Kids in their own beds.

I cleared out Titan's playpen (it turned into storage somehow.. haha) and put a new blanket down. After I got him out of the shower, I nursed him and when he fell asleep I put him in the playpen. Of course, right when I laid him down he sat up and started crying. Then, he realized he was in the playpen and started screaming. Instead of picking him up, I walked out leaving the door cracked open a bit. 

I was reminded why I NEVER could do the cry it out method. He is already 13 months old and it still broke my heart. He was crying so hard and Tayven kept wanting to check on him but I told him not to. It was so sweet because Tay was really sad about hearing Titan cry. :( It was only like 3 or 4 minutes before I went in to grab him. I calmed him down and nursed him. This time I finally waited till he was really asleep and then put him in the playpen. He's been asleep for almost an hour. Oh boy it's going to be SO HARD if he doesn't wean himself and I have to do it. "/

Also, starting two nights ago Tayven and Trenton have been sleeping in their own bed in their room. Trenton was still sleeping with me (out of habit not because he HAD to). He had no problem whatsoever sleeping with Tay in his own room. :D 

Now, I just have to work on them going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. *sigh*

Clothing sizes

Titan is 13 months old and is wearing clothes mostly in 18 months (some things vary depending on brand).

Trenton is 2 yrs old and is wearing mostly 4T.

Tayven is 5 yrs old and is wearing size 8.

My big boys. :)

Tayven is going to grow up and be a family man.

I’m hoping his attitude and personality doesn’t change too much as he gets older. 

Tonight, my husband and I were asking him how his Valentine’s party at school went. He said that he played pin the tail on the donkey and he won (not sure if he is story telling.. LOL). Anyway, he then said that he won $100 and he has to pick it up tomorrow (this def. is story telling!). So, Daddy asks him, “Tay what are you going to do with the money?” 

And Tayven says (seriously, mind you), “I’m going to buy you guys stuff and food (yep, he’s definitely my son!). I’m going to buy you guys food and electric.” 

Sounds silly but he is actually so mature for his age. He is thinking about taking care of his parents and (sadly) about paying bills. “/ His first answer was NOT something for himself, but for us. He makes me proud. VERY proud. =)

My birthday & Valentine's Day

Last night after my husband got off of work, he came home and was searching around for something. 
Then, he goes back outside and comes in singing happy birthday. He is holding 3 pieces of cake stacked on top of each other on a paper plate. lol Sounds silly, I know but Walmart and the other grocery store was closed so he went to the gas station and bought those individual cake pieces. He drove around looking for a store and looking for a candle. Anyway, it was so sweet because of the effort he put into it! He was bummed that he couldn’t find a candle, but I loved it. 

Then, this morning I went to Walmart when I woke up to buy some things because Tayven has his Valentine’s party at school today. I bought his class some lollipop valentines. I also bought the hubby a gift! We usually don’t buy each other things for Valentine’s Day (well we haven’t for the last few years), but after his efforts last night plus working and going to school he deserved something! Here's what I got him:

I got home and woke Tay up. He put stickers and wrote his name on each Valentine. Then he got ready for school and left.

Tayven & Titan's doctor appointment

Titan’s stats at 12 months 3 weeks old were: 25 lbs (77%) & 33 in. (99%)

He cried when the nurse just touched him! He screamed whenever they came in the room. He screamed when the doc was looking in his ears and mouth.. and of course, he screamed for the shots. He just did not want to be there! lol poor kid. 

Tayven’s stats at 5 yrs & 5 months old were: 73 lbs (100%) & 48.75 in. (99%)

He did REALLY well. He had to get 2 shots in his thighs.. and oh man he took it like a champ. It was sad for me because he’s my eldest and he is so mature for his age. It’s almost like he knows he’s the big brother and has to be a big boy :( When the needles went in he was like “ow ow,” and he looked like he wanted to cry but he was embarrassed to do so. How sad is that? I hugged him after the nurses were done and told him how proud of him I am. 

At Trenton’s last appt. his weight was too much for his height, so the doc told me that he would have a nutritionist call me. She called but I never called back. To me, he’s just a growing boy lol. Today, because of how much Tay weighs, he mentioned a nutritionist again and I said ok… because lately my husband has brought it up that Tay eats a lot. When I make his plate, it’s almost as much as mine and sometimes he even asks for second. Their pedi wasn’t too concerned about obesity and such because he said they are bound to be big (look at their dad) but he said it wouldn’t hurt to start giving healthier foods and I agree. 

Milestone wise they’re both great and Tay exceeds things for his age lol. Tay is a smarty pants! :)

Titan is ONE!

He turned a year old on January 14th.

I picked up a cake for him. Nothing special because I didn’t call ahead of time. I just picked from what they had there and had them write on it for me. We sang for him and ate cake here at home. 

This year went by so fast. I know everyone says that, but this year truly did. It went by faster than any other year. With Tay and Trent, I was excited when they turned one. With Titan, though, I’m sad. When I look at him, I still see a baby. I know he’ll always be my baby, but I just can’t seem to accept that he’s pretty much a toddler now. He’s slowly becoming independent. 

He walks and even runs everywhere. He plays rough with his brothers and loves running away from them or chasing them. He babbles a lot more, is making new sounds, and says a few words. He loves to dance. He can now point, but it's kind of with his whole hand rather than just his pointer finger. When we ask him, "where is ___?" (mommy, daddy, or his brother's names) he will look in their direction and sometimes will even point. We do this thing where we make a humming noise in his ear. Well, the other day I put my ear near his face and he did it back to me! 


He is really goofy! Just like his brothers and parents. hehe :) He's also very loving and can be dramatic. He'll pretend cry and pretend laugh. He is a ton of fun. 
Another thing is that it has been one year since I’ve been breastfeeding! I am very proud because with the other two I didn’t make it past 2 weeks of nursing. A whole year! No pumping, no substituting formula, and not starting solids until after 6 months really and even then he didn’t even want baby food, so we waited to give “table” food around 10 months. I’m proud and happy to have nursed this long. Happy that my milk supply stayed up and that he was a boobie monster. 


Here's some pictures of his birthday:

His Cake

His big brothers were quite excited for him. :)

"mm I am going to devour this!"

hehe

Opening his gift from his birthday buddy, Zeb. 

His excited, goofy face!

He loves it. (so does his big brothers haha)

Our Christmas

I'm blogging about this a little late, but better late than never, right?

I'll start off by saying that this year we weren't able to buy our boys anything. With both of us being students, finally purchasing a vehicle last month after needing one for a year, and paying rent, we had no extra to buy gifts. We were expecting gifts from my mom and younger sister, since they told us they got the kids some gifts but that's it.

Last Monday after Tay's Christmas performance, we were hanging out in the living room when we heard our doorbell ring. I opened the door and no one was there. There was, though, quite a few gifts! The boys were so excited that Santa had arrived a few days early. About a half hour later, there was a knock at the door. Again, no one was there but there were a few more gifts! I couldn't believe it. I had tears of joy and gratitude to know that people care about my kids and us. There are great people still out there. Thanks to the kind people from church, some friends and some family, my boys had a great Christmas when we weren't expecting much at all.

On the morning of Christmas Eve, we drove up to Salt Lake City to my husband's uncle and aunty's house. It was good to see everyone. The boys, of course, were excited to see their cousins. They played with them the whole time we were there. On Christmas morning, all the kiddos opened their gifts. My boys got gifts from their cousin's. It was so very nice of them. I also got a gift from them--some socks and lotion. That afternoon, we went to my husband's aunty's family's house. It was a lot more traditional than the other parties I have been to with my husband. There were "talks" given and prayers said all in Tongan. The adults sang songs in Tongan too.

Anyway, there was a lot of food! My boys decided to act up (Trenton was tired and Titan was tired and hungry), so I didn't really get to eat, but my husband's cousins grabbed a huge foil pan and put some food in it for us to bring home. Lu Pulu, tapioca, mussels,and octopus in coconut milk, ribs, ota, pig, noodles, and lots of desserts. We got home, warmed it up, and ate like we were starving. I love Tongan food! Lu pulu is my favorite. I swear I could eat it every day. :P

I can't wait for the next time I can eat Tongan food. I think it'll be in April for my husband's friends farewell. He's going on his mission. :)

So, overall, we all had a great Christmas. Of course, I missed my family but it was so much better than staying home and being sad.

Today was great!

I haven't had a day go this well in a LONG time. Today was Tayven's Christmas performance/party. I woke up and then woke Tayven up. His bus decides to come on time instead of 10-15 minutes late, so Tay isn't ready. I landed up having to drop him off. I got home, got the two kiddos ready, and the hubby got ready. Since my digital camera broke, I had to stop at the store to buy a disposable camera. I decided to stop at the store nearest Tay's school instead of Walmart and had no idea where it was. I asked a cashier, waited in line, and finally were were on our way to his school.

I was bummed when I arrived and they had already sung their songs. :( We weren't even that late and the performance was done. When we showed up, they were decorating gingerbread houses. Trenton and I sat with Tay and helped him decorate his. The hubby was holding Titan and taking pictures of us. Then, they had some surprise visitors! Santa and Mrs. Claus came!! Tayven and Trenton both sat on his lap and talked to him. . Tay's teachers told me to get Titan up there too and Mrs. Claus said she would hold him. He was fine until he turned and look up to see who was holding him and he screamed! lol Good thing I got some pictures before he started screaming.

I was talking to his teacher and asking how he was in school. I asked if he was shy and she said no, far from it. She said when they were practicing singing Christmas songs, Tay was the loudest hehe. She said he talks and plays great with the other kids, but when it was time to perform in front of the parents he got shy and didn't want to do it. I felt kinda better that I didn't miss much since he was too shy but it stinks that he's like me and is shy in front of people.

We got some cookies and hot cocoa before leaving. We had a good time. I'll get pictures up when we get the camera developed.

Anyway, we got home to our CLEAN house (we'll see how long this lasts hehe), ate lunch, and now everyone is taking a nap but me.

My Day

Got up, went down stairs to talk to our rental manager to get a copy of our old lease, came back up and got Titan ready. I got ready and the two of us left to his dr's appt. About 20 minutes after we left, the hubby woke Tayven up, got him ready and got him on the bus for school. 

Titan didn't care for his doctor or his nurse.. he cried even when they weren't touching him! lol He's still freaking 22 lbs. He gained like 1/2 a pound in TWO months! ugh. I'm going to fatten this kid up. My doctor thinks maybe my milk supply is diminishing but I don't think it is. I honestly am not sure how to tell if it is. I think it's because he never cared for baby food and so I stopped feeding it to him. I've just been feeding him from my plate. Idk but the doc will see him again at the end of January to see if he gains weight. I'm going to be feeding him like crazy lol. He was 22 lbs which is only the 61 percentile and 31 in. which is the 93 percentile. 

He was a bit above average for his milestones and development which is good. :) 

After his appt, we came home, hung out, and waited for the hubby to get home from school to have dinner. Now, we're just hanging out in the living room watching TV. 

Proud Mommy Moment

I just got proof that I am raising a loving, caring, and empathetic little boy. 

Tayven was watching TV and that commercial came on for ASPCA with Sarah McLachlan's Arms of an Angel song playing. Well, the commercial shows all these abused animals and it is very sad. Tayven says, "Mom, some animals don't have homes yeah?" I said, "Yes Tayven some animals don't have home and some people are mean to animals." 

Next thing I know, he is covering his face and he is crying! Like really crying. :( He said he was sad for the animals. I had to tell him that there are good people out there who will take care of them. :( 

I <3 him! 

Another Update!

We are finally all moved in to the new apartment and the old one is all clean. Moving was so stressful. My husband had moved all the big, heavy things and I pretty much had to move everything else because he is at school during the day and then he has tutoring in the evening. He also hurt his ankle/achilles (he doesn't know which) so walking to school, back home, and then up and down the stairs already caused him enough pain.  Trying to move things over while keeping an eye on the 3 kids (more like get them to stay in the new apartment) was simply not simple. On top of moving, I had homework and papers to write.  Also, as if that wasn't enough, my boys were sick while we were moving. Trenton vomited eight times on the day we moved most of the things over. I almost had a breakdown and gave up. Just thinking and writing about it makes me stressed out.

Anyway, I'm glad that is over.

Tayven is still in school and loves it. He brought home his school pictures.. and guess what? He didn't smile! We practiced that morning! This child of mine!! It's okay though; he still looks handsome. :) I need to get them sent out to my mom so she can hand them out to my our family back home.

My kids are crazy. With winter coming along (it snowed yesterday, ugh) they will be cooped up in this house AGAIN and it sucks. Winter is depressing except for Christmas. Trenton is talking lots and just being his naughty 2-year-old self.  Titan is starting to learn to walk. So far, he has taken 2 steps. He is still a bit scared to stand so he'll stand for a few seconds and then slowly sit back onto his butt.

We are looking for a car to buy. I've had no luck on KSL because all the cars in our price range, so far, either have a mechanical problem or a mileage of 170,000 and up. I really hope we can find something... We just need something that runs and will be safe during winter. I'll keep praying that something comes along. I am beyond tired of asking people for a ride. The past few weeks, we've been walking to Kent's but now the good ol' winter is here we can't do that anymore. So, if you are in Utah or know someone who is, please keep an eye for cars for sale! =)

November is the month for thanks.

Although we should be thankful everyday of the year, November will be the month that I blog about my thanks. For each day of this month, I have decided to write something I am thankful for. To catch up I will go ahead and write my last two days and today's thankful posts here.

November 1st- I am thankful for my husband. I'm thankful that he loves me and our boys. I'm thankful that he is furthering  his education to better provide for us. I'm thankful that he can cook. I'm thankful that he is has always been faithful, never abusive, and always respectful. I'm thankful that he loves me for me. I'm thankful. that when I got pregnant with Tayven at 15 and he was 18, he stuck around and took responsibility.

November 2nd & 3rd- I am thankful for having a roof over our heads and food to eat. I am thankful for modern technology. I'm grateful because I know that it is like to not have a house. I know what it is like to not have hot water, to not have electricity, and to just barely have enough to eat.

November 4th- I am thankful for Tayven--my first born son. He changed my life when I conceived him, he changed my life when I gave birth to him, and he's made me a better person. I grew up because of him, I sacrificed a lot to have him, and I'd have it no other way. He is funny, crazy, loving, caring, and a great big brother to his two little brothers. I love him!

ah sorry!

I can't believe I have been neglecting my blog!

This past weekend we drove down to Cedar City. It was SO nice to get out of our little town and be around some family. We stayed at my hubby's cousins house.  The boys had a blast!! They loved playing with their cousins and didn't want to leave. The drive going there was really long but coming back wasn't so bad. We're now thinking about move down there sometime after next spring. The only thing that sucks about the trip is that after getting home my boys caught a cold. I think it was from playing outside while we were down there and it rained a few times, plus it was a little cold. So, right now my boys all have a cold.

Tayven had a field trip to a pumpkin patch yesterday. He said he had fun. They went through a maze, stopped at a park in Manti, and had snacks. I can't wait for his school pictures to come in!

We're going to be moving into an apartment across the street, so in the next few weeks we'll be extremely busy. I wish I could take off of school. Having to move and try to get homework done will not be fun. My mom got married on October 10th and I am happy for her. She had her reception dinner this past Sunday and said it went well. We are most likely going back home to Hawaii to visit in December and I am beyond excited! :D Lately, I've just been crocheting and dreading any school work. :P

Just a ramble

I haven't been blogging much lately. One, because I have been doing school work, spending time with the boys, and getting other things done. Two, I haven't had much exciting things to blog about.

I'll just talk about some things that's been going on and about the boys-- of course. :)

The hubby and I have been talking and I'm hoping to be able to get the money to go back home and visit sometime before Titan's first birthday. I've been looking around at plane tickets and prices. I really want everyone to meet Titan and get to see Tay and Trent.

Right now, school isn't too stressful. I have two classes. I have keyboarding which is really easy and kinda fun. I also have Math which is just refreshing our memory so it's not too bad so far. I'm sure it'll get harder as the weeks go on.

My boys seriously amaze me. Tayven is learning to read, write, and spell. He's been spelling words like hot, pot, pan, bat, rat, pig, hit, etc. The other night he spelled robot on his own by sounding it out! He loves school! Last week he had show and tell. He took one of his favorite books, "Green Eggs and Ham." We had to give the class three clues so together we chose:
1. my mommy and I share this together every night
2. it's a rectangle shape
3. it goes on a shelf (he came up with this on his own)

Trenton has been going to the toilet by himself, sometimes he just wants me or Tayven to turn on the light for him lol. He is also talking in sentences more. He can put his puzzles together and is learning his colors and to count to 5.

Titan is crawling everywhere and cruising all the furniture in the house. He likes when I hold onto his hands and he walks everywhere. He turned 8 months old almost a week ago. He amazes me because when Tay and Trent are playing in their room, he crawls over there and will sit there playing with his brothers and the toys. I don't know what 8 month old does that? If he wants me or is hungry, he'll just crawl over to me. He's so laid back and mellow!

They are a bunch of loving wild boys! I love seeing them interact with each other. Tayven is a GREAT big brother to both of them(when he's not hitting or fighting with Trenton) and Trent is great with Titan for the most part (sometimes he doesn't pay attention and hits or steps on Titan's fingers/foot or falls over him). I love my boys! :D

Tayven is 5 years old!

This blog entry is late because he turned 5 last Monday, September 6th!

The day of his birthday I made his cake. I messed it up because I didn't know that the tube of frosting I bought didn't come with a decorating tip. The writing came out super thick. Tayven said it was still nice and he liked it. :) Overall, his birthday was nothing big but he liked his gift and we celebrated it together.

For his present, mommy and daddy bought him the Iron Man life size helmet he wanted. 

Here he is trying it on:

Here he is with his nerf gun, lol (Trenton had frosting on his nose) :P

He was going to celebrate at school the next day, so we had to do his birthday poster. 

He drew his family

and himself

I took cupcakes for his class and he brought home a gift bag that had crayons, a marker, a name tag, a lollipop, and some Dots candy. 

Pregnant at 15

I remember the day I found out that I was pregnant, all too well.

I was with my older sister, Kandace, and we were at her and her boyfriend's (at the time) house. We had bought two tests. She was in the bathroom with me when I peed on the stick. The first test sat on the counter and we waited. She looks at it first and says, "Pricie you ARE pregnant!" I was like noooo.. what?! I said no, let's take another one. I took the second test and... same thing, positive. I was shocked, nervous, scared, but deep down I was happy and excited.

Next step was to call my husband (boyfriend at the time). Basically, he was speechless-- literally. He was silent when I told him. I had to say "hello? hello?"  on the phone. Then next was to tell my mom. I was too scared, so my sister called and told her. I'm not sure exactly what my mom said but my sister said that she didn't believe it.

Then it came to my first appointment. I had all the routine things done and then everyone came into the room. Everyone included the hubby, my mom, and Kandace. The doctor then asks me what I wanted to do. (I already knew what I wanted to do but I looked at my mom to see what she thought) When I looked at my mom, the doctor said, "No, it is up to you because you are over 14." My mom said, "Do what? If she is pregnant...." Then the doctor interrupted and said, "She IS pregnant." I guess my mom truly was in denial. After the doctor confirmed it for her again, she got up and walked out--leaving the clinic. The doctor told me to think about what I wanted to do and let her know.

I don't really know what was going through my mom's mind but I would think it was disappointment, embarrassment, stress, and sadness.  I just know that I hope to never be in her position. Mom if you read this, I'm sorry if you felt any of those things I mentioned... but we wouldn't have Tayven, right? :P

We didn't tell the hubby's family until I was like 4 months along when I went to move in with them. His mom didn't say anything to me but I was so scared when she asked!

Eventually, my mom was really supportive-- along with the hubby's family. My mom's side of the family is a different story... but oh well it doesn't matter because I made the best decision of my life in having Tayven! :)

Tayven's first day of Preschool

Yesterday was Tayven's first day of school. He was so excited, but mommy was so sad. I couldn't believe my BABY was going to school. Never mind the fact that it is only two days a week for 2.5 hours-- he is still not at home with me!

He was such a big boy. He made me so sad because he didn't want to hold my hand nor kiss me bye! He was "embarrassed." :( Isn't he too young to start being like that? Geez. I teared up walking out of the school.

I decided to drive him to school on his first day. The bus was running behind so we arrived before the other kids.  Another girl came right after Tay did and so we were all standing in the room. Although we arrived first one of the teacher's aides took the little girl to take her backpack to her cubby.  Then another aide asked Tay his name then took him to his cubby. The first aide that took the girl came back and said "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know that was Tayven! He's so .. Tall!" hehe. After that I left.

Here are some pictures:

This is him before we left the house. (Trenton had to jump in...that HAM!)

This is the preschool side of the school.

This is the most of the school.

This is him in front of the entrance into the school.

This is blurry but it's right outside of his classroom. 

This is his classroom. To the right of this there is a reading/stage area and also a dress-up/play kitchen area. Toward the back where Tay is, there is a computer mat area and to the right is the cubbies, bathroom, and door to their playground.

He rode the bus home from school, so when the bus got here we all went outside to meet him. Trenton ran up to him yelling "Tayvennnnn!" and gave him a big hug. It was so cute!! :) Then of course mommy and daddy hounded him with questions. I wanted to know EVERYTHING they did. He was annoyed with all the questions lol. Anyway, Trenton hugged him again so I snapped a pic.. 

Sweet right? Well after this Trenton punched Tayven and they started wrestling.. typical boys & brothers! hehe

He really enjoyed his day and couldn't wait to go back today!

An update since it's been a while

This week has been crazy with school work among other things. This is pretty much my last week of these three classes (I just have a couple things to do next week).  I have a 2 final exams due and a regular weekly exam due this week, along with all of the other assignments, labs, and discussions that I already turned in.

Anyway, I figured I would give an update  =)

Tayven is doing pretty well.  He is bored at home (mostly because I've been busy with school work the last few weeks).  I really wish he was going to school this year-- only for the fact that he wants to go.  My sister, Kandi, sent us a bunch of workbooks that she got from her job, so during my two weeks off after these classes we will be working on those!

Trenton is completely potty trained at 27 months old.  I'm so proud of him! He now can go pee by himself.  He grabs the stool, places it in front of the toilet, then climbs onto the toilet and pees.  All I have to do a bit later is get him to stand and pee.  He is also talking TONS more.  He loves to talk on the phone-- it's his new thing, hehe.  He loves to "fight" (rough & tumble) with Tayven and he loves to bug Titan and make him laugh.

Titan is crazy! He is doing so many things.  He is cruising furniture now and his 4th tooth is currently popping through his gums.  He can start crawling from a sitting position and then sit down from a crawling position.  He's also trying to CLIMB onto the couch and STAND from a crawling position. Basically, he is very mobile.  He calls me mama and reaches for me and daddy.  He does not do too well around strangers, but that is because he is only around us 24/7.  He waved hi for the 1st time today! He loves to "play" with his big brothers and follow them around the apartment.  I think that's pretty much it for right now.

My hubby starts school on Wednesday.  I'm excited for him to get out of this dang house.  It'll be good for him, especially after being cooped up in the house for so long.  The boys and I will miss him though. Like I mentioned above, I get two weeks off in between these classes and the next ones, so I'm super excited to spend time with my boys and get some much needed rearranging done!

Decorating Cookies!

Yes, I know lots of sweets this week. :P

Since we had leftover icing and sprinkles, we decided to bake some sugar cookies and then decorate them.

I helped Trenton make a smiley face

This is Tayven's design

Being silly.. He said it looked like blood o_O

Another silly boy

Mommy's Cookie! TT for my boys :)

The boys watching daddy do his cookie,

Daddy's final product.

Reisa's Birthday

Last night we celebrated Reisa's birthday by baking and decorating a cake for her. Trenton got tired and fell asleep before we decorated. Tayven helped me with putting the sprinkles on.

Here's the cake.. It was my first time writing with frosting so don't laugh :P

We sang to her as she came through the front door. Then we ate cake and ice cream. After that she hung out for a while and we watched the new episode of Teen Mom. :)