Z,

It’s August 15th and I’m laying right next to you. I’m thinking back on your 3rd birthday weekend and it makes me smile thinking back about all of the things you did over the weekend and just how far you have come.

1. You threw a fit at target and went through all the bags that we had looking for a dinosaur that we did not buy you. We tried to trick you but you threw a tantrum and we ended up buying you an even more expensive dinosaur.

2. That same dinosaur you threw off the 14th floor of the balcony where we were staying at in Rosarito. I went and looked for it and the foot broke and you acted shocked like how can this be.

3. You ran into the screen door at the place where we were staying. You did that another time too when daddy was Car shopping.

4. You danced and played the night away when your Tio Chuy got engaged to Yareni. There was a jump house and you were hella red. Running around in your socks and barley having time to drink water.

5. We stayed in San Diego two nights and we went swimming every chance we could. You love the water and the beach. You tasted salt water from Torri Pines State beach. You threw it up and then you went in the water. It was kind of nasty but I’ve been able to deal with your throw up no problem. You’ve only thrown up on me and not mommy.

You started school last Thursday the 9th and you will continue to go every Thursday. You’re talking more and more and definitely repeating a lot right now so that’s good. Your Lopez family threw you a surprise birthday party and we were all shocked on how patient you were and how we think you actually knew it was your birthday. You were smiling and I don’t know but I really feel like you knew and were super happy and exited.

Things are going good Z so I hope you continue to amaze us with everything that you do and we will be here to support you with everything that we do.

Love,

Daddy

It’s almost midnight and you’re actually asleep next to mommy.

It’s been awhile and I’ve been meaning to write you. Not much has changed that I can think of so it might be short.

You’re gonna be 3 soon and I’m excited to see how far you have come. Still not talking a lot but you are trying. Gymnastics is going well and we have you signed up for soccer.

You just got back from LA and I think you had a lot of fun. I stayed back cuz I had to work but I did miss you!!!

You had some visitors last week with my mom and uncle Mike so it was cool to see you interact with them. You are definitely loved and a blessing to all of us.

Z I love you and I can’t wait for you to express yourself and have even more fun with everyone.

BTW we did go to Santa Cruz 2 weeks ago and you loved it, I loved it and it was so much fun for us to see you smile and to see your growth.

There are times when I look at you and think back like damn he almost didn’t make it. You were 3 ponds 8 oz I believe. You’re first birthday was chill and your second birthday was here at Castelton and now your third might be small with just the family but I promise once you have this year underneath you and you get some more friends will invite them all over for papas and apple juice. ( that’s your diet)

Aite Z I’m gonna get ready for bed now too so I’ll talk to you later.

Daddy loves you!

Zizou,

Yesterday we swam for the first time and it was amazing. We had a mini vacation in Palm Springs and it was cool because you had a life jacket and learned kind of how to swim. It was also the first day of the World Cup. Today was a great day tho we swam again and I didn’t have to worry too much about you because you were moving and swimming in your own.

We watched Portugal vs Spain and probably one of the best players to play the game C. Ronaldo play and score 3 goals. Beautiful

Anyways Z I’m trying to go to sleep. Love you to the moon and back. Mommy and I are very proud of you!!

Zebastian!!

We’re going to the world cup together in 8 years!! I’m happy and thankful that I’ll be able to share this experience with you and your grandfather Miguel and if you have another sibling he or she will come too!! My dad took me in 1994 and we watched Russia vs Cameron and I seen some guy score 5 goals in a game which was insane. I wanted to do that as soon as I got back home and playing and I did when we played in some league in Stockton. It was cool and a memory that I’ll never forget.

We’re going down south tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited to have this mini vacation with the family. It’s gonna be Father’s Day on Sunday and I’m happy to be able to spend it with you. It’s gonna be a big day for me and a day that I’m sure I’ll never forget. You bring us all so much happiness and joy that you might not ever understand.

Anyways just wanted to say hello and I miss you!!

You’re gonna make it and I’ve said it since the first day you were born. You’re a fighter and a miracle!!

Love you,

Daddy

Zebastian,

First off I’m sorry for not writing you and keeping you posted on what’s been going on in our lives.

I recently graduated from my academy and that’s what’s been taking up all of my time and energy. This was the first time where I was really really proud of myself for accomplishing something because it was for you and your future. I’m one step closer to becoming full time and I couldn’t have done it with out you and mommy. Mommy has stepped it up a lot and I was obviously very happy with her because it was a sacrifice that you both made in order for me to do this.

My other job is over with and I’m happy that it is. I moved from my coordinator job to here to spend time with you and I knew it wasn’t going to last but I’m happy that it bought me enough time to be with you as much as I was.

We haven’t had a lot of things happening since the last time I wrote you. I think Easter which y’all spent down south but it was for y’all to spend time with your tata. We had your Grandpa David’s birthday the other day and he loved it. We went to the mission where mommy and daddy took pictures and it was really nice. We are very blessed to have them and to have had such an amazing weekend.

Today is game 3 of the Warriors vs Cavs and will watch it at home.

Other then that papa everything is A okay.

I love you very much and I can’t wait to hear that little voice inside of you come out.

You’re the love of our lives and couldn’t be happier with the young boy you are becoming.

Love and Respect,

Daddy

Z,

What’s good papa!? Well this is gonna be a short one. Just wanted to say hi and let you know that I love you and that you have a lot of people who love you. Right now Tia Diana is back for spring break and she’s spending a lot of time with you. I’m going on spring break and will be spending a lot of time with you too so I’m happy about that.

You have been sleeping around 11:30 every night because you been taking 2 hour naps around 4 or so.

Overall you are doing good. You are wearing some Js right now 4’s and aqua 8’s. I would think damn why am I buying these for him he only wear super comfy shoes like your nikes or pumas but they look good on you.

Mommy is doing good and she’s madly in love with you and it’s cool when we go to sleep we kiss you then you bring us both in to kiss you and it’s our routine when we go to sleep.

So far so good with your speech too you are saying more words and I’m very proud of you. I can’t wait to hear your little voice speak more and more.

I’m out papa, I’ll make sure to write you more next time.

Love You!!

Daddy

Papa,

I love you. You make everyday a blessing and I love waking up to you and mommy. I haven’t been around much cuz I’ve been grinding but I’m doing it for you and mommy. We wanna go on a vacation and we wanna have you there with us. I’m moving fields and am doing so with a heavy heart but doing it so I can spend time with you.

It’s been awhile since you used your chupon. We are slowly getting rid of the bottle and are gonna hopefully potty train you too. Your speech is coming along too.

We all watched COCO by the way and mommy and I cried. I cried because of my grandma and grandpa and my Tio. It made me think of them and how much they loved the family. It’s not easy but it’s the thing that I am the most scared of. That’s why I am writing you so that you know exactly how I think and why I do the things I do. My love for you papa is beyond words or items that I can buy you. I just want you to be humble and appreciate all the sacrifices that we’ve made for you.

Sorry that was off the topic but you love COCO and we bought you the guitar and you’re playing it but I give you a month before you break it or break something.

Okay papa well I love you to the moon and back and you’re getting big, hella long and strong and athletic.

Love you papa!

Love,

Daddy

Z,

I haven’t written you in over a month. Things are good. I’m busy and you are growing fast. I love you with all my heart and I hope you know it.

Let’s see, I had my birthday and you were asleep but I woke you up to blow out the candles.

You gave up your chupon with mommy’s help and are now talking a little More so that’s a good sign.

We went to Disneyland a few week ago and that was awesome.

Things are good overall. Your grandpa came to see you last week and he finally got to see the house. He has surgery and is now recovering.

Your grandma Paula had a scare that would have knocked me on my ass. Just makes me appreciate everything she’s done for me and how far I’ve came. She’s the rock to the family and I know if we would have lost her she would have been missed by everyone.

Anyways it’s short but I wanted to keep you up to date with what’s going on.

I will be better at keeping you posted papa. Love you!!

Daddy

What’s up Papa?!?!?!?

Well it’s January 6th I believe and I have not written to you in quit sometime. I’m good overall papa, life is crazy and I’m grateful that I have you in mine. You are in this fun stage called terrible twos. We recently went to El Centro where we hung out and you played with your cousins. We had a boring New Years. We got home on the 31st and crashed out before 11pm.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was good. We got to hang out in the 209 for the day where we got to see your grandma and grandpa and Lolie. You were good and they were happy to see you. Christmas Eve we were in salinas and just laid low. We opened gifts and ate some food and might have had a few drinks. You are more aware of the lights and Christmas spirit. We didn’t take you to take a picture with Santa because we know how you get and I don’t think mommy and daddy wanted to put you in that situation or get mad at ourselves for taking you. So next year you are going.

You are talking a little more now, you are definitely more independent but it makes me sad and happy that you are becoming your own person. Sad that you don’t need us as much as you did before and happy that you are gaining confidence and becoming your own crazy little person. Speech therapy has helped and everyone involved who is helping with your development.

We call you our sour patch kid cuz you are so sweet but so crazy. You run with the bottle/apple juice or anything that you are drinking and spill it everywhere then give hugs and kisses to us. It’s like how can we be mad at you?

I’ve been on break now for 3 weeks and I’m sad AF that I’m going back to work. You are a handful and get me exhausted but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I feel like we have a special connection and it’s something that I cherish and love. I feel like there’s nothing you can do that can make upset. EVEN when you throw my phone, the remote, yourself and hit us although it’s an accident I still can’t get mad at you or say anything because you will grow out of it I hope eventually.

Anyways Zebastian I love you and hope that you are happy because mommy and daddy try very hard to make sure you are a happy baby.

I love you!

Z,

I’m gonna make this short and I’m gonna catch up post soon too I promise. 

Today’s is mommy and daddy’s anniversary and it’s been an amazing 3 years. 

Today was a good day for me as I got to see you grow with your speech and I enjoy everything about you and what you bring mommy and I. 

I always want you to remember to fight Z. Fight for what you believe and fight for what’s right. Closed mouths don’t get fed so use your voice and always be humble. My boy Frank (Daniel) told me the other day stay hungry stay fed and we would use those words growing up but it reminded me to think back to my Stockton days and my playing days that you gotta stay hungry and you gotta stay focused so stay hungry Z. 

Life is too short and too beautiful to be down so please have a positive attitude like your moms and not like mine because my attitude and passion are my biggest faults but also my biggest attributes. 

Okay Z I’m going off here so I’m gonna let you go from reading this crap but remember that mommy and daddy love you. 

Gabby,

Today was a hard day for the both of us but we got each others backs and we get one another. I loved our dinner and I loved that we just chilled. I’m looking forward to the weekend and celebrating one another’s perseverance. 

Love you both to the moon and back!!

Daddy