David Letterman's Top 10 List

...In random order
Gianna turned 3 months on Christmas Eve...She's gotten very "smiley" these days :)

A beautiful photo my sis took of our parent's guest house (a.k.a. The Beach House)

Sister's First Christmas Together!

A special thanks to our dear friend Jennifer Mobley Parks for the adorable Christmas shirts!
Gianna and her cute thumb (photo credit: Aunt Whitney)
Natalie Napping (photo credit: Aunt Whitney)

Contrary to many skeptics, Big Foot DOES indeed exist.

Clay and my Dad snuck off to the ranch. It looks like Santa is short 1 reindeer this year...

Circus Tent from Nonnie and Papa

(Bearded Woman, Elephant Man & Gypsie Snake-Charmer sold separately)

Now that she's holding her head up so well, Gianna sat in her bumbo for the first time...

Clay got antique books from Ireland for our study bookshelf...Thanks Whit!

Grandmother and Gianna
Nat's favorite new toy...a bouncing, spinning zebra from Mia & Gramps

And every girl's dream...a vacuum. (That is, unless it's a gift from her husband.)

Exhuberance in the circus tent!
All the Patranellas got together Christmas Eve at Andrea & Ryans: 3 COUSINS! Natalie, Ava, & Carson

Aha! Almost as rare as a bigfoot sighting, snow in June, or a man folding his own clothes: The elusive Vince and Hayden sharing a "moment"...

"I hope Nonnie and I can cook together out of her new cookbook."

Kathy's side all got together at the house on Christmas Day. Kathy cooked for days and days and it was d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s. Below, all the kiddos opening presents at "Christmas at Kathy's"... We even made a trip to South Texas to see Great-Nana! Gianna was pleased to finally meet her.Our girls with both Great-Grandmothers...so special.
Momma P and Aunt Betty (+ dessert)

Clay=Happy.

My parents gave him a terrific refurbished grill. We can't wait to start grillin'!

Aunt Whitney and Gianna

"Happy 40th Anniversay Uncle Frank & Aunt Kathy!"

Christmas Morning:

Cory with our niece & nephew, Luke & Victoria

In Victoria Christmas Day

Our precious Godson, ChaseWatch out for these guys...t.r.o.u.b.l.e.
Clay, Cory & Chris

Nothing is more hilarious than a chaotic photo with children :) What a whirlwind Christmas! It was wonderful to see family and friends, drink champagne, eat Italian meatballs and tamales, watch the girl's eyes light up with gifts, catch a movie with my sis, Clay's hunting trip, shopping with giftcards, and most importantly, remembering the reason why we are all together in the first place: Christ Jesus.

Wishing everyone a blessed New Year!

I can see Russia from my house...

A beautiful day for the park!"Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...."
"I can see Russia from my house."

"Whoa this is high! Hail Mary, full of grace..."

Sweet Gianna wanted to swing, too...But later realized she wanted to make it to her 1-year birthday.

Natalie: "Thank goodness...back on dry land."
Z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z Nothing is more entertaining than watching a child try to catch their shadow..."Why does it keep moving?"

"Gotcha!"

We had the Blaschke Trio over for lunch on Saturday. Clay cooked his specialty shrimp dish, which was delicious...and Kelly's peppermint cupcakes were the perfect dessert! Baby Ethan is so precious and such a sweetheart. The girls loved having a boy around, and Natalie wishes to formally apologize for her "is it naptime?" diva moment :) There's nothing better than spending the afternoon with great company. Thanks for coming, Kel & B!

Life Today

We were all sleeping so soundly this morning. Before I even opened my eyes, I just listened. The low hum of the ceiling fan, Gianna's deep-slumbered breathing, Clay's cute snoring, the crinkling of the sheets as he turned over. The room was dark and warm and the sun was just beginning to seep in. I felt so content.

All four of us had slept in a bit, and although we had to "make up time quickly" it was worth it. I really love our daily routine. Every family has one, huh? Each morning, one of us heads upstairs where Natalie (the "sleeping machine") begins to stir. She's so happy in the mornings, and no matter how much we dread waking up, Natalie always gives us that extra ounce of energy. This morning, when I snuck in her room, she was already standing - smiling - ready for the day. It's infectious. She ate her eggs, bananas, and cheerios like a hungry mountain lion and was ready to meet up with her friends at school. She insisted on wearing her red bow. I don't normally allow bows at school, because it may not make it home! But, it completed her outfit and made her giggle. Who am I to argue?

Gianna was still sleeping when it was time to leave. I usually feed her around 7:00, but this morning she preferred to sleep in, and that was fine. I hated to wake her even, but it was time to slip her into the car seat. She was warm and sleeping so hard. Her eyes were closed so tightly that her dark lashes curled more than usual. When I slowly pulled her blanket back, instead of being upset at being stirred, she shared a huge smile...the kind where her cheeks swell up and her eyes shine. Ah, heaven. We dressed her, grabbed the bottles, coats, blankies, and other daily necessities and loaded the car. Natalie's favorite (and must-have) accessory is her coat. I think she would wear it if it were 85 degrees out.

On the way to school, as we weaved through the neighborhood streets, we played the "ssshhh" game and pointed out the trees, sky, and houses. I pulled up to school and Natalie began squealing and shuffling her legs with excitement. We un-loaded quickly and braved the chilly wind to get inside to the warmth. Nat headed straight for her classroom and walked in like she owned the place. I have to get this on video...She literally prances. One arm is raised at the elbow and her wrist falls limp like a little southern belle (Scarlett O'Hara in the making). Then, with each step, she swivels her hips like she's got a hoola-hoop around her waist. It's the prissiest, "Look Out World!" walk I have ever seen. Her teacher announces "Herrrre's Natalie!", her boy-friend Jacky claps at her arrival, and cutie Grace shrieks "Natty! Natty!". I can't help but grin.

Gianna's teacher cradles her and readies her bottles for the day. Ms. Anna is great. I can't wait for both girls to walk in together arm-in-arm. Gianna is getting so big. Last night, as I was feeding her, I looked down and realized she's doubled since we brought her home. I used to love for her to nap on my chest. That's my favorite memory with both of my girls. There's something so amazing and soothing about it...like being at the calm, quiet center of a turbulent storm. Feeling their baby breath and body warmth. Now, when I attempt this, Gianna tends to slip to one side or the other! Her little legs are long and her arms drape my shoulders, like an oversized sweater. They grow so soon...and their days of being babies are all-too-suddenly gone with the wind.

When we get them back at the end of the work day, our evening routine begins. It's not a military-like, 'perfect' routine...but it's ours. As night settles in, there's nothing better or more rewarding than both girls sleeping soundly in their beds...safe, warm, content, dreaming. I then shoot a passing glance at Clay and thank God that I call him mine.

I'm not one to blog with too many words, but I don't want to forget these little things. It's these hundreds of daily moments that add up to a full, completed life. We don't have everything, but what we do have means everything. And e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. seems sweeter, stronger, and happier these days. I hope your life is equally blessed.

My happiest memory of both girls...

Natalie, 1 month
Gianna, 1 month

Office Christmas Party '09

Saturday evening we were at Clay's office Christmas party at Sweetwater Country Club. The evening's highlights:

- Ice Bar (complete with yummy Pino Grigio)
- Worst Magician Ever!
- Dancing to Michael Jackson Classics
- More Pino Grigio
- Catching up with friends
- Winning a door prize
- Photo Booth Pictures (coming soon)

Kelly and Ashley:
Byron and Clay cutting up (as usual):

2009 Parenting Award Recipients

We have Clay's Office Christmas Party on Saturday evening. We don't get Nights Out all that often, so we are beyond thrilled. Plus we'll get to catch up with our great friends, the Blaschke's. Since we're all close, can I just be honest with you? "Mama needs a cocktail!" There will be a slumber party on Shadow Gate Ct. with Mia, Victoria & the girls....and I do hope "slumbering" will take place for Mia's sake...Thanks Mom!

We hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Here's a little Friday humor...

2009 PARENTING AWARDS:

At least they taped her stuffed animal with her...
Ironic, isn't it?? = the duck is taped with duct tape.
Just add water...
Is that Arkansas?
"Can't...see...in...front...of...me..."
"Feed the wild racoon, sweetie. Watch your fingers."
See basket.

And the 2009 Top Award goes to....

Ahhh yes, let's force our young son to pose with THE SCARIEST CREATURE ON THE PLANET...The terrifying "Orc" from Lord of the Rings"

Quality Time

Gianna really is the sweetest baby ever. (Don't we all say that?:) It took her a couple months to get into her own rhythm, but she's sleeping through the night (which we really appreciate) with the occasional midnight snack. She just loves to be held, kissed, and cuddled. She loves her warm evening baths, a full belly then...Zzzzzzzzz. Both girls go to bed at 7:00 (If there were an Olympic sport for Power Sleeping, Natalie would win...or Clay maybe.) This leaves Clay and me a lot of quality/romantic time together...and by "quality romantic time" I mean laundry, Modern Family on Wednesdays, bottle-cleaning, 9pm grocery shopping, "how was your day, honey" chit chat, and the occasional hug. J/K

We actually got the study painted this week while the girls were sleeping. (Long story, but our painters did a great job before we moved in, however our color choice??? Let's just say what was supposed to be a warm earth-tone sage green looked more like a tub of lime green sherbert on Aisle 7 at H-E-B. Bleh!) Much better now...

Anyway, my sweet GiGi Marie was posing last night...

Reason #937 why I love being a mom...

...Watching Natalie, on her tip toes, reach as high as she could to get all her letters on to the ledge of the fridge. She felt so accomplished afterwards! ...and my little Cabbage Head sweetie pie.