Oliver Gonzalez Blog

I had another business trip to Norfolk. This was a quick one, just for one night. It went very well and when I returned home I went straight to Chastain Park to meet with Titi, Vanessa and Patrick.

Arrival lunch with Juan Antonio Giner and Gianluca Bovoli.

The DiPelino’s at Chastain. Vanessa asking Franco to do “tolón, tolón” (hang like a bell).

The Capriles were also at the park

Arrival at the park video

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Today was Vanessa’s party to celebrate her second birthday. It was at My Gym and they all had a great time. Here are some pictures and a video.

Titi prepared the birthday cake, including the decoration. She made it with Venezuelan chocolate and fondant.

Isabella helping with the arrangements. Mariana Tello prepared a chocolate pie that was fantastic.

The guests started to arrive

And the party started!

And the video…

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The Arvelos, Titina and Lala sent gifts for Vanessa with Isabella Juaristi (thanks for the ride)

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Vanessa and Patrick were invited for Nicole Pizzo’s birthday party. I can’t believe she’s 4 already!

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Saturday morning silliness at home:

Vanessa trying out princess shoes

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Patrick smiling with dad and Vanessa

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Vanessa playing with the computer

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Here are some videos of Vanessa’s Birthday. There are larger versions at our .Mac Gallery

A summary of our day trip:

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Opening gifts from Karen, Nicos, Jorro and Lupe:

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A summary of the evening, with the DiPelino and the Maios coming to blow the candles:

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And finally, an extract of the birthday song with Vanessa singing (included in the evening video):

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Yesterday I took the day off to celebrate with Vanessa her birthday. We had a great time and Titi and I enjoyed her so much. This is her first birthday when she is aware of what’s going on and we had so many priceless moments. This is definitively payback time for all the sacrifices of parenthood and I still owe her some.

Araya the saint has become increasingly more tolerant with Vanessa who loves to play with her. Poor Araya, sometimes she just lets go and awaits patiently until Vanessa is done giving her hugs.

We drove for almost two hours to get to the Cabbage Patch Kids factory where they have a nursery and new CPKs are born. Vanessa was very happy that she was going to see the dolls.

At the CPK store the trip wasn’t that successful. Vanessa only liked one CPK that was worth $200. Not worth spending that much for a 2 year old, specially when she turned so excitedly to look at a $14 horse. We didn’t buy the doll, of course.

Titi tried all her manipulation techniques possible to get Vanessa to pick a regular CPK but she didn’t really cared much about them. The horse was the only toy she really wanted to open right then and there. She did touch and grabbed most toys but would carefully put them back in their place and continue on.

Patrick was very patient during all these processes.

Vanessa did ask to buy a new bottle for one of her current dolls and had a brief regression episode where she played baby siting in Patrick’s stroller and “drinking” her bottle.

Titi trying to contain the frustration that her daughter didn’t care as much for the CPKs as she did.

After the long ride back, we went straight to the GA Aquarium, which is a sure shot with Vanessa. Both kids slept all the way and Vanessa woke up in a sad mood which lasted for about 2 seconds when she realized we were arriving to “see the fish”.

Vanessa wanted to hug Deepo (which she calls, of course, Nemo).

As usual she had a great time pointing at the “large fish”.

Snack time in the Aquarium

Having fun while waiting for Mom and Patrick

Patrick as usual wondering what may be going on

Learning the names of the fish with mom.

After the Aquarium we went home to sing happy birthday and cut the cake

Lots of love for Gianmarco who brought her a real live fish as a present, reminded Vanessa of Dorothy; Elmo’s fish.

Looking at the yet-nameless fish

Playing with Baby Dora, one of the Maio’s gifts. Araya in the role of the horse…

Nicolas having a snack before the cake

We sang Happy Birthday and Cumpleaños Feliz many, many times. Vanessa wanted to sing it once for each of her friends so she sang a capela for Gianmarco and Nicolas, all with incredible excitement. Talk about priceless….

Sucking the candle.

Videos will soon follow this post.