The first 8 days of life were very smooth for Mary Clare - she ate like a champ every 2-3 hours, had more than enough wet and soiled diapers, slept well even with noisy siblings around, and even slept 4-5 hours at night a few nights.
Today was the first day that Mary's been fussy. She started waking up about an hour after I fed her. I would feed her again, but she seemed to fuss or be in pain right away. I just hope and pray she's not getting reflux like Erin had and that this is something that will pass quickly.
Auntie Julia finally got a chance to meet Mary Clare today. She stayed with Mary while I took Erin and Vincent to St. M's for Vincent's parent teacher conference (kinda makes me giggle for preschool - but I also go out of my way to talk to his teacher's almost everyday). She also spent time with each of the kids and helped me with the joyful chaos of lunchtime.
After I gave brief instructions to Julia for taking care of Mary while we're out, Vincent looks at Auntie Julia and says "and if she cries, she's hungry and you have to feed her with those" he points to her upper half. I promptly explained to him that only the baby's mommy makes "mommy milk". If it was anyone aside from my sister, I would have wanted to die!
We took a long walk today sort of by accident. I had the two girls in the double stroller and Vincent, sworn to his best behavior, on his scooter (courtesy of the Lopez family - many thanks!). I wanted to just go a few blocks, but then I remembered that coming back the same way we went would be all up hill. Since the kids seemed into it, we opted for a longer walk with a very short area that is steep instead of the long, slow incline of returning the same way.
By the time we were 75% home, we all wanted a rest. Erin then wanted to try the scooter and Vincent was chomping at the bit to ride in the stroller. Much harder for me (20+ more lbs to push), plus Erin is so much slower than her brother on the scooter. She is darn cute, though, with the helmet on and pushing that stroller one cute little step at a time. I'm impressed with her perseverance and delight in pushing that scooter home, half a step at a time, and even on the steepest part of our walk.
Mary slept until our pit stop at which point she was awake and enjoying the scenery all the way home. Her bright little eyes were looking all around, soaking it all in with sweet little lips that seem to smile much of the time!
We were all tired out after that. Erin had a particularly fussy time at dinner and at bath time, but I was also far too tired to be impatient with her - so that was a good thing for me, I think!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Welcome New Resident of Tomooka Town!
Mary Clare Tomooka
03/21/2011 @ 1:28am
7lbs 6oz - 19.25 inches
03/21/2011 @ 1:28am
7lbs 6oz - 19.25 inches
We feel blessed to welcome the newest resident of Tomooka Town - all your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Vincent's First Day of Preschool
Monday August 31st was Vincent's first day of preschool. He wore his favorite Thomas the Train shirt that makes the train noises (thank you Grandma Tomooka!). We made his lunch together before the baby woke up (unusual that he beat her awake - as if he knew it was an exciting day). We took him to school about 8:30 and many of the parents were hanging around. Took some pictures, video, and Erin had great fun exploring too. Miss Hue, Vincent's teacher, loved Erin too and said - two more years for her to be in my class too!
I had a little sinking feeling driving out of the parking lot, but a smile on my face, knowing he was in a very good environment. Erin and I enjoyed the morning together. I wanted to pick Vincent up early this week to help him get adjusted to preschool. We went over at 4pm, and he looked groggy from his nap still, sitting with his classmates rolling tortillas. I asked him if he wanted to come home or stay (I sort of felt bad taking him from the baking lesson - it looked like fun!). He asked to stay! So, I took Erin home, fixed dinner and came back for him at 5. They were reading a big version of the monkeys on the bed book. Vincent was delighted to say the words to the book (Miss Fran: "There were 10 monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and bumped his..." Vincent: "Head!"). We stayed for the book, Erin admired the fish in the big tank, and it was still hard to pull him away after the story.
Despite Erin having a nice day at home without Vincent, she was also deliriously happy to have him home. They spent a good 20 minutes chasing each other around (and probably rough housing too much), but their giggles were so gleeful that I didn't quiet them down right away.
What a day!! As Uncle Christian said: Go Vincent! Go Vincent! Thanks for everybodies good wishes and kind support for momma too.
I had a little sinking feeling driving out of the parking lot, but a smile on my face, knowing he was in a very good environment. Erin and I enjoyed the morning together. I wanted to pick Vincent up early this week to help him get adjusted to preschool. We went over at 4pm, and he looked groggy from his nap still, sitting with his classmates rolling tortillas. I asked him if he wanted to come home or stay (I sort of felt bad taking him from the baking lesson - it looked like fun!). He asked to stay! So, I took Erin home, fixed dinner and came back for him at 5. They were reading a big version of the monkeys on the bed book. Vincent was delighted to say the words to the book (Miss Fran: "There were 10 monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and bumped his..." Vincent: "Head!"). We stayed for the book, Erin admired the fish in the big tank, and it was still hard to pull him away after the story.
Despite Erin having a nice day at home without Vincent, she was also deliriously happy to have him home. They spent a good 20 minutes chasing each other around (and probably rough housing too much), but their giggles were so gleeful that I didn't quiet them down right away.
What a day!! As Uncle Christian said: Go Vincent! Go Vincent! Thanks for everybodies good wishes and kind support for momma too.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Times, they are a changing
So I took too long off from blogging...
We celebrated Erin's 1st birthday on Sun, Aug 16th. Just family and some close friends came over to watch Erin eat a huge piece of chocolate cake! (Pics to come) I think she had an upset tummy for the next two days, but she didn't complain! She is getting cuter everyday. She started walking about 11 months, and now she is toddling all over the place. She still takes such labored steps and seems little bow legged at times. I believe that I may have passed on the "graceful" gene to her - she is always bumping her head, tipping over, or falling flat on her face! She does mind, but she is relatively resilient. She's pretty courageous though, and very perseverant. When she wants to climb somewhere or grab something, she finds a way to do it! If she wants down, it is impossible to keep two hands on her. I think she is rejoicing in her new found activity and "freedom" because she can do so much more on her own. It is quite nice to see Vincent playing at his train table (from Nana and Papa) and watch Erin walking over to him and all around it and even playing independently by his side.
That brings me to how the two of them interact. Erin ADORES Vincent. She is happier when she sees him, she smiles and laughs brighter when he's around. I've got to believe it's partialy because he has always been there, and she will not remember a time without him. Vincent can be naughty (can he ever) and push her or hit her or other things that make her cry, but often it doesn't phase her and it hasn't yet changed her good opinion of him. I try to encourage a good relationship between them. I give them compliments to say to each other, ask them to share, remind them to say thank you for sharing (obviously, for Erin I say it for her). Before every nap, Vincent gives Erin a kiss and now has started giving her a blessing, the same way we give him a kiss and the sign of the cross on his forehead before bedtime. I think it's even part of Erin's naptime and bedtime routine and signals that it's time sleep. The smile and the look in her eyes is priceless.
More about the two of them later! More short posts, more frequently.
We celebrated Erin's 1st birthday on Sun, Aug 16th. Just family and some close friends came over to watch Erin eat a huge piece of chocolate cake! (Pics to come) I think she had an upset tummy for the next two days, but she didn't complain! She is getting cuter everyday. She started walking about 11 months, and now she is toddling all over the place. She still takes such labored steps and seems little bow legged at times. I believe that I may have passed on the "graceful" gene to her - she is always bumping her head, tipping over, or falling flat on her face! She does mind, but she is relatively resilient. She's pretty courageous though, and very perseverant. When she wants to climb somewhere or grab something, she finds a way to do it! If she wants down, it is impossible to keep two hands on her. I think she is rejoicing in her new found activity and "freedom" because she can do so much more on her own. It is quite nice to see Vincent playing at his train table (from Nana and Papa) and watch Erin walking over to him and all around it and even playing independently by his side.
That brings me to how the two of them interact. Erin ADORES Vincent. She is happier when she sees him, she smiles and laughs brighter when he's around. I've got to believe it's partialy because he has always been there, and she will not remember a time without him. Vincent can be naughty (can he ever) and push her or hit her or other things that make her cry, but often it doesn't phase her and it hasn't yet changed her good opinion of him. I try to encourage a good relationship between them. I give them compliments to say to each other, ask them to share, remind them to say thank you for sharing (obviously, for Erin I say it for her). Before every nap, Vincent gives Erin a kiss and now has started giving her a blessing, the same way we give him a kiss and the sign of the cross on his forehead before bedtime. I think it's even part of Erin's naptime and bedtime routine and signals that it's time sleep. The smile and the look in her eyes is priceless.
More about the two of them later! More short posts, more frequently.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
me...Want...FOOD!
Erin has been eating rice cereal for about two months now, and last week we started her on the stage one veggies. She LOVES food. I think she gets excited that she's eating at the table (in her bumbo - thanks, Rachel and family!), and she gets to eat alongside the rest of us. Vincent is very cute about saying "bebe wice ce-ro" (because she eats rice cereal). But now, even when we are out or don't get her rice cereal ready fast enough, she is very vocal about joining us. If she wants what we're eating, she very quickly works herself up and even screams until we give her a little something to gum around. We went to Taco Bell with Mark's family for lunch today, and she went from non-stop screaming to calm and relaxed as soon as she had a piece of plain tortilla in hand. I don't think she ate very much of it, but she let some disinigrate in her mouth before dropping most of it on the floor. Sometimes how vocal and opinionated she seems to be makes me think she might be a little pistol. But too soon to tell.
Vincent woke up so happy today. Mark was already dressed for church when he rescued Vincent from his crib. V was concerned at first that I wasn't visible to him immediately, but all smiles when he saw me getting ready for church. Mark asked him what today was and he said "Sunday! Go to church!" Usually he is much less excited about being confined and quiet for an hour or more. He did really well today, though. We sat in new spot, still near the back exits so we can dash for it if he's acting up. Maybe a new spot helps him, gives him new things to look at. We sat on the end, as is wise to do for quick escape for disciplining or diaper changing. On the other side of our row was a column, so Vincent was confined, but also had a little space to himself. And the 8 o'clock mass is never crowded. Maybe 1/4-1/3 of the mass, Vincent was very consumed with watching a little boy who was in the cry room (we sat just outside it). It was like his own little boy televsion! Plus, kids just love to watch other kids - amazing how we are attracted and influenced by our peers. Mark also did a great job today with V's mass book. He'd show him the page that corresponded in which we were participating, so he spread the pages out pretty well during mass, and also seemed to keep him engaged for a couple minutes at a time. But really, it just helps when he's feed, rested, and in a good mood. *phew!*
After church, Vincent and Erin had almost an hour of play together. We put E down for a nap, but she is having trouble sleeping the past couple days. I thinks he must be teething because she goes down the same as usually and then wakes about 45 minutes into her normal 2 hour naptime. Her gums do feel swollen to me (or is that my imagination?). So we gave her some tylenol and let her play with V while waiting for it to take effect. He loves to let her bounce up to him (with Mom doing the bouncing of course), and say "Got me! got me!" in between giggle fits. Then they'd lie side by side, she stares at him with what seems to be admiration or wonder, and he hugs and hugs her (pretty gently too). If I tickle both of them, they just have fits together, but E will not laugh unless V is laughing too! They are very sweet together usually. I hope that's a trend that will continue for a long, long time.
Vincent woke up so happy today. Mark was already dressed for church when he rescued Vincent from his crib. V was concerned at first that I wasn't visible to him immediately, but all smiles when he saw me getting ready for church. Mark asked him what today was and he said "Sunday! Go to church!" Usually he is much less excited about being confined and quiet for an hour or more. He did really well today, though. We sat in new spot, still near the back exits so we can dash for it if he's acting up. Maybe a new spot helps him, gives him new things to look at. We sat on the end, as is wise to do for quick escape for disciplining or diaper changing. On the other side of our row was a column, so Vincent was confined, but also had a little space to himself. And the 8 o'clock mass is never crowded. Maybe 1/4-1/3 of the mass, Vincent was very consumed with watching a little boy who was in the cry room (we sat just outside it). It was like his own little boy televsion! Plus, kids just love to watch other kids - amazing how we are attracted and influenced by our peers. Mark also did a great job today with V's mass book. He'd show him the page that corresponded in which we were participating, so he spread the pages out pretty well during mass, and also seemed to keep him engaged for a couple minutes at a time. But really, it just helps when he's feed, rested, and in a good mood. *phew!*
After church, Vincent and Erin had almost an hour of play together. We put E down for a nap, but she is having trouble sleeping the past couple days. I thinks he must be teething because she goes down the same as usually and then wakes about 45 minutes into her normal 2 hour naptime. Her gums do feel swollen to me (or is that my imagination?). So we gave her some tylenol and let her play with V while waiting for it to take effect. He loves to let her bounce up to him (with Mom doing the bouncing of course), and say "Got me! got me!" in between giggle fits. Then they'd lie side by side, she stares at him with what seems to be admiration or wonder, and he hugs and hugs her (pretty gently too). If I tickle both of them, they just have fits together, but E will not laugh unless V is laughing too! They are very sweet together usually. I hope that's a trend that will continue for a long, long time.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Wuv Yoo Too
The more I blog about the kids, the more I notice things about the kids that I want to write down. Last night two nights I was hoping to blog, but I just couldn't stay awake! While I always say the kids grow too fast, I am looking forward to the time Erin is sleeping through the night. She does sleep a lot (probably 13-14 hours a day), but it's split up into three naps during the day, and she still has two feedings at night (one at 11pm and one at 3am). We don't always help her process of sleeping through the night - she is fun to play with at night! She's all coos and giggles after she wakes up and after she eats. Even though we're often desperate for sleep, we love having quality, one on one time with her.
Last night we had a barbeque. Yes, it rained all day and night, but we had already bought a bunch of steak and asked my family, Mark's mom, and Christian's family to come over. Mark had the grill going under our balcony and we had an inside picnic. With all the rain we got in the past few days, Vincent was getting frustrated being inside all the time. Thursday when Mark came home, Vincent ran over to the back door, looked out through the blinds, and said "W-ain off!!" with great gusto. At the barbeque last night, I retold this story, and everyone laughed so hard. Vincent took this as his cue, and repeated "W-ain off!" at the top of his lungs again and again. Sorry, kiddo, it's funniest the first time - but I love thinking of it over and over again.
Speaking of family, Vincent hasn't had Nana and Papa (my parents) over to babysit as much since Mark's been home. The other day, I called my parents, and I asked Vincent if he wanted to talk to them too. "yeah, yeah." When on the phone, he asked my dad "Papa, p-ome my house?" and I heard my dad tell him they were coming on Friday for dinner. This wasn't the answer Vincent wanted so he kept asking "Papa, p-ome my house now?" He listened to my dad for a little while, but pretty soon was asking for Nana. My mom gets on the phone, and he repeats "Nana, p-ome my house?" She basically says what my dad was saying. Then he says "ahtie Jewie?" (my sister). She wasn't home, but it made me wonder what he was thinking. I think when he realized he wasn't going to get the answer he wanted, he just asked for another family member! When my parents hung up with him, they said "Vincent, I love you" so I told him to say "I love you" too (I've been trying to get him to say that for awhile now). He's used to me saying "you" when it means "me" from his point of view. So he quickly coos back to them, "Wuve me"! What a ham!
Last night we had a barbeque. Yes, it rained all day and night, but we had already bought a bunch of steak and asked my family, Mark's mom, and Christian's family to come over. Mark had the grill going under our balcony and we had an inside picnic. With all the rain we got in the past few days, Vincent was getting frustrated being inside all the time. Thursday when Mark came home, Vincent ran over to the back door, looked out through the blinds, and said "W-ain off!!" with great gusto. At the barbeque last night, I retold this story, and everyone laughed so hard. Vincent took this as his cue, and repeated "W-ain off!" at the top of his lungs again and again. Sorry, kiddo, it's funniest the first time - but I love thinking of it over and over again.
Speaking of family, Vincent hasn't had Nana and Papa (my parents) over to babysit as much since Mark's been home. The other day, I called my parents, and I asked Vincent if he wanted to talk to them too. "yeah, yeah." When on the phone, he asked my dad "Papa, p-ome my house?" and I heard my dad tell him they were coming on Friday for dinner. This wasn't the answer Vincent wanted so he kept asking "Papa, p-ome my house now?" He listened to my dad for a little while, but pretty soon was asking for Nana. My mom gets on the phone, and he repeats "Nana, p-ome my house?" She basically says what my dad was saying. Then he says "ahtie Jewie?" (my sister). She wasn't home, but it made me wonder what he was thinking. I think when he realized he wasn't going to get the answer he wanted, he just asked for another family member! When my parents hung up with him, they said "Vincent, I love you" so I told him to say "I love you" too (I've been trying to get him to say that for awhile now). He's used to me saying "you" when it means "me" from his point of view. So he quickly coos back to them, "Wuve me"! What a ham!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
