I had a baby!

I can't believe it's been almost 6 weeks since Phoenix flew into our lives. On February 25, 2014, we were blessed with the arrival of our long awaited baby boy.

My C-section was originally scheduled for March 3, but just like his older brother, this babe decided to choose his own birth date. He also decided that surgery wasn't for him and was born naturally after the most intense pain I've ever felt! [I don't know how women have more children after enduring 30 hour labors when I could barely handle the 2 hours of excruciating contractions I had!]

Life has been a bit more hectic than usual, but I have to say, it seems easier overall this time around. [Could it be the fact that I'm not in the crazed stupor that comes with being a new mom?] Hopefully, I'll start getting more sleep soon too!

Maybe I'll even have time to blog more regularly!

our baby boy #2: phoenix

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Like it was yesterday

Missing you.
Ed Sheeran - Small Bump [Official Video] from Ed Sheeran on Vimeo.

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Oh, hoppy day

I grew up "celebrating" Easter by eating excessive amounts of chocolate. Emil grew up with a more traditional [Catholic] recognition of the holiday. So far, Indio only knows that there are bunnies and an egg hunt with his cousins, which will be happening later today at his Great Aunt's place.

Yesterday, we introduced a new tradition and dyed eggs for the first time. Indio is quite confused as to why his fingers are still green this morning.

such concentration

rainbow eggs

Hope you are all enjoying Easter weekend! [I can't seem to stop eating Cadbury Mini Eggs . . .]

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Viva Mexico!

It's been less than a week since we returned from our spring break/Emil's birthday trip to Mexico, and I'm still craving mojitos! We had a fabulous time lounging by the pools, playing on the beach and eating to our hearts' content. It was a much-needed escape from the everyday for both Emil and me. Emil and I visited Mexico together nine years ago on our first trip together, but back then we opted for a road trip with friends rather than a resort vacation.

We flew AeroMexico into Cancun and were pleasantly surprised that we didn't have to pay $12 for a bag of peanuts, but actually received a decent meal [waffles and omelets] on our early morning flight. On the way back, we were treated to ham & cheese sandwiches, which hit the spot at the end of a long day.

We used USA Transfers to travel to and from the airport and I couldn't have been happier with the service. We received prompt and clear email communication from company founder, Brant Boston as soon as I booked the ride, a spotless van with up to date car seats for children, a friendly, knowledgeable driver and the best part: they were always on time! 

We stayed at Ocean Coral & Turquesa in Puerto Morelos, about 20 minutes from the airport. The resort was beautiful, the service was impeccable [for the most part], and the food was good-to-great depending on the restaurant. There were four pools: a kiddie pool, a "quiet" pool, the main activities pool where we spent most of our time, and the "drunk" pool, which was a lot more live. Our only complaint of the resort was that it was very "American" and there wasn't much of a "local" flavor, but I guess that's to be expected at an all-inclusive resort that is catering to so many people from around the world.

Indio loved the pool and by the end of the week was jumping in and "swimming" without his floaty. I think it's time to revisit swimming lessons. He also become better acquainted with the ocean, dodging waves and venturing a little deeper each day. No matter how many times I see the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, I'm still blown away with the beauty of it. The beach had many palapas for shade, but wasn't as pristine as the one we visited in the Dominican Republic in December.

 

beach bum

Happy birthday, my love.

We ventured off the resort for a tour of the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum. We learned that "Tulum" is actually a name that was given by an American back in the 1800s and the Mayans actually called their city "Zama", city of the sun. It was pretty awe-inspiring to imagine what it took to build this city centuries ago because it definitely took more than rock 'n' roll! After the informative part of the tour, we spent some time on the amazing beach at the bottom of the cliffs.

This is what I get when I ask for a "smile".

I'm so glad we had the chance to get away for a little rest and relaxation before we head into this final term at school. It felt like winter was never going to end, so this was definitely a nice distraction from the cold and slush of NYC. It was even better that we were in Mexico for Emil's birthday!

As much as we enjoyed being lazy all week, Emil and I have decided our next trip is going to be a road trip because we can only sit on the beach for so many days.

Where have you gone on a road trip? Any suggestions for us? We're thinking July or August and so far have come up with touring the northwest part of the country. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Indio was delighted with all the "modern dinosaurs" on the resort

Until next time . . .

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Ringing in the New Year

I'm so excited about our upcoming trip to Mexico and was thinking about all the great photos I hope to take when I realized I never posted anything about our visit to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic over the last holiday break. What's that old saying, "better late than never"?

When deciding what to do for New Year's Eve, E and I came to the conclusion that a trip away sounded better than any over-priced dinner or party in NYC. We both had a busy and somewhat stressful year and relaxation had definitely been in short supply.

We booked a last-minute stay at the Majestic Colonial resort for 6 days and loved every minute of it. The first day on the beach, Indio exclaimed, "The sand here is softer than the Bahamas!" [I wonder how Riviera Maya will stack up.]

attempting to distract himself from the "funny feeling in his tummy"

poolside

It seems like the minute you leave NYC, everything slows down. Everyone we met in the Dominican Republic from the moment we stepped off the plane was friendly, relaxed and smiling, often a rare occurrence at home.

The resort was beautiful and well-maintained. The sand was ridiculously soft and the water was crystal clear. As far as all-inclusives go, the food was good, though a bit salty at times. Indio loved the fresh fruit and yogurt at breakfast but was disappointed that his daily dose of bacon was dripping in oil. Most importantly, the drinks were cold and the service was great!

not crazy about the ocean, but loving the sand

beach bums

not so sure about the resort's "wildlife"

entertaining hibachi dinner

Indio's first foam party

This trip was just what we needed: some time to wind down and decompress before gearing up for 2013. I accomplished everything I had planned for this trip. I read a lot, slept more than usual [a lot isn't possible with Indio], took a ton of photos and spent time with my boys. We were so grateful to have this time away from the hustle and bustle of home.

Funnily enough, the laid back culture of the island quickly diminished when we reached the airport with all the other vacationers on their way back home. Boarding the plane was much like the NYC subway system--frantic and chaotic. Luckily, we [barely] made our flight and got home safe and sound.

homeward bound

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Reminiscing

As I was organizing my Flickr photos on this blustery Monday, I came across this heart-warmer.

While we enjoy the day off for George Washington's Birthday in the States, I am missing my family as they celebrate Family Day in Ontario, Canada.

Nov. 27, 2009: Indio's first haircut

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Definitely on the nice list

one of the great gifts Indio received.

Indio is finally old enough to really *get into* Christmas traditions. We weren't traveling over Christmas this year [a rarity for us since our extended family is scattered all over] so we were able to begin some of our own traditions.

donning our new pajamas on Christmas morning.

Yesterday afternoon, we watched, Elf, a movie that is loved by all in this house. We had a small dinner party with a few family members who live in the NY-area and we are looking forward to seeing other cousins later today.

Indio slept in until 8:30am this morning. That was a Christmas treat for me and E that I hope turns into a family *tradition*! He was so excited to open his presents and completely enthralled with each one. I was a bit worried he might throw certain gifts aside [clothes, books] in an effort to play with the more *fun* things like his action figures and vehicles, but he really did seem to love them all.

Indio laughing at me as I unsuccessfully tried to capture Cassius in front of the tree.

Indio wasn't the only one that made the nice list. Instead of conventional presents, E and I decided to book a trip to Punta Cana! I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and sand on my toes!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. What traditions do you have? Which ones have you created for your own family?

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From our family to yours

Merry Christmas! May 2013 be full of love and laughter. xo

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Happy 38th Anniversary

. . . to the best parents in the world!  Wishing you many more years together.  Love you.

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Thankful

for so many things, especially my little family.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Gobble!  Gobble!

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A few days in paradise

landing in nassau in the rain

After being home for just over a week from camping, we packed up and headed on another family vacation . . . to the Bahamas!  Our good friends, Denise and Davidson moved to Nassau about 2 years ago and we were super-excited to see them again along with their adorable daughter, Mila.  Emil's mother and youngest sister, Addie, also joined us on our sojourn.

Much to our dismay, we landed at Linden Pinding International Airport during a summer storm. Thankfully, it was the only one during our short trip.

Indio, Emil, and Addie spent most of their days in the water -- ocean and pool -- while Emil's mom and I relaxed with music, reading material, and drinks on the beach. After a hectic few weeks, it was a much needed break.

the water was ridiculous! softest sand, clearest water.

Each evening, we met up with Denise, Davidson, and Mila for dinner.  We feasted on Bahamian specialties such as conch fritters, grouper, and rice and peas.  We were on a mission to find the best conch fritters on the island, and I have to say Frankie Gone Bananas at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry won, hands down! It was so wonderful to sit and catch up with our old friends, though it made me miss them even more.

how lucky we were to have such gorgeous hostesses: denise and baby mila!

my little mer-boy

coconuts on the beach

my sunshine

We spent one evening at Davidson's parents' house, which sits right on the water. The views from the house were mesmerizing. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the waves in your backyard! Of course, we also heard tales of the many hurricanes that have hit the Bahamas. Davidson's mom, Ada, cooked us a delicious West Indian meal of beef curry, coconut rice, plantains, and daal puri. The meal was completed with a traditional Guyanese dessert: cassava pone.

the view from davidson's parents' deck . . . crazy!

Though this was a vacation to a foreign land, it was a treat to feel so "at home" with Denise and Davidson and his parents. Our time with them made this trip even more special.

bahamians love canadians

the comforts of home

Our time in paradise was fleeting and it seemed like we were packing up for home just as we got used to it all. We were welcomed to New York by a huge thunderstorm only moments after we landed. It seemed fitting that our trip ended with a [meteorological] bang since it began with one too.

landing at laguardia

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Camping? Camping!

It's hard to believe it's already been just over 2 weeks since my very first camping trip! Emil, Indio and I headed north for 5 days to a KOA Kampground near Lake George, NY with 17 other friends.

I have to admit, I was not initially looking forward to spending 4 nights sleeping in a tent, worrying about mosquitos and when my next shower was going to be. Emil allowed me to back out of the trip until the very last minute, but because I really thought this would be a great experience for Indio, I sucked it up and went along. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would actually have as much fun as I did! [Up until this point in my life, camping was on my NOT to-do list!]

Luckily, KOA sites ar equipped with electricity and running water on each site, showers and flush toilets nearby, and get this, free wifi! Our friends who organized the trip also ensured that we would have the comforts of home: freshly made coffee every morning to go along with a hot breakfast, Emil's iPod playlists, and more food and drink than we could consume.

playing hide-n-seek at our site

floaty overload! [campsite pool]

Each day, we ventured off the site, which I think was key to me enjoying the trip. I don't know how much fun I would have had sitting at a campsite all day.

On our first full day we drove to Corinth Beach, where despite the cold water, the kids and dads jumped in for a swim.

That evening, we ventured to Lake George Village for delicious ice cream. [I think the chocolate peanut butter ice cream from The Pink Roof may have been better than my all-time fave: Haagen-Dazs choc pb!] We also got to see the weekly fireworks show over the lake.

shark eating goldfish while a mermaid looks on

rare family photo [+will!]

The next day, we went tubing down the Hudson River with Tubby Tubes Co.  Indio was in awe of all the tubes floating not-so-lazily down the river and loved that we stopped so he could swim in the river.

floating down a river

On our last full day, we rented a pontoon from Chic's Marina in Bolton Landing, NY and cruised Lake George for 3 hours. It took me back to my childhood when I spent a lot of time at my cousin's cottage. It took us awhile to figure out the anchor, but once we did, we all went for a swim. 

el capitan

piggy back rides are always more fun in the water

bbq chicken lunch before taking a dip

smiles after a swim

tuckered out

I am so glad that I had the chance to try camping once. Even sleeping in a tent wasn't bad [other than the last two nights when it was unbearably hot and humid]. Indio had the most fabulous time and Emil and I made more family memories together. I don't know that I'd ever go again, but at least I can say I did it once.

cozy campsite

indio was enamored with all the "big boys"

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