Little Ladybug

Monday, May 14, 2012

Early March 2012

March was a busy and fun-filled month. Earlier in the month, we drove out to Pasadena to visit my parents. We took the boys to the park and then to Starbucks. This was their first trip to Starbucks and they were not impressed at all with their strawberry frappuccinos! Maybe they would have preferred something with caffeine instead?! Haha! Still, it was a blast. I love watching Ethan go down the slide. Everytime, he puts his hands in the air and says "wee, wee, wee." Precious. He also loves the swings. Preston, on the other hand, could care less about the swing. He would rather push his little brother! Preston also loves the slide and just climbing on anything he can. So fun!

The boys love mega blocks!!

~Teamwork!~

Thursday, May 10, 2012

February 2012. Good, Bad and Bittersweet.

Like the title states, February was an emotionally weird month. We went through another round of IVF using our remaining 2 frozen blastocysts. FAIL! I posted about it a few entries ago. More than 2 months later, I'm still trying to move on. I don't feel like posting about my thoughts and all the random things that are going through my head regarding the failed cycle, what to do next, etc. Maybe another time...

We signed the boys up for My Gym. The last time I had set foot in the place was when I took Karissa for a birthday party. I fought HARD to keep back the tears. I did a fairly good job. The boys loved it!! And I love it too, mainly because my boys are just plain awesome and are learning new things every time we go. Yes, I'm very proud but also very thankful that my boys are healthy.

When I used to take Karissa to Gymboree, she was always off doing something else. I worked so hard at trying to get her to sit during circle time or take part in the organized activities. It was always a struggle for me to take her because she just couldn't do things that the other kids were doing. It was truly heartbreaking for me. So, to see Preston and Ethan progressing so much at every class, just makes my heart so, so happy!

Preston and Ethan also had their first visit to the park. It was the first time back to this particular park since taking Karissa. All they wanted to do was run around and explore! It was fun and I love all the pictures that captured a memorable afternoon spent at the park.

The 8th. 46 months.

I'm still updating my blog but had to write something that's been on my heart and mind. I meant to post this on the 8th of this month but didn't get around to it. Anyways, two days ago, on the 8th, which was 46 months since Karissa went to heaven, I went out to lunch with two beautiful friends of mine. One of my friends that I was having lunch with lost her son on November 17th, 2011, almost 6 months ago. As we were sitting around the table, I mentioned the date and that it had been 46 months since Karissa died. I felt kinda strange mentioning it, as if one would think it's odd that I remember the 8th of every single month. Why not just keep track of the anniversary? But, my friend responded by saying that the she will ALWAYS remember the 17th of every month, even though most people won't and most probably don't care. She will always count every month that passes since her son's death. At that moment, I felt an instant bond with her.

I then asked her when her son's birthday was. I hadn't any clue and I wasn't even sure if I should ask the question. Would I offend her? Would she be a crying hysterical mess? But, I did because you know what, I knew that it would mean a lot to her just as it means a lot to me when people ask me when Karissa's birthday was. She was so happy I asked and said that they were going to celebrate his birthday every year just like Mark and I celebrate Karissa's birthday every year.

I get that people won't remember the birthday's and month anniversaries and so on. But, it is wonderful and comforting to know that there are other people in this world, like my cherished friend, that get it.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

January 2012

I'm completely frustrated with myself that I have somehow managed to get behind on my blog. So, here is another futile attempt to update my blog. Going all the way back to, um, January...

January was an exciting month. Mark and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We celebrated by going up to Mammoth for a few nights, without the twins! Yay! Unfortunately, the snow was terrible so we didn't get to ski much. It did snow like crazy the last day we were in Mammoth, so we were able to get in one full day of amazing skiing! We ate great food, drank good wine and relaxed. It was wonderful.

The most memorable part of the trip was when Mark surprised me with an anniversary band. I was completely surprised and had NO idea! I felt like I was getting engaged all over again. The pictures below captured the moment quite well.

~View from our balcony, looking down at Mammoth village~

~Love him!~

~Enjoying a margarita~

~SNOW!~

~A bottle of wine at a wine bar we visited~

After Mark and I returned from Mammoth, we were off to San Diego the next day. We stayed at the Grand Del Mar, the most beautiful resort I have ever visited. Mark was receiving an award so we were there to attend an awards banquet. The award he received was the Physician Exceptional Contribution Award. I was informed that it is a great honor to receive this award, the highest award one can receive from the organization where Mark is employed. I was very proud of him (and still am)!! I am married to an amazing guy who works so hard and gives back to the community in many different ways.

~All fancy!~

~Mark receiving his award and giving his speech. So proud of him!~

The boys are growing like weeds. We didn't take many pictures during the month of January. Once again, I am amazed at how much they are learning on a daily basis. They never cease to amaze me!