The Urban Darling -

Our Gender Reveal For Baby Number Two

By Esperanza on July 14, 2026

Pregnancy, Pregnancy announcement, baby announcement, baby #2, second baby, second pregnancy, toddler mom, boy mom, toddler parents, newlyweds, growing family, growing our family, family blogger, mommy blogger, family photography, maternity photography, Evergreen, Colorado, gender reveal, baby gender reveal.

When we found out we were expecting our second baby, it was impossible not to dream about what this next chapter would look like. If I’m being completely honest, I had started picturing a little girl. I imagined tiny dresses, matching moments, and watching our family grow in a new way. So when we found out we were having a baby boy, I needed a moment to let go of the picture I had created in my mind. But deep down, I had always felt I was meant to be a boy mom. And considering my husband’s family is made up of almost all boys, the odds were definitely pointing us in that direction. Looking back now, I truly can’t imagine it any other way. Two little boys will be so sweet!

Growing Our Family: We’re Expecting Baby #2

By Esperanza on June 24, 2026

When we made the temporary move to Colorado earlier this year, we knew it would be a season of change and adventure for our little family. As we settled into this new chapter, Andrew and I decided it was finally time to start growing our family. From the very beginning of our relationship, we talked about our hopes for the future and the family we wanted to build together. After getting married last September—following eight wonderful months of dating and a six-month engagement—we felt ready to take that next step. To our surprise and excitement, it only took two months of trying before we found out we were expecting!

14 Cities In Italy We Visited During Our Honeymoon

By Esperanza on June 17, 2026

Italian cities, Italian towns, Italian honeymoon, Italy, honeymoon, travel, Italy travel, travel blogger, couples, married couples, traveling with a toddler, toddler parents, best cities in Italy, must see cities in Italy, The Urban Darling, Europe, Europe travel.

Our honeymoon through Italy was a three-week journey filled with slow mornings, spontaneous stops, and an incredible mix of cities, hill towns, and coastal escapes. Traveling with our toddler added a different rhythm to the trip. One that encouraged us to slow down, linger longer, and appreciate both the iconic highlights and the quiet in-between moments. From Venice’s canals to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the golden towns of Tuscany, and the dramatic landscapes of Sicily and Puglia, each destination offered something completely unique. Looking back, it wasn’t just the places we visited, but the way we experienced them together that made the trip so unforgettable.

Our Venetian Island Stay at Casa Burano & Venissa Wine Resort

By Esperanza on June 5, 2026

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Toward the end of our three-week honeymoon through Italy with our toddler, we spent a few days exploring Venice before continuing on to Lake Como. After flying in from Sicily, we left our rental car behind and made our way into the Venetian Lagoon, deciding to stay on the colorful island of Burano rather than in Venice itself. This was my second time visiting Venice and Andrew’s first, and while we both wanted to see the city’s highlights, we were especially drawn to the idea of staying somewhere quieter and more local. Just a 30-minute Vaporetto ride from Venice, Burano offered exactly that—brightly painted houses, winding canals, and a slower rhythm of life that felt completely different from the busier streets of Venice.

Portland, Oregon, USA | Travel

Portland, OR Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay, & Play

By Esperanza on

Portland, travel guide, foodie, foodie travel guide, where to eat in Portland, Portland restaurants, Portland coffee shops, Portland coffee, coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, restaurant guide, family travel, family trip, travel blogger, things to do in Portland, Portland boutiques, boutiques, vintage, Portland hotels, boutique hotels, The Urban Darling.

Since we were already planning a trip to visit family on the Oregon Coast, we decided to squeeze in a few days in Portland—a city that holds a special place in both of our hearts. We each lived in Portland at different times before we met, so it was fun getting to experience the city together and revisit some of our favorite spots. Portland is one of those places that instantly charms you with its beautiful old homes, walkable neighborhoods, towering trees, and endless green spaces. We love it so much that if housing prices weren’t still a bit out of reach, we would seriously consider moving there someday.

Travel | Venice, Italy

Two Magical Days In Venice, Italy With Our Toddler

By Esperanza on June 4, 2026

Venice, Italy, Italy travel, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, mommy blogger, honeymoon, honeymoon trip, Italy trip, family trip, mom style, honeymoon style, dad style, baby boy style, European style, vintage style.

As our three-week honeymoon adventure through Italy was winding down, we arrived in Venice for one of the final stops on our journey. We were staying on the colorful island of Burano at Casa Burano, which made for the perfect home base. After a big breakfast at the hotel, we boarded a boat and headed into Venice for our first full day of exploring. This was my second visit to Venice—I had only spent half a day there years ago—so I was excited to experience more of the city and share its beauty with my husband for the first time. Even before we reached the historic center, the anticipation of wandering through the canals, bridges, and winding streets made the day feel special.

Portland, Oregon, USA | Travel

3 Cute Boutiques To Shop At In Portland, OR

By Esperanza on

Portland, travel guide, shopping guide, boutiques, where to shop in Portland, Portland boutiques, Portland shops, Portland vintage, vintage, plants, vintage shops, plant shop, family travel, family trip, travel blogger.

When we planned a quick two-day trip to Portland with our toddler, Sage, shopping wasn’t necessarily at the top of our itinerary. But between revisiting favorite neighborhoods from our years living in the city and stumbling upon a few unexpected gems, we found ourselves discovering some wonderful local boutiques along the way. Since my husband and I both lived in Portland at different points in our lives, it was fun to revisit neighborhoods we loved while creating new memories together as a family.

Arezzo, Italy | Travel

Where to Go in Tuscany: 4 Cities We Loved

By Esperanza on June 3, 2026

Tuscany, Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Tuscan cities, best Tuscany cities, best cities in Tuscany, Italy, Italy travel, Europe, Europe travel, family travel, travel guide, family trip, family blogger, travel style, travel, The Urban Darling, honeymoon, newlyweds, toddler parents.

There’s no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Tuscany, but after spending three weeks exploring Italy on our honeymoon with our toddler, a few destinations stood out above the rest. From medieval hill towns and world-renowned wine regions to vibrant antique markets and historic city centers, each place offered something completely unique while still capturing the magic that makes Tuscany so unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or your first trip to Italy, these four cities quickly became some of our favorite stops and are places we would recommend without hesitation.

Portland, Oregon, USA | Travel

4 Cute Restaurants We Loved In Portland, OR

By Esperanza on

Portland has always held a special place in our hearts. Andrew and I both lived there at different points in our lives, so when we found ourselves visiting family on the Oregon Coast, it felt like the perfect opportunity to spend a few days exploring one of our favorite cities together—with our toddler in tow. Portland’s restaurant and coffee scene remains unmatched, and this quick trip reminded us exactly why we love it so much. From unforgettable fine dining to some of the best coffee we’ve ever had, every stop was memorable in its own way.

Puglia, Italy | Travel

3 Must-Visit Cities in Puglia, Italy You Shouldn’t Miss

By Esperanza on May 28, 2026

Puglia, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, southern Italy, Italy, Italy travel, Europe, Europe travel, family travel, travel guide, family trip, family blogger, travel style, travel, The Urban Darling, honeymoon, newlyweds, toddler parents.

There’s something magical about Puglia that feels different from the rest of Italy. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the olive groves stretching endlessly into the distance, or the way each town seems to have its own distinct personality. During our three-week honeymoon through Italy with our toddler, Puglia became one of the most memorable parts of the trip. From whitewashed hill towns to Baroque cities and fairytale villages filled with Trulli houses, every stop gave us a new favorite moment.