What a Great Daddy!

Raf got Alana to relax for her Christmas photo shoot by playing her favorite music and also taking a few photo's with her first. It really helped a lot because she really wasn't in the mood to have a camera in her face today :( She is usually a really great sport, though. I think she is starting to enjoy taking the photographs more than being the one photographed. She is definitely her mommies girl!

Christmas 2009 Photoshoot!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Alana Playing in the Yard . . .

First Trimester Baby Bump!

Fall 2009 Photos!

It's been a really busy fall for all three of us. Alana moved up in pre-school to a more academically challenging class to gear her up for kindergarten next fall, Raf has been traveling a lot for work and has been keeping really busy with studying for his GRE, so he can go to grad school, and I, of coarse, have been busy with school and am watching my body go through some amazing changes as it gears up to bring another beautiful Castillo baby into the world! Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Our Little Bambini's First Photo Shoot!

It's official, I am eight weeks and three days pregnant (with a due date of June 4th, 2010 . . . raf and I's wedding anniversary) and today was our first prenatal visit. Raf and I listened to the heart beat for the first time and even got to take home some of our little guy/gal's first pics. I even caught Raf getting teary eyed when we saw the ultra-sound for the first time. When we picked Alana up from school, we surprised her with the photo's and she couldn't have been more excited. What a great day!

I peed on it and . . .

YAY for positive pregnancy tests . . . Raf, Alana, and I would like to announce that we're expecting baby #2!

Alana's 4th Birthday Party!

A lot of friends and family showed up to celebrate with us. The kids played water games in the backyard, while the adults hung out inside and by the bbq. Alana helped make lemon and strawberry cupcakes with chocolate frosting that everyone loved! She also made out like a bandit on gifts and we want to thank everyone who got her something. She was overwhelmed with all the attention everyone gave her and couldn't stop talking about how much fun she is having playing with all of her new toys.

Met Some Friends At the Ballpark.

The day of Alana's birthday, Raf and I took her on the ferry from Alameda to the Giants Ballpark in San Francisco to see the Giants defeat the Diamondbacks 6-4. Raf and I are convinced Alana is a good luck charm because every time we go to the game, the Giants win!

(pictures will be added later. Alana used a Holga, so we have to wait for the film to be developed)

I Wish She could Stay My Little Girl Forever . . .

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY, ALANA!

Alana says I am her best friend!

. . . Right after I caught her sneaking on to the computer!

The Tornado Went Straight Through Alana's Room and then Vanished . . .

. . . After Alana's Play-date!

It took Raf, Alana, and I two hours to organize everything and get it back to where it needs to be. Regardless, Alana had a really great time and Raf and I love seeing her laugh and have fun with her friends!

Alana and Trent's Camp Out!

Alana and her uncle, Trent, had a great time camping out in our backyard last night! Nothing beats eating smores and watching 'Walle' on a Saturday night!

Wine Tasting in Murphy's!

Raf, Alana, my Nana, and I headed up to the foothills for a short day trip to Murphy's to go wine Tasting. Alana hit up a few toy shops and I found a hip clothing store named after me!

Happy Birthday, Blythe!

Photo Shoot on Santa Monica Beach!

Stayed up all last night designing Alana's birthday card. I had so much fun doing the photo shoot with her on Santa Monica beach. We got all nice and tan while we hung out on the beach and in the water! I can't believe she is turning four in a few weeks.

The Story of 'The Pixie Cut!'

So, Alana decided that she wanted her hair cut and well . . . cut it herself. She tapped me on the shoulder after a few moments of silence in the other room, where she was alone, and showed me her self made dew. Once the sick feeling in my stomach set in, tears started to well up in my eyes. Alana was miffed as to why I was so sad, so she replied, "But mommy, I'm a princess!" I then began to laugh uncontrollably while speed dialing Rafael to tell him what had happened. After rushing her to the salon to fix it, all that was left of her once long locks was, now, her cute little pixie cut and two speechless parents.

Urban Camping

Alana had this great idea to camp in the yard yesterday. Raf set up the tents and provided the smores!  We set up the laptop and watched a movie. It was great!

Bay2Breakers 2009

Myself and eight other friends went to San Francisco this weekend to participate in the Bay2Breakers marathon on sunday. We stayed at the King George hotel on saturday and went to Ruby Skye, which is in the top 25, as far as best dance clubs go, in the world. On sunday, we woke up bright and early to get ready for the marathon. After three hours of walking, we headed home, so I could take a 17 hour nap.

For all of those who don't know what Bay to Breakers is; it's a 12k marathon held every third sunday in May. It's in honor of San Francisco and all it represents. Most everyone dresses in costumes and some even go naked. You can run or walk it and about 15,000 people participate every year.