Hello

I’ve been M.I.A. lately. Yes, but it’s all because of the holiday season and yet I  haven’t even started shopping! I am serious! I blame some of the holiday parties and gatherings, like our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party that wasn’t. Ha! Everyone, even us, forgot to get an ugly sweater. Oh well! At least we enjoyed the fight (did you see it on Saturday?!)

 

But today, it’s not too busy. I actually have somewhat of some down time (finally!) and decided to take the time during Michael’s nap to just stop by and say Hello.

 

Enjoying some morning cuddles before starting our day.

 

I always clean up his room first. This way I can sweep and mop. But after I finish and I check on him, this is what his room looks like. This is what Independent Play gives me. He loves his room!

 

…and lately, he’s been sleeping like a big boy. You should have seen me during the moment my husband took off the crib rail. I wasn’t ready. I thought he wasn’t ready. But Michael has proved me wrong.

 

This is just a snippet of what’s been going on. How are you today?

Four Day Fun!

This post has been rewritten, been saved, and opened/closed one too many times. All because my dear son has decided to embrace the “Terrible Two’s” quite early on. His tantrums are just wow! He throws himself on the floor (we have tile mind you), lays on his tummy while screaming and hides his face in his hands. I am not liking this phase of mommyhood. My parents keep telling me to ignore it while he does it since time-outs won’t work yet for him. They tell me to just ignore it while it’s happening and finally pick him up (with a hug) and talk to him, after he calms himself down, in a nice calm tone. I really hope this doesn’t last too long. Then again, they wouldn’t be the Terrible Two’s for a reason, right?

 

What my original post should have been:

 

This past weekend was a blast! Michael is still recovering from it in some ways. He is finally sleeping through the night but he has gone down to 1 nap a day. You win some, you lose some. We went to a few birthday parties, Fairy Tale Town ( a children’s story book themed park), and did some shopping at the local outlets in the city of Folsom. Every day we did something and every day we had fun.

 

My mom and brother tagged along with us (Steve, Michael, and I) to our first trip (since I was a kid) to Fairy Tale Town. Michael loved it and it seems to be a place where we will be returning all Summer long to. I can’t complain.

 

Steve at the entrance of Fairy Tale Town

 

 

Michael sitting on King Arthur’s throne in King Arthur’s Castle.

 

The Prince and I.

 

The royal men.

 

About to go down Owl’s house fro Winnie the Pooh.

 

Fetching a pail of water (Jack and Jill.)

 

Did I ever mention that I love trees?!

 

My husband posing with the hippo water fountain.

 

 

 

 

Riding one of Cinderella’s horses. Errr, mice, right?

 

Little dude decided he wanted to get his flirt on’ at the Crooked House after the Crooked Mile.

 

Daddy and Michael walking the Crooked Mile.

 

“Daddy, how’d I do?”

 

 

Michael’s First Birthday

You know, I had this giant idea of what Michael’s First Birthday would totally be like. Did it happen that way? No. Did everyone attend? No. But you know what? All of those people who mattered did, and that is what is really important. I didn’t get to enjoy my son’s first birthday because I was so stressed out over every single detail and getting everything so perfect.  I should have just followed one of the Golden Rules in life—Keep It Simple Stupid. There are reasons why cliches are always around….because they are true!

So how did it go? According to everyone that did go (and by that I mean our usual group of friends and our immediate family members, which I should have just planned for like I normally do), it was a blast! We had cupcakes, and old fashion Carne Asada, jump houses, balloons, birthday songs, goodie bags, and a game of Apples to Apples. After all of the “grown-ups” left (and by that I mean our parents, ha ha!) the drinking commenced and that’s when we played Apples to Apples---twas fun! We even had a round or two in the bounce house which was loads of fun.  Maybe that was my lesson this weekend, to always remember that keeping it simple works!

 

Here’s us in the bounce house enjoying our time.

 

The Birthday Boy.

 

A lot of this was going on.

 

See?

 

My husband consoling Michael after we sang and clapped to “Happy Birthday.”

 

The mommy <3

"Bath time!"

Someone seems to like bath time so much that even the bathroom sink will suffice!

My little monster

A new year, a new start.

Michael and I were each others dates last night. Hubby had to work late night and so it was just Michael and I. We hung out, watched "Junior" (that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito movie), then off to bed. Steve came home around 3:30am and then by 7:30am, let me sleep in. After only a few hours of sleep he should have been the one to sleep in, but I was given that gift! I love my husband :) Later on we ran some errands, had some Wingstop for dinner and now are at home being lazy. What a wonderful day and a nice way to start off the year :)

A mini photo dump.

 Michael's first Christmas came and went. We did good this year. He was given a lot of toys by his family and he also gave a few of them out. I know he's only 9 months old, but he seemed to really enjoy this new yearly tradition.  Also, I think he looked quite adorable in his red H&M sweater with white collared shirt and tie. It was a hit!

 Michael has finally learned to stand up....and eat his crib. This is one of those things we end up waking up to and or walking into his room.

This is what happens when we choose the Flash option on our camera. He loves taking pictures, but he hates the flash. Squinty baby.

Changes.

It's been a while since I last posted. Then again, a lot has changed. Michael is older, the seasons are changing, and we have new people in our lives. Not only are those changes new, but maybe you can see Michael's slight change? Michael got his first trimmed. I originally wano itted to wait until Michael was a year old and in some way, I still do. However, I didn't think a trim to the sides and the hair in front would change his look at all--boy was I wrong! It doesn't look like "Michael" anymore, this one is a bit more polished--Michael, my Michael is a wild and fun baby. It will take time to get used to it. I kind of like it, yet kind of miss the shagginess of the front like the picture below (which was in fact his last picture and day with that hair.)

Play dates.

There are so many changes going on in our little life right now, it's crazy.  Even though our life is so unpredictable right now, I seem to be handling it quite well. Michael is too. He actually seems to be enjoying the plethora of playmates around. Which is always a plus if you ask me. I was so worried that he would grow up without any cousins his age, but that wish--of him having playmates--seems to have come true. This makes me, and he, happy.

I'm an Auntie!!

Today, at 12:42pm, I became an Auntie for the very first time. Yes, I have about 11 nieces and nephews, but those were inherited to me via marriage. It's not the "same." My brother Carlos and his girl friend Haley delivered their first child--Gabriel Isaiah. He's beautiful. He weighs 10 and a half pounds and at 21 inches. He's such a big boy! I cannot wait for play dates with Michael. Both Haley and I are so ecstatic for the days ahead for us. Michael seems to share in the excitement today, and now is so pooped from it.

I've been anticipating this day since I found out that my brother was going to be a poppa. It was then when I realized that I was going to be an official aunt. It's still a bit surreal. I was the last one left without a "nephew" and when this week arrived, I tossed and turned with excitement. I really can't wait to get to know the little man!

Six Months. Seis. Where has the time gone?!

He's actually 6.5mos right now. Life got crazy. Oops!

Weight & Length:

Michael turned six months on the 4th. I know, I'm a little late. I just hate having to guess what his measurements are, so I wait for either our nurse to come visit or to have some sort of appointment for proper measurements.

Weight: 17lbs

Length: 27 3/4

Sleep & Naps:

Since Michael is teething and from the looks of it, it will soon end with the set of teeth he is starting to get right now, his sleep has regressed a little. He goes down for the night at 8:30pm and won't wake up until 1:30am. Which is decent since it's no longer every 2 hours like it was in the beginning. Luckily, he is down for the night until 5:30am and then finally up for the day at 7:30am. It's not as bad, but sometimes, I wish we could go back to a FULL night--wishful thinking, right?

His naps are somewhat consistent right now. He wakes up at 7:30 and then takes his first nap at 9:00am. Once again is back down for another hour at 11:30. I actually like this schedule since it makes my day predictful in the mornings. I know when I can eat and when I can shower. Then after that, everything revolves around the "when's the next nap?"

Feedings:

He's still at 6oz and has begun solids. We aren't quite doing it as an every day thing, but we know he can actually do solids. After this week, we start solids full time. So far his favorites include:

-Carrots

-Apples

-Sweet Potato

-Bananas

-Green Beans

-Pears

-Oatmeal

-Rice cereal

Diapers:

Still in size 3 diapers.

Nicknames:

Monkey! Chulo! or Papa.

Personality:

Nothing much has changed since his previous update. Only difference now is, he has discovered Elmo. Oh my goodness is he a fan! He will squeal and get all wiggly if he sees him on screen. In fact, he knows that my laptop houses the red furball, so when he sees my laptop, he starts banging his hands on it trying to do a search. Too cute!! He also recognizes, "Elmo's World." He’s also learned how to blow bubbles and loves chasing our dog, Jambi, all over the house. Jambi has officially become his dog.

Milestones:

•     He's all over the place when it comes to rolling.
•     He is mobile now when he is in his walker; goes around everywhere.
•     He has discovered Jambi, our Jack Russell Mix.
•     He recognizes certain tunes (Elmo's World) and people.
•     He has begun blowing bubbles. This is funny when a conversation ensues and he blows one. Quite     appropriate might I’d say. lol

'round and round we'll go...

Guess who had fun at the local mall's carousel ride? 

 

Wow! Five Months Old!

Five months old as of Sept. 04. | Meet "Patito Loco" (Crazy Ducky), I <3 his eyes!

Weight & Length:

As of yesterday, September 09 Michael is 15lbs with 10oz. That's almost two pounds since his last monthly update. Since birth, he's gained almost a full 10lbs! Wow! As for his length, he is *almost* 27inches! He has grown oh so much since Michael arrived.  Having grown seven inches is quite impressive! I don't quite know what his percentages are, but I'll ask his pediatrician next week.

Sleep & Naps:

In our Four month update, I let you guys know that his schedule was all wonky. His sleep schedule was thrown off by an hour, even though we kept with his regular routine of bath, bottle, and bedtime routines. Now, he's finally sleeping through the night. Halleluiah! This is an awesome gift to have. I know I shouldn't get too excited since I'm sure a growth spurt/regression is around the corner. However, for now, I will enjoy it. 

Nap time is the same. He takes a nap two hours after he wakes up in the morning, then another two hours after that, and so forth until two o' clock, which is his last nap. He'll surprise us sometimes and sneak another one in there.

Feedings:

He has added two extra ounces to his feedings now. Michael has gone from a very long term 4 ounces to a very filling 6 ounces. Nice, right? Must be what gets him to sleep through the night. 

We have started to toy with solids a bit, but they aren't a part of his daily diet, yet. They are around the corner. I can feel it.

Diapers:

He is now fully into size three :)

Nicknames:
Monkey! Chulo! or Papa.

Personality:

(Basically nothing has changed, so I'll CTRL+C from the last update)
Bath time. He loves to kick the water around. He also loves his play gym. It's routine for him to start his day off with the play gym. Wakes up and is eager to start his day. He also loves walks in the mornings and evenings with either Jambi or Zeus. Loves visiting his grandparents. He especially loves my dad. He loves to talk, a lot!

He hates dirty diapers and the car seat. He hates them. I think he loathes being buckled in a lot more than actually being in it. Naps!! He hates them. He will nap and wake up at his regular wake up time, but it's putting him to sleep that is a struggle. Most days it's fine, but sometimes it feels like I am buckling a bronco.

Milestones:

• He can now roll from his tummy back to his back! Last month it was just all tummy. :)
• Sleeping through the night. Again, Halleluiah!
• He can grab things when they are handed to him
• Almost a self sitter, right now he's still a supported one.
• Babbling like a crazy fool!
• Self soothing after a nap.

Baby's first zoo visit.

Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I had dreamed about going to the zoo with my family. I wanted everyone to go as we all shared in Michael's very first visit. Actually, part of that dream included the San Francisco Zoo, however, we weren't able to go for one reason or another, but this was a very well received substitute.

Everyone gathered at my parent's house and then headed off to the zoo. We arrived and started off Michael's first zoo adventure at the Reptile House. There we saw a wide variety of lizards, tortoises, and snakes. A few were dormant, while others were hanging off a branch ready to show visitors what they do best--hang around. Soon after we walked on over to see the newly remodeled Giraffe Encounter. I was very excited over this since I could take Michael to meet and feed the beautiful creatures. But alas, he was asleep, so we just stood there and watched the giraffe's come up to the balcony as visitors went up to feed them. One by one, each giraffe took their food from the palms of the people. Next time, I will join them. Around the corner was the chimp exhibit. The Chimps are everyone's favorites, along with the tiger that was not too far. Speaking of which, the tiger had decided to be cooperative, despite the heat, and just lay out on the window seat that the zoo has laid out for him. There, visitors can have a closer look and even pose with the tiger, if he is willing. We took a few snapshots as this was a great "keep sake."

We saw a great deal of amazing wild life there and I could go on and on about who and what we saw, but I'll stop there. I know Michael slept for a portion of the visit, but I am sure one day he will look at the pictures and actually say "Hey! I did go!"--and it won't be his last.

 

The family watching the animal show.

Michael meeting a real life tiger.

Michael getting to see the koi.

exiting the Reptile House.

Uncle Luis.

They really do box!