So we are proud to announce, the name of our daughter...
Mila Rose Alvidrez
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
My Darling, Flower
We have a name. I thought of it the other day, but wasn't sure because I didn't look up the meaning yet. So this morning I looked it up. It means in Slavic "industrious" or "hard-working" and in Russian (my personal choice) "my darling" or "dear one". I asked Aldo how he felt about it and he liked it. It's the first one that he said he liked as a first name. It's the only name that he didn't say - I DON'T NOT LIKE IT. Which basically means, it sucks. Or I HAVE TO GET USED TO IT. Which means it's not the one. He told me to put it on the board… like what we did for Luke. Instead for the rest of the morning I looked up middle names that would go with it, during which he asked, "What middle name would go with it? Something with a vowel?" Honestly it was a bit of a struggle. You know, you look at syllables, meanings, the way it rolls off the tongue and flows, if your family can pronounce it, if you can use it to discipline, if the acronym isn't horrible, if there are a possibility of bad nicknames… And as I was searching I thought of one. I told Aldo, and he also liked it. Really liked it. He thought it was sweet and perfect. And I said, it's it. And he said, "It's it?" And I said yes. This is the name. We got it.
So we are proud to announce, the name of our daughter...
So we are proud to announce, the name of our daughter...
Surgery & More
26 Weeks
This might get a little detailed…
After the last appointment with the sono, I noticed that something was a bit not right. I thought it had to do with pregnancy so I waited for a time. Then, I decided maybe I better look it up just in case, but nothing made sense on the internet. With the family trip coming up, I didn't want doctors appointments getting in the way or be stressed out, so we decided to wait until my next visit to the OB and mention something. Apparently I have a cyst that is blocking by urethra. I'm able to pee, but not in a straight line. And all this time I thought Man, I'll never get the hang of this.. peeing in a cup (at doctor visits). She sent me to a specialist in the immediate next few days.
It's not painful. It wasn't caused by baby and it's not affecting baby. But, if it got bigger, it could give me some kidney issues, etc. It could push on my bladder. It could send me into pre-term labor. The specialist said that normally he would remove it right then and there, but I'm pregnant (at the time 24-25 weeks). Local anesthesia would cross the blood barrier. I am scheduled to go in for surgery Wednesday, May 6 and I'll have an IV that will put me in almost a comatose state…?
The days following of this information, I guess it hadn't hit me yet because I was ok. Then one night the fear hit me that this could possibly put stress on the baby. So at a camp meeting, they prayed over me, and I've felt much better about it ever since. Recently I'm feeling excited. ? I know craaazy, right? Who would feel excited about surgery? I think I'm excited that it'll be gone and we can go back to normal life. That I'll have Aldo home for three days straight. And that I won't have to teach school, so long weekend for me! Hip hip hooray!
Second recent issue - Stress.
I would have blamed pregnancy brain if it hadn't gone on for so long. Last Wednesday, I was driving to school and realized half-way that I forgot the school curriculum. My entire box of plans and the kids' workbooks. Something I take to "work" every day. It was interesting because I remembered all of the extra stuff too that wasn't absolutely necessary - mandarins for fruit snack, props for the kids' Books of the Bible performance, and more. When I got home, my front door was wide open. I went out the garage rather than the front door and Bailey was still in there - after I had looked that morning! I just laughed it off. Thank goodness I had turned around. Later, Aldo said that Bullet was still in the house when he got home after his work meeting. <sigh>
The next day, we had a make-up day planned. I remembered my box. I checked for Bullet (he was on the couch). I checked the garage for Bailey - she wasn't there. When I got to school, I realized… I didn't change out the curriculum. I have the kids' books, I know what we're doing, but I don't have the instructions for them. Normally I could guess, and that's what I did on some stuff, but I couldn't do that the entire day. Way to use the make-up day, Erryn. So we went on a field trip. To my house. Luke already knows most of the stuff, so I mainly explained the incubator and chicken growth to Xavier. They loved holding the chicks, X was a little freaked out at first. We fed old bread to the birds in back, pet the horses and had a graham cracker snack on the ride back. When we went upstairs first, Bailey was there. So not only did I forget to change out the instructions, I forgot the dog again!
Thank goodness there was a weekend in between right? Doesn't matter. Monday morning I was determined not to forget a single thing. I checked, double checked, triple checked. I had it all. I looked in the garage. I uncovered mom's bed looking for Bailey. I counted dogs outside and saw all three. I was so happy, I told Aldo on the way to school how happy I was and that I didn't care if we were a few minutes late because I didn't forget anything that morning. Don't speak too soon. When I walked through the door, the box felt light. I checked inside - books were there, instructions were not. I went out to the car because I know I had the purple folder of everything else crazy in my life, maybe I put the black one with it. I had had the black folder IN MY HAND that morning, and had left it on the chair at home. I was distraught and upset! This is the THIRD time! You would think someone would learn! Pat squeezed me tight and said - It's alright sweetie, you're stressed. It would have been ok if that was the rest of that day because I was able to wing it. I knew the story of the animal character. I could easily guess the directions of most of the pages I had planned. One of the girls remembered the Bible story, which I was able to look up. I even had an art project ready to do. But X had some issues outside with obedience (he had turned on the lawn mower and wouldn't turn it off or get off) and then later threw scissors at Luke's head. Pat's mother-in-law had some medical issues and the house was filled with police and ambulance drivers. I had all the kids, who were distracted and distracting to each other the rest of the day. Finally, Richard sent them home early because he was leaving. I couldn't get a hold of the boys' ride. It was a stressful day!
Side Note: You know that every year there are things that try to prevent us from going to youth camp, being thrilled about camp, being distracted or feeling unprepared. Last year there was a tornado! There have been times when we're praying about having enough councilors. Vans and car trouble on the way there. It's absolutely nuts!
This time around has been one of the craziest (minus a tornado). We're battling medical issues individually. We are barely seeing finances because the church has recently purchased a building and we're still trying to get into it… so there is no camp budget. And it's hard to fundraise when all of the congregation has been putting money into the building. And there's a battle in the spirit… making us feel like because of this or this, maybe we aren't fit to minister.
So the reoccurring topic for me has been 1) the Armor of God and putting it on, 2) standing firm, believing God has it in His hands, and lately 3) my devotion time and prayer.
I had a dream that at camp during the girls' workshop, Miss C was preaching. And out of nowhere I felt I needed to take the microphone and say something. And something bubbled out of me that I couldn't hold in because I was so passionate about it and it was what God was speaking to me and gave me. So since that dream, I've been a tad nervous about - Am I going to take the microphone? What has God been speaking to me? I usually study some things… I usually plan some things… I feel like I fail in devotions every time when I lead those…
Maybe it's better not to plan this time and just let the Lord lead me. That way I can totally confirm 100% that it wasn't me or my words or my studying or someone else's words; it was wholly God.
This might get a little detailed…
After the last appointment with the sono, I noticed that something was a bit not right. I thought it had to do with pregnancy so I waited for a time. Then, I decided maybe I better look it up just in case, but nothing made sense on the internet. With the family trip coming up, I didn't want doctors appointments getting in the way or be stressed out, so we decided to wait until my next visit to the OB and mention something. Apparently I have a cyst that is blocking by urethra. I'm able to pee, but not in a straight line. And all this time I thought Man, I'll never get the hang of this.. peeing in a cup (at doctor visits). She sent me to a specialist in the immediate next few days.
It's not painful. It wasn't caused by baby and it's not affecting baby. But, if it got bigger, it could give me some kidney issues, etc. It could push on my bladder. It could send me into pre-term labor. The specialist said that normally he would remove it right then and there, but I'm pregnant (at the time 24-25 weeks). Local anesthesia would cross the blood barrier. I am scheduled to go in for surgery Wednesday, May 6 and I'll have an IV that will put me in almost a comatose state…?
The days following of this information, I guess it hadn't hit me yet because I was ok. Then one night the fear hit me that this could possibly put stress on the baby. So at a camp meeting, they prayed over me, and I've felt much better about it ever since. Recently I'm feeling excited. ? I know craaazy, right? Who would feel excited about surgery? I think I'm excited that it'll be gone and we can go back to normal life. That I'll have Aldo home for three days straight. And that I won't have to teach school, so long weekend for me! Hip hip hooray!
Second recent issue - Stress.
I would have blamed pregnancy brain if it hadn't gone on for so long. Last Wednesday, I was driving to school and realized half-way that I forgot the school curriculum. My entire box of plans and the kids' workbooks. Something I take to "work" every day. It was interesting because I remembered all of the extra stuff too that wasn't absolutely necessary - mandarins for fruit snack, props for the kids' Books of the Bible performance, and more. When I got home, my front door was wide open. I went out the garage rather than the front door and Bailey was still in there - after I had looked that morning! I just laughed it off. Thank goodness I had turned around. Later, Aldo said that Bullet was still in the house when he got home after his work meeting. <sigh>
The next day, we had a make-up day planned. I remembered my box. I checked for Bullet (he was on the couch). I checked the garage for Bailey - she wasn't there. When I got to school, I realized… I didn't change out the curriculum. I have the kids' books, I know what we're doing, but I don't have the instructions for them. Normally I could guess, and that's what I did on some stuff, but I couldn't do that the entire day. Way to use the make-up day, Erryn. So we went on a field trip. To my house. Luke already knows most of the stuff, so I mainly explained the incubator and chicken growth to Xavier. They loved holding the chicks, X was a little freaked out at first. We fed old bread to the birds in back, pet the horses and had a graham cracker snack on the ride back. When we went upstairs first, Bailey was there. So not only did I forget to change out the instructions, I forgot the dog again!
Thank goodness there was a weekend in between right? Doesn't matter. Monday morning I was determined not to forget a single thing. I checked, double checked, triple checked. I had it all. I looked in the garage. I uncovered mom's bed looking for Bailey. I counted dogs outside and saw all three. I was so happy, I told Aldo on the way to school how happy I was and that I didn't care if we were a few minutes late because I didn't forget anything that morning. Don't speak too soon. When I walked through the door, the box felt light. I checked inside - books were there, instructions were not. I went out to the car because I know I had the purple folder of everything else crazy in my life, maybe I put the black one with it. I had had the black folder IN MY HAND that morning, and had left it on the chair at home. I was distraught and upset! This is the THIRD time! You would think someone would learn! Pat squeezed me tight and said - It's alright sweetie, you're stressed. It would have been ok if that was the rest of that day because I was able to wing it. I knew the story of the animal character. I could easily guess the directions of most of the pages I had planned. One of the girls remembered the Bible story, which I was able to look up. I even had an art project ready to do. But X had some issues outside with obedience (he had turned on the lawn mower and wouldn't turn it off or get off) and then later threw scissors at Luke's head. Pat's mother-in-law had some medical issues and the house was filled with police and ambulance drivers. I had all the kids, who were distracted and distracting to each other the rest of the day. Finally, Richard sent them home early because he was leaving. I couldn't get a hold of the boys' ride. It was a stressful day!
Side Note: You know that every year there are things that try to prevent us from going to youth camp, being thrilled about camp, being distracted or feeling unprepared. Last year there was a tornado! There have been times when we're praying about having enough councilors. Vans and car trouble on the way there. It's absolutely nuts!
This time around has been one of the craziest (minus a tornado). We're battling medical issues individually. We are barely seeing finances because the church has recently purchased a building and we're still trying to get into it… so there is no camp budget. And it's hard to fundraise when all of the congregation has been putting money into the building. And there's a battle in the spirit… making us feel like because of this or this, maybe we aren't fit to minister.
So the reoccurring topic for me has been 1) the Armor of God and putting it on, 2) standing firm, believing God has it in His hands, and lately 3) my devotion time and prayer.
I had a dream that at camp during the girls' workshop, Miss C was preaching. And out of nowhere I felt I needed to take the microphone and say something. And something bubbled out of me that I couldn't hold in because I was so passionate about it and it was what God was speaking to me and gave me. So since that dream, I've been a tad nervous about - Am I going to take the microphone? What has God been speaking to me? I usually study some things… I usually plan some things… I feel like I fail in devotions every time when I lead those…
Maybe it's better not to plan this time and just let the Lord lead me. That way I can totally confirm 100% that it wasn't me or my words or my studying or someone else's words; it was wholly God.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Family Trip 2015
Our family trip was so great! I think my "OCD" is worse now that I'm pregnant… because I planned that sucker every which way. But it's ok, because I have a husband that doesn't mind a little bit of planning. And we had fun.
We went to Omaha, Nebraska AND St. Louis, Missouri (...because we couldn't decide and it was Aldo's birthday wish). Early Thursday morning we left for Omaha, first stop Love's for beef jerky. (Aldo's blow money was gone the first day!) We arrived at City Market around lunch time, but none of us were hungry and I can't remember why. We walked around a couple blocks there because that's what you do at a City Market. I liked the brick roads and the oldness of the buildings, but it seemed like it was all antique places and expensive food joints. We went into one antique Hollywood-ish store; they had a whole bunch of old-fashioned candies, records, and collections on display like PEZ holders and lunch boxes. Nothing you could actually buy. I was basically bored and even though we had been in the car all morning, I wanted to sit down. So we went on to the recommended Spaghetti Works for lunch. Not a bad start at all. Food was good and the Italian Soda was delicious and refreshing. Afterward we went to the Family Fun Center XL. The website looked amazing and advertised glow golf, laser mazes, bazooka ball, etc. so I was really excited to go. It reminded me of Chuckie Cheese's except that the pizza was killer. As in, it could kill you. For real. I ate a salad and grapes if that explains anything. We played glow golf (we were the only ones there) two times. Once regular, and the next with bent rules like put with your foot (I blame my loss on that). Even though it was up to par on my glow golf expectations (forgive the pun), it was still probably my favorite thing we did there. Luke also tried out the rock wall. We all three went in the laser maze. Aldo and Luke first, but Luke got scared and came back out. Me and Luke next, Luke again came out. Finally Aldo and Luke did it again and made it through completely. It was really hot in there; I wasn't sure how I was going to bend through those laser lines with my pregnant belly, but I did it. We played laser tag just in time before all the kids arrived. Luke was on my team of course, and we won. Before we left, we relaxed a little and Aldo taught me some pool. First impression of our room wasn't the best because it smelled like eggs, but I slept great and Luke had his own pull out bed in the other room. Poor Aldo was sick throughout the night, but thank goodness he felt better in the morning.
Best Quote of Day One: Aldo reciting "Boy Meets World"
Amish Man: Young friend, how far art thou traveling? Cory: Me? Amish Man: Yes, thee. Cory: Ah, well I'm going to Philadelphia. Amish Man: Well, I'm going as far as that farmhouse, there. Cory: That farmhouse there? Amish Man: Yes. That farmhouse, there. Cory: I see. Well I'm going to Philadelphia. Amish Man: Well, I could take you as far as that farmhouse, there. Cory: And that's very nice of you, but maybe I'll just wait for some form of transportation that involves...combustion. Amish Man: I understand. But if you change your mind, I'll be at that farmhouse, there. Cory: Yes, but see if that's as far as you're going then it does me no good. Amish Man: That is true. But my intent was just, and my heart is pure. [rides off] Cory: Also does me no good.
We went to Omaha, Nebraska AND St. Louis, Missouri (...because we couldn't decide and it was Aldo's birthday wish). Early Thursday morning we left for Omaha, first stop Love's for beef jerky. (Aldo's blow money was gone the first day!) We arrived at City Market around lunch time, but none of us were hungry and I can't remember why. We walked around a couple blocks there because that's what you do at a City Market. I liked the brick roads and the oldness of the buildings, but it seemed like it was all antique places and expensive food joints. We went into one antique Hollywood-ish store; they had a whole bunch of old-fashioned candies, records, and collections on display like PEZ holders and lunch boxes. Nothing you could actually buy. I was basically bored and even though we had been in the car all morning, I wanted to sit down. So we went on to the recommended Spaghetti Works for lunch. Not a bad start at all. Food was good and the Italian Soda was delicious and refreshing. Afterward we went to the Family Fun Center XL. The website looked amazing and advertised glow golf, laser mazes, bazooka ball, etc. so I was really excited to go. It reminded me of Chuckie Cheese's except that the pizza was killer. As in, it could kill you. For real. I ate a salad and grapes if that explains anything. We played glow golf (we were the only ones there) two times. Once regular, and the next with bent rules like put with your foot (I blame my loss on that). Even though it was up to par on my glow golf expectations (forgive the pun), it was still probably my favorite thing we did there. Luke also tried out the rock wall. We all three went in the laser maze. Aldo and Luke first, but Luke got scared and came back out. Me and Luke next, Luke again came out. Finally Aldo and Luke did it again and made it through completely. It was really hot in there; I wasn't sure how I was going to bend through those laser lines with my pregnant belly, but I did it. We played laser tag just in time before all the kids arrived. Luke was on my team of course, and we won. Before we left, we relaxed a little and Aldo taught me some pool. First impression of our room wasn't the best because it smelled like eggs, but I slept great and Luke had his own pull out bed in the other room. Poor Aldo was sick throughout the night, but thank goodness he felt better in the morning.
Best Quote of Day One: Aldo reciting "Boy Meets World"
Love's Beef Jerky - Be jealous.
The next day we went to the zoo, and completed the entire thing (Imax included) in less than 6 hours. I will tell you this, last time we didn't go to the desert or to the jungle. WE MISSED OUT! Those were our favorite parts!!! I'll give you all the high points because there is just so much at a zoo to experience. We rode on the Skyfari and train, saw a sea lion training, and near the end of the day went to a kamodo dragon feeding. I fell asleep for a minute or so during the Humpback Whale showing at the Imax. The desert is not as stinky as they say. The big news going around was that the silverback gorilla had broken the glass the day before (and we had to walk through the gorilla exhibit several times because of construction). Kingdom of the Night exhibit was awesome, because how many times do we see alligators and beavers in swampy surroundings? Bats and armadillos under red light? And our final place we went was the Lied Jungle. It was our greatest and most remembered part, there were bats out in the open. And lemurs out in the open. And a sloth out in the open. They could come sit on your shoulder if they wanted. But didn't. The bats were the craziest…
Aldo decided to take us through the exhibit again, but on the floor level (off the beaten path). Pregnant lady is tired, right… So we go. As we're walking, we duck down to go through a small cave, Aldo and Luke leading the way, me behind. I look up and there are two bats hanging upside down from the ceiling out int he open. Are they supposed to be out? Oops.. Then a group of teenage boys come through screaming like girls - the bats awaken and swoop through us so that we can literally feel the wind of their wings on our necks. !!! As we walk out, Luke is clinging onto Aldo's leg and we come to a huge wall covered in bats. Some on the side, others flapping all over the place. We made a video, but it doesn't do it justice. And I apologize that the video isn't that long - the "elevator creeper" showed up and we stopped filming. We went to the gift shop and bought our family animal poop. Your welcome.
Oh and I forgot, Le Solo Mio (the restaurant) is now a family ritual, even with it being a $100 bill. Best Italian I have ever had in my life. In. My. Life. Tiramisu of your dreams.
Best Quotes of Day Two:
• Butterfly Pavilion - Aldo sings "Little Mermaid" rather than Ace Ventura Call
• Aldo in Bat Video & Now Luke Quoting Him… - These vicious creatures are attacking us right now. Let's see if we can get closer [in Crocodile Hunter voice]
• Luke on Car Ride Home - My skin is sleeping
Family Trip to the Omaha Zoo - 2015
The Butterfly Call
Aldo really does have gorilla hands
Nerdiest glasses ever. And Luke really was all about the map.
Escape Lizard in Desert Dome!
Lied Jungle - Off the Beaten Path
Even though the ride was longer from our house to St. Louis than it was to Omaha, it didn't feel like it. We had a great mix of music, we took a fantastic pit stop at Steak N' Shake half way, and ended the ride with a travel game. This was the part of the trip that got a little more spontaneous too. Since we had left especially late, we were able to check into the hotel right away. Highly recommend the Embassy Suites on Lone Eagle Dr. because they were so nice, the breakfast in the morning was amazing, pool and wifi, remarkable room, out of the city… we had everything we wanted in a hotel stay. After relaxing a bit from the ride, we went to City Museum. Most dangerous and crazy indoor/outdoor children's/adult jungle gym there ever was. It's made of recycled material (all metal). As a child, you could stick an arm or a leg through your tunnel (made of bars) 2 or 3 stories up in the air. Over concrete! Aldo said there were so many paths to take to get to one place, a lot of them being tight spaces. An adult could get lost! Anyway, I kept Luke mainly in the ball pit for younger kids, which nobody followed the rules in. So "mama bear" was out. I felt like the over-protective mother. Everyone was letting their kids go nuts, and I wouldn't take my eyes off my child. This is where we found our souvenir cards. We were so exhausted by the end of the night. When we got back to the hotel, we said we would swim, so we did that. Luke had such a blast wearing his new floaties. And he was able to play Torpedoes with Daddy. They also had a jacuzzi which Aldo utilized for a bit. And I was worry free, weightless, and we were the only ones in the pool. :)
Best Quote of Day Three: Luke playing car game - "How many did Louis get?"
Getting super sweaty in the ball pit
Metal Mazes & Slides for Days
Our final day was more relaxed, meaning not too hard on the body… We went to the Free Science Center and learned about the St. Louis Arch and different ways to build, etc. They had a huge dinosaur that Luke was interested in. And some other cool displays. We left with plenty of time to get down to the levee to park, but there was so much construction we got lost. And made it just in time. The day was kind of dreary because it was sprinkling. Aldo said he enjoyed the sightseeing cruise, but it reminded me of something Grammy and Granddad would do. We were probably the youngest ones there. Then we headed home. Job well done.
Best Quote of Day Four: Luke on Sightseeing Tour - "Oh… I'm dying."
Arch Complete!
Learning about Bridges
More Cool Scientific Stuff
Rainy Days in St. Louis
We hadn't spent that much time together (consecutively) for a long time. Something must have been off before because I can't imagine not talking or joking, hanging out (more than watching a movie), and not missing just BEING with them for hours and hours in a row. I'm so glad we went on this trip. It was a reminder of how big of a role Family Time really is in life.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Kindergarten Round-Up
What am I supposed to do for two hours? The house is quiet. Really quiet.
Luke is at Kindergarten Round-Up… at the same school I went to.
… the same school my mom and uncles went to. Weird.
He's been so excited to go to school. Real school. And to ride the bus. He told me the other day, "I want to go to school ALL DAY, and get my work DONE!" He is so smart. Such a love for learning. Today is his first day. I can't wait to ask him all about it. When we got there he held my hand while we walked down the sidewalk and in through the front doors. There were already families congregated around the entrance, so we stood for a little bit. There was a mom that introduced her kid to another kid right next to us. Luke jumped in and said to me, "Hey, I'm 4!" So I told him to tell the kids his name. He did. Maybe that put him at ease a little… I don't know. He seemed calm.
I had to sign some paperwork and the secretary is who I knew as the lunch detention lady. (She gave me a pink slip for yelling, "Food Fi!" I didn't even get the -ight out.) As I was doing the papers, Luke told her his first and last name, age, etc. It was cute. We were practicing some things on the 10-minute drive out.
Soon after the teachers announced they were ready and the doors opened. I took him to the door. They asked for his name and White, Chocolate, or Strawberry Milk. He told them everything. Luke Alvidrez, Strawberry. Little weirdo. I'll have to teach him chocolate is best.
We found his name on a desk. (Earlier he had asked if he would have a table and I said I didn't know. So to have a desk is exciting.) He put on his name tag and sat down. I told him to give me a kiss. He did. But then he stood up and gave me another and a big hug. That's when I could have cried, but didn't. I might in August. I told him I liked the room, that it looked like a fun place. He agreed. I told him to listen to his teachers. He said he would. And then I told him I would come back to pick him up in a little bit. (It's 2:40 pm right now and I'm like on the edge of my seat, ready to go pick him up… Round-Up is from 1:15 to 3:15… haha!) As I left, I kept looking back to see what he was doing. To see if he was watching me leave. Or talking. Looking around. I don't know…
He was just sitting there, straight and tall, about ready to color this paper in front of him - which of course, he didn't know the directions for, but he saw other people doing it. Maybe he asked for directions, maybe he didn't. Maybe he waited, maybe he didn't. Maybe he started talking to himself… I don't know. My boy is growing up… (maybe I'll cry now…)
Luke is at Kindergarten Round-Up… at the same school I went to.
… the same school my mom and uncles went to. Weird.
He's been so excited to go to school. Real school. And to ride the bus. He told me the other day, "I want to go to school ALL DAY, and get my work DONE!" He is so smart. Such a love for learning. Today is his first day. I can't wait to ask him all about it. When we got there he held my hand while we walked down the sidewalk and in through the front doors. There were already families congregated around the entrance, so we stood for a little bit. There was a mom that introduced her kid to another kid right next to us. Luke jumped in and said to me, "Hey, I'm 4!" So I told him to tell the kids his name. He did. Maybe that put him at ease a little… I don't know. He seemed calm.
I had to sign some paperwork and the secretary is who I knew as the lunch detention lady. (She gave me a pink slip for yelling, "Food Fi!" I didn't even get the -ight out.) As I was doing the papers, Luke told her his first and last name, age, etc. It was cute. We were practicing some things on the 10-minute drive out.
Soon after the teachers announced they were ready and the doors opened. I took him to the door. They asked for his name and White, Chocolate, or Strawberry Milk. He told them everything. Luke Alvidrez, Strawberry. Little weirdo. I'll have to teach him chocolate is best.
We found his name on a desk. (Earlier he had asked if he would have a table and I said I didn't know. So to have a desk is exciting.) He put on his name tag and sat down. I told him to give me a kiss. He did. But then he stood up and gave me another and a big hug. That's when I could have cried, but didn't. I might in August. I told him I liked the room, that it looked like a fun place. He agreed. I told him to listen to his teachers. He said he would. And then I told him I would come back to pick him up in a little bit. (It's 2:40 pm right now and I'm like on the edge of my seat, ready to go pick him up… Round-Up is from 1:15 to 3:15… haha!) As I left, I kept looking back to see what he was doing. To see if he was watching me leave. Or talking. Looking around. I don't know…
He was just sitting there, straight and tall, about ready to color this paper in front of him - which of course, he didn't know the directions for, but he saw other people doing it. Maybe he asked for directions, maybe he didn't. Maybe he waited, maybe he didn't. Maybe he started talking to himself… I don't know. My boy is growing up… (maybe I'll cry now…)
Ready for "Big Boy School" - Kindergarten Round-Up
So now, looking at the dates - I thought that our family trip coming up might be a little tiring since there's Easter, then homeschool and prepping, youth camp planning, pregnancy, etc. - I am happy we are going on a family trip. Luke will be in school in August. Full time. This is the last time he won't be in school. From here on out, he'll spend much of his life with kids his age and someone else who's not his mom or dad. Eating food that wasn't prepared by a family member. Fixed up by a school nurse. Playing on playground equipment and stuff.
I will cherish our Family Trip 2015 and being his mommy. <3
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Gender Reveal
Same Day
I had been drinking water all day because I knew that I had to for the appointment. So when we got to the doctor's office, I had to go to the restroom really bad. Immediately they pointed us to another waiting room for the sonogram. They said to wait and ask the technician, but I couldn't hold it and nobody was coming, so I went. (I've done this for 9 mo. with Luke and 4 mo. with this one… you think I would be a pro at the pee test, but I'm not.) I guess while I was gone, the technician came out two times looking for me. Oops. So when I got back, we were led to the room right away - a small room, some seating on the left, my spot in the center, a tv screen in front of me on the top of the wall, and her computer station on the right of me. She got out her squirty stuff and wand and found the baby right away. But, of course, someone called her out of the room. As she left, she swiped the wand across my belly, so the tv still showed an image of the baby's face, but it was sort of stretched.
While she was gone I whispered to Aldo, "Hey, it kind of looks like a chimp."
Luke overhearing said blatantly, "Mommy, the baby can't be an animal. It's a human. You can only have humans." Precious. The whole time I was thinking, Luke would think the baby looked strange, and maybe one day when he's mad call the baby "ape face"… but no, he's a sweetheart and would think nothing of it.
When the lady got back, she scanned my tummy again. She had to take measurements while looking at everything. So first we looked at the baby's whole body. She said that the baby was skinny looking because there's hardly any muscle right now. So the bone structure, etc. will all look thin. And then she skipped to the privates. I didn't think she would tell us right like that, but she did. She said, "See these three lines…" And I thought, "Yes, two legs and something in the middle… it's a boy". "… it's a girl." WHAT?! I had to look at Aldo to make sure I heard right. We were both open mouthed. I think Aldo teared up a bit. Luke was excited. I was in shock I think. I was certain this baby was going to be a boy. Just because I've been knitting girl things, everyone's been saying how we need a girl (like I can control it), and because the odds weren't looking that great. Wow, a girl.
So I guess, when looking at those pics, if you see three lines that are the same length, it's a boy and if you see a W then it's a girl. Sounds complicated and too close to me. Afterward, I asked her about it - I said, "Now, these things aren't certain, so how sure would you say you are with that reading?" 98%.
We're having a girl!!!!
The rest of the time she measured and counted things. Head length. Arm bones. Leg bones. Placenta. 2 arms, 2 legs. Lip attached. 2 kidneys. Everything looks good, everything is healthy. Right now she is breech position, which means she would come out booty first. HOWEVER, the lady tech also said that she is "feisty". She would not hold still for any of the measurements, she'd move for the pictures, and she wouldn't get in the right position either… the doc wanted a nice profile picture, but she kept looking right at the camera it seemed… and then she turned around completely. Hahaha! Doomed. We are all doomed. :)
The tech gave us a lot of pictures! Probably because this is our first sonogram with this little one. My appointment with Dr. Holmes was cancelled, so we had to reschedule for Thursday.
On the way home, we decided to eat and call the family. I had a gender reveal planned… Luke opening a box of balloons, either blue or pink coming out. What I failed to realize is that it's March and there are no leaves on the trees at our house. An ugly background. We threw that idea out the window and decided to call. First calls were to Lily, Vero, Lalo, Dad, Mom, Maecy, Stacia, the Gutierrez family, and Zac & Rose. I later in the day let the Tomlins, Springers, Jul, John Stalic and Ruby know. Somehow Jerad found out (Ruby!), and when we went to show Granddad mom's new utility vehicle, we announced that we were having a girl to him and to Millie. On Saturday, Mom, Luke and I helped paint the new church building and I had to tell all of the Pastors. So… there's not too many people left to tell with a gender reveal. But we're going to take a picture anyway and post to Facebook. I bought the pink shoes for it! It's a must!
Aldo is excited and nervous. What is he going to do with a girl? We've never raised a girl before… He wants to take the childbirth classes again. I'll tell you what though, this family is amazing. I'm blessed.
I had been drinking water all day because I knew that I had to for the appointment. So when we got to the doctor's office, I had to go to the restroom really bad. Immediately they pointed us to another waiting room for the sonogram. They said to wait and ask the technician, but I couldn't hold it and nobody was coming, so I went. (I've done this for 9 mo. with Luke and 4 mo. with this one… you think I would be a pro at the pee test, but I'm not.) I guess while I was gone, the technician came out two times looking for me. Oops. So when I got back, we were led to the room right away - a small room, some seating on the left, my spot in the center, a tv screen in front of me on the top of the wall, and her computer station on the right of me. She got out her squirty stuff and wand and found the baby right away. But, of course, someone called her out of the room. As she left, she swiped the wand across my belly, so the tv still showed an image of the baby's face, but it was sort of stretched.
While she was gone I whispered to Aldo, "Hey, it kind of looks like a chimp."
Luke overhearing said blatantly, "Mommy, the baby can't be an animal. It's a human. You can only have humans." Precious. The whole time I was thinking, Luke would think the baby looked strange, and maybe one day when he's mad call the baby "ape face"… but no, he's a sweetheart and would think nothing of it.
When the lady got back, she scanned my tummy again. She had to take measurements while looking at everything. So first we looked at the baby's whole body. She said that the baby was skinny looking because there's hardly any muscle right now. So the bone structure, etc. will all look thin. And then she skipped to the privates. I didn't think she would tell us right like that, but she did. She said, "See these three lines…" And I thought, "Yes, two legs and something in the middle… it's a boy". "… it's a girl." WHAT?! I had to look at Aldo to make sure I heard right. We were both open mouthed. I think Aldo teared up a bit. Luke was excited. I was in shock I think. I was certain this baby was going to be a boy. Just because I've been knitting girl things, everyone's been saying how we need a girl (like I can control it), and because the odds weren't looking that great. Wow, a girl.
So I guess, when looking at those pics, if you see three lines that are the same length, it's a boy and if you see a W then it's a girl. Sounds complicated and too close to me. Afterward, I asked her about it - I said, "Now, these things aren't certain, so how sure would you say you are with that reading?" 98%.
We're having a girl!!!!
The rest of the time she measured and counted things. Head length. Arm bones. Leg bones. Placenta. 2 arms, 2 legs. Lip attached. 2 kidneys. Everything looks good, everything is healthy. Right now she is breech position, which means she would come out booty first. HOWEVER, the lady tech also said that she is "feisty". She would not hold still for any of the measurements, she'd move for the pictures, and she wouldn't get in the right position either… the doc wanted a nice profile picture, but she kept looking right at the camera it seemed… and then she turned around completely. Hahaha! Doomed. We are all doomed. :)
The tech gave us a lot of pictures! Probably because this is our first sonogram with this little one. My appointment with Dr. Holmes was cancelled, so we had to reschedule for Thursday.
On the way home, we decided to eat and call the family. I had a gender reveal planned… Luke opening a box of balloons, either blue or pink coming out. What I failed to realize is that it's March and there are no leaves on the trees at our house. An ugly background. We threw that idea out the window and decided to call. First calls were to Lily, Vero, Lalo, Dad, Mom, Maecy, Stacia, the Gutierrez family, and Zac & Rose. I later in the day let the Tomlins, Springers, Jul, John Stalic and Ruby know. Somehow Jerad found out (Ruby!), and when we went to show Granddad mom's new utility vehicle, we announced that we were having a girl to him and to Millie. On Saturday, Mom, Luke and I helped paint the new church building and I had to tell all of the Pastors. So… there's not too many people left to tell with a gender reveal. But we're going to take a picture anyway and post to Facebook. I bought the pink shoes for it! It's a must!
Aldo is excited and nervous. What is he going to do with a girl? We've never raised a girl before… He wants to take the childbirth classes again. I'll tell you what though, this family is amazing. I'm blessed.
Baby Girl Alvidrez - March 24th, 2015 - 4 Months Along
Smiling at Luke
When we left, Luke asked which pictures were his. I said he could have the one where she's smiling at him. Then he asked for more - 4 to be precise.
Skinny Butt
She hasn't developed a lot of cushion yet they said. I guess we'll have to wait and see who she takes after here.
The Reveal Photo
Do you see the "W"?
Boy or Girl?
20 Weeks
Today's the day! A while ago I was excited and couldn't wait for this day. About two days ago I started getting nervous. (I have no idea why, I'll be happy with a boy or a girl.)
Last night I couldn't sleep! We stayed up late watching some tv episodes; I was so exhausted and could have gone to bed early, but apparently my subconscious was anxious and kept me up all night. And my mind was BLANK. For the first two hours I thought of nothing. The rest of the night is kind of blurry - I don't know how it went so fast. At one point I do remember a dream about eating a cup of frosting in the snow…???
Anyway, the day is here. The minutes are ticking by.
This morning I asked Luke one last time what he wants (he's such a flip-flopper). Girl. "Because she can help beat up daddy." But then he said one of each. Then he said there has to be two boys and two girls altogether. I don't know if he was including Aldo and I in that count, or if he was thinking 4 kids in the family. All I can say is - we'll see.
Today's the day! A while ago I was excited and couldn't wait for this day. About two days ago I started getting nervous. (I have no idea why, I'll be happy with a boy or a girl.)
Last night I couldn't sleep! We stayed up late watching some tv episodes; I was so exhausted and could have gone to bed early, but apparently my subconscious was anxious and kept me up all night. And my mind was BLANK. For the first two hours I thought of nothing. The rest of the night is kind of blurry - I don't know how it went so fast. At one point I do remember a dream about eating a cup of frosting in the snow…???
Anyway, the day is here. The minutes are ticking by.
This morning I asked Luke one last time what he wants (he's such a flip-flopper). Girl. "Because she can help beat up daddy." But then he said one of each. Then he said there has to be two boys and two girls altogether. I don't know if he was including Aldo and I in that count, or if he was thinking 4 kids in the family. All I can say is - we'll see.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Told You So
I told you. I just looked at the last two posts. I re-wrote some things. Pregnancy brain.
Clearly I didn't make a "What to Write About" checklist on those sticky notes...
Clearly I didn't make a "What to Write About" checklist on those sticky notes...
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