FAMILY VALENTINE

- Helena Osorio

Ari's Mom, aka Helena Osorio, best defines herself as the passionate #1 fan of, well, yes, Ari.  Since his birth in November of '07, Helena has turned all her energy, heart and efforts to being the best Mom she can be. That has meant numerous hours of research on how to teach him to fall asleep on his own, which stroller to buy, what early development classes to attend, and how to finally trust her instincts. In her "spare" time Helena works full time for JWT Advertising as a Broadcast Producer. She also keeps a blog, through which she shares her experiences as a new Mom. Helena lives in Miami, with Abraham her husband, Ari and their two dogs Mafaldo and Felipa. Helean is the mom behind HeleNation’s Megamama, one of the most popular Spanish language mom blogs on the Internet. You can visit her website at: Megamama.

My heart was raising, my voice was breaking, but I managed to get my nerve up and ask him, “Will you be my Valentine?” Oh! Then he gave me that smile of his, the smile that would melt even the iciest Popsicle in a second, and I knew that meant he was accepting my proposal. It was the first time I had asked someone to be my Valentine, and luckily for me this 32 inch, 14-month man, accepted. I lifted him up, hugged him and kissed him…”We are going to have the best Valentine’s ever, Oh! Love of my life” I said, as he was already running around and not paying any attention to me.

I have hardly celebrated Valentine’s during the last eight years. Abraham, my husband, and I always found a way to pick a fight on February 14. About four years ago, we decided not to celebrate, and even though there are no chocolates or romantic dinners, there is no pressure and no fights.

Therefore, this year I had the magnificent idea of doing a family celebration. I am not sure if Abraham will be in town on that day but Ari, my son, and I will have a charming celebration. This is when the task oriented producer type comes out of me, and starts researching and planning what to do, so let me share some ideas with you:

Stay In and Cook – instead of battling the crowds, or having to wait forever for a table, make your home the place to be.  Decorate your house, decorate your dining table, and whether you cook or pick something up on your way home, make it all about the time you share together.

Make Valentine’s Cards - a pack of construction paper, scissors and some crayons or markers go a long way. You can find templates and ideas on sites like fun.familyeducation.com.  I just checked out Nickjr.com, and they have many templates for Valentine’s cards featuring some of your favorite shows. ;)

Have a Date – yeah! Have a date with your kids, dim the lights, get some candles, dress up and go out with your family. I am sure it will be the best Valentine’s dinner ever, whether it takes you to a fancy restaurant or the corner deli.

Chill and relax – give yourself a break. Spend the day playing with your children, make some chocolate fondue, get in bed and watch Kung Fu Panda for the 1000th time.

I think my date and I will have lots of fun playing and running around the house. I will make sure to give him twice as many kisses and hugs as I usually do (is that possible?). I am sure this will be by far my best Valentine’s ever in the company of the most delicious, huggable, kissable, scrumptious person and best friend in the whole wide world.