Emma waves

Laura and Micael came over for dinner tonight. When I was getting ready to take Emma and Carlos upstairs to get them ready for bed, Laura was waving bye. Emma started moving her arm, and Laura said she was waving. I told her to say "bye" and "adios" and both times she also waved her little arm. So I think she definitely knew what she was doing. I guess we will try again tomorrow to confirm if she really knew.

mammoth crocs and a diaper

Last night Carlos slept in his fleece jammies with footsies. This morning shortly after he got up he started unzipping his pajamas part of the way. I would zip it up, and eventually he would unzip it again. When my sister arrived with Gavin he had it unzipped all the way to his waist. I must admit that he looked quite funny, and cute. He also kept trying to put on his mammoth crocs with his pajamas, but they don't fit with the footsies. I told him to put on Sammy's since they are bigger but for some reason today he wanted his own. At one point this morning I took off part of his pajamas so I could change his diaper, and he got up and took off the rest of his pajamas. He walked away and put on his crocs. After that he was a happy camper walking around in his crocs and his diaper. When I would call him he would just laugh and wouldn't come too close. He knew I would put clothes on him. I eventually had to grab him to get some clothes on him.

skins vs shirts

Last week when my sister came to pick Gavin, the 3 older boys decided to play catch or monkey in the middle. Somehow Carlos started playing with Ethan, so they ended up being kinda like a team and playing against John David and Sammy. All of a sudden Carlos pulled his shirt up and over his head, but it was still on around his arms. He thought it was funny and kept laughing and playing with the older boys. My sister asked if he always did that...I told her that was the first time he had taken his shirt off. I told my sister that he was playing on the skins team...and that became the joke because then the older boys wanted to take off their shirts. Who know that the two year old would be the trendsetter.

I'm glad you told me to go to soccer.

I forgot to mention that on Tuesaday, John David started a soccer clinic at his school. It will be for the next five tuesdays after school for an hour. The clinic is to teach skills. He did a similar clinic with basketball in November, and he enjoyed it. At the end of basketball the coach mentioned that there would be a soccer clinic in the spring. John David said he wanted to do it. On Monday night John David said he didn't want to do it. I knew he would enjoy it, so I registered him anyways.
When I picked him up on Tuesday, he was soo excited after the clinic. He said "I'm glad you told me to go to soccer." I asked him why and he told me that he got a medal for being a good listener, and that his friend Andrew was there. Andrew is in his class, and when he did the basketball there was no one from his class, so I know that he is excited to have someone he knows there with him.

I'm coming home in that car tomorrow.

When John David came home and saw his carseat in the dining room, he asked why his carseat was out. I explained that I had to replace the harness. He said that I had to get it back in the car today. I asked why and he replied (don't forget to add the John David attitude when you read this), "because I am coming home in that car tomorrow, in my carseat." I said "yes, I know. the carseats will back in the car by the time I pick you up from school.

No more snack in the car

So two years ago, when we bought the Tahoe, I had a rule of no snacks in the car. Some of you might hink this is harsh, but we rarely drive in traffic, and living in Austin our commute time averages 15 minutes. The kids can wait until we reach our destination to snack or eat, but really what sane person would drive four kids anywhere during a meal time. Over time I have become more lenient, and realized that I have made too many exceptions, so the rule is back.
How do I know that made too many exceptions...as my friend Tammy put it, I probably had enough food under my seats for a family of four.
I needed to replace the harnesses on Sammy's and John David's carseats so I was going to have to remove two out four carseats. Than once I got outside I was motivated by the 70 degree weather this afternoon to take out all the seats and vaccum the inside of the Tahoe. It was pretty gross to find old crumbled down cheerios and goldfish, plus the raisins that could have passed as pebbles. Can't forget to mention that we apparently had a pet spider under one of the seats. Sammy helped me clean everything out, Gavin was just chilling, and for the first time Carlos was scared by the vaccum in the garage. I told Sammy the new rule as we were cleaning and explained why. As soon as John David got home, Sammy shared the new rule with John David. not much else was said about the new rule, I guess we will wait and see what happens next time we are in the car.

I've always wanted to do that

Sammy was finishing his lunch, as I was feeding Emma. When I was finished with her food her in her bowl, she made it known that she was not full. Sammy turned to me and said, "she can have my last nugget, I'm really good at sharing." I asked if he was sure, and he said "it's okay, I've always wanted to do that." As soon as I cut the nugget and place it on Emma's tray she was eating right away. She also made sure to smile at her brother in appreciation for her yummy nugget.
This confirms that Sammy is so kind-hearted and giving. He will give anything to anyone, even his last piece of candy. I hope he continues to be this way, but at the same time I hope that he doesn't get taken advantage of.

I have astronaut friends

This morning I took Sammy and John David to the dentist. On the way there, John David started saying that he knew there were different countries, but we all lived on earth and only astronauts can live in space. Sammy then said he had some friends that were astronauts that lived in Africa with his other friends. I asked him if they lived in space, and he said no.
John David then started laughing and said that he was making it all up because astronauts don't live in Africa. I told him that astronauts are not in space all the time, and that they could live in Africa. He then said that Sammy doesn't have any friends, and he pretends. I told him it was okay for him to pretend. Just like sometimes he says something and then says "I tricked you." Curious to hear Sammy's answer I then asked him to name some of his friends. He said John David was his friend...and John David got a big chuckle and said "no, I am your brother." I told John David that he could be his brother and friend. Sammy then said Ethan was friend. Once again John David chuckled and said "no, he is your cousin." I reminded John David that his cousin could be his friend too.
It looks like Sammy's friends are back for another round.

you're not bigger than Jesus

Raja joined us for dinner today, since his wife is in Houston. John David asked him to read a book, "When I Get Bigger." Raja said he was the biggest. John David and Sammy kept going through their order of who is the biggest. When Raja repeated he was the biggest...John David was quick to respond "you're not bigger than Jesus." Sammy then chimed in and repeated the same.

The hubby rocked again today

Today was suppose to be a busy afternoon, since Emma and Carlos both had 9 month and 2 yr well checks respectively. I had the car loaded and ready to go, but when I turned the ignition the Tahoe was not turning on. My first call was to call JP and tell him he would have to pick up John David at school, and then come home so one of us could take the babies, Emma and Carlos, to their appointment. When he got home I was all ready to go, and he volunteered to take them. I asked if he was sure, because I wasn't sure if shots would be involved or not. He said that was fine, so I got the easier task and stayed home with John David and Sammy.
My dad came over with a technician and fixed the Tahoe. We are hoping that the problem was just a loose connection, because if not we will need to replace the battery. I then started cooking dinner for my hubby. I made some spaghetti with tomato sauce, and then breaded some chicken breasts in order to have something similar to a chicken parmesan. By the time he got back home, the dinner was ready and we got to share a warm meal together. I asked him how it was, and said it was okay. His only complaint was the layers of clothes on my kids. I told him it was only in the 40's today, of course they are going to be layered.

SO for those of y'all waiting here are the stats from their visit:
Emma's hefty 15 pounds and 10 ounces put her in the 5% for weight. She grew approx. three inches to put her in 10% at 26 inches long.
Carlos was also helping round out the bottom of the curve as well. He weighed in at 25 pounds and 11 ounces to land in the 10%. His is 31.75 inches tall, and that puts him in the 3%.

the chupacabra might come

Sammy watched a Scooby Doo movie yesterday...they went down to Veracruz, Mexico to vacation. Of course the meddling kids had to solve the mystery of the chupacabra. During the day Sammy had not said anything about the episode, but once it was time to go to bed...Sammy told me the chupacabra might come, with almost perfect pronunciation. JP asked him what that was and he responded that it was a big scary monster. I was afraid that it might keep him up, but it didn't. I guess he was just stalling to keep from going to bed.

My hubby rocks!

most of my posts are about my kiddos...but I have them thanks to my hubby. so this one will be be about my hubby. earlier this week I told my husband I thought I was getting sick, because I felt achy and had a sore throat. he was all there for me and let me sleep, and he got up with Emma the times she needed help to fall back asleep. it was great to get two nights of solid sleep and I feel much better. I truly appreciate that because i know he has to go and function at 100% at his office the next day.
as you all know I talk a lot, and my husband will tell you that I tell him a lot of things. so one of the many other things I also told my husband this week was that I wanted to try the breadbowl and cheese broccoli soup from Panera. Today when he came home from work he brought it to me. I was so excited and surprised. I was planning to make grilled chicken breast and some pasta with them, however my husband didn't think that was exciting enough. He told me not to worry about cooking and he would figure it out. I had asked to stop by Costco and pick up somethings on the way home. That is when he picked up my soup and it was sooo yummy! He was so nice and thoughtful, especially since he came home and made himself some chicken nuggets for dinner.
that is the 2nd wonderful thing my hubby did for me...I am so lucky.

Pros of being a stay at home mommy

So not all days are like this...but today I realized the true benefits of staying at home with my kids.
This morning I was awakened by John David walking into our bedroom, and saying I'm ready to get dressed. Then after he got dressed he asked if he could lay in bed with me for a while...I said "two minutes." Being at home means I am no in hurry except to get going except to get him out the door in time. Then we went downstairs so I could get him breakfast and pack his lunch. Wave at him good-bye and time to get myself ready. Then on my way up to shower I hear that Carlos and Emma are awake. I guess my shower we will wait until nap time...and I guess I am lounging in pj pants and t-shirt until then. How many people can just lounge around and play until lunchtime?
After I feed the kids lunch, I put Emma, Carlos, and Gavin down for a nap. Then I let Sammy play V.Smile so I can shower and get into clothes. I will have to go outside to get John David from the bus top so I need to get out of the pj pants. Then I am ready for lunch...so I decide to make myself breakfast for lunch. Great I get to have refried beans with scramble eggs in a corn tortilla.
Then as the kids are napping I download pictures from the camera as Sammy looks on from my lap, and send out a quick email. So far the day is great. All I have done today is play and read to my kids. I did do the dishes, but besides that all my attention has been on the kids. I still don't know what I'm serving for dinner, but I've got another hour or so before I have to figure that one out.

Two cute

Carlos is two years old today. He had a fabulous day, and went strong without a nap. Emma also joined in the no nap festivity. He was actually opening his presents on his own, so we had to keep the older brothers back, so he could have some fun. It was cute to see his reactions to his presents. I think it was very obvious which ones were his favs. I think that the vaccuum cleaner and the wood blocks were at the top of the list.
It's hard to believe that our baby boy is already two. He is still not using words to communicate, but he makes himself understood. I am sure this year will hold a lot more fun and excitement.

Emma is 9 months

Emma is officially nine months as of yesterday. She is very vocal and isn't afraid to tell you what she wants. She is still not crawling, and would rather lay on her back than her belly. It doesn't matter what I put in front of her, she will just roll over to her back. I'm in no hurry for her to be mobile. I enjoy sitting her on the floor, and having her stay there. In regards to teeth...she has the second front bottom on the way out. The first one is still not all the way out, but she can still bite down pretty hard with her little teeth now...just ask her daddy.

No one told me, my friends didn't tell me

For the past two days Sammy has had a scab on his face, a sign of brotherly love from Carlos. Tonight as he was getting in the tub, I noticed that it was red. I asked him if he scratched himself, he said "no, Carlos did remember?" Then I told him it was red and it was not like that before. He then tells me that there was something stuck on his face so he pulled it off. I told him that he pulled off the scab, which then lead me to explain that the scab helps heal his face, and then I had to define heal. At the end of all the explanations, and definitions he told me "no one told me, my friends didn't tell me. I didn't know."
As far as I can remember this is the first time Sammy's friends didn't know something...they usually know everything. His friends are taking very realistic personas.

Growing up too fast

Tonight as we were getting the kids ready for bed...Emma decided to show off her new skill. She can hold her own bottle. She started with two hands, and towards the end she was holding it with only hand, and turning around to look at her big brothers. She is definitley growing up quickly, and pretty soon she will be crawling, walking and talking. She is not keeping her side of the deal that she is suppose to be my baby.

Welcome Home

Today I went to work because I was called to fill in for a sick coworker. I had not planned to work, so the kids were not aware of the change of plans until breakfast this morning.
I told Emma bye and told her to be good for daddy. John David and Sammy told me their usual good byes, and Carlos said bye very enthusiastically then followed me to the door as if he was leaving with me, so I had to leave him at door in a not so happy mood.
When I came home from work, Carlos was the first one to greet me at the door as I walked in. He was running with Sammy's crocs on the wrong feet and the biggest smile on his face as he screamed in excitement. John David and Sammy said a quick hello, but went right back to what they were doing. Emma who was not so aware of my leaving was defintely aware of my return. She was whining in the high chair, and settled down as soon as I got her out. She started kicking her little feet and flailing her little arms in excitement.
These tender actions from my little ones let me know that they love me and that I was missed during the day. It feels great to come home and be welcomed with so much love and excitement. JP was also glad to see me after a full day with the four kids. He even went to get a haircut for himself, and the two older boys. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful husband that is able and willing to take of our kiddos the times that I do work!

Board Games

The boys have been into games the last two weeks. So far they have played a Scooby Doo version of Trouble, and Horton Hears a Who. They have a couple more still new in boxes...and I'm sure they are looking forward to opening them. Their competitive nature really comes out. They are still trying to make sure they both follow the rules, and it is cute seeing them enforcing the rules on each other. Most of all they enjoy playing the games with their daddy. It is great to see them enjoy this fun time with their dad.
Carlos is also wanting to take a part, but all he really wants is to take the game pieces, and ends up giving his brothers a lot of grief. I think he just wants to be one of the big boys.

Gingerbread house by Tammy

My friend Tammy was nice enough to come over and make a gingerbread house with the boys. She was also nice enough to write a blog entry for me on Dec. 23rd, but I had not had a chance to post. Here is her blog.

Aida has been busy. I think we can all give her that. Four kids alone might do it. But 4 kids, 2 of them sick, the other two stir crazy as can be, would keep anyone from blogging for a while. Allow me to serve as the day's guest blogger.

Last week, I had the privilege of helping the Regalado clan put together their first, but not last I am told, gingerbread house. The two older boys were very patient as they helped hold the cookies together and wait for the house to dry. Carlos was very patient as he snuck onto the kitchen chair to sample the goods. By evening's end, he was the official taster of all things sugary. John David and Sammy did quite a nice job on their house. Sammy was very meticulous and told me all the places that I had forgotten to put icing. When all was said and done, there was not a lick of gingerbread to be seen through all the gumdrops, reindeer corn, licorice, red hots, hot tamales.....The house was supposed to remain uneaten until Christmas, but I heard last night that that rule had been broken. Maybe THAT'S why Aida is so busy: Three boys on sugar highs running around the house!

firsts..so many

Emma has had many firsts. She had turkey, and brocoli rice for thanksgiving. She had her first visit with Santa. She had her first Christmas, is even getting her first tooth.
For Christmas she was all about putting wrappers, and boxes in her mouth. She really enjoyed the excitement, and her brothers opening all the presents so she could eat the paper. She also got her first purse. It is pink satin with sequin, and loves to put the strap in her mouth. Even Emma got two pairs of cute little girl crocs..hopefully the will fit this spring or summer...for those of you that don't know she has tiny feet.
On new years eve she even had sherbet with her brothers...she loved it. But you know what she loved even more...dutch chocolate ice cream. I got some good pictures, so I will update soon.

Baby boy

Carlos is getting ready to turn two. He is great and telling you what he wants and doesn't want. He points and tells you what he wants, and pushes away what he doesn't want. He is trying to do everything by himself...but everyone once in a while he will let you help. He loves to wear his crocs, and can put them by himself. He is also quick to follow his big brothers and do whatever they are doing. He has this funny walk when he is trying to keep up with his brothers...he doesn't quite have the running down, so his fast walk is really cute.
He is a great eater, and then continues to eat off everyone's plate. The only thing I can say that he doesn't like is avocado. He will try anything...he even tried tortillas and salsa a couple of weeks ago. He dipped about three times before he stopped.

What do you mean

This is Sammy's new phrase. He uses the phrase when he wants an explanation or when he doesn't get what he wants. He is easy going as usual...but everyone once in a while he wants to do what he wants, and doesn't want to give in to pressure from John David or anyone else. He is definitely adjusting to being a middle child.
At Christmas he also enjoyed his crocs, but his favorite present was his Power Ranger undies. He was all grins to receive a last minute request from his grandma. I think this is just another way to be like his big brother.

That's awesome

This is one of John David's new phrases. He is allowed to say this one as much as he wants. The big "no no" of the moment is "shut up." He even told his grandma today that she is not suppose to say that. He has enjoyed being home from school, but I think he is ready to go back.
He enjoyed opening all of his presents at Christmas and helping his younger siblings as well. He says his favorite present is his Scooby Doo video. In actuality the presents that got his best reaction was the pair of crocs he received from two his aunts. He got mammoth crocs for now, and mickey crocs for the warmer months. He just had the biggest smile, and went into his silly laugh both times. Both pairs have been worn several times already.

Happy New Year

Ok...so I am finally updating my blog. My only resolution for this year is to update my blog more regularly. Ideally I would like to update everyday but don't know if that will happen so I will do my best. I will do an entry for each one of the kiddos as a quick update.