My Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope it was a great one for everyone.  I know it was for me, because I got to spend it with two amazing children who brighten my day, each every day.  Even when times are rough!  This year for Valentine's Day, I decided to do something a little different.  We usually go out to eat at somewhere nice as a family, but this year, I decided we'd stay home and make heart shaped pizzas.  I collected a few ideas off of Pinterest, but actually got the idea from a Wilmington Mommy.  I had thought about making our own pizza crust, but opted out of it because I just didn't have the patience or time to do so.  Once I saw how much dough I had left over, I decided to add a flower, sun, and just a few random pizzas.  For this to be my first time doing this task, I felt like it turned out pretty GREAT!  So here's our Valentine's Day dinner :)

On to Valentine's Day for the kiddos and school.  I wanted to do something special for the children's teacher's for Valentine's Day.  I had thought about baking them so sweet treats, but after browsing Pinterest one too many times, I found quite a few crafty ideas.  Last week, I took each child outside and had them hold their closed fist up in the air.  I really thought it was going to be a challenge with Mimi, but boy did she surprise me (to be honest, these past few weeks she’s been surprising me quite a bit).  She threw her arm up in the air, smiled, and of course, started jumping around.  I took quite a few shots and decided on the best one out of the lot.  I think she just enjoyed the fact that she was outside, enjoying the breeze, while in her eyes, looking silly.  When I got Kai outside, he did just as I needed him to.  I think I took three shots of him with his fist in the air and that was it.  He’s such a pro!  So the pictures were taken and sent off to Walgreens.  In the mean time, we worked on the actual Valentine’s Day card for their teachers (another Pinterest idea).  Using pink/red paint, they applied their hands to the card, attempting to create a heart shape image, with the palms of their hands.  Let me tell you, this task is NOT as easy as it looks.  I tried to show them an “example” and well, it was no where near the shape of a heart.  Unfortunately, Mimi’s looks like a big old blob, but it’s still special in it’s on way.  Kai did pretty good, he just didn’t center his hearts in the middle of the card.  But that’s ok.  The cards dried up and on Saturday, I asked Kai what he wanted to write in his card and that’s what we wrote around his “heart” to hopefully make the image look more like a heart.  The same was done for Mimi’s.  Malakai was a big boy and wrote Prince Malakai Porter for his signature.  The pictures were developed and picked up, and once the inside of the card was completed, I took a razor and created a slit where the children’s fist were and inserted a Tootsie Roll Pop, as if they were holding the candy (like a flower) giving it to the recipient.  Then I taped the candy/picture to the front of the card.  I really think they came out GREAT!!!  I recently bought a new crochet pattern for a headwrap that has a flower attached to it.  So, since I needed practice working on the new pattern, I decided to crochet each of the children’s teachers one for Valentine’s Day.  Here's the gifts the kiddos made their teachers:

Overall, it was an Awesome Valentine's Day with the kiddos.  I really enjoyed it.  Kai made me two gifts in class and gave them to me when I picked him up from school.  Once I looked at it, he gave me a HUGE hug and wished me a Happy Valentine's Day!  Boy do I love that kid :)  I love both of my children dearly and I'm so glad I got to spend yet another Valentine's Day with them  <3

Family of 3

I've decided to change the name of this blog from "Signing with Mimi" to Family of 3, mainly because I couldn't get myself motivated to blog about each new sign that Mimi was learning and felt, Family of 3, suited us best.  We shall see!!!  No matter how much I would love to blow on a regular basis, it seems life gets the best of me and I don't ever get the chance to; this is something I am going to attempt to work on :)  So first, I just want to give everyone an update on what's going on in my little household.

Mommy
I am happy to say, I have completed all my credits for the graduate program at UNCW.  I am now just focusing on my research (which is going very slow at the moment, but that's another story).  My goal is to be done with everything by May 2013, so I can finally get a BIG girl job again.  I haven't decided exactly where I want to go or what I actually want to do once I graduate, but figured I'd get through the summer, see where my research is, and start making some hardcore decisions.  School and caring for two children has been challenging these past few months and haven't been crocheting as much as I was, but I am perfectly fine with that.  Sometimes you just need a break to get yourself together, before you move forward.  Tiny Tot Toppers is something I enjoy being part of, it gives me the chance to share my creativity.  My goal is to get it back up and running here in the next few months.  I have tons of goals/planning ahead of me.  My main one at the moment is getting the apartment completely organized, if it means buying tons of organizing shelves and putting baskets inside of them :)  My apartment just needs to be changed up a bit and it's all in the works.  Yay!  I am also currently preparing myself for Mimi's 4th birthday, which will be arriving in three more months on May 18.  It's crazy how times flies, but it's approaching and I will be prepared for that weekend.  I have made the decision to do most of the birthday preparation and will be glad to share with everyone else once I do so.  I'm  currently working on the birthday invitations, which in my opinion, don't look to bad.  I'm hoping to be able to complete a few DIY tasks this coming year with the help of Pinterest and my creative mind.  Well, that's about it for me, now onto Mr. Malakai.

Malakai
Oh Kai, he seems to be growing an inch by the day.  Before I know it, he's going to be my height and then taller than me.  He is growing up so fast, but obviously, this is something that must happen.  He's been in Pre-K for about a 6 months and is asking everyday when he will start Kindergarten.  I think he keeps bringing it up because it's something different/new for him.  He seems to learn something new everyday and I couldn't be more proud.  Of course, he still has some behavior issues, but he's working on them.  I feel like it's for attention, but who knows.  The one thing I can say about Kai is he loves spending time with his sister and helping her the best he can.  Temperance couldn't ask for a better BIG brother :)

Temperance
Miss Mimi is coming along just fine.  She's doing fantastic in school and is able to match two pictures together in class.  We are still working on her being potty trained, but it's just not happening.  It comes and goes, but her time will come.  For the longest, she continued to eat her meals with her fingers, pushing her fork or spoon to the side, but here lately, she's been holding onto her fork and actually using it.  Yay for progress!!  She's still not saying many words, but still continues to use some signs.  In my opinion, something is better than nothing.  All and all, she is making progress and that's what we want to see :)

So as you can see, my little family of three is doing just great!!  We tend to live each day to the best of our ability and enjoy the most of it.  In the next few weeks, me and the kiddos will begin to work on more crafts, while I "attempt" some DIY tasks.  I'm super stoked to try something NEW and see becomes of it, so be sure to check us out <3

Playing Catch Up

I can't believe its been 4 months since I been on here to post "anything".  But that's what happens with life takes over.  Within these past few months, I've been busy with two core classes, crocheting children's hats, and taking care of my babies.  After today, I will no longer be taking classes and I think I will be able to breathe again and let me tell you, I am ready for that moment.  I still have about a year and a half left to go to just focus on my research, but at least I won't have to go home every night, trying to focus and make time to study for an exam/ or final  :)  I am happy to say, I'm glad to be over this part of my MS program.  I've also been working on crocheting hats (http://www.facebook.com/tinytottoppers), which has been quite interesting and fun!!  I've learned new patterns/stitches and it's amazing at how far I've progressed.  I haven't been too busy with it lately, since I back off for about a month to mainly focus on school/the kids, but I will start back over it once break comes around.  I will need to do something with the kids are sleep at night.  Well I guess I will go ahead and up date you on everyone and let you know where we stand <3

Temperance
Let's first start off by saying she is amazing.  She has learned so much from school and Malakai, that she amazes me more and more each day.  She is picking up on signs and is using them constantly.  I will admit, there are times she throws up a sign and I have no idea what she is asking or telling me, but eventually, we compromise something out.  She is still not talking, but trust and believe, she has her way of telling me what it is she WANTS, not need.  Temperance seems to be getting taller each given day and her attitude, well, she's got one.  We are still working on potty training her.  There are times she goes to the potty and pretty much informs you she has to go, and once she gets settled down onto the potty, she handles her business.  But there are other times she does not want to be bothered by the potty.  Christmas is just around the corner and I truly believe, I will have one happy little girl.  She will be getting two precious Disney babies for Christmas (Mulan/Ariel), a gorgeous Rapunzel suitcase, and a Rapunzel blanket made by Violet from Coming Up Baby (http://www.facebook.com/ComingUpBaby), from Santa.  She is going to completely love LOVE love all her items.  Currently we are still working on signs, but right now, nothing new.  She did however get two new DVDs for Christmas, one which talks about going to the potty using signs and Kai also go one DVD.  All purchased from Signing Time, so we will have so much more to share once the new year starts.  Temperance has recently picked up signing:  red and purple.  Mainly because at least a few times a week, me and Kai play the Rainbow Song in the car and while it's playing, Kai does the signs in the backseat and if you just saw Mimi's face, it lights up as if she's inspired by everything Kai does :)

Malakai
First I must say is he is going to be super smart when he gets older, if he can continue to focus and steer away from too many distractions.  It's like he is taught something and never forgets it.  I mean never.  He remembers a lot and he's at that age in which he should be able to.  I am so proud at how much he has learned these past few months at the Child Development Center.  His teachers are great with him and I am so glad they are his teachers.  He has been working on writing his name and is doing a great job.  He pretty much knows to how write Malakai, but now I have them working on the Prince portion of his name.  I have faith that Kai will succeed very far.  He has met so many friends at school and I am so glad for that.  Before he was never really around many people because he didn't "actually" go to school, but now, he has friends and it means a lot to me to know he has someone he can have fun with at school.  As far as Kai's health, we went to the doctor a few months ago and had his thyroid levels checked and everything seems to be normal.  He has gained a little bit of weight (50 pounds), which the doctor said it could be because of the amount of juice/gatorade he was taking in, so currently he is drinking more water/ or diluted drinks.  He seems to be getting taller each day.  Before I know it, he will be as tall as me.  Oh my!!!  He is suppose to be getting a hamster from Santa/Uncle Malcolm, but we shall see what happens.  He's been a little "naughty" lately, and well, he needs to work on his behavior a little bit  :)

Well, that about sums everyone up a bit.  Hopefully, I can start back blogging here soon, once I get a little more organized with life  <3

August Already??!!!

Yep.  It is August.  I can't believe how fast the Summer went.  But I'm not complaining.  <3
Its been a few weeks (I think), since I've updated you guys on Mimi and signing.  Even though there's a lot of changes going on in my family right now, we are still working on signs and she's doing so freaking good.  I love my little Mimi.  Recently, I started crocheting hats.  It's so much fun and I think they're pretty CUTE if you ask me.  Now, just trying to get others to be interested in them too.  Maybe once it gets cooler outside, sales will pick up.  A girl can only hope!  :)
Yesterday, $600 charged to my DCL (Disney Cruise Line) at AAA, Mimi was added to the Disney Dream Cruise, Kai and I are taking in April 2012.  I figured, what the heck.  There's no need of stressing over making sure she's taken care of while we are gone, she will just come too.  Yay!!  So between NOW and THEN, we will be hard core potty training Miss Mimi.  Kai's around said he'd help.  By the way, he doesn't know we are going.  He will find out the day we board.  Surprise!
Here's a few videos of Miss Mimi.  There's not a lot to share at the moment, but when there is, I will be sure to inform you guys!

Mimi signing "kick", which watching Signing Time.

To sign "kick" you literally KICK.

Mimi showing ONE.

Crochet Beanies :)

Sometime last year, I wanted to learn how to crochet infant/toddler hats.  But, I gave up.  I got frustrated and there was no one to turn to for advice.  This was about a year ago.  Recently, I decided, I wanted to try again and if I failed this time around, I wouldn't try again.  But luckly, I met a lady on the Etsy website: http://www.thelovelycrow.blogspot.com/ (here's her blog) named Elizabeth, who has so "kindly" assisted me with any questions needed.  It truly made a difference in how I was feeling last year, compared to this year.  So far, I've been working on making "Bulky Princess Beanies" and "Bulky Earflap Beanies."  Soon, I will be looking for a different type of pattern, since Kai is going around wanting a hat too.  I just haven't had time to search, with  me being so busy lately.  So, I wanted to share with you guys what I've done so far.  If you are interested in purchasing a beanie, please feel free to email me.  The prices are below.  Shipping is $4 starting with the first item.  Even though the pictures are set at those coloring, they colors can be changed.  What I have to offer is:  white, pink, ivory, cotton candy blue, and green.  You decide what colors you want on the beanie and flower.  They are made to order and come in various sizes.  Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.  :)

Newborn: $12
0-6 months: $14
6-12 months: $16
12-24 months: $18
2T-4T: $22
Plus shipping, if needed.

Bulky Earflap Beanie

Bulky Princess Beanie

Mimi wearing her Crochet Beanies  :)

They really are just absolutely ADORABLE on children.  :)

Kai Signing 1-10

My son is AMAZING.  He surprises me almost every day.  Yes, we butt heads "often", but I feel in my heart he is going to be a smart KID once he gets older.  Learning a few signs here and there is a lot for a child to do, especially when he or she is trying to learn basic stuff to start school.  For the past few days, I've been working with Kai on learning 1-10 in ASL.  Mimi sees me do it almost everyday, but it's something I do NOT expect her to learn any time soon and I am not working on it with her.  If we listen to one of the Signing Time songs that goes over 1-10, yes I show her the signs, but I am not sitting there adjusting her fingers to the numbers.  However, Kai on the other hand, wants to learn.  I was signing the numbers to Mimi the other day and I saw out the corner of my eye him moving his fingers around trying to learn.  So, I moved towards him and talked him through it.  It really means a lot to me to know that he wants to learn and he remembers a lot of signs I would think he would forget, since he doesn't do them as often as I do.  So, I just wanted to share with you guys Kai signing 1-10.  Yes, there are some errors, but hey, he's 4 and it's not the same as how he will be learning it in school. 

ENJOY!!

 If you notice, when doing numbers, 1-5 palm is facing you, but 6-9, the palm of your hand is facing out.

Miss Mimi

For the past few days Miss Mimi has had a slight fever and hasn't been eating.  Since yesterday, she's had nasty diarrhea.  Ewwww...  But, it happens.  So this morning, I took her to the Children's Clinic to be seen.  They ran a strep test and a CBC, everything came back normal.  Most likely, as the doctor says, it's just a viral infection.  She's drinking liquids when she wants to, but isn't eating like her greedy self usually does.  Prior to the doctor coming in, the nurse does Mimi's vitals.  I politely ask her to measure Mimi's head circumference and she gladly does.  It measures at 37.5 cm, which equals to approximately 14.8 inches.  At the time, I didn't realize this.  I did the conversion when I got to school because I was trying to figure out what size crochet had to "attempt" to make Mimi.  Well, her measurements are for a newborn size crochet hat, while earlier I was looking at a much bigger size.  Good thing I didn't start yet!  But just the thought that Mimi's head circumference is the size of a newborn, is quite depressing.  I guess I don't really think about it, until I ask questions like the above, and it sinks in.  But, the size doesn't matter, right?!!!  

Last year I started learning how to crochet.  I got frustrated and gave up after I couldn't successfully make a circle.  I was teaching myself from information online and the lovely YouTube.  This time around, I'm NOT giving up.  I have bought a patter from Etsy, and purchased the yarn, and will be crocheting my heart out this evening.  Hopefully, I can get some of it done.  Once it's completed, whenever that is, I will be sure to prop it on Miss Mimi's head and show you the final work.

I most likely won't be posting on the Blog that much about signs in the next few weeks, only because I'm busy working on my comprehensive exam for my MS, which is dues August 15, 2011.  I get super nervous when I am in front of people, so I know I will be working on this day in and day out, especially when it gets closer.  Tonight I will be sitting in front of the TV, watching Signing Time (well listening), as I "attempt" to work on this new pattern.  I want to write down all the signs they go over in each DVD we have, so I can have a list of what Mimi is being shown.  :)

If you guys didn't already know.  Mimi signed Eat on her own the other day.  I was so PROUD of her.  She kept crying and I didn't know why, so I asked her, what's wrong?  And she tapped at her mouth several times, which is the sign for Eat.  If you know signs, you know that when you sign Eat, you close your fingers on top of your thumb and tap at your lips several times.  However, Miss Mimi taps at her mouth with her whole hand.  I'm not sure if she's just not getting the concept, or if she's just rushing.  She does the same thing when signing More.  Instead of using the hands closed on top of each other, she claps for More.  It's a working process, but it's going pretty well if you ask me.

Because..........the other day I was just playing around with Mimi and asked her to sign Outside, and she did.  A sign that she just recently learned the other day.  Then I asked her to do it again, and she spoke it.  I am so Proud of her.  She is really learning and that's all that matters.

A new sign I will be working on for myself and Miss Mimi is: Picture (photo).  The lady who does Mimi's and Kai's pictures every once in a while suggested I work with Mimi by using signs, to see how she does come August when it's Picture time.  It's worth a shot!  So, we shall see how it goes.  Yay!

Thanks for reading.........

Kai and Mimi enjoying playing Michael Jackson: The Experience on the Wii.