Summer Fun

More Pictures of my Baby Doll's 1st Year

Happy Birthday Sonrisa!

I can't believe my little angel Sonrisa is already one. It's been a while since I've looked at these pictures when she was born. It's bringing back a lot of memories, both good and bad. I remember pushing her out and getting a quick glimpse of her sweet little face while the doctor held her up, but that was about all I got to see of her before they put her on oxygen and rushed her out of the room. I remember the awful feeling I had not knowing what was wrong or if she was going to be okay. When the doctor came in to tell me they were going to life-flight her to another hospital, my heart sunk and I broke down into tears. I just cried and cried and wanted so badly to be able to hold her in my arms. I was so grateful the staff was kind enough to let us into her room just long enough for Jer and my dad to give her a blessing. Jared was so emotional and was having a really hard time so he asked my dad to give the blessing. I love my dad so much! He has always been there when I've needed him and this was no exception. He gave her the most beautiful blessing and I immediately had a feeling of peace come over me. Before we left the room, I remember looking at that tiny little body struggling to stay alive. It brought me a bit of peace knowing that our Heavenly Father was there with her helping her through it all. After the paramedics got her intubated, they brought her into my room so I could look at her one more time before she left. She was in a plastic box that was about five feet long with tubes and cords going every which way.
Staring through the plastic at her sweet little face was actually the first really good look I had been able to have with her. I didn't want her to go. I knew they were going to take good care of her, but I wanted to be there with her holding her hand, whispering in her ear that she would be okay. I was so scared watching them wheel her away not knowing what was going to happen. Jared was able to go out with her and watch her fly away. The first couple of days she was at St. Mark's, all we could do was look at her and gently place our hand on her leg. They said in cases like hers it was best to have no stimulation whatsoever. On the third day I finally got to hold her for the very first time. It felt so good having her in my arms. I really felt like I was holding an angel. I only got to hold her for a few minutes, but I enjoyed those minutes thoroughly! For the next two weeks we were only allowed in the NICU for half an hour every three hours for her feedings. It was really hard having to leave her there after only being with her for half an hour, then having to come back again to do it again. For the first week or so, she was too weak to eat from a bottle so a lot of the time they just tube fed her and on those feedings they didn't want us to disturb her sleeping. So we would just sit with her and watch her sleep for half an hour and then gently kiss her and say good bye. At the time it seemed like a nightmare that was never going to end but now, a year later, it's just a short-lived memory. I am so grateful for the all the doctors and especially the nurses (because they did most of the caring for) that helped my little Sonrisa. She has the sweetest personality and she brings so much joy to my life. Her name fits her perfectly! She has the most beautiful smile and puts a smile on everybody's face she meets. I love you, little angel baby Sonrisa! Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to three of my favorite guys. I love you all very much and am so grateful for all you do for me. You guys are the best!

I especially want to thank you Jer for all you do for me and our little girls. You are such a great dad! I know our girls love you so much... and so do I!!! These have been the best six years of my life!

Funny Words and Phrases for Huge Laughs, Alex

I want to share with you some of my children's best words and phrases. I am going to start with Sonrisa because her list is short, then take on Ivy and finish with Kaitlee.



Sonrisa: 1- Da 2- Dat 3- Dad (Oh let's be serious, it's the same word) and 4- No, No (w/ the finger waggle.)
Ivy: 1- Chapit Milk 2- Uhwand 3- Disway (w/ a finger point) 4- Fwops for flip flops and 5- She loves to speak backwards like in spanish. For example she will say "Daddy truck white" or "Ivy no buckled".
Kaitlee: Some of hers are from a while back like 1- My do and Byeeeeeee. But the most memorable are in story form. 2- One time I said to her, "Kaitlee you are driving me nuts" and she responded with "I'm drivin your nuts?" That was a great laugh. And most recently 3- we went to the cemetery on Memorial Day to see my grandma Gertie's grave and it was raining, so I was just going to be quick and leave everyone else in the car. But you know Kaitlee, she has to be a part of everything. She rolls down the window and says, "Say hi for me! or just bring her over here." Oh what a line.


Girls, I love your growing up and it is always fun to see what's next. --Daddy

OK, My Turn.

I haven't posted for a while, but I am ready to redeem my poor effort.

For those of you who have not spoken to me in the past month or so, I want to show you the progress on our new house.

I must admit, I am loving this project. It makes me happy in my heart.

My Girls Growing Up

It has been so much fun watching my little Kaitlee play soccer this year. The season started off a little rough for the Rockets because they all have such sweet, timid personalities so they had a hard time being very aggressive. But the last few games they really started to get the hang of it. Kaitlee actually got right in the middle of the crowd a few times and got some really good kicks in.
This past week was crazy hair day, hence the colorful hair. They looked pretty cute! Kaitlee and Zeke have so much fun playing soccer together. Sometimes they get so caught up in each other they forget what's going on in the game. It's actually pretty funny. With a little practice this summer, I'm really excited to see how she does in the fall.





Kaitlee and Ivy have become so close within the past few months. I think Ivy is finally old enough that Kaitlee can enjoy playing with her.
They love to go out to their little playhouse in the backyard and have tea parties, play in their pool, ride bikes together or play dolls. Basically Kaitlee tells Ivy what they are going to do and Ivy is happy to do it. I'm not sure how long that will last, but for now I guess Ivy doesn't mind being bossed around.






In less than two weeks, little Reesie is going to be one. I can't believe it!!! This year has gone by way too fast. I wish I had a SLOW DOWN button that I could push so I could enjoy this part of my life a little bit more. I look at these girls and can't believe they are all mine. I feel like it was just yesterday that I had Kaitlee and now she's almost five.
They are all at such fun ages and I would love it if it could stay axactly like this for a couple more years. But I know it won't, and I know that the future will be just as great. I'm looking forward to adding to our family and making new memories together.