Mateo's First Two Weeks

Hello out there! While we are adjusting to some family changes and school routines, I'm taking a break to share photos of our baby boy, Mateo. As I'd mentioned in an earlier post, he's really the newborn that I'd been hoping for - that "good" baby that sleeps a lot, eats well, barely cries, and takes a pacifier. Phew! It really helps as I'm trying to do my very important job as home executive. In other words, praise the Lord! 

Today he is three and a half weeks old, but here are a few pics of his first 14 days.

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

Looking back on the best August 27th of my life. 

We just discovered the effectiveness of swaddling, which mimics my cozy womb, he thinks.

If he closely resembles anyone in the family, people say it's his big sister, Paloma...for now.

His hair did come out thick and black, but shorter than his sis's. Cuteness!

The little man wasn't too happy we made a Mateo Sandwich out of him.

Getting to know his papi through newborn blurred vision.

Mateo also got to know his paternal abuelos while they'd been staying with us and helping out loads.

Mateo listens to his big sister as she explains a few facts of life...or maybe figuring out how to tag team me when I'm alone with them.

I'm gonna say it again. Guapo!!

Volume Thirty-Seven: Paloma

Hi y'all! Doing a little bit of retroposting here. We have another kid, but that's not gonna stop me from posting about my first one. ;-) A bit late but not less important!

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

A good friend Cara, came to Barcelona for a quick visit. I'm remembering this hot day in July, but it's all smiles here. 

I'm a little sad that we won't be spending days at the beach now that summer is closing up. Oh well, here's to new activities this fall!

Speaking of the beach, Paloma's really gotten the hang of swimming in the pool and in the sea. I can't wait to see her swim by herself with no floaters.

Baby's been an occasional tagalong this summer.

Cheeeeeeese.

A little R & R never hurt anyone. Except maybe her father who was trying to take a nap under her.

Another friend, Kelly, also visited this summer. As a kindergarten teacher, she has a special knack with little kiddos.

All girl here.

Sharing a tender moment with my babe. It's strange to look at this picture and anticipating another one very soon.
See you!

Mateo Ruiz Ancheta

Belated breaking news! Our second-born child, Mateo Lorenzo Ruiz Ancheta, arrived last Monday on August 27 at 11:15am. He's now one week old. Want to hear the details about the miracle of life? Here goes...!

I had a feeling Mateo would come early because it is was the second birth. The first birth was difficult with Paloma because I was unprepared, and during labor Paloma was in the posterior position (face up), which they tell me is the most painful position for the mother. Naturally, I was nervous about the second experience. A friend lent me some books about the popular natural childbirth Bradley Method, which focuses on breathing and relaxation to avoid pain medication. Although they recommend classes, I just practiced at home during the last trimester and tried to get my mind in the real situation. I was on the fence about getting the epidural and was open to having it if I couldn't manage the pain.

The day before I went into labor, Fernando's parents arrived. That evening, we had a hearty dinner at McDonald's with the Ruiz Salmeron family, then some playing at the park with the kids. I felt so full afterward that I thought I was going to explode! I also went on the seesaw, and the family theorizes that it stimulated labor. Add that to the list!

At around 3:00 am that night, I started to have some cramps, but I just tossed and turned to find a comfortable sleeping position. I realized the cramps were coming and going, and they were in fact...contractions! I tried to convince myself that it wasn't happening that day, but the cramping wouldn't stop. I tried to get some sleep and just rode through the contractions a la Bradley Method. I felt very calm and decided to wake Fernando up at 5:30am. I tried to get my rest in bed for a few more hours since everyone in the house was asleep. I was in labor, but I felt very peaceful. It was an ideal situation.

At 9:00 am, I prepared my suitcase and called my parents to tell them we were going to have the baby on that day. I was quite emotional, but my parents were thrilled. Our lives were going to change that day!

We got to the hospital by taxi, and I found out I was fully dilated! The nurses said I did a fabulous job dilating at home. They made me feel really good, and I was proud of myself. I then asked for an epidural, but they said it was too late. Nooooo! I had to mentally prepare myself for doing this au naturel. Straight to the birthing room!

I'll spare the details, but the nurses really helped me concentrate because I started to breathe through my chest uncontrollably. They helped me focus and spoke to me encouragingly. (I like it when they call me reina (queen). Hehe.) I had to remember how I planned to push. I squeezed Fernando's hand until it turned blue, took a few deep breaths, pushed like a madwoman, and he was out! They called me brave, and I definitely felt that way. Later I was so glad I didn't take that epidural because I could push more consciously, like the nurses told me. I would totally give birth again naturally. Cheers!

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

Experiencing childbirth was probably the most physically and emotionally intense minutes of my life. 

I was unlucky with the fact that I had to get an episiotomy, but in my heart, I was overjoyed.

Sporting that swollen "fresh from the oven" look after the first minutes of life. 6 pounds, 14 ounces / 19 inches of LOVE.

We made it to our hospital bed room after a few hours. I was so happy here.

Sleep is good.

Paloma and her abuelos came to visit in the afternoon. This was the moment she had been anticipating for months.

She was jumping with excitement knowing that her little brother was finally out. I won't ever forget that first moment of bonding.

We stayed in the hospital for two days, and I was in some pain still. Today a week later, I feel almost completely recovered.

Paloma came to visit the second day. Although she was in wonderful hands with her abuelos at home, she was overwhelmingly saddened to say goodbye to her mommy, daddy and baby brother for the night. It broke my heart, but I knew we would be home as a family in less than half a day.

We chose the name "Mateo" because it means "gift of God", and we like the way it sounds. Also, it's easy to pronounce in both English and Spanish. His middle name "Lorenzo" is the name given to the sun in Spanish. We love the sun, and that's it. Interestingly enough, my dad shared with me that Lorenzo Ruiz happens to be the name of the first Filipino saint venerated in the Catholic Church. It was meant to be!

Checkout day! After two days, we realized that Mateo is a good, heavy sleeper and has very gentle cries. I can't tell you what a relief this is for me, now that we're managing two little ones. Let's hope he stays that way for awhile ;-)

We're home! "Hi, Mateo...hi, Mateo..." She loves him so much!

Paloma does have some maternal instincts. She knows how to be very gentle and give him soft kisses on the cheek.

I feel very complete with these two children. To me, they truly are the most beautiful things in the world!

One more close-up. Guapo!

Thanks for sharing this important moment with us. See you real soon!

The Bump: Nine Months

There is one week left until my due date. Yes, we've made it this far!  In the past few months, we'd been looking for a new apartment to accommodate our growing family, but the prospects were disappointing. Coincidentally, our landlord volunteered to drop our rent 100 euros. So we decided to stay in our current place which is furnished with decent pieces, has lots of sunlight, but lacks the square footage. These past few weeks, we've been busy cleaning out our closets, putting up some extra shelves, and making room for baby. To make it a comfortable living space, we'll have to give up our guest room once all of our lovely parents have visited and helped us out after a few months. 

In the meantime, mama's been doing lots of stretching, relaxation and breathing exercises for when the big day comes. I wonder what this labor and delivery will bring since I had an emergency C-section the last pregnancy. Fingers crossed that all goes well. And a prayer doesn't hurt from everyone also. Thanks!

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

Baby Boy kicks and punches more than Paloma ever has, so I've never had to do any kick counts to check if he's okay in there.

The extra weight plus heat and humidity has been straining this August. And I will be relieved to have a little more freedom in movement once he arrives. I just want to pounce on the sofa!

Everyday, Paloma talks about what she'll teach her little brother once he comes out. "When he falls, I'm going to pick him up, and he'll say, 'I love you, Paloma!'" Why worry about jealousy now?

We'll see what this week brings. Hugs!

Beachy Staycation, Part II: Cadaqués

Described by Salvador Dalí as "the most beautiful village in the world", Cadaqués has proven to be that charming seaside town with a bohemian chic feel. This well-preserved town has attracted other past artists such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse and continues to enchant 30,000 visiting tourists every summer. It took us over two hours to get here, but it was worth it!

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

The whitechalked village welcomes us as we enter after some kilometers of winding road.

Paloma marks our day's itinerary on the map.

This fishing village is lined by a few coves where people can take a dip against the old town setting.

Cadaqués is set on a slope, where cobblestoned narrow streets climb and crisscross each other.

It has a tranquil bay where one can sit on the steps and dream.

We sat. We dreamt.

There are actually several of these little coves lined along the town. This one sits at the foot of the beautiful church, Església de Santa Maria.

Another one of the said coves.

A statue of Dalí makes its statement.

We decided to walk up to the church. We're actually headed uphill, but you couldn't tell from this photo. The combination of heat, climb and pregnant belly made me want to pass out.

That stony, rustic slope again.

The flowers are a-bloomin' beautifully along this steep alley.

We made it to the church! What a sweet view.

Now throw mom and kid in the picture as a reward.

We entered the 16th-century church to marvel at the intricate Gothic-style altar.

I think this side altar pays homage to the ships and travelers who colonized the New World.

Downhill the bumpity alleys to do more pueblo-admiring. Thank God!

Bold colors of blue highlight the town.

Still love the blue.

The bright green makes me happy as well.

Paloma takes a brief pause with Baby.

And me too.

We took a little souvenir home for the winter - a handknit hat to remind of where we were on this hot day.

Did I mention it was uncomfortably hot for me? The water started to look good at about 5pm.

 As pretty and colorful as they were, we skipped the overturned fishing boats.

But took a dip on this rocky beach. I thought the rocks would kill me when I lay down, but they were all smooth and flat.

These two had to be really careful with the slippery rocks underneath them. With my bulging belly, I didn't dare.

I would love to come back during the late spring or early fall when it's not sweltering. I'd also love to catch the Salvador Dalí House Museum in the nearby Portlligat. Hope you've enjoyed!