Our First Family Trip..Sort Of!

Alucard

I had taken the day off from on Friday so that I may begin work on a presentation for one of my classes. Of course you dad procrastinated and waited until the last week to start his ten page paper, but what else is new. Anyways after doing some chores around the house I decided to sit down and start typing my paper. Then the phone rings. It was your mama on the other line telling me that I needed to get down to your school and pick you up. Well as it turns out, you decided you wanted to have a half day yourself. In order to accomplish this you came up with the plan to bite your teacher. That's right, you bit your teacher Ms. Sandra for no reason other than maybe you didn't like being told what to do. Vlad, this was a big no no. You left a bruise on her arm and I had to bring you home. It's very hard to get inside your head because you can't talk back yet and tell us what you were thinking. You did seem like you were sorry, but we can only keep our fingers crossed that this does not happen again. Be good!!!

dpgmarine

Backpacking

Just wanted to show how cute you look with your little backpack. You were the only one in your new class that did not have their own back pack yet. So we went down to Target and got you your very own Elmo backpack.

dpgmarine

B-Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VLADIMIR!!!!!!!!!!

Son, you've made it through three years on this planet earth. A blessing to both me and your mom, you enlighten each and every day of our lives. You are truly someone special and anyone who has ever come in contact with you can vouch for that. I can't imagine my life without you, nor do I want to. Your little face and bright smile can light up a room and melt anyone's heart. I can't wait for you to hit more milestones as you grow older. A bright future lies ahead of you whatever path you choose.

dpgmarine

Throw it up!!!

Where to begin? Yesterday, we were off to take your mom to her self defense class in West L.A. Everything was moving along normally. We had stopped at Chipotle to grab some chips and guacamole for a snack on the way. Then we hopped on the freeway and were on our way. Of course you had to have a few chips for yourself. We were heading west on the 105 freeway when I decided to get into the carpool lane to save some time. Then, in one of my not so great moments I headed onto the 110 freeway instead of staying on the 105 freeway. Brain fart!!! No problem, as we continued north on the 110 and would eventually jump onto the 10 freeway going West. As we crept along the freeway I started to notice that you were falling asleep which was kind of surprising since you had just woken up around 8:00am. We were about a couple miles from the location when we heard this hurling sound coming from the back. I turned to look over my shoulder and I saw this fountain of yellow chunks spewing out of your mouth. It wouldn't stop. You had this horrified look on your face as if you had just seen the video from the movie The Ring. More and more flying chunks were streaming from your mouth and you didn't know what to do. Here's where it got interesting. Your mom was also watching this take place and then she started to appear to begin to regurgitate her food. She said that she was going to throw up herself because of the smell. So here I am driving down the 10 freeway with two heaving souls as passengers. I told her to grab the bag from the floor and throw up in there in if she had to. Cooler heads prevailed and she was able to contain herself. You on the other hand were covered in a concoction that would have made Linda Blair proud. Green, yellow, brown, all the colors of the rainbow were present and all over you and the car seat. You cried a little because you weren't sure what happened. To the best of my recollection you've only thrown up once or twice in your whole life. I could see inside your mouth when you were crying that you had some small chunks still in there. Gross!!! Finally we made it to our exit, which seemed like an eternity. We couldn't really do much since we were driving on the freeway. Your mom jumped into the back to do some damage control and we finally arrived at the school. Luckily we had arrived early enough so that she could go inside and grab some paper towels and we could begin the decontamination process. You were literally covered from head to toe with throw up. I told you mom to go ahead and change over and I would handle to rest of the clean up. I took you out and put you in the back of the Highlander and took your clothes off. I cleaned you up to the best of my ability and had you sit in the back while I wiped down the seat as best I could. The smell was overwhelming, but didn't both me much. Finally, I re-dressed you and took you for a walk to Best Buy. You were back in good spirits and we carried on with our day. We came back and watched your mom for a few minutes before class was over. We were ready to leave and unfortunately had to put you back into the seat since we don't carry a spare with us. It wasn't too bad, and we went to grab your mom a "Godmother" sandwich from the Deli and some french bread for me and you. You ended up falling asleep on the way home. We made it back to our casa and put you down in the bed where you continued to sleep. I took out the seat and me and your mom disassembled it so that we could wash it along with your clothes. I am happy to report this morning that your seat came out clean and smelling fresh again. Me and your mom were up early putting the seat back together and once complete I put it back into the car as if nothing had ever happened. You're doing well and we believe that this will get chalked up to just getting car sick. I hope that this was a one time thing, but you never know. All we can do is be ready for the next time you decide to show us what you food looks like coming back up. By the way I didn't have the heart to take a picture of you covered in chunks. Probably for the better!

dpgmarine

Heat Wave

Today we found a new place where we could do some hiking as an alternate to Griffith Park. At the request of your mom we went out to Hollyweird and gave Runyan Park a try. We got off to a late start and didn't even leave until 9:00am. It was already warming up outside so it would have been better had we left earlier, but we went for it anyways. Once we got there it was a little adventure trying to find parking. As we crept along the little streets just off Hollyweird Blvd. we could see all kinds of people either heading or leaving the area in their workout clothing. There were also lots a dogs as far as the eye could see which was something that you were going to enjoy. Finally we spotted a small space off of Franklin which runs parallel to Hollyweird and your papa was able to squeeze into a space with some assistance from your mom. We put you in the stroller and we were off. Since we had drove a little bit from the entrance I was already getting a workout pushing you up to the entrance. The heat began to bare down on us and the sweat began to pour. Well mostly me because I was the one that had to lug you up the trail. As we past the entrance there were lots of people walking their dogs and running the trails. Seemed like the Hollyweird types as all the conversations I heard were about people being writers, movie scripts and so on and so on. The entrance forked off and we went right. For some reason I didn't see anybody pushing a kid in stroller the direction we were headed. I would quickly find out why. We slowly inclined up and keep going around. It was an awesome workout. Your mom brought her toy and was taking some pics of the surroundings. You were enjoying seeing all the dogs pass by and getting your free ride. Well, once we got to a certain lookout point I looked up and saw the only way up was not pushing a strolling. It was a more steep incline and there were also stairs. No way could we get you up there. We made sure you were plenty hydrated as well as you mom who decided to drink a small coffee before we left. I was sweating, but was fine. We looked to our left and saw a more paved trail with more people and one woman pushing up a stroller. Huh, looks like the way we should have went. So I said, we have nothing but time, let's go back down and up that way. We did and before we know it, we were on our way back up, but this time for a longer distance. Your mom even volunteered to push you for a short distance, but it took it toll on her as well. We let you out to run about and even you were tiring quick. The heat was just not very friendly yesterday. So back in you went and back to pushing you I went. We got to a certain point where we decided to turn around and call it quits. Great workout, but next time we will certainly come out earlier and try out a new trail. There are lots of ways we would like to try and we plan on taking you up for some more adventures. There are a couple of trails that me and your mom would have to do on our own, but I'm not sure when we'll get an opportunity to try that. As we left I suggested that we walk down Hollyweird Blvd and see what's going on there. We sort of cooled off and were glad about the level pavement. You loved walking on all the stars where one day I know your name will be. We got to this point where we knew there was a water area that sprays up in the air. As soon as you saw it, you were grinning from ear to ear. You would scream anytime you saw someone trying to run through the water. Slowly but surely you got closer and closer to the water. You would look at me as to see if I would say something to you and I really didn't want you to get wet but relented in the end. Sure enough you got slightly wet and loved it. Then little by little you got braver and went deeper in the water. You mom got great pics of your reactions as you had a blast running through the water. People around the area were enjoying watching you run around the water and your laughter. I went around with you a few times, but mostly let you have all the fun. In a matter of minutes you were completely drenched, dripping from head to toe, but happy as can be. I knew it would be tough when it was time to go, but we had built up an appetite, so we had to go. You weren't too happy, but it wasn't too bad. I suggested that we go to In -N -Out off of Sunset and eat something that wasn't too bad for us. Great idea and we were there in no time enjoying some good food. You expended so much energy, plus what the sun took from you that I knew you'd be an easy victim for the Sandman. We got back and I sent your mom to put you out. Turns out both of you were out for the count for a while. Much deserved!!!! Meantime, your dad was here on the laptop acquiring more music for his collection. A collection I hope to one day pass onto you. I guess that's it for now. Maybe we'll had back next week or the week after that to have some more fun.

dgmarine

I've grown accustomed to your face!

Vladie, Vladie, Vladie. I got a call from your mother today around 3:30pm telling me that you had a little accident at school. You were okay, but you wouldn't let anybody clean you up. So I quickly went down to pick you up. You were sitting at a table and then you turned around. I saw your face and all I could do was shake my head. It looked like someone tried to pry the skin off your forehead and nose. I dubbed you red-nose. Anyways, you appeared to be fine and as it turns out you had fallen off the stairs on your way up the slide and ate it big time. Well I wanna say I'm shocked, but well I wasn't. Sometimes you can be pretty clumbsy. I'm just glad you were okay and that we can laugh about this later. Until then, please be more careful!!!!!

dpgmarine

Pee Pee

Today in the morning before you went to school, you used your own toilet for the first time. Your mom put you on and you went pee. She said, first a little came out and you laughed. Then the flow was long and continuous. I'm so happy that you've warmed up to the idea of being a big boy. Thanks to your new school being able to put you on a few times during the day, we can continue the trend in the evening and hopefully you'll be wearing your little boxer briefs sooner rather than later.

********************Update************************

Saturday July 10th

Papa, today was the second time you went pee in your own toilet. This time I was the captain in charge. We had just got back from Mexico 1900 so I wanted to see if you would go since you drank a lot of water. I put you on for a few minutes and was about to take you off when a burst of pee came streaming out. You just smiled at me and we laughed together. Lets hope you continue to make strides in your quest to stop wearing diapers.

dpgmarine

Dia Primero

This past Monday, June 28th was your first day at your new Daycare/Pre-school. We decided it was time for a change and you needed to be interacting more with kids your age. Your mom did most of the leg work in picking the school and we both agreed that this one would suit you well. In the week leading up to Monday, we were both really nervous. How would you do with all the kids around you? How would you handle being in a classroom? How would you handle being told what to do by strangers? Most, if not all those questions were answered on Monday. Your mom was going to drop you off as usual, but I also wanted to be there for your first day. So I ended up going into work on Sunday night around 7:30pm and got off of work at 5:00am Monday morning to ensure that I could be there on your special day. Well, we got down there around 6:3oa.m. There was one little girl already there named Jaslynn. Ms. Gina was the teacher that is there in the morning to watch you and any other kids who came in before 7:30a.m. We had you play with blocks and then decided it was time to make our move. We swiftly walked outside the cafeteria as Ms. Gina took your hand and led you back to the blocks. You noticed we were leaving and started to follow after us. I just didn't want to look back and see your face so we both hopped in our cars and took off. Mom went to work and I went home to sleep. Actually, I pretty much slept the whole day which was great because it kept my mind off of you. The phone rang a couple of times during the day and I was thinking it was going to be the school. Talk about be paranoid. Anyways, I was awoken by your mom calling me when she got off work and I decided to wait until she came and got me before picking you up. We got down to the school and found you in your little classroom. You were sitting at the table playing with blocks. As soon as you made eye contact with us, you sprang up and starting to moan and cry a little. As to say "How dare you leave me here." We each gave you a big hug and kiss and you were officially done with your first day. We were told that you did cry at times, but this was to be expected. The comments from your teacher Mr. Emma read as follows: "Vladimir's morning was a little bit hard. He ate very well and took a good nap." We were also informed that you went in the potty one time. That was great since we haven't actually began to potty train you yet. We have to continue this effort at home since the school will begin to help you learn to use the toilet. I'm so proud of you Vladimir. I think for this whole week I will still be on edge, but starting next week I will feel a bit more at ease with your new location. As of this writing, you're at school right now on your 4th day. So far so good. When I asked you this morning if you were going to school, you acknowledge me and gave a big smile. It seems you like going there and your mom says it hasn't been very hard when she drops you off in the morning. I hope you continue to enjoy your time at school and do well. I tell your mom not to get too overconfident, as you will have bad days I'm sure. But for now lets enjoy your new adventure, embrace it, and see where it takes you in the future.

dpgmarine

L.A. Zoo

This past Saturday, we had a great time at the L.A. Zoo. It was you, your mom, our good friend Nancy, and your compadre Sebastian as well as myself. It was a rather hot day, but we didn't let that deter us. We ended up taking your stroller in case you got tired of walking and you ended up wanting to snap that seat belt more than see the different kinds of animals. We saw snakes, birds, monkeys, and all kinds of other creatures. As the day went on it got warmer, but we came prepared with lots of cool drinks for everybody. Nancy was kind enough to get some glazed almonds for us and we were instantly hooked. Later you and Sebastian found an area to run around and play together. We decided it was time to go around three. We ended up going over to Chilis for a late lunch that everybody enjoyed. I think we need to make a future return back to the zoo when you would enjoy seeing the animals more, but for now it was another adventure to add to your wonderful life.

dpgmarine

Too Funny

Quick update to this bed transformation and newly found freedom that took place over the weekend. I've been told by your mother that you've been waking up around 4am and trotting your way over to our bed before it's time for her to get up. Well just as I suspected would happen, you caught me off guard this morning. Around 4:10am, I was grabbing my stuff out of my drawer in your room, when you suddenly sprang up. Sort of like the Undertaker does after he's been put down on the wrestling mat. I went over to you and laid you back down and covered you back up. You appeared to just stay still and I thought all was well. Now mind you, it wasn't a good night for either of us as your periodic coughing kept me awake most of the night and probably you as well. Though most of the times you're doing it with your eyes closed so maybe it doesn't affect you as much. Your mom on the other hand doesn't even seem to rec elect such coughing dilemmas taking place as she is wistfully sleeping through the night. Anyways, back to the story at hand. I said good-bye to you and your mom as I do every morning and went outside to leave for the day. I hit the car alarm (which you have now become so familiar with, every time you hear it you run to the window to see if I'm leaving). After I started the car and sat there for a moment to let it warm up, I glanced over to the living room window and low and behold who should be starring right back at me but you!! You had your hands across the window sill with your head laying on them and head turned sideways. I said "What the ####?" I couldn't help but laugh. I come back into the house and ask you what you are doing up. You just look at me and don't say a word. I usually leave the light on in the living room for your mom so that helped you find your way through the darkness. I picked you up and took you to our bed and told your mom guess who was watching me leave for work. Talk about catching someone by surprise! In her half asleep, half slurred voice she said "What the ####?" I kissed you both good-bye again and was back on my way. Are these the kind of adventures that we're in store for? Who knows? You seem to be a light sleeper at times which is very much like me so I wouldn't be surprised if this starts occurring more often. I just have to remember to keep my sense of humor. I just got off the phone with your mom and she told me the fun didn't stop after I left for work. Apparently, you didn't want to go back to sleep and decided you wanted to start off your day bright and early. Activities that took place included, but were not limited to: playing with your basketball, pushing your chair around the house, and finally reading a book in the dark. All this before 5am. Vlad, you're such a clown!

dpgmarine

Growing Up

Friday your mom and I were both off from work, but you weren't so lucky. You had to put in a full days work. We finally came to the decision that it was time to take down your crib and convert it to a day bed so you could sleep like a little man. Making the switch turned out to be relatively easy once we were able to locate the required screws. Once the switch was made we were eager to see how you would react to being able to get into your own bed. We had to purchase a few things to make the transaction complete. We were able to buy a new twin comforter for you as well the cover. We got you a black cover to match your bed and a new brown sheet for your mattress. We also bought a couple of floor rugs to try and soften any potential fall you might have at night since you are such as restless sleeper. You've been know to fall off the bed while you wiggle and squirm at night. After we picked you up and brought you home we took you straight to the room for you to check out the new look. You got right on and started jumping around like you do on our bed. Finally, last night was your first night sleeping in the newly converted bed. I have to admit I was kind of restless myself thinking that you may fall right out during the night. Around 1:3o a.m., I could of sworn that you were up and wandering around. I peeked into the living room and your weren't there, but you were still in bed with the comforter off. I re-covered you and went back to bed. You made it safely through your first night and just as we expected around 6:40 a.m. you quietly walk into our room and jumped into bed with us. Later this morning, while we were trying to get ready to go take pictures, you kept taking us into your room so we could see you jump into your bed and start dancing on it. You really like that fact that you can get on and off at your own leisure now. I'm glad you like it and hope that you continue to enjoy growing into our little man. Next up: Potty Training!  

dpgmarine