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Robbyn will probably have something to add or have or own post but I had to add my view. Last Friday 12/5/08 we got a wonderful call stating that the state has permanent custody of Jay and we can move forward with our adoption of him.

Turkey and Ham

So, If you know my family you more than likely know that our children are very affectionately known as Hammy Ham and Turkey Lurkey. Laylah is Ham because she is simply put, a big ham. When She sees a camera, a smiling stranger or a frowning parent, or a uninterested at the moment Godparent she turns it on. She has been known to create a spotlight if there isn't one and her favorite shows are idol, top model, dancing with the stars, etc. She is a smiling, dancing, singing fool----a total ham---a triple threat. Jayden is our Turkey. This is in reference to his robust love of food, and terrible squawking noises that are made when he doesn't get it fast enough. Even at just 1 day old weighing in at 5 lbs and 2 ounces, Jayden makes it known that he was a turkey, and now at 14 pounds having just turned 5 months old he is still a turkey---Oh course, the cloth diapers that I lovingly launder and use on him add to a turkey like physique. Well, what would any Thanksgiving meal be without a turkey or ham photograph. Laylah is the one with the potatoes and baster, Jayden is the one who can't fit in the dang roaster.LOL---no the stove was not on.

He's on a roll!

I thought that switching Jayden over to homemade, mostly organic baby food would pretty much be a bust but he has once again tricked me---Just like Laylah before him---he loves the food that mommy and daddy makes. Of course he is a turkey so he can't help but gobble, gobble, gobble it up. He's on a roll!

Appreciation!

Okay, so I finally get it. There is a difference between sacrifice and self neglect. On Friday, sad to say, I had my first time sitting down to watch a movie while the kids napped. I honestly have never done that before and Laylah is 2. I felt weird at first but after a while I stopped worrying about the laundry(which I have to do everyday anyway) and enjoyed the movie. It was so relaxing, and guess what----at the end of the day, I was not burned out like I usually am. Since the kids are both on a new napping scedule and take two naps together everyday, I think that I can afford a 1- 1.5 hour nap or movie or email break everyday. I even managed this past week to do my fingernails one day. For such a little gesture, I feel so much better as a person, as a woman, as a wife, as a mother. It is important to appreciate yourself sometimes, isn't it?

The big switch

Jayden had made the big switch from cow's milk to spy based milk and things seem to be going much better. He also had a dosage increase for the pepcid to help with his acis reflux and we are seeing good changes on that front also. We feel so much better to know that he is more comfortable and happy now.

Jayden finally has a full name!

I am proud to present......Jayden Reynaldo Daniel. His abuela says that is a heavy name and I have to agree. He has alot to do with that name attached to him. It fits him very well I think. Thank you everyone for your name suggestions, We took each and every one of them into deep consideration before making our final cut.

Power mommy

So it has been 11 days since I have finished my shopping for the big day, Everything is packaged nicely and is all ready for both holidays----Christmas and Three Kings day. The tree has been erected, the angel is on the top and the garland is on the tree and the windows. Everything is moving along so smoothly this year, we set a schedule and are sticking to it. Wow! What a treat!
I feel like power, super mommy.

Happy Belated Halloweeny!

Breathe baby baby

So. The diagnosis is in Laylah has asthma. She is a champ. She cheerfully takes her nebulizer every night, and happily takes her inhaler when needed. A nebulizer is a small machine that uses oxygen to push medicine into a mask which is then inhaled. Laylah's is now decorated with flowers and princess stickers. I am so proud of her!

Not Stuck

Today I took a personal day since the office is closed tomorrow and it is also Robbyn's birth day. I figured a nice long weekend at home with the family. Today I had to go to the hospital and get my yearly TB test read for work. Laylah said she wanted to go with daddy, no problem I got her dressed and she came with me and we ran some other errands. Well at the hospital the nurse said oh you stuck on baby duty today. Well i smiled and nodded hiding my true thoughts which were something like
I am not now nor have I ever been nor will i ever be stuck with one of my children. I love my kids and i take them where ever I go. I am not a prehistoric man from the 1950's who believes that only women would look after children. I know how to change a diaper, feed and ..... do hair. (All be it not as good as mommy does hair and not as fancy but i can make a part and do a pony tail I bath .) I give baths, read bed time stories and take them to play group. I am almost all the doctor appointments and even make a few of them.
But instead i did the smile and nod and say nothing. This is not the first time i have someone has told me this and it still infuriates me every time. I am not the best father in the world but I am no loaf either. I take an interest in my children. I know people mean well and they think it is a compliment but i don't like it at all.

The best laid plans

Earlier this week my mother in law asked if we would participate in handing out fliers on Sat. It was a job that paid 75.00 for a couple of hours. Robbyn's uncle Clarence is a member of this union and they periodically do this. Members can get two car loads of four people plus a driver to go in a selected area and Robbyn's mother was going to be a driver. We agreed and got our good friend Erika and one of the God Mother's to our kids to watch them. All was going well this morning ,for a change, the kids were dressed and fed. Robbyn and I were both dressed and doing a few last minute things until it was time to go. Then we got the phone call, it was Robbyn's mother one of her participants dropped out and you must have a car load of five to go. She asked if Erika would like to go well yeah but what about the kids. We decided we would put the car seats in the minivan she drives and she would remain with the kids while we walked up and down the blocks. Thank GOD Robbyn is ever ready and keeps a diaper bag packed at all times. We threw together some bottles, a sippy cup and toys for Laylah and ran out the door. Robbyn and Erika went into the sign up area while i stayed in the car with the kids then i would go sign in. Well Robbyn's mother shows up and goes in and comes back before Robbyn did. We start calling Robbyn's cell phone with no answer finally a few minutes later they emerge. Apparently there were two sign up centers in the same building being and they went into and signed up for a the wrong group. Well after they returned their material and unsigned up we were on our way. The minivan is designed for 7 people not 5 adults and two car seats. There was no room between Laylah and Erika so i was forced to sit on the floor of the van very squished from street to street. Well 8 blocks two bathroom trips, and lunch later we were threw and we went to collect our money after an honest days work all 60.00 dollars of it. Wait we were told 75.00 well it is 60.00 more than i would of had sitting at home and 60.00 more than i had when the day started. So much for the best laid plans.

Picking apples

Well last Saturday we( Grand Ma, Robbyn, the kids and I) went to Patterson's Fruit farm to pick apples and pumpkins. It was pretty chilly but we bundled up maned up and went. There was tractor that took us out the orchid (that is Jay strapped to my chest). We tried the four different varieties available to pick that day and made our decisions. (We were told by the staff at the farm we could try the apples) After we had enough we took went to the pumpkin patch and picked to pumpkins to carve for Halloween and to roast pumpkin seeds. We had lunch that we packed in the car then Laylah played in the hay and we went home. It was a really good day and we can't wait for next year.

The sauce

OK i know our adoring public is anxious to know about the apple sauce. Well it turned out really well for my first attempt ever. Since then i have made two more batches one of them being for Jay. I did not add sugar to his but instead cooked it with apple juice instead of water. When done i blended it and froze some and the rest he has been eating. We made some baby food for Laylah and we will continue making for Jay.

Waiting for the sauce!

We went to the orchard to pick apples yesterday and now our little lovelies are in the crock pot cooking. In a short 6-8 hours we will have homemade apple sauce. Now that's something sweet to wake up to, isn't it? Jayden can't wait either, I'll puree his if it's too chunky. i hope he embrace homemade baby food the same way that Laylah did. I'll let you know how it tastes.

Laylah Used the Potty!!!

Alright. Here it goes! Laylah used the potty. She just got up and told me she was gong and then she followed through. Now, I wasn't prepared. So, I gave her a lollipop as a reward. 4 dum-dums later, i had to return to the drawing board. Lol. She now has a 25th anniversary Mr. Potato Head toy, that has 40 pieces. I was so excited to re-live my childhood and play with it after she goes to sleep but, this chic, takes "Mr. Potato" to bed with her. She get a piece everytime she goes potty. I'll show her down once she gets all 40, and then let 5-6 add up to a add on kit or something. If only I could get a chance to play with him. Hmm

Reflection----week 11-14

Wow alot has happened in the past 4 weeks. Jayden has started to lose some of his hair in the back, and I thought that it was here to stay and he had a weight check done----he has zoomed from 10 lbs to 12.5 in just that short amount of time. He has had a developmental evaluation done, and seems to be doing well with everything except sucking. He has started solid foods, and craves them on a regular basis. He now sticks out his tounge just to be funny and enjoys kicking his legs. He loves cozy sweaters and booties and listening to all types of music. He sits in highchair and has even riden sitting up alone in the stroller. He is starting to droll a lot and I think that teething may be just around the corner. Tummy time is no longer his favorite time, story time is. He's growing mighty fast. We can't keep up.

Road trip part 3: Tis the Season

If you know me at all, you must know that My favorite holiday and time of year is Christmas. Not only is it the celebration of my Lord and Savior's birth, and you know I love birthdays, but it is that time of year when things are bright and cheerful, food is heavy and decacent, music plays that is uplifting and people reconnect and are kind, and most important it is a time for love and for family. I love Christmas! Coincidently Christmas season begins at our house in November( We are gearing up and restocking right now) But yes, there is a place where Christmas cheer and beauty last all year---Tis the Season. Tis the season is the nations only all year Christmas store. We stopped in for a leisure visit of their three floors of all things Christmas. We bought a few things, and saw some great theme ideas. The theme for our Christmas tree has been purple blue and silver for the past 5 years. We will be making a change very soon. Here are some photos of trees we really like and one of our current tree.

Guess who Laylah saw?

On our road trip Laylah met many fun and interesting people, but the icing on the cake was when she met Santa. Apparently, he was taking a nice fall vacation and was visiting Smuckers on his motorbike. Laylah didn't know what she wanted for Christmas just yet but she did not miss the photo opportunity.

Looking back---Looking forward Amish Trip 2007 & 2008

Thinking back on last year's trip and all the fun Laylah had with her Abuela Lydia. Thinking about how much fun Laylah had this year with her Grandma Clara. What a loved little girl!

Road trip part 2: Des Dutchman cont....

More pictures taken at the resturant.

Road Trip Part 2: Lunch at Des Ducthman Resturant

All you can eat salad and soup bar, fresh baked bread, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, beef, and fried chicken, 20+ pies to choose from and hand churned icecream. Everyone left full! Laylah enjoyed the train that circles the ceiling of the dining room, and I found the cart that is used as a salad bar charming. The gift shop had plenty of goodies to pick from including clothes, books, baked goods, stuffed animals, dolls, etc.

Road trip part 1: Smuckers cont....

So here are the photos of us having fun at the Smuckers store.

Road trip part 1: Smuckers Store and Museum

The Smuckers store and museum was our first stop on our little road trip. I was amazed at the number of companies that Smuckers has been acquiring lately. I mean, there are only so many brands out there, and smuckers has most of them, forming a pretty profitable monopoly. Some of the brands are, lily flour, pillsbury, jif, martha white, borden, pet milk etc. Every one found something interesting to do or something new to tast. Though we didn't eat there, there is even a nice little cafe, with plenty of sweet treats.

Among the Amish----family roadtrip 2008

So! What activity involves the whole family? FAMILY ROADTRIP! Got to love it. This year we went to the Amish County a little later than last year, but the weather was wonderful. We kicked the events off with a slumber party at Grandma's house the night before. We had our toes crossed for warm weather since it was chilly that night. We got what we asked for, we were warm but not scorched by the sun. Rey, and I, Grandma(My mom), Erika(my best friend and Godmother to the kids), and of course Laylah and Jayden all went on the trip. We packed quite nicely into the van and off we went. Prepared for anything we had food, drinks, duplicate mapes, cell phones, phone cards, and three diaper bags, one with just activities, and the camera. We even took along several movies just in case. We departed around at about a quarter till 10. Our first stop was The Smuckers store and museum, located in Orrville, Ohio.

Reflection----Week 10

Jayden is a lover! He wants to snuggle and cuddle and kiss constantly. He is full of laughs and giggles, and does this little shy thing where he hides his face and rolls away when he laughs. He is now sleeping through the night, for what seems to be for good. He sleeps from 10 pm till 7:30-8 am. What a blessing. We all need that sleep, heaven knows.

Reflection----week 9

Jayden is growing like a weed. He had his 2 month doctor's appointment, and you know what that means, right? SHOTS!. He was a champ. He had three shots and one oral vaccination. His growth is good, and he now weighs 10 lbs and 5 ounces. He has successfully doubled his birth weight of 5 lb. and 2 ozs. He now has a boppy bouncer which he loves even more than he does his swing---and I thought that was a love affair that no one could break up!

Reflection---week 8

Jayden is two months old. Whoop, whoop! The cooing and babbling has begun. This little guys has a lot to say. Hi smiles are getting larger and appear more frequently. The cuteset ones are the ones when he is sleeping. Grandma swears that they are gas, but child development says differently. lol. He is very much in love with his big sister. He will turn his whole body to see hat she is up to. We picked up his photos from the portrait studio, and our new family portrait also. They look pretty nice!

The Revolving Door

In the process of growing our family there has been an endless amount of people in and out of our home. When you add in the fact that we are adopting and there are even more people. This month we have had three different people from our social service support network, and a developmental intervention helper all in here in just one week, last week. We still need to see one more person from our support network and the developmental intervention person (again)next week. I feel like just installing a revolving door on the front of the house.
In other news,we are quickly moving ahead on the legal front. The first court appointment was last week. It has been continued.We'll keep you posted!

Privacy

Well Robbyn has been working on privacy with Laylah. You know when to knock and what is private. Well we were at a restaurant today and Robbyn took her to the rest room. The changing table was right next to the sink. There were to girls about 6 or 7 washing their hands and gabbing. As Robbyn was about to start Laylah said wait sat up and said
Excuse me people i need privacy. (she then motioned to her body and said) this is private.

Reflection----week 7

Jayden had his second month photo shoot and he was a much more agreeable little guy this time. We celebrated the holiday at Grandma's (My mom's) house. Since we went to church on Saturday, we celebrated the holiday on Sunday at her house for lunch and dinner and family game night. We spent the night over there, and Laylah slept in her new big girl bedroom with full sized bed. Jayden cried from 10 pm till 2 am. What fun. lol.That must have been the last of his crying and colic becuase starting Monday he has been wonderful. We switched him to a medium flow nipple and it has been helping with the crying also. He doesn't get so tired nursing and fall asleep half way, waking shortly after to scream. He eats less ounces and is happier for longer, and there is less gas. He no longer has to be held constantly. I think he weighs a ton now. He'll weigh in tomorrow morning.

Reflection----Week 6

Six weeks and going strong! Jayden is still screaming but with the help of friends and family---there is time for showers, cups of teas, dvds, card games and doing dishes and laundry. That's real good tag teaming. Thanks Erika---Thanks Mom. Love you ladies. Starting to have time to sell some of this baby stuff before our house gets too full and explodes.lol. Laylah was helping me lay stuff out to photograph, etc. Gotta love her. She is such a trooper. We paint our nails and spend alone time together everyday. What a doll!

Reflection----Week 5

Laylah and Jayden took their first walk together in their new double stroller from Goddy Erika. Laylah enjoyed being able to see everything and Jayden got good and worn out from the fresh air. The pepcid id working wonders and he no longer projectile vomits or spits up acid. He is still having some latch problems and a lot of screaming is still going on but we just might make it after all. He enjoyed more time in his Godmother Erika's arms.

Reflection----Week four

And the screaming and pain continues followed in second place with projectile vomiting, bubbling mouth, milk out the nose, screaming till he turns purple and a visit to urgent care. Okay, so he has acid reflux and he's colicky. his presciption for pepcid should stop the acid from coming up---and the wedge might help now better than what it has been. If all else fails the doctor said to make the whole darn crib elevate.lol. I keep envisioning my poor baby rolling down to the bottom and flipping around like a fish. The doctor says the colic should stop on it's own by 3-4 months. That seems so far away. Jayden loves tummy time and time propped up on the floor on his boppy pillow.

He especially enjoys a visit from his Goddy Erika.