Happy 22 months!

Before I start, it is with heavy hearts that we announce that Fernando's grandmother, Ana, has passed away on this 20th of April, at the age of 91. Paloma was fortunate to see her last living great-grandmother a few times. Abuela Ana hated to have her picture taken, but this was a great smile that was caught alongside a sleeping Pau and Paloma last year. In God's name, may her soul rest in peace. We love you and will miss you, Abuela Ana.

On a different note, Paloma has turned an almost-2 of 22 months. The most revealing change has been her language. I am still utterly amazed about how the toddler brain develops. She now joins words together and says, "Mommy, shoes," "Baby sleepy?", or "Papi drink". The interesting thing is that she refers to herself, not as Paloma, but as "Wa-wash", and I have no idea why. My sister-in-law mentioned that at this age, they can identify other people but not themselves. Funny, no?

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A mom who brought her 6-month-old baby to Paloma's Kindermusik class told me that Paloma has a "maternal instinct". Perhaps because she wants to hug and kiss every baby she sees. And maybe try to teach them a few things.

Trying to feed "Gwove".

For our trip to California, we made unnecessary room in our suitcase for her booster seat, but she completely ditched it and wanted to sit like a big girl. (Also, I forget that almost every restaurant in California has a highchair. Nice!) Here, she sits and the dinner table with big girl Leila.

Who's shoes are these? "Lolo's," she'll say. I taught her how to say the possessive. The brain again. Amazing!

Paloma's looking less one-ish, and definitely more terrific two-ish.

Her cuteness totally kills me. We say "turn up the cute", and she scrunches her nose. I know, it'll bite me in the butt later. I'll just get Tiger Mother on her to compensate.

Playing ball is always fun. Especially with Alex!

The ball. Totally magical.

It's been fairly warm this spring, so we've been spending more time outdoors. This Scuttlebug is the best. Ready for pedals, I think.
I thought it was time to build her little Ikea chair that matches her little table. She instantly brought out her crayons and paper, but she used the chair as a table.

By the way, like her new 'do?

Gratuitous father and daughter shot.
This is totally the place to be...on the shoulders of a giant.
I also got her some cleaning supplies, so she can feel useful around the house. Here, she learns how to sweep dirt into a dustpan. She really feels proud of herself when she carries the dustpan into the "twash".

She brought out the mop herself, so I've been on the search for a mini mop. This is at her own will, I swear. Please don't call Child Protective Services!
Now she has her own area to organize her cleaning supplies. Should we put her on laundry or dishes next?

'til we meet again, lovely friends and family!

We Part In Sweet Sorrow

I always feel a subtle, looming sense of sadness right when I arrive in the States because I know eventually I'll have to leave again. I usually force this out of my mind and declare, "Fun. Now. No exceptions!" The last few days before I leave, we usually gather and fill our suitcases and recheck our "things to do, people to see, and gifts to buy" checklists. I also try to mentally and emotionally prepare myself as I know I won't be seeing my family and friends for another long while. The emotion builds up, and a few tears are usually shed, but I get through it. Thanks to my two lovelies, the pain of leaving home is somewhat eased. Because home really is wherever they are.

Here are some shots of our last few days in town.

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We went to Forest Lawn in Cypress to pay a visit to the gravesite of my paternal grandmother.

Paloma looks on, wondering what the matriarch was like.

I love this cemetery. The grass is so green and lush, and my grandmother's site has a beautiful view of a mural of "The Ascension".

My grandmother never traveled without a rosary in her pocket. Miss Thing wore some rosaries in honor of the visit (she put them on herself). The Church of Our Fathers in the background.

Paloma's amused by the statue, possibly thinking it was Mary and Jesus ("Jeju").

For our last meal, we had some Wahoo's. So simple, but now on the "must eat while in California" list.
Paloma loved running around the restaurant and looking at the mishmash of stickers.

We had some Golden Spoon too since I had to spend $10 worth from a Groupon I bought.

Now at the airport. "Pane!" ("Plane")

The plane was half full, so we got to the airport early and scored a bassinet for Paloma. Who's traveling first class? Not the parents. Paloma gets cozy and plays with some apps.

Paloma bops her head to her Kindermusik album using her kid headphones.

A little squished, but it's a bed. Lucky girl. Next time we fly to the States, we'll have to buy her a seat. Sweet dreams!

Thanks for looking!

We Go SoCo...and More

When my cousin, Armilyn, mentioned a new place in Orange County called "OC Mart Mix", I imagined some outdated strip mall from the 80s with mass-produced cheapie items. Quite the contrary! OC Mart Mix is a large retail marketplace in SoCo, the former haven of unsuccessful home furnishings stores-turned-stylish shopping area. We ventured south to see what fresh ideas and spaces are popping out of my beloved county, and there's a lot going on.

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It was a cloudy day. On Saturdays in SoCo, there's a food and farmer's market with food trucks and vendors selling organic food products.

What's this? The Barcelona on the Go food truck! I immediately became their fan on Facebook eons ago just for the name itself.

Fernando, Armilyn, me, and David in front of said food truck.

Hmmm....authentic menu? One yes, the rest no. No to chipotle, lime salt, tacos, or chimichurri. Spaniards don't eat spicy food. I'm about to walk into that kitchen myself...gimme a spatula!

There's a lovely area of benches and tables, a fountain and lots of space for kiddies to run around.

The makeover of this retail space is beautiful. Succulents and other exotic plants are sprinkled throughout the outside area.

OC Mart Mix. It feels so fresh in here!

This transformed area is a gathering of vendors selling unique, chic products.

High ceilings and bold colors give the place a modern feel.Take me to the candy shop.

Paloma ponders if she should spend her savings on that happy floor pillow.

tpt home is another large retailer in SoCo. Here, they sell home items from around the globe.

This is silk flower central.

We spotted a bunny hiding in the shrubbery.

The egg chair and bunny make for a nice Easter theme.
Wild animals were everywhere.
We still had some time to kill, so we went to Seed People's Market, a marketplace of sustainable products for emerging designers and artists. Those are books on the wall..so creative!

Alex and Paloma took a rest on the vintage sofa for some re-energizing.

David and Paloma listen to some beats at the listening station.

This mini-Airstream would be perfect for P and her doll, Baby.

We ended our excursion with some live folk music. It was fun!