Jeffrey ~ 3 years old

My dear Jeffrey James,
This is the first official time I’m writing solely to you, so I’ll recap quite quickly.
Being pregnant with you was not easy. You gave us a good scare at the beginning, but were a champ at the end. It is with you I developed gestational diabetes, 4 shots a day for three months. You were projected to be 9-10lbs. You came out at 8lbs. 14oz. 21 3/4inches, the biggest baby in our family. I will tell you know that you are my perfect numerical child. (Auntie Kim will tell you that Mommy is crazy with numbers, and she’s right.) You must have known that as you fit right in. Gampy’s, Mommy’s, & Tia Kristi’s birthdays fall in numerical order 23,24,25 (different months). You followed that by coming on the 22nd. The icing on the cake.. you were born at 12:34 PM. We named you Jeffrey James ( "James" after Grandpa Ponce).

This year has brought a lot of changes for you and in you. You have developed an imagination and use it with full gusto. The past two years have been a lot of firsts, but you have had a lot of changes this year as well.
Here are some highlights:

• This year you became a big brother, and so far you kind of enjoy it. You adore your sister, and your sister adores you.
• You left your crib and moved into your big boy room.
• You started wearing chonies … around September
• You started at the table in your booster seat
• You began riding your bike
• You hit your first pitch
• You fell in love with the Cars movie, so much that you picked the Cars theme over Thomas the Train.
• You began using Playhouse Disney on your own. In fact, you called out Grandpa Ponce’s computer for being too slow.
• You started using the Wii Fit, boxing is your favorite.
• You’ve began taking an interest in sports on TV. You’ve even taken to pitching underhand.
• You used Mommy’s glove for the first time.
• You dropped My Friends Tigger & Pooh and Mickey for Handy Manny or Handy Mandy as you call him.
• You began using a booster seat and let Alexis have your old carseat.
• You began saying your prayers at night. (You seem to be fond of blessing inanimate things such as Guido, the Giraffe, and your planets)
• You rode Pirates of the Caribbean for the first time.
• You changed your name to Jeffrey James Kavanagh Felipe Camel (Kimmel)
  
  I can’t even put into words all the feelings/emotions I have about you turning 3. ***sigh*** It just seems so fast. It has been a big year for you, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you sweetheart. I look forward to your kisses, hugs, and lots of fun times.
  
  All my love,

Mommy

Jeffrey's Birthday Party ~ HB

So this was the last of Jeffrey's Birthday weekend. He had a party with his family and family friends. It was very fun. The food was awesome! My Nino and Polo volunteered to be our Taco Men. They were awesome and very professional, white table linen included. We had a few kid meltdowns, but survived. He loved sharing his birthday and made sure everyone sang to him. Alexis enjoyed the party atmoshpere and did not throw a tantrum. Jeffrey's favorite part was the bouncer. True to form he was in it from the time it was put up, till around 8. He loved it, and was hardly out of there. Here are some highlight quotes of the day...

• "Are your taco men legal?"... for the record... yes. : )They're family!
• "This is strangely familiar... to when they tried to light the heaters last year. Remember? It's when Sandy almost burned her eyebrows off."~Kathy to Aunt Sonia
• "Squish the cherries, squish the cherries." ~ Aunt Sonia... "Do you mean grapes?" ~ Kathy to Aunt Sonia
• "Sandy, dance like you did on our Girls' Night Out!" ~Kathy
• "Look, they're chonies." ~Jeffrey on his Cars undies
• "Tia Lola, did you sing to me?" Jeffrey to Tia Lola
• "I thought it went great, I did everything you told me to." ~Aaron's perspective of the day

Jeffrey's Disney Birthday 5/22/09

I took Jeffrey to Disneyland for his 1st birthday. It was nice, just him and I. At that time I thought one was hard, now I know different. This year it was the three of us ~ Aaron had a CIF game, and couldn't join us. It was a little surreal to go back two years later with one more child and celebrate his 3rd birthday... wow. I was fortunate my parents, sister, and Bear joined us. Jeffrey had a blast as you can clearly see.

Jeffrey's Birthday Party ~ Lancaster

Jeffrey had a little party in Lancaster for his AV friends. He had a blast and truly enjoyed seeing his friends out of their regular setting. He had a blast, and all of the kids were so excited to Ms. Vickie there. We are truly fortunate to have good families in our lives.

Pool time

The weather here has been pretty hot here, and I have been begging Aaron to get us a pool. This is what I got, a kiddie pool that fits all 4 of us with a slide. (You know you're jealous! : ) The boys (Aaron, Jeff, and Fozzy) are the only ones who have used it so far. Here is a few pictures of them using it. Here is Jeffrey showing me his big muscles!!!

Alexis 10 months

My dear Alexis,
Well here we are at 10 months. Time has surely flown, and you’re almost 1. We will not go to the doctor until 6/2 because Mommy and Daddy will be off for summer break very shortly, so we’ll have your stats then.

• You have changed quite a bit this month, and have developed quite a loud little personality.
• You are not crawling as of yet, but you wiggle and scoot around, but have yet to crawl more than 2 steps.
• You are a little wiggle worm who hates to have her diaper changed.
• You are saying mama, dada, uh-oh, and mimicking everyone
• When you want someone’s attention, you yell at the top of your lungs
  You have really bonded with Daddy this month. He is starting to become your favorite and you will yell for him.
• You continue to love and adore your brother. He loves you so much, and you kiss each other at night before going to bed.
• You have starting either kissing or biting people. We’re hoping it’s kissing cause you laugh when you do it.
• You have now figured out that you wear a bow in your hair. Everyday Mommy will put it in a different spot hoping you don’t find it. When you do find it, you yank it out. (It reminds me of your Tia Kristi when she was a baby, and it scares me.)
• Handy Manny continues to be your favorite music, and you still bounce to the song.
• You are fighting your naps at every given opportunity. You cry when you go to your room because you know the drill.
• You and Jeffrey have officially started fighting for toys. He takes something away, and you cry. You take something and he cries, so I guess it’s even.
• You have even starting taking Fozzy’s toys or bones. Daddy has even caught you giving your pacifier to Fozzy : )
  
  Well sweetheart, I guess that is all for now. I look forward to you crawling, and more of your giggles and kisses.
  
  All my love, Mommy

What happened to the day?

I remember the first day that Aaron and I first moved in together. We had finished unpacking for the day, and I had made us dinner. I remember I made spaghetti, salad, and french bread. We sat down, and I began to have this feeling,the "This is it" feeling. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't necessarily sad, but I realized that this would be my routine for the next 100 years of my life. (Yes, I'm living to be 100 :) )

Fast forward 4 years, and I this feeling reared its head once again. I had to shower and I had both kids by myself. I first had to lock in the kids in, via baby gate. Every minute I had to slide the door open to ask if everyone was okay. At one point I saw Alexis legs crossed, feet on the bed, watching Thomas upside down. Jeffrey was fighting with the dog, etc. It was not a moments peace. I got out feeling very stressed and relieved at the same time.

I used to think that the only alone time I had was in the shower. Now that I'm a Mommy, 'alone time' is non-existent.

On the mound

Today was a nice day for watching Aaron's team. After the game, Jeffrey usually runs out and hangs out with Aaron. Today was Senior Day, so a lot of families were on the field. This time we didn't ask Aaron if it was okay, we all went out there. This was the first time I was able to put Alexis out on the field. She didn't mind it too much. She didn't want to stand on the mound, but I don't like standing on dirt when I'm barefoot either. My little girl is growing up. All she needs now is a glove in cleats. I wonder if Nike makes cleats in size 6-9 months?

Mother's Day ~ Lancaster

Mother’s Day~ Lancaster. I was able to celebrate Mother’s Day at home in style. In style meaning in jimmies. Aaron was awesome, he drove home and let me have a nap.

We decided to go to dinner at Don Cuco’s because they had an awesome buffet last year. This year, however, things changed. They stopped the buffet at 3~ I was still napping. We had a good dinner regardless.

The kids are such great shoppers… I got jimmies, Sex in the City season 1, and a gift receipt to take a trip.
All in all it was a great day.

Mother's Day in HB

Huntington Beach…

We celebrated part of Mother’s Day in HB. The kids were fortunate enough spend time with their Tita (Great Grandma ~ my side), Gampy (my mom), and Grandma Donna (Aaron’s mom). Jeffrey and Aaron were fortunate enough to talk to MaMaw over the phone. (Our kids are very fortunate to have 4 great-Grandparents alive)

We started the day at Tita’s house.

We had a snack and even danced a little. Jeffrey helped Tita open her present and Alexis, well, was Alexis.

We went back to Gampy’s house and watched her open her presents. Jeffrey, as always was more than willing to help. I opened my present from Jeffrey & Alexis.

After packing up, we went and hung out at Grandma Donna’s house. She opened her present, and the kids had a good time.

Please note, that we were all still in our jammies.

Weekend mornings with Gampy & Grandpa Ponce

So my parents are probably going to kill me, as they are in their jammies, but I think that my kids should know how they'd spend their mornings.Jeff with Gampy dancing and singing. That's amore!

Mornings at my parents' house is usually the same. Get up, go to their room, hang out, have some snacks, and talk. Since my kids have been born, not much has changed, except my parents have gotten a bigger bed. I kid you not at times there can be my parents, my kids, my sister & I. Oh, did I mention the puppies? Can you imagine when Kristina has kids?!?!

Notice it's Lexi holding the box. At almost 10 months she knows what comes out of there. And NO, that is not why she is a little chunk.

This picture is of Stitch (aka Stitchy, Chee-Chee) and Alexis. Both are looking at the cookie box, not sure who will go for it first.

Every so often, the girls of the family try to have our own night out. In my case, no kids, and the husbands/boyfriends stay at home. We don’t go crazy…I’m not sure some even know how to go crazy.

Anyhow… We figured the Saturday before Mother’s Day would be perfect. So we went. I will make note, that this the second time the Rocha girls have not gone out with us. So they fell victims to receiving pictures from the fun we had.

Sandy drove (more on that later) and was in her sexy pants! We started the night at Don Jose’s and enjoyed a drink and some great Mexican food. Only after were we at a loss of what to do.

I suggested bowling, and my Mom said no. My mom said miniature golfing, Kris said no. I swear, sometimes they’re a bunch of girls = ) We ended up going to Bella Terra. Keep in mind, Sandy is still driving. Not one of is drunk, nor buzzed. Sandy, I guess, is not familiar with driving near Bella Terra. She goes in the wrong entrance, peels out of the intersection and scares the pedestrians. I am her co-pilot, praying err… guiding, her to the nearest parking spot. Instead of going for a spot close to the movie theatre ALL of us guided her to closest spot ahead of us in order to get out of the car safely.

At Bella Terra, there is nothing to do but shop. We head over to Kohls where I proceed to buy yet ANOTHER pair of flip flops. I know Aaron thinks I need another pair of shoes like I need another hole in my head, but I didn’t have them in brown.

After we were done shopping, we went to Coldstone. I’ve decided some people are not meant to go to there. My mom is one of them. She ended up ordering a like it – chocolate- with a cone. No fun mix-ins, just chocolate ice cream on a cone.

That is where we ended the night… what a bunch of party animals!!!!!

Jeff's Day out

My kids are fortunate to have one of the best Aunts or Tias ever… My sister…. All the grief she gave me over the years~ she treats my kids so well, and loves them to death. That being said, Tia Kristi asked if she could take Jeffrey to the beach. Please understand that my sister hates being sandy, hates sand on her towel, and doesn’t go in the water. ( I think she just goes there to eat) Knowing this she and Bear took Jeffrey to the beach so Aaron and I could go to the movies. Jeffrey’s only request was that she would bring chewy snacks.

Off they went, and had a good time, but Jeffrey’s version of events differed from Kristina’s….

According to Kris ~ we had a good time. Your son was purple and did not want to leave the water. When it got to be too cold, he asked to go back and eat cookies. He got splashed by a big wave, but was okay. Jeffrey with Bear or his Bair

Jeffrey’s events ~ We had fun. Bear put me on the boogie board, but I didn’t like it cause I’m too little. Maybe when I’m 3 I’ll do it. Tia gave me candy.

I’m not sure which version is true, but he did have fun.

It's funny... I wonder if this is how they kept track of him??

Nanny 911

Wow! So it's only 8:42 AM and it's already a LONG day.

Getting the kids up in the morning... *sigh* Every minute in our house counts in the morning. As a rule of thumb we make it a point to get Aaron and the kids in the car at 7:08.

That being said. Lexi is pretty easy, and has gotten easier throughout the year. While Alexis has gotten easier, Jeffrey has gotten worse. Case in point today... he went to bed at a decent time, and he got up relatively early - 6:40. I thought it would be a breeze this morning. I must have been crazy. He was awake, cranky, yelling, trying to get out of Aaron's reach - he did not want to get dressed. I could hear him screaming/arguing from Lexi's room. It was ridiculous. He was finally spanked and came to me. Poor Lexi and I didn't know what to say or do.... I put Alexis down and finished dressing and getting Jeffrey ready. It was a horrible start to the week! I put him in the car and he was fine. I e-mailed Aaron, and he said the kids were fine.

How can he go from this to this?!?!?

The morning after

The morning after one of our parties is usually a lot of eating and resting. I mean, what else are you supposed to do after a hangover? The morning after Tia Lola’s party did not disappoint. Unless you were Kris & Bear and I… we are the only ones who do not eat menudo. We got pizza instead. We thought we were in the clear, but Elena ratted us out to everyone during the presents. She’ll learn… You never cross a Ponce! : )

We came over early and found my mom and dad in their jammies. Kris was off to church – what a good girl! Anyhow we went to Tia Lola & Tio Mayo’s. A far walk, only three houses down, we were the last to arrive.

We watched her open her presents, we watched Sandy get stuck in a baggossiped (mostly about the bouffants), and lounged around. Alexis was her normal cheerful self, (NOT) and barely left my side. That is until she realized that people would her, and then she had them waiting on hand and foot… literally. Tia Lola with her baby and grandbabies Javi, Sandy, Tia Lola, Karina, and Avery

Tia Lola's 65th Surprise Birthday Party

On Saturday, we celebrated Tia Lola’s 65th Surprise Party. It was very cute, as she’s always wanted one. Apparently, she went as far as pouting around her birthday. When I called her for her birthday, she sounded happy, but a bit disappointed. Talking to Michael, she was so peeved that she did not want to schedule her annual birthday trip.

She had no clue about this. As everyone was busy planning for things, she was busy buying a gift for the fake party. She was totally caught off guard (notice the present in her hand)

Tia Lola & Tito (her dad)

and we all were so happy to see her expression. Tia Lola & Emma (my mom/her sister)

Tia Lola & Tita (her mom)

She enjoyed herself and we had fun too. For a while, I thought I might lose my hearing, but we all turned out to be okay.

Tia Lola kissing Jeffrey

Kris & I Jeffrey & Mommy Aly (My Goddaughter) & I Jeff with the boys Nick, Michael, Jeffrey, & AJ