Mr. B and I attended a fun wedding last night. Beautiful bride. Handsome groom. Amazing floral arrangements. Lots of bubbly. Great dance music. There must have been a dozen attendants on each side. The bridesmaids dresses were so gorgeous. Even Mr. B made a comment about them, then said he had watched too many episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" with me.

Looking around at the wedding last night made me realize how far behind we are on planning Sweetness' wedding. She and Girafferty are getting married in mid-September. It sounds like plenty of time, but not so in Houston.

Today I'm creating a day of fasting. I know Mr. B will fuss at me, but I feel so stuffed today.

Such a happy boy, wild hair and all.

As soon as Mr. B got home from washing both cars, the thunder started. There hasn't been any rain yet, but it's coming.

I was wondering if I should straighten my hair for the wedding tonight or wear it curly. I guess the weather has made that decision for me. There's no need to straighten my hair if it's going to be raining.

Today I'm creating shortened straps on Dr. Mc's dress. Big Daddy is a groomsman in a childhood friend's wedding (a different wedding than the one Mr. B and I are attending). Back to Dr. Mc's dress, the straps were too long. Although it sounds simple, the process of separating the two-inch wide strap from the lining, trimming two-inches off of them and then sewing it back together was challenging for my sewing skills. Although I measured everything on her before making the cuts, the final results won't be known for another hour or so when she puts on her dress. Fingers crossed!

Mr. Baby looks so cute today in his little madras plaid shorts. I love babies in shorts! Their little legs are so chubby and short, which means their shorts aren't that short at all. (How many times can I use short or shorts in one sentence?) Of course, TLP looks adorable in everything he wears.

Often when I take photos of TLP, there is a quilt somewhere in the background or under him. I'm so lucky to have quilts that were made by my grandmother, mother and sister-in-law. I've also made quilts for the little guy that are kept with him. I also have three baby blankets that were made by my grandmother and mother. My grandmother was quite handy with a crochet needle and my mother could knit really fast. I never learned to knit or crochet.

Today I'm creating alterations to a dress that Dr. Mc is wearing to a wedding tomorrow. I've also been concepting promotional ideas. Rose is off getting her summer do and Mr. Baby just left to visit Big Daddy's parents. It's too early for a cocktail. Maybe I'll just kick back.

Any and everything he can get his hands on
goes in his mouth.

It's fun to see all the graduation photos on Facebook. All the way from pre-K through graduate school, there are so many bright, smiling faces with brilliant futures ahead of them. It's very exciting and positive.

The TLP is also moving forward. He is not only rolling over, but also sitting up. He can reach something he wants by "worming" his way forward. He hasn't discovered how to get on his hands and knees, which leads to crawling. That will be soon, I'm sure.

Today I'm creating the set up for a photo shoot and setting up another for Monday or Tuesday. I've also repurposed one article and when Mr. Baby has his afternoon nap I'm going to work on another one.

Mama & baby heading to the pool before
the rains came to Houston. 

There are so many frightening online photos and videos of Houston's flooded streets. I also lived in Houston during Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Ike. To me, both of those storms were worse because we were without electricity for days or weeks. Luckily, we never lost power during this storm.

The weather forecast was for more rain today, so all three local television channels had extended weather coverage. I think this is so annoying. For the most part, nothing is changing, it's not raining, and the same on-the-scene reporters are interviewing people standing around. The question is always, "Have you ever seen anything like this before?"

Today I'm creating reviews of articles and postcards at my client's office. I also took time out to go to the doctor about my ear, which is still swollen and throbbing. My ear was so swollen that all the doctor could do is prescribe an antibiotic so I can go back in a week.

What a night in Houston. Rain. Rain. And then, more rain, thunder and lightning. Once the sun came out, the photos on television and social media were disturbing. There was so much water everywhere.

We were extremely lucky! When the water started rising we were afraid that Mr. B's Lexus would flood. It was in the driveway and is so low to the ground. It was fine. Dr. Mc, Big Daddy, and TLP were across town and didn't make it home until this afternoon. They had parked a car on the street, but it was high enough and safe. I talked to Sweetness. She was out, but was close to the Zamora's house and was probably going to spend the night there. The only water we had was in the garage.

Today I'm creating work in the garage. Everything on the floor was soaked.

Sweetness (always making a funny face) and Raff!

These Monday holidays confuse me. It's Monday, but it seems like Sunday. Tomorrow will be Tuesday, but I'll think it is Monday.

It's another cloudy day on the bay. It started out sunny, but well before noon it is already cloudy. The weather report (if that's really a true indication of the weather) says it's supposed to start raining around 1 p.m. today. It sounds like good napping weather. When we get back to Houston I'll probably curl up on top of the bed with Rose.

Today I'm creating nothing. Mr. B has already said that he'll drive back to Houston. I think I have a couple of magazines in my bag that I can look at on the drive home. Perfect. And I hope there is a Mr. Baby sighting sometime today.

The rains in Texas are crazy right now, especially in the center of the state. Mr. B and I are in Rockport for the weekend. It stormed lasted night, but I slept through the rain. This morning the roads were covered with water. It's mid-afternoon and the water is subsiding. I also see blue skies out one of the windows, but still gray clouds on the other side of the house.

Last night my niece married. Since Mr. B and I were out of town we weren't able to attend, but my kids went. The pic-of-the-day is of niece Rebecca and Dr. Mc. It looks like we missed a wonderful party!

Today I'm creating some retail therapy in downtown Rockport. We haven't been here in 10+ years so it was fun to see how much the little town has changed. Now, I think it's time to climb into the hammock and watch some eyelid movies.

I'm not sure about this napping position,
but it seems to work for TLP.

It's turning out to be a frustrating afternoon. First, I don't think the dryer is working. Mr. B and I are leaving town tomorrow morning for a long weekend. I'm trying to get all the clothes washed and put away before we leave, but the dryer isn't cooperating.

Also frustrating is the Internet/cable service at the house. It keeps going in and out. This seems to be a common problem at our house. And we pay how much for this unreliable service?

Today I'm creating a clean house. I'm waiting for Mr. Baby to fall asleep for his afternoon nap and then I'm tackling the kitchen and bathrooms. It's nice to come home to a clean house after a long weekend away.

Another day of mostly rain in Houston. I'm not sure which is worst: all the rain or when it stops raining and the air is so thick. Maybe I should start looking online for an floatation devices. Was it an old George Carlin comedy album where God asked, "Noah, how long can you tread water?"

I had lunch with my friend Sandy today. I don't think I had really talked to her in about six weeks. Her son is getting married on May 30th in a lavish, over-the-top wedding. What an exciting time for her family!

Today I'm creating follow-up emails and calls to media people about getting two story ideas picked up. And then there is this face, which always makes me smile!

According to Big Daddy, this little stinker woke up early this morning, had a bottle, and then decided to skip his morning nap – at least until he got into my house. TLP said good morning to me, rolled over to his stomach, and has now been asleep for more than an hour. The pic-of-the-day is my view of his little butt in the air. So cute.

Dr. Mc and I had a conversation recently about what to call "body parts." She, of course, has read studies that say body parts (and I'm not talking about arms and legs) should be referred to by their proper names. I had to remind Dr. Mc about the time she was in the check-out line at the grocery store and said, "Look at her tomatoes" while pointing to the checkers very large chest. I don't know where that came from because her dad and I never taught her to call breasts "tomatoes." Fortunately the checker was holding oranges in her hand and said back to Dr. Mc, "No, honey, these are oranges."

Today I'm creating a bunch of little projects, all work related. Tonight I'm watching the finale of Survivor. What will I do next week when there aren't any reality shows to watch? And what happened to all the design shows that used to be on HGTV?

It's only Tuesday and I'm already bored with this week. There are plenty of things I could do if I was at home. That's not saying I would do any of them, but my true options — such as washing clothes, cleaning the kitchen, and napping — are at home.

I just walked about two blocks to get lunch. It's overcast outside, but not too hot. I'm not sure it was good to make the walk in wedges, but I did enjoy lunch.

Today I'm creating a fundraising event for a council member's reelection. It should be really easy. Then I can go home and watch the Dancing with the Stars finale before Chopped.

He was talking to me.

My little friend has become quite the talker. Although I continue to coach him about his inside voice, he much more prefers a screeching sound.

It's till cloudy in Houston, although I'm not sure I've seen any rain today. I've emailed a couple of friends in Santa Fe during the past week and all have talked about rain, sleet and snow. While Houston weather has gone from fall (no winter) to summer (no spring), apparently the weather in my adopted city is still in March, instead of moving forward to May. Thinking about the cold weather makes me miss SFe even more.

Today I'm creating the final draft of a magazine article. This afternoon, with not much to do at work, I think I may skip out for a mani/pedi.

This little boy has the sweetest laugh you've ever heard. It's the sound of pure and simple joy. His entire face lights up and my heart just melts. I can't help but smile when I hear his screeching laugh.

It has been another rainy day in Houston. I hear the entire week is supposed to be rainy. Have I moved to Seattle?

Today I'm creating a day of television watching. I hear there is an important basketball game on tonight, but I think I'll wait to hear the results on the news.

Such cute little piggies!

The house is very quiet right now. Mr. B is at a fundraising event. Dr. Mc is getting her hair cut. Big Daddy is in Alabama performing at a music festival. And Mr. Baby is napping. It's the perfect Saturday afternoon.

I have DIY and HGTV on television. Maybe it would be a better Saturday afternoon if I was crafting. These types of programs always inspire me. I'm participating in a craft show in mid-June. I need to either get to work on projects or let the organizers know that I'm not going to be participating. I've seen work online that other people are doing and I'm feeling completely intimidated by the quality of the work.

Today I'm creating a path to my sewing machine. It's a start!

Photo from Mother's Day. He loved it.

It's raining outside and inside. I don't know what's wrong with Mr. Baby, but he has been crying most of the afternoon. I've changed him. Fed him. Given him his favorite toys. Changed him again. Held him and tried to get him to have a nap. Nothing works! I know he is sleepy, but just won't close his eyes.

Mr. Baby is giving me a tough afternoon and so is my left ear. In fact, the entire left side of my face is slightly swollen. Mr. B is bringing me ear drops when he comes home from work. If it hadn't been raining all day
I would have gone to the drugstore myself, but I didn't want to take the baby out in the rain. I can already tell what is going to happen. He'll fall asleep 5-10 minutes before his mama gets home from work.

Today I'm creating nothing, although the day isn't over yet.

Mr. Baby having a conversation with his
great-aunt Rosie Zamora.

Another rainy day in H-town. Mushrooms should be popping up in the yard soon and I guess there will be a million-trillion-bizillion mosquitos just waiting for me whenever I walk outside the door. Oh happy, happy, joy, joy.

Mr. B and I are stepping out tonight for the CultureMap Houston Tastemaker Awards. We are the invited guests to this celebration of Houston's top culinary talent. There are more than a dozen participating restaurants handing out tasty small bites. Herradura tequila is a sponsor so there should be lots of refreshing cocktails. Several artists have donated work (I always love a good art auction). And all we have to do is show up and look cute. My kind of event!

Today I'm creating a press release. My little desk where I work 15 hours a week is now properly adorned with a little photo book of Mr. Baby. I love glancing around my laptop and seeing his blonde hair, big blue eyes, little button nose,
and rosy lips. Such a treat.

Look at those shoes!

This is Tuesday when I spend a long time working but come home to an empty house. Mr. Baby is with Nick's parents. After work Dr. Mac and Big Daddy go to get him and have dinner there. I always get home before Mr. B. so I can either make dinner (not) or sit with my feet up sipping a cocktail (yes).

For the little time I spent outside today, it was pleasant. It rained on and off so the temperature was in the mid-70s during the hottest part of the day when I went to lunch. The days of working and trying to decide what to have for lunch are coming back to me. I need to get out of the office, but it's always a hard decision what to have for lunch.

Today I'm creating a newsletter. I'm hoping to go to bed early tonight as I'm already tired. Fingers crossed that my plan works.

Entertaining so many people on Mother's Day
wore out TLP!

We had a yummy, busy and fun Mother's Day at the Pettit abode. Dr. Mc and Big Daddy did most of the cooking, but We had the same wonderful menu as last year and I didn't hear anyone complaining! Chicken and waffles covered in syrup. Homemade biscuits smothered in creamy gravy. Green Salad. Fruit Salad. And, of course, there were more of enough cocktails. Big Daddy and I were in charge of the waffles and chicken. I don't know about him, but I should have stopped to eat and had a few less cocktails.

We set up three tables outside, but there was very little breeze or shade so almost everyone ate inside in shifts. I guess there were 20 people at the house, which made the day very fun! Mr. Baby was confused because all his grandparents were at one house. If he could talk, he would have said, "Hey, what are you doing at THIS house?" His mama still made him take a nap even though he was in party mood.

Today I'm creating three magazine articles. I'm not at all inspired with ideas and don't have any input. I'd rather be home having a nap with Mr. Baby.

Like father, like son.

Mr. Baby has a new game that he likes to play with me. He chews on something for a few minutes and then throws it on the floor to see how long it will take me to pick it up, clean it off, and give it back to him. I think what he likes most is the grunting noise I make when I bend over.

Actually, he throws his toy on the floor, then turns around and smiles at me. He is just too cute I can't say no! My life was full and blessed before he was born, but not complete without him.

Today I'm creating, or rather finishing, two aprons. I'm going to participate in a craft show in mid-June and need to get busy. I'm not sure I've made anything since my holiday craft show.

TLP enjoying the kiddie pool last weekend.

Another part of aging that I'm not fond of – the loss of facial muscles. It's not that I've gained weight. No, weight gain isn't the reason that I have a double chin.

When I was growing up I remember asking my mom what she wanted for Mother's Day. She might tell me something, but most of the time she would say that she didn't need anything. I find I'm doing the same thing to my daughters. I'll say, "I don't need anything," or "You don't need to spend your money on me." Oh, how we become our parents.

Today I'm creating a clean dining room. I've been guilty of throwing things on the back of chairs instead of putting them away or throwing newspapers on the table. I want to fix that today.

I cropped his little bottom out of the picture
so his mama won't get upset with me.

I'm happy that Mr. B and I made the decision to lease Pettita Casita in Santa Fe, NM, so the casita doesn't sit empty and lonely when no one is there. But on days like today in Houston I wish I were in Santa Fe right now! The linen pants and shirt that I put on this morning are a wrinkled mess, and I have to keep wearing them until probably 7:30 p.m. Interesting that my clothes sag and my hair crinkles up.

It started out rainy this morning and Mr. Baby took advantage of the great napping weather. He woke up and played before lunch, when it started raining again. Now it's simply warm and muggy! Of course this is the time when I need to be running in and out of places getting ready for an open house tonight.

Today I'm creating multiple articles and prepping for the open house. I found the most beautiful roses at the floral market. They are white with red tips. It's unfortunate that they aren't also fragrant!

Aulay is celebrating his first Cinco de Mayo in style. Ole!

I've been a) crazy busy, b) crazy sick, c) just crazy in general, or d) all of the above since my last post. If you guessed d) all of the above, you are correct. Probably the hardest thing for me was not being able to see Mr. Baby and give him an adequate number of hugs, kisses, and songs while I wasn't feeling well. Fortunately I've moved on, but now Mr. B and Big Daddy Nick are not feeling well. As usual, since I'm the mom I get blamed for them being sick.

I was noticing last night that Mr. Baby is getting big. Since he came home from the hospital, he was been placed sideways in the playard in the house for naps. Yesterday I noticed that he no longer fits sideways in the bed. That's OK because he now rolls from front to back and back to front and doesn't stay in one place, regardless of how he is put in bed.

Today I'm creating happy birthday wishes for son-in-law-to-be Raff. How exciting that his birthday is on Cinco de Mayo and so many people celebrate his special day!