Cruise's Wreck-It-Ralph Party

Cruise's birthday started at about 7:30 in the morning. I was so excited for Cruise to open his presents from Dave & I and my parents. After convincing him that it was okay to open some presents, I led him into our room where he discovered a brand new work desk and chair from Grandma & Papa Greer. He also got an obnoxious singing hamburger card to go with it. He has loved having the desk and is working much better with his ABA tutors since he has a desk that fits him so well. Thanks so much guys!

He then opened our presents which were the movie Hotel Transylvania (one of his favorites) and a Fix-It-Felix watch. He had decided he'd like a watch rather than a brand new bike. Yeah, I know. But of course, it had to be Fix-It-Felix, so thanks to Amazon.com, I was able to find one.

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This year, Cruise wanted a Wreck-It-Ralph party. I quickly found out that Wreck-It-Ralph products are hard to come by. But luckily I was able to find a few things to tie the theme in. And thanks to Etsy, I was able to get some super cute invitations.

Because I am hugely pregnant, I didn't have it in me to to the whole giant backyard birthday this year. So we decided it would be an appropriate activity (considering the theme) that we have the party at Chuck-E-Cheese. All that was left to prepare was the cake, gift bags and balloons. 

The cake Cruise chose was the Fix-It-Felix building from the movie. I bought some amazing square pans with 90 degree angle corners so I wouldn't have to sculpt out a bunch of cake. For the cake, I decided to just do the box stuff rather than from scratch since I had so many other things I had to make from scratch. I did chocolate and vanilla cakes alternating, and put a rice crispy treat base at the bottom to hold the weight. So there were a total of 5 layers. I made a chocolate buttercream icing for between the layers and all around the cake to hold the fondant on. I made marshmallow fondant in brown, white and blue a day ahead so it could settle in the fridge overnight. Everything else, I relied on colored piping frosting. The cake toppers were just toys I was able to purchase on Amazon.com (luckily) but don't ask me how much I paid for them. 

The total time it took to make and decorate the cake was about eight hours. It wasn't my best work, but I did the best I could considering I had two unattended monkeys running around the kitchen poking the cake and stealing all my tools (not to mention they ran off with the cake toppers and lost them outside at one point). 

For the party favor bags I had to get a  little more creative. I ordered some inflatable hammers from Oriental Trading Co. and then picked up some candy and bouncy balls at the nearest party supply store. But really, the hammers were the big hit. Also in the bags were a thank you card that were also done by the same person who did the invitations.

Chuck-E-Cheese turned out great. All but one of his friends were able to attend and he was just so excited to have them all show up. They all played games until their tokens ran out, and then we had pizza and soda for lunch. Of course they had to do the "show" where Chuck-E comes out and frightens all autistic children everywhere, but Cruise held it together really well. I was quite surprised, but then again, he'd been talking about this party for months. I don't think he was going to let it get to him. After the show, we cut up the cake and served it. Most of the kids didn't touch theirs since they were too busy redeeming their tickets and running around the building. We were finally able to wrangle them up for gifts. Cruise received so many wonderful gifts, all of which he plays with every day now (he likes to hide them in his desk). I am confident he got everything he wanted for his birthday and then some.

I love Cruise's face here. He is trying so hard to not freak out.

Later that afternoon, Grandma & Grandpa Ybarra came over to give Cruise his present. Since they too found out that you can't find anything Wreck-It-Ralph, they were genius and made shirts! One had Wreck-It-Ralph, another had Fix-It-Felix, and lastly, one had a picture of himself, Jett & Dave from a fishing trip. They also gave him some money for school clothes/shoes, so that will be so nice! Thank you guys! 

And as always, Cruise said it was "the best birthday EVER!" I love that kid.

Today You Are Six...

Dear Cruise,

I am amazed at how quickly this past year has gone. In fact, I'm amazed at how quickly the past six years have flown! One minute you're a tiny little baby who can't stop wiggling and the next, you're a great big first grader who still can't stop wiggling! But either way, I love you more and more each and every day.

Cruise, you have grown to be such a sweet and happy boy. I admire how much you love life and how you spread your enthusiasm to all those around you. I love that you truly live each day to its fullest without skipping a beat. I have loved spending more time with you this summer and learning more about your likes and dislikes, your passions, your talents and interests, and have truly enjoyed your sense of humor. You make me laugh and smile every single day, and I will never grow tired of it.

This past year you learned so much! You started learning how to sight read and do some math. You have become quite the artist and love to practice drawing and writing words. You made some good friends and have been blessed with teachers who see you the way I do. Probably one of the coolest things you learned this year was how to fish! I am always amazed at how good of a fisherman you are and how patient you are when you're out on the water, waiting for a bite. It makes me so happy to see you doing something you love!

This next year you'll be in a new school again and making new friends. But I am confident you will be able to adjust pretty well since you are so good at being a friend to others. I am so excited for you to learn and experience new things this year! You might have some not-so-fun experiences that I wish with all my heart I could prevent, but unfortunately there are somethings I can't control. However, I will always have your back and will do everything I can to help you learn, grow and feel loved.

I know sometimes other kids can be mean and not treat you the way you should be treated. I know there will be kids who will say and do mean things that will make you sad, but please don't let them break your beautiful spirit. Always remember that there are nice kids too and that you are such a wonderful boy! Never lose your love for others and for life.

You are such a wonderful brother and I am so excited for you to have a new one to play with soon! I love watching you play with Jett because you two are the best of friends and are so kind to each other. Thank you for being such a good brother and friend. Jett loves you so much!

Cruise, thank you for being my son. Daddy and I are so blessed to have you as our oldest boy. You teach us so much and are such a great example to us every day. I am so sorry we aren't perfect, but thank you for being so patient with us! My life would be so boring without you; you truly bring so much color and excitement to our home and I love that you are in our family.

Don't ever change, Cruise, because you are beautiful inside and out.

Happy Birthday Kiddo! I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Campin' & Fishin' With the Boys

They talked me into it. I must be crazy. I went camping and fishing with the boys and they were so excited to have me come along. I was on the fence about it, but Dave insisted I come. He even borrowed his parents' giant tent and blow up mattresses so that I could be as comfortable as possible. Shoot, he even brought the Luggable Lou!

The drive up to Silver Lake isn't too bad, unless you're 7 months pregnant. Off-roading it is not the most comfortable way of travel when you have to hold your belly and breathe through the contractions, but I made it! We got there after dark and my sweet husband let me just relax while he put up the tent and got the mattresses all inflated. Once we got the beds made, I read the boys their bedtime stories, said prayers, and kissed them goodnight. Dave & I got situated and after laying on the mattress for about 10 minutes I realized that I was more comfortable than usual. Turns out, the inflatable mattress is more comfortable than my bed at home! I had my usual giant pregnancy pillow with me and I also noticed that because it was so cold up there, I slept better than I have in months! It was wonderful! (AND, I only had to pee once in the middle of the night. So that was awesome as well.)

The boys asleep in their sleeping bags. Cruise is snuggling his Teddy and his Evie doll that Aunt Charlotte made him when he found out he wasn't going to get a baby sister.

We all woke up around 7ish, Dave got the hot cocoa started and I got the boys & myself dressed. We ate cocoa and cereal, and then the boys explored while Dave packed up camp and let me relax. It really was a wonderful camping experience.

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We then headed down to the lake at about 8:30am and Dave inflated the raft while I slathered the boys in sunscreen. We carried all the stuff down the rocky hill leading to the lake and we were off! The first hour was not too bad. Cruise immediately caught a fish, but made the very sporting decision to let it go because it was just too small. After a lot of complaining from the 3 year old, Jett finally caught one and then said he was done fishing. I was actually surprised at how much that kid complained and yet he is always asking to go fishing! Cruise did awesome and only complained that he wasn't catching any more fish. After the second hour, going on the third, I was getting tired, hungry, and incredibly uncomfortable. I was holding Jett's rod and an umbrella to shade not me, but the little Prince Jett.

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At one point we thought Cruise had caught a fish and so Dave had sat up to help him reel it in when he realized that he had been sitting on the handle of his pole. As he sat up, the pole went into the water and quickly sunk to the bottom of the lake. I felt so bad. Unfortunately we couldn't recover it, so I guess I know what I'm getting him for Christmas this year!

Finally the boys decided they were done fishing and wanted to jump in the water. Unfortunately, we only had one fish and I decided it was probably because I am bad luck when it comes to fishing. We never seem to catch many when I come along. So we let Cruise jump in and out of the water while Jett only soaked himself from the waist down. I went to shore and headed to the car to get the boys pajamas since they had swam in their clothes. After getting them changed, we headed back up the hill and loaded into the car.

I was not in my best mood by that time mostly because of how much pain I was in and because my blood sugar had plummeted. So Dave passed around apples, string cheese and crackers and we all munched.

We got home after lunchtime and these crazy boys asked to go fishing again after dinner! Dave and I were way too exhausted. But, that just meant they'd have to wait until the next day, because Dave took them fishing after work that Saturday! I stayed behind and did some school shopping for the boys. And of course, they caught 5 fish! Dave came home and told me that they aren't very creative when it comes to naming the fish. They named them all "Agent".

I honestly don't know how Dave takes those boys fishing/camping so often! It really is quite the ordeal and depending on how hot it is, it can be quite exhausting. Props to that man! Luckily, he enjoys it just as much as the boys do. I wish I could really get into the whole fishing thing, but I don't know if I ever will. Maybe it's because I am hugely pregnant; maybe I'll enjoy it more next year. But I did learn that I do enjoy camping with those guys! Especially if I get to sleep on an inflatable mattress!

Silver Lake

Last week after getting rained out at Vivian Park, their usual fishing grounds, the guys decided to scout out Silver Lake. They each caught a fish and returned excited to tell me about their new fishing spot.

So this past Thursday evening, Dave came home excited with the idea that he should take the boys camping last minute to Silver Lake so they could get some early morning fishing in on Friday. So quickly we rounded up their gear and essentials and they headed off at about 8:30pm. Those crazy kids.

When they got there, Jett was asleep, so Cruise helped Dave put up the tent and they all finally went to bed at about 10:30. The boys woke up and Jett, after realizing where he was, said to Dave, "Camping is fun!" After getting dressed and getting a quick breakfast of cereal and hot cocoa, they packed up camp and headed out for the lake.

They got to the lake and filled up the raft to take out onto the water. Cruise was the first to catch a fish using their new bait, the Wooley Bugger, their new bait of choice. After Jett finally followed Dave's directions of letting his line out longer, he too was able to catch a fish. In total, they caught 4 fish: 2 small and 2 12-inchers. They were home by 11:00am and were excited to tell me all about their camping/fishing trip!

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The Boys: An Update

Cruise

Cruise has been having a great summer. He has been doing ABA and is working really well with his tutors. He has been flying through all the lessons that they can't keep up!

Lately he's been having to carry his hammer around because he wants to be like Fix -it-Felix from Wreck-it-Ralph, but luckily we've been able to get him to be okay with leaving it at home sometimes. He is getting really excited for his 6th birthday which, of course, will be a Wreck-it-Ralph theme. We asked him if he'd like a new bike for his birthday and he responded, "No, my bike is good. I don't need a new one. I want a Fix-it-Felix watch!" There is no other child I know of that would refuse a brand new bike. But Cruise knows what he wants, and he wants a Fix-it-Felix watch! So, luckily I was able to find one on Amazon. Whew!

Cruise has been getting better at identifying his sensitivities. A couple weeks ago at church he came running out of Primary, hugged me and said, "Mommy, it's too loud in there. Can I wait with you?" I was so proud of him for leaving rather than having a meltdown! And just this past week he approached me with a coupon to Kangaroo Zoo asking if we could go there. For those of you who don't know, Kangaroo Zoo is a giant warehouse full of blow-up bounce houses, which Cruise is notorious for being deathly afraid of. Ever since he was a baby, he would run from them, FAR. He had been there for a birthday party earlier this year and despite it taking him 5 minutes to even enter the building, he did really great once he got playing. So I was really surprised when he insisted on going to Kangaroo Zoo just out of nowhere. I said, "Are you sure? It's not too loud?" He replied, "It's okay. I'll wear my headphones, or cover my ears!" So after ABA the other day, we headed to Kangaroo Zoo. When we pulled up, he started to get a bit worried, but insisted that we go inside. I put his headphones on him and he entered the building, only wearing his headphones for no more than a minute. He got a big smile on his face and said, "See, it's not so bad!" He and Jett had a blast from there on out. I was so proud of him for confronting his fears and pushing through his sensitivities.

We finally got the letter from the district telling us where Cruise will be going to school this next year. I was able to find out a little about who the teacher is and I am very hopeful! He is supposed to be an excellent teacher! I'm so glad I have one less thing to stress about. 

Jett
Jett has also been enjoying his summer. He and Cruise spend a lot of time outside, especially in their pool. He has been very patient with Cruise and loves to play with him. He also looks forward to the evenings to play with his little buddy Dylan.

I've been trying to prep him for the new baby, seeing that he is used to being the baby right now. I gave him a lesson in diaper changing and swaddling. He even took the initiative and put the "baby Teddy" in the crib and read him a story. I am hoping he will adjust nicely to the new baby come September.

Jett has been really into "roly polies" aka potato bugs and worms. He likes to go out into the garden and dig for them, then spends an hour or two playing with them until they die from too much "fun". I try to get him to keep the worms alive, but the potato bugs I give him full access to. Which he loves.

Jett has been practicing his drawing and has actually been drawing people now. It's fun to see him develop and learn new things, especially when he's so excited about it! He likes to draw pictures of monsters as well and tell us stories about them.

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Miles
Well, I'm at about 29 weeks now. Last week I went in for the one hour glucose test feeling very hopeful, but ended up failing it. Again. So I had to make arrangements to go in for the three hour. The three hour sounds about as fun as it is. You have to go in fasting, get your glucose checked, drink an orange solution with about 10 times more sugar than regular soda (this drink doesn't have the fun carbonation), and get your glucose checked every hour for 3 hours. I don't know how I did it with the other two boys, but this was just not my day.

De-lish.

I went in feeling fine, drank the solution without gagging, and then left to get some things at the grocery store. As I walked around the store, I started feeling a bit nauseated and began praying I could keep that horrible devil juice in my stomach. I made it out to the car, got inside, shut the door, opened the door, and threw up every last drop. Oh, it gets better. Because of how many kids I've had, I have zero control of my bladder when I puke, so needless to say, I was sick and very wet.

After crying and wiping off the side of my car, I got back in and headed for my doctor's office. I waddled my soggy bottom into the foyer and told the nurses that I had thrown up all the solution. They responded, "Oh, well, you'll have to come back and do it again another time then." I looked at them as if they had told me I'd have to do back handsprings and said, "NO. I will do the diet, I will check my blood sugar every two hours, I don't care. I am NOT doing that AGAIN!" Luckily my doctor is awesome and said to just follow the diet for the rest of my pregnancy without having to check my glucose levels. So I can live with that.

Now being in my 3rd trimester, things have gotten a lot more difficult. Braxton-Hicks have begun and I am constantly contracting in the evenings and throughout the day. My ligaments in my abdomen are being tested and are painfully stabbing me while I try to sleep. Charlie Horses are aplenty. And I have about as much energy as a slug. I feel like a walking zeppelin. So yeah, it's a lot of fun.

However, Miles seems to be growing healthy and strong. He is moderately active. I'd say he fits between Cruise's constant moving and Jett's need to snuggle. When I'm in the car by myself and crank the radio, he dances until I turn the music off. He moves a lot when he hears Cruise talking as well.

I have gotten pretty much everything ready for the little guy. I just need a lamp for his room and lots of diapers, wipes and formula. The boys helped me pick out his Teddy and have been joining in the anticipation for a new little baby. Cruise doesn't remember when Jett was born, so they are experiencing this together and it's a lot of fun to see them talk about the baby.

Here's to the next 10 weeks!