A couple of pictures

This is Rob feeding Valentino some yogurt. He was making the cutest faces that I just had to grab the camera and take a few. The back of his hair is so curly it looks like he has a perm!
This was when we were leaving to go to Mya's school Christmas program.

Mariano a little under the weather, but we couldn't pass up a picture opportunity.

I just saw this one on Rob's command web page of their homecoming.
Can't believe that Christmas is only 2 days away. I don't know who is more excited- the kids to open their presents, or me to watch them open their presents. It's going to be so much fun. Rob has been on leave for a while now and we are loving having him home everyday. Mya and Mariano started their school vacations on Monday. Today was a nice low key day at home just the way I like it.
Obama is in town and has been working out at the gym here on base every morning. My friend got to shake his hand this morning. I was jealous, but I was sleeping in so that was just as much of a treat. The kids have been getting gifts, gift cards and money in the mail lately which excites them beyond belief. Thank you all for the thoughtfulness. Hopefully once Obama takes over office and the economy isn't as bad we can reciprocate, ha ha. Much love and we will be in touch. Merry Christmas!

My apologies

Just wanted to inform everyone that although I intended to, I did not send out Christmas cards this year. Life has been crazy busy and as all of the Christmas cards started coming in the mail (thank you all) it dawned on me that I never even got around to sending any out. To all of you out there that are on top of things and sent us a card, we appreciate it. We all love you and hope to be reunited soon. Have a very Merry Christmas, or as we say in Hawaii...Mele Kalikimaka.

Daddy's home!!

Rob got home the day before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately though, the arrival time kept changing. First he was supposed to get home at 4am, then it changed to 6:30am and it ended up being about 8:30am. The kids knew he'd be home soon, I just didn't give them an exact date because I wanted to surprise them. My best friend Angie knew of my hope to surprise them and volunteered to have Mya and Mariano spend the night over at her house. This was not only very helpful and appreciated by me, but it is a real treat for them also. Not only was it a school night, but they adore Angie's kids-they are like family to us. Angie and I concocted a story as to not arouse their suspicion because spending the night on a school night is usually out of the question. She told them that her son Kanyon, who is 3 and Mariano's best bud, finally pooped in the potty that night and that his reward was their company. It worked great and the plan went off without a hitch.
The next morning Valentino and I got up and I got us both ready. We got in the car and headed to his hangar. We got there right on time. His plane however, did not. Being in the Navy myself and having made my own deployments, I pretty much expected the delay. It wasn't too bad though since I knew I was going to have a great reward in the end. They had complimentary coffee and breakfast there for all of the families waiting for their loved ones to arrive which I thought was really nice. Lots of decorations and signs and leis. I casually sipped a cup of coffee while I followed the ever curious Valentino around all of the people and things in the hangar. Finally after much anticipation, the announcement we had all been waiting for! Daddy's plane was 5 minutes out. The loud cheers startled Valentino, so I swooped him up into my arms to distract him and held on tightly explaining that Daddy was almost here as if I were talking to a 5 year old. Amazingly enough he immediately calmed down.
Then I saw this. (the pictures are clickable for larger viewing)

I closed my eyes, prayed for a safe landing, and was unable to hold back my tears of joy. My heart was pounding as if I had just run a marathon. The torture of being apart was almost over!
I wish I could encapsulate the feeling and share it with all of you to swallow. It was amazing. If my restrictive vocabulary allowed I would translate the overwhelming feeling I was experiencing. But unfortunately, you'll just have to take my uneducated word for it.
All I could think was what in the world is taking so long? It felt like eternity.
Yay!!! Our missing puzzle piece is only feet away from us now.
I swallow the lump in my throat and peer through the crowd hoping to catch a glimpse of my husband coming down the ladder.
Eventually I see him and his expression validates that he too see's me. It feels like there are miles between us as he maneuvers through the crowd to get to me and Valentino. Then before I know it, there he is- my soul mate, right in front of my eyes. We're touching. We're kissing. We're crying. We're laughing. We're smiling from ear to ear. It's over. Thanks be to God for bringing him home safe.
Valentino takes right to his Daddy as if he never left. We race to the car, not even waiting for his baggage. We want to go home. We spent the day together and it takes all Rob has to control his urges to just go pick the kids up early from school so he can see Mya and Mariano. He keeps asking me if it is time yet. Eventually the time had come and we leave to pick up our children. First we go to Mya's school to pick her up. I walk ahead of Rob who is carrying Valentino, and Mya walks up to me and asks if she can go to the front of the school to spend her quarter on something. I honestly can't even remember what it was that she was asking exactly because I was so anxious for her to see her Dad. So, I'm trying to divert her attention off of the quarter burning a hole in her pocket and we eventually just end up standing there without speaking a word. She's looking past me and I'm studying her face waiting for her to notice him and make the connection. Suddenly her eyes light up and her mouth opens wide and off she goes. She has spotted him. I'm over joyed with emotion, as are they.
They are ecstatic to be reunited. We stand there and reconnect for a minute then we're off to surprise Mariano. We get to his school, open the door and Mariano runs right past Rob, Mya and Valentino and hugs my legs. I'm still not sure if he was confused or nervous, but Rob starts talking to Mariano and he is immediately receptive. They hug and kiss and Rob stares at Mariano, just taking him all in. Our family is now complete. Off we go.
We have a wonderful day together and Thanksgiving is better than ever. Rob didn't have to return to work until Tuesday, so we got to bond for a few days. Being together again was blissful to say the least. Everything fell right into place as if he had never left. The kids are having a great time getting reaquainted with their Daddy. He's quickly becoming the favorite parent much to my demise.
Valentino follows his Daddy around everywhere he goes. Here you can see him standing in the bathroom while Rob shaves and gets ready for work.
We've been keeping Mariano's hair pretty long as we were going for the "surfer" look. He is so handsome! While Rob was gone we were toying with the idea of cutting his hair. Rob wanted to atleast wait until he got back and I complied. So two days after Rob got back, we decided we would just do it, afterall- it's just hair! It will always grow back. So here is the new kid around our house.
What do you think? He's got the face that can pull off any hair do. Although it admittedly took me by surprise at first, I have to say that I love it on him. It took a little getting used to and I still continue to accidentally pour too much shampoo when washing his hair. He loves his new hair and says that its cut like his Daddy.

So that is pretty much it. I know that it has taken me a long time to finally post this, but you've got to understand that we had lots of lost time to make up for. God brought our family back together and I am forever grateful. Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts. We love you.

On a rainy day

in Hawaii, there isn't much to do. Today was dark, rainy and windy all day long. Since we were stuck in the house we decided to make a dessert pizza. The kids had a great time pitching in while Valentino slept. We started by making the "dough" out of cookie mix. Then we whipped some heavy cream and added that to some cream cheese frosting to use as the "sauce". Topped that with fresh fruit and voila- dessert pizza made by the Barolin kiddos. Mya said that it tasted heavenly.




We're still waiting on Daddy to return. We are all so excited. I've even been burning the midnight oil because I can't sleep with all of these butterflies in my stomach.

Sometime this month

Daddy will be home hopefully before Thanksgiving! We don't have an exact date yet, but we are so excited to be a family again! The kids and I are waiting with baited breath! Keep your fingers crossed for a quick and safe return...

Halloween

Mariano

Mariano: Can we go to Madelyn and Jakobs house because I like their house
Me: Not right now, but we can go to our house and we have lots of toys there
Mariano: Oh well, I like our house too. Because I can put my feet on the couch
Me: *chuckle*

Crankypants!

I want some of these for Valentino. Who can knit me up a pair real quick?
Crankys

Groundhog day...

That is the only way to describe my days everyday. From the time I get up I continue to run run run all day until finally night comes and I fall asleep on the couch every night. Momma needs her Daddy to come home. Life is too crazy busy over here. The kids have been sick, sick, sick and I feel like I am constantly at the Dr.s office. Lets see....Mya had strep throat with Scarlett Fever, missed 2 days of school, then Mariano started running a fever and throwing up constantly so we had an ER trip. Valentino has a very runny nose that I can't keep up with. His molars are coming in, so he is super fussy. We're still waiting on Mya's front teeth to make their grand appearance. We were at the Dentist about 2 weeks ago and they took xrays and said they are on the brink. Valentino had his 1 year well baby check and is in the 75th percentile for his height and weight. He's 24 pounds now. He had to get a TB shot and didn't even whimper. I was shocked. We have to go back Monday to have it read and he has to get the rest of his immunizations (4 shots), so I'm sure that will be another lovely day. The Dr put him on medication because poor baby is constipated all of the time. I've been putting him on the potty and he poops in it already. After the time we had with Mariano I figure it's never too early to start.
I talk to Rob everyday and we've got about 80 days apart left. He is doing alright, as well as can be expected. It really helps brighten my days hearing his voice. He is a ray of sunshine.
Mariano can spell his name now, he can't write it yet though. He is having some issues in preschool that I'm trying to deal with. Apparently he doesn't want to do what the rest of the class is doing and prefers to do his own thing. He's very defiant at home and we've got him in therapy once a week to try to work on his cooperation and oppositional behaviour.
Mya has been taking tests at school to determine AGT eligibility. Still waiting on the results, so I'll keep you posted. She also expressed interest in a Japanese class that they are offering starting on Wednesdays. I'm going to send in the required paperwork and see if she lands a spot. Next week I'm going to have lunch with her at school. Right now she has spend the night company so I guess I should cut this short. I'm sure I'm leaving out a lot of stuff, but I haven't the greatest memory in the world.

Valentino is 1

Happy Birthday baby boy!

In a little gazebo in Maine...

8 years ago today, I married the love of my life. We dated for 2 years. We were best friends. We still are best friends. We can talk all day long about nothing and anything. Who needs a big fancy wedding anyways? They're overrated. A lot of money and stress for a uniting that can be done just well all by yourselves. Ok, I admit it- I'm a hater! I may not have gotten the wedding of my dreams, but I sure got the man of my dreams! I still find it hard to believe that we've been together for 10 years, but I feel as though we know each other so well and we compliment each other. We have brought 3 amazingly precious and healthy children into this world together. They will always have us and we will always have them. Thank you for my babies. Thank you for being you, for the wonderful man that you are and your dedication to our family. It was on this day that I vowed to love, honor, cherish and respect you for all the days of my life and I stand by that today and always. I love you my love. Happy Anniversary! xoxo.

11 months

Ok, so I just realized that I'm a little late. He'll be 1 on the 23rd. Anyways heres a pic of him doing what he does best: eating and being cute! He took a couple of steps this morning! My boy is going to be walking soon. Aw, he's getting so big.

Livin the good life

This is what most of Mariano's days are like. Either playing this game that he got for his birthday or playing on the computer. Just look at him lounging. Man, if only I could be a kid again. They have really got it made. So care free.

mocos, mocos and more mocos

Both of the boys have had runny noses for a few days now, but feeling fine for the most part. Well lo and behold Monday morning rolls around and it's time for school. So Mariano comes into my room at around 5am and throws up all over the place. I rush him to the toilet, but by then it's pretty much done. I clean him up and lay him back down. I get my room cleaned and get V out of the crib and bring him downstairs, by this time I need coffee. So I get my pot of coffee started and then I feed Valentino a bottle (yes, I'm starting to wean him). After he eats he is ready for his "just woke up" nap. So I take him back to his crib and he ventures off to sleep. Meanwhile I am downstairs making Mya's lunch for school and I hear Mariano coming down the stairs. He gets to the bottom of the stairs and starts throwing up, so again I rush him to the toilet and he manages to get most of it in there. I start cleaning up again and realize that I still need to wake Mya up so I head upstairs. On my way down I hear Valentino stirring, but I want to get Mya's breakfast ready before I get him. I come downstairs check on Mariano (he's laying on the couch now) and make Mya something for breakfast real quick. Run upstairs to get Valentino now and when I open the door all I can smell is poop. I reach in to get him and realize that he has taken off his diaper and there is poop everywhere. Uggghhh! So I get him out, strip his crib, and take him straight to the bath. Get him all cleaned up and dressed, come downstairs, throw the laundry in and decide to call my neighbor friend Darcy to see if she will take Mya to school for me (her son goes to the same school). Luckily she obliges and I become a little less stressed. She even came over and brought me a cup of coffee :) I finish getting Mya ready and off she goes and Mariano throws up all over the couch. After I clean it up I decide to make him an appointment. They can see him at 9. I get all of us ready and head out. Get to the Drs office and Mariano starts acting fine. FINE? What? Yes fine. So we see the doctor she checks him out and says that nothing appears to be wrong. She looks in his ears, mouth etc. So I'm cool with that. We head out and I decide to stop by the commissary because we desperately needed milk and since Mariano appeared to be doing better I thought I might as well do it while we were already out. Now get ready for the best part of the day. I'm unbuckling the boys and our conversation goes like this:

Mariano: Mommy, I love you
Me: I love you too honey
Mariano: because you always take care of me
Me: Awww, that is a mommy's job sweetheart...to love you, protect you
and to take care of you
Mariano: and you always keep me from getting runned over
Me: lol
Mariano: can we get some chocolate milk from 'tarbucks now?
Me: naaa

Then I knew that my boy was feeling better.

Sweet, smart, precious, beautiful 2nd grader

Today was the 1st day. She was so excited! She gets out at 12:40 today, but tomorrow is the first full day. Mariano is in school today too and V is down for a nap. All is quiet in the Barolin house so Momma is going to relax for a bit. Bye bye.

Done!

Remember this?
Well I conjured up the energy to clean it finally and here it is now
So, my sisters stole the neat and orderly gene, but it's still much better than it was! One thing down on my list of things to do. *Happy dance*.

Mariano is 4

We had Mariano's birthday party today at a place called Glo Putt in the mall. Mariano loves to play golf, so I figured it would be perfect and he wouldn't get too hot since it's inside. He had lots of fun, lots of friends and lots of presents. Thank you TiTi and BG & Abuelo for the gifts you sent him.

I think I might be a hoarder

So this is pretty much what every closet in my house looks like. Partly because I'm a slob and always in a hurry and partly because I don't ever want to get rid of anything for fear that I may need it in the future for some reason or another.
Well, I've had enough of this clutter. I'm de-hoarding if you will. Check out how much room I have now. This is my laundry room before and after my efforts.












Not too bad, huh? Not the neatest in the world, but better nonetheless.



Next on my declutter agenda?
This messy disgusting closet. Here are some before pictures. I haven't started on it yet. But as you can see...cleaning is wayyyyy overdue! Don't envy me, do ya?








Ohhhh, where to begin?




We need a bigger house!



Wish me luck!

10 months!

Valentino Tristan Barolin

Happy Fathers Day Rob ~A tribute~

Since I have no Daddy to pamper and make happy all day long....you guessed it...I have TIME! I'll blog.
Remember all those "stars" that had to line up to bring us together? Call it fate, call it what you will, I call it "my destiny". That is what you are. God sure knew what he was doing when he joined these 2 hearts. Everything I have is because of you. You make all of my dreams come true. You put your family on a pedestal. You treat us like royalty. You make us laugh. You make us happy. You protect us. You stand up for us. You love us like no one has loved us before. You are the true meaning of Daddy. You are what every man should be. You are my greatest gift. Without you I am nothing. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have my precious children. You have helped mold them into the wonderful little beings that they have so far become. And it only gets better. They will only get better. Thanks to you and everything you stand for. How did you get your head on so straight? How did you learn to be such a beautiful person inside & out? Whatever the answer, I am eternally grateful. You may not think you're perfect, but you're perfect for me! This is for all the yummy fun treats you've made, the pallet nights you've put together, the stories you've read, the games you've played, the fishing, the laughter, the fun...there is no one else quite like you. You are a Dad for all to emulate*. We love you sweetheart. We appreciate you. We can't wait to hug and kiss you again. Happy Fathers Day. Thank you for our children. And as cliche as it may sound...you really do complete me!

*MY dad is also a perfect Daddy. I love you Dad. They say that every girls strives to find a husband like her own daddy and I think I succeeded. Happy Fathers Day to you and Abuelo too! Love you Abuelo!

Thanks Auntie Sandy!

Mya's blanket
Mariano's blanket
Mariano's towel
Mya's towel

And a cute little sister bag for moi

My sweet sister sent these towels and blankets that she made to the kids. She's so thoughtful and talented. We love them! Thanks Sansa, they are precious. We love you!

Kids + Flubber = FUN

This morning we made "flubber" it's kinda like play doh, only better. It's made with glue, but amazingly enough, it isn't sticky. We added some blue food coloring to give it a tie dye effect. The kids had a blast making it and it also occupied them for most of the day. Later in the day we headed out to the bike trail and they got to ride. Mya is like an old pro on her bike now. Mariano rode his tricycle all the way up the trail and back with out complaining. I ran behind them with V in the stroller. Great day, but it was very hot out!