Thankful

This fall has been a blur, and I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner! I need to take a minute to catch up with the blog, and really life in general. We just enjoyed a week long visit from my parents for Thanksgiving, and it was so wonderful to have them here. They took Luca to the zoo and he loved all the quality time with them. It's always so special to watch Luca with my parents, and I hope that soon we will be closer so we can spend a lot more time together. It's getting more and more difficult to be away from our families and every time we do get to be together it just motivates us even more to find a way to get back to Indiana. We are hoping that it will happen soon, and I know that if it's in God's plans for us that He will make a way. For now we have to keep on trucking and wait for His response to our petitions. It's hard sitting here alone with Luca in front of the Christmas tree waiting for Santi to get home from work. I wish I could just pop on over to my parent's house or my brother's house to hang out. But for now I have to be patient. So I will try. I feel that He has big things on the horizon for us. I believe that. Aside from being able to spend Thanksgiving with my parents here, we have many more things to be thankful for this year. So I want to put out the many many positives in our lives and take a moment to truly be thankful where we are in this very moment.

1. Our son Luca-He is such a sweet and loving little boy, smart, funny, and always keeps me on my toes. We struggled to start our family, and there were many many days I cried and cried praying for a baby and worrying that it would never happen for us. But here he is, and he is HEALTHY and HAPPY and every day with him is a joy.

2. Our marriage-We have been together almost 10 years, and married for 6. We are best friends, and we make a great team. I love the couple we have become and our relationship continues to grow each and every day. Our differences really bring something unique and special to our marriage and I am thankful for that.

3. Our dog-Tevez has been a part of our lives since he was a puppy, and he is our first "baby". For the last 6 years he has shown us what true unconditional love is. His carefree and happy-go-lucky attitude always brings a smile to my face.

4. Our home-We built this home together the year after we were married, and while we have had our ups and downs with our decision to build this home, it has severed us well and we have made many special memories together here. I am so thankful that we have been able to own our own home at such a young age, and that we were able to weather the real estate storm here.

5. Our families-We both have incredible families that love and support us in everything we do. We both have parents that are still married after 30+ years who have been excellent examples to us. Our families are truly a blessing.

6. Our jobs-While they may not always be easy, we are thankful to have income that supports our family and even allows us to do some special things once in awhile. And I am thankful for a flexible job that allows me a lot of time off to spend with Luca.

7. Luca's Childcare-It's not easy being a working mom, and every day I struggle with that decision, but we are so blessed with childcare that is like family to us. Every day I know that Luca is thriving at Great Beginnings with teachers that show him the love of Christ each and every day.

8. Teaching-(I guess this one only applies to me) Being a teacher is the most difficult job I have ever loved. Every day brings new challenges, and sometimes heartaches, but my students over the last 7 years have taught me more than I could ever imagine. Sometimes I feel that I get more back than I give. I have been blessed with some truly special students whose names and faces will have a special place in my heart forever. I have also been fortunate to work with some amazingly inspirational and supportive colleagues.

9. Health-After many health struggles in the last year, I am thankful that we are all currently healthy and doing well. Aside from a few colds here and there, we have made it through the start of cold and flu season unaffected and I pray this continues.

10. Our God-This is last on my list but that is not indicative of His place in our lives. I am so grateful for a God that loves us unconditionally and blesses us beyond measure each and every day. His presence in our life is a blessing each and every day, and even though too often we fail to recognize His daily gifts, they are abundant every day of the year.

Dear Luca

Dear Luca,
Here we are at 27 months and you are full of new surprises every day. I love watching you grow into this incredibly special little person. You are SO loved. The terrible twos sometimes get the best of you, but this too shall pass and my little boy is growing up so fast! Slow down time! You are talking up a storm. Sometimes I feel like I am talking to a 4 or 5 year old, and people are still always commenting on how well you speak. We went out for our traditional frozen yogurt date on Friday after school and the lady could not believe she heard you speaking in Spanish and English as you asked for your favorite toppings (this time you wanted all things red). I am always so proud when I hear strangers make comments like that. On the way home from getting frozen yogurt you were telling me all about "transportation"...and yes you used that word. You were listing all of the different types of transportation that you know. Last night you were playing with a flash light in the dark and finding imaginary "pattapillars" and you even found an imaginary rattle snake in the toilet! EEEEK! You also ended up in mommy and daddy's bed after a "robot" scared you in your room. Your imagination is growing so much every day! You still love monster trucks, and of course sports. Playtime almost always involves some type of ball. I don't see that changing any time soon. You have also been a little stinker at the store, and you think it's quite fun to run away. And you are getting too fast! This week since we are home on fall break we are working on potty training. It's been interesting so far. You are awfully stubborn, even though I know you can do it! We will keep working...considering you just thought it was hilarious to pee on the carpet earlier. We love you so much Luca. You are truly a gift and a blessing and I can't imagine life without you. Never forget how much you are loved. YOU ARE LOVED.

Love,

Mommy

A New Season

Not only are we experiencing a new season outside (FINALLY fall has arrived in the valley), but I feel like we are moving towards a new season in our family. In August I turned the big 3-0. It kind of slipped right by me with little acknowledgement. Having a birthday in the first week of school (on the second day none the less) really makes celebrating and enjoying it difficult. On top of that, shortly after my birthday we were hit by some pretty serious medical issues with Santi that left him out of work for 7 weeks. Thankfully we are now getting back to normal, but it was a rough time there for awhile. But I feel like I need to go back and dive into my feelings about turning 30, look back on the last decade, and talk about what I feel that God has in store for me and for our family in the coming months. I can't deny the fact that over the last couple of months since all of this has happened, God has come in an shaken up our family in a HUGE way. Have you ever experienced one of those big God moments in your life? Suddenly everything is clear, even when your world feels like it's been turned upside down and inside out. The last time our lives were shaken up like this and God worked through our pain and fears was when we were going through our pregnancy losses. While dealing with medical issues is extremely stressful, not only because I was worried deeply about the person that I love so much, but because I was also tasked with being two parents at once while working full-time. But despite how exhausting and overwhelming the last 7 weeks have been, I can look back now that the smoke has cleared and say THANK YOU God. THANK YOU! Not only have our eyes been opened to God's plan and purpose for our family in the coming months as well as the desires of our hearts, but we have grown closer together and developed a deeper love and understanding for one another. While the desire to return to Indiana has always been there (especially since Luca was born), it was made very clear that we need to adjust our priorities in our lives right now and be close to our families. We realized just how desperately we want Luca to have his grandparents and cousins around. How important those relationships are, and how much our lives would be changed if we were closer. Not only that but we strongly desire to have more children (God willing) and we know the value of having family nearby when we take on that endeavor. We don't know yet what this will look like for us in the months ahead, and all we can do at this point is trust in Him and allow Him to guide our decisions. I know that if this is truly His will for us, He will make a way. We will get more serious about the job search and selling the house come spring, but for now we are truly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Even though I turned 30 with little thought, I know that it is a big milestone and that the next decade is going to hold a lot of big things for our family. I know it's going to take a lot of hard work, but I can't wait to see what He has in store. Looking back on the last ten years it's crazy to think about everything I have accomplished and experienced. Ten years ago I had just turned 20 and was settling into my first apartment. I was in my second year of college and still trying to find my way. At 21 I let go of some of my past that was holding me back and I took a big chance and went to Mexico alone for the summer. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I am so thankful I did it. Shortly after I returned from Mexico I met Santiago, and from there my life really began to change. At 22 I was engaged to be married and graduated from college. At 23 I married my best friend and we began our journey together as husband and wife. At 24 I began my teaching career in Arizona. At 25 we moved into our first home together and traveled to Ecuador for the first time. At 26 we lost our first two pregnancies. At 27 I completed my Master's degree and became pregnant with and gave birth to our first son Luca. At 28 I landed a new teaching position at one of the best districts in the state. And here I am now at 30, waiting to see what exciting things my 30's will hold. I can hardly wait!

Keeping It Real

We've been busy. That's an understatement. My blogging has slacked (yet again). The beginning of a new school year always seems to get the best of me. Oh, and our summer was pretty jam packed as well. With that being said, it's time to get real. We are currently experiencing one of those God moments in our lives. You know, the kind that stop you in your tracks and make you "get real" with yourself? Yeah, that kind. I keep telling myself that the end result of this is going to be good. God has a plan. Sometimes I just fail to see that plan until he hits me with a wake up call. Like three years ago when I was pretending like I didn't hear him calling me to take that leap of faith and start our family. Going through our miscarriages and fertility issues was by far the most difficult thing we have been through as a married couple, but wow that was a life changing time. I have never felt so close to God, or seen the evidence of His presence so clearly. So here's what's real:
A couple of weeks ago Santi had an episode of feeling really dizzy while we were out to eat for Andrea's birthday. We went to the ER and his blood pressure was really high, and medications didn't seem to bring it down. We were sent home with orders to see his doctor the next day. After two weeks of doctor and specialist visits and time in and out of the ER (thankfully Santi's wonderful parents were able to fly out to help), we are still waiting patiently for the results of several tests he had done last week. The thought is that it may be a problem with his adrenal glad that is causing all of his issues, and may have even been the culprit for his high blood pressure that he has been dealing with for years. Hopefully tomorrow we should have more information. In the meantime he is still off work per doctor's orders, and I am playing mommy, nurse, teacher, chef, and housekeeper. Now I realize just how much I value my dear husband and what he does for our family. Being a single mom is rough! I am exhausted, and I am trying to keep a clear mind and firm grasp on the peace that surpasses all understanding. And it's not easy holding it together. But the show must go on. I am so thankful in all of this for the truly amazing people in our lives that have jumped in to help and support us while we work though this. Meals, prayers, help with housework and Luca...it's humbling. Through all of this, God has brought a lot of clarity, and I have realized the need for a shift in priorities in our family, and it's been an incredible blessing. I know that He is working in our family right now, and "I will remain confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord."

In the meantime, we seriously have the cutest, sweetest little boy in the entire world. I don't know where I would be without that kid. I really and truly don't. Even when he is a total two year old tyrant. I just can't get enough. I know this hasn't been easy for him either, but he's a trooper, and I love him for it.

Dear Luca

Dear Mr. Luca,
I cannot believe you are two years old already. Where has time gone?! It seems like just yesterday I was enjoying my maternity leave and beating the desert heat by snuggling you in the cool AC all day. I remember you snoozing in your swing or Rock N Play while I did my workouts or cleaned up the house. I loved napping in the recliner with you sleeping on my chest. Where has that tiny little baby gone? Now I am spending these hot July days trying to keep you busy! You are always on the go. You love ball still. That hasn't changed. Basketball is always your first choice each day. Yesterday we had your two year old pictures taken and you were really only interested in throwing and kicking the balls to the photographer. You are also becoming more interested in cars, trucks, and bikes. You are ALL boy. The garbage truck fascinates you, but also scares you a little. He he. You love riding your balance bike through the house when it's too hot outside, and lately you have been all about the movie Cars and Lightning McQueen. You were thrilled when your Tia Andrea bought you a Lightning McQueen quad for your birthday, and poor Tevez has to watch out when you get on that thing in the house! You also LOVE going to Chuck E. Cheese to play basketball games. You pretty much ask to go every day. And you are pretty disappointed when we can't.
We celebrated your second birthday in the park in California with family, and you were beyond excited about your soccer birthday cake. You actually understood what birthdays are all about this year, which made it really fun! Everyone is always amazed by your vocabulary, and the fact that you speak English and Spanish. Even total strangers comment on your "big voice" and how clearly you speak for your age. It is kind of funny to see this tiny little guy speaking in complete sentences. Sometimes you even surprise us with the things that you come up with! You can count to 10 in English and Spanish, sing your ABC's (and you even know a couple of letters), and you are getting pretty good at naming colors in Spanish. You love naming the color of each car in the parking lot or each truck on the freeway. We are so truly blessed to have you as our son, and you are so very special to us. I hope that you always know how loved you are, not only by us but by everyone in our family. I look forward to watching you continue to grow and change, and I am excited to see your interests continue to develop and change. Thank you for being you, my precious baby boy.


Love,

Mommy

...and we have a two year old!!!!

Well it's been awhile I know. Things got pretty hectic for the Sotomayor family when the month of May rolled around, and they haven't slowed down a bit since!!! It all started with Luca getting croup and then the stomach flu the very next weekend. Poor kid was down and out for quite awhile. Then of course the rest of us were also hit by the same bug. No bueno. Tia Andrea also flew out in the midst of our sickness (brave girl) to search for an apartment. Yep, that's right. We finally have family here!!! I am so thrilled that she is here. It's so wonderful to have someone just down the street that you can call family. Don't get me wrong, we have been beyond blessed with wonderful friends here that are just like family to us, but there is no substitute for actual family. I am also so excited for her because I know that this new journey is going to be incredible for her, and she absolutely deserves a fresh new beginning. It's been a long road for her, one that I cannot even begin to imagine, but she has show such faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. I truly admire her tenacity and drive.
At the end of the month we hosted Santi's parents who helped drive Andrea's car across the country. This is the second time they have tackled that trip, and I am NOT envious! It was nice having them here and they got to spend some quality time with Luca while helping Andrea get settled. Unfortunately we also had to say goodbye to Andrea's dog Totti who got very sick with cancer unexpectedly the week they arrived. That was a really difficult thing to watch her go through, and we were all heartbroken. But we have to take comfort in the fact that he had a long and fulfilling life and was very much loved.
Shortly after Andrea arrived, Luca and I ventured on our first solo trip to Indiana. We had to leave daddy behind to work, which I was not thrilled about, but we did it! We had a wonderful time with family. enjoyed a nostalgic trip to Holiday World, went fishing with Grandpa Gary, met Luca's two newest cousins Peter and Merilynn, played with Ruthi, got to see everyone in North Vernon, spent some time visiting our favorite people and places in Bloomington, and enjoyed the escape from the desert heat! It was a much needed getaway, and we are beyond blessed with amazing family. Even though distance keeps us apart much more than I would like, when we are able to be together it is truly special and I cherish every moment. And without my parents it would not be possible financially for us to visit as often as we do, so we are so humbled by their willingness to make the distance work. They know how much we love living in Arizona, and how much we hate being away from them.
When we returned from Indiana, we had a couple of days to catch up on sleep and laundry before packing up again and heading to San Diego for a short family vacation and a trip to Sea World for Luca's second birthday. We had a great time at Sea World and got to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the coast before heading up to L.A. to spend some time with Santi's family who was visiting from Ecuador, including our favorite guy Abuelito Alberto (Luca's namesake). We celebrated the 4th of July with them and enjoyed a cookout, pool time, a parade, and fireworks. Then we got to spend Luca's actual birthday celebrating with pizza and a cake from Porto's Cuban Bakery in Solvang. It was nothing big but it was great to be able to celebrate with family.
Since we returned from California, we have been busy shopping for a new car and getting ready for visitors next week, not to mention I go back to school in just two weeks! I can't believe that. Where did the summer go?!

Let him eat cake!!! (He still  talkes about that soccer birthday cake)

Almost 22 months!

I can't believe we are 2 months away from celebrating Luca's second birthday. Time can slow down now, ok? This little man seriously cracks us up every day. Today we stopped in at Big Lots after church and he said, "I need Cheetos". He "needs" a lot of things lately. Everything is "I NEED". His teachers at school tease him when he gets there in the morning saying "I need Luca". His newest obsession, besides Bubble Guppies, is bicycles, or motorcycles as he calls them. He hopped on a Barbie bike at Bible study tonight and was NOT happy about having to share. He is supposed to be getting a bike for his birthday, but I noticed the cozy coupe on sale in the Toys R Us catalog this week and he may be coming home with it this week. Hey, he NEEDS a bike, and a car for that matter. I really need to get better at not spoiling my kid. But he is only this age once...

Just 4 more weeks of school and I will be enjoying some quality time with my little man. We are heading to Indiana for a couple of weeks just the two of us, then to San Diego and LA to celebrate his 2nd birthday with a special trip to Sea World.
I can't wait!

Happy Easter! He is Risen!

Things have been busy in the Sotomayor household, but that's nothing new. We spent the month of March enjoying the spring weather, and wishing it would last forever. But I know the heat is just around the corner and it will be here before we know it. We went up to Pinetop again for a couple of days, and it felt weird leaving the sun and heading for the snow during spring break. All in all it was nice to get away and spend some time together. I did learn though, Luca is not a fan of the snow.
This weekend we celebrated Easter. Luca left church singing "Jesus is alive". I love that we are part of such an amazing church that has such an awesome children's ministry with such a God focus. I know it is still our responsibility as parents to be in the Word with him and teaching him to follow Christ, but it helps to know that we have the support of our church as we raise him. Not only that, but he spends his days in a loving Christian daycare that also pours into him with the love of Christ. I know that by the time he reaches public school he will have a firm foundation in Christ, and that is invaluable.
This little guy is quite the pistol these days, and way too smart. He is stubborn, impatient, and wants things his way or no way. He is a control freak, and kind of demanding. He is his mother's son. So, getting an Easter picture was nearly impossible, despite lots of attempts at negotiating.

Dear Luca

Dear Baby Boy,
Can I even call you that anymore? You are growing into such a little man. It was so great spending this last week with you, and I hate to see tomorrow come, but summer will be here soon! You are so funny, and you always have us laughing. You absolutely love singing to toddler radio in the car, which we learned on our trip to Pinetop last week. Your favorite songs remain Wheels on the Bus and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. I need to catch you singing and doing the motions on video! You and Tevez have recently realized that you can be fun playmates, and playing ball with Tevez always has you laughing. I love watching you guys together. You are also just a sweetie, and when you called out from the backseat today "I love you momma" I turned to mush. I love you baby boy. And you will always be my baby boy.

Love Momma

Come on spring!

We have had some unusually cold weather here in the valley the last couple of weeks, including snow (yes I said SNOW...in the desert!), with random warm days scattered in between. Today is a little chilly, but the sun is shining and I'm so ready for spring. I am not, however, ready for what comes after spring...110+ degree days that keep us trapped inside for months. I guess that's the price we pay for gorgeous weather from November to May. Yesterday Luca and I spent the morning at Friendship Park feeding the ducks and checking out the farmer's market. There was a guy playing the steel drums that had him mesmerized. I love those Saturday morning nowhere to be spur of the moment outings with my little man. We also danced to our song (You Are My Sunshine) in the dining room while I took a break from cleaning. He held my hand and melted my heart. And I had to try to remember that feeling when he woke me up at 4:30 this morning demanding cartoons and jumping around in our bed. Yawn. I can sleep when I'm old. I am just so in love with him, and it grows every day. I wish tomorrow wasn't Monday already.
On another totally random note, we are kicking off a new healthy eating and exercise plan tomorrow, including some paleo inspired food choices, and I'm looking forward to having more energy!
For now though, here is the man of my life (well, the other one)

Dear Luca...

Well baby boy...who isn't such a baby anymore...it's been awhile since mommy wrote you. Let me start off by saying I am so thankful you are feeling better and getting back to my happy little boy after battling pneumonia twice this winter! You are amazing me these days with how much you know, and how much you talk! Every day I hear something new from your little mouth. This past Tuesday you counted to ten in Spanish all by yourself!!!! Daddy and I were putting on your pjs and you were counting the spots on my leopard sweater. I almost fell over in shock! It also brought tears to my eyes. We were so proud! You still need some practice, but I know you are so smart! You also identified the color blue today, and loved the blue lollipop you got after your haircut, and you asked for a blue cup when we got home. Is that your favorite color? I loved having a three day weekend with you, and we had so much fun at a birthday party and playing at the park. You love to be out in the sun just like mommy. I am going to miss you when I am at work tomorrow, but I know you love your school too. They always tell me you are a happy boy and very talkative. I believe that. I hope we get to snuggle and watch some cartoons tomorrow morning before starting our busy day. That's my favorite time of day. Watching Hippa Hippa Hey or Eggbird in bed while you drink your milk. I love you so much, and I am so blessed to be your mommy.

I Should Be Grading...

I am ashamed that I haven't blogged since the end of OCTOBER. What is wrong with me?! Well, it's been a rough couple of months. Shortly after the last blog post, our poor baby came down with a bad case of pneumonia. I don't ever want to go through that day again. It was the same day that I took Santi in for surgery on his wrist for tendonitis. I had taken the day off work, and we dropped Luca off at daycare in the morning like always. No fever, but he had been battling a cold off and on for a few weeks. We had even been to the doctor a few times already, but they said it was just a virus. The whole day while waiting for Santi's surgery I was so worried about Luca. I kept calling to check on him and they kept saying he was just fine. I just had this mother's instinct that something was wrong. When we finally got there to pick him up, he was so quiet (which is not like him at all). We got home and he just wanted to sit in his little chair. I gave him a bath and put him to bed, and I hoped he was just tired. Then I had to get pain killers for Santi. When I came back, I heard him having a coughing fit on the monitor so I ran in to grab him and he threw up. He was also burning up. After realizing he had a temperature of 102, I loaded him and my completely out of it on pain meds husband into the car and we headed to the ER. We spent most of the night in the ER and discovered he had pneumonia. They were going to admit him, but he perked up quite a bit after the shots of antibiotics so they sent us home with lots of meds. The next day he seemed better, but the following night we were back in the ER with another fever. So we were sent home again with a nebulizer and steroids. We then decided to call grandma to the rescue. We flew her out on Monday (thankfully it was Veteran's Day) to help him recover. I also ended up sick that same weekend. It was pretty brutal. Grandma and Aunt Andrea nursed him back to health over the course of a few weeks, and knock on wood he has been doing MUCH better. We still have another follow up chest xray this month, and more blood work, but he is back to his old self. On top of all that, December was just insane with holiday parties, zoo lights, etc. Luca even performed in his very first Christmas program at school. He was a baby chick. Cutest thing I have ever seen. I actually teared up. It was just precious. Excuse my crappy phone camera zoom. It's the best I could get of the baby chick:)

Luca had a wonderful Christmas with mommy and daddy, and Santa was very good to him. He must have been a good boy. His favorite gifts were the basketball goal (of course) and his pretend grill. After celebrating just the three of us, we flew to Indiana just after Christmas. Although it was FREEZING there and they literally were hit with a blizzard the day before we flew it, it was so nice to spend that time with family.

Luca had a great time playing with Ruthi in the amazing cardboard mansion grandpa Gary built for them, as well as sliding down a make shift cardboard slide in the living room. My dad is so creative and talented. He also made Luca an amazing work bench with letter pegs for Christmas. They are shipping it to us soon and I can't wait for him to see it here at our house. He loved it when we were there! He even made Ruthi a little kitchen that looked like something people would pay hundreds of dollars for. Besides entertaining the kiddos with all kinds of silly things, we played cards and enjoyed some yummy home cooked meals (chicken and noodles of course!). We also spent half our time in Bloomington with the Sotomayors, which is always fun. It was nice having all those relatives to fight over Luca so mommy and daddy could get a break! We enjoyed going to an IU basketball game, and I even got to meet up with my good friend Jen from high school (and college roommate) after the game at Nick's (hello memories!). We also made sure to take time to go out to dinner and a movie since we never get to do that here. I even went shopping with just my mom and dad, which was so nice. I really miss having both our families close by. Especially now that my little brother is now expecting TWINS! We have talked about the possibility of moving back to the midwest, and it is something I would like to do, but financially it's not feasible for us at the time. It's something we have to give up to God in prayer and wait for him to reveal His plan for us. That may or may not include moving back to be with family. And we have to be okay with either scenario. I never imagined I would want to move back, but ever since Luca arrived it's been so difficult knowing that he is growing up without being able to pop in to grandma and grandpa's whenever he wants. Or have his cousins nearby to play. And we miss so many holidays and birthdays with them. It's just hard. And it makes me sad. But it's also hard because we have been here for over five years. And this feels like home too. And I love my new job. And I love living in the southwest. And I don't know what I want. I want my family all to move here! I never thought it would be so difficult!
In the midst of all that, poor Luca was getting two molars in and so uncomfortable. We got home Saturday night, and now I am sick AGAIN. But Luca has been such a happy boy now that his teeth are through, and he is talking up a storm. And so funny too!!! He has started wrapping his hands around my neck and giving me hugs and kisses. It surprises me every day how much he can communicate too. Today I actually made a list of all the words and phrases he knows and uses regularly and he is up to almost 100 words combined in English and Spanish!!!! Tonight I put him to bed and I forgot to cover him with his blanket (he was snuggled up with it) and he promptly reminded me "blanket" so I would cover him. He will also remind us to brush his teeth (good boy!). Then he said in the cutest voice EVER "I wuv you". I pretty much melted into a pile of mush on the floor. He has said it many times before, but there was something about the way he said it tonight that just made my heart explode. I love that kid.
Well, I waited waaaaaaaay too long to update the blog, and because of that I had waaaaaaaay too much to add and I do not have the time now (Luca's baby album is calling my name) to actually edit the photos and make them all cutsie...so it is what it is. But there you have it. I promise I will be good from now on and not wait so long to update. I also got a new iphone (yes, I am finally cool) so I have got to figure out how to get it to send my photos to Google +. 

101 in 1,001....has it been that long?!

So I just realized (in the midst of trying to work on Luca's baby album...yep, still there) that my 1,001 days are almost over!!! January 19th, 2013 is just around the corner! I remember when I first made my list and it seemed like such a long way away. Looking back on the things I wanted to do then, it's amazing how much my life has changed. I did manage to accomplish 38 things off of my list, which I will say isn't too shabby considering we added a new member to our family during that time. Here's a look back at what I ended with:
My 101 in 1,001: 101 things to tackle in 1,001 days
Start Date: April 24, 2010
End Date: January 19, 2013 (running out of time!)

Personal Improvement:
Attend yoga at least once a week for two months
Attend kickboxing class at least once a week for two months
Try acupuncture
Not eat out for a month (we have come very, very close to this a few times on our new budget)
Have a no tv/internet week
Participate in some type of run (5k, etc.)
Finish my Master's Degree (DONE!!!! I officially completed my program in October!)
Try a whole Zumba class at the gym
Do strength training exercises twice a week for a month
Jog 3 miles again like I used to be able to do:)
Have a spa day
Get some new jewelry (I am going to go ahead and count the beautiful jewelry that was gifted to me from my mother-in-law and Santi's grandpa. A beautiful ring from Ximena, and a gorgeous silver pendant and matching earrings from Italy that Santi's grandpa purchased. I know I didn't buy them, but they are the nicest and newest pieces I own, and will own for awhile!)
Get an awesome pair of heels and actually wear them
Get a tan! (completed 7/10, I have been spending some time at the pool with my friend Audrey!)
Get teeth professionally whitened

Faith:
Finish reading the entire Bible
Consistently journal my Bible reading daily for at least one month
Share my faith with someone new
Complete a missions trip of some sort
Pray for others every day (work in progress)

Travel:
Visit San Diego (completed 6/10, our five year plan now includes moving here!)
Visit Tombstone
Go camping
Return to Ecuador
Go to the Galapagos
Go on a cruise
Drive route 1 in California (completed 6/10, only the southern portion, we will work on the northern portion!)
Stay at the Venetian in Vegas
Go to the Phoenix Zoo (and not just for Zoolights) (took Luca on my spring break 3/12, we are now members!)
Go to Napa Valley
Stay somewhere new in Sedona
Visit Flagstaff in the winter

Adventures:
Hike Camelback mountain
Hike the Grand Canyon
Learn to play golf
Learn to play blackjack
Try 20 new recipes DONE! Thanks to several foodie blogs I found:) I will try to post some of the delicious recipes I have tried.
Learn to make a new mixed drink
Chop my hair off (Done! 5/28/10)
Read 10 new books (read 4 of 10)
Try the night tour of the Desert Botanical Gardens
Try 5 new hiking trails in Phoenix
Find 10 new restaurants to try in Phoenix (3/10) 
1. Ta Carbon (super yummy Mexican hole-in-the-wall kind of place)
2. Joe's Farm Grill (another restaurant from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives)
3. Over Easy (great little breakfast place, also from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives)
4. Pizzeria Bianco (awesome)
Make ceviche again  Done 5/16/2010
Learn to bake and decorate a cake I am going to count this one. Santi got me cake decorating classes for Christmas last year, but they got canceled. I did manage to make and decorate a pretty great first birthday cake for Luca!
Get a bike or rollerblades
Go horseback riding again
Go to a concert
Stay for both movies at the drive-in
Go swimming in Lake Pleasant
Find a place to go fishing in Phoenix
Drive across the border
Buy an expensive bottle of wine (more than $20)
Try 5 new sushi rolls (2/5)
1. Hawaiian roll
2. Pink Lady

Family/Friends:
Have a baby (Baby Luca Alberto arrived July 5, 2011!!!)
Have a girl's weekend with my college roommates (NYC in July 2010, fantastic trip!!)
Have a designated date night once a week for a month
Go on a picnic with my husband
Take my dog to the dog park in Gilbert with the lake (checked it out on 5/16/10, planning to take Tevez eventually)
Get grandma and grandpa out here for a visit (if all goes as planned, they will hopefully be able to visit in March 2013)
Have a candlelight dinner with my husband once a week for a month
Take a dancing lesson with my husband
Take a mother/daughter trip (Does a shopping trip with dad tagging along count? I say yes:) January 2013)
Host a wine and cheese party
Go to at least 5 sporting events with my husband (1/5, went to a Rattler's game...it was, "eh", went to an IU basketball game 12/12)
Get professional pictures taken of my husband and I (we had maternity pictures taken in May, family pictures at 6 months, and one year pictures with Luca!)

Financial:
Pay off the Nissan Altima (LOVE that I can cross this one off! As of 2/11 we own the Altima!)
Get a minimum of $5,000 in the savings account (technically this could be crossed off, but the savings are for the big fat hospital bill and my maternity leave, so they won't be there long unfortunately)
Reach a point financially where I can stay home or work from home (Now that baby Luca is here, I am more desperate than ever to make this happen. Taking suggestions!)
Stick with a budget for five full months (Done! And still going strong using www.ynab.com software!)
Not buy any new clothes for a month (Does it count that I haven't bought any new clothes because I can't fit in anything and need to lose my pregnancy weight before I make any purchases?)
Spend less than $300 on groceries in a month (Done! 3/11...spent around $275 thanks to our new budget)
Put $5 in the savings for each completed task and donate $5 for each incomplete task

Hobbies and Creativity:
Make Shutterfly albums with all of our pictures This is a work in progress, but it's getting there!
Learn some type of new craft
Get a nicer camera and learn how to take great pictures (This one gets partially crossed off. We purchased a fancy new camera, but I won't say we are great at taking pictures yet.)
Update blog at least once a month (in progress, looking for some new inspiration)
Go to a pottery studio

Home:
Redecorate/repaint our bedroom (Done with help from my awesome father-in-law)
Buy a sectional sofa with a pullout couch for our guests (Okay, so it's not a sectional because we learned sectionals just don't fit well in our living room, but we did purchase two new sofas with recliners built in and a pullout bed for the guests! Even more important now that the guest room has been converted to Luca's room!)
Finally clean and organize the office  (completed 5/1/10 thanks to my husband!)
Buy something from Etsy (I bought monthly onesie stickers for Luca, and mom bought me an awesome birthstone necklace with Luca's birthstone. I have a big wish list from Etsy but no money at the current time)
Put grass in our backyard (Done!!! November 2012)
Get some flower pots for the front yard
Have a shredding party and clean out the filing cabinet
Get a digital picture frame (done 7/10, love it!)
Make the bed every day for a week  (done 5/10)
Organize my favorite recipes They are all online now. Thanks Pinterest!
Keep up with cleaning for an entire week (done summer '10, does it count since I was on vacation?)
Bake something once a month for three months Baked muffins for Luca a couple of times and zucchini tots

Reaching Out:
Volunteer somewhere other than church
Leave a 50% tip for dinner
Give money to one of the homeless people by school (I bought them lunch one day, does that count?)
Actually meet and know both of our neighbors names I took them cookies once. One neighbor is an older lady named Vera, and her son and daughter in law stay there in the winter, Dan and Diane, but I can't for the life of me remember our other neighbors names, but I know they have a son named Lucas!
Lend someone a microloan
Send handwritten notes to each of our sponsor children in Ecuador (We didn't manage to send handwritten notes, but we did send email notes. Unfortunately we had to cut our sponsorship due to baby's arrival and cutting back expenses.)
Pay for the person behind me in the drive through
Make a new friend  (I met Valeri online through The Bump and we have actually gotten together in person twice! She lives in Gilbert, which is way on  the other side of  Phoenix, but she came to my jewelry party and I went to her baby shower. Hopefully we will be able to get together again soon.)
Buy a goat for someone in a poor country

Getting Green:
Use reusable shopping bags every shopping trip for a month
Try a new "green" method of cleaning (I have switched to using mainly Green Works cleaner in the kitchen, but I need to transition to using it in the bathrooms as well. I also want to do the old vinegar/water trick, but Santi gags at the smell of vinegar.)
Eat fruit off the trees in our own backyard (Enjoyed some limes 12/10)
Grow an indoor herb garden (done 6/10, unfortunately there is no good place to keep them and they died)
Learn to garden desert style and actually have a vegetable garden in our backyard

There you have it! If you are interested in starting your own list, here is a great website to get you going:
http://dayzeroproject.com/


It was a fun idea, and gave me some things to try that I may not have otherwise done. It also made for some motivation to do things I know I SHOULD do. There are many things on this list I would still like to accomplish, and things that I will still try to do. I think becoming a mommy topped the list though, and after I accomplished that, everything else seemed so trivial:) But there you have it...