5 months Alex

Well where does time go when you are having fun? ok some tidbits of my lil man that I keep forgetting to add in previous entries: his head smells like strawberries...i know random, but I used to think the same thing of Gio. Their little sweat smells like strawberries and I love it! During diaper changes you lift your legs up for me while I wipe you, you have been doing that since 2.5 months... When Alex is bored he twirls his feet in circles, its so cute!!! If he wakes up alone or cant see you, he is going to scream and when you get in his vision or up close...huge smile...faker! oh these boys have me wrapped around their fingers!! I really complain way to much about nothing really, its hard work but someone has to be their mother, lol and i luckily am! So what have you been up to lil man in your five months.. -Billy goat Alex! Everything in reach goes into you mouth to chomp...chomp.. -Great coordination now compared to last month, you grab it efficiently and into the mouth. -if you are on your tummy you push back, which the pedi said you would and also the zombie grab with your hand, which you have... -you "motor boat", so funny, just quiet or falling asleep you will pop off of eating and just blow those lips, hilarious..little future car lover its like your zoooomm, zoommm around kiddo. -rolling over to side pretty well, sometimes you surprise yourself and roll onto your tummy, lol. -grunting, coughing and sticking out your tongue if no one is paying attention to you or if you had enough. -if we have passed your nap time you will start screaming or if you have a poopoo diaper. -you like playing in the jumper and now going full circle in it with all the little toys. -sitting up by yourself for a few minutes before bending all the way over thankfully you still have your gummy smile, and we love it! guess what we also started you on cereal at 5.5 mo.

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really wanted to wait, but you grabbed at our food, smacked your lips and salivated everytime we ate. I was very hesitant to wait till at least 6 months, but we started and you love it, screaming in between spoonfuls because you want some more. I am going to make some veggies today or tomorrow and start that. Oh just when I thought you were my lil baby baby, you are growing up on me kiddo...love you so much all 23 lbs of ya!

First trip to the Dentist

Well we have been dragging our feet with our trip to the Dentist and finally made an appt, when I walked by a cute office on my way to gets parts for my pump. I made an appt for next week and went home to my boys. I was hanging out with the boys waiting for daddy to arrive from work. Boys were fed and baths done, giving alex a nebulizer treatment when my phone rang. I asked Gio to get it for me and next thing I hear is a loud piercing scream and cry. I ran over with alex in tow and find Gio on the floor with blood all over his mouth, scoop him up and check wth happened, he was in my sight the whole time, somehow he slipped and fell right into one of the baby chairs and bit his lips, he upper two teeth had blood all around and gums were swollen, I washed him off, did ice bag and gave him arnica tablets every 15 min for two hours. I later inspected his gums closer and noticed he had torn his upper frenulum as well. OMG I was freaking out and felt horrible all because I had asked him to get my phone, ughhh I want to be the mom on the Incredibles Elastic Girl and nothing would happen to my boys. Gio was unfazed by the whole issue abut 30 min later because we let him watch Team Umizumi. He woke up and his lips were slightly swollen, not as bad as the night before and in great spirits. Checked with his teachers if it was ok to go to school and they said yes. Called dentist and they squeezed me in for an appointment right after school. The office is train Disney theme and gio loved it. The dentist was awesome and had great patient and parent rapport. We had to take an xray, Gio sat on my lap, im sure he could have done it without me.
He sat in the chair with no issues and let the doctor inspect his teeth.

We were cleared of any fractures or damage, no cavities and clean bill of teeth health. Doctor suggested to come back in 6 mo-1 yr for his first cleaning, but overall was happy. He answered all my questions and we had friends in common, funny enough. I was so relieved to one have no damage and two no cavities! Yea! Lot of firsts these past two weeks and Daddy reminding me that boys will be boys, bruises and scrapes are in my future....not if I can help it, helicopter mom reporting to duty...lol

Prek-3

So somehow I blinked and my baby is 3.5yo and started Prek-3....what!!!!! We moved in two days prior and I couldn't find my cute bento boxes I purchased for Gio's lunch. I couldn't even find all his cute new tops I bought for back to school, ughh thankfully we had nice ironed clothing in his closet to pick from. lol!  The night before we practiced trying to open one of the bento boxes I had bought and he did great the first two times then got frustrated and threw it on the floor. So I scratched that and went to ziploc bags. I woke up early: prepared breakfast, woke up the boys, changed and dressed with daddys help, and then breakfast served.

Gio was not fazed by it all, but Daddy and I were running around making sure all was packed up because Alex was going to Tita's, Gio to school and each of us to work. I made sure Daddy didn't schedule morning patients and we both went to drop off Alex first then Gio. Before we hopped in the car, I took my first day pic of course, I am always going to be that mom! My mom ran out to give Gio a kiss and take Alex inside. We arrived at school right on time, walked Gio in with his bag and lunch. He walked us to his dinosaur themed classroom and we placed his items in his locker and off he went without a goodbye hug or kiss. We said hi to the teachers and walked away. I couldn't believe he just walked away, I mean hello...what about me....luan made me go back because he didn't want to hear my complaining all day. I walked in found him playing already, asked for a kiss, he gave me his cheek and said bye mom....just like that...my baby grew up and I learned a great lesson. I have taken this boy for granted and need to value every moment I have with him. These past 4.5 months have been tough trying to balance time with each boy, mostly been with Alex because of nursing and need more quality time with Gio. So anywhoo, tears might have been somewhere near my eyes, but they didn't flow and to see him so happy in his new environment, strengthened my decision to start school and to leave him with his new caretakers. Daddy and I went to a nearby Starbucks and just sat for a few minutes together so happy for our first boy! Then off to work we went. I stopped by the office and just like that 4 hours went by fast and it was time to pick up Gio. He was sitting in a circle with his friends and came out running when he saw me. He was carrying his bags and told me how strong he was. I asked him how school was and he said fun mom! I played in the sand and rode bikes on the playground, my new friend is Thomas. I said good Gio, so happy for you. He then told me his teachers like him, and I said oh really, he said yes because I am fancy! lol. I couldn't stop laughing. We are now in week two of school and I have been lucky enough to drop him off each day and pick him up except for one day when Tita took over. He also started gymnastics with Coach Steve, who told me today we need to work on Gio sitting down and not getting up so much during class. Lol. (fyi this coach loves to talk and talk, umm hello more gymnastics less lecture....fyi they are 3 and 4 not olympic team) I had emailed the teacher because, Gio was coming home with most of his lunch still in tact, he def enjoys his veggies and fruits and the sandwich was left to the side. She mentioned Gio was getting up alot and they were working on him sitting down, he keeps getting distracted by all the artwork on the walls, but that he was very active and talked alot with them. He is a great listener, enjoyed story and circle time. Everyday I walk up to his class to pick him up, although I have the option of carpool lane, I have the time so I park and love to see his smile when he spots me. I ask the teacher everyday how he did, they said great, he is happy. Gio tells us here and there how much he likes school and his teachers, makes me so happy! I have even had to threaten no school if he doesn't finish his breakfast, which works, hope that lasts forever. I still hear kids crying as their parents leave and I am so happy that I have not had to experience that with Gio. Last year, he would cling to my leg with new experiences, now he is like bye mom, have new friends. Yea Gio, mr independent! I hope you have a great school year my love and grow with each new opportunity!

Packing it up!

Well packing was very last minute we had an earlier moving date then a change to two weeks later and then laziness kicked in. House was full of boxes and the reality hit we are moving in two days! My mom took Gio the night before and we stayed up late packing everything up. The movers arrived at 7 am and Luan started taking down the beds and taping some last minute boxes closed. I watched with Alex as the movers efficiently moved us out. One thing I did notice was how in the world did we accumulate so much in a small space??? Ugh hh makes me want to throw stuff out ASAP! Well I headed to the house to vacuum because the carpet was cleaned the day before and they advised to vacuum prior to setting all furniture down.   Movers arrived right after I did and started setting everything down. Now it looks like we don't have enough furniture thanks to bigger space. Lol. Always a complaint by me!

Well our rental is cute overall except it could use new carpet and paint in the bedrooms. The previous owners had cats and the smell of cat litter is strong. I mean I have lived with pets before but the smell was overwhelming. We also had a mixup of appliances, long story always drama in our house, but finally resolved and settled. Talked to landlord she agreed to paint and change carpet in bedrooms, but still waiting on that. Honestly we are about 75% settled in can't wait to get carpet put in to finally complete unpacking. Gio loves his new playroom and Alex is trying to adjust. He isn't quite sleeping as well as in the condo. He got sick right after our move couldn't tell if it was allergies or virus, had to use gios nebulizer on him just to get the gunky congestion in his chest out. Thankfully to my love of homeopaths and now new found passion for doterra essential oils, both boys are quickly recovering. Two weeks in, boxes are still everywhere, clothes aren't unpacked and  no progress, so it's making me crazy. Balancing unpacking, preschool start and work has been wild, so hopefully this weekend we will clean it all up! Thankfully this is a rental and we will only be here for two years, god willing. Learning what we want and don't want in our future old or new home. In the meantime making our White House as Gio calls it home sweet home!

4 mo Alexander

Well Mr chunk a lunk is growing rapidly, same way as big brother did at this age. 20lbs and 28 in long. The staff at the pediatrician couldn't stop holding him and kept comparing him to Gio. Alexander had a good check up until he got too tired and screamed because he was ready for a nap. Pedi said you make big healthy milk loving babies lol. She said he could go all night without a feeding, said totally read the literature but you come over and let him know that at 1am, lol.  My 4 mo baby is darling! Hands are very yummy right now bc he can get them in and soothe those achy teething gums. Pedi said no teeth just yet, probably more likey sore gums. He is tryin to roll. He'll swing his legs and go onto his side but not fully onto tummy just yet. We prop him up to sit up but big ol head will have him falling over bc he wants those hands in his mouth and then he isn't balancing on anything too cute. He likes teething toys to suck on but if they fall out he gets highly upset. He clasps his hands and grabbing onto things which go straight into his mouth, but coordination is not all there so frustration builds up quickly and man is he vocal about it. Super Alex will let you hear his roar of frustration quickly or when he doesn't want to be alone. He has been getting very fussy bc he fights naps and is tired but interested in what's going on around him, otherwise he is a great sleeper. He loves when gio gets close and is all smiles! He is going to get a gold medal in nursing Olympics bc he wants to take me with him as he turns and cranes his necks or flips his body to see what's going on. Then wonders why mommy's milk didn't go with him, little man doesn't want to miss a thing. He was snacking instead of full out meals so we put a curb to that bc it was getting nonstop.

Alex has good head control when he is held and loves looking at everything, he makes sure to hold on to ur shirt, ear or hair lol. He is starting to giggle alot more and is reaching for his feet not exactly in his mouth just yet, lol. I love when be wakes up he curls up and then fully stretches out for a while too cute. Swaddling is still favored when for nighttime sleep and occasionally for naps when his hands keep him up from too much sucking. Love this tender age and discovering new things all over again with my super baby Alexander! 

Meet the teacher day

Gio had a great time playing in his future classroom alongside his fellow classmates. We walked in and he breezed by his teachers without a care lol, because he focused in on cars and dinosaurs and he was off. After I introduced myself and my mom to the teachers, I got Gio to come back and introduce himself then hand them our cute little snack gifts.

I met other parents and was very comforted knowing that the majority were returning kiddos who were there last year or have had siblings go through the school.  I don't know anyone personally that have attended gios day school but I very much enjoyed it during my visit. As I might have mentioned earlier I had put Gio in another school but last min opening in a closer school won us over. Well at other school they help clean the kids when they use the rr of needed. At this present school they do not. Three year old kids should be potty trained, totally understood. I thought to myself ew need to teach Gio how to wipe himself for no 2. We potty trained but never thought of making sure he wiped himself as part of the teaching part. To be honest never crossed my mind. Well in the past two weeks we have had 2-3 accidents just from nonstop playing and he gets there too late, so we cleaned up and are more alert with reminders. So any whoo I asked teacher what happens if there is an accident. She said if its a pee we will change them if its poo we will call you to come to school to change him, we do not touch the kids. Now this in all my questioning never came up. I said really. She said yes we supervise but do not touch, but if accident we call you. Now listen totally understand not touching but can't you supervise him cleaning himself like you already do and let him change himself rather then letting him sit in it till I myself, hubby or Tita can get there. I don't like that, not asking you to wipe or touch him, just let him clean himself and give him his new undies just like you would a pee accident. I posted this topic on fb and got lots of different reactions, my friend reposted my question and she got lots of diff responses. It's a very fine line with kids and "physical" abuse so I get it. But in all my paperwork that was not in the fine print and I'm just curious am I over reacting bc I don't want my kid sitting in poop till we get there? I hope this is never an issue because I would be very upset to find Gio covered in poop. 

Ok enough of that, other than that sticky area of discussion, Gio loved his classroom and didn't want to leave. So I am hoping for a great school year and accident free Gio! We start on the 4th! 

Moving soon....

So after a month and a half of searching for a new place to call home, we finally found it! First let me start with never ever ever look for a home in the summer to rent. Realtor told us everyone is trying to move into a specific school district or have more time in summer and houses go fast! We would find a house that was just posted, take a view and then place an application only to find out one or two apps are already placed. We found three that we loved and too late to the game for. A last choice was the one we finally got. So we were scheduled to be in that place today but as luck would have it, we found a house in my moms neighborhood literally around the corner from her, with more space, enclosed backyard and cheaper rent, sold! We applied and approved so we will be moving by the end of August! I am sad to be leaving our condo but happy for more space and no more stairs! Not going to miss 16 flights up and down with two chunk-a-lunk kiddos to carry or groceries! Phew! We found a nice realtor and saw many homes with kids in tow in summer Texas heat, but we were determined to move! I am thankful for the past two years in our condo, our first official family home! We brought Gio here at 1.5 years old and we had to carry him up; now he runs up and down the stairs. I potty trained him here, craft central and we brought Alex here into our home! I am thankful for all the memories in our first family home and can't wait to make more at our new rental. We came in as a family of three Nguyen  and leaving as a family of four! So in the next two weeks lots of packing will be going on. I have cleaned out the boys closets and mine, three piles made: keep, sell, and donate. Lots to do and I can't wait! 

Nursing Alexander

Gymnastics nursing has started! Alexander has discovered there is a world outside of his nursing field and he wants to view it from all angles while nursing and tries to pull me with him, if you get my drift...! He also tries to carry a conversation with me or comment in on a conversation I'm having with daddy or Tita. He nurses pops off, baby gibberish, pops back on, pops off gives his two cents and then back to nursing. Hilarious!  The other day I was bathing Gio and Alexander was ready to eat and sleep as well, but I figured let me finish with Gio and nurse Alexander while reading to Gio before bedtime! So I placed Alexander in his rocker in the bathroom with us while I gave Gio a bath. All was fine till I started hearing screams and wails from him. By the way it was a quick bath time and then dressing while screams are coming from this baby! Good lord! I finally get him, he hollers at me two more times, latches on for a bit then pops off to holler some more while directly looking me in the eyes then finally nurses. SMH! Then to finish off once he is satisfied he pops off and gives me a huge gummy smile and happy squeal! Good lord drama baby! He is keeping me busy at 3.5 months. Just like his big brother he wants to nurse and also suck on his hand at the same time, thumb wars is what I called it with Gio! So here I am trying to keep his hand away but let me tell you babies are strong! So I let him lay for a while till he is finally ready to eat, otherwise it's just a battle. Thankfully going back to work has been so flexible and easy this time around. When I do go to work I pump alot two days prior and there is always frozen milk just in case.  I pump on the way to work and right after I am done in the car! So relaxing to be honest! I'm covered up under my nursing cover and can get all that milk out of me! I don't have time to pump at work and if I go longer hours ill just have to find a way. I'm thankful to have a great nursing experience so far. With Gio I had a nursing strike for a while and now realize that it was the beginning of teething and it hurt him to nurse. This time around I was prepared and had hylands teething gel at hand which has calmed Alexander down instantly! He is salivating up a storm and although no teeth have cut, you can feel some sharpness at his gums. While he was nursing he started to get uncomfortable and moan in pain. I rubbed some gel on his gums and he calmed down fast, and nursing was more pleasant for him. I also ordered a amber teething necklace can't wait to try it out, read alot of great reviews. Daddy also found acupressure points for teething which has helped and calm down the salivating. Teething kind of put a bump in our sleeping pattern, but we are getting back to 5-6 hr increments. The pediatrician told me bc of his weight he no longer had to night feed and I totally understand her but try telling that to a screaming baby during the night and as you know CIO is not my forte. One step at a time, I am trying to extend the feeding time intervals slowly and cutdown on nighttime feedings as well. We will see, I am definitely trying and Alexander really likes his sleep and I don't want to mess with that! There will be a point that I will be waking up really early for work and need to get as much sleep as I can, so helping Alexander transition now would be good, but easier said then done. Anywhoo, regardless of the wakeup times during the night or stopping what I am doing during the day, it is so worth it! Nursing my baby is a journey and I love it, especially when those gorgeous eye stare back at me and a smile erupts across those cute cheeks. Although my nursing relationship with Gio has ended, I didn't realize I missed it so much. Gio is growing up and that was the only time he slowed down for a bit. Thankful for a second experience with Alexander! 

Gio-3.5 yo

Well Gio did not want to be left out of the monthly pics so he wanted a pic as well with his baby Alexander.

Gio is all heart, loves monster trucks, trains and binoculars. Loves soccer and overcoming his swimming anxiety, which I can report that this past Sunday was awesome! He didn't cry but he did negotiate some  treats in exchange for attending class, seriously this kid is going to be a lawyer.

He started and ended class with a smile and is swimming, short distances of course but swimming! Woohoo!!!! He even gave me a thumbs up when he finished! I was glued to the window the whole time with a huge grin across my face I was so damn proud! Yea my baby is happy that's all I want. Now naps is another battle we are having quiet time instead, this boy fights sleep but wakes up happy, what else can I ask for.

He is singing alot now and just uses your own words against you. We have recently seen Madagascar, despicable me and monsters university.

I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said tall to touch the sky. Lol. I explained to him I was referring to a career and he said a yellow minion lol! Lately you have been singing I want to move it, move it! I want to move it! This kid will have you smiling and laughing within seconds! Love you 3.5 yo! Gio also got awesome gear for preschool from madrina, Tio Danny and cousin Sammie!

Thanks again! Pablo is currently his BFF and I too k them to chuck e cheese this past Friday.

These boys had me running in all directions, had fun, saw my future with Gio and Alex, I got to get more active ASAP! :) I am trying to make time for more Gio and mommy dates, we had one this past week. We attended a free children's play, had lunch, park time and rode the train!  

Alexander 3 month Baby!

My cutie pie is getting so big and his gummy smiles are the best! I love this stage in life! That smile is being compromised bc teething is coming soon! Mr. Alexander is salivating up a storm and blowing bubbles! He wants to talk so bad....he repeats my AAA's and squeals so cute! He is chewing on his hands and now tolerates tummy time! Alexander wakes up plays for a bit then back to sleep by 9/930 then wake up, play, eat and repeat till 7pm! Lil man loves his sleep and don't mess with it. He tolerates car rides more thankfully! Nursing has been off and on because his gums hurt but I have applied hylands teething gel and that has calmed him down instantly! There are rolls and rolls all around his chubby body! Oh I love holding and kissing this boy so much! I'm taking advantage of those cheeks since he hasn't figured out how to push me off yet, lol! We are practicing to sit up a d he is getting really good at neck control! Alexander is all smiles, he wakes up and smiles, smiles while asleep and nursing. Love it! He recognizes his name and when I say Gio he smiles! Loves his big brother already! Bath time is Funtime still and now I am getting splashed at by kicking feet going wild! 

Jellybean's update

Oh these boys are keeping us busy!

Giovanni is 3.5 yo and mr smarty and mouthy pants! He knows all the rules but doesn't apply them unless he is telling you to follow them. He is testing limits daily and seeing how far he can go with them .... Sorry future teacher we are trying hard to curb this but it's a daily challenge. On the other hand he is so smart and his comprehension/reasoning skills are so good! We are so Impressed with what comes out of his mouth sometimes, it's crazy awesome! Or maybe every 3.5 yo is like this, but regardless it's really nice to have conversations with Gio! This past Friday we went to the mall with Lucy and her kiddos. He had to use the rr and I was feeding Alex so she took him. They were running to the rr and he kept telling her my mommy said not to run, she couldn't stop laughing. Then he spotted the RR sign and pointed it out to her look the rr is that way follow the arrow. Lucy asked if we went there alot and I said no, why. She said he read the sign and followed the directions, she was impressed. I said he is reading now from memory. He recites his books to us in the car and is nonstop singing. New books we might read them 2-3x and he has it half memorized. He loves the library! We stared attending story time again and he is upfront next to the teacher. I ask him if he wants to go to the park or library and he requests the library first!

in the evenings we head to the park if we can, because the heat is getting unbearable! He loves the swings and slides of course. If he meets a kid to play with he instantly tells us that they are his friend. If they leave before us or we have to leave, he doesn't understand why and cries that he misses his friend and he wants to play more. It's so sad, a couple of months ago my kid was shy and now he is making "friends" left and right and doesn't understand ppl have to go home. We explain and explain, but he doesn't care at that moment, hopefully school and repetition will help that. So excited that he will be in school! He still loves cars and trains, but loves his soft toys as well. He really has a collection of stuffed animals on his bed, right now Blue (his build a bear) and mike wazoski from monsters are his favorites! Cartoons: Oscar, Daniel the tiger, the kratz brothers and Mickey Mouse club are on repeat. He also likes to watch this kid documentary on monster trucks/Machines? This boy can spot a crane, truck, taxi, bus, plane or digger a mile away while we drive throughout the city. He is interested in time and is constantly asking what time it is, if we ask him he says 69/59, it's so funny.

Tita's backyard is his playground and he can be back there for hours! In the last month he has spent two nights with ongbanoi, and they are all so happy. Soccer class is going strong although swimming is not! He complains the whole way there and back, but while in the pool happy as can be! He has random phrases "u/I don't know about that" and so many more. In the morning he comes straight to my room and gives Alexander a huge hug and kiss and says I love my baby brother. Oh yes Alexander is his baby so he claims. He loves Alexander's head and tries to hug/kiss/squeeze it whenever he can. When Alexander cries he tells him no no lil boy, you need to wait or what happened Alex what happened? He reads to Alex and daddy has us singing in the car we moving we grooving to calm Alex down.

Gio was playing with a car that daddy gave him and he kept telling him thank you! then he said what kind of car do u want mommy and daddy? we told him random cars, he said when im big im going to buy yall cars but right now im small so i cant, but when im big i can, ok mommy and daddy! this boy is all heart! Giovanni you are a surprise daily and what an honor to be with you as you discover the world! 

Alexander, is here and you can hear his roar!!!!! Lil Zander has found his voice and you are going to listen! Maybe some early separation anxiety? If you are with him and walk away, he lets out his roar! Walk back and you are met with a smile. Aye ya yai! Dirty diaper or ready for nap, ROAR!!! It's hilarious because this just happened this week. Before he would squirm or cry, nope loud, strong screams are now his go to. On the other hand he can smile and melt your heart. He wants to talk so badly! I am practicing basic words and sign language, Ma, Ba, Pa, Da. He follows my mouth and hands so intently and squirms around while his mouth opens and closes letting out little squeals here and there. Seriously people I swear I heard a Ma! He follows objects and people very well.

He knows when mommy is taking a pic, he knows my iPhone that's for sure, it's in his face alot! He is sleeping in his cribs for naps now as much as we can! Woohoo trying to curb the swing action for a lil bit. Some nights he goes longer periods of sleep than others, we are trying to extend sleep sessions and decrease night feedings. During the day eating 3/4 hr stretches and in the evening back to 2 hr stretches. Bath time is Funtime, he is kicking and splashing up a storm. So calm until I am trying to dress him and he is ready to go to sleep! 8pm we better be at home because he is ready for bed! He wants his bath, pjs, prayers and then nursing time before bed! He used to sleep On our tummies and now he is over that, he wants his space because he heats up and gets uncomfortable. If we are eating he needs to nurse, ;) doesn't want to be left out of the action. Swaddling is a must, his hands are his chew friends but they are his enemy during sleep time, bc they wake him up. 

Alexander has the cutest gummy smile, he is starting to salivate more and I am dreading the evil teeth that will soon cut through those cute gums, hold off a bit teeth, I want to enjoy every gummy smile I can! Mommy returned back to work this week and the boys did great with Tita! Naps and all! So easier going back to work this time around, no crying on my part, lol. Last time I cried for two weeks straight, even though Gio was with my mom, lol! Enjoying our summer with the Jellybeans!

4th of July 2013

Well I love festivals and parades! Hubby tags along and now that I don't work wknds guess what we are going to hit up everyone I can find! Can't wait for the fall!!! 

Ok so we got up early and out of the house by 845 and headed to the Annual Bellaire 4th Parade. I had no idea they had one until last year but our lazy bums missed it. Not this year! We got there right in time and the boys sat up front while Alex and I chilled in back, because they threw candy as the cars and floats rolled by, so I didn't want to get smacked and warned daddy too!

Fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycles, floats, kid bike  parade and cars were part of the parade. Gio was given and flag and he waved it proudly throughout the whole parade pointing everything out to daddy as he sat on his shoulders. It was so cute and I was so happy we made it! Right after the parade we walked right over to the festival and Gio rode a mini Ferris wheel and enjoyed a petting zoo. Cooling off in the city hall bldg we found the bellaire librarian hosting a story time. She was so animated and Gio loved it as he sat upfront memorized by the stories. Afterwards we used our remaining tickets for chickfila and packed up to go. The kids were soon asleep in the car and we heard to Rudy's picked up some BBQ and then home.

Daddy and I enjoyed some quiet time to ourselves while the boys slept. We hung out and relaxed, then I baked a small cake because it was Grandpa Umers bday. We met up with them for dinner to celebrate and then I snuck In a cooler with his cake, ghetto!

Gio loves all his grandparents and enjoys the time with them! After dinner everyone  went their separate ways to watch fireworks. We headed to town and country and let me tell you what a disappointment, only 10 min and no big finale, oh well. Gio had a blast regardless because he got to sit on the roof of the rover with Daddy, while Alex and I chilled inside.

A very fun filled packed day! Happy 4th!!!