On the road again...

I have less than 4 hours to sleep tonight and I'm so nervous about tomorrow that I can't get any sleep. Emma, André and I  are traveling to Ecuador tomorrow morning. I've never traveled on Christmas Eve. I always travel on Christmas Day and the airports are empty. I wonder how it will be tomorrow. 

We just got back from Colombia 2 weeks ago and I also took a short work trip right after we came back. We finished packing and we are supposed to be asleep. I keep running my to-do lists in my head. I was a mess packing for Colombia and I don't want to do the same for this trip. I have to write a list of things I learned from our last trip with a toddler (the hard way of course). I had too much work before Colombia and I had a normal work load this week so I was able to plan with more time what to pack. I might have over packed as a result of my lack of planning from last month. The good thing is I tend to forget my stuff instead of Emma's. It is easier for me to improvise plus we are trying to potty train her and she uses a lot of pants every day. 

I have tons of pictures to share from our trip to Colombia. Those 10 days are still fresh in my mind. I will enjoy this week off because it will probably be the last one in a while. I'm using all of my personal time off with these 2 vacations in one month. 

Feliz Navidad! :) 

Hola from Cali, Colombia

I'm home. I should just say I'm in my home town. I feel sad to say this, but I feel out of place. Maybe the almost 15 years that I've been living in the US have changed me too much. I feel nostalgic when I say that I'm almost a foreigner in my own land. 

The first thing that we did "wrong" was to sit Emma without a car seat. The airport is outside of the City and the driving speed is higher. She was very excited to see motorcycles. They are everywhere. She is also excited to see taxis and buses. As soon as you drive within City limits, the publicity boards distract you from one add to the next. Ever since we got to the airport it has been like an sensory "explosion". This is something that I used to love and miss. Starting with the huge (single) line at immigration, the very little respect for personal space, the chaotic baggage claim and the welcome parties outside of customs. I really mean it when I say parties! I really thought that someone famous was on the plane. Adding to all of that, we now have a little girl to watch in addition to our bags. Our driver was waiting for us but we couldn't find him. It took us less than 5 minutes to find him but it was already a bit too much. I can just imagine what it would be like for someone who doesn't speak Spanish. 

So many things make me home sick for Colombia that it's hard to decide where my heart belongs. I love the way people treat you, my friends that I've known forever, the food, the tropical fruits, the music everywhere, the convenience of having everything you want delivered to your door, the mountains... I could go on and on. 

When I told Andre that I don't think I can live here again, he was relieved. Not long ago, we said that our goal was to move back to South America. We didn't say if it would be to Quito or Cali or Bogota but we were absolutely sure that we had to move back. Now, I'm not so sure we fit in. 

After this trip, I will have to think about how to balance the person I am today with the one that I want to be. Until that happens I have to say that my real home is where my family is. No matter where we live, as long as I am with them I feel complete. 

Longboat Key, Florida - Day 2

For my birthday, I wanted to get out of town. I've always wanted to stay in Anna Maria Island about one hour south of Tampa. Florida's gulf islands were recently featured on Traveller Magazine and they are becoming more popular. I couldn't find a place in Anna maria but I found one in Longboat Key. This is just a few miles south and it has the same beautiful sand. I'm so happy that we found this place. We want to make it a family tradition. A weekend at the beach. The hotels in the area are not sophisticated and the area has more private condominiums than resorts. Since the snowbirds are not here yet, we felt like it was our own private beach. 

We went to the beach right after breakfast and walked back for lunch. My mom and my sister made my favorite lasagna the day before and it was amazing. This was a big surprise for me. 

After lunch, we returned to the beach. Emma didn't want to nap and I thought that it was going to be a difficult afternoon. Emma wanted to get back and play in the water as soon as we got back. I had extra clothes just in case and we had fun seeing her so happy. I didn't even try to put her bathing suit on again. 

This was definitely one of my best birthdays. I can't wait to return to this beautiful place. The following day we had to be out of the hotel by 11:00 AM. We went towards St. Armands Circle. This used to be one of my favorite places a few years ago. I got lunch for Emma but unfortunately we were not hungry and we decided to drive back and let Emma sleep in the car. Life with kids is planned around their naps. A kid without a nap is not a happy kid except when they are at the beach.

Sunset from Longboat Key, Florida

Last Friday, it was the first time that I watched a sunset from the beach in over 2 years. It was hard to go because Emma is usually eating dinner by 6:00 PM and in bed by 8:00 PM. That night, she ate dinner early that and we headed to the beach. This sunset was special because it was the last sunset before turning 33. I felt like it was a good bye to a good and also difficult year. 

Emma loved the sand and even the cold water. She started to eat the sand and after the air started to feel a little cool we took her out of the water and dressed her with dry clothes. She enjoyed every second. We left right after the sun came down. We had a hotel for 2 nights to celebrate my birthday. Our hotel was right across the street and we couldn't wait to spend the following day on this beautiful beach. 

33 Reasons to be Grateful

In honor of my upcoming 33rd birthday, I wanted to create a list of blessings. I always try to give thanks at the end of the day. It reminds me of how much I have and even when I have a bad day I can think about all the good things in my life. This list is not un any particular order; except for Emma who is my number one. 

1. My daughter, my life is completely different because of her. I love her too much to even try to explain it in words. I didn't know I could love this much! 

2. My sweet husband who has been extremely patient with me.  We've had a tough year and he took care of me and Emma with love. 

3. My mom who has given me the best gift in the last few years: teaching me how to be a mom. I hope that I can only be as good as her one day. Also, she cooks so well that Emma and I are lucky when she makes us lunch (almost every day). 

4. Living close to my parents who have taken care of Emma since I went back to work. Leaving my daughter was one of the hardest things to do and knowing that she is with them makes it easier. She loves her grandparents and they love her. 

5. My dad who still spoils me in many different ways. Everyday when I drop Emma off, he gives me fresh fruit to go: oranges and bananas cut in pieces. 

6. My sisters and their unconditional friendship and support. I love being the baby in the family. My life would not be the same without them. 

7. Having friends who are all over the world. I have visited a few of them and it makes going to a new place even more exciting. I still have several that I want to visit! Wait for us! 

8. I'm grateful for the first 18 years of my life in Colombia. I love Colombia so much and I appreciate many things that people take for granted when they grow up in a "1st world" Country. 

9. I'm also grateful for the last 14 years in the United States. I have grown a lot. It took many years to adapt to this life. Now, I'm not sure if I belong here or in Colombia. I'm happy living here and it looks like we will stay. 

10. For knowing people from so many different backgrounds. It has made me more flexible and open minded. We grow from knowing people different to us. 

11. For my friends who are mothers and have given me so much support with the hardest job of all. We are closer because we now share this special "bond". 

12. My favorite cousins and our funny group messages. They make me laugh every day. They were my first friends and I love them. 

13. For my family vacations in San Andres. I will treasure those memories forever. 

14. For Steven and Samuel giving all their baby things to Emma. Thank you Nati and Claudia!! We didn't have to spend a lot when Emma was born thanks to our loved ones generosity. 

15. For my sweet nephews and my adopted nephews and nieces from my friends. 

16. For all my friends with babies that make Emma's birthday parties more exciting than mine. 

17. For Skype and Facebook. It is easy to keep in touch with everyone no matter where we live. 

18. For still calling my childhood friends, my best friends. True friendships evolve and grow as we do. 

19. For the friends that I've made recently who make my life brighter. Thank you for the good times and your support during the bad times. 

20. For music and dancing. I don't get to dance as often as I want but I sign loud in the car every day. 

21. For airline miles that allow me to get a free ticket at least once a year. I know it's not actually free but I can live with that lie. 

22. For having my leg back even if I can't wear heals for too long. Anything is better than crutches.

23. For Claudia (Emma's baby sitter) for loving my daughter and taking care of her every day.

24. For my iphone aka my camera, pedometer, notepad, phonebook, ipod, Emma's favorite toy... I never get bored. 

25. For kindle books. Now I can read everywhere. I only have to figure out what to do with my paper book library. Too much sentimental value with some of those books.

26. For Migdalia, who cleans our house every 2 weeks. Coming home to a clean house makes me happy. For all of you that live in the US knows what this means. 

27. For my friends who motivate me to work out. I'm having the hardest time staying on track and I need them. Plus we can catch up before and after working out. This is my happy hour. 

28. For living so close to the beach. We don't go as often as I would like. I'm sure that it will change when Emma is old enough to ask us to go. I will spend my birthday weekend at the beach and I couldn't be happier about it. 

29. For all the travel memories. I am a better person because of what I have seen from the world. It has proven that stereotypes are wrong. 

30. For Lilia, my great-aunt who loved me like a grandmother. I miss her everyday.

31. For the joy that the last world cup brought to Colombians. After 16 years without caring about the world cup, I was consumed by every game. Colombians showed hard work and joy with the team and the dancing celebrations. We might not be the best, but I am proud of my team. 

32. For my job because they have been flexible with my recent life changes and they have helped me grow. It's up to me to keep improving. The opportunity is there if I'm willing to put the cotta effort. 

33. For having so many blessings that made it easy to create this list fast. I am thankful for my life and for those around me. My only birthday wish is that I get to spend many more years with my family and friends. Happy birthday to me! 

Baby Products that Will Make Your Life Easier - Part 3

Some of the things that I never thought about adding to the baby shower list were bath items. I was lucky that I got a few items as gifts and that a friend with 2 babies edited my registry. You will use these EVERY DAY. These are some of my favorite bath time baby items:

Soft Shampoo Rinser

This soft cup is great because babies always move so much. Emma now thinks it's a toy and she loves to play with it. Another munchkin product that I love.

Newborn Tub

This is a useful tub for the first 6 months. After that it feels too small and they like to move a little more to reach for toys. Babies hate baths the 1st month and then it's their favorite time of the day. The mesh helps when the baby is too small to keep the head up.

Inflatable Duck Tub (or whatever the official name is)

When babies can can sit, they can play more. This tub is perfect to put inside the grown ups tub. Between 6 months and 12 months she used it for her baths. We took it outside when it was warm too. We really enjoyed this tub from Munchkin.

Water Thermometer

Until you learn how hot/cold the water needs to be, this water thermometer is very useful. I used it every day. It beeps when the water is too cold or too hot.

Kneeler

This is great to protect your knees while giving the baby a bath in the big tub.

Bath Spout Cover

Safety. Safety. Safety. And cute!

I have a few rubber toys and I've thrown away a lot of them. The water stays inside and I'm afraid that mold is going to grow. Also, I tried different shampoos and we liked Aveeno's products best. There are many options available and it is confusing. I used all the ones that other moms gave me and liked Aveeno more than Babyganics or California Baby. 

*All pictures used are from target.com or babiesrus.com

Weekend in Orlando

A couple of weeks ago, we decide to spend the weekend I'm Orlando. I had to use my hotels.com account and Orlando is just a short drive away. We decided to stay in the Downtown Disney area since we didn't have plans to visit the theme parks. Emma is obsessed with Mickey and Minnie Mouse so I wanted to give her a "Disney experience" without the long lines or the summer heat. I decided that the best was to find a character dining restaurant. At the same time, it was Andre's birthday and it was. A good excuse to over pay for a breakfast. 

I tried to get reservations with Chef Mickey, the restaurant where Mickey Mouse is. Apparently there is only one Mickey and you need to book several months in advance. We found a reservation at the Cape May Cafe located in one of Disney's hotels. The characters at the Cape May Cafe were Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy. I have to say that the food was really good! I wasn't expecting good food with this experience and I was surprised. I can easily say that it is probably the best breakfast buffet that I've ever been to. 

Emma was a little scared at first. I really thought that she would run towards Minnie instead if hiding from her. She did give kisses to all of the characters and we took their pictures several times. It was hard to get a good one. We had to seat in a room with poor lighting. I told the host that it was Andre's birthday. We sang happy birthday and he got a cupcake with a candle and a card signed by Minnie, Goofy and Donald. It was really nice. 

The rest of the weekend we spent it at our hotel pool, taking naps with Emma, and walking around Downtown Disney. There are many things to see and do there. My favorite is just to walk around, eat something, have a Ghiradelli ice cream for dessert and shop at the biggest Disney store (The world of Disney). I used to go to Bongos, Gloria Estefan's restaurant, a long time ago. They have a live band and the food is good. I haven't been since 2010 so I hope that it is still as good as I remember. There is also a permanent Cirque du Soleil show, "La Nouba", that is worth watching if you are ever in Orlando. I have seen other Cirque du Soleil shows and  La Nouba is still my favorite. 

We had a great time in Orlando. It felt like a nice vacation. Next time, I want to stay at a Disney hotel. We loved the Beach Club Resort. This hotel has a beautiful pool, a beach, movies outside, bike rentals, restaurants with characters, transportation to the theme parks and everything was just picture perfect. I will keep an eye for Florida resident specials during low season. I'm sure that we will be back many weekends to Orlando. It never gets old. 

Baby Products that Will Make Your Life Easier - Part 2

I started this list to help my pregnant friends decide what to get for their babies. I know it is overwhelming since there are too many products available. As a first time mom, I needed one of my best friends to create Emma's baby shower registry. If you missed part one, here is the link. This part 2 is about toys and activities to keep your little one interested. I didn't buy many things since I was lucky that a friend had 2 kids who were toddlers and Emma inherited their stuff. I also had a 3 year old neighbor who gave Emma some of her toys and my 2 nephews who were old enough to let go of their baby toys. She is definitely a lucky girl.

Play Mat

I used this since she was about a month old until she was about 6 months. It's easy to wash and you can change the toys. We called it the gym because is where she got her "tummy time", learned to hold her head and started to roll. We switched the toys to keep her motivated but she was the happiest with the mirror. 

Bouncer

This is what I always get my pregnant friends. This chair a lifesaver. I was a babysitter when I was 18 and this chair was very calming. You can take a shower, cook, clean the bottles and keep the baby next to you. They love it and since it's on the floor, it is safe. I never shower with the curtain closed or let her out of my sight to be safe. We used it until she was getting to big to fit in it. 

Swing

The swing is nice and some kids love it. I think that it takes too much room and the seat is small so by the time your baby is 3 months old, they cant fit in it. I would only get the bouncer if I had to buy them. Emma was lucky because a frriend of mine gave us everything that her kids used. I kept the bouncer at my parents' house and the swing at our house. 

Jumper

My life really got easier when I started to use this jumper. Emma loved it!! The music and the toys kept her busy. I was happy because I could do other things while she played. She would play on it for at least one hour without getting bored. She stopped liking it when she started to crawl. I guess that she just wanted to be free. 

Walker

After the jumper, the walker is the baby's favorite. She would run around the house looking for books or toys that she could reach. We loved watching her move and run around on this. 

Floor Mat

These mats are the beast when they are learning to crawl. It makes the floor nice and not so cold. It is a nice/safe place for all the head bumps.

Teething toys:

The best is Sophie the Giraffe. They also love the ones that you can keep cold. Emma loved the ones that made noise, had rattles or mirrors like this one. 

Other toys:

Emma loves music and one of her favorite toys is a piano. I got her an activity table for Christmas and she likes it a lot. It was nice to help her stand up when she was learning how to walk.  When she got a big older she started to enjoy all cause and effect toy like the cubes with different shapes or games with balls that come in and out from different places. Sometimes babies don't even need toys, simple things like plastic containers and lids will keep them busy. My dad started to sing to her since she was 4 months old. He used his ipad to sing along. She soon discovered that the music from the ipad came with videos. We try to limit the amount of videos that she watches. However, I have to confess that dinner time is easier thanks to Baby Einstein. When she is cranky and doesn't want to eat or let us eat, we play a video and she would just dance and eat.