It's a Boy!

Well, we found out that, come around June 24th, Ava and Bettina will both be big sisters to a...
BABY BROTHER!

We shared the news with the girls. Ava said she didn't want a little brother. When we mentioned that the news comes with an ice cream sundae, she quickly changed her mind: "I like my baby brother!" she chimed! Here's one of those hard-to-read sonograms of Baby #3's chubby face. I didn't see it at first, but a week later, I finally got it, so don't feel bad if you don't get it either!

Zoo Again

Eenie-Meenie-Minie-Moe, Catch a Tiger by the Toe...

We haven't been to the zoo since Tatiana the tiger killed and injured those stupid boys who were teasing her on Christmas Day. Not because we're worried about other animals or our own security, but mostly because of weather and over-programming in general.

Here are a couple of photos from our last trip with their friend Dean.

7 Ways to Create Magic for Toddlers, and Parents, at Christmastime

Christmas with 2-year olds is a blessing! They might be difficult to keep out of trouble, but they find every way to wring the most out of the magic of the season. Here are some things we found that brought Christmas to the forefront for us while it created magic for the girls:

Let it Snow - Christmas in Half Moon Bay

• Take the family to the Half Moon Bay's Night of Lights - They have a parade of kids aglow with lights, carolers, horse and carriage rides, sponsored kiosks of roasted chestnuts, a place to roast marshmallows, live bands, Santa with candy canes and a foam machine mounted above that makes it seem like it's snowing. The girls just loved this event. The snow machine was a real hit!
• Make a pot of hot chocolate one evening, dip candy canes in it and then bundle the kids from head to toe so you can all go outside, hold hands and admire the neighborhood's Christmas lights. We did this a number of times this year.
• Pack everyone up and drive to Ghiradelli Square for the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Introduce the kids to Santa Claus and get a piece of Ghiradelli chocolate. After watching the lights and the big tree, stop at the Ghiradelli ice cream parlor for a one-scoop sundae, complete with fudge, whipped cream and cherry. Watch your kids inhale everything.
• Go to the Reindeer Romp at the SF Zoo - The kids can meet Santa again as well as his reindeer. There are also crafts, like making your own set of antlers, as well as an ice skating rink. Rent skates or, if you don't have enough arms to guide all kids, watch the ice skaters glide past. Santa, sponsored by the SF Fire Dept., also gives toys and candy canes to the brave little ones who sit on his lap for a quick Polaroid photo (donation of $5 is suggested).
• Play Santa - usually, we sign up through church to sponsor a family at Christmastime and buy the family some necessities. This year, however, we decided to be the delivery people of these gifts that other families purchased and wrapped. The girls and I donned Santa hats and a cell phone, and converted our minivan into a sleigh. I told the kids to pay special attention to the smiles that came from the kids' faces. The girls loved it, meeting new families and spreading cheer. After the first house, a very thankful and appreciative family of 7, Ava asked, "Can we do that again?" We did - 2 more times!
• Ask the kids to write a letter to Santa telling him everything they want. Be astounded when the only things they want are candy canes and a pet fish. (This makes it very easy to give them everything on their list at least once in their lives!) Tell them to leave cookies and milk for the "Big Man" and carrots for his reindeer. Watch their expressions in the morning when all the treats are eaten.
• To round out the season, take the kids to the Epiphany services on Twelfth Night (the 12th day of Christmas or 3 Kings Day). Our church has a live enactment of of the kings' arrival to the nativity. The "kings" are children of the congregation chosen at dinner just beforehand (via a token prize in the dessert) and "baby Jesus" is one of the youngest members of the congregation, this year, 6-week Andrew. "Mary" is played by the mother of the baby that plays Jesus, and "Joseph" is played by the keeper of the real live donkey that comes to church and walks through the chapel!! The kids just loved seeing the real donkey and adding their own gifts (3 coloring crayons and a toy compass) to those left by the kings on the alter for Jesus.

Belles of the Ball

Ava & Bettina with cousins Antonio and Elio

Every year, we go to the Christmas dinner at the Italian social club of which both Paul and his dad are/were members. We take up a table of 12 and enjoy 5-course meal of antipasto, salad, ravioli, meat and veggies and dessert all enjoyed in conjunction with a craft of table wine (although we usually supplement with our own). The 30-35 or so tables are set up on a platform that covers the bocce ball courts. Old pictures of Italy, specifically anywhere near Genoa, as well as photos, plaques and trophies from bocce ball tournaments cover the walls. A new addition is a wall of photos that include women taken during the club's 100th anniversary, which was celebrated last year.

Just before dessert ends, there is a raffle for things like log of salami, jumbo pack of uncooked pasta, or a gift certificate somewhere local. Typically, this is also when Santa Claus comes in and gives plastic candy canes filled with chocolate kisses to all the little kids. Parents step in to get a photo of their kids with the jolly 'ole man.

After dinner, most people go upstairs where a good old-fashioned 3-piece polka band plays music for dancing in the "ball room." A second bar is also up there so people wander from it to the sides of the dance hall, intermittently taking turns dancing as well. This is all very old fashioned with ballroom dancing; some even literally bring their dancing shoes and don outfits just made to twirl. They are very good.

This is where the simple 2-story building turned into a magical castle for Ava and Bettina. The second their eyes set on these couples dancing to a real drum, trumpet and accordion, they wore tiaras and everyone was royalty. Their eyes lit up as they watched people circle the dance floor. Seeing this moment, I told Paul he'd better ask one of his daughters to dance. Ava instantly said Yes! Bettina wanted in too. A complete stranger, captivated by toddler party-dressed "cuteness" asked her to dance. Without even answering, Tina took the hand and walked out into the circling splendor of dancers. This was a riot watching how much they were enjoying dancing. (Click here to see a video of Paul and Uncle Dave dancing with the girls)

They didn't sit one dance out. Strangers came over all the time and they would dance with them all. They learned to twirl and soon, Tina's "frankensteps" were getting a little bit lighter and bounced with the beat. I figured it had to be around 9:30pm or later and went to the coat closet to fetch the little ballerinas' jackets for the short walk home. When I got there, I realized the clock read 11:15pm -- way, way past their bed time!! They saw me coming with their coats and ran away screaming, "No!" A group of a dozen or more older people, who'd been admiring the girls, started complaining as well: "Let them dance!" OK - one more dance.

At 11:30pm, we walked home, the girls chatting excitedly about their dancing, the band and the Christmas lights that decorated the houses all the way home. They didn't notice their exhaustion until their heads hit their beds. Clearly, this event was a highlight in their Christmas season, and we were still more than 2-weeks until the "big" night.

Our Little Pear - 14 Weeks

Pregnancy with toddlers is certainly different. For one, I don't have my dog-eared copy of "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" at the side of my bed nor am I guaranteed that I can get 20-minutes to lay down during the day to rest anymore. Bettina is now skipping naps, even if I wait until 3pm to start them (this used to work like a charm, but only half the time now). Often, I forget completely what week we're in with Baby #3; there are just too many other important things going on at the same time. Usually, I have to wait until Sundays, when I get my email reminder from babycenter.com that tells me how many weeks the little life is. It tells me that, despite my big tummy, about the size of a large cantaloupe, our baby is about the size of a pear and about 3-inches long. S/He is complete with fingerprints now. Somehow, that seemed to sneak up fast.

This week, I had my monthly visit with my OB/GYN and got to hear the heartbeat. I had one complaint: how come I'm so big so fast this time when there's only one? I seem to be as big as I was this time with two! Normal, she responds. Good ole' pregnancy hormones send out a message to let all my tummy and stomach muscles to relax and the big tummy just falls out. I don't need maternity pants (but am on the verge), but the tops are essential. Regular tops are just too short in lenght. I still have morning sickness - something I suffered with until week 18 with the girls. I've asked for meds to help as I'm snappy and my parenting skills are compromised. They have given me something strong enough to use with cancer patients' nausea. It helps a lot - I didn't actually realize how sick I was feeling until the pills made me remember what "normal" is like.

The girls are getting ready to start pre-school next month. It is suggested that they start so that, when the baby comes, they are already comfortable in their routine and don't see school as a punishment or another change that the baby has brought. Along with all the Christmas cards we got in the mail yesterday, a postcard from their teacher, Andrea, came. It had her picture on it. The girls recognized her right away and got excited to hear from her at home. We decided on a Reggio Emilia school, and I'm really pleased to have found 2-spots in the middle of the year. Another of their friends, Nathan, will be taking the last spot in their group of 6 kids. Nathan has identical twin sisters who are 5 years old. I have been buddying up with their mom, Julie, since she has a lot of insight to kids after twins. The spacing between her twins and Nathan is the same as what ours will be. She's been a great resource for questions such as car configurations and the like. We look forward to maintaining this friendship at school as well.

We All Love Baby Braxton...

Isn't this just the cutest picture? Talk about kissing cousins.... One to cherish!

Ava Joins the Ranks - The Cat Walk at GAP

Sometimes you've got the right size, but not the right attitude. That's what we've always had when it came to Ava's fit-modeling career. However, we got a call from our manager last week asking if Ava was still wearing a size 7 shoe. "Yeah, she is," I answer. "Now, which one has the better temperment?" Michelle asks. I know what she means -- Bettina doesn't really have a "better" temperment, per-say, but has more curiousity and willingness to try on new things in front of a room of complete strangers. "Bettina," I answer. "Does she wear a size 7?" she asks hopefully. "No. She's an 8." "Well, how do you think Ava will do?" I can't promise anything other than we could practice at home beforehand.

So, in the morning, just before our appointment with Baby GAP, Ava and I practice putting on different types of shoes: some too big, some too small, and some in colors I know she hates. Every time she does what is asked without complaining, she gets a Skittle and gets to choose the color as well. I'm still a bit nervous since the last time we went to a shoe gig, she absolutely refused; we got black-listed from that client.

With fingers crossed, we walk in to meet our contact at Baby GAP. The fitting goes great - she tries on the shoes and walks the "cat walk" observed by a team of designers, returning to ask for "a yellow one". We have found Ava's current currency. We're called back again before the week's done, and again, she gets her pick of colored candies. Good job, Ava!!

Little Parasite

'Tis the season to be thankful for all the little things... There are many obvious things: cute little girls who insist on doing things themselves, who delight in seeing Christmas lights, get shy around Santa, and relish in hot chocolate and ice cream. However, I must admit that I'm feeling a bit annoyed with a little parasite which has been silently leaching off my body, sucking all my energy as well as any appetite or satisfaction from food. And, with the holiday season, what a time to be turned off by food!

And, poor Paul! Since I'm not turned on by food, I'm certainly not excited about shopping for or preparing it for him. He usually gets the short-end of that stick. I am thankful he's understanding and not pouty about that. And, the poor girls! They want to play and jump on my tummy and be launched into the air on Mommy's feet like an airplane. Sorry - not in the mood. I'm grouchy that I have to tell them "no" and "that gives Mommy an owie."

Since we are to practice being thankful, I only have to do two things to set myself straight again: look at the refrigerator where a picture of the grape-sized parasite resides, proving it's little heartbeat, fingers and toes exist and, remember back 3-years ago when I was so sick, I spent nearly all day for 13-weeks in bed. So, it has been worse. It's just different now that more little beings, no longer legitimate parasites, but dependants none-the-less, vie for my energy and attention.

That's right - my parasite isn't something I picked up during some exotic travels, but is something Paul and I hoped to create. We're having Baby #3!!! Are we excited? Absolutely!! And I will be a lot more thankful in a couple more weeks once I'm able to regain my stomach and energy level.

Watching Ainsley and Patrick these last couple of days with their new baby is inspiring -- sort of a look at what's to come. And, spending the holidays with the girls, who "get" Christmas and all the magic that it encompasses for them, #3, who should arrive late-June, will be another treat and a true blessing! We are thankful - even for a parasite!

Baby Braxton is Here!

Braxton Raymond was born at 7:12 pm today, Wednesday Nov. 21st. He is 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 inches (if memory serves) and has a loud set of lungs!! Ainsley is doing great and did it all al natural!!

Patrick describes little Braxton as having "10 fingers, 10 toes, no tail and looks like a chicken with no hair."

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

This Is How It Should Be

They decided not to force her to take the medication once they figured out that she didn't want to take it anymore. Phone calls went out: "Grandma's coming home. Come when you can - she's not expected to make it past the weekend."

So, family began to gather, filling up her and my Aunt's bedrooms as well as the neigboring hotel. Food was brought over from members of the church congregation. We took turns holding her hand, reading to her from the Bible, checking her meds and comfort level. Three or four of us would help turn her every couple of hours to help her skin stay intact. We learned how to bath her, style her hair, and move her, strategically propping her pillows to avoid pressure points. We journaled anything pertainant so we could all participate in her care. Grandma was surrounded by familiar things, smells and noises. Calming recordings of her church choir ran softly from a CD player in her room as well as the filtered noise of the televised football games the guys were watching. Things are relaxed and "normal." The visiting nurse came to check on her. After watching us, she looked approvingly at us and said, "This is how it should be." Everyone participating, loving and protecting Grandma's dignity. Her comment made me cry as I realize just how beautiful this all is.
Saturday afternoon, there was a marked progression, so we gathered in the family room where she was placed and sung hymns for nearly 2-hours. We whispered in her ear and allowed others to say last words via a cell phone to her ear. She'd acknowledge with a slight lift of the hand or facial twitch. Her breathing was much labored now.

We were assisted in the evening by Anita, a nursing assistant I liken to a doula for death. Extremely compassionate and educational, she'd prepare us for and teach us to recognize the next stage. When Grandma's last moments came, she awakened those not already with her. It wasn't 15 minutes after she woke me up that Grandma passed. Surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and filled with the hope and promise of joining God and her high school sweetheart and husband of over 63 years, she made a peaceful and graceful transition into the Kingdom of Heaven. Grandma passed this morning at 4:55am. That nurse was right: This is how it should be. If only everyone had the same blessed opportunity.

Ainsley's Shower

Ainsley and Patrick had a flurry of baby-readiness activities this week. Two showers (pictures can be seen here) and a giant baby furniture warehouse sale. They should have everything they need, for Baby Braxton. It's just the waiting game now.

Halloween - a Bit Remiss

The Halloween pictures, the Halloween pictures... I'm finally getting around to posting the Halloween pictures.


A few days before Halloween, we tried to spread cheer through the neighborhood as we meet with a couple other kids from church to do a costume parade at a retirement house. The girls were shy at first, but then quickly visited people around the circle handing out little gifts of oranges and flowers. In hindsight, apples may be a better choice to give as most of the residents did not have the dexterity to peel the oranges. But after some help, they enjoyed them with us.


Our Ladybug and Butterfly enjoyed a nice time trick-or-treating. Here with Grandma, we hit up the retail shopping center during their hosted event. We later dined with friends casually then headed down the hill at nightfall for some trick-or-treating candy. The girls loved process, although they have yet to remember to say "trick or treat" for their treats.

Ava was scared of one costume: Jack the Pumpkin, who she called The Baseball Monster since the stitches on his head reminded her of a baseball. She's still talks about the Baseball Monster with fear and even started screaming one time as I was listening to the radio. I realized it was the "sports minute" and they were talking about Barry Bonds, the baseball player. She doesn't even like to hear about baseball in general; it's all too closely related to Jack the Pumpkin.

Jack the Pumpkin didn't bother Bettina at all. As Ava screamed and refused to approach the door where the "monster" was receiving his candy, Bettina passed us all and boldly asked for two candies! There's Bettina. We should have dressed her as a bull rather than a dainty butterfly!

Momma says, "Pimp My Ride!"

What's it like to be me? Watch this little movie, and you'll have some insight...

And Paul asks me why it's necessary to take my car to the car wash once every 6-weeks....

Tired of Watching Videos

Although we're still feeling awful, I am tired of being stuck sick at home watching videos. The girls don't feel like playing with their toys so much and to prevent agitating my own headache, I've allowed the videos to roll.

However, the weather is so nice, that despite feeling "poopy," we pack everyone up for a quick visit to the pumpkin patch. Couldn't get too many large smiles - or even a grin, but there was lots to see and it probably improved our mood.

We brought Hayden for a picture, too!

Happy Birthday, Daddy

The girls had so much fun making cupcakes for Daddy's birthday! It was our first attempt at baking....it went well enough, I think we could try something else soon.

We then got dressed up, in what Ava refers to as "ballerinas" (aka skirts) and took Dad to our favorite family restaurant: Fresh Choice (or aka "ice cream" ever since Daddy shared the secrets of the dessert bar with the girls).

After presents and singing, it wrapped up to be a beautiful day!

Pile of Tissues by the Bed

We've been sick. Bettina got it first, about a week ago. Her fever started Wednesday night, perhaps early Thursday morning. It finally broke on Friday. I'm glad, however, that she got it first. Bettina is a needy, whiney barnicle when she's not herself and demands to be carried everywhere. So, since Tuesday last week, I've been using my Chinese sling like a regular pack horse.

Saturday, Paul and I got away to have an anniversary dinner at The Ritz in Half Moon Bay. Nonna, who watched the kids for us, had a hard time getting the girls down. That night, Ava's fever came and I was up all night with not just one, but two whiney kids. Paul and I soon realized that it was divide and conquer night: Ava sleeps with me in our bed and Daddy with Bettina in their room, since 4 in a bed is ridiculous and Tina wouldn't sleep with so much "freedom" anyhow. By Sunday, I knew exactly that the moaning came from body aches rather than the sore throat I suspected - I had it, too. And, since then, we've had to keep the same sleep arrangments, gratis a Ava.

Ava, too congested to breathe, wakes up every 45-minutes to an hour crying, "Mommy, I's sick!" or "Mommy, I's need to blow my nose." She and I shared a box of Kleenex and I bottle of water to combat the cotton-mouth.

This morning, as Daddy came into the room to get ready for work, Ava defensively stretched out on her newly claimed turf: "Ava's bed! Go away! Daddy cuddle Tina!" Poor Daddy! However, my sympathy is short-lived as I know that Bettina, who's on the upswing, is now able to sleep through the night and Daddy got a full-night's sleep. As I swing my feet down to the floor, I find a pile of Kleenexes scattered all about evidencing our long, miserable night. Then I think, "He probably wouldn't want to spend the night with us anyway!"

Finally Home with Baby

Now here are a group of pictures that tell the whole story...

Emily called Jon in Bahrain, half-way across the world, and says, "Honey, I think it's time." He's able to coach her through her delivery while waiting to board his flight home. He even gets this clever sign made up just before boarding.



Someone lets the cabin crew know that another soldier is coming home to yet another new baby and they bake him up a little surprise. Their cake reads, "Congrats, Dad."


Meanwhile, Emily and Ella cuddle with Baby Rudy, knowing that Daddy's coming home soon.


And, finally, Jon walks into the hospital the following afternoon, ready to take his son, bride and little Ella back home - as one proud family (along with his mother, my aunt MaryAnn, who's out to help).

Makes you get all choked up and teary, doesn't it?

Still Coming Home to Baby

Well, word came today: Jon's on his way home from Iraq, expected to land at home tomorrow afternoon. Both he and his wife, Emily, were hoping he'd be there to see his baby, due the following day, come into to world. However, Rudy James, born this morning at 9:30am at 8lbs. 6 oz. and 19 3/4 long, and God had other plans.

Ironically, I was emailing Emily asking how she was last night after one of the girls woke up requiring a diaper change and I couldn't sleep right away. She emailed back that she was up with back pain that wouldn't let her sleep either. After she signed off, it must have progressed quite rapidly!!

The good news is that they were able to hail Jonathan somehow in Navy-land and, via telephone, he coached Emily through her pushing. I'm sure that I'll have some photos to share soon, but in the meantime, welcome to the world, Rudy James and welcome home, Jonathan!!

First Carousel Ride

Just look at the glee in those little eyes! Could we just bottle up some of this happiness and save it for a rainy day? The label on the outside would read "The Feeling Of My First Carousel Ride."

Dr. Snoopy Gives Out Teeth

Bettina gets comfortable while waiting for Dr. Snoopy

Bettina opens wide and shows Dr. Snoopy her broken teeth

We don't know how it happened or even when. Little Bettina is so stoic and tough, that she just appeared one evening with two broken teeth.

Of course, I was on the internet all night asking other moms for "emergency" pediatric dentist referrals and panicked about how quickly I could call Dr. Snoopy's (who received his nickname from the decor of his office and was referred by 80% of the mom's who responded) office. Two-minutes after his office opened, I was assured that Bettina's teeth were not an emergency, but that the doctor would like to see her anyhow, just to make sure. At least the sense of urgency was placated.

The visit was very much like the rest of my week: manic and out-of-control. Both girls (I had to take Ava with me) were "in a mood" (partially my fault since I took an appointment near their nap time) and weren't listening to me in the waiting room (partially their fault since they only have one toy in the entire waiting room!!!). Somehow, I don't have a copy of the insurance card and my cell phone was also forgotten at home so I can't even call Paul to get the information from him. Then I watch Ava sneek into a corner and get very quiet. This means one thing: poop-time. I pulled out all my supplies and realize that Paul had taken out the wipes the night before to deal with something and forgot to put them back. No wipes!!

I asked the front desk for some Kleenex and they could only give me 3 sheets for some reason. So I take out my changing pad, have Ava lay down, and pull down her pants. Stuff OOZES ALL OVER - total diaper failure!!! It's all over her pants and during her wiggle-fest, gets onto her shirt. The recpetion finally sees I'm needing a whole lot more that 3-sheets and rescues me with a garbage bag and some wet paper towels. Needless to say, Ava went the rest of the visit naked wearing only shoes and a diaper. Bettina did great for the doctor (who gave her and me a compliment for being so obliging), and he reassured me that the teeth are fine. Nothing's loose or seemingly cracked (an x-ray during their regular cleaning with confirm it) and when she's older - 3 years or so - and can sit still for half an hour, he can bond them so they look whole again. Whew! I thought I'd have to deal with the guilt of seeing all her pictures until she's 8-years old be with her showing off her two-front broken teeth!!

Getting out the door was an ordeal again. Reception took about 7-9 minutes to even get to me to schedule their regular appointments. Meanwhile, both girls were a handful wandering in and out of the exam areas, laying on the floor whining like crankypots and for their balloons - which they continue to release, and keep trading their toys from Snoopy's doghouse which all seem to be those plastic vampire teeth, (I guess we are close to Halloween) but they think is candy and become frustrated when they can't eat them. I was a little miffed at how long it took them to get me my appointments, but definatley relieved that Bettina's broken teeth will eventually get better. I hope for the strenght to get through such a manic day and hope that their impending baths (thanks to Ava's failed diaper) will wash away much of the chaos.