Our robins in the bush
Sweetest Elena
Cutest, dramatic Adriana
("Tía Mariel" is in the bathroom and she is
so very upset that she can't go in with her...)
...and out tiniest baby
Friday, May 23, 2008
The progress of life
Sweetest ElenaCutest, dramatic Adriana
("Tía Mariel" is in the bathroom and she is
so very upset that she can't go in with her...)
...and out tiniest baby
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I never imagined...
Being in one of those weird I-can't-sleep-so-I'll-think moments I began thinking about life, how it changes, how it surprises and how much it challenges. Some of my thoughts were deep, some not so much and some were simply fun and interesting... I'll share some of those:
I never imagined:
I never imagined:
**that I would be taking prenatal vitamins non-stop for over three years (so far). From getting pregnant with Elena through nursing her, getting pregnant with Adriana, nursing her and having weaned her once already pregnant with this baby, I began taking prenatal vitamins in May of 2004 and am still taking them.
**that I wouldn't be able to even remember the last time I slept all night through without any interruptions. I can only go as far as to say that it was during my pregnancy with Elena.
**that even when I can't remember when the last night of uninterrupted sleep was I would still function normally through the day.
**that my closet would be full of clothes in about four different sizes and I still have days when nothing fits me!
**that a day would come when I wouldn't have time to do my hair (or make-up) and that it wouldn't matter all that much.
**that two adults and two toddlers snuggling in one queen sized bed could be so precious and sweet even when there is so little room.
**that my heart can swell afresh with love and all kinds of tender feelings every time I see my precious little ones.
**that while at the same time simple and complicated, life could be so full of happiness and blessings!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Backyard discoveries
The first discovery was in the attic. I still don´t know how Ben spotted it there but he did. This robin´s nest can only be appreciated like the picture shows if you are actually in the attic looking out, which is how Ben took the picture.
Now this one, is just sitting in a bush next to our front door (which we never really use). How cool is that?
And the most exciting one (for the girls, funny for us) is this baby mouse found in the yard.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Nothing much
I am feeling much better but inevitably tired. Therefore I am very lazy and slow lately. After I make a meal you'd think I just cleaned my whole house because I just have to sit down and if left too myself for too long (5 minutes usually is all it takes) I will fall asleep.
Our time has been split between being outside, doing some watercolor painting and watching "Pokicondis" (Pocahontas).
Elena and Adriana have both taken on to "act" pregnant... I guess I must be quite the role model.
If there is one thing I despise in life it is throwing up. I will avoid it at all costs and I remember my mom's advice of breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth slowly being somewhat effective, so I'll try that and anything else that offers some hope. At the urgency of feeling like throwing up I seem to have developed a routine that Adriana is more than happy to play out through the day for me. According to Adriana's interpretation, I apparently put my hand on my mouth, bend over (from a sitting position), and breathe heavily... I don't know what to tell you.
Elena, on the other hand, is constantly informing me of her baby's different needs. "Mama, my baby needs chocolate" or "My baby doesn't want to ______ (fill in the blank with the task at hand: eat, sleep, go potty, etc.)". When asked about this baby of hers, her reply was that Jesus put a baby in her belly. I guess it makes sense that she'd think like that since after the miscarriage when she'd ask when I'd get another baby in my belly our response was that we needed to ask Jesus to put another baby there. So if it works for me, why shouldn't it work for her, right?
Our time has been split between being outside, doing some watercolor painting and watching "Pokicondis" (Pocahontas).
Elena and Adriana have both taken on to "act" pregnant... I guess I must be quite the role model.
If there is one thing I despise in life it is throwing up. I will avoid it at all costs and I remember my mom's advice of breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth slowly being somewhat effective, so I'll try that and anything else that offers some hope. At the urgency of feeling like throwing up I seem to have developed a routine that Adriana is more than happy to play out through the day for me. According to Adriana's interpretation, I apparently put my hand on my mouth, bend over (from a sitting position), and breathe heavily... I don't know what to tell you.
Elena, on the other hand, is constantly informing me of her baby's different needs. "Mama, my baby needs chocolate" or "My baby doesn't want to ______ (fill in the blank with the task at hand: eat, sleep, go potty, etc.)". When asked about this baby of hers, her reply was that Jesus put a baby in her belly. I guess it makes sense that she'd think like that since after the miscarriage when she'd ask when I'd get another baby in my belly our response was that we needed to ask Jesus to put another baby there. So if it works for me, why shouldn't it work for her, right?
Monday, May 12, 2008
Happy Mothers Weekend!
Mothers Day in Guatemala is celebrated on May 10th always. So with Mothers Day this year being on the 11th I actually enjoyed a Mothers Weekend more than a Day.
My wonderful husband made sure the weekend was a blessing in full.
He gave me a little basket full of gifts on Saturday. He was thoughtful and sweet and made sure I had at least one little gift from each of our babies, including the one in heaven. Yes, you can imagine I was a basket-case. My gifts ranged from books to very dark chocolate bars, a new water bottle and assorted cold tea drinks. The girls wrote in a card for me as well but they had more fun helping me open the packages.
The afternoon followed with a family gathering to celebrate Dad L's birthday. We had our out-of-town Levenduskys join us for the occasion and all the cousins had great fun playing together! The food was awesome too.
Sunday met me with a wonderful french toast breakfast made by my sweet man, even though he had to preach and "run the show" at church for the weekend! After church we came home for naps and then my evening was yet to start. They took me out for dinner at Macaroni Grill... simply fabulous! Since little girls can only be distracted for so long at a restaurant, dessert followed by driving through a Starbucks.
After baths, some laughing time with Daddy and bedtime, Ben and I finished the evening with a movie of my choosing.
I constantly need to remind myself of how blessed I am to have a husband who doesn't just get special days out of the way. He doesn't buy me gifts out of obligation... He truly makes every effort to bless me and make me feel special, especially on days like these. What else can a girl wish for? I am spoiled rotten!
My wonderful husband made sure the weekend was a blessing in full.
He gave me a little basket full of gifts on Saturday. He was thoughtful and sweet and made sure I had at least one little gift from each of our babies, including the one in heaven. Yes, you can imagine I was a basket-case. My gifts ranged from books to very dark chocolate bars, a new water bottle and assorted cold tea drinks. The girls wrote in a card for me as well but they had more fun helping me open the packages.
The afternoon followed with a family gathering to celebrate Dad L's birthday. We had our out-of-town Levenduskys join us for the occasion and all the cousins had great fun playing together! The food was awesome too.
Sunday met me with a wonderful french toast breakfast made by my sweet man, even though he had to preach and "run the show" at church for the weekend! After church we came home for naps and then my evening was yet to start. They took me out for dinner at Macaroni Grill... simply fabulous! Since little girls can only be distracted for so long at a restaurant, dessert followed by driving through a Starbucks.
After baths, some laughing time with Daddy and bedtime, Ben and I finished the evening with a movie of my choosing.
I constantly need to remind myself of how blessed I am to have a husband who doesn't just get special days out of the way. He doesn't buy me gifts out of obligation... He truly makes every effort to bless me and make me feel special, especially on days like these. What else can a girl wish for? I am spoiled rotten!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Drumroll please...
As per my ticker... today I begin the much awaited 12th week of this pregnancy!
Meaning: I'm done with the first trimester
Interpretation: I should be feeling so much better from here!
I'm very optimistic and hopeful... promise to keep you posted
Meaning: I'm done with the first trimester
Interpretation: I should be feeling so much better from here!
I'm very optimistic and hopeful... promise to keep you posted
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Vacuum - phobia
For quite some time our vacuum cleaner has been broken. As you may all remember, Elena has a history of disliking any noise-making-appliances and the vacuum cleaner is high up in the list. So there was quite a relief as for several weeks the only way I could clean our carpets was by sweeping them.
Well, someone wanted to bless us and gave us an old vacuum cleaner, not without first warning us that it is loud. Let me tell you, it is loud! And after the weeks of vacuum cleaner withdrawal, won't you know that Adriana has suddenly developed the same condition of Elena's.
No cleaning session happens around this house without little girls running in every direction, plugging their ears and crying! Their cries are so full of sorrow... it is sad... a tough life for them, you can imagine as they run to and fro saying "No more noise, please, Mama!!!"
When the machine goes off the running becomes more objective. They run to me, hug my leg really tight as they hold these (very cute, I have to admit) pouts in their faces and they whimper as they ask: "You all done, Mama?" What can I say, it is quite the adventure!
Well, someone wanted to bless us and gave us an old vacuum cleaner, not without first warning us that it is loud. Let me tell you, it is loud! And after the weeks of vacuum cleaner withdrawal, won't you know that Adriana has suddenly developed the same condition of Elena's.
No cleaning session happens around this house without little girls running in every direction, plugging their ears and crying! Their cries are so full of sorrow... it is sad... a tough life for them, you can imagine as they run to and fro saying "No more noise, please, Mama!!!"
When the machine goes off the running becomes more objective. They run to me, hug my leg really tight as they hold these (very cute, I have to admit) pouts in their faces and they whimper as they ask: "You all done, Mama?" What can I say, it is quite the adventure!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Pregnancy
What an adventure pregnancy is! Just as I am nearing the 12th week I am certainly feeling much better. I'm not as sick and food doesn't seem as repulsive as it did just last week. As if I needed any more confirmation about this little person growing inside of me, I do find it amusing to have so many quirks to deal with from hereon:
*I am exhausted half the time and the other half I'm just plain tired. Although I can't complain about not sleeping well because at least these past couple nights I've slept pretty well, I still wake up feeling like I didn't sleep enough and can hardly wait for nap time.
*I don't think I'll ever understand why prenatal vitamins are so huge! Don't they realize that pregnant women (me, more than anyone else!) tend to have an over sensitive gag reflex? Why do they intend for us to swallow such large pills?
*Another thing that strikes me about pregnancy is the mood swings. I can be bawling my eyes out one minute after just having read some silly magazine article. Fast forward a couple minutes and I am about ready to throw the phone against the wall because I can't call Guatemala! I mean, really... I feel these surges of emotion that I never thought possible in me.
*I can't possibly tolerate Paula Abdul! I don't know the woman, she never did anything to me, yet I can't stand her! So we watch American Idol after-the-fact so I can ask Ben to fast forward any time she has to speak.
*My friends have been looking at me funny when they realize that I will put pineapple in my salad when available. I soak the salad with balsamic vinagrette and generously sprinkle it with salt... what can I say!
*I can't stand water unless it has some kind of flavor to it. Hence my water pitcher in the fridge with lemon slices to encourage me to drink some water through the day.
Those are just a few of the quirks I find myself fighting during this season. Some of them are funny, some of them not so funny and I do have to keep myself in constant check to make sure I don't hurt feelings or find just about any reason to be offended or angry at something or someone. Very interesting, I think.
*I am exhausted half the time and the other half I'm just plain tired. Although I can't complain about not sleeping well because at least these past couple nights I've slept pretty well, I still wake up feeling like I didn't sleep enough and can hardly wait for nap time.
*I don't think I'll ever understand why prenatal vitamins are so huge! Don't they realize that pregnant women (me, more than anyone else!) tend to have an over sensitive gag reflex? Why do they intend for us to swallow such large pills?
*Another thing that strikes me about pregnancy is the mood swings. I can be bawling my eyes out one minute after just having read some silly magazine article. Fast forward a couple minutes and I am about ready to throw the phone against the wall because I can't call Guatemala! I mean, really... I feel these surges of emotion that I never thought possible in me.
*I can't possibly tolerate Paula Abdul! I don't know the woman, she never did anything to me, yet I can't stand her! So we watch American Idol after-the-fact so I can ask Ben to fast forward any time she has to speak.
*My friends have been looking at me funny when they realize that I will put pineapple in my salad when available. I soak the salad with balsamic vinagrette and generously sprinkle it with salt... what can I say!
*I can't stand water unless it has some kind of flavor to it. Hence my water pitcher in the fridge with lemon slices to encourage me to drink some water through the day.
Those are just a few of the quirks I find myself fighting during this season. Some of them are funny, some of them not so funny and I do have to keep myself in constant check to make sure I don't hurt feelings or find just about any reason to be offended or angry at something or someone. Very interesting, I think.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Tah-dah!!!!
Look how much s/he's changed in only 4 weeks!!!
Here, the baby seemed to be looking straight at us!
For those who may be a little challenged by ultrasound images
(aka Josue...)
(aka Josue...)
Some more explanation of details
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ladies' Conference
I know I've held my thoughts on this way too long. Sorry... life just has a way to leave me behind lately. oh well, for what it's worth, here it goes:
For starters, I must say this is the first of many conferences that I felt really tried to cover the spectrum of all different seasons of a woman's life. The speakers really made it a point to encourage women to remember that our destiny is now and that means we have a purpose whatever station in life we may be in.
"Destiny is what is happening right now. Our destiny is the journey in and of itself."
We were reminded and challenged to be the "display of what God is to a darkened world" in everything we do and to live womanhood with intentionality. The main topic was to love ourselves, love our neighbors and above all, love the Lord.
More often than not and more women than not tend to forget that womens' lives are seasonal. Every season presents opportunities to serve and reach out but we tend to miss out on them because we take the one season we are in for granted.
We also need to be aware of where our challenges come from. Are we being challenged by people around us; by the world or by the Lord? Not that being challenged by people or the world is necessarily bad, but we do need to learn to recognize how and when to respond in each situation. Responding to a challenge and giving into trends are not the same thing!
What this conference did for me personally: I was reminded that it is not about how I feel. So many times I come out of church services where I had to "pray with my eyes open". I come out wondering if I even worshiped since I was so busy chasing little people around. It was refreshing to remember that I do connect with God because intimacy with Him doesn't have to follow a set structure. He loves me, and He will meet my need as long as my heart seeks Him earnestly. It doesn't matter if it has to be in the midst of caring for those He's given me to love for Him.
This isn't even a nutshell! There was such a sweet and beautiful presence of the Lord to soak in, good worship, great Word, wonderful ladies' to inspire us, little details to pamper and spoil us and so much more that I couldn't even begin to clearly and fairly share. The bottom line is, if you are hungry, you will eat and enjoy your meal regardless of how simple or complex it may be. The same applies to our spiritual life. If you show up with an open heart and a willing attitude there is no way you will come out dissatisfied! God knows how to serve a fine meal to a hungry spirit!
For starters, I must say this is the first of many conferences that I felt really tried to cover the spectrum of all different seasons of a woman's life. The speakers really made it a point to encourage women to remember that our destiny is now and that means we have a purpose whatever station in life we may be in.
"Destiny is what is happening right now. Our destiny is the journey in and of itself."
We were reminded and challenged to be the "display of what God is to a darkened world" in everything we do and to live womanhood with intentionality. The main topic was to love ourselves, love our neighbors and above all, love the Lord.
More often than not and more women than not tend to forget that womens' lives are seasonal. Every season presents opportunities to serve and reach out but we tend to miss out on them because we take the one season we are in for granted.
We also need to be aware of where our challenges come from. Are we being challenged by people around us; by the world or by the Lord? Not that being challenged by people or the world is necessarily bad, but we do need to learn to recognize how and when to respond in each situation. Responding to a challenge and giving into trends are not the same thing!
What this conference did for me personally: I was reminded that it is not about how I feel. So many times I come out of church services where I had to "pray with my eyes open". I come out wondering if I even worshiped since I was so busy chasing little people around. It was refreshing to remember that I do connect with God because intimacy with Him doesn't have to follow a set structure. He loves me, and He will meet my need as long as my heart seeks Him earnestly. It doesn't matter if it has to be in the midst of caring for those He's given me to love for Him.
This isn't even a nutshell! There was such a sweet and beautiful presence of the Lord to soak in, good worship, great Word, wonderful ladies' to inspire us, little details to pamper and spoil us and so much more that I couldn't even begin to clearly and fairly share. The bottom line is, if you are hungry, you will eat and enjoy your meal regardless of how simple or complex it may be. The same applies to our spiritual life. If you show up with an open heart and a willing attitude there is no way you will come out dissatisfied! God knows how to serve a fine meal to a hungry spirit!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
More little girl talk...
So, today, Elena says:
"Mami, you going to the daidies' coference today?"
"No sweetie, I'm done"
"Ohhh, so Papi goes today and you stay?"
We've been talking to Elena when we need to correct her, trying to explain obedience and what it means. There has been mention of Jesus in our explanations and we have included the phrase "Obedience is immediate, joyful and thorough" in our little talks. Elena has been talking about it randomly every once in a while and we've felt like it is actually sticking in her mind even when it still takes her a while to put it into practice. Today, I was trying to correct Adriana when Elena interjected and said:
"Mami, Jesus and 'bedience and jo'fu and.... what's the other guy, Mama?"
Isn't she the sweetest?
"Mami, you going to the daidies' coference today?"
"No sweetie, I'm done"
"Ohhh, so Papi goes today and you stay?"
We've been talking to Elena when we need to correct her, trying to explain obedience and what it means. There has been mention of Jesus in our explanations and we have included the phrase "Obedience is immediate, joyful and thorough" in our little talks. Elena has been talking about it randomly every once in a while and we've felt like it is actually sticking in her mind even when it still takes her a while to put it into practice. Today, I was trying to correct Adriana when Elena interjected and said:
"Mami, Jesus and 'bedience and jo'fu and.... what's the other guy, Mama?"
Isn't she the sweetest?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Away
I´ve been away for most of the day, attending a ladies´conference. It has been a great time of just soaking in the presence of the Lord. I´ll share some thoughts about it later. Just thought of committing to memory a few of the interactions with my oldest little girl this week.
* While putting on my shoes and tying the long ribbon laces (I was wearing espadrilles) she came over and moved my hands off to the side while saying: "Don´t worry, Mama, Princess will help you"
* As I went on with the preparations she asked: "Where you going, mama?"
"To a ladies´conference", I replied
with a slightly annoyed tone she exclaimed: "Again?!"
* While putting on my shoes and tying the long ribbon laces (I was wearing espadrilles) she came over and moved my hands off to the side while saying: "Don´t worry, Mama, Princess will help you"
* As I went on with the preparations she asked: "Where you going, mama?"
"To a ladies´conference", I replied
with a slightly annoyed tone she exclaimed: "Again?!"
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Massive picture update
Two little girls, playing with umbrellas
Making a birthday cake for Papi
Making a birthday cake for Papi
little bakers
focused little girl
A father with his little girls
moving a lilac tree
clearing rocks and sticks.
Adriana playing with tio Jonathan's picture
talking about him
and giving him kisses.
Elena giving her baby "chita" in church
she nursed her baby through the Veggietales movie
And last, but not least... my minuscule 8 week bump!
A closer look, just so you believe me there is a bump there.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A question (If anyone still reads this...he,he)
I'd like to know the opinion of moms of more than 2 children close in age about strollers.
We are in need of getting a new one this year and are still scratching our heads as to what are our best options. Single? Double? Sit'n'stand type? Sit'n'stand with double?
When going from one to two little girls we kept our first stroller and just added an umbrella one to the mix. Given that Adriana despises anything that straps her in, she doesn't ride in it for too long, but at the same time there have been occasions in which both of them want to sit for a little ride. Now, we won't be using the stroller for three children this summer, given that our newest baby is not arriving until the fall, but we certainly don't want to have to buy something else the following year...
any thoughts? What have you done?
We are in need of getting a new one this year and are still scratching our heads as to what are our best options. Single? Double? Sit'n'stand type? Sit'n'stand with double?
When going from one to two little girls we kept our first stroller and just added an umbrella one to the mix. Given that Adriana despises anything that straps her in, she doesn't ride in it for too long, but at the same time there have been occasions in which both of them want to sit for a little ride. Now, we won't be using the stroller for three children this summer, given that our newest baby is not arriving until the fall, but we certainly don't want to have to buy something else the following year...
any thoughts? What have you done?
Ramblings
These past couple weeks my life is pretty much summarized by "lump in the couch". There...
At times I've felt like the house is about to come apart.
I can't believe how much we need to eat! Meal times find me quicker than I am willing to cook or eat. Can't we just eat like bananas for every meal?
Oh, yeah. And when I do eat, please don't move me or shake me, just let me sit still until digestion has happened.
I feel so lazy, so sick. Feeling bad for little girls who end up watching way too much TV, but, as Ben says, at least we are together.
I'm beginning to forget what real plates and meals look like. Our best china at the time is made of paper.
Of course, I am complaining just because I can. I shouldn't, really. I have a wonderful husband who doesn't mind the mess and happily eats whatever I managed to make or makes do when I don't get around to cooking. And he takes the girls outside on adventures when he's home in the afternoons.
I've done some mindless reading just to keep distracted, that I have enjoyed.
I have great friends and family who have made themselves available to do anything for me. Eager ears and hearts to listen to me, play time for my girls, encouragement through the season... I haven't really lacked anything.
I am grateful, though... feeling the way I feel reminds me that the little life inside is growing healthily. I can take a few more days like these just for that knowledge.
At times I've felt like the house is about to come apart.
I can't believe how much we need to eat! Meal times find me quicker than I am willing to cook or eat. Can't we just eat like bananas for every meal?
Oh, yeah. And when I do eat, please don't move me or shake me, just let me sit still until digestion has happened.
I feel so lazy, so sick. Feeling bad for little girls who end up watching way too much TV, but, as Ben says, at least we are together.
I'm beginning to forget what real plates and meals look like. Our best china at the time is made of paper.
Of course, I am complaining just because I can. I shouldn't, really. I have a wonderful husband who doesn't mind the mess and happily eats whatever I managed to make or makes do when I don't get around to cooking. And he takes the girls outside on adventures when he's home in the afternoons.
I've done some mindless reading just to keep distracted, that I have enjoyed.
I have great friends and family who have made themselves available to do anything for me. Eager ears and hearts to listen to me, play time for my girls, encouragement through the season... I haven't really lacked anything.
I am grateful, though... feeling the way I feel reminds me that the little life inside is growing healthily. I can take a few more days like these just for that knowledge.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Ninety-six hours
In an amazing chain of events my sweet, sweet little girl hasn't nursed in the last 96 hours!
You have to understand this is incredible, especially because of how much I had been fighting to no avail to start weaning my precious daughter. With a new baby coming I knew the process had to start soon for it seemed a very long term goal to reach and I didn't want her to feel replaced by a new baby. Nights were being ridiculously long with extremely early mornings and very tiresome days. I kept trying everything: I'll take away only one nursing per day and we'll go from there; I'll stop nursing her in the bedroom before nap and bedtime; I'll take away one nursing at night time; and the list goes on and on.
Nothing seemed to work. Whichever nursing we chose to take away would ensue a good hour plus of crying rendering me frustrated and exhausted. I prayed for wisdom and retreated from trying while regrouping and rethinking what to do.
Then my man put his foot down. We were out by ourselves on Friday on our way to a wedding reception and after exchanging some thoughts a new strategy was devised. I was to be out of sight that night and he'd be the sole soother. We'd take it from there, one day/night at a time.
First night: I settled downstairs in the guest room with the monitor on in case Ben needed my assistance and we began the process. Ben took completely over, from putting their pjs on to the whole night routine, I wasn't even upstairs at all. It was a very long night. She woke up so many times and cried for so long it wasn't even funny. At some point I had to come get Elena from the top of the stairs so she could come sleep with me. But by that morning, Adriana had spent a whole night without nursing.
Second night: I still stayed away from the night time routine. Ben was it. During the night, she woke up as many times as the night before but the crying was a lot less. Less intense too. She wasn't as much upset as she was resigned in her cry. Elena didn't even wake up through it. I had to nurse her a bit during church on Sunday but Ben took over again at nap and bedtime.
Third night: She woke up once, came to bed with Ben and slept the rest of the night. I still wasn't around for bedtime routine.
Fourth night: I came upstairs before bedtime but Ben still took care of everything and I was gone before they were in bed. For her it was the same as the third night. No crying. As the day went by she asked only once and she didn't really expect it. She is eating a lot, though.
Fifth night: I came upstairs with them and changed her into her pjs but still left before bedtime. I came back to bed for the night. She slept until 4.45 a.m. when she came to bed with us. When she realized I was there Ben immediately warned us we could only snuggle. She climbed on top of me, nestled her head on my shoulder and snuggled.
Sixth night: I put them down for the night, did the whole routine by myself. She went to sleep without a problem. The only thing we have left to do to go back to normal life is switch back to our sides of the bed. He's been sleeping on my side so as to be the first one to meet her when she comes to our room.
Day time she has turned into a little eating machine. Ice-pops and bananas are among the favorites so far. I have mixed emotions as I am so proud of how quickly and well she came around but I also realize my baby is growing up. It breaks my heart when she asks and I have to say no, and it also breaks my heart to see her accept it so well! I am so very proud of her and I will certainly miss nursing her so terribly! How can that be?
You have to understand this is incredible, especially because of how much I had been fighting to no avail to start weaning my precious daughter. With a new baby coming I knew the process had to start soon for it seemed a very long term goal to reach and I didn't want her to feel replaced by a new baby. Nights were being ridiculously long with extremely early mornings and very tiresome days. I kept trying everything: I'll take away only one nursing per day and we'll go from there; I'll stop nursing her in the bedroom before nap and bedtime; I'll take away one nursing at night time; and the list goes on and on.
Nothing seemed to work. Whichever nursing we chose to take away would ensue a good hour plus of crying rendering me frustrated and exhausted. I prayed for wisdom and retreated from trying while regrouping and rethinking what to do.
Then my man put his foot down. We were out by ourselves on Friday on our way to a wedding reception and after exchanging some thoughts a new strategy was devised. I was to be out of sight that night and he'd be the sole soother. We'd take it from there, one day/night at a time.
First night: I settled downstairs in the guest room with the monitor on in case Ben needed my assistance and we began the process. Ben took completely over, from putting their pjs on to the whole night routine, I wasn't even upstairs at all. It was a very long night. She woke up so many times and cried for so long it wasn't even funny. At some point I had to come get Elena from the top of the stairs so she could come sleep with me. But by that morning, Adriana had spent a whole night without nursing.
Second night: I still stayed away from the night time routine. Ben was it. During the night, she woke up as many times as the night before but the crying was a lot less. Less intense too. She wasn't as much upset as she was resigned in her cry. Elena didn't even wake up through it. I had to nurse her a bit during church on Sunday but Ben took over again at nap and bedtime.
Third night: She woke up once, came to bed with Ben and slept the rest of the night. I still wasn't around for bedtime routine.
Fourth night: I came upstairs before bedtime but Ben still took care of everything and I was gone before they were in bed. For her it was the same as the third night. No crying. As the day went by she asked only once and she didn't really expect it. She is eating a lot, though.
Fifth night: I came upstairs with them and changed her into her pjs but still left before bedtime. I came back to bed for the night. She slept until 4.45 a.m. when she came to bed with us. When she realized I was there Ben immediately warned us we could only snuggle. She climbed on top of me, nestled her head on my shoulder and snuggled.
Sixth night: I put them down for the night, did the whole routine by myself. She went to sleep without a problem. The only thing we have left to do to go back to normal life is switch back to our sides of the bed. He's been sleeping on my side so as to be the first one to meet her when she comes to our room.
Day time she has turned into a little eating machine. Ice-pops and bananas are among the favorites so far. I have mixed emotions as I am so proud of how quickly and well she came around but I also realize my baby is growing up. It breaks my heart when she asks and I have to say no, and it also breaks my heart to see her accept it so well! I am so very proud of her and I will certainly miss nursing her so terribly! How can that be?
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Bill Fagan
Today we lost an amazing man. He had been bravely fighting cancer for the past few years. Today his fight is finally over. We fasted and prayed incessantly for his healing. We constantly confessed and spoke in faith about his getting up and being totally recovered. Why we won't get to see it on this side of heaven, I don't know.
However, I would never think of his passing as his defeat. On the contrary, he fought his battle and won. His victory may not look the way we all envisioned it, but it is a victory nonetheless. Those who visited and prayed for him in the past few months that he was shut in, all came out with reports of amazing faith, amazing strength, amazing determination and a contagious love for God. However many times they visited him, they'd always come out inspired. He shared his faith with each and everyone he could up until the very last moment he could.
No, he didn't lose, and most importantly, we didn't lose him to cancer, or to death. Cancer ultimately won him to us so we could be blessed, enriched and inspired by what would turn out to be his last years of life. Today we mourn the loss of his presence among us. Today we suffer the pain of not seeing him again for an indefinite period of time. In the midst of it, though, we have certain hope... hope of life eternal in the presence of a perfect God, hope of redemption and restoration, and hope of a joyous reunion. We also rest. We rest in knowing that God above all things, even those things we don't understand. God of those things we are not meant to understand just yet.
However, I would never think of his passing as his defeat. On the contrary, he fought his battle and won. His victory may not look the way we all envisioned it, but it is a victory nonetheless. Those who visited and prayed for him in the past few months that he was shut in, all came out with reports of amazing faith, amazing strength, amazing determination and a contagious love for God. However many times they visited him, they'd always come out inspired. He shared his faith with each and everyone he could up until the very last moment he could.
No, he didn't lose, and most importantly, we didn't lose him to cancer, or to death. Cancer ultimately won him to us so we could be blessed, enriched and inspired by what would turn out to be his last years of life. Today we mourn the loss of his presence among us. Today we suffer the pain of not seeing him again for an indefinite period of time. In the midst of it, though, we have certain hope... hope of life eternal in the presence of a perfect God, hope of redemption and restoration, and hope of a joyous reunion. We also rest. We rest in knowing that God above all things, even those things we don't understand. God of those things we are not meant to understand just yet.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Littlest One
Please say hi to the newest member of our little family! Tiny, tiny, tiny but with a minute heart beating away!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Art project
This is what our little art project turned into yesterday:
(stay tuned for a video later)
This is what our little art project turned into yesterday:
Monday, March 31, 2008
Babci
We visited grandma for Ben's birthday and finally got pictures with her.
She is such a remarkable lady... would you believe she is 94 and still lives by herself?
She is such a remarkable lady... would you believe she is 94 and still lives by herself?
She loves little visitors!
and she is always in such good spirits! We don't visit her often, yet she never has a complain.
She is always delighted to see us and when we apologize for not visiting often
she smiles and quickly interjects that life is so busy. Yet she is always so
happy to see us! She is pleased so easily and still we have such a hard time to find the
time to visit... shame on us! I so wish we were better stewards in taking care of her!
On another note:
Elena, obviously loves the camera... here are a few more of her poses
Friday, March 28, 2008
Cutesy
Elena:
* after her bout of sickness was done with:
"Mama, I think I done choking!"
*talking about our plans for Ben´s birthday tomorrow:
"I going to eat papi´s behday tomou"
*after discovering that I put the throw pillows of the sleeper couch on the other couch (she seems to really have an issue with pillows not matching the upholstery, if even for a short time)
"Mama! I say you ready! You don use the peious on that couch, they go here!"
*when asked this morning if she wanted a bagel for breakfast
"hmmm... in a lilo bit.."
* after her bout of sickness was done with:
"Mama, I think I done choking!"
*talking about our plans for Ben´s birthday tomorrow:
"I going to eat papi´s behday tomou"
*after discovering that I put the throw pillows of the sleeper couch on the other couch (she seems to really have an issue with pillows not matching the upholstery, if even for a short time)
"Mama! I say you ready! You don use the peious on that couch, they go here!"
*when asked this morning if she wanted a bagel for breakfast
"hmmm... in a lilo bit.."
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Better
Today has been a much better day. Tummies are still a bit restless but there is no more throwing up and that alone is great reason for me to be happy. We have taken the day easy so it´s been a rather slow day. Yogurt, rice, toast, bananas and ginger ale have been our meals though there aren´t big appetites going around.
Tonight Ben and I are to go out for dinner with a young couple we´ve been doing a pre-marriage course with for the past few weeks. We just finished the course last week and were planning on taking them out to dinner today. We will keep that commitment given that the wedding is next week and there isn´t much time to postpone it. The girls should be in bed by then and hopefully my stomach will fare well with the outing.
Tonight Ben and I are to go out for dinner with a young couple we´ve been doing a pre-marriage course with for the past few weeks. We just finished the course last week and were planning on taking them out to dinner today. We will keep that commitment given that the wedding is next week and there isn´t much time to postpone it. The girls should be in bed by then and hopefully my stomach will fare well with the outing.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
...yuck...
The good news:
:: Adriana is doing better.
:: She slept from bedtime 8:00 until about 2:00 a.m. for the first time ever! And she didn't nurse but went right back to sleep.
:: It was already 4 a.m. by the time she nursed
The bad news:
:: At 4:00 that Adriana came to bed, Elena began coughing in her bed and didn't sound too good. Yeah, she was the one throwing up now.
:: Since 4:00 I've been sitting on the couch with a sick 3 year old
:: Since 4:00 up until now (it is 10:00) she has thrown up every 20 to 30 minutes!
:: At this point I don't know if it is morning sickness or I caught the bug too, but the last three or four times that Elena has thrown up I can barely manage to help her through before running to the bathroom myself!
:: Considering Adriana's was a 24 hour bug, considering that the toughest part were the first 12 hours, considering the rate at which Elena is going, it is safe to assume that attempting to make it to my doctor's appointment today is out of the question. So, my appointment has been rescheduled for next week :o(
I feel so poorly right now that the three of us are still on pajamas and the prospects of food in this house look very slim today... this too shall pass... right?
:: Adriana is doing better.
:: She slept from bedtime 8:00 until about 2:00 a.m. for the first time ever! And she didn't nurse but went right back to sleep.
:: It was already 4 a.m. by the time she nursed
The bad news:
:: At 4:00 that Adriana came to bed, Elena began coughing in her bed and didn't sound too good. Yeah, she was the one throwing up now.
:: Since 4:00 I've been sitting on the couch with a sick 3 year old
:: Since 4:00 up until now (it is 10:00) she has thrown up every 20 to 30 minutes!
:: At this point I don't know if it is morning sickness or I caught the bug too, but the last three or four times that Elena has thrown up I can barely manage to help her through before running to the bathroom myself!
:: Considering Adriana's was a 24 hour bug, considering that the toughest part were the first 12 hours, considering the rate at which Elena is going, it is safe to assume that attempting to make it to my doctor's appointment today is out of the question. So, my appointment has been rescheduled for next week :o(
I feel so poorly right now that the three of us are still on pajamas and the prospects of food in this house look very slim today... this too shall pass... right?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Random
Yesterday I forgot to post the family picture...
...and this would be me after a hair appointment todayI definitely think I don´t do short well but, oh well
it will grow back sooner than I can go get it chopped off again!
Remember my list with a water crayon in the bathroom mirror?
well I guess the apple doesn´t fall far from the tree
although no one saw me do it and I erased it before little girls could get any ideas
Elena still managed to make her own little drawing
and when we thought we were finally all healthy, the stomach bug hit my sweet
little girl. Last night she spent the night throwing up (not exactly this pregnant woman´s
favorite thing to deal with). At some point she was so exhausted she just collapsed
on the towels I had set on the floor to contain the problem... it was just too precious
to pass. She is doing better today and I am hoping for some sleep tonight!
Monday, March 24, 2008
So...
We had a fun and busy weekend. We started it off going to my hubby's very first race. One step into his goal of running a marathon this year. The funny thing of it all is that the marathon he was thinking of running was the NY one in November... well this baby is coming in November, so we may just have to settle for the Scranton Marathon in October. Though we may have a more accurate idea after we see the doctor on Wednesday. At any rate, I won't say about the race because he wanted to post about it himself. I'll let you know when he does.
Easter morning found us with our little celebration before church. A very bland batch of cinnamon rolls (I tried a new bread recipe that didn't quite cut it!) but two little girls quite excited about looking for their baskets.
Easter morning found us with our little celebration before church. A very bland batch of cinnamon rolls (I tried a new bread recipe that didn't quite cut it!) but two little girls quite excited about looking for their baskets.
Since they can't read yet, this is the second year
Ben spends the night before drawing their clues.
All decked out we went off to church. We had to improvise with shirts underneath the girls dresses since it was so cold. But we made do, the pictures are a whole another story. You Moms with little ones out there will understand what I mean. We tried to get a good family picture but even taking pictures of the girls turned into such an impossible task. I've added a few up here just because, after all, even that gets to be fun!
This would be Elena wanting to tell Adriana what to do.
Finally separated
Adriana, finally posing...
and Elena, finally posing too
After church we came home to take naps and at around three we got together for the freezing egg hunt (it was soo cold out).
Elena finds her first egg.
Helping them look...
My little and determined one
trying to put her eggs in her basket
My sweet Elena in her search
All decked out we went off to church. We had to improvise with shirts underneath the girls dresses since it was so cold. But we made do, the pictures are a whole another story. You Moms with little ones out there will understand what I mean. We tried to get a good family picture but even taking pictures of the girls turned into such an impossible task. I've added a few up here just because, after all, even that gets to be fun!
This would be Elena thinking that her finger in her mouth looks good,
and Adriana following suit.
and Adriana following suit.
This would be Elena wanting to tell Adriana what to do.
Finally separated
Adriana, finally posing...
and Elena, finally posing too
After church we came home to take naps and at around three we got together for the freezing egg hunt (it was soo cold out).
Here are the little ones all bundled up and ready!
Elena finds her first egg.
Helping them look...
My little and determined one
trying to put her eggs in her basket
My sweet Elena in her search
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Unsual, timely and always faithful!
Lately I have seen the hand of the Lord move in unusual, timely and faithful ways, not only in my own life, but in others. It is always so refreshing to remember how personal He is. Let me tell you about my own little miracles.
This month is Ben´s birthday and upon returning from Guatemala it was quite discouraging to realize there was no money in the budget for a gift. Now, of course, anyone would have thought along these lines: "Lord, how could I even begin to doubt you. We didn´t have money to go to Guatemala to begin with and not only did you provide the tickets but money came our way throughout the trip to provide for the expenses while we were there. We even brought money home instead of having to spend from our already tight budget. So I trust and I know that you will provide to bless my husband on his special day!" Well, not me. I pouted, fought, cried and wallowed about the whole thing. A few days ago I was taking the girls to play with the cousins and stopped at the post office on the way. I saw an envelope from a dear friend and got excited to hear from her. It looked like a card. I love getting mail, so very excitedly I tucked it in my pocket, got the girls back in their car seats and drove off to Dee´s. Keeping the card in my pocket kind of made it last longer and build up the anticipation as to what my friend had to say. Upon pulling into her driveway I parked and took the card out. In a couple of seconds I was crying my heart out as I read her words AND the check enclosed. That´s right. She was telling me how blessed she has been lately and how she wanted to share that blessing with me... me... of all people! The check was written for more than enough money for a birthday gift, party and all the works!
The second one. Monday night I couldn´t sleep. I tossed and turned and my mind was racing with thoughts and thoughts and thoughts about everything and the next thing. Little projects around the house kept popping up in my head and I finally decided to get up and write them down. As it would happen, in the darkness I could not find one single pen or pencil to jot my thoughts down. I was getting increasingly frustrated because I didn´t want to wake anyone up. Why couldn´t I just find a pen and get things into paper, off my brain and get some sleep? Well, I didn´t find a pen but in my desperation I did find a crayon... a water crayon, that is. Resourceful as I am, I made do. Got the water running in the bathroom sink, got the crayon wet and wrote my little list on the bathroom mirror!!! The next morning my husband thought I went psychotic, but that´s beside the point. At any rate, one of the things I wrote (and twice) was to get some nice posters for the girls. Nothing complicated, just something that can be put at their sight level and that would dress the bare walls I´m getting tired to look at.
So Tuesday morning I took the girls to Wal*mart. When we were done shopping I put the groceries in the cart, packed together with little girls and was trying to get my wallet in order as I pushed the cart trying to get out of the store. An elderly gentleman stopped me before reaching the exit and said: "I have these for you" as he handed me a bunch of paper. Still trying to pull everything together I looked back at him and he said: "It´s just pictures, I get them from magazines. Keep the ones you like and get rid of the rest." Still confused I thanked him and went away. After settling in the car I went through the papers he´d given me. Won´t you know that although they aren´t real posters, they have nice enough pictures that I can even rotate for the girls while I can get the real nice stuff that I´d like to put up?
Just in case I was wondering how much attention He was paying...
This month is Ben´s birthday and upon returning from Guatemala it was quite discouraging to realize there was no money in the budget for a gift. Now, of course, anyone would have thought along these lines: "Lord, how could I even begin to doubt you. We didn´t have money to go to Guatemala to begin with and not only did you provide the tickets but money came our way throughout the trip to provide for the expenses while we were there. We even brought money home instead of having to spend from our already tight budget. So I trust and I know that you will provide to bless my husband on his special day!" Well, not me. I pouted, fought, cried and wallowed about the whole thing. A few days ago I was taking the girls to play with the cousins and stopped at the post office on the way. I saw an envelope from a dear friend and got excited to hear from her. It looked like a card. I love getting mail, so very excitedly I tucked it in my pocket, got the girls back in their car seats and drove off to Dee´s. Keeping the card in my pocket kind of made it last longer and build up the anticipation as to what my friend had to say. Upon pulling into her driveway I parked and took the card out. In a couple of seconds I was crying my heart out as I read her words AND the check enclosed. That´s right. She was telling me how blessed she has been lately and how she wanted to share that blessing with me... me... of all people! The check was written for more than enough money for a birthday gift, party and all the works!
The second one. Monday night I couldn´t sleep. I tossed and turned and my mind was racing with thoughts and thoughts and thoughts about everything and the next thing. Little projects around the house kept popping up in my head and I finally decided to get up and write them down. As it would happen, in the darkness I could not find one single pen or pencil to jot my thoughts down. I was getting increasingly frustrated because I didn´t want to wake anyone up. Why couldn´t I just find a pen and get things into paper, off my brain and get some sleep? Well, I didn´t find a pen but in my desperation I did find a crayon... a water crayon, that is. Resourceful as I am, I made do. Got the water running in the bathroom sink, got the crayon wet and wrote my little list on the bathroom mirror!!! The next morning my husband thought I went psychotic, but that´s beside the point. At any rate, one of the things I wrote (and twice) was to get some nice posters for the girls. Nothing complicated, just something that can be put at their sight level and that would dress the bare walls I´m getting tired to look at.
So Tuesday morning I took the girls to Wal*mart. When we were done shopping I put the groceries in the cart, packed together with little girls and was trying to get my wallet in order as I pushed the cart trying to get out of the store. An elderly gentleman stopped me before reaching the exit and said: "I have these for you" as he handed me a bunch of paper. Still trying to pull everything together I looked back at him and he said: "It´s just pictures, I get them from magazines. Keep the ones you like and get rid of the rest." Still confused I thanked him and went away. After settling in the car I went through the papers he´d given me. Won´t you know that although they aren´t real posters, they have nice enough pictures that I can even rotate for the girls while I can get the real nice stuff that I´d like to put up?
Just in case I was wondering how much attention He was paying...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Happy!
We are happy to share that we are expecting a Thanksgiving baby!!! Our guess is that this new baby will come to meet us around mid November! Stay tuned for updates!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Excited!
We just got these in the mail, thanks to the Christmas gift from them! Although my girls don't sit for more than a paragraph or two, it is still an enjoyable time!
As for everything else, little girls are slowly getting better and we are revving our engines for the weekend services. Catch up with you all soon!
As for everything else, little girls are slowly getting better and we are revving our engines for the weekend services. Catch up with you all soon!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Random and Late Stuff
* After a couple days respite, little girls are fighting fevers again. However, there is no throwing up as I´ve known there´s been in some other places and for that I am infinitely grateful. Besides the fever and a bit of sniffles and some sleeplessness at night, the girls are in good moods and spirits.
* I shared about my work of a couple weeks ago. Here are some late pictures:
Entryway closet, with lots more space to use!
(I couldn't possibly bring myself to posting a "before" picture of this...
way too embarasing!)
and the pantry with the new addition in it...
* Call me sentimental but we went out today to buy a few things we needed. We ate out, got back in the car and just then it hit me that I hadn't brought a change of clothes for Elena. Of course, that wouldn't normally be an issue except for the fact that she was wearing regular underwear instead of pull ups. I know as much as training her to use the bathroom I am being trained in being sensitive about her need. So upon entering the next store I immediately took her to the bathroom. My sweet girl was sooo good! Not only had she stayed dry but did an awesome job in a public bathroom and washing her hands afterwards. As she was pulling the paper towel to dry of her hands it hit me... my heart tightened in a mixture of pride and joy and sadness at the same time. I came out and Ben said: "How did it go?" With a choked voice I said: "Too well! My little girl is growing up!!"
* I shared about my work of a couple weeks ago. Here are some late pictures:
This is the new children-friendly coat hanger and
hats, gloves, mittens and scarves boxes...
Even though the little things need to be picked up several times a day
because little girls like to play dress up with it, I like the feel of organization.
hats, gloves, mittens and scarves boxes...
Even though the little things need to be picked up several times a day
because little girls like to play dress up with it, I like the feel of organization.
Entryway closet, with lots more space to use!
(I couldn't possibly bring myself to posting a "before" picture of this...
way too embarasing!)
and the pantry with the new addition in it...
* Call me sentimental but we went out today to buy a few things we needed. We ate out, got back in the car and just then it hit me that I hadn't brought a change of clothes for Elena. Of course, that wouldn't normally be an issue except for the fact that she was wearing regular underwear instead of pull ups. I know as much as training her to use the bathroom I am being trained in being sensitive about her need. So upon entering the next store I immediately took her to the bathroom. My sweet girl was sooo good! Not only had she stayed dry but did an awesome job in a public bathroom and washing her hands afterwards. As she was pulling the paper towel to dry of her hands it hit me... my heart tightened in a mixture of pride and joy and sadness at the same time. I came out and Ben said: "How did it go?" With a choked voice I said: "Too well! My little girl is growing up!!"
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Today *Edit*
It was quite the adventurous weekend. We went from being all by ourselves to having five last minute guests over night on Friday all the way down to Adriana and myself stay home from church on Sunday morning.
About our guests: It was sooo good to be able to serve them if only for a few hours. I'm afraid accommodations weren't that much comfortable, but it was sure good to see them. They arrived past midnight, to the girls didn´t even know they were here until Saturday morning. Upon finding out that we had friends sleeping downstairs she was quite urged to come down and "wake up our friends", as she put it. My guess is that out of the bunch, Jamie caused the greatest impression on Elena. When I tried to sit with her on the couch to do her hair she kept telling me this specific couch was her friend Jamie´s. A couple days later she kept talking about her friend Jamie and all the toys he has in his house. I thought it was cute.
Since then, there hasn't really been much going on. Little girls have taken turns getting sick after Ben began the weekend with fevers and coughing. Hopefully if Elena follows the same pattern Adriana did, by tomorrow she should be done with the fever. We´ve been mostly housebound and for some reason this keeps my energy levels down. In fact, my list of things to do has been put aside... It is always hard for me to get going. Once I get going I follow through, but if you stop me, picking back up again is really tough. Not a great quality, I admit, especially when life is all about getting back on track! Oh well...
**An important event of the day: Elena stayed dry all morning long!!!**
About our guests: It was sooo good to be able to serve them if only for a few hours. I'm afraid accommodations weren't that much comfortable, but it was sure good to see them. They arrived past midnight, to the girls didn´t even know they were here until Saturday morning. Upon finding out that we had friends sleeping downstairs she was quite urged to come down and "wake up our friends", as she put it. My guess is that out of the bunch, Jamie caused the greatest impression on Elena. When I tried to sit with her on the couch to do her hair she kept telling me this specific couch was her friend Jamie´s. A couple days later she kept talking about her friend Jamie and all the toys he has in his house. I thought it was cute.
Since then, there hasn't really been much going on. Little girls have taken turns getting sick after Ben began the weekend with fevers and coughing. Hopefully if Elena follows the same pattern Adriana did, by tomorrow she should be done with the fever. We´ve been mostly housebound and for some reason this keeps my energy levels down. In fact, my list of things to do has been put aside... It is always hard for me to get going. Once I get going I follow through, but if you stop me, picking back up again is really tough. Not a great quality, I admit, especially when life is all about getting back on track! Oh well...
**An important event of the day: Elena stayed dry all morning long!!!**
Friday, March 07, 2008
Adventures in Potty Training
As mentioned in the previous post, having a functional bathroom downstairs have certainly brought potty training closer to a reality for our little Elena. Needless to say, it has been an adventure as we try to avoid accidents and encourage the use of the "toilet". Forgive my candor in sharing the details but as usual I am trying to record the memories of our little life.
* She has no problem going "pipi" on the toilet but for some reason "kinkies" (for stinkies) is just not happening. A few months ago, when I realized she was working in filling her diapers and thought of taking a chance I asked: "Sweetie, do you want to go kinkies in the toilet?" To which she replied: "Mami, I am not going kinkies, there's a squirrel in my tummy!"
For clarity sake, my daughter is convinced that her "tummy" is her bottom.
* Her newest one, if I inquire if she wants to go kinkies in the toilet in an attempt to avoid changing soiled underwear she simply says: "I'm not kinkies, Mami, I'm just popping!"
* After a day of attempts I decided to buy flushable wipes. I offered her to go and she declined by saying: "My tummy don't work right now, Mami". But when she realized that I wasn't going to let her use the new wipes she said: "Mama, you help my tummy push kinkies... pweeease!"
* Her most favorite one is "I have to go peep masef!"
* On another note (nothing to do with potty training), she has been processing the whole last name thing. Several times a day she'll be found saying: "I Nena Faip Nenduiky; Adwiana, you Adwiana Hope Nenduiky; Mama you Keya Nenduiky; Papi Pato Ben Nenduiky"
* She has no problem going "pipi" on the toilet but for some reason "kinkies" (for stinkies) is just not happening. A few months ago, when I realized she was working in filling her diapers and thought of taking a chance I asked: "Sweetie, do you want to go kinkies in the toilet?" To which she replied: "Mami, I am not going kinkies, there's a squirrel in my tummy!"
For clarity sake, my daughter is convinced that her "tummy" is her bottom.
* Her newest one, if I inquire if she wants to go kinkies in the toilet in an attempt to avoid changing soiled underwear she simply says: "I'm not kinkies, Mami, I'm just popping!"
* After a day of attempts I decided to buy flushable wipes. I offered her to go and she declined by saying: "My tummy don't work right now, Mami". But when she realized that I wasn't going to let her use the new wipes she said: "Mama, you help my tummy push kinkies... pweeease!"
* Her most favorite one is "I have to go peep masef!"
* On another note (nothing to do with potty training), she has been processing the whole last name thing. Several times a day she'll be found saying: "I Nena Faip Nenduiky; Adwiana, you Adwiana Hope Nenduiky; Mama you Keya Nenduiky; Papi Pato Ben Nenduiky"
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Pheww!
This little woman has been working hard at trying to finally catch up with this house. See, I have felt so far like I failed at making the combination of the two apartments feel like home because when we first moved into the second apartment I had just had a baby. I couldn't really do much and I let the chips fall where they may and figured I'd have time to make a home out of these two apartments soon enough. Well, I was in for a surprise because adjusting to two little ones was harder than I anticipated. Last year, when I felt as though I had a chance at it again, I'd be so exhausted I couldn't understand it and sure enough, I came down with mono. So, between one thing and the next I never have quite finished the house.
Lately, we have been considering downsizing by moving downstairs into one apartment and renting out the upstairs again, just to even us out with our finances. I was all up for it because it would be a very immediate way to get some money. The only thing that kept nagging at my was the thought that I had failed at managing the bigger house. And the more I looked around me the more I got frustrated by bare walls displaying nothing more than a pretty color; poorly used storage because I didn't have time to organize its contents; boxes full of odds and ends that have needed going through forever; missing picture frames with pictures of loved ones whose faces I'd love to look at regularly, etc.
Coming back from Guatemala it was my utmost goal to catch up with the house regardless of what would happen in the next few months. Therefore, this past week has been spent in trying to catch up with the house. I hate to admit that little girls have been watching way more TV than I'd like them to but I am a woman with a mission. So far:
* Entryway closet has been cleaned and rearranged opening up some more room for storage.
* Kitchen table has been fit inside the pantry allowing for some extra shelving in the pantry and freeing up the room in the kitchen.
* Hanging hooks for little coats have been installed at little girls' reach so their winter stuff is a little bit more organized.
* A couple storage boxes have replaced the basket that held all things winter. By having a separate little box for gloves and mittens and another one for hats and scarves, it looks a bit better and things are easier to find.
* Microwave oven has been scrubbed inside and out.
* Kitchen counters and shelves have been cleaned.
* Although not all the pictures have been found, those that were sitting around waiting to hang from a wall have been hung in our stairway. Going upstairs now is a nice reminder of loved ones and looks more welcoming. It looks uneven because of the missing pieces, but we're a step closer.
* Downstairs bathroom has finally been finished so we (as in Ben) installed new towel hooks including one at little girls' reach so they aren't getting our hand towel wet and dirty every time they wash their hands.
* In addition, by having the bathroom finished, potty training for Elena has finally become a work in progress. If she needs to go I don't need to run all the way upstairs with both of them in tow to make it on time, etc... you get the picture.
Yet to do are tons of little things that sometimes feel like they amount to nothing but, amazingly, all those little nothings bring great satisfaction to my heart!
Lately, we have been considering downsizing by moving downstairs into one apartment and renting out the upstairs again, just to even us out with our finances. I was all up for it because it would be a very immediate way to get some money. The only thing that kept nagging at my was the thought that I had failed at managing the bigger house. And the more I looked around me the more I got frustrated by bare walls displaying nothing more than a pretty color; poorly used storage because I didn't have time to organize its contents; boxes full of odds and ends that have needed going through forever; missing picture frames with pictures of loved ones whose faces I'd love to look at regularly, etc.
Coming back from Guatemala it was my utmost goal to catch up with the house regardless of what would happen in the next few months. Therefore, this past week has been spent in trying to catch up with the house. I hate to admit that little girls have been watching way more TV than I'd like them to but I am a woman with a mission. So far:
* Entryway closet has been cleaned and rearranged opening up some more room for storage.
* Kitchen table has been fit inside the pantry allowing for some extra shelving in the pantry and freeing up the room in the kitchen.
* Hanging hooks for little coats have been installed at little girls' reach so their winter stuff is a little bit more organized.
* A couple storage boxes have replaced the basket that held all things winter. By having a separate little box for gloves and mittens and another one for hats and scarves, it looks a bit better and things are easier to find.
* Microwave oven has been scrubbed inside and out.
* Kitchen counters and shelves have been cleaned.
* Although not all the pictures have been found, those that were sitting around waiting to hang from a wall have been hung in our stairway. Going upstairs now is a nice reminder of loved ones and looks more welcoming. It looks uneven because of the missing pieces, but we're a step closer.
* Downstairs bathroom has finally been finished so we (as in Ben) installed new towel hooks including one at little girls' reach so they aren't getting our hand towel wet and dirty every time they wash their hands.
* In addition, by having the bathroom finished, potty training for Elena has finally become a work in progress. If she needs to go I don't need to run all the way upstairs with both of them in tow to make it on time, etc... you get the picture.
Yet to do are tons of little things that sometimes feel like they amount to nothing but, amazingly, all those little nothings bring great satisfaction to my heart!
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