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!

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!

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

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!

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

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!