Tonight, as we sat down at our dinner table to eat, Little Leonard was in a particularly good mood. We folded our arms to pray, as did he, then as we said our prayer he began whispering his own prayer as well (which is a stage I love and think is the most rewarding thing to experience). Anyway, we finished our prayer and prepared to eat, but Leo wanted to pray again. He folded his arms, looked around at us as though he was waiting for us to do the same, which we did and he said his prayer. When we finished, we picked up our forks preparing to eat, but Leo wanted to pray again. This went on another 4 more times.
Sometime later, he began spilling his cup out to play with his juice and make a big mess. Leonard firmly told him "no" and gave him a stern fatherly look. Sure enough, Leo gave him one right back. He then squealed in delight as if to say, "take that" with your manners.
Oh boy...times are gettin' fun around here. I love it. He has so much character and spunk. Sadly, I see a lot of myself in his personality and am sitting a little scared as each day passes and he becomes a little more defiant. I already know the roller coaster I am in for. Let's just hope that I've mended my ways enough to have earned a pardon during the dreaded teenage years.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
All Hail the Somersault!
It was a big day for Little Leo...after weeks of trying and almost achievements, today he conquered the somersault. To see the look of pride on his face as he got up was just incredible. He was so proud of his little self...as am I.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Poof!
Where does the time go? When I was pregnant, I felt like the time just flew by. I remember thinking 9 months is a long way to go, and then having a panic attack because the time went by so quickly. Since Leo was born, time seems to go that quickly still. It amazes me that it's time to start getting ready for his second birthday already. I know it's still 3 months away, but we will have such a packed summer, with trips to Las Vegas, Yellowstone, and Arizona, that I need to begin making decisions as to whether or not to do anything or wait until next year. A part of me feels that a big party for him at this age would really be just a waste since he won't know what is going on is for him. Yet, on the flip side, what mother doesn't want to do something special for their child?
Leo began walking at 9-1/2 months...since then, I have used this little bicycle he has a marker for his growth. It took a while before he even paid it any attention, then he just pushed it all around the back yard. Then, he progressed to climbing onto the seat but was unable to reach the ground or pedals once he was on. Before long, he was able to push himself around going backwards. Then suddenly, it was too small for him and we had to adjust the seat.
However, Sunday, he cast that bike aside and discovered his Big Wheel. This Big Wheel used to be his cousin's and was really too big for him for such a long time. He has just sat on it thing for months playing with all the buttons (they make motorcycle sounds, and play music like a radio, etc.) or I would push him around the yard but now *POOF* it fits. Not only that, but he knew what to do with it. He just climbed on, and started to go like he's been doing it all along. He rode around and around the back yard, cool as cool can be.
I know I am silly, it's not like he just got his drivers license or anything...it's just going so quickly. I know I say this all the time but I am just continuously amazed by the lightening speed of life. *POOF* you're a kid, playing in the neighbor's swimming pool enjoying the lazy days of summer. *POOF* you're going to Prom and graduation. *POOF* you're having the time of your life as a young twenty-something. *POOF* You're a parent watching the cycle beginning to repeat itself.
***POOF*** What's next?
Leo began walking at 9-1/2 months...since then, I have used this little bicycle he has a marker for his growth. It took a while before he even paid it any attention, then he just pushed it all around the back yard. Then, he progressed to climbing onto the seat but was unable to reach the ground or pedals once he was on. Before long, he was able to push himself around going backwards. Then suddenly, it was too small for him and we had to adjust the seat.
However, Sunday, he cast that bike aside and discovered his Big Wheel. This Big Wheel used to be his cousin's and was really too big for him for such a long time. He has just sat on it thing for months playing with all the buttons (they make motorcycle sounds, and play music like a radio, etc.) or I would push him around the yard but now *POOF* it fits. Not only that, but he knew what to do with it. He just climbed on, and started to go like he's been doing it all along. He rode around and around the back yard, cool as cool can be.
I know I am silly, it's not like he just got his drivers license or anything...it's just going so quickly. I know I say this all the time but I am just continuously amazed by the lightening speed of life. *POOF* you're a kid, playing in the neighbor's swimming pool enjoying the lazy days of summer. *POOF* you're going to Prom and graduation. *POOF* you're having the time of your life as a young twenty-something. *POOF* You're a parent watching the cycle beginning to repeat itself.
***POOF*** What's next?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Father's Day Recap
In Leonard's family, each of us takes a holiday in which we host the get together. Father's Day is our holiday. Initially, it was a great way to get my mind off my own father who I could no longer share that day with. Being busy, cooking and cleaning and hosting leaves no time to be sad and miserable. However, the last few years, it has morphed into something different for me, since now I do have a father to celebrate in my life once more. My son's father...and what a father he is. Leonard does so much for us, and I am so proud to have him as "my baby's daddy"
Leonard you are my best friend, and a fabulous husband and I love you so very much. You are an amazing father and I love watching you with our son. It brings me so much joy to see you enjoy fatherhood the way you do.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Family Gatherings
This weekend we went up to San Jose to gather in celebration for Nathan's graduation. Leonard was out of town on business last week, so my Mom and I drove up on Tuesday. Irene and her family arrived on Thursday. Together the 4 of us cooked, cleaned, and prepped for the party.
Anita was so worried that we weren't having a good time, but I was having a blast. I don't often get to spend so much time with my sisters and my Mom all together at the same time. It was very nostalgic for me, and reminded me so much of our youth. I had such a great time, and rekindled such fond memories.
Years ago, spending so much time with my family would have been punishment. I would have had to think of something to sneak away for even just a moment. I am pleased how much I cherish these times now. I really do enjoy my family and value our association; I can hardly wait for our BIG family gathering in July! That one's going to be loads of fun...all the family will be there for that one.
Anita was so worried that we weren't having a good time, but I was having a blast. I don't often get to spend so much time with my sisters and my Mom all together at the same time. It was very nostalgic for me, and reminded me so much of our youth. I had such a great time, and rekindled such fond memories.
Years ago, spending so much time with my family would have been punishment. I would have had to think of something to sneak away for even just a moment. I am pleased how much I cherish these times now. I really do enjoy my family and value our association; I can hardly wait for our BIG family gathering in July! That one's going to be loads of fun...all the family will be there for that one.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Oblivious
My little Dakota, we call her "Fat Girl" because she is stocky and solid but she looks a lot smaller than counter part, Miss Memphis. The other thing to know about Dakota is that she is just a little sweet heart. She is just so lovable and she loves everybody.
Memphis is Dakota's polar opposite. She is wild and crazy and the Alpha dog. She totally bullies Dakota and yet, Dakota still loves her endlessly. When Memphis was a pup we took her to obedience training. Our dog is the only one I've ever heard of to be expelled from obedience training. We are paying these people for their services and they kick her out of school, it was hilarious. We call her our "beauty school drop out". However, while yes, she was kicked out of school, she is the dog who is trained. She knows sit, stay, lay down...only the basics, but if I tell her to come or to stay I know I will have her in my control.
Dakota on the other hand, is oblivious. She barely knows "sit" and only obeys when it is convenient to her. So today, I have the 2 dogs and Little Leo out in the front yard, I'm throwing the ball to Memphis, Dakota is chasing Memphis nipping at her heels, and I've got Leo in his little car and I'm pushing him up the driveway, letting it roll back like a little ride for him. Everyone is doing well, I've got the situation in control, no worries. Then a tiny little Asian girl turns the corner with her big Siberian Husky. Dakota instantly starts to run over to the dog, oblivious of the possible dangers that could be awaiting her. I quickly try to get my dogs and my kid into the garage to hopefully prevent the situation from going in the direction I know it is headed.
First off, I don't know if the other dog is friendly or not, so my first concern is for Dakota's well being and for her brand new, very expensive leg. Secondly, my Dakota is off leash, and I know my free-loving little hippie is going to go following after the other dog. Well, I manage to get Dakota to come back and Memphis is obediently staying put as I have instructed her to do so. Little Leo is climbing out of his car to get a better look at the dog and is headed toward the street. So I turn to get my kid, when Dakota decides to dart after this other dog. There she goes, and goes, and goes, and goes...I panic. I have 3 extensions of my body all running loose. I don't know what to do. I've got Leo in the street, Memphis at alert and Dakota chasing down a dog 10x her size. I have to run after Dakota all the while praying that no cars come while my child is in the street.
Needless to say, I captured Dakota, no cars came while my child was left carelessly in the middle of the street, and my legs literally felt like jelly as I closed the garage and brought everyone inside the house. I don't know that I'll be putting myself in such a brainless situation again. It seemed innocent enough...but I obviously was oblivious to all the dangers that be...and that won't keep Leonard from being upset about this regardless.
Memphis is Dakota's polar opposite. She is wild and crazy and the Alpha dog. She totally bullies Dakota and yet, Dakota still loves her endlessly. When Memphis was a pup we took her to obedience training. Our dog is the only one I've ever heard of to be expelled from obedience training. We are paying these people for their services and they kick her out of school, it was hilarious. We call her our "beauty school drop out". However, while yes, she was kicked out of school, she is the dog who is trained. She knows sit, stay, lay down...only the basics, but if I tell her to come or to stay I know I will have her in my control.
Dakota on the other hand, is oblivious. She barely knows "sit" and only obeys when it is convenient to her. So today, I have the 2 dogs and Little Leo out in the front yard, I'm throwing the ball to Memphis, Dakota is chasing Memphis nipping at her heels, and I've got Leo in his little car and I'm pushing him up the driveway, letting it roll back like a little ride for him. Everyone is doing well, I've got the situation in control, no worries. Then a tiny little Asian girl turns the corner with her big Siberian Husky. Dakota instantly starts to run over to the dog, oblivious of the possible dangers that could be awaiting her. I quickly try to get my dogs and my kid into the garage to hopefully prevent the situation from going in the direction I know it is headed.
First off, I don't know if the other dog is friendly or not, so my first concern is for Dakota's well being and for her brand new, very expensive leg. Secondly, my Dakota is off leash, and I know my free-loving little hippie is going to go following after the other dog. Well, I manage to get Dakota to come back and Memphis is obediently staying put as I have instructed her to do so. Little Leo is climbing out of his car to get a better look at the dog and is headed toward the street. So I turn to get my kid, when Dakota decides to dart after this other dog. There she goes, and goes, and goes, and goes...I panic. I have 3 extensions of my body all running loose. I don't know what to do. I've got Leo in the street, Memphis at alert and Dakota chasing down a dog 10x her size. I have to run after Dakota all the while praying that no cars come while my child is in the street.
Needless to say, I captured Dakota, no cars came while my child was left carelessly in the middle of the street, and my legs literally felt like jelly as I closed the garage and brought everyone inside the house. I don't know that I'll be putting myself in such a brainless situation again. It seemed innocent enough...but I obviously was oblivious to all the dangers that be...and that won't keep Leonard from being upset about this regardless.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Best Day Ever
Since having my son, there has been so many days. There have been days where I wish I could go back to bed, there have been days that I've questioned my decision to have kids, and even more days when I've questioned my decision to be a stay-at-home-Mom...but yesterday, was by far, the best day ever...and even more exciting is that yesterday has spilled over into today.
Yesterday, Leo woke up from his nap so happy. We were having such a great time, that I couldn't bring myself to leave him and go make dinner -- so I didn't. We just played and played, dinner came later. We built a blanket fort - he loved it. What kid doesn't enjoy that? I remember building forts as a child and remember it fondly. They were cool then, and to be honest, it was fun now too.
Then today, Leo has just been so cute. Coming up, for no apparent reason to give me hugs, reading books together.
These are days I stay home for. This is why I am a stay-at-home-Mom!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Hitch
Last year, I underwent patch testing to finally find out what my allergies were. I've always had extremely sensitive skin and I never knew what would set off my skin into a raging rash and breakout. So after enduring a week of testing, it was found that I am allergic to Quanternium-15. A chemical component found in make-up, soaps, lotions, and sunscreens. I was devastated at the thought of not being able to wear make-up anymore. Luckily, I found make-ups that did not contain the compound and life resumed to its normal self for me.
The last year has been great, my skin really was looking much better and I haven't suffered any major flare ups. That is, nothing that would keep me indoors. That was until yesterday. I washed my face using Aveeno Positively Radiant scrubbing pads...my skin was looking a little dull and really needed a pick me up. Well, my skin reacted so badly, and my eyes have swollen up to the point that my eyes are nearly shut. I had to drive out to the Doctor's and get a steroid shot.
I was supposed to be headed back to the gym since having my tattoo treatment, and now I jokingly wonder, if the steroids are going to bulk me up like a body builder. :) But I have another 48 hours to make it through looking like Will Smith in Hitch.
The last year has been great, my skin really was looking much better and I haven't suffered any major flare ups. That is, nothing that would keep me indoors. That was until yesterday. I washed my face using Aveeno Positively Radiant scrubbing pads...my skin was looking a little dull and really needed a pick me up. Well, my skin reacted so badly, and my eyes have swollen up to the point that my eyes are nearly shut. I had to drive out to the Doctor's and get a steroid shot.
I was supposed to be headed back to the gym since having my tattoo treatment, and now I jokingly wonder, if the steroids are going to bulk me up like a body builder. :) But I have another 48 hours to make it through looking like Will Smith in Hitch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
