The Last 10 Years

This post is really for me. You might want to just skip it. I'm making a list of what I've been up to the last 10 years.

17 - I was in 11th grade, working towards my AA in dual enrollment, and working at Blockbuster trying to save up money for a summer vacation in Ireland with two of my friends (and one of their parents).
18 - Senior year, graduated with my AA degree, went to Colombia alone for the summer and hung out with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
19 - Went to the University of Miami to study Motion Pictures, worked on a few grad student films, and decided Miami wasn't for me. Moved home for the summer with plans to move to Utah to go to U of U, but got sidetracked when I started dating Marcelo. Moved to SLC for 3 days, changed my mind, and moved home. Marcelo and I were engaged a few days later.
20 - Got married. Went to the Dominican Republic. Bought a house. Worked at a lawyer's office and had a one hour daily commute to go to school for Radio and TV Communications.
21 - Worked at a local college. Bought another house. Finished school. Took Marcelo to Colombia for the first time.
22 - Got pregnant. Worked at the local newspaper, for a company that produced two TV shows. Best job ever, especially while preggo. Had Diego.
23 - Loved being a stay at home mom. Went on a family cruise to the Bahamas. Worked doing translations whenever they came along. Got pregnant again. Went on a family vacation to Utah.
24 - Had Celo. Got a nice camera and started my little photography biz. Worked making digital scrapbooking kits online when it came along. Took the kids to Texas (sans husband) to say bye to my military bro before he left for Kuwait.
25 - Worked doing translations and scrapbooking here and there. Went to Arizona (sans hubby and kids) for my cousin's wedding. Continued working on the photography biz when opportunities arose. Took the kids to Colombia (just a couple of weeks before turning 26).
26 - Got pregnant again. Started writing articles online. Started getting steady photoshoots every month.
27 - This year I'll have a baby, and hopefully will somehow keep working on the photography thing. We'll see how that works out!

I just realized I've never not worked for a long period of time. I've been so blessed to be able to do little side gigs from home to help out. They've always come along exactly when we've needed them. But how in the world is that going to be possible with 3 kids??

We've also been really blessed to travel pretty frequently. I've gone somewhere almost every year. Pretty sure this will be a travel-less year. Maybe 28 will say "Family vacation to Italy." Wait. Not 28. Maybe 58. Funded by my children. ;)

My Bday

My "golden" birthday was great! It's good to be 27. Even if a six year old in church today tried to rob me of 6 years. The kids all sang a birthday song to me in primary today, and a few kids started whispering, "How old is she?" A six year old boy very matter of factly said, "She's in her thirties. She's 33." Not yet, young lad. But thanks.

So Friday night's seviche (ceviche, whatever) was delicious. And the tres leches cake was yummy. Oh, yeah, and hanging out with family was fun, too. :)

On Saturday, the kids gave me my much anticipated make up. I couldn't believe how well they did! They bought me two different nail polishes that I loved, mascara, lip gloss, and foundation. The only thing I had to return was the foundation. Amazingly, they chose the right color, but I don't wear foundation, so I exchanged it for eye shadow. Diego wanted me to wear everything right away, but the poor confused boy thought the bright red nail polish he bought me was lipstick. He was pretty sad that I couldn't put it on my lips.

In the morning, my parents, hubster, kids, and I made the one and a half hour trek to IKEA. Loooove that store. I had my staple for breakfast: toast with cream cheese and strawberry jelly. Then my dad bought me a Boston Cream donut for "second breakfast". (I have two breakfasts while preggo. And yes, this post will talk about food a lot.)

I bought a bunch of little things at IKEA. Mostly things for Eliana's room. And some kitchen gadgets. That's what happens when you're a mom. The most exciting things become things for your kids and things for your kitchen. At least for me. A new garlic press? YES! 99 cent spatulas? Hooray! The major bummer was that the number one thing on my IKEA shopping list was nowhere to be found! I wanted to get new silverware for the kiddos (I looove their kiddie silverware, plates, bowls, and cups), but they were out! Oh well. I guess I'll have to go back soon. Big sacrifice.

After our shopping trip, we went to lunch. I chose TGIFridays for ONE reason. Okay, two reasons. ONE: Their delicious chipotle steak sandwich with sweet plantains on top. TWO: Their fabulous virgin mojitos. And guess what? That steak sandwich is discontinued!! I was so bummed. At least I got my moijto. Afterwards, my uncle called to wish me a happy bday. I relayed the steak sandwich story to him because I knew he would understand. I said, "For me, my birthday is all about the food." He said, "For me, life is all about the food." Someone gets me.

When we got home, I took a heavenly nap, and then Marcelo took me to Target to finish our day of shopping. This time I actually bought something for me and only me. But I also bought Eliana the cutest rug ever for her room. Love it!

And then the major spoiling set in. I was still a tad bit bummed that I had missed out on that steak sandwich, so Marcelo said, "What will satisfy your food cravings?" I said, "Sushi." And my wish was granted. We picked up some sushi and I sat down in front of the tv to eat it at 10pm. And it was dang good.

Stop judging me. I'm 7 months pregnant.

Pre-Birthday

Today on March 26th, I am enjoying my last day of being 26. I ate some sushi, drank a Pepsi, and in a few minutes, I'm going to eat a piece of Key Lime Pie. Tonight, I'm eating my all time favorite food: Seviche! YAY! Can't wait. I've been thinking about it for days. For dessert, I'll eat Tres Leches cake. Can you tell it's all about the food for me? Especially while pregnant. Tomorrow will be a fun day, too.

Last night I went to get a haircut (nothing drastic, pictures to come), and the boys went out to buy me a birthday present. Marcelo let the kids pick out what they wanted to get me, and then tried really hard to get them to grasp the concept of keeping a secret. As soon as I got home, Celo said, "Mommy, I bought you make up!" I said, "Shhhh, you're not supposed to tell me. It's a secret." So Diego said, "Mommy, we bought you make up. SHHHHHH!!!!!" Then Celo said, "And I bought you a dress so you can twirl around." I didn't even know he knew the word "twirl". I asked Marcelo about this one and he said, "You can be sure we didn't buy you a dress. I have no idea how to pick out dresses."

I can't wait to see what kind of make up they picked out. I think it's hilarious that Diego thought the thing I would want most is make up. Especially because he never even sees me put it on. Marcelo says I have to wear it no matter what. Should be interesting!

If you're wondering what to get me, I'll make it easy for you: A Canon 5D Mark II camera. It's only $2500. You can all chip in and it should be no big deal. But I'll also be fine with a Kitchen Aid Mixer. (Only about $300.) I'm low maintenance like that. :) OR, for those of you on a budget, you can come clean my house. Weekly. Sound good? THANKS GUYS!!

Totally kidding. :)

Crazy Celo

On Sunday in nursery, the teacher asked the kids to look into a mirror and say, "My name is ____. I am a child of God." All of the kids participated and did as they were told. Except for Celo. When it was Celo's turn, in a monotone, robotic voice, he said, "My name is Puppy. I. Am. A. Robot."

That kid thinks he's so funny.

10 Weeks Left!

Actually 10 weeks or less. 10 weeks if I make it to my scheduled c-sec, less if Eliana shows up early like her brothers.

I look so tired in this picture. Like I could fall asleep standing up. That feeling is never going away, is it?

In Potty News

I know I already posted today, but I keep forgetting to share my good news!

Celo has been 100% potty trained for over a month now. This means even during naps and nighttime. We started in the middle of January and by the middle of February he was a potty pro. One month to get the kid potty trained! Perhaps that sounds like a very long time to moms who do it in a week or less, but I never quite figured out how to do that, so this for me has been wonderful! With Diego it took 3 months to get him to stop having daytime accidents, and another few months to get him to stop having nighttime accidents. But Celo wants to be just like his big brother, so that made this a lot easier. He thinks he's just as big as Diego and is always very upset when I have to break the news to him that he is not 4.

Celo: I four.
Diego: No, you're not, Celo. I'm four.
Celo: Yes, I four!!
Diego: No, you're 2.
Celo: Moooommmy!! Diego say I not four!
Me: That's because you're not 4. You're 2.
Celo: No!! I FOOOOUUUUURRRRR."

Anyway, now I can enjoy a few diaperless months before I'm back to changing diapers every couple of hours 'round the clock. Hurray for little victories!

I'm Not Happy and I'm NEVER Going to Be Happy

That's what Diego, King of Drama, has been saying today. Well, that and this:

Me: Markers are for paper. You are writing on your toys, so I'm taking away the markers.
Diego: I'm NEVER going to get to write with markers again?

Me: Celo is getting a treat because he ate all his food. You can have a treat when you finish your food.
Diego: Celo finished first. I NEVER finish first. I'm NEVER going to get a treat.

(All of this said with a pouty lip and arms folded firmly across his chest.)

Who needs a girl when you've got this kind of drama?

The Big Move - Before and After Pictures

The boys have been sleeping in the same room for almost a week now. So far it has been alright. It could definitely be worse.

Last Saturday when my mom brought the boys home, I announced that we had a surprise for them. I led them into their new room and watched Diego's face light up. He had a big smile on his face as he looked around taking it all in. Then he said, "I LOVE IT!" I couldn't have asked for a better reaction. He didn't want to leave the room. He sat on his bed looking around at everything and couldn't stop smiling! Super cute. Celo seemed to really like it, too, but was very upset when he realized that the crib was for him and the bed was for Diego. He whined and cried and said he wanted to sleep in a big boy bed. Sorry buddy, but two days was not enough to paint two bedrooms, replace baseboards, put up wainscoting, rearrange furniture, AND build and stain a bed. So the bed transition will happen in a few weeks.

So far this is the nightly routine. We put them in bed at 8:30. We let them talk and play until 9. (Diego has a clock and knows they're supposed to stop talking when it says 9.) At 9 we remind them that it's time to go to sleep. At 9:30 we remind them again. Between 9:30 and 10:00 Diego tries to go to sleep but Celo does everything he can to keep him awake. "DIEGO! Talk to me! DIEGO!" Diego tells on him. "Celo won't let me sleep. Celo is doing something he's not supposed to do." At 10 (sometimes 10:30) we threaten Celo's life and he finally stops talking. Rule #1 of moving your kids into the same room: Do not do it on the very same night of Daylight Savings Time. Their schedule has been off all week, which doesn't help them get to bed any earlier. To them, 10pm is really 9pm.

My perfectionist side didn't want to post pictures until we've completely finished everything, but here I go anyway.

BEFORE:

And AFTER:
The closet is still going to get painted white. And Celo is getting a bed just like Diego's.We still have to hang up Diego and Celo's names on the wall. And in case you're wondering, I was lazy this time and only painted the road. The cars and airplanes are decals. It took Celo 3.5 seconds to try to peel them off the wall the first day. But he hasn't touched them since!My sister-in-law gave me this table and chairs a few years ago and we FINALLY painted it this weekend.

BEFORE: AFTER:
Still needs a second coat and hasn't been put in the boys' room yet.

I'll post pictures of Eliana's room when it's closer to being finished. Let's just say the wall is BRIGHT TURQUOISE with white wainscoting on the bottom half and I love it.

Newborn Photoshoots

I've updated my photography blog with the newest newborn shoots I've done. Check them out HERE if you'd like.

Makes me sooooo ready for a newborn of my own! That poor girl is going to think her mommy's face is a big black camera.

My Little Meanie

Today Celo said something so mean, that it made my jaw drop.

Diego was pestering him and trying to take away his sippy cup. Celo kept telling him not to take it, but Diego wouldn't stop trying. Finally, the wheels in Celo's head turned as he thought, "What can I say to get him to stop trying to take my drink? Oh! I know." This is what he said:

"No, Diego! Don't touch my drink! It has CHEESE on it! You gonna get CHEESE on you hands!!"


I couldn't believe it. Was he really using Diego's allergies against him?!? It was a complete lie. There was no cheese anywhere in sight. I couldn't believe that his little 2 and a half year old mind understood that Diego can't touch cheese and that he thought to USE it as a way to get Diego to leave him alone.

I'm very very scared of what the future may hold for this little meanie.

The Big Move

Tomorrow is the big day! Diego and Celo are going to start sharing a room. I'm very nervous about it.

My wonderful, amazing parents took the kids last night and aren't bringing them back until tomorrow night. Thanks to them, we're getting two full days to tackle projects and get the rooms ready. Marcelo had to work today, so I spend the ENTIRE DAY painting Celo's old room and Eliana's new room. My arms are tired. Marcelo will be replacing baseboards tonight, and then tomorrow we'll move the furniture back in and do all the finishing touches. I'll post before and after pictures later.

Preggo moment of the day: When Marcelo got home from work, he looked at all I had done and told me I did a great job. I said, "I was hoping to get more accomplished. It kind of makes me want to cry that I didn't get more done." He was like, "What are you talking about? You got a ton done! You worked hard....wait...are you really tearing up?" I said, "I just wanted to paint the closets, too, but I didn't get that far. And this wall still needs another coat." I looked at the wall where the racecars I once painted for Diego used to be, and then I fell into a heap on Diego's tarp covered bed and started bawling my eyes out. My sweet husband could tell exactly what the REAL issue was right away. He said, "Are you sad because you painted over the racecars?" I nodded. "Are you sad because they're growing up?" I nodded and bawled some more. And now I'm crying as I type this. I was so sad to paint over those racecars and I was so sad to paint over the animals in Celo's room. I painted those animals 4 and a half years ago for Diego. Painting over them means no more baby boys. I'm so sad that they're growing up so fast. And they're only 4 and 2!!!!! I'm such a wreck. I know that the boys are going to have so much fun sharing a room and that everything is going to be fine. But I'm still so sad that my big boy Diego isn't going to have his own room anymore. I really really hope he likes what we did in his new room because I don't want him to be upset that Eliana is "taking" his old room.

Okay, I need to stop talking about that because I can't stop crying about it. I think something is wrong with me.

My biggest fear is that the big move will mean the end of my boys' wonderful sleeping habits. Both still take great naps and bedtime is relatively easy. I'm scared that now bedtime will mean 2 hours of trying to get them to stop talking and go to sleep. Then there's the light issue. Diego refuses to sleep without a nightlite, and Celo won't go to bed unless there's complete darkness. No idea how we're going to resolve this issue. I guess we'll find out tomorrow! Wish us luck!

Lessons from the Hardware Store

Last night during dinner, we talked to the boys about what had happened at the grocery store. We told them that it wasn't nice to say mean things about people and that by saying, "That man is not nice," they could have hurt that man's feelings.

About an hour later, Marcelo took the boys to the hardware store. They spotted a man with tattoos all over his body and started saying, "That man's not nice." Marcelo told them to stop, but they said it again, so he decided to teach them a lesson. He walked over to the man, explained the situation, and made the boys apologize. He says the boys were really shy about it, but that they did say sorry, and kept their mouths shut after that. Only time will tell if they actually learned a lesson.

No one has ever told them that people with tattoos or torn pants are "not nice". Where is this coming from?

Pregnancy Brain

I was stressing out today because I had to take the boys with me to Diego's VPK registration, and I thought it was going to be a nightmare. I've heard that the lines are really long and was guessing I'd spend a miserable 45 minutes (at least) trying to keep the kids occupied while we waited for our turn.

I got the boys some McDonald's and pulled into the hotel where the VPK registration was supposed to be. The parking lot was completely empty. I was like, "Score! I'm early. I won't have to wait." I started getting the double stroller out of the van. (Keeping the kids strapped in was my only hope of getting through this.) Just then, a nice man came up to me and said, "Can I help you with something?" I said, "No thanks, I'm fine. I'm just here for the VPK registration." He said, "That's not here." I pulled out my flyer and verified the address. He said, "Yup. That's us. But we've been closed for two weeks because of a fire." Great. No phone number on the flyer either. I got back into the car and called Diego's school. When the director answered, I said, "I'm here at the hotel to register for VPK and they said it's closed because of a fire." She said, "Oh, that's not until May." I looked down at the flyer again and there it was: May 10th. Not March 10th. May. I apologized and hung up feeling like a complete idiot for not knowing how to read. I was two months early.

My mom texted me a little while later to make sure everything had gone okay. I explained the March 10th/May 10th mixed up. And you know what she said??? "Oh. But today is March 8th."

I blame it all on pregnancy brain.

Flustered and tired, I made a quick stop at the grocery store. I was very focused on finding the items on my list, and was barely paying attention to what the boys were saying to each other. I heard one of the store employees laughing at them and snapped out of my daze to pay attention. They had spotted a man who was wearing a bandana around his head, a chain on his pants, and a big giant hole in the back pocket of his jeans. A hole that gave a clear visual of his black underwear. He was carrying an infant carrier with a little newborn baby boy. That's when I heard what my judgemental sons were saying. "That man's not nice!! He has a hole in his pants. He's showing his underwear! He's not nice!! He's not a nice man!" I shushed them and explained that what they were saying wasn't very nice. We don't know that man. He could be a very nice man. Geez, judgy judgersteins.

Then we turned down another aisle and Diego and Celo burst into hysterical laughter. "THAT MAN HAS A TAIL!!! That's funny!!! He has a TAIL!!!!" They were howling in laughter. I turned to see what they were looking at, and sure enough...a man with a tail. Well, not really. A grocery store employee was stocking shelves. Tucked into his back pocket was a feather duster. The duster looked like it was coming out of the top of his pants. Just like a poofy, feathery tail. I started cracking up. To me, it was just a feather duster. To them, the funniest sight they had ever seen. The man with the tail kept his eyes on what he was doing, but he was laughing, too.

Totally needed that laugh today.

When Will It End?

Celo is sick again. AGAIN. He started coughing and wheezing the other night, and now he's on the nebulizer. Oh, and an antibiotic for an ear infection. Marcelo was deathly ill this week, too. He stayed home for 3 days with a sinus infection, ear infection, and respiratory infection. He was miserable. Here is a picture of the sick helping the sick.Celo stared at Sesame Street in a daze as he got his meds. Elmo is pretty funny.Meanwhile, Diego focused on a Lightning McQueen puzzle.But then he got jealous that I was taking pictures of Celo and started posing for me. "Mommy take one of me like this."Sorry it's blurry, but here's Celo a little happier after his treatment. He "rocks the onesie". (American Idol, anyone?)