!
Ayden had the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with Grandma-C showing her the ropes of toddlerhood. He asked that I share a few of his rules...
#1....'I'm very busy. Please don't get in my way or by any means try to stop what my mind is set on doing. I'm in constant motion.'
#2.... 'Due to all energy expended following rule #1, I am a ravenous eater. Plastic or not, here I come!! OH and I will decide what food I like this hour. My Tuesday menu doesn't dictate my Wednesday!'
#3...'OUTSIDE!!!! I don't care how many balls you find me in here, I want that one out there. And now that you mention it, I don't see any reason to ever come back inside.......ever. Since you don't seem to understand my english - aka babble - (despite repeating it clearly over and over and over and over again) - I will simply take your hand and lead you to the door.'
#4...'No means Yes, definitely more of that please...enough said'
#5...'I am loud. Not like jammin' to music in your car loud, like entire percussion section of a university marching band in your bedroom loud..........yup, I'm that loud =)'
#6...'I love my Grandma's'
#7...Did I mention I'm busy.......very very very busy....
Ayden had one very special day where he went to the zoo with both grandmas. I was not there to document the occasion (probably for the better), but I hear it went something like this...fooooooood, animal, animal, fooooooooood, animal, animal, foooooooooood.... Talk about seventh heaven.
What a lucky lucky boy to have two awesome - admit-ably both a little crazy!- grandmas =)
We had a wonderful visit with Corinne and I know Ayden will miss his Grandma-C.
(We also hope to see Grandpa Joe SOON!)
Ayden had the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with Grandma-C showing her the ropes of toddlerhood. He asked that I share a few of his rules...
#1....'I'm very busy. Please don't get in my way or by any means try to stop what my mind is set on doing. I'm in constant motion.'
#2.... 'Due to all energy expended following rule #1, I am a ravenous eater. Plastic or not, here I come!! OH and I will decide what food I like this hour. My Tuesday menu doesn't dictate my Wednesday!'
#4...'No means Yes, definitely more of that please...enough said'
#5...'I am loud. Not like jammin' to music in your car loud, like entire percussion section of a university marching band in your bedroom loud..........yup, I'm that loud =)'
#6...'I love my Grandma's'
Ayden had one very special day where he went to the zoo with both grandmas. I was not there to document the occasion (probably for the better), but I hear it went something like this...fooooooood, animal, animal, fooooooooood, animal, animal, foooooooooood.... Talk about seventh heaven.
What a lucky lucky boy to have two awesome - admit-ably both a little crazy!- grandmas =)
We had a wonderful visit with Corinne and I know Ayden will miss his Grandma-C.
(We also hope to see Grandpa Joe SOON!)
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