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."
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.
We had a wonderful time in El Paso. Can you believe we were there for a month?! Santi got to meet so many of his TX family and friends!
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!
Our Sweetpea, Babylove is 6 months old. My oh my, has the time flown by!
Around the same time that we moved to LA, Abe was offered an awesome opportunity to do multiple installations at a new apartment building in downtown San Diego. I say "new" but it is actually a 100 year old building that has been renovated by a very influential developer.
Last week, when we were in town, Santi and I got to see Community @ The Carnegie Building for the first time. Abe's art is on all 5 floors and on the exterior of the building. It's so gorgeous. The community essence of the building is awesome too. They have chalk boards on every level (so fun!), and nice lounge nooks throughout the property. I bet the tenants love the homey, uniqueness of this building.
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!
There goes Santiago, growing up all fast, already sprouting teeth. As you can see, he's thrilled about it.
15lbs
26 inches tall
Smiling, giggling, finger sucking, bath loving, bundle of goodness!
When Santi was released from the hospital, he was welcomed home by Grandma Coco, Grandpa Rick, Uncle Ricky and Aunt Renee. Before they all headed back to El Paso, we made sure to get some photos. At the rate Santi is growing, he'll look like a totally different person the next time they see him. It is so important to us to capture these sweet moments.
Every week we change Santi's nose cannula. For the few minutes it's off, we take as many photos as possible. I have this fear that he's going to have permanent indentions in his cheeks from the tubes. So when they're off I massage his little cheeks and give him a million kisses. I love this face.
Grey? Blue? Hazel?
This kid has beautiful eyes, we just have no idea where he got them and what color they are. I guess the real question is, will they stay?
Santi has had some very special visitors this week! Abe's parents are visiting from El Paso.
Santi LOVES all the extra attention, and I LOVE having more helping hands around. This week has been so great. We have had lunch at The Grove, dinner at Universal City Walk and I've gotten to workout almost everyday. I might never let them leave!!
Santiago is 8 weeks old today and to celebrate we practiced tummy time! Per doctors orders we had to wait until today to put him on his belly. He looks a little scared in the photos, but he really seemed to enjoy the new perspective.
Photos from my first Mothers Day!
Who are these people?
We are still in Carlsbad...can't bring ourselves to leave!
Six nights in our own bed has been so good for us. This week Abe painted a mural with friends at the UCSD Good Life Festival. I ventured out of the house (gasp!) for a much needed pedicure and a much needed kettlebell class. I now have pretty toes and sore buns, loving both equally!
Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo. To celebrate we loaded Santi up in the car, oxygen and all, and went to Islands for burgers and beer. I can't tell you how excited we were! We kept high-fiving and telling each other "we're doing it, we're doing it!" It's these simple things that we used to take for granted that we now cherish. I had not had a sip of alcohol since August 1, 2011. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but let. me. tell. you. That Islands Golden Ale was a deliciously tasty beverage! I thoroughly enjoyed it :) And then I drank a ton of water and waited 3 hours before I pumped.
Santi, as usual, slept through all of the excitement. (I'm surprised all of our high fives didn't wake him.)
It's these little adventures and taking time to connect with our former selves that reassure me that our true-selves are still here. They are trapped in the tired bodies of sleepy, unshowered, unshaven zombie parents...but they're still here.
Stella has started getting in on feeding time. At first she wouldn't get too close to Santi, now she is a lot more comfortable around him. And if I'm snuggling with him, she has to snuggle with me.
Then there's Santi's "I'm full" face. It just melts my heart.
