Wordless Wednesday - An Apple a Day...

This past weekend we went on a family double date apple picking with my sister and her family.  It was so much fun, the weather was amazing, and the kids were in absolute heaven with all the paly options.

 

 

The kids were more interested in eating the apples of course, and it was so much fun watching Lucas try to pick his own apples, he would actually get frustrated when he couldn't yank them off the tree.

 

 

 

I'm so glad they had Lucas' ultimate favourite playground item...a sand pit, and I just let the little guy go to town, and he was in heaven.  He would have gladly spent the rest of the day playing in that sand if we let him.

 

 

 The kids did a fall themed craft later that day, but lets be real I did most of Lucas; especially since all he was interested in was rubbing his fingers in the glue!

 

We capped the day off with a delicious dinner courtesy of my sister and brother and in law, and these two cuties had a bath together and had a blast.  The last time they tried bathing together Emily wanted nothing to do with Lucas and my little guy just freaked out the whole time.

 

I love making family memories together and that these two munchkins are growing up together!

Lucas is One!

A whole year has passed since bringing our little man home, and its been one of the most challenging and rewarding years of my life.  We had a great time last weekend celebrating his birthday with all our family and closest friends, and I will be sure to post all the details soon.  On to the details...

Lucas is now attempting to run, and is actually quite successful, even though his brain doesn't quite catch up with his feet and he still stumbles around.  He loves to wander around, and sometimes he's entertained enough that I can sit in the back yard enjoying a coffee while he meanders around the trees and rocks, and contents himself with playing in the dirt.  I have been pointing out the names of things outside like grass and rocks, and even though he hasn't mastered those words he seems to understand us since he will bring us a rock when prompted.

His level of understanding of the world around him, and things that we tell him is honestly so amazing, and makes his mama so proud.  He has this amazing sense of direction, which lends itself to a funny story.  We were at a bass pro shop a few weeks ago and it was just in time to watch the fishes being fed, which Lucas was thoroughly enjoying; however my adventurous little man wanted to get into the water, so we moved away, and I'm talking like near the end of the store, and he made his way all the way back through clothes racks, and displays.  Obviously the tantrum that ensued when we left was less than stellar, but in retrospect we were amazed. 

His understanding has lent itself to quite the mischievous and playful side.  He has this odd obsession with eating plants, full well knowing that he shouldn't, but what does the bugger do, if no one is watching he will tear leaves off of plants and just throw them on the floor, but if he has an audience then he proceeds to stuff them in his mouth and watch while everyone clamours over to him to remove said leaves.  I dread the teenage years where it seems he will relish in defying authority.

He seems to not quite know whether he wants to drop a nap or not, and we have had a few days when he has refused his morning nap, only to be extremely fussy until he finally sleeps later.  But he's still sleeping well at night which I can't complain about especially since we were just at a play group last week, and I discovered that 3 out of the 5 moms were still dealing with 12 to 14 month olds not sleeping the night.  Since we haven't dealt with that problem since Lucas was 5 months old, I'm counting my blessings.

Lucas' appetite has taken a bit of a nose dive, notable at lunch.  I think this may have to do with the nap situation, since when he doesn't have his morning nap he's too over stimulated to want to eat so he just ends up snacking.  He has taken a huge liking to eggs this month though, and boy loves his meat of any kind, just this evening he ate a toddlers portion of white fish that would put some people to shame.  He's going through a love/hate relationship with veggies right now, so I'm going to start adding them to his eggs and pancakes, and makes fritters with them which I know he loves.

Lucas' full vocabulary list right now includes: mama, dada, nonna, nonno, no, yeah, hello, bye, da (give in Portuguese), go, ba (he uses this for his bottle, and has just started referring to balls this way as well).  I have to say that I'm pretty proud of his verbal skills, he "talks" a lot, and he definitely is having conversations with us, and we are always encouraging him to speak, and attempt to understand him.  We are firm believers in "including" Lucas in conversations, and I feel that he responds really well to this form of communication.

He is still very much a people person, and loves to wave and say hello to anyone who looks his way.  He charms the pants off of any stranger, and people are always taken in by his effusive smile, and laughter.  It really warms my heart to see how social he is, and how he seems to make friends at his play groups with such ease.  We are teaching him the rules of sharing, and I'm glad to say that he is not the first kid to take a toy away from another, if anything he usually offers it.

Lucas you have brought so much love and laughter to a lot of people this year, and I can't honestly wait to see what the future holds for you little one.

Five on Friday

Wow this week just flew by, and I've been so busy trying to get the house back in order after Lucas' birthday party, as well as attempting to decorate for fall, all while getting Lucas adjusted to one nap.  Yup its been fun around here.  So without further ado here are some highlights this week.

{one}
Fall season premieres were this week, and even though I'm already behind on a few since I get maybe an hour or two of tv after Lucas' is down for the night, I'm too excited for the return of some of my faves.  A great evening for me now is a nice hot tea, snuggled on the sofa with my other main man and enjoying a little down time together.  I'm sure a lot of you can relate.

{two}
Lucas received a great picnic table from his aunt and uncle.  So far he has figured out how to sit on it but to dismount he just ends up on the floor.  However, his favourite thing to do with the new piece of furniture is his new favourite pastime of climbing.  Lord help me this kid is well on his way of putting years on my life.

{three}
Lucas' learned to say the word HELLO this week, and its the most precious thing to hear, especially since it sounds like he's saying yellow.  Along with his new word he has fostered a love for the phone, so his nonna bought him a play phone, which he proceeds to attempt to make a call and then pass the phone to you.  Its adorable, like most things he does.

{four}
We spent Sunday at my aunt and uncles for his and my grandmother's birthday, and Lucas discovered my cousin's little car.  Its a little late to get him one this year especially since the weather is just going to continue getting cooler, however his delight in riding one was too cute for words.

{five}
Lucas is really just loving walking everywhere, and its getting a little easier to manage him when we walk around places, cause he doesn't always run off (except maybe the time he ran into the bush on his auntie and nonna lol).  This week we walked to the park, all on his own, no stroller, and he held my hand for 90% of the walk!  I secretly loved every stinking moment.

I promise I will find sometime this weekend to organize my posts about Lucas' birthday party, his one year photos, his one year stats, and other tidbits going on around here.  For now I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, we are off tomorrow to a local apple farm for a double family date with my sister.

Dear Lucas

A year ago today I laid eyes on your sweet face, and nothing in this world was ever the same.  You will never quite grasp how much you changed my life, filling a void that I knew was there, making me your mommy forever, and giving me a purpose to my life.

You have filled our home with laughter, love, and endless days of running around your energetic self.  You made us parents the moment that you entered this world, but throughout this year you have taught us the meaning of being mommy and daddy.  For every cry that you made, we cried harder inside; for every giggle you had you brought light into our lives; for every milestone you achieved we cheered you on the sidelines.  That my love, will never change.  we will always feel your pain alongside you, revel in your laughter and joy, and we will always be your biggest supporters.

I embrace your independent nature, even if a little of me hurts inside when you don't need me.  I encourage you to explore until your heart is content, and I will guide you as long as you let me. 

You test my patience already with your strong will, and stubbornness (but I guess that's to expected with parents like us), but deep down I'm glad that you show a personality riddled with determination, and a drive to get what you want.  I love that you already know how to ask for cuddles, and your kisses lately have been the highlight of my day.  Watching you run to the door to greet daddy is an image I had longed for, and often I just stand there and smile as you grin ear to ear when daddy picks you up in the air.  When you cry out mama cause I am the only one who can comfort you. there are really no words to describe that kind of need.

Lucas, a year ago today I held you for the first time, such a sweet sensation that no words could aptly describe.  I heard your cry and knew there would never be a sweeter sound.  I looked into your eyes and we both knew that love at first sight exists after all.  I was blessed to have you, and I continue to feel blessed every day.

Happy Birthday my little man, no one will love you quite as much as mommy and daddy.

Five on Friday

Its Birthday Week in the Baccega household!  I'm still in disbelief that we will be celebrating my little man's first birthday tomorrow. 

So in his honour here are 5 photos from this week that melt my heart and showcase my baby's adorable personality.

{one}
We started off the week with a day at the Nonni's house, where Lucas always gets what he wants, which in this case was eating his jello with his hands and making as much of a mess as he wants.  I must admit that I used to be really anal about the amount of mess a child makes when eating, but as Lucas has gotten older and more understanding of his surroundings I'm a little more go with the flow.  Topping off his adorableness was the glass my father in law put on him, which he left on the entire time the jello playing occurred!  This from the kid that I need to bribe to keep a hat on.  This picture encompasses so much of his playful side, and love for all things silly; there is rarely a day that goes by that this kid isn't laughing up a storm, or trying to make you laugh with his antics.

 

{two}

I nearly died from the cuteness of this picture after I took it.  Lucas loves loves the outdoors, and I'm pretty sure I have mentioned this before, but this mama was so not an outdoor person, I'm a book reading by the fire with a cup of coffee type of person.  But Lucas has taught me that there is so much to be said and enjoyed when you spend the day in the fresh air.  We have enjoyed and soaked in every last sun kissed day this summer, and I'm looking forward to crisper days spent leaf gathering, and snowball making with this rosy cheeked little looker. 

 



{three}

First of all when I took this pic I realized gosh darn it this kid grew another inch in a mere month!  He now reaches yet another shelf of his book case, and in no time he will be towering over his very short mama.  Second, I am so glad that I have read to Lucas since literally the day we came home with him, even when all he could do was sit in my arms and watch me flip the pages.  We started a routine of reading a story at bedtime, very early on, and I have taken him to the library and book store often.  Now, he's shaping up to be as much of a book nerd as his mama, and it just warms my heart.  He actually has a few favourites, so much so that if he's playing and I open the book and start reading he will stop what he's doing and sit by side to listen to the story.  I really should do a post on some of his favourite books, since some of them are not your mainstream children's books. 

 



{four}

Don't come between a boy and his love for dirt and trucks.  Lucas is such a typical boy when it comes to his love for anything with wheels, which is really quite funny since its not like we have thrust on him these stereotypical boy toys, if anything he got his first cars set a month ago.  But if it has wheels he will make a bee line for it, that includes strollers, shopping carts, and cars.  His obsession with dirt is one I have just had to come to terms with being a boy mama.  He is one happy kid when I let him roam wild in the garden getting his hands dirty, and rubbing all the dirty goodness all over himself.  Unfortunately as a consequence of his age a lot of that dirt still ends up in his mouth, and this horrified mama spends a lot of time cleaning a much reluctant Lucas' mouth as he munches on rocks, sand, and dirt.  This week the hubby and I took him to a near by apple farm for a day date, and all this kid wanted was to sit and play in the huge sand pit available, decked out with trucks.  So we let the happy camper be, and we just sat by and enjoyed watching him having the time of his life.

 



 

{five}

We just got Lucas' One Year photos from our photographer and they are to die for.  They encapsulate his personality to a tee, the silly looks, the adorable smile, the playful stares, and his infectious laughter.  I'm so glad that I decided to do a smash cake for the session cause I ended up with this gem that honestly says it all!

 



 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend, I will be spending it with all my dear ones celebrating the little man who gave my life more purpose and has my house a home filled with love, laughter, and family.  And be sure to check back Monday for some big news!! 

Five on Friday

 

 This has been quite the week in the Baccega household.  I'm hoping for a fun and at least a little more relaxing weekend ahead.  So without further ado.

{one}
Lucas has unfortunately inherited my sensitive skin and propensity for eczema and with the changing of the weather he has had a few flair ups lately, especially since he sweats a lot. It usually attacks him on the shoulders, neck and back where he sweats the most. With that being said I find the Aveeno cream is amazing! It literally clears up the rash within 24 hours and it has such a cooling effect on his poor skin. I use Aveeno products for all of Lucas' skin needs due to his sensitive skin, they are pricey but we'll worth it.

{two}
Monday Lucas and I spent the day at my in laws and the little guy got into his usual shenanigans there. This kid loves the outdoors and my in laws have a great backyard that Lucas just loves to tear apart, add the fact that he is allowed to get into anything, he always has a great time. This week him and his nonno were two peas in a pod, playing in sand, riding a makeshift cart and sharing lunch together. My mother in law was in heaven too since Lucas added nonna to his vocabulary this week.

 

{three}
The hubby worked really late Tuesday so I single mothered it all day, which honestly would be fine, if Lucas hadn't decided to pick that day to be in an awful mood.  He was on the cranky side in the morning so I thought after a good nap he would be a little sunnier, yeah not so much.  We went to the park in the sweltering heat because I knew Lucas would be entertained and when I got back I'm not going to lie I was looking forward to a nice cold drink and ten minutes to myself while Lucas had his afternoon nap.  Yeah fooled again.  He refused to nap, threw a fit, and then was all smiles as long as I was by his side; can't really argue with his logic.  After dinner and a long walk around the neighbourhood, dude rocked bedtime routine, and I finally had a few hours to myself.  No wine in the house so I grabbed a beer, some popcorn, threw in Downtown Abbey, and scrapbooked.  All in all not a bad way to end the evening.

{four}
Lucas started Thursday a Fun for Ones program at our local Ontario Early Years Center.  We have been doing programs there since Lucas was about 4 months, and we both enjoy the atmosphere and the people.  This week they focused on sensory games, such as play dough, the sand box, and crafts.  Lucas loved it so much, and was quite good at sharing with the other children.  He's a very social child, and when someone new would walk in he would make a bee line for them to say hello.  I enjoy meeting and talking to other moms as well, I think the programs are such a great way for children to interact, buts its great for us moms to have adult conversations as well.

{five}
I will end with this picture from this week of my little man.  That smile slays me every time.  When I see that face, and the sheer joy and happiness this child has its a constant reminder especially in bad days that I'm doing a good job as his mother.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Liebster Award

I'm so honoured to have been nominated for this award by a fellow new mommy blogger  Madison.  It is an award for new and up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers, it is a great way to meet new people, and to help increase your activity in the blogger world. 

The Rules:

 

1. Link back to the person that nominated you.

2. Answer the 11 questions asked by the nominator.

3. Choose 11 bloggers, each under 200 followers an nominate them for the award.

4. Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

5. Contact your nominees and notify them of your nomination.

 

Madison asked the following:

 

1. If you could be a Disney princess, which one would you be and why?

I think it would probably be Belle just because I identify with her personality the most, she loves books, and has a big heart.  I like to believe that I see the good in people for who they are and not how they want to be perceived.

 

2. What/who are you most thankful for, today?

My husband, hands down.  Today is a Sunday and we went to a wedding last night, and he woke up after a few hours of sleep to work extra hours just to be able to provide for our family, and I am so grateful for all the extras that he does for me and our child.  No words can describe the wonderful man he is.

 

3. What is something that is on your bucket list?

A big family trip to Portugal.  I lived in Portugal for 8 years growing up, and it was one of the most fantastic experiences in my life.  I have not been back since we moved back to Canada, and I would love to pack my little family and visit the motherland with our extended families, on one big vacation love fest.  I am actually starting a secret little fund on the side in hopes of making this a reality in the future.

 

4. What is something that happened to you, in the past, that still makes you laugh when thinking about it?

There are so many I can think of but this one episode comes to mind only cause I was actually telling this story to someone recently.  So you know when you are still in that new stage in a relationship and you don't want to break this aura that you are perfection to your mate, yeah well that was thrown out the window when the hubby and I went on our first weekend getaway.  We drove into Niagara Falls, and decided to hit up the buffet at the casino to save some extra cash for the rest of the weekend, well I guess something didn't agree with me, and on our way to the next casino, lets just say I almost didn't make it to the facilities.  Oh the horror, Gianni kept checking on me, and I was just so horrified, especially later that night when at the hotel I realized just how closely everything was, well lets just say the mystery was gone after that weekend, and he still loved me! lol

 

5. What is your greatest accomplishment thus far?

Being a mother.  It is by far the hardest job I have ever had, but the most rewarding.  Its true that when people say if you find something that you love to do it won't be work.  There are hard days, but I love every second I'm not going to lie.

 

6. What is your greatest moment in your life?

Obviously having Lucas was beyond an amazing moment, and holding his little body was just pure heaven, but the truth is finding out I was pregnant was probably the greatest moment.  After battling infertility and not know if and when we would be able to conceive, finding out that it had happened for us, and knowing that we were going to have our family, there are just no words for that moment.

 

7. What is your favorite blog post? Link to it so we can all read!

This post about how the hubby and I decided that we would definitely be having more children.  After believing so long that one child was in our plan, it was so special and organic how that all changed.

 

8. Who is your favorite blogger?

Oh I really cannot answer that, there are so many lovely mama bloggers out there that I read on a daily basis and so many more I find everyday like the lovely Madison.

 

9. What does a perfect day look like, to you?

Wow this is a loaded question.  I guess a perfect day would be one on the weekend when the hubby is home, and we get a chance to enjoy a family activity together, and Lucas is in a good mood (which as long as we are outside means he is), and capping the day off with some wine and snuggles with my love after the little guy is down for the night.

 

10. Besides blogging, what is your favorite pastime?

Reading!  Anyone who knows me knows that I have a bit of an obsession when it comes to books.

 

11. What is your favorite childhood memory?

Growing up in Europe my parents used to pack us all in the car on Saturday mornings and we would go on all day excursions often with no plan at all.  Sometimes we would end up at the beach, other times a hole in the wall restaurant nestled in some remote town.  By far those memories are my favourite, and I often look back on them with a huge smile on my face.

 

 

My nominees:

 

Kristal at Mama at Home

Marta at Petit Raisin

Vanessa at Sunflower State of Mind

Marissa at Our Little Family

  

 

My questions:

1.What is your favourite mommy time activity?

2.What does your morning routine look like?

3. What is your favourite book?

4. What are you most looking forward to this year?

5.What is your favourite season?

6. Favourite blog post (add link so we can all read it)?

7. What is your favourite vacation destination?

8. What is your greatest accomplishment in life thus far?

9. Are you done having children, or are more in your future?

10.If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?

11. Name your favourite children's book.

 

There is no obligation for any nominees to answer these, I simply want to let you all know that I have you found in this great big social media world, and in some way or another I have found inspiration from all of you, and its nice to see and read about how we are all just learning daily how to raise our children to be amazing little humans.