First snow of winter 2011-2012

The kids had a ball with the first snow of 2011. They shoveled, had a snow ball fight with Mario, sledded. The temperature was perfect so they played outside for hours without getting cold. This was Karina's first real experience with snow. She loved it - it was delicious! Karina didn't get to play outside as long because her face turned red from all the snow being shoveled into it! The day was complete with the discovery of yellow snow - always an important lesson of each winter. It is a beautiful winter wonderland outside. The trees, houses and ground are painted white with sparkling snow flakes.

San Diego Vacation Disneyland!

Day 3 - Wednesday

On Wednesday of our vacation we ventured to Disneyland. It was a couple of hours drive between San Diego and Anaheim so we chose to spend only one day at Disneyland. The kids were excited and we heard many "are we there yets?" during the morning drive. With so much to do and see I made sure that my priorities were clear - family photo with Mickey, Star Wars exhibit/show for Danny and Dumbo & Tea Cups for the girls. Mario made his priorities clear as well - in the car by 9 PM - he knew carrying with three sleeping kids between two adults from the theme park to the parking lot would be impossible (very good call Mario)!

I know many people have so much fun interracting with the characters but I know my Cecilia is so shy that the the entire process would be so incredibly painful. Also, minimizing the line waiting time for a very active one year old is also a wise move. So we elected to skip the character meet and greets, with the exception of Mickey, unless the opportunities fell in our laps. We did meet Pluto and one of Tinkebell's fellow fairy's along the way. Cecilia clutching my leg the entire time. The wait for Mickey was long, of coarse, and Karina was quite crabby being so very off schedule. She fell asleep about 4 mins. before our turn to meet Mickey. It would have been nice to see her with Mickey but it was better asleep than screaming from being so tired. Actually, Karina slept through both Mickey Mouse & Pluto. Karina loved "It's a Small World", Tea cups/Mad Hatter's Wild Ride (Cecilia calls them the coffee cups), Dumbo (Karina made car sounds while Cecilia drove). The highlight of the day was the Star Wars training camp. Danny was chosen for Jedi training. He fought Darth Vader with a light saber and used "The Force" against the Storm Troopers. (I cried just because he was selected, imagine how I felt to see him fighting Darth Vader and storm troopers!). Danny and Mario went on the bigger roller coasters while the girls went on a couple of lower key rides. We had a great time - no doubt. We didn't cover everything but did most of what we had planned. We made it to the car with all 3 kids awake (yes, the goal was met!). All three were asleep before we hit the 2nd stop light! Disney World is better than Disneyland - bigger, cleaner, more to do - that said - it was an amazing day!








Mom definately finds this a happy place on Earth!

San Diego - Day 2 Coronado Island

San Diego

Day 2 - Tuesday

On our second full day of vacation we ventured to Coronado Island. First we drove around downtown San Diego for a bit and then took a Ferry to the island. Karina loved the short ferry ride - it was as if she were in a parade. She was smiling and waving to everyone that made eye contact (and to a few that avoided it as well). During the ferry ride we couldn't help but notice so many navy vessels in port. There was an aircraft carrier fully loaded with so much aircraft - it was so huge!! The aircraft carrier was actually available for tours but closed before we returned to San Diego. The skies always had a military plane or two or three overhead. Not sure if they were there for training exercises or boarder patrols as I don't know much about these things. I kept thinking about the movie Top Gun.

Once on Coronado Island the kids played at the beach. Karina loved the sand. She liked walking in it and touching it. She liked digging right away. Danny and Cecilia liked chasing birds (I had to teach them to chase them away from people and not AT them). On this vacation Danny dug so many holes - he would dig and dig and dig......not sure why. We walked around an adorable tourist area and came across bicycles to rent (1 big ole bike per family)....so we peddled. Map in hand, it was a great way to see the island. We went on a bike path for a while and then explored on our own. The hills were a bit rough with heavy load and a bicycle with no gears - but we really did have so much fun. Cecilia almost fell asleep and with a head-bob, almost went head first into the steering wheel and potentially off the bike (yes, we promise we followed all safety precautions - helmet and seat belt). Karina was in the front (and not shaded) she is my first baby to have sun burn (SPF 60 wasn't enough)! She was out in the sun most of the ride (as this was the only safe seat for her). As the red faded to brown we were taken aback at how much she resembled Danny at the same age. Karina had a great time greeting folks as we passed them. We loved the adorable houses with their perfectly manicured yards and so many convertibles - we couldn't even begin to count them (missing our Porsche about now). Karina fell asleep on the Ferry ride back to San Diego while the rest of us took in the view of the city.

We took Mario back to the house so he could rest. I don't think I mentioned it that he had a cold - probably a sinus infection. He was moving through the vacation like a champ considering how he sounded. All three kids were asleep in the car so I drove around and took in some views. The owner of the house we rented recommended a park to visit with the kids. While it was a really cute park that overlooked surfers - the evening really didn't work out as planned. Parking was difficult, there were about 100 stairs to navigate with the stroller and the bathrooms were not close but I was hell bent on having fun at this story book park. After we went to the bathrooms twice - it was past sunset and time to get the kids fed and to bed. The kids did play in the park for a little while anyway....

San Diego Day 1

San Diego

Traveling - Sunday

Up through Saturday evening we were working on wrapping up and filing tax returns. I was able to wash all the clothes but not yet pack anything. Our 3 1/2 hr. flight left from Minneapolis at 3PM. The plan was to leave by 10 AM to ensure we got there safely, on time and ate lunch before the flight. The kids did a wonderful job helping to pack the suitcases and take care of Karina in the morning. They also helped with getting the luggage to the car, airport and the rental car in California. They were so very excited. Cecilia had a great nap on the flight. Karina struggled a bit on the plane. Thankfully, there was an empty seat between us and the next person. Also, the women in the window seat was very friendly and patient with the baby. Eventually, Karina fell asleep. We arrived in the evening and found our rental home and grocery store with ease. We went to the local beach (Solana Beach) and learned the area is extremely dog friendly. Mario, Danny and Cecilia climbed a path up the mountain while Karina became acclimated to walking in the sand (she had a big face plant in the sand). We were initially concerned about the cool weather and the clothes that we packed - but the weather stayed in the high 60's all week, which was perfect!!

Day 1 - Monday

Late Monday morning we drove along the coast to La Jolla. We drove around La Jolla first and checked it out, it looked like a great place to explore on foot. We walked around just a bit until we found a restaurant recommended by one of Mario's co-workers. We ate lunch at George's, we ate outside, up on a cliff over looking the ocean - what an amazing view! I had my first fish taco's. They are a specialty of the area and super yummy - I had them 4-5 times during the trip. We walked around the shore and showed the kids seals swimming, playing and sun bathing. We explored a rocky shore and found crabs scurrying around. We saw the filming of a new A&E show "Big Mike" and recognized one of the actors from the Sopranos. Mario and I took turns with our "zones". Karina is one zone and Danny and Cecilia is the other zone (no more man to man for us - we are definitely out numbered).

During the drives and hikes, I had fun pointing out the differences in the landscape here vs at home. Flowers everywhere, trees are very different (smooth bark), tall and thin (not very full). We see lots of green where at home everything is still fairly gray from the long winter. The kids didn't have any issue being squished in a full sized car vs. the SUV or Minivan that they are used to - I was surprised - they actually had fun being closer together.

Mario and Karina at George's Restaurant.

Danny and Cecilia at George's.

The kids seemed to have fun being so "close" in the car.

Karina loves being upside down in the stroller.

Cecilia is loving all the colorful flowers in Southern California.

Danny climbs everything in site!

Danny and Cecilia at The Children's pool - yards away from barking seals.

Day 1 - a fun filled success!

Karina the destroyer

Karina the Destroyer

Yes - that is one of the many nick names I have for my youngest little angel. She is a very busy and energetic little tyke. If it is quiet in the house - yes, it without doubt that Karina is being destructive. I understand that a one year old likes to see that they can have an effect on their environment - and believe me she does. I understand that the repetitive movements are good for her muscle development and control. I also understand that if I want to read a news article, post to my blog or cook dinner - I will have a big mess to contend with when I'm done. Below are a few pictures that I have collected of "Karina the destroyer". By the way - I do not find it difficult to walk away and grab the camera - it gives me a minute to accept the situation and to tell her that these pictures are for her wedding video. I better go and see what she is up to right now........

She shows me that she now knows how to open her closet door by making her mark!

Spring was here....really

My big boy. This is the little man that I see every afternoon coming up the walk toward me. It takes my breath away to look at him. He is growing up to be such a wonderful person. He is so very sensitive, so strong and such an amazing big brother. Danny participates in baseball, basketball, soccer and swimming throughout the year. Currently, swimming and soccer are in season. He loves to play PlayStation, basketball and four square.

Cecilia Rose - my first baby girl. She has such a wonderful imagination. Here she is playing in rain boots with a belt. She is always walking or caring for some animal or another. She is currently struggling with whether she wants to be a people Dr or an animal Dr when she grows up. Much of her imaginary play is about being a Dr. She is very caring and loving, she would be a great Dr. Cecilia is an amazing big sister. She recently fell in love with puzzles and is having lots of fun tearing them apart and re-building. She can do 24 pieces alone and 48 pieces with help. While Cecilia loves a wide variety of food and loves to try new things - she eats very little at each meal. Her baby sister will be bigger than her in no time at all.

Karina - my baby. Karina is a hoot. She is so sweet and funny. She loves to be the center of attention and the loudest in the room. She has no fear and is so very social. Karina is so very different from her brother and sister. At last week's soccer game, Karina went from person to person down the long row of strangers in lawn chairs - she asked some to pick her up, she brought books to others. She was particularly enchanted by a gray haired man - with whom she shared her ball for such a long time that it brought me to tears ........

Each person obliged her in her games. She is beginning to speak, she can say Cecilia, no-no touches, yes, bye-bye, ball, Mama (only when she has to), Papi-Da Da. Karina has a mouth full of teeth and broke through another 3 this week alone. She only has 3 I-teeth left to cut and we'll be done with the infant teething! Karina is also very sensitive, she cries when ever Cecilia cries and looks to comfort her immediately. She loves to eat - she eats as much as Danny at most meals.

Only a few days ago spring really was here. The kids played in the park, made drive-way art with sidewalk chalk, and took their babies for walks in strollers.

Last weekend we spent most of our family time outdoors. After Danny's soccer game and Teddy Bear Hospital event at the Children's Museum, we went for a long walk along the Mississippi River and saw (only a few feet away) a huge bald eagle swoop down and catch a fish. On Sunday, we went for a very long bike ride through Holmen, our new hometown. We saw kites and rolling hills. We picnic-ed, we played in a park, we played a family game of kickball (and had a blast). Danny worked so hard at the money bars that he got a blister (alas, he mastered them)! We kept on riding to the drive up diner and had ice cream cones. Near hear is where we found a bike path - so we ventured onto the path, through rocks in the river and rode for a couple more miles in the forest (trees still bare). It's here that Danny and Mom are ready to throw in the towel and head home - Mario comes along towing the girls behind him. On the ride home...tornado sirens begin to blast as we see the dark clouds racing toward us (still a mile away from home). The girls exhausted from the afternoon, sleep through the sirens. The freezing rain begins pelting us only a block from home....about the time the sirens shut off. The rain woke my sleeping babies. A wonderful day - but Mamma was so very sore & cranky. (I didn't pack the camera....sorry).

I thought I'd send along a few new pictures and a good posting as I'll be "unplugged" for the next few days so that I can focus 100% of my attention to my family.

TTFN

Miracle Diaper Rash Cure

I know many of you are so very done with diapers but for those of you who continue to diaper a little bottom this may be of some help. Cecilia and I just whipped up a batch of the diaper cream because Karina either has a virus or is having some issues related to teething. She is working on her bottom two molars. My sister Kathy, formerlly master nanny, used this recipe on one of her clients. When nothing else worked.....this did. The receipe was given to the family by a medical professional. I have only had to use it 2-3 times on each of my children but have shared it with others with more chronic issues who quickly were singing it's praises. It is recommended that you write the recipe down on a recipe card and keep it with your others - you'll never lose it. In a re-sealable container mix the following: (I use gladwear that I re-use for future batches and toss when the child is out of diapers - I'm not going to use it for food afterwards.) Mix equal parts: A&D Ointment and Zinc Oxide cream (I prefer Walgreens brand for both) (2 oz. of each is pleanty) Add 1 TBL each: Bacitracin Ointment and either Maalox or Mylanta (I like Maalox - regular strength) If female and suspect yeast (small bumps that last more than 2 diaper changes) - add 1 Tbl. gyne-lotrimin (if you have a prescription - apply that ointment first and this cream on top). Apply with each diaper change (every 2-3 hrs) and liberally overnight and for longer naps. I apply with my finger - no double dipping! Enjoy! (I say that with all my recipes)

kids pictures - KLD

Kids annual photos - DMD & CRD

Family photos

We took the kids for their annual photo's today. So much planning in advance and so much effort to execute as well. Mario and I worked like a well oiled machine to get the kids and ourselves dressed and ready for the pictures. Upon arrival at the photo studio, we changed the girls into their dresses (I didn't want their dresses to be too wrinkled) and had a minute to breathe before our sitting time. Another hour or so of either chasing Karina, placing Karina, placing Karina again and again (who taught that child how to walk!!) trying to make Karina smile (without walking) or wiping her nose (she has a bit of a cold)!!! I think the pictures turned out pretty good. It has been such a long time since we sat for a family picture - I am so happy to have one with Karina - even if she wouldn't sit still.

February - part I

Danny went fishing for the first time - and he caught fish!! He went ice fishing on Lake Onalaska with Mario and Tio Tetey. He had an awesome time.





Cecilia feeling "cheesy" with Ronald McDonald. Cecilia hates closed top slides, this day she went down a closed top slide all by herself at the local McDonald's playplace before swimming lessons.




I am so happy that Karina is walking because I can finally dress her in skits and dresses. Baby's can't crawl very well in skirts and dresses, they get tripped and do face plants. Here, Karina is playing peek-a-boo with me around the island in the kitchen. She always smiles from ear to ear when I get on the floor to play with her.




Now that Karina can walk, she is not much in the mood for sitting still and taking a picture.

Mamma's 3 little angels.

Karina is officially walking

Actually - she has been walking for almost 3 weeks. We marked the calendar with her "walking date" on Sunday, February 13. She is the fastest of my 3 to walk. She refuses to crawl now. Karina prefers to stand up, take 2 steps and sit rather than crawl the 6 inches! She is faster and faster each day. She is stealth quiet and can't be trusted for a minute!

It is very overwhelming for me to watch Karina walk. This day was a bit more of a challenge for me. My third and last baby is walking!! In these pictures my little baby is 11 months old. She is wearing hand-me-down clothes that have been worn by cousins; Taylor, Nicole and Anna and also her sister ...... they just don't make clothes like that anymore! Karina is also holding "Ollie", the dog that my Grandma gave to Cecilia on her 3rd birthday, this is the first stuffed animal that Cecilia named. So much going on all at once - it still chokes me up.

I am so blessed to be home with my little angel - I really do love to take time out every day just to watch me kids. They are growing up so very fast!!!