It was more than clearly determinable. This baby is not shy, or calm for that matter. I have been thinking that I don't remember either of the other kids moving and kicking nearly as much as this one. So all suspicions confirmed! It's a BOY!
Marina struggled a little with the news, but with some time recovered better than I thought she would with promises of buying the first outfit for her new little brother, and her idea...she thinks she gets to help name the baby. She has agreed that "Flower" (the original pick) is not a good name for a boy.
Isaac loved watching the ultrasound live; trying to follow along as every body part was named and identified. Marina who is not good with unfamiliar situations kept covering her eyes and telling me on the way to the doctor's that she was "freaked out." I had explained exactly what to expect with as much detail as possible to help the anxiety. However, she sat very still and quiet and her disappointment held silent, when the lady revealed the "boy parts."
All in all, I hope that it was a positive memorable experience for my children to have done this as a family. And that it helps to rest their own fears and concerns about this process. We had a conversation this morning about how fragile life is, but that we don't all sit around waiting to die. We live and and hope to live a long full life. We assessed together that this pregnancy was much the same. We have to move forward and practice some faith. They both admitted that this was hard sometimes. Wow! What amazing insight from the mouths of babes!
NAME: We have been saving this post until we finalized the name. Only a few days...that's pretty good for us. I have to name the baby before it is born. It helps to make it real for me. I guess I really have needed that this time around. My sister makes me crazy never deciding on a name, sometimes till after the baby is born. I don't know how anyone leaves it till then. I suppose for some that's part of the fun. For me all things that I have control over have to be decided. So with all that said...are some of you hoping I'll get to telling you the name already??? Okay, but before I do, I have to let you all know that a big reason Danny and I don't reveal a name to everyone until it has been determined is; before Isaac was born, we threw out a couple ideas and got rejected. We quickly learned to decide and then officially tell everyone, making them all have to hold their opinions to themselves. We told the kids last night, and I believe they're the only ones that truly have to approve on some level. SO...
Esaias Paul Sandoval (pronounced ee-si-us, ryhming with Elias).
I (Vycci) loved Elias, but we already have a little Eli in our ward, and Danny just wouldn't consent. So, we compromised. You know Danny, never the conformist. Also, we formed a pattern that we were unaware of with our other 2 kids names, and when we found this and liked it... it stuck! All kids first names have 2 a's and an i. Silly but true. Marina a beginning reader and speller thought this was very cool. We did most all of our baby name hunting in the scriptures, so you can find this name in the New Testamant, and the Doctrine and Covenants. Esaias was a prophet during Abraham's time that received the priesthood directly from God. Esaias is also recorded as another translation for the name Isaiah, meaning God is Salvation. We love it!
And don't forget to read on...our Christmas letter below.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dear Family & Friends,
Okay so here goes the traditional Christmas letter. Usually this provides lots of opportunity for reflection, and I usually enjoy that this time of year. However, I find myself really wanting to move forward and focus on the future right now.
The last year has brought us many ups and downs as every year does. I am not even sure that 2009 is any more significant than any other year. The kids keep getting bigger, older, and busier. I am not sure I am ready for the future when that increases. But there is never a dull moment in our lives.
Isaac the "communicator," who never lacks in having something to add to conversation, has been busy with Scouts, Student Council, Tutoring, adjusting to the responsibility of fourth grade, and sports. Oh did I mention SPORTS! He's killing me... a definite miniature Danny. As if we didn't see this coming. Although, he is very adamant about what football teams he favors. Let's put it this way...he has a list of his top favorites, of which the Jets, Green Bay, and thank goodness the Broncos hold onto top spots. He got to see his first live Bronco game, and join his first Fantasy Football league. Yikes! Am I ready for the coming years????
Marina the "Energizer Bunny" unless it's Monday thru Friday and she has to get up and get ready for school, has made huge improvements at school this year. She is much more confident and comfortable in first grade. For which I am extremely grateful. When we went to her parent-teacher conference, she told us that she wanted to work on following the school rules more. Her teacher immediately asked her what rules she was not following? The teacher has rave reviews about her behavior and outstanding level of responsibility for a 1st grader. While we are thrilled to have such great praise, and we occasionally see glimpses of this at home, but most often we are left with the much more stubborn and opinionated side at home! She loves to pretend that she is the teacher on duty at recess and tells us we're all in trouble and writes our names down on the "bad list." What does this tell you about her? So, we keep her busy doing art projects, and gymnastics. She has to have that little body busy all the time!
Danny finally earned that Master's Degree and we all take a lot of pride and ownership in this accomplishment. We just spent last weekend celebrating with friends and family at the old Zang's Brewery. Congratulations Danny! He continues to love his work. And the fact that he has a good job and good health insurance is a constant on my list of blessings.
Together, Danny and I, have worked at getting to the temple every month, and I am so grateful that he and I continue to set goals and strive to live righteously. We truly are very blessed to share such a wonderful friendship and love. I know that this has carried us through all the difficulties over the last couple of years. So, this brings me to the reason we are focused on the future. The Lord had directed us in ways that we can't explain. However, we know that His hand has constantly guided us on this path to have another child. We were ready to be done, when the Lord said, "Try again." We have learned to let go, and take the leap of faith, truly leaving things in His hands. So we have slowly embraced the possibility that a new baby would arrive sometime this Spring. As we are on the brink of discovering the gender and hopefully finding a name we look to hope and faith to lead us the rest of the way.
I've spent sometime pondering on what life will be like with a new baby. I think I forgot how to change diapers, make bottles, and get up in the middle of the night. And I've asked myself, "What...are you crazy." And then I think on the joy that my children have already brought me. I think on how life would be simple and boring without them. I think of how selfish I might be; and all the growing and learning opportunities I would've missed. And I realize that there is no greater gift in this lifetime than to partake in this journey. The Lord really had purpose and a plan when He commanded us to "multiply and replenish the earth." I used to think He was a little crazy and that commandment was only meant for Eve. But now I truly understand that it is part of the eternal plan. And I wouldn't want to miss a minute of it.
May you see the Lord's hand in your lives. May you have the strength and faith to let Him lead you. Our sincerest wish and prayers go out to you at this special time of year. Thanks to all of you that bless our lives. May we always be good at remembering to express our gratitude to all of you.
Love,
The Sandoval's
Vycci, Danny, Isaac, & Marina
The last year has brought us many ups and downs as every year does. I am not even sure that 2009 is any more significant than any other year. The kids keep getting bigger, older, and busier. I am not sure I am ready for the future when that increases. But there is never a dull moment in our lives.
Isaac the "communicator," who never lacks in having something to add to conversation, has been busy with Scouts, Student Council, Tutoring, adjusting to the responsibility of fourth grade, and sports. Oh did I mention SPORTS! He's killing me... a definite miniature Danny. As if we didn't see this coming. Although, he is very adamant about what football teams he favors. Let's put it this way...he has a list of his top favorites, of which the Jets, Green Bay, and thank goodness the Broncos hold onto top spots. He got to see his first live Bronco game, and join his first Fantasy Football league. Yikes! Am I ready for the coming years????
Marina the "Energizer Bunny" unless it's Monday thru Friday and she has to get up and get ready for school, has made huge improvements at school this year. She is much more confident and comfortable in first grade. For which I am extremely grateful. When we went to her parent-teacher conference, she told us that she wanted to work on following the school rules more. Her teacher immediately asked her what rules she was not following? The teacher has rave reviews about her behavior and outstanding level of responsibility for a 1st grader. While we are thrilled to have such great praise, and we occasionally see glimpses of this at home, but most often we are left with the much more stubborn and opinionated side at home! She loves to pretend that she is the teacher on duty at recess and tells us we're all in trouble and writes our names down on the "bad list." What does this tell you about her? So, we keep her busy doing art projects, and gymnastics. She has to have that little body busy all the time!
Danny finally earned that Master's Degree and we all take a lot of pride and ownership in this accomplishment. We just spent last weekend celebrating with friends and family at the old Zang's Brewery. Congratulations Danny! He continues to love his work. And the fact that he has a good job and good health insurance is a constant on my list of blessings.
Together, Danny and I, have worked at getting to the temple every month, and I am so grateful that he and I continue to set goals and strive to live righteously. We truly are very blessed to share such a wonderful friendship and love. I know that this has carried us through all the difficulties over the last couple of years. So, this brings me to the reason we are focused on the future. The Lord had directed us in ways that we can't explain. However, we know that His hand has constantly guided us on this path to have another child. We were ready to be done, when the Lord said, "Try again." We have learned to let go, and take the leap of faith, truly leaving things in His hands. So we have slowly embraced the possibility that a new baby would arrive sometime this Spring. As we are on the brink of discovering the gender and hopefully finding a name we look to hope and faith to lead us the rest of the way.I've spent sometime pondering on what life will be like with a new baby. I think I forgot how to change diapers, make bottles, and get up in the middle of the night. And I've asked myself, "What...are you crazy." And then I think on the joy that my children have already brought me. I think on how life would be simple and boring without them. I think of how selfish I might be; and all the growing and learning opportunities I would've missed. And I realize that there is no greater gift in this lifetime than to partake in this journey. The Lord really had purpose and a plan when He commanded us to "multiply and replenish the earth." I used to think He was a little crazy and that commandment was only meant for Eve. But now I truly understand that it is part of the eternal plan. And I wouldn't want to miss a minute of it.
May you see the Lord's hand in your lives. May you have the strength and faith to let Him lead you. Our sincerest wish and prayers go out to you at this special time of year. Thanks to all of you that bless our lives. May we always be good at remembering to express our gratitude to all of you.Love,
The Sandoval's
Vycci, Danny, Isaac, & Marina
The Huki Lau-Real Dancing and Singing!
So here's some of my pride and joy! Both my kids did Choir this fall and participated in the Multicultural Performance at our school. And my sister was so good to let the girls (and drive them across town twice: one early morning practice and let them miss part of school for the performance) come and show off their hula skills. Marina was so excited to be a part of this. It's a little bit of a longer clip, but aren't they all too cute for words!! Okay so they're getting a little big for "cute" but I can still get a way with it a bit longer...I hope! ENJOY!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Rescue You From Danny's Obnoxious Dancing Posts!
We only have about 5 million things we haven't posted about in the last 2 months. And in Danny's 5 min. (that's how long he says it takes) of free time, of which I have NONE, he posts these obnoxious JibJab dancing things! He says they're funny. I say, "Ya, if you're under 12 years old." I guess as long as he keeps posting them, you'll at least know we're alive. Please stayed tuned as we (I) will be posting soon about all the fun and exciting things keeping us busy at the Sandoval house! And NO we're not dressing up as elves and dancing!!!!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Elf Dance Guest Dancer
This is the "Boys Only" dance as the Purcell and Sandoval elves welcome guest dancer Tristan (nephew & cousin). Next week I will post the final 2 elf dances in our series of holiday dancing. Enjoy!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Disco Time!
In this elf dance rendition we have the Martin (Vycci and Marisa maiden name) Sisters and the Hula Girls get groovy with a little disco.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Elf Days of Christmas
In my attempts to post to this Blog during the month of December I created several different Elf dances for your viewing pleasure. I will be posting them randomly throughout the month, with a short description of each.
In this dance we have the two kings of country Marcus and Danny two-stepping with our daughters/nieces to kick off this Country Christmas season the right way!
Let's Ho Ho Ho Down!
DS
In this dance we have the two kings of country Marcus and Danny two-stepping with our daughters/nieces to kick off this Country Christmas season the right way!
Let's Ho Ho Ho Down!
DS
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