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
Monday, October 7, 2013
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
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 waitingpatiently 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.
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
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.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
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
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?!
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)
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