Septemember

September is shaping up to be a fun month. Here is a sneak peak of what we have planned:
September 2-5: The Fontes family is visiting from Idaho
September 3rd: Evan's birthday party at the lack.
September 4th: Evan's birthday party at grandma and Grandpa's
September 7: Michael's Birthday Party
September 13-14: Gustine Festa
September 27: CCD And Meting for Dad!
We are also planning a play date with Kevyn and Ashley. Look forward to lots of Pictures.

When Daddy's away, we will play

Daddy and Tio Albano went to Idaho. Since Liliana had a double ear infection we stayed behind. We managed to have fun. Friday we went shopping and to our cousins house. Liliana got two brand new toys a stroller and a laptop. She is too cute!! Then yesterday, we went for a walk and just hung around the house!!
Liliana playing with her new toy!!

ER Visit

Liliana had her first ER visit Wednesday night. We tried to put her to sleep as usual and she did not go to sleep, she kept crying and weeping. She cried for 3 hours. I finally told Marco that Tylenol did not work and that I think we should take her in. I thought maybe since I had given her a new food, that she might be reacting to it. She had been fine all day.
The most difficult part of the ER visit was getting there. We currently have Kaiser and drive 15 minutes to get to a hospital. Well Wednesday it took us 1 hour and 10 minutes and of course Liliana was very fussy.
When we got there it did not take very long to get seen at all. We saw the triage nurse within 5 minutes. She checked her temperature and told me that she could put money on it that Liliana was constipated, boy was she wrong!! Liliana was seen by the doctor and had a double ear infection. Poor baby!!

Evening at the Park

Yesterday I took Liliana to the park with Sophie and Paula. Liliana and I went down the slide together a few times and she had a great time on the moving bridge. She also went down the slide a few times with Sophie. They had a great time!! Pictures to come soon!!

Oh yeah not to mention, I think Liliana has a best friend. She cries and points to Sophie's house and smiles and throws her kisses when she sees here. They are so cute together.
Walking in the sand

Going down the slide with mommy

Walking around

Her favorite park item, the moving bridge

We even played ball

It was back to the moving bridge

Sunday Fun with Sophie

Sophie and Liliana always have a good time together and today was no exception. The girls got to go swimming together today!! Liliana also had a chance to hang out with Michelle, Luis's girlfriend.
Look at me, thanks Melanie and Kevin

Standing in the pool, not ready to sit

Playing in the water

Michelle and Liliana

Now she is styling

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom AKA Marine World

Our friends Melanie and Kevin had tickets to Marine world and they invited us to go along. Who could refuse an offer like that!! Thanks guys it was great to get to hang out with you and it was great to have you share in one of Liliana's firsts!!

We had a great time! We saw various animal shows. We got to see the dolphins, killer whale, and sea lions perform. We also got to see the pigeons, walrus, birds and reptiles, giraffes, lions and tigers. Liliana loved to see all the animals. She clapped and sat so attentive during the sea lion and killer whale show!! She waved bye to all the birds as they flew away during there show!

She also had her first taste of an icee and a frozen lemonade. She loved them both but who wouldn't. lol!! We also got to go on a carousel ride, she enjoyed that as well, or at least when she got going!!

Kids really do say the cutest things. As we were watching the Dolphins one little girl says to a friend "Look dolphins have belly buttons, I've learned something already. Little did she know what that whole was really for lol!!

I was pleasantly surprised at the combination of animals and amusement rides at the park. It is a great place to take older kids. We had quite a time with one of the park employees, because we had to park the stroller in a designated area, yet lili was sleeping and we wanted to be in the back so we could watch the show and she could be in the shade and she did not allow it.In addition you had to remain seated in the arena. I guess if you decide to take ur children you may want to be prepared for this. One thing that you could do is take a backpack or carry them.

Thanks Melanie and Kevin for a good time!!



Shuku, the killer whale

Sitting with Melanie during the Killer Whale show

Walking around

Kevin siting with Lili and eating slush's

Yum

Liliana loved seeing all the animals, and sea life

Liliana did not want to walk with mommy, she just wanted Melanie

at the shark tank

Bugs Bunny was ok, but she didn't like daffy duck

Update

I was able to get my glasses fixed, well not really I bought new frames and just had to put my old lenses in them. I hate the new frames. I'll have to post pictures. My phone didn't die, I left it out in the sun and it dried out and is working again :) There is good news on a house, but I am not saying which one yet, not until the bank signs and we have it in writing, we currently have a tentative verbal agreement.

The importance of Sleep

Alright, Liliana has always been a great sleeper until recently. For about a month and a half now, she goes to bed supper late and it is difficult for her to take naps. Its been crazy! I know that there have been a few schedule changes and there are a few to come.

She also has a harder time falling asleep with me then with her dad or grandpa. I feel horrible because as her mother I feel that I should be able to put her to sleep. Wow!! We will be moving soon and I do not know if it worth fixing her schedule, not to mention that certain people believe that babies shouldn't have schedules!! Hopefully in a month we will be in our place and i can have my happy little girl back!!

BAD Day

IT's only 1:30 and its already been a BAD Day. To start off I stepped on my glasses and broke them. Then I dropped my phone in water. Then to top it off I went to Costco to try to get my glasses fixed and I couldn't find my wallet so I couldn't go in!! So fruastrating!! I think I'm going to go take a nap!!

Thanks Padrinho, Paula, and Sophie

Yesterday, August 15 my brother gets home with a present for Liliana, It was a Deer tractor with a trailer. Thanks Padrinho!! Liliana and Sophie had so much fun playing on it, even though neither of them knew how to pedal!! Paula and I took turns pushing the girls and they even took turns pushing one another!! Thanks to Paula and Sophie for coming over to play with us!! I really enjoy having Paula back in the area, we have a great time and so do the girls!! Pictures coming soon, they are on Paula's camera, cuz you guessed it my batteries were dead!!

Ideas for Fall

Well now that summer is almost over I have started thinking about things that I want to do this fall. Here are a few ideas:
Go the San Jose Children's Muesum with Liliana. I also think that it would be great if I few of my friends would take their little one's too, we can make a day of it, or at least until nap time. Here is the website if you are intrested in finding out more: http://www.cdm.org/index.asp?f=1 If your in the area and want to go let me know!

I also want to take Liliana on her first Carouseal ride. This is one of the things I wanted to do this summer, but just never got around to it!!

This fall I want to take her to the Pumpkin Patch. We have a great one about 10 minutes from our house. They have hay rides, tractor rides, pony rides, mazes, a haunted houseand pumpkin blaster. Here is the link if you want to check it out:
http://www.pumpkinmaze.com/index.html

A Spare of the moment trip with Mommy

I had to go to the CSU Stanislaus in Stockton in order to pick something up, and Lili and I made a day of being out there. Unfortunatly no pictures were taken, because my batteries were dead :( Here is a list of things we did get to do though:
It was Liliana's first time playing in the mall playground,she had a great time.
We also went to the Children's muesum in Stockton. I had been there with my kindergarten class in May and just wanted to see if Liliana would enjoy it!! She loved playing in the water and riding in the Helicopter, and the tractor. Here are a few pictures that I got off the website of stuff they had to offer:
The Hellicopter

The Water Table

The Tractor

Too cute not to share

While we were at my parents house I was able to snap this picture on Monday August 11th before my battery died!!

One Last Family Trip for the Summer

It will soon be time to go back to work so we had to take one last family trip. We left here really late, but still had a great time. Marco, Liliana and I all enjoyed going to Monetary for the day. We went to the Harbor and Wharf then it was off to Canary row for some more sight seeing and dinner at Bubba Gumps. It was fun to get to just hang out with them!! Here are a few pictures:
At Bubba Gumps with Lili

A picture of daddy at bubba gumps. I think when Liliana gets older we will have to get to kids menu's lol!!

Daddy and Liliana on the Wharf


A picture of me Sporting my new H&M shirt!! I love it!!

More House Updates

Here is House #1

Stats:
Built in 1997
3 bedroom
2 bath
1337 Square feet

Positives:
Newer
Less work needed
Park in neighborhood
move in ready
Quieter street

Negatives
Chopper layout
Lots of cars on street
Smaller lot
The driveway has some sort of city water device on it,causing reduced parking space.
Update on Situation: Well this time we didn't get a flat out rejection letter we had an opportunity to put our final and best offer in, so we signed an addendum and upped the purchase price. We know have to wait until Wednesday to hear back from the seller.

Here is House #2


Stats:
Built in 1985
3 bedrooms
2 bath
1557 square feet

Positives:
Better layout
Neighborhood will keep the value better
larger lot
Negatives
Termite damage
Roof needs to be replaced
House smells like smoke
Carpet needs to be replaced
Located on the cornerof a busy street

Status: We have an accepted offer from the bank, we signed with an attached counter. We want them to pay for the roof and the termites to be fixed.

Update

So we have an accepted offer on one of the two homes, except we have come to find out that the house has termite damage as well as roof damage. So frustrating, I will let you know what our decision is!

Frustration

It's time for one of my rants and raves!! As you might know we have been trying to purchase a property for 2 months now. Its been a crazy rollercoaster ride, we have made so many offers on different proprties. Well one in particular that I blogged about back in July is still a source of frustration. We have placed 2 offeres on the property, both rejected. The last offer was even put in at the selling agents request. Well this afternoon when we were signing papers on a different property our agent gets a phone call from the agent on the Gomes property. She wanted to know if we would like to resubmit our offer for a third time. Hopefully something happens this time, we have both reached a source of frustration. We now have two offers in on 2 different proprties, We have a great agent and she has stayed very postive through our many offers, its just so frustrating to stay postive through this process!!

Just for Fun

I was eating a dove chocolate today and I thought I would share its lovely thought
"When 2 hearts race they both win"
Hmm, maybe I'll have another chocolate tomorrow and share some more thoughts, at least any excuse for chocolate!!

Choices, Choices

As some of you may or may not know I have applied for full time teaching positions and actually been offered jobs and excepted, but I have turned them down. The thing about teaching is its not simply a 7-3:30 job. You have to plan lessons, grade papers, input grades, plan for activities etc. As I was preparing, I found that a lot of time was being taken a way from Liliana, so for now I am content working part time. Here is a list of why I like working part time:

More time spent with Liliana
I still receive a paycheck
I will not have to explain a large gap in my resume
Its a low stress job- the responsibility is on someone else shoulder to complete grading, lesson plans etc.
I am able to keep up with changes in the field of education.

Positives to working Full time
More Money
Health Benefits
Retirement Plan
Providing more for Liliana financially

As you can see its a hard decision to make, but I have never wanted Liliana growing up at the baby sitters. I believe that working part time allows me the best of both worlds. We are still able to meet her needs, and I am able to spend more time with her to watch her grow, and learn. I am grateful for understanding and supportive husband who understands how important it is for me to spend more time with my daughter.

Ashley's Birthday Party

My Goddaughter turned four on July 13,2008. Her party was yesterday Sunday August 3rd. She had a swim party and everyone had a great time! It was Lily's first time in a pool and wearing her swim suit! Liliana loved the water and even had a great time when the older kids were splashing around!!
Lily in her bathing suite at home

Playing ball with Ashley


Swiming suite on and ready to go

In the pool

All dried off and playing with magntic letters on the fridge!

Saturday Fun with the Family

Saturday Marco and I decided to take Liliana to the park. We have a nice park here in town, with plenty of Green grass, a man made lake, ducks and 2 play areas. Liliana had a great time on the slide and swings. She refused to go through the tunnel:(. We had a great time!!
The entry way to the park

Walking with daddy


The swing

The slide

I don't think this is how this is supposed to be used lol!!

Chair swing

Too cute :)

A year ago today

It just dawned on me, that a year ago today we were:


Moving! Thats right, we had just packed our car, and truck full of stuff and were heading to CA. Our friends Mike and Denice came to help us move!! Then the next day we headed to SF, to show them around! Thanks again guys!!

We miss our friends and family in Idaho and are greatful for the two years of memories we were able to build. Yet We are also greatful to have the opprtunity to raise our child close to her grandparents and for a job that allows me the opprutunity to spend a greater amount of time with Liliana!!

More Pictures

Just when you thought there was enough pictures of the trip here are prima's pictures from the trip! I Love them!!

Liliana with Madrinha's glasses


Liliana in the stroller


Liliana with Madrinha's hat


Liliana sleeping wiht her nap buddies on the bus in SF


First day of SF trip, Liliana was still in PJ's


At our first stop Liliana was able to change close and help daddy drive


Liliana and Madrinha at the villa


Walking with Avo and Vava


The family @ the Outer Peristyle at the villa


My smiling girl, second day on the Southern CA trip


Primo entertaining Liliy at Cafe Crepe-2nd day of Southern CA trip


Sleeping on the way to the zoo


At the zoo with Vava


She would rather be pushing the stroller then sitting in it.


On a turtle


At Denny's for Breakfast before we head home


Our Little Portuguese Soccer Star


At Home Town Buffet, eating Mac and Cheese


How Cute


In the tub, her favorite place


Walking to Mommy


Liliana at the Festa


Playing on Madrinha's Bed


Helping Grandma make mash potatoes


She is such a cutie


Walking with Vava and Primo


At the Japanese Tea Garden In SF


Trying to go to Canada with Madrinha