I've Adopted Myself Into...

being Irish. Since my birthday is on the last day of March, slowly over time I noticed that I had fallen in love with St. Patrick's Day. My favorite color went from being red, to being green. I told Benjy years ago, please don't buy me flowers for my birthday because they just die, but every year, I would love to get a shamrock, sometime in March. (Sorry to say, they have all died however they do last longer then flowers) When I turned 30, I was whining a little about not wanting to celebrate my birthday and my mom's friend, Carol, said to me, "Well, you know what the alternative is, don't you?" It really made an impact on me..and I decided to try not to complain about getting older because I should be thankful to be alive, healthy and celebrating another year which is ultimately a gift from God. Who am I to complain that he has given me more time to enjoy this life here on earth?

Karsyn and I made a trip over to see our friends that moved to Hudson. It just happened to be St. Patrick's Day. When we got home...a little leprechaun had been to our house and dropped off a little green and treats for us! I just love my little leprechaun who took the time (and had a little reminder that morning of what day it was...) to treat us with my favorite candy, greens and balloons.
WOW...THAT'S A LOT OF CHOCOLATE! Did I mention that we have been counting calories and have been doing really well. So of course the treats added a little extra temptation...oh well. They tasted great! A shamrock type plant for me, carnations for the girls and what was suppose to be a treat for each of us, however I had to have a little of the Reese's and junior mints. For those of you that know Benjy, he also is way into the Irish, (Notre Dame) so I guess we both have adopted ourselves into being Irish! March is a great month in the Villarreal household...I just need to remind myself of that on Wednesday... the big 35 is coming my way. Yay....(remain positive, remain postive and be thankful)

Pretty Peds

A couple of us went out to celebrate our friend, JoDell's Birthday. It only took a couple of months to find a date that we could all go. We took a Saturday morning and pampered ourselves and got pedicures.

Then we went to Anne's Parlor in Dinkytown. It was a great day. There is something about taking the time to get away, have some girl time and the added bonus of someone pampering you!

The hamburgers and fries were awesome! Always fun taking a little time out and about...you can't help but come home feeling refreshed...Thanks to all of our hubbies who made it possible! Especially Benjy, because he is da' bomb...(inserted by Benjy)

A Split Decision

So some of you wanted to know what the doctor said, well... he said any where between 4-6 months was fine to start feeding cereal... ONLY! Not to put it into a bottle (choking hazard) but on a spoon and make it really runny. He did say he wanted us to start before 6 months but no sooner then 4. He said the extra iron is great for breastfed babies. He told us that he has seen extremely anemic breastfed babies that have been held off too long (10 months) before starting rice cereal. I wanted to hold off until 5 months, but Benjy just couldn't do it. I have to say that by the 2nd feeding, Benjy couldn't get it in fast enough. The first time it was a little too thick and the next time he gulped it down. I am still nervous about it. After reading about the connection between with food allergies and gluten intolerance, I really wanted to make sure his little intestines and immune system were ready. Our doctor who is very experienced...20 plus years said...it was okay to start. So I am crossing my fingers and Benjy and the girls are having a blast.

A Surprise From Washington...

Grandma made these adorable outfits for the girls' Dolls. When she was here for Kyce's blessing she measured them with a paper measuring tape that we just happened to find in my 18 year old sewing kit and it had never been used.

She went home and wipped up these outfits. The girls were so excited and I just sit here looking at them amazed at Grandma's talent! Thank you Grandma!

The little botties are so darn cute and the sweaters velcro shut. Smart idea, Grandma!

It is fun watching the girls play together as they dress the dolls and do their hair. Karsyn is counting down the days until her birthday so she can buy her own REAL American Girl Doll!

A Bit of a biting concern...

WE just can't believe that Kyce is 4 months old already. I recently told someone that I actually lay awake at night having some anxiety about how fast time flies. I just can't believe that I am almost 35 and that I have been married for almost 11 years and that I have a 9 year old, an almost 6 year old and a 4 month old. Where did the time go?

After much research of my own, thanks to facebook, ;-) We have decided to hold off on the baby cereal until we talk to our doctor on Monday. With Kyce's funky skin thing. which skin conditions can be linked to allergies, food and other STUFF..., we are playing it safe for now. Yesterday, Benjy came home for lunch read some very helpful comments on facebook and decided he would settle with a teething ring. Kyce is such a chewer, he chews/bites on everything, now! Hence...the need for a bib. HE chews on his hands, my hands, his clothes, his pacifier, his sister's hair anytime they try to hold him and on my....... well toooo much information for a blog. Let's just say...it hurts and I am glad he doesn't have teeth, yet!

Here are some pictures to document his chewing obsession...

even if his digestive track might not be ready for food, I think his mouth is.

Emergency, Emergency....

Kaydree is a huge help with Kyce. She is getting pretty confident (cocky) with her diaper changing skills. She has changed a couple wet diapers and this morning she took Kyce out of his chair and said, "Kyce, you are wet, I will change you." I was about to tell her that he had just destroyed his diaper (pooped) however, I had the thought that it would be funny to see her reaction when she opened up his diaper.

As you will see when I commentated that she was changing Kyce's diaper she so confidently says, " Yeah, like 3 times so I don't know what's new about it?" Meaning, I don't know why you are video taping this...because it's old news. Then comes her reaction.... as I am trying to talk to her, she remains focused at the task at hand. I was pretty impressed.

You can here me laughing in the background because it wasn't until later that I told her I knew there was a project in there for her and I wanted to see her reaction. She said, "You are so mean, Mom!" I am sure Kyce will also thank me for this video someday! I thanked them both for a good laugh and Karsyn for being such a great back up help!

Growing Up is...

so much more fun with friends...

Spike is my dad's name for Kyce...can you see why? And no...we do not do anything to his hair..it naturally looks like he stuck his finger in a light socket!