Feliz Cumpleanos

Miss Sophia Happy 3rd birthday! You are so big. I can't believe it!

3 years ago, the Mariachi Husband and I welcomed our baby girl into the world. I remember it like it was yesterday. My good friend and I were pregnant at the same time, like we are now. Waiting for our babies to arrive. It was 3 years ago, we became a family. And I got to hold you for the first time. Little black curls of hair all over you head.

The Mariachi Husband and I have been together for...well forever! We started dating in 1989. Don't judge. It feels like just yesterday, we got married. But we waited to have kids. The Mariachi Husband just wasn't sure about being a daddy. He would tell me, next year. And that turned into many, many years.

But I convinced the Mariachi Husband to have a baby. And it completely changed our lives. Before Sophia, we were consumed in the "World of Mariachi." Life was always about gigs and trips. But when daddy first heard his baby girl's heartbeat, life changed. And when he held his princesa for the first time, he melted!

Today, our baby girl is 3 years old. Clearly, she is not a baby anymore. Her daddy sang and played Las Mananitas for his mija. And she held on tight to her papa. I still can't believe it. We hold real conversations. Sophia helps my in the yard and in the baby's nursery. In a few short days, she will be a big sister.

But today, it's all about Sophia! The little angelita that mommy and daddy made. And that Mi Dios sent down to us. You took your papa's heart and mine the day you were born. And it is such a thrill to see you grow. Everyday learning something new and fun. I'm already starting to panic about the day you are going to start school. Because I just want to hold and cuddle you all day long! Happy Birthday my Big Girl! ~A

Lawn Frock Giveaway!!!!

This looks like one of those dresses that you would see in the window of a fancy boutique. Believe me, I walk by those places all the time. I am, what my husband calls, a "Habitual Window Shopper." Yes, I go window shopping all the time. But I can't ever bring myself to spending a few hundred dollars, on a single piece of clothing.

But this dress. This dress almost brings me to tears. If I saw this one in the window, I would by it. There is just something about the style of the dress. It reminds me of a vintage dress. I would just love to have this beautiful green dress. I can imagine wearing it on Easter with a pair of white heels. And maybe even some vintage gloves. You can enter the giveaway at the Grosgrain blog. Good luck ladies! ~A

Custom Necklace Giveaway

Being that I live in southern California, I see a lot of these necklaces. A lot. All the celebrities have them. But not as cute as this one. There is something unique and just whimsical about this design. I would really like to have one to wear. I could see this necklace, as a daily necklace for me. If you want a chance to win this necklace, go visit Mama Manifesto and enter the giveaway! ~A

Putting It All Together

I hadn't realized how many of my friends were now bloggers. Not until I was really setting up my blog. I wanted to add as many as I could to my blog list. There are lots of them! We are all embarking on different adventures in our lives. Some of us our now parents. Others are trudging through their careers. It is nice to stay connected. I hope that we can continue to inspire one another along the way.

Soon my husband, our daughter, and I will be going back home for a visit. Marissa is turning 4! Where did the time go? We will be there for her birthday party. A Matanza better describes the parties that Selena and David throw. And my husband will be playing a concert in our hometown. He is always so excited to perform for a hometown crowd. We cannot wait to see so many members of our friends and family! ~A

At Last

After many months of debating, I decided to start my own blog. My husband and I moved away from our hometown a few years ago. It was hard leaving behind family and friends. But he had a great opportunity career wise.

Now we have a beautiful daughter. And another baby on the way. It is difficult not spending the time we want with our family and friends. I thought this might be a good way to stay somewhat connected. For years and years, I have been reading a friend's blog. She is like a sister to us. And I always feel like we are right there together. I hope to provide that same feeling for our friends and family! ~A