Mommylog

Updated link.. to new blog

2010-06-17T19:37:00.002-06:00

/http://www.rickdoesntlivehere.blogspot.com/

New link

2010-02-07T14:51:00.002-06:00

Hi all its the end of mommy log....bye bye!!!

New Blog Link
http://rickdoesntlivehere.blogspot.com/

Dogme 95

2010-02-05T23:08:00.000-06:00

I took Danish to fulfill my second language requirement in college...random I know but I got a lot out of the 2 semester I took that still are with me today. None of which have to do with language.

1. my friendship with Jessica...jeg elsker du :)
2. A major crush on a grad student J.D. (which have some very funny stories that go along with it)
3. Love of danish interior...
4a. The hottest teacher of my undergrad! (Apparently I was a little boy crazy back then...love ya lulu)

4. Dogme 95 this artful film making was established by directors Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. Danish dirctors who estabished these set of rules as found on Wikipedia.

The goal of the Dogme collective is to purify filmmaking by refusing expensive and spectacular special effects, postproduction modifications and other gimmicks. The emphasis on purity forces the filmmakers to focus on the actual story and on the actors' performances.

Filming must be done on location. Props and sets must not be brought in. If a particular prop is necessary for the story, a location must be chosen where this prop is to be found.
The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice versa. Music must not be used unless it occurs within the scene being filmed, i.e., diegetic.
The camera must be a hand-held camera. Any movement or immobility attainable in the hand is permitted. The film must not take place where the camera is standing; filming must take place where the action takes place.
The film must be in colour. Special lighting is not acceptable (if there is too little light for exposure the scene must be cut or a single lamp be attached to the camera).
Optical work and filters are forbidden.
The film must not contain superficial action (murders, weapons, etc. must not occur.)
Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden (that is to say that the film takes place here and now).
Genre movies are not acceptable.
The final picture must be transferred to the Academy 35mm film, with an aspect ratio of 4:3, that is, not widescreen. Originally, the requirement was that the film had to be filmed on Academy 35mm film, but the rule was relaxed to allow low-budget productions.
The director must not be credited.

What is the point you ask
****
Tonight I watched Rachel Getting Married which I started watching because of Ann Hathway and her rumored performance and I almost wet my pants at the Dogme 95 style I saw...I was so excited! I forgot how much I love this sytle of filming and to me it really makes the experience of the film intensify in the performance. I also love loved the multicultural feel to this film, I thought it was beatiful and like poetry. A must see in my book and better yet now you know all about Dogme you should netflix these few movies and shake it up...

The Celebration*
Italian for Beginners**
Elsker dig for Evigt***

These are my top 3 favorites and worth a watch!

*lot like Rachel getting married
**I own this movie it is so funny to me
***Crazy sad and good!

Things

2010-02-05T14:29:00.000-06:00

Menu planning makes life easier
Never turn your back on a baby who can scale chairs and tabels
Writing theory papers...fun in theory, not fun in realtity
OMG how many papers can profs agsin for 2 weeks!!!
I want an ipad and my brother has teased me endlessly about it...
Need to do something fun this weekend..but mostly I need to do homework
homework
homework

I have about 100 hours to go at my intership!

Something excited and totally scary happened today...more on that latter.

Finally-the new blog, I am transtion our blog this weekend. Like I said this one is more exciting and glamours that this ole blog has been. I will let you know the new link, after I get everything transtioned.

<3 Lane

My crazy lady

2010-01-28T22:47:00.000-06:00

What I am proud of....

2010-01-27T11:33:00.001-06:00

I need to write creatively today. Not about a social welfare topic because being a MSW student is all about saving the world, today is my day off ;)

***

Recently a woman by the name of Andrea at Superhero Journal posted on her life and her thoughts about making space.

Then Zoot posted these questions:

What do you think? Do you constantly find yourself amazed by other people online yet can’t see yourself in the same glowing light? Do you allow yourself pride in your work? Pride in yourself? Or do you give that pride to other people who are probably struggling with the same things you are?

I feel like the online community that I read is a group of a bunch of amazing people with their own gifts and talents. I am not sure how I fit into all of that. But I sure hell know that I can't compare myself to anyone with experiences and talents that I do not have. Yet I do, and while I want to be a super crafter with a super etsy shop, all the while being a super social work and a super wife and a super mom....(lol) Just writing it down looks like a crazy person...

The two bloggers mentioned above both have in many ways inspired me. Zoot for example inspired me to read Twilight, which has saved my sanity over the past year. I am not even kidding about that! That series has provided me an emotional space to get away from the heavy people problems that I have been encountering in social work and that is inspiring.

While I struggling with trying to do to much. I am a "yes" lady. I know that I can't do it all. (For example not dropping of SATC to Autumn when I said I would on mon.) But also knowing that I will get their tonight and I bless their family with a meal as well :) In the long run we can only do what we can. For me that means doing something nice for someone everyday and enjoying every minute with my family.

***

Something that I am proud of is this...I stop pumping in December. But I was able to breastfeed and pump for 9 months while being away from the home for 60+ hours a week. It was a huge accomplishment and I felt really close to Milli and my mechanical baby (my breast pump :)) While I have taken less pictures of her and got to be around her less, I still feel like being in school, working, internship have all made me a stronger and better person. I feel really satisfied with the variety that exist in my life and how I get to transition from worker, to pre-professional, to mom.

****

In the end it is a beautiful life and that is something to proud of.

Because I am a good for nothing friend

2010-01-18T13:39:00.001-06:00

What my children have done to me...well for one saying you will be somewhere and then never showing up. Well, I am sorry that I had to miss my friend's ablum release party this past Sat. But in an attemptto earn their love back, check out the viedo above. (Bridgette is even shaking an egg!!!) ~~Which BTW when do I get to guest star as the egg shaker...Chris you know it is my dream of dreams :)~~

No really listen and love! and then buy

My mom says....

2010-01-18T09:41:00.000-06:00

My mom says that I do not post enough pictures of Milli and honestly I don't. But here is the thing. By the time I find the camera, upload the pictures and then post...well you get the idea...lazy (call is 2nd child syndrome :))
But to appease the grandmother I found some pictures to post of milli...eating noodles yesterday during the vikings game. She was chowing down...and it ended up everywhere on the white floor, but it was to funny to stop the madness...and this is the reason we have the h2o mop....(which you should own if you don't already... because it is awesome!)

now, Where is the cord for the camera.....

update

2010-01-17T17:49:00.000-06:00

Just a quick update...Autumn is doing well and is out of the ICU.

We are hanging out today watching the Vikes play. Milli is refusing to nap and having some quiet time in her crib*. Matias is napping. My parents are coming down and Luis and I are hoping to get out to both do homework and hang out. Looking forward to that!

the hat in the picture, I bought at an event and Luis washed and dried it...so now Milli has an adorable hat, I just need to add a little heart or something....Well have a great Sunday!

Prayers

2010-01-15T21:31:00.000-06:00

I come to this place today with a heavy heart. I am asking for people to pray for a few favors...if you do pray

1. Please pray for Haiti. Healing and light in incredible darkness.

2. My friend Autumn. She fought aggressive breast cancer with a 6month old and 3 year old. Last Monday she had a seizure just 7 months after finish her chemo treatments. She underwent an surgery to remove a maligent brain tumor and is recovering well.

I am praying for full healing. Her husband said this and it made me cry because it is so beautiful and what love is all about...(the link is to caring bridge)

"This is one amazing woman. I know I don't have to tell any of you that...but I'm going to anyway. Autumn is amazing. And, she manages to look absolutely beautiful through the whole thing...eve
n with the bandage across her head and the knee-high inflation boot things...I'd take a picture but Autumn won't let me"

thanks! peace.

News

2010-01-13T22:56:00.003-06:00

I have news #1 I dyed my hair brown! (See Above)

Now that is out of the way....

Luis and I are starting a blog! In the interest of my sanity I might be letting Mommylog transition to the new blog. We are still in the planning stages because this is going to be a REAL blog. oh yeah baby, we are going to cook, talk about fashion, parenting crafting, house tours...ok maybe not house tours or fashion, but we are going to be writing it in Spanish and English so that will be different.

I will let you know more details as they come about. But I want to hear from you dear readers (all two of you) Should I keep Mommylog or would you just want to hear about our life in one place?

Changes

2010-01-03T19:57:00.002-06:00

Laundry-done Dishes-done clean floors-yes! Google Reader yes! Inbox 0 new-Yes! Let it all fill up again...

Tomorrow, starts a few new things.

1. Early wake up and me taking the kids to day care....ugh. My plan is to wake up with Luis and do a work out. Get ready, Get the kids ready and out the door by 7:15am. (Considering that is when I used to wake up...it is a little change) If I do, workout everyday this week, I am going to get myself a little reward.
2. We are starting a marriage course with church so that will be exciting. We even get a romantic meal for two! We have been wanting to take this course for 2 years so it is exciting to be doing it! A friend exclaimed, I am so excited for you two. I think it will be a great start to the new year.
3. New Trimester
4. New Year!

Have a great week everyone.

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T09:20:00.003-06:00

Happy 2010, it is a new decade people! How exciting is that. The best thing about having my birthday on New Year's Eve, is I always start the new year with a new age. I like that!

I was looking at my goals from 2009 and I met about 2/5. I did a great job finish craft projects that I started, and I think I let go of a a lot of expectations about letting my "job" define who I am. In 2009 we WELCOMED a new person, Milli. Who has again changed and redefined our lives completely. Matias became a big brother and a big personality. I accomplished a big life goal of being accepted into Master of Social Work program. I think as a mom we let go of some activities that were weighing us down.

2010-I not so much want to define it in specifics but rather words.

Make every moment count- This is our family motto this year. I think that this describes everything I want to accomplish this year. I want to make every minute a worthwhile experience. Even grocery shopping. What we buy and who we buy it from has become increasingly important to me. When we are cooking and playing spending time with my children, with my first trimester (of school) behind me, my time was limited and I missed them a lot. So I want to make the most of each day.

Look Forward-I really want to get some grown up stuff settled this year. Like getting a will and a better life insurance policy. I want to think about my health and how long do I want to be here and how do I want to live it. (Well!!!!) I think the more purposeful we can be in our actions will effect the end result and that is why I want to look forward and dream big.

Restart- Finding a couple of activities that restart me. I love yoga, knitting, reading a good book. I hope to look towards a few things that make me a better nicer person to be around. I want to be able to give to my family the best of me after a long day of work. I feel that with Luis's new work schedule that will be able to happen.

8 months

2009-12-18T19:56:00.004-06:00

Miss Milli has been 8 months for about a whole month now, but she is wild. Today she was sitting in the cart at Target pulling herself up...she fell because she was trying to pull herself on the tv cabinet and got a black eye.
But here that is neither here nor now. she is spunky and cutting two top teeth what more could a mother ask for. (A full night of sleep?)
She also is a very fashionable as of late this outfit is made up of her brother's hand me downs. When she looked at me questionably...I added a bow. She kept that bow on the whole day. What a lady.

In other news. I just received my first grade back from school and my hard class 3.5! Sweet, I will take it.

Stay turned for a handmade Christmas I have been a busy crafter at this house.

2009-12-14T21:49:00.002-06:00

See that it is a sock! A sock I knitted all by myself! Toot...my own horn.

Anyhow I am typing less and knitting more. I got a little scared because Christmas is so close so we have a lot of Christmas cheer to do in this house.
Little list..because I love em'

1. Get frame for Luis's gift
2. Finish Milli and Matias gifts
3. Dad
4. make tamales with the vega's
5. watch elf and drink hot coco
6. Go x-ski
7. go skate at the landmark center
8. watch the fake fire on tv

That is it for now I will post Milli's and Matias gifts that I making for them. They are pretty sweet!

Three

2009-12-04T10:09:00.006-06:00

Wobbly Cry

My Matias is 3 years old today! He is a little person who changed my life in a big way...

I have never told his birth story on this here blog (what kind of mom blogger am I) I thought it would be a nice gift to myself to remember that day and get it out in the open, all the gore, sweat, and tears that ended in a baby that had the funniest cry at birth.

The begining:

I came home from Mississippi and there was my handsome fiancee standing with flowers. He was wearing a courdy sport jacket and his hair was 3 times longer than it had been when I left. After seeing boys with fresh from basic training buzz cuts, his look was a refreshing changed and I hugged him and fell right back in love...

39.5 weeks later:

My parents are dropping my husband and I off at the hospital. I have a scheduled induction because, of the blood thinners that I am on during pregnancy. I am so nervous, talking 40 miles a mintue. I look at my mom and feel so scared. In my deepest parts of my brain I am thinking...How am I supposed to do this? I can not be a mom, lets just keep this baby inside. We have a crib, diapers and clothing all waiting at home. We have taken the classes and just want to see how everything goes, to see if I will need the pain meds. Secertly I am hoping I can make it...

We check in and get settled in our room. The nurse offers me some ambien...I take it and pass out.

We wake up the next morning and I am woozy. I note to myself never to take ambien again. The nurse offers me the opportunity to take a shower, I seize it in hopes to become less groggy. She says "once you get back we will get things going" AJKHUIYHBJKGJHGYWGIOJDS!!! I come back from the shower, the anatheolgist comes in and states that they are not going to be able to give me an epidural. This is after the pitocen is started so there is no turning back or no hope of an epidural.

I sit on the rocking chair for most of the morning after they break my water about nine. Luis hangs out with me, staying out of the way. We close the blinds in the room and turn off the lights. Rocking continues contractions start to get worse. I ask the nurse if I can get into the shower, she checks with the Doctor if I can be off the monitor. They check me I am at a 4 at 11:30 am. I head to the shower, my mom comes in and lets Luis go get some lunch, he walks me to the shower and waits. Contractions start getting worse and walk back to the room. I continue rock and breathing. Shift change happens and I get a new nurse Jan and a new Dr Dylanko. (Who was out of the 14 doctors in the group the one I wanted to deliver the baby). I relax a little, but the contractions do not. They hit me wave after wave. Luis is back now, I am on the bed and they are checking me...

Nurse Jan exclaims 6!!!

I exclaim bah!!!

I walk to the shower, Luis is being great. I am not. We get to the shower, the pain is intense. It helps but I am dry heaving and that is gross. I am crying and whining. Luis closes the shower curtain on me. (This is the only time in 12 hours he got mad at me). Jan comes and says I have to get out of the shower. I am only allowed to me off the fetal monitor for 30 minutes. I go back to the room and now everything gets a little blurry. Oprah is on, I knew if I made it Oprah, it would be soon. I get on the bed so Jan can check me. I am still a 6. Encouraging words are said. My mom comes in to ask Luis if he wants dinner, they are heading to Cossetta's. (I am pissed...I have not ate all day and want Cossettas). I am on the bed holding on the bed rail. Just trying to get though it contractions. They are coming in waves, and all I can say is owie...owie...owie....

Luis pulls it together and helps me to breath, I feel like I need to push. They call the Doctor. My mom comes in and brings Luis's food in and I yell....get out!!! In retrospect I am so sorry I yelled... the poor woman was just dropping off some food.

I start pushing when the Dr. Arrives, it is not going well. I try a different approach. First the head. Good, everyone says...keep going...keep going. One more push the Dr. says. I do I push with all my might. At 8:11pm with the most wobbly cry every known to man kind, Matias is out in the world. They pop him up on my chest. Luis looks dazed...he cuts the cord. (I ask him later what it felt like and what the placenta looked like too; He said both we oddly cool).

Afterwards, I felt so happy. I had done it!!!!

***

Today, I am at work and then have class. I wonder if the rest of my life on this day I will look at the clock and think about these moments as I am today. Recently as co-worker turned 60, his mother volunteers at our organization. I asked her on his birthday, so do you remember what you were doing...she replies "Oh Lord yes. The pain." I laughed for 5 minutes, I think you never forget.

But more importantly you never forget how much you changed. You can't describe it of course. As for me I thought I never wanted children, they never seemed like a possibility for me. I had closed off my heart to idea that I could be a mom. So when I became one, my heart burst right open and it changed me for the better. From my experience, I have been able to open myself up to many more in my life. I think many times in our life, we close ourselves off to what could be. We grow up, we no longer dream big.

Matias, my wish for you is that you dream big and have an open heart to all of the possibilities of what you life can be...but for now I will settle for you peeing in the toilet and not in a diaper. <3>

Hold Tight

2009-12-02T20:41:00.001-06:00

Love this song
As heard on Radio Heartland... (<3 Radio Heartland)
release
Karen Vieno Parus

Coming on Sunday....Milli 8 months.....Matias is 3!

here's the thing...

2009-11-29T20:41:00.003-06:00

So the thing is...I took no pictures of Milli's first thanksgiving...but

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving up in Cloquet. The kids had a blast hanging out with other and cousin, grandparents and great aunt's and uncle's and one uncle...

I was able to accomplish alot of homework for school and done with almost everything except for one paper and a reflection. I will try to get those done as much as I can at work tomorrow.

We have a big week ahead...Matias turns 3 on Friday, Milli is 8 months tomorrow and I have school allllll weekend...

However it will be a good week.

Little Town

2009-11-24T17:06:00.003-06:00

Look at this cute vintage village...seriously I want....

Thankful Day 2

2009-11-23T20:05:00.003-06:00

I am thankful for...

old friends

big appetites

popcorn bowls

leftover wine

smiling faces

excited babies

handmade gifts

inside jokes

bosses on vacation

new words

penguin books

playtime

bedtime

inadvertent hearts

Thankful

2009-11-22T21:39:00.003-06:00

Sitting with my husband and doing homework in the quite

Friends and new babies coming to this world

Supportive people who want to make a difference in the world

A possible 2nd chance for a new beginning!

Seeing family and friends in a few short days!

Blessed to have a great editor in my life ( go B!!! on hard paper)

Seeing smiles of 2 little people

2 teeth making an appearance

Sheppard's Pie and genius dinner ideas

A new shift for the husband

Great church friends!

Midnight movies

Cupcakes and peanut butter bars (and those who don't judge me for eating that)

knowing how to knit

lots of homework- I kid I kid, but the nerd in me thinks it is kinda fun...

7 MONTHS

2009-11-08T15:30:00.003-06:00

Beautiful girl!
Amazing!

So Cute!

This month flew by, you are as cute as ever and growing, growing and growing. We love you and just the other day you started waving. You love to say bah, bah, bah. Slow down little girl! Your a heartbreaker!

Halloween

2009-11-01T14:33:00.006-06:00

"Matias I really like you superman costume"
Thank you sister, I like it too. Look at the camera and smile.

Sorry dude, I have to go cheer on my boyfriend Adrien Peterson...

Seriously, sister smile...

See this is how you do it...Happy Halloween.
Love,
Superman and a Random Viking Cheerleader

Quite

2009-10-29T21:23:00.002-06:00

I have been so quite on this here old blog...not much to say I guess. Sure kids are growing and talking in full sentences and saying words like amazing!! The other is crawling like no one business and has seem to found her sleeping skills at night.
She MUST have been really working on that crawling during all the night waking she went though at 5 months. Milli is 7 months tomorrow.....exactly 7 months ago they started the drugs and that girl was on her way out.
Babies are the best, they are fresh and new and passionate about life. Recently with the large amount of stress that my life is going through, I find myself clingy to her infant joy. I find I hold her close and watch with amazed eyes as she does something way before her brother ever did. But in all that I am drawn to this quite desperation I have to define myself as a parent.

In situations lately where I am not defined as a parent makes such a huge difference in the parts of my life where I do identify as one. Milli in all of grace and wisdom has allowed me to do that by crawling sooner and being independent, but still needing me in little ways. She has allowed me to continue pumping, which today I could not believe that I have been back to work for 6 months and still pumping!!! I feel like I should get a gold star or something. It is crazy to think that I have done it!! But that has not been me...no my friends that is all her, my sweet yet crazy lady. (emiliana) <3

Crawling

2009-10-18T20:55:00.002-06:00

She is way past this now, as in crawling everywhere but it is still fun to put up here

6 Months

2009-10-06T19:43:00.004-06:00

My thoughts about Milli's 6th month of life are short and sweet, kinda like her.

Ms. Milli alive and thriving and smiling, this was a little impromtu shot of my lady hanging out on the couch, using the pillows to brace her sitting up, which she now has master the skill of sitting up and reaching for objects. Until she topples over because she is top heavy. Then low and behold she made it up on her hands and knees and started rocking away!

We still are nursing, Matias was compeltly weaned by this point in his life, he really just ate so much more than Milli does, at her last Dr. visit she weigh about 14 pounds.
Milli~ my interaction with you this month has been limited, due to the start of school and my internship. I have not seen you or cuddle you as much as I wanted too, but you soft skin is always on my mind, like coal for my engine when I am feeling worn out. (cheese factor) The best part of you being 6 months old (is not sleeping though the night, which you are not) is watching you watching the world, taking it in and thinking this is all mine to find out what is new and wonderful! Here is to another month of adventure and more cuddles!
Mama

Sad

2009-10-06T19:38:00.003-06:00

This weekend will mark, my first two days away from my baby2. First two nights, when she is not even sleeping though them...I know that my mom reads this blog (hi mom) and she is the one watching them and it is not about her (it is not about you mom) But the other part of me feels so selfish, so guilty, I just want to wrap each of my kids up in a little time capsule and never let them out. So, tonight I feel sad, I miss them already. School, seems long and longer, but rewarding. The fact that I am doing something for me sounds so trite. But alas, each moment with them counts more than the ones that I am not. Until then, I can be sad.

*Edit to add, (don't want to be a negative nelly anymore)

Every Act of Love

Demands for our attention

tug in all directions-

kids and work, partners

and practicalities, spiritual

practice and the unrelenting

rough and tumble of life.

It's a gift to remember

even for an instant that

the Infinite is in this mix,

and every act of love

is an offering that

circles back to us a

thousandfold in ways

we never could predict

-Danna Faulds

Songs

2009-09-29T17:41:00.003-06:00

Last Night I told Matias all about Emiliana's song, and then he was asking me to play his. (then I thought blogpost:)) But when I was pregnant with both kids, songs shaped their idenity to me. When I hear that song it describes how I felt or the mood that insipred their upbringing and shaping. So without further ado I present

Maitias Song: Gotta have you, The Weepies

Emiliana Song: Me and Armini, Emiliana Torini

Studin'

2009-09-28T21:52:00.004-06:00

Look we know how to study! We are having a lot of fun with iphoto. In actually we are not really having fun, reading about how you can get sued as a social worker ect ect. I have had a couple of accidents with caffeine over the last few days. Tonight I had a med esspresso drink and realized at the end of drinking it, that is was not decaf (cue Homer Simpson "Doh") Then on class on Friday, I had a Starbucks double shot, and realize after I had drank it, it was a + Energy....what?!? I was a chatterbox, good thing I had class and it was ok, and everyone knew about my little over caffeinated+energy problems. So in up coming days I hope to take it a little easy on all things caffinated.

In other news, I am trying a new approach to doing homework here, I am sure it will be one of many but the 2 weeks no school is a little hard to manage, you are not held as accountable, when you only show up every other week. However, here is my plan week 1 read, read, read. Have reading completed by Wed. This is crazy talk, but a good goal to have. Then let the writing commence or and interviews, that will be just dandy! Shannon, my partner for this project said she will think of a doozy problem to present me with in our planned interview! I have a more serious post to finish up that does not involve iphoto. I PROMISE!!

In baby2 news, I think Milli is sprouting her first tooth, I felt the little ridge, which means I will need to get lots of gummy kisses in the next few days. Because there is really nothing better than gummy kisses! Until then, I will be back with Milli's 6 month photos.

MN Love

2009-09-27T19:17:00.002-06:00

L'Empire des lumières : twinkle
Originally uploaded by TommyOshima

Luis and I went to the Prairie Home Companion Street Dance last night, it was such a blast. We went after the kiddos were in bed and sang some songs and danced a little. It was the perfect fall night and twinkle lights. It made me really happy to be there. That is why I love MN.

New Moon

2009-09-22T21:48:00.004-06:00

After Twilight I was not sure, but this trailer looks amazing, (Did I mention how much I love dramatic opera singing in movie trailers) I was talking with someone about this series and how much I love it, how it can transport me to my other life. So I just officially got excited for New Moon. Plus, I am really excited by Dakota Fanning growing up, what a beauty and amazing talent!
I am sure that this movie will be much more blockbuster than twilight was, I noticed that tickets were already on sale for the midnight show! Maybe I can convince my dad to take me again over Thanksgiving, after last year I am not sure he will go with much if any enthusiasm....

The sound of typing

2009-09-21T06:27:00.002-06:00

The sound of typing is going on a lot more than it used to around here. I thought I would jump on my blog and start writing for today. Because why not.

I have started to adjust my rountine around here. I am getting up ealrier than I used to, which is really awsome. It allows me time to get my thoughts and things toghter for the day and I like that. It seems like my head is floating around with 50 billion thoughts and being up in the morning gets me going, has made me wake up and smell the coffee.

We had a great weekend. We took it easy. I enjoyed the kids and I hope they enjoyed me.

Well I am off to a exciting day of receipting! We are off to the library tonight for some easy reads! Then off to bed, and me off to do homework!

Goofy

2009-09-19T08:23:00.003-06:00

We are having a little fun with I photo this morning and it is keeping Matias Busy!
Also Milli decided that this morning she would do some backwards crawling, and getting up on hands and knees, the child is a manic, we waited 10 months for Maitias to army crawl around! What a change! Have a great Saturday!

*Edit: I Have always wondered where Milli gets her super crazy big eyes, but I see exactly where the below face comes from and it IS a my scary eyed twin (with darker complexion of course ;))

things start to sprial

2009-09-14T18:31:00.004-06:00

Hello Monday.

I have been waiting for you all weekend. This past weekend marked the first weekend of classes and it was a little crazy. I was so glad that I was not the only person who walked out of Sat. morning class shitting my pants. But I made it though. Actually, it was exciting because everyone really wanted to be there and to experience the experience. I am excited that it is all about something I want to learn and more importantly, going to my intership. I already really like it there. I practicing really hard listening and observing and not to share to many personal issues. Because where I am at know I can tend to do to much of that.

I really missed the kids last week, it was hard to say goodbye every morning and not be there and know that I would not be home until much later then normal. Matias watched the new PBS kids show dinosaur train with all of his dinosaurs lined up in front of the Tv. Milli tried rice cereal with little success. (a resulting trip to urgent care as a matter of fact) She is fine and enjoyed the ceral, but we are still over to the allergist this week to make sure she is ok.

We also attended a wedding that was very dear to my heart, even though I missed the vows due to school, still Luis took some lovely pictures. Ellen and Eric said I do on Sept the 12th and we are so happy for them and Leo. Also check out the picture, that is her amazing backyard garden!!! How can I even compete :) Well I am off to write a paper all about me and my crazy family.

P.S. I lost 4 pounds on w.w. last week!!!

Break Up

2009-09-10T19:20:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I broke up with Perez.

Perez you ask...yes Perez Hilton.

Perez,
It was an awesome 2.5 years. Thanks for it all!

lane

Reality

2009-09-03T12:18:00.003-06:00

Have 200 pages of reading to do before Sept 11th the first day of classes...(insert mild heart attack)

Not to mention sleeping in our house lately is weird, so weird. Last night Matias had a pretty bad bout with food poisoning. He was barfing between 8:30 and 2am. The glamorous joys of being a mom. So I slept downstairs with Milli in our room and Luis up with Matias. Five hundred loads of laundry later, I think Matias is feeling better. Both kids are taking a long nap right now which I can not complain one bit about!

On the bright side we learned some important tips. Save your baby bathtub from the hospital makes an awesome emergency barf bucket. Matias always is a good kid even, when he is sick. He was uncomfortable yet oddly happy, during the whole ordeal. Most important tip, Lilo and Stitch solves everything for a 2.5 year old who is sick in the night! I was also really proud of how both Luis and I handled the situation. Let's face it this is the part of parenting that makes the flight or fight response come out. Oddly Luis and I always do well in these higher stake situations, the dishes is a whole other story...

Oh and the reading....well hopefully I get my books from amazon soon....
I have a few things to finish up in the house over the weekend, curtains int he dining room 1st and foremost! Cleaning the storage closet which I always seem to be cleaning. Making 1 more trip to goodwill and organizing cupboards. I really want to start next week with a clean house and fresh start. My plan is to use the blog to get me a writing mood in order to write papers so I hope to keep this up as school starts. Until then!

5 Months

2009-08-30T20:43:00.003-06:00

Milli is Five months, she is changing daily and making me laugh daily as well too. She has started to scream, roll over, grunt in a very scary manor, love her brother and recognized who and where he is. She loves the jumper and getting butterfly kisses. She is still not sleeping though the night but that is ok, because it gives us time to nurse during the night.

Not much else is new, I had orientation @ Augsburg and I start my internship next Tuesday and school on Friday. We are growing a ton as we learn to trust God about more and more things in our life. These next few months will be a huge adjustment. Happy end of summer!

quick

2009-08-24T21:49:00.003-06:00

Today I am fighting a cold, but a couple of things that caught my attention

1. You must check out this family photo website.

My school wish list:Headphones, because you can never look to rad studying...

Also one can never have enough pockets on a sweet bag.

Don't worry books and other things are my list as well. I feel like a little kid again getting all of my stuff ready for school outfits and pens notebooks. Not looking forward to leaving my little ones, but I will manage. It is crazy to thing that when this is all said and done I will have 4.5 and 2 year old little people. Wow!

Take care you crazy people!

jump

2009-08-19T23:02:00.002-06:00

How Milli puts herself to sleep

2009-08-17T19:38:00.003-06:00

Milli was on the couch while I got Matias ready for bed. I came back to find this scene. Which makes me confused and laugh at the same time. But here is to self soothing!

I picked up the blanket on the first picture! lol. Have a great week, we are hosting Tina and Michele from the country of Germany! Here is to some beer!

milli 4 months

2009-08-15T14:14:00.003-06:00

The big apple

2009-08-15T13:57:00.004-06:00

Today is one of the best days, because I got a MAC! Woo hoo, it is a power book so that is pretty rad. I just am transferring a cd to i tunes and I just about pooped my pants shoving the cd way into the disc. I also got a free printer and i pod touch, which I am thinking about not keeping and donating to Dakota woodlands for a silent auction item, really it seems a little unnecessary , but I will more than likely keep it because Matias can watch a movie on it in the car if need be. I think I am just a little afraid of the technology. We shall see.

But because I have a new computer my blogging will be taken to a whole new level, no longer must I run downstairs up load my pictures put them on a memory stick and up load them on the laptop upstairs but I can do the shag bang from one location! I am also excited to load viedos and make one for the kids birthdays so they will have them as they get older to look at.

We have a house warming party today and it looks a little iffy on the weather my kid tribe is napping away the afternoon!

Blog Break

2009-08-13T19:26:00.003-06:00

I went on a little blog break there. Milli is now 4 months. Matias is still officially 2. I am feeling like there is not much to say lately, that things here are getting into more of a routine. School starts in about 1 month. Work is work. The house is getting more and more organized everyday.

We have been really busy with parties and driving up north. All of our weekends are booked up with parties, and it is kinda funny. Luis and I are doing the best we can with never seeing other and making the most of seeing other.

And it looks like I will be taking another blogging break because that is the biggest snoozefest I have ever wrote. I know our lives are much more exciting than that!

The end

Update

2009-07-28T20:23:00.005-06:00

Milli's Live Long and Prosper toes @ 10 days
Photo:CTRYAN

I am a nerd! But I make cute babies with my husband. (Would that not be the best bumper sticker evah!)

My field instructor just emailed me and was so excited! I start school in about a month and my insides are about to burst with excitement!!! (there are also bursting from the loans that I just took out as well)

Meanwhile we try to soak in summer just as much and as fast as we can, parties are coming up the next two weekends. Where we will celebrate marriages and babies. Then a little camping is in order and finally just a sit and relax kinda weekend.

Some things I want to do: (If you are on this list watch out for an email coming to your inbox soon)

1. Make some jam
2. Have a dinner party.
3. Camping with the family
4. Christine! I must see you soon!
5. Farmers Market
6. Baby food
7. Laptop (new one)
8. Katy sonterre...
9. Freeze some meals
10. Set up office area!

Dear Mils

2009-07-19T17:15:00.001-06:00

Don't ever stop sneezing and farting at the same time. It makes me laugh so hard I spit water out.

Please never stop cooing at the baby on the wipe container when I am changing your diaper.

Love,
Mom

AH Summer?

2009-07-17T07:48:00.004-06:00

Summer is MN is one of two things either AWSOME or not. Right now it is not. However here is the thing, when I drove to work this morning the mercury read 57 degrees. The high today a lovely 66 degrees and .............I love it. Now let me say this, I grew up in Duluth where we rarly had a day over 90 and most days we in the lower 70's. This weather is my normal.

Luis on the other hand has had enough. He is curses the weather. He is a hot boy loves it hot, maybe growing up in Mexico will do that to you.

So alas once again we are different, yet the same

This weekend we are staying home and relaxing. We are expaning our side garden and that will occupy most of my time.

Here are some links just for fun:

This post reminds me of when Matias was a baby and we would have to go to the cancer clinic for my hematology appts.

This site is to die for Texts from Last Night.

Did you see Harry Potter? Here are the differences from the book.

Check out Chris's post on the Blogulator about the greatest movie of our generation. I let it slide that he did not inculde free willy in the '93 list. Because serously I can not tell you how many times Jake and I watched that movie! I hate it today, but Luis and I often disscus Free Willy. You know he met him. Keiko (the whale actor that is).

Loving this site

I hope you all have a great weekend.

2009-07-15T12:37:00.002-06:00

With both kiddos napping right now I should be doing my 30 min shred, but alas I am not.
Not too much going on around here. Trying to soak up every last bit of summer before school starts. I am starting to get a little nervous about the work load and internship working and kiddos. I do realize there will be sacrifices in going back to school. This blog might be one of them and google reader another. But in the end it is going to really be worth it!

I am going to be picking up extra hours at Dakota Woodlands on Wed. Eveings, so this will be our last small group with the Benidict's tonight. Which is very bittersweet. Luis will change his schedule so he can be home to put the kids down.

I am thinking about a few things today. How can we squeeze in Harry Potter today/2nite, and tattoos. random random. Our house is turning out really cute. I will have to do a little photo tour when I finally get our craft room set up!

Farm

2009-06-30T20:21:00.004-06:00

Here it is, our afternoon out at the farm. Let me tell you I am so excited for Ellen, Eric and Leo. They are growing tomatoes to sell at the St. Paul Farmers market. Last year Ellen had planted a large garden just for the family. This year it is, to market to market! Anyhow I am really proud of her because really this is her dream and it is amazing to see people tackle their dreams. So with out further ado, here is a little photo tour.

Tractor rides and grass clipping piles and the makings of good friendships between 2 and half year olds!

Squash blooms

"We cute and we know it."

The garden is bigger than this picture, but just for you information there are 8 or 9 rows of tomatoes!

3 Months!

2009-06-30T20:08:00.004-06:00

How time flies! We have already reached the 3 month mark for Ms. Milli.

Milli,

You are such a cool girl you make your mama happy and proud all day. We have pretty good system going you and I. You coo and I fall in love just a little more. We went on a few adventures this month. We went to the zoo and a garden ( I even nursed you while we were weeding, because I am a hippie like that). You are so happy and quiet and sleep like 10 hours a night!!! Holy cow you rock little gal! You fit right in this little pod of people.

Love your,

Mama

happy day

2009-06-22T21:10:00.002-06:00

i had been trying to teach Matias to say "happy fathers day". All he could get out was happy day. 3 years ago today was my happy day. When I married my true love. Happy Anniversary!!! We celebrated with a round of disc golf n' cafe latte. mmmmm...

Heavy Heart

2009-06-22T12:26:00.003-06:00

(Matias 14 months)

When I think about something sad, I look at pictures of my kids to cheer me up. (Look at the kid above!) It gets my happy heart going.

Today I found out that a friend from college died. I found out yesterday that my uncle's neighbor wife is dying of cancer. My mom and I talk about her trip to New Orleans and how much people are still suffering from Hurricane Katrina. Our world sometimes seems hopeless and it gets me down.

As I look into my kids faces I hope to inspire in them that you get one life and you should use it to make the world a better place.

I was chatting with a co-working this morning and remembered planting a tree early in life for my friend Becky's mom who had died of cancer. Wow! I thought that was a long time ago. I am going to go and visit that tree. When I was 12, I had no idea why a tree was being planted, but now a tree seems like to perfect thing to do. I think that we will be planting a tree for my friend Dawn, so I can remember that life starts anew.

Nerd Alert

2009-06-19T09:38:00.002-06:00

So I have been wanting to post this random thought all week.

Fact:Twitter is one of the main communication forms for the protesters in Iran.

Fact: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, recall the DA (Dumbledore's Army) has the special coins to communicate with.

Logical Conculsion: Twitter is magic in real life!

P.S.
I looked at my google reader and I only have 2 subscribers and one is me. Thanks self for reading my lame blog.

You have a camera?

2009-06-10T11:27:00.002-06:00

My Favorite shots from the last few weeks! The Vega's - picture taker

Yes, I will sit and hold up my head all on my own and you can not stop me people -Mili's inner dialog

2 month cuteness of the Milster

More please? Ok.

Comparison shot Matias 2 months!

Today, it is still raining here. REALLY?!?!?! Tomorrow has promises of sun and I am so ready for it. Yesterday Abby and I rocked a spin class and I am so sore. But all in all it felt really good to work that hard. The music was good and a good way to judge how hard I was pushing myself. Abby commented that the cheesier the song, the better I knew it. But I can't help that I am drawn to Ashley Simpson's music...Until next time.

Moving up and on

2009-06-05T07:32:00.002-06:00

Hello, Neglected blog!

We have been busy. Last week at this time we were fighting 93 degrees and 60 percent humidity all that SC. Today we are experience a day that only MN can offer 70 and perfect. Although that rain can come any day now to overly dried out lawn.

The best thing about life right now is the fact that it is slow and easy. Enjoying time with child 1 and 2 are truly the best thing that life or money could offer at the moment. I love watching Matias and Miss Milli interact. Matias loves giving kisses and letting me know when Milli is crying followed by "Coming sister coming" (Insert heart melting here). Or when Matias is playing and asks "pizza mama?" Sure bud I will take pizza. Talking seems to be the development task getting the most attention. With three word sentences coming out. Which is exciting. Some Spanish is getting mixed in and that is really exciting. I am so jealous that my children will grow up bi-lingual. What a gift for them, I am sure they will NOT see it that way. Often wondering why their parents forced them to learn two languages. (Lammi's Finnish lessons come to mind or Greek School anyone?)

I will be posting pictures soon of the wedding an a little letter to milli for her 2 month birthday.

Unitl then...smiles

Guest Post

2009-05-20T07:51:00.002-06:00

Some of you who read this blog might laugh that I did a guest post about fashion. Needless to say it has not been one of my strong suits. Now that their is a baby girl in my house time to step it up!

Please check out my guest post ( and a great mama blog) at Growing a Life.

I can't wait until next Thursday when we leave for South Carolina to see Alex Lammi and his lovely lady Jessica get married. I am looking forward to catching up with some peeps from high school and getting out of MN's 90 degree weather.

Things with the kids are getting better each day. Milli contiunes to give me great smiles and sleep at night and Matias is a singing machine. We are all signed up for a music class this summer. I will post our new garden project soon. and also our ikea show room aka our sun room.

A real person

2009-05-12T07:43:00.002-06:00

This is my little gal smiling away at Grandma on Friday. She totally melts my heart in every way possible when she gives a smile. This is what keeps me going though the rough times.

I went back to work yesterday, things went well. The only thing is pumping is stressing me out. I just have to ride it out and if we need to supplement we need to supplement. I just want to remain committed to when I am with her, feeding her and not going totally to formula. Either way I am sure she will be just fine. Not much else to report beside what an awesome husband I have. I don't think he reads the blog, but how can one person, clean, cook, do yard work and take care of two kids. What a guy!!! Thanks honey.

working on it

2009-05-05T21:06:00.002-06:00

Things are settling down around here. The porch is getting finished, I am planning our veggie garden and library. I am so excited to growing some of our own veggies. And having a space to study. How did these plans come about you ask? Don't you all have a 5 week old baby? Why yes we do and who told you we have plans around this house.

Anyhow this post is to say that we are well and working like busy bees. I plan on posting some pictures of milli as soon as, I get to the desktop vs the laptop. But alas the desktop moved to the basement and it is still chilly down there. But right now I am enjoying a sweet baby sleeping in my lap and dreaming up home plans and making plans for the summer, both upcoming post for this little log of our lives.

Until that day adios and happy cinco de mayo

2009-05-02T14:33:00.002-06:00

Sleep is elusive in this house. I was getting naps most every day or every other, but then one kid starting napping the other one awake. And at night when I should go to sleep earlier I stay up and wait for Luis to come home. All this being said, I need to go to bed earlier because I am kinda grouchy... Sorry husband.

In other news we were able toget rid of leaf bags in our backyard (finally!) Tommrow the porch panneling goes to the dump and I am excited not to have the garbage yard anymore!! Whew hew. We need a garage at this house...asap.

We are off to a going away party and I need to go find a longer shirt...

the end

Dear baby e

2009-04-29T20:17:00.004-06:00

Dear emiliana,

Welcome special girl! You are one month old in a few short hours. Some people say that this month is a hard adjustment. But like your entrance into this world you first month has been swift and easy. You are a quite lil one, aware taking in the sounds of your papa and brother. Then in the special moments you look at me and give me a gas smile that keeps me going during the hard times. You also seem to look at me when you spit up, right into my face...but that is a different story. I hope that you are always this alert in the world, eyes wide open taking it all in. Because life goes fast and believe your mama, you won't want to miss a minute. I wish I could say more, but you need me (or my boob)

love,
mom

nothing new but photos

2009-04-15T13:11:00.002-06:00

Sleeping, eating, and trying to get outside and enjoy the weather!

and then love...

2009-04-06T12:35:00.004-06:00

I should label myself as a person who thinks newborns are so-so on the cuteness scale. Give me a 6 month old and and cuteness is off the charts. But when it comes to my own kids, they both had me at hello.
I think with Milli and Matias the difference is I am taking it slow and relishing in the moments that a newborn offers. Gas smiles, sitting up at 2am nursing, little squeaks, me becoming a prisoner of the couch. All of these things with Matias I suffered though them, thinking that would be how it would always be. Waking up and watching him sleep. Now, I want Milli to stay this way forever, cuddling with her frog legs up on her belly hands cuddling her face.
SO far so good. Both of my kids have my love and that is all I can say at this point one week into being a parent of 2! (eek*)

I just had to share this picture of Matias and I because I think it is pretty funny and cute.

I can not believe my feminist self let this contraption on my daughter's head, but then again that is one of the things that you just let go and roll with the laughs that a giant bow on a 7lb baby brings.

Welcome

2009-04-01T14:14:00.003-06:00

Welcome Baby 2

2009-03-31T17:04:00.002-06:00

Still at the hospital but wanted to post it here.

Welcome Emiliana Lane Vega!!

Born March 30, 2009 at 4:45am

6lbs 13oz

19 3/4 inches

She is great! We are great and I will write more later when we get home!

What I was supposed to be doing...

2009-03-27T08:19:00.002-06:00

Still waiting! Still waiting!!!

I was supposed to have a little girl by now, but we don't she is still in my belly happily thumping away. This I am thankful for :)

After an unsuccessful cervical ripening, I was sent home from the hospital. Twice now we have done the walk of shame, back to our car with a pregnant belly and bags in tow. I have to admit yesterday I was ticked. My mom is here, we have meals ready. And sugar is sounding really good! I was looking forward to a piece of cake on Luis's birthday. But alas, no cake for me!

Did I mention it is 30 degrees here again...

Otherwise, not much planned but we will do something fun today. Because I have the day off of work. :) Smiles

Otherwise thinking about our neighbors in Fargo area, so much flooding and it just keeps getting worse. Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday My Love!

2009-03-24T18:12:00.003-06:00

Because we will be a little busy tommrow, I just want to say: Luis I love you and you make my life and the world a much better place to be in.

Happy BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Feliz Cupleanos!

Our new nephew!

2009-03-16T20:29:00.002-06:00

Welcome Senor Derrick
****this is not our baby*****

Trying to get Matias and Evelin(Derrik's big sister) to smile for a picture!

Grandpa, new grandson and other grandson!

Us Vega's are all about baby making these days with two little people appearing within weeks of other. Luis younger sister and her boyfriend welcomed their son, this past Thursday and we were able to meet his acquaintance on Sun. He is very peaceful and I have only seen him sleeping, so he seems pretty content little fella. It was some what reassuring that a small baby comes out of you and not your the 3month old babies that you see on the tv...

Welcome to the familia!

Still Waiting

2009-03-16T13:30:00.003-06:00

Dress at jcrew for a sweet little girl

Ahh, little girls. I am having one. With the impeding birth of this baby with in the next 8 days, I find myself swinging between extreme excitement, nervousness, blueness, happiness and fatigue. I find myself feeling a little sad about not being pregnant. One of the best things about being pregnant is the instant conversation starter that it is and how people will offer you advice for no apparent reason, just because their pregnant.

I will miss that

I will also miss the thumps that this baby gave me during my pregnancy and how it made me realize that each little person is different and special.

Matias met his new cousin yesterday and went from being really interested to showing no interest at all. I am sure that it will be different when our gal is attached to my boob or something. I find myself mourning a little bit about how our relationship is about to change. In other words, I am kinda scared deep in my soul... I was scared to have Matias and I talked about that feeling all of the time. Now I am scared again and I don't know if I have mentioned it as much. In the end I know it will work out. It always does. But for the moment where I don't know what it is like, it is scary really scary.

Phew, I feel a little better now that is out.

False Alarms and The real thing

2009-03-12T09:22:00.003-06:00

It has been an event filled 24 hours around these parts including gas that was mistaken for labor. All is well, baby is fine and still in utero, but not with out a trip to the Birth Center where this "2nd time mom" was pretty embarrassed, but in the end about 1am the pain subsided and I was able to sleep the entire night!

As we made a quick exit from small group, I was barley able to not yak all over our fellow friends!

However, we do have an induction scheduled in the upcoming weeks. (I not telling the day :)) So either way a baby2 is coming and she is coming soon.

In other news, did you know that health insurance for a 2 year old is hard to get in MN. When I lost my job, I have had CORBA coverage and Matias also has. We have been getting help from the county and while not ideal, it has help us survive the reduction in pay and the loss of benefits. I had to reapply after 6 months and Matias no longer qualifies for the insurance. What is confusing is we make less money now than when we first applied, so has the county already put into place new income restrictions to deal with their budget crisis? Who knows, I do know that it will work out in the end and that stressing about it makes it more stressful.

But, this is what is so sad about our county and its health care system. Not that its cost are out of control or that we have to worry about our children and their health. No it is that we are not able to give people options to help them in times of need. I feel like a little bit as a failure as a parent because of the fact that I can't provide this for my son. The only place to get help for it is not able to help, so what are our options....

Ok enough. with. the depressing. How about a kid in a bear suit....Too much cuteness!

Easy Dinner

2009-03-09T18:54:00.002-06:00

Tonight I made the best easiest dinner. Matias and I walked into the house at 5:15 and were eating by about 5:35! Not to mention the hardest part of it was to remember to buy french bread.

What was it you ask?

French Toast

Eggs
Milk
Sliced French Bread
Cinnamon

Dip and cook in a skillet, serve with butter and syrup.

Yum!

Things

2009-03-06T08:53:00.004-06:00

I am trying to not rush the end of my pregnacy...but all I can think about is labor and the action of going into it.
I am also trying not to nest to much more, or I might drive luis up a wall
I am trying to read the Great Gatsby, but it feels like touture (Plus I am reading Julie and Julia and that is awsome!)
Drinking lots of water and taking my vitamen and pills
did I mention i am trying not to think about going into Labor

oh cute!

2009-03-04T09:02:00.004-06:00

Feb 28th baby shot, 35.5 weeks
Me pregnant with Matias at 36ish weeks. (I swear i am happy now too :))
So the difference in these two pictures beside my better fashion in the 2nd picture is that notice how there is no belly button sticking out...and Matias is about 20% higher on my frame. Everyone at work yesterday, was saying how the baby has dropped. Today I have an OB check and hopefully will get "checked" (fun times, when your private parts are no longer that) So we will see if anything is going on down there. I actually slept all of last night which was great, just one bathroom break. On Tues. I got up about 30 times and was not a happy camper yesterday at about 5:00pm when I had to be at work for 2+ hours more. But thankfully it came off as goofiness vs. crabbiness.
Overall, though things are going well, I can't wait to meet this person and start figuring out how this is all going to work out with 2 small people in the house. Not to mention 6 weeks off of work, yeehaw! Just to spend time with my kiddos. :)

Matias just being cute.

Loving Feeling

2009-03-03T09:22:00.002-06:00

It is spring in our house but not outside. It seems in MN when March 1 hits, every time it is below 20 degrees it is too darn cold.

But what I want to write about today is how as of Sep 2009 I will be a grad student at Augsburg College in Minneapolis pursing my Master of Social Work!!! WOO Hoo! (I am saying it again in my head) I am shocked that I was accepted! I know that I can do grad school, and I know that I want to social work. But I feel so happy and proud of me! Ok enough gushing. But it seems like there is lack of good news these days so it feel awesome to have a good news for a change.

Matias is progressing on potty training. He went 2 times this weekend. Which I was impressed! Good job buddy (I also thought I would never chat about my son BM over the net but oh well) Anyhow I hope everyone has a little bit of good news today!

Something for me and baby

2009-02-27T09:25:00.003-06:00

I bought this shirt yesterday. I hope it is worth the price tag....it is for nursing, the flap flips up and so you can hide your belly. I am in love with this concept! I persoanlly have no shame and don't really care if people are offended by the sight of my boob, but I am all about built in modesty. So we shall see...

Just when we thought it was over

2009-02-27T08:39:00.004-06:00

Sometime I think. Why o why do I live here in the frozen tundra of MN. Just when the snow was melting and things were warming up. Old man winter shows up with vengeance. Luis, Matias, and I left to run errands yesterday about 12pm but the time we return about 2pm we had 4 inches of snow! It was insane, Luis headed off to work only to be sent home because they had closed the club due to an accident on the road that leads down to the building. So we watched a movie hung out, played cars, read. I love when you can put your self on "bedrest" at the end of your pregnancy. I feel much better if I take my days off to rest as much as possible. hang out on my island aka the sofa. So not doing anything = good times.

We have no plans for the weekend which is kind of nice. I do need to organize our dine with 9 group for church and get the ball rolling there. We have picked out our menu and look forward to having people over. Luis and I are also setting our first real budget for next month and we are both looking forward to that.

I think some coffee is in order for today so I will have to go make some to wake up, hopefully today will be a good one. (Just cold)

Updates from the Nest

2009-02-25T10:19:00.002-06:00

I have been a busy lady, I was able to pick up a few extra hours at work and that has made my life a little more busy. As I swing into the 35th week of pregnancy I feel great today, of course I went to bed at 10:30 ish woke up about 8:30 and only got up to go the bathroom twice. I count that as awesome!!! I have all of my Dr.'s appts lined up for this afternoon, so this morning I am hanging out with my guy Matais, while Luis finishes up the trim in the basement. We are preparing to have our room ready to go by this weekend.

This morning Matias dressed himself with a little help from me. It still amazes me how fast children change and the rate they do it. It is different from baby changing, but all together so amazing. From pretending, to dressing, to potty training (hahahah! we are so not doing well on that but I am not too stressed about it) all in all it is really amazing. Again, I am so overwhelmed by "motherhood". I think the best part is the gift that a child has blessed us with, when I was least expecting it.

As we move into this next stage of parenthood, I am remembering to keep with my motto that I had with Matias, no expectations is the best way to go. I will not let myself build this new person up into anything that she won't be, and let her be herself. That includes how she wants to make her grand entrance into this world.

On a different note today is Ash Wed. I have been thinking about how I can make a big change in my life. I think my biggest weakness is eating out. So for 40 days none of my money will be used to eat in a restaurant. Here is to home cooking! Wish me luck, my supportive husband laughed for 8 years when I told him this so we shall see who comes out on top....

MN Poltics

2009-02-19T19:17:00.001-06:00

I have been pregnant and will have had a baby by the time MN has a 2nd sentor..cherrio!

5ish weeks!

2009-02-11T16:24:00.003-06:00

So if I was to have a schedule induction again, that leaves exactly 5 weeks from today that little baby 2 will be coming out. (and to Luis's birthday)

I have officially begun to freak out and nest! I cleaned out my clothing drawers and may have given most of my clothing away...but now I have room for the baby's stuff. Luis is busy finishing up the basement and we hope to move our bed and computer/craft stuff down in about 2 weeks.

Once that happens, I think we will get Matias a toddler bed. Which I have very mixed feelings about. He has not once tried to climb out of the crib, and the baby will be in the Moses basket for however long she wishes. and he knows how to open the bedroom door and come out. Which makes me nervous with us moving to a different floor that involves going down a flight of stairs. But alas, all the worry for nothing I am sure.

I was excited for only a few more Dr appts as well, but then I remember that after delivery I have to go on cumindin and see the hematologist. So that part is not really over yet.

Anyway I look at it I am so excited to meet this gal. We are heading off to my parents this weekend and I hope to get some stuff down here so I hopefully will feel much more ready than I do at this moment in time.

Oh and I must order some baby leggings!!

2 Awsome Mama's

2009-02-09T14:18:00.003-06:00

I have wrote about [i]lovelife before, but seriously, this woman Kal is amazing 6 days after having a baby. Seriously I have a major mom crush I hope I can have half the energy she does.

Second, M.I.A. at the grammy's WOW! I wish she had more of the spotlight because she is an amazing artist! Was a little undermined by all "energy" of the other performers. I love how no matter what she goes all out. She is one of those people that is so in turn with who they are and I envy that. I think it hard to be who you are, 100% all the time, but the fact that she able to do what she does well time and time again, is truly an inspiration to me.

Photos

2009-02-06T18:54:00.002-06:00

Here is my belly at 32 weeks with a 3.5lb baby inside...I know it is blurry, but really no one wants to see the crystal clear picture of my stretch marks or funky look bruises (from the blood thinner shots) or veins.... But really it is crazy how rapidly my belly expanded this pregnancy. I have honestly felt this huge for about a good 3 months. Either way I am so excited to meet this kid and see where the world takes us.

We decided it was about time to get some good bath tub pictures of Matias for when he get married or brings home his first girlfriend.

Matias poses for the camera, the shot is blurry because I am laughing at him. Lately he poses with his head titled, so I was saying put your head straight...put your head straight. When I thought about it then I starting laughing.

Finally, Matias reads to his tigers. Can you find them in the photo. So cute how he loves to take care of his friends. Hopefully he can translate this into caring for his baby sister. But only time will tell.

OCD or Genius

2009-02-05T10:10:00.002-06:00

Matias' project on the fridge:

*Don't mind our 1982 kitchen.....

10 things I love about you Day 2: My Madre

2009-02-05T09:09:00.004-06:00

1. She always will talk to me on the phone

2. Makes AWSOME Cholcate chips cookies

3. Is a wonderful grandma

4. Is great at her job

5. Gives good advice

6. Likes to make others happy

7. Makes sure that we all are ok everyday

8. Has good ideas about how to run a household

9. Does not judge my messy house to much

10. Is my mom...need I say more

10 things I love about you: Day 1

2009-02-03T14:55:00.004-06:00

It is the month of love. In honor of that I want to feature 10 things I love about the really awsome people in my life.

Day 1: Luis

1. You are very handsome in a tux (check 2nd from the left)

2. Luis is an awesome friend, he goes out of the way a majority of the time.

3. Best Dad to Matias

4. Will do anything to make me happy (including a cup of ice or a popover)

5. Is a student in school and does geometry...

6. Lets me be a nerd and does not care

7. Will do the laundry

8. tries to do his best no matter what

9 Honest

10. Likes to laugh and makes me laugh

Cute

2009-01-29T17:19:00.002-06:00

WhatsforDinner? Meal Planning 101

2009-01-29T16:25:00.002-06:00

*Sorry to post this on the blog but I needed a reference point

Downfall of life is not planning. I am not really talking about huge issues, but where food is corncerned, downfall.

These our my biggest problems/solutions:

Problem:Not a great cook with out recipe Soultion: Cook from Recipies

Problem: Get to the store and feel overwhelmed. Soultion:Make a List

Problem: Don't know what to make for dinner Soultion:Meal Plan

Waste-throwing away food Soultion: Meal Plan

Action Steps

1. Download Weekly Planner

2. Look at Ads on Sun or on the web and check out what is on sale.

3. Pickout recpies

4. Make a grocery list-(I think to save money we can store hop, we live in West Saint Paul where Rainbow, SuperTarget, and Cub are all walking distance from other)

5. Check out cupon sites

Free Coupon

Coupon Mon

Sleepless

2009-01-27T09:29:00.003-06:00

Last night I was up from 3-5am and I was going to get up at 5 if I was still awake, but then sleep over took me and I was passed out until the final moments of depature. Mostly I was awake due to lots of "worries" I am not sure if worries is the right word but I have not a clue of the right word to use.

So here is what was keeping me up.

Dog Sledding -The John Beargrease is being run right now. As I explained to Luis what this sport was and why I liked it. He was very confused and kept asking...what with dogs? Why was that keeping me up? I have no clue, except for the vivid memories I have watching the starts with my parents, seeing the weird trucks they use to carry all of their pups around and barking...lots of barking.

Ice skating Rinks - Once again that woman Amanda Soule, got into my head with their families homemade ice skating rink... Seriously check out this link, you will want to instantly have your own ice skating rink in your back yard.

Happy Obamanation!

2009-01-20T10:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Obamanation!

Love the Vega's

Oh Baby

2009-01-12T13:11:00.005-06:00

So I am at the 29 week to go mark. Only 11ish more weeks. so i will summarize how baby2 is doing and what she is doing

This baby finds the most uncomfortable spots to take a snooze, she will be moving and then stop in a rib or a hip or at the top of my stomach...

She loves a good family hug

She loves it when her dad talks to her

The ultrasound is her stage

Ok on to the other child in the house

The world is his stage, everything is a microphone

He like to read to his tigers

Left his bear at church this past Sun. and trauma ensued last night, only to find out that the "bear" was in the diaper bag the whole night
Now that he is over his cold, is a much nicer happier toddler to be around

On to the man of the house

Is doing an awesome job of keeping the house clean!
Makes me laugh
Is doing awesome at school
Has stolen my ipod and reclaimed as his own

On to me

Hate the fact that my COBRA coverage changes every month and then I have to deal with the county
Feeling happy that crossed off one other thing on my 101 things (Social Work school applied to!)
Hoping I get into school
Sewing a top for the baby so it will be done when she is two...I kid I kid (because that is not in line with my resolutions :))

Shots from the island

2009-01-10T16:37:00.003-06:00

Between tears at the Target pharmacy and finishing books, this little bit of sick sunshine found me. However it still refuses to smile for the camera. Happy Weekend!

motivate

2009-01-09T09:19:00.003-06:00

Luis and I have been talking about motivation. What motivates us? What makes us get up and go? I write this because yesterday I spent almost the entire morning until 10am sitting around in a blanket watching Luis clean the house and take care of Matias. Granted I did have a cold starting and was not feeling 100 percent. (Lame excuse I know.)

What motivates me to do better. As I worked on a paper last night at the last minute for my social work school application for the U. I was thinking why am I doing this at midnight?!?!?! Get it together girl!!! I think that I have been doing some things better, so I don't want to beat myself up to much, but on the other hand, I want to make my life count. I don't want to live on my island "my couch". Just once in awhile. With baby2 quickly making an appearance it seems that life is about to get much more hectic.

I have been really inspired by this Amanda Soule's blog and life. I want to insert myself in there life. Is that possible :)

So the point of all of this, is that I need and want to get some stuff done. Matias is going for a visit to grandma and grandpa. For a couple of days, sounds good to me!

Dear Body

2009-01-05T08:54:00.001-06:00

Hi Body, it is me. Please try to feel less tired and more energized. Thanks!

Lane

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T09:00:00.003-06:00

Hello 2009! Hello 26!

I used to dread my birthday on the 31st of December but I as I get older I find that it is pretty cool because I always get my new beginnings done in one fall swoop. For this year I have some pretty big goals, most are aspirations and not specific goals but I feel like yesterday I accomplished one (I finished a project, I clean the house with no assistance :)) and this is the momentum I need to keep going.

1. Finish projects...(no more half knitted, half sewn, half crochet projects, lying around) I actually did a preemptive clean and ripped apart all of my projects that were sitting there half-done. Now I am working to complete Christine's quilt square's and then I can move on to the baby leg warmer project I have planned for baby2.

2. Cook at home, not from a box. Matias and I have been eating out less, but most of our food is coming in a box. I would like to improve my culinary/meal planning skills, this is hard when I get home late, but I think with better execution it would be an easy area to improve upon. This parenting thing is about to get much harder, so any pre-planning that I can do is going to benefit me. (and Matias from staving once the baby gets here)

3. Get outside-One thing that I have notice is that Matias loves to be outside. I think that I could learn a thing or two from that attitude. In the winter it is a little harder, and our sledding excursion yesterday did not go well for me. But overall I want my kids to like being outside.

4. Take my health seriously. I have been in denial about my state of healthfulness for a long time. 2009 will be the year that I take it back. I want to be an example for my kids about what it means to be healthy.

5. Last but not least-To have an open mind. I think that setting aside expectations about what you want is a key to happiness. I not talking about the big things but I am saying, sometimes what I want is different than what everyone wants. I did this on New Year's Eve and I had one of the best birthdays I ever have had.

2008, was filled with ups and downs. But mostly ups, I am thankful for a healthy family. Thankful that we will be adding to our family and things look good with baby2. I am thankful for the friends I made this year. A couple of great memories that I don't think made it on to the blog. 1. Anniversary trip up north with Luis, which I received a lifetime passion for the movie Tristan and Isolde. 2. Going out to the farm with Ellen and Leo, I just love hanging out in the county gets my blood pumping. 3. Joining the River Heights Family, going to church every week keeps me sane. Enough said. 4. Book club, love hearing from other moms :)

Ok lets live!

Christmas Recap

2008-12-26T18:30:00.005-06:00

Here we are with our new Christmas gear on! Matias legs are resting on the bump. Luis is looking handsome in his new North Face Jacket. He is starting to look like an "outdoorsy" type :) I am ok with that he looks pretty cute no matter what he is wearing.

I consider this a Holiday event. Congrats ,Jim and Christine (who are in Paris!!) The wedding was really beautiful and we had a blast all though we left before the dancing due to a pretty squirrely toddler. It was great to see everyone and Jim and Christine are so in love, which makes me extremely romantic.

Matias showing off some moves before the dancing had begun!

We spent a ton of time with family over the last 2 days and it is a blessing to have such a diverse group of people to celebrate with. I am truly honored to be part of such a warm, caring and generous group of people.

In other news, I will be 26 in a week! *eek* I am working on my application tonight for the MSW program, we will see if I get in. I am leaving that one up to the big guy and just putting all of my paperwork in place. It seems like the right thing to do at this point in my life. I hope to serve people in some capicty.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Holy Cold!

2008-12-15T21:43:00.002-06:00

Everyone is talking about how cold it is and 4sure it is cold. But I offer a counterpoint to all this cold.

In Miami today it was 80..........

It is 80 right next to my furnace vent....take that all you Flordians.

Comings and Goings

2008-12-10T16:06:00.004-06:00

Hi all!

Wow I have been a terrible updater. I missed the most important milestone of this blog because after all it is mostly to keep people updated about Matias and how great being a momma is.

Matias is 2, we kept it very low key, and went to Underwater Adventures at the MOA and then to Bubba Gump for dinner, where Luis and I shared a main entree and appetizer and Matias got his own shrimp boat filled with food. (Oh he got the same amount of food as us too...)

We then had family over on Sun. to the tune that I am still recovering from all the fun :)

Coming up this weekend we are planning a Holiday baking extravaganza! We Decided to make treats for everyone we know and are planning to do the baking this weekend. Tonight after ECFE I plan on making a list and checking it twice to figure out the amount ingredients and cookies we will need to make. I think that it will be really really fun. If everyone has a good attitude about it. :) That includes myself.

We are then going to be busy people over the next few weeks, we have a wedding (Yeh! Christine and Jim!) Parents coming and Christmas, oh and then my birthday(with an accompany DR appt where the receptionist said she would give me a present, a cup to pee in. Sweet!)!!! Woo Hoo!

Did I mention all the gifts I need to finish making and that I need to call the contractor to come and pour our basement oh and finish an acdemic paper for Social Work school at the U( really people)....life slow down a little plz!

How is this possible

2008-12-02T22:46:00.003-06:00

We finished all of our laundry exactly one week ago. Now this picture above, awaits me on our landing.

The last 2 days have been very busy with lots of working going on. Which in a word can be describe as stressful. On the flip side when I got home tonight I plugged in the Christmas Tree, had some cranberry bread, read blogs that made me really happy, and chatted with Ellen. All things made me feel ok about where things are at right now in this moment.

Tomorrow Dr appts and laundry and prepping for Matias's b-day. I think stickers might be a good gift but I have not clue...any ideas for a 2 year old b-day present?

Family Fun

2008-11-30T11:47:00.003-06:00

This picture is supposed to be our Christmas card...oh wait Luis is holding a saw in his hand, so I guess not...

So a 10 day break with no posting. I still have to finish all of my school applications but I am slowly but surely getting there. We went up north for Thanksgiving and had a really nice time. My mom cooked for us and cooked some more for us. My dad took us to Twilight and ice cream, where I was able to get some Mackinac Island Fudge Ice Cream! Yummy! We also went and cut down our Christmas tree and that was a blast. It took about 10 min. But Luis cut it down no problem. We also saw Greta and Sara and their mens.

It was really nice to get away, tomorrow at work Christmas Craziness will start and I am so looking forward to it. Luis and I am making our advent calendar tonight where we are putting activities in for the days leading up to Christmas.

Today our searom at church was about parenting. I am really thankful that I have such amazing parents. I hope to continue on this parenting journey in a way that is successful for Matias. I know that I have a lot to work on, to make myself a better person and parent. I really want to improve myself to benefit those around me. I think I have made some small changes but I ready to do more.

Matias had a really good time with his grandma and grandpa. This is only one of the strange and interesting activities they found for Matias to do.

Taking a quick Break

2008-11-20T13:25:00.002-06:00

Hi!

Where have I been? Crafting and google reader. I am taking a vacation from the Internet for the next week or so. I need it!!!!! and I also need to get my social work applications completed and get our house in order before December hits. And hopefully get all my Christmas gifts done. Luis and I are helping with a food giveaway this weekend at church and I am really excited to volunteer and be around others that are willing to serve too. Luis hopefully will be helping to translate and will be working in the children's ministry. We are also excited to be going up north for thanksgiving next week. I am so excited to spend time with my WHOLE family and not have to explain that Luis is working, because he has the time off. YEAH!!
I am just feeling really grateful for the time that I have been given to figure out what is important to me and how can I think about that more, the good things.

Universal please get my messages

2008-11-05T15:15:00.004-06:00

Over the past few weeks I have been dealing with some challenges in regards to health care and how to pay for it. I have not been sleeping well, worrying and over all have general anxiety about the whole situation. I have been asking God to just take away the worry...well today I figured out the majority of what I needed to, all thanks to a very sweet phone representative. I was so relived to get the answers I needed and from a person that was not judgemental of the entire situation. So I know that she will never read my blog, but I wanted to put out the gratitude into the universe so that she might get just a little bit of it.

I am excited that I start my online class in a few short days! I am ready to learn again. I am also am working diligently on my school applications and that is fun but it makes me anxious. So but whatever happens will happen and I will be grateful for that choice. Right Universe! :)

In other news, Matias is being a complete toddler today which is a nice way of say his powers are being used for pure evil. Except when he made flirty eyes at a new baby and blew her a kiss....other wise he has eaten 1 ego, 4 pieces of cereal, milk and some juice and is taking nap number 2 for the day. So I don't go insane.
PS Sam L I am glad you are back, I missed you girl!

I can breath again

2008-11-04T22:46:00.003-06:00

I bet you know y! WOW! I feel like our country might be able to fight global warming! Anyhow back to the Tv to the poltical junk out.

Yeehaw!

10 things that I am excited about!

2008-11-03T21:38:00.002-06:00

Matias turns 2 one month!
I am taking an online class in one week!
Christine wedding is next month
I just finished Twilight for the 2nd time and the movie is coming out!(I still love it)
Election day tommrow!
Luis Sundays off!
Night starts sooner, so I can go to bed early and not feel like a loser
Paperwork is fun
Thanksgiving
funny movies coming out