Put Another Candle on the Birthday Cake...

Birthday girl had a party at the nanny's!

And looks like she had a great time. =)

All Hands on Deck...

Big boss has informed us that ETA of the next high-profile project (which I've been doing critical development work on for the past 6+ months) is THIS SUNDAY. Depending on how my portion of it goes, it will either be a big success or a big fail that will be my responsibility. Indeed, my work responsibilities have grown in difficulty and ownership over the few years making this time around seem even more anxious. No pressure. =P From prior experience, I am expecting 80 hour work weeks of lab confinement. Probably some heated stressed moments and arguments. Hopefully some high fives and little successes...

I have my office stocked with healthy food and LOTS of coffee beans. The work fridge freezer is stocked with my frozen veggies. A spare set of running shoes is hiding in my cabinet. (Last time I recall needing to go for a run around the parking lot at 2am with pent up energy.) A Costco run will most definitely happen as I whip up massive amounts of food to freeze that will feed Ryan and the kiddies for the next few weeks. Sleeping bag and pillow are coming with me to the lab this time around. At least I didn't miss out on Emilia's 3rd birthday.

Okay work, BRING IT.

Happy 3rd Birthday my baby girl!!

As if the day couldn't come soon enough, she woke up twice late last night/early this morning, with the last one at 5:30am. As I went in to check on her, she asked me "Is the sun up? Can I get up yet for my birthday party?" I told her not yet, but soon. And she obediently said "Okay" and laid back in bed, while containing her excitement and exuberance for the day to begin.

Birthdays are so special and magical for kids. Ryan and I have been so swamped with work that it has been last minute getting something together for Emilia. A tad bit late in being able to throw her a big party, but she'll get several birthday songs and mini-cakes. =)

Going to be a SPARTAN!!!

My hubby knows me perfectly.. with the perfect Valentine's gift!! Oh yes. By this time next year, we will be Spartan accomplished.. hopefully. =)

Half-marathons, Mud runs, zombie obstacles.. bleh! Easily do-able. But the Spartan Race, so I hear, raises the bar another level up. Obstacles from past races include jumping over fire, rope climbs, spear throwing and burpee penalties for missing the target, lifting heavy loads from point A to B, swinging across rope bars or balance beams, surviving unscathed past gladiators, etc. I am very excited to have another goal/race to train for this year. And the best part is that Ryan will be doing this with me. Best. Valentines. Gift.





This will be my motivation to hopefully keep me training even through the anticipated work crunch that is approaching in T-10 days!

So Happy Together

Emilia, the Big Sis

They don't always get along, but when they do, Emilia is definitely a natural at being a Big Sis to her lil' bro. She loves to feed him.



In other news, our camera broke over the weekend! Oh no. So.. hopefully we'll have a new camera all figured out and ready to go soon and be able to continue photo/video documentation of the kiddies.

More Non-Toy Fun...

So in a prior post, I had mentioned that we have started to limit their toys. In one sense it's great for us, less toys and less mess (and hopefully less tantrums), in the other sense, we get to see what alternatives the kiddies come up with for fun!

Parental Fail : A New Resolution

This post is mostly for myself. Lately I have been having a hard time with Emilia. Actually.. probably the past year. =P This stage is called the "Terrible Twos" afterall... but really, it's not her that is terrible, but me. 2s and 3s are the age when there is an awareness that they have an individual identity and own consciousness. They exert it through challenging what we ask of them, stating their opinions and wants. This is what they are suppose to do and the journey of self understanding and confidence starts now for them. So, I am suppose to encourage them and foster that independence. Not the easiest. Whether it be a temper tantrum or constant "nos" or just not listening, I find myself with a short temper, impatient, and resorting to negative disciplining. Sigh.

Truth be told, to be a good parent has nothing to do with how cute of a lunch box I can make my kids or what I can give them. Those are the easy parts. The hard part is, at the end of the day, I feel too tired or too short-tempered or too stressed about all that needs to be done, to deal with situations and I take the easy way out.. which usually ends up with a crying, dejected little girl. Not only am I stripping her of an invaluable trait of self, but I am teaching her that conflict resolution is through yelling, time outs, and pretty much forcing my will on her. At the end of the day, more often than not, I know I can handle these situations better and that I can be a better parent. The way I deal with the situation is what needs to change. So, I am posting this because with any of the self-improvement programs, the first step is admitting the problem. Also, since I'm posting this, that means it is public and I have to follow through with what I say!

Belated New Years resolution is for me to learn how to parent. I thought parenting comes naturally, but I find I parent based on my limited knowledge and what I have experienced, not necessarily what is most beneficial for my kid and her personality. I was recommended this book by another mom who told me this book changed her life and relationship with her kid.

Easy to Love, Difficult to Disclipline by Rebecca Bailey

It's better I learn this now than when Emilia is a teenager!

Misc Back-Tracking: Holiday Travels

Backtracking a bit on this blog post. We had a road trip travel to visit family over the holidays and here are some photos from that time frame.

A rainbow on the drive up...

A not-so-quick lunch stop to feed the kiddies...

And a good dose of family time..

Chillin' with Auntie Jess

Got to see cute cousin E...

And snow on our drive back home...

I was trying to video the snow falling on the windshield, but ended up getting a nice surprise of Emilia and Ryan singing her birthday song.



Yes, she's been looking forward to her next birthday for the past year (haha!) and asking for a party and of course, cake.