Little Gym

Valentina visits the Little Gym 1-2 times a week. Today she went to open gym time and had the place all to herself. 

These are a couple pictures from last week's class. She matured so much in just one week. 

Many milestones

In the course of two weeks our little baby started to act more like a toddler. She has now graduated from puréed food and even ordered from the kids menu at a restaurant for the first time. She's able to sit up and crawls around the house. Valentina is becoming more and more vocal and now has 6 teeth. 

This was her meal a few times this week - chicken, brown rice and sweet potato. 

This is how she starts her morning. 

This kid is on the move. Look out world. 

Memorial Day Weekend Recap

In honor of all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and our favorite hero (Daddy) we enjoyed a family staycation.

Saturday afternoon Adrian spent some time on his newest Valentina project - refurbishing a little red radio flyer wagon he found.  He stripped the paint, sanded and primed it.  Next he'll repaint it a fire engine red. 

He also showed me the cheerleading moves he and Valentina have been practicing. I'll remind him of this photo if he ever grumbles about Miss V wanting to be a cheerleader.  Her Tia Maritza and Uncle Jimmy were cheerleaders and her cousin Kaitlyn loved cheering so it might run in her blood. 

Lets go Team!

Our afternoon was spent at Auntie Laura's house with the (former) fun people of Ingalls Avenue. They've left the culdesac but we still enjoy each other's company. We also enjoyed the company of Kiki visiting from Hawaii.

Hunter photo bombing Kiki and Valentina

The center of attention

Clapping with Madrina Kristin

Hanging out with her Padrino Luke

Sunday we joined the Thompsons at church, ran some errands and rejoined them for dinner. Valentina loves to play with Maddie and Luke. She was most excited when she joined them on the trampoline. 

Monday Miss V was invited to a birthday party for Julien Gomez. It's amazing going from babysitting your boss/friend's kids to taking your kiddo to their birthday party. Before the party, though, we spend some time at Watkins Regional Park. Valentina continued her quest to ride every carousel in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area at the park. She also rode the train and loved it.

Sitting with Daddy on the train...

...And then with Mommy

At the birthday party she had so much fun joining the big kids on the swing set. 

Pure joy

Why is everyone behind me?

It was a great weekend reflecting on our blessings and giving thanks to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

Up we go

This morning Adrian sat Valentina in her crib while he selected her clothes. I walked by the room and she has standing up. She's getting better and better and picking herself up. Oh boy!

Egg-cellent

One of this week's new adventures has been eating some huevito (egg) for breakfast. Though Valentina likes it she's not interested in the huevito replacing her morning lechita (milk). 

This morning Adrian went to therapy so I cooked her egg. This is the first meal I cooked for her and I have proof she ate it. One day when she says, "I don't like your cooking, mommy" I will show her this as proof she wasn't always so dissatisfied. [For the record I prefer Adrian's cooking to mine too.]

The fun continues

Adrian, Valentina and Akira started their day by rescuing me and my car from the parking lot. It was not as dramatic as it sounds but basically I left my wallet at home and realized it once I arrived at my eye doctor appointment. Oops!  Post sitting in traffic they took a walk around Fort Ward Park.  Ft. Ward was one of the Union forts built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War. It is amazing how much history we are surrounded by and this little gem is less than a half mile away from our house. 

During lunch Miss V decided to show her independent ways by insisting on feeding herself. I'm so happy Adrian captures these moments for us to enjoy.

Valentina had an afternoon splash in her baby pool and ended the day with a family walk (and some silliness). 

Monday blues? Not in this house!

The day started with Adrian finishing Valentina's high chair. Here's the back story... We always liked The Thompson kids' high chair. It was wood and after searching for a similar one we realized manufacturers do not make wood high chairs anymore. The kids outgrew the chair and we were happy to take it off their hands. For a few months Adrian wanted to sand and repaint it but wasn't able to. Finally last week the weather and Miss V cooperated so he took it apart, made sure to not lose any screws and sanded it. He was able to start painting a few pieces and took advantage of the great weather Sunday to finish it. Here is the final product. 

Today also marked Valentina's first class at The Little Gym. We wanted to make sure we gave her opportunities to interact with other kids and decided to give this class a try. Daddy said she had a blast and they were both exhausted by the end of the class. 

As if that wasn't enough excitement she joined her buddies Harrison and Cole for a play date. It was so much fun I joined them after work. We finished the evening with a dinner out with the Petersons at one of my favorite places Whitlows. Yay for a fun Monday night (and half priced burgers). 

The day took all of Valentina's energy.  As I'm typing this update she is snoring away on my shoulder. Thank you God for a great Monday!

Mother's Day

Of all the titles and professional positions I could ever have, Mom is the one I wanted the most.  I always thought it would be easy to have a baby when the time was right, but that was not the case.  Adrian and I went through some tough times to add a little one to our family but it has all been worth it.  

Valentina must have known it was Mother's Day because she didn't wake up until close to 9am.  She could've woken up at 6am with a blown out diaper and I would've already had the best day.  Being a mom, no matter how many diapers I have to change or how fussy she might be, makes it all worthwhile.  I have to admit, though, I have a great kid.  She is always happy and not a minute goes by that I don't thank God for bringing her into my life.  Today was a nice relaxing family day and I wouldn't have had it any other way.  Thank you to Adrian for a great breakfast and for being my partner in life.  

April photo at the Capitol Cherry Blossom Trees

On this day I am also incredibly grateful for my mom.  She is a great example for me and I hope I am as good of a mom to Valentina as she has continues to be to me.  As a kid she was at every school performance, every folklorico practice and every church function.  She always put us first and taught me some great lessons I will pass on to Valentina such as "Can't is not a word." She also encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and follow my dreams.  I am sure she would've been more comfortable if I had stayed home for college but she wrote instructions on my laundry detergent and sent me on my way.   I am a product of the fruits of her labor and I would not be where I am today without her by my side.  I cannot wait to see my Mom again and share the joys of being a mom with her.  No matter how old I may get, you'll always be my mommy.  Thank you, Mom.  I love you!

Our first three generations photo (Sept. 2013)

The week in review

Monday, Cinco de Mayo

The day started with Adrian going to physical therapy and Valentina visiting Childrens Medical Associates for her 9 month checkup.  She weighed in at 19 lbs., 11 ounces and got a good bill of health.  She received only one vaccine but was mostly distracted during the process with the fun paper on the doctor bed.

In the evening we visited Miguelito at his new restaurant.  The food and service was so great we will be back soon.  Thanks, Miguelito!

 

Tuesday 

Valentina and Adrian ran errands during the day and enjoyed a lunch date at Red Robin (Yummm).  Miss V loves to people watch so she had a great time although her daddy said feeding her was hard with all the distractions.

In the afternoon the Tamezs met the Thompsons for a play date at the park.  It was the first time Valentina rode a swing and went down a slide.  A special thank you to her Madrina Kristin and Maddie for helping make her park adventure so memorable.  

Estrellita Wednesday

Adrian was very excited to make some estrellita (star) pasta for Miss V.  She had a few bites but then decided she was too tired to eat.  We found estrellitas everywhere.  

In the evening we enjoyed story time before bed.

 

Music Thursday

Valentina and her Daddy had their second music class.  They sang to some songs and played with other kids.  Though she is the only new kiddo in the class, she is enjoying the class especially the time she gets to play on a drum.

Groovy Friday

Fridays this spring have become more fun since Valentina joins the Thompsons for Groovy Nate.  Groovy Nate is a Dad that sings songs, plays on instruments such as a comb with foil and interacts with the kids really well.  

Happy Birthday Akira!

Today our first baby turned 10 years old.  We celebrated by starting the day with a visit to the Muddy Mutt for a nice, long bath.  The party continued with a stop at Howl to the Chief for a birthday cupcake and an outdoor lunch.  After that Akira enjoyed some beauty rest in the sun while Valentina used her baby pool.  The day concluded with a family walk and more beauty sleep.

Akira is the best dog a family could ask for.  She kept Adrian sane during some tough times and has been a great big sister to Valentina.

Happy Birthday, Akira!  We hope we look as good as you when we turn 70!

The four stages of drama - the Valentina version

When we were in McAllen and someone would tell Miss V no she'd give them ojitos (cute eyes). We'd rather get those now but they seem to be reserved for her Abuelos and Grandparents. Tonight Adrian assertively told her no when she was trying to get things on the entertainment center. 

The four stages of crying. 

1. What do you mean no?

2. Does this face turn that no into a yes?

3. Now I'm really going to cry if you don't let me. 

4. How dare you say no!  I'm calling my Abuelos and Grandparents!

How do you not laugh when she is so cute and dramatic? 

And we're back

Since we left to McAllen, I've been really bad about updating the blog.  As a recap, visiting family for Easter was so much fun.  Valentina enjoyed all the love and snuggles she received and was sad to come back to DC.

The day after we returned Adrian had this "Third time's a charm" surgery on his knee.  It has been 10 days since he had surgery and he is working hard to get back in the grind.

Valentina finished her swim class and is now enjoying music class.  She takes a class every Thursday and has been going to see Groovy Nate on Fridays with the Thompsons.  She loves to listen and dance to music.

Today Adrian's was feeling ready to do some walking so we had a picnic at Lake Accotink park.  I cannot believe I have lived near this park for more than a decade and never knew.  We enjoyed the great weather and brought Akira with us.  Below are a few photos of our adventure.

She loves the outdoors

Family fun

Exploring how a tree bark feels

We found woody the woodpecker

Daddy's little girl

Carousel ride!

Don't let that face fool you... she loved the carousel!