Scaring the waves.....and our trip to Mexico

Angelina did her best impersonation of "Sully" from Monsters, Inc: she said she was "Scaring the waves!" I'm not sure it worked, but she had fun trying.

After our "vacation" that wasn't a vacation in Switzerland in June, we decided we needed a mini-break. Our criteria: someplace close enough that we don't waste all day travelling, so can do in a weekend, someplace "easy" - no trekking through jungles or cities, someplace Angelina would enjoy that was all about "play" and not "seeing important sights," and someplace American Airlines flew to so we could use frequent flier miles.


We chose Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, despite it being hurricane season. Hurricane season is a two-pronged problem: (1) If a hurricane hits our destination site, well, it wouldn't be a fun trip and (2) If a hurricane hits anywhere on the Gulf Coast, I have to work and can't travel.

Fortunately, we were spared on both accounts, and though it was the rainy season, we had plenty of sunshine, beach time, and ocean time.


Neither of us are really "resort" people. I normally prefer a good jungle trek/stay in small locally-owned cabina/discover a little out of the way local restaurant. However, given we had such a short time and a toddler, we decided on an all-inclusive resort.



We probably would not have enjoyed it for more than the 2.5 days we were there, but for that time, it was perfect: play in the pool, play in the waves, play in the sand, eat, sleep, play some more, never having to wander very far afoot.

And she even made friends - everywhere she went.....

Check back later for more pictures....

New Year's Eve = Fireworks and Friends

What could be better? A great evening with friends and friends of friends, topped off by our own personal fireworks display.


Ok so not quite "personal" since we shared it with millions also in downtown San Antonio, but it felt like it was all ours! Though not my picture (borrowed from the official city photo) this is pretty much the view from our back porch.

Was a wonderful night, lots of good friends, happy crazy kids, a nice fire and lots to eat. Too much to eat, since we have so many leftovers we need to have another party.

New Year's Resolution #1: Make less food for the next party, or plan take-home packages for everyone!

We're lucky to have such good friends with whom to share the excitement of a New Year.

Now, if only I could figure out how to get Angelina to sleep just a little bit longer in the morning...

Christmas in San Antonio

Not exactly a white Christmas, unless you count the blinding sun reflecting off the white sidewalks....it was HOT! However, Angelina insisted on wearing her "Snowman" - apparently that's what a hat, scarf, mitten ensemble is called. Our neighbors, Gloria and Fredo, got a set for her and she wouldn't take it off, even if it was 82F (28C).



It was pretty funny seeing her face when she first saw the presents under the tree. She didn't realize they were all for her. She was excited for the first one - a horse on a stick that Papa made and started handing the rest of the presents to us to open. We said "No, these are for YOU!" She hesitated through the first few, but got the hang of it and decided this presents thing was pretty fun after all....


Angelina certainly enjoyed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, even if she didn't have all her cousins to play with. Christmas Eve was spent with friends, including her favourites: Wiley and Felice, and Christmas Day was a Dora Marathon AND a bike ride on the Riverwalk. At one point along the Riverwalk, we had stopped to turn around when one of the boats came past and stopped as well. The guide said something about Angelina and the cameras started flashing. I wish I had a picture - she was sitting on the back of the bike in her helmet and green sun glasses. She didn't pose for a change, instead she just gave her movie star look as the papparazzi snapped away. So though I have no pictures, there are a ton of pictures out there somewhere....

What We're Thankful For

Mostly today, we're thankful Kyle, Marisa, and Glen are in Mumbai but safe. I literally burst into tears when I saw Marisa's email saying they were ok (and I presume Prachet and Shweta are nowhere near Mumbai or she would have said so). I spent last night in knots, worrying.

Also made me realize something. The world is a different place when you have a kid. Every horrible event takes on new meaning when you're thinking of the future of your kid, when you travel and "safe" places are not so safe anymore. We didn't go to Prachet and Shweta's wedding, though we seriously considered it (new roof and all got in the way). I'd been so envious of Kyle and Marisa going. Now I just keep thinking "what if?" I've been in some hairy situations (tho none this bad), but with Angelina, well, I shudder when I think about it.

But the gang is safe. And I'm thankful. VERY thankful. And I am so very sorry for those who weren't so lucky. For those who lost loved ones in this senseless act.

So tonight I'm especially thankful I can hug and kiss my wonderful husband and amazing daughter, and go to sleep knowing the people I love are safe.

Père Noel

Angelina is not so sure about this Père Noel guy! Look at her eyeing him.... She's glad she's safe in Megane's arms.

With Friends Like These....

We had a great New Year's Eve!

Since we live in view of the Tower of the Americas, where San Antonio's big NYE celebration and fireworks show is held, we usually have a party. This year we were arriving back from 20+ hours of travel on NYE and knew we'd be in no condition for a party. However we didn't want to leave our friends out, so we said to feel free to come and hang out in our backyard for the fireworks, we'd have no food or drink and may be asleep ourselves, but they were welcome. And they took us up on it.

As it turns out we arrived earlier than planned and promptly fell asleep. They all arrived but didn't even know we were there. They came prepared with food and drink for us, we woke up in time to see the fireworks and wish everyone a Happy New Year. Then promptly fell back to sleep ;-) It was fun to have a 'non-party' and not have to do anything!

(I'm cheating with the picture, it's not mine and it's from last year...but you get the idea.)

Christmas in Switzerland!

After a cancelled plane (thanks to weather in Boston, not that we were going anywhere near Boston, but the plane from SA was coming from there), another delayed plane, a bump up to Business Class and a re-routing (London instead of Paris), we made it in CH a few hours later than planned.

We escaped the 28F in San Antonio for the balmy -2C in Switzerland (hint, they're the same...) it's bloody cold. The difference is our house in TX is cold and drafty and poorly insulated. In CH, between the wood stove, low ceilings and the stone walls, it's so warm we're in short sleeves.


The best part of all is sharing time with Angelina's cousins!

Since Mommy and Papa celebrate two wedding anniversaries

Angelina celebrates two birthdays. A year ago today we were celebrating a very important event - Angelina came home! After a rough 17 days in NICU then Special Care, our little Angel was released (or maybe unleashed)upon the world. And now look at her. Can you imagine someone so perfect?


She's amazing. So full of life, so happy, and so much fun. It's been a weird mix of feelings these past few weeks. We're just thrilled we have her in our lives.

Look who has a Birthday!

One year old. I can hardly believe it. A year ago today was the start of the most wonderous thing in our lives. It started with some major challenges.
I've been so emotional lately, remembering all the excitement and anticipation, and then the fear of seeing her all full of tubes and wires. And now look at her!

Angelina is an amazing little girl. She so full of life and happiness and joy. We feel like the luckiest people on earth, having her in our lives. I wouldn't trade all those sleepless nights for anything!

And a special THANK YOU to all of you who remembered her birthday! It was so nice to hear kind wishes for her.

Tupperware Party

A certain little someone is approaching her First Birthday, and Mommy and Papa are planning a big party. We debated having a theme - Dora? Ariel? Cinderella? but at this point she's not really into anything in particular.


So Fredo said "Let's have a Tupperware Party, that's what she likes the best." So don't send her toys, send Tupperware. Or toilet paper rolls (with the paper gone, just the cardboard part), she loves those too. Oh, and empty water bottles.