Stopping to Smell the Roses...Literally

The sun is waking up and I hold a warm bowl of oatmeal in between my hands. I love the way it feels. Little Man is sleeping in which gives me extra time to reflect and think about my challenge this month.

I feel like it's been a busy week -but who doesn't have busy weeks? There were several times I was consumed with the business of my day when the little bells on my phone came on to tell me to take a few minutes and become present. (October's Challenge)

How often do we get stuck in the daily tasks of our "to dos" to really enjoy each moment to the fullest?

The other day Little Man and I were at our weekly library stop... he loves to take his SWEET time to and from the car. I am usually on a mission to get home and get dinner ready and practically drag him to the car.

Not this time.

This time I pushed aside that need to rush on to the the next thing and entered his world and explored with him for a moment. Stomping and crunching through piles of leaves, I followed and observed.

I stopped and noticed the things he was interested in.

We took time to smell the roses. Literally.

Then he ran to a patch of grass and just laid there curiously observing the things in the sky. Feeling quite hungry, I resisted the need to get back home... I went over to him and laid beside him. The sky was bright. We watched an airplane in the sky.

And then I saw this.

Right in front of me was this beautiful tree...the very same one we pass every time I rush to the car. But from down there- it just really struck me. In a few weeks this tree will be bare. I would have missed it's beauty because I was too busy focusing on the next thing to really observe what is in front of me all along.

Reminder: take in the beauties of fall...soon they will be gone.

It was a good day.
besitos,
xo 

Gratitude.

My little man has been sick and I have been up with him a few nights in a row.  

 But honestly, I secretly love it. 

Well, not that he sick- I hate that part- but I love that I get a little extra time to just wrap my arms around his little body and kiss his warm squishy cheeks as he sleeps in my arms.

Is it normal to just want to hug and kiss your child all the time? I mean all the time- I feel like I could seriously cuddle with him all day and not get sick of it.

Is he going to have issues as a grown man because his mother was always smothering him with kisses and cuddles.

When does that stop?

 I just love that kid.

One day he will be all grown up and I won't be able to cradle him in my arms anymore on his sick nights. Well, maybe I could- but most likely it would just be plain awkward- mostly for his wife.

Anyhow- that is what is on my mind and my heart this morning. I woke up (WAY too early) from a night of restless sleep but with a full heart. A heart full of gratitude for these two boys in my life.

I love them.

That's all.

{Throwing rocks with daddy-" boy stuff" }

besitos, xo

Nothing like a cousin...

Little Man and I have been hanging out with cousins this week.

It's amazing how they can be the BEST of friends and the WORST of enemies from one moment to the next.


What's even more amazing is the instant love and concern they can have for one another. After their little brawl over the green chalk, Little Man consoles his cousin by putting his arm around her, patting her back, and giving her a kiss on the shoulder.

There is nothing like a cousin.

What are you doing for your three day weekend??

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

besitos
xo

Potty training or Parent training? PLEASE HELP!

18 months and on the potty

Potty training?
 Easy breezy.
Start early... like 18 months.
 Put them on one out of three strategically placed potties every hour and read countless potty books and watch potty training movies on youtube. My personal favorite is Elmo's Potty song ( here ) where for one moment I couldn't tell if Elmo's dad got confused and started singing a strip teese song- but that is besides the point...
This is serious stuff.

Then, make a "mickey mouse" potty treat/prize jar that he gets to decorate himself. Pink starbursts seem to be the biggest motivator around here.



Then, once he gets the potty thing and the big boy undewear down switch to a sticker chart like this one {here.} He can then earn individually wrapped dollar stor prizes for filling up a row...or save them  for the poops on the potty...that seems to be a toughest thing to master over here.


But WAIT...what if after ALL YOUR efforts your kid is still indifferent about going on the potty on his own?
He knows how to stay dry in his underwear all day but finds it easier to just pee (and poop...good story about this coming up) wherever whenever.  He also could stay in a wet poopy diaper for days without complaints if you let him.

 So HELP!!!

My behavioral and psych 101 techniques don't seem to be working! I thought that by gradually starting early and using positive reinforcement that potty training would be a breeze. I envisioned him sprinting to the toilet at the first sign he had to go- and we would high five each other and dance around because we were so proud and excited! That's not happening.

Now I REALLY WANT HIM TO do it more than he does.

All you mommies out there...what is your advice?
Little man is two and a half...should I back off and let him do his thing or continue with the potty training...or parent training more like?

Please help...tips, advice- anything- what have you done? What should I do??

besitos,
xo

Teaching Empathy skills through our BabbaBox.

So you know that GIVEAWAY going on right now with BabbaCo for a Babbabox? You don't?...Well get over there and enter right {here} because they are absolutely one of my new favorite things!

And do you want to know what my most favorite thing about this box this month was?

This.

I am obsessed with children's book and use a lot of bibliotherapy  in the work I do with children. This book is absolutely one of the best books in teaching young children about empathy that I have seen in a long time. 

It has pictures and scenerios that young children can relate to. 

My son really related to this page for some reason and could see how sad that little boy was feeling sad due to his broken airplane. He could also see how the Big Bear was listening, nurturing, and helping him feel better. So fabulous!

I even have pulled this book out on more than one occassion when I felt that Little Man wasn't understanding how another person was feeling- (like many two-year olds when it comes to sharing) and he imediately began to slow down and get caught up in the book and talk to me about feelings.   

He even started to share with me different facial expressions...he is especially good with his sad face. Huh...that's how he suckers me in.

Anyhow- go on over {here} and enter to win! I love them and I know you will love them too!!

**Also for those of you who want to know what book this was- It is called: "When I care about Others" by Cornelia Maude Spelman and illustraded by Kathy Parkinson. It's inexpensive and a fabulous teaching tool for young children.

Besitos, xo

Wherever they are is home. (letter #4)

Dear 30 year old self- (letter #4)

I have been away for a few days from these two. Despite how much FUN I had with my sister's and my mom- I couldn't wait to get home. It seemed like such a long flight back home as I longed to be in Mister's arms again and kiss those soft cheeks of my Little Man. 

They are my home. 

Nothing is better than being right there nestled up to them both. 

Last night I couldn't resist...I let Little Man sleep in our bed. I slept right in the middle... well knowing that I was going to have the most terrible night of sleep (which I did) with Little Man tossing and turning- I didn't care. 

I stayed awake and took in the moment giving thanks for having them in my life. 

The morning came too quickly. It was time to get out of bed and part ways once again.

One thing I have learned is that it doesn't matter where I am... my home is wherever these two guys are.

I love my boys.


Sincerely, One lucky (30 year-old) gal.

besitos, xo

time vs. teach

Although it seems to take 10 times as long...I love it when little man helps me in the kitchen. He hops onto a stool and exclaims that he wants to do it "all by himself."

You can imagine what happens next. 

Taking the time to teach and let him learn is priceless.

besitos, xo

From fever to monster spray.

It was 12:30am and I was sound asleep when I heard a scream of agonizing pain and fear coming from Little Man's room. Like a canon I shot up and leaped out of bed to his room to find him completely petrified of whatever "monster" was in the corner of his bed. Isn't it amazing as mothers how quickly we can wake up with a sound like that? We must have momdar always on- even in our sleep. 

  His temperature read 103.6- which I know for some of you may have not been a big deal but it was the highest temp he ever has had and whats a newer mom to do?

 Bringing him into bed with me after attempting to give him a bath and some Tylenol, I watched him relax into my arms and drift off to sleep... but soon after that again SCREAMS of pain as his calf muscles would freeze into hard rocks and his body would shake out of fear as he clung on to me afraid to even open his eyes. He acted as if there was something wanting to eat his legs or as if there were bugs crawling all over him. He tried to touch whatever he saw and kept looking around at things that weren't there in such fear. For a moment he didn't even recognize me and began calling out for me trying to escape my arms as I tried to reassure him that I was indeed his mom. This was too weird.

What do you do at that point? The Mister acted as if it would pass and we should just wait it out... but my  instinct told me that something could be seriously wrong. Hallucinating can't be normal right? It has to be related to something going on in the brain and that scared me. I found myself wide awake- adrenalin pumping but feeling unsure and helpless at the same time. Turning to google as my teacher (mistake)- and to hopefully finding peace of mind- I could only find worse case scenarios- One article I read spoke of possibility of meningitis... yikes.

After several more hallucination episodes and screams of pain and fear- I had had enough...we had to go to the Emergency Room. 

It was now 2:30am...  2 hours, a set of xrays, cool rags, and a lot of  temperature taking (which little man was not a fan) we left the hospital  at 4:30am. Little man had the beginning of what looked like pneumonia. So, it is good we went to the doc right?? Right? Not sure if Mister thinks so...?

Needless to say it was a long night. I spent the rest of the night holding him as I stayed awake with the anticipation that he will start screaming.  He did a few times that night (or should I say morning)but finally fell asleep and stayed asleep.

Not me... I couldn't... I felt like I wanted to be awake and ready for whatever came my way. Again my Momdar- how do you turn that off?

Anyhow,

Today, he seems to be on the mend... at least not hallucinating- just petrified of monsters and being alone in the dark and has to look around before we go into any room. Poor guy. We were just barely were getting over a little phase he was going through of waking up in the night and looking for me. He was just sleeping through the night again. Now he seems to always be on the lookout for monsters lurking in corners.

Here is a trick ...it's called "Monster Spray." Find a spray bottle- especially one with more of a mist like stream- and add water with lavender oil and there you go- Monster Spray. You can also take the label off of Fabreeze and use that. It not only helps fight the fear of monsters but smells good and is relaxing well.

It seems to be working.

Cross my fingers.

I had some real ah ha moments last night as I layed awake watching him sleep...but I am too sleepy to share. Soon...maybe even tomorrow.

besitos,

It's a new day...today is mine.

My sister Bianca's song "A New Day" has been in my head all day- the sun came out- birds were chirping...budding trees. It was like this song was meant for me today. You have to take a listen and even sing along with the lyrics...(see bottom of post for lyrics)

  

Today I felt a ray of sunshine because

Little Man and I:

-Had a camping adventure in my bedroom with a tent, popcorn and a movie.

-Listened to the rain.

-Pinned on Pinterest without feeling guilty that I should be doing something else.

-Hopped into our rain boots and got to work in the garden.

-Had a date with Target... and got all new and colorful gardening essentials.

-Explored in the grassy field with mister and Guapo (our dog)

-Caught ladybugs. Lots of them.

-Bought myself tulips.

-Drank horchata two days in a row.

-Planted the tulips and other flowers I received as gifts to honor this experience.

-Helped Little Man plant his starter seeds for his very own garden

-Snuggled with the mister.

-Snuggled with Little Man.

-Ate a lot more oreos.

I was driving on my way to pick up Mister from the airport and I caught a glimpse of Little Man singing to himself in my rearview mirror. I smiled as I thought- “I am so incredibly lucky to have him in my life.” I then later again watched him practice his jumping skills (which he is so proud of) off the curb into puddles… and I smiled again. I watched him “help” me with planting the flowers by picking other flowers in the yard and bringing them to me.

I am so incredibly lucky. And happy to have him in my life. One thought that occurred to me today was on the bright side of all of this- I am sure happy to not be nauseous on a day like today…I got to really enjoy the day and my family.

It's a NEW day and

today is MINE.

{I have a little helper}

{Target shopping spree- I should buy stock in this store- I love it}

{In honor of the last three months- flowers were given as gifts from others and myself - representing growth and renewal}

{Thanks for all the love. I have so much gratitude!}

Besitos, xo

Lyrics to 

A New Day

I can see a ray of light

Beaming through my blinds

Shining in a new day

Shining in a new day

I can hear the little birds

Chirping loud for all the world

Singing it’s a new day

Singing it’s a new day

Chorusish:

No matter how long the night feels,

The promise of a new day is sure to come-

I can see the bright blue sky

Feel the breeze blowin’ by

Whisperin’ it’s a new day

Whisperin’ it’s a new day

I can see the budding trees

Turning bright green for me

Showing it’s a new day

Showing it’s a new day

Chorusish:

No matter how long the night feels,

The promise of a new day is sure to come-

telling me that today is mine, today is mine...it’s a new day and today is,

today is mine...

Bridge:

I can choose to put grey colored glasses on-

To keep the sun from shining down or

I can choose to put rose colored glasses on-

To help me see the flowers, they’re comin’ up

And they’re telling me… that today is mine, today is mine, and it’s a new day,

today is, today is mine.

I can see a ray of light

Beaming through my blinds

Shining in

Shining in

I can hear the little birds

Chirping loud for all the world

Singing, yeah

Singing, hey hey hey

Oh oh, it’s new day, and it’s new day, today is mine

Gift 2... PRIORITIZE.

mom and little man july 2010

I got this email the from my mom the same day I was moving out of my office space (she didn't know I was closing my practice) 

and it couldn't have come at a better time. It meant the world to me.

It is a great reminder as to why it is so important to not let time pass you by.

She gave me permission to share. 

My sweet girls:

Today as I looked out the window, from the 15th floor of my apartment

in Puerto Rico, I saw people going about their business running here

and there like there was no tomorrow. I thought: what is the big

hurry?

I must say that thinking about it makes me feel sad. At one time in my

life, going back 10, 20 and even 30 years. ( I would have been married

30 years last September) I didn't take good care of me or my little

family and i'm sorry for that.I loved being way too busy because it

made me feel good to help out other people, it was like a drug.  We

can't go back in time, I know, but how much I do miss you all and how

sad I feel to have neglected you.

I was doing good helping single moms and even people in jail but that

is what I could be doing now not then.  I am of course busy as always

but this time it's o.k. because I need to be busy or I would be bored.

Before I didn't have to but I wasn't wise to know that.  The scripture

that comes to mind is the one that talks about the fact that there is

a  time and place for everything.

I love the fact that Cristi plays with Little Man. How I wish he would

smile when he saw me and that I could hug him without him wanting to

let go. We could do it all but not at the same time and that is my

thought for today.

I love you and miss you so much,

mama

I read that in between clients at work and I wept. It filled my heart with so much joy and appreciation for my mom. Although, I can't deny that I wished she was more available for us growing up,  she was a good mama. It just fuels the need to take each and every moment in and hope that one day I can look back without regrets.

GIFT#2: 
PRIORITIZE.

besitos,

One little snag in the plans...

Well, the concert was a HUGE success. More details of that to come real soon. But for now- I  am returning to my regularly scheduled program... well almost-  don’t be mad at me k- because I am skipping music Monday… If you really are in the mood for some Music Monday- go here because I posted two on How Does She. 

It’s my anniversary today… yep mister and I have been married 8 years.

We have this tradition where we take turns every year planning for our anniversary and this year it’s my year.  Last week, I  (still have) amazing plans to celebrate ( they are top secret)…however, it there was one slight snag...

Remember my post about Poop facial? and Remember Cabo? Well, I think these two have something to do with each other  because Little Man’s poops was just as DISCUSSING...and I mean DEESCUSSSSTING!  For week, I found myself changing at least four or five of those nasty blow outs a day! So, I took him into to see a doctor. I was certain he had some bug from the pool water in Cabo. 

So, off we went early that morning (the same day we were going to head up to our anniversary adventure)

And just as I suspected, there wasn’t a whole lot they could do but send me on my way with a small plastic container asking for a poop sample... but not just any sample- it had to be a sample from his potty…oh yah… and with nothing but poop.

 “Um, we are just starting potty training and he has only pooped in the potty  like a handful of times?” I said as I looked puzzled at the nurse. Surely she didn’t think it would be possible for us to master this task without getting any urine in it. “That is where saran wrap comes in real handy,” she replied smiling and walked out the door. 

That part was a lie. (I know because I tried) What two year old is going to be cool with you saran wrapping his man part? Paleeze. 

So, we went home and pulled off the diaper and had a picnic with the potty, snacks, and some Disney Channel while we waited… and waited…and waited…and waited some more.

Nothing.

End result?
Postponing my amazing anniversary plans for another day.

That is okay....

Because once we got our sample turned into the lab- we had the most amazing day together as a family cutting down our Christmas Tree.

I wouldn't want to celebrate 8 years any other way.

More of that tomorrow.

besitos,

Poop facial anyone?

We have had several messy moments this weekend...one of them being this morning in Walmart's Parking lot where little man threw up all over his car seat. Lovely.

But the winner goes to our incident yesterday morning. Little man woke up with a nasty diaper (his stomach hasn't been quite the same since Cabo)...I will spare you details on the description... but it was soggy... really really soggy. Little man tantruming because he didn't want his diaper changed ripped the diaper right out of my hands...thus sending poop flying through the air and splattering all over his face. Eyelashes, nostrils, mouth, hair-  nothing was left untouched. I mean it looked like I had shoved his face in his diaper- no lie.  Despite his unwillingness to hop in the bath- I hosed him off in the tub anyhow...

...this made him even more mad.

 ...really really  mad.

Crying and rolling around on the floor for ten minutes straight, he finally crawled into my arms with a teddy bear in one arm and a blanket in the other.  

There we sat on the floor...just the two of us. And I cradled him like the babe he once was.

I secretly loved it.

I hate that little man is sick. I hate that he is growing up so fast. but I sure love his cuddles this weekend.

besitos,

Cabo withdrawals.

Okay so no music Monday... sorry. 

I am going through a bit of family and holiday withdrawal.  

We just got back from a fabulous holiday vacation in Cabo with Mister's family. 

It was AHHHMAZING. 

Why is it that it takes at least a few weeks to feel adjusted to home after being with family for so long?

I had a little bit of an empty feeling as I was saying goodbye to mister as he left to work. 

I miss him.  

It is amazing to me how easy it is to leave behind the cares of the world and responsibilities for just one week and not think about anything else but family.

Can't I pause this moment forever?

My most memorable moment of the trip:

playing with little man and mister on the beach and in the pool...I don't think I have ever seen little man laugh so hard for so long... 

...it was pure bliss. 

   

 

 

Oh Cabo...how you will be missed. Today I am grateful for family vacations (day #15).

besitos,