Rain, sleep (not for mommy), trains & super moms to the rescue!

So just as soon as my last post ended the next days post begun...

Lino wouldn't go to sleep unless I laid down with him. Now usually this is a big no no but since I knew he was still jet lagged and I know Nini would lay down with him sometimes plus I was dog tired I  did it. I don't think it took 5 min for him to fall asleep and it only took me 5.5min...I think I got up 15 min or so later to actually go to bed. I couldn't have been asleep for more than 30 min before the little one was up and fussing at me...I guess I can forget sleeping. I was up and down with him at least 3x and by the time Mike left for work Shaun wasn't going back to sleep...great! So reluctantly I got up. I already knew it was going to be a bad day...the only question was how bad. So Shaun was up for a few hrs but he was cranky the whole time...I was worried he was going to wake Lino up before he was ready which would not have been good for anyone. Finally around 11-11:30 Shaun went to sleep...I was half tempted to go to sleep too but I was past the point of going back to sleep at that point so I just got on the computer and started looking for flights for Christmas. The weather was pretty crapy, cold and rainy, so not much else I could really do...it was really a stay in bed kind of day but I don't think the boys got that memo

So not even a hr after Shaun went down Lino was up...nice hand off.  But I could tell right away that he wasn't his self. He told me good morning and gave me my morning kiss but then he sat into lap and laid his head down...didn't ask for a car, the iPad, eggies, juice, nothing...totally not him. I asked him the usual questions and he was just content with sitting with me. That lasted for about 2hrs...with the last hr being spent with me rocking him back to sleep as he wined about not feeling good (that's because I asked him if he was feeling ok and he said no and then all hell broke loose). I knew he was tired so I was just praying that he would just go back to sleep. Finally, around 12:30pm he does and I mean moments after he was sleep in my arms I heard Shaun starting to get fussy...really Shaun. I barely had enough time to get him into the bed before Shaun really got upset, but somehow I did it. I couldn't believe that they were tag teaming me like that. I guess it was better than having 2 fussy kids in my lap at the same time...so I guess I should stop complaining. Shaun's mood was a little better, thank goodness so I was able to put him in the swing for 5 min so that I could brush my teeth and make me a quick egg to eat...when he's happy he's happy...when he's not its not good!

Happy happy Shaun Shaun!!!!!

During my 5 min of breakfast making I decided to try out a new contraption...new for me. Martha was using it yesterday when she made us tea and I never really knew the purpose but this kettle boils water in like 90 sec flat...maybe less. So I did a quick experiment to see if the kettle or a pot of water would boil faster...obviously the kettle won but it was just crazy how quickly it boiled. I mean there were bailey any bubbles in the bottom of the pot and the kettle was already roaring. Really cool...and handy...defiantly will need to make sure the house has one of these or make sure to get one!

Shaun and I played for a little while but mostly we fought...he didn't know what he wanted but I knew I wanted him to go to sleep...neither of us were winning. At some point I got a break and I almost cried because I was so tired...it was bad...I knew I was tired and that I was either going to have little patience or just let the kids run the house...neither were good options. Since I knew I wouldn't get much sleep napping with Shaun I just stayed up and watched a little TV...and I mean a little. Shaun was back up first, around 2:45, he's all about cat naps these days. Then I realized that Lino has been sleep for a while and it's getting to that critical time...the point of no return time...if he sleeps past about 4 it's going to be a full knock out drag out for bed...so I was debating on if I should just wake him up...again a big no no normally. I wasn't feeling it so I let him sleep some more...my poor baby is beat...he can't even open his eyes

U let the sleeping bear sleep and gr woke up in his own and happy around 4...perfect timing...he should be good and tired around 10pm...God willing. The rest of the afternoon was uneventful. Lino played with Shaun and sang him songs when he was fussy...he was a big helper and super cute

He was finally hungry so I made him eggie eggies and sausage...I know it's almost dinner time but I didn't care...he wanted that to eat so I made it...as long as he's eating. Then we decided to put the train tracks together which was fun and challenging. Gina gave him this huge box of tracks and cars before we left and I told him once we got to Ireland we would put it together so we did. But putting a curvy track together isn't as easy as it sounds. He wanted me to use specific pieces so u had to make a bridge then curve it around to go under the mountain then curve back around so that it all connected...hard work. Hahahaha. It wasn't that hard but it did require me to use a few brain cells which I was pretty much out of for the day...we did have a lot of fun putting it together and he loved it so it was more than worth it...thanks Auntie Gina!!!!

We added some more pieces to the track and still had a tub full of stuff...when we get to the house I know this is going to be on display so that he can use it when ever he wants. Mike will have fun putting it back together with him I'm sure.  

So we tried to do our normal night routine...dinner, play/TV, bath then bed but Lino must have forgot the routine because he wasn't interested in it. He didn't eat dinner which I figured since he had just ate a few hrs ago, he was all for TV (especially since he had been watching Wreck it Ralph since we sat down for dinner), he wanted nothing to do with bath and I had to bribe him with the iPad to get in. We had an OK bath but once it was time to stop laying and do washy washy he was not feeling it. I had to fight him about that, fight about brushing his teeth then the real fight about going night night. He was clearly exhausted and I knew it...he knew it...but he didn't want to go to sleep. So I tried to negotiate with him...not my normal approach but I had to keep in mind the jet lag and the detox phase from Nini & PopPop's. he didn't like any of my suggestions he only wanted to watch TV but I knew he wouldn't go to sleep so I told him no. So long story short it took about an hr of crying before he gave in...I actually felt bad for him  so once he calmed down I smothered him with kisses and hugs and told him like 100x that I loved him and thank you for listening to mommy. He seemed to be happy with the attention and I know it's going to take a little while for him to get use to sharing our attention but I can't just let him run all over me because he's having a tantrum. So the final straw was that he didn't want me to read him a book (even though that's how we have been putting him to sleep for the last 2yrs) he wanted me to sleep with him...really Lino?!?!  At this point I was exhausted and I told him I would lay with him after I finished my work...that was the wrong answer...so I had to quickly stop the water works from beginning and I gave in and laid down with him. It's nice to cuddle with him but I know I can't so that every night and still deal with Shaun. The good and the bad thing is that they both want mommy so it's kind of hard to pawn them off on daddy...guess we will figure it out at some point. But for now I must sleep while I can...even tho sleep is clearly over rated...you can ask any mom!

So this blog goes out to all the moms out there. What amazing beings mom's are...being pulled in 100 different ways for the sake of the family and is always the last one to treat themselves...God knew what he was doing when he crated women...rock on fellow sleep deprived zombie mommies...rock on!!!

Happy birthday,errands, planes, pee pee, tantrums and excercise...busyday(s)

First and foremost I have to say happy birthday to my big little man Lino!!!! On this day 3 years ago at 5:46pm Lino blessed us with his arrival. He was a week late but right on time based on his schedule and he has been making his own time table every since. We are so blessed to have such a great, smart, handsome, energetic and loving son. Shaun couldn't ask for more love from him, he is such a good big brother. What a blessing he has been to us and our families... We love you very much!!!!

So today we headed back to Ireland but not before completing some last minute errands...why would we wait until the last day in the states to run our errands???? Well that is just what we do.  So priority #1 is to get my toes done...they were more like monsters than toes. While I was getting a much needed treatment Mikecwas in charge of getting my cell phone fixed, the iMessage wasn't working in Ireland. He was also going to adjust my plan to something a little more basic since I would only need my phone a few months out of the year.  Then go to Walgreens to pick up pics for Nini and get some face cream for me. Then swing by CVS to get some stuff that we ordered for the mommies in Ireland.  Then he was going to pick me up and we were going to go back to the house to get the iPhone charger so we could send all the iPhone stuff to my dad (we forgot the charger on the initial trip and we were going to get Nini and Lino so we could have some brunch at the Diner...At least that was the plan. So when he got back to the nail salon he had Nini & Lino with him so I was impressed because he was a little ahead of schedule. But the reality was that he didn't get much done.  Apparently he went to get the phone stuff taken care of but they gave him too many options so he couldn't make a decision without me...of course. He got the pics from Walgreens but forgot my face cream and he did make it to CVS.  So after a good laugh we just headed to the diner. Mike loves this diner because he has been going there for years...lots of memories there, plus he absolutely loves the chicken finger wrap there. He says its the honey mustard that makes it so good but who knows. I like there French toast there too so we are all happy happy as Lino would say. Speaking of Lino this little snot goes and pee's in the car seat...this was only a 5 min car ride from the nail salon to the diner and he pees...and to make it worst we didn't have any spare clothes for him and he hadn't had an accident since the first week he was in NY. We couldn't believe it, I know he is still potty training but its just ironic that he has an accident on the last day in NY...it could be a bad sign for us...I just hope it doesn't continue like this today. So we go into the diner anyway...no time to go back to the house and fight him to change his clothes...bad parents I know...so what. While we were eating, Mike and I decided we were going to go with the no data plan and a new non-smart phone. I wasn't too trilled about it at first but really it doesn't really pay to have a smart phone and have to pay for all the features when I am only using it a few months out if the year...I get it. He asked if  I was ok with a flip phone and reluctantly I said yes...can't believe they still make those things and that I'm going to be an owner of one :-/ After brunch we had to make a stop to get Siesta from the vet then back to the house we go. When we got to the house PopPop was there with one last set of cars for Lino...he wanted to say goodbye...he left for work before they got up...he is really going to miss Lino, you can just see it. After saying goodbye to PopPop Mike heads back out to finish the errands while I packed the bags and washed the car seat and Lino's pee pee clothes...both task were not fun. So I stressed about getting everything into 2 suit cases. Nini had packed all of Lino's clothes in one duffel bag and I had all of our clothes and Lino's gifts from Sat in the big bag. Then we realized we still had an extra suit case with nothing in it ad we hadn't packed his cars yet...oh boy. Do I had to repack Lino's stuff...just annoying...but it was worth it because we got all of our crap into 2 suit cases...thank God! I finished up the packing almost at the same time as when Mike got back. So we get some stuff together and I ask him about the phone and he give it to me and my mouth drops...I knew I would possibly get a flip phone and I had prepared myself for that but when I saw what he had got me I was in shock...I have a serious antique of a phone...like I have to push the number 3x to spell out my txt messages...WTF???!!! And he paid like $50 for it..,those phones should be free! I can't believe this...now Alicia is going to be talking about me...great. 

We finally get all of our crap together and are ready to go to the airport but the direct TV people are at the house fixing the satellite. The guy was really nice but he kept trying to chat with us and we were just trying to leave...it was funny...especially because I don't think he got the hint. Hahahaha. But eventually we were ready to head to the airport. When we said our goodbyes to Nan I could see her start to tear up...I don't ever remember her being emotional about us leaving so this made me feel bad. So I had to go back for a second hug...and then she made me cry...I can't believe this. I guess it is kind of sad that we are moving to Ireland but I kind of see it about the same as us living in Texas...at least as far as Nini and PopPop visits but it's not exactly the same I know. Anyway I was not planning in crying...I just don't do that unless I'm pregnant...and I better not be pregnant!!! Lino was excited to ride in the air plane, he loves air planes so at least we didn't have to fight him too much about that. He was a little bummed out that he couldn't go swimming but otherwise he was fine...it did kind of suck because the weather was perfect for swimming today but it wasn't yesterday...if only the days were switched. We make it to the airport with plenty if time, in prep for the battle with the tickets. We are all saying goodbye and Nini goes and starts tearing up...not another one ;-(  Nini usually doesn't take us to the airport so I don't know if she usually cries when we leave but I know I never see her tear up...I'm guessing she usually does shed a tear or two because it may be a few months before she sees us again but this just seem so much more sad. She had me balling...the goodbye hugs were long and firm so I knew she was really going to miss us...that includes missing me...her crazy daughter-in-law. I can't imagine how it feels, I mean she spent every day with Lino for the past month and he was like a shadow to her and now he will be gone across the ocean. Even with FaceTime it's not the same as seeing and hugging him in person. I guess it's a double edge sword...breaks my heart. And you can tell Lino is going to miss them, he told Nini that he was going to see her in 2 months when she came to visit but then after that he was like "is Nini coming on the plane with us?" Just typing it makes me sad again. So after the wet goodbyes we get all checked in (with no issues) and headed to the admirals club for a quick preflight drink. Mike is like platinum or executive platinum or some crap like that because of all his Ireland trips so we get to take advantage of it...plus we get to fly business class for our relocation trip...kind of makes it a sweet deal. Then it's time for the flight...Lino loves the planes...LOVES...so I had to take a pic of his first international plane...

The birthday boy enjoying the perks of business class...that's just OK for those wondering. I didn't get a chance to test out any sleeping aids on him before the flight so we are going to wing it. I was praying that he would go to sleep pretty soon after the flight took off but that wasn't the case...

He couldn't wait for the flight to take off before starting cars on the inflight TV...he is so not going to sleep

Some time during the first hr of the flight Lino springs a leak in his diaper and his pants were all wet...great. And again, parents of the year, we didn't have a spare pare of clothes or another diaper for him. So me being the resourceful mommy that I am, I put his pants in the side pocket of the seat to dry and I have Mike put one of Shaun's diapers on him. I know it's like 3 sizes to small but those side tabs have a lot more stretch in them than what you would expect...plus I was in a pinch and didn't have much choice...anyway I know we are horrible parents we get it but the kid was fine. I had to keep the blanket on him just so that the people around us didn't think we were to trashy...hahaha  Then 2.5hrs into the flight...Lino is wide awake and enjoying his chicken rice dinner as he watches Wreck it Ralph...good thing I'm use to functioning on little to no sleep

So sometime around 11pm EST which was about 4hrs into the 6hr flight, Lino decides to go to sleep...I was so happy that I just closed my eyes to try and get a few winks in before he gets back up. Thankfully he slept the rest of the flight and we had to wake him up when we were de-boarding. We knew it was going to be a bad rest of the day since he only got 2hrs of sleep and we had to wake him up but what else could we do?  Thankfully his pants dried so we were able to give him some pants so that we didn't have to walk thru the airport with him in his diaper.

We had to connect thru Heathrow which is a nightmare of an airport. It is super huge to begin with then it's under construction so it just makes it extra complicated and frustrating. But we get thru it and get to our next flight. At this point Lino was ready to take off his way to small diaper and he agreed to go pee pee...against my initial hesitation I let him go diaperless. It didn't seem to be an issue until after we got off the plane in Ireland. First of all we were seated in all kinds of crazy spots and not sitting together. We weren't the only family like that either, I heard 2 other families complaining about their young kids having to sit by themselves because the airline had split the whole family up. We somehow managed to get Mike and Lino a seat together but it wasn't easy and I was stuck in a middle seat all the way in the back..seriously?  Anyway, it was a quick 1hr flight and I actually got to close my eyes for about 25min so that was nice. But when the plane was about to land, I could hear Lino crying up front...no telling what set him off. He is super tired so the smallest of things will make him break out in tantrums. So after finally getting off the plane and meeting up with Mike and Lino I realize that Mike was all wet...what could that be from??? Only one thing...Lino pee'd on him during his tantrum...oh boy. So I get the update from Mike that Lino went crazy when he told him to put his shoes on...seriously? Anyway the end result was a crazy tantrum and daddy being pee'd on. Again, no spares no diapers except the 3 sizes to small ones so...we just carried on. We are such a mess. But at this point Lino was another person and totally out of his mind...tantrum after tantrum after tantrum so we just held him so that he would be happy. When we go to the customs gate he was done with daddy so I had to carry him and Shaun...good thing I'm strong. I did feel bad for Lino but Mike was just annoyed...I know it's because he was tired too...like me...it was just a hopeless situation for all of us. 

Finally we make it back to the apt...only a 15 min drive from the airport but Lino was passed out and so was Shaun. So we (minus Mike) all passed out for a good 1.5-2hrs on the couch. It took every ounce of strength I had in me to open my eyes and try to become functional but somehow I did it...I didn't like it but I did it...I guess Shaun crying kind of helped too. The next task at hand was to wake up Lino...this is like a cardinal sin in our book. We never like to wake Lino from a nap but every once in a while you have to do it...today was one of those days. So for about 20 min I picked and poked and shook him to get him to wake up and this is all that I got...

Poor baby was beat...I felt bad about waking him but it was already almost 2pm and if I let him sleep much longer he wasn't going to go to bed until 3am...so I was praying for a miracle. Finally he wakes up and he is even more cranky than he was after the first flight so the only way I could get him to stop crying and be coherent was to tell him we would go to the park...he was pretty happy about that. It wasn't a bad idea anyway so we went with it. We headed to the park in Glanmire and decided we would walk to the SuperValue after hex was done playing. When we made it I the park he was still pretty happy...thank God so he played for over 2hrs!!! I say he played but he really spent a lot of time on the outdoor workout equipment that I'm guessing was intended for the adults...he wasn't the only one so I guess it was fine. He was so cute on the workout equipment...he just knew he was doing something. 

While we were at the park I texted my friend Martha to see if she wanted to meet Lino. I didn't realize he had texted me back until we got to SuperValue and since we were still in the area I was able to "ring her"...actually she called me to invite me over but it was almost a true "ringing". It was good to see her and for the boys to meet. Her oldest was a little shy of Lino but I think it's only a matter of time before they are buddies. It's just crazy how she was able to whip out coffee, tea and cookies just for our visit...I have to get use to this and I need to prepare our house for such drop ins. It's a little stressful but if all the people are as easy going about this it won't be that big of a deal...anyway it was nice to have a chat with little notice. So she old me she found my blog and was reading it...it kind of made me embarrassed because she was in a lot of m post but she didn't seem to be bothered by it. I'm glad because I really like her and I would hate for the blog to cause any issues. So she was trying to help us out with a few things...like my diaper issue...apparently I need a size 4 for Shaun!!! I can't believe it...and that was like salt in the wound because I just bought a size 3+...which says 11-22lbs...what kind of size range is that??? Damn Ireland diapers. Then she also told us about her mechanic and said he would be able to help us with finding a car, or at least be able to heck out the car before we buy it so that was really helpful. We also got the lowdown on what cars are good and which ones are not worth the money...like FIATS...her view on them was "Fix It Again Tomorrow". We were dying laughing...very funny but good info. Anyway, a nice visit and Shaun had fun playing with his new friends...

We headed to dinner after that...we felt bad staying too long but I know it was probably no issue for her. We tried to find this one restaurant and walked around Douglas for 15 min looking for it with no luck. Finally we just went to some hotel restaurant. After dinner we went home and I put the boys in the tub...both were completely filthy plus I was praying a nice warm bath would put them to sleep...but no! Shaun went I sleep about an hr after his bath and at 2:30am while I am finishing my log post Lino is still going strong watching Wreck it Ralph for the 10th time today on one iPad and truth to play Candy Crush on the other one...seriously?  I put him in the bed around midnight but he fought me about having his iPad in the bed with him and is I gave in...hoping that he would still fall asleep after the movie was over...but no...and I knew it was a long shot but just was thinking he had to be exhausted so it should work...NOPE! So I made him a snack and tried to bribe him to bed again and still no luck...geeze o peez o. So as I end this post, I am praying to the sleep Gods that my 3yr old will go to sleep with little resistance once I turn off the movie. Mainly I just don't want a complete melt down and for him to wake up Mike, Shaun and the neighbors...only time will tell. 

They're 2 they're 4 they're 6 they're 8...

Saturday:

3:42am...why am I up???? Shaun has a full belly but he's not sleepy...great. So we sat up for a few hrs and I tried to convince him to sleep but he wasn't having it. Finally by 5:45 he surrendered ...but by that point I was up so instead of sleeping I texted Aunt Aunts (aka Alicia) because she was already in route to NY for the big party. Everyone must have been excited for today because the whole house was up by 8am...guess it's time to get moving. So Mike & I headed to the store for bagels and some last minute items while Nini & PopPop handled the boys. I realised late last night that I didn't have a charger for our camcorder so we went to go look for one while we were out. Of course once we got to the store there were a billion options and we didn't have the camcorder with us so we just left and Mike said he would go back later with the camcorder. We have had this camcorder a since before Lino was born and we hardly ever use it...usually we forget or we forget to charge it and when we want t use it we can't because its dead. Either way we are pretty bad about using it so I want to take advantage of it today if possible to record all the fun Lino is going to have.  It's going to be a beautiful day today which is great for the pool party!  While we were out I got to talk to my grandma for a while which was nice, I missed hearing her voice. 

Once we got home Aunt Aunts was already at the house. She did her auntly duties and put Shaun to sleep...nice!  She also got a nice welcome when she or to the house. Lino ran to her and gave her a kiss which was super nice. Even Siesta was excited to see her...she jumped up all over her leg from the excitement! We got all caught up on how things were going for her and how things were going for us in Ireland. She was so impressed with my friend making skills as well and she loves reading the blog. But she hates all the spelling errors...to bad. We had a good laugh about my horrible spelling and how I didn't even really care that it was that horrible. Hahaha. Then Nini joined in on the fun of making fun of my spelling too...we all had a good laugh. Good thing I'm a good sport and can laugh at myself...otherwise it could have been bad :-)  So since they were making fun of my spelling I took a quick survey on how bad my spelling is on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst. Aunt Aunts initially said 4 followed by when she reads the blog she just wants to go thru and red line all my mistakes...I was dying laughing. I told her that wasn't as bad as I thought she would say...so I was happy. Then she was like can you at least spell clothes right...I know that I'm spelling it wrong but I've been typing it that way for so long that I just don't think about it...but have no fear I'll do my best to fix it. Then Mike said it was a 3...and again...not as bad as I thought it would be. Then Nini chimed in with a 4.5 but I think she was just trying to get a reaction out of me...but it didn't work...I think she really thinks its a 4...so again not as bad as I thought it would be. She was like, your last post was horrible...I couldn't understand what you were trying to say, I had to read it 2x to figure it out...hahahaha. Like I said in my first blog...I'm a horrible speller and I just type like I talk which isn't always proper and I usually type this in a mad panic while holding/playing with Shaun and its usually between the hours of 10:30pm - 1:00am and I'm typing on my little phone and don't have time to go back and double check spelling and grammar ...so not the best of conditions. But it's all good, I like the imperfections ...the boys will enjoy making fun of mommy when they read this when they are older. Oh and most people won't read this after a few months so no reason to try and pretend I'm a good speller. Oh oh oh another factor is that I have this Irish phone with the Irish dictionary so spell check doesn't really help me out...all this stuff is stacked up against me...hahahaha. The one comment that I did take to heart is that the background of the blog makes it a little hard to read and that the font is a little small...so I'll try to fix that and await more feedback. 

So anyway we finished prepping for the party and Mike went to get the 2 hero sandwhiches...6ft of meat!  Lino, Alicia and Mike went in for a pre-party dip but it was cold so they didnt stay in long. A little cuddle time to stay warm...

Lino loves jumping in...I can't help but take a picture every time he does it...

The group pic in the pool!

Then we got our second guest (Aunt Aunts was first of course) Tash & Sarah in from Philly!!! It was good to see them because they haven't seen Lino since their wedding last year. So of course Mike was happy to see Tash and they just chatted it up like no one else was around...which is pretty normal. Next guest was right at 1pm...Roseann & Jeff. They brought the cakes with them...one was the Thomas the train themed #3...for Lino of course and a shamrock for our going away...she made the shamrock herself...which was pretty cool. 

After that the guest just started trickling in. Mike and PopPop kept asking me if I was going to get into the water because I usually don't...it's hard work to fix my hair after getting it wet but I told them I would since its Lino's birthday... :-/  So we had a nice crowd and a lot of loyal blog readers...whoop whoop!!! Everyone had a comment about it...pretty much all good and I was amazed. I still got a few comments about my cloths vs clothes and about the background but that was about it...sweet. So other than the blog the other nice thing was that Shaun and Lino were out for a nap at the same time!!! Nini had tried to put Lino down first but he wasn't having it and he came to sit with me outside on the deck. But I knew he was tired so I just rocked him until he fell asleep...sweet success!!!!

So both boys were sleep...Shaun was sleeping with Nan and Lino in the bed. That hardly ever happens...and they both slept for about 2hrs if not more...perfect!!! Shaun was the first to wake up and everyone was on him like white on rice...he loves the attention anyway and he was thrilled to be held by all the family and friends...you didn't hear a peep out of him. Then sometime around 3 or so Lino made his grand appearance. He's not a great waker upper so it took a few min for him to warm up to everyone...it took me telling him that everyone was here for his birthday party to get him to break out of his shell. He was so excited to have his birthday party and to open his gifts that we had to open one gift right away!!!  That made him super happy!!! So after that he played for a while but he never forgot about the rest of the gifts so we were not able to distract him for long so we just opened gifts. He is so loved its amazing. He got a ton of cars and trains he was so excited. He has so many cars that he could become a car dealer...it's unreal. He loves everyone of his toys too...he usually takes his newest ones to bed with...it's really cute. He had a ball...and he wanted to open every single toy but we had to put a stop to that. He had over 50 cars/trains already so I think it was safe to save a few for another day. 

So I could tell Mike was getting a hankering to toss me in the water but I had my cell phone in my pocket and my camera around my neck so he wasn't going to dare risk getting those wet and having to replace them...that was part of my master plan. So since he was giving me the eye I figured it was a good time to toss him in...especially since I know I'm going to get it soon. He was totally caught off guard...wish I could have got a pic of his face...but this was the after math. 

Here are some more pics from the party...

Then one of my friends from work made it to the party, Barbara and her family, I was really excited to see her. So I got into the pool with her for a few min but like I thought the water was cold.  And by that time, it was later in the day and the sun wasn't shinning directly on the pool so it made it even worse.  Once I got out I new it would only be a matter of min until Mike was able to accomplish what he was waiting all day to do...I'm just waiting on it.  So we pulled out the cake and Lino was so excited to get his cake...he squealed with excitement when he saw it...Nini did a good job with the design. I've never heard him squeal like that. Speaking of Nini...she worked me like a slave...I barely got a break. It was a constant...get me this, go get that, go say hello to this person and that person, fix the food station, get me a drink, etc. I put in a lot of work to keep her happy all for nothing...I feel no love what so ever...hahahaha. So when the cake came out so did the famous banana pudding...then the drama really got started.  Aunt Aunts Alicia was really excited about the banana pudding and she thought that Nini made it for her but I told her she made it for me.  This has always been a debate, Aunt Aunt's swore up and down that the pudding was for her because she commented on facebook about how she had a hankering for some of momma Cutaia's banana pudding.  I was like that is bullshit!!!!  I asked for banana pudding when we talked about having Lino's birthday party there so she made it for me.  So we went back and forth about it for a little while then we decided to set the record straight and ask the source.  So we ask Nini and she gives some BS answer about her making the pudding for Alicia because she asked for it on Facebook!  I was just floored...I couldn't believe it...I don't believe it.  So I had to give Nini the 3rd degree and a huge guilt trip...I told her I had worked super hard all day for the party and that I was looking forward to the pudding and that I had put all those nice things in the blog last week about her in prep for having pudding and blah blah blah.  She got a big kick out of that.  Then I was like I can't believe you didn't make that for me, I thought you loved me...I think that did it...she couldn't hold up the front any longer...her love for me took over and she grabbed me to kiss me...even tho I resisted and didn't want anything to do with her (wink wink).  All that to say, the banana pudding was for me!!!!  I love that stuff!!  Oh, so all that and I didn't even get to have very much of it.  I just new that there was going to be a lot left so I didn't scoop in on it right away but I should have.  I mean we had 2 cakes, a big dish of brownies, 2 boxes of cookies and a big dish of banana pudding so there is no way that all that was going to be gone...right????  WRONG!!!!  By the time I got back around to getting some pudding and after Aunt Aunt's gave me the heads up that there was hardly any pudding left, there was barely 2 squares left!!!!  Amazing, they killed that stuff...its so good.  So I quickly made me a plate and started to dig in when Lino said he needed to poop and it was my turn to take him...so I put my pudding down on the table...big mistake...and go into the house.  I was only gone for 5-10min and my pudding was gone!!!  WTF?!?!?!  I was looking all over for it and then found out that PopPop had threw it out...he was cleaning up...I was crushed.  I just knew that there wasn't any more left but thankfully there was one square left...so I was saved...and it was good!  Thanks Nini!!!!!  Then Mike finally was able to toss me into the pool...that a-hole. He tossed me so hard that I scrapped my foot on the cement...no bueno...talk about painful. 

I couldn't believe that I got scrapped up like that...and it hurt like heck!!! I was so mad at him but it was also funny. That freaking water was cold...and my hair was wet...geeze o peez o!  Even tho I hated being thrown in the water I still love my hubby...so we made up and took a pic...love him

Even tho we kissed and made up Mike still was trying to get me into the pool but I was yelling at him about my foot so he gave up.  Then I decided to push him in but I was having a hard time with it so Aunt Aunt's had to step in to help me...and of course he went in...fully clothed!!!  hahahaha...thats so what he gets.  Every time there is a pool party it is a constant battle...he spends the whole day trying to push me into the water...over and over and over again.  Its mad...but its funny too...but mad all at the same time.  Then we both went in the pool together at some point too...like I said its a constant battle.  Usually with no winner... At some point PopPop tried to push me into the pool too and he almost had me but I was able to get him in instead.  He told me after he got out of the pool that he was going to take me in with him but he felt sorry for me because of my foot...not sure if I believe him or not but regardless he went in and I didn't...thank goodness.

So everyone seemed to have a good time, there was tones of food but you wouldn't know it because there was nothing left!!!  Nini and Nan did a great job with the food selection and of all the food that we had all I had was 2 chicken strips and Nini maybe had a bite of Lino's chicken strip...that was it.  I'm glad everyone had a good time and that so many people came out to see us.  It was nice to meet some of Nini's friends that we have heard about but never met and to see some family that we haven't seen for a while. So the crowd died off pretty late...Nini knows how to throw a party.  At the end it was just Tash, Sarah, Mike and PopPop outside.  Nini & I were inside with the boys and away from the mosquito's!!!!  But I did go outside for a little while especially when I heard talks of "belly bombers!!"  While waiting for our special late night treat we had some very interesting conversations...Aunt Aunt's is going to start a Harem and it sounds like Tash might be interested in joining...but I'm not so sure Sarah is OK with that.  She didn't ask us to join but I think it would be weird to apart of her Harem especially when we kind of consider her our daughter...but she's the boys Aunt...its a weird family circle...way to complicated to explain in the blog.  That could be a whole blog by its self.  But it was funny to listen in...Aunt Aunt's is great.  They were also talking about how Mike and I ended up with 2 boys and that was a totally hilarious conversation too...way more detail and info being shared with friends that probably doesn't need to be shared again.  Oh I love these conversations...priceless.  So the belly bombers arrive and I find out that this was Sarah's first experience...I couldn't believe it.  We all had stories about why we called it belly bombers...its funny to hear why and when people eat them.  Mike and I actually like the taste so make sure we get some every time we are in NY and in Chicago...plus they are a good late night/drinking snack.  Tash and Aunt Aunt's seem to only like them when they are drinking/drunk as part of a late night snack.  Then we got into the discussion about the impact of the bombers...that might be a little too much for the blog...but lets just say it was funny. So I had to take a pic of Sarah to capture the moment of her first bite of a belly bomber...hopefully tomorrow she will be ok :-)  Sarah seemed to enjoy them and even went back for another one...good thing we had 25 of them for the 6 of us (me, Mike, Aunt Aunt's, Sarah, Tash and PopPop) 

          

After my snack I had to go in, it was too cool outside and I knew the mosquitoes were out but thankfully I had on a long sleeved shirt and Mike's pants.  They stayed out for a while but only after getting a nice dose of Off...but I think it was a little too late for that.  Eventually the party really ended and we all went to sleep.  What a great day...I'm pooped...have to save the blogging for Sunday.

Sunday:

Everyone actually slept in which was surprisingly but still up by 8am.  Lino was ready for the pool bright and early of course even tho it was cold...so he got in...crazy kid.  He wanted me to get in with him but it was too cold of course plus I was still trying to protect my injury from yesterday...which was still hurting.  Lino did the doctor work on it yesterday and he put the bandaid on it but he put the tape part on the womb...so it hurt like heck when I took it off.  Anyway, I can't believe how bad it looks...I had to take another pic...ignore the toe nails...those are getting taken care of tomorrow I hope!

So Nini had got the boys these really cute shirts that we tried to get them to wear for the party yesterday...well Shaun wore his but Lino was in and out of the pool so he didn't have any time for a shirt.  So today I was finally able to get a picture of them in their shirts...these are too cute...and they are ethnically appropriate too...PERFECT!!!  How cute is this...

      

If you can't read it, it say's Shaun I'm the little brother and Lino I''m the big 

Mike and Aunt Aunt's went to get breakfast and I started to write up the blog from yesterday...too much to type so I had to cut it down a little.  When they got back they got into the pool and played a little pool volleyball.  Again, Mike asked me to get in but there was no way I was going into that water...it was cloudy today and the sun was only in and out every once in a while so I knew the water was going to be way to cold for me.  So they played around for a while...they love the water and then they threw me the ball...why I have no idea.  So instead of me just tossing it back in the water I decided to do a little drop kick...bad idea.  So the ball bounces on the opposite side of the pool then bounces over the fence to the neighbors yard.  Apparently these neighbors are not the nicest so no one wanted to go get the ball...so I had to...I guess it was my fault so I should go get it.  So I go to get the ball, and I notice that the front door is open and there was a screen door and some dogs.  So instead of me knocking I just yelled in "hello!"  Well the dogs went crazy...there was a big pit bull girl dog at the door and she just started barking up a storm and then jumped up on the screen door.  Well she was a big ol thing and she just went right thru the door...and came right out at me!!!  I wasn't sure if she was nice or not but she was barking at me and kind of scared me.  The owner or lady in the house was so mad...she started yelling at her and chasing her to get her to come back into the house...with no luck.  So she runs back in the house...for what I don't know...but I can tell the dog is friendly so I call her over and she comes to me.  I was able to get her collar and pull her into the house...whew.  That was crazy.  The lady was so mad...the screen was ripped and then the other dog, a little one jumped out...what a mess.  I had to do everything I could to not laugh.  So once we gathered all the dogs she went to get the ball for me...and she didn't seem to upset about the ball so that was good.  To funny!!

The rest of the afternoon was spent talking with the family.  Even tho the weather wasn't the greatest it was at least cool out side so we just hung around and talked.  Shaun enjoyed some quality time with PopPop and Siesta...she is fasinated with Siesta but I don't think the feeling is mutual.  At least Siesta doesn't snap at him as much as she does with Lino...maybe she knows that he is a baby...or maybe she doesn't...hard to tell.  

At some point I was typing up my blog while everyone was talking and Aunt Aunt's suggested that I type on the computer...what a novel idea! I had all these excuses about transfering my pictures from the phone to the computer but after I actually thought about it, it wasn't really that big of an issue.  But it made it so much easier.  I can see my spelling mistakes much easier and I feel like I can type a lot quicker too...its like I just got  a boost in technology...hahahaha.   So then I was really into the blog and we were suppose to go and do a little shopping before we head out but that got canceled.  We also had said we would BBQ but the threat of rain X'ed that idea too.  So the next idea was to have Nini make lasagna...yum yum...bingo!  So Mike & Aunt Aunt's went to get all the stuff we needed and I kept typing.  When Mike left I saw that he had on some weird looking flip flops and realized that he had on Nini's shoes.  Why the heck does he have on girls shoes???  Oh that's because I threw him in the pool with his cloths on and shoes on...so his shoes were soaking wet still and he didn't want to wear wet shoes...he would rather wear girls flip flops.  I about peed my pants...it was too funny.

About a hr later they are back and I am still typing up the blog...it is a massive one.  Aunt Aunt's and Nini were both like where is the blog...hounding me like crazy.  I couldn't believe it...I have crazy fans...just crazy.  So I had to put them to ease and reminded them that there is only one post for the weekend because its just too much work to post Sat & Sun.  I don't think they liked that response but it is what it is. Later, I got to talk to my dad and Teri...it was good to catch up with them and hear their voices.  I can't wait for them to get the iphone so that we can talk more regularly.  

Dinner was amazing...of course...home made lasagna with focacia bread and salad...yum!!!  

No wonder I can't loose any weight...this is just crazy.  After dinner Mike, Aunt Aunt's and Lino took another dip in the pool...crazy people.  They love the pool...and even tho it was cold they enjoyed every moment of it.  Now it's time to try and get ready to head back to Ireland.  Need to do a little packing and wash a load of laundry (I'm sure it won't take 4 hrs just to wash and "dry" a small load).  I almost don't want to do any laundry because I think it might make me cry in envy.

Another great weekend...

Busy day on the island

Today shun got up early...probably because of the time change but also because he soaked thru his crapy Ireland pampers. I must say...those diapers in Ireland absolutely suck. I bought 2 packs of Pampers and first off I didn't realize it until I had put the diapers on Shaun but the sizes are different in Ireland than they are in the states. So I got a size 2 because that's what Shaun is wearing but a Irish size 2 is 8-14lbs but in the states it's 12-18...big difference. Then, it says it last 12hrs but it can't even make it thru the night for Shaun which is only 8hrs or so. So all that to say by 6am when Shaun had his normal morning pee pee his diaper was already saturated so he leaked thru his diaper which got him all wet which of course woke him up...ugh. So I'm a horrible mommy plus I was tired...I just took his pj's off and changed his diaper and put him back in the bed. Good thing he only got his cloths wet and not the bed. So he was up and I tried to ignore him but it wasn't happening...hahaha...he wasn't crying just playing and laughing so don't worry. Well since there was no going back to sleep we got up and sat with Nan for a little while. Nan fussed at me about not having any cloths on him...of course, so I gave her some cloths to put on him...these are sweet moments. 

After everyone got up and showered (except Lino because he wasn't in the mood to be clean) we decided to head to IHOP before Shaun's dr appt. Mike and I thought we would sneak out without Lino but he wasn't having it. That was fine to bring him but it was funny because he didn't want to shower and he didn't want to put any cloths on (that includes underwear) so we went out with his pj's and no undies...oh my. Lets just say I couldn't take a picture because if he turned the wrong way this might become a child porn site :-/  hahahaha. Anyway we took him out...in his pj's..,against all my better judgement.  And as Nini would remind me I would have had a conniption if she did that...I guess I'm a hipocrit...I can admit it. But he was doing so well and we didn't have the time to wait or time/energy to fight with him so that's that. So out we go...in the rain...can't believe it's still raining. 

We had a quick but good breakfast. I was craving IHOP so I'm glad we got that taken care of early in the trip. We were rushing Lino so we had to take his to-go. We were already pushing it for time and we didn't have any time to spare and what does Mike do...gets lost. How does he get lost in his home town??? I will never understand but his excuse was that he doesn't drive in NY every day. But when we were driving there and I told him I was impressed that he found it without getting lost like he did when we were in Texas, and he said that's because he's been in NY for 18yrs...guess that didn't help him today. So after a 15 min detour we get back on the right track and head to the dr office. I guess I should explain that we are taking Shaun to get shots because the ones in Ireland are different from the schedule we have, so we just decided to get them in the states whenever we come back. It's a little bit of a pain but not that bad. So we are trying to find the dr office, and Mike isn't exactly sure were it was. By the time we figured it out it was about 10min past our appt time and 30 min past the time we were suppose to get there...needed to get there early to register as a new patient. We walk in at 10:30 and it's a packed waiting room...going to be a long morning. We couldn't complain too much because Nini was able to get us in to her GP with very little notice which saved us a lot of headache. Anyway we waited until almost noon to get into the room then another 30 min before we got to see the Dr and get the shots. All in all it was a 2.5 hr dr visit but Shaun did great with his shots. He got 2 in the butt and he didn't even budge then one in the thigh that made him cry but not for long at all. What a happy baby!!!!  Lino also did really good at the dr office...no pee pee accidents and he told us when he had to go. That is such a big change from a month ago...its just amazing how quickly things change.  

Next to CVS to get a prescription for me. It was going to be too much of a hassle to get my prescription filled in Ireland because I would have to go to the GP and have them write me a Rx and they may not even write me one to begin with because they are not very big on Rx so I just got it filled while I was here. We had a little bit of trouble with it because we changed insurance with the international move...anyway it was a mess but easily resolved. Next we went back to the house and Mike went out to get his hair cut...long over due. At the house Nini got to spend some quality time with Shaun and surprisingly he wasn't cranky after his dr appt and all those shots. Sunce the rain went away and it started to het a little warm Lino was ready to get into the pool but I knew the water was going to be cold so I tried to stall him until Mike got back. Somehow I was able to and Mike took him out to swim. I was excited to actually get to see him swim in person and just amazed at how fearless he is in that water. He was jumping in from the diving board and off the side with no problem or hesitation. One of the games that PopPop and Lino play us blast off so it was cool to see Mike & Lino playing. It was just amazing to watch Mike toss Lino into the deep end and Lino to swim back to him. I was just amazed...and somehow I was able to capture one if those amazing moments...father & son have a great time. 

These two are fish out of water...they just love to be in the water. Mike used this quality time to perfect his front flip off the diving board or is it a cannon ball??? Hard to tell...either way it makes a big splash and a lot of laughs from the crowd. 

They had a good time in the pool, even tho it was cold and Lino was shivering. After pool time it was prep time for tomorrows pool party thenwe all hung out by the pool and waited for PopPop to get home so that we could head to dinner. Nothing fancy at dinner other than all the living that Nini was getting from her boys...I call this smothered with love..,

Shaun was getting fussy so Nini gave him a french fry  to hold. Now when Lino was 4 months this would be a complete no no...I might have walked out of the restaurant with Lino but with the second one you are a lot more l relaxed...plus I knew he wasn't going to eat it so no raisin getting all freaked out for nothing. But Nini reminded me how much of a nazi I was with Lino...blah blah blah. Hahahah Anyway we got some pics of Shaun and his french fry...he was tying to kill that thing it was so funny. 

Soothing humming from Nini...Shaun is trying to fight it but I think he's not going to make it 

Family pic at the diner

Another good day with the family. Can't wait until tomorrow...