Back to our regularly scheduled break

Hooray, Deona's finished with school and we're back to enjoying our summer break! We took to the boys to the waterpark on Monday; Everett willingly wore his waterwings as he's realized wearing his wings = lots more freedom. I didnt count the number of times we floated the lazy river, but I bet it was somewhere between 10 & 12 times. That's a lot of kicking and stroking for a new swimmer. Everett did amazingly well and was exhausted by the time we headed home.

We stopped at McDonalds to pick up a cheeseburger for Ev as we knew our hungry boy would be ready for his afternoon nap as soon as we returned home.   Obviously he wore himself out!  I love our waterpark.

Later that evening, Debbie treated us to a wonderful dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse to celebrate Deona finishing her coursework for her Master's degree. WooHoo!!! Thanks Debbie for a wonderful AND delicious evening. :)

Who you callin' sensitive?

Seems our sweet baby boy gets his feelings hurt quite easily.  A pouty lip and a full-on cry is enevitable when there are sudden noises around Emory.  Lately, he's become quite upset with a sneeze, elevated talk and even vacuuming. Well one things for sure, Emory's in good shape for the ladies.  Seems most LOVE a man who is in touch with their sensitive side. 

Moving and Changes

Well, we actually gave serious thought to moving south (preferably near water); especially since Deona applied for several assistant principal positions this summer. After careful consideration, it seems best that we stay put for at least one more school year, as breaking our lease could cost a RIDICULOUS amount of money.

In the meanwhile Deona will continue to teach spanish while I consider the possibility of going back to work. I use the word, "consider" as putting the boys in daycare is a difficult decision for us. I am also considering taking a continuing ed course at the university. I have a few ideas floating around in my head, which will compliment the voices. :) SO we'll see what our future has in store and we'll of course keep posting about any changes that come our way.

CHEEKS!

Just like Mama...being outside = red cheeks. :o)

Potty Training Update

Since Deona is finished with school we've moved on to big boy underwear. Though Everett's been consistent going potty, he still isn't telling us when he needs to go. Again, we decided to start potty training because given the opportunity, Everett would find any reason to rip off his diaper (soiled or not). We're flexible with our attempts so if it doesnt happen this time around, we'll give it another go down the road. Until then, Ev's doing great! Here are two photos of Ev being his silly self wearing training pants over his underwear. :)

Peek-A-Boo!

Emory's Reflux

Though he still spits up daily, it’s better, he’s sleeping and he’s a much happier baby.

Emory and Aunt Schneider

Swimming Lessons - Last Class

I was so excited to show up for Everett’s last swimming lesson last 6/17 so I could record and share his progress over the two week period. Sadly, he was a brat.

Deona and I both thought it was because I was there. Even in my attempts to hide behind bushes and the hanging towels on rails, Ev managed to find me and cried because I was not swimming with them. Even so, I was able to get a few seconds of video. Again, I will tell you we were very pleased with the lessons and extremely satisfied with his progress.

Swimming without "water wings".

Ms. Ruhde gives Deona a "mama break" while Ev cools down.

On Thursday the children wore "water wings" to start swimming on their own. Ms. Ruhde thinks "water wings" are acceptable to wear until age 3.

4 more days of stress

Well, we’re in the final stretch. In a few days (this Sunday), Deona will be done with school and will have a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. Though you may not have recognized the stress she’s been under, these past few months have been incredibly tough for Deona; balancing pregnancy, motherhood, teaching and school. Last weekend Deona passed the “Principal’s Practice Test” in San Antonio, TX. Passing the practice test is a requirement and prerequisite to taking the official test in October. Congratulations Deona, I’m incredibly proud of you!

Potty Training Update

Here we are, week 2 in potty training and Everett is doing great! I really didn’t expect him to do so well, but we are well on our way to big boy underwear. He has been quite successful going #1 in the toilet. This past weekend, Everett went #2 in the toilet for the very first time. He is currently wearing pull-ups; we’ll transition to big boy underwear on Monday (after Deona’s finished with school). “Potty prizes” are no longer necessary, Everett prefers watching Mommy do a silly dance while shouting, “EVERETT WENT WEE WEE!! EVERETT WENT WEE WEE!!” He likes the celebration so much, he’ll force himself to pee again for an encore. I know, it’s ridiculous, but it works!

Coo-ing & Talking

Emory has been smiling, cooing and laughing quite a lot. We love the moments when he appears to be concentrating really hard then he surprises us when he lets out a big ‘ol “AAH OOO!”

Everett’s been talking more than usual. Often times he is pretend spelling. For example, while he and I waited in the car in the Walgreen’s parking lot he started reciting the letters on the side of the drugstore building. "A, E, E, B, T!!" Though he only got the "E"s correct, he gets an A for effort! Ev knows many words but often times he says the word backwards. For example, the word “eat” sounds like “tea” and “dog” sounds like “god”. He does not repeat words when we ask him to. We're looking forward to our first Speech Therapy appointment next Wednesday (June 30th). We’ll update progress and news next Wednesday.

Thank you Sal, Traci, Ben & Ethan for Emory's adorable onesies, we really like them and they fit him perfectly. xoxo

Yes today is Wednesday....

....and I havent made our weekly post. Deona is currently in final week of school (she will officially have her Master's Degree in hand very soon), which means I have very limited access to our computer. :) I'll do my best to post to our blog later today *fingers crossed* and HOORAY for Deona. More about this news soon!

Sometimes....

...our boys look nothing alike. Other times, it feels as if I'm looking at the same baby boy.

Emory's 2 months & check up!

Today was Emory's 2 month visit with the pediatrician. Our little chunk weighed 15 pounds, 3 ounces and measured off the curve, which means he is greater than 100th percentile. He was 24.5" in length and in the 95th percentile. Again this means when compared to 100 boys his age, Emory would be the heaviest and 5th from the tallest.

Ev helps Mama feed Emory while we wait for Doc.

He also received three vaccines for Hepatitis B, Polio, Pneumoccocal Disease, Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertusis, Rotavirus and Hib. We also let her know about his accident this weekend and after a thorough examination she determined he looked and sounded great.

Emory - 2 months old (photo taken 6/10/10)

Everett's 2 year check up

Today Ev weighed 30 pounds, 8 ounces and measured in the 75th percentile and was 36.5" in length and in the 90th percentile.

He also received four vaccines and didn't like it one bit. :o( Broke our hearts.

Everett's 2 year appointment was very thorough and allowed us to ask many questions including Ev's diet, speech, and potty training. We expressed some concern that Everett is using fewer words than six months ago and also we've had concerns that he doesn't like to eat. To ease our minds, Doc gave us a referral to see a speech therapist for an assessment. Additionally, she didn't feel any concerns with Everett's diet. She noted 2 year olds with hearty appetites are hard to find. We are on schedule with potty training and she suggested we blow through the pull-ups and start wearing big boy underwear. YIKES! Not sure Ev's moms are ready for that. Guess it's time to stock up on big boy underwear. :)

Swim Lessons Update

Tomorrow (Thursday) is Everett's last day in swim lessons this session. I wish i had made a video on his first day, because I am in awe with the progress he has made these two weeks. While practicing at our pool today, a lady commented how well Ev was doing and also asked how old he was. I am so proud of Ev and the willingness he has shown to learn. :o) Check back next Wednesday for pics and video.

Potty Training

We have a long road ahead, however Ev used the potty for the first time today. He was super excited to receive a train sticker, for his potty prize. :o)

Birthday Fun & Hospital Run in Granbury

Cousin Kaitlyn had her 2nd birthday party at Granbury Lake this past weekend. We're so glad, because we LOVE Granbury Lake!!!

Unfortunately during "Present Time", Deona tripped on a picnic table WHILE carrying Emory and landed completely on top of him. This accident forced us to leave the party abruptly and head to Granbury hospital just to make sure Emory was okay. After a few tests and CAT scans of his head, chest and torso the physician confirmed all tests were negative which translates to the best news we could have received. A true miracle Emory escaped with only scratches, bumps and bruises on the right side of his head.

If you look at the above photos (pre-accident), you can see the design of the picnic table. Deona's foot tripped on the curved pole under the bench part.

Emory waits for CAT scans results and Everett watches Thomas the Tank engine clips on YouTube. Praise be for internet on cell phones!

**For Sal in Australia: in response to your "how do they do CAT scans on infants?" question. Deona went in with Emory. She said she was suited with protective gear and basically had to hold him in place. He did very well.

While at the hospital, we missed several hours of fun at the lake, so after returning back to the condos, Aunt Jackie, Katy, Josh, Courtney, Rebecca & Dixie volunteered to babysit Emory while we took Everett to the beach to play before sunset. Everett had a blast!!!

Ev had a blast collecting and throwing sand in the air; much of it landed on his face and hair.

Look what the sun did to Everett's hair color....I absolutely LOVE it! The sunset was simply gorgeous!

Later that evening, we all had a great time playing cards and eating lots of yummy snacks. Despite our trip to hospital, we had a wonderful time and we're ready to go again soon!

On our way home. Yes, that's all our crap, looks like it might be time to trade in our car for a van. SHUT IT, van haters. ;o)~

Simplification, Sounds and Summer fun!

Starting today we will have blog updates posted to our site once a week. This is my attempt to simplify; spending less time blogging and more time with my loves. This doesnt mean we won't be sharing as much, it just means our events/happenings will be published once a week on one big-o-post. Be sure to visit our blog every Wednesday, you will feel caught up with what's been going on in the Guajardo household. OH and don't forget to leave your comments, we love knowing who's visiting our site. In the meanwhile, a post:

My favorite SOUNDS this summer

• The sounds of giggly, happy children at the pool.
• The sound of Everett laughing.
• The sound of Emory coo-ing.
• The sounds of moving water (the waterpark, fountains and lake).
• The sounds of trees rustling in the wind at night.
• The sounds of frogs, whippoorwills and cicadas at mom and dad's place.
• The sounds of cardinals, finches and doves feasting at our bird feeder.
• The sound of my Everett eating chips and guacamole.
• The sound of refreshing drinks being poured. ahhhhh.
• The sound of silence when I go to bed.

SUMMER FUN!

Everett loves his trips to the pool with Grammy.

The city waterparks are our home away from home during the summer.

Trips to see Gramma and Grampa is always lots of fun during the summer.

Gramma and Grampa bought Everett his very own bed to sleep in when he visits them.

The boys always enjoy seeing Grampy. During the summer it usually means lawnmower rides, popscicles and his usual snuggles.

WE LOVE SUMMER! See you back here next Wednesday!