Pickle Pina

I have seen the light!

2010-11-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

When you have a newborn baby or two, people always talk about the 3 month time or "the light at the end of the tunnel." When everything is supposed to get easier and your life will begin to feel normal again. Let me tell you, I have seen the light!

The twinados are 3 months old now. 3 months 4 days to be exact. We are getting longer stretches of sleep and starting to feel like we can survive this multiples business. The babies are rewarding us for our lack of sleep and crazy lives with smiles and occasional baby laughs. Life is good.

A lot has changed since I promised to starting blogging again over a month ago. Our once tiny, slightly under cooked preemies are now huge babies. Kinlee is over 12 lbs now and our Jett is over 11. Jett talks more than Oprah and our Miss K is more dramatic than anyone in Hollywood. She is bananas. I videoed her crying the other day (because that's what good moms do) and let her watch it. She seriously made her self cry watching her self cry. Wrap your head around that. My mom want a video of K watching herself on video. I'll get right on that. Eventually.

We have kinda figured out how to take these babies in public. For the longest time we would leave the house one at a time because braving the great outdoors can be overwhelming and exhausting. Just loading the car can be work. Now we just each strap on a baby and go. The babies love being in the Bjorn. They can look around and we can get some shopping done.

The biggest change is that I am back at work. I feel like I should be working here at home helping grow the minds of a future doctor and a future technology genius but, for our family a stay at home dad works best for now. Luckily, I picked a great dad for my kids and they are very happy with our decision.

That's all the time I have for now. Miss Kinlee is fighting sleep and I need to get things ready for tomorrow. Here's recent pictures of our twinados. Enjoy.

Time Flies When You're Sleep Deprived

2010-09-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

I look at my last post and it was when I had week old twinados. 5 weeks ago. It feels just like yesterday though. I have 6 week old babies now and they are getting so big. So much has changed since my last post.

At the time of my last post, I was only 1 week into motherhood and had a lot of help and was just getting to know my babies. I was blissfully unaware of what was to come. I was certain at that point that I would win awards for Mother of the Year and that I should start writing my parenting book on the Joys of Multiples. Umm...lets just say that soon after that post I got my reality check.

Nothing can prepare you for motherhood and then multiply that by two. I had no idea how tired I would be. How emotional I would be. And how frustrated at myself I would be. They don't tell you that info in all the books that I downloaded into the Kindle I purchased before the babies arrived because I was sure I would have so much time to read. Or maybe I just skipped those chapters because I was sure they didn't apply to me.

This Mommy business is the hardest job I've ever done. It's the most important thing I have ever taken on so that's why it's so hard. I worked so hard at the perfect schedule, being prepared with bottles, packing the perfect diaper bag. Let's just say I've relaxed a little. I actually took both babies to the pediatrician today and forgot wipes. I prayed the entire time for no dirty diapers.

Now at 6 weeks I am starting to feel normal again. You get used not sleeping. You get used to the crying and start to figure out which ones are the real deal and which ones are from our future Oscar winning drama queen. You get used to taking life 3 hrs at a time between feedings. And it's all worth it.

I love my new job. Nothing feels better than having a newborn on your shoulder. It amazes me how they can go from crying like crazy and I can put them close to me and it calms them, because I'm their Mommy. She makes me laugh all day because she is so dramatic. He makes me smile because his smile is so big it moves his ears.

So, now that I am kinda getting more used to my new role I will try to post more. I need to because one day I wont have newborn babies. They grow so fast and I want to have some thing to look back on and remember this time. But for now, I'm going to try to catch a couple hours sleep while I can.

Happy 1 week Twinados

2010-08-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe but, my babies are 1 week old (or they were yesterday). It has been the the most intense, difficult, happy, nerve wrecking week of my life. I will blog about they day they decided to arrive a different time. I just had a few minutes of blissful nap time and decided to share a picture.

They are so beautiful. I'm sure every mother says this but, I can't stop looking at them and I'm so lucky that I'm their mommy. They are completely different in every way. They don't look alike or act anything alike. Kinlee has become the most patient baby I have ever known. She started out bossy and demanding and has settled in and become sweet and tolerant and patient. I love her little face and her sweet, sweet eyes. Jett is my grouchy old man. He only weighs 4.11 and is officially above his birth weight. He has a thin face that is wrinkly and soft. He makes so many faces and is so full of expression. I see him to be my funny kid that will probably keep me on my toes.

I am sleep deprived, food deprived and the happiest that I have been in my entire life. I get so much joy from them. I feel overwhelmed outnumbered by the two babies but I'm so happy they came together and we all get to experience this together. I love my new, crazy life and I love being a mommy. So, Happy 1 Week Kinlee and Jett!

Ultrasound Update

2010-08-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

So, today I took the twinados for their 36 wk growth ultrasound. And grow they did. She is weighing in at a whopping 5.6 lbs and he is 5.5 lbs. That's about 11 lbs of babies, people! And we still have 2 weeks to go. I just hope that I don't end up like this Mom.

The babies look great and are measuring fine, except their heads. The tech that was scanning them said that they both have small heads, in the tenth percentile. I think she could tell this was freaking me out a little which prompted her to say "It's probably fine, you have a small head too." What the heck does that mean? I didn't know whether or not to be insulted or relieved.

I came home and told my husband the news of the day and I could see the fear in his eyes. His response? "So, what does that mean? Our kids look like Beetlejuice?" Wow babe, thanks for the sensitivity.

I have spent the majority of the evening doing internet research on tiny baby heads and what that could possibly mean. Apparently it's fine and tiny heads do not equal tiny brains. So, now it's just back to the waiting game. I'll keep you posted.

Tricky babies

2010-08-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

I just knew I was having babies today. I really did. I went as far as telling my mom and sister to go ahead and come this way because I was having 8-9-10 babies. As with most everything else in this pregnancy, I was wrong.

Most twins come between 34-36 weeks. Today is 35.4 weeks and it would have be a great day to have a couple kids. I was fully prepared to waddle into my OB's office for her to announce that this was the day and lets do this. I mean, just three weeks ago I was in the hospital for preeclampsia and they were planning on taking them that night. I guess I'm too successful with the house arrest. My blood pressure was better than it has been the entire pregnancy and there is no medical reason to take them.

I was just being selfish. 35.4 is too early. 36-37 is way better but 38 weeks freaks me out! These two probably weigh close to 6lbs each now. That is a lot of baby. I have actually lost weight because lil man is so high up in my abdomen that there is no room in my stomach and I can't eat too much!

I am planning (here I go again with my brilliant plans) to have my big kidney surgery just a few weeks after I have my babies. That's why I need them out! My FMLA is for 12 weeks and that's how I have my insurance (which is at 100%) so I am getting kinda panicky as I chill here at home waiting for these two to make their grand entrance.

My major life lesson throughout this pregnancy is "it's not about me" and being the stubborn girl that I am, this has been a difficult pill to swallow. So, I am going to sit back and be thankful for a little bit more time to prepare for them. I'm sure I will be missing this relaxing time in a few short weeks.

It's almost time!?!

2010-08-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday, August 7th and I am 35 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I am currently on "bedrest" which I have redefined as house arrest to accommodate my desire to "nest". I was admitted to the hospital a couple weeks ago for preeclampsia and that's why I have been ordered to take it easy.

So, I have been off work and here at the house organizing, cleaning, and starting to really freak out. My blood pressure has dropped a ton since I quit working but, I miss seeing everyone at my office. I miss solving problems, working with patients, and getting out of the house. It's hard to be a stay at home mom when your kids aren't here yet.

I also have a huge fear that my life is about to change and that I may not be ready for it. I have wanted to be a mom more than anything else for as long as I can remember but, now I'm nervous. I'm scared because I know that my life will never be the same and I hope I can adjust accordingly.

L and I have had a pretty great life so far. We have Jace twice a week and every other weekend so, we have had the joy of parenting but also got to enjoy newlywed life. Now, there will always be kids here. Will this change our relationship? Can we still make time for each other with newborn twins and a crazy 3.5 yr old?

I guess as with everything else, I will adjust and it will work out. I think (hope) these fears are normal and that they will pass once I see what I'm up against. It's the fear of the unknown.

Will I ever sleep again?

2010-06-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm officially terrified. These babies are going to be here really soon and I don't know if I'm ready. I'm almost finished with all the to do's to welcome them here (finishing their room, washing their clothes, accepting amazing gifts from family and friends) but, the mom stuff I'm worried about.

I just finished reading a blog of a friend of a friend. She is two weeks out with her darling little girl and she was writing about feeding and lack of sleep. I have been trying to research sleep schedules with twins but, I don't really think I know what I'm in for.

These two are supposed to eat every 2-3 hrs and it takes about an hr at a time!?! HOLY HECK! That's a lot of feeding and a little sleeping. I have a plan to feed and sleep them at the same time to get them on the same schedule but, that sounds terrifying.

L's mom will be helping me at first but, I need to figure this out on my own. I realize that I'm not the first mother to have twins and won't be the last so it can be done. I'm a notorious multi-tasker so I can do this. Just don't expect to see much of me during the first few months.

I need an intervention

2010-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Through out this pregnancy, I have become addicted to several different things. Here's a quick list

Cheesecake Snow cones

Water with tons of lemons (or lemon juice with a splash of water)

Icing-so gross (I kept a little container in the fridge and will eat it with a spoon)

Marshmallow creme stuff-so so gross (again with the spoon. I can't believe I just admitted that)

Grapes (sometimes with icing or marshmallow creme stuff)

Burger King chicken sandwiches (sometimes I wonder if I love The King more than I love L)

Maxi dresses-really long ones that cover my ankles
Flip Flops-because you don't have to bend over to tie them
My Old Navy workout shorts circa 1994 (They have become my maternity go to piece, not attractive but so so comfortable).
Etsy.com

I saved the best for last. I need help. I am constantly searching for things the babies might need on Etsy. I love love love the site. I love the handwritten thank you notes I get when my purchases come in. I love the prices. I love the reasonable shipping. I just love it.

Etsy makes me feel like I should be making something though. I just don't know what my creative, crafty, skill is. I keep trying new things but, if something doesn't come easy to me immediately, I give up. Not a good trait for a chick expecting twins very soon.

Let's just keep this a secret though. L is getting suspicious of all the little packages showing up. I just tell him it's for the babies without mention that it was purchased using a paypal account in my name. I can't wait to take pictures of the babies wearing all their handmade purchases.

Oh, in for the record, I just got the results of my gestational diabetes test and I PASSED! Yay! I was a little nervous with all of my addictions.

Still Growing

2010-06-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Member me? I have been the worst pregnant blogger ever. These babies are causing a weird form of writer's block. It's not that I don't have something to say or want to write, it's that there's so much that I get overwhelmed and don't do it.

We are 28.5 weeks along and doing very well. The babies weigh about 3lbs each and are kicking me like crazy! I remember wondering if I would ever feel them. Now, it's Dance Dance Revolution. They are doing the long pushy movements, not just kicking. It feels like they are running out of room (we all are).

I'm so excited to meet them. They make me really happy. I have wanted for so long to be a mom and was very happy being an Emmy. I didn't know if babies were in the plan for me but, I have been overwhelmingly surprised and blessed.

I remember feeling so scared and honestly a little sad when I found out two people sharing one birthday would be entering my life. Now, I can't imagine only having one to plan for.

The nursery is almost finished (pictures soon), the welcome home clothes have been purchased, and a c-section date has been set. They will be arriving at the latest 8/26/10 at 11:30 am. That seems like a reasonable time to have a baby or two. But, like most things in this pregnancy and my life so far, we might have a surprise in store and they might decide to move out early as many twinados do.

I'm really going to try to start posting again more. I will try not to get overwhelmed and put it off. I want to be able to share this huge experience with my family and my friends so I will try harder. At least I can blog with my feet up!

Our Family is Growing

2010-04-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we got a new table to accommodate the new additions to our family. I explained to Jace it was because our family was growing. At dinner this weekend I asked him if he liked the new table. He said that he did and that the reason we got the table was because he was getting bigger, Emmy was getting bigger and Daddy was getting bigger. Our family is growing.

I love the way he took what I said so literally and the bigger table was for bigger bodies, not for more people.

Guess who's in my belly!?!

2010-04-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, me and my babies had a little photo session with our favorite perinatolgist. Let me tell you that I had been a ball of nerves for a week. I am not one to sit back and let things happen. I NEED to know EVERYTHING. I really could not of cared on Wednesday what kinds of parts they had. I just needed a complete kidney count, a good look at their little noggins, and peace of mind that my kids are ok.

The technologist (who was amazing) could tell that I was anxious and agreed to let me see their kidneys first. I was born with 3 kidneys (none of which worked very well) and am down two one somewhat lazy one so, I wanted to make sure that they got L's fabulous pee parts and not mine. Hooray!! They did! Once I saw this, I was able to lay back and look at our babies.

L was working and could not be there for most of the scan. The tech saved the surprise for both of us until the end. She first look at my lower right side and announced It's a Girl! Visions of pink bows and tutu's danced in my head! We have a girl! Then as L stood anxiously, she scanned my upper left and announced It's a Boy! Can you believe it! We have another boy! I have never felt so fulfilled and blessed.

This whole time I have felt all of it is too good to be true. I don't know why I do this to myself but I kept waiting for something to go wrong or be wrong. Maybe it's the fact that I scan patients everyday and there are things wrong. Maybe it's that I have always had something medically to deal with and it is a normal thought for me to assume that there will always be something medically wrong. However, after this last scan, I have vowed to myself and my husband to RELAX. Sure there might be things be wrong but, there is nothing I can do except deal with it when or if it happens.

So here's to the rest of my pregnancy! I am 19 weeks along and starting to feel someone kicking my bladder. My belly is really starting to expand and I can no longer sleep in the superman position (face down arms up). We are tossing names around and trying to come up with a nursery suitable for both a boy and a girl. I like this part! Before we know it they will be here my new excuse for not being a faithful blogger won't be work it will be babies!

When he grows up...

2010-03-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

All little boys have hopes and dreams of what they want when they grow up. Our little man is has big dreams too. Big dreams to be able to say bad words.

After dinner tonight, Jace had an interesting question for me. "Emmy, when I turn 21 can I say bad words?" I had to think about this one for a second. "Well Jace, when you turn 21 you will be an adult so I guess you can say bad words if you really need to."

His response, "I will need to say bad words because sometimes grown ups get angry and need to say bad words."

What could I say to that? He is absolutely right. Sometimes grown ups do need to say bad words. And with his obsession with everything grown up (tie, pocket shirt, dress shoes, coffee cup) I guess cussing is just a natural extension of that.

I just hope that along with his desire to say bad words when he grows up will be a desire to maybe attend med school or save the planet too.

Our Tough Weekend

2010-03-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

We had a hard weekend. We spent Saturday afternoon until yesterday afternoon in the hospital. We're so glad to be home and sleeping in our own beds again.

As I have written about before, I have a kidney problem. I only have one and it doesn't always perform the way it should. We have known that at some point during the pregnancy I might have to have a procedure to take the pressure and work load off my kidney. I was hoping it would happen a little further along but, it was this weekend.

I went into the hospital on Saturday because I had a fever that I just couldn't seem to break. I was admitted because of the babies and my history. It was decided on Monday to put a Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tube in my kidney to help it drain and clear up the infection I had in it. It was a very painful procedure because it was done without any sedation and very little pain relief (basically it was numbed up and a tube put directly though my back into my kidney). I felt immediate relief from the tube placement.

The plan at this point is for me to wear the tube (with a drainage bag) until the babies are born and possibly have a reconstructive surgery as soon as I can. It is scary for all of us but, I will pull through this like I have a million times before.

The best part about it all is I got to check in with my kids a couple times. It's scary carrying them around doing big procedures and not knowing what the heck is going on in there. They did an Ultrasound on Saturday and the technologist is pretty sure of what we've got growing. I am very excited about this news but don't want to jinx it until my next Ultrasound and they can be certain of their parts. I will share the news as soon as I can.

I can tell you that my precious cargo is fine and growing very quickly. I was so happy to see those strong heartbeats and impressive karate moves. I can't wait to meet these two. I am so curious to know them. I hope they look and laugh like their daddy. I hope they think like me. I hope they are strong babies with no kidney or other issues.

Keep us in your prayers. I will keep you posted.

Big Big News

2010-03-01T21:30:00.000-08:00

We have big, big news. It's actually news squared but I don't know how to make that symbol.

We are having TWINS. Yep, two kids at once. I have known this for about 6 weeks and I still can't fully wrap my head around it. I was shocked to find out that I was pregnant and then when she said two I think I blacked out. I nearly did. She was doing the ultrasound and all I could think was "please don't find three."

I was waiting to tell everyone until I got the ok from my perinatologist. That's the doctor you see when you have more kids in you than kidneys. Everything looks great for all of us. (That's weird to type). My kidney is in better shape now than before I started growing babies. I feel fantastic.

I have an app on my phone that tells me how big they are and what's going on in there. Every week it tells me the approximate size of my babies by comparing them to fruits. So, now I call Fridays "Fruit Salad Fridays." It's become my new favorite day of the week. This week I have peaches.

I will add some pictures soon. I just wanted to drop a quick note to say all is well and two more Pinas will be joining us on or around 9/9/10.

What'd you say?

2009-11-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

Parenting makes you say the craziest things. I would have never guessed the things I am constantly saying to Jace now. It's amazing how many times a day I say "what's in your mouth?"

I said something I would have never guessed I would have to say tonight. Jace and I make cupcakes (and a huge mess) after dinner tonight. When he finally got to eat his, he was really excited and dropped a lot of it on the floor. Next thing I knew, I see Jace on the floor eating what he dropped like a puppy. I actually had to say "No sir Jace, we do not eat of the floor." Wow.

Well hello there, Mr. Senator

2009-11-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

You know that rule in the parenting handbook that says something like, never leave your child alone in the car EVER. Well, I broke it and the government came after me.

On Saturday, I was trying to get Jace to his fashion show on time and realized that I had left the camera in the house. My man was not able to attend Jace's show and I knew that he was counting on me to take pictures. So, I turned around and went back to the house. At this point we were really running late so I had a huge decision to make. Leave the boy strapped in his car seat for 2 minutes while I run in to get the camera, or take him in with me.

Getting a 2 year old in and out of the car is a huge production. Just buckling the seat is a big deal. So, I asked Jace if he would be ok in the car for a couple minutes and we both agreed it would be ok. I locked the door and ran up to the house. I was in the house just long enough to grab the camera and an extra pair of shoes for him, and I was on my way back out to the car.

As I opened the front door I saw this strange official looking man standing on my porch. My heart dropped as I knew I would be arrested for child neglect.

Me: Can I help you sir?

Strange man: Oh, hello! I am your state Senator and I am going door to door meeting the neighborhood.

Oh heck! What are the chances of my Senator wanting to hang out while I am running way late with my boy alone in the car? I explained that I was running really late and that I would look him up online as I walked him down the driveway. The whole time I was terrified he would look in the car and see Jace.

Luckily, my Senator got back in his car and drove without incident. I guess I learned my lesson though. I will not be leaving the boy alone in fear of the government showing up at my door again.

We're married!!!!

2009-10-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

As my favorite rap artist Jay-Z would say, allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Stacee Osborn Pina. I am wife to Larry Pina (or LL as Carly would say) and Emmy to the fabulous Jace Pina. We are officially married and happy here in Phoenix.

Last weekend we all got married in Vegas. For those of you who didn't receive an invitation, this is what ya missed.

The only thing I wanted people to say when asked about our wedding is that it was FUN. I think we succeeded. It wasn't just fun, it was crazy fun. I was surrounded with so much love and by so many of the most important people in my life. I am blessed.

I was escorted down the aisle by the dashing Jace Pina, who remembered his most important line, "I do" and then proceeded to be extremely well behaved and polite. L and I were able to stand in front of our friends and family and finally say our most important lines, "I do." And now I'm a wife and step to some amazing boys.

It is such a good feeling to be back here and settling down again. I have so many things to share and pictures to show. I could blog for days. But, I have a stack of thank you's to write and laundry to do. So, I leave you for now with the first picture of my new family.

I'm still alive

2009-09-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my lack of blogging recently. I have been super, super busy. I am getting married in 6 weeks ya know.

Since I last posted, I have been to Denver and back (barely made it back alive-thanks Shalee), stuffed and addressed 100 wedding invitations, helped Kai celebrate his first birthday, and had an amazing wedding shower myself. Needless to say, I will be blogging on all of the above in the coming days.

I do have to say that I am shocked right now. I am watching our boy doing something I have never seen before. He's watching TV! He will occassionally sit through about 30 seconds of Handy Manny but he has been still for about 10 minutes now watching Shrek. That's why I am able to post something now.

So, I will get pictures ready of our busy past few days (weeks) and have them post soon.

What happens after 3?

2009-08-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Luckily, Jace can't read yet so I can tell you a secret.

I have no idea what happens after 3. You know, when you've exhausted all of your parenting tricks for discipline and start counting. On Sunday, Jace was in time out but kept getting off the red rug (our time out spot of choice). He was already in time out so I had no where to go with this and I started count. I sounded very much like my mother and said 1...2... and I lucked out when he hopped back on the rug and said "ok, ok, ok, I on the rug."

I must have had an "I mean it" look on my face but I had no idea what to do if I were to have reached 3. I'm so glad he didn't call my bluff on this.

Saving? : (

2009-08-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to save money...again. My man is the best saver ever and we'll be sharing finances soon. I'm scared. Now he will know my deep dark spending secrets. I have about 2 months to get my financial act together.

I'm a weird shopper. I wear scrubs to work everyday so, I really don't buy a lot of clothes. I buy random stuff that I can't possibly live without at the time and then never use it. I found this adorable little picnic basket at Target and thought I couldn't live another day without it. I had visions of us in Sedona with cute little sandwiches on a blanket in the sun-this never happened. It is sitting on the floor next to the cabinet in the kitchen.

My man has talks with me about my purchases and what we should do with them. He uses words like "consolidate" and "down-size" during these discussions. I usually nod my head and promise to work on it-soon.

So wish me luck. I've got to get it together by October 17th when I officially become a Pina. Til then, visions of picnic baskets and shiny pink bicycles dance in my head.

A quote from this evening

2009-08-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

"I how know to open it by myself"
Jace Pickle Pina-about peeling an orange

At the car wash

2009-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Jace loves, loves, love going to the car wash. One Saturday, I took him for breakfast, took him to the train park and finally to the car wash. We had a great day and both were so happy. That evening when I put him down to bed, I asked what his favorite part of the day was. His answer: the car wash. Not the hours at the park, not the special breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, the car wash.

We had to get stop and fill the car up last night and Jace spotted his favorite place on earth. "Please go to the car wash! Please!" How could we say no? And we really needed it.

When we were inside he could not sit still. He said he was so happy!! That makes me so happy too. He loves the spinny things and the big dryer at the end.

It's the little things.

Sasha Fierce

2009-08-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

I'm going to speak my mind tonight.

I have 1 semi-functioning, lazy kidney. I shouldn't call her lazy. She has been on her own for 31 yrs now fighting the good fight. And now she's getting tired. I can't blame her. She's like the single mom who's never received child support. I will call her Sasha Fierce. Like Beyonce.

Well, Sasha Fierce decided to be a party pooper this weekend. It happens from time to time. She gets tired and need attention and flares up. Usually in the middle of the night, I think just to make my man tired. Because he's the one who has to take me to the ER or urgent care for treatment for Sasha Fierce.

We were in Yuma this weekend for Aunt Mary's retirement/birthday party. All the closest family was there (all 3,000 of us) having a great time. I was having a hard time with it all. I just wanted to lay down but, Aunt Mary doesn't retire or have a birthday everyday so, there I was, pretending like my only kidney wasn't trying blow up inside of me. Stupid Sasha Fierce.

We of course, ended up talking to a doctor who frankly, didn't know what to do with me and Sasha and said to call my regular urologist during the week.

I don't normally complain about all of this. But, this is supposed to be the best time of my life and my dumb, lonely kidney wants to steal the show. I will go into logistics about why she's the single parent in my body and what's physically wrong with her later. Tonight, I just wanted to vent.

Fine by me

2009-08-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, I blogged about the challenges of raising a 2yr old. Today, I'll talk about the blessings.

We had a great night with the little pickle. I usually spend the majority of my time with him chasing, tickling, or doing other activities that involve too much energy. Last night, he wanted to just talk.

I love, love, love this age! His dad wanted to take him to the store but, he said "No Daddy, I want to stay with Emmy." Fine by me.

I poured myself a bowl of Special K and left the room momentarily. When I returned there he was, in my seat, eating my cereal. I asked if he wanted me to pour him some and he said " I want mine like yours, Emmy." Fine by me.

After dinner we both sat on the couch and just talked. Our conversation was nothing spectacular, just questions like "Where's daddy's other red phone?" "Why does daddy have this phone now?" "Emmy, did you have a red phone too?" "Can I have a red phone?" He just wanted to talk. Fine by me.

These moments are going too fast. I want to take it all in and remember every second. We don't have that much time while they're little. I miss this age already. If he wants to be little forever, that's fine by me.

We have noise in our house again!!!

2009-08-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

He's baaaackk!!!

Finally, there is noise in our house again. Jace has been in South Dakota with his Mom since last Thursday and we finally have him back!

We have missed the constant drumming and singing and questions. It's really quiet when he's gone. And, we think he grew another inch.

I would take a picture of our even bigger boy but, our camera is spending time with the Geek Squad at Best Buy. Jace was taking pictures and it the zoomer thingy wont come out anymore.

I am watching him ride his tricycle (motorcycle as he calls it) around the house now. I have missed this scene. Wait, he just got in trouble for trying to let the air out of his bicycle with a screwdriver. I have not missed that. So, it's now officially business as usual for us.

Please, Please, Please, go to bed

2009-08-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

No one ever told me it would be easy. I just didn't realize that it would be this hard. What could I possibly be talking about?

Cue scary music...

THE TERRIBLE TWOS!

For a while, I thought we would just skip it. Then, I thought those little cranky moments were it, now I know. We are smack dab in the eye of a terrible twos hurricane. And I'm tired.

Here are a few examples of the Twos.

The "NO!!!" -This is typically used in public settings as a way to show you who's really in charge.
The "Back-bending tantrum"- My personal favorite. The child will usually use this punishing tactic on the parent after the parent has denied the child yet another toy, or candy, or anything else the child can't possibly live without.
The "I wanna sleep in YOU bed"- Our current issue. I can hear the sound of little feet sneaking down the hall now. This refusal to sleep alone can last up to our current record of 1 hr and 45 minutes.

I keep telling myself, It's just a phase and he"ll be three in November. So, I'm hoping on the morning of November 27th, I will wake up to a mature and well behaved three year old and this will all be a memory. Right?

His first fashion show.

2009-08-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Jace was asked to participate in Dillard's Children's Fashion Show. We spent the week practicing his walk and his turn at the end of the runway. He had it down pretty well and was very excited for the show.

Of course, I couldn't find my camera that morning but, Jace's mom emailed us some pictures she took. Here's our little model.

Potty Talk

2009-07-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

Someday he might hate me for this...

I can't help it...

It's too funny...

Potty Conversations With Jace

This past Sunday, the three of us went shopping. Not regular people shopping, Nordstrom's Last Chance shopping. I really don't enjoy this. I don't like shopping in heavy crowds and especially in unorganized stores.

If you don't know about Last Chance, here's my brief description.

Nordstrom's is known for their very generous return policy. They'll take anything back. I've even heard a story about a lady returning tires there. So, they have to have some place to sell all of this returned stuff. Enter Last Chance.

This store is known for their amazing deals and aggressive shoppers. My man has bought his entire wardrobe there and he looks good. Because of the amazing deals, you have crazy shoppers. They can be mean and pushy. Before they open the doors, they warn everyone of the consequences of aggressive shopping. I don't enjoy shopping here.

While Larry was off doing his non-aggressive shopping, me and the little pickle were left to shop on our own. Then there was an announcement...

"I need to go POOP!"

Flash to my face becoming beet red and me scrambling with Jace to the exit.

On the way to the bathroom I was starting to feel lucky. After all, I had managed to get out of that crazy store. So, up the escalator (with "I do it, don't help me" comments), past two water fountains (drinks from both) and into the bathroom we go.

Once in the bathroom, I placed two of those potty covers down, dropped his pants and placed him on the potty.

This was our conversation.

"Emmy, I need my shirt off"

"No Jace, leave it alone"

"But it hurts my tummy if it's on."

"Ok, fine, give me your shirt."

What's the deal with nakedness on the potty? He likes to have all his clothes off when he has to handle business. I don't get it.

"Emmy, go away."

"I can't go away. We are in a public bathroom. You have to let me stay this time."

"Turn around" was his solution.

Here's the visual. Handicapped stall, Jace naked on the potty with my back turned to him.

And of course, the door didn't lock well.

So, into our stall walks a lady who quickly apologizes but not before she gives me the strangest look I've ever seen. We must have been a sight.

During this seemingly never-ending process, Jace gave commentary on his fellow pottiers.

"Oooh, somebody flushed!"

"Do you hear somebody potty?"

On, and on....

Finally, he was finished. And with the wash of his hands, and the 5oo automatically dispensed paper towels, we were off.

He's going to really hate this blog someday.

Watch out Elton John

2009-07-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Umm...Elton John called and he wants his glasses back.

I purchased a fabulous pair of summer sunglasses for $5, and they have been claimed by the littlest member of our house. Jace will put my glasses on and just stare at himself in the bathroom mirror (I caught him doing this today). I have to hand it to him, they do look pretty great.

It gets better.

I heard Jace in his playroom banging on the piano. "HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES" was being sung at the top of his lungs. I turned the corner and saw this fabulous sight...

The straw is his microphone. He thought of that all by himself!! I am constantly amazed.

Granted, Twinkle Twinkle is no Crocodile Rock, but he's on his way!!!

Cranky Chicken

2009-07-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Jace is a very clever little boy. For a while, when he would get in trouble, he named himself "Jack." He was Jace when he was good and Jack when he was bad. We even caught ourselves yelling "JACK" when he was into something he shouldn't be.

I have about 15 other names for Jace. My favorite is "Cranky Chicken." I call him this when he wakes up from a nap or from sleeping. He's not a morning person (like his Dad) and his hair is usually 20 different directions.

This is an example of our Cranky Chicken. This picture was taken post nap last week.

The Pina High

2009-07-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am still on the I just got engaged, bout to be a Pina high. This usually in involves me staring at the ring or being really blissful about my relationship.

I am fully aware that this may be sickening to people around me. I will try to do the ring staring in the privacy of my home (this is the best place to stare at it, usually on the couch with my arm extended so my fingers don't look so wrinkly). And I will try not to get all sappy, happy, and weirdly blissful about us and how after all this time we finally are getting married.

I do know this Pina high may be short lived. I am already having the creeping anxiety of wedding planning trying to kill my Pina buzz.

In the meantime, I will continue to say my future name (in my head so people don't throw up), sneak peeks of my ring, and try to help you all survive dealing with me for the duration of the Pina high.

Ice in Arizona

2009-07-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please.....

WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!

There was a rare ice storm in Arizona in the middle of July and it landed on my left ring finger!!

Looking at the pictures gives me a greater appreciation for hand models. My wrinkly fingers are not very photogenic.

We have picked 10/17/09 as the date and Vegas as the location.

Shhhhh!!!!

2009-07-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

I have a secret!

It's killing me right now not to just say what it is but, I have to wait for the right time.

I am terrible at secrets. Nothing makes me happier than figuring out a surprise someone has planned for me or guessing what a gift is. I am the same when it comes to me keeping secrets. I just want to yell right now in caps lock and let everyone know what it is. However, I will wait until the right time to share it with everyone.

In the meantime, Mom, Shalee, Lynn, PJ, Larry and Jace...shhhh!!!

The Whole Enchiladas!

2009-07-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

What a night! I attempted and was successful in making enchiladas!

"Oh wow, " is what most of you might be thinking. But, most of you reading this have probably been making enchiladas since you were 2. It's a big accomplishment for me.

Let me first of all begin by saying, I will no longer simply order enchiladas and pay my $3-$5 and enjoy my dinner. I will appreciate every bite! It took me 3 hours!!!!! Larry was cleaning Jace's closet (that's his obsession, cleaning closets and pantries) and I began what he told me would be a 15 min process. He came to check on me an hour later to see a huge mess and about 15 rolled enchiladas.

"What are you doing?" he said.

"What does it look like, making enchiladas!"

"Why are you doing it like that?"

"Like what?" I say, at this point annoyed and sweating.

"Rolling them, I don't do that. It takes too long."

"Wow, get back to the closet. Romero's and everywhere else rolls their's and so will I!"

Not willing to admit defeat, I rolled on. This was the finished product,

After our delicious dinner, we played a game with Jace. The game was a father's day gift from Mr. Jim and Miss Beth at Jace's school. They are some of the most thoughtful and creative people I know. I am amazed everytime I pick Jace up at the structure and well balanced playful environment they provide. They are a gift to our most important boy and we are thankful for them every day!

For father's day they took pictures of Jace and made them into a matching game. This was an amazing Father's Day gift. Not only is is a great game to help Jace concentrate and focus, it is something that we will always treasure because it is such a good idea and we all love it.

Jace had a hard time understanding the rules the first few times we played but, once he figured it out, he was so exicted!

High five for Daddy! It is so exciting for me to see Jace figure something out and think through an issue. I can almost see the light bulb going off in his little head!

I feel so blessed to have each day with these boys. I love my life and would not trade it for anything in the world!

Just my luck...again

2009-06-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have had terrible luck when it comes to my vehicles since moving to Phoenix. I have had a CD player stolen, a Jeep window slashed in a break in, and my Jeep stolen and recovered. I thought by switching vehicles with my parents and driving their Tahoe that my bad luck would end. I was wrong.

On Monday morning, I was doing my usual running late, hurry-up-get-to-work marathon, when I tried to use the keyless entry to the car. I was bummed that it wouldn't open, but just unlocked it my self instead. The first thing I noticed, was that the front seat was a disaster. I thought Larry might have been looking for something so I proceeded with trying to start the car. Turned the key, nothing happened. By this point, I was getting extremly frustrated. Minutes were passing and I needed to get to work.

I was headed to the house to get Larry to jump the car, and I noticed the hood was popped. I ran into the house and grabbed Larry to come out. He opened the hood and saw that every cord that goes to the battery had been cut. I was baffeled. I didn't understand why someone would cut the battery cords when they were trying to steal a car. Wouldn't it be easier just to drive it?

Larry started looking around the car and realized our thieves were not trying to steal the whole car, they just wanted our third row seat! Of all the things to steal, a third row seat? They didn't want my cute pink jacket or Jace's toys? Larry explained that these seats are a hot item to steal now. It's an easy steal and you can get $400-$500 at a swap market or on Craigslist.com.

I just wish they could have taken the seat without cutting the battery cords. They did this to stop the alarm from going off. We had to get it towed (Jace thought this was very exciting) and are waiting to find out the extent of the damage. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, remove your third row seat if you're not using them in your cars. I guess they could make a nice couch if you need it. Put it on the front porch. I'm sure it will look really classy.

Daddy's little helper

2009-06-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of having a 2.5 yr old in the house is all the help we get. Granted, this help sometimes means everything takes a little longer.

We encourage Jace to be as independent as possible and one of the best ways of doing this is giving him specific chores. Jace is responsible for making sure that all of the lights are off before we leave the house and helps pick up his toys.

Tonight Jace helped his Daddy make hot dogs. (My camera had issues so these are blurry but I didn't want to miss this).

Jace had his apron and his tongs and he was ready!

Larry let Jace carefully help him put the dogs on the grill.

The hot dogs were delicious. Jace takes after his Daddy and is a great cook!

After dinner there was a small head bumping incident and Jace got a a little goose egg.

But, within minutes he was fine again.

I'm feelin hot, hot, hot?

2009-06-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

It is summer in Phoenix. However, we have been talking about how great the weather has been and how nice this summer is going.

I just checked the weather channel and our temperature is currently 103 degrees. To the rest of the country this is not "mild" weather but extreme heat. But to us, it's a beautiful day. So get out there and enjoy the "dry heat" of this perfect day.

The other Father in my Life

2009-06-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

On Friday I gave a shout out to my Dad for Father's day, so today I need to honor the other Father in my life. Happy Father's Day Larry!

I have a great guy who embraces his role as a father and puts his son first.

Jace adores his Daddy! He loves "helping" his Daddy around the house. Or just watching tv.

Jace's Daddy is great at building box houses.

And hanging out.

Happy Father's Day Babe! Keep up the good work!

Father's Day Fiesta

2009-06-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

We began our Father's Day celebration with a Fiesta at PJ and Lynn's house. On the menu was every one's favorite....STREET TACOS!

Larry is an amazing cook so I volunteered his services. I picked a great guy. Not only is he super cute but he can cook too!

It was a fun night. It's funny how the men always end outside around the grill...

And the women gather in the kitchen.

Kai demonstrated his new GI Joe army crawl.

Tessa was a beautiful princess, as usual!

And Jace found a way to turn a tierra into an alien mask.

He also taught us that the best way to fly a plane is to do so wearing oven mitts.

Thanks PJ and Lynn for having us over tonight. It's always fun to get the family together!

Flashback Friday- Happy Father's Day DAD!!

2009-06-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is my DAD

I am the luckiest girl in the world to have been blessed with such an amazing father.

Because of my parents, I am who I am today.

Look how handsome he is!

To everyone else he is Big Wayne. Someone respected, admired and looked to. I feel so proud that he is my DAD.

He has taught me so many lessons in my life.
He has taught me independence, self worth, respect for others, the value of hard work, and the importance of family.

Anytime I have a problem, a question, or need advice I still run to my DAD for help.

I will never be able to express to him how much I value him in my life. The greatest compliment I think I can give him is to raise my children the way he raised me. If I am successful in this, I will have achieved my goal as a parent.

Thank you DAD so much for all you have given to me and have done for me. I love you more than I could ever tell you.

Happy Father's Day!!

A Conversation with Jace

2009-06-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is a conversation I had with Jace in the airport Monday night.

He was tossing his toy plane around the waiting area when he yelled,

"Oooo, there's poop!" "Don't touch it!"

This got the attention of everyone else in the area. I quickly got Jace and tried to find said poop.

Much to my relief, on the floor was a piece of chocolate.

"Who would do that?" I asked him.

He answered "Jace."

"Jace wouldn't poop on the floor" I said.

"It must have been the naughty kids" he said running away from "the poop".

These are little conversations that go on in our lives everyday.

More about California

2009-06-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, I will try to wrap up the rest of our trip in today's post. It sounds crazy but I am still tired from the vacation!

We stayed at the Knott's Berry Farm Resort. The best thing about our hotel was that you could see the roller coaster from the patio of our room. Jace would look at the roller coaster and say "don't be scared Daddy."

We had a large group of family with us. Larry's parents, PJ, Lynn, Tessa, Kai, Tanae, Jamie, Aunt Nelly and Uncle Phil, Gina, Aunt Yoli and Uncle Victor, Michael, James, Katie, and Isa, and Aunt Mary and Mikhail were all there so we occupied what seemed like most of the ground floor.

Once we checked in and were settled, Larry and I had a date night. His parents gave us tickets to California Adventure and volunteered to watch Jace for the night so we were set.

This is the two of us on a ride.

We had a great night and were able to get Jace his first pair of ears.

I have a confession... I slipped and let "Vacation Emmy" take over my parenting duties the next morning. I let Jace have cotton candy before breakfast.

I promise that this doesn't go on in our everyday life. I couldn't help it.

After that, we were off to HOLLYWOOD!! I was very excited to go and when I told Jace he was really excited too. I couldn't figure out why a 2 yr old would be so excited about Hollywood. Then he said "We're going to HARLEYWOOD!!" It suddenly hit me that he thought we were going to somewhere to see motorcycles and not movie stars! Of course he was excited.

Finally, it was the day we had all been waiting for.... Knott's Berry Farm day!! We got up early, ate a real breakfast (no cotton candy), and were ready to go!

On this very big day Jace was able to fulfill so many of his dreams!

He got to drive a car...

Fly a plane...

and his favorite...Drive a truck

He would have stayed on the trucks all day.

We left the park with one exhausted little boy.

Grandpa and Nana drove us back to the airport and it was time to head back to Phoenix. On the way home the plane hit a little turbulence and Jace raised his hands and said "woo woo" just like on the roller coasters.

Thank you so much Art and Margaret. We had an amazing weekend and look forward to doing it again. We love you so much and appreciate all you do for us.

More California Dreamin

2009-06-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have so many great things to write about our trip. I will try to to give you the shortened version. Nana and Grandpa Guero(pronounced- "huero" or "weddo") picked us up from the airport and Jace was so excited to see them. It had been about six weeks since they had seen Jace he had grown so much since then. He always wants to wear a "pocket shirt" like Grandpa and loves, loves, loves, them both so much. Nana and Grandpa used to live in California and so they were fantastic tour guides. Our first stop was Seal Beach. We walked around the shops and had quick lunch before we hit the beach. Then we walked down the pier and narrowly escaped being hit by a fish that a lady had just caught on her pole. Jace found all of this to be fascinating and wanted to fish too.

We walked down to the ocean and it was time for Jace to catch some waves. He was a little unsure of the ocean. I can't blame him. The water was really cold. Jace got his shorts wet and wanted to take them off, so for the rest of the day our little rockstar wanted to wear nothing but his sunglasses and chonies.

It was another great day and Jace was so happy!

Our Amazing California Adventure.

2009-06-15T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I decided to start a blog to keep you up to date with our busy lives. The name Pickle Pina is something Jace and I made up. I would ask his name and he would say it was Jace Pickle Pina. So Larry became Daddy Pickle Pina and I am Emmy (extra mommy) Pickle Pina.

We had the best weekend ever!! We did more in the past three days than most families do in a three week vacation. We are all exhusted but have so many amazing memories. I will be posting pictures of our trip over the next few days.

The first big adventure began with Jace's first plane ride. He had been so excited about the plane. We had been counting the days until his first big flight. On the way to the airport his job was to watch for planes in the sky and lookout for our plane.

Once we had parked the car, taken the bus to our terminal, and made it through security I was ready to head back home. Trying to take a curious two year old through security along with my purse, Jace's backpack and two carry on bags is no small task. The TSA agent asked Jace for his driver's license and he said "I rode the bus" which was a very smart answer.

This is Jace watching planes getting ready. He could have stayed there all day.

The 3 weeks leading up to this big ride required much bargaining on my part. Jace is very wise for his age. First, he said he didn't want to ride the plane and said that he wanted to ride the "heliplopter." I told him that we had to take the plane and he said that HE would "drive it." Those of you who know Jace will know that he has a history of trying to drive so this desire is not unusual for him. I countered his offer with an offer to let him buckle his own seatbelt and we had a deal.

Once buckled in we were off. Here's Larry and Jace.

Here's a picture of me and Jace.

He kept busy during the flight by drinking soda

And listening to Bob Marley

It was a very good flight and I was very proud of him for being so well behaved. Since it was his first flight the nice flight attendant gave him a certificate, luggage tag, crayons, playing cards and anything else she could find in the Southwest swag drawer.

My favorite part of the flight was about half way through when he turned to me and said "I'm all done with the airplane" and he was ready to get off the plane.