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.

Signing EAT

Yesterday, Mimi surprised me by signing Eat without asking.  She was very whiny and I didn't understand why. So I go, Mimi what's wrong?  And she surprised me by signing Eat.  I know she knows what it is, but to ask her what's wrong and she just do it, surprised me and made me one Proud Mommy!  So, we went on to McDonald's and enjoyed a lunch together.  :)

Here is a video of her signing Eat.  She's just precious!!!

Willy Wonka Birthday Party

Kai about to go on his first (and only at the moment), plane ride to NY.
Less than a year old.

Kai turns 1.  We celebrated by going to see Sesame Street Live.

Kai's 1st Thanksgiving, 2006.

And he just keeps growing, 2011.

In less than 2 months, Prince Malakai will be 5 years old.  It's so hard to believe how fast time flies.  *sniff sniff*

He is turning into such an Amazing young boy.  He does his best to help with Mimi.  She couldn't ask for a better brother.  He comforts her at night, helps feed her, show her signs, and also...........annoys her, pulls on her, jumps on her, etc.  He's her Big brother.  :)  This year, he has decided he wants an "Oompa Loopma Birthday Party."  Ummmmm, not sure about that.  So, I suggested, a "Willy Wonka Birthday Party" and it went over pretty well.  Technically it's the same thing, I guess.  But, I don't feel like painting him orange and dying his hair GREEN!  Right now I am still thinking of "festivities" for the party, which is mind boggling at times.  Right now the party is set to be held at the apartment.  Yep!  The two bedroom apartment.  And now that I "think" about it, it has to be held here because the invitations states our address as the party destination.  So, the apartment it is.  One activity I do know we will be having is an Easter Egg Hunt.  Well of course.  Someone has to find the Golden Egg.  So I know.......this will be fun.  Another one, is guess the number of Gobstoppers in the jar (or whatever I decided to put them in).  After that, I haven't figured anything out.  I have been thinking over either pin the hat on Willy Wonka or pin the Oompa Loompa on the picture of a Chocolate Factory.  Oh and for those of you who don't know already.  The party is based on the Old version with Gene Wilder.  

I went to Cross Creek mall a few weeks ago back in Fayetteville, and they have a Willy Wonka candy machine.  It's actually exciting.  Pretty freaking pricey for a few pieces of candy, but so worth doing it at least once.  I don't have pictures of the machine itself, but I did take a snapshot of the container the candy came in. I am trying to figure out how to incorporate it into the party.  (which apparently is on my phone, so will add later).

So.............there are 15 lucky individuals who will receive Willy Wonka invitations to help celebrate Kai's 5th birthday on September 10.  I have to thank Mrs. Marlene Villar for her talent and work in making the invitations.  I absolutely love them and once Kai "actually" sees them in person, he's going to be ecstatic.  Since the invitation is basically a candy bar, I may possibly let Kai hand deliver them to his "friends" and "family."  :)  Then I have Mrs. Cindy who will be making Kai a Willy Wonka candy bar cake.  Yay!  And as always, I know it will be delicious and yummy!  And finally, Mrs. Violet who will "hopefully" me creating Kai a Willy Wonka 5th birthday shirt of some kind.  I just know this is going to be a birthday Kai will not forget.  It's truly going to be fun!!  Come on September!!

Willy Wonka candy wrapper and the Golden ticket.

Semi-closer look at the Golden ticket.