Jose, Lara, Alexander & Ava Grace

Where to begin...

2012-01-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

This post is probably a bunch of mumbo jumbo since there's nothing in particular I really want to talk about. I can give an update on my sweet babies. Alexander is 3 and I was reading in the Parents magazine how they said "terrible two's and the testing three's!" Straight to the tee they are correct. It was like the instant Alexander turned 3 is when he started to be testy!! He likes to yell, tell us no and he's still scratching. I don't know how to get him away from that. However, he is still a sweet and good little boy. He weighs 27 lbs., still a tiny guy, but he's growing strong and healthy. He's been experiencing growing pains, which are really hard for him, but we always tell him it's because he's growing. Ava is so fun. She is 10 months and at her 9 month check-up she weighed 16 lbs. her height was good and her head is still off the charts because of how small it is. Don't worry, it's in proportion with her body!! She's going to be a little one just like Alexander. She can still wear 6 month clothing and her 9 month clothing is still a little big on her. I prefer that because she'll get use out of her clothes, wear them more than once or twice!! She has two teeth on the bottom and that's all I can see for now. She's not crawling yet, I practice with her every day, but she always cries when I put her on her stomach; probably because she thinks I'm putting her down for a nap! She'll scoot, man it's amazing how fast they can move on their bums. She'll stretch with her scooting as far as she can just so she doesn't have to get on her knees! She's getting close though. She has a pretty big appetite. She LOVES yogurt, mashed potatoes (without milk or butter) bread and those fruit puree things you can drink (thanks Cindy for introducing them). She really enjoys feeding herself and enjoys being held. Who wouldn't?! She waves and I wish I had a video to show you because it's really cute how she waves. If she's really excited she'll get both hands moving as well as her feet! My children bring me such joy. It's truly amazing the amount of love that can expressed and felt for your children. Thank you Heavenly Father for giving me such a wonderful gift, motherhood.

Vacation 2011

2011-10-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Yes I know, summer vacation? It's almost winter. It's better late than never. In August we took a family vacation down where the sun is hot...St. George. Us girls went down early to have a day without the men. It was nice to stay up late, eat whatever you want whenever you want and no one to tell you what to do. With that little entry here is the Top Ten Highlights of Vacation 2011.
10. Christy's "my little blanky;" a blanket she uses to rub her fingers together to create a certain sound and feel. (This blanket is very, very old and very, very sad looking).
9. Mom's "jerky" driving in St. George (mainly the parking lot areas).
8. Hearing this gagging noise only to find out it's Christy contstantly looking at her tonsils. She's obsessed.
7. Vacationing to St. George to swim (partly the main reason), but then realizing after checking into the hotel that the swimsuit was forgotten then hunting the stores for a new one!!
6. Jose and Dad capturing a creature of the forest....a horny toad, not just a little one, but a BIG one. Side note, if you ever catch one they hiss!
5. Mom being banned from sleeping in the bus due to excessive loud snoring!
4. "Earn a Dollar" with Marsha. (Created by Marsha)
3. Dad telling Jose to stay close by so he doesn't get lost only to have us turn around twice! Who's the lost one?
2. The double stroller being set aside and being abandoned at the outlet store. It almost got chucked, literally! That's what you get when you leave your Dad to buy a stroller at a yard sale. Side note #2: I'm not against yard sales, it's just this stroller was a piece of junk; a mind of its own, can't be put up or down without at least 5 people. How many people does it take to work a double stroller?!
And the #1 highlight of vacation 2011: Going to Tuachan to see "The Little Mermaid" and taking pictures with the cast. Not waiting in line to take the pictures. In the words of Jose "I have a baby with me...can't wait!"

All about Ava!

2011-09-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Ava had her 6 month check-up on Monday, wow! It's really amazing how fast they grow. She weighs a whopping 14.6 lbs dropping her to the 20%, her height is 24.8 in. long and I don't remember what her head circumference is. My mom calls her a "baby by the book" because she does everything by the book and when it's supposed to happen. At her 4 month check-up the Dr. asked if she was grabbing things and she wasn't really. Until that day after the appt. she started grabbing things. This check-up the Dr. asked if she was sitting up by herself and she wasn't...until a few days after. She's a "baby by the book!" She started rolling mid-July and exploring her feet and toes around the same time. You can count on her holding one foot in her hand while she nurses, guarantee. I never saw her roll from her stomach back onto her back until today when I put her down for her afternoon nap; sometimes it's an instant thing for her to roll when she lays down. Another thing you can count on is that no matter what time it is, if it's 7 at night or 3 o'clock in the morning she wakes up with a smile on her face. Her Aunts Leanne and Alisa call her smiley. Alexander has a talent for making her laugh. One time we were eating dinner and Alexander just looked at her, said something silly and she started laughing. Alexander LOVES her ears. He just can't seem to get enough!! I can't get enough of my two babies! They both make me laugh and smile. Everyday at work there's something in my kids that reminds me of my own and it makes me laugh and love them more and more. I love you Alexander and Ava.

SIMPLE JOYS OF LIFE....WHILE WORKING

2011-09-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry no pictures for this entry. It dawned on me yesterday while telling my mom a story or two I realized I should write these down to put on my blog. Then I realized I should carry a notebook with me at all times to write not only funny/cute things Alexander and Ava do, but to just write about anything. I started work a week ago and I realized there are some simple joys in my life while I work. It may not be much, but who knows there could be more.
#1. There's just something about coming home from work being on your feet all day and putting on a pair of flip-flops! It's pure bliss.
#2. Coming home to see one baby's face light up with a smile when they see you and the other one saying "mommy" while he runs to jump in your arms. It reminds me that being a mom is very worthwhile. Thank you Alexander and Ava, Mommy loves you.
#3. Being at work and feeling you have a connection with a lot of students you've taught before to where they love to come up to you and give you hugs, a high five or just a simple wave.
#4. Coming home from work after being dressed "professionally" and being able to dress down in the most comfortable clothes imaginable. For me it's scroungy! For some reason being a mom is nice because you can stay in your pj's or dress scroungy all day and it won't matter. Where else do you have to go? What else are you going to do? So working gives me an excuse to dress nice and not just to look presentable!! Is this a problem?!!
I know 4 simple joys doesn't say much, but like I said who knows. I mean I'm only in the 2nd week of school!

Construction Zone

2011-08-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

I know in Utah we seem to always complain about there only being 2 seasons: Winter and Construction. This summer there has been construction everywhere, and not just on the streets, but in my house as well....literally! After 4 years and 10 months of living in our beautiful house in Woodcove we had to say goodbye; and in 2 weeks!

While Jose was off working I stayed home to take care of the kids, pack and find a place to live. Yes, it was stressful and overwhelming. However, we did it and managed okay.

We are living with my parents for a while until we can save money and have more time to find somewhere else to live. Although it's sad that we left our home the Lord has blessed us and me I feel in particular. We were able to stay in the house as long as we did without the home turning into a foreclosure. Through that time I was able to find and feel peace about leaving my home, which was a very big thing for me. We were able to have Ava Grace and get her settled for a bit before we moved and deal with the adjustment period for Alexander. Now we deal with the adjustment of a new "home." It's been an adjustment for everyone. Not true, Ava is the only one that seems to be adjusting very well!! The pictures you see are some of the construction zone and the aftermath!

The last 5 months

2011-08-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a really long time since I wrote anything. I'm told I need to update more and with pictures!! Sometimes at night when trying to fall asleep I think of posts and what I'm going to write and what pictures I'm going to put up, but nothing happens!! The first one I have is entitled: Natural Disasters.
Living in the United States I'm sure none of us expect to see a natural disaster, well I have and I'm not just talking metaphorically. Literally I have seen a natural disaster, but it's more of the after math. My grandparents have a cabin, which we refer to as "the bus" down at Duck Creek. Early June my mom received a phone call from the neighbor who lives next to the bus; he said there were a lot of trees that had fallen down and the property needed to be cleaned up. We decided to go down with my parents and sister Christy to get away and see how bad this actually was. I thought "oh it won't be bad, it's just a bunch of talk." I was wrong and here are the pictures to prove it. After seeing what a disaster we had encountered it was time to cut down trees, burn the dead needles and make it clean again.

The "terribles" hit when?

2011-06-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

I had envisioned that I wouldn't experience the case of the "terrible twos" until Alexander hit the age of 3. I envisioned this due to seeing/watching my niece Kianna go through the "terribles" at the age of 3. 2 was a piece of cake, 3 on the other hand not so much. Hoping this would happen with Alexander I was wrong. Alexander's "terrible" stage hit after his baby sister Ava was born. Us parents put up with so much! Please tell me they grow out of this "terrible" stage! Between all the pinching, biting, scratching, hitting, pulling hair and shouting what's next?! We're trying to teach him not to do those things, but how much of it actually goes in? I know there are those of you who just can't see Alexander being this way, but trust me he has his violent side and some of you have witnessed this side. So my vision of the "terribles" remains to be true as "the terrible twos!"

2 months!

2011-05-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Ava had her long awaited 2 month check-up. Happy to report she is 11.8 lbs which puts her in the 55%tile, bigger than Alexander at his 2 month. Her height is 22 in. long and I don't remember her head size just that it's small....and flat! The Dr. turned her head the opposite way and said she doesn't like her head to be turned that way, but it indeed turns. She definitely knows when she wants to go to bed. It has been at 7:30 and sleeps for 6,7,8, 10 and sometimes 12 hrs. DEFINITELY different than Alexander. She loves to be held and just like Alexander likes it more and relaxes more when Daddy holds her. She has started "talking" and her morning routine starts with talking at 7:30 in the morning. She has discovered her fingers which are often put into fists and she has the cutest smile that is contagious like most babies smiles are. Also happy to report that Alexander is getting so...much better with his little sister. One cute thing he did was when Ava got her shots she was in a lot of pain when we got home. I laid her down and she of course was crying so Alexander goes up to her and says "sweetie, sweetie" then goes to her eyes and says "no tears" as he wipes her tears away. Those are my babies and I love them.

Movies

2011-05-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever rented a movie to see what it was like and realized it was the dumbest movie? Well I just experienced that a few weekends ago. When I first saw Napolean Dynamite I thought it was the dumbest movie ever, but turns out it was pretty funny and not so much dumb. Jose decided to rent a movie he never heard about and just went by what red box tells about the movie. We started to watch it and it wasn't very funny from the start. We kept watching to see if it would get any better, it didn't. We continued to say "This movie is stupid, lets watch..." but neither one of us would move, we just kept watching the movie. Have any of you done that? Rent a movie to find out that it's stupid but continue to keep watching the movie hoping it will get better? We did and unfortunately it didn't get better. The movie is called Scouts Honor. It is definitely on the top 10 list of the dumbest movies ever made list. Why people filmed this movie is beyond me. So next time you rent a movie, check out the reviews first and don't pull a Jose!!

2011-04-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Introducing the newest member of the Leon family: Ava Grace Leon. A quick story. She was originally due on the 21st, but we decided to be induced on the 15th. I knew and my mom knew that I wouldn't make it that far. So on the 9th I went in for a regular check up and the Dr. said I still looked good and the real test would be to see what would happen over the weekend seeing how he was going to be out of town. I woke up Thursday morning with contractions, I went to work and by lunch time I left for the hospital. I knew she was going to come early. I just had this feeling when everyone I knew who was having their babies were having them over a week early. Needless to say she was born on March 10, 2011 at 6:17 p.m. weighing in at 7 lbs. 4 oz and 19 in. long. She came smoothly and perfectly. Cindy was right, the second time around is better!! So I didn't think Alexander would be very jealous of Ava because of how he was when she was inside...that's just it, inside!! Well....I was wrong. It's been quite the adjustment. Those of you who thought having one was an adjustment, just you wait until another one comes along! Although Alexander always wants to kiss Ava, hold her, rock her and basically be in her face 24/7 he almost seems to want to hurt her sometimes. Has anyone who has been through this witnessed this behavior?
So here are some little things about Ava. She has such a sweet smile, she LOVES to be held and doesn't really enjoy car rides when fussy. We believe she has acid reflux, which has its up and downs. One up is that she can eat on one side and be content for 3 hrs. She likes to go to bed early unlike her brother Alexander. A down to the reflux is she spits up, I never knew a baby's spit up could shoot that far! She does tend to get a lot of gas bubbles because either she can't let loose or she can't/won't burp. Despite all this she is such a joy.

4 Weeks!

2011-02-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

So much for my goal of writing every month! I was hoping to at least have pictures, but....no. I know everyone just wants to see pictures and guess what? So do I!! For an update on things I have 4 weeks to go...unless she comes before then which is likely to happen. At my last checkup she had turned and 1 1/2 dilated. I've had some really good contractions so who knows. We might even decide to be induced, but my mom thinks I won't last that long because of all the pain I've been in. Alexander I think is getting excited because he gets a huge smile on his face every time he sees a baby at church. He still puts lotion on the belly every night, he gives her kisses and puts his ear on the belly and tells her night night. However, I think he's angry because he's been very abusive to me lately. Jose wonders if he's acting out on me because of the baby. I hope not, but it's interesting how Alexander won't be abusive with Jose; it's only me. Hm.. I have another check up this Wed. so we'll see if baby girl has moved down more. Things are going well aside from the baby. You would think with the 2nd child you would be more prepared, but no. I definitely feel less prepared for her to come into this world than I did with Alexander. Suggestions?!

A new year...already?!

2010-12-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

I know I know, I've been really really bad at posting. Everyone knows how it is the last few months of the year....crazy busy. No excuses. I'm going to make that a goal for the coming year, to be better at my posts..more specific let's try to post at least once a month, that way it's something I can commit to! I just can't believe it's already a new year.
Well for those who don't know, we're having a baby girl. I had the ultrasound a week before Thanksgiving and it was exciting because my mom was with me this time and because I was further along than usual I got a little bit longer to look around. Shoot! I should've brought the pictures. There's some cute pictures of her; one with her yawning and the other is her arm up around her head. She's definitely not as active as Alexander and I don't feel her as much due to the placenta being up front, but I definitely feel her in my ribs. Everything looks good, she's perfect and right on track so that's good. Haven't really thought of any names yet, but we still have 3 months left to decide.
This is all I have for now, I'm hoping to achieve my goal and do a big post of the last 3 months with pictures included for January so there's something to look forward to! We hope everyone has a nice New Years and everyone is healthy and safe. We love you all.

Everyone else is....

2010-09-08T13:56:00.001-07:00

Everyone else is so I might as well be! Might as well be PREGNANT that is!! It's been official since July even though I had suspicion in June. I'm 12 weeks along and due March 21. We are excited. Like Atticus, Alexander thinks he has a baby in his belly. It's cute because every once in a while Alexander wants to see the baby so he thinks he can see it by pulling my shirt up to see my belly and then he rubs the belly. I'm really looking forward to being pregnant in the winter...I'm hoping I'll be hot during the winter rather than cold like always!! I've hit the awkward stage of the pregnancy where I can't fit into any of my clothes. The maternity clothes are out because they're soooo big and my regular clothes are too tight so it kind of looks like I'm chubby. My mom will look at my belly and say "is that really all the baby there?" As if it's all fat! So there it is; Alexander is going to be a big brother; to what? I'm hoping for a girl, but of course Daddy is hoping for a boy! We'll find out next month. Yay!

CAUTION!

2010-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

CAUTION! This post may contain details, if you have a weak stomach you might not want to read on, but if you think you can handle it read on!
I was thinking how this was probably one of the saddest things that could happen to your child. Little Alexander around 4 a.m. woke up coughing and crying. He was throwing up....well trying to! We asked if he wanted water and he said no. He laid down to sleep and 5 min. later he woke up coughing and throwing up, again trying to. Poor little guy he wanted to throw up and he just couldn't. It was so sad to watch. He cries just like his mommy when she throws up. I just thought this has got to be one of the saddest things ever-- to know your child is trying to throw up and just can't. I hope no one has seen that happen because it's really sad when you know you can't do anything to relieve their pain.
This isn't gross, it's just a little story. This past weekend we went camping with some friends. Alexander was feeling fine until the middle of the night when he wakes up crying and starts throwing up. Only it wasn't everything he had eaten it was just the pasta noodles that he can eat. I thought that was the weirdest thing ever. I warned you all for those who have weak stomachs! All is good though, he's feeling fine.

A long update

2010-07-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest update with Alexander. He's now 19 months and at his 18 month check up he was 21 lbs. He's still in the 3%tile, but his doctor says he's very pleased with how he's growing despite all his allergies. Alexander has developed into one little busy bee. It's hard to keep up with him. Thankfully he can entertain himself and doesn't need attention or to be held 24-7. His vocabulary and signing is growing. Some words are more clear than others, and he doesn't quite know how to say some words, but we know what he's saying( (at least that's what we think)! He knows where his head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth and toes are. He'll point to your face and say what they are. He's really good at nose, eyes and mouth. We still haven't given him much sugar, occasionally it's a suck from a popsicle, and he still loves his fruit. His favorite right now is watermelon, which he attempts to say and apple which he signs. He's not a fan of time out, which he gets after 3 warnings from doing something he shouldn't. He's really into throwing things at people or throwing food on the floor (and it's always on the day I mop)! Needless to say he's growing and is more fun and cute every day. I'll post stories of moments later.

2010-05-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

There’s a new car wash opening on 90th So. And 2700 W. by the Maverick. Yesterday when Jose came home from work mentioned that the car wash is giving Away free car washes from 5-7 p.m. We loaded ourselves and Alexander up
In the car and headed to the car wash. We’re going along smoothly when the brushes Started going up the car and while Alexander was smiling and laughing at the beginning Suddenly turned into a face that said “Mom, what is that? I don’t think I like That noise!” I wish I had a picture to capture the face. Just imagine, this cute little boy With his Hershey kisses eyes bulging out of his head, his lips as straight as can be And just looking back and forth deciding on whether or not to cry! It was again another Adventure with Alexander.

What to Read?

2010-05-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

Alexander doesn't have a lot of books and he loves to read. He's always grabbing the same book saying "book" and climbing in my lap. I decided to take him to the library. Wednesday night we went out as a family to the library. Thinking it wouldn't take very long it ended up lasting for a good hour! Alexander is 17 months old and I don't know what books to get him. I grabbed the pamphlet that had suggestions, but when I went to go hunt them down they of course were...checked out. I need suggestions. PLEASE! If anyone has suggestions on what books to get let me know. Cindy, you were right about the Peek-a-Who Book, Alexander loves it. What are the dinosaur books called you were saying Atticus loves? I wrote them down, but the paper accidentally got thrown away. I do have a story about our first adventure at the library. Alexander was playing on the bean bag chairs they have in the kids section and Jose wanted to get a book so we told Alexander we were going to get Daddy a book. Alexander's response? I long drawled out "no." Picked him up and let him down while Daddy looked for his book and now that he can walk on his own he was everywhere in the aisles. I took his hand and said "lets go this way" and the response was once again a drawled out "no." I love the way he says it, it's so cute. On the other hand I'm not condoning it! I pick him up and the whole body goes as straight as an ironing board!!! What an adventure the library was. The question we ask now is "do we go back to the library?" As Alexander would say "No....!" The real answer is yes....I just don't know how soon!!!

My Favorite Past Time

2010-04-26T07:06:00.001-07:00

I'll get some pics up soon...I hope. Some people say baseball is the favorite past time, well I've found what my favorite past time is. My sweet boy is enjoying reading books. If he sees me sitting down he grabs a book and says "book" then he'll climb up on my lap, get his feet in position then he plops himself down in my lap, feet sticking out and he's ready to go. One of those precious moments you want to hold on to forever. Sometimes it's not just when we read, it's generally whenever I sit down to where he can sit in my little hole. It's short, but that's my favorite past time.

M-M Tasty!

2010-04-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a meal that tasted sooooo good that you were 'm-m m-ing' all the way through the meal? Or when is the LAST time you went 'm-m-m' through the meal? I had that experience last night. I don't even recall the last time I went 'm-m-m' through my meal and I'm the one that does the cooking!! I wish I had a picture but I don't so use your imagination. This is for all you fish lovers. We had salmon that was just the perfect cut and cooked just perfect-- you know not too dry not too raw. Fresh steamed sticky rice. Rice that isn't sticky just isn't rice in my opinion. To top it off the salmon was accented with mango salsa. You heard me right, mango salsa. M-M delicious. Yes, Lara had mango; for those of you who know I'm not a big fruit girl I really like this salsa. It's colorful too---orange, red, green and a little white from an onion. Mmmm I can taste it right now it was so good. It was so good I think we're having it again tonight. :)

A Sad and Happy Change

2010-03-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

I thought about putting a sad and happy ending, but it's not really an end. It's more of a change. For over 3 years serving as the Young Women President in my ward I was released on Sunday. :( I was in shock when I first got told it was going to happen. The Bishop asked if I was upset. I told him no and that it hadn't hit me. Thursday was the day. The day it hit me. I was gathering up my stuff to give to the new president when wham! It hit and for probably an hr or two I hit a depressive mode as well as some crying here and there. I didn't want to talk to anyone or do anything. I literally just sat in the computer room doing NOTHING! I know some people think oh it's not a big deal, it's just a calling. However, I can honestly say I've never enjoyed a calling so much as being the YW President. I served a great group of girls and had great counselors/advisors to work with. Jose on the other hand doesn't share my sadness. He's ecstatic. He couldn't be more happy. I'm sad, but I'm happy because now I don't have to worry about all the meetings, Wednesday night activities, new beginnings and evening of excellence, trek for youth conference this year and finding a camp director and getting that all ready. So there is relief. I just don't know what I'm going to do with myself!!! So much free time what to do?! It's been great to serve and I'm excited for the new leaders that are now in Young Women. I don't do well with change, but like I called this entry, a sad and happy change. I'm at peace and am looking forward to a break.

Scary Moment

2010-02-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

I know we've been M.I.A. for a while, I apologize. There is so much to tell that I wish having a computer with internet was more accessible. I have to share a scary moment we had today. We had gone to lunch at Chick-Fil-A and we usually give Alexander some chicken. I get the grilled because it's not breaded. Alexander was fine, but then when we were leaving he started choking. I tapped his back and he was okay but then he started throwing up all the chicken he had eaten. What did he eat that caused this choking? We're not sure, but we think just a little bit of bread was on a piece of his chicken. Jose pulled over and we got him out of his car seat to give him some water and to see if he was okay. All of a sudden Jose goes 'is he swelling?' I look over and sure enough his lips are swelling, especially his bottom lip. I called my dear friend Lena who has experienced this before with her little girl Lexie and she told me to get zyrtec and he'd be fine but to watch in case his throat started to close up. Within the few minutes it took from Jordan Landing to Macey's his lip was getting pretty fat. I grabbed the zyrtec off the shelf, ripped it open in dire need to hurry and get him this medicine so he could have relief and gave him this medicine the best I could with my shaky hands! The end result: It worked. His throat didn't close and we didn't have to rush him to the hospital. Now we know what happens if he has just a tiny bit of something he's allergic to. Thank you Lena for being a life saver and knowing what to do.

A review of 2009

2010-01-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

I decided that the next posts need to be a review of 2009 and what was going on not just with Alexander, but with Jose and I. If anyone knows how to do a collage of pictures, please let me know. I think that's going to be the best way to sum up 2009with little excerpts to explain about the pictures.
The year 2009 was a difficult one, but a very fulfilling year. I think the only reason why I was able to survive was having my sweet boy to look at daily. Have you ever loved someone so much, as I'm sure most of you have, but you love that someone so much you just can't get enough of that person? I'm like that with my sweet husband Jose and my sweet boy Alexander. Yes, there are times where I feel my patience has been tested to the limit, but after a few minutes of "me time" I can enjoy my time with my family.
Alexander has grown so much. He's 13 months and has me running around. Some of you are probably saying, 'just wait until he's 2.'

Going Backwards

2009-12-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

There is so much to tell. The past few months have just gone with the blink of an eye! Everything will be posted backwards, I apologize, but there are just some moments that have to be shared. This first one is around the first of October. My parents have season tickets to BYU football games and this year they decided along with my aunt and uncle to do tailgaiting parties. This particular game Christopher and Michelle couldn't make the game so thankfully we were able to use their tickets. Alexander went to his first football game and thoroughly enjoyed it..at least I think he did! He was very good and wasn't fussy. At half time we were able to go down and find a quiet place so he could eat and after that we were finishing the game with Mom, Dad, Becky, Lance, Bethany and Brett. The seats Chris and Michelle gave us were in seats and just a perfect location because you could see the whole field. Thanks Chris and Michelle, we really enjoyed ourselves. As the game was ending, Alexander was on JOse's lap just sitting there and when the game was over we looked at Alexander and he was....asleep!!

Pondering

2009-12-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

I've been pondering the past few days at how this year is almost over and how I'm not looking forward to starting a new year! Not because it's a new year, but because I really do not enjoy the month of January and it always seems like the year is going to go by soooo slow, especially with the snow! However, I'm looking forward to making goals. Being the YW president in my ward, I gave a lesson about short/long term goals. I told them to write their goals down. I'm going to take my own advice because there are a lot of goals I want to do for this coming year and if I don't write them down, I know I won't accomplish them.
I was also thinking and wondering, am I a bad parent? Am I doing things right? Am I a lazy mother? Do I feed Alexander enough? Am I a bad mother because I didn't take the opportunity, and there were plenty, to take Alexander downtown to witness the wonderful sight of Christmas Lights downtown at Temple Square? Another year has gone by and I still have yet to go see the lights. I know Alexander enjoys them because there is this neighborhood that tells the story of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and the houses are all decked out. We took Alexander to go see them and he was just in awe. Alexander is still nursing and I haven't put him on any solids per say because of all his food allergies. I have yet to make food that he can eat---it's too expensive! I know it'll be worth it, one day. So, I don't know if I feed him enough because when I look at some of the magazines it has what their meals should be like throughout the day and I don't do it. He gets breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cereal before bed, plus milk. I need help.
So besides all that pondering there's the added stress of keeping the house clean, playing with him and finding time to get on mom and dad's computer without it seeming like I'm ignoring my sweet boy. Am I the only one that feels this way?!

A day of adventure!

2009-09-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Before I begin this post I just want to add something. I realized the other day that my posts are....boring. I don't write like I used to. So, my goal is to make my posts more interesting and to have detail. I work in 4th grade this year and the teacher I work with has journal writing time where they just write until he says stop. I thought, "that's a great idea, I haven't done writing like that since my english classes in college." Although, I guess I write in Alexander's journal so why not write on the blog like I do his journal? So here we go...
On saturday, Jose, Alexander and I had a day filled with adventure. It was such a beautiful day to not take advantage of it so we decided to hit the stores. With Alexander being heavy these days and with his car seat weighing as much as him we decided to put him in the cart. A side note, we were very hesitant to do this because of all the germs and because we don't have a cart cover, which are really cool, but we did anyway. At first he was holding on for dear life, but then he realized it wasn't as bad as he thought so he let go. He had a blast. He loved it so much he was dancing! We put this beanie on his head and when I looked over at him his cute little ears were sticking out and these big beautiful brown eyes just in awe and I realized just how much he looks like his daddy...all from wearing a beanie!! Later in the evening we browsed in Ross and attempted to put him in the cart again. The result: loved it. We found this electronic dog thing that's like a speaker and it plays music. Alexander heard it and started dancing. It's the cutest thing to see him dance; his cute body moving up and down. I did get it on video so I'll have to try and update my computer skills to post it. Telling about his dancing just doesn't cut it, you have to witness it.
To end our day of adventure Alexander slept through the whole night....and in his crib. It was so weird to not have him wake up at least once to eat. Jose had to check on him twice just to make sure he was still alive!! He hasn't made it through the night since, but that first time was very monumental. We love you Alexander.

A night of fun!

2009-08-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places to go is Gardner Village. Twice a year they have a midnight madness so we usually go to look around. This time they did a luau and had food, dancers and prizes. We decided to take Alexander and this is what happened.

Camping

2009-08-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of you have been waiting for me to update my blog so here is a huge entry of what we've been up to this summer. The first being the first camping trip of the year. Although it rained for a little bit it was a blast and Alexander had one of the best nights of his life!!

Asleep during fireworks?!

2009-07-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Little Alexander celebrated his first fourth of July...asleep! (Just the second half of the firework show). He did really well during the day and loved getting together with family. We traveled down to Provo, and due to the construction we found a new spot that was shaded and quiet! Alexander just sat on his blanket playing and making noises and being quite content. He's such a good baby. It was time for the fireworks and bless Jose's heart; he wanted to make sure Alexanders ears were covered up because he's funny with noises. This is a little boy who doesn't like loud laughing but can handle thunder..go figure! The first firework went off and he was not a happy camper. Jose took him and I guess he did okay because I went to check on them during the break he was okay. THe second half started and we put the blanket with our hands over his ears and he LOVED it. 5 min. later he's asleep and sleeps well through the night.

Being silly

2009-06-23T15:13:00.001-07:00

Need I explain?!

6 month stats

2009-06-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

Alexander is in his 6 month stage, almost 7 months. He weighs 16 lbs. and 3 oz. He is 25 1/2 in. long and his head circumference is 40 something cm...I think! Although his percentile is low his doc wasn't concerned. I mean after all he does come from short parents!!He grabs very well and thinks everything can go in his mouth. He rolls over, but it's not his favorite. He enjoys standing or being on his feet. He can sit up by himself for a long time. His favorite past times include playing with paper and bags that make noise. Don't judge me about the bag thing, we watch him closely. He doesn't put it over his head; he'll crinkle it then sooner or later it ends up down by his feet and it's his feet that makes the noise. Those two things entertain Alexander for quite some time. It's quite entertaining to watch!! He's on solids, which he's been on since he was 4 months. He's really good at eating and even though everything seems to be his favorite, he really enjoys bananas, applesauce and squash. So there's the latest. He's growing and being quite the cute little stinker!! We love him and are very blessed to have him in our lives.

Father's Day

2009-06-23T14:46:00.001-07:00

It's not the best picture, but look at these two handsome boys! I'm so lucky to have both of these guys in my life. Jose was able to enjoy his first father's day. I love getting together with family. We had a barbecue at mom's with cousins and grandparents. It's so much fun when family gets together. It was a perfect day to honor our fathers.

Cross your fingers!

2009-06-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

After a long-g-g-g wait here are some pictures in no particular order. Enjoy!
Here is Easter.
He put his hand in a perfect cup shape all by himself, just so he could hold an egg!! Way to go sweet baby!
Yes, he knows how to give kisses
Look at that cute smile!

The prize is?...

2009-06-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

School is Out!! I'm finishing the last days of school; I have two days left and to that I say Hooray! Working in Kindergarten has been fun. I have to admit I didn't like it at first; I hated it. I later started to enjoy it. It definitely is a lot more teaching, but it is fun. THere are some really cute kids. I hope I'm lucky and get to work with them next year in 1st grade. Being in kindergarten has helped deal with being away from Alexander. So even though it's been a fun year both in 1st and Kindergarten I'm VERY MUCH looking forward to having the summer off to play with Alexander. Another prize besides school being out is having more time to play on my blog! So for those of you who are getting bored of not seeing pictures I say "there will be pictures!" Let SUMMER begin. HOORAY! :)

Realization!

2009-05-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

Do any of you ponder about your life and think how boring it is?! I mean sometimes you hear about peoples lives and they seem to have adventure or something exciting going on. I've come to the realization that Jose and I are two very boring people. My mom mentioned how my blog is nothing about Jose and I; it's just Alexander. There's a reason for that, we're boring!! LOL We just take each day one at a time. We're learning life as newly parents and trying to adjust. If you ever came to my house before we had Alexander it was clean, but after we had Alexander it's amazing you can find anything! It definitely looks like we have a baby!! Kudos to all you parents who have figured out how to manage your time with a new born! Nothing exciting is going on with us. We just have a list of all these projects we want to do, but not enough time! So if you haven't pondered about your life now maybe after reading this you will. Is your life full of adventure and you have something exciting to tell people or is it like Jose and I-nothing exciting to tell unless a baby is involved?!

Thank you!

2009-04-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

This is a little note to say Thank You to all of you who prayed and/or fasted for our little one, Alexander. Thanks to recommendations to go to South Valley Dermatology over at Jordan Valley Hospital, we found a Doctor who knew what he was doing. There was no guessing with this Dr., he knew what it was and he knew what to do; no more of this "experimenting." Peanut Oil is the cure, who would've thought!! Alexander had a check up yesterday and he's 85% better. He has one more week on the peanut oil three times a day then after that it's just some cream. Jose and I are so grateful to have family and friends who care. So Thank You! Thank You! Thank YOu! We love you all.

To Thumb or Not to Thumb?!

2009-04-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

These posts are so out of order. Alexander for months now has been gnawing at his little fists, but on this particular day he couldn't decide if he wanted to move to the thumb or keep the fist! He hasn't quite mastered the thumb sucking, but he does know where his thumb is; he just likes to chew on it rather than suck. I apologize for not having pictures or videos, I'll get working on it...soon.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Easter was a beautiful day. Alexander must have been a good boy because he got to do 2 easter egg hunts! The Easter Bunny loves Alexander and he loves him. He's good at grabbing things and bringing them close to his face to give kisses. He got this little bunny and when I tell him to give the bunny kisses he brings it close to his face, opens up his mouth and gives him kisses. He didn't quite know what to think about the hunt so he decided to shed some tears. It was a lot of fun though to take him around to find the eggs and to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. I think he likes the heat... just like his mamma! Now that he can see, recognize colors and people he's constantly staring at people. There's one picture perfect moment to where we gave Alexander a egg to hold and he has a perfect hold of the egg--his hand all cup and all.

New Tricks

2009-04-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

Alexander is getting bigger and more fun every day. A few weeks back he made some discoveries: his hands, his tongue and what he can do with his tongue. In this video is some of his tricks he's developed. I don't know how well you'll be able to hear it, but try to listen carefully and you'll know his new tricks. Enjoy! Having technical difficulties, I'll try and get it up soon.

A special prayer

2009-04-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Before I go into detail about the Title of today's blog let me apologize for not updating this blog. There is lots to tell and share; it's just finding the time to do it all and have the computer actually work!! One day though and hopefully soon. Okay, so here's the background. Alexander has been struggling for the past month with his skin. He has eczema. It wasn't so bad to begin with, but a while back he was getting these yellow crusties on his scalp and his cheeks. His cheeks were really raw, red and just oozing. We saw a dermatologist and she told us it was Atopic Dermatitis and gave us some heavy duty ointment. I called it "the miracle ointment" because it was working. After 3 days it didn't seem to work as much. Well as Jose and I were watching it, it seemed to get worse, he was coughing, wheezing -due to asthma, and very hoarse. Monday morning he woke up to having these bumps all over his little body; including his face and scalp. I took him to the Dr. and he has an infection of some kind. I don't know yet because I haven't gotten the results. I think he has allergies, and so a blood test was taken to see what kind of allergies Alexander has. Jose and I have a request of all our family and friends: To say a special prayer on behalf of Alexander that this infection will pass through him and that the bumps all over his little body will go away. We're asking family members to fast if they're able to, but if any friends are willing to fast that would be greatly appreciated. Despite all that Alexander is going through right now he's still a happy little baby with no fever and a strong appetite. We thank all of our family and friends for their love and support and hope you'll say a special prayer for this precious little one. We love you all.

Why didn't anyone tell me?!

2009-03-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

So I went back to work at the beginning of February. It's nice to have a different change of setting than just the house, however, it's hard to leave a newborn. He's changing every day, I can't believe how much they change. He hasn't slept through the night quite yet, and the most he's slept is 5 hrs. We definitely miss the 8 hrs., but we're thinking 5 is heaven!! So I'm starting to keep a food journal because for some reason there's some food I can't eat. I thought it was just beans and spicy stuff. Why didn't anyone tell me I shouldn't eat chocolate? Apparently it keeps the babies awake, having colic, gassy and maybe an allergic reaction. GIving up any amount of chocolate will be hard. I learned that what the Lord was trying to tell me the other day was that even through bad things that happen good things can happen. BEing a mom is challenging and rewarding. I love it.

Christmas 2008

2009-02-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

These are just a couple of pictures to describe Christmas. Due to lack of money and a new addition to the family, Christmas couldn't have been any better. Family from out of town came and that made it memorable. We were able to spend the holidays with both sides of the family so everyone got to see the new addition and we got to visit with family. Besides Alexander being the best gift ever, the rocking chair fell next in line. I wouldn't get out of the chair, that's how comfortable it was and is. What a nice way to close out the year by sharing it with family, friends and being grateful for the year of 2008.

Better late than never!

2009-02-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

On Jan. 4, 2009 our precious baby boy Alexander was given a blessing by his father. What a precious moment. Although this is late, it's still better late than never! The spirit was so strong that day and Heavenly Father was definitely with Jose as he gave him a sweet blessing. Overcome with tears and unable to understand all of the blessing it was filled with love. He was given a blessing to stay strong in the gospel and one day serve a mission and find someone to marry in the Temple. With ALexander being a little fussy before the blessing, the angles were with him during the blessing to be calm then after the blessing it was back to fussiness. Thank you to all our family and friends who were in the circle. ONe thing is for sure, he's surrounded by lots of love. Thank you Jose for holding the priesthood and Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us this sweet little baby. WE love you Alexander.

The biggest loser

2009-01-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

Does anyone watch the show The Biggest Loser? Well if you do and if you don't there are two guys who are the youngest and really overweight. Mike is 18 and Dan is 19. Dan weighed in at close to 500 lbs. when he arrived. Sadly Dan was sent home last night. I just had to cry because out of everyone there I felt Dan needed to stay there the most. On the bright side they showed Dan today and he's lost 101 lbs. total and is off some kind of diabetic medicine. I hope Dan continues to believe in himself and doesn't give up. I just wanted to comment on that. I love that show, it makes me cry just about every episode; I don't care if it's scripted I think it's powerful and can teach something to everyone no matter what your size.

I'm slow!

2009-01-28T14:34:00.002-08:00

I know I'm really slow at updating my blog. Sometimes our computer is tempramental! Alexander keeps me busy too that when I think I have time to play on the computer he tells me not today! So the update is he's growing each and every day. Last time we had him weighed he was 9 lbs. 12 oz., but I'm sure he's past 10 lbs. by now! One blessing is that he can still wear his newborn clothes. He's 8 weeks old and will be 2 months on Super Bowl sunday. He's becoming more and more interested in people and his surroundings. He tells stories to Grandpa and just koos at Grandma. The smiles have started even if some of them are due to gas!! One of these days I'll get a video of him talking. We just bought a video camera thanks to KSL.com so it's all a matter of reading the manual and figuring out how it works.

Alexander's first bath

2009-01-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

So Alexander's first bath wasn't his best experience. It was the old fashioned way, in the sink! He was doing fine that is until his feet touched the water; he tried climbing up Grandma to avoid the water as much as possible!! Here is Alexander's process in 3 steps. The end result: smelling nice and clean :)

The life of a baby!

2008-12-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

Alexander has a onsie that says "cry, poop, sleep, rinse, repeat," although I think eat should be added in! If we had a life like babies wouldn't we be in heaven? Think about it, they cry so they get picked up, they cry again and maybe they get to eat, another cry gets a diaper change and one more cry could lead to just being held. How lucky are they? They get waited on 24-7 not to mention getting spoiled and getting lots of hugs and kisses. The life of a baby is grand. I wish I had more pictures to post, but unfortunately all the pictures are on my Dad's camera; and most of them are with him sleeping! He definitely takes after his Dad! He's 3 weeks old and his clothes are still too big for him, yes even the ones that say newborn! We love him dearly and very proud parents. Alexander is truly a wonderful miracle and a precious gift that I couldn't ask for anything else.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

2008-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

By popular demand, we introduce Alexander Jose Leon. Born on Dec. 1, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 19 1/2 in. long. Born with lots of hair and long eye lashes if you can believe that already! He's already a bundle of joy that we are very blessed to have him enter our family.

Labor and Delivery

2008-12-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

When I got closer to my due date, there were a few things I was really scared about. First, the whole delivery process and second, nursing. Turns out, neither one are nearly as scary as I thought. I would highly recommend an ephideral! Once the baby is out it's nothing but relief; especially when you get 800 mg of ibuprofen and percaset!! Just a quick run down. Over the weekend I was having contactions and some pretty strong ones. My mother was overly excited; she was cheering like she was at a football game! Sunday morning came and they were close so we went to the hospital. They weren't close enough so we left after an hr. and went home. Ever since we left the hospital my contractions were 3 sometimes 5 min. apart. Around 4:30 we went back and there we remained. The nurse thought I had an infection, but turned out I didn't. My water ended up breaking and my contractions were right on top of the other so I had no relief. Before I knew it the anesthesiologist came up and I got that ephideral and I was in heaven! Throughout the night I was sleeping and being checked to see how close the little one was. By early morning it was time to push. The whole process wasn't hard. The only bad thing was the medicine wearing off on my left side and having the anesthesiologist coming up 3 times for a new dose and throwing up--due to the ice chips! I could have slept through the whole delivery process, but didn't. One thing is for sure, labor really wears you out! So there is the story of how Alexander came to be.

A scary moment!

2008-11-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

Some of you know and some of you don't. We had a bit of scare last friday. A little background: I've been sick for a little over a week now and last wed. the Dr. gave me an antibiotic and told me to take mucinex DM. On Thursday night I hadn't felt the little one move very much. Jose said he was just resting. I was okay Friday morning, but then at lunch time I got really worried because I still hadn't felt him move. I called the nurse, no answer. I lost it. I was really worried so I called Jose and we both waited to hear from the nurse. The nurse returned my call and told me to go to Labor and Delivery. I told her that I had felt him move and she said that I had a decrease in activity. The Dr. was expecting me so me and Jose headed on over to Labor and Delivery. They put a heart monitor and a contraction monitor on and I just laid there. The result: everything is good. His heart rate is good, his oxygen is good. The Dr. said that because I've been on medicine I need to make sure I drink lots of water, more that I usually am because that's what is going to help him move. We just had a check-up yesterday and everything is good. I'm still at 1 1/2 and the Dr. says his head is really down there. Any day now!! So, all in all me and the little one are doing great.

He's coming

2008-11-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have officially reached my weekly doctor visits. I can't believe it's getting closer and closer to when this little one comes. Sometimes when I think about it I get all excited, like it's Christmas Eve and the whole anticipation of Christmas Day. Everything is still good. My blood pressure is great even though I still swell! My weight is good. I've started to dilate 1.75 to be exact, my belly is 36 cm which is right on track and the little one has turned. It's truly amazing that when a baby has turned that you can still feel the baby move all over inside and see your belly do some transitioning. Amazing! I just know this whole month is going to go so fast, like a blink of an eye. The Lord truly has blessed me through this pregnancy, as far long as I am I still have energy and I'm not tired! There's the latest with the little one.

SNOW?

2008-11-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

I know we all just lo-o-o-ve the snow, but already? I have to agree with Beth, where's fall? So instead of just skipping spring and going straight to summer, we're skipping fall and going straight to winter. I was so hoping I wouldn't have to drive in any snow until I went on maternity leave, yah so much for wishful thinking!!! How about we all pray that when it snows it just stays on the grass and in the tress and not touch the road?!! Wouldn't that be perfect?! I don't know about you, but seeing the snow makes it feel like it's closer to Christmas, although I don't quite wish for that...not yet anyway!! I hope everyone drives carefully. Go and build those snowmen. :)

Guess who's coming to your house?!

2008-10-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Trick or treat smell my feet give me something good to eat!! Don't you just love Halloween? It's not like it used to be when I was a kid. The whole anticipation is there, but I remember counting down the hours of when to start getting dressed in my costume and getting ready to go out and trick or treat. I remember that when my sister, brother and I would get home we'd get together, dump out all our candy and count to see who had the most. Of course mom and dad picked out pieces, but I just remember how fun Halloween was when I was a little girl. Now that I'm older, you never know, this character just may stop by for some trick or treating!! Happy Halloween.

You wanted it, you asked for it!

2008-10-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Okay okay, the time is long over due that I have a picture of my belly! I have 6 weeks to go so everyone cross your fingers that this little one comes out on time instead of over!! I hope you enjoy these pictures.

Now, which one is the pregnant one?! By the way, Jose's belly really doesn't look like that, but he sure can blow it out like he's pregnant!! Love you babe.

Painful yet good!

2008-10-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

So I'm getting closer and closer to my due date and let me just say that although I'm in pain I'm good! It's kind of a paradox isn't it?! Let me explain. Because I'm short and I have a small torso this little one lives in my ribs. He apparently finds it comfortable whereas the mother doesn't. I feel great though. I do enjoy being pregnant, I've been lucky with this pregnancy. I feel good about the pain because sometimes it's when he starts to move and I love watching him move. So if I had to choose between him being in the ribs and experiencing pain vs. him causing back pain I think I'll take the rib pain!

30 Weeks

2008-09-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

It's official, I'm 30 weeks today and 10 weeks to go until the little one arrives. We patiently await. In the meantime we're trying to work on the nursery, but to do that we have to do other projects; projects that are just too overwhelming! We're excited though. If anyone wants to know months, sorry I can't help you there! I go by weeks--the time seems to fly faster that way! Lets just say I have 2 months to go!

Better than Lagoon!

2008-09-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Take a step back in time with me to Aug. 13, 2006. Jose and I on our way to our Honeymoon destination. Beautiful, sunny CA. Our first stop, Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz boardwalk; where it's cheap, the ocean is right there and no long lines. It already sounds better than Lagoon! Take a look as you go back in time.

Here comes the bride!

2008-09-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

August 11, 2006 was the day I married my prince charming and my best friend. We got married in the Bountiful Temple and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. It all started with me and Jose arriving late at the Temple, and from that moment on we were late for everything! We talked with the sealer, who ended up being a blessing because he spoke Spanish and English. He said we could do the ceremony in both languages if we wanted and we both agreed. We were late to our sealing and the guests patiently waited. Picture time in lovely hot weather and being late to our own luncheon! After the luncheon it was a dash to our friends Ross and Jeanette who let us use their house for the reception. Late for arriving there and late for pictures. Even though we were late to everything our wedding date was the most perfect day. I love you Jose. Here are a few pictures from that magical day.

Our Story

2008-09-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Some of you already know the story, others don't. The story of how me and Jose came to be. We met in Feb. 2004 at Lifestyles gym. When I first saw Jose I thought he was someone who thought they were all that. Little did I know at the time that he was to be my best friend and true companion. I was working out and couldn't reach the bar to pull down when this kind guy offered to help and introduced himself and his friends. I needed help again, but couldn't remember his name! A couple days later he saw me at the gym, asked if I wanted to train with him so I did. We talked and talked and I mentioned something about getting together to see Lord of the Rings (3 I think it was). Before we left, we exchanged numbers, he said he would call his friends and I told him no, just me and him. That following weekend we went out and it's been an adventure from that day on.

Panic Mode!

2008-09-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

I just recently hit panic mode with this whole blogging thing. Somehow everything I had posted disappeared and I don't know how to get it back. Instead of freaking out I decided to create a new blog. Maybe this time I won't screw things up! It may take me a while to get things all organized now that I'm teaching vs. when I had the whole summer to work on my blog! So, be patient and I'll be better at updating this blog. Love you all.