Monday, October 27, 2014

For Julio


Dear Juju,

Happy 10th birthday honey. I know this post is long overdue and today, after many years of contemplating how to remember you, I finally have the courage to write about the three wonderful years we had with you.

You helping mommy blow out her birthday candles.


Last week we watched a wonderful movie called the Book of Life. It is about the intertwined lives of the living and the dead. It is a beautiful story based on Mexican folklore and it reminded me of you and all our loved ones who have passed.



I was looking through archived pictures and I wanted to show you how loved you were since the day you were in your mom's belly to your last birthday with us.

While in your mommy's belly:

Here are pictures from your coming out party (baby shower):

Your first cake!

Check out how young your mom and dad are here!

Nana and Lola excited to meet their grand babies :)

And the football trash talking begins.

But of course your dad knows how to pick a winner (in women and in football.)


When you were born, 10/27/04:


Your first few weeks outside your mom's womb were tough but you were a fighter and your mommy and daddy never left your side.

Mommy giving you kisses at the hospital.

You and Lorenzo when you were teeny-tiny!

And who could forget THE HAIR! Bam! Stuck straight up  ;D



That smile of yours, oh my! You quickly won people over from the time they met you. Even as a baby you were easy to please and when you cried it was a tiny squeal-whimper.


You were one of the gentlest souls I've ever met.


And super easy to put to sleep.


I love this photo of you..so handsome and kind, even as a baby!


Here are a couple photos with your brother in your Hawaiian shirts and matching sunglasses! Cuties!!


As you two got older, we had even more fun with you! 

Here are pictures from your 1st birthday party:


You and Nana

And of course a pic with your dad, mom, and brother.


You and your brother were our borrowed babies until we had our own. Lorenzo was Uncle Gerald's boy and you were mine, lol. We loved taking you to parties and everywhere we went.


Here are more blast from the past pics. Look how small all your cousins were!








Here are photos from Thanksgiving 2005:


There go those mesmerizing eyes again.


With Auntie Steph and Uncle Jay.

Here's a good one with Lola, MB, JJ, & Jer.

With your brother and cousins

With your dad

You did this gesture a lot when you were small and would get pretty much whatever you asked for ;-)

Love this one of you with Lola

The following are pictures taken in 2006, you would've been  2-2 1/2 years old.


Cutie on the Cell

Smiling with Uncle Gerald

Playing with the piano


One of your many sleepovers with us; you were the best cuddle bug!

Hello boys!


Here is another fave of mine which was taken at our wedding in 2006. You loved having a good time and would dance to anything!



You were the smallest one in our wedding party but look at your swag ;D


Here are pictures from your 3rd birthday party. Fun galore!

















I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane. It is the only path we have to be with you now. Please know that there are many of us whose hearts still ache for you, who remember all your endearing qualities, your sweet smell, your loving embrace, and your tender ways.  Until we meet again Juju, happy birthday honey.


"The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green