Rainy Day At Work With Daddy

Look how happy she is.

She loves daddy's "green car".

A picture of daddy taken by Leila.

This is our "front yard". Not bad, huh.

This past Monday was our biggest rainy day since we got here. That didn't stop daddy from checking out the work site (our home away from home). So, it was a great opportunity for Leila to accompany daddy (which she does when opportunity allows) and play in the puddle, which the "old me" won't ever allow. They were gone for a while and when they got home, she was wet, cold and ready for a nap. If only we had hot chocolate. Inspite of being cold and wet, I think she had a great time.

Gentlegirls Start Your Engines!

Leila had her cousins, Hadley and Millie, over last Friday, which she always enjoy. We had

breakfast, they played, had lunch, went for a walk, napped, had dinner then bath. It's a nice feeling to help family out when needed. The most important thing is that Leila and William get to know their cousins better.

Lazy Sunday

Yesterday was one of those "lazy days" wherein we stayed home, wore our jammies all day (but changed to a different one by bedtime), watched Tim Allen's "Santa Clause", had popcorn and just enjoyed each other. It's good to know that we can have those days and be ok with it.

My 3 Musketeers

I'm chopped liver when daddy is home (-:, but I've come to terms with it. They miss him too, terribly. You might think that William is too young to remember him? Oh, no. He remembers his "dada". When Leila is having a bad day, she would say "I miss daddy". It breaks my heart but we have to do what we have to do to provide them a better future.

After Breakfast Dessert

That's my girl.

Messy face.

We went to Baskin & Robbin the night before and bought ice cream cones for them (the Rocky Road ice cream for mommy). The deal was they couldn't eat them that night but they can only if they finish their breakfast the next day. And they did.

Dress Rehearsal

Three days before Halloween, I decided to have them try their costumes on. Both costumes were long and I almost panicked. I didn't want to buy new ones. Thank God for safety pins, I was able to save myself from buying William a new one. Leila had to practice picking her skirt up. The "old" me would have freaked out, but the "new" me was more rational and decided that it'll be just fine, and it was. Thanks again, Kelly, for letting William borrow Tyler's Chewy costume.

Pumpkin Patch

The finished product. Perfect!

Decorating her pumpkins.

Bouncy, bouncy.

I wish I know what they were discussing.

Leila took this picture.

My William is growing up so fast.

Found the perfect pumpkins.

His first time riding as well and he had mixed feelings.

Riding a pony, aka "Candy", for the first time.

Gotta ride the cho-cho train.

Daddy is home this weekend so we were determined to do something with the kids. So off to Bishop's Pumpkin Patch we go. It turned out to be a hot day but we didn't let the weather dampen our spirits, despite wearing long-sleeved shirts, and just make the most of being together. At the end of the day, we went home content and happy to have that rare moments of daddy being home.

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.