::3 Things I've Learned Since Becoming a Mom to Three:: Guest Blogger

Today on the blog we have one of my favorite Guest Bloggers, Bailey of Everyday with Bay! Enjoy.
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So 3's a crowd huh? Or at least 3 kids is to most people! I just don't get it. Nor do I want to! The way most people have a negative outlook on families with 3 kids is something that has frustrated me for awhile now! I can't tell you how many people told us to stop when we had "the perfect family" with one boy & one girl!  I get it, that may be perfect for some but that wasn't perfect for us and that's okay! My 3 kids are my world and I think it's so crucial to do what you feel is best for you & your family! I've always wanted 4 babies and some part of me still does, but my hubs does not so we have 3 and whatever happens I was made to be the mama of these 3 babes!

Team Izzy #teamizzy #cancersucks

Cancer is not a fun word. It's actually a word that I have learned to know well. Last year in November   my family lost a special person in our lives to Cancer. For a small family the moment was devastating and life-changing.

I want to be able to help make a difference and tell the story of those amazing families who have to go these difficult moments and endure the pain of Cancer. Until now, I didn't know how I would do this and then I through the magical world of Facebook I met, Esther Garcia and her daughter Isabella.

As parents learning that your child has Cancer cannot be easy. Thankfully Esther was able to notice that something was just not right with her baby girl and took action. Further than that, she is taking action by helping raise money while taking her child through medical treatments.

::Here is Izzy's story as told by Esther::

One morning she woke up saying her neck was hurting but we didn't think anything of it because it would come and go. Another morning she woke up throwing up and said she wanted to sleep so she slept and threw up all day, we thought it was just a bug but the next morning she was the same. We then took her to the hospital and the doctor noticed how she was walking and said he wanted to do a CT scan. So, the scan  was done and it came back and in less then 5 minutes the doctor said she had a big mass on the back of her head.  We were transferred to the main campus of Texas Children's Hospital that Friday where they put a tube in her head to relieve the pressure. The following Monday she had a major surgery to take the tumor out. When they saw it they told us it was all sitting on top of her brain and stretched to the front of her head. The name of the  tumor is called Ependymoma, it is Cancer but not the "really bad kind" that's why she is getting radiation treatments. If this doesn't work out the way they want it to she will have to do Chemo, God willing she won't. In total she has had 4 surgeries and 4 week of treatment 2 more to go and next 6 years of CT scans, X-rays and doctors visits to make sure it doesn't grow back. She has a permanent tube in her head that goes from the top of her head to her belly, that's going to be in her for the rest of her life and a port in her chest I don't know how long she is going to have that in.

In order to help pay for her medical bills we decided to create and sell shirts; anything and everything we get from the t-shirts helps us a little bit more than yesterday....

Thank you for the help and support if people are interested in purchasing a t-shirt please let me know your name, size and color (white or purple) and you can get a hold of me on Facebook or via email at vasquez_1018@yahoo.com

The shirts are $20 each, white or purple, Small-4-XL

Esther has another daughter her name is Layla and is married to her high school sweet heart; they have been together for 6 years. She is a Stay-at-Home Momma and Wife...and amazing of course!

JOIN TEAM IZZY TODAY!!!!!!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/esther.vasquez.12327608?fref=ts

Help this Houston family raise funds and Childhood Cancer awareness;

http://www.gofundme.com/awr9tc

 #TeamIzzy



::2015 Update::

Izzy continues to be victorious over this battle but still needs your help!!! 

http://www.gofundme.com/awr9tc

Her family is also holding a raffle for more information you can contact her Momma on her FB page: 

https://www.facebook.com/esther.vasquez.12327608?fref=ts

::Wordless Wednesday:: #miercolesmudo

When I think about life, inspiration and motivation...I think about them...

These Dos. 

Brilliant Earth’s Create a Little Love Campaign! #brilliantearth

{ Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

LOVE

Love is...

Life
Friends

Family
Marriage
&

Children

Love is....
All around us. 

It comes in all shapes and sizes and when you least except it. When I think about Love these days, I think about not only my Hubby but also these 2 {Dos} little people who rules our lives..in the most amazing way!

To Love someone the way you can love your children is beyond comprehension. You just don’t know how much love you are capable of  until you have children. Your entire purpose and meaning of life are forever changed.

When I think about love, I think about my children and their childish way…so perfect, so unique, so love-stricken!  

Tiny hands and tiny feet with pure hearts and lots of toys!

I say Love with all my heart and soul….

How Do You Say Love?

{Information below provided by Brilliant Earth}

::Post Inspired by Brilliant Earth and their Create a Little Love Campaign::

::BRILLIANT EARTH::

   OUR MISSION

    ----------------

::PROVIDE QUALITY::

Brilliant Earth provides the highest quality jewelry originating from

pure sources and harvested using socially responsible practices.

::FOSTER CHANGE::

Brilliant Earth provides education about the social and

environmental issues affecting the jewelry industry and identifies

ways to help.

::PROMOTE GROWTH::

Brilliant Earth supports underdeveloped communities ravaged by

the jewelry industry by donating a share of our profits.

{Guest Blogger} Sybil

{Sleeping in Goggles: The Beauty of a Child's Imagination}

Like many nights before, the kids, hubby and I were all getting ready for bed. We were brushing our teeth, putting on our pajamas, preparing the pillows and blankets for our nightly rest. While checking in to make sure the kids were almost ready to go to sleep, I saw my oldest sitting in bed, trying to put on some water goggles my mother had bought her the day before.

"Ixchel, what are you doing with those?" I asked.

"I want to wear them," she answered.

At this point it was getting late and I brushed this nonsense aside, took the goggles from her and hung them on the headboard.

"Ixchel, you can't wear those to bed. Goggles are for the water. Anyways, they are going to bother you at night. I'm going to hang them right here so you don't lose them!"

"Okay, Mami," she replied.

I went on with the nightly routine and, after I was finally ready to kiss my babies goodnight, a smile came across my face when I saw my beautiful Leah Ixchel laying in bed, sleeping with her goggles on.

At first I chuckled at the sight of my little girl wearing those things in bed. But then I paused and I really took in the sight before me. It was magical! It brought thoughts of fantasy, adventure, exploration and imagination to my mind! I wondered whether my little girl was off on a scuba diving expedition or maybe she was in an airplane flying high in the sky.

When I saw her laying there, wearing those goggles, I was glad she hadn't listened to me. I didn't want to squash her sense of wonder, her sense of imagination. I want to nurture that and be the one who supports her in all her endeavors (be they imaginary or not). As a matter of fact, I wish I could bring back that childhood innocence I once had in me.

Many times we get caught up in everyday life: going to work, running errands, paying bills... just being practical, being adults! We might as well be on auto pilot, seeing that sometimes we can't distinguish one day from another because the days are all too similar. And just like we can fall victim to routine, our kids can be subject to it too: do your homework, do your chores, do this, do that!

So here's what I want to do. I want to build forts out of blankets and chairs and camp out in the living room, I want to fashion pirate swords out of cardboard and go searching for treasure, or maybe use a makeshift spaceship to travel across space and discover new planets.

Seeing how the adult world can keep me busy and I'll probably forget how inspired I was, I need to make sure to tell the kiddos my plan because I'm sure they'll make sure that I don't forget!

{About Sybil}

Sybil is an aspiring Houston Latina blogger. When not hesitating to write for herself, you will find her writing and producing for a local Spanish television station’s Community Affairs Department, where she has been since August 2003. Sybil graduated in May 2003 from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor’s in Communications and Spanish, minor in Theology.  Sybil is the mother of three beautiful children and wife of Francisco Sánchez.

You can read more from her at www.sybilblog.wordpress.com and follow her on Twitter @sybil_sanchez, Instagram: @sybil_sanchez and LinkedIn: Sybil Moncivais Sanchez.

{Instructions Not Included} Movie Review

{::Momma Disclosure:: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. This review was not required but we did receive free admission from Cinemark. All opinions and thoughts expressed below are original and my own.}

::No se Aceptan Devoluciones::

::photo credit:: Instructions Not Included Facebook Fan Page::

Siempre e sido fan de Eugenio Derbez, es un cómico único y su modo de interpretar a diferentes personajes siempre me ha encantado. 

When I heard about this movie, I honestly had no idea that it had Eugenio written all over it. Then it came out. People I knew started filling their social media sites with pictures of long lines and others waiting to watch the film. Then, Eugenio Derbez appeared on Jimmy Fallon. I realized, I really need to see this movie. Not because Eugenio Derbez was on Jimmy Fallon but because EUGENIO DERBEZ was on Jimmy Fallon. 

For a long time "Mexicans" have been "portrayed" in American films and for the first time; a Mexican was staring in his own film being released in the U.S.. A long awaited moment for Mexicans in the U.S.. I know this film and this actor may not represent all Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. but he represents many. And, sure some of those other movies may or may not have us figured out but for the first time, it's real. I can identify on a whole new level. 

The movie is a beautiful reminder that life, is so fragile, no matter where you were born or what race you are. That we should all live life to the fullest. And, guess what.... that LIFE is not that serious. I say it everyday but today I believe it a little more. 

Instructions Not Included was also hilarious, I mean what did you expect...it's Eugenio. The jokes though,  I will admit, if you follow the English Subtitles get a little lost in translation, como las cosas de doble sentido. 

To me one of the most visible reasons why this film is doing so amazing is that; the U.S. is filled with not only avid movie goers but Mexican movie goers. Movie goers who know exactly who Eugenio Derbez is and his history in Mexican comedic television.

The theater we attended was packed with Spanish speaking Hispanic families. The entire theater laughed at every joke and clapped once it was over. It's a none stop journey through life as not only a Single Parent but through Parenthood, which I could definitely relate with. Eugenio's take on becoming a Single Father and embracing it shows courage and the fact that sometimes..it happens to Dad's too. 

My favorite parts were all the scenes that showoff Mexico's beautiful landscape, the fact that his Daughter doesn't look like a "typical Mexican" and that she was fully Bilingual. I also loved that it brought together so many well known Mexican actors like "Lola la Trailera" and Eugenio's own wife, Alessandra, with a group of up and coming actors like the beautiful and young Loreto Peralta.  

It's a heartfelt story that will change your heart, about a Daughter/Father relationship and their attempt to take over the world, one day at a time. I challenge you to watch the film and not feel inspired as a parent, as an individual and as a Mexican seeking your purpose and your place in this country. Definitely one I will purchase once it comes out on DVD.

A classic film in the making.... 

{Writing on the Walls}

It was a quiet Saturday morning and Santiago says, "Mami, Ca'm here." 

I follow his tiny giant steps to a place in the low-lit hallway outside his room. 

He says, "You see this?" as he traces the writing on the wall. His little chubby fingers traced a green marking on the wall which he had put there some time ago. 

I said, "Yes, I see it, who put it there?" and then as he stares at me with a smile and his bright morning eyes he said...

 "me, I did." No shame. Just pure pride and happiness for his artwork on the wall.

The truth is those markings and that writing on the walls are pretty much all over our home. At a height that only toddlers can reach. It doesn't bother me. I don't try to Clorox wipe the walls free of the marker, pen, and long lasting memories. I treat then as a part of our home. A part of this stage in our lives as parents to a 3 1/2-year-old and a 2-year-old. A part of their life at this stage; as active, creative and developing tiny human beings. 

One day my kids will no longer be interested in writing on the wall and I will have forgotten what it was like to yell at them for coloring the walls, doors, tables, and baseboards. They will have forgotten what it was like to be a child, to be carefree and to be young. 

They will be immersed in this life and it's everyday struggles. They will no longer be toddlers and probably wish they were, as they too discover that life can be amazing but definitely a challenge.  

I think about myself as a 32-year-old and wonder, did my parents ever imagine that I would one day have a child of my own {or Dos for that matter}? Did they care that I wrote on the wall? And, do they miss it as much as I already do? They say it happens in the blink of an eye from 3-year-old child to a 30-something-year-old parent. 

For now, I don't want to forget. I want to embrace. The little things, like the writing on the walls...because one day... they will be gone and I will miss them. 

{The Daycare Post}

One of the everyday issues as a Working Momma, I think, is la guarderia {daycare} it sounds so negative in Spanish. Ha. I imagine a guard and my kids just there, being guarded. Kept from the outside world? Dramatic much? Just a bit.

It has always been one of my concerns. My son has been in daycare on and off but my daughter spent one week in daycare last year and uhm, lets just say, it didn't work out. Almost 3 weeks ago though both my children headed back to daycare as I started my new job. It was a different experience this time. I was ready for them to go back and they were ready to be there. Especially Santiago. Camila, we were worried about.

Surprisingly enough she was doing really good until about day 4, the realization that I was actually leaving her the whole day, set it. How could I have ever left and abandon her there? So much so, that when we "reunite" in the afternoon it's emotional. Her face cringes and tears start to fill her eyes as she sees me walk in the door. She runs to me with hugs and excitement.  I feel bad. And, the other morning leaving her was emotional more so for me than for her.

Thankfully our daycare is so good they immediately sent me a text, a picture of Camila eating breakfast calmly and sitting with her class and teacher around her. It put me at ease. I realized though that if I leave her within her group in the morning it's easier. I usually drop them off in the breakfast room and then they are escorted to their class but Camila doesn't like that part of the morning, thankfully there are options.

It helps me realize how different my kids are.

I also realized that my own anxiety and worries are what put me in an emotional place with Camila, and I am sure she can sense the fear. Thankfully, this week I kept calm and so did Camila. I found the secret to leaving Camila at daycare without either of us crying or having a bad morning.......

Good-bye bad mornings, Hello happy Cami and Momma.

As a working Momma I have always had mixed emotions about leaving my kids behind. The fear and the what-ifs are easy to overcome if you trust your child's caregiver. That feeling that your kids are safe and happy throughout the day is a peaceful feeling.

At times, I think it's more difficult for us as Momma's to deal with the separation anxiety than it is for our children.... but we say a little prayer and move on in our day.

With a little faith and confidence everything will be ok at the guarderia.... 

{A day in the life of a Super Hero's Momma}

I have a 45 lb almost 4 foot little man Super Hero in my life. As you can guess everyday is a new Adventure.

He is "Sgrong!"

Honest.

Loving.

Caring.

Daring.

And, when he is not out fighting evil and squashing the bad guy he is at home reeking havoc on his 2 year old Sister {or destroying toys and making a mess}! Ha. Trust me when no one is looking he is sweet, he takes care of us and he helps out and prays for everything possible and in sight. Deep down inside my Super Hero is a softy, aren't they all?

His Super Powers are awesome hugs and killer dimples! No one gets past him without saying "Hi" or complimenting his beautiful heart which shines through his smile and bright eyes! The ladies will one day be in trouble, and at that time, so will I.



No matter what, his little Sister Loves him so much. She is his faithful sidekick. And, even though she may not see it now he is teaching her to be strong and to stand up for herself.  She looks up to him and wants to be just like him. And, oh boy, is everyday a new adventure with him, something new awaiting us around every corner. ::insert super awesome Super Hero theme song here::

On this day....we were looking for the bad guy and reviving all the animals. This Super Hero loves animals and learning about them. He has a genuine interest for animals and this planet, I think he will one day become a Scientist or Geologist!





My Super Hero may be a little stubborn but he means well and he always has a secret move in mind to make it through the situation. In this house we always listen to our Super Hero, he knows what's best for man kind!



Until next time....

Top 5 favorite activities to keep a Toddler busy!

{Indoors} 

I haven't been a Stay@HomeMomma for long! But, I will be the first to admit, it's been a difficult transition to make but I am finally getting the hang of it all. 

One thing that I struggled with was keeping my Dos {Two} Toddlers busy! Busy so that they can use up their brain and physical energy and not drive me bonkers! 

The last few months have been cold which has been my other challenge! 

Here are my TOP 5 Favorite Indoor Activities:

{Finger Painting} 

Yes, it will get messy and yes, you will need to plan to do a lot of cleaning afterward, but it's fun their creations are awesome and a great insight into their little magical growing brains! The best part is asking them afterward, what is that? The answers are the best! 

Here are some of Santi's creations! {one thing you should know about Santiago is he has a very active and wild imagination.. his pretend play sometimes goes above and beyond anything we can think of and he is quick to improvise...he has made his Lil'Sister catch on to this and she too runs wild..it's so much fun to see.}

{Puzzles & Coloring Books}

Another fun and easy indoor activities includes puzzles and colors! You can't go wrong with word building or alphabet puzzles you are slowly teaching your kids some pretty basic vocabulary and/or numbers. You can't go wrong with these.... And, who doesn't like to color, if my kids are eating the crayons they are coloring and it keeps them pretty busy! Be prepared for coloring on the walls, floors and tables though... we have proof of our kids creative mind in the hallway, in the bathroom and on our kitchen table. No worries, crayon washes out... the memories they are building will last a life time.... 

{Pretend Play}

The kids have their rooms and living room as their toy/play area. Nothing is really off limits and  there are no real restrictions when it comes to how they play or where they play. YES we stay away from dangerous objects and chemicals, but they are pretty much allowed to play all over the house... yes it's tiring, yes it's never ending..but my kids will only be this old for so long... and when I go back to work they will have to be limited to the pretend play at school and I really don't mind the mess, until company comes over then I run to clean it all up! 

My kids are also very gender neutral, Santi plays with Cami's toys and Cami plays with Santi's toys. Distinctions are only made to assure that Camila gets her fair share of toys! Ha. They are allowed to explore and ask endless questions... I try to answer them all the best way possible... It's fun to see their reactions and to hear their questions.

{Reading}

Our home library is not very extensive but we enjoy those few books that we have and we are yet to try story time at a Public Library or Book Store, I know my children very well, their attention span and ability to get wild in public. For now we will stick to our at home reading time and I know that they are capturing lots of words and a lot of their imagination from them. I think we are doing pretty good and in the mean time I will try to expand our selection...

{Movie Time}

This is probably my favorite activity throughout the day... MOVIE TIME! I get to sit for at least half an hour until one of the kids gets bored... and if I am lucky, one of the two, or BOTH of the kids will fall asleep and I get to really rest, only for a little while. Otherwise it's fun to share a spot on the couch with the kids and just sit quietly after a long day. Santiago is better these days at watching movies, or Netflix shows. Cami is still working on her attention span. She'd rather be chatting away about anything really.





{Soon....Outdoor Activities}

{Houston Children's Festival} 25th Birthday Celebration!

Happy Birthday Houston Children's Festival!


{Source: Houston Children's Festival Website}

It's the 25th Birthday Celebration of a family friendly Houston event!

The Festival raises money for a good cause!  Raising over $4.5 million for Child Advocates, Inc. to make a Donation visit their site here: http://childadvocates.org/give & to further create a local impact Volunteer here: http://childadvocates.org/volunteer


The Houston Children's Festival is one of those purpose filled events that make a huge difference in our community! For detailed information check out their website here : http://www.houstonchildrensfestival.com/ and follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoustonChildrensFestival and Twitter https://twitter.com/Houstonkidfest

                                       {Source: Houston Children's Festival Website}

The Festival will take place APRIL 6th & 7th in DOWNTOWN HOUSTON at City Hall, Houston Public Library Plaza and Tranquility Park! The fun will begin at 10:30 am and continue thru 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 per person and Children under 3 are free!

For more on ticketing information check out the festival's webpage here: http://www.houstonchildrensfestival.com/tickets-info

There will be OVER 300 family friendly activities and 5 Entertainment stages!!! Including appearances from Nickelodeon and Disney Celebrities!!! As well as special appearances from our personal favorites; DORA and Sid the Science Kid!!!


                                         {Source: Houston Children's Festival Website}

I am sure that this event will be a lot of fun as well as bring awareness and raise money for a good cause!

Mark you calendars and head on out to the Houston Children's Festival for a day filled with fun for all ages!

Explore Houston and help raise money for  Child Advocates, Inc.


PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS POST WITH YOUR CONTACTS AND ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES! Thank you in advanced!


{Momma Disclosure: The above statements are both my true and honest opinion. This is not a compensated post. However, I will receive complimentary entries for my family in exchange for posting about this event from the Houston Children's Festival in association with Hello Houston! Media Bloggers.}

{Children} #stoptheviolence #prayer

Speaking life, truth and positivity into my children's lives is so important to me.

In the midst of the horrible tragedy on Friday morning in CT, all I could think about is my kids. My home. This is where the teaching begins. Right now my kids are little, they are overactive and they are, well, kids filled with tantrums and outburst. My Husband and I are fairly new at this but we have attempted to take on a different approach with every tantrum. Out of frustration in the past I have had different reactions, these days I realize that if I keep cool, calm and collected {my Husband usually is} then my children will listen to me better. In return I pray that they too are learning that reacting in a cool, calm and collected way is the way to approach most situations in life. To keep a level head and to stay positive with your words and your actions.

The teaching, I know, begins at home. It's what my mind kept telling me on Friday morning and throughout the day. Respect. Respect those around you, especially your elders as long as they never harm you physically. In which case it is OK, to tell them to stop and leave you alone and to tell Momma and Daddy about it. {We are teaching my kids who is allowed in their personal space, it's a must!}

My Husband and I have vowed to stay on the same terms with every situation. If he says no, I say no. If he says it's ok then I say it's ok, all within reason. With every situation we attempt to understand and explain to my son and daughter and be reasonable with them, because even at a young age, they are more than absorbing everything we say, do and how we react. We've learned that the hard way... i.e. curse words.

Sometimes though, I do feel that even though the parents of some of these people who commit horrific acts are as cool, calm and collected and attempt to vocalize their concerns with their children, there comes a point when actions and words become something faint and these troubled men and women, will do what they want regardless. I know the importance of speaking up, speaking to my children about every aspect of their lives because my Momma did that with us and she still does. No matter how uncomfortable the conversation got my Momma never let me leave the room feeling confused or with doubts. And, I always knew how much she loved me and that every action she took was for my benefit and because she loved me! Even to this day. 

We will attempt to capture their minds and dig deep into their hearts to open up about life, outcomes and staying healthy not only physically but mentally as well, but what happens when these kids do what they want anyway. Have we failed? Where have we failed?

All, I know is that I vow to not only pray boldly for my children on a daily basis but to show up in a bold manner in their lives and in ever single aspect of their lives. My children are my world and I don't want them to harm or be harmed.

Prayer. Counseling. Respect.

::Dear God, Teach me to be the parent my children need in their lives and to allow them to grow with each experience as I guide them through life and you guide our families and community. I pray that you protect my children, keep them safe and shield them from harm. I know that life is filled with failures, doubt and disappointments but PLEASE dear Lord, teach my children that there is hope, a shinning light and Your Love NO MATTER WHAT or how many times they fall, and that You and us as their parents will be there to help them get back up and on track! Allow my children to see the good in people but to be cautious of evil that surrounds us on a daily basis, never to be blinded by ignorance, never to be so naive that they don't sense danger or people who want to take advantage of them, and to always be aware that Jesus is the way and the path to take when in doubt. I pray, in Jesus name. Amen. Thank You, Lord!::

{Weekend Adventure!}

It's Monday! 

Happy Monday to all. 

Last week I discovered that my Hubby's 16 year old Cousin, Miss. Dani,  

knew how to use Photoshop and that she has taken some pretty good pictures of my kids. 

So, I proposed that her and I go out on a little Christmas adventure.... 

She became my photographer and I got some pretty good picture of the kids and I! 

Here is some of her work! 

Enjoy:

By the way..I realized that being a Photographer is NOT easy and definitely NOT my strong point, HA. It was hot, the kids were fussy and yeah..I am not as patient as I think myself to be when it come to these things....but we did well and I am so proud of Danielle for all her hard work and for ALWAYS putting up with all my crazy ideas and us.

Did you have a good weekend? What little adventures did you participate in?

{Developing Language & an Imagination} #hasbro #latism12 #LATISM

Last week the kids and I patiently waited a couple of days while we received our very first package with contents to be reviewed..literally. Ha.

The package arrived before Thanksgiving but with all the hustle and bustle I was unable to open it. But, as we ate breakfast and played with the kids Sunday morning, I decided that we would open the box and see the kids reaction.

So, we opened the box.

This is what came from it:

We received the Baby Alive Baby All Gone doll and the Poppin'Park Learn n'Pop Lion from Hasbro.

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE Doll

(HASBRO/Ages 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $24.99/Available: Fall 12)

It’s snack time for your BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll and she’s hungry for strawberry yogurt! Put the yogurt in the spoon and “feed” it to your adorable little baby to watch her “eat” it all up. If baby is still hungry after her snack, she’ll call for her mommy to feed her more with sayings like “Strawberries are yummy!” and “Where did it go?” When it is time for a drink, the BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll can be fed from her bottle, and her milk will magically      disappear. Since there’s no mess to clean up, you can cuddle and play with your little one right away! Requires 2 “AAA” batteries, included.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

 

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{LEARN ‘n pop lion

(PLAYSKOOL/Ages 9 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall ‘12)

This adorable lion is a playful grow-with-me toy that helps little ones develop fine motor skills and learn to count to ten in four different languages – English, Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese. Babies can drop balls into the lion’s belly from the side and push down on the tail to activate music and lights as the colorful balls bounce out of the lion’s belly to encourage chasing. As babies grow, they can feed the balls into the lion’s mouth and hear him count up to ten in four different languages.  Toddler is rewarded with lights and sounds as she counts along! Includes three POPPIN’ PARK balls and an easy-carry handle for on the go fun! Requires two AA batteries, included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

Both Baby All Gone and Learn N'Pop Lion are Bilingual and the kids had so much fun listening to {& learning} everything they said in BOTH Spanish and English. My son was so thrilled for the rest of the afternoon he went around saying... "ENGLISH:ESPAÑOL! HOLA!" when he would switch between the two languages. The Lion counts in Spanish, English and French! Santi is learning his numbers so this is helping to reinforce what he has already learned! Plus he is also learning the numbers in Spanish so again the Lion is a big help in that area!

It's pretty interesting to watch him speak both languages. He has been a late bloomer as far as language goes; plus having to learn two languages has made this milestone a little difficult to reach. His vocabulary is very ample now and with toys that allow for bilingual learning like the ones provided to us from Hasbro, I think he will love learning in both ENGLISH and ESPAÑOL! Ha.

Cami on the other had was quickly transformed. There is something about little girls and baby dolls that just instantly turns them into the most caring little Momma's. Cami spent the rest of the afternoon reading, feeding and changing "her baby". She loves her Baby All Gone doll! And, she too spent the afternoon saying..."pa-tanos", "rico-sh"! Ha. It's been fun! 

Both toys are very much age appropriate and effective learning tools. I think. I would definitely place these items on my children's Christmas wish list. They would also make great gifts for toddlers who are learning to speak and more importantly who are learning both Spanish and English. If you have toddlers who are learning both languages I highly recommend  these toys they are very effective and child safe. I loved them and the kids loved them too.    

Before I had children I never even thought about this type of toy but now that I do, I am in love. Do you know of any good toys that will help your children both learn a second language and develop a good sense of imagination? If so share! I would love to know!

Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. However complimentary Hasbro products were provided through a representative for the purpose of producing this review. The above statements are both my true and honest opinion.

{On having Numero Tres....A KINDA of a Sequel post}

Life as a family of four is just starting to sync up. The stars are beginning to align and I am steps away from the heavens opening up and God saying... "Connie you are awesome!"

And, on days when my kids are being sweet, playing nice and loving their Momma.... I feel like a Super Momma! And I think ...bring it on baby numero tres!

Then there are moments when my kids are punching each other under the kitchen table and yelling bloody murder as I attempt to have a decent grown up conversation with my Hubby about his day and my day with the beautiful kids fighting to the death at our feet. Seriously. Who knew a 19 month could karate chop and that a 3 year old would use his almighty strength to sucker punch his sister in the face. Really. Wow. {trust me. they are both very tough. no one is ever seriously injured. once they hurt each others feelings they hug and make nice.}

Trust me. I don't feel like a new baby is in order when I am trying to eat, read, sit, watch T.V. or doing anything normal and relaxing and both of my kids are calling my name 30 {million} times, cause they know my name and it's "hello. mami. hello. connie. look at me, mami.", when I finally turn they are doing some obscure thing like cutting paper or dumping their diaper on the kitchen floor right.after.I.mopped. Because they do. It's my life.

And then. There are times.Where Santi sits for moments at a time playing, watching his movies, coloring on my walls.... Ha. But, it's as if he is out growing the I want to be all over the house and destroy era. As for Cami, when her brother is not around and they are not pushing, pulling and punching one another, she also has a realm of calm and peace like no other. I look at them hug and kiss each other, play together in peace because it does tend to happen, occasionally. Or when they come to me with hugs and kisses. When they say "love you too mami." or pray with me. It just feels right. It just seems like yes, we will be OK and a third baby...may mean more chaos but it will also multiply ALL of the LOVE and Blessings already in our home.

I know that them being little won't last forever and Santi and Cami are growing faster than I would like.  I just don't know how to make time stop. How to make more time to love, hug and live in peace.

My Hubby has this fantasy {have you seen the Prince of Persia? Or Legends of the Fall? that one has 3 boys but yeah, it's his thing.} that he is destined to have TWO sons. So, he thinks that if I get pregnant, we WILL have another boy and his name will be....Sebastian. It's who he claims we are missing. And, he's taught the kids to ask me.... "Mom where's Sebastian?" And, it totally melts my heart....

Source: Google {Prince of Persia/Disney}

When Ricardo and I first got married we said 3 was a well rounded number but these days we think of finances, education, sanity...HA. And, most days we simply think of God, Faith and Family. The notion that everything WILL be OK, and that God wants this for us... but I hesitate. I think about it and I wonder.....

Could I? Could we? But, how? And, right now... I just don't know. 

{On Potty Training}

Seriously. As an adult. As a Blogger. I often struggle with stopping what I am doing and render to nature calling. Ha. It's true. When I get into something I don't want to stop typing, thinking, reading or doing.

Then I think of my 3 year old son. He is 3. He is technically still a baby. To me at least. I know that there are milestones that he must reach in order to function in society and that once those milestones are reached it's a pretty good indication of self-control, growth and they come with an increased sense of self and confidence. But, in all honesty. My Santi is an amazing little boy. I don't ever want to rush him into growing up so fast.

Trust me, I am not going to forever hold him in my arms and cradle him to sleep, shoot he was too big for that at 8 months much less at 3 years old. I say...dale tiempo al tiempo. He will and has reached all his important milestones...a su tiempo. It took me years to get pregnant and at 31, I am not sure that I will be able to have more children so there is no need for me to rush the ones I have out of being babies into more of little adult, than they already are... I think.

Now my son doesn't just walk around peeing and pooping everywhere. He does an awesome job at daycare with his potty breaks and at home too. Sometimes he forgets and stops in the middle of a task and just doesn't make it to the potty or simply...doesn't want to. Trust me, it's not like we totally let it go. We are not that out of range. We do let him know that he should let us know when he has to go so we can help him and that he should go to the potty and not in his pants but we do give him a break and he does wear pull-ups, more times than not while at home.

Am I a horrible Momma for not pushing him as much as I "should"? Or as much as I feel other Momma's push their kids?

I mean trust me. When he becomes a freshman in High School he will start filling out college applications and decide to take his SAT early so that he can qualify for scholarships and internships. Then, I feel that pushing will be in order. For now I want him to enjoy playing with his toys and watching his favorite movies.

By the way . I feel the same about him still drinking his milk from a bottle, only when he is ready for bed. And, about my Cami being 19 months and still having a binkie {or paci} yup.  ::gasp:: I know. I am awful.

My Mother tells the story about how I used to come home from pre-school to drink my bottle while my Sister who was 2 had already left hers. And, I graduate the top of my High School class, with Honors, was accepted to 3 major colleges and received scholarships to 2 schools. I then graduated college and have always been very hard working and dedicated in my jobs. I have always been very independent and had my first job as a junior in High School to help my parents pay bills. I got married and had my children well into my 20's and my parents didn't push me as a baby but as a young adult they sure did.

All, I am saying is that it's a lot of work to grow up and out of your baby habits and can be pretty tough for a 3 year old to take it all in and make it all work out in his favor...heck as a 31 year old Momma I still have trouble making it all work!

I know this may sound a bit like a rant but they are my true feelings.

{"Thank You Mami"}

It's those simple moments when you realize that there is  nothing that can compare or take the place of what it is or means to be a Momma.....

3 years ago I never thought that becoming a Momma would be so difficult, so stressful, so overwhelming... Today, I know that it's difficult but seeing my son and daughter laugh and enjoy life every second of the day is amazing. 

I know it's stressful but for them, I can manage. 

It's overwhelming but hearing them say those 3 words everyday...."Thank You Mami" makes EVERYTHING worth it. 

Today as I changed my Santi he grabbed my face with his two chubby hands and said... "thank you mami"...

Today as I cut up fruit for my Cami and handed it to her she grabbed her plate with her tiny fingers and said...."thank you mami"...

I am so Blessed to have had the ability to carry and give birth to TWO beautiful children. 

Who yes, turn my world upside down in a matter of minutes but 

can also make my heart sing joy and love in a matter of seconds. 

They are my life...

They make me a Momma...

They say "Thank You" and I melt.... 

What can I say...I am weak that way. 

Blessed Night to everyone...

And, I pray that you can find those 3 words that make 

being a Momma all the more enjoyable... 

no matter what today brought you..

God is there with you. 

Target DATE!

Date night for the Hubby and I are almost non-existent.....any chance we get to take a little break or for some time alone... we take it. Don't get me wrong...we LOVE our kids with ALL of our hearts. But, a little time away is always appreciated, to re-group, to talk and to just be Husband and Wife.

Today we definitely took advantage of an afternoon nap.

We had breakfast at our home with family and by 2pm everyone was tired. Before we knew it everyone was asleep....My Sister and her son where here as well... so we made a mad dash for the door not before asking my Sis' if she minded staying with the kids..everyone was asleep!

So, the Hubby and I left... to Target... we shopped for a new phone {to upgrade the Hubby} and a T.V.{which my son broke, he breaks a lot of things... #boys}...it was fun...I also looked at toys for possible Christmas gifts..the afternoon was perfect!

I also had a great picture of my Sister asleep but she did watch the kids so I don't want her mad at me! Ha!!

{On Tantrums & Meltdowns} Just sayin'

Just when I think I will be rid of all tantrums and meltdowns I am awakened by reality..her name Dr. S, the kid's Pedi.

I walked into Santi's 3 year check-up hopeful and ready to hear those words... "he's out growing it...." and instead I hear... "well the 3's are worse than the 2's, you know?" NO. I don't know. But, I do now. With a Super-terrible 3 year old and an almost terrible 2 year old, this Momma knows...it's gonna be pretty terrible. I am too old for this... NO really at 31, I don't think I ever imagined my children to be this difficult, so complex, so melty-down as they are or as dramatic as they are! Drama is their middle name. I guess they do truly belong in this family. Ha. Or they do get it from their Momma! Ha.

The cure? Consistency, structure and patience. I am sure.

The Momma? Terrified. {Full melt-down mode! Ha.}

Now that I am home, I need to work on all 3 disciplines. So, every time Santi or Cami have a meltdown..I stop, collaborate and listen...no really! It's the best thing to do. Attention. Undivided on my part, not so much as to egg on the bad behavior but as to hear them out and see whether or not their tantrum is "reasonable & rational" {Ha, a reasonable and rational tantrum}...If it's a no-reason tantrum..then it's either nap time or going outside and running like a nut until you are super tired and Momma can get a break time... Trust me I always thought I would be the let me pop you right now kinda Momma and instead I am this...the I am too old for this...cry it out and we'll talk later Momma!

Just sayin'... it's all it takes sometimes! Time.

Easy? CLARO QUE NO! Never. Yes, easier written on this Blog here than followed thru with at home while trying to cook, clean, blog, craft and rest... I insist that I need a Nanny and a Personal Assistant..but my Husband insist that I need to get a life and be real... I can deal with that! Ha.

In the meantime...practice and patience makes for a better Momma! 

The two little faces deserve it... they are tiny humans with real feelings after all....