Caped Crusaders

We went to our friend's house to have some good eats before we set out to trick-or-treat. The caped crusaders collected 2 bucketfuls each. Then, when they got tired, they hitched a ride in the "bat mobile." It was so much fun. We were surrounded by great friends, super heros, Snow White, dead brides, a creature from beyond, a skeleton and even a tiny lobster! Here is a collage of my caped crusaders...hey even super heros need to take a night off every once and a while!

To the special men in our lives...

I get caught up in posting pictures of the two little divas that are always ready to strike a pose. So when I came upon these two photo ops, I couldn't resist a blog post! I love how much the girls (and I) adore these two special guys. Daddy is the security, comfort, and reasoning in our family. And, Bubby (Michael) is the fun, playful, and role model. I couldn't ask for a better crew!!

First Day of Chinese Preschool!!!

My precious pre-schooler...

It has been a long process (5 months to be exact), but I finally decided on a Chinese pre-school for Maysie. However, we were forced to wait for an opening by the time I was...so-called ready for my baby to start preschool! Not only did she start, she conquered it! No tears...okay, I fought very hard to hold back tears, sweet good-byes, and my Moo Bear was embarking on a new adventure! The best part was to hear all the wonderful things that her teacher, Miss Amanda (who I totally LOVE) , had to say. It is so different being on the other side of the school stuff...I love being a parent. I just think time has never flown so fast...I wouldn't complain if it decided to SLOW DOWN!!!

Here is Maysie with Miss Amanda...

New adventures

It's not a secret that Maysie has been doing gymnastics at Brown's Gymnastics for a year now (probably because her mommy has a big mouth and loves to brag with pride.) So, why change it up now? I can't wait to "Brag..." I mean ShaRe stories about the new things that Maysie and Mylie are doing.

Mylie had a rough start her 1st week in gymnastics, but seems to be doing much better!!! She especially loves to show off new skills to her "ExPeRiEnCeD" big sister!!!

Basket hanging with Miss Haley...

Forward roll...just like Jei-Jei (that's big sister in Chinese)

Maysie had a BLAST at her first tennis lesson! She told me on the way home that she was going to "go home and practice tennis!" Plus, she has been enjoying the U.S. Open and informs us that she "will play tennis on TV" when she "grows bigger."

Maysie getting some one-to-one instruction on a backhand swing...

Maysie with Coach Anna...(who she thinks is SOOOOO silly!!!)

I'm a...

mommy, wife, daughter, bestie, friend, colleague, in-law, teacher, student, observer, counselor, mediator, chef, waitress, maid, diaper changer extraordinaire, seamstress, artist, planner, computer geek, couch potato, laundry director, team player, nurturer, nurse, Kleenex, procrastinator, role model, chauffeur, therapist, paper towel, comedian, actress, problem solver, singer, baby wipe, shopper, booster seat, security guard, decorator, translator, bather, day care coordinator, q-tip, disciplinarian, pillow, blanket...all in one day...and it's ALL worth it! (Hopefully, I didn't leave anything out!)

"Bay-Dee and Wy-Lee"

The other day, my dad referred to grapes as "EEPS," and it reminded me that Maysie used to call her favorite fruit, "EEPS!" I was a little sad because I realized just how fast she is growing up. I also remeber that I did a previous post that translated some of her adorable "baby talk." Although she sounds like such a big girl with very few articulation errors, it is now fun to listen to what she has to say instead. On the other hand, I am still lucky enough to be entertained with the way my dearest Mylie talks. It is so cute, and I want to capture some words/phrases. So, here is a little bit of translation to "Mylie talk:"

Baydee= Maysie
Wylee Ofayah Aucoat= Mylie Saraiya Hillcoat
Particuth= Spartacus (mini pig)
Hi are yooo?= Where are you?
*Huh?*= Mylie's way of asking a question...she adds this to the end of everything? (i.e. "Hi are yoo, huh? You want one, huh?)
Titty Tat= Kitty cat
Bean-Tee= Binky
Ayedono= I don't know
Woe-bot-danth= Robot Dance
Baby Soup= Bathing Suit
**My favorite: Aye Ya Yoo, Mommy!= I love you, Mommy!**

Becoming a Godmother!!!

July 24th @ 11:48 PM, my phone rings. I think, "Who the heck would call me this late??? Have they lost their mind?" Ignore...the caller immediately calls back...I think, "Oh! SnAp!!! I bet it might be Carrie!!!" I answer the phone to a calm soon-to-be mommy who informs me that her water broke:

Me: What were you doing?
Carrie: Sleeping.
Me: Are you sure?!
Carrie: Yeah. I'm positive!
Me: Are you sure you didn't pee the bed?
Carrie: *chuckle* No! My water REALLY broke. I'm going to take a shower and go to the hospital.
Me: Okay! I'll meet you there!

As I drove to the hospital, I realized that there was not going to be sleep in my near future (not to mention, I did wake up at 6:45 AM that morning), and that I had until 9:00 PM on July 25th to complete an assignment that was already granted 2 extensions...and I had only finished about half (which already took 2 hours). I know...oh, poor me! How selfish! How un-cool for me to be worrying about my own darn self while my bestie was about to deliver her 1st child! It must be my only child syndrome.

So, fast forward to the Labor and Delivery room at Sunrise Hospital. I had an over abundance of energy (adrenaline...I'm sure!) So, as my bestie was agonizing over Pitocin induced contractions, I tried to work on my assignment with no success. Around 5:15 AM, the nurse (and what a fabulous nurse, Maricel was) had her "practice push" (which she really didn't need...she was a natural...or maybe it was from being in my delivery rooms...or maybe it was all the countless hours of watching TLC's A Baby Story and MTV's 16 and Pregnant). Anyhoot, she pushed for about 20 minutes and stopped to wait for Dr. Jameson. Once the Doc showed up, it was like 10 minutes of pushing and...

Baby Maxim James "a.k.a. Max" tipped the scale at 7lbs. 1oz. and stretched 20.5 in. long. He joined the party at 6:08 AM on July 25th, 2010. And he was worth the long wait, the missed sleep, the stress to get my assignment completed, the missed birthday party (on Sunday), and the 3 hours of sleep I eventually got.

P.S. It was so amazing to be a part of Baby Max's arrival. I thank Carrie for the opportunity to be part of such an intimate, joyous, spiritual, emotional, and surreal experience. It was so crazy! I had an emotional breakdown. My legs were sore from trying to hold my composure and refrain from shaking...as I unsuccessfully fought back my tears. I can't even explain it! It really brought me back to that place when I had my girls...only, I had so much going on that my emotions didn't affect me in the same way.

The story of how a pig and a cat became besties...

So, being the animal lovers that we are, Mike and I were on the lookout for a nice indoor pet. I didn't want another dog (for many reasons-potty training, shedding, etc...). I really didn't want a cat-since I am allergic. However, I have always wanted a pig...since Charlotte's Web (the 1973 cartoon...and don't do the math because the movie is several years older than me...LOL!). The only problem was that little pigs...become big pigs...become gigantic pigs. I couldn't have a 200 lb. pig running around my house. Ewww...imagine the clean-up...gross! So, when I heard about a mini-pig, I was determined. After several weeks of research, I found the pig of my dreams...LOL.

Meantime, Mike was on the look out for an exotic cat. He thought a hairless would be perfect for my allergies, and he stumbled upon the Bambino Sphinx. They are like the Sphinx, but they have short, thick, wide legs. Well, it just so happened that we were able to arrange for both pets to come home on the same day. (Cat (VooDoo) was coming from Florida, and Pig (Spartacus) was coming from Kentucky.) They have been growing up together ever since and are the best of friends. They snuggle up every day and night in their bed, play together, and endure the torturous love from the "little giants" (Maysie and Mylie). Both have great personalities and have made our farm...I mean home...complete. (Although I'd still like to have a pet wallaby...LOL)

Baby Shower for my BeSTiE!!!

Okay...so obviously June is by far my busiest month. And to add to my madness, I hosted a baby shower for my bestie, Carrie (who is carrying my godson, Maxim James, in her belly), on the same day as Maysie's dance recital. (Yes, I am a mad woman!) No really though, June 19th was the best day for the party and everything worked out wonderfully! Here are some special "facts" about her shower:

- Dr. Seuss' "One Fish, Two Fish..." theme

- Approximately 50 people in attendance

- Hired a Taco Lady to serve up fresh tacos

- Served ceviche, rice and beans (from Cafe Rio), chips and salsa, salad

- Had a chocolate fountain (Thank You, Melissa!) complete with: rice krispy treats, pound cake,

strawberries, pineapple, apples, pretzels, bananas, and gummy bears!!!

- Played "Measure Mommy" (Ha! And a boy, Jimmy's cousin, won!) and a few raffle games

- Filled out advice cards and wrote silly messages on diapers (I bit these ideas from Melissa's

shower...thanks again, girl!!!)

- Opened oodles of presents (or "presidents"...as Maysie would say)!!!

- Gave boxed SUPER yummy Chantilly Cupcakes as a party favor (which was ALL

my idea...LOL...just kidding, another fabulous idea from Melissa)

- The shower was so much fun, even "Papa Bear" showed up to help open a few gifts...and the

compliments were just the cherry on top!

Now we just need to wait for Max to make his big entrance!!!

A Star is born...

Three days after our Hawaii vacation, Maysie had a dance recital. She has been attending a ballet/tap/gymnastics combo class at Preston's Class Act for about 3 months prior. Since she is a little ham, we thought this would be a great experience for her. She totally knew her dance and even performed it to the best of her ability at the dress rehearsal. But, when it was time for the real deal, she stood on stage like a deer caught in headlights, tapped her foot, did one "pirouette," and shuffled off stage with a smile and a wave! Although she practically stood there, she was way ToO CuTe!!! I can't wait to get the video so I can experience the WHOLE thing again. Here is a picture of my little StaR...and 2 of her many "FaNs," Justin and Kennedy!! LOL!!!!

The ABC's about Mylie (times 2)

Okay, so we all know (from 2 posts ago) how this goes...it is so fun (and sometimes a struggle) to watch my babies grow into toddlers...especially because both girls are now in the "I do it myself" stage. Everyday (difficult or not) is a new adventure. There are no more babies in our household (now comes the tears)!!! So, here are the ABC of Mylie (our baby forever):

A- aspires to be like Maysie, absolutely adorable

B- binky baby, booty shaker

C- crosses fingers & legs, CHoCoHoLiC

D- dog lover, dainty

E- edible cheeks, eyelashes

F- fragile, fancy

G- goofy, girlie

H- happy, "hold me"

I- intelligent, ice cream lover

J- jumper, juice

K- keeper, kicker (when changing her diaper)

L- lovey dovey, loud screamer

M- messy, Mys

N- nakie-nakie, natural beauty

O- overly cautious, orders everybody around

P- precious smile, princess

Q- QT pie, quick (like her big sis)

R- really shy, rockstar!!

S- scary, sensitive

T- timid, Terrible 2s (right now)

U- unavoidable, utmost caring

V- very kissable, velvet soft skin

W- wiggle worm, wrist sniffer (let me elaborate...when Mys gets tired, she put the top of her
wrist in front of her nose. We aren't sure if she is actually
smelling her wrist, but it sure looks like it!!!)

X- (Should X even be a letter???)

Y- youngest, Yo Gabba Gabba

Z- zooms, zany (also, like her big sis)

Beach Babes!!!

The girls had so much fun in Hawaii!!! This is just a quick post. I'll post more when I get a moment!! These were taken at Hanauma Bay...a day of snorkeling, sand playing, and OHANA!!!!

The ABC's about Maysie (times 3)

So..(sniff,sniff)...my oldest (sob, sob)...continues to....(WAAAAAAAH!!!)...grow up! Grrrr... SO, what better way to share a little about this fabulous girl than to list 3 things for each letter of the alphabet. Bear with me...I had to get creative at some points. Oh, and why 3??? Because Maysie blessed my world 3 years ago...and time has been flying by ever since!!! Well, here goes...(now is a good time to add in one of those catching your breath after crying sounds...hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu):

A- a"MAYSIE"ing, apple of my eye, above normal

B- brave, bold, big sister

C- crazy, Chinese speaker, Cafe Rio

D- daring, dancer, Daddy's girl

E- eager, early riser, ear full

F- flip-flops, fancy, Farty Toot

G- girlie, growing, gymnast

H- happy, Hop On Pop, hot headed

I- important, ice cream, intelligent

J- Justin Beiber fan, jumper, jovial

K- kind, kisses, Kai-Lan

L- lollipops, little sister, Lau-Lau's boa-bay

M- Mickey Mouse, mover (and a shaker), Mommy's princess

N- nice, nail biter, notices everything

O- outstanding, out going, obviously beautiful

P- Panera Bread, Pinkalicious, Pankie's pumpkin

Q- quick, quirky, questioner

R- redhead, radiant, runner

S-Silly Dilly Bear, stubborn, sweet

T- temper, talented, Tinkerbell

U- undies, unbelievable, unforgettable

V- vibrant, vivacious, victorious

W- wild, whiny (at times), Wow Wow Wubbzy

X- xerox copy of me, (give me a break on this one!!!)

Y- young, yo yo ball, yummy

Z- zippy, zany, zooms

Words alone can describe all the best parts of Maysie. She has brought life to our family and there is never a dull moment with her around!!! So here she is...my 3 year old toddler and her birthday breakfast:

So OVER Facebook! Coming back to my roots!

As y'all know, I have neglected my blog for greener pastures...literally, I was addicted to Farmville. However, I never really liked to post pictures on my Facebook. In fact, the only pics I posted were the precious moments from behind. I was tagged in all the rest. Well, I am sad that our busy life has been passing through and I didn't savor my precious moments in my blog. So, I am re-committing myself to my project to blog and blurb. However, since I am still taking classes to become an SLP (Speech and Language Pathologist), I am going to promise to post a minimum of 2 times a month...with hopes to post more.

So, here is a quick rundown of what's to come...(and a picture of my ever growing angels because I just have to take any opportunity to show a picture...LOL):

* The Adventures of Maysie and Mylie in Hawaii...including their very first airplane ride!!!
* Maysie's 3rd Birthday!

* Mylie's 2nd Birthday!

* Maysie's 1st Dance Recital!

* A Baby Shower for my BESTIE!!...and Baby Max soon to follow!!

* Tales of Voodoo and Spartacus...our 2 newest Hillcoats!!
* And all the little unexpecteds...(and...NOOOO! I am not pregnant!)

Now, here is my photo-op. The girls were so happy to get our "grass" put in...finally. We just have to add the playground and a barbeque, and our backyard is complete...until I can talk Mike into ripping out the "grass" and installing a pool.

Capture THE moment in time

I couldn't believe that I was able to catch this adorable picture. It seems that there aren't too many moments when my Itty-Bitties are getting along. Is this a sign of how their relationship is going to be? Let's hope not...I am very grateful to have this picture to preserve such a heartwarming moment.