Halloween '10

Marcelo was really into Halloween this year. We went to a Trunk o' Treat at a nearby shopping center the day before to get him used to all the people in costume and the whole trick or treating thing. It turned out really well because he was well primed for Halloween day. I was also very pleased that everyone knew who they were dressed as.

Fall Hike

We decided to take a drive on the Alpine Loop to see some fall colors. I brought only some light snacks and water so we could get there while the sun was still up. Ray brought, no, not Marcelo's backpack carrier, but folding chairs. And also stadium folding chairs. Yes, the kind that have no feet. I guess he planned to maybe sit in the parking lot, surrounded by cars and outdoor restrooms rather than nature?

And off they go like Hansel & Gretel.

So, we pulled over and decided to stretch our legs briefly since we weren't adequately supplied. We started venturing down a little path with the kids and since Marcelo was doing so well walking, we just kept going. Luckily, we at least had the wrap in the car for Chucky Baby Peter. This turned out to be Marcelo's first real hike. He only fell down once and it was from a standing position, albeit it was quite the smack down. He somehow managed to get the toe of his shoe stuck on the log he was standing on and sort of snapped himself down to the ground. It was kind of funny, but I didn't laugh --until later. I did put that puffy vest on him for a reason. I'm always planning ahead.

We also did a practice shot of a family portrait to see if everyone could manage to look at the same thing all at once. It was marginally successful. Although, Chucky Baby Peter seems bound and determined to display his boredom and disdain for nature.

Now this picture deserves a bit of a back story. (Click image to enlarge). Ray once told me how when he was a boy, he wanted to be a ventriloquist (this is not even one of my mean ideas -it's true). He wished and wished his dad would buy him a ventriloquist doll from the Sears catalog, but he never did. Now, I am happy to say, I have fulfilled that wish for him and its name is Marcelo. Note also the strange troll attached to his chest.

Post party melt down

Marcelo had such a great time at his much anticipated third birthday. The third birthday must really be when they get that it's all about their special day. I remember Sofia was the same way.

Every time we talked about preparations for his birthday, he thought it was happening that day and was extremely disappointed when I had to tell him "two more weeks", "a few more days", "three more days", etc. It was so cute, when I was making his cake two days before the party, he was so excited, he kept asking me if so-and-so would come and I'd say - "yes, they're coming". And if this other person was coming. "Yes, they're coming". And after a little while, he asked me, "will they be here soon?"

On party day, Marcelo behaved really well. There were no meltdowns or fights over his new toys. He truly had a great time. He went to bed tired but highly satisfied and content.

The next morning, he awoke early to play with his new toys, giving each one the attention they deserved. He played enthusiastically with Sofia and then on his own until lunch time. After lunch, we went to his weekly dance class (the third one) and I was surprised that he was apprehensive about going in. Maybe it was because Sofia didn't come along this time, or simply because he had had such a big day the prior day with no nap for a few days in a row and having just recovered from a cold. Anyway, I hoped it wasn't going to come to a severe refusal to participate like something I might be more accustomed to expect from Sofia. But I wasn't sure if I should nudge him along after he told me, "Mommy, I just want to go home", in a sweet, tired, and quiet voice.

Just then I noticed another child not wanting to go in. She got picked up by the teacher and set in the circle on the floor. I pointed her out to Marcelo - "See, she doesn't feel that great about participating today either. Maybe you can go sit with her". After a couple of seconds, he suddenly turned around and went running in. Funny how someone else's misery can serve to give you a boost of moral, I guess.

He did great in his class. I could see he was trying hard and even loosening up and goofing around in front of the mirror a little bit.

After dance, we went to Target. As we were leaving, Sofia asked if we could go to Trafalga. We were considering the idea and thinking if we should pick up some pizza from Target's Pizza Hut but decided on Costco pizza instead. Suddenly, Marcelo decided he had to have pizza from Target (which he cannot eat anyway due to allergies) and started throwing a mild fit. By the time we got to the parking lot, I had to pick him up and he started pinching/squashing my face in protest. I guess all the activity and partying finally caught up to him. We decided against Trafalga and went home to eat dinner.

At home, I was still giving him a chance to come around and apologize for his behaviour which he usually does quite quickly on his own. Didn't look like it was going to happen this time. I thought to myself, "I guess he really is three", and had some disturbing flashbacks of Sofia's third year. "Surely it won't be as bad as that" - I comforted myself.

Then when Ray failed to fill his sippy cup with milk, Marcelo turned around, pulled his pants down and MOONED HIM!

What?!
Where did this come from?
OK, I acknowledge he may have learned some "adult words" from me and certainly some undesirable behaviors from Sofia and Ray, but mooning. Where did that come from?!
How did he determine that his butt would serve as a great offense to someone? Especially since he doesn't much know the difference between running around butt naked and running around with clothes on.

I don't know what is brewing in Ray's genetic code, (I know it's not me, seeing as my genetic code is extremely weak and I spent my youth in a virtual coma according to all reports and the overwhelming consensus that I was the epitome of the well behaved child), but I tell you there's some kind of craziness that gets set off at age three.

3rd Birthday

After weeks of many, many questions: "Mommy, when is my birthday?", "Mommy, is my birthday today?", "Mommy is so-and-so coming to my birthday?", "Mommy, am I gonna have cake at my birthday?", "Mommy, can we have my birthday at Chuckie Cheese?"  --"No", the day finally arrived.

I couldn't find my cupcake book, so I had to roll up my sleeves to churn out a proper cake; a little out of practice as I haven't made one in over a year.  It was an homage to "Super Why", one of Marcelo's favorite educational PBS shows (I love DVR).  I also attempted some sugar cookies, an unknown treat at our house.  I made "special" allergy cookies for Marcelo with the yellow icing which he absolutely loved.

Marcelo entertains the ladies.  He's a natural.

The kids kept themselves entertained with the handed-down but new-to-us plasma cars and other wheeled, motorized and non-motorized vehicles.  The older kids also kept busy playing soccer and everyone enjoyed themselves in the back yard.

(This is mostly a picture of my cute wrapping paper)

This is mostly a picture of my great bargain find of Morgan & Milo shoes at the nursery (like plant nursery) for $5.00!  Yeah.

Although, Marcelo started showing subtle signs of wear during the overwhelming present opening.  He was truly interested in each present he received.  The karaoke machine from Tia Marcela was quite the hit.

The obligatory pose with the parents. Trust me, you'll appreciate this somehow when you're older.  I'm pretty sure you will.  I think.

Your party invitations were in the theme of a library book, using a page from one of your favorite books, The Octonauts, as that is what Super Why is all about. Inside I put a little blurb about your goings-on this past year and an old school library card pocket with a removable card with your name and party details.

-- oo --

I can't remember who all the presents where from as someone was doing a terrible job of keeping track of this but here are some of the things you received:
Levis, Gymboree space & rockets undees - mommy
Two board puzzles, foam bath letters, sidewalk chalk - mommy
Two board books "Who Am I" and "What Do I Eat" - mommy
Extended pieces to Ikea train set - mommy
ABC Book and $50 Visa - Abuelos
Karaoke machine - Tia Marcela
Set of Nursery Rhyme books - []
Tool Set, set of Disney coloring media and US Bond - [Omi and Grandpa]
Toy Story Dinosaur - Aunt Sandi
Lego Duplo Set - Rick, Cheryl, Matt, Jason
Wood magnetic alphabet letters, wood learning clock with shapes - Finleys
Kids Telescope - Tio Pedro
??? - Autumn


Hopefully I'll figure out the rest and fill in.

Marcelo survives first bee sting

Due to Marcelo's allergies, I've been dreading the moment when the first bee sting would happen. I prepare for it in my mind sometimes, reminding myself to have the Epipen ready. I just assumed that he would likely have a reaction.

Well, today it happened. Sofia came running in from the back yard telling me Marcelo had been stung by a bee. I ran out to meet him, scanning his body for some big swollen ball somewhere. Much to my relief, he got stung on the hand, probably trying to swat the bee away. Aside from a few minutes of crying, he had no reaction at all. I gave him some just-in-case Benadryl and treated the three puncture marks with a cotton ball dipped in vinegar topped by a band-aid and some of Sofia's handy medical tape for good measure.

Nature and Climbing

This summer, Marcelo's legs are finally long enough to enable him to climb on those big rocks at Thanksgiving Point Gardens just like his big sister. I think he felt very accomplished.

Fortunately, Marcelo still minded me when I told him not to lean over the boat launching "fjord" unlike his sister whom I finally allowed nature (her own nature) to teach her a lesson when she fell in and ended up sopping wet. (I couldn't take pictures. She wasn't happy. She might have attacked me and the camera).

I want to do my school

Recently, we discovered the Starfall.com website which is a super great, totally free online resource for learning to read phonetically. I thought this would be a good place for Sofia to keep up her reading with the simple online books similar to the ones she would bring home from challenger that are right at her level.

Because Marcelo sees Sofia learning to read and also me spending individual time with her reviewing phonics and so forth, I told him he could do the alphabet section of the website and he often says, "I want to do my school". It is super cute. The only problem is that he doesn't have a good grasp of mouse mechanics and I'm still weary about him around the laptop seeing as what happened with those missing (broken) keys and all.

Here, Sofia demonstrates to him how to read a book and then helps him click on the letters he wants to do.