Halloween 2009: Invasion of Star Wars

This year we decided to go with a theme for all three kiddos. Daddy and the kiddos are major Star Wars fans, so we stuck with that theme. Introducing Andrew as Darth Vader, Alexis as Princess Leia, and Aiden as Yoda.

The kids had been asking since noon if it was time to go. Alexis couldn 't grasp the concept that it had to be dark before we could head out. She sat in front of the clock and watched every minute tick by. When it was time to go they were the first at the door. Aiden couldn't understand why his bucket was empty. That would all change before the night was over.

We met up at Mrs. T's house (Aiden's sitter on the days I sub) so we could walk the neighborhood with her family and a few other friends. In all we had 20 people walking together. That was too many if you ask me because it was pretty hard to stay together and not be tripping over each other at the same time.

Daddy and I took turns walking him up to the doors and reminding him to say "Thank you!" My friend's daughter, Katee, helped him walk up to the door as well, which gave Dale and I a nice break to sit back and watch the action instead of having to be all up in it.

Little Yoda's legs were tired. Thankfully Daddy came to the rescue and carried him from house to house. He even said 'Trick or Treat' at a few houses. When we reminded him to say thank you at the last few house he just said, "NO!" He was definitely done and wanted to go home.

Once we got home we dumped all the candy on the living room floor for mommy and daddy to inspect and for the kids to pick out their 10 pieces of candy to keep. Aiden couldn't get his hands on enough candy and kept dropping them and starting over to see if he could get more with a different approach.

Before we knew it he had decided he wanted a sucker and had helped himself.

Before the night was over we had to see who was the cutest Princess Leia.

First up: Daddy Leia

Andrew Leia

Aiden Leia

And the winner: Princess Alexis Leia
(Somehow the picture of Mommy Leia never made it to the blog. Wonder how that happened?)

Around our house we have a new tradition: The Switch Witch. The SW, after being invited by the kids, exchanges their candy, minus the 10 pieces she lets them keep, for something non-candy. If they have not been good then the Gobbling Goblin gobbles up all their candy and leaves them nothing. After the kids were snuggling in their beds, the Switch Witch made her appearance. She left them this little note and flew away in the midnight sky with their candy in exchange.

I am thankful that I will not have to hear the begging for candy for days on end, and I am looking forward to taking them to Toys 'R Us to spend their gift card this week.

We are now looking foward to a very thank filled November.

Pumpkin Patch/Farm Visit

Most families have a favorite place that they go to each year to find their pumpkins. Us on the other hand, have yet to find that favorite place. Until now that is. In the past we have gone to the grocery store, produce market, commercialized/bouncy house/crazy pumpkin patch in order to find the perfect (overpriced!!) pumpkins. This year we decided to give the local Greenspot Farm our business. And we were impressed.

Aiden was immediately drawn to the animals, most of which he had only ever seen on his Baby Einstein Farm video. That kid has no fear! Walking right up, nose to nose with each of the animals. I think he liked the goats more then they liked him because he kept trying to pet smack them through the fencing, all while using his new shrill voice. Next, we went to see the rather lazy llama. Again Aiden wanted to climb in with her and had to be held back by Daddy.

This llama had the coolest eyes. One brown....and one blue.

About the only way to contain this wild man was to make him immobile on Daddy's shoulders. This kid has no fear and seems to want to conquer the world in one afternoon.

Alexis didn't particularly care for the wonderful smell that permeated the farm air. Not sure I blame her for that one, it was pretty pungent.

The horse was our next stop. He was of course more interested in his dinner and never even looked up once while we were trying to check him out.

Alexis was excited to see her favorite animal: a bunny! She of course had to reminded me multiple times that she is allergic to them and did not want to pet them.

Aiden tried to climb into the pig pen. I guess he felt like he was at home in his own pig pen of a room at times.

This guy on the other hand Aiden wouldn't even come close to. Not sure if it was the tusks (is that what they are?) or the weird, misshapened toe. He wasn't the cutest animal on the farm that is for sure.

Last on the animal excursion was the very likeable lickable cow. If you got within 5 feet of this guy he would stick his tongue out and try to lick you. I almost got a very slobber kiss from him before we figured this out. Aiden really enjoyed 'talking' to the cow.

Our next stop was the actual pumpkin patch, the real reason why we came here to begin with. Of course I forced the kids to sit for a minute while I took the annual pumpkin patch photo. Can you tell Andrew and Alexis are SO over the whole photo thing? At least Aiden seemed excited.

After we picked out three (inexpensive I might add) pumpkins we were on our way to the car. Aiden was super fascinated with the old tractor, or was he just trying to figure out what the guy was doing on the tractor. He kept pointing as if he was asking to go on a ride.

Daddy and Andrew loaded up the pumpkins in the car and we headed home to decorate them.I am so not the type that likes carving pumpkins, dealing with knives around kids, and pulling out stringy, seedy pumpkin guts. So, a few years back I came across these nifty pumpkin kits and HAD to have them.

The pieces are like Mr. Potato Head parts that you poke into the pumpkin. No carving, no degutting, clean and simple decorating. I LOVE IT! Andrew is the vampire, Alexis is the princess, and Aiden is the clown. In the past Daddy and I have decorated a pumpkin as well, as a pirate and a witch, but this year's space issue only allowed for three pumpkins to be displayed on our porch. And as if they aren't the cutest things, they are also very educational for Aiden. Everytime we come and go from the house he has to point out the eyes, nose, mouth and ears on each of the pumpkins. That beats him poking my eye out all the time to point mine out, or trying to pick my nose.

What Happens when Kids are Unsupervised?

I know I am the only mommy out there that does not follow my kids around all day long and watch their every move. During these unsupervised times, like times when I HAVE to go pee or switch the laundry around, Aiden always seems to find something to do.

A few weeks ago I made a yummy batch of brownies as a suprise for Dale. I had pulled it out of the oven and placed it on the table to cool. Not remembering that my little guy is a proficient climber and that the temptation of brownies would be too much for him, I left the room to visit the lady's room. When I returned, this is what I found...... Clear sign that my little guy had helped himself to some brownies and then fled the scene of the crime, hoping to not be caught. Not that the brown gooey stuff all under his fingernails and all over his face wouldn't have given him away a few moments later.

He also has this new found fascination with the Cars movie. He likes to carry it around with him wherever he is at in the house. He has either the movie or a car replica in his hands at all times. So, during one of my bathroom trips (sounds like all I do is go pee around here), I returned to find this sweet, innocent, little boy swimming in movies.He had pulled out every movie on the bottom shelf in search of the movie of his desires, Cars! With such a cute face like that, how could I be upset about the mess? Instead of scolding him what did I do? Turned the movie on for him of course. He really only likes to watch the first 15 minutes of the movie, the big race.

Speaking of the Cars movie, he was watching the movie on Friday night (no really, he doesn't watch it ALL the time). All of the sudden he disappeared from the room and

returned with his Lightening McQueen car in hand. How cute? Well, REALLY cute, that is until he took the car and started running it around on the race track on the TV screen. Dale practically jumped out of his skin, with vision of his screen being ruined forever.

So moral of the story is: kids will find creative, destructive, annoying, funny things to do whether you watch them like a hawk or leave them unsupervised. Kids will be kids! And you want to be mad at them but can't when you find them like this..... sleeping all curled up next to their big brother, cuddling Scooby the stuffed dog.

Star Wars in Concert

About two months ago I was half-heartedly watching TV while I messed around in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher when I heard the familiar sounds of Star Wars. I looked up (not because I am a fan but because I thought Aiden had started a movie) and saw an advertisement for Star Wars in Concert. I knew right away that Dale and Andrew HAD to go!

I looked up the info online and sent it directly over to Dale's email with instructions that they would be going and he would not argue with me over the date, late night, or cost of the show. And then the fun began. We told Andrew that he and Daddy would be going on a suprise night out on Oct 2nd, but that he wouldn't find out what they were doing till he got there. For the next two weeks he would try and guess at every opportunity, but never came close to guessing. I knew that never in a million years would he figure it out, unless he saw a commercial (which thankfully he did not).

So the day came and Dale and Andrew were on there way to the Honda Center to enjoy a wonderful night of Star Wars characters, music, and footage from the films.

The symphony did an AWESOME job and it was great for Andrew to see professional musicians in person and encourage his love of playing the trumpet.
Dale and Andrew had a great time and enjoyed every moment, minus getting home around midnight and then Dale having to get up and go to work the next day. It is great when we can make lifetime memories with our children.

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today we woke up SUPER early, put a VERY sleepy baby and two nervous parents in the car, and drove in SILENCE to the hospital. By the time we made it to the hospital Aiden was all smiles. He had no idea how significant that day, Oct 1, 2008, was going to be in his life. He flirted with the nurses (somethings never change), admired the new toys he was offered to play with, and was mesmerized by the red blinking light on his toe. After a VERY long surgery we got our first glimpse at his new face. I have to tell you there were mixed emotions. It was not love at first sight. It took me a while (not just minutes or hours, but more like days, maybe even weeks) to fall in love with his face again.

Even as he experimented with his new smile through the nose stents, stiches, and bloody drool; I was still very uncertain about what had just happened to my baby.

I LOVED his wide smile!!! I MISSED his wide smile!!! Still today I miss it, but know that what we did was best.

It was a LONG recovery. There were MANY sleepless nights. There were MANY tears, both Aiden's and mommy's. There were (and still are) MANY post-op appointments. And, there were MANY prayers.

And now? It is one year later and it is hard to believe that that much time has transpired since those sleepless, crying, prayerful nights. He struggled with eating, mainly consuming fudge bars and not much more for well over a week. He struggled with gaining control over his pain, staying on pain killers much longer then we had anticipated. And mommy struggled with holding it together as I held him in the wee hours of the night just sobbing and crying out to God. I struggled with seeing him in so much pain and not being able to make it go away. I struggled with knowing that I had willingly handed him over and allowed them to do this to my son. I struggled with the loss of my little one, who seemed to grow up during that very long surgery.

And today? He has THE most infectious smile!!!

He lights up my world! Keeps me busy!! And makes me laugh!!! But most of all he has caused me to fall in love with him all over again!!

He has been through SO much in his short lifetime, but has taught me MORE then one can imagine during that short time. And who could resist a smile like that? I am definitely in love!!!

Reserve Me a Bed at the Looney Bin

I am sure all of you have already reserved a bed for me at the local looney bin after my last post on the #18.  But, it was this comment that got me thinking even more:

        Charity Carter said...

        Ok, I got one for you. Your name JOY is:

              J=10

             O=15 +

              -----

             Y=25

Thank you Charity (my sister) for sharing/feeding into my insanity.  So, that comment got me thinking about my kids' names and how their numbers would work out.  I was pretty disappointed with Andrew and Alexis' numbers (65 and 70 respectively), but that all lifted once I got to Aiden's name.  His equaled.... 

drum roll please....

(and not it is not 18)..... 

his number is 33!! 

Now you are asking, "why is that so interesting?" 

Well, his birthday is 3/3, that's why!!!!!! 


And just because the insanity never ends, I decided to count the syllables in my kids' names.  Andrew: 4, Alexis: 8, and Aiden:  18 of course, because that is HIS number (or at least was back on Sept. 21st).

Weird Numbers: 18

Ok, so I have this weird thing for numbers.  When I went to bed last night we were talking about how old Aiden is and all the things that he has endured in his short lifetime so far.  And then I started doing the math and figured out that today he is 18 months and 18 days old.  It is also 2009, which translates to 2x9=18; and 9/21, which translates to 9x2x1=18.  Ok, my weirdness is over, but only for the moment.  Happy 18th month, 18th day, son.   :)

Hide 'N Go Seek

We woke up this morning to having a leaf bug by our front door (I know that is not his official name).  I think the poor little guy was hurt because even though he could move, he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.  The kids enjoyed looking at him and marveling at how camouflaged he would be in a tree filled with leaves.  Playing Hide 'N Go Seek with those who would want to eat him.  Or maybe he thought my big green bag by the front door was his mother ship coming to take him home.  Who knows, but the kids enjoyed looking at him upclose and personal.

Later in the day Andrew and Alexis decided they wanted to play Hide 'N Go Seek around the house.  I was trying to catch a few zzzz's on the couch and decided they could have free reign since that is a pretty quiet game.  They both came up with a few usual hiding places and then started coming to me for suggestions.  They hid in the shower, under the beds, behind doors, under the couch cushions, under the end table (that Alexis walked by 11 times before finally spotting Andrew), in the linen closet, in a trash can, in the vacuum closet, but my favorite spot by far had to have been this.....

Andrew was able to fit himself in the bottom shelf of my pots and pans cupboard!  I am shocked and amazed at how small he could make himself and even managed to get the door shut.  Unfortunately Andrew and I were laughing so hard at the fact that he was in there that it gave it away pretty fast to Alexis.

Even though she found him she still could not believe that he had gotten himself into that small of a compartment.  They really did enjoy their 30 minute Hide 'N Go Seek game.  And even though Mommy didn't get very much shut eye, I enjoyed every minute of their determination in hiding, and subsequent laughter in being found.

Always Playing Catch-Up

I have sat down a few times to write a post and end up walking away, uninspired to write anything.  Not sure why I am in this funk but I know I need to snap out of it and write a quick recap of the past weeks events since we have had a few things going on.

For Alexis' birthday she got a new bike, and she has been loving this new adventure.  Right now she is working on getting the leg strength to even peddle the bike, but daddy has been teaching her a few tricks.  She gets the most serious, concentrating look on her face when she is riding.

Aiden loves to join her on his 'bike' but needs to learn to stay out of the way if he doesn't want to get run over.

What is it about boys that makes them instinctively make the 'vroom vroom' noise when they play with cars?  He has really started playing alone a lot more and seems to enjoy this reflective time.

Still sticking out that darn tongue every time he concentrates.  I worry that one day he is going to bite right through his tongue, just like his mommy did when she was little, and require a mouth full of stitches.

Andrew has a new way to play the trumpet:  blindfolded!  He likes to challenge himself to memorize his pieces and then he checks his progress by wearing this blindfold to see how he does.  He has a great memory!  Hoping that at today's lesson he gets passed on some of the songs he has played for a while.

Last Wednesday we sent Andrew off to Catalina Science Camp.  It was a very early morning and the other two kiddos did not appreciate having to wake up at 4:30 a.m.  They payed me back later in the day by being cranky, all while I was hoping to catch a nap after having been up so early and then having to teach third grade for the day.

Here he is getting ready to leave on the bus.  This was such a big day for me.  I finally got to see all my hard work come to life in front of me.  We worked hard to raise the funds, which was not an easy thing to do, but they made it and I could not have been prouder then at that moment.  Well maybe a little bit prouder when they got off the buses on Friday night with HUGE, tired grins.  He had an awesome time and really enjoyed kayaking, but not snorkling so much.  He had taken a disposible underwater camera with him, but it got stolen when he got sick on the boat ride over to the island.  (MAJOR BUMMER for this momma who LOVES pictures, and a big disappointment that someone would do that).  I am waiting for a few chaperones to give me copies of their pictures.

Aiden had his 18 month appointment today, two weeks late because I had to reschedule. 

THE STATS:  weight - 25 1/4 lbs, 25th% (he got to weigh on the big scale today and was so proud); height - 33 inches, 75th%; head - 46 3/4 cm, 25th %

No real big news.  He is growing and hitting all developmental milestones as expected.  Of course he had to flirt with every nurse there, bat his long eyelashes, ask then for 'five fives', tell them 'tank ew' and then blow them a kiss.  Boy am I in trouble!!  He did get a few shots and I thought for sure that would guarentee me a longer nap this afternoon, but no such luck.  We did talk about the H1N1 shot.  Not so sure how I feel about that.  So, I would like to see what the other wonderful mommies in blog land think.  Leave me a comment on your thoughts:  will you get it for your kiddo or will you not and why?  I know I am going to be asked again when we take Alexis for her yearly physical in Oct and I would like to be more prepared this time for a discussion.

Aiden's newest passion:  COLORING!  He loves to sit down at the kitchen table and color with his sister.  Now if only I could convince him to 1) not eat the crayons, 2) not throw the crayons, 3) stay on the paper and not my table,

and lastly, to ask his sister for the color he needs instead of walking across my table to help himself.

On FLYbaby news:  I have been doing a pretty good job at keeping up with the cleaning program.  I seem to excel on days off and fumble a little on the days I have to work.  I do love having just one or two loads of laundry a day instead of 6-7 on the weekends, keeping Mount Washmore from taking over my life.  I like not killing myself trying to walk into the kids' rooms to check on them in the middle of the night, accomplished with a 5 min. fly time each morning before the kids head out for school.  I like waking up to an empty, shining sink instead of one filled with dirty dishes just waiting to be cleaned.  I love clean toilets and sparkling mirrors, which are as easy as a swish and sweep each morning once the kids have brushed their teeth.  All these little, simple things seem to make my day go by so much smoother.  I have even gotten the kiddos trained on clearing, rinsing and loading their dishes RIGHT AWAY!  Now if only that same training worked on my hubby and on my mom when she spends her weekends here.  :)  Baby steps!

Hope everyone has a blessed week!!  And, don't forget to leave me your thoughts on the H1N1 shot or about anything for that matter.  I love comments.  :)

LABOR Day!

I know that the true meaning of this Labor Day really has nothing to do with laboring moms, but I thought it might be fun to learn a little more about each other.

How long were your labors?
A1, 60+ hours!!!

A2, 0 hours

A3, 14 hours.

How did you know you were in labor?
A1, was sent from a routine 37 week doctor’s appointment straight to the hospital for an induction due to semi-elevated blood pressure.

A2, no labor

A3, after 6 nights of prodromal labor I just wanted to pack my bags and go to the hospital to have the baby cut out of me. That irrational thinking should have been my clue that it was the real thing. But, it took my midwife looking me in the eyes and telling me it was finally the real thing. I don’t think I truly believed her till my water broke all over the bedroom floor..

Where did you deliver?
A1, Kaiser, San Diego
A2, Redlands Community Hospital
A3, at home, in my bedroom, in the water.

Drugs?
A1, every drug in the book since it was an induced labor that lasted FOREVER!
A2, a botched spinal that has left me permanently numb down the side of my left leg.
A3, not a single thing and I love the fact that I felt EVERY moment.

C-section?
A1, I finally signed the form and got wheeled down the hallway after trying my hardest to avoid the cut. If only I would have avoided the induction and just let nature takes it course.
A2, automatic pass to the OR since I didn’t know there was any other way after an initial c-section.

Who delivered?
A1, have no clue what the doctor’s name was. I had seen so many cycle in and out during my 60+ hours of labor that their name really was of no importance to me at the time.
A2, Dr. Vasquez, but I don’t really consider it a delivery since we made an appointment and met in the OR.
A3, DADDY!! and my wonderful midwives, Karen and Ali.
.
If you want to play along, just cut and paste the questions into your own blog, and leave a comment so I know you played along!

And here are the fruits of my labor (because no post is complete without pictures). I wouldn't change a single thing about their labors for they have all made me the who I am today.

A1

A2

A3

September is Craniofacial Acceptance Month

Being accepted by others is a natural human desire, but it’s not often easy for the 100,000 children born each year in the United States with facial differences. September is Craniofacial Acceptance Month. Please join Children’s Craniofacial Association in their vision that all people are accepted for who they are, not how they look, and realize that beyond the face is a heart.

Please visit: http://www.ccakids.org/

Thank you to all of those in our lives who have supported and encouraged us through Aiden's journey. May my purpose for having gone through Aiden's experience help me to be a source of support and encouragement to others who are also on this path in life. I have met (in real life and through my blog) so many families that have inspired me and lifted me up through their stories. All of that would have never happened had Aiden not been born with his cleft lip and palate. I am truly thankful for the lessons I have learned and I look forward to learning even more in the future.

HOLY CRAP, AM I REALLY

ANOTHER YEAR OLDER?

(Yes, that is me.)

Check out this post from my sister for my birthday (Warning: lots of old school pics. What was my Mom thinking with those outfits?). Thanks for all the well wishes on my special day.