Holy Halloween Batman! Where's the Batmobile?

Just when you thought the Dark Knight couldn't get any scarier . . . 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

J.E. Perry's Pumpkin Patch

We've been going every year to J.E. Perry's Family Pumpkin Patch since Micro was a baby. It's become a tradition to go with Lolo (since Halloween is his birthday) to frolic on hay batches, zip through the hay maze, and find that perfect pumpkin to carve. 

This year, it was a bit tricky since Mr. Fliz had to maneuver the pumpkin patch on crutches and Lolo didn't join us. We all still had a lot of fun, missed the chance, yet again, to do the haunted tractor ride. I'll be posting pictures of our pumpkins after we've carved them. We're all set for Halloween in terms of costumes. It will be incredibly busy next week as it's Halloween, I've got 4 birthdays to celebrate all in a row, and the most important one being, Mr. Micro's. 

I'm already knee deep in festivities and I can't believe October is flying by so fast. We're managing fine, given Mr. Fliz's physical state. Please share in comments below how you'll be spending your Halloween with your loved ones. 

Ready for TWO WHEELS

 
Our Micro is ready for a two-wheeler. It only took him 3 weeks to nail down his balance bike that he received from "Ninny & Papa." We got lucky as they found it second-hand at a local toy store in our area for a steal. Ever since he received it, Micro has perfected doing little tricks on his balance bike to keep himself entertained, while Mr. Fliz and I deliberate as to whether we get him his first two-wheels for his birthday or for Christmas. Serious stuff, folks. Money is a precious commodity and as we enter into the busiest time of year for my family, I am very budget conscious about spending these days. 

Anyhoo, back to balance bikes. I totally love them. They do assist in helping your child learn how to balance and prepares them for riding on two wheels. Micro learned to ride his tricycle at 20 months and pedaling came easily to him (not so for Ms. Micron--she's a bit lazy). So the transition from pedals to no pedals was somewhat easy. Since he mastered pedaling, the Skuut bike allowed him to focus on learning how to balance, perhaps the hardest part of learning how to ride a bike. There are several balance bikes out on the market and if you're a whiz with bikes, you can just remove the pedals and turn any bike to a balance bike. We have the Skuut (the original wooden balance bike). My in-laws found it second-hand and got it for less than half the price it normally retails for. I would encourage you to shop second-hand or borrow a balance bike, because kids generally pick it up fairly quickly. Anywhere from a month to 3 months (perhaps more), depending on how comfortable the child is on a bike. Of course, we'll be passing this balance bike down to Micron and our possible "third" child.

I can't wait for Micro to get a two-wheeler because I anticipate a lot more bike rides with him in the future. We do plan to be a "biking" family because we love being outdoors. Also, bicycling is such a cheap and easy mode of transport that is great to do solo or with groups. Btw, I've been enjoying my bike too, and look forward to plenty of bike rides with my kids. 

Micro at 20 months. First learned to pedal on his tricycle.

Micro with his Skuut. He and Micron checking out a caterpillar.

Status Update: Injured

Hmm, what's going on with The Kardashians PinayNanay? Well, as summer came to a close, we've been kept busy by an unfortunate event. Mr. Fliz ruptured his achilles tendon playing basketball and is on the injured reserve list. It's kept this pinay nanay pretty busy. 

I now kid that I have my 3rd child (who are we kidding? he's been it all along). Mr. Fliz will be out of commission for quite some time on crutches, a walking boot, and some physical therapy. We're looking at 6 months of recovery. It seems our happy home organizing and sprucing up is on hold for now. And we were on such a roll! I had hung up some pictures, installed a closet organizer in our guest bedroom, and was in the process of finishing up the kids' playroom.

Ah, well. Keep moving forward right. Tough times. For better or for worse. It's been a bit hard keeping the kiddies from seeing Daddy as a human totem pole and more as limited participant in play times. However, I have to say, the kids are doing amazing. They are little nurses to Mr. Fliz. Especially, Micron. 

So as we enter the holiday season, you'll forgive my few and sporadic posting. But never fear, I'll be sharing more tales of mommyhood soon.

Daddy loves

He's got his own cheer squad

 
I often post so much about things I do with my kids, I forget about my other half! In honor of Mr. Fliz, I thought I'd do a little photo essay of all things "With Daddy." I'm sure there are plenty of hubbies out there that are truly AWESOME papas, but I'm partial, and I think Mr. Fliz is TOPS!

As soon as he walks through the door, he is 100% there for me and the kids. Even after a rough day at work. Always has been the case since I was pregnant. Being a SAHM, I applaud all the working mamas/papas who put in a full day of work, spend quality time with their kids & partner, and still make a homemade dinner. All part of parenthood, right? As parents of young ones, we have little time for ourselves, since we are at the beck and call of people who are most often 4 feet and under. They make all the rules and are the bosses. We're just living in their world. 

But it does get easier in some ways, and more complicated and difficult in others, as children grow up. However, it's key to honor the relationship you have with your spouse or partner because, they too, sacrifice a lot. Remember that little gestures of love and affection for your significant other goes a long way in remedying a day full of frustrations, hardships, and challenges. Besides, you should "high five" yourselves every now and then for having some pretty freakin' cute babies and keeping up with all their attitude! 

Storyteller by bedtime

Handles the teeth brushing/flossing