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Monday, February 28, 2011

365 - Day 171

Today was by far the most frightening day of my life.  I may share more later, but I'm emotionally and physically exhausted.  However, what I'm thankful for had to be posted.

1.   My daughter's bloodwork came back with good results.  THANK YOU GOD!!

2.   My daughter's bloodwork came back with good results. THANK YOU GOD!!


3.  My daughter's bloodwork came back with good results. THANK YOU GOD!!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

365 - Day 170

1.  Unfortunately Belle still has been fighting a high fever today.  I made a mock Thanksgiving meal for dinner as she loves turkey in hopes of enticing her to actually eat something.  It worked!  She ate some turkey, which is the most she's had since Thursday. 

2.  All of the good thoughts and prayers for my girl to get better.

3.  Hearing Belle say, "Look Mommy, look!  That's the most gorgeous dress I've ever seen!" while watching the red carpet of the Oscars.  Love that she's getting into this tradition with me.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Juggling

When I was young I wanted to be many of things when I grew up.  One of which was never a juggler.  Little did I know that I would not only learn how to juggle, but juggling would be come a necessity.  My ability to juggle would sometimes mean sink or swim.  Juggling would equal survival. 

In the last 48 hours I have been put to the Mommy test and have gone through several emotions.  Sitting on my couch in silence, I realize I've learned several things.

1.  I hate when my kids are sick.  If I could trade places with them in an instant, I would. It is a helpless feeling looking at your child who is normally full of energy and life laying pathetically on her bed shivering, crying, and burning up with a fever.

2.  When my child is sick with a high grade fever that keeps rising after I've given fever reducing medicine and I call the doctor's office for advice, I want advice immediately.  Telling me I'll receive a call back and I haven't in 10 minutes will ensure that I call you back.  Irrational yes, but my high level of patience and rationale is out the window at this point.  I will bitch, yell, moan, call you a thousand times if I must to get some help NOW.  Call it the Mama Bear in me.

3.  Potty training a healthy kid that is bouncing off the walls while tending to the sick child and attempting to work is not recommended.  In fact, it's downright stupid.

4.  Dealing with customer service lines regarding a credit that is owed you while doing all of the above #3 is again, stupid.  Completely idiotic.

5.  It is inevitable that during the 1 hour that you have an important conference call for work the healthy child who is suppose to be napping will be terrorizing his room and yelling for you to "wet me downstairs Mommy!  No take a nap!  Mommy!!! Hewoo! Ewias no take a nap!".  It is also inevitable that the sick child who is laying next to you on the couch's temperature will skyrocket at that exact same moment.  All while you are being asked questions on this conference call.  When you realize you've been asked a question and you didn't hear it over the cries and screams, you un-mute the phone and ask politely, "can you please repeat that?" to which the response by said asker is an annoyed laugh as if you're screwing around.  It takes all of your willpower at that moment to re-mute your phone for the 2.3 seconds to compose yourself and bite your tongue so you don't A)bite off this man's head and spill your guts about what a horrible, trying day you're having and B)cry.

6.  Attempting all of the above #3 makes you have horrible Mommy guilt and you feel like a big fat failure. 

7.  You find yourself being super irritated by your husband when he comes home from work.  Even the sound of his breathing makes you want to smack him upside the head and say, "DO you KNOW what kind of day I've had?!"  You realize that this is another beyond irrational emotion and then feel wife guilt and like a big fat failure.

8.  You're never too old to need your Mommy.  Especially when your Mom is Grammy and you call her for advice.

9.  Keeping a healthy 3 year old that has enough energy to power a city away from his sick sister that he adores is a full time job. An exhausting full time job.

10.  Priorities quickly fall into place when juggling.

The last 48 hours tested my juggling ability.  Some days I feel like a rock star Mom where everything seems be organized and managed just so.  My ability to juggle is quite efficient.  And then there are days like yesterday and today where there seems to be too many balls in the air and too many being thrown at me at lightening speed.  Where I can't quite keep them all up in the air and start dropping them.  I feel overwhelmed and like throwing my arms up in defeat.  Mommy guilt.  Wife guilt.  Woman guilt.  Those are horrible things. 

Why is it that we expect perfection of ourselves?  As I sit here tonight in the quiet of my house I decided to look back over the last 48 hours and instead of dissecting them for my moments of failure, I've decided to look for my accomplishments.  My daughter knows beyond a shadow of a doubt how much I love her and want her well.  I monitored her temperature religiously and did everything in my power to keep her fever under control.  My son did not break his neck, escape the house, pee or poop anywhere but in the toilet (sans one pee accident) or a pull-up during his nap.  Both children were fed, played with, cuddled, and kissed numerous times.  No one was screamed at, not even my poor breathing husband.  I managed to contribute to and participate in a conference call while dealing with absolute chaos, and even changed a poopy pull-up while on mute.  I ordered groceries online and had them delivered today since we were in need. Both of my children are sound asleep and secure in their beds.  I've handled 3/4 of their care the last 48 hours alone while Hubby was at work, running errands, and out with his brother at a seminar.

I'm not perfect.  There are numerous things over the last 48 hours that I wish I could have accomplished or accomplished better.  I reject the feelings of guilt that plague most every mom at some point. I choose today to embrace self acceptance.  I may not be a super woman, but I'm a juggler.  A damn good juggler.  I drop a ball, or three, sometimes.  But I'm getting better every day, and that ain't bad.

365 - Day 169

1.  Safeway.com.  My poor Belle is still fighting a high fever and getting out to do some much needed grocery shopping would have been impossible.  Thankful for delivery once again!

2.  For all of the family and friends who love my munchkins and are concerned when they aren't feeling well.

3.  My Mom.  It's so nice to have her to call for advice or talk through my Mommy-plan-of-attack on how to get my munchkin to feel better.

365 - Day 168

1.  I'm thankful for having an employer who understands when I need to be home with my sick child.

2.  Ibuprofen.

3.  Thankful that my children are overall healthy.  When one of them is sick it is awful.  I can't imagine parents watching their little ones deal with severe sickness.

"Damestarbaby, clothes as original as your child"

If you're looking for something adorable, hip, and unique for your wee ones go check out Damestarbaby!  They have the cutest clothes and hats for kids!  I'm hoping to win 2 shirts for my 2 little munchies.  You can enter Damestarbaby's giveaway contest too.  Just check out their blog for the details!.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

365 - Day 167

1.  Great advice from friends regarding yesterdays post.

2.  It's suppose to snow here this weekend.  That NEVER happens.  I'm not sure exactly how accurate that forecast is, but we actually have a relaxing weekend ahead so being in and cozy and possibly seeing some snow has the kids excited.

3.  My poor Belle started complaining tonight that she had a headache.  This quickly escalated to her shivering on the couch covered in blankets and refusing dinner.  Poor thing had a high fever.  All of this did not make me happy.  But the snuggles I received and the poor pathetic whimpering of "Thanks Mommy, I love you" when I changed her into her jammies and tucked her into bed did. 

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Stumped

How do you discipline a child who disciplines himself?  I'm at a loss.  A complete and utter loss.  I've reached into my parenting bag of tricks and realize I wasn't prepared for this.  With Isabelle when she was little I knew what I'd be getting.  I was prepared for tantrums and dramatics.  I was prepared that when I put her little hiney on the "naughty step" she would react like the world was coming to an end.  Punishment was, well, punishment.  She HATED it (and made that LOUDLY known).  And then there came Elias.

Don't let this angelic face fool you!






















With Elias I'm out of my element.  This boy is as easy going as they come.  He's laid back.  He goes with the flow.  He's downright lazy at times.  He's the sweetest little lover boy you'll ever meet.  In fact, I don't think there's a mean bone in this boy's body.  That said, he's not maliciously naughty, he's mischievously naughty.  He's our little engineer.  The boy is only 3 and he knows how to work the DVD players, TVs, Wii, CD players, radios, remotes, etc.  He knows how to change inputs to put on what he wants.  He's fearless.  He will climb or scale anything to reach something he wants.  You can place things out of reach, and he can and will MacGyver anything into a step, stool, or ladder to get to it.  Added to his repertoire of tricks is that he's stealth.  He's a little ninja.  He's quiet.  Quiet as a mouse when he's doing something he shouldn't.  He also has amazing speed.  In only a few short seconds he can cause some major damage and chaos. 

The thing about my boy, he's got a conscience.  His little cricket is always on his shoulder whispering what's right and wrong.  Recently I found him standing in front of the TV having the following dialogue with himself (and his Jiminy Cricket):  "Ewias, you don't touch the buttons.  You don't touch the TV.  It's naughty.  You sit on the naughty step." As soon as he said this, he then TOUCHED THE BUTTONS.  He then proceeded with his dialogue: "No touch the buttons!  You go sit on the naughty step!"  He then walked over and SAT HIS LITTLE BUTT ON THE NAUGHTY STEP and continued disciplining himself: "You sit on the naughty step 3 minutes Ewias.  You don't touch the buttons."  I watched all of this transpire in just a few seconds.  My son having a clear struggle with the temptation of what he knew to be naughty, but he caved.  The temptation was too great.  He immediately scolded and punished himself.  I stood with my jaw hanging open, shook my head in disbelief and walked over to him to follow up. You know, since I am the parent and all and should be the one disciplining him!  He then said, "You say sorry to Mommy.  Sorry Mommy.  No touch the buttons.  Ewias be a good boy. Give a hug and a kiss." Say whaaaaat?

Seriously, what am I to do with that?!  There are no tantrums.  No resistance to apologize.  I've tried sending him to bed early.  You know the response I get?  "Nigh night Daddy! Nigh night Sissy! Nigh night Mommy!" I try taking things away.  "Here you go Mommy!"  I've tried Dr. Phil's approach of finding his currency.  The thing is, he has none!  Or none that I've found yet. The boy is seriously the most easy going kid ever.  Nothing phases him!  A friend of mine suggested rewarding good behavior instead of trying to find a punishment that works.  For example, if he goes a day without being naughty that he gets some sort of reward.  I'm willing to try anything right now!  Today I went up during his nap time and he had emptied his dresser. As soon as I saw his mess he was apologizing and cleaning it up.  Once the disaster was picked up, he went and laid himself down on his bed.  This kid has me stumped!!!  Any suggestions are gladly welcomed and appreciated!

365 - Day 166

Today's 365 revolve around my hubby.

1.  My Hubby is my hero for coming home early tonight so I didn't have to take Elias (aka the little troublemaker that was driving me nuts all day) in tow to Isabelle's dance class tonight. Made me breath a huge sigh of relief!

2.  Hubby had Elias fed and in jammies by the time Belle and I arrived home from her dance, and had Belle's dinner waiting for her.

3.  Lastly, the Hubby bought both of the kids a little surprise today which not only put huge smiles on their faces, but motivated Belle to get her homework done quickly and get ready for bed without a fuss.

SOOOOOOO thankful that my Hubs made tonight a lot easier than it could have been!  Love him!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

365 - Day 165

1.  Time for myself to relax and get my hair done.

2. Mimosas.

3.  Snugging with Belle, watching Annie, and having her say, "I'm gonna cry at this part!" Such a girl!

Monday, February 21, 2011

365 - Day 165

1.  Going to see a movie on a Monday morning with my husband.  Love 3 day weekends!

2.  Baking cookies with my girl.

3.  My grandpa.  Heaven became a brighter place 12 years ago today.  My Gramps was exactly what I think a man should be. He was strong, yet gentle. His courage unwavering, his faith evident in every breath he took. He loved unconditionally, gave selflessly, and lived fearlessly. He was a pillar of strength for many, yet could be as silly and fun as a child. I count myself honored and blessed to be one of his grandchildren. I love him and miss him.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

365 - Day 164

1.  The sun, it actually made an appearance today.  Loved it!

2.  A day of relaxing with my sweet little family.

3. Hearing Elias calling out "What the heck?! Ewias stuck!  What the heck!" from the other room cracked Omar and I up.  We couldn't stop laughing.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

365 - Day 163

1.  Another accident free day so far with Elias in chones!  Fingers crossed he'll poop in the potty at some point today.

2.  Celebrating my wonderful father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law's Birthdays tonight.  February is packed with Birthdays in this family!  Good times will be had!

3.  Isabelle remembered to clean her room all on her own this morning without me having to tell her.  Miracle!

365 - Day 162

1.  I deep cleaned my cube top to bottom.  Huge pain in the butt, but so nice to have it done.  I'm hoping the dust free environment will help me stop sneezing & having coughing fits all the time.

2.  Piping hot pizza delivered for dinner.  Thankful for the pizza delivery guy so I didn't have to venture out in the downpour!

3.  Reading a good book to the sound of the rain outside.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

365 - Day 161

1. Today I was thankful for my huge umbrella.  It was POURING!

2.  Miss Bonnie, Isabelle's dance teacher.  Belle has been in her class since she was 2 1/2.  I adore her.  Not only is she extremely talented, but loves the girls.  It's wonderful to have such a positive influence and fabulous role model for the girls.

3.  A friend of mine is starting to potty train her twin boys.  It's so nice to have a friend to commiserate with!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

365 - Day 160

1. "Pider man fruit naks!" Seemed to be incentive enough for Elias not to have an accident today.  Potty training bootcamp continues!

2.  Blueberry muffins.

3.  The accomplishment and enormous smile on Elias' face after we put his Toy Story puzzle together.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

365 - Day 159

1.  Watching Elias act out Super Mario Galaxy while Omar plays it.  Hysterically funny!

2.  Kisses.

3.  The sound of rain on the window while snuggling with my girl in her bed.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Curlers, Butterflies, and Trophies

Isabelle had her first dance competition this weekend.  I'll let the pictures tell the story.














They walked away with 3 trophies!  Congrats girls, you did awesome!! So proud of you! 

365 - Day 158

1. Love.  All of the love that's in my heart.  I am blessed with countless people in my family and friends that I love, and know that love me and mine.

2.  My ILs for coming over and spending Valentine's Day with the munchkins while the Hubs and I had to work.  They made it a fun day for them, and provided us the time to enjoy our evening together as a family instead of spending it commuting.

3.  Delicious dinner and fun night spent with my three loves.

365 - Day 157

1.  Started off the morning right going to church with the fam.  First time taking Belle into Sunday School and she really enjoyed it. 

2.  Vday date with the Hubby.  We had a fabulous time going to the movies, dinner, and out for ice cream afterwards.  We rarely have time going out just the two of us, and I cherish when we do. 

3.  My parents for watching the kids so the Hubs and I could go out on our date.  They had a great time!

365 - Day 156

1.  Belle had her very 1st dance competition today.  She and the girls did fabulous!

2.  I love that Belle has such good little friends on her dance team, and I'm so glad that I'm friends with their Moms!  Great bunch of ladies!

3.  Belle and I stopped to visit my Gram on our way home from the competition. I don't get to see her often enough, and love when I am able to.  So sweet hearing her tell Belle stories about her and my Gramps.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Flashback Friday

This is Belle's "I'm meeting my baby brother!" face

365 - Day 155

1.  Playing at the park on a gorgeous day with my little man.

2.  Watching my girl rip into her Valentines she received from her classmates, accompanied by many "oohs" and "ahhs".

3.  Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

365 - Day 154

1.  Watching the girls practice their dance for the last time before their competition.  They did so good and are soooo excited for Saturday!

2.  A cocktail after an exhausting, trying day.  It was needed, believe me, and much deserved.

3.  Kiwi & blueberries.  Delicious evening snack.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

365 - Day 153

1.  Toothy smiles from my littlest niece.

2.  Talking to my boy on the phone and having him say, "I wuv you Mommy, have a good day!"

3.  I had a good day breathing wise, no asthma flair ups. Between being sick a few weeks ago and the beautiful weather (which has been allergy inducing unfortunately), I've been struggling.  It was so nice to be able to breathe free and clear today.

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

365 - Day 152

1.  Following up on Belle's "dream come true" yesterday, I spoke with her Kindergarten teacher and had so many nice things to say about my girl.  She also gave her a thank you note for reading to the class and gave her some more warm fuzzies.  Warmed my heart!  So proud of my girl!

2.  Living in California, the weather has been gorgeous!

3.  New episode of Glee.

Monday, February 07, 2011

Blast from the Past

As I was uploading videos tonight I found some old ones I had on YouTube of Belle when she was 2. Sniff, sniff!


This one is more recent from a year and a half ago.  Always the performer!

Belle's Dream Come True

When I picked Isabelle up today she was bursting with excitement.  She told me the following story:

 "Mommy, you'll NEVER guess what happened today!  I had a DREAM COME TRUE!  I brought the book There's a Monster At the End of This Book , that was Daddy's when he was little that Abuelita gave to me yesterday, to school today.  And in community circle, I showed it to my class and gave a little book critique.  Then my teacher said I could go to my kindergarten teacher's room and read it to her whole class!  So I got to go read the book in Mrs. P's class.  To a WHOLE KINDERGARTEN CLASS!  All by myself!  And I got to sit in Mrs. P's rocking chair and the whole class listened to me read the book to them.  And I even took questions afterwords.  It was SO COOL!  Can you believe that?!  I read to a whole class all by myself!  I was like the teacher!  Later I was walking by Mrs. P's class and asked her if the boys and girls liked the story and she said no, they didn't like it.  They LOVED it!  It was a success!  Ahhh...dream come true!"

Oh my sweet little girl, you are my dream come true!  You make me one proud Mommy!

Here's Belle reading "the book", enjoy! (Please excuse Elias' noisy little feet running around!)

Practice Makes Perfect

This is Belle's first year on a competitive dance team.  She's taken dance since she was 2 and absolutely loves it.  She's takes ballet, jazz, and tap.  After much discussion we decided to allow her to be on company team this year.  Their first competition is in a week and they've been practicing like crazy!  They received their outfits a week ago during class, threw them over their normal dancewear, and did an impromptu run through for the parents.  Their outfits are little fire girl outfits.  They didn't wear the hats, so I'll have to take a picture before the actual competition of Belle in her full get-up.  I think they are adorable and do a fantastic job thanks to their fabulous teacher, Miss Bonnie.  Belle has had her as a teacher since she was 2 and loves her! (So do I!)  Here's a sneak peak!



 
 **Updated with her pictures from her dress rehersal**


365 - Day 151

1.  After much searching, reminding, and hounding Belle found the 2 jackets she lost at school!  Phew.

2.  After Belle told me about finding her jackets, she excitedly told me she had a dream come true today!  Will share what that is in another post.  So proud of her!

3.  My little batman.

Sunday, February 06, 2011

365 - Day 150

1.  Superbowl Sunday = lots and lots of good eats. Nom, nom, nom!

2.  Packs won = happy husband (who is die hard Raiders fan but apparently we were rooting for the cheeseheads today).

3.  Clean hamster cage.  I had to clean it (boo!), but at least it's done.  Man Charlie, you stink!

Saturday, February 05, 2011

365 - Day 149

1.  Dress rehearsal day for Belle and her friends.  They did fantastic!  Best I've seen them perform! And they looked adorable to boot!

2.  Movie night with the Hubs.

3.  Dinner out with my 3 best peeps.

365 - Day 148

1.  Delicious lunch at a new-to-me restaurant.

2.  Celebrating a sweet baby girl who is on her way.

3.  Fabulous book, can't put it down!

Thursday, February 03, 2011

The Screamer

Lately at bedtime when I give the "last call", the boy replies with a boisterous scream "No time for BED!"  As Belle put it, "I'm right next to you, jeeze, you don't have to yell in my ear!"  Another "good thing he's cute" moment.


365 - Day 147

1.  Being a Mommy to 2 beautiful, healthy, hilarious kids.  I'm extremely lucky and blessed.

2.  Arroz con Pollo for dinner.  Yummers.

3.  Cocktail and a new Grey's Anatomy. 

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

365 - Day 146

1.  Belle's little friend's grandma for sewing and altering Belle's dance hat to fit.  She's the sweetest and I adore her!

2.  Accident free day for Elias.

3.  Feeling pretty crafty and proud of myself for figuring out a way to secure part of Belle's hat that kept coming undone.

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

365 - Day 145

1.  Tonight was filled with giggles with the kids and my Hubby, all four of us playing together as a family. 

2.  Hubby is feeling better.  I am hoping this is the end of the flu at our house!

3.  I received some great news that my sis and her family are coming out to visit in June, can't wait!