So, I only have about 7 1/2 more weeks, give or take a few until our new baby arrives. I've been saying the due date is around March 20th, but we all know babies don't always come on time. I've got a pretty good track record so far though, as I went into labor 4 days before Emilio's due date and had him two days early. My water broke the night before Gabi's due date and I had her on her due date. I'm hoping this baby decides to arrive right on his/her due date as well. My mom has the last week of March off and will be available to help me and the kiddos out for the whole week. Unfortunately John's last day of spring break ends the day the baby is due. He'll skip class though if baby arrives that next week. Anyway, it is all in the Lord's hands.
I met my new doctor today. I adored my other ob, but she is due to have her second in February and so, she won't be delivering mine in March. I really liked her, but I'm used to not having my ob deliver my babies. My ob in ABQ wasn't on call when I had Emilio, and my ob in Chicago was stuck in traffic on Lake Shore Drive when I had Gabi. Anyway, the new doctor was great today. He was very easy to talk with and seemed like a great guy. He's young and has a daughter around Gabi's age too.
While I was talking with him in the office today Gabi got into my purse (Emilio was at preschool) and applied my red lipstick all over her face. The Dr. and I got some good chuckles when she turned around. He got some wet tissues for me to wipe it off and I convinced Gabi it wasn't her color. I suggested she go with her Hello Kitty sparkle chapstick next time instead. Oh, I so wish I had pictures of her from today. :)
Anyway, baby #3 is sounding good and growing well, and we are getting so excited to meet our new little guy or gal soon. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
messy art and Sandra Boynton
Last night the kids did some finger/sponge painting while I made dinner. It was a messy art time, but they had lots of fun. Here are some pix of them creating......
I had to wipe down both of them, the tables, floor, chairs, etc after they were done with their masterpieces, but it kept them busy for quite awhile.
Today I found Gabi sound asleep at nap like this,
What's with her and the Sandra Boynton books?
I had to wipe down both of them, the tables, floor, chairs, etc after they were done with their masterpieces, but it kept them busy for quite awhile.
Today I found Gabi sound asleep at nap like this,
What's with her and the Sandra Boynton books?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
California
This past Friday my Dad (he had driven up to Seattle the night before), the kids and I took a plane to Oakland, CA to visit my grandparents. Dad had found some reasonable Southwest tickets and thought it would be nice for my Nonno (Italian for grandfather) and Nanna to see the kids. It had been about two years since they last saw them. It is difficult for my Nonno to travel now as he had a major stroke a year ago November. He's made incredible progress, but traveling is still a little difficult.
The kids got a kick out of flying. They are so clueless to the fact that they've been on an airplane more than many adults we know in their little lifetime, they just don't remember it since it was when they were even younger and we lived further away.
Anyway, we had such a nice time visiting my grandparents this weekend. My Uncle John and Aunt Kathe also drove down from Northern Cali to spend the weekend with us. My cousin Rachel who now lives in San Fran spent part of Saturday with us, and my Cousin Ted who is home from Hawaii for awhile came by as well. It was so nice catching up with everyone and letting the kids have a chance to get to know some of my Dad's side of the family.
Friday night was a little rough in the hotel though. Gabi slept in the bed with me and even though I had put a pillow next to her to keep her from falling, she still managed to take a nasty dive in the middle of the night, hitting her head on the heater. Poor thing cried off and on for an hour and half after that, asking if we could go home to "Mama's house," and "sleep in my bed." Dad and I didn't get much sleep that night with all her fussing as she didn't fall back asleep until about 3 a.m., and then she had to be totally spooning me the rest of the night because she was so paranoid about falling. As you can imagine, it wasn't very comfortable with me in my pregnant state with her tiny little "heater" body next to mine. Emilio slept through it all thankfully, but I know my Dad had to deal with the wiggle worm's feet in his face and sides throughout the night.
On Saturday, we went and fed the ducks at Lake Merritt and then to Children's Fairyland . Pictures from Sat. will have to come later from my aunt's camera, as my batteries were dead. I'm also looking forward to getting some of the photos my Uncle John (who is a professional wildlife photographer) took of my kiddos, he caught some great ones!
That night we had torta, salami, lasagna and bread from our favorite Italian delicatessen, Genova. Delicious! Saturday night was a much better sleep in the hotel. I ended up having Gabi sleep in a playpen and she was fine with that. We all slept well that night.
On Sunday we were able to make it back over to Nonno & Nanna's apartment for breakfast before having to say our goodbyes and head to the airport. Besides being shoved repeatedly by a rude couple as I was boarding, and dealing with the grossness of their child throwing up multiple times across from us while we were in flight, our trip home was fine.
I'm so thankful that we had a chance to go down to California to see family before I'm no longer able to travel for awhile. The kids and I also had a great time just hanging with my Dad.
The kids with their Nonno (my dad) and their Starbucks drinks, thanks to him.
Checking out the airplanes
Nanna reading a story to Emilio & Gabi
Snuggling with her bisnonno (great grandfather) while watching Horton Hears a Who.
Getting a Pony Ride from Uncle John
Giddy up Cowboy!
Dad, Nonno, Nanna, the kids and I
Bisnonno & Bisnanna with the great grandkids
The kids got a kick out of flying. They are so clueless to the fact that they've been on an airplane more than many adults we know in their little lifetime, they just don't remember it since it was when they were even younger and we lived further away.
Anyway, we had such a nice time visiting my grandparents this weekend. My Uncle John and Aunt Kathe also drove down from Northern Cali to spend the weekend with us. My cousin Rachel who now lives in San Fran spent part of Saturday with us, and my Cousin Ted who is home from Hawaii for awhile came by as well. It was so nice catching up with everyone and letting the kids have a chance to get to know some of my Dad's side of the family.
Friday night was a little rough in the hotel though. Gabi slept in the bed with me and even though I had put a pillow next to her to keep her from falling, she still managed to take a nasty dive in the middle of the night, hitting her head on the heater. Poor thing cried off and on for an hour and half after that, asking if we could go home to "Mama's house," and "sleep in my bed." Dad and I didn't get much sleep that night with all her fussing as she didn't fall back asleep until about 3 a.m., and then she had to be totally spooning me the rest of the night because she was so paranoid about falling. As you can imagine, it wasn't very comfortable with me in my pregnant state with her tiny little "heater" body next to mine. Emilio slept through it all thankfully, but I know my Dad had to deal with the wiggle worm's feet in his face and sides throughout the night.
On Saturday, we went and fed the ducks at Lake Merritt and then to Children's Fairyland . Pictures from Sat. will have to come later from my aunt's camera, as my batteries were dead. I'm also looking forward to getting some of the photos my Uncle John (who is a professional wildlife photographer) took of my kiddos, he caught some great ones!
That night we had torta, salami, lasagna and bread from our favorite Italian delicatessen, Genova. Delicious! Saturday night was a much better sleep in the hotel. I ended up having Gabi sleep in a playpen and she was fine with that. We all slept well that night.
On Sunday we were able to make it back over to Nonno & Nanna's apartment for breakfast before having to say our goodbyes and head to the airport. Besides being shoved repeatedly by a rude couple as I was boarding, and dealing with the grossness of their child throwing up multiple times across from us while we were in flight, our trip home was fine.
I'm so thankful that we had a chance to go down to California to see family before I'm no longer able to travel for awhile. The kids and I also had a great time just hanging with my Dad.
The kids with their Nonno (my dad) and their Starbucks drinks, thanks to him.
Checking out the airplanes
Nanna reading a story to Emilio & Gabi
Snuggling with her bisnonno (great grandfather) while watching Horton Hears a Who.
Getting a Pony Ride from Uncle John
Giddy up Cowboy!
Dad, Nonno, Nanna, the kids and I
Bisnonno & Bisnanna with the great grandkids
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Faith like a Child
So the kids had been on eachother's nerves all afternoon. Emilio would call Gabi names. She would then freak out and start crying, "I'm not a ________ (pink poo poo, or whatever he came up with at that instance), I'm Gabriela." I was really on my last nerve with them. Her shreaking isn't pleasant to hear either (and I have encouraged her to use her words instead of freaking out).
Anyway, my energy has really started to wane in the afternoons/evenings what without John around, and being this far in my pregnancy. I kept giving empty threats to Emilio about the name calling throughout the evening, and finally after dinner and the umpteenth time of this brotherly/sister exchange, I knew I needed to buck up and follow through. Note to self: I probably should have followed through the first time around, but well, you know that's not always easy.
When Emilio finally said something again that was unkind, I told him he wasn't getting a cookie for dessert (and he was missing out as these were homemade chocolate chip, peanut butter chip, toffee crunch, everything but the kitchen sink oatmeal cookies that Emilio had helped me bake the other day). Well, as you can imagine, he wasn't too happy about it and immediatly put on his grinch face. He walked away for a little while after some pleading and begging to no avail. When he returned he told me.....
"Mom, I just prayed that you wouldn't get a treat tonight either."
Me: "Oh really, well usually when we pray for people we try and pray nice things for them."
Emilio: "Well, I just know Jesus is going to help me out here."
I couldn't help but giggle inside. He really does have a strong faith if he thinks Jesus is going to help punish Mommy for him.
Anyway, my energy has really started to wane in the afternoons/evenings what without John around, and being this far in my pregnancy. I kept giving empty threats to Emilio about the name calling throughout the evening, and finally after dinner and the umpteenth time of this brotherly/sister exchange, I knew I needed to buck up and follow through. Note to self: I probably should have followed through the first time around, but well, you know that's not always easy.
When Emilio finally said something again that was unkind, I told him he wasn't getting a cookie for dessert (and he was missing out as these were homemade chocolate chip, peanut butter chip, toffee crunch, everything but the kitchen sink oatmeal cookies that Emilio had helped me bake the other day). Well, as you can imagine, he wasn't too happy about it and immediatly put on his grinch face. He walked away for a little while after some pleading and begging to no avail. When he returned he told me.....
"Mom, I just prayed that you wouldn't get a treat tonight either."
Me: "Oh really, well usually when we pray for people we try and pray nice things for them."
Emilio: "Well, I just know Jesus is going to help me out here."
I couldn't help but giggle inside. He really does have a strong faith if he thinks Jesus is going to help punish Mommy for him.
Monday, January 19, 2009
They've got a crowd
Yesterday before church the kids kept talking about having a race. I wasn't sure what they meant by that and even more confused at why they were bringing every stuffed animal they own downstairs. After seeing the following scene, I realized they were setting up the stands, they needed spectatators!
They looked so cute in their pj's with their crowd of "friends." I'm not sure if the race ever did take place, but they sure had a good turnout yesterday nontheless.
Also check out my food blog. I know it has been forever since I last updated it, but I did add links to two great new recipes I've tried recently.
They looked so cute in their pj's with their crowd of "friends." I'm not sure if the race ever did take place, but they sure had a good turnout yesterday nontheless.
Also check out my food blog. I know it has been forever since I last updated it, but I did add links to two great new recipes I've tried recently.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Knock, Knock.....who's there?
Gabi: Knock, Knock.
Me: Who's there?
Gabi: A pig (surprise, surprise)
Me: Pig who?
Gabi: A piggie rolling in the mud.
Emilio: Knock, Knock.
Me: Who's there?
Emilio: An old man in a bathtub.
Me: An old man in a bathtub who?
Emilio: An old man in a bathtub in California scrubbing his bottom.
Note: It doesn't surprise me that his jokes have to do with bottoms, poop, gas, etc most of the time because he usually finds all these topics really funny.
Does anyone else have to sit through not funny, and slightly strange knock knock jokes with their kids? Emilio and Gabriela find them absolutely hilarious. I put on my best fake laugh, but after the 13th time of telling the same joke, they get a little old. :)
Me: Who's there?
Gabi: A pig (surprise, surprise)
Me: Pig who?
Gabi: A piggie rolling in the mud.
Emilio: Knock, Knock.
Me: Who's there?
Emilio: An old man in a bathtub.
Me: An old man in a bathtub who?
Emilio: An old man in a bathtub in California scrubbing his bottom.
Note: It doesn't surprise me that his jokes have to do with bottoms, poop, gas, etc most of the time because he usually finds all these topics really funny.
Does anyone else have to sit through not funny, and slightly strange knock knock jokes with their kids? Emilio and Gabriela find them absolutely hilarious. I put on my best fake laugh, but after the 13th time of telling the same joke, they get a little old. :)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Little People
I thought I'd do a little update on the kiddos. They are growing so quickly, and I know come March when we have a new tiny baby around they are going to seem even bigger. I'm cherishing the time I have with them right now as I know I'll be even busier come Spring with nursing an infant, diapers, and less sleep to operate on.
One of their favorite things to do together, especially when the weather is less than desirable (although today we've seen sunshine so we can't complain at all) is building forts. Emilio usually instructs Gabi to go get necessary building items for him.....heavy books for weighing down blankets on chairs (they call them all Bibles, kind of funny), blankets and sheets, etc. Emilio usually does the heavy lifting (all the chairs, stools and small tables in our house) and configuring of the forts. He has a good idea of what he has in mind for each creative construction. Here is the latest from today.
Emilio was upset with me for taking this picture as he says they aren't finished with the fort yet. I can't imagine what else they are going to add on as they've used up every chair, stool and table on the bottom level of our house already.
We have really seen great leaps in maturity in our Emilio lately. He is still a spirited little guy, but more mindful about obeying, taking care of his toys and room, following directions...especially in his preschool and Sunday school settings. He enjoys helping bring dishes to the counter after a meal, unloading the clean utensils from the dishwasher for me (he knows where each piece goes in the drawer), taking the garbage to the garage, and protecting his sister when we are out and about (holding her hand across the street, etc). It is very sweet and he's going to be an awesome big brother to his new little bro or sis.
Emilio's favorite things to talk about right now are piranha fish, volcanoes, earthquakes, dinosaurs, and all types of insects. He has a very big appetite for knowing about all things science, and has a good memory too. We just checked out new non fiction books at the library yesterday on all these subjects and he's devouring the books (as much as one can when you don't know how to read yet). I'm glad we have the books to learn from because I think I've exhuasted all my knowledge on bugs, dinos, etc on him already.
He's getting quite good at playing his VTech VSmile Pocket Game System, building LEGOs, and swimming (he has swim lessons twice a week). Emilio also is a very thoughtful boy when it comes to praying for others. His prayers at the dinner table usually consist of;
"Dear God, Thank you for the lovely food you give us. We know not everyone has food and warm comfy beds, so please help them, and help us give some to them. Thank you Lord for all the things you give us. Amen." He really is tenderhearted.
Like all children, he has streaks of orneriness, but he's really grown a lot in the past few months.
Gabriela is looking older all of a sudden. Losing that baby look in her face, which I guess is appropriate since she won't be the baby of the family much longer. She still LOVES anything to do with pigs. She loves sitting on Daddy's lap at the computer and looking for pigs on the Internet. She squeals (much like a pig) in delight when they find pictures of pigs. John often types in this and a picture of 5 pink pigs appears as an advertisement for a pork company (sad, I know.). Anyway, Gabi also loves all the other "beautiful" animals in the world. Her list of "pretty" animals include pigs (of course), unicorns (not really of this world), butterflies, flamingos, and ladybugs. If they have pink on them or appear attractive in any way she deems them "beautiful." We picked up a book on pigs and another on butterflies yesterday at the library because of this love of hers.
Gabi is independent, but also loves snuggles. She often comes up to me and says, "I just need a hug today Mommy," and gives me a great big squeeze. She loves playing with her new dollhouse, baby stuff, and accessorizing wherever she goes. She usually has a purse stuffed with all sorts of fun trinkets in it when we go out and about. Lately when I ask Gabi if she'd like something or to do a certain activity she thinks about it and replies, "Um, I think kinda maybe not." It makes me laugh. I admire her sassiness and confidence in life (most of the time). She makes me smile.
We are so blessed with these little people in our lives.
One of their favorite things to do together, especially when the weather is less than desirable (although today we've seen sunshine so we can't complain at all) is building forts. Emilio usually instructs Gabi to go get necessary building items for him.....heavy books for weighing down blankets on chairs (they call them all Bibles, kind of funny), blankets and sheets, etc. Emilio usually does the heavy lifting (all the chairs, stools and small tables in our house) and configuring of the forts. He has a good idea of what he has in mind for each creative construction. Here is the latest from today.
Emilio was upset with me for taking this picture as he says they aren't finished with the fort yet. I can't imagine what else they are going to add on as they've used up every chair, stool and table on the bottom level of our house already.
We have really seen great leaps in maturity in our Emilio lately. He is still a spirited little guy, but more mindful about obeying, taking care of his toys and room, following directions...especially in his preschool and Sunday school settings. He enjoys helping bring dishes to the counter after a meal, unloading the clean utensils from the dishwasher for me (he knows where each piece goes in the drawer), taking the garbage to the garage, and protecting his sister when we are out and about (holding her hand across the street, etc). It is very sweet and he's going to be an awesome big brother to his new little bro or sis.
Emilio's favorite things to talk about right now are piranha fish, volcanoes, earthquakes, dinosaurs, and all types of insects. He has a very big appetite for knowing about all things science, and has a good memory too. We just checked out new non fiction books at the library yesterday on all these subjects and he's devouring the books (as much as one can when you don't know how to read yet). I'm glad we have the books to learn from because I think I've exhuasted all my knowledge on bugs, dinos, etc on him already.
He's getting quite good at playing his VTech VSmile Pocket Game System, building LEGOs, and swimming (he has swim lessons twice a week). Emilio also is a very thoughtful boy when it comes to praying for others. His prayers at the dinner table usually consist of;
"Dear God, Thank you for the lovely food you give us. We know not everyone has food and warm comfy beds, so please help them, and help us give some to them. Thank you Lord for all the things you give us. Amen." He really is tenderhearted.
Like all children, he has streaks of orneriness, but he's really grown a lot in the past few months.
Gabriela is looking older all of a sudden. Losing that baby look in her face, which I guess is appropriate since she won't be the baby of the family much longer. She still LOVES anything to do with pigs. She loves sitting on Daddy's lap at the computer and looking for pigs on the Internet. She squeals (much like a pig) in delight when they find pictures of pigs. John often types in this and a picture of 5 pink pigs appears as an advertisement for a pork company (sad, I know.). Anyway, Gabi also loves all the other "beautiful" animals in the world. Her list of "pretty" animals include pigs (of course), unicorns (not really of this world), butterflies, flamingos, and ladybugs. If they have pink on them or appear attractive in any way she deems them "beautiful." We picked up a book on pigs and another on butterflies yesterday at the library because of this love of hers.
Gabi is independent, but also loves snuggles. She often comes up to me and says, "I just need a hug today Mommy," and gives me a great big squeeze. She loves playing with her new dollhouse, baby stuff, and accessorizing wherever she goes. She usually has a purse stuffed with all sorts of fun trinkets in it when we go out and about. Lately when I ask Gabi if she'd like something or to do a certain activity she thinks about it and replies, "Um, I think kinda maybe not." It makes me laugh. I admire her sassiness and confidence in life (most of the time). She makes me smile.
We are so blessed with these little people in our lives.
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