The Adventures of AJ and Aiyana

Happy 2nd Birthday AJ

2011-09-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I didn't post this in March of 2010! Here is is anyway.

Last week you turned 2. I get a sweet, warm and fuzzy feeling inside when I think about you son.

Each day you make me smile over and over.

Each day you grow a little and say new things.

Each day you get closer to my heart.

You have blessed our family and filled our lives with joy and giggles!

And last week you ate cupcakes!

Each day you

Busy week

2011-09-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

We were so busy last week! The events kept us in suspense and smiling. It began Monday and Tuesday as we were awaiting the grand opening of Aiyana's new school, Old Town Academy. It was originally postponed to open a week late on Monday then to Tuesday then finally to Wednesday. After all the anticipation, the first day was a success! Aiyana thinks her teacher is great and she has plenty of friends in class. She seems to thrive in the small school atmosphere. There is only one class for each grade.
Here are some first day photos.

Leaving the house

Balloon fun

She can't believe she is actually a first grader!

We were completing her first grade scavenger hunt to find all
of the important places in the school.

She was happy to see us picking her up!

Immediately after we picked up Aiyana from school we headed to AJ's karate class. Aiyana is an aid in the class. AJ was given his first promotion. He now has a yellow tape on his white belt. He is on his way!

Serious samurai

Silly samurai

Blue Steel Samurai

He just kept going...

Thursday was another great day at school for Aiyana. The morning was a little rough before she had her oatmeal. She told me that she "wished school didn't exist" and she said she wanted to stay with us all day. Once she was fed and dressed it was all good. She had wonderful things to say when she got home despite the apprehensive start to the day. She was happy to be the teachers messenger and deliver any necessary communication to the office or the kinder teacher.

As cute as can be

Yana is trying to push AJ out of the shot.

Now this is more like it!

That afternoon after school was Aiyana's big test day in karate. She has been a purple belt for several months now and was ready to show that she could advance. She was very nervous but her tendency to come through in the clutch showed through! Sensei tested her basics (kicks, punches, stances, and blocks), sparring, and Kata (form). She passed her test and is now a purple belt with a white stripe.

Just before the test began her nerves were apparent.

Here the Master Sensei is adding a white tape to her purple belt signifying her promotion

Job well done Yaya!! I am so proud of you and all your hard work and dedication!

Finally it was Friday after a long week! We had a great morning and Aiyana felt so sassy and ready to get to school. I mean just look at the knee socks! Shut up right?

After all the school kids went up to class, AJ and I hung out with the construction crew as they dumped piles of dirt over the soon-to-be turf field.

AJ was sitting on the digger the tractor would later use to smooth out the dirt.

Look at his morning puffy face! So cute!

After the dirt was dumped, AJ insisted we stay and watch the bobcat spread it out. We hung out for an hour and chatted and learned. One of the crewman gave AJ a pile of dirt and in his awesome deep big daddy voice he told the man, "I am going to keep this forever." It was a moment. I cherish these times with my kids. I know it is just a blink and they are grown up.

Whew!! What a week!

Ages and Stages

2011-07-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Aiyana is now 6 and questions all authority. Long gone are the days where Mommy is the Queen and whatever I say is the end all. She wants to know why I said "Get in the car quickly." She wants to know why AJ is on timeout because what he did "really wasn't that bad." She disagrees with pretty much everything and at the same time says "right mama?" after most of her statements. "I get to go first, right mama?" "I don't have to take a nap today, right mama?" "This trick is the best, right mama?" How does she need my confirmation, yet disagree with me anyway?! So funny!

Aiyana is truly a bright little girl. She is reading better each day. She can complete several books a day and fully comprehend the story. Taking the time to read with her hours each day when she was a baby has truly paid off.

She is also training to compete in her first karate tournament. We will go to Disneyland and she will perform her kata and spar against other kids her age and skill level. She is a purple belt now and is helping out with AJ's little dragons class.

She will begin first grade this September. I look forward to this school year. Last year was rough because AJ got so many ear infections and colds and pneumonia. Now that he is a bit bigger, and hopefully a stronger immune system, we have high hopes for getting through this year healthy.

AJ is 3 now and is at the stage where Mommy is the best! At the park yesterday he was observing the felt lining from the bottom of the sand box. "Maam, excuse me, what is this stuff?" he asked another mom. She said she didn't know, so I told him it was the lining. He then continued on with the other mom, "My mother said it's the lining." So sweet! AJ plays cars and trucks and planes and motorcycles and boats all day long. He loves to define a bad guy and a good guy and set up scenarios of the bad guy getting beat. He is fairly self sufficient when it comes to play time.

When he hugs me my heart just melts down in seconds. Life is truly precious.

This September we will enter AJ into the parent participation indoor preschool Aiyana attended. We call it "college" because it is through a local community college. AJ attended the class with Aiyana a year ago and he remembers Teacher Marina and that she is "nice because she lets them play play-dough everyday if they want."

The Curry kids have blessed us beyond imagination. They are both growing and changing so quickly.

Sea World Flashback

2011-05-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I just ran across this photo from May 2007 as I was going to shut the computer down! Those days were so sweet! And...that hair was quick and easy! Long gone are the days of spray and run!

Bye bye tooth #5!!

2011-05-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

Yaya lost her fifth tooth on April 18!! It came out while she was brushing.
Now evewysing szoundzs wike zisss!

AJ wanted in on the photo shoot. Silky smooth.

Tuesday morning at Balboa Park

2011-05-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we took a stroll through Balboa Park to enjoy the amazing weather we have been having. We went to the Model Railroad Museum and then the kids played around the beautiful architecture. AJ asks to take a tour through Balboa Park at least twice a week, so he was satisfied to get his wish!

Starting Kinder

2010-09-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Aiyana started Kindergarten on Sept. 7. We all made it without crying! I came close... real close. As the students were gathering on the rug Aiyana asked me why I only stayed for such a short time. I almost lost it. I wanted to trample the other little ones and swoop her up and carry her out of there. Instead I just took a deep breath and shot her a kiss and moved towards the door. We watched for a moment and took a couple more photos before leaving. Whew! That was the first time Aiyana had ever been left in someones care other than close family. Well, there was one time when she was 1 and I trialed a "preschool" for 3 hours. I hated it and never went back. Other than that we have been doing parent participation preschool classes since she was 1 1/2. Anyway, this was truly her first day of school.

AJ was enjoying the desks while the students were getting settled in at the front.

She conquered the first day!

We decided to put Aiyana in a school that isn't in our neighborhood. We are very happy with our choice so far! The Kinder system is very organized and Aiyana comes home from school happy each day. The first thing she usually tells me is that they "learned MORE stuff she already knows"! She has really showed lots of independence the past few weeks with her new found freedom. She even asked me to drop her off at the front of the school and she could find her own way to her classroom. Not a chance!

Teamwork

2010-09-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

Aiyana was playing with a tow truck- "I'm a tow truck and I will tow your firetruck & your fire station."
AJ was playing with a firetruck and fire station- " I only need my fire truck towed, not my fire station!"
Aiyana- But I want to tow the fire station.
AJ- But I am a fire truck and I need to be towed!
Aiyana- OK I will tow the fire truck and the fire station.
AJ- No! Not the fire station, Just the fire TRUCK!
Me- I have an idea... You can do both, tow just the fire truck and then tow them both!
Aiyana- OK! First we will tow the fire station then we will tow the fire truck!
AJ- NO- first we tow the fire truck then we tow the fire station!

Take a good look at this smile!!

2010-08-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

It will be gone soon. Aiyana has 2 loose teeth! Soon these pearly whites will be long gone. We have been taking lots of big cheesy smile photos.

Mommies do bad things.

2010-08-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I walked into the kid's room I was greeted with two little rug rats pointing wrenches at me as they were whispering, "There she is, there is the thief!" I know we have recently read Aladdin at least 25 times so they were simply acting out new concepts. But why do I have to be the "thief"? Couldn't they designate some random stuffed animal?

I continued on with my afternoon folding clothes and dancing around the house with the kids as we listened to Reggae music. At bedtime AJ again said, "Mommy you are a thief."
Me- "Really? What do thieves do?"
AJ replied after a moment of thought, "They do bad things."
Me- "Oh. Bad things like what?"
AJ- "They take things from happy people."

I was satisfied with his thoughts and really wanted to get him to sleep, so I left the conversation there and continued with our bedtime routine of blessings and affirmations.

This evening I walked into another ambush at bedtime. This time AJ informed me that I was a bad guy sometimes. I asked him why and he replied, "You are a bad guy because bad guys do bad things."
Me- "Well, what bad things do I do?"
AJ- "You take things from bad people."
Me- "If I take things from bad people does that make me bad?"
AJ- "Yes. And sometimes you take things from the other happy kids also."
Me- "Really? What do I take from the other kids?"
AJ-"Sometimes when you are a bad Mommy you take banging things and bats away from the other happy kids."

He really does think I am a bad guy. Well, I let it rest a bit and when I was brushing his teeth I reminded him that bad mommies aren't really trying to make the happy kids sad. They just have to make sure that the happy kids follow the rules with the banging things and bats and don't hurt anybody or break anything. I think he is OK with that because he grabbed my face and gave me a perfect kiss on the cheek.

Bowling with Gram

2010-05-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we went the Premier Bowling in Bonita to watch the kids Great Grandmother bowl in her league. Gram Curry taught the late Gpa Curry, her grandson Rich (my husband), and now her Great Grand kids Aiyana and AJ how to bowl at the same bowling alley.

We went to watch, but when she was finished we decided to let the kids go for one game.

Gram taught them how to hold the ball correctly and gave them a tip here and there to keep them on track. AJ was so excited to pick up his ball by himself and roll it down the lane. Just after he rolled the ball each time he turned around and with a huge grin on face he would yell, "I did it!"

Aiyana was focused on making sure her and AJ's ball came to the correct side of the rack. She did her best to be sweet with Gram and it was such a joy to watch her have a big girl day. I think all of the "oh you are so beautiful and pretty" comments from Gram's friends gave Aiyana a dainty girl attitude.

but... I caught her "slippin"

After her little spill, Aiyana recovered well and learned to stay behind the line.

Overall it was a great afternoon! Spending time with Gram is always fun. We need to do it more!

Preschool fun!

2010-05-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

Aiyana has discovered a new talent. The photos say it all!
This little girl pushes her limits.

Spring is in the air!

2010-03-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

It has been raining and/or windy so much lately. Now that the sun is out and warm we took a trip on Thursday to see Shamu. It was a beautiful day!

Potty training AJ

2010-03-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

AJ has had a cold off and on for the past couple months. It has been hard staying at home because we are usually out and about exploring. However, this time has been perfect for potty training.

fire truck, hose, potty training...get it?

We have played around with AJ sitting on the potty since he was 18 months. I always sing potty songs I would never demonstrate for an adult. It started slow with a lucky guess here and there on my behalf. I would sit him on the big boy potty and he would do something...or not.

The week of February 15 we tried going bare at home to potty train cold turkey. Primal yes, effective yes. Ha ha! Well, it actually went much better than I expected! He only had a handful of accidents including one situation where he approached me with a big pile of "mud" in his hand. (I didn't take a picture of it.) Each time he had an accident I was very casual and just said, "oops you had an accident. That's ok. Let's clean it up." (Thank goodness we have tile flooring.) I would throw a towel on top of the pee and ask him to clean it up. I would help him clean it up and then sit him on the potty for a minute.

Going bare bottom was a little too messy for me, but since he got the "hang" of sitting on the potty for an extended period of time, we put some regular underwear on him last week. (Hand-me-downs from Zen. Gracias Tia!!) We had two small accidents and the rest of the time he was able to sit on the potty for a while until he took care of his business. We did our special song & dance each time he had success and gave him a sticker for his sticker chart. Around the middle of the week he started telling me each time he had to go as opposed to me asking him every 5 minutes.

After that I thought we had better get some training pants. So off to the store to get some big boy underwear. I personally don't get the point of pull-ups. We went with the real deal. He has worn those for the last 3 days. We went for a walk around the block while he was wearing the training pants yesterday and they were dry when we returned. We haven't had an accident in them yet! He has only been wearing a diaper at nap and bedtime.

Today was preschool. I debated whether I should attempt to train at school or just put a diaper on him. I asked him what he wanted and he said he wanted to "wear big boy underwear at school". I was surprised! So I put a diaper on him anyway. I didn't want to risk it. He is only 1 year and 362 days old after all. Around 10am he started grabbing himself (new thing) and told one of the mommys "potty, potty, potty!" She asked me if he was potty training and I walked him to the potty. The preschool potty is so cute (if a toilet can be any kind of cute). It is preschool size. AJ was able to stand up in front of it and go. I was so happy that he was able to give me enough warning to get him there and then stand up too! What a day. He went one more time at school and didn't pee in his diaper at all. The rest of the day at home went great also. No accidents! I am so blessed to have children who potty train well. He knows how to use his hose!

Simon says...or is it AJ says?

2010-02-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

We were eating lunch at the table. Just after I finished my food, AJ asked me if I was full. Then he asked me if I was done. I said that yes, I was full. Then in perfect AJ fashion, he informed me that I need to please get up. I told him I wanted to sit with him and keep in company while he ate. He said, "No, you get up." I giggled and gave him a kiss on the cheek and I was about to put my dish in the sink when he asked me to sit down. I have a feeling he thinks I am his puppet and he just wants to see what he can get me to do. Nah...he is too cute for that! (wink)

Since I can't clone myself...

2010-02-24T23:20:00.000-08:00

everybody meet my new Nanny!

Friday Flashback

2010-02-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

Last February, Aiyana made this masterpiece. She used to be in my tummy.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-12T22:49:00.000-08:00

This year's V-day celebrations have been fun! Tuesday was our outdoor preschool class party where the kids chaotically handed their valentines to one another as fast as possible so they could eat their lollipops.

Wednesday we had our indoor preschool party where the kids decorated cookies, ate strawberry heart-shaped marshmallows and put valentines in the card holders they made from paper plates.

Today we had a playgroup party at the park and a karate valentines exchange... and it is only the 12th!

Now that we have gotten all of the kid stuff out of the way I look forward to spending the day celebrating love. I have so much to celebrate. Finding love is sweet...keeping love is amazing! This day is a celebration (or as Aiyana has been saying all week "preparation") of so much for so many. To me, it is a day to enjoy my husband/boyfriend/best friend and to get as many hugs and kisses as I have time for! I can't wait.

Orange Belt

2009-12-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

Friday night was another big step for Aiyana. She tested for her orange belt and passed! We are so proud of you big girl!

Drum Roll please.....

2009-10-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's official! After months of hard work, Aiyana has been promoted to orange belt. Well, it has a white stripe through the middle. The next step is a solid orange belt. She has been practicing her wide and steady stance and sharp punches and kicks. We have put in hours of practicing her kata over and over. She went through a hilarious kata demonstration where she was distracted halfway through by the kids on the side licking ice cream cones. We have yellow tape on our living room floor to help her memorize her steps. But now, it was all worth it. On to the next hill to conquer Yana! I love you big girl!

Our baby baller

2009-10-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

AJ has an amazing talent with sports. He can dribble with both hands, crossover, kick while running, shoot, hit, throw, catch, whatever. He surprises us every day. The boy is a natural. We really look forward to the time ahead of us as we watch his love of sports unfold. The question is not will he be amazing at a sport, the question is which one will be his favorite. It is so much fun to watch!

OK... so I may be bragging a little :)

I don't know about you...

2009-10-17T23:26:00.001-07:00

but we love the Fall!

I still get teary eyed when

2009-10-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

I kiss my sleeping children on the forehead.

There have been many changes around here in the past month! Aiyana has now given up naps (half the week) and AJ sleeps in his "big boy bed".

Now I have to get into bed at a decent hour.

Take me out to the ball game...

2009-09-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

We went to a Padres game a couple of weeks ago. We sat on the 3rd base line and Rich caught a foul ball. He gave it to Aiyana and she tried to throw it back on the field! Luckily she only threw it about 7 rows and did not make it to the field. Rich had to coax a young boy into giving us the ball back. He did get it back and the kids held on tight from that point on! It is so funny because a 3 yr old girl did the same thing at a different game and she was all over the news today!

AJ spent plenty of time eating the ice out of my cup.

Knock knock

2009-09-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Today AJ told us his first knock knock joke! We were telling knock knock jokes at the dinner table when AJ decided he was ready to take part in the fun.
AJ- Knock knock (knocking with his hand in the air)
me- Who's there?
AJ- Me (raising his hand)
Me- Me who?
AJ- ana! (banana)

Hilarious!

I am pretty sure he got it from the joke I had told a few minutes earlier. Knock knock. Who's there? Banana. Banana who? Knock knock. Who's there? Banana. Banana who? Knock knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

Peekaboo

2009-09-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

She thinks she is so clever!

2009-08-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I asked Aiyana if she liked the dinner.
Yaya- "No"
Me- "No? Why not?"
Y- "I don't like the food, I actually love the food!"

Since that conversation, she uses the same format for EVERYTHING when I ask if she likes something.

We were in the car driving home from the beach when Aiyana says, "Mom, I am NOT going to share the crackers with AJ!"

So of course I say, "Aiyana, yes you are going to share your crackers with AJ."

Her reply: "NO I AM NOT! (pause) because he is asleep."

Summer of fun part II

2009-08-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

We stopped by the Farmers Market to pick up some fresh produce and some flowers.

Aiyana had to wear her tutu from Tutumonkey!

I wish my photos came out better. They were pretty dark, so when I had to lighten them up they became grainy. Oh well!

We had an evening picnic at the park with Aiyana's new bike and AJ's new scooter.

AJ loves his scooter helmet! He says, "Kooker and emet". He wears his red helmet around the house for fun. He has really improved his skills over the past couple of weeks. It is amazing to see an 18 month old cruisin' on a scooter!

Friday funday

2009-08-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Today we took a trip to the Wild Animal Park. What I planned as a quick trip to check out Dino Mountain turned into an all day adventure. We arrived at noon and stayed until the park closed at 8pm. It is a good thing I brought 2 lunch bags full of food and drink. The Curry children can eat! They consumed everything I brought. Little munchers!

First things first. First we headed to the summer exhibit Dino Mountain. AJ was in awe and must have said, "Dino" a thousand times. He had a great time! Aiyana ran around and guessed the names of the dinosaurs while stamping her passport. Neither of the kids were afraid of the dinosaurs, but they were startled when they were trotting along the path and a spitting dino sprayed them. I wish I taped it. AJ's face was priceless!

We then walked around the park. The kids fed the ducks... kind of... and then played at the playground. Aiyana insisted on being Diego the animal rescuer and ran around pretending to rescue elephants and jaguars. Each time I addressed her as Aiyana she quickly corrected me and reminded me that she was Diego. I tried to explain that AJ doesn't understand pretend play yet so I have to call her Aiyana when talking to him. She did not care about his level of understanding and remained steadfast in her identity.

Later we watched a bird show and AJ couldn't get enough of the flying wonders. He kept asking for "more". Aiyana decided that she wanted to sit in the front of the stadium so she could get picked as a volunteer in the show. She was whiny and pouty when was not the one chosen. After a quick chat about being grateful she changed her attitude and was ready to move on.

After a 2nd pass through Dino Mountain we decided to check out the summer exclusive "Bubble Show". Aiyana let me know that she wanted to be a volunteer for the show. I told her she may or may not be chosen, so she should just enjoy it regardless. When the host asked for a volunteer, he chose two young ladies who were around 7 or 8 and Aiyana was not taking no for an answer. She ran onto the stage! LOL! The host said, "Whoa they are multiplying!" He allowed her to stay on the stage and had large bubble wands for the girls to demonstrate. The kids loved the different displays of bubbles. I recommend the show.

We all had a great time as we ALWAYS do at the Wild Animal Park! The kids both passed out soon after I turned the truck on and I had some time to reflect. I am so grateful for my wonderful husband for working night and day so I can be with my children. I get to be with them for these unforgettable moments that turn into unforgettable days. I get endless hugs and kisses and giggles. I am there for all the firsts and the aha moments when their little brains put things together. When AJ sees the gorillas and knows the sound they make and he begins to pound on his chest with his fists. THANK YOU RICH! I love being my kid's mom!

Little helpers

2009-08-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

Our kids have been the best little helpers lately. AJ just loves to join in while I am carrying things. He says, "strong" and then tries to help pull the load. He also jumps in and hands me the clothespins when I hang the clothes on the line to dry. I can tell how thrilled he is to help by the look in his eyes.

Aiyana also loves to be helpful. She takes the initiative throughout the day to get things done before I ask. For example, before we left for karate today Aiyana brought our dog Deuce into the house. She added a cute little twist. She attached his leash to a table so he couldn't go into her room.

Summer of fun part I

2009-08-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

I am way behind posting, and truthfully don't even want to try and recount the cute and adorable things the kids have done or said. It is way too much! I would go on forever... seriously. So I made a few collages to depict some of the great things we did in July. Without any more delay...

Slip n slide fun at Nana's

AJ was amazed at the 4th of July fireworks.

Playdate with friends

(AJ borrowed the pink floaties)

Teddybear picnic birthday party for Caylin
(Thanks Nana for the Xmas bears!)

Questions about God

2009-07-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

Our bedtime conversation went a bit like this

Aiyana- Mommy, does God sleep at nighttime?
Me- No, honey God only rests.
Aiyana- Well, it is very important to sleep. Why doesn't God sleep?
Me- God has lots of work to do.
A- Does God have a Mommy? His Mommy can do all the work.

Happy Birthday Big Girl!

2009-06-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

Aiyana was dressed to impress in her amazing hot couture rainbow tutu from Tutu Monkey!

Wow! Our firstborn baby is 4! Aiyana you have been such a beautiful part of our family! We feel like the luckiest parents on earth each time you tell us you love us! Thank you for being you!

Celebration was in abundance this year! We had cupcakes and play with our Karate friends, an all day BBQ party with family, a trip to Legoland and a fabulous Rainbow Fairy basketball party! Each celebration was special in its own way and Aiyana shined at all of them.

Thank you Amber for the great party pics!

I made an original rainbow fairy basketball mini cupcake creation for my girl!
It took hours because the first batch of cupcake batter ended up all over my kitchen floor at 2am. Ooh the things we go through for our children!

The girls sprinkled Aiyana with glitter to make her an official fairy.

AJ and Zen taking a stroll in a stolen mustang. It can't be theirs! Pink?

Make a wish!

Yaya rode the Beetle Bounce at least 6 times!

Aiyana earned her drivers license at the Volvo driving school. She only cut off 2 other drivers and ran one into the wall. Not bad for her first test.

This was the first time AJ fell asleep in the stroller. We need to go to Legoland more often!

Moving on up

2009-06-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

Thursday Aiyana received another tape on her belt. She has been practicing her kata daily and is so proud that her work paid off.

STOP...

2009-06-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

... and smell the roses... or whatever these are!

Lately I feel like I am in a hurry most of the time. In a hurry to get the grocery shopping over. In a hurry to get a quick shower, to feed the kids breakfast, to take the dog out, to get to karate, to bathe/read to and put the kids in bed. We made the choice that I would stay at home with our children so I wouldn't get a "hurried mother syndrome" with too much on my plate. Well, I feel that way anyway.

I think back to when Aiyana was a toddler. We would spend an hour every night reading book after book! We giggled and tickled and cuddled as as filled her little mind with information. It is definitely one of my favorite memories!

Bedtime nowadays is a little different. After dinner, the kids play in the bath for a few and then it is a scramble to get them both moisturized, dressed, and teeth brushed. When we read, AJ will interact with me for 1 or 2 books and then he is done. Then Aiyana wants to sit in my lap for her book. HA! AJ gets jealous and climbs all over the both us ...and the book. So, I end up reading through her story quickly and tucking them both in. I miss the days of relaxed evenings cuddling together and ignoring the dishes or the floor that needs to be mopped. I miss the days of long afternoon walks through the neighborhood Aiyana and I took in OB.

Well...

this summer I vow to STOP... and live in the moment. This summer I vow to STOP... and ignore time. This summer I vow to STOP... and find humor in everything. OK almost everything.

This summer I vow to STOP... and feel the sand between my toes!

Growing kids

2009-06-06T23:14:00.000-07:00

AJ at Ashleigh's graduation. Congrats Ashleigh! Off to Howard you go!!

AJ spends his days fine tuning his karate punches, kicking, throwing, and shooting balls, playing with his wheeled toys, feeding our dog Deuce, climbing anything and everything, and practicing his mobility and vocabulary. His running is getting faster and he can barely get both feet off the ground when he jumps. It is like a skip in place. He loves being my big helper by opening doors for me and picking up his toys.

AJ's latest words:
bike, car, doggy, no no, oh no, yummy, cat, that, this, mas, more, bebe, basketball, ball

his favorite signs:
milk, more, eat, drink, cup, dog, jet, daddy, cheese, chicken, elephant, giraffe, cat, down, up, finished,

A pretending to be a doggy.

Tonight Aiyana went to bed wearing a Little Mermaid swim diaper, AJ's spongebob pj pants and shark pj top. Kids are so goofy!

I can't stop thinking about my baby girl and how much she is growing. She spends her days at home changing outfits and leaving them all over her room, pre-reading, writing, bossing around her brother, drawing pictures and making up new dance moves.

Gotta love it!

What a great way...

2009-06-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

to start the day!

Friday Flashback

2009-05-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

Back in the days when I could put Aiyana in the swing for a few minutes so I could shower. This morning when I tried to take a shower AJ discovered his ability to climb onto the chair at our computer table. Then Aiyana decided she was "big enough" to pull him down and hold him down so he wouldn't repeat it. I had to get out of the shower 3 times to keep the kids out of trouble. I think I'll stick to my midnight shower. It was way too much work to take one in the morning!

Fun pics

2009-05-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

No intro needed here

Zoe (Elmo's best friend)

AJ is America's next top model?

Mom look!

Just Darling!

Today A decided to take a baby doll along with us to run errands. I wasn't surprised because she usually packs along some toys when we go places. I was surprised, however, when Windy made it out of the car and into Trader Joe's (with clothes on). She usually does not bring her baby into the store. She was treating Windy as though she was part of the family. She sat in the cart, had to disinfect her hand with the sanitizing wipes and had some banana to snack on. In the store A held her baby doll up to show everybody that walked by. If some stranger dare ask about the baby she gave them an ear full! It went something like this...This is Windy. She is my first baby doll that my Mommy and Daddy gave me when I was a little baby. That was a loooong time ago!

Although I have taught A about talking to strangers, she feels so confident talking to some people. She reads them and then strikes up conversations with adults as she feels comfortable. Here ability to communicate is something I am watching. We don't know where it will lead, but it will lead somewhere.

After dinner, Windy took a bath with the kids. A dried her off, got her dressed in pj's and brushed her teeth. She read a story with us and then went to sleep. This is all new. A hasn't been into role playing with her dolls for an extended period of time. I usually lasts a minute or so. Today she was acting like a little girl.

Change

2009-05-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

Today was a day filled with signs of my babies growing up. AJ said several new words today and is doing new signs right along with them. His babble is getting clearer and clearer and he is able to put his sounds together when he wants. He can repeat many things after we say them.

Today his vocabulary first's were the sign for and the word book (he has said the word before, but it came out clear today), the sign and "cluck cluck" sound for hen, he said "bike" and "uh oh".

He transitioned from just knocking block towers over to building them today. Also, he tried to climb into his crib rather than out.

I am truly enjoying all of AJ's milestones. With Aiyana I was always reading to see when I should expect different things to happen. Now, with AJ, I let them surprise me. It was wonderful walking into the room to see his blocks stacked three stories high. He was so delighted when I noticed he started clapping and threw his head back in laughter!

In other news...

Aiyana was awarded her yellow stripe on her white belt today. She has been working really hard to memorize her kata. Her effort was rewarded with some yellow tape and a cupcake.

Bedtime woes

2009-05-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days have been interesting at bedtime. AJ goes right to sleep after the routine while Aiyana is another story. She has been afraid to go to sleep. She has tears in her eyes and tells me she needs me lay with her because she is afraid of the dark. This has never been a problem in the past. I told her to go to sleep and tried to make sure it didn't seem like a big deal. She went through a list of things why she was scared: animals, dark, noises, too hot.

She finally went to sleep at 9:30 tonight. It was with a cd playing, stars shining on the ceiling, a Dora doll, a cup of water, and the fan on. Usually she just has a cup of water. I hope this high maintenance bedtime is a short fad!

While Aiyana sleeps through the night with the exception of getting up once to use the bathroom, AJ still gets up AT LEAST two or three times a night. He usually won't go back to sleep unless he nurses! I haven't let him cry it out at night yet because his cry gets so loud! Also, I am not really a CIO kind of mommy. I didn't let her CIO. I just can't see anything positive out of it. In fact, Aiyana didn't go to sleep without nursing until she was weaned at 21 months. Do I have another year of this?

One thing is for sure. I plan on doing what is best for our children even if it means I get less sleep. (Yawn)

2009-05-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Lately Aiyana has been very interested in reading. She pays close attention when Rich and I are talking especially if we spell something. She tries to remember the words we spell and then ask about them later. Also, each day when he gets home from work, Aiyana runs up to him and blurts out some letters as if she is spelling something important. Today it was prtu.

We have been doing pre-K activity books for a while now, but today we went to Lakeshore and bought some more reading and phonics activity books for her. She was so excited to start doing her "homework" when we got home. She sharpened her sesame street pencil and sat down at the table while I was making dinner. She traced and printed each capital letter and wanted to keep going.

It will only be a blink of an eye before she begins catching on to our spelling.

Fridays are for parties!

2009-04-17T22:53:00.001-07:00

We made our second trip to It's all about the girl to help our friend Caityn celebrate her 3rd birthday. Her party was so much fun for everyone! AJ spent his time touching everything and pushing the broom around. (One of his favorite pastimes.) Aiyana sang karaoke and ate pizza and cake with her friends. All the girls had their hair and nails done and they got the princess touch with a crown and glitter.

THEN.....

we went home, napped, changed, and went to watch my sister Heather marry Eddie Chandler the love of her life! The wedding was at the Twin Oaks House and Garden.

She was such a beautiful bride!

The kids had such a great time running around the beautiful gardens with their cousins.

Thank you Tutumonkey for the PERFECT flower hair accessory!

They found the candy table and wouldn't leave without making some damage.

Mi familia

The kids and Gma Sandy

What a beautiful couple! I pray for a lifetime of peace and blessings!

Proud parents!

siblings maybe?

What a day! The wedding was perfect! We danced and ate great food. The garden setting was beautiful! I took a bazillion photos and loved every minute of it!

Heather and Eddie Chandler, we love you!

In or out of the box?

2009-04-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

We went on a little shoe shopping trip today. In the car on the way there our conversation went like this:

Aiyana-Mom, Curry's don't think inside the box.
Me- Right! We don't.
A- Curry's think outside the box!
Me- Yes! We think outside the box!
A- Mom.
Me- Yes
A- Mom, there is 1 time we think inside the box.
Me- Really? When is that?
A- Mom. The only time we think inside the box is when we are opening presents!

At Stride Rite Aiyana couldn't decide which summer sandal she wanted. After trying on a billion pairs I told her she had 5 minutes to decide and then I was going to. So she lined up 12 different shoes on the ground and gazed at them. I could just see the wheels turning in her head. She decided on a pair of ice cream sandals and a shiny pink pair of flats. She was so excited and danced the entire way back to the truck.

Poor little AJ was so grumpy after shoe shopping for an hour. I let him out of the stroller in the store and he went wild pulling boxes down from the shelves. When I got tired of cleaning up after him I strapped him back down. He was mad and he let me know with loud shrieks of terror until I distracted him with a travel size tub of Vaseline. He loves to play with lids. Off and on over and over. Then he dove in to the gooey tub. He had it all over his hands and stroller tray! He was quiet though.

After buying the shoes we stopped at the water fountain to toss in some change and both the kids strutted back to the truck. It took 45 minutes to walk around the corner. We stopped here and there while they danced and played and envied themselves in the store windows. The freedom my little kids possess is colossal! They felt like jumping, so they jumped. They felt like dancing so they danced. Oh, to have immunity from what others may think. I love my kids!

Beginning today, I am going to do my best run free in the wind! I do this at the park with my kids. I play and slide and climb. I do this at preschool with them, dancing and singing. Now, I do it everywhere!

So if you see a crazy brunette with long hair swinging side to side and feet stomping because she is dancing in the walkway at the mall. Don't take pics. Either join in or keep walking. We will enjoy each day to its full potential.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today was the perfect day for a cruise on the bay with family. We all gathered together at South Mission Beach and rode all around the bay and back. We stopped in a park and had a picnic around lunchtime. It is times like these when family fun is so fulfilling. Aiyana rode in a seat behind Daddy and the had so much fun. He popped wheelies and daringly veered off the path when he rode in the grass and the sand. AJ rode in front of me in his Weeride. This was his first bike ride with us and he did great the first half. The way home was another story. He wined and tried to get out of the seat. Before we went back to the cars we stopped for an ice cream cone on the boardwalk. Aiyana was in 3 yr old heaven and AJ stopped whining long enough to have a few bites.

When we got home Aiyana took a 3 hour nap and AJ was surprisingly up until bedtime. He ran around the house and made a huge mess while I was cooking up our family dinner. I made fried chicken, roasted potatoes, homemade buttermilk biscuits, steamed broccoli and corn. Aiyana tried to eat a million biscuits.

During our bedtime routine, Aiyana gets to pick a story to read. Me- Ok, pick your book.

Yaya- I am going to give you 100 reasons why we should read all my books.

What a day!

Friday Flashback

2009-04-10T21:21:00.001-07:00

This was taken at the Costco tire center a couple of weeks before AJ was born. These pants are now Aiyana's spring capris. It is funny because the t-shirt still fits. Her legs seem to be growing at a rapid pace.

Trip to Nike

2009-04-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

This evening we took a trip to the Nike outlet at Las Americas. Both of the kids needed new shoes and Aiyana wanted "athletic warrior princess shoes". on the way there, I took the opportunity to practice phonics.
mom-Aiyana can you think of any words that begin with the letter "L"?
Aiyana took a few moments and then responded, "loading... loading begins with L!"

I was taken aback by her word. I asked her why she thought of the word loading and she told me it was because loading begins with "L". Of course!

Yaya- "letter, letter begins with L"

While we were there she walked over to a rack that had shorts and sports bra sets. "Look Mom! We can wear these when we shred!"

Me- Those are nice, but I have lots of exercise clothes.

A- No, for me Mom! Look, shorts and booby bras!

Me- Oh, honey you don't need a bra yet.

A- Why?

Daddy and the kids got some new kicks. It was a nice family outing. I really appreciate the time we all spend together even if it's just a trip to the store. Rich has been working so much to make sure I can stay home with the kiddos and those times are not as frequent as we would like.

Easter Party with Fab Friends

2009-04-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Spring with an Easter kick-off party with our Fabulous SD friends. We arrived just in time for Aiyana to make a basket and go for an egg hunt with the "big kids". She did a great job counting the eggs she found.

Handsome little guys!

All the kids actually sat still for a few minutes for us to snap some photos. I had to bribe Aiyana with her candy to get her to sit down. (I reserve bribery for the most important occasions.)

After the group photo, she dove into her eggs and asked me before she ate each piece of candy. I turned my head and tried to ignore the candy knowing that I would regret it later.

"No AJ...babies can't have chocolate!"Next was the "little kids" hunt.

AJ took a minute to figure it out so I started singing the clean up song. Then he started picking up eggs and putting them in his bag.

We went inside and let the kids run wild while the mamas drank mimosas and chatted. We had tons of food, cupcakes and treats.

Aj played ball the entire time.

Here he is playing basketball with the big boys Job and Diego.

Aiyana focused on shoving her face with cupcake and then she ran around terrorizing the other little ones in order to burn off her sugar rush.In all it was a great day! We are so lucky to have these friends!

Egg decorating

2009-04-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

We decorated eggs on Tuesday. Aiyana was very serious about putting the stickers on perfectly and designating which egg was for her and AJ. She loves to eat hard-boiled eggs and was so excited to do the egg craft.

AJ spent his time rolling his egg around the high chair tray.

After he threw the egg on the floor and cracked the shell I tried to feed him some.
He tasted it once, spit it out and turned his head each time I tried again.

A Saturday at The Flower Fields

2009-03-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

We went to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad yesterday. It was kid's day so there were tons of activities set up for the little ones.

We began the day with a Ronald McDonald variety show. Aiyana has only had 1 kids meal in her life, and it was a big deal. She got a My Little Pony toy in it. So, when I explained that Ronald McDonald lives at the place where she got her kid's meal, she was really excited to watch the show.

Ronald juggled some blocks and did some goofy magic tricks. It was perfect for the kids! At the end he passed out some origami books and a book mark. Aiyana ate some frozen strawberry lemonade and was so attentive the entire show! It is amazing how kids can pay attention and sit still when it comes to tv or this type of show but have 10 minutes max with everything else!

After the show, Aiyana wanted to play in the kids play area. The had a playground and a little snow hill where the kids could sled down. Aiyana went down the hill once and got a little messy so that was enough for her.

Aiyana was climbing everything and trying all of the slides while AJ was playing in the sand and turning wheels (his favorite 2 park activities). AJ threw a little tantrum when it was time to leave the playground. Hilarious!

After the playground, we went to a tent where there were lego tables set up. It was a good break from the sun. Both of the kids had so much fun building. Aiyana said that she built a city and AJ just put stuff together, took it apart, and threw it on the floor while making spitting sounds with his mouth.

Next, we went to the science tent. There were pieces to put together an electric circuit with the goal of making a fan spin or a light go on. Aiyana found a connected circuit and played with that. Then she played with some crystal soil and packed some up for us to take with us. We also got some radish seeds. We will see how they grow!

Next on our adventure was the sweet pea maze. She led the way through and only made 1 wrong turn the entire time. It took about 10 minutes to get through.
Note to self: don't try to push joovy caboose through dirt maze again.

We were waiting in line to get Aiyana's face painted for an hour! There were only about 10 kids in front of us but there was 1 lady painting faces. While we were waiting Aiyana got in a little fight with a boy her age because she took his flower fields passport from him so she could stamp it for him. She said, "He isn't strong enough to do it!" Leave it to Aiyana to try to take over for someone else!

Then, AJ dropped his sippy cup on the ground. Aiyana reaction, (big sigh) "What the heck?!"

The next stop was the violin tent.

She was very proud of herself a didn't want to stop playing.

On the way out we shared a strawberry sundae and the kids climbed on the tractor.

What a day!

Friday Flashback

2009-03-27T22:19:00.001-07:00

My sister will be getting married in a couple of weeks and it reminded me of a friend's wedding. I took Aiyana by myself because Rich was working. Aiyana was 20 months at the time. She and I spent the entire reception wandering around, dancing and eating berries. I was so tired at the end of the day. She had a great time!

Sweet sayings from today

2009-03-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

Aiyana- "Mommy, you have 2 names that I call you: Mommy and April."
Mommy- "April is my name that other people call me, but you call me Mommy."
Aiyana- "April, I love you soooo much!"

Aiyana woke up at 10pm to use the potty. She said, "Mom, I can't make it daytime. I'm having a hard time sleeping. I can't make it daytime."
Mommy- "Oh, honey. It's not our job to make it daytime. The sun and stars have their own rules."
Aiyana- "They have to follow God's rules."
Mommy- "Yes, baby, they follow God's rules. Goodnight."
Aiyana-" I love you Mommy."
Mommy- "I love you to."

AJ was looking at the photos on the wall in his room. "Yayayayayayayayaya!" He loves big sis.

New things

2009-03-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Aiyana's drawings have been slowly evolving. Today we were using our sidewalk chalk and she drew a Mommy and a daughter. They were the same as usual but she added ears. To cute!

Aiyana was eating her special brownie dessert. It was hot, but she refused to slow down and let it cool. She was eating tiny bites as fast as she could. She shut her eyes and took a few breathes. I asked her, "Aiyana why are you shutting your eyes?" She replied, "MMMMM it's just so sweet!"

I was on the bed putting AJ's pjs on him. Aiyana was running around naked clearly hyped up from her brownie earlier. She tried to take a shaker toy from AJ. "No, Aiyana. I gave him that to play with while I'm putting his diaper on."
She grabbed a bell and began shaking it waving it around in our faces. "Aiyana, calm down." She was still going nuts. She climbed onto the bed naked and threw the bell as hard as she could to the ground.
"Ok, Aiyana stop! Hold still and come here so you can get dressed. " I got AJ dressed and put him down to play. He went straight for the bell on the ground. He played with it for a minute and when he was close enough she went in for the kill. She reached and tried to take the bell out of his hand.
"Aiyana, you just threw that down. There is no way you are going to take it from him now." Aiyana said, "It's in outer space! I threw it to outer space!" Sigh! Whatever...

On the other hand, AJ has been in the Momma lovey stage. He flashes his sweet smile at me every chance he gets and with his perfect voice calls for me, "Momma". He is all about hugs and kisses and looks to me for approval after a new "trick". He is playing around with his voice and words. He has a mouthful of teeth and 5 new teeth have broken skin and are on their way.

Here he is trying on Aiyana's helmet. He loves to hop on the bike and the scooter while I push him around.

While we were outside playing, AJ decided to feed Deuce. Aiyana jumped in and a few handfuls later, doggy was full.

Up to my hard drive in photos

2009-03-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

I have taken over 700 photos this month. What am I ever going to do with all of them? I was going to upload a few more, but my computer won't run Picasa right now. I have to many photos and the computer memory is running low. I have to do some research and figure out how to fix this problem!

I'll let the pictures tell their own story.

Sea World

Park in Clairemont

Our battle with refried beans after a long day!

Afternoon at home

Bball with Daddy

Aj's birthday celebrations

2009-03-11T00:03:00.001-07:00

AJ is one lucky lil guy! We had a week of celebration for his 1st birthday.

It all started on his bday March 4. We invited our fabulous friends to join us at the SD Zoo for a birthday scavenger hunt. First we had some blueberry muffins, watermelon, and juice and sang to AJ.

(photo courtesy of Life Art Photography)

(photo courtesy of Life Art Photography)

All of the kids loved the muffins and were definitely ready to get to moving. But not before a group photo! I took about 20 photos and this is the best one. The kids did a great job overall holding still.

After snacks we began the scavenger hunt. I passed out an adventure bag to each of the kidlets. In it was a preschool size pad of paper, a crayon, a silly viewer, a whistle, a big lion sticker, and some animal cookies for later. We gave the kids clues so they could guess which animals we were off to see. When we arrived at the animal exhibit I passed out the animal stickers to put in their adventure books (the pad of paper). Our first stop...flamingos and ducks.

Aiyana and her Diego animal rescuer spotting scope. She had to "lead the way" and look for the animals. She really got into the role.

(photo courtesy of Life Art Photography)

Allie and Jack were trying to reach up and put their faces in the monkey mask. They weren't quite tall enough yet. Soon babes!

(photo courtesy of Life Art Photography)

(photo courtesy of Janis)

All of the kids really enjoyed watching the animals and collecting their stickers. The bigger girls were particular about their stickers and the boys were more focused on the animals.

After all our friends left we made one more stop to visit Clyde the Orangutan. He and AJ have a thing. They always connect a little when we go to see him.

After AJ told Clyde some stuff, we had a little game of chase.

On our way out we there was a beautiful peacock hanging around the exit waiting to tell AJ to have a great day.

After a fantastic afternoon nap for the whole family, AJ woke up ready to eat. He and Aiyana finished the watermelon and practiced their lion roars.

What a great day! We are so blessed! Thank you fab friends!

On Saturday the 7th we had a party for the family to celebrate with us. We all gathered at Nana and Papa's for AJ's baseball party. We grilled kabobs and corn on the cob and we snacked on popcorn, peanuts and veggies.

I made a sugar free whole grain banana cake with cream cheese frosting for AJ to dive into. I sweetened the frosting with white grape juice.

AJ's new favorite

Tio Levi and Daddy having fun!

AJ and cousin Aralynn are just a few days apart.

Proud Mommys!

The cake was pretty good and AJ had lots of fun digging into it.

He had more fun with the baseball cupcake because it was his size.

Grandma demanded that we give him a spoon because it was barbaric to have him using his hands.

And seal it with a kiss!

Happy Birthday AJ!

2009-03-04T23:49:00.000-08:00

My baby boy is 1! The past year has truly flown by. There have been a million and 1 amazing moments. I am so blessed to be Antonio Jivan Curry's mom! He is the sweetest baby in the whole world, of course!
(photo from Sarah Jayne Photography)
AJ... thank you for giving me tears of joy, thank you for all of the kisses and hugs, thanks for smacking me in the face when I am least expecting it.

Thank you for throwing your cheerios EVERYWHERE so I can spend half the night finding them.

Thank you for waking up at least 2 times every night to cuddle with me before you fall back to sleep.

Thank you for screaming at the top of your lungs when I walk out the door even for a moment to get the mail. I love you too!

Thank you for giggling uncontrollably at your sister.

Thank you for splashing so much in the bath that it soaks the newly laundered bath mat.

Thanks for unrolling and shredding the toilet paper every chance you get.

Thank you for giving life meaning!

As I sob out of control, I am so proud of you! Daddy and I are so happy to be your parents! We look forward to seeing your contribution to this world of ours!

I'm such a Big Girl!

2009-02-17T00:22:00.000-08:00

Bedtime has been fun the past few days! Aiyana is still testing the boundaries and coming out of her room a few times before she gives in a goes to sleep.

Thursday night after fighting the entire bedtime process by pulling toys and books out and spreading them all over, Aiyana ended up in her room with the door closed. She was quiet so I assumed she gave up and fell asleep. At 9:30 I heard some whispering and went in. Aiyana was scurrying around her room and had put all of her toys away. She told me it was so messy she couldn't handle it and she is like suuuuuuch a big girl. "Are you proud of me mommy? I am reponsible enough to clean up!"

I was so glad to see her cleaning up after herself. It really tickled me! I gave her some chamomile tea to calm her down and tucked her sweet self in bed.

The photo below is when Aiyana was 1 month old. She slept anywhere whenever she was tired. Aaah! Sweet memories!

Freedom!

2009-02-11T23:40:00.000-08:00

We had an appointment with AJ's pediatrician today and she cleared him to play again! We have been stuck in the house for over a week and it has been a LONG journey! AJ was miserable and Aiyana had major cabin fever which in turn meant...no sleep and no peace for Mommy. BUT... (majestic herald angels singing in the background) we are FREE! Free to rome this gorgeous county: Sea World, the zoo, the beach, the parks, the library, Bed Bath & Beyond! Here we come!

This past week has been filled with some pretty hilarious situations. Here are a few:

I was fighting with kicking and screaming AJ to suck the yucks out of his nose with the aspirator while Aiyana was doing yoga on the carpet in front of us. A Dichotomy?

After feeling horrible for several days, AJ finally started feeling better Monday. In fact he felt so great, he didn't sleep Monday night at all! So, we stayed up till 2am watching the Boston Celtics get beat by the Spurs. AJ was my buddy! We yelled at the Celtics bad defense in the end, cheered for great shots and snacked on Cheerios.

I have always taught my kids that the world is theirs and they can do whatever they want as long as it isn't harming themselves or others. So Monday morning I decided to go with the flow and say "yes" to everything Aiyana wanted. Her breakfast was 2 orange juice popsicles, cheerios with honey, chocolate milk with whip cream and some pumpkin bread that Grandma made. When Elmo came on (her 3rd tv show) he was singing his usual "La la la la, la la la la, elmo's world" when Aiyana began to argue with Elmo. "No Elmo! It's my world!"

I thought saying "yes" to Aiyana would fill her with so much appreciation that she would obey my every request. HA! Monday at bedtime Aiyana kept coming out of her room. After she came out and I walked her back in her room several times, she started yelling at me. "I don't have to go to bed! I can stay up as long as I want when I am a mommy! I am pretending I am a mommy, so I can stay up as long as I want! So I am not going to sleep! Now I am going to walk away!" She did a quick turn and marched back into her room! Hilarious! She was not finished though... still yelling... "I am serious! And don't even talk to me!" WOW! Then she went to sleep! Point Mommy!

The next night I was putting the kids to bed and they were working together to avoid sleep. I found myself going back and forth between AJ's crib and Aiyana's bed laying each kid down over and over. Hot Mess! I finally put AJ to sleep in a different room until Aiyana fell asleep.

Cheese Slip

2009-02-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

That was Aiyana's name today. She loves to play pretend. Usually she is Diego the animal rescuer or pretty red car, but that past few days she has been some different characters.

We missed our V-Day party with our Fabulous friends, but we had our own pancake breakfast and then we played with all of the Valentines that Aiyana was going to pass out. She went wild with her heart and fairy stickers. They are everywhere!

AJ is doing a little better. His voice is very hoarse and his balance is way off, but he was able to play a little more and he said "Papa" for the first time just before bed.

Friday Flashback

2009-02-06T22:03:00.000-08:00

Ode to Shamu

One of our favorite things to do is go to Sea World. Here are some of my favorite shots.

Aiyana doing what she loves: talking to the dolphins.

Playing peek-a-boo at the old "Bay of Play"
It is so funny! I just remembered this little house where we played peek-a-boo. Aiyana would crouch down and bounce up over and over. EVERY time we would play this, Aiyana would crouch down and poop in her diaper at some point during the game. LOL! I always went straight to the bathrooms when we were done to change her diaper. I can't stop laughing!

Climbing the net maze with Daddy

(The pictures above were from May of 2007.)

This is one of my favorite Sea World moments. Usually at the Shamu viewing area, the whales swim in circles. This time, the baby girl whale, who is the same age as Aiyana, was interacting with the Yaya and the other kids. She came straight up to the glass. Aiyana was a bit frightened at first, but then she began running back and forth while the baby whale "raced" her. That went on for a good 10 minutes before she went back to her normal rounds. That may never happen again. I am so glad we were a part of it!

(The above photos were from March 2007)

Highlights from the day

2009-02-05T23:55:00.000-08:00

Today began at 3:30 am when AJ woke up after sleeping for 7 hours straight. We had to do the inhaler for 15 minutes and he screamed the entire time. I am sure our neighbors loved it! The next time we did it at 7:30 am, Elmo was on and he actually just allowed me to hold the mask up to his face. Yaay! He is used to it now, but he still cries. AJ's breathing is really weird. He will breath in, pause, flex his stomach and then breath out. It is pretty loud and he is very whiny and wants me to hold him most of the day. (Honestly I don't mind holding him at all...in fact, I cherish this part) This is so hard on us. I hope this medication gets rid of his inflammation FAST!
I really appreciate our babies!

"Mommy take a picture of these cute little pencils."

Practicing numbers just before bed. She was really focused on staying in the lines.

The highlight of my day! He was feeling good in the bath after having a pretty rough day.
Notice Aiyana's art on the wall. She loves bathtub crayons.

I caught Aiyana doing her hair again. I made sure to snap a photo this time. She told me she was Hello Kitty.

The seal, the diva, and the inhaler

2009-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

This is AJ's arch enemy. The inhaler machine.

We went to the Dr. today for a well-child checkup. Both of the kids have had a cough and cold for a few days now. The last couple of days AND NIGHTS have been really tough for AJ. He has been gagging and coughing and not sleeping well. His cough is so loud like he is barking and his poor voice is so hoarse! I have been holding him while sitting up in bed because that is the only way he would sleep.
So, the Dr. listened to his chest wheezing and ordered an X-ray. We did that and then returned to the doc's office. She said AJ has walking pneumonia which is a mild case of pneumonia very similar to a cold or the flu. He has to do this inhaler for 15 minutes every 4 hours for the next week. This is going to be fun! We have done this thing twice so far and he kicked and screamed the entire time! In addition, he has antibiotics once a day.
Our baby boy also has thrush in his mouth because his immune system is low from the pneumonia. For this I have to give him some drops in each cheek every 4 hours.
After his long day, the meds helped and AJ was actually able to nap!

This photo sums up Aiyana's attitude today! I love her more than anything, but SOMETIMES!!!
She is lucky she is so darn cute!

We were in the doctor's office and Aiyana was snacking on pretzels while I was holding AJ on the inhaler machine. She kept getting up and walking around the room we were in and each time she got up she would drop a couple of pretzels on the ground. I asked her several times to stay seated while she was eating. She got up for the fifteenth time and I asked her to sit back down. (AJ is screaming and wiggling from my lap this whole time!) When she chose to ignore my request and began to walk away, I grabbed her arm and brought her back to the seat to sit down. Then she screamed! "Ouch! You scratched me! You hurt me!" Oh my! I was shocked and angry and disgusted all at the same time. I was not rough and did not hurt her at all! So, of course, the Dr. comes racing in to the room as if she was investigating. I had to explain myself. NICE AIYANA! WHERE DO THEY LEARN THESE THINGS?
We were in the bathroom and I asked Aiyana to brush her teeth while I tried to give her the toothbrush. She flipped her head upside down and began to pretend pumping a bottle of mousse and spreading it through her fluffy pigtails. She was really working her hair making sure to distribute it evenly! HA! Then she began scrunching her hair. She told me she was "having Aiyana time and would be able to help me in a minute"! HA! She really watches me closely!
Aiyana was in bed talking herself to sleep. Here was her self-taught phonics lesson for the night. "prrrrr. Priiints. first you have prints then you have cess. Mommy! Prints- cess! Princess!"

Priceless

2009-02-01T22:22:00.000-08:00

Karate class- $125

Karate gi- $20

Gas to La Jolla twice a week- $10

Father/Daughter bonding- priceless

Friday Flashback

2009-01-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

These are the first photos of Aiyana and AJ together. AJ was on his 2nd day of life.
I am amazed that we got AJ to look at the camera so early!

She was so sweet and so curious.

It was the beginning of a dynamic duo.

Today Aiyana was sitting in her chair and AJ walked up to her and hugged her several times. He is such a little lover! He loves giving hugs to us and sometimes others. (My friend Vicki got a few hugs the other day. He just climbed into her lap and embraced her.)

Carnivorous goldfish?!

2009-01-28T23:51:00.000-08:00

Aiyana was supposed to be doing her craft while I put AJ to sleep. I heard her chatting a little about feeding the fish but I didn't think much of it. A few minutes later Aiyana came into the room and said, "It like got all over the place. I was feeding the fish and the food, um, like got everywhere."

I went to investigate. I saw a full fish flake snowstorm, no, blizzard in the fish tank. The fish food was an inch thick on the bottom of the tank and it was continuing to fall. OK, deep breath. It didn't work. I needed another deep breath. I counted to 10. Flakes still falling. Aiyana was just looking at me with her wide open eyes filled with pure curiosity awaiting for my next move. I sent her to bed without our "special time". "Aiyana, man, now that I have to spend my evening cleaning the fish tank I won't be able to spend our extra special time together!" I had to clean the entire tank, filter and all.

So the next day we went to the pet store to buy a sucker fish to clean the algae and keep our lonely goldfish company. I guess she wasn't lonely. The fish only lasted 2 days. I just found small pieces of it in the tank. Who has ever heard of a mean goldfish?

While it was snowing in goldfishlandia, it was 75 degrees here today and we have been stuck at home with colds...Yuck! So, here are some photos I took over the summer.

We went for a walk on the waterfront downtown.

Stuffed animals uncensored!

2009-01-24T23:16:00.000-08:00

No Papa! Don't go downstairs!Papa heard noises downstairs and just had to investigate. He found the stuffed animals joyriding in Aiyana's car. He tried to stop them but they were quick and the Mustang horsepower was too overpowering!

Papa went to urgent care and luckily only suffered from minor scrapes and bruises. The stuffed animals licenses were revoked and are sentenced to life without parole in the family room toy basket.

Friday Flashback

2009-01-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

March 5, 2007 at Pepper Grove Park in Balboa Park

January 21, 2009 at the same park

AJ was fascinated by the spinning animals!

2007 vs. 2009

AJ had so much fun walking all over! This was his 1st opportunity to roam free at the park. He was training for the strong man competition by pushing the stroller around the playground.

Just something for the logs

2009-01-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

AJ update

Things are changing so fast with him! Today I was getting his pjs on when I gave him one of Aiyana's dolls to keep him busy. I grabbed her by the head and said "head". He said, "hea" and put his hands up to his head! Then we went back and forth with it for a few minutes just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. So now at 10 1/2 months, his cool tricks include:

walking
he pushes anything he can like it is a car or truck all over the house
jumping
climbing everything
he puts the phone up to his ear when I say hello
he says hot, up, off, in
he loves hugs and kisses!
he refuses to do any sign language except the sign for airplane and basketball
he watches football with Daddy
he likes to look through books and babble like he is reading them
his favorite book is "Bear loves water"
bath time means splash time
he likes to turn on music and clap and turn his torso back and forth
he laughs at everything Aiyana does

I could keep going, but these are some of the highlights we should remember years to come.

Aiyana update

she picked up the word "like" so now she inserts it wherever she sees fit. HILARIOUS!
she works really hard to get praise by helping out around the house and with AJ
she draws suns, people (mostly our family), letters and words on her easel
she STILL pretends to be Diego and "pretty red car" (lightning McQueen)
she loves to ride her bike and play basketball outside

Both of the kids love to go to the zoo and Sea World. We go at least once per week. AJ's favorite is the manatee encounter at Sea World. Aiyana's favorites are the dolphins at Sea World and the giraffes at the zoo.

Tutu Monkey: $3, 378.50

2009-01-20T03:32:00.000-08:00

Tutu Monkey: $3, 378.50

MLK Jr. Day

2009-01-20T02:09:00.000-08:00

Tonight at 9:30pm a car was set on fire in the apartment complex just behind our alley. It was 15 ft or so behind our kitchen and the kids' room. Scary! As we got the babes together to get out of the house Rich asked me what else he should grab. I already had the cameras. (Didn't want to lose those again.) I told him to grab a change of clothes for each kid and some diapers. That was all I could think of. Nothing else was important.

The firefighters arrived and put out the fire so fast! 10 minutes later we were standing in front of our house talking with the neighbors and it was all over. Aiyana was asking a million questions! "Why did we have to get out of our house?" "Did the firemen use their hose?" "Why is Daddy back there?" "What's that smell?" "Mommy, how did the fire start?"

I finally got the kids back to sleep and began to ponder. Often in life we are reminded what is really important. Love. That is it. The bond that remains through everything in life and makes it all relevant.

Somebody once told me that if I had interracial children I would be intentionally giving my kids a bad start in life. They would be chastised and looked down upon. I knew at a young age that was wrong and I know even more today! I am filled with joy when I think about my family. My babies. They are celebrated by strangers everywhere we go; Costco, the post office, Target, the beach, the park. People love children! People can see the beauty that is children.

When two people come together in love and a child is born it doesn't matter the "race" of the two. The result is more love. That is what keeps this world spinning. The love of friends, the love of family, the love of God.

We live in amazing times and we are so fortunate!

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. - Martin Luther King Jr.

Hiiieeeeyaah!

2009-01-13T23:16:00.000-08:00

Today was Aiyana's 1st day of Karate. She really loved it. They stretched and warmed up then they learned punching and blocking. Her favorite part was when she had to duck under a swinging stick, then jump over it and punch twice and kick twice.

When we got home Aiyana was showing Rich her favorite drill when she barefoot kicked the couch HARD! She was stopped in her tracks! Poor thing! So Daddy Miyagi rubbed his hands together fast to warm them up and "magically" heal her little toes.

Hai Aiyana-san

She'll get her gi Thursday...I'll be taking lots more pix then!

They grow up so fast...

2009-01-11T22:35:00.001-08:00

Last night Aiyana was doing a little craft while I was putting AJ to sleep. She came in to show me her masterpiece. "Look Mommy, I made this for you! And I wrote my name. See, A-I-Y-A-N-A!"

OMG! She also wrote "AJ" on the bottom. I have been helping her write her letters for a while and she has been able to spell it out loud since she was 2, but she has never done her entire name without any guidance! I am so proud! Ok so the Y looked a little like a T and the N looked like a D... and she wrote it from the bottom up. SO WHAT!

We then worked on spelling from left to right and we did some work on her "N".

Aiyana just before her 1st birthday.

AJ has been cruising for a month, but yesterday he took 8 steps. Then he did it again and again. Today he walked more and then started climbing and reaching onto everything. No looking back now!

Friday Flashback

2009-01-10T01:12:00.000-08:00

Playa San Jorge has the most beautiful sunsets in the spring. These are just four of the hundred photos we have taken of the amazing evening sky. We sit in front of the house and just watch the miracle of nature. It is so peaceful to be alone with the sunset. Us, the beach and the sky.

Holiday Season 2008

2009-01-07T00:35:00.000-08:00

This holiday season was so fulfilling! It is amazing how joyful it can be to participate in family traditions both new and old. Our first new tradition was to visit the Del Mar light display. Francheska and I took Zen, Aiyana and AJ up to start the season off. We drove around the race track 3 or 4 times so the kids could look at the lights. Zen's favorite was the rocket and Aiyana's favorite was the huge light tunnel. It was fun!

Next we set up a little 4 ft tree in the kids room. Aiyana got really into decorating it. I let her pick out her ornaments and have full creative control. She was so proud of her own tree.

Note: Thanks Tonya for the "Fabulous" idea!

AJ got in on the tree decorating fun also. I have never seen a sweeter little helper elf!

The Wild Animal Park had it's final showing of the "Festival of Lights". We got all bundled up and trekked to Park for an evening. Aiyana got her face painted and did some crafts. She made a sand-filled bracelet for each of us and some wrapping paper.

The highlight of the evening was a little snow hill that the kids were sledding down. It was so hilarious! Aiyana went down the hill several times. Each time down she had the greatest expressions!

We ended the evening at "The North Pole" where the kids met Santa, of course.

A couple of days later, Rich and I took the kids to see Shamu's holiday show. Sea World was decorated beautifully and we got a huge bucket of popcorn to share during the Shamu show. We sat really close and the kids loved it!

Nana and I and the kids went to visit a house on Knob Hill in San Marcos. It was amazing! There were characters and scenes and lights everywhere! They even had Santa! When S.C. asked Aiyana what she wanted for Christmas she told him "a Barbie cash register". She repeated this at least 15 times! We were all chuckling our bellies like bowls full of jellies!

As always, for Christmas Eve the whole family gathered at Nana and Papa's house for prime rib and a gift exchange. The food was amazing as always! (Thanks Mom) I made my from scratch buttermilk biscuits, my sisters prepared the green beans and salad and Nana did everything else!

The night began with a reading from the Bible, great conversation and food and it ended with dancing tic-tac-toe and an arm wrestling tournament! Hilarious!

The highlight of the evening was when the kids were opening their presents and Aiyana received her pink convertible mustang to match Nana's white one. She screamed and jumped up and down in the air over and over. Rich and my lil bro Levi spent the next hour making sure she didn't run into anything in the house as her and AJ tested out the new ride.

We spent Christmas Day at Great Gram Curry's house. She always cooks an amazing brunch! We had crepes with strawberries, eggs, fruit, juice, potato casserole and more. The kids opened more gifts and played with them while all of the adults played paparazzi and reminisced. Aiyana did get a cash register.

We finally returned home Christmas evening. We were all so tired that we didn't even open our presents at home. We went to sleep and did our family exchange in the morning.

After we all caught our breath we gathered at Grandma's house for a turkey dinner. It was delicious of course!

That weekend we went to my parents house in San Marcos to watch some football and so Aiyana could ride around in her car. Aj handled the radio while Yaya mastered the gear shift.

We didn't do much the rest of the break. We hung around the house and played with all of the new toys and game.

Overall, our holiday season was so full and abundant! We were blessed with joy and sarrounded by our family and friends.

Happy New Year John Hopper!

2009-01-05T23:36:00.000-08:00

Most everybody who knows us is aware that our camera was stolen from our truck at the end of the summer. What a bummer! I went through a normal grieving process: disbelief, anger, sadness, and then eventually I moved on. I bought a Canon Powershot to replace "my precious". ha

So the Powershot is a great point and shoot, but it doesn't have the fast shutter speed that the Canon Rebel had. Oh well it would do.

No, but wait, life in all its glory is full of surprises. We were enjoying our regular afternoon when Mr. John Hopper came to the door with a brown bag in hand.

He began to tell Rich his story of how he came across our cameras. He said, "I believe in karma and after I saw the photos of the babies I couldn't hold on to these!" He apologized for it taking so long to get them back to us. So weird!

All we could say was Thank you!!!! We were so grateful to have the cameras back after 4 months!

Here are a few of the photos I thought were gone forever.

The top 3 photos were from a family trip to Sea world. The picture of AJ is at Aiyana's outside preschool and the last photo of Aiyana is in the children's zoo.

Green Thumb

2009-01-03T00:08:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Aiyana have been working in their garden for a few months now. The first strawberry was finally ready December 14. Aiyana put on her gloves and cut the berry from the plant with her gardening shears. We washed it up and YUM. Pure perfection. OK, so Grandma and I only got a little taste. Aiyana ate the rest.

First time at the salon

2008-12-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

OK!! Operation Catch Up is underway!
December 13 I took Aiyana and AJ to It's all about the girl. AJ got a good nap while Aiyana got the hula girl style hair. She got her nails painted and some glitter everywhere. This was her first time getting "made up". It was hilarious because she wouldn't move her lips after the girl put lip gloss on her. I kept trying to get her to smile for the pictures I was taking, but all I got was her best "blue steel". (Zoolander anyone?)
If you are cracking up at Aiyana's outfit, I'll explain. Yaya loves to wear pretty dresses (now that she is 3), and she loves to get dressed by herself. In fact, if I dress her she changes when I leave the room. So this dress, her balloon dress, is her favorite item. She ALWAYS wears it! The boots...Grandma Dorthea bought her first pair of rain boots. She felt they went perfect. So, who are we to judge?
p.s. It wasn't raining.

Friday Flashback

2008-12-11T15:33:00.000-08:00

No Reaching Yaya!

Aiyana was almost 2 in this photo. She has always had a habit of reaching up onto the counters/dressers. I had a berry smoothie in a cup with no lid on my dresser. She pulled it down on top of herself while I was picking out her clothes for the day. She learned her lesson for a while! Enough said.

Cuddles and Fairy princesses

2008-12-01T00:18:00.000-08:00

It was 8pm and my babies were tucked in their beds. I turned on the tv to watch something while I did my evening mommy chores. Daddy was at work. I saw that the Disney premier of Tinkerbell was on. Then came the decision: do I let Aiyana get up and watch this? Will we make it to the outdoor classroom in the morning if I do? Will she make it through class without throwing a fit because she is so tired from staying up? She would really love it...it would be great to watch it with her. Oh, why not...so I called her out to the living room couch and asked her to bring a blanket. She was a little unsure about it at first. Asking questions like, " Mommy, why are you letting me watch Tinkerbell?"

We enjoyed watching the movie together. It was great 1-on-1 time! We rarely get that anymore. We cuddled and watched the fairies prepare for Spring. At the end of the movie, Aiyana told me she would rather be Tinkerbell. I said, well, if you are Tinkerbell then I won't have a daughter! She said, "Don't worry, Mommy, I'll be Tinkerbell then I will come right back." OK princess. That's ok.

So after that, she OF COURSE tucked in to bed and went right to sleep like a baby because she was so grateful that I let her get up to watch the movie about her favorite fairy princess.

HA! WRONG!! She came out of her room at least 10 times for a variety of reasons: potty, thirsty, "If I'm Tinkerbell I won't really fly", potty, "Tinkerbell can walk and fly", etc.

She finally fell asleep an hour later at 10:30pm! It was worth the bonding time. Another sweet day!

Friday Flashback

2008-11-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

I am new to the world of blogging and I love the Friday Flashback idea that I have seen in other blogs. Taking sweet moments from the past and remembering them is one of the best joys of life. So...

This was the day that we set up Aiyana's first big girl bed with her own ladybug sheets. And she actually sleeps in it all night!!

Give Thanks

2008-11-28T00:43:00.000-08:00

We gave thanks for an abundant meal
We gave thanks for a joyful life
We gave thanks for love
We gave thanks

This Thanksgiving was great! Our day began with our kitchen sink overflowing all over the counters and floor. I am so glad I prepared my dishes Wednesday night! We spent our morning cleaning up the water and then went to Nana's house in San Marcos after the plumbers came to save the day.

We spent the rest of the day snacking and laughing and enjoying family. Just the way it should be.

The night ended with AJ, Rich and my bro Levi asleep on the couches with others asleep upstairs.

Aiyana and Papa spent their time eating Cheerios and sipping juice in front of the fire. Then they moved to Aiyana's table where they put together some of Yaya's baby puzzle.

Aiyana asked Nana to play with her at the end of the day. Nana said she was too tired and just didn't have it in her. Papa added, "Nana's old." Aiyana replied quickly," No! Nana is new!" When Papa asked Aiyana what happened to all of the old, she cleverly responded after a moment of thought. "It all fell out!"
How sweet it is!

So Sweet!

2008-11-26T01:22:00.000-08:00

Aiyana was such a big helper today. She saw me struggling to get the huge box of diapers to the bottom of the Costco cart and she said, "I'll hold it mommy". She held the cart still while I put them in. Then later she was so excited to help me carry them in from the car. Then in the most serious tone she stated, "I have a job to do!" She opened the box and put some of them in a basket that I keep the diapers in. So sweet!

It does pay off in the end!

2008-11-24T22:41:00.000-08:00

We got home from running errands the other day and it was time for Aiyana's nap. She did everything but nap. She was in her room for 3 hours playing with every toy she had. She, of course, did not put any of them away. So that bedroom was unbelievably messy. After 3 hours at 4pm, I told her resting time was over but she could not come out of her room until she cleaned up the mess. She played until 5:15 and just when my frustration was building I peaked in on her and she was singing "I can do it, I can do it" while she was putting her toys away. It took her a few minutes, but she put almost all of them away. She really gave it a strong effort.

It was a beautiful realization. Our children hear us. All of our efforts count. My baby is growing into a strong confident and capable young girl. Life can't be controlled. Even if it takes all day, Aiyana is going to go her own pace, but she will conquer in the end.

2008-08-25T23:27:00.001-07:00

Ok! I did it. This is our first blog. With so many friends and family members to keep up with, I had no choice! I already know this will be another fantastic idea that will keep me up all hours of the night while the rest of my family rejuvenates!

It has been a great summer! We started it off with Aiyana's 3rd b-day at an indoor party heaven for preschoolers. There were tons of huge bouncy houses. www.airtime.com Everyone had so much fun!

AJ is crawling. It really happened fast. We visited The other Currys and their gorgeous bundle Arilyn. She was rolling both ways while AJ was staring at her and wondering why he only rolled over from his belly to his back. That afternoon when we got home he began to practice the skill until he did it. Then 3 days later he was up on his knees and propelling himself forward, then the famous army crawl, now 2 weeks later, he is trying to pull himself to standing in the crib! He has gotten to his knees already. Wow. The past 6 months have gone by so fast.

Rich's car was burglarized and it has been a pretty big deal for us. I caught the guy in the act and saw his car. This had been a great opportunity to teach Aiyana about "good guys" and "bad guys". She is so sweet. We were having a discussion and she explained to me that the bad guy who broke into Daddy's car would come back but this time he would "have another chance and this time he won't steal Daddy's cd player because he will be a good person." This is just like her because whenever she chooses to throw fits etc. I let her try again after she regroups on time out.