5.5 Weeks and rashes

So, we finally made an appointment to take Alma in to check to make sure her skin issues weren't something really bad (like a flesh eating bacteria or something). After taking a quick look, our pediatrician said it's just baby acne mixed with whatever dermatitis causes cradle cap. Needless to say, it's not a pretty picture. It's the weirdest thing, baby acne. It's actually caused by MY hormones in her body...boy do I feel awful. The doc suggested using a blur mechanism on the camera until it goes away...but we aren't THAT shallow...really. We are just having a hard time getting TIME to take pictures of her. I knew this happened, but I never thought to us. I'll try harder in the next few days to get meaningful shots of my dear girl. She really is so beautiful and growing every day...

OH, and she weighs 10 lbs, 1 oz. I don't think she's going to beat G's 2 month weight after all...she's much less into eating than he is, so maybe she'll be tiny and dainty. OH hahaha, who am I kidding!?

Belated 2 week info

Bathtime for baby girl

Alma had her two week appt last week. New stats:
21" long
8 lbs 5 oz

She's working on beating her brother's 2 month weight of 11 lbs 2 oz. Next appointment will be some time after she is actually 2 months thanks to the popularity of our pediatrician.

Three weeks

It's been three weeks since our new little bundle of joy (and hiccups) entered the world via the quick route. Three weeks of easy recovery, three weeks of little sleep, three weeks of an edgy 3 year old, three weeks of a messy house, three weeks of cluster feeding, and three weeks of pure bliss. I honestly feel a little guilty that I didn't enjoy my first little bundle as much as Alma.

Guillermo's first year seemed like forever to me. I was always second guessing myself, and looking back, obviously suffering from postpartum depression for much of his first 18 months of life. I look at him now, how intense he is, how emotional, and I'm sure that his being a first child somehow molded (at least a little bit) parts of his personality. While they can be a tad bit trying for his rather passive parents, I try to tell myself that these parts of Guillermo's personality will serve him well in life. By far, my biggest challenge with adding a new family member to our household for me has been watching this little kid who days ago was my baby change his role from only child to oldest child. Surely this stems from my own inability to understand sibling-hood, but it makes a little bit sad seeing his little face while he tries to understand all the feelings welling up inside of him. He is at once filled with love and loathing for his sister. Luckily, the loathing is short-lived and never taken out on Alma (mainly he's just PO'd at mom and dad).

I recently received a parenting magazine in the mail that includes a little blip of an interview with Mark Consuelos (yes, I did spend a bit of my younger years enjoying his role on All My Children!). Anyway, he was asked what he would entitle a parenting handbook, and his answer was all I needed to realize that my feelings entering into the family of four routine aren't all that weird: The First Kid is Like the First Pancake: Burnt on the Outside and Raw in the Middle, But the Rest are Really Good. I can relate to the first part, but I think sometimes burnt on the outside and raw in the middle works, and this is especially true of my firstborn! He "rocks this party out"!

Awaiting the arrival of Alma E

I sit here at about 37 weeks awaiting the arrival of my daughter. My daughter. Just the sound of it makes me both nervous and excited all at once. So many things are already different--like the fact that the baby closet if FULL of clothes. I've bought 20 baby hangers several times in the last months, and there are still not enough. Everything is pink or purple. So many little cute 'girlie' things. Throughout this pregnancy, I've become uber-aware of how my ideas of child-rearing may change with a girl. Of how certain things that I find 'acceptable' for my boy somehow won't be for my girl. This has been a soul-searching period for me in that I can all of a sudden see how differently I think about the genders. Something I never thought I did!? So, since the bloggy thing has pretty much ended with Facebook and the like, I've decided to use this blog for my own processes as I begin my journey of raising two children.

As I await Alma's grand entrance, I can't stop thinking how different it feels to be having a second child. All those nerves about bringing home a baby are gone. I am actually counting days to getting beyond the hospital stay and being home with my family. When Guillermo was born, I was terrified to be left alone with him! I don't even feel all that nervous about having two children or dealing with G's regressions and issues of learning to cope with a new bundle around. It's nice not to have those nerves.

Alma at 37 weeks

On the other hand, without those nerves to help me through the last days of pregnancy, I can only focus on how tired, huge and seriously impatient I am to get this baby born. I am not enjoying the little pregnancy moments as much or even noticing some of them (probably due to play bad guys and super heroes all day!). SO, in the last days, I've decided to focus my time enjoying the not so little kicks that I'm feeling. Of chuckling when getting up every 30 minutes in the night. Of noticing the little growing girl inside my belly...

The closet with about a third missing due to laundering

Girls girls girls

So, the little one has been identified as a girl. I will leave the revealing ultrasounds for those who really care to see them, but here are a couple of not great head shots. I'll also keep the kind of creepy 3D shots to myself accept for family (for some reason, I take some issue with 3D shots of unborn babies...they kind of creep me out...but the tech said our baby was "so cute" that she couldn't resist..teehee). Well, without further blathering, here our the first glimpses of baby girl Bomberger (see, now isn't that cute skull?):

Changes a brewing

Guillermo started official preschool last Thursday. He is excited to go back again this week, and since I have a baby shower to plan and get ready for, I gotta say, I'm happy too! His first day of school was quite exciting. After circle time, the class moves around 5 or 6 different learning centers based on different topics (science, language, math, computers, art, etc.). His favorite part was playing with snow inside and mixing colors with eye droppers (or, "suckers", as he referred to them). He didn't get to check out the computer center because it was so popular that he didn't get a chance, but he wants to try it this week). I think he has been ready to go this next level for some time, but mommy finally caught up! I must say that leaving him there was probably a lot harder for me than him!

The only down side of this new adventure is that we have to quit attending the cooperative preschool that we've been at for 3 years because the days don't match up. I'm on the board at the cooperative, and it means that I have to resign before my post ends as well. Sadness mixed with happiness. I'll miss the co-op, and hopefully in a little over a year, I can attend again with our new little one.

Speaking of the new little one: We are now at 15 weeks. I heard the heartbeat for the first time today (although we had seen an ultrasound at approx 12 weeks too). At 12 weeks, the heartbeat was 168 and now it's still 165...the midwife's comment was, "Wow! You've got a live wire in there!" after she had to move the doppler several times because the baby was moving around. I told her that I thought our first child was the live wire!? I had a short moment of thinking OH NO, WHAT HAVE I DONE??? But, I'm sure the baby was just in party mode at the moment and will end up a calm, quiet, reserved child in the end. Haha!

Fall is here!

We've started swimming lessons, Kindermusik and co-op preschool so far this fall. Guillermo is the oldest in his co-op class and one of the youngest in his music class. Both classes are sheer bliss for our little socialite. Swimming continues to be a challenge, but we're just going to push through and do a YMCA class each month until next summer.

We've only got one month left of the 2s. It's bittersweet watching my baby grow into a little boy. At the end of summer, Guillermo woke up one morning and told me that his diaper was "bugging" him. He then took it off and threw it across the room. He hasn't worn a diaper since. We had a few pull-up days when I thought that maybe he'd get excited and forget to use the bathroom, but now we're on to underwear everywhere we go. Our lives now revolve around the potty. Yesterday we even tried out a portable unit!. Wow! It happened so fast! I'm so entertained by the little boy underwear--the laundry filled with superheroes, Toys characters and the Sesame St. gang. I love watching my kid pick his underwear depending on his mood...he could care less about his clothing, but boy, those underwear have to be painstakingly chosen each day.

We are feeling the busy days of fall as we go on school outings, make plans for birthdays, holidays and an upcoming weekend trip to La Conner for the Festival of Family Farms. We've also heard that the winter is promising a LOT of snow, so we're planning how to tackle those frigid winter days with sleds and cocoa....ah, this mommy is happy that the leaves are turning. Family seems to become more important in autumn. It seems like the time for memory-making and thanking each moment for being so special.

Hopefully I'll post more now that summer has ended. For now, here are some pics of G's first day of school.

Summer fun

Here are a few pics of G and his buddy, Anthony playing at the new park very near to our house. I can imagine that we'll be hanging out there a LOT in the future since it's a huge sports complex as well as playground, splashpad, BMX racing area, skate park...pretty cool!! Anyway, Guillermo LOVES it. We took his Skoot there last night and he rode it around the whole complex like a little pro.

Splash pads!!

Today was Guillermo's first successful trip to the splash pad at Audubon Park. We are lucky to have a splash pad about 3 minutes from our house! I was hoping he'd like the splash pad after spending last summer being a bit too timid to enjoy it. Although it took him a little time, once he stuck his toe in, he was hooked. Here are some pics that my friend took of Guillermo and his friends Anthony and Andy. Maybe I can convince him to take his shirt off next time!

Two and a half

Hitting the 2.5 mark at our house has been such fun. G is talking more and morel. He's started with "why" which is joyful and awful at the same time sometimes. He most often asks it when he's asked to something that he'd rather not do. Spring has sprung in Spokane so much of our time is now spent outside. Guillermo has become enthralled with knowing everyone's name. He asks dogs' names as often as people's! Today I finally told him to just ask a boy at the park, and he ran back to me yelling, "That's KELLY, mommy!". Mr. Social! We constantly comment on how much he reminds us of my mom. It's more shocking than anything--I'm sandwiched between the two most social people I know, while I'm somewhat of a hermit crab! Well, it will keep me young (or maybe make me old?).

Best statements from our 2.5 year old:
"Group HUG!"
" I love you, mommy"
"Salsa [the cat] is not old, mommy...he's a big boy"
"I'm cutting Salsa's tail!" (while using a nut cracker on the cat's tail actually)
"I love mommy, daddy, Andy, Jeanine, Matt (repeat, repeat)!"

Happy Hunting

Last Saturday we were fortunate enough to be invited to the Gonzaga University annual egg hunt. Guillermo was quite the hunter, but the volume of eggs was not quite equal to the volume of 3 and unders in attendance. Most kids got one or two eggs rather than a million in their baskets. Guillermo got two and was more than happy with that number! Here are some pics of G and his best buddy, Andy having some Gonzaga playtime. It was a beautiful day and fun was had by all! Now that they have this hunt under their belts, they are ready for the mommy-planned hunt that will be happening on Easter!

28 months

Long time no post...I think it might be a Facebook issue. I feel like I need to post sometimes just for my own memory later!!

Anyway, the dude is 28 months today. Stats: 3'1" and 36 pounds.

So much has changed since his second birthday. He's talking more every minute. Hilarious phrases include: "Something weird, mommy" (randomly said about just about everything), "I not like it" (usually said after spitting something into my hand), "this too sow-y" (sour) among about a thousand other daily phrases. I cannot believe what happens one these little things start talking! Favorite toys include his train set, garbage truck, Pixar Toys cars (he has almost every one and TWO of some!), puzzles (mainly for throwing pieces on the floor rather than working), coloring crayons and books, and his paints and easel. OH, and let's not forget his piano, accordion and other musical instruments. We're still watching Lawrence Welk every Saturday night at our house. Guillermo actually asks to watch it! Luckily we enrolled in a Music Together class, so he has some musical outlet. I think he might be one that sticks with liking music, so I'm preparing myself for whatever instrument he chooses in later years (you know, getting my ears ready for the first few years of practice! I can just cross fingers that it's not violin since the sounds that children make on those are completely awful!).

We are trying to decide what to do about preschool next year. Most preschools won't take kids under 3 (they follow the state school cut-off of turning 3 by Aug 31) which means that Guillermo might not be attending more than our weekly co-op preschool until he's almost four. I feel both happy and sad about this--though we do have plans to try to do 2 day a week co-op classes next year rather than 1. So many things change when the babies enter our lives, no? I applied for and was offered a job a few months ago, and actually turned it down because I wasn't ready to leave my kiddo in daycare. I was surprised by my attitude, but ever since, each day spent at home has been more and more enjoyable!

That's all for now...until the next sporadic monthly post...

Jingle Bells

Our son the singer. I am continually entertained as much by him as he is by all the simple joys of life.

More holiday cheer

Snow! Finally! It's so beautiful! Guillermo is in HEAVEN! He's also still very much awaiting Santa's arrival...

Holiday spirit

This has been the most fun holiday season so far. It's so fun to watch Guillermo learn about the magic of Christmas. He is so excited about it. We went out in the frigid weather to cut down a tree this weekend (it was about 5 degrees with the wind chill). Although freezing, it was fun to watch Guillermo help his dad cut down the tree. After about 10 minutes, tears were shed over a frozen face, but it was nothing that a nice nap on the car ride home couldn't fix. Later in the day, we decorated the tree which was nothing short of the cutest thing I've seen in a LONG time. Guillermo was interested in each ornament (still is, in fact), and insisted on hanging decorations. He spent the evening just looking at the lights and playing with some white paper that he pretended was snow. The cleanup was terrible but worth every moment. Below is a tidbit of Guillermo's Santa description. He pretty much wakes up and goes to bed talking about Santa..well, and the few scenes of Polar Express that he's seen.

New hat and new words

Here is a pic of G and his new hat from Auntie Lindsey. I think I might have to get a bigger size, but the kid doesn't want to take it off! We have been enjoying Guillermo start to talk like a big boy in the last weeks. It's amazing how quickly it happens once it finally starts. My favorite talking moments are when he wants everyone to watch him and he yells, "Me WATCH!" from wherever he has decided to put on a show! Actually a lot of his chatter contains the word "me". I think this is the theme of two! Today at lunch he was looking up and saying "Up!" and then down, and saying "Down!". He also as started counting (he can count to 2!) and learning his colors (green, white and black being favorites). So far 2 is the best yet!! I don't even mind the tantrums and other "two-ness" now that we can actually have a discussion!! It's such fun to watch the little dude turn into a boy. I'll miss the baby, but I love watching him grow.

Doctor G and his poor patient!

Guillermo turns TWO!

We spent the weekend celebrating Guillermo's 2nd birthday with Grammie and Grandpa Kukuk. The great joy is that we get to extend the celebration by taking a trip to see Grandma Norma in a few days too! What a great way to ring in a new year with grandparents all around!? My lucky son! Guillermo was MUCH more into his birthday this year. He keeps pointing to himself, saying, "Boy". Things have changed so much in the last months. It's AMAZING to see how fast these kiddos grow up. I really do with I could slow time down. I can't wait to see what this year holds!

Please refrain from judgment at the sound of my oh so loud voice during our birthday song! I was holding the camera and therefore am a lot louder than everyone else!!!

Family Farm Visit

Look at that mountain view from Skagit Valley...so beautiful. Guillermo enjoyed his visit to see cows, horses, donkeys, lots of pumpkins and especially Grammy and Grandpa Yellow! We are discussing purchasing 1/8 of a steer for winter eating from the cattle farm shown above. Amazing place!

For Grandpa Yellow and Grammy M

This one's for you guys. He spent the morning yelling "BABA!" He uses this term for all of his grandparents...lately, he's been pointing to planes yelling it because we've been telling him about his airplane trip to see Grandma Norma soon. Anyway, had to snip this up a bit because it was too big for Blogger (in other words, the quality is poop).