A GREAT DAY!!

A quick recap of the past few days. This past Friday I took Frankie and Bella to a fun indoor inflatable playground with our playgroup. Bella LOVED it and played non-stop. Frankie enjoyed watching all the kids running around. Bella was a bit bummed she couldn't do the rock climbing wall, but fun was had by all. Saturday we hosted Frankie's office Christmas. It was a HUGE success. We had a wonderful time...good food..great conversation...great friends is just a recipe for a fabulous party. Bella and little man were also a huge hit ;-) Sunday we all bundled and dressed up and went to celebrate Aunt T's birthday. I dropped off the family and headed back out to try and finish up the last of our shopping. Mission Complete!

On to this week!!! Monday I dressed Bella up in an ADORABLE outfit for school. It was her Christmas program practice. She did GREAT!!! Then we hurried home for lunch and then back out again for Frankie's 6mth check-up. His lungs were great, breathing much better, and weight gain is improving. He weighed at 13lbs 10.5ounces and 26 3/4in in length. At 6 months Bella was 15lbs 9ounces and 26in in length. The doctor wants us to continue to work on the weight gain. We return for a weight check in 4 weeks. Tuesday my friend Kris came over with her kiddo to play and work on Teacher Christmas presents. Thank goodness for our Crafty fairy godmother our finished products turned out great. On to today...A) all Happy Birthday Aunt T !!!! B) We are SOOO excited to having a new little "boy" cousin C) Bella's Christmas program was AMAZING. She did such a wonderful job singing and dancing. I still have tears in my eyes just thinking about watching my little angel growing up way too fast. Grandma Bird and I hung onto each other sniffling away. We then went Bella's class to celebrate Jesus birthday and exchange their books. Bella loved showing off her grandma and brother. We then headed home for some much needed rest. We have another busy couple of days ahead of us with Ballet, Ballet party, another Christmas Party, and the list goes on. (I will post pictures of Bella performing soon, but they are on my MIL's camera).

Bella was so tired after school on Monday. She just past out!

At her Christmas Program walking up to the stage!

This truly has been a wonderful day!! I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Catch up !!

Most importantly...Happy Birthday Carter !! We love you !! Uncle Frankie, Aunt Amy, Bella and Baby Frankie

We had a pretty good weekend !!! We spent some much needed quality time with Frankie's mom. Bella LOVED assisting Bird in the kitchen, coloring, and playing tea party.

Monday Bella went to school and had a great day !!! I'm so lucky that she loves her teacher to pieces.

Tuesday we had a busy day we went to Jennifer's to try on some new outfits for Bella. It was so much fun to watch Kayla and Frankie play together. They both were mesmerized by each other. Then later that afternoon we went to a playdate at the park. Bella LOVED it! and mom loved the fact that she ran off tons of energy !! We had a great time and great conversation with my moms from the playgroup! Of course our day isn't complete with some type of Bella surprise. While I was feeding Frankie she found her "lipstick" aka chapstick, and proceeded to apply....all over her face. Good times !!

Wednesday was one word COLD !!! Bella, Frankie, and I BUNDLED up to take Bella to school. Brrrrr!! Then Frankie and I ran to the post office to mail our Christmas boxes. (I still need to finish Christmas Cards) Poor little man by the time we got home finally warmed up, we had to be back out again picking up Bella. The kids and I had a nice warm/cozy lunch. Then to our surprise around 3ish it started snowing. WOW!! After a couple of phone calls I bundled Bella back up again to take her out to play in the snow. She LOVED every second of it. She was in complete awe, and just kept yelling snow! I think I had just as much fun taking pictures, laughing, and watching my little girl with her first snow. We spent the rest of the evening retelling all of our stories to daddy as soon as he came home !!!

Today..I'm really going to try and get my Christmas Cards out. Then start working on the house to prepare for Frankie's office Christmas party. Yes! we are hosting...I'm such a sucker for Frankie's begging smile.

The past 24+ hours....

I just had to share a few of the events that occurred over the past couple of days. Wednesday night Frankie came home from work and wanted to take Bella outside with him to work on the car. I was in the kitchen feeding little man so I told him to put her pants (on the couch), shoes, and socks on. (She is very proficient at removing her clothes now) Well...about an hour later they both come inside and Isabella is wearing a pair of capris. ???? I told Frankie that she had worn jeans to school, and where did her get the "skin-tight" capris. He said "on the couch"! I move in for a closer look and he had put Baby Frankie's pants on her. I hadn't laughed that hard in FOREVER!! Obviously Frankie's pants were SUPER big on him, but all hubby could say was "Oh that was why they wouldn't button and so tight, and why her stomach is so red" I just about died of laughter...reason #7,426 why hubby isn't aloud to dress the kids.

As most of you know my princess can have a bit of a temper. Thursday morning she wanted to eat breakfast again! I told her no and that she had to wait for snack time. Apparently she learned how to open the child locks on the pantry (Yes we had to install them, because my daughter would eat of us out of house and home), and brought me a box of her cereal. I told her to put it back, nope she dumped the entire box on the couch. Needless to say I was none to happy....The joys of parenting.

Fast forward to last night...Bella waltzed into our room about 1am. I was too tired to put her back, and she proceeded to toss and turn and roll etc. Finally I picked her up to talk to her as she only wanted mommy to touch her. She goes "Shhhh mommy daddy is sleeping!" My little princess always looking out for daddy's best interest. She must be under the impression that I can run on pure caffeine alone.

We have a full weekend ahead with a "Family Playdate" for our playgroup, Family Pictures, I need to make Bella's ballet teacher Christmas gift, baking, Christmas cards, shopping, pictures with Santa etc. The list just goes on and on!!

Thanksgiving Week

WOW!! What a wonderful holiday weekend. Here is a recap of our festivities.

Wednesday 11/26 - Baby Frankie had another Doctor's appointment and that went well. He lungs have improved some but no where close to 100%. We received more steroids and orders to continue the breathing treatments for another thirty days. The kids and I then patiently waited for my family to arrive. Once they did mom and I hit the kitchen running and final cleaning of the house to prepare for everyone.

Thursday 11/27 - Happy Thanksgiving! My mom, sister, and I woke up and again hit the kitchen. We had a wonderful morning cooking, laughing and enjoying family. Everyone arrived at our home at 5ish and we were sitting down eating by 5:30pm. By far the easiest Thanksgiving without any hiccups at all. We were joined by my parents, brother, sister, Frankie's sisters Kim & T, Tiffany's boyfriend Mike, Terry a family friend, Frankie's dad, his mom and her friend Tom. A great time was had by all !! Even during the A&M football game. We spent the rest of the evening cleaning up and resting.

Friday 11/28 - Happy Birthday to me !!! I spent the early morning of my birthday shopping. Best buy wasn't to bad, but Toys R Us was a mad house. I always say never again, but I know I will be back out there next year. I came home to everyone awake and a wonderful birthday breakfast. We literally spent most of the day lounging around the house, watching movies, playing scrabble, and enjoying a few cocktails and a visit from Aunt T & Mike. It was wonderful to be surrounded by my family on my birthday. Bella and Baby Frankie even picked out a beautiful Little Mermaid card for me ;-)

Saturday 11/29 - The day of Christmas !!! I finally talked hubby and my dad to decorating the outside (and it looks wonderful). Then my mom, sister, Bella, and I put up the tree and decorated the house. It looks stunning and I have to admit one of the best yet. My mom and I enjoyed a quick trip to the store, we both really miss tootling around together.

Sunday 11/30 - This was our day of quiet. Everyone left early in the morning to avoid the traffic. So hubby, the kids, and I enjoyed a nice quiet day at home. We played games, colored, and listened to Christmas music. Quality family time!

That brings us to this week. Bella went to school yesterday and had a great day. Baby Frankie and I stayed at home and watched our new Uverse being installed. I'm still bummed we lost everything that was on our DVR :-( Isabella is finally getting out of her "whiny" stage, but she still has a TEMPER! I'm hoping that this too shall pass, but lord her mood swings are something. She is still singing constantly and mostly Twinkle Twinkle to practice for her Christmas program at school. She has now memorized several books and loves to read them to me. Bella hasn't lost any of her confidence and loves to be the center of attention at any given moment. I still can't believe what comes out of her mouth on a daily basis, and how much she is growing up. She answers me in full sentences, comprehends what I say and ask...just amazing. Just last week some of the favorites were "Daddy I'm talking to you" and "Mommy I need a bath I stink" and just yesterday out of no where she ran to baby Frankie shook his hand and said "Nice to meet you little man" (I always call Frankie my little man). Also when we were walking to the car after school she said "Brrrr it's cold AND windy mommy!" Out of the mouths of babes. I do have to admit it pulls on my heart a bit that her brother ADORES her. He follows her every move, and Bella is definitely a fair weather sister. When she wants to play with him she is great and then when she doesn't she cries if he breaths on her let alone touches her. Hopefully they will have a close bond when their older. ;-)

My little man is doing well. His lungs are improving finally and hopefully that means weight gain will soon follow. He still loves to laugh, coo, his exersaucer and rolling. He is now getting up on all fours and rocking. I think he maybe crawling by the New Year. He now has a total of three teeth. Thankfully he loves his baby food and green beans being his favorite. He definitely will be like his daddy and does not like sweets very much. To top it off on MY birthday he said "Dadadada" yeah for me !! Daddy was over the moon.

That about wraps everything up. We still have a busy week with MDO, house stuff, last of the Christmas shopping, etc.

The seats at the doctor's office has our name on them...

I wanted to jump on real quick and update everyone on my babies. Unfortunately we had an extremely rough weekend. Since Thursday both of my babies continue to get worse with coughing. Hubby and I took both of the kids back to the doctor Saturday morning. After a long morning at the doctor's office & hospital. Here is the run down...Both of their pulse-oxygen level was low...so they received breathing treatments, inhalers, meds, steroids etc. We then took Bella to get a chest x-ray to see if she has pneumonia. Thankfully those came back 100% clear, and she was diagnosed with severe asthma. After getting the hang of her inhaler she is almost back to her bouncy self. As for Frankie the on-call doctor preferred that we follow-up with his normal pediatrician Monday since she is more familiar with his case. Unfortunately we found out today that he lost 3 ounces since last Monday...not good. We returned to the doctor on Monday and unfortunately Frankie hadn't improved at all. He was given more steroids for his breathing machine and antibiotics. We return tomorrow morning for a follow-up. Hopefully their is some improvement.

Obviously we have been home bound again, I think Bella is suffering the most. She hasn't been able to see any of her friends. She has missed school, dance class, and playgroup. Needless to say she is ready to get back to her normal routine. She is still singing up a storm, coloring, puzzles, and non-stop talking. But we have been experience a severe case of her whining. I'm hoping it is just because she has been sick.

My little man.....I continue to pray everyday that his body heals and he gains weight. I'm happy to report he is now loving his baby food. He is still a rolling & cooing machine. I'm also happy to announce he is "almost" sitting up and getting up on all fours. Plus the doctors just love how happy and mellow he is regardless of how sick he is.

As for mom and dad we are just plain tired and worried. Bella was not a sickly child, so this is new for us. We continue to pray and hope for the best.

The Trifilio's are looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday, we have much to be thankful for this year.

We have a permanent seat at the Dr.'s office!

We are back from our whirlwind trip to Wisconsin. We had a wonderful time at my cousin's wedding, and in my personal opinion Bella was the best flower girl ever. She did an amazing job, and was the star dancer at the reception. A great time was had by all !!! We returned back to Fort Worth and drove home to Houston on Sunday. Needless to say this week has been filled with unpacking, laundry, and cleaning. Unfortunately I brought two sick babies home with me. Bella and Frankie both went to the doctor on Monday. Frankie thank god has just a cough, but Bella has the flu. Aaahhhh we are home bound AGAIN!!! I'm so ready for the cold/flu season to be over. Hopefully Bella will be on the mend by next week for her Thanksgiving feast as school.

Daddy is doing great and has been super busy at work. His schedule is going to change soon and will have every other Monday off now.

Mom is EXHAUSTED...I have been blessed with no whiny children ever, and my little man is the most mellow baby ever. BUT when they are sick, everyone in my family makes up for the lost time. I've been doing LOTS of praying to god to bless me with patience as both children are requiring every ounce of energy I have. But aside from sickness life is wonderful and I'm very much looking forward to the holidays. I only have two people left to shop for...hint hint Aunt Nicole I need those lists ;-)

Frankie is doing great and has TWO teeth now !!! He is still rolling, babbling, and all smiles. He now loves his exersaucer which is a great break for mom. Still not a huge fan of baby food, but we keep trying.

Bella is my little princess. She is all full of fun, energy, songs and dancing. She definitely isn't shy. If I had the energy I would type up a hundred stories. It just amazes me how I can hold conversations with her now. She understands completely what I'm saying...she has an opinion...she has mood swings...a personality. Ahhh my princess !!! Just last week again I asked her if she was ready to come out of time out and to tell mom she was sorry. (because of throwing a toy at my head). Her reply "Not yet!" She is my husband's child.

Frankie and I just celebrated our anniversary, and it is just a constant reminder how all of my dreams have come true. Life just doesn't get better than this...

This weekend we are off to get ready for our Thanksgiving Feast at our house.

Halloween and Birthday !!

Here is a quick recap....

Wednesday Oct. 29th- Bella had a parade at school and Baby Frankie and I stayed to watch and take pictures. It was SOOOO cute, especially Bella's class all holding on to their "butterfly" and waving their bat wands. It was wonderful until Bella saw me and ran over, obviously it was a parade and her class kept moving. So her teacher had to take a crying Bella back. Baby Frankie and I immediately went home after that ;-) Baby Frankie tried applesauce today and HATED it. He is laughing out loud and is a ridiculous rolling machine. He still isn't sitting up yet, but we're working on it.


Thursday Oct. 30th- Bella had a Halloween party at Ballet. Frankie took her and the picture are ADORABLE. All the little dancers dressed up and dance with Miss Margo. Just precious..they had a little party after class, fun was had by all.


Friday Oct. 31rst- HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!! Baby Frankie, Bella, and I went to our playgroups Halloween Party. It was SO MUCH FUN! and amazing to see everyone again finally. Since baby Frankie has been sick, we've stayed away from playdates for about a month. Bella LOVED seeing all of her friends again, and my little man enjoyed the extra cuddles. I have to add..my heart just swells thinking of these amazing group of women. With my little man being sick, we were unable to put together a HUGE birthday party for Bella. So my playgoup did a surprise/impromptu party for her today. Just heaven for the both of us. Papa and Mimi came into town today, for Bella's Birthday! and I somehow didn't get any pics of the two kiddos together for Halloween ???? Arrrggg We ended the day with Daddy and Mimi taking Bella trick or treating. We did a switcheroo thanks to Aunt Nicole, since Bella can't have any of the candy.


Saturday Nov. 2nd-Happy Birthday Bella! It was a WONDERFUL day. With lots of fun, eating, playing, fishing, and Little Mermaid watching. We celebrated at her Grandpa Freckle's house with all the family. I still can't put into words the feelings I have of seeing my little girl grow up. She is talking non-stop, using expressions, singing, and all of those other grown up things. I wrote Bella a letter today for her to open at a later date. I want her to know that she means to the world to me....


Sunday Nov. 3rd-Quick shopping trip with Mimi before they left town. We have a new favorite movie "Tinkerbell".

Monday Nov. 4th-Bella had her 2yr check-up today. She is in PERFECT health and weighed in at 29lbs (75-90%) she lost some weight from her Rotavirus. 34 1/2 in height (75%)! Baby Frankie had a quick check-up and he is doing better, still not a 100% but better. We go back next week to have a final lung check before we head out of town to Wisc. for my cousin's wedding.

The rest of this week was filled with fun days at school for Bella. Playtime with mommy and Frankie at home. Last night at Ballet we found out that Bella will begin learning her routine for her recital in June. Very exciting ! We were also told that we won't be able to sit in the class and watch we have to wait outside. I hope Bella will do ok. We've also kept a low profile most of our playgroup has a nasty virus. So our fingers are crossed we don't get it.

As for the eating..Baby Frankie is still trying and so will mom! Sleep Update: I'm proud to report after a lengthy discussion with Ped. and google. We continued to work with Bella. She is now in bed EVERY night at 8pm and doesn't leave her room. I don't want to jinx myself, but so far so good. Baby Frankie is still not sleeping through the night, but hopefully soon. Our next step..Potty Training. She started telling me when she is"peeing" in her diaper. Just not soon enough..so maybe after the holidays we will tackle this!

Have a great weekend!