Rainy Day House Cleaning

August 29th 2013,

Mommy's Cleaning Buddy

Leon,

       We woke up early today to the sounds of wind and rain. After eating breakfast and making a pot of coffee we started on some chores. I got out the vacuum and you ran to your room yelling "I help too!" A moment later you came down the hallway pushing your toy vacuum repeating "I help too!" with a big smile. You followed me into each room and vacuumed along side me. When we were all done you smiled proudly at me and said "All clean!" You make cleaning the house much more fun. I love you Leon, my little cleaning buddy!

 

~Love, your Mama



Bedtime Tickles & Laughter

August 28th 2013,

Silly Happy Smiles

Leon,

       Our bedtime routine has always been, dinner, playtime, bath and then bedtime. I love when we are getting ready for bed. Tonight you were happy and full of smiles while Daddy was trying to get your pajamas on you, so we started tickling you and before we knew it we were all laughing and smiling too. Thank you for always making Mommy and Daddy smile. You bring so much happiness to our lives. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Game Time

August 27th 2013,

Computer Fun!

Leon,

       This evening after Daddy came home from work we took you over to Grandma's house to play while we ran some errands. You always have a lot of fun when you get to play at Grandma's house, and now that you are getting older you get to play games on the computer. You loved the game DX Ball, where you bounce a little ball and try to break all the blocks. You sat and played with intense concentration. I can't believe how big you are growing and how smart you are becoming. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Daddy's Shopping Helper

August 26th 2013,

Strong Little Man

Leon,

       Tonight I really wanted to make baked chicken breasts and veggies for dinner. There were lots of veggies in the refrigerator that needed to be cooked, but we were out of chicken. While I prepared the vegetables and preheated the oven you and Daddy headed to the grocery store to buy some chicken and some soda to go with dinner. You love helping Daddy every chance you get. You proudly carried the groceries from the car into the house and brought them to me. You are a great little helper and you are growing up so fast. I love you Leon, my strong little man!

 

~Love, your Mama



Teddy Bear

August 25th 2013,

Your "Baby"

Leon,

       Your recent attatchment to this teddy bear is adorable. You call it your baby and you won't go to sleep without it. After taking your bath tonight and getting your pajamas on you suddenly realized you didn't have your bear. You said "My baby! Teddy bear!" looking all around for it. We also suddenly remembered that you had left it at your Abuelito's house. It was almost 9pm, but knowing you would have a melt down if you didn't have your teddy bear, Daddy got his shoes on and drove over to Abuelito's house to get it. Once you had your bear you happily snuggled up with it and fell asleep. Sweet dreams to you and your teddy bear. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Full Of It

August 24th 2013,

My Happy Energetic Boy

Leon,

       You are a constant blur, a whirl wind of energy and movement. Your energy seems unending and consistent. From the time you wake up to the time you finally crash and fall asleep, you are full of energy and ready to play. This abundance in energy requires a lot of physical activity, so every chance we get we take you to play at the park. Running, jumping and climbing for a few hours usually does the trick. On days like today where we walked to the park to play, you are much calmer in the evening and fall asleep quickly. I love your playful and energetic spirit, even when it is exhausting for Mommy and Daddy. You are our hyper little boy! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Heading Home

August 23rd 2013,

A Long Drive



Leon,

       Today we checked out of our hotel and began our long drive back home. Anxious to get home, you became very upset only an hour into our drive. You were bored, very tired in need of a nap and it wasn't long before you were in full blown melt down mode. Your crying resulted in Naomi waking up and crying. With no where to pull over, we kept on driving while looking for a rest stop. After a short break from being in the car, you finally relaxed and fell asleep.

       Hours later we finally made it home. You were so happy to be back home with your room, your toys and your routine. It is hard on a toddler to have their routine thrown off, and its even harder when you have a seven hour drive added to it. We are all happy to be home and are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Our Day at the Hotel

August 22nd 2013,

Play play play! Now time for a nap.

Building blanket forts!

You & Naomi relaxing in our hotel room.

Leon,

       With Daddy at work for the whole day today, it is just you, Naomi and I hanging out in our hotel room. Daddy has the car and there isn't much to do in the hotel, so we are just spending the day relaxing in our room. So far we have eaten breakfast, watched cartoons, played with your toys, built a fort out of blankets, read all the books you brought, ate lunch, took a bubble bath and now you are taking a nap. When Daddy gets home we will all go out to dinner. For now, while you are sleeping, I am going to relax and read a book. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 

 



A Family Trip

August 21st 2013,

A Long Drive

Leon,

       Daddy has to work at a store out of town tomorrow, so we decided we would all go as a family and stay in a hotel. We drove there today because it is a 5 hour drive, which turned into a 7 hour drive for us with all the stops we had to make. The first couple hours were great. You played and talked happily and then took a short nap. We stopped at a store to go potty and feed your baby sister and then got back on the road. The next 4 to 5 hours was rough. You soon became bored and we exhausted all the entertainment options. You played your games on my iPod, read books, talked, listened to music, sang songs, and ate snacks. We had to stop a few times to let you stretch your legs and run around. I hoped that doing this you would once again fall asleep, but no matter what we tried you fought taking a nap with all your strength. Late in the evening we made it to our hotel, checked in and ate dinner. Exhausted, you finally gave in to sleep. Sweet dreams little man, tomorrow is a new day. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Silly Sleeper

August 20th 2013,

Got up, but didn't get too far.

Leon,

       First I want to say I am very proud of you for sleeping in your own bed in your room last night. I was shocked that when we put you in your bed at 9pm last night you didn't get up and come into our room until 7am!

       Now for the funny part of last night/this morning. Early this morning, after getting up to feed your baby sister, I thought I would check on you before going back to sleep. I looked into your bedroom and this is what I saw. You had apparently gotten out of bed, but you didn't make it too far. Your feet were on the floor, but your upper half was resting on your bed and you were fast asleep. Grabbing the camera, I quickly took a picture and then tucked you back into bed. I kissed you goodnight and went back to bed. Thank you for making me smile, even in the wee hours of the morning. Sweet dreams my silly sleeper. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Monday Fun Day!

August 19th 2013,

Staying Cool in the Pool

Leon,

       We woke up to a very warm house, which meant it must be very warm outside. Looking out the window I saw that it was a beautiful blue sky day. We ate breakfast and got ready for the day. It was hot and sunny outside, so I got your pool and set it up in the front yard. After filling it with cool water, and throwing in some toys I  covered you in sunscreen and brought you outside to play. Without hesitation you jumped right in, giggling and making a big splash. I brought the stroller outside with us so Naomi could take a nap and be outside with us. I threw a blanket over the stroller to keep her in the cool shade and she slept peacefully while you played. You played for two whole hours, stopping only to eat a quick lunch and then you were back in the pool. You splashed, jumped and played, enjoying every minute of it. Today was another successful fun summer day! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Family, Park & Sunshine!

August 18th 2013,

Having Fun!



Fun In The Sun With Nana & Papa!

Leon,

       Sunny and warm summer days are somewhat rare, but today was one of them. After church and a nap we walked to the park to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Your Nana and Papa met us there to play. You had a blast playing on the swings, the slide, the rock wall and running through the grass. You even found some sidewalk chalk and drew pictures on the ground with Daddy. It was wonderful to get some fresh air and exercise as well as some sunshine. I love sunny Sundays and spending time together outside as a family! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama





A New Experience

August 17th 2013,

Bowling!

Leon,

       This afternoon we went to your cousin Taylor's birthday party at the bowling alley. It was a new experience for you. After getting your bowling shoes on and picking out a good bowling ball, Papa took you up to the lane and helped you throw/roll the bowling ball down the lane. You were hooked after that and continued bowl for almost an hour! By the time you were done with the game both you and Papa were sweaty and tired (it was a very humid and hot summer day today.) We said goodbye to everyone and got in our car to drive home. You fought sleep almost the whole way home, but sleep won in the end. I think we have discovered a new activity you really enjoy. I love you Leon, my little bowler!

 

~Love, your Mama





Time For Sleep

August 16th 2013,

Getting ready for bed.

Leon,

       Today you took a nap late in the day. When you woke up I could see you were recharged and full of energy. With bed time only a few hours away we knew we needed to find a way for you to burn some energy. Daddy and I decided going for a walk would be a good idea, and instead of riding in the stroller this time you walked with us. Wearing your monkey backpack you were ready to go. Daddy held onto the tail and I held your hand as we walked down the sidewalk through the neighborhood to the park to play. You and Daddy ran and played until it was dinner time, then we walked all the way back home. By the time we got home you were exhausted and sweaty. You ate your dinner, took a bath to get all clean, brushed your teeth and then you were ready for bed. Two short story books and a kiss goodnight from Mommy and Daddy was all it took for you to drift off to sleep. I think the walk and playing at the park was a great idea. Sweet dreams Sweetpea! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Evening Walks

August 15th 2013,

A Happy Mess

Leon,

       Your Daddy and I love taking you and your sister out for an evening walk when he gets home from work. Today our walking ended up taking us to icecream. You approved of this and happily ate your icecream as we walked back home. When we got to our front door I looked at you to see if you were finished. Smiling impishly at me I could see that you had really enjoyed eating your icecream and making a mess in the process. I love our evening walks, it is always fun family time, especially when it ends in icecream. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Playdough Creations

August 14th 2013,

Playdough Family

Leon,

       I always try to make sure we have some quiet creative playtime together each day. Today you really wanted to play with your playdough. We sat at the table together and got out all your playdough and cookie cutters while your baby sister napped in her cradle swing. I asked you what you would like to make and you said "People!" Using the gingerbread man cookie cutter I made a Daddy and a Mommy. You then suggested that we make one of him and baby Naomi as well. You also insisted that they all have happy faces, so we made eyes and smiles for each of them. My favorite moment of our quiet playtime was when you picked up the playdough baby and set in on the playdough Mommy and said "Mommy hold baby!" I love the time we spend together, my sweet son, you always make me smile. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



The New Hat

August 13th 2013,

Shopping is Fun!

Pajamas & Your New Hat

Leon,

       When your Daddy got home from work today we looked outside and saw that it was a beautiful day and it was only 4pm, so we got ready and headed out for a walk together. You cruzed happily in your stroller while I carried Naomi in the carrier. We walked to the grocery store and did a little shopping. I needed to buy you some new socks because your feet have grown a lot lately. While browsing through the clothing department you saw a hat and you were convinced that you absolutely need this hat. You put it on and it was perfect! Looking at the tag I realized it was on clearance, so we bought it for you and you happily wore it all the way home. You even put it back on after putting on your pajamas at bed time. You are such a handsome little man and you look adorable in your new favorite hat. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Being Two: Tantrums & Timeouts

August 12th 2013,

Asleep at Last

Leon,

       Being two years old means pushing the limits in everything you do. You love to test the boundries and you have mastered the temper tantrum. From what I have heard from my parents and from vague memories I have realized you inherited this trait from me. You get overwhelmed and full of emotions and once the temper tantrum begins I just have to wait it out until you get it all out. When you are misbehaving and out of control that is when you get put in your room for a timeout. I tell you that you can come out when you are calmed down and ready to apologize. You scream and cry as loud as possible while laying on the floor kicking the door. Eventually you stop and get quiet. Next I hear you calling for me. That is when I go in and sit down with you to talk. We talk about why you were in trouble and why what you were doing was not nice. You say sorry, give me a kiss and a big hug and we go about our day as usual. These temper tantrums are occuring more and more lately and it can get pretty exhausting for both of us. Being two years old is tough and so is learning all the life lessons a two year old must learn, but I know we can get through it together. I love you Leon, my strong willed little man!

 

~All my love, your Mama

 



At The Car Wash

August 11th 2013,

Daddy's Little Helper!

Having Too Much Fun!

Leon,

       After church and after nap time today you and Daddy went outside and washed our car. You had your own little bucket and rag to help scrub the car. Initially you thought it was really cool, but then you discovered the hose. Soon you were spraying yourself with the cold water and then running around laughing. You even sprayed me with the water while I was trying to take your picture. Soon you were completely soaked and cold. Pathetically you came into the house saying "Mommy I cold..." To get you all warmed up I filled the bath tub with warm water and some of your favorite Spiderman bubble bath. You jumped right in and sank into the warm water saying "Ahhh..." with a big smile on your face. I guess after all that hard work and cold water a hot bath felt great. You are such a good boy, and even though Daddy ended up doing most of the work, you are a great little helper. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



I Love Saturdays

July 10th 2013,

Family Days

Leon,

       I love Saturdays. Saturdays are our family days. We plan nothing so we can do anything. This Saturday we all slept in as a family and we had a slow quiet morning together. By noon we thought it would be great to get out of the house so we went for a walk through town to the grocery store. When we got home we had lunch and then we tried, and failed, to get you to take a nap. By 5pm we realized nap time wasn't happening today, so we took you over to Grandma's house (Daddy's Mama) to play. You had fun playing at Grandma's house while Daddy and I (and your baby sister) went out for a quiet dinner. Soon the end of the day was nearing so we picked you up and came home to get ready for bed. I love our Saturday family days. We have church in the morning, so it is time to get some sleep. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama 



 



Playing at the Park

August 9th 2013,

Big boy on the swings!

So much fun!

Leon,

       Going for a walk together as a family is one of my favorite things to do. This evening we walked down to the park so we could play and you could burn off some energy. You ran to the slides, climbed up and slid down, with Daddy's help of course. After a while you pointed at the swings and ran over to them excitedly. This time you wanted to sit on the swing by yourself, so with a little help you climbed on. Daddy and I took turns pushing you and you giggled and smiled as you held on tight to the chains of the swing. You were a little scared, but you were brave and had a lot of fun. I am so proud to see you try new things, even when they are a little scary. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Big Boy Toys

August 8th 2013,

Your first scooter!

Leon,

       You are growing bigger and stronger every day. As you have gotten older it has been so fun to watch you try new things. Grandma brought over a new big boy toy for you, your very first scooter! It is red and blue and has Spiderman on it. You were very excited when you saw it and immediately wanted to jump on and try it out. I showed you how to use it and before long you were zooming up and down the hallway and around the living room. You are growing up so fast! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



My Little Booger

August 6th 2013,

Boys will be boys.

Caught in the act!

Leon,

       You are such a boy! You are fascinated with cars, rough housing, sports, playing outside, getting dirty, and being loud. Although some days being the mom of such an active little boy is exhausting, I wouldn't change a thing. I love your adventerous spirit and your excitement for each new day. I love that you are a whirl wind of energy, even though I am constantly cleaning up the mess left in your path. You are my little boy and I am so proud to be your Mommy. I love you Leon, boogers and all!

 

~All my love, your Mama

 



A Moment of Quiet

August 5th 2013,

Sleep Overcomes

Leon,

       I have written many blog entries about you and how much you seem to love fighting sleep, nap time in particular. Most days I am able to convince you to take an afternoon nap, although there are days I just give up and let you stay awake until bed time. This was one of those days where your struggle to stay awake was too much, so I let you skip your nap, or so I thought. Before I knew it you were curled up on the living room floor with your toys fast asleep. I just laughed quietly and smiled as I carried you too your room. Sweet dreams silly boy. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



A Full Sunday

August 4th 2013,

Snuggly Warm

Love

 

Leon,

       We had a very full day today. We started the day by going to church. You had a lot of fun playing with your friends in the nursery. After church we went to lunch with Nana and Papa. We ate at our favorite mexican resurant. You ate tortialla chips and beans and even tried the spicy salsa, which ended up being a little too hot for your liking. Unfortunately you had a potty accident and peed through your clothes. Luckily Nana had extra diapers in her car, but we didn't have any clothes, so Nana put you in one of her warm sweaters. You were very happy all snuggly and warm in the oversized sweater. You looked so cute in your carseat and quickly fell asleep on the way home. It was time for a nap.

       After a good nap we headed out to your Aunt and Uncle's house for some BBQ food and to visit. You had fun playing, eating more food and hanging out with family. Before it got too late we headed out. We then drove to your Abuelito and Abuelita's house for a quick visit. They had a small tent set up in the living room that you had so much fun playing in.

       Soon it was nearing bed time so we came home to get ready for bed. It was along day, but a fun day, filled with family and love. We are truly blessed! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama





Full of Energy

August 3rd 2013,

Time to Play!

Leon,

       This evening you were full of energy. You were boucing off the walls and we knew we needed to take you outside to burn some energy. We decided we would go for a walk to the high school track and field to let you run and play for a while. You loved it and you had the whole place to yourself to be wild and crazy. You ran around the track, jumped off things, and played on the field until the last of your energy was gone. We began walking home and ended up stopping to visit some family before going home. You had even more fun playing with your cousins. Finally we headed home, knowing that you needed a bath and your baby sister was getting tired. Sleep came easily with all of your energy gone. Sweet dreams Leon, my wild little man!

 

~Love, your Mama



Relay For Life

August 2nd 2013,

Super Hero!

Leon,

       Relay For Life is an event that happens every year to raise money for cancer research. Each year people get together to support loved ones who are battling cancer and to honor those lost to cancer. This year was particularly special because our little friend Sophie has been battling Lukemia for the past year, so we all came to support her as one big team. People from all over who love her joined together to cheer her on and to raise money for cancer research in hope that someday there will be a cure. We all wore pink capes with the Superman symbol on it, as a symbol of hope. You loved running around the track with our team wearing your cape. You looked like the perfect little super hero! I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Protective Big Brother

August 1st 2013 10:08pm,

Love

Leon,

       I know I have already told you what a great big brother you are to your sister Naomi, but I want to tell you again. I was so anxious about how you would react to a baby in the house and how you would feel about having a baby sister. All my worries are gone now. Although I know there will be days when you fight and do not get along, I can already tell that you love your little sister. You get very protective of her and often tell people "My baby!" You give her hugs and kisses every single day. You get worried if she is out of your sight and insist on checking on her to make sure she is ok. I am so blessed to have you, my son, and now I am blessed again to have Naomi, my daughter. Seeing the love and sibling bond that is growing between you two makes me so happy and I thank God for both of you each and every day. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama