It's hard to get mad at these faces...

My children are growing so fast! Look at them! Cute as heck, right?! 

Our household is never boring, that is for sure...Whether Dex is pushing Wren over, or Wren is crawling away from me with poop coming outta her butt....it's always a choose your own adventure book.

Wren is already almost walking. She walks along the furniture, and stands by herself for a short period of time. Derrick saw her take a daring step toward something the other day. I guess she grabbed on to a chair pretty quickly. Little Miss can say Mama and Dada...and some other babble. I don't bother with baby sign language because Dex spoke almost outta the womb, and Wren just grunts at things..so I know what she wants. I think she will be a talker, too. I figure I know she wants "more" if she starts freaking out when I stop giving her cheerios or whatever food. Language is language, right? Our challenge with Wren is, the dreaded diaper change. I just try to avoid it at all costs...but I know I have to change her frequently. I just never know what wrestling maneuver she is going to pull. Basically, we have adjusted to changing her while standing up, which has resulted in many a pee on the carpet incidents...say wha? You try changing her! I dare you. She will do a professional back bend, and walk on her hands backwards like in the exorcist movies. No joke. Besides that..she is a perfect angel. She also now sleeps.(sometimes still wakes up, but not often like she used to) 

Wrens favorite past times include: clapping, waving, eating my face, screaming for more water out of my cup, stealing her brothers toys, making extremely cute faces, scratching the furniture with her talons(she likes the sound of her nails on leather/fabric...sorta like our cats, do), crawling away from me when I need to pick her up, laughing at mommy and daddy, playing in the tub, eating ANYTHING, putting her forehead on other peoples foreheads and snuggling in, gnawing on my knees, screaming wars,not getting dressed, and she loves everything Dexter.

Dexter is a handful these days. Cocky, doesn't listen, offers up ideas that I am not down with, manipulates, despises his sister, laughs at authority, frequents the time out corner, whines, runs from us, thinks he can just go outside alone...I sometimes picture him saying F*@# the Police, in his head....

I guess the terrible threes are in full affect. It's just draining! He is actually an easy kid minus all that! lol. He is my favorite grocery shopping buddy. He always remembers to remind me to get milk, cheese, and yogurt. He will always go to Spoonlickers with me, because all my friends are too healthy to go. haha. For my bday he made me a necklace and key chain at school. That was so cool! It's weird when they start giving you stuff. I need to get something to save all this stuff in, like my mom did for me. I hate to throw this stuff out!

Derrick got him this awesome dune buggy power wheels. The kid is already a race car driver. He is good! He can back up and turn better than I can! (no jokes, please...I know I can't drive)

Here is a pic of him in all his glory. The true "Damien"............

I'm tired, peace out.

ZZZZZZZzzzzZZZZZZZzzz

First things first..my child has been sleeping through the night. I don't want to jump the gun, since it's only been 3 nights, BUT I am getting used to this. It's fricking sweet, I am not gonna lie. I know in a few weeks, she will be screaming in pain while her teeth poke through, but I am just going to be in denial about that.

Little Miss Wren decided to crawl at 7 months, and has kept us pretty busy. It must be a golden rule that all babies must go near all electrical devices, and cords. I could lay out 10 of her toys all around her, and she will still bolt for the tv wires. She isn't as into my phone as Dexter was, but she really wants to bang on the laptop, and tv stand. She has this odd thing of banging on everything like she is playing the bongos. She only does this with her right hand, so it sorta looks like she knows what she is doing. She will hold an item, like a box, or something, and just bang away with her right hand. Or, she will use her paci as the instrument and bang it on something over and over again. I keep wondering if she has a nerve problem, because that arm never quits!

Eating is fine for now. She will eat anything I give her. The only one time she made a face was when I gave her that baby yogurt. Not sure if she liked that texture yet. I tried it again and she ate more, but she didn't seem as excited, like when she gets carrots, or peas with brown rice. Weird, I know. Crossing fingers she likes more food than Dex.

She loves to laugh at Daddy, and likes to have noise wars with me. We just are loud back and forth, and try to get the other one to laugh and make another weird sound. It's a favorite game of ours to play. Lately she doesn't like if I leave the room while she is in our bouncy thing. Usually she is on my hip at all times. Baby on hip laundry aerobics, baby on hip dish washing aerobics, baby on hip cleaning aerobics..............
Little Miss also enjoys bath time.(I don't give her one every night, but she would love that) There just isn't enough time sometimes. My whole house are bath people. We all enjoy the relaxing time in a bubble bath. I just have to get a hundred toys out before I can fully relax. Note to self: Remember next time to make sure house has at least TWO tubs. We have 3 showers, which is great, but KIDS go in tubs, and I go in tubs. ONE TUB = not cool when it is connected to Wrens room and directly across from Dexters room. TUB OBSESSED = ME. (that is usually when i have time to talk on the phone with my friends, lol)

All in all, Wren is an easy one for now. She just goes with the flow. We carry her around the mall, and people always come up to us because of her eyes. (just like they did with Dex!) She passes out anywhere. She takes her 2-3 naps a day, and just goes down. She doesn't fight anything, but rather is happy to get her beauty sleep. She went from colic satan baby, to angel baby of awesomeness.

What's new with Dex?? He eats more than he used to. Or at least I think he does..or I am just used to feeding him more of the stuff he does eat. He eats, so he is alive, and that is good.

He was potty trained by his 3rd birthday, and wears underwear to bed. He pees before he goes to bed, and he is good through the night. He is so weird though. I have noticed that he will sit to poop, and then get up, and stand up to pee. He has always liked standing to pee, and it is weird. He is so short! He stands on his toes and sorta hangs it over....LOL. Sorry, tmi. It's just funny as heck to me.

 I did look into a different preschool for him, though. We are paying a little bit too much, and this other one I looked into offered more for less money. I hate to pull him from Tutor Time where he is comfortable, but I am sure he will get used to it in time. He really liked the new playground, so maybe that will get him all excited. He seemed fine when we went to visit! It's called Big Steps Little Feet. ;-)

Ode to Yoga pants

I just wanted to express my deepest devotion to stretchy pants. I guess I am tired of people dogging on people who wear pajamas out in public. Personally, I love to be comfy all the time. Going to the bar in sweat pants and a sweatshirt, hell yeah.

Yoga pants are worn to make women feel better about their ASSets. They can smooth out a flabby stomach, or perk up a saggy butt. Ya gotta have at least 10 pairs of these things if you have young kids. You will be spit up on, peed on, boogied on, and pooped on. These things get dirty quick. Ya gotta have a back up. Also, you will be on the floor playing with your kids, changing diapers, and running around trying to do laundry or dishes. Wearing jeans in this in between losing weight phase is a big no-no. Plumber butt will always creep up on you while you are sitting down.(since you forgot how old you are now, and low rise is a thing of the past). They are just not comfortable while you still have a muffin on top, and did you really go buy a new pair yet, before you lost your desired weight?? I'm thinking, no.

Maternity pants are a big YES, even 7 months after giving birth. Hell yes I still wear them. I am not ashamed. I am not the 2% of people that look like super models after they give birth. I am friends with everyone in the 2% range, though, and I applaud them, and want to feed them cheeseburgers and fries....but am happy for them, sorta.

Living in work out gear will tend to remind you to work out, at least. I found that I love going to the gym. If anything, I get peace and quiet outside of my house, and it is super relaxing. Don't get me wrong, I do work out there, but sometimes I do just think about bringing a book, and hanging out in the locker room.

Did not think it would be this difficult to lose the weight after baby #2...or 3 or technically #4. I keep having to remind myself..I gave birth 3 times, and one miscarriage. This body needs some serious work! (plastic surgery work, that is) I have nothing against that! If things still aren't looking up to par in the next few years...Boob job here I come!

You make think I am superficial, but guess what? I totally am. I would love to look like the old me again from 5 years ago. After having kids, things surely change, and it's hard to get used to. People are so annoying, no offense..."you look great!" "what, you don't need to lose weight?!" lol. Please. (I am guilty of saying this to others as well..but seriously, they look amazing..you know you do!)

So, the yoga pants shall be worn until things start getting firm. They have been my best friend, and I will keep them around as long as needed.

If you have a pregnant friend about to give birth, skip the lotion and body wash gift, get that girl some dang yoga pants!

Happy almost 7 months!

My Little Lady is almost 7 months! Sleep is finally on the horizon. She has only been getting up twice the last few days, granted I have been up all night coughing. She is a super happy baby, and is eating like a PIG! 3 #2 foods a day. She screams for more. I think she will be ready for some puffs soon, she keeps wanting my food and grabbing it outta my hands. My little gal is sitting up for longer periods of time, and really enjoying books! I think she likes them more than Dexter did. She loves to hear me read to her, and is all smiles. 

I was walking around the mall with her on my hip, and she was smiling at everyone walking by, and everyone loved her. She is a warm little spirit, and a lovey dovey girl. My latest thing with her is not realizing when she is grabbing for items. I will walk past the counter, and she will have knocked everything over, or she will have random items in her hand. The weirdest thing I found her holding was a bag of deli meat. I was like, "what the?" Just grabbed it off the counter before I could put it in the fridge. I guess she was helping.

I sometimes find Dexter and Wren laughing together, so things are looking up. He still isn't overly excited about her, but I keep telling him, that once she starts crawling, she can chase him. He is pretty pumped for that. He loves the "chase you" game. He hasn't been too evil about her lately. He brings toys to her, and kisses her head when we make him, lol.

I am getting used to Dex being in "school". I keep forgetting they do things like Valentines Day parties, etc. I am learning I can go to these things with him, and participate. It's fun to see him with all the kids since I am usually not there. I am learning his class mates names, and getting to know a few parents.

 It's just a little nerve wracking when I enter the door, since usually the kids come up to me and say, "Dexter hit us with a toy!" or "He's mean, I don't wanna play with him!" (Dear god, this is already happening) The teacher assures me this is normal 3 year old stuff, but I'm hoping he starts to make friends. When I was there I made sure to ask Dex the childrens names, and to say thank you and please, and to share his toys, etc. He always mentions one little boy, Brody, so maybe I can get a play date soon. Since we have all been sick for like three months I haven't had him really out much with other kids. I am going to be better about it now, and especially since we are getting more of a sleep routine with Wren, and feeling better. 

We did just take Dex bowling for the first time, and that was precious. Little cousin Wes came along. It's fun showing kids new activities. Dex and I also had a date at the library, and got to go to lunch this week. He is super fun to hang out with. He is so good outside of the house. I don't have issues with him at stores, etc. He is just helpful. He only wears underwear and hasn't wet the bed in a month or more. He even gets up to pee in our bathroom so he doesn't wake the baby.

 My viral infection is clearing up, I think. I have my inhaler, and steroid pills....after the antibiotic didn't help. They thought it might have been bacterial, obviously, not. The breathing treatment at the med center was pretty great. Derrick took the kids while I napped for three hours. I must have been in a deep sleep because I woke up in that sweaty hair type of state. Maybe I sweat the germs out. This inhaler thing is amazing, I might add. It's so wonderful!! I am just bummed I couldn't try out my new shoes Derrick got for me!! They are some sweet cross trainers. They felt great, and I am hoping to fix the ouchy shin issues from my Body Combat classes. All that jumping around in Old Navy work out shoes was not very smart. I am shooting for tomorrow, though! I actually LIKE working out, ha ha, now if I can just go and not let this sickness keep me down!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look how cute and pink these are??

Also excitedly waiting for a client/friend to deliver me some shoes of hers! YAY friends!!

Catch ya on the healthy side!

GERMS BE GONE!

Ooooh Preschool, how I loathe thee. We are learning just how grotesque these children germs are. I mean, they must cling to everything for months! As much as you try to sanitize things, your child's hands are always at their nose wiping and then touching stuff.. We are so tired of feeling like garbage. Dealing with pee, poo,and spit up is our normal day... but then you add snot to the mix, and it's a whole new ball game. Poor Dex keeps having a runny nose and a cough. Derrick seems to be better, and Wren, but now I am sick once again. I just hope it doesn't go back to Wren. My mom was sick...it just keeps getting passed around. So gross. At least it has given me a chance to sit in peace and quiet for a short while. (cough, cough)

Wren: Little miss can sit up for short periods of time by herself. She grabs at everything. She loves to sing herself to sleep. (even though she sounds like a little zombie baby..she just makes these monster type sounds.."errrraaaaaggguuuhhh") She eats two baby food containers a day.She loves everything orange colored. She will eat the fruit ones, but gets very excited for carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes. I am going to switch  her to the organic squeezy pouch food when she can sit up on her own. (those are the #2 foods). I think she will like the flavors of those a lot. Then I will start making her some items with my food processor, and see if she will be as picky as Dexter was. Sleeping still SUCKS. I don't know what her problem is. She is such a baby. We have tried it all. sigh. I thought being on solids would change our world, but it only changed her poop.

Putting Wren to sleep is super easy, all you have to do is put her in her crib. Awake or asleep, she is pretty easy. It's the few hours later when she wakes, wants food, passes out, wakes again, wants food, passes out, wakes again, wants paci, pops it out, put the paci in, passes out.........AHHHH!!! Wets her diaper, change it, didn't put diaper on correctly because too tired, then she pees through and wets her outfit, change the outfit, oooh she's awake now! Rub her back till she passes out.....sigh. Mommy passes out in a deep sleep, then Wren cries, mommy is up, can't get back to sleep....finally gets to sleep, Dex comes in to say good morning...Mommy tries to get Dex to lay in bed with her, Dex wants to play....Mommy is UP! Wren is sleeping like a log now...doesn't get up until hours later...but mommy is up getting Dex ready for school. Then it's time to get mommy ready for work, but then Wren gets up. Time to feed and change Wren, but it's time to bring Dex to school. Mommy has not showered, and has to do make up and hair at work. Lol. Gotta love it!Mommy then looks like CRAP at work. Her clients understand. :)

Dexter is doing much better in preschool. He has stopped throwing things, and hitting children with toys. Joy! He even napped for Miss Kari the other day. He must have been pooped from still being sick. One of his newest funnies recently was:

Me: Dex eat your chicken, it will help you grow big and strong.
Dex: (whispers) mommm, if I eat it I will grow to the ceiling and hit my head and get a boo boo.
Me: oh my gosh. eat your chicken! lol

In other news, I have a studio space for photography for the time being! I haven't been able to use it yet, due to sickness, bad weather, etc...I had to cancel my first shoot there. Hoping to do it next week instead. My landlord is letting me use it until he gets a tenant, and will sorta switch me around to empty units. Really nice of him! Worked out a pretty awesome deal per shoot. ;) Now if I could just get over there....lol...I have a 6 month old I will be taking pics of first there ;)

Another shoot I will be doing is my friends newborn son, Lucas, and my other friends newborn son, Ryan! Newborn babies everywhere!!

What a year!

It's been a good one! This year we had our little girl, and life has fallen into a rhythm(that seems like it's spelled wrong...weird..anyway) now. It was a little rough in the beginning, but everyone said it would be. I finally love this little girl! It took awhile...with the colic...and not being able to spend time with Dex...and the flea infestation...and post par-tum....but we made it out alive!

Everyone is so busy these days, and I still have a few friends yet to meet our little one. She is a really happy baby now, but we are working on her sleeping longer than 3 hours at night in a stretch. It didn't help that she has had this massive cold, and has been only able to sleep on myself upright at night. Thank goodness for NOSE FRIDA! Yes, this looks disgusting. I almost vomited the first time I used it...but it doesn't get to YOUR mouth. LOL. I can't believe I didn't have this with Dexter. It is a life saver! Thank you, Heather!!

Dexter dislikes, Wren. There is no way around this currently. He is literally disgusted with her. He is so bothered by her drooling, or spitting up..that he can't even look at her without cringing. It's kinda sad! I mean..I know he is young..and he should hopefully move past this..but it still makes a momma sad. Any advice? Anyone else go through this? I sure hope he likes her at some point! All she wants to do is smile at him. It's so sweet! She is such a smiley little girl!

Wren is gonna be five months old soon, and she is in 6 month clothes. She holds her toys, grabs things, rolls over, scoots on her back, grabs her feet, puts her fingers in her mouth at all times, holds her bottle, eats cereal, has had peaches a few times already, loves to walk with help and stand, loves jumping, loves when we say "weeee-wooo!" or "boooogah!". I am pretty sure she understand the word "ba ba" because she gets all excited /or starts to cry for her food when I say it. She uses a paci, and is in size 2 diapers. I am going to start having her try more foods this week. She isn't the greatest with taking a spoon yet, but she is getting better. I put her on her tummy tonight to see if she would sleep longer..I know she will be ok..but it still worries me. I have already checked on her twice. I know she can roll over if she wants or move her head...but it's the what ifs...or if she is so zonked out and she is just face planted into the mattress...It's scary bein' a momma.

Mr. Dexter enjoyed his personalized Christmas. He had majority of the gifts. lol. He loves presents!! He is a little man now. He can basically take care of himself, right? Maybe he can babysit Wren. Hmmm.... He gets his food outta the fridge and everything. He is pretty cool. He loves his alone time still. He just likes to quietly watch a movie by himself with his blanky, Eyore, and snacks. It's pretty cute. Sometimes he even let's us join  him. He is wanting to go on a train and airplane soon..so we have some things in the works.

Our plans: I am planning on taking Dex with me to Texas to see my BF. (not boyfriend) That will be sometime in the fall. We are hoping to do a friend vacation in the spring.(Friends, please start planning that...) Derrick will be going on some ski trips..I hate cold/snow..so I will not attend those trips...lol. Take me to SUN and SAND. We will be going to Great Wolf Lodge again with Wren this time, and hopefully some Grandparents. Also trying to hit up Vegas again if we have time/sitters! It's gonna be a busy one! Chicago trip if we can swing it..maybe take Dex on the train.We are also planning a huge family trip in 2014 for a Disney Cruise with all our fam members on both sides...cousins, etc...everyone. That should be awesome, if everyone can go! My bro and Mal are in charge of that! Get to it!

House plans: Fixing the roof is on the agenda, and repainting the hallways..gotta find a new color. Maybe painting our room. Finally getting some decor would be nice, too. Everything was sorta put on the back burner whilst creating our family. Time to get stuff done.

Hoping next year will be a blast!

14 weeks of our new life! (written a few weeks ago)

Just a brief blog for those who may be interested.

 Life is crrrrazy! Derrick and I obviously like to keep busy for some reason, even though we feel bogged down. Work hard, play hard. We have been go, go, go.

Derrick took up that fitness program, Insanity...and is in a soccer league. I do private lessons of Pilates, and am looking into other healthy avenues as well. I want to try Zumba, and some other group classes.I just tried my Latina Zumba dvds tonight, and I am in heaven. If you know me well, you know I wish I was Latina/o? I feel like since I have been working on my core, I feel a lot stronger, and more confident to be around others in a class now.

 Derrick works full-time, and I am still part-time, and doing my photography on the side. There is a lot of trading of children so we can get the things done we need to. At least the things we are doing either involve getting healthy, or making some more $$$.

Dex started Preschool a few weeks ago, and once there, loves it. The first few times he was begging to go, but the teachers said he could get sad down the road and show some hesitation later..which he has. Usually the day before he says, "I don't want to go to school!" When he gets inside, he is just fine. He is POTTY TRAINED!! It's like right when he turned 3, it clicked. He wears a diaper to bed, and if we have to go out for awhile we put a diaper on him, but I'm not sure if we need to take a potty seat with us or something?? He doesn't like to sit on the big potty without a kid seat. I'm sure we will figure that out eventually...or just never take him out, lol. He pottys at Preschool which is awesome, and has even napped there for two hours. It's weird when your child does things that you think are out of his comfort zone.