Showing posts with label nany and nico. Show all posts

Baby #2 IS ON THE WAY!

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Almost a year ago, I wrote an article about "Are We Ready For Baby #2?".

We definitely have been ready for another baby for a while, but the pandemic changed our plans and we were just going with the flow. Since I haven't shared the news here on the blog, let me just share it here too!

A few days after my birthday in October, I found out I was pregnant. It was a bit of a shock because we weren't necessarily TRYING (not being too careful either). You can see Gabe's reaction in the video on IG. It was such a sweet reaction!

We waited a lot to share it, I was over 20 weeks- but I decided to wait because we had a scare at 17 weeks and just wanted to hold this baby tighter.

At the moment of this post, I am almost 29 weeks pregnant. We have both been feeling great!

I'll continue to share more updates here, as I can write more and express myself! This has been like an open to the public diary for 10 years!

We were, and are, SO excited and happy. Nico is really excited to be a big brother and we can't wait to see them together! Leave any questions below! But you can see a few Q+A on my Instagram!

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Baby #2 IS ON THE WAY!

Safe Travel Guide to Fort Myers & Sanibel Beaches

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

I was invited by The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for a fun *and safe* family road trip to this beautiful area. I got so many questions via Instagram and I want to share all the details about where we stayed, where we ate, where we went, and more.

Because of the current worldwide pandemic, I personally do not feel comfortable traveling by plane- especially with a two year old. However, I love the idea of driving to another city in your state, changing the scenery, supporting local business and tourism, and enjoying life while still being safe.

The drive to Fort Myers & Sanibel is under 3 hours from South Florida. 3.5 from Orlando, and a little bit over 5 hours from Jacksonville- we were coming in from Miami so it was a really easy drive with a toddler.

Where we stayed: Matlacha Tiny Village

I was so excited about staying in a tiny home, I absolutely love the concept and it was adorable. The one we stayed in was “Flamingo” themed and everything had little flamingos on it. This home sleeps 6 adults and it includes a full kitchenette.

The community has a few tiny homes and its amenities include BBQ grill, dock, deck and kayak launch. I also found very convenient that it had picnic tables outside because we liked picking up food at restaurants and eating outside.

We also loved the location, Matlacha is so colorful and the people were very nice.

Must-have eats:

- Blue Dog Bar & Grill: If you want local seafood, this is THE place! It was recommended by many locals and it did not disappoint! My favorite were the fish tacos.

- Great Licks Ice Cream Shop: This spot was just across the street from the Tiny Village and we wanted to go every single day! If you see a long line outside, YES it’s because they are so good but also because they are very safe, only the customer buying can go in (and of course, masks required).

-Yucatan Waterfront Bar & Grill: The vibe is pretty great with music, and the waterfront view is beautiful. Besides the bacon glazed salmon I ordered, I wanted to try something different so I tried gator bites for the first time ever, they were delicious!

- Perfect Cup: This was our breakfast place! The pancakes are delicious and HUGE (so you can definitely share!).

-Island Pho & Grill We were kind of craving some asian food and we heard great things about Island Pho. If you go, you have to try the spring rolls…they are everything!

- Paradise Deli: This was our last stop before heading to Sirena Park and heading home, we took some delicious egg sandwiches to go and enjoyed it at the park while looking for manatees (more on it below!)

What to do:

-Pineland Site Randell Research Center
The first day we visited the Calusa Heritage Trail (0.9 mile walk through mounds and canals of the Pineland archaeological site). It was very interesting to learn about the Calusa Indians that inhabited the area many years ago.

-Cayo Costa State Park (we used Tropic Star of Pine Island to get there)
The second day we went to Cayo Costa, which is a state park island that is only accessible by boat or kayak and used to be a former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians. We arrived via boat in the early morning (Tropic Star takes about an hour each way), it was nice that it wasn’t full and everyone was required to wear a mask. Many people were in their “hiking" gear and when we arrived there I was excited to see a lot campers with their tents. It looked really fun staying overnight (adding it to my bucketlist!).

We headed to the beach since the island has nearly 9.5 miles of pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The day was a bit cold and cloudy but the water was still so beautiful.

TIP: you need to bring everything you need as there is barely anything on the island- aka bring food, umbrella, towels…everything!

Because of Nico, we decided to stay until 1pm instead of 3pm- and it was a great decision, he was already super tired from all the playing in the sand and he napped the whole boat ride to Pine Island.

- Thrifting on Fort Myers
The third day we headed to Fort Myers and as I absolutely love finding gems in thrift stores, I googled the ones in the area. There are MANY thrift stores around Fort Myers and so many have amazing beach furniture.We might go back when we start decorating our home. I actually bought some gold beautiful frames that I can’t wait to repurpose, and some vintage jewelry!

- Biking on Fort Myers Beach (Fun Rentals- Fort Myers Beach)
if you want to enjoy the beach and shops, rent a bike! Toddler seats are available for your little one!
Sirenia Vista Park

- On our last day, before driving back to Miami, we stopped by Sirenia Vista Park to see if we were lucky enough to see manatees (as they are common during the colder months January/February). We didn’t see them but Nico had a blast running and we read some books after having breakfast with a view!

Have you been to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel? I had a blast doing this little guide, let me know if you want to see more like this!

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Safe Travel Guide to Fort Myers & Sanibel Beaches

Must-Have Boots for a Winter Getaway

Monday, December 14, 2020

*Sponsored by Shopstyle and DSW. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own.*

I absolutely love wearing boots…but let’s say that living in Miami, we (Nico and I) didn’t have the right boots for our winter getaway to North Carolina.

The weather during mid-December in North Carolina can be a little unpredictable- we weren’t sure if we were going to get snow BUT we knew there were a few waterfalls around the area and we were excited to go see them.

So I headed to DSW, our family go-to for all things shoes and THE boot destination with all the styles you might need for any occasion. I had two pairs in mind: rain boots and snow boots.

RAIN BOOTS

In our bucket-list, we had many waterfalls to visit around the area so I knew it was a must for Nico and me to get rain boots. And I honestly have been eyeing these Hunter boots for a while, especially for those crazy storms in Miami (we have them more than frequently).

But I am IN LOVE with Nico’s boots, they are super easy to put on and off (and as he is getting more independent, he loves that). He was very excited when he saw the space print and EVEN more excited when he realized they light up. They also comes in a super cute dinosaur print.

SNOW BOOTS

We really wanted to see snow BUT we weren’t as lucky. However, another thing in our bucket list was to go tubbing in a close-by area, so we got to wear our snow boots even if just for a little bit.

Mine are SOREL and I know they are a classic and will last me many seasons to come.

Nico’s are Columbia and he has been wearing them a lot, especially during the colder days of our getaway.

I ordered our boots online and picked the curbside option, but the store layouts have also been redesigned to support social distancing. You can also sign up to be a DSW VIP and get free shipping on any order! You can also get $10 OFF Express Shipping using the code ISHIPIT (from December 15th to December 18th) to get any last-minute Holiday shopping on time!

SHOP THE POST

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Must-Have Boots for a Winter Getaway

ARE WE READY FOR BABY NUMBER TWO?

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Every time I do any type of Q&A, I always see some form of these questions:

Do you want more kids?

How many kids do you want?

When are you having baby #2?

And I truly know that most of the time, it comes out of pure curiosity. But if there is something I learned when I went through my miscarriage is that you never know what is happening closed doors in relationships. Maybe just the dad wants more kids, maybe they are trying unsuccessfully, maybe they are going through IVF, maybe they just lost a baby, or maybe just don't want more kids and don't want to explain it to you.

But I want to open up with you and tell you how I feel (just me, I'm not talking about Gabe, this is just me). Also, if you disagree or your plans are different, that is okay too- this is our reality and every couple is very different!

To give you a little background, I have two older brothers. They are very close in age (around 11 months), and they are 10-11 years older than me. I loved having older brothers, I admired them in every sense... from music to fashion. I just wanted to be like them. And at the same time I was a little jealous that they had each other, I would have loved to have some sort of companion.

Reason why, teenage Daniela would always say that her future kids would be super close in age. And sure, that seems perfect until:

1. I realized pregnancy (and specially the delivery) took a toll on my body and I needed to HEAL- inside and out. I know many couples do back to back babies, but I've heard the second pregnancy can even be a high risk pregnancy.

2. I realized we needed to move again.

3. I realized I would need extra help with a second one. Again, amazing if you have help around the house or a nanny, for real that's amazing! We both work from home and we absolutely love doing it all.

So to finally answer the question, we are (or I am) ALMOST there. Nico turns two this Sunday, so my body has definitely healed. We just want Nico to be a little more independent- he still relies on me for SO SO many things. I'd love for him to be potty trained, going to school, and understanding what would be happening better.

At the same time, I'm not going to lie...I feel the pressure. I think every single friend or acquaintance that was pregnant around the same time I was, is already pregnant or already had their second baby. So I start second-guessing myself... am I waiting too long? Are we doing something wrong? Should we just "get it over with"? (as people say).

Then I come to my senses and remind myself that having a baby is not something to get over with. I'm enjoying every single phase of Nico and I know I'm gonna enjoy the next one if the moment comes.

If you are in a similar situation just remind yourself that:

Everyone has their journey. Don't compare your journey to anybody's.

You two, as a couple, know when is the right time, and even if there is a right time.

You don't owe explanations to anybody.

That's it! Sorry for the monologue! XOXO

_____________________

Cada vez que hago una sesión de preguntas y respuestas no falta las siguientes

"¿quieren más hijos?

¿cuántos hijos quieren?

¿y para cuando la parejita?

Yo sé que cada persona que hace esa pregunta, es por pura curiosidad. Pero si algo aprendí con mi pérdida es que uno nunca sabe lo que está pasando a puertas cerradas para esa pareja. Tal vez solo uno de los dos quiere más hijos, tal vez están buscando bebé sin éxito, tal vez acaban de pasar por un aborto espontáneo, tal vez no quieren dar explicaciones de porque no quieren más hijos.

Por eso quiero extenderme con este post mega personal y contarles como me siento YO (no estoy tomando en cuenta a Gabe porque es algo que como pareja decidimos hablar más adelante) y tampoco quiero que nadie se sienta aludido, es nuestra realidad y cada pareja es un mundo.

Voy a empezar contándoles un poco de mi familia. Tengo dos hermanos mayores, ellos se llevan menos de 11 meses- mientras que a mí me llevan más de 10 años. A mi me encantó tener hermanos mayores, mi nivel de admiración era de otro mundo. Mis hermanos eran cool, tenían tatuajes, estaban en una banda, escuchaban X tipo de música, veían tales shows de TV. Mientras ellos se tenían uno al otro, yo los admiraba desde lejos como la hermanita chiquita. Me hubiese encantado tener un compañero de aventuras. No fue hasta mis 18-20 años que realmente me sentí a la par con mis hermanos.

Razón por la cual la Daniela niña y adolescente siempre dijo que quería tener dos hijos y que se llevaran lo menos posible (en mi mente, como mis hermanos). PERO, la madurez y la realidad de pareja me llevó a entender que esos planes son....complicados.

La recuperación del parto de Nico fue más dura de lo que imaginé. Y eso me dio a entender que es realmente importante darle a nuestros cuerpos tiempo para SANAR. Sé que es una decisión muy propia si una pareja quiere tenerlos tan seguidos como mis papás PERO no es lo recomendable. Y LO ENTIENDO. No fue hasta el año, año y medio que me volví a sentir yo al 100% (tanto física como mentalmente)

Luego está el tema económico: doble comida, doble pañales, doble ropita. Y el tema de "apego", Nico esta semana cumple dos años, y todavía lo siento MUY apegado- nos necesita para absolutamente todo. Y nosotros no tenemos ayuda en la casa, ni niñera (¡cosa que también está bien!!). Ambos trabajamos desde la casa (pre-pandemia) y nos dividimos las responsabilidades como podemos.

Así que la respuesta es que estamos CASI listos- yo quiero esperar un poco más, que Nico deje los pañales, sea más independiente, vaya a la escuelita (que se supone que empezaba pronto pero el virus nos cambió los planes a todos de todas las maneras posibles), etc.

Pero no les miento, si siento la presión social del segundo. El 90% de mis amigas/conocidas que salieron embarazadas al mismo tiempo que yo con Nico, están embarazadas en estos momentos o ya tuvieron a su segundo bebé. En parte me hace sentir que estamos esperando demasiado, o lo que dice todo el mundo "es mejor salir de eso de una".

¿Pero "salir" de que? Yo me sigo disfrutando a mi chiquito un mundo (en estos momentos lo veo y quiero que se quede así de delicioso), y sé que si llega el momento los disfrutaré a los dos.

Y por si estás en las mismas, te repito lo que me digo A MMI:

Todo a su tiempo, no te compares con nadie, todas las parejas son distintas.

Solo ustedes dos saben cual es la mejor decisión para tu hogar, solo ustedes dos saben cual es el momento indicado, y si no llega ese momento, no le deben explicaciones a nadie.

Eso es todo. Disculpen el monólogo. Y si quieren más posts personales, soy toda oídos.

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ARE WE READY FOR BABY NUMBER TWO?

HOLIDAY OUTFITS AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING with Nordstrom

Thursday, November 28, 2019

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle

Growing up in Venezuela, we didn’t really celebrate thanksgiving. When I moved to the U.S, it was instantly a Holiday that I liked celebrating because it reminds us to stay thankful, to revisit the year, and remember the good while spending it with family and loved ones.

I married a Puertorican, and they do celebrate Thanksgiving…their own way. The dishes are a bit different, but oh-so yummy. So I’ve learned that I have to be prepared for the most delicious eating. That’s why this dress from Topshop I got at Nordstrom was perfect for the occasion; it is roomy but it is still very cute; family appropriate but young and fun; and easy to layer if you live in colder weather.

Walking by Nordstrom, I had to get this green velvet handbag (similar here) with the chunky chain- it brings the greens in the floral dress and it is also perfect for the Holidays.

Last touches? The HONEY earrings and the fisherman hat. I think they really bring the whole look together

You all know that I love matching with my little boy, even if we are in the same color palette. He was also very comfortable in his corduroy pants and grey sweater by Tucker + Tate, also from Nordstrom.

Also, did you already get your Holiday shopping done? I still have to buy everyone’s Christmas gifts. Nordstrom has their own curated gift guide section with categories like “Gifts Under $100” or “Gifts For Him”. Here are a few of my ideas for what to get:

FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES

FOR YOUR BEAUTY OBSESSED FRIEND-COUSIN

FOR A GUY IN YOUR LIFE

Nordstrom is having their Cyber Sale happening now! Make sure to check it out here to get up to 50% off.

If you’re still in need of more Holiday outfit ideas for every occasion, visit my brand new Nordstrom Looks page by clicking here.