Summing Up the Vacay

We've been back from our vacation in the States for about a week, and I am still kind of in a funk. While packing up and leaving the States was seamless, physically being in Barcelona easing back into my real life here has been an emotional challenge. Being away from the family and being an outsider is difficult, but overall, Barcelona still rocks my world!

Taking a break from blogging was also much needed as well as I'm trying to put less pressure on myself to "show" people what we've been doing. Instead while in California, I tried to revel in the moments spent at home with friends and family. I hadn't seen my parents in a year and a half. I needed it! We were able to see innumerable friends and relatives and enjoy the summer's dog days.

So, here are a few things we enjoyed doing...

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Here's the sister I never had. We spent lots of time with my cousin, Armilyn, and her family as much as possible.

Paloma had some swimming lessons for three weeks at the local community college. She moved up from Starfish level to Guppies level next year. Ooohh!

We also went to preschool storytime at Huntington Beach Public Library every week. Kids treat the storyteller like a rockstar. Rock on with that book!

They have the best kids' section. Unlike our local library here, kids can make reasonable noise. Wheeee!

I forget about the over-the-top Disney princess marketing in the States. I let this girl enjoy it for a moment.

 A blurry moment of the kids sleeping together like the angels they are ;-).

I love that Paloma and Mateo spent so much time with their cousins, who are around her age. All the kids hung on to me like barnacles...it was awesome!

Paloma really enjoyed the garden space in the yard. She planted a few moringa plants (a nutritious, popular vegetable in the Philippines) with my father and tended to them every day.

A natural green thumb, indeed! 

After four weeks of us three, we were eager for our one-fourth to arrive. Paloma waits for her dad at the airport like a lost orphan.

My brother Moses also flew in from Washington for a week. As a newbie radiation therapist, he doesn't get many vacation days from the clinic.

We went to the Tiki Beach Festival in Belmont Shore, a festive event celebrating Pacific Islander culture.

 After the event. Kids galore!

Armilyn also introduced us to Mother's Beach, a quaint, kid-friendly beach where no waves are there to terrorize little ones. And who knew it was only a five minutes' drive from my house? We were there a handful!

I also got to meet my friend Kim's little baby, Landon, who was just a few weeks old. Isn't he adorbs the way he's gazing at me?

We got to spend the night at a hotel in Camarillo with my uncle's generous discount from Marriott. Morning pool time again!

 The guys enjoy a father-son swim.

 We went with my dad to Catalina Island for a quick day trip getaway.

Paloma was over-enthused to go on the glass-bottom boat and checked out the many striped sea bass and more.

 My dad and Paloma also went fishing at the end of the pier and actually caught a fish!

Paloma also scored a handsome bicycle off Craigslist where she took advantage of the suburban space to ride.

 Paloma went to the movie theater for the first time to see  "Despicable Me 2" with her Papi and her Uncle Moses. Shhh...the show's about to begin!
Last, but definitely not least, we had a lovely barbecue birthday for Mateo in the garden with just the family. It was nice and intimate!

 And that's the gist of it! Hope you enjoyed and hugs to everyone!

Happy first birthday, Mateo!

The big day is finally here! The ONE. Numero uno. It's on!

I have a confession. When I was pregnant, I couldn't imagine having a little boy. In fact, even though I wanted one to even out the boy/girl ratio our family, I just wasn't that excited. I had a hard time relating to little boys. Having our little Paloma as a daughter, life was all about her and her girly things like flower clips, pretty dresses and gentle playing. And I didn't want to go through the difficult baby stages all over again!

But now that Mateo has been with us for a full year, I realized he's just as awesome and lovable as any girl. He is a laid-back little fellow, who is easy to please with food, a few interesting toys, and hugs. Man, the hugs. I love it!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _

Day one. I thought my heart was going to burst with so much love. I was euphoric.

And now this month...baby has seven teeth and loves his solids. A good eater, he is!

Hanging at the pool with Auntie Army.

 He loves doors. Closing them, opening them, closing them. Not always exciting for the supervising adult.

The bath. So much fun!

Those hugs again.

The days of independent walking are nearing.

He was happy to have his papi around to play in the garden.

Feeling so relaxed with Auntie Army at the beach. Ah...the life.

 Watch out, world...

 ...because here comes Mateo!!!

*Squeal*! Honestly, it's been a true pleasure taking care of him. We love you, sweetness. Happy birthday, our amazing baby boy!

Mateo - The Eleventh Month

Hello! After a month hiatus, we are back to posting again. I can't believe I survived an almost 24-hour trip with my smallies. I am so thankful! 

As you can imagine, Paloma, Mateo, and I are happy to be Stateside visiting some family and friends, especially Lolo and Lola. :-) So far, we've taken it pretty easy at home and taking swimming lessons at our local community college. The summer weather has been quite mild, including some cloudy days in July and August?! We're enjoying it either way! 

So, here are a few (late) pictures of Mister M from the past month.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Lounging on a swing in Barcelona. Strange to see him wearing a jacket. It must have been cool!

Looking like a big boy now at the playground.

Have I mentioned I'm crazy about my baby?

We helped Pau celebrate his fourth birthday too.

The fairy godparents.

Pau and Paloma loved spinning Mateo around...until he got dizzy. :-/

At home getting ready for our trip!

We made it! First few days enjoying the sunshine at a California beach hipster style.

The sand feels funny.

Wall-to-wall carpeting!

Mateo has learned to scooch his way around the house with his booty.

Peek-a-boo! The kids also inherited a ton of toys from Auntie Linda's nieces and nephews. Lucky ducks!

Thanks for visiting!

Mateo - The Tenth Month

Life is happening and getting even busier ever since Paloma has been on summer vacation. Where is the time? I still haven't finished my never-ending series from our Malta vacation months ago! And Paloma's birthday party! (I like to pretend I'm on deadline. You know, because the Internet world is on the edge of their seats.) 

Back to Baby M! It's so interesting to see how Mateo is drawn to completely different things that Paloma liked as a baby. He loves to open drawers and squeals every time I open the closet door or a window. Huh? Sometimes I just sit him in his highchair by the door, and he has so much fun pushing the door and pulling the handle towards him.

Have I mentioned he loves to clap? One day while Paloma and I were playing a high-speed "Pat-A-Cake" clapping game on the metro, Mateo was sitting in his stroller and started clapping too. The faster we went, the faster he clapped and giggled, jumping in his seat. He was having so much fun. I won't ever forget the excitement on his face!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Mateo's still a good eater, and even attempts to spell a word with letter pasta.

Not this again! Mateo had to endure haircut #2. Everything was fine until he got water sprayed in his face.

 While he can't enjoy big kid rides or bouncy slides like his sister in the background, he's happy in his daddy's arms.

 If you build any type of tower, it will fall. He loves knocking things down!

Our friends from Manilva (in the South) came to visit! Mommy Nicole and Leonard, who is just a few weeks older than Mateo.

Leonard, Leonard's daddy Ale, and my 3/4ths. Notice the yummy yummy yummy black paella that we scarfed down afterwards.

Everyone takes a break to relax with their screens and toys. (See how I'm drooooowning in laundry?)

Mateo's checks to see if all his hairs are in place. My little handsome!

I still love this baby phase. Love it so much.

Cheers!