Well, today was a very stormy day!! We woke up this morning to a loud thunder storm. The rain is much needed...unfortunately it doesn't sound like the rain is going to bring us a break from the heat though! That's too bad. Christian was up and at it right away (well, we did get to sleep in, so it's not like it was the crack of dawn or anything!)...after a quick breakfast and getting ready, he was off spend some time with his mom, bring her to an appointment, bring to dog in for his last shot and pick Olivia up. Meanwhile, I got to spend the day cuddling with Amelia!! Thank god after a little bit of a rough morning, she was pretty happy and content the rest of the day...she even took a nice long nap, all by herself, today!! Which means I finally got a chance to do some dishes and clean up around the house....the house was REALLY starting to look like a tornado came through!Once everybody got home, we ate some dinner and spent a little time together. A little rain rolled in around dinner time...which eventually turned into full blown crazy storms!! We got a TON of rain, the streets were flooded, the satellite kept going out, the thunder and lighting was non stop and the tornado sirens kept going off! It was WAY out of control, actually got a little scary at a couple points. But, by the time we went to bed, everything had passed over and it was a pretty peaceful night. So, it ended up being a night in. Olivia was crazy and bouncing off the walls, like usual. Maybe a little more than usual...I think she was making up for lost time from last night! Here are some pictures of Daddy, Olivia and Chuy roughhousing!
Today we are taking out first step back into reality...Olivia is going back to "daycare". Christian and I decided we needed a little more time together, so he's taking another week off of work...we figure, he NEVER takes time off, so it's OK that he won't have any leave time left. Things have been so crazy since we had Amelia...so much going on, so much to do...that we really haven't been able to spent some quality time together. And, with him being on Olivia duty, he hasn't really had any time with the baby (which means I have not had a break...). And, his parents really miss having Olivia around, and with his mom's recent medical issues, we figure having her around would take her mind off things for a while. So, Christian is staying home, and Olivia is off. She's actually spending the night over there tonight...which I'm nervous about. I'll admit, the thought of a calm, quiet evening at home is REALLY nice. But, it's so strange to be home without her...like it's just not right. As exhausting (and loud) as Olivia is, she's thoroughly entertaining and can always make us laugh.
Christian left to drop her off shortly after she woke up, so Amelia and I slept in. After he got home, we all got ready and were off to Target for some much needed shopping. That pretty much took it all out of me, so I just hung out around the house and relaxed the rest of the night. Christian spent some time on his latest project...installing some carpet in our "under the stairs" storage area...we're hoping that helps keep the downstairs a little warmer in the winter. Other than that, we just watched some TV, spent time with Amelia and relaxed. It's going to be very strange waking up tomorrow to no noisy, goofy toddler...
Of course, it's another scorcher outside!! I seriously don't remember this kind of heat, for this length of time, EVER. It's been in the 90's for so long now, plus tropical humidity levels...it's just unbearable. I just got our electric bill for the last month and OH.MY.GOD, don't even get me started! Ouch.
We just hung out around the house this morning, trying to relax and stay cool. Amelia actually took a nap, at the same time as Olivia, today...that was heavenly bliss, let me tell you. Of course I never take advantage and nap myself, but it was a nice stretch of peace and quiet! We filled up the pool so it could warm up, and we each showered and got ready. We were taking Olivia off to a sprinkler park down the road after nap time and were very excited about it! Well, we got to the park and there were TONS of kids there. We were incredibly annoyed because a lot of the kids were older...like upper teens older...and it just didn't seem appropriate for them to be there. I mean, I get that it's hot, but go to a pool or water park, places these little kids can't go. Olivia started off interested, but with all of the people, and all of the big kids, I think she was a little intimidated. I was really bummed too because I know she would have loved playing in all the water.
So, we just packed up and headed home. She ran around the yard and played in her pool instead. Of course she had a blast anyway, so it's all good. Soon it was ready for dinner, then bed. Amelia is getting better and better and sleeping during the night...she goes a good 3 hours between feedings during the night, which really makes up for the constant feeding during the day! At least we're getting some sleep!!!
Today turned out to be a very long day!!!We were up and at em' right away this morning. We stopped at McDonald's for breakfast...it was raining outside, so we were going to let Olivia play in their playland for a while...unfortunately, shortly after we got there, a HUGE group of kids showed up, so we didn't feel comfortable letting her run around with them. After we ate, we were off to Sam's Club to do some shopping, with both girls, for the first time...SO nervous. Luckily Amelia slept the entire time, and Olivia was pretty well-behaved (as much as a 19 month old can be...). We picked up lots of necessities and headed home.Once home, I quickly finished up Amelia's name letters, and we got them hung up in their room...it's official, she can stay!!! :) Then, nap time!! I love nap time more now than I ever did before!I spent the afternoon with Amelia while Christian took to the lawn..it was time for the weekly cut and maintenance. Lucky him!We spent the evening out in the pool and just hanging out around the house. Then, Christian was off with a friend from work to go watch the UFC fight. Yes, that means me, at home, ALONE, with both girls. I swear, the second he left I thought I was going to have a panic attack! Olivia usually does pretty well, but with Amelia eating so often, that leaves me unable to do much...and of course when Amelia is eating, is exactly when Olivia wants something. Ugh, so frustrating! I finally just had to let Amelia cry/whine for a little while and take Olivia to her room and get her to bed. Finally, Olivia was down, Amelia was full and napping, and I just sat on the couch, exhausted! I don't know how his mom is going to watch both girls when I go back to work...I can barely handle a couple of hours!I had to share this picture today...it's tough being 2 weeks old!
Today was a day full of reminders...reminders of how fragile life can be! The day started out normal, like any other day. It's Christian's last day off...he'll be returning to work on Monday. We have been discussing him taking another week off, but we're still not sure. We spent the morning hanging out...breakfast, play...the usual. Nap time came soon after. Then we got a phone call from Christian's mom. She woke up and couldn't feel one side of her face, and it was drooping down. She was afraid she'd had a stroke or something during the night, but of course we couldn't be sure. She and his dad were off to the hospital to get everything checked out. I could see how worried and upset Christian was about it all day and I just felt horrible...I just kept reminding him that we can't jump to conclusions and we just have to wait and see what the doctors say.In the meantime, we had to get ready because tonight is Relay night. I am incredibly bummed that I can't actually participate this year...but, I want to at least make an appearance, be there for the team pictures and the kick off and spend a little time there. It's such a great cause and I'm so happy to be a part of it. Actually being at Relay and seeing all of the survivors and people who have been touched by Cancer really makes you appreciate things a little more. I had set a personal goal to raise $250.00 this year, and I just barely made that raising $255.00. It really makes me sad that more people don't donate, but what can you do. I'm so grateful for those who did donate though...Mom, Dad, Aunt Lynn, Aunt Mary Ann, Jessica, Kelly, Michelle, Melissa, Brad, Jamie, Alice, Sue...it's means a lot to have your support!!!While at Relay, we got a phone call from Christian's dad. The results were finally in and it turns out his mom has Bell's Palsy. It's actually a good thing as it usually clears up all on it's own and can most often be prevented with some medication. So, no stroke or anything horrible like that. After the phone call it was like Christian was a whole new person...like this huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Thank goodness for small miracles!!
We finally packed up and headed home...I was really upset to be leaving, but had my own little miracle to get home and take care of!
Today we are very excited...it's picture day!! We're off to Kristi's studio to take TONS and TONS of pictures today...family pictures, Olivia's 18 month pictures (a little late), Amelia's newborn pictures and some pictures of the girls together. We just LOVE working with Kristi, and, knowing what an amazing job she does, we couldn't wait to get there!
Our session ended up lasting FOUR HOURS!! Amelia would get crabby/hungry/too awake, so we'd switch to Olivia...then she'd get crabby/tired/uncooperative, so we'd switch to Amelia...back and forth all day. In the end, I know she got some amazing shots and I can't wait to see all of them. She posted a few of them this evening in her blog (
http://blog.imagesbykris.com/2010/08/05/afternoon-with-the-duran-family/),
AHHH, so cute. I just LOVE pictures!
After our session, we were off to Christian's parents' house for a BBQ. His step-dad's kids were supposed to come over and join us, but some stuff came up and they couldn't make it, so it ended up being just us. Amelia was just exhausted after the picture chaos and napped most of the afternoon/evening. Olivia NEEDED a nap like nobody's business, but refused and just ran around playing all night (with many intervals of whining). We were finally on our way home around bedtime, Olivia passed out and we were not far behind. It was a long day, but a great one! Here are pictures of the girls, passed out in the truck as soon as we left the in-laws!
My day's are starting to run together. I wake up in the morning and I never know what day it is anymore. It's absolutely wonderful...the best feeling!! I do have to take a moment today and wish my BFF a very happy wonderful birthday!! Love you!Today was a pretty low key day. We really just hung out around the house all day. Did a little light cleaning here and there, caught up on a couple of shows, spent a little time outsuide in the pool. Nothing crazy, nothing exhausting, no running around. It was perfect!The girls spent some quality time together in our bed this morning :)
Today we finally spent the whole day, a pretty relaxing day, at home, and it felt REALLY nice. Olivia is still being great about sleeping in a little later than she used to, so that has been a huge help. Especially today...Amelia decided to stay up pretty much the entire night last night, it was horrible. I swear, at one point, she ate for like 3 hours straight. Oh, gotta LOVE this part of the newborn stage!Once we were all up, we hung out, did the typical picking up around the house and just spent some time together. Christian's parents came over to spend some time with us and make dinner...so they all grilled and cooked while I cuddled with the baby. I eventually ventured outside in the horrible heat for a while to sit by the pool with Olivia. It didn't last long though...the heat takes it out of me much quicker these days!After dinner and some chatting, his parents were on their way. We had a little TV time together, and I was off to bed early. I think I need to get used to going to bed early...
Well, baby girl #1 turns 19 months today. It's so hard to believe...it seems like just yesterday she made us a family, yet, it was definitely NOT just yesterday! We're pretty sure she's already well into the terrible two's...that's fun. She knows how to push our buttons, and does it often! But, at the end of the night, when she's sleepy and tired, she cuddles up and gives you that little angel face, and all is forgiven.She seems to really be expanding her vocabulary these days. Grandpa (bupa) and Puppy are still definitely her favorites. But she's been repeating us very well lately, and showing that she really understands. She has become a great helper lately too, which has actually been coming in handy. She loves to throw trash away and put the diapers in the diaper genie. She will pick things up and bring them to you (this comes in very handy when I have a hand full of baby). It just amazes me that she really truly understands what we say and do.She has become slightly scary around the baby though. At first she really didn't care about her. Then, she was interested in her, but a good amount of "standoffish". Now, she gets a little to close for comfort and it makes me really nervous. You cannot leave them in a room together, that's for sure! Now, let's see what this month brings us in the world of Olivia!Other than that, today was another busy day, of course! My mom came over this afternoon to watch Olivia so we could head off on a shopping trip. Thursday we are having family pictures taken, so we were off to buy some outfits for them. Obviously with the feeding situation, we took the baby with us. Shortly after we got to the mall I was thinking it wasn't such a good idea...After about an hour I was already feeling pretty run down and exhausted. BUT, I toughed it out. We got the cutest little matching dresses for the girls, and each found a shirt for ourselves. YAY, now I just can't wait to get the pictures done!!
Wow, I cannot believe it's August! Seriously, where has this year gone?!? I can't believe summer is already starting to come to an end...wow!Today was a pretty good day! Another day of sleeping in thanks to our two sleepy girls. My mom did a shopping run for us and stopped over, which was greatly, GREATLY appreciated (especially by Olivia, who was out of diapers!). Then, it was time to shower and get on with our day. Christian took to the yard, just watching him wares me out, I don't know how he does it! He was feeling a little overly exhausted after his chores were done, and understandably with all of the extra responsibilities he's taken on this week, so he took it easy the rest of the night. The girls and I were off to my BFF's son's birthday dinner with her family. I was nervous to head out on my own with the girls, but I knew I'd have plenty of helpers over there, so I risked it. I was pretty run down by the time we got home, so we got Olivia to bed, and just relaxed the rest of the night. Here's hoping we get a tiny bit more sleep tonight...yes, I'm talking to you little Amelia!
