Santa Photos

Well, we survived another year of pictures with Santa. And, in a "Christmas miracle" - Dominic actually smiled for the picture! Frankie looked like he was getting a mug shot taken. And if it wasn't for that teddy bear, I don't think he'd have wanted any part of Santa's lap. His single request for Christmas this year when Santa asked... a car - what else?! Keith snapped a few photos off to this side, which is what this picture is. Merry Christmas!

Tamales!

Anyone who knows my family well knows that Christmas time means tamale-making time. This year we had a VERY lean crew of my mom, dad and me. Keith was watching the boys and we didn't think there were any other gringos in the Valley worthy of making tamales with us! So, four hours later, we were gorging ourselves on this delicious treat (I had a half dozen myself - Keith beat me out by two). :) My mom is probably still in her kitchen bagging up these addictive goodies. Keith calls them heroin in corn husks. I agree!

The Holidays...

We're 10 days away from Christmas and I have MOST of the shopping done. What a crazy time of year this is... and then top it off with a new baby (how long can I keep saying that until it's just an excuse??) - it's nuts! I canned salsa for the first time this year - and will be giving that out for family gifts to go along with our tamales which we're making on Sunday. Life is good and full and nutty and wonderful. This pic is just a lazy Saturday at home with the boys... Dominic's eyes are still blue and Frankie is still being an angel of a big brother. I'm so lucky!

Dominic is Baptized!

In a short tribute to the new little man in our lives... Dominic is now about 11 weeks old and is as sweet (if not sweeter) than Frankie was at this age. He loves to smile and "talk" and is content doing just about anything as long as he is well-fed. Hmmm... is that a Weidaw, Arnold, Perez or Putnam thing??? Probably all four! He discovered his tongue this weekend and is obsessed with sticking it out at anyone who will look his way. In a major event, Dominic was baptized on Sunday and was the best baby there. He really didn't make a peep and was awake for most of it. His godfather is Greg (Keith's cousin on the Italian side) and the godmother is Jennifer (Keith's sister). It was really nice to have Keith's family in town to share is such a special day for Dominic. I think that is one of the best things about beith Catholic... to have these special days in our lives that mark a day in time to celebrate not only our spirituality, but their development as kids. We will always remember this special day for Dominic. He's a blessing in our lives!

First Bike Ride

We busted out an early birthday present for Frankie today... his new tricycle. And, he loved it! Not a moment too soon either... because in a rare twist of fate, it's raining this afternoon and we'll be stuck inside the rest of the day.

Dominic's Stats

Although he was pretty short when he was born, Dominic is turning into a true Arnold boy... long and lean! At his two-month check up, he was in the 50th percentile for weight at 11.6 pounds and the 90th percentile for height at 24 inches. There are moments when he seems like he's growing too fast... and then others when I realize how teeny he still really is. We just spent a great day at the park with the whole family - Keith had the day off. Everyone had a blast... and Dominic's going on a three-hour nap to prove it! This is a recent pic where he is looking exceptionally Italian with that nose! :) He's a sweetie and talks ALL the time... way chattier than his big brother was at this age. So, we will see if this guy is even more of a social bug. For now, I love that he keeps most of his chatter for his mom.

My Two Men!

How cute is this photo? Frankie insisted on putting shaving cream on his face and thought he was pretty hot stuff standing next to his dad doing it.