It's all about Gummy

Love someone

2011-10-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

Parenting, well, parenting is HARD.. H.A.R.D... freaking HARD.
They were not kidding when they said that having a child is having your heart walking in someone else's body.. They also didn't joke when they said that children, your precious children, would test your patience and love in ways you didn't think existed.. They were so right when they said your mind would not rest a minute thinking of ways to make your child's life easier, happier, successful. You wouldn't have a single day in which you didn't feel the weight of that child's happiness on your shoulders. Your soul will tear with his tears and ache with every fallback he has..

At the same time, your own joy will never be as big and wonderful as when that child is joyful, and the simple wink of his eye, and smirk on his face or the happy pace of his beating heart will draw the biggest smile on your face.

And loving so much is so freaking HARD.. that love is at the core of your existence, giving you purpose and consuming you at the same time.

The last couple of weeks have been "challenging", to say the least, with my boy, and today I received this beautiful video from a Facebook friend. This is also my declaration of love for my son, who tears me to pieces and puts me back together with a small baby kiss, and whom I love like I could never love anyone in the world.

My Brightest Diamond | I Have Never Loved Someone | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

I have never loved someone the way I love you
I have never seen a smile like yours
And if you grow up to be king, or clown, or pauper
I will say you are my favorite one in town
I have never held a hand so soft and sacred
When I see you laugh, I know heaven's key
And when I grow to be a poppy in the graveyard
I will send you all my love upon the breeze
And if the breeze won't blow your way, I will be the sun
And if the sun won't shine your way, I will be the rain
And if the rain won't wash away all your aches and pains
I will find some other way to tell you you're okay

You're okay (x7}

Super Rodrigo turns 5

2011-10-05T21:51:00.001-07:00

We had a fantastic time celebrating little man's 5th birthday.. Seems unbelievable that I've been a mother for 5 years already and my baby is officially a big boy.

Inspired by many party planning boards online, I planned a Super Hero party for the boy who's lately become a huge fan of the cape crusaders. As the little heroes arrived we took the Super Hero Friends oath, and vowed to play fair and nice and be good friends and protect Rodrigo's birthday from the potential attack of mean villains.. The kids decorated their capes and eye masks and went on to start their training at the "Super Hero Training Academy". They had to prove agility by crawling a tunnel and jumping through "the ring of fire". Then they tested their endurance by running a few loops around the playground, climbing the play structure and sliding down several times. Finally, they had to test their super powerful breath by blowing the biggest bubbles of all.

It was great fun to watch them so engaged participating in their "strenuous training". At the end they were inducted in the Super Hero League of Friends, however we had an attack of mean villains that attempted to ruin the party. Luckily all the training paid off and armed with water balloons and silly string the little trainees were able to defeat the villains and save the party!!

My talented friend Cyntia, who's starting his career in professional photography, captured beautiful shots from the party which she documented on a cute video, cue in Superman music and all!!!

Enjoy

Only thing missing is the minivan

2011-09-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

... and you can call me an official Soccer mom.
The Gumster started his 3rd season playing soccer, this time in a "real" league, with practices and games between teams. Lemme tell you, it's hysterical to see these 4yr olds all huddling to get to kick the ball, but it makes for a great experience for the little man. At some point he'll get that it's ok to share the ball with the members of his same team, in the meantime, we're just enjoying him chase after and try to throw the ball, no matter if it's towards the opposing team goal.
Rodri's team, the "Pirates" aaaaaaaargggghhhh, is an all boys in the U5 division (sounds so fancy to say they're the tiny ones). He was thrilled when he got his league uniform and he got to pick his own number, 4, because he's 4yrs old and his birthday is on the 4th... such smart boy! --ahem--
I also signed up to the something called the "team mom".. oh yeah.. I'm head first deep into this soccer-mommy thingy...
Here's to the carpooling, years of lugging muddy soccer cleats and sweaty boys from game to game... and I just can't wait for it!!!
I'm sharing some pictures of his first official match.. Apparently it was a tie, 3-3... not too bad.!

I seriously love these 2 pictures, Rodri (#4) running like flying with arms to his back, and the other one with a true Soccer expression trying to get that ball..priceless

First Day of Jr Kindergarten

2011-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

It's official, we're off to school, and with a great start.. Gummy did amazingly on today's school drop-off.. He was all smiles (showing his dimple!) and there were no tears (nor momma's nor his).. He was very excited to wear his backpack and his new uniform and spend the day with his teachers.. He also is lucky enough to already know some of the children in his classroom, and his best girlfriend, Tamara, is also with him.

We chose to hold him back one year because of his Fall birthday and some sensory issues that put him on a small disadvantage (emotionally) against other older children.. He's extremely smart though and it's pre-reading and obsessed with numbers and can count until past 100 and can read any number up to the thousands.. He can also write based on the sound of the letters and he's very inquisitive and interested in learning new things. During the summer he matured a lot and he's talking now in English and being more socially involved. He still has a lot to mature socially though and we still have a lot to work with his reactions to noises and textures.

I'm however very proud of him because aside from a few little quirks and obsessions, he's incredibly sweet, smart, obedient, respectful and, dare I say, well behaved!

Go on Gummy boy!! there's so much to learn and the road ahead is filled with delightful experiences and lots of new discoveries..

Summer '11 Report - Natural Bridges

2011-08-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

I personally do not enjoy the Santa Cruz beach, I hate the Boardwalk and how crowded it gets.. luckily, just a few miles further (north or south) you find nicer quieter beaches, so we set our course a bit norther up towards Natural Bridges. I always wanted to see the "bridges", or let's better say, "bridge" because I only saw one... Despite my grammatical pickyness, we did enjoy our afternoon at the beach. As usual, the munchkin took a while to warm up to the water (who'd blame him, that thing is coooold) but ultimately he had a blast, until his toes got blue and we had to call it a day and warm up building freeways in the sand

Summer '11 Report - Strawberries and lots of mud

2011-08-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

Mid July we ventured up gorgeous Highway 1 with some friends for a morning of lots of mud, red stains and rosy cheeks, that's it, we went strawberry picking..

9lbs of strawberries later, we sat and enjoyed a small picnic and allowed the kids go let lose and play around.. and the smiles, well, they're what this is all about..

Oh.. and the mud, well, it was all me! My very gracious self picked to wear flip flops and wandered through the "forbidden" path of luscious strawberries, not knowing they were surrounded by a sea of mud.. Flip flops and mud do not mesh well..

Holy cow!! it's been a while!!!

2011-08-15T00:50:00.000-07:00

My poor ol' neglected blog..... pity pity pity!

It's already halfway through August, Summer is almost over, and I haven't been able to make a tiny dent on my summer activities bucket list.

We did go Strawberry picking with some friends.. and visited the beach and we just recently instituted weekend family hikes... and that, ladies and gentlemen, is a summery as we've gotten around these parts..

I could really blame work for keeping me on call for a whole month messing all my weekends on July.. that's it.. blame work... !

California is such a wonderful state with so many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and it's a shame we've spent entire weekends indoors (or worst, at the mall!!) and not outside playing in the sun... I should end this pity party and be proud of the little we've been able to do because it was still fun and we shared it as a family and with dear friends...

Since the little man will officially start school in -gulp-, three weeks, we're going to try to cram some smaller trips here and there... I've always wanted to visit the giant Redwoods at the Redwoods National Forest (but since it's a good 9hr drive from here I'd have to find somewhere closer for our nature fix) , and maybe drive down Big Sur sometime (like, NEXT WEEKEND) for more natural wonders and maybe a dip in the freezing waters.

I'll indulge you, yes, you, my one reader ;), with what we've done so far..

There's still time, get out, enjoy the beautiful weather, kid's gotta run, throw some stones and get dirty!

He's got some mooooooves!!

2011-07-15T16:05:00.001-07:00

yep.. my kid is a break dancer!!

Happy Birthday America!!

2011-07-05T00:06:00.000-07:00

Decked in Red, White and Blue, my little Captain America went on to celebrate the birthday of this great nation..
Our neighborhood throws a "cute and little" parade where everyone in the 'hood participates, the 4 legged kind included..! It's one of those very American traditions I'm excited and happy to teach Gummy to celebrate the love and pride of this country.

Later that day we joined with friends for some BBQ (funny thing, all was mexican food ;) and some water play on one of the hottest days so far in the Bay Area!!
We got a "slip and slide" and had a blast watching the little ones have a great time.

An epic water battle ensued of course, and, I'm embarrassed to admit I lost the battle to a pair of 4 year olds, finishing up completely soaked and with borrowed clothes... lovely!!

Introducing, the class of 2011

2011-06-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah... a bunch of 4-5 year olds recently climbed their first step of many in their school years.. We are moving away from circle time, finger paint and cheerio necklaces onto a new world of letters, numbers, shapes and science..!!

A tear may have been shed, I admit.. it's bittersweet to witness this kind of milestones as they open up a new interesting chapter, but close shut a very tender and endearing set of experiences.

We're very proud of our little boy, who'll be 5 pretty soon and starting Jr.K in a school we're very excited about... I chose to hold him off official Kindergarten because of his birthday being so close to the cut off date and the fact that my boy with his sensory issues, could really use an extra year to grow into a more confident, articulate and mature.

Last Day of Preschool!!

2011-06-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, little man started preschool....

Today was his LAST day of preschool.

I compare these 2 pictures and see how much has my little man grown.. He's lost most of his curls, his pot belly and his chunky cheeks, but has gained a few more inches, a lot of confidence, new friends, lots of skills and knowledge and a wonderful set of memories and experiences that will shape off his future "formal" school years.

I'm excited for this new chapter, yet I feel a bit sad realizing how quickly time is passing..

Wild about Dad!

2011-06-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

Because we're a bunch of wild creatures, and the "leader of the pack" is the wildest and less tamed of them all, nothing more suiting than taking daddy on a wild adventure.
I had heard of "Safari West" a lot and had been meaning to take the family for a mini-safari, so Father's day was the perfect day to do this.
We enjoyed a very yummy BBQ "Beer" Brunch and visited some of the wildlife on this nice location. I was actually expecting to see more animals, but the kids enjoyed the usual charmers, a bunch of friendly Giraffes, huge Rhinos, lots of Deer and Antelopes, Rosy Flamingos, Noisy Monkeys and one lazy Cheetah --did you know that Cheetahs can go from 0 to 30 miles per hr in a matter of seconds but can only hold that speed for about half a minute?--

We did get a very good close up to Bob, the world's friendliest and most attention loving Giraffe!!

Once upon a time, my Gummy was a total mama's boy.. oh how have things changed.. he's all about dad now.. like.everything.is.DADDY... --sigh--... as I mourn losing my "favorite parent" badge --admit it, who doesn't like being "loved" the most--, I can't help to feel all mushy on how much my boys love each other.. (even when I'm left out of the guy-pack)

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

I get to mother a wonderful child who has made me laugh and cry to the brink of hysteria.
Lately, I've been feeling rather melancholic...I find myself fighting the tears as I put away Rodri's too small clothes or listen to his "big thoughts" and opinions. Every day it becomes clearer that my little Gumster is turning into an outspoken, funny, talkative, curious and intrepid little boy.. the traces of baby on him are disappearing and I'm having a hard time coping with this fast changes. Yes, he's been changing and growing since the day he was born, but for the last 4yrs, he was still a baby... Now, he tells me he's not a baby anymore, he's a big boy.. and even though I've been telling him how big he's gotten for the last 2 yrs, he finally caught up with it.
On Mother's day I got his handprint on a card, and in comparison with prior years, his hand, which I've held for all this time, has grown and is finding that it doesn't need mine as much... and that, breaks my heart in pieces... It's such a bittersweet realization that the baby days are officially gone leading to a lot more wonderful experiences and love, wonderful indeed, but not cradled in my arms.
Never was more clear to me the saying that says "having a child is having your own heart walking outside your body, farther away from you".. Oh how I feel for my own mother, and how still at 30+, her heart must feel as I drift farther away from her.

I had a lovely time with my family celebrating Mother's day, and receiving lots of wonderful and tight hugs from the one that made of this sappy, imperfect, second-guesser, sentimental woman a very proud and madly inlove mother. Thanks Gummy, for allowing me to be your mother and filling my days with joy.

For our teachers

2011-05-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

This week is Teacher's Appreciation and we worked on a couple of fun little projects for Gummy's teachers who've been very loving and patient with our sweet and sometimes stubborn little guy.

I found this great idea online and decided to replicate it (along with half of the mom blogosphere)

However, as cute as it was, there was not much of Rodri-ness on it, so I decided to do a little craft. We have gotten them flowers in the past, so this year instead of buying real ones, we made our own by painting egg cartons (from the many left overs we had from Easter) and we turned them into tulips (or so I tell myself)..
We assembled them in little $0.69 clay pots from Michael's and turned them into our own little bouquet. I added a cute card which, you guessed it, I also found online (thank you Pinterest!!) and glued his picture on the back for them to remember the cutest little boy they ever taught. My design was a bit flawed and we had some "technical" difficulties gluing the "flowers" to the stems, but we had a lot of fun working on it.

Rodri was very proud to give these out.. specially to his most favorite teacher, Ms. Rebecca, whom he adores ..!

Eggcellent Easter

2011-05-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

The biggest and most meaningful day for all Christians, Easter Sunday, the day when the promise of forgiveness and eternal life comes back to life from the cross, our Lord is Risen.. and we celebrate.!!
After church, we joined our friends for a delicious Easter Brunch and, why not, more Egg-a-Huntin'.
I'm lucky Gummy allow me to dress him up --not sure how long it'll last-- and my little man looked super duper handsome, if I do say so myself.

Oh.. and how could I not add this adorable "I just woke up" picture of Rodri and Nelly checking out their Easter basket

On Easter, for this we Rejoice

2011-04-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun during this warm beak. I decided to take the week off from work to enjoy to the max the time with Rodrigo.. we had a blast

We took part of several Easter Egg Hunts and I tried to coach Gummy from the sidelines to take as many eggs as possible... but of course, Mr. Persnikitty Boy was rather picky and would only pick up eggs of a certain color, or those that had something in particular inside.. he was not going to be fooled by stickers and little knick knacks, he went for the chocolate.. This of course meant that he ended with much less eggs than anyone around him... well, at least he got what he wanted..

We visited the land of the Mouse, or better yet, the land of Buzz Lightyear, for a fun filled couple of days. Gummy has become quite a Disney expert, he knows his way around and requests/demands, which rides to go for, which are mommy's rides and which are daddy's rides... such a smartie!

We painted Eggs with our favorite little friend

And baked some cookies

We did more Egg Huntin' with the same favorite friend, whom we also share Soccer class with and will share the same classroom for Jr.Kindergarten come September 2011!

They do love each other very much, although Rodri's effusive affection is not always welcomed with the same effusiveness!

GummyDaddy gave Gummy a pair of binoculars and we went on to explore to the Zoo and discover wildlife

We also went on a Train Adventure and stopped at several train stations playing "Train Conductor" and savoring cookies.. We stopped in a couple towns for lunch and to visit the library and headed back home all happy after a fun day riding the rails.

Back in the Soccer bandwagon

2011-04-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

as it'll be probably for the next 10 yrs of our lives!
Gummy started Soccer lessons again this year and he's having a lot more fun, understanding better the instructions and getting rather good at chasing and kicking the ball... We may see some "yellow" or even "red" cards in his future as his offensive strategy is pretty rough, but we're working on it... Hopefully he won't get expelled from the field!!

Sweetness

2011-04-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

Rodri sharing a tender moment with his little friend Sofia at Ian's 2nd birthday party.. could not get any cuter than this!

1st Corinthians 13 for Moms

2011-04-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Shamelessly stolen from this blog

I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing "Ten Little Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor - but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone.
I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to my voice mail, I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in the neighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.
If I live in the house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness, not godliness.
If I scream at my children for every infraction, and fault them for every mess they make, but have not love, my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is patient when my child chooses to show their artistic talent with crayons on the wall for the third time.
Love is kind when my child says, "I don't like you anymore!"
It does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new mini van, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.
Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments and insecurities and love rejoices when other families succeed.
It doesn't boast, even when I've multi-tasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.
Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you done today?"
It does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in our children, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices.
It is not easily angered, even when my child acts like the world revolves around her.
It does not delight in evil, is not self-righteous, but rejoices in the truth.
Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy," the taxi-driver to every childhood event, the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.
Love does not give up hope.
It always protects our children's self-esteem and spirit, even while handing out discipline.
It always trusts God to protect our children when we cannot.
It always perseveres, through blue nail polish, rolled eyes and crossed arms, messy rooms and sleepovers.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child and then, stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
All the projections I had for my house and my children have faded away into insignificance, and what remains are the memories of my kids.
Love never fails.
But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painful labor, they will fade away.
Where there is talking back, it will (eventually) cease.
Where there is a child who thinks she knows everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you did your best.
When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us.
Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores us, shelters us, and holds us when we need to cry.
Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture, dishes with missing place settings, and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings, but the greatest of all is the Love that permeates my relationships with my children.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.

Adapted by Kelly P. Simmon from Anonymous poetry and poetry by Jim Fowler

Ski lessons for the big boy

2011-03-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

Since our earlier visit to the snowy mountains back in February, Rodri wouldn't stop talking about how much fun he had playing in the snow, so off we went, car jammed pack with snow gears and enough snacks and food to feed us for a week, to a beautiful cabin in the Lake Tahoe area to spend some days skiing with some friends.

We planned to have Gummy take some ski lessons with his buddy Tomas, and, helicopter parent as I am, you'd find me hovering with my camera, or adjusting his mittens, or fixing his jacket, in the middle of his class... Luckily, the instructor was very nice and let me go about my crazy mommy mode without complaining.. He had such a great time in his lessons, he looked entirely at ease with all the gear and skis and never complained.. he was loving it...! --insert super proud mommy grin--

We also spent a lot of time digging our car out of the snow and playing in the whited out winter (err.. spring) wonderland. Of course, several snowball fights were in order.

Snow angels and snowballs flying off

He only looks innocent, but those snowballs were for me..

Sliding down mounds of white fluffly snow

Chilling .. quite literally

Unfortunately, as great as it was having all that fresh snow, it didn't do good for our return back home and we found ourselves stranded, for 12hrs, due to road closures... it made for an.. well. interesting ride (as in, imagine 3 kids asking how far from home we were every 5 mins, hours of movies and "I Spy" where everything outside was WHITE!!)...

just a smile

2011-03-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

As we grow older, our ability to smile, just because it feels like it, diminishes and in some people, it darkly fades away, it's reduced to a tiny, mechanical and somewhat polite smirk given, scarcely, to the people that bag our groceries, help us with directions or in the rare occasion it happens, hold the elevator door for us..

Children in turn, amongst many of their oh-so-humbling and oh-so-amazing characteristics, have the exquisite ability to smile so freely, so truly, so often...

Thank you for the smiles little man....
Thanks for reminding me to smile freely, truly and often as you so easily do..

-"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein

--insert someting witty here--

2011-03-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

Clearly and undeniable I've lost my "blogging mojo" --if I ever had one--
I spend a ridiculous amount of my day perusing over super fun, informative, inspiring and beautiful blogs and as I go oooh--ahhh over them I wished I had a speck of the creativity of those bloggers to liven things up here, you know, shake the tree a little be... make it more interesting... But, how to do???. I'm not crafty, and I don't do as many fun things with the kid as I wished, I can't cook and have zero natural inspiration to decorate and come up with unique stuff, I have no sense of style, and I'm not brave enough to show my two and a quarter blog readers how I dress, I'm not thrifty at all, I can't even use my camera right and take a decent picture, heck, I can't even make an interesting, witty and fun paragraph.

I'm, wait for it.......--insert somewhat short but mysterious pause--....... a blogging failure... yes.. it's out there, no point on hiding it now.. I suck at blogging... My blog is the most boring blog and I should just close this sad recount of our oh-so-not-exciting adventures and call it a day...
I don't even think my parents visit the blog anymore (well, granted they lack the technology braincell and the basic hand-eye coordination to click on a bookmarked page or type this blog address, Hola mami.. Hola papi!!!)

I don't have any of that stuff that makes a blog worth visiting..
I do have though one awesome, sweet, amazing and beautiful child and, as the blog name says, it's all about him, this blog and my words are for him, and since I lack the crafty scrapbooking gene, my best way to document his cuteness and his most precious years is through this unexciting blog... Some day I'll put a book together from this blog as a keepsake... and.. while I get around doing that... I'll try my best to continue updating this blog, for him to read someday...

Since it's all about him... here's some pictures of some recent adventures in the Gummyland

Behold, "What the 3 Wise Men brought", also known as "that-colorful-thing-that-graces-my-coffee-table-since-January-and-the-little-marbles-that-magically-disappear-running-away-from-the-obsessive-child-that-makes-them-roll-for-hours-to-no-end!"

Kids and technology.. geeks in training pants!

such a multi talented child

2011-03-06T16:10:00.001-08:00

such poise, such flexibility, such athleticism, such grace... all bottled up in one tiny 36lb package.... ahhh... one of the Gumster's many talents (prompted by a pair of very, peee-uuuuh, stinky feet!!).

Amazing !

2011-03-04T17:38:00.001-08:00

“Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children.”

~Pablo Picasso (Spanish Artist and Painter. 1881-1973)

============

There's this song going on the radio lately, it says
"... when I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change,
'cause you're amazing, just the way you are..
and when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
'cause you're amazing, just the way you are.."

Our children are just amazing godly creatures, amazing beyond words, amazing for all the possibilities and all that they give, and amazing just for being... and how I love my very amazing, marvel, unique boy..

Snowy days

2011-02-26T22:38:00.000-08:00

There's many reasons why we love California, one of the biggest, the ability to experience so many different "adventures" at a short "hop in the car and drive a couple hours" .. We visited the snow in gorgeous and always blue Lake Tahoe for the President's week holiday..
We took the kids to Squaw Valley, famously known for hosting the Winter Olympics a long time ago, and Gummy had his first experience going down the mountain (well,... the bunny slopes) with us.

He loved skiing but throwing snowballs was his favorite thing to do.. And there's nothing cuter than a bundled up kid with rosy cheeks, sinking in the white soft snow..

my love

2011-02-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

We worry about what a child will be tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.~ Stacia Tauscher (17th century author)

This child, is my love, and will always and forever be.

The Christmas report

2010-12-27T19:24:00.001-08:00

-- warning... all the pictures came out awful.. THANKS Gummydaddy for deciding to play with the Manual setting on the camera PRECISELY on Christmas..... awesome!! --

Early in the day we baked a batch of cookies to leave for Santa that night and then some more to share with friends.. They may have been the most sprinkled on cookies in the planet... there was a lot tossed at them..!

We had dinner at our friend's house, got all dressed up and spent some time with good friends sharing yummy food and exchanging some tokens of affection.

We bid farewell to our funny Duende Cito, who was dangerously keeping close watch from the top of the entertainment center.. Cito would fly back to the North Pole that night to come back for Christmas on 2011.

Rodri was very spoiled on Christmas and got a lot of nice things... His favorites were the Hamm, Slinky and Mr. Potato Head he had been asking for every.single.day!! Closely followed by his new Leapster2 and a fabulous Buzz Lightyear bike given by his wonderful grandparents in the Dominican Republic.

It was a fun day of opening presents and enjoying laughs and happy smiles... Even Nelly got spoiled with three presents this year.. 2 of each didn't make it past the first 10 mins after they were opened... Wonder why we call Nelly... "the MONSTA".. she's a destroyer!!!

We spent the day relaxing at home, playing with all our new toys and watching Christmas movies... My favorite movie for Christmas and what's become our tradition, is to watch "Love Actually"... for me, it's the perfect "lift me up and sweep me with warm and fuzzies" kind of movie for the holidays.

Jesus, the baby.. Mary, the mother.

2010-12-25T21:44:00.001-08:00

I found this beautiful poem from the "blue eyed bride" blog and had to share...

Makes me think of how amazing, powerful, extraordinary, divine yet human, simple and tender, those first precious moments between our Savior Jesus, GOD HIMSELF, as a small, innocent and fragile baby in the warm arms of His mother Mary..

As a mother and knowing that big, deep, wide and immense love I felt as I held Gummy for the first time, I can't help to think of Mary, who was commissioned to such a noble and amazing task...that of bringing into this world, nurturing and raising the son of God.. How she may have kissed his 10 fingers just as I kissed Rodri's.. How she may have held him against his chest, to give him warmth, comfort and nourishment.. How his wrinkly body was softly wrapped in blankets and kissed, and hugged, and snuggled.. and loved .. just loved..

What great things may become of our children and what sacrifice --a loving one-- it is to bring them into this world and give them our best. How that future Savior, president, lawyer, teacher, father, painter, musician, carpenter started, just as Jesus, cold and crying, small and fragile, loved and cherished.. How any of us mothers could be just like Mary, rocking in our arms a tiny person who's destined for greatness... but in the meantime.. he's just a baby, our baby.. and with that.. the most precious baby of all and completely ours, at least for that time being.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

Someday, when this night is over
And the star has faded
And the angels fly
I will look at You with wonder
Dreaming of this first night
When I heard You cry

Someday, You’ll take Your tiny fingers
And with just a touch will cause the blind to see
Someday, You will walk with strangers
But, tonight, I’ll rock You
Stay awhile with me

Someday, they will call You Savior
Hope of all the people light and life divine
Someday, You will speak the words
And touch the hearts of many
As You now touch mine

You will speak in love and wisdom
Prison doors will open
We all will be set free
Someday, You will walk among us
But, tonight, I’ll rock You
Just stay awhile with me

My son, let me rock You
Stay awhile with me

Merry Christmas !!

2010-12-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

From our little wacky family to yours ---if yours is not wacky, no worries, Merry Christmas to you too!

Laughter has the incredible ability to mend all wounds and fix all problems.. so sit back, look around and just smile.. there's a lot of reasons to smile for... family, hope, the memories we build every day, the promises of peace and a better and brighter tomorrow and quite importantly, the miracle of Jesus being born in Bethlehem for your and mine.
Have a blessed CHRISTmas time..!

p.d.. I think my kids are just adorable, and Gummy's HUGE happy face is precious, but seriously, Nelly --the hairy one-- stole the show.. isn't she totally smiling on this picture??

OOoooh Cito... Where are you??

2010-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

Coming down the stairs sitting pretty on the hand rail..

Nelly seems quite concerned with his presence..

Hanging out on the Wreath on top of the Mantle, with prying eyes checking out all the pre-Christmas commotion for his last evening reports to the North Pole.

now that's a LOT of sugar!!

2010-12-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

Apparently we were not done with the Gingerbread house we made the other day.. We had to make more.. you know, our own little village....
So here's, take 2 of what from know on should be known as "that huge mess of icing and candy that should never be made again"
Who am I kidding?? the kids had so much fun that we're definitely doing this again --much to my OCD self dismay--

Our little village... Fiercely guarded by sherriff Woody..

Gummy loved this so much, and was so careful and interested in the whole process. He sat still for what could be an eternity for a 4yo to put the icing to assemble the houses, wait for it to dry, meticulously decorate each one.. it was precious.
I love how he's growing into such a curious and cheerful little boy..

Gingerbread mess

2010-12-20T01:12:00.000-08:00

We had planned to visit Disneyland this weekend to see it all decked up for the holidays.. I had dreams of sugar plum fairies and colorful small worlds gleaming with Joy.. but.. the weather had other plans, and due to a huge rain storm ravaging all of California, we sadly and reluctantly cancelled our visit to the happiest place on Earth.
The worst part is that I had NOTHING planned as a backup for this weekend.. and I'm a planner, I thrive on plans, I live around endless lists, tight schedules and programmed activities.. Then I was stuck with no plans on a gloomy and rainy weekend.. and I hadn't planned for pajama days and plopping on the couch watching movies...
We were lucky my great and creative friend Juliana came to my limbo-weekend rescue and invited us to make Gingerbread houses with her and her adorable daughter Tamara.. We were saved --- as much as a mess of sugary icing and hyper-sugar-induced kids would allow --

Our Masterpiece!

The Adventures of Duende-Cito (our Elf on the Shelf)

2010-12-19T02:21:00.000-08:00

Cito has quickly become a constant topic of conversation at home.. From the first in the morning "where's Cito today?" question.. To the "how did he get there?" explanation, to the infamous "watch out, Cito is looking" warning to the radical "Cito is going to tell Santa" bribe.....
Every morning Gummy wakes up wondering about the whereabouts of Cito... First couple days, cito stayed close, within Rodri's room boundaries.

He was found looking down from the bookshelves

Watching vigilantly (or creepeshly!!) onto Rodri's bed from his nightlamp

Hanging for dear life from wall pegs. Given the fact he's hanging next to Rodri's superhero cape, I think he was trying to tell us he too has some super powers...

Harrassing some of Rodri's stuffed animals (poor, Donald, he always gets the worst part, even though Rodri loved this..

Later, Cito decided to venture outside of Rodri's room, branch out, see the rest of the house, spread his invisible wings and flyyyyyy..
First, he decided to hang around some of our pictures (and we can tell he picked a favorite kid already!!) --and while at it he tilted my pictures... my OCD self won't forgive him for this!!--

He was also found peeking in Rodri's bathroom, right above the toilet.. Hummmmm.. I think we may have a "peeping Cito" situation.. he may have to be reported to the proper authorities.

To make amends, the next day he decided to cook Rodri a special meal.. He's even kneeling down for forgiveness.. I think we may overlook his "peeping" actions of the prior day, he surely looks sorry, doesn't he?..

Where else will he be next time?? Don't miss the next chapter of Cito's adventures, who knows, he may even venture down the stairs!!"

So I don't forget

2010-12-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

You're looking so handsome my boy!!

You're so sweet when you talk about your little friends.
You're starting to be more open, more interested in trying new things..more curious.. more flexible with changes.
You're talking up a storm, and you pronounce your "S" like "Z"s.... and it sounds super cute.
I'm grateful for your excellent health.. you fight colds like a champ and hardly ever get sick.. you're skinny, but little man.. you're strooooong!!! "Grande y Fuerte!"
You take my hand, actually, my pointer finger.. and make me follow you to show me something marvellous you discovered.
You want to do it all by yourself.. "Yo solito" you says.. I need to hold out and let you take 1hr putting your pants on, or 40 mins trying to take your shoes off.. because you want to show me you can do it.. Solito..
You're obsessed with everything Toy Story, and putting aside how I feel about how comercialized my house has become with the Buzz and Woody antics everywhere, I delight watching you drag your Buzz everywhere.. and talk about your dinosaur, the little martians and Jesse... It makes you happy.. It makes ME happy..

Introducing... Cito...

2010-12-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

I first read about The Elf on the Shelf last year from Lyndsay's (one of my favorite photographer's blog) and planned to start that tradition with my Gummy.. Lyndsay's narration of her elf's (Bob) adventures are fantastic.. you must check them out here.
So this Elf is sent from Santa Claus you know.. and his magic begins when your child names him and he becomes Santa's spy in your household.. Every night, your Elf will travel to the North Pole and report on the big guy how the kids were behaving at home in preparation for Christmas morning. Every new day, the Elf will show up somewhere else around your house as your child would delight on the playfulness of the Elf and the little magic his visits ensue..
Being the procastinator I am, I delayed on getting our elf and --having gotten apparently quite popular-- we were on backorder for a couple weeks.. Finally, our mischiveous elf arrived (straight from the North pole.. didn't you know Santa delivered via UPS??)

Gummy was a bit hesitant to even look at the box.. and he seemed confused... I had to bribe him with a cookie to get him to sit with me and read the story.. Little by little, his eyes got bigger and bigger with the idea of having a magical visitor at home..
Now, we faced a bigger task.. In order for the "magic" to begin, we had to find a name for our Elf... My cooperative kid would just shrug his shoulders and say "nada" --nothing-- (this went on for longer than I wish to recount).. I swear we were this close to call our Elf Mr. Nothing....
We finally came with a name..... CITO..
You know.. as in duendeCITO --little elf in spanish--
Yeah.. we're that creative...!

I think he's finally warming up to him! --notice the cookie.. yeah.. I give sweets to my kid to build family traditions!!--

Gummy the baker

2010-12-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to do something "Christmasy" every day ( ok ok.. every OTHER day ) to teach Rodri about the spirit of the Season. This time, thinking about doing nice things for others, we decided to bake cookies for our little friends, to later deliver personally with a hug, a smile and a big "Feliz Navidad"..
Out came the sugar, the flour, the eggs, butter and all the other ingredients and my little assistant and myself embarked in a fun, yet quite messy adventure.
Rodri wanted the cookies to be red and I happily obliged, not realizing our cookies would turn out pink, because who says Christmas is only about red and green?.... Pink is the new Christmas color!!!

I love the proud look on his cute little face!

.. ding.. dong.. ding.. dong.. Christmas bells are ringing

2010-12-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

How did it happen? We can't even explain.. but before we knew it, the year entered it's last chapter... the air got cooler, the days got much shorter, the smells are more crisp, the sounds are merrier, and there, December made it's grand entrance, as the last knight of a group of 12 who, marching at the end, closes the year with twinkling lights, beautiful carols, a little bit madness, cheers and happiness, a bit of melancholy and a lot of gratitude..
To bid farewell to the year, and to celebrate God's greatest gift to humanity, the Birth of Jesus our Savior, we dress up our houses with colors, sparkles and lights..
Following our tradition, we went to cut our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving weekend (and we may have to rethink this for next year as or tree is already showing signs of giving up on life, and Christmas is still two weeks away!!)
So.. of we went... we ran, we played, we found our perfect tree.. we cut it.. we yelled "TIMBER".. and we loaded it up to take it to the place where it'll be green for the last time..

A friendly race through the woods was in order

Boxes were dusted off from the garage and drowing in a sea of decorations, balls of all colors, snowflakes, birds and butterflies we embarked as a family unit to decorate our tree. We had a couple casualties ( crystal balls are NOT for families with curious 4yr olds who LOVE to throw balls....noted for next year ) and we're still finding glitter in the most unexpected places after what was supposed to be an innocent and quick craft session with the kids which turned into a glitter rainstorm!!

And here it is, our Christmas tree.

Our oldest one, doing the honors and putting the start a top.

Our youngest, marvelling on the "twinkeeeeleeeen" lights

And our furry one, not quite getting the commotion, having furry dreams of christmas trees with balls one could actually play with!!

Thanksgiving weekend 2010

2010-11-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

Continuing our non-turkey turkey day tradition, we went with the turkey's noblest and more common cousin.. chicken... Gummydaddy likes to play around in the kitchen so we decided to go french with Coq au Vin, potato gratin and crepes..
We did set up a kiddy table, with a non-drenched-in-wine chicken dish version for the smaller ones (no drunken kiddos allowed!) It was a lovely evening of good food, amazing friends and a lot of blessings to be thankful for.

ooh ooohhh.. and I made my first apple pie (and turnovers) -- silly me forgot to take a pic of the final product--

There's so many things I'm grateful for, the very obvious of course being my healthy, precious, fun and adorable 4yr old, also the everyday little blessings, like my dog Nelly warm spot in the carpet when I wake up, roses blooming in spring in the backyard, our little birdie backyard visitor which amuses Rodri every morning as he takes his breakfast, dominican coffee brought by my parents, time spent with them which was just great for the little boy, Mickey Mouse ears and Buzz Lightyear, cousins playing, the most amazing stepdaughter in the planet, rekindled friendship with my sister, Peppermint Mochas, Gummy's little friends, health and so much more..

The following days were spent at home, in our pj's, warming up leftovers, making our first 1000 piece family puzzle and hiding away from the crazy tundra like weather that's been pounding the area lately...(brrrrrrrrrrrr, honey it's cold outside!)

.. my precious....

2010-11-30T23:48:00.000-08:00

Rodri sharing a tender moment (probably induced by the lollipop sharing) with his sister..

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Gummy has been very concerned about our very sick puking pumpkin... everytime we walk by it he says "poor pumpkin, got sick for eating too much candy"..

As it's been our tradition of many years, the Gumster spends Halloween with his buddy Tomas and the boys trick or treat together...
This year it was a joy to see these FOUR year olds --still can't get over the fact he's FOUR.. omg-- squeal with excitement running from door to door chanting "trick or treat" collecting yummy goodies, huge smiles and the sweetest memories.

My favorite boy, to Infinity and Beyond

2010-11-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

My boy, you see, the FOUR year old.. --shakes my head, as I can hardly believe he's FOUR already-- is fascinated with Buzz Lightyear... and of course, his birthday had to revolve around the brave space ranger we adore and his excellent buddy Woody..
We had perfect weather and everything came out as planned --err... except for the pony that never made it to the park--

We had bubbles and a craft table with --you guessed it-- Toy Story stuff to color

And sweet friends to celebrate with

A bouncy house to get all that energy out

And the blessing of friends and more importantly the most wonderful and loving grandparents to spoil the boy rotten!

My pumpkin in the Park

2010-10-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

---and yes, those are Toy Story stickers all over his clothes.. what can I say, the boy is obsessed!!1--

Dear Rodrigo

2010-10-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd love like this

I never thought your smile could work miracles

I never thought I'd be this blessed.

Yet, I am.. and it's all because of you my boy!

Thank you for FOUR years of happiness, joy and overwhelming love.

Your adoring mommy.

Holy Macaroni!!

2010-10-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

In 2 days I'll have a 4, get it, FOUR YEAR OLD!!

oh my God!! time has surely fly by, and I'm having a hard time realizing my little wiggly wormy baby is FOUR..

Before I know it, he'll be driving away from home onto his own adventures.. --sigh--

Apple Picking

2010-09-26T00:25:00.000-07:00

During the summer we went strawberry picking and learned that the farm would be having apples for picking come September, right around when the grandparents would be visiting, so of course, the ultra planner in me, marked the calendar for this day as "manzanas y abuelitos" (apples and grandparents)
Turns out we ended with an incredibly hot day (97 degrees at the orchard... yikes!!) but with a very enthusiastic crowd and hats and lots of sunscreen we faced the heat and went on our adventure.. The experience is great --aside from the heat and the pounds of dust-- we got to run around the orchards deciding which were the nicest looking and possibly sweeter and juicier apples, and why not, take a bite or two out of a few of them.

Gummy loved it.. the grandparents too... !!

Now.. what can I make with 30lbs of fresh, juicy, sweet and picked with love apples??? --that's a lot of apple!!--

Of knights and maidens

2010-09-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

We visited the Renaissance Fair and took part of quite a feast that took us back in time when knights rode noble horses to defend their dignity and honor, where ladies in tight corsets flirted with the gentleman to then hide their faces behind their aprons, we drew swords, threw arrows and cheered for the knights in shining armors and had a jolly ol' silly good time.

Bark in the Park

2010-09-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

Our neighborhood throws this awesome event where we get to parade our furry children and peruse over a multitude of booths selling/promoting all sort of knick knacks for our four legged favorites..
We took our family, Nelly included of course, to visit with the furry kind and enjoy a beautiful day outside..
Nelly had a blast!! there was a lot of tail sniffing, full body waggin' (let us remember, Nelly has no tail, so she does a full body wag like nobody!) and lots of petting from unexpected strangers, add to that buckets of treats at every booth we visited and the Monsta was in pure heaven.
The kids loved walking their furry sister and showing her the ropes at the obstacle course.. too cute for words!

We've been busy

2010-09-20T00:47:00.001-07:00

Getting spoiled by the grandparents...

... and loving every minute of it!!!

Los Compadres

2010-09-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

We don't walk alone... I can't imagine anyone going through life's stages by themselves.. there should always be someone beside you to walk alongside you, as you grow, as you discover and learn new things, as you fail and as you succeed. We may not walk alongside the same people all the time, but we should not ever walk alone.
The same applies to our children as they grow and learn.. the human connection, the sense of community and empathy for others, all those things that are vital to prosper as a human being, begin very early...
We're blessed our Gumster has the opportunity to be born and grow together with who have become his "buddies".. the kids whose names he learned as early as he learned his own name..
Frienship, on it's most innocent and primitive, but sweet form.

These "compadres" have the great opportunity of sharing laughs, toys, snacks, experiences, memories and learning what friendship is all about.

Houston.. we have TOMATOES!

2010-09-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

ok.. 3 measly tiny tomatoes... but our tomatoes!!!
After killing the thyme, cilantro and onions... after waiting for 2 months for a couple leaves of basil to sprout and after giving up hope our "family veggie garden" would give any fruit, we got THREE TOMATOES!!

maybe my thumb is not that brown after all!! Rodri is loving checking on our little crops.. even though he already announced he would NOT be eating the tomatoes.. oh well!

Flasback to the 80's

2010-08-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

Rodri's favorite aunt was having a birthday party, the 80's inspired kind.. and we all dressed up the part.. including the littlest one of the pack..
Without further adeu, hereby, the Karate Kid... in his gummiest and most adorable impresonation!

And to feast your eyes, because you're dying to see, here's our crazy bunch, sporting the looks of the most awesome decade ever!!! the 80's!! I'm pretty sure Cindy Lauper, Don Johnson, FlashDance girl and the Karate Kid enver looked sooo good!!

Summer Series: Letting the dog out

2010-08-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

The weather got nice finally (it has been unseasonably cold this last month) and we packed the kids --furry kind included-- for a fun day at the beach..

I'm not kidding.. The Gumster loves the water..

After some snacking, the kids decided to try to dig a "dog bed" for Nelly.. and Rodri tried multiple timesto bury her in sand... --good luck with that one kiddo--

Another lovely beach day in California!

hey you.. handsome.. look at mommy

2010-08-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

"would you woman let me eat my cookie alone..." geeez

I'm serious.. go away woman!!

Momma gets no camera love..

On the flip side

2010-08-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

At the water park..She loved it..

HE HATED IT!!!

World's Best Big Sister

2010-08-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

she's terrified of rollercoasters and anything that goes up and down.. At 11, she'll happily ride the whole day on a Merry-go-Round.. but for the little brother she adores, she'll gulp away her fear and wear her big-protective sister badge with honor.. no matter how terrifying it may be for her.

Gummy is one lucky little brother!!!

the face of fear...

2010-08-09T23:39:00.001-07:00

courtesy of Gummy's first rollercoaster ride..

My poor baby..
Have to say though, he had a scared face, but he didn't cry, nor complained.. and he left just fine.. However, when I asked him if he wanted to do it again, I got a huge fat NO!

..this face..

2010-08-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

Summer Series: Let's go, Fly a Kite

2010-08-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite
And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite
Let's go fly a kite!

We brought our little kite and let it soar in the sky.. Gummy was thrilled!

And if the kites were not enough to provide plenty of amazement.. this little fella gave us a great show by peeking in and out next to us and checking out the kites with our family

A story in 2 pictures

2010-08-03T00:51:00.000-07:00

My friend Cyntia was able to get a couple awesome pictures that have the unique quality to tell a great story.. The story of a little boy, discovering his surroundings, in awe of what is so familiar yet so new, with eyes full of curiosity and with the innocence of his short years.. Looking out the window, marvelling at the big forest of tall Redwoods, deep creeks of pristine water.. Watching from the window of a moving train, which like our every days, just goes ahead, keeps chugging and taking us to new experiences... Being a passenger, and conductor at the same time. Having that special way, that only children have and God I wish I could learn how to go back to it, to enjoy life's little pleasures at their fullest and just be Happy.. just because..

Hey Thomas, nice to see you again

2010-08-03T00:41:00.000-07:00

We took Gummy to see Thomas the Train when he was 22 months old.. back then, although he was already fascinated with trains, he couldn't really appreciate what was going on.
This time around he truly enjoyed visiting with the trains, riding on them, playing with all things that go choo choo and enjoying all the fun activities organized at this event.
He loved riding on the Thomas train and exploring the forest of tall Redwoods.
Rodri.. how many trees in the forest? : CIEN!! --a hundred--..
And how are the trees? : GRANDE Y FUERTE --big and strong--

Mastering the fine art of bubble making

Making mommy proud as he nicely shared with a lot of children his space at the train tables..

Putting together and breaking apart..

And getting lots of smiles, moments of deep concentration and utter joy.

Summer Series: Water Water Everywhere

2010-08-03T00:23:00.000-07:00

I have a serious issue swimming in the beaches here (being born and raised in the Caribbean makes you very critical and picky.. white sand, palm trees and WARM water, now that's a beach.).. so I was not pushing the "get in the water" thing too hard, I just want Rodri to love and appreciate the Ocean as much as I do (regardless of the temperature of the water). My water baby (or better say, BOY) finally conquered his fear of the big blue, but cold, ocean.. It took three visits to the beach to finally get him to get his feet wet, and no matter how cold the water may have been, it was a match made in heaven.. he absolutely loved it!

I think this is the look of a cold baby... Time to bundle him up!! poor Gummy

Summer Series: the Zoo

2010-08-03T00:00:00.001-07:00

We love visiting the Zoo, and it's extra special that everytime we go we find something else and new to discover and appreciate.
This time we mastered the fine art of jumping over lily pads

Rodri was so fascinated with the iguanas, I think he wanted to kiss it! eww..

And we spent some time petting and falling in love with adorable sheep and baby goats

Rodri was ridiculously obsessed with feeding this baby goat.. he would not leave it alone until the poor thing would chomp down a bit of hay.. I thought it was very cute, but I don't think the baby goat was too thrilled.. she must have been thinking "someone take this kid away from me!!" I tried, put Gummy was adamant.. he was on a mission...

Such a wordly boy

2010-08-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

... BRAG ALERT BRAG ALERT.. serious bragging ahead ...

Rodri has known the alphabet since he was 2.. and he can write all the words too... so this "game" that comes with the kid meals at Pasta Pomodoro is "easy peasy" for his wordlyness..

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!

2010-07-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yes ladies and gentlemen.. adoring fans of the east and the west... behold, the first --of hopefully many-- trophies my little sports legend in the making has earned.. (at the tender age of 3)

We enjoyed our Soccer League and we're looking forward for the Season of 2011 (while this busy mother is frantically looking for an indoor soccer class so that my boy doesn't lose his magic touch with the soccer ball.. who knows.. Our session ended right in time for the World Cup Final --tell me that's not a sign??-- I'm sure Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Forlan or Messi got one of these at some point when they were little ;)

My children

2010-07-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

Their special bond makes my heart happy

Summer Series: Chalk and Pup

2010-07-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

My young Shakespeare, scribling his first words

Here comes our evening routine..

How can I say no to this face

We are blessed..!!

Numbers

2010-07-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

Just as obsessed Gummy is with letters and words, he has an incredible (heck AMAZING) photographic memory for numbers. He remembers the exit numbers of the places we go to, even if we only went once (like last Sunday heading to the beach in Capitola he said which exit to take).

A while ago we were invited to a pool party at a friends' house. This was Rodri's first time at this house. He had a fantastic time at the party and days later he kept telling me "mama, llevame a la piscina del 694" --take me to the pool at 694-- .. this went on and on for days and I had no clue what he was referring to until I realized my friend's house number was 694.. Holy cow... he remembered it.

I started noticing all his babbling and realized that he's been associating his friends with their home numbers.. Like, Tio C. y Tia H. 377, friend T. 1544, friend A. 2388.

He knew our home number and address because we taught it to him before, but these other address numbers were all him..

The things little kids pay attention to.. AMAZING!!

Writing

2010-07-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

My little guy loves to scribble and he's become obsessed with letters.. Rodri knows the alphabet in spanish and english since he was two years old, and it was sometimes bizzarre how mesmerized he was with letters.. he'd point to letters everywhere.. when we drive, he used to spell out the names of the streets, he learned to read "EXIT" and that started his new obsession with words, both writing them and reading them. I find it pretty amazing because this is not something we've imposed or taught him, this is something he became curious with and he's technically pre-reading (which it's pretty complex if you think he's spoken exclusively spanish at home and he has to figure out when a word is in english or in spanish)

He can "read" combinations of letters like "Buenas Noches Luna" (from the goodnight moon book) not only from the book but from anywhere it may be written.
Also identify: hot, mouse, agua (water), rana (frog), perro, gato, etc.

He can write:
His name and lastname, our names, mama, papa, Nelly, his sisters names
Pizza, Heart, EXIT, Tomas (a friend), Tamara (another friend)
Abeja (bee), Casa (house), Dog, Luna

backseat sleeper

2010-07-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

As much as I hate driving, we do a whole lot of driving in the area to action packed activities that lead to this kind of cuteness.

Summer Series: Strawberries

2010-07-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is something I've always wanted to do and when my mom's group planned to go Strawberry picking at Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville, I signed up immediately for the fun activity.
The location is great (a bit far) but really worth the drive. Mr. strawberry squisher loved looking for the biggest and most plump strawberries, just to squeeze them so hard trying to picking them to make a jolly old mess of himself.. We came home with a couple pounds of badly bruised half eaten strawberries, dust and dirt up to our ears, extremely filfhy clothing, and a truckload of fun memories to cherish.
Here's some photographic evidence of our fun visit.

The Farm has a little shop with lots of goodies, fresh baked pies, yummy sandwiches and a small picnic area with a hay tower, and old truck and even a sandbox for the kiddies.. this was lots of fun!

Grow little Apple.. Grow.. we'll come pick you in September.

an apology to our adoring fans ...

2010-07-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

I know you have lost sleep and have grown rather impatient due to the lack of updates.. I imagine how not learning more about us has put a gloomy cloud over your daily blog browsing routine.. Sorry to keep you all waiting... ;)
After thousands of requests, we're back in the grind of blogging...
You won't miss us anymore.

---sometimes I'm sarcastic you know ;)----

You've got a friend in me

2010-06-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Gummy first watched Toy Story back in November and he was immediately smitten by the characters, the cute story and particularly by Buzz Lightyear..
It's been a long love affair between the little man and the Inter-Galactic Space Ranger.. one that made preparing for the new Toy Story 3 movie quite a fun ride. In preparation for the much anticipated Movie event of the season, we, following the first law of Consumerism 101, geared up with everything Toy Story themed, new toys, stickers, bubbles, coloring books, sippy cups, etc. and of course, Buzz Lightyear's costume so Gummy could become his very own Space Ranger.
And off we went, looking cute, all excited and ready to meet "Woody, Buzz and the gang" once again for what turned out to be a very cute and fun movie..
Who was more excited about the movie you'd ask, and I'd shamelessly admit that it was myself. Putting aside the fact that I DO enjoy the movies a lot, living this experience through my 3yr old's eyes made it all more sweet and enjoyeable.

Love my..

2010-06-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Fall in May

2010-06-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Back in may we were still getting some chilly days, lots of rain and gloomy weather... I was looking forward for a chance to take som "Springy" pictures of the Gumster at the beautiful Stanford University campus.. Instead, we got a glimpse of fall.. I guess we're gearing up for the Fall 2010 fashion season!

Aloha!!

2010-06-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Gummy's favorite uncle, Tio Christian, was thrown the most fun birthday bash by his hostess-with-the-mostess fiance, Tia Hellen. We all got to wear beachy outfits, bring out the hawaian shirts, and indulge in delicious food and a fantastic show of Hula dancers..
The kids, albeit the very hot weather of that day, enjoyed the dancing and partied like true beach bums!

Vamos a la Playa.. Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh!!

2010-06-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

It only took:
-1hr 28 minutes of preloading the car, packing all toys, sunblock, extra changes of clothing, snacks, bottled water, assembling lunch, getting the monkey fed and dressed for the day.
-1hr of driving on Memorial Day through a freeway that seemed like a parking lot.!
-Another 15 mins to unload all the "stuff", pack the eager toddler in the stroller and head down a couple blocks to the beach.. FINALLY!!
-Huh.. didn't count on the 20 mins of huffing and puffing trying to push a fully loaded stroller in the sand...
3hrs later.. we finally got some of this..

and this..

.. and played with friends

.. and dug holes in the sand

.. and FACED the big roaring blue.. (note the emphasis on "faced".. the Gumster wouldn't go near it, he'd just stare at it in awe, and fear!)

.. and had a whole lot of this.. and smiles.

To finish a gorgeous day with a duel of ginormous lollipops

... I'll ignore the nasty sunborn I got (as in true mommy fashion I lathered the kid to protect him and forgot to put some on me) because the day was fantastic!

When the weather is nice

2010-06-01T23:23:00.001-07:00

the kids play.. and by kids I mean the 2 legged ones and the 4 legged kind.. !
We're finally having some decent weather and longer days which allows for lazy evenings kicking balls, blowing and chasing bubbles, watering the flowers in the backyard and having an improptu park visit a little later than usual..
It's the time to get the water tables out, get all the sand toys in the car, stock on sunhats (because we seem to lose one every other week..!), sunblock, shorts and non stinky sandals (what?? don't tell me Gummy's feet are the only stinky ones out there??)..
A few days ago, the kids (the human and the almost human one) had a fantastic time in the backyard chasing each other and playing with bubbles...

Here's evidence that dogs DO SMILE!!! Who's mommy's good girl? who's a good doggy?

Preparing for the World Cup

2010-06-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

for year 2024 or 2028 more or less!! Our little "socka playa" has been warming up those legs and getting ready for his all-star future in the Soccer championships (or so Gummydaddy wishes!!)
We've joined this little league and seriously, what could be cuter than a whole bunch of 3-4 year olds chasing after a ball saying "MINE" "MINE" with real uniforms with their names in the back... Gummy takes this classes with his friend Tamara and the buddying team mates have a great time every weekend chasing after "las pelotas de futbol" and playing their favorite game "kick the coach" --I'm serious, it's part of the activities.. !!--

walking in the name of love...

2010-05-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our family supports, with all our hearts, the fight our good friends Gina and Miguel have embarked in to find a cure to Cystic Fibrosis. Their beautiful daughter Gianna was born with this terrible disease and like them, we'll do the best we can to help find hope for those affected and a better prospect for their lives.
Currently, the life expectancy of CF patients is 37 years, although just about 50% make it that far.. Our hope and prayer is for a long and happy life, well beyond this age.. A life with healthy lungs, pancreas and less daily medicines and treatments..

Yesterday a bunch of friends gathered and walked to raise awareness and funds to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The love is never ending, the hope is limitless...

How awesome our world is

2010-05-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

I ran into this video from the fabulous Brooklyn Limestone blog and had to repost.
Like her, can't help to feel all fuzzy thinking on the wonderful things our beautiful world has to offer and on those great individuals who thrive to teach us about our planet, to learn to appreciate it, love it, take care of it and preserve it for our children..

Boom de ya-dah
Boom de ya-dah
Boom de ya-dah

On being a mother

2010-05-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

We celebrate with flowers, brunches, presents and a day of pampering all the love, dedication and sacrifice a mother endures for the sake of her children. Poems are written, handprint artwork is displayed and extra hugs and kisses are provided left and right.. The phone rings and we make amends with weeks of not getting in touch by calling mom or grandma on Mother's day.. And the city is bustling with activity, busy dads, husbands and children looking for ways to express their gratitude to the many mothers in their lives.

Before.. As a daughter, I'd partake in the crazyness because that's what you're supposed to do.. Now, as a mother, I find all this debauchery of attention even silly ... Knowing how I know now how tall, wide, deep and strong the love a mother has for a child is, I find no gesture may be enough to thank my own mother for all the years of love and dedication to me.. yet, I find no better way to say Thanks, than by paying forward the love given to me.. I read somewhere that a mother's love never wants for pay back, but demands for a pay forward.. So.. in thanks to my mother who's given me all the love she knew how to give, I promise to pass it along, and expand it if even possible to the boy that stole my heart and made me a mother.

---of course, my nice gift card for a couple new pair of shoes is greatly appreciated and welcome ;)----

Even more dear, the reluctant performance of my oh-so-shy son at his school's Mother's Day special.. yep.. he.did.not.sing.at.ALL, instead he stared at me attentively.. guess telling me that all that was for me and he was too busy looking at me to focus on singing, let alone make the motions of the song...

I also got a special handprint, with a bittersweet poem as a memory of how small he is now, and how soon he'll grow to be a tall and big man..

I'm honored and blessed to be your mom my dear Gummy!

It had to happen sooner or later!

2010-05-07T14:30:00.001-07:00

Beaware Michael Phelps!!!

2010-05-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Not only he's rocking the pool, but no 6 gold medal swimmer ever looked any cuter!
Michael Phelps, be afraid.... be very afraid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just add some wind....

2010-05-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

and the boy will have hours of entertainment ...

it's just the simple things that bring the most joy!... like a pond filled with duckies!

5 years ago

2010-04-30T13:40:00.001-07:00

Gummymommy and Gummydaddy promised each other never ending love. By the beach, walking barefooted in the sand, in front of smiling family and friends, we vowed to protect, respect, honor and care for each other..

The wedding was gorgeous.. Such a happy day.... Then... life happened..

Marriage, in a nutshell, has been hard.. tough.. not filled of bright days and sleepy nights.. Not roses, rainbows and puppies as one would expect... It was very easy to share the laughs and happy moments... However, sharing your fears, insecurities and flaws with another person is hard.. And we've made a lot of mistakes.. A LOT.. It takes a lot of understanding and communication and a good dose of patience and compromise. We've gone through a lot and for a while thought we won't make it.. It took a lot of forgiving, more patience and strength to find the love that had gotten misplaced by daily routines, bills, snark, indifference, struggles and stress..

But here we stand.. 5 years later... in hope, and in the name of Love.. Happy Anniversary to Us..

someone's becoming a Soccer mom..

2010-04-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

... and couldn't be more excited.. (so is the soccer champ!!)

Please join us ..

2010-04-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

My amazing friend Gina was blessed with the most adorable, sassy, strong and sweet little girl... Unlike most of us new parents, preparing for the arrival of their first baby caused a lot of fears and concerns for Gina and her husband Miguel.
Little baby girl was being born with Cystic Fibrosis.. A degenerative disease that would forever affect her lifestyle and may shorten her days with us if not properly treated.
Gianna has a long battle to go with this disease, which will make her prone to serious health issues, lung infections, breathing issues, difficulty to gain weight and a scary myriad of complications.. Today Gianna, at her 8 months old has shown us she's a true fighter after dealing already with a collapsed lung and a couple of infections, and having to endure several daily treatments to relief her little lungs from all the thick mucus that this disease causes... But she's thriving, she's fighting, and she's acomplishing all of the milestones she's supposed to.

Yet, her fight is long.. and Gina and Miguel have to adjust to the demands of caring for a beautiful child with a chronic disease.
We want to support them on their fight to find better treatments and increase the life expectancy of those who suffer this disease.. that's why our family will be walking alongside with them on May 22nd at the Great Strides walk.

Please support their fight and help us by donating to this great cause.

For Gianna..

And all the thousands of children (and adults) fighting this disease..

Snow Buddies

2010-04-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

California is a gorgeous state, we love the diversity of people, food, cultures and the natural wonders that surround us... Gold Country, Sequoias and Redwoods, Napa wineries, Yosemite's majesty, breath taking Big Sur, and vast and always blue, Lake Tahoe, surrounded by mountains that ressemble sugar bowls in winter... We had the chance to visit past weekend with some friends and while I marvelled in the beauty, the Gumster loved the icy white stuff all around.....

His excited voice will scream, "Nieve"... Nieve... vamos a la nieve!!! and his eyes would sparkle with joy with the novelty of snow.. What a treat..

And what can be cuter that more bundled up babies enjoying their time in the snow?

and off we go, sliding downhill..

Cold noses, bundled little bodies, rosy red cheeks, happy smiles!

Rodri and his buddy Tomas... can you hear them say "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" ?

And how to resist some good ol' splashing through puddles fun?

Now.. how 'bout this for cuteness? Isn't my boy a true gentleman??

Boy got tired, so we had to enlist the help of a fellow gentleman

Who says chivalry is dead??

This is the Spring Break report

2010-04-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Gumster had the entire week off for Spring Break last week and I took time off from work to spend the days with my favorite little boy.. Even though I was exhausted at the end of our busy week, how I wished I had the chance to have that much time with him and go out and explore.
I'm an overplanner and I've come to realize that by coming up with such detailed plans I manage to cause a lot of stress and both Gummy and myself end up flustered and annoyed when plans don't turn out as I expected.. so my motto for last week was, go with the flow... So with little planning, we had a delightful week..
On Monday we went to Gymnastics and the park. We had our little friend Tamara over for dinner and a playdate and the little Picasso's covered the easel with a wonderful display of their genious!! :) aaha... children's laughter, what a precious sound.

Tuesday was spent outside at the park, blowing bubbles and scribbling with chalk!

Wednesday we went to the Zoo and even though it was crazy crowded, we spent the day roaming with no agenda, stopping and observing, wondering and marvelling, listening and running..
Gummydaddy joined in on Thursday when we visited the renovated and revamped Happy Hollow for an entire day of fun, rides and animal encounters and our first ice cream bar, with a sweet white mustache evidence.

Later, my little "Conquistador" had his "other" girlfriend, Leyla, over for dinner, playtime and ice cream.

On Friday we met with Leyla again to visit the Children's Fairyland park and we loved that little place.. what a gem for itty bitty ones.. we should go visit again. Learned that his very old park was visited by Walt Disney and inspired him to create Disneyland.. !

On Saturday we hung around our favorite little museum in Palo Alto for more discovery and animal encounters.
Finally, on Sunday, this mama threw the towel and decided to stay home and relax.. We wore pj's the whole day, watched movies and cartoons, painted and played with playdoh, read and relaxed... We had had a busy busy week!

We're going Egg-a-Huntin' - Numero DOS!!

2010-04-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

On the actual Easter day, I --as usual-- had a long list of activities planned which included, baking the breakfast strata that I had assembled the night before (a combination of this buttery PW recipe and this Giada's one), getting up early and get the munchkin ready to attend early Easter service at work, and bring a whole bunch of things for our Easter brunch with friends.
However, I woke up with a horrible migraine, decided to sleep in, just a little bit, falling right back asleep and waking up uber startled around 10am, already late for all morning services (bummer) and with the hassle to get the Gumster and myself ready I forgot to bake the Strata.... Fantastic!!! Way to go Gummymommy!!.... oh.. all this with still a pounding headache.
Luckily, the day soon turned out for the better (even through the rainy and chilly weather) and we had a fantastic time at our friends' house with the kids and indulging in lots of yummyness.
Gummy needed mommy's assistance to collect his eggs.. for some reason his attention span was limited to finding JUST.ONE.EGG... and he could care less about getting more... Mommy's intervention was needed.

Gummy enjoyed playing with his friends, doing crafts and opening and closing his eggs just for fun.

And partaking on some friendly demonstrations of affection (have no idea why the 2nd pic loads flipped.. no clue!)

Hey.. wait a minute? is Alejandro ducking to Gummy's basket to steal some eggs..?

We finished the day with a friendly game of soccer where my little star showed he may have a bright future on the sport..

It was a lovely Easter!