Saturday, January 30, 2010

10 months old!


Micah and Levi are 10 months old today, and Noah is 2 years and 10 months old! I am in denial that their birthdays are in exactly 2 months! Maybe if I try really hard I can freeze time and continue on with these ages for at least another year! I'll let you know how that goes! We went to Heritage park today for Cheyanne's 3rd birthday party...the kids had a blast! Micah and Levi experienced their first time of actually playing on the park equipment! They crawled through some tubes and loved it! Noah had so much fun playing with all his cousins, too. I snapped some great pictures of the kids. How I love my new lens and camera...in case I have't mentioned that! The kids were so wiped out afterwards, that they are all 3 still sleeping at 5:30, and have been since 3:30(ish)! Micah's top right tooth finally broke through today. It has been bothering him for awhile, and sharp little tip of it has finally emerged! Hopefully he will be feeling better now! Man, teething is tough for a baby...Poor little guys!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Ham and Bean Soup

 

1/2 pound dried pinto beans
1/2 pound dried small red beans
8 cups of cold water
1 ham bone, with some meat still attached (I used the one from a spiral ham)
2 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups baby carrots

Sort any debris out of dried beans, then soak them overnight in a large bowl with about 15 cups of cold water. Rise beans in the morning with cold water.

Put beans, water, ham bone, garlic, onion, and pepper into the crockpot.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Add carrots in for the last 2 hours of cooking time.
No extra salt is needed due to the saltiness of the ham.
When the soup is done cooking, remove bones, and fat pieces from soup.
Break up any large chunks of ham into smaller pieces.
You can refrigerate soup overnight, and then scrap the fat off of the top of the soup to make it less fattening, since ham isn't the leanest of meats!

Little Wild Man

My Dad took Noah to the bathroom while we were at their house tonight, and my Dad said while they were in there Noah said, "I Love you, Papa...and I love my Daddy too." He has been telling me "I love you" all the time lately at random times. It is so sweet. Today he asked me, "You love me, right?" I said Of course I do! It is so amazing to me that he can ask a question like that and understand so much. He is so smart, and growing so fast. He also tells me a lot while Nick is at work that he misses his Daddy and wants him to come home. I think he is still getting used to the idea that Nick will really be home every night...he still thinks he will have to stay away in a hotel! Thank you, Jesus that he doesn't have to anymore! Well, I reallly just can't believe Noah will be three in 2 months, and Micah and Levi will be one! I wish it didn't go so fast...I know I will miss these days and I try to enjoy each one! Anyway, we actually walked all the way to my parents house tonight with the kids all in the stroller. They were all really good. The babies were fine as long as I walked behind the stroller where they couldn't see me...if they saw me they cried for me to hold them! Especially Levi! Micah was soo cute sucking his thumb and gripping the blanket right by his face! I love that! Noah was never a blanket baby, and can still hardly stand having any blankets on him, so I am not used to seeing a baby cudle with a blanket! After we got home tonight, Micah was being too funny standing up in his crib and then throwing himself backwards onto the mattress! I laughed at him the first time he did it, so then he kept doing it, at least 10 more times! I have never seen him react to attention that way, and it was really very funny! I told my Dad it was like he was his own little real person, doing something on purpose just to make me laugh! ;) Well, it was working! He was acting like a little wild man! Anyway, I then got to rock Levi to sleep, and he fell asleep so easily and peacfully in my arms!

Library today

I took the kids to the library today, and my Mom met us there. The babies were crawling around everywhere, and loved the tubes filled with water and bubbles! Noah loves the bubbles too, and pretty much only wants to go to the library to play with the train table...even though we have one at home!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Micah's Mama



Micah started saying "mama" yesterday! I am so excited! Noah never said any type of "mama" word till he was about 16 months old, so this is such a treat for me! Both babies have been saying "dada" for a while, and even almost say "Hi, dada", but the mama is a first! :) I think Levi almost is saying it too, and I LOVE it! Today, we got the cloth diapers in the mail from amazon.com. I still have to wash them one more time to get their full absorbency, but so far they seem ok. They are really soft and well made, they are just so bulky! Also, when they get wet, they are WET, but again I need to wash them again, so maybe it will be better. Anyway, I am as of yet undecided as to whether or not to buy a bunch, and just go for it or not. So, we will see. I really want to do it, but I have to think about it a bit more, and try them for a few days. I want to make sure it doesn't give them a rash or anything. I also do not think I would ever use them at night. I don't see any reason to maek them sit in wetness all night, so I will definately use a disposable at nighttime. Noah was really cute today dancing around in his underwear. I videoed him :) Also, both Micah and Levi are cutting teeth, and are fussy and sleeping terribly! Oh yeah, I ordered that sling finally and it is supposed to arrive on Feb 1.
I know this is so weird, and I am trying to stop thinking about it because I want to wait, but I WANT to be pregnant! I HAVE babies NOW that I am crazy about, yet I find myself daydreaming about having more! I wonder how long we will wait...and how many kids we will end up having...probably not very long and A LOT! :)
Bought some Babylegs too, which are adorable...but I will most definately MAKE more pairs, not buy them! This woman's blog gave me the idea! What was I thinking buying them!?
http://omyfamilyblog.com/2010/01/diy-baby-legs/

Monday, January 25, 2010

Diapers and Beans...but not together!

Ordered our first cloth diapers today! Just two for now so I can see if I like them or not! I got Kissaluvs fitted diapers, with a Thirsties diaper cover. I also ordered some Babylegs, which I heard are great for little crawlers who are not wearing pants! I took the kiddos to the park today, and my mom met us there. They all had fun. The babies love swinging on the swings, and Noah just about likes everything about the park. We went into the Lions Center so Noah could use the bathroom, and they had some toys inside that they got to play with for a little bit...until we couldn't keep the babies from crawling in all directions any longer! Then Noah collected some pinecones on our walk back to the car. I would love to walk to the park, but our hill just kills me with the triple stroller! Anyway, I also made ham and bean soup today in the crockpot...it's actually still cooking! I even made the beans and everything from dried! That was a first for me. I added carrots, garlic and onions too it also. I got some of it out early for the babies to eat, and they loved the beans! Micah and Levi will eat absolutely anything...I really hope it stays that way! I have my fingers crossed! On a totally different subject...I also have my fingers crossed that all my boys will all always be close to each other. Micah and Levi are almost always exploring side by side, and Noah is usually not far away either...except when he gets tired of the babies grabbing at his toys...then he goes into his room and shuts them out!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Cloth diapers!?

We went to Costco today. After spending $80 on diapers for the next month, I am researching and considering using cloth. The cloth diapers today are alot different than they used to be back in the day...no clothes pins or anything! Anyway, it's an option that could save us $1,000, so I might just try it! http://www.amazon.com/Kissaluvs-Cotton-Fleece-Fitted-Unbleached/dp/B002UD6BZ8/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1264656420&sr=8-24

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Crock Pot Chili

I have never made chili with garbanzo beans in it before, but I wanted to clean out the pantry! It turned out really yummy...not too spicy, and just comforting and good on a cold(ish) January night! I topped it off with cheddar cheese, a cornbread muffin and honey to soak up all the juices!

1 pound ground beef
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can pinto beans, with liquid
1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, with liquid
1 15 oz can red beans, with liquid
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 Tablespoon cumin
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
cheddar cheese, for garnish

You can either brown the ground beef before you put it in the crock-pot, or add the ground beef first and break it up as it cooks in the crock-pot before you add the other ingredients ( I did this because I didn't want to wash any more dishes!)

Add all of the ingredients, except the cheese. Cook on high for 6 hours, or on low for 8 hours.
Top with a sprinkle of cheese, a cornbread muffin and a drizzle of honey!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Lightning and Thunder

We had a memorable night tonight watching lightning and listening to thunder! Noah and I turned out the light, got a blankey and a pillow and lay on the floor in the family room watching lightning light up the sky! Noah was amazed, and kept asking for more. I explained that I couldn't control it only God could. He kept saying only God has the controls, and then asked to go outside to see him! He is so full of wonder and questions, and just so cute! All 3 of the kiddos are still sick. I had to take Levi to the Dr. on monday because he was running a fever, and it turns out he has a double ear infection. He was given amoxycillin, but he got a rash from it, so he is allergic! Now, they gave him something else. Levi went with me to the pharmacy tonight to get the medicine, and we also went into the asian gorcery store to pick up bananas and avocados. He was so sweet and cute bundled in him hooded white fuzzy outfit, having a little one-on-one time with mommy. Those moments are so special! Micah got his left front upper tooth today! The other one is close but not out yet. Levi has both on top now. The second one came out on the 17th. I can't believe they are going to have top teeth now too! You know I love those baby gums, and am always a little sad to see them go! Well, hopfully the colds and teething passes quickly...as much as I do love it, Levi is crying if I don't hold him, and my arm is starting to kill me! ;) Ah, I love my babies. Nick and I started watching "Lost" and we are a bit addicted! I think there are 10 seasons though, so watching all of them is going to take forever! Oh yeah, I got my D90 on tuesday, and my new 50mm f1.8 lens! I LOVE THEM! I cannot emphasize this enough! Finally I can do with my camera what I have wanted to do for so long! I am so excited about it! I am reading lots of stuff and trying to learn everything I can about photography...I really do love it! :)

Friday, January 15, 2010




My Sweet Babies...







Thursday, January 14, 2010

Colds...

It took less then 48 hours for all of my sweet babes to catch the same cold! Oh no! First Micah, then Levi, and last but not least Noah! I made chicken and carrots for the babies in the crock-pot today.

Chicken and Carrots for babies

4 frozen chicken breasts
3 cups carrots
1 cup water (add more later if needed)

Cook on low for 8 hours

Cut chicken and carrots up into bite-size chunks, small enough for babies with only 3 teeth!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Babywise

Am pondering if using Babywise has made me less compassionate, more callous, and less understanding of my children. I am feeling a nudging on my heart about this, and I don't like it. I know using Babywise has it's very good points, and I can't just overlook how important sleep is for babies, yet I am left wondering. Is there a better way? I just can't see myself as a co-sleeping, babywearing (I do use the babyBjorn on occasion), breastfeeding-all-night kind of person...yet still I wonder. I feel conflicted...is Babywise really better for the babies, or just better for me?

Made crock-pot chili today...goodness I love having dinner going already before lunch! It is so much less stressful for me, and so much easier to get dinner on the table! I am so excited about using it! Noah started using regular toothpaste. This was his third night in a row. He asked for the other kind, but I just told him he was going to use "big boy" toothpaste now. He would just keep swallowing the toddler toothpaste, and I was worried he would try and swallow regular toothpaste too, but he didn't because it was "spicy" as he said! Toddler toothpaste has no fluoride in it, so it's not a big deal if it is swallowed, but obviously our toothpaste does. Anyway, that was easy! Micah is getting a cold, or else has a runny nose from teething. Both babies were generally a little fussy again today. They took a long nap in the afternoon, thank goodness, so they were not as tired this evening. Micah somehow touched the oven before I could get him away, and he has two little blisters on the top of this fingers! My goodness it is hard to keep two babies away at the same time! I feel so bad! Both babies are getting hurt more and more all the sudden as they get so mobile, and so quick at it! I hate that they are getting hurt! :( Noah was very sweet at bedtime tonight, and wanted me to hold him and sing "You're more than enough". I know he was just trying to stay up later, but it was very cute him asking me to sing that to him...it melted my heart and reminded me so much of when I would hold him and sing that song to him when he was smaller. That is the same song I sing to the babies when I rock them. <3 I am going to buy a new lense for our camera. I need a prime lens, so I am going to return the Coach purse Nick got me for Christmas and get the lens instead! He said he didn't mind. I need a lens that will blur backgrounds better for me! :)

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Crock Pot time!

I started using my crock pot today, and intend to very often from here on out!

We went and visited Jessica at her house today around noon. She had diapers to give us that Mike had gotten as a joke for Christmas! They were size three, so they gave them to us! We ended up going to my parents for dinner tonight, and so the babies could all go over and play. I brought the Mexican shredded chicken I made in the crockpot to use, and everyone loved it! Yeah!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Teething babies!

I just have to say...I never get tired of seeing two babies crawling around after each other! :) In other news...Levi fell out of the bathtub today by leaning over the side. The phone was ringing and I ran to get it...I was literally gone for about 3 seconds, and in that time he stood up and fell out! Noah was right there with them, and he started bawling! He said "Mommy, why did that happen?!" I felt sooo bad for them both, and told Noah it wasn't his fault. Levi had a big red mark on his cheek and forehead from where he hit the tile! Then a little while later I smashed his finger in a drawer by accident. Not to mention the fact that he is majorly teething! Poor little guy! His top left front tooth came through on Saturday, and the other one is working it's way out. Micah's front tooth spots are a little swollen too, and I am sure they will poke out soon as well. They are both being uncharacteristically fussy, and not napping well. The naps are bad from the teething and standing up in the crib, which they both do almost immediately after you lay them down in there! This is Nick's last whole week working in construction at Edison! Wooohoo! No more out of town! He will now be working in maintainence. He will be training for 6 months in Alhambra, and will then be based in Palm Springs for about 3 years most likely.

Spicy Spaghetti in a Hurry

In the perfect world, when I have more time, I make this sauce with fresh garlic, onions, and herbs...in the real world tonight I made it like this, and it was GOOD! Makes enough for at least 4 adults. You can substitute the spicy sausage for mild, and omit the pepper flakes if you don't appreciate the heat!

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound spicy Italian Sausage
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried fennel
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
1/4 cup shredded Parmesean cheese
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Boil water for spaghetti. Cook until al dente.
Heat large saucepan over high heat.
Remove sausage from casings, and brown.
When browned, drain fat if desired.
Add all ingredients to browned sausage.
Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve meatsauce over Spaghetti, alongside green salad, and bread!

Shredded Mexican Chicken (for Tacos)

This is a crockpot meal.

3 frozen chicken breasts
1/2 cup mild green salsa
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 15 oz can pinto beans, with liquid
salt and pepper, to taste
Lettuce
Tomato
Cheddar Cheese
Avacado
Salsa

Put all ingredients in crock pot, and cook on high for 6 hours, or on low for 8 hours.
Use a fork to shred the chicken. Serve in torillas with whatever taco fixings you like.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Disneyland!



We took the kids to Disneyland today! It was the first time for Micah and Levi, and Noah had not been since he was 19 months, so it was pretty much like the first time to him! It was a lot of work but soo much fun! The weather was so perfect...75 again! It really wasn't too crowded either. Everyone rode it's a Small World, but Levi was sleeping in the Baby Bjorn while Nick held him so he missed it, but Micah and Noah loved it! We also all rode the carousel, which Levi cried on, but I think he was just tired. I then took Noah on Dumbo, which was his favorite I think. Last we went into toon town, where we waited it line to see Minnie because Noah really, really wanted to. He was saying Hi Minnie! really loud while we were in line, but then he wanted nothing to do with her when it was our turn! He was scared!

Grilled Chipotle Salmon Tacos

This recipe is adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook

I HATE fish, but LOVE this recipe, so if you hate fish, try this! You'll like it! Nick can't get enough of it, and even the babies ate some of the salmon without too much spice on it! Noah, not so much, but we'll work on him! :)

1 pound frozen Kirkland Salmon Filets, defrosted
1 cup red potatoes, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground chipotle chile pepper (Spice Island brand)
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mild green salsa ( I used La Victoria)
3 Tbs lime juice
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
Corn tortillas (fried or steamed)
Sour cream
Shredded Cheddar
Cubed Avacado
Lime wedges

Rinse and Pat fish dry. Set Aside.
Cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender.
In small bowl combine Chipotle, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Rub onto both sides of fish.
Grill fish on greased rack for 5 minutes per 1/2 inch, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
In medium bowl combine salsa, lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add potatoes, fish, onions, and cilantro. Gently toss to coat.
Put mixture into tortillas, top with sour cream, cheese, and avacado.
Bring lime wedges to table to squeeze on right before eating!
ENJOY! :)

Friday, January 8, 2010

First week of 2010!



Sunday 1/3/10- Today Nat turned 12! We hung out at home all day and got a bunch of cleaning and organizing done, and then went to my Mom and Dad's at 5pm for Nat's birthday dinner with all the family. It was a good time.

Monday 1/4/10- Today I was feeling ambitious and decided to finally plant the garden box! Yeah! My mom went with all the boys and I to The Home Depot, where we bought dirt and plants...brocolli, onions, strawberries, lettuces, adn some various herbs. We had soo much fun planting, and playing in dirt! Noah, Micah and Levi all loved playing outside and getting dirty, and we all enjoyed the 75 degree weather to the max! :) Natalie and Grammy helped us all day, and then Papa joined us for dinner after all the planting was done.
Tuesday 1/5/10 Micah started pulling up today...he had done it once on the same day Levi first did it, but then he never did it again. Now today he did again! He was so proud of himself, and smiled so big! :)
Wednesday 1/6/10- Micah pulled up more and more today. They are both soooo cute and getting so big. It is such a daily joy watching all my boys grow, yet so bittersweet. I know I will miss these days, and I try to remember that each day, and savor the brief moments. They are my world and my joys, and I love each of them with my whole heart. They are my sunshines, and I wouldn't trade being their mommy for ANYTHING in the whole world.
Thursday 1/7/10- The WORST thing happened today! I feel like a horrible mother! I had just changed Levi's poo, and it was a bunch of little hard rock things, and one piece apparently rolled out of the diaper without me knowing and Micah put it in his mouth! He started gaging and spitting up, and I saw him with it! AHHH! I immediately started cleanign his mouth out with a wipe, and then ran to the bathroom and washed him mouth out with soup three times! He didn't even cry or seem to mind, just went right along with it! I then brushed his teeth/gums forever. I was sooo grossed out, and then looked it up online, and lots of other mom's were saying it happened to their kids, and most said they never got sick or anything, and Micah was fine. EW! I am sooo sorry I let that happen Micah...NEVER again!
Friday 1/8/10- Levi fell back and hit his head on the tile today...it was horrible! He cried soo hard, and acted kind of limp in my arms for a minute. It really scared me, but he turned out being just fine, and actually didn't even get a bump or anything. We got Barbonis pizza tonight for dinner, and Nick and I watched Confessions of a Shopaholic and let Noah stay up and watch it too! Nick really wanted him too, since he never gets to do that...it was cute having him up watching it with us because he knew itt was a treat to stay up with us :) We watched it on our TV connected to the laptop streaming it from netflix. It's soo cool! The picture was good, it was never choppy, and we can rent lots of movies like that for only $8.99 a month! Nice!
Saturday 1/9/10-We went to the Cable Air Show today...loved the planes dong tricks and the 16 man parashute jump! Noah thought it was pretty cool, and was even talking about it to Jessica later on. Micah kept crinkling up his nose in a happy little way when he saw the planes flying close by. It was so cute! Noah got to go on a giant slide too, which he always loves! The babies were really good being up past their nap. Jess came over after and we hung out and watched "Interview with a Vampire". Nick thought it was the dumbest movie ever! Whatever, I like it!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Park and new shoes!


Today we got sandwhiches and took the kids to West Beryl Park for a picnic. It was 70 degrees today! Oh, how I love California! The babies went on the swings and stood at the bottom of the slides. Nick put Noah up in a tree for a few seconds, and he loved it! Noah loves going to the park, and I wish we could take him more. It is just so hard for me to take all three of them by myself right now! Soon though! :) I also took Noah and got him a new pair of those today...his first shoes with laces! They are the payless brand, and look like little chucks! He loves them! Levi continues to pull up to standing on everything! Chairs, toys and his crib rail! I am still a little surprised and delighted everytime I see him do it, even though I know soon it will be commonplace! Micah has done it twice, but isn't regulalry pulling up to standing yet, but he pulls up to his knees all the time. Nick and I watched "Shattered" on demand tonight for free...I didn't like it very much, but Nick kinda did.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy 2010!


The kiddos had fun riding on Noah's new motorcycle with Daddy! So cute! We watched some rose parade, watched Chronicles of Narnia...again! Noah loves "Loosey" aka Lucy. And Nat is jealous of her! Spent the day playing with the kids and building the bookcase...what a pain! Took Noah to Chuck E Cheese with Grammy Papa and Natalie, while Nick stayed home with the babies....they were already in bed for the night. Babies napped terribly today...I think they might be starting to teethe again, and Levi keeps standing up in the crib! So cute, but I really can't believe it and I think he could be walking within a month! NOOO! :( Stay babies PLEASE!