Felix the Fish

Tonight Felix started swim lessons. We took them when he was a toddler, but he didn't really like the water. He wouldn't put his face in and he didn't like his hair wet. We were on a swimming hiatus for about two years. This past Summer he seemed to be gaining more confidence in water and was willing to try getting his face wet again. We talked about trying lessons again and he agreed! This time was going to be a little different then the rest. He would be in the water with just the instructor. He had always had lessons with us, so he was a little nervous. 

He did AMAZING tonight! Walter and I were shocked and so proud! He tried everything without hesitation! He was constantly looking at us to make sure we had seen what he was doing! It was so neat to see how far he has come! He was a fish! The instructor was great and smiled a lot with the kids (which I love)! He wasn't ready for the class to be over and cannot wait for next week. The instructor said if he keeps this up he will graduate to Penguin! 

Go Felix Go! Oscar, Daddy and I are your biggest fans! 

Quiet House=Productive Mom

My house is quiet, I actually have time to finish a project ...that I somehow start, but feel like I have no time to finish! 

We have started Felix's Halloween costume and I wanted to finish his jacket. I decided this year I wanted to make the costumes, Felix wants to be a dinosaur (of course). Green hooded sweatshirt + green sponges from the dollar tree = dino jacket! As of this morning the jacket is DONE! Now to find green/brown leggings or sweatpants?!? 

I love this time of year. Nice enough to be outside, the Fall festivities are beginning and the trees are starting to change colors! 

Boundaries

When our children are born we are constantly teaching them. Teaching right from wrong, good vs. bad, yes and no, all are boundaries being built within those young people. 

Recently it has come up in our life, reteaching our four year old about boundaries. Teaching him that he has a voice and that he will be heard. Teaching him that he is in charge of his body and actions and that he can speak up. 

Tickling, is something that happens all the time, but it can be uncomfortable or unwanted. It's a perfect example of using boundaries; Felix was being tickled the other day and he was telling the person to stop. The person kept going, Felix was getting visibly upset because we have been working on our "No, Stop!" and it clearly wasn't being heard. He pushed their hands away, turned around and was starting to cry. The person tickling him then said, "'you can't be mad at me." After all our hard work of teaching him, he has someone else pushing the limits...what does that teach him? Does that teach him that it's always ok to push limits? Does it teach him that it's ok not to respect others? Does it teach him that his voice isn't being heard? 

Why don't we listen when kids speak up?  Is it because some adults assume they don't know what they want? Is it because kids are "just kids"? I want my children and every child to learn that they too will be heard and that their boundaries will be respected! We are constantly teaching younger people that it is important to respect older people, but what about vice versa? 

RANT OVER! 

Bye Bye July

August already!?! Summer is already over halfway over. I cannot believe how fast it is going! 

Oscar started WALKING! It is so cute to watch him stumble all over, and he is so proud of himself! His version of crawling is still faster, so he switches back and forth. He is talking so much and has such a happy personality! His top two teeth are finally in! He is still definitely a Mama's boy! He lunges for me if I'm in his view. I just love him to pieces and am so happy to be his mama! 

Felix is ready for school to start again. He misses his friends and teachers. The community center is a perfect place for Felix. People know him, he feels so comfortable there. It is fun to see him in his element! He is growing like a weed, we had to buy him 12.5 size shoes for school! Felix is still our sidekick and just loves being with his parents. He is just a lovebug and still loves to cuddle with us! I just can't get enough of this kid! 

August, we are ready for you! New adventures! Daddies birthday! Sunny Weather! And pre-k orientation! Cannot wait to make more memories! 

Summer so far

Summer is off to a great start! 

We spend a lot of our days outside. Our backyard is now becoming a child's playground (sandbox, water table, slide and swing set). Hikes are becoming one of our family favorites and it feels great being   with all that greenery! 4th of July was fun! We watched the Happy Valley parade, Felix scored so much candy! We BBQ'd at home and then headed back to Happy Valley for the fireworks. The boys liked all the beautiful colors in the sky and Archie didn't mind the loud booms! 

Oscar is now one! He has such a strong personality and is super opinionated! He stands on his own and is very close to taking off! I actually look forward to it, I think he is ready! He has two teeth and his third is poking through! He loves being in my arms, he is definitely a Mama's boy! 

Felix is having a great vacation so far! He absolutely LOVES swinging in the backyard! He loves all the new fountains and splash pads we have visited. He is such a happy, loving kid and is happy doing pretty much anything! As long as he is with his family he is a happy camper! 

I love my boys and Walter! My best days are spent with them! Every Sunday I look forward to the next weekend! I love my sweet little family, you 4 (yes, Archie too) are the lights of my life! Thank you for your love everyday! 

Número Uno

This day came way to fast! I remember a year ago like it was yesterday. I remember my doctor appointment, how many times I had my blood pressure taken and exactly what the doctor that day told me. While all that was happening, Walter was home sleeping after his graveyard shift. To make it even more stressful, his phone was on silent so my dad had to go wake him up! I felt like Felix was being left in the dust, I was worried I hadn't prepared him enough (even though I am pretty sure we had). The day was long, but by 3:19pm on June 10th, I had our baby on my chest. 

Two kids are definitely harder than one, but I have loved this experience more than anything (and wish for one more)! Oscar was not an easy baby by any means, he wanted to nurse all day long and with a 3.5 year old that was hard. I wanted so badly to make them both happy. He loved to be held by me all the time (that's where the front pack came in handy). He was just a little more high maintenance. 

Like with Felix, I have been lucky enough to be home more. I have been able to watch many of his firsts, take hundreds of pictures and make many memories. One of my biggest goals with being a parent of two kids was to build their relationship! It will be a never ending goal as they grow up, but I think we have done a great job this first year. The way Oscar looks at Felix is the most amazing stare I have ever seen, pure love! The way Felix greets Oscar in the morning is one of my favorite things to witness! I love the love they have for each other. 

Oscar Vincent, you have been attached to me since the minute you were placed on my chest, and even the nine months prior. I love the curious, ready to go nature you have! You definitely keep us busy, but you are such a joy! Your loud squeals, your one little beauty mark and that beautiful gummy smile make my heart melt day after day! Thank youfor being my cuddle boy and always showering me with love. Happy 1st Birthday my sweet baby! 

Mothers Day

Time with the boys is the absolute best! We have a lot of laughs and fun memories being made. Walter always is so thoughtful with his gifts and cards to me. I feel very lucky to have my (now) four boys! I love our love and bond. 

Washington Park is one of my favorite places in Portland. I love the view, love the greenery, love wondering on the trails and LOVE the snocones! For our third year in a row we celebrated at the rose garden. It was beautiful weather and really perfect for a picnic, minus the soggy ground! 

I feel very lucky to be the mother of my boys! Thanks for making me a mom guys, it is the best part of my day! I will never be able to describe my love for you, but know that every breath I take is for you! You are the lights of my life and what make my heart so incredibly happy!