What a blur!

These past few weeks have been crazy preparing for the holidays, taking a long weekend away & spending time with family. I have a lot to post & will hopefilly get to it soon. In the meantime, I'm putting away christmas items while I still have the energy! Happy holidays everyone!!!

Having a blast!

My hubby & I are having a wonderful time relaxing & enjoying time together. More information & slideshows coming shortly!

Is everyone ready for the holidays??? I still having wrapping to finish along with a few homemade presents to do with my son.

Contrast above her

Our baby girl loves this mobile with the contrast under the umbrellas & beautiful animals!

Not our idea week

This week started off with our son waking up at 4 am throwing up all over the bed. As I sat with him until mid-morning, he finally got a short nap, threw up some more & was fine after a long nap. The poor guy was starving but couldn't eat or keep anything down until that evening. I felt so bad for him. How none of us managed to not get sick is beyond me!


Our baby girl is smiling so much with us these days. I love seeing her face light up when she sees us. She's also been starting a schedule now where she goes to sleep around 11 pm or midnight & wakes up around 9 am. She even fell asleep in her jumper for the first time which she's getting accustomed to.


We have most our Christmas shopping done (with the exception of a few) but haven't been able to get a tree yet. Slowly but surely I'm getting the presents wrapped. The ice storm last weekend ruined those plans. We're crossing our fingers for this weekend.

Some Fall Videos

What to do when you have an ice storm?

A day at the zoo in November before the bitter cold!

Thankful for my family

We spent Thanksgiving with my hubby’s family where we had a delicious dinner & the kids kept everyone busy.

After Thanksgiving, we visited with my relatives. It was so surreal seeing my cousins grown up with families of their own & their kids playing with ours! We definitely had fun though.

Who hasn’t had a pizza night with family? Unfortunately our daughter had to go to the ER after not keeping anything down for 10 hours. She was fine but it definitely worried us. We found out later that she actually developed a bug along with severe acid reflux (so we had to change her eating habits) instead of the original hospital diagnosis. She’s doing well & adjusting to her new eating habits.

We had a ball taking our kids & my nephew to the mall play area. They were both so adorable!

What’s more serene than a cat in a secret hideout?

We met my mom & sister at the mall for some fun.

Our baby girl & her first habit!

Today’s ice storm gave our son the opportunity to experience stepping on ‘crunchy grass’. He loved stomping on it & throwing ‘snowballs’ at Daddy for the short time they were outside. Hopefully more ice scenery pics coming soon.

Welcome to Cyber Monday!

After a busy holiday weekend with family, isn't everyone anxious to do MORE SHOPPING on Cyber Monday? Okay, maybe not... but here it is! For those who are interested, here are two links to find all the deals today. Hope you find what you need!!!


Then again there are those who celebrate Buy Nothing Day.

3D Date Night & Shopping at the Mall

Last weekend my hubby & I had a date night. We had a delicious Italian dinner, saw the 3D IMAX Beowulf movie & then spent slept in the next morning. It was absolutely fabulous to connect again. It’s hard to find the time but worth it when we do!

Yesterday afternoon my son & I went to the mall where he got his haircut in a car & had dinner. He had so much fun sitting on Santa’s lap telling him what he wants, riding the kiddie train & then playing in play tree house.



In between, we did some window shopping where I found some items for my Christmas list.

Programs for Kids

I just learned that our local YMCA is talking about starting up an Adventure Guides Program (used to be called Indian Princesses/Guides) next fall! Which means by the time our son is old enough to start the program (at age 5), it should be under way. I'm so excited to see my hubby & kids thrive in the program that meant the so much to my hubby & I when we were kids. The good news is that although the program name has changed, they still do the same things the same way. There are still the different adult positions in the group. How cool!!! Camp Tecumseh & their different programs, like Family Camp & Grand Camp look fun too. Another program that will be good for the kids is Boy Scouts (starting with Cub Scouts at age seven) & Girl Scouts (starting with Daisy Scouts at age five).

The Munchkins Are In!

Everyone here has been sick. I'm still feeling pretty crummy from when I started getting sick last week. I'll be happy just to get rid of this sore throat. My hubby had a tough few days & seems to be getting better with his own version of the cold. Our son missed one day of preschool this week because he woke up 2 am throwing up in bed. He was so scared & kept apologizing over & over. We felt so bad for him. By the next morning, he was fine although still cranky. Our daughter has started getting sick. I'm guessing she has a sore throat because she's been cranky (which is unusual) & thirstier than usual. So since today was a lazy sick day, we dressed our kids in the funniest clothes they have. Gotta have some humor, right?

Shopping, Igloos & Field Trips

This past weekend we spent the day at the mall. The next day, my hubby let me sleep in while he took care of the kids. Later while my son & hubby napped, I watched my folks have fun with our daughter (especially since she’s starting to smile & interact now).




Our son has show-and-tell this week for the letter I. After racking our brains, my mother suggested making an igloo & I did. It worked out beautifully. Then my son & Daddy placed icing & gummy frogs onto it.

Our son really enjoyed his police field trip! Here’s his class in front of the station.

Happy & Thriving Children

I never dreamed that the United States rated highest among infant deaths, especially when there is so much advice out there on how to keep babies happy and healthy. Nowadays there is a lot of medicines you shouldn't have these days; here are eight of them.

Some people think toddlers need certain things to thrive & to be happy. Of course, making crafts with your children is a great way to interact with your kids.

Now can you imagine living in land where twins are quite common, otherwise known as 'The Land of Twins'.

Life lists

I think everyone has a life list of thing he or she would like to accomplish in life. This person's list would take several lifetimes I think! If you just want to make sure you are constantly saving, you could ask for a new exploding piggy bank.

What a past!

A 4,000 year-old Peru temple was unearthed along with evidence that women have been dressing to impress for 7500 years!

Now can you imagine being Chelsy Davy and ending a relationship with Prince Harry? After becoming associated with royalty, you may even end up in Wikipedia!

Of course, you could always get a job at the new Vegas coffeehouse wearing lingerie or sign up at the new Flirty Girl Fitness center for women only!

Toy Recall Update

Here's another Fisher-Price toy recall along with an update on the Aqua Dot recall & it's connection to the GHB date-rape drug.

Sounds like Nickelback!

Check out these bands & vote for your favorite! Crashbox sounds a lot like Nickelback to me. I love their sound!

First of many this season

I've been feeling awful since Thursday with this sore throat/cold/head thing. Last night I started getting very congested on top of it all which I could really do without. Good news is that my hubby has been fantastic taking care of the kids & letting me sleep in. Now my hubby is starting to get sick with probably the same thing while I'm still very sick. Our son has a runny nose & cough but seems otherwise himself. Our daughter is starting to develop a slight cough herself & I'm concerned about her the most (being so young).

Movin' & Shakin'

Check out this popular band for kids on Playhouse Disney called 'Imagination Movers'. Here's one of their best songs so far called 'I want my mommy'.

First baby on the way

Our friends our expecting their first baby in April 2008 & we're so happy for them! Being parents is such an adventure that nothing can replace. Get ready for the ride!

Aqua Dots, Survivors & Al-Qaida Targets

One of the new toys I've seen in stores & online this year is Aqua Dots. It's a type of craft for kids. They've been recalled due to fact that a chemical coating converts dangerously when introduced to the body. Can you imagine if this happened after everyone started Christmas shopping? Wow... so not good!


One of the last Titanic survivors died mid-October even though she was too young to remember the incident. It's hard to believe how far we've come since then. It was one of those moments that was forever marked in history (like the Pearl Harbor attack) & the survivors are becoming far & few between. Time seems to go faster all the time & some of the memorable events in history are quickly becoming stories we know & tell versus moments that people survived & remember with their every action.


Chicago & Los Angeles were mentioned as possible al-Qaida targets during the holiday shopping season this year. The FBI received this tip & is working with local authorities on the matter.

My brother, sister-in-law & nephew

Getting Older, Trips, Costumes & Doctors

We recently attended wakes for two of our friends’ grandmothers’ wakes. It reminded me as to just how fragile life is, especially as we get older. I only hope that I don’t experience that anytime soon. Unfortunately as we get older, it’s part of life. That a sad fact that death is always in our lives but then again so is birth!





This past weekend we had a good time with both of our families. We went to the zoo with my parents, youngest sister & her boyfriend. It was a beautiful day for November. Afterwards we had wings for dinner & ice cream with my folks.


The next day we had lunch & visited with my in-laws. Then we switched out our son’s toddler bed with a twin bed. Since then he sleeps so much better & almost all night in his bed; probably because he has more room & was more comfortable.



As we got ready for bed on Monday night, our son decided it was my turn to try on his knight costume. Always willing to make my son happy, I was ready… so there I was wearing something WAY too small for me. :-)


This week we had my daughter’s two-month check-up which went well. She’s in the 90% percentile for her weight & height. Her development is right on track. We’ve switched because she has slight acid reflux when eating; that girl just cannot wait to eat fast enough! (LOL) We’ve been so blessed with both our children.


Our son really enjoyed his school’s field trip to the police station. They got to check out everything at the station, including the police car & jail.

Last night we made fresh salted pumpkin seeds for the first time. They were so yummy! The bad news is that I started feeling ‘off’ late last night when both kids were having issues getting to bed. Ever since early this morning, I have felt like a weight is resting on my head. I get dizzy & feel very light-headed with a bad headache. Hopefully this will work itself out soon.

Hang onto your coats!

It’s funny how the holidays start in mid-October when you start preparing for Halloween & then it just doesn't stop until a week after New Year’s Eve. Then all of a sudden, you're like "Whoa! Is it already next year???" I guess that’s how it really does fly by, huh? So everyone get ready, for the 'race' for the holidays has begun!

Children information links

Have you heard about the two-year-old who was born with 8 limbs? She recently had the first 40 hour surgery of it's kind which was more successful than they anticipated. I'm sure those parents were relieved when it was over! Then again, I'm sure the parents of this ten-year-old suspected of starting one of the california wildfires is stuggling too.


There was a study on breastfeeding & how it boosts IQ. Good news is that the the two main ingredients are also found in some formulas. If you are nursing, here's some advice in choosing a breast pump.


How much sleep do kids need & what happens if they don't get it? As they get older & you start potty-training, here's an article of what you don't do. Do you know how much kids should weigh or what to do with that extra halloween candy? As the holidays approach (especially christmas), here are some thanksgiving crafts to do together. If your kids enjoy stickers, here are some awesome personalized stickers for christmas gifts.

Health & Safety

In this paperless world, identity theft is everywhere. I know sveral people it has happened to (including myself) so do your research to protect yourself & check your credit report at least every several years (sooner if you can).


I've posted about the safety of blogging & recently found a forum for it here. Interesting info...


If you had to guess, what would you think is the most caffeinated city in the United States?

Ice cream & trains

Our son loved seeing his ice cream cone delievered via a toy train!

Peaceful innocence

Don't you just love it when all the kids are asleep? They look so peaceful & innocent.

Births, Fall leaves & More Parties

Here are some pictures from the latter half of October. Sorry no details but time is short these days. I rarely get to turn on my computer every few days.







Our friends' new baby was born & everyone is happy & healthy!



YMCA halloween party



Family wrestling




Fun at another halloween parade



Playing in the fall leaves



Riding a toy train



Time to carve the family pumpkin



Our Son's Pre-school Halloween Party



Dinner & Trick or Treating with neighbors

Nice Weather in October

The past two weekends have been so beautiful that we’ve been able to enjoy some nice outdoor family outings. On Sweetest Day, we spent the afternoon at the apple orchard where I climbed the hay stacks with our son. Then he ‘buried’ another boy under the corn in the silo. Our daughter snuggled up to Daddy the whole time!


In the evening, my parents watched the kids while we left our daughter for the first time. Since we started supplementing the breast milk with formula, it was not an issue. It felt very freeing to be able to spend time alone together having a romantic dinner & going to a movie.




The next day we went to my parent’s home where we visited with some relatives. Although we don’t get to see them often, it’s always nice to. They really enjoyed meeting our daughter to. I’m constantly amazed at how much my nephew grows each time.

On the way home, we stopped for ice cream which our son shared so nicely.





That Monday night, we went to the local McDonald’s where they were having a free Halloween party for kids. Our son immediately started to flirt with a little girl (about the same age) dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. He liked it when she told him she thought his costume was cute. Our daughter hung out with me most of the time.


The next evening, I had a girls’ night with my best friend. We went to Olive Garden & had a delightful dinner just talking & catching up. It was great to see her again.





We went trick-or-treating downtown with the kids & my parents-in-law. Once the son went down, it started to get awful cold.







Before we took the kids to school one morning, our son & his friend took turns feeding our daughter her bottle. How cute!













Our daughter didn't really care as long as she got her bottle!

Their beautiful new home!

Crazy life

I know it's been a week since I posted last but here I am! Things have been crazy with the holidays starting.  I have some great pictures & other news that I'll be posting as soon as possible.  In the meantime, I'm trying not to let exhaustion take over... not when I'm just starting to get a slight handle on juggling two kids, the house, etc.  Stay tuned & more will come soon!

Early October…

These past few weekends we have really enjoyed some nice family outings. One annual craft fair we always try to go to, was on a very hot day where I surprisingly only found a few items of interest. The next day we went to a craft fair hosted by a local school which had many more items of interest. I found the most adorable hair pieces for girls & some colored glass stones to hang on our family room window there. Our baby girl & cat will both enjoy eyeing the colored glass.

After the craft fair, my son thoroughly enjoyed unlimited rides with Grandpa & his Daddy on the outdoor ‘slide’. It’s a sled you sit on & ride down from the top of a ski slope. It’s a unique idea that is a lot of fun for all ages.

Last week my son got a glucose test done at the doctor’s which was a long process. He had to fast from 8:30 pm the previous evening until after the test was completed at 1 pm. They had to take blood from him five separate times (from the same area on his body) after he drank the juice & let me tell you, he never cried once! Everyone, including myself was amazed. He’s always been great at getting shots but dang! When he & I got the flu shot earlier that week, he had no problem. Anyhow, we were thrilled when we got the results back later that day that his sugar levels were fine & he was not diabetic. That would have been so difficult on him being a child.

That evening we had dinner with my in-laws at this great family restaurant that has fantastic perch. Then we spent some time at my sister-in-law’s new house. It’s very nice!

Our girl showing her aunt her lovely smile!

Birthdays, Parades & Painting

The next evening we went to the mall where we had dinner with my folks for an impromptu birthday ‘dinner’. Our son had a blast tackling the climbing tower (now that he’s old enough to do so) & was great at helping other kids out in there.

Last weekend we helped my folks move some heavy items & then went out to dinner & officially celebrated my mother’s birthday. Of course it was homecoming weekend for the local schools, so the restaurant was very busy. My mom, hubby & I each finally found a nice dish to make at the buffet (which has always been a challenge in the past).

The next day we went to a local parade where we found a great spot & our son got ¼ bag of candy from the people in the parade. The local military academy even did a drill routine in front of us. Each time someone threw candy at our son (which was every other person), he was in awe. At the end of the parade, he said “I got lots of candy!”

Then it was off to the festival which always follows the parade. It’s a nice size so you can enjoy yourself, take your time & not spend a bundle. After we grabbed some lunch there, our son immediately took to some of the rides & then played at the park with some other kids. Next it was nap time so he napped in the car while I fed our daughter & my hubby worked.

We then had a nice dinner with my in-laws. It was nice being able to get a few moments to myself just to enjoy my food.

When I took out the washable paints & covered the table while my son loved painting on paper & a few gourds. He did not even want to stop for dinner but all good things must come to an end.

Firehouse field trip

Our son & neighbor's daughter had a lot of fun on the preschool's recent field trip to the firehouse. Don't they all look cute?

Feeling hungry?

Medications, Immunizations & Breast Cancer

For your information, more infant medicines have been recalled so in you have children under two, check your cabinets & be sure to remove these medications.

Speaking of medications, I found this handy tool online which gives you an idea what immunizations your child will need when. Note that I said “an idea” so please check with your doctor.

Since we’re talking about our health, please click here to support breast cancer research & prevention.

Children Costumes, Diaper Bag Contents, Breastfeeding Tips & Blogs

Now with the Halloween coming up, here are ten easy DIY (do-it-yourself) costumes for kids! Even some last-minute Halloween costumes that don't require any sewing. That's whta I go for.

If you’re expecting your first child, here’s a list of diaper bag essentials.

Now for those who are breastfeeding, I found some online tips for nursing your child in public as well as an article talking about your diet while breastfeeding.

Also for those looking for blogs to browse, here’s one I found called Slacker Mom.

Just in Time & Mail Fraud

See how this police officer rescued woman before a train smashed into her car! Also be aware of the mail fraud scams.

Someone asks a good question...

By pure chance, I came across this news that somehow nobody has really reported. How is it possible that with all the gruesome news reported these days that so few media stations have covered this horrible tale? Some bloggers have raised certain issues. I don't know why but whatever the reason, this is certainly more important than what stars are wearing. Anyhow, here are some additional links about the story.

Baby on white

My hubby's cousin's daughter at four months old. I love this photo! Something to remember for our little girl.

A cool gift idea!

Check out this cool & affordable digital photo key chain! They even have a special going on here. Here that honey? Hint hint, nudge nudge!!! (LOL) As with everything of course, there are different types out there such as this one.

A determined mother

It's amazing how perseverence can make such a difference, like this woman did.

How do you make Wicked?

If you haven't seen it, the musical Wicked is absolutely amazing!!! Here is a documentary about making it.

Tape over what???

Can you believe someone in a daycare taped a pacifier over a four month-old baby's mouth with packing tape???

Parenting links

Baby Center is a great resource for parents on things such as family finances, baby costs, father-child bonding, new parents sleep advice & other sleep tips. But then, there are some that question if they can afford a baby.

The site also covers new trends such as mommy tattoos (which I've honestly thought of getting - picture number 6 & 13 are cool ideas), ear piercing, photo tips from other moms to capture the memory of your child.

You're only as old as you feel!

Today is my mother's (who is also my friend) birthday! She's always told me that you're only as old as you feel. I've always believed it & am proud of the person she is. My mother has taught me so much & help make me who I am. I am so lucky to have her & could never take her for granted. She is my mom & my friend; one who gives everything she has for those she loves.

Real websites

Have you ever checked out a website address talked about during a tv show? I've started to do that from time to time & discovered that they're actual websites! On Ghost Whisper it mentions a bloody mary website. On Scrubs it talked advertises Todd's website on his t-shirt. Which websites have you found because of tv shows?

Not sleeping well

My daughter is continuing not to sleep well because of nasal congestion & therefore has needed more comfort & cuddling in addition to sleeping in our arms vertically. Therefore naptime isn't very productive for me.

Wall paintings & infant cold medicines

Ever wonder if there was a 11,000 year old wall painting?

FDA has changed it's thoughts about infant cold medicines & therefore many have been recalled.

Movement has begun!

A few days ago our daughter was laying on her back & rolled over onto her side. She's also responding more to me with smiles. I love that!

Seven sins

Everyone has heard of the seven deadly sins, right? They are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, & pride.

But did you know the seven holy virtues? They are chastity, abstinence, temperance, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility.

The Perfect Moment

Today at the doctor's office I had to spoil the perfect moment. Both kids were sound asleep in the stroller & I had to wake up my daughter for her doctor appointment. At just over a month old, she has gained over just a pound & now weighs 9 lbs & 13 oz. She still has some nasal congestion which makes it difficult for her to nurse.


We spent the weekend having fun with our kids. It's hard to believe how long it takes to go anywhere when you have two kids (especially when one of them is a newborn on a irregular eating schedule). On the other hand, I find it amazing seeing the difference in our son from year to year. I can only imagine how much they will both change every year. Life is truly amazing & an ever-changing surprise. Every moment in my life has made me who I am & for that I am thankful, proud & blessed.

That's hot!

Last night we were taking my daughter's temperature because her skin felt clammy. My hubby was reading the temperature & it kept going higher & higher which really alarmed us. As my husband read "105 degrees... 106 degrees...", I reached for the phone to immediately call the doctor. At that moment our daughter started to poop for the first time in days! After she was cleaned up, we tried taking her temperature a second time only to have her poop again. We took her temperature one last time (which was normal this time - guess poop is just very hot!) & she pooped again. As we put the fourth clean diaper on her, she started to pee. (LOL) My husband thought he saw her smile then & told her "Very funny daughter! Ha ha ha." Finally the fifth diaper stayed on & remained dry.


Guess sometimes you just have to poop!

Finally... a fort!

This week I finally made my son's fort in his bedroom. After cutting out a door & various windows from the big screen tv box, he kept asking "You like my fort?" The next step is decorating it with my son which we hope to do sometime next week. I'll try to post pictures sometime over the weekend.





One time this week I was changing my daughter's diaper when she tucked one knee up to her tummy & smiled when I couldn't get her pant leg on. The timing was like she almost did it on purpose! (LOL) She seems to smile more often in response & is generally more alert these days.





Meanwhile my son, daughter & myself all have a cold virus that we picked up from somewhere. It makes my daughter need to feed more often (probably because of the sore throat with it). I'm wondering just how long before my hubby gets it last.

Before I was a mom...

Saw this somewhere & thought it was so appropriate! Enjoy!!!

♥Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

♥ I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

♥ I never thought about immunizations.

♥ Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.

♥ Pooped on.

♥ Chewed on.

♥ Peed on.

♥ I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

♥ I slept all night.

♥ Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

♥ Or give shots.

♥ I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

♥ I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

♥ I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

♥ Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down.

♥ I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

♥ I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

♥ I never knew that I could love someone so much.

♥ I never knew I would love being a Mom.

♥ Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

♥ I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

♥ I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

♥ I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

♥ Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

♥ I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

♥ I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Cold season is upon us!

Although we're still having warm days & cool nights, both kids have picked up the cough & runny nose virus that's starting to going around. So now they're both sniffling, sneezing & coughing! My son isn't too cranky despite everything. It hasn't affected our daughter's mood too much either. For that I'm very thankful! Strange thing is neither my hubby or I have felt sick at all... yet. :-0

THAT... can lead to THIS!

My hubby helped my sister -in-law & her husband move this past weekend & everything went well. After they helped us move three times, they deserved our help to say the least. (LOL) Now they are starting the process of getting all settled in. Hopefully they’ll unpack their boxes quicker than we have anytime!

That evening we were eating out & next to us was a table of ten to twelve teenagers attending dinner for homecoming. Suddenly it felt like déjà vu. You see sixteen years ago when my hubby & I started to become friends, I had to convince him to attend homecoming with me as friends. We went with a large group of my friends (much similar to the table we were sitting next to) & had a blast (even if he hid being nervous the entire night).

Seven months later we started dating & look where we are today... married eight years, two kids & are still very much friends crazy about each other. All I know is we wouldn't change a thing regardless of some difficult times we've had because it has made us who we are as well as stronger as a couple. I know he wouldn't change anything either, even though he married into my family with all it's drama. ;-) My hubby says we should have told them, “Better be careful because THAT… can lead to THIS!” (LOL)

My hubby & father-in-law installed our new kitchen sink & garbage disposal yesterday (which took a little longer than planned which then involved some creative solutions) & it looks fantastic. My father-in-law even came over today for some last minute finishes. Now the sink is much deeper, has a expandable spray faucet & matches our other appliances. That of course is the most important factor... not! But hey, it looks nice. The guys did a great job as always!

After dinner with my in-laws last night, we went grocery shopping & found this item shown above particularly interesting. So we brought it home with us. ;-) Even more amazing is that we managed to leave the store without our daughter waking up hungry! In the past month, that's another first we've had.

At bedtime, we were all exhausted. As you can see, our daughter was obviously having sweet dreams while sharing a rare cuddle moment with her daddy.