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!