Friday, April 30, 2010

My Dirty boy!

So Harm's swim class got canceled yesterday but unfortunately he saw me get our swim bag together and me put my suit on before I knew it was canceled. So when it was time to go and we didn't go he got really sad. My amazing Nanny thought quickly. She poured a bubble bath for him in my jet tub and he had the time of his life in there... BUT...

Holy CRUMB he trashed my tub and left dirt everywhere! It is going to take a while to clean that up tomorrow!

He did have a great time though and he is "all boy" so what can I do but smile?

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Dressing my baby dolls...



Hello, my name is Francisca and I am addicted to dressing up my little babies. In fact I am addicted to dressing up all of my kids! It is funny b/c every morning the nanny asks me "do you have any outfits in mind?" and I always scurry into the nursery and carefully contemplate the days fashion despite trying to get work done. If they are not doing anything special we find the CUTEST onesies for them to wear that include flowers or froggies on their little behinds and matching sox w/hair accesories. When we the smallest excuse for dressing up I go all out w/cute coordinating overalls and precious dresses w/big oversized hair accesories. Harmon is given as much consideration as a boy tot could get. I always have to make sure his clothes are clean, non faded, non stained etc.



I worry all the time what I will do when my children no longer let me pick their clothes out. I am hoping at least Rachel will be a good sport and let me continue making her the fashion plate of Las Cruces... otherwise it is back to dressing up the dog!



Monday, April 26, 2010

The March of Dimes was a SUCCESS!


I really don't think I have words to say how grateful I am to everyone who helped, donated, and those who just supported us in spirit! I've never done anything like this before and I was really nervous but we not only met our goal but actually exceeded it.

Our team was great. We lost one member by accident and another got sick so it was our family who walked with us. Chris' sisters Carrie and Melissa, our wonderful sister-in-law Melissa, her mom, her daughter and of course our three kids. The walk went well but I must confess we never did the whole 7.5 miles. Our team the morning of the walk started out like everyone else but after a few minutes Chris was configuring the map and shaved off about 3 miles so we only walked 4 miles... which considering I just got my hip replaced was probably a good thing. I felt so silly though b/c we were THE LAST team to leave and one of the first teams to get back. Everyone was like WOW! I still think there are high schoolers wondering how we must have run the whole way with 4 kids in tow.

It was a great experience overall and I just can't wait to do it again next year.


Friday, April 23, 2010

The pressure of perfection...

I need to learn that the words perfect and mother do not go in the same sentence. In fact I don't think the words perfect and living go together. I've been trying to balance so much these last few weeks (work, Early Intervention, sick kids... heck just having kids everywhere I turn!) and today I realized I am so tired. I just want to cry I am so tired. Yet here I am obsessing about t-shirts for tomorrows walk. How stupid am I? I dunno, I think perhaps Chris and I need a vacation this summer to maybe Puerto Rico or something like that... YES... a nice long vacation away from my obsessive need to be perfect in everything.




Thursday, April 22, 2010

March of Dimes

I suck at selling or fundraising. It has never been my thing. In middle school my Mom used to just buy the candy bars herself and give them away to her students b/c she knew I was just too shy to ask people. I could never have cut it as a girl scout w/cookies! Chris is not much better than me.

So this is my request. Even if you only have like $5 extra dollars please donate to our March of Dimes team today or tomorrow. You can donate by going to our web page: http://www.marchforbabies.org/hakescupcakes. We are really close to our goal and the cause is really good. March of Dimes, a national organization that helps bring resources to our local community to prevent the premature births of babies and help those babies born premature. They really helped us through our journey w/the cupcakes. So come donate if you want. We would appreciate it.


Rachel

Callum

Recently on St Patty's day


Monday, April 19, 2010

If only they could just stay little...

This morning I put a onesie on Rachel that a friend had given me. It had these little baby ducks on it and it said "If only they could stay little!". I didn't think much of it at the time but right now I am sitting on the couch and trying to get some work done that I am REALLY behind on and the twins are napping next to me. I realized this is all going so fast. I'm going to blink and they are going to be kids, and than teens, and than parents themselves. I only have so many days left of holding and cuddling. If I keep busy too much and don't take advantage of every moment to hold and embrace my little ones I will have a lifetime of regret. If only they could just stay little... at least a little longer, b/c boy they are growing up so fast.


Newborn Harmon


Newborn Callum

Newborn Rachel

Everyone Recently

Good Tot, Bad Tot


I think having a two year old is hard. Having a two year old w/Sensory... well that is suicide. It is so funny b/c Harmon is always on the move. This week he learned how to break our child proof door locks. This means he can get into our cupboard (you know where the cookies, syrup, and everything else yummy or interesting is). He also can explore no no rooms like my bathroom where fun stuff like shaving cream and Mommy's make up live. So we have to have the trim carpenter come out today and put on some new knobs.

He has tantrums constantly. Some are related to his Sensory and are not his fault. Those are the worse b/c there isn't much I can do except keep him safe and try to help him calm down. They are so sad b/c they are caused by him getting overwhelmed in his enviorment. Some are b/c he is 2! These tantrums lead to great moments like being in the middle of tot gymnastics holding him upside down w/his feet b/c he has to wait his turn for the climbing wall or Harmon lying in the toy aisle at Target b/c he can't get a new bouncy ball. When we are at home we do "time out" and that is helping but it is still a process.

At the same time Harmon is still a really sweet boy. Last night he fell asleep in my arms. He is always trying to please me and does things like bring me flowers (granted it is out of our vases but heck it is a start). The funniest is at the playgrounds. He is constantly giving everyone in the park hugs. These kids look at me so confused... why is this guy giving me hugs? I'm hopeful, the "terrible" twos can't last forever and one day we will beat this sensory issue. Hopefully when that happens he will still be the wonderful sweet boy I know he is.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Harmon attempted Grand Theft Larceny Today!


Harmon has always loved cars and keys (as you can tell from our old picture). We used to keep our car keys in the locked garage but when Harmon learned how to open the door to the garage we stopped. So now I have my car keys in my purse and my purse is hidden on the top shelf above the washer/dryer.

So I was really busy for tending to a sick Callum this afternoon (see below) and I knew he was in the laundry room so I wasn't concerned. I didn't think he could climb the washer/dryer. HE CAN! So he climbed the washer or dryer... I suspect dryer and reached into my purse. He grabbed the car key and snuck into the garage (this was all in under 3 minutes mind you). So I go to check on him and he had unlocked the car with the keyless entry, had put the key in the ignition, and had opened the garage with the garage opener. When I got there he was currently playing with the lights. I have NO doubt if he was able to reach the pedals he would have been at the PickQuick getting a soda.

Callum Update


Today was nerve wracking for me. All is well that ends well and so far things are look like it will end well. This morning he was cranky and a little wheezy but nothing alarming. Chris and I took Harmon to lunch and when I got back our nanny was concerned b/c he seemed listless and was running a fever. We tried to give him meds to break his fever but the meds didn't work. He wouldn't eat his lunch and his wheezing got worse. After a few tense hours and more breathing treatments/fever reducing meds he was stable again and the doctor said we didn't need to take him to the hospital :) So I haven't left his side the rest of the day/night. Doctor thinks if we stick to the treatment in a day or so he will begin to improve. I pray she is right!

Monday, April 12, 2010

My poor little man!

Poor Callum is sick again! I can't believe it b/c Rachel has yet to really get sick and she was considered more high risk. Right now he has a bad chest infection that they are worried is turning into pnumonia. My poor little guy is handling his meds and treatments like a champ but I am ever so worried about him.

Friday, April 9, 2010

I think we do things more for ourselves...



So last week we decided to go to the Zoo for the first time with the twins. So of course to take everyone to the Zoo I have to prepare. First I spend 15 mins picking out cute outfits b/c after all they have to all look good going to the Zoo! Than by the time we get everyone fed, loaded up, drive to El Paso (we live in the neighboring city Las Cruces 45 mins away), unload everyone, etc. Harmon is pent up with energy. So we stand in line, spend tons of money for tickets, and than chase him around the zoo. He liked some of the animals (especially the Sea Lions) but we all know he has a VERY low attention span so he found pushing the twins stroller more interesting 2/3 of the time. The twins slept the WHOLE time until it was time to eat. Oh and we get stopped EVERY couple of minutes with the same question: "OMG are those twins?" I think people found us more interesting than the new lion exhibit or the elephants.

I must ask myself why do I do these things? I think everyone would have been just as happy if not happier just going to the park next to our house. I think both Chris and I feel couped up all week at home and we want some sort of adventure. Unfortunately adventure is oh so difficult when you have 3 kids less than 2 yrs apart. Oh well, at least we have great pictures!


Monday, April 5, 2010

A rose by any other name...


So lately I've been contemplating changing Rachel's name. I always thought my daughter's name would be Rachel. It was an inspiration I had years ago. Than with the stress of having these kids I really never had a chance to contemplate that inspiration. So now I am having regrets. The boys names are both very English/Australian and go great with our last name. So I have been thinking of naming her Adelaide. Of course that would be a pain in the butt considering she is already 7 months old and I would have to do birth certificate and social security. I probably won't... I am horridly lazy after all. But maybe just maybe...

Friday, April 30, 2010

My Dirty boy!

So Harm's swim class got canceled yesterday but unfortunately he saw me get our swim bag together and me put my suit on before I knew it was canceled. So when it was time to go and we didn't go he got really sad. My amazing Nanny thought quickly. She poured a bubble bath for him in my jet tub and he had the time of his life in there... BUT...

Holy CRUMB he trashed my tub and left dirt everywhere! It is going to take a while to clean that up tomorrow!

He did have a great time though and he is "all boy" so what can I do but smile?

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Dressing my baby dolls...



Hello, my name is Francisca and I am addicted to dressing up my little babies. In fact I am addicted to dressing up all of my kids! It is funny b/c every morning the nanny asks me "do you have any outfits in mind?" and I always scurry into the nursery and carefully contemplate the days fashion despite trying to get work done. If they are not doing anything special we find the CUTEST onesies for them to wear that include flowers or froggies on their little behinds and matching sox w/hair accesories. When we the smallest excuse for dressing up I go all out w/cute coordinating overalls and precious dresses w/big oversized hair accesories. Harmon is given as much consideration as a boy tot could get. I always have to make sure his clothes are clean, non faded, non stained etc.



I worry all the time what I will do when my children no longer let me pick their clothes out. I am hoping at least Rachel will be a good sport and let me continue making her the fashion plate of Las Cruces... otherwise it is back to dressing up the dog!



Monday, April 26, 2010

The March of Dimes was a SUCCESS!


I really don't think I have words to say how grateful I am to everyone who helped, donated, and those who just supported us in spirit! I've never done anything like this before and I was really nervous but we not only met our goal but actually exceeded it.

Our team was great. We lost one member by accident and another got sick so it was our family who walked with us. Chris' sisters Carrie and Melissa, our wonderful sister-in-law Melissa, her mom, her daughter and of course our three kids. The walk went well but I must confess we never did the whole 7.5 miles. Our team the morning of the walk started out like everyone else but after a few minutes Chris was configuring the map and shaved off about 3 miles so we only walked 4 miles... which considering I just got my hip replaced was probably a good thing. I felt so silly though b/c we were THE LAST team to leave and one of the first teams to get back. Everyone was like WOW! I still think there are high schoolers wondering how we must have run the whole way with 4 kids in tow.

It was a great experience overall and I just can't wait to do it again next year.


Friday, April 23, 2010

The pressure of perfection...

I need to learn that the words perfect and mother do not go in the same sentence. In fact I don't think the words perfect and living go together. I've been trying to balance so much these last few weeks (work, Early Intervention, sick kids... heck just having kids everywhere I turn!) and today I realized I am so tired. I just want to cry I am so tired. Yet here I am obsessing about t-shirts for tomorrows walk. How stupid am I? I dunno, I think perhaps Chris and I need a vacation this summer to maybe Puerto Rico or something like that... YES... a nice long vacation away from my obsessive need to be perfect in everything.




Thursday, April 22, 2010

March of Dimes

I suck at selling or fundraising. It has never been my thing. In middle school my Mom used to just buy the candy bars herself and give them away to her students b/c she knew I was just too shy to ask people. I could never have cut it as a girl scout w/cookies! Chris is not much better than me.

So this is my request. Even if you only have like $5 extra dollars please donate to our March of Dimes team today or tomorrow. You can donate by going to our web page: http://www.marchforbabies.org/hakescupcakes. We are really close to our goal and the cause is really good. March of Dimes, a national organization that helps bring resources to our local community to prevent the premature births of babies and help those babies born premature. They really helped us through our journey w/the cupcakes. So come donate if you want. We would appreciate it.


Rachel

Callum

Recently on St Patty's day


Monday, April 19, 2010

If only they could just stay little...

This morning I put a onesie on Rachel that a friend had given me. It had these little baby ducks on it and it said "If only they could stay little!". I didn't think much of it at the time but right now I am sitting on the couch and trying to get some work done that I am REALLY behind on and the twins are napping next to me. I realized this is all going so fast. I'm going to blink and they are going to be kids, and than teens, and than parents themselves. I only have so many days left of holding and cuddling. If I keep busy too much and don't take advantage of every moment to hold and embrace my little ones I will have a lifetime of regret. If only they could just stay little... at least a little longer, b/c boy they are growing up so fast.


Newborn Harmon


Newborn Callum

Newborn Rachel

Everyone Recently

Good Tot, Bad Tot


I think having a two year old is hard. Having a two year old w/Sensory... well that is suicide. It is so funny b/c Harmon is always on the move. This week he learned how to break our child proof door locks. This means he can get into our cupboard (you know where the cookies, syrup, and everything else yummy or interesting is). He also can explore no no rooms like my bathroom where fun stuff like shaving cream and Mommy's make up live. So we have to have the trim carpenter come out today and put on some new knobs.

He has tantrums constantly. Some are related to his Sensory and are not his fault. Those are the worse b/c there isn't much I can do except keep him safe and try to help him calm down. They are so sad b/c they are caused by him getting overwhelmed in his enviorment. Some are b/c he is 2! These tantrums lead to great moments like being in the middle of tot gymnastics holding him upside down w/his feet b/c he has to wait his turn for the climbing wall or Harmon lying in the toy aisle at Target b/c he can't get a new bouncy ball. When we are at home we do "time out" and that is helping but it is still a process.

At the same time Harmon is still a really sweet boy. Last night he fell asleep in my arms. He is always trying to please me and does things like bring me flowers (granted it is out of our vases but heck it is a start). The funniest is at the playgrounds. He is constantly giving everyone in the park hugs. These kids look at me so confused... why is this guy giving me hugs? I'm hopeful, the "terrible" twos can't last forever and one day we will beat this sensory issue. Hopefully when that happens he will still be the wonderful sweet boy I know he is.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Harmon attempted Grand Theft Larceny Today!


Harmon has always loved cars and keys (as you can tell from our old picture). We used to keep our car keys in the locked garage but when Harmon learned how to open the door to the garage we stopped. So now I have my car keys in my purse and my purse is hidden on the top shelf above the washer/dryer.

So I was really busy for tending to a sick Callum this afternoon (see below) and I knew he was in the laundry room so I wasn't concerned. I didn't think he could climb the washer/dryer. HE CAN! So he climbed the washer or dryer... I suspect dryer and reached into my purse. He grabbed the car key and snuck into the garage (this was all in under 3 minutes mind you). So I go to check on him and he had unlocked the car with the keyless entry, had put the key in the ignition, and had opened the garage with the garage opener. When I got there he was currently playing with the lights. I have NO doubt if he was able to reach the pedals he would have been at the PickQuick getting a soda.

Callum Update


Today was nerve wracking for me. All is well that ends well and so far things are look like it will end well. This morning he was cranky and a little wheezy but nothing alarming. Chris and I took Harmon to lunch and when I got back our nanny was concerned b/c he seemed listless and was running a fever. We tried to give him meds to break his fever but the meds didn't work. He wouldn't eat his lunch and his wheezing got worse. After a few tense hours and more breathing treatments/fever reducing meds he was stable again and the doctor said we didn't need to take him to the hospital :) So I haven't left his side the rest of the day/night. Doctor thinks if we stick to the treatment in a day or so he will begin to improve. I pray she is right!

Monday, April 12, 2010

My poor little man!

Poor Callum is sick again! I can't believe it b/c Rachel has yet to really get sick and she was considered more high risk. Right now he has a bad chest infection that they are worried is turning into pnumonia. My poor little guy is handling his meds and treatments like a champ but I am ever so worried about him.

Friday, April 9, 2010

I think we do things more for ourselves...



So last week we decided to go to the Zoo for the first time with the twins. So of course to take everyone to the Zoo I have to prepare. First I spend 15 mins picking out cute outfits b/c after all they have to all look good going to the Zoo! Than by the time we get everyone fed, loaded up, drive to El Paso (we live in the neighboring city Las Cruces 45 mins away), unload everyone, etc. Harmon is pent up with energy. So we stand in line, spend tons of money for tickets, and than chase him around the zoo. He liked some of the animals (especially the Sea Lions) but we all know he has a VERY low attention span so he found pushing the twins stroller more interesting 2/3 of the time. The twins slept the WHOLE time until it was time to eat. Oh and we get stopped EVERY couple of minutes with the same question: "OMG are those twins?" I think people found us more interesting than the new lion exhibit or the elephants.

I must ask myself why do I do these things? I think everyone would have been just as happy if not happier just going to the park next to our house. I think both Chris and I feel couped up all week at home and we want some sort of adventure. Unfortunately adventure is oh so difficult when you have 3 kids less than 2 yrs apart. Oh well, at least we have great pictures!


Monday, April 5, 2010

A rose by any other name...


So lately I've been contemplating changing Rachel's name. I always thought my daughter's name would be Rachel. It was an inspiration I had years ago. Than with the stress of having these kids I really never had a chance to contemplate that inspiration. So now I am having regrets. The boys names are both very English/Australian and go great with our last name. So I have been thinking of naming her Adelaide. Of course that would be a pain in the butt considering she is already 7 months old and I would have to do birth certificate and social security. I probably won't... I am horridly lazy after all. But maybe just maybe...