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01.07.2014

“A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014.”

I so enjoyed following the 52 project on so many of my favorite blogs last year that I decided I wanted in. So here we go. A portrait of my boy, once a week, every week, in 2014. I’m thrilled to join this incredible community of mamas sharing their beautiful photos and messages to their children. I’m most excited to look back and see how much my little one has grown and blossomed over the course of a year.

Lucas has never had a “lovie”. No matter how hard I tried he just never took to a stuffed animal or blankie. 2014 has proved to be a year of new beginnings. Lucas has finally met his stuffed love mate. Meet Pepe. Lucas’s new bff for life. The way he drags his new friend around and loves on him..well..it’s endearing and everything heart melts are made of. Welcome to the family, Pepe.

2014 WISHES

12.28.2013

2013.

In January I lost the great love of my life, my beloved Abuelita. At night I still close my eyes to see her face and talk to her. It hurts. More than I could have ever imagined. I miss her every. single. day. but I have learned to take comfort in that she is somewhere much better, no longer in pain, and smiling. Man, I love thinking about her smiling and watching her beloved Luca grow. I was tested in my career. I started this here blog. I started a new position that I absolutely love. I finally feel content in the path that I have laid out for myself and it feels damn good. Lesson learned: your passions can and should be your calling. No exceptions. My family is healthy and loved. Lucas is growing leaps and bounds, showing us every day what a sweet, vibrant boy he is. Motherhood is hard you guys. But everyday Lucas is a reminder that I am doing something right. There is no better gift.

For the new year my wishes are as follows:

To continue growing. As a professional, a mother, a wife, a friend, and a woman.

To take the hard times in stride, recognize them as lessons, and move on with grace.

I want to live in the moment more often than not and appreciate the blessings that surround me everyday – both physically and spiritually.

I want to remind those I cherish that I love them, as often as possible.

I want to remember that less is more. Quality over quantity, always. This includes everything from things to those who I choose to surround myself with.

To go on more adventures with my boys.

To love big.

That’s not too much to ask, is it? Oh hey 2014, I’m ready for ya.

NOCHE BUENA

12.27.2013

In my family we celebrate Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). We all get together to eat, drink, and open gifts. It truly is an evening filled with love. I love this tradition of ours and even with a very late bed time for the kiddo, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Christmas day is more laid back, a day for leftovers and pajamas. This year we took the train to my moms and spent a few hours relaxing and drinking mimosas while Lucas played and danced. There might have even been a 30 minute cat nap involved (for me..not the baby ;). I have everything I could ever ask for. My family, my boys, our health, and an abundance of love. I hope you all received everything you wished for and more! Merry belated Christmas!

SAKURA BLOOM SLING DIARIES: DREAMS

12.23.2013

This is my second 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.

My dearest Lucas,

I dreamed of you long before you were mine my beautiful boy. I always knew I wanted to be a mother. I dreamed of the day a little soul would belong to me. The morning I found out that I was pregnant I sat on the edge of the bed, stunned, tears of joy caressing my cheeks. A mother. I was going to be a mother. 2 months later, right before your papa and I were to find out your gender I had a vivid dream of a beautiful little boy. Running wild with a head of sandy brown hair. I knew you long before the first time you were placed in my arms.

For months I envisioned what you would be like. What I wanted for you. What I hoped and wished for our life as a family. None of that matters now. I quickly learned that this life of yours is just that. Yours. I can only be your guide, your mentor, your shoulder to lean on. You are my vivacious boy. So spirited and full of life and joy. You are my explorer. My boy with a heart of gold. When you wake in the morning you snuggle on my chest and softly stroke my arms. You have a sensitive soul that I only want to guard and protect. I dream and hope that everyone you encounter in life appreciates these beautiful characteristics as much as your mama. I dream of you seeing the world, discovering who you are, one day becoming a papa. I hope your own dreams are big! So big you feel like you can conquer anything, do anything, and touch the lives of those around you. I am so in love with this journey called motherhood and seeing the world through your eyes. Mi amor, life is yours for the taking. One dream at a time. Mama will be just a few footsteps behind, just in case you ever need to turn around and grab hold of my hand. We can be dreamers together.

Mama

HOLIDAY PROCRASTINATION AND A SICK BUBS

12.23.2013

Lucas came back from a week long trip to Florida. I was absolutely, 100% ready for him to be home. I can’t even really tell you what I did with a week away from the kid. I had these grand plans of finally going to the dentist and updating my hard drive..very important stuff here. Neither the dentist or dreams of an updated hard drive happened. I did catch up on a lot of work and have an incredible amount of qt time with the mister. However by the end of the week alone time together meant watching videos of Lucas on repeat. We were missing our boy to say the least.

Fast forward to Friday when I caught the vicious stomach bug nightmare that’s been making the rounds. I was out of commission for all of Friday and most of Saturday. The evening approached and I was feeling good enough to go to our secret Santa in brooklyn. Hip hip for this monster only lasting 24 hours! Little did I know I passed the bug on to the littlest mister. We woke up this morning covered in toddler puke and our entire day has been spent trying to nurse our baby back to health. Did I mention I left Christmas shopping to the last minute? Yep. Tomorrow was supposed to be the big shopping extravaganza but it looks like we won’t be making it out. So here it goes. 2 days before the big day and I have no gifts. I’m slightly freaking out. Ok I’m really freaking out. I’m hoping for another 24 hour win. Is that to much to ask? A Christmas miracle perhaps? As I type this the kid has regained some energy and has requested his Legos. Good sign, right? Fingers crossed! So please for the love of pedialyte and all that is good, let my baby wake up healthy and bouncing off the walls tomorrow. Keep you all posted and happy shopping to all my procrastinators 😉 Night y’all!

mama: jacket from zara (old) | overalls from forever 21 | hat (thrifted) | shoes from zara (old)

lucas león: jacket from zara (old) | sweater c/o little vida | pants c/o little vida | moccs c/o freshly picked

SOLERNO HOLIDAY PARTY

12.19.2013

A big virtual cheers is in order for Solerno liqueur. Not only is their product divine (seriously, run don’t walk and get yourself a bottle for your upcoming holiday soirees) but they are an incredibly kind and generous company. I got myself a little Solerno crush over here and there’s no shame in my game 😉 Not only did they bring two of my favorite ladies (beauty #1 and beauty #2) and I together for their holiday campaign – still pinching myself – but they also threw us a fabulous party to boot. I mean. They’re that good! We had such an incredible time floating from friend to friend, drinks were flowing, and blood oranges were used as photo props (ahem..Jules ;). Party success! It was an honor to be asked to participate in Solerno’s Holiday 13′ campaign and I can’t thank them enough.

Wishing you all a happy, prosperous, Solerno kinda holiday!

LEÓN WEARS

12.16.2013

Disclaimer: these photos were taken before Lucas went off to Florida. Mama is missing this face something fierce.

A rainy walk was in order for this duo (Lucas loves the rain..well, holding his umbrella ;). Off we went to visit my girlfriend who lives in the neighborhood for our first Shabbat dinner! We stopped at the local bodega to pick out flowers as we wanted to be gracious guests. Lucas actually made the final choice and selected gorgeous peonies. Our host loved them – good choice, baby! We had a fabulous dinner and Lucas received quite a few compliments on his adorable, comfy attire. I think I might be sporting the sweat suit look this weekend. Are toddlers the only ones who can get away with this look? I think if I look as cute as Lucas I’ll take my chances.

vest c/o appaman | sweat suit c/o little cocoa bean | boots (thrifted)

ULTIMATE REGISTRY GIVEAWAY

12.12.2013

In the spirit of giving this Holiday Season, I’ve joined together with Stroller in The City, Casey Leigh, Marino Bambinos, Lunch Pails & Lipstick, and Tastefully Childish to offer one lucky parent a fabulous Ultimate Registry Giveaway!

We’re excited to be collaborating with favorite brands that you can find across all of our blogs. We’ve handpicked products that we love and would want for our own families. One lucky winner will take home ALL of the following items:

Lily Jade Diaper Bag / Bellini $150 Gift Basket / Freshly Picked Moccasins (winner choses color & size)

UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat / Joovy Scooter Stroller / 4 Moms Breeze

STOKKE Tripp Trapp / Orbit Bassinet Cradle G2 / 7 A.M. Enfant Warm Muffs

Aden + Anais New Beginnings Gift Set / Ergo Baby Original Collection Baby Carrier in Night Sky

TO ENTER: Simply enter the rafflecopter below.

This contest is open to US only and will run until 12/19 midnight. Please note that all entry methods are verified. A winner will be selected in one week. Best of luck and Happy Holidays! a Rafflecopter giveaway

BITTERSWEET GOODBYES

12.11.2013

This week flew by. Between work, friends, and days in the park, the days seemed to pass in a flash. Today my dear friend Lauren and that beautiful kiddo of her fly back to to the sunshine state (my little Lucas is also flying to Florida with grandma today. I’ll save the sob fest that’s currently happening for a later post..). I’m going to miss them something fierce. With each visit and face time call, our friendship continues to blossom and is solidified in a very real, organic, beautiful way. Lucas and Dylan are brothers by way of their soul mate mamas and their friendship is something I’m so excited to see grow. The way Lucas yells for “Diiiaannn” and the way his eyes grow wide and bright when he sees his friends face is heart melting. On this visit they finally got to meet my other half and Ivan finally, finally, understands what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Noel’s. Ivan instantly bonded with Dylan and text me throughout their trip to check on them. Lots of mush and loving going on over here in NYC. Until next time my sweet loves.

A DAY AT THE ZOO

12.10.2013

Saturday afternoon we headed to the Central Park Zoo to meet my lady love Lauren and Lucas’s Florida BFF, Dylan. Lucas was napping and I was certain that he was going to snooze throughout our entire zoo visit but as soon as he head Lauren’s voice he popped right up! He saw Dylan, his eyes lit up, and he immediately requested to get out of his carrier. Such love these boys have for each other! They became fast friends/honorary brothers on our Florida visit and we face time almost daily so he loves him some Titi Lo and Dylan 😉 BTW: he has been calling Lauren “titiiiiii” (aunt) this whole trip. Heart melting for sure. Saturday was a cold one and we did the best we could trekking through Central Park with the boys but at a certain point it was time to call it quits and head to Shake Shack for burgers and hot chocolate. After warming up we took the boys back to my apartment for a bath and a pajama party with my mister. Can I just say, I have the best man in the world. He willingly volunteered to take care of both boys so the mamas could have a night out to celebrate. Lucky lady right here. Disclaimer: our night out resulted in us restaurant hopping and stuffing ourselves to the point where I could barely breathe. No drinks necessary. It was the perfect Saturday.

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