Senorita Mommy

tiny lizaldes

2012-01-09T18:27:00.001-10:00

Christmas 2011 x2, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

I have a 6 year old boy and a 9 month old girl. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!

2012

2012-01-09T18:24:00.001-10:00

Feliz ano nuevo!!!!!, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Goodbye 2011..It's Jan 9th and I'm just getting around to writing that. yeesh.
Though it may seem late, it's only because the year has already started off with SO much awesomeness mixed in with everything else we juggle around here.
I'm not even sure where to begin when recapping 2011 although I think it's pretty evident there are four lizalde's now versus our usual three..for starters, you know.
A huge CHEMO FREE-ZONE banner should be displayed on our front door because WOW..is it really over? 31/2 years of chemo, drugs and whole slew of other jazz went out with a bang this year as the port came out and our little guy was given a clean bill of health.
Then, there was LUCY. O where do I begin? I won't even start. She's asleep right now and for that we thank her.
We've had good ole Auntie hanging around this part of the world for a good while and though our time is coming to a close I'm trying hard to remember how I managed to do anything without her before :/
off to sleep..and by sleep I mean watch PORTLANDIA haha

Community Supported Agriculture vs. Team Liz

2011-09-23T12:51:00.001-10:00

We got our veggies and they look good! I've been looking at recipes and I'm a little scared of that gray pumpkin. Ack! I especially love the gigantic bunch of kale, because everyone around here loves kale so much. Those are white sweet potatoes in the front, they were all, "hi..you don't know what we are, do ya?"
Diego said, "Do the farmers have ice cream?"
YEESH

5 months old

2011-09-21T15:15:00.001-10:00

Yay: Big Brother D, Papa, milk, chewy things, bath-time, my fingers and giggly hugs

Nay: strangers, shots, dirty diapers, and, mama walking out of the room

Makin Baby Food

2011-09-21T14:45:00.000-10:00

Hi-Yah! Let's make some baby food.

A food baby makin website here.

Today we tried some SWEET POTATOES! This is how we did it:

Chopped (which is also one of our favorite Food Network shows).

Steamed (Oxo brand silicone steam basket)

Tovlo silicone ice cube trays via amazon

blend once cooked w/ a smidge of water

Spread out nicely, cool, freeze for later use

One very happy baby.

I had a little too much fun doing this; I kind of knew I would. Luckily, Lucy is keen to eating and eating some more. I'm really looking forward to trying out new foods with her as she gets older. My only goal today was to simply prove to myself that I did not need a fancy food processor, or a baby cooker, or little plastic food containers. Keepin it Simple.

Pop that bubbly

2011-09-17T10:31:00.001-10:00

Congrats on selling our house babe, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

We bought a house in 2004.
Then we moved in 2007.
We tried to sell it.
TRIED SO HARD.
We rented it out.
We rented it out for 4 years.
We sold it in 2011.
WINNING.

MALK

2011-09-12T06:22:00.001-10:00

Fresh milk delivery!!!!, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

An innocent farmers market trip turned into the milk vendor totally getting me to sign up for home milk delivery.
One week later, we've also signed up for the local CSA-Community Supported Agriculture.
While living in Hawaii, this was financially impossible. The local CSA there at the time was only quarterly and it was a good drive up the coast to find it. Not to mention, I wasn't a fan of the locally grown vegetables in that area. The east coast has greeted us with an affordability that we had completely forgotten about and prior to Hawaii we had taken that for granted. The milk delivery and csa box, and a good deal of couponing, and the commissary will hopefully lead to a better balanced diet for everyone around here (that's also affordable). Then again, I have a bag of farmers market cookies that beg to differ..because they're neither cheap or good for you :)

LSP

2011-09-12T06:15:00.001-10:00

Lsp, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Lumpy Space Princess.
That's her name.
Chick is freaking me out. I can no longer walk out of the room without her realizing it and wiggin out really loudly and really quickly. She's all done with boob. "Your boob does not suffice."
I'm cool with it.
I'm also cool with her sleeping through the night well into 8am territory and promptly falling back asleep after we drop her brother off well into 11am territory. Fine by me.
Also great, full fledge laughs that can only be induced by her brother.
i love me some lsp

A sweet thought

2011-09-09T08:04:00.001-10:00

Since our kid goes to school now (still taking it in), I get to make him lunch. Apparently, I didn't buy him a cool lunch box or backpack. Instead, I bought him a matching lunch box and back pack from llbean. I realize they don't have any licensed characters on them and therefore don't appeal to him. I hope this makes up for it.

His dad will be gone for a few days and he drew one small drawing for every day he'll be gone. I hope he likes them and if not, I do!

kindergarten

2011-09-06T04:40:00.001-10:00

kindergarten, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Earlier this morning,"Will you miss me while I'm at school?"
"Of course I will."
"Ok, well if you get bored, you can play with my Wii."

After he found his seat in class he said,"You can go now mommy."

Lulu and I went home. We can't wait to pick him up.

out

2011-08-12T08:44:00.001-10:00

this port was inside my kid and now it's not

D was all about watching a lot of TV yesterday, which was fine by his parents. A sitting boy is an a-ok boy. One too many donuts were had. Later on, he became absolutely ecstatic has he realized what that thing above was and what was missing from his chest..his button...more donuts.

Things are back to normal today. We love normal.

No photos please. (In recovery room)

today :)

tomorrow morning..tonight..

2011-08-10T17:33:00.001-10:00

the snacks are for tomorrow morning...we'll be eating the bananas while making eye-contact (get it?)

tomorrow morning is a, "long time in the making" kind of day.
I've been waiting a very very very very long time to say that.
When D was first diagnosed, there were moments in which I had to force myself to see into a future where he might have not been there. Those were by far, my darkest moments that no parent should ever have to go through. Trinity always says that funerals are always for the living..I didn't want to go to my kids funeral. Instead, our family has had to stand by and watch other families endure what we knew was always a possibility.
Looking back on this blog, the past few years, the past few days...not saying anything...and certainly not blogging is a very good thing.
I have nothing to say, nothing I feel the need to document..aside from the ever growing number of pictures on my phone. The past few months especially, I have been simply living in the moment.
Our family is that of four instead of three, and there is never ever a dull moment. The fact that whether the baby's diaper has leaked is my main concern, is a testament to where my worries lie at the moment. At the moment, I'm not worried about the cancer, about his blood counts, about his future, about his health. At the moment, what worries me most is whether or not he finished the carrots on his plate.
There is so much beauty in worrying about carrots instead of worrying about whether or not he'll be hospitalized next week.
Tomorrow, is the day I've been waiting for since November 9, 2007 (the day D got his port). I knew he would finish chemotherapy long before the port ever came out (if it ever did). Tomorrow, the port comes out. Though this port has saved time, effort, and spared his pain, it has also always been the reminder I needed to know a tiny infection was all it took.
We've been trying to prepare him for what's to come tomorrow. He has called it his 'button' since the beginning, "tomorrow your 'button' is coming out. they're going to put you to sleep and when you wake up, it will be gone."
"And then they'll touch my button?"
"Nope, it won't be there anymore."
"What?"
He doesn't understand that it doesn't have to be there anymore. That tiny lump in his chest, is what he knows. We will be there, we remember, we are the only testament to his strength and courage he will ever need to be the biggest badass possible. I've asked to have said 'button' after the procedure to remove it. Weird, maybe, but he didn't carry that bugger around with him for nearly four years and not at least get to ever see it. He will someday understand and when that someday comes, I hope to show him; to tell him everything.
Rest assured, that our friends, our family, and our faith is what we believe in...and though I'm nervous and anxious for tomorrow, there's nothing like a few facebook 'likes' and comments to lift my spirits. By my side will be my ever loving, dark-humored, sarcastic and amazing partner. Tonight..I hope to maybe sleep..a waffle,two glasses of wine, and a cup of tea should do the trick right?
Thank you and thank you and thank you. All my Love.

the Fancy plates

2011-07-06T03:35:00.001-10:00

, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Our Fourth of July weekend was nothing short of awesome. No fireworks, but awesome nonetheless. My fourth consisted of lounging around in my pajamas, cuddling with our babies, watching Kicking and Screaming (I love coffee too), making pineapple upside down cake, and eating some really good food (pan-seared steaks, corn, and cake!). There was copious amounts of booze squeezed in there as well. What kind of a celebration would it be without? I know it sounds kind of boring in a blog post, but I couldn't have planned a nicer day if I had tried. We've been super busy with repairs on our old house, getting documents sent out, and just trying to stay on top of everything. T has been going out to sea fairly often and the time we get together as a family is pretty awesome, even if we don't do anything at all.
I enjoy our simple life and take pleasure in the tiny things..like enjoying fourth of july dinner on the F-ancy plates :) God Bless America :)

2011-07-01T03:26:00.000-10:00

3 months. Whoa.

She's pretty awesome though. We call her Lulu and she sleeps through the night. She thinks were pretty awesome too...so she smiles. She's slowly starting to look at lot like her brother, which is cool..except that she gets to wear some much cuter clothes.

Also..her hand is apparently very delicious. We love you Lulu!

this guy..

2011-07-01T03:18:00.001-10:00

, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

~VA has been good to him. He continues to be in remission. His access port will be out before the end of the summer and his homeschooling has been going great.
~He started karate this summer. We realize our kid is not a natural athlete. That's OK.
~He is starting kindergarten in the fall. Yeesh. That will be interesting.
~He is a great big brother.

the announcement that didn't go out...what did you expect?

2011-07-01T03:11:00.001-10:00

announcement, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

I especially love how I printed out a set of them..with a misspelling on it. So, you KNOW I wasn't go to send those out right? Poor Lucy.

2 months

2011-07-01T03:01:00.003-10:00

2 months, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Lucy 1 month

2011-07-01T03:01:00.001-10:00

Lucy 1 month, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Lucy

2011-04-24T14:20:00.001-10:00

Lucy, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

big brother loves her
papa adores her
and i can never stop staring at her

Two kids is very different from one. Just when I thought I could never love someone as much as D, she comes along. We wanted her so much and yet, sometimes I worried that I simply would not be able to handle two. Looking back now I can laugh because it is as if she's always been here.

week 38

2011-04-15T06:14:00.005-10:00

week 38, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 37

2011-04-15T06:14:00.003-10:00

week 37, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 36

2011-04-15T06:14:00.001-10:00

week 36, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 35

2011-04-15T06:13:00.003-10:00

week 35, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 34

2011-04-15T06:13:00.001-10:00

week 34, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 33

2011-04-15T06:12:00.001-10:00

week 33, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

i thought by this time i would have a long post up about what this week meant to us.
D finished his chemo.
3 1/2 years later and our little boy is cancer free.
I have no words because my heart is so full of love for him and for our little girl.
Our family has grown in many different ways throughout our time here but the fact that our son is healthy is the icing on the cake.
The ups and downs..the hospital..the medicine..the tears. Oh..the tears.
It's in the past now and it is far more surreal than I could have ever imagined. There are far too many people to thank and hug and hold. The people that made this experience as easy on our family as possible..where would be without them?
D is going to be OK, his sister is so lucky to have him as a brother, and we are blessed to have him as a son.

week 32

2011-04-15T06:05:00.001-10:00

week 32, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 29

2011-02-05T11:20:00.001-10:00

week 29, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

going backwards for a sec here :)

week 30

2011-02-02T19:00:00.001-10:00

week 30, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 28

2011-01-22T18:21:00.001-10:00

week 28, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 27

2011-01-13T20:50:00.001-10:00

week 27, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 26

2011-01-05T10:54:00.003-10:00

week 26, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

WEEK 25

2011-01-05T10:54:00.001-10:00

WEEK 25, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T16:48:00.001-10:00

week 24, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Birthday Legos

2010-12-16T09:11:00.001-10:00

, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Happy 5th Birthday D

2010-12-16T09:08:00.000-10:00

My first baby,
   You have grown so fast and so big! I look at you in amazement all the time and wonder how is it that time has flown by? It's true what everyone says, "They'll be gone before you know it." I don't want you to go anywhere.
   Lately, you've been drawing and painting me hearts. "It's because I love you," is what you say. Then my heart melts.
   This birthday was special to us, because we're expecting your little sister and we know what an amazing older brother you will be. Last night's picture proves that you will share your legos with her :) You received tons of Legos for your birthday and you couldn't be more thrilled. You and your papa built the most impressive spaceship last night...a big yellow one. It was late by the time you finished it (and far above the recommended age range) but you stood back just as proud as your papa of your creation. This morning you had it with you at my bedside and asked me to go downstairs...down we went with your spaceship..and several hours later here you are with it..still in love :) Legos, legos and more legos.
   Your schooling is going great. Everyday you learn something new. Everyday you show me something new. If I ask you to do something difficult, you say, "No problem!"Even when the assignment is difficult, you try on your own first before asking me for help. Math is your favorite..Phonics not so much..and your artwork (as always) is impeccable! We're still not sure what will happen for you next year, but I know you're excited to go to school...and I know you'll thrive because we've done our best to help you along. Either way, we are here to help you and be your advocates. Your illness will not stop you, as you have shown us in the past how strong you are.
   You have two more months of chemo...and with a tear in my eye I tell you I am one proud mama. No matter what happens...the past three years have taught us patience and courage. The journey has just begun.
Mama & Papa love you dearly. Happy Birthday Baby.

WEEK 23

2010-12-15T21:49:00.001-10:00

WEEK 23, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

American Cancer Society presents "Families CanSurVive 2010"

2010-12-05T17:20:00.001-10:00

Bellows Air Force Base, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

What an weekend! On Friday we made our way over to Bellows Air Force Base (an awesome recreational facility) for our first CanSurVive family retreat. We've been invited before, but thought it best to pass since D was always a little too young to participate in many of the activities.

This year our monkey was just right for everything involved. Friday night involved an amazing show called "Art in Motion" which involved crazy lights, spray paint, and a really cool dude dancing and painting all at the same time. I'd say it was pretty wacky but the kids were really into it.

Saturday was a looong day full of food and some really nice activities. I finally got to introduce myself to many of the other families and even got to hear some personal stories of triumph as well. Though tears were shed when sharing our story I believe its because I feel as though those ladies know exactly what I mean when I say, "we take it day by day." After lunch, we played mini golf and rested up for the evening activities. Once dinner was over, I wowed everyone with my mad crab hunting skillz as the families competed for, most crabs, biggest crab, and meanest crab! We got BIGGEST crab (caught by yours truly) and took home some nice prizes for D and myself!
Sunday was met with gorgeous skies perfect for kite flying and swimming in the ocean.
Now that we're at home reflecting on the weekend we are happy we went and very happy to have met the wonderful people we did :)
Families affected by cancer are different...and meeting others who have done exactly and more of what we do and what our son does always makes us feel a little less lonely.
D...you are not alone. We are not alone.

WEEK 22

2010-12-05T17:12:00.001-10:00

WEEK 22, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

WEEK 21

2010-11-30T10:34:00.001-10:00

WEEK 21, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

the tree is up..
im already huge
..i had just had a big meal? :)

WEEK 20

2010-11-26T19:25:00.001-10:00

WEEK 20, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Fire Station Field Trip

2010-11-23T11:22:00.001-10:00

FIRE STATION 31 FIELD TRIP, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Our first field trip with our homeschooling group was last week. We had spent an entire week learning about fire safety and what we information we needed to know in order to call 911. D knows where the closest fire station is and I'm really proud to say he knows his address and his phone number by heart.
When this field trip opportunity came up I jumped at it and he was very excited for it the morning of. Although I think he was a little nervous at first, he was certainly involved by the end of the trip.
I was so impressed by the behavior of the other children as well. The ages were mixed but everyone was interested in what the firefighters had to say and in participating in any activities they had.
I went home impressed with D, his genuine interest in firefighters and his desire to follow their guidelines.
Homeschooling sometimes has its ups and downs but our field trip was so much fun and its things like this that I know D won't forget and I'm glad we did it together.

Week 19

2010-11-15T09:04:00.001-10:00

Week 19, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

3 years

2010-11-09T08:00:00.000-10:00

D has a cold. More importantly, today marks his 3 year anniversary from the date he was diagnosed. It's far from any ordinary day around here. Yet, it feels like the MOST ordinary day. I really like it that way too. I think back, and ordinary is all I wanted. I wanted to know that in the future, making sure he finished breakfast and washed his hands was going to be more important than whether or not his blood counts were high enough to go outside. The passing of time saw everything change and for that I am grateful.
He is strong, he is thriving, and he is doing very well in his therapy. 3 years ago, I would smile through tears when he would reach an accomplishment. Now, an accomplishment is met with praise. There are few tears, and when they appear it's because I'm THAT happy.
This year, we look forward to his 5th birthday, the holidays, and a new baby in the new year.
We have so much to be thankful for his season, the list is long. This day will always serve to remind us just how special he is, how much he's gone through, and how much there is left to go. Looking forward to it...

week 18

2010-11-07T12:50:00.001-10:00

week 18, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 17

2010-11-02T10:31:00.001-10:00

week 17, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

week 16

2010-10-27T16:08:00.001-10:00

week 16, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

WEEK 15

2010-10-21T17:49:00.001-10:00

WEEK 15, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

14 Weeks

2010-10-10T19:09:00.001-10:00

14 Weeks, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

we heart october...

2010-10-04T16:18:00.000-10:00

I heart October..
We have begun Halloween prep
My favorite holiday
It's not any cooler here, but that's OK...because I'm going someplace much cooler in a bit
It's going to rock.
Bats, skeletons, spiders, oh my.

13 weeks

2010-10-03T20:38:00.002-10:00

13 weeks, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

We finally got started on documenting some belly progress.
I'm already in maternity clothes..baby is totally there.
Our series will be similar to the Pacing the Panic Room Maternity Series with our own twist...the photos will be in different places showcasing the island (where the baby will be born).
I love the writing on the photos the most though..looking forward to writing the baby more lovely notes.

positivo :)

2010-09-27T13:26:00.001-10:00

positivo :), originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

we decided to have another baby this summer
its time
my sissy was there and I'm glad I got to tell her right away
T was in korea...thank goodness for skype :)
loving baby thoughts :)

we are 12 weeks and expect a big blessing spring 2011

toby & pepper

2010-09-27T13:20:00.001-10:00

toby & pepper, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

toby and pepper are sticker dogs...
we do a supplement workbook for art and d loves it
he calls it "print and play time"
I call it..unleash your inner picasso time

a hybrid

2010-09-26T22:11:00.000-10:00

soccer star

2010-09-26T21:44:00.001-10:00

The coolest soccer player..ever!

He comes in for water and says...I'm doing a good job.

You are baby.

2010 Kaneohe Bay Airshow

2010-09-26T21:29:00.002-10:00

Mini Golf!

D & Papa

Looking into a tank

Flying High

My favorite smile

Our first air show ever...

coolbeans...

yummy treats..

comfy seats...

and super cool airplanes, jets, and everything D loves.

Quilty McQuilt

2010-09-26T21:15:00.003-10:00

The back

The front

My quilt holder :)

I blame other bloggers beautiful quilts for my desire to try hand quilting. It's not for me.

Around 7 months ago I started this quilt with every intention of finishing it within the month.

Not so. I grew tired of it very quickly. On Monday I walked by it and it reminded me of how pretty it was. I'm almost done and I'm happy to move onto other projects :)

soccer

2010-08-15T21:09:00.002-10:00

Tears welled up when I saw my baby in his cool soccer digs. He loves soccer, ever since we watched the world cup he has been super excited about joining a local soccer academy. He'll be learning basics, but really..he's already got a super kick. He's a total power-house on the field and I hope this becomes something we can enjoy as a family.

Sweet Baby Jack

2010-08-15T21:05:00.002-10:00

Sweet Baby Jack

"Aiding in another mommy's birth" was only the most awesome thing to happen this summer.

Coconut Chase 8k

2010-07-20T15:08:00.002-10:00

Team Liz rocked it.

HARD.

My coconuts were a hit.

This is the first race we've done together, but hopefully not the last.

Getting WORK done...

2010-07-20T15:05:00.003-10:00

Diego doesn't go to school.

He goes to WORK.

So he says.

Woof

2010-07-07T08:20:00.001-10:00

DSC_0082, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

She likes to say "Woof". She's also one of the coolest people I will EVER meet.

4th of July

2010-07-05T16:34:00.001-10:00

Hope everyone had fun with their sparklers!

A visit...

2010-07-05T16:17:00.001-10:00

God-Parents are the BEST.

2010-06-27T07:58:00.002-10:00

Everyone here likes watching the World Cup.

Diego is 4 and he will start soccer academy in August.

He can dribble (sort of) and sometimes remembers that you're not supposed to touch the ball with your hands to stop it.

His kick is fierce.

Although we've had a few hiccups here and there with his health lately, we still feel good about soccer being a nice option for a physical education for him.

He had a nice round of antibiotics last week that will help with a cold he has been trying to kick.

His godparents were here this past weekend and he was a little too sick to enjoy the island with them :( It is times like those when I tell myself that he will not always be like this, he will not always be 4, he will not always be on medication, and one day we will have moments in which we forget this ever happen.

For now...dominoes help.

2010-06-27T07:53:00.001-10:00

goodreads.com

one visit to Barnes & Noble...

books..

yum.

HAPPY

2010-06-27T07:48:00.001-10:00

"Where did Papa go?"

"You know where he went"

"When he comes back...he will bring....SPIN & FIX THOMAS!!!"

"He might...but chances are..you might not get that until Christmas or your Birthday"

"Yea, on Saturday"

Right On

Diego's Wish...

2010-06-13T19:56:00.001-10:00

DSC_0033, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

It happened very fast, it was very hot and we have lots of pictures to share. It was : 10 days, Orlando, rides, heat, and lots of parks to visit.
Every day was something new. Every day we had a new adventure to choose and we made memories for Diego we hope he will cherish. He deserves that and so much more.

Cookies...

2010-06-13T19:51:00.001-10:00

DSC_0107, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

I like baking..yes I do.
I like baking..for you :)

@nite

2010-05-20T11:53:00.001-10:00

iphone_photo, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Diego's 9th Lumbar Puncture

2010-05-17T13:23:00.001-10:00

DSC_0120, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

and a little something called intrathecal chemotherapy went well.
He wanted Papa.
Papa came home on Sunday and Diego got a new train.
He's on steroids and I'd like to make note that he's been very good lately. Usually, he goes nuts on the roids...not this time.
A tolerance?
Until I hit submit, which is when he'll probably throw something at me.
It's OK. We're OK. He's OK.

Byodo Temple...

2010-05-17T11:26:00.001-10:00

DSC_0324, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

is gorgeous on a Saturday morning.
By far one the cheapest (and most interesting) things to do on the island.
Make sure you go in the morning, the sunlight is a must.
Bring cash.
Ring the Bell.
Enjoy.

*There is a much bigger set of these...but they're labeled TOP SECRET and they will be revealed on June 20, 2010. :)

And We're Back....

2010-05-17T11:10:00.002-10:00

We needed a little time. We have a few things to share.

I no longer work.
Auntie Nathalie got a puppy.
Diego started Kindergarten at home. We use the Calvert Home school Curriculum.
Diego is on his 9th round of maintenance chemotherapy. There are 12 rounds altogether. Each round of chemotherapy is 12 weeks long and is concluded with a lumbar puncture.
Diego will be finished with chemotherapy and his treatment for leukemia on Feb 24Th, 2011. This date could change. Still, could this be the end of this journey?
I went back to school.

Everyone is OK...and OK is good. OK is actually great around here.

Oh Snap...

2010-03-15T20:47:00.001-10:00

IMG_0473, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

We're using scissors...
When I see my curtains with a trendy "fringe" I know who dunit

D's Longest Hike Ever!

2010-03-15T20:30:00.001-10:00

DSC_0051, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Folks on this trail were so impressed on how well D was doing. He hiked approximately one mile and still had energy to run and play afterwards.
I'm proud of my little boy who is hiking and loving it...and then chowing down with mama and papa.

Blogging from my phone..

2010-03-12T11:33:00.001-10:00

Because blogging on my computer will require another window.
And can't come with me to get a snack.

Yikes!

2010-03-12T10:49:00.002-10:00

Here's our Disney Trip..no excuses for not blogging anymore.

Life got in the way..

Diego is now 4~

I no longer work

We homeschool and go to school online...

Things have changed and we are rolling with the times!

Enjoy

In December...

2010-01-10T16:55:00.001-10:00

Ala Moana Beach Park, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

we met a few folks that ran for a cause. They ran for your cause baby. They met you and you weren't really interested in them, understandably..they're strangers.
Afterwards, you let me take your picture at the beach.
That was nice of you.
I'd like you to remember this day because this is the day that mama decided she would run for you too.
It may not be with those folks, but please know that it's for you.
It will always be for you.

This picture sums up the holidays...

2010-01-10T16:12:00.001-10:00

DSC_0713, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

We had food. So much food.
Thanksgiving was spent..having food.
Christmas Eve was spent..having more food..meeting Santa.
Christmas Day was spent cooking and eating food..and playing Rockband.
The holidays rocked.

Still Alive :)

2010-01-10T15:36:00.003-10:00

We are well..a little too well.
So well that I don't blog anymore.
Are you still there?
Photos today.

Making

2009-11-21T23:09:00.002-10:00

D and mommy painting, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Let's take this moment to...
be thankful that despite the economy and despite the constant loss of jobs left and right...mommy and papa have jobs.
Mommy and Papa will also see to it that we have a merry Christmas.
We are however..cutting back on a lot of spending during the holidays.
A handmade Christmas it will be...even if everyone gets their gifts in January...or February.
We got started today...and made some progress.
D also gets an A+ for sitting in the ceramic shop for nearly 5 hours without a tantrum or tear. He even got kudos from the shop manager. I'd show you what we made...but that would ruin it. I hope the 5 of you that read this blog don't see your gifts beforehand.
The holidays are coming...and we're psyched.

Va-Va-Voom

2009-11-21T23:03:00.001-10:00

Anthony & Nat, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

I'd like to think I had a part in her attending a ball.
Partly because, if we hadn't asked her to come out here..she would have never gone to one.
Just a wee little part.
At least one of us attended a ball this year!
Best Dressed 2009: AUNTIE NATHALIE

HUGs Enchanted Forest

2009-11-21T23:00:00.001-10:00

HUGs Enchanted Forest, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

He was enchanted alright. Enchanted with CANDY. As if we hadn't gotten enough of it during Halloween..there was more to come.
Our awesome support group, the HUGS organization invited us to an Enchanted Forest night sponsored by a local restaurant chain here.
I am always skeptical of attending any special events when T isn't here because I'm a little frightened of ever having to reign a tantrum ridden mega-boy. He's not exactly a featherweight.
Luckily, they were cool with my bringing Auntie along and good fun was had by all. Despite the fact that most people called her "Trinity" (because she was wearing T's name tag) I think she had a good time too.
It's apparent D had candy and lots of it. But, we also had delicious food, and were once again reminded of just how strong all the families that are and have been in our shoes really are. I can't say I've ever been any event where everyone was in such fantastic costumes and kept their roles the entire time..all for the sake of these children. Amazing.
D had his first candied apple..OBVIOUSLY...and still ate dinner. Much to the chagrin of the weird chick commenting on my letting him lick his apple before dinner. Ha!
I hope they do this again next year..and now I can at least say I'm not scared to try going to events..because all I have to do is whip out a candied apple and voila!..well behaved child!

Patriot 5K

2009-11-21T22:53:00.001-10:00

Patriot's 5K, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

I didn't quite run this.
D weighs 50 lbs. I'd like to see you push him in a jogging stroller he's too big for.
Nathalie ran with a little Lady :)
Thanks Jen and Mik....good fun was had.

All the way from Virginia...

2009-11-21T22:51:00.001-10:00

Family, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

We saw D's godfather on his way to a deployment out in the pacific...
8 months ago.
We weren't supposed to see him on the way home. We got lucky, very lucky. After a quick phonecall, a tired marine awaited us in the lobby of a nearby hotel.
D recognized him and I just about cried.
We got in some good play time and conversation.
I think we're visiting next year.
D's face says it all :)

2 YEARS!

2009-11-08T18:54:00.003-10:00

2 YEARS!, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

2 years...I'm floored at the passage of time.
It's both good and bad.
He's changed so much.
So much has changed.

I wish I would've picked a better outfit for him.
I'm thankful that's my main worry when I look at these pictures!

My wish for him seemed a lot like last year's...that's a good thing.

His papa's wish included something about zomies..that's a good thing too.

Auntie Nathalie's was sweet.

And his wish had the number 2 in it. Appropriate.

Our worries are small..we wanted that.

He wants me to go play Wii Sports now...he can kick some bad ass at swordplay...that's a really good thing.

Thanks to our friends and family.Always.We wouldn't be this happy without being able to share it with you.

Nintendo Gang

2009-11-02T20:06:00.001-10:00

Nintendo Gang, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Hope Everyone had a Happy Halloween...

Candy was passed out..collected..and smiles all around.

These costumes have been ready to go since early September...the anticipation has been insane!

Our papa couldn't be Luigi (he's out in the pacific again!)..but our friend Anthony pulled through to complete our gang.

HOTNESS.

No really...it was HOT.

D was the best Mario..EVER.

Afterwards..we ate candy..watched some movies..skyped with Papa..and the young bucks went out on the town.
D and I went to bed with happy candy thoughts. :)

Next year..bigger and badder.

The Dinosaurs

2009-10-26T20:50:00.002-10:00

BISHOP MUSEUM, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Friday and Saturday were spent inside...with a bad cough, runny nose and cranky baby.

D is all about dinosaurs right now, pretending to be a vicious raptor every now and then.

Therefore, we told him there was a museum we could take him to that had dinosaurs.

Sunday he woke up feeling much better.

Boatloads of hand sanitizer later, our biggest worry was how we were going to get him close enough to the dinosaurs to get a decent photo.

"Im going to see some dinosaurs," he told the lady at the admissions counter.
100 yards later it was,"can we go back to the car, please!"

They were huge...mega huge.

After some coaxing..hugging..begging..we went inside and were out in less than 10.

The rest of the trip was spent enjoying the rest of the museum...sans dinosaurs.

He just wasn't ready and frankly, they were kind of scary.

Maybe next time.. :)

*When I got home from work today he said,"ARE YOU READY TO BE A DINOSAUR?"

New webpage look...

2009-10-24T22:14:00.001-10:00

Getting this on here took FOREVER. I'm not changing it again..EVER.

Finding the "PERFECT" pumpkin

2009-10-24T21:00:00.001-10:00

My pumpkin, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

D, Rickey, Nat and I went out to the find the perfect pumpkin.

We found 5.

Cuddles

2009-10-20T22:45:00.001-10:00

Love, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Fun stuff left and right..busy bees..cuddling on the couch after a long day at the pumpkin patch is AWESOME.

Lovely

2009-10-20T22:30:00.001-10:00

DSC_0169, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

I got to do a very quick shoot...
with very nice people...
who were here on vacation...
and who also happen to have one heck of an awesome baby.

Waimea Falls

2009-10-12T13:52:00.001-10:00

Waimea Falls, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

....cake...and turning 25

2009-10-11T09:28:00.002-10:00

I've had so much cake...
Ice Cream cake on Thursday courtesy of my co-workers...
Bunco Cake on Friday..that I made...AND Pumpkin spice cake that our friend April made...
Chocolate Mousse cake on Saturday that my honey got for my actual birthday..
too much cake...

I'm 25..got a new tattoo..received some awesome gifts and had a lovely day :)

Team "D"

2009-10-04T17:00:00.002-10:00

Team "D", originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

Last night was the Liz Family's 2nd annual Light the Night event...

We raised $1058!

We walked within one mass group around the water park...with our flickering balloons..

red for us...white for D...

and then played in the water park..at night.

It was...AWESOME.

Thanks to our friends that walked with us..and to those who donated. You've touched our hearts and we are blessed to have friends like you.

The highlight of D's evening was being able to go down the water slide all by himself...
mine was handing in our final check...$500 from a lovely man named Michael DiSeveria courtesy of my mom..and seeing our final amount blow our goal through the roof. I had a tear in my eye at seeing just how many will help..if you just ask.
T says thank you thank you thank you....drinks on him.

Here's to a bigger and better next year!

Our Joseph...

2009-09-24T23:14:00.001-10:00

joseph 197, originally uploaded by senorita mommy.

and my rented D300!

I'm like that relative...

2009-09-24T23:03:00.003-10:00

who only calls for money...
we need it :)
WE'RE WALKING LIGHT THE NIGHT..FOR D AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS FOUGHT, IS FIGHTING AND WILL FIGHT BLOOD CANCERS
DONATE :)
Miss you all!

Not just a trip to the zoo..

2009-08-31T21:17:00.002-10:00

This weekend's trip to the zoo taught me that...
*tantrums will someday be a thing of the past....
*the zoo can actually be a lot of fun...
*strollers may be already be a thing of the past..
*my baby will not be my baby forever...
*we will not live here forever..unfortunately..
*firetrucks at the zoo rock..
*noodles after the zoo rock...
*naps at home rock...

Going to the zoo this weekend was indeed the most enjoyable outing we've had in a while. The weekends are too precious to do nothing with them and something as simple as the zoo can turn into a wonderful day that showed me just how grown up my baby boy is. Then again..it's taken me at least 45 min to write this post because I have to "close my eyes for a surprise..." and am repeatedly asked, "Can we build it?"....YES WE CAN!

Note:
Lumbar puncture #12 is on Wednesday....

A picture...of pictures

2009-08-25T21:14:00.003-10:00

When I looked at this wall this evening it made me smile.

On top is a random flower T brought home...because he thought I would like it. I did.

The print on the bottom is a gift to myself, it reminds me of home. The cherry blossoms in D.C. are something I really didn't think I would miss, alas I was wrong. I miss them dearly but this keeps the flowers and what they represent close to me. Also it was taken by THE badass herself. Does it get any better?

The "L"...was steal a local shop. :)

One really happy chick..

2009-08-24T22:47:00.005-10:00

Nathalie & Bj Penn
THE book.

As she approached us, looking like a ray of sunshine, she broke down what had just happened to her and there was one sentence in particular that really summed up her 2 seconds with him, "He kissed me on the cheek..." Enough Said.

We also happened to have an amazingly well behaved child at the bookstore who made out with new paints and a puzzle...score for him. After some Zpizza we headed on home, tired and happy..to a skype date and some wine. A day well spent.

*Note..the dentist did NOT go so smoothly. One massive bite mark later I realized I really wished our T-bird had been there. :/ At least his teeth are "shiny" now.

A fast week..and then some

2009-08-21T20:41:00.003-10:00

This week...
*we struggled without a Papa..he's gone off to fight ninjas and buy fake designer handbags...hehe...he'll be back soon enough.
*hung some curtains (a big undertaking...believe me)
*pimped out a fish tank
*had some dental work done..ouch! Apparently fillings don't last forever.
*watched A Christmas Story for the millionth time...D can't wait for the holidays
*purchased our tickets to Disneyland...D's birthday..again with the Christmas
*most of all...we prepped D for his own teeth cleaning tomorrow. Unfortunately, when I asked D what the dentist did I got a run down of what his chemo sessions are...Nathalie said it broke her heart because that's all D knows when it comes to doctors. We decided to try a different approach than just bribing him with toys and promises of trains. Behold...the video we've seen on a continuous loop for the past 30 minutes.

I wish youtube had replay button...
Wish us luck..we're going to need it.