March 30, 2012

Santiago's Sesame Street party!

So I can't believe my sweet baby boy is 2 years old! We celebrated at home as well as this past weekend with a party with friends, and I think he had a great time!

I decided to have a Sesame Street party for him, since he loves all things Sesame. Pinterest was a great help and inspiration, as well as one of my favorite blogs, All Things G&D. I added a few personal things and I think it all turned out really cute! And of course, Santi and the kids all had a good time as well!

So come on in and see how we celebrated Santi - Sesame style!(If you're interested in any of the party details, I posted them below the photos, along with some links to where I got things.)


This was the invitation we sent out...


This is the night before - signs ready to go!





Big Bird greeted everyone as they walked in


Abby Cadabby peeking out from the bathroom


The entryway with balloons on the ceiling


 Santi loved this banner, especially being able to "read" the letters
Kitchen ready to celebrate!


Where else would Oscar go?


Drawing/coloring station for the kids


Ride on toys ready for the kids


View into the backyard


All of our Sesame Street books laid out for anyone who wanted a story


Bert and Ernie are ready to play too!


 Balloons filled with water and frozen a la Pinterest helped keep our drinks cool!



 Chocolate and candy covered popcorn was a hit (again, another recipe from Pinterest!)


 Bird's Nest cookies - a pain to make but they were yummy!


Who doesn't love goldfish?


The food table 

Gaby was so excited she slept through most of the party


Dylan, our youngest party guest, at 5 weeks old!


The sun came out so the kids headed to the back yard to play!


Singing Happy Birthday to Santi..he wasn't sure what to make of the candles!


Got the candles out with some help from Daddy


He had no issues diving into the cake!


I think his face says it all!


With Mommy and Daddy!

Thank you goodie bags for the kids - we filled these with goldfish crackers, crayons, a silly straw, candy necklaces and Sesame Street stickers



It was a great party - we went with primary colors which made it easy to decorate. Here's a supply list of some of the things we had for the party:


Party Supplies
Invitation:  Made by Etsy seller DimplePrints
Bunting hung from the front porch: Target (in their party section, but it was on clearance)
Dot favor bags: Target
Plates, Cups, Napkins (all in blue, green, yellow and red): WalMart, Target
Streamers: Target
Balloons: Party City
Sesame Street wall decals: Amazon
Stickers: Target ($1 Spot), WalMart


Food
Elmo's Goldfish
Big Bird's Bird's Nest Cookies (from this recipe on Pinterest)
Candy covered popcorn (from this recipe on Pinterest)
Veggie Platter
Telly's Make Your Own Sandwiches
Fruit Platter
Pretzels



Drinks
Water
Pink Lemonade
Soda
Beer
Wine

March 28, 2012

Rock Bottom

I think yesterday was the hardest day I've experienced in the past two months. It seemed as if all of the exhausting days and nights finally compiled and I woke up more tired than I've ever been before. Everything seemed to catch up to me yesterday, and I wasn't just tired due to lack of sleep, I was tired in general. Tired of the sleepless nights, the constant crying from Gaby, the constant whining and neediness of Santi.

I knew that having two kids would be hard. With Santi, we were blessed with an unusual child. He slept through the night (7-8 hours each night) at 6 weeks old, and he still sleeps great. He would sleep anywhere (bouncer, swing, on me, etc.) with no issues. He had no health issues (since we figure the first two weeks of his life that he spent in the NICU were enough!) and just was generally a very easy baby.

Gaby is so different. We are dealing with her having GERD (reflux), and she will sleep in fits and spurts throughout the night. She won't sleep in anything other than her bouncy chair. She starts the night in her chair in her crib (because we are trying to get her used to the crib so she will eventually sleep in it!), and then ends the night in bed with us since I usually nurse her in bed and will fall asleep while nursing her. This makes for a rough nights sleep for me since I'm constantly waking to either nurse her or when she's in bed, even if I fall asleep, I wake up constantly to check on her. I don't think I've gotten more than 3-4 hours of sleep a night for the past two months.

And on top of that no sleep, I wake up and have to watch a very active two year old, who is trying to test boundaries at every chance he gets. He's still dealing with the fact that his sister is here and taking up my attention, which I understand. But it doesn't make it any easier when he's screaming or crying because he wants something. Or melts down. Or throws something.

He loves his sister and is very sweet with her. He will kiss her unprovoked if she's crying. He will hold her hand. He loves to see her first thing in the morning and when he wakes up from his nap. But there are things he doesn't fully understand, like that he needs to be really gentle with her. So he will sometimes try to pull her out of her bouncy chair or the swing. Or he will get on top of her in the bouncy chair trying to "hug" her. But since he's a toddler he's rougher than he should be.

On top of caring for the two kids on no sleep, I have a house to clean, dinners and lunches to make, a yard to work on, errands to run, and general life things to do. Tito has been great at helping. He's even given me a night a week to go out and do anything I'd like to do. This is nice, although I've only gone once so far, but it's nice to have that time. It gives me the chance to run errands for me without kids in tow, see a movie, go somewhere and read a book, visit with friends, etc.

So yesterday it all compiled and I felt overwhelmed, discouraged and just generally down, on top of being exhausted. In talking with Tito, he said he'd do whatever he could to help me out. There are things like housework that he will help with. Or helping more with the kids.

Ironically, I had a physical appointment yesterday and I spoke to my doctor about what I was feeling. I told her about the exhaustion and just generally how defeated I was feeling due to Gaby not sleeping well, and my not getting sleep. I also mentioned to her that while I felt bonded to Gaby and love her undeniably, that I am still feeling like I'm not as bonded to her as I was with Santi at this stage. And what is odd about that is that with Santi he was in the NICU for the first two weeks, so I didn't have the one on one time I should have had. Whereas with Gaby, she was fine and was in the room with us from the beginning, so I felt like I should be more bonded with her. But sometimes, it's hard not to resent her a bit when she cries, takes my attention from Santi, or my sleep away. And then I feel extremely guilty for feeling resentful towards my baby.

I love her so much. I feel so blessed to have her in my life. I feel so happy and definitely like our family is complete. But it still feels like something is "off".  And I know it's normal (my doctor actually told me she went through something similar when she had her second child.) She told me she thinks I'm probably in the valley of the experience now, and in the next month we'll come out of it. Santi should be more adjusted to having his sister around, hopefully she'll be sleeping better by then, and we will have adjusted more to having two children rather than just one.

She encouraged me to remember me in all of this as well. She told me not to give up working out, as this will help me feel better and will give me more of a purpose. To not feel like everything needs to be done all at once (which is a flaw of mine.) Things will get done, and if we need to get someone else to do it for us (i.e. hire a cleaning service for a few months to do deep cleaning) then to do it.

She also encouraged me to get out with Tito, and remember us. We've been talking for about four months (so before Gaby was born!) about getting a babysitter so we could go on dates. We are still talking about it. So we're going to bite the bullet and hire someone to watch the kids.

Last night made a big difference - Gaby normally goes to bed around 8:30 or so and sleeps pretty horribly (waking every hour or less) until about 11:30pm. So Tito took that first shift and let me sleep. And this morning, even though I'd only gotten another hour or so sleep through the whole night, I felt so much better. Less tired, and refreshed. Such a difference. I think also talking about it yesterday with my doctor and Tito helped and made me realize I just need to get through the next month or so and that things will get better. "This too shall pass."

So it's not a miracle cure for everything, and Gaby still has issues with GERD and needing to be carried all the time, and Santi is still frustrated sometimes and throwing or yelling instead of talking about what's bugging him. But I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. That I can be the best mom I can be, still do things around the house, take care of me and take care of my relationship with Tito.

March 26, 2012

Two...

So I will post about Santi's birthday and his party soon, but I just wanted to share this photo of my little, not so little boy. I've had a hard time realizing that my baby boy is now two. Two is big. Two is a real little person. Two is talking (with Santi, SO much talking!), fully mobile, RUNNING, testing boundaries, the ability to do things like get on a stool and wash your own hands, climb the stairs alone, discover things, repeat everything, recognize a million symbols including what cars we have (Nissan and Toyota) and point out others when we're out and about.

Two is feeding yourself, thinking about preschool options, picking out clothes in the morning, listening to and following directions. Two is mommy getting ready to really potty train you. Two is mommy and daddy thinking about you transitioning to a toddler bed. Two is turning your car seat around in the car. Two is not a baby, but a full fledged toddler.

So knowing that Gaby is my last baby, having my first baby turn two was life changing for me. And just like that, something happens to remind Mommy that you may be a big boy now but sometimes you're still her baby. Like when we go out to run errands and go to lunch and on the way home, for the first time in almost a year, you fall asleep in the car. And Daddy has to carry you into the house and take off your shoes and jacket while you sleep soundly on his shoulder. So maybe two isn't so big after all, and you can stay Mommy's baby for a little bit longer.

March 14, 2012

DIY List page updated!

Check out the DIY List page at the top of the page...I updated it with things I've accomplished as well as added some new projects!

Santi's 24 month letter

So this is a day early, but I wanted to get it done while both Santi and Gaby were napping!


3/15/12

Dear Santiago:

Today you are TWO! How did that happen? As I’ve said in every letter, you are such an amazing little boy and we’re enjoying getting to know who you are and your personality. In the past few months a lot has changed with you…you became a big brother! You are so helpful with your sister Gabriela. You will bring me diapers when I ask, or if she’s crying you will hold her hand and give her a kiss on her head. You had one instance where you sat on her but you didn’t really know you were doing something you shouldn’t be doing.

Here are a few things I'd like to remember about this month:

1. You talk so much now! You say so  many things, and have a lot of sentences. You are also speaking in Spanish as well as English.

2. You repeat a lot of what you hear, either from us, other people, or tv. Sometimes we don’t think you’re listening and you’ll repeat something we’ve said.

3. You recognize a lot of symbols – Toyota (you will point out any Corolla and say “Daddy’s car!”), Honda, Starbucks, Costco, Petco, McDonalds (although when you see it you say “Diet Coke!” since when I go through the drive through I get a Diet Coke there!)

4. You remember things from books that we read you and will say them a lot. In one of your books there is a page about SUV’s and it says, “SUV’s can travel on rocky roads.” So when we’re out and you see an SUV, you will say this. Another book that is your favorite is one called Little Quack, about some baby ducks getting ready to leave the nest. The ducks say “No, Mama, no, I’m too scared!” and the Mama duck says “You can do it, I know you can!” and you will repeat this too.

5. You are wearing size 2T tops and some 2T pants, although you still fit into some 18-24 month pants. You are also wearing size 2T socks and size 5.5 shoes.

6. You hate getting your teeth brushed although recently you’ll allow us to brush them if we brush Rocky’s teeth first, and then yours. I also tell you that you don’t want to have cavities and that helps as well.

7. You love your train set and your garbage truck toy and still love your RolyPop toy. Cars of any kind are also a favorite. And anything with buttons.

8. You have figured out how to operate Mommy and Daddy’s cell phones to find videos you like to watch and apps to play with. You know how to unlock the phones, as well as switch between the programs.

9. You love Elmo, Nemo, Sesame Street, trains, watching videos of garbage trucks and firefighters, planes and construction vehicles.

10. You can throw a ball, kick it, run, have just started jumping off of the floor, and like to imitate Mommy at Stroller Strides with your exercises.

11. You like going for runs with Daddy and Mommy in the stroller, and like it now even more that you have the double stroller that has a snack tray for you.

12. You still love Rocky, and now have a Mickey Mouse who “talks” to you. He will say “Hi Santi! How are you doing?” and other various things. You love Mickey and Minnie, who you always say “girlfriend” to, since she’s Mickey’s girlfriend.

It’s been an amazing two years with you. We’ve loved seeing you change and all that you’ve learned. We are so excited for the next year with you (and many, many more!) to see how you change, grow and learn! We love you peanut!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

March 11, 2012

Running

I went for my first run post baby last night. We made it a family affair and all went, with the double BOB. It'll take some getting used to for running with since it's really heavy with two kids inside of it, but I was impressed how I was able to run and wasn't stopping, wasn't winded, and could carry on a conversation for the whole time. This definitely is giving me hope that I'll be able to get through the Rock and Roll Half Marathon and run the whole way. My goal is just to finish and if that means walking some of it, then so be it. But I'd love to be able to run the whole 13 miles.

Of course we had to snap some photos before heading out and just after. Typical Pacific NW, it was raining, and I usually hate to run in the rain but I was smart and went to the Brooks outlet nearby and got a hat. So now I'm prepared!




March 5, 2012

Just some recent photos


Gaby's One Month Letter


2/28/12

Dear Gabriela:

You are one month old!! I can’t believe it’s been a month already! Your daddy, big brother and I have been waiting for you for so long and now you’re here and growing every day! We’re all adjusting well, although Daddy and I aren’t getting as much sleep as we’re used to, but it’s ok because we get to spend time with you and learning your personality.

You’ve had a chance to meet your Grandma Kathy and Grandpa John, Uncle Sean, and Mama Lupe.

Your big brother Santi loves you very much and loves to give you kisses, especially when you’re crying. If I’m upstairs grabbing something and he’s downstairs with you and you start crying, he will come to the stairs and call up to me and tell me “Baby sister” is crying.

You have definite preferences - you love to be swaddled, and a lot of times, the tighter the better! You also prefer to be bounced rather than swung back and forth for comfort. You love it when mommy wears you in the Moby wrap, and aren’t a fan of the car seat as much, although you’re getting better. You also like the pacifier, and don’t really like the bottle, although you have one small bottle that you will drink out of.

Here are some more things that you’re doing:

  • You are very stubborn, and when you’re nursing if you don’t get a good latch on right away, you will move your head around until you get the latch!
  • When you’re really hungry and fussing, you will take your hand and swipe at your cheek once really quickly but strongly!
  • When you cry and are really worked up, you will sometimes make raspberries and cry at the same time, so you sound a little bit like Daffy Duck! J
  • You outgrew the preemie clothes and are just about fitting into the newborn clothes, although we have to roll up the sleeves.
  • When you wear cloth diapers, you can fit into 0-3 month pants, but usually you’re too skinny if you’re in a regular diaper!
  • You are starting to recognize mommy and daddy and will smile at us when we smile at you. It’s rare still so when we get a smile out of you, we both get really excited.
  • You will turn your head in whatever direction Santi’s voice is in – mommy thinks you recognize his (loud) voice from when she was pregnant with you.
  • You love the bouncer and are starting to like the swing.
  • You don’t like the pack and play and that’s why you usually sleep in the bouncer at night.
  • You still love to be held by mommy when you’re upset and will fall asleep in seconds when she holds you usually.
  • You sleep about 5.5-6 hours when we first put you down at night. After that you wake up every 3 hours or so, but it’s nice to be getting a little bit more sleep.
  • You love getting a bath.


It’s so exciting to see you change and grow each day, and to compare how you are with how your brother was. You are both so different, and we’re enjoying getting to know you and your personality. Mommy thinks you’re stubborn like Daddy and Daddy thinks the opposite.

We look forward to all of the changes that will come in the next month with you!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy