Coming December 2015

Once again, it has been a while since my last post.

So much has happened since January!

I attended our Church's Deimal Ball on the 31st which did not go according to plan. 

Great gals!

I ordered a dress online, something I always do but for some reason this time had too much difficulty with it. The first I ordered had a torn seam by the zipper. So I called in for another to be sent. When that one arrived, I tried it on, steamed it and hung it up. 

The night of the ball though, the zipper decides it's had enough and completely breaks apart. 

I was in tears and fuming!!!

The babysitter had already arrived and I was laying on the bed trying not to yell. LOL Erick just advised me to put anything on because we were still going out. So I put on my little black dress and headed out for a much needed drink. 

We went into a simple wine bar and had a lovely red from France. But of course, boss-lady Jocelyn and my friend, Heather kept texting me asking me where I was and why I hadn't arrived. They didn't care about my dress and just wanted me to go. :) Boss-lady said, "So put something else on! We can't have fun without you." haha

We finally showed up an hour late but still managed to have a decent time. I was running on wine and dessert for the entire night. 

Downtown Jacksonville

February came and went and I took a hiatus from all social media for the entire time of Lent. To be honest, it felt really good to get away from the computer and my phone. Even now that Lent is over, I find myself not reaching for the phone as often as before. I think everyone needs to take a break at some point from Facebook and Twitter and anything else they use. I promise, you won't regret it. 

The kids ready to go!

We spent a nice long weekend in Jacksonville with our good friends, The Thompson's. It always nice to try and make yearly visits with them. The kids have so much fun and we get to hangout with our friends we've had for many, many years. We had our normal parents night out and shared lots of food through the weekend. 

March was just as busy as always at work. We were getting ready for Spring Break and it seemed everyone needed something done "ASAP." 

I also had a not so fun time with the flu in March. I felt myself getting sick on the weekend. On Sunday, everything felt off and I knew I had it. We went to an Urgent Care and sure enough...flu. The only good thing was that it didn't hit me as hard as before. I was even back to work on Thursday. 

Bub enjoying a cupcake I
bought him. :)

Spring Break was spent in Savannah with my wonderful brothers and my friends. It had been a much needed trip. The kid and I spent most of our time with his Uncle Mike at his home, just hanging out. It was still too chilly on most days but I was able to take the kid to Tybee just for a couple of hours to play in the sand. He didn't care either way, he enjoyed it.  

David and C.J.

I got to visit my favorite Savannah Trio (minus one) as well. It was so good to see my Bub! He's grown so much and oh the talking...! He and C.J. had a great time playing while Megan and I had some wine and caught up on everything. I was able to have dinner with my good friend Sarah. I miss our bonding over wine, nights. I love her. 

On our last day there, we were able to see Monique and C.J.'s best buddy, David. We met up for a few hours over frozen yogurt. You could tell the boys completely missed each other. Monique and I could not stop laughing at how silly they are and how much both had changed since the year before.

In April, the kid came down with a virus and was out of school for 3 days as was I to care for him. He had fever spikes that began Thursday afternoon and continued through until Monday. I took him to the doctor twice but just got the same response - "just have to wait it out." It is kind of a disheartening message to have to listen to when you are worried for your child but he had no other symptoms other than the fever. So I continued to do what I had to, to make sure he stayed comfortable. 

But at that time, I was dealing with horrible allergies and nausea and was unsure what I was dealing with. Then we got our surprise....

#babypeanut 9 weeks

So as most know, I am expecting our second child! After feeling so cruddy, my husband made a comment about maybe being pregnant. After I shook my head and said nah, my mind kept wandering - and sure enough, it was positive. (I ran to Walgreens to grab another just to double check.)

I was able to book an appointment with my doctor pretty quickly and found out I was 9 weeks along.

#babypeanut was present and due December 2nd! 

13 Weeks

Turns out my nausea was morning sickness which was completely new to me since I did not experience that with the kid. And I had the 24 hour kind - the nausea. never. went. away. :( 

Plus I was having a huge aversion to coffee. E had to stop making it in the house because it made me so sick! (I am finally over that, thank goodness.) And I've even begun to drink some decaf. 

My "cravings" I would say is that everything I drink has to be ice cold. Meaning everything has to be filled to the rim with ice. 

I've been eating a lot of fresh stuff too. Salads, fruits, veggies, things like that. And I'm also eating about 6 times a day. I eat very small snacks but I'm eating all day. I do not have full meals anymore. 

I think that's a good thing because it did help with my nausea while at work. I would eat a snack every couple of hours and could keep the morning sickness under control. 

I am currently 15 weeks and on Tuesday, we will get to know if #babypeanut is a boy or a girl.

Most of my office staff is on Team Pink, while of course we would like another boy as it would just be sooooo much easier for us. LOL We will see.

Other than the always being tired thing, I am doing okay. I've been trying to go out for walks again but this baby is kicking my butt and draining all of my energy. I'm hoping at least by the next month, I'll get a surge of energy back. 

C.J. and Mrs. Dalelio

This May, the kid graduated Kindergarten and we could not be prouder! He's come a long way from where he began last year. Mrs. Dalelio works wonders :) She is an amazing teacher. I'm so thankful he was placed with her.

He was so excited for his last day of school. They all put on a little ceremony where they sang songs and then they each walked up to the microphone and said what they wanted to be when they grew up. The kids' response, "Firefighter." :) 

Good for him. 

My favorite Pacelli senior also graduated which made me incredibly happy. He had a bit of a rough year. We all have big plans and expectations for him. He's a good kid. I pray he continues to make good choices. I'm nervous and excited for him because come July he begins his extensive training in the Army Rangers boot camp. 

The kid and I are definitely going to miss him. Cade has been a wonderful friend and babysitter for him; he was always someone I could rely on. 

The kid and I are out for summer vacation and just enjoying it leisurely. The time off is very much needed.

We don't really have many plans as of now but maybe something might come up later. 

I'm thinking a trip to my lovely PA is needed.... ;) 

The Happening....

There is so much going on now!

Let's start with the kid.
Since our move, there's been so many changes it needs to stop. Seriously. LOL
He has his first loose tooth which immediately made me super emotional! It is the front left center tooth. He is so excited! Everyday he says it's moving more and more. :)
I had to go through his clothes again and remove all the stuff that is too small. He still had 5t clothes in his dresser and closet. hahaha Everything has to be size 6 now and his shoes are size 12. WOW!
And lastly he has outgrown his convertible carseat and is now only in a booster. He is about 45 pounds now and 3.75 feet.
Stop growing!!!

Then yesterday, I was able to complete a life dream of mine, for him anyway. I've always wanted to be able to place C.J. in a private school and yesterday I was able to complete registration. I even got him his uniforms already. I am so excited for him and am thankful that God has opened this door for us. I think this is going to be a great path.

Now the reason I was able to do this for him is that I got a job!
I will be the Health Room Assistant/Receptionist at St. Anne Pacelli Catholic School. I am so excited for this opportunity. I begin work on the 11th.
Everyone seems super nice. I've met a lot of employees this week when I went in to finish up my paperwork. I even met a coworkers' daughter whom I may use as a babysitter for C.J. !
Not only is this going to be great for me, but it works out perfectly with the kids school schedule cause I will only be at work while he is in class.
We will have the same days off which will make it even easier on Erick and I since we don't have to pay for after school care.

This is the job I've been waiting for.
God has blessed us.

Things are going so well for us, I pray they continue this way.

Erick's job is going well. He's moving forward in his position and hopefully by the start of next year will move up in tiers. (Pays and positions have 3 tiers each.)

Our only main concern right now is making friends. My poor kid has been asking to see his best friend David, who lives 4 hours away. :(
I feel so bad for him.
But thankfully the school year begins in a couple of weeks and hopefully he will make some friends quickly.

My, My, Look who's Five.

We have reached yet another milestone! 5 Years Old!!
My goodness - the blink of an eye.

I know I write a blog about my LiL Man every year but I wanted to share something new with you this year. I actually did this with him when he turned 4 but he didn't quite understand most of the questions,

But this year he is wiser and better prepared ;)

20 Questions for C.J. :

1. What is your favorite color? Green
2. What's your favorite toy? Rex the dinosaur
3. What's your favorite fruit? Strawberries
4. What's your favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
5. What do you like to have for lunch? Burgers
6. What is your favorite outfit? Green Lantern T-shirt
7. What is your favorite game? Star Wars
8. What is your favorite snack? Pretzels
9. What is your favorite animal? Elephants
10. What is your favorite song? Xbox Songs
11. What is your favorite book? Pirates go to School 
12. Who is your best friend? David (from his class)
13. What is your favorite cereal? Fruit Loops
14. What do you like to play outside? Play at the park. 
15. What is your favorite drink? Milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
17. Who do you like to take with you to bed at night? Dave Darinko (Ugly Doll) 
18. What do you like to have for breakfast? Toast with Jelly
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? (He doesn't seem to understand this question yet. He says "bigger.") 

Here you go; A little something about C.J. :)
I'm excited to try this again next year and see how much his answers change.

Officially a Pre-Schooler :)

Last week was C.J.'s first "week" of Pre-K. We got a call last Tuesday about an opening at the Habersham YMCA Pre-school, where C.J. had been on a waiting list since late June. Of course we accepted and went to get all of his paperwork filled out and his registrations completed.
He was so excited when we told him he was going to be starting school. :)
When we arrived at the school, we had a nice meeting with the Director and got a quick tour of the school. Then the paperwork. I guess since I never did it before, it didn't seem like such a big deal until now. So much paperwork....

So excited!!

We had to make a stop at the Savannah Health Dept. to get an Ear, Eye, and Dental check for C.J. and get his immunization record switched from Texas to Georgia. He ended up having to get a Hep-B shot but other than that it was no problem. It was also only a 2-hour wait to get these two documents. (I hope I never have to return there again.)
We went to Target to get his school supply list - many supplies..haha Easily $100 spent. All worth it. I wanted him to be prepared and set for the school year. He was very happy with his Super Mario Bros. backpack. :)
He was a little upset though after he realized he wouldn't be starting that day but quickly got over it as we explained he could start the very next day.

Heading to drop-off.

On Wednesday, bright-and-early, (7am to be exact) we were up and getting C.J. ready for his first day
of school. He was happy and in the best mood the whole time - made the day so much easier for me. I was on the verge of tears at every moment but he kept it together like a big boy for his Mommie and that in return made me keep it together.

The school is about a 25 minute drive from we currently live
but it's fairly easy and we don't hit too much traffic until we are down the road from the school itself.

We walked into the school and headed straight for his classroom to meet his teachers - Mrs. Sherri and Mrs. Katrina. Both sweet, delightful women.
He found his name, sat at his seat, and was ready to go.
No muss, no fuss.
I was so proud....and so emotional. :)

He had a great first day! He didn't nap at school that day but all went well. He told us about what he ate
and how his day went and when we asked him if he made any friends he said no, but it's okay. LOL
We had to laugh. He was so nonchalant about it!
It's like he understood it was just the first day and tomorrow he could make friends.
I can't believe how much he's grown up. And how mature he can be about situations...





Uncle Mike showed up about 4:30 at the apartment, walking through the door with a cake in hand and a candle lit. :)
C.J. was ecstatic! And I was in complete awe - he is the best.
It was a "Happy 1st Day of Pre-school" cake!
This kid is too spoiled by his Uncles. <3







He did so well all last week, every day at drop-off. And every day we pick him up his teachers always have good things to say. He behaves well and does what he's told and he doesn't fight with the other kids (one thing I'll admit, I was a little worried about). He's really been enjoying it. He asks every day if he's going to school. This weekend was tough for him, he kept asking why he wasn't in school on Saturday or Sunday - next week is gonna be worse with the 3-day weekend. :)

He loves school! And I'm so glad he's having so much fun. I hope he continues to do so.
I know it's only the beginning and he still has a long way to go but I want him to continue with this anticipation and excitement.
I pray he makes good choices.

And we're moving!

I am so excited to announce this new chapter in our lives. We're packing up and leaving Houston in just  a couple of weeks and heading to Savannah, Georgia. I am really looking forward to this.
It will be a new start, a new city, and definitely something we need.
I have been actively searching for employment in the area and haven't had much luck, so I hope once we get over there it will make the search a little easier.
On top of this, I can't wait to see my Mike's. ;) I've missed them.
We are praying that our transition is smooth and this will only continue to move our life forward.
Everyone please wish us safe travels and good thoughts for new career opportunities.

Braylon is #11

My newest nephew was born on December 12, 2012. He was 9lbs. 8 oz. - Big Boy! He is the latest edition to the Picazo Family. My older brothers' mini-me! His daughter Allie will have 8 years over her little brother but I have no doubts they will be great to each other. My sister-in-law, Vickie could not be happier and my brother is ecstatic. I am so excited for them! Braylon James is now the 9th child to be born in my family.
Congrats again big brother!!! Love you all and cannot wait to meet him!
And I am now officially an Aunt to 11 lovies. <3

Brothers & Sisters

My family has their issues, (what family doesn't) but they are my family so I will fight for them no matter what. Whether it is a natural tendency or not, we do have siblings we run to first or will convey certain favoritism for. Since this is the month to give thanks, I thought I would write a little something about those closest to me that I am most thankful for.

My older brother Jesse and his wife, Vickie – our random weekend get together’s are always something to look forward to. It may not happen as often as we’d like, but when they do we have a great time. They just bought a home and I am so excited and happy for them! A random weekend is actually coming up this Friday. I can't wait to get over there and share in their joy - and hard work - as they move into their new home. They are settled in Austin, TX and really enjoy where they are at. I do wish we were closer (in more ways than one) but still know we both value our relationship.

Jesse, Vickie & Allie

My sister Leslie and her husband, Danny – Probably the family I am the closest to. I love how much they do for us. My “LiL Sis” is a woman to be proud of. She has served a tour in Iraq, been a drill sergeant at a school for kids that was literally their last chance, and still takes care of her family. I love my sister so much! I am thankful that our relationship as sisters has grown so much over the years. Our getting older just brings us closer and closer. My brother-in-law, Danny is a great guy – my sister has been blessed and is very lucky to have him. He cares for her and the boys in every way possible. He has always been respectful and willing to lend a hand with our family. They currently have a home in Brownsville, TX but I've heard them both say that a move is definitely in the future.

Leslie, Danny, Marcus & Giovanni

My brother-in-law, Pete is probably one of the most easy-going people I know. His gift is that he can move on and not focus on the past or the bad. I am so happy for him. He has the family he has always dreamt of. We try to keep in touch at least once a week, if not more, and always call each other on the important days and events. The only real problem I have is that we can never make plans to see each other and we always visit the family at different times. He currently lives in Waco, TX and only being about three and a half hours away, you would think we could make visits more common. But either way, our families continue to grow and we are just blessed to be a part of it.

Pete, Holly, Brennan & (Baby Yandel)

My sister-in-law, Miriam is someone that always keeps a smile on my face. She is so funny and just cracks me up. Our conversations can never end on a serious note – but that is a great thing. She has been there for me through a lot and still continues to support me. She always tries to help in any way she can. Our connection is something special, we both know this. We both can be very opinionated but we've never taken what we say to each other personally. I love her very much and am grateful for the friendship we have acquired through the years. She also currently lives in Brownsville, TX and of course her home is the home we stay at on our visits. I am very much looking forward to the next two month as we have many family functions she and I are planning together.

Miriam & Alexander

Our younger siblings: Lizette, Gilbert & Ivan, I do love them all but they are all still young and have a lot of growing and maturing to do. I pray for them daily hoping they find their way. I want them to choose the right path in their lives and move forward with that.