I freakin love my job

I loved working in Oregon. I moved up here to be by my family but I hated my job. I missed my old store and my old manager. The only think that kept me going was knowing that I only had to work a few months and then I'd go on maternity leave........and I wasn't planning on ever going back. Since I have nothing nice to say....we'll just leave it at that. I was done.

What changed you ask? Laura, that's what. When I heard the whole store had quit, I went in to meet Laura to see if I would change my mind. She pretty much rocked so not only did I go back but I took a promotion to full time sr manager. I could not have asked for a better manager! She is there whenever we need her, even on her days off, even when she has pnemonia, even when she tears her achillis tendon and she does it all with a smile and a hmm hmm hmm (in the words of the holiday hawk) I don't know any employee that doesn't like her...ok I know one but she's insane so it doesn't count.:) I am amazed at how much she has improved our store since she got here! It's a happier place to be! Go Laura!

ps I hope you get bored and read my blog and I get brownie points....hahaha

No more daycare!

I didn't much care for the daycare the boys were going to. The main lady was rude and I'm still annoyed that nobody noticed when Nathaniel got bit. Do they not watch them? I'm pretty sure that considering the bite marks took 2 weeks to go away that he had to have cried, screamed, or done something! You don't just take 2 bad bites with a smile and a high five and move on. Nathaniel really likes his friends there but that lady just rubbed me the wrong way. She always seemed to be more about her money than anything and was always on her cell phone when I was dropping them off. Really professional.

When we first started we paid first and last week, and we paid through November. Well, because of the snow, we missed the whole last week of November...but still paid. We also never used our "last week" that was paid for. So basically we payed for 2 weeks that we didn't use. And while you may think that we should have to pay because they held our spot....wrong. They did not. When I went in after the snow they had taken us off the roster. Everyone told us to cancel the $500 check we had just given them but we did the "right thing" and didn't. I feel like a better person than that lady because it also would have been the right thing for her to reimburse us for at least 1 week. In case you haven't noticed though, this lady cares about money, not kids or doing what's right. So in the end, we're out a lot of money for something we didn't use, and when we did use it, it wasn't worth it. I guess that's what I get for going to the cheapest place...you get what you pay for.

So today Esteban went in for a meeting at work and was informed that the company was shutting down. They gave him half of his paycheck, said he would get the rest when the guy came over tonight to get his computer from us, and left us with a year long contract internet bill that they were suppossed to pay. He never showed up to do the computer paycheck exchange. and he disconnected his phone. Awesome. The computer is great and in the long run if we end up with it instead of the money it will be cool but at the moment it really screws us over for bills. Luckily we could cancel the internet within 30 days and today was 29. Talk about timing!

While I'm happy that he no longer works there because it was a shady business that pretty much screws everyone, it really sucks that it happened right before Christmas and I still have shopping to do! He's just going to try to start something from home or do contract work for now so we don't have to do daycare, and my boss is giving me overtime so it should be ok, but downsizing our income by more than half with no notice right before holidays is not fun.



At least I don't have to take my babies to that daycare ever again!!! And that's all that matters.

The best moment ever

Both kids and Esteban are sleeping, I just made cookies, I have a coke, the heater is on and I have my new slippers on. Life is good.


Thanks to the weather Esteban got the whole week off....hopefully paid so we can pay rent. haha. He hasn't been in since last Wednesday! The snow is melting away and hopefully by tomorrow the ice will be gone too. Driving in that sucks. It was nice to get out of work early though....although it sure doesn't help in making money!!

Sammys teeth are going crazy! He has 4 with 2 more soon to pop through! I can't believe he has so many already!!

I'm so tired! I had the best nap the other day and now I want one every day! haha....wishful thinking!:)

The best quesadilla ever

I have discovered the best thing ever. Cheese, Turkey and sweet potato quesadillas. I'm eating one now and it's soooooo good!

A bunch of snow came out of nowhere yesterday! We had 6 inches here and still have quite a bit. I took the bus to work and of course as luck would have it, the other manager couldn't make it so I stayed. The mall wasn't planning on closing early but when every other store around us was closed I called back and they said we could choose to close early. My DM said it was up to me. Trick question?? Probably but considering the whole mall was closed and I'd like the employees to make it home, we closed. Unfortunantly in all the comotion, I forgot to do the one thing I said I would do. Oops.

Kids are cruel

So Nathaniel came home from daycare yesterday with 2 bites! One on his shoulder and one on his arm. They looked painful! I asked the lady this morning and she had no idea he had been bitten. She had an idea of who it was though. I find it hard to believe that nobody noticed and Nathaniel didn't cry or anything but whatever.

Sammys teeth are coming in light lightning! the 2 bottom are all the way in, 1 top is partway in and 3 more on top are about to pop through! Crazy.

Going to school

Well, the boys started "school" last week. They LOVE it! I was hesitant to send them....mostly Sammy....because #1 it takes my whole paycheck almost, and #2 I didn't want them in daycare. Nathaniel has done awesome! He takes naps with the other kids, EATS, and already has a best friend...Kianna...he talks about her non stop. The daycare lady said it's hard to believe he has never been in daycare before because he didn't need time to adjust at all. Sammy seems to love it too! They only take 1 baby so he's so spoiled being the only kid under 2! I miss having 2 incomes but it's worth it because we all have benefits through my job now. As much as I hate to be away from them so much, sometimes it's a good break!;) I love my job and I' m so happy to be back working! I think school will be good for Nathaniel too.

We're working on getting Sammy into his crib....something we never did with Nathaniel. He doesn't like it too much so it takes awhile to get him to sleep and he wakes up early but we're getting there.

We took Nathaniel bowling for the first time and he loved it so much! He wants to be in a bowling league now. haha

We bought the movie Cars the day it came out and since then we have watched it at least 2 times a day. Good thing it's a good movie!!

I think that's a good update for now.....and I'm tired of typing too.

in the words of whitney houston.........

CRACK IS WHACK

for more of sammys cute photo shoot, check out the october photos!

nothing new

i know it's been a month....but really nothing is new! Sammy rolled once but like his brother, he has no interest in it. I think we're in for another non crawler/early walker! Sammy likes to sing himself to sleep....well it's more of a growl. haha. We got new neighbors yesterday....they seem nice. Work is starting to get busier but I'm still pretty sure that the new people don't understand what busy is....because they think this is insane. Wow...they're in for a surprise! hahaha....that makes me laugh. Nathaniel is still just being 2. That's fun. He's talking so much now...he won't shut up.:) He runs after the cat and jumps on him and says "i got that stupid cat" haha. He's got a great sense of humor! Maybe I'll think of more later.......

it's been awhile

I figured it was time for an update.

Sammy has 3 teeth now! That top fang still hasn't moved so it's just barely popped through but the 2 bottom front teeth are already halfway in! He's talking all the time now....ok it's more growling but it's cute. I think I'm going to cut his hair soon. It's getting long.

Nathaniel is as crazy as ever. Saying random things and getting into trouble whenever he can!:) His 12-18 month pants are starting to get small! It's amazing!

I am full time at work now and since we don't have childcare yet, I have to work every night to get my 40 hours in. I worked 4 days in a row open to close when Laura was sick. Hopefully we'll figure it out soon! I hope she gets better soon!

Nathaniel peed!

Finally Nathaniel peed in his potty! He loves sitting on it and he loves running around naked and he's even peed on the carpet a few times....but a few days ago he finally went in his potty! He took his diaper off, sat on the potty, told me he pooped (he didn't) then he wanted his diaper back on. Then he pooped in his diaper, then took his diaper off. haha Then he peed on the carpet in front of the potty. Then he actually sat on the potty and peed. I'm so proud of him.:)

We went to another fair today. Nathaniel loved all the rides again and of course the pony rides. Sammy was grumpy. I think his teeth are bothering him. Tomorrow is another long day at work. fun!

Sammy has a tooth!

I should have known he was teething (drooling, chewing on his hands, runny nose) but I was in denial. My mom discovered yesterday that a tooth had popped through! Another one is close to coming through. And the worst part- they are his fangs!! He's going to be so goofy looking!:) If I didn't already want him to be mickey mouse for halloween, he would be a perfect vampire! haha

Nathaniel got a new Dora bowl plate and cup set yesterday that he picked out all by himself. He's obsessed with it! He keeps dumping the eggos back and forth between his bowl and plate.

Yesterday was my only day off this week. I forsee a very tired me by the end of the week.

Back at work

I decided to go back to work part time. I'm working about 25 hours a week. I love the new manager! She's awesome! It's a nice change. It's tiring but it's also a good break and gives Esteban bonding time with the boys. The first 3 days I worked, Sammy wouldn't take a bottle and screamed the whole time. Now he's eating like a champ and actually went through all the milk I had in the freezer yesterday during my 10 hour shift. I think we'll have to get some formula in case he runs out again.

On Saturday we went to the island to go to the fair. Esteban stayed home because he threw his back out (taking a shower. haha) Nathaniel had so much fun!! He got to pet some goats and cows, ride a pony, and he went on some rides. He kept saying "one more ride!" Rachael and Annie went on all the rides with him and he loved it! He was fast asleep as soon as we got home. I was excited because I got my dark and white chocolate dipped strawberry shishkabobs! I even brought one home for Esteban.:)

On Thursday we went to the Everett childrens museum and grandma bought us a membership! It was so fun! They have an awesome playground on the roof!

a week of parties!

We are getting our fill of cake this week! Friday was Paiges birthday party and we had so much fun! Nathaniel jumped in the pool fully clothed and even though there was only an inch of water, he managed to get completely drenched! Sara got him the cutest stick horse! It's like a sock monkey...but a sock horse. Very cute! Oh and a Portugal soccer ball which Esteban loved! He about threw a fit when it was time to go! Today was Gilliannes birthday party. They had a face painter and a balloon making clown. Nathaniel wasn't too interested in the balloons but he made some very cool ones! He was a bit shy at first with the face painter but after he got one arm done he wouldn't get up until both arms and both legs were painted. He had a train, a snake, a heart, and a horse. He also tried to jump into their blow up pool. Luckily we got his shirt off first! He was drenched and freezing by the end but I still had to bribe him with cake to get dressed!

Sammy sat up yesterday for a full minute! He getting good fast! I'm pretty sure his newborn phase is over.....although he never acted much like a newborn unfortunantly. He was holding his head up at a week, always wide awake and alert, sleeping through the night by just under 2 weeks and sitting at 2 months! I guess that extra week he was in there made him skip the newborn phase! haha

sammy sat up!

I decided to see if sammy would sit on his own today. I was doing it for fun not really expecting him to! Nathaniel sat at 5 months but Sammy seems to have a stronger neck so I thought I'd try....he sat for 4 seconds all by himself! I couldn't believe it!! I tried to get a picture but I didn't want to leave him so I just held the camera out without looking. I'll get a better one when Esteban gets home but here it is!

The weather can't make up it's mind

Hot one day, then cold....I just don't get it. It's not even a gradual fade in heat. Just too hot, then super cold. Whatever.

Nathaniel had fun yesterday making his chair fall backwards over and over and yelling "I fall down! Mommy help me get up!" It was funny the first few times. haha I signed him up for the Doodlebops fan club today. He loves those Doodlebops! Their live tour starts in September so maybe we'll take him if they come this way....he would love that sooo much!

Our cat got out yesterday and didn't come back like usual. We're still hoping he'll decide to come back though. Nathaniel has been walking around the house with the laser looking for him. Honestly I hate that cat and the cat hates me but Nathaniel and Esteban love the stupid thing so I hope he comes back.

I'm hoping for tomorrow to be kinda hot but not too hot. I really want to go to the zoo....but I don't want to roast or freeze. Is that asking too much?:)

So yesterday nathaniel and i had the funniest conversation...i went out to the car to get my purse and he yelled "get another barney!"...his is broken...darn. so i came back in and he took the keys and walked to the door and said be right back! so i asked where he was going and he said go get barney! lol And every morning when he wakes up he says "get another Barney?" Too cute.

another summer update

It has been so hot here! Like in the 90's! I wish I had AC this week! We went to an indoor pool the other day with a great kids section! It was so fun! Nathaniel was bouncing around in the water with no fear and Sammy took his first dip in a pool. Hopefully we'll be going back often!

My mom gave Nathaniel their old mac to use and he LOVES it! We made him a little office and everything. He has a few stories for it and he loves to sit at his desk and listen to his books.:) He's talking so much these days and we can actually have conversations with him. Sometimes he's a bit random though...like this one with my mom-

grandma- Nathaniel do you want toys or clothes from Florida?
nathaniel- toys
grandma- ok do you want a car or a puzzle?
nathaniel- nope
grandma- ok a brush or a cup?
nathaniel- a brush!
grandma- what color brush do you want?
nathaniel- macaroni and cheese and taco bell.

He's an odd one sometimes. His favorite thing to say is still nope, yep, and how about. Everything is how about milk? how about watch backyardigans? His favorite shows are Backyardigans, Dora, Diego, Spongebob, Doodlebops, Higglytown Heros and Barney. He also loves So you think you can dance and can't wait for the new season of American Idol!

The other day I made a pitcher of kool aid and put it in the fridge. Nathaniel decided he wanted to get it out by himself and the whole thing ended up on the floor. Even his feet were stained red.

Sammys 2 month check up

Sammy had to get 4 shots today. Not his favorite moment so far but he did great! Of course he screamed but he stopped as soon as it was over. Then he'd scream every 10 seconds as if he was replaying it in his head. haha. They said everything looked good! He was holding his head up so well for the dr! He was 12 pounds 12 ounces (60th percentile) and 22 inches (25th percentile) and his head size is 16 1/4 inches (75th percentile) So basically we have a short fat big headed baby....but he's cute! He's been a bit cranky today but not too bad. It was super hot so we went swimming with grandma and auntie Rachael. Tomorrow we're going to Liams birthday party...should be fun!

Sammys first freckle

That's right. Sammy got his first freckle! It's actually a pretty big one! It's on the inside of his left leg right above the ankle. I guess he'll be a white red head freckle boy after all ! haha I'll try to get a picture later. I was looking at Nathaniels stats from when he was a baby and at 6 weeks he was 10 pounds. Sammy was 10.5 pounds at 4 weeks! Nathaniel will be getting beat up by his little brother in no time! Poor kid. At least he's cute right? We're going up to Bellingham with grandma today to see Annie. The drive sucks but it's fun.

Funny things Nathaniel says.....

oh no theres a bug on the ball! that's him! hi bug. bug take a bath.

me: let's have some fruit snacks
Nathaniel: no, how about a special treat.

me: what should we watch on tv?
Nathaniel: how about sponge bob square pants bye bye! (I don't know why he says bye bye at the end)

see if doras on!

nanal did it!

i got it

hear that cop?

hey garbage guy!

oh my god!

mommy sammy pooped!

1-2-1 goooooooo!

nanal take bubble bath!

nanal get dada beer

nanal need ice cream

wear tevas outside

oh no! water on head!

had bad day (his favorite song)

drink grandmas coke

mommy feed sammy!

more fruit snack

mommy fix it please

there you go nanal

sammy eat mommy boob

hi cute boy! (yelled in sammys face while he sleeps)

mommy take a picture! (everytime he is holding sammy)

Nathaniels Birthday Fun!

So on Nathaniels birthday we went to the zoo and bought a membership from Grandma...he loved feeding the birds! Then we went to Red Robin for dinner and they sang to him which he was a little confused by. lol We had his party Saturday. It ended up being just a family thing but it was fun. He got a red tricycle...j He was riding it around everywhere, even doing 3 point turns! I was so impressed since it was his first time on a trike! Although a lot of the time he was going backwards. haha Sunday we took him to Greenlake to ride it. He also got a dora mat that sprays water...he loved it and it was so hot Saturday so it was perfect! Him and my sister played in that thing forever! I got him a cars pinata even though he was the only kid and I filled it with hot wheels and fruit snacks...of course he thought it was the coolest thing ever! He also got a dvd, a tonka, a squirt gun, a cars lamp, a water table....oh and I actually made him a cake! I was going to buy one but I saw a lightning mcqueen cake pan so in an insane moment I decided to make it...I forgot the blue frosting and I frosted it really quick because I was running out of time but it turned out pretty cute for my first try! lol Overall he had a blast! One of my high school friends stopped by later with her husband and 1 year old daughter...she's the girl in the pink....her and Nathaniel are the same height but she's heavier!!! And she just turned 1! Crazy. I'm going to get him a cute red side table from IKEA with the birthday money he got. After all he needs something to put his lamp on right!?

A new car!

When Esteban got home from work today, we went out car hunting again. We had a plan of buying a cheapo and not making payments. 2 hours later we came home with a 2002 Nissan Quest with a tv and vcr in it. It's in great condition, and I love it! And what a bonus having the tv! Yes, we'll have to make payments but I think we'll have this for awhile so I'm ok with that. I am so happy to have a minivan! Not because they are terribly cute...we all know they aren't...but having the space for the boys, guests, and any future kids we may have is so nice! We will no longer be crammed into our car, dreading long drives! Hopefully we can get the moldy volvo fixed and have 2 cars but if not I'm still happy with our new van!:) So tomorrow I think we'll drive the new car to the zoo, buy a membership for Nathaniels birthday and not think about the car payments.:)

oops I forgot to update again

Oh well...nothing too exciting happened in the last week anyways! We finally got somewhere with the insurance! They ended up giving us $200 less than we paid for the car 3 years ago so I guess it was a good investment! We've been looking at cars and have seen some good deals but haven't bought anything yet. It hard to decide if we just want to get a cheap car and not make payments or get a decent car that will last but have to make payments. We really want a minivan but those are expensive but it might be worth making payments because if we get a smaller car/suv we still don't have room for anyone else in the car and when we have another kid which I'm sure will be in a couple of years, we'll have to upgrade to a minivan and we might not have a big down paayment then like we do now. Hmmmm.... We we to a small private dealership which I don't like but I was willing to try it. One van we drove was not in good condition and they acted like they had no clue that there was stuff wrong with it! Then we drove another- 200 Ford Windstar minivan. It actually seemed pretty nice and it was a great price. We couldn't get a straight answer about anything from the guy and when we asked for a carfax report he said we couldn't have it because their carfax was down. Um ok. He kept saying he would guarentee it was good and I said I wasn't signing anything without it. He reeked of alcohol and while were there he answered his cell phone and was talking to his friend about the party they were going to...but don't worry he invited us too.:) Then it was taking forever to run our credit so we asked if we could run our errands and come back at 4:30 and he said sure, they closed at 6. We came back at 4:45 and he asked what took so long so I told him we told him we'd be back at 4:30 and he said they closed at 6...he was like oh isn't it 6? Idiot. So when we asked what the outcome was and what the final price would be he of course couldn't tell us because everyone had gone home early and he didn't have access to the computer with all the info. He must not want to sell a car because we were coming back to pay for it! But now we're not so sure about his credibility and it concerns me buying a car from him so I think we'll look elsewhere. And anyways the guy was a jerk and doesn't deserve our money. They are finally coming to take away the civic today too. Good thing since we're taking up 3 parking spots! Hopefully we can fix the moldy volvo too so we can both have a car!

The boys are both doing great! Sammy is smiling so much now and is getting to be quite a chunker! He slepy 8 hours last night so that was nice! We're using some cradle cap stuff in the hopes that his hair won't all fall out like nathaniels but it makes his hair so greasy! It's gross. Nathaniel is still loving his bubble baths and is asking every night and morning! I asked Nathaniel this morning "Nathaniel do you know what time it is?" and he yelled "Time for ice cream!" It was so cute I had to agree! Haha. I know not a healthy breakfast but I really wanted some!:)

Nathaniels birthday is tomorrow! I can't believe he's already 2! We're having his party on Saturday. He's getting a cute red tricycle...I'm so excited to give it to him!:) Hopefully it fits in our new car so we can take him places to ride it!:) I'm going to go get him a cars pinata....even if no other kids come he'll still love it!:) I wonder if I could fill it with hotwheels...haha that would be so cool!

Getting somewhere with the car maybe?

I think we're slowly moving in the right direction at least....very slowly. The adjuster person came last week and said it was totaled.....like we hadn't already established that but whatever. Now there are green arrows all over the car. haha. We gave the insurance a couple days to call and we didn't hear anything so we called and they said they were still looking up the value. It took me about an hour to look of trade in and replacement value and I had no clue what I was doing so I don't know what their problem is. Of course the moldy volvo broke again so Esteban was stuck at home yesterday again. Since he finally got to talk to someone at the insurance instead of leave a message he asked about transportation and told them he had already missed a few days of work so they sent over a rental. A Chevy Malibu. Esteban loves it. They were supossed to call us yesterday but didn't so maybe today?

Fun in the sun!

Friday we went with Chelsea, Sara, and Ana to Martha Lake. The kids played on the playground and then we walked to the lake beach so they could play in the water. Nathaniel loved it and went all the way to his knees and splashed around. I was amazed! He would have gone in further but I stopped him. Maybe we'll try swim lessons this summer.

Saturday we decided to go to Meadowdale Park. We had gone when I was about 7 months pregnant but didn't make it all the way down the hike. It's a 1 mile each way hike through the woods to the beach. It's super steep but totally worth it! It's so pretty! We made it all the way this time! Nathaniel insisted on walking by himself the whole way down! During the steep parts, he was slipping every 5 steps but refused to hold anybodys hand or be carried! He just kept saying "oops, no hold hand!" I can't believed he walked that far! He looked like such a tourist too! He wore his hat and backpack.:) I of course got eaten alive by mosquitos but I don't think they got either of the boys! Nathaniel loved playing in the water at the beach! There was kind of a creek going up from the water so it was barely covering his feet...perfect! We had packed a lunch so we ate at the picnic tables before heading back. Both boys slept the whole hike back which is very uphill. Lucky Esteban got to carry Nathaniel.:)

Today we went with grandma to another park that had a big dragon the sprays water. Of course Nathaniel was loving that! We'll definantly have to go back there! He is loving water so much lately! We got him a little blow up pool today so we'll be setting that up later. I'm sure he'll never come inside now! He's even started taking baths by himself now! He has to have his bubbles though!

And it just gets better.....

Still no call from the stupid insurance! Last night the moldy volvo died on the way home, Esteban got it jumped and made it here. This morning it died again....jumped twice but it won't hold anything so we called AAA to have it towed. Of course the tow truck company that was in the area was the one that totalled our last car and I didn't think it was wise to use them again so he has to wait longer while they find another company! Oh and his cell phone died so he had to ask a random guy to charge it. At least he's at Jack in the Box and can have breakfast! Haha

still waiting on the car....

We were told the insurance people would call us on Monday....today is Tuesday and still no call yet. The AAA guy said they would probably call today. I sure hope they do because I have plans tomorrow! Haha. They better not try to only give us Kelly Blue Book value either...because that is like half of what they are actually selling for! So, they have 4 hours left to call me today.....stupid insurance people. And of course we can't stop paying insurance on our car until they get this all figured out!

Sammys middle name

Sammy was Samuel Ethan but then we got the social security card and they had spelled it Athan. We were going to change it but Esteban looked it up online and Athan is greek for immortal and that's pretty cool so I think we're going to keep his middle name as Athan. It's unique and it makes a great story! Too bad we didn't find all this out before we sent out birth announcements! haha

It's fathers day today and we're having a barbque! Oh yes, Esteban got a Weber last night! He's very excited and had to set it up at 11:00 at night! I just can't wait for good food today! I want shiskebobs!:)

car update

As if our bills weren't overwhelming enough.......

The morning update-
well the AAA guy and the owner to the tow truck company came and looked at it, now we have to get it towed to 3 places for estimates. One tow guy is here now but he said if he puts it on his truck, it will rip the bumper off. cool.... so they're trying to figure it out so we can get this going. We borrowed my sisters car because she won't drive it...it doesn't work well and it's moldy inside but it will get Esteban to his job to pick up his paycheck....if we ever get the car figured out! lol I guess they are calling the company that towed us to begin with to tell them they have to pay for the tow because AAA won't pay since it was the other peoples fault. Grrr... Hopefully they'll give us a rental car so Esteban can go to work on Monday! I'm so confused right now...lol

oh and the entire contents of our trunk....and it was A LOT...it sitting in the middle of our living room! But on the plus side, Nathaniels tunnel was in the trunk and he isn't afraid of it anymore! yay!

oh I just talked to the AAA guy and they're expecting them to say it's totalled since the frame was bent. Yay for a new car...not so yay for car payments. lol

Alright here's the update for the afternoon-
Nobody could tow us due to the damage so they are just declaring it as totaled and the insurance will be out on Monday to take it away and figure out how much we get and whatever. I don't know how to use kelly blue book to figure out the value but I'm not expecting much which sucks. I happy to be rid of this car but I wish I had time to shop around and not feel like I had to grab the first peice of crap we can afford. They'll pay for a rental at least for Monday so he can go to work and then we'll go from there. I want a minivan so bad so we have more room but they are all expensive! Actually I really want my subaru tribeca but I don't have 30,000 laying around! lol Even a Honda Element would be cool...although not more seating room And now everything that was in our car is covering our livingroom...and you can only imagine how not easy it is to keep Nathaniel from throwing everything everywhere!!! Poor Nathaniel has been wearing swim diapers all day since we ran out and had no way to get to the store! Although he does like having Nemo all over his diaper. haha I guess that's all until Monday! I really want Taco Bell right now.

Stupid car.

So yesterday as Esteban was trying to come home from work, the car kept overheating. He finally pulled over on the side of the freeway and we called AAA. The tow truck towed him home and as he was backing the car into our spot (still on the truck) our trailer hitch hit the curb and now the bumper is bent down, there is a dent in the side of the car, under the car is bent up and the trunk won't close or even line up. Why???? Now he's at home with no way to get to work so now not only can we not drive the car but we have to lose a day of pay! I hope that the damage is more than the car is worth and we can get a new car!

Sammys one month dr visit

Well he's definantly ok in the weight gain! He is now 10 pounds 5 ounces! And 21 inches long. That's 50th percentile for both! He got his second HEP shot and did great! He screamed only when the shot was in his leg and stopped as soon as the dr was done. He said to watch the throwing up in the next 2 weeks and if it gets worse and he's doing it at every feeding then he'll have him get an xray to see if it's a stomach muscle tightening in which case he'll need surgery (but he said it's a minor procedure). But he said this was pretty uncommon so he thinks he's just swallowing too much air. Other that that it was an uneventful visit! Just what I like!:)

Another productive weekend!

Ok maybe not another....weekends usually aren't productive but this one was! I made 5 new scrapbook pages, we redid the website so I can upload pictures whenever I want and I uploaded all the scrapbook pages and 4 months of pictures! I was so excited! I'm a dork I know but I was so happy to be adding all the adorable pictures! Now we're just redoing the design so it looks better.

I was holding Sammy yesterday and he pooped and it shot straight out of his diaper onto my pants. Nathaniel ran over with a concerned look and said "uh oh mommy pooped!" Thanks. haha He was walking around eating an onion like an apple! Gross! Of course I took pictures and made a scrapbook page....and it's already on the website! Yay!

Sammy has a drs apt tomorrow for another shot. Poor baby. He started spitting up massive amounts almost every day again but he's getting chunky so I think he's just being a piggy and eating too much.:)

Ok, I'm off to add more pictures! This will never get old....

A long overdue update

Ok so I'm slacking in the updating department. Sorry. Sammy seems to be getting his massive milk spewing problem under control. It only happens once every 4 days now which is so much better! I think his weight will be fine at his appointment next week. Yay! It's been a week since his circumsicion and it's healed nicely. This experience was so much better than Nathaniels! Nathaniel SCREAMED the whole time. I know they say that they don't really feel it but I still hated not having him numbed! I was so happy when they told me Sammy would be numbed and get sugar water! I even stayed in the room this time! He gave a little scream when the cave him the numbing stuff but after that, he only whined when he would run out of sugar water....he loved that stuff! I'm definantly going to do it this way from now on...if we have more boys.:) I'm tired of Sammy wearing the same outfits so I'm hoping he grows a tiny bit...just enough to move out of the preemie sizes and into 0-3 month! Although...I do love his preemie outfits....such a dillema! Nathaniel begs to hold him everyday at least 10 times! He's such a good big brother! He kisses him goodnight everynight, tells me when he poops ("mom sammy pooped!") and when he cries he tries to get him to suck on his finger and if that doesn't work he tells me "Sammy eat". Yesterday he asked to hold him so I gave him Sammy, and he said "picture" so I took a picture.:) He knows a kodak moment when it's there! Such a smart big brother! His new love is Dora the Explorer which he is now watching very intently. He's even started singing the map song (I'm the map!) and he says "hola dora" and *tries* to say fantastico! but it comes out like "tan ee vo!" Close....:) I can't believe Nathaniel will be 2 in a month! I guess I should start shopping for his presents! We're doing pretty good at adding current pictures to the website now so hopefully I can stop putting them up here!

Sammys dr appointment

Sammy is 7 pounds 12 ounces now! I asked about his spitting up massive amounts and he wasn't too concerned because he said that at this age he should just be back to his birth weight, which was 7.2 but he was a little concerned because he has only gained an ounce in a week so we're watching his weight to make sure it doesn't go down. He'll check it at our appt in 2 weeks and give him another shot. And he's 19 3/4 inches long now...grown about an inch. He didn't even flinch when they did the heel prick! After awhile he got a little annoyed at the constant squeezing to get blood out but other than that he just stared the whole time. And he's getting circumcised next week- friday-should be fun! As we were leaving Nathaniel turned on his charm and said "Bye bye doctor, see ya!"

Holding his head high!

Well we didn't get another tummy hater yet! Nathaniel hated being on his tummy so much! I don't think he really held his head up for a couple months...he would just cry and put his face down. haha. Sammy loves lifting his head and I can't believe how strong he is already! Maybe he'll actually have a crawling stage!:)

Nathaniels wounds and new sammy pics!

So Nathaniel fell outside last week and hit his head on the patio, and then right when it was almost gone, he fell off a porch swing, hit his face and then the swing came back and hit him on the back of the head causing him to hit his chin. poor guy. We got cute pictures though! Sammys eyes seem to be getting better! I haven't had to clean them off since yesterday! I was wondering why Nathaniel was so quiet...then I realized he had fallen asleep in his chair. Right now they are both sleeping and I have my box of chocolates and a big glass of orange juice. It's great! I hope they stay that way until Esteban gets home. And then I'm going to take a bath and a nap! It all sounds so nice....I'll be dreaming about it for the next 2 hours! I really should use this time to address the envelopes for Sammys birth announcements....but that would require finding envelopes.....hmmm

Back from Portland!

we had so much fun! I wish I could have been there longer! Saturday was so sunny!! Now if only I could take a nap! I'm beat!!!

Sammys eyes

Well Sammy has gross goopy eyes so we took him to the dr and he has an eye infection. No big deal. We have medicine to put on his eyes and I'm CONSTANTLY wiping them off. It looks pretty gross! His umbelical cord fell off today too...but it wasn't all the way dry so there is still a big chunk of yellow goop in there. That's gross too. We're heading down to Portland in a few hours...well I hope anyways....if DH gets home we will! I'm so excited to go see everyone! I've been doing laundry all morning since i only have a few things that fit over my giganto milk engorged boobs. lol I hope they go down soon!

5 days old

I can't believe how alert and awake he is!! He's such a good baby too! The only time he cries is when we change him...he hates cold wipes. I guess we'll have to get a wipe warmer for him. Nathaniel is finally liking him being here! Whenever we go somewhere, Nathaniel has to buckle him in...he freaks if I try to do it! He loves to watch him in the swing and make sure he's ok. He even kissed him today!

I never thought the day would come! 6 days late and many wimpy contractions later, I finally went into labor yesterday! I had contractions all day and around 2:00am when they were 5 minutes apart we headed to the hospital. By the time we got there, they were definantly closer but I was only 2cm dialated so they wouldn't admit me! All I wanted was my epidural but apparently you can't have that until 4cm....I was not happy as you can imagine! So the plan was to make me walk around for an hour once the baby monitor was doing whatever they wanted it to. 15 minutes later and still not admitted and sitting in a bed in the waiting area room I told them...well yelled really...that I needed drugs right then, it felt like I had peed myself and I was pushing him out. Haha. That got their attention...they checked and I was aall the way dialated and the baby was coming out! 2cm-10cm in 15 minutes! They were shocked! Unfortunately they can't give any drugs once you're that far! Not what I wanted to hear!! They wheeled me to a real room, with me pushing the whole way! My midwife showed up just in time....3 pushes and he was out! 3:27am May 12. We had been at the hospital less than an hour and still weren't admitted! I can't believe how fast it went!! All I have to say is I will never willingly do this without drugs again!!!! Haha. Samuel is absolutely perfect! Nathaniel doesn't quite get it but seemed happy to see a baby....wait until he realizes we're keeping him! I told him to kiss Sammy and he kissed my belly. Haha. We put tons of pictures on our website www.portfam.com Enjoy!

I'm off!

5 minutes apart and hurting SO BAD....so I'm off to the hospital to have this baby! See you all when I get home...well except Chelsea...I'll see you tomorrow morning...and maybe Sara....anyways- bye! And please remind me why I wanted labor to start!!!!! haha

another day

3 contractions so far today ....all with mild pain, 1 was even pretty long! Nathaniel and I went outside to play with his football, golf set and of course rocks! He pretty much ran around screaming the whole time as usual. It's definantly past naptime but he doesn't agree so we'll just deal with a cranky boy as usual! haha I have eaten at least 5 ice cream sandwiches today. I can't stop. They're so good! They are the kind with cookies and cream ice cream inside ...yum! I want another but I'll try to restrain myself. I also ate the leftovers from the other night. Chicken and pasta with garlic alfredo sauce. It was so good!! Go Esteban! Nathaniel discovered that night that he loves Calamata olives! Who knew?? He ate like 10 of them! He amazes me everyday!

He's just too comfortable!

Just wanted to post a quick update. 4 days after the due date and still no signs that Samuel is coming anytime soon! Nathaniel and I went to Chelseas yesterday and tried to get labor going. I had lots of tightening and 2 real contractions- with pain and tightening- about 2 hours apart...but then nothing. It's like every day I start new! Sleeping makes them all go away! Esteban decided to go to work today since things are not moving. I'm starting to think that Portland isn't going to work but I'm still hopefull that Samuel will surprise me and show up soon! Maybe today. Haha.

keeping my mind off of things....

Well, after walking around for hours again yesterday and having mild contractions all evening, today has been boring. They pretty much stopped around midnight and while I've had a few today, they are still super wimpy and I don't think they're doing anything! But Nathaniel and I played in the yard today. It was a little chilly but nice and sunny......perfect weather...too cold for bees! haha. Hopefully tomorrow will be more eventful but if not I guess we'll find some more activities to keep us entertained while we wait for Samuel to stop being stubborn!

Zoo day!

The wonderful Chelsea came and got us today and we all went to the zoo. It was so fun and so nice out! All 3 kids were in the best moods and had tons of fun!! Nathaniel actually sat in the stroller....that's amazing! He would get out to see the animals and back in when we moved! I was so impressed! Aiden was so cute being so excited! Gillianne was adorable and matching from head to toe as always ... well except when she wouldn't keep her hair band in!! I was surprised that her sippy didn't match too .... sorry Chelsea. lol Gillianne and Nathaniel were so cute together and the perfect size! Haha. They all fell asleep on the way home. It didn't start my contraction up which is what we were hoping but it was so fun anyways! I still have high hopes of having Samuel this weekend but I'm trying hard not to stress about it!

more pics

I couldn't fit these in the last post!

A day of contractions and bubbles

I'm not for sure yet but I would like to believe that I've been having contractions all day. They don't hurt too bad yet and they don't have a pattern but I'm starting to believe that we may be getting somewhere! We have walked to the mailbox 3 times today trying to make them worse! It was so hot out today and Nathaniel really wanted to go play with the bubbles so we went outside until I about died from the heat. Sad that it's not even that hot! haha. Of course I had to take hundreds of pictures of his bubble adventures! I think we may have to send the bubble maker to grandmas with him! The only downside is now we're both covered in bubbles! My hair looks awesome. Haha.

more crazy nathaniel pictures...

getting close i think

well, still no labor but i did get an exam today and she said I was totally thinned out! That's good so I hear. I'm going shopping AGAIN tonight to walk myself into labor....hopefully it will work this time!!

Another baby-less day

Well, I had a few small and quite wimpy but for sure (with pain AND a tight belly at the same time) contractions yesterday but none so far today. As soon as Esteban gets home, I'm walking around Target......but I won't shop. Yeah right. Haha. I did have fun with my belly tattoos last night though! I figured I should use them quick! I'm still hoping not to make it to my drs appointment tomorrow.......wishful thinking maybe but I have faith!!!! I keep eating spicy foods and pineapple....I'm losing faith in those.

Still no baby....

I have walked the mall, eaten pineapple and spicy food, taken hot baths...nothing. I've had a couple of small pains but no tightening to go with them....or sometimes tightening but no pain. They just won't come together! I still have faith that it will be soon! I'm going for tonight!!!

Trying to get this baby out....

Last night I decided I needed to clean but rearranging seemed to be fun too. So Esteban helped me rearrange....and amazingly we LIKE the setup now! This stupid living room is so wierd, no set up looks good! But we really like it and I think it's set for a long time! Then I stayed up until 1am cleaning....hoping that all that moving and bending would do something......nope nothing.

So, I met with Ana and Chelsea today around 11 to have lunch and walk around the mall. I was hoping to get this baby moving!!! He doesn't seem to have gone anywhere. I might have had a couple of tiny contractions but nothing to get excited about! I did get Samuel a cute outfit from Gap that I had seen online a month ago and the store finally got it in! Oh and some sandals at gymboree for 49 cents! It was soooo nice to get out of the house for awhile! I can't wait until we have 2 cars! Nathaniel had fun playing with the kids too. Taking the bus wasn't too bad....although I wouldn't say I liked it! Nathaniel was terrified to get on the bus and wouldn't let go of me the whole time but as soon as we got off he was all smiles and for the next half hour he was saying bus fun. So I guess he liked it. :) I think that's all.....hopefully my next post will be me in labor....hopefully tonight!:)

9 more days......

Well, I was hoping that Samuel would come a little early but he seems quite content with never coming out! I had my weekly appointment yesterday. Another pointless boring visit. I can't stand the nurse there!! She always asks me if I WANT an exam. First of all, who ever really WANTS an exam? I always tell her that I don't need one for my peace of mind but if the midwife feels it should be done then fine, I don't care. She just won't accept that! She just kept saying either you do or you don't. She should know not to piss off a 9 month pregnant lady!!! haha. I wanted to punch her. Aren't they the medical people for a reason? I mean, if they really want to go off of what I want, I don't want to drive out there every week for them to tell me nothing has changed! I figure if they can tell me I need to go in every week then they can decide when I need an exam. Stupid lady puts me in a bad mood every Wednesday! Thank goodness I'm almost done!

taking pictures

Sometimes Nathaniel just won't look at the camera. Other days....like today....he's a posing fool! He was having so much fun being crazy for the camera!

i just like these.....

I have nothing to say....I just really like these pictures.:)