Happy Birthday Boys!

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In celebration of both my boys birthdays (Abe 3/22 & Santi 3/23) we went to the World Famous San Diego Zoo! Abe and I hadn't been there since college! It's so huge, we only covered a quarter of the property. Santi seemed to like it, but he was a little overwhelmed by all the people, animals and new things to see. He was very quiet and just soaked it all up. When he's older, we will definitely get an annual pass!

Race For A Cure

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Abe's family and their best friends have a wonderful tradition of walking the Race For A Cure 5k every year. Santi and I joined in for the first time this weekend.

We walked in memory of Abe's Aunt Yoly, who passed away in 2011, and in celebration of Abe's Grandmother Rosa who beat breast cancer a few years ago. We also walked in celebration of my sister, Aubrey Renee, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 27! She is stronger and healthier now more than ever and is going on 7+ years of being cancer free!!

Guilt Trip

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Why is it, that as a mom, you can't do anything for yourself without feeling guilty?

While we were in EP, I needed some "me" time. A short get-a-way. I called my BFF (of 20+ years!) Lindsay in Kansas City and she said, come on over! She even offered her pack n' play and old car seat so Santi could come. But this trip was just for me. Abe is the best dad in the world and I knew he could handle a couple nights on his own. Plus, his parents are so helpful and always just a phone call away.

So I packed up my pump and set off to KC. Nothing makes me feel more like myself than traveling. I love everything about it. Naturally, I missed my loves like crazy, but I wasn't worried, not for one second. And honestly, I didn't even feel guilty about leaving. What's wrong with me? I'm suppose to feel guilty for leaving my son. But I didn't and I still don't.

As a mother, (especially heart moms!) it is so important to take time for yourself...without feeling guilty about it. Workout, get a massage, meet a friend for dinner, take a short trip! The better you feel, the better you make everyone around you feel. Everyone wins. Happy mama, happy daddy, happy bebe! I came back after my 48 hours away feeling recharged and more like my formerly independent self!

Yes! That is a ^MIMOSA^

I had an amazing time with the Littles. Their sweet Eva is 16 months and so, SO bright. Her vocabulary and comprehension just blew me away. Spending time with her gave me a beautiful glimpse of what's ahead for Santi and I.

 

Santi's First road-trip

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We packed up and headed east for the next few weeks. Santiago helped me pack! The drive to El Paso is about 11 hours, so we broke it up by staying in Tucson the first night (Santi's first hotel stay). We continued on to El Paso the next day and were welcomed by a gorgeous EP sunset and a place of our own for when we visit. We now have an EP apartment that Abe's mom furnished SO BEAUTIFULLY!

 

A quick trip home

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We spent the past few days at home in Carlsbad. My parents have been watching Stella for the past month. They have two adorable Bischons, Tanner and Marley, that Stella loves to boss around. When we picked Stella up, Santi showed interest in the dogs for the first time. He pulled Marelys' hair and Marely licked Santi's hands...which I was quick to sanitize!

My best friend Melissa is due with her first son and Santi's future BFF on my birthday, August 27! Okay, not really. She's due on August 28, but we can pretend like she's due on my birthday. Doesn't she look amazing for being 9+ months pregnant! Santi can't wait to meet Kaison!

Music & Friends

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We went home to Carlsbad for what was suppose to be a few days and stayed for a week and a half! There truly is no place like home!

While we were there I took Santi for his first trip to the beach. I met up with my lovely friend Anika and we did our usual walk down the coast in Cardiff By The Sea. I forgot to take a photo (mom fail) but trust me, he loved it.

We also learned that Santi LOVES the guitar. One morning he was being a little fussfuss so Abe grabbed his guitar and started to play. Santi froze in silence. He was mesmerized. It was so cute. To make sure it wasn't a fluke, we tried it a few more times and every time he was just captivated by the music.

Santi also met his first baby friend! Sweet Penny Rae is just six weeks old. She was stylin' in her Orbit stroller. Her mom Tina, my bestie Melissa (who's due in August) and I met for lunch at Sammy's. Both babies did great, no fussing or crying. Just sweet little angel babies.