Gramma's Toy

Maybe I should have titled this "Daniel's Toy"... but either way, Gramma and Daniel have a new favorite play thing: Each other!

From the second he spotted her at the airport, he had his target marked and he didn't let her out of his sight for seven solid days, save trips to the bathroom (thankfully).

If he woke up before her, he could hardly stand her being asleep. More than once we intercepted him crouched over her soundly sleeping face, whispering (loudly), "GRAMMA! ARE YOU AWAKE?!"

She indulged his world of imaginary play, happily becoming whatever toy animal he handed to her. "Hello Mr. Octopus!" "Hello little Fishie!" "How are you?" "Hungry!" She even bought him some sea animal toys he still plays with daily when we went to the aquarium.

I'm so happy that she was able to be a part of his life during this stage. She was able to witness him playing with his best friends and begin a new adventure for the Summer: Swimming lessons.

And as is to be expected, Daniel tested his limits with her. But aside from a few minor altercations, she was regaled all week with his latest mantra: "Excuse me, Gramma? Excuse me, Gramma?"

A few days after she had gone back to Texas, Daniel woke up early and crawled into my lap. He looked towards where she had slept during her stay here. He said, "Mommy, where's Gramma?" I told him she had gone home. He said, "Mommy, I'm sad."

August come quickly!

The Start of Something New

Daniel's first swimming lesson was this morning. Cue 6 weeks of no apples, pears, no other swimming outside the lesson, daily 10 minute lessons and (my personal favorite), documenting every time he sleeps, eats, poops or pees on a form. I kid you not.

These lessons are not traditional - they aren't "backstroke" and "butterfly" type lessons. These are "how to save myself if I fall in a pool" lessons. Infant Swimming Resource is our weapon of choice, and so far, I'm pleased.

Today we arrived (late) and got our paperwork done, including our "BUDS" sheet where we'll track all of Daniel's... bodily functions... with excruciating detail. (There is something in me that loves doing this kind of tracking - it's rewarding in some twisted way.) Apparently there are some signs of trouble during the lessons that will surface on the BUDS sheet routines and it will help keep Daniel out of any potential intestinal pain during the lessons.

Today he met Ms. Tammy and they spent their 10 minutes in the pool getting to know each other. He took right to her, showing her his imaginary octopus and star fish immediately. She worked on teaching him to reach for the bar/exit in their pool, releasing him from various angles and distances and he successfully lifted himself up each time.

He only went underwater once today - I imagine this will change dramatically starting tomorrow. One of the first skills he'll need to master during lessons is holding his breath underwater with his eyes open - something he absolutely cannot/will not do currently.

It was oddly refreshing to sit back at watch someone else work with my child. Parents are strongly encouraged NOT to give their kids any direction during the lesson and at first it was hard to bite my disciplinarian tongue when Daniel just kept telling Ms. Tammy that he didn't want to go underwater. But she handled it beautifully, winning both his respect and his affection in just minutes.

Anyway. This was only day one of thirty and already his confidence and skills have improved a bit. Hopefully the crazy crying stage I keep hearing about will be short-lived or (please!) non-existant altogether.

A mom can dream, right?

Now if you'll excuse me. Daniel just went #2 and I need to document it on the BUDS sheet.

Just Like Mommy

Daniel, you might look more like your Daddy, but inside, you are so very like your Mommy.

Here is the tip-of-the-iceberg list of our similarities, and the lessons I have learned from 30 years of life:

1. We are both clumsy. Plain and simple. While this is good for constantly making Daddy laugh, it's not so good for our poor bruised bodies. Lesson to learn: Wear a helmet when biking. Trust me on this.

2. Which brings me to my next point: We have the same skin. Different colors, but just as sensitive. We can develop bruises and scratches just from thinking about falling. Lesson to learn: Sunscreen is your friend. (Also, hives won't kill you. You and I both get them every now and then from shellfish... just keep benadryl close by and if your bootie itches, don't scratch it!)

3. We both have slight OCD tendencies. You make lines with your toys and I make lists. Lesson to learn: Don't let this side of you go too far - you'll annoy everyone. But it is very helpful character trait when you learn to channel it into being "detail oriented".

4. You and I are both cautious regarding adventure. Maybe this is a better way to say it: We are adventurous, but initially cautious. You want to try the big slide at the park, but are hesitant at first. You want to leap from rock to rock but want me to hold your hand the first few times. It took me days to work up the courage to jump off the high-dive at the public pool when I was a kid. Lesson learned: Being cautious can be good - it means you are smart, and are calculating the risk. This is a very valuable skill. But don't let it overtake your sense of adventure - sometimes you just need to close your eyes and leap!

5. Puzzles are our friends. We are good at puzzles and love doing them. We feel accomplishment in a completed project and enjoy the process as well. Lesson learned: Puzzles are great "brain developers". Do them a lot and you'll acquire all kinds of mental skills to go with it. Plus, you will have a LOT of fun with Tex, Dodo and your Great-Mema in the years to come!

6. Sometimes we laugh so hard we cry. Especially when we are tired. It's so sweet to watch this happen to you too - I have done it my whole life. Lesson learned: Just let it go. Laugh so hard you cry, then cry hard. By the end of the cry you'll realize what you're crying about... something you weren't even thinking of when you started laughing. But those deep down things have a habit of surfacing during a display of any emotion - even if it's laughter. Let it out, dude. Let it out.

7. You and I are both very ticklish. Lesson learned: Watch out for Daddy.

8. We are people pleasers! If someone is upset with us, it's the worst possible feeling. I have lost a lot of sleep worrying about whether or not someone is happy with me. Lesson learned: It's good to want to please those in authority over us: God, parents, teachers, legal authority. But it's not good to care so much about making others happy that we lose sight of ourselves. Sometimes people will be upset with you - and that's ok. Maybe you will make your friends mad by not giving into peer pressure - and that's ok. It's a fine line for us "people pleasers" to learn to walk - but I know you'll get the hang of it. I learned this principle recently and it's helped me: "I am only responsible for my actions, not for others' reactions." If you act with integrity, don't waste any time or energy on the folks that don't agree with you. Period.

9. We tend to hide what we're really feeling. Sometimes we can make everything look "ok" on the surface when really, it's not. This is something I have worked on throughout my life and have gotten better about. It's always good to express what you're feeling and to be honest with people if they hurt your feelings - especially to your parents. We love you and want to know what you're really going through.

10. We both have unnatural loves of popcorn and ice-cream. There is no "lesson learned" on this - we just have really good taste in food.

I love you so much, Daniel and could not be more proud to have you as my son. It's amazing (and scary) to see so much of myself in you. I hope you can learn from my life lessons and avoid some of the pain (and sunburns) I have gone through!

The Money Talk

Tonight's conversation after dinner:

Fernando: "Would you like to eat Jell-O or ice-cream for dessert, Daniel?"

Daniel: "Ice-cream!! I want to eat ice cream!"

Fernando: "How are you going to buy ice cream? You don't have any money."

Daniel: (thinking) "...maybe Baby Jaguar can buy it."

Fernando: "I hate to break it to you kid, but Baby Jaguar is in the poorhouse. He doesn't even have pants to put a wallet in."

Daniel: "But I want ice cream!"

Fernando: "You're in the poorhouse too. Say "I'm in the poorhouse"."

Daniel: "I'm in the poorhouse, Daddy."

Fernando: "Yes you are. Do you know anyone who has some money?"

Daniel: "Yes... Baby Violet."

Fernando: "No, she's in the poorhouse too. Well, look. I have all of this money." (pulls some dollars out of his pocket).

Daniel: "Ooooh... you're the man!"

Fernando: "So I can buy myself some ice-cream. But how are you going to buy ice cream? Do you have any money?"

Daniel: "I have money... right here!" (reaches for Fernando's wallet).

Fernando: "Do you know anyone else with money?"

Daniel: "Maybe Mommy can help! Mommy, will you buy me some ice cream please?"

Daniel subsequently spent the ride to the ice cream shop repeating to himself: "I want to eat ice cream but I no have any money - Daddy will you buy me some please?"

Let the "responsible spending and saving" lessons commence!

The Chlorine Has Arrived

It's officially swim time again... and Daniel will be starting lessons soon.

We have already clocked some serious pool time though, between Mema & Papa's pool, the pools at the Marriott (some visiting friends invited us over), and the little splash pool in our backyard.

Daniel loves being in the water, so long as his feet are touching the ground. Every once in a while he'll get brave, "catch a bubble" and plunge his head underwater (he then rubs his eyes for about five minutes to get all the water out).

And as usual, after two seconds in the sun, he has already started getting darker. My envy knows no bounds.

Supermom

Today, I was Supermom.

I don't normally feel that way when both kids are home - I usually struggle to keep both happy/occupied/stimulated - or at least feel as though I'm struggling.

But today was perfection.

It does help when everyone wakes up in good moods... including me. Breakfast was good, and the iced coffee was even better (continued thanks to my favorite new friend: Keurig). And in retrospect, the continued caffeine throughout the day surely didn't hurt my "supermom" feelings. I wonder what I'd be like on speed or crack. (Kidding, mom... just kidding).

Fernando left for work and we cleaned up after breakfast. Daniel and I hopped in the shower while Violet bounced in the jumparoo a few feet away. He loves bathtime, and she didn't seem to mind the separation, happily bouncing to her own sung songs. We dried off, got dressed and headed to the grocery store. (Fernando had taken my keys to work too, by accident, so some office friends stopped by for a key delivery and fun little hello! Thanks, ladies!)

The grocery store can be a wonderful or horrible place. With one child, it's usually a fun outing and even an educational field trip. With two kids, well... just roll the dice and see what happens. And today, it was magical. Violet happily snuggled in the sling and Daniel sat in the cart, cataloging and organizing everything we tossed in there with him. Once we ran out of room for a 39 pound kiddo in the shopping cart, he hopped out, we paid and headed for the car - Daniel ever the gentleman, wanting to help me unload everything and help Violet with anything she needed (she dropped her yellow guitar toy repeatedly... I think she enjoys having Daniel at her beck and call.)

Which brings me to my next point. Daniel has been an angel the past few days. I know preschool is a good environment for a lot of reasons, but when he's home, his behavior just improves. Plain and simple. He's not picking up bad habits from other kids and he takes his direction solely from me. He answers all requests with a happy "Yes, Mommy!"... he requests family hugs and kisses often... he takes care of his sister without being asked... he opens doors for us... he doesn't require any time outs... I simply couldn't ask for better behavior.

But I digress. Where was I? Oh yes - groceries.

We got home and made a yummy lunch of fried eggs, purple grapes and strawberry tamales (thanks, TK!) and while Violet and Daniel ate in the kitchen, I cleaned out the fridge and put groceries away. We had some fun loud music on (Salvador) and spent most of lunchtime dancing and laughing together.

I am quickly becoming an expert on putting two kids down for naps at the same time. Step 1: Exhaust both with lots of activity and pushing naps back a little... 12:30 is ideal. Step 2: Allow Daniel and extra 10 minutes to finish lunch while I give Violet a few ounces of milk - she's usually so tired she's out cold after 5 minutes of rocking. Step 3: Get Daniel ready and enjoy the alone time with him to read books and cuddle. Step 4: Wake up in Daniel's bed thirty minutes later after having fallen asleep with him. Step 5: Enjoy 60-90 minutes of time sans kiddos to clean, email, eat, etc.

Today I used that time to do two loads of laundry, one load of dishes, lots of phone calls, and I even started my photography business. Not too shabby, I'd say.

After naps we headed out again for more errands. This time Wal-Mart and Urgent Care to pick up some allergy medication. And can I just say that I am loving running errands with two kids. I thought I'd hate it... but it's just an absolute ball. There is something about that ratio - me with two of them - that is fun, rewarding, exciting. It requires creativity and energy - and I love that challenge.

Daniel sat up front in the cart at Wal-Mart, and with Violet in the sling, we were all close together. We laughed so hard we nearly cried, reciting the candy-eating parts of one of our favorite books: Little Pea.

And just when the day couldn't get better, we met Fernando at Sonic for ice-cream. The weather was perfect (as was the coconut cream shake)!

We sat around the family table for dinner, dancing like crazy people to African music, one of those magical bonding moments where we are all laughing with our mouths full, making up new dance moves and not caring how insane we look.

Days like today make me want to make this a lifestyle - not just a maternity leave novelty. If only!

Underwater Surprise

Fernando, being the wonderful dad that he is, planned a surprise for the kids last Monday (he wouldn't even tell me what it was!)

He drove us across town to a mall in the East Valley who just opened a giant Aquarium feature. It's technically inside the mall, but feels like a stand alone theme park - it's educational and fun for all ages - and even has a gift shop at the end.

We pulled up to the building and Daniel saw silhouettes of sea creatures painted on the side of the wall and started freaking out - "I want to see ALL the sea animals!" We told him we were heading inside to an aquarium and he started practically hyperventilating: "I'm so cited! I'm so cited!"

From giant sting rays and sharks to the tiniest jellyfish and sea horses, Daniel loved every exhibit. He even got to pet starfish and shrimp! We nearly had to tether him to the stroller as he continually raced ahead to the next feature, getting lost in the next group of people. Violet had a good time too and loved crawling in the bubble shaped protrusions that allow kids to feel like they are inside the tanks.

We went out for a special dinner at PF Changs after the aquarium, where Daniel showed no remorse whatsoever for eating a giant plate of the shrimp he had so lovingly petted only hours before.

Daniel, you have no idea how blessed you are to have the father that you do. I have never met another man who even comes remotely close to being as amazing a father as yours is. He constantly thinks about you and what kinds of things you might enjoy - and he delights in giving you gifts and surprises that you will adore. He was clearly designed just for you, to be the kind of father you need. Listen closely: He is one of the biggest gifts God will ever give you. Recognize this, and enjoy every single minute you get with him.

Our Crazy Family

Role Play Riots

Recently, Daniel has been role playing a lot - constantly pretending to someone else. Sometimes it's a person, but usually it's an animal - an animal in distress. He is always calling out for help, saying that he's falling and needs to be caught, or telling us how hungry he is.

At first we thought it was some disguised cry for attention or help, but then we realized: He's just watching too much Dora & Diego. Every episode of Diego centers around helping an animal undergoing some kind of duress.

And then we noticed exactly how much of his playtime is influenced by those two shows... a lot! Just a few examples...

- When we're driving through town, he narrates it by "paths" from the Dora episode with bugs and spiders. "Which paf should we take? The lellow path or the blue path? Watch out - that one has MEAN ANTS on it! Run!"

- He likes to be "baby jaguar" and alternately makes me and Fernando be Diego. (The other one has to be Alicia, Diego's sister, so that gets interesting when I have to be Diego.) Baby Jaguar likes to hide behind the trees in our yard and growl until we notice he's hiding... see top photo.

- Probably a dozen times a day, we have to "Play Swiper". And there is a strict script involved in the game - he will correct you if you say your lines wrong. ("Oh no... that sounds like Swiper the fox! That sneaky fox is always trying to swipe my stuff. I hope he doesn't swipe my (insert item). Swiper, no swiping! Swiper, no swi..." "A ha!! You'll never get your (insert item) now!") Usually he swipes something pretty important, like my hair or my pants. And 95% of the time they are "stuck in the rainbow" and we have to go on a lengthy adventure to get them back.

- Daniel LOVES to make maps. He and I sit together and draw three step maps that make him run all over the backyard, do somersaults and twist in the swing. And occasionally sing and dance like a monkey.

You get the idea. Dora & Diego have become household names, but it's not entirely a bad thing. Daniel is an expert on a handful of animals (Daniel: "What animal eats jellyfish, Mommy?" Me: "Turtles!" Daniel: "No Mommy, Leatherback Sea Turtles!") and loves helping us solve problems (usually by saying "Let's stop and think!" and pulling something out of his imaginary backpack).

Let the games continue!

Chew and Swallow

So, this is an interesting development.

Daniel has always been a slow and deliberate eater for the most part. He takes a while to finish each meal and seems to enjoy savoring each bite. His preschool teachers even say that the rest of the class will be laying down on naptime mats and he'll still be eating lunch by himself, slowly.

But he has taken his slow-eating game to a whole other level. Lately he will eat most of his meal and then chew a bite for a while. And then not swallow... the chewing can last up to 30 minutes. No kidding.

At first we started punishing him when he refused to swallow - we had him in time outs a few times. It definitely felt like defiant behavior and worthy of discipline.

But after a chat with the pediatrician, we have changed out plan. The doctor said to not make mealtime a war zone - ever. Don't demand that he finish veggies or that he even swallows on command if we think it's been too long. If Daniel eats too slowly, just let him know he has a few minutes left and then take the food away. (And no snacks until the next time). But he said "absolutely no discipline".

So, we're trying Plan B. Not sure if it's working or not... but it's definitely an interesting little stage in Daniel's development. I never thought I'd have to tell my kid to swallow his food!

Mother's Day Love

It really was the best Mother's Day ever.

The three of us attended a brunch at Daniel's preschool the Friday before Mother's Day, and spent time with good friends and good food (read: cream puffs!). The week before, Daniel made me a bunch of presents the week before at school - it's so fun to be at a stage where he can create gifts with me in mind. I received a decorated candle holder, a heart-themed picture frame (with a picture of us in it!), and best of all: A book about me.

The book had three pages: 1) A colorful handprint flower of Daniel's hand, with a sweet poem. 2) A drawing of me in blue and yellow (if you squint, it looks JUST like me). And my favorite... 3) An interview with Daniel about his mom. Allow me to share with you the details.

1. I show my mom I love her by MAKING CHICKEN.

2. My favorite thing to do with my mom is PLAY.

3. Her favorite color is BLUE.

4. Her favorite food is CHICKEN.

5. If she had extra time, she would like to GET FOOD AND COOK CHICKEN.

6. When my mom grows up she wants to be a PRETTY.

7. My mom laughs when I'M SILLY.

8. My mom is "THREEEF" years old.

9. What my mom loves to watch: A MOVIE ABOUT UP.

10. What my mom loves the most is CUTTING TREES.

Priceless. Especially because I'm a vegetarian. Who has no idea what the "cutting trees" bit is about. I really will keep this forever.

Sunday morning, I woke to sweet surprises from my husband (who is so thoughtful and tender in his gift-giving. I found three little pots, each with different plant seeds inside and a green paint thumbprint of the person who gave me the pot - Fernando, Daniel and Violet. I then found a beautiful new Keurig Coffee Maker on the kitchen counter - love it!

We went to Radiant where Daniel joined us on stage for Violet's dedication. It was so special to stand there together, publicly, as a family of four committed to learning together and growing together. After church we headed to Daniel's Mema & Papa's house where we officially welcomed Summer with the first swim of the season. Daniel wore a suit with a "built in" tube... which we won't use again as he'll be starting swimming lessons soon. But it DID make for some hilarious (future blackmail) shots. He also learned the fine art of water guns and delighted in soaking everyone who came close, including the poor, poor dogs.

The weekend was busy and full... full of family, full of memories, full of special moments... and my heart has never been fuller.

Daniel + Ava + Little Sisters!

Doctor Daniel

There is now a doctor in the house: Dr. Daniel.

This whole thing started when he came into our room one morning with a pair of headphones on, stuck the jack end into my chest and said, 'Mommy, I need to listen to your heart.' When I asked what it sounded like, he said, 'A cookie.' And walked out.

Shortly after that, Fernando got him his own toy doctor's kit and he's been giving all of us exams every since.

Fernando had the flu for nearly a week recently, and whenever Daniel suddenly went MIA, I could find him perched on the pillow next to Daddy's head with all of his equipment spread out on the bed. Poor Fernando was too sick to even really wake up, but that didn't stop Daniel from listening to his head with a stethoscope.

When I pretended to be sick, he used all of his tools on me and I finally said, 'Ok I'm all better.' To my surprise, he said, 'You not better, Mommy. First, I have to cut you.' And he brandished his plastic surgical scissors. I will admit... it was a tad scary. But then Dr. Daniel found an apple in my stomach, which he said was the problem. Now, I was told, I could feel better.

He takes the kit with him to doctor appointments and to my recent Urgent Care appointments. Usually the staff is really cool and let him play around with some 'real' equipment. One doctor handed him a roll of gauze to keep, thinking it would be a cool addition to his kit. As soon as he left the room though, Daniel started crying - 'I don't want THAT!' (Violet, however, did.)

I'm not sure how long this phase will last, but with healthcare reform up in the air, it should would be convenient to have a doctor in the family!

Phraseology

Just a few cute little things Daniel has picked up recently!

- Oopsie!

- Adding "ie" to anything... "We're home! We're homie!" Ha.

- Trying to say "that's not funny" he says (very seriously): "That's not silly, Daddy!"

- He calls himself a "baby man". He says he's not a baby or a man.

- He can't pronounce "slippery" and instead says "slipperly".

- When we say "I love you" he always says, "I love you first".

- Occasionally before something fun (like a movie) he says, "Let's do this thing!"

- While eating, he often says, "That's DELICIOUS!"

- When we say anything endearing... he has to one up us. Me: "You're so precious to me Daniel"... Daniel: "I'm so precious to you first!"

And my favorite... he has learned to do the "What's this?" (poking your belly). And then he pokes your nose and yells, "BOOP! Got your nose!"

Love love love it.

Being a Brother

Sometime during the last week, Daniel turned a beautiful (metaphorical) corner with his sister.

He truly, truly adores her.

(Ignore the underwear in these photos. We live in Phoenix. It's a desert. Sometimes it's hot.)

Every morning he asks for her first thing, even if she's asleep. The second she wakes up, he races in to tell her "Violet - I'm here!"

Every night after she's gone to bed he asks for her. He notices when she's not there, and he's sad.

He now touches her without flinching or pulling away. He is playful - even tries to carry her, awkwardly lugging her backwards by her armpits. (She thinks this is great fun, by the way.) He helps her stand, and walk.

I have noticed he talks to her more frequently about all kinds of things, not just his standard rotation of baby phrases. He stays with her if I step out of the room and chit chats about his toys or whatever.

This morning we had a perfect moment. One of those "please stop time now and I'll live happily forever HERE" moments. Violet woke up first and she was in my lap, cuddling sweetly and waking up slowly. Her door creaked open and a sleepy Daniel padded in and onto my lap too. He curled up and joined her in the "wake up slowly" process. The sweetness of that feeling... one child in each arm, sharing a lap, their arms and legs overlapping... was indescribable. It was pure honey. We grabbed some baby books and read together for another ten minutes before the lovefest broke up.

And yet not a few hours later, we had one of the most heartbreaking moments of Daniel's transition. Sitting in his room playing with his plastic food, he suddenly didn't want to share with Violet. He came pretty close to a tantrum, which is unlike him. (And so far, sharing with her has been something he's good at). He repeatedly refused, and curled up fetal style half on the floor, half on my lap, sobbing. I held him close and asked quietly if maybe he was upset that he had to share his Mommy with his sister... he sobbed harder and clung to me, nodding. It was tragic and tender, as I think we finally broke through one of the many things he's bottling up. Minutes later, he was fine, and playing happily with Mari.

Speaking of pretty darn cute... yesterday evening we were eating dinner on the patio and we had all finished our meals except Daniel (who takes an unbelievable amount of time to eat!) So we three played on the grass while Daniel finished. Suddenly we hear this from the patio:

"Hey! I'm right here! I miss you! And I can't wait to see you! I'm right here!"

So cute. And so indicative of the cheerful front he uses to mask his need to be a part of our lives as much as he was before.

He is such a good big brother.

Up Where The Air Is Clear

Life is almost back to a normal-esque routine. We are all sleeping better (and more) at night. We are eating home-cooked meals around our dinner table (less forgetting to eat and take out). And Daniel's pink eye is pretty much gone (which he got from me, which I got from changing too many crazy baby diapers). Even after dozens of drop administrations, I STILL have to pry his eyelids open to get those blasted drops in. At least he doesn't scream now. :)

Violet and Daniel are interacting very well - he loves comforting her by telling her, "It's ok - I'm here and I just want to make it better." Precious.

The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday - blustery and almost chilly, strange for April in Phoenix. Daniel and Fernando went to the store to buy the perfect thing for the weather: Kites. We packed up some snacks and walked to the grassy park across the street.

My Grampa taught my sister and me to fly kites when we were young, on the same hill where he taught my mom and uncle. Kite-flying runs deep in my family. There is just something about it... the refrain from Mary Poppins echoing in your ears... "with your fist holding tight to the string of your kite"... it's simply impossible to be in a bad mood when you're flying a kite.

And Daniel flew his first kite yesterday - with pure joy on his face the whole time. Fernando helped him launch it in the air, then with his little fist holding on tight, Daniel went racing through the park, shrieking with glee. I think Violet even shrieked with glee - watching from her perch on the picnic blanket.

Hopefully we have more windy days than usual this Summer - this kite-flying bit could become a routine at the Amaro house.

My Sweet Boy

I keep waiting for the big signs. The billboard from Daniel that tells me he is not happy about baby sister being here. I keep waiting for the "I don't like her anymore" or the "When does she go back to Ethiopia?"

And in looking for the big signs, I overlooked the little ones.

He shares his toys and plays with Violet. He is excited to see her when he comes into a room, or when we pull in the driveway. He says he loves her and delights in making her laugh. This morning he even hugged her and told me, "Look Mommy, we love each other!"

Everything on the surface is fine, but underneath the water isn't so smooth.

He constantly role plays with his toys a scenario where one is crying because they miss their parents and aren't happy until they are reunited. If you ask where the parents went, they always went on an airplane (once he said "to get baby sister"). But he never cried while we were gone.

He hasn't regressed in a "I want to be the baby" way at all - and he's very calm and understanding when I am taking care of Violet. However, other things have started happening. His potty accidents have increased as have his listening issues - he tunes us out in a way he never did before. He doesn't like it when Violet touches him, usually scooting away and staying just out of reach. And at least a few times a day, he is either emotionally and physically distant OR overly affectionate with us.

I suppose that everyone who's ever had a second child wonders if they have "ruined it" for their first child. (Which is funny because just weeks ago, we wondered if we had "ruined it" for Daniel by not having another child already!)

It breaks my heart to see Daniel like this. I think I have cried more for him this week than collectively in his three years. Fernando and I were in the kitchen last week, struggling with this very thing and Daniel ran up and asked for a "family hug". He wrapped his arms around our necks and said "I love you guys." More tears.

Like us, he has to grieve the loss of his family. It won't ever be the way it was, and for a three year old brain, that's tough to grasp. And I think without meaning to, we suddenly started treating him differently - like "big brother" - and asking too much of him. And I think we realized that maybe we had been babying him too much before - not letting him grow up as quickly as he was ready to.

It's a tornado of emotions this week in the Amaro house, and strangely, I think Daniel (not Violet) is at the center.

I know this is a process... I know he'll survive... I know it will be great to have a companion for him... I know I know I know.

But all THAT doesn't make any of THIS any easier.

What does help are the other small signs I see him displaying - the ones that tell me his love for his sister is already growing. The way I hear him talking to her when I'm not in the room - the way that her smile can make him smile - the way he wants to crawl in the bath with her - and the way he put his favorite curious george stickers on her bedroom door when we weren't watching.

Little man, I am so proud of you. And I love you more than you will EVER understand (at least until you have a kid of your own!).

While We Were Gone

On April 5th, we left Daniel for nine days. That's eight days longer than we have ever been away from him... and each one was painful.

Fernando and I packed up a bunch of big bags and headed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to bring home Daniel's baby sister, Violet Mariam. It was a grueling journey, and I'm glad we decided to leave Daniel in Arizona. Still though, it was tough not to see his sweet face every day.

We left him videos to watch each morning, with a corresponding present to open. His beloved aunt Keila (TK) was wonderful enough to stay at our house with Daniel for the entire nine days and told us that he didn't cry once - just happily told everyone he saw that Mommy and Daddy went on an airplane to Ethiopia to bring home baby sister.

He met us at the airport, standing in front of a large group of family and friends, carrying flowers and a doll for Violet. He ran towards us, yelling "Baby Violet! It's Baby Violet! My sister! That's my sissy!" He was all smiles and sweetness.

After nine days away (spent holding a 16 pound baby) Daniel looked older. Stronger. Fuller. Taller. He felt much heavier. And surprisingly, his brown skin looked whiter than I remember! (I guess that happens after a week in Africa). It took a few hours to get past the distance between us - he felt just a little standoffish and uncertain towards us, but by bedtime was hugging and kissing us like before.

On the way home, Violet was not a happy camper in her car seat. And Daniel wasted no time in showing off his big brother skills. "It's ok Violet - we're almost there!" "Mommy Daddy, if you let me get up out of my seat I can give her a bottle!" And my favorite, he sang her songs so she would stop crying and clap along with him (which she did).

I hope that I don't have to spend that kind of time away from him again anytime soon. It was uncomfortable for everyone involved, but for a good reason - Daniel has a baby sister. Here's hoping the next few weeks make for a smooth transition.

Imagination Train

Daniel's world of invisible play is expanding... rapidly!

He now cooks invisible food (by wildly waving his hands in the air), serves it to us, takes it back to put in his invisible oven so it can cook a while longer. "It's still too hot," he tells us while scrunching his nose.

He has created invisible houses for each of us (color-coded of course, by our assigned favorite colors). We all knock on invisible doors to enter our houses, then hold invisible phones to our ears and talk across the house. Even baby sister has a purple house in the kitchen.

I found him hugging himself and rocking side to side slowly and I asked if he was cold. He said, "No, I not cold. I hugging the baby in my tummy." (He knows that when he was a baby he grew up in my tummy, so I imagine one thing led to another!)

His best friend spent the week on vacation, out of state. He still played with her - the invisible version. They ran through the house together, and he told us she was "right here".

Yesterday during a picnic in the backyard, he extended his open hand to me and said "There you go, Mommy". I asked him what it was, and he said "It's baby Violet." I asked where, and he said, "Right here, on my hand. Here, I will put her in your leg" and proceeded to put invisible Baby Violet on my ankle, under my jeans. Daniel said, "Be gentle with her, Mommy. Like this." And he patted her kindly.

He imagines himself to be different animals, hopping like a frog or crawling like a cat. The other day he met a little girl at church who was pretending to be a puppy. Daniel barked for the next thirty minutes, only responding to me if I addressed him as my puppy.

The imagination burst has been wildly entertaining, but has brought along with it a downside, as well: Daniel's fears are greater, too. He told me yesterday he didn't want to be in the dark, and has frequently complained of characters from his movies being in his room while he's asleep. (Common repeat offenders are Grover, Cookie Monster, Swiper the Fox, and the "purple guy" who we finally figured out was the stapler from a Veggie Tales Silly Song. Go figure.) After the "they only live inside the TV" conversation (and another vow to not let him watch television!) life goes back to normal.

All in all, it's the most fun I've had yet as a parent. It's unpredictable and delightful. And extremely random.

After all, what is more fun than being served an imaginary banquet?

Facebook Fun

I love blogging. But the truth is, it can be time consuming. Facebook is faster, easier, and more people read it. While I understand the need for both, I do hate that Daniel won't be able to read the day to day "funnies" we post on facebook about him.

So, here are just a few of the facebook posts Fernando and I have posted over the past few weeks, in no particular order. Thank for making us laugh, little man!

Fernando Amaro: Should have gone to urgent care...ear ache is killing me...on the lighter side, Carrie and I were just talking in the kitchen and the dryer was going and Daniel runs into the laundry room and shouts "Stop" at the dryer...and the dryer stopped. Freaky.

Fernando Amaro: Went to PF Changs for dinner, Daniel has honey chicken and then during dessert we asked him... "Hey Daniel, where did the chocolate cake go?" and he said "in my mouth and then dooooown to my tummy (insert splash noise) and it see the chicken and say Hi chicken, how are you?". Yes people were staring because we could not stop laughing.

Carrie Fay Amaro: This morning I asked him where his chocolate milk was going and he said, "in my mouth then wheeeee down to my tummy and then the chickies say 'hi chocolate milk' and they have a birthday party." :)

Fernando Amaro: So every night, Daniel tries one or two different ploys to get back up out of bed after it's bed time. Last night's second attempt involved Swiper trying to swipe all of his books...if you don't know who Swiper is, all i can say is, you should feel blessed.

Fernando Amaro: Before bed last night, Daniel asked if he could see the snowman on TV...we had no idea what he was talking about...and then...we realized what he wanted much to our dismay...check out the video!

Carrie Fay Amaro: will have a 3 year old son around 8:45 tonight. Cannot stinking believe how fast it's gone. Happy day, little dude.

Fernando Amaro: Daniel spent his first day in the 3yr olds classroom today and did amazing! He even spelled STOP during circle time! Growing up so fast :(

Carrie Fay Amaro: is AMAZED. Daniel just wrote his own name - letter by letter. Ms. Julie wrote the D for him and he did the rest. When did he learn to write?! He just turned three!!

Fernando Amaro: Daniel just asked Carrie to read to him, not me. "What book did he choose?" you ask.... "Just Like Daddy". The irony is lost on him.

Carrie Fay Amaro: is glad that Daniel loves his new teachers. But last night when I teasingly asked Daniel who his favorite mommy was, he said "Ms. Cynthia". This could be a problem.

Carrie Fay Amaro: Daniel needs a haircut. But we didn't realize how badly until today - on the way home from school, he kept trying to get his hair out of his eyes and proclaiming loudly, "Mommy Daddy - My hair is NOT comfy cozy!"

Fernando Amaro: So, we have a guest over for dinner tonight, a Dinosaur, he wanted eggs, tomatoes and chips for dinner. He also likes to be addressed as "Dinosaur"... "Dinosaur, its time for dinner" "Dinosaur have you seen Daniel?" "Dinosaur, we don't pick our noses." If anyone sees Daniel, let him know there will be a Dinosaur in his bed tonight lol.

Carrie Fay Amaro: thinks it's hilarious that after watching too much Dora over the past few weeks, Daniel now narrates his path through the house... "I go through the door... then over the sock... then through the chairs... then over the kitty..."

Fernando Amaro: Took Daniel to buy some stuff for Violet and some donations for the orphanage. I had 5 different boxes of diapers in my cart for all different ages/sizes. I got some comments but my favorite was, "Oh honey, bless your heart, diapers have different sizes, you can't just mix and match and I think your little boy may be a... little old... for these." I counted to ten, smiled, said thank you, and walked away.

Carrie Fay Amaro: loves Daniel's imagination. But we may have crossed a line. Here's what I heard from the backseat tonight, on the way home: "Mommy, I have a boogar. Let's tell a story. 'Once upon a time, there was a boogar named Frank. He wanted to get some food, so he crossed the road.' "

Gramma & Tex... in 3D!

Daniel has been to Texas multiple times during his life... but this week, Texas came to him!

My folks drove out from Central Texas to celebrate Daniel's birthday, his party, and a few days of quality time. It was an amazing visit... there is nothing like watching your own parents delight in your child. It's a kind of gratification that's hard to explain. (The nerves that accompany the visit are unique too... wanting desperately for them to approve of your parenting, and for your own kid to love your parents like you do.)

They played for hours, then took us all on a special outing: The Science Center! It's one of the coolest spots for kids in Phoenix. We explored each room and even talked Mom into riding the tethered bicycle that is suspended three stories high. (She's such a champ).

Maybe my favorite moment was watching Daniel's first 3-D movie together. Just the sight of him with those giant 1970's glasses on was enough to make anyone's day. And he did get scared during the opening credits (which came flying at your face much too fast, in my opinion). But once we talked him into putting the glasses BACK on, he was mesmerized. He tried to grab the fish... he ooed and aahed over each new scene... he exclaimed (loudly) "Wow - look at DAT!" And during the closing credits, he tried to pop all the bubbles that filled the screen. It was priceless.

Gramma will be visiting again this Summer, and we'll all be heading towards Texas for a late Summer family get together.

Every minute together is something to cherish.

It's a Blonde Birthday

Daniel turned three today... and for some reason this one is harder for me to process than his previous birthdays. Having a three year old son feels different - so much older! My brain cannot process/accept that this much time has gone by.

We had a birthday party at our house this year - the first one we hosted at our home. We live in a wonderful, charming home - I love it - but it is SMALL. So once we started the headcounts for who all should be invited, it quickly became a laughing matter.

We settled on only inviting Daniel's best buds, their families, and our immediate families. Daniel's Gramma and Tex even drove in from Texas for the occasion!

But the funny part started when we made our guest list of Daniel's friends from school... and as it turns out, his best friends are four blonde girls. No lie. I'm thinking we might have an issue later in life with this kid.

The party was fun, in spite of the freak rainstorm that blew in that morning. We were unable to use the bouncies in the back at all, but the kids loved playing on the new playset in the backyard (even in the rain), eating fun snacks, playing rock band, and sharing a BLUE cake (Daniel's request - the whole party was themed "blue"). I think my favorite moment of the day was right aftering we sang to him, Daniel and Ava began arguing about who would blow the candles out, and little Maddie leaned forward and blew them all out in one swoop. So precious.

He is so like his dad when it comes to the birthday scene - he loves having people gathered around him, singing to him and celebrating him. I need to remember this, and not let my own ideas about birthdays (and dislike of the big party scene) affect what we do for future years of parties for Daniel.

Happy Birthday, little man!

Thrill Seeker

Every day on the way out of the house, Daniel likes to pretend he's lifting the garage door as it automatically opens - saying "muscles!" and acting like he's lifting it up.

Yesterday he ran over to do just that as I loaded our work/school things into the car. A few seconds later I heard a panicked whimpering noise and turned to see one of the funniest and scariest things I have ever seen.

Daniel had grabbed on and ridden the door to the ceiling.

Still clinging tightly to the garage door, he had kept his grip all the way to the ceiling. By the time I grabbed his hips, his head was way above mine. Those are some strong little arms and shoulders! All that "playing wheelbarrow"at home has apparently paid off.

My initial reaction was to scold him. My secondary reaction was to fawn all over him. My third reaction was to ask if he was ok. His eyes were wide and he just nodded, terrified and shaking.

All the way to school he repeated, "No want to be scared - no touching the big door."

My little reluctant thrill-seeker. :)

Built In Valentine

Daniel and Ava are still joined at the hip... for better, for worse. They fight like champs and they love each other like siblings. I actually wonder if they think they ARE siblings.

In honor of Valentine's Day, here are a few recent shots of the little love birds.