The other day I was blow drying my hair and a little person walked in the room and asked, "can I try mom?" Usually afraid of the thing, I was surprised, but glad to let her take a try. I put it on the cool setting and she had a blast, mimmicking everything I do with the blow dryer ;o)
Here was the finished and new look!
About 2 weeks ago, Kelly and I took all the kids down to Pop-pop and Grandma's house. The kids had a blast...everything from eating pizza on Pop-pop's new boat to playing in the coolest blow-up pool I think there is!
Thanks Dad and Patti for all you did to make the time memorable for the kids...all the yummy summer fruit and delicious meals, and everything you did to bless the kids!
On July 22, Keenan turned 6 years old. It's hard to believe. Mark and Kel had a party for him the next day. The theme was Army and Narnia, no less...typical Keenan! Many of the boys were decked out in their camoflauge gear, including Mark nad Dave! Mark and Kel hosted quite the party.
There were chicken nuggets and juice boxes for the kids, hamburgers for the adults, all kinds of fruit and of course birthday cupcakes to top it all off. Mark also arranged some great games for the kids, including throwing granades (water balloons) and trying to hit a tank Mark made (see picture). It was the picture perfect day as the weather was superb. At the end of the day, many of us wandered outside to lounge, chat, and enjoy the day while the kids ran around with water guns and had a blast!
Here are some memories from the day.
On Saturday afternoon, we put Mckenna down for a nap. After about a half hour we still heard her chatting away upstairs. So, I went up with the intention of telling her that it was time to go to sleep. When I opened the door I was met with a colorful display of her handiwork. After gulping, saying, "Oh Mckenna," and taking deep breath, I called to Dave to come quick and bring the camera. Here are some captured memories of the moment. Enjoy!
When I returned from dads, there was a package waiting for me on our porch. Enclosed was something that, in one night, became a "family favorite"...or rather, a "mommy favorite" ;o). A few weeks ago, some friends informed me of Gripe Water. I had never heard of it, but quickly learned that it is a liquid that was developed in Europe years ago for fussy babies and those with colic. It has herbs known to help calm their digestive systems. Selah Grace had not been sleeping well at all (usually up every hour to 3 hours at night) and cried a lot during the day, so I was willing to try anything! After giving her one dose before bed, she proceeded to sleep 6 hours straight!! Amazed and grateful is an understatement! But I am giving thanks for this stuff! We have been using it ever since and she has continued to sleep 5-6.5 hours straight every night.
Read more...Last week Dave had a business trip to CA, so the girls and I ventured down to my dads house. We had a great time, especially Mckenna as she was spoiled by Pop-pop and Grandma. She played in the little blow-up pool
...played with the little "fishys" dad had...made pretend lemonade for us all... 
went on walks and she collected all the rocks she could find...enjoyed being Pop-pops little shadow, following him everywhere...
eating as much fruit and snacks as she could put down...and above all, avoided OB (their cat) at all costs. She doesn't like that cat for some reason ;o). Thursday we came back and it was good to be home and see Dave, who also came home that evening. While we fended off the heat, he had enjoyed his 70 degree San Diego weather. As most of his business trips are to CA, no wonder he loves his job so much!
This morning, like many mornings, Mckenna watched me give Selah Grace a bath, in between running around upstairs doing "this and that." I didn't realize, until today, how close she has been watching ;o)...
I'll first give you a little background information. Starting last week, Mckenna discoverd something. If she drags the kitchen stool into the bathroom it enables her to reach the sink and wash her hands all by herself (a.k.a. play in the water ;o).
So, late morning today I was checking email and Mckenna informed me that she was going to wash her hands after having had lunch. "Great" I thought, "saves me from having to wipe her down." After a few minutes...well probably more like 10 minutes, I realized I should go check on her. I went in to bathroom to find her with her baby doll in hand, full of suds and totally submerged in water and water all over! She looked up at me and said, "all washed up, mom." She had even gotten the hand towel off the rack and was trying to gently wash her...it really was so cute!
I was laughing and giggling inside and encouraged her for taking such care of her baby. I helped her wash all the suds off the baby doll and then swattled the baby all up in the towel. I told Mckenna that I thought the baby was probably tired after all that! She crattled the baby in her arms and said, "baby go to bed, k mom?" she walked upstairs and put the baby to bed! I then told Mckenna that next time, please ask mom before giving the baby a bath ;o)
I wanted to record this cute event so as not to forget precious moments like these!!
It's been quite awhile since I have posted...in fact the most recent posts were actually done by Dave. Life over the past month has been busy, a bit crazy, exhausting, and yet wonderful and fun! Life with 2 has definitely been an adjustment for me and I am continuing to learn more and more of what it means to depend on God and His grace for this season. We are loving our new arrival...in fact, Mckenna has adjusted better than all of us and loves this little baby so much! It's so much fun to watch her with Selah Grace. She has been and continues to be a great big sister and helper to mom.
Here are some recent pictures...couple of Mckenna holding Selah Grace (one of Mckenna's favorite things to do) and one of which is my discovery of how to do some laundry and keep Selah Grace happy at the same time...not too ingenious, but it works ;o). Enjoy! Hopefully it won't be so long next time before I manage to post...but no promises!
Selah ('Say-leh) is the pronounciation we are using. A little about the meaning:
http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/selah.html
Everyone is sleeping, so I had a chance to share some pictures with you. I'm spontaneously brought to thanking God as I reflect on His grace! Especially in giving us this little one, but additionally the gift of you as friends and family.
She' here!
Scoring nine on the apgar test and 6lb 13 oz. After little over 5 minutes of pushing, she delivered around 9:30am. Thank you so much for all your prayers, they were effective! Heather did a great job. You would never have known how painful it really was. We have now been moved to Heath's postpartum room and we have our little girl back here with us. She's another cutie!
We'll be finalizing our naming decision any day now. You must know what it's like. It's easy to think you are sure about a name until you see your baby. At that point, trying to decide what to name her based more in line with how she looks is worthless. She pretty much looks like a raisin.
Well, I think we could use some more wisdom for Baby's sake in choosing a name. Pray for your favorite choice I guess. She might be your daughter-in-law one day...assuming she grows out of the raisin stage--as we expect.
Love and gratitude, Dave
David Castro
Quest Software
(c) 240.731.8911
...sent from Treó phone
Written by Dave earlier at about 8:00...it didn't post sorry
At about 3:00am Heather woke me up to tell me she's going to let me sleep a little bit more. She had begun to have contractions at about 2:30am and they were clearly communicating that today was the day. At about 5:00 she woke me up to tell me she's going to need me to start hurrying up. We ended up together with Mckenna, Kelly and my mother down in our living room awaiting a green light from Dr. Zuckerman to come in. Hope you see the attached pics. We're now in the hospital room and Heath is laying here taking her contractions like a champ. No indication of how soon Selah will be joining us!
David Castro
Quest Software
(c) 240.731.8911
...sent from Treó phone
I't s almost 6 am. We are waiting for the Doctor to call back and then heading out to the hospital.
Heather has been up since 2:45 with regular contractions, which are getting stronger and about 5 mins apart now.
More to come....Kelly
Thought I would share a few funny pictures. These were taken a few weeks back. This is what can happen when Mckenna and Larsen are left alone for more than..oh, 30 seconds! I love these kids!!! And I am grateful for washable markers!
Well, the weekend came and went and still no baby. But we are trusting the Lord and His perfect timing for this little one to be born. I think we will probably have a low-key week around here. Maybe I'll try to take Mckenna to the pool...they're saying it's gonna hit 90 today!!!! Whew!
Read more...
This past Wednesday was mom's birthday. She took the day off and went with Mckenna and I to the Reston Zoo. What a great place! It's not that big, but you can actually pet and feed the animals. There were baby goats and sheep walking around and we gave them bottles and food. I think Mckenna's favorite were the duckys! She loved feeding them. We also took a wagon ride and saw zebras, camels, ostriches and other larger animals.
I was hoping all that walking around might stir things up a bit labor wise...but nothing so far. Yesterday I went to the doctor and was about 3cm dilated. I have been having a lot of contractions yesterday and today, but nothing regular yet. Hopefully soon! But in the meantime, I have been trying to enjoy Mckenna and my last few days with having just her....the zoo, the mall, and going for long walk together and playing have been fun!
Still no baby yet, but our past week was quite eventful. Last Saturday (May 13) Mckenna went to a birthday party for our neighbor, Sofia, who turned 3. Mckenna was in heaven, playing with all the kids, getting face painting on her hand (she didn't want it on her face). Then there was the treat of hot dogs, chips and cupcakes with chocolate icing! I have included a few pictures of her time there.
On Sunday we spent Mother's Day with Dave's family, which was very nice. Then Dave left on Wednesday for a business trip to CA and we prayed that the baby would not come from that point on until he arrived on Saturday and she didn't! But we did get a nice surprise last week..one that we have been waiting for for about 6 years now?? THE PLUNNECKES FINALLY GOT THEIR WOOD FLOORS!!! Mark called for installation and they ended up coming 2 days later to our surprise. So, all the boys were here for about 2 days and it was a crazy few time. I got a taste of life with 4 kids. And although Kel was here, I was amazed at how moms with 4 do it. Actually I was amazed at how Kelly does it! You're amazing, Kel!!! Much grace, grace, grace.
Yesterday, Dave arrived home safely and we went out to dinner at Potbelly's and then for a nice LONG walk around the Rio lake. It was my first walk in awhile as Dave forbid me to do any kind of walking while he was gone! Today Mom, Grammy, and the Plunneckes all came over for dinner tonight (see picture of Mckenna and Larsen). After dinner, we took a walk to the park. I'm getting lots of good contractions when I walk, but nothing significant yet.
We'll get the word out as soon as anything happens. Hopefully, Dave or Kel will be posting to the blog with pictures when I go in labor and when baby comes.
Went to the doctor today and all is well! I'm about 2 cm dialated and her head is very low...making walking around a little uncomfortable these days! I am hoping she will decide to come a little early, that would be nice, but also know she could be late. As for the name, I think we are getting close, but not there yet.
I am not sure Mckenna fully understands everything yet. Whenever you metiion anything about the "baby sister" all she does is say, "right there, in tummy," pointing to my big belly. Ask her if she wants her to come or what we should name her and all she'll do is tell you where she is. It's pretty cute. I can't wait to see her with the new little one!
www.castroclan.blogspot.com
This past Saturday, we had a VERY surprise birthday party for mom. She does not turn 60 until the 24th, but because I am due just a few days after that (June 1) and because we really wanted to throw her off, we did it early. She was about as surprised as anyone could be! It was great. There were tons of people there and I think she was genuinely blessed by everyone who came to honor her.
It was a fun day!!! The kids all had a great time eating TONS of candy and cake. So glad we got to do this for her. She is very worthy of our honor. Love you, Mom!
www.castroclan.blogspot.com
Mckenna LOVES stickers, but even more so, loves putting them on Dave and I or anyone who will allow her to plaster them all over their clothes. So, this past week she found a sticky note pad that is hot pick and in the shape of hearts. She peeled a bunch of them off and went to work, pasting them all over my butt, while I worked in the kitchen. A little later I went outside to give my flowers a quick water. There I was bending and stooping and watering away. It was not until I got inside I that realized that Mckenna's work of art was still in tact on me and that our neighbor's son, a single guy, was sitting outside on his porch. He is a very nice guy, but oh what he must have thought! He He!
In the coming days, I'll have to also share some "Larsen stories" (my nephew), which my sister has on a weekly basis. He is always one to keep us laughing. Have a great day!
www.castroclan.blogspot.com
One of my (and Mcekenna's) favorite things to do is go and surprise Papa (Dave) at work and bring him a Mayorga's coffee or a special treat. One this particular day we all walked to Mayorga's because it was nice out. Mckenna thoroughly enjoyed her mango smoothie!
www.castroclan.blogspot.com
This past Saturday we celebrated Ty's 1st Birthday (my nephew). He was pretty worn out by the time we got to presents and cried through most of them, but when cake time came...well, he was a happy camper! The kids had a great time.
P.S. For those of you who are being automatically notified when I post, you will probably get the whole post in an email format. Whenever you want to go directly to the blog, just go to www.castroclan.blogspot.com
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