Luis' routines...

Every night, since Luis was at least 2 (perhaps even younger), we have been going through a routine that has changed only a little since it was started. The nightly milk routine. Initially, the nightly milk routine was me going downstairs to get milk for Luis and Miriam, then sneaking back upstairs with Luis' milk hidden away somewhere (behind my back or in one of my pockets). I would first go into Miriam's room and leave her milk on her dresser, then sneak into Luis' room, with his milk still hidden from view. Your Mom would come up with some way of blocking your view of me so that I could walk over to your crib and tuck your sippee-cup into one of the corners underneath a blanket. Then you would run over to me and urge me to use the magic milk conjuring words, "One, two, three... POOF!". A wave of my hand and then the milk would mysteriously appear in the corner of the crib, awaiting you to retrieve it.

This routine evolved. Now Luis and I walk down to get milk together. No more "One, two, three POOF!". Instead, Luis opens the cupboard and picks out the cup he wants to drink milk from as well as a cup for Miriam. Then he grabs the milk jug from the fridge, places it on the counter, pushes a stool over, climbs up, and pours his own milk into his sippee. I usually pour Miriams milk into her cup. Then each cup goes into the microwave (which I program but he starts). After the milks have been warmed, we both walk up the steps (milk in hand). When we near the top of the stairs, Luis calls to Mom and asks her to call out for help (this is part of a game where Luis plays 'Fireman'). After a few cries for help, Luis dashes in and pretends that the straw from his milk cup is a firehose, which he uses to put out an imaginary fire that is threatening Mom and Miriam. Finally, Luis comes back to me (I have entered the room that Mom and Miriam are waiting in at this point), takes Miriam's milk and hands it to her. Then we all go to Miriam's room (if the fire episode is taking place in Luis' room) and read a story. Then both to bed and finally some rest for tired parents.

Takhomasak

We went to Steak N Shake for lunch today. Luis had been looking forward to it all morning. He wanted to go even before we'd had our breakfast. It is his favorite restaurant. Luis, Miriam, and Mom went on errands this morning, for some assorted house things, while I stayed at home and tweaked my computer. Then it was off to Takhomasak. Luis had a vanilla shake, small steakburger and fries, his favorite! Miriam had a grilled cheese and fries. We forgot to bring bibs with us but they were nice enough to supply us with at couple there. Luis was a chatterbox while we waited for our food. He tried to strike up a conversation with the guy sitting in the booth behind us. Luis has always been very friendly and extremely curious. Miriam is more shy but definitely more explorative and adventuresome.

Our first trip to the lake

Today was Fathers Day and Luis, Miriam, Mom and I went to the lake to sail on Abuelos boat. It was sunny all day and pretty hot in the afternoon. Luis and Miriam looked very cute in your life jackets. You guys were in good spirits for most of the trip, though near the end things started to fall apart. Neither of you had naps and you are still at the age where you really need one. Miriam went into her usual screaming/wailing combo though Luis just got quiet and slowed down a bit. It wasn't until we got home and started getting ready for a bath that Luis really crashed. It upsets me to see him unravel like he always does at night on days when he hasn't gotten a bath. It's those kinds of nights that make me question whether breaking the routine is worth it.

Well now you kids can say you have sailed.

A good day for baseball

We went to the park this morning to play some baseball. Luis can connect with the ball (on the T) very easily. He even hit a few dingers. Miriam was shagging balls like a good little sister. We kicked the beach ball around a little after that, the it was off to the slides and the pole on the playground. Anna and I sat in the shade on a bench and watched as the kids played. It was relaxing to see them giddy and playing with each other. It has been a good morning.

Finally binoculars day!

It was finally the day to go to the binoculars store for Luis. We had been looking forward to it all week, though it wasn't until the last minute that Luis decided it was binoculars day vs. whether it was going to be Jack In the Box day. We took a trip to Target but didn't like the selection of binoculars they had there. There was, however, a batting helmet that Luis really liked. It almost turned out to be batting helmet day. We left Target and drove to the Sports Authority close to our house. Your Mom was waiting for us there. We found a good pair of binoculars and Luis tried on some more batting helmets. I think batting helmet day will be here before we know it.

The house still is not sold. We have gotten a few offers for it, but none high enough to make it worth our while to move.

Came home to a nut house

I gave you guys kisses this morning before I went to work. Then when I came home, your Mom was stressed out because the trip to the grocery store turned out to be un trajín. We hung out together while Shrek was on. Then a yummy dinner and upstairs to Luis room for some playtime. Luis pretended to be asleep in his crib while Miriam crawled over me and pretended to fall asleep too. Then it's the "Now wake up! Now go to sleep! Now wake up!" game. That lasted for 10 fun minutes. We got upstairs late tonight so no bath. We'll need one tomorrow night for sure.

It is getting hot outside

Today we went to Ama's house for brunch. She made a tortilla with ham, peppers, and potatos. We had bagels and cantalope and juice (and I had coffee). Your Mom didn't get there until after she was done getting the house ready for the open house that we would have later. After she showed up, Luis and I grabbed Ama's binoculars and took a walk to the playground behind the school close to Ama's house. There, we slid down Luis' favorite rolly slide over and over. He also sold me a giant, green, and not too heavy pair of pretend binoculars. We walked home in the heat and found Ama and Miriam and your Mom walking our way.

We watched the Incredibles in the afternoon while Ama and Miriam took a nap. Then we went home together. We had fun today.