San Fran

So I had an opportunity to go to San Francisco for work for two nights with my friend and colleague, Nataliya.  I was a little worried about leaving Lucia, but I actually ended up having a great time and did not cry once!  The time away actually felt really great.  Of course, I was so glad she was in my arms when I returned but the trip showed me that we all need our time away.  And that reunion?  #1 on my list :)  I still had to be on mommy duty because Lucia got sick on one the days and I had to coordinate with Rafa from a distance and Bella ran away on the day that Rafa had to get Lucia early.  Pretty stressful day for Rafa I am sure.  In the end, Lucia and Rafa did great, and Bella is safe and sound but is still in big trouble!  And momma was able to let loose without any responsibilities, well accept for work, and a pet fish!  And I was able to visit two of the coolest places to work, EA and Google! Pics in no particular order, which is how my life goes these days : )

My Talented Husband

So I had this grand idea to remove a wall in our home to open up the downstairs.  I never thought the dream could become reality and that my husband could make that dream come true. He took out the wall,installed the beam (with the help of our friend Derrick) and designed all of the trim around the opening and on the floor.  It looks amazing.

Sunday Morn

I love Sunday mornings. It's time to just be one as a family and a chance to be really lazy! At one point I stepped out onto our porch with Bella and a cup of hot coffee looked back in the window to see Rafa cooking breakfast and Lucia playing on the floor in a mess of toys and then turned to see Bella joyfully running around the yard. It's moments like these that I feel so incredibly lucky. #lovemyfamily

Lucia's Walking!

Our sweet girl took her first step about a week ago, and then when we came home from work today, we caught these two videos.  I don't think Rafa and I have been more proud then seeing our baby girl toddle around.  At 10 and half months, she sure has been keeping us on our toes : )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reA3WktMwX4&feature=plcp&context=C31ec527UDOEgsToPDskLyo9Ro4Vis8gzpHtO8uFGN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCMZ5sTNQQo&feature=context&context=C31ec527UDOEgsToPDskLyo9Ro4Vis8gzpHtO8uFGN

Tooth Brusher

It dawned on me the other day, that Lucia has teeth now, 3 to be exact, and she needs to keep those little guys nice and bright.  So this week we started brushing our teeth.  I think there is more of brushing mommy and Bella's teeth, but like everything with a little one, you have to make it a game and lots of fun.  So far she is getting the hang of it!

Politics.

So I am not a political person much at all. But I do know this much: I'm a democrat and that I voted for Obama and will do so again this year. Here's the thing I want to ramble on about. I watched the new Chrysler commercial (rock on WK!) and while I don't believe it was created with politics in mind, it did get me thinking. I've seen change over the last 3 years. I have. While nothing too extreme, I've read and listened to reports over the last year that indicate to me that things are getting better. The job market, stocks, consumer spending and home buying is up. Teen pregnancy, murders and unemployment rates are down. And get this, I've heard more recently through news reports or personal stories about people "paying it forward", giving to one another, lending an extra hand. Good stories are surfacing everywhere, just look. And while I'm sure these events have happened in the past, hearing about them more now just gives me, well, hope. And isn't that what Obamas platform was from the beginning?

We are at a crossroads in America and while I will never claim that there isn't more that can be done, I do believe we are at our halftime and we moving up and we are going to win. And you know what? I am actually proud of the strides are government is making both on a local and national level. At the end of the day, everyone and everything has opportunity for growth. America is no different. But what I've seen lately reinstates my hope in government and in the people that make this country so great.

Lend a hand, have hope, and lets win this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PE5V4Uzobc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Talents in Music

So on my Mondays off I've been taking Lucia to Sound Roots music classes. The first class she was a little reserved because of the loud singing and kids playing with instruments but now that we are a few classes in, I think she really loves it.

Sometimes she "sings" by raising her voice in a high pitched manner and you better believe she's rocking those instruments.

I love seeing her thrive and learn and explore and interacting with other children. Right now it's my favorite thing about being a mom, besides the cuddles :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1l9NyBlluE&feature=youtube_gdata_player