First Outing the Choir Concert

I have had anxiety over deciding if I could make it to the kids final choir concert this year. I knew Monday afternoon when we came home that it would only be 48 hours from then, but I think I secretly hoped that somehow I would be given more time. Of course, time, an unchangeable, did not grant me more of it. And Wed. afternoon quickly came. And while I know I had every legitimate excuse in the world to not go...(a 4 day old baby, pain, pain meds., exhaustion, not wanting to be mauled by other students/teachers/parents, having no clothes to fit or put on to go out in public, etc...) I could not let my other 2 kids down. So, regardless of my difficult and teary mood, I was determined that I could do this. Thank goodness it was short and not great attendance. That all worked in my favor. And we got a great seat to the side (on the same side where both the kids were standing on stage) and were pretty inconspicuous all things considered.
Esaias was safely hidden under a blanket in the car seat, and didn't even flinch at the music. And waited to eat until we got home. He has truly been a sweet boy so far. He is up at night in the wee early morning hours, but that's to be expected and we're working on it.

It is taking me longer to recover than what I remember with the other ones. But that's just par for the course and reminds me again how old I am this time. But I am happy to be on this side of the pregnancy and be looking ahead at all the wonderful parts of this journey that await me and my family. So with that brief update, here's to my 2 older kids doing an awesome job in their choir performance.

Day Two

It's amazing how quickly we have been able to tell people about the birth of baby Esaias. Through Facebook, this blog, text messaging, and cell phones, I think that almost everyone we are connected to has heard about this little baby being born. It's been so great to hear from so many of you and get visitors. We anticipate that Vycci and Esaias will be coming home tommorrow. I am home with Isaac and Marina tonight and they are both ready for their new brother to come home. Here are some more pictures we took today. Hope you like them.

This is my brother Luke who we think Esaias looks like. Thoughts???? Here is a big yawn with chillaxin' Uncle Marcus!!!

Isaac and his first brother. How exciting for these two boys.

Marina is already getting antsy to feed Esaias and change his "poopy" diapers. We'll see how long that lasts.

Baby Esaias

As most of you know we had a new addition to our family earlier today. Esaias Paul Sandoval was born at 1:35 pm on 4-24-10. He was 8 pounds and 20 inches. He is the biggest baby we have had and seems to be in good spirits thus far. Vycci is also doing well and I am here with her at the hospital tonight as I share these first pictures of our new blessing from heaven.

We started this adventure 2 1/2 years ago when we felt that another spirit was waiting to come to our family. After two unsuccessful pregnancies we were a bit apprehensive to try again but the Lord spoke to us through scripture and the spirit and told us that Esaias was still waiting to come to earth. We can't express our gratitude to everyone who helped with the spiritual, temporal, and emotional support that we have benefited from through this oft ever winding gauntlet.

We love you all who keep tabs on us through this blog and pray that you will feel the appreciation and gratitude you all deserve.

Grandma Chris and Papa Joe w/ grand baby Esaias

All 5 Sandoval's (Vycci, Isaac, Esaias, Danny, Marina)

Big brother Isaac w/ Esaias

First Bath

Danny and new baby Esaias

Esaias Close Up

Auntie Risa and Esaias

Esaias being weighed

Hospital Experience

So don't get excited...this was not the trip I was hoping to make to the hospital this weekend!

My maternal grandmother had a heart attack this weekend. And yes this was a scare for us all, but we are feeling better as she is on the mend. I have been so blessed in my life to have known and been close to all 4 of my grandparents my whole life. I actually have been blessed to have known many of my great-grandparents, and even a great-great grandma. Of course all of the "greats" have since passed on. And amazing influences they have all been in my life.

I love that my kids get to know their great grandparents as I did. In fact that is what I wanted to write about. We went without the kids on Saturday since she was in the ICU. However, on Sunday, she was moved to another room , so we went as a family. Grandma made the hospital experience look so fun, that Isaac was requesting his own hospital visit. He said, "You get to watch your own TV, order in food, call a nurse whenever you need or want something without ever getting out of bed. You even have your own bathroom, that no one else can use." I suppose that does sound pretty luxurious. Marina has expressed a desire to be a nurse when she grows up. One of the nurse's was so sweet and just loved the fact that Marina might want to be like her, that she let Marina practice checking grandma's blood sugar level, cleaning off grandma's finger and she even got to wear her own pair of gloves. They loved it.

After this I won't be able to convince them that they want to stay away from the hospital. I am not sure how this will transfer to me being in the hospital either. But I don't think they'll have much sympathy. What do you think?

Variety Show Highlights

Friday night was the big night my kids had been waiting for, and it went off with a bang. We had to save seats for an hour and that's even with my inside connections. Over 100 students participated in this year's show, and I think it was one of the best I've seen in 5 years. Of course, I am a little biased when it's my son running the show, but he really did a great job. He comes by it naturally. His dad, uncle, and grandpa were all competitive "speech guys" (debaters, and ...). I obviously can't tell you all the speech stuff, but Danny could. And even though I hate public speaking, I too come from a long line of "talkers" who have used this talent to their benefit publicly. So, Isaac had a chance to shine. Literally in the spotlight.

Marina, little miss drama queen, (much more like her mom and gets stage fright) was front and center for the 40 little 1st graders singing their adorable "Banana" song. Of course she had been singing it around the house for weeks, so Danny and I could've sung it with them. But we wouldn't have been nearly as cute. She has already been talking about what she is going to perform in next years show. Her teacher is quite the "ham" herself. You should've seen both teachers all dressed up and dancing with maracas by palm trees with fruit on their heads. Danny took pictures, so blame him for the blurry shots. It was very entertaining. Here's a picture of her teacher all dressed up from her cowgirl teacher dance. I think Marina and her teacher share a little of the same "drama queen" blood.


I am glad they had such a great time! It's always a good moment as a parent to see your kids have an opportunity to develop and celebrate God-given talents.

Officially Home

Well, yesterday the Dr. and I decided that it was time for me to be home from work until this baby comes. While I was relieved to not have planning and the day to day exhaustion, I can't believe how difficult it is for me to let go. I've had to ask myself why? To others many might think it's due to letting go of control, but that's really not it. I am confident that my long-term substitute will manage just fine, and my team does not need me to succeed, and I got my students this far and they really are a good group of kids and don't need me either. So then, what is it?

I'm just a workaholic sometimes. That's probably why I am always so tired. I never do anything half way. I take a lot of pride in working hard, and it is part of my personality. I am driven for productivity everyday. If I don't accomplish certain things each day, I feel a failure or disappointment. I suppose this is why I have always worked. Since I was old enough to remember, I've been doing something. I rarely spend my days doing nothing. Anyway, due to my nature and now being home, I get up and think, now what? What do I do today?

It won't take me long to find some project that needs to be done at home, but I hate this transition. I even miss going to school with my kids. And today will be one of the first times I don't get to see there school Variety show performance twice (Isaac's the MC and Marina is performing a song with her class). I actually have to wait until tonight like all the other parents.

Isaac said this morning in response to telling him I would not be going to work for the rest of the school year, "Wow, we get to be like regular kids?" While I am sure that is a novel thought for him, it was depressing for me to hear. At least I know Marina will manage, but she would rather me be with her. Isaac's kind of getting to that big kid age anyway. He also informed me today that he's almost done with elementary school. I reminded him he still had another year, and he told me, "Yah Mom, only one more year!"

Can you tell I'm feeling a little melancholy about the change? I know that when this baby finally comes, it will keep me plenty busy, and I won't be able to keep up with the days for a while. But for now.... waiting is so hard! So, here's to wishing early labor (already started) not lasting the 10 weeks it did with Isaac, and the 2 weeks with Marina. And finding something productive to do!

Easter Weekend

Due to General conference this weekend we didn't attend church, so last Sunday they got to wear their new Easter Sunday outfits. But also due to meetings and getting Danny off to DC we didn't get any pictures taken. So the next time they wear their new get ups...I'll post a pic.

We've had a fairly eventful week, or at least the kids have played a lot, considering my condition. I wanted to keep things pretty low key, and I sure have enjoyed the weather. It's definitely felt like spring. I can't complain. I suppose that's all I would've really asked for...some rest and relaxation and for the kids to have been able to have some fun.

The kids were able to spend @ 3 days with my sisters kids, (which meant I got some time with my sister too) have a sleepover with Grandma Layne, attend the theatre, hunt for Easter eggs, and much more. And you saw Danny's eventful week. So, we're all happy. Never sure how ready we are to go back, but we're happy! So like I said, what more can you ask for...

a new baby maybe???

Danny helping to get ready for the hunt.

All the kids lined up and ready to go!
Jade, Erica, Jose, Marina, Isaac

Marina off to hunt!

Isaac working on his Science Project: Tennis Balls and Temperature
Getting ready to tackle the dry ice.

Mary Poppins at the DCPA!

Last of the D.C. Pictures

Jefferson Memorial

Up close on the Washigton Memorial

Cherry Blossom Festival

More Cherry blossoms looking across the Tidal Basin at Jefferson memorial