Papa's Little Helper...

I just love these pics of Little Michael out mowing the lawn! He watches his papa so carefully and does everything he does. What a big boy he is now!

He's such a little man!

Zoo Time

We love the zoo! I never get tired of it and am completely committed to supporting the zoo, which is why we always have an annual pass! Years ago I was a nanny for a little 2 year old girl, and whenever we visited the zoo she would tell me the names of all the animals, even the really rare ones. I remember thinking how wonderful it was that she was growing up with the San Diego Zoo being a regular part of her life. Now I get to go with Little Michael! He is going to benefit so much from these outings. I want him to appreciate all there is to learn at the zoo and not take for granted that all these animals are accessible to us!

Looking at the birds with Papa...

My little monkey...

Doesn't this look like a paparazzi pic?

Taking our turn on the hippo...

Can you bend your neck like a giraffe?
(from Little Michael's favorite book...)

Somebody is getting heavy! Can't wait for him to walk!

Experiencing Frustration!

Baby Michael loves to wear hats!!! But sometimes that love leads to frustration when his imagination and his motor skills don't match up. I love these pics! They are blurry, but still a must share!!

Hmmm....I would like to wear these on my head....

I can't get them on.....

I'm so sad!....

No! I'm not sad, I'm angry!!!...

Yes, sweet success!! (after some time and comforting!)

My Sunshine

How did I get so blessed?

Thank you God....

I have an idea!

I'm gonna move all my shoes to the kitchen.....

....then I will sort them just so......

....then I will sit on them!

TADA!!!

Snip Snip Here, Snip Snip There...

Our trip to Visalia was extra special this August! It was time for Little Michael's first haircut. Not just any first haircut! A haircut at his Grandpa Frank's Barber Shop by Grandpa Frank himself! What a special day!!

Here is Little and Big Michael preparing for this right of passage....


As you can see, we waited to cut Little Michael's hair for the first time until we could come to Visalia and have it trimmed by my dad. It had really grown out!!


All the family came to watch (except Nina/Tia Kim and Nino/Tio Gary. They couldn't make it but we know they were there in spirit!) Everyone was so excited!!


Michael sat very still for his first cut...


He loved the spray bottle...


My nephews kept him entertained while he sat in the barber chair...

Michael's First Haircut Certificate

...and I must add that it mentions good behavior!!!...

This was a special day for Grandpa Frank and Little Michael! A very special day....

And a special day for me too!

Yes, I cried a little. It meant so much to see my daddy cut my baby's hair! So much....

Big boy in the big barber chair with his new big boy haircut!
So handsome!

Balderama Reunion...

Every year the Pete Balderama family has a reunion in Fresno in the heat of August....Don't ask me why, but in one of the hottest places in California in the hottest month of the year my family gets together to celebrate! Unfortunately, we were not able to make it last year due to our little addition. But this year we were able to join the family and add the youngest member to the group! Michael and I were so excited to have the opportunity for all of my family to get to know little Michael. It was a quick trip, but an important one! Boy, do I miss my family!....


Yum! Yum! There is nothing like cold watermelon on a hot August day in the Valley! Little Michael enjoyed this cold tasty treat on his sore gums!


Our baby got a lot of attention from all his cousins! They all enjoyed playing with him and making him laugh!


More Watermelon!


A sweaty family photo! (Poor little Michael was seriously teething as you can see!)


Everyone lined up to hold "the baby"! Too cute! Thank you little cousins for all of your love!

The Balderama Family 2010!