A Very Merry Christmas Indeed!

This was the second Christmas in a row that along with Christ's birth we celebrated the most special gift of a new life inside my womb and the anticipation of our family expanding. Another reason this year's Christmas season was so special was Spicy's intense excitement in everything from opening her chocolate windows on her Advent calendar each night to Christmas lights any and everywhere to Santa Claus and the way she shared her joy with all of us!

One of the highlights of our week-long celebration was definitely Christmas Eve with the 'Emde' side of the family including lots of little rascals running around and a surprise visit from yes, Kris Kringle himself.

Reactions ranged from pure exhilaration

To deep curiosity

To hesitant apprehension

but a wonderful time feasting, laughing, loving and sharing had by all and we were all sad when it came time to saying goodbye.

From our Home to Yours

As we celebrate the birth of Christ and a new year, 

May you ponder the things of above

 May you always make time for your best friends

 May you remain pure and flawless like a child

 May you never be too busy for a long walk and a good laugh

May you cherish your loved ones

 

May you make room for downright silliness

  May you love your brother (or sister) until it hurts...

  May your home be filled with Love and Laughter

 From our family to yours.

 Merry Christmas!

  Love, the Soto's

Dean, Marisa, Alizea, Genevieve and"TreSoto" coming Summer 2011!

Breakthrough

These past 2 weeks have been a turning point in our family life.
At least worth documenting to look back on when we're in our 80's...

 ...and perhaps give our offspring and future generations something to ponder...

After much praying & waiting and waiting & praying, we decided to seek counsel. Wise counsel. VERY wise counsel. Oh, I don't know. Something about a re-integration from a year-long separation presenting tremendous challenges, adjustments & difficulties due to a new way of living than that of what we were accustomed to (namely the single life while married with child), practically starting over as new parents but with a strong-willed 20 month-old in the mix, 2 pregnancies in an 18-month period, 1 new baby, Dean launching his side business (which involved countless hours and long nights), and the decision to quit my job and live on a single income had us, shall we say, overwhelmed. 
(note: for recording purposes, the above all took place in less than 2 years time.) 

Because of this decision, Dean and I have been transformed, individually, as a couple and as a family unit. Our way of thinking has been been challenged, our communication has been challenged and the way we live each and every moment has been challenged. And because of the direct intervention and involvement of the Holy Spirit (through his incredible servant Dr. Yzaguirre), we feel a renewed love between us and with our children.
This verse pretty much sums it up:

 "Behold, I make all things new" 
Revelation 21:5

 This transitional time (yet again) reminds me how grateful I am for a husband, a friend, a provider, a true lover in every sense of the term who has been open & honest with himself & with me, willing to change even when it hurts, inspiring me to do the same, leading, initiating, seeking God, making us laugh and loving at all times.

So while our life may not be picture perfect...

We have discovered the secret (in a new way) to living a happy, fulfilling, harmonious life at every moment of every day and we praise God for His most perfect timing (as always)! 

**And it doesn't hurt that I am noticing a HUGE improvement in how I am feeling and my energy level is almost back to normal! HALLELUJAH!!!!!**

11 months!

Hurray for the almost 1 year old!

 Even in the midst of a prolonged intense cold and cough, you are such a happy, joyful, peaceful young lady.

In the last month, you have

-started clapping

-shaking your head all over the place when you dance or in your high chair, seemingly saying "no" to more food.

-shown much enjoyment in handing things to people (& taking them back) and you respond immediately to "thank you" by handing over some foreign object you are not supposed to be putting in your mouth

-started giving kisses, open mouth slobbery "french" kisses, mind you, true to your name's origin. Bapa was the 1st lucky victim.

-started letting go to whatever you are holding onto while standing up

-increasing your defensive moves when big sis is playing way too rough, smothering, or bullying you with her size.

It is so neat to see you do things big sister never did at this age (or ever) like dunking your (entire) face in the bath tub gulping a good amount of water...and repeating...again and again...

You have also taken a special interest in baby dolls, and certain stuffed animals. 

Although, I'm not sure what this facial expression is all about.

You are my sweet, sweet baby and I am sad I won't be able to call you that correctly for very much longer. 

Thank you for being such a cooperative, patient, forgiving sister and daughter! 

And of course for your sweet baby snuggles and cuddles which are a first for me 

(even though you are not my first baby) ;)

Looks can be deceiving

Don't let this innocent face fool you..

Soon after I snapped this shot, she decided to poop in the tub. That's right, I was quickly holding her with one arm trying to keep her from picking up her feces which she was fascinated with, while scooping it into the toilet with the other, while draining the water, chucking toys into the sink and calming Spicy after she ran into the bathroom reprimanding her baby sis at the top of her lungs. 

On that note, I also am enjoying the goopiness left on my breast from a post-nursing nose that's been running like a faucet.

That's right, Sweet G (& mommy) have caught that "mild" cold from Spicy.

Ah, the joys!

I can't tell you how excited I am for a fun filled family weekend. Big sissy is flying in tomorrow morning and we'll be having one big slumber party at the house where we were all brought home to from the hospital (not to mention lots of breaks as the girls get spoiled with love from their aunties and Mimi insists on changing diapers!)

Yahoooo!!!!