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My Beautiful Babies!

2012-01-22T19:42:00.003-07:00

Melody is One!

2012-01-21T19:26:00.001-07:00

Melody had her birthday party on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at our house. She had her friends: Emerson, Isabel, Hayden, James(Cousin), Jasmine, Jade, and of course her brothers: Cedric & Sebastian. All the adults were her Grandma & Grandpa, Uncle Andy, Aunt Chassity, Uncle Kevin, Uncle Chris, Aunt Shannon, Johanna, Arthur, Amanda, Jackie, Thomas, and her mommy and daddy. She got lots of great gifts from everyone, and it was a fun afternoon filled with snacks, pizza, and tasty cake.

Her adorable outfit! My little ballerina!

Her brothers fascinated by her piggy tales.

Her decorations! I love the theme we found.

Such a happy girl opening her gifts with mommy.

All the kids!

Melody's beautiful cake! Courtesy of Cakes Amore.

Her smash cake!

Melody just went for it!

Her brothers helped.

Yummy!

Melody wasn't happy anymore, and she wanted everyone to know that she was done.

Six Months!

2011-07-21T19:51:00.010-06:00

Melody had her six month appointment on Tuesday, July 19th. She's 25 3/4 inches in height (50%), 18 lbs. 7.8 oz. (90%), & her head is 43 cm. (65%). I can't believe how big she is, and she was a preemie. She turned six months on Tuesday, July 12th. She started rolling over from back to stomach on Monday, June 27th, and she started rolling from her stomach to her back on July 19th. She also starting scooting herself around starting on Monday, July 18th. She was doing it a little bit before then, but she really started doing in on Monday. I can't believe how much she is doing in just a short amount of time. If I hold her in a sitting position, she'll hold herself up for a couple of seconds.

Melody at her first bite of baby food on Wednesday, July 20th. She prefers chewing on her bib more. She's sitting in her new seat below, and she seems to really enjoy hanging out with the family. :-)

Melody is holding her head up.

2011-05-28T12:53:00.003-06:00

I took these pictures yesterday. Melody is getting so strong. I predict her rolling over very soon, and then crawling....oh man, I'm in trouble. ;)

Melody had her 4 month appointment yesterday!

2011-05-18T09:37:00.004-06:00

Melody had her 4 month appointment yesterday. She was 4 months on May 12th. She now weighs 14 lbs. 6 oz., and she is now in the 70th percentile. She is also 24 inches, and she is in the 40th percentile. She's getting so big. She laughs and smiles a lot. I know I'm bias, but she's such a pretty baby. She is doing everything that she is suppose to be doing for her age which is great since she was born premature. She definitely has caught up.

I just love my babies!

2011-05-04T08:22:00.002-06:00

I love how all three of them are smiling in this picture, and you get an idea of each of their personalities. I was trying to get a cute shot to put on a mug for the grandmas for Mother's Day. I think I succeeded. I'm not sure if it will get here on time, but we'll see. Otherwise, they will receive it next week. They are growing up so fast. I just love them so. :-)

Melody Smiling Her Way Through It All

2011-04-14T14:23:00.002-06:00

Melody is getting over her double ear infection and horrible cough. She's still on oxygen, but I have an appointment on Monday to see if she can go off it. They did lower it from 1/4 Liter to 1/16 Liter. She is definitely being a good sport in all of this. My poor baby. I just want her to be better and healthy.

Melody is 3 Months Old!

2011-04-12T18:00:00.004-06:00

Melody started off her 3 months with a bang. I went to the doctor today for Sebastian's well-baby check-up, and he wanted to check to see how Melody is doing. Her pulse was in the eighties, and he was concerned. She had a chest x-ray yesterday, but everything looked fine. No pneumonia or any other respiratory related issues. She goes back tomorrow to be checked again to see how she is doing. For now, she needs to be on oxygen. I'm so freaked out, and I want my baby to be alright. It doesn't help that I feel like complete crap. I have Bronchitis! Yuck!

Here's a picture of my sweet pea from our picture session from Saturday. We went to Kiddie Kandids for professional pictures, although we didn't get as many good pictures as I would have hoped. Get better soon, my sweet baby.

Sebastian Turns 2 Today!

2011-04-11T17:55:00.000-06:00

Sebastian is 2 years old today. I feel like he was just born. He's such a talker, and it's so cute how he plays with his toys. He got some trains for his birthday, and a farm. He'll get more stuff on Saturday for his birthday party. We were going to go to the aquarium today, but Melody has been very sick. We'll wait until next week instead. We celebrating with grandma and grandpa with some pizza and cupcakes.

Melody's First Real Smile

2011-04-06T21:58:00.002-06:00

Melody giving a true smile. She's been smiling on and off for a couple of weeks, but I was able to get her to smile for me on the camera. It's great to see her growing, and doing well despite being premature. Melody is 12 weeks today. I can't believe how quickly the time is going.

Cedric turns Four!

2011-04-02T19:56:00.002-06:00

Four years ago on March 19th my first baby came into the world. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. My sweet boy is getting so big. Here he is with me when he was brand new. He still loves to snuggle with me, which I love. Happy Birthday, Cedric!

Cedric's latest stats: He's 38 3/4 inches(25th%) and 30 1/2 lbs.(10th%). He's forever my little guy.

Cedric celebrated with cupcakes the day before at his preschool.

Opening up his gifts.

Sebastian showing off one of Cedric's gifts.

Melody joining in the fun.

Cedric had his birthday party at his favorite place, My Gym.

Cedric and his friends that came to celebrate his big day.

Sebastian loved the zip line.

Cedric's birthday cake. It's a Caillou cake.

Cedric riding his new bike that he got on his birthday. He's riding it a week later.

Melody is 2 Months Old!

2011-03-12T18:39:00.001-07:00

Melody is already two months old. I can't believe how quickly the time is going. Sebastian turned 23 months on the 11th, and Cedric will be 4 on the 19th. In a month, I will have a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and a 3 month old. Crazy!

Melody's two month appointment will be on Tuesday, so I'll post her stats then.

Smiles!

2011-02-27T17:33:00.006-07:00

Melody is starting to smile more and more. I haven't seen a social smile yet, but she definitely looks at me with recognition.

I can't believe March is almost here. Cedric turns 4 next month. Crazy!

Sebastian turns 2 years old in April. Here he is showing his shocked look. My babies are growing up so fast.

A Comparison of All Three

2011-02-19T19:16:00.002-07:00

I decided to make a collage of my children when they were all around 5 weeks of age. Maybe it's just me, but Melody looks like a girl and Cedric & Sebastian look like boys.

Melody's Due Date!

2011-02-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today's the day that Melody was suppose to be born. I know most babies aren't born on their due date, but Melody's sticks out to me because she was a preemie. She's doing well and her skin color is normal looking. She was orange for awhile there.

A part of me is sad that she didn't make it to at least February, because I missed out on special moments I didn't have with her. John wasn't in the room, we don't have video of her first bath, she wasn't laid on my chest after she was born, and I didn't get to breastfed her right away. Don't get me wrong, I'm so glad she is here and finally healthy, but I can't change feeling a little sad. I know there are no guarantees, and bad things can happen to full term babies. It's just my last baby, and this wasn't a very easy pregnancy. Too many scares along the way. Thankfully, all is well, and my beautiful, baby girl loves to cuddle, and she's so sweet. I guess she was just too excited to meet us.

It's A Girl!!!!

2011-01-24T11:35:00.014-07:00

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 I had an early appointment with my doctor's office where I found out the baby had gone from a transverse position to full on breech. I saw the midwife that day, and I told her that I was having some contractions but they weren't consistent. She didn't want to check me, because she didn't want to cause my bleeding to come back. She said I was behaving like I wasn't in labor, so she wasn't concerned.

Fast forward to later on that evening. My husband and I took the boys out to dinner, and I would feel the contractions coming more often. At 6:30, we were home, so I started timing the contractions. They were coming every 4 minutes and lasting about a minute. I let my body go through 6 just to make sure the contractions continued on this pattern. They had me come into labor and delivery. John and I waiting for my parents to come over to watch the boys. We left at 8pm, and got to the hospital about 8:30pm. They brought me up to L&D, and hooked me up to the monitors. The nurse had questions to ask me, and John and I were joking around with the nurse. They still hadn't checked me yet to see if I was dilated. One of the doctors on call could observe my contractions remotely via his phone. He didn't think I was in active labor and he was going to have me be sent home with some Ambien, but he asked the nurse to check me just in case.

The nurse checked me and needed to get the opinion of another nurse, because she wasn't sure. Both experienced nurses couldn't tell if I was dilated or if my cervix was just softening. I think the breech position was throwing them off. They decided to consult with the doctor on the floor. She checked me, and she said I was 9cm dilated and my water was bulging. My contractions were getting more and more intense, especially after they were checking me. My body started pushing....I couldn't stop it. My water exploding on the table. They kept telling me to stop pushing, and I told them just knock me out. They were rushing me to the OR for an emergency c-section. Right before we went in the OR, my body started pushing again, and I felt the baby's foot come out. I told them something was happening. John was back in the L&D room putting on scrubs. In the OR, the doctor had a hold of the baby's leg, and the nurses were pushing my legs back, and they were telling me to push hard. I pushed as hard I could, and I felt the doctor turning the baby to guide the baby through my pelvis. The baby came out with one big push. It was that doctor's first vaginal breech delivery. With all the excitement, nobody told me what I had. I asked, and they said it's a girl. John walked in a minute later, and thought I had a c-section. The surgeon said, "I'm not that fast!".

Melody Evangeline was born on January 12, 2011 at 9:53pm. She weighed 6 lbs. 9 oz., and she was 18 inches. She was a great size for being born 5 weeks/1 day early. She still needed to go to the NICU. John went with her, and I had to get stitches for a 2nd degree tear. Melody's leg was bruised from being born breech, but she was breathing on her own. She did have to go on the CPAP machine for a day, because she was grunting. She's also under the bilirubin lights for jaundice, and she was given an IV for extra fluid. They also gave her antibiotics for a few days in case she had an infection. Precautionary...thankfully her cultures were negative for an infection. It looks like she will only be having to be here for a week, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

John and I had our first date January 12, 2002. Who knew that nine years later I would be married to him and giving birth to our third child. Life is crazy!

I had a dream that I blogged about that everything in it seemed to be a premonition to this moment: http://babyboo2005.blogspot.com/2010/10/last-night-i-had-strangest-dream.html

Baby Boo #3 at 30 Weeks/6 Days

2010-12-23T09:21:00.002-07:00

I'm 32 weeks today, but last week I saw another 3d/4d image of my sweet baby. I'm so happy to have met this goal. My next goal is to get to January, and eventually get through January.

Sebastian is 20 Months today!

2010-12-11T14:33:00.005-07:00

Sebastian is 20 months today, I'm 30 weeks/2 days pregnant, and Cedric is getting better with potty training. I'm still on bed rest, but I can sit at the computer and go for drives. That keeps me sane. I'm so happy that I have 10 more weeks to go. I can't believe it has already been 6 weeks, since all this craziness has begun. I have an ultrasound and a prenatal appointment on Wednesday, Dec. 15th. I should learn more of what my body is doing. Hopefully, my cervix is still closed and long. I also hope my fluids are still good, and the baby is growing nicely. Now if I can just get this baby to go head down then all will be good.

Cedric is continuing to do well with potty training. He's a late bloomer! He goes pee without much problems, but sometimes he needs to be reminded. Of course, poop is another story. We're still working on that one. Once he gets that down then he will graduate to underwear instead of having to wear pull-ups.

Sebastian is 20 months today. He's doing well at day care, and he seems to be coming out of his shell more and more. He definitely likes to talk their ears off there. He sometimes still gets sad when daddy drops him off, but he likes his teachers so that helps. I can't believe in a couple of months we'll become a family of five, and I'll have three little faces to adore and kiss upon. Also in two weeks, it will be Christmas, and I'm looking forward to Cedric, Sebastian, and John seeing their presents.

It's that season, again!

2010-12-06T21:53:00.004-07:00

Cedric and Sebastian playing by the Christmas tree. We still need to do a family picture.

I'm also only a couple days away from being 30 weeks along. I'm happy to be very close to the 30 week marker. Now if I can just keep the weeks going, so I'm full term or close to it.

Stuck in the hospital and feeling bored.

2010-11-20T09:56:00.003-07:00

If this baby is a girl, this is one name possibility. Melody is the definite first name, but John still needs more convincing on the middle name. I really like it. I like the meaning of Evangeline, and I like the song from Princess and the Frog. I think he will go for it. By the way, Evangeline means messenger of good news, and Melody means song. I definitely love music, and I could use some good news.

I didn't make a boy one, because John and I are absolutely stumped for a boy's name. I don't even know where to start. I guess if this is a third boy, it might just be seeing him first before deciding.

Sebastian is 19 Months Old & I'm 26 Weeks Today!

2010-11-11T18:00:00.005-07:00

Sebastian is 19 months today! He is getting so big! Sebastian started going to daycare on Monday for a few months while mommy needs to be on bed rest, and daddy needs to keep working. It's sad that he has to go to daycare, but he seems to be adjusting. It will be good for him to have the extra attention that he wouldn't get enough of at home due to the current circumstances. His teachers are amazed at how much he talks, and they think he's cute. It's the cheeks! :-)

Cedric and Sebastian are enjoying the first snowfall of the season. They like looking at the snow. Cedric was a little disappointed that it wasn't enough snow to build a snowman. All in good time my little guy.

I'm 26 weeks today, and I'm feeling much better that this baby is going to go the rest of the pregnancy. I have a doctor's appointment this Wednesday, the 17th, so I'll have a better idea what it going on with the placenta. I haven't had any bleeding or spotting since I left the hospital, and I'm feeling very good about that. I still take the medicine to keep the contractions away, and I'm at bed rest at home. It's not total strict bed rest. I can go on drives as a passenger, and I can eat with the family. I really just need to take it easy and not lift anything over 10 lbs. Sorry babies! I'm looking forward to seeing this baby again on an ultrasound this coming Wednesday, and hoping to have better news about what is going on inside. Keep hanging in there, baby!

25 Weeks Today

2010-11-04T14:35:00.004-06:00

Bleeding is getting so much better. I pretty much have nothing to speak of, so it's nice to see this going in the right direction. I have a 3d/4d image of the baby that looks so cool. I definitely see a resemblance to Cedric & Sebastian. I think this baby has Cedric sized cheeks, though. I've been told that if I continue to have no big bleeds, than I can go home on Sunday. I really hope I can. I miss being around my family. I still need to be on bed rest, but at least it will be in the comfort of my own home.

Something John and I thought we would never do, we have no choice to do now. Sebastian will be going to a daycare for the time being, since John needs to keep working. It's too hard to work and managed two children at the same time. Cedric does preschool in the afternoon Tuesday through Friday, so that will keep him busy. It's sad that my baby will be going to daycare, but he needs attention. Right now, I can't give that to him, because of my situation. It will be fine, and it's only temporary. He might actually enjoy being around other kids his own age all day.

I'm continuing to keep my eye on the prize, and each day the baby stays inside is a victory. :-)

Scary Times!

2010-11-01T16:05:00.003-06:00

This pregnancy has definitely become stressful and scary. On Wednesday, the 27th I started experiencing some bleeding after going three weeks with no spotting. They had me go to labor and delivery, so they could monitor the baby and do an ultrasound. They couldn't see where the bleeding was coming from, I was having no contractions, and my cervix was closed. The doctor recommended having a steroid shot and staying through the night for monitoring, but John and I felt that was too much. The midwife was okay with us leaving and not getting the shot, since everything looked okay.

Fast forward to Friday, the 29th, and a whole different story occurs. John, Sebastian, Cedric, and I went to Cedric's preschool for his Halloween party. As soon as I started getting out of the car, I could feel myself bleeding. When I went to the bathroom, I had already soaked the panyliner I was wearing. I called the midwife, and they told me to go to labor and delivery again. This time on the ultrasound they could see where the bleeding was coming from. I had a tear in my placenta, and the doctor told me that this pregnancy could bevin serious jeopardy. I started crying upon hearing this. I was to stay on hospital bed rest for 48 hours, and receive the steroid shot. They gave me one that Friday, and they give me another one 24 hours later. It's precautionary in case the baby does come early, it will have a better chance of survival if it gets that head start maturity on it's lungs. Bleeding slowly improved, and by Sunday, the 31st I was only spotting mostly brown color.

John and I went home around noon, and I was instructed to be on strict bed rest at home. I was bummed I didn't get to see the boys going door to door for trick or treating, but I at least got to see them in their costumes as they were leaving. I stayed in the bed and watched television. John and the boys gor back close to 8pm, and we were all going to sit in bed and watch "How to Train Your Dragon". I moved a little bit, and I could feel the blood coming out again. Went to the bathroom, and I wanted to cry. I needed to go back to the hospital. No ultrasound this time, but lots of monitoring. Started having contractions coming every two minutes. They gave me medicine to stop that, and so far they have stopped completely.

My current prognosis is to be in the hospital on bed rest for at least 7 days. Most likely a little longer than that. The doctor wants me to have no spotting even brown for 7 days straight before releasing me to bed rest at home. It sucks, but if we can avoid the baby going to the NICU, that would be most ideal. I'm scared at the financial cost of all of this, since health insurance in this country sucks.

Anyway, stay in there baby! I want to hold you when you're born, and I want you to come home with us right away. Only 3 more months to go, so please hang in there.

Latest Ultrasound Picture

2010-10-28T10:55:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was kind of a scary day. After three weeks of having no spotting, I thought I was in the clear. Yesterday after I went to the bathroom there was blood. Not a lot but enough to have me concerned. I called the midwife, and they told me to go to Labor and Delivery to be monitored and possible receive a steroid shot for the baby's lungs. That wasn't what I was expecting to hear. I went to the hospital, and my mom followed since I was going to need to have someone pick Cedric up from preschool. I also called John to let him know what was going on, and he met me at the hospital. They monitored the baby, and did an ultrasound. Everything looked fine with me and the baby, and I wasn't have contractions. They don't know what was causing the bleeding. Hang in there, baby. You still have 16 weeks to go. This pregnancy has been stressful. I just want a healthy baby to hold, and that everything works out to be okay.

Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream.....

2010-10-17T18:41:00.003-06:00

Last night I had a dream that the baby was a girl. I was holding a little baby that looked like Cedric when he was a baby, but the baby was wearing a pink hat. I called her Melody, which will be her name if it's a her. I remember calling John on the phone to tell him we had a girl, and he responded like he already knew. I'm not sure why he wasn't with me. I had a feeling in the dream that the baby was early, but not too early. In the dream the nurse told me the baby weighed 6 lbs. 9 oz., which would be very nice since Sebastian was 3 lbs. more than that. The dream felt so real, and I remember falling instantly in love with the baby I saw in my dreams. I'm hoping it's true that it's a girl, but I would of course be happy if it's a boy, too.

Sebastian turned 18 months on the 11th

2010-10-16T18:06:00.003-06:00

Sebastian turned 18 months on Monday, the 11th. He is getting so big. His vocabulary has exploded, and he is constantly talking. He loves to say, airplane, hi, bye, and many, many more. He has officially weaned as well. The last time he had breast milk was on Monday, September 27th. He was pretty much down to only nursing once or twice during the day. I was amazed at how quickly it was to wean him. Cedric took a lot longer. Sebastian has his 18 month appointment on the 25th, so I'll know what his stats are then.

Baby Ticker

2010-09-23T08:07:00.004-06:00

Make a pregnancy ticker

Ultrasound Pictures from a Week Ago

2010-09-23T06:53:00.007-06:00

Here is Baby Boo #3 at 18 weeks and 1 day. Baby is looking great! We have decided to go Team Green on this pregnancy, so we won't know who this little person is until she/he is born.

Sebastian and Cedric wearing their big brother shirts with pride. Every time I ask Cedric if the baby is a baby sister or baby brother he says sister. Same holds true if I ask him if it's a boy or girl. He says girl every time. Perhaps, he knows something that I don't know. I feel girl with this pregnancy, but I don't want to get my hopes up.

Here's the baby yawning.

The baby's arm in a flex position.

Here's the whole baby curled up. I went in a little early for my anatomy scan, because I have been continuing to have bleeding and spotting. It looks like I will be having this baby with a midwife at Swedish Hospital inside of with a midwife at a birthing center. I'm pretty bummed about it, because I really wanted to have an experience of the birthing center this time around. However, I want the baby and I to be safe, too. If the midwives at the birthing center think this is the best scenario, than I'm okay with that. There goes my water birth. :-(

Sebastian is 17 months

2010-09-13T09:58:00.003-06:00

Sebastian was 17 months on Saturday, and he is getting so big. He is really only nursing about once sometimes twice a day. He is also sleeping through the night, which is so nice. Of course, that will all change for me again in about 5 months when the new baby is here.

Sebastian is counting and saying more and more words. He likes to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and Itsy, Bitsy Spider. He also knows the word hi when he sees it. It still is unclear if he knows the word eyes, but he is getting close. Sebastian eats a lot, too. He loves food, and always seems to be the only kid who is still sitting finishing his food. He doesn't like milk, and I'm not sure what to do about that. I guess he'll eventually like it, but we shall see. He loves water, so that is good. He hasn't had juice yet, and I'm trying to keep him from that for awhile. The only fruit he seems to like is bananas, but I know one day he will eventually like some others.

Cedric is 3 1/2 years old, and he loves going to preschool at Jefferson County Open School. He is doing great, and he seems very happy.

Sebastian and Cedric are getting so big, and I can't wait til this third baby is here to see my complete family together. John and I will be going to have our 20 week ultrasound on September 30th. We are Team Green, so we won't be finding out the gender, but we will get to see our newest Baby Boo. I'm also hoping my Subchorionic Hemorrhage is gone or close to gone by that ultrasound. I'm tired of this spotting and occasional bleeding I've been having with this pregnancy. I just want a healthy baby, that is doing fine in my uterus despite the interference. I'll be posting ultrasound pictures in a couple of weeks. I can't wait.

Finally Made My Big Announcement...I'm Pregnant!

2010-08-05T20:35:00.003-06:00

I had my 12 week ultrasound today for my first trimester screening. The baby looks great, and I will find out the blood test results next week. I'm so excited to be having our third baby. This baby will complete our family, and I can't wait to meet her or him in February. Here's a picture of my children all together. My sweet babies!

Here's a closer picture of the baby. Looking at us and telling us hello. :-)

My Birthday!

2010-08-02T09:57:00.006-06:00

Sebastian and Cedric holding the presents I got from them and their daddy. The bear is Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear from Toy Story 3, and an iPhone 4. My birthday was on Thursday, July 29th, and I'm 38 years old. I can't believe I'm only 2 years away from the big 4-0. Next years birthday will also be very exciting, but I can't get into those details right now. Anyway, my mom took me and the boys to lunch at the Egg and I. Later in the evening for dinner, I went to Cinzzetti's with John, Cedric, Sebastian, and our friends, Colleen, Bella, and Sean. Afterwards, we had cake that John made. It was a fun day!

John, Cedric, Sebastian, and I celebrating my birthday together.

John with Sebastian, Cedric, and our friend Bella leaving the restaurant.

Just a reminder why he was the worst modern president

2010-07-25T11:50:00.000-06:00

George W. Bush:
accomplishments as president- I wouldn't call them accomplishments !

* Attacked and took over two countries.

* Spent the surplus and bankrupted the treasury.

* Shattered record for biggest annual deficit in history.

* Set economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12 month period.

* Set all-time record for biggest drop in the history of the stock market.

* First president in decades to execute a federal prisoner.

* First president in US history to enter office with a criminal record.

* First year in office set the all-time record for most days on vacation by any president in US history.

* After taking the entire month of August off for vacation, presided over the worst security failure in US history.

* Set the record for most campaign fund-raising trips than any other president in US history.

* In my first two years in office over 2 million Americans lost their job.

*Cut unemployment benefits for more out of work Americans than any president in US history.

* Set the all-time record for most foreclosures in a 12 month period.

* Appointed more convicted criminals to administration positions than any president in US history.

* Set the record for the least amount of press conferences than any president since the advent of television.

* Signed more laws and executive orders amending the Constitution than any president in US history.

* Presided over the biggest energy crises in US history and refused to intervene when corruption was revealed.

* Presided over the highest gasoline prices in US history and refused to use the national reserves as past presidents have.

* Cut healthcare benefits for war veterans.

* Set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously take to the streets to protest me (15 million people), shattering the record for protest against any person in the history of mankind.

* Dissolved more international treaties than any president in US history.

* My presidency is the most secretive and un-accountable of any in US history.

* Members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in US history. (the 'poorest' multi-millionaire, Condoleeza Rice has an Exxon oil tanker named after her).

* First president in US history to have all 50 states of the Union simultaneously go bankrupt.

* Presided over the biggest corporate stock market fraud of any market in any country in the history of the world.

* First president in US history to order a US attack and military occupation of a sovereign nation.

* Created the largest government department bureaucracy in the history of the United States.

* Set the all-time record for biggest annual budget spending increases, more than any president in US history.

* First president in US history to have the United Nations remove the US from the human rights commission.

* First president in US history to have the United Nations remove the US from the elections monitoring board.

* Removed more checks and balances, and have the least amount of congressional oversight than any presidential administration in US history.

* Rendered the entire United Nations irrelevant.

* Withdrew from the World Court of Law.

* Refused to allow inspectors access to US prisoners of war and by default no longer abide by the Geneva Conventions.

* First president in US history to refuse United Nations election inspectors (during the 2002 US elections).

* All-time US (and world) record holder for most corporate campaign donations.

* My biggest life-time campaign contributor presided over one of the largest corporate bankruptcy frauds in world history (Kenneth Lay, former CEO of Enron Corporation).

* Spent more money on polls and focus groups than any president in US history.

* First president in US history to unilaterally attack a sovereign nation against the will of the United Nations and the world community.

* First president to run and hide when the US came under attack (and then lied saying the enemy had the code to Air Force 1)

* First US president to establish a secret shadow government.

* Took the biggest world sympathy for the US after 911, and in less than a year made the US the most resented country in the world (possibly the biggest diplomatic failure in US and world history).

* With a policy of 'dis-engagement' created the most hostile Israeli-Palestine relations in at least 30 years.

* First US president in history to have a majority of the people of Europe (71%) view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and stability.

* First US president in history to have the people of South Korea more threatened by the US than their immediate neighbor, North Korea.

* Changed US policy to allow convicted criminals to be awarded government contracts.

* Set all-time record for number of administration appointees who violated US law by not selling huge investments in corporations bidding for government contracts.

* Failed to fulfill my pledge to get Osama Bin Laden 'dead or alive'.

* Failed to capture the anthrax killer who tried to murder the leaders of our country at the United States Capital building. After 18 months I have no leads and zero suspects.

* In the 18 months following the 911 attacks I have successfully prevented any public investigation into the biggest security failure in the history of the United States.

* Removed more freedoms and civil liberties for Americans than any other president in US history.

* In a little over two years created the most divided country in decades, possibly the most divided the US has ever been since the civil war.

* Entered office with the strongest economy in US history and in less than two years turned every single economic category heading straight down.

Sebastian was 15 months Old A Week Ago

2010-07-18T09:40:00.002-06:00

I've been busy, so I forgot to post about Sebastian turning 15 months last Sunday. He has four molars coming in at once, and he isn't too happy about it. He went in for his 15 month appointment on Tuesday, the 13th. His height was 30 1/2 inches, and he is in the 30th percentile. His weight was 20 lbs. 9 oz. and he was in the 5th percentile. They were concerned about his weight, since he has only gained half a pound since his 6th month appointment. Of course, Cedric weight dropping significantly, too. It's frustrating! He had to have blood taken on Friday, and they needed urine. That involved using a catheter. My poor baby just can't catch a break. I was cursing the doctor's name in my head. I'll find out the results on Monday, and I know they will come back that everything is fine.

Sebastian is talking more, too. He's getting very good at eating solids now as well. We are still working on drinking milk. He claps his hands a lot, and he says hi among many other things. He's very cute! He's also interacting a lot more with Cedric. Sometimes Cedric still gets a little too rough, but Sebastian is getting stronger.

Over the Rainbow Bridge

2010-07-03T11:45:00.006-06:00

Harmony died on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at around 5:20pm in the late afternoon. She was almost 12 1/2 years old. She had been acting very sick over the last few days, and although she felt like she had lost a lot of weight her belly was very bloated and tight. I took her into the vet around 10:45am on Thursday, and the vet called me back within ten minutes to tell me she was very sick. They tried to take blood, but she was so dehydrated that they needed to give her fluids first. Around 2pm, I got a call back from the vet telling me that her kidneys were shutting down, and she was in kidney failure. They said they could try to help her, but I didn't want her to suffer anymore. Plus there was no guarantee that any aggressive treatment was going to save her. I told them I would be back around 5pm with my husband and children. I wanted Cedric and Sebastian to say goodbye. Cedric said, "Goodbye Harmony, I love you." He's such a sweet boy. Plus earlier in the morning he put a blanket on Harmony when she was sleeping on the couch. I don't think he knows what happened, and I know Sebastian definitely has no idea what was going on. John stayed in the room with me when they put Harmony to sleep. It was very sad to say goodbye to my sweet baby. I can't believe she is gone. The house feels empty now with both of the cats gone.

Goodbye Harmony, I love you and will miss you always. Now you and Melody can be together again.

Baby Harmony
January 24, 1998 - July 1, 2010

Sebastian being cute with Harmony.

My Minion

2010-06-28T08:40:00.001-06:00

Sebastian was 14 months yesterday!

2010-06-12T10:47:00.008-06:00

My little guy is getting so big looking. He is looking less and less like a baby as his little body thins out more and more. Here he is showing off his five teeth. He has another tooth coming in on the top on the other side of his front teeth, but it's barely peeking through.

Taking a picture with his buddy Bert. We bought this when we went to FAO Schwarz in NY.

Here was Sebastian yesterday at a pool party when he was actually 14 months old.

Sebastian playing with Harmony. She has been hanging around upstairs all the time now. She's less afraid of the kids, and she's been more active. We are doing great as a one cat family.

Sebastian demonstrating his new found skill. He is practicing going down the stairs like a big boy. It makes mommy and daddy a little nervous, but so far he has had only one spill.

Another angle of him going down the stairs. I'm okay with him doing this going down this set of stairs, because there is only a few. It's the bigger set of stairs I want him to keep going down backwards.

Brothers! Sebastian is getting more vocal. He says, "Ish" a lot. Not sure what it's suppose to mean, but it's so cute when he does it. He says "mama" and "dada" like a champ, and he says "hi" at times as well. He also says "oh". He was such a little chatter box in NY, but I wasn't sure what he was saying. It's only a matter of time when he becomes easier to understand. He knows what he is saying, we just need to catch up.

Funny Joke....Love it!

2010-06-12T10:16:00.000-06:00

You must be a Democrat.

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him,
"Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
"She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be an Obama Democrat."
"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."
The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Republican."
"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"
"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."
Source: The Canadian Connection

Just another day....

2010-06-09T14:50:00.000-06:00

Going Home

2010-06-02T09:19:00.011-06:00

John, Cedric, Sebastian, and I went to Jones Beach during our travels to NY. We went on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. I've been wanted to go to Jones Beach for a long time, and I was happy to finally get to go. I also wanted to go to send some of Michael's ashes back out to sea.

Here is Kevin, Michael, and Chris playing in the sand at the beach. I'm not sure if they are at Jones Beach here or not, but it was such a huge part of our childhoods I'm sure it was.

Me with my brothers and my dad at the beach.

Our family boat that we would take to different places around Jones Beach. Zack's Bay was one of our favorite places to visit. It's all part of Jones Beach.

Andy and I by the shore.

Me sending Michael's ashes back out to sea. I couldn't get all the ashes out of the jar, so I mixed those ashes with sand and a couple of seashells from Jones Beach. I put the bottle back in my hutch back at home.

Here's me returning from reuniting Michael with the ocean.

Me with my two sweeties, Sebastian and Cedric. I'm happy to introduce my boys to a huge part of my childhood. They both loved the beach and splashing in the waves.

My family...a new generation to enjoy Jones Beach.

My Grandma Died!

2010-06-02T09:03:00.004-06:00

Here is a picture of my grandma holding me. It has been a long time, since I've seen my grandma. I was thinking the last time I saw I was 12 years old, but I forgot I did see her when I was almost 17 years old. My mom and I took a trip to NY, and we stop by to say hi at some point during our trip. I didn't see her or have any contact with her after that. My mom and grandma never got along and my mom sent my grandma a letter asking her to apologize for the way my grandma treated her as a child. My grandma never apologized, and the connection was broken after that.

I had recently reconnected with my Uncle Teddy and Aunt Peggy when my grandma was having complications about a month ago. It was good to talk to them again. It had been way too long. My Uncle Teddy called me a couple of weeks ago to give me my grandma's phone number. I wish now that I had called before she died. I know she probably wouldn't have known who I was, since she was suffering from dementia....still I feel bad about it. I kept thinking about her during our trip to NY. I kept feeling like I should at least call, but I never did. She died yesterday, June 1, 2010 in the afternoon. She was 92 years old. Goodbye grandma, I'm sorry I didn't get to say it to you at least on the phone if not in person. Say hi to Michael for me, and I hope you both reconnect on the otherside.

Michael as a baby with our grandma.

Sebastian is 13 Months Today

2010-05-11T07:23:00.006-06:00

Sebastian is 13 months today. He started clapping a couple of days ago, and it's so cute to see. He'll be seeing his NY family is less than two weeks...Sebastian hasn't met them yet. I'm very excited to go to NY again. It's been two years since they last saw Cedric, and I'm excited about going to the beach. We plan on going to Jones Beach one day. Cedric and Sebastian will love playing in the sand.

My little guy looking so cute sitting with Ariel at grandma and grandpa's house on Mother's Day.

Sebastian doing his elephant impersonation. Sebastian will make an elephant sound and put his arm up in the air if you ask him what does an elephant say. He'll also growl if you ask him what does a tiger say. It's so cute!

Cedric and Sebastian sitting in front of the house together. I just love these guys so much.

Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

2010-05-08T15:18:00.008-06:00

Okay I admit that Cimbi and I haven't seen eye to eye for a long time, but I'm still sad to send him to a new home. My sadness is more for John, Cedric, and Sebastian. Cimbi has been John's cat forever, and the kids really love the cat. That being said, he has scratched Sebastian a couple of times and one of those times was on the cheek....way too close to the eye. He also scratched Cedric once when he was a baby. I don't want to take the chance that if we keep him that he doesn't hurt him worse like scratching his eyeball. Cimbi doesn't run away when he is annoyed by something like most cats do.

My mom helped me find him a really good home for him to go to. It's a woman named Sherri, whom she receives therapeutic treatment from every other week. She's an older woman who lives with two male boarders. She has no young children, and she has the time to give Cimbi all the attention that he has been longing to receive.

One of my attempts to get a picture of the boys with Cimbi, and as you can see it was a fail. Although Sebastian has a very cute look on his face.

Another attempt at a picture. A little better but still no cigar.

Sebastian and Cimbi together for one last time. Very sad!

And one last time....still a fail. Cimbi cooperated for all the pictures, though.

I'm sorry Cimbi I was a lousy mommy to you. I think between the vomiting and hurting Harmony was wearing on me, and scratching my babies became the last straw. I know that I wasn't as nice to you like I should have been. I found you to be more troubling than a companion. And for that I'm sorry....I would hope going to this new home you will finally get the love that you deserve and need.

Bye bye kitty....We'll miss you!

Happy 1st Birthday, Sebastian!

2010-04-11T08:47:00.004-06:00

Sebastian is a one year old today. He was born at 11:35am MDT, so we have a few hours to go for being officially one. Where has the time gone? My little guy is no longer a baby but a toddler. He has been walking consistently since March 21st, and since last Sunday, he can crawl down the stairs. He knows when he gets to the edge to turn around and scoot down backwards on his belly. It's very cute to see. I love you buddy. Happy Birthday! His birthday party is next weekend, but we are going to Little Monkey Bizness with grandma, grandpa, mommy, daddy, and Cedric today. We'll go someplace afterwards to eat. I'll post pictures from the day later. Here isi a picture I took this morning of my sweet baby looking like a big boy.

A collage image of then and now. Look at those sweet, baby cheeks.

I like this diary from Daily Kos.

2010-03-29T07:38:00.001-06:00

I visit Rosie O'Donnell's blog almost every day, I enjoy her. I am always amazed at the nasty, sometimes violent reaction she brings out in some people. But I want to pass this on, Rosie printed it on the home page of her blog, it was sent to her. I'm sending it as a reply to every anti-Obama email I get. It's civil and just a little frightening to see in print.

Nica24's diary :: ::

You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.

You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate
energy policy.

You didn't get mad when a covert CIA operative got outed.

You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.

You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.

You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 billion(and counting) on said illegal war.

You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.

You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people.

You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans.

You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.

You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.

Update: Thank you, this is my first time on the Rec. List. Not sure I really deserve it. But I really respect and like Rosie O'Donnell, and she said "pass it on". So thank you, and use it in response to the crap you get in your inbox and those crazy relatives you just can't ignore.

You didn't get mad when we let a major US city, New Orleans, drown.

You didn't get mad when we gave a 900 billion tax break to the rich.

You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.

You finally got mad when the government decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick. Yes, illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, stealing your tax dollars to make the rich richer, are all okay with you, but helping other Americans...oh hell no.

Update: Thank you, I've never been on the rec. list. Not sure if I deserve it, but I really respect Rosie O'Donnell, and she said "pass it on". If anything it gives you a response to all those insane armeggedon emails or those crazy relatives you just can't ignore.

Sebastian Won POTW

2010-03-27T18:33:00.004-06:00

http://6-12potw.blogspot.com/

I didn't win anything...it's more the notoriety. This was on March 26th. I think it's funny all the dates I've won were on the 26th. The theme was Little Leprechauns. This is the second time Sebastian has won 1st place. The first time it was only against two other babies, so he was going to place. He also tied for third place awhile back. He won't be allowed to compete on this blog much longer, because he'll be turning one on April 11th. My baby is growing up.

This is the winner picture from February 26th. The theme was Mardi Gras Babies.

This picture he tied for third place back in December 26th. Winter Wonderful Babies was the theme.

A Collage of Cuteness!

2010-03-23T13:40:00.005-06:00

My two little snugglebunnies wearing their Easter outfits. They look so handsome in their outfits. I just love my little guys.

Sebastian has officially become a walker. He started walking more and more on Sunday, March 21st. Now, he is doing it like a pro. He still crawls, but he's taking lots of steps here and there.

Sebastian is 11 Months Old Today

2010-03-11T14:52:00.001-07:00

Sebastian is 11 months old today, and he continues to grow like a weed. He has four teeth, and he is still cruising around furniture. He's still doing the occasional step here and there, but nothing concrete. I still think he is going to walk earlier than Cedric but who knows. One more month and my baby will be a one year old. I still can't believe it. Cedric is going to be three this month. Where does the time go?

My Retrospective Collage of Cedric & Sebastian

2010-02-28T17:56:00.003-07:00

I love the looks on their faces for the middle picture. I definitely need to get that picture blown up and framed. I made this collage to represent their upcoming birthdays. I can't believe Cedric is going to turning 3 years old, and Sebastian is going to be 1. Where has the time gone?

Sebastian Wearing his New Shoes

2010-02-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

"Hey, I put some new shoes on, and suddenly everything is right..."

Here is Sebastian wearing his first real pair of shoes. I bought them at Stride Rite, and they are soft but sturdy so they won't hurt his feet. I love this picture of him looking so proud of his ability to stand without holding on something for support.

My little guy smiling away. I can't wait for his NY family to meet him in the Spring. Nobody from NY has met Sebastian yet, and it has been two years since they've seen Cedric. We haven't made definite plans yet, but we are looking at the end of May as probably the time we will go. I can't wait. I'm going to use my new camera to make a story out of their trip, and put together a photo book and a DVD to document this journey.

Sebastian is also wearing his new jacket in these pictures as well. I don't usually shop at Janie and Jack, because they are so expensive. However, this jacket was on sale and it goes well with the shoes. Sebastian is getting braver and braver with his walking. He hasn't fully walked yet, but he continues to take a step or two here and there. I'm hoping by one he'll be taking off.

Sebastian is 10 Months Old Today

2010-02-11T18:15:00.003-07:00

Sebastian is 10 months old today, and I'm sad to be saying goodbye to the single digit months forever. My baby is growing up so fast! Sebastian has been taking more steps today. He has been taking steps on and off for the past month, but hasn't really started taking off yet. He took three steps today. He continues to say ma-ma and da-da a lot, and he continues to wave to say hello to people. He has his two bottom front teeth and his top tooth on the left side. His top tooth on the right side is starting to poke through. Tomorrow, Sebastian has another laser treatment to go through. It keeps getting harder and harder to deal with, because he has become more of aware of what is going on. My poor baby! :-(

Cedric has been completely weaned from breastmilk for almost 5 weeks. The last time Cedric had breastmilk was Saturday, January 9, 2010. He was only getting milk for his nap, but he has been hit or miss with naps for sometime now. It was getting to be too uncomfortable, and I needed to stop for my own sanity. He had a cold, so that was my cue to stop. You see when he has a cold he breathes through his mouth and he tends to bite more. Not a good feeling when you are breastfeeding and the child has a mouth full of teeth. I know he misses it at times, but he doesn't ask for mommy milk anymore. He loves to snuggle with me still, so that's a good thing. I love to snuggle with my Cedric. :-)

My Animal Personality

2010-01-24T07:13:00.001-07:00

The Animal In You - You're a Prairie Dog!

Thanks for taking the Animal In You personality test! We've determined that your personality best matches the Prairie Dog, but you might also be a Beaver or a Dog. Click here to take the test and find out more about over forty other animal types!

Sebastian Took Two Steps Today

2010-01-14T17:36:00.003-07:00

My little guy is growing up so fast. He took two steps at My Gym towards me. He's been cruising around the furniture for awhile, and he will let go and stand without support for a few seconds. Those few seconds were getting longer and longer. Here he is standing without support. I didn't have my camera to catch the two steps, but I will try. He's so proud of himself.

Sebastian is 9 Months Today

2010-01-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Here is Sebastian at his 9 month doctor's appointment. He weighed 20 lbs. 4 oz., and he was 28 1/2 inches long. He's in the 48th percentile in weight, and the 55th percentile in height. He's gone down a lot since his last appointment where he was in the 90th percentile. I guess he is starting to create his own chart just like big brother, Cedric did. His head size continues to be in the 30th percentile. It's been like that since the beginning, so that has been consistent.

Sebastian is doing so many things now. He started crawling up the stairs on Sunday, January 3rd. He's also letting go of furniture more and more. He's able to stand without support for at least 30 seconds now. Not to mention the way he cruises around the furniture, he'll be walking very soon. I'm thinking maybe before he turns ten months, he could be walking. Also his top left side front tooth is coming in.

2009 Year in Pictures

2010-01-03T12:46:00.109-07:00

Here is a picture review of the past year. As you can see along the way, we added a new member to our family. Cedric and Sebastian have grown so much in such a short time. 2009 has come and gone.....looking forward to all the good things to come in 2010.

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

Sebastian is 8 months Today

2009-12-11T20:24:00.007-07:00

Sebastian is growing up so much. He is starting to let go of furniture, and he can stand without any support for a few seconds. He started doing this on Saturday, December 5th. Sobe also has his two bottom front teeth that started coming in about 3 weeks ago. He's letting Cedric know when he's not pleased with having a toy taken away, too. He absolutely loves his big brother. Sebastian will just laugh and laugh at him. They are so cute together! Sebastian and Cedric are getting excited about Christmas, and so is mommy and daddy. I can't wait to give my babies their Christmas presents. It's funny that Cedric is more interested in the Christmas tree than Sebastian. He pretty much leaves the tree alone, but Cedric seems he can't help himself and he likes to take the ornaments off. Both of the kids are sick, but slowly recovering. I think Cedric was awake for a total of two hours today. He's been running a fever, and he's had some vomiting. Poor guy! Sebastian has started with a nasty cough, but no fever. Get better quickly my babies!

Cedric sleeping away the yuckys!

Everytime Cedric would get sick and I would ask him if he was okay, he would say, "I'm okay." He's such a sweet boy. Also when he was weighed at the doctor today, he was 24 lbs. 10 oz. My little guy!

Family Christmas Pictures

2009-12-09T21:33:00.010-07:00

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T18:53:00.008-07:00

Sebastian, James, and Cedric with Angel sitting on the couch. They had lots of fun playing together.

Sebastian learned how to wave for the first time today. It was so cute to see him look our way and start waving.

Me, I'm such a dork.

Daddy and Cedric having a conversation about the football game that was going to be played out later that day.

Cedric wanted one of those cookies. He didn't care we were about to have dinner, he wanted a cookie.

Cedric and Sebastian playing nicely together. So cute!

Sebastian is 7 Months Old Today

2009-11-11T21:13:00.008-07:00

Sebastian is 7 months old today. He is doing so much already in his short, little life. He was able to pull himself up into a sitting position for the first time today. He's been trying to sit-up on his own for awhile, but he finally did it completely.

He had his first haircut on Saturday, November 7th. He looks so handsome and so grown up. Thankfully, his curl is still there. He didn't loss it with the haircut.

He's a pro at crawling. He is really getting around.

I know I'm bias, but my baby is so cute.

He also started pulling himself up. He did it for the first time a couple of days ago. He also started saying "da-da" on Sunday, November 1st.

Sebastian is 6 Months Old

2009-10-11T20:10:00.004-06:00

Rachel says it Best

2009-10-10T13:40:00.000-06:00

Sebastian is 5 Months Old

2009-09-11T16:17:00.008-06:00

Sebastian turns 5 months old today. It's also the 8th anniversary of September 11th, and the 2 year anniversary diagnosis of bad news for his Uncle Michael. However, enough of the sad. This is a happy day. My sweet little boy is already 5 months old. I can't believe how fast the time is just flying. I'm not sure what his weight is, but I'm guessing it is around 18 lbs. It seems like his growth spurt is slowing down. Next month Sebastian gets to try baby food for the first time, that should be very exciting for him. He can hold his head way up from his body and he spins around on the carpet. He is constantly rolling over, too. I think crawling might be happening sooner for him than it did for Cedric, but we shall see. I love you, buddy.

My boys wearing their diapers and Sebastian showing off his diaper cover. He doesn't wear cloth diapers, but he leaks a lot out of his diaper onto his clothes. Somebody recommended a diaper cover, so I thought I would try it. So far so good. :-)

"I'm a drooling baby!"

Kissable cheeks...love those little cheekers.

A better look at his diaper cover.

Sweet Baby Boo!

I love this definition of a Teabagger on Urban Dictionary

2009-08-26T15:44:00.000-06:00

A republican who:

1. Protests taxation WITH representation (just because you disagree with it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist)

2. Thinks colonial Americans were prophetic, just because they lived during an earlier time period

3. Falsely claims that the 2009 Teabagging Festival was "bipartisan"

4. Agrees with Joe the Plumber on most major issues

5. Agrees with Glenn Beck, but can't explain exactly what he or they stand for

6. Doesn't understand Constitutional law

7. Doesn't understand what democracy is

8. Blindly uses the words "socialism" and "communism" without knowing what the fuck they mean

9. claims not to be a republican

10. Criticizes democrats, even though their own party has been in office for the past 8 years

11. Thinks the GOP needs to be "more conservative" to get more votes

12. Will listen to every high school dropout before hearing the opinion of ONE intellectual

13. Believes that Fox News is "fair and balanced"

14. Claims to be independent, but certainly doesn't have any liberal beliefs, and listens to guest speakers from the CPAC conference

15. Is a closet anarchist/Paultard

16. Thrives on a mob mentality

17. Prides himself/herself on doing everything he/she has made fun of when Bush was in office

18. Says things like "Where's MY bailout" without understanding how the economy works

19. Like Glenn Beck, has an extremely high word-to-meaning ratio

20. Uses TONS of words from the GOPAC memos of 1990

21. Thinks Russia is still a "threat" to the U.S.

22. Thinks China is still a "threat" to the U.S.

23. Thinks Cuba is still a "threat" to the U.S.

24. Thinks Europeans hate living in Europe

25. Doesn't believe Obama's actual birth certificate is real, but has no problems with McCain's ties to the Iran-Contra Affair or the Keating Five

26. Would rather have the GOP tell them which hole they can put their own DICK into, than raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans from 36% to 39%

27. Doesn't realize that they actually benefit from the stimulus package

28. Is only teabagging because Sean Hannity told them to

29. Says they like books by Ayn Rand, but cannot correctly pronounce her name

30. Gets their information from Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, Google searches, YouTube videos, partisan blogs, and Wikipedia

"No taxation without representation!"

--"Um, wasn't Barack Obama DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED?"

"Well, yeah..."

--"And didn't he win fair and square?"

"Well, ACORN..."

--"Where did you learn about ACORN?"

"Um, Michael Savage said..."

--"Didn't Michael Savage also say that most autistic children are just 'putzes' who need to shut up?"

"Yeah, but..."

--"And how's the stock market doing today?"

"It's soaring." :(

--"It is, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

--"Now what did you learn?"

"Don't be a teabagger on national TV until I have proof that Obama's economic policy has actually done some damage."

--"That's right, and it hasn't yet, has it?"

"No." :'(

Cedric at 2 1/2 Years Old

2009-08-23T16:44:00.003-06:00

Cedric went to the doctor yesterday, because he was running a fever and not feeling well. He was weighed, and he was 23 lbs. 8 oz. His height was 35 1/2 inches. My little guy is tall and thin. He's talking a lot, and he can read several words through Your Baby Can Read program. Cedric is growing up so much, and he loves his little brother immensely. So cute!

These pictures are from going to Mount Princeton near Buena Vista with Grandma, Grandpa, and Mommy.

My Little Artist

2009-08-21T14:34:00.003-06:00

Cedric went to Isabel's 3rd birthday party last Saturday the 15th and he had lots of fun getting to paint for the first time. He was having so much fun spreading the paint around the canvas with the paint brush. Of course, he had fun spending time with his friend, Izzy. My friend for ten years, Amanda is Isabel's mom. I can't believe how fast our babies are growing. I was still in my first trimester with Cedric when Isabel was born. Time flies!

Sebastian is 4 Months Old

2009-08-11T07:17:00.000-06:00

Sebastian is growing by leaps and bounds. He has rolled over a few times mostly back to front but a couple of times front to back. As you can see from the picture above he is getting very close to sitting up without slouching. He does a lot of cooing, smiling, and laughing. I know I'm bias, but he is so cute!

I took Sebastian to the doctor today for his four month check-up. He weighed 17 lbs. 14 oz. which puts him in the 95th percentile, and his height was 26 in. which puts him in the 90th percentile. His head was 41.4 cm. which puts him in the 25th percentile. Dr. Bob said Sebastian looked healthy! However, Sobe doesn't like having the light shined in his face to have his eyes checked...he cried! My poor, sweet baby! He also had to get a couple of shots, which made him cry even more but a hug from mommy made it all go away.

I'm 37 Today!

2009-07-29T15:50:00.003-06:00

John bought me this baby carrier for my birthday. He also bought me a little, black lab stuffed animal puppy. John, Cedric, Sebastian, and I are going to Cheesecake Factory in a little bit to celebrate my birthday. Of course, my favorite of all my birthday presents are my family; my two sweet boys, and my snuggle bunny husband.

In other news, Sebastian rolled over today from back to stomach. He is growing up so much, and he is only three and a half months old. I weighed him on our scale on Monday, and he weighed 18lbs. I'm not sure how accurate it is, so I would say he is probably 17lbs. I love my babies even when they pull on me and want my undivided attention at the same time.

Happy Birthday to me!!!! 37 years old! Only three years away from 40! :p

Three Months Old

2009-07-11T12:44:00.005-06:00

Sebastian is three months old today. He is smiling a lot and laughing. He likes to watch Cedric play, and he loves to be with his mommy & daddy. He is getting stronger every day...here he is sitting up in his Bumbo chair. He is such a sweet boy, and I love him so much.

Here is Cedric & Sebastian...best of friends! Both of my babies are getting so big!

I just want to kiss those cheeks...my sweet boy!

One Year Ago Today

2009-06-23T13:10:00.001-06:00

One year ago Michael died of Brain Cancer. It's still hard to think that he is really gone. I wish Sebastian could have met his Uncle, and I wish Cedric got to know his Uncle better. Goodbyes are so sad!

Here is a butterfly that didn't make it on the releasing of the butterflies. He is the Michael butterfly.

Cedric with a butterfly of his own to make a wish on. I hope his wish comes true. :-)

The Native American Legend about the Butterflies:

If anyone desires a wish to come true, they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.

Since they make no sound, they can't tell the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit.

So by making a wish and releasing the butterfly, it will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

I used this poem before for Michael on his birthday, but it's such a fitting poem I had to use it again.

A Poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there;
I did not die.

Two Months Old Today

2009-06-11T21:25:00.002-06:00

Sebastian is two months old today. He had to have his two month check-up, and he is doing great. He weighs 14 lbs. 3 oz. and 24 inches long. He is in the 90th percentile for weight, and 85th percentile for height. His head is in the 30th percentile which is measuring at 39 cm. Everything is great so far, and he is where he should be for his development.

Unfortunately, my sweet baby had to get his shots today. He cried a little bit, but he seems to be doing fine now. I just want to hug his pain away. He is so cute and I love him so much. Cedric loves his little brother, too. He loves to give him kisses and hugs. It's amazing how much Sebastian has changed in just a short amount of time. He had his first laser treatment on May 29th, and his next appointment is on June 29th. It's too early yet to really see a difference, but I know it is working.

Just a quick note....everybody that meets Sebastian all say the same thing. They love his hair and say he has so much of it. They also say he is very cute. What can I say, John and I make cute babies. :-)

Mother's Day & Sebastian turns One Month

2009-05-12T09:26:00.003-06:00

Cedric and Sebastian are best brothers and best of friends.

On Sunday, May 10, 2009, I celebrated my third Mother's Day with my two, sweet boys. This was Cedric's third and Sebastian's first Mother's Day. We went to the Littleton Historical Museum and then to Cinzzetti's for dinner. John, Cedric, and Sebastian got me a massage, a cute teddy bear holding flowers, and a funny book about being a women. I loved my presents! Of course, the best gift of all is my two little guys and my wonderful husband. I can't think of a way to top that.

Sebastian was weighed on Friday, May 8th and he weighed 11 lbs. 1oz. I can't believe how big he is after only a month. His two months appointment should be interesting to hear how much he has grown.

Sebastian Mikhael is Finally Here!

2009-04-14T14:10:00.003-06:00

Sebastian Mikhael was born on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 11:35am. He weighed 9lbs. and 9oz., and his length was 21 3/4 inches long. He is such a sweet baby, and I love him so much. His big brother, Cedric is still trying to come to terms to having this new person living in our house, but he is slowly starting to warm up to him. I'm still amazed that I have two little ones to love on all day. My struggles with getting pregnant for almost two years seems like a very distant memory. I'm so grateful that I was able to get pregnant and not end up with the struggles that so many women suffer from.

Anyway, here is my birth story. On Friday evening around 8 pm I was watching tv and I got up to go to the bathroom. When I stood up, I felt like I was leaking. I was pretty sure it wasn't pee, because I had no control over the situation. I called the Midwife, and she told me to wait it out for awhile. I wasn't having painful contractions just occasional pressure, and she knew that I wanted to give birth without pain meds. They would have put me on Pitocin, and she knew that would make it a lot harder to go without drugs. I went to sleep that night, and I woke up around 1:50am to go to the bathroom. I moved to get up, and my water broke. It's a good thing I decided to put a towel under me while I was sleeping...otherwise our bed would have been drenched. I told John, and he started making sure we had everything we needed to go to the hospital. I called the Midwife, and she agreed with me that it was a good time for me to come in. We had to wait for my parents to come over to our house to watch Cedric. They arrived around 2:15am. I wasn't too panicked, because I was having no pain only occasional pressure.

John and I headed off to Saint Joseph's Hospital in Downtown Denver. It's a good thing my body decides to go into labor during the time of the night when the roads are pretty empty. We got to the hospital around 3:30am, and we first went to Triage before they could admit me. When I was hooked up to the monitors, I was having pretty regular contractions, but I was having no pain. I was only having pressure. Baby's heartbeat sounds great, and it was positive that my water broke. They had to wait until a room opened up before checking me in. We finally got to our room around 4:30am. The Midwife didn't want to check me since the more they check after your water breaks the chances of infection goes up. They hooked me up to the monitors. The nurse told me I would probably have to go on Pitocin to help my contractions become more regular and stronger. John and I rested for awhile.

At 8am the Midwife checked me, and I was at 5cm. I was amazed that I was half way there without any pain. They started Pitocin around 9am, and we waited to see my contractions progress. I was definitely feeling it more, but the pain was still manageable. Around 10am, the Midwife checked me again, but I was only 6cm. I still had some bag of water to break. I was still feeling good although getting uncomfortable. I would say that around 10:30am, I was starting to get really uncomfortable, so I had my mom leave the room and to take Cedric with her. By 11am, I wasn't speaking much to anyone and I was questioning my decision to do this without pain meds. At 11:20am I was ready to push and before the Midwife could check me to see if I was complete I was instinctively pushing. I couldn't help it...my muscles automatically started pushing through the pain. Thankfully, I was complete. I only pushed for 15 minutes before Sebastian made his entrance into the world. It got scary at one point, because his head was out but the Midwife was having trouble with the rest of his body. I think his shoulders got stuck. They were calling for an extra pair of hands to help out and the nurse was pushing on my belly to get him out. They were also telling me to push harder. He came out, and I felt so much better. I've never screamed louder in my life...I'm not a person who gets like that. I had no idea that Sebastian was going to be such a big baby. I was thinking he was going to be in the 8 pound range not 9 pounds almost 10. I still can't believe I delivered a 9lb. 9oz. baby with no pain meds, and I was receiving Pitocin.

I had an external tear...no cervix tear this time. It doesn't feel good to have to sit through the placenta coming out and getting stitches in a very tender area. Of course, the pain doesn't compare to what I just went through. I just wanted everyone to stop messing with me, and I wanted to hold my baby.

Sebastian latched onto the breast with no troubles. I think it helps that I've been breastfeeding Cedric for so long that I feel completely comfortable with breastfeeding. Sebastian is continuing to do well with the breastfeeding, which is great. We got to go home Sunday afternoon, and I was so glad to leave. Cedric couldn't stay with us in the hospital, and I was really sad about that. I didn't want to leave him more than a night with my parents. I didn't want him to feel abandoned. Thankfully, Cedric did well, but I still wanted to be with my little guy. We went home about 2:30pm, and it was so nice to finally be a family of four.

Sebastian is continuing to do well, although he has jaundice and he is receiving photolight therapy. Thankfully, he is receiving that in the comfort of our home, because his levels aren't high enough to need the high powered machines from the hospital. He is going to the bathroom more, so that helps bring the bilirubin levels down. It's a pain, because I just want to hold my baby. I'm so glad John is here to help me these first couple of weeks. :-)

Now the question is how did we come up with his name. We both liked the name Sebastian, and it was a name we both could agree on. Mikhael is more of a story. My brother Michael died from Brain Cancer on June 23, 2008. We spread his ashes on July 18, 2008. This is also the day I conceived, and I know this because I've been tracking my temperature and my temp spiked. When your temperature rises, it means ovulation has occured and if sperm is present you're chances of conception goes up. Anyway, I knew if I got pregnant again and if it was a boy, I wanted to use my brother's name for his middle name. I chose the different spelling, because Michael had his name spelled Mikhael in his e-mail address. It made it more special and unique to him to go with that spelling. Unfortunately, Sebastian will never get to meet his Uncle, but he will forever have a special bond to him because of his name.

Sebastian Mikhael is finally here, and I'm over the moon in love with him. I love my babies so much, and I'm completely in love with John with helping me bring these sweet babies into the world.

Disney Ticker

2009-04-07T15:14:00.001-06:00

Free Disney Tickers

Our Backyard

2009-04-05T06:47:00.004-06:00

Last night I got up around 4am to use the bathroom, and I saw a cute, little critter roaming around our backyard. It was a fox! I woke John up, so he could see the fox, too. Our backyard has become a little wildlife experience. We see bunnies, hummingbirds, owls, and lots of other birds. We also get the neighbor's cats in our yard, too. That's the first time I saw a fox in our yard. We live in a neighborhood surrounded by fences and houses, so I was surprised to see such wildlife close up.

In other news, I'm still pregnant. I went to the Midwife on Friday, and she said my cervix is softening. Also that I was 2cm at the front of my cervix, but closer to the baby's head I was 1cm. The baby's head is still high, too. I haven't been feeling too much except for the occasional contraction. John, Cedric, and I are just waiting for our new addition to our family to make an appearance. Baby you can come at anytime...we are so ready, especially me. :)

Still Pregnant!

2009-04-03T12:47:00.002-06:00

Okay baby, I know I'm only 39 weeks today, but I think it is time for you to make an appearance. I'm having trouble walking and your big brother Cedric wants me to hold him a lot. It's hard to hold him for long, because it adds to my Sciatic Nerve pain. I want to meet you....however some challenges are coming our way. There are some snow storms in the near future that can interfere, so I hope you can navigate through those days and come when the roads are clear and the sky is calm. We all love you and can't wait to meet you. Love, Mommy.

Questioning Myself

2009-04-02T02:23:00.003-06:00

I woke up around 1:25am this morning with a lot of discomfort. I was feeling uncomfortable right before going to bed, but now I'm feeling more discomfort. I've been timing what I think are contractions, but I'm not entirely sure. You would think after having a baby I would know what contractions are, but it is so hard to tell. They just feel like pressure that keeps coming in waves. They haven't taken my breath away yet. John and Cedric are sleeping, and I don't want to wake them unless I really feel like this is it. Plus we had a lot of snow fall earlier and the roads are pretty icy. I would hate to have to drive all the way to the hospital for a false alarm. On the other hand Cedric came very quickly, and I don't want to have this baby at home....Ugh, I just don't know what to do.

I'm tired and I just want to go to sleep. I was also having discomfort last night, but it eventually went away. If history repeats itself, than I won't be in full labor tonight, but tomorrow I will go and that will be the birth of our second child. You see with Cedric, I woke up the two nights prior to his birth with discomfort. On the third night of this, I gave birth to him.

I'm excited to meet our new baby, but I don't want it to be tonight. I really want to avoid having my parents and John driving in this icy mess. The temps are suppose to be better later on this morning, and I want the roads to become clear before having to drive on them. Just hang-on a little bit longer Baby Boo #2. Please, just give it one more day.

Elmo Cuteness

2009-03-30T19:39:00.001-06:00

38 Weeks Pregnant Today

2009-03-27T13:56:00.005-06:00

This is me a week ago when I was 37 weeks pregnant. I'm ready for Baby Boo #2 to come. I can wait until April! I prefer that he is born in April, so he can have his own birthday month separate from Cedric. Each day I get more and more uncomfortable. I barely get much sleep anymore, and everything is getting on my last nerve. John doesn't always understand, because he is a man and he is not pregnant. Plus, I love Cedric dearly and I love the closeness of breastfeeding, but lately I can't stand it. It hurts too much and it is causing too much over stimulation. Hopefully, that feeling will change after I'm pregnant. I think the hormones are going haywire, and my uncomfortable body is causing me to go insane. The picture below is how I'm feeling right now.

Cedric's 2nd Birthday

2009-03-27T09:02:00.021-06:00

Cedric turned 2 years old on March 19, 2009. I can't believe my baby is already 2. They grow up so fast...Cedric's next big milestone is becoming a big brother very soon. Cedric started off his birthday by going to one of his favorite places, My Gym. I take him there every week, and he was doing a make-up class that happened to fall on his actual birthday.

Later on, we took Cedric to the Downtown Aquarium for some birthday celebration. He loved looking at all the fish, and we ate dinner next to a giant fish tank. The food wasn't that great, but the experience made it all worth it. Here are some pictures from the aquarium below.

Cedric had a caricature picture done of him.

I loved the area where the tanks with the sharks were. I could have stayed there all day just watching all the different fish swim back and forth.

"Can I have one of these, please?"

"Fish!"

"Um, these fish are a lot bigger than Elmo's Dorothy!"

Me eating some bread in front of the fish tank...look at all of those fish. Cedric loved it.

Cedric giving his winning smile while he eats some dinner.

Cedric and I in front of some aquarium decor.

John and Cedric caught in a bubble.

A different perspective of John, Cedric, and me. Look at my very round belly.

Cedric wandering through the aquarium mesmerized by all the fish tanks that surrounded him.

On March 21st, we had a birthday party for Cedric with his friends and family there to celebrate with him. We had pizza and cake. It was an Elmo themed party with an Elmo cake that I made.

"I have cake!"

Cedric enjoying his birthday cake with his cousin, James in the background.

The Elmo cake I made.

Cedric with one of his girlfriends named Bella.

Pizza and chatting: (l to r) Grandma, Me, Johanna, Arthur, and Jackie

Cedric got his tricycle from his grandparents, and he loves it. Although, his little feet don't reach the pedals completely yet.

Baby Boo #2's Room

2009-03-01T07:46:00.006-07:00

The furniture is bought and the murals are on the wall...Baby Boo #2's nursery is complete, well except for a couple of minor touches here and there. I think the walls need more decorations, but that will all come in good time. He also needs his name up on the wall and door, but his name is a secret until he is born. John, Cedric, and I along with Grandma and Grandpa are going to the Kid's Expo downtown today. Hopefully, we can find some cute stuff there that we can add to the room decor.

I'm excited that I have less than six weeks to go. Last time I went to the midwife, she told me the baby is laying in a transverse position, which means he is lying across my belly instead of being head down. The baby still has time to turn, but it makes me nervous because I do not want a C-Section. I need to be able to take care of two kids and major surgery puts a huge kink in that. I'm going to see the Chiropractor on Thursday...hopefully he can do an adjustment that will encourage the baby to go head down. I also have my next prenatal appointment on Friday, so they might due an ultrasound to see exactly how the baby is laying.

Pictures of the nursery are below. We found the furniture set at Babies R' Us...we liked it. We did shop around to see what else was out there, but that furniture was more pricey although it looked nice. I think this furniture not only looks nice but it was more reasonably priced. I call this theme, "Monkey by the Sea". More pictures will soon follow, especially if we have another ultrasound...I will post those pictures of the baby.

Less than Two Months to Go

2009-02-16T13:55:00.007-07:00

Cedric on Valentine's Day letting everyone know what a Ladies Man he is. He is so cute, and he is growing up way too fast. His birthday is a little over a month away, and he's turning two. Cedric loves to sing and dance. His favorite show is Elmo's World...he loves that Elmo, but he still loves his mommy and daddy. :)

A picture of Cedric and I over the holidays. Cedric admiring how big mommy's belly is getting. Of course, it is a lot bigger now.

Baby Boo #2 at 20 weeks gestation. I'm now 32 and a half weeks pregnant. Only 53 more days to go until our new, sweet baby boo is here.

Michael's Birthday

2009-01-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

A Poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there;
I did not die.

Today is January 30, 2009...Michael's birthday. He would have been 39 years old today, but unfortunately he died from brain cancer on June 23, 2008.

He has missed Barack Obama winning the election and being inaugurated into the White House on Jan. 20th. A historic event because Barack is the first elected black man into the White house. Other things have happened since his death, but the most significant one to me is he will miss the upcoming birth of his new nephew who is due to make an appearance on April 10, 2009.

I know Michael will be there in spirit, but it's not the same. Death never gets easier, and I don't know when the pain ever really goes away. Happy Birthday Michael...I wish you were here to celebrate with us.

Baby Boo #2 Countdown Ticker

2009-01-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T14:27:00.004-07:00

Cedric celebrated his second Christmas on Thursday, December 25th with his mommy and daddy. He was very excited to get a train set...he likes to play with a similar set at Barnes and Noble. His set is made by Imaginarium, but the other set is Thomas the Train. Imaginarium was less expensive and nicer than the Thomas the Train set. Although, we like the trains better from Thomas. He is so cute, and it keeps him busy for a while. He also got a small basketball hoop(we haven't opened it yet), a monkey that teaches about tying your shoe and such, clothes, ornaments, books, extra trains that were Thomas the Trains, a teddy bear named Thorton, and a turtle nightlight that shows the star constellations on the ceiling. He also got some money from his Grandparents in NY and a Babies R' Us gift card from his Uncle Mike and Aunt Carolann in NY. He still hasn't received anything yet from his Aunt Pammy or from his Aunt Susan & Uncle Al.

I got John Lego Mindstorms(HE LOVES IT!), two more Gorillaz dolls, a Bender decoration, some Nintendo vinyl characters(Mario & Luigi), a board game called The New Taboo, candy, a bear reading to two baby bears, a few ornaments, pictures I had done of Cedric and I at Kiddie Kandids, and I think that is it.

John bought me my very own iMac computer(I LOVE IT!), a Domo doll(he's cute), candy, Animal Crossing for the Wii, Lego Batman, Twilight the book, a JK Rowling book that was referenced in Harry Potter but not part of the series, an ornament, and I think that is it.

At around 1:30pm, we went over to my parent's house to celebrate Christmas with them. Cedric got an Elmo Live(which he loves), clothes, more Thomas Trains(although neither one works for the set he has...oh well), Mr. Potato Head family pack(we haven't opened it yet), college money, books, and some other odds and ends. His Uncle Kevin was the other Thomas the Train person who gave Cedric a train that didn't work for his set although he received that gift yesterday. Cedric's Uncle Kevin wasn't in attendance for Christmas festivities on Christmas day. He was celebrating Christmas in Breckenridge with his new wife who his from Russia. The whole thing is another story that I'll talk about another day in one of my blogs.

The next day, Friday...John, Cedric, and I went out to buy gifts with our Christmas money. I bought Sims 2 for my new iMac computer, John bought a topcoat(actually it's just a nice, warm coat for those cold winter days), and Cedric bought some more Thomas the Trains. All in all we had a very, nice Christmas, but I perfer the John, Cedric, and me part more than the lack of ethusiam family events. Plus, I think I'm going to tell my brothers to stop buying presents for me and just buy them for Cedric and his new brother. Apparently, my siblings have no idea what I like and the kind of person I am.

John, Cedric, and I continued our shopping on Saturday with more Thomas the Trains for Cedric, nursing bras and containers for me, and a container for John's Lego Mindstorm pieces. John also bought a couple of cd's yesterday and I think he is going to spend the rest on a pair of new jeans.

Christmas has come and gone, and I'm so looking forward to 2009. We will have a new president, a new baby, hopefully everyone stays healthy(I don't want to lose someone close to me in 2009), and the economy improves. We will be started the new year off with a visit from two of our NY friends, Chris and Theresa...that should be fun. I wish a Happy 2009 to everyone! :)

Jingle Bell Rock

2008-12-18T11:03:00.004-07:00

I was having fun with our new game for the Nintendo Wii called Wii Music. I had John, Cedric, Baby Boo, and I do an a capella quartet to Jingle Bell Rock. I think it came out pretty well, and we all look cute.

It Has Been a Long Time!

2008-11-27T12:55:00.003-07:00

It has been a long time, since I've written a blog. Let's see what is new. Cedric is growing by leaps and bounds. He is singing his ABC's, and he is counted to at least 12. He is saying mommy a lot these days. It is very cute to hear him finally refer to me as something. We are also going to have another boy. We are still working on the name, but we are getting closer to a decision. However, whatever we decide, we've decided to wait until the baby is born before we tell anybody what his name is going to be. We need to keep a little element of surprise. Plus, I don't want to deal with the comments when people don't like the name.

It's Thanksgiving today, and it is the first big holiday without my brother. It feels a little weird not having him there. Cedric and the new baby growing inside me helps me get through it.

Our task for this weekend is to take a traditional family picture in front of the Christmas Tree and to make Christmas cards for our friends and family. I'll write more later...getting ready to go stuff my face my turkey delights. :)

A Must See

2008-10-02T09:07:00.001-06:00

Here is a video that tells it how it is. Makes a lot of excellent points.

Cedric's Recent Weight/Height Check

2008-09-21T07:40:00.002-06:00

Cedric went to the doctor on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 to have a weight/height check done. It was actually a nurse visit, but whatever. He weighs 18lbs. and 14oz. and he is 30 and 3/4 inches tall. He is doing better with his weight gain, he has gained a pound since his last visit in July, and he has gone up a 1/4 of an inch as well. He's just a little guy who likes to create his own curve. It's obvious genetics is playing a role, but I'm not concerned. I know he will grow to a normal height, if not taller, but he will do it at his own pace.

Barack Obama & Joe Biden 2008

2008-08-23T19:28:00.002-06:00

I'm looking at the future and I like what I see.

New Jib Jab Video

2008-07-16T11:01:00.002-06:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Cedric is in this video...you can see his sweet, innocent face at the end. :)

Dog & Butterfly

2008-07-01T17:40:00.002-06:00

Michael was cremated today...his body has turn to dust. My mom and I witnessed the cremation, you don't see anything. His body was in an open cardboard box, and we both said one more goodbye. I also gave him a letter with my poem on it and a brief message. Then they pushed him into a giant looking oven and once his body is there, they closed the door. The whole process is weird but basically after four hours all that is left is a skeleton. When they touch the skeleton, it turns to ash. We didn't stay that long, just about a half hour.

We also order his plaque to put on his plot of land. It has his name, dates of birth & death, and a nice message. It also had an image of a butterfly, and just like the butterfly, Michael is now free.

There I was with the old man
Stranded again so off I'd ran
A young world crashing around me
No possibilities of getting what I need
He looked at me and smiled
Said "No, no, no, no, no child.

See the dog and butterfly. Up in the
Air he like to fly." Dog and butterfly
Below she had to try. She roll back down
To the warm soft ground laughing
She don't know why, she don't know why
Dog and butterfly

Well I stumbled upon your secret place
Safe in the trees you had tears on your face
Wrestling with your desires frozen strangers
Stealing your fires. The message hit my mind
Only words that I could find

See the dog and butterfly
Up in the air he like to fly
Dog and butterfly below she had to try
She roll back down to the warm soft ground
Laughing to the sky, up to the sky
Dog and butterfly

We're getting older the world's getting colder
For the life of me I don't know the reason why
Maybe it's livin' making us give in
Hearts rolling in taken back on the tide
We're balanced together ocean upon the sky

Another night in this strange town
Moonlight holding me light as down
Voice of confusion inside of me
Just begging to go back where I'm free
Feels like I'm through
Then the old man's words are true

See the dog and butterfly
Up in the air he like to fly
Dog and butterfly, below she had to try
She roll back down to the warm soft
Ground with a little tear in her eye
She had to try, she had to try
Dog and butterfly
yeah
Up in the air, he liked to fly
The dog and butterfly, below she had to try
She rolled back down to the warm soft ground
Laughing she don’t know why
But she had to try she had to try
Dog and butterfly
By Heart

Last Night I had the Strangest Dream...

2008-06-29T12:17:00.003-06:00

Last night I had a dream about my brother, Michael. I was talking to him in a building of some sorts, kind of like the Hospice, and I was sad because I didn't want him to go. He said to me that he needed to go, it was his time. He had a look of sadness on his face, because he knew I was sad he was leaving. I tried to get him to stay, but he kept saying he had to go it was time for him to go. In the dream Michael looked like he did when he was healthy. It gave me some comfort but at the same time I wish he didn't have to go away.

Above is a picture of the elephant I bought Michael after he was first diagnosed. As I mentioned in my blog two entries ago, I talked about the skunk. Well here is a picture of the skunk hugging the elephant up by Georgetown lake.

Another Chapter Closed

2008-06-28T07:25:00.012-06:00

Michael's wake and funeral were on June 26, 2008 for the Wake, and June27, 2008 for the Funeral. This past week has been very difficult for me and my family. Last Friday, June 20, 2008 is when Michael really started to decline. My heart is so broken right now...I don't know how to put into words how I really feel. Michael was so young...he shouldn't have died.

Michael's beautiful Mandala art was displayed for everyone to see. We didn't know he was doing this art until he was placed in the Hospice. It gave him great comfort in the end. Art has a way of doing that...it has always been therapeutic for me.

This picture is from the Wake. During the funeral, I read a book called Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Mystery by Jaime Lee Curtis. The best way I can describe this book is it's a whimsical way to look at death. It never mentions death, but you know that's the hidden meaning. The book ends with these words: Where do balloons go? It's a mystery, I know. So hold on tight til you have to let go.

An interesting tidbit...this past Monday, June 23, 2008 the day Michael died...I mentioned to my family about reading this book at Michael's funeral, later that evening we went to dinner and as we were pulled up to a light a small, white balloon was rolling along the street towards our car, it rolled in front of us turned a corner and rolled up the cross street up a hill. Despite what you might think, to me that was a sign from Michael that everything is okay. He's still with us in spirit.

A mother's sorrow

A brother-in-law and a brother's pain.

A nephew's sadness.

I feel so sad for Cedric that he will only get to know his Uncle Michael through pictures and videos...I don't know how much he will remember Michael, because he is so young.

One last family picture with just a hint of Michael in the picture. I usually smile when someone takes a picture of me, but I couldn't find a reason to smile.

We closed the coffin together as a family. We all said our final goodbyes, and all I could do was weep as we closed the lid.

Goodbye Michael...we will always love you!

Michael

By Michele Blanco

Friday, June 27, 2008

It was not so long ago that the bad news came…

I never wanted to see this day,

I never wanted you to go away.

I’ve been struggling for so many months…

So many things I wish I’ve done and said.

Now you forever have gone to bed.

There was never enough time,

You were taken from us still in your prime.

And now my heart is breaking and I can’t stop the tears.

I wish I said I loved you more all throughout our years.

Seeing your body once again,

Lying so quiet and so serene.

Just a shell of a person who once was,

Now I can only see you in my dreams.

So young and so innocent you seemed on that faithful Sunday,

I just wanted to hug you and take your pain away.

I didn’t want you to suffer anymore.

Early Monday morning, you made the choice to finally close the door.

And now you are watching over me from above,

Soaring like a dove.

Goodbye, Michael…

Until we meet again,

You’ll forever be my brother, forever be my friend.

Michael's Gone

2008-06-23T03:09:00.006-06:00

Michael with my brothers Andy and Kevin and my dad at my wedding.

This picture is from a week ago, Father's Day. My brother had been progressively getting worse over the last couple of weeks. He was still coherent and talking at this point but on Friday, June 20th Michael was put on 72 hour watch. He was in a lot of pain when my mom and I showed up to see Michael Friday morning. His head was really bothering him, and he was all sweaty and clammy because of it. Cedric and I stayed for awhile, but it's hard when you have an active toddler.

John, Cedric, and I came back the next day, Saturday, to visit. My parents were there. The nurses at the Hospice had given Michael a diuretic to help with the swelling on his brain and all the fluid retention he was having. It made him very uncomfortable, and he wouldn't eat. He eventually went to sleep...although he was still restless.

Sunday...John, Cedric, and I arrived around 1:30pm. We couldn't go in, because they were working on him. John and I wandered about the halls, and we saw my parents. They had just come back from eating lunch. They filled us in on Michael's condition. He was having trouble going to the bathroom, and he was in a lot of pain. We waited to see him...Andy showed up about an hour later. We watched the Rockies/Mets game in the lobby while we waited. We finally got to see Michael around 4:00pm. He had really taken a turn for the worse. They had him laying on his matress on the floor of his room. He was suffering and very incoherent. They had a cathater in him, and he kept wanting to take it out. They kept giving him pain medication and medication to help relax him. It would always work for a little while then he would get agitated again. So they would give him more....this process went on for hours. He was suffering and he kept having sleep apnea...I just want the pain to stop for him.

John, Cedric, and I stayed for as long as we could...we eventually left around 8:30pm. In the room, Cedric kept pointing at something and he was looking up. I think he saw an angel or a past family member who was coming to help Michael journey to the other side. I kissed my brother goodbye and told him I loved him. Cedric waved goodbye to his Uncle Michael...it was so cute and sad at the same time. All my brothers were there....we had some trouble getting a hold of Chris, but he eventually was contacted and he came. (I have to mention when we were all in the room surrounding Michael there was an energy that is just indescribable...I guess you can say it was an outpouring of love.)

As we were leaving, my brothers were outside. They each took turns holding Cedric. When Kevin had a hold of Cedric, Cedric kept pointing up and saying up as he did it. Cedric knew...it's amazing how babies just know. We didn't want to leave, but Cedric needed to sleep and he wouldn't fall asleep where we were at...too much was going on.

Monday morning, June 23, 2008 at 12:45am, Michael stopped suffering and he is now at peace. Andy called me around 12:50am to tell me that Michael had passed. I feel bad that I wasn't there...John and I both wanted to be. We just didn't want him to suffer anymore. My parents, Andy, and Kevin were there so at least he wasn't alone. Andy went outside and told me how when people die you see an animal, and he saw a skunk. He saw the skunk while he was talking to me. I can't help but think that was a nod to me, because that was John and I's connection at the beginning of our relationship. He use to tease me that he could see skunks through his back window at the Windsor...I was jealous cause I wanted to see cute, wild animals, too. Our first bike trip downtown, we found a stuffed animal skunk at the Tattered Cover and John bought him for me. We named him Manhattan. John also has a necklace I bought him with a skunk on it. I also found out from the nurses that Michael would talked to them at night at the nurses station. He talked a lot about me and how much he liked me. It makes me feel good that he could still remember us even at the end. I only wish I could of had these conversions with him while he was still alive.

It hurts so much to see someone you love leave this world at such a young age. He was only 38, and I can't believe he's gone. I feel like a part of me has died along with him. I'm glad I got to spend a lot of time with him over the last year...I only wish I had more time. Despite our differences over the years, he was one of my brothers I felt closer to...we shared a common bond of attending the same junior high and high school, but we were also only 2 and a half years apart. Right now the pain is too real to feel anything but numbness. I have to help bury my brother this week...I don't know how you get past this moment. I guess time will eventually heal. Goodbye Michael...Please know that I have always loved you and my heart is breaking because you are no longer in this world. I will forever miss you...I wish Cedric could have had the time to get to know you, but your memory will have to live on in videos and pictures. Godspeed....sweet dreams. :(

Goodbye...

I'm Voting Republican Video

2008-06-14T15:04:00.001-06:00

This video sums up exactly why I will never vote Republican...sad to waste a great animal like an elephant on this pathetic party.

It Has Been Awhile....

2008-06-07T07:24:00.006-06:00

I never posted about this past Mother's Day....Cedric and I had fun with John and my parents. We went to Tiny Town in Morrison, Colorado, afterwards we visited Michael in the Hospice he is staying in, and after we left Michael we went on to eat dinner at Red Lobster. It's amazing how much Cedric has grown and changed over the year. Last year's Mother's Day he was just a little guy as you can see below:

I love him so much....I could give him kisses all day, but I don't think he would like that. He is too busy walking and getting into all sorts of mischief as you will see from the videos below. I'm wishing for Mother's Day next year I'll be able to share my kisses with another addition. (Please note that as I write this blog I have no announcements to make.)

Michael Update

2008-05-20T11:40:00.003-06:00

Michael is currently in a Hospice in Lakewood and receiving great care. His back is doing better and he is in better spirits with all things considered. Tomorrow, my parents and I will go and visit him for a BBQ they are having at the place. John and I have visited him a couple of times. It is all very hard but I'm trying to have hope.

Goodbye is the Hardest Word

2008-05-01T10:12:00.004-06:00

My brother Michael is dying. I think I'll being saying my final goodbyes to him later on today....and I don't want to. The brain cancer is getting worse! The tumors are growing, and he is showing more signs that his body is struggling to survive. He has had a couple of seizures, and he has injured his back because of them. He was admitted to Littleton Hospital yesterday to the ICU. He has several fractures on his back and a blood clot in his lungs. He is very disoriented, although yesterday when I was there he woke up briefly because he was going to have a MRI....he said hi Michele. That might be the last time I hear my brother speak in recoginition. I don't know! My parents will be speaking with the Brain Surgeon today to hear the outcome of what they can do. I know my brother wants to live but not as a vegetable, so if they can't help him than I'll most likely will be saying goodbye to my brother. It doesn't look good for him and I think his body is tired and ready to let go.
(The picture above was taken when Michael was first diagnosed with brain cancer. As months progressed his body swelled up from all the steroids and other medications he was on. Towards the end he didn't look like the same person.)

Little Man Cedric

2008-04-30T11:10:00.000-06:00

Cedric went to the doctor for a weight check, and he has gain a couple of ounces from last time, but he is still in the less than 3 percentile. He weighed 16lbs. and 14oz. His height measured 29 and 3/4 inches...last time he was 30 but he must have not been all the way to the top. Babies don't shrink. Cedric is just my little guy....he's healthy and active and eats plenty. It's genetics!

Cedric's One Year Check-Up

2008-04-07T14:10:00.003-06:00

On April 2nd, Cedric had a very eventful day. It started off with him figuring out how to get out of his crib. That one was not very eventful for me seeing that I think my heart stopped when I heard a crash sound and my baby started crying. I'm not sure how he did it...I'm thinking he might have used the bumper for leverage. Needless to say, the bumper has been taken out of the crib.

Next event, Cedric went to the doctor for his one year check-up. I still can't believe it has been a year. He measured 30 inches which puts him in the 50th percentile, and he weighs 16 lbs. 11.8 oz. which puts him in the less than 3 percentile. He's a little guy.

He got his shots, which he wasn't too pleased with and mommy never likes to do. Although, I did say no to the chicken pox's vaccine...too many live viruses in a baby's system at once is too harsh. I'm still reluctant about the MMR vaccine, but I allowed him to get it. It's so hard to make the right decisions as a parent, especially when there is so much information out there that scares you. You don't know if you are putting your child in harms way by giving them the vaccine, or are you putting them in harms way by not getting the vaccine. I wish I knew, and I wish the medical community would find the cause to Autism so parents can breathe a sigh of relief.

Also Cedric did something very exciting today...he took his first step. I was talking on the phone to John when Cedric let go of the safety gate and took one step before falling down. I haven't seen him take a step yet, but he is getting better and better at standing for a length of time. All of this occurred while John was on his business trip...I love John's new job, but I absolutely hate that he has to go on business trips. I want him here with Cedric and I...I'm sure he would agree.

Cedric's 1st Birthday Party Part Two....Colorado

2008-04-01T13:34:00.017-06:00

Cedric had his second first birthday party in Colorado on Saturday, March 29, 2008. We had a BBQ at my parent's house to celebrate his big day.

Here is a picture of Cedric's happy parents...they're little baby has officially grown into a toddler.

We got Cedric a Winnie the Pooh cake from Cold Stone Creamery. It was a chocolate cake with banana ice cream with bananas in it on one level and a sweet cream ice cream with coconut on the second level...topped off with white icing.

"Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Dear Cedric, Happy Birthday to YOU!!!"

Make a wish my sweet boy.

Cedric got a taste of some icing on his fingers...yummy, sugar.

Cedric got his own cake. I made him a banana yogurt cake with applesauce as the substitute for sugar. I'm trying to start him off with a healthy lifestyle. I tasted it, and it tasted fine.

Cedric had lots of guests to wish him a Happy Birthday....Here is his Uncle Andy and Grandma.

Cedric after he made a huge mess of his cake.

Time to open the presents.

Daddy helped Cedric open his gifts while his Uncle Michael, Uncle Kevin, and Cousin James looked on.

Some more spectators: Uncle Chris, Aunt Shannon, and Cousin James.

Cedric got this cool airplane rocker from his Grandma and Grandpa.

Cedric with his friends: James, Jade, Jasmine, and Isabel.

Isabel and Cedric playing with his new toys.
Look below: Ahhh, look how much Cedric and Isabel have changed in 7 months.

Cedric and Isabel at her first birthday party in August.