Growth Spurt?

Well, this is definitely baby book worthy. So yesterday was a pretty mellow day, getting stuff done around the house and physically recouping from an emotionally exciting yet exhausting day prior. I felt like I could sleep for hours and hours and well, someone else did too! Little G went down for what I thought what a nap around 4pm. She usually gets at least 1 more feeding for the night. Well, when 11pm came around, then midnight, daddy and I started discussing possible scenarios we I would face for the next 6 hours. He strongly suggested waking her up to feed her in hopes of giving me some uninterrupted sleep until the morning. I was on board until I entered her room, looked down in her crib and saw the most peaceful, still, comfortable sleeping baby. I just couldn’t do it and told him I was prepared to wake at any moment of the night that she needed me. Well, that wasn’t until 6 this morning you got that right…fourteen, as in 1-4 hours of continuous sleep…One would expect me to be fully rested after taking advantage of a parent’s dream but of course, it was one of the worst nights of sleep I’ve had after checking on her several times during the night (the $200+ color video monitor just wasn’t good enough), once after being awakened by a nightmare, not to mention doing everything shy of putting a mirror underneath her nostrils to make sure she was still breathing! I wondered if she might be sick, this just couldn’t be right, after all, her 2 ½ year old sister has never done even close to that, let alone STILL doesn’t sleep through the night! Like a paranoid good mom, I called the pediatrician in the morning, searched online and made sure she was her normal, alert, responsive self. As you can see, she is definitely active and happy, we’ve just got one growing little girl!

The proof: this outfit is size 6 months! In fact, you have outgrown many of your 3 month clothes, all of your 0-3 and you're not even 12 weeks old!

watch out Spicy A!
 You better think long & hard about this one because sweet G is slightly bigger than you were at this age.

(and yes, this is the first of MANY matching outfits to be modeled. I always told myself when I was a wee youngster if I had daughters someday, I would never embarrass them like my mom did to us....well, I'm eating my words now and they're rather spicy & sweet! At least I'm not doing the pigtail braids with loops - remember those sissies? ha!) 

Bath School

Thanks to the fact that A loves bath-time so much, staying in for 45 minutes is not an usual occurrence, & there are lots of unplanned learning opportunities! The ABC ‘s were sung several times. My favorite part, H – I – J – K – ‘a-n-i-m-a-l’ – P ….ha! along with emphatically informing me that “6” and “9” were numbers not letters and belonged "down low, not up high mommy” with the “ABC’s”. She also came up with the word “yak” when I asked her what words began with the letter “Y” which made for a very proud mommy! I guess those lessons with flashcards are paying off and were worth the whines and resistance! When we were putting our “Pj’s” on, I asked Alizea if she was ready for her nighttime movie…

M: “Ready?” 

A: “Re-knee” 

Immediately I get into teaching/correcting mode since we are actively working on pronunciation lately and tell A to watch mommy’s mouth and I say “NOT RE-KNEE sweetheart, RED Deeeeee, Duh Duh" to which she replies, “Not Red D mommy, YELLOW D!!!!” (remembering our lesson in the bath a few minutes prior) 

 I was left speechless. Impressed by the girls' memory and scratching my head on how I would argue with that one, all I could do was chuckle to myself...rather loudly! ….I’ll have to think hard about that one (teachers: mom & dad, any ideas on how to teach homophones as Ready/Red 'D' other than memorization/association?) One thing's for sure: That girl always, and I repeat, always keeps me on my toes!

Born Again

It’s hard to imagine that this small, sweet, angelic, innocent baby girl could be born with the stain of original sin…

...but it’s true. Today we got to witness and experience a miracle! Our precious little Genevieve was washed clean. What a joy to know she has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, the right to the kingdom of God and soooo many graces we can’t even fathom! What an incredibly joyous day! Daddy and I were so relieved and so excited to give you this gift!

“and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 peter 3:21 

Our little star

Ballerina? ....

 Or Rockstar? ...

....We love you the same! Your daddy and I are so excited to see what activities will interest you (other than sleeping) & to help you fulfill your dreams!

Spicy & Sweet

(referring to the title,) Can you guess which one is which?

Well, I’ve been saying it from the moment Genevieve entered the world….These babies are complete opposites! It may sound a bit premature for me to speak so boldly on this issue but TRUST me, they could not be more different. From the labor/delivery experience and length to the hair color and texture to the soothing techniques to the way they respond to being tired, hungry and the like, we've got quite the variety (or balance) in our home. There IS one thing however very similar in both of them and that is the love they share for each other that I see each and every day. It always catches me by surprise and fills me with so much joy to see Alizea smothering being so affectionate with little G, holding her hand, caressing her face or kissing her cheek (out of the blue). You can see the love bursting out of her from the squinting of her eyes to the puckering of those full lips! And I am always taken back at how often what I think will result in a cry from sis's yells or man-handling is instead a big grin from such a little babe! I am so excited to see these two girls develop into the very best of friends and how they will compliment each other just like a good sweet & spicy dish. However, I am already preparing myself for the challenge of helping them learn how to appreciate and respect each others differences and learn from each other! They both teach me more about myself than I could ever learn on my own! 

(Note: You may hear these nicknames mentioned more often now as I was so proud of myself for coming up with them! ha! Gotta make yourself laugh somehow when you're home alone all day) 

Welcome Spring

This morning marked the 4th official “run” (more like a fast walk at this point) post delivery of G. I’m so glad I didn’t give into the many tempting thoughts to 'throw in the towel' because today was significantly less traumatic to the heart and legs! I walked in the front door with so much joy and energy to start the day and embrace whatever challenges may come. Not bad for 6am. What a difference some fresh air, endorphins released and 15 minutes all to myself makes! Didn’t have time to take my hot shower I was looking forward to this time but a few minutes after grabbing my cup of coffee, I hear a cheerful voice calling out “mommy I need you pleeease” It’s going to be a great day!

ahh yes, I was right…a gorgeous, sunny day, perfect for a picnic under our tree out front and some one-on-one time with Alizea playing with an assortment of bubbles for over an hour! This is the life.

Double Take

Just a quick post to document the girls at approx. the same age (10 wks). A slightly tanner and fuller Genevieve but I'd say they look related!

Self Sufficient

I just can’t get over how darn cute the following is…Maybe it’s because it’s such a seemingly mature, coordinated thing to do for such a teeny, tiny baby and such a teeny, tiny thumb. Maybe it's because it's so very different from your pacifier-addicted sister. Or maybe it’s because of your sweet personality that gives it so much meaning. It’s as if you know that mom and dad are almost ALWAYS busy and distracted with the needs of your older sis. She is slightly, majorly more demanding and when you’re tired or even hungry, you just find your little thumb, grab your hair with your other hand and I can almost hear you saying “it’s ok guys, I know you’ve got your hands full already, I’ll got myself this time” 

Goin' Green

The Feast of St. Patrick
One of the things I have gotten into the habit of is reading my “Saint of the day” email while nursing G. It assures me some 'prayer' time & starts my day off on the right foot thinking about our purpose in following in the footsteps of the holy men and women who have gone before us in proclaiming the Good News at any cost. Because St Patty's Day has become so secularized, now more than ever as a mother responsible for teaching my children our faith am I interested in learning something more about this 'holiday'. So in honor of the brave young saint who won almost all of Ireland to Christ, here's our saint in the making...

 (Ignore the year on the onesie. It was a $2 special last year post-St. P's Day)

Pray Hard, Play Hard

Today, we met our good friends, Tina, Claire and "Jon Jon" at SPC for noon mass. With 2 toddlers and 2 nursing babes, we were quite the spectacle (thank God for those "cry rooms") To reward the kiddos for using their "quiet church voice" and remaining still for an hour, we headed to the park for some relaxing mommy time and Vitamin D for all.

All four babies did wonderfully, giving us plenty of adult time. Here are some highlights of Alizea with her very good friend, Claire. 

(not pictured: Alizea's face and hands covered in chocolate after finding some buried treasures, aka, previously owned M&Ms in the sand! Majorly Gross! I wasn't sure whether to be terrified or laugh hysterically! I can't blame her, the girl can sniff the chocolate out of anywhere, just like her momma!)

My little big helper

Tonight I had help in the kitchen. In fact, lately, spicy A has become quite the little baker and chef. While taking the bell peppers out of the bag to rinse and cut, she held up one of them toward my face and very loudly and proudly exclaimed “Look mommy, a little Davieve!”

It’s good to know that she is thinking of her sister, even upon seeing a tiny red vegetable!

(She got a kick out of my surprise smiley faces - lots of belly laughs that even peaked daddy's curiosity from the other room) 

Although I think she looks pretty darn adorable in my over-sized apron, this photo is definitely inspiration for my 1st sewing project…stay tuned…The bad boy has actually made its way out of the box…Now I just have to plead mom or Miranda for a sewing 101 crash course!

It's The Simple Things

Lately, I have been trying really hard to plan the next day's activities whether its grocery shopping, mass, a walk to the park or a specific concept I want to introduce to Alizea. After experiencing some "baby blues" I didn't have with my 1st pregnancy (NOT fun), I realized this was essential to my mental, emotional and physical well being. It gave me purpose to my days, made me feel in control, and not to mention got me out of the house at least once per day! Well, after being away from home and from my baby for almost a week, I decided today would be completely unplanned. Take the day as it comes and let Alizea be the boss! We were re-cooping and reacquainting, especially after hearing how incredibly active my mom kept her. I knew A would be very interested and excited in her toys she had dearly missed and I just wanted to soak up every moment with her! Well, let me tell you, there was MUCH to catch up on! Lots of "lovies", tickling, giggling, creative play, interacting and LOTS of sharing!

(G's play mat which is called the "dungle" has become quite the scene for creative 'Dora the Explorer Adventures' lately)

Some other precious moments. This is what I saw coming back from a bathroom break...(amazing how quick kids are to finding creative ways to entertain themselves)

Nice color choice accenting those big brown eyes!

She even organized them neatly in a Hot Wheels box. Not bad for a 2 yr, 7 month-old!

Meanwhile, I am curiously distracted by a loud smacking sound. Miss G has found her thumb! Much more convenient than the pacifier which tends to fall out far too often!

In the words of the wisest people I know, "Esto es vida y lo demas es cuento" (this is the life, the rest...just details!)

Chatter Box

A’s communicating has improved leaps & bounds within the last month. Every single day brings a new word or phrase that both impresses Dean and me and almost always gives us a good laugh! It is a very fun time! Our My early fears whether she’d ever speak or need intervention have definitely been overruled with a loud “Be quiet please, no more talking!”

My favorite saying as of late:

M or D: "Sweetheart we’ll play with you in just a little bit"

A: "Not play a little bit mommy (or daddy), play A LOT!"

Saying the "Bless Us O Lord" prayer right before consuming some oatmeal topped with strawberries and walnuts, a recent fav, courtesy of Mimi (& don't mind that cherry poptart, that's mine): 

Funny Talk

It seems as though every time you spend an extended period of time with Mimi, you come back a more mature, independent and communicative little girl! Some of your latest phrases:

"No, I do it!"
“Davieve (Genevieve) did a humongous poo-poo” (where in the world did she hear that one?)

“Mommy, Mommy, I made a (pause)…..BIG bubble!”

“Good idea mommy/daddy!” (I had no idea she knew the word “idea” let alone be able to use it in context!)

“Good one mommy!” (at my all-star parenting on female proper etiquette…a loud belch)

“Mommy, ehhh ehhh, Robot Two thousand! (compliments of “Wow Wow Wubsy” 1 of her fav cartoons at the moment – you were pretending to hit something on the wall with the huge blow-up carnival hammer)

“Hey, come back here” (talking to the bath toys floating away)

“Mommy I need you pleeeeeeease” 

"Oh, Okay!" 

A VERY exaggerated W-O-WWWW”
"Scuse me" (when you toot)
"Bless you Davieve"
"I okay mommy, no owie and no blood" (when you fall down)
"it's okay Davieve, no worry" (when sister starts to fuss/cry)
(when daddy is playing with you) "no not the mall, Target!" 

And my favorite, courtesy of daddy’s awesome intellectual communicating, “cool!”
 

And for the baby book records, I want to note how expressive and animated you are at the young age of 31 months. You are so passionate about everything you do, including communicating. We are enamored by your body language  from those cute chubby little hands moving from palms face-up to palms face-down to those expressive eyebrows & eyes to the intonation in your voice. You are one entertaining, funny, joyful, spicy little girl!

Two months

It’s hard to believe you are already 2 months old, sweet G. You are a complete and utter joy and blessing to our family! You were conceived at such a challenging time in our marriage, immediately after daddy’s return from a year-long separation. It was difficult to be pregnant when we were adjusting and transitioning to family life again & getting to know each other as all 3 of us had changed tremendously. I even remember questioning God’s timing at times. It was a tad stressful to say the least…..but then you came.

You have such a sweet, calm, peaceful demeanor. You bring such balance to our family.
-You are very 'easy-going': I am amazed & very impressed at how well you respond to big sisters’ rough love, the countless pokes and probes, scratches and yes, bites (or rather, bite in the singular - pretty sure she won't be doing that again after her ration of consequences).  If you are awakened by very loud, screeching voice in your ear, rather than cry you open your eyes to see what's going on and without a change in expression, close them and go right back to sleep!
I can already tell you will be very mature beyond your years:
-You have a clear way of expressing precisely your need (or I'm just getting better at this motherly instinct thing).
-My prediction is you will be a tad more reserved than big sis (although that’s not saying much –ha!). I can already tell you will enjoy your alone time.  In fact, I believe often you prefer to be put down over being held. If you are held too much you squirm and fuss & then when I put you down you seem to calm down and relax (another HUGE difference from baby numero uno)
-Your big sis had some troubles with bowel movements and passing gas but not you! From day one, you would grunt and groan and push and tighten your tiny little abdominal muscles until you relieved yourself. Daddy and I got some good laughs at your adorably representative facial expressions!
-Your smile reminds us of Alizea’s. It is big and bright and alone can bring tears of joy to my eyes on a rough (or not so rough) day!
You are also social and love the interaction and attention of others. We've also caught a laugh (sorta like a cackle) from time to time.
-You love your sleep: You have been so generous to daddy and me from day 1. You have gradually increased your sleep stretches from 4-5 hrs (in the 1st 4 wks) to 8-9 hrs (4-6wks) and are now consistently sleeping 10-11 hours at night without a single peep. It is SO very different from what we experienced with 1st born that your Dr. had to assure us that this was a clear sign of your personality and temperament and to enjoy the peace rather than worry.
 -You are so patient: I know this because even when you are hungry you squirm and find your thumb to hold you off instead of wailing instantly, increasing in intensity like some other child would do (not to mention any names, ahem).  And when you start to get upset, just the sound of my voice seems to calm you as if you already understand waiting and trusting.
I am still amazed to this day how infrequently you cry and when you do, it’s such a soft, sweet, muffled cry (unlike the ear-piercing scream of that of your big sister!)
You are so beautiful and we treasure you & love you with all of our soul!

  Anyway, happy 2 months of life! You are such an easy, perfect baby and you are the single reason I almost already feel ready to have another one! I said almost...

Home Bittersweet Home

Today I returned from a 4 day getaway to Vegas w/ Jenny & Caleb (& baby G). What a bittersweet experience. From several days prior, it was challenging just thinking and preparing to be away from my “better parts” (Dean and Alizea) & then to actually enjoy myself guilt-free... but it was so wonderful & healing (physically, emotionally and spiritually) to have so much time to myself, to be reconnected to the Marisa that was called by name by the Creator of the Universe, stripped of her wifely duties, her motherhood responsibilities, to experience God in an intimate way again, face to face (in the mass), NO distractions (or at least legitimate excuses for distractions - couldn’t even blame the infant this time for just plain, people watching) I am beginning to realize that as a mom of little ones (maybe big ones too), you get SUCH LITTLE time, such few moments, minutes, seconds alone, to yourself, and I realized I was slowly & gradually beginning to define myself according to my responsibilities, duties, titles: mothering, cleaning, cooking, home-making, teaching (ie: how well I was engaging & challenging my curious & impressionable toddler, how well I was “training” my baby to sleep at night, how well or often I cooked meals for my family or lunches for my hard-working husband, how well I decorated my home, making for an aesthetically pleasing, warm and welcoming place for everyone, how well I taught my children academically & in matters of the faith, the list goes on and on)….in a sense, this is inevitable and important as fulfilling my calling and vocation is directly linked to my sanctity but what I also realized I needed was to be reminded that it all began with my Lord, no one else, NO expectations & It felt SO good to be in that place again – just Him and me.

Surrounding the hi-lite of the trip (the mass – boy did I take for granted going to mass alone for so many years) was lots of girl sharing (gotta LOVE the “sisterhood” – such understanding & comfort & likeness of mind); laughing at our babies, especially baby Caleb (what a calm, funny, simple baby he is) eating “good” food (translate as you wish – ok, so both 'good for you' and just plain bad but good-tasting), shopping until our guilt turned to rationalization, joking, lounging, and mentally “escaping” (way too much movie watching for my already mushy brain!). Here is a taste of our adventures:

It was a total blast and something I will cherish for a long time (Jenny is such a special, incredible mother, friend and person. I learned SO much from her just quietly observing her patience and servant-heart) but boy did I miss this girl...

Although it surely would have been a different experience with both kids (ie: I definitely would have needed a vacation from the "vacation")

And Alizea was so incredibly excited to see her baby sister, talk to her and overwhelm her with affection. I think Genevieve missed her big sis as well as she was smiling non-stop from the moment she heard Alizea's voice!

So “home bittersweet home” – I say that because it’s sort of like a nice dark chocolate: the 1st bite you take is rather bitter, catches you by surprise a little, your taste buds aren’t expecting it nor too excited about it. But the more you eat, the more you enjoy it and appreciate it’s unique, wonderful, rich taste! That’s how I feel about being home, not just being back home, but being home, all the time, transitioning to a Stay-at-home-mom, to a no kiddin,  full time (I do miss those long extended 'coffee breaks' at work) mommy & wife. Initially at times, I don’t want to embark on the day – Being awaken from a dead, peaceful, deep slumber at any given time is just plain bitter; A day filled with dirty diapers and spit-up in my newly washed hair is bitter; A whiny strong-willed child who screams because she just doesn’t want to give in and sleep is well….bitter. Yet having the opportunity to watch 2 sleeping beautiful pure angels is sweet; Knowing you you are awakened by your 2yr old because she simply wants to be near you at every moment of her day (even while she sleeps) is sweet; Waking up to nurse your infant, to literally give her life in the most simplest form is sweet (not to mention beautifully amazing); Being greeted with smiles & coos that undoubtedly and non-coincidentally appear the moment you approach your 8 week old baby when she sees or hears you is sweet; Hearing “I love you choo mommy” from my 2 yr old knowing she fully understands (more than any adult) the meaning of ‘love’ is sweet; The laughter (in the form of both ‘BELLY laughs’ & quiet squeals) is sweet and the excitement and JOY for life that both of my daughters teach me about God himself & His heavenly kingdom each and every day is definitely sweet! Home: the place where I come in contact with such drastically different emotions and experiences (& this is all in one day): frustration yet serenity, chaos yet peace, noise yet stillness, stress yet tranquility. 

Ahhhh, It's good to be back.