Volume Thirty-Nine: Paloma

How's the weather? Here in Barcelona during late October, it is humid with sprinkles of rain, mixed in with some warming yellow rays of sunshine. It's confusing to be in wardrobe limbo since both our summer and winter clothes are out and taking up our precious space. I shouldn't complain since I'm not too fond of cold weather!
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Now that Paloma has been in school for over a month, we've noticed how much Catalan she is picking up. Here she's singing for the 23rd time that day, the traditional Catalan song, "Cargol Treu Banya", which has to do with a little snail.

Like I said, the weather's been good overall, so it's never a bad idea to trek the city. Paloma with her daddy in front of the Arc de Triomph.

Barcelona is also full of some curious wall backgrounds and textures. We got in front of one for a quick embrace.

Although Paloma is making so many new friends at her new school, she still values her friendships that she made at playgroup last year. We often enjoy getting together with Viola and her family.

Let's not bring up jealousy yet. Let's just enjoy the fact that Paloma adores, adores, adores her little brother...

...sometimes a little too much. Poor kid gets tortured here and there, but he's a good sport.

I realize that Paloma "overtouches" him because she never really holds him very close like the way Mommy and Daddy do. I'm trying to fit in more opportunities for her to cuddle with him safely.

Of course she has her own babies to take care of -- the infamous Baby and a new baby boy addition, Safasa, whom she named.

She often goes out with her papi to run errands. This time, she was lucky to go downtown and pig out on some chocolate while Fernando and his friend Paco enjoyed a tall drink or three.

The only thing I regret about her being out of the house so much is that we don't have as many craft and cooking sessions. We squeeze them in when we can. Licking the bowl of some baked yummies is a child's right, no?

My 3/4ths at home.

I'm seeing Paloma as a more confident little girl, particularly when she's talking to strangers. I think the activities and friendships at school has something to do with that. It's great.

See you real soon!

Inside the Sagrada Familia

Thinking about it, this cathedral has to be my favorite building of all time. This Roman Catholic church designed by Gaudí may be the most famous landmark of Barcelona - and with reason. Even though I often pass by this building and feel completely annoyed by the swarming tourists, it's hard to deny its unique presence. Its design is likened to Gothic architecture, modernism, and art nouveau. Construction started in 1882, and because of funding, fires, and who knows what else, the projected completion will be 2026. 

For La Mercé, a very important local holiday, entrance to the Sagrada Familia was free. The four of us took advantage of this offer since we hadn't seen the renovated interior yet. I've been inside this masterpiece a few times since I've lived here, and I remember posting about it a few years ago. Enjoy!

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The church has three facades: The Passion facade, the Glory facade (to be completed), and this one, the Nativity facade.

Straining our necks to look at the towers on the Nativity side. That crane is an eyesore, no?

Upon entering, the interior feels open and modern. There's also some prominent music playing as if you were listening to the closing credits of a thematic epic movie. That's not right, methinks.

An array of colors stain these glass windows.

The back of the church where it seems "The Pillars of the Earth" soundtrack was playing.

Although the genius architect died before seeing the interior, the columns of the Sagrada Familia are Gaudi's design. They replicate tree trunks and its branches.

Paloma and Fernando are in awe of the seemingly interminable columns. The circular decor on the sides of the column imitate a scar that is formed when part of the branch is cut off a tree trunk.

Geometric forms and curves and jagged edges galore.

More geometric details.

A spiral staircase is tucked in one corner.

The side of the nave.

On the bottom floor, there's a small museum explaining the inspiration behind some of the details.

The tips of the towers. I'm craving asparagus for some reason.

Now we know that parts of the column was taken from natural structures of plants. But do the plants know they were ripped off?

Paloma, my sleeping sling buddy, and I pose by the tortoise supporting this outdoor column.

A father-daughter Nativity facade shot, of course.

The Nativity side again.

Fun times, indeed!

Mateo - The First Month

As you can imagine, I'm busy! There is a bit of a learning curve for mama when you add on another member to the family. Slowly but surely, I'm getting the hang of taking care of two little tykes. Here are some pictures of the full first month of Mateo, our sweet little dude. (He's actually 7 weeks now and bigger now than in these photos. I'm behind, but who's counting?)

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Three days old. That first car ride in a taxi where you're a little nervous about having a safe ride home.

Must fatten up these sleeping bones.

At this age, Mateo is quite portable and falls asleep easily in the baby carrier.

Totally unaware that he'll have thousands photos taken of him from now until he moves out of the house.

The abuelos, Rafa and Juana, were loads and loads of help at home during the first two weeks.

Don't tell me this isn't a smile.

Little mama #2 makes sure Mateo is safe in his bouncy chair.

And bonds with him whenever she can.

The dudes up close and personal.

My son and I enjoying the summer-like rays of early fall.

3/4ths of the family.

I can't stop laughing at this bailando sevillanas shot (dancing Sevillanas, a traditional dance).

Okay one more. Thanks for visiting!

Volume Thirty-Eight: Paloma

Hi everyone! We are quite busy here at home as Paloma has had some life-changing events take place within a few weeks. Not only has she welcomed a baby brother into her life, but she also started...school! In Spain, and unlike in the U.S., school starts at age three. Here, they have six-hour days, five days a week. While I found this to be a lot, I know that kids are adaptable even if it does take time for adjustment. There are some wonderful things about this: Paloma will get to play all day, I get some time off from entertaining a three-year-old, and she is completely immersed in the Catalan language, meaning she'll be trilingual in no time! Plus, it will help us integrate more into the Catalan culture as we get to know more local families. We are also pleased that the school is only ten minutes away by foot, and it's Catholic school of the Marianist order, which will help foster her faith. It's a win-win, no?

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During the last days of summer (and while Mama was still incubating a baby), my daughter and I had some time to do some acrylic painting on canvas.

It wasn't too long after that when she visited us at the hospital to visit her new baby brother.

Her first time holding her baby brother. "Take a picture of us!"

And another. She loves him so.

Naturally, Paloma definitely had difficulty learning that Mommy can't focus all her attention on her all the time. It was a challenge in the beginning, but fortunately she isn't jealous of her little brother. "Hiiiii, sweeeeetie...!" she often says. 

During Mateo's birth, Pau was around to visit while their abuelos were in town. The twosome acting crazy with their fathers.

Some hide-and-seek silliness.

Color coordinating with her abuela and brother for a quick photo op.

I look at her differently now as a "big girl" since Mateo has come into our lives. But I know she is still so little and much more entertaining, like doing things like "robot dance" running.

The big moment. Perhaps I was more nervous than her for her first day of school. She's adjusted fine like all most of the kids her age.

At school. Now that Paloma is in the public school system, she gets to learn about and celebrate local culture holidays like the kids are doing here for La Mercé. Look for Hello Kitty ;-)

It's strange for me to see her in a big school with LOTS of kids, which reminds me of my own early childhood at a Catholic school in my hometown.

Taking a happy siesta to gain more energy. Sweet dreams, sweet girl!