Chicken Pox...Again?

So, as we are getting dressed for church, Arianna comes into my room and says, "Mom, should I be going to church with these on my body?" Her tummy is covered in bumps and it looks like what she had a month ago...Chicken Pox!

Please...someone tell me this is normal. I know people who have gotten the chicken pox twice, but the second time wasn't a month after the first time. I guess we will be off to the doctor's office again to see if this could something else.

Oh and if I don't get a chance to tell you all later...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

1 Year Older

...and wiser too! I can't believe I will be 30 in about an hour. I was driving home from Arianna's swimming lesson tonight contemplating my accomplishments while in my 20's. There have been many great memories plus some sad ones. Can't have the great ones if you don't have the sad ones right!

Anyway, a wise good friend told me, "It is your 30's that you experience your best and memorable years!" I am happy to say I am looking forward to my 30's and can't wait to experience those "best and memorable years".

New DECADE...bring it on!!

Initials

I was asked by a few people what the J. stands for in Kayla J. Jaramillo. I figured I would post all my kids names and explain their middle initial:

Arianna D. Jaramillo---the D is for Dorothy (my mother's name)
Alayna P. Jaramillo--the P is for Patsy (Pat's mother's name)
Kayla J. Jaramillo--the J is for Jayden (my niece's name...she passed away of SIDS in infancy)

I only do initials because our last name is long, but the initials stand for important people who have influenced my life and other's lives.

A New Baby...and Chicken Pox!

I promised I would send pictures of the girls as they did their Halloween activities. Here they are carving pumpkins.

Aren't they a scary pair! Arianna didn't even look like herself.

Kayla J. Jaramillo
Born Monday November 16th at 2:21 pm.
Kayla weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and was 19.5 inches long.

Labor was so fast this time around. I went in for a Dr.'s appointment, got hooked up on a machine to monitor my contractions (which weren't consistent). My Dr. suggested I just go over the hospital to be induced since my labors progress rather quickly.

I arrived at the hospital and all set up by around 12:00. My Dr. broke my water around 1:00 and the next thing I knew, was pain! My epidural only worked on half of my body (again...Alayna's labor happened the same way). Once again my Dr. had to run from her office to the hospital to make it in time. I did not want to keep the baby inside. I wanted to push her out. It all worked out and my Dr. made it just in the nick of time. I had to breath through 2 contractions and not push which was really difficult, but I endured.
I am so blessed to have 3 beautiful daughters!

Oh yeah! Arianna ended up breaking out with the chicken pox the day before I was to come home with Kayla. We are hoping that no one else gets them...fingers crossed!

I Am Thankful For...

Temple Ordinances
I have been thinking about family a lot lately. WHY???
Maybe because I am about to deliver my 3rd baby...
Maybe because it was my niece, Jayden's, birthday on the 12th and I miss her so...
Maybe it is because of the holidays and I am missing my sisters, parents, in-laws...I don't know.
What I do know is:::
I WANT to be happy and being with FAMILY is what makes me happy...FOREVER!!

Diagnosis...

Diagnosis: TEMPER TANTRUMS
Cure: ??

Alayna sure has been struggling these past few days.
Not sure how to handle them...ignoring them mostly...that is really hard to do!
Hope it gets better before baby #3 comes along.

The One and Only

With all of my pregnancies, I do not really like taking pictures. I cherish being pregnant and all, but I don't like to be reminded of the swelling, balloon like body that I get.

Anyway, here is the one and only picture that I will be posting of myself during this pregnancy. I have about a month left (more than likely 2-3 since all my girls have been early). I am looking forward to seeing what this little one will look like. Arianna has the brown hair with blue eyes. Alayna is the one with blond hair and brown eyes. It is anyone's guess.

We have a few names for her as well, but nothing is sticking 100%. Maybe we just have to meet her first before one of the names stick.

Halloween pictures to come...

Quick Trip To Utah

Slides are fun...especially when you are with sisters!

Great Grandma Dean! We are so glad we got to visit!

Arianna and Sophia (cousin) being princesses!

Alayna, what can I say, she is a character. She just grabbed this sword and stabbed the scarecrow. What you don't see is after she did this, she walked up to some little girl and did the same thing. The sword was taken away!

Can you tell what Arianna wants to be for Halloween this year? Yep a vampire!

Lemon Smile

Alayna's personality is really starting to come out! Whenever we go out to dinner, Alayna always wants the lemon from my water to eat...she loves lemons. There have been times when she eats the rine. Anyway, Alayna put the lemon in her mouth and smiled at us...we had to get a picture of it!

3 1/2 Hours of Sleep....Uggg!

I have been wondering when this night would happen. Alayna has been so fussy lately. I don't know if it is because she is growing or it could be an early on set of the, dare I say it, "Terrible Two's"?

Anyway, Alayna has been sleeping through the night since about 9 months old. The only nights she had a hard time sleeping straight through have been the teething moments. She has all her teeth so no more sleepless nights, unless she is getting sick right.

Last night was the night. Alayna went down at around 7:30 and woke up crying at 1:00. I have had the alergy thing going on so I put off going to bed till 11:30 BIG mistake. We spent 3 hours sitting in front of the t.v. I don't like doing that, but I was bored rocking her in the dark...so I gave in. Finally, I told her it was time for bed, "No no!" It's her favorite word right now. She laid her sweet head on a pillow that was on my lap and fell asleep within 4 minutes. I went to bed right away and slept from 4:10-7:21.

Alayna isn't sick or at least I don't think she is...maybe the alergy thing too. Otherwise I am blaming it on growing pains.

Camping...Really?

So for the Labor Day weekend, Pat and I decided it would be fun to take the girls camping for their first time. The plan was laid out and we were ready. We had all the gear and food...all we needed was Arianna to get out of school so we could get on the road.

The camp ground we reserved was about 2 hours drive. We knew we would hit some traffic, but of course, it took us about 4 hours to actually get there. Everything was going pretty smoothly. Alayna didn't like being in her car seat after about 3 hours of driving, but it wasn't too bad. Then Arianna tells us she needs to go to the bathroom. So we stopped off at a little town called Copperopolis. This town was about 20 minutes away from our campsite.

As we get out of the truck, we could hear a band playing the good ol' tunes of Billy Joel...can't complain too bad to take a restroom break and get a concert with it. Then we get back in the car to head out. There was still a lot of sunlight left for us to get there and set up our tent and scout out the area. Pat goes to put the key in...nothing. He tries again...nothing. The battery died!

We call a tow since we weren't quite sure what was wrong and our insurance paid for road side assistance (and we might as well get our money's worth). The guy tells us he will be there within 30 minutes. So we wait as we listen to the great music.

Finally the guy arrives and it is determined that the battery was the problem. We are told that we need to buy a new battery and we should be able to find a Kregan's in the little town we are headed to. 30 minutes after we leave Copperopolis, we arrive at Kregan's to buy a new battery for the truck.

By this time, the sun has set. It is still light out, but not for long! Pat and I actually had to take out the old battery, and put in the new one. Finally at about 8:00, we are done. The girls are hungry and Alayna is tired of being in the truck. We decide to just grab a hamburger from Burger King since it was dark now and we would need to spend our time setting up the tent rather than making dinner.

We make it to our actual camp area, set up the tent (as Alayna sits in the truck and cries), and then we got the girls ready for bed. I don't know if Alayna got her second wind or what, but man was she excited about being in the tent. She would not lay down and relax to even consider sleep. This went on for about and hour and a half. Climbing over us, somersaulting here and there, then climbing over us again. Pat finally said, "The Best Western is sounding really nice at the moment!" I just responded, "I am fine with just packing up and going home."

So guess what we did? I would love to say I was determined to camp, but I was more determined to have a good nights rest. We packed everything up, in the dark of the night, and went home.

I love to camp, but I do not think I will be taking any little ones for a long time!

I'll Get It Together...I Hope

So, Arianna started 2nd grade. She was actually put in a 2nd/3rd grade combo class, but due to higher enrollment than what the school was expecting, the school had to make a full 3rd grade class which put Arianna back in a full 2nd grade class. The school decided to make a 1st/2nd grade combo class, and thankfully Arianna wasn't put in that class.

Anyway, she loves school. So far it has just been an easy review so Arianna thinks 2nd grade is easy...should I ruin the moment and tell her it will get harder? NA

Alayna had a fall the other day while Arianna was trying to ride her bike. Her forehead got bumped and some road rash. Her nose too. I am not sure how she got hurt. I really think she just lost her balance and fell on the curb. Alayna only cried for about 30 seconds though. She wanted to get back down and play...tough girl.

Anyway, I am trying to get my life under control. I have been going through my food storage and organizing it. Trying to make sure I use some of it. I have purchased a steam vac and plan to clean the carpets this week. I can't wait! I've also been organizing the girl's room. Alayna will be in Arianna's room once the baby comes so I have been moving clothes from here to there, and organizing furniture so that I can bring out the baby stuff to clutter my home once again (this is a good thing).

I will blog soon...I promise!

Tahoe Trip

We went to Tahoe for a quick trip because Pat was putting together a golfing event for his work. Why not tag along right! Arianna's cousin Bryn came with her dad to the event as well. We had a great time just spending time together.

We took the gondola ride up to the top of the mountain. It was such a beautiful ride up!

Alayna wanted to sit in this chair. It reminds me of a life guard's chair!

Here is the lake behind the girls. So gorgeous!

Vegas Baby Yeah!!

We did a lot of swimming in Vegas...so HOT! I actually ruined my cell phone in the lazy river...oops!

We also visited the garden there. I don't think I have ever been to the gardens before. We also got to see the Tournament of the Kings. That was a GREAT show! Our Knight won because we were the loudest at cheering him on!

Summer Fun...So Far!

It's been a while, but we've been busy! Just a few activities we've been able to enjoy this summer so far...2 more weeks until school!!

Going to the beach is such a perk for living in California. It is a challenge to get all the sand out of our clothes and the car...but worth it!

Of course we have to go to Utah for a visit. It was a busy visit!

Alayna "smiling" for the camera!

More pictures of our summer adventures to come!

I Dispise DISHONESTY!!

Let me explain the title of my post:

A few weeks ago, Arianna, Alayna, and I had to run some errands so off to Smart and Final we went. As we were getting back into the van, I noticed someone had hit my car leaving no dents (thank goodness) but they sure left scratch marks and there were definite places where the paint had chipped off.

At first I thought that maybe it was me, but I don't leave my radio on loud so I know I would have heard and even felt myself back into something.

Anyway, there was no note...nothing...nada. I was furious because if I had done something like this to someone else, I would have either waited for the car owner to return or would have left a note.

Onto my current problem. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TODAY! I have been being particularly cautious about where I park since my last encounter with car damages. I had to take Alayna in for her check up and park reasonably far away to avoid dents etc. Well, if you know California, you know how tight parking spaces are. Anyway, I found a good spot and went in. As we came out I noticed a car parked next to me pretty close, but I did not check because Arianna had piano lessons to get to.

Big Mistake! As I was throwing something away at home while Arianna got her music, I notice yet more damages except this time it was on the other side of the car. I was so mad.

No note, nothing, nada once again. My nice 1 year old van is being destroyed little my little and not by me.

I am trying to look of the bright side of things...at least no one has been hurt, and at least my car still runs. It may not look new anymore, but it is functionable.

90 to 95 Percent a...

GIRL!
That is what the ultrasound Dr. said anyway. I guess I will be keeping all my girl clothes. We are excited and it didn't matter to me if it was a boy or girl. Arianna was a little disappointed since she was hoping for a boy this time around.
I am just glad that everything looks healthy and good!!

Boy or Girl?

We will find out on Friday! I am fine with either...I just hope everything is growing normal and healthy!

Recipes

If you have a good, somewhat easy, somewhat healthy recipe that you wouldn't mind sharing with me...please do. I am trying to come up with a few new meals for dinner. I am getting bored of what I have and need something new!

What A Brave Soul!

Arianna has decided to try out for her school's variety show. She will be playing her recital piano piece Just Around the River Bend from the movie Pocahontas. Arianna tried out already and made it to the final show.

She is really excited! I know she will be a little nervous the day she actually has to perform, but she knows her piece and does a great job playing it! We wish Grandma's and Grandpa's could be here to see her play, but unfortunately that isn't happening. It's a good thing video cameras were invented!

World War Z

So, I am reading this book called World War Z. I have only read the first chapter and it is interesting.

This book is about zombies taking over the world (fiction of course). It isn't too scary, for me at least, but I had dreams about zombies last night. My dreams weren't scary, but I was dreaming about zombies needless to say.

Anyway, has anyone read or heard of this book?

The Secrets Out

Ok...so I might as well post the good news because if I don't do it Arianna will tell EVERYONE...

I am PREGNANT and due November 25th.

This news comes as a big shocker just because of the situations we have been through in the past.

After Arianna was born, it took us a long time to grow our family. We went through 1 failed IVF proceedure, and 2 failed adoptions. Right when the birth mother of our second adoption decided she wanted Kristin back, we found out that Alayna was going to be joining our family...this was such a blessing. We were told we would never be able to have our own kids without IVF.

Well, look where we are now! I am excited...nervous to have two babies about 20 months apart, but I welcome the blessings that await me.

Here It Is

I finally got the new site up and going. Check it out. Click on the link (on the side).

I Love Birthday's!

Alayna loved her birthday cake...there is a sweet tooth that runs in my family (thanks to grandpa).

We decided the beach would be a great place to start out the day!

Alayna didn't really get the "opening presents" thing, but she sure loves playing with her new toys!

A cute picture at the beach!

Alayna is 1

I cannot believe how fast the time has gone! I know I said that with Arianna on her birthday so I shouldn't be suprised...but I still am. Right now Alayna is sleeping, but we will be having birthday cake which means pictures are to follow!

Happy Birthday Alayna Bug!

Shape Up!

So first of all, I really want to post some updated pictures of the girls, but my computer is acting up so that will have to wait.

Secondly, I have been thinking of creating a new blog...Shape Up! This blog would have different ideas of eating healthy, exercising, and goals on shaping up.

I don't know about you, but I sometimes have a difficult time staying firm on goals and promises that I make. I figure that if I have people to report to or communicate with, I might just do a better job at my goals.

Tell me if you think this is something you'd be interested in. I want to know if this is worth my time.

Daylight Savings Time

I HATE this time change. For the past week or so I go to bed late and then I have to wake up at my regular time (which is really an hour earlier). I don't sleep as well either. Does anyone have suggestions on what helps you sleep better?

Kim

So I know I haven't blogged for a REALLY long time...sorry!

It is Kim's Birthday! I don't really post birthdays other than my family's, but I consider Kim to be part of my family.

When I moved out to California, I didn't know anyone really. I had a few aquaintances, but no one to really talk to. I will admit, I was a little lonely (I only have myself to blame). Then I met Kim. We met at church. I was teaching the 4 turning 5 year olds (and her son was in my class). She invited our little family over for dinner one evening...the rest is history.

Anyone who knows Kim would say she is the nicest person. She is a great mom, wife, and a friend to all. Kim is no longer living in California and I know everyone misses her.

Hope your day was GREAT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Dad...Happy Late Birthday!

Technically, this isn't a late birthday wish since I called my dad last night to wish him a Happy Birthday, so I am safe!

But I have to post something about my dad since it was his special day!

My dad...

is small is stature, but has a big sense of humor (I laugh most of the time I am around him)
did very little yelling and was big on telling us how much he loved his girls
does little spending (my mom even has to buy his work clothes), and is big on hard work
taught by example and didn't just tell us what to do
is a peacemaker
is a good story teller...very animated!
has a great listening ear
is slow to judge another
IS THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD!

What Will You Be Doing on Friday the 13th?

This is what I will be doing on Friday the 13th...going to see

My parents are flying into town...my wonderful cousin Emily will watch the kids (thanks Em). I am really excited!!

They're Ba-ack

I woke up this morning to a swarm of these on top of my kitchen counter and in my cupboard where my pots and pans are...EWWWW!

I thought they were gone NOPE! I spent the entire day cleaning my counters, pots/pans, and cupboards. I felt like they were crawling all over me...did I mention how much I hate ants?

This Is Brooke's Day!!

This is the birthday season!! Anyway, Brooke, Happy Birthday!!
Here are a few things that remind me of Brooke:

1. She is beautiful and has the buffest legs
2. She is good at cutting/doing hair
3. She is a good listener
4. She loves animals
5. She is so friendly and makes friends everywhere she goes (I wish I were more like this)
6. We sure had some good times growing up...as kids and as teenagers
7. She is a good mom to Brynlee
8. I think she has the prettiest blue eyes
9. She doesn't gossip or talk about others
10. She is just so special to me...both sisters are!

I hope your day is fun and happy!!

Pat...Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was Patrick's birthday! It was a nice calm Sunday birthday. Pat woke up early to go to his 6:00 am church meetings, came home in time to take a small snooze, and then it was off to church again with us.

When we got home from church, he was able to watch a little bit of the Super Bowl, talk to family members who called to wish him a happy birthday, and have tacos for dinner. I hope Pat had a good birthday!

I love all that Pat does for me...which are so many things. He works hard, is a good dad, and being tall and handsome is a big plus!

Happy Birthday!

He Thinks He's Human!

My crazy cat decided to jump in the baby's car seat and take a nap. Arianna and I were doing homework and I happened to glance over the railing and saw him...I started laughing which peaked Arianna's interest. Arianna thought it was hilarious so I decided to take a picture.

10 Months Already!!

Hi Everyone! I truly think that if Alayna could speak, she would tell everyone how happy she is! 10 months old today, where did the months go? Alayna loves...food, Arianna, to climb the stairs (really quickly too), take all the laundry out of the laundry basket (clean and folded or dirty), she loves to stand, smile, point, get into Arianna's toys, putting things in her mouth, and her stuffed penguin.
Things I love about Alayna: Sleeps through the night, loves to cuddle, smiles a lot, babbles, how content she is, and that she is mine!

"Uh-Oh"

"Uh-Oh!"

This is Alayna's first word...it all started a few weeks ago when I was doing the dishes. Alayna loves to crawl over to the dishwasher and either play in the drips of water from me putting them in the dishwasher or SHE LOVES TO PULL OUT THE SILVERWARE! I think this action is totally discusting, unless I am emptying out a clean load of dishes. So, when she starts crawling over I or Pat or Arianna usually say, "Uh-Oh...Here she comes!" This is my cue to put the dishwasher up.

She caught on quickly!

Happy ?? Birthday Amy!!

Aren't my sisters just beautiful? Anyway, the sister in the middle is turning a year older today! I just wanted to post about her and list a few wonderful things about her on her special day:

1. She's a GREAT mom

2. She's a HARD worker

3. I don't think I have ever heard her yell at her kids

4. She gives good advice

5. She is creative (I want to be like her in many ways)

6. She has always been there for me through the good, bad, sad, & happy moments of my life

7. She is VERY patient

8. She puts other's needs before her own

9. She's a good wife...many times I would ask her for advice

10. SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN!!

There are many other qualities that I love about you Amy, I just don't have all day to sit at the computer and type them up.

Happy Birthday!!

Will It Ever Happen?

So, Alayna has been sleeping through the night now for about 3 weeks! For some reason (could it be the parenting) my children haven't been able to sooth themselves to put themselves to sleep. Arianna was the worst!

Anyway, I have had to do the "crying themselves to sleep" tactic on both. Arianna's habbit took about 3 days to break and Alayna just 1. However, Arianna would go right to sleep for her naps too, but Alayna won't. I don't mind putting her to sleep, but she usually wakes up as I am leaving the room. Those 10 minutes of sleep give her just enough rest to not be tired...for about 1 hour, then she is cranky!

Any suggestions on how to get my child to take naps...without nursing her to sleep? I'll try just about anything!

Taking Action...

So, I finally caved in and called Terminex to kill the ants that are invading my space/home! "Someone will be there between 8:00 am & 10:00 am." Who wants to bet it will be closer to the 10:00 hour?

So after the ant killer sprays...we can't be in the house for 2 hours. I will be taking Alayna to the hospital to get her blood drawn. It was a sad 9 month check up. Alayna's growing just fine, had 3 shots, and then the doc tells us they need to get a blood sample to check Alayna's iron levels...standard proceedure (Arianna never had this done).

So Pat and I take Alayna next door to the lab and I am thinking, "Oh, just a heel prick that's all." NOPE, they needed a needle in the vein blood sample. After trying to find a good vein for about 3 mintues, they proceeded to poke her. NO VEIN! So they try to see if they can get a vein on the other arm...they couldn't so once again they decide to poke Alayna on the arm they poked first...and what do you know, NO VEIN!

The poor thing was crying so hard she was gagging! Pat was IRATE! Anyway, the blood sample needs to be done so that is what we will be doing on Monday after the ant killer comes!

Goal #1

So, for my first item of buisness to do in this wonderful new year of 2009 is...

Get Rid of the Ants!!

For some reason, ants have decided to come into my home univited! I HATE ants!! I spent most of my lunch time trying to kill them. Arianna kept saying, "Here's another one mom!" I am happy the ants aren't on my counter tops or table. They have decided to gather around my railing/stairs (strange). Any suggestions of how to get rid of them completely? PLEASE!!