Happy Fourth Birthday, Paloma!

Our dear, sweet little dove is four years old today. Hip hip hooray! It's been a true pleasure watching her grow this past year, which was especially marked by two major events - becoming a big sister and being a full-time preschooler. 

While there is so much to celebrate of this milestone, I admit part of me mourns the moments that have so irrevocably passed - like the babylike pronunciation of words and her infectious tiny giggling (that still happens, luckily). I know, it's not the first time I've said this about my children growing up. But I must look forward! More awesome times are to be had!

Thank you for teaching us to be better people, Paloma. You make us so proud. Keep rockin', sister! Happy birthday!

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I've been told many three-year-olds play alone. Paloma's made some important friendships this year, but  has especially bonded with Chantal.Paloma is meticulous, and from what her teacher tells us also, quite the perfectionist. This will serve her well somehow into adulthood.

She's not overly physical or overly athletic. So while I was bit nervous that she wouldn't be able to climb this slide, she did it and seemed so proud of herself. And here comes the triple threat. Wheeee!

Of course that doesn't mean that she doesn't like to climb, run, and jump like other kids. This summer - real swimming lessons. No floaties!

"I have a papallona on my face!" Because Paloma is learning Catalan 30 hours a week, she mixes up her three languages. Now you know how to say "butterfly"!

I've been telling Paloma that Mateo will be walking soon, and she just lights up thinking about how much fun they'll have. don't think Mateo could have asked for a better big sister. It's not natural for her to get aggressive with other kids. Being a sensitive soul, she's in tune to people's feelings, even her mommy's if I'm ever down and out.Paloma with her teacher who she adores. All the kids whose birthday are in the same month celebrate in class with yummy snacks. Paloma's the only June baby, so she got all the birthday love last Friday!

Sweet P on the day of her third birthday last year. Look at that baby-ish face!

And now...our four-year-old wonder. Don't lose that lovely spirit. You are our superstar!

She is unapologetically herself, our sweet Paloma. Happy birthday, dear girl!

Mmm...Strawberries!

I'm not quite done here. I'm talking about our series of pictures from our Malta trip. We can't forget about Festa Frawli, can we? Juan Pablo told us about this local strawberry festival that takes place every year in Mgarr every year. We ventured out to this part of the island on a Sunday by bus. Lucky for us, we caught the bus at the beginning of the line. No one could get on the packed bus 20 stops after us. People were mad!

By the way, I almost suffered a panic attack here. As a reminder, if you're in another country and you go to a crowded event like this with no cell phone, establish a meeting place just in case. And carry ID with you, too! Mateo and I were so close to being marooned in Malta and leading a life of endless dishwashing. AHH!

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On this hot day and an hourlong trek, we finally arrived to the festival, which takes place in a plaza where the stunning parish church is. This event was almost exclusively locals. Aren't we cool?

A beautiful display of plump, red, and juicy fruit.

Strawberry puffs, strawberry cookies, strawberry pies, strawberry...

Yum.

We opted for a strawberry lemington.

A view of the purty church.

The bountiful late spring fruit in all its delectable glory.

Aren't they just so cute how they grow?
Fernando puts on the "Paloma savoring face" while trying some strawberry bread.

Someone had quite a bit of strawberry pastries.

Thanks for visiting!

Mateo - The Ninth Month

It's on! Mister Mateo is now 9 months old, and we're going through some big changes. We are on the brink of a little walking, talking man ready to wreak havoc on the house. Anything that is at his reach is almost always grabbed or knocked over! I don't know how many almost accidents I've had with plates and glasses. Just yesterday, he discovered our drawer of cables and electronic doodads...he squealed with excitement. Such a boy!

Oh, and have I mentioned he's a hand clapping machine? He also sometimes dances when he hears music. Cracks us up. Paloma loves it!

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Mateo realizes he's a real person now. For Mother's Day, he didn't want to be excluded from the picture. Watch out, big sister. There's no eclipsing the little man!

 Our little son in the sky.

 Little mama #2 pushes Mateo on the swing.

Paloma's really happy that Mateo can start playing somewhat now, which gives me a little break at home.

 We've got teeth! Two little sprouters on the bottom are now almost completely out. There are two more coming up from the top. And I'm still breastfeeding. Ahhh!

 He's a really good eater (no more sour face!) and is quite good at self-feeding too.

He can lift himself up now and stand for a few minutes just before his legs shake and falls down. Quite a feat. Paloma doesn't like to miss out on any milestones.

Our little sweetness. I'm totally making him into a mama's boy. What can I say?

Volume Forty-Six: Paloma

Hello, friends! There's been a lot on my mind lately - birthdays, vacations, friends visiting, new babies and a wedding. This is all happening soon. Aaaand...I can't wait for beach weather! Me, I'm getting over some mild headache, chills, body ache thing. But no worries, I'm feeling better today :-)  In the meantime, we're doing our countdown to age four this month. It's ON!

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For la diada de Sant Jordi (St. George's Day), the kids made roses and drew a special picture.

I'm thinking that this is the princess that St. George saves.

Paloma ran into her friend Ariadna at the park one Saturday afternoon.

There can never be too many playgrounds in the city.

Another one. City kids just need to play!

We went with the Ruiz Salmeron family to a restaurant which had a special play area for kids in the back. Paloma joined other kids coloring.

I love how she likes to draw her family.

Every once in a while, she still likes to take out her stroller for a walk.

Last but not least, the spring festival! The children in the preschool grades put on a cute show about cracking eggs, blooming flowers, and lovely creatures. Here in Spain, it seems they like to use grown-up pop songs as accompanying music.

Our little ladybug crouches down to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance". I see an Oscar in the future.

Meeting backstage with the cast.

Thanks for stopping by!