I'm not going home!

A typical day at our home starts as soon as Levi screams "I want out". This is usually at 6am every day. We don't get a break or longer snooze on weekends and holidays. That's alright, I think!? Or is our little boy vengeful ,because we put him to bed early. We have come up with a routine for one another. We have a night routine, and in return he has a morning routine for us. I believe we have a democratic home.

Ben had his last exam today. We celebrated by getting a chair for our bedroom, grocery shopping and burgers on the bbq. One school year has gone by and 2 or more years to go. I'm so proud of him. I know it requires sacrifice and time but it will be worth it at the end. We must persevere as a family. Education is important.

Easter weekend was filled with laughter and wonderful company. We started by going to Cloe and Claire's 1st birthday party. Their mom had sent us an invitation saying "... and you know how Claire and Cloe just love Levi...". I thought that was cute. We did go, we had lots of fun. The girls did stare at Levi during lunch and had pictures taken with them and Levi did try to hit the Thinkerbell pinata. Claudia told us that the girls always giggle when they see my little boy. She swore she hasn't been encouraging this behavior but it makes sense, Levi is handsome.

Later we went to my in-laws for Ham dinner. We were 12. It was so nice to see Sara, Chris, the adorable William, Christy and Dustin, we don't see them often because they live out of town. Holding William, makes me reminisce about our Levi at his age. Time does go by fast. Levi needs a sibling.

The next day we were delighted to have roast beef at Grammy's. She's been telling us lately that she should pay us for gas, because we drive her around all the time. Ben was quick by saying " Just keep feeding us". We love and appreciate her meals but mostly her love and care. We know and have seen how Levi has a special place in her heart, by the way she talks to him and spoils him. Levi has toys at Grammy's. A typical visit at Grammy's  is; Levi finding his toy box, empty out the box, find and press every button in her house ( remote controls, phones, t.v, couch buttons, vcr), open drawers, take out the pots,  pull out books, pans ans bowls from shelves and my ultimate favourite shake Grammy's soda pops. I haven't asked her yet if any of her pops have blown up on her. We love our Grammy.

Today's event was going to the park in the morning while Ben was studying.
We walked to the nearest park. Once we were near, I let Levi walk to the swing. We played peek-a-boo, took lots of picture, and played in the dirt. He was a happy boy.

Once, I told him we were heading back home, he kept going the opposite way. He was heading back to the park. I'm sure he was thinking "I'm not going home,mom". I tried 3 times to guide him back home. He would not give in. He started screaming, which seems to be his favourite sound these days, he did discover he was echoing. This only motivated him to keep been loud. Fine by me, as long as we are outside, I didnt care. Out of this outing, I did get a bump on my head, for hitting a metal bar on the playground set, get wet from the rain and a cute dirty little boy to clean once we got home. How do you remove grass stains again???

Domestic.

I believe I am domestic, that is what my husband says. He is a happy man. I've heard him say repeatidly "My dream come true". It took me over 2 years to come this far. I've been cooking and enjoying it. Key word "enjoying" it. Taking care of the home like always, of our son, him and myself.
I believe I have a well balanced life.
I play volleyball every week, read, sew, go for walks, spend time with other moms and family.

A while back, I had lost Levi's baby blanket I had made before he was born. It was super cute, turquoise, yellow with moons, suns, clouds and stars. I had put lots of work into it. I have a hard time looking at pictures where Levi sat on it.
 To redeem myself, I have started to make a new one. Here is the design I'm making. It's going to fit a single bed, for his bunk-bed.
A little bit more mature, it has cars and trucks.
I'm happy with what we've been able to come up with. I luv my sewing machine.
When Ben and I were newly married, we had gone garage sale hunting. We were up early and found a Singer 560 with my name on it, litteraly. Guess how much? A huge 10$. It works.
Tonight at volleyball, we didn't have a huge crowd and decided to go home. I was a bit disappointing but ,at the same time, glad that I could work some more on my sewing.
Also, I'm making him a quiet book, made of fabric. I have lots to keep me busy and creative.
I am truly domestic.

While you were sleeping!

 

While you were sleeping I was able to:
 shower, make lasagna and bread. Can you, Levi, fall asleep for that long IN YOUR crib tomorrow???

This morning I was feeling "Cabin Fever". Crazy is what you might think. It was such a beautiful day and I was at home. I did plan to go out and succeeded.
Levi and I went to the grocery store to get a few things. I walked mostly uphill for 40 minutes. Let me tell you I did feel it on my hips, I was itching every where and sweating.
Once we arrived, I took Levi out of the stroller and looked around. I was soon regretting my decision when Levi decided to take everything from the bottom shelves out. I was cleaning up and chasing after him. He was very happy, people smiled at his cuteness while I was frantic. He is now recovering slowly from his cold. His nose is chapped, small appetite and still "sucky" for mommy.
We eventually headed back home. I did let him out again, of course I did regret. He was heading for the traffic. I'm so grateful he doesn't run yet. You need to understand that I am promoting his new found love of been free on his two feet. Walking is a wonderful blessing from God, a privilege.
From our walk, I got a tan. WOOHOO!!! I've been tempting to go to the tanning salon. I am as pale as I ever been. I definitely want to get darker. I am looking forward to our Mommies and Babies walk tomorrow. At the same time, I get to show off my new glasses. Can you believe that I bought 2 eye prescription glasses for less than 40$. Amazing.   

Attack of the Tissue Monster.

Levi has been sick for about three days. I don't blame anyone but I have suspects. Levi and I haven't gone outside much because of his fever, runny nose, lack of sleep and him being "super sucky".  I have been chasing Levi around the house to wipe his nose. I'm guilty, and if you've guessed right, I AM the TISSUE MONSTER. Levi hates it but it has to be done. His nose is running so much that sometimes it runs into his mouth and he licks it up.  Gross!  His nose quickly became red from wiping it so much and we found out that we were using the non-lotioned kleenex. Sorry Levi. A call for help to Grandma and Grandpa Cole and they came to his rescue and brought him some of the nice tissues. I have been converted to such invention, genius I say. Your nose does not become chapped or red. Lotion kleenex get some!
Even with all of these symptoms Levi still smiles and what's great about this is that he is very cuddly. In time of trials we must keep positive. Levi's trial at this moment is a cold , I feel sorry for my poor boy. He has even been crawling at times because he feels too weak to walk.

Life must go on. I was sorting our recycling to go out, Levi decided to help. I tipped over the bin, and he was in , taking cans and flyers out for me. Thanks Levi.

 

Yesterday, I felt like I was cooking all day. Ben was studying in our bedroom for his exam. Levi would lye down and peek underneath. He knew where his daddy was. 

Like I said, I was mostly in the kitchen. Did I ever make a mess! Thank goodness for dishwashers.

We started with breakfast burritos, so yummy. It includes: onions, peppers, eggs, cheese and sour cream on a tortilla shell. Delicious. 

For lunch, we had rotini with tomato sauce, peppers, onions, tomatoes and cheese. Yummy again. Then, I had a request for cinnamon buns. Seriously!?!?! I'm not a chef and I let Grammy Cole be the one to spoil us with making us such a treat.

I dared to try. Basically it's making buns with lots of sugar and cinnamon.

Horray!!! It was a successs. Delicious and sweet cinnamon buns. Our house filled with its aroma. My mouth is salivating just thinking about it. We ended with "Casamiento" ,it means marriage between black beans and rice , tortillas and let's not forget feta cheese.

While I was making all these meals, I had Levi play with his toys in the kitchen floor. It was the best way to keep an eye on him. Levi always makes noise when he does everything. So, it was silent for a few minutes. I didn't look right away but this is what I saw. He was on the floor with three tortilla shells he had grabbed from the table and he was eating one. Hungry, aren't we???

I decided , to let him be. Don't worry readers, it was a whole wheat tortilla shell. We are trying to be more healthy conscious about our eating habits.                                                                                            

Levi, is still sick. Ben, had a monstrous exam and our kitchen is a mess.  Life is wonderful.

 

Brown is not my favorite colour.

 It started with a busy morning, about a few months ago. I was to meet some friends at the mall and wanted to get there at the time I had planned. Every time I have a deadline I get frazzled, stress and I feel everyone is in my way , against me trying to sabotage my day. Arggg... I seriously have an issue with timing, not from others but for myself.
So, I had already fed Levi, when I smelled something extremely repulsing. Poopy diaper. Right away I undressed him, wiped the poop off and bathe him. He was smelling great again. Off we went to the mall and met with our friends. We ended up waiting for over an hour for them.

Let me say this, I know it's so stereotypical but I feel I can say this because I am Latina. Latinos in general have a horrible timing issue. You say I meet you at 1:00pm you really mean 2:00pm, if you are late less than 30 minutes you are doing great. I say, be patient with us, we are loving people, loyal and trustworthy.

I'm waiting at the Second Cup, drinking my hot chocolate. Best hot chocolate in the world and the best part, its Canadian. With my luck I dripped some on my new Costco nockoff sweater for Christmas.Which, by the way, was a hit during the holidays. My mother-in-law,both sisters-in-law, Grammy, and Ben's cousin also got, after they saw mine. I tried to clean it off with one of Levi's wipes. I sort of made it go away, so I decided to take off my sweater and just be in my t-shirt. No big deal.
I finally saw my friends, shopped around, talked and laughed. Had lots of fun and THEN...
Looking down at my shirt, I saw brown dried poop on my white t-shirt. Mortified!!! 

Apparently when I wiped Levi's bum in the morning, I didn't quite get it all. It must have happened when I carried him naked from his room to the tub. I didn't smell anything or see it until the end of shopping. What were people thinking as I strolled around the mall???

I'm sure worst things have happened to other moms. I love been a mother, its wonderful, excited and exhausting. Life is great!!!

Oh no! It's April fool's day.

... oh no! It's April fool's day.
This is another holiday that I do not enjoy. The other is Halloween. It's not a happy, innocent and family centered day. Most people get upset and feelings are hurt. Fun and games people say.

Here are some things I heard; my cousin pretended it was her birthday. Most of her friends fell for it. I didn't, but that's only because my birthday is on the same month.
A friend said she was moving away. I still don't know if it's true.
I thought of an April fool's joke, I was going to announce that I was pregnant. Maybe, I  will use it for next year.

Besides this. Levi is finally walking. Spring is coming.I attempted and accomplished making "casamiento" = marriage between black beans and white rice. Had family over and made them dinner. We had lots of fun.