The Baby Blog

I'm just exhausted... and not as young! Gone are my ablities to function with very little sleep. Mind you I can function with disrupted sleep, but not so much lack of!

On Saturday, we met with a very very close friend of Damoomoo (actually both families are very close, as they have been neighbors since they moved in). Anyways, his friend is moving to Toronto to be with her new fiance' in May. However, she wanted to rent her house out for 6 months, in case things don't really work out, and to give her daughter (who is turning 21) a chance to adjust and figure out what she wants to do.

As perfect as this house would be for us, we are hesitant to rent that long, watching the prices of homes continue to rise. We offered to keep her daughter's room so she can still call it "home". We offered everything we could, but I'm not quite sure if it will work out.

The most beautiful wedding
Then as soon as we got home we got ready to attend a wedding, in Sac for one of 'Moomoo's friends. It wasn't in the church as this was the 2nd marriage for both the bride and groom. It was at the Vizcaya Mansion, and with the small guest list, they had the ceremony and reception in the same area.

They wrote their own vows! The groom had everyone tearing. We were later joking at how the video will pick up all the sniffling! It was just as you would picture the most perfect ceremony. The couple just glowed and nothing seemed "rehearsed".

Unfortunately, the challenge of the space was that one half of the room (ceremony space) had to also be converted into the reception hall which took FOREVER! We didn't get served our salad until 9:00pm and the hall is only open until 11pm! Everyone was starving, and of course DJ 'moomoo was getting nervouse cuz time was running out. And of course they didn't have 1 coordinator like Bayani Kasal to things on track and problem solve..

But my fun really started after wedding... cuz we went w/ 2 other couples to Cache Creek. This was my first time, and I enjoyed myself. It was just as nice as your Reno hotel/casinos, less smoky cuz they actually have a No-smoking section in front of the restaurants!!

'Moomoo gave me $100 to play Blackjack... although I never knew what playing "3rd base" meant, I learned very quickly! I thought the only strategy was to stay on 17?!

I won my $100 back, and plus about $80. So I went home a happy camper! We got home close to 5am and had to wake up by 8:30 so hubby can go play softball, and I can pick up the kids.

Unfortunately our Sunday just started! We made plans to meet between the softball game and my practice. Darby Dan's is just yummy!! I arrived to practice a little late, but not late enough... cuz for the next 3 1/2 hours it was non-stop dancing!!

Aye Naku.. Pagod na pagod ako

The first rule of Fight Club....

don't do it on a COLLEGE CAMPUS!!

Yesterday, around 3pm, the hallway was getting gloomy because of the rain, and students were lining up for their chance to submit their ADD cards.

I guess it just got too much for someone.

Walking into my office earlier, I noticed a cute baby boy walking hand in hand with his mother, strolling along the long line. Another co-worker noticed another young lady griping and groaning about anything and everything.

Sure enough, these same young women fought in the hallway. And it all started with "Why you looking at me"!!

It immediately escalated, and my office mate urged police services to come quickly! But they were not in time. All of a sudden we hear a thug against the wall, students urging for them to stop, let go, etc. By the time we reached our doorway, they were 2 offices down, and police services were running down the hallway.

A student handed over the little boy I saw walking down the hall earlier, crying. I took him in and comforted him with my water and a stuffed bunny I got as a present.

In no time, police had one girl in handcuffs, (with her own braids that got pulled off, in her hand), and a bloody nose. Custodians were called in to clean up the blood. And our Financial Aid office soon turned into a questioning area.

The mother was shaken up, but looked like she was okay. The father of the children soon came and claimed them off our hands (without a Thank You!) And that was the end of my day!!

What excitement... and no everyone... this is not a normal occurance on our campus!!! As some students came in inquiring!

Yesterday was my first official day in Yoga and Walking for Fitness classes. I remember reading a post from Roadrunner in Vancouver about Yoga, so I decided to take it!!

She is right... you would not think about being sore or really pushing your body physically because you don't sweat or even use weights. But this morning... oh I felt it... my shakras have been energized! hehehee

I really enjoy walking right after as well. I get to be outdoors and just think while I walk. I think about the jobs I want to apply for, buying a house, dances that I learned a week ago (so I don't get yelled at!)

I felt really good afterwards, and just more energized, but not hungry. I nibbled on popcorn the rest of the afternoon, and headed home.

HOUSE HUNTING
We looked at 2 more houses. They are smaller, but I could live with that.
House #1
No parking, but not very old
Can't beat a Green Valley address!
Interior painted throughout (neutral beige with white borders), but general "family room" was WAY TOO SMALL.
Backyard was nice, but it was facing the major street
Master bedroom had a big enough bathroom and closet, but the 2 windows faced directly onto the busy street!!
Cost was $505, with HOA

House #2
Older, lots of parking in a court
Double door entrance, older
Open floor plan for living room, dining, and family room
Older
Smaller kitchen, but distinct breakfast nook
Older
Small 1/2 bathroom with a broken door... Older
Need to remodel the kitchen and replace the windows
Beautiful backyard with a deck, grass area, fruit tree, and ample space on the side
Rooms are much smaller, but they have a bonus room right at the entry way.
and of course, OLDER!
But you know what the price is listed at $465. We would save around $40K, and use that to make the upgrades we would need.
It's our starter home, so we can eventually sell and move UP to a bigger house when we need to... (one with the walk-in closet and Master Suite!!!)

So we might be at our agent's office tonight to sign the papers, AGAIN.. hopefully third time is a charm...

Hey Math Major, UPS... would you be willing to share your skills of remodeling with us!! heheheee

Well just a quick update... I got sick by Thursday afternoon (after waiting in the cold morning weather for a tow truck). I didn't fully recover until Sunday morning, but found that AJ was now running a fever! He even slept extra hours after his late morning wake up time. So I knew he was sick... he wasn't even getting up to play with Mio!

So, I missed Likha auditions and practice!! I spent my morning comforting by baby, (and cleaning up after he threw up!). The weird thing is that after he threw up... his fever was pretty much gone.

Then with that, I decided to just run to Target and then "The Banquet" where John was djing a Christening reception and 1st birthday party for his friend's son. I figured I can go say hi, eat, and leave Mio there with John so AJ can just rest.

I was wrong. They set up a "kids room" with a store bought basketball hoop, like the kind in the arcade, and a JUMPER!! Once the boys saw that, all they wanted to do was run around. I didn't say hi to too many people, didn't eat... and with all the running... AJ began to feel warm again, and all I heard was, "carry me!"

So it was time to go home! I changed him into pajamas and we just watched movies. I got them to watch the Disney classic, "Mary Poppins". They enjoyed the cartoon part the best, of course. Then it was back to Blues Clues and The Wiggles, Space Dancing!!

Yup, it happened...

Thursday, I picked up AJ from the Early Learning Center (ELC) by 3:00 pm and went home!! I was stuffed up so badly, that students who came to see me, couldn't even understand me, and I couldn't even really hear them (even my ears are plugged up!)

Got home, Mio sleeping with Nana, and just let Andres play. I snuggled up under our down comforter and attempted to get comfortable. Didn't really happen cuz I was on the floor in the computer room.

I ended up staying up and watched The Apprentice. I just loved watching the "College Grads" get their butts kicked in the first challenge. Right after I don't remember much until Mio came down in the middle of the night. If he had not come down, I wouldn't have realized that AJ went pee-pee in his pants. He no longer wears diapers nor pull-ups (even overnite, but this is his first real accident in the nighttime).

So after do a quick wipe up, soaking the clothes in the sink, and changing into dry clothes, I finally got us situated onto the recliner in the family room. Not an easy task when both kids wanted to be carried, and just sleep!!

Damoomoo didn't realize that Mio even came downstairs until he woke up to get ready. The plan was to bring AJ to my mom, and Mio to the daycare, so that I could get some rest and recover. AJ went, but Mio didn't. Needless to say, I struggled to watch over Mio and keep my energy.

We were also scheduled to see another house in Benicia at 5pm. So as soon as I could, I got Mio to take a nap, and I jumped at the opportunity to nap as well.
Woke up in time to wash up and see the house.

As we drove home, I was craving Mexican food, so Damoomoo took us to Rubio's. They messed up my order, but I was just as happy with my burrito. Ate it and went to bed while watching my DVD's of Sex and the City Season 1. (The only I can watch this without the kiddies interrupting.)

Next thing I knew... Damoomoo is waking me up to sleep with the kids so he can a friend bring stuff to the dump. They are moving out of their house, and are awaiting their new house to be finished... how exciting for them!!!

I wish we can just win a bid over a house!!! we lost another house this past week... and I REALLY liked this one... it was 5 bedroom, 3 bahrooms, and a large size loft (the owners fit a pool table, a large screen TV and a couch!!!) Oh well, next house, I guess?! Just not meant to be, right!?

LIKHA
I thought we were going to be at a Christening party tomworrow, so I had to back out of the Ethnic Dance Festival Audition. But then found out that the reception is actually in the afternoon!! I could have made auditions!! Well, instead, I am gonna at least help them prepare and show my support. Hopefully get to watch them from the audience, and maybe even catch some of the other groups! At least until Damoomoo is finished with his softball game. We have to rush back because our realtor set up some appointments to see a few more houses! Then Damoomoo switches to his DJ mode and set up for the Christening reception!!! At least it's still in V-town.!!!

Gotta go... I'm getting stuffed up again...and need to blow my nose!

This morning I had to sit out in the cold for about 20 minutes... waiting for a tow truck....

I locked my keys in the car. And because our car has automatic locks, our police services does not have the "proper equipment" to open the car.

The "proper equipment" the tow people used, was a collection of different "hanger" looking rods, an attachment and a wedge. They wedged their way through the door to get their hanger inside. the attachment reminded me of putting gum at the end of a stick in order to reach for something. This one was just an extension to allow them to push the lock button on the door!

Thank goodness for AAA! if you don't have any road assistance kind of thing... GET IT!!

Mrs. MathMajor already blogged about this but I must do the same...

ANTS!!

Have they built a special force field even protects them from water?

We've had them at home. For some reason they love our sink, not anywhere in particular, just around. They especially LOVE Mio. He is such a messy eater (even Costume Queen can attest to that!) that there is food left all over his clothes and anywhere he touches. So we will even have trails leading to the most random places, the side of the door, the dryer door, cabinets, etc.

One time AJ spilled Sprite onto his jeans, and we just threw it in the hamper. We left for a few hours to go to the mall, upon returning I noticed a trail across the hallway and into our room. I follow a distinct trail on the carpet leading the closet. As soon as I open the door.. EEEWWWWW, gross, I see a big rumbling black spot in the corner... then a large trail ALL around the boys dirty clothes!!


Since then it has calmed down, but now... I return to work after my month long break, and EEEWWW, there are ants all around my garbage can, leading to random ants on my desk.

Today, I leave my coffee mug on my desk and go to lunch. EEEEWWWW, there they are ALL OVER my desk! I really hate ants... I know that they have some purpose in this Circle of Life, but right now they are just PESTS!

Last night AJ stayed up until 1 AM!! I was getting angry because I knew he had to wake up earlier than usual, and that he was going to fight me in the morning. On top of that Mio is getting sick again, and would cry every hour out of discomfort.

5:45 My alarm did not go off, but I was waking up because of the kiddies.
6:00 Finally get up and hit the shower, put make-up and somewhat fix my hair! It's also my first day back after my 1 month vacation, so I wanted to at least look refreshed!

7:00 Wake up Damoomoo and AJ to get ready. Damoomoo was in charge of getting him into the bathroom, brushing teeth, and washing face. I got clothes and lunch ready.
Although there was a struggle to actually get him up and cooperate with brushing his teeth...he cooperated after I showed him the Power Ranger shirt he was wearing and reminded him that it was time to go to school.

7:15 "Say Cheese" We took his picture, and settled into the car and were on our way.

8:05 A litlle late, but were greeted by the Director with a very nice "Welcom AJ to the Early Learning Center!"

As soon as he saw the opportunity to play, he did... I even had to ask for a "good-bye and I love you"!! Of course, I took advantage of the opportunity to have lunch with him. I even stayed longer and watched over the "outside play time". I decided to sign up as a lunch time volunteer on Tuesday and Thursday (when I'm not in Yoga!)

I can't wait to see how the rest of the day went... I hope he is doing better with a more structured atmosphere than the daycare!!

Tomorrow... it's Mio's turn! Oh boy, that's for Damoomoo...

My little man...AJ is now enrolled in pre-school!!!

Today I spent half the time running around the center and filling out all the paperwork. The funny thing is, since I am not at work I didn't receive the paperwork in time to attend the formal orientation, but got to meet the teachers and see his classroom! He start Tuesday!!! YIPPEEEE!

I am so excited but a little concerned about having to wake up even earlier to make our lunches. This time his food, except for snacks is not provided... oh gosh what to pack!? What was your favorite or worse thing your mom ever packed you? I'll be sure not to make my baby suffer that way! hehehee

Also, in order to bring the price of the enrollment down from $550 to $230 a month I have to be enrolled in a Early Childhood lab course (every friday for 1 hour), plus 2 more units. I was debated over Digital Photography or PE classes...

I chose to go for PE, so I am now enrolled in Yoga and Walking for fitness! Hey, maybe I should tell Damoomoo to get me the Mac iPod shuffler (smaller than regular pack of gum, and weighs the same as 4 quarters!) heheheee... He should since I just saved us $300 a month... actually that will go towards Mio's day care!!

To another fun semester!!!

AJ was setting his new play tent that Ninang Star Wars gave him. I had it all folded up,and as he tried opening it he says: Mommy, can you help my hands?!

This morning he woke up, looked straight at me, smiled and said: Mommy, I love you so much!

Oh the joys of motherhood!

Right now the boyz are watching "The Wiggles: Space Dancing" There is this song called, Eagle Rock, and of course in Wiggles fashion has its own dance moves. AJ ran to the living room yelling for us to come into the computer room. There he was singing AND dancing along... I'll watch his rendition anytime!

It was so cute!!

We didn't get the house...

Oh well, we are a bit disappointed, but we knew that it could happen! BAAAAAHHHH!

Move on... we are looking into other possibilities (sp?) Damoomoo is even trying to the parents to see if they would put a little investment into this new venture... if so, it could be more possibilities...and a bigger house!! heheee

I got called to go into to work tomorrow... not looking forward to it, since I don't have any daycare set up... I might have to take them with me!!

til next time!

Okay it's not our kids... but ours...

We just signed papers to put in a bid on a house. I know that it may not work out, as people easily can easily get outbid... but at least we are bidding!

It has been a long time coming... we hope it works out! we will find out hopefully by the 12th!

when raising a toddler or 2.

BATTERIES of all sizes!

We went to Costco last night and bought ANOTHER pack of AA batteries. Whether it for the remote control for the TV, VCR, or DVD...or all the FUN toys that they got from Christmas... batteries are your best friend!

Since my vacation started I have watched Aladdin, and Blues Clues, and the Lion King Sing-along DVD's about 1 HUNDRED times! I thought working at the Disney Store and hearing those songs constantly would drive me crazy...

Well, last night was pretty rough. I decided to become more strict on the "no bottle" for AJ. Last nigh he woke up at about 4:30 crying for a bottle. I took him downstairs to cause less distraction for daddy and Mio. We stayed up for an hour...AJ crying the WHOLE time! But be proud of me... I didn't give in... he eventually cried himself to sleep!

Oh, and for Mio...
He said Dad...actually it came out more like "DAAAAd" and quite cute because he just yelled it throughout our trip to Costco!

Things I hope to accomplish in 2005:

1. Lose some weight. I will NOT be able to go to Brazil with Likha, but I still plan to lose weight! I'm sad that I can't go, but I CANNOT be away from my boyz for 2 weeks... I barely survived one weekend without them!

2. Own a home.

3. Because of #2, I need to find a new full-time, permanent job with benefits. Not the medi/dental kind... just paid sick leave and vacation and preferably as stable as possible.

4. Get my boyz off the bottle and fully potty-trained. Get Mio to start talking.

5. Learn to how to finally post pictures on this bad boy!