Tourists For A Day

We live in the most amazing part of the world. In just a couple of scenic driving hours we can be walking along the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, camping in a rainforest, hiking next to an active volcanoe, playing in the snow on Mt. Saint Helens or doing whatever people do in the desert. We also have the Columbia Gorge. With the exception of Multomah Falls on the Oregon side, the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge has one of the most spectacular scenic driving experiences there is.

The other morning, Armando suggested we drive up the gorge for the day. Being the spontanious person that I am (ha, ha - that was a joke), I agreed it was a great idea. Several hours later, we were on the road heading East with no specific destination in mind. We pulled over at look out points to take in the amazing views, stopped at fruit stands, went over the Bridge of the Gods, went to a farmers market, drove down roads we'd never gone before, picnicked on a grassy beach on the Columbia River to watch the wind surfers, walked around the cute little town of Hood River window shopping and made plans for future adventures up the Gorge since we couldn't do it all in one day.

The first and best scenic viewpoint heading east up the gorge. A classic view we so rarely stop to enjoy

Eating some Gorge grown cherries under The Bridge Of The GodPeople come from all over the world to wind surf and kite board on the Columbia River in Hood RiverYou have no idea the pain and suffering that went into getting this girl to finally eat.Brother Blue loved being out of the car and laying in the warm breeze

We had many challenges with both kids at various different times. Ezra is not happy in the car, and seeing as it was a lot of driving, he cried a lot. I had pumped milk before we left so it did help a little to have the ability to feed him while in the car. Esperanza had several major breakdowns throughout the day. We almost dropped everything and headed home because of it, but decided we weren't going to let the reality of having two little ones get in the way of having a good outting. We did have a great (and memorable) day, but someone please tell me it gets easier as they get older?! Please...

Day At The Fair

This was the first year that Esperanza has been tall enough to go on the rides in the little kids section at the fair. Last year she only got to go on the horse carousel, over and over and over again. At 36" tall exactly this year, she just barely made it. I'd have been happy if she was only 35" and we stayed on the horses one more year. But I'm just the paranoid mama.
We went to the fair with some friends and their kids last weekend. One of the kids, Gavn, is Esperanza's age, so they went on the rides together. Before they got on the very first ride, I overheard the carni guy tell the kids that if they got scared, to raise their hand and he'd let them off. Esperanza didn't hear him so I told her, and reminded her again just before she got on, to go ahead and raise her hand if she gets scared. Big mistake, big.

The teacup ride started off good...A few minutes into the ride, up goes her hand. I began laughing, and was close enough to holler at Esperanza to put her hand down, that she was fine. She put her hand down. A minute later, her hand was right back up in the air. The carni guy asked me if he should stop the ride. I said no, still laughing, knowing right away it was my own fault for planting the fear, and telling Esperanza she could do this. Then Esperanza started screaming, not crying, screaming. I think the carni guy thought I was a mean mom. He stopped the ride and let her off. She really is just a drama queen, and I had set it up for her to perform the perfect dramatic moment. My fault.
Hand in the air

When she got off, I told her if she wanted to go on any more rides, she wasn't going to have the opportunity to get off - so either get on and stay on, or don't get on at all. Needless to say, she had fun on all the other rides.

The boys and their strollers

Esperanza and Gavn on the train caboose She loved the goats

And the Llamas

5 Kids In My House

I was hesitant at first, being the responsible adult for 5 minors, even for just a few days. I'm still making the adjustment from 1 kid to 2, and then all of a sudden I get the idea that I can handle 3 more. The thought was kinda scary, but once I had them all here things became much easier than I'd imagined. Maybe even easier than just having my own 2. At least for that short period of time, and with that age span: a 7 week old, a 3 year old, a 9 year old, a 14 year old and a 17 year old. They kind of all entertained themselves and I just had to provide food, water, a place to sleep and a little screaming here and there. I'm not even close to considering having a few more of my own though, I'll stick to borrowing them, then giving them back. I'm pretty sure it turned out so smoothly only because the 3 older ones weren't mine. So, it all turned out wonderful and I kinda miss all the noise as well as the help from my nephew Antonio and 2 nieces, Angelica and Anycia. They stayed with us for a few days last week and it was nice to see them and spend some good time with them all.

My sister Mary, Angelica and Esperanza in the water at Hathaway Park. I was trying to convince them to play ring-around-the-rosies, but they didn't wanna 'fall down'.

You'd never guess that 10 years ago these kids loved having thier picture taken. This photo took a lot of begging from me. And look, I even got a smirk out of them! Better than an eye roll, but definately not a smile. We all got our hair cut earlier that day too. We can see Antonios eyes now!Toga party at the riverAntonio and Anycia digging for treasures I kept meaning to get a picture of all 5 kids together. After going threw my photos though, I discovered I made a lousy effort at making it happen...this is the best I gotAnycia Anycia & EsperanzaAngelica made a wonderful house wife!

2 Months With Ezra

Ezra is 2 months old now! Babies change so much in the first few months. He's so different than we was even a month ago. As he gets older, his personality is beginning to show, his habits are forming and we're getting to know more about him each day. He's also growing very quickly. At our 6 week check-up, which was a few weeks ago, he weighed 11 lbs 10 oz, was 23 inches long and his head measured 30 cm. My guess is he's gained another pound or more by now. He's also all but one of the baby hats I knit him.
He's a mover and a shaker! Very squirmy, kicking his legs all the time and moving his arms around.

He has a sister that loves to play with him already. She can't wait until he's up and running around with her.

He still grunts and snorts often but has also added cooing and screaching to his many playful, happy noises. He's a choker too. All too often he gets too much milk in his mouth while nursing and begins to choke. So, choking is a common 'noise' he makes as well.

He wears mostly 3-6 month clothes with a few 6-9 month items already.

Though I did think he was close to rolling over awhile back, he really isn't that close I guess. He is very strong though and can kind of do a tummy crawl and move himself a few inches when he's lying on his tummy. He can also lift his head with ease while on his tummy to move his head from side to side.

He loves being talked to and will usually 'talk' back as if a real conversation is going on.

I've gradually started to introduce dairy foods back into my diet. So far (fingers crossed) it doesn't seem to have a noticeable impact on him.

He smiles often and will even let out a little giggle every now and then.His favorite sleeping postion is on his tummy. He sleeps really well at night time with at least a 6 or more hour stretch of sleep before waking to nurse then goes back to sleep...unless Esperanza has a restless night and wakes him up, then things get rough. His naps during the day are still often, most of them short cat naps with a few 1 or 1 1/2 hour naps here and there. They are beginning to cluster together though with longer periods of being awake in between the naps.

This kid will sleep almost anywhere!He's beginning to stretch out of his 'fetal' position. Before he would often stretch, but then curl his legs back in. Recently, he'll keep his legs stretched out even while sleeping sometimes.

He does of course have his moments. I've bought every type and brand of binky imaginable and he won't take to any of them. He is beginning to suck on his hand a little, but not enough to become a 'soother'. He will sometimes take my pinky finger to suck on and be content with if we're in the car, but that only works if Armando is with us and driving. If I could bottle up any moment right now to save and re-live again in the future, it would be that moment right after nursing Ezra. Rocking in the rocking chair with his head cradled in my arm, as he drifts off into dream land. His lips move as if he's still nursing. His eyes make quick movements under his lids. Eyes flutter open exposing his brown eyes which roll up, following some kind of dream. Smiles come and go from his lips ever so quickly. And the irregular breathing pattern. The instant just before I question when he's going to begin to breath again, he breathes in a deep long breath, accompanied with a soft squeel. And then, a deep sigh, followed by his body muscles relaxing and arms falling. Thats the signal that I can either lay him down to sleep alone so I can get back to my dirty dishes...or I can fall asleep right there with him in my arms. Oxycocin overdose or not, it's such a sweet moment that can't be captured by a video camera, words cannot describe it and even a good memory can't compare to the original experience.

I'm loving & savoring every moment of Ezra as an infant, yet at the same time can't wait to watch him grow up and see who he becomes!

Alishaphoto Photos

My friend/doula/photographer Alisha took some photos of Ezra a while back. I'm in love with the pictures! Ezra was 2 weeks old and I'm so thankful to have those last few moments of him as a newborn captured. It went by so fast, and even though it wasn't that long ago, I love looking at these photos and remembering him this tiny. Here's a peek at some of the pictures...

Thank you Alisha!

It's My Party...

...And I'll Cry If I Want To!

If we'd have had a theme song for Esperanza's birthday party, that would have been it. She's my drama queen. In her defense though, Esperanza did have a very long day to get through. She didn't sleep good the night before, got up earlier than usual, didn't nap and ate mostly junk. She did have a lot of fun in between her many breakdowns though. Mando had the idea of doing a 'taco bar' instead of grilling. Great idea and it was a hit among everyone. I made bon-bon size cupcakes which all the kids loved. And of course we had a pinata and a bunch of friends and family to celebrate with.

Even with a present in front of her ready to be opened, it still hurt her to smileVal, her daughter Annabelle and Ezra Grandma and Angelica

Adelaide's first time hitting a pinata!
The Pirate and his wife Make a wish!
Roman and Esperanza 'playing'

Rock Star

With a mohawk...

His hair won't lay flat and sticks up into this mohawk without me even touching it.

Pretty darn cute if you ask me