Sweet Virginia Beach

Being from the west coast born and raised, I've really come to love the Virginia Beach area, aka VB. Not only are the beaches great, but it's also very family oriented and people are really nice around here, it's honey and sweetie everything.

Must sees here in the area in the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, which has gorgeous rose gardens galore and child friendly activities. Going down to the oceanfront at the main resort area is also another must, and I recommend eating at Johnny Manana's on the beach, they have great fish tacos and machaca burritos! My baby son and I did a 5 mile walk on the boardwalk in VB back in April for the March of Dimes, and that was terrific.

Also, you can't leave Atlantic Avenue (the oceanfront cruise area) without stopping at Kohr's for an orange and vanilla swirled waffle cone. OMG, the most beautiful 27 foot tall statue of King Neptune of the sea also awaits you at the boardwalk, SUCH a sight to see. Ronan, my boy, and I just go down there anytime we can to stroll the boardwalk, and take in the beautiful beach view. The local Virginia Aquarium is also a great place to take the kiddies to see a plethora of undersea creatures such as sting rays and sharks.

We currently live in the Chicks Beach area of VB, and the beaches here are more laid back and not as packed. Also check out Zia Marie's restaurant here in Chicks Beach for awesome thin crust wood fired pizzas.

Good people, good times, and great sights await you in ol' VB...

Destination Playa del Carmen is a must!!!

I took my first real trip to the Mexican Riviera this last February with mi familia, aka my husband and bambino. Let's face it, I've been to Tijuana many, many times during my college days in San Diego to party it up, but that in no way counts for a true, week long Mexican vacation.

We flew into Cancun, and then took a comfortable 45 minute personal van drive down to Playa del Carmen, a very charming and quaint Mexican Riviera town. I recommend taking a van, it's only around 50 dollars one way, and you get a lot of tips from the local and nice driver. We stayed at Moongate Hotel, in the heart of 5th Avenue, which is the main tourist strip where all the action happens. Shopping, eating, drinking, dancing, you name it, it's all there on 5th Street, only a block from the beach, or la playa, literally. I would not recommend staying though where we did, as the room was small, dark and dingy, and smelled of sewer! It did have a nice balcony though, but was right next to a construction area, where we could actually hear pounding hammers through our walls, I'm not joking.

There are a plethora of hotels to choose from in Playa del Carmen, though, and I would recommend getting something beach side and away from construction if you can. It is such a great town to get immersed in, stroll down the cobble stoned streets and have a great time --- and we even did it with an 8 month old!!!

Also, rent a car while you're there and take the easy hour drive down to Tulum to see the ancient Mayan ruins, so beautiful, and right on the beach! Also, take note of the signs for local cenotes, or natural swimming holes, ponds, etc. We found one off the beaten path on our way back to town from Tulum, and paid a minimal fee of around 15 dollars, and had the cenote to ourselves to dive into and be purified by the healing waters!!! Ahhhhh!!

February is also a great time to travel to the Mexican Riviera, as the temps were very lovely, in the mid to upper 70's I would say, just marvelous!

The first fall....

Ronan had his first big "digger" the other day, as my brother in law calls them, aka boo boo. He's pulling up onto everything now, and we were in the kitchen and he pulled up on the dishwasher door to a stand, and then fell and hit his head very hard on the wood flooring, and a huge goose egg ensued immediately. I really freaked out, being a first time parent and all, but my awesome neighbor helped me through it, and we rode to the ER in an ambulance. The EMTs remarked how they've never seen an infant be more calm than the parent.

Ronan's cat scan turned out super fine, no crack or bleeding, thank the lord. I really wish I would have handled the situation better, but now I'll know that I need to remain calm next time and not stress out and let that get the best of me. I am the parent. I am the one he looks up to, I need to remain calm and collected. For being a boy, there will be many more minor owwies to come, I'm sure.

Ever since then I've been dealing with anxiety again. I think it's just my body's way of flushing out the unnecessary stress I brought upon it this weekend. Breathing long and deep breaths is a good way to battle anxiety. And I am also so blessed that Ronan is fine and doing so well, he's the same happy and sweet boy he always is.

We live and we learn. I've learned I will try my hardest to remain calm for my own health in stressful situations to come. It took a couple years off my life last weekend, but I'll do anything to protect my sweet 'n strong Ro Ro :)