Chickens

Jon has spent the past few weekends working on a chicken coop. He placed the final pieces this morning and so we took a family car ride up to Ojai to get some pullets (juvenile chickens to the lay person). We ended up bringing home three different breeds but all are supposed to be good laying hens. In about three months we should have an abundance of eggs to share with all of our family and friends.

Avocado!!!!

So we started giving Leo a little bit of avocado on Memorial Day. He seems to enjoy it more and more each time we give it to him. A part of me feels a little sad that our guy is growing up so fast, but I know it's super healthy for him. Today we tried banana for the first time and it was not well received. I think maybe I need to ripen the banana a little more before we try again. For now, we'll just stick to the avocado.

Memorial Day, Beach Day!

We were blessed with the most gorgeous weather over Memorial Day weekend here. Leo got in two beach days. By the second day he got so comfortable that he actually fell asleep at the beach.

The Bernardi Family visits

A couple weeks ago some in-laws came to visit with their new critter, Baby Lucca. Kim, Lucca, Leo and I had a leisurely lunch on the beach at Shoreline cafe and then when the wind was too much for Leo to handle we hung by the pool at Kim and Neil's hotel and the boys got some sun on those milky white thighs. Later, we got together with the Dad's for dinner out. I think we scared everyone out of the restaurant with our two little guys because everyone left and the six of us had the restaurant to ourselves.

Picnics

Once a month Leo and I go and meet Jon for lunch. We pack a picnic and go to the park near his office. Leo loves being outdoors and playing with Daddy during the day.

Mommy & Me

Leo and I go to this fun Mommy & Me class on Thursday mornings and a few weeks ago we had a Mother's Day potluck. Leo made friends with an older girl in the class named, Abbie.

Mornings with Daddy

The baby is at his best when he first wakes up in the morning. Jon and I, not so much. But we bring him into our bed and slowly wake up to his precious cooing and giggling.

Discovering Mr. Meowgi

Baby Leo is super in to Mr. Meowgi, our cat. He now smiles every time he spots him and reaches out to touch him. Mr. Meowgi doesn't quite return his affection. Poor kitty, Leo can't really control his grip yet and he grabs on tight and won't let go. Meowgi is not so quick to cuddle up with Leo anymore.

A lovely surprise package

Today there was a mystery package on my front doorstep when Leo and I got home from running some errands. It had a very industrious wrap job- a dirt devil dust buster box wrapped in duct tape. These days every package that arrives is for the baby so I just assumed it was for him but to my surprise it was addressed to me. It came from my brother-in-law, Jeff, in Atlanta. Attached was a shockingly sweet card that read, "Happy Mother's Day Summer! Can't wait to see the family in Wisconsin. Leo Couldn't be luckier (nor could Jon). -Jeff". I immediately welled up with tears. Inside the box was this beautiful ceramic bird which instantly became a prized decoration on my dining room table. Jeff couldn't have known how significant this would be on my first Mother's Day because I sometimes call Leo "my little bird." It is so special because it was totally unexpected (if you knew my brother-in-law you would better understand). I love being delightfully surprised by people.

Jeff, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This was so meaningful and so touching. You're my favorite brother-in-law.

Our first playdate!

Leo and I had our first play date with some new friends from Mommy and Me at the park. We had a really great time. It's true that, "tree's make the best mobiles." Leo loves the outdoors.....well, for an hour or two anyway.

My first Mother's Day

What an amazing day it was! I woke up to the sweet sounds of my baby boy cooing and babbling to himself. We all snuggled in bed for a while and then Jon and Leo gave me a precious homemade card and the very special necklace pictured above. I LOVE IT!!! Then we ventured out to the kitchen where leo gave his first go at the "Johnny Jump Up." Clearly he loves it! My sweet husband made me a scrumptious breakfast of homemade waffles, homemade strawberry syrup and homemade whipped cream. Mmmm mmm. Next we all took a drive up to Ojai to hit up the farmers market and escape the Ventura winds. Then Leo and I took a nice long nap. We followed that up with church and a delicious BBQ dinner. It was the perfect day with my two favorite guys.

I've told a few people how surprised I was at the sense of pride I felt on Mother's Day. It is the ultimate honor and blessing to be Leo's mama and Jon's wife- the mother of his child. I held my head so high carrying him around at farmer's market and then walking up to the alter with him in my arms at church for our special blessing.

Happiness is.........

Sitting on Daddy's lap, gumming my rattle while hearing a story.

Leo's first visit to Chico

My parents flew us up to Chico to show Leo off to all of our family and friends. We had a great time and are so grateful to have so many people shower us with love and support. Especially Grammy and Papa!

Leo's Baptism Celebration

Leo's proud godparents- Auntie Al and Uncle Mike.
Even 2 out of 3 of Leo's great grandma's were there!
The proud, parents, godparents and grandparents
He screamed his little heart out when Father Bob poured the water on his head
His gown was worn by his great grandfather on Jon's mother's side.

A few of Leo's favorite things

Leo loves his super soft polar bear towel from Beth & Baby Makenna
He loves to be wrapped up cozy in his Moby- made in Chico I might add
Sitting upright in his bumbo is another one of his favorites
Our little monkey loves his Lola Miren gear from Auntie Chels
His most favorite thing (besides mommy & daddy) is bathtime!!!

Baby's first Easter

The Grandparents Hine flew Jon, Leo and I up to Sacramento for Easter weekend. It was one of many firsts for our little guy! His first plane ride, first Easter, first trip to Grandma & Grandpa's house

Our one year anniversary

In the midst of expecting our first child, we took time to celebrate one year of marriage and our "paper" anniversary by writing silly love letters to one another and having a lovely dinner on the water. We also revisited "Wine Lovers" which is the very romantic spot where Jon mustered up the courage to propose to me. It was a great time, even if I had to waddle my way through it.

Flashback to Thanksgiving

I was just sifting through the past years pictures and found this cute one of Jon and I at Thanksgiving. I already forgot how huge I was!

Baby's first road trip

Jon and I having some fun time together on the dance floor.
Baby Leo hanging with Auntie Liz

A few weeks ago we took baby Leo up to the bay area for a friends wedding. While he hated the car ride (who could blame him, I wouldn't want to spend 5 hours in a car seat), He was a real charmer the rest of the weekend.

Leo's friends at the birth center

Last week I had a check-up with my midwife, Karni, at her birthing center, http://www.venturamidwife.com. I wish I could describe the warm and peaceful energy that this place gives off. It feels almost like my home away from home, like a safe haven. Anyhow, here are a two pictures of Leo with the amazing women who helped care for him before he was even born. Karni, has the dark hair and she is literally the mommy and baby whisperer. Laurel is the blonde. She guided my "spiritual" journey through pregnancy and helped me to prepare emotionally for labor and motherhood. I am forever grateful to them for what they have added to our lives. Here's to knowing these incredible women!

**not sure why the quality of these pics is so poor :(

The smile that melts my heart

Sometimes being a mom is utterly exhausting but with one little smile, my fuel tank is overflowing.....even if I'm running on 5 hours of broken sleep each night. Here's a little clip of our guy discovering his smile.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOXXZYxb23A