Family Fun

So, it’s been a while. There has been a lot going on, so I will start from the beginning.

We did end up going down to OC., it was a blast.

Valentine’s Day was a blast. The kids got lots of goodies and were able to give their Valentines to family. Jeffrey got a cupcake from his Tia Kristi and when she has kids I’ll be happy to repay her for the sugar favor…

While in HB we went to the park with Grandma Donna and Grandpa Russell, Aaron’s parents. Lexi enjoyed her big girl swing,

but Aaron had a bit of difficulty.

Jeffrey rode his bike and only ate it a few times. He came back only once, without his bike, to tell us he blew a tire out.

We also celebrated Tita’s birthday,

delivered Tulul’s, aka Nino’s, birthday present as well.

The entire family was there and it was…………. chaos

I had the most fun with Sandy. We have a love/hate relationship… I love to tease her, and she hates it. Go figure. Jeffrey got to play with his all of his cousins,

and Lexi enjoyed people holding her,

for the most part.

Here are a few of my favorite lines of the night:

“Listen Whiny-McFoo, just pick a domino and play!” me to Nick while they were playing Disney dominos.
“It’s Goofy!!! Don’t you know your characters?!?!” Sandy to Nick while playing Disney dominos.

“Look, Nick has matches.” Me to Sandy while she was supposed to watching Nick.

“I don’t think she likes me very much.” Uncle Fred commenting on his relationship with Lexi.
“It would’ve been a good picture, but you’re mom’s bald spot got in the way.” Aunt Sonia while taking pictures.
"The hint: It’s a type of chony… " “A g-string!” Kathy giving clue, AJ guessing.

I think that about sums it up!

The following weekend the kids went back down to HB so they could attend Andrew’s 2nd birthday. Once again they had fun in OC with Gampy, Grandpa Ponce, Tia Kristi, and Bear. They had a blast and came back with many goodies. Including, a whoopee cushion compliments of Uncle Jimmy. Yeah, like Jeffrey needs any more gas, but he loves it.

Kristina

watched the kids a lot during the weekend, and even made them dinner. Jeffrey told me she makes a mean popcorn and emenms (M&Ms).

We have been awaiting the birth of four baby girls to friends and family. I figure if I play my cards right in about 12 years, I could have an awesome infield. (Unfortunately, we lost a family friend as well. She’s in a better place, but she’ll be missed and remembered fondly.) Two of those babies have been born, a week a part. So there is light at the end of the tunnel, hang in there Ceci and Erica!

That brings us to today, all caught up. I’m sure I’ll have more very soon!

7 months of Alexis.. A letter to you

LexiGirl,
7 months…. Wow. Seems like a lifetime ago. Since this is my first ‘month’ writing you, I feel a need to recap…
I can remember vividly being pregnant with you. I remember realizing/hoping that we, well me, were pregnant with you. You gave a scare right at the beginning, but were tough. I remember going back to the endocrinologist… moron more like it… and thinking here we go again. Shots everyday till the day you were born. I was getting bruises, so they said, “Inject your stomach.” My first reaction was, “Yeah right! You shoot your stomach.” You can thank your father for that comment. But I did it, and we kept going.

I remember the second scare in February, and I remember showing at the end of the month. We went to Michelle’s 16th birthday looking like a fat panda, but according to your brother, I was pretty. We kept going, and in April we found out you were a girl. My first thought, “I hope no one buys her a pink glove.” Sad, yes, but considering that I had wanted a girl so she could play, you should expect nothing less.

May came and I grew and grew. When it came time for your cousin Bobby’s wedding, I found a dress no problem. Shoes were an issue… I was one size in the morning, and by afternoon I was another. I wanted to cry…

June came along, and we had a scare as we took a tumble, thanks to Fozzy, but we turned out to be fine. The only bad thing we encounter were Mommy’s Sun Devils losing to Fresno State. By July, I was ready to pop. I was going to the doctor twice a week in Newport/Huntington Beach, it was a fun time. They scheduled you to come out on August 1st, much to my fighting Dr. Dubyak for 7-26. However, I was told at 37 weeks, should I go into labor it was a go. So I put Operation Out on the calendar on Friday, July 18th. You had different plans…

The day, July 17th started out with my horoscope to this day I still keep on my phone: “Tonight’s unexpected events will prove to be rewarding in the end.” I showed Daddy, and he laughed along with me. I thought it was referring to something I bet on ebay. I wasn’t feeling good, so I decided to go down to HB a day early with Daddy and Jeffrey to follow. I was okay, on the phone for most of the drive. We hit the 405, and contractions began. (I think you wanted to make sure you were born in OC.) They never stopped. I got off the car and everyone looked at me in panic. Your Gampy and Tia Kristi were very sympathetic by the way. They wanted to make sure I didn’t ruin your baby shower on the following Sunday. The contractions didn’t stop, called the doctor, and everyone started to panic. I showered and ate. I was NOT going to go in starving. Sandy advised me not to just in case they would get you out. I ate anyway.

I went to the hospital, and called Daddy to let him know to come down. He rushed down. He was somewhere on the 5 when I told him it was showtime! He rushed down to drop Fozzy and pick up Grandpa Ponce. After almost going off the freeway and Grandpa Ponce yelling at Daddy, they made it. Somehow Jeffrey walked in the hospital by himself….

Daddy found me kinda in pain, but ready. They took you out and the first thing we heard Dr. Dubyak, “Look at those thighs! She has thunder thighs” And there you were… 18 ½ inches and 8lbs. 1 oz.on July 18th. You had tons of hair and a strong cry. Mommy got to hold you once before you went to the NICU. You stayed there the whole time and it was an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not a time I like to think about….

You came home to Gampy’s. Jeffrey finally knew what it mean to have a sister. He wasn’t sure what to think of you. The first few months were rough. I went back to work in October, but not before I witnessed you smile and sleep through the night.

Here we are… 7 months later. You are quite the little drama queen. You know who to play and when. You adore your brother, and your brother loves you. He is protective of you, as well as Fozzy. They are your friends and your entertainment. Everyday you melt our hearts with your little giggles, smiles, and snuggles.

I look forward to watching your grow….

All my love,
Mommy

To my Mr. Lafoo

Mr. Jeffrey Lafoo,

Today you asked Mommy to read you a story. It seems as if you forget who I am from 7am to 830PM with memory lapses at meal times. I was tired but you insisted and I gave in. As I lay there with you reading to you, you were so happy.

It was then that I realized something... In about 10 years,

-you will not want me to read to you.

-you will think I am uncool.

-you will want me to let you be.

-you will find me annoying.

-you will probably call me 'Mom'.

-you will consider me a taxi who gives you money..

-you will listen to anyone, but me.

So for now... I will read to you. I will enjoy/cherish you saying, "I wuv you Mommy." I will enjoy you digging around to find your Tigger, hearing you say you're prayers, and of course falling asleep with you.

All my love,

Mommy

OH NO!!!!

So, I am VERY UPSET!!! remember the post a few days ago when I talked about it snowing??? Well here we f***ng go again. (Sorry, Mom) But just as we had sun a mere 24 hours ago, here comes snow. And not just cute little snowflakes you make in school. We're talking huge tortilla like flakes. Okay, so it's not the greatest descriptive word, but you get the picture. I can't believe this. AND to put the topping on this... IT'S FRIDAY. Which means... NO HOPE for a school snow day. AHHHH!!! Oh, and NO MS. VICKIE!! What are we going to do?! My only hope... is that it will stop and we can still go home. If not, I'm not sure what we'll do. My guess is probably go stir crazy... Okay, well I'll keep you posted.

Cupcakes

We are in full swing for Valentine’s Day. Jeffrey & Alexis have their annual Valentine’s Day Party at Ms. Vickie’s tomorrow. He has picked out all the Valentine's for his friends and Ms. Vickie. He picked them out individually, it was cute. Thankfully, Disney's Pixar made a whole collection of all his favorite movies, so there were no major decisions. I have made cupcakes and had bought goodies for the kids. I am even throwing in some tattoos… I’m sure the other moms will love me.










We are all looking forward to going home to HB on Saturday!!! Yeah, we’re going home!!! And with going home means seeing all of our ‘familia’. Yes, all the beans in the burrito. We’ll be going down to visit and celebrate my Nino, aka Tulul, and Tita’s birthday. Growing up I used to take birthdays as a given. Now, as I’m older, I’d love to say wiser- but I’m not, I view them as a blessing.
Well, that’s all I have for today. I’m sure I’ll have plenty after this weekend.

I SO did not sign up for this

Many of you that know me, know that I am not one for change. I like things in a pattern, and try not to stray. Call it neurotic, but at least you know what to expect. So, when my fiancé at the time said, “I got a job in Lancaster. The only problem is that it could possibly snow once in a while. Don’t worry, the locals say it’s only snows once every five years.” They say love is blind…. They should add it’s also deaf, and dumb. We will complete our 4 year anniversary here in July and it has snowed count it… 3 times!!!

Twice, today. Okay, I admit. I was happy when it got us out of school for 2 days. However, today’s was a teaser. It snowed, thick flakes, but did not stick. We were all secretly hoping for a snow day. The mountains surrounding us, snow covered… us rainy and ugly. It was like taking me to Coldstone and saying no add-ins.


I knew that having a girl would be much different than a boy. I’ve heard they are more vocal, and from what I know, drama. I didn’t think that it would happen so soon. Let me first add, that I think that I can spot fakers, or not so urgent matters, pretty well. After all, I’ve taught preschool and high school. Apparently with my own children, I’m a sucker. Alexis normally likes her high chair, it equals food. Today, she was fussy and not happy. My first mom like reaction… something is wrong. She didn’t like her peas, starting to see a pattern here, didn’t want her fresh feeder, etc. She then starts screaming and arching her back… I believe she picked up this behavior via Bear. Thinking something was wrong, I picked her up and tried to comfort her. She was having none of it, so I let her be… and the little ‘princess’ was happy as a clam I sat back down to dinner looked at Aaron, he looked at me… “We’ve been played,” I said. He nodded in agreement. I’ve often teased Kristina on what a horrible child she was, I’m hoping I’m not raising Kristina II!

Here are my two little workers, helping me with dinner

I knew that Jeffrey would want to be just like Daddy, and do things Daddy did. I didn’t expect Daddy to want to be like Jeffrey… and hang his accomplishments (his report card) next to Jeffrey’s coloring.

Thank you for playing...

Biscuits, Bath time, & Fresh Feeders

So I begin today with the realization that I my husband is very frugal… aka cheap. As you begin dating you think that their little ‘annoying’ habits are cute. You become serious/engaged and think it’s a behavior you must change. After being married for a while, you realize it is what it is, and you can complain/commiserate with others who will listen.
Why this realization you ask…Well Aaron does not like spending money that he doesn’t feel is necessary. Because Alexis and Jeffrey are so close in age, we were able to use a lot of the same things. Lexi has hit the age where she can use the fresh feeders. (Fresh feeders are mesh little bags in which you put food in and teething babies can taste the food, but not swallow) We found the fresh feeders – we sanitize them, she’s used them, but I felt an update was due. While at Babies R Us, I asked Aaron to buy her new ones. He came back with new mesh bags that were $5 cheaper than just buying brand new ones. All he’d have to do is replace the bags. IT BECAME A MISSION, he said he would not let the mesh bags defeat him. It took him 55 minutes to replace the new bags. He timed himself with the second and it took him 20 minutes. A new record…

Today Jeffrey had his first chance at helping Mommy with dinner. According to him, he made biscuits. He was very proud at his arrangement.

Speaking of feeders. I know that each child is different. I see a lot of physical similarities between Jeff and Lexi, some in personality, but I don’t remember Jeffrey getting SO excited about food. As you can see she gets excited when she sees it… Wait for it… Victory!

Because parenting is about multi-tasking, I’ve began to give them a bath together. Here are some yearbook shots that I’ll share now, and in 16-17 years in a high school yearbook.

That’s all I have for now.

Sisters and my boy Felipe

So I have let family and friends know of my new adventure, and surprise, surprise..... my sister has a complaint. Perhaps I should give you a little background to my sister. We are opposites in just about every way, but she is my sister and one of my bestfriends. She will think I'm a fruit for writing that, but what else is new?

Anyhow, my sister read the blog and thought it to be a little weird for her taste. However, she was offended that she was not mentioned in it. So, she said the next time she reads it- although it might be weird for her taste- she had better be in it!

Happy now dear???

Jeffrey has been really into his Handy Manny phase. He gives everyone he likes a name from the show. I am Kelly and Aaron is Mr. Lopeheart...(hee, hee,hee) He has named himself Felipe, which he adds in at the end. We were leaving the basketball game tonight and someone asked us his name, and we replied Jeffrey. Only soon to be corrected by Jeffrey, err Felipe, himself. He told the man his name was Jeffrey J Kavy Felipe. Aaron and I wanted to hide. We always knew that Jeffrey's mouth would get us in trouble, but we couldn't help but laugh. We then had to explain to the man how Jeffrey got his name... it's only the beginning, I know.

Well, I should be off now. As you can see, I have laundry to do.

Day One...

And so my adventure begins... at first thought, this sounded like a good idea. A way for family to check in. Something for the kids to look at. We'll see just how it unfolds from here.

We are officially in baseball mode, well try-outs at least. So my life as a baseball widow begins. For those who are not sure exactly what that means, I'm sure you'll find out in these next few months. In short, losing your husband to games, meetings, bus rides, calls from scouts, reporters, etc. I should not complain too much, afterall I knew this going in, but I can't say it doesn't bug. Am I jealous? A little... maybe. For those who knew me before bk(before kids) ... yes, I miss being out there. Do I miss the bs that comes along? Not so much. If you've been an athlete, you know what it's like and how that fire never really goes away.

With the season, comes Jeffrey's meltdowns. And boy, did we have a big one today. Not wanting to take a bath, not good. Not him. I'm taking this in stride. He will not be the stinkiest kid by any means, but I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

With that being said, I'm off.

Play ball!