tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90323716220366135752012-01-16T10:46:37.717-08:00I'm a mama. I'm a wife. I love kisses.Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.comBlogger2131100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-72484344630103618232011-10-24T14:22:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:47:18.677-07:00

I have absolutely no idea if anybody will even read this considering how long I've been gone...but I'll give it a go anyway.So yeah, I'm thinking about coming back to this blog. There's been a lot I've been wanting to write lately and I'm missing this outlet. But I've got to be honest, I'm totally out of the blogging loop so I'm hesitating a bit. Also, I'm not sure if I'm ready to put myself

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-58391541405314188902010-05-29T12:43:00.001-07:002010-05-29T12:58:29.061-07:00

Yep, it's been over two months since my last post. Am I alive? Am I OK? Am I still on the search for balance?Yes. Yes. And yes.It's amazing to me to think about all that's happened in the past year or so. So much life has been lived. So many ups and so many downs. Lately, things have been good. Busy. Sometimes hard, but good. In that quest for balance that I left you all with a couple of

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-89998266682902902692010-03-19T15:08:00.000-07:002010-03-19T15:19:07.997-07:00

So last week I went and got a pedicure after work. I slept in this morning until almost 10 since Isela woke up for almost an hour each time twice last night (very unusual for her). Today I got my hair cut. I'm going to get my brows done in a bit. Tonight I'm going out with my BFF since like 6th grade since she's visiting from the East Coast. I'm joining the YMCA that is soon opening near our

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-57145352594315732122010-03-16T19:21:00.000-07:002010-03-16T20:22:05.865-07:00

I'm loving hearing from all of you...tell me more!Like I've said before, I'm always juggling at least two to three things at the same time...whether I like it or not. So now that I have more time, I have more time to juggle, not necessarily do things for myself. I'm feeling like it's just a fact of my current life, but the more I hear from you all the more I'm thinking I may need to put my foot

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-8873621200476069992010-03-15T20:37:00.000-07:002010-03-15T22:36:30.707-07:00

When people hear that I work part-time, three days a week, I often hear that it must be a nice "balance". This is after all why I went part-time, right? To find some balance? Well, I kept reminding myself of this when I found myself overwhelmed over the past few weeks. I reminded myself that I should be happy because I do finally have this elusive "balance", right? Or at least, I'm supposed

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-10623241792584959262010-03-09T20:32:00.001-08:002010-03-09T20:38:21.301-08:00

but yesterday I remembered that this weekend we spring forward. I was actually really looking forward to the time change, but now, not so much. I'm hoping Joaquin won't go to bed any later than 7:30 or 8...but Isela will be a completely different story. Tonight she didn't go to bed until just after 8, so in time-change-land that is just after 9.Nooooooooo!There goes my evenings.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-77626083828028486882010-03-08T19:37:00.001-08:002010-03-08T20:34:04.257-08:00

Over the past year or so, Joaquin has gone on a few nap strikes and each one drove me batty. He would just refuse to nap, but then would be super insane until bed time. Yeah, he went to bed early, but the afternoon of hell totally didn't make it worth while...until now.He started skipping naps again a few days a week in the past week or two, but now he's totally cool all afternoon...and then he

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-58703178806756612192010-03-07T21:09:00.000-08:002010-03-09T08:59:06.652-08:00

Yesterday Joaquin went to my parent's for most of the day. They try and snag him any chance they can get and as you know, we had a bunch of stuff to do. Well, today started out like any other day, totally mellow and no conflicts, but all of a sudden Joaquin started saying that he wanted to go back to Lita's (my mom's) house. He then proceeded to tell me that I'm boring and that he was going to go

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-50119056018340679362010-03-06T21:36:00.000-08:002010-03-06T22:57:02.770-08:00

It's been raining quite a bit around here lately, well quite a bit for San Diego, so we haven't been getting out into the yard as much as we would like. Not only have we not been getting out there, the rain has encouraged weeds to simply take over the property.We had a few available hours today before the rain was supposed to hit, but there is just so much to do we didn't really even know where

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-13471620030790259012010-03-05T21:12:00.000-08:002010-03-05T21:30:56.081-08:00

We had an easel outside for Joaquin to paint, but with all the rain lately I dragged it inside and gave him a bunch of markers instead. Since then he has been drawing all the time and he's so excited about being able to actually make drawings rather than just scribbles. Well, they may still look like scribbles to you...but in my mama eyes they're fabulous works of art!Portrait of his mama...he

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-66173131860960022272010-02-22T20:28:00.000-08:002010-02-22T23:33:38.920-08:00

I'm now officially part time, yep, 60%. I work Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday with Monday and Friday off. It feels like a ton has been lifted off my shoulders!It was a long nearly three months, but I made it. We all made it. I feel like Isela has grown up so much in the past couple of months, it's crazy. She's pretty ready to start crawling, she gets on all fours and bounces back and forth.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-78038595396998322002010-01-25T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-25T09:35:07.679-08:00

I can't believe January is almost over. Since I went back to work the week after the new year, the days have been flying by. I go to work in the morning and come home in the afternoon where Dan passes the baton on to me and he runs off to work until late into the evening. It's an exhausting schedule, but I should be going down to part-time in a couple of weeks. Thank goodness, because I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-67092925589204721382009-12-30T11:29:00.000-08:002009-12-30T11:46:32.116-08:00

So I should be cleaning the floors so they're ready for the furniture that will be coming soon, but since I'm currently kid free and a bit giddy...I thought I'd blog instead...lucky you!Here is our first morning...I know this is a waste of paper...but it was either he play with paper towels or screws. Sometimes a mom must just pick her battles.And here is Lita, coming to save the kids from the

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-62345092681859207632009-12-29T22:34:00.000-08:002009-12-29T22:39:23.837-08:00

Here we are...finally! The first night at our new place...

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-14068732415602131052009-12-18T11:21:00.000-08:002009-12-18T11:46:53.453-08:00

We closed on Tuesday and we have lots of work to do this next week, but hopefully we'll be able to move in the week after Christmas and before I have to come back to work.This isn't the best picture, but I will have plenty more coming so you all can see our progress on fixing things up. We of course want it to be super kid friendly but at the same time want it to look open, modern and keep it

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-506359071593716732009-12-17T11:03:00.000-08:002009-12-17T11:19:28.463-08:00

Two weeks...that was going to be the title of my post when I planned to write this post like 4 days ago. It had been two weeks since my last update. Not only was it my last update, it was also the last time I took pictures of my children! Shame on me...slap my wrists...I'm a bad blogger. So here are the pictures I meant to show you all from this weekend. Seriously. The cuteness. I can't

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-59204265805472580112009-11-29T20:40:00.000-08:002009-11-29T20:53:41.686-08:00

Since I'm going back to work tomorrow I decided to relax and enjoy a few hours at my parent's house. Dan got to watch football with my dad and I got to hang out with my mom and the kids outside in the just-after-a-rain fresh air. Send me all the positive vibes you got for tomorrow...I'm determined to stay positive and enjoy my time at work as best I can. There's no point to being miserable if I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-41372439712411819032009-11-28T20:34:00.000-08:002009-11-28T20:37:52.046-08:00

I can't believe I am now a mother to a three year old. Then...and now...I love you Joaquin...you are one awesome kid. Happy Birthday to my baby boy!

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-65647837434659279682009-11-24T19:55:00.000-08:002009-11-24T20:03:26.153-08:00

I've been avoiding this blog lately. It's not because I don't love you dear blog, it's because there are so many things going on right now, many of which I don't feel comfortable discussing just yet. There are many things very much in the air and I would rather wait until they came down onto solid ground before I start spilling any deets. But I will tell you this dear blog...I am going back to

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-25366226732555175032009-11-19T11:19:00.000-08:002009-11-19T12:28:37.745-08:00

Let's play a little game with a hypothetical situation, and see...What would you do?Let's say there are two parents in a given house. Parent A is in the shower with two small children. Let's say one is an infant in a water sling and the other is a few years old playing in the tub. Let's say you, as Parent B, hear the older child freak out so you come in to investigate to find that the infant

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-43829539886418503042009-11-01T09:01:00.000-08:002009-11-01T09:13:45.051-08:00

Joaquin went to bed wayyyy too late last night and woke up wayyyy too early. At 6:30, the new time, Joaquin shot right up and asked "Did Great Pumpkin take my candy?" He then frantically jumped out of bed and to the front door. In my half asleep stupor I still managed to grab the camera as I followed.Oh, and he's only asked for candy like three times, so good thing we have the firetruck to

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-14869410840983410662009-10-31T21:21:00.000-07:002009-10-31T21:52:38.326-07:00

Seriously. What a fabulous evening. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Before kids it was always about making an amazing costume for myself...some years were sluttier than others, but either way they were usually pretty great. Now I don't even care about dressing up, it's all about dressing up the kids and reliving the holiday through their eyes...so much better than

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-15140269353454863452009-10-29T20:42:00.000-07:002009-10-29T21:13:43.722-07:00

So we went back to Oma's Pumpkin Patch today with Dan. We all had a blast...not much to say, but lots more pics! Tomorrow we will be dressing up at playgroup...I can't wait to take a million pictures of my little pirate and his parrot!

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-24426886006235170122009-10-28T22:39:00.000-07:002009-10-28T23:02:01.178-07:00

Oh I should so be in bed right now! Both kids are asleep, I finished their Halloween costumes, watched some Glee (online), loaded a bunch of pictures on flickr and poked around on facebook and suddenly realized I still hadn't posted about Joaquin's swim class! Bad mama!On Tuesday Joaquin started his swim classes. Before we were in a playgroup swim class so I was in the water with him...but now

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-70243349041915891952009-10-25T21:16:00.000-07:002009-10-25T22:18:09.597-07:00

Over a week for another real post?!?! See, I told you this no napping thing was going to suck...but at least I don't have to suffer all alone. Yes you all have to suffer with my lack of posts due to my recent lack of alone time.Anyway, this week we went to Oma's Pumpkin Patch and the kids had a blast! Of course right after like 10 photos my camera died but luckily everybody else had a camera.I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-16152096652931147522009-10-24T10:26:00.000-07:002009-10-24T10:27:30.564-07:00

"CFC’s ongoing campaign to stop the false and deceptive marketing of baby videos has had an important success. We’ve persuaded the Walt Disney Company to offer a full refund to anyone who purchased a Baby Einstein DVD in the last five years. The refund is only available for a limited time, so please help us spread the word now."Read the rest and learn how to return your dvd here.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-78607702869387349012009-10-16T20:32:00.000-07:002009-10-21T21:15:30.511-07:00

It's been a long time coming, but Joaquin is finally slowly giving up his afternoon nap. This week he only went down twice. It was the two hours of the day where I could get what I needed to do around the house done, and now I'm losing it. While he is going to bed earlier, who really wants to clean and take care of chores at 7 or 8 at night? So I guess I'm going to have to figure out a way to

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-86201229668005381442009-10-11T22:42:00.000-07:002009-10-11T22:50:07.705-07:00

Pureed some veggies to save for later...Cooked a pumpkin...And it's seeds...Made some muffins...Bathed a baby....And made a kid smile...

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-53668281675226023662009-10-10T14:25:00.001-07:002009-10-11T10:33:37.892-07:00

I know, I know, I just had a baby two months ago, give myself a little bit of a break. It took months to feel human again after Joaquin and I looked it. But this time around I just jumped back into real life, no time to sit around and adjust to life with a newborn. In many ways it was much easier to get used to having two than to make that initial adjustment of a new baby. So I feel human, I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-61967744262821548422009-10-09T21:45:00.001-07:002009-10-09T22:33:28.561-07:00

That's what Joaquin calls her, and rightfully so.I just took Isela for her 2 month well baby check-up on Wednesday. She is in the 66th %ile for weight, 57th for height and her head? Well her head is in the 19th %ile. Yep, my baby has a small head. Oh well, it came in handy at the birth. Other than the small head and an interesting discussion about vaccines the appointment went well and Isela

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-68547644849649573412009-10-06T21:35:00.000-07:002009-10-06T22:15:21.011-07:00

Lately I've been really trying to step it up in the kitchen. For a good portion of the pregnancy and first 6 weeks or so with the baby, it's been lots of not so yummy goodness. Well except for when my lovely friends brought us their lovely dinners. Then there was some goodness!Anyway, a few weeks ago I used up one of my last freezer meals that I pre-prepared in those last few weeks of being

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-75319428472287972312009-10-02T16:06:00.001-07:002009-10-02T16:44:09.270-07:00

I don't know what I would do without our playgroups. They provide interaction & sanity for both Joaquin and I. The other kids are like Joaquin's classmates; learning and playing together. The moms are like my colleagues; we're also learning together by sharing our experiences and providing each other with the much needed support that so many of us don't get enough of these days. Here are a

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-35863334107981496482009-10-02T08:40:00.000-07:002009-10-02T08:57:04.221-07:00

There has been construction in front of my house on and off for the past year. Right now I'm listening to the lovely sound of a jackhammer at 8:30 in the morning. I'm kind of over it. We live on a street with mostly street parking and every other Monday and Tuesday we have to move our cars all over the place to clear a side for street sweeping. The week after I had the baby we forgot so we

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-59698683590740263082009-10-01T20:27:00.000-07:002009-10-01T20:41:34.763-07:00

Yep. That's how I walked out of the house two weeks ago when I went to my 6 week check up. I didn't realize it until I was taking off my bottoms and looked down at my mismatched flip flops. I kind of wanted to cry but instead decided to screw it and go to playgroup after wards anyway. I mean, it's not like the other toddlers care and I knew the mamas would understand. Yeah, they all gave me

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-22851926839676974642009-09-29T08:12:00.000-07:002009-09-29T08:19:49.595-07:00

I'm still alive and actually fairly well. I've just been trying to keep up with the kids and household which leaves me little time to play with pictures and blog. Don't get me wrong, I've taken lots of pictures, just haven't loaded them up and edited them. So what have I been doing? Well, I've been trying to get into the habit of meal planning and actually making these meals pretty much every

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-28606660492786946622009-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:002009-09-16T17:48:44.886-07:00

I've had a fever for the past two nights. I'm not sure why, but I think it's the threat of Mastitis, but not full blown since I'm not having super severe pain, just a dull ache. I seem to be feeling better at the moment since Dan took Joaquin to his parents and I got some extra sleep. My fingers are crossed that it blows over soon...I've heard how bad this can get and I so don't want it! So now

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-11469477976717542432009-09-15T19:45:00.000-07:002009-10-09T17:04:40.880-07:00

Yep, all four of us are in our bed. We are a co-sleeping (or co-bedding or bed-sharing or whatever) family and it works for us.I know you have some questions for me, probably something along the lines of...Why??? How did we get here? How do we do we manage to all fit safely? Do you actually sleep??Before I even had Joaquin, I was doing lots and lots of reading. I soon figured out that I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-87424588969583934332009-09-11T20:57:00.000-07:002009-09-11T21:10:39.740-07:00

For the past two days I have been spending any free moment I have making a new ring sling. I made one for Joaquin back when he was tiny, but I used it so much it was getting rather old and tattered. I found an awesome new fabric a bit ago that felt like was so me with lots of red, orange & yellow and have been meaning to make it for months. It was even on The List and all the sewing gear has

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-8502214681169747422009-09-08T21:52:00.000-07:002009-09-08T22:37:12.649-07:00

The past week has really started to feel better with Joaquin.All of the reassuring comments and reminders from you all saying that what we were going through was normal, really helped me put things back in perspective. I've also been doing some reading of some parenting books, the one that has really caught my attention is "It's a Boy! Understanding Your Son's Development from Birth to Age 18".

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-81070363041102401182009-09-03T21:42:00.001-07:002009-09-03T22:37:11.020-07:00

Yesterday was the first day back for all teachers in my school district. Of course I wasn't there, but what did I end up doing? I checked my district email like five times, called my former department co-chair for an update and went in today to "visit". What the heck is wrong with me?!?!I wanted out for so long so that I could spend some quality time taking care of my kids, and now that I am

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-25369141459200384002009-09-01T20:41:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:10:50.472-07:00

As promised, here is a more upbeat post with pictures from last week. Last Saturday we went to Dan's parents house so they could finally meet Isela. They had been out of town since the birth!Isela was really over the flash, but seriously, how can I resist?Dan's mom, Donna, with Isela...You know every mom takes those photos...yep, the baby on the lap shot.Last Wednesday Joaquin went to a puppet

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-31414183775431457542009-08-30T21:50:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:17:35.726-07:00

This past week has had it's ups and downs. I made a promise to myself last Monday morning that I would not yell at Joaquin. I felt like everything I was telling him was negative and often in not the nicest of voices. I did pretty good for most of the week. But I hate to say it; he's a handful and a half and as the week went on my patience grew more and more thin.I think we just really need to

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-45312226999044337482009-08-25T15:28:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:11:07.216-07:00

Nursing Joaquin did not start out well, so I've been kind of paranoid that things were also not going to go well with Isela.At the hospital her latch hurt a bit, and even though the nurse said it looked good, I still insisted they send the Lactation Consultant. She came and gave a few pointers and I also had her check for tongue tie. I did not want to go through that drama again and luckily

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-90771507457050192762009-08-24T17:27:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:11:15.146-07:00

Here are some pictures of last week...week two!On the first day of Isela's 2nd week of life we decided a trip to the zoo was in order, we even ate dinner at the fancy pants restaurant they have there...and I even had a glass of wine. Crazy stuff, I know. Not the best of pictures, but it's of the three of us on the Skyfari...Yep, I'm nursing while walking through the zoo...it can be done, and

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-3668569063811784912009-08-24T16:44:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:18:33.494-07:00

Here is the last bit, again loaded with pictures. Thanks for reading everybody and stay tuned for tons of pictures and plenty of updates of these two...they love the camera after all!Here are the obligitory links to parts one, two, three & four if you missed them...Part five of Isela Marí’s arrival: Finally HomeWe got home early Sunday afternoon, and Joaquin was still napping at my mom's house

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-6653787205652585752009-08-21T15:26:00.001-07:002009-09-01T22:10:12.068-07:00

Reducing Infant Mortality from Debby Takikawa on Vimeo.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-27445256412076033572009-08-21T15:09:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:11:25.043-07:00

I should have posted this sooner, but thank goodness the car was totally taken care of. We were able to pick it up that afternoon...no charge, no hassle!While it did cost us a good amount of stress that evening and the next day, at least it didn't cost us any $$$. I guess they had to change the gear shift housing??? Something went crazy with it which caused it to shut down the battery, which

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-32895094035659672572009-08-19T14:37:00.001-07:002009-09-01T22:11:25.043-07:00

Yep, I think that's the rationale Life has for me right now. Obviously, I was just doing too good of a job and everything was just wayyy too easy. So Life had to throw in a little wrench...you know, just to keep me on my toes. Yesterday afternoon I was going to make a quick run to Henry's. I had the kids all loaded up and we were ready to go. I put the key in my ignition and tried to turn it.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-54517591383232206662009-08-18T14:39:00.000-07:002010-12-19T22:06:29.554-08:00

Finally a part four and with lots of pictures! After I finish up five about our arrival home and slowwwly adjusting to life with two, I think I might take a break from these and eventually get to the compare and contrast down the road at some point. I just really want to get back to our regular life posts!Here are the links to parts one, two and three if you missed them!Part four of Isela Marí’

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-35824829707345245372009-08-13T20:15:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:09:37.787-07:00

Here is the 3rd, but not quite final installment of Isela's birth story! Here is the link to Part One and Two if you haven't read them yet. Also, if you're afraid of hearing about the gory details of childbirth or don't want to imagine them happening to me...you may not want to read on! Yes, that warning is for all the guys who are curiously checking this out...Part three of Isela Marí’s

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-78985021054632410152009-08-12T14:25:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:09:37.787-07:00

Here is the 2nd installment of Isela's birth story! Sorry for the cliff hangers, but I'm writing as I'm posting...the end isn't even written yet, I swear! Here is the link to Part One if you haven't read it. Part two of Isela Marí's arrival: It's Really Happening!Joaquin finally woke up around 7:30 and my contractions were just under 10 minutes apart and slowly getting more intense. When I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-91261326788999228842009-08-11T19:20:00.000-07:002009-09-01T22:09:37.788-07:00

Isela Marí was born on August 7th at 8:38 pm. She was 8pounds 4 oz (just like her brother) and 19 inches long.As I started writing this birth story, it slowly got longer and longer as I got all my thoughts and emotions down. I’m not one to sit and read multiple pages on a blog (or anywhere) so if you don’t mind, I’m going to break this down into multiple parts…I hope you enjoy!Part one of

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-58339279523227567892009-08-03T16:33:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:14:34.163-07:00

I had all these grand ideas of getting out of the house into the sunshine this week. Today those ideas just went right out the window. I wasn't feeling so hot this morning so my mom came and stole Joaquin from me and all I wanted to do was hide in our dark bedroom while watching Friends reruns on dvd.I feel guilty that my mom had Joaquin all day yet again. Guilty that I didn't get out into the

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-8476727884035156382009-07-31T18:56:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:15:01.699-07:00

I saw my midwife today and showed her that her silly prediction of 5 days from last Friday was obviously wrong. While logically I knew that it was a silly prediction, I couldn't help but get my hopes and nerves up. I really wish I hadn't.So today I had her do an internal and even strip my membranes. Yes, I was feeling that impatient! If you don't know what it is I'm talking about, you might

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-76135583661520709732009-07-31T09:44:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:15:51.579-07:00

I can't believe it's already been five years ago since Dan and I got married! Looking at these pictures, it blows my mind that now we have Joaquin and are about to have our 2nd!Yesterday we had an unexpected date night because my mom took Joaquin up to Bakersfield for the day to visit his new cousin. We went for a spicy dinner at the new El Zarape and I got some of the best Chicken Mole ever...

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-70879122722076830802009-07-28T21:19:00.001-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.315-07:00

While I've been feeling like *It* is getting closer and closer, I really don't think it's going to happen any time soon. As much as I swore that I wouldn't let my midwife's little prediction get to me, I'm actually kind of bummed. Why would she make such a bold statement? Doesn't she realize she's effing with a pregnant woman's emotions here?!?! Really, I'm much smarter than this!Oh well, I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-68078174250864046952009-07-27T22:56:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.316-07:00

THE List.* pull out all newborn diapers I found some fitteds & covers, still need to get out all the prefolds.* wash & dry them* pull out & divide all hand-me-downs Most of them are out and divided, just one more bag to go through.* wash them Washed what I found so far! I have one more basket to get in the wash!* soak all stained stuff* wash all new stuff* clean out the kid's room This is a

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-81378597604181546712009-07-26T22:02:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:17:37.126-07:00

Yesterday morning we finished up a few baby related items and after our luxurious family nap headed to my mom's. She was having some of my aunts and cousins over "just because", or so I thought. I walked in, to my cousins yelling "Surprise". I was confused, I knew they would be there, so seeing them wasn't too surprising, until they explained to me they were there for my shower! Ahhh, I see!

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-851202245443127882009-07-24T14:26:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.316-07:00

I just got home from my 38 week midwife appointment. It went well, but my midwife said she thinks I'm going to go within the next five days. (holy crap) She also said she thinks it's going to go pretty fast. (reeeeeally?) We didn't do an internal or anything, this is just what she thinks from our conversations and all my many contractions...I had three walking from the parking lot to the office!

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-57320709709906070402009-07-22T18:56:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:19:38.835-07:00

upside down...Playgroup swim class...Puzzles at a coffee shop...The kiddie pool & Lita's house...Thanks for all the understanding and not calling me a crazy pregnant lady...even though I am :)

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-8910967480214306842009-07-21T18:50:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:20:00.329-07:00

I'm on the verge of a total meltdown at a seconds notice. I'm thinking it could possibly have something to do with hormones, but I could be wrong. I've pinned it down to three things that have and will completely drive me off a cliff lately (not in any specific order)...#1...The stupid red gauze wrap of my imagination. I had this daydream of walking around the rest of this summer with my baby

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-23531216402607559672009-07-17T15:05:00.001-07:002009-09-01T22:18:33.495-07:00

I was laying next to Joaquin yesterday while he was napping. I was just staring at him, studying his little lips and nose and eyelashes. He looked so calm and innocent. I kissed his dirty forehead and sweet fingertips and all I could think was "I'm so sorry". He has no idea how upside down his happy world is soon going to become. I love him so much, I just can't help but wonder how in the

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-87945092380872032102009-07-15T18:51:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.317-07:00

Today at my Co-op group pick-up we got to Henna Tattoo my belly! Lorien, the co-op host was the artist and I have to say I'm very impressed by her work. As of tomorrow I'm 37 weeks, which means full term!! I really don't think I'll be having this baby anytime soon though...I say at least two more weeks...minimum. Please ignore my tired tired looking self. I woke up last night at 1:30 and

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-66240579729581551472009-07-13T21:42:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.317-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days that made me all warm and fuzzy inside and reminded me of just how lucky I am to have so many awesome people in my life. My dear friends Jacquie & Adrienne insisted on throwing a brunch in honor of Little Girl Brewer. I kind of felt weird about it at first because I didn't want people to feel obligated to get us gifts. So many people were already so incredibly

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-77636417366987386782009-07-08T15:57:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.317-07:00

We got the "going home" outfit in the mail today. It's perfect.I wanted something natural and comfortable looking. Something that she wouldn't be hot in with the warm weather, but still comfortably covered up. Something I could get in preemie size so it would actually fit her, so I can put it away and always remember it as her first outfit and for it to represent just how tiny she was!I didn't

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-50385883570887400772009-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.322-07:00

and then tomorrow we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming. My mom is stealing Joaquin again today. The parents are loving this. Here is part of what I did the past two days...This...Turned to this...Today will be filled with a few errands and maybe even a nap!! Crazy talk, I know. Thanks for all the supportive words, it really has helped get through this period of nesting insanity.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-18791097318738750432009-07-06T13:43:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.323-07:00

OK, yesterday was rough. I was super overwhelmed and my body was aching and tired from carrying Joaquin way farther than I should have after 4th of July fireworks. But I managed to get through a lot more than I thought!Today, Dan took Joaquin to his parents and my mom is going to take him again tomorrow. I am finally getting stuff done and actually crossed off!Any new updates are in purple

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-33924705834548515592009-07-05T13:48:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:16:48.323-07:00

My mom took Joaquin for the day and I'm attempting the two biggest tasks on THE List. Cleaning out the kid's room and organizing the dresser area. I am so overwhelmed. I want to cry. There is just too much stuff in here. I don't know where it all came from. I am seriously just starting to throw things out. I've cleaned out this room and re-organized it a number of times. I think I've even

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-33575202759714780302009-07-04T00:20:00.000-07:002009-07-04T00:48:59.824-07:00

I can't sleep.THE List keeps running through my mind. Honestly, I have not been able to cross out even one thing, which I think is pretty pathetic. I have at least, made some progress on a few things and have done some online searching to get on my way to cross out a few more...I hope.Unfortunately though, I've also added a few more items which makes me think this may be a never ending kind of

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-26263771358098181152009-07-01T14:44:00.001-07:002009-07-01T15:03:10.983-07:00

I attempted to nap with Joaquin today and ended up laying there going over thing after thing that I need to get done, but have no energy to actually do. I asked myself, "if I got up right now, what would I actually do?" My answer to myself was, "all I want to do is sleep". But obviously that was not happening. I think I'm officially hitting **freak out mode**. I'll be 35 weeks tomorrow.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-925726275436279202009-06-29T15:49:00.000-07:002009-07-03T07:56:05.321-07:00

Just had to share the cuteness from our little playdate this morning. Joaquin + Lucca + Oliver = Adorable!

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-86058753661896440032009-06-29T14:20:00.001-07:002009-07-03T07:57:25.242-07:00

Yep, I went camping at 34 weeks pregnant. My logic was that if I didn't do it, I would always wonder if I should have gone. You know, if I would have enjoyed it and if Joaquin would have enjoyed it. If I went and hated it, well then at least I knew. If I went and had a great time, then great! Well, it turned into a combination of the last two. It was not easy, not easy at all. I slept like

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-60437943218062924562009-06-21T21:45:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:57:16.177-07:00

For Father's Day today we decided to take an adventure to the Wild Animal Park. I was a little nervous about Joaquin's potty learning, but he totally put me in my place. I brought three changes of undies and shorts, and did not need a single one of them!We knew after a couple of hours that Joaquin just had to go, but each time we took him into the bathroom he refused. He had not yet gone in a

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-85941040028135092182009-06-20T21:56:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:03:40.246-07:00

I had three big transitions that I wanted to help Joaquin through before we had the baby. But after much thought and consideration I decided to focus on just two, weaning and potty learning...I felt like the third, moving him to his bed, along with a number of other factors, was just too much all at once. I'm probably even pushing it with just these two, but so far so good. We've made a lot of

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-32571600869204879832009-06-17T18:30:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:48:34.420-07:00

I thought I would wake up with all kinds of energy to get all kinds of things done...but I didn't. Instead I woke up with a headache. I moved slowly and had little to no motivation to do anything. So we stuck around the house for the most part and worked on potty learning. I made these for Joaquin last night and today we gave them a shot. He picked out the fabric all by himself and I'm hoping

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-16872985716373419712009-06-16T10:23:00.001-07:002009-09-01T20:41:07.009-07:00

So that's it. I'm home. I guess I'm a Stay at Home Mom now? It's for an undetermined amount of time...so does that count? I'll be taking my Maternity Leave and then Family Medical Leave and then Personal Leave of Absence. I may end up back at work by the Holidays or I may stay out the whole year. Who knows, maybe we'll even be able to pull off longer? Only time will tell.Today is Joaquin's

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-55265095606416303952009-06-15T19:13:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:04:24.203-07:00

I made Spaghetti for dinner and caught Joaquin trying to slurp up his noodles with photobooth on my computer. Enjoy!

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-29041015252391594022009-06-07T21:45:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:05:31.913-07:00

Since I'll be home with Joaquin and the baby for a while, as of June 16th Joaquin will no longer be in pre-school. I figure I should do some home preschool type of activities with him to keep up the enrichment he was getting at school. I'm not going to drive myself crazy with it, but want to do something here and there. He has a few obsessions lately, and one of them is firetrucks, so a

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-25261969931211531502009-05-31T16:09:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:05:49.449-07:00

Three of my pregnant girlfriends, Julia, Kelli, Lisa and I, decided we all needed to run off, just for a night. Run off to get in some much needed pampering, relaxation and girl time before we have our next children. We stayed local, but it felt plenty far away and it was perfect...even with the dreary weather. We started off our day with our prenatal yoga class. From there Lisa and I went

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-58737892733541495352009-05-28T21:41:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:06:01.708-07:00

I totally forgot to post my 29 week belly pic. This was last Saturday and we were on our way to a wedding and late yet again. I don't look too happy because I wasn't. I swear, we can't get anywhere on time no matter how early I start to get everybody ready!!As of today, I'm 30 weeks, so about 10 weeks left...holy crap!

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-14902498334164349382009-05-28T16:32:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:06:20.781-07:00

For a number of reasons I've been feeling very unsure about so many things lately. It's all really too much to go into right now...just lots of uncertainty piled on top of more uncertainty.I think all of these feelings of insecurity have seeped into pretty much everything for me lately. Suddenly I became super paranoid that baby girl wasn't really a baby girl. I couldn't think of names, I

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-36253145611947161202009-05-07T19:34:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:06:56.146-07:00

I turned 32 yesterday! It was a lovely day that started out with Joaquin singing me the most adorable version of Happy Birthday. I got flowers from a student and was in a meeting where the staff sang me Happy Birthday. The evening ended with my parents, Dan and Joaquin taking me out for sushi, don't worry, I only ate the cooked stuff. It was a wonderful day and I couldn't ask for more.I also

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-65865691756921907432009-04-10T15:51:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:07:09.245-07:00

Because of this, I've been banned from giving anymore haircuts. We've been taking Joaquin to a kid's salon lately, but since Dan managed a decent cut a while back and we want to save some dinero, he gave it another try the other night. Of course I had to document the whole event...The first cut...Ummm....Mama is getting worried.Time to turn on the tv to distract him...and when did my baby get

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-6513783074193882302009-04-10T14:36:00.001-07:002009-06-22T22:08:14.121-07:00

This morning as I was getting dressed to go to playgroup I heard a loud crash and thud from the living room and then a "OH SHIT!" from Dan and then screams from Joaquin. I ran out in a panic looking for blood, thank goodness there was none. Dan had Joaquin in his arms while he screamed in pain. My heart stopped as I saw white chunks of something spilling out of his mouth which I thought they

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-62292638604924832432009-04-05T15:21:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:51:01.331-07:00

Ahh, over two weeks later and we are all nearly human again. Please oh please, let that be the last cold of the season...I just can't handle another one this year!There have been so many things I've wanted to blog about over the past weeks, but have not made my way over this neck of the internets and they have since floated out of my mind to die with the rest of my forgotten possible blog posts.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-9295959446677787232009-03-19T11:03:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:08:37.073-07:00

I swear, at least one of us in this house has been sick ever since Thanksgiving. What is up with this season? It seems like everybody is sick!At least before we were all taking turns. At the current moment all three of us are sick. Actually I should say four. I heard Bella snoring last night so I'm assuming she's a bit stuffed up as well. This last wave started with Joaquin and an ear infection.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-1844191389659145552009-03-17T14:28:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:09:24.736-07:00

A bit ago, we started telling Joaquin there was a baby in my belly, he always shook his head and pointed to himself while saying "baby". He made it very clear that he was the baby and there will be no other babies taking his place. So since we found out it was a girl, I've started calling her "baby girl" and Joaquin "baby boy". That way he still gets to be a baby and nobody is replacing him.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-53176961317535249262009-03-09T13:09:00.000-07:002009-06-22T22:09:55.203-07:00

SISTER!!!!We woke up sooo early this morning, dragged ourselves out of the house and made it to the office a little before 7am. My mom also came to hang out with Joaquin in the waiting room because we knew that it would be way too hard for him to sit in the Ultrasound room with us. We went through all the usual pictures and shots and our baby was looking very healthy. The heart looked great,

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-26496493734454843812009-03-06T16:31:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:10:19.770-07:00

We have our BIG ultrasound at 7am on Monday morning. I am so excited, I cannot wait! Everything has been looking really good, so fingers crossed, it continues to go that way. We really cannot handle anymore drama in our lives right now so this baby better be healthy! Everybody keeps asking me, "What do you want?" I really don't know how to answer that question. Of course I want a sweet

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-5370097780177936112009-03-01T17:34:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:10:42.626-07:00

This was today in the yard. Joaquin kept sucking on the hose, so I told him not to do it because there are bugs living in the hose and they will crawl out of the hose and into his mouth. What a motherly kind of story, right? Well, he bought it for a minute but then here is telling me "No more bugs, mommy, bugs all gone!" and went right back to sucking out the water.The other night I gave him

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-62687782095729109822009-02-28T13:41:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:11:33.369-07:00

Growing up eating together as a family at the table was a complete rarity. My father never sat down and ate with us, so we often all ate in front of the TV. On days when we all did sit together, it was for a "special occasion". I vividly remember one day when my mother bought shrimp for dinner. I was probably no more than 7 or 8. I was sooo excited; we were going to have a "fancy" dinner

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-13151049021461911142009-02-23T21:59:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:11:48.092-07:00

Our street has been under construction for the past week or so. They're re-doing some sewer pipe or something important like that. It's been a complete hassle since we can't park on our street and very noisy construction is going on all day long. Of course none of that matters because Joaquin is in love. He is infatuated with these so called "tractors". I don't think that's what they're really

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-51799124888749867742009-02-21T21:13:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:12:15.821-07:00

Since I got pregnant, I've been slowly encouraging the idea of weaning to Joaquin. I'm just not one of those amazing souls who are willing to take an adventure in tandem nursing. So my hope is to wean at least a few months before the new baby comes...It's been going surprisingly well. Our biggest accomplishment has been to cut out nursing to sleep which has lead to totally night weaning. All

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-53852500028382033212009-02-16T16:29:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:12:34.090-07:00

Here are some shots of my quickly growing belly. I can only imagine how huge I'm going to be by the end!Here I am at 12 weeks and 5 days...And here I am last night at 15 weeks and 3 days...

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-59329516301599203392009-02-16T15:38:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:12:53.202-07:00

I've been getting headaches every weekend for the past couple of months now. I talked to my midwife and she referred to them as "Vacation Migraines". I guess just when you can finally relax, your brain opens some blood vessels and then BAM, you get a headache. In my case these migraines last 3 to 4 days. Last week was a particularly stressful and emotional week, so I didn't really start to

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-30975523019936178102009-02-11T13:56:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:13:07.368-07:00

I wish things were different. I really do.

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-49752498093210099022009-01-31T14:04:00.001-08:002009-06-22T22:18:37.384-07:00

How lame is it that I only have 3 posts under January? That must change so here I am to update you all, and bring my monthly posts to a whopping FOUR!! So the past few months have been really really hard. I've had the morning sickness, the exhaustion and even the depression. My pregnancy with Joaquin was pretty easy, so I wasn't prepared for this. All of that on top of chasing a toddler and

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-18132989034087243262009-01-21T14:15:00.001-08:002009-09-01T20:41:07.010-07:00

As you know, this year has been really hard for me professionally. Most days I want to run away from here screaming and never want to come back. Other days I leave feeling neither here nor there. Very rarely do I leave happy. Today I found out I was nominated for Teacher of the Year for my school. I seriously laughed when I saw it. Me?!?! Angry, bitter, me? I'm positive I won't actually

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-21228128633511671772009-01-05T20:22:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:14:41.698-07:00

Dan did the drop off this morning because he goes into work later than I do. I was so sad to miss it, but Dan took this picture for me as they walked out the door.Just like with me a couple of weeks ago, Joaquin dove right in and barely said goodbye when he left. I called in the mid-morning and they said everything was great. When I went to pick him up this afternoon I walked in the classroom

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032371622036613575.post-81120921118964939182009-01-04T22:11:00.000-08:002009-06-22T22:15:03.611-07:00

I'm not sure how I feel about it. Part of me knows he'll love it. But the other part of me is just plain mad. We have been lucky that he has not had to go to any sort of formal childcare in his two years. We've always worked it out with family and friends. When Dan lost his job last year, he took over childcare. It worked for a while, but now Dan is working during the tax season and the

Ciriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02935837834449581409noreply@blogger.com2