What up Z,

Right now you are in bed crashed out. You had a long day but still managed to jump around the house,throw all of your toys on the floor, leave your golf bag in the hallway and still managed to kind of boss us around. It’s my fault that you are sick as I had a cold the last few days. I am feeling better and am hoping that you are able to bounce back just as fast. Mommy is kind of sick too so it’s all my fault. 

Yesterday I went to the store and I was approached by a young man asking for help for a mother and baby. I was like wtf what did you do you know cuz they’re some con artist out there but I spotted them as I walked into the grocery store and I immediately thought of us and our situation. I bought items that we needed then I bought the lady and baby some food/snacks. I thought what would Z like or what would he want to eat and I got them bananas, cookies, milk and a sandwich and maybe some more cookies. Point is I want you to always find it in your heart to help others and appreciate everything that you have and what we have sacrificed for you. I’m all about giving back because I was poor growing up and in college so I know the struggle so please papa be great full and love your neighbor and treat others the way you want to be treated. 

Overall papa everything is good, I’m gonna shower and get ready for bed since it’s almost midnight. I hope you are sleeping with the angels!! 

Okay last thing: we went to the mountain winery where mommy and daddy got married and had a great time at the Cafe Tacuba concert. It was amazing and I really love that place and I can’t wait for you to go with us one day. We also went to a wedding where papa got to see his friends and it was awesome. I knew I changed when I became your daddy but I knew even more the other day when I didn’t want to go out afterwards because I wanted to sleep with you in the bed. Some people ask why do you let him sleep with you guys in the bed and I say he’s only gonna be this small once and I want to enjoy waking up to him in my bed as long as I can because one day you are gonna be a big boy and have your own bed and then one day go off to college and that’s it. You might not come back home and it’s a wrap, that’s what happened to me and I still get emotional when I think about it. I didn’t think about what was going on and I miss my mom and dad more then they will ever know but it was a choice/decision that worked out but I was still a young baby when I left. 

Anyways papa sorry to get emo on you but I hope you love me the way that I love my parents because they taught me everything I know and I hope to teach you what they taught me and how to be strong and have a strong mentality because they’re haters out there but you gotta be strong and have a lot of heart and empathy for people. 

Okay Z goodnight and I love you!!

Love Daddy

What up Z,

It’s about 11pm and I can’t fall asleep yet. Today is the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attack and 16 years ago I was in high school in Stockton. I remember your grandma told me and I thought to myself damn we’re bout to die. This was some crazy s@!@. I felt like everything stopped but it also showed how compassionate Americans can be but it also sucks that it takes something like that to bring out the empathy in everyone. 

Right now there’s a lot of crazy stuff going on, we had hurricane Harvey and Irma mess up Texas and Florida, Mexico had a huge 8.1 magnitude earthquake and the weather has been crazy. 

This is a very random post but I wanna keep you up to date with what’s going on. 

Let’s see Mommy and I went wine tasting with your Nino and Nina and some family and it was awesome. We had a lot of fun and we enjoyed having some alone time. It was your Mamas 31st b day and we had a lot of fun. 

Z you had a doctors appointment and are doing great, you are behind with your speech but that’ll get fixed since we will be getting you support. It’s a minor setback but it’s all good like I’ve said. I got a lot of confidence in you and I know you will be someone great one day. You make me feel good everyday, you do cry to get your way and throw tantrums and I say it’s okay now but you better not do that when you get older cabron (jk I love you) okay papa, prove’em wrong and don’t be as bad as me and have a chip on your shoulder but believe in yourself and you will do great!

I’m a little side tracked with stuff right now Z but know that I love you and that I’m working hard for you and mama so that I can provide for you and give you everything that you want. I’ve been telling you that you gotta work hard and be appreciative for all of the things that we get for you and that you have when you get older. The reason why I say this is because there are a lot of people who do not have all of the things that we got so we gotta be thankful for everything that we have because it can all be taken away. 

Alright Z sorry this wasn’t the nicest update but I think it’s cuz I’m a little sad with everyone that died on that day and how all of them that passed were not able to go back to their loved ones. After having my own family everything hits me a little harder. I know that my parents wouldn’t want anything to happen to me or you and mama but I think one only knows once they start their own family. That’s when I realized how much my parents loved me and cared for me. 

I’m out Z I love you to infinity and beyond!! 

Love Daddy

What up Zizou,

Right now your mom and tia nena are taking you a bath, I am watching Lone Survivor and thought to myself that I needed to update you on a few things. This movie reminded me of a movie that I watched a few years ago with Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr. Right now I can’t think of the name of the movie but I remember ASNF which I believe stands for A Son Never Forgets. I know it’s random but I hope you never forget what I’ve shown you and what mommy has shown you.

Now to the Solar Eclipse that was on August 21st, 2017. I was able to see it as I was in San Jose doing a test which they allowed us a break to check it out which I thought was cool I was too scared to look up so I looked down the whole time until I got to a spot where I was able to get the glasses and take a look at it. It was pretty cool, I liked it and thought to myself “oh sh$*” Z plays outside and is going to look up and loose his vision because the sun is so strong. I never thought I would say this but I was happy that we lived in Salinas and that it was overcast therefore nobody got to see it which is sad for everyone that lives in Salinas.

Now today you had your doctor visit and you were not feeling it at all. You cried as I felt you knew what was about to go down but you still did good. I was nervous, I was a little emotional because I did not want to see you cry even though it is for your own good mommy and daddy were a little emo. Overall you did well, doctor said that we need to take away the chupon and the bottle which I’ve been wanting to do but it’s hard with you and mommy so i’m like okay well I will let him get away with it since he’s our baby and we want to spoil him so it’s all good. Overall your appointment went well, we do got to get you talking soon and I was a little butt hurt when she said you needed to have 30-50 words by now but I was like whatever this guy can do a bunch of stuff and he is doing perfectly fine but then again I am your dad and I am defensive over you so I now know how parents feel when the doctor or teachers say XYZ it hurts but you got to have thick skin and prove them wrong like how you have been doing since the day that you were born.

Okay Zizou, I think that is all for now! We love you more than you will ever know and we love that you are so loving and caring. BTW you love the minions, elephants, the elephant song and taking up the whole bed, I still have a small tiny space just like I did before and mommy has this huge space with you cuddling next to me 😉 We might go to the 209 this weekend so I am pretty happy about that, I am going golfing with you nino Danny and uncle V, I’m going to take their money I hope if not I will never hear the end of it.

Okay papa, I love you very much and I hope you feel better after getting 2 shots today. You are loved more than you will ever know.

Love you,

Daddy

Hi Zebastian,

Well you’re officially 2 and the day is coming to an end. You woke up late around 8:45am but you woke up with a smile and I feel like you knew this was a special day. 

We had breakfast as a family and went outside to play with the water which you sprayed all over me. It was like oh $!?+ but I got over it as I could tell you were having fun and it was just water and not to cold so it was okay. After that mommy changed you and we left for the park, keep in mind you have only been up for a few hours and you took an hour nap as we left to the park. You slept for an hour and then you woke up and we played for a little bit. I took you up a little hill and as we were going to walk down your mommy goes put him down. I was hesitant but was like okay I’ll be behind him and then boom you started to run and that’s what I feared. You ran fast and then boom you fell and rolled a few times. I was mad because I knew that was going to happen but you popped up laughed and continued to play. I think it bothered me more that I didn’t protect you then it bothered you. Anyways we laughed it off and you played a little longer then we went to Nob Hills and picked up your birthday cake. 

We went to your grandmas house where mommy showed off the cake and left it on the table not thinking anything of it a few minutes later you got on the chair and started to dip your little finger in the cake and make your yum sound and wow ummmm. We then decided to sing happy birthday and open up presents. 

I came home a little early to read because daddy had homework and then you guys came shortly after. 

Today was special as is everyday with you but it was just a beautiful day to have that smile and laugh make me smile. 

You got a little bruise/scratch so I’m sorry but it was a good day. Madrid vs Barcelona played and Madrid won 3-1 so it was good. 

We went to your grandmas house around 830 and you crashed out. I wish you nothing but sweet and happy dreams and a happy 2nd birthday papa. 

Mommy and daddy love you!
Love Daddy

Z,

You’re asleep after a long day of fun and sun with mommy and me! Yes it’s 10:30pm and you just feel asleep but that’s okay. It would probably be boring if you fell asleep at a decent hour. 

Anyways you are turning 2 years old tomorrow and I’m in a good and sad state of mind. Everything is good and the reason why I’m a little sad is because you’re growing up and your turning/growing into a big boy which I love but it also makes me sad to think that I won’t be able to hold you like I do now. 

Today we woke up early, mommy got Starbucks and got ready and I ate a breakfast sandwich then fell back asleep holding on to you until we woke up again around 830ish. We got ready and headed out to Gilroy Gardens for the first time which was fun!! We got the annual pass since it’s close and we are hoping that you liked it. We think it was a great choice as we had fun and are looking forward to maybe having your 3rd birthday there. We stayed till about 3pm and we went to the water oasis twice, you ate papas and took a mini nap there for a little bit. We stayed until we knew it was going to be nap time for you. 

We left and we were going to be in traffic so I told mommy the baby is asleep do you wanna go the outlets or go to a restaurant and have a few drinks in your honor because you’re the reason why we are celebrating this beautiful day. We had a bomb lunch and drinks then you woke up but it was perfect!! You slept for about an hour and that gave us the time we needed to eat and get a mini buzz, mommy had one but I didn’t. 

I love you more than you will ever imagine and hope that I can be your hero and role model. Z thank you for letting me be your daddy and letting me wake up to you and mommy everyday. You’re everything that I could have ever imagined and more. You have the biggest little heart, the best eyes and facial expressions and the best walk/run/jump and skip out there. 

Thank you papa!! BTW your mom put you in a pair of 4/5 shorts today that she prolly stole from Bella on accident. It was funny and it was just another feather to add to our cap as parents and we have plenty of screw ups to leaving w/o diapers, diaper bag, and a bunch of other ones that I can’t remember right now. 

Okay papa!! Sweet dreams and I can’t wait to wake up to you and that smile and that energy of yours. 

You are turning 2 and you’ve come along ways since being 3 pounds 13 ounces and being in the NICU. 

OKAY IM OUT 

Love you,

Daddy

Zizou,

 

Hi Papa, I hope you are doing well and are loving everything that mommy and I and the family do for you. I have not written you in a long time and I apologize for that. I have no excuses, I have it on my phone and I am on my phone everyday so I need to take a moment and write you.

I am going through a lot of different emotions lately, I had a friend who I went to HS with and have always stayed in contact with recently lose his wife to a sudden death. It’s sad, I am sad for him and for their 18 month old son who will go the rest of his life with out his mommy. It makes me thing about our family and how I would be heart broken if something happened and wouldn’t know what to do but in the case that something were know that your mommy and daddy love you more than you will ever know.

8/6/17

On a different note I loved that we had some family time in the 209 with your grandpa and tia Lolie. We had brunch and we went for a swim at your tia’s house. You were of course shy and were being a little brat but you opened up once we got to Lolie’s house and you saw the water. The water in the beginning was a little cool but once we were in it was good. I loved having you in the pool and seeing that big smile, you got to hang out with Grandpa and you were in his arms playing and splashing water, he got you good too when he splashed water in your face but he quickly came to comfort you and give you kisses.

Disneyland/San Diego Vacation

Well I am back tracking since I haven’t written you and updating you on everything that I can think of since I last wrote you. We went on a mini vacation a few weeks ago and it was fun, we went to Disneyland but before that we were stuck in L.A. traffic and I hate traffic but we got it bad but it was worth it once we got there, we took you on the Dumbo ride since you are into elephants right now and almost all animals we took you on the ride that you liked the last time we went but this time you were not feeling it. We then went to California Adventure where we took you to Bugs Life where you were able to play in the water park thing that they got there. That was cool and you did good, you ran into a kid and got knocked down but you put out your hands and made sure you didn’t hit your face so that was good. Mommy I think panicked and inside I was like Oh $&*( but I tried not to show it and said he’s okay he will get up and sure enough you did. We then went and changed you and got you in a bottle then took you to Carsland which is our favorite, you got to see Cruz, McQueen and a car show, next time we go you can dance next to the car that was lit up. After all that we left to San Diego.

We were in San Diego for a few days where we got to see Wendy, Bella and Matthew. We then went shopping and played outside at the park had some good food and hung out. Our favorite part was taking you to the pool, we were thinking beach since you like the water but I think going to the pool was the best thing since there was a kiddy pool that you got to chill in.

We came home super early and we were happy that we did on that Sunday so that we can get you back on track and in the swing of things since daddy started work on the 31st.

4th of July

We went to the lake with Danny and Becca and family. We only stayed for a night but it was cool since you got to play with your cousins, we went on a boat and you even got on the back of a inner tube thing that was getting a lil scary because you are a baby and you were wearing a life jacket but still I didn’t feel comfortable so I stopped it after a few minutes. You did however once we threw an anchor go in the water and you loved it! You got so dark and crashed out but taking a nap on the boat was not that fun because you were getting air in your face. Before I forgot as we were walking to the dock you of course pulled me to the water and I thought you wanted to get your feet wet and maybe touch the water but you decided to jump in the water so you got wet and got mad because you got water in your face but you were fine after that, I had to carry you so you wouldn’t try and jump again, as we were walking towards the boat Debbie (becca’s mom) dropped the grill in the water, it was funny and something that your mom would probably do lol 🙂

On Sunday we hung out and filled up a little kitty pool and let you guys play while we hung out and watched you guys play. After that we decided that it was nap time and that we should just take off early so that’s what we did, you knocked out right away and we drove home and slept in our bed.

Fathers Day

We went to Mexicali/Calexico to go and see your great grandpa and hang out with the family. You played with Noah and got in the pool, we had a BBQ and just got to hang out. I enjoy when we go down there as it’s hot and it’s a get away. The way that we went was good because we took a couple of stops and we didn’t rush or feel any pressure. Mommy and I got to go to have dinner with Rosa and Coco and it was cool.

 

Overall

Z you are growing so fast and I wish I was not such a little cry baby with you but I can’t help it. I was cleaning your closet out and and putting your 18month old clothes in bags and storing them so that I can show you the style you had when you were a baby but man I can’t believe you are turning 2 in a matter of days. I still remember when I first meet you and the instant bond that I had with you as I was the first person besides the doctors to touch you and you grabbed my finger, hearing your little cry, seeing you in the NICU, seeing you crawl/walk/feed just everything that I wish I could stop time so that I can enjoy the days more with you but I know I can’t and that life is short and I need to love you and care for you so that one day when you become a husband and father you can hopefully pass on everything that I have shown you to your son or daughter one day. Mommy loves you more than she can describe, she loves taking you to the park and giving you bottles which I sometimes hate washing but I love seeing you have one, then you have your chupon which is going to be hard to get rid of but it’s okay, you are only a baby once so I am going to let you do you until it’s time for you to grow up.

Haircut

Your mommy has cut your hair multiple times and I get mad at her for doing it because I like your hair long, curly and blowing in the wind or bouncing when you run. Mommy cut your hair the other day and you move all crazy so she was only able to cut one side so right now you look a little funny with long hair on one side then shorter hair on the other side. I wonder when you will get a real haircut and how mommy and I are going to take it? For now, we will trim your hair in the tub while you are playing but will see when Daddy takes you to get a hair cut like me, maybe clean cut, bald or leave you with your hair flowing.

 

Okay big boy, I love you and I will write you again soon! You are my best friend!

Love you,

Daddy

Hi Z,

The warriors won the championship yesterday and it was awesome! I hope one day if you play sports you and your teammates will play the way that these warriors did. They are all great but they played as ONE and passed the ball, played unselfish ball and it was beautiful to see.

I love you Z and just wanted to share this with you! Monica our friend got you a Curry shirt and you’ve been wearing it and it’s cool because that is your team. I am a laker fan because of Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant but I was an intern with the warriors so I root for them as well but I’m a laker fan first.

Papa I love you so much and I know everyone else does too. You ride a elephant that mama got you when you were probably like 12-14 months and you make noises and are almost talking and I can’t wait for you to officially say Daddy.

Okay Z, I will catch you later since I wanna cuddle right next to you.

Love you,

Daddy

Hola Papa,

Just wanted to write you really quick and tell you about all of the themes/phases that you have gone through in this short time. 1. Disney with Mickey which we still love, 2. Sesame Street which is still in the rotation 3. Zou- you love Zou and we watch that everyday 4. Frozen- you watched that movie for a good 3-4 months. 5. Moana- we love that movie and you still watch it. 6-Cars- this is the current theme and we are making this your room theme and possibly your 2nd birthday theme.

All in all you are spoiled and get everything and anything that your little heart wants. I/We are going to teach you to give back to those who are less fortunate and that time and energy is more important than any materialistic thing out there so Z make sure you give back as much as possible.

Cars 3 is coming out on June 17th, 2017 and we will be in El Centro so maybe we will watch it over there or here when we get back. I am going to be on vacation soon so hopefully we can go when I am on break.

Z, you watch Sing, Cars 1 and 2, Moana, Life of Pets, Frozen, Sesame Street in Spanish, Zou, and I can’t remember any other movies.

BTW Papa gave you my old Car Quest truck and you are now playing with it so that makes me happy and your so beautiful/handsome when you are playing with your cars. You are so innocent and I hope you are enjoying the love that we all share with you everyday.

Okay papa I love you with everything that I have!

Love you,

Daddy

Hello Zebastian,

You are right next to me taking a nap and I am writing you to tell you whats been going on. So I will start with a trip to Stockton to see my Dad and your Grandpa Miguel. We are almost done with the house and I seen my dad the week before at Megan’s graduation where everyone asked about you, this is a good thing because you are loved and although you are far away they all see pictures of you. So during that visit in Sonoma I told my papa that I would see him the next weekend if his scheduled allowed it. We went to Stockton and I loved it and so did you, the sun was out and you were red but enjoying your time. You get very very shy and almost cover up but you then let a little loose like me once you are comfortable. Since it was so hot and we were outside papa asked if we wanted to go to the pool where I used to go and swim with my papa so we said lets go, we were not prepared at all. You did not have a swim suit, sun block or a swimming diaper and I did not have swim trunks so I went in with my shorts on and just said “f” it. You were so happy to see water and this was your first time in a pool so it was cool that I got to swim with you in the same pool that I think I might have learned how to swim. I think it was special for me because I was with my dad and he got to see me as a grown up with my son swimming so it made me happy.

You loved every minute that we were in the pool and I wish we would have had more time/days to be in the water together and I know we will in the future but I am just happy that you love the water as much as I do and I hope that you pass on that to your son or daughter one day if you have a family. After our swim we had some chips and then we went for pizza at Mt. Mikes. We then went to my papas hung out for a little bit and then we came home, you were ready for a nap and we put you as our priority so we do whatever is best for you. I wanted to visit your Godfather Danny since he was leaving to Cabo where we were supposed to go but since the house was not ready and we haven’t moved in we had to cancel. We texted and said that we would see each other when he and the family got back which was nice.

We made it back safely and on time so you could sleep comfortably in your bed/floor and we would be rested to get to work on the house the next day.

Aite Z, I am gonna try and write another post before you wake up so I will write you soon.

Love you!

Daddy

Z,

 

I’ve been busy papa and have a lot of catching up to do. The last time I wrote to you was back in January and I am going to do my best to catch up. In January it was my birthday, I turned 32 and I along with mommy took our second step in trying to buy a home for you. Long story short, we got approved and were on the hunt for a home. I also got an I phone which I did not want to do but I knew I needed it since it was something that I can share photos easier with your grandparents and mommy.

February I went to Portland for work and it was a place that I thought was pretty cool and would like to take you some day. We also got word that we were going to be getting our first home.

March- In March we got the keys to our first home and I have been working on that damn thing ever since. It’s cool though so we are excited and can’t wait. Mommy got what she wanted let’s just put it that way. I think in March we took a family trip to Disneyland which is honestly our happy place. I would have never imagined that mommy and I would love going there so much but we do. We love seeing you smile and running around. I bough you a harness to let you run around free and we got complements but my friends also talked S for me having you on a harness. Katt Williams says some funny stuff about it that I will share with you on here so one day you can look at it.

April- In April we continued to work on the house as well as go to Angela’s wedding to San Diego. Papa it was the best trip and the worst at the same time, it wasn’t that bad but you did cry for like 2 hours for no reason. We think you got scared that we left land and were “shook” but you settled down and it was cool. The day before you were having fun with your cousins and were running around all crazy until we gave you water. I think it went down the wrong pipe and you threw up in which I got scared and so did mommy but we didn’t panic which was good. I picked you up to get a better view and you threw up all over me and I had to throw away my shirt lol. We ended up leaving right after that because I was like nope he has to go home and chill since you had a long day. The next day your grandpa and I took you to a park close to the hotel that you loved, you played in the little playground as well as the water park that was awesome. I love that you love the water and just how much of a free spirit you are. I swear we are all in love with you so much that you will never understand.

May- May was and has been a good month, we have accomplished a lot with the house, we made a room for you upstairs so you can be close to us 🙂 Mothers day was a success, I got mommy flowers and a statue that reminded me of you two! (RANDOM- you had like a week or two where you were falling asleep around midnight and it kicked mommy and I’s butt) Okay back to reality, mothers day was good and May 6th we went to Santa Cruz and had our Acai bowls then were like what do we do? Do we go to the park or do we go to the beach? Home and run errands or chill. We went to the beach and it was the first time in a long time where we had a family day where we spend a lot of time with one another. I go to work straight to the house and work on that until 7 or 8 then shower then chill with you until you go to sleep so it’s been hard on me to not see your or spend that quality time with you but summer is coming and I will be with you all day.

We went to baby V’s birthday and Brayden/Brookies birthday parites in Stockton and it was cool, everyone thinks you look like me which I agree with but you do look like mommy and have her curly hair so I gotta give her some credit even though I don’t do it all the time. We got our butts kicked with allergies and it seriously took us a few day to recover. Right now I am in a meeting and I took this time to get my S together so I can update you on everything.

Aite Z, my bad for not writing you more but I promise that I will update you on how everything is going. I love you more than you will ever know and hope that you love me the same. BTW you are now giving besos almost on demand, you love Zou, Cars, Despicable Me, Madagascar and Planta U (sesame street). You also make cute sounds when you play with your cars and I think you grew up a lot or we seen a different side of you because you were playing on your own and I seen you create stuff and do stuff on your own and your little imagination was running wild which was a happy moment for me but it also made me a little sad because you are growing up so fast.

Z I gotta go now but I love you with all my heart and I can’t wait to see you in a little bit.

Love you papa,

Daddy,