Mini Corey Hart (sp?)

My Christina is now a mini version of Corey Hart (Sp?) the motor cross bike guy. Do we see the fall arm tatoo coverage? I figure we can get it out of her system while she's young. I definately prefer pumpkins and leaves as opposed to "blood of the innocent" and a picture of a skull. Tribute, Ramya... I love you.

The 6 Month Mark

Where has time gone by! Yesterday was our 6 month immunizations for Maria. I think that it was more stressful having the doctor poke her than the shots. Her official stats are as follows: weight, 19 lbs 8 oz. height, 26 1/2 " head circumference, 42 ". I am going to start solids in about 2 or 3 weeks. I've read a lot about babies that are exclusively breastfed and the benefits of waiting until 7 months. (kellymom.com!! Hooray for breastfeeding nazis! Myself included!) Maria rolls, sits up pretty well, has 2 bottom teeth and is a happy baby. We are truly blessed.

Age of Aquaruis

5th Dimension's Age of Aquarius (thank you Hair) has become our new rock out song in the car. We wave our hands in the air during the moon part and then it's screams of delight and bouncing up and down from both the girls during age of Aquarius. As the grand finale we put fists in the air for hail to sunshine. Fantastic... perhaps we were born in the wrong decade.

What to be for Halloween?

We have quite the large collection of dress up clothes... thank you dollar tree (from ninja to doctor)... and now Christina is trying to figure out what she wants to be for Halloween. She is so thoughtful as she ponders the question and then replies, "Perhaps Spiderman this year." I'd also like to note that the face she is making in the devil picture makes her 100% my child.

Puzzle Mania

Thank you Savers... we recently spent $2 and got 10 board puzzles ranging from 12 pieces to 25. Christina can do them in about 2 minutes flat. Fantastic!

To Bumbo or Not to Bumbo

That is the question. Seeing as Maria's thighs don't really fit in the Bumbo, we'll probably take it back. Also, all she does is arch her back and try to get out of it. I thought to myself, why should I get something for her to sit in when I can just hold her...and there you have it, now I have to deal with Reno Target Members, thank you, unhappy people. On the bright side, I am so happy she is growing so well! Up to 19 lbs, so I'm not even worried when she's one about turning the car seat around. All breast milk!!! She is a chugger!!

The Doctor is IN the House

So we found this great doctor's outfit at the $1 store (hopefully it's not contaminated with lead) and Christina loves it. We watched SuperSize Me one time (bits and pieces) and her favorite part was the gastric bypass surgery. I showed it to her because there is a part where he throws up from McDonald's food and I wanted to show her why I never take her there. Thank you, chemicals. Anyways, now whenever we run errands, she wears her doctor clothes and stethoscope.

Funderland...Ghetto Reno Version

Today we went to the ghetto version of Sacramento's Funderland here in Reno.

It's run by the Kiawanis (sp?) club and all the workers who help the kids on the rides have cigarettes hanging out their mouths. But, they are very nice and it's tons of fun (minus the second hand lung cancer). It's by far the best $5 you can spend in Reno.

Savers!

I love a bargain! I love to go to Savers and see what I can find. Mostly, it's just junk but every once in awhile, there is something. I think I spent $15 and found 3 holiday dresses (rare editions, another dress that was a nordstrom's brand...) a ralph lauren sleeper and a laura ashley outfit for Maria. Now they are washed and clean, tune in for Christmas pictures! Seeing as my girls need more clothes, I know... between our Yaya Sofia and Yaya Kota... but who could resist!

Teamwork

I'm not the most talented decorator or fixer upper type person, but I am quite proud of the chairs I recovered (with the help of my manly husband.... thank you for your brawn and muscle) We found the material for $5 and voila- paint, vomit, food gunk, who know's what... gone! Now our guests don't need to be afraid of what they are sitting on!

Pasta at Yaya's

The other day at Yaya's for pasta and salad, we had quite the treat- a visit from Thea Maria and Lisa. While little Maria didn't exactly take to them, it was still nice to see them. Some might call it stranger anxiety, however I just like to think they love me so much, they just can't stand to leave my arms. I feel the same way about them!

Also, as a side note, Maria is getting her 2 bottom teeth in at the same time... poor thing!

Ah... Such Manners

When Christina and I went to visit our next door neighbor, Mrs. Rader, to borrow some paprika, I was pleasently surprised. Christina walked in and told Mrs.Rader that she had a beautiful home. Mrs.Rader and I beamed. It's so nice to have an almost 3 year old who is kind and aware of others. She is a rare gem.

Family Home Evening

For about 2 months now, we've been pretty consistent at having one night a week where we set apart a time to have a spiritual lesson, song, treat... for our girls. It's called family home evening and our Church highly encourages it. Well, this last monday we made brownies for some sick people in the ward and talked about giving service. It was a real fun one, especially when Christina gets home and tells Maria that ,"To serve a person is to help them. Go to bed now." It was a little late for Maria, so she was crying in the car, but as soon as we started singing to her, she quieted down. Miracles never cease! Also, it was fun because we talked about Ruth and Naomi and Christina could recognize her middle name.

Are you tired yet Yaya?

Our wonderful Yaya is always thinking of something fun to do with Christina. Now everytime we go over, it's painting the nails. I love my grandmother so much. She is an inspiration to me and taught me the meaning of prayer. I look at her life and how she gave it away so her family could go to school, and just plain survive, and know what it means to truly sacrifice. I adore you Yaya more than words could possibly describe. Also, for the first time in 25 years she finally let me do the dishes! It's about time. We moved up here so we could take care of you, not the other way around!

Czerwinsky Wedding

We love the Czerwinsky family! They have an amazing story on how they converted to the gospel. (Let's just say from hell's angels to green jello) With 8 kids (1 passed on) and a few harleys, this family is just plain incredible. We celebrated Mike's wedding, so a big congratulations to him! Also, fantastic cake and food!! It was quite the party!

India Fest 2007

Thank you, 2 Indians in one week. And when asked who is her favorite, Ramya or Ashwini, Christina replied, "I love both of them." What a peacemaker! She is incredible! As well as my beautiful Hindu girls. We had fun seeing both of them this past week. We enjoyed wonderful meals and just each other. It's fantastic that after so much time we are still so close. Especially my dear Ramya.

Always Holding Hands

Are they not just precious! Christina is always holding Maria's hand and is so loving to her sister. I hear how some kids bite or shove their little siblings, but not my girls. Christina is always giving her toys to play with or asking if she can bring Maria a diaper. They are perfect angels! How on earth did I get so lucky!

Nono Bonding

Our Nono is up there in years, but he is on the ball and 100% with it. He adores our family and we adore him. He calls every night and we see him almost every other day. He is one of the most reliable and thoughtful people we know. Maria just loves to sit with him and suck on his fingers. They have a special bond and it's tender to watch.

Envy us...

Yes... this would be our new "friend". We decided to go ahead and get another car, we took Theo Speedo (who is an expert and has worked on cars for 30 years) and shopped around. Finally, we found a suitable match for our other exquisite 1981 caddillac coupe deville.... a 1988 Oldsmobile Delta Royale. Behold her in her glory. We value safety, reliability, and luxury that only seasoned cars can provide.

Facial Expressions

Our little Marigikia is one of a kind. The looks and the timing of her looks is always perfect. She recently had a nursing strike and went without eating 6 hours during the day. We were really worried, but it must have been something I ate that she just didn't like. She also had one night recently where she slept 7 hours in a row. It was heavenly! But pretty much she's still up every 3 hours. Good thing she is close by! She has developed a shy streak in her and every time she is by papa or yaya, or nono or yaya, she buries her head in my shoulder, then peeks out at them and grins.