Christmas time is our favorite time

Ever since we became parents, holidays became more meaningful and fun. Especially Christmas! Except this year we lucked out and got two flu stricken babies!! Long story short, Benson got the flu from school and then passed his little germs onto his baby sister. (And babies are no fun to take care of when they're sick) It's just pitiful and nerve-wrecking. I battled with myself to take Amelia to the ER with her high fevers. But both babes had culture tests taken to confirm that they both had Influenza B! Gross. 

 Even when he's sick he still manages to be silly

This year we hosted my family's Christmas get together at our house. We always celebrate on Christmas eve with a dinner buffet/pot luck and enjoying each others company. We passed out gifts for the kids. Once every one left, my parents were still over so we unanimously decided to let them open their gift that we got them. I just couldn't hold it in any longer. They opened an ipad box only to find the remote to their new 46' TV that we got them as Eric pulled it out of our bedroom. Seriously, their faces. Priceless. We were blessed to have been able to buy everyone things that they really wanted this year. It was perfect. Benson got spoiled with all kinds of games, toys, and clothes from both us and Santa this year. Amelia got tons of toys that she'll stay entertained with. Poor little babe had little to No interest in the festivities. She has been sleeping nonstop since Sunday. Now that Benson feels better, I'm hoping that she'll feel better in the next couple of days so we can wash all our things and Lysol every flat surface in our home. 

 Amelia with Uncle Mino at a family gathering. I caught her little smile on camera!

Babe on Christmas day feeling so sick

 B post present opening in his too big basketball shorts giving me some tude about pictures. Take notice of Eric with his out of control hair assembling Lego. He was more interested in them than Benson!

DIY Homemade Pinata

My very first DIY tutorial. This I made in a weeks time period. I was told that I needed a longer time frame, but you know me, I like to procrastinate. Benson requested a Lego Ninjago theme for his birthday this year. Since I didn't have much to work with as far as supplies, I was left to home make everything for his party. I knew I wanted a pinata for the kids. I did a little bit of research and went into it blinded but I'm so happy with the result. For all the hard work I put into it, it was a little painful watching it get destroyed by the little kiddies.

Pinatas are fairly inexpensive and easy to make. To go with our Ninjago theme, we wanted a round shaped pinata. With the being said, to make your own pinata, you'll need:

Balloons (we used an exercise ball for the size and shape. You can also use 

cardboard boxes)

2 large mixing bowls (one will be for stabilizing your ball and the other for mixing your paper mache concoction) 

 

Flour

Water

Salt

 

Lots of newspaper strips (After starting, I realized it was more efficient to work with larger strips of paper)

 

 

Party Streamers

Glue

 

Construction paper

Pinata filling (candy, toys, etc)

1. To get started, I ripped my newspaper strips. I found it to be more efficient to have bigger strips of paper. (I'm all about saving time) I would say about 3-4in strips. I used about 2 stacks of newspapers for our large sized exercise ball. I did a total of 4 layers of newspaper.

2. Mix an equal amount of flour and water with a couple tablespoons of salt. I didn't measure my salt, I just added a generous amount of salt into the mixture. I started by doing 2 cups of flour and 2 cups of water. It mixed fairly easily.

3. Take your newspaper strips one at a time and soak up the paper mache mixture and have at it.  

 4. Once you've covered your pinata, you'll allow it to dry overnight. You'll want to repeat for at least a couple layer. In a weeks time, I was able to do 4 layers allowing a day to decorate it.

5. Once you've gotten enough layers added and it has completely dried, it's time to begin decorating! We lucked out with a simple pinata. All we needed were streamers and construction paper. I wrapped black streamer across the whole ball and took scissors to snip frills.

 

6. Once I got half way, I flipped it over to deflate the ball. (If you were using balloons, you'd pop them and pull all the latex out) Once deflated, I was able to maneuver it around to pull out and continued with the decorating.

 

7. I didn't care to cover the hole since it would be at the top. I filled it with different candies, toys, play-doh, etc. It was pretty heavy after filling it with the goodies. So we had to figure out a way to tie the strings on it to hold long enough for the kids to hit. I eventually poked holes and threaded the yarn in a square to support the weight. 

8. I finished with the streamers. I added the Ninjago eyes made from construction paper and Voila! Ninjago pinata! 

Happy 5th Birthday to Benson!

I can't believe it's been 5 years since we welcomed our sweet little babe into our lives. Now he's this little boy with so much personality. He is so particular about all his favorites. I can't stand him sometimes but I love him so much nonetheless. There has not been a night that's passed that we didn't cuddle before bedtime. He's such a mama's boy!

 

 Such a goof ball

Per request, we celebrated his birthday early with a Lego Ninjago themed party. I couldn't find any supplies for the theme so everything had to be homemade. Sure enough I get knee deep in these do-it-yourself crafts and projects not realizing that I really don't have the time or energy. Especially now that I've got two little babes and work full time! But I managed to make it happen. (I'm awesome like that!) I am extremely proud of my homemade pinata! I would say that was the hit of the night (get it?) We rented a moonwalk slide that the kids absolutely loved. It almost got violent with how many children were able to climb, slide, and jump all over it. Well worth the money. I think I'll need to hire a chaperon to monitor next time. We spent the night with our friends and family, good food, good music (shout out to my Pops!) and danced the night away. Our families like love to drink. And somehow this 5 year old birthday party turned into an alcohol fest for the adults. Beers, cocktails, shots galore. I think it's safe to say we throw the best children's party. My poor little chickadee was so exhausted from being passed around and held by nearly everyone. She didn't get a wink of sleep. So I packed it up and left the party with both kiddies in hand. (Benson was dying to open his gifts at home). I got a full report of the proceedings of the party from my hubs. Looks like I was the one that missed out!

Our cake table where everything came together.

 Homemade Ninjago Pinata 

 Ninjago Cake

 Ninjago cupcakes (Clearly I'm no baker nonetheless a cupcake decorator)

 Chinese inspired banner

Chinese take-out inspired "Money box" 

(For those that don't bring a gift and wish to give a money gift)

 

So tonight we are taking Benson out to eat to celebrate his real birthday. He picked his favorite restaurant..Golden Corral. Now I absolutely hate GC. So I asked him to pick his second favorite and he picked CiCi's Pizza. (Do you see a pattern here?) I think someone likes buffets. But it's not my day it's his :)

--Update: I just so happen was able to convince him to choose Taco Mac, where we enjoyed some wings, beer and football.  Muhahaha

I'm thankful..

We're less of a week away from Thanksgiving and I have so much to be thankful for. Where to even begin?? So here we go...

My first born (how weird to say), Benson. I was a clueless 19 year old ready to take on all the challenges of motherhood. I didn't realize that I would be welcoming another human being that I would love unconditionally and have it reciprocated. We went through a lot of tears and screaming together. Somewhere along the way the screaming stopped and the smiles started and since then my heart has forever changed. He has taught both Eric and I how to be unselfish. He has brought so much happiness into our lives. He's already grown into the most passionate, lovable and handsome little guy that I have ever met. I love him so much and am blessed to be his Mommy.

 

 

Next on my list is my sweet Amelia Rose. Who knew I'd open up to having a baby girl? I made them check and then double check, I was in denial. Now I can't get enough of her. I still spend hours staring at her. Since the moment I found out I was pregnant, I cherished my little bump and did everything by the book. She wanted out as soon as she could and had it her way. We've already spent countless sleepless nights. I've gotten to know her more and more as the days pass. We've already lived through a lifetime of stress from her hospital stay to waiting for her surgery to be over. She's a tough cookie and my only hope is for her to continue to thrive in this crazy world. I can't wait to watch her grow into a beautiful girl with her big brother watching over her.

 

 

 

I wouldn't be blessed with these beautiful children if it weren't for their dad and my awesome husband, Eric. 18 and fresh out of high school. I didn't know what real love was until I met him. We bicker and fight over the dumbest things but it's him who loves me for me. We've grown together and made a life for ourselves and our family. I will ride to the end of the Earth and back as long as it's with him by my side. He's the best husband and an even better dad.

 

Where would I be with out my Mommy. If I could even be half the woman she is I would be all set. She is the strongest person I know. I want to be just like her when I "grow up". She is there right by my side when I need help with the kids. I am lucky to have been able to allow her to stay at home and raise my kids. I would not have it any other way. I gave her absolute hell growing up but the older I get and the moment I became a mom myself, we've been best friends. I am grateful to have a supportive and understanding mother that will always be there for me.

 

Unfortunately I have to cut this entry for the lack of time on my hands. I don't think I've ever been so grateful and thankful for the people in my lives. Ranging from my family to my friends who end up being a part of my family. I cherish all the memories we have made and those that are to come.

Big Weekend! {Diamonds and Goals}

We had an action packed weekend! Amelia got her ears pierced on Friday. My sweet babe cried for a total of 30 seconds. I think I was the one that was the most hurt. And after all of that, I wouldn't change a thing because she looks even more beautiful with little diamond studs!

 

 

Benson had his last and final soccer game of the season. We rounded up the grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. We showed up with the whole gang and he scored 4 goals! We were beyond proud of how well he has progressed in the sport!

 

Benson and his soccer buddies

 

 

Lastly, our princess started cereal yesterday! She was definitely ready. Every baby is different but a good rule of thumb when starting solids is to make sure your baby is developmentally ready. When your baby begins to hold their head up steadily, that's a good sign to start. But Amelia was beginning to take notice to our food and began watching us eat. So I knew she was ready. She did a great job! I'm excited to start making her baby food!

 

Cereal face



Halloween and Sick babies

Our first year with two babes to dress up for Halloween. How freakin' fun! Of course Benson picked out his own costume. He is not your average 4 year old (to say the very least!) His interests and imagination surpass any other child his age. He NEVER wants to be a superhero but rather the villain. He is always looking to terrorize other people and other children. I blame Eric. They were cut from the same cloth, no doubt. So this year, as expected, he wanted to be something scary. He wanted to make his costume. And by make, I mean he requested a jean vest, camo cargo pants, bandanna, mock weapons and clown mask. After searching many thrift stores, ta-da! We have ourselves a "Joker Thug". Basically one of Joker's felons that assist in his bank robberies. Seriously kid? So we went to a Halloween party as the little family of three joker robber..erm thugs. Quite cute if you ask me. (Mila stayed home with her Gma. It was cold, loud music, you know). The night before Halloween we went to a trunk-or-treat at a local church near my mom's. I figured people wouldn't understand the costume so I had him dress up sans clown mask and call himself a zombie hunter. Voila! People got it! Halloween night, we prepped our house with decor galore. I was seriously impressed how cute our house was. Our neighborhood has over 300 homes. We live in the back of the neighborhood and clearly the part that DOES NOT participate in Halloween. Eric and Benson roamed the block while Amelia and I handed out candy. I swear I got MAYBE 7 rings at the door. WHAT!? So disappointing.

Zombie Hunter

 



So this was Amelia's first Halloween. Since she can't sit up, crawl or walk on her own yet why buy a $50 costume? So instead I bought one of Old Navy's glow in the dark skeleton pajamas, put a bow on her and called it a day. Now we love skeletons and skulls. What can I say? We're morbid people, so what. So I had both my babes dress like skeletons and take pictures. Benson spoke up and said "Only one picture Mom!" Ha, yeah right. These were taken in our front yard under our tree.

 

Hurricane Sandy brought a cold front our way. And with the weather changing so abruptly (and probably germs from Benson's school) both babies got sick. Sore throats, congestion, coughs, fevers, the whole nine. This marks Amelia's first cold. Poor baby had THE hardest time breathing out of her mouth. She eventually learned how to take breaks when she was nursing. I bought and did everything I could to keep her as comfortable as possible. But 4 days later and we're all feeling great! They just needed a little extra love, cuddles and a big humidifier!

 

4 month check up & tube-free

We had a long day! Today Amelia had her 4 month check up that included shots AND a follow up with her Ophthalmologist. Her check up went great. We got lots of great news from our pediatrician. (Sometimes its Eric and I that need the codduling. We're worry warts. And together, we produce enough anxiety to fill a ... well hell. We just are freaks.)

Amelia is now 15lbs 6oz (75th percentile in weight), 25 inches tall (75th percentile) and lastly 15 inch head circumference (finally on the growth chart in the 10 percentile). We have ourselves a CHUNK! I love it. Her cheeks...I can't. She's reaching her milestones with great head stability and body control. Our ped said she's ready for a jumper! Its time to bring Benson's old one down from the attic. Now that she's 4 months, she can begin rice cereal. Its recommended that you strictly breastfeed for the first 6 months before introducing solids. I think we're going to wait closer to then. I'm not sure I'm ready for her to grow up that fast! Otherwise our visit went wonderfully. My long list of concerns were answered and shes perfect. From the words of our pediatrician, "you can keep her!"

Next on our agenda was her follow up with our ophthalmologist. This appointment was to take her tube out of her tear duct. (She had the Crawford tube put in 2 months ago). I am so thankful Eric was able to take the day off and make her appointments with me. I designated him as the bad guy. He had to hold her down while all the poking and prodding was going on. After the longest 5 minutes of screaming and crying (Amelia wasn't the only one crying) she pulled that sucker out. I wish I remembered to take a picture of it. Yayyyyy. We're one step closer to being done with this chapter in our lives. We aren't in the clear yet. We are on a antibiotic regimen for a couple days to ensure no infection produces. And now Eric and I have to decide if we would like to do the procedure to her other eye or wait for it to clear on it's own. No decision there, we'd rather wait it out. So far her other eye is giving us no problems besides a little extra tears.

Lots of tears were shed but we've got ourselves one happy, healthy baby. That's all I could ever ask for. I am beyond blessed with beautiful children. I'm going to bed thankful. :)

Fall time in the Cho home

Piss, I wrote out an updating entry on my blogger app that didn't post. So I'll try again...

I haven't been updating as much as I had intentionally hoped I would. (But hopefully with this Blogger app, I'll be able to update more often) I guess I underestimated how hectic life would be with two kids. And by hectic, I mean there just isn't enough time in the day anymore! I don't even have enough time to watch TV. And those of you who know me, I get knee deep in my shows! Thank goodness for DVR!

I think fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. Pumpkin spiced everything. Hot chocolate, spooky movies with the fire place going (this time we'll know how to open the chimney) and of course the fashion! I love layering my clothes. And now I have a munchkin to layer up too! Bring on the leggings, boots, scarves and beanies! I got turned on to consignment shopping. Not so much for Benson since he's particular about his own style (skinny jeans, high top sneakers and tshirts w/ a hoodie will do for him) but more so for Amelia. I got footed pjs at one in Buford for $3-4. Definitely a steal since she's constantly growing out of her clothes. She's already in 6 month clothes!

We have panned out a great weekly routine in our household. Eric is in charge of all house duties. How did I luck out with a man who cooks dinner, does laundry and cleans the house? I take care of the kiddies. I get them fed and bathed and now that Benson's in pre-k he's got homework and reading to do. And boy does he hate doing homework! He chooses going to bed early instead of practicing his letters. That's what I call laaaazyyyy. We get both kids in bed and sleeping by 9:30pm.

Last night really proved that steering away from our routine really puts us in a night of hell with our little one. With most babies, you can let them 'cry it out' and they'll fall asleep on their own. Yeahhh, not my baby. She will cry louder and harder if you do not soothe her. I'll have to make sure that that doesn't happen again.

Now that Amelia is 4 months old, she does a lot of smiling and babbling. We still haven't gotten a laugh out of her yet but I know that's to come at the most unexpected moment. She loves sucking on her fingers. She's been drooling a lot too. I guess this marks the beginning of teething. She still isn't sleeping through the night. She gets up once a night to nurse. She scoots around in her crib (she sleeps on her belly). So when she wakes up crying, I'm not sure if it's because she's hungry or she's hit a dead end in her crib. She goes in for her 4 month check up this coming week. (And she gets her tear duct tube out after giving her much relief, yayyy)  We'll get the GO for starting her on baby cereal. I'm hoping with starting cereal, she'll be more satisfied and sleep longer. But mama can only hope.

I'll close out with some pictures we had taken with my cousin surita v photography at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. She always does a great job capturing our family and our personalities. I loved every single shot! I'm going to be using these to try out the Pinterest inspired DIY faux canvas to spice up my walls.