Mothers Day
/My friend, and talented photographer, Corey Villicana captured these gorgeous images of the boys and I at the Oceanside pier.
Joaquin, 4 weeks old
A newborn and a toddler
/I'm sure there are things happening out there in the world. But we'll be here. In bed. Snuggling and warm. Cozy and cuddley.
Santi is a fantastic big brother. He loves Joaquin and says so often. Joaquin is an ideal newborn. He's a champion nurser. He's sleeping well. Just the sweetest. These two. They have my whole heart.
First Beach Walk
/Beach walks are mandatory for Southern California mamas.
Joaquin is 10 days old!
Big Boy Bed
/Santi passed his crib down to his brother, and earned himself a new big boy bed! I wanted something he wouldn't fall out of, lol! How cute is the "house bed?" as he refers to it
Brothers
/This was the moment that Santi met Joaquin for the first time!
He was so excited! He was waiting in the front yard with Coco and Papa. A balloon for baby and a flower for me. He kept chanting "baby brother, baby brother, baby brother!" Naturally, he also coughed in his face, which I think is toddler for, "nice to meet you."
Our Sweet Joaquin
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Joaquin, (pronounced Wah-Keen)
Joaquin Emiliano
/A birth story.
Monday, April 6th, started out like any ordinary day. Santi and I left the house early and went to our mommy and me preschool class. By the end of class, around 11am, I mentioned to another mom that I thought I might be having contractions. We headed home for lunch. Abe and his friend were leaving as we arrived home. I mentioned to Abe that I felt a little crampy and was pretty sure I was in early labor. Not wanting to alarm anyone or get worked up over false labor I told them to go ahead and run their errands.
I paid close attention to the contractions for a few hours. They were inconsistent and weak. I was certain it was just Braxton Hicks. But by 3:30pm, things were picking up and I knew Joaquin was on his way. I sent a text to Abe's parents to head over so they could stay with Santi. When they arrived, we all went to dinner at Burger Lounge, which was tradition. My last meal before Santi was born, was also at Burger Lounge. After dinner, I gave Santi his bath, tucked him in bed and told him that Daddy and I were going to go to the hospital to get his baby brother. He was very excited to hear that the wait was over and that he would meet his baby brother soon.
The last picture of Santi & I before Joaquin was born
Let's do this!!
I delivered at UCSD Hillcrest which is 30-40 minutes away from our house. On the drive, my contractions started getting more intense, closer together and down right scary! I kept thinking about all the conversations I've had recently with friends who have more than one child. Two of them shared their experience of barely getting to the hospital in time and how much faster the second baby arrives.
We arrived at 10:30pm. I didn't want an epidural right away, and i wasn't 5cm yet, so they wouldn't officially admit me. They set us up in a small standby room. I walked around as much as I could, but the contractions were SO PAINFUL I was afraid I was going to collapse. Abe was rubbing my back and doing everything he could to keep me comfortable. We were admitted at 12:30am.
I had the most amazing midwife coach me through contractions. She used a wave analogy to help me visualize the swell of the contraction. I used my breath to ride the wave and get back to a calm peaceful place.
My body is amazing. It's really good at growing babies and having uncomplicated births. Is labor painful and uncomfortable? Yes! Did I ask for an epidural? Yes!! The epidural was all set and in full glorious effect at 2:00am. Luckily, I was still able to feel everything I needed to feel and have control over my muscles. Pretty soon, the urge to push was undeniable. I used my breath, my power, my inner goddess, and encouragement from Abe and the midwife.
And just like that, with 5 solid pushes, Joaquin was born at 2:33am. Our world has gotten brighter, bigger and more full of love.
8lbs, 20.5inches. Full head of dark hair. Big round cheeks. Perfect in every way.
Happy Easter
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Santi & Rogan
38 Weeks!
/We're getting close to meeting our little guy! At my check up today, the midwife heard a rapid acceleration and deceleration in the babies heart beat. She sent me over to Labor and Delivery for an extended observation. They hooked me up to some monitors for a few hours. They even tossed around the idea of inducing labor if the baby seemed to be in distress. Luckily the baby was not in distress and L&D was at capacity, so the sent me home! I was not ready to have the baby tonight! Although it was kind of funny to call Abe on April fools day to tell him they wanted me to go to Labor and Delivery!
Friends, fun and farm animals!
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Quinn's 2nd birthday!
Wolfgangs Birthday!
Park date with Coral. (Santi's first kiss!)
Santi's Third Birthday!!!
/Oh wow! My baby is THREE!!!
He is talking up a storm, running, jumping, and climbing. He is very smart and clever. He likes to make up songs to sing and stories to tell. Santi loves all things Cars and Planes (the Disney movies) which is why we decided to celebrate his third birthday at Disneyland!
The character breakfast is so fun!
Santi on the big screen!
Family Photos
/We had our third annual family photoshoot with my talented friend Corey Villicana. It was a combo shoot this year, capturing Santi's 3rd birthday, the end of my second pregnancy and our final days as a family of 3.
LegoLand
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Sprinkle
/My mom and sister threw a "joint sprinkle" for Melissa and I. Being that we are due 3 weeks apart, it only made sense! We had a great time celebrating at the beautiful Grand Tradition in Fallbrook.
The biggest treat, under the most awful circumstances, was having our best friend Lindsay and her girls in town from Virginia. I'm so sad to say that Lindsays mom passed away unexpectedly on March 2. Christie had a unique and beautiful spirit that I'm certain is still surrounding her beloved daughters and granddaughters.
I'm so lucky to have two amazing best friends.
Another special treat was having my Grandparents, Aunt and Uncle visit from Texas.
36 weeks
/I'm 36 weeks and my bestie is 39 weeks! I can't believe we're due 3 weeks apart!
Santi & the Bump
/He can't get enough of my belly! Santi is constantly asking to see my belly, snuggle with it, kiss it and talk to his brother, telling him how much he loves him. It's the sweetest!
