Cousins!

Our trip continued on Tuesday, starting by dropping off James at the Genentech Oceanside offices and then setting a course for Moreno Valley, CA which is between Riverside and Palm Springs. My aunt Angela whom you all know as Peyton's third grandmother (my second mother growing up) and one of his very favorite people lives there, as do her twin daughters, Heidi (Peyton's godmother) and Darlene and their families.

When we made our plans to fly down to San Diego, Peyton immediately demanded to see his cousins, thus this day trip was born!

Southern California is known for being very spread out, but Moreno Valley is just over an hour's drive from Oceanside and the landscape is very similar to driving on the East Bay in Northern California.

We arrived at Angela's house and Darlene pulled up with Manuel and baby Ruby. Manuel is 2 weeks younger than Peyton. Ruby is 3 months old and I was so excited to meet my new little niece!!

I wanted to keep Peyton entertained in the car, so I let him bring some dinosaurs and the iPad. The dinosaurs came in with us (as did the iPad, but it stayed in my bag all day - three possessive 3 and 4 year olds fighting over one iPad didn't sound like a good reunion).

Peyton and Manuel got along great and Peyton became infatuated with Ruby.

I think if not for Manuel, the dinosaurs, and the eventual arrival of Heidi and her boys, Peyton would have stayed right here with Ruby for as long as she'd let him. She certainly didn't mind all of his affection. :-)

Heidi arrived a little while later with Santiago (34 months) and Estevan, the newest member of our expanding family - just two sweet months old. Look at my little nephew; isn't he just adorable?!?

Peyton felt right at home with his cousins, Tias (aunts), and abuelos (grandparents). There was no anxiety or bashfulness exhibited, which amazed me as he can get very clingy to me when around new people. But, I suppose blood is blood and he knew this was "home". He certainly loves his Tia Darla!

When James and I were here a few years ago, Santiago was about 6 months old and I took a picture of Angela holding him (below, left). We decided to do a similar picture with Estevan (below, right).

The older boys had a wonderful late morning snack/breakfast, then played outside with balls, dinosaurs, and tricycles. It started to get hot around Noon, so we brought them inside to cool off and watch some of Gnomeo and Juliet.

I couldn't help taking this picture of all their feet. Peyton and Manuel both sit with their feet pointed in. Peyton and Santiago seem to have the same calves!















 
Peyton wanted to give Santiago a little love.

Ruby decided to take a nap. The thing that struck me most about Ruby is that she looks almost identical to my grandmother Agustina, Peyton's middle namesake and my Mom and Angela's mother. The cheeks, the smile, the eyes - it's amazing!!

As the afternoon continued, we played games and then tried getting the boys to sit for family pictures.

Then, it was time to say goodbye, so Peyton kissed Ruby and Estevan. He's so good with babies (no, don't get any ideas)!

Since Peyton's birthday fell right around Ruby's birth and Heidi's 36th week, they presented Peyton with his birthday present while we were there. The boys had fun playing with the Memory Game, before said goodbye.

Peyton got to get a picture with Heidi and Estevan, and me with the twins and Ruby and Estevan.

It was so wonderful to see my family and all the children. Now, I have to take a few physics courses so that I can build a transporter system. I hate that we're so far away from each other!

Christmas Decorations

Since we didn't get a tree this year, I opted for stockings instead! I purchased reindeer stockings to match Peyton's First Christmas reindeer stocking (I got him a football reindeer stocking for next year, considering his namesake). And, I found stocking holders that match the bronze finish of our fireplace!



I also put up the beautiful angel ornament that Peyton's godmother Heidi (my cousin) and "Grandma #3" Angela (my aunt who was always more of a second mother to me) sent him for Christmas. Thank you very much Heidi and Angela!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Peyton's Baptism - October 4, 2009

Yesterday was a big day for Peyton. He was baptized into the Catholic Church. The ceremony was held at the Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park, where 10 years and just over five months ago, James and I were married.

Peyton was in a good mood when we entered the Church before the ceremony.



There were five children being baptized. The children, their parents and godparents were grouped around the baptismal font at the back of the Church. Peyton was the first of the five in the order of baptisms.



He started the ceremony in good spirits.



He listened intently to the Deacon.

James gave him a little kiss.

Peyton wasn't hungry before the ceremony, but became hungry about five minutes into the ceremony. We tried our best to keep him calm.

My Dad got a few happy/calm pictures after the first anointing (on his chest). :-)

But, by the time it came to bring Peyton to the font to receive the baptismal water, Peyton was no longer a happy camper.

He cried at the Father...

...the Son....

and the Holy Spirit...

He calmed down after that.

Deacon Peloso was great throughout the ceremony, despite our hungry, sleepy boy screaming his way through the ceremony.

Peyton managed to calm down for the final anointing to his head.

Daddy's arms and Mommy's fingers calmed him for a few minutes.

Thank goodness for Patrick's height! At 5'2", Heidi was having a hard time lighting the baptismal candle. :-)

After the baptismal candles were lit, the five children, their parents, and godparents were led to the altar. Unfortunately, that was the height of Peyton's meltdown so I'm withholding those pictures as they just break my heart. But, once the ceremony was officially over, Peyton's cries subsided, making us all laugh!

We took a family picture on the altar while Peyton was still somewhat calm. My proud parents, Patrick, me, Peyton, James, Heidi, Shirley, and Angela.

Hooray! Peyton got a bottle directly outside the Church with his very proud father.

My Mom was overjoyed and our dear friends Ann and Steve came to share in our celebration.

Proud Heidi and Shirley!

And proud godfather Patrick!

Overall, it was a very long 20 minute ceremony and we were all pretty tired and hungry afterwards too. We went to the Crepes Cafe to celebrate. Peyton ate again and took a nice long nap.

Love at First Sight

Peyton's godmother, my cousin Heidi, flew in on Thursday night for the ceremony. Friday morning, she met Peyton at day care. I grabbed the camera as soon as I handed him to her. This was his actual first reaction to meeting her.

He was so happy in her arms!

The love was mutual. :-)

Just a few more pictures from this first meeting.

Not that I was worried, but it certainly was nice to see that Peyton approved of our choice for his godmother.