Maya’s Travels

Dear Mai,

Death is hard to deal with in almost any context. At this point its hard to say what you do or don't understand. One thing that I know you do understand is when we're sad and unfortunately sad is a gross understatement for this past weekend. 

Cousin Nathan died last Friday in a senseless accident. Mommy went back to Ohio to be with Lala and the rest of the family. I can't express in words the emotions we're all feeling this weekend. It's hard Mai.

The best way to pay respect to Cousin Nathan at this point is to let him live on through our stories. So let me tell you one.

I didn't know Nathan incredibly well but I'm blessed to have had him as a part of my life. When Mommy and I first moved to Seattle, Nathan had a quick layover out here for work. He went out of his way to meet us and give us a tour of his plane. At this point in his life, Nathan was only 26 years old. The fact that he made it a point to see us shows what kind of character Nathan had. Mai, when I was 26 years old I don't know if I would have been mature and caring enough to do the same thing. Not only did he make time for us, he made us feel comfortable in his domain. I hadn't really talked to Nathan much prior to that point but I remember seeing his passion for flying shining through. In this one small visit Nathan revealed what kind of man he was. He was disciplined, passionate, humble, intelligent and caring. He wasn't even married to Lala yet so he still had a chance to run from this crazy family before anything was official. But he didn't. Instead he stopped by and visited us. His family. 

Let's celebrate his life every time we remember him Mai. From Lala and Nathan's wedding... you're first flower girl appearance.

To your first toy airplane. Grandma was here when you first got that toy and you started (and still do) lovingly calling the little people Nathan and Lala. You really aren't into naming your toys right now. Your other people toys are just "girl" "boy" "baby" "bear" "dog" - not the most creative of names but very descriptive I suppose. Not these two though. They have always been Nathan and Lala and always will be.

Let's celebrate Nathan every time we pass Boeing field and see those big airplanes. Let's celebrate by sharing stories whenever we're together with the family.

Tomorrow, Lala and the rest of the family will be celebrating Nathan's life at a funeral service with full military honors. Let's open our arms and hearts to Lala, Linda, Rick, Grandma, Courtney, Tarn and Mommy and the rest of his family. Let's help give them strength for tomorrow and let them know that we love them all very much.

I'll never understand flying beyond the mysterious beauty of a lay person. I have so much respect and admiration for pilots. One of my favorite authors in my life has been Richard Bach. Through his words as a pilot, I've gained an even more appreciation for flying. In absence of my own words I think its fitting to end with a quote from one of my favorite books by him, Illusions.

“Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” - Richard Bach. Illusions.

With much respect, love and sincere condolences to the Richeson and Lynch families,

The Castañedas

Dear Mai,

This summer has been pretty rough for us, especially recently. I don't want to ignore anything but for this post I'm just going to focus on some fun moments.

Its after midnight tonight and you and I got home late from the bumbershoot festival. Mommy couldn't make it with us because of a last minute flight back to Ohio she had to take. Luckily we have the Shraders that live here as well. We met Uncle Shawn, Aunt Becky and Lorelei at the festival and it was just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes when it is just you and I, we have fun but we also have our "moments" too. This morning was one of those times and we pretty much weren't speaking to each other before nap time. We both rallied though and had a blast at the festival. You did awesome at your first outdoor music festival! We got there just in time for Red Fang to take the stage. You were kind of out of it for the majority of that show. I couldn't tell if you were enjoying yourself or what. I think we are heading into that normal kid time now where you'd rather be doing kid stuff than watching a metal show. 

After that show we got pizza and your mood did a 180. You were happy and awake finally. You are your father's girl. Sheesh.

Next up was the Replacements and you had a blast. You were running around chasing Lorelei, dancing to the Replacements and just having a ball. I love watching you play with other kids finally. I'm a little worried you are too much of a mommy and daddy hanger. We try to socialize you as much as possible and you do go to daycare. You seem to still prefer mommy and daddy's company over anyone else though. To see you play with Lorelei and take off with some other kids makes me feel much better.

We were at a friend's birthday party the other day and you finally broke free from mommy and daddy and played with the other kids.

You also had your first kid "celebrity" moment. We were at the Port Defiance zoo a few weeks back and you screamed "Olivia" as we were eating our pizza. Sure enough, Olivia from the books we read comes marching up the pavilion. You even wanted to take a picture with her! Granted, you had to have mommy with you but  you did it. This is a vast improvement over any Santa "photo op" we've ever experienced. Speaking of books. One of our new favorite books we just started reading this week is Zen Shorts. It's an awesome book Mai. I hope we keep it when you are older. There is some wisdom in that book.

You've also recently started watching kid videos. Up until this point you haven't been very interested in TV and the only cartoons we've watched has been the baby channel cartoons and only on Saturday and Sunday for our big breakfasts. Nancy from mommy's work gave you your first DVDs (which you call ABCDs) and I've seen that damn Strawberry Shortcake movie more than any adult should ever have to endure. We'll probably watch it again tomorrow. On the way home from Bumbershoot you and I were talking in the car. Maya: "Let's watch shortcake tomorrow with big breakfast. Nancy bought be that movie." You're pretty funny with remembering who gave you stuff. Especially since Grandma is responsible for 90% of said stuff.

Your sense of independence is also shining through lately. "Maya do this! Maya do that! I do it by myself!" All these are common every day phrases in our household. It especially shines through on your wardrobe selection. I've given up trying to dress you myself. I'll just let you do whatever floats your boat. I'm not the one wearing rain boots and a swimming suit.

Okay, the Metallica shirt is my contribution. I'll take responsibility for that.

You're pretty funny Mai. We worry so much about what we are doing wrong. We want you to just be happy and and kid like. I think that we are probably over protective sometimes. It's hard not to be. I worry about you not playing with kids more. I worry about you not being able to handle a fall. At all. I worry that you're too worried about being careful. Worry, worry, worry. I don't think that we'll ever end. That's okay. We're parents of a wonderful child. We're allowed to worry. Let's just hope we're giving you enough freedom to make mistakes and make your own experiences. 

Speaking of your own way. You finally completed your version of the ice bucket challenge. You're baby makes a cameo experience in this video. Over the last two weeks baby has become your best friend. You talk to her, hug her, kiss her and play all kinds of make believe with her. Its fun to watch. (but if I'm being completely honest, its a little taxing having to play the baby part all the time. :)

Good night Mai and sweet dreams. Love,

Daddy

Dear Mai,

Today is a sad day. We had to say goodbye to our Goosie today. She was and will forever be the best dog in the world. It sort of breaks my heart that you won't remember her but you two were buddies. You loved our Goose. Whenever we talked about our Family I would say "... and Mama, and Daddy and Maya!" You would always respond with "AND GOOSE!" She was a part of our family. This is my first memorial to her.

Why Goose you ask? Well that named evolved. I better get this documented before we forget. 

So her name is Stella. We brought her home from a rescue in Dublin, Ohio. Mommy and I first started dating and I wanted to show off my mad guitar skills so I took Mommy to a music store. I know, sexy right? Well next door to this music store was a pet rescue. We popped in and talked about getting a dog. We had just started living together within a few weeks and I hadn't had a dog in my house since I was four. This was very spontaneous. 

We almost got this dog called Woody. We'll have to tell you about that but thank goodness we didn't get Woody. As we were on our way out of the store they just put Stella in her crate. Her and her sister. 8 week old little mutts. She couldn't have been any cuter. She was just sitting in there, not much expression and her sister was resting on her. We got her out and took her to the "get acquainted area." Mommy's words, and I quote, "I'm worried she doesn't have much personality." That could be the most wildly inaccurate statement ever made. Ever. Her name was "Minnie" at the time.

We set her down. She pooped. Peed and went total bonkers. Bouncing off the wall. She was crazy. We took her home within a few minutes. She was so tiny. I wish I had pictures to show you how tiny she was. That was so long ago it was before cell phones had cameras. That means she had a good doggie life, Mai. She lived out a technological advancement! She followed that trend for the rest of her life. Whenever we took her to a dog park and we took her to many; She had to pee then poop before she could start playing. That dog was crazy. She had so many funny quirks. I'm going to miss her so much Mai Tai. We have so many more great stories about that crazy dog. We'll share them with you over time. But really just know, she was the best dog in the world.

We took her over Grandma's and everyone was outside enjoying the summer. We had to name her but nothing felt right. Grandma's neighbor, Randy said "Stella!" And there it was. Stella. 

We eventually started calling her Stella Mae. I added the Lupita part because I thought Stella Mae Lupita Castañeda just rolled better. 

From there it was just Stell for awhile. Then Stell Bell. Then just Bell. (No, not after those dumb vampire movies) Stellie Bellie became Bella Rus (Bellarus) and then just Rus for a while.

From there Rus Goose just became Goose and the rest is history.

Every now and just yell GOOSE! as loud as you can and smile! She would like that.  That is how we greeted her for the last 4 years of her life. 

She just had her 14th birthday a few weekends ago and we took her to the coast. She loved to eat the waves and play on the beach. 

Goodbye our sweet Stella Mae. Say Hi to Foz Bear for us and go get those waves!

With all my heart, 

Daddy

Dear Mai,

We live in a phenomenal time. It is heartbreaking, disappointing,  uplifting, inspiring all at the same time. Especially with recent events happening in our country and around the world. The technology and tools we use are amazing when put to good use. I can remember a time when I said "who needs a camera on their phone?" And now look at us. But at the end of the day and in the midst of everything, I'm reminded of how "human" the world still is... especially in this technological age. 

Who knows what type of media you'll be reading this on when you get older but over the past few weeks there has been a wonderful trend called the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS. The gist of it is that you challenge folks to video themselves pouring a bucket of ice water on their head and/or donate to ALS research. The goal of it is to raise awareness of the ALS disease. Within 2 months of it beginning they raised more awareness and money then they probably thought was possible. In fact it is quite possible (and I hope) that this disease will be eliminated by the time you are old enough to read this. Also, their website is getting so much traffic right now that I can't get to it. That's awesome.

It is so popular on social media that all the "cool kids" are screaming "enough" already. At the end of the day, I'd rather see 100 thousand more of these videos than one more negative or politically biased meme or comment. It reminds me that there are ways of showing humanity, having fun, giving back and involving a great many people at the same time. 

So without further ado, here is our accepted challenge. You weaseled out on me and didn't do it you little brat. That's okay, we contributed to the challenge and also made our donation. I want you to remember this time as a reminder that we are all human and that humans are generally good. There is always hope in humanity.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Mai,

Ever since you and mommy have been back from Ohio it has been hot here in Seattle. In fact, as I type this at 11:30 PM I'm pretty sure its still 90 degrees outside. Mommy is funny; she is the one the heat is affecting most. She's our sun girl that has been acclimated to our Pacific Northwest weather. I'm not sure how she will live anywhere else. :)

But we've still been out enjoying ourselves. No heat is going to keep us down. 

You are pretty funny. Before you leave the house now you need and loudly proclaim three things: SUN SCREEN! HAT! SUNGLASSES!

We hit a local festival (Renton River Days) and we were hard pressed to drag you out of the lego tent. You were too chicken to go into the bouncy houses. That's probably okay, we had our community "Night Out" event here this last Thursday and that bouncy house collapsed with kids in it. No one injured but man, if you had been in there I fear you would have been scarred for life. You loved the junk drums display at the festival. You got a new tattoo from the local fire squad and got to play with the firehouse. I'm a little frightened about how much you loved the skate park there. All kinds of kids were on the ramps with boards, scooters and bikes. We watched for like 10 minutes and the entire walk away you were trying to imitate them as best as you could while still holding daddy's hand and saying "I want to do that!" under your breath.

Last Sunday we went down to the waterfront pier in West Seattle and caught a glimpse of the Blue Angels performing their final Sea Fair show for 2014. You had seen them practice earlier in the week at your daycare so you had been saying "want to see angels again!" 

Dear Mai,

As you are probably well aware, Mommy and Daddy like to travel a lot. Whether its a day trip or longer we like to get out and explore. But we also like to get out and explore our city too. Its been awhile since we've been down at the waterfront without being tour guides for our guests. Tonight gave you and I the opportunity to just have fun for a couple hours. We had a blast!

The first thing you wanted to do was ride the carousel. Now, the first time you rode a carousel it scared the bejesus out of you. Since then, mommy said that you were a brave girl back in Ohio and rode it at the Granville, Ohio 4th of July street fair. I had yet to witness this so I was a bit skeptic. You were good but the first time we rode it tonight (yes you enjoyed it enough to make us go for another spin) I couldn't take any pictures because you wanted to hold my hand the entire time. I got a couple bad shots the next time though when we were on the sleigh.

You got to "play" your first video games. (okay, true confession time. I didn't actually put any money in the machines so technically you didn't play but you're two man, it wasn't going to get any more enjoyable with a few quarters.)

Got a little dance, dance, revolution in.

Then you said: "I want to ride the Ferris Wheel." (You say "forcefeel" when you try to say Ferris Wheel... again, you're two. We'll let it slide) I was surprised by this. Every time we pass by the Ferris Wheel by car you say. "I went on forcefeel with Borris, Kim and Baby. I don't like forcefeel. I scared." I was hesitant to buy our tickets but what the heck. 

You absolutely loved it. At first I had to sit next to you and hold your hand but I finally got you to take your own seat and enjoy yourself. You did just that. You pointed out the mountain, boats. Counted 2 people on a small boat. Pointed out all the people eating at the restaurant, all the birds and all the bird poop. You could see everything and you loved it. Waving hi to people as we passed around then saying "we're getting so high again!"

Some obligatory mountain and water shots from up high.

From there it was off to dinner at Ivan's fish bar on the waterfront and just some acting goofy time before it was time to meet mommy again.

It was a great evening with my girl. Its times like these that I love. Nothing spectacular happened. We just got out and enjoyed some touristy stuff in our city on a Thursday night. 

All this comes at a cost though. It is a long day for a little girl to get up early for school (daycare) and then come to Daddy's work then off to play time. You were a disaster trying to put you to bed after your bedtime. Over tired is an understatement. One small thing sent you into such hysterics one would think you had your foot caught in a wood chipper or something. (sorry, I just saw Fargo recently)  After I was done reading your bedtime books I said you had to take your pony (ponytail) off before going to bed. The scream that followed could have woken the dead.

All well. Its hard being two sometimes. We're learning how to adjust as a family as you get older. We're doing okay and well get better.

Thanks my dear for a lovely evening. I had a bad day at work but I'm beaming after our little date night. 

Love,

Daddy

Today is Grandma's birthday. We decided to sing happy birthday to her via video since we couldn't be there in person. I had to bail you out. I feared we were on track for an endless loop of "happy birthday to yous" for a moment.

Happy Birthday Grandma! Love you!

Dear Mai,

You like music. This makes Daddy happy.

If there is one thing I hope I can give you in this life,  its a passion, love and appreciation of music. (okay, there are many things I hope I give you but this post is about music) I love music. I feel music. Hearing certain music can change my mood for the better instantly. Today I was on the way home after work. The sun was just setting, I put on my headphones, my bus came and this Sigur Ros song started. Bam. My world was transformed. The music surrounded me and it became the soundtrack for my commute home. Music can change your perspective on normal things. My "normal" bus ride was transformed and I viewed the world and all the people around me in a new light. It is such an awesome feeling when that happens. You become lost in the moment. Not worrying about anything. Total, 100% focus on the moment, the music and life. Music can be spiritual. 

You are 2 years and 4 months old right now. It might be a bit before you reach that point. That's okay. It will come. And don't worry, between now and then you will go through a phase and like some awful, awful, awful music. I had one. I think we all do. Just be sure its just a phase and not a lifestyle. 

Mommy and a lot of my friends say I'm a music snob. They are probably right. I am pretty opinionated when it comes to music but... I like to think I'm open minded and have somewhat of an eclectic taste though. So I've been trying to expose you to a lot of music even before you were born. When you were a little baby and had trouble going to sleep, I used to "rock" you to sleep while jamming out to The Sword. You were usually asleep after I moshed (walked and rocked you) to a song or two. We also listened to the Hvarf album by Sigur Ros a lot at bed time. You barely ever made it passed the second track before you were off to sleep.

Fast-forward to last November and you attended you first symphony. Okay, it was a kid friendly symphony that only lasted an hour but you were riveted. You were barely 19 months old and talked about that concert for a long time. "Fun time! Jingle bells" (It was a Christmas concert.)

You showed such a strong interest in music at that point we decided to take you to your first music class at School of Rock Seattle. They have a "Little Wing" class that lasted 10 weeks long or something like that. It was supposed to be for 3-4 year old's but we went to the trial class and you did great! So we decided to enroll you. You loved it. In fact, you still to this day ask to go to music class. You say "I want to go to music class. I want to see Ava!" Ava was your teacher. You were definitely the youngest there but you did great. You were kind of shy at most classes but as soon as you came home you sang your heart out. Even now you sing, We Will Rock You, NaNaNa - Goodbye, Octopus's Garden, Get off of my cloud and some They Might Be Giants song. One of your favorite parts about the class was getting a tattoo after class. There opening another School of Rock close to our house so we'll start that up again in the fall. 

Fast-forward to January. We just got home from our long Ohio vacation and I found out that School of Rock Portland was doing a Red Fang show and that members of Red Fang were going to show up! So what did we do? We packed up a run ragged, tired 20 month old baby and took her to a rock and roll show 3 hours away in Portland! Someday you'll think that's cool and not totally irresponsible and stupid. Someday. 

You had to wear your noise cancelling headphones. Even though they were kids playing, it was still loud. To be honest with you, you weren't that into the show. There was an outside patio and I think you were more interested in all the food than the actual show. BUT... as we were on the patio, Bryan (guitarist/vocals) for Red Fang comes out on the patio. At this point, we had watched enough Red Fang music videos that I knew you would recognize him. I said "Maya! Look! Who's that?" You walked over to him, right behind him and said "excuse me. Red Fang" I don't think he knew what to say. Then you started rattling off Red Fang songs. It was quite the comedic scene. 

When you get older you and your friends will play the "the first concert I ever saw was..." - You've won this game. Hands down. You saw Dead Can Dance at 6 months old and Red Fang at 20 months. No one can beat that. Ever. 

Fast-forward to today and you are crazy. Whenever a song comes on the radio you ask "Who's that Daddy? (or Mommy)" In fact you probably know more radio songs than I do at this point. You had a huge Lorde kick for awhile but seem to be over that phase. You can recognize Beethoven by look or first notes of Ode to Joy. You still dig some of your Grandma influences like "Boom Boom" and "Cruise." 

The last time you were back in Ohio I guess you wanted to play the keyboard at Grandma's constantly.

I'd say that you have a pretty good eclectic taste in music Mai, especially for a 2 year old. You still like all the kid songs too. Here is your Wheels on the Bus rendition from last February.

You definitely like to sing. Slowly but surely you are learning Thank You by Zeppelin.

And dance! Show us your moves Mai! This is a conscious happy dance. When you were younger this was your default state when you got excited about something. Pure, unadulterated happiness.

You Great Grampa Plasencio was an awesome musician from the stories I've heard. He played guitar, bass, accordion, fiddle and probably other instruments I'm not aware of. We'll have to have Grandma tell us some stories soon. In fact, Grandma plays piano and used to teach. I think she said we were too impatient to learn but you might be a different case!

Music is an awesome gift Mai and as long as you show interest I'll keep providing musical outlets. We have another Red Fang show coming up at the Bumbershoot Festival. We'll hit music class again in September. I even have some more music activities planned for us in the near future, but you'll have to wait for those. Its a surprise. :-)

Love you sweet child o' mine!

Daddy

Dear Mai,

Who knows where we will be when you are reading this but get this... in the four years that we have been in Seattle, I can count on one hand how many times I have smelled rain. Yes it does rain a lot here but if you're comparing it to Ohio where I grew up it's pretty much a wash. (pun intended)  I remember the smell of rain all the time back in Ohio though. I don't know why I don't get that here. Maybe its just me or maybe its because that smell is only dominant when it starts to rain. Whatever it is, I love it. It makes me nostalgic though. It sort of gave me a guilt trip for not keeping up on our adventures. 

It is 11:33 PM. I should be in bed because in a few hours I have to take you and Mommy to the airport. Yes, it is just you and Mommy back in Ohio again for a little bit. I couldn't make it this time. I joke around a lot saying that Daddy is looking forward to a bit of "daddy time" but when it comes down to it, I'm going to miss you dearly. You are two now and you know what they say about two year-olds... Terrible is just the start of it. 

Mommy and I had a revelation awhile back that we left the "keep you alive" phase and actually have to do some parenting now. We're trying this whole "timeout" thing but I don't think it's working as it should. For example:

Maya: (throws raging screaming tantrum because Daddy closed the door. Maya wanted to close the door)

Daddy: "Maya! Go to your room and sit on your chair! Don't come down until you stop crying."

Maya: (stops crying... gives a glare) "Okay" (Smiles. Walks off and starts crying again)

Maybe I've seen way to many horror movies but I have to say... you kind of scare me sometimes. 

This is you on "timeout"

But beyond all the crazy two year-oldness, you are still incredibly sweet, kind, smart and just awesome. We fostered some kittens last week and you were awesome with them. You were very gentle and listened to us on how to take care of them. (Not something you like to do these days... listen)

We've given up trying to dress you. You have your own opinion and it doesn't matter what we say. In fact tonight you and I had to run to the store. 

Daddy: "Get your shoes on."

Maya: "I'm going to wear boots (you love your rain boots)"

Daddy: "How about your tennis shoes. (You're sockless, have a skirt on and its 80 degrees outside)"

Maya: "Hmmm... No. I'm going to wear boots." (You pretty much want to wear your boots all the time. No matter what else you do or don't have on.)

You also love Stella (Goose) these days. Everyday you help me feed her dinner. You have also been giving her walks lately. You're such a helper I'm going to have to start giving you an allowance before you're three! One of the things you love to help with (and I love that you love this) is "helping" me cook. 

Every weekend morning it is Maya and Daddy time. I like to make a big breakfast on the weekend and you always look forward to it. I ask, "Maya, what do you want for breakfast?" and you respond "Hmm... maybe some eggs, sausage, biscuits, fruit, milk, water and bread!" or something like that. While I'm cooking I pick you up every now and then and show you the process. You love it. You seem to eat better the more you are involved. I was cooking us a stir fry the other night and you carried your chair's foot stool over the to kitchen so you could see better. You helped me put the broccoli, carrots and onions in the pan and ate some raw veggies while you did that. I hope this is something we continue to do together and you continue to like food and try new things. 

For Father's day you and Mommy took be to a Paella contest. Paella is probably my favorite meal of all time. I love it and since we've been in Seattle I haven't found a good place to get it. I definitely scratched that itch at the cook off... Mmmm Que Rica! And the best part? You loved Paella too!

We also have a routine that we do every night. Brush the teeth, wash the mouth, turn on the night light, read a few books and I sing a few versus to some song when I put you to bed. The other night you started singing "Good night dear" in this melody I barely recognized... WAIT! That is MY song! I wrote a song called "Little Vera" a long, long time ago. When Mommy and I were first dating I used to sing it at open mic nights. Apparently Mommy remembered some of the lyrics, swapped Vera with Maya and has been singing it to you when she tucks you in. I don't think my heart could have melted anymore at that point. Of course when I tried to sing it to you, you had to stop and correct me. "No Daddy. Its not good night child. Its good night dear."

So there you have it kid, there is a small glimpse of what is going on in our lives. I promise to be better and get back to a regular blogging pace here. We've done so much and have had so many visitors recently. You've had baby sitters and all kinds of things. This week is going to be a crazy week for you and while I have to admit a day or two of "peace" kind of makes me happy, not being able to see your face and hear your voice for a few days gives Daddy a heavy heart. 

Be good in Ohio kiddo. Daddy loves you very much.

I'll leave you with a few Daddy and Maya moments.

And other random Maya pics.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Mai,

You found your halloween costume tonight and insisted on wearing it. Then wanted to play with your keyboard. A new persona was born. 

D.J. Watermelon Slice!