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My little cutie has learned to wave "bye-bye" on command and now says it too! It's more like "buh buh", but because she is waving at the same time, I know that is what she means hehe. She now has a whole mess of words in her vocabulary: mom, mama, dad, dada, buh buh (bye bye), baf (bath), hey and huh. She's learning so much now that it's hard to keep track of it all.

We have been working on trying to get her to stand on her own, but she has recognized that I intend to let her go so she immediately sits down when I get her into the stance. I will find a way to get her to do it soon although I may regret it once I do.

Lola has been eating all kinds of new foods, her favorite is Mac n' Cheese...yes, the real one. She eats them just as they come in the single serving cups. Whole noodles haha. We've also found that she loves mangos, just like Arnold, she gets excited for every bite coming towards her mouth haha. Little piggy.

Babies are born to dance! According to LiveScience this is true, babies are predispositioned to rythmically respond to the beat of music more enthusiastically than speech. I have to say that I totally agree with this. Lola loves when Arnold plays the drums or any type of music for her. She lights up and immediately stands and starts pumping her little legs and head to the beat. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen.

New pics are on the way...I just keep forgetting to bring in my media transfer cable.

Today has been drastically short of a fun Friday. The day got off to a great start, but has taken an unfortunate turn and I'm hoping that I am through the woods.

On my way home from work the rain was so ridiculous. Because 101 is a nice bright white in the rainI could hardly see the lines on the freeway and apparently the person driving next to me had the same problem. He nearly drove me right into the median and I'm convinced that he hardly noticed my honking as I nearly came to a complete stop to avoid a collision. Mere moments after that traffic suddenly came to a screaching hault as an accident happened right in front of me - maybe 20 feet away. I watched in horror as a large older van clipped an Explorer which seemed to be on ice skates gliding in circles until it finally slammed up against the shoulder guard rail. I quickly exited the freeway early because the last thing I need is to crash my car at high speeds. On the bright side Lola was not in the car today.

Once I got home I gave Lola a bottle of juice and began to work from home. She was right noxt to my legs when I heard her cough so I looked down and noticed that she was bright red, her eyes watering and she was clearly in a struggle. A blanket of fear enveloped me as all of the cpr and choking instructions I had studied went out the door. I immediately picked her up, and began patting her back to help free up her airway so that she could breathe. I have never felt more helpless in my life; I hope I never ever have to experience that again. Once she was ok and breathing normally I hopped onto YouTube to brush up, once again, on my infant choking steps. Thankfully I did not have to use them this time, in the future I know what to do.

Ugh...I hope the night pans out better than the afternoon. Sorry I thankfully do not have a picture to corresepond with this one. I think I need a drink haha!

Lo is about 7 1/2 months old and while most have warned me that it will only get tougher as she learns to crawl and walk and eventually climb, I've realized that it also becomes easier. Easier for her and easier for me.

She went through the "hold me all the time" stage to now wanting to be on the ground crawling, playing and looking for death...I think babies are programmed to look for things that can cause them the most harm...seriously! While searching for death could present a problem, there are things that you can buy to prepare for that. Before it was attention required 24/7 or more if that's even possible and now not only does she self entertain, but she feeds herself and has become an independent piece of pie.

I must have 3 magazine subscriptions and a juicy Jackie Collins book which until recently have been a complete waste of money and an eye sore on my coffee table. Thankfully I can now breathe a sign of relief and start causing a few self induced headaches as I read myself to sleep : )

Miss Lo is already 7 months old and I can't believe how fast it has gone so far. She can crawl...very fast, pulls herself up to stand, has 2 bottom teeth and 2 more on top on their way in. The only thing she's is lacking is hair haha; she was short ended on that deal. She talks like she's having full on conversations; what am I going to do when she can actually speak words? Can you imagine??? She is going to drive me up the wall. New pics are on the way...

My girl has learned to crawl...well, sort of. She crawls correctly for a couple of steps then gives up and resorts to head crawling. Maybe her head is just too heavy or perhaps she is just lazy; I haven't made up my mind yet, but either way she looks cute. Check her out here...

P.S...she has two bottom teeth now; watch those fingers!

These days even the most careless of shoppers are trying to get their shopping madness under control. While we may not be ready to zip up the wallet, shred the credit cards or swear to never even glance into a Louis store ever again, we should still be smart shoppers or "Frugal Fashionistas" as I'd like to call it.

There was once indeed a time when I paid for everything in cash, which then eventually graduated to "plastic" which with we are all too familiar. It was only then that I realized "Confessions of a Shop-a-holic" was made for me. Personally. Believe it or not...as money smart as I am, I had racked up over $21k in credit card debt in an extremely short period of time, which I am still paying on today. Sadly. Happily I am moving over the hump and and am more than half way through that debt all on my own.

SInce realizing the harsh realities or my senseless acts of impulse and kindness, kindness because more than half of that debt did not belong to me, and impulse because the money was available to me...oh isn't that how they get us all? Any way, since realizing my carelessness I have decided to take another route to shopping. I now use coupons for groceries, shop the bargain stores and websites and save my purchases for days when stores have their biggest sales; if there is a coupon in the Sunday paper you'd better believe I will use it.

My advice to you other shop-a-holics is follow my lead. I know some people are embarrassed by the sale or clearance racks and the thought of using coupons makes you cringe, but the thought of owing thousands of dollars and paying on it for over 30 years should make you cry and never want to set foot in a shopping mall ever again in your life. That's the truth. Get over it and grow up; be the intelligent shopper and not some immature overgrown child with the "mommy and daddy will take care of it" attitude. It's so played out already, seriously.

If you're ready to make a change and start saving money while still getting the shopping high, visit some of these sites below. For me, shopping has become so much more satisfying. I shop only when I can and should and use coupons for anything that a coupon can be used for. If you're shopping online search the web for promo codes or free shipping offers. It really makes a huge difference and your money will go so much furhter.

Online Promo Codes:

www.retailmenot.com

www.couponmountain.com

www.coupongeek.com 

Grocery Coupons:

www.couponmom.com

www.coupons.com

www.shortcuts.com

Bargain Websites:

www.smartbargains.com

www.ideeli.com

www.bluefly.com

We are super excited for Christmas...I can't believe it's already here. We haven't even had a chance to visit Christmas in the Park yet; I'm not sure if we will make it or not, our week is pretty packed.

This is the first year that I waited until the very last second to wrap presents; I feel as though I have been wrapping for weeks, but for some odd reason I will still be wrapping tomorrow night. Ugh.

I wish everyone a happy, safe holiday and I hope that all of your wishes come true. Let's just hope that Santa has you on his "Nice List" this year...I don't see much use for coal during the rainy season hehe.

Tomorrow is Sister's gift exchange; we like to do ours separate and have our best friends over for dinner and prezzies! Baby Lo will be in attendance too and we are so excited. It's her very first Christmas and next year will be even funner for her. I can't wait.

Lola can sit up and stand by supporting herself with her hands, she loves her Leap Frog activity table; she screams when it talks to her haha. So cute. Check out some pics of her in action below...

We're back!

Our Florida vacation, courtesy of the rents, was so much fun. We haven't gone on a family vaca in so long...boy were we missing out. They wanted to pay for everything! Grandma and Grandpa paid for all of our drinks too! Those are my kinds of trips haha...only kidding. I really wanted to help, but everytime I tried to get my own check they managed to get the waiters to give it to them. Those little sneaks haha.

When we first arrived the weather was pretty intense and scary. It wasn't at all how I had invisioned it to be. It was storming, cold, and windy and the humidity was at a super sticky 90-95%. I definitely did not pack for this. Thankfully almost everyone had an iphone so we managed to find a Westfield Shopping Center and hit up Vickie's for some sweats...we had been saved!

It had been cold and windy almost everyday until the day of the IronMan...go figure right? Well that day it was about 80 with zero wind at all. It was hot. The IronMan comp was crazy; there were so many people that if you accidentally got separated...you were probably gonna stay that way. I have no idea how these people do it; without a doubt I would have died and if I didn't die I would have needed an ambulance.

We all knew that dad was going to do a good job and he did. He did a great job and we were all super proud of him for finishing, but not only did he finish, he placed in the top third of the entrants. He had a minor setback at the begining, some idiot had sliced his tire and it needed to be replaced and the bike needed to be put back together, but in a jiffy he managed to get it all fixed and was on his way to the bay (they changed the swim due to severe weather conditions).

It was a lot of fun, but since we had Lola's stroller it was hard to get up in the front of the crowds with everyone else to see when he was coming down the stretch. For us, the best part was when he was coming through the round-a-bout area for the run because we were all right there and could see everything. We were separated on opposite ends of the track so we were all cheering so that he had fans on both sides of the track haha. With Mel, Judy and Jess there everyone had fans lol...they were cheering everyone on. I'm surprised Judy didn't lose her voice haha.

I am so sad because I didn't get to take hardly any pictures. My camera died like the second or third day that we were there. Unfortunately the camera doesn't charge any more and what I thought was fully charged was no where close. Mom took lots of pictures so I am planning on taking some of hers. Thanks mom!!! When she gives them to me I will post them up.

We also went to the zoo and have lots of fun memories from there too..."if it has 2 strap - tha's a book bag". We will remember that forever haha. The animals were so cute...I loved the little monkey guy that looked like a Gremlin...so cute! Our flights were all pretty good (I hate airlplane seats, but I managed) it seemed like every flight had a rough landing, but I'm just happy that we landed safely lol.

Arnold had a lot of fun on the trip and was really happy that he was able to experience it all with us. He was also able to go to the Skate Park of Tampa, the skatepark where you have to skate to become a Pro, so he was super excited about that and said "the trip was tight" haha...not my vocab, but he had a super fun time haha.

Judy, Jes and Mel had a super fun party night...BF, BF, BF! "Gotta go...I'm an IronMan too" haha...you are the funniest drunk ever, but since you are my BF I can get mad at you for it too! Your back-brace dress did look super cute btw! Glad we picked that one out. "I'm going to Florida. Why? To go shopping at Torrid." Haha...so funny! Good times.

While vacation was a ton of fun, it's always great to come back home. That's when you realize how much you love your bed, your pillow, your own everything. Thanks to the rents for taking us all there with them; we loved seeing all of our family together and can't wait for the next one. It's on me...haha ok well maybe not. I'm  on it though...I've been working the lotto real hard lately hehe.

Thanks Guys...and good job Dad...we're all super proud of you and now we're taking you out for Mexican food and ice-cream haha...you have to take a break sometimes right?

Someone send me some pictures...please!

I had it all wrong! I expected Lo to end up with dark hair, tan skin and possibly dark eyes. Ummm...yea well she's like me. Blonde hair, blue eyes and light skin haha. At least we know she will tan nice! Here's a pic of my pumpkin from this morning...

This past weekend we all decided to sign up and do the Fun Run that the "rents" had organized. I wasn't expecting to see as many people as we did and it turned out to be a lot of fun.

Grama B and Grandpa came out to strut their stuf...silly Grama had to pop a squat in the bushes that weren't actually there haha. I guess when you've got to go, you've got to go haha. Only Grama B huh? That's why we love her...no shame in this grama's game! They did a great job and we are so proud of them for their hard work and dedication. Good job guys!

Phil came out to support everyone and setup his gazebo displaying his wooden creations; very exquisite and great quality. I would love to buy something, but sadly I'm too poor haha. I might get one of those cool back scrathers though; it was so cool! Telescopic with an actual silver hand at the end hehe.

Boog ran with her friend Cara from Fresno - they both did a great job coming in with bright red cheeks! I'm glad Cara was able to come run with her - she was happy to see her and she had her side-kick so that's fun. Boog and I both won $20 Target gift cards...so fun! To think I didn't want to be number 37; I guess it was lucky after all haha.

Sister Mel finished in 1st place - good job brother haha! Next time I think I might run it with her. This past time around I walked it with Baby Lo, Judy and Emily. Lo finished ahead of me by a stroller's length hehe. She was all decked out for the event though...my little pumpkin! We desperately needed a bow! Since she's starting to look more like me, she's got the blonde bald head and can easily be mistaken for a boy...better get those ears peirced soon!

Yessica did a good job too; she finished 5th with a run / walk combo. For someone who hates working out, that's pretty darn good. My silly Yessica haha! We love her. Get ready for November 8th Jes...don't forget those super fast shoes of yours haha. I've been looking for a fast pair too haha. I'm gonna find Mel's bottle of steroids so we can get her competitive edge too haha.