Eleven Months

Eleven Months

Misael is 11 months old!  He is almost a year old!!! I can't believe it!! 

Misaelisms at eleven months:

•Weight: pounds

•Length:  ? I'm not sure how tall you are but you are definitely becoming more leggy.

•Clothes: You are wearing size 12 months and 18 months. You are wearing Ipolito's pajamas that are 18 months.  I can't believe it.  Where Ipolito was long and skinny, you are short and chunky.

•Diapers: Size 4. 

•Sleeping: Sleeping 10-12 hours a night. I cannot complain.  You are sleeping well again.  Every now and then you wake up but that is a random occurrence.  

•Still so serious. You can see to his soul through his eyes. I swear. You are your Papi's boy. You seem to just study everyone and everything.  

•Smiles with those cute 'ol dimples.

•Laughs often. Oh my goodness you just giggle and giggle. It is so amazing and you fill us with joy.  You laugh the most with Ipolito. You just love your big bro!

•Miso gets around! He crawls everywhere (combo of army and regular crawling). He pulls up on everything. He is a cruising big time.  You are very fast as well.
As soon you hear the refrigerator opening you make a beeline for it. For some reason you love it!

•Has EIGHT teeth!!!

•Sleeps on his side and belly. He loves to move all around the bed.

•Prefers to play with his brother’s toys instead of his own. He loves cars and trucks. He loves those ninja turtles, especially their heads in his mouth. 

•He stands up in the crib and we finally lowered it. You jump on the bed too. Sometimes you get carried away and lose your balance and of course fall over. 

• He sits down from crawling.

•Really loves his big brother. He is smiling at him and gets so excited when he hears his voice or sees him.

•Loves to be carried. He loves to look around and be walked around in your arms.

•Eats: He eats solids in the morning and at night before his last bottle. By the way you are eating 10 ounces before bed time. We also give you more table food.  You love fideo and spaghetti. You also love to eat when we sit down for dinner.

•Says DaDa, Hi, Ipolito (yes he says that hard name), Mama, eat, mas, oh no, kisses, yay, and other words. I have been saying lately you are my little parrot. You repeat all sorts of words that I say. You also sign quite a bit. You sign way more than Ipolito ever did.  Oh and you love to clap. 

•LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME.

It has almost been a year since you have blessed our lives.  We love you so much 

Birthday Party

This year we gave Ipolito the option of what kind of party to have. We wanted something low key so we gave him two options. One was a swim party and the other option was a party at Pump It Up.  Of course he chose Pump It Up.  It was definitely worth it.  It was nice to have someone else do everything for me. All we had to do was show up and provide his cake.  He had so much fun! He talked and talked about it for days.  He loved having fun with his friends and family.  He had some favorite moments and loved all of his goodies he got.  He told us, thank you so many times.  He truly is a sweet loving boy.  I definitely recommend Pump It Up.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY IPOLITO!!!

Happy 5^th Birthday to my Ipolito Ismael Flores!!

I haven’t done a post about you in a LONG time. It is all I can do just to keep up with Misael’s monthly posts.  I always want to sit down and write about both of you. We have created so many memories these past five years.  I remember finding out I was pregnant with you, feeling you move in my belly, and my water breaking on November 16, 2008. I was so excited to meet you! You were truly an easy breezy pregnancy. Sure, I had the gestational diabetes but it wasn’t problematic. I remember seeing your handsome face for the first time and loving you so much.

The past five years have been wonderful. Sure, we have had our difficulties. You by no means were an easy baby. BUT we loved you and would have done anything for you.  You have grown into a wonderful young boy. You are loving, kind, sweet, zany, handsome, intelligent, a little spoiled, and a great big brother to Misael. I am always amazed by your level of thinking. You really ask some intelligent questions and we hardly can pull over anything on you.  You still do well at the doctor’s office especially if I explain everything to you. You are amazing! You are so sweet. You are incredibly nice and sweet to me. You always tell me I am so beautiful, you love me; you tell me when I have something nice on. You even tell me I am the best mama. One day recently, you told me, “Mama I am so lucky to have you as my mama. You are so beautiful you make me smile!!” I seriously teared up. I don’t know where you learned this amazingly sweet behavior but I’ll take it. 

You started school this fall and you have excelled. You have learned so much. You love the Lord. Your knowledge in regards to our religion has taken off.  I am very proud of you. One day you told me all about St. Francis of CiCi’s. I had to explain it was St. Francis of Assisi not CiCi’s. It was cute. You even won an award at school the first quarter. It was called the Crusader Award. I was a proud Mama and of course, I cried. 

Lastly, you are an amazing BIG BROTHER!! I am so proud of your love for Misael. You, for the most part, are very nice to him and help me out in so many ways. You tell him No, pick him up, help him, and for the most part you share your toys with him. You do tell me frequently that he is “distracting me!” You sing to him as I do, sign to him, and are so sweet to him. You help me so much the days your father is at work and I am very thankful for the boy you have become. 

All in all this year has been amazing. Here’s to many more. Thank you Lord for giving us this blessing.  

The First Day of School

The First Day of School was August 19, 2013. Ipolito started Pre-K at Immaculate Conception Catholic School.  This was a day with many emotions. Was I happy? Yes. Was I sad? Yes. Was Ipolito excited? Yes. Did he cry? No. Did he do fine in his new environment? Yes.

He absolutely loved every minute of his day. He was confused as to why Mateo his cousin wasn't sitting next to him. But, Mama and Papi told the teacher's they were cousins so they moved them to keep them out of trouble.

Of course I took many pictures which I will have to post at some time.  Who knows when I will do that since it is November and I am just getting around to finishing this post.

TEN Months

Ten Months

Misael is 10 months old!  

Misaelisms at ten months:

•Weight: 22 pounds

•Length:  ? Surely we are 28 now. inches.

•Clothes: Our little guy wears size 12 months now.

•Diapers: Size 4. We had to go mid package to a bigger size. I guess this is the good thing with having another baby so close.

•Sleeping: Sleeping 10-12 hours a night. I cannot complain.  He sleeps well. He has occasional nights where he wakes up and is hard to put back down. He got a little cold this month and we had a rough couple of nights where he would only sleep in my arms. If I put him down, he would wake up right away.  He was fine if I put in the crib but was still in the room.  He would actually wake up and look for me.

•Still so serious. You can see to his soul through his eyes.

•Smiles with those cute 'ol dimples.

•Laughs often

•Miso gets around! He crawls everywhere (combo of army and regular crawling). He pulls up on everything.

•Has EIGHT teeth!!!

•Sleeps on his side and belly. He loves to move all around the bed.

•Prefers to play with his brother’s toys instead of his own. He loves cars and trucks.

•He stands up in the crib and we finally lowered it.

• He sits down from crawling.

•Really loves his big brother. He is smiling at him and gets so excited when he hears his voice or sees him.

•Loves to be carried. He loves to look around and be walked around in your arms.

•Eats: He eats solids in the morning and at night before his last bottle. By the way you are eating 10 ounces before bed time. We also give you more table food.  You love fideo and spaghetti.

•Says DaDa, Hi and other words.

•LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME. I give both boys a bath together and they have so much fun!!!

NINE Months!

Misael is 9 months old! Can you believe it?! I sure can’t.   

Misaelisms at nine months:

•Weight: 21.3 pounds

•Length:  27.99 inches. Seriously?! Can we round that up to 28?!

•Clothes: Our little guy wears size 12 months now. He is filling up those outfits now.   I recently went through Ipo’s clothes and we are set for the fall/winter.  He has everything from his brother’s everyday clothes, to going out in public clothes, to his jackets, and jammies. 

•Diapers: Size 3. Seriously thinking we might have to move up before we finish the box of 3’s we are on.

•Sleeping: Sleeping 10-13 hours a night. I cannot complain.  He sleeps well. He has occasional nights where he wakes up and is hard to put back down.

•Still so serious. You can see to his soul through his eyes.

•Smiles with those cute 'ol dimples.

•Laughs often

•Really doesn’t use his jumper anymore.  He prefers to crawl everywhere.  Of course he army crawls not regular crawls.  Rarely do we see him regular crawl.

•Has EIGHT teeth!!!

•Turns over from his tummy to his back (has been doing this off and on since 6 weeks)

•Turns from his back to tummy all of the time.

•Sleeps on his side and belly. He loves to move all around the bed.

•You kick your aquarium on multiple times during the night....no matter where I put you in relation to it. We aren't sure if it soothes you or it's an accident!---Still happens

•Rolls everywhere.

• He sits down from crawling. I have yet to see this but my hubby and the sitter say he does this.

•Really loves his big brother. He is smiling at him and gets so excited when he hears his voice or sees him.

•Loves to be carried. He loves to look around and be walked around in your arms.

•Loves his stroller...he sits in it like a big boy.

•Eats: He eats solids in the morning and at night before his last bottle. By the way you are eating  10 ounces before bed time.

•Says DaDa, Hi and other babbles.

•LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME

EIGHT Months

Misael is 8 months old! The months are flying by. FLYING. I tell ya.  The days speed by and next thing I know it is the weekend, then time to start the whole week again.  

Misaelisms at eight months:

• Weight: 21.6 pounds
• Length:  25.5  inches. We are guestimating.  We go to the pedi again at 9 months. 
• Clothes: Big man wears 6-9 months and 9 months. Many of his 6-9 month clothing is getting pretty snug.
• Diapers: Size 3
• Sleeping: Sleeping 10-13 hours a night. I cannot complain.  He sleeps well.
• Still so serious. You can see to his soul through his eyes.
• Smiles with those cute 'ol dimples.
• Laughs often
• Loves his jumper at Grandma's and home.
• Has SIX teeth!!! There has been a teeth explosion since last month. I believe he is getting two more on the bottom.
• Turns over from his tummy to his back (has been doing this off and on since 6 weeks)
• Turns from his back to tummy all of the time.
• Sleeps on his side and belly. He loves to move all around the bed. 
• You kick your aquarium on multiple times during the night....no matter where I put you in relation to it. We aren't sure if it soothes you or it's an accident!---Still happens
• Rolls everywhere..
• Army crawls.  I am not sure he will ever crawl normally!
• Really loves his big brother. He is smiling at him and gets so excited when he hears his voice or sees him.
• Loves to be carried. He loves to look around and be walked around in your arms.
• Loves his stroller...he sits in it like a big boy.
• Loves going on walks.
• Eats: He eats solids in the morning and at night before his last bottle. By the way you are eating 8-10 ounces before bed time.
• Says DaDa, Hi and other babbles.
• LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME.

SEVEN Months!

Misael is 7 months old! This month has gone by so FAST! I mean just a few days ago he was 6 Months. This month we have been getting ready to greet an old friend...his Doc Band/helmet. Yes, you read right, we are going to have another helmet. We (Jose and I) had some concerns about his head and it not being corrected as much as possible.  Once we got his exit scans from his first band our thoughts were confirmed. Misael still had moderate plagiocephaly.  Of course it took TIME to get another scan, insurance approval, the fitting scan, and now the band (which we get on Monday).  I hope he does as well with this one as he did before. He will have it for about 10 weeks. I know at the end my little guy's noggin will be even more perfect!

Misaelisms at seven months:

• Weight: 20.6 lbs. Oh wow...I was shocked when we weighed him.  For our unofficial weights we stand on the scale with Misael and then put him down and weigh ourselves.  Accurate I know.
• Length:  ??? inches 
• Clothes: Big man wears 6-9 months and 9 months.
• Diapers: Size 3
• Sleeping: Sleeping 10-13 hours a night. I cannot complain.  
• Still so serious. You can see to his soul through his eyes.
• Smiles with those cute 'ol dimples.
• Laughs often
• HATES his activity mat. As soon as you put him on it he makes it collapse and then rolls over off of it.
• Not using the Bumbo at all.
• Loves his jumper at Grandma's and home.
• Has TWO teeth!!! There are three coming in on top and maybe some on the bottom but we can't get a good look at that without losing a finger.
• Turns over from his tummy to his back (has been doing this off and on since 6 weeks)
• Turns from his back to tummy all of the time.
• Sleeps on his side and belly. He loves to move all around the bed. 
• You kick your aquarium on multiple times during the night....no matter where I put you in relation to it. We aren't sure if it soothes you or it's an accident!---Still happens
• Rolls everywhere.
• Really loves his big brother. He is smiling at him and gets so excited when he hears his voice or sees him.
• Loves to be carried. He loves to look around and be walked around in your arms.
• Loves his stroller...he sits in it like a big boy.
• Loves going on walks.
• Eats: He eats solids in the morning and at night before his last bottle. By the way you are eating 8-10 ounces before bed time.
• Says DaDa, Hi and other babbles.
• LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME.

Oh Ipolito...

Seriously...Ipolito...what am I going to do with you?! You are so ornery and strong willed. You are also sweet and lovable.  You love to help me and you LOVE to talk! Really love to talk. Sometimes I just don't know what to do with you. You always ask so many questions and are a very bright, intelligent child.

We often clash. You are testing your limits these days and I admit I now know the true meaning of the words, "It hurts me more than you." I really do. Really. Believe me.

You love to sleep with me and I generally let you (if Papi is working)...if you are good that is. If you don't mind...that is the first thing to go.

You really don't like to do many things such as pick up your toys, eat all of your food, put up your shoes, etc. Who does?!

You love to reason with us and usually we get to tickled to hear what comes out of your mouth.

Yesterday; however, it was quiet. Too quiet. I was sitting at the computer as I am now trying to get a head start on my work for today. You and your Papi were playing the Wii and Miso was playing on the floor. All of a sudden I noticed it was quiet. I turned around and I saw Papi playing the Wii and you on the floor staring up at the TV and playing with your brother, or so I thought. You actually had your BIG TOE in Miso's mouth. What was he doing?! Misael was SUCKING on your toe! As happy as can be! I cannot believe it still. I screamed so loud all three of you jumped! Grrr....

What am I going to do with you young man?!

I love ya, but whew...sometimes you are a hand full!

Love ya,
Mama

Lately

Lately life has been happening. I really have no extra time. No extra time to work out. No extra time for me (which is fine). No extra time to blog. 

I always think of things I want to put on here but I just don't have time.

I need to make time. Seriously.

I need to do this frequently because so much happens.

Lately, we have been living. Here are some bullet points on  the Flores family:

• Misael is currently in week 5 of his helmet. They this next week is our last. Hmmm. I have mixed emotions about this. Are we ready? Notice I said we...which should really be me. Am I ready? The therapist said yesterday she'd like to see him have a little more growth here and there. Then she took his helmet off and said it would be the last adjustment since we are at the rivets (nothing else to shave after yesterday). So, I told her once the images are done and they think we need it longer that'd we be willing to get another one to insure he got what he needed. So we find out Thursday after our images if he is done or needs another. They say he probably won't. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Funny how I had mixed emotions about getting one and now I am having them about finishing.
• Misael is eating two meals per day. In the morning we give him cereal and a fruit and at night a vegetable. He is definitely a tubby. He loves his food.
• Ipolito has started indoor soccer. He looks so cute in his little shin guards and long socks. I am not fond of his coach. You see, his t-ball coach spoiled us. He was good. Really good. He was great with the kids and he could coach well. I am trying to keep an open mind. I told Jose today I am going to coach soccer next and I know next to nothing about it!! 
• We need a new roof and a new bathroom remodel. Ouch. The roof has been coming and since the last hail storm it is needed. A couple of weeks ago on my way home Jose told me that a "couple of tiles fell off" while he was cleaning. Well, when I got home there was a 4 x4 square missing. More than a couple...just a little. He fixed it for the time being but we need everything re-done...plus wood behind it. 
• Ipolito loves this darn computer. That's another reason I don't have time to blog. He is on it frequently playing games, watching movies, etc.

Well, this is all for now. Papi's birthday and Father's Day is on the horizon.  Oh...here are some pictures of our happenings lately!

Where do I fit?!

Handsome Fellas

Proof he is part Beserra...we all stick our tongues out.

Squash was yummy!

Mama

Ipolito part Dos

Here are some things I posted to Facebook regarding Ipolito that I do not want to forget....EVER!

• Mama...you have two husbands right?! 
  Uh no...I just have one. 
  Well, Papi is your husband and so am I. 
  No Papi is my only husband. 
  Well...what am I? 
  You are my son. 
  Oh...that's right Mama I am your son....but can I be your husband too? I want to marry you when I get bigger. 
  No sweetheart. One day you will marry a very special girl, God willing. 
  Oh..ok Mama....but I sure love you....you pretty!
  Thank you I love you too!
  Can I have some cheese?
  
  This made me tear up! Gosh...I sure am blessed!!

• This may be the best Ipolito story yet! I was picking up the baby from his crib this morning when Ipolito said,
  
  I: "Wow, Mama you got big crests!"
  M: "What?! (somewhat distractedly)"
  I: "Your crests are so big when you pick up little bro from his crib you always turn on his fishy tank with your crests!"
  M: "Hmm...Oh my goodness! You mean my breasts?!"
  I: "Oh! Silly me, I made a mistake. I mean your breasts!"
  M: "Oh. Ok. So do you want to watch Ninja Turtles?"
  
  The things this child says!

My ninja turtle

• Well....it finally happened. Jose and I were cooking dinner catching up on the past few days (we don't see each other after Tuesday night-only talk on the phone briefly) and the boys were in the family room playing. All of a sudden we hear a high pitched screech then crying, followed by crying from someone else. We went to see what had happened and Misael had taken a bite out of crime...er...Ipolito! We told Ipolito well, why did you let him put your hand in his mouth? His response: "I wasn't paying attention!" I guess he will learn! Poor Misael had gotten so scared when Ipolito screeched! So it begins.....

• And a Miso story: We were getting ready for bath time & I had left his room for 10 seconds when I heard, "Oh my goodness" from Jose. Followed by, "come here babe!" I guess he spit up his peas or sneezed them out! He was smiling! He didn't seem too bothered but there was a big mess to clean up! 

Mr. Peas

As you can see my Ipolito is such a sweet, intelligent, inquisitive little turkey!

I love him!

Mama

Ipolito

So some have asked if I have forgotten about Ipolito or what happened to him since I seem to always post pictures of Misael. Seriously?! WTF?! Do people honestly think I "forgot" about him or that something happened to him?! It pisses me off so much! I want to say seriously?! I shake my head in amazement. Pure amazement and I keep my mouth closed. So far anyways.

So....

No, I haven't forgotten about him. No, nothing has happened to him. He is fine. He is alive. He is very much loved and NOT forgotten.

Misael is new to the world.

For the past 4+ years it has been all about Ipolito. Now it is all about both of them. Now I post pictures of the baby more because he is new, because I like to compare the two, and because I want to. I still take quite a bit of pictures of Ipolito. I still love him. He definitely keeps me on my toes.

He talks all of the time. He asks so many questions.

At first when Misael was born I felt very bad. I felt like I deserted him. I felt like a bad mother because at the time Misael was getting all of our time since he was in the hospital. I cried and cried and cried some more. I felt guilty. To date Ipolito was all I had. He was my world. I felt like I failed him by bringing Misael into the world. I felt like a horrible mother for not being there on Christmas with him. Yes he was surrounded by family. Yes he was able to open presents on Christmas. Yes we were able to share that through face time (thank you Apple). Yes he spent time with us on Christmas. Yes he probably won't remember any of this. This all passed (thanks pregnancy/postpartum hormones).

I guess that is why it pisses me off so much when someone says something like above. You see, my children are my world. Along with Jose, they are my everything! I used to think how on earth will I love them equally?! But I do. I love them so much.

I take pictures of them so often. BOTH of them. They each get my time. Yes, Misael gets a little more because he needs a little more right now. But there is special time carved out of my life for both of them.

So...yes Ipolito is still here. So is Misael. They are my life.

FIVE Months!!!

Misael is 5 months old! I cannot believe it! This has been a busy month. Miso got his Doc Band helmet/hat. It took some time to adjust to. Since he got his Doc Band, he hasn't been sleeping well. It is improving but not great like it was.  I still can't complain because it is no where near as bad as Ipolito.  It seems like in the last three weeks he has grown so much. He looks more like a baby/big boy instead of a neonate.  

Misaelisms at five months:

• Weight:  16.8 lbs. Eeek!!! He is a tubbbbbyy!!
• Length:  inches 
• Clothes: 3-6 months, 6 months, 6-9 months, and some 9 months. Since we really try to dress down Misael he has been wearing many onesies and no socks or shoes (which irks me). I have this thing about my children having on socks and/or shoes in public. But...because the helmet makes him hot easier, I try to keep him as cool as possible. I have come to realize he has many, many, many clothes!! 
• Diapers: Size 2
• Sleeping: Well...gone are the days of sleeping through the night. Since the day Misael got his helmet he has not slept through the night. That first night he woke every 2-3 hours. It has gotten better since then and he has gotten back to more of an old schedule. These days (the past 6) he goes to bed between 830-930 and wakes up once around 3-6. He eats and then goes back to sleep until 8-10ish.  If we don't get him to bed between 830-930, he will throw a major fit because he is so tired. I am really trying to get his eating/sleep schedule good so he will sleep through the night again. I'll say it again, this is WAY better than Ipolito so I don't mind waking up once a night.
• Serious. Oh so serious. He loves to look and study everything....Ipo did this as well.
• Smiles-when he isn't so serious
• Laughs often
• Kicks and plays with his activity mat
• Sitting in the Bumbo
• Sits in the jumper
• Has TWO teeth!!! You still love your hands too! You love to have them in your mouth all of the time! You were very drooly and irritable for a couple of weeks (since the day of the helmet...so it was hard to know what the deal was) and all of a sudden this past week one popped up and then a couple of days later the next.
• Turns over from his tummy to his back (has been doing this off and on since 6 weeks)
• Better at turning from his back to his tummy. Not consistent unless the helmet is off.
• Sleeps on his side and belly. He loves to move all around the bed. 
• You kick your aquarium on multiple times during the night....no matter where I put you in relation to it. We aren't sure if it soothes you or it's an accident!
• Moves around the living room on his back. Pushes his little feet to get everywhere.
• Really loves his big brother. He is smiling at him and gets so excited when he hears his voice or sees him.
• Loves to be carried (Ipolito did not). He loves to look around and be walked around in your arms.
• Loves his stroller...he sits in it like a big boy.
• Loves going on walks.
• Eats: He started taking some rice cereal shortly after he turned 4 months old and this past week we have started giving you some fruit, which of course you love! Tubby!!! 
• LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME.

Our little Aggie!

Misael, you are truly a joy to have in our family and our love for you grows each and every day!!!

Ranger Game

First time in the highchair!

Happy Baby

Love,
Mama

Week 3: May 17 - May 24

We are getting better and better these days. We had Misael's helmet decorated 5/17/13 by a company that wraps the helmets for free. It is a great organization and I am blessed to have heard about it. All we had to do was go in and choose our design then we brought something for a pot luck. While we ate and conversed the people at this company wrapped our child's helmet.

It was an amazing process! The helmets were taken from us and cleaned then they wrapped it with the same matterial they use to wrap cars. I believe it is vinyl. Then they litterally blow torched it onto the helmet.  Once they were done with htat they cut away the excess material.

Misael's helmet came out good. We chose a royal blue design that has some white, gray, and black in it with his name in white. On the back we had them put an A & M sticker on it. I chose the color because most of his clothes are blue. I truly love it!!

Our helmet design

Sunday @ Grandma's

At our fitting this week Misael's head grew three centimeters so more was shaved out of his helmet. I am now not as sensitive about his head. It is amazing the amount of people who actually stop me to ask about his helmet (which I don't mind) or tell me about their child or someone else's child who also had one.  I will say that some people are still a little weird about it but that's okay too.


We keep it on for 23 hours a day and take it off for the one hour at night to clean both it and him.

His sleep is improving. He also has two new teeth.

Some little girl in Church really wanted to know about his helmet when I went to change his poopy diaper and her mother told her to "shut up".  After the second time, I told the mother it was fine. I don't mind answering questions. I told the little girl why he had it on and what it was doing. No bubbles no troubles. I felt bad for her though because her mother was obviously not fine with it. I'd rather someone ask than not.

Mama & Miso at his helmet check!

Dinner at Twin Peaks

Oh well.....

I noticed tonight that Misael has a bald spot on his head!!! I was like OMG!! I have noticed his hair falling out but it was a big shock because it wasn't like that last night.  Like Jose says, "it will grow back."

This is just one more thing to do deal with!

Here's to week 4!!

Week 2: May 10 - 17

During our second week life has gotten a little better. Miso's head grew a little so some of the inside of his helmet was shaved off. We go every week to be seen to check on his progress and to see if anything needs to be shaved off of the inside of his helmet to allow for growth.  Miso has adapted quite well to his helmet. t doesn't seem to bother him and we hardly take it off during the day, only if he is really hot. That is only for a few minutes then it goes back on.

His sleep has not gotten any better. He is still waking up 2-3 times a night and eating. I think there is a combination of things going on: he is going through a growth spurt, teething, and adjusting to his helmet.

Our house is the coolest it has ever been.  We (mainly Jose) like to keep our house on the warmer side to save money. I have gotten used to it over the past few years since I married Jose.  My house is now perfect to me...nice and cool.  Oh...the things we do for our children!

It is amazing but we have noticed a change in Miso's head already. Actually we noticed it after less than 24 hours of wearing the helmet.  I am super excited for the changes and what is to come!

I have now adapted to people looking at us and will make eye contact. I think part of me is still sensitive and defensive. I honestly don't mind people asking me about the helmet but I just wish they would instead of just ignore it or wonder. I feel like saying, "It is all over your face people...just ask! I would love to educate you!"

Oh well, here's to week 3!

Week 1: May 3 - May 10

We finally got our Doc Band on Friday, May 3, 2013. It was a day I was looking forward to for many reasons. I wanted to start treatment as soon as possible so we could correct Miso's head as soon as possible. I also was getting frustrated because we have been doing all of these positioning techniques and exercises for what felt like FOREVER!! And while we had not gotten any worse we had not gotten any better either.  We developed pretty good head control and neck strength but there was still that darn flat spot. But, with all of that I was also anxious and scared. I didn't want people to think something was "wrong" with my baby or that we had done something wrong. I also didn't want people to think my little guy was anything less than perfect. Despite his little flat spot, he is perfect to us.

So...Friday came and I really wanted to cry when we put the helmet on for the first time. He quickly got hot and upset and started throwing a fit because he was so hot.  I ended up stripping him down to just a onesie. Now, let me just say we are an undershirt family. Jose wears undershirts and Ipolito has always worn undershirts (onesies, t-shirts during fall and winter, and tanks during spring and summer). Miso has until now always worn onesies under his clothing.  We are strictly supposed to dress him down. He hardly ever wears socks and basically just a onesie for the first couple of days until he gets used to the helmet.

After we left the building I was still in shock. My little guy was cute and rockin' that helmet but still it was just so LARGE  and WHITE!!! That first night Miso was up every THREE hours. He ate so it was hard to know if it was due to hunger or the helmet.  He hasn't woken up more than once since he was a month old! It sleep has definitely been interrupted. I ordered some special vinyl stickers with Misael's name and I put his name on his helmet.  This is just temporary until we get it decorated May 17.

It took a few days to get used to the helmet but the first week went by without a hitch. We followed directions and basically Miso wears his helmet 23 hours a day. I take it off at night and clean it with alcohol and then let it air dry. We bathe him and make sure his head and helmet are dry before putting it back on.

At Church I have to admit I didn't make eye contact with anyone because I was scared of what I would see in people's eyes. I didn't want to see pity, curiosity, disgust, or anything. But, I did keep my head up and proceeded with life as always. Hopefully this will get easier in the coming weeks. All in all week one was a success.

4 months

Misael is 4 months old! I cannot believe it! It seems like just yesterday I was pregnant with him. He gets his final scan this Friday for his cranial helmet. We are scheduled to pick it up May 3 at 1 pm. Then we have to wait two weeks to have it decorated. I wish we got it decorated right away but the company that does it only does the wrap parties once a month.  I am anxious to get his treatment started. 

Misaelisms at four months:

• Weight: 14 lbs. (You are now out of the less than 5th percentile!! You have graduated to the 25th percentile!!!)
• Length: 24.01 inches (You are now out of the less than 5th percentile!! You have graduated to the 25th percentile!!!)
• Clothes: 3-6 months, 6 months, and some 3 months. I really still use the 3 month onesies from Carters. You aren't busting out of them yet, but you did bust out of the Gerber ones so in those I am using the 3-6 month ones. I was actually hoping to keep you in the 3 month pants until it was warm enough for shorts, but I found out the other day that your 3 month pants look like capris.  That isn't an option with a boy....at least not mine. I guess I will have to breakdown and buy you some 6 month pants, just not  too many.
• Diapers: Size 2
• Sleeping: You go to bed anywhere from 830-10. You have been sleeping through the night for the past 2.5 weeks. You sleep about 12-13 hours. We actually have to wake you up most days because you are still sleeping.  The past two days you have woken up at 4:30 to eat and/or get your diaper changed. I hope you go back to sleeping through the night.
• You have taken to throwing fits at least once a day for the past 3 weeks. These fits last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, typically in the afternoon or right before bedtime.You cry, get mad, and sweaty. Often these are around a feeding. I typically console you and get you to calm down. You go to sleep for about 30 minutes, wake up, and eat. After that everything is right in the world for you. You were skipping that feed which was worrying us, now I have figured if I let you sleep for a little bit you are okay and will eat. The doctor said today (which we have kind of figured out) to let you sleep in your crib for naps so you get at least 1 good nap in and aren't so tired at night. We should also try putting you to bed earlier at like 8ish (which I do when Papi isn't home). Hopefully this works.
• Serious. Oh so serious. He loves to look and study everything....Ipo did this as well.
• Smiles-when he isn't so serious
• Laughs often
• Kicks and plays with his activity mat
• Sitting in the Bumbo
• Sits in the jumper
• Still no teeth, but you love your hands. You love to have them in your mouth all of the time!
• Turns over from his tummy to his back (has been doing this off and on since 6 weeks)
• Tries to turn over from his back to his tummy (gets to his side)
• Moves around the living room on his back. Pushes his little feet to get everywhere.
• Really loves his big brother. He is smiling at him and gets so excited when he hears his voice or sees him.
• Loves to be carried (Ipolito did not). He loves to look around and be walked around in your arms.
• Loves his stroller...he sits in it like a big boy.
• Loves going on walks.
• LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME.

Misael, my little chunky monkey, you are a joy to have in our family and Mama, Papi, and Ipolito love you oh so much!

THREE Months!

 Misael you are THREE months! I know I am a couple of weeks late but it has just been so busy around here. This is literally the first Friday I have had off where I do not have a million things to do.

Misaelisms at three months:

• Weight: 13 lbs. 3 oz (just an estimate...we use our home scale)
• Length: 23.5 inches (this just an estimate...we just our tape measure here at the house
• Clothes: 3 months & 3-6 months. You can wear the 3 months pants still shorty
• Diapers: Size 1 (you are busting out at the seams though)
• Sleeping: goes to bed 9-10ish and sleeps 7-8 hours  then another 3-4 hours. We try to keep him awake as much as possible during the day. 
• Smiles-all of the time 
• Laughs often
• Kicks and plays with his activity mat
• Sitting in the Bumbo
• LOVES. LOVES. LOVES. BATH. TIME.

Misael, it is a joy being your mommy and I wouldn't trade it for the world. You are such a calm, happy baby. Your big brother adores you and loves to talk to you just like I do (in the same high pitched voice). The next month is filled with lots of activity...big brother's t-ball games, Easter, helmet maybe, and just spending time with us. 

I love you Misael!

It's been a few weeks.....

Well...it's been a while since I last posted, but in my defense it has been crazy busy around here.  I went back to work and we have been getting in the swing of things. Work has been great...busy but great! I really am fortunate work with such wonderful people.  On my first day back my wonderful partner, Nancy and our Practice Manager, Tamye sent me flowers!

The boys (including Papi) are adjusting to our new schedule.  Poor Papi had a rough few days this past week. Misael woke up during the night a little earlier and a little later than he had been and didn't want to go back to sleep, so Papi stayed up with him.  Jose and I are different in this aspect....I would go to sleep after the baby did regardless of if he was up for a little bit or not, but Jose does not. He just can't turn on his sleep.  Weirdo!! Hopefully this week will be better.

On Wednesday's the boys stay with my mother.  She lovingly takes care of both of them. She told me last week she has been having some serious prayer sessions with Misael.  She said she prays over his belly button (his huge hernia) and his head (he has plagiocephaly).  She does this each Wednesday.  I believe in the power of prayer but my mom must have a direct line to the Big Guy, St. Jude, St. Anthony, and Mary because Misael's hernia is basically gone. I say basically because I am scared to say gone. For the past 48 hours it hasn't popped out and is down all of the way.  I am not hearing the squishing sound or feeling it through his clothes.  I really hope it is gone because that is one less headache for us.

Around the first weekend of March....look at the hernia!

Around March 23. Look at the difference!

In regards to Misael's head, we have been doing the positioning techniques still. We have been to two places for the helmets and I have finally decided on one called Cranial Technologies.  Miso and I go this Friday to start the process. We had to "try" the positioning techniques for at least two months before insurance would consider covering the helmet.  Luckily I have been since he was about two weeks old.  I would like to say his head looks better and at times I do think it looks better and other times I do not.  The last place we went classified him as moderately severe.  I know the helmet will help and I am anxious to get it and start the process.  Miso has pretty good head control and I am hoping the coming weeks he gets full control.

Ipo is still Ipo.  He put some rubber ducky's on his chest in the bath tub...you know on top of his nipples. The next words out of his mouth were, "Look Mama! I have those things like you! I am a woman now!" I about died.  Oh I laughed so much I cried.  Poor thing.

I love my boys with all of my heart and I thank God each and every day for bringing them into my life.

Last weekend we went to the Botanic Gardens in Fort Worth to take some pictures of the boys in their Easter outfits. Ipo did very well (he might have had a little bribing), but Miso not so much. He wasn't bad or anthing.  There were no big crying fits, he just didn't want to take pictures. He was acting uncomfortable if we put him in Ipo's arms (hmm...I wonder why....who wouldn't be comfortable in a 4-year old's arms?!).  He just wanted to be held and look around.  I got some wonderful pictures of Ipolito.  I also got an okay one of the two of them.

Well...the boys are calling...I have to go for now. I will post on Misael at 3 months later (I hope!).

Work

Well, on Monday I go back to work. Before I had Misael I decided to only take 10 weeks off just so I could save my PTO.  I am blessed that in my current job I get 272 hours of PTO each year front loaded in January.  I love this little perk.  But this week I am starting to have doubts.

I thought all this time, I am ready to go back. I am ready for my routine back. I am not going to cry. I have done this before with Ipolito.  Well, guess what?! I was wrong. All of a sudden on Monday I was starting to feel apprehensive. What am I going to do without my little guy all of the time?! Will he eat for others? Will he sleep well? Will I ever get sleep? How in the world am I going to get everyone ready and out the door in time?

At least I don't have to be at work at a specific time. But I have come to realize that I need at least an hour just to get myself ready. This just includes showering and pumping.  Then I need another 30-45 minutes to get the baby fed and dressed. This doesn't include spit ups or poops everywhere.  I also need about 10-15 minutes to get Ipolito ready as well. Then I have to drop the boys off at my mom's or the sitters.  Ughhh...I would like to be at work by 0630 so that means I need to wake up at like 330 or 4!!! I am tired just thinking about all of this!! How in the world will all of this get done?! I know it will all work out and that is what I keep telling myself.

Here is our schedule for the weeks to come:

Monday & Tuesday- Papi takes care of Misael & takes Ipo to sitter
Wednesday- Mama takes the boys to Grandma's house
Thursday - Mama takes the boys to Shari's house
Friday - Mama is off and takes care of Misael and Ipo goes to the sitter.

Then every other Friday Ipo spends the night with Grandma so Papi can sleep the next day.

I hope everyone is ready for this crazy train this week.

Does he really love me?!

Does he really love me?!! Ipolito that is. Sometimes here lately I have been wondering.  He has not been wanting kisses or snuggle time with me as he always has in the past.  He is normally a very affectionate little boy.  Lately, not so much. He doesn't want me to kiss him. If I do he wipes it off. In fact he will lick his hand and THEN wipe it off. He is always talking about how he doesn't like girls either. It is always him and his Papi he says.

Jose says this is just a phase and that it is probably stemming from jealousy. Jealousy over the baby and all of the time I spend with him, hold him, etc.  Well...I hope that is it and it passes. FAST. I do not like it. I know it shouldn't but it hurts my feelings.  I wonder how can I be a better mom? How can I be nicer?

I know at times I am a little short with him especially when both boys are crying, it's late, time for bed, etc.  But I do love my Ipolito. I love him so much.  I told Jose he needs to teach Ipolito how to treat a lady, especially his mother and he has been trying.  He tells him we don't talk to Mama like that, Mama is our queen, etc.  I just hope this works and it passes. FAST.

My little ninja turtle....with my blue headband on

TWO Months

Misael is two months old today!! I can't believe it. He is truly a joy to have.  We went to the doctor today for his two-month check-up. He got three shots and did not like them one bit. I can't blame him though. The doctor also said more than likely he will have to have his hernia fixed when he is 4 or 5 because of all the extra skin he has around the actual hernia and in her experience these have to be fixed.

Mama & Misael snuggling

A couple of minutes later we were talking about his head and she said it was "significantly worse". Great. I thought so too but I was trying to be optimistic. I have been working so hard with him too. I have been doing exercises and bought him a head positioner. Grr.  I feel so defeated because I have been doing so much and it seems for naught. I got a pamphlet from her for a place that does the evaluations and helmet placements. I guess my little guy will have a helmet for his plagiocephaly. I know in the long run this is for the best. It won't be for long (I hope). I was shown the progression of what we are looking at if he doesn't get a helmet and let me tell you it isn't pretty. I don't want my child with a deformed face. The problem is insurance doesn't cover these and they are expensive ($2000 at least). If he needs multiple then that is more money. I guess this is why we have good jobs.

Of course I worry about what people will say if we don't do the helmet but I also worry about what they will say once we do. I don't want them to think he is "special" in a not so special kind of way. I won't but most people are ignorant and uneducated. Most of our family don't even see the flatness but it is there.  Grrr. I know that in the long run we are doing what is best for Misael. I told Jose that Misael is trying to make sure we have no more children. This child is super expensive.

Mr. Cool

Misaelisms at two months:

• Weight: 10 lbs. 10.7 oz
• Length: 21 inches
• Clothes: 0-3 & 3 months
• Diapers: Size 1
• Sleeping: goes to bed 9-10ish and sleeps 4-5 hours (mainly about 5 hrs) then another 4 hours. We try to keep him awake as much as possible during the day. 
• Smiles-mainly at Papi
• Kicks and plays with his activity mat
• Started sitting in the Bumbo

Two Months

Not feeling the two month pics

Watching big brother take a bath

Playing on his activity mat

I love being a Mama again and I wouldn't trade this for anything.  I know some aspects this time around are easier and some are harder but all in all we will get through it. I love you Misael & Ipolito.