On the go!

  Last month we were really sick with the flu, the sickness lasted about 3 weeks. We had all the symptoms. We kept away from family, friends and didn't bother going out. We tried to do as many activities as possible. Two toddlers with a cold are not as energetic but still can get you tired. We made an obstacle course made of toilet paper, played inside Boccie Ball and Hopscotch, colored, made towers of blocks, played with the Hotwheels and tracks, played trains, read books, played basketball, light-saber battles, hide and seek and watched movies. Because of us four being sick, after 3 weeks of Abigail's birth, Christy and Dustin's new baby girl, we finally met her and at the same time had a nice visit with Allie and Tayson. We had such a nice time, the kind we wish we could have more often. Ideally, it would be nice if our kids all grew up together, and I also mean little William and Ainsley.  Now that we have kids, I want to be close to family more now than ever.

 A few days later , I took the kids to Ottawa to see my family. We made it in less than 7 hours. We went for walks with Nana, Tata, Nene and Maya. Went to the Children's Museum, Levi just loved. He would have stayed there all day but could only stand to be there for 3 hours and he felt the same way when we went to the swimming pool at the Sports Centre near my parents home. Amaya and Levi are fish. The trip was short, we headed back early because I had to work. When we were getting ready to leave my parents had already gone to work. He asked " Where is Nana and Tata?" - At work honey. -"I hate that word" (with a frown). We said our goodbyes and left home. We managed to get home in 5 and a half hour. Impressive? I was not speeding and only stopped once. The road conditions were great, no traffic in Toronto (that's a miracle).
  

 Reptile Exhibition: We went with our friends Virginia, Landon and baby cutie Greyson. It was packed with kids. We saw all kinds or slippery and furry creatures. The kids got to see and touch an alligator, Giant tortus and a Lynx.  It was amazing to see but I was a bit on the edge when we saw the alligator, mother's protective instinct.

 Sugar Bush: One of the coldest days of the month. We enjoyed it by going on a tractor ride, learning and watching how they made Maple Syrup in the olden days and also modern day. We were spoiled with brunch too and had wonderful company.

 We've been also busy with going to the library, visiting Grammy, made our first painting together (pictures to come of the final project) and making Easter decorations.

Little Amaya is Amaing, she has been speaking more lately. She can clearly tell you when she is hungry for crackers, juice, wants to read books, wants you to pick her up, wants breastmilk, tells you when she is ALL done. She gives kisses, hugs, high fives and so much more. And did I mention Levi is saving for his mission, too cute.

 February was fun! It was Levi's birthday. We had a Star Wars' theme party. Jedi costumes for the boys (Levi,Landon,Noah and Dallyn), Light sabers , Star wars labels for the food (ei: chocolate chewies, Princess Leia cinnamon buns, Bobba Fett fruits, Vader veggies, Jedi Juice, Skywalker sandwiches. Every boy received a treat bag and Ben had made a Jedi Training Camp for them; going through a tunnel, had them use their light sabers and hit hanging balloons, throw balls at storm troopers and a cardboard thing I made to go behind and pretend to be Yoda, Luke, Chubbaca, Han Solo.The kids had a blast and so did we.

Story time with Grammy

This month, I've tried to attempt making another dress. I made a pattern by looking at a dress we sold at my work. I took notes made some drawings and came up with this little blue and pink dress for Amaya. The fabric is different and so is the flower. Doesn't she look great!

"Levi the Romeo".
Two Sundays ago, I had in my Sunbeams class ;Kali and Levi. There was free play time, a snack, a lesson and more free play. During this time, Levi turned to Kali, was less than a foot away and said while making sure she was looking at him "I love you.". I was shocked .Kali didn't seem to mind but did not reply. Her family must tell her that so many times, that hearing it from Levi didn't phase her. Oh well!.  Before the end of class , Levi again pronounced his love for her and gave her a hug. Kali still didn't reciprocate his affection.
At night time Ben was asking Levi about a Kali, the little girl he had met at church. "Do you think she's pretty?" Levi said " I think mommy is pretty!"
I'm glad to know that he thinks so.

 Levi has had many opportunities to share and to be kind at playground, mommy and babes playdates, library,church. He now says he has a baby, that he loves her and that she is beautiful. They play together HotWheels and both make car sounds.I love them, my boy and my girl. Amaya went from scooting to a half crawl to now full crawl. She stands on her own, will walk along furniture and holding her by the hand, climb, sing/hum the Star Wars songs, sing-along to Twinkle Twinkle little Star, Popcorn Popping, Wheels on the bus and make gestures to the songs. She can say : amen, juice, no, all done, mama, daddy, levi, mas, agua, jugo, i love you, tata, nene, book,up... 
The weather has been pretty crazy in London but we have tried to enjoy it. Here are some pictures of our Sunday walk with Mom and Dad and the kids. We did let Amaya go down the hill by herself, we were a bit scared, she didn't tip over and was fine.

Remember us?!?

Remember us?!?

We've been around and busy. Ben has been working so hard at school, more than I ever seen him work. He went for 2 weeks with about 3 to 5 hours of sleep a day. He must have written over 50 pages of essays and it didn't help that I was working. We were truly blessed by having my in-laws help us with the kids and driving us around.
When the holidays came we were still busy. I worked every day except for Sundays. Ben was now a different kind of busy and exhausted with more hours to sleep.
Christmas was gReat! My parents came for a few days and spoiled our kids. Amaya was in arms the whole time by my family.  We managed to squeeze in Amaya's birthday party while my family was still in town.We had her party in the morning, made it a Brunch Party. Amaya is so girly, she didn't devour her birthday cupcake but picked it with her pincers slowly. She gently opened her presents and wanted to share the rapping with Carolyn. She received beautiful things from everyone. We are so grateful for all. We finished on time and I ran off to work right after. I was bummed that I had my family for such a short time but we enjoyed every minute.
We continued to celebrate the Holidays with Aunt Jenny, Carolyn and Bob, by going bowling. It was so much fun, we had horrible scores and much laughter. We played 5 pins bowling, made it easier for Levi to pick up the ball. We had him sitting down with his legs wide open, and pushed the ball. It rolled very slowly. One time Levi rolled the ball, the bowling pin stopped the ball from tipping it over. It was hilarious.

Second semester started again. Ben is so excited and so am I. We will be able to have a routine, plan activities and have dinner together at least 4 times a week. I enjoy working but I would not like to work full-time. I feel that I would miss out on my kids. For those who have said " enjoy your time with your little ones now, because its only for a short time" . It is very true. Levi will be 3 next month and Amaya is already 1. I love my kids and my husband.  I'm grateful to have my eternal family.

Today's story. We went to see Grammy. On our way to her apartment a few elderly people were chatting in the lobby. We were getting in the elevator when Levi says "Mommy, mommy there's old people there. " I kept pushing the close button , it would not close as fast as I wanted it to and Levi kept saying OLD, over and over again. Oh dear. He surprises me, how he knows opposites (young/old, women/girl,men/women, big /small, right/left and so forth)

Amaya can now stand on her own, still half crawling and scooting, babbles, sings ,mimics sounds, is pointing all the time, gives kisses and gives the best hugs. She is now eating wheat but is still allergic to diary. 

I love been a mommy of these two adorable and hilarious kids.

More adventures to come...

It's getting cold

It's getting cold. Brrr....  
Amaya is now 10 months and Levi is turning 3 years old in less than 4 months. Our kids are growing fast. We are enjoying been parents, to hear: I love you, You're my best- friend, you're beautiful ,from Levi and daDiii, Mama, O-oh from Amaya. 
Since its been getting cold, it has been hard to get out for walks. We've been going so far by the Ford's dealer ship near our home. Here's Levi hugging "The Blue Guy" = Blue Mustang. Once we got home, he told Ben that he wanted it. 

 

Last month we went to Furgeson's Farm with friends. The kids enjoyed the Corn Maze, the bail of hay, Pumpkin Patch but mostly the School bus ride. I had to make sure Levi didn't get back on before time. It was great.

 Halloween.
We went with the Star Wars theme. Amaya as Yoda and Levi as Dart Vader. We practiced Levi saying "Luke, I am you're father". He was so cute. We trick-o-treated about 15 houses. It was so cold and wet but he loved it. " I like scawy decowations mommy" . Some of Mom and Dad Cole's neighbors went all out. For example one neighbor had their garage open with a projector showing the Micheal Jackson "thriller" video, zombies getting out of their front lawn. I tried to block Levi's view and just skipped going to that house.
Ben and the kids made a Jack-o-lantern, they went traditional style. Turned out fantastic.

 

We are happy, truckin' along and I got a job at Mexx.

   September is here. Ben has started his last year of school, we are excited. Summer went by really fast. We enjoyed seeing family and friends. Levi was spoiled by his Abuelita and Grandma, by going on the train many times. Amaya is growing really fast, she is taller and heavier than average, she's got the tall Cole gene. She is sitting, scooting, babbling, standing, laughing, smiling, rolling over, eating solids, two bottom teeth. Our kids are adorable and smart.