Padres Opening Day

Considering how much daddy loves baseball, he doesn't usually miss this day. After we started dating, we have always gone to opening day together, we even took Sascha when she was 4 months old, but sadly I haven't been since. So this year we decided we were going and were able to score some really great tickets on the roof of the Western Metal Supply Building with food and drinks included! At first we only had 2 tickets, but slowly we were able to get 2 more thanks to our aunt Fran (Grandma Laurie's sister). We took Aaron for getting straight A's last semester, and because he loves baseball (it's his last year playing for Little League and he's super into it), and we also took my dad who is learning more and more about the game now that his grandson is so amped on it. Also it was his 65th Bday just a few weeks ago, so a perfect opportunity to treat him to this Opening Day Experience. We all got off work early and headed down to Petco Park. We even got lucky with a free parking spot (that has never happened to us on Opening Day, but then again I don't think we've ever gotten there before 2pm either)

We watched some batting practice, ate food, and before we knew it the game had begun. Unfortunately the Padre's lost, but I think we all had a really good time at the Park. 

It was a gorgeously perfect day to be outside!

 Group Shot of the 4 of us

And the rest of the photos also taken with my phone and modified with Instagram

Our New Pet... Beta Fish

 A few months ago Sascha brought home a fish bowl with an envelope inside that said "Good for 1 Goldfish" with a dollar bill in it. Our next door neighbor Torrey brought it over after they had taken Sascha to an Elementary school fair. She said that Sascha had won it. I have a feeling they added the fish bowl as a bonus and brought it over for her. They are such a sweet family and we are so lucky to have them as our neighbors. Sascha absolutely adores the girls and wants to play with them all the time... but back to the fish bowl...It has been sitting in the kitchen window for a while now. She hasn't asked about it... not sure if she forgot or just didn't care.

We decided this weekend to take the kids to Petco (this was instead of going to the zoo... daddy's idea of course). Right before we got Sascha out of the car, daddy told her "You can pick out a pet fish to take home with us!" She was beyond excited. She could hardly get through looking at the cats, dogs and other animals without asking when will we go pick out a fish. The kids had a great time checking out all the different animals, little C would make all sort of noises watching the birds and the cats, and he's always loved looking at the dogs.

So when it was time to get her Beta Fish, she asked for a purple one... huge surprise there! We searched and searched and found the only purple beta (it's really more of a maroon color, but in different light it does have some purple streaks). She named it Pascal (yes, like the chameleon in the movie Tangled). She picked out the rainbow colored pebbles, and a little plant. We let her hold it in the car and told her that she has to be super careful because the fish really doesn't like to be rocked.

We came home and prepped the fish bowl, but couldn't put the fish in until the water was the same temperature as the room, so we waited to actually put the fish in till the next day. She was very helpful and patient. We even found a shell that we placed in the fishbowl and a little piece of coral (I am pretty sure we brought that coral from Bora Bora - our honeymoon... but I haven't seen it in years.) It turned out to be a very pretty and bright fishbowl, I think we were both happy with the results.

The fish refused to eat the flaky food we bought it, and then I remembered about the other food that they usually like so I replaced it and a few days later Pascal started eating! Yay, we were a bit worried there...

Also she renamed the fish mid-week and said that he is no longer Pascal, but his new name is now Pete. It was on a day I stayed home with her sick, and she asked if we can call daddy at work and let him know his new name, haha, funny girl. Apparently she remembered some Mickey movie or series where Mickey had a pet fish named Pete. So here we are owners of a new fish named Pete. Both kids really enjoy watching him and feeding him, so far so good. Lets hope Pete has a long life span. :)

 Our new pet Pascal... or Pete (next week he may have a new name so stayed tuned)

Watching and waiting

Cameron's First Haircut

My dear baby boy, I have not been looking forward to this day, and even though you ended up walking out a handsome little boy after your haircut, I still look at you and feel just a little bit sad.

It's always so strange to me to have this mix of emotions. On one hand I can't wait for you to get bigger, to become a little boy, a little man, to see what's in store for you. However, I feel a little bit of sadness with each little step you take, as you get more independent and now able to reach the top of the dining table or a counter top, as you start to climb up the stairs when we forget to close the gate, and yes as you get your first hair cut.

It was due. I knew it, and daddy convinced me that we needed to take you. The curls on the back would get all tangled up and I couldn't even brush them anymore, they started to turn into little tiny fuzz balls. April 1st was the day.

So I called and made an appointment for Sunday afternoon. You weren't happy about getting your hair cut. You tried to escape as soon as I sat you down on the chair, so I had to sit in the chair and hold you. You cried, twisted and turned, but we accomplished what we set out to do. The girl cutting your hair was very sweet and even gave you a lollipop. Sometimes you focused on Elmo which was playing in front of you or snacks that I brought which made you stop crying for a few moments, but most of the time you weren't happy to be there until she was done. It turned out super cute! It wasn't very short and we could still see the curls, they were just more of tamed waves. You are such a handsome little guy! And for all your hard work you got to enjoy a lollipop, your 2nd one ever!

Now I really need to figure out how we can attempt to cut your hair at home.

Seriously check out the crazy hair in that before photo. Crying... what he did most of the hair cutting process.
Pure cuteness... it's actually tamed, it doesn't look like much hair was cut on top... but there was.
Enjoying his lollipop.

Just to make it official

March fun

I have apparently missed a few weeks of fun! I am glad I had my phone to remind me. As I was looking through some of these pictures I realized I never posted any of these...

How cute is the photo of the kids holding hands next to the fountains. As hard as it was trying to keep them out of the water as they got braver and braver, it was worth while to see the excitement on their faces as they ran across the area in fear of one of the water streams getting them soaked. Matty, Ben and Sascha had a great time playing after dinner and yogurt.
We finally made it out to Aaron's baseball game. Cameron pointed at the ball a few dozen times and said "Ball"




The kids just love being outside, so playing out in the yard has been a favorite. Either picking rocks, or picking flowers, or playing with a watering can, they keep themselves very busy. Cameron attempts to do just about everything that Sascha does to keep up with her. We also did some planting in our so call "Herb Garden". Sascha helped me plant carrots, turnips, cantaloupe, green onion, mint, and thanks to Baba for planting tomatoes. We also celebrated Deda's 65th Birthday at PF Changs and I must say the kids were on their best behavior! Sascha was busy w/her Tag Books and ate her entire chicken and rice meal, and Cameron was totally content people watching and then eating in his high chair, so it was a very enjoyable eating out experience.




A Few more of us playing inside with some awesome star sunglasses, cars and crafts, and playing outside

Enjoying the moments... Photo Update

Although it's been a bit chilly lately, we are enjoying our time outside. Parks or our own back yard have been more than enough to explore and play at. Daddy had a great time making laps on the flying turtle with both kids on it.

We were also finally healthy enough to visit a few friends who have just had new babies. We stayed away long enough so that we wouldn't spread our "fabulous" germs, but finally everyone felt well for some quick visits and dinner drop offs, and most importantly I got to hold new babies! :)
After the first visit, I thought it was almost strange that neither Sascha or Cameron seemed jealous that I was holding another child, a sweet little baby boy JP. Leaving the house however, Sascha had a full on melt down. We later found out it's all because she wanted to be picked up and carried to the car... like a baby! Of course our hands were full w/Cameron and a bag that we didn't even realize it. We thought she was having a fit because she didn't want to leave someone's house (which happens often!). Once she calmed down and explained that she wanted to be held, it all kind of made sense. So when we got home, I had her sit in my lap and we rocked, hugged, and cuddled. So while I thought they didn't care, the kids very much noticed that the whole time I held "another baby". They pay very good attention to our actions, even when we hardly notice what we are doing. There I was cradling my 4 year old and enjoying every moment of it!
Cameron is a total wiggle warm himself. He hardly sits still, even after bath time. I have to put a toy in his hand so that he is focused on something and doesn't escape from the changing table while I am putting on his diaper. The last 2 pictures were taken on the day we went for his 15 month well visit at the doctor. He of course ran around the office like an energizer bunny. Luckily I brought a ball that he chased all around the small room which kept him busy while we waited. He is finally over 20 lbs!
20 lbs 12 oz - 4%
32.25 inches - 73 %
He's tall and lean just like his sister.
He of course hated the 2 shots he received and screamed loudly after each one, but this time he was old enough to receive a lollipop as a reward. His first lolipop... and I got a quick photo of it while he was in the back seat diligently sucking on it. To say that he enjoyed it would be an understatement.


Love this  little collage of Cameron outside, he is always such a happy boy running around outside. There are endless things there for him to find and explore. On St. Patrick's Day we weren't very festive, but we did go to a friends house for a party (no photos... oops), and then we were off to celebrate my brother -in- law's birthday at Buca Di Beppo.  More photos of Cameron playing outside, he loves carrying around that hola hoop. The last one is of Sascha and Sadie after their dance class. They just love playing together, and after their class we usually have a play date at one of our houses.



Last Saturday morning we made it out to a HS in San Marcos where our friend organizes a wellness Fair every year. We started out with a 2 mile walk. Cameron was in the stroller and Sascha walked part of the way until she started to complain, so daddy put her on his shoulders. Then we were off to compete in some challenges and obsticle courses. Our biggest challenge was to keep up with Cameron as he proceeded to run like crazy on the football field. He'd look back at us, and then try to run even faster, what fun! Sascha had a blast trying new activities with daddy, and hanging out w/her buddy Kingston.
On Sunday we anticipated rain, however the day started out sunny so we headed to a park where Sascha drew what she called a rainbow. She has been drawing lines in different colors on paper, and on sidewalk. She lines up all her colors and then goes on to use every one of them in a very meticulous way, one after another drawing a bunch of lines. She called it a rainbow. Later we met up with the cousins to take some photos in their Easter dresses. So very cute! Cameron got a new suit! He of course was not willing to cooperate. This has got to be the hardest age to photograph. He just kept running out... this is also why I don't do studio photos. :) The girls however looked precious with their matching headbands, dresses and shoes. On the way to visit baby girl Nora, Sascha was exhausted so she fell asleep in the car. I had to snap a quick photo because... well it was just too sweet to miss, and appreciate. While Cameron was not on his best behavior and kept getting fussy in his car seat, she peacefully slept.

A funny  little side story:
Sascha loves music, she sings and dances all the time. She knows a lot of songs that are "popular" now or have been before and even asks for certain ones when we are driving like Adele - "Someone like you" or Katy Perry, or Rhianna. The other day she came home singing the chorus to a Lady Gaga song "Bad Romance"  - "Ooo - la - ra- ra - ra....". She said a girl at school was singing it and that how she learned it from her. I must say it's the most annoying song Sascha could have picked to sing over and over again. It drives me crazy! She is so like her dad having a song stuck in her head singing it non-stop.
So the other night, I pick her up off the bed to take her potty (she was totally asleep). As I carry her into the bathroom she sings the chorus of the song. It cracked me up! She even sings it in her sleep!

Sickies in March

Seems like our troubles have started back in January... and we still haven't recovered. Lets face it being sick is no fun. Having sick kids is really no fun, but having sick kids and being sick yourself is just awful! Luckily we didn't over lap too much, but it came close.
We were on our way to a friends birthday party when Sascha felt sick in the car. She complained of a tummy ache that morning, and I thought it was just because she was hungry so I made her eat (not a good idea when the kid has a stomach bug!). All of her breakfast came out in my car. So needless to say we turned the car around and she missed out on a really fun party for her friend's Bree's birthday. Poor kid had a stomach ache most of the day, ate very little (and I didn't push it this time), had fallen asleep and then had a 101 fever, but felt much better after we gave her medicine. The next day she seemed fine. Yay!

The day after I went to work and started feeling pretty tired in the afternoon. No biggie... since I am always tired these days, hah... the joy of parenthood. Plus it was a Monday, so people always feel a bit sluggish on Mondays. Little did I know that I was in for a big surprise. I have never had a Stomach flu, and once it hit, things got pretty brutal. I am so glad the kids were put to bed by then and didn't even wake up when the ambulance was called. Yes I got to ride in an ambulance to the ER! To spare way too many details, I kept passing out, so J couldn't get me to ER any other way. I certainly scared the living lights out of him every time I blacked out. It happened 5 times, after the 2nd time he had our doctor paged and was advised to call 911. Apparently I may have what is called a Vasovagal reflex where you pass out due to some triggers. Plus I was dehydrated. So the wonderful people in ER made me feel much better after 2 bags of fluids through the IV and some anti-nausea medicine and we were on our way home by 4AM.

Of course we had to call my mom to stay with the kids, and little did we know my mom actually had the same stomach bug, and started getting sick as well, so she had to call my dad to come over in the middle of the night. I was pretty useless the rest of that day and didn't get up much, but started to feel better towards the evening. It was so hard to keep away from the kids, but in no way shape or form did I want to pass on this horrible sickness to them. Luckily I think at least I succeeded at that.

The next Sunday we found out Sascha had once again gotten sick with a UTI. We avoided having to go to Children's ER, and were able to see her pediatrician and start antibiotics. Now we have to repeat the VCUG test (dreading it already!) and the ultrasound. I was in shock... why? why now again? after over a year and half UTI free, the surgery was proven successful. What happened? I was so upset and emotional that day, I just couldn't' help it. I thought we were done with this whole VUR thing, isn't that why we had decided on the surgery in the first place? It sucks feeling this helpless, especially with your children. After the initial shock and sadness wore off, I realized this is completely out of our control, and once again we just have to believe and hope for the best, because there is really no point in mopping around.

Until we do the tests (which our guess will tells us that there is no reflux... since it's been fixed), we won't really know. We're trying to change a few potty habits, like drinking more, going potty every few hours and not waiting until she really really has to go (she does that a lot!) and also no more baths, she will have to start getting used to big girl showers! So we'll see if that makes a difference.

The next weekend, I had high hopes. No more sick babies or parents! Not so fast... we went to yet another Bday celebration and Cameron got sick and vomited all over me and himself. Oh boy! When does it end?
I also wasn't feeling so hot that day... but poor Cameron! I have no idea what it was too because poor kid got his 15 month shots on Friday, and then daddy gave him his first bites of a peanut butter sandwich, and you got sick an hour after and had red marks on your face and were itching your neck. So was this a virus? an allergic reaction to peanuts? I have no idea... you slept for a little while, then woke up crying to I held you and you fell asleep for another hour in my arms and then seemed perfectly happy. No fever. Still woke up the next day with a runny nose and bad cough.

So the fun in the Lewis household continues. I am really not sure why it's so bad this year, but every week I hope that this is the tail end of it. Both daddy and I also have mild colds right now, nothing too terrible just runny noses and coughs. I guess I can handle that... nor do I have a choice.

Well I hope we are back to healthy by the end of the week and it stays that way!

Meanwhile here are some photos from the some fun things we did in the last few weeks despite being sick.
A few from a park outing with great grandma Dotti... it was brrr cold that evening!
Daddy never says no to some tent building in the family room. Even Cameron and I climbed right in.


The girls next door heard that Sascha was sick and made her lemonade, lemon cupcakes and brownies from the lemons picked in our back yard. Kids swinging after dance class.
Deda and Baba went out to dinner and dessert with us.
Cameron after his bath... I was contemplating getting him a haircut, but then decided to wait a little while longer... it's just too sad for me to cut his adorably precious little curls off! He will look like a boy from then on and not a baby. I am just not sure I am ready for it.


Daddy and kiddos swinging in the kitchen. Cameron playing with his cars. Cameron waiting in the dance studio. Pictures of La Jolla and our wonderful morning breakfast (the kids were  at grandpa David's house for the night) so we got a date night and a morning all to ourselves. It was a perfect day at the beach.Yippee!
Celebrating more March Birthdays at Benihana, morning snuggles and cartoons.
Kids enjoying my a juice I made (my newest purchase  - a Juicer, in attempts to create some healthy eating and drinking habits) Who knows may be it will prevent us from getting sick so often.