Happy Seventeen Months

We are definitely in the toddler hood. Our little one is developing a strong will, a larger vocabulary, and some faster feet. The highlight of the month was when she learned how to hug and say "Awwww....". It's so lovely.

I've been taking her to Kindermusik class once a week, which is a music and movement class of eight other toddlers. She also has books and CDs that correspond to the class, which she loves reading because the content repeats itself. I just put on the music at home and she does some of her signature dance moves. And I thought I'd never be that parent that just commands their kids, "Dance! Dance!"

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Chasing a peacock at the zoo.

I found her eating yogurt on her bed once when I couldn't find her. But no food in bed!
She rocks this snail like a pro now.
My budding artist. One of my dreams while pregnant: arts and crafts days. Can't wait!
Swinger.
Taking a snooze on Passeig de Gracia.Waiting for her buddy Jack at a park in the beautiful Montjuic. No dog poop here. Play away!
Sunny days were awesome for almost the whole month of November.

Pooped from seeing the Pope.

Organizing things is big fun.
This one cracks me up. The classic...

...peek-a-boo! Never fails.

Taking play seriously with cousin Pau.
What have I done. She loves the Youtube videos of Sesame Street songs. My personal favorite is that of Andrea Bocelli putting Elmo to sleep. So endearing!
Happy holidays, everyone!

The Pope is Dope

As a Catholic, I was excited to know that Pope Benedict XVI was going to come to Barcelona to consecrate the Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece cathedral by Antoni Gaudí. Wanting to avoid the thick crowds around the church, we decided to join along the streets, where the Pope would be passing by to greet the masses with a friendly wave and arms-raising.

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There were lots of followers waiting for His Holiness after Mass. Large screens were put up for all to see the service.

As imagined, security was tight, tight, tight. The Pope was scheduled to leave the Sagrada Familia to the archdiocese, which was to be a 15-minute ride.People were eager to make their statements. This sign reads "Miracle urgent: 1 politic honest". I don't know if it's Catalan or very bad English.Of course, there were several protestors as well. The top balcony says, "Use the condom." There was also a flashmob of gays and lesbians who were to kiss for two minutes outside the church as the Pope arrived. Wonder if he even saw them. Overall, it was peaceful.

Paloma mounted the Palomamobile while we waited for the Popemobile. "Popopopopopo....!!!"

The royal family, the president, and lots of politicians were there. The only one to greet the crowds was the Queen of Spain, who sat in the back seat of a speedy sedan and waved. See how accurately I was able to take the picture?

Here comes His Holiness...

Eeks! See that hand waving in the lower left corner? I have a picture of the Pope!
Ah, didn't know the Popemobile went faster than 10 mph.
Until next time...!
Two seconds after this, the crowds dispersed like cockroaches. May we meet again, dear Holy Father!

Hard Rock Halloween

Being that Halloween isn't very popular in Spain, we had to search for a place to really celebrate this beloved American holiday. Who to go to? The American Society of Barcelona, of course. They had a "Lil Monster Mash" breakfast at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown. Scary folks and a pants-busting buffet breakfast? Count us in!

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A lovely hunchback greeted us at the door. Paloma had her suspicions.
Princess Leia wasted no time to chow down. Toast, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, pancakes, croissants, and grease. Fernando picked up all of the above for us.

This wicked witch was everywhere scaring kiddies left and right.

Uh-oh. Paloma keeps her eye on the green terror coming our way. She was so scared she wanted out of her highchair to sit in my lap while the kid behind us cried. Here come the nightmares!

Fernando wanted to hit the books after breakfast. Sheesh - it's party time!

The hunchback, witch and a count put on an entertaining show.

In the audience, Paloma stayed close to her papa.

Another not-so-friendly-looking mask to appear in nightmares.

Leia and I observed a moment of silence at the skeleton's grave.

Nerd and Princess L also paid their compliments to the chef for a killer breakfast.

I don't really know what this employee was dressed up as. I just know she had on a great 'fro to overshadow my Frida hair flowers.One more family pic to put in the heirloom album.

May the force be with you!

Happy Sixteen Months

Life has somehow caught up with me as I'm trying to shuffle around my daily and weekly responsibilities. Now that I have a part-time job teaching, I've recently learned how to create routines around my household chores while still trying to chase around our little munchkin. I'm slowly beginning to feel more order in the house, and it's great. As I'm getting it all together, maybe one of these winter-y days, I'll feel like posting some pictures of the past few months that I've been somewhat absent. But in the meantime, enjoy these photos of Paloma this past month.

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Organization means decluttering, including putting away Paloma's old baby toys and gadgets. Fernando tried to see how Paloma fit in her old baby bouncer...she wouldn't have it.

This is more like it. Talking to a buddy while sitting in her toddler-sized chair.

Paloma often sees me drying up random wet spots off the floor. Ooh, I could have a little helper soon.

Our domestic goddess. I took a few attachments off the Swiffer to make a shorter handle. Voila, a kid-sized Swiffer. Oops, missed a spot!

As she is more explorative, she's become a sucker for miniature adult things, like this little lawnmower. Or..maybe I'm talking about myself. The end is nigh. Spain just passed a law to ban smoking in bars, restaurants, including children's playgrounds and outdoor areas of schools and hospitals. I thought this day would never come, seriously. January 2!

We gave up a long time ago on having Fernando put Paloma to sleep because it was nearly impossible. But since I've been working and out of the house, she sometimes wipes out on his chest. Fernando felt like his magic touch has come back. :-)

Stormtroopers came to downtown BCN.
We also took a short flight to Sevilla to visit Paloma's abuelos. We're here!

Paloma searched for abuelo around the airport. Hey kid, get back here!It was beautiful weather in Seville. With an unexpected heat as well.

Ah. Paloma doing her famed "stinky" face.

A neighbor happily lent Paloma a toy stroller and Baby Maria.

Eh, eh,...Luna, keep the paws off Maria!Fernando with cousin Felix and Miss Stinky Face.

See you soon!