Easter and Daddy is gone....again!

This year the Easter Bunny brought not one but two Easter baskets for both boys! Nathan and I have been reading a book this month about the Easter Bunny and how he drops off the baskets to all the kids and make the eggs for them. So the night before, I tucked him into bed and told him, "Maybe the bunny will bring you and Jordan baskets tomorrow for Easter?"  He seemed very excited and it was lights out for both boys that night...no messing around. Jordan woke up that morning, so I was able to feed him while Nathan was still sound asleep. I ran and placed the baskets on the front porch and ran and got the camera before he woke up. I snuck into his room while recording and woke him up and told him to run to the door...it was Easter! He was so excited his little legs were shaking as he saw the baskets through the front door window. He grabbed the baskets, brought them inside and went to town on the goodies! It was so fun to see the excitement on his face!

Later in the afternoon, the sun was out and super nice. We headed to the park for some sunshine and fun! Nathan was able to fly his kite with daddy and Jordan got some swing time. Poor little baby was so tired, he just about fell asleep while swinging at the park. Nathan had tons of fun with dad...they are little buds!

Nathan had some issues with his bubble blower, so the boys helped daddy fix it.

With that, we had to say good-bye to Steve...again! This time he will be gone for a whole 5 weeks and we are counting the days until he comes home. He left to Dallas, TX for some study time for the Step 2. We miss him like crazy but we are soooo proud of him and all that he has accomplished! So I am single-mom-ing it until his return! So much harder to be away now that Nathan is older and asked where daddy is and then says, "I miss daddy." Breaks my heart and Steve's! So until June 4....we are trying to stay busy! Nathan has his first swim lesson this week and then my parents are coming for a week visit the end of the month!

Nathan, Jordan, Park

This past week we celebrated some 'first's'. Nathan decided one cold morning that he was going "somewhere" and put his shoes on all by himself. He was so proud that he did it, even though he put them on the wrong feet. It was so cute to see how proud he was, so we didn't even mention they were on the wrong feet and he wore them that way for a good part of our morning.

Yesterday I was feeding Jordan his bottle on the couch and I hear Nathan scream with excitement from his room, "Mommy, I built the tracks. Come play tracks with me." I ran over and was so excited to see that he put all his tracks together and they looked pretty good too! He was so proud, so we got the camera out and I made a big deal out of it. He was so excited he looked in his closet mirror and kept saying, "I did it!"What a big boy we have now!

Jordan had some "first's" as well. It may seems silly but to a mom we have to count all first's, so Jordan went from a crawl position to sitting up! He is not crawling yet but has begun to get on all fours and can crawl backwards...so I guess that is something right? I also gave him some table food the other night, broccoli and mac n' cheese...he loved it! No teeth yet but he enjoys food!! Oh, how could I forget...he has discovered clapping his hands together.  So fun to see him change everyday....can't believe my baby is 8 months!

Steve left Friday and comes home Thursday! He left back home to take his clinical portion of his boards, so we are all alone for a week! I have been trying to keep busy but it gets hard since the weather has been cold and everything around here is so expensive! Yesterday we woke up to fog that broke into beautiful sun and blue skies! I took the kids to the park at noon and they had a blast! Nathan loves to just run and see how many "friends" he can find. I love to sit back and watch him with the kids...he is like his daddy and not afraid to strike up a conversation and make new friends.  Jordan got to swing for the first time yesterday. I didn't push him too high since it was kinda cold but he loved just sitting in the swing hanging there. Nathan thought it was pretty cool that he was doing big boy things.

My mom and dad sent the boys their Easter cards and they both loved them.

Park, Potty and Daddy's tired....

This past Saturday we hung low for the day and snuggled inside. The weather was so nice last week and this week it brought some more snow (barley enough to coat the ground), rain and chilly day's. It has been sunny but very brisk, so Nathan is begging to go outside since he see's the sun and beautiful blue skies, only to learn it is, "too cold to go outside." So after naps we loaded up in the car and took a drive to see the harbor about 3 min from where we live, Harbor Island. I was surprised to find a really cute pirate/boat themed park and a cute walking path by the water with a little sandy beach for the summer! We got out and bundled the kids up, hats and jackets. I go to reach for my jacket and.....nope not there...forgot it on the couch at home! Well that didn't stop us (well me really) and we were off to explore the new park. Steve went and watched Nathan at the park while I went for a little brisk (very cold) walk with Jordan to see the water and beach part of the harbor. Nathan had a blast and poor Jordan looked cold. We can't wait until it starts to warm up here and we can find so many more things to do outside! Picnics in the park are going to be fun!

March 23, 2011 is the day I started Nathan on the potty! The first day was sooooooo hard with lots of  'accidents'. I figured it was time and no better time like the present. There were lots of clothes changed, huff's/puffs from mom but now at the end of the week he is doing GREAT! We are so proud of him and today we picked up some boxers just like daddy..his little buns are so cute, hehehe!! Oh, we have to give credit to Thomas the train pez dispenser, without him, this would not have been possible, hahaha!!

Poor Steve has been working like a dog lately. He is in his surgery rotation and is up at 5:15am, out the door at 6:00am and home by 5:30-6:00pm every day...not to mention the one- 24hr shift every week. He actually goes to bed at 8:30-9:00 some nights! Nathan and Jordan miss him so much and just light up when he walks through the door when he comes home...priceless smiles on their faces...and mine! Life of a Doctor...we are so proud of him and getting use to what is to come....

Funny Faces...

Jordan has been changing everyday and lately he has been making this funny scrunch-nose face. So here it is...

Photo shoot, St. Patty's and Curious George...

Since Steve bought me a really nice camera for my birthday/Christmas/Anniversary....I have no reason to take the kids to get their pic's taken professionally (well, that is what he tells me..we sill do). I set up the "studio" in our room and did the best I could to capture Nathan at 2 1/2 (little over) and Jordan at 7 months (wow is he 7 months already). Both sessions took about 3-5 min each...I really need a assistant, hahaha!! Tying to keep Jordan from rolling over and to get him to smile was a task and to get Nathan to sit still and give a semi "normal" smile...whew! Children photographers have talent!!!

The weekend before Saint Patrick's Day there was a parade in White Plains, so we thought...well I thought it would be fun to get out and check it out. We were an hour late and had to drive around look for parking and speed walk to the end of the parade to catch the end. All the time I was freaking out at Steve, "We missed it, I know we did!" This is when I love Steve and he is always calm and knows just how to make it in time...we made it and it was...ok!! No, it was fun, but there are only so many bag pipers you can take!

On St. Patty's Day, I was talking to my mom and telling her how Nathan was eating his green mac n' cheese and Jordan was in his festive shirt. Only for her to tell me, "Tomorrow is St. Patty's day!" I got all ready a day early but oh well the kids had fun, hahaha! We got some inspiration and ideas from Auntie Katie and made a rainbow!

Sat we had a family fun night at the Children's museum in Connecticut. Curious George came to visit the kids! We started out with a Curious George book reading followed by an appearance by George himself and a meet and greet! It was so fun to see all the kids excited and in true Nathan style he was the first kid to run on stage and meet George, "Hi George, oh hi!"

One year ago....

Last night I was sitting down as my husband was watching his Lakers play and came across my blog. I had a hard time getting into the thing as I guess they had changed some things with blogger? Anyway, I obviously got in and couldn't believe that it was exactly to the date a year since my last post. I was laughing at my vow to keep it up posted below, hahaha!! Ok so now that we are kinda settled and I am going to see where this blogging can go?

Trompo Majico and Costco

Wow...I never knew how fast Nathan could run until we took him to Trompo Majico today. Trompo Majico is a interactive children's museum her in Guad...us mom's love it (kids too)! So we woke up this morning and decided we were going to take the little guy out and finally show dad what Trompo Majico was ALL about! Nathan took off running as soon as we got there, running from station to station, never looking back once to see if we were still around. It was really funny to watch him play, touch and interact with the little kids there. It was a fun day, but man, it wore me out...the kid can run! (I forgot the camera...boo).

After we were getting kinda hungry so we decided to head to Costco so we could pick up some things and a slice of pizza (bad I know). Steve card ended up being expired, so he updated his and I FINALLY got my own card as well. So no more getting the whole, "Is the primary card holder with you" deal. My first and hopefully last Mexico Costco card, hahaha!!

Ok..ok...I am back!

It has been wayyyyy too long since I have done a blog! I vow, to keep it updated from here on out....well...I am going to try realllllyyyy hard! Where should I start???

We found out early December that we are going to be expecting another little one Aug 16th! We are sooo very excited and can't wait! Nathan loves to lift my shirt to see my belly and say, "Baby, baby" and then gives the 'baby' a kiss. Really sweet and I have a feeling he is going to be a great big brother! We went last week to our monthly visit and we thought it was a boy, but now that we have looked over the sonogram we are not really sure what it is??? I just think Steve is messing with my mind, with that it could be a girl! So, I am sticking to my idea that it is a boy and will be surprised if it is actually a girl. As long as the baby is healthy then we are blessed.

We went last month on a little long-weekend vacation to Puerto Vallrta with our friends, "the Contreras Family". We stayed at a condo, that was just AMAZING!!! Nathan had such a good time with the kids and playing in the pool. He had no fears and was in and out of the pool just like the big kids. It was so nice to get out of town, head to the beach with great friends and actually NO study time!!!

Which leads me to...how could I not mention this first....Steve PASSED his Step 1 test!!! We are soooo very happy and proud of him!!! It feels so nice to have my husband and dad back. Since passing his test, he is allowed to do the hospital rotations and is just loving it! Although he does have to get up really early (4:30am) to be there at 6:00am, it is well worth it. He actually just finished his rounds and is now "off" for 9 weeks! So this week has been the first, and Nathan is just loving it! However, pretty soon Steve will be back to study mode, for the Step 2 test!

Valentines weekend we had some special visitors come! My Gammie and Mom came to visit for the long weekend. It was sooo much fun, showing them around and eating like crazy! I had to show them our favorite spots where we love to eat. They brought Nathan new clothes and not to mention some new toy's...a play tent with tunnels. Nathan just loves it and loves to pull you into his tent to play. It was a great weekend and we were sad to see them go, but were so blessed that they were able to visit us!

Now, this past weekend, my mom and dad came to visit! After my mom's trip and pictures she had took, my dad had the itch to visit. He found some really cheap tickets for the weekend. Again, Nathan was soooo excited and loved every minute with his grandparents! My dad had such a great time building blocks, playing with toy's and walks around the block with Nathan. My mom and I were having the best time eating at our favorite places! We both share a love for great food, hahaha!! Steve was happy that they could bring some baby things for us and take a bunch of my kitchen things back with them to the states (even though packing was not that fun). It was a short trip but well worth the time spent. Opps...forgot expensive too...my mom called the next morning to tell me they arrived back home, however, without their camera. I guess my dad left it in the GDL airport???? Uh oh dad!!!

Nathan started swim classes again...which he just loves! I love the time it gives us out of the house and able to do something together, just Mommy and Nathan time! He is getting soooo big and learning new words everyday! He started last night saying, "what...what"?? It is really cute and funny to hear his little voice and watching him enunciate his "t's". He also dances to EVERYTHING!!! Any song that comes on the TV or that we play around the house will get the little guy going. He is a great kid and we love him to death! Can't get enough of Nathan...we are really grateful and blessed to have him.

I can't really think of anything else that I can sum up over the past few months. I am sure I will think of some things, but for now you can get caught up with this news. Pictures to come, I have to load them from Steve's computer.

Major Update!!!!

Wow it has been months!! I can't believe how time has slipped away and I have neglected our little blog. Let me start with Sept.....

September: Well, it started out counting the day's until Steve came home from doing his rotation in TJ, Mx. We were soooo excited for him to come home....it felt like forever...one month!!! We ended up receiving some very sad but expected news, that Steve's grandmother had passed away. She was ill for some time (heart failure) and lost her battle, September 7, 2009. We headed to the funeral service in California the 14th. It was a nice service and nice to see everyone....she always brought the family together:) Nathan and I stayed in Cali with my parents until October....little vacation!

October: Since Nathan and I were in Cali the last part of September-mid October, we were able to do a lot! We went to Clovis Fest, Fresno Fair, Pumpkin Patch, Park, etc... It was sooo much fun to be home and do 'Fall-like' things. We came home Oct 22nd and so excited to see Steve!!! Halloween came and we do a trunk-or-treat with the 'wives club' for all the kids. It was ton's of fun and this year we dressed up as the "rocker's". Nathan was Steve guitar (Steve was the rocker) and I was a 'rocker chick'. Nathan and Steve won best outfit in their age/gender.

November: I can't believe that it is mid November!!! So far nothing too exciting, just been enjoying family time and catching up with friends. Nathan started his swim class again (this will be his last month). Steve has been studying for his Step 1 test (Dec 8th or 10th). I have been enjoying cooking again and getting the house back in order. I can't wait for the holiday's and for Steve to be done with his test, so we can FINALLY have a Christmas with no books!!!!

I am going to be better about keeping up with this blog, it is fun to look back at the old blogs and see what we have done. Pictures to come.....

Backyard

The before and after shots of the backyard...and Nathan!

Missing money, clam chowder, weeds

Well Friday morning, Nathan and I woke up and went to Starbucks and then Walmart for a few things. I got home and had a message from our Bank (Bank of America), stating they have had some unusual activity on our account. I called the bank and I guess someone (Mexican) took my debit card number and withdrew about $700.00 (that is our daily limit). I was pissed and very nervous that they were going to have to close my account and I would have no money until I went back home. I talked to the bank and long story short, they can put a hold on my card and when I need to take money out of our account, I will have to call and request to use the card. I attempted this later that afternoon, but was not aware that they took out the limit for the day, so I was not able to get any money...I had 20 pesos...so little less than $2 cash! Not to worry, I went the next morning and was able to withdraw some cash. So, Nathan and I won't have to stand on the corner and beg for money until Steve gets home.

Last night, my friend, Lexie invited us over for some clam chowder. I have always wanted to try it out every time we are by the ocean, but have never had the chance or guts to, hahaha!! So I informed her that I have never had chowder before and will see how it goes. We arrived and her house smelled soooo good, so that was a very good sign! Nathan had a blast playing with her 2 kids (5yr & 3yr). He really loves kids and I am sure he gets his social abilities from his dad. So, we sat down to eat and the chowder was amazing!! I couldn't even tell there were clams in the soup, it was that good! So next time we are at the beach, I think I might order up a bowl?

Today I finally tackled the backyard that had turned into a jungle!! Since it is raining season the grass just grows like crazy!!! When I was gone in July, Steve took care of the backyard, so I thought it was my turn to get the weed whacker out and go to town! So I was all ready with my shoes, socks up to my knees, hair pulled back and then...the whacker was broken!! So I took it apart and re-threaded the spool of plastic thread (the whacker part) and started to go to town on the backyard. I was very proud that I fixed it, not only once, but twice!!! So the backyard is all back to normal...nice and green too! Never knew weed whacking could be so hard on your back and arms???

Park, Bath and Blueberry Muffin

Yesterday I took Nathan to the park. I usually will put him on the swing and hold the back of his shirt, so he won't fall. So I was holding on tight to his shirt and he started to kick his legs back and forth. I let go of him and there he was swinging away all by himself! So I guess he swings but he won't walk on his own yet?

As I was giving Nathan his nightly bath I had realized that it has been way too long since his last bath photos. So I took some of the little guy, during his 'bath'a Time'.

We went to Starbucks for my morning cup of energy and I got the little guy a blue berry muffin for a treat! I decided this time to just give it to him whole and he can take bites from it. Bad idea on my part! He took really BIG bites and it crumbled everywhere and made a huge mess...but Nathan did enjoy it!