Sunday, January 30, 2011

Let's paint

Luci and I just got back from a play date with Ako, Aila and Rebecca.  We have been getting together more frequently now that Luz and I are back in town.  It has been so wonderful watching Luci and Aila play together.  Today, Ako invited us over to paint :)  It felt good to be painting with my art therapy friends (Ako and Rebecca) and our babies!!  Ako put down a big sheet for us to sit on and we let the girls have at it.  I think they enjoyed painting themselves more than their canvases!!





Afterwards, we stuck them in the tub for a quick wash.  I was surprised at how easily the paint came off!!  Here's a link to the finger paints we used: http://www.crayola.com/products/list.cfm?categories=PAINT,Finger%20Paint


Ako also treated us to some home-made crepes and Belgium tea!  Delicious :)

It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

baby things

Both my sister-in-law and cousin (in law) are expecting baby girls in a few months.  As I started looking at their registries, I started thinking about what I used the most with Lucia. 

What I used the most:
NEWBORN:
- baby wash cloths
- baby shampoo
- baby lotion
- onesies
- baby tub (occassionally used this, but it was nice to have when I didn't give her a bath with me)
- snuggle nest (she slept with us, right in the middle)
- waterproof pads (used these for changing her and giving her sponge baths in the beginning)
- flannel swaddling blankets
- diapers, diapers, diapers (loved the Pampers when she was little-later switched to Luvs when she got bigger)
- wipes
- Nipple cream (couldn't do without this.  I think Madela nipple cream goes on easier than Lansinoh.  I continue to use this now on sore noses during colds and scratches/abrasions)
-Aquaphor for diaper rash
- breast pads (once again, couldn't do without these.  I went through a lot of these.  I tried the cloth kind that you could wash but these weren't reliable enough.  I preferred the disposabals).
-I didn't have clothes that fit Luci when I brought her home from the hospital so I had to go out and buy a few newborn size outfits (Luci was 7lbs 5oz and 19 in. long)
- baby blankets
-monitors (we had Sony Sound-Sensory Nursery Monitor and LOVED THEM)
- travel system stroller
- breast pump (THANKS REBECCA! Couldn't do without this.  We had trouble breastfeeding in the beginning and this helped keep my milk flowing.  I also used this daily once I returned to work)
- rocking chair
- bibs
- Boppy (especially useful for breastfeeding and propping her up once she got older)
- camera :)

As she got bigger...
- jumpy thing that hangs in the door frame
- exersaucer
- pack and play
- baby bottles
- nipples
- bumbo chair
- high chair

Items we didn't use much...
- Her crib (she never really used it b/c we prefer co-sleeping)
- changing pad (we never got a changing table either)
- bottle warmer
- wipe warmer

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Mi Osito

It's been 1 year and 4 months since I lost my Oso.  I think about him all the time and miss him SO much...


He was more than a dog.  We were together for 7 years...some of the hardest years of my life.  He was always there.


Now he's gone...he's been gone and I miss him all the time.

My last memory of him was driving up my parent's driveway the day before he died.  As I turned the corner, I saw him sitting in front of my parent's house.  It was like he was waiting for me.  As soon as he saw me, he ran towards me and ran up the driveway next to my car.  I stopped the car, got out, rubbed his head and went inside.

uploads

I've got to figure out an easier way to post videos and pictures to this blog.  The way I'm doing it now is taking way too long (uploading to youtube and uploading photos directly to this blog).  I'm going to try uploading to photobucket instead.  Hopefully it works!!  If you start seeing more photos and videos, you'll know why!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

So long Taurus, welcome Aries

Astronomers just revealed new astrological sign dates and I am surprised to find that I am no longer a Taurus, but an Aries...this makes me sad considering my mom, sister and I were all Taurus before.  My sister and I were once considering Taurus tattoos.  Glad we decided against that!!

Here are the top searches currently in the US according to GOOGLE:

Hot Searches
1.new zodiac signs 201...
2.astrological signs
3.horoscope signs
4.new horoscope
5.ophiuchus horoscope
6.zodiac change
7.horoscope change
8.ophiuchus traits
9.sagittarius
10.virgo

In addition, there's a new sign: ophiuchus...which I don't even know how to say.   It appears that everyone is reading about the changes and then Google-ing their new sign.  I will be doing the same.  I am interested to see what it says about Aries, although, I have a feeling that I'm not going to like it!

www.gotohoroscope.com describes Aries as:
People who were born in this section of the year have unusually strong will power and great obstinacy of purpose. They are usually born to be fighters in every sense of the world: they have also the greatest ability as organizers on a large scale. They find themselves as the organizers of big schemes or as the heads of big businesses, and also in the organization and development of countries.

They seem naturally to resent all criticism, and the only way to offset this in them is by quiet logic, reason, and proof.

These people are usually independent in everything they do. It is really important for them to do everything in their own way, and if they are intervene with other people they generally loose the shapes of the main purpose, step back and let the other person take their place.

As a rule they are unhappy in their domestic life. It is very difficult for such people to meet a member of the opposite sex who would understand them, and if opposition does not upset them from this point it usually does through their children.

Yet these people, be they men or women, deeply, fervently and strongly desire for affection and sympathy, more than anything else, and this is generally the rock on which they are finally wrecked if they have not the good fortune to meet their right affinities.

As far as material success or power is concerned, there are no heights to which persons born in this sign wouldn’t be able to. Success, however, is not making them feel really happy and satisfied.

They are inclined to lack caution, being by nature impulsive and quick in thought and action.

They are and inclined to mike enemies very easily. They are enormously ambitious, as a rule they succeed in life and gain money and position.

The lower type of this sign will stick at nothing to accomplish their purpose. The higher type are good masters, but at the same time severe in discipline and more or less unbending in everything they expect from other people. All representatives of this sign have a distinct desire to peer into the future, perhaps because they are impatient for things to develop. They are inclined to prophesy what will take place, and are often succeed in that.

As a general rule, the men born in this part of the year suffer a great deal through their affections; they seldom understand women, and make lots of serious mistakes in their relations with them.

For both sexes, they are happy only at moments when they are absolutely absorbed with their work and manage to overcome of obstacles.

All people and especially those who were born in this sign seldom get through life without receiving cuts, wounds, or blows to the head, either from accidents or violence.

DOES THAT SOUND LIKE ME??? I THINK NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, NOW FOR TAURUS:
Taurus is the sign of practicality and possessions. People born under the sign of Taurus tend to be very patient, practical and dedicated people. Such people are usually very cautious when dealing with people, life and money. They have a curious power of dominating others, even when not conscious of trying to do so.

People who were born in that time are extremely faithful, with a strong need for security and a settled routine. Although they are very earthy, they can also be highly romantic and sensitive when it comes to love.

They have great power of endurance, both physical and mental, and can pass through enormous strains of fatigue as long as the excitement or determination lasts.

They make wonderful hosts and hostesses, and have great taste about food, and in the management of their houses they can make much out of little.

These people often become excellent directors, have good business intuition, but are generally considered richer than they really are, as they always dress well and look well.

They are governed by their sensations and by their loving nature, but affection has a greater hold on them than passion. Such people are also warm and sensual, with an appreciation of the fine things in life. Taurus is motivated by a need for security; this sign is good for business matters and can be trusted to carry things through with absolute care. These people are very strong-willed and often quite creative. The Moon is exalted in Taurus, giving success with matters to do with the public and, combined with the influence of Venus, a passionate nature endowed with a strong sense of loyalty and fidelity. They are kind and generous with friends, with whom they develop an unspoken rapport.

If they love, they are generous to the last degree, and will consider no sacrifice too great for the person they care for; if they are enemies, they will fight with the most determined obstinacy. But they always fight in the open, for they hate trickiness, double-dealing, or deceit.

They are easily influenced by their surroundings, and become morbid and morose when trying to live under uncongenial conditions.

They are also too easily misled by their emotions, sensations, or affections.

As a rule both sexes are jealous in their disposition, and their jealousy often drives them into acts of violence or sudden exhibition of temper, which they bitterly regret when the storm is over.

They are at their best are typically strong and silent, but often appear ignorant and willfully obstinate to others.

They have an innate sense of harmony, rhythm and color, and often are very successful in music, poetry and art. Those born in this sign have an ability to become the most faithful, loyal friends. They also make good, patient nurses and healers, and almost all have a keen love of gardening and flowers.

...so long Taurus :(

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Aila

One of my best friends, Ako, and I were pregnant at the same time and she gave birth 2 months after me.  Luci was born 04-06-09 and Aila was born 06-04-09.  Unfortunately, they haven't had much time together with my busy schedule; however, now that I'm back in Columbus, we hope to get them together as much as possible!

Today was their first play date and they get along so well.  It was great watching our daughters instantly bond like Ako and I did when we first met!









I love this kid!






Felt friends

For Christmas, my dear friend, Rebecca, made Lucia a hand-made felt board with felt animals.  She is super crafty and I love that it's on a canvas so it can be hung on the wall!!  Luci's friend, Aila, got one too :)  They love putting the animals on while singing Old MacDonald or making animal sounds.

All you need to make your own felt board is:
- small canvas
-various colors of felt
-fabric glue
-stencils (if you don't feel like free handing it)
-plastic eyes for the animals
**You can staple a plastic bag to the back of the canvas frame to easily store the felt pieces.


Saturday morning

Luci woke up this morning around 8:00.  Not too bad for her, except I was up until 3:00 with Linds, my sister.  Anyways, we woke up, went down stairs, she ate oatmeal while I paid bills (so fun!).  After that, I gave Luz a bath.  She looooves bath time :)

Once she was dressed, Aunt Lindsay decided to paint Luci's nails.  I don't have much nail polish considering I never paint my nails so Linds brought out bright PINK!!  Luci loved it and sat fairly still while getting her nails painted.

A short while after, Linds and I were chattin', not realizing Luci had left the room.  Then, I hear her in the doorway, look over...OH NO...to our surprise, she had the nail polish brush and was PAINTING THE CARPET!!  She snuck it without us knowing!! I rushed over and grabbed the brush and bottle from her. "Linds" I asked..."was this bottle almost empty?"...I then walked into the bedroom to find the nail polish dumped in the middle of the doorway!


After blaming Jose for not watching her since he was in the bedroom when "IT" happened (even though he knew nothing about us having pink nail polish), my next move was to grab my camera and interview the little cutie who ruined the carpet.

VIDEO SUMMARY: First, she acts like she's never seen the nail polish on the floor.  Then, she tries to blame Aunt Lindsay; however, once she realizes we aren't falling for it, she grabs some paper towels to clean it up.  We're going to need a little more than paper towels!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

the little actress

I love watching Luci watch her favorite movies.  She acts out the scenes, laughs and dances.  When anyone hugs, kisses or cries in the movie, she has to do that too. Her favorites are Bug's Life, Ice Age The Meltdown, Annie, Elmo and White Christmas. 

Last night, as we watched some of her favorites, I decided to record her as she watched them on my computer.

Check her out...she's so funny!!  She wasn't as animated as she normally is b/c she was getting sleepy.

Here she is singing and dancing to "Hard knock life" from Annie (the 1982 version-best movie ever!).  By the way, this was my favorite movie when I was little as well.  I named my first dog Sandy!! Like mother, like daughter :)


Friday, January 7, 2011

TGIF!

We had a good night tonight.  I cleaned like crazy and Jose fixed the dish washer :)  Finally, we have a dishwasher!  This makes life so much easier.  I was very impressed with Jose's ability to fix it without any directions or a manual.  He continues to impress me with his handiness.  While he was hard at work, I was scrubbing down every surface in the bathroom.  It doesn't sound like much fun, but the end result was worth it!  Luci has been working on potty training (more about that a little later) and my sister was coming to spend the weekend with us, so the bathroom needed a little attention.

It's so nice have my sister, Lindsay, here!  Luci adores her and was so excited to see her pull up :)  She immediately started smiling and squealing in a cute, almost 2-year old sort of way.  Now that Lucia is asleep, Linds and I are having some sister time together.  I've missed this since coming back home to Galloway.  I had been staying in Perrysville with my parents, sister and nephew (Landon).  My mom and sister watched Lucia when I was working.  They were so wonderful and helped us out so much.  Luci loved it too.  We've really missed them and cherish any time we get to spend together!

So, as I said earlier, Luci is working on potty training.  I got her cute little undies, which she loves and lollipops to reinforce her, which she loves even more!  We take her on a regular basis and reward her when she goes.  She has been doing fantastic and is even initiating.  When she has an accident, we rush her to the bathroom and put her on the potty.  She always looks at us afterward and says "ewwww."  It's really cute! 

Everything she does these days are cute.  She says so many words!!!  Here's a few of our favorites (and hers):
bablaba= bananas
peash= please
mash= mas (more)
grashiash papa= gracias papa
mama :)
ehmo= elmo
know= snow (while singing the snow song from White Christmas)
ov ew= love you
cock= clock (yeah, she can't say her L) every time the clock chimes, she pulls everyone in sight to the clock to listen

Anyways, I'm happy it's the weekend and I'm excited to spend this time with Luci, Jose and Lindsey.

Happy weekend everyone!!

By the way, I'm charging my camera tonight so I will try to be better about posting pics and videos (that's for you mom!!)

Thursday, January 6, 2011

shhh...

Yes!  She's fell asleep by 8:30 tonight! We've both been struggling with the bedtime routine lately.  Perhaps it's because I just started back to work or maybe it's because we're back in our house versus at grandmas?  Last night was horrible.  We were both grumpy and it took forever for her to calm down.  Then, finally we ended up falling asleep together around 9:30.  So much for doing laundry yesterday (my favorite)!  Tonight, I told Jose, "if I'm not out in an hour, come in and get me!  DON'T let me fall asleep."  Look, now she's sleeping and I'm STILL NOT doing laundry.  I'll do it...just a few more minutes to myself :)

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

The story behind the name

Shortly after I found out I was pregnant in July 2008, I decided if I had a girl, I wanted to give her a name meaning light.  I decided on either Luciana or Lucia.  Jose on the other hand has always loved the name Estrella (meaning STAR in Spanish).  He always wanted to name his little girl Estrella.  I told him I would never name a baby STAR!

Well,...when I was 10 weeks pregnant and STILL hadn't told my parents, I decided to send them the video of my first ultrasound via e-mail.  I called my mom and told her to open her e-mail.  She was shocked and couldn't believe it, but sounded happy.  My dad wasn't home at the time so I had to wait to hear his reaction.

Later that night, I got a call from my mom... she was outside when my dad got home.  She yelled down to him to check his e-mail and when he asked "why?", she said, "just check your e-mail grandpa!!".  At that very moment, the brightest shooting star she had ever seen shot across the sky.

After she explained this story to me on the phone, jokingly, she said "you know what this means don't you?  This means you have to name the baby Star"...I had never told my mom that Estrella/Star was Jose's favorite name!  At that moment, I decided I had to name her Star (and yes, I knew then it would be a girl)!  It was a sign from above and I knew my little baby would be alright :)

So, after the gender was confirmed, Jose and I couldn't decide on whether to name her Estrella Lucia (his pick) or Lucia Estrella (my pick).  After literally picking names out of a cup and agreeing that whoever picked their choice out of the cup 5 times would be the winner, I won.  Lucia Estrella Ramirez was the name that we decided on.

Here we go again

No, I'm not PREGNANT!  I've decided to give this blogging thing another go.  I believe this is about my 4th attempt.  Perhaps, this time it will stick.  Here's hoping :)  I was never very good at updating Lucia's baby book so perhaps this will help me a few months/years from now to remember my little lady.  She's growing up so fast and I want to remember every second because she's fabulous!!