The Discombobulated Mommy

Evening up the Score

2012-02-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

The day after Hubby left for his trip was rough. The day he left, it was fine. But by 6am the next morning, I felt that I was waaaaaaaay behind. Bug had woken up around 3am with a wet pull-up that had leaked. Fortunately, if she ever wakes up wet, she automatically changes her pull-up and goes straight back to bed. But if she's leaked, she lets us know and one of us gets up to change her sheets. At 3am, I was too tired to do it and had her crawl into bed with me after she changed.

I sleep very lightly when Hubby travels, so all 5 times my son woke up to use the bathroom, I also woke up to listen for him and to make sure he made it back to bed alright. By 5am, Mr. Bananas woke up and I nursed him. By 6am, I put him back in his crib, left Buggy in my bed, and got up to start my day. By this time, I was completely done. I felt like I dragged all day. It felt like "kids 2, mama 0."

However, the day was made immensely easier when my mother showed up unexpectedly to pick up Boogie from school. This allowed for the little kids to nap longer and because of her help, they were able to get an extra hour of sleep they so desperately needed. Not only that, Mom took Boogie home with her and offered to take Mr. Bananas while I took Buggy to dance class. I dropped him off on the way to class and for the first time all day, I felt that I was able to relax and breathe. Bug danced and I crocheted. It was peaceful...except for when she fell and bit her lip hard and bled all over herself. But even then, I was thankful that Mom had the boys and that I could pay attention to Bug when she needed it. She was able to go back to class and finish up.

Mom and Dad met me at my house. They brought over dinner, bathed the kids, and put them to bed. As awful as the morning started, it ended on a high note.

That night was better. Boogie got up only once. Bug woke up once, changed her pull-up and went straight back to bed, and Bananas woke up once around 5am to be nursed. All in all, better. Not great, but better.

Thursday night was wonderful! All 3 kids slept through the night and got up at 7:15am. I felt like a new woman on Friday. It also helped that Boogs had his Spanish class and the little kids were able to nap an extra hour before we picked him up. We went out to dinner with my parents and then the big kids went home with them for a sleepover. Bananas and I came home and he went to bed immediately. He did not sleep as well as he had the night before, but I noticed that he's getting his molars in, so that could be it.

We are still missing Daddy a lot but with my parents help, it's been easier than I had expected. It also helps that technology has come a long way since I was a kid and my dad went out to sea. The kids get to see Daddy through Face Time, and he's sent us videos of him singing the good night song, and our good morning song. The kids love seeing him. When he called yesterday afternoon, Bug jumped up and down and yelled, "DADDY!!!!! Face time! Woo hoo! Face Time, Woo hoo!!!!!" If that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is!

The big kids are spending the morning with my parents. They're supposed to go out for a movie and lunch and come back for naps. I've been able to relax a little, plan out the day, blog, and eat breakfast. It's been nice. I look forward to seeing them this afternoon. I no longer feel it's "kids 2, Mama 0." I think we might have evened up the score with Lolo and Lola's help. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

I Miss Daddy

2012-02-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

Hubby left this morning for his 2-3 week out of town project. He's been working so hard the last few months. He's been on a lot of business trips and has had to work late nights, especially the last few weeks. As a result he has not seen the kids as much as he would like to see them. It's been hard on me and the kids, too.

We spent this past weekend spending as much family time as we could in a 72-hour time span. Fortunately, Hubby was able to spend some time with the kiddos this morning before he left. They enjoyed seeing him. When Buggy woke up, she walked in my room where I was folding laundry and asked, "Where's Daddy?" I told her he was downstairs and she flew out of the room, yelling, "Daddy!" Hubby was already half way up the stairs when they met. I wish I had my camera because the next scene was adorable. Hubby was a few steps down from Bug and she leaned in to give him a hug. They were eye-to-eye and in that hug so much was said. I could see Hubby close his eyes as he held his little girl and it was if he was savoring this moment and Buggy was holding on as tight as she could as if to say, "I'm safe and I don't want you to go."

Hubby helped with breakfast and getting the kids to change their clothes for the morning. We finished our usual routines really early and we had a few extra minutes to pray over Daddy. We prayed, we sang, we got one more kiss and hug.

Buggy with her lovies

When Daddy's car pulled away, Boogs collapsed onto the grass and Buggy fell apart. She was trying to put on mittens, but they didn't go on the way she wanted and she lost it and begged for her blanket. As I put the baby in the stroller for our walk to school, Bugs went upstairs to grab her lovies. She came back with a blanket and two stuffed animals. She would have grabbed more, but this is all her little arms could carry. She asked to bring them on our walk and she sat in the stroller all the way to school and on the way back. Before Boogie went into his school, he gave each of us a kiss. He usually fusses about having to give his sister a kiss, but I think he knew how much it would mean to her and I think he needed it, too. We all need to feel a little more connected to one another as we figure out how to function as a family of four for a few weeks.

At one point, Bug looked at me and said, "I miss Daddy. I wish he didn't have to go to work." Me, too, Baby. Me, too.

I read the following verse during my quiet time this morning:
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

It came at the right time. I'm missing my husband. Please forgive me if I don't answer phone calls, e-mails, or messages. I'm doing all that I can to keep things humming along and I have so much that I'm doing that I just.can't.do.one.more.thing. I'd like to think I was stronger, but I'm not. It takes all my energy to make sure that things continue to go smoothly while Hubby is away, to the point of exhaustion.

If you think of it, please say a prayer for me that I may have patience, grace, and energy when I interact with my children. They're hurting right now as they miss their daddy. Please for my children and for my husband that he may have safe travels and comes home to us safely. Thank you.

Caring For Ourselves

2012-02-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

As the new year approached I found myself sitting with my two best girlfriends having our own after Christmas celebration with our families. A tradition we have held for most of the last 10 years.

While our husbands took the kids to the park, we took the time to catch up and fill each other in our lives. As we chatted I found that we each had the same dilemma of finding time for everyone and everything else but ourselves. It was leaving us drained, exhausted, frustrated, and irritable. We had been neglecting ourselves and our time with each other so that we could devote our time and energy to our spouses, children, extended families, and the overwhelming number of volunteer activities. Not that any of those things are unworthy of our time. They certainly are worthy. But I have found from my personal experience, that I can be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend when I have taken some time for myself.

Taking time away from the “to do” list, and letting go of my perception of perfection is my gift to me. It’s waking up earlier than everyone else and spending time with a mug of tea, my Bible/devotional and spending time praying for the people in my life. When I pray for others I find an inner peace that helps me prepare for the day. But when I don’t take that time my day is too hurried and chaotic.

In taking an informal survey amongst friends, I asked what ways can we take care of ourselves. Here are some suggestions:

--Letting yourself read a book or work on a craft project even if everything isn’t perfect (Rosann)

--Redefine personal time: a nap here, five minutes with a book there, a call to a friend (Becky)

--Make a list of things that bring you joy and try to do one or experience one a day (ex. fresh flowers, warm jammies, special food) (Erin)

---Give time to things that make you happy and try to share that happiness with others. In that way, you are able to take care of yourself and develop inner growth (Sham)

--Make two things a priority for yourself: Sleep and exercise, in that order. Then everything will pretty much fall into place (Alison)

--Think about the silly things that brought you joy as a teenager like dancing in front of the mirror lip synching to Madonna and do it again and laugh (Felicia)

--Saying "no" sometimes to others and not letting yourself feel guilty because it really IS okay to NOT do everything and give yourself a break sometimes. I think that is HUGE when I think of "self care." Oh and having gratitude, prayer time, and time reflecting on God's awesome creation and our many blessings! (Kelly)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Warm Winter Weather

2012-02-02T17:32:00.000-05:00

We've had some crazy weather. The last two days it has been above 60 degrees. That's just nuts for our region. We usually have some snow by now. It's been really, really warm.

We took advantage of the warm weather yesterday and the kids pulled out their bike helmets and glided and tricycled around our cul-de-sac. Our next door neighbors and our backyard neighbors were outside also and it was so nice to see the kids playing together. It's something that I always wanted when we moved into our neighborhood. A safe place for my kids to play with their neighborhood friends. It seems like we got it.

The kids get along fairly well and I'm getting to know my next door neighbor better. I figure with the way the housing market is going, we'll be in this house for the rest of our lives so it's good to make friends with the neighbors.

After experiencing blizzards the last two years I thought I would be over snow. But I gotta tell ya, I wouldn't mind a little of the white stuff. Our Winter doesn't seem complete without one good snowman gracing our yard or a good slide down a sledding hill.

Winter's not over yet, maybe there's still a chance :)

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Hello Friend!

2012-02-01T10:38:00.000-05:00

I can't believe my sweet baby will be turning a year old this month. He's growing so big. Just last Friday he learned to climb the stairs and I had to pull out the gate and block him. My, he's quick!

I found these photos I took of him one night. He found his reflection on the back sliding glass door. He was kissing his new "friend" and very excited to see someone waving back at him. My goofy boy!

And here are kisses for you...

Hi Friend! Do you want to come in?

Uncertainty

2012-01-31T16:19:00.000-05:00

It seems like 2012 has been burdened with uncertainty for many of my friends. Uncertainty about what the future holds and how they will be able to handle it.

First, friends of ours have been dealing with their 23-month old's brain injury. This little one was involved in a violent incident. Her recovery is amazing thus far. She was brought home just this past Friday, but will still be undergoing extensive outpatient speech, physical, and occupational therapy. Her parents are facing uncertainty about her future because it's still not clear how extensive her injuries may be. Their faith is amazing and they are so very strong. They (and we!) continue to rejoice in her recovery as she progresses step by step.

Second, another friend just found out she has colon cancer. As I type this, she is in surgery. She has two little ones, 3 1/2 and 1 1/2. She started blogging about her unexpected journey and her faith is strong. She is relying on our great Physician as she prays for healing and strength.

Third, another friend is facing possible single parenting in the near future as her husband faces several assault and attempted murder charges on another. Most likely he'll go to jail. We've known this couple for several years and I'm still in shock and don't know quite how to process this information. All of it. There is so much to the backstory that I can't even fathom what the entire (immediate and extended) family is going through. I'm sure their family doesn't either. This woman and her family are facing uncertainty.

Fourth, my neighbor just told me today that one of her daughters (4 yrs. old) may lose hearing in both ears. It could happen in a year it could take several years. She is facing uncertainty.

I, too, am facing uncertainty. But mine is temporary and seems so petty compared to the ones my friends' are facing. Me? I'm wondering how I will have the grace and patience to temporarily single-parent when Hubby leaves next week for his big project. I just found out today that he is leaving a day earlier than expected.

As I contemplate all of this uncertainty that seems to surround my friends I go back to this verse:

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk
for I give myself to you" (Psalm 143:8)

And I just found this one and I'll share it with my friends who are facing uncertainty:

"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy." (Colossians 1:11)

For those of you facing uncertainty: May you be filled with God's grace. May you find strength in His unfailing love. Peace.

"Fwo-Up" Buckets

2012-01-30T09:04:00.000-05:00

Bug with her fwo-up bucket

The stomach came and did its damage in 5 days. It hit all 5 of us and I.am.done. Ugh! The baby and I got it first. I think he might have been the carrier and if he was then he picked it up in childcare. I'm sure he was sucking on some toy from some other kid who was carrying the virus. Ugh, ugh, ugh! Childcare in the gym in pretty good and they try to disinfect everything, but it's hard.

I had it on Thursday and by Saturday I was probably at 80% and feeling 100% by Sunday. The baby was at 90% on Sunday and is 100% today. Thank goodness! He's had issues with weight gain and I was really worried when he didn't want to eat for a few days. Fortunately, I am still nursing and that was enough for him while he was sick. He's back to eating solids and I'm really happy about that.

However, my poor Boogie woke up around 4am and started throwing up. I heard him run to the bathroom. Then he started crying and yelling, "Help, help!" Of course I was nursing the baby and Hubby got up to take care of him. He gave him a "fwo-up" bucket (a wash basin) and Boogs put it to good use over the next several hours. Poor guy. Every time he finished he would yell, "Help, help!" At one point Bugs woke up and saw him. "Daddy, Daddy, my Boogie is fwoing up, help him!" She was distraught that her best friend was so sick. She was happy that she was able to share her fwo-up bucket with him.

That's right, my daughter has her own personal "fwo-up" bucket. She got it when she had the stomach flu over a year ago. She became so attached to it that she's kept it by her bedside for over a year. Yes, we did disinfect it many times over. After numerous months, it finally made it's way to underneath her bed. I tried for months to return it to the basement with the other basins, but she'd always pull it back out. So underneath her bed it stays.

Boogie stayed in bed most of Sunday. He never stays in bed so he was definitely sick. He got up for a little while in the afternoon, but after a dinner of dry toast, he went straight into bed forgoing a bath. I'll remedy that today. He was so tired and sick he didn't want his usual bedtime story and just wanted to sleep. Even though he hasn't thrown up since 8am yesterday, Hubby and I thought we should play it safe and keep him home from school today. Especially since he hasn't really eaten anything in 24 hours. However, he is up fussing at his sister, listening to audio books, and now playing MarioKart on the Wii. I'd say he's better.

When Hubby came home from Church I went to the gym. By the time I came back I noticed Bug had a fwo-up bucket next to her. I looked at Hubby and he said, "Yup, she has one, now." She had thrown up while I was gone. I was only gone 1 1/2 hours. I had stopped on the way home to pick up something from my parents. In that short time, she became sick. Gross. But now, she had her own bucket and she carried it everywhere. It's like a pet!

By dinner time, Hubby looked at me and said, "I don't feel well." He had given the kids toast for dinner and skipped dinner. After Bug's bath she emptied the contents of her stomach in her fwo-up bucket and we had to change her into another set of clean pajamas.

By the time we had gotten both kids into bed, Hubby went straight to bed himself. By that time all 3 of them had "fwo-up" buckets next to them.

My poor family. Five people down in 5 days. That's got to be some type of record. Fortunately, this stomach bug is quick and the actual time being sick and gross is about 24 hours. It takes another day to feel better and to have most if not all of your strength back.

Today, I will be spending my day doing laundry and disinfecting the house. Wish me luck! Even thought it's only 30 degrees outside, is it bad that I want open my windows? I really want to get rid of these germs!

Stay healthy!

Procrastination

2012-01-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

I used to be the queen of procrastination. I would wait until the last minute to do just about anything. It's not that I did not want to do whatever task was at hand...I just always had something else that I thought needed my time and attention.

I am notorious for my to-do lists. Just ask my husband. I have paper lists, I have an app for lists. I have lists everywhere! Except my lists keep getting longer, and my time keeps getting shorter. I have found what works best for me is to just slog through "the List." I stay focused, I stay on task, and I actually accomplish more than I had hoped. Staying focused is not my strong suit.

Around Christmas time and into the new year, instead of hitting my to-do list regularly, I ignored it, almost entirely and enjoyed the time my husband was home on vacation. We played with the kids, we visited with friends, and we relaxed. I am now paying for it, in the sense that I am out of practice of sticking with my tasks for the day. In the last week, I hit it with renewed vigor and I am once again getting tasks accomplished.

I have found that having kids makes me more organized. Nothing brings on heart palpitations like trying to find your keys, loading up the car with snacks, etc that you forgot to prepare for the next outing, and being sidelined by 3 kids who all had to poop at the same time. Yeah, the last part happened to me once. It took us forever to get out of the house, which made us 15 minutes late for a class.

I now find myself creating my daily to-do list the night before. I have my gym bag packed for the next day along with snacks for the little kids while they are in childcare. I have in my head what needs to be done and where I need to go for my errands. I create my route for the day in order to be most efficient in getting out of the house, hit as many errands as possible in order to get the kids home before they collapse into a hot mess before lunch/nap time. I am even going so far as to prep dinner during nap time so that at 5pm all I have to do is pop it into the oven instead of trying to prep while the baby falls apart because he is done for the day.

I am also fed up with the way my house looks and I am spending 30 minutes a day just trying to maintain the front hall, the family room, and the kitchen. Forget about everything else. I'll just have to tackle them on my cleaning days. But at least when Hubby or an unexpected guest walks in the door I no longer feel as embarrassed by the craziness of coats, boots, toys, and whatnot that they would have had to slog through in order to walk in.

I am not the most organized and of all the talents my mom possesses, I wish I had inherited her gene for getting things clean, organized, and done! My mom is a whirlwind and can make a house look sparkling in what appears to be minutes, while I find it very laborious and overwhelming and can take hours. Well, maybe someday I'll master her talent.

How do you keep on top of the housework? How do you stay motivated to accomplish your tasks? For me, this will always be my quest ;)

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.

Benjamin Franklin
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

Meltdown City

2012-01-28T16:55:00.001-05:00

Ever have one of those days when the kids just completely melt? I'm sure I could have avoided this, but in other ways not so much. Let me give you the backstory.

I had a stomach bug on Thursday. I was not at full capacity on Friday, but feeling well enough to take care of the kids on my own. I was still a little weak and fatigued, but well enough to walk Boogs to school. Having accomplished nothing the day before, my type-A personality kicked into high gear and I tried to accomplish the tasks and errands that I couldn't do the day before. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

After walking Boogs to school, I took the two younger kids to the grocery store. I usually go to the store on Monday or Tuesday, and I because of one thing or another didn't go and desperately needed to go by Friday. Done. Little kids were pretty good. I was still feeling a little tired, but task accomplished.

I had to exchange some shirts for Hubby. I also had planned to do that on Monday, but couldn't. I thought I could get it done on Friday because Boogs was supposed to start a Spanish class that would last an hour and give me an extra hour before I had to pick him up from school. Having him in that class may help me accomplish getting at least one more errand done after the little kids wake up from naps and before I had to pick up Boogs from school.

But due to some miscommunication between the school and the PTA coordinator for the classes, the classes did not begin yesterday but are to start next week. I'm glad I listened to my spidey sense and double checked with both the coordinator and the school. And despite being told the class would start yesterday, I decided to make sure that he would really be in class and not just hanging around after school by himself. And oh, what do you know? He would have been left hanging around because the school was told the class was starting yesterday because the coordinator forgot to tell them that class was actually starting next week. Yes, I was that mom that had to point out the mistake. I did it as nicely as possible and even offered to walk the kids who were hanging around outside the class back up to the office.

I walked my kids home and decided, "What the hay? Let's exchange Daddy's shirts at the mall." I even tried to bribe them with a yummy pretzel if they were good. Well one thing led to another and it took longer than I expected. I wanted to zip in and out and have pretzels in hand within 15 minutes of entering the store. But no. Wasn't in the cards. And this was the result (warning to those with a soft heart...ahem Lolo and Lola...lots of crying and melting going on)...To all watching, no judging please ;) But I will accept shipments of chocolate and empathy :)

This last video may be the absolute saddest. After Mr. Bananas has climbed the stairs repeatedly and faster with every attempt, I thought it best to put up a gate at the bottom of the stairs. I did it for his safety and so that I could finish making dinner :) Otherwise, I was running up and down the stairs every few minutes to get the baby. Here is the result of my decision. Kinda breaks your heart, doesn't it? Especially as he signs, "All Done, All done." I think he meant he was all done with the gate...

Blessed

2012-01-27T13:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I woke up with a stomach bug. I woke up and realized that I did not feel well. I had a slight fever and my stomach was making all sorts of weird gurgling sounds. Knowing that Hubby has been working late and working really hard on his current project, I knew that I wouldn't be able to ask him to stay home to be with the kids. However, he did offer to call my aunt and ask her to come over to watch the kids while I stayed in bed to rest as best as I was able.

He ended up speaking to my mom who was able to take a day off from work and came over to take care of me and the kids. Hubby went in late to get the kids ready for school and to prepare them for the hand off to Mom. Mom took over breakfast and walking Boogs to school. She spent the rest of the day playing games with Bugs and looking after the baby. Unfortunately, we realized later that the baby had the same yucky stomach bug I had. Ugh.

Mom was a trooper taking care of mealtimes, naptimes, homework, and baths. I was able to spend most of the day in bed/bathroom. I was too weak to help out and the smell of food was nauseating. She really stepped up and the kids LOVED the extra time they had with her. As an added bonus my dad came over after work. He brought dinner and helped to take care of the kids. He even brought over milk when Mom looked in the fridge and realized I was running low. Grocery shopping had been on my list of things to do yesterday, but that obviously didn't happen.

While Mom bathed the kids, Dad took care of the kitty cats, and took out my garbage and diaper pail. After baths, Dad took over bedtime routines. This was a huge blessing to me, especially since Hubby had to stay late at work and didn't come home until after 1am.

I hate being sick and I especially hate asking for help. But with my parents, there was an even flow and they stepped in when I had to take a step back. I didn't have to tell them what to do. They naturally fit into the everyday movement of my family. I feel very blessed by their help and support. It also reminds me that I am not alone and that I have help if and when I need it, I only have to ask. It also makes next month look less daunting as Hubby's project takes him out of town for nearly 3 weeks.

Thanks, Mom and Dad. Thank you for being there for me and my family! I love you!

Almost Wordless Wednesday: My Girl

2012-01-25T15:58:00.001-05:00

It's so different having a girl. With my firstborn I learned a lot about trains (especially the Thomas and Friends series), dinosaurs, dragons, and cheetahs. Having a girl as a second born was a bit of an adjustment. She loves pink and purple. She loves to try on my shoes. She critiques my clothing choices and usually says, "You look beautiful, Mama!" She loves dresses that twirl and will spin and spin just so that she can see her pretty dresses twirl. I knew that when I had a girl I would want her to try dance classes. I thought she would love it and she does.

Here is my little girl on one lazy Saturday morning. She had dressed herself in her dress up clothes over her pajamas and dances for me. I think wearing her sunglasses upside down is my favorite part of her outfit! This one is for you Ms. Chi!

Mr Bananas is 11 months old! (Belated)

2012-01-24T16:49:00.000-05:00

My monkey stopped and smiled for me when he saw the camera

Our Mr. Bananas turned 11 months old. I can't believe that he will be a year old next month. The time sure does fly! I am amazed not only how quickly time passes by, but what is accomplished in that amount of time.

Mr. Bananas now has six teeth. His tops finally busted through and so have ones on either side of his front top teeth. He has been cruising around the furniture and he has been attempting to stand without holding onto anything. He's accomplished the standing alone once or twice! He can crawl very quickly and is often off like a shot after his brother and sister. It's a good thing that they are so good with him. He adores them. He sleeps better through the night. Every now and again he'll wake up, but I'm going to attribute that to teething as it is not a consistent night waking. Just 3 or 4 nights at a time and then he sleeps through the night for weeks at a time.

I think he needs more sleep because he is often rubbing his eyes around dinner time at 6:30pm. I think that I'll need to feed him earlier than everyone else and put him to bed earlier. Though if I do that, Hubby won't have a chance to spend any time with him. We'll see how things go.

He signs and can ask for "more", tell me he's "all done", "hello," and "goodbye" and point to things that he wants. His spoken verbal isn't too bad either. He can say "more," "Mama," "bye-bye," and "da" (daddy). Most recently he signed and said, "Mah, Mama" (More, Mama)!

He loves to flirt with the ladies who sit behind us in church. He's constantly smiling and then hiding from them. He also likes to crawl around the pew and will often crawl on the floor from one end to the other.

Enjoying some Daddy time

Mr. B. is very comfortable in the childcare at the gym and loves playing with the toys and meeting new kids. One time they put him in ~~baby jail~~ the exersaucer so he'd stay in one place for a minute and they told me he just looked defeated. He looked at Miss Tracy for a long time and then put his face down on the tray kind of pathetically. They quickly took him out and he was a happy monkey again. Most recently they had to do it again because some of the bigger kids were playing a little more roughly and they put him in to keep him safe. Instead of being defeated, he enjoyed watching the big kids play.

Mommy has become 2nd best once daddy is home. When Mr. B. hears the garage door open, and especially when he hears Daddy's voice, he will either go towards the sound or if I'm holding him, push away from me and look around for Daddy.

Mr. B. is still my most demanding child. Not because he is the baby, but because he screams for attention. He's pretty good while we are out, but if he's hungry and we're home. Forget about it! He is demanding and inconsolable. I also think he likes to hear the sound of his own voice!

His big sister and brother are really good about taking care of him and allowing him to play around them. They don't fuss too much when they are playing together and he wants to join in. They change what they are doing and remove any small pieces to make it baby friendly. It's nice that they do that without having to be told.

I love the way he finds the perfect place in our necks to nuzzle.

I still can't believe my last baby will soon be a toddler. I am trying to cherish all the good times and remember (and take pictures) of all the cute moments. Like how he squinches his nose and lifts his face up and his eyes disappear in his smile. They way he stops to pose for the camera when he sees me pull it out to take a picture. They way he nuzzles into my neck. They way he sings and pounds the chair and makes his own beat to a music only he can hear. The way his baby butt wiggles as he crawls away quickly to something new and interesting. And the "who, me?" face he gives me when I say, "no" as he's about to push all the buttons on our DVD player.

I love him, and I can't imagine our family without him. Happy 11 months, Mr. Bananas!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2012-01-23T09:46:00.000-05:00

It's my Hubby's birthday today. Unfortunately, he is traveling again and we won't get to celebrate with him today. But we made the most of this weekend and celebrated all the way through. Our celebration started on Friday night when my parents graciously offered to watch the kids so that we could have a date night.

Hubby and I did something we haven't done in forever and we went bowling! Wow, bowling has changed a lot since I was a good. Everything is computerized. The place we went to had waiters with earpieces taking orders and serving our food. No more greasy diner at the back of the alley. They served more than just beer. Now you can fancy martinis while you bowled. No more going up and down the alley looking for the ball that was "just right." Now it's small, medium, and large and everything is color coded and is handed to you when you order your shoes. I don't know if all bowling alleys are like this now, but the one we went to was definitely fancy. The groups next to us were enjoying a buffet dinner complete with fruit and cheese platter. Huh, no kidding. Oh, and if you use bumpers, you could program the alley to put them up and take them down as needed for each player. Fancy!

Hubby and I decided to have dinner while we bowled. We indulged and bowled. We're both terrible at bowling, but enjoyed one another's company knowing that the kids were in good hands and we didn't have to worry about them.

We were greeted on Saturday morning with some snow covered in a layer of ice. We had a leisurely morning and decided to have Daddy's birthday breakfast a few days early. We let Daddy sleep in while I made breakfast and the kids bounced around the house waiting for him to wake up. We spent the rest of the day hanging out with friends and enjoying a friend's 3 year old birthday party.

On Sunday, I made Hubby a peanut butter cake. Not sure what I did wrong, but it came out dryer than expected and I should have waited a little longer for the homemade frosting to cool before pouring it over the cake. I'll have to work on this. We had an early dinner, opened presents, and ate cake all before Hubby headed out for another business trip.

The kids and I are so grateful for Hubby/Daddy. He is the best thing that has happened to us and we miss him when he travels and celebrate when he is home. Happy Birthday, Baby. We love you!

Cooperative Play

2012-01-22T19:17:00.000-05:00

The big kids are doing so well together. It makes so much easier with Hubby's travel schedule. For Christmas break I bought the big kids a gingerbread house to make and decorate. We never got around to it during break and I've been looking for a time in our schedule to make it. A week ago Hubby had to travel and I wasn't expecting him home for dinner. I decided we would have an early dinner and the kids could get to it. Hubby surprised us by being able to get an earlier flight home. It was nice having him home and having a relaxing night with the kids.

I "glued" the house together with the icing, split up the decorative candy and let the kids have at it. I decided that I would let them do what they wanted with the house. If they asked for help, I'd give it, but I wouldn't dictate how the house "should" look. It made for a low-key, no stress project. They did a great job working together and creating a beautiful gingerbread house. It was so nice to see them working together, encouraging one another, and having fun. I love that they are playing well together and are including Mr. Bananas when they play. I'm one happy Mama.

LOVE

2012-01-21T20:47:00.000-05:00

Repainted wall with LOVE

Coming up with a good gift for either set of parents is a tough feat. One year my husband and I put a collage of photos in frames in my parents' kitchen. The center photo is a family photo when all of us, including my brother, took a trip to Maui. It's the 7 of us in front of the helicopter from when we took a helicopter ride around the island (actually the 8 of us. Unbeknownst to all of us I was pregnant with Mr. B. in the photo!). Surrounding the central photo are pictures of my parents with my kids, my kids together, and various family photos. They loved it. Over the years we have exchanged and updated the pictures.

This year after looking on Pinterest I found a really, really cute idea of having the kids pose with letters and spell out the word, "LOVE." Click here on LOVE to see where I got my neat idea.

When my husband and I bought our house a few years ago, we had to peel a lot of wall paper and repaint our house. My mom caught the redecorating bug and peeled the wall paper off one of the walls in her living room and that is as far as she got. I decided this year that my gift to them would be to repaint that wall for them and then hang "LOVE" in pictures featuring their grandkids. I loved the ending result and so did they.

It turned out better than I expected!

This is Leadership?

2012-01-20T17:06:00.000-05:00

About a month or so ago, my kindergarten son came home with a brand new homework folder indicating that he was in a new small group in his classroom. Not only was he in a new group, but he was made "captain" of his group. He was so excited and I saw in his bright smile and shining eyes a younger me. One who was (and still is) eager to please and excited to be given this great honor of "leading" a group.

He chattered all the way home about it and asked me if I was proud of him. It seems like mother, like son, my son's love language is affirmation. He was so proud and he wanted me to join in his happiness and honor.

A few days later I asked him how it was going:

B: "Well, Mommy...I have to do a lot of work."
DM: "Oh, yeah, Baby? What do you have to do?"
B: "Well I have to hand out all the papers to the group. I have to clean up after the group. I have to put their chairs on the table at the end of the day. I don't know if I like this."
DM: "Have you asked your tablemates to help you?"
B: "Yeah, Mommy. But I don't know if they heard me or just didn't want to help me. I did it all by myself."

A part of me snickered internally and wanted to say, "Welcome to leadership, Baby." Well, maybe I did say it...under my breath, a little more loudly than I should have ;)

I encouraged him to ask for help when he needed it (something I wish I had done when I was in those positions as an adult) and to continue to always do his best. He hasn't complained since and I am so proud of him for taking his responsibilities seriously and for doing it with a happy heart.

A part of me is irritated for my initial negative reaction to being a leader, but I think it was because his "promotion" into leadership is coming at a time when I, personally, don't want to take a lead on anything that is not directly related to my family. But I am happy for my little man and if he can learn to take his responsibilities with a grain of salt, a happy heart, and to ask for help when he needs it, then he is doing a much better job than I did in his position.

Rock, on, Boogs! Rock, on! I am proud of you. Love, Mama

Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)

Pass?

2012-01-19T09:36:00.001-05:00

Well the general consensus is that now is not my time to be on these committees. Pretty much I have "sucker" written on my forehead.

Seriously, just last week I put in my notice that I would not be returning to my Publicity Team Leader position next year. And probably within days I was sent the e-mail about starting a Mom's group with my parish. When Hubby heard about my e-mail he just laughed. "Maybe God is testing you to make sure you stay with your New Year's Resolution of just saying no." He asked if I had committed to it in a prior conversation. The answer is no(ish). I remember being told about it. I remember having a conversation about adding my two cents, but I don't remember being flat asked to help with the groundwork. I'm sure that I gave some general answer of, "yeah, yeah, sure, sure. I can tell you how we currently organize my MOPS group." I'm sure that answer sealed my fate of being on the ground floor. *sigh*

However, I have not committed to it and I will find a way to say, "Not right now." I just haven't done it yet. So not a complete fail...but not a pass either. A friend wrote that failing at saying no is what makes me the sucker. Yup, pretty much. Another also said for every one I say no to 10 more will pop up. Yes, very true. Just because I say no in this season of my life, does not mean that I will always say no or that good opportunities will pass me by. Good to remember. Oh, and I already have 4 gifts. Yes, they are my most precious gifts.

So I have to keep all of that in mind.

Oh by the way...I just asked if I can volunteer in my son's kindergarten classroom. Doh! But I have always wanted to do this since I've been a stay at home mom. Fortunately, there isn't any pressure to do so and the teacher is kind of "whatever" about it in a good way. He did ask how I would have the time as he looked pointedly at my two other children. I think it was his nice way of saying, "Don't worry about it, we're good. But if you can do it, yes, we'll use you." I just want to do it at least once while he's in kindergarten :)

Thanks for all the input. You all are the best!

Is This a Test?

2012-01-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling a little bit like Jonah right now. I am asked to be on leadership/planning/organizing teams on a regular basis. I either have "sucker" written on my forehead or this is really where God wants me to be. I'm not sure which. But nonetheless I keep trying to ~~run from~~ decline these invitations but they seem to seek me out.

I decided last year after I had agreed to be the volunteer coordinator for our Church's Bible camp that I would not volunteer for anything while I was pregnant or nursing a baby. Of course in that time I also agreed to be the Publicity Team Leader for our MOPS group. Since then I have also been asked to teach/coordinate a Biblio Bebe Class while the teachers were on Maternity leave, consider being a co-Flipper representative (Swim team), and now just the other day I was sent an e-mail about being part of a planning committee for a new Mom's group starting at my parish. ARGHGHGHGHGHGH!!!!!

I said no to the Biblio Bebe Class. With Hubby leaving next month for about 3 weeks I just didn't think that I would have the energy to plan a bilingual lesson twice a week every week for 8 weeks. I didn't outright decline being the Flipper rep, but gave my reservations up front. As for the new Mom's group at our parish, I totally would love to be a part of that, especially since it would be at and through our Church, but I don't want to be on the ground floor of that. Now right now anyway. Again with Hubby working late for the next few weeks and being gone next month, I won't have a lot of free time and what free time I have I want to be able to spend it with my Hubby when he is home. So, no thank you.

So what do you think? Sucker or God's calling? I'm leaning towards sucker...but here's food for thought:

Exodus 35:10

“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded.” (NIV)

Mr. Bananas at 10 Months (belated)!

2012-01-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

Two posts in two days?!? Yes, I am really trying to make an effort to get back into my writing. What better way than to do an update on Mr. Bananas.

I have been asked by several people...Why Mr. Bananas? I chose the nickname because he received a lot of cute monkey outfits right after he was born. Everything I put him in had a monkey(s) or had some cute saying about being "bananas over mommy" and every time I would set him on the changing table and talk to him I would say in an obnoxious and nasaly voice that he loved, "Hello, Mr. Bananas." His giggles cemented the nickname.

Mr. Bananas at 10 months

At 10 months, Mr. B. was pulling himself up a ton all over the house. He loved that he could do it and now would rather be standing somewhere that sitting. We keep a wicker basket of baby toys in the family room and when we want to deter him from heading for the tv I would put the basket in the middle of the floor. He enjoyed sitting down and going through the box as if it was a new present every time. With 10 months came his first Christmas celebration. He sat patiently on Santa's lap while Hubby took pictures. He seemed nonchalant about the whole Santa thing. By 10 months, if he wasn't pulling himself to a stand he was busy crawling all over the house. It took a few non-injury tumbles down the one step into our library before he became adept at turning his body over at the last second to slide down onto his tummy. Now it's second nature to him to ease himself into the family room from the kitchen. He met his uncle (my brother) for the first time right before Christmas. As with all kids, Uncle Bing was a hit and Mr. B. loved getting extra attention.

Mr. Bananas in his Santa outfit

The week before Christmas we delivered gifts for the convent where we have "adopted" a nun for Christmas for the past two years. Mr. B. was a big hit with the Sisters, most of whom were in their seventies. They enjoyed holding his hand and getting a smile. We also made a stop into the infirmary and his presence brought a smile to those who could not make it down for the celebration. The week after Christmas we also made a stop at a local nursing home and went caroling around the corridors. This was the nursing home where my husband's beloved Great Aunt Mickey spent her last days almost 6 years ago. They had taken wonderful care of Aunt Mickey and it was nice to give back to the other residents with some singing and good cheer. Mr. B. dressed in an adorable Santa suit (a gift from his Filipino relatives) was carried around by Hubby and visited many rooms. Again, he was a big hit.

His favorite person continues to be his big sister and I don't think that will change anytime soon. His big brother adores him and loves to try to play with him. Between the big kids, I know that Mr. B. is in good hands.

Hubby and Santa's helper

New Year's Resolutions 2012

2012-01-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

I feel like time keeps flying past me and I'm barely able to keep up. Hubby mentioned that I haven't blogged very much and he's absolutely right. However, I have a ton of posts in my head, but nothing on paper. I need to get on that.

I've been thinking of New Year's Resolutions and I needed to think of things that would better my life and things that I can accomplish. So here we go:

1) Spend more time with the kiddos.
This sounds like a no-brainer since I am a stay-at-home mom, however, I feel like I never have enough time to enjoy them because I'm doing one thing or another. I'm usually over committed and I need to take some things off my plate and enjoy my time with my family. For the last two weeks Hubby and I have incorporated Family Game Night. My kids are loving it and so are we. Pictureka anyone?

2) Just Say NO!
This goes with number one. I've decided to start taking some things off my plate. Most recently I gave in my resignation for "Publicity Team Leader" for MOPs. I will finish out the year and then say goodbye to my position. I think I will continue attending MOPs meetings next year, but I just needed to be able to spend time with my family and not worried about deadlines. With Hubby traveling so much I wanted to be able to spend time with him when he was home and not be worried about getting the newsletter out. By the same token, I didn't want to have to worry about "one more thing" while he was away. If I can lighten my load, it will make the time without him a little easier.

3) WRITE, WRITE, WRITE
I miss writing everyday and I want to get back to it. I need to work in the time. It's been good for me to write down everything and I feel less discombobulated when I do so. Lately, I've been feeling terribly discombobulated and I need to write so that I can everything out. Once I've cleared my head then I can keep moving forward.

4) Time with God
Just as my writing time went out the window, so did my time with God. I used to be able to get up early in the morning and have my devotional before the kids were up for the day. Since Mr. Bananas' birth, I haven't been able to accomplish that. Now that he is sleeping through the night (most nights) I am getting more sleep also. I need to put my devotional time back in my schedule. I find that when I take the time to pray for my friends & family and take the time to reflect on scripture my days go more smoothly. So here I go again. Are you there God? I'm ready, again.

I'm sure there are more, but I think these four will keep me going this year. So here's to more time with my fabulous family, time for myself, and time for God...not necessarily in that order.

Wishing you all the best in the new year!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T14:17:00.000-05:00

Gah, where has the time gone?!? I cannot believe that it is 2012 and that it has been almost a month since my last post! I have so much to share and not enough time to post. Ah, so be it. I will share what I can in the few minutes I have while the baby is napping and before I pickup the kindergartner.

Um, where to begin? First off, Happy New Year! It is officially 2012. I try to take it slow every Advent to really appreciate and prepare for the celebration for our Savior's birth. However, with a SAHM's demanding schedule, it is not always possible. But we do what we can. One of the things that I really, really enjoy doing during Advent is putting up our Nativity sets. It is a nice reminder for us what we are really celebrating: the birth of our Lord and Savior. I love that we keep our sets up through Ephiphany. During Advent we also light a candle on our Advent wreath, adding a new candle each week until Christmas. I love hearing the kids respond to our "Jesus is the Light of the World"as we light the candle with "Come Lord Jesus!"

I felt pretty good about how far ahead I was on my Christmas shopping. I wasn't stressed by that, but my to do kept getting longer and longer. I was missing my much needed workouts at the gym, running errands well into the evening, and feeling pretty exhausted. My husband kept telling me to slow down, but I felt that I couldn't, which is so incredibly stupid. There is no reason that I couldn't have taken the time to slow down, but once I'm in that mode, it's really hard for me to think rationally about what I think needs to be done. If I could articulate how I'll reorganize my thoughts and priorities, then that would be my New Year's Resolution. But I can't so it will drive me crazy until then.

Christmas Eve finally made me feel that it was Christmas. Every year we go to my SIL's house where we are joined by all of my husband's siblings & their families, his parents, and a few extended relatives. I love spending time with all of them and just sitting and enjoying good conversations and good food. I love seeing the nieces and nephews open their gifts to one another. I love what has become our annual tradition of a Yankee Gift exchange and laughing so hard tears stream down my face over some of the ridiculous gifts we throw into the mix. In the past my immediate family has gone to the family Mass at my husband's childhood church where we listen to many of our nieces and nephews sing in the children's choir led by Hubby's eldest sister. This year we celebrated Mass at our church with my Filipino relatives. A different experience, but one that I enjoyed.

As I do every year I watched A Christmas Story while Hubby and I wrapped gifts. We spent time together talking about the day and preparing for Christmas morning. Christmas morning was pretty awesome and the expressions on my kids' faces was priceless. I have to hand it to my big kids, they wanted for an hour very patiently as they waited for their baby brother to wake up so that they could open presents together.

I'll stop here for now to post some pictures from Christmas. I'll add more because I still have to post about Mr. Bananas turning 10 months, kidisms from my silly kids, new year's resolutions, and pictures from our week together.

As we enter this new year I pray for God's blessings to cover you. May this be a year of health, prosperity, and happiness. May you be surprised by what you are able to do. May you grant kindness to others. May you always feel loved. Peace be with you as begin a new year!

Mr. Bananas and Buggy visiting with Santa

Boogie visiting with Santa

All the girl cousins

That is the look of pure joy from Boogs when he received a "How to Train your Dragon" playset from his cousin R.

Santa Uses Amazon?!?

2011-12-09T19:12:00.000-05:00

With having 3 kids, trying to juggle their activities and my to-do list is quite the feat. Last year and this year I have resorted to doing a lot of my Christmas shopping online. I am also starting to do it for birthdays as well. In the last few weeks packages have been showing up on my porch. Sometimes I open them in front of the kids because I know exactly what it is and I don't mind if the kids see because it's not for them. But more often than not, I'm starting to squirrel them away in Santa's workshop (aka my guest bedroom). It's starting to look like a UPS/FedEx drop off in our guest room with all the packages I'm acquiring. And soon, probably this weekend, I'm going to have to start opening all the packages and really get an idea of how many gifts the kids have.

Last week when Bug and I pulled into the driveway after coming home from the gym, she noticed that, yet again, we have another package on the porch. After I freed her from her car seat she starts jumping up and down and says, "Look, Mama! Another package! Another package! Open it, open it!" I tell her, "no" and start to bring everything in.

Bug: "Why not, Mama?"

DM: "I'm not going to do it now"

Bug: "Let's open it. I want to see it!"

DM: "Nope."

Bug: "Why not?"

DM: "I think Santa uses Amazon and there might be presents in there."

Bug: (In an awed hushed whisper) "Santa uses Amazon?"

Bug: (with squeals of delight) "SANTA USES AMAZON!!!! YEAH, SANTA USES AMAZON"

Well it cured her curiosity. She no longer asks to open the packages, but every time a new one shows up on our porch, she says, "Santa uses Amazon." :)

Made It Another Week

2011-12-06T20:02:00.000-05:00

Big Kids Playing Well Together

Last week Hubby was away all week (weekends included) for a business trip. This was trip #4 out of 5 from September until the end of the year. Next week is number 5 :(

However, this past week wasn't too bad. I still don't sleep very well when he travels, but the kids were fantastic while he was gone. It's like a switch was flipped and the kids found out that playing together was a lot of fun. The big kids spent a lot of time playing together and doing it well. It made Hubby's time away so much easier on me.

During the time he was away Mr. Bananas learned to crawl and crawl well. He also learned to pull himself up and stand. He gets such a kick out of it. He looks at me for affirmation. I cheer and applaud and the starts waving one hand in the air to cheer with me. He also slaps both hands on whatever he has used to haul himself up. He's so proud of himself. It's sad that Hubby has to miss these milestones, but I try to send pictures.

My parents were a big help by coming over twice last week to help with bedtimes. My aunt and uncle also came over to give me a hand with the house. When Hubby is away I just don't have time to clean up the house. I'm so busy trying to do everything else, I don't have time to keep up with the housework.

Getting Along

I survived his week away and I dread next week. But I know I can do it and I look forward to him being in town before Christmas. And I will enjoy his time home before he heads out in February for a 2-3 week business trip.

Dinner Conversation and Entertainment

2011-11-29T17:11:00.000-05:00

Hubby is gone for another week long business trip. He left Sunday night and he'll be back Saturday night (ugh!). It's been over 2 years since he's been gone for so long on one business trip. He actually has another one sometime next month and then in February he'll be gone 2-3 weeks. Yikes!

When he's away I try to find my own routines. I get dinner on the table earlier and get the kids to bed much earlier. Last night my parents came over to give me a hand. They spent time with the big kids playing games before giving them their bath. While my mom bathed the big kids, my dad spent some one-on-one time with Mr. Bananas. I cleaned the house.

By 8 o'clock last night all 3 kids were in bed and my parents had left. I finally sat down for my dinner. When it's just me, I find it easier to feed the 3 kids and then eat dinner by myself after they are in bed. While the big kids eat, I feed the baby. So at 8:30pm I had reheated a bowl of soup and decided to watch the Sing-Off while eating my dinner. Wouldn't you know that not 2 minutes into my solo dinner, my daughter came downstairs?

DM: Buggy what are you doing down here?
B: You know what I'm doing.
DM: I do?
B: Yes. I'm watching tv with you.
DM: You are?
Buggy sees that I'm watching the Sing-Off: Oh, and I'm dancing.

While the contestants are singing, she gets off the couch and starts dancing. When they finish and the audience is applauding, my darling daughter starts bowing repeatedly and saying, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you" Humble, isn't she? (Ms. C, I think she is a natural performer! It's a good thing I have her taking dance classes at your studio!)

At the next commercial I start to carry her upstairs. I'm almost to the top of the stairs when I see that the gate is in place and locked. Um????
DM: Bug, how did you get downstairs? The gate is locked?
B: I'm little. I'm 3, but I'm still little. I'm still little and I fit! I'm 3, I'm little, and I fit! (The whole time she is giggling).

The little stinker crawled underneath the gate and walked downstairs.

I finally got her back in bed. It's never a dull moment with my little performer...

Lola's Birthday

2011-11-25T19:04:00.000-05:00

This year Lola's birthday landed on Thanksgiving. My kids love birthdays and they were really looking forward to celebrating my mom's birthday. The night before we weren't sure if we would see my mom for her birthday. My mom hadn't decided whether or not she would join us for her birthday breakfast. While my husband and I were discussing the schedule for Thanksgiving day, my daughter very excitedly said, "And we'll celebrate Lola's birthday!" I looked at her and said, "Baby, I don't know if we'll see Lola tomorrow. We'll see." She very dejectedly put her head on the kitchen table and sighed. She wasn't happy that she might not see her Lola on her birthday.

My mom decided to come over and we did our traditional birthday breakfast in the midst of getting ready to host Thanksgiving dinner. The kids were so excited and I think my mom enjoyed herself. She is a tough lady to shop for because she really does have everything. I crocheted her a scarf and the kids made birthday cards. They were so excited to see her.

Mom's not real big on birthdays for herself or for anyone. She doesn't want anyone to fuss over her, but I think that having grandkids trumps that wish. They want nothing more than to celebrate her and pour love all over her. I'm glad she let them do that. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Almost Wordless Wednesday--Cooperative Play

2011-11-16T06:53:00.001-05:00

Nothing warms my heart more than when my children play well together. I love when they cooperate and share. Last week Buggy had an assignment for her bilingual class. She was supposed to write and illustrate a book to share with her classmates. We co-authored a book titled, My Family. She told me what to write and I wrote it for her. She then spent her time illustrating each page. When her brother came home from school, he was excited to learn that she was making a book. Boogie loves to write and make books. He offered his help and the two of them spent quality time illustrating her book. Buggy was thrilled with the extra attention from her big brother, and Boogie was happy to lend his expertise to help her out.

Another Soccer Season Gone By

2011-11-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

Boogie played soccer this Fall. We try to involve the kids in activities from the our church. Our church is part of a Soccer League with other parishes in the vicinity. For $40 you can't beat 8+ weeks of activity. Granted it took me about 30 minutes (with traffic) to get to practice every week and there were games every Saturday...but overall it was a good experience.

It was a way for Boogs to run around and burn off some of his pent up energy. It was also good for him to refine his skills and to focus on one thing. In the beginning it was a lot of running around, not understanding the rules, and chaos as 5-7 year olds chased a soccer ball. As the weeks progressed, I noticed that Boogs was becoming more focused, was able to participate more, and refined his skills. By the last few weeks they started putting him in the goalie position and he was becoming better and better at defending his goal.

I'm a big fan of exposing our kids to as many activities as possible so that they can be well rounded. Soccer was just one part of that. Bug is already excited for when she will be old enough to join the soccer team. As our kids continue to grow I look forward to finding out what their favorite activity is and going with it full force.

I, unfortunately, had to miss the last game as I was prepping for the birthday party, but Hubby said that Boogs scored a goal. I know that totally made his day! Boogs also received his trophy and was very excited to share it with me.

However, between dance and soccer, I am getting an inkling of what our future holds as Hubby and I coordinate our schedules and take the kids to their activities. I'm sad that I can't attend every event, but it seems that our kids don't mind when Hubby or I can't be together at the same event because the other is taking care of someone/something else. They seem to go with the flow and that helps a lot!

I am grateful that our parish offers a lot of activities for our kids: religious ed, t-ball, soccer, summer camp, choir, scouts, etc. It helps us to be better connected to the church and it's members. We are part of one body.

A Veggie Tastic Birthday

2011-11-15T13:09:00.000-05:00

My Pinkalicious Girl

My daughter turned 3 a few weeks ago, but we finally celebrated with the extended family this past weekend. We hosted the birthday celebration for Bug and her cousin B. who is 3 weeks older. Between scheduling conflicts and Bug coming down with the stomach flu last weekend, this was the soonest we could celebrate.

We decided to go with a Veggie Tales theme this year and it was a lot of fun. Bug enjoyed having her family around to celebrate though when I told her that the family was coming over she said they were there to celebrate her cousin's birthday. She didn't realize they were there to celebrate her as well.

I had a lot of fun creating her cake (super easy this time!). We made her a Bob the Tomato cake with strawberry cake mix. I tried looking for red velvet, but since that was available at our store we went with strawberry. What better for my girly girl who loves pink. We even had pink strawberry ice cream which was a big hit with the girl cousins.

My uncle watching the kids hit the pinata

As with every birthday I tend to go bigger than the average bear. I like a good celebration and I love celebrating the births of each of my children. Hubby made a super cool poster for the kids and I put together a slide show of the kids. We had a ton of food and my oh-so-favorite empanadas from our local Filipino restaurant. YUM! My mom also made lumpia and pancit to round out our honey mustard chicken and fried rice.

It was neat to see how much the 3 year olds have grown. As with any family gathering it was very busy, but a lot of fun. The kids play really well together as they have gotten older, the adults are able to relax a little more.

The party was a hit and we enjoyed celebrating another year.

Our Bob the Tomato Cake

The 3 year olds

Mr. Bananas is 9 months old!

2011-11-15T12:31:00.000-05:00

Our dear Mr. Bananas turned 9 months old recently. I'm still amazed that this charming little boy is a part of our life. He is full of fun and giggles. He still adores his big sister and she continues to be a tremendous help with him. Even his big brother is starting to realize that Mr. B. can do more than just sit. So Big Brother has been playing with him: rolling a ball, lots of hugging, playing in the same vicinity. It's been great.

Mr. Bananas continues to be on the small side. His weight at his last checkup was only 16lbs 1oz. Just 7 pounds than when we was born. I'm not overly concerned as he continues to play, listen, babble, crawl, eat food, and smile at us. His pediatrician is concerned that he keeps dropping on the chart, but as one of the SILs pointed out he might take after my Filipino side and just on the smaller side. I've tried to do what the doctor asks by feeding him all the time, but really, Mr. Bananas is not all that interested in being stuffed with food. But I keep trying.

His newest skill is communicating with us in sign language. Hubby has been teaching him simple signs: all done, more, and please. Mr. B. likes that he can tell us when he's done with his meal so that I don't keep shoving food at him. I like we have continued the trend of teaching our babies sign language. Boogie learned it and still uses a few signs when he speaks to us. We taught Bug when she was a baby, and now it's Mr. B.'s turn. I like it and I like being able to communicate with him a little better.

Mr. B. continues to crawl and while most of the time it's an army crawl, he's starting to move on all fours. We notice that he uses his right leg to push him along. He likes to try to keep up with his siblings, but if they're too fast, he will sit and holler until someone shows him some attention. No one is ever too far away. One of his favorite routines is walking Boogie to school.

When Hubby comes home from work, Mr. B. starts to flap his arms and becomes very excited to see his Daddy. Just as with the other kids, Daddy is a favorite in the house. Mr. B. is getting a little extra attention from his Filipino relatives and he's enjoying it immensely. Whenever they are around his feet never have to touch the floor and his carried adoringly around the house.

Life continues to be a joy and we enjoy our newest member immensely.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-08T13:06:00.000-05:00

One very well cleaned out pumpkin

With my Filipino relatives being here, my husband has been excited to share with them some American traditions. He constantly wants to share with them new experiences such as non-Filipino food, taking the bus, carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving....the list can go on!

The most recent experience he was able to share with them was pumpkin carving. Before Halloween we had picked up several pumpkins. I'm not very creative and I remember when I was little and my mom not really into pumpkin carving because of the mess. As a result, I like the end product, but I'm not a big of fan of the process to get the carved pumpkins. On the other hand, my husband is very creative and doesn't mind a mess, so he enjoys this Halloween tradition.

Cleaning out the pumpkins and setting aside the seeds to roast them

One weekend before Halloween we invited my extended family over for breakfast and pumpkin carving. Everyone enjoyed their time and I was pretty impressed with their creativity. It took the whole afternoon and everyone got into it. They listened to music, chatted, and were intensely focused on their creations. I am so grateful for my husband wanting to share new experiences with my family.

My kids and their cousins with the completed products

This is What I Call Sexy

2011-11-08T12:49:00.001-05:00

Sometimes a way to a woman's heart is not jewelry, flowers, or even chocolate...sometimes it's when our significant others see through the turmoil and craziness of the day and lend a hand when it's least expected. (Though, Hubby, if you are reading this, I wouldn't say no to a new pair of earrings or a pair of new shoes!)

But seriously, sometimes what makes me fall more madly in love with my husband (if that's even possible) is when he lends a hand when I least expect it. We both have our list of chores and "to-do"s and we go through our usual routines.

But when my hubby steps outside his usual routines and chores and helps me with one of mine, "wow!" It seems that with a new baby the chores have gotten a little harder to complete and my energy isn't what it used to be. I blame old age for my energy level. I've also been preoccupied late with other things and I have been putting my energy and time in trying to help my extended family with job interviews, applications, etc. I don't mind doing it, but since it's a new routine, it shifts what I've been able to do. It's appears being preoccupied makes me tired even if I'm not actively doing something.

But anyhow, I was sitting back one night crocheting and watching television when my husband came down the stairs with a basket of clean laundry and started folding clothes. He had already put the kids to bed and cleaned up after dinner. I was touched that he saw through the craziness of my days and decided on his own accord to help me with the laundry when all I wanted to do was chill out after another busy day with the kids. That's what I call sexy!

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect...and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7)

Mama's Helpers

2011-11-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Buggy and I seem to be in sync. She can pick up when I need help and she automatically does it. Or maybe it's that she's really more in tune with her baby brother. Maybe that's what it is. When Mr. B. wants to play she will find the toys that he can play with (nothing small) and sits next to him. She sings, trades toys, and talks to him. He'll babble at her the whole time, excitedly telling her about his day (all in baby talk of course). Dinner time tends to get a bit hairy. Kids are hungry, I'm running around trying to clean off the kitchen table from art projects and homework assignments, and Mr. Bananas has decided that he is absolutely, without a doubt hungry, and he wants you to know it!

I'm getting better at getting dinner started earlier. But there is very little time between the time Boogie finishes his homework and I start dinner that it's a gray area if I have the time to feed Mr. B. or if he is even hungry. Sometimes he likes to let me know right when I'm in the middle of things.

The other night I tried to hand him a bottle in the hopes that he would be able to hold it on his own and keep him occupied until I could start dinner, and have a few minutes to feed him solids while dinner cooked. Buggy says, "Mommy, I'll feed him." I agreed distractedly, only to find her a few minutes later, precariously perched on the edge of her chair, leaning over the high chair, putting the bottle in the baby's mouth. He was happy and quiet and she was down to business about helping her brother. It was really sweet and very helpful. I think she will be my right hand as she grows up. She seems to anticipate my needs and swings into action even at the tender age of three.

Boogs can be just as helpful. Now when we all drive somewhere together, I do not have to unbuckle Bug from her seat when we arrive at our destination. Boogs will unbuckle himself, unbuckle his sister, and open the door, and wait for directions. It certainly makes my life a little easier as I try to round up the baby and all the stuff that goes with him ;)

I'm one very blessed Mama.

My Pensieve

2011-11-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

I started blogging today and my eldest sat next to me on the couch asking what I was doing. When I explained that I was writing, he asked who I was writing for and why I wrote. I told him that I wrote for myself and that my head has so many thoughts in it that I liked writing them down. Once they were out of my head and on (digital) paper I was able to concentrate better and focus on the more important things in my life, like my children.

Overhearing our conversation, my husband chuckled and said, "So it's like your pensieve." I guess that would be right :) A very public pensieve I guess, but my pensieve nonetheless ;)

Two Vikings and a Monkey

2011-11-05T16:02:00.000-04:00

It seems every year we decorate just a little more for Halloween. Part of it is that we have children and there is a reason to decorate and of course, I'm not working so there is time to decorate. And every year I start thinking about next year's costume.

When Boogie was born his Aunt M. bought him a sweet pumpkin costume. He wore it when he was a baby and Buggy wore it for her second Halloween. (Her first Halloween she was just 9 days old). I had planned on putting it on Mr. Bananas this year, but Hubby found a cute monkey costume and he couldn't resist.

This year the kids had decided to be characters from their favorite movie, "How to Train your Dragon." I did look online for any ready made costume, but I'm not one for spending tons of money on a costume that will be worn once maybe twice if I'm lucky. And when I say tons of money, I mean $20-$25 per costume. I know it's not that much, but for something only worn once and for just a few hours, I can't justify it. So after looking at the crazy prices for the costumes I decided to improvise and make my own costumes putting together pieces from different outfits to make a costume.

The result was:

"Hiccup": green fleece pants, snowboots, a green shirt (I bought for $5) that I cut and sewed the "lacing" to make it look like the real characters shirt, a wide piece of ribbon for a belt, and a leather vest given to me by my SIL (Thanks, L!) to replace the v-neck sweater vest I was originally using for "hiccup's" vest, and a cardboard shield (that Hubby made after walking in the door at 11:30 at night from a week long business trip so that it would be ready for Boogie's Halloween parade the next morning).

"Astrid": All the pieces I did buy, but I can use separately as pieces to real outfits she can wear outside the house. 1 "magic" shirt (that stretches to fit any kid any size), legwarmers for her arms, pleated skirt, wide black headband for a belt, black stretchy pants, boots, an orange headband, and a cardboard battleax Hubby made the day of our October snow.

And of course, Mr. Bananas, had the only non-homemade costume:

For the Godparents: Love, Mr. Bananas

One of my favorite pictures, because of the look of delight on Buggy's face when Boogs held her hand in his school's Halloween parade.

I love Boogie's expression in this one.

Buggy grimaced like the viking she is in every photo!

Ooh, La, La, Beauty Day

2011-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, my middle child, turned 3 years old. She is my only girl and I have enjoyed doing some girly things with her. On the eve of her birthday, I was reminiscing about her birth. The labor was easier than the boys, and she was my easiest delivery. Three pushes in 15 minutes and she was out. So far, in a lot of ways, she's still my easiest child. If she falls, she gets right up. She'll often say she is "tough." But she'll be tough while running around the house in a tutu, carrying a purse, and wearing a string of (fake) pearls. Gotta love it.

I decided to have a girl pampering day with my sweet Bug. As one of her presents I bought her a Fancy Nancy book and we read about how Fancy Nancy pampered her mother with an Ooh, la, la, beauty day. But before our pampering began, we went to church for the monthly church cleaning and cleaned God's house. The other volunteers were awfully sweet with wishing her a happy birthday, setting up a candle in a ring of donuts, and praying over her. She loved the extra attention, but was a little shy.

After church cleaning, we went to get her a haircut. She often complains when her hair falls in her eyes that she needs a haircut. I took her and had 3 inches cut from her long tresses, and yet, it's still long. My beautiful Rapunzelian beauty still has long hair, but still short enough that it won't fall her into her food as easily. Daddy and Boogie met us at the barber and everyone else got a haircut except for Mr. Bananas and myself. We stood on the sidelines checking everyone else out.

After haircuts, we took the kids to a quick lunch across the street and spent a little time together. Especially important since we were going in different most of the day and boys wouldn't get to see us as we were continuing with our "Ooh, la, la, beauty day." After lunch, Bug and I took off to get our nails done. She chose a dark purple and asked for white polka dots. Everyone in the nail salon commented on the little girl getting her nails done. Every now and again, Bug would say, "oooh, la, la." It brought a smile to my face. We even turned on her chair so that she could get a massage while waiting for her nails to dry. So much fun. After getting our nails done (mine are a matching purple with white polka dots), we headed home. My little girl had so much fun that she fell asleep in her car seat on the way home.

The evening ended with dinner at the kids' favorite restaurant, pinkalicious cupcakes & ice cream at home, and the opening of gifts. You can tell my Bug is a girly girl when she gave a high pitched squeal of delight when she opened one of her gifts and found Princess Tina glove, purse, and a pearl necklace for her play dress up clothes. We rounded out the play clothes with a few books and a new piggy banks. My mom gave her a very cute purple polka dot dress, complete with fancy purple boots. She actually flung the clothe out of the bag to get to the purple boots with another squeal of delight. What can I say? She's LOVES shoes, just like her mama.

It was a delightful day and I had so much fun spending time with my best girl. Ooh, la, la!

Buggy's Birth Day

Buggy's 1st Birthday!

2nd birthday

Buggy's 3rd Pinkalicious birthday

Rainy Days

2011-10-20T21:24:00.000-04:00

It seems like it has been raining every Wednesday or more often than I would like. The little kids and I walk Boogie to school every morning. The walks to school are usually a little stressful because I'm trying to get Boogie to school on time, but the walk back to the house is usually a lot more mellow. I like that we can walk to school and I simply cannot justify driving Boogs to school since we are a 10-15 minute walk from the school. So even if it's raining, we'll walk to school. I zip the baby inside my jacket with his head sticking out, and have the big kids put on waterproof/resistant jackets.

However, my jacket is okayish. If I insist on walking in the rain, I really need to invest in a good rain jacket.

Here are a few cute rainy day pictures taken by Hubby:

Boogie with his umbrella

Ladybug with all of her raingear

This ladybug LOVES the rain.

A "Blue"tiful Girl

2011-10-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those "Oh, Crap!" moments? I totally did on Saturday.

My dear friend A. asked if I would watch her daughter last Saturday so that she could finish finish painting her new home so that they could move in by the end of the month. I readily agreed. C. is Bug's age and they get along well. They like to play with each other. C. also LOVES Mr. Bananas and wants to spend time with him.

The day went pretty smoothly until naptime. I completely forgot that Hubby our craft rolling drawers in the guest room filled with stamp pads, markers, paints, glue, etc. It had been in the garage for years. Hubby moved it into the foyer where it sat for a couple of weeks until he finally put it in the guest room. The whole time that it sat in the foyer, my kids never touched it. If they knew what was in it, they probably would have. But it became a fixture in the front hall for so long that my kids were never interested.

At nap time, C. and Bug went to their respective rooms fairly easily. I thought, this is great, "Easy, peasy." Having had little sleep the night before, Hubby encouraged me to grab a quick nap while the girls and Mr. Bananas were napping. He stayed up with Boogs. I woke up hearing C. say, "Hello? I'm ready to come out. Can someone let me out?" I went to the guest room and was greeted with this "blue"tiful face:

Auditioning to be a smurf

HOLY CRAP! was my first thought. My second thought was, "Your mommy is never, ever going to let you come over again." My third thought was, "What did you do?????"

Her hair is very smurfy.

Poor C. found a blue stamp pad and put it on like makeup all over her face and hair. There is a full length mirror on the door so she definitely knew what she looked like. When she saw my face I think she realized that this was not a good idea. She started to whimper a little when I said, "Oh, C! What did you do?" I definitely did not raise my voice, it was just this hushed awed whisper and I think she thought that was a little worse.

We put her in the bath and the water turned oh so, so, soooo blue. We were able to get most of it out of her hair and face. She ended up looking like she was wearing blue eye shadow by the time I was done washing her face. There is still a blue ring around the tub. I have to say, she was a pretty good sport considering she had to have an impromptu bath. Most of the blue came out of her clothes, rug, walls, comforter, tv, file cabinets, desk, and chair. whew :)

Her mommy still likes me and says that "yes, C. can come over again. " But I was mortified that while in my care, this little darling became a Smurf. I'm grateful for forgiving friends who have a sense of humor.

I love you, Smurfette!

Mr. Bananas' 7th and 8th months

2011-10-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

Mr. Bananas at 7 months

Our sweet baby turned 7 months old last month and our life has been so crazy that I never got a chance to update his life. So here is the lowdown on his 7th month:

--said "Mama" for the first time at 7 months.
--still below weight and is at the 4th percentile
--doctor still wants me to feed him as much as possible (as if I'm not already)
--is sleeping through the night. Marc Weissbluth's book on sleep habits was the best $9.99 I spent on Amazon.
--not only is he sleeping better, but in my opinion he is eating better. I still have to avoid dairy, but it appears if I avoid straight dairy, he's definitely fine. If I consume products that have dairy in them (crackers, breads, etc), he's okayish. Not great, but not horrible.
--He refuses to nap while we are out, but will readily go down when he's supposed to if we are at home.
--I swear his favorite time of day is when we walk Boogie to school. Especially if he's in the stroller. I never hear a peep from him. It also makes him tired and he's ready for a nap when we get back from our walk.
--His brother and sister still adore him and are willing to give him a toy when he's sitting near them on the floor.
--If he's fussing at a meal time, he will stop long enough so that we can say grace.
--He loves when we sing.

8 months

Our sweet baby turned 8 months old yesterday. He is such a happy baby. It helps that he is sleeping through the night now, and he is taking regular naps. Sometimes we cannot get in our required 2 naps a day, but if he gets in at least one, he still does pretty well. But the biggest difference is his ability to sleep through the night. The day after he turned 7 months old, he grew in his two bottom teeth. He also started shaking his head "no." He smiles when he does it. I think he just likes the new perspective of shaking his head around. He is desperately trying to crawl, but he can't. He lies with his belly on the floor and move all of his limbs. When he realizes he is not going anywhere, he starts to yell. Recently I have found him in a pike position or maybe it's downward dog...He will also get up on all fours and start to rock. He's close, but not quite at the point to start moving anywhere. He's eating table food now. Soft fruits and veggies. Hubby is still putting olive oil in all of his baby food as prescribed by the doctor to help Baby add weight. I think it's gross, but I think it's working. He feels heavier. Life is a lot more pleasant. I think it helps that I'm getting a full night's sleep most nights. The nights I don't are attributed to my soon-to-be 3 year old getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. She's close to nighttime dryness...but I think I would rather have the sleep. HA!

All is well and I look forward to what the future holds. Mr. Bananas continues to be a big flirt and will happily smile, giggle, shake his head "no," or bat his eyelashes at you. However, I think my absolute favorite thing right now is when someone speaks to him and if I'm holding him, he'll smile at them and then snuggle his head into my neck. LOVE!

His "Lorelai Gilmore"

2011-10-13T11:51:00.001-04:00

J. and Z. during the naming ceremony

Last month I attended the baby naming ceremony for my best friend's third baby/first son. I love the baby naming ceremony because I hear the background and reasons why they chose the name that they did for their child. I love the history behind each one. With each baby naming, J. & J. never reveal the spiritual mentor/godparent for their child until the naming ceremony.

This time around, I was chosen and I was beyond touched by the sentiment, love, and trust that they had for me to be Z.'s Godmother. I had tears in my eyes when I heard my name. I already knew that I loved this little guy before he was even born, but now there will be a stronger bond between us. He was already designated to be Mr. Bananas' best friend.

As J. said after the ceremony, I am now forever tied to their family. That's a pretty good place to be.

The baby naming ceremonies always reminds of the episode of Gilmore Girls where Lane asks her best friend Rory to be the "Lorelai Gilmore" for her sons. Lane asks Rory to be there for her sons, to be there for them just like Rory's mom (Lorelai Gilmore) was there for her during her growing up years. To be the other mom to guide the kids when the kids don't want to hear what their mom has to say. So while my official title is Spiritual Mentor/Godmother...I'd like to think of myself as Z.'s "Lorelai Gilmore."

J., thank you for including me in the beautiful ceremony and for entrusting me with your first son. As I told you during your pregnancy, before he was born I already loved him.

Baby Z., you will forever be a part of our family because of our bond. I will be there for you and love you. I am honored to be your Lorelai Gilmore. xoxo

Whirlwind Life

2011-10-11T09:23:00.000-04:00

I haven't had two minutes to sit down, much less two minutes to write. I'm feeling like I'm missing a limb, when I don't write. I have so much swirling in my head and I'm constantly "writing" posts in my head, but have not had the time to write anything down.

So much has gone on that I can't cover it all in one post. Since my last post, Mr. Bananas has turned 7 months old. (It's been so long since I've written that he'll be 8 months this week!), I've been running around with the Asian Invasion applying for jobs and going to interviews, I've been blessed to be have been designated the Godmother for my BFF's first son, celebrated at a friend's wedding, and finally joined the rest of the world in getting a Smartphone (coming on FRIDAY!). I know there is so much more and I'll have to go through pictures to remember what's been going on with my life.

I have so much to share and I will, soon. I promise. I have pictures to post and celebrations to share. Life is very much a whirlwind. There are days where I am so tired that I've been falling asleep in my dinner, but at the same time, feeling that I'm finally accomplishing some things that have been on my to-do list.

Take care and hope to catch up soon!

Godfather & Godson

2011-09-23T14:41:00.000-04:00

I love this picture of Mr. Bananas with his Godfather. It was taken on Labor day when we celebrated family birthdays.

I love that my brother-in-law takes a special interest in his Godson and spends time with him whenever we get together. Our family is so large that I think it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle during family gatherings, but I don't think that will ever happen to Mr. Bananas. His Godfather always makes the time to scoop him up and spend time with him

I know that my BIL will continue to be there for Mr. B. throughout his life. When Hubby and I choose the Godparents for our children, we want to know that they are willing and able to pray and be there for our children. If this picture is any indication, then we know that J. was the perfect choice for Mr. B. He will be there to celebrate and rejoice with Mr. Bananas as he celebrates each spiritual milestone. I'm also confident that he will be there to answer the inevitable questions that will come up as Mr. Bananas tries to figure out where he stands in his spirituality. There will be times that our parental answers will not be enough, and our children will want to seek them out on their own. My hope and prayer is that the Godparents we chose for our children will be able to advise our children when they need or want someone other than Mom and Dad.

As a side note, another reason this picture is special? A year before this picture was taken, I was told that I might be losing this baby. My brother in law and sister in law (Mr. B's Godparents) stopped what they were doing when I texted them and they took the time to pray for their future (though not known then) Godson. For that he is one very lucky baby.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

2011-09-13T20:34:00.000-04:00

Boogie's first lost teeth!

Boogie's first week of kindergarten ended with a bang. Boogie loved kindergarten and I loved all that he was learning. He came home with so much enthusiasm. At the end of the first week, Boogie came home with two missing teeth and a letter to the tooth fairy from his teacher.

Boogie's front two bottom teeth had been very loose. They were ready to fall out and we bided our time. The first one fell out sometime on Friday while he was in school. He gave it to a friend on the playground so that he could swing. She promptly lost it. He proceeded to pluck the second one out of his mouth. He was very upset that he lost the first one and didn't have it for the tooth fairy. He told his teacher who then wrote a note to the tooth fairy verifying that Boogs lost his tooth and then lost it on the playground. He asked the tooth fairy to give him double the rate even though he only one to put under his pillow.

I did a quick Facebook survey trying to gauge how much the tooth fairy gave for missing teeth. It appears that the going rate was around five dollar. FIVE dollars! There was no way that the tooth fairy was going to give up $10 for a couple of missing teeth. She was generous enough to leave a $2 bill for the first tooth and two $1 coins for the second tooth.

Boogs wanted us to take a picture of the tooth fairy and asked that Daddy and I dress up in animal snuggy-type blankets to keep watch. We did catch a quick pic of the elusive fairy ;)

The Tooth Fairy!

Mommy dressed "incognito" with a lion blanket hoping to catch a picture of the tooth fairy.

Kind. Smart. Important.

2011-09-12T14:25:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago a friend of mine and I went to see The Help. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, do so. It was a great movie. The Help is the story of an aspiring author who decides to write a book from the African American Maid's point of view in the 1960's. The characters were inspiring. I appreciated their stories, their frustrations, their challenges, and their successes.

One of the things that struck me from the get go was what one of the maids (Aibileen) says to her little charge. She started her morning routine with telling the little girl: "You are kind. You are smart. You are important."

Of all the messages shared by the movie, this is one that hit home. (Again, it goes back to my love language of affirmation.) But isn't Aibileen's message to Mae Mobley also a reflection of how "The Help" is viewed by their employers? That They aren't smart or important? Isn't it interesting that Aibileen tells the little girl that she is kind first? To be kind is the most important trait?

How often are we told something positive about us? How often do we share something positive about another person? As a mother I want my children to know that I love and appreciate them. I want them to know that I'll always be there for them and that they are never a burden to me. Granted, there are days that I become frustrated and there are days that I wish I had a little "me" time. I think that's normal. There's never a day that I wish I was working. But I know that if I was working outside the home, I would be wishing that I could be home with my kids every single day.

I decided to follow Aibileen's cue and tell my kids that they are "kind, smart, and important." I've also decided to add, "God loves you and so does Mommy and Daddy." How's that for affirmation?

So Wanted

2011-09-06T12:20:00.000-04:00

A year ago I was celebrating Labor Day with my side of the family when my husband and I made an unexpected trip to Urgent Care. I was 3 1/2 months pregnant. After being seen, I was told that I may very well lose the baby that I was carrying. I was given the signs to look for in case of a miscarriage, placed on immediate bed rest, and told to call my OB in the morning. I was terrified. So was my husband. As we waited to be seen I had texted my prayer warriors. I knew that these ladies would do nothing but pray, send loving thoughts, and check in on me. Exactly what I needed. They sent back lots of loving words while we waited.

I remember coming home and talking with my husband about how I was praying for grace to give in to God's calling. If I was meant to have this baby, He would make it happen. If not, I prayed for the grace to let this baby go. It was a difficult choice. I had wanted this baby so much before conception. Having Bug made me realize that I could handle more children and I desperately wanted another one to round out our lives.

So as each day passed in my pregnancy, my husband and I rejoiced in another day closer to full-term. It came to be that we were blessed with Mr. Bananas. I was also blessed with the love and support of family and friends who stuck by me 100% of the way. A year after I thought I was going to lose my precious baby I was taking him with me to celebrate the birthdays of our beloved extended family. Praise God!

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...

Almost Wordless Wednesday--Cousins!

2011-08-31T14:29:00.001-04:00

One of the cool things about having our Filipino relatives move near us is that my kids can get to know and spend time with cousins on my side of the family. My cousin S celebrated her 18th birthday on Sunday. We celebrated by going out to lunch and then an ice cream cake back at our house.

Here is a sweet picture of Bug with her Filipino cousins. I love this picture.

Celebrating S's 18th birthday. S., SL, and Bug

Kindergarten!

2011-08-30T19:37:00.000-04:00

It's official. I am a mother of a kindergartener. Boogie started his first day of kindergarten yesterday. Overall, I'd say the day went fairly well. He had been anxious the weeks leading up to it saying that he didn't want to go to all day school. He said he would miss us. He also figured out that Daddy has off every other Friday, but he would still have to go to school.

Hubby took the day off to walk Boogie to his first day of school. It was nice to have an extra pair of hands as we learned a new routine. I woke up Boogs. I could tell he was excited and nervous. I was giddy and so excited for him. I knew that he would love it. During breakfast we all broke out into dancing as some good songs came on the radio. It was nice to do something fun and silly before gearing up to go to school.

I strapped the baby in a front carrier and Buggy, Hubby, and I took first day of school pictures and then walked Boogs to school. We got there in time for Boogs to line up briefly before being asked to go into the classroom. And then we left. And just like that, I was the mother of a kindergartner.

Hubby and I decided to devote most of the day to our sweet Bug who seemed kind of lost without her favorite playmate. When we went to the gym, the childcare folks said that she was weepy and kind of forlorn. We took her to lunch, played with her, and spoke with her, pouring a ton of love on her. She totally needed it and we were happy to oblige.

We picked up Boogs at the end of the day and we were shocked to find out how much energy he had. We were convinced that he would be exhausted and fall asleep in his dinner. But no joke he came home and bounced around for 4 hours! Through dinner, through some errands, and before bedtime. Where did he get his energy. We took him to his favorite restaurant for dinner where he ate like a horse. I think Hubby and I are still trying to figure out what happened. But when he went to bed, he was asleep in minutes and didn't get up until morning. He was undoubtedly exhausted.

I am very pleased with whom he was placed for kindergarten. I think the teacher will understand him and appreciate his humor, intelligence, and energy...or so I hope. It was a wonderful beginning to his academic career. I am so appreciative of the men and women who choose to become teachers and do it well. We give them our most precious and valuable possessions, our children. Thank you! A special thank you to my MVMS peeps (current and former). Even though Boogs isn't in your school, I value that time that I was able to work with you. You are what keeps me hopeful that there are incredible teachers who love what they do. Thank you!

Earthquakes and Hurricanes

2011-08-26T14:49:00.000-04:00

We experienced an earthquake on Tuesday. Not so unusual if you live on the West coast, but um, we live on the East coast. I was visiting a friend. She and I were in one room looking through maternity clothes that we had shared. Our kids were playing in different parts of the house. The big kids had been playing upstairs. When the earthquake first started, we looked at each other. First we thought that the kids were jumping around on the top floor. And then the whole room started to shake and swear the walls were swaying. Okay, okay, it felt like the walls were swaying. We bolted out of the room looking for all of the kids. Thankfully all of them were safe. A little scared, anxious and worried, but safe.

Now it looks like, four days later, that Hurricane Irene is on its way. I'm in denial. Just like I was with the past two blizzards. I feel like we have everything that we need to carry on in case of power outages. But I know that I'll panic sometime tonight and insist that one of us goes to the store to pick up some last minute items. I'll fill up all of our bottles/containers with water. I'll insist that we fill up the bathtub with water. I'll make Hubby go out for bread. Now I'm reading on FB that friends are suggesting that everyone fill up on gas, and take cash out of the ATM. I wasn't going to go that far. But should I?

We have staples (toilet paper, peanut butter, crackers, water). What do you think? Anything else that we should have. What would you suggest? Are you concerned about the hurricane or are you going with the flow?

Another Milestone

2011-08-25T10:03:00.000-04:00

Well it's official. Boogs is growing up way too fast. He came downstairs this morning to announce that he had two wiggly teeth. I took a look and yep, he has two wiggly teeth and another one growing in behind one of them. I'm not ready for this. I thought I had at least a year or two before loose teeth, tooth fairies, and scrambling for money to be put under the pillow. This is coming on the heels of prepping him for kindergarten. Wow. Kindergarten and loose teeth. My life will never be the same.

Almost Wordless Wednesday--Lambeau Field

2011-08-24T09:25:00.000-04:00

Recently we took a vacation to Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of the most recent Superbowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers. Anyone who knows my husband knows that he is a huge Packers fan. When the Packers played in the Superbowl I had a lot of Facebook posts from many of our college friends saying that they were thinking of him during the game. For most, my Hubby is the only Packers fan they know. We have many friends who are Steelers fans and it was a shame we couldn't have held a Superbowl party with them here, but when they are spread all over the country (California, Hawaii, etc.) it was kind of hard to do that. Oh and I was due any day at that point and probably shouldn't have been hosting a Superbowl party.

So on our trip to Wisconsin we had to make a stop at Lambeau Field for a tour. I am a Packer fan by marriage and even I have to say that the stadium tour was pretty cool.

Hubby, Bug, and Boogs. When we walked through the tunnel where the players go through to be presented, the tour guide played a sound effect that sounded like fans were cheering for us. I told Boogs that people heard he was there and they were excited to see him. It was very cool. He loved it!

What Do You Have to Contribute?

2011-08-20T13:53:00.000-04:00

A few years ago about the time I decided to stay home with my kids I was sitting on my couch chatting with a family member. My husband came up in conversation and she said, "You are very lucky to have him. He's a good man." I readily agreed and quipped, "I'd like to think he's pretty lucky, too." Without missing a beat, she asked, "What do you contribute? What do you do?" Needless to say, I was crushed. (Goes back to my love language.) This also came at a time in my life when I was struggling to define myself. Was I working mom? Was I a stay at home Mom? How can I be SuperMom? What did I do well? Did I do anything well? Was I burden on my husband since we no longer had my income? What did I contribute?

I struggled with these questions for months and years. Every now and again, it bothers me that I don't contribute financially to our family. But then I look at my three children and realize that sacrificing my income to be there full-time with my babies was the best thing I could have done for our family. My kids are well-adjusted, polite, intelligent people who will contribute their time and talent to society when the time comes.

It's been about two years since that conversation and let me tell you what I contribute to my family:

3 healthy children
nourishment through breastfeeding. Yeah that's right. My babies were nourished solely by me the first 6 months of their lives.
availability
encouragement
teachings/lessons: I teach love, kindness, obedience, how to have a relationship with our Savior, how to be a good wife, mother, and daughter. I am the first example of how to act that my children see and I want it to be a good one.
How to laugh at oneself. We're not perfect and if we can learn from our mistakes and move on, the better.
How to forgive.
How to love.
A balancing act. I keep us humming along between work schedules, play dates, doctor's appointments, school schedules, vacations, and extracurriculars.
gifts from the heart. While I don't have money to buy fancy presents, I've learned to make things (such as my afghans) and give them as gifts. My children treasure the blankets I've made for each one of them.
time. I can't make time stand still, but I sure can do as much as I can with the time I do have. These kids just grow up way too fast and they'll be gone and on their own before I know it.
friendship. While I'm still the parent and they are my kids, I also want to develop a friendship. I want my kids to share their hopes, dreams, and future plans. I also want to be my husband's best friend and greatest support.
How to be a friend. Friends extend outside the family. In order to have friends you need to be a friend. It's a give and take. I wouldn't be where I am now without the love and support of some very good friends.
All of me. My role right now, in this moment, is to serve my family. I pray that I have the grace to do it and to do it well.
A healthy environment so that my children are well adjusted, stable, secure, and self-confident.

It's quite the list. It's not necessarily all-inclusive. I'm sure there's more. But that's it in a nutshell. I have also decided that I will not allow someone else to define me. I will not let anyone make me feel "less than" because I am not a financial contributor to the family income. I chose this role and I'm proud of it. Cheers!

Now may the God of peace---who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood--may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Love Languages

2011-08-19T16:32:00.000-04:00

Love language or as I like to call it "Why Can't I Make you Hear Me?" I recently discovered (and this may be no surprise to those closest to me) that my "love language" is affirmation. I know that I am loved when I hear words of affirmation.

When I think about the time I worked outside the home, I know that I worked my hardest and did my best when I heard words of encouragement and words of affirmation. At home, it's a little harder to hear words of affirmation because at this time in my life I am devoted to serving my family. Little ones don't always give you words of affirmation. That is not to say that they don't give them at all, they do. But maybe not as often as I need them.

Growing up, my family wasn't big on words of affirmation. I think my mom's love language is service. I remember asking my father why my mom rarely said, "I love you" or rarely gave hugs and kisses and he often said that when she cleaned my room, provided us with food to eat, and gave us clothes that she thought we would like that was how we were to know she loved us. That's hard to understand when you're little. Again, I think this is a cultural thing. I heard that when my mom went back to visit her family after 17 years of being gone, her mother didn't hug her. My grandmother just cried.

I realize that I need words of affirmation. I sometimes think my husband doesn't always give them to me because he doesn't want to placate me or say something just to make me feel good. He wants me to toughen up. But sometimes, I need to hear it. I need to know that I'm a good mom or a good wife. I think he thinks it's my "brand of crazy" and he isn't signing up for that.

While words of affirmation will lift me up and I would to the end of the world for you, silence and snarkiness will make me curl up and crumble. I know. It's sad and I should be tougher than that. But I learned long ago that silence and the cold shoulder treatment are my kryptonite. I'm very sensitive to negative language and actions. And I'm fortunate that my husband has never used my kryptonite against me.

While making this self-discovery I realized that some of the communication issues I have with my parents is that we don't speak the same love language. They don't understand me and probably don't even realize that their words bring me up or tear me down. Or maybe they do. I don't know.Something that I'll have to learn to do is not to live on the words and actions of others. You would think at the age of 33 I would have learned this already. But my hurts are deep and I've had them a long time. It will take some more time to move on. Can you redefine a love language?

One night while chatting about this topic my SIL asked me where I find my affirmation. To my embarrassment I didn't have an answer right away. She asked if I received it from my writing and I do. I write because it's my catharsis. I write because once I unload what's in my heart, I'm able to take a step and move on. This is my online diary, my brain dump, my catharsis and you my dears, are along for the ride in my crazy roller coaster of emotions.

My children can be and have been affirming. Boogs tells me he loves me everyday. Buggy loves spending time with me and asks if she makes me happy. Even Mr. Bananas sends me his love with a wide gummy smile.

Don't get me wrong. I have a wonderful life. My husband and my children are my loves and I know that they love me.

This just has been a topic on my heart for a while. I wish that I communicated better with my parents and my brother. I wish I could decipher their love languages better and love them the way they need to be loved. I'm working on it with my brother and I believe he's doing the same with me.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

How To Survive a Road Trip with 3 Kids

2011-08-16T08:31:00.000-04:00

We recently took a road trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin. It's about a 15-hour drive. We are very fortunate that our kids have always done well with road trips. Since Boogie was 4 months old, he was traveling on long car trips to Maine which can be done in about a day. As he became older we started to stop halfway through, but that was only because we started later. Twice I was caught with a long OB appointment the day of our trip.

But as traveling goes, my kids like it. They have always been contented with driving around. So what did we do to make it enjoyable for all of us?

packing the car the night before
we made fried chicken tenders to eat for lunch the next day. They're great. They can be held easily in little hands and they're okay cold.
lots of snacks (Peanut butter pretzels, fruit leather, oranges, raspberries, kettle corn, bagel chips)
personal thermoses (sp?) for the kids
bags filled with crayons, dry erase boards, magna doodles, coloring books, and books
audio books. Lots and lots of audio books. For this trip we packed: Magic Treehouse series, Ginger Pye, Pinky Pye, Alice in Wonderland, Sword in the Stone, Tall Tales, and the Nate the Great Series.
DVDs (though the kids only watched one movie and it was only one time. They prefer audio books!)
bathroom breaks/stretch your legs every 3-4 hours (this was perfect and it gave me time to nurse the baby. Each break was at 30-45 long. During this time we had the kids go to the bathroom when we came to a rest stop and right before we left
OH and we surprised each of the kids with a travel buddy waiting for them in their seats. Boogs chose a dragon and Bug a pink triceratops.

One night I had them go through a website and had them pick and then ordered their new buddies in time for the trip. I told them it was for Christmas. When they got in the car they were surprised. Bug still thanks us for her "Cera." I love that their animals turn into pillows. Bug let me borrow hers when I took a nap in the car and it was very soft. We also were able to take the kids pillows at the hotel because ours were so crummy. They slept with their pillow pets and had no trouble at all.

As kids, Hubby and I remember taking family road trips. We still enjoy them and we enjoy the time it gives us to talk. On the way home, we decided to power through and finish the trip in one day. When the kids fell asleep I stayed awake the last five hours (9pm-1am) while Hubby was driving. We listened to music, sang, and talked all the way home. Good times.

Happy 6 Months!

2011-08-13T19:57:00.000-04:00

My Sweet Baby turned 6 months old today. I continue to delight in him. I love seeing my two big kids treat him with such sweet love and adoration. If he's crying one or the other is singing to him. Boogie simply cannot wait for his brother to run and play with him. Buggy considers him all hers and she is definitely like a second mama to him. I think one set of cousins have adopted him as their surrogate brother as they are in a family of all girls.

Here is a rundown of how much he has grown in the last month:
--reflux is better. Still there, but better
--milk intolerance is slightly better. He still spits up, but not as much.
--he is a great traveler and only cried when we were in bumper to bumper traffic in Chicago while we were traveling.
--He took his first vacation and it was to Green Bay, Wisconsin. He toured Lambeau Field and learned that he was almost named after Aaron Rodgers.
--He met several great aunts and uncles in Green Bay
--He is learning to sit up. He can sit up supported and I think he will be able to sit up for longer and by himself shortly.
--He loves the teething "mama bling" that I wear around my necklace as a pendant.
--He recognizes his name when someone other than Mama or Daddy call him by name.
--He is very comfortable with his Godparents and will readily go to them.
--He started solids and so far so good. He likes them all. His doctor wanted him to gain two pounds while we were away. I hope he will be able to do it! We see her on Monday
--He loves when we sing to him.
--He loves to be held.
--He is stubborn and comes by it honestly. I think he was given a double dose of that character trait as both his mama and his daddy are very stubborn.
--He will fight sleep if he thinks that something better is going on.
--He's still not sleeping through the night, but he's at least sleeping a little longer. I'll take what I can get at this point.
--He loves having his picture taken.
--He's trying to talk and is starting to gurgle at us with purpose.
--He met some of his Filipino relatives
--He is starting to nap and go to bed in his crib instead of the cosleeper. He still winds up in the co-sleeper in the middle of the night after his feeding. But he's doing better.

You Always Have Room for Me?

2011-08-12T11:50:00.000-04:00

When I was pregnant with Mr. Bananas, Bug began to have a tough time with separation anxiety. The bigger I became, the more she clung to me. She always wanted me to hold her hand around the house. Would cry at the top of the stairs or the bottom depending on which way I went. If I left her at Moppets she would cry. She also would tell me the night before that she "is too going to cry!" at Moppets. This lasted a couple of months after Mr. Bananas' birth.

However, as she would sit crying at my knee while I was nursing, I would say to her, "I always have room for you." Sometimes I would scoot the baby over a little bit and I would have both kids on my lap. Whenever I put the baby in his rumble chair or if I was just holding him in my arms, she would ask, "You have room for me?" I would say, "of course" and she would snuggle in with us.

Over the course of the last few months I noticed that the tears have stopped and I now have a more confident Bug. She is no longer concerned that I don't have room for her. She knows I will always have room for her. She still asks, but I think it's more the novelty and also she likes to hear the affirmation that I will always have room for her.

My Dear Sweet Bug,
I will always love you. I will always have room for you. My heart will never be too full and my lap will always have space for one more.

I love you,
Mama

p.s. I can't resist a girl in froggy boots :)

Buddies

2011-08-11T11:06:00.000-04:00

Last week we were on vacation with my sister in law and her family. One day she and my husband (who are siblings) took a heritage tour with their uncle learning about their ancestors. Wanting to allow her and my hubby to spend time without being distracted by the kids and to really soak in family history, her husband and I took six of the seven kids to a wildlife sanctuary. The oldest of her kids joined them on the tour.

I loved that her kids (who are older) really took care of my kids. They created a buddy system so that each of her kids held hands and took care of one of my kids while we walked around.

Boogie's in the front and you can see Bug reaching for R's hand.

Buddies! I'm wearing Mr. Bananas, but he was there!

Almost Wordless Wednesday: A Purplicious Day

2011-08-03T22:18:00.001-04:00

On Monday when my Hubby took my Filipino relatives to Social Security to apply for their cards, I took Bug with me for a little Mommy/Daughter time. I took her for her first mani/pedi. She wanted purple and loved getting her toes and fingernails painted. FUN! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having a daughter for these little moments. I pray that our relationship extends into friendship as she grows up. She is definitely my best girl!

Purple with white polka dots

Results from her first pedicure

Absolutely purplicious!

"Let Me Be As Christ to You"

2011-07-30T09:52:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I just celebrated our 10 wedding anniversary. We've been together almost 15 years. We met in college and became friends. On my 19th birthday while I was working in the college library reshelving books, he approached me in a Superman t-shirt and said, "Hello Lois." He asked me on a date and on my 19th birthday we began a relationship that has continued into marriage.

Our wedding theme was, "See Ye First the Kingdom of God." It was my prayer in college to seek God first before anything else. When I did, he blessed me with a Christian man who later became my husband.

I'm not the easiest person to get along with. I have a temper, I ~~think I~~ am always right, I'm quite stubborn, and I am passionate about goals, life, and the way I think things should be. But my husband sees through it all, and still finds me to be one he has wanted to be with for the rest of his life. I'm blessed.

My husband is quite stubborn as well. He thinks he he is always right and rolls his eyes when I come up another scheme for something or other (volunteer coordinator, writing the MOPs newsletter, etc). Yet as frustrating as he can be, he is still the one I want by my side for the rest of my life.

"Seek Ye First" was sung before I walked down the aisle. Friends of ours sang "The Servant Song" as part of our wedding Mass. And we danced to Alison Krauss's "When You Say Nothing At All" for our first dance.

Music is a part of our lives and I often feel that it echoes they thoughts and emotions that I have on a daily basis. In The Servant Song it reminds us to serve on another through life and "to have the grace to let you be my servant too." And in When You Say Nothing At All the line that resonates with me is "the touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall."

Dear Superman,

Thank you for choosing me to be your wife. Let us continue to seek God first in our marriage. Please allow me to be your servant and I pray that God grants me the grace to let you be my servant, too. Thank you for always catching me whenever I fall. You say it best when you say nothing at all. I love you!

Love, Lois

10 years and three kids later

The Asian Invasion

2011-07-29T22:21:00.000-04:00

Twenty-five years ago my mom petitioned for her brother to come to the United States. Just over a year ago that request was granted and in the wee hours of the morning, my uncle, his wife and his two daughters took their first trip to the U.S. It was a surreal experience.

After many delays, including an 18 hour delay in Manila at the start of their journey, my Filipino relatives finally arrived to their new home. My parents had worked hard on the paperwork, spending endless hours filling in applications, talking on the phone, and scouring the internet. Their hard work finally came to fruition. My mom, for the first time in her life, has family living in the United States. Just ten years ago (about 17 years after she had left her home to begin a new life in America with my father) my mom began taking regular visits back to the Philippines to visit her family. But it never seemed it would happen to have her family join her here. And now here they are. (Though her parents, three sisters, and brother are still in the Philippines).

This will turn our world upside down in a wonderful way. My mom has her brother and my kids and I will get to know some of our Filipino relatives. This is an exciting adventure. I hope my cousins will journal about their experiences here. Here's to family! Cheers!

Best Friends

2011-07-26T17:08:00.000-04:00

My best friend gave birth to her third baby just a few days ago. We've been on the same baby timeline so now each our kids are best friends. Take a look!

J. and Boogie. Best friends since 2006 (Boogie's in the carrier)

A more recent picture of the best friends. Taken last year at Boogie's 4th birthday. This is one of my FAVE photos.

C. and Bug. Bug is in yellow.

Taken a few months later. Bug is in red. I realize I need more photos of these ladies!

The newest set of best friends. Mr. Bananas and Baby Z.

Where it all began.

Celebration of Life

2011-07-25T17:34:00.000-04:00

1For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die...4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2, 4)

This weekend has been about celebrating life.

Late last week I heard that a family friend passed away. While I mourn her passing, I am also celebrating her life. She was an incredible woman who had a heart for serving others. She did it in such a way that was never forceful, but quietly done, and greatly missed now that it's no longer here. She is and was a great example of how to love others unconditionally. At her funeral service today, many paid their respects. While we are mourning a life gone, the theme for the funeral was celebration. Yes, celebration. It's what she would have wanted. We were asked to wear bright colors, especially purple if we had it. Shar went home to her Savior and is dancing at his feet. The song, "I Can Only Imagine" has a new meaning for me.

In the same breath I am celebrating the birth of a new life. My best friend gave birth to her third baby, her first son. I cried when I got the message and I cried when I held him because of all the love I already have for him. He is beautiful and perfect. He is my littlest one's best friend. So I celebrate his life and to the wonder of his birth. I marvel at his existence. One day he was snug in his mother's womb and today he is with us. How beautiful. How blessed I am to be a part of his life.

It's the circle of life isn't it? With each passing there is a birth. Life continues. We celebrate a life well lived and life yet to live.

Peace to you and your family, Shar, as you journey home. We miss you dearly.

Welcome to the world Baby Z! You are so loved and we rejoice in your birth. Love you!

Made it!

2011-07-25T17:11:00.000-04:00

This past week and weekend have been a whirlwind of activity. With Hubby being away I tried to keep busy and productive. I was definitely busy, but maybe to productive unless you count investing my time and energy into cultivating friendships, then, yes, very productive! While Hubby was away I took the kids to several playdates with new friends, family that I am blessed to call friend, and one of my nearest and dearest friends.

I will admit that I was a walking zombie by the end of the week. I almost never napped (though I really should have!) and I fell asleep past midnight every night and awoke early with the kids and woke up several times in between to tend to the baby.

I finally found a pair of "big girl pants" that fit and didn't call my husband in a fit of tears while he was away. Not once! Hurrah for being a big girl. He noticed and even commented that he missed me. He's never done that. Probably because I'm usually on the other end of the phone crying from the lack of sleep. He heard my weary, yet cheerful voice each night and I think it made him miss me :)

My poor husband finally rolled in around 5am on Saturday morning exhausted and a little grumpy. He missed his original flight and his next flight was delayed and arrived in a completely different airport so he had to take a cab to the other airport where he left his car, before finally arriving home to us.

But he made it and so did I. While I'm not looking forward to future business trips, at least I know that I can survive a week without him. Hurrah to having him home for a while before his next business trip.

A Good Day While Daddy's Away

2011-07-20T14:39:00.000-04:00

If you've been keeping up, you know that I hate when my husband travels. Everything just seems tougher to do. I also tend to be sleep deprived when he's away because I can't sleep and then I wake up in the morning with the kids. By the way all three are napping now and so should I!

However, Hubby left on Monday afternoon for 4 day business trip and things are alright. I admit that on the first day as soon as he left the driveway I put all three kids down for a nap and I slept, too. Ahhh, glorious sleep. The evening went pretty well and the kids left an enthusiastic good night message to their daddy on his cell phone. It was super sweet. During bedtime prayers, Buggy said she was thankful for Boogie, Boogie said he was thankful for me, and I'm pretty Mr. Bananas is pretty thankful for both of his siblings.

The next day went much better than I expected. I had signed up the two big kids for private lessons now that swim team is over. The Head Flipper coach for the swim agreed to teach my kids for the week. I think having that as a routine every morning will help keep things moving along. After swim lessons we headed back to the house and shortly our friends arrived for a playdate. This is a new friend for me. We met through MOPs and her son was also a first year flipper on the same swim team. During swim team, our boys swam, our little girls played together on the pool deck, and we chatted getting to know one another. My friend knew that my husband was out of town this week and offered to give me a break with the kids. I was grateful for some adult conversation.

After they left, my kids went down for a nap. My parents had just gotten home from a high school reunion in California and my father made it a point to come over and spend time with Boogs. It was awesome. While the little kids napped, Boogie and his lolo ran around the backyard having a blast with super soakers. Boogie had so much fun soaking his lolo.

Last night, I had my last formation meeting for Summer Camp. My wonderful and reliable babysitter took care of the big kids while I took Mr. Bananas with me to the meeting. I stayed longer than I should have, but things seemed to go pretty well. I was pleased. We recruited over 90 volunteers for our camp. We have 92 volunteers and 103 campers. Wowzers!

It was very busy day, but it went without a hitch. I just wish I could sleep better while Hubby was gone. We're taking it easy today and tomorrow I'm taking the kids to visit some of their cousins.

If you think about it, please say a prayer for us that things will continue to go smoothly and that Hubby has safe travels while he is away. Two and half days to go!

Mommy According to Boogie

2011-07-18T17:21:00.000-04:00

This is a cute idea. I saw this on a note on a friend's Facebook page and I thought I'd give it a try. Copy this note, ask your kid the questions, and write them down exactly how they respond. If you post the answers on your blog, leave me a comment with a link back to your blog. I'd love to check out your answers.

Me, according to Boogie....

1. What is something mom always says to you?!
I love you

2. What makes mom happy?
Being nice to my little sister

3. What makes mom sad?
Not being nice to my little sister

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
By tickling me.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
That one’s I don’t know, Mommy

6. How old is your mom?
33

7. How tall is your mom?
Oh, I don’t know that one.

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Going to the waterpark and go swimming with me at the swimming pool

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Go to the grocery store

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Painting, I think

11. What is your mom really good at?
Giving birth to babies

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Running around on the treadmill with Johnny

**I have never attempted this...I don't know where he came up with this idea!

13. What does your mom do for her job?
working, spending time with her children.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
I think it’s milk stuff

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
playing with me

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I think she would be Astrid

17. What do you and your mom do together?
spending time, sometimes play video games

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We both like playing MarioKart

19. How are you and your mom different?
uh, Mommy likes to do the hard races and I don’t

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Because she says, “I love you” everyday

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
The Gym

Mr. Bananas is 5 Months Old!

2011-07-15T21:39:00.000-04:00

I lov this smile. I just wish the picture was a little clearer

Boy does the time fly. Baby Boy is already 5 months old. When the reflux isn't bothering him, he is one happy, happy baby. I love it. He brightens all of our days. His older sister is like his second mama. She watches over him, wipes up his spit-up, throws out his diapers, tells him she loves him on a daily basis, and usually kisses him goodnight and totally forgets to give me a kiss. Ah, well.

This month was a little tougher with Mr. Bananas trying to battle his reflux. He was put on medicine and it worked well for two weeks and then not so much. After numerous consecutive days of not sleeping well and me breaking down in tears because of sleep deprivation I took him back for another evaluation. He was given a new prescription and I think he's doing better.

He is reaching for toys and loves things that roll. He can spin his body around so that he is facing a different direction. He can roll from back to front. He doesn't mind tummy time. Mr. B. is grabbing anything and everything and will put it in his mouth. I still suspect that his sister is his favorite person.

Of the sibling pics I took that day, this is my favorite...though I wish it was clearer

He is truly a very happy baby and I think monkeys are his mascots. I can't believe that he is growing so quickly and soon he will attempt crawling. I love him dearly and I'm so glad we were blessed with his birth.

I love Bug's expression in this photo

A Lot of Heart

2011-07-11T17:41:00.000-04:00

One of the Flipper coaches providing words of encouragment

Every morning, for the last three weeks, Boogie has gotten up five mornings a week, put on his swim trunks and we've headed to the pool for practice. One thing I've noticed about my sweet Boogie. He has a lot of heart and not a lot of finesse, much like his mother. I loved swim team, but was never the best swimmer. But that didn't matter because I LOVED it.

My husband doesn't get it. He grew up 45 minutes away and swim team was not a part of their norm. He didn't grow up getting up early for swim practice or spending his Saturday mornings at the pool swimming in multiple events, or cheering on his fellow swimmers. But I did and for our county, it is a HUGE deal and just about everyone joins. As one of the team reps told me, it's the only sport where 5 year olds participate alongside older teens. There is a sense of community among the swimmers. You spend most of your summer poolside, most of your day on Saturdays and one evening a week participating in meets, in addition to pep rallies, pasta dinners, and team building fun. It's a great life and I'm thrilled that Boogs is a part of it this year.

He was more nervous that we realized

We are winding down to our last week of swim team for my little Flipper. He participated in his first mini-meet yesterday. It's a way for the little swimmers to experience what a meet would be like and to perform the skills they have learned. As with all the swimmers, Boogs was registered for the 5 & Under Kickboard race. However, last Friday, his coach asked me if he would like to swim in the 5 & Under Freestyle. I thought, "Why Not?" So he was registered for that as well.

For weeks Boogs has swam the freestyle with his head in the water paddling away. But wouldn't you know it, for the freestyle event, he swam with his head above water waving at me? So silly. When I spoke to the coach about it, she said that most kids get so overwhelmed with the excitement and the crowds that they don't swim like they usually do. But Boogs did great! He earned a 5th place ribbon (out of 9 swimmers) for freestyle and I was sooooo proud. He participated in the kickboard races as well. My husband noticed that the faster he wanted to go, the more he bent his legs and kicked from his ankles, which only made him slower. He placed 19th overall in the kickboard races. There were a lot of kids swimming and many heats. It doesn't matter. He got out there and he did it. I am one very, very proud swim team Mama!

Being told to get in his start position

Swimming the freestyle event. The coaches are there in case the kids need them along the way. Phew!

Note to Self

2011-07-08T16:23:00.000-04:00

Note to self: do not volunteer for anything (no matter how wonderful the cause) while pregnant, nursing, or when the baby does not sleep through the night.

I posted the above as my Facebook status in a bout of frustration a couple of weeks ago. Many of friends "liked" my status saying that I do too much already. I have decided to start cutting back on some of my committees. I simply cannot do all the things that I would like to do because I don't have the energy. The baby is having a wicked time sleeping through the night because of the reflux and that means Mama is having a wicked time getting enough sleep to get even the simplest tasks done. I'm just too tired and feeling very, very overwhelmed.

So overwhelmed in fact that I bursted into tears while chatting with a friend at swim practice. I wasn't blubbering, but tears kept rolling down my face. Poor Bug became concerned, sat in my lap and whispered, "I got chu, Mama. I got chu."

Honestly with a full night's sleep, things will seem less daunting. But right now, not so much. I have decided to cut back on the activities I've assigned myself. I'll breathe a huge sigh of relief once camp is done. Just 3 more weeks to prep. Swim team will be over soon, but to be honest I'm having a ton of fun with swim team so it hasn't been that bad. I still have four things on my plate, but I'm considering dropping one of them when it comes time. The other three things (baptism prep, Church cleaning, and MOPs publicity I'll keep). The first two are things Hubby and I will do together. I'm committed to MOPs, but since I was literally crying to the assistant director at swim practice, they might be pretty understanding when I cry, "Uncle!"

I'm very frustrated that I can't seem to keep up the pace that I was doing before being preggers with Mr. Bananas. Post-partum with this guy has been tough and it's because of the lack of sleep. I wasn't banking on a reflux baby, though I should have realized that it was good possibility since there's a family history of reflux babies. Including Mr. Bananas half of the kids in the family have had reflux (9 of the 18).

Mr. Bananas has been a good reminder to keep things simple and to not do too much. He's also a good reminder not to be too hard on myself. Do what I can and things will get done eventually. It just might take much, much longer! Speaking of which, L. if you're reading this, I have a birth announcement to send to you in Switzerland, but at this rate he might be 18 before you get this or you'll get it with your Christmas card.

So I'm taking the advice of several friends and sisters and reminding myself that I've got time and to take it easy while I can. In due time I will do my share.

A Time for Everything--Ecclesiastes 3:1 (New American Version)
1There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

First I Freak, then I Troubleshoot

2011-07-01T13:08:00.000-04:00

I keep saying, "I don't want to lead anything." And I don't. But I think my first-born tendencies and type-A personality make that impossible. I do have some of the qualities of a good leader: self-starter, planner, motivator, list-maker, etc. What I don't have? Diplomacy. I have learned the hard way (ahem, many times) is that saying what you really think in the heat of the moment (although it may be true) is not a good thing and will not get the job done. What I have learned is that being gracious, kind, and flexible tend to get better results.

Unfortunately for me and why I should not lead, is that when a problem arises, I freak out at first. My mind races and I think of all things that are going wrong. However, once I talk it out (oh, my poor husband), start examining my possibilities, and given some time, I find ways to troubleshoot. And those ideas tend to work out really well or even better than the original plan. The troubleshooting part makes me a good leader, the freaking out? Not so much.

In my current role as volunteer coordinator for our church's summer camp I'm learning very quickly to learn to be flexible and patient. We have a few new volunteers and they are a little overwhelmed with what it takes to coordinate summer camp. The things is, they have the easier part. They get to work with the kids and lead them to the different activities. It's the coordinating camp and the people that is more daunting.

I had received an e-mail that was just irritating and quite a few not very nice things stormed through my brain as I read it. Really, I wanted to tell the sender to woman-up. Fortunately for her I decided not to respond right away, because I would have totally called her out. Totally. It seems like I'm less patient in my old age. Step up or step back because I do not have the time to coddle. Unfortunately that's the side of me that comes out when I'm in charge...probably another reason why I shouldn't lead...it just stresses me out.

Instead I took a step back, reminding myself that we are all volunteers and quite frankly the woman was overwhelmed by the task of leading a group of preschoolers through camp activities. After spending the day catching up with a friend and watching my kids have fun, I went back to the e-mail. God gave me patience, diplomacy, and grace as I responded. I've yet to hear back from the sender, but the others CCed in the e-mail responded positively. Whew.

As time goes on, I hope to freak out less in challenging situations when working with a large group. I hope that I can continue to employ diplomacy in my interactions with others and to emulate the positive characteristics of patience, grace, and peace from the saints that we are learning about in Summer camp. Say a little prayer for me if you will.

Peace and all good --St. Francis of Assissi

St. Paul

2011-06-27T14:59:00.001-04:00

We have always told our children they can be whatever they want to be when they grow up. My five year old has a wide variety of interests and some days he wants to go to Africa and save the Cheetahs and other days he wants to clean other people's homes, and still other days he wants to teach music at night while working as a vet during the day. I sigh every time my son says a long list of things he would like to be or do when he grows up and my husband throws in, "You can also be a priest." Now don't get me wrong. I have a lot of respect for our clergy and for the men and women who choose to be priests, brothers, or nuns. But every time my husband says, "You can also be a priest" my mind fast forwards 20 years and I see my son serving the church without a wife or family of his own. I just don't want my son to miss out on the joys of having a family. But whether or not he has a family is not my choice, but his own. And who am I to disagree with God's calling?

Just the other day my son had the following conversation with my husband:
B:"I don't want to be a priest like Monsignor Paul" (our current priest at our parish).
Hubby: Why's that?
B: I want to be a priest like St. Paul. I want to travel around the world and tell people about God.

Again, who am I to disagree with God's calling? I am often in awe of the things my son says. For him to distinguish the difference between a parish priest and a missionary priest is just amazing to me. And then to determine which one he would like to emulate. Oh, and not to mention that he is even aware of St. Paul? It.Blows.My.Mind!

I think my dear Boogie Monster is a sensitive soul and a bit of a philosopher and soon to be theologian. He loves the Narnia series and has finally listened to the last of the books on CD. His response to the last book? "I think that Earth is a shadow of what Heaven is like."

I look forward to hearing the other ideas that Boogie has to share with us. I must remember to still my own thoughts and to truly listen to this great little philosopher. He has so much to share and I'll miss it if I move too fast.

As a dear friend said to me the other day as I shared Boogie's thoughts of being a missionary priest, "The World will be his Church." Amen.

A Packer Clad Father's Day

2011-06-21T16:02:00.001-04:00

I used this picture to make a Father's Day for my husband

My husband is a huge Green Bay Packer fan. So much so that he seriously considered naming our youngest Aaron Rodgers or Aaron Raji (after two of the players) if he was born after the Packers won the Superbowl. Fortunately for baby (or maybe me) the baby was given a name that honored Hubby's father and my mother :)

Since the Packers did win the Superbowl, I thought a Packer Father's Day would be the best present. I bought "Superbowl Champions" t-shirts for the big kids and a "champion" bib for the baby. Hubby was happy and the kids sported their support for Daddy's favorite team all day.

Hubby with his favorite little Packer fans.

"I No Nap"

2011-06-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

When she fell asleep next to me while I was nursing the baby

My little ladybug is trying not to nap on a daily basis. She definitely still needs one, but she doesn't want to nap. If I do put her to bed she wants her big brother to nap also, especially since they share a room. It's been difficult to keep her in her room because she'll get up while I'm nursing the baby and I can't correct her immediately. (The baby has dropped in weight and now that he is nursing longer I'm trying to allow him to do that...hence I don't want to stop him in the middle and multiple times.) Once, her big brother put her to bed for me and she actually stayed. Amazing.

Since Bug still needs naps, but doesn't want them, I've been finding her all around the house asleep. Sometimes she'll snuggle up next to me while I'm nursing the baby and she'll fall asleep next to me. Or I'll rest on one end of the couch and she'll fall asleep on the other end. She often falls asleep in my bed while I'm folding laundry in my room. Most recently I found her on the floor of the the front hall fast asleep with her tights on (she put them on herself) and one frilly sock while wrapped in her favorite blue blankie.

Happily in our big green chair in the family room

Yes, that is the floor. She feel asleep in the front hall.

Notice the tights and one frilly sock.

She has a bed, she really does...but you wouldn't know it by these pictures :)

Was That Fear I Saw?

2011-06-17T16:20:00.000-04:00

Now that Boogie is out of school going on errands requires a little more endurance, preparation, and patience. I have to take all three kids with me. Some days I look at my beautiful children who are in various states of crying and say, "Nope, not today." Other days, I dig deep and say with gusto, "Let's do this!"

Earlier this week I made a run to Target. I love that they have a cart with an attachment for two seats in the front. On this particular day I was able to strap the two big kids in the cart and the baby was strapped to me via front carrier. As I mosied up and down the aisles I saw many mommies, some of them with what looked like their first kid in the cart while pregnant with another. Whenever we came across these mommies, I swear I saw fear in their eyes and the following spinning in their brain, "Ack! That might be me some day!"

I chuckled to myself. My kids happened to be on their best behavior and were doing really well. I ran into another mommy who was shopping sans kids and she said, "Oh, yeah I do that often. But my kids are in Summer camp right now." We both agreed that her ability to go shopping without her clan was a luxury.

At first I was apprehensive about how I was going to get errands done with three little ones. But my five year old is a huge help. Bug needs a little more guidance. (Yes that was her running around the grocery store without her shoes last week. Gross!...She took them off in and sat them in the cart.). And Mr. Bananas loves being strapped in the front carrier as long as I'm moving. He often falls asleep quite contentedly.

The world does not stop when you have more children, you just have to figure out how to adapt your resources to still get things accomplished :) I'm still chuckling...

Sane(r) Saturday

2011-06-16T16:33:00.000-04:00

So I told you about my frenzied Friday a couple of weeks ago. I have to follow up and say that the next day was better. It was still busy, but Hubby and I had found our rhythm and did a better juggling act.

The morning started off with Hubby, Boogie, and Buggy going to the Church for the monthly church cleaning. Mr. Bananas and I met them a little later. I picked up where Hubby left off. He took Boogie to his last t-ball game and I stayed at the church with Buggy and Mr. B. Afterwards the littles and I went to the t-ball field. We missed the game, but still met Hubby and Boogs. Hubby took the boys home and I stayed back a few minutes with Bug to chat with some friends. She and I headed home and I got her ready for her recital by curling her hair.

We made it to the recital and for a two year old, I thought she did pretty well. I was able to get her dressed and ready to go. I did not have to walk her on stage, instead she followed directions and did what she was supposed to do. Poor thing was exhausted and I caught her yawning through her tap piece. But she looked beautiful and did a great job. The only snafu of the day was that I forgot my camera. Fortunately, my next door neighbor was at the recital because her girls were also performing. She graciously took pictures for me and sent them to me. Whew! Crisis averted.

We came home and indulged in Greek food for dinner and my parents came over to spend some time with the kids. While the day was incredibly busy and we were on the move constantly, juggling was a lot easier. It could be that I had fallen asleep at 8:30 the night before. Maybe it was because my husband was available to give me a hand. Or maybe the kids were just more compliant. For whatever reason, it was pretty much smooth sailing, despite forgetting my camera for the recital.

Since then t-ball and dance have finished for the season. I'm taking a breather until Boogs starts swim team tomorrow and then off we go again!

Shy Buggy before her first performance

I think she's a little nervous here.

Buggy with Baby Stinky for Brahm's Lullaby

My favorite picture of the day.

Happy 4 Months!

2011-06-14T21:45:00.000-04:00

Mr. Bananas is officially 4 months old as of yesterday. He is able to hold up his head and he's rolled over twice. Once back to front and on another day, back to front. He keeps sticking his fingers in his mouth and it makes me wonder if he's teething. Boogs started teething around 4 months, so it's a possibility.

In the last month he entered the Church when he was baptized by Deacon Grandpa on Memorial Day weekend, witnessed by family and friends. All 16 of his cousins attended this joyous occasion. Pretty cool.

At his 4 month checkup all looks well, though he did drop into the 30th percentile for weight. I think it has a lot to do with the reflux. My SIL noticed that he wasn't nursing for very long and he was spitting up a lot. She was right, Mr. Bananas wasn't getting any of the hind milk when I nursed and that's where all the fatty goodness is located. So he dropped in weight. But now he is on reflux medicine and he isn't screaming when he nurses and he isn't spitting near as often. We now have a very happy baby who isn't in pain anymore. Hallelujah!

His favorite person in the world is his sister. He loves when we sing to him. His siblings can be found singing at the top of their lungs next to him and he thinks it's great. Mr. Bananas actually giggles when we tickle him (I don't think I actually tried to tickle the other two when they were babies. I don't know why). He has found his toes and loves to grab them. If he is in the swing when Daddy comes home he cries because he can't wait to get out and be held by him. He is starting to talk...we can't understand him yet, but he has an opinion on some things. His favorite toy is a monkey blanket that his Godfather gave him. He loves to chew it's face. The other day we were on an hour long car ride. He cried for the first 30 minutes and when I gave him his monkey blanket he calmed down and fell asleep. He loves the water and I look forward to playing in the pool with him.

He has always been a delight, however, it made us sad when he would cry in pain due to the reflux. Now that he is on medicine and no longer in pain, it's like we have a completely different child who is happy 99% of the time. (The other 1% is when I try to put him to bed and he's not having it.) He continues to brighten our lives by his presence. I can't imagine not having him a part of our family. The big kids LOVE their baby brother and he is often referred to as our Mr. Bananas.

Frenzied Friday

2011-06-06T13:33:00.001-04:00

Before the dance recital rehearsal there had been no nap for the little ones, dance tights found in the hamper dirty and grass-stained instead of clean and in the dance bag. During the rehearsal: infant poop on the front of my shirt and shorts, portable DVD player not working, wearing a screaming baby while trying to wrangle a wriggly two year old to do costume changes for her dance recital rehearsal, and ordering my 5 year old around as my personal "go-fer." Yeah, that was my Friday. It made me seriously reconsider why I thought it would be a good idea to put my two year old in a dance recital. When I signed her up months and months ago, all I thought was, "Oooooh, it will be sooooo cute." I was definitely not thinking that on Friday night.

That night I was hot, sweaty, frustrated, and in a terrible mood. I kept waiting for my husband to show up to help me out. Unbeknownst to me he had texted several times and left several messages on my phone. I never heard my phone signal that I had messages. It might have had something to do with me running around the auditorium like a crazy lady trying to keep track of all my kids, trying to figure out why the DVD player wouldn't work so my son could sit contentedly during his sister's dress rehearsal, and (later) the screaming baby I was wearing. Some of the moms helped out and held the baby while I ran around to retrieve items and change Bug in her costumes and I'm grateful. Boogs was really, really good considering I didn't have anything to entertain him. He kept himself busy by making new friends with the brothers of the other dancers and looking over their shoulders while they played games on their handheld gaming systems. He ended up being my right hand as we carted stuff from the van to the auditorium and back again. By the time I had loaded the kids in the van for the ride home, I was exhausted and starving and just plain mad.

Hubby had been home waiting for us because I had never called him back. I did call on the way home to send him to pick up food for the kids for dinner. I couldn't stop on the way home because the two year old had to use the potty and I didn't think I would make it in time if I had to stop for food. When I pulled up I saw that he had been enjoying a cold beverage, reading a book on the front steps, and (dare I say it?), relaxing! Gah!!!! It was the last straw for me. Here he was enjoying the gorgeous weather and I was again, beyond exhausted. I was so angry I almost threw his bottle across the street. I tried really, really, really hard to not jump down his throat when he walked in the house. Before he walked in the door with dinner, my exhausted two year old had been screaming at me for 10 minutes and I.was.done.

When he walked in I walked myself up to our room and nursed the baby while I could mercifully zone out in front of the television. When he brought up the kids for baths, I walked downstairs. I needed some "me" time desperately. But that's when it happened. It slipped out. As I walked down the stairs I made some snarky remark over my shoulder and he tried to be patient. But I jabbed again and again until he had no choice but to lose his temper and make a snarky remark back to me. And then I started to cry. It's actually what I needed. I needed to vent in some way and his remark made me cry and that led to me falling asleep on the couch while he put the kids to bed. A sleep I so desperately needed. By the time he woke me and I headed up to bed, I was better, while at the same time remorseful and embarrassed.

I hate fighting. I hate how I acted. The simple solution would have been to eat something during the recital or on the ride home. It didn't even cross my mind that my blood sugar must have been dipping and that I was hungry. Low blood sugar makes me stupid. Once I had eaten something it seemed ridiculous how upset I had been.

I apologized, he apologized and we're better. I'm fortunate that I have an understanding husband (and sister in law. I snarked at her too, through facebook. At that point someone should have slapped me). In speaking with another one of my SILs this afternoon she pointed out that my husband (her brother) is usually very helpful and not to have his help that day was hard for me. She was and is right. It's the curse of the helpful husband. You're so used to his faithful help, that when it fails to come, you find life just a bit harder.

Even though Saturday was just as busy, it was not as frenzied. Hubby and I found our rhythm and the hand off for the various activities went pretty smoothly for a saner Saturday. I'll share that in my next post. Bug's recital was fun and I loved watching her on the stage. And yes, I'd do the recital again. Pictures to come.

True Middle

2011-06-03T08:30:00.000-04:00

I had posted last year about "middle child" syndrome (if there is such a thing). I recently saw a friend of mine at a grad school mini reunion dinner. We had gone to the same undergrad, too, and majored in human development. For her senior seminar paper she had written about birth order.

When she met my kids the other week she said that I had the "perfect" birth order. A girl between two boys. My girl will never be a true middle child because she will be the princess between the two boys. She said as long as I don't change anything, I'll have the perfect situation.

I found this very interesting, especially as Buggy has been exhibiting some issues of belonging. She loves being a "big kid" with her older brother. She can be found running around after him. She loves doing the things that he's doing. On the other hand, sometimes I'll find her in the baby swing or curled up asleep in Mr. Bananas' rumble seat. She'll even loudly proclaim, "I want to be the baby." She's definitely trying to find out where she belongs. She is also very territorial. One of my SILs noted it that the last time she visited with some of the kids' cousins. Bug could be found saying, "No that's mine!" Part of it is being 2 1/2 years old, but I think another part is realizing that not all of her toys are hers. She has to share them with her brothers. But that's true of any kid. Sharing is a part of life.

So is she a true middle child? I don't know. I'd like to think that she is wonderfully her own person, no matter the birth order. I think even if we have another child that she will still be the helpful "little mama" that she's been with Mr. Bananas. I love her passion, her silliness, her love for her brothers, and her sincerity. I look forward to growing with her.

Almost Wordless Wednesday--Rainbows for Boogs

2011-06-01T14:55:00.000-04:00

For Boogie's birthday in March he asked that I crochet a blanket just for him. For the past year I had been crocheting baby blankets for various friends who have had babies, for Buggy, and for Mr. Bananas. Boogie asked if I would make him one that had all the colors of the rainbow. It's still a work in progress, but I'm almost done. Hopefully by the end of the week.

Boogie chose all of the colors for his blanket. It is bold, colorful, whimsical, and loud...just like my beloved son!

The Most Important Day of the Year

2011-05-31T13:02:00.000-04:00

"Mommy, tomorrow is the most important day of the year," my 5 year old told me on Saturday night as Hubby and I were moving around the house cleaning and preparing for Sunday. "Why's that, Honey?" I asked distractedly as I continued to work on whatever chore had been on my list. "Because tomorrow is when Mr. Bananas will be baptized and become a Christian." Wow, isn't that enough to make you stop what you are doing and fully comprehend what Boogie just said?

I did just that. I stopped and I listened and we talked about the importance of Sunday's big event. We had been planing Mr. Bananas' (aka known as Bam Bam...but Mr. Bananas is what I've been calling him) baptism for some time. Our faith doesn't perform baptisms during the Lenten season, so we waited until after Lent and after our nephew's first communion to celebrate Mr. Bananas baptism.

I was a little bit in awe that my five year old understood how important this step was in our faith. It is more than a party and a step in our faith. It is a time that Hubby and I promise to raise our children in the faith and to promise to be his first teachers and to guide him on his path. We chose Hubby's sister L. and her husband J. to become Mr. Bananas' godparents. L. was there when Mr. B. entered the world now she and her husband will be there to guide him through life. I was touched that Boogs seemed to understand how important this day is to us and that it was more than the party we would have back at the house. Truth be told I told Hubby that I was more nervous about the Mass than I was about having the house ready when we got home.

It was Memorial Day weekend and while many of our friends could not make it to the celebration, I was touched by the promises of prayer that would be said for Mr. Bananas on Sunday. I was also touched by those who were able to celebrate with us in person. Many coming from at least an hour away or further (thanks, C! I think you came from the greatest distance). All of my husband's siblings joined us and Mr. Bananas was supported by his aunts and uncles and all 16 of his cousins. My parents joined us too.

My father-in-law being a deacon in the Catholic Church, was able to perform the baptism. He has now baptized all 19 of his grandchildren. What an honor and blessing to have Deacon Grandpa perform this sacrament. During the introductions we are asked what we ask of God and of the Church for our son. At this time, my dear Husband choked up and I could see the intense emotion that he held for this important time in our son's life. My father-in-law was quite emotional too and it was so beautiful to see their emotions plainly on this day. Both my husband and his father can be on the reserved side. To see their emotions, is to know how greatly they held this day in their hearts.

After the baptism we were able to come home and celebrate with our family and friends. What a beautiful day and what an honor it was to celebrate this important event with those we love. Thank you!

Welcome to your faith, Mr. Bananas. We promise to guide you and to be there for you as you begin your journey. We love you!

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-27T19:58:00.000-04:00

Boogie with his preschool teacher

Yesterday was Boogie's graduation from preschool. I had been sentimental all week as I prepared for it. I finally convinced Hubby that he should leave work early to come to the last sing of the year and for the graduation ceremony. I know he is a busy man, but I think that sometimes you have to take a time out from your work life and be there for some of the milestones. (He absolutely does try, but his boss is crazy and freaks out when he takes some time off...like when I have a baby.)

The last sing of the year was sweet and the kids did a wonderful job singing. Thanks to my handy dandy birthday present from Hubby, I was able to record everything on my new Flip cam. Love it! I looked a little crazy with the baby strapped in his carrier on the front of me, my camera bag hanging across my body, while Buggy sat half asleep (no nap) with her thumb in her mouth, and me trying to capture every word on my Flip. But it was golden and once again I reveled in the fact that I was able to do this and be there for my son for this milestone. And what a treat it was to have Hubby show up in the middle and surprise Boogs.

After the sing, we all trooped back from the auditorium to the classroom where the teacher presented graduation certificates and special certificates with biblical character traits. Boogie was given a certificate showing that he demonstrated the traits of Daniel and the gift of insight. I loved hearing how each child demonstrated a specific trait. What a neat idea!

After graduation, Hubby and I took the kids for ice cream and then for dinner. I know, backwards, but we wouldn't have gotten them to sleep the other way around :)

I am so appreciative to the preschool teachers Boogs has had over the last three years. They are kind people and have a passion for teaching children. I look forward to Bug having some of the same teachers when she starts school in another year. I am so looking forward to kindergarten because I just know that Boogie is going to absolutely love it. But I'm going to miss him and I'm going to realize just how quickly time flies once he's in school full-time. I wonder if I will have appreciated him enough when he was home full-time. We'll find out.

Congratulations to my sweet Boogs. I love you. You make me so proud!

My Boys

2011-05-25T10:49:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is my first son's last day of preschool. We've already been through kindergarten orientation. In a few short months he will be entering kindergarten. When did my first baby get to be a big boy?

At the same time, I feel like I'm reliving how it was to have Boogie as a newborn. Even though Bam Bam has his own personality, I feel like I'm looking at Boogie as a baby all over again. It might have to do with the fact that they look a lot alike except for Bam Bam's darker features.

So as one is making fledgling steps outside the nest, I'm starting over with our newest addition. It's bittersweet. Especially today. Today Boogie came up to me and said, "I'm going to give Bam Bam all of my stuffed animals. I don't need them anymore."

I sat there not knowing what to say. On one hand, it made me incredibly sad to hear my eldest tell me his done with his stuffed animals (except for his beloved Chester). On the other hand, my heart swelled with so much love for him because he was giving of himself and sharing with his brother. Today, he brought down toy after toy to amuse his younger brother.

And so, I'm watching my "baby" grow up...

Froggy Boots

2011-05-24T11:01:00.000-04:00

Who can resist a little girl in pigtails and froggy boots? I can't :) Her new-to-her froggy boots are my daughter's favorite fashion statement.

Doing a little dance

Pigtails and froggy boots=LOVE!

My Kids are My Gig

2011-05-23T17:24:00.000-04:00

After posting last week about all the volunteering I'm doing, received some good advice. You can read the comments from my friend J. on the previous post. My friend A. told me to tell anybody asking if I can volunteer that I have to consult her and then she'll yell at me. HA! Actually, I've asked her to remind me and tell me NO when I call her and tell her I feel guilty that I will not be volunteering the week of camp. She'll remind me that I'm doing my volunteering now!

I spoke to my husband about it this weekend and he reminded me that I volunteer for two other ministries at church. How can I forget? It's because I have too many!

So here's the breakdown:
--St. Martin Ministry (cleaning the church)--to be honest I have not done this as much since I was put on bedrest in September. With t-ball and still only being 14 weeks postpartum, I haven't gotten into the swing of things with this ministry. But my husband still does it faithfully and brings the older children. We like this one because we can serve as a family.

--Respect Life Committee--This one I'm passionate about and will hang on to it.

--Summer Bible Camp--This year I'm the volunteer coordinator, next year I plan on taking a smaller role if my children are enrolled.

--MOPs publicity--Write the newsletter and look over the fliers for distribution. I'm looking forward to it, but I have been duly warned that I may have bit off more than I can chew. My source being someone who wrote the monthly newsletter for her MOMs group.

--Swim Team--gotta do it. It's required

Is there another one? I'm sure there is.

But I have to remember that volunteering isn't my job. My kids are my job and the reason I am home with them. I love the volunteer opportunities and I love serving. I know that I wouldn't be able to do it if I worked outside of the home. But my kids are my priority and I have to remember that. I love them and I'm blessed to be home with them.

So as someone else wrote on her blog about something similar, I have to get over myself ;)

What Was I Thinking?

2011-05-20T16:27:00.000-04:00

When I decided to become a SAHM I knew that I wanted to be available to volunteer for my kids' activities. No question. I wanted to (and still want to) be involved. However, with that being said, I also knew that I didn't want any leadership positions. After spending 4 years in leadership where I worked, I knew that I was burnt out and wanted a break. So what have I done?

I have recently:
--Volunteered to be the volunteer coordinator (leadership team) for our church's Summer Bible Camp.
--Volunteered my husband and I (with his permission) to lead baptism classes for those who want their children baptized in our parish
--Volunteered to be the publicity coordinator (Steering team/leadership team) for our MOPs group.

It seems like I can't help myself and have volunteered for various things. Why?

I volunteered to coordinate the volunteers for Summer camp because I feel that our Summer Camp is a wonderful experience and I think that Boogie benefits from it. It could also have something to do with the fact that I was two weeks post-partum when I got the e-mail and I thought July was sooooo far away. Um, it didn't occur to me that I needed to get the volunteers before July. Yeah, I blame the new mommy fog for that decision.

Why volunteer to lead baptism classes? Hubby and I have discussed it for years and the opportunity became available. We think it's an important program and it was something we could do together. They will also provide childcare for us so that's a bonus. It's also only twice a year , with each session being 3 Saturdays. So a total of 6 Saturdays a year. I'm looking forward to serving our parish with my husband.

Lastly, I love to write and I thought it would be fun to put together the MOPs monthly newsletter. I just didn't realize it was a leadership position. I'll give it a year and see how it goes.

But as I am looking at a weekend where I need to (wo)man the tables after each Mass to encourage people to volunteer for camp, I'm a bit overwhelmed. What was I thinking? My husband says that I tend to overextend myself and I do. I really, really need to get over the guilt of saying "no" to volunteer opportunities. I just can't help myself.

With Summer just around the corner, I find myself having to volunteer for Swim Team stuff (it's in the handbook) and I was met with members of the PTA when I registered Boogs for kindergarten.

I really, really need to learn to:
--say "No, I'm sorry. I can't do it at this time."
--not feel guilty (recognize and repeat)
--choose only those opportunities that I would truly enjoy doing. (Right now, I'm the most concerned about Summer camp. But I am looking forward to the Baptism ministry and MOPs). I think I would have preferred to teach during camp. But I'm only volunteering once this year and being the volunteer coordinator should be enough for right now.

How do you all deal with being asked to volunteer?

Summer by the Pool

2011-05-19T11:08:00.000-04:00

I will be spending the majority of my Summer poolside. It's not as glamorous as it seems at first glance. I have finally decided to register my oldest for our community swim team. While he is learning how to swim and learn to be a part of a team, I will be busy trying to keep my younger two kids fully occupied so that my daughter will not be tempted to take an impromptu swim.

Start time? 9:30am. The water will be cold and I will have to figure out how to hustle 3 children out of the house on time everyday for a month.

Because I'm making it sound like so much fun you're probably wondering why I'm doing this. I'm doing it because I swam when I was a kid. I was on the community swim team for five years until we moved the Summer before I entered high school. My parents enrolled me so that I would learn how to swim. My dad was a deep sea diver in the Navy and water was a part of his every day life. This was also a way for me to make friends, which was difficult for a shy, unsure wallflower.

I swam and I loved it. I knew that I wasn't the best swimmer and rarely swam in "A" meets. I was a "B" team swimmer. But I still loved it. I was a part of a team. I loved the meets. The excitement, the cheering, the water, knowing that I swam my hardest.

Till this day, swimming is my preferred method of exercise, though at this time I rarely get a chance to do it. I wanted to pass on my love for the water to my children. At this time, Boogie seems to love it the most. He loves swimming, he loves the water, and he'd spend everyday at the pool if he could. He's even asked to have a beach created in the backyard so that he could swim. So here we go.

Swim on, swim hard!

MOPs Revisited

2011-05-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to my last MOPs social event for the year. I remember my apprehension after joining the group in September. Everybody looked so well put together and I had barely made it on time. I had two kids and was pregnant with the third. I had clean hair, but could not find my hair brush and I was dressed very, very casually.

After spending 9 months with these ladies, I am happy to say that I'm glad that I joined the group. I had been looking for a playgroup, Mom's group for quite some time before I was able to join MOPs. At first I was intimidated by the group because the group looked...well...liked they stepped out of a "perfect mother" billboard. I barely had it together and they looked relaxed and happy and I felt so discombobulated.

But as time wore on and I went to the meetings, I really enjoyed my time there. I was able to put my kids in childcare and didn't have to worry. I always felt refreshed after listening to a speaker and spending time with the girls in my group. I was able to relate to them better than I thought I would. We had a few good laughs and I felt that I could tackle my day so much better. I connected with the ladies on a spiritual level. It was nice to be able to ask for prayer or to offer prayer support for someone else. As this year's director said repeatedly, "This is your time to be loved on." And it was. It was a time where I could have breakfast and conversation with another mom without having to worry if my kids were eating or helping them with their food. It was a time for me to make a craft or just sit and talk to someone. It was a great break in my week.

After Bam Bam's arrival the group coordinated meals to be delivered to our house to help us with the transition. It was a huge help and blessing to us. My husband couldn't believe that people who didn't even know us were coming over to drop off meals for us so that we didn't have to worry about cooking and we could concentrate on the kids or I could get squeeze in a nap in the afternoon without having to worry about "what's for dinner" when hubby had to go back to work.

I was very blessed to find these ladies. I know that I didn't meet everyone this year, but I look forward to making some new friendships in the Fall.

Happy 3 Months, Bam Bam!

2011-05-16T16:56:00.000-04:00

Bam Bam at 3 months old

Bam Bam turned three months old last week. The time is flying and I marvel at how big he is getting and his awareness of all the things around him. I delight in his giggles (he started giggling on Thursday, May 5), his smiles and his new found "talking."

Bug is still my biggest helper when it comes to Bam Bam. She is ever ready to provide a diaper or to throw one away. She checks on him and I often find small dolls next to him when he is sleeping. He currently has a soft one in his co-sleeper that she left for him so that he wouldn't become lonely.

He is definitely the one that looks most like me in coloring with dark hair and dark brown eyes. He is the most Asian looking of my babies (I'm half Filipino). The other two have the light brown hair and light eyes of their daddy. Though, Bug had dark hair and it became blonde/light brown after a few months. I don't know if it will happen with Bam Bam. It hasn't happened yet, so I don't think so.

His favorite people are Mama, Daddy, Boogie, Buggy, and whoever happens to be holding him (though not necessarily in that order). I suspect that Buggy is his favorite person because she is the one that pays attentions to him the most. After I've nursed him and set him down in his seat, she'll bring a blanket over and sit next to him. She talks to him all the time, brings him toys, and summons me when she thinks he needs extra attention (of course, I'm always nearby and he's never alone!). Buggy's name makes him smile and he is happy to have her so close. She is the little Mama that helps him and he loves her so much.

It is confirmed (through my diet) that he has a dairy sensitivity. After giving up dairy for almost two weeks and accidentally having a meal that had dairy in it (who knew bread crumbs had dairy?) which resulted in a very unhappy baby, I've diagnosed him (with my motherhood degree) that he has a dairy sensitivity.

But now that we've discovered the source of his copious amount of spit-up and unhappiness and have rectified the situation we are once again blessed with a happy, happy baby.

Mama has learned to juggle just enough to get Boogs to preschool, dinner on the table, Bug to dance class, and Boogs to t-ball. I'm still learning the art of juggling. Unfortunately some things don't get done, but I'm learning to be okay with it. Though I think Hubby is starting to notice that I've neglected the house for the last week ;) He hasn't complained and I doubt he will, but I know that I should have things a little more organized.

But we're happy. Who could ask for more?

My Parents Call Me...

2011-05-10T13:50:00.000-04:00

I took Boogs to his kindergarten orientation last week. I was feeling some trepidation as I was gearing myself up to take him. I made sure that I had all of his paperwork in order and (oh, my!) there is a lot of it. I was worried how he would do, but I shouldn't have. He was just fine and so was I.

However, I now know that with kindergarten, there means there are no more secrets! The parents were escorted to a kindergarten classroom to wait for our children who were in another room getting to know the teachers. While I was waiting, one of the staff members calls me over. I knew C. from when I was teacher and we had worked together at another school. She starts laughing and tells me what's going on in the other room.

Teacher: What is your name?
Boogie: W.
Teacher: Do you have nickname?
Boogie: My cousins call me "W" but my parents call my Booger
Teacher: Your parents call you Bug? Buggy?
Boogie: No. Booger. They call me Booger.
Teacher: Are you sure?
Boogie: Yes. It's because I had a lot of boogers in my nose when I was a baby.

Teacher: When is your birthday?
B: March 29th.
Teacher: When is your birthday?
B: I think I already told you that.

When C. told me, I about died! My face turned red and while I'm laughing with her, I am horrified at the same time. Yes, I call him Boogie. And yes, it's because he had a lot of boogies when he was a baby. But it's not a name that we call him in public anymore, unless you count reading this blog. I think I have to come up with another pseudonym for him.

I'm not thrilled with the way that he answered the second question either. I'm a little worried that my dear soon-to-be kindergartner will be that overly precocious kid. The one that the teachers just sigh at whenever he speaks. Teacher friends, you know the ones I'm talking about!

I'm also pretty sure that I'm already labeled as that parent. You know the pita kind (pain in the a**). I was asked if I was already back at work after having my baby. I said no and that I had just resigned from the county as a teacher. All four kindergarten teachers looked at one another and lifted their eyebrows. All right so now I'm the PITA parent with the precocious kid.

Kindergarten will be just fine...as long as I realize there are no secrets in kindergarten. Doh!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T11:55:00.000-04:00

My trio--The Reasons I am a Happy Mama

With the help of my hubby I had a pretty fabulous Mother's Day. We celebrated my nephew's first communion on Saturday and having already attended Mass I was able to sleep in on Mother's Day. I was able to snooze a little longer while Hubby took our early-to-rise Bug to the grocery store. While Bug and Hubby were gone, Boogie woke up and snuggled with me. We listened to a book on CD while we snuggled on the the couch and Bam Bam slept.

We had a yummy dairy free breakfast. Afterwards, I was able to relax and crochet Boogie's blanket. This is the first Sunday in four that we have not had an event to attend. While I relaxed and crocheted, Hubby took the big kids in the backyard with him. While he worked on the garden and the kids played around him, Bam Bam and I hung out together. I did not crochet as much as I wanted to because somebody was hungry and I spent a lot of time nursing. But Bam Bam and I were able to hang out and I enjoyed the relative peace, knowing that my kids were happy and playing and Mama was able to just sit with no agenda.

At one point in the afternoon all three kids took a nap at the same time! I know, amazing! They napped and I followed suit and napped at the same time. Hubby puttered around the house and made dinner. As they started to get up, I was told to stay upstairs while they worked. I was given my crochet bag so I could crochet and relax.

The weather was gorgeous and Hubby set out our patio furniture so that we could eat al fresco. Just beautiful. I was given my beautiful Mother's Day cards and a gorgeous bracelet to represent Bam Bam. Following the birth of each child, on Mother's Day I have been presented with a piece of jewelry that represents that child's birth. On my first Mother's Day I was given an earring and necklace set with Boogie's birthstone. On the Mother's Day following Buggy's birth I was given opal earrings. This year, a beautiful amethyst bracelet. I'm one lucky Mama.

Per my request, we left after dinner to attend a rosary and candlelight vigil. Unfortunately, a late-term abortionist was performing abortions on Mother's Day. We stayed to say a prayer for the unborn, for the mothers, and for the doctor.

As I looked at my beautiful family, I realized how truly I have been blessed by the presence of my own children in my life. I am so truly blessed to have my family. A friend wrote on her FB status: "When children are born, you give them life. From that moment on they give you life." I couldn't have said it better.

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Sleepy Time

2011-05-04T09:37:00.000-04:00

Bam Bam spends a lot of time in his baby papasan. We call it his rumble seat. It actually vibrates and plays music to soothe the baby, but none of my children liked the vibrations or the music. So its just an expensive seat. Sometimes he'll take a snooze in it. When he does I put a blanket on top of him. One time when I looked I saw that Buggy had placed her baby, Lorelai, in the seat next to him to keep him company. Sweet love from Mama's little helper.

Back in the Saddle

2011-05-03T14:17:00.000-04:00

I went back into the saddle today and took my first spin class since being put on modified rest during my pregnancy. I dug deep and decided to go for it. I called in last night to reserve my seat. The kids woke up super early this morning at 6am and I figured that there was no excuse to not go. So I did!

I made sure to sign up to take the class with my favorite instructor. I like her teaching style and she knows my abilities and limitations. It makes for an easier class when you're not having to explain that you are not going as fast or as hard as everyone else because you just had a baby. Because she knows each of her students so well she has been known to yell out modified instructions for those of us who need it. She wants us to push it, but not overdo it.

Now that Bam Bam is 11 weeks old, I feel like it's time to get it into gear. I see myself in pictures or in the mirror and I'm like, "Oh, no. That has got to go!" Of course I realize it took me 9 months to gain the weight and it may take me that long to take it off. But at the same time, I need to be more cognizant of what I'm eating. With Boogs, I never lost all of the baby weight. With Bug I lost all of the baby weight, but it took me 19 months to do it. I am determined to lose baby weight faster.

My husband will a groomsmen in a wedding for his college roommate. My husband will look hot in his suit and I certainly do not want to be the dowdy wife. So I am determined to lose the baby weight. But I will do it healthily. I'll work out and eat healthily. I will definitely not starve myself. I can't. I'm a nursing Mama, and I want Bam Bam to stay healthy. I've already had to cut out an entire food group because it bothers Bam Bam's tummy. Now I have to look for other alternatives to supplement the loss of the dairy I'm no longer consuming.

But with that said, I was nervous about starting up my workout routines. But now that I have, I already feel better. Here's to a healthier me in 2011!

Bam Bam is 2 (and a half!) months old

2011-05-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

Things have been so busy that I didn't do my monthly update on Bam Bam. He's already 2 1/2 months old. But this is his actual 2 month birthday picture.

Bam Bam has been a delight. He loves being near his siblings and he loves when they pay attention, smile, and talk to him. Bam Bam's second month of life was celebrated with a "Welcome Party" by his aunties. It was nice to show him off to family and ooooh and ahhhh over the sweet gifts he was given. One of my favorites was a blanket that was made during the party. My sister-in-law chose the fleece and cut out each of the squares. At the party everyone tied them together to make a beautiful, colorful blanket that he can lay on and grab the fringe created by the knots.

It was during his second month that I was thrown into figuring out how to handle three children on my own while my Hubby was away on business for a week. I had a lot of help, but I will say that if we have any future children, my husband cannot leave on business until after the baby is at least 6 months old!

Bam Bam has fallen into a schedule. He sleeps for 3-4 hours at a time and is awake more often. He loves his swing and will readily sleep in it. He likes to sleep between the time that we take Boogie to preschool and about the time Boogie comes home. He eats and sits with me and then naps while I make dinner. In the morning he wakes up when Daddy gets ready for work and likes to spend that extra one-on-one time with Daddy while he can.

I can't believe how quickly he is growing! He smiles everyday and loves when Mama talks to him :)

Almost Wordless Wednesday: I Wanna Hold Him!

2011-04-27T21:08:00.000-04:00

Bug has been enamored with her new baby brother since before he was born. She often demands: "I wanna hoooooold him." The other week while Hubby was gone on business, I managed to catch this sweet moment when Bugs demanded to "hoooooold" her baby brother.

I love Buggy's smile in this picture

I love Bam Bam's smile in this one. It's like he's saying, "Oh yeah, life is good."

Now we're just humoring mommy

One Down

2011-04-26T16:39:00.000-04:00

I am doing a happy dance. Finally, finally, my eldest is nighttime dry. This journey has been two years coming and he has finally done it! It's like a switch flicked on and now he is dry all the time! I am no longer doing loads and loads of laundry because of sheets. (Although I am doing loads and loads of laundry because Bam Bam spits up a ton and all the time so there's that issue).

I don't know how it happened. A few days after his 5th birthday he was dry at night and he was dry consistently. He's out of nighttime pull-ups and wearing underwear to bed. I know that it has bothered him a great deal that he couldn't stay dry, but now he is and it's just one more step into him becoming older and more mature.

So I have one of the three completely out of diapers/pull-ups. I'm working on number two. Buggy is working in the right direction, however, has found that having an "accident" gets attention from Mommy faster than anything else. (I know, sad). She's working on it and I know that she can stay dry because we have been on play dates, errands, and family gatherings outside of our house and she has used the bathroom like a big girl. I would like to think that by Summer time she'll be daytime dry consistently and will go to the bathroom on her own. Right now I'm still checking on her and (strongly) encouraging her to use the bathroom. Her favorite places are those that have a Buggy sized potty. She thinks they're "cute."

So here's to one down! Yippee!
p.s. I will admit that I find potty-training to be the most loathsome daily chore in parenthood. But one down! Woohoo!

1st Family Photo

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-04:00

I realized yesterday that we have not taken a family photo with all five of us in it. I have several pictures of the all 3 kids together, pictures with Daddy and the kids, pictures of me with at least one of the kids, including our new addition, but none of us all together. Yesterday we were all dressed in our fancy duds for Easter and we forgot our camera in the car. Fortunately a family at church took our picture with their camera and sent it to me. So here we are:

Our First Family Picture

Seems appropriate that the Discombobulated Mommy not only forgot to take a picture with all of us in our fancy duds, but missed my opportunity to take even one photo (with my own camera) of my children in their Easter outfits yesterday. *sigh* I'll get it together one of these days :)

Little Man, Big Bed

2011-04-21T10:03:00.000-04:00

We have a king sized bed. It's been great...especially as I tend to be ginormous when I'm pregnant. It gives me enough room to turn when needed. It also fits our entire family when need be...especially for those sleepless nights for the little ones or when we watch a family movie in bed, complete with popcorn. The first night I was home from the hospital with Bam Bam, we decided to have a picnic dinner on our bed. Hubby spread out a picnic blanket and we ate picnic style. The kids loved that special treat.

Below is a picture of our little man enjoying the big bed with out the other kids :)

Trying to Find those Darn Big Girl Pants...Again!

2011-04-19T20:14:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday, Bam Bam turned 9 weeks old. That same day Hubby had to leave for a week on business. I'd like to say that I finally put on the "big girl" pants and handled myself just fine that week. I mean really, I'm an adult, I should be able to handle 3 children on my own. I do it on a daily basis anyway...just because Hubby is gone at night, does not mean I should not be able to do it on my own.

Um, yeah, right. I keep forgetting that lack of sleep comes with having a newborn. If it weren't for my parents, my best friend, and my sister-in-law coming to visit at various times during the week I think the week would have been that much tougher. I held it together until Wednesday, which is about par for the course. It helped that on Sunday and Tuesday nights my parents provided dinner and then bathed the big kids. They even tucked in and said prayers with them while I nursed the baby. During the day on Tuesday my BFF came over, provided lunch, and provided me some much needed adult time where talked about a ton of stuff and caught up (Thanks, J!) Unfortunately, on Wednesday, I lost my "big girl" pants. I think I lost them sometime around the time Buggy decided to start peeing on the floor. And no, it wasn't an "oops," it was "I see you're nursing the baby and can't give me attention so I'm going to make you give me attention." By the third time I was done. I was completely exhausted from the lack of sleep (I can't swaddle worth a darn and the baby loves being swaddled. Every time he broke out of his swaddle he would wake up. We both slept poorly last week) and irritated with her attention getting antics.

I called Hubby after the kids went down for the night and I hate to admit it, but I was crying. I sobbed on the phone about the unfairness of being left alone with 3 kids and with one of them being an infant. I sobbed about the difficulty of potty-training and trying to get things done. I sobbed about the lack of sleep. In all honesty, the baby was a dream except for not sleeping at night. Boogie was pretty good most of the time. It was my darling middle child. But I should clarify that I found out after the fact that she had another ear infection, she was getting in her 2 year old molars, she's potty-training, she was missing her daddy, and she's still trying to figure out where she fits in the world. Plus I had spent the previous two weeks pretty much trapped in the house with the kids because Buggy had a stomach bug and the following week, Boogie got it. And then Hubby was gone. I kind of felt trapped for 3 weeks.

After a healthy cry and some ranting, things looked up on Thursday. It helped tremendously that my SIL came over for a playdate and I was able to vent and share my misgivings about how I handled Buggy the previous day. She gave me a few suggestions and listened. She also gave me 30 minutes to myself when she watched Buggy and Bam Bam when I picked up Boogie from school. It was the first time I had been completely alone for days and it was nice to have that time to be by myself (Thanks, L!)

It was completely unfair for me to call my husband and rant. There was nothing he could do. He was hundreds of miles away and he had to go for his job. And his job allows me to stay home with the kids.

I just wish it was easier when he was gone...now to find those "big girl" pants again...

Do You Coupon?

2011-04-07T19:51:00.000-04:00

Last night I was intrigued by TLC's show Extreme Couponing. I watched in amazement as each person was able to buy hundreds of dollars worth of items and saving more than 90% on their purchases.

When we first married I tried couponing. But I was buying things that we didn't use right away and I certainly didn't pair them with any sales so was I really saving money? My husband didn't think so, so I gave up on it.

However, since becoming a SAHM, I decided to try my hand at it again. I'm certainly not saving hundreds to thousands of dollars as the couponing queens, but I'm happy when I don't buy something at full price. There are a few times that I have been able to purchase children's clothing by buying something on sale while using my $10 off coupon and spending less than $5 on a quality clothes. I was able to buy a nice children's 3-in-1 jacket for less than $5 for my son's winter jacket that he wore this year and will probably be able to wear next winter as well. Not bad.

Now in watching the show, I saw that these coupon dynamos have ginormous stashes of various items. I don't have the room to store all of these items, but I'm wondering if they aren't onto something. I actually looked at the coupons that came in my weekly local paper. I also looked at one store's sale circular, if I had the time, I might be able to save a few dollars here and there. I might give it a try.

Do you coupon? Do you think it's worth it? Thoughts?

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Bliss

2011-04-06T20:52:00.000-04:00

One of the cutest things I've ever seen is when my children are on their belly busy coloring. I especially when their little feet go up in the air. It's so natural and so peaceful. Here is my sweet Bug busy coloring before dinner the other night. Note her feet. Love, love, love!!!

Busy coloring before dinner. LOVE HER!

Graceful

His Grace is Sufficient for Me

2011-04-05T12:27:00.000-04:00

I officially resigned from teaching in our local public school system last month. It was a huge decision, yet at the same time, a somewhat easy decision to make. I knew that I wanted nothing more than to be home with my kids. I now have three and I love being home with each of them.

But the decision to stay home full-time also put a little more stress on me as I worried about our finances. When I first started my family leave three years ago I was thrilled to be home with Boogie while expecting Buggy to make her debut. However, that first year was a rough one. My husband, who wanted nothing more than to support my decision, was stressing about our finances. There were often talks about what expenses (if any) we could cut out or about him getting a second job so that I wouldn't work. Hubby was very stressed about money, but didn't want to stress me out so we didn't talk about it in depth, but you could still feel the tension as he worried about making it possible for me to stay home full time. (Have I mentioned that I have an absolutely fabulous husband? I do, and I'm so grateful for him).

We survived the first year without my income and my husband relaxed a little bit. I renewed my leave for another year, but I was still worried. That year we received a blessing in the form of an unexpected inheritance from a great-great aunt. It was just the amount we needed to pay off our property taxes for the year. We survived another year without my income. This past year was a little tough and Hubby and I looked over our finances and had to make some decisions of what to cut out. We realized that food was a huge expense (going out, more specifically). We went out for food as a convenience. Stopping at the food court while at the mall, a stop at our favorite fast food restaurant on the home from practice or class, lunch at Hubby's work is less than $5 (but can add up over time), etc. and so forth. Our "going out" expense is an easy one to cut out and while we still go out now and again, I think whether or not it's worth it before satisfying any cravings. I have also been more cognizant of my purchases and have used coupons when I can. We're definitely doing better.

Since I've put in my paperwork to resign I sometimes wonder if I have shot my family in the foot financially. But I also remember that God has provided for us, year after year, in one form or another. I also have to remember that we're never given more than we can handle. Sometimes it's hard to put my faith and trust in God because he's not a tangible being. But nonetheless I pray. I pray because I've seen His Grace and Goodness in my life and in the life of others. I also trust. I trust that He will take care of us.

Once again I have found that His Grace is sufficient for me. My husband has been blessed with a promotion at work that included a slight pay bump. Enough for me to realize, yet again, that I have made the right decision to stay home for as long as is good for our family and that we'll be able to make this work for us, again.

Each year I grow in confidence that my staying home is the right thing for our family. I thank God for His Grace as I spend another year home with my sweet babies.

Boogie Turns 5!

2011-04-04T11:08:00.000-04:00

Last week my eldest child turned five years old. I can't believe how quickly time flies. When did he get so big?

We started the morning with singing to Boogie while he was still in bed. He had a huge smile on his face and asked for"fancy" toast (french toast). He asked for fancy toast with a Night Fury outlined in chocolate chips. I did the best that I could and he was pretty happy with it. Buggy asked for a gronckle on hers. They happily ate their french toast. Since I told Boogie that he could do just about anything that day he requested watching his favorite movie, "How to Train Your Dragon." He watched his movie, and then we got ready for preschool.

Boogs brought cookies and juice boxes to share with his classmates to celebrate his birthday. It was also singing day and Hubby came home early from work so that he could watch Boogie sing with his class. Boogs was so excited to have all of us there and we loved being there for him.

After we came home we played several sessions of Mario Kart. Being his birthday we allowed him to play as many games as he wanted before we opened presents.

Our house is now filled with all sorts of dragons. Boogie loves dragons and was and is very excited to have a bunch in our house. He thinks that there isn't enough appreciation for dragons and will happily tell anyone within in listening distance about all the different types of dragons. My parents came over before going out to dinner and gave Boogs a new & shiny red balance bike. It just so happened we recently listened to Henry and Beezus on audio book and Henry Huggins really, really wanted a shiny, new red bicycle. It was coincidence that Henry wanted a red bike and Boogie received one for his birthday. But it made it all that much cooler.

After tearing Boogs away from his presents, we all went out to dinner at Boog's favorite restaurant. Boogie was so cute when he ordered his meal, "May I please have one of your corn dogs? May I also have some of your fries?" were surprised to find out that the large bird "Red" of Red Robin would also be there. Boogs and Bugs were so excited when he came over to say hi. Boogie's birthday was getting better and better.

The icing on the cake was at the end of the night when Boogie said, "This was the best birthday ever." He also thanked us all week for giving him a fun birthday and for all of his gifts. It was so sweet, especially since we hadn't even had a party yet. His birthday day was just a simple day of having fun and celebrating Boogs, yet he absolutely LOVED it. It's so nice when the simple things can make my kids happy.

We did have a party this weekend celebrating with our extended family. Simple, fun, and perfect.

Happy, happy birthday, Boogie! You make our lives better with your smile and laughter. You amaze me every day with your love. We are so blessed to have you in our lives and you make the world a better place. Thank you for giving me the best title in the world, "Mommy" and giving me the best job I have ever had, being your mommy. I love you more than you will ever know. I love you, my precious Boogie Monster!

Today Was a Plus!

2011-03-28T20:27:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how sleep will affect a person. After having a few rough days last week, our Bam Bam blessed us with a solid 8 hours on Friday night. I don't know if he was just as exhausted as I was or if the double swaddling worked, but he slept and so did we. Thank goodness! He has yet to repeat that performance, but I am grateful he did it at least once. Yippee!

Today was a good day. Even though Hubby was back at work and I don't have my carpool this week, I managed to get a nap. The kids and I had a good morning, despite the fact that Bug was sick and had thrown up all over sheets. Fortunately she did it early in the morning when Daddy was still home and he was able to clean up the mess, throw the sheets in the wash, and change her sheets. I don't know if it's because she might have another ear infection, a stomach bug, or something else. But it was just the once and hopefully no more.

I even managed to make it to the store to pick up cookies and juice boxes for Boogie's class to celebrate his birthday tomorrow. When we got home, Bug took a nap, Bam Bam slept, and then we picked up Boogie from preschool.

I managed to get a nap in the afternoon and make dinner. The house still looks like a tornado went through it, but I'm still standing and in a good mood. All I need to do is wrap presents for my favorite Boogie Monster, feed the baby one more time, and head to bed. We have a busy and fun day tomorrow!