Our Little Tax Write-Off

Today is Jacob’s first day at daycare. It is also mom and dad’s first day back to full-time work. Valerie had started a few half days last week and I have been working when I can get some time in to do so. However, today is the first time we return to our somewhat normal pre-Jacob schedule.

Jacob didn’t seem to mind being there as he looked around at all of the colorful decorations in the infant room. We know he will be fine and this transition will be easiest on him. It’s way harder for mom and dad who are used to always having him around. What is nice is that I am very close by so if he needs anything, I can be there in minutes.

It’ll just take some time to get used to this.

It is so hard to believe that Jacob is going to be 4 months old in less than a few weeks. Time has passed by so fast.

Today was this 15th week in the world and boy did he have a great day. I have never seen him as happy throughout the day as he was today. Grandma and grandpa Bonilla came to visit him. They played with him, took him to lunch, took him shopping, played with him some more, took him to dinner, and just had a ton of fun with their little grandson. And I have never heard him laugh as much as he did today. It was just a wonderful day.

Valerie and I looked at some of his early videos the other day and it is amazing how much he has grown and changed in such a short period of time. Just having him fall asleep on me is so rewarding. I can’t really explain it. Maybe it is the fact that he feels so secure and comforted with you. Maybe it is just seeing his little face as he sleeps.

Being a father is the toughest thing that I have ever done. It is also the most rewarding thing that I have ever done.

Jacob has been in the world for 14 weeks now and is a central figure in the Bonilla household. His stuff is all mixed in with ours…a blanket here, some pants there and him always at the front of our thoughts. I don’t know if 14 weeks sounds like a lot, but time sure has flown by. I feel nostalgic already for those first few weeks when he was so tiny and new. I wish I had taken more pictures with him, even though I felt so tired and was in some pain from the c-section.

I am now preparing to get back to work, and start our new routine. Jacob will be going to a daycare very close to our house when I go back in a week and a half. David and I have struggled with figuring out what is best for Jacob while I go back to work. I prayed about it in Church, and immediately God sent a reassurance that we were doing the right thing. A lady in the nursery where Jacob was during the service had sent her daughter to the same daycare and told us she loved it. I am so grateful for this sign and while it will still be hard to leave him, I know he will be protected.

So I now need to get into work mode. I am so grateful that I love my job and have supportive people around me. I am sure it will be busy, and it will take a huge adjustment for both me and Jacob, but I gladly do it if it means more financial security for Jacob’s future.

Jacob has officially made the transition from a newborn to an infant. Three months ago today, Baby Boy Bonilla was born. And that was his name at the hospital because he would not get his official name until two days later. Seeing him for the first time was one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever laid my eyes on. Watching him grow since then has been equally as rewarding. We love him so much and while he demands the majority of our attention, it is all worth it. Even little things, like a smile when we play with him, fills me with joy.

Jacob, thank you for coming into our lives and making our family even stronger than it was before. We love you so much.

Jacob right after he was born (top left), Jacob at 1 month (top right),
Jacob at 2 months (bottom left), Jacob at 3 months (bottom right)