Having cousins close in age has proved to have its benefits!
Last week, we offered to trade our caveman castle for their batman cave. The counter offer came back asking for our helicopter for their batman cave. We accepted. Yesterday, the trade took place. (I am guessing this is only a short term trade... lasting a few weeks...)
Unfortunately, now I have been informed by Mateo that he needs "four" batmans for his cave, since he is "four" years old. What happens when he is 12?
Monday, January 31, 2011
childhood
Lately as I have been trying to recall memories of my childhood, I have been falling short. I can vaguely remember big events like our summer water fight, or my First Communion.... but regular day-to-day experiences seem to have fallen by the way-side.
But as I take note of the triplets and how they are interacting more and more with each other... and growing up before my eyes, I am noticing how Gabby "seems" to resemble me, more and more. And have found Lou uttering (under his breath)... "she is a little you..."
Who needs childhood memories when I have a "little me" living right under my nose!
But as I take note of the triplets and how they are interacting more and more with each other... and growing up before my eyes, I am noticing how Gabby "seems" to resemble me, more and more. And have found Lou uttering (under his breath)... "she is a little you..."
Who needs childhood memories when I have a "little me" living right under my nose!
Monday, January 24, 2011
abby's 1yr appt
Did I mention that Abby weighs over 21 lbs! (And that is only 50% for weight.) She is 29" long which is 75% for her age group.... yep, she got her height from her Daddy.
She is one smart cookie (thanks to her 3 older siblings...) not only is she "signing" but she is starting to point to what she wants and when she recognizes someone... and her smile is infectious.
We are so blessed to have this striking little person in our lives.
She is one smart cookie (thanks to her 3 older siblings...) not only is she "signing" but she is starting to point to what she wants and when she recognizes someone... and her smile is infectious.
We are so blessed to have this striking little person in our lives.
vamanos!
There is nothing more humbling than to have your four year old children "correct" your pronunciation of a spanish word.... "no, mom.... it's vaManoS! (emphasis on the m and s)...
I guess I have a lot to learn....
Sigh - thanks so much, Dora!
I guess I have a lot to learn....
Sigh - thanks so much, Dora!
Friday, January 21, 2011
"hi grammy"
It brightens my heart that even though the trio were lucky enough to see (and spend time with) my Mom only a handful of times (I think less than 10) in her short life, she made such an impression.
A short time ago, we were on the topic of the sun shining... and as all of you parents know, when questions come up that you quite don't know the answer to, you start improvising your answers. (Of course, temporarily forgetting that it will resurface again someday.) Anyway... the question came up as to why/how the sun shines and why it doesn't do it all the time, etc. And at around the same time, the trio were talking about Grammy being in Heaven. They were missing Grammy and wanted to know when she would come back down from Heaven. And as I was trying to find the words to explain that she couldn't come back down... they just started to roll off my tongue.
"Everytime the sun shines, that is Grammy saying hello...." is what I told them.
On the way to school today, as the sun was blinding us (through the cold, crisp, snow) ... I hear Gabby happily yell - "Hi Grammy!"
Bittersweet.
A short time ago, we were on the topic of the sun shining... and as all of you parents know, when questions come up that you quite don't know the answer to, you start improvising your answers. (Of course, temporarily forgetting that it will resurface again someday.) Anyway... the question came up as to why/how the sun shines and why it doesn't do it all the time, etc. And at around the same time, the trio were talking about Grammy being in Heaven. They were missing Grammy and wanted to know when she would come back down from Heaven. And as I was trying to find the words to explain that she couldn't come back down... they just started to roll off my tongue.
"Everytime the sun shines, that is Grammy saying hello...." is what I told them.
On the way to school today, as the sun was blinding us (through the cold, crisp, snow) ... I hear Gabby happily yell - "Hi Grammy!"
Bittersweet.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
garcia four
I love that we are starting to be able to get some pictures where all of them are looking and smiling at "almost" the same time!
handsome little guy
We recently found out that Mateo has an astigmatism and needed to wear glasses to help him see... something ALL of us are going to need time to get used to! What a brave little boy...
toy story - on ICE!
what a great treat! We had a blast at the TS3 ice event with Aunt Cas, Aunt Hilary, Uncle Rob, and our cousins - Thomas, Joe, and Savannah!
the festivities continue
We didn't get a chance (ok, let's be honest... I didn't remember) to put the #1 candle on Abby's cake... so we improvised and used her cupcake. She didn't mind at all... the pink frosting was yummy!
and then we forgot to do a family "happy birthday, abby" picture... so again, an impromptu - right-before-bed picture to capture the memorable weekend!
and then we forgot to do a family "happy birthday, abby" picture... so again, an impromptu - right-before-bed picture to capture the memorable weekend!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
on my first birthday
on my first birthday.... I had a wonderful party...with good food (I love blackberries, hot dogs, and cheese)... a chance to visit with some dear family and friends... a fantastic cake (thank you, miss katie)... and even a motorcycle ride with my sissy.... life is good!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
a mother's intuition
Yesterday I thought I would do a good "deed" and shovel the snow that had accumulated in Lou's parking spot in the driveway. Since the kids were in their seat belts, contained in the car, I thought I would quickly complete my task. At the last second, as I jumped out of the car, I put the emergency brake on.
Less than three minutes later, as I came up to the drivers side door of the running car, I noticed that Mateo was in the drivers seat! He had somehow (un-be-known to me) unbuckled himself, climbed over all the crap we have separating the middle row from the front... and was pretending to drive. And next to him, miss innocent Gabrielle, sat in the passenger seat.
She had been located in the "way back" - the last seat/row that is located in the trunk. So, to get to the front seat, she unbuckled herself, climbed over the middle row of seats, over the crap that separates the middle row from the front... and perched herself in the tour guide spot.
After the panic passed when I realized all were okay... I said a quick prayer in thanks of that brake..
... and sat in awe of how resourceful these kids have become.
Next time, they will sit in the COLD car.
Less than three minutes later, as I came up to the drivers side door of the running car, I noticed that Mateo was in the drivers seat! He had somehow (un-be-known to me) unbuckled himself, climbed over all the crap we have separating the middle row from the front... and was pretending to drive. And next to him, miss innocent Gabrielle, sat in the passenger seat.
She had been located in the "way back" - the last seat/row that is located in the trunk. So, to get to the front seat, she unbuckled herself, climbed over the middle row of seats, over the crap that separates the middle row from the front... and perched herself in the tour guide spot.
After the panic passed when I realized all were okay... I said a quick prayer in thanks of that brake..
... and sat in awe of how resourceful these kids have become.
Next time, they will sit in the COLD car.
bumble bee
Bumble-bee is the name of a transformer... (a robot like "thing" (for lack of a better word) that can transform into an object, like a car.) We found Bumble-bee's helmet at a great price and it has become Mateo's prized possession. Beware... Mateo can transform at a snap of a finger!
movin' on up
Getting ready to turn one has its benefits....
you get to eat a pudding pop (from the stick!)
you can begin to pull yourself up to get a whole new perspective!
you get to eat a pudding pop (from the stick!)
you can begin to pull yourself up to get a whole new perspective!
if you are hungry enough...
you'll eat an unwashed head of raw broccoli. And yes, he did eat almost the whole head (after I grabbed it and washed it, of course.)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
where are they now?
MARY - has become quite the drama queen. I am secretly hoping it is due to sleep deprivation (thank you, Abby...for your late night scream attacks) but Mary has started crying and throwing fits at a drop of a hat. Her sock isn't on right, or her dress isn't washed and ready for wearing, or Mateo looked at her the wrong way... and boom, bam... WAAAAAA. She does however, still hold a special place in her heart for Abby and will frequently come up to her little sister, gently hold Abby's face in her hands, and kiss her so lovingly that it brings an instant smile to my face.
GABRIELLE - yes, we are starting to switch over to Gabrielle and not Gabby since we have learned to not only spell but write (yes, WRITE) our full name. Gabby continues to be the go-to triplet when something needs to be answered or done. She often asks thought provoking questions or suggestions (why don't we have our whole family move to VA since we want to be near them AND the special ice cream place) and bosses everyone around. She tries her hardest to be "good" and loves the attention that comes with being praised for a job well done.
MATEO - our boy... is in need of some extra testosterone around here. He recently took his shirt off and wanted to "box" with his Daddy. (We have a rule now that you need to ask the person you want to "box" with if it is okay with them before you begin to "box.") He loves to rough-house and talk cars, dino's, robots, transformers, and power-rangers... but still has the sweet side that we have grown to love. (Mom, I miss Lebron... maybe he will come back home?) He is stubborn and hard headed like his Dad... but shows consistent love for his sisters.
ABIGAIL - loves, loves, loves her siblings. She wants to be in the action all the time... following them around and wanting to play with them. Although she is army crawling, she is starting to pull herself up to a standing position. Her favorite food is blackberries and she knows what "more", "all done" and "light" mean. She is a smart cookie who is going to take matters into her own hands!
GABRIELLE - yes, we are starting to switch over to Gabrielle and not Gabby since we have learned to not only spell but write (yes, WRITE) our full name. Gabby continues to be the go-to triplet when something needs to be answered or done. She often asks thought provoking questions or suggestions (why don't we have our whole family move to VA since we want to be near them AND the special ice cream place) and bosses everyone around. She tries her hardest to be "good" and loves the attention that comes with being praised for a job well done.
MATEO - our boy... is in need of some extra testosterone around here. He recently took his shirt off and wanted to "box" with his Daddy. (We have a rule now that you need to ask the person you want to "box" with if it is okay with them before you begin to "box.") He loves to rough-house and talk cars, dino's, robots, transformers, and power-rangers... but still has the sweet side that we have grown to love. (Mom, I miss Lebron... maybe he will come back home?) He is stubborn and hard headed like his Dad... but shows consistent love for his sisters.
ABIGAIL - loves, loves, loves her siblings. She wants to be in the action all the time... following them around and wanting to play with them. Although she is army crawling, she is starting to pull herself up to a standing position. Her favorite food is blackberries and she knows what "more", "all done" and "light" mean. She is a smart cookie who is going to take matters into her own hands!
my mother never told me....
When I was a child (heck, even as a grown woman), I thought my mother had supernatural powers. She was able to be a great wife, a loving mother, a mentor, a teacher, a good listener, an expert at giving advice, gave the best hugs, and still had time to complete the everyday essentials of making a honest meal, and running the household.
She never told me that it was near impossible to complete and exhausting to boot!
For some reason, in today's society, mothers are expected to be able to "just get it all done." As like a superhero with awesome powers, we need to raise the children, run the household, and attend to the hubby....just get.it.done.
I am one of the lucky few who is fortunate to not have to add "full time work" to my plate like my sister and so many of my friends. I am in awe of them... noting how tired and hard I work to keep things a-float... they have it 2x as hard! Kudos, my ladies!
But although my back muscles are strained, the puff's under my eyes are larger, and I put the milk in the pantry because I forgot what I was supposed to do with it.... we all agree that we wouldn't trade anything for the smell of the newborn in our arms, our toddler's first excited "pee-pee in the potty", the first time we see our preschooler write their name, or the innocent hug around the neck.
We must be superhero's to be fighting for something so precious and special... our children.
She never told me that it was near impossible to complete and exhausting to boot!
For some reason, in today's society, mothers are expected to be able to "just get it all done." As like a superhero with awesome powers, we need to raise the children, run the household, and attend to the hubby....just get.it.done.
I am one of the lucky few who is fortunate to not have to add "full time work" to my plate like my sister and so many of my friends. I am in awe of them... noting how tired and hard I work to keep things a-float... they have it 2x as hard! Kudos, my ladies!
But although my back muscles are strained, the puff's under my eyes are larger, and I put the milk in the pantry because I forgot what I was supposed to do with it.... we all agree that we wouldn't trade anything for the smell of the newborn in our arms, our toddler's first excited "pee-pee in the potty", the first time we see our preschooler write their name, or the innocent hug around the neck.
We must be superhero's to be fighting for something so precious and special... our children.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
happy "noon" year
The kiddos, along with Aunt Liz, accompanied me to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on New Year's Eve for a "noon" year celebration. (They dropped the ball at noon for the kids.) We had perfect weather to walk around, enjoy some snacks, crafts, and all the festivities. Happy New Year 2011!
we would be standing next to a frog... who luckily kept his feet but not his head!
kiddo's with aunt liz
we would be standing next to a frog... who luckily kept his feet but not his head!
kiddo's with aunt liz
Christmas 2010
What an exciting age! The trio were so excited going to sleep on Christmas eve - in the hopes that Santa would come... yet, at the same time, they weren't sure what "santa coming" actually meant. Just like last year, they were stunned when they turned the corner to the family room to see all the presents under the tree... they were (briefly) stopped in their tracks!
Abs was more interested in the paper and carrying around a packaged chocolate santa
the make-up kits were the highlight for the girls!
still holding that chocolate santa (and no, no one wanted to consume that squished up thing!)
merry christmas, everyone!!!
Abs was more interested in the paper and carrying around a packaged chocolate santa
the make-up kits were the highlight for the girls!
still holding that chocolate santa (and no, no one wanted to consume that squished up thing!)
merry christmas, everyone!!!
Christmas Eve - 2010
all 10 "schwartz" cousins waiting to open and share presents...left to right: Isabelle Robertson (holding Mateo), Ashleigh Robertson (holding Savannah Keberdle), Abby in the bouncer, Joe Keberdle in the blue stripe shirt, Mary, Thomas with the backpack, Gabby on Kelsey Robertson's lap
Christmas Eve pic's at the Garcia house
Abby's first Christmas Eve!
let's make some noise
With Abby being quite mobile, I am finding her underfoot in the kitchen regularly... opening cabinets and throwing books/recipe boxes off the bookshelf. I was hoping that the bowls would be a nice distraction... and they were... for Gabby! At least Abby was entertained for a short while.
happy birthday aunt cas
It has become a tradition to go out to eat at Panera for Aunt Cas's birthday... and this year the nieces and nephews really seemed to enjoy spending time and talking with Aunt Cas as we celebrated....
preschool Christmas party
On Mon., Dec. 20th the trio had their preschool Christmas party... and what a blast! Such a proud "mommy" moment to watch them parade in.. seeing christmas songs and reciting christmas poems. When did they get so big?
it seems as though we have finally "warmed up" to santa!
it seems as though we have finally "warmed up" to santa!
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