Mother's Day 2009

Mother's Day was pretty relaxed. We had lots of brunches and dinners with the family. Although I look dreadful in this picture I like it because it looks very maternal. Mateo is not a cuddler, so the fact that he is lying here with me is unusual. He is also hugging on my belly which is his baby sister (in utero). Enough said.

Joe Joe & Julia's Wedding 2009

At the beginning of May we went to a marvelously glamorous wedding for cousins Joe Joe and Julia. Because we probably won't be traveling for a while we decided to splurge and stay at the Four Seasons in Atlanta. The accommodations and service were wonderful and Mateo definitely had a great time. The wedding was beautiful and it was great to see the family.

This was the first thing we saw as we entered the hotel bathroom. Clearly the hotel knows who they need to please.

They also left a couple of cupcakes and a plate of jelly beans for him as a welcome treat

Judging by this chocolate face he was very satisfied

After a dip in the hotel's indoor pool, Mateo took a nice warm bath and walked around in an over-sized plush robe.

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel restaurant where Mateo enjoyed a plate full of seasonal berries. To continue with the royal treatment, the restaurant staff decided to make him a chef's hat which he enjoyed for the rest of the weekend.

Mateo's first shoulder ride. We decided to take a walk around downtown Atlanta to enjoy the sites before the wedding.

Cousins Alexis and Suzette enjoying the wedding food (Suzette is also expecting...just 3 days before me)

Mateo playing his "flute" which most people refer to as a straw

Auntie Babs gives Mateo a hug

Papi, Mateo and Mommy pose on the dance floor

Parents-of-the-groom (Auntie Tibs and Uncle John) chat with "El Presidente" on the dance floor

Mommy, Mateo and Grandma having a ball

Papi and Mateo pose with the beautiful newlyweds Joe Joe and Julia

Mateo getting down to the live band music and dancing with his cousin PJ

Soccer Super Star

Mateo finally started soccer. I would say that it was a great success, but the first day he barely listened and ran around the place just trying to kick at any ball he could see (mind you he wasn't the only one). This shot is the only one I could get of him standing still. Since then he has progressed and has learned to listen to his coaches. He still has some days where he doesn't pay attention, but he really likes it and is developing his skills.

The Souvenir

Apparently a mosquito was buzzing around Mateo's room on our last night in Miami. The next day we noticed a small bite on his forehead. Later, the bite swelled a little. The picture below shows how that minor bite developed over the next few days. At its worst, his eye was almost completely shut. He didn't mind much except for the constant itchy sensation

Mateo looking like he went a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson

Easter in Miami - 2009

Easter in Miami was warm and sunny and everyone was dressed in their Sunday best and ready to go.

Mateo and Mommy

Real men wear pink - Papi and Mateo are matching and looking dapper

Mateo got to go to his own Sunday School class and his parting gift was a bag of chocolate eggs

Grandma and Mateo in front of the house

Mateo managed to get into his bag of chocolates with no one looking. This is a picture of grandma cleaning up the aftermath.

Mateo relaxing in Papi's arms at lunch

Mateo covering Mommy with balloons

Freddie's Birthday Party

Mateo enjoyed a fun filled day racing around at the mall, visiting with grandparents and dancing it up on what I would probably consider his first date.

At the Falls with his balloon sword and Papa Fofo

Mateo looking snazzy and perusing through his collection of DVDs

Packed up and ready to go...doesn't he look like a business man.

Mateo, Mommy, Grandma (and baby sister in utero)

"Cheese! Ready to party!"

Papi is also ready to go

Mateo meets his "date" for the evening. Suani's youngest daughter Vanessa

Old friends...my girls from childhood (Anissa, Francoise and Suani)

Tia Suani poses with Mateo

The birthday boy, Freddie, dances with Grandma at the party...you can also spot Suani's other daughter Isabel dancing in the background.

Miami Seaquarium Eggstravaganza 2009

We went to Miami for Easter and it was filled with so many events. One of these was Mateo's first trip to the Miami Seaquarium. Because it was Easter time they also were throwing a carnival with rides, food and music for the little ones.

Mateo looking very uncertain about this ride on the swings

Papi and Mateo on BIG SLIDE...WEEEEE!

Mateo running around the bouncy house.

Mateo looking at the Dolphin show

Papi, Mateo and Mommy pose for the camera

Flamingo's taking a snooze