born 8/29/09 @ 6:52pm, 5 lbs 15oz, 20 inches!
Congratulations, Mary, JP, and Gavin!!
We've already nicknamed her Nor-honey :)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Baby Norhanna Liza coming??
Mary is 40 weeks pregnant now and getting induced tomorrow. Will baby Norhanna Liza come tomorrow? (now, officially, no one has said that her name is Norhanna Liza, but I'm putting it to add pressure to get Mary and JP to name her that name!)
Here is Evan (aka "Cakie Boy") at 5 months. He's such a cutie guy! He's Mr. Happy Boy (well, that is, if you carry him... a lot.). He is rolling, rolling, rolling around and we've even bought our first box of cereal for Evan to start at 6 months.
Joli and Jada are wrapping up at Camp, and school starts in 2 weeks. Eeek! I can't wait to take pictures of them in their new school uniforms!
So, funny - Jada just found a giant ant on the carpet and yelled, "MOM! My friend, Ant, is here! He came all the way from Lola's house! Wow. That must have been a long drive for him!" - cutie pie!
Not much else happening, so I'll let you enjoy the pictures!
My sleeping baby boy!
Evan - 5 months old
Evan at 5 months
Mary and Gavin (and Norhanna Liza....)
Mary is 40 weeks pregnant now and getting induced tomorrow. Will baby Norhanna Liza come tomorrow? (now, officially, no one has said that her name is Norhanna Liza, but I'm putting it to add pressure to get Mary and JP to name her that name!)
Here is Evan (aka "Cakie Boy") at 5 months. He's such a cutie guy! He's Mr. Happy Boy (well, that is, if you carry him... a lot.). He is rolling, rolling, rolling around and we've even bought our first box of cereal for Evan to start at 6 months.
Joli and Jada are wrapping up at Camp, and school starts in 2 weeks. Eeek! I can't wait to take pictures of them in their new school uniforms!
So, funny - Jada just found a giant ant on the carpet and yelled, "MOM! My friend, Ant, is here! He came all the way from Lola's house! Wow. That must have been a long drive for him!" - cutie pie!
Not much else happening, so I'll let you enjoy the pictures!
My sleeping baby boy!
Evan - 5 months old
Evan at 5 months
Mary and Gavin (and Norhanna Liza....)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It's HOT here!
It's been a hot, hot, hot few days around here, and we've been trying our best to keep cool! Evan is doing an awesome job rolling all around and he loves staying on his tummy. Will he crawl soon?? He's getting so much bigger now, too! We're trying to hold on to our bassinette, but we're pretty sure he's going to outgrow it any day now!
Here is our Week 14 photo! Yes, KO'D made it back in again!
Evan Boy with his new quilt, made by Olivia Dreizen!
Happy Birthday, Grammy! Grammy celebrated her birthday on August 8, and we were all there to celebrate with her! Jorge and the girls made this yummy cake for her!
A rare smiling opportunity for Pedro!
Evan hanging out while the girls are in the wading pool.
The girls enjoying a lovely moment in the wading pool!
At this point, we're just waiting for Baby Norhanna to arrive... Norhanna LIZA, that is! :)
It's been a hot, hot, hot few days around here, and we've been trying our best to keep cool! Evan is doing an awesome job rolling all around and he loves staying on his tummy. Will he crawl soon?? He's getting so much bigger now, too! We're trying to hold on to our bassinette, but we're pretty sure he's going to outgrow it any day now!
Here is our Week 14 photo! Yes, KO'D made it back in again!
Evan Boy with his new quilt, made by Olivia Dreizen!
Happy Birthday, Grammy! Grammy celebrated her birthday on August 8, and we were all there to celebrate with her! Jorge and the girls made this yummy cake for her!
A rare smiling opportunity for Pedro!
Evan hanging out while the girls are in the wading pool.
The girls enjoying a lovely moment in the wading pool!
At this point, we're just waiting for Baby Norhanna to arrive... Norhanna LIZA, that is! :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Diagnosis Day
It's Joli's diagnosis anniversary, and we are celebrating the day she was diagnosed with cancer. Today was the day when we thought we were going into Boston for a "fun family day" and instead ended up hearing she had cancer. It's both a tough day for our family and also a wonderful celebration of life! For, had she not been diagnosed at this time, we can't even think of what would have happened. So, while it's a reflective day, it's also a day of celebration.
We celebrated life with a very fun filled weekend! Unfortunately, there aren't many pictures since our camera was busted (urgh!), but we have some great videos! We started Saturday with Jorge skydiving again -- this time, he didn't pass out! Go Jorge!
Saturday night was an amazing event -- Joli gave her very first speech. Wait, no, let me back up ... Joli actually WROTE and delivered her very first speech. I was all ready to give my usual "How cancer changed our lives" speech at the Lyrics for Life event, when Joli said, "Mommy, I'd like to do the speech this year." So, while everyone was napping, Joli grabbed the hotel pad of paper and sat on the edge of the bed. I fell asleep, and woke up to ask Joli how it was going. I admit, I expected jibberish.
Then, Joli started reading...
"Hello. My name is Joli and I am 6 years old.... when I was 2, I had cancer."
Oh. My. Gosh. Joli wrote 12 pages of her speech and actually got up on stage and delivered her speech. I was so surprised! She usually hides behind my back or grabs on to my legs while I'm up there speaking. But, this time she went up there with a lot of confidence! She was so thrilled!
Later, Ken Block of Sister Hazel came up and talked about Joli - her strength and her courage. It was awesome! Seeing Joli grow into this amazing little girl (and, doing something most adults are afraid to do -- public speaking!) was the thrill of my life!
On Sunday, we celebrated by driving up to Storyland and spending the day there. The girls went on the same 2 roller coasters all day! It was such a blast!
In our hotel room taking a nap
Joli after watching Daddy sky dive! It was h-o-t that day!
Jada - she disappeared, ordered her own ice cream, licked it, and said to me, "Mama, that lady forgot my sprinkles. I'm going to go back and tell her!" Jada, ever the assertive one...
Post-sky dive
Getting ready for the jump!
So, today is Diagnosis day. Tomorrow is her "Life Day!" Yes, there will be cake.. ;p
Of course, Jada wanted to do one too....
It's Joli's diagnosis anniversary, and we are celebrating the day she was diagnosed with cancer. Today was the day when we thought we were going into Boston for a "fun family day" and instead ended up hearing she had cancer. It's both a tough day for our family and also a wonderful celebration of life! For, had she not been diagnosed at this time, we can't even think of what would have happened. So, while it's a reflective day, it's also a day of celebration.
We celebrated life with a very fun filled weekend! Unfortunately, there aren't many pictures since our camera was busted (urgh!), but we have some great videos! We started Saturday with Jorge skydiving again -- this time, he didn't pass out! Go Jorge!
Saturday night was an amazing event -- Joli gave her very first speech. Wait, no, let me back up ... Joli actually WROTE and delivered her very first speech. I was all ready to give my usual "How cancer changed our lives" speech at the Lyrics for Life event, when Joli said, "Mommy, I'd like to do the speech this year." So, while everyone was napping, Joli grabbed the hotel pad of paper and sat on the edge of the bed. I fell asleep, and woke up to ask Joli how it was going. I admit, I expected jibberish.
Then, Joli started reading...
"Hello. My name is Joli and I am 6 years old.... when I was 2, I had cancer."
Oh. My. Gosh. Joli wrote 12 pages of her speech and actually got up on stage and delivered her speech. I was so surprised! She usually hides behind my back or grabs on to my legs while I'm up there speaking. But, this time she went up there with a lot of confidence! She was so thrilled!
Later, Ken Block of Sister Hazel came up and talked about Joli - her strength and her courage. It was awesome! Seeing Joli grow into this amazing little girl (and, doing something most adults are afraid to do -- public speaking!) was the thrill of my life!
On Sunday, we celebrated by driving up to Storyland and spending the day there. The girls went on the same 2 roller coasters all day! It was such a blast!
In our hotel room taking a nap
Joli after watching Daddy sky dive! It was h-o-t that day!
Jada - she disappeared, ordered her own ice cream, licked it, and said to me, "Mama, that lady forgot my sprinkles. I'm going to go back and tell her!" Jada, ever the assertive one...
Post-sky dive
Getting ready for the jump!
So, today is Diagnosis day. Tomorrow is her "Life Day!" Yes, there will be cake.. ;p
Of course, Jada wanted to do one too....
Monday, August 10, 2009
New York Weekend
We had a wonderful time in New York this weekend! Drove down on Friday, no traffic! Had a beautiful day at the beach for Grammy Eva's birthday - the girls spent the day at the beach, went to sleep at 4pm (skipped dinner!) and woke up the next morning! They had such a blast! Then, on Sunday, we had Evan's dedication ceremony at Full Gospel Tabernacle. What a handsome boy! Evan is starting to cut 2 bottom teeth, so he's been a bit grumpy. But, he's started to roll-roll-roll around this past week and entertains himself that way!
Our Week 13 photo taken at Full Gospel
Family photo!
Evan's dedication. It's so cute how he's looking at Pops!
Evan's first time in the Atlantic! What a perfect beach day!
Happy birthday, Grammy Eva!
Evie at the beach!
We had a wonderful time in New York this weekend! Drove down on Friday, no traffic! Had a beautiful day at the beach for Grammy Eva's birthday - the girls spent the day at the beach, went to sleep at 4pm (skipped dinner!) and woke up the next morning! They had such a blast! Then, on Sunday, we had Evan's dedication ceremony at Full Gospel Tabernacle. What a handsome boy! Evan is starting to cut 2 bottom teeth, so he's been a bit grumpy. But, he's started to roll-roll-roll around this past week and entertains himself that way!
Our Week 13 photo taken at Full Gospel
Family photo!
Evan's dedication. It's so cute how he's looking at Pops!
Evan's first time in the Atlantic! What a perfect beach day!
Happy birthday, Grammy Eva!
Evie at the beach!
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Evan's First EUA
Evan had his first exam under anesthesia yesterday and did great! He got the all-clear from Dr. Mukai. It was tough trying to get him to have his last drink at 2am, and he was fully starving by the time he had to go under anesthesia at 7:30am. As expected, he charmed the heck out of all the nurses with his big old smile an big eyes!
What I didn't expect was for me to experience anxiety this time around. Usually, we do our EUA's on the "surgery center waiting room" - it's a room the size of my kitchen, very informal, very friendly. The recovery room is tiny, and it's very easy to go in-and-out to each part of the operating room/recovery/waiting room. That is the "S" floor.
Well, that morning, I went to the "S" floor to check in -- like I've done all of the dozen or so times -- and was told that I had to take Evan to the "10th floor." Really? I've never been to the 10th floor. Why would we need to go there?
I went into the elevator, pushed "10" and waited, expecting a new adventure. The doors
opened, and I nearly passed out..... this was the floor where we brought Joli to have her enucleation. And, I had not been back to that floor since August 18, 2005.
I waited by the front desk as other patients were checking in. I saw the same woman -- who had a prosthetic eye -- take insurance cards and check ID's. I looked to my left and saw the room that my entire family waited in while Joli was in surgery. I had to tell myself to 'breathe.'
Once I checked in, I walked the long hallway - to the room where Grace, Alonzo, Jorge, and I ate bagels and drank coffee. I stood in the corner of the hallway where I called friends in Long Island, whispering the words, "Joli has cancer. She is in
surgery now."
I've dealt with Joli's journey through speaking engagements, fundraising, and class lectures, yet I never realized how the emotions would come flooding back when I entered the 10th floor.
Evan's name was called to go to the OR, and I carried him - like I carried Joli - down the elevator. The same elevator closed behind me, the same doors that closed when Jorge fainted and fell into his father's arms.
I went downstairs to the operating room, sat in the same chair I rocked Joli in just after he enucleation.
Thankfully, it didn't last long. Evan and I were at the hospital by 6:00am and out by 9:15am. I think it was good to go down that road again, since being on that floor was such a blur on August 18, 2005. But, I'd be just fine not going back there again...!
Evan had his first exam under anesthesia yesterday and did great! He got the all-clear from Dr. Mukai. It was tough trying to get him to have his last drink at 2am, and he was fully starving by the time he had to go under anesthesia at 7:30am. As expected, he charmed the heck out of all the nurses with his big old smile an big eyes!
What I didn't expect was for me to experience anxiety this time around. Usually, we do our EUA's on the "surgery center waiting room" - it's a room the size of my kitchen, very informal, very friendly. The recovery room is tiny, and it's very easy to go in-and-out to each part of the operating room/recovery/waiting room. That is the "S" floor.
Well, that morning, I went to the "S" floor to check in -- like I've done all of the dozen or so times -- and was told that I had to take Evan to the "10th floor." Really? I've never been to the 10th floor. Why would we need to go there?
I went into the elevator, pushed "10" and waited, expecting a new adventure. The doors
opened, and I nearly passed out..... this was the floor where we brought Joli to have her enucleation. And, I had not been back to that floor since August 18, 2005.I waited by the front desk as other patients were checking in. I saw the same woman -- who had a prosthetic eye -- take insurance cards and check ID's. I looked to my left and saw the room that my entire family waited in while Joli was in surgery. I had to tell myself to 'breathe.'
Once I checked in, I walked the long hallway - to the room where Grace, Alonzo, Jorge, and I ate bagels and drank coffee. I stood in the corner of the hallway where I called friends in Long Island, whispering the words, "Joli has cancer. She is in
surgery now."I've dealt with Joli's journey through speaking engagements, fundraising, and class lectures, yet I never realized how the emotions would come flooding back when I entered the 10th floor.
Evan's name was called to go to the OR, and I carried him - like I carried Joli - down the elevator. The same elevator closed behind me, the same doors that closed when Jorge fainted and fell into his father's arms.
I went downstairs to the operating room, sat in the same chair I rocked Joli in just after he enucleation.
Thankfully, it didn't last long. Evan and I were at the hospital by 6:00am and out by 9:15am. I think it was good to go down that road again, since being on that floor was such a blur on August 18, 2005. But, I'd be just fine not going back there again...!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
HOW CUTE AM I???
Mr. Evan Eduardo just celebrated his "4 month" birthday! He's such an awesome little guy - very happy, easy going, and just loves to stand up! I'm back at work, and he seems to be doing a little bit better with his bottle.
Here's Evan with his Big Bird picture! July 24, 2009
"Look at me! I rolled over all by myself today!!" July 28, 2009
".. and I am SOOO HAPPY about it!"
Body photo with his Big Bird toy
Off to the zoo on one of my final days off from work!
Mr. Evan Eduardo just celebrated his "4 month" birthday! He's such an awesome little guy - very happy, easy going, and just loves to stand up! I'm back at work, and he seems to be doing a little bit better with his bottle.
Here's Evan with his Big Bird picture! July 24, 2009
"Look at me! I rolled over all by myself today!!" July 28, 2009
".. and I am SOOO HAPPY about it!"
Body photo with his Big Bird toy
Off to the zoo on one of my final days off from work!
Friday, July 24, 2009
More Cody Adventures
What a great dog! Cody spent his first day at Lola's house with all the cousins and the chaos. And, he was awesome! Even with all the crying babies, the running children, and the huge yard, Cody was just as sweet as can be. I think he really likes being with us!
Here are some cute photos from yesterday:
Joli with her new doggie! Cody is the perfect size for a little gal!
Part of our "52 Weeks" project -- Week 11. Yes, even Cody made it in there!
Week 11 of "52 Weeks"
What a great dog! Cody spent his first day at Lola's house with all the cousins and the chaos. And, he was awesome! Even with all the crying babies, the running children, and the huge yard, Cody was just as sweet as can be. I think he really likes being with us!
Here are some cute photos from yesterday:
Joli with her new doggie! Cody is the perfect size for a little gal!
Part of our "52 Weeks" project -- Week 11. Yes, even Cody made it in there!
Week 11 of "52 Weeks"
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Evan rolls .. and a new addition!
On Monday, July 19th, Evan rolled over! Hurray for Evan! He is just learning, so he tends to get stuck on his arm before making it all the way over. He spends much more time on the floor playing with his toys and is even enjoying his "tummy time!"
Evan went for his 4 months visit yesterday and now weighs 13 lbs and is 25 inches long. He's still a peanut! He's been smiling and laughing out loud, too, which is just the most adorable face ever! I'm back at work already, and Evan is having a tough time taking his bottle, but I'm sure he'll get the hang of it soon.
Jada and Joli LOVE going to Camp during the day. They are learning sports, arts and crafts, and fun songs with their friends. This is Jada's first time in a program outside of the house, and she is thrilled!
Our newest addition to the family is "CODY VEGA!" Cody is a Feist dog that we rescued from a shelter locally. He's originally from Tennessee, weighs about 18 lbs, and is a tiny dog. After having Gordon, it's hard getting used to how small Cody is!
Cody was originally named "Bandit" because he has this beautiful black mask across his face. While the name fit him, we wanted to change his name. What were some of the other names floating around: Zack, Sandwich (which Jada and Jorge loved!), Oso (because he has the same mask that Oso, the cartoon bear, has), Kaeru, Abner... but, in the end "Cody" won!
Honestly, he's the most perfect little gentleman. I'm not sure what kind of training he had before coming to us, but he seems very smart and very happy to be with us! The girls, of course, are thrilled, and we're excited that they'll grow up with a dog. Rest in Peace, Gordon! We're happy we could rescue another little guy!
The kids with some quality "morning bed" time. Joli got a Nintendo DS for her birthday and lots of new games!
Cody! Our new dog! See how tiny he is!
Our handsome Cody
Meeting Cody at our house
Welcoming Cody to our home!
On Monday, July 19th, Evan rolled over! Hurray for Evan! He is just learning, so he tends to get stuck on his arm before making it all the way over. He spends much more time on the floor playing with his toys and is even enjoying his "tummy time!"
Evan went for his 4 months visit yesterday and now weighs 13 lbs and is 25 inches long. He's still a peanut! He's been smiling and laughing out loud, too, which is just the most adorable face ever! I'm back at work already, and Evan is having a tough time taking his bottle, but I'm sure he'll get the hang of it soon.
Jada and Joli LOVE going to Camp during the day. They are learning sports, arts and crafts, and fun songs with their friends. This is Jada's first time in a program outside of the house, and she is thrilled!
Our newest addition to the family is "CODY VEGA!" Cody is a Feist dog that we rescued from a shelter locally. He's originally from Tennessee, weighs about 18 lbs, and is a tiny dog. After having Gordon, it's hard getting used to how small Cody is!
Cody was originally named "Bandit" because he has this beautiful black mask across his face. While the name fit him, we wanted to change his name. What were some of the other names floating around: Zack, Sandwich (which Jada and Jorge loved!), Oso (because he has the same mask that Oso, the cartoon bear, has), Kaeru, Abner... but, in the end "Cody" won!
Honestly, he's the most perfect little gentleman. I'm not sure what kind of training he had before coming to us, but he seems very smart and very happy to be with us! The girls, of course, are thrilled, and we're excited that they'll grow up with a dog. Rest in Peace, Gordon! We're happy we could rescue another little guy!
The kids with some quality "morning bed" time. Joli got a Nintendo DS for her birthday and lots of new games!
Cody! Our new dog! See how tiny he is!
Our handsome Cody
Meeting Cody at our house
Welcoming Cody to our home!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Birthday Day 2
Joli and Mia had their birthday party today! First off, they started out with a sleepover at our house that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. At around 11:30pm, I just gave up and went to sleep -- I actually have no idea when the girls went to bed!
Their party was at Kidz Planet, and they had a great time! Lots of running around, bouncing up and down, pizza, cake and ice cream! It was a very small, and quick, party, and the kids had a great time!
Then, we went back to Lola and Lolo's house for some swimming and a huge clam bake! Lobster, corn, clams and mussels, steaks .. the works! Our cousins from both CA and NJ came by for a visit, and that was a wonderful treat!
Happy Birthday, Joli and Happy Birthday, Mia! :)
Jorge and mini-Jorge at the after party!
The birthday girls
Medals and T-shirts
The party guests
The sign at the party
A very, very, exhausted Joli after a long day of partying
Joli and Mia had their birthday party today! First off, they started out with a sleepover at our house that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. At around 11:30pm, I just gave up and went to sleep -- I actually have no idea when the girls went to bed!
Their party was at Kidz Planet, and they had a great time! Lots of running around, bouncing up and down, pizza, cake and ice cream! It was a very small, and quick, party, and the kids had a great time!
Then, we went back to Lola and Lolo's house for some swimming and a huge clam bake! Lobster, corn, clams and mussels, steaks .. the works! Our cousins from both CA and NJ came by for a visit, and that was a wonderful treat!
Happy Birthday, Joli and Happy Birthday, Mia! :)
Jorge and mini-Jorge at the after party!
The birthday girls
Medals and T-shirts
The party guests
The sign at the party
A very, very, exhausted Joli after a long day of partying
Friday, July 17, 2009
Six Years Old!
Miss Joli Irene is six years old today! We snuggled in bed last night and went over the story of when she was born, and Joli loved it. It's now 9:00pm on 7/17 which means Joli was just over 42 minutes old (6 years ago, of course!).
Here is our Week 10 picture. Yes, if you've been keeping track, I unfortunately missed 2 weeks in there. It's not the best picture of the girls, but the smile on Evan's face was worth it! :)
Week 10
The Big Girl with her "Little Tigger!" At 3 weeks old, this Tigger was actually bigger than Joli! Look how big she is NOW!
My beautiful Joli
Happy Birthday, Big JoJo! I took some video of her saying what her favorite things about being FIVE were, and here are some highlights:
Miss Joli Irene is six years old today! We snuggled in bed last night and went over the story of when she was born, and Joli loved it. It's now 9:00pm on 7/17 which means Joli was just over 42 minutes old (6 years ago, of course!).
Here is our Week 10 picture. Yes, if you've been keeping track, I unfortunately missed 2 weeks in there. It's not the best picture of the girls, but the smile on Evan's face was worth it! :)
Week 10
The Big Girl with her "Little Tigger!" At 3 weeks old, this Tigger was actually bigger than Joli! Look how big she is NOW!
My beautiful Joli
Happy Birthday, Big JoJo! I took some video of her saying what her favorite things about being FIVE were, and here are some highlights:- learning how to read books
- going to the Brockton Fair and riding rides by herself
- having a brother named Evan
- going to kindergarten
- learning to swim underwater
- doing "dynamic subtraction"
- doing a talent show and dance recital
- making up her own poems and saying them at school
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