Background

So I have been bit by the blog bug going around.  I see it as a way to write down the things that I want to remember about my kids as they grow up.  I did a small calendar for Mateo's first year, made one for Sienna but barely filled it out and haven't done anything yet for Jada in her first 5 months.  I love my family and they are the highlight of my life.  There are so many things going on with a family of five that are fun to share with family and friends.  I also see this blog as a chance for me to reflect on all the good things I have going on in my life when I am stressed out.  It only takes a few minutes to reflect on things that make me smile and I figure it will help me.  I know that I am far from a perfect parent/wife/friend so it will be fun for me to look back on these posts later and chuckle at how I handle things and how much fun we have as a family.

Our family background is that I have a wonderful husband Mauricio who is my partner in crime for life. 

He has been the rock in my life for as long as I have known him... and it's been a while.  We met in college and it was all over from then.  We decided that we would try to have one parent at home with our kids for as long as we can afford it.  I knew before we had Mateo that I would not be the one at home.  I just plain don't have the patience to be at home with little kids all day long.  And I love my job and the flexibility it gives me and the people I work.  I crave the adult time and quiet time.  So it was left up to Mo to be at home with the kids.  That has been the best decision we have made for our family...ever.  He is the best stay-at-home dad.  Not only does he do a wonderful job with the kids, he is able to somehow manage the house as well.  I have no idea how he does it.  When I have the kids to myself for a day or so the house is in shambles and I am exhausted. 

We have three of the most awesome kids.  Mateo (aka Tater or Tater Salad) is our oldest.  He is a bundle of energy.  He is 4 years old and is going full steam every minute of the day.  He has a love of all sports (I am currently looking for a sport that he does not pick up right away or that he does not like) and Wii.  Currently he is starting his first season of tee ball and is also enrolled in a U8 soccer clinic.  He had his first soccer season in the Fall and absolutely loved it.  We can't wait for the next season to start.  Mateo also is a very caring little boy.  He is a rough and tumble boy but also a sensitive one.  He has two little sisters to look out for and he does a wonderful job.  Now he was not a fan of having siblings when his first sister arrived but he has definitely turned the corner on that one.  He makes me proud on a daily basis.

Sienna (Sienna Boo) is the middle child.  She is turning 3 this year and is a sweet and loving girl.  And she loves all things girly.  She was born when Mateo was 21 months and as I mentioned, he was not all that happy she was around.  She has always looked up to her brother and they are best of friends.  Sienna loves to hang out with her mom and do all the things I do.  She likes to sit with me while I get ready for the day and likes to have her toe nails painted as often as she thinks about it!  She is a very smart girl.  She loves puzzles and books. She recently started riding her big girl bike with training wheels and knows how to tear it up on the scooter.  She is enrolled in a soccer class for little ones and has been enjoying it.  She is also our shy one at times.  She takes a while to warm up to things and then when she is comfortable she lets loose.  She is a wonderful girl and I am so lucky to have her as a daughter.





Jada (aka Jaders or Jader Salad) is the baby of the family.  She is 5 months old as I am writing this and she is getting bigger and bigger each day.    She was welcomed into this world by her two siblings with open arms, lots of hugs and kisses.  So many in fact that we usually have to protect her from the affection since the kids want to hug and kiss her all day long.   She is rolling over all the time, eating all the toys she can get into her mouth, and constantly studying what her brother and sister are doing so that when she gets bigger she can do it too.  She is such a mellow little girl and we enjoy each day with her.  And once she starts sleeping through the nights, we will enjoy the nights with her too.



Oh yeah... and we recently got a boxer puppy....Nacho.  He is a good boy and has been fun to have around.  A great addition to our family.  The kids just love him (even Jada watches what he is up to).

So that is my family in a nutshell.   And if you want to Keep Up With the Castros (through the eyes of Krista), check back as I try to update our family blog.