MILKBELLY

A Bag O'Chips and More...

2011-04-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

My mom and I just finished a whole bag of "Crunchie"...doritos, cheetos, cheese sunchips, pretzels....WHAT????? This item is no longer allowed in my home. :)

Bigger and "Bedder"

2011-01-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

So, sleep has been so good...had been so good that is.

CHARLIE....OLIVIA and now....now...my sweet LILY! (Jack...that boy has slept through the night since he was two weeks old and is still doing it!)

I mean, we got a California King because we aren't small people. The two of us. We never thought it would be, the three, um, the four...wait, the FIVE of us (On a good day six)!

This morning proved us wrong.

It was only four o'clock, but I woke to the usual suspects, one on my right and one on my left, however someone new was there. I felt a sweet little feather like, sweeping motion over my arm, as it swung off the edge of the bed with hardly any feeling left in it, but just enough to sense the itty bitty touch of my peanut. She even whispered, "MAmA?", in that danty, soft voice. How could I say no. It wasn't the regular banging of one door, with the shoving open of another, proceeded by loud foot steps and then a slight , but very deep, grunt, "MMMAAAMMMAA...UUUUPPP!" Or the oldest crawling up the middle trying not to be noticed for fear of rejection. It was the sweet little Lily, who has apparently moved on to bigger and "bedder" things, and since I actually like it, but don't tell any of my little turkeys, I think we need to start shopping for a bigger BED!

2011-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Mrs. R’s Class is Taking Action

This week we’ve been reading stories such as My Mommy Goes to Haiti, Nubs and Winter’s Tail, books which all are about helping others. The definition of action is, “something a person can do.” As a class we have been discussing ways we can “take action” and help others. One idea we came up with was to raise money for Haiti and the earthquake victims. With the anniversary fast approaching of that devastating earthquake, we thought this would be a perfect place to start. We also discussed how lucky we are to have the things we have, especially just after the holiday season, and how so many other places in the world don’t even have running water.

We decided collecting aluminum cans and plastic bottles would be a great way to help the Earth and other people. If you would like to help support us, we will be collecting recyclable cans and bottles for the rest of the school year. So send them in as you get them, and we’ll be happy to collect, store, turn them in and pay it forward!

Another way to help is to check out the website, www.mommygoestohaiti.org. This non-fiction book was written and illustrated by a 2nd grader (one of my former students) and her mother. All proceeds from the book go to the rebuilding of Haiti. It’s an adorable book, with great meaning, beautiful pictures, and factual information. Olivia and I read it every night and she especially loves the part about the “tap-taps”.

clocks tick, time soars, it keeps on moving and it's never a boar

2010-12-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

Wow...almost a year later...isn't there another phrase for "time flies"? I can't believe it's almost been one year since I wrote and it's four in the morning...seriously Mama...go to bed. I woke up at two and realized I wasn't in my bed...not what you're thinking! I was on the floor of the twins' room with a zebra (stuffed that is)as my guide...talk about a wild night! :)

The babes are great, just transitioning from cribs to toddler beds and doing a fine job at it! Just need a mama from time to time....

J is great too...POTTY TRAINED!! woot, woot! It only took: cheerios, stamps, stickers, trains, up, down, sitting, standing and GOLD! Such a big boy...couldn't be prouder!

O is her usual amazing self. She reads, writes, LOVES school and being the boss....of all of us!

I need to hit the hay because time is flying....just wanted to touch base with you my sweet little blog..I'm promise I'll be a better friend and meet up with you at least once a week....maybe later in the day?

x0xo

Milkbelly Mama

LUCKY!

2010-02-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

One Year, Seizure, Joe-Joe's, Snails, Walking AND Sleeping on their own...OH MY!!!
It's been a busy month here at the Ramirez House.
We started with a bang...Charles and Liliana turned ONE!! They made it. We made it. Those around us made it. It was worth a huge (cowboy/cowgirl) celebration....and we sure partied down on the farm, well technically in the barn, since it was raining...but it was still fun none-the-less. They held hands as we sang "Happy Birthday" and their "ETSY bib/t-shirt combos" became covered in Blue and Pink frosting. It was such a sweet moment. I feel so lucky.
Just a few days after their birthday, Charlie had a seizure. It was horrible and awful. We are thankful it was fever related, something that came on in minutes. Even if it's common, it was still awful and I would never wish that on anyone. The doctors were awesome and I feel so lucky that it wasn't something far worse.
Joe-Joe's became my diet of choice for the month. I think I went a couple of days without eating, not because I didn't want to, but there is just no time. So, A Joe-Joe, I did go...and go....and go. It's called the "Joe-Joe Diet" and now I've inflicted my addition onto my son. Jack's favorite words this month were, "I dunno" and "JOE-JOE Mama", I just love his little voice. I'm so lucky.
Lily started walking, just days ago. She is so cute and once I can get a little video, I'll post. She this sort of swagger and it's adorable. I'm so lucky.
Olivia is going to sleep on her own. A feat we weren't sure would ever come. We do one song....or three songs...or no songs....ok...one song. We then remind her that we will be up to check on her in a little bit and it seems to calm her and she falls asleep on her own. When "they" tell you not to rock your baby to sleep, "they" are right. BUT, the four years of laying with her, shh-shhing her and rocking her are worth it. I still love laying with her and even though, "they" say that, I don't care. I'm still rocking Lily and Charlie. It' s worth it. I'm so lucky.
Charlie ate a snail. That's all I'm saying about that. It was the grossest thing ever...EVER. I'm so lucky?????
Ya, I'm still lucky.

Special Times...

2010-01-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

It's the little special times in our lives that make us really reflect.

Tonight, our Mimi came to visit for what looks to be like a new tradition...Taco Tuesday and The Biggest Loser Night!! The kids love having her and so do we, however it's such a long show, that we decided it might have to be on Wednesday nights so we DVR it and watch it at 7:00 on Wednesday....Taco Wednesday? I guess?? Anyway, she is such a beautiful Mimi/Mama and we all enjoy every second we can have with her!!

Another special upcoming event...Mr Jack starts speech. This little guy is such an inspiration. He has had such a hard time in the past few months. He has been unable to communicate which makes him very frustrated. Frustrated with us, his sister and others. Frustrated because he can't tell us his wants, his needs and his desires. That must be the hardest feeling to feel EVER! We are really looking forward to his first day at speech therapy. Good Luck Mr. Jack, or Da Bubs! We all love you and can't wait to hear more words from sweet little You.

Back to Work

2010-01-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

First day back to work in 2010...what a great day!! The kids were exceptional and it felt good to be back into a routine! I spent the evening with some "Taco Tuesday...yum, yum, DEL!", painting...I'll post pictures later, watching Bella, Bella Bella Dancerella and Curious George! I'm now off to sort through the piles of (beautiful) hand-me-downs, thank you everyone for your generous items...we really use each and everyone of them and if we don't, we pass them along to someone who does. THANK YOU FRIENDS!

KIDS:

Lily is saying, "Daa-Daa"....whatever...lame...say your dad's name first, we'll be working on "Maa-Maa!" :)

Charlie is a BULLDOZER...knocks anything and everything out of his way, including other small children...like...er...his sister!! Poor Skilly!

Jack is trying really hard to speak and say more words...his favorite is: "No..I don't want that!" "Ah-ha!"

Olivia uses the term, "Gelous" instead of handsome....She says things like, "Jack, you need a little more 'gelous' in your hair so you can look 'gelous and handsome'...sooo funny!

HAPPY 2010!

2010-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all!! I can't believe it's 2010 and it only took me about 45 minutes to remember my correct username, password and address!! WOW...I own: 2 planners, numerous calendars, my Treo Phone, 2 computers, a work computer, and a plethora of other technology devices and I still manage to lose/forget EVERYTHING....when will I learn? I do remember my kid's names, ages and DOBs, my husband's name, his DOB, but not his age...shoot, I can't even remember my own and it's not selective, I swear!

Maybe this is a great time to get organized, a NEW DECADE a NEW ME!!! Me with TECHNOLOGEEEEE...that is!!! Stay tuned!

4MBU3 (4 Milk Bellies Under 3) Average Monday

2009-05-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

So 2 of my MB's came to work to visit me because I had to take Lily Pie to the doctor to have her hips checked...she was breech. Well, big sister just HAD to go with because she wants to be a doctor someday...or a trash truck man...she's still undecided. I think the latter would be a much less stressful job. Anyway....both girls were extremly well behaved, one pooped (thank goodness it was the baby) and the other took everything out of my purse, but again, they were so well behaved, I didn't care that my "personal" items were displayed all over the floor of the doctor's office, as long as there was no screaming or crying, have at it. When we finished the exam and Lily was all done, Olivia (big sister) said, "When is she going to get her shots?" I replied with, she isn't, it was just a check up." "OH MAN, she yelled, I wanted to see her get shots!" So was she along for emotional support or did she just want to see someone else get stuck with a needle instead of her? Who knows, but I'm glad she came along, she made me chuckle, more than once and even made Lily smile at her antics!

2009-04-16T15:47:00.001-07:00

P.S. Thanks Kim, for inspiring me....you are an amazing mother, dear friend and wonderful woman! :)

Inspired to write SOMEWHERE!!!

2009-04-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

My dear friend recently started a blog....a blog where I've enjoyed reading about her and her family, her ups and downs, her sad days and happy days...of course I don't enjoy reading about someone sad or in pain, but seeing her put those ups and downs in writing helps me understand, love and appreciate her even more.

So this is why I've started "blogging" again. I Facebook and am even starting to Tweet, while those are great, there's nothing like a good ole' blog to get your feelings and ideas out! A little "Doogie Howser" writing always helps calm the nerves...or is that the glass of wine I'm drinking while typing....it could be a new law...DON'T DRINK and BLOG....keep reading and we'll see! :)

I painstakingly have been trying to decide what to call my "new" blog. My friend's title is so clever. Then I questioned what the hell am I going to write about? Shoot...with the recent additions to my family (4 kids under 3 years old) and working full time, is there ever a dull moment? Does anyone want to read my ups and downs? Well, no one has to read it, but at least I know I'm putting it out there and getting it off my mind.

So hopefully reading what I have to say will help you understand, love and appreciate me even more...that's kind of a lot to ask for, so if you read it, I just hope you get a chuckle out of my everyday, sometimes not so ordinary life. Oooohhh, that might be a good name??? For now, I'm stick'n with MILKBELLY MAMA because that's me. (My babes have all had trouble with their little "milkbellies") So I find it only appropriate to keep this name, as they are the ones that make my days everyday and not so ordinary at times.

Keep reading and welcome to my world of FOUR little MILKBELLIES under THREE......

MILKBELLY Contest...Let's See YOUR Before and After

2008-05-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

MILKBELLY is looking for your "Before and After" pic! Please email us with your favorite before and after (using MILKBELLY Hairclips, of course) pictures and you could win your choice of 5 FREE MILKBELLY Clips!

The Original Milkbelly Baby....Miss O

2008-05-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

2008-01-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

Milkbelly Mamas