Happy New Year! I hope you all a wonderful end of 2012. For me, what started as a few day’s break to enjoy our holiday traditions of Noche Buena, Christmas morning and holiday travel has turned into a nearly three week social media hiatus. Deliberate at first, as my family was craving more of my attention, I was feeling the need to focus 100% on home. Daddy D was off work for the last two weeks of the year, and although he is supportive of this blog and my time spent online, I wanted him to know that he is my priority. So, I unplugged.
In writing so intently about holiday traditions, building a legacy and positive parenting, I felt it imperative that I display a level of authenticity with my readers (and myself). The holiday craze made blogging difficult to fit in, even if I woke up at 4am to write. Checking Facebook became rare. In truth, texting and phone calls became scarce too. I completely unplugged in order to focus, relish and truly absorb what was happening in front of my eyes – my legacy being built.
Christmas Eve started with Alina and I whipping up a batch of Christmas Cupcakes to leave Santa. It was simple and fun, yet probably my favorite part of the day. After that, I went a bit crazy getting ready for the evening’s festivities. I hosted my second Noche Buena, and with the help of my Sister in Law, prepared an authentic Cuban meal of croquetas, Cuban salad, lechon asado, rice, Cuban black beans, flan and other goodies. One of my closest friends came with her family, too. It was a fun and special evening that I look forward to hosting for years to come.
After dinner, the kids changed into their Christmas PJ’s and opened up presents from family that was there. When I was young, we opened gifts at midnight, but I wouldn’t do that to my babies.
The adults were up well before the kids on Christmas morning. I think we were as excited as they were. I still can’t believe my little man’s first Christmas has come and gone; he will turn a year before I know it! Alina was spoiled this year, receiving a new kitchen and other fun toys. It was truly a great morning…
After opening gifts and a quick stop to family’s, we were in the car for a 300 mile road trip to our hometown in California. Yes, on Christmas day. And if you thought no one would ever think to drive from Vegas to Cali on Christmas day (like I did), you would be wrong. There was so much traffic. The drive took an extra two hours than it regularly does. At least I knew my babies were safe and snug in their Britax car seats.
In addition to visiting family for the holidays, there was one special reason why our family braved the highways. My best friend Jessica, who lives in DC, had her first baby last June and this was the first time I got to meet him. Baby Max is as amazing and perfect as I envisioned him to be. My only wish is that I could have spent more time with him and his mama. It is so comforting for my soul to spend time with an old friend, celebrating her most beloved accomplishment. I love you, Baby Max. Until we meet again, this sweet picture of you puts a smile on my face every time I see it.
We had a ton of fun in California this year. Seems like holiday travel will be a part of our holiday traditions as the kids grow up. It felt like Christmas was extended with more joy, more family, more celebration. We took the kids to the zoo, played with friends, visited with family, bonded with cousins. I took a million pictures, of which I will be sure to share more of. Specficailly of our adventures at the LA Zoo!
But, with all the excitement, I remained unplugged from my blog and social media channels even longer than expected. I was anxious to get home, back into our routine and to my readers.
And then, my baby boy got sick. Very sick.
He’s doing slightly better, but is on a host of medicines and treatments. Alina was NEVER sick as a baby, so its taken our family for a loop. So, unplug I remain until my center feels at peace and balanced with a healthy and happy family. I’m sure you understand.
Do you unplug during the holidays? Or does something else give way so that you can remain connected with the virtual world? Please do tell how you manage to keep connected amidst the chaos!
I don’t have my blog up and running yet but I feel that I unplug from just feeling overwhelmed. It’s so hard for me to focus on other things when my kids are sick. I just accepted that things(the chaos)around the house will get done eventually. I hope your little one gets better soon.
Ophelia
Thanks, Ophelia. Knowing I’m not alone really helps. I try to do it all, but when Sebas got sick, I had to focus. His little body needed all of my attention. Thank goodness he’s feeling better, but sick babies can really pull on your heartstrings. Hope your littles are feeling better, too!