The Holidays

So....

I am writing from my new laptop. Yes, my new laptop! While I hinted around that I wanted one for quite a while, I didn't think I would actually get one. I'm stoked, but we are having wireless connection issues. Both our laptops cannot be connected at the same time for some reason. Can anyone help???

Another amazing gift I received was this. The heart has two pearls enclosed, one for each girl. I absolutely love it.

The girls also made out like bandits and received so many gifts from us and their grandparents. They will be outfitted very well over the next six months or so. Beyond that, Bea got a train set that she loves and a tricycle that she is learning to use. For Olivia, I did what my mom used to do for me every year at Christmas. I put a stuffed bear in her bed that she woke up with in the morning.

And Josh. He got some stuff he wanted. His big gift is yet to come. It's just finding exactly the right dirt bike, and we are in no rush since it is winter right now. This summer we are planning a lot of trips with the girls where we can go wheeling and he will also be able to use a dirt bike (he got rid of the one he had when I got pregnant with Bea). Oh yeah, it is going to be busy around here with doing that and going to four weddings in 2007, but it's nice to be busy. And I am sure the girls are going to have a blast...as they get older it gets funner and easier.

I am a little sad that the holidays are coming to a close, but we have next year to look forward to, of course. We never got our holiday cards out (SORRY!) and the girls didn't visit Santa and get their pic taken (though I think it would have freaked them both out this year). We will have to plan better next year.

***One last note is that I only get/purchase about 4 CD's per year these days. Well, for Christmas, Josh got me the new JT. It does not disappoint. Sure, you may laugh that I like the poppy stuff, but I can't resist. And seriously, JT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! (And neither does Beck - Yes, Mitchell, I will have it waiting for you here as well on Friday.)

Ok, here's the part you were probably waiting for. Some pics, but the good Nikon one's are yet to come:

The Mimicker

A real live event that took place this evening:

I am in the bathroom with Bea as she is finishing up her bath and getting ready to dry my hair.

Bea: Mama. All Done. Ready get out.

Jenna: You're ready to get out?

Bea: Yes.

Jenna: (Calls to Josh as he was going to get her out of the bath) Josh!

Bea: Josh!

Jenna: (Calls to Josh again) She's ready to get out. Did you hear that?

Bea: You hear that?

Josh comes to the bathroom.

Josh: Yeah I heard her.

Bea: Josh. Josh. Josh. Josh. Josh.

Josh: Do you hear that?

Jenna: Yeah, I hear that.

Bea: Josh. Josh. Josh. Josh. Josh.


And earlier that day:

Jenna: Josh.

Bea: Josh.

Jenna: Who's Josh?

Bea points to Josh.

Jenna: Josh is daddy.

Bea: Yeah, Daddy.

Jenna: Jenna.

Bea: Jenna.

Jenna: Who's Jenna?

Bea points to me.

Jenna: Jenna is Mama.

Bea: Yeah, Mama.


Anyway, I guess my point is that instead of just being careful with our language around her, we have to be really careful. No more potty mouth words starting with an "s" or an "f". It's scary what is coming out of that girls mouth these days. Sentences. And more sentences like this one:

"Oh, Mama. Bow-Wow. Where's Bow-Wow? Oh, I'll get him, Mama. I'll get him."

And this one:

"I'm sorry, Bow-Wow. I'm sorry. You ok? Oh, good Bow-Wow."

Don't get me started on the one directly above. That's a long story and one for another day...

Oh, and Bow-Wow = Bea's stuffie that she can't live without.

Olivia at 10 months

Dear Olivia,

Today you are ten months old. In the last month you have really appeared to become your own person.

You're still not crawling, but I think we are getting there. You are scooting around on your back and when we put you on your tummy, you will stay there for awhile now without getting too upset. You're not moving yet, but I think in the next month we might see some action on that front. One thing you started doing that you absolutely love is jumping. Your jumper has now been put to use and you have become a little jumping bean. Your sister will stand next to you and jump along with you, so it makes you much more motivated to jump.


This month you took your first plane ride. We flew down to Orange County to see my side of the family, and you were a great flier. You spent the whole time on my lap on the way down there just playing with your toys. On the way back, you slept on your father most of the time. You were a good traveler in spite of coming down with a fever, but you didn't appear to be too upset about it. We did have one bad night where you just couldn't get comfortable and whined almost the whole night. We felt bad for you, little Livey.

Last night when I brought you home from daycare I was talking to your sister and I said "Uh-oh". Somebody said "Uh-oh" back. I looked at your sister and she was just staring at me. So I said it again. I heard "Uh-Oh" again, only it wasn't coming from your sister, but coming from you instead. So then I said it ten more times and heard your response ten more times, too. Your father was on his way home from work, so I called him and tried to get you to do it. You got shy. I'm sure you don't know what it means, but that's ok. You also say "DaDa" quite frequently, and you have said "MaMa" as well. It's nice that you are saying these things, and I am looking forward to you understanding what they actually mean.


You also had your first Thanksgiving feast ever. You did such a great job...eating up the green beans, having some potatoes, and a little bit of stuffing. The family enjoyed having you around, and you enjoyed trying to keep up with your sister and nieces.


Little Livey, I see you growing right before my very eyes. I'm happy, but at the same time I am getting sad. Once you start crawling, it's bye to my little baby. And I know a few months from now you and your sister are going to be off playing together. I'm enjoying catering to you for as long as I can, because I really enjoy you and the time I spend with you. As each day goes by, you are a little bigger, a little stronger, and a world of more fun. You're still my sweet little bunny rabbit, and you always will be.

I love you,
Mama

Fa La La La La...

I’m trying to find the right words for how this weekend went…and I’m struggling. Seeing both sides of my family was absolutely wonderful. The travel, well it wasn’t too much fun.

In case you are wondering, nope, Bea didn’t run up and down the aisles of the plane screaming like I thought. She stayed put in her seat and loved being on that plane in the window seat. It was being in the airport that wasn’t too appeasing to her. All those people, plus too much stimulation and anticipation for what was to come next. I do have to say that getting there was a lot easier than getting back. Upon finding out last Friday that we needed to supply birth certificates for them to fly on this particular airline, we tore apart the house on Friday afternoon looking for them. I thought we got them, but instead it was their social security cards that we received. When we checked in on Friday, they let us through – it was an issue, but it wasn’t that big of an issue…You see, they only want those birth certificates for those that “appear” they might be over the age of 2, requiring the purchase of an extra ticket. Bea is 23 months, and because she is borderline, they questioned it. No question about little Miss O, though.

However, on our way back was a completely different issue. We were hoping there weren't going to be any problems, and of course there were. After a short nap on the way to the airport, both girls were awoken (not by choice) as we dropped off the rental car and headed into the airport. As we got to the head of the line I was hoping for a nice person to check us in, and she looked nice enough. But, she wasn’t. Had to grab her manager because of all these strict guidelines, apparently. They wanted something, needed proof, or we were going to have to buy Bea a separate seat for the plane. After Josh complained and complained some more, they were not giving in, so he tried to call the hospital where she was born to get someone from the medical records department tell them she was under 2! They said they could call her doctor office, but of course there is no one there on the weekend. We were screwed. And during this whole time, not just one, but both girls were cranky because they had short naps. So they were crying and I was trying to calm them down. Bea only wanted Josh, but he was occupied with the matter at hand. She was so upset I thought she was going to throw up. And in the end of it all, we had to pay the extra fare (which we are going to try to get our money back for). Then all through the security line she was screaming. Up until we got into the terminal and she saw the planes. Then, she was fine. But let me tell you….wow, it was horrible there for a good 20 minutes.

To top everything off, Bea threw up while we were there, both nights. Olivia came down with a fever on Saturday night. So you know going home with them wasn’t going to be fun. I have to give a shout out to my Aunt, who continuously washed pukey bedding and clothes for us all the while saying she understood and it was fine, no big deal. Thank you! And thanks for letting us stay with you.

And on a much happier note, our whirlwind trip was a lot of fun and seeing everyone was so nice. We had a really good time visiting with people we don’t see all the time and it was especially nice because my parents were there. The girls got to put up their ornaments “Days of our Lives” style, and Olivia got to light her first candle on the menorah (Bea lit her second).

Oh, and nope, our holiday cards haven’t been started, so if you normally get one from us, plan on it being late this year…

The Overwhelming Holidays

Does anyone else feel that they are just NOT ready for the holidays this year?

I wanted everything to be perfect this year because Bea is more aware of everything, and yet, I just cannot seem to catch up. We finally got our tree this week and decorated it, and have done some holiday shopping, but that's about it. We haven't put up our holiday lights and we have not even begun our holiday cards. At this point, I'm ready to just throw my hands up in the air and say screw it. I feel just too overwhelmed about the cards, being that I still need to take a picture of the girls for it, write the letter, sign the cards and address the envelopes. And in the midst of all of this, I'm still figuring out Bea's birthday shindig, come the second week in January and fastly approaching....

I guess I shouldn't complain too much. We are headed down to L.A. today to visit a number of relatives on both sides of my family. It's truly an honor that Bea and Olivia will get to hang out with their Great Grandfather, so we are looking forward to that and spending time with family. But, we sure aren't looking forward to flying with two little girls on our laps. I apologize in advance to those who may be sitting next to us or near us. Shoot, I apologize to the whole damn plane as I know that Bea will probably be running up and down the aisles the entire time. I'm also paranoid that being in that confined space is going to get us all sick with that recycled air and all, just in time for Christmas. I guess we will see...but I am looking forward to this weekend and seeing everything in spite of all my gibberish ranting.

Maybe I also shouldn't be complaining because I will be off of work from next Wednesday until January 2nd and sure, I've got tons of time to get all that stuff done, right? I'm not one for being late on ANYTHING, so having our holiday cards arrive to people after Christmas makes my skin crawl. At least they will get there, right? But people, if you also only knew the huge project I have undertaken that is a present for Bea's birthday (that Josh doesn't even know about), and the few hours I have already put into it and probably need about 20 more to complete it, I just don't know how I am going to fit it all in. There's hope. And tomorrow is another day...

Oh, and happy holidays.

A Brief Note About the Chinese Gender Calendar

I'm curious to find out how accurate this was for some people. It was right both times for us. But, when looking more closely at the age I was with both pregnancies, according to this chart we didn't have a chance in hell to have a boy. I wonder how accurate this thing is...

Beatrice at 23 Months

Dear Beatrice,

Today you are 23 months old. In the last month, you have made my heart melt but you have also made it break, which is not meant to be a bad thing, but it's really only you challenging me - which you have every right to do as I learn how to handle it all.

You've begun a new journey on your closeness to hitting the two-year mark. Some things are hard for me...and keeping my patience with you has definitely not been easy. The tantrums have started - over nothing really. The hitting has started. "No" has become a prominent part of your vocabulary.


These days you are into everything, wanting everything, and expressing yourself in so many ways. Some of the new phrases that continue to blow my mind are you saying: What happened?, Love You, Balloon Fly Away - Oh No!, See Ya. You are saying sentences now, but some of the words I still can't make out, and it doesn't matter because I know we will understand you soon. Sometimes you are such a chatterbox that I look at your father and start laughing. You've also become fascinated with the holidays, and know the prominent figures of Santa, reindeer, snowman, and Christmas tree.


This month we were asked to watch one of your friends from daycare for the evening. So, your BFF, Catie, came over one night and you were so excited and happy to see her in our home. We gave her one of your sippy cups and you had one as well, and you went up to her and started screaming "Catie! Agua! Catie!" Then you appeared to clink your cup with hers as if you were doing a "cheers". Then you took her to your room, showed her all your toys, and watched cartoons. The two of you took apart my holiday countdown ornament chest and there were figurines everywhere (some of which I still haven't found). Your father blew bubbles and the two of you were catching them and laughing constantly. You were so happy, but when she left, you said bye to her and then you started crying. We told you that you would see her the next day, and that cheered you up somewhat. It's so exciting to see you with others your own age and to know you already have friends.


You've always been a daddy's girl, and there's been absolutely no question about that this last month. You've not wanted much to do with me, and in all honesty, it has really hurt, but I know that you don't know or realize this, so there is no way I can blame you or ever would blame you. However, when I headed for the hospital twice over the last month for a kidney stone, the second time you told me you loved me and then cried for 15 minutes after I left, all the while I was gone you kept asking your father when I would be home or if I was home. I know I mean a lot to you, but sometimes it's hard for me to constantly hear you asking for your father when I want to feel equally as important. Your father is a very important part of your life, and it makes me so happy that he is so involved with making you happy and being there for you. He's a good father to you, and I couldn't ask for anything more...but I do try hard to be a good mother to you as well.


I know my letter to you this month is not as long as usual, but it has flown by so fast and you've still grown so much before my eyes. I've been working a lot, and haven't been at my best healthwise, and therefore have not spent as much time with you as I have wanted. Being with you and watching you in action is entertaining, because I'm watching something that is a part of me learn things (count to ten in English and Spanish) and do things (dancing in circles and singing) that I have once done myself, but at a much older age. Your father claims you are starting to look more like me, but you still have his personality and no fear attitude. I have to agree most of the time, but no matter what you look like or how you act, I will always love you unconditionally.

I love you,

Mama

Love Thursday

Only love today...no words...

A Mom's Will

Have you been following the story about CNET's James Kim and his family missing in Oregon? My heart broke this afternoon when I read this news. While it is fortunate that the mother and children are okay, I can't imagine what they must be going through at this moment. Two daughters, ages 7 months and four years old, will not see their father again. It breaks my heart.

I had been meaning to write a post about this ever since I heard that they found her and the children alive. I wanted to say something about how a woman by herself with her children in that situation will find will within herself to keep her children alive by doing everything she can and making everything seem okay just for the sake of them. After reading what I read, I believe she had - they burned their tires for warmth and she nursed both those kids so they had food. Strong woman, that one. My heart goes out to that family...

Making Us Smile

Day after day, these silly faces make everything seem right with the world.

Things to be Thankful For

My posts have been pretty much nilch lately...Things have been busy and I have not been well. Adding on that, I was back in the hospital yesterday. It appears that my friendly kidney stone either decided not to leave my body and got hung up somewhere or that I had another one come about. So, after seeing my doctor he told me I better head to the ER to have them check me out since they had the equipment to do it on the spot. I wasn't able to get a definite answer due to them not wanting to do another CT scan, but instead an ultrasound. They were worried about me having so much radiation done to my body in such little time, and since there is still a possiblity that I could have more kids**, they wanted to be cautious.

I left the hospital with no complete answers because nothing came up on the ultrasound. The diagnosis was that to treat it like it was a kidney stone and if I feel worse to come back or see my doctor. I guess we will see how it goes. They gave me a very uncomfortable shot in my thigh to help the pain, so now I know how the girls feel when they get their shots in that area.

Yesterday wasn't fun for me between seeing my doctor and going to two different hospitals, one in which I yelled at the triage nurse because my doctor supposedly called them to tell them I was coming for a scan, but apparantly there was no record of it and that hospital didn't do scans on the weekend? I was upset, tired and irratable because the pain woke me up in the middle of the night...one where the girls were sleeping well.

Anyway, things got taken care of...On my way out to hospital #2, I said bye to the girls about 10 times. I didn't want to leave them. I got a lot of kisses from Bea and she said "love you" when I left, but then when she saw me driving away in the car she immediately started crying. Josh said she didn't stop for 15 minutes. I missed my family.

I really just wanted to be home with them but I knew medically, I needed to care of things and feel better. I couldn't wait to come home. When I did, I had two happy girls waiting for me. One that greeted me by running up to me and hugging me, book in hand as it was close to bedtime, and asked to read her a book. The other was hanging out in our bed and kicked her legs and started laughing on my arrival. Both had big smiles and it appeared that both missed me. Josh said that Bea kept saying "Mama home?" over and over the whole day/night. It was really the first time I had been away for that long on a weekend.

In any case, I also came home to an unbelievable clean and spotless house. It was beautiful. Then, after the girls had gone off to bed, Josh drew a bath for me complete with bubbles and candle and a laptop strategically placed that was playing "Sex in the City"...an unbelievable sight for me to see. Those days felt like so long ago. But, it was perfect. And just what I needed. And I was so in awe of my husband and him doing that for me.

And I was so glad to be in our home and with my family...so thankful that I have them. I can't imagine living life without them.

**I have decided that IF we have another child, I am doing it WITHOUT the epidural. The pain I have endured over the last month was WORSE than childbirth. Those talks are still in discussion....