Marathon

We are just on a milestone marathon over here. Today Emilio sat up all by himself! To see him just sitting there on the floor made him look so little and big all at the same time. Now if he would just sleep!!!!!! We are on a sleep-strike of sorts. Praying tonight is better.

Hallelujah

As you read the following post I ask that you conjure up Handel's Messiah in your head...."Hallelujah...Hallelujah....HAAALLLEEEELUUUUJAAAHHHH" Got it?

Angel Ignacio Cisneros is potty trained!!! As all know, potty training is a work in progress...much like loosing weight or making a long trip but my little (I mean big) boy is well on his way. I have not changed a poopy diaper in one week and for 6 days he has been wearing big boy underwear, even outside of the house.

Here are some fun facts about this exciting time in our family:

*Tell tale sign he has to go? He holds either the front or back of his pants.

*During the first days of going in the toilet he would run out to the livingroom and tell Emilio.

*We made a special trip to Target where he picked out UNDERWEAR!

*When he is going he says, "Mommy, go over there" meaning "Don't look at me."

*We called Angel at work to tell him the news that he pooped in the toilet and Ignacio said, "It was a REALLY BIG, BIG poop."

*The other day his cousin wanted to watch him and he said, "No! It's private time."

*Two days into this we were at Chipotle and he had to go, so he got down and said to Angel
and I, "I'll be right back" as if he was already able to go ALL by himself.

Now I just can't wait for him to be able to wipe himself...I know...baby steps. But a mother can dream can't she?

Blessed

I am so blessed to have my two beautiful little boys who love me so much and so blessed to have a supportive husband who is totally present in all he does, especially in showing me I am loved. I am blessed to have a warm, comfortable house where I have healthy food in my refrigerater for my family and heat to warm their little toes. I am blessed for all the gifts in my life and do not take anything for granted at this moment.

The roof...the roof...

Ignacio went to the local fire department's annual fair and he got in a rescue boat, an ambulance, a police car and even got to ride in a fire truck down the street with the lights and sirens going!!! He greeted me at the door with his fire hat on and told me ALL about it.

Chomper and Cha-Cha-Cha

Emilio is about to get his fourth tooth and, let's just say he isn't the happiest little person to be around these days. Don't get me wrong...he is adorable (when sleeping). Runny nose, sore gums and a MAJOR mommy affair is keeping me pretty busy. On the other home front Ignacio is sailing to new heights in his music class. Last week he played the harp and learned "decending" and "ascending" and loved every minute of it. I love every minute of him in the class!

Failure

It was impressive the lack of effectiveness I displayed in my parenting today. I know what you are all thinking..."No one is perfect." "We all have our days." "I'm sure you did just fine." But that is not how I feel and not what I want to hear. Most days I feel intensely the reason why I stay home to raise my kids. The purpose is clear, the love palpable. Then there are days like today when I am convinced my kids would be better off being raised by someone else and I am equally convinced I would be better off not being with them for so much time. I don't feel guilty and I don't feel "bad"...I guess the word would be "disappointed" in myself and in my kids. Anyone who knows me knows that Katrina doesn't do well with "disappointment" so I am faced with yet another lesson on my journey. How to be okay and forgiving of myself when I have let myself down. Dig deep, love unconditionally and make an effort to make it all okay...to convince myself that I am okay.