Finally playing together

After Xander was born, Mena would treat him like he has the plague or something.  He loves her so much and finally she is playing with him and I love it.  Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of times when she steals his toys and yells at him for playing with her things.  Her favorite thing to say is "my turn", because I always tell her to give him a turn.

Xander just loves Mena.  He follows her everywhere.  She'll run down the hall and he'll crawl after her.  My favorite thing was this past Sunday, I woke up to them laughing in their room.  She loves to make him laugh now.  She'll crouch down in her bed or around a corner and pop out at him and he'll laugh.

Xander has been trying to hard to pull up and stand, I think it's because he wants to chase after his sister.



He often falls a lot because of this.  He is a lot more brave than Mena was.  He tries to stand with everything and this usually causes him to fall and bonk his head.  He's getting better though, I swear he'll be walking by a year.  To me, that is amazing since Mena didn't start walking until she was 19 months.

Projects

I have been really using the Internet lately to learn how to do stuff.  The home we live in has a lot of walls...a lot.  I love photos, whether I took them or they are old family ones.  I embarked on a photo project. 

I wanted to do all white frames, with black and white photos inside, but I wanted to distress the frames.  Some I did crackle and added embellishments.  When I went to home depot, they didn't have the normal crackle paint I used, so I got the Martha Stewart one that sort of goes on like a putty.

The other frames I wanted that old wood look.  I've bought things that were distressed like this, put I never knew how it was done.  It is so easy!

First, I used paints that were also primer.  Behr has those types of paint.  I painted the frame in a blueish grey.  Once it was dry I took a candle stick and rubbed it on the frame, especially on the edges.  The wax is very important, it creates like a barrier.  I then painted the frame white and waited for it to dry.  Once is was dry I took fine sandpaper and rubbed the areas that I had rubbed with the candle.  Once you see the under color, stop sanding or you'll sand that part off too.  That's all there is to it.  If you want three colors showing, you would do the same process again with the candle and the sandpaper after the third coat was dry.

This is the wall thus far.  They are all family photos, from both Nick and my side.  I plan on adding more.  Also, I love those 3m sticky things for hanging photos.  I was afraid that I was going to have to make a ton of holes with nails, but I didn't have to.

Next project is making circle skirts and tutus, because Mena is always asking to wear a tutu.



Saying Goodbye

So our good friends Sarah and Jeff left for Ohio.  It was a sad day when we said goodbye, but it's not like they won't be coming back...all their family lives here (for the most part).  Also, thank goodness for Skype, I love it.

I think Sarah is going to miss my kids more than me, lol.  She has been there since they were born though.  I refer to them as Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jeff.  Our kids just love them to pieces.  Mena gets so excited when I tell her that Sarah is on the phone or Skype.

They are safe in Ohio and I'm excited for the adventure they are going on.  I'm not going to lie, I cried when she left, but this gives me an excuse to go visit in Ohio.

7 Years

Today is our 7 year wedding anniversary.  Wow, I can't believe that it's been 7 years.  We look like babies in the photo above; well we kind of were.  I was twenty and Nick was twenty-two when we got married.

We met after my freshman year of college at ASU.  He had been home a couple months from his mission and I was working because I couldn't afford tuition at ASU.  I didn't like him at first.  He was not my typical type.  We met bowling because during the week it only cost a dollar a game and we were all poor; he was a friend of a friend.

I kissed him after knowing him 3 days, never did I think we would be engaged six weeks later.  I know..crazy.  Back home in CT, that is like unheard of, but not so much out west.  We were engaged for 7 months and then married in the Mesa Temple.

We've gone through a lot, lost a lot and endured some crappy things in the past 7 years, but we've accomplished more.  We've brought two amazing kids into this world.  Even though I call Nick some days begging to know when he'll be home, I love them. 

Since we've been married, I've earned 3 degrees and Nick soon we'll be the first in his family to finish college.  We've grown-up a lot and have become stronger people.  He may not be as mellow as he use to be, but I've softened a lot.

He is my best friend.  He drives me nuts, makes me laugh, grosses me out, listens to 'girl talk', encourages me and puts up with me.  I love him and thankful for him.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day for me is kind of bitter sweet. I love spending time with my family, eating, swimming and just enjoying the day...but I miss home. Nick and I talked about the term "home" the other day. Right now, I'm sitting in my home typing on my computer, but at the same time my parents is home as well. I miss Memorial Day back in CT. I grew up in a town, that wasn't too big or too small. The city I live in now is like the size of Rhode Island and I'm not kidding. I miss the Memorial Day parade. When I was little I use to go down towards Choate (prep school near downtown) and sit on the grass with my sister Dee and our neighbors Tim and Kate, and watch the parade. When I got older I marched in the same parade. There are a lot of great memories associated with Memorial Day. We had a fun time here though.

Anyone notice what Mena is doing in the background?

On Sunday, Nick smoked ribs and his parents and grandparents came over.

Monday we went to Nick's brother's house for some food and swimming in the pool.

Now, there are pictures of me from Monday, but I refuse to put them on here. I've always hated being in a bathing suite, but then seeing a picture of me in one was just horrible. I can't believe I'm going to type this, but I am going to start my goal of weight loss. Putting it out there, makes me feel some what responsible to go through with this.

College Widow

I know the title "college widow" sounds very strange, but that is how I feel.  Nick had about a week off and he is back to school at nights.  Nick works a very labor intensive job all day long and goes to school at night.  Today it was 108, needless to say he came home smelling fantastic.  He's going to school for engineering.  We are huge supporters of education, I have 2 bachelors and a masters.



I can't wait until Nick is done with school.  I joke with him that I'm a single mom because there are days when our kids don't get to see him.  Tonight was his first day of summer school and after he left, it went nuts in our house.  It started with Mena only eating bbq sauce for dinner and then I gave her yogurt so she would eat something....it got all over her.  It was close to bed time, so she ran around in her diaper.

I tried skyping with my parents and had to contend with Xander's drool, Moose (our dog) trying to jump on the table and then Mena decided to take all the wipes out of the container.  She had a huge pile, showed me them and called it a pillow.  She then sat on the floor and covered her whole body in wipes.  Very soon after, Xander started crying and so did Moose.

Xander before he started crying

I'm glad that Nick is back at school and will some day be done, but in the mean time....it sucks.

Sarah

I moved out to Arizona almost 9 years ago....I can't believe how fast time goes.  I told my mom on the phone today that I never thought I would be here this long.  Almost 8 years ago I met my best friend Sarah.


This was from our trip to CT in July 2009



We have really been through a lot together.  She was there when I met my husband and really helped me with that wedding.  We've had to endure a lot and I won't air it to the world because she knows.

I think we've grown-up a lot together as well.  When we met I was only 19 and she was 18; both still trying to figure out how to be away from home and on our own.  We both can have feisty personalities and we use to get into the dumbest arguments, but we've sort of out grown that.

She was there when I had Mena and I mean literally there.  Sarah held my left leg during labor.  I know some people may think that's crazy, but I am so thankful she was there.  Nick would either hold my leg like a limp noodle or shove my knee into my face, but Sarah was perfect.  And after they whisked Mena away to the NICU, she was the only one with me in the room.

I introduced her to her wonderful husband Jeff who I use to work with (which I remind her of all the time and tell her that one of their children must be named after me).  I am so glad that they got married, because they are amazing together.

Yesterday I found out that they are going to be moving to Ohio.  When Sarah called and told me, it took everything I had not to cry on the phone.  It is an amazing opportunity for them and I am happy for them, but I am going to miss her like crazy.  She has been such a blessing, an inspiration and a great friend to me.  I could call her and beg her to come bring me sanity at night because Nick was at school and the kids were driving me crazy.  She would always come and be there to help.  I refer to her as Aunt Sarah to my kids, because she loves them like they are her flesh and blood.  Ohio is getting two great people.

Basically, I love you Sarah and I know it's not like we are never going to see each other again.  But I will miss our shopping trips, braving the groceries stores and the chance for our children to grow-up with one another.  I am blessed to have you in my life.  Thank goodness for cell phones and skype!



Xander's Heart

Our two little ones came to our family with some health issues.  I've already talked about Mena, but this is about Xander.

Now I realize how blessed we are that our childrens' conditions are not worse.  I know there are thousands of children out there with much more serious health problems.  Any times I get upset or worried about either of my children, I check myself by saying that they are happy, functional and it could be worse.

Xander was born with a VSD (Ventricular septal defect).  Basically he has a hole in his heart between the bottom two ventricles.   Apparently this is a lot more common then people think.  After he was born and was in the NICU (because he was a preemie too), his PA was telling me that her hole didn't close until she was 25.

Xander at about 2 weeks old

Heart issues can be a scary thing.  My mom's had a couple of heart attacks and my sister is a cardiac nurse, so our family understands how important it is for the heart to work.  Today we went to see Xander's cardiologist.  He still has the hole, but his doctor said that it's so small that they aren't too worried about it!  So happy.  While the hole is still there, there is always a chance for something to go wrong, but they'll keep checking him.

Any time I think "ugh, another doctor to go see or a therapy session to do", I remind myself they happy and for the most part healthy.  Especially Xander, Mena gets sick like it's nobodies business, but Xander is my tank.

Mother's Day

When I woke up this morning, I was expecting anything from my husband, but I thought I would at least he would day "Happy Mother's Day". Nothing, he said nothing! We got everyone ready and were late for church. He still said nothing to me and I will have to admit that I was in a pretty sour mood about it. Finally, when we were at church, he looked at me and said "I totally forgot today is mother's day, I am sorry". I wasn't very accepting of his apology and said something that I am not going to repeat.

When I went to Relief Society (for those who aren't Mormon, Relief Society is sort of like Sunday school, but it's just for women 18 years and older...it's amazing) my attitude completely changed. Adell (who is amazing) taught a lesson and entitled it Mothers: The Lord's Secret Weapon. It was really inspiring and made me realize that I was being ridiculous.

There was one part that I wanted to put on here. It's a song and Linsey Maxson sang it (one of the most amazing singers I've ever heard, really want to go see one of the plays she does or just a concert, I could listen to her all day). It's titled "In My Daughter's Eyes"

In my daughter's eyes, I am a hero.

I am strong and wise, and I know no fear.

But the truth is plain to see, she was sent to rescue me;

I see who I want to be, in my daughter's eyes.

In my daughter's eyes, everyone is equal.

Darkness turns to light, and the world is at peace.

This miracle God gave to me, gives me strength when I am weak;

I find reason to believe, in my daughter's eyes.

And when she wraps her hand around my finger,

How it puts a smile in my heart.

Everything becomes a little clearer;

I realize what life is all about.

It's hanging on when your heart is has enough,

It's giving more when you feel like giving up.

I've seen the light.

It's in my daughter's eyes.

In my daughter's eyes, I can see the future:

A reflection of who I am and what will be.

And though she'll grow and someday leave,

Maybe raise a family, when I'm gone I hope you see

How happy she made me. For I'll be there-

In my daughter's eyes.

**I don't know who wrote this originally, sorry**

When we got home from church, Nick surprised me with flowers and a gift that he had hid last night. I had to eat some humble pie. He had been playing a prank on me, hadn't actually forgotten and I quickly informed him not to do it again.



Walls, Baby Gates, Ducks and Squirrels

Yesterday was a little ridiculous.  Every morning I grab Mena first, get set up with her breakfast  and than go and get Xander.  Well the day started off with me carrying Mena, trying to step over Moose (our huge lab) and then walking into the corner of the wall.  Needless to say my shoulder blade is still throbbing.

 The first culprit

After the kids ate their breakfast, I heard someone leaving a message on our house machine.  See our phone doesn't work, but the machine does and I keep forgetting to just buy a new house phone.  I had to step over a baby gate to get into the office so I could hear the message.  When I went to step over the gate, I didn't lift my foot high enough and proceeded to get my toe stuck.  Needless to say, the baby gate and I came crashing to the floor.  Mena just stared at me and I sat there for a minute in pain.

The second culprit  

The rest of the morning consisted of crying, screaming, Mena stealing things from Xander, Mena freaking out because Xander kept touching her and then Xander spit up on me.  It was a rough day.  Now I call my mom about every day, she keeps me sane.  I called her to relay how bad my day had been and she responded with "you think your day is bad, there's a squirrel staring at me right now from the ceiling."  She wasn't kidding, but I just started laughing.  Whether she realized it or not, I really needed that and I know she is probably not happy that I'm blogging about it.  But mom, it made me feel so much better and I think we all need humor like that some days.

(I just think this is funny, but not what my mom saw)

The day proceeded to get a little better, except I had to irrigation because Nick was at work.  When I looked out the window after I opened up the valve, I saw ducks in our front yard.  We live in the desert and no where near a pond or lake, so seeing ducks was so weird to me.

I survived yesterday and hopefully this post can boost your spirits a little and help you survive today.

Books

Growing up my parents home was filled with books.  Even today their house has tons and tons of books.  We were taught to love books, love to read and we did.  There's a picture of my sister Dee, and I can't remember how old she was, but her bed was full of books.  Now my book collection is no where near what my parents have, but it's not small.

This is a lot of our books, but not all.  It's been important to me to make sure my kids love books.  I make sure I read to them every day.  Right now it's easier to read to Mena, because Xander just wants to eat the books.  When Mena was in the NICU after she was born, we use to bring books and read to her.  Their books are scattered.  The nice paper ones are on top of their dresser where they can't get them, but I keep a basket full of them for easy access.

Mena loves...loves...loves books.  She's always looking through them and I'll even hear her "read" them out loud.

I love it when she sits with her brother and has a book out.

Nick can't wait for the day that he can read the kids the Narnia Series and Harry Potter.  They're a little young right now, but some day.

Cousins

Mena is a funny little girl.  She really isn't around other kids all that often.  She's tolerating Xander right now, but she still gets a little freaked out when he grabs her leg.  Every Sunday though we go to my in-laws for dinner and her cousin Amira is there.  Most of the time Mena gets freaked out by her, because all Amira wants to do is play with her.  Lately though, Mena has been playing with her and it's so nice.

Hopefully, the older she get, the more she'll play.  Mena still hates the nursery at church and cries when we leave.  The more she and Amira play, the more she'll like other kids....fingers crossed.

I just love this picture of Xander and Amira, because he wants to play with her too.

Crawling and Becoming Independent

 Mena took so long to crawl, but Xander on the other hand just can't seem to wait.  He has been trying so hard lately to get moving.  Usually he does the roll and pivot to get where he wants to go, but his getting up on those hands and knees.  Any day now he is going to be a lot more mobile.  As it is I find him all over the place now; trying to get under the TV stand, trying to get under the couch, banging on the toy chest, or my favorite is when he tries to grab Mena's leg.  It freaks her out, but I think it's hilarious.

Mena is becoming more independent and a lot more vocal too.  She likes to say no and make a very specific face.

That's the face she likes to make when she doesn't like whatever it is that you are doing or trying to take away from her.  She makes me laugh because she repeats a lot now and I hear her all the time repeating things that I tell her, like "careful", "come here", "don't touch" and of course "no".  My favorite new thing she says though is "I love you", melts my heart every time.

Mena and Therapy

Every week Mena goes to Speech and Physical therapy; once a month she does Occupational therapy. For those who don't know, when Mena was 5 months I noticed that she wouldn't let me extend her left arm all the way. I thought this was really strange so I asked her doctor about it. After x-raying her arm, she was sent to an orthopedic doctor, they diagnosed her with a rare birth defect called radioulnar synostosis...never heard of it? We hadn't either. I contacted the state and we enrolled her in an early intervention program, because Mena was also 7 weeks early and wasn't hitting all of her developmental milestones. She actually didn't walk until she was 19 months. While she was in therapy, we kept noticing that something was wrong with the right side of her body. After 2 mri's her neurologist concluded that either during labor or in utero, Mena had a stroke. I've read in medical literature that there is a connection between her birth defect and her stroke, but I am not scientist and it all gets really confusing. Therapy has helped her so much. I am so grateful that she has an amazing physical therapist that has been with her since she was 9 months. She was extremely instrumental in getting her to stand, crawl and walk.

Of course, not every session is good. Soon after these photos were taken, Mena has a complete and total meltdown. She doesn't have those very often, but she laid on the floor and I told her to let me know when she was done.

This was taken after therapy....but after a trip to Arbys and a cookie thanks to Nana and Papa...this is how she looked.

I love this little girl so much...even when she throws fits and has an attitude. She actually is an easy kid most of the time.