So July came and went, with no new blog posts. Why? Well, the first half of July was spent at the beach with my MOMMY!!!!!!!! And the second half, well, the 2nd half was spent recovering from all the events that happened from the first half of the month.
I was so excited to welcome my mom to Costa Rica for the very first time ever. She was able to meet 2 of her grandkids for the first time: Fatty and Princess. It had been 5 years since I had seen my mother and I planned a spectacular vacation for us to enjoy.
With just 2 weeks to spare, I wanted to make sure my mom had the time of her life. I wanted her to not just come to Costa Rica but to experience it as well. I wanted her to see the sights and I wanted her to feel relaxed. It was her first real vacation in heaven knows how long and with all the stress of living in Boston, lord knows she needed it.
We took her to Playa Tambor Beach Resort and stayed for 2 nights. After Tambor, we headed to Santa Teresa for a night. From Santa Teresa we headed out to Los Lagos Hotel and Resorts, a 4 hour ride but well worth it to soak in the volcanic thermal pools. The Arenal volcano and La Fortuna was a must see spot and Los Lagos hotel was a luxury that was well worth the price tag. Two nights at Los Lagos and my mom felt as if she was in heaven.
A brief stop at home for a few days to catch up on laundry, a quick trip to downtown and we were off again, this time to Puerto Viejo. The food, the people, the atmosphere: no wonder this beach town is my favorite vacation destination. We spent 2 nights in Puerto Viejo and it seemed too short.
As we wrapped up our vacation, we also got ready to bid my mom farewell, as her 2 weeks had come to an end. BUT I am happy to announce that she is more than ready to come back for another visit and I look forward to seeing my mommy again.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fatty's "New" Room and Boobie's New Room
After:
Boobie's new room
Fatty's 'new' room: this used to be Boobie's room
Princess gets her room back
The construction process
A back door for emergency exit FINALLY!
The new closets
Back door: not to worry... door is double locked and I have the key :)
The new room addition is finally complete (well 95% complete). All 3 kids have their own rooms and I could not be happier. It was by chance that the room was mostly under construction while we were away on vacation, which made it so much more bearable for us. It was even better coming back home from vacation to a slightly bigger house.
Boobie's new room
Fatty's 'new' room: this used to be Boobie's room
Princess gets her room back
The construction process
A back door for emergency exit FINALLY!
The new closets
Back door: not to worry... door is double locked and I have the key :)
The new room addition is finally complete (well 95% complete). All 3 kids have their own rooms and I could not be happier. It was by chance that the room was mostly under construction while we were away on vacation, which made it so much more bearable for us. It was even better coming back home from vacation to a slightly bigger house.
Initially we wanted to build the extra bedroom for Fatty, but seeing as the room is the last room on the house and has a back entry for emergency exits, we thought it fitting to have Boobie move into the room and give Fatty his old room.
Construction took about 2 weeks. The guy filled in the floor with cement to even it out, then he cut a doorway into Boobie's room. He added the back door (using an existing door we already had at the front of the house that was unused... that wall got filled in with blocks and cement and awaits a fresh coat of paint) and a window. The room is so nice and fitting for a pre-teen boy. As he gets older, Boobie may want the key to the back door for discreet entries (and exits) LOL.
For now, Boobie enters his room through Fatty's room, but Fatty is a toddler and really could care less... the fact is he has his own room. His own private space, finally. No more sharing with big sis. Princess gets her princess room as well. I cannot wait to decorate and put the finishing touches on each room.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
New Room
When this house was built, I had one child, Boobie. Three bedrooms was more than enough for our family at the time. Soon after we moved in, Princess joined the mix and then not long after that, Fatty came along. We very quickly outgrew our 3 bedroom home.
Ever since the impending birth of Fatty, we had tossed around the idea of building a room for him. My mother in law had build a little storage area at the back of our house in hopes that one day we would finish it out into a room.
As time passed, I longed even more for Fatty to have his own room; space in Princess's room was becoming limited, especially in the closet, which they both also share. I couldn't wait for them to have separate rooms.
Well, the time has come for Fatty to get his own room and I could not be more excited. By the time he is 3 (well before that actually), Fatty will have his very own room and his very own closet.
Now when I go into Princess's room to get her ready for the mornings, I won't disturb Fatty. He can sleep soundly in his won room. Also, with his own closet, he can actually fit all his clothes. More importantly, there will be more space for all 3 kids.
Construction has started and I cannot wait for the room to be done. I am so blessed! I'll keep you updated and of course post pictures of of the finished product.
Ever since the impending birth of Fatty, we had tossed around the idea of building a room for him. My mother in law had build a little storage area at the back of our house in hopes that one day we would finish it out into a room.
As time passed, I longed even more for Fatty to have his own room; space in Princess's room was becoming limited, especially in the closet, which they both also share. I couldn't wait for them to have separate rooms.
Well, the time has come for Fatty to get his own room and I could not be more excited. By the time he is 3 (well before that actually), Fatty will have his very own room and his very own closet.
Now when I go into Princess's room to get her ready for the mornings, I won't disturb Fatty. He can sleep soundly in his won room. Also, with his own closet, he can actually fit all his clothes. More importantly, there will be more space for all 3 kids.
Construction has started and I cannot wait for the room to be done. I am so blessed! I'll keep you updated and of course post pictures of of the finished product.
VICTORY IS MINE!
Excuse me while I do a victory dance for a moment: *dance, turn, spin, jump, booty shake, slide, slide and stop*!!!!
Why am I doing a victory dance? Because Fatty has finally mastered the art of the potty. : )
He is now *knock on wood, don't wanna jinx it* fully daytime potty trained. He finally pooped in the potty for the very first time last Friday and has been pooping in the potty ever since. He has also not had a peepee incident in a few days either. AND most importantly, he is more inclined to let me know when he has to go.
I could do a cartwheel right now. It took longer than I thought but the end result is always fulfulling. We can go on vacation rest assured that he is 90% potty trained.
Next step is night time potty training. I hope that takes less time since we've made it past the huge hump already.
Why am I doing a victory dance? Because Fatty has finally mastered the art of the potty. : )
He is now *knock on wood, don't wanna jinx it* fully daytime potty trained. He finally pooped in the potty for the very first time last Friday and has been pooping in the potty ever since. He has also not had a peepee incident in a few days either. AND most importantly, he is more inclined to let me know when he has to go.
I could do a cartwheel right now. It took longer than I thought but the end result is always fulfulling. We can go on vacation rest assured that he is 90% potty trained.
Next step is night time potty training. I hope that takes less time since we've made it past the huge hump already.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Father's Day
To all the daddies, I hope you guys had a wonderful day!
Now, we're not big on celebrating Father's Day in this house. We don't go all out or make a big deal about it, generally speaking. But it is the ONE day (besides his birthday) that Hubby gets all to himself, to celebrate him. And he is a great dad, so why not make him feel special on his day?
We stayed in all day (minus a quick trip to the grocery store). I made him breakfast in bed (soup, since he was feeling a little under the weather). He was able to just lay in bed most of the day and watch TV. Kids bestowed their gifts upon him one by one.
Boobie got him a key holder that says 'I love Papi' (I'll hang it in the office and hang spare keys on it) and a card he made. The card was so cute, with a drawing of him on his dad's shoulders and a nice note saying how great a dad his dad is.
Princess also made a card with a drawing of her and her dad. Her pre-school also took a picture of her dressed in men's pants, shoes, shirt and tie. It is the cutest picture ever. Her pose, the smile on her face, the oversized clothing... priceless.
Fatty's playgroup class made cards with a nice peom about dad with Fatty's hand print inside. Simple gifts but worth so much because of the personalized touches.
The day ended on a high note as well, even after the kids had gone to bed, with Hubby and me snuggled in bed, watching a movie. When I asked him how his day was, if he felt special, his response was: "you make me feel like this all the time"! *awwwwwwwwwwww*
Now, we're not big on celebrating Father's Day in this house. We don't go all out or make a big deal about it, generally speaking. But it is the ONE day (besides his birthday) that Hubby gets all to himself, to celebrate him. And he is a great dad, so why not make him feel special on his day?
We stayed in all day (minus a quick trip to the grocery store). I made him breakfast in bed (soup, since he was feeling a little under the weather). He was able to just lay in bed most of the day and watch TV. Kids bestowed their gifts upon him one by one.
Boobie got him a key holder that says 'I love Papi' (I'll hang it in the office and hang spare keys on it) and a card he made. The card was so cute, with a drawing of him on his dad's shoulders and a nice note saying how great a dad his dad is.
Princess also made a card with a drawing of her and her dad. Her pre-school also took a picture of her dressed in men's pants, shoes, shirt and tie. It is the cutest picture ever. Her pose, the smile on her face, the oversized clothing... priceless.
Fatty's playgroup class made cards with a nice peom about dad with Fatty's hand print inside. Simple gifts but worth so much because of the personalized touches.
The day ended on a high note as well, even after the kids had gone to bed, with Hubby and me snuggled in bed, watching a movie. When I asked him how his day was, if he felt special, his response was: "you make me feel like this all the time"! *awwwwwwwwwwww*
Friday, June 17, 2011
Potty Training Part Deux
So I had to bite the damn bullet and start seriously potty training Fatty. He is well over 2, knows the ins and outs of a toilet and can speak. Plus he would always hide when he went to do his business. Potty time, 'nuff said.
For a while now, I'd been wanting to potty train him but no one looks forward to this task. It's the dreaded must do chore that no parent wants to actually do. But after a few failed attempts, I knew I had to get to it. I tried before a few months back, with no success and gave up after 2 days of no progress. I choked it up to him not being ready but really, it was just me being lazy.
This time around, I am sticking it out. We're on day 7 and so far, he does pee pee just fine. He's even gotten to the point of letting me know when he has to go. I ask him about, oh, every 5 minutes or so if he has to go potty.
He's had his accidents (most memorable: peeing in the corner of the shoe store his first day of training while mommy shopped for new kicks, LOL).
I have come thisclose to giving up, after his 5th day of pooping in his underwear. No matter what, he seems hell bent on not doing number 2 in the potty. I don't get it though. Pee pee in the potty? Fine. Poo poo, no way! I want him trained (at least day time trained) by tomorrow. Yeah, I don't know if that will happen. A girl can dream *sigh*
I thought he would get the potty thing down and on lock in 3 days like Boobie and Princess. But not Fatty. He's a stubborn one. I am still waiting for the big poo to hit the pan... literally.
I am proud of him though; he's making progress and for now, that's good enough. I know eventually he'll do the big DOO in the potty and that will be cause for celebration.
For a while now, I'd been wanting to potty train him but no one looks forward to this task. It's the dreaded must do chore that no parent wants to actually do. But after a few failed attempts, I knew I had to get to it. I tried before a few months back, with no success and gave up after 2 days of no progress. I choked it up to him not being ready but really, it was just me being lazy.
This time around, I am sticking it out. We're on day 7 and so far, he does pee pee just fine. He's even gotten to the point of letting me know when he has to go. I ask him about, oh, every 5 minutes or so if he has to go potty.
He's had his accidents (most memorable: peeing in the corner of the shoe store his first day of training while mommy shopped for new kicks, LOL).
I have come thisclose to giving up, after his 5th day of pooping in his underwear. No matter what, he seems hell bent on not doing number 2 in the potty. I don't get it though. Pee pee in the potty? Fine. Poo poo, no way! I want him trained (at least day time trained) by tomorrow. Yeah, I don't know if that will happen. A girl can dream *sigh*
I thought he would get the potty thing down and on lock in 3 days like Boobie and Princess. But not Fatty. He's a stubborn one. I am still waiting for the big poo to hit the pan... literally.
I am proud of him though; he's making progress and for now, that's good enough. I know eventually he'll do the big DOO in the potty and that will be cause for celebration.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Princess's Party
Well I am kind of done with parties, at least for now. With Boobie and Princess having back to back birthdays, less than a month apart, lets just say March and April can get a little hectic for me. Don't get me wrong, I love a party. I love planning parties and I love to cook for and eat at parties. I love having that day to enjoy with good friends and close family. Plus my kids get a day just for them; a special day where everyone is there to celebrate their birth. They get their own celebration and I think that is wonderful!
But no matter how much I love parties, I am glad I don't have to think about another birthday or party for a few months. Once August rolls around, I'll get back into party planning mode for Fatty's birthday.
Now for Princess's party, I got the idea to do a Hawaiian theme. She wanted a Princess party (again), so I sorta compromised with her and got her a Little Mermaid pinata (that goes with the Hawaiian, under the sea theme, right?)
I was busy as a bee, planning the menu, getting cake ideas from the internet, buying decorations and favors and prizes for games. And of course, I needed the perfect party spot. I mean, can you have a Hawaiian themed/Little Mermaid Princess party without a pool?
I found the perfect place: Parque del Este in Sabanilla, a suburb nearby. It's actually the next suburb over and the park is about a 10 minute drive from the house. Perfect!!! The best part was the price. For roughly around $50, I could rent the hall in the park for the whole day from 8am until 4 pm. I also paid for each adult to attend the party (park entrance was not included in the hall price). All in all, for the hall and all the adults, I got away with spending less than $100! How cool is that?
Kids had a blast. Adults had fun. And the food was delicious (thanks in part to Hubby's aunt, who cooked up the best Arroz con Pollo you have ever tasted). There was also tuna pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, lettuce salad with dressing, chips, and cole slaw.
The location was amazing, a perfect party spot! The rain finally stopped just in time for the party and the kids were able to enjoy the entire park (well, except for the pool... so much for that, oh well).
As for my Princess, she had a WONDERGUL time... and that was all that mattered!
Princess's birthday, Abril 26
The Little Mermaid Princess Hawaiian Theme Party
Appetizers: cheese cubes with marshmallows, fruit skewers, chips and dip
Mozzarella stick and 'oreo' truffles
Mommy and the birthday princess
The cake and cupcakes...and yes, I made them : )
Parque del Este
The hall
Playing 'hot potato' but with a beach ball
The park
Princess and her preschool friends
Hula girl cake and cupcakes with parasols
A birthday celebration at school
But no matter how much I love parties, I am glad I don't have to think about another birthday or party for a few months. Once August rolls around, I'll get back into party planning mode for Fatty's birthday.
Now for Princess's party, I got the idea to do a Hawaiian theme. She wanted a Princess party (again), so I sorta compromised with her and got her a Little Mermaid pinata (that goes with the Hawaiian, under the sea theme, right?)
I was busy as a bee, planning the menu, getting cake ideas from the internet, buying decorations and favors and prizes for games. And of course, I needed the perfect party spot. I mean, can you have a Hawaiian themed/Little Mermaid Princess party without a pool?
I found the perfect place: Parque del Este in Sabanilla, a suburb nearby. It's actually the next suburb over and the park is about a 10 minute drive from the house. Perfect!!! The best part was the price. For roughly around $50, I could rent the hall in the park for the whole day from 8am until 4 pm. I also paid for each adult to attend the party (park entrance was not included in the hall price). All in all, for the hall and all the adults, I got away with spending less than $100! How cool is that?
Kids had a blast. Adults had fun. And the food was delicious (thanks in part to Hubby's aunt, who cooked up the best Arroz con Pollo you have ever tasted). There was also tuna pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, lettuce salad with dressing, chips, and cole slaw.
The location was amazing, a perfect party spot! The rain finally stopped just in time for the party and the kids were able to enjoy the entire park (well, except for the pool... so much for that, oh well).
As for my Princess, she had a WONDERGUL time... and that was all that mattered!
Princess's birthday, Abril 26
The Little Mermaid Princess Hawaiian Theme Party
Appetizers: cheese cubes with marshmallows, fruit skewers, chips and dip
Mozzarella stick and 'oreo' truffles
Mommy and the birthday princess
The cake and cupcakes...and yes, I made them : )
Parque del Este
The hall
Playing 'hot potato' but with a beach ball
The park
Princess and her preschool friends
Hula girl cake and cupcakes with parasols
A birthday celebration at school
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