So-niele

I’m tired, seems I’m always tired as of late. I blame the baby b/c despite having a full tummy, taking consistent naps, sleeping at the right time… she still wakes and OFTEN through the night as well as having her internal clock wake anywhere between 630 and 7AM. UGH. I’m not even going to ask what’s wrong with her not sleeping through the night yet. Her siblings didn’t do it, so why should she, right? It would be a nice thing, but I’ve accepted it!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and it was a good one. Being with the ones that matter the most and most importantly Mama wasn’t all the way across the ocean. Tummies were satisfied. Food was good! Now to figure out what to make for Christmas . I made piggies in blankies, lumpia, and pumpkin cheesecake. More than likely I will make lumpia and piggies again, but will do something different for dessert.

As in past years I braved the crowds with Mama Toots and did midnight madness. This year I didn’t. I just couldn’t fathom bringing the baby out at that hour of the night. I can’t leave her with anyone, especially not at night b/c I am her human pacifier, lest I be gone, sure as hell no one will sleep. Instead I woke at 530 and got ready and headed to Tarjey. Picked up a bunch of good loot for gifts and then headed back home to pick up lilman. For some reason the lilmiss had already been awake and was aware that I was heading out, she wanted to come too. Funny thing is she thought it was still night, b/c it was dark. And of course, had to bring baby along. They did very well. Then it was off to my mom’s to p/up mom and SIL. We headed down the peninsula and they went to town at both Old Navy and Guess. Crowds surprisingly weren’t bad at all the whole day. Thank goodness.

26 more days til Christmas!

Something FREE on your birthday?

Disney corporation is giving you a FREE ticket into the park of your choice: Disneyland or Disneyworld, on YOUR birthday!!!

More than likely we’ll be in Hawaii when J, N, or even my birthday rolls around. But maybe for BM’s? Even if you’re a season pass holder or have a multi day ticket you can still take advantage of a FREE something. Be sure to check it out and register!!!

We are soooooo itching to go to Disneyland!!!

Now that the lilmissy’s birthday is over with for this year. My mom’s is fast approaching, then mine, and then the boy’s. I planned our trip so that we’d be with my mom on her birthday! YAY . And then we’d leave before mine and the boy’s. Although, maybe I should have stayed and been with the one that birthed me for my birthday?!?!?!

I’m sure it will be plenty low key being that we fly home the night before. Jet leg. Unpacking. Being home after not being home for nearly 2 months. Blah!

Someone asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Not that I get gifts anymore. And not that I really expect to anyhow. My mom is funny and while we’re out and about, if she sees me eyeing something, she’ll say “You want it? I’ll get it for you for your birthday.” So I often tease her about it and pick up random things.

Of course if I could have anything in the world and money was no object, jewelry would be on that list, as well as my dream car, and another trip somewhere.

What have I been coveting as of late?

Blame it on the child in me. I’ve always loved Hello Kitty and never could understand the girls who didn’t. Yeah yeah I’m brainwashing my kids to love her too! So what

I loved it from the beginning. Yeah I’m a bopper at heart. Guess where I’ll hopefully be on October 10th. LMAO. But yeah I loved this show and would love to add this one to the collection.

B/c my other point and shoot went on the fritz before this trip I’ve been lacking on a small compact camera. And one that shoots video too. Been missing all the baby’s moments on film, but I’ve got them in my memory. Right? Pfft.

My “gear” is so lacking when it comes to the 40. I like to take pictures as much as I can, but I’m not so much into the fancy gear. Something that won’t break the bank, and I can still use on a daily basis. Mama Toots has this 18-135mm and I quite like it.

Not so much needs but I can have wants on my birthday right? I would say that I need clothes as of late b/c my wardrobe is quite dated. It could use some sprucing up. But after losing the weight and then some, then gaining a bit of it back again, I am in no mood to look at myself in the mirror.

Yes, yes the lilmiss is 3 today *sigh* Where is the time going? She has grown from her chubby cheeked self into a strong willed, independent, outgoing 3 year old. She’s still got some cheeks on her though . This year her love for Hannah Montana has won over my love for Hello Kitty. We’re celebrating here in the islands, yet again, and having a small shindig with family and friends on Sunday.

For her actual birthday, we have no real plans, just to make her feel special, and if you ask her, she thinks she’s special *everyday*. Which in all honesty she is . She can drive me up the walls on some occasions but on most she keeps me laughing and smiling and giggling right along with her.

Yeah, yeah we’ve all heard that it’s expensive to live here. Makes sense. It’s a rock in the middle of the ocean and to get anything here, it either has to be shipped or flown. The other day we were at Thinker Toys at Alaz and we came across these super cute play sushi sets. I don’t think the lilmiss remembers sushi, but she likes it, more or less. I think it was more the novelty of getting something. I was thinking more along the lines, that her birthday is coming up .

Saw this one first and loved it. Loved that it’s wood too and has those velcro things so she can pretend that she’s cutting sushi. The only thing that had me put it back is the price $24.95. Not bad I know, but I passed on it anyhow. Her love for kitchen things comes and goes.

Also saw this one… and almost considered getting it b/c of the lower price, $14.95, but it wasn’t as “nice” and fun with the cutting and velcro.

Well looky what Amazon has… the velcro one for $14.20, AND the fun one for only $10.99.

I think I might just have to order her both of them as well as the dim sum one.

She loves her some pork siu mai or as they call it here in the islands, pork hash!

Srsly! Where?

We’ve been here for what? *goes to open iCal, b/c brain is melting from the heat*…
2 weeks + or 17 days? Right?

Yeah well the lilmissy’s birthday is next week and we’re supposed to be throwing her a party. Albeit a small one b/c we don’t know too many people here but still. My mom said this Sunday, uhm hello? Invitations? I haven’t done anything in the way of those. Party favor bags? Yeah none. Food? Not exactly nada but still.

3. I can’t believe she’s been here for 3 years.

So yeah I’m stressing a little bit about that.

In other news, it’s hotter than a mo’fo here. But apparently it’s hotter than a mo’fo everywhere else too.

Our 4th was not as I had planned it to be. First off we were out for the majority of the day, checking things out, and trying to take advantage of free a/c. It hasn’t been as hot as it’s been in days past, but it was warm.

We were s’posed to fire up the grill and bah-bee-cue. But there is still a question of, is there still any gas in the tank? And I’m not exactly sure how to check that. I’m sure there’s a way. I just haven’t bothered. So no BBQ was had. No apple pie either. Pfft.

There were fireworks though. Me and the 2 big kids went next door and fired off some stuff in the street with the neighbors. I had to come in and rescue the baby b/c she was NOT having my mom. Not. One. Bit. So I watched the Ala Moana fireworks, another set of fireworks close to Alaz (which I’m thinking was Sand Island? but I’m not sure if they do fireworks?) and Pearl Harbor’s. And then this very city had their very own, for the first time, fireworks. Right off the lanai! Nice!!! Here’s hoping they have them every year in the same place b/c they were up close and personal without the fuss of traffic, annoying people, and driving anywhere.

So yeah and an uneventful 4th as it seems.

Today all 3 kids were initiated into the Catholic church and received the sacrament of Baptism. It’s been a long time coming. Something my mom has wanted since J was a baby, but at the time the priest was a sh!t. No seriously. He judged me. He judged my choice in the way I led my life and told me I would need to come in for counseling. Uhm, hello? This is not about me. This is about my son.

Long story short that priest left my childhood parish and my mom has since befriended one of the priests, the main priest for Baptism, and all 3 kidlets are now going to be saved. LMAO!

We didn’t have the grand hoopla that usually surrounds baptism. We kept it as intimate as we possibly could, b/c we’ve got tickets to Hawaii to purchase and they’re not coming cheap. Each child has 2 godparents, people who are close to our children and have made an impact in their lives, that we hope will continue on! I think it was less than 25 people and then had the reception in our favorite Chinese restaurant. It didn’t disappoint and bellies were full. The cake was good old Costco cake.

Our friends and families are the best.

I’m so exhausted. From waking early this morning, sleeping late last night. Running errands this morning and then getting the kids ready. Then the ceremony and the reception.

The priest told us this day is as important as their birthdays. It’s their initiation into the Catholic Church and some other stuff that he said that’s slipping my mind at the moment. LMAO. Good thing for me it’s all on the same date, and not 3 different ones!

…. my brain. Or at least the thoughts that are currently inundating them at the moment.

Mother’s Day was low key. Saturday we went to dinner with my fams @ Broadway Prime. It’s become an annual tradition. But this year the prime rib wasn’t as “melt in my mouth fantastic” as it has been in years past, my plate wouldn’t have told you otherwise though, b/c I was grinding on that like it was nobody’s business! No point in wasting the food . Then we went back to my mom’s to have dessert and exchange gifts. Mmm cheesecake! Costco’s cheesecake certainly does not disappoint. I especially like the nonthick crust. Nomnomnom .

Sunday the baby reminded me that I was a mother and that I would have to wake up with her at 6AM. *rolls eyes* In my feeble attempts at putting her back to sleep: sticking the boob in her mouth, patting her, rocking her, pretending I was asleep… she decided otherwise. She was all giggles and smiles. So as not to disturb anyone else, I brought her to the living room and played with her and we both fell back to sleep. Only to be awoken by the lilmiss looking for us. Tried to crawl back in bed but that didn’t happen. As again baby was awake and bright eyed and bushy tailed. Oh well.

Opened up my card from the BM and kids and just milled around the house. Read the paper and then we all got ready and headed out to visit BM’s grandma. Hung out there for a bit and then sent the BM to pick up lunch from Ono and headed over to my mom’s. She wasn’t even home and being as hungry as I was, the lilmiss and I started in on the grindz. She came home and we chit chatted a bit. Then somehow I ended up in her living room taking a nap with the baby. And somehow my mom managed one too.

A low key Mother’s Day surrounded by the ones that mean the most to me, that’s all that really matters in the end anyhow right? Oh yeah and good food too .

In other news, the keiki are getting baptized this weekend. Yes. All 3. I still need to order the cake. The Toots Fam is helping me with favors. And I still need to finalize/remind the reception site. It’s going to be a small affair despite all 3 kids being baptized at once. Which is better for me anyhow b/c I didn’t want to have to deal with all the planning and stressing.

Mom is leaving next week , she’s headed back to Oahu on Tuesday. What am I going to do without her? Who’s going to feed us? No seriously! I haven’t really cooked since she’s been back and I’m not even really sure if the baby will allow it. And then there’s the whole thing about us heading out to the islands for the summer. The plans are to leave a few days after Father’s Day and return sometime before my birthday. That’s a nice big chunk of time at our second home, but tickets have yet to be purchased. Waiting on the BM’s tax return for that. And we’re wondering where it might be?!?! Tickets are frickin expensive too. AUWE!

Oh well I’ve emptied my brain for the night. Time to go to sleep.

It’s May did you know that? Sometimes I don’t know where the time goes. We’ve had something every weekend and this weekend is no exception. Both days gone. And Mother’s Day to boot. I’ve got some shopping to do tomorrow, here’s hoping I don’t run anyone over with my cart b/c I get irritated fast when it comes to annoying peeps and having to get things done. I’m on a mission and I know what I need to get and where it is in the store. Why I waited til the last minute, I don’t know. Well I guess I do, but tomorrow is when it’s happening.

The boy had sparring today after a month long break from it, and he was very excited b/c he didn’t have that kid he gets intimidated by. I think he stepped up his game. Which is good! He needed that boost of confidence. It sucks though b/c as he’s getting back into karate mode and being interested in it, he’ll be gone again for the summer as we’ll be taking our summer vacation to the islands.

The lilmiss has become quite the ham. She’s so outgoing and has a magnetic personality that she can nearly charm the pants off of anyone. Oh but she certainly has her moments. Don’t let her fool you. She’s a sh!t stirrer (not in the literal sense), she causes problems ALL.THE.TIME. But in the end always turns out becoming the victim. OY! This girl! From hitting her brother to waking the baby, it always becomes their fault! And then everyone makes noise at the same time, causing the blood pressure to rise.

The baby. Poor thing has a cold of some sort is all kinds of nasally and boogery. ICK! You can hear it when she breaths and nurses. And the only time I can relieve her of some of that ickiness is when she sneezes. She has become quite the cooer. And I ♥ it so much!!! Putty. In. Her. Hands. She’s got the sweetest smiles too. Oh and her pouts are adorable, followed by her screaming like a banshee, which isn’t adorable. At. All. But the screaming and crying have slowed down a bit. And so has the sleeping. DAMN! Heh! She’s awake for longer periods of time but she doesn’t like to sit. Just sit. It’s sitting with shaking. Sitting with swaying. Sitting with dancing. Sitting with jiggling. Which all occurs in someone’s arms.

The mama is leaving soon. Oh no. What are we to do? It’s only a short time that we’ll be apart from her though as we’re headed to the islands in June! Hopefully. That’s still up in the air as plane tickets have yet to be purchased.

Have a wonderful weekend.

*clutches throat* Oh no I’m feeling a little something. Like a sore throat or something. YUCK!

Spring Break is going well so far. But the weather hasn’t been all that cooperative. Suck! Took them to the park yesterday and it was blustery winds and cold. We were only there for 30 minutes b/c it was just too cold out.

Grandma (paternal) is doing well, in case you were wondering. She’s been conscious. They took her tube out so she can talk. Good. But….. we got word that now my (maternal) grandfather is in the hospital. *sigh* He had a mild heart attack over the weekend and his kidneys are failing *sigh*. He is alert and joking, his usual self. But now he has to go through dialysis. Tomorrow is his birthday so my mom wants to go down the peninsula to the hospital he’s at and bring him some Pilipino sweets.

So despite it being Spring Break, I thought my duties of driving and rushing to and fro would subside… it seems it’s the same. Only I’ve got to travel farther now. Down the peninsula most days and a plan to cross the bridge on Friday.

In other news I’ve been reading/ looking at other fellow parent blogs and looking at their children’s photos. Yeah I suck! I hardly take pics of my kids on significant days. Like monthly birthdays and I really should, b/c seeing growth and how they’ve changed over a year’s time really makes a difference. *makes note to self*

This weekend is down and now to prepare for another week of busy-ness. Lilman is finally on Spring Break so I’ll have to anticipate for some headaches and fighting. AIYAH! Maybe I can mediate and make time for the park and outdoor fun. The weather was phenomenal these past 2 days but it looks like the fog and chill have rolled in.

BabyM is officially 2 months old today. Happy Birthday to her . Unofficially we had Beard Papa to celebrate . Yesterday @ birthday #1 we got to taste Sibby’s, and oh the yummy goodness! Birthday #2 had the most amazing Thomas the Train cake, too bad it didn’t taste as good as it looked. I looooooooooooves me some cake. Doesn’t matter to me how it looks, it has to taste right though. I’m not saying I’m a cake afficionado, I just know what I like.

Today it was just me and the girls hanging out at first. We headed to the mall for some orange chicken. Made a visit to the pet store to see the puppies, but apparently everyone had that idea so we couldn’t even see them. N now has a favorite visor from where else? The Disney Store! I asked her to choose between the Stinkerbell baseball cap or the full on Fairies visor. She chose the visor and surprisingly has been wearing it all day. She still is . Then got a call from my mom, she wanted me to bring her to my aunt’s house. So we did that and hung out there for awhiiiiiiiiiiile. She will be my hook up for Tagalog and Korean movies. Yay!

This week we’ve also got a Baptism class to attend, a birthday to celebrate, babyM’s 2 month WBC, and then a baby shower. Hope you had a good weekend.

I come here everyday. I type out a paragraph or 2 and then highlight and press delete. Believe me, it’s nothing. Just boring crap. Random thoughts and usually I don’t give a sh!t and just let my brain ramble out the jargon which I’ve been doing, just haven’t been caring to share it.

Life has been busy and hectic and up and down and up again. Lots going on. Lots to prepare for. Lots to do. Emails to send out. That haven’t been done.

We “celebrated” my dad’s 1 year anniversary on Wednesday. I feel like celebrated is the wrong word. B/c it doesn’t even seem like a year has gone by without him *sigh*. Met up with the fam bam @ the cemetary, said some prayers and adorned him with flowers. Had breakfast with them all as well, and then headed home. My mom and the girls and I headed out though and we got an alarming phone call about my grandmother (my dad’s mom). The original call was to tell us that she passed. on. the. SAME. day. as. my. dad. My mom couldn’t handle it and there we were standing in the middle of the store shopping. We were both in shock. We were just there on Sunday. I couldn’t go in b/c both girls were asleep in the car but my mom did. And she also went on Monday with my brother. Then we get another call nearly an hour later to tell us that she was resuscitated. I think it was all a misunderstanding. I don’t think she ever really passed. She’s stable though but has pneumonia, so if you can, just say an extra prayer for her recovery. Please. Thanks.

Like I said, up and down and up again.

In other news, babyM is 8 weeks and 1 day old. *sigh* Where is the time going? I keep telling myself that I need to record her infant cry b4 it changes. So much for taking pictures of her everyday. I’m so bad about that and never mind that I have the P&S in the bag in the car with me at all times or that the iPhone takes pictures too. I take pictures of random stuff all the time. Heh.

The weekend is nearly here and we’ve got 2 birthday parties that overlap each other. We’re going to both though. Gifts have been purchased and wrapped so I don’t have to worry about that thankfully. Lilman is on Spring Break next week unfortunately we’ve got a meeting to attend Wednesday night and a dr’s appt on Thursday. As well as somehow celebrating the BM’s birthday too b/c that’s on Thursday as well and he’s more than likely working.

Take it easy everyone… I’ll try but I won’t promise.

Things in April:

Sunday, April 6th: Dad’s 1 year memorial luncheon
Saturday, April 12th: 2PM Justin’s 1st bday, 230PM Zack’s 2nd bday
14th to 18th: J is on Spring Break
Thursday, April 17th: BM’s bday, 9AM babyM’s 2 month wbc and immunizations
Saturday, April 19th: Baby Shower for the Julians
Sunday, April 27th: Ally’s Red Egg and Ginger Party/ Baptism

We’re busy this weekend. Today, Saturday, we went to the Baby Toots 1st Birthday. I don’t know ’bout the rest of my fam but I stuffed my face with yummy goodness. I really ♥ parties with Pilipino food. Where else can I stuff myself senseless with lumpia. Mmm mmm good . Everything was delish and we got to take home a bunch of goodness too, which we shared with my mom and brother.

Tomorrow we’re off to a 3rd birthday. It’s a picnic in the park and I’m not anticipating any yummy goodness there but that’s okay. Just as long as there’s cake. Lol.

The kids are doing well. The lilman has become quite the helper and such a good Kuya as of late when it comes to the baby. He entertains her, carries her, etc when need be. There are just times where I can’t hold her all the time when I need to get things done around the house or go to the bathroom and it’s nice to have him here as opposed to having her scream her head off. Lilmiss gets too gigil for me at times though and just needs to be near the poor little thing or squeeze her hand, or touch her. AIYAH! The baby is growing. YAY! I’ve seriously gotta get on the move and set up her 2 month WBC b/c she’s due for some shots and I’m curious as to how much she weighs. I’m thinking she must be at least as much as her siblings when they came out. Heh. She is now 6 weeks and 3 days old *sniff, sniff* where is the time going? Her vision is getting better, thankfully, it was something I was worrying about b/c she wasn’t exactly tracking very well. I’m seriously hoping that it’s just b/c she came out early!!! I know that she’s growing b/c her clothes are getting snug. Lol. Thankfully she’s got plenty of hand me downs to last her But with all the parties, poor thing had no party clothes. As much as sleep n plays are cozy and all, they’re not all that cute for showing her off at parties. Thankfully I found some reaaaaallllly cheap little somethings. No seriously cheap I’m talking under $2 OUTFITS. With the way she’s growing it would be crazy for me to throw down any money on some $$$ clothes. Oh the life of the 3rd child. Right now she is currently sporting a Halloween outfit . Hey it’s jammies but I can’t help but feel the teensiest bit of ghetto for her. They’re actually super cute, too bad were in the midst of the beginning of spring. Heh. These hand me downs have seriously been lifesavers though!

In other news, thanks to Yano Christine I’ve been donating grains of rice by exercising my brain once again and building my vocab. I feel like I’m in high school again and studying for the SATs. Maybe I should share this with my niece, the little geek that she is, so she can practice. Try it you might like it too.

Hope you’re having a good weekend too.

Why am I not sleeping? My eyes are telling me I’m tired. But I’m not asleep. The girls are on either side of me ASLEEP. Sometimes when I realize I should be asleep already I figure I’ll just wait for the baby to wake and then go to sleep. Lame. I shouldn’t do that. I don’t even know how many times I wake in the night to feed either .

I wake fairly early most days too, averaging about 5 hours of sleep total. No naps for me. Not good. But I feel fine. Feeling fine and being fine are different though huh?

Anyhow today we swung by karate for a free picture with the Easter bunny. Sheesh mall bunnies are so stinkin expensive it’s ridiculous. I was hoping the baby could get a photo of her own, but it was madness at the school and there was a 1 photo per family b/c of the craziness, so it was all 3 monsters. The bunny there looked way better at karate and less ragged too. Heh. I was hiding babyM in the blanket and when I placed her on the bunny there were lots of Oohs and Aaahs. Heh. Probably b/c she’s still so small. She slept the whole time, of course. And surprisingly lilmiss was in top cheese form. heh. Last year she was sooooooo afraid.

After that we went to a birthday party in the city, at a CLUB! Was feeling kinda skeptical. But lilmiss had good fun and there were things for the lilman to do there too. BM even had fun, I thinks. He danced with the lilmiss while I hid the baby in her sling. Lilmiss even passed up lunch, who passes up lumpia? Heh?! To do what? Get her groove on. Crack. me. up. Oh yeah and I saw my childhood crush at the party. BM and MM of course had to tease me about it. All in good fun!

Tomorrow we go to my mom’s for fam bam lunch. I just need to get my things together for the deviled eggs as everything else has been cooked and prepped. Go me.

Have a blessed and wonderful Easter!!!

So today we got together with some friends for a picnic in the park and an Easter egg hunt for the kids. What fun! Lilmiss loves hanging out with her REAL friends. BabyM was there too, only she hung out in the sling the entire time. Lilman strangely doesn’t have Spring Break until next MONTH so he missed out on the festivities, so it was just me and the girls. We had yummy eats, adult conversation, catching up with friends is always a nice thing!

Lilmiss isn’t quite up on the whole “hunt”. We didn’t bother hiding the eggs. There were 2 almost 4 year olds, 2 almost 3 year olds, and 1 almost 2 year old. Heh. So we just threw the eggs all over a nice expanse of green grass… and lucky us the sun came out for a small window. Lilmiss was literally standing in a pool of eggs and didn’t bother picking any of them up. She just kept walking and walking. If only she knew what was inside…. chocolate.

After the hoopla with that we went inside the gym for playtime. Man I couldn’t tear her away from the place. The nice thing is that she took a hearty nap. We’ve got another egg hunt on Saturday so hopefully she remembers her job .

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!! Yeah we represent b/c the keiki are part Irish. For as long a I can remember, my parents have been big on the whole corned beef and cabbage dish. And no I’m not talking about the stuff that comes out of the can! Although I’d much prefer the latter. I’ve never been big on the stuff and it cracks me up that the BM, who is actually Irish, doesn’t even eat the stuff, not even his grandparents. My parents always cook the stuff this time of year.

Having a bit of a late start this morning. I’ve gotta put gas in the car, *shakes head* It’s ridiculous how much we have to pay for gas! We pay the MOST than anywhere in the country apparently. Not fair! Considering we’ve got a refinery just on the other side the Bay! Then I was going to check out the new $1 store up the street. BabyM is napping and lilmiss is watching Ni Hao Kai lan.

Been watching a bit of movies as of late too. Finally got a chance to watch 27 Dresses and absolutely loved it. And then last night the lilmiss and I watched Enchanted, but I didn’t love it as much. It seemed promising and the lilmiss was totally into it at first but then we got bored towards the middle and then it picked up at the end. Next up on the movie list is No Reservations.

This week we’ve got an Easter get together on Wednesday, hopefully the weather cooperates. Then my mom is off to Arizona at the latter end of the week for a funeral. And then on Saturday we’ve got the Easter thing at karate and a bday party to attend. Then Sunday we’ve got the fam bam thing at my mom’s. So far I’m making bibingka malagkit and premade lumpia to fry over at mama’s. And then I’m debating between cupcakes and mini cheesecakes. Or maybe deviled eggs? I’m soooooo not big on coloring eggs and then eating them later… I’m big on stuffing the plastic eggs with chocolate goodness .

Okay I’ve got a few things to do before the baby wakes, b/c I hear some stirring… Happy Monday everyone!

Another notch on the belt, another knick on the bed post. Another year together with the BM. No frills kinda day though as the baby is only 10 days old. The weather is horrid. And well we had some unexpected work to be done at the house. The water heater went on the fritz and had to be replaced. Oh boy *rolls eyes*.

I sent him out to get me some pads… ahaha. He was reluctant but said b/c it’s our anniversary he would do it. Puhlease! Anniversary or not, he was going out. B/c there was no way I was going to go out with my unwashed body and rat’s nest of hair looking like it was. He also got us lunch… something so not on Mama’s health meter for a recovering breastfeeding mother… but I wanted it! Nation’s burger and fries with a strawberry shake. I am sooooo paying for it though b/c babyM has a serious bout with the gas. Mah bad! It was sooooo good, but something I won’t be having in a long time again.

BM had to be at work early today though so we didn’t get to spend much time together. And he’s got a gig tonight. I took a nap earlier with the baby so I’m rather awake right now. Being fobulous and indulging in some TFC.

Like he signed the card…. “17 years is a long time, but it’s only just the beginning!” Or something to that effect

But like I said to him… “You’re still the one!”

Despite her early arrival, I was still showered today with a lovely ladies’ tea. AWWW YEAH! What a way to feel loved and to be able to feel normal again. I’m telling you that curtain did some things to my psyche. Heh!

Got a lot of good loot to boot which is always nice. After lilmiss had outgrown her goods I willingly and wantingly gave them away. They went to friends, family, even the motherland. I saved little outfits here and there, but I can honestly say that they amount to 5 pieces of clothing. BabyM is considered a preemie so even the newborn clothes she is swimming drowning in.

I felt bad that we almost didn’t make it to the shower. Lilmiss who initially hadn’t been on the invite, at my request, joined in on the fun and she was pure entertainment to me. She wanted to drink out of the tea cup, so we had to fool her and put her lemonade in there just so that she could. My girl had her pinkies up and everything. Comedy. She even daintily ate her little sammiches. I’m hoping my friend got some good shots of her. I love the Secret Garden’s food. Oh yum!

I’m surprised my mom has been allowing me out and about as much as she has. It’s Pilipino superstition to be out so much after giving birth. She is constantly yelling scolding me for even the littlest of things… even down to the speed of my walk, just so my va-jay-jay isn’t dragging to the ground some day. LMAO. Constantly trying to feed me and telling me what to eat and what not to eat. We were released yesterday and being church day for my mom, we tagged along. I thought it appropriate, I didn’t think it would be a bad thing… it’s church afterall. Well my parents’ old school church chronies (all Italian) thought otherwise and scolded me for actually wanting to be in the house of the Lord to get my prayer on and thanking him for letting us get through the birth and everything safely. Sure I know I could do that anywhere, but since my mom was going, why not tag along. Today my mom came for the tea which was nice. Tomorrow she’s got a whole list of things for me to do and places to go. What a nut. But shhh… don’t tell her I don’t think she’s realizing it herself.

I should really be sleeping, being that I have to set my alarm every 2-3 hours to feed BabyM, she’s so little she can just sleep and sleep. Pfft. She’s off an on with the breastfeeding and we have to supplement her a little too. Got some freebies from the hospital so once those are done, hopefully at the same time this engorgement goes away, the full on breastfeeding will kick in.

The house is in SERIOUS disarray. It sucks. But we haven’t really been here the past week. And when we are here, it’s to sleep or we’re confined to the room b/c damn it’s benn cold.

But showering… yeah it’s a nice thing, especially when it’s in your honor. Or for the early arrival of your new little one. Actual showering with the whole water and everything is also a good thing… especially when you’re not allowed to do it after birthing someone b/c you’ve got meds stuck in your arms.

Oy literally! What a difference being behind that damned thing makes.

So as you may or may not have noticed, I have been MIA. Some of you may or may not have known this but our little family of 4 has become a family of 5 in the past few days. And no, we didn’t get a pet, although SHE does sound like a little bird to me at times. She wasn’t supposed to make her appearance for another 4 weeks but they forced her out via induction, and like her sister it took a long 3 days to do so. Unfortunately for me, my health was in danger, *tsk, tsk* oh the joys of having chronic hypertension *rolls eyes*. I was on Magnesium Sulfate to prevent me from going into seizures anytime during this whole ordeal, and the reason why we’re not home already is that they’ve had to still monitor me as I’m wearing down the mag. Sucks to be me. Seriously. And b/c babyM didn’t quite make it to the safety zone (37 weeks) she’s had to stay an extra few days.

THese few days have unfortunately been stuck in a double occupancy post partum room, behind a curtain, to maintain any kind of privacy. Oy the first set of “roomies” were a doozy. Having visitors past midnight. Having more than 2 staying visitors, and a baby that had some lungs on him. Oy and nevermind they took the placenta home and joked they were going to BBQ it. Really hoping he was joking!!!! They snuck out last night into a single room, lucky them. And here I thought I had the whole double room to myself… nope come 2AM, comes strolling another family with a nurse who has no kind of manners and talked as if me and my child weren’t even there. Lucky them, they went home today! So tomorrow we go home, or at least I hope we do. My BPs are still an issue, something that hopefully can be maintained with medication. Baby M is doing well, I’ve had a few scares with her already, let’s just day PURPLE can certainly make your BP high when it’s your child that’s turning that color. My milk hasn’t come in yet, but I’m working on that. She’s a little pipsqueak this one. She’s teensy. She only weighed in at 5lbs 10oz, but she’s feisty. BM says she looks like lilman. She certainly does NOT have the cheeks or baby fat that lilmiss had that’s for sure. But there’s hoping that it comes to her easily!

I had been worried that the lilmiss would not take to her too well. So far, they’ve had a good first meeting! *whew* I have yet to see the lilman but I know he’ll love his other little sister just as much. So if I go missing again you’ll know where I am. Pictures to be posted…. yes I know… in due time… and you’ll know where to find them .

Hearts, cards, flowers, and candies… the non-Holiday has somehow crept up on me. And normally I’m all about the hearts and the red and the cards but this year apparently I’m not. I don’t even have Js class Valentine’s. I did look at them, without him and opted NOT to get them and let him choose, but I haven’t managed a trip to the store with him. I’d better hurry up. And then today a note was sent home with what he NEEDS to bring for the class party. I knew there was going to be a class party but I like the option of choosing on my own what he’s contributing. Unfortuantely no homecooked goodies b/c of allergies and such. Sucks to be a kid nowadays. I’m sure they don’t care though as long as the sugar laden treats are brought in huh? I just never liked those store bought cookies and cupcakes. Blech!

But yeah I’m just not into it. My poor children. Heh. I’ve been seeing the things at Tarjey, but walk right past them… and I’m sure there’s slim pickins now. A month ago I managed to change the table linens to reflect V-day with a red table cover and heart placemats, but no one seems to care or notice. Heh. Oh wells…. soon after that is St Patty’s Day and then Easter…. OY!

That the wee ones grow when they sleep. Can someone tell that to N? B/c she missed that memo and refuses to nap, oh hmmm… ever since maybe last month. I used to be able to guarantee a nap from her when we get in the car. Now those are few and far between and it seems like she’s willing herself to stay up just in case she misses out on something. Lilman on the other hand is always napping in the car, despite how long or short the ride is. And no matter if he just woke up an hour or so ago. I’m not saying that she’s not growing, but I could really use for her to sleep sometimes and get some me time.

For example right now. We just got home from the Blondie’s 1st birthday. I asked her to take a nap before we went. Didn’t happen. She was all kinds of wild and playful at the party and ate nothing but cake and juice. Don’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do, like say eat something wholesome, when there are other people’s toys to play with and cake to be eaten! Geez. (oh but she gets me all kinds of embarrassed whenever we’re at Chez Tootles, nevermind that she just ate, once Mama Toots offers her something/ anything, she’s ALL over it, or will kindly ask for it. OY! Makes me look like I starve her, I swear I don’t.) Very strong willed and determined this one is. I’ve had strangers tell me this just from watching her. I thought for sure she might try and sneak in a nap on the ride home, a short ride at that, and thankfully that didn’t happen…. but… she’s still awake. She’s actually crawled out from next to me and gone into her brother’s room. He is sleeping b/c I am not hearing him complain about her being in there. She just popped herself in here and has taken it upon herself to take her jammies off and walk around in her panties. OY! This girl.

And you would think from the lack of day sleep she gets, she would conk out easily at night. Yeah. NO! She does thankfully sleep in til about 9AM most mornings, but still.

We’ve got another birthday party tomorrow, a 3rd birthday for one of N’s homies . The rain let up today, but I heard it’s supposed to storm again tomorrow. UGH! I can hear the pitter patter at my window as I type.

Time to retrieve the NONsleeping monster, put her clothes back on, and get her back in bed. G’nite!

Oh wait in other news… I’m so excited I have a new hook up for Korean dramas. YAY! The Epidemiologist’s mom is all over them and has quite an extensive library. I got my first installments. Heh! Right now I’m watching Lovers in Paris and so far I like it. She also gave me Phoenix, which came highly recommended by her mom. Anyone else out there watch any K dramas? Any recommendations?

All is quiet for now. The keiki are at the dining room table busy with crayons and paper and getting along… for now. So I’m giving myself some i-net time and FRIENDs.

Dinner has been eaten (SPAM, rice and eggs ), dishes are washed, J’s lunch has been made, the heater is going b/c it’s frickin cold, and just waiting on some Ugly Betty and off to bed we go.

I’m unsure, as lilman wasn’t really paying attention, but I think his Science Project went to the city wide competition. Hot damn! And a woohoo! His topic, “What type of water do plants grow best in? Tap? Bottled? Or Ocean?” A bunch of kids were walking around afterschool with their project boards but J said he couldn’t bring his home, b/c he won for the 3rd grade but doesn’t know much else about it. Typical!

We’ve got birthday parties this weekend and I’ve still got gifts to purchase for them. The rain is supposed to continue through til next week and lots more with the chilliness.

Today we headed across the bridge to celebrate nephew1’s birthday. He’s on his last year of his teens. Yeah, way to make an auntie feel old. But then again I can’t even imagine how old my sister must be feeling . No muss, no fuss time spent in their house munching and munching away. Can’t beat Chevy’s chips and salsa ordered in and Mexican yumminess all around. Oh yeah and there was cake to be had. Cake= good.

Unfortunately the lilmiss… not feeling so good as of late. I thought she was just tired and cranky at the party but when we got home she wasn’t her usual chipper self. She wanted to go to bed early. She requested medicine. Unfortunately we have to forego that, b/c there isn’t any in the house at the moment. I told her we’d go tomorrow. Maybe it will be gone by then, but I’m not counting on it. As soon as we crawled into bed, out like a light with an occasional stir here and there and a whine. Poor bebeh! She hasn’t been sick in a little bit and just as the weather is getting better… we are hit. BLAH!

Tomorrow is Monday. Back to the grind. J starts a new schedule with karate which moves him to Mondays and Wednesdays. Sucks for me. Hula is still on Tuesdays. Got lots going on this week. Need to turn in a new school application, doctor’s appointments, among other things towards the end of the week that hopefully all goes well.

Good lawd I’m getting old. My nephew will soon be exiting his teens.

B/c I am soooooo set! Today Err yesterday, Sunday, I finally met up with the girls from high school and we had our gift exchange/ holiday get together. It was Southern Style fixins for eats and damn everything was deeee-li-shuz! Pulled pork sammiches, cole slaw, hodge podge soup, green beans with bacon and onions, candied yams, and for dessert although not Southern… but very yummy, some chocolate mousse thinger and rice krispy treats. As always lots of talking, lots of eating, lots of catching up, and lots of giggling.

My gift was a big hit with my giftee. I don’t like to sway from the wishlist… yes we put them out there b/c after knowing each other this long, it just makes life easier and more pleasant for everyone. I thought I had failed miserably though b/c she asked for a BLACK down vest. I spied one in Sear’s BEFORE Christmas and snagged it. I don’t like to mess around when I see something at a grrrrrrrreat price , even though we didn’t meet til well after the Christmas hoopla. As I was wrapping it the other night and in the light of my own home, it wasn’t black. AWwwww shit! And then I go to check the tag and it says Sierra Brown. Damn me! Anyhow K-lady opened her box of goodness and the color was a bit hit…. with her and everyone else for that matter. So much so that 2 of the others had to try it on. She wore it the remainder of the night. YAY ME! The other part of her gift was a gc for Bare Escentuals, another off her wishlist.

Not to say that I didn’t like my gift. B/c I love it! My gifter didn’t stray either and I got a bonus in mine . She threw in a Timbuk2 wallet that I don’t need. But I got my Pyrex glass measuring cups as well as my stainless steel measuring cups and measuring spoons and these really cute bonus spoons that measure: smidgens, pinches, and 2 others that are slipping my mind. So yeah I’m set with my sets. With all the baking and cooking that I do, you would think I would have already had that kinda stuff. Well I didn’t, I had plastic crap, and they were just that. Crap. And let’s not even get into the fact that I can’t even tell you where the measuring spoons are, b/c I don’t know. They disappeared somewhere, sometime ago so I’ve been kinda eyeballing when it came to teaspoon and tablespoon measurements

Thanks to the BM for giving me some time away from the keiki. A whole 5 hours without them. YAY! Although the ladies were looking for them, I decided to go this get together alone and it was a nice time away. Of course the lilmiss was more than happy when I walked in the door showering me with hugs and kisses. It’s nice to be missed too .

New Year’s Resolutions:
1. stop yelling @ my kids
2. stop yelling
3. cook more home cooked meals
4. eat out less
5. use the computer less
6. spend more time with J
7. take more photos w/ my camera
8. de clutter
9. stop swearing
10. start walking to pick up J from school in April
11. spend less/ save more
12. take my vitamins
13. read more
14. more QT time w just S
15. clean the house

They’re totally do-able! Let’s hope I can!