One month after having Weston, we decided to take advantage of Jayson’s final weekend on paternity leave and venture out on our first trip in Spain. We decided on Seville since it is only 1.5 hours from us and we had heard so many great things about it. We spent one night and almost 2 days there and still didn’t get to see everything it has to offer. To say this town is beautiful is an understatement. The architecture, attention to detail, lush greenery, and charm of this town is just breathtaking. Seville has over 1.6 million people in its metropolitan area, making it the fourth largest city in all of Spain.

We started at Plaza de Espana. This was originally built to house the Exposition World’s fair in 1929. It brought together over 18 countries in hopes of improving their trade and relations. This structure took over 19 years to build and is now used as a consulate and government offices.

The plaza has a mote in the middle spanning the half circle of continuous buildings. The building can be accessed by crossing over one of its four main bridges that represent the four ancient kingdoms of Spain. The inside bottom ring of the plaza is detailed with ornate tiles and sections representing each province in Spain.

This was also the sight of the filming of Star Wars episode 1. This is what it really looks like, compared to what it was made to look like in the film.

Pretty neat!!!

Next we visited the cathedral of Seville. This is the third largest church in the world after Saint Peter’s in Rome and Saint Paul’s in London. This is the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus.

On our second day, we toured the Real Alcazar. This is a royal palace built in the 14th century. The upper levels of this palace are still used by the royal family today and is therefore the oldest royal palace still used in all of Europe. This palace boasts numerous courtyards, myriad rooms, and lavish gardens and water features.

This is the beautiful rainwater tank baths beneath the patio.

 

There is also a chapel where Columbus met with Ferdinand and Isabella after his second voyage to discover the Americas.

This location was also used for the movies Lawrence of Arabia and Kingdom of Heaven. It was most recently the film site of episodes from season five of Game of Thrones.

Here are some pictures of the city itself. Sorry for the history lesson, but I find it so mesmerizing the time, effort, and attention to detail that these structures offer. Considering all of this was built before America was even discovered is just amazing. They definitely don’t build them like this anymore.

Now bring on more visitors so I can go back here and show you all around!! 🙂

Yesterday was one of those days where if it could go wrong, it did.

Weston had an ophthalmologist appointment in the nearest larger city to the one we live in. It’s about 30 minutes away and since the provider speaks English, there was no need for a representative from base to go with us. I have been to this town several times but only right off the highway to the ikea and other shops (priorities right?! 😉). However, this doctor’s office was located in the city center. I plug in the address and find my way there, so I think. I quickly realize there is no parking near the address I have found. I park a few blocks away in an underground parking garage only to realize I have forgotten to put the stroller in the back of the car. So I carry Weston in his infant car seat and hold Lyla’s hand as we make our way towards the office. As we get closer to the address listed, my gps starts taking me in circles and the office is no where to be found. This is where it became interesting to say the least. Not being able to speak the language yet, all I could do was point to the address on the paper and ask a local, ¿dondè? The kicker was, no one knew where this address was. Finally after being directed to a nearby travel agency where a lady spoke a little bit of English, I was pointed in the right direction. I was only about FIVE MILES from the actual location 😡.

I therefore CARRY BOTH kids (Lyla was tired from walking at this point) back down to the car and load up to head down the street. I find another parking spot, do a little more walking, and eventually find the doctor’s office. We arrived to town at 11:10 am, Weston’s appointment was at 11:30 am, and it was now 12:45 pm. Thank goodness the doctor still took us in (I think they could see the defeat on my face lol). Weston was cleared and said to look completely healthy thank goodness!

We then headed to a park on the way back to the car so Lyla could play while I sat down to feed Weston. At this point I realize I can’t find my phone in the diaper bag. I figure I left it in the car and continued to let Lyla play a little longer. Once we got back to the car and saw that my phone was no where to be found, I went BACK to the doctor’s office only to find that they were closed for siesta already.

With two crying and beyond tired kids in the backseat, I headed back home… Again, so I thought. Without a phone or gps, I couldn’t find my way out of the town and back to the highway 😖 I drove in circles pretty much for about 20 minutes until I finally found my way back to the highway. Almost to the point of tears and a complete meltdown myself, I look in my rear view mirror to see both kids are fast asleep!

We make it home and as I start to tell Jayson about the disaster of a day, and all I can do is laugh about it… Thank goodness!!

 

I just kept thinking, amongst all the obstacles the day brought, God would peak through and give me a break just when I needed it most. After the long treck to the doctor, Weston was cleared and said to be healthy! After getting lost on our way out of town, the kids took a good nap on the way home. Once we got home, Lyla didn’t want to nap anymore, she just wanted to lay on me and cuddle for a while (which never happens anymore). It was exactly what I needed at that moment. And amidst all the chaos, the town was beautiful and I got to take in some gorgeous scenery and pictures along the way.

Do I want to relive that day- NO! Am I glad God was there to give me a little sense of humor along the way- DEFINITELY!

Tonight I am enjoying a well deserved long, hot bubble bath because I’m pretty sure I’ve never had this many knots in my shoulders and my arms be this sore from carrying an infant car seat that long!

Well August has come and gone and man was it an eventful month capped off by my parents coming to visit and the arrival of our little guy!

First, my parents arrived to Spain just 3 days before my scheduled Csection and we definitely soaked up every second we could to show them around and sight see with them before I was unable to. We went to Rota one day and ate at our favorite cafe and then walked along the beach, toured the city center, and took in all the old charm the town has to offer.

We also showed them around El Puerto and ate some more yummy food and drank sangria (well they did). We took a horse drawn carriage ride around El Puerto one evening which was perfect. We got to see the bull fighting arena, old historic churches and castles, and the beautiful waterfront all without having to do a lot of walking (which was wonderful for me being 39 weeks pregnant). My parents got out and about with Lyla both days that we were in the hospital and even tried out some restaurants and parks that Jayson and I have not been able to yet. Lyla enjoyed every second of having her Pawpaw and Juju here and Jayson and I could not have adjusted that first week without them. They stayed for a total of 10 days and let me tell you, it was not long enough. It was definitely harder to say goodbye to them here than it was when we left Texas (and I’m sure the post pregnancy hormones didn’t help either lol) now bring on more visitors cause we LOVED having people here!!!

Weston’s arrival:

Weston King DeBord was born at 11:33 am on August 31, 2015 in Rota, Spain. He weighed 8 lbs 1 oz and was 20.25 inches long. He has a full head of black hair, chubby cheeks, and long and skinny hands and feet. I got to do skin to skin with him while still in the operating room and we enjoyed our quiet time getting to know our new little guy at the hospital.

This birth experience was completely opposite of ours with Lyla but both were exactly what we wanted at that certain point in our lives. Lyla’s was hectic, tiring, and unplanned yet full of visitors and excitement at the hospital which is exactly what we wanted with our first. This time was planned, quiet, and peaceful which allowed us complete focus on not only Weston, but Lyla as well. I was lucky enough to deliver on base at this beautiful, quaint hospital where we were the only L&D patients during our stay. We had an amazing nursing staff that were so caring and attentive.

Lyla got to have an easy transition of meeting her new brother and taking it all in with just Jayson and I and my parents in the room and Jayson’s parents on FaceTime. It was great to be able to share those first moments with both sets of parents and allow them to watch Lyla and Weston together. All Lyla wanted to do was unwrap him out of his blanket and just look at him for a while. Our hearts were honestly as full as can be!

The first few weeks at home have been quite an adjustment but we are honestly feeling extremely blessed to have two healthy, happy babies. It is a whole new ball game with a second baby compared to your first. With your first, you can sleep when they sleep and stay on their schedule. When a second comes along, not so much because you still have a toddler to wake up with in the morning and run around and play with during the day. Lyla wants to “help” with everything… From changing and feeding her brother, to helping with dishes and laundry, to even pumping or “feeding” her baby dolls lol. She gets a little rough sometimes with trying to love on him so much and we have realized that this little guy is going to be VERY tough not only because he is a boy, but because he has Lyla as his big sister! It is very heartwarming to watch them together… cant wait to watch them grow together!

Well there hasn’t been too much going on around here besides the normal day-to-day things. We are getting acquainted with our neighborhood, learning about some local gems, and enjoying the culture and food.

One of the things we heard over and over again when we told people who had been here that we were moving to Spain was how amazing the food is… And they were right! We love how we can enjoy a nice dinner, allow Lyla to play, and try new foods all at the same time. Seeing your child try things like carpaccio and local cheeses and inhale gazpacho like it’s her favorite food ever, is very refreshing. I don’t know if it’s the fact that my pregnancy cravings is anything orange, but the oranges here are amazing!! Jayson gets to enjoy the local beers and sangria that are supposedly wonderful and I will tell you… I can’t wait to join him in drinking them lol.

A slice of New York!!! Yummy pizza place that a former New Yorker opened here in Rota. We got a little more than we bargained for but the left overs were just as good!

Our kid friendly place, Bailey’s, just down the street from our house! This is the place where I can’t wait to try their sangria.

This beautiful little beach front cafe, El Embarcadero, is becoming one of our favorite lunch spots.

My friend, Amanda, took me to a local greenhouse and pottery shop. The place went on for forever, had so much to select from, and the prices were unbeatable. I could have gone crazy buying fruit trees, plants, and flowers but started out small with my first purchase. I got two beautiful plants, two Spanish terra-cotta pots, and a hot pepper plant… All for only 34€ (approx $40). Like I said… Awesome!! Can’t wait to go again and buy some more!

Spruced up our front porch!! Loving it 🌸🌸

Well that’s about all that is new in our world. Just being extremely pregnant and ready to meet our little man… Also dealing with a very wild and fun spirited 2-year-old that is going on 16. We get the lovely daily temper tantrums followed by big “I’m sorry” hugs; non stop running, playing, and dancing… Basically if she’s quiet, you should worry (hence the markers picture below) We have our hands full for sure!!

We are sooo ready to see her become a great big sister in just over 2 weeks 💙💜 if you are wanting some custom onesies or Tees made, go like ‘Southern Charm Tees Boutique’ page on Facebook. Amie and Katie are great and can make anything you want!! Thanks girls for these… Can’t wait to put them on Lyla and little man!

Saturday night we finally got to venture out to downtown El Puerto (the town we are living in) and oh goodness was it amazing. We went with a couple that we met here at base orientation, Chris and Amanda, and have come to adore! We started at a local Mexican food restaurant which was delicious around 8 pm and just walked around the area until about 11:30 that night! We normally would never stay out that late in the states with Lyla but here there is so much to do and still tons of families out at that time. Downtown is right off the water so you get a wonderful coastal breeze throughout the night, you are surrounded by old historic buildings, and you can just park and walk for forever. There are dozens upon dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops to choose from; all with their own character and local flare. There is a park and fair type rides and games for the kids in the middle of it all. Lyla got to ride the carousel, jump on the trampolines, and play games!

Funny story of the night** there was a trampoline area that had 6 trampolines all within a net, with balls and basketball hoops, etc. Only the kids could go in and Lyla wanted to so we sent her in and waited on the outside of the net. She was playing basketball and jumping around like crazy and about 10 seconds after I snapped this picture, she just stopped out of nowhere and started peeing!!! Yep… In the middle of the trampolines! Her first accident in weeks and that’s where it has to be lol. Best part was the guy running the thing did not speak English so our friend Chris had to have an app on his phone translate what happened and why we needed in there to get her and clean it all up. It was entertaining to say the least…. Joys of life with a toddler lol!!

There was also a market going on that night as well so the street was lined with vendors… Of course we bought Lyla and little man some things! It was neat to get to see their local style and taste in jewelry, clothes, home decor, etc.

We had a blast! I kept looking around and just thinking “will this ever get old”? It was only our first time there and I can’t wait to go back and try other restaurants and do some more exploring. It’s only the beginning and I am already in love with our little town!! 

Well it has been busy, busy over here! We finally got to move into our new home here in Spain and are loving it so far. But let me tell you what, moving is stressful and tiresome enough as is, but moving halfway across the world with a two year old, a dog, and being 8 months pregnant…. That’s a whole other ballgame! We started the process last Monday by having our home goods delivered that we had shipped from the states. That took a solid SIX HOURS to just unload and inventory. Pretty sure we were all passed out by 8 pm that night. We actually moved in on Thursday and unpacked all weekend. Lyla was our little “helper” and LOVES having her own room and big girl bed (just waiting on her bedding to arrive). And man did this kid have a field day with unloading toys she hadn’t seen in anywhere from 2 months to a years time. You would have thought it was her birthday and Christmas all rolled into one! Worked for mommy and daddy 🙂 Roxy has been running circles around the backyard cause she’s so happy to be out of her kennel in a hotel room.

Had our 32 week check up with our OB today. Baby boy is measuring right on track and should be arriving in just under 7 weeks. Lyla got to help with finding and listening to his heartbeat which she found so exciting! A big positive to being sooo active (and trying to eat healthy) this entire pregnancy is I am only up 2 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight! Definitely feels like a lot more but if baby and mommy are healthy, that’s all that matters! We are sooo ready to meet him and watch Lyla be a big sister!

We are also slowly working on our Spanish speaking skills. Hearing Lyla say Hola, Adios, and Gracias is probably the cutest thing ever! Hoping we can get out and venture around some more soon to learn more about this wonderful place we are living. Will definitely post some pictures and updates when we do 🙂

There’s only so much research and prepping you can do when you find out your family will be moving across the country. I did as much as I could before we got here to Spain, but the first two weeks were definitely still a whirlwind. Thought I would let you in on some of the local info and first impressions of the area that we are coming to know as daily life:

*During the summer, the sun does not set until almost 10:30. As if jet lag wasn’t enough, getting a toddler (as well as yourself) to adjust to that was a little difficult. The sun rises around 7 am so there is plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors here.

*Eating times are very different than what we are used to. First off, Spanish have a light and late breakfast around 10 am (most places won’t even open til after that time). Lunch is the most important meal of the day as well as the largest. It is usually between 2-4 pm and meant to be slow and enjoyed. Dinner is smaller (this is where tapas come into play) and most places don’t even open for dinner until after 8 pm. A 10 pm dinner is not an odd thing here. Adjusting our times as much as we can to this but we usually just find a place that opens earlier and are usually one of very few people there at that time lol.

*slow slow slow….. Everything here is so laid back. Most people work from about 9-3 during the week (that’s even the times that the kids are in school) and feel no need to rush around or move too quickly. Where Americans will tell you to be somewhere AT a certain time and expect you to be there at that time, the Spanish use a saying “mas o menos” meaning more or less when talking about time. They will say to meet at a certain time and then “mas o menos” meaning we will probably be there within 15-20 min of that time. The lifestyle is SO laid back and there is never a need to rush through life. And if you say “hi how are you” (in Spanish) expect to spend 10 min or so actually hearing how that person is doing and how things are going. That is not a small talk phrase used just to be polite like we use in the states… They really want to know haha.

* children are the most important thing. They Spanish LOVE kiddos. They will greet them first, ask their name before yours, bring their food out at a restaurant first, and any other way they can cater to them will be done. There are parks on almost every other block, almost every restaurant has a playground, they do not expect them to stay seated during dinner or to be quiet, and they will hold their hand or pick them up and carry them around like they are their own without even second guessing it. This is something we have found so comforting and different than in the states.

Just a little info for ya:

The Rota Naval base is located on the coast right next to the town of Rota which is where we have done most of our sight seeing so far. It is a small town of just under 30,000 people but during the two main months of summer, the population rises to around 100,000 people. Rota has the top rated beaches (5 blue flags rating by the European govt) in all of Europe. Just on the other side of the base is a town called El Puerto de Santa Maria (Puerto for short) which is where we will be living. It is a larger town with a little more variety of things like shops, restaurants, a mall, waterpark, etc. We haven’t gotten to spend as much time there but are hoping to move into our house this next week and start roaming around and learning of all the things just outside our doorstep.

And a little Lyla picture of course (cause what would a post be without her). Who needs pants when you have accessories lol

This kid has been such a trooper! A small hotel room with a MINI kitchen… Two adults, a toddler, a dog, a large dog crate, and 6 large suitcases has not been the easiest of living conditions but she (and our dog) have adjusted pretty dang well. We are definitely ready to be in our house though! 🙂