Christmas Letter 2008

Wow! What a great year! The Cobb’s had a busy year just like everyone else. Our motto is it’s not how busy you are, but what you are busy doing. How we spend our time is very important to us and we try to utilize our time together.

The 2008 sleeping situation; First, Avabelle is sleeping in her own room. Second, we made Anthony his very own blue and red super cool car room, with his own full size bed. Wow any 3-year-old boy would sleep in this room. Not a chance. Next, we painted our room green, and Anthony told us I love “our” green room. I don’t think he’s leaving anytime soon. Finally, we know it’s our fault but hey if you can’t beat them join them, we invested in a king size bed and there’s plenty of room for all us, even for Ava when she wakes up in the middle of the night and joins us .

Gray (a.k.a. Tony) – Is still working for the same company, and still continues to work from home (We still love it and will cry if he ever doesn’t work from home). I think Tony still enjoys it also, but it was weird someone put a lock on the door to keep us out. Luckily I found where the key was, most of the time he doesn’t lock the door anyway, just in case an emergency should arise (ie: Anthony can’t find his Dinoco Lightning McQueen). You never can tell when an emergency will arise. Tony is still traveling back to New Jersey about 4 times a year, the kids and I decided to join him this year in June. They had a great time! It was their first vacation and airplane ride. Nothing like taking a 3 year old and a 1 year-old on a 3 ½ hour plane ride. Actually it wasn’t too bad and the kids did well. Ava screamed when we first got on the plane, and everyone was terrified thinking we were going to sit by them as we were walking down the aisle, but I assured them as soon as she had some milk she would fall asleep, and she did. We had a great time in New Jersey and Tony loved having us there. The kids loved swimming at the hotel, and seeing Dad at night. Dad said it was his best trip out there. He is still remodeling the house and completed the entire upstairs. Whoo! Hooo! Go Daddy! Go! He still plays flag football on Saturdays in the spring and fall. It’s great exercise and when the weather is nice the kids and I venture out to the park to watch him.

Rita (a.k.a. Mrs. Cobb) – Anthony keeps asking me “What is your name at work.” Every time I tell him it’s Mrs. Cobb he giggles. Ahhh….3-year-old humor. I completed my Masters Degree in September. I didn’t pursue an Administration degree I changed to Curriculum and Instruction it was a shorter program which gave me more time with the family. It wasn’t too bad it gave the kids bonding time with dad on Wednesday nights and it went by quickly. I am working part-time this year as a reading specialist and REALLY love it. I miss having my own class but I see the same 7 groups all the time. I don’t have to do report cards or a lot of grading so it’s a perfect mom job. I work Monday, Tuesdays and half day Wednesdays. It’s a great balance for me, I spend most of my time with my kids, but I’m still doing what I’m passionate about.

Anthony (a.k.a. Buster the Dog, Lightning McQueen) – Anthony is really into saying he is different characters from books and movies. We are constantly corrected of his current name. He loves school two days a week where he socializes, and loves swimming in the pool. He stays very busy at school and really enjoys talking non-stop about it on the way home.


Avabelle (a.k.a. Avacakes) – Avacakes loves to sing! She sings the ABC’s, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and The Wheels on the Bus. Most of the time it’s an Ava remix with all of them in one song. We love to hear her little voice and love it when she sings with brother.


Jasmine (a.k.a. the dog) – Jasmine still enjoys chasing the kids and Ava feeding her.

2009 Christmas Letter

Cobb News 2009
Louis Gray Cobb arrived July 23rd 2009 and we are so grateful for him. He came on Anthony’s birthday, which means Anthony got what he wanted, a baby brother on his birthday. It was adorable Anthony was so excited to share his birthday with his brother, and they will always have that bond.
If anyone is curious, the sleeping arrangements have improved slightly, we still all share one room, but Ava and Anthony have moved off the bed and onto their crib mattresses. Some nights it is chaotic, but I love my family being so close. Secretly I think Tony loves it too, but he would never admit it. Louie is still sleeping with us in the bed. So we have three bedrooms but we all sleep in the one room, the great thing is the other rooms always stay clean. At night we all tell each other goodnight like the Waltons. Good night Ma, good night Pa, good night Anthony, good night Avabelle, good night Louie. But my favorite thing is to listen to the kids say their prayers before they go to sleep. Their voices are so sweet, innocent, and sincere.
Tony (a.k.a. Gray) – Tony is still working from home for M.H.A., he only had to travel back to New Jersey three times this year (yes, I still cry everytime he goes). I am thankful everyday for him being home (especially when he changes Avabelle’s diaper). The kids and I really enjoy having lunch with him everyday, and we really like the summer when he can have a picnic with us outside.
Rita (a.k.a. Mom) – I am staying home this school year to spend time with the kids. It’s super busy everyday, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I enjoy cuddling, reading books, and putting puzzles together with the kids. I am still working on trying not to smother them, I am starting to get the hint now when they tell me, “mom I can’t breath stop hugging me. “
Anthony (a.k.a. Runk Runk) – He is now four years old and loves to play outside in the snow. He started preschool this year and is liking it very much, he is blossoming into a good hearted young little man. He still loves anything that has to do with cars, and he can entertain himself for hours, as long as sister isn’t in the equation. He is very inquisitive about everything, and has an answer for everything. The other day he said his stomach hurt, I asked why, he said it’s because he’s getting old.
Avabelle (a.k.a Avacakes, Avarella) – She is two and loves to sing, dance, and talk, and talk, and talk. We took a trip to Castle Rock and she talked and sang the entire trip there, and back. I am so sorry to whoever has had to listen to me talk non-stop, and I know there are a lot of you. I understand now what you had to go through with me when I was little(because I’ve changed so much). Ava is just sunshine and very loving, she loves to hug everyone. She is a very happy girl and will tell her brothers, mom, and dad that she loves us sooooo much, or that she loves us tooo much, almost every day.
Louie (a.k.a. bon bon) – Louie is 4 months old and loves to smile and coo. I am truly amazed at how much he smiles. Tony thinks it’s because I don’t ever put him down. I think it’s because Ava and Anthony are always entertaining him. The real reason is probably because we’re all crazy in this family and he’s laughing at all of us.
Jasmine (a.k.a. Roo Roo the dog) – Jasmine is getting old and has arthritis in her hips, but she still gets around and absolutely loves the kids. She is in pain sometimes, but she still has that dog smile when she is with the kids. We all love her dearly especially the kids, Anthony loves to have Jasmine in the same room as him. I think Jasmines favorite kid is Avabelle, because she is the messiest eater.
So with that we would like to wish all of you that made it through our long family letter Happy Holidays, and to those of you who are not still reading this, Happy Holidays to you too! We wish all of you a safe and healthy New Year, and we hope to see you soon.
Hugs, The Cobb Family.

First Week of December

It is the first week of December and we've had a great time watching the kids be excited. Anthony loves all the Christmas lights put up, and everytime Ava passed by Christmas lights she would say there's Christmas lights. I love their energy it makes this time of year so much more enjoyable.

Anthony - Anthony started preschool again. He goes Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. He loves it although he wasn't too happy when I took him to his new room, he said this isn't the same room I used to go to. I told him I know it's because that room is full. He was not happy and the teacher didn't look too happy herself thinking she was going to have to train a kid mid-year. By the time I picked him up he was in a good mood and so was his teacher. She said that he just fell back in and remembered a lot. I told her that he was only in school for two weeks she was shocked because of how far along he seemed. I really liked this teacher and thought it was a good fit for Anthony. The next day she tried to really make a big deal about him when he entered the classroom but she didn't have to because he took off his coat, hugged his sister, and went and sat down. Picking him up is great because he tells me so much about what he learned. I love it!

Avabelle - Ava started pre pre-school, it's only on Monday's for a hour and a half. The teacher got nervous thinking she wouldn't want to stay but she handed her teacher her coat and ran off to play. The teacher told me I think she's going to be fine. I aggreed and left. She would go everyday if she could. She loved it there and her teacher loved her so it was a great fit. The next day we went to her dance class and she's doing great. I can't wait until the big recital on December 18th.

Louie - Louie is at an awkward stage where he wants to move but physically he can't so he get's frustrated. His happiest times seem to be in my arms with his brother and his sister in his face. He loves them dearly.

Tony and I - I am so amazed at how Tony always put's his family first. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for us. He loves all of us dearly. I have the most respect for him as a husband, father, and human being. I still love to flirt with him and still find him the most attractive guy I've ever seen. My boys favor their father and I hope they are as amazing as he is one day. I am amazed at how passionate I am about him after 17 years. He has shaped me into who I am today and I don't know what kind of person I would have become without him. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have him.

Thanksgiving

This was the week of Thanksgiving. The kids and I made hand turkeys and gave them to the grandparents. Louie put his foot print instead of his hand print. They were cute and the kids really enjoyed doing them, and giving them to all the grandparents. We went to Grandma Rita’s for breakfast, which the kids ate something crazy like 45 pancakes. Everyone was looking at Ava because she was on her third pancake of the morning, eating all by herself in the corner smiling. We were all laughing watching her. The kids loved playing with their cousins at my grandmas they were racing each other in the back yard. Later, we went over Auntie Crystals and the kids were super excited to see their other cousins. I remember always being excited to play with my cousins when I was little. They were great kids, and had lots of fun.
Anthony – Anthony is really maturing and I could barely keep up with all of his questions. His questions are starting to be harder to answer, as they are becoming more and more detailed. We put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. Anthony was so excited to do it this year. Of course we got a call saying that we had a showing in two hours, to look at the house. The house was tore apart because we pulled out all the Christmas decorations. I panicked and looked at Anthony thinking we have to decorate this tree super quick. He looked up at me and said, “Mom aren’t you super excited to decorate the Christmas tree?” I told him I sure am son, and said I’m not rushing this moment for anyone. We decorated the tree, and ate pumpkin bread, to see the joy in Anthony’s eyes was priceless. I asked him if he wanted to sit down and eat his pumpkin bread, he told me, “No mom I have to eat quick because I’m working super hard decorating the tree.” I chuckled because he was so serious. I adore him so much.
Avabelle – I wanted to go the store by myself because it’s so much quicker. Well….Ava decided she wanted to go. I can’t resist that little girl to save my life, there I was waiting for her to put on her shoes. Tony said I thought you were going by yourself, I told him I know, but your daughter always falls through the cracks because she is so charming. I was happy to take her because she is always in such a happy mood to go. Her favorite thing lately is after she washes her hands she tells me, “Mom, can I touch Louie’s hands?” I tell her yes and she goes and finds him and touches his hands. It’s really cute! She loved playing with her cousins at my grandmas even though she’s the only girl.
Louie – Louie’s nose has been quite congested for three weeks now. He get’s blood in his mucous because it’s so dry. The doctors said it’s not a big deal and he’ll get over it. Aquafore seems to be helping. I wish he would get over this, because I know he would sleep though the night if he could breathe better. We finally put two humidifiers in the room. He loved being out and about for Thanksgiving, the grandparents all adore him, and he adores all of them. His four month check up went well. He is in the 75th percentile for his weight, 90th for his height and 50th for his head. So far he’s a healthy growing boy, which makes mom very joyful.
Tony and I – We found out that next week we go to the design center for the new house. Aunt Jenn is coming with us because she has great taste, and we both feel very comfortable with her. I am super excited! I took grandpa Rudy to see the new house and he loved it. He was very impressed. Something about his approval means a lot to me, him and Tony’s mom, because they really care about the best interest of our family. Even though they will miss us living closer, they are very happy for the opportunities we will be providing for the kids.

Moving along

Avabelle – Avabelle started back to dance and she loves it. She has been talking about it non-stop, and now that she has her second dose of her H1N1, I put her back in dance again. The teacher told me she fit right back in like she’s never misssed a class before, of course she caught a cold right away being around the other kids. I don’t care as long as it’s not the H1N1 flu. It’s hard trying to keep Louie away from her because she loves to be around him. She seems to be doing a little better and I’ve been trying to give her chicken soup everyday because as Ava says it, “Chicken soup makes me feel better huh mom.” I told her yes it does my sweet Ava.

Anthony – At night Anthony and Avabelle ask me to sing them a lullaby. So I have to sing to them and put their name in it when I do. Well I finally said I need some one to sing me a lullaby. Anthony said I will mom, he sang me this, “Lullaby and goodnight, go to sleep my precious mama, I love you and I need you my mama.” It was so beautiful hearing his little singing voice, of course it brought tears to my eyes. I love him so much. It’s always the little moments that mean so much. I took him to get his speech checked since it has been a great concern of mine. He has a huge vocabulary but has trouble with w,r and l. He can say them by themselves but has trouble when he talks too fast. At Child Find in Jefferson County they checked his hearing and vision and that came back great. We had to wait for the developmental specialist to take him back and make sure his cognitive development was o.k. She took him back and after she came back she has a concerned look on her face. She said he did fine but I was really nervous thinking oh no what’s wrong with him. She kneeled next to me and told me is he in Preschool? I told her he would be in December she said she put the plus sign on a piece of paper and asked him what it was and he told her, “That’s the addition sign it’s when you add numbers you use that.” She said she never had a kid tell her that before. I laughed and said I’m a teacher and I work with him but he remembers what he wants. She said that I was doing a great job and that he was also very delightful. I told her thank you and was actually a little embarrassed. Finally, the speech specialist checked him and said he was fine in his speech and that those letters come with time. I was really relieved to hear that.

Louie – Louie rolls over non-stop. He’s rolled over a few times before, but now it’s non-stop. He get’s so excited to see his brother and sister run around, I think he’s getting anxious and wants to move too. When he gets burnt out when I hold him in one place he starts kicking his leg. I told Tony I’m like his horse and he kicks me to get me moving. He is very funny and energetic.
Tony and I - We found a house in Castle Rock that we fell in love with. We had looked at Oakwood, Richmond and Meritage homes. We went with Meritage because they offered a lot more options and it was the perfect floor plan. I told Tony it was my dream house. As soon as we get a contract on our house then they will break ground on our home. We are really exctied about raising our kids in a smaller town and to still be in the Douglas County school district. Hopefully everything works out!!!! I get really excited!!! I’ve never been so excited about a house and the location. Tony told me he didn’t know how I did it by caring for all the kids the way I do. That made me feel good because so many people think that it’s such an easy job caring for your kids well at home. I work really hard at taking care of everyone. It requires a lot of energy, which I used to have a lot more of.

Doctors Visit

I took all three kids to the doctor by myself this week. AHHHHHHH! The kids had to get their second dose of the H1N1 and Louie had really bad stuffy nose bleeds for a week. I had Anthony push Ava in the stroller, and I carried Louie. It was a sight to see. The people at the pediatricians office were shocked to see that I brought all three. The nurse put us in a room I’ve never been in, in our 4,000 trips to their office. I told the nurse we’ve never had the suite before. All was going great the baby was happy laughing at Avabelle jumping up and down. Anthony was sitting in his chair not jumping around and touching stuff. The nurse came in and I saw the shots on her tray. I told her, “Do you have any of the nasal sprays left?” She told me they just ran out yesterday. I didn’t even consider them not having the spray. My eyes filled with horror thinking I always like the kids to be by their selves when they get a shot, because I like to comfort them. Anthony was up first, pulled his pants down and of course didn’t have any underwear on, he started screaming after she poked him. Ava had to take off her dance leotard to get to her tights to pull those down, finally she was ready and also screamed at the top of her lungs….now of course Louie was screaming, because they were screaming, so now all three of them were screaming. I was trying to comfort all of them at the same time. Marc the P.A. came in as I was trying to hug Anthony, hold Louie, and put Ava’s dance leotard, and tights back on. I think he was as nervous as I was and grabbed Louie to help me out. He had this look in his eye like…have another kid lady. Louie ended up not having an ear infection, which I was extremely grateful for. Finally, we all left on our happy little way. I told the kids I would buy them some hamburgers from Burger King on our way home. They were excited and when we pulled up to order the lady told me their broiler was down. I was thinking you have got to be kidding me, what are the odds of that. I took the kids home and made them some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which they were happy about. They did a great job and I was so grateful to them. WOW, what a morning!

Fall Week

This week was such a beautiful week for weather. The temperature was low 70s all week. Anthony and Avabelle loved playing outside. Today it is cold and gloomy but it is November 13th and we are fortunate to still have nice weather. I’ve been living in the moment with the kids this week and it makes such a huge difference sometimes the house isn’t perfect but the kids love the time I spend with them.
Anthony – Anthony is getting so big I look at him and I’m amazed. Although he wasn’t too big to take a bath in the sink this week. I gave Louie a bath in the kitchen sink, and then Avabelle, and Anthony wanted a bath in there too. It was funny Tony came up for coffee and Anthony was naked trying to get in the sink. He said what’s going on, Anthony told him that he needed to get his cars first before taking a bath in the sink like nothing was out of the ordinary. Tony and I laughed once he was in there, because he looked way too big.
Avabelle – Avabelle was super cute this week…she was supposed to go upstairs and get her pajamas on she came down in her tights with the ballet slippers on them, and a thermal shirt. It was such a sight to see, Tony and I couldn’t stop laughing because she was so happy in her outfit. She did such a great job at singing to Louie this week. Louie just goos as she sings to him, while I secretly watch and hope she doesn’t fall on, him because she keeps dancing around his little body.
Louie – Louie is really babbling a lot lately. He is still super happy and loves to be held. Tony thinks he’s so happy because I walk him around all day. I love to hold him although he is getting heavier and heavier. He loves to see what’s going on. He gets super excited when he sees Anthony and Ava running he kicks his legs and arms. I sometimes wonder if he ever gets sick all of us being in his face all the time.
Tony and Rita – We had a great week. I was little overwhelmed one morning I had to feed Louie and I had to get Anthony, Avabelle, and myself out the door in 30 minutes and we were all still in our pajamas. I had a little melt down and Tony came out to see what was going on because I don’t have them too often. I told him it was just a hard morning because Louie had been up a few times last night and the kids were in slow motion. I know he thinks I’m crazy sometimes, but he’s always known this. He helped me and gave me a kiss on the head, which I really needed. I was out the door and had plenty of time. I told Tony you know I was thinking of how overwelming it is to take care of three kids and the house. I said I feel like I can’t take care of myself because I’m always taking care of everyone else, but then I said I thought about how lucky I am to do it, to be able to stay home and watch my kids grow. I feel very fortunate and I am very grateful that we have the life we do. It reminded me of a saying don’t complain that you have to, but be grateful that you can. I feel like I set my expectations too high of myself. Well I’m off to make the beds and do some laundry. Oh yeah and the house has been on the market for almost a week.

Halloween Week!

Louie - I think Louie is getting his first tooth but not sure. He has been drooling like crazy. I was acting like I was going to tickle him and he started laughing(you know the gut laugh). I started laughing too because it was sooooooo cute. I weighed him on our scale and he is up to 15lbs I'd like him to double his weight by his 4 month check up because it lowers the risk of SIDS. He was such a super cute cow!!! He fell asleep and dad carried him the whole time Anthony and Ava went trick or treating.

Anthony - I really enjoy how polite Anthony is. He uses his manners often. I just have to start keeping up with his non-stop questions, all day. They never end, it reminds me of when I was little and had non-stop questions. Oh wait I still have non-stop questions. He loved playing outside in our big snowstorm, we had 24 inches of snow in the backyard. Anthony and Avabelle would run up and down the hill with their sleds. They would laugh when they would get to the end and do it over again. I sat with Louie by the back window and just watched them, I didn't stop smiling the whole time. I love to watch them laugh and smile. Anthony was at my bedside when I woke up with his jacket, pajama shirt, snow pants and snow boots on. His hair was all messy and he told me, "I want to go outside!" I said Anthony it's too early to go outside it's only 7:30. It was super cute and everytime I think about it I smile. He had such a great time. I love my Runks. He really enjoyed trick or treating this year. He was wanted to go to all the houses except the scary ones. I had to go first and then he would follow. He didn't want to stop trick or treating but his sister did so he did.


Avabelle - Ava adapts in every situation she's in. When I get upset with her it's hard to stay mad because she is so happy all of the time. We brought the wagon along and she wanted to be pulled to every house like a princess. I told her she could walk because it would take more time to get in and out of the wagon. She didn't care she got in and out every time. She finally was exaushted and said let's go home and eat some candy. She didn't need a lot or she figured my parents aren't going to give me a lot anyway(she is a very smart girl).


Tony and I - Tony carved their pumpkins and he was tired because he had to work late. He told me I'm just carving simple pumpkins, but of course Anthony wanted Lightning McQueen and Ava wanted a princess. Of course he gave in because they were really excited about them. It really warmed my heart because he is such a wonderful father and such a wonderful human being. I've been more grateful than I normally am over him this weekend. He always goes the extra mile for all of us. I don't know how he does all that he does but I am extremly grateful that he's my husband. We're a good team. We always eat at home now, and I like us both cooking together because we bond and talk. Also, because he's much better at cooking meat than I am. Our time together is cooking, and after the kids go to sleep. It really amazes me how in love with him I am after 17 years. I told him that he's my super hero and I truly meant it.

Louie's Stats

Birth weight 7lbs 10ounces 21 inches on July 23, 2009
2 months Weight 12lbs 3oz Height 24in Head 39 1/2
4 monthsWeight 15lbs 13oz Height 26 1/4in Head 42 1/2 (90th percentile for height, 70th for weight and 50th for head
6 monthsWeight 17lbs 1oz Height 27 1/i2n Head 44 1/2 (90th percentile for height, 50th for weight and 70th for head
18 Months 10/25/2010 22 lbs 12 ounces Height 32 inches Head 47.4 cm

Avabelle's Stats

Birth Weight 8lbs 2oz May 10, 2007
2 days old Weight 7lbs 7oz Height 20 inches Head 34 1/2 cm
2 weeks old Weight 8lbs 6oz Height 21 inches Head 35 3/4 cm
2 months old Weight 12lbs 5oz Height 23 inches Head 39 cm
4 months old Weight 14lbs 12oz Height 25 1/4 inches Head 40 3/4cm
6 months old Weight 16lbs 12oz Height 26 inches Head 42
1 year old Weight 19lbs pounds 12ounces Height 29 Head 45
2 year old Weight 22 pounds 3 ounces Height 32 3/4 inches

Anthony's Stats

Here is a list of Anthony's height and weight


Birth Weight 8lbs 1oz July 23rd 2005
2 days old Weight 7lbs 10oz Height 20 1/2 inches Head 36 cm
2 weeks old Weight 9lbs 6oz Height 21 inches Head 37 cm
2 months old Weight 15lbs Height 24 1/2 inches Head 41 cm
4 months old Weight 17lbs 15oz Height 26 1/4 inches Head 43 1/2cm
6 monts old Weight 27lbs 7oz Height 33 1/2 inches Head 48 1/2 cm
1 year old Weight 30 pounds Height 34 1/2 inches
2 year old Weight 36 pounds Height 39 1/2 inches
3 year old Weight 42 pounds Height 41 1/2 inches

Louie's Song

I was looking for the perfect song for Louie, when I heard this song on the radio I cried because it was soooooo perfect for him.


"God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You"
By NSYNC

Yeah....
Oh yes
Ohhh..yeah..
Can this be true?
Tell me, can this be real?
How can I put into words what I feel?
My life was complete
I thought I was whole
Why do I feel like I'm losing control?
I never thought that love could feel like this
and you've changed my world with just one kiss.
How can it be that right here with me
there's an angel?
It's a miracle...

Your love is like a river
Peaceful and deep
Your soul is like a secret
That I never could keep
When I look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must have spent...
A little more time
On you...
(A little more time, yes he did baby)

In all of creation
All things great and small
You are the one that surpasses them all
More precious than
Any diamond or pearl
They broke the mold
When you came in this world
And I'm trying hard to figure out
Just how I ever did without
The warmth of your smile
The heart of a child
That's deep inside
Leaves me purified

Your love is like a river
Peaceful and deep (and deep)
Your soul is like a secret
That I never could keep
When I look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must have spent...
A little more time
On you...
(on you, on you, on you, you....on you, on you, on you, you..) ohhh...
(on you, on you, on you, you....on you, on you, on you, you..) yeah...

Never thought that love could feel like this
and you changed my world with just one kiss.
How can it be that right here with me
There's an angel?
It's a miracle...

Your love is like a river
Peaceful and deep (peaceful and deep)
Your soul is like a secret
That I never could keep
When I look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must have spent...
A little more time
On you...
(on you, on you, on you, you..)
God must have spent...
A little more time
on you
(on you, on you..you....you..oooh..yeah)
A little more time
on you...ohhh

Family Photos

This week we did spur of the moment family photos by the ponds by the house. I was happy to have a family photo of all of us together. It's really hard to do with three kids, but Tony brought along the remote, so we didn't have to bother anyone to take our family photo. It was a little chilly but we had fun.


Louie – He gets so excited to see Ava and Anthony running around. He moves his arms and squeals in delight when they run. He can’t wait to play with his brother and sister. My Louie really has a great spirit about him.

Avabelle – I’m listening to Ava sing right now. She loves to sing to herself and entertain herself, she’s not very shy. I stare at her all the time because I think she’s so wonderful and beautiful. I hope she never sells herself short and always believes in herself because she has unlimited potential. My new nickname I want for her is firefly, because she has radiant heat from the inside that glows on the outside. I just love being around her.

Anthony – Well we wanted to start Anthony a year later in school since his birthday is in July and he’ll be one of the youngest in his class. We would rather him be the oldest but he is academically advanced so we decided instead of 2 years of Preschool we’ll enroll him in a half day Kindergarten next year, and then a full day Kindergarten the following year. The only thing is that they are trying to do away with half day Kindergarten, which I don’t understand why, because when kids are that young it’s so hard for them to focus all day. Oh well we’ll see what happens. Anthony is such a great brother, he told us to move out of the way because he was a big brother and had to help Avabelle put her coat on. He is very considerate of his sister, which always makes me run over and hug him.

Tony and I – Tony and I started thinking about moving again. We’ll see what happens because we change our mind often. It’s hard because we’ll be moving further away from the family. It would be a great opportunity to get our kids in a great community with the top schools in the state. It’s hard not to move to a place that would be supportive of them and of us because it has a lot of young parents with children like us. It was rated number 12 in the US of best places to live. To be continued…

Pumkin Crafts

What a great week this was. I painted with the kids. We did tree's with their thumb prints as the tree part. We also made Halloween cookies. I spend more prep time then the time they stay interested. They are interested for a little bit and then they tell me they're going to play and to tell them when the cookies are done. That's o.k. at least they are entertained for 10 minutes and they'll remember these moments as they get older.

Louie - Louie is 14 lbs and loves to grunt(he sounds like a little cave man). It reminds me of how Anthony used to grunt. In speaking of Anthony, Louie loves to listen and look at him and smile. He really loves his big brother it's pretty cute. He seems to be sleeping through the night a little bit better the last couple of nights, which has been nice.

Avabelle - Ava is very entertaining and you never know what is going to come out of her mouth. I was reading them a book before bed and this book has the song She'll be Coming Around the Mountain, I was being silly with them and had my hand as a pretend microphone that all of us kept singing in. I started singing she'll be coming around and then Ava sang into the microphone she said "Couch" We all started laughing so hard because she was so serious. This morning she was knocking with her knuckles on the table and told me "Look mom these are my uncles". I said you mean your knuckles and she said, "Yeah, my uncles." I wondered to myself how many times a day does she make me laugh and how much I love and adore her.

Anthony - Anthony is really becoming mature and I can't believe how curious he is. When I read him books he'll make me stop in the middle of a sentence to show him a word. He love's recognizing a word and will point it out to me. His favorite thing this week was watching Myth Busters and the National Geographic channel(not making cookies and painting). He would watch these shows like they were cartoons and then told me all about how the cheetahs would kill the giraffes. I wondered if it was appropriate to have him watching National Geographic.

Tony and Rita - We took the kids on three long walks this week, which was good for all of us. Anthony rode his bike and Avabelle ran most of the way. They fell asleep quickly after they were read a story. I told Tony we should do this everyday. The kids really enjoyed the walks. We're still trying to stay away from everyone who is sick until the kids are vaccinated, since the H1N1 virus is so dangerous for children. People think we're crazy but we'd rather be crazy then to let our kids get this virus. Staying home has been nice for us all because I've discovered more of the little things in life and how important family and close friends are. I thought maybe Tony would be a little burnt but he said you know I've really enjoyed our time home together and it hasn't been that bad not being out and about all the time. He's such a good dad and husband. I really am super lucky to have him. Life is good and I really like living in the moment. I feel so much more appreciative. I had to clean out my classroom since I took the year off and while I was cleaning out my classroom everyone was coming by and talking to me. I said boy I'm sure going to miss everyone and the professional world and also working with students. But I returned home and walked through the door looking for the kids. They were playing in the sandbox and said,"Hi Mom" and I thought to myself I wouldn't change my time home with them for nothing. I love them dearly and I hope that I am teaching them things that they couldn't get anywhere else.

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch - We took the kids to the pumpkin patch this weekend and they had a great time. We left and asked Anthony what his favorite thing at the pumpkin patch, it wasn’t the hay maze, the pumpkin patch, or the baby animals, it was the overcrowded slide. We had a great time and took some great pictures of the kids. I woke Louie up out of his car seat and took his picture in Anthony’s old pumpkin costume. The other 2 kids I would have left them sleeping in their portable car seat not wanting to disturb them, but not that it’s number three, I didn’t want him to miss the pumpkin patch.

Avabelle – Avabelle had a super loving week. Dad was pretending to do a Karate kick and she would say,” Daddy” and hug his leg. She told him that she didn’t like that. She was on the couch and gave me a hug and told me “Mama I love you soooo much.” That little girl melts my heart. She didn’t leave Anthony out all her love she’s been feeling, he was trying to open the door for her and she said, “Anthony I love you so much.”. We moved her mattress by Jasmine’s bed and now she lays there and likes to talk to Jasmine and sing to her. Finally Jasmine had enough and went to lay by Anthony it was pretty funny. Tony and I laughed for a long time. She came down with the stomach flu this week, but seems to be feeling much better. It breaks my heart when any of the kids are sick.

Louie – Louie is a big growing boy he fits in 9 month clothes already. I had a 6 month outfit and it looked like he had on high water pants.. It might be just the Carters brand, or the fact that I like to wash everything in hot to get the poop off, and then it shrinks. I rinse their clothes in cold but it doesn’t make a difference. He keeps smiling and loves to listen to the Leapfrog alphabet sound video. When the part comes on about what sound the o makes he said ahhh two times, it was super cute. I guess he already knows what the o sound is, and now I have to start teaching him how to read .

Anthony – Anthony loves being a big brother and he prides himself when he’s in a good mood, doing stuff for his little sister. She said I can’t open my yogurt and Anthony said, “Here Ava I will help you.” He opened it for her and she said, “Thank you brother I love you.” I love those conversations between them. Anthony learned the un and at word families this week. I had un on the board and he said mom that says un. I was so super excited I think he got freaked out. He also decided that he wanted to join Karate since we went in the strip mall that had a Karate for kids place. He hasn’t stopped talking about it. I told him after he get’s his flu vaccination that he could join. He told Ava that he was going to join and she couldn’t because she was too little and might get kicked in the face. Ava said, “ Anthony I like my dance class.” She doesn’t care because she is such a girly girl. Anthony was pushing around Avabelle’s doll in the stroller. I asked him if that was his baby and he said, “Yeah Mom it is, but you can’t touch his hands.” I laughed so hard because I have told him numerous times not to touch Louie’s hands because he sticks them in his mouth.


Tony and Rita – We cleaned out the play room so I could set up centers, like my classroom. That way the kids could have more productive play when I do things with them. We had them in bed a couple times this week on time so we could have some down time, but still not every night. My epiphany I had about myself this week is not to take myself too seriously. I told Tony that I’m not as laid back and playful as I used to be. I really have enjoyed myself a lot more being light hearted I really missed that about myself.

Mother Cabrini's

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We had a great week the weather has been cold and hot, but luckily the day we went to Mother Cabrini’s the weather was beautiful. We headed out in the morning and packed stuff for a picnic. We had a great time and it was nice to get all the energy out of the kids. Afterwards, we came home and had a picnic on the front lawn.



Louie – He had an awesome week and is so alert, he keeps me on my toes trying to keep him stimulated. This week he finally reached up and grabbed his rattle that was hanging in his jungle gym. Tony and I were so amazed because he kept grabbing it. I carried him to the top of Mother Cabrini’s and down. The extra exercise did me good. He didn’t like the snuggly so I had to use my arms
Avabelle – Well Ava still hasn’t grown out of eating sand in the sandbox. Seriously she is two years old already (will she ever grow out of this?). Her dance teacher always comments on how cute Avabelle’s hair and clothes are every week (of course Avabelle smiles and says thank you with her charming voice and looks). She loved Mother Cabrini’s and didn’t want to take any rests climbing to the top. She had on her squeaky shoes and squeaked all the way to the top. When we reached the top she said “Whoa, that’s a tall Jesus.” We laughed and agreed with her. She also said, “Mom, I love Jesus.” That warms my heart so much to hear her say that.

Anthony – We were upstairs and there is a picture of him and his sister last year in the bike trailer waiting to watch movie under the stars in Stapleton. Well we got rained out that night so we went home. Ava looked at the picture and said that she they were in a wagon. Anthony corrected her and told her, “No, Ava we were at movie under the stars and it was raining, so we couldn’t watch that Curious George movie.” My jaw dropped because I couldn’t believe he remembered that so clearly, because he never spoke a word about it before and it was over a year ago. He doesn’t talk about his observations all the time but when he does it shocks us all. He loved Mother Cabrini’s and thought who ever made it to the top first won. He is starting to get so competitive.
Tony and Rita – It was my suggestion for us to go to Mother Cabrini’s, we had been cooped up in the house because we are trying to stay away from everyone with the flu because of how dangerous it is for the kids. We were glad we went and that we all got some exercise. Also, I put up the Halloween decorations. The kids loved it they kept trying on all the Halloween costumes. It was a lot of fun. We also purchased a Kitchen Aid mixer this week, and I love it. I baked pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin bread two days later. We decided we were going to try to start putting the kids to bed by 8 p.m. so we could have some alone time for the both of us. I really miss us cuddling on the couch together. Not that I mind the kids cuddling with us. It’s just not very often that it’s just the two of us. When I hug Tony, Anthony will come up and hug us both. Ahhhh…he just wants to feel the love too.

Week of September 21st 2009

Louie – I took Louie for his 2 month check up and he weighs 12lbs 3 oz and is the 75th percentile for weight, 24 inches for height and is in the 89th percentile, 39 ½ cm for his head and is in the 50th percentile. I was really happy with these results because he is growing so well. Nothing makes a mom more happier than when her baby is healthy and growing. He is still smiling and cooing away and I still have a hard time putting him down. He outgrew all of his 0-3 month clothes and I had to move the next size in. We decided he’s going to be a cow for Halloween to go well with his brother and sisters costumes.

Avabelle – Avabelle loved her dance class this week she was the only little girl that kept trying to follow exactly what her teacher was doing. This week she decided to tell all of us when we don’t do something she wants “I don’t like you.” This really has fazed Anthony but not us. She really looks for a response from us. Hopefully she grows out of this soon. Ava says whatever she’s thinking at the time no matter what it is(now I know how people feel around me ). It’s super sweet most of the time. All of us always laugh at her choice of words. She changes her clothes three times a day(I just can’t figure out why I’m doing so much laundry ). Ava is going to be a cowgirl for Halloween and is super excited because she get’s to wear a hat like brother.

Anthony – Anthony keeps building his reading vocabulary weekly he is so smart and focused. He spent a little time over Grammer’s last weekend for a day and cousin Diazon was over too. Anthony came home saying Whaaaaaat just like cousin Diazaon. He doesn’t repeat what we say that often probably because we’re not as cool. Ahhh it starts already at 4 or maybe it’s because we really aren’t that cool . He observes so much and doesn’t say what he’s thinking all the time like sister but he’ll say some off the wall things that we really can’t believe he remembers. For example we got a new bed last summer and he told us “Dad I liked the other bed better because it had a light.” He’s never said anything about it before. He amazes me a lot with his memory I guess it’s because we are so used to hearing every thought that Ava has. Anthony is going to be a Cowboy for Halloween. Grammer and Papa bought him a hat and boots last year for Christmas. He wasn’t a huge fan of the boots but now likes them so I exchanged them for a bigger size since he never wore them. He was so excited when I woke him up from his nap and I put them on.

Tony and I canned green chili and salsa this week, we used grandpa Rudy’s pressure cooker. We bought three bushels of chili. It was a lot of work because we’ve never canned anything before in our lives. But we had a great time doing it. It was nice that we figured it out together. We did keep laughing and saying this is why people just buy their stuff at the store. Also, we were saying we hope that we don’t give our family botulism. We also drove to Golden and bought the sibling rivalry book at the Love and Logic store(we wanted to save the money on shipping but ended up spending more on gas ). It was a nice drive and Tony showed me where his dads tool shop was when he was a young boy. I’ve always wanted him to show me where it was because I like seeing the place where he had so many memories growing up. We read the sibling book to each other in a couple of hours and hopefully we absorbed enough to use the strategies on the kids. They get along 95% of the time but that 5% could drain your energy.

Schedule week

I typed up a schedule and showed the kids what is expected of all of us everyday. Anthony always asks what's next on the list. I love it because a schedule always kept my class when I was teaching in order. Hee hee we'll see how it works with a preschooler, toddler and infant. Louie turned 8 weeks this week he is going for his first set of shots next week. I recorded Oprah's season opener which had the Black Eyed Peas singing "Tonights going to be a good night" Louie loves to dance with me to that song in the living room. I get scared that maybe I'm shaking him too much when we dance but he smiles and coos. Ahhhh and he doesn't think I'm weird yet. Avabelle went to dance this week we bought her a pink leotard which she loves to dance around the house. I saved a taping of a chorographed dance on the Ellen show and Ava could almost do the the whole dance...well a 2-year-old version of it. She's not interested in taking a nap by me on the couch anymore. She decided she wanted to take a nap on her own matress upstairs. I thought she would never leave her brother alone but 2 days in a row she did it and has slept a lot longer. Anthony had a great week I started to teach him how to read last year a little bit but have started teaching him again and he's doing amazing. He's had his phonics down for some time but is doing a great job reading beginner books. I try not to pick him up and twirl him around but I can't help to get super excited for him. He's such a great kid. We'll contiue working on decoding. I never force him he just loves to read. He's been asking all week for meatballs(which we've never had) so I finally made him some with cheese in the middle of them. He was really happy especially because I told him that there was a surprise in the middle of the meatball. I think he really thought a car would be in the middle. He said "Mama where is my surprise?" I said it was the the cheese cube in the middle. He got super excited and said "Oh I love cheese." I said I know you do that's why I made them special for you and now we'll call them Runk Runk meatballs. He liked that but of course was only impressed for a minute. Could he at least be a little bit more excited they took me a long time to make :-) Part of their schedule everyday is to make their beds well Anthony really liked doing this he even made Ava's a couple days. .I told Ava this morning let's go make your bed and she told me "No thank you, Anthony will make it." I told her no she had to make her bed herself. She was happy with herself once she did it. This was the last week of summer and I'm going to miss it. The kids love playing outside and I love sitting on the patio with the baby so he can absorb some vitamin D. Finally, last but not least I made Tony go get a physical. I scheduled his flu shot but figured he might as well get the works. He went after work one day and everything seems to be fine. I hope so because he keeps us all together. He decided to do a photo shoot in the dining room with the kids. It's a lot of work organizing the kids but it's nice to see the pictures after.

Baby Louie

Baby Louie you were born on July 24th, 2009 @ 9:37. And were 7lbs 10oz and 21 inches long. You were by far my easiest labor. They started inducing me at 6:30 and you came out 3 hours later. You got a 8.9 on your APGAR score. You were born on Anthony's birthday which was super special because Anthony would always ask if hisbrother would come on his birthday. He did and now you will always share your birthday with your brother which dad and I think is pretty special.

What I notice most about you my baby Louie is how long you are. You have super long legs during my last ultrasound the doctor had to measure your leg a couple times because it was so long. She said it was in the 97th percentile and sure enough you came out with really long legs. I hold you all day long, I can't help it you are so beautiful. You're so perfect and cuddly. I am so in love with you. What I love most about you is that you started smiling right away. When you smile I can't help but kiss you all over your face. The way you look at me melts my heart. I love you so much and I can't wait until I get to see what your personality is like. You are my baby boy and will always be special.

Staying Home

I decided to take off the school year to stay home with the kids. I have taken a lot of time off when the kids were babies. Grandma Rita took care of Anthony while I finished my student teaching a total of 10 weeks. He was in day care part-time my first year. With Ava I took off until she was 6 months and Grandma took care of her for 6 months and then I had off the summer. I worked part-time last year so Anthony and Ava would go to daycare for two days and grandma Rita watched them a half day on Wednesdays.

I've always had the summers off and all the school vacations which has made it very nice. But now it will be nice to stay home this year with all of them. Maybe not for Anthony anytime we go over the grandparents he always asks me to leave. He always says "Are you leaving mom?" I tell him I'm staying and he says "Why Mom?" "Why Mom?" I said he's the only kid who wants his mom to leave. Ahhhhhh! He's so smothered! I smother them all! They probably aren't happy with me staying home but I am. I can squeeze them and love them all day. Now they know what their dad feels like. I'm actually really lucky that dad provides for us to stay home. He's a great husband and a great dad I try to always tell him how grateful I am for him.
Anthony is 4 now, Ava 2 and Louie 8 weeks old today.