Riley's first haircut!!

We waited until he was 14 months to get his first haircut. We were out running errands when Sergio suggested we go get it done. So we went in and Riley did really well. He looks so different with no curls! I told him he is no longer a baby, now he is a little boy.

Christmas Decorations

So we put up the tree and all our Christmas decorations on Friday. Riley was getting into all the boxes with me. And I had to rearrange things to keep them out of Riley's hands. Riley went right for the outlet where we just plugged in the lights. He really likes all the lights. Later that night Riley pulled an ornament off the tree and dropped it on the ground. The first ornament to break and hopefully the last. I think Sergio and I will be saying No a lot over the next month. I will post a picture soon. I tried to take some last night of Riley standing in front of the tree, but he would just walk off. I'll have to try again when Sergio is home.

Sergio is so Sweet!!

Monday night Sergio got home from work around eleven and we were watching a show that he enjoys watching that I recorded for him. They were eating watermelon at the end of the show and I said that it looked really good and wanted some. A few minutes later Sergio said he would be back in a minute. When he came back at 12:08 am I realized he ran to the store to get me some watermelon. I thanked him and he said he would get me anything I wanted. With Riley Sergio always kept the fridge stocked with fruit. I loved it!! Thanks Sergio!!

Tag from my friend Gaye

8 Shows I love to watch.
a. Law & Order: SVU.
b. CSI
c. Survivor (Sergio asks me to record it so we can watch it together)
d. Knight Rider (we both watched this show when we were younger Sergio calls it "Auto Fantastico")
e. Several shows on HGTV
f. America's Next Top Model ( Sergio sometimes watches and laughs as the girls try to walk in heels)
g. Numbers
h. Handy Manny (I watch this with Riley - it also has some Spanish words to help me learn)
Can't think of any others.

8 Favorite Restaurants
a. Tucci's
b. Johnny Carino's
c. Macaroni Grill Mi Ranchito
d. Mi Ranchito
e. Tucano's
f. Maria Bonita
g. Chili's
h. Applebee's

8 Things that happened Yesterday
a. I did two loads of laundry
b. Ran the dishwasher and put everything away.
c. Cleaned up toys all throughout the day
d. Changed several diapers
e. Played with Riley
f. I read a book - while Riley slept.
g. Threw up -- morning sickness.
h. Made Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for my boys.

8 things on my wish list.
a. A trip to Italy
b. A trip to Mexico
c. For my family to be happy
d. To have a baby girl in June -- I'm still crossing my fingers.
e. For warm weather to return
f. To have my entire house organized
g. To see my sister in Massachusetts
h. To catch up on my scrapbooks

8 People I tag
a. Jocelyn
b. Cali
c. Stephanie
d. Tara
e. Julie
f. Mom
g, Karilyn
h. Julia

A Few Funny Things ...

• Riley is such a fun little boy to watch as he is growing more and more everyday and likes to explore his surroundings. Earlier this week we woke up to a winter wonderland. We have had rain lately, but I wasn't expecting snow. Later when the boys got up we went to the kitchen and looked out the french doors at the snow. I opened the door and picked up a handful. Riley reached out to pick it up and quickly dropped it and pulled his hand back as he realized how cold it was.

• Riley now has eight teeth and is eating new foods each day with their help, but he has now decided he wants something new, which I am trying to avoid. Riley likes to bite my toes and legs. Don't ask me how he got this idea. He just laughs as I try to push his little face away and tell him not to bite mommy!! As I'm siting here writing this he is getting my knee all wet triyng to attack me will I'm distracted. Crazy Boy!!!
  

• Riley has always loved Mommy and Daddy, but shows it in different ways. For example he has always enjoyed cuddling with Mommy, but with Daddy he will wrap his arms around his neck. Such a sweetheart!

• We were eating breakfast the other day when I got up to grab something. Sergio started saying "April! April!" I looked over to find Riley's face down in Sergio's plate trying to eat his food. ha ha ha I wish I had a picture of that Kodak Moment.

Husband Tag

1~Full Name? Pablo Sergio Balandran
2~How Long Have You Been Married? 2 years, 3 months and 4 days
3~How Long Did We Date? 10 months
4~Who Eats The Most Sweets? I do, Sergio eats only a little.
5~Who Said I Love You First? Sergio did.
6~Who's Taller? I am
7~Who Sings Better? We both sing, Sergio loves singing to Riley -- so cute!!!
8~Who's Smarter? Depends on the subject.
9~Who Does The Laundry? I do everything except his work clothes, which he does separatly since they are so dirty.
10~Who Pays The Bills? Sergio
11~Who Sleeps On The Right Side Of The Bed? Sergio
12~Who Mows The Lawn? Sergio
13~Who Drives? Both, but when we are together it is usually Sergio.
14~Who Admits They Are Wrong? Both of us.
15~Who kissed Who First? Sergio kissed me.
16~Who Asked Out Who First? Sergio
17~Who Wears The Pants? Sergio

Doctor Appointment

Today I took Riley to the doctor for his 12 month checkup. He received four shots that made him cry, tears falling down his face and his face turned red while he screamed. It took me a while to calm him down. His measurements were -- length 31 inches (85%), head 18.25 inches (50%), weighs 22 lbs (39%) which is less than he did at 9 months. Which concerned the doctor who said "He's not terribly skinny, but try adding more calories to his diet. Add butter to his vegetables." Riley is a very good eater and very active now -- walking all over. Tall and skinny, doesn't that run in the family?

Riley hanging out

I went to get Riley after hearing him wake up from his nap and found him sitting there with his feet sticking out waiting for me. Then when I got the camers he was peeking through the crib slats at me.

Riley's Rocket

We found this cute ride on toy for Riley's birthday that he absolutely loves to play with. There are lots of buttons to push And the four Little Einsteins characters to play with. He will sit on it, but right now he prefers to push it.

Quote

"Nothing is as scary as someone needing you so much. BUT, nothing brings the kind of heart-stopping joy that his smile or hug brings."
-Will, father of 3 year old

Happy 1st Birthday Riley!

I still can't believe it's been a year since Riley has come into our lives! He has always been such a sweet, happy baby boy. Sergio and I adore him so much. I remember how Riley would fall asleep in my arms and I would watch his little face. What a blessing! He has grown up so fast. He is walking all the time now, And it's funny to watch him learn new things each day and to play with him. He's climbing the stairs (with parents close by watching of course, one of us is always behind him and the other is at the top cheering him on) He also loves to clap his hands he even started clapping Sunday after the choir finished singing. He is eating more and more since he has 8 teeth to chew with now. And he has mastered how to use a straw.
Today Riley was on TV! I sent his picture in to Good Things Utah the other day and they had his name and picture on screen as they played birthday music. (they only do 1st Birthdays) I recorded it so I could show it to Sergio. I'm so excited for Sergio and Riley to see it when Sergio comes home from work tonight. (Riley was napping when it came on)

ABC

A- Attached or Single? Attached

B- Best Friend? My husband, Sergio

C- Cake or Pie? Pie

D- Day of Choice? Saturday, we can all sleep in and spend the day with my family

E- Essential Item? Lotion and chapstick

F- Favorite Color? Tiffany Blue and Chocolate Brown I wear these colors and also decorate with them.

G- Gummy Bears or Worms? Bears

H- Hometown? Orem, UT

I- Favorite Indulgence? Chocolate

J- January or July? July, I love warm weather

K- Kids? My adorable little boy Riley who's first birthday is next week!! (8th)

L- Life isn’t complete without? Family

M- Marriage Date? July 28, 2006

N-Night or Morning person: Both

O- Oranges or Apples? Apples

P-Phobias? Natural Disasters, Bees - I have been stung sooo many times. Once both feet!!!

Q-Quote? "Always kiss me goodnight." Sergio always kisses Riley and I before he leaves for work, when he comes home, before we go to bed and before he plays soccer.

R- Reasons to smile? Riley

S- Season of choice- Summer

T- Tag 3 people. Jocelyn, Cali, Gaye

U- Unknown fact about me? I always make lists - things to do, to buy, cleaning, you name it.

V- Vegetable or Fruit? Fruit

W- Worst Habit? Procrastination

X- X-ray or Ultrasound? Ultrasound -- I've had to have x-rays before for a fractured wrist and before gallbladder surgery OUCH!! I'd rather have a baby any day!

Y- Your favorite food? Italian and Mexican

Z- Zodiac Sign? Gemini

Breaking in the New Highchair

Riley loves his new highchair. He was sitting there enjoying his Cheerios and Kix cereal. I left the room to go get something and came back to find him like this, He is so cute! It's funnt because most of my baby pictures I was asleep in my highchair. He's just like Mommy.

Elder Mark Lunceford

These are a few pictures we took after Mark's farwell talk. Today we went to the MTC and left Mark there. He will be leaving to serve in Kennewick, Washington by the end of October. He is so excited and looks so handsome in his suit. He won't be back until Riley is three!!! But I made something to help Riley remember Mark. At enrichment a few months ago we made ABC books. (A is for Angel, P is for Prophet) In Riley's book M is for Missionary Mark and I'm putting in this picture of Mark and Riley. I hope he enjoys it!

Riley's Birthday Celebration

Riley finally met all of his cousins, two more Aunts and an Uncle. We had a party while all seven cousins were all here in Utah. We had a pinata which all the kids enjoyed and since Riley was born in October I found a cute little ghost cake for him to play with. He really enjoyed destroying it as the other kids sat around the table watching and laughing.

EIGHT -- Tagged by Jocelyn

Sorry it took me so long to post, I still didn't think of eight for each, but thought I would just post it anyway.
8 Things I am Passionate About:
1. My husband Sergio and my baby Riley.
2. Creating a loving home for my family.
3. My Faith. I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints 4. Decorating my home.
5. Reading -- I have always enjoyed good books.
6. Being organized -- I'm working on my entire house. My closet is organized by color, Riley's is organized by size. and I just finished his whole closet. Now it's down to the basement.
7. Creating Memories. Taking picture, Scrapbooking, Journaling and Blogging.
8. Supporting my husband as he plays Soccer.

8 words or phrases I say often:
1. Mommy loves you -- to my adorable baby Riley
2. Loco -- to my husband
3. Loco in the cabesa negra
4. Gross
5. Come on shorty
6. Yeah -- as I clap with Riley
7. That's Ridiculous
8. Whatever

8 Things I want to do before I die:
1. I've met and married the man of my dreams. X
2. I've had a child. X
3. Build and decorate my own Home.
4. Travel with my Family
5. Have more children -- pregnant with #2 right now!


8 Things I currently want or need:
1. Organize and decorate basement
2. Continue to strive to be a better wife and mother.
3. A Family Picture.
4. Catch up on my Scrapbooks
5. Some new clothes

Updates!!!

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything new, but I finally got to my computer and got new photos off my camera. (Even with two little boys in my lap) So I hope you enjoy the posts I have just added. Riley is doing more and more each day. Last night I caught him doing something he has never done before (which I haven't posted yet) and today he took 31 continuous steps without holding on to anything or falling. So there will be more coming soon! Have a great day :)

Our Family

Here are a few recent pictures of our family.
Our photographer was my niece Julia. She did a great job. I love the close up of Riley and Sergio.

The Great Outdoors

Riley loves to try putting leaves, twigs, rocks and dirt in his mouth when I'm trying to take pictures of him.

Our cute little boy

Riley is such a happy baby and has brought so much joy to our family.

Strawberry Reservoir and Deer Creek

We packed our picnic basket and drove up to Strawberry Reservoir and Deer Creek. Riley loved the water and poking his fingers in the sand. We all had a fun time. I got some cute shots of Riley too.

Daddy's Wallet

One day we found Riley like this. Pulling money from Daddy's wallet. Riley loves to pull everything out. At only 10 months he already knows where to go to find money!

Balandran Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free genealogy websites - Family history

Wow!! We actually did this three times (I only posted two of them), every time with different pictures and every time it came that Riley looked equally like me and Sergio. I guess it's official.