Black Friday

Yes I am one of those crazy people that get up at 4am to go shopping. My sister and I have been doing it for 11 years now. We have a ball. I try to get all my shopping done at this time because I don't have any other time since I'm working long hours. My sister and I have a route that we take every Black Friday. We stay out until my car is overloaded then we go home to unload and hit the mall. It took us 30 minutes to park in Valley Fair. How insane!

So you're probably wondering how I can do this with three kids? Since it's 4am, the kids are all asleep still. Erdy is home with them until I come home around 8ish. I took Nate with me to the mall and luckily he cooperated with us. All in all, it was a fun day.

There's a lot to be thankful for...

Besides the great meal and the many desserts we'll have, there's a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. First and foremost, my family will all be together to celebrate and share a feast. The kids are all doing well. They are all healthy, happy and full of life. Nicolas joined our family and now we are complete. He just melts our hearts every time he smiles or giggles. He is such a happy baby. Nathan has learned so much in the three months of school. Noah looks up to Nathan and copies everything Nathan does. Erdy has been wonderful. I can honestly say that Erdy puts in his fair share in our marriage and fatherhood. Most dads aren't as involved with their kids. Erdy does it all. I am lucky to have a husband who is a loving father and an understanding partner.

My dad had his surgery a week ago and what a miracle his recovery has been. For that, I am thankful. It's as if he never had surgery. He has been able to manage his pain and he has not found a need to take pain medication. He is determined to get better. He's already back to walking at least a mile a day.

My two moms are here. Mama Tina has been a tremendous help with Nicolas while Erdy and I are away at work. My mom has taken over the kitchen. They both have taken over many of the housework chores. So I am relaxed and confident that Noah and Nico are well taken care of. For that I am grateful.

Yes we have our moments and problems but at the end of the day, we have a home to go to and a family to come home to. There's a lot to be thankful for.

The latest in the Barlahan household...

So it has been a two week whirl wind. I started back at work two weeks ago and it's been nonstop since. I haven't been able to really stop working. In the morning, I go to work. I go home and I go to work. It's so busy at work that I can barely keep my head above water.

My parents arrived a week ago. So now I have my mother-in-law and my parents at our tiny house. I must admit so far so good. I'm so glad they're all here. With my crazy work schedule, I have a little lee way at home. I can do some work while they keep the kids entertained. Plus, we're all enjoying my mom's cooking...another task lifted off my shoulders.

We got the ikea bunk beds for the kids. They are enjoying it. Nate sleeps at the top and Noah at the bottom. We will transition Nico into the crib once the Christmas Center is over. Right now I need every bit of sleep I can get. Nico continues to tease me. He has been sleeping more through the night.

My dad's surgery is next week. We met with the pre-operative clinic today as well as the surgeon who will be doing his surgery. He is in good spirits which we're all thankful for. I can't wait until this nightmare is over. At least we can get back to semi-normal again.

I wish I can get more hours in the day. There's just too much to do. Until then...ta, ta for now.

Happy Halloween!

The boys had a great halloween. Nathan had a parade at his school so he got to wear his costume to school instead of his uniform. Of course, Noah wanted to join the parade so he wore his costume too and walked with Nathan. Noah is a regular fixture at Nate's school. He joins the class at circle time, does art work with them, and has snack there too. The teachers get a kick out of him.

After the parade, I took the boys to the youth center here in Santa Clara. They had a mini carnival. The kids got to go trick or treating, play games, jump on the bounce house and do arts and crafts.

They quickly ate dinner and went trick or treating with Erdy. They only went a few blocks (due to the cold and windy weather) and they got a huge load of candy. As a sugar police mommy, they were only able to choose two of their favorites and I hid the rest. They'll get them little by little as a reward for good behavior (ok bribery too).

Nico is three months old!

My little baby is now three months old. So hard to believe. He is holding his head up and when he is placed in his car seat, he tries to get up and sit up. You can find Nico in his best mood when he first wakes up. He giggles and babbles a lot. He has slept through the night three times now (what a teaser). But for the most part, he wakes up at 4am, drinks milk and goes back to sleep right after. For his three months old celebration, we went to Kara's cupcakes. I was a bit disappointed. Sprinkles is way better! He's growing up all too fast.