THE APRECIO FAMILY

ABC's

2012-01-29T09:41:00.000-08:00

Alexander is now 2 years and 3 months old and mentally he is growing so much.

He can identify almost all of the alphabet (see video). He also can make the sounds associated with some of the letters too.

He knows all of his colors: blue, red, yellow, purple, orange, pink, green, black, white. On occasion he still mixes up blue and green.
He knows basic shapes.
He is learning to count to 10.
He has so many words now and can repeat almost anything you say.
Forms 3 or 4 word sentences
Tiffany is Tinneee
Chris I Tiiiiitttttt (have no idea how that sounds this way but it does)
Can draw a circle (well at least he connects the two sides
He is getting quite a sense of humor and likes to call me the wrong name like "Hi Daddy," when I say I'm not dad he laughs and says, "hi train" and laughs.
He can count a little bit, at least two things like his thumbs and cars.
He kisses and hugs baby a lot.

You can give him a reason why he needs to do something and he is starting to listen. I know his next question will be, "why?"

Physically he is also growing like a weed.

He has got some amazing dace moves (fun video where he started some kick thing.)
In November we bought him all new clothes, 4T pants and now I cant believe it but they are getting short.

Chocolate milk makes him go NUTS!!! That is him climbing our door at 10pm because Chris gave him some!

VIDEO OF ALEXANDER'S ABC'S

VIDEO OF ALEXANDER: I LIKE TO MOVE IT

Snow X 2

2012-01-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

We had snow last week and a lot of it. TMA was closed so we spent the week playing. By the third day Alexander was over it but before then we had a lot of fun.

This was "the hill"

Baby Audrey's first sled ride

At the bottom

Chris is obsessed with taking pictures of our blue eyes; I hope her eyes stay blue!

This reminds me of A Christmas Story!

MOM AND AUDREY SLED

Let it SNOW

2012-01-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

Today we were home and went out right as it started to snow and caught the small window of fun in the snow!!!Audrey has my BLUE eyes! Grandma and Grandpa were over and got to play a little before they headed home.

(Love the Amazon box)

Alexander helping to roll the snowman

Love those pouty LIPS
Ye Haw

SNOWBALL FIGHT
Alexander and Audrey's first snowman
He tried to help by adding lumps of snow to him and continually trying trying to knock him over.
I am so happy we get to enjoy the small things together!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Lets just say we were all spoiled a little bit this year!

Santa Photo 2011

2011-12-19T14:57:00.003-08:00

Alexander was afraid of Santa and refused to smile! Oh well, at least we got A picture.

Making Christmas cookies with friends

2011-12-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

We went to Amanda's to make cookies (two weeks ago) :)

TMA 3rd Annual Christmas Party

2011-12-19T14:38:00.001-08:00

On December 18th we celebrated at TMA

Alexander would not leave his Dad's side while he talked to everyone.

Santa Claus

Audrey's first dance with Dad (pay close attention to Alexander in the background)

Garden of Lights and Snowflake Lane 2011

2011-12-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

We met for dinner then headed to the Garden of Lights in Bellevue

EWWW SPIDERS

Then went to Snowflake Lane

He got a sucker right away! YUM

This was the only time I saw the sucker the whole night (as you will see in the photos).

The drum was beating so hard it put her right to sleep.

SNOW

Until this point when Alexander spit his sucker out in my hand...gross.

Debbie pointed out to us that the drum thing Chris set him on was wet! So he waddeled back to the car...then the real fun stuff BEGAN!
As we started to drive and Alexander yells PEE PEE. I knew he had not gone since we left Grandmas over 2 hours ago so I told Chris pull over fast. Keep in mind we are still in Lincoln Square parking garage with a gazillion cars leaving. He pulled to the side, I ran over to him and said quick give me something for him to pee in; Chris hands me his cup. I pulled down his pants as he stood on the side of the car held the cup and said GO. He instantly started peeing and it was like Austin Powers where the pee keeps going and going and the cup was almost over-flowing and I heard him stop! Whew! When they gotta go, they gotta go!

Here is Alexander dancing on the drum (little did we know the reason he was "waddling was because dad just set him on a huge wet thing).

Snowflake Lane Fun

Alexander is a Big Boy

2011-12-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

He is 26 months and loves:

Underdogs on the big swing

Riding the merry-go-round

Being a big brother

Taking Gymnastics with Chris

And wearing Big Boy underwear (yes that means he is potty trained)!

HIS BAD HABIT... Well I guess its not so much his fault but mine

Sleeping with mom and dad.

Now that we have Audrey it is getting a bit too crouded in bed. On the 7th we put him in his room and we are making progress! The first night only woke up 2 times, the 2nd night 1 time and the third night we will see. This is a long battle but I know he needs to learn to sooth himself and we need to get some sleep!

POTTY TRAINING STORY - Because Alexander is so suborn and pretty much anything you want him to do he wont, I honestly thought he would be one of those kids who are much older when they are potty trained. I bought him his "frog pods" (baby toilets) at 14 months just to have them around in each bathroom. On occasion he would use it but I never pushed it. At about 16 months he began showing interested and using it more and more until he was 22 months (just after Audrey was born) he began using it always but I had to keep him naked (at least from the waste down). I tried and tried to get him to used the potty with clothes on. Even pull ups, then undies, then nothing but he still had accidents. I reverted to him being naked pretty much and then exclusively pullups. He went and stayed at my moms about six weeks ago and has not had an accident since. He is in his big boy undies now except at night when he still pees! It is great to only have one kid in diapers and I am so proud of him.

His first Gymnastics class

Chi Fall with Chris

The Chi Fall

Audrey is 3 months old and rolling and inches

2011-12-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

On November 24th Audrey turned 3 months old!

At 3 months 3 days she rolled over and now rolls all around the floor.

I also see her gums extremely swollen and the shape of her two front teeth (she just may get them for Christmas)!

Today at 3.5 months (12/9/11) she began to move forward like a little inch worm! She is progressing so fast! VIDEO BELOW!

Baby Audrey on couch while Alexander jumps.

Again cute while jumping

Audrey 11 and 12 Weeks

2011-11-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

November 16th, 2011 - 12 Weeks

At the end of this week Audrey will no longer be considered a "newborn." She is growing so fast.

This week she has acted like she is teething! She is drooling, chewing on her hands and really fussy; I remember the signes from Alexander who also got his teeth really early. She can roll to her side and almost to her belly now. She can hold her head up for a long time too while on her belly. She can stand up fully and rolled over at 3 months 3 days!!!

November 9th, 2011 Audrey turned 11 weeks!

Stats: 11 Weeks 23.5", 71% for height and 14 lbs, 91% for weight

She started to laugh out load this week, video at bottom!

She is ticklish

She is starting to try to touch toys

Audrey 10 Weeks - Watches everyone from across the room and smiles when she sees me, Dad or Alexander.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T09:27:00.001-08:00

This year we had Thanksgiving at our place. It was very small and comfortable.

What a Happy Little Girl

Mommy and Audrey

Alexander let Audrey climb on him

Grandma and Grandpa came back from a cruise that stopped in Jamaica and brought back matching hats for the kids.

Alexander helped stuff the turkey

We took some pictures

Audrey had three blow outs that day! Good thing she has a lot of clothes!

Great food and family! Fun all around!

VIDEO

Alexander stuffin the bird

Audrey 8, 9, 10 Weeks

2011-11-09T23:36:00.000-08:00

Posting this a bit late but have to remember her milestones so I can create her scrapbook!

Family Dancing and Audrey smiling (10 Weeks)

Audrey 8 Weeks - Began to notice hands; she puts them infront of her face and stares at them. She has also really began to follow Alexander with her eyes. He is so loud and fun to watch.

Audrey 9 Weeks - Smiles at herself in mirror. This is such a fun time; I remember exactly when we were in Hawaii and Alexander was almost three months old, laying on Papa's couch when I held up his car seat mirror and he started to smile. Now my little girl is doing it. LOVE Audrey first did it in her whale bath tub on our bathroom counter, she looked over to the mirror and smiled and cood at herself.

Audrey 10 Weeks - Watches everyone from accross the room and smiles when she sees me, Dad or Alexander.

Toy Story on Ice

2011-11-06T22:14:00.003-08:00

Sunday night last week we were lucky enough to see Toy Story on Ice at the Everett Events Center

Right through the door Alexander picked out a Lotso Loving Bear - He did smell like Strawberry

Shortly after he found himself in time out

And Chris got all of his toys

Once in our seats he got to play with his new toys

Audrey pooped right when the show started so I had to change her right there! Then when the show started she was so freaked out because it was so loud and visually stimulating. Halfway through I took her out and we stood up so she could fall asleep.

The Claw

Overall the show was amazing and had a great time however I must say next time we would not bring a newborn (duh)!

Auntie Nichole and Nuri Visit

2011-11-06T22:13:00.001-08:00

Nuri is such a sweetie pie! He is 5 months old now.

Alexander's cousin Nuri came to visit and meet Audrey!

We had a great time on Saturday.

Great Picture

So sweet

The babes

We went on a walk to the playground

Chris looked like he was ready to hike 10 miles

No hands

Next year in May Nuri turns 1! We will be going to visit Nuri and I can't wait!

2011 Halloween

2011-11-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

This Halloween we wore our same costumes from last year and had fun playing outdoors. Alexander had a rough time so we just did our street and headed home to hand out candy. Audrey stayed at the house with Grandma while we made our rounds.Butterfly-Ballerina = Butterina Cat Burglar

A typical night making dinner in our home.

TMA Halloween Party 2011

2011-11-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, October 28th we had our Trinity Martial Arts Halloween Party. It was a huge success and absolutely packed.

Grandma and Grandpa came to help with the little ones.Lets just say he is very persuasive Fun Fun Fun
I dressed Audrey as a Ballerina. Actually she was a butterfly/ballerina, AKA Butterina. Alexander was a Jedi but wanted nothing to do with putting it on that night. My outfit is missing the hair buns, belt and almost everything that night! ;)

DJ Because and Bones on the scene!Adult Contest Children Costume Contest

Children's contestCuties

2011 BLACK LIGHT DEMO

Painting the slide?...

2011-10-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

Alexander was outside playing and I didn't hear anything for a few minutes...Then I let him play in it because I figure it couldnt get much worse!

Pumpkin Party

2011-10-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Check out our Pumpkins This week and weekend we had a lot of time to play with our pumpkins. One day Alexander and I painted them; this is a great activity for kids.

He had so much fun and eventually began to paint himself.

Today we went to Grandma Debbie's house for the third annual pumpkin party. We had a blast hanging out and carving our pumpkins. Grandma Debbie helped Alexander with his. Audrey and Grandma - what a great picture!

Lil Pumpkin

The Pumpkins

What a fun time we had!

Scooter

2011-10-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

The twins down the street Matthew and Markus have Razor Scooters. They are so sweet and help him to ride it around the neighborhood. It is still much to advanced for him to do on his own so for his birthday, Great Grandma Alerich mailed up some money to get him something special. A scooter it was.

As soon as Chris showed him how to ride it he was scooten all over the house. He is crazy fast on that thing. He will ride down the hill with one leg up in the air...crazy boy.

I LOVE FALL

Papa mailed him a set of knee and elbow pads but I have yet to get it on him. He wears his helmet but is afraid to put on the other stuff.

Hunting for Pumpkins

2011-10-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend both Saturday and Sunday were spent at Pumpkin Patches. Saturday the Rickard's and Kime's came along with us to The Farm at Swan's Trail (http://www.thefarm1.com/). They have the biggest corn maze shaped like Washington State, 1000 feet + filled with corn kernels for the kids to play in, duck races, slides, hay play area, pumpkins and great food. This place has a lot to do but all of it costs money. The kids were busy for a few hours and then we left because it was nap time.

Sunday morning we met the Rickards at The Plant Farm in Arlington (http://www.theplantfarm.com/). This was a much smaller place but they still had a lot and everything was free, except the pumpkins. There were hay rides, train rides, 2 bouncy houses, petting zoo, treats, and the pumpkins were in grass (no mud). We had a great time there and found the perfect group of pumpkins.

I don't understand why Kaylyn hates these things!

My 7 week old baby bear

I found the perfect pumpkin

I kept missing the photo but he would balance on them. Or he would frog jump them.

Adorable

Double-Dorable

Pumpkin Pickers

I just had to take a pic of him on this pumpkin...already making jokes of his privates.

Helping

Introducing The Real Husbands of Orange County

Great way to end the day at the Pumpkin Patch!

Last year we went to Carleton Farm and they also had a lot of free fun kids stuff to do but it was muddy. http://www.carletonfarm.com/pumpkins

I must say we will be back to The Plant Farm, it was small with just enough to do without overwhelming Alexander!

Audrey is 7 weeks

2011-10-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Audrey turned 7 weeks on October 12th. She is so adorable and such a good baby. Her temperment is calm. Even when you change her diaper she hardly makes a peep.

She has started to sleep for up to 7 hours without waking for food (keep in mind that is the longest). It is still pretty normal she wakes up 2-3 times a night. She goes to bed at 8 and wakes at about 8 with Alexander.

There are times that she cries and cries and that is normally my signal to not eat whatever I at at the previous meal.

She is wearing 6 month old clothes and filling them out pretty good and size 2 diapers still.

Audrey Bath Time.

Quality Time with Alexander

2011-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Since Audrey's birth exactly 7 weeks ago today I have not had any one on one time with my Son. He has been such a trooper given the extreme changes that have happened now that he has a sister. Here are a few:

1. Immediate Gratification. We taught him to say, "Up please" and we would lift him up. He learned really fast that that does not always work anymore. I constantly have to say, "not right now, I have the baby." He gives me a disappointed look (heartbreaking) and goes on with his task.

2. Our tub can fit three. Chris, Alexander and I used to bath together on occasion but now anytime he wants to take a bath audrey and I jump in too. Audrey loves the bath and Alexander likes having company so its working out well. I will have to bow out once she is old enough to use her bath seat.

3. Thirst can wait. When he wants something to drink he yells, "CCCCCUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPP, CCCUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPP, CCCCUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP." Although this has never been okay, he now yells it louder and louder thinking I will be able to get it for him sooner. But sometime he just has to wait.

4. Patience. This applies to many things I have already stated but especially when going outside to play. He has to wait for Mommy to get Audrey all ready to go outside or in the car while he waits patiently for us to be ready.

Today I had my mom take Audrey so that I could go to Trinity Martial Arts to let him play with the kids and take the beginning of the Tiny Trinity Class. He was so excited to see Daddy and to be at the school. He plays with the wave masters by knocking it over then picking it up again, kicking the ball around the school, noodle war, and his favorite running in a circle while being chased. The children love him and take such a great interest in his well being. I can see why he loves it there, he is the center of attention and gets a lot of play time.

He was especially excited to spend time with Chris at the school considering it has been almost two months for him. Not to mention we are working hard on getting his sleep more scheduled and it is causing him to be asleep by the time Chris gets home and then when he has to go to work he cries and gets really upset. Since having Audrey he has really become attached to dad.

Tonight when putting Alexander to be he looked at me and said Mommy night night Mommy! This seems so simple yet this was the first time he understood what he was doing and how to try to distract me so he could stay awake. The first time cute, after about 15 minutes it became obvious what he was doing. Chris and I are very touchy feely with him and tonight he also reciprocated. He was laying in the bed and began to rub his hand up and down my entire arm, over and over again. It was so sweet to see that he is learning how to show affection to someone and how much what we do affects him.

We had a lot of fun together and I can wait to do it again.

10/10/2011 - Alexander is 2

2011-10-10T16:55:00.001-07:00

Today is Alexander's actual 2nd Birthday (I wrote this on Monday). I sit here on the couch with him and am thinking back to exactly two years ago today I was at Providence Hospital in labor, dilated to about 7 waiting to meet him. As I held Audrey this morning I though about holding my son Alexander two years ago. Two thing are true: 1. they grow up so fast and 2. having a child changes your life forever. These two years have went so fast. He has turned into my little man. Having him defiantly changed our lives for the better. He adds his a definite degree of difficulty to everything, but we wouldn't change it. He is a smart, crazy, fun, beautiful, dancing big brother. I look forward to the years we will have together as he grows up and seeing the bond between Alexander and Audrey!!!

Alexander now

Uses the potty 100% for #1#2 but has to be naked, working on pull ups

Started to say potty when he has to go (10% of the time)

Has the top 2 year molars (has for 4 months)

Loves Curious George, as he calls him "moneeee"

Showers with dad

Can say "I love you"

Wears 4t shirts and 3 t pants

SOME VIDEOS

Alexander Dances when Tutu and Papa arrive

Alexander in Pillow Sack (Dad's idea)

Alexander in Tutu's shoes (high heels)

Alexander and the grasshopper "hoppa"

Alexander and Tutu RACE

Alexander and Uncle Alex Play

Alexander's Second Birthday Party!!!

2011-10-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we had his birthday party and it was Toy Story themed. A month or so ago that was his favorite thing, today I am not so sure but it is defiantly still a top pick. The party was so much fun and I am so glad to have great family and friends to share it with. Thank you to my mom for making the cake and overall help with every thing. Thanks to Holly for making his B-Day Invite. Thanks Renee for cleaning up. Thank you Debbie for taking care of Audrey so I could help the kids. Thank you Chris for setting up the play room so it would be a hit...and for the ridiculous ideas you have.

Great Aunt Marguerita and Alexander

He saw me fill it with the candy so he was ready...

Always ready for a photo

Amber meets Audrey

The play room had a projector playing on the entire wall of Toy Story. This bed is actually a trampoline!

Annabell

Present time! Alexander could have cared less. Good thing Chris had fun.

Whatever present just got opened they both had their eyes on!

OOOOH

At one point Alexander left and stood on the stairs with the twins to observe

I love this pic with Grandma Debbie; you can see Audrey's photos right behind her.

Chris opened all of the toys for the kids.

Sam had his eyes on these!

The cake my mom made!

This went much better than his first birthday! He wanted to eat it all!

Then we went outside for the pinata

Chris thought it was necessary to be on the roof to hold it!

CANDY

Grandma Debbie held onto this little one all day.

The making of the party...

Alexander helped make his own pinata which was very messy but a lot of fun

The cake

The frosting! YUMMMM

Alexander's Happy Birthday Song

Audrey is 6 Weeks Old

2011-10-05T20:05:00.001-07:00

Wednesday October 5th Audrey is 6 weeks old.

She Now:

Coos

Smiles at mommy

Can hear mommy and look towards her

Laughs out aloud when she sleeps

Sleeps about 15 hours a day

SHE LOVES

Baths

To pull my hair

To be rocked to sleep

Her vibrating chair (actually Renees)

Laying by the fireplace

Her brother

Kirra

Her white noise maker

To be outside

SHE DISLIKES

Not being held
A bottle
Shots

What an adorable face!

I LOVE how she spreads all five of her toes apart like little fingers and how she smiles when she hears me. I love to take a bath with my baby girl. I feel so lucky with her. Her temperament is amazing and she is so calm. I get a lot of sleep waking up 3-5 times a night to feed her then she falls right back to sleep. I have found that the vibrating chair is the key to her sleeping.

Audrey's 1 month appointment she weighed 11.6 pounds (91% weight) was 20.5 Inches (61% for height)

My doctor appt. I weigh 136 now, still have another 14 pounds to go.

1.Audrey at 2 weeks in swing

2. Alexander helping to bath Audrey

Papa and Tutu visit from Hawaii

2011-10-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

Tutu Linda and Papa Peter came over from Hawaii to meet Audrey and to see Alexander. Alexander pointed to both of them in a photo that we have at the entry way of our trip to Hawaii when he was 7 months old.
Papa meets his first Gran daughter, Audrey Kailani

Alexander though there was too much attention on Audrey so he started bustin out some dance moves. This day he did a dance I have never seen before and never want to see again. I will post the video as soon as I can.

Woodland Park Zoo

Sam shared some ice cream with Tutu
Da Bears
This was by far his favorite exhibit, do you blame him?

All day long Papa and Tutu took turns carrying Audrey. She slept like a baby...uh wait?
RAAARRRRRR

Some fun swinging
Then we went to Olive Garden for dinner
Alexander played peekaboo with Papa and Tutu

My 4 week old beautiful daughter ;)
So happy!
We went for a walk one day to the park

Alexander found a new favorite thing, black berries!!!

And Tutu had to race him. I think she just likes to challenge people smaller than her!
Dinner at Neopolis in Lake Stevens.

This has become our new favorite place. Why?

1. It is less than 3 minutes from our house. 2. They make everything fresh meaning I can eat alfredo because they make it with no garlic. 3. The food is great. 4. Did I mention that it is close?

Spumoni ice cream. The first one ended up on the floor.

Alexander loves to wear Tutu's TALL heals.

Tutu built a garage for his toy cars... Alexander is in his new birthday boots from Papa and Tutu

We got to give Audrey a bath.

This mylie lay brings good luck and will be in Audrey'[s room just like Alexanders.

Back at Neopolis... Did I mention it was close?

My little Angel Baby

We had a great time with family and look forward to seeing you again soon! BTW Alexander runs around the house saying By By Tutu Papa.

Audrey's First Bath

2011-10-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

At about three weeks her cord fell off so we finally got to give he a bath! She loves to be in the water and coos and looks around, just like her big brother did. The biggest difference is that she does not cry when you take her out.

This is Audrey...

And this is Alexander...

Mommy and Audrey

Mommy and Alexander

Grandma and Audrey

Big bro checking out whats happening

And he jumped right in to help

This is Audrey

And these are ALEXANDER

Baby Audrey

Big brother has taken an interest in helping to bath her too. Sometimes he dumps water on her face and she gets really upset but for the most part he does great.

Sometimes we all take a bath together! That is fun too!

This probably will not end well.

She grabs on to his hand and now he likes to hold her hand back and rub her face.

When Tutu and Papa were here they got lots of pictures of us bathing her at 4 weeks.

It is amazing how much they look alike in pictures that I can not even tell which one it is! Yikes.

Audrey 3 weeks Old

2011-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

She has a big diaper booty!

Strange pic but the outfit is adorable...thanks Renee

Outlet mall shopping

Big Bro

I NEVER though I would say this but since having Audrey, life has gotten EASIER. Alexander is so much more fun to be around and is growing up to be a big brother. Audrey is the sweetest baby as long as I eat BLAND foods and no chocolate (its worth the trade). She coos and smiles at me now it is so adorable. She is way out of her newborn clothes and into 3 or 6 months now. She also wears size 2 diapers.

Alexander is 23 Months

2011-09-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

The biggest change is that he is now a big brother!

He has potty trained himself! If I leave his diaper off he ALWAYS goes either in his frog pod (potty) or sits like this on the toilet. Grandma Janie taught him this one so he does not pee out the front! You should all try it, you can flush while sitting too!

If he uses his frog pod he will carry it in and dump it too.

Just this month he started going number 2 in! WHOO. I now need to get him into some pull-ups.

He goes to his Dad a lot more now that I have Audrey to care for. My two favorite men!

Alexander now wears 3T pants

3t or 4 T shirts

Size 8 shoes

Sleeps in our room most nights

Takes 1 nap each day

Takes showers mostly rather than baths

Started to say NO NO NO...OH NO!

He is communicating so much better now

Loves to line up all of his cars and push them around

Since we brought Audrey home I have seen a total 180 in his behavior. He is getting a much better temperament and becoming a BIG BROTHER. I LOVE YOU ALEXANDER.

His 2nd birthday is now about 1 week away!!!

Audrey's First Two Weeks

2011-09-19T14:11:00.001-07:00

Wow how fast the past few weeks have went! Our first week at home went amazing. We had the pictures of Baby Audrey taken that I have already posted. Here is the first two weeks of Baby Audrey and what we were up to! Today she is one month old so I am two whole weeks behind...wow time flies! We got home on Friday, August 26th.

This time around I actually made it to our room rather than living on the couch while recovering. here I am with Baby Audrey once home.

She started in Newborn diapers for about 1 week, then went to size one diapers, now at one month she is in size two...stop growing so fast baby girl.

Grandma Debbie had Alexander until Sunday so we could adjust with the new baby. When he came home life went on as usual except this time baby Audrey was in my arms not my belly!

Alexander gave Audrey a flower~

And destroyed the rest of them

AWWWW shes so tiny

ALexander got lots of new toys including this train set to keep him occupied

Auntie Crystal

The fam

LOVE HER

Grandma Janie

Here is Audrey on 8/31 at her 1 week appointment. She weighed 8.6 which was past her birth weight so the doc was very happy with that. She looked perfect the doctor said and also grew .25'' from 19.5 to 19.75.

That following day I went to the walk in clinic because I thought my incision had gotton infected because I started getting a lot of pain in my upper part of my stomach just below my belly button and it turned all red. The walk in said nope, I am not sure why its red...IDIOT. So the next day I had to go to the hospital to have a doc check it out who deals with post op C-Sections and sure enough they said it was infected and put me on an antibiotic. I started the meds that day and then Audrey started to fuss a lot! UGGG. She then got thrush in the mouth because of my medicine. Then she had to be treated and the first meds they gave her did nothing so they switched her again. Almost 10 days later finally she is over her issues and I am too! We are all happy and healthy now. :)

Audrey's 2 week appointment 9/7/2011

She already weighed 8.16 gaining near a half pound that week

She had to get her foot pricked again and this lady was great. She heated it first and then didn't sqeeze her foot so the blood drained out with no problem. Baby Audrey didn't make a peep!

Bath time

Love these leg warmers

We went outside a lot to let Alexander get some fun time in. Although it about killed me to walk around I made it work.

Grandma Debbie

Our first outing. We dropped off Alexander at Grandmas and went and got a BIG TV for me to watch when at home. Then Chris and I went to a curry dinner with Audrey.

Alexanders new helmet looks ridiculous while in his undies!

I got up the courage to go to the lake one weekend with Crystal and Amanda. Glad the extra hands were there because I soon realized I couldn't go their alone anymore.

SOOO BEAUTIFUL

Audrey's Arrival - Birth Story

2011-09-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

So my labor did not progress for three weeks at 3cm. When Tuesday night rolled around I knew I would meet my daughter the next morning through a scheduled C-Section the following morning at 5:30. I had come to terms and waited as long as I could but she was just too comfy in my belly. I was so excited to meet her the next morning!

Tuesday night we dropped off Alexander at Grandma Janie's at 8PM and then Chris and I went out to dinner together. We got about 4 hours of sleep. Its hard to sleep when you know you are going to meet your daughter within hours!!!

Here is our journey and Audrey's first three days of life in the hospital! She arrived on Wednesday, August 24th at 8am and we were discharged on Friday, August 26th at 1:00PM.

Just hours before she was born!

I gained 33 pounds, the exact same as Alexander!

Still very few contractions and so we were prepped for surgery.

Triage - We checked in here just like a normal labor. They hooked me up to the monitors and gave me an IV. This is where the anesthesiologist came in and talked to me about the spinal. She was amazing and put my mind at ease. They had me drink this nasty thing to neutralize my stomach acids and I was good to go.

They took me at about 7:30 to the operating room and Chris went to our recovery room and had to get into his scrubs.

At 7:30 I was wheeled into the operating room where I would deliver my baby girl. They sat me on the bed and gave me a spinal. I was surrounded by strangers and my doctor. Dr. Nicolov stood next to me as I leaned over to get the spinal and held my hand; that helped me to feel at ease. The spinal was really very little pain. Once they were done they helped me lay down and I could feel my butt and feet getting warm and they began to go numb. They then brought Chris in at 7:45 when they started the surgery. He sat by my head and talked to me through the whole thing. He was amazing and helped me to take my mind off of what was happening on the other side of the curtain. This is awful but we could hear them cutting what sounded like leather until she was born at 8. This was removal of any scar tissue from my previous surgery, gross but very much appreciated because this time I am healing even better than before!

They were telling us that her head was tilted to one side making it really hard to get her out. They kept trying and I felt a tiny bit of pressure as they PUSHED on my stomach and ribs and they said shes here, your little girl is here, well shes not so little!

When she came out I watched from accross the room as they cleaned her up. She barely cried when she came out but began to cry as they cleaned her. As soon as they stopped she stopped crying and was a perfect little angel. They had to warm her up because her body temp was pretty low, I am not sure why but she warmed right up!

Chris cutting the cord.

She was so swollen.

8.4 Pounds born at 8 AM, 19.5 inches long

Chris brought her over as soon as he could and I kissed her face.

Proud Dad

AWWWWW

At 10:30 my mom brought Alexander into the recovery room to meet his sister. He just stared at her at first and said BABY.

Proud Mommy. The funny thing was that a spinal should only make you numb for 2 hours, by noon I was still completely numb and began to freak out. It took until 4PM to get my movement back in my legs!

Grandma

Alexander must have known that I was unable to care for him because he really never cried or tried to get up with me the entire time. He took to his dad right away.

We had so many visitors that at one point I was completely overwhelmed. Here is Auntie Crystal and Audrey

Changing first diaper

Proud Dad

We slept together almost every minute

And Chris enjoyed some sleep time with her too. When she would cry Alexander would cry; he was so concerned that she was hurt.
First actual introduction!
Friday she had lost a bit of weight but still looking good.
I finally got Alexander to come sit with me for a minute. I missed him so much while in the hospital.

She slept like an angel and cried very little. I knew I had won the baby lotto with this little girl.
LOVE!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE

Time to go home. I showered and got cleaned up and was excited to get home.
Off with our newest arrival.

IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!!

This C-Section was far better than the first one. I was much more alert an aware of what was going on and prepared mentally for this. The staff that I had where amazing this time around. They went out of their way to make me feel at ease. The entire process was litterally painless...except the healing process afterwards of course. I was up the same day standing along side the bed and by the next morning at 5AM they had me up and moving around! I felt a million times better than the first time. Overall I am so happy with my birth expereince this time around and I LOVE BABY AUDREY!!!

Introducing Audrey Kailani Aprecio

2011-09-06T19:19:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011 at 8AM

8 Pounds 4 Ounces

19.5 Inches

My FAVORITE!!!!!! I am so proud to be their MOMMY!!!

No labor started so we had a scheduled C section. Everything went great and we went home two nights after she was born on Friday the 26th. We are all home and doing great, just working on our recovery and enjoying the time with our family!!!

40 Weeks 3 Days

2011-08-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still pregnant! Well today on 8/22 I had to go in and do a non-stress test to make sure baby is still okay. Baby had a level of 10 for fluids, normal is 8-22 so definitely on the low side but that is expected with an over-term baby. I only had one contraction during the 40 minute test and baby's heart rate remained consistent around 135. So I passed the test then went to see my doctor for my final appointment.

I was informed that my C Section date had to be moved from Friday to Wednesday! She will be making her arrival on August 24th, 2011 and will now be a VIRGO. I also got checked and NO CHANGE. The doctor did an ultrasound and said she is sunny side up, just like Alexander was (face facing up towards my front rather than towards your bottom). He believes that this is why I had trouble with Alexander and Audrey both as far as dilation and stalling labor. He said I have a small funnel for her to fit into and when they are positioned the opposite way it is hard for them to engage in the birth canal. To me it sounded like blah blah blah and I was tearing up that my birth is now officially planned and I am having a repeat cesarean. I gave it my best effort to try to get her out here through a VBAC but I guess she had other plans for her arrival. No matter how she arrives, my goal is for her and I to be safe and healthy and at this point and the doctor has let me try my way for two weeks longer than a typical cesarean is scheduled.

I am so nervous for the surgery but excited to meet my baby girl. We have to be there at 5:30AM for prep and the surgery is at 7:30AM. Looking at this positively I guess I will get a full nights rest (well more than typical laboring women get) and my women parts will remain unchanged!!! The down side is a 6 week healing process where I can not carry anything but the baby! So if anyone hears a toddler crying, that is probably mine and no he is not in in pain, just having a rude awakening to having to share his mommy.

See you all later when I will be a MOMMY OF TWO!

Last weekend as an "Only Child"

2011-08-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

It really hit me hard that this was the last weekend I was going to have one child and little Alexander would be an "only child." We spent the weekend doing fun things with him and enjoying our Son.

Friday we had a birthday party where he got to play with all of his friends.

Saturday we went to the lake with the girls and all of the babies so they could play.

Sunday Chris and I took Alexander to Snohomish to a little cafe then to Harvey Field to watch the planes landing.

Dad spun him around

Then he insisted on me doing it, I could barely get him off the ground

Then we both crash landed

And he no longer thought I was very fun

And went back to play with someone who is not handicapped

He was beat!

We has such a great time and I LOVE THIS BOY so much! It is weird that it has taken this long for me to realize that soon I will have a daughter and my attention will not be give to Alexander exclusively anymore. All I know is that the love I have for him will not be divided, rather it will multiply so they both know they are loved more than anything in this world!

Near 40 week Appointment

2011-08-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we had another appointment (8/17/2010).

We went in and I had the check and NO CHANGE!!! She is a little lower but my cervix is still posterior. We then had to discuss our "backup plan" if labor does not start on its own by the end of my 40th week. Once you have had a C Section they can not induce you, your labor needs to start on its own and then they can help it along. This has to due with the fact that the medications used to induce are very hard on the uterus and increase your chance of a rupture to 1 in 50 from 1 in 500. No good doctor will induce after a c section I learned and I have to accept that. My C Section is scheduled for as late as they will let me for Friday, August 26th at 12:00. For now I am just assuming I will not go that long...but scared I might.

Weight: 153 (31 gained)

Baby heart rate: 130

3 cm dilated, 85% effaced, Cervix posterior

I have been walking and getting contractions then they stop! UGGGG oh well I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.

39 Weeks

2011-08-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today i had my 39 week appointment (8/12/11) and we had another check. I was still only 85.5% effaced but now was almost 3 cm dialated. The Doctor also stripped my membrains in an effort to help my body get ready or to start labor. It was quite uncomfortable but they the way I see it is soon I am going to give birth to a baby and that will hurt worse.

BELLY 39 weeks 2 daysBELLY 39 Weeks 4 Days

The doc also said he wil let me go up to 1week overdue before I must hav a c section we have our next apt on wednesday (8/17/11) which is already tomorrow!!! Looks like we made it so now we must discuss other options!!!

Yesterday I almost fell when walking inside with flip flops on the hardwood floors. I caught my self but swear that Audrey must have dropped and inch or so into my pelvis. I am not having trouble walking which make life pretty dificult considering I have to walk to do anything.

Baby flipped so her back is now out. I think I weighed about 156 so I had gained 34 pounds now, more than with Alexander.

Today Alexander started peeing on his own in the potty, he did it 5 times today all on his own. He would acutally position the potty so he could stand and pee in it. I think he is telling me he is ready to potty train soon!!! (8/17/11 - 22 months)

Audrey's Nursery

2011-08-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

When I found out I was having a girl I began to look and found the perfect nursery set and found the perfect bed set and built her nursery around the birds in it. It is girly yet not too baby. I love the way her room turned out and am excited to show it to her.

My mom and I made these especially for her.

My sister Crystal gave this too me at her baby shower. It is AMAZING!!!

I must say it is strange to look into both rooms and see a crib. It is kind of a reality check that soon I will have two babies.

Thank you EVERYONE for all of the help with her nursery!

Alexander is 22 Months

2011-08-10T22:12:00.001-07:00

Alexander is 22 months old, almost a two year old! He loves to be out side as much as possible and his newest thing is watching movies. Up until now he has watched the short tv shows like Gabba Gabba, Backyardagins and now he LOVES TOY STORY 3. He laughs when the dog comes upstairs and squishes Woody and runs to me scared when the monkey comes on the screen. It is so much fun to see him beginning to understand what is happening.

He loves to dance, as always but is now getting some pretty awesome moves down. There is a video below of him at the sleep over.

He says I Love You, can count to three in Korean (much better than English), and loves the baby in my belly. Unfortunately for me I have reverted to him sleeping in our bed at night due to pure exhaustion; he sleeps all night which means so do I...I am a little worried for Audrey to arrive but I am sure we will figure it out.

Here he is at the Lake Stevens Aquafest. He loved the motorcycle ride and wanted to go over and over and over...until he began to dry heave! His face remained hard core...

Until it was time to get off!

His new favorite movie is Toy Story 3! He wears my boots around the the house and carries a gun too.

The last day of summer camp was a sleep over...here is a video of Alexander dancing with the kids!

38 Weeks

2011-08-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today I had my 38 week appointment (8/5/11). This was the day in my pregnancy that I had Alexander so now I have officially carried her longer than I did with him. I was very anxious last night anticipating my water breaking like it did with Alexander...and it never happened.

At my Doctors visit he did the check. I was 80% effaced (cervix thinning) and .5 cm dilated. She had dropped and he could feel her head. He explained to me that the first thing that happens is the cervix gets effaced and thinned out, this occurs at about 10% a week. Once effaced the cervix will lift forward causing her head to push resulting in dilation. Based on my current stats he estimated that I will have at least one week until I am fully effaced and the next phase occurs. He said unless you begin to have a regular contraction pattern or your water breaks.

So for now I have stopped worrying that I will go into labor, at least for a week. I am however getting anxious and excited to meet my daughter. I am enjoying every last minute of carrying her in my belly. At night I am getting up at least 6 times to pee; I guess just preparing me for having a newborn baby once again.

Weight 152 (total gained 30).

37 Week Ultrasound - Audrey

2011-08-05T21:44:00.001-07:00

Today I had my 37 week appointment (7/29 - Friday)

We got to do the u/s and take one last peak at her before we get to hold her! She was quite comfy in there, sucking on her hands almost the entire time. The doctor estimated her weight at 6.5 pounds and said they gain about .25 pounds per week so we are looking at 7 pounds.

Here is our ultrasound picture with Audrey, this is her face and that round thing is her cheek:

Here is our ultrasound picture with Alexander, that round thing is also his cheek: As you can see his cheeks were WAY WAY more chubby so I think the doc is right on with her weight.

Weight 151 (29 gained)

Heart rate 145

Baby head down and turned to my right side

Expecting Audrey...Maternity Shoot

2011-08-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

On the left I was 33 weeks pregnant with Alexander, on the right is 36 weeks with Audrey

My absolute FAVORITE!
Holly is amazing... check out her site to contact her.

www.hollyapreciophotography.blogspot.com

Audrey's Baby Shower

2011-08-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was not too sure about having a shower but my mom and Amber insisted! I am so happy they did as it was such a special day for me to share with family and friends and celebrate AUDREY!!!Amber came over early to help my mom set up for the shower. They really did a great job of making it special...and PINK.

We played the guess how big I am with string game. That was funny, my sister Crystal made me the biggest, I could wrap it around almost twice. Then we played the memory game with the baby items, followed by who knows Tiffany best. My little Sister won that game! And apparently people know me better than I know myself.
Aunt Kathy and Brooklynn

Audrey got the cutest clothes. I cant wait to dress her up and fix her hair; that is if she has any.
What a diva.

This Buddha shirt was gift...hilarious.
My little sister made me a bird cage that matches Audreys room perfectly. I can tell she put in so much time to make this special just for her. Keri also made me an amazing quilt, pink with pooh bear on it just for her room. Alexander loves it and I know she will too.

My son also for the first time figured out how to put on his own pants while at the shower. He now has it down!!! What a big boy he is becoming; just in time.
All of the kids played and has so much fun at the shower. Thank you so much to everyone for making this so special. Now the next step is meeting my daughter...I am so excited!

36 Weeks Pregnant

2011-08-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

on 7/22 I had my normal weekly appointment. Baby is doing great. We got to take a peak at baby and see how big she is. The doctor estimated she is 6.5 pounds today and will be around 7 pounds when she is born...(the scary thing is that those are the exact words he used with Alexander). I do believe however, that she will gain weight slower than him and the doc will be more right on with this one. She had her hands in her mouth during the u/s and we got to watch her chest go up and down as she was practicing breathing the amniotic fluid.

Stats:

Weight 152 (total 30)

Heart rate: 145

TMA Annual Beach BBQ 2011

2011-08-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

This year we had our BBQ on the 23rd of July at the beach in Lake Stevens. We had a great turn out and luckily good weather.

Hamburgers

Lots of fun in the sun

Followed by an afternoon nap

And more fun

TMA Summer Camp 2011

2011-08-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

This year we moved summer camp to the last week of July just in case our baby came early! The kids had a lot of fun!

Board breaking - then they use the board to make a picture frame!

Yes Alexander broke a board too. He is ruthless!

The little girls love Alexander.

They even help him smile

Tag

Beach Day. I was only able to make it to one day and this was a great one to pick!

My brownies didn't turn out so well

Until next year

Neiko's New Home

2011-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Neiko our serval we have had for over 6 years. Unfortunately about 3 years ago he got out of our house and we had a lot of legal trouble unless we moved him off our property. So for the past three years he has been living at the Moran's house, literally 2 blocks away from our house where he is "legal." During this time we have to go and feed him dailey, clean his cage and try to spend as much time with him as possible. We built him a 6x16 foot enclosure and a warm house to stay in.

Over the years his care has diminished, mostly since adding babies to our lives to where we have so little time to spend with him. Not to mention the fact that he is at someones house and taking up their space.

After a lot of research and discussion, we decided to place him at at the Wildlife Feline Advocacy Center of Washington, located on 20 acres in Shelton. The place is very nice, they care for around 25 cats like Neiko who have been displaced due to legal or owner reasons. This is a "temporary boarding" situation and we are able to take him back at any point, once we have a safe, legal place for him to live. If that never happens they are more than willing to keep him as well.

When Chris and I were there we were able to play with bobcats, carcals, and servals. The place is great and they do a lot of volunteer work in the local community. The owners have a love for animals which is apparent by the care and love they provide.

We are hoping that over time Neiko and a girl serval will be housed together. It all depends how they do next to each other first. He is now in a 20x20 cage, filled with wildlife brush, trees, water and his house to keep him safe and warm in Washington.

We are looking forward to making this a fun family thing to do. We found some great specialty bakeries and beaches to play at.

Until our next trip down to Shelton, we miss him dearly!!!

Arlington Street Fair 2011

2011-08-01T11:09:00.001-07:00

This year we also did the Arlington Street Fair on July 8,9,10. What a great time we had and perfect weather.Mostly we just get to have a lot of fun playing with Alexander!

It seems that Trinity has begun to build a reputation in Arlington from the Relay for Life both years and the Street Fair. It is great when people come up to you and say oh we know so and so and they say such great things about you and the school. It is also great to have so many students and ex-students stop by and say hello.

Board Breaking

Wow, he looks like a natural

Nice job Kimo

Entertaining himself!

Almost nap time

Grandma took him to his first time in a play jumpy house and I just had to go back to see how much he loved it!

We had an amazing amount of interest so I hope we can transition the families successfully to new students.

California July 2011

2011-07-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

We had a 5 day trip planned to go to California and meet Alexander's first Cousin Nuri and visit family over the 4th of July weekend. We departed early Friday morning and were off for fun in the sun.

Once we arrived and checked into the hotel we went strait to Nichole's to meet Nuri; Alexander was not too sure at this point.

Little bundle of joy

Proud Grandpa

Proud Grandpa again.

Alexander was so happy to see Tutu and Papa; he remembers a month ago in Hawaii

Tutu and Nuri

The next morning we went to the pool.

Then we went to Nichole's to meet Auntie Tracie and Great Grandma Alerich.

With a lot of presents in tow, Alexander was not shy!

Great Grandma playing with Alexander

Great Grandma meeting Nuri

Alexander LOVED Tracie!

The family

YUMMY COOKIES

Later we went to Auntie Tracie's to see Chris's cousins Sammy and Cassie

Cousin's and Baby Alexander and Noah

One HAPPY Great GRANDMA

One night we had to have all you can eat at the Hilton...

Prime Rib, crab legs, shrimp, lobster and anything you could want.

Tutu calmed the baby. Man that brought back memories of Alexander and how hard it was to do anything when he was a baby.

We sat next to the fondue fountain

Naturally he got a plate full of chocolate and lots of things to dip in it.

Yes, he was a disaster but he had a lot of fun doing it.

The family

OOOHHHH

The Hilton we stayed at was in Universal City so one night we went to the CITY WALK

It was amazing, completely covered in lights!

The next day was to DISNEY LAND!!!

On the way there he soaked himself with this fan sprayer.

2011

Disney Land 2003

I have a photo here in 2003 but I could not find it...eeerrr

Chris also has one here but its on his Ipad

Right in the door we found BALLOONS!

Alexander's first ride, the teacups

Then to Its A Small World

And Pirates of the Caribbean

And on the train

To the Jedi Training Camp

Chris was in heaven...he would make a way better Jedi than the ones on stage! Alexander slept through the whole show!

Alexander and his Mickey Mouse Ears

And an awful Yoda Hat

Then we went to Buzz Lighyear ride.

This is funny, both of them pointing it at their face.

I think Alexander is still small for this but we had a lot of fun racking up points

They got matching Jedi Robes and played Jedi in the hotel

On our way home from Disney Land we met up with Auntie Tracie and Grandma Alerich one last time for dinner.

To our surprise, after an entire 8 hour day at Disney Land, 3 hours of driving, Dinner with family, and only a 1 hour nap he was still full of energy so we took him for a midnight swim

The whirlpool was also pretty cool, it would move him around in circles. It was so cute.

More pool time

The baby belly

Our last day was spent at Al's families house. Grandpa and Alexander got a lot of play time in.

Nuri Smiling at me

This owl in the yard was a hit. Alexander would grab Al's hand and bring him over to play with him, over and over and over and over and over again...

Eventually Al "pretended" to be asleep so he would not "hurt" Alexander's feelings by telling him NO.

Breakfast and off to the airport.

Our rental car was the CUBE

Pool after the hot tub at 11PM

Alexander in the hot tub

33 and 34 Weeks Pregnant

2011-07-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

This week I am 34 weeks pregnant and Friday already 35! WOW! Here is my belly.

Here I am today at 34 weeks with baby GIRL:

And here I was 2 years ago at 34 weeks with Baby Boy Alexander:

What do you think, I look a lot smaller this time around? Funny enough I am measuring bigger but to me looks smaller!

I am getting a lot of contractions that are quite painful. They squeeze so hard on the baby and last a long time. I did not have these with Alexander and the doc says

that is because your body knows what to do now. Lets hope so. She also sits right up against my ribs which is also strange because Alexander was much lower and almost never touched my ribs. It is definitely more uncomfortable than sitting low. Then there are times when she is down in my hips and causes very similar pain I had with Alexander. I am glad that it has not been too hot this summer, California was so hot I almost died!

On Wednesday the 5th I had my 33 week appointment. It went as usual, belly check, on time, weight check 150 (total gained 28, 2 in 2 weeks). The exciting part is in 2 weeks we have an ultrasound to see the size of our baby girl. I am not too sure how big she will be, I am just hoping smaller than Alexander at 9.4! I was measuring small with him and with her she is right on track so I am not sure what that means. My gut tells me that she will be around 7 pounds, just perfect.

33 Weeks Pregnant

He said once we know her size we will discuss the possibility of scheduling a C section. For those of you who have a baby, they are always so wrong anyways! I was told Alexander would be

7 pounds max and all the people who are told their baby is 9 pounds have a 6 pounder. I told him I am not scheduling one; I am going to try to have this baby without surgery. Last time around was bad enough but now that I also have a almost 2 year old, I can not imagine only being able to carry the baby (less than 10 pounds) for the first 6 weeks! YIKES...I don't know what I would do. No matter what I am excited to see her next week and then have a small baby shower! (Invites are on the way this week for the 24th!)

The Doctor still believes that she will be here early just like Alexander. I didn't know that if the first is early, the second will most likely be as well. Anyways that just made me realize to get everything ready! Her room is completed and so cute, maternity photos next week, dou

ble stroller to be chosen soon...baby could be here in less than 20 days!!!

Alexander just loves this baby already; he can hide and play peak a boo with me.

31 weeks (week of the 22nd of June)

Stats

Belly measuring on time

Weight 148