Hi Papa,

It’s been a few weeks since I last wrote you so I wanted to catch you up. Right now I’m watching you sleep and get ready to wake up. I do think know how to describe the love or connection that we have. I feel like you know who I am already and I love you more than I could ever describe. You’re currently 10 months and are full of love and happiness. 

My first father’s day was a good one, we went to the beach and we had some Acai bowls which is my new thang. We went to Santa Cruz beach boardwalk and walked around the stores until we decided on a place to chill. My papa used to take us there when we were little and I think that is why I have such a love for the water and Santa Cruz so I wanted to share that with you. You were a little shy and you held on close which made me feel good as you were very observant with your eyes and ears as you would hear the laughter and yells from the kids that were around us. I went in with you to about my knees and then I would walk out and look at you to see how you were doing and I think you liked it. I dipped your toes in the sand and you first did your big toe then slowly put both feet down. It was a good day for me and I loved being with you and mommy as she also supports my happy place. 

The following week I believe we got to see your uncle Matt and Lauren at their beach house for there beach week. It was great seeing them and introducing them to you. I’ve known Matt and his family since I was 11 years old that’s 20 years of friendship but he is a brother to me after that many years and he has been a great person to me and mommy over the years. We got to see his parents and Marky who is like a little brother to me is doing great playing ball overseas. It was a great time with them as they are so nice and calm. 

Next you got to see your great grandfather Don Cande as he is called. They made the trip from El Centro. You got to hang out with Noah and Bella your cousins along with the crazy girls Wendy, Rosa and Angela. We made some food on the grill and just had a good time. It’s always good to be around family. 

Z right now things are going good. We are house hunting and are nervous and anxious but at the same time excited as we want to have our own home for you. 

BTW I think your mom kicked you out of our bed recently idk if this was before or after your baptism but you have adjusted well. I think you needed your own space cuz you do sleep all crazy but I do miss sleeping next to you everyday. 

Lastly it’s been 6 months since my Tio Robert was taken away from us and there still hasn’t been any leads to the case. It’s crazy because it’s been 6 months already and I know  my family wants closure so that they can stop hurting. Life is to short and it’s to precious.

I know that was a lot of stuff and it was all over the place but I had to update you on everything. 

Mommy and I love you to the moon and back. 

Love you,

Daddy 

Hi Papa,

I guess my post didn’t go through on the day of your baptism.
Yesterday was your baptism day and it was special. You slept good, woke up like you do everyday with a smile and we’re your happy little self. My sister was the first one to see you all dressed up at the church  and I wasn’t really all caught up into the whole moment until we went up and seen the father put water on you. You were good, you were calm and he put it on you 3 times and on the third one you looked over at me and mommy like is this okay and it hit me a little like damn Z isn’t a baby he’s almost 10 months, he’s a beautiful little angel.

*there’s the 1st and now my other post*

Anyways papa you were amazing you did such an amazing job and mommy and I were so happy. Papa we both got a little emotional your mommy more than I but it was weird and hard for me to express/explain. I think it’s cuz you’re growing so fast and it made me think about the week that you were in the NICU since you were an early baby and to see you now it’s a major trip. We didn’t know what was gonna a happen and I’d be lying  if I told you I wasn’t scared but I was like nope this is my boy and he’s gonna fight and you sure did. 3 lbs 13 oz of fight has grown into almost 20 pounds of love and joy with some fight in you.

Aite that was me going down how I was feeling. Z you looked amazing and had to be one of the cutest babies there, you had shoes on that eventually came off, you had socks on that also came off and when we took you up there with the father to pour the Holy water you were barefoot and as happy as can be  the father poured water on you 3 times and on the 3rd you looked at mommy and I  (I felt like you did) to kinda say is this okay and that’s when all of those emotions came to me. After that we took pictures and then it was a rap. You had a very cute outfit that we got for you when we went to see your great grandfather.
After the baptism we took pictures and you did well but you needed to eat and was hot so we cut everything a little short but we did have some good pictures of you.

After all of that we went to Aquis and got some appetizers since we had an hour in a half to kill. We got to spend some quality family time which was cool because we don’t always get to see one another and chill. Even though it was immediate family it felt good to have you spend time with your Gaitan family because they love you and don’t always get to spend time with you. After Aquis we went to the Table and had lunch there and just talked. I was really quiet but it was because I was taking everything in. Family is important Z and time is even more important because that’s something that you don’t get back. When you get older please take the time to listen and respect people’s time Z because you will learn that your time is valuable and you don’t have time to waste.

Okay Z I love you and thank you for being such a good son.

Mommy and Daddy love you!!

Hello Papa,

I’m done with the 2015-2016 school year and it was a fun, busy, crazy school year but you made everyday worth getting up. I ain’t gonna lie sometimes I hate work but I think that’s somewhat normal but I do love what I do because I am able to help out students and families which is what makes me happy. This week was our last week and it was stressful but I and Mrs. Wexler got through it, we had a pretty cool dance and end of the year carnival which turned out great.

I’m watching Zootopia with you until you fell asleep but I am very thankful and honored to be your daddy. I love the 10 months that we have had together and honestly feel so much love when I’m with you and mommy. Your mommy loves you a lot and I know that you love her too. You’re too cute and have so much love it’s crazy, your laughs, giggles and dancing makes us love you even more my spoiled little baby.
Right now you are crawling up a storm, climbing anything and everything, dance up a storm with everyone and you are eating like a big big boy.
I love you Z and I hope one day you find someone who loves you as much as your mommy and I 

Write you again soon papa.

Love;

Daddy

Papa,

It’s June 3rd you’re 10 days away from being 10 months, it’s a day before your baptism and the GOAT died today. I never seen him fight and I never seen the fight that he fought for so many which was the war. He was and is an icon to many. He invented smack talk, mental warfare and anything that you can think of.
I will show you videos and interviews when you get older but I wanted to pay respects to him for all that he did in boxing and being an advocate for all of those who watched him and appreciated his art and craft.

RIP Mr. Muhammad Ali

Papa you are still up and I’m bout to put you down. I love you papa!!

Love,

Daddy

What up Z,

We’ll it’s been awhile since I last wrote you so I gotta back track. I’ll prolly be all over the place but hopefully you won’t get lost and you can follow along. Aite the Warriors are playing the Cavs for the championship for the 2nd straight season, the Sharks are playing the Penguins and the Giants are doing pretty good the Yankees are not the same without the real real players that I grew up watching.
Z last time I wrote you was mothers day and you were a champ that day, you were cute as can be and you couldn’t have made us any happier.
I was out and about and I seen a couple bring their 3 month old baby and I immediately judged them and said I wouldn’t want my papa out but then I checked myself too because I don’t know there situation and maybe they want there baby to be out and about I don’t know but I immediately thought damn I am one of those Dads. I’m just very cautious with you obviously you’re our first baby and we want you to be healthy etc.

Right now things are going smoothly at home and at work. I got 9 more days left and then boom summer break. I am going to be working a few hours a day but that’s spending money for you since I’ll be home with you and we will be able to hang out and kick it. You’re growing a few teeth and are becoming a toddler since you crawl, stand up on things, climb and you do a walk in your crib by holding the rails, you are also jumping sort of and that’s pretty cool to see. You smile everyday and giggle which makes my day that much better knowing that you are happy and excited each and every day.

Mommy and I are a little sick right now so we weren’t able to give you a lot of love this weekend because we didn’t want to get you sick but you’re doing great and besides some mocos here and there you are happy as can be 

Aite Z I gotta go but you behave yourself and don’t scratch yourself because we need you to be scratch free for your baptism this weekend. I love you to infinity and beyond papa.

Love you,
Daddy

Hi Papa,

You were as cute as a button yesterday! You make your mom and I complete your smile lights us up and feels us up with love.
We went to the table yesterday for brunch and it was awesome. Mommy was extremely happy with how you behaved and how cute you were being. Your mommy loves you a lot papa so be good to her, respect her and love her because she does everything she can to make sure you are happy.
I love you and I hope you feel the love that mommy and daddy have for you. Thank you for making mommy’s first mothers day special and thank you for being you my little papa.

Love you,

Daddy

Hi papa,

It’s Saturday morning and you’re up early but I’m not complaining since you have been sleeping really good. Just wanted to say what’s up and that I love you. Nothing new has happend but tomorrow is mothers day so we got get up early and do work. I think mommy is gonna be super emotional tomorrow as this is her 1st mothers day with you. Mommy had some very nice things to say about you yesterday and it was cool to hear. Zebastian you make us so proud you have made Mommy into a mommy and you have made me a Daddy. I know it’s not father’s day now but I’m proud to be your daddy and I’m proud of everything that mommy and I are doing to support you and raise you. I’m out papa.

Love,

Daddy

Jalo Zebastian,
Today is your first Cinco de Mayo and you were adorable. You are growing so fast!!! It’s seriously amazing to see you grow and come into your own baby skin. You are crawling now and you crawl fast. You’ve been getting close but it wasn’t until the last few days or so that you started to take off.
Everything is all good with mommy and I, work is work and we’re just in love with you and everything that you do. It’s gonna be mommy’s first official official mothers day this Sunday so I gotta make sure you look extra cute and you are well behaved cuz we gotta go to church and then to SJ to go and eat at the Table, that’s where mommy and I go when we have special lunches or dinners together.
Okay papa I gotta go and check up on you now since you’re sleeping and in the bed.

Love you,
Daddy

Hi Z,
My oh my you are getting so big and handsome. I wish I could stop time to be able to spend more time with you and watch you grow as each new day brings something new with you. I see you smile and want to explore everything that we touch. I’m reminded every day that love is beautiful and to love your closest friends and family.
Z I love you very much and I hope you feel the love that mommy and I have for you. Right now I’m working and trying to take care of business so that we can buy a house that we as a family can call home. I plan on going back to school to get my administration credential and it’s all for you and your future. I want to provide for you and mommy and go on vacations etc.
I gotta go to the store now but I love you and please continue to be my little baby forever.

Love you,
Daddy

I’ll always remember that day papa, Kobe the player that I watched for half of my life basically walked away from the game. Kobe shit 50 times and willed his team to a win in his final game. He scored 60 and looked like he was at peace with everything.
That same day you turned 8 months and seemed to be happy. You watched the game with me and I was talking to you about him and you smiled like you always do and it was just nice to share this moment with you. I love you Z and I’ll wrote you again soon