Feliz Cumpleanos

Yipee!!! Today, I am grateful for 32 years of life!!!
This year has been a year of growth and reflection for me. In so many ways I learn more about myself and why I am who I am.
Lets start with the highlights. Well the biggest blessing this year has been the addition (and completion) of the family with the birth of Victoria Lucia (a.k.a New Baby). She is a beautiful and happy baby, just like her sisters. She was born on Dec. 23rd and that day I was born a mother of three. Third time is a charm, I finally felt a little more aware during the delivery; it helped knowing what to expect. Although, it was still just as painful. But I was very proud of the peace that surrounded me that day and helped me through the delivery, even the anesthesiologist said I didn't look like I needed anything.. We are now officially the Gutierrez Girls: Maya, Sofia and Lucia. Maya and Sofia teach me more and more about my strengths and weaknesses everyday. I learn that I have to find patients, even amidst the most aggravating of moments, for their sake. I learn that boundaries are just as important as love and compassion and that they go hand in hand. And I am continually trying to lead by example I try to show them what is right and wrong through example. I am not a perfect mom, in fact more times than not I find myself down and out. I make mistakes. But they are worth trying to be better.
Another highlight has been that of "Reconciliation". This year I was able to mend fences with my sister and have found a great friend. It has been great having her around. The girls love their Tia Goya too. They were pleasantly surprised to hear all the songs in church written with their Tia Goya's name.. Its been nice!
This year, unfortunately has been very difficult health wise. This year I said Hello to a new beautiful Baby Girl and Bye Bye to my Gall Bladder, personally, I think I am still ahead. Health wise, it has been an unrest for both Carlos and I, but its really caused us to look at what we eat from a different perspective and realize that our health is vital to our family. I look forward to a better year of health ahead.
Last but never least, Carlos and I completed 6 years of marriage together. Wow ! I won't lie, its been rough. But we are still trying to find our roles and balance our life. I know I get busy with the kids and sometime he seems last on the list, but I am very grateful to have him in my life and I do appreciate all that he does. As the girls say it, "Daddy is my prince".
I am very blessed this year, My family is growing both as a Gutierrez and a Moreno. My family members are healthy physically and getting through this difficult financial time. Both my husband and I have jobs and a place to call home. I can't ask for more.

June 2009

Its been quite a while since the last time I posted a blog....so where should I begin.

Our home has become extremely busy with the three little ones. New baby is finally sleeping through the night, which is great because I've returned to work (so sad).

New Baby (now 5 months) is rolling all over the place, from her tummy to her back and from her back to her tummy. She wants to grab everything, which has earned her the nickname 'mil manos' She is very even tempered and happy. She, just like my other two daughters, is perfect.

Sofia is as cute as a bug, she is eating all the time, but doesn't seem to gain any weight. Her vocabulary is expanding at a tremendous rate, she speaks in full sentences now. Some of her favorite things to say include, "no Maya, that's mine". "I want apple juice please", "Baby is laughing" Mentally she is growing at a very fast pace

Maya, understands everything, She is learning how to write her letters and other words. She is a great counter and has mastery over shapes and colors. Maya is growing up before my own eyes and I am just taken aback at how sharp she is. She is also becoming very opinionated, and to say the least she has a mind of her own. At least once a week we battle over "what to wear" She'll like something one day, but not the next, causing immense distress for her father who is trying to get to work in the morning. But we are managing.

Carlos and I have had our share of health issues these past couple of weeks. He underwent surgery for his eye and for me, I had surgery for a hernia and gallstone removal. I am currently recovering from my surgery. When it rains it pours, both of these things came up within a couple of weeks of each other. But again, we managed to get through it.

In March Carlos and I celebrated 6 years of marriage, to celebrate we went to the SF zoo and then hung out that night in a Hotel room, with the girls. 6 years ago, neither Carlos and I thought we would have 3 beautiful daughters, a dog and this life. We are grateful for every blessing that god has given us.