You just gotta Love him

Lately we have been having a hard time with Blake. He doesn't do so well ending something he is doing, in order to do something else. Stop playing and come to the table for dinner, stop watching a movie to go get dressed, etc.. Well, last night was the same thing when we were getting him out of the shower. (He LOVES the shower). Danny got him out and he threw a fit telling Danny he was a mean dad and that he was sad and had a sad face. Blake tells Danny he is not going to smile. So, Danny says (even though we do not have any), "Do you want some Banana Bread?". Of course he smiles and says Yes. Well, Danny laughs and says sorry it's time to brush your teeth and get into bed. Blake responds with -That's not going to make me smile Dad.

Isn't he cute???

Thanksgiving

We had our friends from Aalborg over for a Thanksgiving Dinner this week. Pernille and Allan are expecting their 2nd child in 2 WEEKS. I look like I am due tomorrow (feel like it too) and still have 2 MONTHS. I wish the heigth thing was on my side.

Blake decorated the center piece and helped set the table. He is a good helper (most of the time.)

Allan and Danny played together at AaB. Allan also played in France and loves wine. Danny, believe it or not, has been drinking a few bottles a week. He is really interested in learning about wine and is enjoying trying them. I can't wait to have a drink with him.

Paige helping make the yummy gravy. It was such a nice dinner. And, it was Allan and Pernille's first Turkey and Thanksgiving Dinner. We enjoyed them coming over.

Blake and Danny

I think I've said this before but Blake loves to cook and bake. He is such a good helper and loves to taste everything - that's what the chef does (it's the best when he says that to you). Well, today he and Danny made applesauce.

Tonight Danny and I were getting ready to go on a date and the table was set for dinner for Paige, Blake, and Abby the babysitter. Blake started eating the applesauce and Danny told him he needed to eat his other food first. He is going to be a lawyer, but a little too honest sometimes.

Blake's response:

Well Dad, (moving his plate) when you're gone I'm just going to put the bowl back in front of my plate like this and eat it like this with Abby.

My Poor Paige

At the end of today

In the morning

Another thing about this house that we loved was that it had a fireplace. Great on the very cold nights here in Denmark. So, last night we decided to light a fire, like we have several other times. It gets the house super hot. The bad side is, that it is in a shitty location in our living room. I am a recorder constantly reminding the kids to be careful that the fireplace is hot.

Well, 2 mins before bed time Paige decides to be a bridge (from the couch to the fireplace which she often does during the day for Blake) forgetting that the fireplace is still hot, she touches it. 

Needless to say, my poor Paige has 2nd degree burns on her hands. Luckily the ER here is a piece of cake to go to so Danny took her (there and back in 30 mins). I slept with her and kept wet towels on her hands all night. 

Today, we went back to the ER (1 hour this time) and they popped the blisters and told us they looked great. She is doing OK and is able to touch other things now. When the doctor was about to pop the blisters, I was so proud when she still used her manners. She asked him "Please be careful with my hands, please? Then, as we were leaving we saw an elderly man in a bed getting wheeled in by an ambulance. He had long brown hair. I thought to myself, he kind of looks like Jesus... then, Blake says, "Is that Jesus mom?"... Too cute!

Note: For burns - run cool water on them for up to an hour. Then, rest cool, wet towels on them. DO NOT APPLY any ointment. It says to wrap with a clean cloth but Paige did not want this - said it made them burn more. Also, if blisters arise, pop them and get the moisture out. Don't cover the area either. The fresh air is the best thing for them. Also, wash with soap and water often to keep germs out. 

The Califfs Play Santa

Each year I take new toys to Orangewood for Christmas. I love doing it and love taking Paige with me. Unfortunately, you aren't able to see the kids receive them so Paige and Blake don't get to see their reaction to receiving this gift.

So this year, I've come up with an idea... this is where you come in. Instead of donating to Orangewood, I'd like to know about a few families that are really in NEED this Holiday Season. I'd like them to have kids so Paige and Blake can help shop with me - but really any family in NEED will do.

What I'd like:

*Send me a letter as to why you are recommending this family (single mom, dad lost his job, mother has cancer, house burnt down, medical bills, etc..)

*The family must live within 10-15 mins from Orange so we can deliver the gifts and play Santa

*You must not tell the family but be able to give me ideas of things they really NEED (or want to get for the kids) Please include all family members.

*I'd like to know about the family by the 5th of December so I can start planning and shopping

I'm really excited to do this with the kids and to help other families this Holiday Season. Thanks for your help.

Troy Boulton Califf

For Paige's actual Birthday I took her and a friend to see High School Musical 3, for the 2nd time. Danny had a double so I let her choose what she wanted to do for the day. She chose cereal for breakfast (which she eats every morning - Fiber One and Flakes mixed, with 1 Splenda and a lot of milk), quesadillas for lunch, and Burritos for dinner. 

Later in the evening she was using the "pot", doing her thing and she was ready to talk, like she always is when she is doing her thing. 

I was rubbing lotion on my belly, as I always do and did when I was pregnant with Paige and Blake, hoping it will help the stretch marks... it doesn't but it makes me feel better. 

Anyways, my conversation with Paige:

Paige: Do we have to name the baby Jude?

Me: Yes, honey, we've already chosen his name. Why?

Paige: What if we change it to Troy Boulton? (for those that don't know HSM, he is the cute boy in the movie)

Me: Smiling...

Paige: He's so cute Mom

Me: (laughing inside) I don't think Daddy would like that. 

Paige: OK. When can we go see HSM 3 again???

Me: HURRY UP!

My Memory of Paige's birth

My Paige-e Poo is 5! I can't believe it. Where does the time go? I can remember the day of her birth like it was yesterday. We had to report to the hospital at 6am to be induced. I was ready at 5am and told Danny at 5:30am that we needed to go. He told me to relax (as he is eating his breakfast and watching TV).. we lived 5 mins away and to chill. I was so ready!!

At the hospital Danny was wearing a black knit beanie, with a shirt that showed his tattoos. My mom told me later that the head nurse asked if he was in a gang or something... too funny!

The contractions weren't so bad.. I remember crying over them breaking my water. I hated that part... I was peeing, warm, gooey stuff. Yuck!

I remember so many visitors... especially my friend Melissa. Something about her red hair. 

To this day, I don't like hearing the word sciatica. Everyone asked my condition and the word was used each time to describe my pain - Her sciatica hurts! I now hate that word!

I remember pushing and telling my sister to give me more ice chips... I didn't open my eyes once for the entire 40 mins I pushed... I remember the nurse calling and saying she needed juice stat for the dad (Danny almost fainted - can you believe that??). 

Paige finally arrived, and was quiet as a mouse. She didn't cry until the doctor pinched her. Her eyes were wide open and she was ready to eat. Had a full head of hair and a nice cone head to compliment it. Luckily I was prepared and had a pretty pink beanie for her (thanks Michelle!). 

I remember a ton of visitors coming in and out for the next two days. I thought that I looked "good" but looking back at the pictures what in the hell was I thinking? I had terrible acne, was swollen everywhere, and looked exhausted. Never again will that happen!

Luckily she is a cutie and a keeper! I love you Paige. 

Birthday Girl with Friends

Esther, Alex, and Paige - taking a break from dancing to HSM

The girls posing after they get their face painted.

Listening very intently to the next clue of the Princess Scavenger Hunt. Blake has something else on his mind though!

After the "Crown the Princess" game... (yes, our front door is a chalkboard)

Decorating downstairs...

The Birthday Girl

My very girly girl - she loves having her face painted.

She has such a great smile.

I adore her laugh.

She enjoys baking with me... maybe it's because I let her eat the batter???

Happy 5th Birthday Paige! You are my only daughter and I will forever love you!

Decorations

This is our front window in the kitchen... perfect spot for the presents. I will also add that we woke up to frost on the ground... 30 degrees!!!

Paige and I decorated the cake table this morning... she is a perfectionist like me. Uh oh!

Part of "Paige's Party" sign. They decorated tiara's, picture frames, and did wall art. Later, the face painter came and the girls danced to High School Musical. It was SO MUCH FUN!

Art table and "Paige's Party" (made by P and B earlier in the week) sign is displayed.

I took Paige shopping (it was so cute watching her choose her dress, shoes, hair things, etc... - she is a true girl and loves to shop. She's very picky so I always have to take her with me) and this is the outfit she chose. I can't believe my baby is 5!

Paige's 5th Bday party - Blake's pics

According to Blake, he was the Snake Monster

Danny took Blake shopping for Paige's bday and he chose this Gabriella Barbie Doll from High School Musical. He kept it a secret and was so excited to see her open it.

Watching Paige open his gift...

YUMMY Princess Cake!

Doing crafts with HIS friend Mia.

32 weeks - although I look 40!

We had a face painter at Paige's party today... needless to say, it was a must to paint my belly. If you look closely, you can see my very attractive stretch marks. Gosh, I love them!

Seriously, I'm huge!