Jonas' Birthday Dinner

On Friday, Jonas turned TWO!

He didn't know it was his birthday, or even what a birthday was, really, but when he woke up, I could here Marco talking to him over the monitor saying, "Joooonaaaas, it's your BIRTHDAY!" and Jonas giggling.  Then when I walked in and said, "Good morning birthday boy!" he was ALL smiles!

Throughout the day, we didn't say much to him about his birthday... we just went along our usual business... library to exchange books, music class, lunch at home and nap.

But when he woke up, he knew things were different.  My mom was there, and more people started coming over!  I stuck with my plan and only had a family birthday dinner for him... which by the way cost me $100... in case you were wondering.  We had the kids' grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins over... about 14 adults, 3 kids and 1 baby.  It was perfect!

I made crockpot chicken tacos (recipe found here) with all the fixin's... and then we had cake, ice cream and flan for dessert! YUMMO!

Jonas was so happy to have the attention of all his family!  His favorite gift was from my dad and step-mom... the movie, Toy Story 3.  He held onto it for dear life throughout the party.  And he kept running back and forth with his arms outstretched, yelling, "AND BEYOOOOOND!"  He was thrilled!

This boy... he's hilarious!

We were so happy to have had his birthday celebration be the first of many many celebrations in our new home!

Jonas Turns TWO!

Today my little baby boy turns TWO!

That blows my mind.

My little premie.  My 3 pounder.  My clingy one.  My sentimental one.  My sneaky one.  Today, he turns two!

You can read Jonas' birth story here.
And you can see his 1 year post here.

If you've been following along here, you know that the first year of Jonas' life was not easy at all.  On top of being 2 months early, being in the NICU for a month, needing a heart monitor for another month, and having colic for 3 horrible months, being #2 is a challenge all on it's own.  Jonas had to live his first year of life in fear of having fingers poked in the eye, fingers stepped on and bodies squished by his big bro Marco.

His second year of life was sooooo much easier.  He was happy.  He thrived.  He learned.  He got in trouble.  He could finally keep up!

Jonas can say sooooo many things now and he's putting sentences together.  When you ask him how old he is, he shouts, "DOOO" and puts up his thumb and index finger.  He loves running and screaming and throwing all of his bedding out of his crib in the mornings.  He gives us a hard time with eating "real food" but would take milk and cookies any day.  He is not afraid to get dirty and we definitely think he's gonna be our "gross kid"... everyone's got one.  He's fun loving and sweet, he gives hugs and loves snuggling close on the couch.  His favorite thing to play with is my iPhone... hence why it's all cracked, and he'd rather run around with a remote than play with any of his toys.  

This boy.  Our Jonas.  We couldn't imagine life without him.  He fills our life with joy. And we are so blessed to have had him around for "DOOO" years already! 

Happy birthday baby boy!

Jonas Answers Questions

We're working on just the facts now...
Name?
Age? (we're teaching him 2 because he'll be 2 at the end of this month)
etc...

Enjoy!

Words With Jonas

Jonas is 21 months now, and at an age where learning language is a constant activity.  Marco really started picking up his speech at 21 months and now Jonas is too.  Only difference is that while Marco is a chatter box, Jonas is a man of few words.

So when we're practicing our words, I first go and give him a turn... like this:

Suco (juice)?... Cucu!
Chips?... Pips!
Please?... Peeeees!
Thank you?... Annyuuu!
Leiti (milk)?... Aytee!
Agua?... Wawa!

Mama?... Mama!
Papai?... Papai!
Daddy?... Daddy!

Marco?... CACA!!!!

Ok... now the rest of the words make sense... I can see how "wawa"= "agua".  But really?!  How does "Marco" sound anything at all like "caca"?

Mauricio thinks he says it on purpose because he always has a sneaky smile on his face when he says it... but I can't believe that my sweet baby would be such a prankster towards his big bro at this young age!

So Marco's nickname is "Caca".
I just hope it doesn't stick!

I call my brother "Caca"... and there's nothing you can do about it!

The Many Meanings of MA

Jonas is only 18 months old... he's working on his language.
Remember he's a premie, so really he's like 16 months old.  


So far he has a pretty decent repertoire of words...

Wow-wow (dog)
Pu-Pu (trying to say "pio pio" which for us hispanics is bird)
Awa (agua, water)
Ta-Ta (tap tap)
Pow-Pow (that's actually what we call spankings)
Appoo (Apple)
Papai (Dad)
Aba (what we call my mom)
Vava (Vova is what we call my MIL)
A-Baw (a ball)
Hi
Ba- Ba (bye bye)
Dee-Dee (TV)
Eye
Buboo (Bubble)
Bibi (baby)

All absolutely adorable.
But we have ONE problem... and here it is:

MaMA- (me, mama)
MAma- (Marco)
MAAA- (more)

Do you see what he does there?  Using basically the same word for 3 different purposes.  He's a clever one, I tell ya!

When he's calling me, he puts the emphasis on the final MA, so it sounds like he's yelling at me... "maMAAAA, maMAAAA!"

When he's calling Marco, he puts the emphasis on the first MA, probably because we're trying to teach him how to say his brother's name and we're always saying it like this "MAAAARRR-co".  So he says, "MAAAma".

Then when he wants more food, we teach him to say "more" or in spanish "mas" or in portuguese, "mais".  But he just says "Ma", although he'll repeat it over again like "Ma----Ma----Ma----Ma".  I know he's saying "more" because it's a short "Ma".

These intricacies, only a mother can know, tell and distinguish.  Learning your toddlers unique language is always so fun and exciting.  I'm already fluent in Marconese, but now I get to learn the complexities of a whole new language; Jonasish.

Jonas at 18 Months

Today my youngest, my baby, my angel, turns 18 months old.  It blows my mind that the youngest child I will ever have is now a full blown toddler.  It makes me excited and breaks my heart, simultaneously.

Jonas is the sweetest kid ever.  He's so different from Marco and I LOVE that about him.

He's funny, but subtly.  Like he'll call Mauricio "Mama" instead of "Papai" because he knows it's not right... then he'll laugh about it.

He sings "Twinkle Twinkle", "Jesus Loves Me", "Happy Birthday" and a Portuguese song called "Pirulito".

He says a bunch of words and knows how to get his point across well.

He's extremely observant and understands everything you tell him to do.  He's always watching, listening and learning.

He's very cautious and takes his time doing things.  He'll still climb up onto the table, but he'll do it slowly, measuring each step.

He loves his brother, but hates being pummeled by him. Everything Marco does is just hilarious... until it involves him!

He's very sneaky and quiet when doing something he knows is against the rules, like playing in the toilet.

He runs very quickly to try and get away from me.

He loves cuddling on the couch or in our bed.

 Words can not express how amazing having this little miracle baby has been in our lives.  He has really made us feel complete.  He adds something that we didn't have before... sensitivity.  I feel blessed beyond measure to have him, to know him, and to have the extreme privilege of being his mama.  I can't wait to see what kind of big boy, kid, teen and man he turns into.

Tubes: Round Two

Today Jonas had ear tubes implanted in both his ears.  This is our second time going through this... we had to get them for Marco back in July.
Read his story HERE.

I'll have to say that I felt a lot more confident and less anxious than the first time around.  We knew the drill and we were perfectly calm.

We arrived at the hospital at 6am and were checked in.  He was scheduled to be the second surgery of the day... since you have to be fasting before surgery, they schedule it by age.  By 7am we were taken into the pre-op room and he was given a bed, a blanket, some stickers and a car.

He was a little confused, but over all very calm and relaxed. Everyone was shocked that a toddler would just lay down in the bed and chill like that.  He's very serious.  It's his way.

Before long, the anesthesiologist came in to give us the run down.  Basically, they'd give him a medicine through the nose that makes them groggy and loopy.  Then once inside the OR, they'd give him the mask which will put him to sleep.  The doctor then performs the procedure and within 5-10 minutes he's back out in recovery.  No needles.  No IV.  No blood at all.  Simple.

Then the doctor came in to answer any further questions we may have had.  We had none.

The nurse came back with the nose medicine.  He wasn't fond of it... I mean, who can blame him?  But within a minute he was acting... drunk.  It was hysterical.  And, yes, we recorded it.  (Maybe I'll grace you with that little gem in the future). 


Since he was so drunk happy, they took him away from us with no problem.  He was gone, we were ushered back into the waiting room and then we waited.

That's the hardest part... waiting.  Every minute feels like 5.  We kept thinking it was taking longer than it had with Marco.  Then a hint of worry set in... what if there was a complication?  What if he's not taking to the anesthesia well? What if......

I prayed that Jesus would guide the doctor, hold tightly to my boy and ease my fears.  Just then the nurse came back in to get us.  We waited for about 10 minutes.

Jonas was just coming out from under... he was crying and confused.  He cried for a while, which is normal.  We tried soothing him with his paci, blanket, a walk to the window and offered him some juice.  He was in such a frenzy that he threw up a little.  We let him cry for about 15 minutes before heading out.  Once we were outside, he was more calm.

We got home at 8:30 and Marco had just woken up.  (No, we didn't leave him alone... my FIL was still home).  Jonas hung out for a while, then decided he was up for playing and by 10 he was completely back to his rascally and mischievous self.

So happy both of my boys are over and done with this... onto more healthy days.

myTunes Tuesday

Jonas is starting to sing.  So far he can "sing" a portion of Twinkle Twinkle and also Happy Birthday.  He does a great job too... when Marco allows.  Here's his debut at 16 months!
Enjoy!

(Insert Clever Title Here)

I don't know how to title this one.  It's about vomit.  How do you title something like that?  How about "Vexatious Vomit"... sound good?  No?  Ok.

(And if you don't know what "Vexatious" means, you're not alone.  It's, and I quote, "annoying.  A younger sibling can often be vexatious to their older brothers and sisters".  Ahh, I love Google.

Anyway.

Jonas... I can't blame him.  He was born problematic.  If you've been reading my story for some time, you know that while he's a JOY in my life, he's also been DRAMA.  From coming out too soon... being in the NICU... having colic... and everything else in between.  He's much more work than Marco was.

Now, the latest issue.  He throws up.  All the time.  At every meal.  What the heck is that about?!

In the morning I bring him over to drink his milk and he takes it down.  As soon as he's done, he starts gagging and coughing, followed by throwing up.  It's not a baby "spit up".  Trust me, I know the difference.  This is full fledge projectile vomit all over the floor.  I'm SO used to it by now that I have a holding technique so as to not dirty his or my clothes.  Yeah, I'm a pro.  But I do end up having to clean the floor EVERY day.

But it doesn't end there.  He does this whole coughing gag during every meal, pretty much.  He throws up all sorts of food, regardless of texture.  He also drinks his juice or water too quickly and throws that up too.  Usually in the car seat.  That's just wonderful... car seat vomit... while I'm driving.

Classic Jonas.  We don't get upset.  We've accepted the fact that Jonas will just be that way.

But in all honesty, I'm becoming a bit concerned about the constant vomiting.  That's not normal.  So, if you have any ideas, tips or advice, I'd love to hear it!  We'll be taking him to the doctor next week for his 15 month check and this is first on my list to talk to the doctor about.  Hoping it's just him forcing (aka being a brat) and not a more troubling issue.  I'll keep you posted.

Steps to Success

You heard it here first... Jonas is almost a walker!

It all started on Friday.  He began taking a few steps at a time!  And thanks to our nifty new iPhone 4S's, we were able to catch and record it right away!

This is very rare footage.  Jonas' actual first steps ever.  Enjoy!

What was that? Two, maybe three steps?!  Success!!!

Since Friday, he's gotten more brave.  Now he can stand alone (when placed) and ranges between 7-10 steps at a time!  He still doesn't want to walk though.  He'd rather crawl... because it's faster, duh.

Now, Marco walked at 13 months and 7 days.  I thought that was genius, considering he was a one-month-premie.  But Jonas... my little champion... he walked at 14 months and 4 days!  Incredible for a two-month-premie, no?  And they say it takes up to two years for premies to catch up... pashaw... not MY premies! They're rolling and sitting and walking and talking with the rest of them.

Proud Mama, right here guys!

And here we go... a new phase.  Life with 2 under 2 is long gone.  Here comes life with 2 toddlers.  And I say, bring it on!

My Baby is ONE!

My baby Jonas is one!  One year ago today, at 11:24 am he was pulled out of my opened belly, ticked off and screaming.  It was the best sound I had ever heard!  He weighed 3 pounds 7 oz.  He was quickly rushed to the NICU and there he remained for 28 days.

We fell in love with him quickly, although I'm not so sure how he felt about us.  He punished us for bringing him into the world so early.  Colic was quite possibly one of the most annoying things we've ever battled.  He wouldn't crack a smile for over 15 weeks... it was all work and NO play.

But then, after about 3 months of waiting... just like that, his personality began to develop.

And what a cute and sweet personality it has been!  Jonas, my cuddler, my sweet baby, my sensitive one.  

He loves being held.  He loves pushing his face up to mine to get his kisses.  He becomes emotional when you walk away from him.  He puts his hand in my mouth while he's being cradled.  He thinks Marco is cool and funny.

And now, he's one.  He can say "Mama", "Papai" and "Tete".  He tries to imitate singing, "Ba, ba, ba" and dances to all kinds of music.  He can clap.  He can find his head.  He can give me his paci when I ask for it.  He spits out his water because he knows it'll make Marco laugh. He's playful and sweet and silly. 

Within a month or so, I will no longer have a baby.  He will soon move into the next stage of his life... toddlerhood... and drive me a little crazy.  But he'll always be My Little Baby Jonas to me. 

Retired

This may very well be my final breastfeeding post. I am officially permanently retired from breastfeeding. And as expected, it is bitter-sweet.

Breastfeeding has become such a major part of my life as I've been doing it for so long now. Saying I'm "retired" makes me feel like I'm losing a little piece of myself. I started when Marco was born and he weaned on his own after 13 months... Then I had a 2 month vacation and started again for Jonas until now, 12 months later. That means I have been lactating for 27 months total. That's a long time... It's no wonder I feel this way!

I know I probably wasn't going to breastfeed for much longer anyway, but it makes me sad that I wasn't able to allow Jonas to decide when he was done, as I did with Marco. I know Jonas doesn't want to be done, because he lays his head on my chest and whines or sometimes spits out his pacifier and lunges at my boobs. Even though it's funny, it also makes me a bit sad. Unfortunately I had to wean due to the medication I'm starting in about 2 weeks. Basically it's poison, and I don't want my baby to drink poison, so there.

I am happy to be regaining my freedom though. Now I can actually be away from my kids for a whole day, or dare I day, a whole weekend! Hello vacation! I can't wait for the day! I mean, it has also been 27 months since we've been a day without them... That's right, we've never spent a day away from our kids! Crazy right? But I'm sure if we ever get the chance, we'll miss them like crazy. We're sort of attached to them... Because we love them a little, ya know?

But now that I'm done, I have a few concerns... First off my boobs... They're just sad looking. 2 full years of feeding children will do that to ya. They are completely deflated and I've lost a ton of muscle mass. Before having kids I was very blessed in the bosom department. I was sporting DD's. Then after having Marco, things got out of control when I bought a size G nursing bra. Yes, G as in Gigantic. But now? None of my bras fit... I'm swimming in them. I'm not sure because I haven't been sized, but I'm pretty sure were looking for at a B or C. The last time I was that size I was 14. I really don't mind the reduction though... It makes me look thinner, less slutty and my clothes fit nicer, but I do mind the way they look. I'm hoping that after a while I'll regain some volume and they'll start looking nicer. Plastic surgery is out of the question for this Mama.

Another concern is whether or not I'll begin to gain weight now that I'm done. Breastfeeding burns calories. Lots and lots of them. Most of my weight loss I attribute to breastfeeding. You're supposed to eat 500 extra calories a day while breastfeeding to compensate for the output. Now that I'm done, do you think I want to give up those extra 500 calories? Umm, no. So now I'm wondering if I can maintain my weight. And for the record, I have gained some weight and I'm extremely pleased with the way I look at the moment.

Tomorrow Jonas turns 1 and he was completely weaned by last weekend. I can not tell you the sense of accomplishment that I have over the fact that I made it to a year with both my children. It was by no means easy. It was a huge sacrifice with many sleepless night, no dates, sore boobs, leakage, wardrobe malfunctions and public indecency. But man, was it worth every stinkin' second. I know in my heart of hearts that I did the very best for my babies. That I put them above my comfort, my desires an even my health. That their well being was more important than my agenda. I am so proud of myself. I did it!!!

As a reward for my amazing accomplishment, I'm going to be buying 3 super awesome and maybe sexy bras... That actually fit properly. I'm so excited. Make room Victoria's Secret... Here I come!!!

My Little Monsters 1st Bday Party

Disclaimer:  You are about to experience the largest photo dump I've ever done... hope you enjoy! 


On Saturday we celebrated Jonas' First Birthday.  We had a great party at my dad's house with lots of food, kids in the pool and it was so much fun!

I got a ton of help from my friends over at Mint Blossom Studio... they took care of all the decorations, the snack bar and all the cutie monster things.  I think they out did themselves!

The snack bar had Rice Crispy Treats, Fruit Snacks, Granola Bars, Goldfish Crackers, Oreos and Popcorn.  YUM! 

We made these monster faces... each one unique!

Baggies to take home some snacks.

Then the Birthday Boy arrived!  He didn't know what was going on!

Some Grandma love!

Tell me Marco doesn't look a little like SuperMan in this picture?! ha!

Grandpa's grillin' out

 Marco enjoying a Monster Treat!

 Birthday Boy getting his Mama Love

While Jonas was walking around...

And visiting with his Titia Mi...

Marco was livin' it up in the pool!

With Grandpa!

 And still others were fishing in the lake...

And actually catching! 

 Cupcakes were made by my friends at The Cupcake Boutique (like them on FaceBook).  A big monster smash cake (which we'll use on his actual birthday... the 28th) and mini cupcakes for everyone!

This is my attempt to get everyone singing together... "HAAAAA"

The mandatory "family picture"... with the Grandparents.

I think he enjoyed his cupcake... sugar coma coming on. 

 How do you know you had a successful party?

Tired boys.