What's in a name?

Gaby has learned to write her name. It is a work in progress. As you can see, the upper case G can quickly be a lower case "e". She is beyond excited at her new skill and her name is everywhere! Now she wants to learn to write Bella's name!

Happy Halloween!

The girls had a blast trick or treating. Gaby was JoJo the Clown from Disney's JoJo's Circus and Bella was Princess Jasmine. Gaby trick or treated then wanted to be home handing out candy. Bella on the other hand kept going till her little legs couldn't go anymore. She needed to be carried home. Gaby also wore her costume to school the following day for the school halloween party. Bella, of course, needed to be dressed up too!

All Smiles (cont.)

The smiles are no longer reserved for me. As a matter of fact, if you are in his line of vision, chances are pretty good that you too will be privy to a smile. This picture does not do him justice. He has the nicest smile I have seen since I first saw his father's. This is my attempt at a decent picture to capture his toothless grin. Still you can see those chubby cheeks in action!

How much is that baby in the window?

This week Alex was sold for $2. Yes, that is right... Gaby sold her baby brother for a mere $2 to lucky Aunt Mary. Money was exchanged and the deal was sealed. Well, this was all fun and games until it was time for us to leave. Gaby was upset that we were taking Alex home because "we sold him" She cried the whole way home.

Gaby: "We have to give him back"
Mommy: "Gaby that wasn't for real"
Gaby: "Yes it was... she gave me money"
Mommy: "Gaby, that wasn't enough money"
Gaby: "How much then? $10?"
Mommy: "No, like 10 million... not even"
Gaby: "No I sold him for $2, we have to take him back!!!!"

I'll be closely monitoring Gaby's future conversations.

All Smiles

Today Alex smiled at me. Not that half grin he's been giving other people, but a full no-tooth grin. Now, some people may say that an infant cannot smile yet. That it's probably gas or an involuntary movement of his facial muscles, but I smiled at him and he smiled back. I know what I saw. It was a full grin, he was awake and aware, and it was all for me!

The Search Is Over....

Everyone is in search of perfection. Well ladies and gentlemen, we have found it.... apparently.

Yesterday....
Bella needed to use the potty and asked me for help. I couldn't because I was feeding Alex. Ramiro was doing dishes and said he would be there in a minute and she should go now. She calls for help and as Ramiro enters the bathroom she says
"You're the perfect man"

I wish I could refute this, but I too heard it from the living room. What is wrong with that child? Even if it were true... you never tell Ramiro something like that. There wasn't enough room for the 5 of us in this house.

The Day I Became THAT Lady

So, I have been adjusting to the 3 kids quite well. I have been taking Gaby to school and picking her up with Bella and Alex in tow with no trouble. We have gone to the park and for walks with little incident as well. So I thought I would up the ante.... Not a good idea.

Today after we picked up Gaby from school we went to Jewel. Now, I'm not crazy (I think). I was not going to go grocery shopping, I went in for 3 things.... 3 things! I had Alex in the sling and the girls were walking. Well, Bella wanted to get in the shopping cart. I couldn't pick her up so I explained that to her to no avail. She wanted to get in. She started whining and then softly crying. We were in the checkout line by now. I was eagerly trying to get out of the store while ignoring the tantrum that was brewing. Bella must have noticed she was being ignored because all of a sudden she screamed at the top of her lungs. "I WANT TO GET IN THE SHOPPING CART!!! ARGGHHHH!!!!". With that Alex woke up and began screaming at the top of his lungs. Great! Now what? The lady in front of me looked at me pitifully. (She was buying baby food so she must have felt some compassion, although she didn't have a kid with her) The checkout lady also felt bad "You look like you have your hands full" Quite perceptive. I high tailed it out of there, never losing my cool. We were almost out the door, when something caught my eye... Better said, someone caught my eye. Yep, someone I know was standing in the other checkout line watching the whole show. And I thought I was going to get out unscathed.... Yeah right.

So, what have I learned?
#1 - things are not always as they seem. This seemed like a really easy task in concept.
#2 - do not be too quick to judge. Next time I see THAT lady with the kids melting down at the store I will have no opinion
#3 - food is not that important. I am willing to starve before having to endure an encore performance anytime soon.

A Little Privacy Please

earlier this week...

Scenario: I'm in the shower when Bella comes barging in....

Bella: "Hi Mommy"
Mommy: "Hi Bella"
Bella: "Who's in your belly now?"
Mommy: "What?"
Bella: "Who else is in your belly?"
Mommy: "No one... Alex already came out."
Bella: "Then why is your belly still big?"
Mommy (thinking): Great thanks!
Mommy: "Goodbye Belle"
Bella: "Bye"
She closes the door

Another One Bites The Dust

...And then there were 5. The recent dismissal of Vivica A. Fox left Ramiro paying 35% of the dinner bill. Ramiro was more than shocked to learn his fate. Josie was about to hit the roof when she heard that Willa was safe. We all know that Sara Evans should have been the one to go. Now Joey Lawrence will have to win in order for me to win and even out the dinner bill... Thanks Ramiro!

Girls in Chicago

Gaby and Bella were introduced to all Chicago has to offer by taking in a show at the United Center on Saturday night. Abba treated them to Monsters Inc. on Ice. Needless to say they loved it! Bella was a little taken aback at the monsters of course. I was surprised to hear that. We have been to Dora the Explorer at the Genessee Theatre and she loved that. She took a few minutes to warm up then, according to Pino, was "glued with her eyes peeled" Gaby was in from the start. She loved it! Next it will be the Lyric Opera!

Alex's First Photo Shoot

Alex had his first pictures taken on Friday. As you can see he is a natural in front of the camera. He was good natured and the people at the picture people are very skilled in getting the kids to do what they need. He is so cute!