happy birthday mommy

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

oh, hello blog

Wow, it's been two weeks since I've posted. Time sure does fly. My hectic work schedule is my excuse, of course. It's true too. The work load has been insane. Meanwhile, it seems that life just keeps zooming by at the speed of light. I can't frickin' believe it's September already. Christmas is just around the corner. Even more surprising is that The Deuce turns one in November and it'll be here in a flash. I wish things would just slow down a bit. Perhaps a relaxing, slow-paced vacation is in order. But enough about that.

So what's going on in the iVegasFamily house? Well, Z-Dub is in school and is seems to be doing well. He fights me every morning when I drop him off, but embraces the whole thing once I leave. He's learning a lot, like the calendar, how to write, Spanish, etc. We bought him a dry-erase activity book that he works on at home as well. Our goal in the coming weeks is to get him writing his name without assistance. He's well on his way, although he still says his name is spelled "Eueeuue." I don't know where his obsession with "e" and "u" originated. It's a little peculiar.

As for The Deuce, he's now pointing and trying to talk and walk. He's a rambunctious little dude with a hot temper as well. I have a feeling he's going to be a handful when he becomes mobile. He and Z-Dub have been playing well together though. It's amazing to watch their interactions.

As for HotMomma, well tomorrow's her birthday. She's turning 29. We'll be celebrating this weekend. It should be a lot of fun.

That's a quick and dirty update. I'll leave you with a video of Z-Dub playing Wii Bowling for the very first time. He actually did very well for a newbie. He bowled a 74.

it's mr. jackson to you

He doesn't even know who the deceased King of Pop is, but Z-Dub's heard the name so much over the past several months, this doesn't really surprise me.

Seriously, note to media, talking about him every day for months will not bring him back.

But I digress. Back to the point of this post, Z-Dub was introduced to HotMomma's sister's husband's brother's three-year-old son yesterday. And never one to disappoint in the comedic sense, for the entire day he referred to this kid as "Michael Jackson." We have no idea why, but he just did. As much as everyone tried to correct young Z-Dub, he still called the kid "Michael Jackson." Not "Michael," but the whole name. HILARIOUS!!!!

The weird part is that this kid looks nothing like the real "Michael Jackson." I don't think anyone saw him moonwalk or dangle The Deuce out a upper story window either. He even has his original nose. His real name is nowhere close to "Michael" or "Jackson." We don't get it.

Anyways, he's going to go play with "Michael Jackson" again today. Perhaps he'll get his name right today.

superdad

This morning, while eating breakfast, Z-Dub turns to me and says "Daddy, I want to be big and strong like you. I need to exercise." He says this while flexing his arm muscles up in the air.

This caught me off guard a little, because he usually says he wants to be big and strong like Superman. Of course, the first thought that came to my mind was "wow, he thinks his Daddy is big and strong." I guess my renewed workout regimen is paying off more than I thought.

Thanks kid for the boost in confidence.

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.

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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.

multiplying like rabbits

... because they are rabbits. Living in a new 'hood in the hills overlooking Las Vegas, we're no strangers to wild animals. Each evening, as the summer sun sets, little bats swoop in the skies above our house, quail run about the bushes, roadrunners run down the street and, luckily only on rare occasions, a coyote is spotted in the darkness of night. We know why the coyotes are here -- it's all those little rabbits! I'm sure they make for a tasty buffet for those coyotes.

What started out as a few cute little cotton-tailed bunny rabbits in our bushes and hopping along the sidewalks and in the grass, has blossomed into a rather large, and still growing, colony of rabbits in a very short amount of time. After all, rabbits do have a reputation for their promiscuity and resulting baby booms. I've seen a lot of babies lately, who will undoubtedly grow to be horny teenagers in the matter of months.

Z-Dub loves those little rabbits. During our evening walks he often counts how many he spots. He used to see one of two, now it's about a dozen at a time. He loves to try to get up close before they dart off.

So why does it appear that I'm complaining about these little harmless animals. Well, I have a few -- first, I hate avoiding their poop pellets during walks; second, the more bunnies, the more coyotes. I think they like to eat little dogs (watch out Lola) and little kids (watch out Z-Dub); and finally, you already know of my issues with two cartoon rabbits. It's like they're f%&king with me.

ten excuses

Here are the ten excuses Z-Dub tried to not go to bed last night...

1. "I heard a noise...it was a dinosaur. I'm scared.

2. "The fan is to noisy."

3. "I have to poop."

4. "The itsy, bitsy spider went up the water spout."

5. "I have to pee."

6. "I want a granola bar."

7. "I want to sleep with you and mommy."

8. "I'm itchy."

9. "I'm cold."

10. "I don't want to go to school tomorrow, so I don't have to go to sleep yet."

Three-year-olds!!!!

death to max & ruby

I mean it. I absolutely hate those little hair-brained rabbits. Unfortunately, every time you ask Z-Dub what he'd like to watch on television, his reply is "Max & Ruby."

For some reason we can't break him of his obsession. And I don't understand it either. Every episode is the same. That bossy bitch Ruby is hell-bent on doing something or getting something and little Max is always interrupting. Although, at the end of every episode it turns out that Ruby was in the wrong and Max was in the right. It's probably a good message about how being bossy and single-minded can backfire, but that's beside the point. It's just too annoyingly wholesome for me.

Also, where in the hell are their parents? Seriously, these two little hares live on their own. They have no adult supervision except for when Ruby's "bunny scout leader" or their grandma stops by the house for a visit. Other than that it's young Ruby caring for her toddler brother Max. No wonder she's bossy, she's got too much responsibility. And, since when do rabbits live in houses?

Personally, I prefer when Z-Dub watches Phineas & Ferb. It even entertains me. Who doesn't love a little summer vacation angst?

It's kind of funny how Z-Dub's cartoon tastes have evolved. He went from Backyardigans to Caillou to Little Einsteins to Wow Wow Wubbzy to Max & Ruby. He's getting onboard with Phineas & Ferb, and he's caught onto Bernstein Bears lately too. Who know's what'll be next. Perhaps Hung on HBO. He is, after all, fascinated with his "pitoy" (penis).

it was just a leap

It all started with a leap. It wasn't from afar, but it was high and, with gravity in complete control, it was powerful.

I was sitting on the floor playing with The Deuce. He was smiling, laughing and playing with his toys. The Sudden impact on my head and neck sent shock waves through my body as I gasped in pain. Z-Dub, with a grin on his face, decided it would be funny to fly like Superman from the top of the sofa to my seemingly strong body. Only problem is he miscalculated his trajectory and landed where great damage can be done. And boy did he cause some damage.

For the first two days I could hardly move my neck left or right. The headache at the base, where my head connects to my spine, was excruciating. It lasted for days. Even during our vacation in San Diego my head was throbbing. Tylenol was my savior.

Then last week the flu emerged with a vengeance. One of the symptoms as I was bedridden was body aches. The kind that make any and all positions uncomfortable. I was in a miserable state of being. As the flu subsided I thought I was going to be okay. Then suddenly on Thursday a sharp pain started in the middle of my back. It was so bad that even the slightest movement sent me to the floor. Even if I took a deep breath in the pain was unbearable. I went to urgent care and was given a shot of Percocet, which did little to ease my extreme discomfort. The doctor gave me a prescription for Percocet pills and Valium and said to get some rest. His answer to what was going on was completely unsatifactory. I didn't want to mask the pain, I wanted to know what the hell was happening and how to fix it.

On Friday I waddled into a Chiropractor's office for the first time in my life. I've never had an issue with back pain, so there was never a need to see one. I was a bit scared to go.

I was thoroughly examined and X-rays were taken. And, alas, they found the problem. Apparently I now have a compression injury to two vertebrae. They said the injury was probably caused years ago and then Z-Dub's Superman stunt exacerbated it, causing the ligaments to slip out of whack in my back. They also found that I have a slight twist in the middle of my spine, which makes me more prone to injury. They also found a congenital defect where I'm actually missing on T-vertebra, but I have an extra lumbar vertebra. That's weird, but really isn't a problem.

And my neck - that's a whole other issue. Z-Dub clearly did some damage. Instead of a slight crescent curvature that a normal neck has, mine now resembles an "s." To put it simple, it's "effed" up.

Since Friday I've been receiving intense physiotherapy at the Chiropractor's office and it's done wonders to help moving me again. My pain has subsided greatly - probably about 85 percent. I can actually move without dropping to the floor in pain. I'm going to continue therapy a few days a week for the next month or two to mostly correct everything, but in the meantime, I suddenly feel much older than my 34 years. I'm also worried about injuring myself again. Will I be able to be active? Or will I be resigned to be "the guy on the sidelines?" I don't want to be that guy, but only time will tell.

creative discipline

We've learned quickly that the "Terrible Twos" were a cakewalk compared to the "Treacherous Threes." Not only is Z-Dub full of what appears to be super-human energy and spunk, he knows how to back talk like a true master artist. He also loves testing our parental authority.

Lately, we've been challenged when it comes to discipline. While "time outs" and threats of "if you don't stop, you're not getting any dessert" or "if you do that one more time the police are going to take away all of your toys" work most of the time, he's getting a little too savvy for them.

It's time to get creative and I think I have a great idea -- Boot Camp-style discipline. We're talking push-ups, laps, etc. I've taught Z-Dub how to do push-ups and he can pull off about three in a row. If he's acting up and fails to heed the complimentary warnings, I can just say "drop and give me three!" or "you have to do one lap to that house down the street and back. And don't let me catch you walking. I want to see some speed!" The beauty of this type of discipline is that it can be employed virtually anywhere. And as an added bonus, he'll be extra fit.

I don't think this type of discipline is cruel either. After all, it's just exercise. The only risk I would probably run into is Z-Dub growing up to hate exercise. He may associate it with a negative and never want to exercise when he gets older, becoming a resentful, lazy, fat slob. Hmmmm....I guess I have to think this through a little bit more.

What are your creative approaches to discipline? Have they worked?

when nature calls

Z-Dub is such a boy. To prove it, he has developed quite an interest in whipping out his pitoy (Filipino slang for penis) outdoors to pee in rocks and bushes. It doesn't matter where we're at -- the mall, park, front yard, etc. -- he rather water the plants than go inside and use the toilet.

Of course, being the good parents we are, we've quashed his new peeing desire, with exception to La Jolla Cove during our vacation last week. The restroom was simply too far and the Pacific ocean was just too cold, so the best place for him to relieve himself was a large bush at the top of the cliff. And that he did, twice. I'm just hoping he doesn't decide to do it in the playground at school next week. That would be embarrassing. Could you imagine the note sent home from his teacher?

Meanwhile...check out The Deuce's new thing.

i'm back

Wow, it's been a long time since I updated the blog. The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur. Not only had I a lot to do at work, followed by a two week vacation, but I was also having some health issues checked out. Luckily, all is okay with me and it's time to get back into the swing of things. I've neglected my blog so much that I probably don't have any loyal readers anymore. I hope to redeem myself in the coming weeks with new posts and a renewed effort to read everyone else's great posts.

Of course, it's very late...actually, now that I just looked at the clock, it's very early. So instead of a full blown post, I'll leave you with this video of our vacation earlier this week. As you'll see, the family had a great time. We stayed at the Catamaran Beach Resort and Spa on Mission Bay. It was nice to escape the heat of Las Vegas.

To all of our American readers, Happy 4th of July. To our Brit friends, no hard feelings, of course.

school, vacation and buffness

It's an exciting day today. In about 20 minutes Z-Dub is returning to school after 6 months at home. I think we're more excited than he is, but at least there's excitement. I know what you're wondering, "why is he starting school in the summer!?!" Actually, it's a summer academy in preparation for preschool in the fall. He's going to have a lot of fun as each week is themed, such as art, music, travel, culture, etc. I'm sure he'll learn a lot. And he's going to have an instant classmate as his cousin is enrolled as well.

HotMomma is looking forward to having a break. Z-Dub has been a handful lately. He needs an outlet for his energy and imagination. School is the perfect place. Besides, when it finally get's Vegas hot (it's been unseasonably cool this June), it's difficult to find things for him to do because outdoors isn't an option during the daylight hours. A lot of the time it's even too hot for swimming in the pool. He can only watch so much Wonder Pets!

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You may remember my rant about our elusive vacation. Well, with health issues resolved and two weeks off from work beginning this weekend, I took the plunge and booked us a trip. We're not going to go too far from home, but it's a vacation none-the-less. Z-Dub is going to have a blast here. I'm looking forward to chillaxing on the beach.

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Finally, with my renewed workout regimen in full swing with noticeable results, I'll have no issues with being topless on the beach. Queue the paparazzi. By the way, what are your thoughts on manscaping?

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.

my kid can write...sort of

Recently, Z-Dub has become very interested in writing, which makes us very happy. At three years old our first goal is to get him to spell his name. We've been working on it. However, last night he decided that he was going to spell my name.

"Okay Daddy. I'm going to spell your name now," he said with excitement.

With a pen in hand he says the letters out loud as he writes, "e, u, s, e, u, e. I did it Daddy. I spelled your name."

And this is what his interpretation of the alphabet looked like:

And I still haven't figured out the obscure language in which my name is spelled Euseue.

wordless wednesday: gratuitous kid pic

of doctors, dangling bits and humiliation

Today is a day I've been dreading for the past two weeks. In about one hour I'll go in for another in a series of recent doctor appointments where, for the first time ever, I'll be forced to endure a rather humiliating diagnostic examination. And, no, it's not a prostate exam, if that's what you're thinking. Besides, I'm not that old yet. Instead, this examination will involve a tool usually used to view a baby in its mother's womb and my dangling bits. As if the doctor's recent hand job hand examination wasn't already humiliating enough. Just my luck the person conducting the examination will be a woman...err...or a man. Holy crap, neither would be ideal!

I think the anxiety has to do with the fact that I don't know what to expect. Will I have to get completely naked? Will I lay down on a table or will I be standing? What if it hurts? What if it feels good!?!

I don't know why I'm so freaked out about this. If you think about it, the ladies have to go through yearly examinations that would be considered much more invasive. I'd hate to be violated in such a way every single year. I was happy with my once-in-a-few-years visits to the doctor. I guess this is part of "growing up."

Anyways, who knows what this examination will find and ultimately diagnose. I will tell you that I wouldn't be putting myself through this torture if there wasn't concern.

On a lighter note, Z-Dub is feeling much better. Now that he can eat, he's doing so like a pig. I'm sure he'll regain his lost weight in no time. Thanks to everyone for your continued well wishes. He, and we, appreciate it.

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Finally, I started out strong in Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect "Best Las Vegas Local Blog" voting, but the momentum has slowed down. Now I'm in last place. So, if you have time, please vote. You're allowed one vote per day. Thanks!

squeaky boy

Something strange has happened to our Z-Dub's voice since his tonsil surgery on Saturday. He has suddenly become squeaky and, dare I say, kind of girlie. At first we chalked it up to a post-surgery attempt to get attention and sympathy. It's been almost a week and he still has this squeaky little mouse voice, so now I'm concerned. So much so that I did a little research online.

I was shocked to discover that tonsillectomy can in fact cause both temporary and permanent change to voice pitch. Our doctor never discussed or even mentioned this to us before or after surgery. According to the experts all over the Internets, the causes vary and include:

1. If they were large, removal of the tonsils can change the resonance of  speech (voice would be the same as that's produced by the larynx). 
2. If the adenoids were removed as well as the tonsils (which is what Z-Dub went through), then there could be some velopharyngeal incompetence and hypernasality.
   
3. Muscle tension dysphonia. 
4. Vocal cord damage from intubation injury. 

Whatever the cause, I'm fine with the temporary change as we can deal with our little mouse for a while longer. I read somewhere that it can take up to 12 weeks to go back to normal. However, a permanent change would be a little too hard to swallow, especially if he continues to sound like a eunuch.

on the mend

Z-Dub had his tonsils and adenoids removed and new tubes put in his ears early Saturday morning and then spent the entire day and overnight in the hospital. He was discharged midday on Sunday.

Since we arrived home he's been recovering at a very past pace, without requiring any pain medication. However, he's very grumpy because he's on a strict liquid and soft food diet. Z-Dub is a little weird because he doesn't want Jello, pudding, popsicles and ice cream. Instead he begs for chicken, hot dogs, pizza, chips, french fries and popcorn. HotMomma did break down and made him some Orzo pasta with parmesan and romano cheese mixed in it. He seemed to like it and it was soft enough for his throat.

Other than the diet thing he's also been very clingy to me, which has been a bit of a slap in HotMomma's face since it was Mother's Day weekend. I have no idea why, but all Z-Dub wants is his Daddy. It's almost annoying though.

Thank you to everyone here and on Facebook for your well wishes. We appreciate it very much.

Just after surgery, all Z-Dub wanted to do was sleep.

A visit from his Grandma.

Later in the evening he got a visit with his bro The Deuce.

Doing great!

Waiting to get that damned IV out of his arm and go home.