Two videos

WARNING: I'm still learning how to use my camera as a video camera, so please forgive the quality and lack of steadiness to some of the shots. I'm practicing and hope to get better soon!

Things have continued to be busy here. We had another visitor, Cong, who works with my husband. And, Z has been taking some steps. He's actually started really walking (5 concurrent steps today), but I found this video and thought it was cute. Just had to share. Enjoy.

A's 3rd Birthday parties (only 2 this year)!

A celebrated his 3rd birthday a few days early with the "Cali Crew" at local burger joint, Big Bam's Burgers. We love the burgers there, and totally dig Joe and his staff. They even reserved some tables for us. Cutest thing from this dinner was that after we sang A happy birthday, he said "Again please". So, of course I had to sing to him again. Gotta make the birthday boy happy, right?

Part of the Cali Crew. A number of folks we're able to join us.

The birthday boy.

The little brother

The pics below are from his second party on the actual night of his birthday. My folks joined us in the celebrations. For A's birthday, he wanted to learn to "roll" his pasta like Daddy. See below for more.

Dinner before the rolling began.

Rolling... with a little help from Daddy

Learning how to suck the pasta in

Cake time. As requested - chocolate with chocolate frosting. Yum

Z is 9 months old and a note to Lauren

I forgot to post Z's 8 month Puppy pic, but here's the 9 month shot that I took today. I love that he's checking out his brother so adoringly. They really do have a great relationship. I just wish that A was a bit more gentle. I guess I should be happy that we haven't had any blood shed by either of them yet.

Things here are good. We've continued to spend a heck of a lot of time with J&A and their brood, which has been great for my boys because they're sleeping like champs (for the most part). That, of course, is not to say that Z is sleeping through the night, but simply that naps seem to be getting better. Or, maybe I shouldn't generalize, and should instead say that A has been napping better. Oh, who knows. I'm getting some sleep, so for that I am thankful.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take out my camera while cousin Lauren was visiting, so I have no shots to share. In the absence of pictures, all I can say is that her visit was fantastic. I can't imagine the stars will align to give us such a great gift of unstressful time to spend together in the near future, but I will surely cherish this trip for the likely once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that it was. Lauren, thanks for taking the time to visit before your nomad days began. You're still a celebrity in our house. :)

Uncle Justin Rocks!

Uncle Jusin came to visit from NY for a long weekend. It was a great visit, but much too short. We had a party in his honor where G smoked up some meats and we invited over a number of our friends and some neighbors. Justin and G took in a movie with Travis too, and G and Justin got to take A to the pool one afternoon when the weather finally cleared up a bit. (It's been a rainy couple of weeks here in the Midwest.) Justin also helped to keep exercising Princess, the dog, by throwing the ball for her on a regular basis. This is good because the vet said she needs to loose a few pounds. Lauren began Princess' exercise improvement by running with her a few times during Lauren's stay, so if G and I can keep up Justin and Lauren's good work, Princess will be slim and fit in no time. Thanks guys!

Justin and A

Justin and Z

Surviving twins

No, we don't have twins, but our good friends J&A just brought home a boy and girl (see previous post), and I've been helping J out this week while A's been at work. I arrive with my brood at 7:30am (ok, 7:30ish. I try to be on time, but sometimes it's hard). The kids go crazy for a bit, then we settle down the older boys while Z takes a nap. Then we're off to the races again, after Z gets up. We're working on teaching the older kids their letters and numbers, and it's going pretty well.

Today, for a change of pace, I brought Z, A, and AM to my house to give Z a nap in his bed, plus a change of scenery for the older kids. Everyone had fun, and we were able to use my Aqua-doodle (a gift from my nephew and his wife). I hung it by thumb tacks on the wall and let the boys go to town. I'll post pics of this later. They had a great time, but after spilling a few glasses of water, I decided I was done with cleaning up water, plus both boys were stripped down to their diapers and shirts while I quickly threw their socks and pants in the dryer. Oh well. It could've been worse.

So, anyway, we all went back to J&A's for nap time for the two older boys after a lunch of PB&J and grapes. AM even asked for more sandwich (this NEVER happens, so I totally jumped to make the sandwich), but before I could get it made, he changed his mind and wanted a cookie. Baby steps, I suppose. It seemed like all afternoon was a juggling act of holding one baby or another, or working with the older boys to keep them out of trouble. Tonight, I've earned my sleep, which I fully intend to enjoy shortly. But first, a bit of quality time with the hubby while he plays a video game for a few minutes. Then off to quick shower and long (I hope) sleep.

Heading into a hectic summer

Wow! Time has flown since my last post. And just within the last week, we've had lots going on. My folks celebrated their 40th anniversary. My grandmother turned 90. Our good friends J&A, gave birth to twins: daughter, ZN, and son, BJ. Everyone is healthy and should be coming home shortly. That's when things will become a bit hectic for all of the "support staff" (aka friends) who have offered to help until J is back on her feet again. But it'll all be worth it to cuddle those cute infants and remember when my little guys were that small. :-)

We're busy here working on knowing the alphabet and numbers by sight as well as sound. A and AM are making progress. We're taking it one letter a week for now, but I think we'll be able to up it to 2 a week soon. I'm using some great DVD's by Preschool Prep called "Meet the Letters" and "Meet the Numbers" that I checked out from my local library. They're great!

OK, Z's up from his nap, so I'm off to be a mommy jungle gym for a while. Best! C

A little blood

A's best friend, AM, was here today and the boys were having a great time. However, at some point during their play, A's face apparently hit AM's head, and A was left pretty bloody (see pic for evidence); AM was fine. A, fortunately, was in good spirits and resumed play quickly after getting cleaned up and given some juice, however he continued to leave drops of blood all over the house wherever he was playing.