The one I love

This one goes out to Domi's one true love. I know where I stand in the hierarchy of his affections and it's squarely at number 2 with a bullet (through my heart). He only has eyes for Hez. Well fine. We'll see how that goes when it's time to borrow the car, or pay for college.
We had a fun and pretty relaxing weekend, despite the cruddy weather. We stayed in the city, briefly saw the twins, saw tia Hez and James for dinner last night, hence the adamant and vocal Hez love. Domingo started asking for Hez at about 2:00 when he woke up from his nap, and didn't stop until she and James knocked on the door, and when he saw her, he pretty much spun into orbit with spazziness. He would not let her help me in the kitchen, speak to anyone else, or eat her dinner in peace. He wanted her all to himself.
Today we had our 30 week baby check. Everything is so far so good, knocking violently on wood. Just as a reminder, by this time, last time, I was done with work and sitting on the inflatable mattress in our living room while our sofa was being reupholstered, reading blog after blog, eating bowl after bowl of lucky charms, trying not to freak out when I'd have contractions. With Domingo we went into the hospital (for the 2nd time) at 28 weeks and that was the end of the fun until I was set free 8 weeks later. This time around things have been so completely different, it's almost not worth writing about. The only thing that I have some small anxiety over, and it's really nothing that important in the grand scheme of things is I really want to keep my weight in check this time. Last time I gained over 40 pounds, but I partially blame the bed rest (see above re: lucky charms). This time I don't have that excuse, but I'm actually tracking almost the same weight as last time(two pounds heavier this time than last) but I started out 9 pounds heavier, so technically this time I've only gained 19 pounds where as last time at 30 weeks I had gained 26 pounds. Like I said, small potatoes, and the most important thing is everyone is healthy and NO BEDREST! Not that I'm a weight obsessed person, (see id at Lucky Charms) but, there is still a little part of me that says "please don't keep packing on the pounds!" I want little baby to keep gaining of course, but maybe she could just take some of Mama's extra back fat to round out those cheeks hmm? What say ye?
ok, to appease abuela who said she'd be checking the blog from Paraguay here are some Domi picks. By the way abuela, we had the short ribs for dinner last night w/ Hez and James, and they were a big hit, so thanks!



no doubt looking at "fotos de baby" or pulpos.



wearing Chris's nasty sweat band, or "corona" as Domi would rather call it.

Mas prima-love, and a special surprise

Today we had a very short visit from Tia Leticia, the primas, Tia May and Tio Ian. We had fun playing with tia may while those guys went to visit a friend's new baby. The the girls came by and they were all playing in Domi's room. We were expecting to hear crashes and wails but they never came. Excellent. I foresee lots of the twins babysitting in the future.
It was funny, Chris went in there and was reading a book, and Domi didn't really care, but I went in there and started reading a story and he instantly got jealous. Hmmm. You'll have to learn to share pretty soon little man.



The saddest part of the day was when they had to leave, because I don't think Domingo got it until a few minutes after they left, and started begging me to find "Fia-Ciela" then when I convinced him that they were gone, he'd ask for 'ticia and Tia May. With real tears. It was sad. We have to go and visit them, or they have to come up for a longer visit soon.
But Domingo was cheered up by his brand new friend Felipe.



I have to admit at first I was less than excited by the idea of getting a fish, despite the fact that Domingo is obsessed with the sea. Peces, tortugas, and especially pulpos are his favorite things in the world. (and lagartija- his best friend the little plastic lizard I got for 2.00 at the children's museum) But I thought a fish would just be a dirty annoying expensive thing that will die instantly. It turns out for one Andrew Jackson you can get the whole kit and caboodle. These little fish can live in these tiny bowls that you clean once a week, feed once every 3 or 4 days, don't have to walk him, mop up after him, pay for lazer eye surgery, and when he dies (supposedly in a few years- I'm skeptical) you just flush him down to Davy Jones's locker. I was sold.
So Chris and Domi went to the pet store not far from the hospital where I was dutifully waiting my one hour after drinking flat orange soda (I had our gestational diabetes test done today), and picked up little 'lipe. Chris kind of pushed the name on him, but Domi agreed pretty much instantly that his name was Felipe. It's also the name of Mafalda's best friend, so I think it's appropriate.



I have to admit, even if it only last a few days, the excitement in Domingo's face makes bringing Felipe home worth the hassle. That said there is no way we are getting the "weasel" he was so enamored of at the pet store.

Love your Mother...

Earth that is!
As a once long-haired-tree-hugging-dead-listening (but at least non patchouli stinking) hippy, every year about this time, I feel a twang of guilt that I am not really living up to my "green" roots. I drive to work, alone, consume way too much, and want even more than I actually have. But I am also of the opinion that you should try act locally, and every little bit helps. So this week in honor of Earth day, rather than drive the 4 blocks to the grocery store, I walked there with Domi and a back pack. Ah yes, no bags for me, can you hear the smugness?
The good thing is that with only so much space, I am forced to only pick up what we really need, leche en vaso anyone? Especially because I need to take toys and a snack for his royal highness. But the annoying thing is that I had to go back to the store today to pick up what I wasn't able to get on Monday. Good thing number two, I'm getting a little exercise, getting outside and some fresh air for Domi. As much as I occasionally lament living in a city, in a high rise, in our little apartment, I must admit I that it makes it possible to walk to three different parks, the lakefront, the grocery store, the baseball stadium, and any public transportation is literally right out the front door. And especially now, that the weather is starting to behave itself, I become ever more forgetful of my list of complaints against the windy city. So we'll try and keep up the "green" shopping, go to the farmers market once it starts up, and use our public radio grocery bags (I mentioned the smug, no?) and then later we'll drive to Target pick up the jumbo diapers, marshmallows and "creespees" and call it a day.

Ear infection free!

We just got back from the ear re-check, and the doctor said everything looks terrific! The even better news is we don't have to go and see the specialist. I'm so relieved, since as my sister says, surgeons like to do surgery, and I'm not so hot on that idea unless it's absolutely necessary.
So Domi's taking a nap, I just got done doing my "exercises" (that's in quotes because I feel kind of lame calling what I do exercise, mostly just stretching and bending, kind of like my 90 year abuelo Britos used to do just after downing a whiskey soda, but maybe that's why he made it to 90, or maybe it was the whiskey soda?) and all is right with the world.
Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's because it's Friday, or maybe it's the chocolate. Yes, I think the chocolate's the thing.



p.s. I don't feel badly at all about giving him this one little square of chocolate, since obviously more ended up on his face and hands than actually in his body.

When the cat is away...

Domi will watch t.v. apparently. But I can't be too upset, Mom, Leticia and I had the best "girls" day out ever. We started with a morning at the spa, then lunch, then shopping, then dinner. It was great. Although all that walking may have undone my masseuse's genius. I absolutely believe in the power of the "healing touch". I love getting a massage. I'm seriously considering going to massage school, but then I'd be the one massaging, and that's not nearly as good. But maybe I could teach Chris and then force him to massage me at home everyday!
Anyway, we had a wonderful time, and Daddy and Domi had a great day too. He has been asking all day to go over to "casa primas" and it's really hard to explain to him that we have to wait until the weekend to see them again. He adores them so much, and adores their toys even more. Here is a picture of just how much love he's got for Sofia. (This photo was completely unstaged, Chris just looked over and he was snuggled in.)

Oh Solo Mio

This video is pretty incredible. I don't know where I was when it was taken, otherwise you bet your bottom I would've turned off the t.v. before pressing record, to at least pretend that we don't have the t.v. on when Domi is around. Actually we are generally pretty good at keeping this rule, but apparently the final 4 is reason enough to bend the rules. FYI Cubs fans: "the game's on" is NOT a good enough reason to bend the rules. Anyway, if there was ever any doubt as to whether this child has "sharing" issues, this should clear that right up.


MIO! from alice on Vimeo.

19th MONTH DAY!!

A very merry un-19th monthday to you my dear Domingo! You turn 19 months tomorrow, but since it's Sunday, your daddy is playing with you in your room and I have a moment to blog, I thought I'd upload my month-day post.
If I look back at the last few month day posts, I bet there are some similarities, I hope it's not only because of my lack of creativity, but because the sentiment is truer all the time, you are more of a joy to be with every month that goes by. While it's true that you are becoming more and more willful all the time, I mean, just try to get a morsel of meat passed your little teeth, or anything you don't want to eat for that matter, and you'll quickly see it, but at the same time, you are so very sweet, and cheerful, and playful it's wonderful. You'll sing by yourself in your room or the car for long stretches at a time, and just play make believe with your turtles or trucks or dinosaurs. You love music and love to dance, and I love to clap and sing along. But more than anything, you love books. You will sit on a lap happily for hours asking for mas and mas and mas libros. Some days I am at my wits end because it's all I can do to get you into pants so we can go outside for a minute, or change your diaper, or finish going to the bathroom, and you are always right there with a book in hand asking for a libro en el sofa.



Giving me a break from libro duty.

We've stopped counting all the words you know, but there are loads. You still are speaking about 90% Spanish with a few English words thrown in there for good measure, like cookie, cracker, and pumpkin. We hope to keep it up as long as possible, but you are starting to surpass Papa in your vocabulary. There have been a couple times now when he has asked me, what's X word, and then he said, "wow that's another one Domi knows and I don't!"
You've started putting words together and speaking in phrases now too. You'll be in the car and talk about the different colored cars and trucks, how many buses you see, or the dogs on the sidewalk. You'll ask to go to your abuela's house or to see your primas, or if you are ready to leave you'll scream out "VAMOS" just in case we were unclear as to your desires. You are so verbal and it really helps when you are feeling frustrated or hurt, for example you can tell me in the middle of the night that your mouth hurts (getting more molars, how many teeth does one baby need!). But you have also learned to use your powers for evil, today when I told you no more cookies, you went over to abuela and whispered, "mas tooties" hoping that I wouldn't hear. Of course abuela caved and gave you the forbidden "tootie".




You are an imp!

Speaking of abuela's, you love going there, and playing with the abuelos and especially tia may's little ceramic seal. You also adore seeing your primas, but still have not quite got the hang of playing with them rather than against them. You have to learn that they are two against one my dear, and they will always take you down! You love watching them, running after them, screaming when they scream, but as soon as they have a toy, you want it, and as soon as they take it back, you scream and come running to an adult to correct the injustice you have just suffered. Not only that, you don't even want them to look at the same things you are looking at. I mean, how does it lessen your enjoyment of a story if they hear it too? Isn't there enough black bear in the zoo for everyone to look at? Apparently for you, the answer is no. So we'll have to work on sharing, and the time is getting very near when sharing mama is going to be a reality. So we'll see how well that goes.




Doing ok sharing Sofia's fort.

Another thing I've noticed is that you are slightly fastidious and have been for awhile, I really haven't posted about it, but it is more apparent now that you come running up to me and say "manos sucios" when you have dirty hands and want me to wipe them. You also come running when you stub your toe, bonk your head or trip and fall. You say whatever body part hurts and ask me to cure it with a rub and a "sana sana colita de rana", a saying that tia may used to say to us when we were hurt.

We had your 18 month doctor check today, and although it's a little late the doctor said you are one terrific boy. The only thing of concern is you have another blessed ear infection! I'm so outrageously sick of all these ear infections and antibiotics that we have to give you I'm tempted to pull you out of daycare. Oh wait, you aren't in day care. 16 and a half months of breastfeeding, nary a drop of formula ever touched your lips, and we fork over basically my entire salary to keep you away from sick kids. I feel I've been cheated somehow. So it's a trip to the pediatric ENT for us, to talk about your 3rd ear infection since January and hopefully the doctor will say, your pediatrician is just overly cautious, and you're fine.
As for the numbers, you are still very scared of the doctor probably because every time we go they stick you or shove hard plastic things in painful infected ears, so the length was a little iffy, but she said between 34 and 34.5 inches (90th %), 27 lbs 10 oz (50-75th%), and head size 19.5 inches (50-75%). So you are definitely slimming down and it's obvious if you look at pictures, but it's reassuring to hear from the doc that it's totally normal and appropriate. Also, even though everyone says you have a giant head, it's smaller than one quarter of all boys your age, so don't feel self-conscious.
We had a short conversation about sleeping, and she suggested getting you out of our bed and into your own well before your sister gets here. I kind of agree, because I'm sure it will feel like you are being dethroned and kicked out of your bed by the baby if it happens afterward. And I don't want you to feel any more jealousy or rivalry that you are bound to. The only reason I would move you to your own bed is if the baby was disturbing your sleep, and it seems pretty likely that she will. I still don't know if it's going to happen, but July is not as far away as it once was.
Domingo you are such an amazing little person. All the time, I'm blown away by how much one person can love another living being. I'm so lucky to be reminded of it every day.



love,
mama

Fun weekend recap!

A little late, but oh well! This weekend we had a really fun time with the primas and their parents who came up to the city for a visit and so Leticia and Ian could run in a BIG RACE! I was very jealous at first that they were running in this race that I've done loads of times, and wanted to do again, but 5 miles when 6 months pregnant is probably not the best idea, at least not for me. Then I saw the weather report on Sunday and was less jealous, much less, like not at all jealous.
Everyone had such a fun time. We went to the zoo, had thai food delivery, watched Dora the Explorer (even Domi, shhh don't tell, but he was just as hypnotized as everyone else.) and then Sunday after the race we went out to the BEST brunch place that I've been to in a really long time. We have a few standbys that we always go to, but this was someplace new, and I was ready for a change. I almost don't want to say the name because it was so awesome I want to keep it to myself! Unfortunately I think the secret is out because we had to wait for an hour to be seated. Then again 4 adults and 3 high chairs probably isn't the easiest table to come by regardless of where. After brunch we parted ways, and the kids promptly passed out from stimulus overload. When Domingo got up the next day he kept asking for his "pimas". He is really funny with them. He adores them and when they leave the room he asks for them, but when they are around, he pushes them away, takes their toys, or cries when they take his toys. He's already at the point where he can't live with women and can't live without them! Here are some photos to illustrate...



Fascinated by a "fota" (harbor seal), Domi still can't say the "c" sound.



You can't see from this picture how cool this thing is, it's a huge platform maze and it's super tall. The girls really loved climbing in this weird maze, that is, after Sofia got over bonking herself in the face. She cried and was stuck up in the top and a little boy helped her find the way out, and then the second she got out she sniffed and said "I want to go again". The resilience of youth.



You also can't tell from this photo that Domingo is in a serious RAGE that the primas are climbing HIS gorillas! How dare we allow such a thing. We already let them look at HIS bear (that is a bear in the zoo, that he didn't want them to look at because, it's HIS), play with HIS toys, ride in HIS stroller. What was the world coming to? I mean, is this Domi's world or what? This is his attitude towards the twins, and any other little kid lately, it's my world, you're just living in it.


Ready for a juice induced coma.