Do you know anyone coming to town... with not place to stay?!?!

My Sister in Law and I are starting a new 'business'. A few weeks ago she went to New York, and used a website called AirBnB.com. Its a place where people can rent out rooms in their houses, or their house'... It worked out really well for her. And just so happened that the guys in the apartment above mine were moving out. So Janin and I ran around town, and craigslist finding beds, sofa... in about 2 weeks we furnished the apartment, had some one from the website come out and take pictures, and within hours we had a few nights booked!
Here is the link to rent the whole apartment
http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/255704

Here is the link for 1 bedroom
http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/263207
And here is the link for the other room
http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/264667


With the holidays coming up, I hope we can help you and your family and friends out!!

My poor 5 Followers...

Lets hope no one has been holding their breath from post to post! Lol!!!

Life here has been amazing!!! Benji got his contractors license, and a great job on top of that.
Berlin has been growing like a weed! She is such a happy baby 90% of the time. As long as its not the house between 4&6pm, something happens then... she becomes a grump. But than again she is almost 2, so that's to be expected.

She is really starting to talk. The other night at dinner, I told her her food was hot. Daddy sat down and she looked at with a very serious look, put her hand up, and said 'hot! hot! hot!' and then blew, telling him to blow on his food too! I'm calling that her first conversion.

I have been cooking a bunch more. With my celiac disease, I can't go out and get some of the dishes I want or are craving. For the last few years I have been wanting a chicken pot pie, so I've been doing it! I love it.

I have to be better at this blogging thing, I've been a little obsessed with a stupid facebook game, but I have to focus my attentions on things that help me better myself. I feel myself slipping down a very dark hole. 

Aunt Kira comes to play!

A few weeks ago, one of my best friend was in town from Chicago. Kira was at the hospital and in the room while I was trying to push Berlin out. She was there for B's first birthday, and so many other huge events in my life. I only hope I'm there for her like she is for me!

Any way, A while ago she was in town, and we took Berlin to the park that Kira and her sister played while they are growing up. We had a blast!

We got some lunch at Hugo's Tacos

crawled under the slide

went on the slide

Best God Mother ever! 

push me higher! 

Hi mommy

She said she used to dig under the turtle and hang out there! 

Sending chills down my spine!

I have a bunch of photos to be blogged! I just have to get them onto the computer, the write about them a bit! Its amazing how long it can really take!

Berlin has been teething the last few weeks. It's been a hole bunch of no fun for anyone around.

This story starts about a month ago, when my Mother-in-law was in town. I was getting dressed, and my cousin, who passes away a few years ago, descieded to visit me. You know what I mean. When you are not thinking of anything, or anyone, and someone you were close to that passed pops in your head, well that's what David did. I was kind of mad at him, cause I was running late. Later that day Patty and I talked about it, she told me that I can ask him to leave if its not a good time, and I can also ask him for help.

A few nights after she left, Berlin was not sleeping at night. I asked David to play guitar so Berlin would go to sleep. About 5 mins later she was out cold! Some nights after that, I asked Myrna, Benjis Mom, to help out.
This is where the chilling story really starts. It was about 11:30 and Benji and i were sitting on the couch and I decided to ask Myrna for some help.
 "Hi Myrna, I know we never met, but I'm going to ask a favor of you... I would really like it of you could help your grand daughter... your second one, to sleep through the night... I really need a full night of sleep..." THUMP! and a bad look at Benji, "Thanks for helping in advance!"
Then I turned to Benji and said 'why did you kick the couch!'
'I didn't!'
'Bullshit!'
'I swear I did not! It was the spring in the couch!'

Really! Does that send chills down your back too! Benji and I were a little freaked out!
You know what happened! Berlin slept through the night!

Thanks again Myrna!

as the world turns...

Benji has been working on getting his contractors license. A few weeks he took the test, and passed! He is now a contractor! I'm so happy for him. And so proud to be his wife!

Berlin has been growing like a weed! She has three new teeth, molars! And she is now cutting an eye tooth.
She says 'no' very clearly! Its funny. She is now saying 'please' & 'thank you.' which has got to be the cutest thing I have ever heard! Also when I ask, she gives me a kiss and a hug.

Our neighbors got 2 pit-bull-puddle puppies, Tux and Elvis. They are so cute! Benji and I love going over there to see them, Berlin liked them when they were a lot smaller, but now that they are about 10-12lbs, she does not like them. Yesterday, we went over there and James Brown got into their yard, the three of them were running around, and jumping all over the place, and sometimes even on Berlin. Berlin waived her little finger and said so clearly, 'No, no, no!" to the dogs!

My body is mine again!

Yes, my body is mine again. It looks a little diffident, but I don't have to come running when Berlin is crying in the middle of the night, cause she does not wake up. Who would have guessed that not nursing her to bed would make her sleep through the night. Don't get me wrong, I loved nursing. Bed time was one on my favorite times of the day. It was just the two of us, in a dark room with a book and a pink giraffe.

A few days before Berlin was 16 months, I realized my body had not been my own in over two years! I was ready to have it back! I was so happy that it seamed that Berlin was really ready to let it go too. The first two days were a little heart breaking for me, cause she signed that she wanted to nurse, and I had to say no, and give her milk.

She is now almost 17 months old, asking for
meme = milk,
nano = bananna
babe = blue berries, or veggies (frozen)
Aaaapple = apple
eese =cheese

She tells up she is hungry by making a clicking sound with her tongue, kind of like a squirrel.
She also says
Mama- me
Dada- dad
Nanny- my mom
Dada- grandpa
Nenny- aunt janin
Mama- grandma patty
Nanna- my nanna
Mama- my baumpa
Woof- doog
titty- kitty

And there are some more, I just cant think of them.

Happy Mothers day!

To all the mommies out there, Happy mothers day.

Its not an easy job, being mom. There is no 'time off' even when the kids go to bed or to school, there is no real break. My mind, when my daughter is away are still on her, when she is asleep, it is how is she sleeping... My 'break' is doing the dishes, laundry or grocery shopping, and Lord knows how much fun all that is.

Well this seams to becoming a bitch fest! Over and out, before I say something i will regret!

Post blue berry 'bath'

While in the desert, I found berlins very most favorate food in the freezer. She would eat blue berries till her skin turned blue! I was so smart, I put them in a cup that she can hold on to, while every one was wearing all white (smart mommy!) So I striped her down and when she was done eating, she found the water. 

All dressed up and at the place to be

A few weeks a go, Berlin and I joined Nanny (my mom) to the desert to see my Nana and Baumpa (my grandparents) for a weekend. On our last day, I was in the shower, while Nanny and Nana were playing with Berlin. When I got out of the shower my Mom brought Berlin to me to show me how busy they were. 

She is such a girly girl! 

My Non- Sleeper, Sleeps!

As many of you know, Berlin does not like to go to sleep. She is trying to merge her two naps into one, some days it works beautifully, and others... well not so much. 

Here are two stories from this week! 

I believe it was Wednesday, I was not feeling well, and Benji came home early. This was one of the days she did not nap. Benji took Berlin and the dogs for a walk, they came out around 7:15pm, about 45 minutes before bed. Benji sat on the floor, while I was laying on the couch, Berlin leaned up on her daddy, and snuggled in, and he scratched her back. Before I knew it, she was asleep. However she was still standing up! Not only was she asleep, she was so out that he changed her dipper and got her into PJ's all while she was asleep.

She fell asleep around the block from Costco. I took my time parking, which sucks at ours! But when I went to get her out of the seat, she was still asleep. I got a cart, went inside and straight to the big heavy beach towel, put it where she would normally sit and laid her down, and there she napped while i shopped! 

Here are the photos. 

My Non- Sleeper, Sleeps!

As many of you know, Berlin does not like to go to sleep. She is trying to merge her two naps into one, some days it works beautifully, and others... well not so much. 

Here are two stories from this week! 

I believe it was wednesday, I was not feeling well, and Benji came home early. This was one of the days she did not nap. Benji took Berlin and the dogs for a walk, they came out around 7:15pm, about 45 minutes before bed. Benji sat on the floor, while I was laying on the couch, Berlin leaned up on her daddy, and snuggled in, and he scratched her back. Before I knew it, she was asleep. However she was still standing up! Not only was she asleep, she was so out that he changed her dipper and got her into PJ's all while she was asleep.

She fell asleep around the block from Costco. I took my time parking, which sucks at ours! But when I went to get her out of the seat, she was still asleep. I got a cart, went inside and straght to the big heavy beach towel, put it where she would normally sit and laid her down, and there she napped while i shopped! 

Here are the photos. 

swinging into spring

Berlin and I have been walking to the park for a few weeks. We start and end the park with the the swing! Since the sun has been out (notice I say has been), I have been looking at swings for the house. Yesterday I had to go to target and the swing was on sale!!! Yeppy! I got it!
We came home and Benji hung it right away. Berlin was pointing to it and trying to say 'swing' for the whole time. I had to take her up to Aunt Janine's house. When we came out Benji was hanging from the ropes. Berlin ran to daddy, and started pointing to the swing. She did not want to come out. And all through out dinner she was trying to say swing, pointing to the door and crying.

I think its good to say Mommy got a good toy! Now if only it would stop raining!

Vintage Stroller

I am normally not one for used baby things, unless I know who they came from. Its just rubs me the wrong way, kind of like a used engagement ring (non heirloom that is). However I've been looking for a stroller that could be both forward and rear facing and was not $1000. Then Thursday I heard about a consignment sale in Burbank. It is all baby/ kids stuff. I thought I would try my luck. Berlin and I picked my Mom up and off we went. I kind of wish we were able to be there when the doors opened at 9am. But Im not a morning person.

The name of the place is La Kids Consignment. It is all gently- used kids items. The thing was HUGE! By the time we got there there were almost no pack-n-plays, when I saw it on the news there were rows of them. Most of the strollers were gone too. I was kind of bummed. We looked at the clothes, that were amazingly organised, and all in good condition. And don't get me started about the toys and books. There were so many, it was a little bit over whelming.

I got a few outfits, only costing $8.00. Then on our way to check out, there it was! Our 'new' stroller! I have no idea how old it it, and I don't care! I'm going to call it vintage! We put Berlin in it, after careful investigating! And she LOVES it! She had a smile from ear to ear as soon as we put her in.


This morning we all went to the park. While she was in the swing she started to fall asleep. I asked her if she was sleepy and wanted to take a nap. She nodded her head and home we went. By the time we were half a block away from the pars, she was out!
Here are a few pictures of our walk home.

I could not be a happier Mommy!  I can now go on a walk with her and we can chat and flirt again!

And I forgot to say it turns into a pram! This thing ROCKS!

Welcome to the world Lucas!

We have been on baby watch for the last few weeks! Matt and Stacy's baby was due on February 16, and I was asked to be in the delivery room to help Stacy out. Two weeks ago, Friday morning I got a text from Stacy saying they were sent to the hospital. I packed a bag for me, and a bag for Berlin, took her to my parents, headed back to the West Side. When I got to Stacy it was about 2:30 and she was not too far along. I hung out and did not do a lot because Stacy is amazing and did not want us around. By about 12 in the morning she was about 9cm and ready to start pushing. However Lucas had a diffident idea. He was not in a good position to come out naturally, so a c-section it was.  At 1:30 am on February 19th, little Lucas was born. By 2:30 a very proud Papa came out to get us and see the recovering Mommy and new baby. He was not even a full hour old.

Though the road has been a little rocky for Stacy, Lucas is beautiful, healthy and has some wonderful lungs!

It really makes me think how we all started out so small and helpless! While I was nursing Berlin this evening, and realizing that she will be 14 months tomorrow, I was trying to think back to when she was that small and young. I was holding Lucas today wishing I could remember Berlin that young. I don't know why I can't remember, maybe it was the drugs from my C-section or maybe it was the 'baby blues'. I can only hope that if we have another babies, I can be more alert postpartum.

Hats!

I have come to the conclusion that I need a hobby! Since I already knit, I am going to start selling my baby hats! I will be able to make custom hats on request, and I'm just going to start busting them out! I am working on a company name and website. I cant wait! Hopefully I will be able to make enough money to pay for its self and get my hair done again! That will make this mommy very happy!

Here is the first happy costumer! 

2 cute stories in 1 blog!

For the last few weeks Ive been playing its sleep time with Berlin. I lay on the ground and say 'I'm asleep' ahzzz (fake snoring)... 'I'm awake!'

That being said, the other night I put her in her crib and said 'good night, sleep well' she then looked up at me and fake snored! 

Yesterday morning I gave James Brown (our little dog) a bath. Berlin was looking at him in our bath tub like 'um, mom thats my tub!' When he was all clean, I had to blow dry him, so I sat him down and started petting him and drying, Berlin then came over and rubbed him too. Later that day, his collar was off, Berlin picked it up, walked over to JB and tried to put it on him. 

She makes me laugh! 

Sleeping on her own!

After a year of co-sleeping, Berlin is in her own crib through the night. My very good friend Stacy, helped me get  our little bugger to sleep on her own. This was no small feet. It did take some tears, from both her and her Mommy. In the early stages we were at Nanny and Grandpa's house, and she was screaming so much, I could not take it, so Grandpa took me to the market! lol! Nanny said she fell asleep about 30 seconds after we left.
Last night Berlin woke up about 340am to nurse, and when I put her back in her crib she turned to me and waved goodbye to me! I kind of cried!

One year old!

Happy birthday to my little Berlin!

Ok, well I'm writing this a little late, but I'm getting to it!
Berlin had her first birthday on the 3ed of January. I cried just a little. We ended up having 2 small parties, one the day before her day, so her Grandma Patty, Grandpa Allen and God Mommy Kira could be there.

Patty and Allen came down for the weekend and stayed at our house. I had the best time. I was in the kitchen a lot if the trip, cooking and cleaning. We had a lovely New Years eve, sitting around the table eating a pot roast, then gluten free chocolate chip cookies and toasting with a bottle of champagne.

On Sunday we had a few family members over for a little party. Let me tell you I did not think we could get 15 people in our little place, but it worked. We sang happy birthday, and ate a wonderful chocolate cake with orange butter cream frosting. Nanny is an amazing baker!

Then the fallowing weekend we had another, just a little bit bigger, party at Nanny and Grandpas house. Where we were able to have the little cousins there. Grandpa made lasagna. Wow was that some good stuff!

Our lives have been nuts for the last ten weeks. We have not had a weekend free. So that is why Ive been so bad about blogging. To my five followers, I'm very sorry! After this weekend I should be able to get back to writing about once a week again.