Pinterest

Ahhh...as if I needed another distraction. I have discovered Pinterest and I am slightly addicted. Basically, it's an online pinboard that allows you to keep track of things like ideas, recipes, products you love, etc. Check out my Pinterest boards here: Ashley's Pinterest Boards!

We're All Smiles!

I apologize for neglecting the blog a bit lately, we have had guests staying with us for the last week, and our newest guest (Aunt Andrea) just arrived last night. Santi's mom, dad, and grandpa came out to meet little Luca this week, and it was so great to have family here again. They are so in love with their first grandchild (and grandpa's fourth great grandchild). Just in time for their visit, Luca started really smiling and cooing in reaction to voices and faces. It has been so special  to watch him interacting with us, and with his grandparents. He is growing so fast, and I am looking forward to all of the other milestones that await us!!!
Check out that smile!!!

It's so much fun trying to catch all his smiles on camera!

On a side note, he has also moved into size 3 month clothes! He is starting to look more and more like a little boy...and more like his daddy.

1 Month and 28 Years Old

Yesterday our little man turned 1 month old, and today I turn 28 years old. I cannot believe our baby is one month old already. This morning has been rough for Luca after yesterday's visit to the doctor, which resulted in a vaccine and a diagnosis of acid reflux. When he is fussy and I am exhausted, I often find myself wishing for the days ahead when he has more happy awake times...when he is more independent. Then, I remind myself of how quickly time has already gone by, and how much I am going to miss these days of exhaustion when a shower and hot meal are rare, and my new wardrobe consists mainly of sweats and puke covered nursing tops. It's my 28th birthday, and so far today I haven't even had a moment to brush my teeth, but it's all good. I am blessed beyond belief, and if I remember correctly last year at this time I would have given anything to be celebrating my birthday with my precious baby...even a fussy one.

Happy one month birthday my sweet little boy. Mama and papi love you so much.

LoVe

Welcome to Mommyhood

I think I have about 10 minutes before Luca wakes up from his nap. Which means I will probably start this post, he will wake up, nurse, and then I will come back to the blog and forget what on earth I was writing about. Welcome to mommyhood!
On Friday, Luca will be one month old. It's so hard to believe he has been here for a month already. It has been such a wild ride so far, and mommyhood is so different than I ever imagined. This tiny little person has made such an impact on our lives, and we are so truly blessed. In the fog of sleep deprivation, it's hard to even wrap my mind around the idea that we are actually parents. Sometimes it still feels like we are babysitting and the real parents are going to show up at any moment.

This week I began my "official" maternity leave. I have 12 weeks at home with my amazing little boy, and I know it's going to fly by. I always thought being a stay at home mom was a fairly easy job compared to teaching kindergarten, but boy was I wrong!  I never thought that one little boy could take up so much energy, especially since I am used to having 25 five year olds all day long! My days consist of waking up whenever Luca wakes up (which could be anywhere from 5am to 9am on a good day), taking a super fast shower when he is napping, grabbing a quick bite to eat here and there when I can, cleaning up when he will let me, changing diapers, soothing him when he is fussy, nursing, nursing, nursing, and more nursing....all while being deprived of sleep. But I wouldn't change a thing. Even though these early months are tough, I know I am going to miss them when they are gone. I have to stop myself from thinking ahead to all the "firsts"...first real smile, first coos, first time he rolls over...even though I am excited to experience the true rewards of being a mother, like when he actually recognizes and acknowledges me with a smile, I have to stop and enjoy the quiet newborn moments.

Isn't this the most precious face you have ever seen?