Daddy's Little Helper

We visited daddy back in August and it was a great week to see him and show Uncle Sam around Laguna Beach. Leila loved riding daddy's "green car" as they go and check the job site. This was the highlight of her day as well as watching all the "chump-chumps" pass by. We can't wait to go back there again.

Goodnight Hugs (-:

Last night, after reading them their bedtime story, Leila and William gave each other a great, big, goodnight hugs. They always say their goodnights complete with hugs and kisses and I love yous. William was so comfy that he didn't want me to get him. These are one of the things that makes me realize that maybe I do a great job in raising my kids. Watching them love each other is rewarding.

Guess Who's Potty Trained

Yup, 26 days later, Leila is completely potty trained. Sometimes she tells me that she needs to go but most of the time she just goes to the bathroom and do her business. She even got the poopin' part down pat, although I still need to be there for "support" (she hugs me while she pushes). After all the messes and after a LOT of patience on both our part, it's so worth it. One down, one more to go. So to all mommies out there who are/will potty train, this too shall pass and you will be so proud of both of you.

Another Fun Sunday

I had Heather's 3 kids again today. This might become a regular thing but I don't mind. My kids love playing with their cousins and they will probably remember this forever. Someday they will say "remember every Sunday we spent a few hours at Aunt Mabel...". This time though, I didn't have to feed them but I love giving them baths, which they enjoy. Well, until next Sunday...

My Funny Girl

Leila found these haloween fake rotten teeth and decided to show it to me. She thought it was too funny and frankly, I thought so too. These are just some of the things that shows her sense of humor, which she inherit from daddy. My silly girl, gotta love her.

I Survived Watching 5 Kids!

Later that day after our trip to Bounceopolis, my sister-in-law Heather, dropped off 3 of her 5 kids. It was the first time that I had to watch Kate, who is 10 mo. old. I was nervous but I had to it. Heather has been graciously watching one or both my kids since they were born, so it was time to return the favor. It turned out be no big deal at all! First, Hadley (9) was there and was a great help with Kate, who, I didn't know this, can walk already. Millie (3) plays well with Leila. So, really, I just have to keep an eye on William and help Hadley with Kate.

They had fun playing in the backyard. They rode cars, tricycles and played house. Since we had plenty of time before they get picked up, I gave William, Kate, Leila and Millie a bath, after dinner. Before I know it, Heather rang my doorbell. 3 hours went by so fast when you have 5 kids. It was chaotic and loud but in a good kind of way. Leila get to bond with her cousins and proved to myself that I can watch (not have) 5 kids.

Bounceopolis

Last Sunday, the 14th, we decided to burn our energy and went to Bounceopolis. The kids have been waking up at 10:00 despite going to bed at 8:00/9:00 (yay for me). By the time we're done with breakfast/lunch it's almost noon. I figured that in order for them to nap at 2:00 (always @ 2), I have to wear them out, so off we went to Bounceopolis. It was our first time so we were excited. I forgot it was a Sunday so I had to explain to Leila that we might not be able to play since they save the place for parties. Luckily, you can play in the Kidzone during the weekend, which was great 'cause I don't think I can handle 2 kiddies in the Bounceroom. So off we play.

I was proud of Leila that she tackled the moonbounce (?) this time. She landed on her face at first but got the hang of it after a few tries. William loved it and was saying "booing, booing" the whole time. I had a great time just watching my babies being brave and trying new things. It makes me sad because these are the little things that daddy is missing. Thank God for videos and cameras. After 2 hours of having fun, we were ready to go home and take our nap (again, yay for me!). We will definitely go back again, hopefully with daddy, and try the Bounceroom. I also got phone numbers of the girls who work there and are possible babysitters. What I thought to be a lazy day turned up to be an enjoyable day.

My 1st Sewing Creation

My friend Jenny, organized a beginner's sewing class at her house. I wasn't going to go since I didn't have a babysitter. After a long day at home, and still in our jammies, I started calling around for a babysitter at 4pm. I was desperate and needed time for myself and thankfully I found not 1, but 2 sitters. I made it to Jenny's just in time.

Jenny had everything ready for us. The fabric was cut and we just have to choose from a variety of pretty colors. As usual, being the indecisive person that I am, it took me forever to pick a fabric but I did find the perfect one for me. Since I didn't have a sewing machine, I patiently waited for an available one. Hey, I didn't mind. I had Jenny's delicious red velvet cake while waiting. By 10:30, I finally finished my creation and I loved it. After I dropped the girls home, I excitedly took pictures of my pillow, posted it on my playgroup site, and sent it to Roger. It was a great night with great friends and great food.

The next day, Leila notice the pillow. She asked me where I got it and I told her that I made it at Jenny's. She gasped and said "you made it for me, mama?" What can I say, but yes. Then she told me that I have to make one for William (she is always thinking about him, my sweet girl).

I am so proud of myself for being able to create something with my own hands. Maybe the seamstress in me kicked in (my grandfather was a master seamstress). I can't wait for next month's class.

Thomas the Tank Engine

After being away from our playgroup for a month and a half, we were finally able to go to the one at Lesley's house. When we got to the house, somebody familiar greeted us. It's Thomas! The kids can actually ride him and go around the track. Unfortunately, when we got there, Thomas needed a break and needed to be "charged". Leila got upset of course, but Lesley promised her that she will be the first one to ride him once Thomas is ready. So she moved on to lots of toys that was waiting to be played.

2 hours later, when almost everybody else was gone, Thomas was ready. Leila had a big smile on her face as she went around and around the track. It was hard for her to step back and let William take his turn, but she did. What a pro! So we went home happy and we would like to thank our friend, Lesley, for saving the last ride for us.

William is finally standing on his own!

This week was a milestone for my little William. He finally stood up unassisted. I found him in the kitchen standing and having a drink. Good thing I charge my camera in the kitchen, otherwise, I would have missed it. He even "posed" for me. Like any milestone, I was ecstatic and so prould of him.

He may have done it at 15 mo. (Leila walked at 11 mo.), but he did it on his own term. Needless to say, I am so excited. My little boy, just like Leila, is growing up. It's just a matter of time before he starts walking and running, and it may be more "work" for me, but they are both worth it.

Potty Training

Today is day-16 of our potty training and I must say that I am happy with her improvement. She got the pee-pee part with no problem at all and we are improving on the poo-poo part. She doesn't go poo on her underwear anymore. What she would do is hold on to her butt and go "eh-eh" and at the same time looking at me. That is my que that I have to take her to the bathroom. I have to stay with her until she's done. She used to say her butt hurts but now she just goes. It's still exciting when she goes poo and pee. It makes me sad at the same time 'cause I realize that she is growing up. All-in-all, I am just so proud of her for being such a good sport (can't say about me sometimes).