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!!!

Last min Decisions...

well things always happen for a reason....I was offered this really nice job in January. I was so excited a move in the right direction financially for our family, I couldn't believe it. Well once offered the job I did tell them that I was pregnant and still able to work, but I would be off 6 weeks for maternity leave. I was going to cut time with my new bambino so that I could provide more financially. The contact person and owner were understanding and excited to move forward or so I thought and was given the impression. My start date came and went and an offer letter was never received. I had also taken my test that month for my certification and awaiting news on that. Well I continued work on the wknds and still sent out resumes for when I became certified I would update. Honestly it was a blessing in disguise, financially speaking it would have been great but family wise it would have been tough, working the last two months preggo. I enjoyed my pregnancy resting and hanging out with Gio. Oh about those test results yep I Failed!!! I remember taking that test and getting dizzy from sitting too long, my feet were swelling and I was just overwhelmed! I couldn't think straight! I walked out of the testing center to the car, buckled up and started crying knowing I had bombed it. I have never failed a national certification test before and I felt like such a failure and that I had let my family down, financially speaking! Yes hubby is working and supporting us but I wanted to add to that so bad after sacrificing all last year in the training program, felt like such a waste of time. Hubby was so supportive and refocused my crazy hormonal self on my pregnancy. He was right and I would take the test again when it was next offered in June, only hesitation would be is that my bambino would be two months old and I really did t know when I would study or focus with lack of sleep and care of two boys. Well when bambino turned a month I knew I had to buckle down and study. I slowly started reading and studying during naptimes. I went to review and left the boys with mom if she was available. I took the test and feel really good about it this time around, I really hope I passed! Ill find out in 4-6 weeks, if I don't pass well then I'm really not sure what else I can do , but go back to the drawing board. Last week a friend on fb asked if I was still looking for work and I said yes. He asked me to send my resume in, I got a call within an hour and had an interview set up after our family mini vacation. My friend spoke so highly of me that during my interview they gave me great reviews, I notified them that I was returning to my previous job in two weeks from maternity leave and I would need a reply soon. I was going to be firm this time and not wait around, well that evening I checked my email and found an offer letter. Woohoo! That was fast! Hubby and I discussed my new opportunity and felt that it is a right decision for our family. Previous to this opportunity I was conjuring ways to convince hubby to let me stay at home with the boys, lol! I contemplated working wknds forever and weekday FT SAHM. As great as my SAHM journey has been and let me tell you it is the hardest job I have ever had, and the most rewarding. Going to work outside the home will be a financial advancement towards the boys futures. Thankfully my boys are not going to daycare and will be with my mom. That has its pros&cons but it is the best choice for our kids. I start in a week...eeek...pumping as much as i can to leave bambino some food!!!!  Well with all that going on, our lease is also up in September and we have 45 days prior to give notice well that's in 2.5 weeks. What to do, what to do...space wise we r getting cramped. I actually love our home but traveling is going to be awful with my new job from here with an hour commute. So this weekend we are going to go view some spaces and then evaluate our choices. Stay/Move and we have 2.5 weeks to decide! Regardless we are blessed!