La cosa Nostra

At any given time of the year, our family has a birthday to celebrate, baptism, wedding, or random get together just for a reason to hang out with each other. Omar has gotten used to the fact that every other weekend there is some sort of event that keeps him from making plans for one reason or another. And the holidays are no exception! As a matter of fact we have that many more action packed evenings.

I know touched base on Black Friday in an earlier post, but did not get into details or pics..... so here you go. For Thanksgiving this year we went to my aunt Sofia's house. We were all suppose to be there, but unfortunately Angie got sick last minute and was not able to make it from Naples. It kinda stunk since she was the one who really got everyone together at Sofia's... but she was there is spirit :0) Seeing all the little together is always an adventure in it's own.

Every year my lito Aunt Esperanza has a Christmas get together at her home. This year however was a bit more "action packed" with all the monsters running around. Again, always nice to have all/ most of the fam together.

In between all the madness that is the holidays I managed to FINALLY pick up my diploma! Yes folks, that is right- the diploma that I EARNED about 2 years ago. Because I actually completed my degree back in 2007. Can you imagine, my diploma had just been sitting there in a drawer at the registrar's office. My mom was pretty proud to finally see the end result of what my parent's college funds in combination with their daughter had accomplished!

I am really looking forward to the rest of the holidays and all the fun stuff that come along with it. Visits with Santa, wrapping presents, Noche Buena, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve... fun fun fun!

Thank you for the Fabulousity

This past Sunday one of my besties and future "Co-Madre" Darlene organized my baby shower for little Aiden. Not only was it perfect--- she kept it simple and gorgeous. Most importantly--- I did not have to lift a finger. Although I must admit I did make my own cake, but more because I thought it would be a frivolous expense. I wanted it to match everything and had a particular vision for it... and for someone who is a control freak and had something planned for her for a change--- it was the one thing I could control (lol). But it was great, as always the fam bam was there and friends that are so close are considered part of the family! My little Little guy is so loved, I can't wait for his arrival. Little Omar loved opening the presents and helping Papa put the diapers away. I am sure Christmas morning this year is going to be crazy with him tearing through gift wrap. Here are a couple of snap shots from the day... enjoy.

A little old, but I LOVE it!

Yeah I'm a Republican, and have some conservative views... but I also have a couple liberal views as well. So it is a little hard to choose a "side". But in general I just don't care for Obama, I think he is too Hollywood and not enough Washington DC. So when SNL did this skit... I fell in love.

I hope you laugh as much as I did.

Adventures in Shopping... Black Friday never a dull moment

I had been meaning to blog about this earlier... but oh well. Don't let me get started on the whole pregnant, toddler, life thing.

For about the last 5 years I would say it has become some what of a tradition for my brother and I to venture out on Black Friday. Most of you think we are nuts and that it is not worth it, etc etc etc. NOT true! If not for pure enjoyment alone, so0o0o0o worth it guys.

Every year we have a pretty funny story or two that sticks out and we re-tell over and over as we hysterically laugh about it with each other. True the hysteria may be in part the fact that at 4 am really most things are quite comical... but again I neither here nor there.

This year was no different and did not disappoint! To begin with Toys R Us decided to open its doors at 12 am this year. Well at least it thought it would open at midnight. To start with Omar decided he would go with us to the toy store this year since it would open early. He would do the TRU thing pack the toys in the car and my brother and I would continue our journey. However three patrol cars (couple of fights broke out due to people trying to cut in line) later and at 12:45 Omar decided his sleep was much more valuable than any money we would be saving. So he went home, as we stayed out in the coldish weather and thugged it out.

Once inside, we pretty much has a plan of action. Wondering what time we actually got into the store? I would say it was about 1:45 am. My brother went and found little man's car as I went and picked up the rest of the toys for the other little ones and the other things I wanted to pick up for Omi. Ok now here is the kicker guys--- after waiting in line to pay for what I would say is another hour and a half a 15 year old kid gets laid out! How and why did he get punched? Oh we have no clue. But all we know is that it all went down about 4 people in front of us while we were so close to the registers that I could smell the cash inside them. At this point, we have been there since 11:30 pm the night before and it is already 3 am-- so sorry to say, but I could care less about the whole ordeal. People just move aside and wait for the police while I proceed to purchase my two shopping carts worth of crap.

And that was just the FIRST store we ventured out to. After that is was off to Old Navy, Kohls, Jc Penney Home Store, and Target. We did get $20 towards our purchase at Target thanks to a nice cashier. And my brother still has another $10 pending to use on a gift card! Some times it pays to be polite and patient.

Here are some pictures of our evening taken at Toys R Us.

Lessons in Anatomy with Little Omar

I would write a blurb... but honestly this video is pretty self explanatory and hilarious!

Enjoy-

Falcon--- Pity Party of one please

So after almost 8 months... I must admit I am soooo ready for little Aiden to come out already. Yeah-yeah- yeah I know he is not done cooking, his lungs are underdeveloped. But I am tired. For those of you who do not wish to read about me complaining... simply scroll up or down, because that is all this post is going to be about. Poor Little Ol' Me!

My first pregnancy was not a walk in the park. I puked everyday basically on the hour for the first 5 months, and at least once every 3 days for the rest of the joyous experience. I loved (and do love being pregnant)... but oh gosh it can also be pretty overwhelming too. But for the first time around I do not remember being so exhausted. I was pretty tired for the first 3 months and could fall asleep just about any where- but this time around oh goodness. I find myself napping while Omi naps and being dead while he is awake.

My feet are also pretty swollen this time around too. I did not swell up with Omi until AFTER I had him. Nuts I know... but after the c-section I had the beginnings of preclampsia: swelled up like a balloon, high blood pressure... all that kinds of fun stuff.

Being pregnant with a toddler is just much crazier than I ever imagined. And to think I am wanting to try this one more time looking for that pesky little girl. Am I insane? Most likely... but that most of your know by now any way.

Since 2007 I feel like I am either trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or just done being pregnant... lol--- that is almost 4 years!

Don't misunderstand me, we tried for 2 years to get pregnant. I am blessed in countless way to be able to have children. Plus yeah I moan and groan but love the feeling of being pregnant. Who would think having someone kick you in the ribs and knock the wind out of you would be pleasant? Not really "pleasant" but the feeling is invigorating. So as wonderful as the whole motherhood experience is--- I NEED to complain. Because lately it seems that the clothes in our laundry hampers are having sex and reproducing. Does the Falcon family have the most dirty clothes in the nation? I feel like I am either putting clothes into laundry machine, taking it out, folding it, or putting it away while hoping that little Omar does not sneak up behind me and roll around in what I have already folded. Oh gosh- that happens TOO often.

Ok, so I think I have complained enough, even complaining leaves me exhausted (lol). Now off to con Omar into a much need foot massage.

Not that amusing

Disclaimer: super short post... lol

Every year our church has a carnival that they use as fund raiser for the school and parish. This year I thought it would be such a good idea to take little man and have him experience some carnival rides. There were not many he could actually ride, since Omar would have to ride along with him. Out of three, two were no fun for him at all. His face was that of terror. When he got off of each of them, he hysterically ran to me (which NEVER happens) arms out huffing and puffing the words "Mama... Mama" Most likely because Papa was the one who had perched him on those death traps. Here are some snap shots of poor little man's terror stricken face.

Thank goodness the merry-go-round was a success. Yes the monkey we placed him on top of was hideous... but he actually LOVED it. And put up a little fight when it was time to get off.

Chicken VS. Toe VS. Dog... Chicken is victorious

For those of your with toddlers at home, I may receive zero sympathy or tons of it for my little tale. For those of you expecting... oh wait until the fun begins.

So I am working on a couple of projects on the computer and plucking away at my to-do list. Yes, my little darling is awake and in full terror mode- but really when isn't he? I have some what learned to accomplish daily tasks while training my ears to listen for any potentially destructive noises... and of course for absolute silence which means even more of a disaster is in the works.

My little Omi's new fascination is the refrigerator. He loves all the jars and containers he can explore while giving mommy a head ache. The cutest thing I have found is how he calls milk "moo" and opens the fridge and pulls out his bottle (which I try to maintain with milk) and goes on his merry way with bottle in tow.

-back to the story at hand- As I am working, I hear what sounds like Omar playing with eggs. I don't know why I assumed they were eggs, there really is a lot of things that sound the same.. but I for one thought "OH NO! smashed eggs all over the floor". So in a panic I jump out of my seat and take off towards the kitchen. Poor poor poor Peanut... he stood in the way of me and disaster.

Cause: I stepped on his tail with one foot while tripping over him with the other.
Effect: He yelped, jumped up and lost a couple of chunks of tail hair

Did I mention that I also managed to stub my poor little pinky toe in the door way in the process? Not a true stub, but much much worse. Poor little piggy went one way while the rest of the toes went for Peanut's tail. True pain... oh goodness it was awful!!! And than... BAM!!!! SPLAT!!!! No worries, I did not crush Peanut (although so close) I tripped and did a classic Yvette. Luckily I fell forward and slow enough to where I caught myself somewhat. Well not really caught myself... just didn't hurt the belly or the little guy cooking in there. Which was a huge relief of course.

So by now you may have forgotten what the whole purpose of the rush was to begin with. Yes... little Omarito in the refrigeratory. Lucky for me he had not decided to play kick ball with the eggs... was not even playing with them at all. What may you ask WAS he playing with??? A tupperware full of seasoned raw chicken of course!

Absolutely grossed out by the whole ordeal, I did not even know what to do. I just scooped him up, limped over with him and dumped him into the tub. Gross--- Just remembering him sitting there squishing the chicken between his little fingers BLECH!

Toddlers are so much fun.

Not that HUGE of a deal guys-

Ok so the Yankees won the World Series. Excuse me while I throw up in my mouth a little bit.

Now let me explain, I am really not sure why I dislike the Yankees. I think it may have a little something to do with their obnoxious fans, and their ability to annoy the poop out of any living creature. They boast about how they are the best team, etc etc etc. Let me break my true reasons down for some of you.

1. Your team has the highest payroll in all of MLB... you should win series every year. It is NOT an accomplishment for your team anymore.

2. You bash on the opposing team even if they beat you (i.e. 2003 Marlins).

3. Does Derek Jeter ever not smile at the camera?
4. Your owner is fat... lol
5. No proof Barry Bonds tested positive for steroids, yet he was run out of the game basically. How many players on the Yankee's roster are confirmed to have tested positive?? Reward: play in World Series and receive a ring.
6. Again, the fans are beyond annoying and obnoxious.
7. A-Rod... you are a fabulous baseball player, but you're presence has begun to annoy me. You are somewhat of "un arrependtido" you're Dominican-- deal with it.

..... and really the list can go on and on.

It really is such a shame, I love that city. Everything about it... except the Yankees (lol).

Loads of October activities!

October usually marks the beginning of the holidays. Loads of weekly activities and very little free time. This year was no different from those past and did not disappoint!

One Saturday we had Roly and Jose's Halloween party. As always, loads of fun! They really do know how to throw a fabulous party. It is almost a rule of thumb that we never miss Roly's birthday party in January or the Halloween party. My size being a huge factor, finding a costume for myself was slightly a challenge. But after much searching we stumbled upon a comfortable (most important) and non suffocating duet- Goddess and Roman like toga thing for Omar. It was so nice to dance and hang out... Aiden felt the same. Seems like we have had so many parties recently I am convince he is going to be born with a party hat and ready to jam come February!

Not a usual October event, was Cam's baby shower. I am so excited! For the most part I am the one and only who has a little one from the pack of friends. I mean there are baseball people who have kids--- but none of the original gangsters. Until now--- Little Armee is due here December 14! And I cannot wait to meet him. Being pregnant at the same time as your best friend since 6th grade has been quite fun. Since it isn't my first, I enjoy being able to give her all the baby advice. What she should put on her registry, breast feeding info (TMI), and just every day stuff I guess. When she first broke the news to me that she was pregnant I was so excited--- I was one of the first to know. I felt pretty darn special. Not gonna lie, I wanted to be pregnant again too... and thought it would be so0o0oo0 cute if we were prego together. I guess some times all you gotta do is ask... lol--- about a little over a month later I was pregnant too! My camera's battery died on the day of her shower so I was only able to capture a couple of pics. But she is glowing and looking more beautiful than usual. Pregnancy suits you well friend.

I had to sneak in a pic of the little monster.

Than later in the week it was off to the pumpkin patch. This is a fun little outing for Omi. When he gets older I am sure he may actually pick out a pumpkin. But for now it involves him running around aimlessly and trying to terrorize the scarecrows while he plays with a "Ball" (small little pumpkin he stumbled upon). Still a nice time. Last year's visit to the pumpkin patch was interrupted with a mid-day poop. I am glad to report this visit went without an interruption.




With all the craziness and action packed events, would you believe that I was not able to carve out pumpkin until Halloween day! Which is some what of a good thing, because last year's pumpkin was carved a couple of days before the holiday and thanks to the heat and bugs did not look all that jack-o-lanternish on Halloween. I took advantage that both Omar's were napping and went to work. Turns out I forgot the nose! Yeah I know... hot tranny mess over here. Oh whatever-- at least it gone done! Our little pirate enjoyed it once he awoke from his slumber.


And last but definitely not least! Halloween Night! No year would be complete without a year of trick-or-treating. Last year Omi got to trick-or-treat. But the stiffs by our house stink and candy was very scarce. So this year we decided to venture our way over to Alex and Haggy's neighborhood. It was fabulous! Not only were the streets jam packed with children, the entire neighborhood was truly in the spirit of the holiday. So many had gone all out in decorating the exterior of their homes. Some going as far as to decorate inside as well, one had a Halloween village that was to die for! I am seriously considering swinging by come Christmas time... I can only imagine what spectacular lighting they will have. Our little candy monster had a great time. By the pictures I am sure you can tell he went to town on his pumpkin. Again, love spending time with the fam. Always nice to have so many to share holidays with.


Omi and Dylan before trick-or- treating... up to no good of course

Little Omar's first official trick-or-treat experience

This is a picture of the Halloween village inside one of the homes


Dylan didn't even make it past the first house!


look at this chocolate covered face... priceless!

ha ha ha... he bit into a pack of lemon heads- not as tasty as the chocolate bar


Amazing how much work was put into decorating some of these yards!