The Man of Many Names

I forgot to tell a funny story about Nathan's birthday. We (the family and Santini's) were singing happy birthday to Nathan and it got to the part that says, "Happy Birthday dear ______" and I said Nathan, someone said Juner (that's what the girls have called him since day one since they didn't understand the Junior thing and it has stuck), and someone else said Bubba. It was so funny. He is also known as Juner Bug or Buggy (there are June Bugs down here and so that seemed to go together). I have always been big into nicknames, the only problem is that people that don't see him often don't know what to call him. Our close friends call him whatever comes to mind, just like we do. I have had several people ask me or my friends what to call him. Really, you can call him whatever you like. Nathaniel likes it when people call him Nathaniel, but honestly, he'll respond to just about anything!

What a present!

My little guy gave me quite the anniversary gift yesterday. He took his first steps for us! Not just one of two, but 5 or 6 at a time. What a big guy! I think the pressure was starting to get to him. Yesterday we had some car trouble and our good friend, JD came over to help us out. He asked if he was walking yet and we told him he wasn't but that it would be anytime now. He said the pressure must be on now that he was one. I guess Nathan took it to heart because a few hours later he was up on those chubby legs and movin'. I was very excited!

5 Years

April 24th has been a special holiday for me even before I got married. That's one reason why we chose that date. Getting married on that date sealed it as my favorite day. I think every girl will tell you her wedding day was the best day of her life. I reflect back on that day often. It truly was the best, most magical day of my life. I couldn't have been happier. It didn't matter what decorations we had at the reception or the food that was served (although I heard it was great, Mom), I was just thrilled to be married to the love of my life. Every day since then I have considered myself a lucky lady to be with someone as good as he is. He is ever so patient with me and encourages and supports me as well as lets me be the crazy girl that I am without trying to change me. I love this man!

My Favorite Part of the Party

I love the first birthday. I love to watch them demolish the cake. Nathan was reaching for the cupcake the instant he saw it. He didn't want to wait until the end of the song. He started shoving the cupcake in by the handful as soon as she got his hands on it. It was so fun. I love to see their first response to a good dose of sugar. He made a royal mess of himself, the floor, and his booster, but I didn't care. I love the show. He was easy to clean up, we just tossed him in the sink for a quick rinse.

Nathan's 1st Birthday!

We celebrated Nathan's birthday on Sunday although the real thing wasn't until Monday. We had our friends "Aunt" Megan and "Uncle" JD over to celebrate with us. They brought Nathan a present and he was so cute trying to open it. That look on his face says, "Yeah, that's right, I ripped this!" His sisters got impatient and opened his other presents. I didn't protest too much since he didn't care. He just wanted to play with the things he got. The girls helped me make the chocolate, chocolate chip cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Triple chocolate, it's probably a good thing I couldn't partake. What a fun year it has been with him around. He sure brightens our days!

You Know You're in Arizona When...

You are sweating BEFORE your workout.

You keep a spray bottle next to the bed to spritz periodically through the night.

Your baby wakes up from his nap wet from sweat.

You have to turn down the fan when the phone rings so you can hear the other person.

The water bottle left in your car burns on its way down your throat, but you have to drink it because you have already finished the other 4 cold ones you brought.

Your children run through the house naked because "naked helps us not to be hot".

It is 89 degrees in your house and it is only APRIL!!!

You try to think of meals that don't use the oven because it will cook everyone in the house.

We're still loving it here though. It's amazing what good friends can do for a place!

The Dumbest Argument EVER!

This evening as Nathaniel and I were in the kitchen, Eliza comes to me distraught and crying because Katelyn had taken something from her. I asked her to use her nice words and ask Kate to give it back. I followed her to the family room and I heard her ask Kate for her glass slipper back (her princess dress up shoes). I looked at Kate's feet and then around the two of them and there were no shoes of which to speak. I asked Kate where the shoes were and she lifts up her bare foot. I said, "The shoes are pretend?" Eliza said, "Yes, and she took them from me!" Kate was holding her hand up pretending to be holding a shoe and Eliza grabs the "shoe" back from Kate, who quickly steals it back. This was quite humorous to watch as they both were mad when the air/shoe was taken from them. They both acted as though they really were being robbed of something. I told them they could both have glass slippers and "tossed new shoes" in each of their directions. They both seemed satisfied with that. Seriously, you had to come and get me for that?