Raine's First Bath

As a family of four we gave Raine her first bath at home. It was quite a production. Reece loved pouring the water on his sister's head. Mo was the photographer and snapped all of these great shots. Raine was not impressed and didn't really enjoy the second bath of her life. She sure did smell better though. A freshly bathed baby is one of my favorite smells. I loved putting Reece to bed after his baths because he smells so yummy. I sure love staying home with my two little ones.

My Beautiful Daughter

Yes, I had a baby girl! A girl? Holy cow, a girl. Those were my thoughts when my husband tried to get the words out before the doctor butted in. That husband of mine was speechless once again and could barely announce the gender of my baby. All in all the c-section experience was pretty amazing. I was laid out on the table like Jesus on the cross, that was a bit uncomfortable. The spinal anesthesia hurt and the fact that I couldn't feel my body from the chest down sucked. There was this light right above my head and if I wanted to watch the surgery I would just look up. At one point I did and it was pretty gruesome. When the doctor told Mo to get ready cuz the baby is coming I looked up at that light and watched them pull out my slimy baby girl. Check out some of Mo's lovely photos of Ireland Raine Hauguel born August 25, 2006 at 7:51 am. She weighted an even 7 pounds and was 20 inches long. Mo and I are so happy. Our family feels so complete with a little boy and baby girl. We are so blessed.

Baby to arrive by C-section tomorrow 8/25/06

Tonight is the last night of our family of three to be just that, THREE. Baby H will arrive tomorrow morning between 7:30-8:00 in the morning! I can't wait! It's my Christmas present 4 months early! We are so excited we waited to find out the gender and can't wait to meet this baby boy or girl. I have no idea what I'm having. With Reece I felt like I was going to have a boy. Or maybe I just convinced myself I was having a boy because I really wanted a boy to be my first born. I have no clue with this one. My pregnancy has been totally different but that doesn't mean a thing! So I am off to finish a few more things around my house, check my bag one last time and have some yummy dessert from my neighbor friend Jessica. Then it's off to bed to try and get some sleep. I don't for see that happening tonight, but I'll try! If you believe in the power of prayer like I do, please PRAY for my family and our adventure!

Swimming with the girls

On Sunday we went to our friends house for a end of the summer BBQ. Wow can you believe it's the end of the summer already? After we feasted on the most delicious mexican meal we all went to the pool. The kids couldn't wait for all of the adults to get ready. My little man had to try on someone's googles and just look at him...

Is he not the cutest little swimmer you've ever seen?

Evelyn was such a brave girl in the pool. She loved swimming and jumping off the steps.

Rebekah poses for a picture for the crazy lady with the camera. Thanks girlie!

Here are those three little ducklings ready and waiting for everyone else to get ready.

Ashlyn also loved jumping off the steps into the water and couldn't wait for her daddy to swim with her.

It was so much fun swimming. After the pool festivities we went back to the house to eat cake and make our own ice cream sundaes. So so yummy! It didn't take Reece but 5 minutes of pulling out of the Russo's neighborhood and he was fast asleep. Mo and I were ready for a good nights sleep also. Thanks you so very much Russo friends, we love you guys!

FINALLY, some pics from our Mesquite Getaway

I hate that blogger uploaded these in the reverse order, but what can you do. I'm just glad you all can see them. Here is how hard Reece crashed after spending 3 hours in the pool. We were trying to find some cartoons on the TV to turn around and see it took him a total of 3 minutes to fall asleep. He didn't move from that spot!


My son is a fish! He tried out some arm floaties at my girlfriends pool and did really well with them so I bough him a cheap $2.00 pair at the hotel. He jumps right in the water and has no fear of going under either! He even went down the water slide all by himself.

Daddy and Reece loved this waterfall!

Mommy and Reece rest after hours of swimming! Check out that tongue!

Big Boy Bed

He sleeps so soundly for his afternoon nap in his reformed crib. It switches into a toddler bed then into a full bed. Yes, it is a gem. Reece has been asking his daddy to make his crib into a big boy bed for days and we finally got around to ut yesterday. My little baby boy has been escaping his crib since the first night we returned from our travels. It was due time for the big boy bed. How he sleeps with all of that stuff around his head I don't know but he has slept like that since he was a baby. I can't believe my baby boy is about to be 2 years old and is sleeping in a big boy bed. Good thing I have another baby on the way. Three more weeks to go until we meet baby H.

Junk Food Junkie

Only when you’re pregnant can you eat like I did today. Woke up to walk downstairs and get a grande white chocolate mocha coffee and a chocolate scone from Starbucks. Later in the day I bought Reece and Mo hotdogs, baked Lays potato chips and a raspberry ice tea. They ate the hotdogs and I ate the chips and drank most of the tea. While watching Dr. Phil I enjoyed a chocolate peppermint Luna bar and glass of water. For dinner we ordered pizza from Domino’s and I grabbed a coke from the soda machine. To finish off a day of horrible eating I get a double scoop of Starbucks Java Chip and DeLuche ice cream in a waffle cone. Three doses of caffeine for this little baby of mine, I should sleep real well tonight.

Mini-Vaca for mommy

My dear girlfriend Julie reserved 8 or so rooms at the CasaBlanca hotel in Mesquite, NV. Teachers get to stay free for two nights during the summer so she and her 11 bunco playing friends took advantage of it. I was just a tag a long, who wanted to get away from the boys in my life.

The fist night here I had dinner with all 12 of the ladies and then retired to my room for the night. I was able to create 12 cards and watch TV while doing so. I feel asleep at 10:00 and had two beds all to myself. I was up a lot going to the bathroom. No heartburn though since I was smart and stopping eating and drinking at 6:00pm. I was still up at 6:30 am my brain racing. I vowed not to get up to sleep until 9 am.

Finally pulled myself out of bed at 9:42 am and slowly made my way down to the Starbucks for breakfast. What a sweet treat. After enjoying my tasty breakfast while watching The View, I paint a few crafts that have been needing completion since June.

I patiently await the arrival of my boys who I invited up to enjoy this gorgeous pool I was admiring out of my hotel room window. Why did you go away with out your husband and son and then call them and tell them to come up here and go swimming you ask? Well, because I’m a sucker. I felt so guilty. I knew that Reece and Mo would love hanging out in this pool. And they did.

Too bad Mo had such a horrible morning before making his way an hour north of Las Vegas; so much for trying to plan a nice family day. Once the two of them hit the water all the badness of the morning seemed to melt away in the sunshine. Around 3pm we brought Reece upstairs for a nap. He was asleep within the first 5 minutes of us finding some cartoons on the TV and getting him some milk to drink. He woke up and hour and half later and we ordered pizza for dinner. Mo & Reece headed back home around 7pm and I was back to relaxing all by myself for the night.

Pictures of our family day by the CasaBlanca pool will have to come later, blogger isn't cooperating, surprise :(

Baby H update

Boy oh boy, can back to back doctors visits really exhaust you. I came home from my summer vacation on the East coast to visit my normal OBGYN and then a specialist.
Doc Martin thought all looked good in the 8 month ultrasound except for this tiny little glitch. The urtera, a tube from the kidney to the bladder was a tad bit wider than normal. Doc wanted me to go see a specialist ASAP, just to be safe. I went the very next day and she said all looked good with the kidneys, urtera and the bladder. The placenta however has not moved like Doc Martin had said. GREAT, now what I ask? A C-section is in the near future. No bed rest, just take it easy, no strenuous activity. WONDERFUL, I have to get a classroom ready for second graders. I have two more appointments Aug 10th with Doc Martin and Aug 17th with Doc Price. It will be then that we schedule the C-Section. I probably won’t start the school year since Doc Martin does his surgeries on Wednesday and Fridays. Maybe I can get him to do mine on Friday, Aug 25th so I can sit through a few meetings and have a few days of work before taking my 8 week maternity leave. We’ll see.

Please pray that I can accomplish all of the things on my To Do List before this beautiful baby arrives. Also pray that this baby doesn’t get too anxious to meet his or her big brother and stays put until the end of August. Lastly, pray for my husband that he will have patience with me and my need 22 month old son. Mo has to step up and take care of a lot of things at home since I have to relax and put my feet up. I will keep you all updated with the prognosis of Baby H and his or her arrival.

Back on the West Coast

I guess it's about time to post again. Life was very relaxing while visiting family and friends on the East Coast. Internet connections were not the best hence the lack of blogg entries for you all to read. I will however catch up slowly with stories and pictures. SLOWLY is the word I must stress as I will be preparing my second grade classroom for another funfilled school year and of course my home for another child. What such I talk about first? How about the awful experience flying home to Las Vegas. Sure why not vent a little ...

Mom rushes me & Reece to the Buffalo airport, while driving I decide maybe I should call and see if my flight is even on time; low and behold it is not! Great extra hours spent in an airport with a 22 month old is not my idea of a groovy time. Luckily the Buffalo airport has a fantastic Fisher Price play area that is better than any playground I have been to. Reece was so excited when he saw it. Before even getting to the play area I wasn't sure I was going to be able to fly with my 22 month, since absentminded pregnant lady forgot to bring her sons birth certificate. (Which made going over to Canada a little hairy as well; that story to come later...)
Curb side check in was swamped, so I decide inside looks shorter and faster. I go up to the E-Ticket lady and mention I am flying with an infant.

"Great can I see him and have his birth certificate?" she kindly asks.
Uh, no my mother just took him for a ride around the airport while I check the bags and did I mention I don't have his birth certificate? It's in Las Vegas.
Well, we need it and you can't fly with out proof of his age.
What I have flown with you guys (Southwest) nearly 10 times with my son and you have never, ever asked for his birth certificate before. (That's because I have always used curbside check in where the Joe Shomos out there don't care!)
"What can I do?" I asked the voice cracking starting to panic.
Well, you'll have to fax us a copy in the next 10 minutes your plane is leaving in 45 minutes.
That's impossible! There isn't anyone I can call in Vegas to go to my house and get it and then find a fax machine to use. What else?
Well, we can call a pharmacist and ask them to verify the child's age.
Great I say while digging through my luggage for my allergy medicine so I can get the number for the Target pharmacy in Vegas. THANK YOU TARGET!!

Nasty rule abiding lady called Target and verifies that Reece is 22 months and then asks to see him. Luckily mom just pulled up to the curb and was getting him ready to come in the airport. I go out and explain the whole dilemma to her and she just laughs at me and tells me to relax. Words I have heard countless times from my mother. I go back to nasty lady, show her my beautiful tan almost 2 year old and get my boarding passes. Somewhat relieved I start heading to our gate. Reece was such a big boy for me. He walked right beside me while I carried his car seat. We are still praying he gets his own seat and doesn't have to sit on mine. Member I have an 8 month old baby growing inside mine which leaves little room on my lap for a wiggly 22 month old. Maybe I just should have bough Reece a seat... NOPE God is great and gave me a seat on both flights to Vegas!
As we are walking by the FP play area I only let Reece hang out for a few minutes because I was too nervous we were now late for our flight since nasty lady held us up for so long. He was not happy to be leaving all those great toys, but he complied when I told him we were getting to go on the big blue plane. Low and behold, we were not late at all, everyone was still waiting. UHHHHHHHHH I sigh and take Reece to the window so he can look at the airplanes. Finally the plane arrived and we were able to fly. Did I mention I had a connection in Chicago too? Smart planning mama said the flights home to Vegas are always so long for Reece, lets try breaking it up this time by having a lay over so he can get off the plane and stretch his legs. HA HA, never again will I do that on purpose. He stretched his legs alright just for as it took him to race mommy to the other big blue plane. So we ran from C-18 to C-1 and boarded our second flight home.
We stepped on the plane and I asked the flight attendant if there were two seats by a window for my son and I. Now this plane was hardly full, but she did have to get on the loud speaker thingy and ask if anyone would mind moving seats. Thankfully someone in the 17 row moved and Reece and I were able to park ourselves right over the wing. A very noisy area for a babe to sleep near. No, I mean that good kind of white noise. I was ready to sleep as well. It was now 8 pm EST and I was pooped! Traveling while 8 months pregnant with a 22 month old is not my idea of fun. I will not be doing it ever again; nor will I fly with 2 children and without my husband to assist. So I guess our futures summer vacations back east will always include a road trip across the US. Oh, that sounds like fun; maybe we should just move back huh?

Oh my journey across the US is not over yet. My dear friend Mel, (yes girlie your getting your 2 minutes of fame on my blogg) called me just after my fiasco in Buffalo to tell me she couldn't pick me up, but that she would leave a car for me at the airport. JOY, 8 months prego, 2 suitcase, a backpack, a carseat and a sleeping toddler to deal with after 6 hours of hell! Not to mention finding the car loading it and driving it home when all I want to do is sleep. THANKS MEL!
Good thing God is great cuz once again my son was a champ and did wonderfully on the plane ride. He ate snacks, watched his new Finding Nemo movie and then finally fell asleep with 40 minutes left in the flight. Since I was in the middle of the and my child was sleeping peacefully I was the last one to leave. A very kind flight attendant carried my backpack and car seat off while I carried my sleeping angel. God had a wheelchair with my name on it and the flight attendant said here use this. She plopped his car seat in it and strapped my backpack on it as well. I placed Reece back in his seat and we went for a ride. How funny must I have looked. Prego mama pushing sleeping toddler in a wheelchair.
We headed for baggage claim with a quick stop in the restroom where the flushing toilets woke Reece. He was a bit startled and started to cry. I think I would be too if I woke up in a restroom. We continued on our quest for the luggage with a stop at Starbucks so I could get change for the smart cart I had to rent. Reece was not pleased again. Why are we stopping, more ride, more ride mommy. He would ask. After waiting for what seemed like forever for my Vanilla drink we head to the smart carts.
I notice all the luggage from our flight is gone, Great. I head over to the Southwest area and tell the lady that those two bags are mine. She says fine and I leave Reece there for a second while I go get a smart cart. Reece sees me bring it back and immediately says no mama, no cart, chair, more chair. He knows that when we use these carts he has to sit on the metal basket area that must just dig right into his little bum and legs. He wasn't havin it this evening. So I struggled to load the cart as two strapping men watched and snickered the whole time. Then got Reece down and ready to go. He wanted to walk, why not let him stretch his legs but boy was I nervous. I wasn't up for racing and walked rather slow. Once crossing traffic and making it to the parking garage, we started to board the elevator. Reece was alost closed in the doors because ignorant man inside was pushing the wrong button to hold the door open for us.
Lord, just let me make it home. We found the car, took a while loading it and finally left that God forsaken McCarren airport. Called my dad to tell him we had arrived and I was heading to my house. Stopped for a gallon of milk, got home, got Reece ready for bed and then we both drifted off to sleep.

NEVER WILL I FLY ALONE WITH CHILDREN AGAIN!!!

My Sister's Wedding

Life is grand here on the East Coast. The wedding was a big success. My sister was absolutely beautiful! It was the perfect princess affair. Here are a few of the pics I was able to take. Being the maid of honor I had more important duties, like making the worst speech ever.

Here are the proud parent's of the bride getting ready in the hotel.

Sisters who spend all morning at the hairdresser. Hey you can't even tell I'm 7 months pregnant!

Jaime, Jim & their son Casey having their first dance as a family! My sister's 4 yr old son was their ring barer. It was so sweet!

Beauty Queens taking a ride in the limo on the way to say the "I Do's".

Jaime & my dad having their moment on the dance floor with Reece peeking his head in on them. He wouldn't leave the dance floor for anything. He danced the whole night long.

On The East Coast

I just wanted to let you know Reece and I made it to the East coast with no problems. My girlfriend brought me to the airport, watched my boy as I checked in the luggage and then scored me a smart cart. I used that all the way up to the security gates. There weren't any lines when trying to go through security. I carried the car seat and Reece walked right beside me like a big boy. He made a friend (Tyler) to play with while we waited to board the plane and then got his own seat on the plane! He was an angel the whole time. The portable DVD battery lasted until the last 45 minutes of the flight. Then we played with his new toy airplane that I had to buy because he kept stealing Tylers. Over all it was one of the best flight mommy and son have ever had. Thanks for all of your prayers.
I have been helping my sister with all of the last minute details for her wedding and God has given me such grace and patience. Please pray all goes well tonight at the rehearsal and tomorrow during the wedding. Oh Yeah, my dress still fits and even looks kind of cute. Wait until you see the pics! Ha Ha. ;P
Lastly, Mo arrived safe and sound last night. He had a fantastic trip across the country stopping to see our friends in Tennessee; his grandmother and uncle in North Carolina and his best friend in Ohio.
I will keep you all updated. Please keep the Hauguel family in you prayers as we travel up and down the east coast.

On The East Coast

I just wanted to let you know Reece and I made it to the east coast with no problems. My girlfriend brought me to the airport, watched my boy as I checked in the luggage and then scored me a smart cart. I used that all the way up to the security gates. There weren't any lines when trying to go through security. I carried the car seat and Reece walked right beside me like a big boy. He made a friend (Tyler) to play with while we waited to board the plane and then got his own seat on the plane! He was an angel the whole time. The portable DVD battery lasted until the last 45 minutes of the flight. Then we played with his new toy airplane that I had to buy because he kept stealing Tylers. Over all it was one of the best flights mommy and son have ever had. Thanks for all of your prayers.
I have been helping my sister with all of the last minute details for her wedding and God has given me such grace and patience. Please pray all goes well tonight at the rehearsal and tomorrow during the wedding. Oh Yeah, my dress still fits and even looks kind of cute. Wait until you see the pics! Ha Ha. ;P
Lastly, Mo arrived safe and sound last night. He had a fantastic trip across the country stopping to see our friends in Tennessee; his grandmother and uncle in North Carolina and his best friend in Ohio.
I will keep you all updated. Please keep the Hauguel family in you prayers as we travel up and down the east coast.

What about you?

I AM: a wife, a mama to Reece and to one on the way, and a teacher
I WANT: to know if I'm having a boy or a girl
I HAVE: two months to spend relaxing with Reece before school begins again
I WISH: I could be a stay at home mom
I HATE: to clean bathrooms
I MISS: my brother Matthew
I HEAR: the wind blowing the palm trees
I WONDER: if there will be an extra seat on the plane for Reece
I AM NOT: a good cook
I ALWAYS: roll over to kiss my hubby goodnight when he won't
I SING: to my son
I LAUGH: everyday at Reece
I CRY: when I have to say goodbye to my family and come back to Vegas
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: playdough pasta with Reece
I WRITE: to Reece and his baby brother or sister
I REGRET: not traveling more before we had children
I NEED: to rest and put my feet up
I SHOULD: get more sleep
I MUST: feed my unborn baby well since baby H is quite the kicker.

Corn

Do I really need to type any words? Just look at those eyes and you can tell Reece loved his first taste of corn on the cob.

We had such a fun day as a family. We took Dublin for her annual shots, Smoothy King for dada and then to my doc for a glucose test. I had to drink this yucky tasting orange liquid then wait an hour and have blood drawn. They want to see if I have gestational diabetes. Let's hope not!

The fun part was after all of that when we took Dublin to a local man made lake for a swim. It was her reward for being such a good doggie during her shots. She had so much fun. Reece was soaked from Dublin shaking her wet self right next to him. The two kids both chased the ducks but couldn't catch them. On our way home from the bank and the library we drove past a park. Anytime we drive by a park with a slide Reece asks, "Slide peeeasssse, side peeeaaassee." It's very hard to drive on by without stopping because all you hear the rest of the drive home is him begging to go on the slide. We decided to stop so Dublin could dry off some more and Reece could go on these really big blue slides. Yes, I was wishing for my camera the whole afternoon.

It was now 6pm and the pregnant mama was ready for our summer dinner, so we headed home. My helpful hubby whipped up some yummy burgers, potatoes and corn on the cob. It was the perfect end to a great afternoon.

School's out!

Yes, I have officially checked out for the summer! The students last day was Thursday, June 8th. I had to move all the stuff out of my classroom into a second grade room on Friday, June 9th. Mo was very helpful in doing that but since I forgot my school keys I couldn't checkout. I tried to checkout on Monday, June12th but forgot the signature folder. Finally today I had my keys and my folder and I am done! Well until August 1st when I get to go set up my classroom and get ready for a long term sub. I wasn't very prepared for my sub when Reece decided to come into the world, so this time I would really like to be a little more organized. We'll see if that happens...

Check out how cute my first graders were this year. I really loved this class. It was my best year of teaching in the 9 years of my career.

Godson's 2nd Birthday

Yesterday in Vegas it was 106 degrees and we went to a Mickey Mouse birthday party for my adorable Godson Cross. Reece had so much fun running around with the kids. Cross was in great spirits also. He was a little sleepy since he woke from his nap in the middle of the party. We were all so glad he finally decided to join us! Check out the few pictures I got from the fun. I took some video too. I'll have to learn how to add that to my blogg this summer when I have nothing else to do...

I can't believe it's over

I'm so bummed! I was really looking forward to watching the Buffalo Sabers skate for the Stanley Cup. I have been watching faithfully every other day to see them battle it out with Carolina. Last night they came from a behind to put some points on the board right at the end of the second period. The third period was quite a stressful one, hoping they would hold onto the 2-1 lead. No luck, Carolina tied it up and with just minutes left scored again. Our guys must have been pretty devastated. I was! The days of rushing home from school to get Reece and pump him up for watching hockey on the TV with Mama are over. What a shame. Reece learned a few key words from the playoffs like: "Let's Go Buffalo", "Go Sabers", "Come on guys", "skate, skate", "Milleerrrrrr" and of course "Crap" and "Sh*t". I kept trying to stop myself but those last two goals really mad me angry! He is also a pro at saying his favorite "Oh Man".
On a side note, did I mention he is quite the talker. He picks up everything we say. He seems to be a pretty smart 20 month old. Not sure where that came from.

Food for thought

THE U IN JESUS

Before U were thought of or time had begun,

God stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,

You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,

For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.

It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand

He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,

and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,

He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true

That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,

Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,

He'd like them to know,

But it all starts with U!

WHY I LOVE MY MOM

I had to put this on here because I did this the other night. I thought I was nesting but actually I'm just a normal mom doing what she does best!

WHY I LOVE MY MOM
(anonymous)

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed." So she went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches, rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, she filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.
She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button.She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a waste basket and hung up a towel to dry.
She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store, she put both near her purse. Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.
Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed." "I'm on my way," she said. She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on. She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps andTV's, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.
In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals. About that time, Dad turned off theTV and announced to no one inparticular. "I'm going to bed."And he did...without another thought.
Anything extraordinary here?
Wonder why women live longer...? 'CAUSE THEY ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL......(and they can't die because they still have things to do!!!!)
Send this to five phenomenal women today...they'll love you for it! Then: GO TO BED

Images of Mother's Day

After a long hard day of swimming and relaxing by the pool Reece and I are ready to head back to our home. He loved playing in the pool and did not want to leave the water. He was getting a bit too tired and kept making clumsy mistakes.

Look at how much fun he is having practicing his kicking. No mommy and me swimming classes for us. Reece's mama gives private swimming lessons at her teacher friends pools. He loves the water just as much as his parents.

After taking a swim in the private spa pool; we made Dada run back into the locker room and get us some more fruit. Reece loved his green papple (as he put it) . We didn't even know he liked that kind. He had half of it gone by the time we toweled off and were ready to head back to the room.

Dada was having so much fun with Reece. As you can see Reece loved playing with Dada as well. I was able to park myself in the relaxing massage part of the pool while they splashed around and played together. It was so sweet to see them so happy!

Mo & I are standing on the 5th floor balcony of our suite at the J.W. Marriott. It was unbelievable. The view of the strip was pretty sweet too. The camera couldn't get it very well because of all the lights. We had just gotten back from eating dinner at Spiedini's, an Italian eatery within the hotel/casino. We were celebrating our 6 year anniversary while Reece had a sleep over with one of his friends. More of the story to follow...

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to wish all of those dear friends and family of mine a wonderful Mother's Day. I'll come back and tell you all about how fabulous mine was after the reason I am a mama is asleep. Hope you had a great day! :)

Saturday Morning Bliss

Ya gotta love when you can watch a friends little 11 month old over night and things go exceptionally well. Amaya came over last night while her parents went out on the town. Reece loved having her here to play with in the backyard. She walked right over to him and gave him a big hug. He gave her a gentle kiss back, it was too cute. I tried to catch some of it on film but I would always miss the actual kiss and would just get the open mouth part. You'll see if Blogger will let me attach the pics, I was having a hard time yesterday.

The two kiddos took a bath together and then went to bed as peacefully as I could hope for. It was a wonderful evening. In the morning Reece woke first, but did let me sleep in until 7:45 am. That is pretty good, I was thankful. I was even more thankful when Mo went up to get him! Yay Dada:) We got Reece dressed and Mo started his breakfast while I tended to Amaya starting to rise. She was a happy girl, eager to help me get her ready for the day. The two kids sat at Reece's fabulous table (from IKEA, that I love more than Reece; Thanks Bri!) and ate their waffles, pancakes and grapes. Reece was not about to share his waffles with Amaya and proceeded to yank them off his plate saying MINE! He is just learning that word, I'm not to thrilled with that. But once he saw Amaya's plate of pancakes and grapes he gladly sat down and helped himself to all of her grapes. What a little punk. They two of them sat their for quite a while eatting breakfast and watching the backyardagins. (sp, new show for us)

Amaya's mom came and got her only a little while later. Reece and I drank our smoothies while sitting by the pond. He pretty much drank all of mine and wanted nothing to do with his. I think he liked the glass and big straw better than his sippy cup. Reece played for a while and then I decided since it was nearing nap time I would take him for a walk. An hour later we returned and he was ready for his blue paci and bed. I sit hear typing as he calls out to his Dada who is working in the garage underneath him. I wonder how long it will take before he finally falls asleep? Did I mention I have also washed and folded two loads of laundry, with one more in the dryer as I type. I think when I finish rambeling I will make some lunch and do some of my posts for my online writing class. I'm a bit behind :( Too much blogging and not enough posting. Plus I'm exhausted! I fell asleep watching survior Thursday night. How lame, I totally missed who was cast off. Boy was I annoyed!

Lastly, we as a family, went to the doctor Thursday and actually spoke with him. No nurse practioner this time. We had to sit there for 2 hrs to see him, but all in all it was worth it. He said I'm measuring small and we need to do an ultrasound to check out the baby's organs. I asked about the bump above my belly button (which wasn't there to show him, of course cuz I want to ask an expert about it, it doesn't appear). He said it was probably just gas, nice huh! No I am not farting all the time. My bowls are not fitting in their proper place since my uterus is growing a human being inside of it. Crazy huh! I am really enjoying this pregnancy, I feel great and have only gained 10 lbs in 5 months. I'm 20 weeks and still wearing my slightly bigger sized normal clothes. Yes, I am bragging cuz remember when I gained 40 lbs with Reece and ate whatever I wanted cuz I could. I have to be the maid of honor in my sisters wedding. I need to fit into a stapless dress. Yikes, I can't gain much more before June 24th. After that it's ice cream every night while I am down at the shore! Monday is the ultrasound and NO we are not finding our what we are having, so stop pressuring me! I love the surprise. Life lacks surprises. The reaction of my husband in the delivery room is a priceless memory I treasure. I'll post pics of our baby on Monday. By the way, Reece thinks it's going to be a girl...

Easter Pics

These were the photos we staged after church last Sunday. Reece & I were in Buffalo and Mo was here for Easter so we took these fake Easter pics in the backyard. He got that great shirt from his Noni (Mo's mom). Jaime and I used those big bunny eggs for the match box cars. You buy some match box cars small enough to fit in the larger sized eggs and then hide those around the house. Reece & Casey noticed some of those before they searched for their Easter baskets. A new tradition I will start with my son. Thanks sis:)

Below he is saying CHHHEEESSEEE for the camera! He is such a ham:)


Reece and his dada on the swing!

This one is my favorite I just wish you could see his beautiful blue eyes.

These eggs taste great, where is all of the candy that was inside of them...

Back in Action Part 1

So we are home from Buffalo and functioning back in normal mode again. No more jet leg for this crazy mama. Is there even a thing when your flying 4.5 hours across the country? Anyway, there is something to be said for single moms traveling with small children on airplanes. DON'T DO IT!! Yet, I will be dumb enough to do it again June 21st. Reece and I will once again adventure into the air to return to New York for my sister's wedding. Where will Mo be you ask? Oh, he'll be taking to the friendly highways instead of the friendly skies. Yes, my husband and the diva dog will be fearlessly traveling across routes 70 & 90 and meet up with us in NY.

So once again I fly alone with a 21 month old and his outrageouly heavy car seat. Of which some very nice strangers carried for me since they saw in was in desperate need of another arm. Reece was not cooperating one bit and cried the whole time we weaved through the security area of McCarren Airport. I was that mom that everyone was looking at; like I was torturing my kid or something. Wouldn't you know it was a nice Russian couple who helped me carry the awakward car seat. The two college guys in front me keep turning around staring at me. I would glare at them with daggers until they turned back around. Once I had finally had enough of them being so immature and rude I said, Would you like to take my son and deal with him? I didn't think so. Now would you mind walking straight ahead and stop turning around to glare at me. I was passed my limits.

Once we made it to the gate, our plane was late. OK God, what are you trying to do to me here? I sure was tested on this trip. Reece was adored by all of the old ladies heading back to Buffalo, so he was in his glory flirting with them. I was able to sit back and sigh with relief that he was entertained and I did not have to chase him around the terminal. All this and we hadn't even made it on the plane yet.

Finally, they call us. THANK YOU LORD! I walked down the tarmack to the plane, dragging the carseat and Reece with me. He was so glad he could walk like a big boy. I placed his seat right next to the window and prayed they would have an extra seat available and not make me ride with Reece on my lap. We always fly Southwest, we always board first, and Reece always ends up with a FREE window seat that I didn't pay for because he is under 2 years old. GOD is so good to me. Only once when Mo and I flew home to Philly for Christmas did Reece have to sit on our laps. He was three months old so it really wasn't a big deal. Mo wasn't happy but he got over it.

3.5 hours to Buffalo, NY the pilot tells us and we are backing away from the gate. I breathe a very deep heavy sigh of relief as I now know the flight will be that much more tolerable with Reece in his own car seat and not on my lap. GOD IS SO GOOD!

Reece was an angel for about 2.5 hours. It wasn't until the last hour where he really became restless and wanted to get down out of his seat. He kept asking down mama, down peeaaasseee. I felt so bad. I had to say no because I knew if I let him down he would be worse when it was time to go back in. So he toughed it out and finally fell asleep the last half hour of the flight. Did I mention it was now midnight? We landed in NY and mom was 15 minutes late to get us. Reece was wide awake again running all over the tiny Buffalo airport in search of Grammy. He wasn't very happy about having to return to that car seat of his, but he toughed it out. We made it to my mom's house around 1:30 in the morning. All in all a successful trip across the country. I couldn't have done with out the help of those two nice men who carried that 100 pound car seat for me. Thank You Lord for my airport angels :) to be continued...

Pee Pee on the Potty :)

YEAH!! My darling little baby went pee pee on the potty for his dada tonight!! Mo was getting Reece ready for his bath and Reece told him he wanted to use his melmo potty seat to go pee pee. I was finishing the dishes downstairs when I hear Mo cheering for Reece. I went running up the stairs to give that big boy of mine a big hug and kiss. Then I said wait Mo we need to give him a treat. With that I ran back downstairs and ripped open a bag of jelly beans , put a few in a bowl and let Reece pick one. He thought they were his "blues" aka gummy fruit snacks. He then asked and signed "more, more, pleeeaaasssee".
(I guess I'll have to get him some m&m's, something with a completely different taste.) Mo set him in the tub and I walked away such a proud mama.
I told you I had a beautiful life...

Spring Break is too far away.

I am so ready for Spring Break! I think my first graders are as well. We had an assembly today where they danced for an hour. Wouldn't you have loved to go to my school when you were 6? This dance teacher taught the kids dances from every era. She started in the 50's and worked her way through to the year 2006. The kids were so cute. They were so tired, I'm glad they had to go to art afterward because they were all hyped up! Tomorrow they have another assembly and Friday is our Easter Egg hunt. Yikes, I can't wait for Tuesday when I'll be relaxing in front of my parents big screen TV. Est~ We need to do lunch...

Dublin Dog

Have you ever loved a pet so much that you lost sleep and couldn't eat? Our chocolate lab got loose last Wednesday. Did I mention she didn't have her collar on and that she is in heat. That darn dog hopped the fence to go tramping around. So we called the shelters and they said check the web sites or come on down and have a look. By the time we got out of work they were closed. Thursday we hung flyers all over our neighborhood. Finally, Friday Mo made his way down to the animal shelter and there she was. He said he almost cried when he saw her. She was taken to the local animal shelter by a very kind man who lives three streets away. So we gave her a bath and spoiled her rotten, new doggie bed, new toy and some yummy dog bones. What does that brat do, gets out Sunday morning! We were on our way to church and our neighbors called to say she was loose. What does one do with a dog that won't stay in the backyard? Take her to work. Today Mo took her to school with him. Bold huh.

Been Awhile

Boy has it been awhile or what. You would think I forgot how to type. Nope, just been too stinking' tired to stay up past putting the gorgeous baby boy to bed(that's 7:30pm). I 'm a real night owl huh? I have good reason though! If you haven't gotten our card yet then surprise, but if you have you already know this little fact. Pregnant girls go to bed early! Especially those that teach 6 year olds, tutor, make dinner, eat, play and bathe the 18 month old she loves and adores. WOW, that is a lot. If you don't think so, you try it!

So yes, baby number two is due the day before my son Reece turns two years old; Sept 13th. I know Mo and I need a hobby in the winter. Well haven't ya'll figured out what it is we enjoy doin'? I went to the doctor last month because the two pee sticks showed me a plus sign. I got pics of my baby and yes on Feb 21st I saw a 12 week old baby! I was just about finished with my first trimester, how's that for timing? No wonder I was feeling nausea and going to bed at 8 pm.

I am now in my 15th week and feeling great! We are very excited about having another baby, but having it at the beginning of the school year really stinks. You'd think we would have planned this better. Oh well, I wanted my kids 2 years apart and I got it! So for all you who didn't hear the news, there ya go! Pray for us and my pregnancy. Specifically that I go two weeks early again cuz then I won't even have to start the school year and can have an August baby. Also pray the delivery goes just as fast as Reece did, well maybe not that fast...

San Diego Trip

A few weekends ago we took a long weekend trip to my favorite place in California, San Diego. My brother Brian lives there now and hooked us up with a sweet room at the Omni Hotel. Our adventures at the Zoo, the Aquarium and the beach wore my lil man out.  It was fun to travel with my parents, I forget how tired they get walking that huge San Diego Zoo. I can't wait to go back with the girls for Sea Camp in May, when it's really warm.

Wagon

The weather in Las Vegas this weekend was in the 70's. It was beautiful. Sorry 'bout that east coast friends, but that's why I moved here... Anyway, after lunch on Saturday I walked Reece up to a very small park. He loves his wagon and any time I offer to take him for a ride he climbs right in. I didn't have time to get the camera. We walked by my dear friend Melissa's house to see if her son Noah (whom Reece adores) would like to come. Noah has come with us a few times before. He was very pleased so I pulled two boys up the hill to the park. The park is more of a playground set on tiny little cinders and sand. I think Reece had more fun digging in that than going down the slide. He was covered head to toe in gray dust. I love having a boy. I know it won't be the first time he gets filthy dirty. The best part of his filth was the chocolate on his face from Mel's yummy dessert. Reece need to have more, more, more peeeze as we walked back to our house. I love these after math pics. Reece did not want to get out of his wagon. Thanks so much Mom and Dad Hauguel, he loves that thing!

GO STEELERS !!

Super Bowl Champions , Let's go Steelers!!
I am so proud of that Pittsburgh team. I know all of those college friends of mine are as well. We have a great time every year at our traditional super bowl past time. Party at the Castillio's home! We go there every year no matter what, but this year was different. My dearest friend Wendie is a Steelers fan, so everything was in black and gold!! It was so much fun! Steelers winning it all made it the best super bowl I've watched in years. Yes, I know the Eagles were in it last year, but they failed to show up remember... But you do have to love those Pennsylvania teams! :) Check out the photo of the hostess with the mostest and my adorable God son.