The Only Constant In Life...

... It's change.  The reason we have taken a little blogging break is that recently our lives were thrown into chaos.  No Bubita is still not here.  But remember when we were out "just looking" at a housing development back May 1st?  Well, we actually got down and looked at the model home.  We probably should not have done that. 

Cute sleeping habits of Bubeaner

(at the hotel) 

We were mainly just using it as an excuse to stretch our legs from the long drive.  And we sincerely did not even consider their floor plans since our wish list was pretty hard to find in a one-story house (a non-negotiable item for us).  Imagine our surprise when the market agent informed us she had a contract just fall through on a house that matched our wish list almost perfectly. 

Bubeaner crying at the hotel rather than napping....

Should have known something was wrong. 

We had to see it; it was too good to be true.  Lo and behold, it was true.  The back yard was not as large as we had hoped, but everything else fit our wish list.  And to top it off, Dad's commute would be 15 minutes with traffic without ever having to get on a highway!

Pool Time Fun!

(They were looking for planes)

We (mainly Dad) worked the numbers and contacted the mortgage company.  We knew what we wanted and for what we wanted it.  And, since we were not needing to move, were willing to walk away from it if what the mortgage company offered us did not match it. 

This is when we realized Bubeaner was not feeling too well.

Surprised again, everything came back exactly almost to the dollar to the numbers we had written down.  In fact, everything pretty much worked out that way.  So, Friday May 28th, we closed on our new home while uncle Gary and aunt AA watched a fussy Bubeaner!  Yes, we went from seeing to purchasing to moving in less than a month! 

 As of late, he loves cuddling next to the belly.  

And we are grateful that Mr. Raal, Dad's boss, had some tips on full-service movers to use.  There was no way moving would have been possible in Momma's current stage of pregnancy.  The movers packed Thursday, loaded Friday and unloaded Saturday.  Mr. Dewey, Dad's coworker, and uncle Jeff helped Dad move his other precious baby: his TV on Friday.  Thanks to the AWESOME help of Ms. Karen, Ms. Anne, uncle Jeff, and aunt Pau we started unpacking on Saturday.  By the end of the day, the nursery and playroom including the master bedroom were pretty much unpacked.  Now, not everything is in it's correct place, but at least the rooms are currently livable. 

Cuddling with Dad helped Bubeaner feel a little better.

Monday, with the help of aunt Pau and aunt AA we tackled the kitchen and dining room.  Uncles K and Jeff with Dad tackled the study, guest bedroom and random other areas.  Uncle Gary had the most important job of all.  He helped take care of Bubeaner.  He has the magic touch; no matter how worked up or upset Bubeaner is, he will settled down and just cuddle with uncle Gary.  Something that is quite important when there are boxes and random items strewn everywhere.

Feeling much better,

Bubeaner enjoyed some cereal while Momma packed.

Bubeaner has taken the change pretty well.  His schedule and routine have pretty much been thrown out the window.  It was specially hard to keep them while we were staying at the hotel during the packing/loading stages.  It did not help that Bubeaner came down with something on Friday night.  He had been fussy all week, but we just assumed it was because of all the change around the house.  But Friday night he had enough of a fever to warrant a call to the on-call doctor.  The doctor suggested we just keep an eye on him while giving him medicine to control the fever.  (Momma also learned her baby has graduated to the children's, rather than infant's, dosing of medications.  Our baby is growing up.)  Bubeaner had to deal with a low grade fever until Sunday, but his mood was a lot better and he did not seem too upset by it.

Bubeaner really enjoyed playing with Momma's pregnancy pillow.

And we also realized that Bubeaner may now be getting ready for potty training.  Friday evening we decided to take a little dip in the hotel pool.  Dad changed Bubeaner into his swim trunks and top.  Somehow Dad did not realize that little ones need special "swimming" diapers.  He just put on Bubeaner's trunks on without anything.  Bubeaner had a little accident.  But before the actual incident he grabbed himself and started whimpering and crying.  He did not like not having a diaper.  He continued to do that every time he had a wet diaper.  Dr. Z recommended we just talk about it with him but not try to work on the potty training.  She believes any progress we made would probably be lost once the Bubita gets here since most kids digress with the addition of a sibling.

Uncle Gary and Bubeaner CUTENESS

It was immensely helpful not to worry about Bubeaner

running around getting into things

Snakes and Sandy Update

Bubeaner continues to love playing with his bears.  His favorite is Tommy Teddy Bear (Dad's old bear).  He's just the perfect size and body type for holding and running around for a little one.  Dad loves that Bubeaner enjoys playing so much with Tommy.

He has gotten a lot better at singing the ABC song.  The only clear letters are still "C, D, P".  But he's getting better at the tune.  Maybe he will have it down by the time the grandparents visit in mid-summer.  
Today we visited aunt AA and uncle Gary.  He's feeling more comfortable every time we visit as he recognizes the home.  Bubeaner left a wonderful one-of-a-kind chalk art piece on their back porch.  He was fascinated watching uncle Gary on the riding lawnmower.  Bubeaner wants to get close, but is still not sure enough it's safe.  His favorite part continues to be sitting on the swing with uncle Gary at the water's edge.  Bubeaner is fascinated by all things water.  And it is pretty relaxing to sit in the shade of the large oak trees just listening to the water.  He got to see plenty of ducks.  But we mainly saw a lot of snakes swimming across our line of sight.  They were too far away to determine if they were non-poisonous or a water moccasin.  Unfortunately, our relaxing break was cut short when one of the snakes decided to come a shore right by us.  We all decided it was best to just get back up to the house.

Bubeaner's night time sleep is getting shorter.  He's following the same pattern from last year.  As the days grow longer, he sleeps less.  If the sun is up, Bubeaner is up.  Ideally, we would keep Bubeaner on his original schedule.  However, we've decided to follow his lead.  His bedtime is now closer to 730p-8p.  And he continues to wake up early around 6a.  The main difference we have noticed is that he is now going back to taking a short (maybe 30 minutes) morning nap and a really nice and long afternoon nap again.  He is still getting the same amount of sleeping time, it's just in a different format.  We'll see how this works.

As to Sandy, she is still eating normally and is back to pooping.  YAY!  We called the vet and Dr. P said we may be on the clear since we have not had not noticed any adverse side effects.  Double YAY!

Some Days... Sigh!

There are just some days where we need a little more patience than others.  We are not completely sure that Bubeaner does not a special super power of multiplying himself.  Today it felt like he had clones helping him get into everything.  He was everywhere.  It started with Bubeaner breaking his cup of oatmeal by dropping it on the floor.  There was oatmeal everywhere.  Sandy thought it was Christmas time.  Sigh.  He then proceeded to pat the remaining oatmeal from his bib onto his head and hair.  Sigh!

And suddenly Bubeaner has a new found fascination with Sandy's water and food bowls.  Today he attempted to drink from her bowl several times in the morning.  He first tried scooping it up with his spoon.  Then he attempted it by dipping two of his sippy cups into the water.  The most comical one was where he found a large straw and headed straight towards the bowl.  This one would have worked had Momma not stopped him just (barely) in time.  Sigh.

And as Momma was cleaning up the splashed water and his now dirty sippy cups, Bubeaner decided it would be a good idea to relax for a little while in Sandy's bed.  Thankfully, Sandy is not the jealous type.  Bito Pepe would have had a heart attack had he seen him. And all this happened before 9a! Sigh.

Momma was more than ready to hand him off to Meme'Licia and head off to the church group.  It was so relaxing to have those 3 hours with not having to worry about where he was, what he was getting into, and what he was attempting to eat.  In the mean time, Bubeaner took a nice stroll with Meme'Licia zapping some of his energy and enjoyed a good nap during the morning thunderstorms.  He must have been exhausted because the loud thunder and pounding rain did not wake him.

Bubeaner was awake and refreshed when Momma returned.  And Momma was ready for round two.  We played some before enjoying a good lunch.  We are still concerned about portion control, but just following his lead making sure not to force him to eat.  We stop when he wants to stop.  He's diet consists of a lot of fruit.  He's still not doing so well with eating his veggies, but we are trying to offer them to him more often.

In the afternoon he took a nice long nap.  He must have still been tired from all that activity in the morning.  When he woke up he entertained us with his rendition of the ABC song.  Only the "C, D, P" can really be heard clearly.  But he has the tune down.  He'll probably be getting it in no time.


He was still awake when Dad got home.  And surprisingly still had enough energy for a round of rough-housing with Dad.  He was, however, drooping by the time aunt Pau visited.  So she did the bedtime routine reading him his bedtime story and saying his prayers. 

As to Sandy, so far no obvious problems.  She's sad and gloomy and suddenly won't poop, but we are still waiting per her vet.  We are trying not to worry.  But thankfully, she is still eating.  That has to be good news.

Eating and more Eating

Today Dad and Momma were struggling to get going.  Dad was out late last night with some business associates, and Momma was not able to go to sleep until he got home.  Unfortunately, Bubeaner did not get the memo.  He was up and about at his normal early time.  Dad was awesome and entertained Bubeaner while he got ready for work.

 Bubeaner finished with his yogurt.

He actually did eat a good part of the yogurt.

Breakfast was pretty good.  For quite some time now, Bubeaner has insisted on feeding himself.  Every once in a while he will allow someone to assist him.  But usually it's a solo job.  Similarly some days Bubeaner does a better job than others feeding himself.  Today was not one of those days at least in regards to the yogurt.  He ate most of it, but the rest was spread all over his face and his place mat.  Sigh.  He actually needed a change in bib and his face and hands cleaned before proceeding with his main pancakes and fruit.  Bubeaner did not understand the need for the break.  And he voiced his frustration loud and clear.

Could eat him up!

Afterward he went on a long walk with Meme'Licia.  We then all headed up north to have lunch with Dad and his friend/co-worker Ms. Karen on a spurt of the moment decision.  Surprisingly, Bubeaner did not fall asleep on the way up.  He was thrilled to see Dad.  We all enjoyed the little break and delicious food.  Sadly, soon Dad and Ms. Karen had to return to work.  And we headed off to run a few quick errands.

He did a much better job eating the rest of his breakfast.

Bubeaner slept for an itsy teeny little bit during the car ride but not long enough to count as a real nap.  He was not surprisingly pretty upset and fussy when we finally got home.  We ended up tricking him into taking a late afternoon nap.  He was in a much better mood when he finally woke up.  Of course, we also decided to move back his bedtime.  This allowed for great quality time with Dad.  We were able to take a nice family walk around the neighborhood.  Bubeaner was thrilled to walk holding hands with Dad.  And he melted Momma's heart when he picked a beautiful little yellow flower (a little "weed") for Momma.  (And yes, Momma saved it.)

Bubeaner in the tub.

He's getting a little too tall for it. 

As to Bubita, she continues to move and kick most of the day.  The last two days it's almost like she is trying to make more room in there.  She stretches as much as possible making it a little uncomfortable and painful for Momma.  We tried letting her know that no matter how much she stretches and complains she's not getting any more room.  For now, we are just enjoying watching her move her limbs (clearly visible at times).

And Sandy has been fine so far.  Tuesday night she decided to eat the bones and a little of the chicken Momma was deboning.  Still not sure why she didn't just go for the meat; it was right next to the bones ready and waiting.  Silly dog!  In any case, the emergency animal clinic got called.  We almost made it a year without calling/visiting them.  We are on a wait-and-see pattern now.  We still have not seen any vomiting or diarrhea (warning signs).  We are very hopeful that maybe she will just pass all those chicken bones and not need surgery.  We don't even want to know how much surgery would cost, not to mention having to take care of her while she recovered.  Sigh.  Here's to hoping things are fine.

Bubita Update

The last few days Momma's energy level has really taken a nose dive.  Bubeaner has been an adorable and wonderful son (DUH) and allowed Momma to sleep in most mornings til 730a.  He's also been more patient with his morning routine.  We are not eating breakfast as early as he usually prefer.  But Bubeaner appears to be fine with it as long as we do have a nice big hearty breakfast.  Today we were moving pretty slow.  But we still managed to enjoy a quiet and fun breakfast.  It's one of Momma's favorite times:  just Bubeaner and Momma with no distractions.

Today we did not have much time to play afterward because Momma needed to get ready for the doctor.  Aunt Pau and Dad also joined Momma for this appointment.  We were all prepared for a long wait.  It's not good news when the secretary recommends taking a book for the wait.  (The doctor was out on vacation the previous week and someone thought it would be fun to schedule everyone for today.)  In reality, the wait was not too bad.  We had a view of Bubita.  She is healthy and looking great.  Bubita is still measuring 3.5 weeks ahead and weighs 5 lbs 12 oz.  (This is, of course, and educated guesstimate but their machines and sono techs are a lot better than at the average OB office.)  Dr. T said he didn't want to think of how big she would have been with two-arteries (to the placenta) rather than one.  This girl is going to be a chunk!

Maybe we need to enroll Bubeaner in Flamenco lessons.

Look at that pose! 

At our last appointment Dr. T discussed the pros and cons of our birthing options: VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), scheduled caesarean, or caesarean after attempting and failing VBAC.  The ideal would be a successful VBAC.  We would have liked to attempt a VBAC but after considering all the options and possible risks, the best option for us is a second (scheduled this time) c-section.  And considering Bubita's size as of right now, a c-section is the best option for us.  Right now, we are scheduled for July 1st.  Granted, she may have other plans and decide to join us earlier.  We never imagined we would even be considering July!  We have been so blessed in how well this pregnancy has progressed despite the high risk factors.  Meanwhile, Dr. T will continue to monitor Bubita's growth every 2 weeks.  Dr. T did finally refer Momma to a physical therapist for the hip/ligament pain.  It starter back on 4/18 and has dramatically worsen with time.  At times, Momma can't even walk due to the sharp pain.  It appears Momma might have Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).  Hopefully, physical therapy will alleviate some of the pain and at least stop it from getting any worse.

"Who's got your nose, Dad?"

In the late afternoon, Dad, Bubeaner and Momma headed of to the national cemetery to pay Grandpa John and uncle Johnny a visit.  Today would have been Grandpa John's 89th birthday.  We were not able to stay there long due to a surprise thunderstorm.

At night Bubeaner had a pretty hard time going to sleep.  He did appear to have some bad tummy issues.  After some medicine and a couple of rocking sessions with both Momma and Dad, he fell asleep.

Planes and More Planes

Despite an early bed time and a good night's sleep, we all woke up tired.  It was hard to get going in the morning at all.  So we mainly vegged in bed together.  Of course, our little relaxing time was cut a little short after Bubeaner had a major diaper blowout. He ended up needing to take a shower with Dad.  Bubeaner really enjoys playing in the shower.  But he mainly enjoys getting ready with Dad.

Bubeaner and Dad on their laptops

The rest of the morning he played with his bears (Tommy Teddy Bear and Panda Bear) and Dad.  He particularly enjoyed "teaching" Dad the sounds bears make when they growl.  We also spent some time looking at family pictures.  This is a good way for him to be familiar with family members that he rarely sees due to distance or that are no longer with us.  He's getting pretty good at knowing all the names.  One of Momma's many pending projects is to make him a laminated booklet with all the pictures that he can carry around and use to play.  Right now, we don't let him play with the frames because of the danger of the glass breaking.

 Bubeaner pointing at Grandpa John's picture.

We joined aunt Pau for some lunch.  We are so glad he's usually so well behaved out in public.  And are so proud of how well he eats, not just in variety, but about his manners too:  his little mouth closed when chewing, wiping his mouth clean and then cleaning his area after he is done too.  After we took Bubeaner for a little treat to Founder's Plaza where you can see planes landing and taking off from the international airport.  Surprisingly, it's quite a popular area for adults too.  Bubeaner loved seeing all the planes in the air.  He was not interested at all on the planes taxing the runway.  Go figure.

This is his sleepy pose. 

We followed that up with a treat for Momma as we went shopping for new appliances.  Bubeaner was pretty patient through that experience and surprisingly so was Dad.  However, we did not push our luck and stay too long.  Bubeaner did have a little freak-out moment as we were leaving.  He insisted on walking but suddenly stopped and we couldn't get him to keep going.  We finally figured out that the floor was so reflective that it was throwing him off looking at the high ceiling reflected on it.

Succumbing to a much needed nap with Dad.

The rest of the day we spent relaxing at home.  Well, we would have been relaxing except for the near heart attacks Bubeaner was giving us.  Now that his legs are long enough he insists on climbing up and down from the couch.  However, he's still not too stable going up.  With all that stress, we were all ready for a really early bed time.

New & Old Friends

Today was a quiet day overall for Bubeaner and Dad.  Momma was out most of the day renewing her CPR certification.  The guys just stayed home and chillin' out.  Granted some of it may have been due to the fact that Momma accidentally took Bubeaner's car seat with her to class.  Oops.  However, the rest was welcomed by both.

"Bah?  Where did the plane go?"

In the late afternoon we headed off to the town center to meet a couple of Momma's college friends and their children.  We were a little early; however, it was a beautiful day with amazing weather.  It was perfect for a nice stroll around the plaza and water fountain or just chillin' under the shade of the trees.  Aunt Pau met us there too.  We had a really relaxing time.

Walking to the restaurant where we were going to meet, we stopped at a cute children's store that we love.  We were able to find the absolute perfect (ADORABLE) coming-home-from-the-hospital outfit for Bubita.  It's girly but not too frilly or pink.  We also made a quick pit stop at the bookstore.  We were in desperate need of some more Spanish books.  We have some wonderful collections of longer stories, but Bubeaner's attention span is still so short.  He needs pictures in every page he can look at while we read the few lines.  If there's too much text, he loses interest.  And honestly, we were tired of reading the same stories over and over and over again.  Selection was not great at the store.  But we were able to get five new books. 

Bubeaner's first ride up/down an escalator.

He was not completely sure of it.

 Dinner was fun and enjoyable.  We caught up on life and enjoyed watching our children interact.  It's still amazing how much time has flown by since we were in school!  Afterward, the kids enjoyed playing some more in front of the water fountain.  Sadly, we had to call it a day too soon.

Bubeaner's messy shirt after a delicious (unhealthy) dinner

"B" is for Bubeaner

Bubeaner woke up at 330a crying.  We assumed he may have had a dirty diaper, blow out or maybe even gas.  Those things have woken him up in the middle of the night before; however, there really was no reason for today.  He had a wet diaper but not extremely bad either and it was not gas (burped him for a while just in case too).  Once Momma picked him up he was fine.  In the end, we ended up just cuddling for a little while on the rocking chair before putting him back in the crib.  He went back to sleep without any problems.  Momma was not so lucky staying awake until 630a.  Thankfully, Dad took care of Bubeaner in the morning while he got ready.

Bubeaner looks so adorable when he's sleeping.

Later we made a much needed trip to the super center for some necessities such as diapers and wipes.  We were down to just enough for the day... maybe.  And although tempted by the books and cute little outfits, we actually made it out without buying anything else for Bubeaner.  The boy really does not need any more clothes.  And, although we do want to buy more books, we are looking for Spanish books right now.  (Momma NEEDS a little more variety; we already have the stories memorized.)

Bubeaner reading Meme'Licia a story

We always need something to fret about regarding our precious Bubeaner.  Our latest concern is the amount we are feeding him.  We try to make sure he gets a balanced diet through out the day with three main meals and maybe a healthy snack or two depending on his meal and nap times.  However, it is so easy to go large on the portions even when limiting ourselves to his child-size plates.  Our current check/balance is his appetite.  We don't force him to finish all the food on his plate.  Bubeaner eats until he's satisfied.

Not sure why he insists on taking the "B" block apart

It's the only one he messes with of the entire alphabet. 
(Dad said it was because of the B for Bubeaner)

Bubeaner took a LONG afternoon nap probably from the broken up rest at night.  It was over three hours long!  He even had a little "sleep walking episode" where stood up with his eyes wide open but was clearly still asleep.  It appears he's more like Momma than we thought.  We just laid him back down and he continued sleeping.  However, we did have to wake him up at 430 for fear he would disrupt his nighttime sleep.  He didn't mind.

Hydration is a vital part of a healthy Bubeaner.

He drinks a LOT of water through out the day.

Meme'Licia had to leave early today.  But that did not stop Momma and Bubeaner from enjoying some fun in the play area.  He did show Momma something new he learned.  Bubeaner now knows how to turn the master switch on/off for most of his toys.  These switches kept our insanity intact; there are only a limited amount of times a person can hear the same tune before losing it.  Bubeaner must have seen us do it once or twice and figured it out.  Now we can't stop him playing with them.  We may have to resort to taking the batteries out in the future.

Bubeaner took his bath pretty well.  He still complains bout the Elmo shower mat, but not as much as before.  Momma assumed that since Bubeaner absolutely loved his Elmo towel, he would similarly like an Elmo mat too.  And we needed one now that he outgrew his baby tub and was using the regular bath tub.  Man, was Momma wrong.  He absolutely DESPISED it.  The first few times we ended up taking it up because he would not stop screaming and crying.  He didn't even like to look at it when he wasn't in the tub.  We are not really sure what upset him so much.  At least now, he's learned to tolerate it.

Momma cuddling

After his bath and dinner, Bubeaner even enjoyed some play time with aunt Pau.  Bubeaner had missed out on this previously daily routine when he started going to bed earlier.  And as a bonus, he even spent some time with Dad who made it home a little earlier today.  Bubeaner showed him how the bears growl.  That's his new favorite sound.  And, of course, bears are also his new favorite stuffed animals.  He plays with Dad's old Tommy Teddy Bear and Panda Bear, which Dad brought him from his last business trip.

Dad did the bed time routine tonight.  It was hard to distinguish who was happier: Dad or Bubeaner.  They don't get too much quality/quantity time during the work week.  TGIF!  And tomorrow they will get to spend all day together alone since Momma will be renewing her CPR certification.

Play Date #2

Bubeaner and Hailee had another play date today.  They did pretty well.  This time Bubeaner did not overwhelm Hailee with hugs and kisses.  Actually both were more relaxed and comfortable with each others' company. 

Bubeaner hovering over Hailee

waiting to clean up.

We had plenty of cute little things we noticed about Bubeaner today.  One of the first ones was watching him watching Hailee play with his toys.  He let her play with all his toys.  But remember Bubeaner shares many idiosyncrasies with his parents.  There is an order to the way he plays.  We let him make as big a mess as he likes (inside the play area) as long as it gets cleaned up at the end of play time.  However, he tends to be a little organized in his playing.  And he definitely knows in which box/basket every toys is stored. 

Notice the height difference?

It was funny watching him clean up after Hailee.  He would let her play and as soon as she would put a toy down, he would put it away in the proper area.  We fear our OCD (obsessive compulsive) tendencies live on in another generation.  We also noticed Bubeaner did something he had never done before at least to our knowledge.  Every time he was right next to Hailee he would stand or walk on his tip toes!  Hailee is only a couple of months older, but she's almost 1/2 a head taller than him.  Do toddlers have a concept of differing heights?  Hopefully, Bubeaner won't start getting a complex about his height (or lack there of) in regards to women.

 Bubeaner trying to look cool for his friend

Overall they did interact well.  They shared the toys and books.  And at one point it appeared they were having a conversation.  At least, both of them were babbling and looking at the same puzzle together.  It would have been interesting to have actually understood what they were saying to each other.

Meme'Licia walking with the kids prior to their nap

And they enjoyed a little pool splashing time in the afternoon after their naps.  This time we made sure to fill the pool long before they went out to play letting the sun warm the water.  Bubeaner was still not convinced about jumping in; the water was still too chilly for his taste.  Hailee had no such reservations.

After the last cold-pool-water incident, 

there was no convincing Bubeaner to get completely wet.

Even Sandy decided to join in the fun.

Obsevant Bubeaner

Bubeaner's vocabulary continues to grow every day.  His new words are papa (potato), gracias (thank you) and besos (kisses).  The cute one is gracias.  We try to use it and por favor (please) any time he really should be using it like when we hand him something.  So now he says a slurred version of gracias when ever he gives us anything.  Obviously we still have a ways to go in teaching him when to use them properly, but it's good to see he's getting the general idea.

Bubeaner putting the balls away at gym class.

He was still pretty clingy during gym class, but he was willing to try some of the activities.  Bubeaner's also interacting more with the other children in the class.  Although, he still prefers to watch and observe their activities and habits.  It sometimes feels like he's studying and analyzing everything they do.  Bito Pepe said Momma used to do that when she was a toddler too.

Getting ready to leave gym class. 

He's usually pretty exhausted.

We treated ourselves to a little lunch prior to heading back home.  Bubeaner really enjoyed his meal.  There is no doubt the boy loves food.  He particularly loves all fruit.  Overall, he does a pretty good job eating well.  At least we are hopeful that he's getting a balanced diet.  We are working on getting him to eat more vegetables, but it's a battle.  We are puzzled by this since he used to love eating carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes.  Bubeaner just doesn't seem interested in them any more.

Bubeaner finishing his sandwich while checking out the girls

on the next table.

Bubeaner was born spoiled.  At least we always joke that he was born needing love and cuddling.  It probably has not helped matters that he is the first grandchild on both sides, that every where he goes Bubeaner tends to be the only child, and that at home he gets 100% of the attention and love from Momma, Dad, aunt Pau and Meme'Licia.  And he is still a pretty well-behaved and good-natured child considering all this attention.  We hope this continues (the good-natured and well-behaved parts) once he shares the attention.  Sometimes we even joke that Bubita will be spoiling Bubeaner rather than the other way around.  Only time will tell how this will all work out.

Cuddling with Meme'Licia

Bubeaner always finds time to get more loving

The afternoon was nice and cool enough that we spent some time outside.  We decided not to try the pool again because it was not warm enough.  We did not want another shivering little Bubeaner.  Instead Bubeaner enjoyed creating some one-of-a-kind chalk pieces of art on our side walk.  At first he was not sure about trying it.  After all, Momma was telling him it was OK to draw on the floor.  That's usually a No-No inside the house.  He soon got over his hesitation and concentrated on finding the right colors.

Bubeaner selecting the next color to use.

He's actually pretty particular about which colors he likes.

And afterward, there was still time for a little stroll around the neighborhood with Meme'Licia.  This walks are particularly enjoyable for him.  Bubeaner is pretty curious about the different gardens, people and houses.  And the best part, is he can go further without getting tired.

Bubeaner preparing for his neighborhood patrol.

We misplaced his cap, so he's wearing one of Momma's hats.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Friday was a hard day for Momma.  Bubeaner spent the entire day with Meme'Licia while Momma and Dad went from one meeting to another.  And Bubeaner also resented the long absence.  He refused to go to bed and kept crying unless Momma held him and sang to him.  We usually do our bed time routine and put him in his crib while still awake.  But Momma had to let  Bubeaner fall asleep while rocking him.  He did sleep through the night although fitfully.

The guys relaxing with their drinks

Bubeaner also woke up at 5a the next morning.  He tends to wake up too early when he does not sleep well or misses his bedtime.  This time we did not mind too much since we needed to get everyone ready early.  We had a photographer scheduled to arrive at the house by 830a for our prenatal/family photo session.

Bubeaner admiring the lake

(Love this profile view.  Notice the amazing eyelashes?)

Bubeaner was a little shy at first, but the photographer did a great job of getting him comfortable.  She took pictures of us interacting with Bubeaner and Sandy.  And, of course, there were also some solo belly pictures.  The majority were family shots in our home environment.  Afterwards we headed to a nearby park for more pictures.  We were all pretty relaxed by this time and had some fun playing and goofing around.  Dad and Momma could not remember the last time they played and just laid on the cool grass... until the chiggers started biting.  We are excited to see what shots she got from that session.

The guys heading back from exploring the deck

Afterwards we loaded Coco the van with some of John's toys and headed to visit aunt AA and uncle Gary.  We stopped by Angelo's BBQ to pick up lunch.  BBQ gives Momma horrible heartburn and reflux during pregnancy, but Angelo's is WORTH every bit of the pain.  Bubeaner also agreed as he savored the chopped BBQ, baked beans, potato salad and pickles.  A full tummy made for a sleepy Bubeaner.  We left him in his pack-and-play dozing while we headed to the hospital for the labor and delivery tour.

Bubeaner travels with his Coupe

We took the tour since we will be delivering (hopefully as planned) in the hospital where our MFM practices which is different than the one where Bubeaner was born.  It was really not that informative; we had already been to the ante-natal observation area when first diagnosed as antigen-Kell positive, and we had been to Labor and Delivery during our little scare a few weekends ago, and of course, we knew where the ED was located.  We had arranged for a tour of the NICU afterward.  And we are glad we did it.  It is huge probably 3-4 times larger than the one where Bubeaner spent his first months.  It was intimidating on the tour.  We can't imagine how much more it would have been under a stressful situation.  The nurse manager was amazing and walked us through the unit explaining where everything was located and their procedures.  We are hopeful that we won't need it, but it was reassuring to at least know what we could expect.

Bubeaner and aunt AA searching for the baby ducklings

Upon our return we found a Bubeaner waking up from his nap.  We also found out that he had not slept in the pack-and-play.  He started crying after we left and aunt AA and uncle Gary played the all-powerful Grandparent Card (the we-get-to-spoil-the-poor-child-who-is-obviously-not-getting-enough-love card).  Bubeaner slept his entire nap on the couch between them while they watched some college sports.  Of course, this would never work with Momma or Dad; he just would never go to sleep.  But Bubeaner knows how to play things.  He slept well and soundly and got love to boot.

Bubeaner and uncle Gary

On Mother's Day, the boys surprised Momma with breakfast in bed.  They know Momma's recent weakness for pancakes and bacon.  It was delicious.  We enjoyed it so much we missed morning mass at our church.  Thankfully, there was enough time to join aunt Pau for mass at her church.  It was a nice service.  Bubeaner was pretty well behaved too if we don't count his shameless flirting with the 3-year old girl behind us.  He smiled and winked at her for a good portion of the service.  We then headed off to lunch at one of our favorite Mexican food restaurants.

Bubeaner with his Elmo towel.

We were finally able to take it away from him to wash it.

It was a wonderful day.  Made even more beautiful because it marked the first anniversary of Bubeaner's baptism.  We specifically chose the date to be close to Mother's Day as a beautiful reminder of such an important day.

Back in Order!

Bubeaner and Momma have been on the same early morning schedule the last few days;  WAY TOO EARLY!  At least, 530a should be considered way too early to be wide awake.

Bubeaner eating his oatmeal on his own!

He did a great job. 

It also explains why both are on the same nap schedule too.  Although, naps have been a little harder to get around the house lately.  Mr. T was working on the house doing some long-desired updating and painting until today forcing us to have Bubeaner nap in his pack-n-play in the master bedroom.  He still naps, but it's just not the same as sleeping on his own mattress.

 A playful Bubeaner with his Coupe.

Notice the under-eye shadows?

But it was worth the disruption.  The house looks awesome.  We finally have the house painted the way Momma's envisioned for years, the rooms all have beautiful and functional fans, the back gate is working again, and Momma did not have to worry about drilling 20 holes to install the last curtain rod needed as well as wall-mounting the TV in the nursery.  (It was really more like 10 holes/attempts before getting the first curtain rod up.)

 We still have not been able to take the Elmo towel away

from Bubeaner to wash it.

Bubeaner was excited to see the fans in the office and guest bedroom.  But it was nothing like the thrill he got when he realized there was one in his bedroom too.  He is fascinated by fans.  Bubeaner kept pointing at the fan in his room in excitement saying "ves-a-ves" (his Spanish version of "see" or "look").  He kept walking back into the nursery pointing in excitement at the fan.  Even during our nightly prayers he could not stop looking at the fan.  We feared he would not fall asleep for watching it.

"I don't know what you are thinking Momma,

but this water is COLD."

Hmm, maybe the water was a tad bit cold.

He was shivering.

The fans were installed just in time for our first 90-degree day of the spring.  It was hot enough that we emptied his ball pit (kiddie pool) and took it outside to fill it with water.  Granted it was still a little chilly in the shade with the breeze.  But we (read Bubeaner) enjoyed splashing and getting wet.  Sandy and Momma both ended up soaked too.  The water fun had to be cut short when Bubeaner could not stop shivering.  We might fill the pool earlier in the day and let it warm up for a few hours under the sun in the future until it gets really warm.

Bubeaner enjoying getting Momma wet

And Bubeaner has also been doing such an amazing job feeding himself.  He appears to finally have figured out how to use the spoon!  He fed himself oatmeal for breakfast and yogurt at night!  And the majority actually made it to his mouth.  YAY, Bubeaner!!!  Bubeaner has still not decided if he's a lefty or a righty using both equally.

He uses his left hand for the spoon

and his right hand for the fork.