Monday, October 18, 2010

From Den to Nursery.

Different stages of the room conversion. It used to be my den/office and with the upcoming arrival of the girls, the room had to b e turned into a nursery. A big task considering that it was a room with 3 walls and a big opening into the living room down below. My father in law and brother in law offered to help out (They are contractors) so what seemed like a big task for me turned out to be a quick side job for them. Of course they did it for the girls and they will eventually know that.


What the room looked like to begin with after a first attempt at painting it (Melissa) with a fairly dark brown color. - An unfinished project since we did not care for the color once it went onto the wall.





Rick after removing the glass panels and measuring for new walls



Scaffolding up to place sheet rock and later for painting





Closet framed and in place




Walls finished, textured, painted and ready for removal of scaffolding.










Door in (needs a knob)


Contrasting colors


Wooden floor ready to go down

TRIPLETS UPDATE

Hello all.

The Girls are doing wonderful according to the doctors despite the PDA -technical term for their little heart issue-.

Nothing that the doctors haven't seen, particularly with multiples. However, our babies are doing well including beginning feeding from their mom's milk.
Of course the doctor also explained that the babies will do well one day then they may have a bad day on another time, etc. But overall, they are on the right path.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Now on to finishing their nursery.

Friday, October 15, 2010

CHARLIE

Charlie was the last baby that the doctors found at the beginning of pregnancy and once we spoke to the specialist, the suggestion was made to consider terminating 1 baby because of the inherent dangers of carrying triplets. Charlie was also the smallest of all three babies but eventually she gained up on Cecilia on weight and size.

Charlie so far is having issues outside of the womb. her heart rate is slightly higher and the pressure in her little lungs is higher than expected. According to the doctors, a couple of valves that should have closed after birth have not done so and that may require medicine and or surgery. This is worrying Melissa and me as well, though our reactions are different. She is the mom who's carried them all this time so her being upset is more natural and warranted.
We've also seen them, touched them, and spoken to them. A connection has been established so the though of loosing any of them is upsetting.

I'm just rambling here.

I am worried
i don't want our babies to suffer much less to die.
We re hopeful that she will be fine and no surgery will be needed.
We need all prayers and support for her right now.

Melissa is doing great in recovery. She's been walking around the maternity floor and throughout on her own. Hopefully she will be out of the hospital by tomorrow or Sunday the latest.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

I am a father of natural triplets

Today October 13, I became a father again for the second time. Only this time to 3 little girls.
Catherine Elia, Cecilia Marie and Charlie Lucille. They were born right before 11:00pm right at the 29 week mark. We were trying to hold out a little longer but I guess they were eager to make their grand entrance. Melissa's water broke on Saturday afternoon and she checked into the hospital. At the time, the doctors told her that she may have to be on bed-rest anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. This in order to give the babies more time to develop. However it wasn't meant to be. Babies heart
Rate began to spike and Melissa was developing an infection so the doctor had to make a decision and deliver the babies.

Cecilia Marie - 2.8oz 14 inches at birth


Catherine Elia - 2.11oz 14.4 inches at birth


Charlie Lucile - 2.5oz. 15 inches at birth


I will update with more details as they progress.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

ON TRACK




All good with the babies, though Melissa is getting more uncomfortable as she gets bigger.
Last week's visit to the doctor made things a lot more real when he said that the babies were doing so good that if there were any issues and they had to come out, they would be "OK", of course with a prolonged stay at hospital. Knowing that they could be here anytime made us realize that the house was nto ready to receive them. The following day we went to the store, got paint, looked at flooring, and began to move everything out of the den.
Pictures above are o fthe room to change and Anthony and his Papa(Grandfather) helping with remodeling.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

GREAT NEWS

Forget about the post below. Look at the previous one and you will see that there is a lot to talk about.
Back at the beginning of May, it was one baby, then twins. Well, the good news is that it is triplets.

TRIPLETS!
Yes. Triplets. Melissa is in her sixth month and doing good so far considering the "load" she is carrying.
That is not all.
We got married on September 11 of all days. A happy day for us spent with family and friends. (Pictures to come)

Work is work.I still need to find another job. I am still happy with our staff an place but I do need a new challenge.

There. My life for the last 5 moths.
You've been updated.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

2 BABIES ON BOARD

The biggest surprise in the world came in the form of a baby scan. Melissa went back to the OBGYN for an update and conformation of the pregnancy (due date). The doctor had trouble finding the embryo and after a couple of trips to the bathroom to clear her bladder, the doctor was able to "find" the embryo and to confirm that not only was there one but what appeared to be a "cyst" or the "bladder', turned out to be another embryo.
So there we have it. We are having twins.
My mouth was wide open at the finding and complete surprise. Melissa was laughing nervously, for we both knew that neither one of us had any twins in our family history.
So what were the odds and why? the doctor could only say that twins had to start "somewhere". The odd also increase when you are past 30 (due to hormonal changes) and as a side note, Melissa found that the chances are 3 in 100.
Quite an exciting time, since we are getting married in about 4 months- Wasn't it yesterday that I just proposed to her?
Didn't we just find out about 3 weeks ago that she was pregnant?
And now twins?

Wow!
Wow!
I still can't believe it.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

BABY ON BOARD

There is a new baby on the way and it is ours.
Kind of unplanned but welcomed. Crazy thing was that just a few weeks ago we had gone to a fertility clinic for an exam since Melissa was not getting pregnant even though we had not used any kind of protection at least for the last 4 years.
After the regular tests, it turned out that there wasn't anything wrong with either one. So, the doctor asked Melissa to go back when she got her period next.
Well, 45 days went by and no sign of the "evil".
She bought a couple of those over the counter tests and Voila! they all came up positive.

We are all happy, including our two grown up kids (11 and soon to be 12)

It's been a while but it was also time.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

"Four's Love"


As part of the new me, I have decided to join the gym. Running and biking has kept me in good shape but I think I can do better. I soon will be 45 and I know i gotta take care of myself. I do want to be around for the long haul. There are many chapters yet to be written in my life book.
A new chapter is about to begin, though Melissa and I have been together for a long time, this indeed is a new beginning.
I see life as a series of chapters, what Buddhists would refer to as Karma I think. There are also all kinds of people during different parts of our lives as well as different locations where we end up living and working. Your true friends and or family are those that no matter the circumstances or the distance, are a constant in your life. The rest are all part of the chapters in your life who will be that. Past chapters only to be remembered from time to time. Though at the time they may have influenced you in ways that perhaps still resonate with you.
I look forward to this new chapter called, "Four's Love"

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Return of a Man Called Horse


I thought of this movie for the title of my post because it is one of my favorite Westerns by Richard Harris
It is time consuming and sometimes hard to try and keep up with email addresses, blogs, facebook and all this social media crap that we're getting addicted too, so I deleted the 44 year old groom blog and instead I am staying with my original -Ramblings.
I can continue posting everything about the upcoming wedding as well as any other thoughts I have as I have been doing for the last 5 years, though perhaps not as frequently. Work takes up a large amount of my living hours. It keeps me away from family, friends, loved ones. Why must it be this way? However, I still have to make a living and pay bills (Some unnecessary).
Anyways. A lot is happening at work with people leaving, moving, job interviews, some BS and more of the same. If I was at any other job, I am sure I would be dealing with the same issues.
I guess ultimately I am the one in control of my time and I have to make sure I make the best of it, particularly when it comes to family.
So, which one of my kids is looking for "Lesbian Sex" and other porno related info while doing their homework on the Internet? huummmm. I guess they haven't figured out that they have to delete their search history, particularly when searching for naughtiness. It should be an interesting conversation.

The wedding, 7 months away and approaching like a bullet train. It was only 3 months ago that I proposed to Melissa and we've made good progress (Actually mostly her effort) Things are progressing quite well and most everything is lined up. I still have to find a tux, limos and hotel rooms for the day of the event.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot. AVATAR. Add it to my list of favorite movies.
Till Next Time!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Groom's Update


What a crazy month. Beginning with the proposal, Christmas, shopping, parties, work, days off. Visits to places for the wedding, etc. So much in so little time. No wonder brides go crazy. Me? just cruising. Letting Melissa take the reins. There is one more hoopla to go through. New Year's Eve, That is going to be a tough one. A 4 day weekend at work.
It is going to be crazy for both of us, but once it is over, it will be such a relief. Then we can "both" focus on the details for the wedding.
We have a photographer already. My good friend Joan , whom I've known going back about 20 years, has become a photographer and will be doing the honors. Melissa has seen the pictures though she has yet to meet Joan.
Our Resident DJ Gil Barba will be emceeing our event.
I have a good idea who is going to make the cake. I have yet to approach her about it, also a good friend (Ring bearer's mom) Is that even allowed?
We have looked at some rings for the wedding but have yet to decide on anything in particular.
Melissa has accomplished to get her bride's maids to pick their dresses as well as get measured for them.
She is doing good so far. She is getting a lot of advice from the experts. I think it has eased her mind and eagerness a little. I know that before you know it, the date will be here, so getting ahead as much as possible is a good thing.
The trickiest aspect is going to be the honeymoon plans and destination. We basically are all over the place literally. From a tour of Europe to Tahiti. From New Zealand to Moscow.
We might just end up honeymooning in Alaska!
Here we come Sarah!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Day 2


Day 1 was the proposal day which you can read all about in Melissa's blog. Day 2 is today and it is a bit disappointing because of the way UCLA's been playing all night. Now back to the engagement news.
This is day 2 and the fun has begun. There are 2 bride's dress magazines already in the house and a date for the wedding is already materializing. There is already a prospective count of the guests as well as proposed locations.

Let The Madness Begin!

I am going to keep this blog updated as often as I can with news about the "event" which will consume our lives for the next 12 months.
It will serve as a diary of our upcoming wedding just as much as it's been my diary for the last 4 years. Even if it is just for the 2 of us and the 2 or 3 other people that read this blog regularly. (You know who you are....)


Oh yeah! The picture is from the last halloween. Not our wedding outfits!

OK, There it is. I am getting married

To Melissa

Monday, November 09, 2009

See what I was talking about?

I found this on Yahoo.

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylc=X3oDMTBmZ3RtY3M2BHRtX2xuawNVMTEwNDY3NA--/SIG=10vmqfopr/**http%3A//www.livecareer.com/

A great coworker can help you look forward to going to work each day. An annoying coworker, on the other hand, can make you want to hide under the covers.
A large survey by the staffing firm Ranstad USA asked employees what their biggest office peeves were. It turns out they all involved coworkers. Annoying ones.

Do you recognize any of the top six most annoying coworker types?

The Psst-er: Gossipers were the number one pet peeve in the survey. While some people like to hear juicy tidbits about the boss or their colleagues, too much gossip can undermine the spirit of the workplace. Plus you're always wondering when the Psst-er will make you the topic du jour.

The Broken Clock: These coworkers stink at time management. They're routinely late for everything, including work. They tend to spend too much time on emails, take long lunches, and then scramble to get others to help them meet their deadlines, which, for some reason, they keep missing.

Mold Guy: Coworkers who mess up communal spaces were third on the list of workplace pet peeves. Their month-old leftovers sport a thick layer of fur in the company fridge. Every office seems to have at least one who stinks up shared spaces.

The Whiffy Wonder: You can smell these coworkers wafting about from the other end of the office. They just wear too much perfume or cologne. Some have an obsession with Obsession. Others feel the need to douse themselves with Old Spice. And hiding in your cubicle won't make the overpowering smell go away.

The Cracker: Crackers are loud. They crack loud jokes, they crack their knuckles, they crackle their chewing gum, they clank spoons in coffee cups like they're calling the cows to come in from the fields. People who work near crackers can find themselves ready to crack.

The Tapper: Tappers are generally quieter than Crackers. But that doesn't make them any less annoying when they're tap-tap-tapping on their personal communication devices during meetings. It's distracting, rude, and yes, just plain annoying!

The one positive aspect of these annoying coworkers is that they tend to unite the rest of us who can bond over the latest outrageous offense. Besides laughing at the insanity, here are some other ways to cope:

* Even the most annoying types may annoy you less if you love everything else about your job. Take the free career test to find a job you absolutely love.

* If you find yourself subject to one or more of these annoying types and they're driving you batty, it may be time to find a new job that offers greater job satisfaction, with fewer obnoxious coworkers. Take the free resume test to ensure your resume is in shape.

* If you find that all of your coworkers get under your skin, you may be better off working for yourself with the power to select your own co-workers. Take a free entrepreneur test to find out if you have what it takes to start your own business.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

PERSONALITIES

We all have them. Personalities that is. We are one way at home and different at work. We put masks and disguises on to fool, please and make people happy.
You will find the "know it all", that person that gets their information from people magazine or enquirer and joins your conversation with facts about everything. Then there's the "I'm so good looking, all girls want me" guy. This is the same of girls who think all guys ought to ask them out and strut their stuff around oblivious to the fact that they are not that attractive at all. I could go on and on about the types of personalities we have at work, or school. I know I fall into a certain personality trait just like next person.
Most of the time though, the changes in personalities are not as bad except when you turn into a complete asshole or bitch. Yes, those are the right words to describe people who are completely unhappy with their job and their surroundings. I think those are the worse, the rest are harmless.
Those who feel pressured by their bosses, disliked by their co-workers. Those who are all about take, take, take, and nothing about give, give, give. Those who feel that their issues are bigger than everyone else's and they should get all the freebies and benefits without working for them.
They do not see themselves as a bitch or asshole. They see you and everyone else as that, simply because you do not support their views.
They are harmful because they spew their venom no matter how far it goes or whom it hurts. They glee at someone else's pain or mishap. Sometimes pretending they care and support the person while hugging and offering words of support. All the while just soaking up the misery and enjoying the moment.
It doesn't last long though. They eventually fall to their own doing. Eventually all the negativity the spew comes back and bites them in the ass. I have seen it time and time again. I have also been lucky enough to work closely with a couple of them.

Just venting.

Do you know any? No names please.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

OBAMA SPEECH TO STUDENTS

What happened to all the controversy? I guess it was good that he did not want to follow up with the "follow up lessons" He's got good people that advise him, that would have been a bad decision.
Agave Jueves III went without a glitch, unfortunately I forgot my camera so there are no pictures, but I gotta tell you it was a success. I will upload pictures taken by others (read - Gil)
Still around..

Sunday, July 26, 2009

UNBELIEVABLE SCORE - MEXICO 4, US 0

That's not the Mexican team that shoWed up today at Giant's stadium. That is also not the US team that's been playing for the last few years.
What happened?..
We'll let the experts in sports figure it out.
Gold cup is going to Mexico. Great second half.

LET ME REPHRASE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!

5 GOLS TO NONE!!!!!!

Friday, July 24, 2009

DREAM # 9

Disturbing dreams are my thing.
They are filled with violence and disturbing images that when I wake up, I am sweating and full of relief that it was only a dream. They are so vivid and the more that I remember about them, it's because they were so intense.
Last night, aside from the frequent battle with "bad guys" who wanted to get me into a scam around housing, etc; There was a scene (that is what I call them) where I found myself thinking that I had to take a pill(s) that would kill me. I had to commit suicide because that is what I had to do. Like an Aztec indian facing sacrificial at sunset, I knew that I had to do it and I was willing to do it.
As I was trying to analyze my dilemma in my dream and wondering why I "had" to do it, I came to the conclusion that since I was on my last hours, I might as well make the best of it. I though of drinking champagne since that is one thing I liked so much (at least one of them). I thought of finishing my day with those that I love. As time approached I began to question why I had to commit suicide. I then fought the feeling. I refused to go so willingly. I told someone, not sure who,"I do not want to do it, I am happy and I want to enjoy that feeling for the rest of my life" aware that I was not sick or with an explanation for the suicide, I hang on to the idea that I did not want to die and that I had to fight the feeling.
The struggle in my mind is what got me out of sleep and woke me up.
Lesson there?
Maybe (as people like to say) I have to live each day as if it was the last one of my life.
What do you dream?

Somewhere in that sequence, I rescued two kittens out of a tree by jumping from the top of a building (about 6 stories). Not fearful of the jump I grabbed them and brought them down. As we were walking away, one of them began to talk to me.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

SEATTLE


I thought I liked the Northwest after I visited Seattle a few years back. A few years back means even before Olivia was born. After visiting again this year, I found out that I love the area more. Particularly after visiting Vancouver, B.C. What a city! Nothing like I've seen before. I was truly impressed by the layout of the city with its bridges, parks, and proximity to the mountains. Though I thought the traffic was rather heavy, maybe it was because of the weekend. It is nothing like NY city or San Francisco, each one has their own appeal and attractions that make people visit from all parts of the world. I'm sure Vancouver gets its share of tourists from cruises into Alaska and such. If I lived there, I wouldn't mind them, just as much as I do not mind them here in Vegas.
yes, I would move there in a snap.
Any Canadians wanna sponsor a family of 4 with 2 dogs and an Iguana?
Let me know.
On to Seattle!
Melissa and I had a great trip. There wasn't anything to wine or complain about. The weather was great, the walks were interesting with plenty to keep us entertained. The food was as usual, excellent. The highlight of the trip amongst others, was a visit to Eliotts. Their happy hour was the best, no doubt about it. It was so good we went back on our last day for lunch. Of course we had to go up to the Space Needle while we spent a few days in the city, took a few ferries into some of the islands, checked into another hotel in Bellevue, rode their underground transit including their new
Light Rail and to top it off, ended up getting interviewd by some local TV outfit as I was getting into the train.
We had a great vacation.
Enjoy the pictures