Fun at the Zoo!

I was sick yesterday and it was not a good day.   So when I woke up this morning feeling so much better, I knew that i needed to take the boys out for some fun.   So we set out early for the Zoo (to avoid the heat).  My friend Christy met us there (she has a sweet 10 week old girl, Ana Elizabeth) and then we went to Chickfila for lunch.  Here are some pics of the boys at the Zoo.  I have noticed that my picture taking abilities have slacked off since I've been pregnant, or maybe since I've had more than one child.  I just seem to point the camera and click hoping that something cute comes out of it.  In other words, some of these pics aren't the best quality.. oh well.  at least I attempted.  ;-)

The boys were "running" with the little bobcat as he paced at the window.  They loved it!

Up close with the tiger.  His head was as big as my child.  A little frightening.  ;-)

Waiting for the train to "start."  This was the first time that Alex rode beside me on the train and not in my lap.. he's becoming so big.  

Jorge will never look directly into the camera.. and Alex always has his thumb in his mouth.  And that lady in the middle has a huge growth in her middle area!

I was so glad that our morning turned out so well.  The boys did a great job of obeying as we walked around.  Alex is getting better at being "voice operated."  Although you can tell that we haven't done very much play time outside this summer (eh hem.. mom is pregnant and doesnt like to be hot) because as soon as 10:30 hit Jorge started saying, "mommy, I hot."  Poor little spoiled child.   :-)  Next summer it will be better.  they will have to have more play time outside.  

Here are pictures of my new nephew's dedication at my sister-in-law's church.  

Again.. a little blurry.. (from left to right) Pastor Byron, Jeremy 11, Joshua 13, Kevin-baby, Veronica, Ernesto.  Notice the age difference between the baby and Jeremy.  Suprise baby!

Everyone except Martha (Big Jorge's mom).  that's my husband brother on the far right, Antonio.  Oh and Cecy's husband Ciro wasn't able to be there so he isn't pictured. 

And finally.. some cute pics of the boys doing what they do best!  

Alex has his big brother pinned...
and he does it again.. Jorge thinks its hilarious....
Alex thinks its hilarious.. he is able to pin down his big brother... but then....
Big brother WILL get the last word and remind him who is truly bigger!  

Ahhh.. boys. 

Random post

So Jorge's teacher called me tonight.  Her name is Angie (or Mrs. Angie).  She was very sweet.  I had already met her a couple of weeks ago when I picked up the registration form.  She is pregnant with her third as well but is due in November, I think.  Anyway, she was scheduling a sit down meet and greet for us and of course it is on August 28th.. If i have not had Eva before that date.. then I will be induced by the 27th or 28th.  But I told her that Big Jorge could take him then if he was up to it.  Its only a 30 minute meeting.  

I felt much better after talking to her.  I know Jorge will only be going two days a week, but that is still a lot to me.  I know he will be fine, but I still worry about how well he will adjust.  She was very sweet and knew exactly what to say to reassure me.  Good woman!  Also a mom!

Okay so I accomplished NOTHING on my to do list.  Although I did get the boys clothes put in their appropriate age box (from the attic) that don't fit anymore.  it wasn't on the list, because I forgot to put it on there.  So of course I have to add it just so that I can cross it off.  I am seriously going to finish the four loads of laundry (fold and put away)... tomorrow.  After I do one of the other things on the to do list.  ;-)

I am getting excited about meeting our little princess.  I get about 1 to 2 braxton's every hour and each time it just reminds me that we really are going to meet her soon. Yes, I know, that braxton's aren't actually efficient contractions... but the uterus is practicing.  I just like that it reminds me of what is going to happen!  Pain will mean holding her!  Yay!

I also need to tell a funny thing Jorge said today.  When we drop him off in his room at church he always asks "mommy, you go hear about Jesus?"  and I say yes and then tell him that he is going to hear about Jesus too.  This is a normal routine.  Even if we are going to the church just to drop off a book at the library he asks the same thing.  Well today we went to our church for Sunday school but went to my mother in laws church for service (bc my new nephew Kevin was being dedicated).  At her church, Jorge gets to come to the service with us (because its a hispanic church and everyone's kids are in there).  Although, we do take Alex to the nursery.  Well on the way to "Bita's" church (nickname for his grandmother) he said this: 

Jorge:  Mommy you take Alex to his room first?  then take Jorge first? (he meant second)

Me: Yes baby.  Mommy is going to take Alex to his room first and then you can go to your room (even though I knew he doesn't go to a room, he comes with us). 

Jorge: No mommy.. you take Alex to his room.  I no want to hear about Jesus anymore.  

We laughed out loud on that one.  I knew it wasn't anything against Jesus, but that was his way of saying, "no Alex is going to his room and Im coming with you guys."  It was too funny! 

Where has the week gone?

So its been a week since I've blogged.  And rightfully so.  Its been a crazy one here.  We had the baby shower.. which was awesome.  Then headed to the beach.. which was um.. memorable.  Here are some pics from the baby shower: 

Christina (House Host) and her mom Maria!  they did an excellent job of making everything beautiful!

Look at all that PINK! And its for one of my babies!  Wow!

Ruth, Me, Mom (Darcy) and Rachel (the gymnast I told you about). 
Me and Natalie S.  She is due two days after me.. however this is her fifth bundle of joy! 

Martha (Big Jorge's mom), me, Cecy and Veronica (his sisters)

Jennifer W., me and Christina.  BTW, Jen made the best homemade cupcakes!  She is awesome like that!

Kellie and Emily!  Love you gals!

the beautiful Diaper Cake.  Christina and her mom made it!  

The shower was so much fun and so pretty! I loved all of it.  The food was delicious and I even had a 1/4 bite of Jennifer's homemade cupcakes.  I can't wait to down a whole one!  Thank you to all you precious hostesses: Christina, Maria, Martha, Mom and Jennifer!  You gals ROCK!

After the shower we left for the beach.  Let me just start with some photos that document the fun times, first. 

The first walk into the ocean (at least that they remember)

Alex needed some "warm up" time.  Eventually he liked it enough to venture in on his own. 

Jorge feeding (oddly enough) goldfish to the birds.  He did this for 30 minutes.  

My "boys."  Its hard to believe that a little girl is about to enter the mix! 
Jorgito kissing Eva.  

the boys playing together in the sand. 

Okay.. so that's it with the pictures.  Those were about it.. the only time I brought out the camera on this trip.  I will just sum up the other parts of our trip with: We had a major issue with our condo.. had to be "kept out of it" for two hours (unexpectedly) while they tried to fix the problem.  That didn't work so we had to call management and get another unit.  We finally got to dinner.. had a good meal.  Played on the beach some more (the pictures of the boys with real clothes on).  We went back to the condo and I started not feeling well.  At midnight I tossed every cookie that I've ever eaten (read here: threw up a major amount). Had a low sugar drop due to no food in my system and was ready to pack it up and head home the next morning.  We were given an extra day (by the management) because of our ordeal the day before but because I wasn't feeling well and it was raining we decided to just head home and write this one down in the books.  I will elaborate on the ordeal another time.  I truly want to remember the good times right now!  LOL.  

I will say that Jorgito did a weird thing at the beach. . whenever he would accidentally swallow the ocean water, he would throw up.  I mean more like a big spit up, but he definately got rid of something.. He did this four times.  Has anyone heard of that before.  

Well that's it.. maybe I will get to post again before another week goes by.  

Mexican Labor!

This is my sweet man replacing the starter in my van.  Yes I can say "Mexican Labor" because he's mexican, oh and I asked him if I could title my post that way.  He came home from work, put his grubby shirt on and started work on the car.  He is so talented.  When I started taking pictures he asked me why?  I said, "to brag about you on my blog."  To which he replied, "Don't brag yet.. Im not done yet."  LOL. 

His trusty tools.  And of course the ever needed Haynes Manual.  

Contemplating the proverbial, "Now, why is there an extra fitting (screw)?"

Making sure he's doing as the manual says.  Yep.. of course he is!

He knew it all along.  He is so good!  And of course it cranked right up!  Whatta man!

He does oil changes and brakes too.  Although he says he will never do rear brakes!  He'll pay someone to do that!  Apparently you need special tools for that.. and special patience.  Ha!

Seriously my man is a handy man.  I love having him around.  He's good for other stuff too.. obviously!  Ha!

BRING IT ON! I don't care.....

gimmie your best shot.. because at the end of the day (well actually tomorrow) Im headed to the beach. 

Well, I didn't want to say it out loud until I had actually booked the trip, which happened last night.  We are leaving tomorrow evening and coming back on Monday night.  Its short but it will be oh so sweet!  I have been trying to get to the beach all summer and it just wasn't happening.  My great friend Christina W., who doesn't read my blog btw (what's up with that?) is throwing a baby shower for me tomorrow at her house.  I am so excited I can hardly contain my excitement.  For the first time I have a shower that is color specific (PINK) and its for a GIRL!  How fun.  My day will only get better as we will head off for the beach after the shower.  

What fun.  But you know, there has to be some build up to having such a fantastical day.  I mean, your kids need to keep you frazzled, or at least attempt it.  Its Murphy's law, right?   Well, Jorgito started the process today.  I went into the boys room this morning and its spelled like pee.  Alex had a "big" diaper so I changed it and thought all was well...that is until I stepped in front of the dresser.  My feet stepped into a nice puddle of urine that Jorge deposited.  Of course I cleaned it up, disciplined my child and went about my day.  It wasn't until I asked Jorge to get dressed by picking out some shorts and a shirt, that I got more info on the earlier pee extravaganza.  He brought out a pair of shorts and said, "mommy I not wear these.. they got pee on dem."  Of course I asked how his shorts out of his drawer could get pee on them and grabbed them only to see that they didn't just have pee on them.. I could have wrung the shorts in a cup and won a prize, they were drenched.  

Ever have a light bulb moment?   One where you walked into a room, everything looked normal, but then something happens and you remember seeing something in the room that looked out of place but didn't know until later at that exact moment.  Well that was what happened.  I ran back to Jorge's room and noticed the shorts/pants drawer of his dresser (second from the bottom) was pulled out slightly.  As soon as my hand touched the clothes my skin turned red and steam started to shoot from my ears.  Jorge had, earlier, when I thought he just peed on the floor, actually stood in his dresser drawer and peed on his clothes AND on the floor.  For all those concerned, this is why every piece of furniture in our house is bolted to the wall.  Anyway, my son got his just "reward" for that, again.  And now I have another load of laundry for today.   

But that's okay.. im going to be opening lots of pretty gifts tomorrow and eating crab legs by Sunday!  I hope my kids can come... if they make it to then!  lol. 

Whew!  

Second...boys room and Gymnastics!

Okay I only have two picture to show you of the boys room.  Sorry just two. I don't have the verse up but Big Jorge did get the letters on the wall and I hung up the pictures.  (priorities, right?)  Im still hatching out a plan for how to get that verse on the wall.  I promise to get more pics when the room is all put together.. which will probably be never. 

Then there are pictures of us at my little sister's (Rachel Terry) gym.  She is a headed to UA next week to start school and is also going to be doing gymnastics for Alabama.  Very exciting.  She is, quite obviously, incredible.  She recently had her 18th birthday and had a belated party for her close friends (and us bc she knew our boys would love it) at her gym here in the Ham.  

Jorge jumping in the "cube pit."  Thats Rachel to the right of him. 
All my men in the pit. 
Alex and his Nana jumping on one of the trampolines. 
Proof picture that I actually attempted the pit.  I eventually had to be pulled out since that thing is VERY difficult to get out of.  
Jorge and daddy jumping in together. 
Alex on the bars.  I love the look on his face.  And yes he does have swim trunks on.. long story. 
Jorge didn't really grasp the concept of the rolling donut.  but he still thought it was cool. 
Alex contemplating how to get out of the pit. 
We had a great time.  I wish this place (JFJ Elite) would open its door for birthday parties but I know its a huge liability.  At any rate Im sure it would be fun to sign them up for gymnastics.  There are so many cool things to "play" on and with.  ;-)

First up.. Naomi Hope!

So those of you who know Shelley Walls will be thrilled to know that she has another little girl: Naomi Hope.  I headed down to Columbus on Monday of this week to go and hold her.  She is too cute.  Of course Jim and Shelley's other two bambinos have blonde hair but Naomi Hope has brown hair.  Its such a contrast from the other two that I joke that she must be half hispanic. HA!  She is so sweet and adorable.  She isn't loved at all by anyone in that house (haha).  Here are some cute pictures of her.  

Mommy and daughter (#2)

looks like a smile....


This is Thatcher.  He is too funny.. the first thing he said when he woke up from his nap (he ran into the living room and said...) "Say..Harley.. Daaavidsooon!"  it was priceless. 
Ella Grace. Genious child.  At the rate Shelley is going (teaching her) she is going to HAVE to homeschool!  lol
Us and her beautiful Kiddos. 

Shelley, I am so proud of you.  you did a great job getting that little girl here and I can't wait for her and Eva to grow up together.  You are a great mommy and I know you got a great man there with you too!  Besides what husband gives up his SUV for a Volvo??? lol. 

Haven't we done this before?

I am not sure if you read this post back in May, but it seems we were doomed to repeat history. 

My thursday morning was off to a great start with both boys playing happily in their rooms while I took a shower.  I always give Alex some toys in his crib, turn some music on for him, give him a sippy cup of milk and he's good for at least the 30-45 minutes it takes for me to take a shower and start breakfast.  Most of the time he only stays about 25 minutes in his crib and then I let him run around the house.  

Anyhoo. . I had big plans for the morning of running several errands and had even contacted a friend to let her know that I would probably show up somewhere around 10 a.m to pick up some things she had for me.   

Well, then I went into Alex's room to get him out.  He happily handed me his toys and I happily put them back in the toy box.  He handed me his sippy cup and I set it on the dresser.  Then I looked at my sweet angel and said, "Alex, you want up?  Okay honey, say 'up'."  To which he responded with "No."  But its a no that is raised in pitch as it reaches the "o" sound.  

Time: 7:45 a.m.  

I tell him, "okay, little guy, then you can stay in here.  I'll check on you in a little bit."  I go in and out every 10 minutes or so and I get the same response.  He refuses to say "up."  

Time 9:00 a.m.  Its been an hour and 15 mintues.  And this is his little self in the bed.

I'm sure you can't tell without the "mother of this child's" eye, but he is giving me a look that reaks of "I ain't budging lady."  And he didn't. I had to call my friend and tell her not to expect us anytime soon.  and I had to come to terms  with the fact that we may not be going ANYWHERE that morning.  At one point right before the THREE hour mark, I went in and said, "Alex, just say up."  And folks, I kid you not, he mouthed the word three times but would not say it.  I actually told him, "honey, mommy can't hear you say it loud for me." Then he said, "Uuuuu" the beginning sound of up, about two times before I said, "fine. see you in a little bit."  

Well at 10:50 a.m I noticed that it had gotten really quiet.  Now he never really cried during the time he was in there.  In fact I would hear him laughing and playfully kicking the walls.  But when it got quiet I went in to check and this is what I found: 

That little booger WENT TO SLEEP and slept for TWO HOURS.  Well as you can imagine, I was quite shocked. Everyone kept asking me if he said up when he woke up.  Let's just say I compromised.  When I went in there I said, "Alex, do you want to get up?" and he said "Yeah." So I took that.  Now let me say, it is not the standard that he is supposed to say "up" before I get him out of the bed.  I just simply thought that morning, "hey, lets test the obedience of my toddler."  Well, boy did I get a test.  

clothes conscious toddler

I wanted to document a new phase that Jorge is going through.  His clothes are now at the bottom of the dresser (since he and Alex are now in the same room, same dresser).  Which means he can reach them with ease.  This also means that he changes clothes, often.  It was cute at first, you know, "let him dress himself."  But now he will change clothes 10 times in a day and its not funny anymore.  Nor cute.  Especially when I've instructed him to go put "real" clothes on (not pj's) and if we don't leave within 10 minutes he will go back to his room and put his pj's back on, only it will be a different set of pj's.  

Anyway.. Here is the timeline with photos.. all before 10 a.m. After that I forgot to take pictures.  

7:45 a.m  this is his favorite "pj." An oversized Cars shirt. 

8:07 a.m.  Another favorite, although I must say he normally just prefers "in the buff." 

9:05 a.m.  His "hoase" shirt.  Thrift store purchase and he loves it.  Why?  I don't know. 

9:26 a.m  I should note that he picks everything out himself.  that part is not that bad. 

After this outfit I just forgot to keep up with pics.  Oh well. I am determined to get an actual full day's worth of changes on camera.  At least the camera helped me to keep a sense of humor. I am okay with him changing clothes as long as he picks up the clothes and puts them back in the dresser.  And I also have to be okay that the clothes are not "nice and neatly" folded like they are when I put them in the drawer.  Oh well.. you choose your battles.