Monday, October 10, 2011
Irvine Park and Railroad!
On Sunday, October 9th we went to the Irvine Park and Railroad to pick out our pumpkins and ride the train. Clayton and Chloe had so much fun, as did Ryan and I! What a fun place Irvine Park is. The train was a definite hit as Clayton is obsessed with trains. I taught him to say "choo choo" and pump his fist like a conductor, so he does it on command when we see a train. The line for the train was 30 minutes long and he patiently waited "choo chooing" away the entire time. Both babies picked out their pumpkins and are so excited to see them sitting on our front porch. They both adorably say pumpkin too! Here's some pictures from our fun afternoon.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
17 Months and Growing!
September was a busy month full of lots of adjustments. I went back to work, thankfully part time again. I am so grateful for my part time job with the time it allows me daily to be with and raise my children and also the financial security it allows us. I work from 10:30-1:15 and the babies nap while I'm gone, so I miss about an hour and a half of time with them. While I'm so happy to have the majority of the day with Clayton and Chloe, it's also been hard because I have absolutely no down time, which is quite difficult when you're pregnant. Second pregnancies are much different than first pregnancies because there is no indulging your every ache, pain, and exhaustion when you have two toddlers to chase after. I'm starting to feel better though, so hopefully October will be a little easier for all of us.
Clayton and Chloe have been so full of it lately. Clayton is a crazy climber. He climbs up slides and then goes down them on his bottom. He can climb on top of the toy box, which is quite scary, so we have to make sure there are no climbing aides (toys he can stand on) near the toy box. He can climb into my Tahoe from the ground, across the passenger seat, and to the steering wheel, which is his absolute favorite thing to do. He's obsessed with "driving." Clayton is talking up a storm, repeating nearly every word you ask him to say. He's always so proud of himself when he says something new. Our favorite phrase is "a-be-dat" or "what be that?" He's started saying an exaggerated "oh" every time something surprises, intrigues, or amazes him. I imagine he gets that from me! Clayton has started listening to directions, like "please pick up the ball and put it in the basket" or "go give the toy to Daddy." I'm thinking he's going to be a great helper with the new baby. Clayton has gone to the bathroom in the potty consistently four nights straight after months of practice and seems to understand poop, but of course doesn't understand that we go in the potty yet. When I ask him to tell me when he has to poop, he grunts and often comes up to me and grunts. We then sit on the potty, but nothing happens. He's starting to get it, though. We were planning to really start trying around the holidays, but now that he's started understanding going tinkle in the potty, we are in full training mode! Hopefully we can be almost potty trained by the new baby's arrival. Clatyon loves building with blocks and then crashing his creation down! Clayton still has the heartiest giggle and definitely is exercising his fits of cries and screams when he doesn't get what he wants. He is obsessed with being clean and neat...crumbs on floor, he picks up and brings to me, string on the carpet, he finds and brings to me, dirt on his hands, he says "uh, uh" until instructed to brush it off, etc, etc, all day long! We love this baby boy so, so very much!
Chloe has the biggest news of all...she is finally walking! Chloe took her first steps three weeks ago. She's still primarily crawling, but walks more and more every day. Chloe is our cautious baby, so she doesn't do things until she can totally do them. She'll walk on her own from one piece of furniture to another or if you put her down on her feet and instruct her to walk, she will, but walking isn't quite her primary mode of transportation yet. She actually walks great when you hold just one hand. Chloe can totally walk on her own, she just needs to get more confident. We are so happy for her and all of her progress! Chloe is talking more and more every day too and really seems to pick up on what her brother says. We truly believe she has roots in Germany because the twang in her words sounds so German! We have full conversations with her where she "answers" every question you ask her with some silly combination of sounds that sound German. Chloe is definitely submissive to Clayton, but seems okay with it. We intervene when necessary, but the pediatrician said that she has to learn how to deal with her brother taking things from her on her own. Most of the time she lets him and then moves on to something new. Once in a while she starts crying pretty hard and when she really gets mad, she bites (not good!). Chloe's tantrums are less frequent than Clayton's but she is the queen of throwing herself on the floor and rubbing her face in the ground. It's really funny! My mom says Chloe is just like me, petite, cautious, and just goes with the flow. She's so adaptable to any situation, which is absolutely wonderful. Unlike Clayton, Chloe seems to enjoy being dirty. In fact the sandier, wetter, muddier, the happier she is! Chloe is such a sweet baby girl who loves giving kisses...we love her so very much!
Here's some pictures from our month.
All dressed up for Uncle KyKy's birthday. Poor buddy showing off his first major boo boo on his forehead.
The stages of a kiss mastered brilliantly by my two little love bugs. Such a precious moment.
Play time!!
Clayton and Chloe have been so full of it lately. Clayton is a crazy climber. He climbs up slides and then goes down them on his bottom. He can climb on top of the toy box, which is quite scary, so we have to make sure there are no climbing aides (toys he can stand on) near the toy box. He can climb into my Tahoe from the ground, across the passenger seat, and to the steering wheel, which is his absolute favorite thing to do. He's obsessed with "driving." Clayton is talking up a storm, repeating nearly every word you ask him to say. He's always so proud of himself when he says something new. Our favorite phrase is "a-be-dat" or "what be that?" He's started saying an exaggerated "oh" every time something surprises, intrigues, or amazes him. I imagine he gets that from me! Clayton has started listening to directions, like "please pick up the ball and put it in the basket" or "go give the toy to Daddy." I'm thinking he's going to be a great helper with the new baby. Clayton has gone to the bathroom in the potty consistently four nights straight after months of practice and seems to understand poop, but of course doesn't understand that we go in the potty yet. When I ask him to tell me when he has to poop, he grunts and often comes up to me and grunts. We then sit on the potty, but nothing happens. He's starting to get it, though. We were planning to really start trying around the holidays, but now that he's started understanding going tinkle in the potty, we are in full training mode! Hopefully we can be almost potty trained by the new baby's arrival. Clatyon loves building with blocks and then crashing his creation down! Clayton still has the heartiest giggle and definitely is exercising his fits of cries and screams when he doesn't get what he wants. He is obsessed with being clean and neat...crumbs on floor, he picks up and brings to me, string on the carpet, he finds and brings to me, dirt on his hands, he says "uh, uh" until instructed to brush it off, etc, etc, all day long! We love this baby boy so, so very much!
Chloe has the biggest news of all...she is finally walking! Chloe took her first steps three weeks ago. She's still primarily crawling, but walks more and more every day. Chloe is our cautious baby, so she doesn't do things until she can totally do them. She'll walk on her own from one piece of furniture to another or if you put her down on her feet and instruct her to walk, she will, but walking isn't quite her primary mode of transportation yet. She actually walks great when you hold just one hand. Chloe can totally walk on her own, she just needs to get more confident. We are so happy for her and all of her progress! Chloe is talking more and more every day too and really seems to pick up on what her brother says. We truly believe she has roots in Germany because the twang in her words sounds so German! We have full conversations with her where she "answers" every question you ask her with some silly combination of sounds that sound German. Chloe is definitely submissive to Clayton, but seems okay with it. We intervene when necessary, but the pediatrician said that she has to learn how to deal with her brother taking things from her on her own. Most of the time she lets him and then moves on to something new. Once in a while she starts crying pretty hard and when she really gets mad, she bites (not good!). Chloe's tantrums are less frequent than Clayton's but she is the queen of throwing herself on the floor and rubbing her face in the ground. It's really funny! My mom says Chloe is just like me, petite, cautious, and just goes with the flow. She's so adaptable to any situation, which is absolutely wonderful. Unlike Clayton, Chloe seems to enjoy being dirty. In fact the sandier, wetter, muddier, the happier she is! Chloe is such a sweet baby girl who loves giving kisses...we love her so very much!
Here's some pictures from our month.
All dressed up for Uncle KyKy's birthday. Poor buddy showing off his first major boo boo on his forehead.
The stages of a kiss mastered brilliantly by my two little love bugs. Such a precious moment.
Play time!!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Summer Months Come to End...
August went by way too fast and much has happened in the Carlos home. Probably the biggest news to share is we are expecting our third and final baby. This little peanut is a complete surprise, one we never really thought was possible, so it's definitely another miracle just like Clayton and Chloe. The baby is due April 5th, exactly a month before Clayton and Chloe turn 2. We will have three babies under 2 for one very crazy month! So since our family is growing we are most likely going to be moving to a bigger house sometime after the first of the year. We are excited about the move as we have been hoping for more space for quite some time. This little peanut is just pushing us into gear! I am grateful to be working part time again. I hardly miss an hour of Clayton and Chloe's day, which is wonderful, but also exhausting. I'm not going to lie, the past few weeks have been hard. I have all the fun symptoms of first trimester, but this time around have 2 very busy toddlers to chase after, so indulging myself when I'm tired or not feeling well is not really possible! Oh well!
Clayton and Chloe have been growing like crazy this past month. Clayton is talking up a storm. You have to listen very carefully to decipher the difference between his rambling martian talk and actual words and phrases. His newest vocabulary includes, "ah pa" for airplane and he literally can hear "ah pas" long before I can, "dog," "what's that," "up," "out," "open," "jak" for my parents' dog, Shaq, "ball," "open that," and "baby." There are definitely more, but it's hard to catch everything. His martian language is awesome. We just laugh as he rambles on and on about things that are obviously really important. Clayton got two molars in, which was a horrendous experience for him. He has a terrible time cutting teeth, it just breaks my heart. He's literally running now, bumping down the stairs, and seems to be pretty fearless with climbing. Clay is a lover. He walks up to Roxi multiple times a day and lays his head on her stomach. He also often comes up behind me and bear hugs me, which instantly erases any frustration he has caused me that day! Clayton is exercising his independence more and more and makes it very clear when he doesn't want to do something or wants something. Shopping is a whole new experience now. I'm looking forward to the day when he really understands consequences and bribery (when absolutely necessary)! Clayton is definitely his daddy's son as he is a total perfectionist...string on his shorts, he alerts me to cut it, Roxi's food kernals are not in her bowl, he puts them back, he gets dirt on his hands, he needs them wiped off, Chloe's bow falls out, he attempts to put it back in for her, something drops, he says "uhh uhh" until you pick it up, etc, etc!
Chloe, our little princess had a wonderful milestone this month as she started pushing her walker on her own. She just grabbed the handle of her stroller, stood up, and started walking. She hasn't stopped yet and has even figured out how to turn it around when she gets stuck. It's only a matter of weeks before she's off and running. Chloe climbs the stairs super fast and goes down backwards on her tummy perfectly. Chloe has 8 teeth now, but you would never know it because she' doesn't seem to be affected at all by teething. She's talking a silly martian language too and has some words, though her vocabulary isn't quite as extensive yet. She says "hot," and "up," along with "ma ma" and "da da," and maybe more, but it's harder to decipher her martian language! Chloe's way to express herself when she's frustrated is much like mine as a teenager. She literally throws herself face down on the ground and cries her little eyes out. I totally did the same thing as a teenager too! My parents even gave me a pillow for Christmas that said, "This can't be happening to me!" My girl is already following in my footsteps. She is still much more adaptable and well behaved in different places and atmospheres, which makes it so nice. I'm very thankful for her easy, non-demanding personality.
While Clayton and Chloe don't watch much TV, they love the opening to Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse. They sit in their chairs and literally squeal with joy when they see Mickey. Clayton fist pumps and Chloe raises her arms in the air as if she's a choir director. It's so cute. We bought Disneyland passes, so we are thoroughly enjoying little day trips to Disneyland. They have totally started engaging with each other now too. They LOVE playing "chase" around the dining room table. Their laugh is just infectious. Clayton and Chloe talk to each other, take toys from each other, get mad at each other, kiss each other, and so often just giggle and laugh like crazy! They both have added "please" to their sign language vocabulary except sweet Chloe does the hand motion over her head instead of her chest! Their favorite time of the day is reading time before bed. Clayton and Chloe pretty much empty the bookshelf and take turns sitting in our laps to read a story. Clayton loves his "I Spy" book and can point out the various objects and Chloe loves a touch and feel animal book. Once they're in bed, I read them "Llama Llama Red Pajama." I'm super animated and silly with my voice inflections and they absolutely love it. Clayton laughs, Chloe smiles and then wines when I do the "bohooing" cry. Priceless moments that I will cherish forever.
Here's some pictures from August...
Chloe LOVES playing dress up with my clothes, more specifically my underwear!
Their favorite time of day...
In a creative attempt to provide some learning for my babes, we tried finger painting...they hated it!
Dada playing with his sweet babes
Date night to celebrate our 6th anniversary!
Very full, very happy, clearly Italian babies enjoying their pasta and meatballs!
When Daddy works for 72 hours, Mommy brings his precious little ones to see him at his super cool (if Clayton could talk!) fire station!
Clayton and Chloe have been growing like crazy this past month. Clayton is talking up a storm. You have to listen very carefully to decipher the difference between his rambling martian talk and actual words and phrases. His newest vocabulary includes, "ah pa" for airplane and he literally can hear "ah pas" long before I can, "dog," "what's that," "up," "out," "open," "jak" for my parents' dog, Shaq, "ball," "open that," and "baby." There are definitely more, but it's hard to catch everything. His martian language is awesome. We just laugh as he rambles on and on about things that are obviously really important. Clayton got two molars in, which was a horrendous experience for him. He has a terrible time cutting teeth, it just breaks my heart. He's literally running now, bumping down the stairs, and seems to be pretty fearless with climbing. Clay is a lover. He walks up to Roxi multiple times a day and lays his head on her stomach. He also often comes up behind me and bear hugs me, which instantly erases any frustration he has caused me that day! Clayton is exercising his independence more and more and makes it very clear when he doesn't want to do something or wants something. Shopping is a whole new experience now. I'm looking forward to the day when he really understands consequences and bribery (when absolutely necessary)! Clayton is definitely his daddy's son as he is a total perfectionist...string on his shorts, he alerts me to cut it, Roxi's food kernals are not in her bowl, he puts them back, he gets dirt on his hands, he needs them wiped off, Chloe's bow falls out, he attempts to put it back in for her, something drops, he says "uhh uhh" until you pick it up, etc, etc!
Chloe, our little princess had a wonderful milestone this month as she started pushing her walker on her own. She just grabbed the handle of her stroller, stood up, and started walking. She hasn't stopped yet and has even figured out how to turn it around when she gets stuck. It's only a matter of weeks before she's off and running. Chloe climbs the stairs super fast and goes down backwards on her tummy perfectly. Chloe has 8 teeth now, but you would never know it because she' doesn't seem to be affected at all by teething. She's talking a silly martian language too and has some words, though her vocabulary isn't quite as extensive yet. She says "hot," and "up," along with "ma ma" and "da da," and maybe more, but it's harder to decipher her martian language! Chloe's way to express herself when she's frustrated is much like mine as a teenager. She literally throws herself face down on the ground and cries her little eyes out. I totally did the same thing as a teenager too! My parents even gave me a pillow for Christmas that said, "This can't be happening to me!" My girl is already following in my footsteps. She is still much more adaptable and well behaved in different places and atmospheres, which makes it so nice. I'm very thankful for her easy, non-demanding personality.
While Clayton and Chloe don't watch much TV, they love the opening to Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse. They sit in their chairs and literally squeal with joy when they see Mickey. Clayton fist pumps and Chloe raises her arms in the air as if she's a choir director. It's so cute. We bought Disneyland passes, so we are thoroughly enjoying little day trips to Disneyland. They have totally started engaging with each other now too. They LOVE playing "chase" around the dining room table. Their laugh is just infectious. Clayton and Chloe talk to each other, take toys from each other, get mad at each other, kiss each other, and so often just giggle and laugh like crazy! They both have added "please" to their sign language vocabulary except sweet Chloe does the hand motion over her head instead of her chest! Their favorite time of the day is reading time before bed. Clayton and Chloe pretty much empty the bookshelf and take turns sitting in our laps to read a story. Clayton loves his "I Spy" book and can point out the various objects and Chloe loves a touch and feel animal book. Once they're in bed, I read them "Llama Llama Red Pajama." I'm super animated and silly with my voice inflections and they absolutely love it. Clayton laughs, Chloe smiles and then wines when I do the "bohooing" cry. Priceless moments that I will cherish forever.
Here's some pictures from August...
Chloe LOVES playing dress up with my clothes, more specifically my underwear!
Their favorite time of day...
In a creative attempt to provide some learning for my babes, we tried finger painting...they hated it!
Dada playing with his sweet babes
Date night to celebrate our 6th anniversary!
Very full, very happy, clearly Italian babies enjoying their pasta and meatballs!
When Daddy works for 72 hours, Mommy brings his precious little ones to see him at his super cool (if Clayton could talk!) fire station!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Our Maui vacation
We went to Maui from July 30th to August 6th with my family. We had the most incredible time, though it was a much different tropical vacation with 15 month old twins to keep us busy. The five hour plane ride going there was a challenge especially with Clayton who slept for only about 30 minutes despite being exhausted. Chloe did really well on the way. They switched roles on the way back, but overall did so much better! Our days were pretty much the same each day. We woke up, went on a gorgeous morning walk on the path, played outside then the babies napped. After nap and lunch we went out to the pool and beach for the next four hours or so. They LOVED the pool, especially splashing the water and going for rides in their floaties. Chloe LOVED the sand and even enjoyed the ocean. Clayton tolerated the sand, but was not a fan of the ocean. Ryan and I took turns staying up in the room during nap time, so that each day we had some quiet sun time. We then napped again and went out to a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants on Maui. Clayton and Chloe were well behaved at most every dinner, which made the meal that much better. Papa Jim, Nonnie, Uncle KyKy, and Aunt LiLi were so amazing with Clayton and Chloe and so generous with giving up their relaxation time to entertain toddlers and give us a break every now and then. Beautiful memories were created with our perfect children that we are so proud of and amazed by each and every day.
Here's a few pictures of the 400 we took from our tropical vacation...
Here's a few pictures of the 400 we took from our tropical vacation...
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