I’m about two weeks late on this one but better late than never..right? Right! Our Fourth of July weekend was pure bliss. Ivan and I both had Friday off and it was a rare 3 day family weekend. We spent a lot of time organizing and cleaning the new place but we were also able to sneak in a ton of much needed family time. The weather wasn’t great on the Fourth but a little rain never hurt anyone! We walked over to our favorite neighborhood Italian spot and ate lots of pasta while Lucas serenaded us (and everyone within ear shot) with his ABC’s. That evening we attempted to watch the fireworks on the East River. Apparently everyone on the Upper East Side had the same idea 😉 We saw a few mini firework shows and Lucas kept yelling “fireman! fireman!”. When we finally came to our senses and realized nope – we were not going to be able to see the fireworks happening down by Brooklyn (well, duh) we headed home. Saturday the weather was perfection (85 degrees and sunny – not a cloud in sight!) and we headed to the beach. Give me all the sand castles and baby beach naps! I’ve been daydreaming about another weekend just like this one. My boys and the beach are good for my mama soul.
The last two weeks have been kind of a blur. With all the packing, unpacking, cleaning, and more cleaning we really haven’t had much down time as a family. We were able to escape the moving madness for a few hours last week and enjoy some r&r at the Boat Basin. It was my mama in law’s birthday and it was a perfect celebration. Beers, tacos, family, and the prettiest sunset I’ve seen in a while. Lucas was totally enamored with all of the boats and made it clear that he has his eye on a yacht for Christmas.
lucas: tank and pants c/o nununu| sneakers from vans
Over the weekend we finally crossed over to to the west side and took Lucas to visit The High Line. I don’t know why we waited so long. Sure it’s a bit touristy and crowded but there’s a good reason for it. The views are spectacular and it’s filled with exciting nooks and grassy areas perfect for toddler exploring. We started off at 28th St. and made our way down to the meat packing district. Somewhere along the walk Lucas started to become extra hyper and I knew it was time for a nap. We were lucky enough to find two empty chaises. The shoes came off and we made ourselves right at home. Within minutes I had a drooling baby on my chest. My city boy can pretty much fall asleep anywhere, anytime. There must be something soothing about all that city noise! Definite highlights were our passion fruit paletas and the water fountain which entertained Lucas for about twenty whole minutes. Looks like we found ourselves a new summer stomping ground.
I racked my brain for weeks on what to plan for my mans big 3 0. I think everyone should have a surprise party thrown in their honor at least once in their life and thirty is a major celebratory age so the wheels started turning. I decided on The Crown Victoria in Williamsburg and got to work on the invites. Just when I was starting to feel pretty good about myself and my sneaky ways, Ivan began trying to poke around for hints. Sorry to all the friends who received some pretty verbal text messages from me (eep!) but Ivan really left me no choice (I blame him, you guys!). Fast forward to Saturday and as Ivan and I walked to the Crown Vic the skies opened up and were all like “birthday? what birthday? oh you wanted to drink beer in the sunshine?..We arrived huddled under our umbrella and I couldn’t be happier to see all our beautiful friends smushed together under picnic umbrellas with balloons. Such good sports! Everyone yelled “surprise!!” and the party commenced. The look on Ivan’s face was priceless and so worth it. After 20 minutes of showers the sun came out and the fun really started. It was the perfect Saturday. The perfect day. And I know Ivan thought it was the perfect birthday. Thank you to all of our fabulous friends for coming and celebrating my handsome man.
Semana Santa. Our Easter weekend was just perfect. Sunday we woke up to a happy toddler and after 2 very large cups of coffee – one for me, one for the mister – we leisurely began our day. There was some dancing in our pj’s and a bubble bath for the littlest babe. Ivan steamed our outfits and I packed up all the goodies for Lucas’s Easter back. This year theme was Ninja Turtles. I think the Easter bunny would have approved. My mom arrived in the early afternoon and we were off to spend the day in Brooklyn with family. What a blessed day! Sending you all love, blessings, and kisses – from my family to yours.
Saturday was perfect. The sun was shining and my boys and I had the day all to ourselves. We woke up and decided to take a walk through El Barrio, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC. Spanish Harlem reminds me so much of the Caribbean. The gorgeous buildings painted in pastels – sweet pinks and pops of mint and turquoise. I could get lost just staring at all the beautiful colors and architecture! Back to Saturday. We got dressed and headed out around 10 am (not without Lucas’s beloved felt house, of course ;). We made our way uptown where Ivan decided to stop at his barber shop. Lucas and I played and patiently waited (someone decided it would be fun to roll around in a pile of hair not previously swept up. not pointing fingers or anything but it wasn’t me..). Afterwards we headed to Cotsco – NOT a good idea on a Saturday but we are family of rebels – and picked up just a few essentials. Body wash for Lucas, deodorant for mama, and protein powder for the hubs. Lucas started to nod off during the check out. I remembered a beer garden we had passed on the walk over and we jetted back to take advantage of nap time..sweet, sweet nap time. My love and I enjoyed a quiet hour drinking beers and discussing our upcoming trip to New Orleans (!). As we stepped back out to the curb, Lucas popped up. I couldn’t have timed it better if I had tried. The first official Saturday of Spring was so very good. I’m smiling just thinking about all the amazing weekends to come this season. beanie c/o no sweet | scarf and sweater c/o little boss shop | leggings c/o piccolini | sneakers from converse
In my family we celebrate Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). We all get together to eat, drink, and open gifts. It truly is an evening filled with love. I love this tradition of ours and even with a very late bed time for the kiddo, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Christmas day is more laid back, a day for leftovers and pajamas. This year we took the train to my moms and spent a few hours relaxing and drinking mimosas while Lucas played and danced. There might have even been a 30 minute cat nap involved (for me..not the baby ;). I have everything I could ever ask for. My family, my boys, our health, and an abundance of love. I hope you all received everything you wished for and more! Merry belated Christmas!
I hope everyone had a beautiful day yesterday giving thanks and spending time with loved ones. We were amongst family and friends and it was truly a wonderful Thanksgiving. My two turkeys are the light of my life and man am I one blessed lady to have them. My little family of 3 has been through a ton of changes this year and each uncovered stone has made us stronger and just solidifies what I have known all along (I’m a genius that way) – we can get through anything with love. And there’s a whole lotta love happening around these parts! A few things I am forever thankful and grateful for:
our health. we are a bunch of healthy, happy people over here.
a beautiful mama who makes me strive to be the best mom I can be. it’s hard to top that lady.
the handsome fella above and his hugs that make me feel warm, safe, and eternally loved.
friends who are rare gems.
my career.
a small person who couldn’t bring me more happiness if he tried. i’ll take another just like him, thank ya very much.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May your bellies and hearts be full this holiday and always!
I was the mama who left everything to the last minute. This left me a frantic mess while planning Lucas’s party. Instead of boring you with the details of how I ran from store to store, almost having a birthday breakdown, I’ll tell you this. Friends, family, and lots of love – that’s all that matters. At the end of the day our loved ones made my Lucas’s 2nd birthday bash an amazing one.
On Thursday my sweet boy turned two years old. For weeks I have been an emotional wreck but as Ivan and I sat on the couch Wednesday evening blowing up balloons, it finally hit me. Two is going to be good.
When Lucas woke up he shouted from his crib, per usual..”mama! dada!”. Ivan and I jumped out of bed and rushed to our big boy, armed with smiles and the camera. We sang an off key version of happy birthday and watched him play with his balloons. Once he had enough and asked for his milk, daddy left for work and we got ready for the day. I have been wanting to take Lucas to the Children’s museum of Manhattan for some time and so I thought turning two was the perfect occasion. He had a blast exploring however spent a majority of his time in the big fire truck, passing out fireman hats to all the kids. Some things never change! We had pizza for lunch and headed home for a nap. That evening a few friends and family came over for wine and cupcakes. It really was the perfect day for my big boy.
It’s only been a few days since the big two but I swear I can already see a transformation in Lucas. He’s talking more and his behavior just seems more indicative of a boy, not a baby. My favorites have to be when I say something to him and he responds “oh, okay” as well as “tank ooo so much mama”. I mean, melt my heart why don’t ya! Turning two makes for a well mannered boy? I’ll take it. I’m already loving everything about this age and don’t ask me how it’s possible, but my heart is filled with a never ending love that seems to grow every day.
Lucas Leon, you are loved. So loved. Happy 2nd birthday my beautiful boy!
I’m about two weeks late on this one but better late than never..right? Right! Our Fourth of July weekend was pure bliss. Ivan and I both had Friday off and it was a rare 3 day family weekend. We spent a lot of time organizing and cleaning the new place but we were also able to sneak in a ton of much needed family time. The weather wasn’t great on the Fourth but a little rain never hurt anyone! We walked over to our favorite neighborhood Italian spot and ate lots of pasta while Lucas serenaded us (and everyone within ear shot) with his ABC’s. That evening we attempted to watch the fireworks on the East River. Apparently everyone on the Upper East Side had the same idea 😉 We saw a few mini firework shows and Lucas kept yelling “fireman! fireman!”. When we finally came to our senses and realized nope – we were not going to be able to see the fireworks happening down by Brooklyn (well, duh) we headed home. Saturday the weather was perfection (85 degrees and sunny – not a cloud in sight!) and we headed to the beach. Give me all the sand castles and baby beach naps! I’ve been daydreaming about another weekend just like this one. My boys and the beach are good for my mama soul. 
