See You Later

Goodbye, Bon Voyage, Ciao, Adios!

Or as they say in Aruba...

Ajo!  

The Acostas are on vacation in Aruba for the next week!  Be expecting many more pictures like this when we get back!  

It Feels Like Home to Me

This past weekend, we were invited to one of our neighbor's home for a party.  We had a great time...I mean a GREAT time!!!  You see, we recently had some neighbors move in that are Hispanic, like us.  Though they are originally from San Antonio, they are Mexican-American like me.  

We got to their house and I seriously felt like I had traveled 800 miles, like I was walking into a house in El Paso.  They had many traditional Mexican features in their home, like a Last Supper and Virgen  de Guadalupe in their dining room.  And then we went to the backyard and they were playing Mexican/Tejano/cumbia music.  There were about 15 other adults there and maybe 10-15 kids there.  

Our neighbors, Nelly and Max, were VERY hospitable.  Not only did they invite us into their home, but they treated us like family all at the same time.  They had carne asade, homemade salsa, Mexican rice, and little corn tortillas, and lots of soda and beer to go around.  

It was Max's 40th birthday, and though they don't have kids, they had a bounce house (or as we would call it, a "brinca brinca") in their backyard for all the kids.  And after everyone sang Happy Birthday to Max, we proceeded to shout "¡Que lo muerda! ¡Que lo muerda!".  Basically, what this means is that Max was supposed to bite into his cake, while people behind him pushed his face into the cake.  

This really made me terribly homesick and completely warm and welcomed all at the same time.  I really felt like I was at one of my tio's houses with all my family and cousins around.  I cannot tell you how many pictures I have of me with cake all over my face from when I was little after my family would push my face into a cake.  Every party that my mom ever has at her house has a "brinca brinca" at it.  And though I long ago gave up eating beef, I could not help but eat up every last bite of my carne asada...that right there is my comfort food...it makes me feel like home.  

And apparently nature is stronger than nurture, because Jillian is every bit of Mexican as me.  I can honestly say that I do not think that Jillian has heard much Mexican/Tejano/cumbia music in her life.  But within 5 minutes of being at Nelly and Max's house, she was begging me to put her down so she could shake her booty and clap her hands to the music.  And she was eating all her food by the spoonful...she could not get enough of it.  We spent easily one hour in the brinca brinca...she just LOVED it!

She even found a little Mexican boy friend.  Much to Julian's chagrin, there was a little boy at this party who was wearing a t-shirt, plaid shorts...and cowboy boots.  Not like country cowboy boots...like Ranchero cowboy boots.  He was dancing and stomping right along to the music and he and Jillian were tearing up the dance floor together.  Like I said, Julian was not too thrilled about this and he kept commenting on how he was not quite ready for this.

***This really is not the best video in the world, as I took it on my iPhone...but you get the gist***

I know that some of you who are reading this...my family/friends in El Paso...you are probably thinking "what's the big deal? This is what I do every weekend...".  And my friends here in College Station, I am sure you can sympathize on some level about something that makes you "homesick" or something that reminds you of home.   But never in College Station have I felt so at home, so completely in my element, so Mexican...if that makes any sense.  

I hope that one day, I can explain to Nelly and Max how much we appreciate their hospitality in opening up their home to us, not just for great food and a great time, but for making College Station feel like home to me.

Julian's Kind of Day

In honor of Father's Day, Julian got to spend a day doing anything and everything his heart desired.  We chose to forgo gifts for Mother's and Father's Day, instead, spending the money on our upcoming trip to Aruba.  And this was the vow I made...Julian would get to do whatever he wanted with no little complaining by me. 

His day started with a late breakfast in bed, served by his favorite, cutest little waitress, Jillian.  She must have gotten the message that it was Father's Day and that meant that Daddy would want to sleep in because she did not wake up until 9:30!  And she just couldn't resist eating some of his breakfast before I got her to our bedroom.  Silly Jilly, but Daddy didn't mind!

After a chill morning, I asked if Julian would want to go to the pool, since we had such a great time the last time we went.  So we threw on our suits and headed to the pool.  As a special bonus, Dads got in free!

After family fun time at the pool, we went to go get JJ's Snow Cones.  I'm pretty sure that JJ's are the highlight of Julian's summers in College Station.  On our way home, we guessed that we must spend easily $150-200 a year on snow cones...

Then it was time for Julian to lay on the couch and watch sleep through the Yankees game.

The Yankees must have known that the best gift they could give all the dads out there was a win.  And thank goodness for that because a Yankees loss has enough power to ruin entire days in our hosehold. 

After a quick nap, Julian got to do the unthinkable...he played XBox in the middle of the day!  For starters, it had been a year since he did this since we did not have internet at our house (long story, don't ask).  And then once we did get internet, XBox time has always been limited to late night when there are not a million other things going on that have to be done that I nag about until they get done.  So while I went grocery shopping, Julian pulled his Father's Day card and got out of this chore and played with his best friend, Norgie.  Silly boys and their silly toys! 

After a quick FaceTime chat with his parents, we fired up the grill and ate burgers and shrimp for dinner, more of Julian's favorites.  By this point, Jilly was exhausted so after putting her to bed, we curled up and watched a movie...you guessed it, Julian's choice!

Father's Day really was Julian's Kind of Day, filled with games and naps and his two favorite girls.  I am sure that he had a great Father's Day!

The Best of You

Happy Father's Day!

Julian, in Jillian, I see the very best of you...

From the moment she wakes up in the morning with a smile on her face and a lot to say, I can't help but smile and be happy because this is just like her daddy.  You wake up everyday with a smile on your face, and you already have a lot to say.  You are both so chipper in the morning and it makes my days so much brighter to see you both so happy so early in the morning!

Jillian has a way of taking things at her own pace.  She is not really in any hurry, taking her time to go from one thing to the next.  I always tell people that you do not have a haste button.  For you, there is no need to hurry through things.  And now that I see that same characteristic in our daughter, it makes me appreciate you both so much for showing me that life is not about speeding through the day, but about taking our time and enjoying everything that comes our way.  You both teach me to take it slow and go with the flow!

I see the way Jillian lights up when you get home from work, as she knows that with Daddy, it is always play time.  And even if you have worked a 12-hour day, you are always ready to chase her, or tickle her, or make her laugh, or make her smile.  You have had that same energy with me for years, and though I appreciated it before, I have come to deeply value how you give such good, positive energy to me and Jillian.  I know that she is that source of energy for you, too, as she is what powers you through your day!

I see so many wonderful things about you by just looking at our daughter.  She clearly has a lot of the Acosta genes (not too much from my family, maybe next time!), from those precious curly cues on her head to the same little toes as you, she is just like her Daddy.  And not to mention, that girl has personality for days, just like you!  And though I am sure she has a lot of great traits from me too, please know that in Jillian, I truly see the very best in you!

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy(/husband/best friend/man) we could every ask for!  Jillian loves you so much and I do too!!!

Silly Jilly: What Did She Just Say?!

Yesterday evening, Julian, Jillian, and I were sitting on the couch.  Jillian was crawling all over us and using us as human jungle gyms.  I was sitting cross legged and she was attempting to get out of my lap.  She kept putting her foot in my...nether regions...yes that's what we'll call them.  

Me: Ouchie, lovey! You keep kicking mommy in the crotch!
Jillian: rotch
Me: flabbergasted look on my face
Julian: Did she really just say...
Jillian: rotch
Me: Oh my gosh!  She is trying to say crotch...
Julian: Rolling laughing hysterically
Jillian: rotch

Welp, guess we really gotta watch what we say with Silly Parrot Jilly!

Time for a Change

Just recently, I decided it was time for a change. From the time I found out I was pregnant with Jillian (over 2 years ago), I decided to grow out my hair.  It just kept getting longer and longer, until finally, I just couldn't take it anymore.  Summer finally hit here in central Texas and now it is hot as hell an inferno the Sahara Texas.  

So I went to the new Chrome at Tower Point.  I will admit that I was a little nervous.  I researched different hairstyles all day and decided on one.  When I got to Chrome, they asked if I wanted a complimentary drink.  I asked for a bottled water...ohhhh, I'm sorry we are all out of water...would you want wine instead? Uhhhh, yes please!  Ahhhhh, just the liquid courage I needed!!!

I took a quick photo of my long hair before. I am pretty sure this is the longest my hair had ever been (OK, maybe when I was 10 my hair was longer, but who's counting?!)

As soon as I sat down, my stylist asked what I was going to do.  I showed her pictures of the styles I had researched and she got giddy. Seriously. Giddy!  She told me that when she saw me sitting in the waiting area, she took one look at my hair and thought to herself, "Oh this girl is only going to want a little trim.  How boring."  Nope, not just a little trim for me...not this time at least.  

So once I showed her the style, she put my hair in a rubber band.  And before I could even think twice, she chopped my hair off...all 12 inches of it...gone...just like that.  Guess there was no turning back after that.

She then proceeded to work on styling it and she chopped off another 2-4 inches in the process.  So all told, I lost about 14-16 inches, which feels like 2 pounds, and makes me about 10 degrees cooler. And from some of the feedback I have gotten from people, I even look a few years younger.  Not bad for simply sitting in a chair and drinking wine!!!

I asked the salon if they would donate the hair.  They said that they would and that they were pretty sure it would be able to be given to Locks Of Love, which makes me happy.  I have gotten nothing but positive comments from people about my hair cut.  And in case you're wondering, Jillian likes it too...even if she did not really seem to notice that I chopped off all my hair!

Up at Night

A few weeks ago, Jillian had a rough time sleeping at night.  There were so many little things that were ailing her...she had a little nagging cough (doc said it sounds ok in her lungs, just sounds terrible on the outside), she had about 4 teeth coming in (including a molar or two), and she had an ear infection (again!).  Couple that all with a light sleeper and it was a recipe for a few more than a few nights awake.

During that time period, one of my former students, Allison, asked if she could stay at our house during an impromptu trip to College Station.  Of course I said yes, since she had just graduated from college and was waiting to move to Ohio to go to grad school.  I knew that she would be getting in late, and that didn't bother us one bit...

...except Jillian was up all night...

...which meant I was up all night...

...and though I was awake taking care of Jillian, I was also up worrying about Allison.  It's not that Allison was out too late, or not that she is a wild child, or even that I was worried about what she was doing while she was out.  I was just worried...why hadn't she text me yet, who was she with, did she designate a driver, was she with the right crowd who would take care of her if need be?! 

All the while, I was holding Jillian, rocking her back to sleep....

And I couldn't help but think about how I would stay up EVERY NIGHT for the rest of my life in order to hold her in my arms, and keep her safe, and know where she was, and that she was okay, and that there was no one else around who would not have her best interests in mind, and that she was at home in one piece.  I was thanking God for blessing us with this amazing miracle and for entrusting in us to take care of her, keep her safe and healthy, be there for her. I felt a sense of overwhelming responsibility to do everything we can to teach Jillian about making good decisions and looking out for herself.  I could not stop thinking about how precious these moments were and how quickly time flies, because someday, it would be Jillian that I was up late worrying about making it home. 

It was just one of those moments...you parents out there know what I'm taking about...

I know my mom knows what I'm talking about.  She used to wait up countless nights for me and my brother to get home, all while rocking my little brother or sister to sleep.  Mom, just want you to know that I now understand what you meant and how you felt...I am greatly appreciative...and greatly sorry for putting you through that. 

I am happy to say that Allison made it home, safe and sound.  And I rocked Jillian back to sleep for the rest of the night.  And all was well in the Acosta household.

Happy 3 Year Anniversary!

Today, Julian and I celebrate our 3 year wedding anniversary!  What a great 3 years of marriage it has been!  For the past few days, Julian and I have been so sappy, reflecting back on all the great times we had in Puerto Rico, in the days leading up to our wedding and the honeymoon.  But most of all, we have been reflecting back on the amazing-ness that was our wedding day.

Amber     Julian

Favorite memory of our wedding day: My favorite memory of our wedding day is going down the beach after our ceremony and before our reception to take our photos.  It had just rained, and the sky was gorgeous, and we had just gotten married, and I love taking photos, and it was just perfect.  Plus it was just me and you (and Spencer), so giddy and happy and in love!
When it began to rain during our ceremony...that was the most memorable part
5 Words that Describe Us as a Couple: Loyal, Happy, Hard-working, In Love, and Blessed
I think they would be Determined, Unique, Committed, Loving, and Positive
Favorite Honeymoon Memory (that you can share on the blog...): My favorite memory from our honeymoon is the time we spent at the Lazy Parrot because it was so peaceful and gorgeous there, and it felt like we really escaped the world and it was just me and you!
Calle de Muerto in the Toyota Yaris (if you don't know the story, ask us and we'll tell you)
Favorite Place to be Together Now: Gosh, is it fair to say, in bed on a lazy morning, with Jilly Bear, watching cartoons?!?!
Geographically?!  I don't understand the question (I explain it) Oh ok, in the baby's room, playing with her toys, the 3 of us
Secret to Keeping Marriage Strong: Well, I think what has kept our marriage strong is our ability to work at it everyday.  Marriage is a labor of love and those who don't work at it, by communicating and by working at the little things, and by sharing with each other, and by making plans together...all of that hard work pays off with a happy marriage!
Being all in, really...being In It to Win It

So much has changed in our lives over the past 3 years.  Along the way, all the people in this picture have been by our side, and have gone through so much as well.  What a blessing it was to have these people with us on the most important day of our lives, and how blessed we are to have all of these people still in our lives through the thick and thin.  All told, there have been lots of changes, and though most have been happy occassions, some have been trying.  From this group, there are 6 new babies (including our Jillian), and 3 more babies on the way.  There have been 4 engagements, 2 marriages, lots of graduates, new jobs (or promotions), new homes, a few moves, milestone celebrations, a few divorces, and loss of loved ones.

Yes, these past 3 years have been glorious, indeed!  Forever, we will remember those who were there to watch our "Happily Ever After" unfold.  We cannot wait to see what the next 1...5...10...25...50 years bring our way.

Happy 3rd Anniversary to us, Mr. and Mrs. Acosta!  May the rest of our marriage be as blessed and beautiful as these first 3 years have been!

100 Posts

100 posts...cannot believe that I have posted 100 times on this blog.  What started as a small way to keep our family and friends connected with us has turned into this...a place for me to share photos of our lives, a place for me to keep connected with others, a place to put down some of the random thoughts in my head.   

In honor of The Roll-Acosta's 100th post, I wanted to come up with a fun blog post idea.  My original thoughts were to come up with a list of the top 100 ________________.  But any list of 100 things seems a little boring too long.  So naturally, I instead turned to 2 trusted friends...Google and Katy King.  After scouring the internet for a great blog idea and after an off-comment by Katy "why don't you do 100 by 10s," here is what I decided to do instead.  Here is a listing of ten different Top 10s.  Hope you enjoy reading these as much as I enjoyed coming up with them!!!

Top 10 Blog Posts by Others That I Really Enjoyed (Because Reading Blogs is my guilty pleasure)
1. Meredith announcing the arrival of their new baby (even though I knew weeks before the announcement)
2. Sarah of Butterfly Chaser Photography shared photos she took of us with Jillian...forever grateful of Sarah for capturing our family on film
3. Katy, The Queen of the Kings, wrote a letter to her son, Radley...
4. And a letter to her daughter, Emersyn, right before their baby sister was born
5. My friend, Jen, who reminds me to Give Thanks
6. Alyssa, who just started her own company, pays tribute to fun wedding wishes...if only we could have weddings all over again!
7. Jamie, a former student of mine, talking about a Girls Weekend (and the first time they met Jillian)
8. Kristie (a work colleague) talks about the Best Laid Plans
9. Cindy Munson talks about all the details that went into Caroline's Star Wars Party
10. And last, some advice on how to prepare for the next baby (not pregnant yet, people...just planning for the future...)

Top 10 Blog Posts (of Mine)
This list was compiled by going through the stats of the "Most Viewed" posts on my blog
1. Silly Jilly: Crazy Hair!
2. These Hands...
3. Bringing Home Baby
4. Silly Jilly: Is that a hickey?!?!
5. New Year, New Blog!
6. Putting Together Jillian's Nursery
7. Silly Jilly - Funny Photos
8. Casa de Acosta!
9. Jillian's First Day of School
10. Life as a House: Getting so Close!

Top 10 Things Jillian Says
1. Mama...Dada...Baby (All of us, all together)
2. Wow Wow (For her stuffed dog, Lady)
3. Snack (what she says when she is hungry, regardless of which meal it is)
4. Bow (as in, put a bow in my crazy hair please)
5. Drink...Milk (she really signs this one more than says it, but she does this often)
6. Bubble (as in Bubble Guppies, her favorite show)
7. Please and Thank You (again, signs these more than says them...but at least she is courteous)
8. Abby...Elmo (her fav Sesame Street characters)
9. Up Above...Row Row...Happy B... (for her favorite songs "Twinkle Twinkle," "Row Row Row Your Boat," and "Happy Birthday," among others)
10. Nite Nite (any time she is tired or wants to go to sleep)

Top 10 Things I Wish I Had the Time/Talent/Energy to do from Pinterest

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Top 10 Things Running Through My Mind
1. Wow, this post is long...
2. Sure has taken a long time to write it...time that I should have been working...nahhhhhh!
3. What are we doing for our anniversary tomorrow?
4. 18 days till Aruba!!!
5. Oh sh*t...18 days till Aruba!  I still have so much to do before then...
6. When is my new nephew going to be here?
7. When can I find time/money to go home to El Paso?
8. What are we going to do for Jillian's 2 year party?
9. Oh gosh, what are we going to do for my 30th birthday?!
10. Geeeeeeeze, 30 already?!  Seems like just yesterday, I was turning 15...

Top 10 JJ's Snowcone flavors (in my/Julian's opinion)  Our favorite thing to do in the summer
1. Caribbean Splash
2. Shnozberry
3. Sunburst
4. Amy's Creation
5. Tiger's Blood
6. Strawberry/Pineapple
7. Wild Strawberry
8. Wild Snozberry
9. Cherry
10. Did we mention the Caribbean Splash?!

Top 10 Things Running Through Jillian's Mind
1. Is it almost time for mommy to pick me up from school?!
2. Are we going to another birthday party today?!!
3. Can we FaceTime today?!
4. Do you think mommy will feed me just cheese?!  I love cheese!!!
5. Can daddy get off work already so we can play?!
6. Can I put 15 bows in my hair?!
7. You know what would be the best?!  Bubble Guppies marathon!!!
8. Is it almost binky time...I mean bed time?!
9. Is my name really Jilly BEAR?!
10. I wonder when mommy and daddy will realize that I really am the center of the universe?!

Top 10 Places I've Been
1. Rome, Italy - study abroad
2. Puerto Rico - wedding/honeymoon
3. New York City - to see the Yankees play
4. Disneyland - I've been 11 times!
5. Washington DC - on the 4th of July
6. Aruba...ok we haven't gone yet, but I'm sure it will be on the list...
7. San Diego - gorgeous weather, great beach
8. Disneyworld - such a magical place
9. Las Vegas - What Happens in Vegas...
10. Cancun, Mexico - senior trip

Top 10 Places We Want to Live
1. New York City - the dream place
2. Northern Virginia - to be close to Julian's family
3. El Paso - to be close to my family
4. Chicago - It's our kind of town
5. San Antonio - Maybe I want to live here more than Julian...
6. New Jersey - because it's cheaper than NYC
7.  Colorado
8. Costa Rica
9. Puerto Rico
10. Manhattan...oh wait, I already said NYC...

Top 10 Things You Could Have Been Doing...But instead, you read our blog (Thanks!)
1. Facebook stalk someone
2. Do 100 jump squats (Sorry, I'm in a P90X state of mind)
3. Clean your kitchen...because that always needs to be done
4. Find your own Pinterest projects
5.  Start your own blog...do it, I always need more blogs to read
6. Call your mom/dad/long lost cousin
7. Gone to JJ's to go get your own snow cone
8. Taken a bubble bath
9. Thanks for sticking through it...because this was a LOOOOOOOOONNG one!
10. TLDR... (Too Long Didn't Read)

I hope you have enjoyed keeping up with the Acostas and hearing about a small part of our lives during the past 17 months.  Here's to 100 more posts!

Sun Day Sunday

Since we are less than 4 weeks from Aruba, we decided to take Jillian to the neighborhood pool to get her acclimated to the water.  Julian had Sunday off (thank the heavens) and so we spent the day out having Fun in the Sun!

I packed us a light lunch and we ate at the pool.  Jillian was just enjoying her time, people watching and pointing out all the other babies there. 

When it was time, she was ready to walk right in...love this zero entry pool!

We stayed for about 2 hours, splashing around in the shallow end, sending Jillian down the kiddie slide, and swimming with her on our back.  She LOVED it...I mean, smiling from ear to ear, asking for more, not fussing one bit LOVED it!  Guess she lives up to her Aquarius sign!

We showered up and put her in dry clothes.  And we had barely pulled out of the pool parking lot when Jillian passed out...

...And she napped for 3 hours, which gave Julian and I some good quality time together...of course, all we did for those 3 hours was nap after our fun day as a family in the sun!

ARUBA, HERE WE COME!