I think somebody has decided to test my abilities as a mother.
It's the first week of summer break.
That means I have all 4 children home.
It is raining. And not just a little rain, but full on downpour. It rained yesterday too.
And it is supposed to rain ALL WEEK.
A week of rain in June?
With 4 kids in the house.
I'll try to check back in next week to assure you we all survived.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Perfect Mother's Day
I try to not get wrapped up in what is essentially a Hallmark holiday, but truthfully I do. There shouldn't be just one day where my family shows their love & appreciation for me, they should do it every day, right? But the thing is, life gets busy. We take each other for granted, our schedules & routines become just those and things we should be thankful for turn into expectations. So it's nice, that one day a year that my family slows down to recognize and be thankful for everything I do for them. And it gives me a chance to take a moment from our crazy life to thank my own mother for everything she's done & still does for me (and to apologize because now that I'm a mother, OMG, I GET IT!)
This is my 8th Mother's Day. Wow! Some have been better than others. This year, I told Nacho the only requests I had were that 1) I was not planning the day (why is it that the planning of Mother's Day gets put on the MOTHERS?), 2) I was not cooking, 3) I was not doing dishes and 4) I would like to see my own mom at some point. Luckily, the big girls are old enough to enjoy the planning, so I knew they would lead their dad in the right direction. But I am glad they didn't see the email I received from Chuck E. Cheese, inviting me to celebrate Mother's Day with them. Because on what planet would that EVER happen? There isn't enough wine in the world for that!
My weekend celebration actually started Saturday. I had been complaining to Nacho that Kate is almost 3 months old (side note, WHEN did that happen?) and we only have 2 pictures of all of 6 us. I really wanted a professional one, so we went and had them done. The big kids complained they were bored within five minutes of being there & I had to bribe Jack with goldfish, but we got that picture. And it's perfect. They all turned out perfect. After that, we took my mother-in-law out for dinner in our old stomping grounds. The food was wonderful & the company even better.
Yesterday, the big girls were in our room as soon as the sun came up because "Daddy we have to get breakfast made!" As I dosed off, they were busy bees & I was surprised with breakfast in bed. I had pancakes that spelled "MOM", an omelet, coffee (!) and most importantly, all 4 kids piled in bed with me. The girls had made cards & crafty presents at school, which we all know are the best. But then I was presented with a red box and inside it was a beautiful silver necklace with 4 pearls - one for each of my children. Apparently, Nacho & the girls looked & looked until they found one they were all happy with it and for me knowing he included them in the process makes it mean so much more to me. I was so giddy, I didn't even care the big kids ate most of my breakfast.
As the kids were all downstairs playing, I took the opportunity to jump in the shower. And I got to take a HOT shower all by myself. I even had time to shave my legs! Anybody with kids, especially 4, knows this is a gift all in itself. I didn't have anybody trying to climb in with me, or asking me to draw hearts on the glass doors, or asking if the baby needed to eat again. I had 20 minutes all to myself.
In the early afternoon, I went to lunch & the movies with my mom and Nana. It felt weird to leave my own children on Mother's Day, but I also wanted to celebrate my own mother. And honestly, it was great! All moms deserve a break and chance to celebrate themselves, where it isn't countless diaper changes, potty trips, spilled drinks and bickering. We saw Water for Elephants and I LOVED IT. And now, I also want an elephant.
The girls had been most excited about taking me out to dinner and it was such a perfect day that even the hour long wait to be seated didn't bother me. Actually it worked out well - Nacho took the big kids outside to burn off some energy and I took the opportunity to feed Kate and she was pretty much asleep by the time we were seated, so I actually got to my entire meal. When it was served. And hot! It really is the little things, isn't it?
Our night was rounded out by putting the kids to bed, opening a bottle of wine and watching The Amazing Race finale.
Of course, this morning it was back to normal with rushing kids out the door to school, laundry, dishes, life. And I love this life. But it was nice, for one day, to take a break and be celebrated. Celebrated by these little ones. These little ones who made me a mother.
This is my 8th Mother's Day. Wow! Some have been better than others. This year, I told Nacho the only requests I had were that 1) I was not planning the day (why is it that the planning of Mother's Day gets put on the MOTHERS?), 2) I was not cooking, 3) I was not doing dishes and 4) I would like to see my own mom at some point. Luckily, the big girls are old enough to enjoy the planning, so I knew they would lead their dad in the right direction. But I am glad they didn't see the email I received from Chuck E. Cheese, inviting me to celebrate Mother's Day with them. Because on what planet would that EVER happen? There isn't enough wine in the world for that!
My weekend celebration actually started Saturday. I had been complaining to Nacho that Kate is almost 3 months old (side note, WHEN did that happen?) and we only have 2 pictures of all of 6 us. I really wanted a professional one, so we went and had them done. The big kids complained they were bored within five minutes of being there & I had to bribe Jack with goldfish, but we got that picture. And it's perfect. They all turned out perfect. After that, we took my mother-in-law out for dinner in our old stomping grounds. The food was wonderful & the company even better.
Yesterday, the big girls were in our room as soon as the sun came up because "Daddy we have to get breakfast made!" As I dosed off, they were busy bees & I was surprised with breakfast in bed. I had pancakes that spelled "MOM", an omelet, coffee (!) and most importantly, all 4 kids piled in bed with me. The girls had made cards & crafty presents at school, which we all know are the best. But then I was presented with a red box and inside it was a beautiful silver necklace with 4 pearls - one for each of my children. Apparently, Nacho & the girls looked & looked until they found one they were all happy with it and for me knowing he included them in the process makes it mean so much more to me. I was so giddy, I didn't even care the big kids ate most of my breakfast.
As the kids were all downstairs playing, I took the opportunity to jump in the shower. And I got to take a HOT shower all by myself. I even had time to shave my legs! Anybody with kids, especially 4, knows this is a gift all in itself. I didn't have anybody trying to climb in with me, or asking me to draw hearts on the glass doors, or asking if the baby needed to eat again. I had 20 minutes all to myself.
In the early afternoon, I went to lunch & the movies with my mom and Nana. It felt weird to leave my own children on Mother's Day, but I also wanted to celebrate my own mother. And honestly, it was great! All moms deserve a break and chance to celebrate themselves, where it isn't countless diaper changes, potty trips, spilled drinks and bickering. We saw Water for Elephants and I LOVED IT. And now, I also want an elephant.
The girls had been most excited about taking me out to dinner and it was such a perfect day that even the hour long wait to be seated didn't bother me. Actually it worked out well - Nacho took the big kids outside to burn off some energy and I took the opportunity to feed Kate and she was pretty much asleep by the time we were seated, so I actually got to my entire meal. When it was served. And hot! It really is the little things, isn't it?
Our night was rounded out by putting the kids to bed, opening a bottle of wine and watching The Amazing Race finale.
Of course, this morning it was back to normal with rushing kids out the door to school, laundry, dishes, life. And I love this life. But it was nice, for one day, to take a break and be celebrated. Celebrated by these little ones. These little ones who made me a mother.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
That Sickness
In following Murphy's Law, Spring Break around here was miserable, weather-wise. It rained every single day, and while we did manage to get out of the house every day, it wasn't the sunny, fun-filled week we all had envisioned. By the end of the week the kids were going stir crazy. One evening, my mom stopped by for a few minutes and noted that she thought Sam & Lexi had a severe case of cabin fever. After explaining to them what it meant, Samantha whole heartedly agreed.
As Spring Break was coming to an end, my mom and I decided it would be a nice treat to take the big girls to the movie. Unfortunately the movie (Rango) ended up being a huge dissapointment - seriously a whole post all on it's own - but it at least broke up the monotony of our week. As we were leaving Samantha looks at me and says "Mom, I think I'm over that sickness." A panicked me replied "Sickness? You've been sick? How did I not know?" (Yes, I was preparing my mother of the year award acceptance speech in my head at this point). To which she replies "you know, that fever you guys were talking about." Ah yes, that sickness.
And wouldn't you know it, the following week our weather was in the high 80s!
As Spring Break was coming to an end, my mom and I decided it would be a nice treat to take the big girls to the movie. Unfortunately the movie (Rango) ended up being a huge dissapointment - seriously a whole post all on it's own - but it at least broke up the monotony of our week. As we were leaving Samantha looks at me and says "Mom, I think I'm over that sickness." A panicked me replied "Sickness? You've been sick? How did I not know?" (Yes, I was preparing my mother of the year award acceptance speech in my head at this point). To which she replies "you know, that fever you guys were talking about." Ah yes, that sickness.
And wouldn't you know it, the following week our weather was in the high 80s!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
How I Do It
If I got a penny for everytime I hear "I don't know how you do it" ....well you know how that saying goes.
The truth is some days are easier than others. Some days I love it all and other days I want to pull my hair out. But I wanted to be a mom. I love being a mom and so I take the bad with the good. Now, this isn't supposed to make it sound like I'm some supermom because I am far from it. My kids help a lot too. For example, in the last week:
Samantha has decided it's relaxing for her to give my daily back massages.
Lexi has decided that she loves the way the diaper genie works and waits for the chance to throw away a poopy diaper
Jack has decided that his favorite person is Kate, so not only haven't we had to deal with jealousy, he is the first to lay next to her, give her a pacifier and talk to her so I can get a picture of her smile!
And Kate has decided that (at the risk of jinxing it) sleeping through the night is pretty cool! She sleeps 8-9 hours on average (thankfully the same hours we sleep), but last night slept a whopping 10 hours straight! At just over 6 weeks old.
And speaking of that beautiful smile of Kate's...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Who Are You?
This is mostly for my record keeping, but there is nothing funnier than having a conversation with a toddler. Case in point, my conversation with Jack this morning.
Me: Jack, are you my big boy?
Jack: NO!
Me: Well, are you my baby boy?
Jack" NO!
Me: What are you then?
Jack: I am a Wuwa! (Lua)
And on that same note, he can't say Kate, so he calls her Kake or Baby Kake. So Jack would like you to meet his little sister Baby Kake Wuwa!
Me: Jack, are you my big boy?
Jack: NO!
Me: Well, are you my baby boy?
Jack" NO!
Me: What are you then?
Jack: I am a Wuwa! (Lua)
And on that same note, he can't say Kate, so he calls her Kake or Baby Kake. So Jack would like you to meet his little sister Baby Kake Wuwa!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thanks a Million, Jerry
Jerry Brown can kiss my ass. And this has nothing to do with his politics, although I'm not a big fan of those either.
I recently requested a recognition of Kate's birth from his office, just like I had done in the past for all of my children. With both Samantha & Lexi I was able to get ones from the President (under Bush's administration) and the Governor (under Schwarzenneger's administration) with little trouble. They both had places on their website to request it and while it's not personalized or anything (I'm pretty sure it's either a printed or stamped signature even), it was a nice addition to their baby books. With Jack, I was able to get the one from the Governor, but not the President. He was born in the December of the administration change and Bush's website stated they were busy with the transition and Obama's website didn't have a place to request it. It sucked, but I understood they were dealing with more important things.
Fast forward to the birth of Kate...Obama's website still doesn't have anywhere to request it. A friend said she heard this administration wasn't doing them, but another friend said her daughter received a recognition of her birthday. Granted that friend has connections, but thankfully she has promised to see if her husband (who works at the White House) can find a way for me to get one for Kate (and maybe a belated one for Jack). And if she can, I will be so grateful!
I was happy to see the new Governor's website still had a place to request the recognition. Kate might not be able to get the Presidential one, but Jack didn't have the Governorship one and at least they'd each have one. So imagine my shock and disappointment when I received an email from Jerry Brown's office days later saying they are too busy to fulfil the request. Really? It takes less time to send me that email (that was signed by a staffer, so I don't believe auto generated) than it does to print out the form letter?
So I posted this frustration on Facebook, asking my friends to back me up in 20 years when Kate plays the "4th, forgotten" child card, letting her know that I tried. A friend, so smartly suggested I put it here on my blog. After all, this is my record of our lives for my children to read someday. (Thank you Joe!). So Kate....I tried. You may or may not eventually end up with the recognitions (which you may or may not find as important as I do, lol), but know I did NOT forget about getting them for you.
I recently requested a recognition of Kate's birth from his office, just like I had done in the past for all of my children. With both Samantha & Lexi I was able to get ones from the President (under Bush's administration) and the Governor (under Schwarzenneger's administration) with little trouble. They both had places on their website to request it and while it's not personalized or anything (I'm pretty sure it's either a printed or stamped signature even), it was a nice addition to their baby books. With Jack, I was able to get the one from the Governor, but not the President. He was born in the December of the administration change and Bush's website stated they were busy with the transition and Obama's website didn't have a place to request it. It sucked, but I understood they were dealing with more important things.
Fast forward to the birth of Kate...Obama's website still doesn't have anywhere to request it. A friend said she heard this administration wasn't doing them, but another friend said her daughter received a recognition of her birthday. Granted that friend has connections, but thankfully she has promised to see if her husband (who works at the White House) can find a way for me to get one for Kate (and maybe a belated one for Jack). And if she can, I will be so grateful!
I was happy to see the new Governor's website still had a place to request the recognition. Kate might not be able to get the Presidential one, but Jack didn't have the Governorship one and at least they'd each have one. So imagine my shock and disappointment when I received an email from Jerry Brown's office days later saying they are too busy to fulfil the request. Really? It takes less time to send me that email (that was signed by a staffer, so I don't believe auto generated) than it does to print out the form letter?
So I posted this frustration on Facebook, asking my friends to back me up in 20 years when Kate plays the "4th, forgotten" child card, letting her know that I tried. A friend, so smartly suggested I put it here on my blog. After all, this is my record of our lives for my children to read someday. (Thank you Joe!). So Kate....I tried. You may or may not eventually end up with the recognitions (which you may or may not find as important as I do, lol), but know I did NOT forget about getting them for you.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day
They may look like their Daddy, but their Irish eyes are smiling!
(excuse the awesome photo quality - it was taken on my cell phone. And don't worry Christy, I did take some with our real camera too!)
(excuse the awesome photo quality - it was taken on my cell phone. And don't worry Christy, I did take some with our real camera too!)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Jack Funny
Jack speech improves every single day, but it feels like in the last month he's broken though a wall and now the words & sentences come easily to him. He still gets frustrated, but that's becoming fewer & far between.
Yesterday on the way to school he kept saying something that I just could not understand. And the more I didn't understand, the more frustrated he became. Sam finally said "I think he's saying 'I love you' to you." It didn't sound like the way he normally said it, but it did sound similar and since I couldn't come up with anything else it could be, I agreed with her. So, on the way to pick up, when he started to say it again, I replied with "I love you too." He kept looking at me really confused and repeating it. Finally he pointed to my center console and said it again. I looked and found a DVD case the girls had left in the van - Scooby Doo. So I tried telling him it was "Scooby Doo". He'd reply with what he had been saying. So I tried again. After about the 3rd time I realized what he had been saying.
"Where are you?"
As in the theme song of Scooby Doo. ("Scooby dooby doo, where are you?") That whole time he had been asking clear as day to watch "Where are you?"
Would it be wrong to just go with Samantha's suggestion and believe he was telling me how much he loves me?
Yesterday on the way to school he kept saying something that I just could not understand. And the more I didn't understand, the more frustrated he became. Sam finally said "I think he's saying 'I love you' to you." It didn't sound like the way he normally said it, but it did sound similar and since I couldn't come up with anything else it could be, I agreed with her. So, on the way to pick up, when he started to say it again, I replied with "I love you too." He kept looking at me really confused and repeating it. Finally he pointed to my center console and said it again. I looked and found a DVD case the girls had left in the van - Scooby Doo. So I tried telling him it was "Scooby Doo". He'd reply with what he had been saying. So I tried again. After about the 3rd time I realized what he had been saying.
"Where are you?"
As in the theme song of Scooby Doo. ("Scooby dooby doo, where are you?") That whole time he had been asking clear as day to watch "Where are you?"
Would it be wrong to just go with Samantha's suggestion and believe he was telling me how much he loves me?
My Brags
There are things I'd love to share with the world (well on Facebook at least) but I'm always afraid of being that person. You know, the one who only posts brags about themselves, their kids, their life. Which in my book, is pretty on par with those who only post about how miserable and horrible their life is. And the reason Facebook invented the hide feature.
But this is my blog so I can get away with it here!
* Last week was conference & report card week and both girls are doing AMAZING! Lexi, who is in kindergarten this year, is now reading a mid-year 1st grade level, has 100% in math and scored 100% on the state mid-year bench mark test. She had already mastered the kindergarten high frequency words her first month of school and has now worked her way through the majority of the 1st grade list. Samantha, who is in 1st grade is reading at 3rd-4th grade level, has 100% in high frequency words (she passed the list early into the year), 100%+ on spelling tests, 98% in math and 98% on the state bench mark test (she missed 1 question). Their teachers have nothing but praise for them! We are so proud. And I am so, so happy they both have the same love of reading I do.
* All of my older kids have adjusted wonderfully to the addition of Kate. I thought there might be some jealousy, but so far there hasn't been any. I really had my doubts about how Jack would adjust, given his age & the fact that he has been home with just me for awhile now), but he has proven to be the best big brother. He showers her with kisses & head rubs (unprompted), is the first to try to replace her pacifier (even when she's asleep and doesn't need it), always makes sure she has a blanket and loves to sit next to her and talk to her. He even has become brave enough to hold her! The older girls, I was confident would adjust well and they have proven me right. They love to hold her, feed her and maybe most importantly are patient with me.
*I was able to comfortably get back into my pre-pregnancy jeans (and clothes) at 6 days postpartum! And I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight at two weeks. Things obviously aren't toned and gravity has taken hold of others, but overall, not bad for my 4th child!
But this is my blog so I can get away with it here!
* Last week was conference & report card week and both girls are doing AMAZING! Lexi, who is in kindergarten this year, is now reading a mid-year 1st grade level, has 100% in math and scored 100% on the state mid-year bench mark test. She had already mastered the kindergarten high frequency words her first month of school and has now worked her way through the majority of the 1st grade list. Samantha, who is in 1st grade is reading at 3rd-4th grade level, has 100% in high frequency words (she passed the list early into the year), 100%+ on spelling tests, 98% in math and 98% on the state bench mark test (she missed 1 question). Their teachers have nothing but praise for them! We are so proud. And I am so, so happy they both have the same love of reading I do.
* All of my older kids have adjusted wonderfully to the addition of Kate. I thought there might be some jealousy, but so far there hasn't been any. I really had my doubts about how Jack would adjust, given his age & the fact that he has been home with just me for awhile now), but he has proven to be the best big brother. He showers her with kisses & head rubs (unprompted), is the first to try to replace her pacifier (even when she's asleep and doesn't need it), always makes sure she has a blanket and loves to sit next to her and talk to her. He even has become brave enough to hold her! The older girls, I was confident would adjust well and they have proven me right. They love to hold her, feed her and maybe most importantly are patient with me.
*I was able to comfortably get back into my pre-pregnancy jeans (and clothes) at 6 days postpartum! And I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight at two weeks. Things obviously aren't toned and gravity has taken hold of others, but overall, not bad for my 4th child!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Our Little Valentine
Announcing our newest addition....
Katherine (Kate) Marie Lua
February 14, 2011 ~ 10:23am
8lbs ~ 20.5 inches
I know I am much delayed in this wonderful announcement, but we have been adjusting to being a family of 6 (which has been going great and much easier than I thought) and dealing with sick kids. It would be just our luck that all 3 of our biggies would take turns running fevers the week leading up to and the week after Kate's birth. It was a blessing that they had all been 24 hours fever free the day she was born and they were all able to come meet her.
And we have been truly blessed. Kate came back Coombs negative, which means she never had the anti-c antigen. And that means there was never anything for my body to attack! It still affects me, should I need a blood transfusion, but as any mother knows, as long as my baby is ok, it's all good!
Hopefully I'll be able to post here more often, but I make no promises. After all, I am a mom of FOUR now!
Katherine (Kate) Marie Lua
February 14, 2011 ~ 10:23am
8lbs ~ 20.5 inches
I know I am much delayed in this wonderful announcement, but we have been adjusting to being a family of 6 (which has been going great and much easier than I thought) and dealing with sick kids. It would be just our luck that all 3 of our biggies would take turns running fevers the week leading up to and the week after Kate's birth. It was a blessing that they had all been 24 hours fever free the day she was born and they were all able to come meet her.
And we have been truly blessed. Kate came back Coombs negative, which means she never had the anti-c antigen. And that means there was never anything for my body to attack! It still affects me, should I need a blood transfusion, but as any mother knows, as long as my baby is ok, it's all good!
Hopefully I'll be able to post here more often, but I make no promises. After all, I am a mom of FOUR now!
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