The Pates do Dallas

Eric's brother, Ryan, and our lovely sister-in-law, Jolyn, along with our niece and nephew (Holly & Sam) came to Dallas this last weekend to visit us. We had an amazing time catching up and wish that we didn't live so far from the Wichita Pates.

Here are some pictures to commemorate their trip.


Eric and Sam at the Dallas Zoo.



Holly posed as an otter.


I think my nesting instinct is kicking in...


Ryan and Jolyn's dear friends, Bobby and Sasha, used to live in ABQ, but now reside in a suburb of Dallas. They brought their son, Peyton, over to play with Sam and Holly. At a certain point Eric, Bobby and Ryan were all playing with Mr. Potato Head on the floor. Note the absence of children.

10 Random Facts

I have been tagged by my friend Vandi to share 10 random facts about myself. Here goes!

1. If I could live with one fictional family, I would totally live with the Cosby family. If Cliff and Claire Huxtable wrote a parenting book on how to raise children, it would never leave my nightstand. Plus, I would always know what to get TV dad for bithdays and Christmas presents...SWEATERS,SWEATERS, and more SWEATERS!

2. I am addicted to chapstick. I probably have around at least 10 chapsticks/lip glosses hidden throughout the house, office, car, etc.

3. I am OCD about two things: First, I am obsessed with washing my hands and germs. I try to keep Purell on me for times when I don't have access to a sink and soap. Second, I am OCD about making sure doors are closed and locked. Not all the time, just when I leave the house.

4. My most embarrassing moment came when Eric's old dog pulled down a tube top I was wearing in front of a relative who shall remain unnamed.

5. My secret dream is to be a backup singer or play drums. Keep in mind, these are two talents, neither of which I possess. And I wouldn't "perform" professionally. It would be more like the regular person didn't show up for the gig (yeah I totally know the lingo) and I gallantly step in and say "Don't worry guys...I got this." At which point I proceed to wow the crowd with my hidden talent. It is currently so hidden, it doesn't even exist.

6. I have several recurring dreams: plane crashes, elevator crashes, teeth falling out, and not being able to dial 911 in an emergency because my fingers have swollen to the size of Italian sausages. Of course these aren't all in the same dream and I have read enough dream encyclopedias to know the basic gist of what these dreams mean.

7. I have made up at least a dozen songs about my dogs. And no, I will not sing them to anyone.

8. I wish...that I were a brilliant photographer. Especially, the closer we get to having the baby.

9. I don't trust people who drive Dodge Rams. Sorry if I offend anyone, but the drivers of these trucks seem to think they own the road. And did Dodge not think to put a turn signal on these vehicles?

10. One of my greatest pet peeves is people who hog magazines in public places. Like when you are in a waiting room for the doctors office or at the gym. These are the individuals who take all ten of the good magazines and pile them on their lap, leaving the rest of us to read Field and Stream and Auto Trader. Share the wealth!

6 Months

Brave. I feel very brave to be posting a picture of my belly at 6 months pregnant. I have always been the kind of person who has shyed away from showing my stomach in public places. And I would never ever dream of showing my belly after the holidays and taking a cruise. However, here I am at 6 months large! I am quite assured by those around me that I will only continue to grow and spread in various ways, but it is a small sacrifice to make.

The baby has been kicking for about a month now. He chooses to kick mostly at night when I am sleeping. And the bigger he gets, the harder he kicks. It make for some interesting dreams!

Best Wishes!

My best friend from high school, Stephanie, just returned to NM after getting married in Hawaii. She is having a big church wedding in Albuquerque in March, and she loves me so much that she wants me to be in her wedding even though there is a good chance I might wipe her out with a swift turn of my belly. And I love her so much that I will outfit myself in a tent-like dress to stand up there with her!

Stephanie and I go way, way back. We met in middle school over 17 years ago (yikes). We have seen many good times together, helped each other out through some painful circumstances, and have built some darn good memories. We used to cut out pictures of what we wanted our weddings to look like (Ahem...Steph, I am sorry Elijah Wood could not be the groom).

I know that Steph and Gabe will be very happy with each other. I look forward to what's to come!