Are you shitting me?

You have GOT to be kidding me! 

Look at this precious little gift that was left on my front lawn this morning? 

It's a good thing I walked outside and saw this before Sweets did since she was playing at the sand table as I was inside watching her from the kitchen window because there is no doubt, she would've given it the touch, and possibly taste test.

Ok, if that were me & let's say forgot my poop bag (giving them the benefit of the doubt), I would have been so mortified, (especially seeing all the kids' toys out front) that I would have left a note and/or knocked on the door apologizing profusely & telling the person I would be back to clean it up, hell, I would've picked it up with my bear hands. I am now on a mission & determined to catch any & all dog owners (because I've seen a few passing by our house) walking their dog empty handed, and give them a piece of my mind! I don't even have to know pet owner etiquette, it's common courtesy! (which obviously some people don't comprehend nor adhere to)

Sheesh!

**Honey, when you read this, yet another reason on my list why we need, yes, need our white vinyl "picket fence" surrounding our front yard to keep intruders off our property**

Window View

For the last 7 years of my career working in the aerospace industry, I supported proprietary programs which meant living working in buildings with no visual access to the outside world. I always fantasized about a "window view".  A view of anything, really. A tree, some blue skies, heck even another building. 

Well, this morning while I was cleaning up in the kitchen and washing the dishes after breakfast, I realized I had a better view than from any office or cubicle window, better than our Dana Point oceanfront view from our time share condo, a better view than of any "wonder of the world"(not to say I wouldn't like to visit/see them)

And although I've been feeling a little tired and running low on patience and endurance recently, I felt so incredibly blessed today. I know I've said it many times before but today was one of those days where I really felt it and so, I must say it again...

I love my job, I love my home, I love my family and I love this view.

(Dean, thank you for going through so much including much interior agony to make this happen. I never thought I would land a job that I could honestly say I love and about which I could feel so joyful, passionate and alive!
And Dad, thank you for creating a place for me that I can call my little "dream home", and a home for my children where they have so many special and favorite places to play, to run, to learn, to call their own so that we never seem to get tired of our home. You are truly amazing!)

(Playing in her favorite spot as of late: a little pit hole of dirt that needs some patching from our recent sprinkler installations)

Spicylocks

 For months years now I've been trying to get Spicy's hair to look the way it does after Mimi sends her home, bathed with this glamorous mane of golden locks. She would say she doesn't do anything special... shampoo only and comb it through with a pic instead of a brush. Hum! Well, even after doing exactly what she says she does, I haven't been able to get it as soft and as bouncy. I've tried everything. Shampoo only; conditioner only; shampoo, conditioner and detangler; baby shampoo, expensive stuff; combing with a pic; combing with a brush; you get the picture. Well, today, I think I struck gold. I'm not exactly sure what I did differently, other than brush it while she was laying down on the couch, hair on top of the pillow, rather than while she is sitting or standing in front of me, but it dried so soft, so curly, so naturally beautiful! This curly hair thing is an art, I tell you.  I couldn't resist running to grab my camera and snapping until I got a decent shot (or 2).

So for documenting purposes, just in case it doesn't stay this way or heaven forbid, she gets a hair cut and the curly golden locks never return...

...My cooperative model 
(oh did I forget to mention this required bribing her with jelly belly's? Whatever it takes!)

Goodbye to my cute toddler, hello to my pretty little girl. (tear) 

**I just marvel at the difference in hair gene from sister (compare to post just below).
Getting SO anxious to see what our little guy looks like. Black wavy hair this time? hehe

These Moments

This week has been filled with special moments. 

Bright, warm moments as I greet these angel eyes each morning well after 7am 

(after a continued 12+ hour stretch at night from 6 weeks of age)

You are so good to me, child.

(It's time for our weekly hair cut, I see)

Tender moments between father and daughter that are simply irreplaceable

Peaceful (rare) moments when these 2 share and cooperate with one another, learning tools for life

Sweet moments when Spicy's spontaneous and quite frequent, "I love you so much, Mommy" s warm my heart throughout the day.

(One particular time, I asked her, "why do you love mommy so much?" 

"Because you're so beautiful!"

Aye, you sure do have a special sweetness about you.)

Funny moments

Relaxed, focused moments

And inquisitive moments while rays of sunshine warm our face and soft little hands explore & create

Thank you Lord for these moments filled with Your love!

The Baby Blues

It's been a little over a week since we found out that TreSoto is a boy! 

I think the reality is sinking in.

Big sis is sure ready for another newborn at home.

She has been very interested lately in carrying around her  "baby brother"

It's so neat to hear her speak of him and witness her excitement for another sibling and her heart of gold.

(I just hope his nose isn't so pronounced. tee-hee)

 About a quarter of Sweet's closet has already being taken over by both new and used clothing in varying shades of blue.

And mommy is having a ton of fun researching nursery ideas, starting with a possible color palette.

As for names, we're still thinking and praying and listening but it'll be tough to find one that Daddy likes better than Soren Charles. 
After 2 of his favorite philosophers.

Any suggestions? 

What are your favorite boy names?

Nailing it down

This is precisely why I wouldn't just not mind having another girl, but I would be thrilled! 

After dinner, making S'mores with daddy in our firepit (this is becoming a favorite bonding activity of theirs and mommy doesn't mind the results they bring in!) and a nice, long bath, in place of 2 bedtime stories, this was our bedtime activity tonight. It came totally from Spicy and after much deliberation, sapphire blue coming in a close 2nd, she settled on the familiar shade of cherry red!  
Very fitting for the month of February!

As a mom, I just can't get enough of these moments....

I was amazed at the difference in her ability to sit still from 6 months ago, the last time we did this. The 1st thought that popped in my head with excitement was "she's totally ready for the salon!" Not only did she sit still, she inquired about a second coat of sparkles and was warning me not to smudge them, sitting patiently until I assured her they were completely dry. Although we were encroaching  upon the sacred "lights out" time, there was no cutting short this special moment.

It's such an interesting study to observe a 3 1/2 year old's body language after a good manicure. C'mon, ladies, you know what I'm talking about...you just feel prettier which transcends into your movements! 

Well, without much exposure, this little one was definitely showing a more feminine side to her.

Case in point...

A glimpse into our precious interactions (but visualize her hands doing all the talking)

"Mommy, I want to be a princess. A real princess. Can I put my ballerina outfit on a be a princess for daddy?"

Melt. 

Me. 

**A week from Friday we will find out TreSoto's gender and we are Oh So excited (Spicy included)!!!!**

It's a Wonderful Life

Some people wonder how we SAHM's can do it. You know, being trapped in your home (which is quite the oxymoron, don't you think?) all dreaded day long with no adult interaction wiping snot and poop while your brain turns to mush. 

Well, I'll admit it's challenging at times. There are days that drag on, just like everybody else's and my creativity and level of unselfishness and patience are tested to the core. But ultimately, I think it's because we have become arrogant, stiff robots (me included) and have forgotten the words of Christ.

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of God"

Matthew 18:3

When I study the behavior of my children, I notice that they wake up every morning full of joy, appreciative for the gift of life, carrying nothing from the prior day and never worrying about the future. 100% living in the moment. Quick to forgive, slow to anger, rich in kindness (hey, that sounds familiar) 

One thing is certain. Every day is an adventure and there are always unexpected surprises (And how I love surprises!) Take today, for example. I envisioned a quick, simple task of watering the lawn & plants while the children play together quietly from afar.

Riiiiiight. 

Somehow that picture perfect idea turned into this...

And yes, it was demanded of me to participate in the fun of getting sprayed by ice cold water. (At least it was in the high 70's despite it being 'winter' still)

A bit later, yet another surprise. While I was putting Sweets down for her morning nap, Spicy was in her room busy preparing for this...
(And yes, she placed the cookies overlapping at the perfectly propped angle. wink, wink) 

How delightful!

Yes, my job is physically and emotionally tiring wearing fatiguing. But when I think of being back in my cubicle sitting under those fluorescent lights staring into that bright monitor while my precious ones are being cared for, and formed by someone else... Well, I can't even think too long before I feel sick to my stomach. In other words, I wouldn't have it any other way. 
It's a Wonderful Life indeed!

Hangover

We are recovering from sugar overload; a super fun, exciting, long birthday celebration day with no naps; and several nights with little sleep for mommy (this time totally self inflicted due to crafting obsessions, not difficult children). We are detoxing and recouping. This means staying in our PJs until well after 10am I can't take the mommy guilt any longer. 

Lounging. 

 And thoroughly enjoying our "new play area" (as Spicy calls it)

And since I must fill the void for the need to be productive, practicing on my new Nikon 3100!

Looks can be deceiving

Don't let this innocent face fool you..

Soon after I snapped this shot, she decided to poop in the tub. That's right, I was quickly holding her with one arm trying to keep her from picking up her feces which she was fascinated with, while scooping it into the toilet with the other, while draining the water, chucking toys into the sink and calming Spicy after she ran into the bathroom reprimanding her baby sis at the top of her lungs. 

On that note, I also am enjoying the goopiness left on my breast from a post-nursing nose that's been running like a faucet.

That's right, Sweet G (& mommy) have caught that "mild" cold from Spicy.

Ah, the joys!

I can't tell you how excited I am for a fun filled family weekend. Big sissy is flying in tomorrow morning and we'll be having one big slumber party at the house where we were all brought home to from the hospital (not to mention lots of breaks as the girls get spoiled with love from their aunties and Mimi insists on changing diapers!)

Yahoooo!!!!

Tis the Season to be Sicky

...Fa la la la la la la la (sniff, cough, puke)

As much as I hate to admit it for one prideful reason or another, the decrease in family documenting and the increase in pregnancy related symptoms are directly proportionate these days.

We're in survival mode, folks. 

Survive to make it through. Through nap times that is. 

 Then, a nap for mommy is sadly, one of the only ways I survive to see the sun go down. On top of nausea, frequent dry heaving, excessive spitting (ptyalism or sialorrhea are their medical terms, in case you were wondering) and more nausea, Spicy has caught a mild cold/cough. This means, spending most of the night sharing a twin size bed with a hacking, stuffed up toddler. 

Fun stuff!

Forced myself to get out for a long (interpret as you wish) walk today. 

I'm sure I looked pretty pathetic pushing a double stroller that was barely moving while my head rested on the hand rest but I think it did us some good!

Oh Lord, please let the light at the end of the tunnel be just a couple more (2) weeks away!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Today is Thursday. 

That means a certain Spicy princess willingly and excitedly gets whisked away by her fairy godmother (aka, Mimi) chauffeuring her in her special pumpkin carriage Navigator ride with personal flat screen and all.

That means she gets to burn off some energy twirling and hopping and gets spoiled with one on one love and attention. 

That means she usually comes back with an expanded vocabulary in more than one language.

That means mommy gets a much welcomed end of the week break to catch up on chores and rest.

That means a certain Sweet one also gets some undivided attention.

That means we get to sit and chat in a most simple but peaceful language.

 That means she has ample opportunities to stare into my eyes and remind me that I have the most important job in the world when fatigue and weariness (& frustration from correcting a toddler) try to beat me down.

That means she gets to have uninterrupted time on the swing originally purchased for her that big sister often dominates.

That means we are all a tad more recharged and excited to be reunited and...

That means I get to see my mommy twice in one day which is more than enough of a boost to lift me through the remainder of the week.

Simple Pleasures

You know your single days are long gone when the highlight of your day is a trip to Costco for a family night out enjoying sweet, cheap thrills!

Yep, no more splurging at fine dining restaurants. No more movies, dancing or long walks on the beach. Just holding sticky hands and running sneaking into burger joints where you have no intention of spending a dime to get to a bathroom in time. But I wouldn't change a thing. 

Except add a few more to the bunch! 

A hilariously gross story that must be documented for future embarrassing opportunities. So Spicy and I are having a heart to heart moment while she sits on the throne...

A: I told you mommy I had to go pee pee and poo poo.

M: Yes, sweetheart and I'm so proud of you. You're such a big girl.

Rather long pause...

A: You don't eat it.

M: You don't eat what?

A: Poo poo. You don't eat poo poo and you don't drink pee pee

M: That's right sweetie. How on earth did you learn that without anyone telling you? (slight sarcasm in tone of voice as I'm cracking up) 

Later that night as we are she is climbing into bed...

A: Read me 3 books cuz I'm THREE

M: Oh sweetie, I don't know if I can read 3 tonight, mommy is sooo tired.

A: Yes, you can. You are the best teacher

Melt. My. Heart. 

Reasons

Reasons why today was a Terrrific Tuesday!

• A surprise visit from my mom. Any amount of time with my mom is cherished and just plain enjoyable. But the unexpected ones are so special. I just adore the opportunity to be with her as we share our common blessing to be able to work from our homes and be somewhat in control of our time. 
• A nearly three hour block to myself while the girls were taking naps concurrently. Cha Ching! Time to get my hands in my favorite hobbies. Writing. Typing. Blogging. Sewing. Decorating. All while enjoying a taste of the Starbucks experience right from my home office.

•  A break from cooking tonight! I do enjoy making meals for the sake of my family to enjoy, giving them satisfied bellies but not particularly in and of itself.  Daddy had a schmoozing networking event tonight allowing me even more time to myself rather than in the kitchen prepping for dinner and cleaning up! Besides, Mac 'N' Cheese and PB &J Sandwiches are a totally healthy alternative!

Deserted Island or Paradise?

First off, isn't this the cutest $1 buy?!?

 (Technically, it was $2.50 in the 'dollar' section of Target but what a steal! Very Montessori-like and helpful in our study of the calendar)
I was also taken back when I realized it was time to change the month! September already?!? As in 4 months left in the year? W.O.W. New babies really do make the year fly by! Anyway, I digress...

 I know it's only the 1st week, but the transition to one vehicle has been seamless. (of course, I'm not the one without an automobile trekking up big hills with burning calves to get to work). However, today, Daddy over slept had an important meeting to get to so he took the party van leaving me stranded to my own devices. So, what do you do when you're stuck able to enjoy your home all day long? You iron. You turn breakfast into a fun cooking experience creating blueberry pancakes and scrumptious scrambled eggs. You convene to chat with good neighbors. You play.

You play some more.

 And some more.

(aren't those white crease lines due to inability to tan due to excessive forearm chubbiness awesome???)

You play so hard that you fall asleep reading pre nap-time stories to your toddler and she politely nudges you to wake up and finish. You play so hard that you enjoy a deep slumber for nearly 2 hours with your children right in the middle of the day!

We had a blast today! My paradise.

And I need to document Sweet's latest yoga pose positions because she is on.the.move. 

This is her one knee tucked under while her other leg is stretched out toe pointed downward (same stance in prior picture). She goes from the seated position to this position quickly and  often trying to pull herself up. She is actually doing a lot more vertically rather than horizontally (scooting, crawling) so like big sis, I have a feeling she will nearly skip crawling or not participate too long and move straight to standing and walking! Uh oh!

Random Reflections

In the past 2 days, despite being slightly sleep deprived (caused by a number of factors), the Holy Spirit has illumined my mind to many reasons to be thankful and joyful.

Here are the top 10: 

10.  Getting my love enjoyment back for house cleaning

9. Making gradual progress in the deep cleaning and purging department which always feels great!
8. Waking up to freshly baked donuts brought by Bapa (all natural, organic, no fat and low calorie of course!)

7.  Having the privilege of rocking my baby girl to sleep (followed by...)

6.  Enjoying a New Castle and making pretend birthday cake (a hot topic this week) in the bathroom while Spicy bathes herself (literally, bath time is FINALLY becoming a relaxing, enjoyable break for momma) and plays in the water.

5.  Having a great tea party (speaking in our horrible British accents) with arguably the most fun, polite girlfriends in the world.

4. The wonderful unexpected news that our dear friends, the Reis family will be visiting Cali in about 6 weeks!!! (Oh, SO excited!) 
3.  Just in time (as always) Mimi asks to have her grand-daughter fix giving mommy a 3 hour solo errand-spree as well as a promised night of uninterrupted sleep (since the child who interrupts the sleep, to remain nameless, is sleeping over for the night!)

2.  A renewed appreciation for the awesome husband of mine, quirks and all ;)

And 1. (related to the above)... a restored gratitude and a profound sense of peace for being able to live out my dream

A challenging week (recap)

A quick recap since the last post:

Thursday am: Mommy is finally full of energy and healed of her breast infection. Feeling brave and very much in need of some fresh air, we venture out for a good part of the day leisurely enjoying errands, stopping for feedings, potty breaks, snacks and the like. Return home just in time to get pooped on by child #2 followed by vomited on by child #1. After the purging & napping, Daddy & I surmise that Spicy must have eaten something bad based on her intense, normal levels of energy leading up to bedtime. 

Thursday pm: up ever 3 hours due to a fever spiking to 103 degrees. Despite the aches and chills, Spicy decides she is finished, done, over the diapers and wants to go "pee pee in the little toilet" in the  middle.  of.  the.  night.  Between potty runs, fever reducing remedies and nursing, mommy doesn't sleep more than an hour.

Friday am: Mommy is on the phone most of the morning with Aunt Rosie (thank GOD for a nurse in the family) followed by the pediatrician's triage nurse getting questions answered and home care advice as this is the 1st time in 3 yrs we've had a sickness of this degree. We trek to Ralphs by foot (& double stroller) for some fresh air and to buy everything needed to combat the stomach flu bug that has seemed to infiltrate our home.  Day is spent watching many a cartoon, eating lots of jell-o and recovering from an emotionally draining prior night.

Friday pm: Everyone sleeps much better.

Saturday am: Daddy offers to stay home with Spicy so I can get out. Sweets and I meet Auntie Nee-nee for some home decor shopping. Report back is a very fun day on the home front. Spicy is on the mend.

Sunday am: Daddy & I discern Spicy is well enough for church and could use the fresh air and exercise.  Much retraining to be done as Spicy acts as though she has never set foot in a church before and that mommy has not taught her 100 10,000 times to use quiet voices. Daddy and I are exhausted after one hour of disciplinary boot camp, oh I mean, worship. Spicy A is baaaaack. 110%

Sunday pm: Just when I think normalcy has returned, Sweet G begins to cough. And continues to cough.  All.   night.   long.  (although she never cried, Mommy spent most of the night staring into the bright monitor wondering what to do)

Which brings us to today...  Mimi came to pick up Spicy for a special overnight slumber party. Mommy and daddy are excited.  Relieved. Sweet G spends most of the day sleeping while mommy catches her breath and plans for dinner.... 

lack of ideas = a night out enjoying a fine Chinese cuisine!

(There was a cute white-haired couple sitting next to us conversing in a different language: I thought Italian, Dean thought Greek. Anyway, when they walked past us on their way out, the woman put her hand on Dean's shoulder and said "To see a young couple with a baby, and praying is beautiful! You just made my day. That's wonderful!" The man grinned from ear to ear nodding his head in agreement passing by with a "God bless" which in turn made our day!)

   Things I have learned in the past few days:

- I took for granted the blessing of my children's health
- Children are resilient above & beyond my expectations

- Spicy A has a mind of her own. A beautiful mind. One I often take for granted. One I now admire. One in which God used to show me (yet again) that being a mommy is never about convenience nor control (I'm referring mainly to the will of this child to transition to the potty, literally overnight, in the midst of being sick with no accidents to date)

- Sweet is even sweeter when she is sick. 

- My parents are an incredible help and support to us. Oh wait, I already knew that! 
- I can still grow (a lot) in the area of patience

 Here's to a good night's rest. Sweet dreams everyone!

Back to the Basics

Well, we are still very much recovering from the effects of late nights, no schedule and a lovely (words dripping in sarcasm) breast infection. After many a melt down had by all 3 Soto females, the youngest 2 of the bunch teach the old 'hag' (that's certainly how I feel) yet again....As I found myself frustrated with fatigue and impatience that I could not muster the energy to get us dressed and out of the house for one simple, important errand, nor make one room in the house look half-way decent, I had one of those timeless moments staring into the eyes of the innocent babes as they both remind me of what really matters....living in the present moment, enjoying life, even & especially in the most simple, ordinary, necessary tasks of the day such as bathing and eating...

 ....see what I mean! She did this all on her own. How can you not laugh and forget about anything negative with this face?

 ...And this one just pierces me with a feeling of undeserving love with those big, innocent, trusting eyes...

 So as we all regain our strength & build up our immune systems, releasing toxins as fluid seeps from our every pore, we remember that life is a gift, every single day, every single moment!