His Thoughts on Parenthood

He writes:

The most precious and blessed gift a man could ever have is becoming a father. Back in late April 2010, my family and I went on vacation to California. It was the first time our then 13 month old son had seen the ocean, which to him probably resembled a HUGE bathtub. He loves the water. Watching him crawl excitedly through the sand was one of the most exciting moments of being a father.

I once remember an uncle of mine telling me when I was a teenager that "the experience of becoming a father begins the moment the baby is born. When that man accepts the responsibility of fatherhood he starts on the journey of a lifetime: building a relationship with his son/daughter and the childs mother." Great communication along with good parenting changes how a married couple divides their responsibilities within the home. Our son Liam is the twinkle of my eye. We couldnt be more proud parents. God has blessed my wife and I tremendously with Liam. Parenthood is truly a blessing.

By: Donovan Lucero

A Baby's Best Friend

If a dog is a man's best friend, can a dog be a baby's best friend also? I sure think so, and so does Liam!

Liam and Tessa have gotten along since Liam came into this world. The day I went into labor Tessa was walking around the house back and forth following my foot steps with each contraction. She knew something was wrong. She knew I was not feeling well. But she stayed by my side. When Liam came into this world she would not leave his side and still hasn't.

Look at how cute these two are!!

Tessa even lets Liam pull her tail. My goodness I love my son and this dog!

A New Beginning

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I can do to my blog to make it more interesting. I have been struggling with things to post. I know, if you know me you are probably thinking "Kiera always has something to say, how in the world could she not know what to blog about?" Well... its true.

So I have decided to change my blog up a bit. I am now going to follow a routine with what I am posting on particular days... every day of the week will have a "theme". These are the themes:
Monday: My Son- All about my little boy and being a first time mommy
Tuesday: Tipful Tuesdays-Random tips on anything and everything to include motherhood and life
Wednesdays: Who/What is that Wednesdays- Pictures & explanations of things I have felt worthy enough to snap a picture of
Thursdays: Thankful Thursdays- We must be thankful for all the blessings in our life
Friday: Family/Friends/Follower Fridays- posts from these people
Saturday & Sunday: Spark Plug: Conversation starters/random thoughts/interesting topics or stories

Obviously, having a 16 month old does not allow me time to blog every day. When I do blog, depending on the day, those will be the topics! I have LOTS of ideas already!!!!! Starting Monday- my new beginning!

My Brother

Being pretty on the inside means you don't hit your brother and you eat all your peas- that's what my grandma taught me. ~Lord Chesterfield

My brother and my nephew

Yesterday was my brothers birthday. He is five years older then I am. Throughout my life we have always been close, even though we fight sometimes. A lot can be said about having an older brother. He was my best friend growing up. He always played with me even when he didn't want to.

I remember one time when I was 8 or 9 years old. We were riding bikes together. He was trying to teach me how to hop a curb. Two pretty girls were walking by. I tried to hope the curb, flipped head first over my handle bars and really hurt myself. I started crying and he got really embarrassed. He tried to make me get up and be quiet so the girls would quit starring. Needless to say, we ended up riding our bikes as far and fast as we could from those girls because he was so embarrassed.

I could go on and on about stories growing up with my brother. Nothing could ever replace the bond that him and I have.

Yesterday was also my youngest nephew, Santana, birthday.

Santana and Liam- Liam 1 wk old.

I Love This Kid

Have I told you lately how much I love this kid? He is my world. He is my everything. He is growing so fast. He almost says full sentences, he almost runs and he understands everything you tell him. He loves to go for car rides, he loves his animals, and he especially loves his lawnmower (thank you Auntie Dawnelle)!

*This was written by an 8 yr old boy named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista CA. He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God'.

Explanation of God:

"One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things here on earth. He doesn't make grown ups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easy to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to fathers and mothers.

Gods second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times besides bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because He hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.

God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom or dads head asking for something they said you couldn't have.

Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church.

Jesus is Gods son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.

His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so He told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.

You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.

You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there is anybody you want to make happy, its God!

Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.

If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents cant go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He is around you when you are scared, in the dark or when you cant swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.

But... you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases...

And... that's why I believe in God."

I love children! Especially my son!

Taking The High Road...

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

The guide book said it was an easy hike around the lake, where the flat path hugged the waters edge. It was going to take longer this day, because I had to stop every few feet, it seemed for another breathtaking view in the late afternoon light. Rounding a bend, the path began to lean upward. Within minutes, the fork in the road became visible. The low road? The known path, the easy one. The high road? The unknown path, the mystery of what is out there. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

I thought about forks in the road, spiritually-speaking. The Bible advises us to set our thoughts on things above, not below.  The high road, God's way, always the better path.

I am taking the high road!

"Take the high road... its less crowded" author unknown- but that's my philosophy!

How I Found Out...

Him and I have always been very close. We are cousins. Growing up, he lived in Fresno CA. I lived in NM. Although we lived a few thousand miles apart, we were close. Once he graduated with three degrees from Stanford, a Sergeant in the Army, he was stationed in Fort Bliss, TX. Because of this he moved to El Paso and bought a home off base. He met a beautiful women (and very nice women) and they later married. We would go down to El Paso every 3-4 months to visit him and he would drive up here as well.

I remember it clearly, the last time I hung out with him on the outside of prison walls. It was the summer of 2005 (I think). He had come up to visit. Him and his wife, my husband and I, some other cousins of ours and friends all went out. We went to downtown Albuquerque and went club hopping. It was so much fun. We had a good time. We hugged and said our good byes. He went home and so did we.

I would talk to him once or twice a month on the phone and even more via email and text messaging. It had been a month. He had not responded to my texts, emails or phone calls. I didn't suspect much other then maybe he was SUPER busy. Him and his wife were getting ready to move to Austin so that he could achieve his PhD. and become a lawyer. Another month passed. Nothing. So I decided to call his wife (her and I were pretty close. She was so sweet, pretty and very nice). No answer. So I left her a message that went like this "Jessica, Its Kiera. I was calling to see how you two are doing. I have been trying to get a hold of Gary now for over a month and he hasn't returned any phone calls, emails or texts. Can you give me a call? Thank you. God bless". Nothing. No return call. Now I began to worry. I called my Aunt and told her that I haven't heard from Gary. She said that he had been really busy with the move and all and to just give him so time. So I did. I am guessing this was around October 2005.

In November 2005 I was visiting my mom at her house. We were sitting at the table when she says "Kiera, we need to talk". I could tell this wasn't going to be a very good conversation. She proceeded to tell me that Gary was in jail. She said that he had been under investigation for several months now and his home was raided by the FBI and they arrested him. WHAT????? This was my cousin who had graduated valedictorian of his high school class, went on to receive a full ride scholarship to Stanford and graduated from there with two Bachelor degrees and a Masters. WHAT???? For what? She went on to tell me about his addiction.

After she told me what was going on I was beyond shocked. How could I have NO idea that someone I was so close to had an addiction to pornography? How could I have NO idea that someone I was so close to had been under investigation by the FBI, and in jail for the last 3 months. YES- 3 months and NOBODY told me. I was appalled that my family kept it from me for so long. I asked my mom why? Why had nobody told me about this when it was happening? Maybe I could have tried to help him. She said that her sister (my Aunt) had told her a week ago. My Aunt had kept it from the family and finally decided to tell her siblings and gave them permission to tell their children.

He was embarrassed, and I totally understand that now. He had asked my Aunt to not tell anyone until it all was straightened out. Well... once he realized it was VERY serious and he might be in jail for a very long time he gave her permission to tell everyone.

We went to his sentencing in El Paso. It was a very emotional time for me. I hadn't seen my cousin in 4-5 months and when I walked into the court room he was dressed in full bright orange, his hands and feed shackled together. It was like he was a danger to society. I lost it and started crying uncontrollably. My friend Brande was there with me and she escorted me out of the court room so that my cousin wouldn't see me like that. He needed my support more then ever, not a sobbing mess of a cousin who was losing her mind. Long story short- he was sentenced to 20 years in a federal prison. He has been in the federal prison system for 3 years now. Three years- WOW has time flown. My husband and I have been to see him twice since he has been in California. He specifically requested a prison in California to be closer to his family out there.

That's how I found out.

We went to go see him in March of 2008. It was just my husband and I. I was REALLY nervous. I had never visited anyone in prison before. I had no idea what to expect. The day came to visit him. We left our hotel and drove to the prison. I was so nervous. I was nervous because I had not had a face to face conversation with him since that night at the bar. We had communicated a lot since this all happened but through letters. Here is a picture of our 1st visit with him in 2008:

We spent all day with him. It was so nice. I miss him so much. I promised him that I would be back.

Two years passed and my husband and I had a baby. My cousin obviously never met my son and it broke my heart. So I saved up money. Once I had enough money saved up we went back to California to see him again, this time with Liam. In April of 2010 Liam finally got to meet Gary. Liam enjoyed the visiting compounds of the prison. Lots of sunshine and grass. Him and Gary rolled around in the grass and played all day. My cousin was amused with Liam. You could tell my cousin had not been around a baby in a really long time. We had a great time there!

I miss him.

Did I Sleep At All?

It was 9:30 pm. I just laid my head down on the pillow. Just started to doze off. Then all of a sudem he starts whaling! Waaaaaaaaaaaa. WAAAAAAAAA. Then he starts coughing. Then he starts choking and gagging. I run in there thinking he threw up. Nothing. I get him a sippy cup of water and begin to rock him to bed. He falls asleep on my lap and I gently place him back into his crib. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. WAAAAAAAA. I proceed to go into the room hoping he will fall asleep. Twenty minutes later- waaaaaaaaaa WAAAAAAA. I go back in to his room. It is now almost 10 pm. I proceed to rock him back to sleep again. Gently lay him in his crib. Waaaaaaaa. WAAAAAAAA. I give up. Bring him into my room. Let him play and roll around. Now he is wide awake. But not crying!!!!! I let him play until 10:30 and he starts rubbing his eyes. He is beyond tired now. I go change his diaper and make him another sippy cup of milk. Rock him back to sleep and gently place him in is crib. Waaaaaaaa. WAAAAAAA. Then I hear my husband wisper in a half asleep tone "just let him cry for a while". So I try. As a mother that is one of the hardest things to do. But you learn. Around 11 pm he falls asleep. So do I!!!

Waaaaaaaaaa. WAAAAAAA. Its 12:30 am. What????? He only slept for a hour. Ughhhh. So I get up and get him some ibuprofren. Because on top of the bronchitis he is teething. Why didnt I think of the ibuprofen before? DUHHHHHHH Kiera. I give him ibuprofen and rock him back to sleep. Gently place him into his crib. Waaaaaaa. WAAAAAA. This went on until about 3:30 am. He never fell asleep after 12:30 am. I was so exhausted. I make him another sippy cup of milk (this is his 3rd FULL cup since 9:30). Place him into his crib while he is screaming his head off. I can feel my hair turning gray, literally. I go to bed and lay down. He cries for about 1.2 minutes and he is silent. I wait 30 minutes before going in there to cover him and take his sippy cup out of his crib. I then go to bed.

Waaaaaaaaa. WAAAAAA. Its 5:30 am. What????? He only slept for two hours. Ughhhhh. So I get up and start my day. He cries all morning non-stop. Nothing I can do is making him happy. I put him into the car with yet another sippy cup (this time with water). He is a happy camper now. I take him to the babysitter's and tell her. Sorry if he is fussy today but he had NO sleep last night and either did I. I go to work super tired and super frustrated.

This is the night life of a 16 month old little boy with bronchitis/teething and his mother.

One week old and sound asleep with his father. What happened to those days? Oh yeah- he grew up!

Veryyyyy Sick :-(

My little man is sick... very sick. I feel so bad for him. He is caughing like crazy and his nose wont stop running. So, I took him to the doctor today. He has bronchitis. He has to have an inhaler four times a day for 30 days. He actually thinks the inhaler is the coolest thing ever (thank goodness). I dont know what I would do if he didnt think so, because you have to leave it on his face for 30 seconds.

Other then having bronchitis he is as chipper as ever!

I love him SOOOOO much!

Oh yeah- I finally got the pictures from seeing my incarcerated Cousin back in April. As soon as I get them scanned I will blog all about Liams trip to the prison. It was SOOO much fun!

She is Having a Baby!!!!

They are having a baby and I could not be more thrilled!!!! God knows when it is best to give us a child. He has decided that it is my Sister-In-Laws turn. I am so happy and excited for them.

And... guess what???? Her due date is March 6th. The day before Liam's birthday. Imagine if my son and her son were born on the same day! Donovan is so happy and excited that he is going to be an Uncle.

Congratulations Dawnelle and Steve! Your lives are now changed forever!

Declan's Journey

Declan's Journey

I am no longer going to sweat the small stuff. My life is good! God is great. I have tried and true friends. I love my son. I love my husband. My marriage is great. I am close with my family. What more can a gal ask for?!!!!

So Many Thoughts

Since it has been a while since I have posted I have a MILLION thoughts to post on. So here it goes...

1. Constructive criticism- I just recently finished a 3 month leadership training in Washington D.C. One of the classes was on effectively handling/accepting constructive criticism. I always assumed I was good at taking constructive criticism until I took this class. So I left that class with a goal- handle criticism better and use it to grow. However, it is SOO much harder then it seems. Recently, also part of my leadership training, I have instructed people to do a 360 degree feedback survey on me. Responses are completely anonymous. One of the questions is to list one of my greatest weaknesses. Someone responded "forgets where she came from". I am not sure what that really means. Honestly, I am not sure if that was meant to be a weakness or just a rude comment. Either way- I have to learn how to constructively take this type of criticism and use it to better myself! So, that comment got me thinking- where did I come from? I came from my mother. I have been told I am exactly like her too! I came from a poor childhood and consider myself humble! I came from a big town in New Mexico and moved to a small town. I don't know if I am headed in the right direction with an answer to that question... but I am trying to figure it out. Another weakness on this 360 degree feedback was "does not know how to say 'no'". Hmmmm. Really? I thought I was pretty good at saying yes or no. But apparently- not so.

So... about constructive criticism- learn from it. Grow from it. Don't take it to heart. This is what I am learning!

2. Time-out. Can anyone tell me what the proper age to start putting your child into time-out is? My son has learned to throw fits, and I mean THROW FITS. Is he to young for time out at 16 months?

Now I will leave you with a final thought. A quote from an unknown person- "Good things fall apart so great things came come together".