Sooooo cooooool...

Another one on the way!

No, we aren't expecting another baby.

MY SISTER RACHEL IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited about this I could scream! Rachel is #9 in our family of 10 children and she and I grew up sharing lots together. She called me this weekend to tell me that she is 12 weeks pregnant and is due on August 13th! This will be the 22nd neice/nephew in our Tarpey clan. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers that she may have a smooth pregnancy. Thank you!

Sigh, young love...

This morning was a rare occurance. Josie went to bed a tad later than normal last night, falling asleep about 9:30PM. She woke at about 3:45 for a feeding and then didn't wake for the day til 8AM! It was great for mama as I got in some good zz's and also woke before her, allowing me to get my coffee for the morning. Usually the coffee comes after the feeding and diaper change.

But this morning, as I sat in the living room with my coffee on the table beside me, I got this burst of exicitment...I couldn't wait for Josie to wake up! It was as if I hadn't seen her in forever! So at the first peep out of her crib, I ran in there and sure enough, there she was laying awake with a smile on her face. She's such a sweetie.

On Friday we had her 2 month appt where she received a combo shot (without the anticipated cries her mama and papa had) and another immunization by mouth, I believe the rotovirus. She checks out great...24 inches long and 13.2lbs. My sister-in-law Dawn was in town visiting so all 3 of us went to her appointment and had bets going on how much she weighed. I was closest, of course, with a guess of 13.5lbs. Still waiting for the winnings from the bet...

Josie cat-napped for most of the day after that. We decided she could as easily nap on the beach as she could at home, so we packed up and headed out. Clint dug her a hole in the sand and plopped her down in there, away from the wind. It was pretty cute. No pictures, sorry, we forgot the camera.

It's Official!

Good morning Josie! Guess what day it is today? Become a Mexican Citizen Day!

Here she is, leaving her fingerprint--Josephine Claire Higgins Tarpey. In Mexico, children take their father's last name and mother's maiden last name. Kind of confusing, I know, especially since I have legally changed my last name to 'Higgins' in the USA. They don't care, this is how they roll in Mexico. Kind of makes sense though, so you can easily trace back through one's lineage. As far as her US Certificate of Birth Abroad and US Passport, those will just say 'Higgins'. The process took less than an hour and we submitted all necessary docs and filled out some more. We had 2 'testigos' or 'witnesses' --our friends Maggie and Cynthia--meet us there to prove all was legit and Josie was in fact ours. :) This was the first concrete record that she existed since the document from the hospital simply had my information on it stating I gave birth to a girl. I would have taken more photos but the battery died.
All tuckered out. Taking a well-deserved siesta...zzz...

Legit?

Does the bath still count if you know FOR SURE that the babe
peed in the water the second she entered the bath?

Friends are our family

I love being around family. Always have. Now that we have wee one, Josie, it is even a bit harder to be so far away. But, I wanted you all to know, that although we don't have other blood family down here in Cabo, we do have a bunch of wonderful friends.

Last night I was talking on the phone to my friend Amy P. and when she heard I was going to be at the grocery store at 7AM so I could go before Clint left for work, she said, ''Nonsense!'' She came over a little after 10, stayed with Josie while I grocery shopped, and even hung around after with me while Josie napped. After she left, another friend, Amanda, stopped by with a bunch of kids toys her sons had outgrown. Annie took me to lunch last Friday to hear how I have been faring as a new mom. Numerous friends are knocking on our door to babysit Josie so Clint and I can have a date. The list goes on and on. I feel so blessed to have so many girlfriends that have either gone through the baby thing or are going through it with me. There are about 5 of my friends who either JUST had a baby or are pregnant with another one.

So, for as small as the tip of the baja is, there are a bunch of young moms who are so supportive. So many people have really gone out of their way to give of themselves to us new parents. Such selflessness! I really hope that soon enough I can return all these favors!

Here's what's up...

All is well at the Higgins house. Josie's been having a lot of outings lately. Book club, Liga MAC meeting, lunch dates, dinner with friends on Sunday, cocktails this Friday. I limit it to one ''outing'' a day and no more than a few hours--preferrably at someone's house, not a public place. Don't get me wrong, there are several days we just hang at home and take a walk in the 'hood, but I've been getting braver about bringing her out and am realizing it is good for both of us. Clint has been doing well. He's busy at work and I feel bad for him as he says he wishes he had more time at home with ''his girls''. On Fridays he usually sends me out...either to the store or on some errands, so he can have one-on-one time with her. I think that works out well. :) Here are a few random pics...

Ready to sleep! Taken about 8 days ago.

Let's go for walk this cool, crisp morning! (Ok, so it was like 70 degrees, but still.) Taken today.

Palmilla Beach. Josie's first trip. Taken Friday, January 8.

Oooo the sun is so bright! Need to get baby sunglassses! Even in the shade. Friday, Jan 8.

Napping on the beach...lulled by the waves and sea breeze...ok, and the darn vibrating chair. ;)