Supply and Demand

So I recently have seen online several variatons of the Mom and baby Supply and Demand T-shirts! And I think they are fantastic! but 58 dollars for a matching set is a little bit (ok a lot bit) out of my budget! So I thought to myself, Hey I could totally make those for William and I, because even though I am not the craftiest person, even I can turn on the iron occasionally! So I did and it cost me 9.99 vs. 58 dollars, woo hoo, here is the finished result! I can't wait for us to wear them! I know I'm a dork, but I'm proud of my dorkiness through and through!

kids say the darndest things....

Nathalie has reached an age (she'll be 3 in May) where she says the cutest appropriate and not so appropriate things. Over the past week a few of the things she's said that I thought I'd share with all of you follow in this post!

1) one day last week I was frustrated because I had both hands full and was talking to Sam on the phone, so I said in a somewhat frustrated tone (although it wasn't directed at him) "i've really gotta go now bye" and Nathalie's response, "mama is daddy being a jerk?" um no where did she get that from uh oh?!

2) Today she was flushing the toilet after going pee (as she still does not poop on the toilet :( ) and she said "bye bye pee pee, tell your mama hi" I asked "what Nathalie" she replied, "the pee pee is going home to see its mama" oh I see of course it is!

3) William was fussing and she said "mom William wants boob" gee kid thanks for pointing out the obvious, I replied " I know that William wants milk honey", she said "mom I cant like boob milk, I just like the milk thats in the fridge" okay that makes since, she continued and said "mom dad doesnt like boob milk either." Indeed I have a pretty smart kid lol!

look at William

an adorable picture that my sister shot today when she came by to visit, you can see how big he's getting! He is saying Hello to his Dantie in this picture, I loved it so much that I thought I'd share it with all of you!

video montage!

a video montage I made today!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/my_shared?z=170262d12c05300ab45e81&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

school

It has been decided that I will go back to school! Either this Summer or Fall depending on class scheduling! I have my BA in English Literature from SDSU, and the semester before I graduated I decided that I thought I no longer wanted to be a teacher! After about a semester of substitute teaching, I decided I would further my education, to pursue becoming a pharmacist! I took several science and math classes over the course of about 2 years, I then became pregnant with Nathalie! When Nathalie was an infant I took one night class and it was hard, then I became pregnant with William! Well, now that I am done having kids (remember Sam had a vasectomy) I really want to go back to school! I have 3 full year long classes left to take as prerequisites for pharmacy school, and two labs! Calculus, Biology and Organic Chemistry! And then there's pharmacy school which takes 3 to 4 years, but at the end of it I'll Be Dr. Erika Long, and will make upwards of 95k a year! So as I am about to embark on this adventure I will fight to remain an attached mother 2 my two beautiful children, a loving wife to my dh, a sensitive daughter, sister and friend!

my daughter the ham!

Nathalie singing the ABC's for Dantie
http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/scarika/?action=view&current=MOV00998.flv

update on Nathalie's adventures in Potty Learning!

ok so I'm kinda afraid to post on this topic, especially since the last time I did, I totally jinxed it! However; Nathalie is mostly Learned! Last week I decided to give it another shot and it was amazing, she even wears underwear in public! we still have a ways to go, as she is not night trained, and is somewhat afraid (ok very afraid) of pooping on the toilet!but its progress and i'm okay with that!

William eating a plum

baby steps (gasp)

William has been taking a step here or there for about a month now. Today Nana came by to watch Nathalie for me for about an hour and William took 4 steps to her! It was so cute and amazing, and it made Nana feel SOOO important! I can't believe my baby is on the verge of toddlerhood!

Nathalie as a Momma?!

Nathalie: come here William you want some milk from my boobie?

Me: Honey, only mommies booby has milk for William

Nathalie: Oh, When I have a baby will my boobies have milk?


I love it!

What I did last night/this morning

Ever since I found out I was pregnant with William 19 months ago, and I realized that my kids would share the same birth month, I dreamed of designing a tatto to tribute both of my offspring. My kids are Tarus' (the bull) and my "angels". Last night I got my tattoo, in the middle of my upper back. This is my 2nd tattoo but so much more meaningful (and painful) than the first, but worth every second of pain. It took about 3 hours and as soon as I walked in the door at 345 this am, I got to nurse William lol.....I love my kids and here is the extra proof! It is red and Shiny because Nichole took this picture immeadiatly after completion, once it heals up in a couple weeks, we'll take a real pic to show you all!

10 months old!

Dear William;
You are now 10 months old, and I cannot believe it! This month you have had many new developments. Your top 2 teeth broke through the gum yesterday, which means in a months time you should have 4 teeth showing! You now stand up without assistance, and take a few steps here and there; however, you prefer to crawl because its faster! You climb on everything, we have to watch you constantly! Your sister runs from you and says "mom the monster is coming!" lol. Your favorite game is peek-a-boo and you will pull any object you can find up over your face and then pull it down waiting for one of us to say "peek-a-boo" to you, and then you laugh and laugh! Its so hard for me to believe that in just 2 months you will be a year old! I love you dear son!
love your mom!

beautiful day!

Today is such a beautiful day! Nathalie crawled into our bed shortly after midnight last night, and Sam said, "come on honey, lets go into your room". Nathalie said, "No, Dadda, you go in my room I'll stay here and sleep with Mama and William" and so it went! I love those times though, because Nathalie almost always sleeps in later when in bed next to her brother and I, and this was no exception, the three of us slept until about 8 am! Once we drug ourselves out of bed we ate some cereal, got dressed and walked up to java mama! We met a friend up their to go to their Little one's Yoga class. Both kids really benefited from the walk and Nathalie loved the Yoga class that she participated in today! It was amazing, it was only E and Nathalie, so just the 2 kids, I couldn't believe it! After yoga and a brief bit of playing, as it became overwhelmingly crowded, we walked over to my sister's salon for Nathalie to get a bang trim, and then made the walk back home. William took a nice nap in the stroller on the way back! So Nathalie enjoyed this time even more, because it was one on one time with mommy, even with brother an arms reach away! I am waiting to get my used WAHM mei tai in the mail, and can't wait, because I know if William would have been napping in that he wouldn't have woken up when we got home! It's now 2 o'clock and I have to work at 6 tonight so I have some time to clean up a bit around here, or just be lazy, I'm thinking that the latter sounds like a much better option!

new toy

what did we buy our kids now? right thats what your thinking I know it.... NO my friends its what we bought ourselves....A NEW COMPUTER...I am so excited I am so excited oh wait did I just say that twice sorry oops! Anyways, the most exciting part is that I AM FINALLY ABLE TO UPLOAD PICTURES AGAIN! So now my friends you will be inundated with pictures woo hoo I know your excited....and just to spice up this post here are some Pictures of Nathalie and William from todays trip to the zoo. Oh and a couple more things...The last picture is of Dylan (Nathalies buddy) and Nathalie....and I will go back and update old posts with pictures but not right now, as I must go cook dinner....(er I mean heat up already made dinner...details details).

redemption

so the flu carrying child mentioned in the previous post passed on her germies (no big surprise) and as the flu seems to be leaving our house William seems to be the only one who didn't suffer (woo hoo). 2 days ago was when I hit the worst of this bug and dh totally redeemed himself in several ways but the two most important are 1) He left work to come care for the kids so I could attach myself to the toilet and sleep (not simutanouesly)...and 2) as I was attached to the toilet he says to me "William is so lucky to have you as a mama, its because your still nursing him that hes not sick like all of us" AWWWW I am appreciated!

you should probably get comfortable...warning whining post ahead

I havent posted in 2 weeks. Life is just getting away from me! I'd like to say I have been busy accomplishing things, but thats not reality. I'm stressed out, a little depressed and have been caring for a vomiting and diahrea producing almost 3 year old since Friday! I have been getting horrible headaches lately, complaining about everything imaginable and completely unmotivated to do anything! For about 7 of the last 14 days I think I've remained in pajamas the entire day, the other 7 only dressing myself in order to go to work! I haven't gone grocery shopping in over 2 weeks and we are eating very creative meals as a result ( minus the aforementioned ill almost 3 yr old) . I'm tired all the time, lacking motivation and dizzy with regret. I often (recently) have felt anger towards my husband, for not being more helpful with the kids, when we are both home together. I often feel like I am a single mother yet I'm not and I don't want to be! I confronted my husband regarding these issues last night and he has been kissing my ass ever since, which is not what I'm after either! I explained to him, as I now will to all you that I become frustrated that on the days he works his 8 hours, when he comes home he expects me to make dinner, bathe the kids etc, explaining that he is so tired from his day at work, on the days I work 8 hours he expects the same! Don't get me wrong I love my family and my life, but sometimes I too need a small break granted my work is not (physically) as hard as his (and yes I am reminded of this often)....I truly love my dh despite all of this and hope you all dont think I don't; however, over these past couple weeks I have reached a breaking point, slowly sinking into a black oblivion, I feel like I'm treading water and fighting to catch my breath... I struggle to make everyone else happy and realize I really need to make myself happy first! Alright well thank you all for listening to me vent!

9 in 9 out

William is 9 months old. And this day has found me both happy and sad. I can't believe that my baby has been out in this world for the same length of time that he was inside of me!

Dear William;

9 months old already? Momma can hardly believe it! You are an amazing little boy with piercing blue eyes and a soft side for your mama. You have begun experiencing separation anxiety, and want me or dad in your site at all times! I am so happy that you love us so much, a lot of people I know wonder why, but to me it assures us of just how much you love and depend on us! I love you little tank!

you know your a San Diegan when....

I totally stole (I mean borrowed ) this list from a friend on myspace Ha thats funny.....I wanted to share it with y'all so here it is

You know you`re a San Diego local when.........

• ~All the street names around you are either in Spanish or Spanish related, and you're surprised when other areas don't have this.
• You can determine the accuracy of someone's "I'm ghetto" claim by knowing their high school. For example, El Camino High School or Crawford High School.
• You see weather forcasts for four different climate zones in the same county, and aren't remotely surprised.
• You routinely go or have gone to Pat & Oscar's solely to get breadsticks.
• You've ever gone to Downtown San Diego and marveled at the homeless people mingling with the rich young urbanities.
• You've gone to Mt. Helix in July and known you still need a jacket.
• You've tailgated at Qualcomm Stadium, and for bonus points, also tailgated when it was Jack Murphy Stadium.
• .You've ever been on a field trip to see an Imax movie at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
• You still call it the Del Mar Fair.
• You say "i'm going to the track" and people know what you mean.
• You understand what May-Gray and June-Gloom is.
• A famous skateboarder/surfer lives in your town.
• There's a North County, a South County, and an East County but no Central County.
• "Mossy Nissan! Mossy Nissan! Mossy Nissan Moves You!"
• You know what it means when two guys are walking in Hillcrest.
• You know what it means when a girl in a short skirt is walking on El Cajon Blvd.
• You've gotten stuck in the Horton Plaza parking structure traffic after a Padres game.
• You know what "The Merge" is, and will plan your entire day around not being on it during rush hour(s).
• You've ever been to Belmont Park and rode the Big Dipper.
• (For North County) You remember the days before the all the big movie theaters opened. And when they did. First the Edwards in San Marcos, then the Regal in Oceanside, then the Krikorian in Vista, and finally the Regal in Escondido.
• You've ever taken the Coaster and laughed at people sitting in traffic on the 5.
• You know the difference between Claremont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, and Mira Mesa.
• You can correctly pronounce Tierrasanta, La Jolla, Rancho Penasquitos, San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and El Cajon.
• You've ever gone to Sea World on a warm day and sat in the first few rows at the Shamu Show to get cooled off.
• You've ever been delayed at the Border Checkpoints on the 5 and the 15.
• There are more bands than people.
• Your house doesn't have air conditioning.
• You know it's San Diegan, not San Diegoan, or San Diegoite.
• Everyone has their favorite beach.
• No matter what the weather is, there is always someone walking around in a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops.
• You live on, near or are surrounded by hills
• .You hate tourists and their bad driving. GET OFF THE ROAD NORTH DAKOTA, NOBODY WANTS YOU HERE. SERIOUSLY. GO HOME.
• You have family and or friends that have moved to Arizona, probably because they are tired of waiting to be able to afford to buy a house.
• There are four distinct seasons: Summer, Not Quite Summer, Almost Summer, and Oh Hey Look Its Summer Again
• Your house is worth more than the GDP of some small countries.
• You know what MB, OB, and PB stand for.
• You used to, and sometimes still do ride the carousel at Seaport Village.
• You know someone who doesn't own pants, and have a neighbor who doesn't seem to own a shirt.
• Your high school had a surf team.
• You know what Santa Ana's are, and that they have literally nothing to do with the city of Santa Ana (which, unfortunately for it, is in Orange County.)
• You know what a California burrito is
• .You never, under any circumstances call it anything other than "the Gaslamp."

cheers and have a nice day ! :)

jinxed

so I completely jinxed myself re: Nathalie and potty learning...since that post we have not had very good luck :(

Adventures in potty learning starring Nathalie

You see my friends at around 19 to 20 months old my beautiful daughter showed an extreme interest in the potty, so I followed her lead.... she was never fully trained but did well most of the time until of course her little brother entered the world....I left her be and never pushed her, as she went into her regression. Last Wednesday we were in line at Rite aid and suddenly she says "mom, I need to go potty", "What?" I asked, "I need to go potty right now," (as she starts to pull down her pants, while in line) I put our stuff down run her into the bathroom (with William in his sling) and she pees....and pees and pees it was a beautiful moment, and I took it for what it was just that a moment! I put an Ariel pull-up on her and encouraged that Ariel would be really sad if she had to be thrown away because she was peed on! We got home and about an hour later Nathalie went into the bathroom and I asked "what are you doing honey" "going pee pee mama" (what?) "Oh, okay" Since the first incidence at Rite aid last Wednesday Nathalie has succesfully made all her day time urinations on the potty which to me is an amazing start! She has still had wet night time diapers, and will not go poop on the potty, but I will take each small victory in stride.....Oh and sorry about all the potty talk, but I am utterly giddy!