It's official!!!

The crib is gone!!

Devon even got to help take it apart.

Devon sure LOVES using tools! This could have entertained his for hours!!

Here is a view of his room. Since he is fascinated with planes and helicopters I am going with that theme. We are keeping it simple, but I found some cool sheets, pillows pictures and shelves to coordinate. It was so much fun setting everything up today!!

Devon is loving his new space!! What a change up from the little nursery space he was in last month.

Does this mean he is growing up???

My little boy is asleep in a "big boy" twin bed!!

I have been trying to figure out how this will all work with the new baby on his way. Will we get a new crib, or will Devon be ready for a "big boy bed"?? Devon does so well in his crib that I figure not to rush change. But he is so darn cute in the big bed.

We put a twin mattress on the floor in there, as Danny was going to sleep in it at night to give me some more space since I was not feeling well. (coughing all night)

When Devon saw it he said "Devons bed" and threw him self on it. Too cute!! I have let him nap in it the last 2 days, but put him in his crib at night. He usually wakes up a bit earlier than me and happily plays in his crib in the morning. I am not ready to give this up yet. ( I know-selfish mommy) He did amazingly well. Stayed in the bed and took a great nap!!

Halloween!!

My beautiful kitty cat and lil ol' pumpkin belly!!

Happy Halloween!!!

I helped the kids carve a pumpkin the evening before Halloween. Kayla had a great time and enjoyed drawing the face and taking out and cleaning the seeds. Devon thought it was "yucky", "messy" and "dirty". Believe it or not he would not touch the inside of the pumpkin.Kayla even had a great time helping to make pumpkin seeds!

We spent the next day at Kaylas school. They had a great classroom party, parade, and Halloween carnival. Kayla was a beautiful black cat, Devon was an airplane pilot, Danny was a bear, and I decorated my tummy as a pumpkin. The carnival was alot of fun for the kids. They decorated hats, played games, had snacks and Kayla even put on a small Halloween play in her class.
Devon my little pilot!!

Luckily the kids both fell asleep on the way home from Kayla's school. They both were able to take a 2 hour nap, then we went out for dinner and Trick or Treating!! Kayla had great memories of trick or treating from previous years, and Devon seemed to catch on quickly! Last year he was not walking yet, so this was his first real experience! We went to a Kensington, a near-by neighborhood, to go trick or treating. The houses were well decorated and had a lot of spirit. It was neat to see all the other costumes out.

*******

Here is Kayla in her class play!! She is the "witch". Sorry for the jumpy video as Devon was crawling on and off my lap the whole time.

***Sorry....having trouble w/video

Although I have been enjoying all the Halloween candy, I am glad its over!! It was a very exhausting day. We are enjoying a mellow weekend around the house and getting geared up for a new week ahead of us.

Where did she go???

I feel like I am loosing my daughter. Or that she has changed so much I barely understand or recognize her. The last few months have been so emotional for her. She can barely handle her surroundings without hysterical tears. I can barely handle her without wanting to be in tears myself.

I think the timing of this all began with starting kindergarten. She seems to be in the rhythm now and seems to truely enjoy her days at school. She has lots of new friends, a teacher she adores and fun activities to consume her day.

I have been very aware of her getting enough sleep. She usually gets 11 hours a night. Its 7pm right now and she is already in bed. But she still wakes up ready to battle our daily routine. Ready to begin crying as soon as something happens. This something can be so little, that I her mother dont even understand why. Obviously its on a larger scale and Im trying to see it from her eyes, but I just dont understand. This morning she broke down into tears when I began to cut up her waffles. I guess she wanted to eat the waffle whole with her fingers. To me, it seems so simple to express her want to eat it whole, but tears are flowing down her face before she manages to think the words.

Danny and I went to a "second step" training through her school this last weeked. This dealt with social emotional guidance in kids. Its the program taught at her school. It teaches the children how to deal with their emotions and to express themselves. It gave us parents tools to understand our children and help them understand themselves. I feel like a failure today. She pushed me so far, I just was ready to jump off the edge. I didn't really care about trying to gently figure her out. Im ready to admit that I just don't understand this phase of my daughter. Im starting to just want to avoid her and this is a horrible way to feel.

After school her and Devon were playing so wonderfully out front in a tent I had set up. It was time to come in so I could begin dinner. Kayla quickly became frusterated because she had several trips worth of stuff to bring back into the house. She let out a long whine (kind of animal - like) trying to get my attention. As I peak out the door she threw herself on the ground in tears how its so unfair she has all this stuff to bring in. (Remember she had no problem bringing it all out) I asked if she would like to ask me for help. She decided to ask me to bring in the little table top, which I did and put away in the house. I turn around and she is now in the living room in tears. She did not want me to put the damn table away and was mad at me. How does one co-exist with this??? She is HYSTERICAL. I asked her to sit in her room till she is able to calm down and let me know when she is ready to talk. 20 minutes of screaming later she came out and I tried to tell her I was trying to help her and she just needed to use her words to tell me what she wanted. She just told me its unfair and I am mean.

Anyways....I will stop here, but there are 2 more examples of breakdown this evening. We didnt even get home till 4pm tonight and she was in bed by 7pm. We also did dinner and bath and bed routine....and she still managed to "break down" 4 times. Im exhausted and confused and sad. I miss my daughter. Will she comee back???

The Simple Pleasures of Life

I am really enjoying our simple life style recently. I haven't been overwhelmed with too many commitments, or too much to do. It is nice.

A few simple things I really enjoy are:
When my kids are both napping at the same time and I have a quiet house to my self.
When the front yard is mowed and looks so fresh and "parklike"
When I actually get to sleep in past 7:00am. (I can't remember when this last happened though)
When Kayla and Devon enjoy playing together
Sitting on the beach watching Danny kiteboard
When small projects get accomplished around the house
When I prepare dinner without creating a whole sink of dishes

Well, right now the house is quiet and I'm going to go take advantage of it.

What do you do to keep your life "simple"?

Interesting

This is such a touchy subject for many. I found this website very empowering and informative. I know several mamas that have had a c-section. I am grateful myself not to have experienced one. Although intesnse, both my births were amazing, and I am looking foward to my birthing day with this next little one.

http://www.unnecesarean.com/birth-stories/

I hope this will empower births of the future and realize that many times you do have a choice!!

Lets Play Catch Up....

So I have completely slacked on updated this blog....how does time go by so quickly??
A few highlights of the last few months.
1. Kayla began kindergarten. She is at the San Diego Coopertive Charter in Linda Vista. Choosing a school was a tough decision for me. We ended up going with the Coop and think it will be a good fit. Its a parent coopertive school, so all families are required to volunteer throughout the year. Kayla has already had lots of in class parent volunteers and demonstrations including a butterfly lifecycle presentation, making smoothies, makining popcorn, squeezing fresh orange juice, and a few others. They have gone a fun field trip and are preparing for another to the punpkin patch. She has PE, Spanish, and Music twice a week and Art Class once a week. Danny has been volunteering in her ART class and Kayla really enjoys Dad being at school. She has lots of new friends, new routines and busy days. She is absolutely exhausted when I pick her up at 3pm. We are still adjusting to this new schedule.

2. Its a BOY...yes Kayla and Devon are going to have a little BROTHER in February.

3. Ive got the pregnancy obsessive bug...there are so many things I want to do. I think I feel the coutdown between now and Feb. I'm currently working on painting Devon's new room. We are moving Devon into the old playroom, so the baby can have his little nursery nook. Painting sounds simple, but there are so many steps. Trimming, primer, second primer coat, color coat, paint trim white....anyways turns into a several week project when you have a 5 and 2 year old.
I want to clean out closets, organize, our back yard is in demolition mode...everywhere you look there is something that needs to be done.

Thats about all for now!!
I will try and update more often...but no promises.

Kayla turns 5!!

Happy Birthday Kayla!!!
We had a great simple birthday celebration for Kayla last Friday July 18th. We went down to a quiet little spot at the bay next to the Bahia hotel. Some close friends joined us and the kids had a blast.

The kids enjoyed playing on the surfboard and the wind was just right to allow Kayla to make some distance across the bay.We had some fun sand castle building and water gun fights!Evan and Ethan had a great time on the surfboard also!!

Have you ever seen a watermelon birthday cake?? Danny gets all the credit for this one. He wanted to go for a healthy alternative. He carved a castle out og the watermelon and the kids got to decorate it with blueberries, raspberries and grapes!! It was actually a hit!!

We had a great day!

Happy Birthday Kayla!! I can't believe you are 5!!

Kindergarten

Why is it so much to think about when choosing a Kindergarten for Kayla?? Why can't I be satisfied with the one 2 blocks away that I could easily walk to? I want better for her.

The thoughts of sending Kayla to kindergarten has been a bit more stressful than I ever imagined. For the past few years I have heard really good things about San Diego Coopertive Charter School. So I assumed that is where she would go. I never knew the "luck" that was needed to get into some of these Charter Schools. Well....consider us lucky. Kayla was picked in a random lottery for one of 17 open Kindergarten spots. So we were extremely happy! End of story....NOPE.

I begin to realize the hours my daughter will be left in a teacher's hands. 1 of 20 kids that this teacher is supposed to manage, teach, guide and support. This seems like so much to expect from an individual. I can give her so much more.

I then learn about a new school opening up. Innovations Academy. Allows parents to choose between a 5, 3 or 2 day school model. Seems like they have an amazing design and hopes for their school. I was really impressed by the orientation we went to. It is a new school, just getting everything worked out. It makes me both excited and nervous to be part of a new school.

Now what??? Give up our spot at the Coop charter? Follow the typical 5 day school model? Take advantage of a new opportunity? I love having part in my child's education and dont believe they need to be gone all day! Im scared to give up a spot at a school I wanted her to be a part of....what if my decision is wrong? Yes I know its only kindergarten...

Ahhh....What does one do???

It is official!!

I feel like it is official now! Yes, Im preggy again! I am super excited and can't wait to see what life with 3 will bring. Maybe I'm a bit crazy too??

I am officially due Feb 1st, 2009 which would make me about 10 weeks along. I have been feeling extremely tired, but can't complain about much else. I've been to the doctors and seen the little heartbeat, shared the news with my immediate family, so its time for the official "blog" announcement!

I love you brother! I love you sissy!

All I can say is that there is nothing sweeter than Kayla and Devon getting along and enjoying playing together! Here are some of my recent favorites!

Time-Out

Devon has been introduced to the world of TIME-OUT. He has actually been quite wonderful and an overal easy-going kid. He does get frusterated at times, but there has been very few conflicts with him. So far, (knock on wood), no temper-tantrums, or huge crying fits. He is much more mellow emotionally than Kayla was at this age.

Over the weekend, Devon insisted on closing the back door while Kayla was still standing in the doorway. He has this obsession with doors, and cupboards remaining closed. He does not like to walk by an open door without having the urge to close it. Well, this time his sister was in the way and he did not care.

He was told he can't shut the door when someone is in the way and asked to go stand in time-out. He immediately knew where to go and without fuss went and stood in the corner. I guess he is an old pro of watching his big sister.

I thought this was the cutest moment ever! I just wanted to laugh! I again told him that he can't shut doors when someone is standing in them and asked if he was ready to go play. He said he was.

Graduation

Kayla has officially "graduated" from preschool! Yikes...when does she stop growing up? It was a very cute ceremony. The kids all wore their caps and gowns and received their diplomas. Kayla is very excited to be starting Kindegarten in September. All the kids sang cute songs. My favorite was "Im so Happy, H-A-P-P-Y, Im so Happy...Im going to Kindegarten, and that's the reason why!"

Language Explosion!!

Several weeks ago I wanted to sit down and make a list of the few words that Devon could say. By this, I mean the words I think others would understand as I can understand much of what he tries to communicate to me.

Well, weeks have passed and his language is doubleing. It's amazing to me to listen to him, he actually has a lot to say these days. Most are still single words, but my quiet little boy is learning to have his voice heard!!!!

Devon's vocabulary at 20 months!!
Mama, papa, sissy (sounds like disdy), baby, up, bubbles, goggles, pool, more, toy, boy, NO, bowl, spoon, meow (means cat), apple,
....yikes I know there are more....I will have to add on later.

Kayla has also been very excited to listen to Devon. Every time she hears a new word she runs over and tells me!

Devon and Kayla have actually been playing really well together. She finally has realized that he will pretty much follow her around the house and copy anything she does. Luckily Kayla thinks this is cool! They love playing in the front and back yard together. Kayla likes pushing Devon o the swings, jumping on the trampoline and recently have enjoyed play-doh! Im definately enjoying the positive interaction between them , as a few months back they could not get along even for a few moments!!

The New Childrens Museum is Open!

The New Children's Musuem recently opened in downtown. We were very excited to finally go. It was a great hands-on place for the kids. Especially Kayla. The picture above is of the "matress" room. Everything in this room is soft. The room is lined with matresses and filled with soft "tires" for the kids to climb. I think Kayla thought she was in heaven.
This mural above is a great rock climbing wall.
There were great stations set up for the kids to explore. Kayla made a wooden car and then was able to race it down the ramp. Too fun!!
This above is a bubble fountain. (sorry I can't figure out how to remove the double image) Interesting looking huh? I was not too impressed, but Devon was.

There was also a great toddler room for ages 2 and under. Forest themed, filled with trees and hollow logs for exploration, just a perfect area for Devon.

There was a large "tent city" with crawl halls and mazes. Im not truely sure what was inside, as I was too big to comfortably go in. Kayla said it was great though and disappeared inside for quite a while.

I am very excited to have this addition to San Diego. I think the $75 yearly membership price is well worth the fun!

www.thinkplaycreate.org

Check it out!!

Elmo is finally here!!

Well Sesame Street took over Sea World. The famous play area closed down about 6 months ago in preparation for the changes. We have been patiently waiting (well not really) for the play area to re-open. Last Friday was the special opening day, and of course we were there.

It was actually a cold drizzly day, but we braved the weather hoping for fun. All I can say is half the world must have been waiting for this day also, because it was very crowded.

We did manage to have fun though. Sea World has added 3 amuesment type rides. We went on Elmo the flying fish. After waiting in line a bit, I realized I was not able to take both kids on the ride...why do they do this...but luckily I saw a friend, her hubby and daughter in line ahead of us. We snuck up in line and Kayla was able to go on with them, while Devon sat with me. (thanks Kim!!)

We did manage to see Elmo and Big Bird. Kayla enjoyed this, while Devon wouldn't let go of his tight grip around my neck. (He is a bit scared of character type animals)

There is a great Elmo 4-D show that both the kids love. You get to wear those great glasses and Elmo and his friends pop out of the screen at you. Devon was very unsure of the show ( of course), but after the third time watching the show he seems to like it. He even kept his glasses on for the entire show this last time.

Hopefully there will be quiet days at the play area, and we will further be able to check it out.

Are your kids ever extra clean???

I find that both Kayla and Devon usually enjoy taking a bath. They seem to get along well in the bath and can spend long periods of time here. This bath was taken, not for the purpose of getting clean, but to kill some time before dinner. Hey, they had a blast!!
I just love the picture below of the 2 of them! Incase you were wondering....yes, the water does have a pinkish tint. Kayla got some new bath tablets at Chucky Cheese and they made bath time today especially fun!

Frustration

Why do kids need to test their limits? I'd like to say sorry to my parents for pushing limits as a kid. Im sure I did it. Kayla at the age of 4 has really mastered pushing her limits. She has discovered how to stomp her feet, roll her eyes and slap her hands down to her side to show her frustration. Tonight she is arguing every little detail. We spent the day at the New Childrens Musuem, went to gymnastic class, played outside, planted new plants, a great day planned for HER! Now it is bed time (actually past bedtime) and she is pushing it. She comes out to tell me her music is too loud, she is hot, her finger hurts. I finally tuck her in for the 50th time and explain it is bed time and she needs to stay in bed. I told her she will not be happy if she gets up again. Yes, an empty threat I know. So 3 minutes later I hear her little feet come into the living room, "mom, you never told me what is going to happen if I get up again....you just said you will be angry, so Im up and what happens now" WHY!! Why does she push it. AHHHHhhhh...... Luckily Devon is still innocent. No temper tantrums yet, no fighting me, he is easy to lay down for bed. Kayla has the stubborness for 2 kids, if not more. Dont get me wrong, she is amazing, but boy can she push it! So where is she now? Shes standing in the corner. When I asked her what I should do since she got up again, she said put her in time out. Fine! Go! She has been standing there about 5 minutes. I just asked her if she would like to go back to bed. She said no, she will stay standing in the corner. Her toes are against the wall, her nose is practically in the corner...but she is quiet. Not arguing, not crying, not stomping, not rolling her eyes ( well at least I can't see them), so what am I to do. Can I leave her there and can I go to bed????

Happy Mother's Day!!

These are the 2 reasons I am a mother!!
Aren't they cute!
I sure love them!












Kayla, Devon and I took my mom to Paradise Point for the day. Paradise point is truely a bit of paradise.

We explored the grounds, fed the fish and ducks, climbed the lookout tower and had a great picnic lunch.















I love this picture
Grandma and Devon






















Mom helping Devon feed the ducks!















I love her expression! She is having so much fun feed the fish.


We came home and Danny helped prepare us lunch! Shrimp for my mom and my favorite spring rolls!
Yummy!

Exploring Sea Port Village

Today was another gloomy day! Where did the sun go?

I wanted to get out of the house with the kids and we decided to go to Sea Port Village. I grabbed a few jackets and hats incase the weather was too cold.

We had a great time!

Kayla enjoyed climbing the trees, while Devon and Cora tried really hard to catch up!

Tag!!

You are it!

Im gonna get you!

I tried really hard to tire Kayla out....mom wanted some quiet time when we got home. What? can you blame me??

This is Cora! She is the little girl I watch twice a week.

What a cutie!

Cora had a blast today too.

She is just learning to walk, but she never missed a moment of the fun!

We also enjoyed some soccer fun! and a ride on the carousal.

The sun did peak its way through the day...a great afternoon!

The kids are all asleep right now (yes, even Kayla) , and Im enjoying a moment of quiet!

What a great afternoon!

Ten dollars and 8 cents....

This is the price quoted by Kayla that she would like to sell her brother for!
Yes, you heard that right...one cute 20 month old boy for $10.08. He even sleeps through the night!

So, things have been rough at times between Kayla and Devon. They just have not descovered a happy way to interact and play. Kayla is constantly frusterated by him, and Devon always wants to do exactly what Sissy does.

So the other night Kayla tells me "maybe we can sell Devon"

"sell your brother" I ask

"do you think anyone would buy him" she replied.

Part of me is trying not to laugh, and the other part of me feels really sad.

She decided $10.08 would be a fair price, and when asked what she would want to do with this money, she decided she would like to buy a new blanket. Seems like a fair trade I guess.

Things got really interesting when Devon picked up "kitty" (his favorite animal). Kayla asked "is he going to take kitty with him when he goes?" I said "wouldn't that be nice...since he wont have me, you, or papa anymore?"

Tears burst out of her eyes.... "finally" she realizes how much she would miss Devon!
Guess again....these are tears of sadness that kitty is going. WOW!!

We continued this conversation for a few more minutes until I explained that Devon is always going to be her brother and we are all going to stay together. We talked about ways to have fun together and about past memories.

She laid down for bed, and gave Devon a kiss.

It wasn't over....the next day she starts thinking and asks if we can "trade her brother".
"Trade him?" I said. She wants to trade him for Cora (the little girl that I nanny for) She wants to know if Cora's family would like Devon. We talked about how much they would miss Cora and how we would miss Devon.

*sigh*

Trying to stay cool....

Summer is coming!! These are actually pics from Saturday, I am just getting around to uploading them. If you click on the picture you can see the full sized image.




What a fun way to stay cool.

We set up the pool out front and brought down the slide for some added fun. The shock of the hose water was cold at first, but the HOT sun kept the kids warm. Kayla loved sliding down into the pool.














Devon loved having control of the hose. They did a pretty good job of not directly spraying each other down.







This is Devon's "look at me, Im soaked" expression!





















More hose fun!!









Even Rio was lucky enough to stay cool!