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The Day My Life Changed Forever

It’s been about three months since I gave birth to our son. It has been such an emotionally overwhelming, difficult but beautiful experience! So much has happened in the last three months that I could write a whole book about it! It’s crazy how life changes in an instant. I love being a mom and every day brings new challenges. I would like to take this opportunity and share how it all went down the day our baby boy decided to join us. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this story too! Ready for this long post? Here we go…

On Monday June 8th 2015 I headed out to work just like every other day. My thoughts were on my husband, Frankie Frankie “FF”, and the importance of that day for his career. It was the first day of the 2015 MLB Draft. (For more info on the story behind my hubby’s career and how it affects the family you can click on this link here). He had already been in Arizona for two weeks at the Draft Meetings preparing for this big day and this was it. For all the marbles. All he needed were these three more days in Phoenix, AZ to start and finish the official MLB draft. I took a look at my maternity bag on the floor next to my bed but opted not to take it with me this time. (Of course). You think you know where this story is going…?? Read on…

Continue reading “The Day My Life Changed Forever”

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On Pregnancy…

Holy $!&% At any time now, my life could be forever changed. I can become a mother in the blink of an eye. One day I’m just doin’ my thing and the next, I have a son. This is mind-blowing to me and unreal.

I can’t complain. I’ve had a really good pregnancy. It’s been a wonderful journey and now I’m 38 weeks and nearing the end if it all. I have to admit that while I am looking forward to the rest of our lives with our future son, it hasn’t really hit me yet and it won’t until that baby is in my arms and life suddenly takes on a new meaning.

It hasn’t been the easiest several months though. Life has a way of coming at you like a freight train at times and you just have to go with the flow and deal with it.

Since I haven’t checked-in in a while, I’ll give you a brief summary of each trimester (from what I can remember)…

First Trimester

Finding out  I was pregnant was funny and exciting. We didn’t believe the pregnancy test at first because we needed more than blurred pink line. So when FF went out to get another pregnancy test he decided it was a good idea to buy 4 more just to be 100% sure. lol! Hunger and sleep took over my life during my first trimester. I wanted food at all times (at least 5 big meals a day) and I was falling asleep at 7pm and then waking up at 4am with insomnia on some days. I didn’t get tired during the day, but by the time I got home I was out like a lamp. My nose would bleed every now and then and I was thirsty all the time.  Morning workouts were fewer and much shorter. Forget about nighttime workouts. I was too busy eating and falling asleep on our apartment couch. My bump was not evident at any moment during my first trimester. We also didn’t announce our pregnancy until the end of the first trimester and of course, everyone was excited.

About 2.5 months pregnant
About 2.5 months pregnant
Our Baby Announcement during Thanksgiving weekend
Our Baby Announcement during Thanksgiving weekend

Continue reading “On Pregnancy…”

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We Bought a House!

I’m sure you’ve heard that buying a home can be very stressful. We just went through the arduous process of buying a home on a short sale which made this process even more difficult. We waited 7 months for this house and finally closed on February 2015. We couldn’t be happier. We have yet to move in, but at least we can call ourselves homeowners. That’s one dream I can check off my list!

We had been researching the market for about 1.5 years and when we were finally ready to start looking, we already had a very good idea of what we wanted and what we could afford. This made the actual home search much easier. If you’ve never bought a home before but you’re looking into it, I have some tips below. If you are not looking for a home now, but want to read a bit more about our experience then you are welcome to read on. Continue reading “We Bought a House!”

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Shifting Gears

Hello 2015!

Well hello there! It’s been a very long while!! Lots to talk about and wonderful things to share.
This blog became a huge part of my life for about a year and a half and after starting a new job in June of 2014 I purposely stopped blogging. Why? My priorities shifted and blogging was not in the forefront. That leads me to this post’s topic…

 

Priorities and goals can change. Have you noticed that sometimes we insist on focusing our time and energy on following through with certain goals that no longer make us feel excited and happy? Instead they feel like an obligation. This can happen with small situations like making green smoothies on a daily basis, to more significant life-altering events such as a career change. The instant you feel that pressure weighing you down, then that’s the moment when you have to decide if continuing to pursue that goal is worth your time and energy. While your answers may vary, it is only you who can make that decision.

Continue reading “Shifting Gears”

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How One of My Songs Helped a Young Girl Heal

You’ve probably heard the saying “Music Heals”, right? Well, I want to share with you something that recently touched my heart. The next paragraphs will tell you how Naem, an inspiring 27-year-old girl from Medellín, Colombia found the courage to fight for her voice by using one of my songs, and in turn taught me a lesson or two. I can feel my throat tightening already…

Continue reading “How One of My Songs Helped a Young Girl Heal”

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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Monster Cookies

Hi everyone!

Have you tried oatmeal chocolate chip cookies before? If you haven’t, you are missing out! Store bought cookies are good but they don’t come close to the fresh-off-the-oven taste of the homemade version. When I came across this recipe in the December issue of Coastal Living magazine, I just had to make it! This yields about 18 large cookies, hence “monster” in the recipe name. I’m sure you’ll want to try it at home! Here it is peeps! Continue reading “Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Monster Cookies”

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Becoming a Baseball Wife

If you had told me more than 10 years ago that I would marry into baseball, I wouldn’t have given it much thought. My husband, FF, and I have been together for 9 years… 2 of those as a married couple. We are now entering our 6th baseball season together and I have to say, it is definitely not an easy thing to get used to. FF is an amateur baseball scout, which means he goes to high schools and colleges searching for potential professional talent. This wasn’t what he thought he’d end up doing in life, but when the recession hit back in 2008, his Masters in Religious Studies and Asian Philosophy wasn’t working for him… so he decided to go back to the sport that was ingrained in him and that lived in his blood since he was born: Baseball. Continue reading “Becoming a Baseball Wife”

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10 Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas

It’s not too late!

Valentine’s day might be a “Hallmark Holiday” but I think it is a great way to say I love you to those that matter most to you. Saying positive and feel-good things is never a bad idea. In case you haven’t planned anything yet, here are some last minute ideas that might help you out no matter what your relationship situation is. Oh and you know what? I also made a playlist on Spotify of lovy dovy songs to share with you! Check it out HERE! Continue reading “10 Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas”

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Ask and You Shall Receive

Hello February!!

In the spirit of the month of LOVE I want to share with you a very special video titled “Me enamoré” or “I Fell in Love” from a young Puerto Rican singer. It shows how the simple act of asking for what you want can get you exactly that. Jose Alfredo (@josealfredorock) was bold enough to send me a message through Twitter with a special request. He got my attention then one thing led to the next and I ended up being part of his music video! Isn’t that cool?! All hail to the power of social media! The video also includes the generous participation of other local talent. We are all lip synching to his song and had so much fun doing it! You can watch the video for yourself below!

Here’s to being Bold & Creative! Have a wonderful day!

What has been your biggest, boldest move?? Tell me all about it in the comments section or via Social media. Links below.

Thanks for reading! ¡Abrazos!

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‘Tis the Season for Giving

Hi everyone!

The holiday season brings lots of festivities, food and shopping but it also brings a lot of generosity. It is during this season that we reflect upon our blessings and then pay it forward by giving back to those less fortunate. Read below to see how you can make a child’s Christmas a little brighter this holiday season.Space Coast Credit Union

A FAMILY COMES TOGETHER AMIDST TRAGEDY TO GIVE BACK TO OTHERS

 December 9, 2013 (Miami, FL)- On December 9, 2008, the Garcia family suffered the devastating loss of their son, Kevin Garcia as a result of a car accident. Kevin was just 17 years old, a senior in high school, with a bright future ahead of him. At the time of Kevin’s death, the family was inspired to request toys instead of flowers for his funeral. Kevin’s friend’s and family responded overwhelmingly to this request by filling a truck full of toys to benefit the patients of Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital. Since that initial toy drive, the efforts made by his family and friends has evolved into what is now the Kevin Garcia Foundation.

The Kevin Garcia Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help at risk children and teenagers overcome economic barriers so they can achieve healthier, more productive lives. In addition to it’s annual toy drive, the foundation has also established a scholarship fund to benefit students that excel academically and in athletics, as well as sponsoring other nonprofit organizations such as Amigos For Kids, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Wonderfund.

When asked what inspired her to commit her life to this effort, Kevin’s mother responded with the following;

“In the 11th grade, Kevin was asked to write an essay about who he would be if he could be anyone in history and why. His answer was Elvis Presley, and his reason was quoted from one of his favorite childhood movies, The Sandlot: “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”. Establishing the Kevin Garcia Foundation is our next step in spreading the legend of Kevin’s love, hope, and joy to as many people as possible. Kevin did not have money, power or fame, but he had what every human aspires to achieve in a lifetime: The ability to touch another person’s soul.“

The Kevin Garcia Foundation is currently preparing for their 5th annual toy drive on Saturday December 14th at Porcão (901 SE 1st Ave). This year, the foundation is happy to welcome the efforts of Space Coast Credit Union as corporate sponsors in support of the cause. From now until Dec 22nd, all Space Coast Credit Union branches in Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade counties will serve as drop off locations for new and unwrapped toys that the foundation will then deliver to Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital on Christmas Day.

 For more information on the Kevin Garcia Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation visit, www.kevingarciafoundation.com. For a list of participating Space Coast Credit Union branches please visit: www.sccu.com.

Thank you for reading! Have you donated your time, money or goods this season? Tell me all about it! ‘Tis the season for giving!

Signature_Zania(Please note this is not a sponsored post. I will gladly share any charitable event or promotion as long as I believe in the cause and support the people/companies behind it. The article was not written by me. I’m just the mediator).