My first stop was in Cypress with Brittany. It had been way too long since we were together! Dinner was awesome, and so was catching up. I miss her! ... and am super excited she is now only a drive away, instead of a long flight. We definitely have to make these plans more often. I didn't get to meet Hank, but hopefully next trip. After we wrapped up dinner, she visited with Lexi in the car. Brittany is a Vet, which has been a great perk for my 1000 questions. It is always nice having a friend who is an 'expert'. She will probably get annoyed with me soon.
Lexi has been having some eye issues, and will be visiting an Dogie Opthamalogist in the morning. Please pray that everything goes well. She is 8, and should have about 8 more good years in her. I am really praying she doesn't start having vision issues. I owe a HUGE thanks to Brittany for making me realize Lexi's issues need to be addressed quickly and writing a referral letter to the specialist. She saved us an extra Vet trip (and bill). Thanks Dr. King!
Tuesday night Lex and I got into Clear Lake super late. Luckily Judy waited up for us. I am constantly surprised at the things Lex remembers. As soon as we turned on my in-laws street she immediately started squeaking. She knew where we were & she was excited! After visiting a while, we headed up stairs and she remembers which room is ours. Then in the morning, she immediately knows where to go find her toys. Lexi definitely enjoyed her time at Gram & Papa's house! I'm sure she can't wait to show Lincoln around.
After visiting with Jim and Judy on Wednesday morning, Lexi and I headed over to meet EJ around lunch time. It is really nice that my in-laws and the Samples only live about 2 miles apart! Lex and I were so excited to meet this guy:
How could anyone not love him???
Let me re-phrase... I was excited. Lexi may have been a little jealous. She is used to having Eric's undivided attention. Such a brat!
Later that night we headed over to Maite's parents house to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Andy took more pictures, but this is the only one on FB so far.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!
(which sounds really funny to be saying right after Christmas)
As always, it was a great night full of laughs at the Quiros house. I love catching up with Maite's family. (and giving her siblings a hard time) Lexi enjoyed playing with Gabby and Shacki. I can't believe Jesus is 22 and Andy is in college! I wish I was better at scanning and saving pictures. The ones from when they were tiny & visiting us in the dorms are awesome.
Dinner was amazing, and followed by a night of intense Rummy Cube. Seriously, don't mess with Maria! We learned at dinner that Abi (Maite's Grandma, who looks 40) is now in English classes! I have spent a decent amount of time visiting and 'communicating' with Abi through the years, but neither of us has ever spoken very much of the other's language. It will be cool to eventually be able to have a full conversation!
I initially went down to Houston with the idea in my head that I would be helping Maite & Eric. In reality, I was a mere spectator in this amazing system they have going on. I feel like the trip worked more to my benefit than theirs. I really had no idea what to expect with a baby/breastfeeding, but I have learned it is a full time job! It took us several hours to get EJ to the perfect place in the feeding/pumping cycle to go on a short walk... but check out this picture, it is so worth it!
I really appreciate Maite and Eric letting me spectate and learn all kinds of important things. I now realize that I must block off at least 2 months of the work schedule following Lincoln's arrival. There is simply no time in the feeding rotation to do much of anything else!
Thursday night Maite and Eric had a lactation class, so I got to spend some extra time with Jim & Judy. We went to a delicious Italian dinner and I got all caught up on Judy's new job. It sounds like a perfect fit! She will be working with pre-term labor patients, and probably be full of all kinds of pregnancy knowledge. Jim is enjoying retirement & had a great time with Lexi! I definitely think she enjoyed being center of attention at their house!
When I got back to Maite's we rented "I don't know how she does it!" Maite was asleep half way through, and I wasn't far behind her. Sorry Eric for choosing a chic-flick and both passing out! Tim would say Typical.
Friday morning I left early to get back in time to get Tim from the airport in Dallas. For possibly the first time ever, I was early. I was then rewarded for my promptness by delayed baggage claim. At least I was able to work from my phone in the parking lot. Lexi and I were very excited to have Tim back in town. She is usually really good about knowing when she is and isn't allowed to jump out of the car, but when she saw him, there was no stopping her. She loves her daddy! Here she is taking advantage of being an "only child' when we got back to the house.
Wedged as close as possible between Dad & Mom.
Friday night we had double date night with Bara. First night out with them since their wedding! We ate at a delicious Asian place called Yao Fuzzi. For some reason I kept telling Tim we were eating at a place called "Yummi to go". I have no idea where that came from. Anyone heard of a restaurant by that name, or did I just make it up? Anyway, dinner was way better than what Tim had expected based on my description. After dinner we saw Contraband. Great movie. Tim is getting me into his guy movies and refusing to go to chic flicks because I just fall asleep. Sad, but true.
Saturday was Granny Ruth's 87th Birthday Party. All 5 of her kids made it in town, and a handful of Grand kids and Great Grand kids. The Watermark Clubhouse was a great place for a party. Granny loved introducing everyone and having so much of her family in town to celebrate with her!
Two Watermark friends, Granny Ruth, Carl and Laura
Ross!
My brothers and I with Grandpa Bill.
He is doing awesome post leg injury!
After the party we headed over to see Granny Jonny. She had a pretty good day. She got out of her room for a little bit and said Love you too when I left :)
Dad, Granny Jonny, and Clint.
On our way home from Granbury, we made a quick stop at Southside to celebrate Pryor's Birthday. Southside Lofts are super cool. It was our first time there and Tim and I were both impressed. I was mostly impressed with how clean his apartment was for a single guy. Ladies, this is what you are looking for!
The hilight of the party was when I met a new friend, who was an epidemiologist, and proceded to tell her how I was just talking to someone the other day about how they were an epidemiologist. It took Tim and I a few min. to figure out who it was. A girl on the Bachelor... Who rapped about it. Yes, I talk about girls on the Bachelor like they are friends. New Low. Ridiculous.
We had hoped to meet up with Jonny and Kelly later to celebrate their one year anniversary, but we didn't make it. I was one exhausted pregnant lady, with a starving, football deprived, husband. Luckily we made up for it on Sunday.
Jonny and Tim spent most of Sunday afternoon watching football and Kelly and I took advantage of the beautiful weather at the dog park. I don't think Lexi left my side for a week. She seriously went everywhere, including the Saturday parties! Here she is living it up at the dog park.
Sunday night we had an impromptu gourmet dinner. Bara, Jonny and Kelly came over. Cooking was a fun team effort. We started with a Cheese plate and Tomato Basil Souffle. The main course was Salad, Bread, Rosemary Potatoes, Pinwheel Steak, and Chicken Cranberry and Walnut Sausage. Then we finished things up with Chocolate Fondue. I was stuffed. I love these dinner nights. We must get more consistent. Kelly took pictures of all the food, but as usual I am having technical difficulties.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I will try to post soon about the results of Lexi's eye exam! Thanks for keeping her in your prayers!
