Death in our Sleep

Oh the stories of a three year old.

Daniel was having a pretty hard time last night. He didn't want to eat the wonderfully delicious meal I'd prepared- stuffed potatoes, all with tomatoes, cheese, broccoli, green onions and salad. We've been eating on the healthier side so I can process some of the food for Coral. Obviously, this is not something Daniel is use to in our home. The result of healthy food and a little boy who didn't take a nap- a dinner plate thrown on the floor. This was a first, believe it or not. And I kept wondering if I should switch and give him our plates instead of his cheap .99 cent plastic ones from Walmart!

We put him straight to bed for punishment and listened to him scream for about five minutes- then he was out until 7:00 am this morning. Carlo chuckled to himself while Daniel was crying himself to sleep and said, "I think he's in their planning how to murder us tonight." It might not seem funny right now, but it was just the comic relief we needed at the moment.

Peas Make You Poop

Coral has been eating peas. I was holding her on my lap Tuesday and she started pushing with all her might. She had pea poop all the way up to her neck. Never, ever have I seen such a mess. I left everything on the changing table and carried her arms length to the kitchen sink.

Meanwhile, Daniel was running around in his room trying not to fall asleep. All of the sudden, I heard something huge hit his door, followed by screaming and crying. Daniel was lying on the floor with a bruised ear and tears running down his cheeks. Finally, he said, "I was running around in circles waiting for you to tell me to come out and I ran into the door." I just laughed and laughed imagining him missing the turn in his circle and running into his door!

That is about all the excitement I have this week!

Welcome!

I'd like to welcome my Mother and Father-in-law to my blog. They've been trying to get on for awhile, and through trial and error, were finally able to view their grandbabies! May they view the blog religiously . . .

On to other matters- I pulled the jam out of the fridge yesterday to make Daniel a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and looked at the label. I have often wondered if I buy jam or jelly. Lo and behold, it says preserves! Then I notice above that it says "No Preservatives." How can I be eating preserves with no preservatives?! I'm confused.

Here is some artwork of Daniel's. His farm lesson asked him to paint a brown horse and this is what he gave me! I'm not sure if it was coincidence or if he's a genius. So, check out the bottom left of the painting. It even looks like there are legs!




Then in honor of Grandparent's Day, he did these pictures. The two little lines on the bottom of Grandma's picture are legs!

Hi Grandma and Grandpa

Just woke up!

Hi Grandma

Preparation Baby Food

We made a little treck to Babies R Us today and now have rice cereal, a baby food processor (the one from Daniel doesn't work so well anymore), Bibsters and trays to freeze baby food. Coral is stepping into a whole new world of taste- well, if only she could step!

Here are today's pictures! I think Coral's outfit speaks her name and Daniel had to have his picture taken as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle- not his Halloween costume, just a hand-me-down from his fav cousins!

Mondays are even Bad for Stay-at-Home Moms

I woke up at 4:00 am to feed Coral and had a sore throat. The whole day I felt like a 200 lb bar bell was strapped across my shoulders.

Even so, I decided to venture on and try feeding Coral solids. I curse the day I put away the high chair. It took me about two hours to reassemble the thing from when I took it down and stored it after Daniel. Of course, I had my handy helper (Daniel) who wasn't so handy, but I finally managed to figure out which screw went where so Carlo wouldn't mock my reconstruction when he came home. Coral was screaming bloody murder by this time and the first take of solids did not go so well. The evening episode went much better- she would let me know with a little fussy cry that she wanted more and would kick with excitement when the spoon made its way towards her mouth.

After breakfast, I called my mom to tell her I fed Coral solids and found out from her boss that she wasn't in for this reason, and I quote, "Her brother-in-law had a stroke." What a great way to find out bad family news. The sum of the story, and a day's worth of waiting for a phone call, is he's in the hospital with a blood clot in his brain. He's paralyzed on the right side and can't speak. Earlier today, he was given an experimental drug and only time will tell. Please keep him in your prayers as he is in ours.

And to top off a most wonderful day, I left Daniel in the bathtub to get Coral dressed for bed (not a bathtub horror story) and I heard him yell "It's all gone. Can I have more please?" The only thing I could think of that could be all gone was the shampoo. Sure enough, he had taken the brand new bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby wash and emptied it into his tub water. Now that was some soapy water. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or scream. We even had to turn on the shower to rinse off the water. I'm pretty sure it was 40% water and 60% shampoo in that tub.

May my evening go better and my husband get home soon.

On a super positive note, here are the wonderful sisters in my ward planning the best ever food storage enrichment for next month. Without them, I would be hopelessly lost!

Single Mom

I'm sitting in my room on the computer when I notice it is completely silent in the other room. Just a few moments ago, Daniel was watching one of Coral's Baby Einstein videos (per his request). After a quick peek, I find Daniel asleep on the couch with Nala (his sleeping companion) and the TV turned off. I suppose he decided he was tired! He has given up his naps lately, so we've converted to quiet time. We all need a nap every now and then.

If I ever want a good chuckle, I see what position I can find Coral asleep in.


Daniel has been obsessed with school for a few months now. I'm not sure he really understands the concept, but then again, when I take a step back and watch him, I realize he understands more than I give him credit for.

His pediatrician recommended a school in the box program and I found one I just love at www.preschoolcorner.com. We did our first class today and Daniel kept begging for more. Then we ate our healthy lunch that goes along with this months theme- Farm. He did a super job making the duck for the craft. And Coral munched on little Curious George.






I've been a single mom this week while Carlo has been gone for training. He finally comes home tonight! I have completely missed the love of my life and can hardly wait to be in his arms when I meet him at the airport.

My BF came in to visit for a few days to keep me company. It was sure much easier to hang out when we didn't have kids! Daniel doesn't really like her 16 month old and it was stressful trying to keep him away from her the whole time. I totally felt like a child abuser as I attempted to keep him in control. Of course I lost control and he never gained it during those moments. You'd never think a three year old could be so nasty, but I've heard it's only the beginning. Thankfully, Paula watched the kids for us one night while we went out. That was a well needed break and we had some good laughs and conversation.

We also managed to play some volleyball and it was her first time in six years! She was awesome. And of course I LOVE volleyball- can't miss my weekly playtime. And we slipped in some shopping. Daniel is now sporting some new AirWalks and I am a terrible mother. He's been wearing a size too small. I just bought him new shoes three months ago! He's a monster- size 11 1/2 in kids! Carlo was glad to hear I finally took care of Daniel's feet.

It was sad to see our friends go, but nice at the same time to get our space back. Who knows when we'll get to see her little cutie of a girl again.

Why I am a Mother

My picture taking has become an obsession since I began blogging, but I have fallen short lately. I always think a post with a picture is a great combo- just like the Greek combo I ate the other night! But that's a later story.

On the way home tonight from visiting Grandma and Grandpa Hirschi, Coral was screaming bloody murder. Daniel happens to be sitting next to her at the moment as I have managed to squeeze three carseats in the back of my Toyota Corolla. My best friend is coming into town tomorrow with her little girl and we don't want to drive two cars everywhere! So, I digressed a little . . .

Daniel asks for her pacifier and proceeds to hold it in her mouth while calmly telling her it is okay. Coral fell asleep. A few moments later, he ever so quietly and gently pulls the paci from her mouth, puts it on her lap and whispers to me that she is asleep and to be very quiet. He's already a good babysitter at the age of three!

And why this moment was a turn in attitude for me- I was ready to kill him all day long! He had been hitting, throwing, crying, whining, running, screaming, spitting- you name it. I had my hands full with him. And to top it all off, I took Carlo to the airport this morning. He is in St. Louis doing training for work this week. I missed him before he even left!

But thank goodness my BF is coming to stay with me. She hasn't seen Coral yet and her little girl is walking around! It'll be fun. I love just hanging out and being crazy with her.

Oh, and we did go to the Greek Food Festival with my brother and his family on Friday night. The food was yummy! I have never liked Greek food, but now my mind has been swayed. It was fun to try baklava and many other things I can't spell much less pronounce! Then I tried my hand at some dancing, but could not figure out how to move my feet like the Greek dancers. Not much skill there in dancing. It was fun to watch and learn and taste!

And now Daniel is yelling at me from his bed . . .

Giant Children

Daniel has his three year well check and Coral had her four month well check. I would just like to say that Carlo and I are breeding a giant. Our pediatrician was amazed, let me write again, amazed at how big Daniel is. Daniel is almost in the 100 percentile for his height and weight- he is literally the size of an average four year old. A whopping 41 pounds and 41 inches tall. Yes, he is already big enough for a booster seat, which most children don't graduate to until they are five!

Now Coral on the other hand is our skinny minny. She is only 13 lbs and 4 ozs and around 24 inches long. So, she is a little above average for her height and average for her weight. How different it is to have a tiny baby for a change!

Daniel was the bravest little boy at the doctor's office and kept smiling at me and telling me how good he was doing. The boy didn't even cry when he had his shot! What a trooper! He was just happy to be there. I'm telling you- not a normal kid . . .

Poor Coral cried and has slept pretty much since then. Twelve hours last night and on here second nap for today. She is also running a fever, but she did last time. I hate to see her not smiling and moving all over the place. It was nice to get twelve hours last night though.

Pictures and Stories

My precious, sleeping angel.



Daniel told me while I was doing dishes that he made a house. I was quite impressed with his "skills".



Daniel feeding Coral for his first time. See his enthusiasm. This bottle resulted in a lot of harm. I fed her soy formula and she's allergic. Yep, vomiting every five minutes for two hours. I was CRYING. I did not like seeing my little princess (Daniel thinks he's a princess too) so sick. I see the doctor today for a well check and I'll ask him about it.



Daniel's new pajamas! He's obsessed and tells me I have to call him Superman!



And Coral has finally found her toes!

The Wii.

If I buy Vanessa the Wii, she is going to have to tell me how awesome I am every morning I wake up and every evening before I go to bed for a month.

My Sleeping Babies

Too Much this Week

I swear this is going to be the longest blog ever! So, if you don't want to take the time to read it, I promise you can still be my friend!

First of all, Daniel's birthday was so much fun! i surprised him in the morning with Curious George galore. He loved it! Then he was able to open two presents- one from each set of grandparents. He was given a Curious George stuffed animal that tumbles and the game "Chute and Ladders". I'm so excited to play board games with him.

We went to the park in the morning with a few of his friends to share some cupcakes. The kids were all so messy with frosting all over their faces! It was so cute. Then we went home and my sister, Aunt Jenny, picked him up for lunch and gave him some treats and water guns for his present. He loves his Aunt Jenny!

I was able to get him to finally nap around 4:00 pm and then it was time to get up and get ready for the family birthday party. They arrived at 7:00 pm and then we opened presents and had cake. The art easel was a success, along with the guitar my parents gave him. My brother and sister-in-law bought the dry erase markers and chalk for the easel. He has played with that easel non stop and drags it into whichever room I happen to be occupying!

The next day I woke up to silence. Daniel was in his room coloring on his easel! Oh what a blessed toy. Then we went to my mom's house and met my Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin for lunch at Famous Daves- yummy! Afterward, Grandma Baldwin bought Daniel some winter clothes for his birthday. I've been so worried about warm clothes for him too! Yes, I know Vegas still has a few more hot months, but I like to be prepared! Oh, and the whole time he was begging to go home so he could play with his easel and open his guitar. That was a first- wanting to be home!

My friend, Valerie, and I took a little outing on Thursday evening to Claire's. Yep, I had my ears repierced finally. I had them pierced for the first time two years ago, but that only lasted two months because I let them close on accident. Now I feel all beautiful with my shiny earlobes!

On Friday evening, we made a quick trip to the lake for some boating. Some old acquaintances/new friends invited us out and it was alot of fun. Carlo even got some wakeboarding in and got up for the first time ever. He tried once before a few years ago, but was not successful. It was a really fun evening.

Daniel and Carlo



Carlo and Coral



Daniel and Chloe



What a stud, Carlo!



And no pictures of Mommy because she was behind the camera.

One final note . . . or maybe two.

Daniel woke up in the middle of the night to go pee and we were both half asleep. He didn't push his "boy part" down and peed straight out and all over my leg. That woke me up! He was still half asleep though. No more water to sit by his bed.

And, on the way home from the lake, Carlo and I were so tired and we were grumpy with each other. I was speaking (I hate to admit) a little "too loudly" at Carlo and this was the conversation that followed:

Daniel: Mommy are you mad at Carlo (he calls him Carlo lately)?

Me: Yes, I am.

Daniel: You shouldn't yell at Daddy.

Me: (Didn't say anything because my three year old was putting me in my place.)

Daniel: Say sorry to Carlo Mommy.

Me: (Shame and amusement in my voice) I'm sorry Daddy.

Out of the mouths of babes . . .