4 months and FABULOUS

Sunday, August 30th

Our sweet little girl Lola is 4 months old today. She is just so precious and smiles all the time. She learned how to roll from her tummy to her back. We are having an issue with sleeping at night. She goes to bed around midnight, wakes at 2 or 4, then again at 5:30, then Angelo wakes up at 7:30!! YIKES. Mommy is getting no sleep!

We had a mini photo session at the house today. Here are some of the shots!

Look at those chubby legs! So cute!

Lola also had her first taste of rice cereal today. I'm hoping that she will start eating this a little more so her belly stays full longer (then we get more sleep!) This girl wants to eat ALL THE TIME (hence, the chubby thighs!)

Here is her first bite! She was more concerned with her feet!

Not too much cereal went in the mouth, but we will keep practicing! She wasn't a huge fan as of yet!

Rocco's New House

Saturday, August 29th

We had lunch today with one of our good friends, Andrea and her husband Brian. It was great to sit and talk. We are going to miss Andrea when she leaves us to be with her husband (GASP!) in Cali. At least it will give me an excuse to go visit.

We went to Rocco's new crib tonight to celebrate his birthday and see their new amazing house! That's one lucky little boy! Angelo and Rocco had a great time, giggling and playing. I didn't hear any of the "MINEs" this time. They just really enjoyed playing and wrestling!

Busy Day!

Friday, August 28th

Whew! Today was a busy day! Angelo had his meet the teacher this morning at Mount Gilead Baptist Church. He had a great time playing and meeting his new teachers, Ms. Jamie and Ms. Melissa. He has four girls and four boys in his class. He was so excited playing that he didn't even want to leave! Threw out a few "NO"s when it was time to go! I guess that's a good sign though. His buddy Claire goes to this school too so we decided to take the kids to the park since it was such a nice morning. (Can't wait for fall!) Then off to McDonald's for lunch.

Tonight we were invited by Angelo's friend, Sailer, to come to Timarron Country Club to see some zoo animals, eat and play games. I had pumped up Angelo all week to go see the "amils". I think he was expecting to see elephants... at least that's what he kept telling me we were going to see. We got there a little late (30 min!) so we missed most of the animals. Angelo was wondering, "Where amils go mommy??!" oops! But he still had a blast running and playing with Sailer. I just knew at one point when he was rolling around on the floor that we were going to be asked to leave! lol We were pretty much the last ones to leave. He had a great time! I definitely need to make it up to him and take him to the zoo! (when the weather gets cooler!)

I'd also like to mention that it was a year ago today that sweet baby Angelo broke his leg! Hopeto stay accident free this year! Here's a pic of his cast from when he was 13 months old.

Sick Baby

Angelo was not yelling for me this morning when I woke up, so when I went in, this poor little boy was laying in his bed all teary eyed telling me his back hurt??! WHAT. I knew it. The second I decide to finally get this MMR shot something terrible happens. I brought him downstairs and he started making this pitiful choking noise... then PUKES. Nice. I take his temp and it's only about 99.4. So, I'm frantically reading the side effects from the MMR shot and the flu nasal spray one he got. and these are 2 of the side effects of the flu one... so I calm down. The day progresses and he seems to get a little better by dinnertime. We'll see how tomorrow goes... I got a few quick shots of the two of them hanging out on the counter while I hurried around trying to make Angelo his lunch. Lola doesn't really love this Bumbo seat yet. She's still a little wobbly.
After dinner I decided to let Angelo help me make some cupcakes since they are his favorite and he felt so bad today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Angelo's 2 year checkup

Monday, August 24

Angelo had his two year checkup today. Here are his stats:

Weighs 30 lbs. 75% in weight
37 inches 100% in height (WHAT??) I hope he takes after my brother and will be TALL!
75% head circ.
15 BMI (didn't know they did this one)



He finally had his MMR shot. I know he was supposed to get it at one year, but I delayed as long as possible. He did AWESOME! No crying, just gave me a quick "WTH" look??! I had brought some new matchbox cars for his enjoyment so that was a fabulous distraction. Plus he got a sucker at the end. (Which he never gets... so definitely a treat!)

I can't believe how big he is getting. He speaks in sentences, can say his ABC's, sings songs, counts to 10 in english and Spanish. He's just growing up so FAST! I love this age. Even if he is HARD sometimes. The dr. said he does need to get RID of the "popeye" AKA pacifer. I just know it will be a BEATDOWN. Mommy isn't ready for that... We will work on it. Nighttime only ALL WEEK. Then maybe this weekend we will try to break the habit. But it's hard esp. with school starting next week. But he didn't ask for his paci all day, then finally at 7:15 he started asking me for it. He knows we keep some in the drawer in the kitchen, so he just goes and gets it. I could tell he was getting tired. He always wants it when he's tired. Sweet baby.

I feel like I talk a lot about Angelo and not much about Miss Lola. I guess it's just because Angelo does more things. I'm going to start trying to include her more! Let's see... She slept in her swing, ate, pooped, talked, slept, ate, pooped... lol No she does more than that. She really enjoys watching Angelo. Some things you say to her bring out a laugh which is the cutest thing I've ever heard.

Sunday, August 23

Morning came early in the Renda household! But we did make it to our second church service in a row. We weren't quite as late, but we still can't seem to get there on time. Lola was asleep when we got there, but of course woke up and started "talking". For dinner we went to my parents house and Angelo got to swim with mimi. Just an overall lazy day! Last day of summer for my mom. Her school starts tomorrow!!

Dinner Date

Saturday, August 22

Rudy and I went to dinner with some new friends tonight, Mark and Tara. I was a little nervous, I know Tara and I get along (and our kids!), but wanted the hubbies to get along as well. They hit it off great and a fun night was had by all. Mark has some pretty funny stories to tell! The only subject I told Rudy to stay away from was politics... well, 3 bottles of wine later I guess he felt that rule didn't apply to him! But despite the political talk we had a great time and can't wait for Rock Band at the James' house! It's always nice to get out without the kids. I feel like we do it so infrequently. I tend to use up my babysitters during the week, so I don't want to bother them on the weekend! But now that school has started, maybe it will be easier to get someone over here on an occassional weekend! I just need Miss Lola to go to sleep for anyone else besides me! I think as soon as she starts taking a bottle it will be easier to leave her!

JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!

Friday, August 21
Since my little daredevil has endless amounts of energy, we went to Boomerangs in Hurst. We met up with Twila, Claire and Ella for some lunch and play time. I had never been to this place before, but it was great because he could jump (for $3) and have some lunch while Twila and I sat and chatted. He had a great time following Claire and Ella around.

Play Time for the kids and for Mom!

Angelo's pal Sailer came over to play this morning and brought her little brother, Lincoln to play with Lola. Angelo had a few sharing issues, and only pushed and hit her like 100 times!!! But Sailer is tough and gives it right back (which is probably good for Angelo since he's usually the one dishing it out!) Finally after about 2 hours they started to really play. But of course, it was time to go by then! OH Well... next time.

Lola and Lincoln (born one day apart)

Sailer and Angelo (3 months apart)

Here's a shot of the whole bunch. Not the best shot, but what do you expect??!

I got to go to Supper Club tonight at Bolla in the Stoneleigh Hotel with my single girl friends. I had a great time catching up and hearing all the escapades of single life! They left me to continue their evening and this mamma came home! I can't hang anymore!!! Whoever thought I'd ever say that??!?

Fun With Fingerpaint

Wednesday, August 19th
Here is just a quick pic of Angelo and Lola watching Baby Einstein. I put it on for Lola so I could do a few things, but then I caught Angelo watching it just as intently as her!

We had fun fingerpainting today for the first time. I'm usually that anal mom who doesn't like to get things dirty. I have decided to let it go a little more and just let him get dirty. Dirt never hurt! So, here is Angelo getting to fingerpaint (minus clothes of course) in his playroom. Wasn't too bad! He was a little unsure about it so it didn't get as messy as I thought!

Play Time with 2 Wild Boys

Monday, August 17th Today was a difficult day in the Renda household. I had to learn how to be a mommy all over again. I've had the pleasure of having my mom around all summer to help me with these kids and today she went back to work! (sniffle sniffle) Angelo asked where Mimi was quite a few times today.

By the end of the day, he had moved on to crying for Rocco to come play. So, thankfully, Rocco was able to come over for dinner and play time. These two little boys are only a month apart and are WILD!!! They played in the tent, on the train, then finally talked Raquel into taking them to play outside. Next thing I know, we've got two naked babies running around in and out of the pool. Raquel motions to me to grab some swimmers and the next thing I know, Raquel is fishing Angelo out of the pool fully clothed! My little daredevil has jumped in sans water wings. Hence the urgent need for a pool fence now. We can't wait any longer. Angelo gets bolder by the day around the pool. Just makes us WAY too nervous! So, the search for a pool fence is on! I hate how they look, but I can just deal with it for a few years! I would also like to mention that I ended up in the pool fully clothed as well. Angelo jumped off the diving board and one of his water wings fell off, so mommy jumped in as well! I mean, if the new neighbors saw us, I'm sure they thought we were straight out of the trailer park!

Today was Miss Lola's first church service. Of course, we were 30 minutes late and almost decided not to go in because we were so embarrassed, but thanks to Angelo for throwing a fit, we went in. Angelo was actually excited for the first time that I've seen to go into church and play. Yeah! Now I don't feel bad dropping him off crying and worrying the whole service that he is miserable. He's getting to be such a big boy. He talks in sentences and says words that I had no idea he knew. My brother, Bryan, came in town from Houston yesterday, so we were graced with his presence at dinner.

Bubba gave Lola a piggy back ride. Notice her face... She seems scared! lol Right after this pic, Angelo ran off and my mom almost dropped her on the ground... Thanks, Mimi!

Haircuts and Cupcakes

Today Angelo got a new haircut! These were the instructions I gave Rudy before they left. "I don't care if you get it cut short, but leave it long enough so I can put some gel in it and spike it up." This is the final product... hmmm, not the same thing!
He looked bald the first time I saw him, but it's growing on me now. Just a little longer and I would really like it! Don't have to worry about fixing his hair when we leave the house now! One less thing!

We headed over to Durham's 4th birthday party today. Angelo was super excited to tell him, "Happy Birthday Durham!" We've had so many birthday parties lately that Angelo doesn't understand that not all gifts are for him to open and take home! But of course his favorite part is swimming and ...

eating CUPCAKES! He would eat those for breakfast, lunch and dinner if we let him! This kid has a major sweet tooth!... just like his mama! :) He can't even be bothered to use utensils. Just his mouth.

Jump Zone

Friday, August 14th
This morning I took Angelo (& Lola) to Jump Zone in Southlake. We had never been before, so wasn't sure what to expect, but since this kid loves to jump, I was hoping it would wear some of his energy out! Here he is working up the courage to go down the big slide. It took him a few tries, but then he was a pro! He would come flying down the slide laughing hysterically. He had a good time, and we will for sure be back!
We met cousin Rocco up there. He wasn't as adventurous as my little daredevil, but they had fun regardless!

Play time at Dom's

We made our daily Starbucks run this morning and on the way home, Angelo screamed "NO!" as soon as we turned onto our street and he cried to go see his buddy Dominic down the street. "Mommy, I go Dom's house!" So, I made a quick circle and headed down to see Dom. Luckily, they were home or we would have had a huge meltdown!

Dinner Date

Wednesday, April 12th
I got to go out to dinner tonight with my old college friend, Amy. We've been trying to plan something forever and it never works out (always my fault of course!) So, thank you to my mother in law for watching Angelo and my mom and dad for watching Lola! We were craving steak so we met up at Del Frisco's in Dallas. I did get the dreaded call when we were paying the tab that it was time for me to come home. :) But it was nice while it lasted! Good to catch up with my old partner in crime. Now I just live vicariously through her!

Elephants! Oh My!

Tuesday, August 11th
Today we did a trial class for my little monkey at Little Gym. I figured since he loves to jump and crawl on everything that maybe it's time to cancel our membership to Gymboree and start some form of gymnastics! He loved it! There is a lot of movement: running and jumping and flipping. Right up Angelo's alley. I think he will enjoy this and maybe one day be on the Olympic Gymnastics team!

The circus is in town this week, so we braved the crowds in downtown Ft. Worth to go see the elephants walk down the street. I had never been before, so I figured we'd all go and see what it was all about. Angelo was pretty pumped before we got there, but didn't make too big a fuss once they were actually in front of him. He sat on the shoulders of my uncle Dennis for the best seat.

Afterwards we decided to go eat at Mi Cocina. While waiting for our table, my precious little girl started screaming. Of course by this time she was hungry. I didn't want to feed her in the bathroom at mi cocina, so I bravely put on my big girl panties and decided to feed my baby in public. For all of those who know me well, I DO NOT DO THIS EVER. I go out of my way to make sure I am in private to breastfeed. So, this was a pretty big deal to me. I had no other choice so I hunkered down in between my aunt and my mom, covered up and fed my child. It actually wasn't that bad. No one saw me and my child got fed. Win/Win for all. But I still refuse to do it again! But here's a shot of Lola in her "milk coma". Just chillin' lookin' at mommy.

After dinner (mind you it's like 9pm at this point) I got talked in to going to see my grandparents. (Not that I don't want to see them, but it was bedtime). We stopped to see my grandma and grandpa and let them enjoy their great grandkids for a little bit. We finally got home around 11pm (Angelo was still up because our sweet baby girl decided to SCREAM the entire way home from Ft. Worth). This did not make the passengers in the car very happy. That's what I get for keeping them out too late. I would say I learned a lesson, but I'll probably do it again.

Another Monday

We were pleasantly surprised today to wake up and find out that Rudy wouldn't be going out of town. Good for the family, not so good for business I'm sure. We got up early of course around here and had to make our daily Starbucks run. Love me some iced non fat chai lattes! and Angelo loves the chocolate milk and cupcakes (aka muffins). We stopped by my parents house for some play time and swimming. Love going over there because they wear Angelo out! Both babies passed out on the way home! Yeah! Lucky mamma! I actually had a few hours to myself for once... well, I say myself... I picked up, started dinner, etc... nothing for me so much! Rudy came home nice and dirty, so he decided the boys would swim. Angelo kept saying "Cannonball". Apparently Rudy taught him a new word. He also decided to blow bubbles in the water for the first time. I paid for swim lessons at the beginning of the summer and he would NEVER blow bubbles for his instructor. I guess we just had to be on Angelo's schedule.

Since we didn't do much today, I thought I'd write a few things down about the kids and what I know about them to date.
Lola. Sweet baby girl is 3 months old now. Here is what I know so far..
1. Angelo and I call her Lolacakes (a derivative of babycakes) and sometimes Ladybug, or Bug for short, and Girl Friend.
2. She's not much of a sleeper. She's up most of the day and only sleeps from about 10:30p-1:30a, then wakes up every couple hours. Unless she is in her swing. Then she will go longer, but I hate for her to sleep in her swing??!!
3. She's a hungry girl! She still eats ALL THE TIME!
4. She smiles a lot! It's easy to get Miss L to smile. Just have to talk to her.
5. She's going to be a talker! She can go on and on "talking". You just have to sit down and only focus on her!
6. She's starting to turn her head and watch people and objects.
7. She laughed out loud for the first time today. I told her she was going to be a "Heartbreaker" and she laughed.
8. She enjoys watching Angelo and Barney.

Angelo. Sweet baby boy is now 2 years old! Here is what I know today.
1. He loves all things construction. Anything with wheels. He has to be surrounded by his dump trucks every day.
2. He's a big talker too. Not to brag, but my child is advanced! His vocabulary amazes me!
3. He can count to 10 in English and Spanish, sometimes to 20 but you have to prompt him.
4. He says his ABC's.
5. He's a fish in the water. Has no fear. He loves his water wings.
6. He's a wild man. From sun up to sun down. The boy never stops. His big thing lately is to "JUMP". He jumps from the ottoman to the couch, in his crib, on my bed, down the stairs, anywhere and everywhere. I just pray he doesn't break anything else!
7. He knows everyone's name in our family. If he ever met them, he remembers.
8. His best friend is Rocco.
9. He is addicted to his pacifer, which he calls his "popeye". This is going to be a nightmare to get rid of when the time comes...which is NOW.
10. He loves his books. Mainly the dump truck ones. But will let you read anything to him.

I am really enjoying this blog. It makes me remember the little things that both of them do each day, so I can be sure to include it here. Mainly for me to look back on and not miss this stage in their lives. They are only little once!

Family Day

We had a pretty low key day today. Rudy took Angelo to church this morning ( I know I should have gone, but I just couldn't make myself... I need to quit using lack of sleep as an excuse!). Uncle Anthony graced us with his presence this afternoon. He came bearing gifts i.e. wings and fries... We watched "Funny People" with Adam Sandler... It was long and not funny at all. I don't recommend.

The boys swam while the girls stayed indoors to do a few things. Angelo decided today while they were swimming to show us how he can dunk his head under water and hold his breath. New to us! He had never done that before. This kid is amazing! He surprises us everyday in new ways.

Angelo also got these boots from Jared for his birthday and he loves to wear them around. He told me he wanted his boots on so he could go outside. Didn't need pants, just his boots! So stinkin' cute!

We are getting ready for Rudy's departure out of the country... That's right... I will be holding down the fort with the kids while Rudy is away in Isreal for work. It's going to be very hard without him and we will miss him a lot. At least I have my parents around this week to help out. I've also been planning our week as to entertain the little ones (and myself) so we don't go crazy. Also, it's always a good idea to wear out Mr. Angelo as much as possible so he will sleep good. Lucky mama! Gonna have a lot of quality time with the kids this week. Hope I don't go crazy!

Ciao!

New to This...

I am new to this whole blogging "phenomenon" but I thought I'd give it a try. I hope it will be a way for me to remember my kids when they were little, things they do and say. It's such a great time in the Renda household with two little ones and I want to capture every ounce of them. It's also a way for our relatives who live far away to keep updated in our lives. So, I hope all who read enjoy the ramblings of this busy household.
Ciao!