Moments of Musing

To My Second-Born

Filed Under: baby #2, Baby L, motherhood, second-born //


R,

I always knew I wanted you. Being a mom was always my ultimate life goal. Being a mom to more than one baby was always my dream. Thank you for making my dream a reality. 

I must admit, however, that I was anxious for much of my pregnancy with you. 

I was scared I wouldn’t know how to love you — not because I didn’t want to but because I was not yet aware of how much love my heart could hold.


But then with just one cry, you showed me. It just happens. Just like that. My heart instantly made room for you, as if it had that special place for you all along. 


I also grieved for much of my pregnancy with you. A special person you didn’t get a chance to meet passed just a little over a month shy of your birth. You helped me (and everyone, really) during those moments so much. You gave me hope. You gave me happiness. You taught me that life is a precious gift and you gave us all something to almost immediately look forward to. 

Despite my worries, I also felt a sense of peace that I hadn’t during my first pregnancy. 

And oh, meeting you was pure bliss. You showed me it was possible to love you just as fiercely and without bounds, as I love your big brother (oh how he adores you! We are excited to watch you two grow alongside one another.). You have also shown me that our bond would be unique to us—just as is the bond between your brother and I. And you’ve made me a much more confident mom. 

So, thank you. Thank you for being ours. Thank you for being adorable, cuddly, smiley you and making our transition to two under two easier. 

Thank you making me a better mommy and more well-rounded me. 

Thank you for making our world more complete. 

You have been a blessing and a joy. To be your mom has been a blessing and a joy. Simply put, I couldn’t imagine a life without you. 

I love you beyond time, measure and words, baby boy, and look forward to watching you grow… but feel free to take your time. Because I now know just how fast time goes and I want to cherish your baby years as much as I can. 

With a love (so much) greater than love,
Mama

Baby #2 is Here!

Filed Under: baby #2, Baby L //

Our hearts grew on 4/22 when we welcomed our newest and most perfect addition, baby Rafael, into the world. As you can tell, big brother Sebastian is over-the-moon (for the most part haha), and my husband and I are on cloud nine in love with our little family. 


Transition from Co-Sleeping to a Toddler Bed

Filed Under: baby, Baby L, co-sleeping, toddler bed //

This post contains affiliate links, purchases from which I may benefit.

Soon after finding out about this pregnancy, my husband and I decided we would transition S from co-sleeping with us to a toddler bed sometime before Baby #2’s birth. The thought both excited and saddened me. I have never really spoken about our co-sleeping experience, particularly because there is much debate around it, but it was one I really cherished.

In an effort to make the transition go as smoothly as possible, my husband and I bought S this Mickey Mouse toddler bed since he is a big fan of Mickey.

Delta Children Interactive Wood Toddler Bed, Disney Mickey Mouse

We surprised him with the bed on Christmas morning, after nearly 1.5 years of co-sleeping. Admittedly, we almost returned the bed when we realized it sits on the floor. However, this has proven to actually be of huge convenience for S to safely climb in and out of bed on his own.

Not surprising at all, S loved it. He jumped in it and played with the clock at the foot of the bed immediately. Then, Christmas night, we told S we were going to put him to bed and told him to get to his bed in his room. Much to our surprise, he directed us to his bedroom and got into his bed! We read to him, played classical lullaby music and eventually he fell asleep… and slept in his bed through the night!

He has slept in his bed every night since. I know the arrival of Baby #2 might throw his sleep routine through a loop and seeing the baby in my and my husband’s bedroom might make S want to sleep in our room again… We will cross that bridge when we get there, though.

For now, we’re relishing in having our bed and bedroom to ourselves again and we are just SO proud of S for rocking his transition from co-sleeping to his very own bed.

To My Firstborn

Filed Under: Baby L, firstborn, motherhood //

S,

You made my #1 dream come true when you were created. You made me a mom. 
In just under two years, you’ve taught and shown me so much about life. You’ve taught me about myself and about selflessness. About love at first sight. You have given me lessons in patience day in and day out. And you’ve pushed me to give myself grace, time and time again.

You have shown me a timeless, everlasting love. A love that breaks barriers and expectations. A love that knows no end or beginning, no judgment and no fear. You have loved me when I’ve looked and felt my worst. And your love makes me feel like I am doing my best.
Your presence lights up a room, your giggles lift spirits and your cuddles carry me through my mom guilt. Your increasing intelligence and independence make me proud of the little boy you’re growing into.

You have strengthened the marriage between your dad and me. Because that’s just what you have done and continue to do — make the world a better place because you are in it. We could not fathom a lifetime without you in it. 
And though our lives are about to drastically change as we add another member to our family, please know:
You (along with the baby) are and will still be loved more than anything else.

You will be the best big brother.

Your little brother will look to you in a way no one else will.
I am still 100% your mama.

We are hoping in each other, you will find a best friend and form a bond that can never be broken, and that you will walk through life feeling as though your special relationship has been a gift all along.

I love you. I love you. I love you. 
Forever your mama, 
Me

Self-Feeding + Nutritious Snacks

Filed Under: baby, Baby L //

Did you know:
  • Little ones 8-24 months get about 25-30% of their daily calories from snacks.
  • 1/3 of 8-24 month olds are not eating whole grains on a given day.
  • 90% of 2 and 3 year olds fall short on MyPlate recommendations for whole grains.

My 20-month-old is a pretty picky eater, though I hear most toddlers are at this stage. I am hoping it is just a stage but our saving grace is his love of snacking. Thankfully, snacking smart with Gerber encourages healthy eating patterns from a young age while the taste and variety keep him happy. He’s been eating these snacks since he was just 8-months-old.

Gerber offers nutritious snacks with good ingredients like whole grains, real fruit and yogurt, and no added bad stuff (no artificial flavors/no synthetic colors). S’ favorite Gerber snacks are Puffs and Yogurt Melts. He also enjoys the Lil’ Crunchies. The shapes and sizes make snacking on them convenient and fun.

 


Gerber snacks provide more than just a snacking moment–they provide real nutrition to make every little bite count. You too should make every little bite count for your child(ren) because every single thing your child eats this early in life should play a meaningful role in their overall nutrition and learning to self feed. 

With Easter coming up, Gerber snacks make a nutritious alternative to chocolate and candy for their  Easter baskets! For coupons for Gerber snacks and more click here.