SS makes tahini-yogurt sauce.

Typical Saturday morning with SS finding her way to our bed sometime after P has left for work. She started her day with a bagel with blueberry cream cheese (she has moved on from the strawberry kind), and as always, milk.

P is really good at finding new recipes, and I immediately liked the one we are making for dinner. However, the sauce has tahini (sesame seed paste), mint, and dill. SS loves mint flavor, but having Junior Mints is far different from tasting the herb. I decided to get her involved in the preparation, to perhaps get her to buy into the sauce.  That and I terribly miss cooking with the girl.

SS read the recipe (why my mini iPad is on the counter), diligently measured ingredients and added them to the bowl. A bonus is that SS inadvertently practices reading and math. By the way, I have had that Pyrex bowl since JJ was three years old, I was so upset when the lid shattered last year. But I'm keeping that bowl.

.

SS mixed.

She folded.

And she is proud of the finished product.

The moment of truth...

Well, she declared it delicious, so we are safe.Wednesday night SS and P made a batch of excellent chicken strips. SS was very proud of her floured hands, face, clothes, etc. P was stoked about using his beloved deep fryer. There is no way I could have taken pictures of that process, let's say it took me two days to get the kitchen back to semi normal. But they had fun, and the strips are indeed excellent. They just need to learn my method of clean as you go along. I think I have a chance with SS, but it's just never going to happen with P. What matters is that they had a great time, and it's so good to hear laughter around here, because it doesn't happen often.

SS is on countdown to her birthday mode and we are afraid she is going to stroke out from excitement. The number one toy on her wish list is sold in Japan, so she will have to wait until a week after her birthday to get it, and that is with expedited shipping. We are not doing a birthday party this year, just don't have it in us. But we are going to our favorite all you can eat sushi restaurant for SS's birthday dinner. It's truly remarkable how much sushi the girl can put away. When it's just P and I, we are limited to how many types we can try. But we had no idea SS was our sleeper sushi eating weapon. She's developed such a love for sushi that I have had to put some in her lunch box for school. During a school trip last month she ate 10 California rolls, she was about to start on number 11, but it was time to pack their things and leave. Needless to say P is bursting with pride about this.

Sunday morning with SS.

Getting ready for PJ day.

We are on our way to pick up items for a tikka masala dinner, snacks, movies, then home to lounge around. I'm also venturing out in my PJ pants. That takes guts because our first stop is Cardenas, and my people dress up even when shopping for groceries. But it's fun and our occasional Saturday thing. P thinks SS looks like a strange ninja.

SS lost her first molar.

Front lower left to be precise, and SS made a Lego chest to place her molar.

Back home bunking with her friends.

If we are lucky SS won't be up until at least 6:30 a.m.

Waiting for the shuttle to our car.

Snoopy blanket is usually back in the backpack or carryon after we land. It hardly ever leaves the hotel room, but this trip was different. SS hauled that blanket with us everyday, and while we are back home (sort of) she is not ready to put it away.

SS napped for about half an hour and is understandably tired. Waking her up for school tomorrow and getting her ready is going to be challenging. I'm glad P will be home and we can tag team her.

Almost home.

SS did not sleep much on the flight to SFO. We depart at 11:00 and get to San Diego ninety minutes later. Sleep is unlikely to happen. At least she has her PJs on and will hopefully pass out on the drive home. We adore SS but after spending the night on a queen sized bed with her, we can't wait to gently dump her on her own bed.

Also, we are getting old, our energy ran out last night. Aging absolutely sucks.

Pre flight snack.

We are hoping SS gets to sleep most of the five hour flight. She really had a rough night and should be exhausted.

Leaving New Orleans.

Crab cake lunch at Gumbo Shop.

Lafayette Cemetery Number 1.

Finally!

I am glad we requested two beds on this trip. SS has slept on her bed twice since Nana passed away, and we were looking forward to a few nights without being kicked. Last night it paid off in ways we could not have anticipated. We thought SS was definitely on the mend, asleep, when she stirred and threw up. Her bed was useless at that point and had she been between us on a king size as usual we would have had to change rooms because the mattress was soaked. Sorry if TMI. Once we cleaned her up and got some water in her SS settled in our bed and managed to get some sleep.

We were greeted with this beautiful sight at 6:45 a.m., and about time. We were very concerned about SS being sick on our way home. And for once my sick obsession with over packing paid off. Lots of clothes needed for SS.

SS did not eat much of what should have been her dinner last night, but a few bites and milk are better than nothing.

One more because we are so grateful SS is feeling better. We are about to check out of the hotel, pick up a few souvenirs, and hopefully visit at least one cemetery before heading to the airport.

On the mend.

It's almost 4:20 and SS managed to have a Popsicle and some broth. She gave us a scare and we were close to take her to the Children's Hospital because her stomach was hurting again, and she was in tears.

One thing JJ and SS have in common is that they do not get sick often. Then when they do it's big, unexpected and scary. Most parents have plenty of experience by the time their kids are eight, not the car with us. SS fell asleep about half an hour ago, and P is also asleep. They both really needed the rest.

We have to be at the airport by 4:30 p.m. tomorrow so we might not be able to get to do much before then. P complained about not feeling well around noon and I'm hoping he won't get sick or the flights home will be excruciating. I'll pack while they rest and hope for the best.

We are staying in today.

This was our night, and it was a long one. SS was tossing and turning and could not sleep then bolted to the bathroom. She was in there a while and I went to check on her, opening the door just in time to watch her throw up all over herself.

I felt awful for my poor baby because she caught whatever I had with worse results. It's a good thing I over pack because she ended up taking three baths and changing clothes a few more times. We had to resort to keep her with just undies at a point. We need to go to the laundromat later today to get her clothes washed.

We lined one of the trash cans with a shopping plastic bag and made it SS's puke bucket. You can see it on the night stand on the left side of the picture. It broke our hearts to see and hear SS cry. At her age I had logged many sick hours but SS doesn't get sick often. Last time she vomited was before me moved. SS was miserable.

P made a run a three in the morning to a pharmacy for med, Popsicles and baby wipes. SS finally settled and fell asleep around 5 a.m. It's almost eleven and SS has been awake for almost an hour and feels much better. We had a lot planned for today but there is no way we can risk going out after the night SS had. She says her tummy no longer hurts and there is no vomiting. However we think it's best to let her rest.

Cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe Du Monde..

Shark watch.

African penguins.

Fun time.

We are going to have another late start.

We went to be really early for us last night, after having pho for dinner to settle my stomach. Then the jerks next door had the TV on blasting. We called the main desk and they called the room and there was no answer. They probably passed out with the TV on. SS was crying at 2:00 am because the noise woke her up several times. I so wanted to rip them a new one.

SS woke up about an hour ago, had breakfast and is now playing. P's sleep was also disturbed and is now catching up on some sleep. We will hopefully get out of here in the next hour.

It's good to see P get some rest, sleep has been eluding him this past year. And he actually had breakfast this morning, something he rarely does. I'm taking that as a good sign he is on the mend.

Archery memories.

We had a really late start.

Short story is I spent the morning sick vomiting and serious stomach cramps. The worst part is that it was NOT the the consequence of getting hammered on Bourbon St. last night. It will be long time before I have Taco Bell.

P insisted I rest, and when I was ready to go P desperately needed a nap. We will see how much we can get done.

Interesting sign...

Let's try again.

This picture gives a better view of the name of the street.

SS has her own street!

Jackson Square

Baby it's cold outside! It's 48 degrees but feels like 43, we don't do winter.

It's only 6:00 a.m. home.

We thought it'd be a good idea to let SS sleep because a cranky SS is not good. Plus it's freaking 38 degrees outside. It warms my heart when I see SS with her Snoopy blanket.

This is the first time we have traveled carry on only which is quite the feat for me because I always over pack. We did cheat a little, getting some items in the car seat bag. SS made sure she had DOG and her blanket. Along with her Star Wars bath robe and toys. Carry on only be dammed the girl must have her comfort items.

There

Almost there.

What's that?

Poor SS, when I took out the CARES she asked "what's that?!" Yeah it's been way too long since we have done something fun.

She makes herself at home no matter where.

Funny thing about SS is that the tedious security process does not faze her. She was excited about taking off her shoes,putting her suitcase, backpack and coat through. How weird is that?

Really, bored already?

About time.

She woke up really early.

SS's Christmas reading loot.

SS scored a lot of books from Santa, and he was well aware of her love of Star Wars and Minecraft.

Santa also added a Darth Vader reading lamp with there extra books.

The cutest reader likes her new reading light.. 

How could anyone not immediately fall in love with this precious, beautiful inside and out, and innocent child?

Last day of 2015 and good riddance, as it was an awful year for us. It sucker punched us in the gut and kicked us when we were down. We are looking forward to a better year, and will start the healing process by treating SS to a little getaway.  Children are incredibly intuitive and no matter how much we want to insulate them from stress, hurt, pain, they just know when it's there.  SS has already articulated things we hoped she had not noticed. But she did and sadly she was right about her perceptions. I'll write about that later because I'm still trying to process it and I'm a freaking adult who has known all along. 

But not all is doom and gloom and we do not have the luxury to be fragile, we are SS's only source of comfort, strength and guidance. We have to suck it up and move on. When things settle some I will post about Halloween and our last Disneyland visit. I was also able to join a school field trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. That was fun and an incredible treat because they had the required chaperones, but the school made an exception in my case because of our annus horribilis, and the effect it had on SS.  We also made it to the school's harvest festival for the first time. As bad as things were, as distracted, as exhausted as we were, we tried our best to make sure SS got to be a kid.  

Shortly after the zoo outing SS requested to visit a museum, and said she'd never been to one. That is not factual, we had season passes to the Turtle Bay Museum, and we would visit after our morning walks Monday through Friday, and on many weekends with P. But SS was rather young and perhaps did not see it as a museum. SS stated she wanted to see extinct animals, prehistoric bones, and art. Okay, what eight year old makes such a request? P and I had quite a laugh thinking about when we were SS's age, and a museum visit were not on our radar. If things go as planned we should be able to fulfill the art  museum request next week. The Natural History Museum visit will have to wait for the end of next month or February. At least SS has intellectual curiosity and we want to encourage her to expand her horizons. 

And then there's P, my incredible shrinking man, who has lost thirty five pounds without dieting. Sadly I have gained every pound he lost since we are polar opposites coping with stress. I don't usually make new year's resolutions, but I do intend to get P back to a healthy weight.  And while I may not always agree with his coping mechanisms, that is what they are, his.  The only time I am vocal and downright pissy is when it affects my child, and well, it has affected my child. However, I will always love P unconditionally, and will always have his back, no matter if we are together or apart. We share two children and that is a lifetime commitment regardless of marital status.  P has busted his ass for twenty years providing for his family, taking on responsibilities that many would not even when it is actually their responsibility. P has an excellent work ethic, and has never resorted to whining to get out of significantly challenging rough spots. He goes out of his way to work holidays and extra shifts so we can treat SS here and there to something extra. Every little adventure, season pass, day pass, flight, activities, etc we have enjoyed have been paid by him (except our Maui condo). I do admire his dedication and his strength, taking time to feel sorry for himself has never been an option. We are ready for 2016, and let the good times roll! 

Lego Tie Fighter

SS put together her Lego Star Wars Tie Fighter ( 517 pieces) in record time, as usual. She already assembled her Lego City Deep Exploration Vessel (717 pieces) and Ninjago Masters of Spinjitzu (529) pieces sets. That is 1,763 extra Lego parts in our very small house. The odds of me twisting or fracturing an ankle again have increased exponentially.

I don't even want to think about the total cost of all her Legos. But they make SS so happy, and keep her entertained for hours. We have a very small set of three separate Lego Star Wars vehicles on hold for Dia de Reyes. We are going on a small trip and it will be good for SS to keep busy during the flight. And since we don't want Abuela to think we don't bathe SS, the previous picture was taken late last night and this picture was taken early this morning.

Playing Star Wars Battlefront on the Xbox One.

SS still loves Darth Vader, still thinks he's the coolest.

Pizza with the Principal and more Tooth Fairy.

On Friday December 4 we were out and about trying to unsuccessfully distract P's mind from his mother's viewing the next day.  We had decided to send SS to school to that week to keep some semblance of normalcy, and because we didn't want her to become upset by P's natural response of grieving.  SS's teacher was aware of Nana's passing and would call us if he felt SS was not emotionally able to remain at school.  We were at a store when I noticed P on the phone and thought he was talking to his sister or stepmother. He came  to me and informed me the school's health clerk called and stated SS's crown fell off, there was no blood involved, and how did we want to proceed. And by the way it happened while SS was having pizza with the principal which was news to us. The picture above was sent to our phones via the Class Dojo app, but we had yet to see it. Bad parents, and distracted parents.

P told the clerk that SS doesn't have a crown, then the clerk said, oh then her cap fell off. Again, SS does not have a tooth cap either.  We are astounded that SS has no cavities, given the poor condition she came to us. I had read SO many blog posts during our wait about babies with bottle rot who had root canals as early as two years old. YIKES.  Anyway, we decided to pick her up because it was close to dismissal, and given what was going on we wanted to make sure she was OK emotionally.

We did both say damn what is it with SS and losing teeth at this rate? If the Tooth Fairy has not made it to your home it's because our daughter apparently has her on retainer. She had lost a tooth on November 18 for Pete's sake. In the picture above, SS is proudly showing her new gap. Paddy doesn't have much memory about the rate at which he lost his baby teeth, but still feels SS's are really going fast.  

I was a cavity kid and had several extractions as a child. Weird, given how meticulous Mami and Abuela were about hygiene. Not only did I have several extractions, they were done without anesthetic, not even the local stuff to numb the area. I still remember the awful noise of the instrument yanking a tooth or molar off. Let's say I have done my best to forget about my baby teeth.

Then there's JJ and again I really have no memory about the pace at which his baby teeth bid adieu. A google search indicated wide variation, and as long as the teeth do not fall prematurely or by trauma SS should be OK.  The reason why the health clerk thought it was a crown or cap it's because the tooth was hollow and there was no blood. Then the clerk noticed SS's gummy gum and thought it was what was left of the actual tooth. She was rather disturbed when told it was not a crown/cap and said she had never seen a hollow tooth. We were worried as well, but after the last tooth Dr. L explained  it's genetics, not garden variety stuff, but nothing to worry about. Thankfully the Tooth Fairy pays no matter the condition of the tooth.  

And what is that thing on SS's head?

It's her monkey hat!