“A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014.”This was taken right after he woke from his afternoon nap. A dried up milk mustache and those lashes. #swoon
“A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014.”“A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014.”
Oh California. You stole my heart. Truly, you did. I’m a born and bred New Yorker and was raised to scoff at the mere thought of moving to the West Coast. So what that you have warm weather year round. We have snow! We have Seasons! (Fall really is my favorite, just a little FYI). But no. You had to just go and make me eat my New York City words. I FREAKIN LOVE YOU. A beach day in January? On the day my home town was suffering from an ice storm? Yes please. I’ll take it.
I spent 6 glorious days in the California sun with some of my best girls. On a frigid Friday morning (5am to be exact) my love Natassia and I met at JFK airport. We were welcomed in LA at 10am with nothing but sunshine. We hopped in our rental car and made our way to West Hollywood, where we stayed with our friends who totally ditched NYC for LA (I get it now. I get it.) The photos above are from one of my favorite days. We drove from Hollywood to Malibu beach and planted our butts in the Zuma sand. Afterwards we headed to Moonshadows for a delicious, late lunch and cocktails. #winning. The rest of the trip was equally as amazing although I missed my boys terribly. Thank goodness for FaceTime. I’ll be posting more photos and a little more about my trip tomorrow. I could really use some Cali sun in my life right about now. New York temps are headed up to 25 tomorrow and that’s considered warm in comparison to how cold it has been. I’m missing you LA.
While the bestie and I were planning our 5 day California girls trip (photo dump coming soon 😉 I knew that Palm Springs was a must see during our visit. I am absolutely envious – in the best way possible of course – of all the beautiful Palm Spring photos that wind up on my Instagram feed. When I was asked to check out the Del Marcos hotel I literally jumped at the chance. After we drove through the desert and arrived at the hotel, I was instantly in love.The Del Marcos is absolutely stunning. Designed in 1947 by William F. Cody, the hotel is located right in the center of it all. Our suite was such a treat – gorgeous decor and everything we could possibly need. Hello coffee maker! The pool was a dream and I have found myself constantly wishing I was sitting by the fire pit since I’ve arrived back home to cold NYC. On our last day we rode around on the hotel bikes (I admit we were a bit rusty) and had a blast. Our 2 day Palm Springs getaway was simply amazing – the town, the Del Marcos..I can’t wait to go back. Only this time with my two boys in tow! Lucas needs to get in on the Palm Spring Action! 
“A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014.” We spent the day at grandmas listening to merengue and eating delicious sancocho. You love to dance and socialize. You buzz from person to person. My silly butterfly!
“A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014.”
I always want to remember this face. This face is one of concentration and one you make right before you do something awesome (right after I snapped this photo you leaped in the air. that’s pretty stinking awesome if you ask me.) and then burst into laughter. I have dubbed this face your “dare devil grin.”
This is my third post for volume IV of the sling diaries: everything shines. You can follow along with my fellow sakura loves here. I am wearing the simple silk baby sling in midnight.
Becoming a mother rocked my world.
It changed me for the better.
It changed me for the better.
I look back on my early twenties and remember all the complaints..the moaning and groaning when I couldn’t wiggle my skinny bottom into a pair of jeans. Or how I just had to lose an extra pound or two. Truthfully, I’m still working on my post-baby confidence and have found myself in moments of weakness wishing I could somehow instantly transform my body. But then I step back and remind myself of the bigger picture.
My tummy might be soft to the touch but I am thankful. Thankful for my body that for months carried and protected my gift from God until he was ready to meet us. And then there are the times we are snuggled in bed and Lucas lifts my shirt to rub my stomach. He turns his head up to look at me and gives me a smile filled with so much love it almost hurts.
My thighs may have cellulite but I am thankful. Thankful that I have strong legs that allow me to run and chase my free spirited boy.
My arms may jiggle but I am thankful. Thankful that each night I rock my baby until I can hear a soft snore in my ear and I feel his body go heavy and I know he his dreaming. Arms that can throw my son in the air and make him giggle like nobodies business. Arms that wrap around his small body when he’s scared or upset and only mama can comfort him.
My breast feeding journey began with a baby who wouldn’t latch, nights of crying and no sleep, but I am thankful. Thankful that I never gave up and that for one full year I was able to nourish my son and watch those plump cheeks and delicious thighs grow because he was getting all the nutrients he needed from his mama. A gift only I could have given him.
My nails are short, never painted, and I’m lucky if I remember to moisturize my poor hands, but I am thankful. Thankful for the tiny paw that fits perfectly into mine and who holds onto me as we walk hand in hand on our adventures.
My face is often naked and under eye bags are front and center but I am thankful. Thankful because my unadorned cheeks are your favorite to kiss.
When I look in the mirror I am most certainly not perfect. There are a million flaws to be seen, circled, and criticized. But then I think of my son, my creation. Who looks at me with a love so fierce, it’s penetrating. Who never cares if my hair is washed or if my nails are manicured. His love has given me the confidence of the most beautiful super model in the world. Unlike said super model, I don’t make a million bucks a day, but I am paid in infinite kisses, impromptu dance shows, half eaten cookies covered in slobber, and a love that is never ending. I think I know who the winner is here. So thank you mi amor, for giving me a confidence I never knew existed. Until you.
maxi skirt c/o bel & beau
“A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014.”
My boy has a sweet tooth. His vice? Sour patch kids. He hoards them in his pockets and knows where they are stored in the kitchen cabinet. He has no color preference and doesn’t care that I steal all the reds.
One decorating decision that I’ve made for the new apartment (and have thus far stuck to) is that I want all white walls. I would prefer to have a blank canvas so to speak to work with. What I am very excited for is the art that will grace the walls. One of the most talented artists I know also happens to be one of my very best friends. I seriously lucked out here in the friend department! Lauren is the creative force behind Lady Noel Designs. Each original painting is created with love, passion, and such creativity – this woman never ceases to amaze me. A few months ago I had the honor of seeing her work at her in-home studio and it was such a special treat to witness a true artist in their element. Oh, and that gorgeous lion you see above? His name is León and he is a custom wood painting that Lauren made just for Lucas. I can’t wait to show him off in all his regal glory right above Lucas’s bed!
You can purchase original paintings as well as reproduction prints via Lauren’s etsy shop. If you have a specific painting in mind, shoot her a message and you can work with her on creating the piece of your dreams. Believe me when I say you are in excellent hands. Lauren is a gem – beautiful inside and out – and her art work will be an amazing addition of love for your home.
Today we had a date with my mama, pretty much the greatest lady of all time, in case you were wondering. We drove out to Jersey to shop for new coats and of course I took the opportunity to ogle at some house wares. There are some big decisions to be made such a white or black pendant lamp for our entry. I know. Crucial. We also got to check out some big boy beds. Lucas hopped from bed to bed, tucking himself into the sheets. I think he is ready. I on the other hand, am not. I’d love to know when any of you started the transition from crib to bed. I’m a nervous wreck! Do your kiddos get up in the middle of the night and pour themselves a bowl of cereal? Do they turn on the play station? I keep having visions of him just strolling through the apartment getting into massive amounts of trouble. Any advice is much appreciated!
Also, that adorable boy in the pictures was on turbo and thought it would be great fun to hide under every. single. clothing rack. I’m currently nursing a big cup of snapple and ice (my vice..I know..pretty lame) and searching pinterest – my new nightly routine. Hope you all had an equally eventful Thursday.
beanie (thrifted) | denim shirt from baby gap (old) | tee c/o sweet luka mo | sweats c/o nununu