anyone have an extra americano?

Well, no miracle in the coffee department.

I actually slept in a little bit today, reaching almost 7 AM. It was kind of strange, as I was awake at 5:50 and thought I would just rest for a moment more...6:40. I am not sure if it was helpful sleep, though, as I feel like I am dragging now. I would LOVE and americano...

Sometimes I wonder if the kids think to themselves, "man, is Papi/Mami fussy today!" I know that I think that about the boys in particular, when they are objective to everything that happens, when they just sit and whine, when they start a crying fit...I think "this kid is fussy." But they have to sense it in me, too, I would think. "That chubby native guy is objective to everything...he must not have gotten enough sleep last night," say the boys. And often times, they are probably right. Johnny Aguilar used to point it out to me all the time, "Man, Scott, you are fiesty! Settle down." He could see it in me before I could. So that is why I think the kids know when Papi is fussy.

This was brought on by the fact that I brought the boys back for their nap today. Both boys were fine until we got to the stairs, when suddenly, and for no apparent reason, Juan began to fuss a little. As we climbed the steps it became more...and more...and more...until I brought him into the room accompanied by a full on screaming/crying thing that I am not used to after less than two weeks. I thought, "he is fussy." Anyhow, after he wouldn't move from a certain spot in the front room, and with Andres insisting that he needed to poop (which he didn't, just made some noises that smelled up the bathroom) immediately, we finally made it to the bedroom to eat some hot dogs (not me, though) and cheetos. He settled down a bit after a while, but I was very frustrated and ready to put him to bed without lunch (he refused to eat for ten minutes or so). I swear that sometimes I am the worst dad in the world. Kids require patience, and I am not normally a patient person. I know now that I am going to be stretched in this parenthood thing, and that the things that used to be about me are going to have to be about the kids. Like I wrote not too long ago when commenting on people asking if I am ready...no, I am not ready. But here I am, parenting to the best of my abilities...and hoping to become better as we move along.

So Janine and Shirley are down at the pool. I am pretty sure that Shirley is happy about that. I got good and greased up for the sun today, only to end up sitting on the sidelines with Juan for about an hour or so. I have to confess: sitting on the side doing nothing while Juan plays with cars is not more fun than being in the pool playing...so Janine has been making quite a sacrifice doing just that for the last few days. I really wish that our kids were not so afraid of the water and could actually play in the pool, though. That would make it a lot more fun. I know I sound negative and selfish, but I am just trying to be honest. The kids enjoy the time, which is important. Juan likes the one on one time on the sidelines, and Shirley and Andres are beginning to grow gills and fins...although neither one is brave enough to let go. There was a swim teacher giving lessons to the other children who are staying here, and I was hoping that Shirley would join them. She didn't want to, though, and instead held onto he concrete side, dunking her head, and counting seconds as she held her breath. Maybe she will want to after seeing the other kids having fun today, but she doesn't seem like she will try at all.

Tonight we get pizza! We will most likely go early so we can have a chance to get ice cream afterward. I know the kids will love the change of pace, and it seemed like they all enjoyed the pizza last time. It will be nice, and a new dining experience, since we just found the actual pizzaria last night. It should be fun, and I am hoping the kids think so, too.

Well, I hope that you are all doing well. I will try to write more later.