Claudia comes in today! =)

She is already in Dallas - She called! 

 

Tuesday & Wednesday I felt real good, and had lots of energy – today I’m slow again =(

I think Benji & I are getting sick, we have runny noses and I have an extremely painful sore through; can barely swallow.

Just about this time during Benji’s pregnancy was when I got that horrible pneumonia – I thought I was going to die – really! I never felt so sick in my whole entire life! In bed for 3 weeks it was so hard! All thou if something like that is about to happen I’ll have Claudia around so I don’t have to be alone when Dan goes to work!

 

I being feeling a ot of presure down on my belly - wonder if baby is coming earlier…

 

Benji slept about 12 hours last night so he is up in a great mood and very energetic! I may have to take him somewhere to play.

He dropped a piece of paper inside of a plastic bottle of water and couldn’t take it off – so he brought it to me, while I was trying to get it out he started to hyperventilate! It worries me but it was cute at the same time! 

 

He stayed at Daniela’s on Tuesday & half day with Mary yesterday so I could finish up some stuff – I talked to Nicole yesterday about getting him, Jay & Jessie together once a wk or something because I have a feeling he is going to miss them so bad! Every time we said: “Let’s go see Jessica” he would sign for more and run to the car! =)

 

I may just call al of them today and see how wants to go to the YMCA and swim a little so time will pass by faster and the time to go get Claudia will be here faster! =)

 

As a bottom note: Tim M & Katie got married this week. Pretty exciting, no!?

Bad dream (for the most part of it)

Oh listen to this:


I had a dream last night that the baby was born (poor guy, needs a name – I can tell this will be like Benjamin, we can’t name him until we see his little face) Anyways, he was born, I guess premature and had a lot of extra skin, he was reay wringed & was nursing but it didn’t hurt!
Oh Gezz! Please make my dream come true! (Just the nursing part of it)

Anyways, continuing…
Benjamin came in into my bedroom and would not even look at me – he was MAD – I felt so rejected! – I’m gonna go look some stuff to read and talk to other moms who had babis so close to each other to get some more advices… =(

In the mean time I’ll eat a Klondike Reese’s Cup bar to see it helps me feel better!

Pretty Big Day…

Today was a very big day for us; not meaning a long day but as a big special day.

Benji met his brother Fynn.

Busy morning, Benji & I went to the pool, left to have lunch with Tati, Daniela & all the kids…

Then in the afternoon we went to the park were we met Fynn, Clover, Baby Audrey and Katie.
I know Benji won’t remember - he is too young - & I didn’t even think about taking a picture of such an important moment!

It was nice to see Katie. I had that same feeling as when I first saw her at Tati’s house 4+ years ago, we didn’t talk much but it was sort of like we met before and we really could get along…
Fynn is tall and has changed so much! I don’t think he remembers me at all; but its ok ~ I remember him.
Benji will remember him! =)

Recap of the past week

Did I ever mention how much we love our deck?


Benji and I sit here in the morning for breakfast, then he’ll play with his toys while I check my e-mail on the laptop. I don’t think we’ll e able to do this on the fall because even now in the summer it’s a little chili at 8 am…. Maybe we’ll do lunch then!

When I set down here, this most beautiful dragonfly is sitting on the table, by the umbrella, at first I though it was dead because it’s being there for a while… If you are reading this know me enought to know I LOVE dragonflies! So I was going to catch and put it in the house until I could figure it out something to do with and BUM… she flew away! She (I think they are girls - always) was so so still that I didn’t realize that she was a live!

I feel in my neck my blood pressure it’s not doing good – I’m a little nervous but I’m going to the Dr in a few hours, then we’ll know more!

Trying to recap the past week:

22/06 - Saturday we had a Welcoming Party for the new baby. It was pretty fun…
Most of the people dressed up and the food was just awesome. I think EVERYONE had lots of fun! =)
We got awesome gifts! I was so surprised! =)
I was really happy to see how Benji played with the other kids. He had the best time! =)

- Did I mention on the 20th that Julie had her baby? Apparently it was only a 6 pounds. (They guessed wrong with Steph too, I think!) – Supposedly everyone is doing good.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the Shower:

Everyone participated very well – Steph was the best I think, since she never being to a Brazilian party like that before. Autumn got into it as well! -So cute! =) – They both looked great!
Even Priscilla & Jeff next door got a mustache & braid! All the girls looked pretty cute!

Meninas - Mais uma vez MUITO OBRIGADA!!! =) God bless you all: Tati, Dani, Lu, Nicole, Melissa, e todas a as brasileiras!!!
Thanks thanks thanks! =)

23/06 - Sunday Claudia went to work at the Condo for a little bit, and in the way back Benji got to see a real train very close, he was so amazed! It was the Lebanon “people” train! The kids were waiving at him and the noises were really cool!
The afternnon we just spent some quality family time together!

24/06 – We temped a visit to KI, but was waaaay to crowded so we ended up at the park with the other Brazilian moms. Benji had a blast you wouldn’t believe! It’s like whenever Jessica is around he feels home, he is a “big boy” not a baby! He comes up with words and has a great communication!

25/06 We were stuck at the house all day waiting for the new computer to arrive – I thought I was going to get a lot of stuff done – Sure! =oP
Of course it didn’t get here until almost 5 pm and OF course we didn’t go to bed until 1 in the morning because we were putting it together! =)
I think there are too many computers in this house, my laptop, Dan’s laptop & a desktop (this because we gave Claudia the older, but still in great shape desktop!)

No wonder Benji has a special “love” for computers. He has his own “toy” keyboard and mouse (and believe me – he know how to use it!) – Not sure how good that is… Oh well!

In about a week Tia Claudia is leaving and I can’t barely imagine how hard it’s going to be for him… =( -He is so in love with her. He’ll wake up in the morning, look for dad, then ask for Tia Claudia (lots of attempts to say titia).

BTW – The newest word: “pop po” = Popcorn! – We rented a popcorn machine for the shower and Benjamin has found another “treat” to love! (To eat and to play – look the picture)

 

Sit-n-spin!

I got Benjamin a little plastic swimming pool at Target - he loved it! We being spending all kinds of time on the deck, just sitting around and playing! =) Lots of fun!

Also stopped by OUAC the other day and got a few shorts and some toys… I finally found one of those sit-n-spin for him. I’m just not to happy about how he plays with it.

Claudia is coming this Thursday and we are very excited! I think she’ll be great company and help. I got my work schedule for July and just another week and I’ll be done. I can’t wait!!! Specially now since Nicole can’t watch him anymore; I wouldn’t leave him in a day care type of thing.

Tim and Shannon came by with the girls yesterday for dinner and that was pretty fun! Time flew by and I feel like we didn’t even had time to talk… but hopefully we’ll get together again very soon.

This morning Dan is helping Mike Pond to lay out his patio and we have some

I have more energy today – It feels great! Dan took care of Benjamin last night so I could sleep earlier and I think that did it! –Thanks Dan! =)

33 Weeks - 7 More to go!!! =)

I always refused to pay to post a blog, but I was very unhappy for not being able to post pictures (very difficult and time consuming). So not long ago they e-mailed me talking about this new tool which made it very simple. Anyways, I was happy happy with the news and today I found out they give you a very very low amount of bites… for free, what should I expect? Anyways, I may consider getting a paid page where my parents can come in and see pictures, leave messages and stuff like that.


Forget about Pancakes; forget about Smoothies, even Waffles forget about it! Benjamin’s new favorite thing for breakfast now is OATMEAL! Yucky! All to me it sounds more nutritious, I’ll make it everyday with all my love but I can’t eat it! I don’t know – the consistency, that hot smell… it just doesn’t attract me at all!

I ordered a few books on line about nursing, second child and raising children, got them on the mail today. I’ll start right the way since I don’t have much time, specially the one on breastfeeding. 33 Weeks! =)

Celebrate!

Here are some words Benjamin speaks pretty clear (we always understand what he is trying to say, now these words anyone could understand!):


* Mama, Dada and No (Of course)* More* Shoes* Cheese* Ball* Moon* Night nights

Full sentences for now:
“No shoes”“More cheese” I think he is doing pretty good for a 16 mo. old – Since we don’t take him to the pediatrician I need to go only now and see if he is keeping up with the average on his development! Or maybe I’ll stop at Half Price Books and get some sort of guide… Just curious! Funny is that he understands Portuguese – but only speaks in English

— * —
Bonnaroo 2006 was this weekend! I sooo wish I could go but at the same time was really nice to be here for the Brazilian Game!www.bonnaroo.com/2006 - It looks like was great! Maybe next year! The Brazilian community appears out of nothing around this time! The more games they win the more exciting it gets! I personally don’t believe Brasil is doing their best this time but we hope to have a few more games – always!! Good times – Parting like there was no tomorrow! - Hmmm and all the Brazilian Food…

Shannon – Happy Birthday! I didn’t have 5 minutes yesterday to call but I thought about you throughout the day! God Bless you always and I wish your wishes came thru! The most special ones!

Tati’s shower invitation came – they are the cutest! They are going out in the mail today and I want try to DRAG her to Babies R Us to register tonight! I have lots to do today for the Brazilian mom’s group. Get a schedule going and info packs together! I also want to make a trip to Lowes, WalMart and Once Upon a Child!So – Let me get going

Why do I love Brazil? By Rob Stone

We are supposed to be impartial but I have a confession to make:


- I love Brazil!

Everybody loves Brazil because the play the game the way is supposed to be played.With joy, fashion & flair.

Something this special spills across the borders, embraces the globe and makes fans the whole world. While the opposition is playing the game they are painting a picture – The beautiful game; Jogo Bonito – Soccer with the smile!

I love Brazil because their names are fun to say.

Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Say: Kaka – Say: Cafu…

You are smiling, aren’t you?

I love Brazil for those who love Brazil - Their fans who travel the world, who make anywhere feel like its Rio - Every game is a Carnival!

Why do I love Brazil?The tapestry of this game is stitched in yellow, blue and green.

These men play the game the way children play – from the bottom of the innocence.

Why do I love Brazil?

The soccer world loves them - And Brazil loves the world right back!

— * —

They had the coolest video going on at ESPN while Rod spoke those words. Very nice!

Why does Lica love Brazil? – No word can explain. You only understand if you are from Brazil.
 

Playing office at work and Backyardigans!

I had to come to work today – even thou is my day off and it’s gorgeous outside I’m here – Benjamin is playing with the toys and will fall asleep very soon. He loves the toy box here because they aren’t toys he sees everyday – besides I always let him play w/ a calculator, the phone and paper – so he plays office!!! LOL


He looks so funny today because we haven’t brushed hairs or anything – he pooped so the whole office smells horrible!

As you can tell by now I’m not working in the yard and I won’t! =oP I think nothing is going to happen there until 4th of July weekend!

I really want to try to make for the parade - of course – and I think we’ll probably do something at our house for the holiday!

Benjamin found a TV show he likes – he was never very into TV, now the past 4 days when he hears the song for the Backyardigans he’ll drop everything and stare on the TV for the 25 minutes they are on!I wonder how much of the show he understands… a couple of days this week I was ready to leave to do stuff and I didn’t just so he could watch them at 10:30 (even thou we could of TIVO) I think the problem is that I like it just as much as he does! =)

I don’t know how but we never knew about them! We don’t really watch TV and Dan said something about it the other day. ~Now it’s our favorite show by far!

Ps.: Melissa – if you read this please know things got hectic that day that’s why I didn’t call you back, I’ll try doing it tonight and if I can’t I’ll talk more to you on Sunday – ok?

I’m more tired then ever…

I’m getting desperate about our yard – it’s looking worst everyday! I don’t know what do to! I can’t bend down but I’ll just have to do it!


This weekend it’s pretty much gone since Dan will help Perry put their play set together and Sunday Brazil is playing for the world cup and Tati is having a big party! It’ll be fun I’m sure! And even if we tried I know we won’t find time on Sunday…

Then during the week there’s no way I can get it done with Benjamin around!
I seriously need to learn to pick my battles! Some things just really upsets me too much!

Everyone’s mom is coming to visit/help - Daniela’s mom, Tati’s mom, our friends from KY are having their parents over - How much i wish my mom could come! For a week - for a day! I miss the 3 of them so bad. Latelly it’s getting worst. It’s like I’m not gonna be able to see them again!

Anyways…

I’m planning a baby shower for Tati – I got the invitations yesterday and it’s the cutest thing ever! A little body of a pregnant lady w/ green pants and a pink shirt! I loved it! =)Simone offered to get some decoration and stuff… it should turn out ok!I’m only getting a couple of games because it won’t be a lot of time! =)I also want to see if her mother can bring party favors from Brazil (We always have the coolest stuff there).

It got me all excited to work on a birth announcement for this baby (If we can ever agree on a name for the poor guy!) I’m debating rather I stamp or print something for when he comes.. i’ll work on today while stuck at the model!

We being trying to get Benjamin out of the pacifier – it’s being a few hours – since last night. It’s being thought but I think he can manage it! He went days without before! I won’t make him suffer but as long as he’s ok I won’t have it around! Then after we go thru this one I want to try getting him to drink his milk out of a sip cup! He’ll drink water and juice but the milk when it’s on the sip cup makes him gag! It’s so funny! I’ll try w/ a straw cup, but later – let’s work on the pacifier thing first! =)

So quiet.........

…Another wasted night, the television steals the conversation


~ Exhale!

Another wasted breath, again it goes unnoticed.

Please tell me you’re just feeling tired, cause if it’s more than that I feel that I might break
Out of touch, out of time…
Please send me anything but signals that are mixed cause I can’t read your rolling eyes
Out of touch, are we out of time?

I’ll wait until tomorrow, maybe you’ll feel better then
Maybe we’ll be better then…

So what’s another day? When I can’t bear these nights of thoughts of going on without you…
This mood of yours is temporary, it seems worth the wait to see your smile again!

Song by: Dashboard something I can’t remember…. Confessional…



I remember…
Dashboard Confessional - that’s it.

—- * —–

Lica in a bad mood insist: “Bare with me people - It’s hormonal! It’ll get better, really!!”

And than came Saturday…

Saturday morning we all went to Mike’s Graduation. I had a very nice time, especially because this was the first time I being to a College Graduation in the US. It’s a very different ceremony then what I was used to see in Brazil. I guess he graduated with the higher level possible, with honors or something like that. He had different color clothing & Hat then everyone else (him & another 3 from his class).We are all *So Proud* for him!

Benji was so good the whole time. It rained all day and but it was okay because he had his cousins to play with.

Those are the times I wish we were in Brazil or that Lilly’s family has closer – so Benji can have his cousins around more often! (All thou since they move to Memphis we seeing them way more often then when they were in Portland!)

In the way back from the Church building to France’s house Uncle Ed got in a car wrack, they all had something broken and stayed at the hospital for a while. It kind of crushed the day was everyone was sad after the fact! Tia Maria broke her collar bone and I think that was the worst from all of them. But still! The accident itself was very bad; thank God they didn’t get more hurt than that! It freaked me out how we were kind of following then almost all the way until we stopped at the ATM machine. When we got back into the highway we saw the whole traffic stopped and Dan asked me: “Please call Frank and Michael, let them know about the accident so they can get off at Kenwood” I didn’t have Frank’s # (because I just got a new one) and I called Mike – Not long after we got to Frances house we heard from Frank that they were actually IN the accident! I really felt fragile to imagine that we could be involved on it because of minutes! It made me think at night how life is unpredictable! I mean, we know that but many times we forget that we may be leaving our home and not come back, or maybe going to sleep and not wake up! It’s so beyond our control! It’s so important to always be in good *feelings* (Feelings? That’s not the word I want to use it but I can’t think the work in English) But like be in good *** w/ our families, enjoy the joy from our children and really everyone from around us because we never know when, and who is going next!

Sad story, happy ending: We had some fun at Frances’s house. I got to see some people I haven’t seeing in a long time… Andrea, Tim & Katie, Angela & Jason… Tati also came, after all Perry and Mike went to high school together. Grant & Monica really got to play nice. And the food was pretty good too! There were all kinds of stuff to eat. We got home so late and just crashed again! It was a long long day…

Benji slept amazinglly for 10 hours straight even thou he had two long naps during the day. I think the rainy wheater makes us lazy! =P

He did get to play outside at Grandma’s house. The rain gave us a minute of dry and the guys played out there and the kids ran around for a bit. We love Grandma’s new back yard - It’s so big and the trees make it so nice.

So Today we are trying to take it easy. I’ll do some grocerie shopping, maybe stop at the Super WalMart, chat with mom later tonite. My Braxton Hicks are really intense today - more than ever. But I’ll try my best to rest! =)

Our Friday 2 days later…

Friday morning someone from Warren County came to fix our back yard, there was something there – all the way down the hill to be fixed, some sort of pipe and hopefully they will be back in this coming week to re-grade our yard! ~I need to do some serious work in our lawn but I just don’t have the green thumb!

We stopped at Dani’s house for a while to bring her medicine and had lunch w/ Isaac, Grace and Monica since our playgroup didn’t meet this past Friday. Also brought medicine for Midi that is still not doing good! I should call to find out what the Vet said on her Saturday appointment!

Me, Benji, Monica and Tati went to Kings Island after that to meet w/ Lilly and the kids! Benjamin had the best time (but the fact he had to go back into the stroller between rides!) and I was bit up!

Still I got straight to go to Try-County Mall and meet up with Linda, we did some shopping, got a gift for Mike’s Graduation and I ran a few arrows…

Michael and our cousin Frank came over for dinner; we grilled out somewhat Brazilian style and talked about the Church Venue the rest of the night! * I think it’s a great idea! I got to go to the building on Saturday after Mike’s graduation and I was really pleased w/ the structure (not that it matter what I think) LOL –There’s a lot of potential and I think the locations is great; a great project going on there. Now there A LOT – I mean A LOT of work to be done. I wish I could help somehow. It’s so exciting! Walking in there and picturing in my head made me want to be part of it, be there and see it happen! =) It remind me a lots of Brazil. The place, the church itself and hte project. I remember when hte “Moinho St. Antonio” was used in the same way. Very Cool!


Thursday, June 8, 2006  Our Thursday posted 3 days later…

This morning I went to my first LLL meeting. It was very interesting to watch moms discussing, all with different opinions. Benji kind of got frustrated with the crowd. What makes me feel we should participate in more groups. He was really shy but not when it came to the toys. He wasn’t social at all (Kind of strange - because usually he is!) I think he has changed so much from the past couple of weeks. Understanding more what’s going on around him and having more opinion on this. Starting a lots with a bad attitude, and here I go read about it to work with him!

Lilly came in town today for Mike’s Graduation Party. She drove from  Memphis with Elan and her two younger kids & they are all going to stay here at our place.

Benjamin completely LOVED having the kids in the house! I couldn’t resist how bad they were having fun so… – forget about bedtime: They played *TOTALLY* plugged in until close to midnight! Of course they crashed badly!

too long w/out writing…

… then my posts are long and boring! =oP


Benji had a bad rash. For the first time – It looked so bad. He had to walk naked around the house since Saturday – There were even nights I never putted a diaper on him. It was kind of cool that the last couple of days he realized when he was peeing and pooping and actually now he’ll tell us when he did! (Way too early to potty trainee but already a good start for when it’s time!)

He freaked out a couple of time when he did in the carpet (I felt bad because I never like pressured him as he was going to get in trouble or something of that matter) But I just think it bothered him!

We are really happy for Mike - he is gratuading w/ honors this weekend! Way to go Mike! =)

The whole family is coming in town for the big day! He is doing real good w/ work and stuff. Came by last weekend to dinner w/ us and spend some time with Benjamin. Maceo is the king of the party anywyas, all thou Mike got Benji a ball that got Benji’s attention more than anything this time!

Our Friend Daniela had surgery last Friday – but she means to be doing well. So this week I went by one day to see her dog – Midnight – it wasn’t doing so good,
Midi saw another dog in the house and had a little episode. We got around to get more pain medication to her and she should be better by now…
I also saw Debbie how I haven’t seeing for such a long time! It was very good! =)

Tati’s mom is coming to visit soon and bringing stuff from Grandma. That should be cool!

And Jessica also should be coming up on Sunday to spend a week here with us! I’m sure Benjamin is going to enjoy that! And miss her so bad once she is gone =( Patty doesn’t seem to be good – She looks like in a lot of pain! I’m here at work bored out of my mind – Benjamin is playing at the Hollaren’s and I’ll pick him up soon! Benji’s words: (I mean, sounds that mean something ehehe – only for me & Dan thou):

Juice
Balloon (The big hot air balloons we see in our backyard every evening!)
Moon (This is a very clear one, he’ll point to it too)
Ball (very clear one as well)
Wouf-wouf (Is that how you write it?)
Booboo (the newest one! His knees are always
And we still can’t figure it out what “bobo” means - we are thinking it’s his pp!

I had my 30 week check up yesterday and everything seems to be doing good – Checked for that pain again, nothing! =) Thinking about going to the LLL meeting this week. I REALLY want to go but I have a big list of factors that may help for it not happen this month. Still haven’t decided on a name for the baby yet… the list is big but we can’t come up w/ something. Benjamin was the same way thou and when he came out he looked like a Benjamin, so this one may not have a name until we can see his face!Felipe is one of my favorites but maybe too latin and kids will make fun of him in school? I also like Chandler but also another good target to be teased! Carter, Bernard, Joshua, Jack, Derek, Adam, Zachary, Michael, Caleb, Evan, Seth, Juliano… and the list grows– Dan said Chirstopher – but just within the next couple of days I met 2 Cris s that I really don’t care for this name anymore… Suggestions anyone??????

Catching Up - Busy last couple of days…

Benjamin is so funny – he sings now! It’s awesome! He can‘t talk but he can sing! Once I saw this show on TV where the little girl was put into time out – so she sat there looking at the wall and singing a song:


“There’s noooo fun, no fun looking at the waaaall” So one night I was putting Benjamin to sleep and started singing this song – because I was looking at the wall… Now, specially when he is getting tired he will sing:“Noooo, no noooo no – Nooo, no” Just like the song! It’s amazing how little brains develop! He can’t talk but he can sing! In the right rhythm! So cool! I took Benji to the Blue Ash Memorial Day Parade on Monday morning while Dan was finishing the deck! It looks great and it’s so cool to be able to hang out over there. No one bugging us… even this morning we all got up and went outside. While we were drinking smoothies for breakfast, Benjamin still on his PJ’s hanging out out there. It’s pretty cool! At the parade was cool to watch Benji. He got the candy thing real quickly! So he would stand in there looking at the people walking pay and signing “more” like crazy! His little fingers were red from doing it too much! He was just so excited! And after getting all that candy he didn’t want to put it on the bad but hold all on his hands – and walked from person to person asking them to open his candies. He would even ask Monica and Nathan for help!

After the parade on Monday everyone who helped Dan stayed for lunch and we grilled out. The food was pretty good – it was so hot! =P We got the swimming pool going for the kids and they had lots of fun!

I wish I knew someone how loves to do yard work and would be willing to come and spend an afternoon with me trying to fix my flowers! Besides I don’t have a lot of energy to work on it! =( I had blood work done today – and also I talked to the midwife my insurance pays for (the ones for conference call) There’s being no pain in the past maybe 3 days what’s good – however I being so bit up I could fall asleep just about anywhere.