First Father's Day

Isa Mouse
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Today marked my first experience as a celebrant for Father's Day and I gotta tell you I kind of liked it. And it wasn't cos of the free golfball Wolfgang Puck's handed out to all the dads either.

I knew El and Isa would be up to something and it was more evident when El wouldn't leave me alone the night before as I played on the computer online with my older brother. "Are you going to bed yet? It's late and I don't want to sleep alone." I took these poorly executed, sly comments as my cue to go to bed and let her do her thing. It kind of felt like when my mom told us as kids to hit the sack or Santa wouldn't come.
Sure enough I awoke Sunday morning bright and early to find Eleanor missing from bed. I knew she was up to her old tricks, but I would be the gracious recipient and let her finish her preparations for my big day. Sure enough El woke me again at 8am to let me know the water cooler was leaking. I played hard to get. Then she tried nudging me to check on Isa. . Fine, fine I get it. I'll go "check on Isa".

Father's Day Gift
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Yep Isa was still asleep, but there was a brand new desk chair fully assembled in front of my computer along with two presents. Sorry Ricky, but the one from Ikea didn't last three months before it cracked from me rocking back and forth like my old one and had to be replaced. There was also a wrapped gift of new boxers and sweat resistant BROWN socks (I needed more desperately).

Storybook
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The biggest surprise was a hardbound storybook written by Isa (and aided by her mommy) of how she appreciated me.

Inside Book
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Loaded with photos and captions from when Isa was a newborn to now it was a really touching gift.

Inside Book 4
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Hell I thought it was better than my idea of El's Mother's Day gift of a digital frame loaded with pics. This was better. Simple and cute. And very sweet.

Wolfgang's
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

After El managed to feed Isa and change her she let her take a nap while we got cleaned up to have lunch. We had decided previously to enjoy the day at Downtown Disney with Isa. Lunch was had at Wolfgang Puck's joint - food was delicious, although our table neighbors were something else. I like my trailer trash medium rare with less attitude and no pancetta (a story unto itself). Our poor server did what he had to and we still enjoyed our lunch.

Isabella's Ears
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Afterwards, we decided to do some shopping there. Isa, of course, always makes out with all the goodies. She even got her first Disney Mouse Ears complete with her name embroidered on it.

Happy
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

It's an interesting observation that before we had Isa we would shop to our heart's content. But NOW I get satisfaction from loading my little girl with anything and everything. Although, shortened cos of work I still enjoyed my day with the girls.

Isa
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The best I've received thus far, really, is seeing Isa just woken up in the morning with her hair all messed up hanging onto the rail of the crib with a giant grin on her face just happy to see me. She's so worthwhile.

Toof Front Teef

Wow! Another milestone...Isa's first two teeth are starting to come in. AND THEY'RE SHARP - I found out the hard way when she stuck my hand in her mouth. I was in denial the first week they started to bud. El insisted that that was what it was. I didn't want to rush into it (maybe I don't want to believe that my little baby girl was growing up). I didn't think she could look any cuter, but now I think she's been getting cuter and cuter everyday. She definitely looks "longer" and her hair is full and curly. Come Lalaine's wedding I think she may even steal the show.

Sometimes at work I think about and miss her. I get home and the first thing on my mind is to kiss the two girls. Her crazy, big grin makes me laugh.

Another milestone, that again I was in denial about, was her first words. Now I don't know if it's just her making sounds, but I distinctly heard her say "mama" while I was holding her. That sucks. It should've been "Father Dearest"...

The Incredible Bouncing Baby!

Ninang Jen Jen

Fare Thee Well
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

For a long time El and I were in a bind about who we were going to choose as Isabella's godparents. I guess it's more accurate to say that I was the one who was unsure of who to choose as a godfather. El was absolutely sure the Ninang was going to be Jennifer. She had been close friends with Jen since they were kids and always managed to stay in touch. She even makes plans usually twice a year to come to Orlando to stay a week or so. I was concerned about the Catholic Church giving us a hard time about her not being Catholic, but I agreed Jen totally deserved to be Isa's godmother. She's a great role model.

The one thing we were definite about was that she was going to only have one set. As far as godfather (or Ninong) I had a few candidates and was having a hard time deciding who to ask. Eventually it came down to my good buddy, Steve in Charleston, who coincidentally I'm the godfather of his eldest son.

Ninang Jen
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Jen's trip this time around was shorter than typical and came right on the heels of us just arriving from SC. She had split her vacay time to see her college friend in south Florida and meeting her godchild for the first time. Surprisingly, despite Jen being a little nervous holding her at first, Isabella was quite comfortable around her. Not once did she cry. Or maybe it was cos Jen bought her a cute dress and shoes when they went out shopping. I guess I'd be cool, too, if someone did that for me. Buying something I mean. Not a dress.

She Walks! She Talks! She Comes With A Kung-Fu Grip!

I'm Still Standing
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

She's rounding 7 months old now and she's still full of surprises. At about the 6 month mark she started crawling, but then she also stood for the first time 3 days later! I don't know if that's unusual for a baby, but that surprised the hell out of me. Now whenever we greet her in the morning it's a cute scene of her hair all messed up as she hangs onto the crib rail peeking over with a big grin. She's so cute.

She's also well into her solid foods now, Gerber Stage 1 is in the mix. Organic Bananas is definitely her favorite. Apples make her face sour. Isa LOVES to eat. She's definitely a Pineda. Or is that Ruiz? She's also learning to drink from a sippy cup now. With semi-solids at least three times a day (with formula feedings also) I've noticed she has the worst poops ever. Sometimes even solid. Changing her diaper pail is a gag-inducing ordeal. Nothing worse than 4 day old smeared poop left to ferment in a pail. Ugh!

Bailey is still afraid of her and it makes me worry sometimes. He occasionally will come up to her feet or face to sniff her, but always runs away if she reaches for him. Poor guy. I know he was used to being treated like the baby and I feel for him. He seems lonelier now. We really try to spend time and interact with him, but he's too needy and when we have to take care of the little girl it's next to impossible. I'm glad Rachel takes him sometimes over the weekend. He really loves her so I'm glad that he gets a change of scenery once in awhile. I get worried, though, that he might nip at Isa if she tries to grab him out of curiosity. She does seem interested in him. Whenever he's around all her attention goes to the little hairy thing at her feet.

Other than that Isa is progressing along nicely. She does seem tiny compared to other babies her size, but then again she IS filipino. Her mom is petite and I'm no giant myself. Her hair is so long now. It looks fantastic when she just gets a bath and we brush it. It gets all curly like her Lolo Ric. Her eyes are all big and clear. She has an easy smile and loves to look into mirrors. She wants to laugh when you "toss her in the air" (she doesn't know how to laugh laugh yet). Brightly colored things catch her attention the most and she'll grab them.

She's great. I think I'll keep her a little longer.

Carolina On My Mind

Gazebo Charleston
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

It's weird that some of the things that made me leave Charleston are the very same reasons to come back. For the past few years I've been yearning for that something that I took for granted years ago. I guess you can account that to being in Florida for too long.

When we moved here it was solely to further our careers and make substantially more money than what a soft Charleston market could offer. I still don't regret that. We were able to do and see things that living in the little bubble of "home" could never offer. It was the right time when we did what we did 10 years ago. But now I can see how Florida has really changed us.

I've ranted about it before on this blog and just to reiterate that belief...

Florida is a transient state for many people. It's a melting pot of too many different cultures and customs that don't necessarily blend well together. People can be selfish and rude sometimes. It's an unfair generalization, I know, but apparently I'm not the only one who feels this way. Self comes before others. What can you offer to me for nothing? Unless you play "the game" well you get nothing for a fair shake. It's an awful attitude that many people here hold.

In Charleston, it's a very polite society. Even to the tourists. Call it Old Southern Hospitality, but there's a value to it that words cannot explain. I grew up around it and it was doubly compounded coming from a very modest military Filipino family. Sure there's still problems with the South - I grew up the target of more than my share of racist behavior in a small southern town, but Orlando has that too and much more.

Uncle Joe & The Ladies
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

This weekend was Memorial Weekend. We had a wedding to attend for El's cousin, Kathleen and it was also my birthday. Add to that it was Picolo Spoleto Festival in downtown Charleston. It was due time for another trip home to see family, friends and catch up with some photography and good eats downtown.

We arrived Friday evening and stayed with my parents for some dinner. I later met up with Lalaine, Joe and Ron at Wild Wing Cafe for some drinks and conersation. Around 2am I turned in to catch some sleep before the big day Saturday. El was wise to stay home and rest up - I, on the other hand, was answering the sultry call of a few rounds of Guinness long overdue.

Swings
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

We were up at respectable 9am to join my family for a nice stroll downtown at Waterfront Park and then some lunch.

Grandparents and grandchildren
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Just walking around downtown in the beautiful weather almost made me and El not want to go to the wedding later in the day. I

Look mommy - a soda can!
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Auntie Pleng and Isa
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Isa Loves Trash
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

It was nice for all of us to enjoy the scenery and give the grandparents some bonding time with the little girl. Here Isa's Lolo Ric tries to pass on nuggets of wisdom he's lived by such as "there are such things as perceived value in everything. I can make a birdhouse out of those old milk cartons. I don't have any birds, but that's besides the point."

Swings
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

We even let Isa try her first Italian Ice - prelunch.

New Watch
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

After our walk and a few pictures we made our way over to East Bay for lunch at Southend Brewery. My family had gotten together a couple of birthday presents for yours truly and we made our way home to get ready for Kathleen and John's wedding.

Wedding Party
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Held where we were married ourselves, Immaculate Conception, it was a nice ceremony. After a few pictures it was off to Cypress Gardens for the reception. With about 200 people it was a room full of party goers with access to an open bar.

Ceremony
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Cry Room
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Kathleen and John
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

With plenty of Filipino food, including a whole roasted pig, it was complete with an exhibition of traditional songs and dances.

Wedding Pic
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Poor little Isa might as well have had a target on her forehead. Despite her cries of protest everyone and their grandmother wanted to hold and kiss her. We stayed through most of the night, but by 10pm Isa ran out of water in her eyes so it was time to pack up and let her sleep it off.

Trees at Battery
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

We were up again early Sunday morning. I had planned on looking at some investment property at Wassamassaw Plantation. It was being marketed as a higher end residential community for the newly transplanted Google executives - supposedly there were going to be 3000+ employees in my hometown of Goose Creek. I missed my window with Marc who was gracious enough to set aside some time to show us the property. Sorry man. Thanks for going out of your way, I'll let you know if I pick up an acre or two.

Charleston Architecture
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The last time I really did some photography in SC was back when I lived there. Ever since then I've been wanting a "redo" of certain shots.

Inn at Vendue
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

I was able to while we toured the Spoleto Festival. Of course, as any good thing, we ran out of time. I'll have to do my night time shots next time around.

Bicycletas
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

We were up again early Sunday morning. I had planned on looking at some investment property at Wassamassaw Plantation. It was being marketed as a higher end residential community for the newly transplanted Google executives - supposedly there were going to be 3000+ employees in my hometown of Goose Creek. I missed my window with Marc who was gracious enough to set aside some time to show us the property. Sorry man. Thanks for going out of your way, I'll let you know if I pick up an acre or two.

Waterfront Park Pier
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

For now I was anxious to have some lunch with El and Isa at Vickery's for some Calamari with Wasabi Tamarind and Lowcountry Saute of seafood over grits.

IMG_1315
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Around 4 we got the call from El's siblings that they wanted to see the little girl before we left so we made our way to finish packing and have a birthday cake cutting ceremony with my family.

Playing with Isa
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Mmmm cake
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Travelling
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

By 7pm we were back on the road to Orlando to begin our 8 hour drive home. I'll be exhausted when we arrive closer to 2am. Plus I took the hit for the team to watch the animation department at Golf Channel for the holiday tomorrow. It's cool, though. There's nothing going on live show-wise so I'll spend the day watching tv and surfing the web...errr doing animated lower thirds and reading Comcast Policies online...

Overall, it was a great, although short, weekend. I plan on going back sometime soon to complete my photography of the Holy City. I'll throw what I have so far onto my photoblog, That Foto Guy. Check them out soon.