So it's been awhile since I last posted something, in part, because I forgot my password and because it's difficult to find the time to write. It feels good to say goodbye to 2011, it was a busy year for our family with the birth of the twins and Remy starting kindergarten. The holidays were wonderful but I'm so glad that they are over.
We spent Thanksgiving in Illinois with my mom, and let me just say that a 10 hour plus drive with four little kids was bonkers. Let me also say that with all the crying, fighting, and yelling I was ready to open the car door and jump out. But it was nice to spend time with my family with all the kids.
December started with plenty of "I wants" which were answered with "add it to your wish list." We brought up the Christmas decorations and Remy took over decorating the Christmas tree (which didn't really look pretty, but hey I can't really complain if I didn't really help). Remy paraded down the hall with the stockings on his feet asking, " what are these big socks for?" Jackie screamed bloody murder because she didn't want to sit with Santa. The rest of the month passed with threats of Santa passing over our house due to naughty kids and listening to Jackie say "lights, mama lights!" over and over and over. And the Bryan quote that sums it all up is, "who wants to get in trouble first?"
Now, it's January and I have so many things to look forward to this year, such as the boys turning one and being Done (yes, with a capital D) breastfeeding. It's not that I don't enjoy it, but it will be nice to not be so tied down. But I think that what I am most looking forward to is creating new memories with my family. Sometimes I sit at work and find myself laughing out loud at something one of my kids (or husband) has done and it brings me such immense joy that I just can't get enough. Even the most annoying situations make me laugh, for example, just the other day I'm trying to read and I've got one baby fussing, Remy sitting next to me making the most obnoxious sound over and over, the t.v. is blaring Pheneas and Ferb, Jackie is yelling "ipod PLEASE!" over and over. When Bryan walked through that door, I said "I'm sorry but I have got to have some quiet time" and I ran to my room, but the funny thing was I could hear Bryan telling the kids, "Whelp, I see you kids ran your mama away again." I just can't handle all the non-stop noise all day everyday, but once I've gotten a little peace I can always see the humor in it.
So, yeah I'm jumping up and down clapping my hands and enjoying each day of this new year. And as Bryan says, "No matter how bad you may think our kids are there is always worse."
I'll end this with a big Happy Birthday to Remy who turned six today and was so happy to get an ipod touch in exchange for no party. I love my little gadget nerd.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Top 10 reasons why kids are great
This list is in no particular order.
1. There is always a reason to dance.
2. Hurts are soothed with a kiss.
3. You can get them to do almost anything for a teeny tiny piece of candy.
4. You can get them to pick up toys by simply singing "the clean-up song"
5. They give you a reason to do all the things you loved as a kid all over again.
6. You don't have to be a magician to perform magic
7. They get over being mad quickly
8. Holiday seasons are that much more fun
9. They appreciate the little things
10. They love you despite your many faults
1. There is always a reason to dance.
2. Hurts are soothed with a kiss.
3. You can get them to do almost anything for a teeny tiny piece of candy.
4. You can get them to pick up toys by simply singing "the clean-up song"
5. They give you a reason to do all the things you loved as a kid all over again.
6. You don't have to be a magician to perform magic
7. They get over being mad quickly
8. Holiday seasons are that much more fun
9. They appreciate the little things
10. They love you despite your many faults
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Never ending piles of laundry...
Doing laundry in my house it like shoveling snow during a blizzard, no matter how much or how fast you shovel in five minutes there is always more. With a household of six and two of those being babies, we go through quite a lot of laundry in a week. In our house I do most of the laundry, but there are times when Bryan helps me out a lot with washing, bringing baskets up from downstairs and he'll even fold and put away his own clothes. But all of the folding and putting away of the kids clothes falls on me. With that being said things do tend to pile up from clothes waiting to be taken down stairs, brought up stairs, folded and put away the laundry never comes to an end.
During the day things can get pretty busy so I try to do most of the laundry during nap times and at night. So, I'll often ask Bryan to help me out by bringing up the next load while I fold and put away. There are two things my husband hates, the first one being bugs and the second is going to the basement late at night (I think he is secretly afraid of the dark.) So, you would think that after 10 years together I would stop asking him to kill spiders and go down to the basement after dark... but I haven't LOL. Some days I leave for work and forget to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer and I'll call him at 9pm and ask him to do this for me before I get home. And Bryan being the most predictable person, always says, "Ugh Jaime, why do you always wait until it's dark to tell me that? Can't they just stay in the washer until tomorrow?" But he always does it for me... (smile).
Since my pile does nothing but grow I guess I'll start this week's laundry tomorrow...
During the day things can get pretty busy so I try to do most of the laundry during nap times and at night. So, I'll often ask Bryan to help me out by bringing up the next load while I fold and put away. There are two things my husband hates, the first one being bugs and the second is going to the basement late at night (I think he is secretly afraid of the dark.) So, you would think that after 10 years together I would stop asking him to kill spiders and go down to the basement after dark... but I haven't LOL. Some days I leave for work and forget to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer and I'll call him at 9pm and ask him to do this for me before I get home. And Bryan being the most predictable person, always says, "Ugh Jaime, why do you always wait until it's dark to tell me that? Can't they just stay in the washer until tomorrow?" But he always does it for me... (smile).
Since my pile does nothing but grow I guess I'll start this week's laundry tomorrow...
Friday, November 4, 2011
To my daughter
Jacqueline Alba, baby Jackie, Jackie, Jack-jack, baby girl, mama, monkey, sweet cakes, and Remy's newest name- my little bother (from the cartoon Olivia).
When I was pregnant with your big brother I wanted more than anything to have a girl, as we know, that turned out not to be the case. Then 3 years later I got pregnant with you and I prayed that I would get my girl. Your father and I had trouble deciding on a name for you, I liked Thalia and Luisa and he, of course, wanted you to have a comic book name like Remy's (who we all know is named after Remy Lebeau aka Gambit from the X-men). Then I thought it would be fitting to name you after two very important women; my mother Jacqueline and your father's mother Alba. Even this he was not completely sold on, until I told him that your initials would spell JAM (to fit with his BAM and Remy's RAM) your papa is funny like that. Anyway, I got my way and I couldn't be more happy with your name. However, for me the icing on the cake was that you looked just like your Aunt Rhonda. I missed my sister, Rhonda, so much and thought about her constantly while I was pregnant. There are so many things that I admire about her and over the past two years I've seen more of her in you than I ever could have thought possible.
You were the sweetest little baby and it is a joy to watch you grow and learn. You test me in ways that Remy never did and you keep me on my toes as a very smart, curious and strong willed 2-year-old. There are many times that I've felt bad having to divide my attention between so many children with many different needs, but you seem to love to help me, from playing with the babies, feeding the dog, taking clothes out of the dryer and bringing me things when I'm strapped down nursing. I will never forget all your antics and I'm sure you will hate me one day for telling them to the world and though sometimes I think that you will drive me crazy I find myself laughing when it's all said and done. There are days where all I seem to say are: "No!" "Don't!" "Stop!" "Where are your pants?!" "Put that down." "Come here." and "Pow-pow!" it is amazing that you are so forgiving of me as a parent.
Thank you baby Jackie for being the little girl that you are (and thank God for only giving me one girl, I don't think I could handle more than that) and I look forward to watching you develop more into the special person that you are. I wish for you all the best and I will love you for all that you are- my only girl, my middle child, my hope and my dream... my little naked wild child that you are.
Mommy
When I was pregnant with your big brother I wanted more than anything to have a girl, as we know, that turned out not to be the case. Then 3 years later I got pregnant with you and I prayed that I would get my girl. Your father and I had trouble deciding on a name for you, I liked Thalia and Luisa and he, of course, wanted you to have a comic book name like Remy's (who we all know is named after Remy Lebeau aka Gambit from the X-men). Then I thought it would be fitting to name you after two very important women; my mother Jacqueline and your father's mother Alba. Even this he was not completely sold on, until I told him that your initials would spell JAM (to fit with his BAM and Remy's RAM) your papa is funny like that. Anyway, I got my way and I couldn't be more happy with your name. However, for me the icing on the cake was that you looked just like your Aunt Rhonda. I missed my sister, Rhonda, so much and thought about her constantly while I was pregnant. There are so many things that I admire about her and over the past two years I've seen more of her in you than I ever could have thought possible.
You were the sweetest little baby and it is a joy to watch you grow and learn. You test me in ways that Remy never did and you keep me on my toes as a very smart, curious and strong willed 2-year-old. There are many times that I've felt bad having to divide my attention between so many children with many different needs, but you seem to love to help me, from playing with the babies, feeding the dog, taking clothes out of the dryer and bringing me things when I'm strapped down nursing. I will never forget all your antics and I'm sure you will hate me one day for telling them to the world and though sometimes I think that you will drive me crazy I find myself laughing when it's all said and done. There are days where all I seem to say are: "No!" "Don't!" "Stop!" "Where are your pants?!" "Put that down." "Come here." and "Pow-pow!" it is amazing that you are so forgiving of me as a parent.
Thank you baby Jackie for being the little girl that you are (and thank God for only giving me one girl, I don't think I could handle more than that) and I look forward to watching you develop more into the special person that you are. I wish for you all the best and I will love you for all that you are- my only girl, my middle child, my hope and my dream... my little naked wild child that you are.
Mommy
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Taking a breather
I've been wanting to write for a few weeks now and I seem to never get the chance. Not that there are never any down times in my day, but never long enough where I can write more than a sentence. Then if there is I'm so tired that I would rather do something brainless like watch t.v. or re-read one of my many romance novels. Right now I have about 20 minutes before Bry leaves for volleyball and I have to start getting the kids ready for bed, so I've decided to sit out a little and let him do dinner while I take a breather and write.
The days are going so by so fast and the months even faster. The little boys are approaching 4 months, Jackie still cries when I drop her off at play group and Remy is beginning to enjoy school (other than getting to ride on the bus). Since the weeks are always so busy, we try to do at least one thing fun on the weekend, but for me it seems to be go, go, go, all day every day.
Who would have thought that being a parent requires so many skills! Sometimes I feel like a referee of some MMA fight, making sure that everyone is playing somewhat fair. Then there are the specialty roles such as baby whisperer and story teller (yes, I do different voices when required). But some of the more obvious roles are, cleaning lady, cook and negotiator and I will be the first to admit that I go on strike in at least one of those departments on a weekly basis. Today the cleaning lady is on strike. Sometimes I just need a breather!
Maybe about 2 months ago I woke up early on a Saturday and went and got coffee, then went to read in the park while enjoying some soothing classical music. Needless to say I sat there so long that I killed the battery in my car and had to call a friend for a jump. Now, Bry feels the need to make jokes all the time, "Jaime, feel free to get coffee and a doughnut this weekend, but you don't have to kill the battery to have more alone time." And it's not that I don't love being with my family, but sometimes I just need a breather!
I've taken to eating standing at the counter and can finish most everything in 2 bites. I'm not joking either, just the other day I told myself I can't keep eating like this because I'm gonna kill myself, and that thought came after swallowing something that wasn't chewed enough and waiting several minutes while the lump slowly descended my esophagus. I've also given up on exercising because lifting babies and chasing Jackie is more than enough for me. And though I'm enjoying the ages and stages of my children it will be wonderfully nice when they are more independent and I can sit and take a breather.
Until that day comes I've got a million and one other things that I need to get done and with all the holidays coming up I've got costumes to make, suitcases to pack (can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving) and presents to wrap (Remy has been begging for Battleship almost everyday and I can't wait for him to open it this Christmas if I can keep stalling him). It will be a very busy fall and winter, but hopefully I'll be able to catch my breath come 2012.
The days are going so by so fast and the months even faster. The little boys are approaching 4 months, Jackie still cries when I drop her off at play group and Remy is beginning to enjoy school (other than getting to ride on the bus). Since the weeks are always so busy, we try to do at least one thing fun on the weekend, but for me it seems to be go, go, go, all day every day.
Who would have thought that being a parent requires so many skills! Sometimes I feel like a referee of some MMA fight, making sure that everyone is playing somewhat fair. Then there are the specialty roles such as baby whisperer and story teller (yes, I do different voices when required). But some of the more obvious roles are, cleaning lady, cook and negotiator and I will be the first to admit that I go on strike in at least one of those departments on a weekly basis. Today the cleaning lady is on strike. Sometimes I just need a breather!
Maybe about 2 months ago I woke up early on a Saturday and went and got coffee, then went to read in the park while enjoying some soothing classical music. Needless to say I sat there so long that I killed the battery in my car and had to call a friend for a jump. Now, Bry feels the need to make jokes all the time, "Jaime, feel free to get coffee and a doughnut this weekend, but you don't have to kill the battery to have more alone time." And it's not that I don't love being with my family, but sometimes I just need a breather!
I've taken to eating standing at the counter and can finish most everything in 2 bites. I'm not joking either, just the other day I told myself I can't keep eating like this because I'm gonna kill myself, and that thought came after swallowing something that wasn't chewed enough and waiting several minutes while the lump slowly descended my esophagus. I've also given up on exercising because lifting babies and chasing Jackie is more than enough for me. And though I'm enjoying the ages and stages of my children it will be wonderfully nice when they are more independent and I can sit and take a breather.
Until that day comes I've got a million and one other things that I need to get done and with all the holidays coming up I've got costumes to make, suitcases to pack (can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving) and presents to wrap (Remy has been begging for Battleship almost everyday and I can't wait for him to open it this Christmas if I can keep stalling him). It will be a very busy fall and winter, but hopefully I'll be able to catch my breath come 2012.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Pick up your toys!
Growing up we didn't have nearly as many toys as my children have now, but we still had enough to drive my mother crazy. A couple of things that I remember most about our toys were if it was cleaning time and we didn't pick them up fast enough they ended up in the trash and the other was (I'm laughing hysterically just thinking about it) how mad mom would get when she would step on one of those little tiny lego pieces. You see, we used to build forts with the couch cushions and then precede to throw legos at each other in what we called Lego Wars, and at the end of the fight there would always be that one lego left behind. For those of you who have never stepped on a lego, or something equally small and hard, consider yourself lucky, because it hurts like you wouldn't believe.
Now that my children are getting older and are acquiring more toys of all shapes and sizes, legos included, I find myself tripping over things left and right. It's almost like a conspiracy, my kids plotting against me for all the times I take away their toys or put them in time out. I've stepped on legos and had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something highly inappropriate, and then I rightfully turn into evil mommy, making everyone cry as they pick up toys. I realize that it is an up hill battle with a five and two year old, but one I attempt once or more a day. I feel like Sisyphus from Greek mythology who was made to push the rock up the hill in Hades and as soon as he would get to the top it would roll back down again. As soon as I get one room clean they are making a mess of another. And if Bryan had his way he would never make them pick up because he has that mentality of why pick up if they just put it back on the floor?
Then there are the nights that the toys don't get picked up and it happens to be on those nights that I have to venture out of my room in the middle of the night, and the night lights that are throughout the house fail to illuminate all of the obstacles in my path. So, despite my efforts to go quietly about my midnight task, I find myself adding to the banging, clanging and singing of toys left out with muffled curses as I try to keep from falling. With all of this you would think that we would stop buying so many toys, but of curse that's not the case. The best part is when the kids are running around and trip over or step on a toy and hurt themselves and run to me crying. And as I try to keep from laughing I simply say, "I know that must have hurt and that is why we pick up our toys." And another point goes to mommy for the reasons we pick up toys.
Now that my children are getting older and are acquiring more toys of all shapes and sizes, legos included, I find myself tripping over things left and right. It's almost like a conspiracy, my kids plotting against me for all the times I take away their toys or put them in time out. I've stepped on legos and had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something highly inappropriate, and then I rightfully turn into evil mommy, making everyone cry as they pick up toys. I realize that it is an up hill battle with a five and two year old, but one I attempt once or more a day. I feel like Sisyphus from Greek mythology who was made to push the rock up the hill in Hades and as soon as he would get to the top it would roll back down again. As soon as I get one room clean they are making a mess of another. And if Bryan had his way he would never make them pick up because he has that mentality of why pick up if they just put it back on the floor?
Then there are the nights that the toys don't get picked up and it happens to be on those nights that I have to venture out of my room in the middle of the night, and the night lights that are throughout the house fail to illuminate all of the obstacles in my path. So, despite my efforts to go quietly about my midnight task, I find myself adding to the banging, clanging and singing of toys left out with muffled curses as I try to keep from falling. With all of this you would think that we would stop buying so many toys, but of curse that's not the case. The best part is when the kids are running around and trip over or step on a toy and hurt themselves and run to me crying. And as I try to keep from laughing I simply say, "I know that must have hurt and that is why we pick up our toys." And another point goes to mommy for the reasons we pick up toys.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Update
It has been a very long time since I've been able to sit down and write and even now I have very limited time. So, this will be just a brief update of life with 4 kids, even though I have several topics floating around in my head, they will have to wait until I have more time.
Now that the summer is over and all four kids are home we are beginning to settle into a routine as a family of six. The days are very busy even though it does not always feel like I do much. The weeks go by so fast and though I am anxious for the future I'm trying desperately to hold on to my little babies. Remy has started kindergarten, which I am happy is only a half day program in our area (I'm not quite ready for him to be away all day) and he has already lost 2 teeth! Jackie is getting the hang of using the potty (she is already leaps and bounds ahead of where Remy was when it came to that) she is enjoying having her big brother home even though he doesn't always want to play with her. She starts a once a week preschool playgroup in a week and I am curious to see how that will go for her since she is not the best at listening. The twins are a few days shy of three months and are sleeping better in the night which is a plus, but they are horribly fussy in the evening (which I am so grateful to work four evenings out of the week). I have not really stuck with keeping them on the same schedule during the day as far as feedings go, because I have found that it is easier to feed one baby and chase Jackie at the same time. Overall, I feel like a tennis ball during a doubles match, being bounced between 4 needy beings.
I have attempted working out again, which is extremely difficult to find the time to do it let alone the space, since Jackie feels the need to bring out all her baby dolls in strollers and car seats, but the worst is that I am so unbelievably weak! My core muscles have packed up and gone a vacation, leaving me with a lot of extra wrinkly skin. I should probably invest in Depends because coughing, sneezing and laughing have very unpredictable consequences. Bryan reminds me that I need to be patient, but that is something that is very difficult for me... I just want my body back.
Spending quality alone time with Bryan is a joke to say the least. At the end of the night when all the kids are finally sleep and I'm home from work and he doesn't have volleyball all I want to do is read for a little bit before I let sleep take over. For the time being I think this is ok for both of us since we are still very much in survival mode, but it will be nice not be so tired and be able to focus on each other sometimes instead of kids 24/7.
All in all, I am truly amazed and in love with my family. I look forward to the future and whatever it brings our way. I asked Bryan the other day if we were gonna make it. Not that we are having any problems or anything, I just like to hear his reassuring answers. So, I lean against him as he washes the dishes and I say, "Bryan, I want us to be together forever." He looks at me and smiles and as I turn to leave the kitchen he says, "forever is a long time, Jaime."
Now that the summer is over and all four kids are home we are beginning to settle into a routine as a family of six. The days are very busy even though it does not always feel like I do much. The weeks go by so fast and though I am anxious for the future I'm trying desperately to hold on to my little babies. Remy has started kindergarten, which I am happy is only a half day program in our area (I'm not quite ready for him to be away all day) and he has already lost 2 teeth! Jackie is getting the hang of using the potty (she is already leaps and bounds ahead of where Remy was when it came to that) she is enjoying having her big brother home even though he doesn't always want to play with her. She starts a once a week preschool playgroup in a week and I am curious to see how that will go for her since she is not the best at listening. The twins are a few days shy of three months and are sleeping better in the night which is a plus, but they are horribly fussy in the evening (which I am so grateful to work four evenings out of the week). I have not really stuck with keeping them on the same schedule during the day as far as feedings go, because I have found that it is easier to feed one baby and chase Jackie at the same time. Overall, I feel like a tennis ball during a doubles match, being bounced between 4 needy beings.
I have attempted working out again, which is extremely difficult to find the time to do it let alone the space, since Jackie feels the need to bring out all her baby dolls in strollers and car seats, but the worst is that I am so unbelievably weak! My core muscles have packed up and gone a vacation, leaving me with a lot of extra wrinkly skin. I should probably invest in Depends because coughing, sneezing and laughing have very unpredictable consequences. Bryan reminds me that I need to be patient, but that is something that is very difficult for me... I just want my body back.
Spending quality alone time with Bryan is a joke to say the least. At the end of the night when all the kids are finally sleep and I'm home from work and he doesn't have volleyball all I want to do is read for a little bit before I let sleep take over. For the time being I think this is ok for both of us since we are still very much in survival mode, but it will be nice not be so tired and be able to focus on each other sometimes instead of kids 24/7.
All in all, I am truly amazed and in love with my family. I look forward to the future and whatever it brings our way. I asked Bryan the other day if we were gonna make it. Not that we are having any problems or anything, I just like to hear his reassuring answers. So, I lean against him as he washes the dishes and I say, "Bryan, I want us to be together forever." He looks at me and smiles and as I turn to leave the kitchen he says, "forever is a long time, Jaime."
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