Christmas Dance Recital

Marcelo's first major ... anything.

He's been going to dance class for only a couple of months. He's the only boy. He really likes it.

I was anxious to see how he would do. Would he remember his steps (OK, there really weren't any steps. It's mostly line dancing of the upper half of the body). Would he freeze up. Would he freak out and dive off the stage or pee his pants. Would he prove himself to be significantly genetically different from Sofia on the stage. (That's mostly what I was looking for. She picked her nose and looked up at the ceiling for most of her last preschool performance).

Success! He remembered his moves (mostly). He had fun. And then he thought he was a freaking rock star when we got home and wouldn't stop acting like a weirdo and bouncing off the walls.

Sleeping Habits

This is how Marcelo slept a couple months ago. Now, he has added the crib size duvet, the rocking chair pillow, blanky, monkey, and monster. I have to push him with the door just to get in the room and deposit him back in the bed.

Almost a knock out

Marcelo had his first major (or minor depending on one's perspective) accident. Despite the fact that I spend much of my energy each day telling both Sofia and especially Marcelo to sit "properly" on their chairs and to "not mess around" on the chairs, etc., etc., the poor little guy fell off the kitchen stool when he slipped off the seat as he was getting off. He (I think) hit his mouth on the granite counter top, cutting his bottom lip and smashing his right front tooth up into his gums.

Before

There was an immediate scream and crying, lots of bleeding, and much relaxation exercising on my part. I took him to the after hours pediatric office just to make sure nothing worse had happened than what I could see. Then I had to call his pediatric dentist at 9'o clock at night and schedule an appointment for him. Luckily, his dentist agreed to come in the next day even though he doesn't have hours on Friday.

1 Day After

After taking x-rays and a careful examination, it looks like the trauma to his teeth was -according to the dentist, the best case scenario if you're going to smash your teeth in any way. His baby tooth should move back into place within a few months, may be discolored, but wasn't broken and the root did not appear to puncture the permanent tooth which is sitting above it.

Poor little Marcelo, I felt so, so bad for him as I can empathize with his teeth smashing experience in the first degree.

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.