Saturday, January 22, 2011

choices


9 months and 19 days old

It's been a while since I've blogged and I just realized just how much I've missed it.  Writing here has been therapy.  More than a baby journal this 'lil blog is a mama diary.  
So here I am putting thoughts into words again.  It's been quite a whirlwind of events the past few weeks.  Since December I began accepting catering jobs again.  Initially I thought of working so I could make some cash and shop for some Christmas presents for my sweet family.  Then of course as soon as I opened the door and wished for jobs to come my way- catering jobs indeed came one by one- one after the next.  Currently I've got events lined for the month of February and a wedding in June.
I'm extremely grateful and happy to be reminded just how much I love what I do.  Cooking for people and planning special events brings out the best in me.  
Certainly GREAT things are taking place.
My sweet 'lil baby is growing to be the sweetest boy.  He really is.  He has such a happy disposition.  Often times even though he has no idea what Chris and I are discussing he'll laugh out loud just to get in on the conversation.  Leon has brought our lives so much joy and I feel so privileged to watch his personality unfold right before my eyes.
Chris and I have always thrown the idea around of having a small cafe.  Catering has been rewarding however the minus side is the difficulty of transporting food and not having a definite home base.  All along we knew that location is the key to having a successful cafe.  Well one day Chris comes home and claims he has found just the right spot.  WOW.  So the Cherubini's rushed to check the place out and fell in love.  It was the perfect spot.  Suddenly all the amazing possibilities came rushing into mind.  
We got the ball rolling almost immediately.  A trusted contractor laid out the plans, the meeting with the city and building inspectors were set and the lease was scheduled to be signed.  
And then it struck me.  "What about Leon?"  "Who's going to take care of my boy?"  
Chris and I brainstormed and wracked our brains trying to figure an arrangement for Leon but in the end- after days of thinking it all boils down to the fact that I'm not ready to leave my son at a daycare or with a nanny.  
Having a cafe in the perfect commercial spot and having a home base for Belly Bliss has been an ultimate dream.  That will never change.  It will always be the one thing that some day I wish to achieve.  Leon's childhood happens only this one time and I have this one shot at being "present" for him.  It took me an entire day to make peace with the decision.  I have to admit it was hard.  Although I know in my heart that choosing to be a full time mama for Leon is most important.  I would never want to look back and realize that I was unavailable for my child.  

Monday, January 3, 2011

happy 9 month birthday


Everyday I'm full of gratitude for having this 'lil boy in our lives.  The past 9 months have been so joyful and filled with the most memorable moments.
I love his baby laughter, his angled grin, his two little teeth, his button nose and just about everything that makes up his little self.


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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Lovin new books

Leon received the sweetest learning gifts from the Toolan's... Thank you so much Trish, Brian and Ava.

Among the three books we got he especially loved "Tails" and kept fiddling with the furry animal tails while I read the book to him.  I've been waiting for the moment when I could begin reading to him and I'm so happy the time has come.  He finally gives me just enough of his attention for us to go through one small book.




Sunday, December 26, 2010

first song

Leon's first song from Anna Cherubini on Vimeo.

The musician in Chris was so thrilled to see Leon play the xylophone he got as a Christmas present.  Leon did not give much attention to it yesterday but this morning I sat him down next to it and left him to play while I was in the kitchen- next thing I heard are adorable tones.  I took the long sticks that came with it.  For now we're using a small spoon as a substitute.


Here are my favorite photos from Christmas day...









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Thursday, December 23, 2010

his first Christmas present

... was from his Uncle Dave.  We all enjoyed watching this 'lil baby boy rip the wrapping paper off.  It seems he loved the packaging more than the actual gift!  
Leon got a special treat of opening a Christmas gift before Christmas because Uncle Dave is going to be out of town for the holidays.  



Leon at 8 months and 17 days old



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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas treats



Yum yum yummy red velvet cupcakes for our dear friends this holiday.


This years' Christmas is a very solemn and peaceful one for us and I'm so glad that it is.  No big parties and no elaborate menus.  Just me, Chris, Leon and Lucy.  So simple in fact, we put up our tree with its pretty twinkling lights and both Chris and I thought, it looks so good without any ornaments.  So there stands our Christmas tree simple and yet festive.  It's beautiful as it is and it accomplishes its job of bringing the Christmas spirit in our home.


We also skipped wrapping presents this year.  We saw the documentary Trash Inc and ever since then we have been making a real conscious effort to limit our consumption of everything.  I worry about what the world is becoming and how most people remain careless.  Not using wrapping paper for our Christmas presents has been a source of lots of laughs actually.  Under the tree is a box from Amazon and another box with a table linen draped over it.  In the garage is another box covered in towels that Chris has been keeping secret.  I'm amused and I'm so proud of our little family.  I am so happy to be able to teach Leon that the world and all its resources deserve the utmost respect.


p.s. the plastic packaging for the cupcakes is recycable

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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

I'm back! Thanksgiving 2010

I missed this blog!  Needless to say I've been super busy beginning Thanksgiving and 'til now.  At the moment baby is napping and so here I am.


Thanksgiving in North Carolina with family was such a joy.  Everyday was spent being with family whether it be cooking, eating, chatting, listening to music... we did it all.  


I'm so grateful for all the incredible people in our lives.  Chris' sister and I'm proud to say- my sister- Nora threw the most amazing Thanksgiving meal.  Thank you for the labor of love.  


Here are some of my favorite photos from our holiday....



 Leon with sweet Bella


 love from two beautiful grandmas


lovely aunt Nora and grandpa


Nora made our bellies happy


'lil dancing in the kitchen


Chris wonderful nieces- Cece and Adie


Nora with all her yummy creations


His favorite place to be


Our family


To view the complete album, click here.

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