Go Coy, Go

Coy has been what we like to call a "weenie" when it comes to swimming. Christian was swimming the length of the pool by himself a few months before he turned three. So, I in my mind, that was the norm. I'm learning that Christian is an overachiever and very much has the personality of the typical first born. Understanding this is helping me have more patience with both Coy and Corinne.

You would think Coy had some near drowning experiences by the way he would scream when we put him in the pool. We didn't push him, and we wanted him to have a fun perception of the pool. Soon after the 4th of July, he decided that he was going to get in the big pool and try out some of the tricks he had learned in the jacuzzi, which he calls "the little kid pool." I only had to bribe him a little bit, and soon he was swimming a pretty good distance with no help. He was very proud of himself, and so were we. Christian thought it was very cool that Coy could finally swim with him and not be afraid.

Scuba

Corinne: Hey mom, look at me.

Me: Wow! Are you a scuba diver?

Corinne: Yes, girls can be scuver divers too.

Me: They sure can, sugar bean.

Corinne: But I don't like sharks; they bite me.

Me: Okay, you don't have to be scuver diver.

Corinne: Okay

Coy's Favorite Present

Coy's Grandpa Tony and Nana gave him an awesome birthday present. They took him to see a live production of The Wizard of Oz at a big library in town. Coy loved it, of course, and he has carried the pictures around with him ever since. He thought it was very cool to meet the actors after the play. His Grandpa and Nana also to took him to have a special happy meal at a Wizard of Oz themed McDonald's. Coy loved all the special attention he got that night; poor middle child doesn't have many of those experiences. Thanks Tony and Diana for the special evening Coy will never forget.

Wizard of Oz Show

So, it's old news that my kids, Coy especially, have an obsessive fascination with the Wizard of Oz. I was cleaning up the kitchen when I heard lines form the movie being recited. I stopped to listen for a while and decided I had to get it on video. Coy was obviously the director, and he got perturbed when Corinne flubbed her lines. This is a long video, but I was enjoying the entertainment way too much to cut them off. I was just thinking of all the ways I could blackmail them with this video when they are older. If you are family, and you have an obligation to watch all seven minutes of this....here you go.

You have to turn the music off at the bottom of the page. Sorry about the music, by the way. I like it, and it's my blog, so I guess that's why it's there.

Quick Trip to So Cal

I recently found myself childless for almost a week. My mom took the kids on a trip to visit my sister and brother-in-law's house in Yuba City, CA so the kids could hang out with their cousins for a while. This was her idea, and I was pretty nervous at the beginning. I knew my mom and sister were very capable and then some, but I just get that feeling like something bad is going to happen if I'm not there to oversee every second of their little lives. After the first day or so, I chilled out, and my prayers seemed to calm all the anxiety.

I've never had much "me alone" time as an adult. I went pretty much right into the mom and wife role as a very young adult. As I sat there on the couch when John was at work, and the house was very quiet, I couldn't decide whether or not I liked it. It was nice to do the things that I like to do without having to be responsible for anyone, but I was a little bored, and I did not like the quiet. I even joked with my sister, telling her that I had resorted to playing with the dog. I got a lot of reading and movie watching in. Half of the movies we own I've never seen, so I started with the ones that everyone else says are so good. With all the distractions, I still found that I missed my babies so much, and I prefer their chaotic little voices over the silence.

John and I decided to take advantage of his weekend, and we took a little trip to the ocean. I love priceline.com, by the way. We stayed in Newport Beach for a couple of days and enjoyed way too much food, drink, and sun. I'm once again as pink as a lobster. That cool coastal breeze deceives you; it's not good to fall asleep on the beach. Our favorite part of the trip was the dinner we had at the Chart House in Dana Point. It was beautiful, and the food was so good.

We did some driving up and down the coast, which John hates, but I love. We never got as far as Venice Beach before John decided he'd had enough of driving, and we went back. I always have this little desire to go to Malibu and visit the college that was not for me. Pepperdine was where I would have liked to have gone to school, but alas, it was not....stupid ACT's!

It's always nice for John and I to get away by ourselves and have some of the newlywed time we didn't get much of. We also have some of the best conversations when we are driving on a trip; that's a plus. Last year we almost moved to Irvine on an impulsive whim because of a job offer John had. After being there in the cool air, I almost wish we would have. I should mention that the one bedroom apartment we would have been able to afford would have me singing a different tune right about now. Why does living by the ocean have to be so expensive?

Wow, I just wrote a lot about nothing. To sum it up, the kids had a super fun time, and everyone made it home safely. It takes one super Grammy to act as momma for five days. Thanks to my mom, sister, and bro-in-law, Lex, for allowing the kids to have a great trip. They didn't even seem to miss me much...boo hoo.

Balboa Island Treat

Scenery we rarely get to enjoy

Dana Point

We were at dinner on Balboa Island, and John wouldn't stop taking pictures. He said this is the look I give him everyday of my life. That can't be true.

How Does She Know That He Loves Her?

We love the Disney movie Enchanted around her. Anyone in this family can sing all of the songs by heart. I guess that's what happens when you add a little sister into the mix; all the boys learn the words to princess movies. So, my blog post title is one of the songs from that movie. Not wanting to brag, but this is how I know my boy loves me....
I often wake up to a display like this. The only difference this time is that the flowers are in a vase instead of a giant Hofbräuhaus mug. It looks like bathroom mirrors are good for leaving sweet notes with a dry erase marker. I'm very blessed to have such a sweet hubby.

The 4th of July

We had a fun 4th this year; very typical BBQ, swimming, and fireworks. What made it special is that my dad was in town and so were my Uncle Lonnie, Aunt Patti, and cousins, Jasper and Emilyne. Getting together with them for the fourth of July has become somewhat of a tradition, and I look forward to it every year. I know the kids especially do too; they love to hang out with their big cousins, Jasper and Emi. Unfortunately, John had to go into work in the afternoon, so he didn't get to do fireworks with us, but we all got in some fun swimming time before he left.

So, it was a pretty normal 4th that included way too much food, sun and swimming, and some very cool illegal fireworks just a couple doors down. I was a little nervous with the fireworks. I understand why they were illegal, because one fiery "dud" landed right on my mom's front porch just about 10 feet away from us. At least that makes everyone pay attention to the fireworks; we needed to be prepared to duck and cover.

I love my family,and it's a trip to see how fast time is going by. It seems like it was yesterday when I was the high schooler, and my little cousins were following me around. Now, Jasper is a sophomore in college and Emi is sophomore in high school. Where is the slow down button on my life?

Happy Birthday to Mom and Coy

My Coy Coy turned 5 last Friday. He has been looking forward to his birthday for so long now, that we have been counting down the days since last month. He had a birthday party with friends a few weeks ago along with Christian, but he knew he had more to look forward to. He had not gotten all his presents from John and me yet or his grandparents; grandparent presents are a big deal, especially when my mom has him go through Toys R' Us making a list of what he wants. He awoke to the traditional Krispy Kreme breakfast and then, continuously asked to open his presents. I made him wait until John was awake so he could enjoy the ripping and tearing. It's tough on a kid when his daddy works a swing shift.

My mom also shares a birthday with Coy. I kind of did that on purpose. Since I've never actually gone into labor; I just chose when I was sick of being pregnant and ready for some action. My doctor is a big fan of inducing; it probably just helps her schedule, but I love it. It's great to know what morning you will be going into the hospital to have a baby. I've always been ready with hair and makeup done along with a pair of smoothly shaved legs (like that matters). My doctor had originally wanted to induce me on the 4th of July, but I thought it would be neat to have my mom and Coy share a birthday. My Coy boy came out with a huge head, weighing 8 pounds, 3 ounces; I'm glad I didn't wait any longer.

We spent the night at my mom's house the night before their birthday, so she could enjoy the morning birthday festivities. My dad also came into town, so it was fun for us all to be there together in the morning. The kids like being able to swim as soon as they get out of bed. Coy was thrilled with all of his presents. He got quite a few, but his favorite was the one he has been asking for since Christmas. I finally caved and bought him the Wicked Witch of the West figure to complete his Wizard of Oz collection. I'm not ashamed to say that my son has an obsession with the Wizard of Oz, and he spent his birthday flying a witch around the house, cackling, while saying, "I'll get you, my pretty!" Coy marches to the beat of his own drum, and that's cool by me. Not every mom gets to be serenaded by "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" each and every morning. We did get him manly things like his new soccer ball and goals. He's excited to be on a soccer team this fall. We also got him a butterfly garden, (Teisha, I copied your son's present) and Coy is so excited to get his caterpillars in the mail.

My dad took us all to Benihana for dinner. This was Coy's fist time, and he loved it. He really liked the volcano of onions and how the chef acted like it was a choo choo train when it started to smoke. When we got home, he had two pieces of his chocolate cake, and we called it a night. I know Coy had a fun birthday, and he loved all the gifts he got. I can't believe he's five already, and he is going into kindergarten next year. He's already stressing over the idea of homework; Christian is trying to scare him. I wish I could slow the clock down. My Coy Ronald has given me an indescribable amount of joy and entertainment. I have a feeling that this kid will be famous someday. He is naturally talented, and he loves to perform. I thank God everyday for the smiles this sweet kid had brought to my face.

Here I am the morning I went in to be induced. Coy was a big baby, but he wasn't responsible for my face looking like a swollen balloon. That was Olive Garden's fault.

My blondie with the big head

Coy with Grandpa

The Romo boys

Coy Coy's first Christmas

Coy and Uncle Lex in the pool

Coy with Grandma

Coy with Grammy

My Sugar Man II