New Leon photos by Chris using his new Nikon D700....

best mom-in-law

I've been blessed with the sweetest and most kind mom-in-law and I'm so grateful.

Joanie (Chris' mom) and Larry (Chris' stepdad) are in town to see their grandson and also to spend memorial weekend with us. Yesterday a package arrived filled with goodies Joanie shipped before leaving NC just for me (and Leon of course).

I've had my eye on a baby cook book and a steamer/blender machine especially for preparing baby food and it's as if Joanie read my mind. I definitely intend to make home made baby food for Leon when he is ready to begin trying purees. Receiving Joanie's gift just made it more exciting! I can't wait to use it.

Thanks Joanie!

Fun times

Leon "heads up" from Anna Cherubini on Vimeo.

One of the many things I'm learning from having and caring for Leon is that time truly does fly fast. Everyday I witness something new about him and I'm in a mix of joy and disbelief every time we reach a milestone. A great lesson to learn- never take anything for granted and treat every day like its your last.

Above is a video of Leon- the first part was filmed when he was only 3 weeks old and the latter part was shot just yesterday (7 weeks old). We are amazed at how quickly he learned to strengthen his neck and is now able to briefly hold his head up.

Oh please sleep

My 'lil boy has always been battling falling asleep ever since the first night we brought him home and it seems he is only getting good at it. I wish I could just say- "Leon, just close your eyes and give in. Trust me, you will awake a happy baby" for him to realize that sleep is good. It's hard to watch him fight what is good for him and I realize that this won't be the first time. There will be many other times in the future and many other instances growing up when he will have to learn on his own- mostly by making mistakes and experiencing hardships. I recall so many times in my teenage years when my mom would forewarn me in the hopes that I would just listen to save me from heartaches. Well just like a typical all knowing teen eager to get my feet wet and make my own decisions- I would ignore her and go about my way. I know it seems I'm going way ahead of everything being that Leon is only 6 weeks old but I just could not help while watching him time and again fight sleep- that this is a sign of things to come - luckily not in the near future.

Hiccups go away!

(Leon at 1 month and 15 days old)

Our poor 'lil man always has hiccup attacks. Although everyone says and every book states that babies are not bothered by it- just looking at his face lets me know the hiccups bother him a lot. It's so frustrating that there is nothing we can do to make it go away faster or avoid it. We just wait 'til it finally goes away while his tiny body jolts and entire head bops at every loud hiccup.

Besides the hiccups- last night was the first time we ever had to deal with gas pains. Leon was fussy on and off from 7pm until he finally dozed off at 10pm. Definitely the longest time he has stayed awake and he was miserable the entire time. Again we were frustrated because of the lack of relief we could offer him. We held, bounced and I nursed him just to offer some sort of comfort.

I would be a very happy mom the day Leon can actually tell me what's bothering him. No more guessing and trial and errors.

This guy has the same facial expressions as mine, same big bug eyes, same eyebrows and lips. I love him.

My lunch date yesterday. He was so well behaved for the most part until he got real sleepy.

Here Leon is mesmerized by Alondra and Lara. It was wonderful to catch up with my good gal pals over lunch.

I attended a new mommy support group on Thursday at The Pump Station in Hollywood and I'm so glad we went. It was a huge help to hear other moms stories and experiences and to discuss common questions we all have. We'll definitely attend at least once a week.

Woombie

What a great find! The Woombie! Chris was surfing the net for some swaddler images to send a friend when he came across the Woombie. I researched on it and read some reviews and decided it's worth a try so I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.

I'm so glad we tried it. We were using the Halo swaddler and it just was not working out for us for a few reasons. Leon was over heating due to the thick material, he was getting frustrated and making grunting sounds while he struggles to move or even wiggle his arms and legs. Also, it was difficult for us to get him in and out of it with all the velcro strips that had to be aligned just right for him to be snuggly wrapped.

I like the Woombie much better and Leon seems to prefer it too. The organic material is breathable and perfect for the summer season. The two way zipper works real well. I especially like that I can unzip from the bottom so I can easily check Leon's diaper in middle of the night. The material is so forgiving that it allows baby to move and adjust his arms and legs which he really likes. I definitely recommend the Woombie!

my first mom's day

Some time last week my sis Pia asked what our plans are for mother's day and I was immediately puzzled. Our mom is back in the Philippines and Chris' mom is in NC. It had to take Pia breaking the big news to me- "Anne, you're a mom!"

Funny how despite Leon clearly being here I did not realize that I now share mother's day with all the wonderful momma's in the world. What an accomplishment it is indeed! I feel very proud to be a mom.

Being Leon's mom is teaching me many things about life, how to practice patience and what it means to truly love.

Today Pia, Chris, Leon and I had brunch at a local bakery & restaurant "La Pain Quotidien" in Sherman Oaks. Leon snoozed in his stroller almost the entire time.

Leon and Chris spending quality time when we got back home.

Joanie- my wonderful mom-in-law sent these beautiful flowers. Thanks so much Joanie!

what mornings look like

Leon has been napping and sleeping overnight in his crib.... and I am so proud of him!

The first night of having him home the combination of exhaustion, sleepiness and cluelessness led me to take him in bed next to me and Chris. Other experienced moms would know this but I of course, did not- from that point on Leon only slept on our bed surrounded by pillows. Comfy for him but very uncomfortable for mom. Despite our king size bed I ended up semi-sleeping in the bottom half section of what used to by my side of the bed. This sleeping arrangement lasted almost 2 weeks. I was miserable and I have no idea how I managed to get any sleep. Then one day, Chris and I devised a plan to start having him to at least nap in the mini co-sleeper we've had ready next to our bed. It took a few tries until Leon finally took to the co-sleeper. I remember staring at Leon from my regained spot on the bed- so proud of him for making such a big boy move to his very own bed.

It seems we've come such a long way now that he is in the crib in his room. His room being just a few steps away from ours helped tremendously in giving me the peace of mind.

Every morning when he starts making lots of noises somewhere around 5am to 7am, we take him to our bed to snooze some more and this is what it looks like (photo above). It buys me a couple more hours of sleep (which is priceless) and I can tell that Leon just loves being so close to us. It's like his special treat every morning for being so good and so brave sleeping in his crib.

Flowies from bubbs

My sweet husband took Lucy for a walk last night and came back home with these wild flowers he hand picked for me. It truly is the everyday simple pleasures in life that matters and I remember the most. Chris has done so many loving and spectacular things for me to show his love. Through the years what stands out the most are the moments when he comes to my rescue whenever I need a shoulder to cry on or someone who can listen to my fears and my random thoughts. I'm so glad I married my best friend.

Aquaphor

They should call this the "miracle ointment". Leon had an extremely dry peeling forehead and I applied a thin layer of baby Aquaphor just the other night and already this morning- major difference!

first few days with just mom

I realize just how extremely lucky I have been to have had Chris at home with us for almost an entire month. It was a big deal to have been able to share the new responsibilities of caring for Leon. Chris was not only great help but he was excellent at soothing Leon.

Well like most good things- our luxury of having Chris home came to an end. Of course, it was inevitable that he went back to work. Since Monday Leon and I have been home alone... yes, we're on our own or should I say I'm on my own?

Good thing Leon has been so good- good in newborn sense. At 4 weeks and 2 days old, he actually has a pretty good internal clock. He naps 2x a day and he sleeps continuously for a solid 3 hours per nap. While he is asleep I take the time to relax and regroup.

Having to leave home alone with the baby though- is still a challenge. I'm sure it will take more practice and some time in the future I'll be able to flip open the stroller and hang the diaper bag on the handles all with one hand. Pretty soon I'll be able to do most tasks with one hand.

The photos above were taken while I was bathing Leon on my own for the first time. Again all cleaning maneuvers with one hand. (Chris came home just in time to be able to snap some pics).

Evelyn and Leon

It was wonderful having sweet 'lil Evelyn over today. She was such a darling. Apparently, Evelyn finds being in-motion very comforting- so much so that she prefers sleeping on her swing or bouncer. It amazes me how every baby is so unique.

Evelyn's awesome mom- Lisa. She's a mom of two and is so cool about parenting. I love her no nonsense very practical advice on caring for a newborn. It was such a treat to have friendly pretty faces over today on top of quite a delicious lunch.

Thanks a million Lisa!

p.s. Sorry Lucy snagged half of your sandwich.

I loved holding Evelyn in my arms! She is so sturdy and adorable.

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: John S
Film: Kodot Verichrome
Flash: Off

Another Hipstamatic print on Iphone

HipstaPrint

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Jimmy
Film: Ina's 1969
Flash: Off

Finally gave in and purchased the "Hipstamatic" Iphone app and I admit- it's pretty cool! No wonder so many people are getting into it. I love the special vintage effects and the flexibility it gives the Iphone user to change lenses and films.

Leon's facial expression in the picture cracks me up. Chris has a theory that Leon puckers his lips this way when he is peeing.

Leon often flashes me with an adorable smile while he is asleep. It's so cute especially now that his cheeks are getting fuller.

Gift

The pretty necklace I'm wearing in this picture is a special present from Chris. During the first week of having Leon at home he surprised me with this gift. He truly is the sweetest and most thoughtful man.

We're calling it my "new momma gift". Prior to giving birth I have been hoping to find something I can wear that will symbolize our family. I looked at so many accessories on Etsy- from necklaces to bracelets with all sorts of charms. Wearing this necklace that Chris especially picked from the same jeweler (Single Stone in Los Angeles) who made our engagement ring and wedding bands definitely will be my little everyday reminder of Leon's birth and the love that fills our family.

day at the docs

Leon grew a whole 1" taller and now weighs 8lbs 11oz. He is a happy and healthy baby (except for when I had to undress him (twice) on a cold and stiff examination table (wasn't very happy then).

It was our very first time leaving home (without anyone else but me and Leon) and getting somewhere for an actual appointment. We did pretty well considering I even got a chance to get an iced latte to go on the way to the doctor's office. Actually, we got there too early because I was too worried about being late hence I had to kill some time and thought a drink would be a good idea (and it was).

The next time we see Dr. Asnani there will be tears for sure and my heart will break. It will be vaccine day one month from today.

Chris and I were curious to see how much Leon has grown so I took a brand new photo of him tonight during his bath in the sink. Comparing it to a photo we took when he was only two weeks old- I'm in awe at just how much he has filled in. Our boy is getting big!

Leon has not decided yet whether he likes the bath or not. He begins by liking being half submerged but then he is quick to change his mind a few minutes later.

We watch Leon work so hard to lift his head. He has mixed feelings about his play mat. On a good day he would spend a good amount of time laying on his back watching the dangling stuffed toys. Some days he won't have any of it. It makes me so proud when he pushes himself just a bit farther to keep his head up.

1 month old Leon

Our sweet 'lil boy is 1 month old today! Time truly passes so quickly. It seems like only yesterday when my greatest task was labor and his birth. The last four weeks have been enjoyable and exhausting at the same time. There is nothing like witnessing our son grow, become more alert and learn to recognize who we are in his life. On the other hand, Chris and I have never had to miss out on so much sleep as we do now. It's all an amazing experience and we are savoring every moment. Everyone says that babies grow up so fast and that we should relish this time and I totally believe it.