Early birthday present...

My mom, Kekoa's Popo, gave him an early 1st birthday present this week. Boy, was he excited to open up the box yesterday! Ava, next door has one of these cars too that Kekoa has been sitting on outside. This made Kekoa extra excited to have one of his own. It's only halfway assembled for now, but that didn't stop Kekoa from having a great time on it. He couldn't stop climbing on it with the biggest smile on his face! :)

Um, mama, I want to play already!



I can stand in my car!

4th of July weekend

We had a super mellow 4th of July weekend. It was a super hot weekend, so there was a lot of playing in the water. We played at the fountain on both Saturday and Sunday. Kekoa just loves that fountain!
On the 4th of July, after Kekoa's afternoon nap, we headed over to our wonderful neighbors for swimming and BBQ. Kekoa was pooped and so was I. I was in bed by 9:30pm...no fireworks for us this year!!





Eating my dinner in this adorable robe!
Ready to go guys, got my shade on!



So excited for the fountain...

Fun in the fountain...

Oue little water baby...

Daddy's birthday!

Happy birthday daddy! Today is my daddy's birthday and his first birthday having me around. We actually started the celebration last night, with a special pasta dinner that mama made for him and a candle on his favorite cookie from his favorite bakery, Icing on the Cake. After I went to sleep, mama and daddy were able to watch a movie.
This morning though is when the festivities really began. Mama and I let daddy sleep in. While he was sleeping, mama and I walked to Starbucks to get daddy his fave, a venti soy latte with one packet of honey. When we came back Daddy was up and it was present time!! :)
Soon after, I was getting very sleepy. Daddy read me one of my new stories from the library, "Baby Steps". I love the pictures of the baby! Daddy then put me down for a nap( he was able to take an extra little snooze too). I love crawling up on my daddy's chest to fall asleep with him. It's the best! While I was napping, mama got started on making french toast. It is a special recipe that she and daddy love. When I woke up, we all ate breakfast together. I had my own breakfast of egg yolk and cereal, but the french toast looked delicious! I couldn't have any because the bread had honey in it. When I turn one I'll get to try some.

Daddy reading me a story...





French toast fit for a King! (The recipe is called french toast fit for a queen) Yes, that is real maple syrup, yum!
Family photo time...

Enough pictures already!
After breakfast, we walked over to the park to ride the train again. This time I was SO excited and I was super excited about the carousel too! I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful horses. Daddy took me on the carousel this time, and instead of zoning out on everything, I was all smiles and kicking my legs in excitement.

I am so exctied for the train!


So fascinated by the carousel. Mama was talking to a man who helped restore the carousel. He told her it took about 200 volunteer hours to restore each of the horses!! Wow!


Daddy buckling me in...
Holding on by myself, one handed even! Mama loves the way my belly looks!
Holding on tight!
Daddy's definitely ready!
Here we go...

This is my underbite! Darn that teething!

After the carousel we hit the playground. We waited patiently for a swing in the shade. Finally it was my turn! Daddy gave me the strongest pushes and I was loving it, loving the wind blowing in my hair! Check out my tooth and my tongue!









I am so happy I was able to spend all morning with my daddy on his birthday! I love you so much daddy...you are the best!
xoxo

My friend Phineas

Just look at how cute these two little boys are!! There is something magical about this place...just really good vibes. Kekoa loves hanging out and is even more mellow while we are here. He always eats so well and loves laying on his back and staring up at the Ginko tree swaying in the wind! We always have such a great time visiting and playing in the pool with Phineas and his mama. We are so lucky to have them as neighbors! :)




Kekoa has been doing such a great job being "gentle". Instead of grabbing hard and pulling he gently touches now! Scott and I have been working hard at getting him to be gentle! Go Kekoa!



Fun with the mamas!


Kekoa preoccupied at looking at the beautiful Ginko tree, providing us with all the lovely shade!


After a great swim and a snack, Kekoa was perfectly content relaxing. I loved watching his little monkey feet playing with his sippy cup!


Kekoa gets so excited to see Phineas! Look at what a greeting he gives him! Hmmm, I wonder what he is saying!

Baby sleep

Sleep with babies is such a huge topic. How much does your baby sleep? When does your baby sleep? Where does your baby sleep? How many naps does your baby take? Does he sleep through the night yet? These are just some of the the questions! I had no idea that conversations about sleep would consume so much of my life.
Which brings me to a topic that is hot for debate...to co-sleep or not co-sleep? People have very strong opinions about this and have no problem voicing their opinions. But, every baby is different, every parent is different and you have to do what works for you and your family!

I've come to peace with Kekoa and his sleep (well, I say this today). Scott and I have read so many books on baby sleep and what your baby is supposed to be doing and how much your baby is supposed to be sleeping, which really just makes us feel bad. Well, as Cassie told me, "Kekoa didn't write the books!" It was making me feel like something is wrong because Kekoa doesn't take 2 hour naps each time he naps...but that is OK! He has great nap days and then not so great nap days. Right now we are pretty happy with the way things are going (knock on wood). He takes 2 naps, one at around 9:00 and another at around 1:00. His first nap he usually sleeps for about an hour, sometimes longer (yesterday he slept for 2 hours!). The second nap isn't usually as long. It just depends on I don't know what. He's going to sleep as long as he will sleep!

I've also had this epiphany about co-sleeping. Scott and I love it! For the first 9 months of Kekoa's life, I felt ashamed about co-sleeping or that we were doing something wrong by having Kekoa sleep in the bed with us. After trying sleep training, I realized that co-sleeping works for us..and if it's not broken, then why fix it? It works to have Kekoa able to just nuzzle up and nurse if he needs to at night. I don't have to get up and actually I barely even wake up anymore, since he does it all on his own! I love waking up with Kekoa and Scott in the bed and watching Kekoa's face as he crawls over to wake up daddy. I love how snuggly Kekoa is, he falls asleep with his legs crossed over on my leg and his arms around me. I also love that now that Kekoa will nap with Scott, out of the baby carrier, Scott is able to have some of the same bonding time with Kekoa that I have had while laying down with Kekoa while he nurses.
I no longer tell people in shame that we co-sleep. It is really quite liberating. We are doing what works for us and that is all that matters.