'Tis Better To Give

If you are looking for a great personalized gift for Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, bdays, or really just anything, might I suggest a custom coffee tumbler. This is easy, inexpensive, and so fun to make! Not to mention very useful for the lucky receipient. I've made a couple for Jose (a major coffee guy), and this year for Father's Day I decided to make one for my dad using pictures of our family, his kids and grandkids.

Target sells these tumblers for about $10. Once you pick that up, all you need is some pictures, maybe some fun stickers, and I like to get my own scrapbook paper from a craft store (as opposed to using the template that will be provided). Put everything together, slip it in the tumbler (the bottom screws off, and you insert your work in between the outer plastic and the inside), and BAM! You've got yourself a one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one. xxoo

PS. My dad loves his! :)

Heart Walk 2012

On Saturday June 9th, Jose, Joaquin and I participated in the Congenital Heart Walk. The walk, put on by the Adult Congenital Heart Association, took place in Oakland and was a 5K that took us all the way around Lake Merritt. Not only was this a fun event, it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning, and the weather could not have been more perfect!
Our team from Mended Little Hearts of Silicon Valley was definitely the largest there, and I am so proud to say we raised over $16,000 for congenital heart research! There were plenty of other teams there as well, overall it was so wonderful to see so many people come out to walk and support CHD research and awareness.

Our team!

Co-coordinators: Myself, and "Heart Mom" Heather <3

My little man, modeling our lovely shirts

Speaking on behalf of our team before the race starts. Cue the nerves!!

So happy to always have my little family by my side :)

Memorial Weekend Outings

One of the reasons I love living in the Bay Area is there is always something to do... Whether it be an event, museum, theme park, sight-seeing, you name it... and being able to enjoy it through the eyes of a child makes just everything that much sweeter (even if it is a huge production just to get out the door when an 18 month old is involved).
On May 27th, the Golden Gate Bridge turned 75 years old. Naturally, there was a big festival thrown so Joaquin and I met up with Heather and Rob, and headed down to Fort Mason/Crissy Field to say "Happy Birthday" in person.

I am slightly obsessed with the "toy camera" effect on my new Canon

Soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Batzloff

Go Niners! (even though I am forever surrounded by Raiders fans!)

Me and my little man at the Golden Gate Bridge :)

The following day, we were lucky to have a day to spend with Jose, and decided to check out the San Ramon Wind Festival. Growing up, the Wind Festival was one of my mom's favorite events, and we used to go every year. I was very excited to share this little tradition with my own family.

Train ride #1

Big Slide!! The boys went on this ride as well

Train ride #2 (that little girl talked my ear off the whole time. So cute:) )

xxoooxxoo

History Lesson

Wow, what a busy couple of weeks it has been! Summer is definitely kicking off to a great start, with lots to do and tons of fun things filling up my calendar. I realize I'm a little late on finishing up blogging about my trip to Dallas, since it happened almost three weeks ago, but there is just one more thing I HAVE to tell you about, and that is pretty much the only site-seeing I did. We had our Friday morning free, so a bunch of us girls decided to walk down to Dealy Plaza and the Texas School Book Depository. Sound familiar? That is because it is the site of one of the most significant moments in US history - The assassination on JFK. Dealy Plaza is what the motorcade was travelling around, and the book depository is where Lee Harvey Oswald sat as he shot the president (the last window on the sixth floor, to be exact). Now the book depository acts as a museum on JFK and the events surrounding the assassination. We went up to the sixth floor, which is the main part of the museum. Just being up there was so eerie yet fascinating. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take pictures inside the building, but I did manage to snap photos of the outside, where it all took place.


Texas School Book Depository

Closer view of the sixth floor window, the top one in the picture, with the window slightly opened

The "Grassy Knoll". Also, if you look close enough you may be able to see the X's on the ground. There are two of them, marking the exact spots where JFK was when the bullets hit him.

Dealy Plaza

Other side of Dealy Plaza, with the book depository in the background

JFK Memorial

I also feel like I need to mention a wonderful book I read that is about the JFK assassination. It's a little bit science fiction, a little bit historical, and a whole lot of amazing. The book is 11/22/63 by Stephen King. Although this is a fictional novel, King did a lot of research about the assassination and even traveled to Dallas to make it as factual and realistic as possible. Having read it a few months ago, it was that much more fascinating to actually be there after reading so much about it and building my own version in my imagination. While I don't really have a desire to go back to Dallas, I am so glad I got to experience this and would very much recommend it to anyone wanting to see a truly historical, emotional, and important place in America. xxoo

Deep In The Heart of Texas

Last week I ventured down to the one and only Dallas, TX for the Mended Little Hearts national convention. Travelling sans baby and husband was much easier, but it also made for a looooonnngggg flight. I'm pretty sure it took about 19 hours to get to Fort Worth International from SFO (ok so it was only 4). Anyways, I was quite nervous to leave my guys for four days, but once I got to Dallas and realized how busy we were going to be over the next few days (and nights), I was able to relax and focus on all the awesome new people I was going to meet and of course lots of leadership training for MLH.

The training was great. I learned so much about the organization, and about Congenital Heart Defects. Did you know that more children die each year from a CHD, than from all forms of childhood cancers combined? And about 1 in 110 babies are born with a CHD? Pretty scary stuff. As sad as these facts are, it is so great to be a part of a group that is working so hard to spread awareness, advocacy and support for this extremely worthy cause. 

It was kind of surreal for me to be among so many "heart moms". Being a CHD survivor myself, I loved hearing everyone's stories, and being able to tell mine. Some stories were happy, some were heartbreaking, but all were powerful and inspiring. 

It wasn't all business though. Remember, most of the participants of the convention are busy moms and wives, and being away from home/husbands/kids meant it was time to blow off some steam and let a little loose! After the meetings were done each day it was time to hit the town, Dallas style! We enjoyed delicious BBQ at Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse, went (mechanical) bull riding at Trophy Room, experienced some real cowboy line dancing at Cowboys Red River, and somewhere along the way we were able to get our own limo driver for the weekend! xxoo

Our Mended Hearts logo in the lobby of the Hyatt, Dallas                                                                                                                                                                                              

Me and our Silicon Valley lead coordinator, Andrea

That's a nice pair of hooters! - Outside of Hooters in Dallas      

Just a few of the awesome ladies I met. I'm already excited to see them all again  next year!

With our limo driver, Coley and the stretch Hummer limo!

A New Bundle

Ok, so I have a TON to blog about... Mostly having to do with my awesome trip to Dallas. But first, I have to give a shout-out to my new little nephew! Collin William Mitre was born this morning, weighing a hearty 8lbs 10oz. It makes me a little sad that I won't be able to meet him until September, but I can't wait to see pics and video of this new little guy via Facebook/text/YouTube (hooray for modern technology). xxoo

Mama and baby... I think it's love at first sight! 

Mother's Day at the Chalet

I think this Mother's Day was the first year I really celebrated as a Mother. Last year, Joaquin was only 5 months old and we had just gotten back from a long trip to North Carolina, so I'm pretty sure we both slept all day. This year, however I knew I wanted to do something special but low-key. The morning started with a visit to Jose's Abuelita's house for some coffee and delish pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread). Then, we made our way to The Lake Chalet on Lake Merritt in Oakland. I had never been here before but had heard some great things, and it did not disappoint! Great atmosphere, and the scenery is gorgeous! It used to be a boathouse, so it is right on the lake. Apparently they also have gondola rides that you can take around the lake, we will definitely have to go for that next time (perhaps sans baby). Brunch was amazing, I devoured my "breakfast corn dog" (sausage dipped in pancake with powdered sugar and syrup), and savored every bite of my crab and asparagus omelet. Wash it down with a couple mimosas I was one happy mama!

The rest of the day was spent shopping, relaxing, visiting with friends and family, and some In-N-Out for dinner, since I didn't feel like cooking. All and all, a very Happy Mother's Day to me! xxoo

Love to L.O.V.E.

Since I went, oh, a year without blogging, I feel like from time to time I need to back track and post about things that happened during my hiatus. One of these things was mine and Jose's Christmas gift to each other - a trip to Vegas! So here we go...
This year as I was thinking about what I could possibly want for Christmas, it dawned on me that I really didn't want anything. I mean, sure I could think of things if I really tried but nothing seemed enticing enough to ask Jose to buy me. And since I was having trouble figuring out what to get him as well, I offered up this suggestion: we forego presents and instead treat ourselves to a trip to Vegas. And since my birthday is just two weeks after Christmas (Jan 4), it doubled as my bday gift.

Vegas in January is the way to go (as long as you're not itching to lay by the pool all day). It wasn't hot out at all, and it was so cheap! We only went for 2 days, and didn't have a lot planned so it was nice to just relax, party a little bit, and spend time together. The only thing really on our agenda was to go see L.O.V.E., the Cirque de Soleil Beatles show. Being a huge Beatles fan, I had been wanting to see this show FOREVER! I've had the soundtrack for a couple of years now, and I love it. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. There was a point in the opening number where I actually teared up, I was so excited! Jose loved it too, the first thing he said when it was over was, "I can't wait to see that again." I hope we do get to see it again someday soon!

All and all, I have to say that a trip to Vegas with your honey is a must. And if you can swing it, go see L.O.V.E. It's super expensive but worth every penny, and something you are guaranteed to never forget. xxoo

All dressed up and ready to rock!

Outside of the L.O.V.E. theatre

Little Trip to the Big Tomato

Hello all you blog enthusiasts! Well this past weekend was a busy one. Since Jose has been working every weekend for the past few months, I try and find ways to keep myself and the little man entertained when he's not here. This weekend, we took a little road trip up to Sacramento to visit my friend Kimberlyn. Kim is someone who I have know for almost ten years now. She was one of my 5 roommates while studying abroad in London (when I was 19), and lucky for us we have managed to stay in touch over the years.
So off to Sac-Town we ventured on Friday afternoon. I guess we beat traffic, because we really didn't hit any until we actually got IN Sacramento. After arriving at Kim's house we decided to have a nice night in with pork tacos and some white wine. Mr. Sanchez Jr. was a bit of a pill to put to bed, but that is to be expected in a strange place with lots of new things to discover. Once he was finally out for the night, it was so nice to just be able to sit with Kim, drink some wine, and catch up on each other's lives....

...Enter the next morning, where it became clear as day to me that I should no longer participate in the consumption of white wine (maybe all wine, but the jury is still out on Syrah). The past 2 times I have gotten even a slight buzz off white wine, I have woken up sicker than sick and this was no exception. And when I say sick, I don't just mean your average run-of-the-mill hangover. I'm talking can't keep anything down (not even water), throwing up your empty stomach, hurts to lay down and stand up kind of sick. Very food poisoning-esque. Anyways, after a full morning of that drama, and dear Kim was so sweet to watch/take care of Joaquin while I recovered, I finally started to feel better around 4pm. We decided to hit the town of Old Sacramento for a little Cinco De Mayo fun!

Old Sac is a great place, so cute with so many little shops to explore. After enjoying some pizza (the only thing that sounded good to me at the time), we wandered the cobblestone streets and got to observe Sacramento party people of all kinds. There were (of course), many people out to celebrate Cinco De Mayo, as well as the kids having their high school prom near by, who were for some reason roaming the streets in their prom dresses and tuxes. It was a little odd, but so fun to see the "kids" all dresses up. We got back to Kim's house that night pretty tuckered out and ready to just chill and watch Bridesmaids (she had never seen it!). Joaquin slept better the 2nd night, which was awesome, as we both needed a good night's sleep.

When we got home Sunday afternoon, we were both pretty exhausted. Joaquin went straight upstairs for a nap, and I continued to recover from my Friday night stupidity. :) All and all though, I would say it was a pretty successful trip, I look forward to hanging out with Kim again, and for the days when Joaquin is old enough to be able to enjoy the state capitol is all it's glory :) xxoo

Family Photo Fun Time

We took these pics with Jose's iPhone the other day at the zoo while waiting for the train. xxoo

Koo in the Zoo

On Tuesday Jose and I took Joaquin on a trip to the Oakland Zoo for the first time. I should note that it was also my first trip to this particular zoo, and I loved it! It's quiet and small enough to get through in a few hours, yet they have a great variety of animals and things to do. And the habitats are BEAUTIFUL! Who would've thought there was such a perfect home for lions, tigers and bears in the Oakland Hills?! There will definitely be many more trips in the coming months (and years), it will be fun to see Joaquin's reaction to all the animals as he gets older. This time, he was very happy to visit everyone and loved to wave and say "Hiiiii" to each animal he saw. :) xxoo



Work It, Girl!

Since having Joaquin things have not been so great on the workout front. It's hard to find the time or energy to get a good workout in, and honestly, most days it is the last thing on my mind. But, I do want to get in shape. Despite being told that I look thinner than I did before I was pregnant, the sad truth is that I am still carrying about 15 lbs of baby weight (although at this point, I don't think I can technically call it "baby weight"...it's just me), mostly in my mid-section. They say after you have a baby your body is just never quite the same, but I refuse to believe this spare tire is here to stay.

I have recently taken on a new attitude when it comes to working out, which is I do it whenever and where ever I can. This means I don't necessarily have to get all gussied up in a sports bra, sweats and tennis shoes. If I'm laying around playing with Joaquin, I bang out some sit-ups. I take advantage of nice days by taking a stroll with my little man. And, everyday (for the past 5 days now), I do the 4-minute workout (thank you, Pinterest!). It's tough, it kicks my butt, and it's only 4 minutes! Plus I can do it while Joaquin plays right next to me. His favorite move is the high knees, he loves to try and do them with me. :) I downloaded an interval timer to my blackberry, and it's all the equipment I need. Hopefully I can continue to this daily routine, boost my metabolism and tame this tummy!  xxoo

Take Me Out to the A's Game

This weekend we headed to O.co Coliseum in Oakland watch the A's play for the first time this season. Last year, despite Joaquin being only 4-9 months old, we managed to make it out to about 5 games which is pretty good... hopefully this year we'll get to even more.
Since Joaquin was so young last season, this was the first game he's been to where I think he has truly been able to enjoy himself. He got to walk around the parking lot before the game, making friends with his fellow A's tailgaters, explore the ballpark and browse the Team Store. He even made friends with the people sitting behind us. They were such big fans of him, he ended up sitting with them for a couple of innings, and he loved it! I am really looking forward to taking him to more games this season, and hitting up his first fireworks game! xxoo

Happy Anniversary, Fenway!

Today marks 100 years since the opening of baseball's oldest standing ballpark. Fenway, in Boston is home to the Boston Red Sox, and in my opinion a national treasure. Jose and I were fortunate enough to attend a game here three years ago while in Boston for my brother's wedding, and I have to say it's by far my favorite ballpark I've been to (beating out even Wrigley Field in Chicago, the 2nd oldest ballpark). There is just something so amazing about being in such a historic place, especially in Boston where they take their baseball very, very seriously. From the thick Bostonian accents gently trash talking fans of the opposite team (we were sitting in front of some very drunk, very witty Sox fans, who were able to be loud without being annoying or hostile), to the tradition of singing Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" during the 8th inning (SO GOOD, SO GOOD!), it was a baseball experience I will never forget. Although we are not Red Sox fans, you can't deny the energy here is contagious. Definitely a must for any baseball fan's "Baseball Stadium Bucket List".

In other news, it's hot as hell outside and I love it! I am soooo ready for summer and for our first A's game of the season tomorrow! Happy Friday! xxoo