At the Zoo

Since before Ezra was born, we had promised Aubri that she would go to the zoo once he was here.  We intended to take her on a trip there during Jose's paternity leave. His last week of paternity leave came, and we had a full schedule.  He ended up not being able to go with us, but my heart was set on going (I might have been a little more excited than Aubri to go!).

My parents were happy to go with us, so off we were! The day was gloomy and cold, but it didn't slow us down. The zoo was pretty empty so it felt like we had the place to ourselves

 Aubri was insistent she wanted to see the giraffes first. Even though they were the farthest away we headed there.

 She would not pose for a picture without trying to be funny!

 Nana holding her hands down so she wouldn't lift them up!

 For a fee you can feed the giraffes. Aubri said she wanted to do it and Papa paid for them. Since she is nervous feeding goats at Avila Barn, I had my doubts. In line she was jumping up and down and waiting for her turn! She was so excited!

 She bravely walked out to meet the giraffe.

 And then wanted no part in feeding him!

 She didn't seem to mind being close to the giraffe, but was not putting her hands near him!

 Since it was cold, and he was sleeping so well, Ezra never got out for any excitement! This is the only picture of his little face from that day!

 Aubri may have liked the baby ducks more than any other animal!

 One baby duck nipped her finger and she did not like it!

 My little monkey hanging around. We loved watching the Tamarins. The dads carried tiny babies on their back!

 "Fla-mean- go!" Aubri said this new word over and over liking the way it sounds. It reminded me of Buddy the Elf saying "Francisco!"

Aubri started asking to go back when we were still in the parking lot leaving. She tells me all the time that she wants to go back with her friends Ella and Canaan, and wants Daddy to go next time.

New Blog

Just wanted to point out that I've started a little "side blog" It's ok to cry over spilled milk

It was created by popular demand (translation, one student requested it), as a way for me to share some of the articles I come across in my continuing education of all things pregnancy, birth and baby related.  Since there is so much to cover in the 12 weeks of Bradley Method instruction, I can't always get to all the extra stuff.

I plan on updating it often, but no promises! For now there is a few posts about the TIME article controversy (extreme breastfeeding photo highlighting attachment parenting) and a few other things for my pregnant students.

Feel free to take a look if it interests you!

Oh Aubri

Another crazy thing Aubri has said...
Just this afternoon our conversation went like this:
Aubri: "Bye Mom"
Me:"Bye? I'm not going anywhere."
Aubri:"I want you to leave."
Me:"Huh?? Why?"
Aubri:"I want to be here myself. I want to live alone."
Ok.....at least she isn't saying that when she is mad at me.

Mother'sDay

I had a great Mother's day! Still a little surreal that I have TWO kids!
We had a great morning at church then went to concert in the park at Shell Beach. Aubri was excited to give me my present (homemade card and massage certificate) and took it seriously that kids don't cry or whine on Mother's Day! Every time she started to whine I would remind her it was Mother's Day and she would stop.   She was great all day despite skipping nap time!

When I was getting her ready for bed it was evident how tired she was and she started to cry about bedtime. I reminded her it was Mothers Day, she paused her crying for a second, then started up again and said "I want Mothers Day [to] be OVER!"

Maybe you had to be there, but it was soooo hard to not laugh!

Back to work

After 7 great weeks, Jose returned to work yesterday.  I wasn't looking forward to it, but we've faired well so far.  The first day Aubri asked to be rocked to sleep for the first time in forever. She was throwing a fit after waking up early and I was pretty over the screams so I agreed. Then Ezra woke up and needed to be fed so I found myself wishing for a few more arms! Somehow I managed, but when they were both asleep I found myself in a predicament trying to get up!

Today I had to go in to work at the church and Aubri stayed with Nana and Papa. It was my first day at the church without Jose's help, and since Ezra is more alert and awake now it was a challenge! I worked on my Sunday School schedules typing with one hand!

I don't take for granted being able to have 7 weeks of adjustment together. I am SO lucky and blessed that  Jose's job allows it. We were a lot lazier than I thought we would be (most days we hung around in bed or on the couch until 10!) but I think we needed it. Most days the crumbs stayed where they were, and the dishes piled up but it was worth it! There will be plenty of days ahead of chores and laundry, but only a limited time of uninterrupted togetherness,

Now time for a photo overload to show you a bit of our last 7 weeks.

Daddy makes mowing fun! Aubri loves the free ride, and Mommy likes that she is safe and occupied!

 We had lots of naps and snuggles.

 Visits from grandparents, and great grandparents!

Relaxing

 For awhile the house was clean and my mom had decorated so cute for Ezra's homecoming.

 We were blessed with friends and family who brought us meals....and fun desserts!

Aubri loves to ask Daddy to carry his "two little ones"

First bath for Ezra! Both my kids love bath time!

We couldn't believe how cuddly Aubri was this morning! Didn't realize until night that she was sick! 

Aubri got to spend a lot of time with her grandparents. Nana does her hair in the cutest pigtails. We get a good laugh when we take the braids out! She's a toddler- hear her ROAR!

Loving on "Little Brother"

She asked to have a picnic and thought it was so fun to have one inside!

A few family walks!

Lots of baking (not so smart when I'm trying to lose baby weight!)

Silly "babywearing"

Aubri loves taking care of her babies.

Aubri loves running around the park. Our first park trip was when Ezra was a few days old!

Papa joined us for a picnic to Waller Park.

Ezra didn't really care about feeding the ducks.

And of course we had to go Aubri's favorite place Avila Barn!