Our life and stuff

Sunblock, lots of it.

 

It's been in the high 80's/90's - E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y.

Thankfully- Day 4 and Day 5 were 'Water Days'

 

'Yes, I do accept this challenge.  May the best skinny dude win.'

 

 

 

 

*Wipeout*

 

We munched on whatever, listened to music and visited with family.

They swam ALL.DAY.LONG.

 

 

Later... they got BRAVE. 

The swimmies were NOT on and they'd be off the steps.  Frantically kicking and paddling.  Barely treading and exhausted, running on adrenaline.

 

'Look Mom.  I could do it'.

(Do what?  Give me a heart attack?  Cuz that would be about right)

'Be careful Syd and stay by the side and the steps'.

(totally not listening)

 

They did venture off to play in the cabanas tents 'Kid's Only Clubhouse' for a little while.  I think each of them ate their weight in dum-dums.

 

  

Luke did have baseball practice today of course. 

(Remember that whole 'commitment' issue)

Well, he left and played baseball for 3 hours when it's like 127* outside.  It may have helped him to get by, knowing that he got to come back and jump in.  As a bonus we let him bring back two friends...

 

 

 

On to Day 5:

(That's right.  I have no pictures.)

 

We went to Wild Rivers.  

We were tempted to buy a water camera to capture their craziness.  Even found a store, checked the price but ditched the idea.  We just decided to go have fun!

 

Sydney was in heaven.  

Sometimes (ok,  most-of-the-time) I'm scared to death because the girl has NO FEAR.

There is a ride called "The Abyss".  It's a black tube slide, that even me an admitted scaredy-cat was a bit hesitant of.  The older ones went and it was FUN.  She begged.  There is no way that she's even tall enough.  That did not stop her from asking...

 

'Can I go, PLEASE.  I want to.  I'm brave.'

She got on the ride somehow.  She went with her Dad who held onto her for dear life so that she wouldn't slip right out of the innertube. 

She was all smiles...  Loved it! 

'That was awesome!'

 

Lots of fun. 

Lots of sun.

 

It was time to go EAT...

 

It was FUN and DELICIOUS. 

They paid:

It was perfect.

 

days 1 thru 3

Day 1 = Arrival

Yes, they had a rental car and a hotel to drive to but we couldn't help ourselves. We drove to the airport so we could met them once their plane touched down.  Just to say 'hi' and give hugs.

We had tons of things planned.  Almost like we were on vacation too.

We started with lunch at CPK...

They were wild, loud and obnoxious.  It doesn't seem like a whole year has gone by since these ones were last together.  TIme goes so fast.  

Following lunch, it was time to get checked in, rest up and unpack.  Before you know it, it was time to meet everyone for dinner, all 32 of us.  It was even louder and more obnoxious, only this time it was the adults. 

It was a warm summer night. 

We finished up with a walk around the Orange Circle... we peeked in windows, splashed in the fountain and enjoyed bowls of frozen yogurt.

 

 

 

Sleeping in doesn't happen when you have a schedule to keep.

It's Day 2... time to swim and play and get ready to spend all night with the Daddy's because it was *Sister's Night*.  

We did take full advantage and started things early.  Drinks and appetizers to start, down in Sunny Beautiful Huntington Beach at the Hyatt.

We did some 'exercise'...

It was a drive back to Trabuco Canyon for a sleep-over.  (That is after raiding Albertsons for late night snacks, including break and bake cookies and stuff for nachos)

This is where Day 2 and Day 3 get fuzzy.  We stayed up until almost 5am being ridiculous.  We laughed, danced and everything else.  It's already Sunday. 

By Day 3 we were dragging.  I guess 2 hours of sleep will do that to you.  Thankfully, the little girls were able to entertain themselves.  All I remember was sitting on the couch.  What seemed like a few minutes later I hear their little voices.  

'look, we put pajamas on so we could sleep like you'.  

(It's called a power-nap, don't be calling CPS)

The boys spent the afternoon at the ballpark.  Ironically, my family weren't the only ones here visiting from NY. 

The Yankees were here as well.  They came to play the Angels and we had tickets.  It's like it was meant to be.  

That night we kept it easy... 

Good Mexican food and ice cream.  The kids had their own table.  I have no idea what they were talking about but it involved a vote of some sort - 

And everytime it was unanimous.    (End of Day 3)

  

On our way ~

 

 

A ways back, I talked about baseball - again

 

The Orange All-Stars had just won the 'big bad Tustin Western' and were on our way to be District Champions. 

('bad' as in good if you know what I'm sayin')

There was one last team that stood in our way.  It was of course, the other big bad team - Tustin Eastern.  The game was 11 days away so we got to rest. 

(Not 'rest' like you would think.  Here 'rest' is equal to lots and lots of baseball and tournaments to prepare the team but don't count -  kind of 'rest').

This practice tournament we signed up for was held at Big League Dreams...

It was SO.DANG.HOT.

Here are 3-things worth mentioning from that weekend (with photos): 

    #1- The boys got to play on a special field - it was was their first time.

    

#2-  Ever heard of Troy Percival ? 

 

Well, he coached and his son played on this team (Yes, he too was a closer and wore #40), we faced them in the tournament, twice. 

He was very complementary of our boys.  In turn, I think they are the toughest competition we've seen yet. 

I won't lie... the kids (and some of the Dads) were a little star-struck.  I had no idea why following the 'high-five good-game' line-up that the kids walked away clutching their little wrists. 

"We're never washing our hands again... Troy gave me a high-five."

During a break after our game he generously signed baseballs for all the kids and again let them know what a good job they did.

It was a good time.  

 

    #3- We won the whole enchilada. 

(This was 2 days after Luke went into urgent care and put on anti-biotics.  He definately wasn't 100% but there was no stopping him from being there.)  

 

FINALLY, 3 days later... It Is Time ~

The California District 30 Championship

The kids are pumped. 

Finished with their pregame and I&O they are SO ready to play.

Our first three batters of the game get on base.  Next batter sends it deep, easily clearing the fence into the opposite field for a grand slam - it was awesome!

It was a quick game. 

Lots of friends and family came out to cheer both teams on.

The score was 6-2 (us) in the bottom of the 6th (last inning). 

Our new pitcher came in and it was lights out. 

He finished the game with 3 strike-outs!

~ they WON ~  

 

It's not over just yet. 

There are 41 Districts in Southern California. 

We represent District #30.  

Each District representative will now compete head-to-head in Sectionals. 

Only 10 teams will advance...

Stay tuned! 

     

... Go Go Go

Really?? 

Next weekend is August? 

When did that happen? 

Let's see...

We had special guests in town :

 

So we went here :

 

Became BFF with a Princess :

 

The adults had a CRAZY night out :

 

She learned how to swim (with no swimmies) :

 

 

and how to ride with no training wheels :

 

and yes....

the *All-Stars* are STILL playing baseball :

 

Much to cover... I will try to catch up.

Soon ~ very soon.

Ten years ago...

We parked the car and he jumped out all excited.

 'Are you ready?  Come on let's go.'

I was ready, I think. I anxiously got out and walked toward the building.  I turned around and nervously asked Al to leave the bags in the car... just in case.

'It's ok... I'm bringing everything.' 

With duffle bags, pillows and one big swollen belly in tow - we announced our arrival to the awaiting nurse.

'Finally!  We've been waiting for you.  We left a message for you at your home.  The doctor wants you set up with fluids as soon as possible.  Follow me, we have your room ready.'

Really? (I think)  They were waiting for me?  I felt no rush to get there...

Even at 3am when I felt a pop and thought I peed my pants.  I soon realized my water had broke, we rolled over and went back to sleep for a few hours.  (how did I ever fall back to sleep?) 

At about 6am, we took showers.  Then, Al watered the back yard and I ate a nectarine.  I curled my hair and talked on the phone with my sister.  I was expecting instant pain and a baby to just fall out since my water broke, but nothing. 

Finally as we gathered our bags around 8:20am or so I was moving slower, breathing heavier.  Still we took pictures of each other and I videotaped him loading up the car.  Silly, I know.  The ride there did seem longer than usual and I distinctively remember resting my feet up on the dash and gripping the handle.  I'd been having contractions for weeks now.  Even though these were 'more real' and my water broke I was still not convinced that 'IT WAS TIME'.   

'You are (pause...as she looks toward the ceiling and off into space)... I'd say you're a good 6-7cm.  We'll go ahead and start your paperwork and get things set up'.

 

It was 9:10am

 

 

There were things to sign, bracelets to put on and blood to be taken.  All I wanted to do was sleep.  I remember opening my eyes a few times and I'd see people walking in and around the room, adjusting monitors and such. 

 

 

Anxious to get this show on the road I'm awoken by my husband...

'Babe look.  They've brought in a table and all the stuff for the baby... look.'   

It was time to push.  Again, no desire.  They let me rest thru some of the contractions but then-  it was showtime! 

You know those lights they set up for premieres and at car dealerships that swirl in the sky to draw your attention... they had a few of those mounted in that room.  They were blinding and concentrated right.on.me. 

With every last ounce of energy - I delivered a baby, given life to a new little person, become a Mother and blessed the man I love with a Son.  I smiled and floated around the room.  So proud that I did it and impressed with the little breathing miracle that we just produced.  

It was 12:17pm

 

He was perfect.  So tiny.  All ours.    

One of my most favorite days ever... meeting him, ten years ago.

It's amazing how we loved even the thought of him.

Then to anticipation his arrival, to finally see him, hold him and love him instantly.

With every passing day and year, loving him even more...  

   

 

 

 

 

    

   

 

 

 

It was time to go home  ~  with an extra little person. 

We sat at the curb waving goodbye to the nurses for a moment.  I was in back, next to the carseat.  Because I had to stare at him the whole way home.

 

'Are you ready?'

This time, I was.  I was SO READY to take him home and be a family.  

'What are you waiting for?'   ... I asked.   'Let's go'

   

an unfortunate 'first'

 

The last few days we seem to have shared a cold. 

Sadly, I knew it was Luke's turn.  I could tell when he wasn't running to the door and hurrying me along to his practice.  This morning he felt worse, mostly a sore throat.  By the afternoon he was breathing very shallow and rapid.  

He and Daddy took a trip to urgent care to be on the safe side.  He got a breathing treatment which made him feel much better.  They also took a chest x-ray and ruled out anything more serious. 

When he walked in the door he already looked better and he finally had an appetite.

'Mom they did an xray and I saw it'.

'That's neat, did they explain to you what everything was?'

'Yeah.  He was Asian so it was, ya know, kinda hard to know what he said.'

'He had an accent?'

'Yeah.  It was Asian.'

He finished up his bowl of cereal and was off to bed...

(with extra hugs and kisses)

     

Posing with props

Sometimes it requires a 'special something' for her to cooperate.

This day... it was her baby

I could even throw a brother in there and she didn't mind.

She smiled and posed and pleased me.

 

(he looks so old in this one) 

 

 

Anyway, I removed 'said baby' for a photo of the two of them.

Her smiles and sweet disposition vanished... 

I even tried to re-insert 'said baby' but she was done.

And that was the end of our picture taking.