Family Christmas Pictures

This is the first year for us to have professional pictures taken of the whole family. Our friend, Mrs. Stephanie referred us to her photographer friend, Mrs. Joann. She was kind enough to put up with us for about an hour and a half. She had a good eye and even better editing software. Just kidding. Unfortunately for Mya, her tongue couldn't be photoshopped back into her mouth that day.

The Big Guy

We took Mya to meet Santa for the first time, and she reacted in the same fashion as when any man gets too close- she screamed and cried (Mom and Dad are hoping that continues for the next 20+ years). Lucky for him, I'm over my previous fear of him. Check out my visits with him when I was one- and two-years old. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think Santa looks a lot different this year. I guess we all age differently.

Jesus' Birthday Party

My last day of school was a celebration of Jesus' birth (i.e., Christmas). Mya and my mom came to chapel with me and watched me do our pledges and sing a few songs. We also watched the transitional kindergartners perform the story of baby Jesus. They did a great job, but I'm not sure why my own birthday isn't transformed into a play since it is such a significant event.

Afterwards, the parents came to our classroom for a party and book exchange. If you can't find me in the picture, I'm the tallest boy in the class. Ok, not really (thanks mostly to my mom and her Asian genes). But, what I lack in height, I make up for in temper, I mean, talent.

Crazy Hair Day

Each month at school we have a themed spirit day when we wear our school shirt. In December it was "Crazy Hair Day." Many kids come with their hair spray painted and out of control (Mya will have an easy time with her hair when she starts attending school). My mom was tempted to just take me without combing my hair in the morning since it's usually a mess, but I let her put tons of product in it. I did promise not to stand too closely to any candles or open flames (please note that I am standing underneath Scout, our Elf on the Shelf).

I am now off for two weeks for Christmas (yes we can actually call it Christmas at our school). Surprisingly, Mom is thankful for this break. She says that it's because she doesn't have to get ready and rush out the door in the mornings (plus Mya gets to take her naps on time). I think that it's because she misses me those days that I'm expanding my spiritual and academic experiences. I do notice that she prays a lot more and asks for patience when I'm home. I guess patience is an synonym for gratitude.

Snow Day

We had our first snow of the season (and probably our last). The last time that happened here (without the snow melting as soon as it hit the ground) was in early 2008, and I don't remember much of it. So, as soon as Mommy told me to look out the back door that morning, I wanted to rush out there. I had to wait for Daddy to get up and take me since that sister of mine keeps the maternal figure in the house. We did our best with the little snow that we had, but we successfully made my first Frosty (you can see him hiding behind me).

Thanksgiving Feasts

So, we had what was called the Finger Food Feast at school to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We prepared some songs, crafts, and a "costume" for a month so that we can present everything to our loved ones. My family, including Nona and Papa, came to see me and marvel in my unbelievable talents. I wore my Indian, excuse me, Native American vest and headgear. I walked with my class into the auditorium onto the assigned risers ready to sing my songs. I saw Mommy in front of the stage with her camera. I lost it. I threw off my "hat" and wanted to go down there and see her. I'm not sure how I will ever make it through my valedictorian speech. In any case, I did eventually relax and have fun eating lunch with the fam afterwards.


We had a quiet Thanksgiving. We were supposed to spend it with Lola and Papo this year, but they were on another one of their international excursions. We went to Nona and Papa's house, and my cousins were spending it with their "other" families so I was the only making all the noise (Mya's baby sounds don't really count). I guess Papa felt sorry for me and took me to the park before dinner (or maybe he just decided to give in after badgering him with requests). Mommy got a bit lazy this year and didn't take many pictures. She should have had the camera out when I actually ate all of my turkey (the box of Oreos she placed on the shelf as an incentive did help a bit).

Our Baby Doll

Our little girl is growing up WAY too fast! Mya has four teeth (and another on the way), is starting to cruise, and trying to stand without support. The old folk's backs are hurting from picking her up and constantly trying to redirect her; I find taking my toys out of her mouth to be a bit tiresome as well. However, I do enjoy how she absolutely LOVES me and tries to imitate whatever I do. Finally an audience giving me their undivided attention!

Happy Halloween

I had another "profitable" Halloween this year! Since I STILL will not wear anything on my head and Mommy wanted Mya and me to have a related costume, I dressed up as a Longhorn football player (basically what I wear every game day but with football pants) and Mya was an adorable Longhorn cheerleader.

Texas was actually playing when we left to trick-or-treat so I felt a bit rushed to get back home and watch them. Luckily, there were many UT fans watching at the homes we visited so we got some updates on the score. We went to as many homes as we could in our neighborhood but it started getting late and I wanted a chance to eat some of my loot (little did I know that I was only going to be allowed to eat ONE piece before bed). It was a great evening and enjoyed it even more than last year. I was a little surprised, though, when I discovered the next morning that I was missing almost all of my Reese's peanut butter cups and peanut M&Ms. I'm sure my mom was disappointed as well since those are her favorites.

(Go back and see my costumes in 2007 and 2008)

The State Fair of Texas

Mommy and Daddy decided to finally take me to the Fair this year. Since I had never been, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I heard that you could fry up anything and eat it there. We left Mya with Nona and Papa so she could nap and we could stay longer. Poor thing has been missing out on so much with all that "napping" (i.e., practicing in bed for the next developmental milestone).

We took the DART Rail down to Fair Park, so that was a whole adventure in itself! It was also a first for Mommy but she didn't seem as excited as I was while we were riding. When we first arrived at the Fair, we went to the auto show and I tried out a few of their new sports cars. Then, I met Big Tex; he was a giant man with a very deep voice. He was located near the Fletcher's corny dog stand which was the one spot my folks wanted to "visit." We rode the skyway to Kidsway and went on a few rides including the biggest ferris wheel in the world! Ok, so I'm not exactly sure how accurate that is, but the thing is huge (it really put that one from Sea World to shame and now I'm embarrassed to admit that I had fun on that baby ride). The view from there was amazing, but it wasn't nearly as exciting to me as the roller coasters! My parents couldn't get me away from those rides but they were running out of tickets (I'm not sure what kind of excuse that is because I win those things left and right at Chuck-E-Cheese). Finally, we ended our trip by stopping by the children's barnyard and fedding/petting/smelling all the baby animals there.

I had such an awesome day and I cannot wait to go there again in 2010! That gives my parents another year to save up for all those tickets we spent. Or I'll just go to Chuck-E-Cheese and easily get more of them.

We're Mobile!

Thanks to our computer crashing, I'm a bit behind in my posts. But in the meantime, Mya has been crawling and pulling up. Apparently she has been been busy practicing in her bed instead of sleeping. She is so excited about her new skills and is all over the place now; however, the folks aren't thrilled with our baby growing up so fast. Mommy captured her on the move on just her second day of crawling (Mya got a little lazy at the end and I am too lazy to edit- sorry).

Sea World

This past weekend we had a nice, relaxing (not) car trip down to San Antonio to see the grandparents and let them spoil us with love and attention since we don't get enough of it at home. Mommy appreciates that we are able to sleep well there without the loud disturbances of barking dogs, garbage trucks, and lawn mowers right outside our windows.

I did have to miss a day of school for the trip, but it was worth it because we went to Sea World! Mya stayed with Lola and Papo while the folks and I went. This is my first visit to a large amusement park and it was so much fun. We played in a small water park (the big one was closed), rode on a ferris wheel, pet a baby alligator, saw dolphins, seals, sea lions, sharks, and best of all Shamu! Daddy wanted to sit in one of the front rows during Shamu's show, but Mommy didn't want me to get drenched. He thought that she was not being any fun, and her response was flatly, "Have you even met your son?" She knew quite well that I would not be amused by an unexpected wall of cold water on me and no extra change of dry clothes. After a long day with no nap, I had a great time with no meltdowns. Of course, we couldn't go to San Antonio without a ride on the golf cart and a few holes on the putting green with Papo. With all this practice, I might be able to beat him in several years.



As far as our road trip back home, who knew that a small, non-napping, seven-month old could be that loud for so long?

Bad Hair Days

Mya has a lot of hair and it has a mind of its own. She was born with so much on the top which never fell out. From her left side (see first pic), it even looks like a hairpiece. Mommy has to work a bit to make it look somewhat presentable in a bow or headband. Is it too early to get her a flat iron?

Preschool

I FINALLY began school again (I'll be going every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this year)! A couple of days before I started, we went to meet my new teachers, Mrs. Wendy and Mrs. Jen. They were so nice and energetic . . . I haven't yet decided how much I'm going to wear them out.

We also saw one of my previous teachers, Mrs. Kristy, since her daughter is now in my class. Mya got to meet her brand new baby up close but didn't seem that impressed. Oh well.
Afterwards, I seriously didn't understand why we left Meet the Teacher without eating any meat. Mom and Dad just laughed me off with some uninteresting explanation when I kept inquiring. I'm still waiting for a valid response.

My first day went well without any problems. Mommy anticipated some morning resistance from me since it has been three EXTREMELY long months since the normal school-day routine, but I thought I'd surprise her and give her a break. We were even early for once (no last-minute poops by either kid before leaving the house) and I was very impatient waiting around to go inside. I didn't even say goodbye to Mommy when she left; she can be so embarrassing. When she picked me up in the afternoon, Mrs. Wendy assured her that I had a good day. She added that she tried to trick me on my shapes, but I didn't fall for it. That's two-year old stuff, lady. Let's move on to some algebra!

Summer's over!

This summer has gone by soooo quickly for us (but for some reason very slowly for Mommy). We are all looking forward to the fall- cooler weather for playing outside, football, and school! Unfortunately, I don't start preschool until after Labor Day, but I'll be going three days a week this year (I think I just heard my mom say, "I'll drink to that!"). I have loved my last two years at my school with some very loving teachers, so I'm very excited to meet my new ones. Mommy would like to start seeing clients again when I'm in school but feels a little guilty about leaving our baby with anyone.

Mya has been growing way too quickly for us. She is six months now and is already getting her third tooth (ouch!), cannot get enough of vegetables (gross), almost sitting independently without falling over (when I push her), and is getting up on her knees and rocking. My folks are actually quite unprepared that she might be crawling (or at least scooting) soon. That means that the floors need to stay clean! Luckily, we're all a little OCD in this house.

Here are some pics from our summer activities (ok, maybe not so much "activities" as just plain daily life).

July

I know. August is in just a couple of days and I'm just now getting around to posting pics from June and July. Mom has been anxiously awaiting September (i.e., school) to come around to catch up on her sanity. Whatever that means.

More June pics

We've been super busy in this house (mostly making our usual demands), but our baby has been growing up too fast- Mya is now a big five months old! She started rolling over at three months and eating (not excitedly or even very well) solids last month. She talks all the time and often it is quite loud; her cries are that way as well. Also, she is just like me- a great sleeper! She takes two, 2-3 hour naps and sleeps 12 hours at night. Ok, so I don't sleep THAT much, but I used to and would let EVERYONE know how unhappy I was when I didn't get it. I have been a bit concerned with how hyperactive her salivary glands seem to be, but Mommy said that it is normal.

Independence Day

Thank God for our wonderful country and the freedoms in which we have been given! Happy Fourth of July! Mya needs to learn to get in the spirit

Happy (late) Father's Day!

So, my updates haven't been that timely but I would hate to leave out a shout-out to my pop and grandfathers. Thanks for being the best- Mya and I love you!

Mya's Baptism

Mya was baptised this past weekend and fortunately most of the extended family was able to attend. We were so proud of how well she did and so happy for her big day; my parents were also impressed with how well I sat through an entire mass. I did, however, head towards the altar when the four of us were supposed to be walking back up the aisle to bring the offerings. Thankfully, my mom quickly saw this and grabbed me from the steps.

After taking the obligatory series of family pictures in front of the altar, everyone came over to our house for the dinner (and of course, drinks!). I was so excited to be with so many of my cousins from near and far despite the fact that they were playing with all my stuff. At one point my folks even forgot about me since I was so entertained and wasn't constantly demanding/requesting something of them. What a miracle!

If item is found, please contact us!

Daddy is looking for another shirt just like mine but in Mommy's size.

Great Grandparents

Last month we sadly lost our last great grandparent. I first met my great grandparents in San Antonio when I was only three months old. Unfortunately, my "great Lolo" Victorino passed away a few months later; Mya Victoria was actually named after him.

A few days after my last birthday, my "great Lola" Teodora joined him in heaven. Although they are both much happier now, they are greatly missed.

Our temporary pet turtle

The other day Mommy found a turtle in our driveway heading towards the street and "saved" it from the demise of passing cars. We brought it inside and kept it in a large box (thankfully I had such a "successful" birthday that there were many empty boxes from which to choose) until Daddy came home. He actually considered keeping the turtle as a pet, but Mommy immediately put an end to that thought and sternly declared that she cannot take care of one more being in our house. So after dinner, we put our friend in my wagon and went to the creek in our neighborhood to set him free. Daddy put him on a large, flat rock by the water, and it eventually came out of his shell to walk away. Once he made it into the creek, he swam off with a huge smile on his face. Ok, so I made that last part up.

My big 3rd birthday

I had another big birthday bonanza this year since I'm the big T-H-R-E-E. Since we're both May birthdays, Peyton and I had a joint party during playgroup last Wednesday. It was at the same park where I had my first birthday but just not the huge blowout as previously (Mommy is trying to keep the parties low-key from now on- she learned her lesson). This time at least the water was turned on for the "globe" fountain and everyone got to play in it. Some friends (i.e., the boys) even stripped down to their diapers/underwear since we didn't have bathing suits. Daddy wasn't going to allow me to take any part of that public nudity so I just got completely drenched and went home sans clothes.

The Hoges then celebrated a late Mother's Day and my birthday together at Nona and Papa's on Sunday. I got even more toys so now we have to move into a bigger house. With six grandkids, my poor grandparents probably get so worn out and thankful for us to leave afterwards because it is just chaos when we all get together (Termulo gatherings tend to be a lot quieter for Lola and Papo).

For my actual birthday, I went to school and was showered with love by my teachers and friends then enjoyed some cookies in my honor during lunch. When Daddy got home from work, we went to my absolute favorite place- Peter Piper Pizza (where I had my second birthday party)! I had such a great (and profitable) week! Too bad none of my gifts included a moratorium on time outs.

Love

Aren't we cute (despite the fact that we don't at all look related)?

Mother's Day 2009

Each year we celebrate Muffins with Mom at school so Mommy came with Mya and had breakfast with our class. My teachers had helped me create some special gifts that made Mommy smile. I also ate some of her treats just to make sure they were good enough for her. Nothing but the best for my mom! The night before Mother's Day, my folks went to a party and stayed out too late (relative to recent years) so she was quite tired. In any case, we kept her busy and Daddy gave her some sparkly earrings which really made her smile!

Daddy's Little Girl

Awwwww . . .

She's almost as precious as her big brother. I'm sure my folks feel the same way.

The Termulo Granddaughters

Lola and Papo have five grandchildren (so far) with two girls. Here is a picture of them together. Aren't they cute? It seems that my sister needs a bit of a tan.

Silly Boys

Mya's not the only one that enjoys the play gym.

Sweet baby girl

Mya is getting so big and her cuteness factor definitely correlates with her growth.

Check out her post-bath mohawk.

Easter

This Easter, I had a lot to do. First there was a party at school; Mommy couldn't attend so there are no pictures, but I promise that I had a good time because cookies were involved. The day before Easter, we had an egg hunt at Zander, Zoi, and Zada's house; I wasn't as fast as all the other kids because I kept asking my parent's permission to pick up each egg (they're hoping that aspect of compliance continues through my high school years). Sunday morning I woke up to my basket filled with new Cars toys and DVDs (not sure if they were from Jesus or the Easter bunny . . . this holiday is confusing for a two-year old). It was cold and rainy so my folks put eggs around the house inside for me to find. It was not much of a challenge, but it was still fun. Later we went to Kyleigh and Mikinley's house for dinner. Unfortunately, the Nechamkins weren't able to make it because Natalie was sick, but the rest of the family kept me entertained. That's why we get together, isn't it? To keep me happy, right?

Evidence

Although I am always quiet during naptime, Mommy found proof that I don't always stay in bed.

Open House

I had Open House at my school on Thursday and was able to show my parents (and Mya) what I have been doing lately. I love going to school (almost as much as my mom loves me being there) and my teachers are great so I was excited about it Plus, I knew that there would be cookies and balloons.

We have read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Rainbow Fish (one of my mom's favorites) and my favorite book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (remember my love of letters?), so my work and crafts lately have related to our readings. My parents are hoping that we do some chemistry and calculus soon, but I think that may be a bit too advanced for me.

My life since the new addition

Sorry I have neglected my blog lately. As you can imagine I've been very busy since Mya's arrival: crying over trivial matters, throwing huge tantrums, trying to boss the folks around, testing everyone's patience. You know, typical new, big brother behaviors. Plus, something was wrong with our Flash Player and I couldn't make slideshows. Mommy finally fixed it while I was at school one day by spending an hour on the phone with some foreigner at tech support.

Over the past month, I've had a lot of people come to see me. Lola and Papo stayed with me while Mommy was in the hospital and for a week after she came home. When they left, Nona and Papa let me spend the whole day with them at their house a few times. Then, "Aunt" Jen came up from San Antonio and brought me my new favorite toys. My friends' mommies had also been coming over and kindly bringing us dinner since Mommy has for some reason been really tired and busy. I'm not quite sure why I've been getting so much attention lately but I'm loving it!

My baby sister's arrival

Even though my parents have been prepping me for several months, I never quite believed them; they kept claiming that they were going to give me a little sister. Well, they've gone and done it. Early Thursday morning, they went to the hospital to finally have the doctor get that baby out of Mommy's tummy.

Little Mya Victoria arrived loudly weighing 7 pounds and 19 inches in length. All this happened before Lola and Papo took me to school at 9:00 a.m. (7:53 to be exact)! Daddy brought me up to the hospital the next morning to meet the newest family member, however, I didn't initially take to her well. After some time (and snacks), my interest peaked and I was able to show her off to all my grandparents. I know that they will not love and adore her as much as they do me, but I hope that they at least tolerate her being around. After all, I will have to!

Days of Love

I had another great "string" of Valentine's celebrations this year. We had our playgroup party at Meredith and Caroline's again. Their mommy was very brave and had over 30 of us (plus the moms) over for treats and box/cookie decorating. It was such a messy chaos! But, I had more cookies and brownies in two hours than I've had this year.

At school on Thursday morning, Daddy came with me for "Donuts with Dad." I had five donut holes and still wanted a big chocolate one, but I was cut off. I then gave him a new tie that I had made (with a picture of me on it- so it's super cute), and we sang a Valentine's song for all the dads.

In the afternoon, Mommy came up for our Valentine's party (sorry, no pictures because Daddy forgot to leave the camera in my backpack- he didn't hear the end of it from Mommy), and I had MORE cookies and brownies. You'd think that I'd gain some weight after all that over-indulgence and finally fit into my pants . . . probably not.

* Update: My teacher took a picture of Mommy and me at the party and sent it to her so at least I have one to show you. If you can't tell, I have gotten over my phase of crying whenever the camera comes out; now I always say "cheese"!

Flight Museum

This past weekend was Brayden's 4th birthday party at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. His dad, Mr. Bill, has been proudly serving in Iraq since September and the flight museum is their favorite place to visit together (Mr. Bill will be back in April- just in time for the birth of little brother Matthew).

It was a very cool place with interesting exhibits and a fun play area for the kids. Daddy was really in awe of the Apollo 7 capsule and had to be pulled away for lunch. When the party was over, I even got a flight school certificate of completion. However, I overheard Daddy comment that he would still never get on a plane that I was flying. What's that supposed to mean?