happy birthday mommy

Today is HotMomma's Birthday! Z-Dub is celebrating in song and dance.

time to break out the barriers

It amazes me each day how fast our babies grow up before our eyes. It's kind of weird that things didn't seem to go as fast with Z-Dub. But with The Deuce, I feel like it's happening way, way too fast. On Monday, he turned nine months old. It seems like only yesterday we found out we were expecting him. I find it hard to swallow that he's approaching his first birthday.

There are also things that he's doing that almost give me a coronary. Like, for example, what he suddenly decided to do today. He's a brave, adventurous child:

coaxing his inner beckham

We did it. We signed up Z-Dub for the fall season of Soccer. The first team meeting is Sept. 12, with practices starting the following week. His first game will be Oct. 10. It'll be either an exciting or disappointing birthday weekend treat for me. He'll either refuse to play out of shyness or "bend it like Beckham." Of course, I'm hoping for the latter.

While Soccer isn't a huge sport in this country beyond the youth sports level, perhaps Z-Dub will embrace the sport and become a star player, raking in millions of dollars (or Euros) playing on a professional team either here in the states or abroad and through endorsement deals. He can be the token half-white, half-Filipino American sensation playing for Manchester United or some other big team. That would be super cool. And he can share his wealth with his parents who had the foresight to enroll him into youth soccer and encourage his brilliance.

Yes, I'm dreaming. Hopefully it comes true. If it doesn't work out, we'll try another sport. Perhaps Baseball, Tennis or competitive Swim. Of course, he's only three, so there's no pressure.

---------------------------------------------------

Speaking of sport greatness. My sister, a star softball player at the University of Louisville and recently named Big East Player of the Year, just returned home from Maracay, Venezuela where she played in the 2009 PanAmerican Qualifer on the USA Softball team. Her team kicked some serious booty. They beat every team they played during the nearly two-week tournament, with the exception of their first game against Canada. It was their only loss and the only team that even scored against them. On Sunday, her team made it to the Championship game against Canada and won the Golf Medal!

My sister is an outstanding role model to her nephews!

a vegasdad rant

Why, oh, why does Z-Dub all of a sudden not want to sleep at night? I'm not kidding when I say he gets out of bed a minimum of 15 times a night for various reasons. This has been going on for about two weeks now and it's annoying the crap out of me. We've tried preventing him from napping during the day. We've even tried keeping him up later in the evening. All of our approaches to resolve this new bedtime ritual have failed miserably. It's frickin' annoying. It's interrupting "Daddy and Mommy time."

Now, changing the subject completely, why would Discovery Channel think it's smart to air "Shark Week" in the middle of summer when throngs of vacationers are visiting beaches across the country? Talk about scaring us out of the water. Luckily, we're in Las Vegas and the only real scary creatures at our beaches -- sand bottom hotel/resort pools -- are overweight, old and hairy Eurotourists who think it's fashionable to wear speedos. Having one of them bend over in front of you can cause severe illness and possibly death. That's why we prefer the more private pool cabanas. They also make us feel like rock stars.

Finally, I'm annoyed with myself for not finding more time to update this blog. A lot of it has to do with my hectic schedule lately. Also, the kids have been wacko lately. Now that The Deuce is mobile, it seems that all we do is try to prevent him from hurting himself. Speaking of The Deuce, he has one voracious appetite. I thought Z-Dub was going to eat us to the poor house, but we're quickly realizing that our more plump infant is even more of a pig. It's no wonder he's only 14 lbs. lighter than his three-year-old brother.

That's all.

a milestone on video

the funky crawler

The Deuce started crawling on Wednesday. He was very unsteady at first. Even a bit apprehensive as he scooted forwarded one hand and knee at a time. However, in the matter of a day, he found his courage and, with a grin on his face, began a new chapter in his life -- a chapter of independent exploration. Now he's quick and almost stealth-like in his travels. One second he's in the middle of the living room and the next second he's under the kitchen table. One second he's playing with toys on the floor in the middle of our bedroom and the next second he's in our bathroom with a big smile on his face as if to say, "hey look...I found you!"

Today we are more vigilant around the stairs and about what we place in arms reach of our little creeping creature.

He also started doing a little dance this week. It's a totally funkedelic head bob thing. Yeah, he's cool.

Oh, that reminds me, he's eight months old today. He's going to be walking before we know it. Then he'll really be able to get his groove on.

something to be happy about

I haven't heard great news like this in quite a while. All of us in the blogosphere learned today that after more than two years of trying to concieve, with the help of modern medicine Xbox and his wife ET are finally expecting. 

Those two have been on an heartwrenching journey. They've experienced a rollercoaster of emotions that included hope, optimism, desperation, sadness and disappointment as each month's cycle came and went. Despite it all, they never gave up. It makes me happy to finally see them achieve what they've longed for. I can't wait to read their all-too-familiar pregnancy stories and, finally, the welcoming of a new life. It's an incredible thing.

Congratulations to Xbox and ET!

a weekend of firsts

We've been through these milestones before with Z-Dub, but it doesn't take away from the excitement. The Deuce is entitled to the same attention from his excited parents.

This weekend we achieved several. First, and most important, The Deuce cut his first tooth. It's way earlier than Z-Dub did. Of course, he's been grumpy as a result, but not too bad. This weekend also was time for The Deuce to graduate to the high chair. In doing so he started on baby food too. He's also been gnawing on baby biscuits. He's had quite an exciting weekend.

And finally, my favorite milestone is his repeating of "Dada." He's been saying it like crazy all of a sudden. We also got him to repeat "Dog." Or at least that's what we hear.

Here's a bonus video. You can't deny his cuteness.



As for Z-Dub, he's going through a bit of regression this weekend. He keeps crapping in his pants. It's been a muddy mess and we're frustrated.

it's official

With Z-Dub finally dropping loads of number two in the toilet, and not wearing diapers for more than a week, he's now officially potty trained. He's got it all under control.

FINALLY.

And, just in time for Earth Day. I'm sure Mother Nature will appreciate him no longer filling up the landfill with poopy diapers.

a special birthday video

Obviously our friend Drew has mad skillz. He put together this video of Z-Dub's birthday party last weekend at Bounce U. It's amazing. It makes me smile.



Thanks Drew. You're the man!!!

a special thank you

the birthday boy!

Today our little man turns three! It's amazing how fast he's grown from a little baby into a bright and fun-loving boy. A "big boy," as he says. He's super smart, handsome and kind. We're so very proud.

Happy Birthday Z-Dub!!!

broken bone(r)

I went into the bathroom to check on Z-Dub. He had been finishing up his shower and playing with his Little Einsteins figurines a couple of minutes earlier. I walked in, pulled back the curtain and found him carefully examining his errr...naughty bits. "what are you doing?" I inquired.

"My pee pee is broken," he proclaimed. "I need a new one."

With a bewildered tone I asked "Why is your pee pee broken?"

"It's not up anymore," he replied.

All I could think about was the fact that he's only two, almost three, and the "the talk" appears to be just around the corner.

pee pee and poo poo

Once again I'm writing about poop. When you have a toddler potty training it tends to be a hot topic. As many of you know, potty training Z-Dub has been a huge challenge for us.We've been trying for the past several of months with little to no success.

However, with a sticker chart hanging low on the refrigerator and the promise of toys as rewards for hitting certain milestones, we've had much success in the past couple of weeks. So much so, that yesterday, without any reminders or requests, he went into the bathroom by himself, took off his pants and diaper, sat on his potty chair and filled it up with golden goodness. He was quite proud of it and proceeded to do it two more times within the subsequent hour.

That's where the success ends, because later in the morning he crapped in his diaper three times. Each time I begged him to try the potty, but he absolutely refused. Apparently pooping is traumatic.

So, if anyone has any suggestions on how to get Z-Dub to make mud in the potty instead of his pants, lay it out there for us. Our family and our local landfill will greatly appreciate it.

of bad medicine, bad words and bad habits

Z-Dub has his first ear  infection in nearly eight months. After his chronic infections last year we were quite happy he went so long without one. His doctor prescribed him Clarithromycin for the first time and let me tell you, that crap tastes horrific. Tonight he was gagging after I gave him his teaspoon. I thought he was over-reacting, so I tried a little drop. I literally almost puked. It's NASTY. Unfortunately, he's got to take it two times a day for the next nine days. Poor guy. He's allergic to penicillin, and after last year's various antibiotic regimens, we have few options. I doubt the doctor will change his prescription.

Speaking of Z-Dub, for some reason he keeps calling the parrot character on The Deuce's bouncy a cock. Today he ran to tell me that The Deuce is "playing with his cock!" I keep yelling back, "it's a parrot, not a cock. Quit saying that."

And, speaking of The Deuce, he found his thumb. And now it's always in his mouth. Here's the photographic evidence:

Also, The Deuce is now stable enough for the Bumbo chair. As an extra precaution, notice the US Weekly Magazine used as back support. I finally found a use for HotMomma's celebrity gossip rags.

travel blog network debuts

Today the folks at UpTake issued a press release officially announcing their Travel Blog Network writing team, which includes me. I can see the paparazzi gathering outside my window. I hope they don't take any unflattering photos.

But seriously, I've had a blast writing for UpTake for the past couple of months under the Vacations category, along with a talented team of writers led by the super blogger Whit. We're writing all about great (and sometimes not-so-great) vacation destinations in this big and diverse country of ours, offering information about where to go, what to do and where to stay from our own perspectives. Because we're writing about the areas in which we live, work and play, our insight is great for folks planning a trip, especially to a destinations they've never been to before. I'm covering the Las Vegas area for obvious reasons. I like to show that there is more to Southern Nevada than casinos, nightclubs, celebretards, hookers and blow. Although we all know that those things are appealing to a lot of people.

Here's some of my posts from the past couple of months. I plan to write many, many more, so subscribe to the RSS feed and enjoy.

Dam Short Film Festival in Boulder City
Family Fun at Lake Mead Recreation Area
Las Vegas - A New Year's Party Destination
Lake Las Vegas Offers Tranquility
Holiday Shopping in Las Vegas
Experience the French Flair of Las Vegas
Boulder City, Nevada - History and Adventure
Las Vegas Aquariums Showcase Exotic Marine Life
Celebrate Veteran's Day at Aviation Nation
Explore the Natural Side of Vegas

For my Vegas friends, if you have any cool, undiscovered vacation ideas I should cover, let me know.

a new day

"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." - President Barack Obama, Jan. 20, 2009.

dream job at last

I woke up this morning to find that my dream job  is finally available. I shall apply immediately. I hope I get an interview.

I wonder if I can bring the family?

happy new year!

The year 2008 was definitely good, bad, ugly and even uglier than years past. This year we saw our nation's status in the global economy shatter as people rich and poor struggle during tough times. At the same time we prepare to usher in an era of change that for many brings hope for a brighter future. There's no denying that 2008 was tumultuous, but it was also marked with tremendous milestones that will be written and spoken about for generations to come.

While we too have been affected, though only mildly, by the turmoil that has become a new reality in America and much of the world, our family comes out of 2008 with an attitude of gratitude. This past year we moved into our beautiful new house, saw our son transform from a toddler into a bright little boy, made many great friends and welcomed Deuce into our growing family. While we've had our ups and downs, overall it was a good year for us. We hope your year was equally rewarding.

As 2008 comes to a close, we'd like to send our best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy 2009. May the new year bring prosperity to all.

snow!

It is snowing. Not just flurries, it's actually snowing here in Vegas. This marks the first time in my life that I've actually seen snow fall from the sky. I know, it's weird. I'm from the California coast and it doesn't snow there.

HotMomma and Z-Dub are at home having some fun in the snow as we speak. It's Z-Dub's first time ever  seeing snow, so he's having a blast. They're taking plenty of pictures and I can't wait to share them later.