The Blake Family

Thank goodness for boo boo bunny!

June 4, 2009
This evening, Mila was introduced to boo boo bunny - a little ice pack that was used for Gannon's bumps and bruises while he was small. Little Mila was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Brother was tossing a half-full water bottle to Daddy and it hit a wall and backfired right onto sister's forehead while she was enjoying her vibrating chair - she let Mommy know right away that something HURT! Ouch!!! Poor little things...Mila was hurt and Gannon felt horrible for hurting sister. It was a difficult night for Mommy and Daddy to say the least. I have a feeling that this is only the beginning of the oops...

Relax...

June 4, 2009

Thank you Aunt Susy and Uncle Jerry for my comfy new robe!!!

I Love It!

It's hard work...

May 29, 2009

Kicking to strengthen those precious leg muscles - it's hard work for a 14-week old little girl.

Studly G...

May 29, 2009

Can you tell that he has a Mommy that loves to take his picture? Every time I breakout the camera, Gannon strikes a pose.

Work it...love it...feel it...

I love this crazy boy!!!

Adorable Mila...

May 29, 2009

Her first barrette...

She's not a big fan of "tummy time"...but it must be done.

Sick little boy...

May 25, 2009

Above: not feeling so well...

Below: after fluids, he's back to his old self.

My little guy was extremely sick over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Gannon had never thrown-up or had diarrhea before this weekend. My little dude would get sick and then feel better and then get sick and then feel better - this cycle lasted all day Saturday and Sunday. It was Monday that we realized he wasn't getting better at all. Every time he stood, he told us that he felt dizzy. We knew his illness was serious because this kid is tough and never complains. And the last place he would ever want to go is to see the doctor, so when we told him we were taking him to the hospital and he didn't oppose...we were even more worried.

Once we got him to the hospital, they ran tests. Based on the tests - they decided to admit him! I couldn't believe it. My baby was in the hospital (for dehydration). Once he received fluids, he felt 100%. It turns out that he simply had a stomach flu.

Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. This was a tough time for us.

We ARE SO blessed that are children are healthy.

She is 3 months old...

Our Mila is beginning to giggle, coos often, eats like a champ, kicks all of the time, adores her brother, mandates her naps in her bed, sleeps through the night, notices the items all around her, loves her Daddy, doesn't mind it when Mommy dresses her up, enjoys the outdoors, is rather patient, let's you know if she really needs something, has maintained her gorgeous blue eyes, likes classical music, weighs 12 pounds 15 ounces, stands well with assistance, and is beginning to teethe. Our Mila is precious.

Jessica came over to photograph her for her 3 month old shots. The great photos above are only two of the fantastic pictures that she captured of Miss Mila. Jessica has been there from the beginning of her life (literally) and will be there for many, many more. I love the artistic eye my dear friend has. If you want some fabulous photos, call Jessica at 701-7188.

Shovel...

May 18, 2009

Richard had the day off, so he did what he usually does on a day off...a project (yes, I'm lucky that he does so much around the house - my very own handyman). Today, the project was creating a bubbling fountain by our pool. When Richard began to dig in the dirt, Gannon ran to change his shoes to boots (like Daddy) and grabbed his little shovel to assist. Here are some photos of my wonderful little handyman in the making...

While digging, they discovered a new friend - a blue-bellied lizard. Gannon named him Shaggy.

It was a Hoot...

May 16, 2009

Video above:

Gannon slugs the ball and runs to first - SAFE!!! And yes, he is left-handed (just like Daddy).

By the end of the "season", Gannon not only learned about the game - he really began to enjoy the game. Gannon has started asking Daddy to play t-ball at the park. Gannon's favorite part of the game was the opportunity to hit the ball.

Closing ceremonies ended with a great trophy.

Way to go Big G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Carter Rocks!

May 15, 2009

Gannon and Jessie had so much fun running around and chasing one another. These boys had too much energy to burn and were somewhat unable to sit down and listen to the music.

Mila seemed to enjoy herself.

This new little guy is our friend Gage - he is Jessie's baby brother. Isn't he adorable?!

Also...

A Big Happy 38th Wedding Anniversary to Geeg and Grump!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

May 10, 2009

Happy Mommy's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My children: Gannon & Mila - the reason I am a Mommy and celebrating this wonderful day. Richard and the kids treated me to a truly fabulous day. Brunch at the incredible Firehouse in Old Sacramento (my kind of food), a refreshing walk, and a little shopping around. And to top it off, they surprised me with a gorgeous Mother's Embrace birthstone necklace from one of my favorite's, Red Envelope. The necklace has four birthstones, which represent our family and are embedded in a circle representing never-ending love. Thank you so very much!
I love you guys!!!

Above: Gannon helping Mommy by pushing his sister.

" I got it Mommy".

Gannon was extremely happy to see trains.

To top the evening off, we met my parents, Grandma and Aunt Nena at the City Cafe (back in Yuba City) for dinner. Not only were we celebrating Mother's Day, but we celebrated my Grandma's 85th birthday.

It was a delicious dinner and blessed fellowship. What a relaxing evening!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Blow out the candle!!!!!

And a special "Happy Mother's Day" to my Mom and Geeg!!!!!!

Aloha

May 10, 2009
Wow - one year ago today, we were in Hawaii celebrating the union of my dearest friend Becky to Dean Scott. One year ago today, the tropical wind was blowing in my well-maintained hair. One year ago today, I was thin and tan. One year ago today, I was the Mommy of one. One year ago today, I didn't HAVE to wear a bra. One year ago today, I thought life couldn't get better.

Today, I have a leftover baby belly, flabby arms, back fat, big boobs, dark roots and a gorgeous daughter added to my world. One year ago today, I didn't know that life would BE better.

I'm blessed to be celebrating my first Mother's Day as a mommy of two!!!

Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary Becky & Dean!!!!!!

Love you guys.

Nicole's Memorial Scholarship and a Wife?

May 6, 2009

This evening, we had the wonderful pleasure to attend the Yuba College Art Show and present the annual Nicole Bull Memorial Art Scholarship to an artist. When my sister left this world, her dear friend (and now mine) Erin initiated the Nicole Bull Memorial Art Scholarship at Yuba College, along with the fabulous Sara Sealander (art teacher at Yuba College). Erin and Sara do a tremendous job in raising money in Nicole's memory. I can't thank them enough. With the money raised in my sister's name, we then are able to award a scholarship annually to a Marysville High School student and Yuba College student that are pursuing the arts, just like Nicole did. I always love reviewing the art pieces submitted and reading about the artist's as well. It is always quite interesting to learn about another. The funny thing is - in almost every applicant for the scholarship, I find a piece of my sister in their world, whether it may be their views, travels, appreciation, loyalty, differences or complexity - I remember her...

Above is a photo of Chancellor, Gannon and Laurissa at the college. Chancellor and Laurissa are Erin's children. Nicole absolutely adored Chancellor. When he was a baby, she definitely loved that little guy with all of her heart.

Now the photo above is quite sweet. Gannon has a wonderful teacher at school that he is IN LOVE with. And I mean, IN LOVE!!!! His crush began small, but has grown tenfold. Her name is Miss Rebecca. One evening we were eating dinner with my parents and Papa asked Gannon, "How was school?" Gannon said fun - playing and coloring (the usual). Papa asked, "Was Chase at school today?" (Chase is G's best buddy). "Yep. I played with Chase and Evan and Ryan and Miss Rebecca." We all laughed because we were well aware of his crush. Dad looked at me and asked if Miss Rebecaa was married and Gannon raised his voiced and declared, "Yeah - to ME!!!" And there it was, Gannon's crush officially became a relationship (at least in his world). We shared this story with Miss Rebecca and she's a great sport. We love her because she loves our little guy and she is protecting (and holding) his heart. I couldn't ask for a better daughter-in-law. So, the above photo is Gannon at Yuba College posing in front of a piece of art at the art show. One of Miss Rebecca's friends drew her and when Gannon saw his wife on the wall, he insisted that I take his picture with her. How cute is he???!!!

Mila's Delight...

April 29, 2009

The mobile above Mila's crib has become her delight! I lay her in her crib (which is rare, as she is still sleeping in her bassinet in our room) and it is truly a treat when the mobile is cranked and singing. She LOVES it. Enjoy...