Legoland, Florida

While in Orlando, a few weeks ago, my mom and I decided to take Bobby, and my two nieces to Legoland for the day.  The weather was beautiful, and we had a great time!  This was Bobby's first time at a theme park, and he had a blast.  The park, in my opinion, is definitely geared more toward smaller children.  With pint-sized rides, and roller-coasters, the kids wore themselves out!  Who am I kidding? I think my mom and I were pretty tired too!

The rides had little lego stations set up, so the kids could build, while waiting in line.

Bobby, Grandma, and Ava on the two-story carousel. 

One of the neatest parts of the park, was the miniature Lego city the park had.  I was blown away by the attention to detail.  As my friend Jenny quoted on an Instagram picture, "everyone has a calling."

I had to take a picture of Little Havana!

I also found the little "lego" creatures throughout the park's landscaping to be pretty funny.

Bobby was a bit hesitant about this ride...

Going up...

Not looking too confident here...

But, then... DROP! And, smiles :)

Bobby's Sunday Best

Thanks for the cute outfit Grandma Sylvia!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

You're the best!

Love, Bobby

Grandma and Grandpa Lee

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, my parents recently visited. It was so wonderful to have them visit again! Last time they were here, I felt so hormonal, and sleep deprived. This visit was much better. We didn't do too much, because honestly, what can you do with a 2 month old baby? Ha ha! But, we did make a point of getting out of the house each day. My mom and I got pedicures, and we went out to dinner one night. And, of course, we ran some errands. My mom and I took Bobby to Wal-Mart for the first time. He was bright-eyed and bushy tailed for this outing. It was probably stimulation overload for him - ha!

Here is Grandpa with Bobby on the front porch.

Grandma and Bobby getting some good snuggle time in! My mom was great at taking Bobby when he was screaming, and calming him down :-)

Thanks Mom and Dad for all your help!

And, Happy Birthday to my oldest brother Chuck today!

We love you all! xoxoxo

Monday, Monday

We've had a busy past few weeks here in the Ross household. First, Bob's aunt and uncle from Maryland came for a visit. It was great to spend time with them. The last time we saw Deed and Marna was at our wedding, and it was way too hectic to really spend time with them.

Then, the very next day, my parents came back to visit for the week. It was great having them here again, and a lot less stressful this time around. I have some pictures to upload from their visit, plus Bobby's first play date with his friend Drew.

Until then...

As of this coming Sunday, there is only 3 months until football season starts! I always start anticipating it when it gets really HOT during the summer. I grew up with college football every Saturday in my parents' house. I can just smell the boiled peanuts now.

Go Gators!

Of course, everyone knows the SEC is the toughest conference out there!

I'll post some pictures soon...

Growing Boy

Bobby had his 2nd weight check today with the pediatrician. He has gained 8 oz. in almost a week! The pediatrician was hoping he'd gain at least an ounce a day, and he surpassed that. His weight is now 5 lbs. 10 oz. He's a growing boy!

We are also going to give him an iron vitamin each day. The doctor recommended this, as he missed out on getting my iron the last few weeks of pregnancy. She explained that babies get a ton of iron from their momma while in the womb, from the 32nd week and on. Since he was delivered at 34 weeks, we need to make up for that.

I'm excited to report that he seems to be nursing a lot better these days too. I can now go every other feeding of supplementing him with a bottle. It is a lot of work for me to breast feed, bottle feed, and then have to pump. After also speaking with a lactation consultant two days ago, she predicted he'd be solely on the breast within a month.

Grandma and Grandpa Lee are visiting as well. My mom has made great, big, homemade meals for every meal - breakfast, lunch, dessert, etc... She brought with her some delicious new recipes to try. As I'm typing this, she's making lemon cheesecake with strawberries for dessert. Yum.

Here's a picture of Bobby hanging out in his vibrating bouncy seat yesterday. Some days he loves it, other days, not so much.

Also, Happy Birthday to my sweet niece Victoria! She's 11 today! Wow!

Happy Mother's Day

This poem was given to all of the mom's in the NICU...

My Angel

Once upon a time there was a child who was ready to be born, and he had some questions for God.

"They tell me I am going to earth tomorrow, but I want to know how I am going to live there, being so small and helpless?"

"Among the angels, I have chosen one especially for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

"But here in heaven I just sing and smile and that is enough for me to be happy."

"Your angel will sing for you and will smile for you everyday and you will feel your angel's love and you will be happy."

"And how will I understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language that men speak?"

"Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what will I do when I want to talk to You?"

"Your angel will place your hands together and teach you how to pray."

"I have heard that on earth there are bad men, who will protect me?"

"Your angel will defend you, even if it means risking her life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see You anymore."

"Your angel will talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, and I will always be with you."

At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard, and the child, in a hurry, spoke softly,

"Oh Lord, I am about to leave now. Please tell me my angel's name."

"Your angel's name is of no importance. You will simply call her 'Mommy."

If all goes well, Bobby Ross will be home on Tuesday.

Happy Mother's Day.

Birthday Dinner

My parents both had birthdays in August and September. Since we missed out, Bob and I took them to dinner while visiting. Here's a picture of us at Brio's. It was a fun night!

Bob, me, Kathy, Mom, and Dad

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Belated Birthday Mom! (don't worry, I won't tell your age....we wouldn't want people jealous of you just turning 40!)

Here's my mom and dad this past summer in Miami.

My mom is always the life of every party. She's a beautiful, strong, wonderful woman who has overcome so much in her life! She has a mother who is just as strong. They say we are all crazy Cuban women, but I think that's ok. Mom is the best cook, and can entertain like it's no one's business! She was my own personal wedding planner, and could start her own business. She has two sisters, four children, 2 daughter-in-laws, 1 son-in-law, 6 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, 2 grand dogs, and of course, dear old dad. She loves to go to the movies with her best girlfriend Marie. My mom loves stamping, Bunco, and reading in bed. She is happiest when she's with her family. She's been with the same job for years, and has a great group of work friends. She has been walking with Bettie for years now. Mom was always the room mother growing up in school, the scout leader, and the team mom. She supported all of her children in whatever activities they pursued.

Overall, I could not have asked for a better mom! I love you!