TGIF

Thankfully, it is Friday.  Even being at home, the weekend brings a schedule change.  One was greatly needed after this week.  We did not have a good night at all.  After the trouble getting Bubeaner and Bubita to fall asleep, they woke up multiple times during the night.  The (EARLY) morning found them wide awake, rested and in bed with us.  We still have not figured out how they can keep us up all night and still wake up rested.  Not surprisingly both of them ended up having a long morning nap of 2+ hours.  And in truth, Momma even succumbed at one point to the exhaustion.  We are not sure how Dad managed at work without one.

Bubita completely enthralled with the ceiling fan.

Bubita has definitely found her smile.  She smiles whenever she sees any she recognizes.  This even includes Sandy and her new best friend the ceiling fan.  And she is not stingy with them.  She smiles during "conversations" too.  Most of the time the smiles are followed by her heart-warming giggle or laughter.  They are more common occurrence so Bubita no longer startles at the sound of her laugh.

Smiling Bubita

She has a sunny disposition.

Bubeaner continues to insist on helping out with everything we do.  He likes to push the laundry baskets to and from the laundry room.  But the best part appears to be actually putting the clothes into the washing machine.  Bubeaner waits until the washing machine starts; he's mesmerized by the cycling motion.  Thankfully, the controls are still too high for him to reach.  We also encourage Bubeaner to help us out with Bubita's care.  He will bring us the clean diapers and wipes when Bubita needs a diaper change.  We also get him involved in picking out her clothes.  Bubeaner really enjoys helping out.  He even helped to burp her at one time.  And Bubita loves her Bubeaner.  She will smile and giggle when he's anywhere near her.

Bubeaner ensuring the pantry door is completely closed.

He cannot stand seeing doors open.

And when he can't help, Bubeaner imitates our behavior.  His current favorite pastime includes making vacuuming sounds as he pushes around any item even vaguely resembling a vacuum cleaner.  So far he has used his golf club (courtesy of Ms. Debbie), curtain rod and a shower curtain rod.  We wanted to buy a set of toy appliances, but we've yet to find any that are NOT pink or feminine.  It's sad since cleaning is not, and should not, be considered a gender-specific activity.

Vacuuming the hallway.

He's tried pushing the real vacuum cleaner but it's too heavy.

We keep the TV off most of the day at our home.  It's not that we don't watch TV, but thanks to the DVR (digital video recorder) we can tape our shows and watch them after the kiddos are in bed.  The only exception is usually during the morning while we get ready.  Even so, Bubeaner really never enjoyed watching TV.  In fact, he still does not really watch much TV; we've been playing movies in the car and he will only watch for a few minutes.  Bubita, however, is another story.  We can't get her to stop watching.  If the TV is on, she will move and strain her little neck until she can see it.  This may prove a problem as she gets older.

Pint-size TV junkie

 Bubeaner loves his Bubita.  However, there are many ways where we are finding out how he resented the changes brought on by the birth.  Momma use to put him to bed for his nap and bed time with almost no issues.  We had the same routine of prayers and songs.... almost from when he was still in the NICU.  But after the c-section, Momma was on lifting restriction.  We did cuddle and still did our songs/prayers.  But either Meme'Licia or Dad actually got him in bed.  After six weeks, we are attempting to resume our normal routine.  Well, every time Momma takes him for bedtime Bubeaner will fuss and cry and not settle down.  It usually requires either Meme'Licia or Dad to calm him down.  It's normal and we're not giving up, but it breaks Momma's heart.

Bubeaner helping get the lotion for Bubita.

Bubeaner has also been terribly missing his girls.  He asks for his "Ayi" and "LaLa" every day!  Of course, he asks for them more when we discipline him.  Spoiled little boy.

Surviving

The other day, while buying night diapers for Bubeaner, we looked for some for Bubita.  However, we did not find anything below size 4.  We realized it's probably because not many newborns are sleeping 7+ hours a night.  Yes, she sleeps that long at night now.  Most nights both babies are asleep by 730p-830p.  Bubita will wake up between 4a and 5a and Bubeaner between 6a-7a.  We're pretty lucky and a little cocky.  But then there are days like today when when our children remind us that with kids nothings guaranteed and life is usually not without some issues. 

A peacefully napping Bubita

This is one of the cutest things she does

We actually had a pretty quiet day today on purpose.  This entire week it's felt like we've been on the road.  With children every trip takes twice as long especially if it includes a little one that NEEDS to eat every 2-3 hours.  Add to that the extra hour of driving time, without traffic, that we must add because of our new home location.  And of course the 105+ degree weather  does add an extra little something to the equation.  It's just draining.

Bubeaner got really excited when he found this "book."

He immediately knew it was football! 

But we did not mind the quiet day.  We had a relaxed morning.  Bubeaner played a bit, Bubita ate and slept pretty well, and Momma got some little items done around the house.  We even managed to eat a quiet lunch together.  Afterwards, Bubeaner AND Bubita both took nice 3 hour naps allowing Momma to finally get to organize her closet.  The afternoon went in pretty much the same manner.  We were all relaxed and just enjoying the day.  Then something happened.  Our peaceful, calm and rested children morphed into cranky, fussy and crying little tyrants.  We are still struggling to figure out what happened.

Momma told him to read to Sandy.

He apparently thought she could read it herself.  

He handed her the book. 

Bubeaner ended up deciding to read it to Sandy in the end.

All we know is suddenly, Dad is struggling to calm Bubita while he cleans her and himself from the poop incident and Momma is dealing with an unhappy and misbehaving Bubeaner who suddenly refuses to sleep in his room or anywhere for that matter.

Bubita's new nickname:

Chunk-a-Chunk 

Her unofficial weight: 10 lbs!

(on our scale at home)

Plans for a book club meeting were scrapped.  The TV was forgotten on pause at the first five minutes of the game.  Dad drank his dinner in the form of an Ensure while dealing with Bubita crying.  And Momma shared her glamorous cold and flavorless ramen noodle dinner cup with a suddenly starving Bubeaner.

Bubeaner was very helpful, putting books away,

during the earlier part of the day. 

Thankfully, there is one thing that is guaranteed; they are human (though sometimes we wonder) and will eventually run out of steam.  So, it's just a case of making it just a little longer than them.  And as expected, Bubeaner succumbed first.  Granted he ended up back in the pack-and-play in our room, but he at least finally fell asleep.  Bubita, stubborn little punk that she is, lasted the longest.  It's currently 1030p and she's finally asleep.  Though, she too is not in her bed.  She's currently resting on a pillow on Momma's lap as this entry is being typed.  She starts crying the moment she's placed in her bassinet. 

We thought they were so cute.  They were probably planning their

strategy for the evening.  It was all down hill after this picture. 

And it's not so much how late they stayed up that's the problem.  We can easily stay up later on our own watching a movie, reading or talking.  It's just that when they are up and crying and fussy, they have the power to drain the life force out of you.  At those times, a minute feels like an hour.  Though they sure are adorable when they finally fall asleep.  So peaceful!

THE MANY FACES OF BUBITA:

Hmm, what shall I do today to push Momma's buttons....

I forgot what I was thinking about, 

but my fingers are yummy.

Momma don't distract me!

I am working on a plan for world domination!

Man, all this thinking has really worn me out.

On The Go... And Going Nowhere

Yesterday we had to drop off Dad's car at the dealership due to some major tire damage and other minor things.  So this morning we all woke up early and got ready to drop off Dad at work since his car is not yet ready.  Imagine our surprise when as we are driving away from the community and we hear a rattling.  Pulling off to the side of the road, Dad found a metal wire sticking out from the front right tire!  ARG!  Construction on the house started this past weekend on lot next to us.  And yesterday afternoon, they were cutting metal wires right in front of our drive way.  Quite a coincidence.... 

So, Dad dropped us back at the house where he cut the wire as close to the tire as possible and then proceeded to drive to the tire store.  He decided if we were going to have a blow out it was better not to have everyone, including two children, in the car.  After everything was fixed, Dad came back to pick us up so that we could finally drop him off at work.  By this time, Bubeaner and Bubita were not too thrilled about getting in and out, in and out, of the car.  In fact, Bubita proceeded to cry the last 15 minutes of the drive back.  Bubeaner, being so considerate, spent that time screaming at Momma about his Bebe crying in case Momma failed to hear the deafening screams from the back seat.

Bubita and aunt Pau sneaking some loving at the office

Sadly, we were not able to make it to Bubeaner's gym class due to the tire incident and thus changed our other plans for the day.  It left us with a more relaxed schedule.  This was great because even though Bubeaner slept through the night (in his own bed!) and woke up at 730a, he was pretty tired by 11a.  We attempted to let him take a nap in the trundle of the day bed in the nursery.  This will be his bed when Bubita moves to the crib.  He found it entertaining and actually settled in for a a few minutes.  But this new found freedom was a little too much for Bubeaner to resist.  He was soon off climbing off and on the bed and playing with the few toys in the nursery.  He ended up in the crib crying.  In fact, Meme'Licia had to sit with him in the nursery to calm him down.  Momma only made him cry harder; he may have realized Momma hates to hear him cry.  He's such a little con-artist.

It was not that long ago that he was actually IN this car seat.

He's grown so much!

We made an unscheduled trip to the doctor's office in the afternoon.  Meme'Licia was following in a separate car in case we ran too late.  We were separated by traffic.  Those few minutes made Momma appreciate Meme'Licia a lot.  Momma had to carry Bubeaner, the purse and diaper bag on one arm, push Bubita in her stroller on the other.  Thankfully Meme'Licia caught up with us as we were heading in to see the doctor.  Bubeaner did not like the nurse (she was a new one) and was about to start crying.  He also did not let her get anywhere near Momma.  And a little bit later, Bubita started crying...again.  It would have been quite an interesting visit with both kids in the exam room.

Sadly, the doctor did not have good news.  It appears Momma has developed mastitis, but we are hopeful that the prescribed medications, along with home treatments Momma is already following, will take care of it.  Otherwise, it means a visit to the surgeon on Friday. Yuck!

Bubita sure likes to pose for photos.

We walked across the street from the doctor's office to see aunt Pau at her office in the hospital.  Now that we've moved further away we don't see her as often;  we miss our aunt Pau.  Bubeaner really enjoyed spending a few minutes with her.  Of course, our visit was a little longer because Bubita decided she needed to eat.  The girl is like her brother when it comes to food.  They are not patient at all.  Bubeaner was entertained with a cup of fruit during that time.  It also helped that he was in Bubita's car seat and could not get down and run around.  He actually finished all of the fruit.  Hopefully we won't have tummy issues later.

Bubita was bathed upon our return and after Bubeaner ate and went to bed.  She was actually enjoying the refreshing bath water and staying awake.  It's been an improvement from relaxing so much she slept through her baths or even pooped in the tub a few times.   She actually cried when we took her out of the tub. 

Afterwards she spent a few minutes talking with Momma and Dad.  She's becoming such a conversationalist!  We love to hear her cooing.  Bubeaner is also improving on his vocabulary.  Or maybe we are just getting better at understanding it.  But it does appear that he enunciates a little better every day.  Today he said "rana" (frog) clearly while we were reading a story with a frog in it.  It made us smile. 

And today we noticed Bubita smiles as soon as she sees us.  It warms our hearts that our presence brings her joy.  Bubeaner and Bubita's presence bring joy to our lives.

Our Babies

Bubeaner was a great boy and slept in his bedroom again!  We may have finally gotten over the sleep-with-Momma-and-Dad issue.  And it happened by accident when Meme'Licia put him in his crib at bedtime rather than in the pack and play.  (Bubeaner had continued to takes his naps in his crib through all this even though he refused to sleep there at night.)  One kid down, one to go. 

"Man, tummy time is SUCH a drag."

Not surprisingly, Bubeaner is also sleeping a lot better through the night now too.  And thus is much more rested.  The little dark shadows under his eyes might even disappear soon.  We are all dealing with sleep deprivation.  As to Bubita, she did much better last night.  She did wake up at 1030p to eat, but then proceeded to sleep - in the bassinet, on her own - until 430a.  It's still way early, but we are just glad she's back to sleeping 6 hours a night.  And we are coming to the conclusion that she may not be a morning person like Bubeaner and Dad.  She can, and usually does, go back to sleep after her morning feeding and sleeps another 4-5 hours straight.  The girl might even sleep longer but by 9a it's pretty difficult to restraint Bubeaner's energy.  He's been awake at least 3 hours and is ready to PLAY!  It's a great feat for him to last that long quietly entertaining himself.

Our two babies:

The size difference is quite obvious in this picture. 

Bubita is also learning to entertain herself.  She appeared pretty observant even from the beginning.  She appeared to focus on objects and faces and track them as they moved.  She's now definitely found her hands.  We do not know yet if she understands they are hers and that she can control them.  However, we are seeing her attempt to grab at items.  She especially likes to "caress" Momma's face and pretty often reaches out to touch Bubeaner. 

Bubeaner thought it hilarious to sit in between Momma's legs.

Silly boy!

She's also becoming quite the conversationalist.  Yesterday she even had an argument, probably the first of many, with Dad.  She voiced her complaints regarding Dad's need to observe traffic signals and follow posted speed limits.   Dad attempted to explain, but Bubita would have none of it.  The girl has a need for S P E E D!  Thankfully, she has also had quite lady-like conversations with Momma cooing adorably.  Bubita has also come into her smile.  She loves to smile and even occasionally giggle.  The giggles still startle her at times.  But the smiles are like the parting of the sky on a cloudy day; they just make our day!

Bubita in her coming-home outfit.

Of course, back then it looked like it was a pant set;

she's grown a bit.

Bubeaner continues to add sounds to his vocabulary too.  He is quite the conversationalist too.  We just wished we could understand everything he was saying.  So far, we are able to follow his lead and continue with our end of the conversation.  It may appear strange to others watching.  Bubeaner will babble on and on about something and we will respond and so on.  We've had pretty long conversations this way.  Today, he even discussed with Momma the best way to install a bookshelf in his play room closet.  He was intrigued with Momma's use of the powertools (drill/screwdriver).

Got cheeks?

Bubeaner finally accepted Momma would not allow him to use the drill and settled into helping with other things.  That's the main thing he wants to do as of late.  He loves to help us do our every day activities and chores.  And he does not want to pretend; he wants to actually do what we are doing.  He's pretty good at most of them too considering his age and size.  His favorite chore is still doing laundry.  Hopefully it will remain so even through his teen years.  But lately he is also helping out with Bubita's care like handing me diapers, etc.  The newest one he's tried has been helping out in the kitchen.  Now, we will admit he does not get much of an opportunity with this one because Momma does not cook much.  But has enjoyed any little bit he has done.  Maybe he will be the cook in the family. 

The Greatest Show and Other Weekend Things

Well, Momma over did it on Friday.  Dr. T said we were cleared and could even go rock climbing.  However, after carrying Bubeaner most of the evening and then going on the afternoon walk, Momma was hurting.  We are back to taking it easy but with more freedom.

Dad and Bubeaner enthralled by the performers.

Momma and Dad are also hurting and seriously sleep deprived.  Thursday and Friday night Bubeaner and Bubita had bad nights.  Bubita in particular woke up almost every hour.  She did eat a couple of times during the night.  But the rest of the times Bubita just wanted to cuddle before falling asleep again. We are desperately hoping it's not a trend that sticks.  We are not sure how we would function with this little sleep.

Our little circus fan was totally exhausted by the end.

Saturday morning we took it easy because we had fun plans for later in the day.  We all headed to the circus!  Momma and Dad had not been to one in decades (that makes us sound so old!).  And this was the first for both little ones.  It was entertaining and Bubeaner appeared to enjoy it.  Well, he particularly enjoyed the bucket of popcorn.  He ate almost half of the family bucket of popcorn by himself.  And that was AFTER he had inhaled an entire hot dog. 

Flirty Little Minx

As to the performances, Bubeaner was slightly amused by the acrobats, dancers, and clowns.  But the human cannon ball was his absolute favorite.  Bubeaner is quite judicious about awarding claps/"bravos"; he does not clap just because everyone else is clapping.  And the cannon ball skit had him dropping the popcorn and clapping loudly.  The elephants and tigers also received claps but not with the same vigor.  Our boy is funny and sometimes so grown up.

Momma's Favorite People 

As to Bubita, she slept through the entire show.  Well, she did wake up once to eat.  But we are not completely sure she was truly awake.  This was quite a feat considering how loud it was in the arena.  It does boggle our mind that she can sleep with all that noise, but at home a little sniffle can startle her from a deep sleep.  We are sure she will enjoy the show next year.

Dad and Momma enjoying a break alone as a couple

On Saturday night, Momma and Dad went on their first outing sans babies since Bubita was born.  We enjoyed the early evening at a nice relaxed party.  Afterwards, we were able to visit one of our favorite restaurants in that area.  We had not been back in at least three years!  We were surprised the sushi chef still recognized us, but we had frequented it 3 or more times per week back then.  Yes, we absolutely love sushi.

Bubita all dressed up for church.

Even with the late dinner, we were back home early by our pre-children standards.  But it was satisfiying to spend some quality couple time.  And we are blessed to have wonderful, trust-worthy friends and family to babysit our little ones.  We plan on taking at least one night a month for just Momma and Dad.  And Meme'Licia had both babies asleep AND in their respective beds when we returned.  Bubita ate once we returned but promptly fell asleep again.  And, even more surprising, they both slept through the night!!!  We are not sure why or what happened.  But it was just wonderful to get that extra sleep considering the lack of it the last few nights.  Meme'Licia may need to babysit at night more often if this is the effect on the kiddos.

Bubeaner's appetite has definitely picked up.

Sunday morning was so much nicer after the wonderful, peaceful night.  We even managed to make it to mass at our old church.  Although we did discover some changes there too.  Our favorite priest, the one that baptized Bubeaner, is transferring to another parish.  He was one of the reasons we wanted to keep attending there.  Maybe this will make it easier to transition to another church home.  Although, Momma plans to continue participating in the women's bazaar group.  They are like family.

Bubita continued sleeping even as she was bathed.

That's one tired little girl. 

We, aunt Pau included, all enjoyed a wonderful lunch at one of our favorite tex-mex restaurants.  Once again, Bubeaner ate well.  He ate an entire taco, all the rice and most of the beans on his plate.  We're not sure if toddlers go through growth spurts, but he is sure eating like he's in one.  Bita might be right also.  He may just be like aunt Lari and Momma with times of "hibernation" with little or no appetite and followed by periods of ferocious appetite.

All Clear

Today Dad was able to take a day away from the office.  And although he still had to work a little from home, we all enjoyed the extra time with Dad especially Bubeaner.  The boys decided to start off eating breakfast together while the girls slept.  Later they headed off to play at the pool.  Bubeaner had a great time splashing around.  Dad worked on teaching Bubeaner to blow bubbles and how to hold his breath under water.  Bubeaner still has a way to go.  He will start swimming classes towards the end of August now that we are settling into a routine again.  We are tempted into getting into other activities but will limit it to just two: swimming and gym.  We do not want Bubeaner's childhood to be one planned activity after another.  That's not fun at all.

Dad and Bubita napped while we waited,

and waited, AND waited, for Dr. T. 

We also had Momma's last (hopefully) appointment with Dr. T today.  Everything looks great.  The only little bit of bad news, other than the 2-hour commute in traffic with a screaming child, was that it does appear that Momma has a little (let's hope) hernia.  Dr. T does not believe it's a true umbilical hernia but that it's more likely a "natural" hernia caused by the stress of the pregnancy on the abdominal muscles as well as the trauma of the c-section.  He believes it will heal naturally with time.  And, more importantly, Momma can resume normal activities regardless.  YAY!

Bubita's cry is not as adorable

after an hour stuck in the car hearing it. 

As soon as we returned home, Momma picked up her Bubeaner for the first time since the morning Bubita was born.  Oh, MY!  Our little boy has grown and gotten quite heavy in the last six weeks.  Up to now, someone would place him on Momma's lap while seating on the rocker or glider.  It was priceless to be able to carry him and rock him without worry.  Bubeaner appeared to agree.  He would not let Momma put him down.  It was wonderful.  In fact, he did not let Momma out of his sight for the rest of the day.  Momma complied.

Momma finally holding her Bubeaner

after six weeks! 

Momma also decided to take a walk with Bubeaner enjoying the drop in temperature following the afternoon rain.  We walked all around our neighborhood then even headed out to the golf course though we did not venture too far.  We were over doing it, but it was wonderful to have Bubeaner-Momma alone time.

Bubeaner's sneak attack on the donuts.

Things are no longer safe on the counter.

Bubeaner is a pretty easy going, well-behaved child.  Yet, lately, he has really been testing the limits.  And he has been screaming/talking back at us too.  It might be due to the terrible twos and not being able to successfully communicate with us all the time.  But we suspect it might also have something to do with all the changes of late.  All of a sudden his top fans (aunts Lari, Maya and Banni) disappeared!

Bubeaner LOVES his Bebe.

He did not want to stop "holding" Bubita. 

He has been asking for them in the mornings and occasionally in the evenings.  Poor munchkin.  We don't know how to explain that they went home and are not coming back for quite a while.  Their departure also probably highlighted the difference with how Momma care for him versus Bubita.  After all, Momma could pick Bubita up whenever she cried and only held Bubeaner when he cried, etc.  Hopefully, this situation will improve now that Momma has been cleared to carry him.  Otherwise, we for see many, many more time outs in our future. 

Timeouts are a more frequent occurrence 

in our household as of late.