Fish the Fish

Meet Fish.

 For Bryan's birthday, one of the things that we went back and forth about, was getting him a fish tank.  We ultimately went for it because Bryan is loving fish right now.  We have a documentary about fish in the ocean and he just loves watching it.

     After talking to a fish guy at the store, and reading up on it, we picked out a tank, then let Bryan pick out a few decorations.  We decided on a 2 gallon filtered tank.  It costs more than a just getting a fish bowl, but it is more low maintenance.  Which is what I'm all about.

    This is also the same reason we decided on a Beta fish, instead of a gold fish.  When I told the fish guy I was going to get a gold fish, his response basically came down to "gold fish are disgusting."  He didn't say those words exactly, but apparently gold fish are one of the dirtiest fish you could get.  Really hard on the filter.  Which means more work for me.  Remember, I'm going for low maintenance. 

     We grabbed a few extra decorations that way Bryan could pick and choose what he wanted in there.  Of course the arch was all him.  He calls it the "Panda"  Because it reminds him of the movie "Kung Fu Panda"

     After washing the Decorations in warm water (gravel too) we were ready to put our tank together.

Grimlock wanted to help

The closeset he would get.

     When you put the gravel in, try to do it gently.  Or when there are no kids around.  The gravel hitting the bottom of the tank was so loud, Bryan wouldn't go anywhere near it the entire day.  If I brought the decorations to him, he would pick the ones he wanted, but he refused to put any in. 

     A small part of me (the OCD/controlling part) liked to be able to put things in the right place, were they would look the best.  Though most of me (the excited/fun mom part)  Was disappointed he didn't enjoy setting up his tank.

     

     After I had it all set up, we put some water and conditioner in the tank to get filtered through.  They suggest filtering it all for 5-7 days before adding a fish, so it was perfect to set everything up before we left on our trip.

     Of course, when we came back, Bryan decided he was no longer scared of the fish tank and that it needed more stuff in it.  So long perfectly placed seashells.

     I was happy he was finally interested, but I did have to fight myself to not "fix" it when he was done.  I also had to try to forget about the big mess Bryan was making.  Since the tank was already full of water, there was a huge puddle on the counter...and the floor...and in a trail leading to the bathroom.

     The good news is, he was finally having fun with it.  The entire bottom is coated with shells, even the not so nice looking ones, and the arch is a little crooked, but he did it And it looks beautiful.

Fish seems to like it.

Bryan is 3!

     I have had a 3 year old for a few weeks now, and I cannot believe it!  Time just needs to slow it down.
     Things were a little crazy this year, since we had his birthday, and then immediately started getting ready for our week long trip.  Our original plan was to have a barbecue the Saturday after his birthday.  Our last minute trip kinda nixed that idea, so we just had a couple friends over the day of, instead.
     It ended up being perfect. The kids had hot dogs and watermelon and played outside.  Our yard is really a great place for kids.  There isn't any grass or anything, but lots open space, and a long driveway perfect for chalk drawings and riding bikes.  AND, all fenced in so no worries of kids out in the street.
 

     The night before, the Hubby blew up a bunch of balloons so B could be surprised with a room full.  Sadly, he was too groggy to actually care that early in the morning.(He loves them now)  He was not too groggy, however, to remember the toy I had tried to sneak past his view on our shopping trip the day before.  First word out of his mouth that morning: Grimlock.
     After waking up completely, we made his favorite breakfast.  Pancakes.  I tried to put sprinkles in it, but in case you didn't know, stirring them in liquid saps the color out of them.  Resulting in this yucky purpley color.

     Then, after rushing to a quick prenatal appointment, (I was not aware it was shot day.  I was not prepared to get stuck with a needle) We had our friends over.
     Bryan was so tired when they left, that he looked at me and said, "Mom. it's bed time."
     After a much needed nap for both of us, we played until Daddy got home.  We went and picked out one last present, then grabbed Bryan's favorite dinner.  Panda Express.  We don't eat there very often, but he just loves it.  And loved trying out chopsticks this time around. (did a decent job too) when we ate leftovers the next day, he was a little disappointed to use a fork.  "Sticks mom. Where's the sticks."

     Present time was flat out adorable.  I think he remembered doing it at Christmas, when Papa would have him and his cousins help pass them out.  We sat down, and he grabbed one and said "Here you go Dad"  When we told him they were all for him, his response was, "I can open this?"  and then proceeded to ask if he could open it, before every single one.
     He was so polite and calm too.  I've never seen a kid be that calm while opening gifts.  Or take every piece of tape off instead of rip into it.
     When I say he was calm.  I meant for every present except his new Transformer.  Remember how his first word of the day was Grimlock?  Well he recognized the package of it while it was still wrapped.  That one went a little like this:

Jumping up and down-"Grimlock! My Grimlock!"

Actually opens it-"Wow! Grimlock"

More jumping accompanied by running around.

"Dad, look! Grimlock! So Awesome! Thanks Mom."

More running, then gently setting it down to open the next present.

     It was the cutest thing ever.  (Also, for those that don't have a kid obsessed with transformers, Grimlock is a Dino bot on the new transformers kid show.)

Finally got his grimlock

     Our day was so packed, we missed some birthday calls, but were able to Skype with my dad.  Bryan loves Skyping with Papa.  He told him all about his day, and showed off his birthday cupcake.

   
     I am so glad I was able to make this day special for my little boy.  It is hard to believe how small he was 3 years ago, or that it has only taken 3 years to grow this much.
     I know it was weeks ago, but Happy Birthday my Sweet Boy.

A Week with Family

     Last week, Bryan and I ditched the Daddy and spent the whole week at my parents house.  While we missed him a lot, we also had tons fun with our family.  

     We actually have been going up north a lot for someone who moved away.  My dad jokes that he sees us more now that we moved.  But this was our last trip until baby girl comes.  My mom doesn't believe me, but we have so much going on here in the next month, and after that we will be in super baby mode. (July is coming people!)

     We were actually really fortunate to see all of Bryan's Aunties, Uncles, and Cousins this time around.  I even was able to see one of my own Aunts.

    

     Our trip was planned a little last minute.  But we ultimately decided to go because of this crazy girl:

     Scary, I know, but she is amazing.  She was in Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and was just Hilarious.  I had originally told her I couldn't go because they had changed the performance dates around and it was a bad weekend for us, and all these real reasons, that we ended up ignoring.

     She had NO idea we were coming because, well we live 5 hours away and a play was just not worth the trip.  It was sooo worth the trip.  Just surprising her was worth the trip.

     Though with her makeup, Bryan wouldn't go near her.  Which continued a little to the next day.

They both enjoyed my horchata cravings

Eventually he decided they were buddies again.

Just drinking some "chaka"

     Sunday, we celebrated my brothers birthday.  Then Monday we spent with my sister and playing with cousins.  My sister was able to teach me a little about reupholstering stuff.  Which, you know you are an adult when that sounds super fun to you.  Sister time and sewing at the same time?  yes please.

     We soaked up lots of Grandma and Auntie time the next couple days, because Thursday, they ended up coming to my neck of the woods (when I wasn't even here)  for Show Choir and Band competitions.  Lots of performing arts for that girl.  Both her groups ranked gold, in case you were wondering.(I am a braggy older sister. I know.)

     We also went to my other little sister's house and my brothers house to hang out with my SIL, where we snapped some cute pics of these cuties.

He loves his cousins.

   

Then it was a day with Papa.  It was a nice relaxing day.  We helped my dad's friend pick something up (Bryan keeps talking about that actually.) then just playing with the dogs and relaxing on the porch.

After a nice afternoon nap, we went for a walk down the road.  Quiet country roads are the best.  Dad did a little leash work with their puppy.  Of course Bryan likes to do whatever Papa does.  So we cautiously gave him the leash.  He actually did very well at trying to guide her and kept saying,"Come on Penny" When she would start pulling on him.  It was adorable to watch.

     It was so good to grab in some precious time with family.  It will be a hard couple months not seeing them so often.(which is why we stayed the week)  Especially with the baby coming. I wouldn't trade this past week for anything.  I'm also grateful that I live in a time where anyone is a phone or Skype call away.

Starting our Garden

Bryan is turning 3 tomorrow, (ack!) and I have so much stuff to do, with very little energy to do it with.  As I take a little break in between running errands, and getting things ready for tomorrow, I figured I would tell you all about our tiny garden we are planning.

One of the best things to do on a nice sunny day is gardening.  It gets you out working in the sunshine, and the outcome can be just gorgeous. 

I also think it is a great thing to teach kids, so in wanting to be an awesome mom, I went to Lowe's and grabbed this little greenhouse seed starter.  It was really inexpensive, AND, provided the dogs behave themselves, we can reuse it over and over.  My only complaint is that the lid is too light.  We have had some wind lately and I've found it clear across the yard.

I am happy to say, Bryan enjoyed this little project of ours.  We only planted 2 types of seeds so far because I wanted to see how he would do before we went crazy.  It ended up being perfect.  Putting the seeds in was a little challenging for him, especially because they were so small.  I would put a little in his hand and show him how to do it, but in the end, he ended up just sprinkling them everywhere.  He loves going out to water them.  I poked some holes in a water bottle so that he couldn't go too overboard.

After we finished planting and watering, he decided that he didn't want to be done.  So out he went to play in more dirt.  I caught him picking the grass, and re-planting it in the dirt.

We already have some green in our basil section.  Yum.  Now to find a place to transplant them to when they are big enough.

Our First Trip to Urgent Care

A couple weeks ago, Bryan decided to jump off my bed.  He missed the landing.  I rushed over to snuggle him and make him feel better.  Usually, if he hurts himself, 2 minutes of hugs and kisses and he has forgotten all about it. This time, he cried for over 10 min.  Everything looked fine, but he wouldn't walk and when I did the head to toe check, his left foot was more than bothering him.

So I took him in.

Daddy met us at urgent care right when they called us back.  He STILL has trouble at the doctor from when he had his tear duct surgery, so just sitting down with him in the office re started all of his screaming.  The doctor had to stand outside the room to see if he would walk and have me feel his foot for her.  I hated being away from him when they sent him for x-rays.  (no pregnant ladies allowed.)  I'm so glad my hubby was able to there to be with him for me, but I could still hear Bryan screaming just from having to lay on the table.

The verdict from the x-rays was that the on call doctor didn't see a break.  She sent it in to radiology and a podiatrist to make sure, checked his foot one more time, then put his foot in a splint.  The pressure of the splint seemed to help his foot feel a little better.

The next day, we got a call saying there was for sure no break, and to leave the splint on until his appointment with the podiatrist a few days ago.  He was allowed to walk as much as he wanted, which was great.  I don't know how I would have been able to keep him off his foot.  He woke up the morning after ready to run.

The wrap on the splint did unravel a couple times.  When that happened, we were able to see that there was a deep bruise across his toes and his foot was still a little swollen.  We also took the opportunity to wash his stinky foot. (After a week of not washing it and having it covered like that, it was stinky.)

2 weeks was perfect for his follow up appointment.  When they cut the splint off, his foot was all healed.  Even better, was how easy it was on him.  Usually when he goes to the doctor, something not fun happens.  Shots, devices in his face, etc.  This time, they took the splint off, the doctor gave him a little foot massage and tickled it.  The nurse even took him for a walk outside the office when he asked to leave.  They had to see him walk anyway so the doctor said go for it.  End the visit with superman stickers, and he seems to be convinced that the doctor is great now.  He has been asking to go back.

I will say that with this pregnancy, I have missed my doctors in northern California. The doctors here are fine, just not the same as it was my first pregnancy.  That said, I am really appreciative of the doctors and nurses who took care of Bryan.  After the podiatrist called, the urgent care doctor called to check on us as well.  Just to see how Bryan was feeling and to make sure that we were able to get a hold of the other doctor and come up with a satisfactory plan for what to do next.  Kaiser rocks.

I am so glad to have this over and done with.  Unfortunately, my dad informed me that it is not the last time.

Easter 2016

I have been terrible at picture taking lately. The Hubby even got me a new SD card for my phone(16 GB baby) because I was taking so many, but now I hardly take any.  I know it is actually a good thing because I just have been staying away from my phone.  Bad thing is, it also means I didn't snap that many cute pictures for Easter.  (My charger for my fancy camera is STILL missing.  I need to bite the bullet and just buy one.)

 We celebrated Easter on Saturday at my parents house.  The morning was spent split up, getting ready.  The Hubby and I went to town to grab some fun stuff for the kids,(Well, we went for the kids, but Target was having buy one get one 1/2 off of cloths and shoes. oh well) while my mom picked up Bryan's cousins to play and decorate eggs.  My dad took Bryan to a livestock auction with my sister and our cousin(who is visiting for the week).  Sadly, they didn't bring home any baby goats this time. (Said my mom never.)

Because we were the last ones back, we missed the egg decorating, but I was told Bryan had fun.  Part of me wants to do it again this week just for fun.  The other part of me says, "I see no downside."

It was such a nice day out that, while we cooked watched mom cook, all the kids set up blankets and sat in the front yard.  After dinner, there was the Easter egg hunt for the kids, which Bryan actually understood this year.  He still needed Daddy and Papa's help a little bit, but he got what he was supposed to do.

Forever Papa's Boy

All in all it was a good day with family.  We left late that night for home so the Hubby could teach his Sunday school class.  We spent the actual Easter Sunday having an easy day recovering from our trip.  Usually we would try to have our own Easter festivities with just the 3 of us, but I just didn't have it in me to do the "fun stuff."  It still made for a good Easter.  Hubby had a good lesson with his kids, and we enjoyed relaxing time together.  Months ago we bought Bryan kid version of the scriptures, so we were able to read to him about Easter from those.  He paid attention a little more than usual, so I call it a win.
I hope next year I am a little more "with it" but for now, time spent with family is time well spent.

Gender Reveal Scratchers

"What are you having?" is always the question that is asked when you tell people you are pregnant. A friend of mine once joked about the question that follows.  The clarification of a boy or a girl.  What else could it be? "A boy, a girl or a tiger?"

Well this little one is a girl.  If you don't believe the sonogram, then believe my love of chocolate this time around.

Gender reveals can be a big deal.  Last time around, we announced it at Christmas by opening a blue baby gift.  This year, since we are so far from our family, we decided to mail them these cute little scratcher cards.

I found the idea while browsing pintrest.  The tutorial I used can be found here at Burlap and Babies.  She even has a free printable at the end. (for both girl and boy scratchers.)

this apple punch was the only punch I had that was big enough to cover the bow, so I worked with what I had.

My little helper

 The printable only turned out to be one card, so I threw it in my go to editing program and worked it around to this.

My tips for this cute little project.

• Baby soap worked in place of dish soap.(my dish soap is too runny)  That being said:
• TEST TEST TEST. preferably before you paint/cut/and assemble all of your scratchers.
• The tutorial says 2-3 coats of paint for a reason.
• 5-6 coats of paint is too many.
• If you are anxious about it being too transparent, maybe put a piece of colored paper in the corner of your contact paper to check while you add your layers.
• If you pay close attention to those tips, using clear contact paper is a great way to have your scratchers ready to just print and assemble.
• If you don't pay attention to them, don't worry, it also can be peeled right off.

In case you didn't get it from my tips, I used way too many coats of paint on the cards I sent out.  When I tested it with 3 coats, it worked perfectly with just a coin.  My final product? Not so much.  A coin didn't even dent it. Using a key just ripped it up.  Only way to get a good result was to use scissors.  But like I said, most of my loved ones said it peeled right off.

What are some of the ways you have seen, or have done yourself to for a gender reveal?  Any ideas you would love to do in the future?