Valentina Turns 2!

I know it is totally cliche, but I really can't believe how quickly time flies. It feels like Valentina was born just the other day and now she is turning 2. I mean I guess she is no longer a baby and now she is a toddler. It's just amazing. As is tradition, I took off from work and we planned a special day just for her...

...but first we did have time to squeeze in a visit to see Lucia's "Natural Homes" presentation. She wrote about the killer whale. I actually did learn some new things. It was pretty cool.

Now onto Valentina. Our first part of the agenda was to celebrate with her "class" at Urban Jungle. She was not expecting me so when I showed up she didn't want to let me go.

After play time was snack time. We brought in fruit, pretzels and goldfish. The birthday girl was happy with her crown and her snacks.

She is the happiest when she is eating

And now for the birthday song to the birthday girl

She seemed to be a little nervous about the fire on the stick that we were holding in front of her face so I helped her blow it out.

"Um mommy, please get it out of my face"

Papi was also there to help celebrate with her.

Now for the good stuff. A yummy mini cupcake without the fire.

After snack time, we got the chance to hang out with her in her territory (Open Play) and see what she had mastered. She seems to be a pro at fishing for ducks.

And also very adept at getting in and out of the hammock on her own. 

After Urban Jungle, we went to the real urban jungle - The Children's Zoo at the Central Park Zoo

Unfortunately, that meant having to wake our very peaceful little peanut, but it's necessary otherwise she'll miss the whole day.

She was intrigued by the llama, but ...

...preferred to pet the fake sheep rather than...

...the real sheep

And the fake cow was easier to engage than...

...the real cow who never came out of it's shelter.

This statue of a goat made a noise when you pet it...

...and so did the real one when we came near.

Valentina was too timid to go anywhere near the real goat.

She actually seemed to take to the live pigs more so than any of the other animals.

She is definitely a city kid, rather than live animals she had much more fun climbing this turtle sculpture. She tried to figure out how to get up on top of his shelf until at last...

...she conquered it

"I did it all by myself Mommy!"

The funniest thing, she also made it her mission to walk and balance herself on the narrow sidewalk border that ran against the wall.

Since we were already at the park, we decided to also take her to Victorian Gardens where she finally got to enjoy fair rides of her own (as opposed to just watching her brother and sister)

Papi and I took turns riding with her

They weren't too scary, but she had a thrilling ride

Monster Trucks!

"Two super tough chicks"

Surprisingly, Valentina was very good about being patient and waiting in line to get on the rides.

This water ride was probably one of her favorites.

After all of the fun in the sun, we returned home to meet up with the family, open gifts and have some more treats.

Her big bro and big sis were more than happy to help her bring in her 2nd year

Aba, Abu, Mommy, Papi, Mateo and Lucia gave Valentina an encore of  the "Happy Birthday" song followed again by an awkward confrontation with a candle.

Baby V, Little V, Titi, Tiny Tina, Valentina, My Monster - so many nick names for the littlest member with the big personality. This has been an amazing development year for you. You have undoubtedly established that you are your own unique person. With favorite pastimes that include eating, doing the chicken dance with your arms and laughing you have been the perfect completion to our family unit. I am in awe of what you have mastered - talking up a storm, recognizing letters, counting to 14 and let's not forget pee pee in the potty. All in 24 short months. You continue to be my spark and planted yourself in all of our hearts. You have given your brother Mateo the opportunity to really shine and prove himself to be not just more responsible but to demonstrate utter unconditional love. You and Lucia have solidified your sisterly bond through dress-up, bath-time play and never ending rounds of Ring-around-the Rosy. We are so lucky to have you as part of our family and can't wait to see what you conquer in your new year. We love you always our brown-haired baby.

Happy Birthday!

Valentina' Pre-Birthday Celebration

Valentina's big day is tomorrow, but some of her buddies aren't going to be around to help her celebrate, so instead she had a pre-birthday party with one of her best buds, Ellie.

Every great afternoon starts with a stroll.

"Come on ladies!"

Followed by  a personal sized carrot cake and a song.

As you can see she was very happy with her first experience with carrot cake. 

(a girl after my own heart)

Ellie also got in on some of the cake action

And what would be the point of celebrating early  if you don't get to open at least one gift early. This one was a good one. She is obsessed with pushing and pulling luggage and strollers and when she opened this magical butterfly roller bag/back pack it was love at first sight!

One happy lady

"Look Mommy, it's also a backpack!"

Let's just say she wouldn't let us take it off her until she was fast asleep.

"Way to go Auntie/Tia/Madrina Jess!"

Lucia's Theatrical Debut

Very exciting day for the ladies of this family. It starts with some major voting and ends with a celebration of Lucia's Musical Acting debut. 

This morning, I took my daughter to vote in the Democratic primary for president. What was so unusual and very special was it was the first time I voted for a woman in this position which also made it very special for my little girl who in her lifetime has been lucky enough to see a lot of firsts for our country.

"Thanks for voting for Hillary Mommy!"

Now onto the next part of our day. A couple of months ago, Lucia started taking acting at the local children's theater. For several weeks they have been practicing their roles/parts/scenes and songs for the Aristocats. Miss Lucia landed two roles - one as an alley cat and the other as a goose. And now starring Lucia Vielot Gonzalez

Lucia and her fellow Alley Cats

Lucia's Opening Act

Up on a pedestal

Lucia's Second Act

As Abigail one of "a couple of Gabbling Geese"

Unfortunately there was a mixup with the video so I only caught this

The full cast of the Aristocats

A star is born! We are so proud of Little Miss Lucia!

And so is her big bro who came out to support. As did Aba and Abu (not pictured)

After her acting debut, we celebrated with Robongi, followed by Ben & Jerry's.

 A sweet ending to a fabulous day

Lucia's Girls Scout Bracelet Exchange

It's that time of year. The end of the school year is coming which in kid years means activities are winding down and lots of year-end celebrations, last games, recitals and prepping for camp. Today was  a sort-of celebration for Lucia's Daisy Troop. They were going to the park to exchange friendship bracelets with another troop and to enjoy some cool popsicles.

Based on Lucia and Amelia's faces - I can guess what their favorite party of the gathering was.

Both Daisy Troops were calm enough to pose for a group picture. I guess Miss Lucia was bummed there weren't anymore popsicles.

OK, before you scroll down, warning that the next image is not appetizing, but it does capture a milestone that I wanted to capture. I can just tell you if you don't want to look. 

Valentina went pee pee in her potty! Yah! This means she was the earliest of the 3. 

Way to go Little V! For evidence, see below...

Good Job! Can't believe I posted this.

MLV Activities

I would put today down as one of the busiest Saturday's we have had this season. What's on the docket you ask? Well, we are starting out with a track meet which was supposed to be just Lucia, but ended up including Mateo. Followed by piano lessons for both of them and then Mateo's soccer game swimming lessons for Mateo and Lucia and a grown-up party at night for Mommy and Papi. I am tired just reliving it.

Today was Lucia's last track meet. We all (Mommy, Papi, Aba and Abu, and Mateo) went out to see her and cheer her on. Since Mateo was there, the track coach invited him to run also. The results - all first place for Mateo in 3 runs and 2 second place and 1 first place for Lucia. Now they really can be called "Speedy Gonzalez's"

Mateo was ahead by several strides

Lucia's was close and actually this one was super close that they were debating whether it was a tie or not. In the end they gave her second place, but the race right after this one she took first.

And now we are onto soccer. I didn't get any pictures of the game, but I did get these two - Lucia and Shyam climbing in the playground...

...and this little one constantly climbing in and out of this tunnel...

...again and again.

I didn't get to capture the rest of the day because after the not so great turnout of the soccer game we were all a bit hot and bothered. The day did end well and everyone got a much needed rest at the end of it.

Mateo's 4th Grade Spring Concert

Today was the 3rd,4th and 5th Grade Spring Concert at the kids school. Last year Mateo performed in it and this year he made another appearance. He doesn't really enjoy singing in public, but he was very proud to play the Orf since that is really the only thing they are allowed to play in this grade. 

4th Graders lining up and preparing to go into the gym for the performance

Preparing to sing "Paddy Works on the Railway"

After singing the first set, Mateo goes to where he is more comfortable, behind the Orf (aka Xylophone).

Mateo plays "Let's Put the Rooster in the Stew"

After that set, for the 3rd and final set, Mateo was first chair for the Orf.

Mateo playing "June, Lovely June"

Very proud of what he has accomplished and although the music could have been a little more modern for my tastes, the kids did a great job and I am a very proud mama.