Baby’s First Vacation

I had confirmed I was going to my stepsister’s wedding on Thanksgiving. But between then and early February, I was still so back and fourth as to whether I wanted to go or not. Of course I wanted to go to support her, but with a newborn (back in November) I didn’t know how she (Luna) would be in March. Would she be a good baby, a bad baby, a cry baby- what did I have in store for us and did I want to chance taking her on an airplane for the first time so young?

Naturally, in Kristie Lovelis fashion, I didn’t even get Luna’s passport until two weeks before we left. Luckily it came in two days. And the day before I went to “National Passport Day” in LA, I booked our flight. I thought, “okay, flights are booked, I HAVE to get this passport… No going back.” Anyway, we ended up snagging a good deal for both the flights and the hotel we stayed at in Puerto Vallarta, so I’m actually very glad I waited until the last minute to get everything.

THE FLIGHT//

First off, follow the rules of being three hours early for international traveling. The morning we were to leave, we just weren’t in a rush. Of course, it was the one day Luna decided to sleep in and I didn’t want to wake her. Basically, WAKE YOUR KID UP. THEY CAN SLEEP IN THE PLANE. We missed our first flight but were lucky enough to have caught the next flight- which was awesome because my dad and basically everyone for the wedding was in that flight. Originally, we were to fly through Interjet (they were extremely rude to us about being late. I know it was our fault but they were talking sh*t in Spanish, little did she know we spoke Spanish and understood everything. She tried to scold us about being late). Since we missed that one, our next flight was with Southwest. It was great!! There was no assigned seating so we got to sit with everyone and Luna even got her own seat even though we didn’t pay for one, and the plane was a little newer so it was a smooth ride. I had read up on what to expect for baby’s plane rides and pretty much did as I was told. Thankfully she was sleepy by the time we got on, so when we took off I gave her a bottle to distract her for the turbulence and her ears popping because of the altitude. I brought two outfits in case of accidents (we only changed her once because of all the drool on her pjs). I packed about 6 diapers (changing her at the airport as we waited. Once on the three hour plane ride. And then again when we landed. And a few backups). Wipes, of course. Toys to distract her (because she was awake most of the flight). Tylenol, just in case. And extra bottles. I did read that you should also give them a bottle to distract them from the landed. But she was just in such a good mood, her dad held her and she looked out the plane while we landed.

CARSEAT/STROLLER//

So I didn’t know this and was freaking out a little as it was my first flight with a baby- we obviously needed to take a car seat and stroller because we were going to be taking quite a few taxi rides. The airline tags your car seat and stroller (a tag for each one if it’s a two piece set) free of charge. Really the only thing that you leave at check in are the bags you check in. You take the stroller with you up until you’re ABOUT to get on the plane. You leave it right outside the door. You get on the plane, yada yada, and your stroller and car seat are right out there again when you land. So that was amazing! Again, didn’t know any of this, so it was super cool that it was an easy process.

Side note, listen to all the blogs that tell you to CARRY YOUR BABY THROUGH TSA. The car seat goes through the belt so if your baby is asleep walking through the airport, that’s gonna suck waking them up.

MOM TIPS//

– If your baby is fussy on the flight, do NOT apologize to people about it. You should not feel bad. They’re not used to it, so of course they’re going to be like, “what the hell is going on.” (On the flight back Luna was fussy and I kept apologizing. After we landed the gentleman next to me said, “she’s a really good baby.” I was freaking out thinking everyone was going to hate me for the fussy kid).

– As much as you’ll want to, don’t over pack. You’re going to drive yourself crazy with a zillion tiny outfits and playing Tetris trying to fit everything in your bags.

– Take an extra shirt for yourself. Mom-life, your kid is bound to spit up/throw up/drool all over you as you wait for your flight.

– If your baby is bottle fed, take a travel size dish soap with you! Luna is bottle/formula fed and I forgot dish soap. So we ended up having to go to a supermarket in Mexico to get dish soap to wash her bottles in our hotel.

– Pack an unopened formula with your checked in bags. And for your carry on, take one of those formula holders that will hold formula for about three bottles. We also have these formula holders that helped so so much.

– Take extra pacifiers!!! We took three. One with us (clipped to her), an extra one in my carry-on, and then one with our checked in luggage.

– If you’re going to be in the water, pack a floatie! Most places don’t have them for babies. We got ours on amazon, it was amazing. A swan and flamingo one for $10!

Uh, for now- this is all I can remember. But if I remember more I’ll add more. So check back in a week! Also, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!!

VDAY 2k16

This years Valentines Day photos definitely have to be one of my favorite shoots so far. As a freelance photographer, I’m always looking for DIY projects and anything to capture. Thank to both my sister and my sister-in-law for the beautiful models, my niece and nephew. Also thank you to everyone who puts up with my crazy ideas, helps me do whatever it takes to get the perfect pictures, and supports me no matter what. Little by little, I love my work and what I do more and more; and it’s all because I have a great support system. Ready for more DIY projects and 2016 photoshoots!

New Week- One Life

Life never seems fair, really. You work too hard. You try too hard. You love too hard. And then it all feels like you did it for nothing. But you’re wrong, it was for something. For the sake of pushing yourself and bettering yourself as a human being. For making yourself feel worthy and strong enough. You can stress yourself out by juggling a million things at a time, or take things at a slow, steady pace and make it the best you can… all while being happy. Be a lover of life, not someone who hates every moment of it. The only thing we have in this life is the freedom to be happy and be who we are. Don’t let it go to waste because you think you need to kill yourself tryna play the game. You’re smart, you’re strong, and you’re great. Let it shine, and embrace the one life you’ve got. 

New Week- I Appreciate You

I never really tell you that I appreciate you. So here it is:

I appreciate that you support me
I appreciate that you believe in me
I appreciate the smiles you bring me
I appreciate that even though life gets tough and our roads begin to go their separate ways you always stick by my side and bring us back together
I appreciate the love that’s given to me
I appreciate the strength you give me
I appreciate the knowledge I gain from having you around
I appreciate the friendship we’ve created
I appreciate your loyalty
And most of all, I appreciate you

There are people we come across in our lives that we don’t really show appreciation for. That’s because they’re part of us, and we don’t naturally applaud and appreciate things about ourselves and things within our lives. Appreciate the people who deserve it, appreciate them because they’re the reason you’re happy right now. Find that person, and cherish them forever.

New Week- Love Yourself

To allow an open door for someone to love you, you need to love yourself first. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. It’s easier for us to find flaws within ourselves that make us feel less attractive, less worthy, less talented. Yet so difficult to love ourselves with open arms. We’re all built differently, and that’s okay. But we have to be the ones to determine when it’s time for a change. Believe that if you don’t like something about yourself, that YOU have to be the one to change it and that you can. Have faith in yourself and have faith in others. Because the day you learn to love yourself is the day you’ll be able to see how many other people love you, too. You’re stronger than you think you are, and even smarter than you think you are. Use all of your capabilities in life to show yourself the love it deserves.

New Week- Go For It

I love when people sit around and wait for something to happen in their life. I’m not saying I’m the most energetic person in the world and that I expect things to happen almost instantly. I’m just in the middle. I work hard, but also know that things can’t happen over night. However, some people just don’t understand the concept of going after what you want. People don’t understand that life isn’t going to hand you your happy ending on a silver platter while you lay in front of the tv watching Lifetime movies or ESPN. If you want something, you need to get up and get it yourself. You need to work towards that thing you want so badly and stop thinking it’s going to fall from the sky one day. Whether it’s for your career, for your relationship, or for your health, you have to be the one to take initiative to make a change and make a difference.

New Week- My Family

Life is beautiful no matter which way you look at it; when things are tough and when things are great. And sure, you’re probably thinking “why the hell would life be beautiful if it’s tough?” I’ll tell you why it’s beautiful; the most rewarding and magical moments are the ones that fall after the struggle. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience life to the fullest. The hard times, the good times, the confusing times, and the times where I couldn’t be more grateful to be alive; today was one of those days, a blessing.

Life is hardly ever the walk in the park that’s dreamt, especially when dealing with family. Family is there to get in the way, to complicate things, make your life harder, but they’re also there to make you feel the love… Which is probably why they drive you nuts. Family loves, and they love hard. They drive you crazy because they test your limits… but that’s what love is; pushing you to be all you can be. I can honestly say that’s what I grew up with, being tested. As I’m growing up I’m grateful for a not so perfect family. Growing up has been challenging, but it’s made it fun. My family has changed, and I don’t mean in their actions, I literally mean changed. I’ve created my own family, because family to me means something different than it does to other people. Blood doesn’t make you MY family. My family are the people who show me they want me to be successful and accomplish my goals, and vice versa. I promise to myself and the people that I call my family, that I will ALWAYS stand by them and push them to success, through the good and the bad times.

I will do better for my family, for my nieces and nephews, my brother and sisters, my moms and dads, and for the person who’s always giving me the tough love I’ve always needed. Thank you to the new addition to our family, Benjamin Patrick Gomez, born March 2, 2015, for the little reminder that we all have a little extra motivation to keep us moving along this year. Happy birthday, Ben!

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New Week- Do’s and Don’t’s

Do it because you love it.
Don’t let anyone tell you “no.”
Do things carelessly and fearlessly.
Don’t be afraid to be you.
Do what makes you happy.
Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.
Do right to those around you.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

There are so many do’s and don’t’s in this world; but who’s to tell you what’s right and what’s wrong? Well, some of the things in life are simple, yet people like to complicate them because they’re bored and tired. Don’t let someone tell you how to live your life and what YOU should be doing. Let people speak. But choose wisely on what advice you’d like to take away from it all. Not everyone is built and functions the same way, so not everyone’s rules are the same. Be the creator of your own rules and don’t be afraid to stray away from what everyone else is doing and trying something new.

New Week- 2015

Happy New Years everyone! As we’ve entered the new year, everyone’s mentality is “new year, new me;” however, let’s not forget about the old you either. People look for any excuse to change who they are, and that’s good, change and motivation is good- but change isn’t everything. That job you hated and quit because you thought it was a waste of time, lesson learned.. It helped you realize that’s not the field you want your career in. That boyfriend or girlfriend you broke up with because it was a waste of time, showed you what not to do in your next relationship. The body you so desperately want to leave behind in 2014, is the reason you’re pushing for a healthier lifestyle. Just because things seem bad, or seem like a waste of time, doesn’t mean they are. Most of the things we hate most in life are our most valuable lessons. Stay motivated, but remember who you are- the old, and the new.

New Week- Fight

Fight for something you love. Fight if it’s important to you. Fight if it’s someone you love. Fight if you know that in the end the bumps and bruises will have been worth it. Fight to be a better person in life. Fight the battles and win them all. There is something or someone out there in this world that’s worth fighting for. Find it, and fight hard. If you want it, go get it- and don’t stop until it’s yours. The best thing in life are free, but they also don’t come by so easily. Build yourself up to be someone strong, to be someone pushing for more out of life. Life truly is about winning, because it’s a constant battle. There’s going to be someone prettier, more handsome, smarter, and all of the above and in betweens; but there will never be another you. And there is someone or something out there that’s waiting for you to fight for them/it.