Here are some of the first photos from Jacob’s photo session with Russell Snider of Snider Photo and Design. We were lucky enough to get Russell and his wife to photograph our wedding over two years ago. We love his work so much that when the time finally came to take Jacob’s first professional photos, of course we asked Russell. We cannot recommend Snider Photo and Design enough. Click the link below to view more of the photos taken by Russell.
Today marks Jacobs second week in the outside world. It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks since he was born. It really does not feel that long. He is growing fast. He already feels a little heavier and he certainly looks a little bigger than his first day with us. Time is flying by so fast.
Gone are the days when Valerie and I could simply make last minute plans and head to dinner or go to a movie. Things take five times longer now. A simple thing like going to the grocery store with Jacob in tow takes much more time than it used to. However, it is all worth it. Jacob’s little face is the first thing that I want to go see in the morning after I wake up. He is worth every sleepless night. He is worth every ear piercing cry. He is worth every poopy diaper change. He is worth everything to us. He is one of the best things to ever happen to us.
It is still hard to believe that he is ours. I don’t think it has really hit us yet. It’s not like he is visiting us. He is ours for the rest of our lives. That just blows my mind. He is our son.
We are learning as we go. Daddy is taking a little longer to learn than mommy. We make mistakes and try to help each other through them. After all, he is our little miracle. He is our little blessing. I can’t even figure out how we used to get along without him.
Happy 1st Mother’s Day to my amazing wife Valerie. Six days ago, our baby boy Jacob was born. Since then, despite recovering from the delivery, Valerie has been working hard to make sure that our son is taken care of. Lack of sleep or time to herself has not swayed her.
She is already an amazing mother and Jacob is so very lucky to have her as a mother. I love her so much and I know Jacob does as well.
It took us a long time to decide. What is funny is that we ended up with the name that we had originally picked so long ago.
Please welcome Jacob David Bonilla, who was born at 9:30 PM on Monday, May 6, 2013. He weighed in at 6 lbs 7 oz and measured 20 inches in length. Feel free to call him Jacob, Jake, JD, or even Baby Gilroy (family inside joke).
Jacob cannot wait to meet you all.
Baby Bonilla was born yesterday, May 6th, at 9:30 PM. He weighed in at 6 lbs 7 oz and measured 20 inches from head to toe. Mom and baby are doing great and dad is as happy as can be.
And yup, he has no official name yet, although it is down to two choices. We figured it would be a game time decision, but when the hospital said that there was no rush — well — we decided not to rush.
Valerie woke me up this morning around 4 AM because she was feeling contractions and her water had started to break. We casually got ready and waited around for a bit.
A little after 6:30 AM, we called the hospital to see if we should come in because her contractions were getting stronger. Since her water had started to break, they said yes. However, before we went in, we went to McDonalds because Valerie wanted a McMuffin.
We got to the hospital around 7:15 AM. They checked her out and said, “yup, you are gonna stay.”
A little after 8:30 AM, they moved us to a new room. Later on, there were some complications, but it looked like things had cleared up.
They set up Valerie’s epidural for the pain and around 7:30 PM, we learned that the baby may be on his cord, which can cause complications.
At 9 PM, they made the decision to do a C Section to get baby out. Mom was so scared and nervous, but she was as amazing as she always is. We just prayed during the surgery and soon enough, we heard the cries of our son.
Mommy and baby are doing well. Our son’s name will be announced soon.
… when your mom first told me about you. I was playing with Chalupa outside and she surprised me with the news. It was proof that sometimes wishes do come true.
… the first time I heard your heartbeat. At first, I took the doctor’s word for it because I did not know what I was hearing. However, I soon figured out which sound was you.
… praying for you and your mom every night. You two mean the world to me.
… the first time I saw you. There you were on a screen in black and white. I never wanted to protect something so small more than that moment.
… finding out you were a boy but just being happy that you were healthy.
… the discussions about your name and narrowing the choices down to a few. Then we decided it would be a game time decision and we would wait to see which name fit you best.
… telling both of your grandparents about you. They were so happy that you were joining our family.
… the first time I felt you. I was on vacation with your mom in Pismo Beach and listening to her tummy. You kicked me in the ear.
… how happy your mom was to see you during your second ultrasound. To see you moving around filled our hearts with joy.
… seeing you move for the first time while looking at your mom’s tummy. It was so surreal and I am pretty sure it was a foot or an elbow.
… your mom working so hard to make sure she was healthy while carrying you. She is one of the strongest women I know.
… getting your nursery ready for your arrival. I had no idea that something so little could need so much.
No matter what, you will be loved. We can’t wait to show you how much.
Leaving church this afternoon, pastor Gary pulled us aside to ask us how the pregnancy was going. That was funny because his sermon today actually made a comparison to pregnancy. He asked us when the due date was and we said the 12th — so basically — any day now.
Then he asked if he could pray for the baby. I had been thinking about emailing him and asking him to say a prayer for our child, so of course we said yes. He led us in a very nice prayer asking for a healthy baby and a smooth pregnancy.
A big portion of today’s church message was about doubt in God. Everyone has doubt at some point due to life’s little curveballs thrown at you. Valerie and I have had our own encounter with doubt. However, I think that we have rebounded and come back stronger than ever.
So as Baby B’s debut quickly approaches, it was so nice to have our pastor pray for him and us. It really meant a lot to us. He even asked for us to keep him in the loop, which also meant a lot. We can’t wait to introduce him to family, friends, and to our church.
I keep thinking about our baby and how lucky he is. Not because he will have us as parents — I honestly am not sure that I will have any idea what I am doing — but because he will already be more well off than so many others. Times are tough for so many people. Our prayers are always with those that are struggling, but at the same time, Valerie and I are very thankful for what we have. Our child will have professionals helping his parents through his birth. He will ride home in a perfectly functioning new car. He will have a brand new bed and room to sleep in. He will not know starvation. He will have clothes. Hopefully, he will never know what it is like to be homeless. And most importantly — he will always have a family who loves him and will do anything for him.
We will make sure to show him how lucky he is and, when he is a bit older, we will teach him to help those around him who may not be so lucky.
It feels like we have turned the last corner and the finish line is in sight. We could not be more excited. Baby B was even kind enough to wait until after the NFL Draft, which is my busiest time of the year. So I owe him one for that.
As usual, Valerie has been amazing. She really is an amazing woman. I mean, think about it. First off, she can put up with me. She deserves an award for that alone. Add to that the fact that she is growing my child in her and lugging him around everywhere she goes, and I can’t help but appreciate her so much.
Right now, she is cooking me a pecan pie, which is my favorite, for my birthday dinner with her family tonight. By the way, you either like pecan pie or you are wrong. Anyways, she did not have to do that, especially at this stage in her pregnancy, but she wanted to. Last night, she ventured out to a birthday dinner with friends which Baby B’s uncle Kevin organized. I’d like to say that we are so blessed to both have such amazing friends. Her friends and mine. The night before, she took me out to the movies. She said that she still feels good and does not feel uncomfortable like many woman say when they are as pregnant as her, but I would not blame her for just saying, “I just want to stay home and lay on the couch.” Not her. She is a strong woman.
Just like we learned in church today, whatever the master plan is, we are right on schedule.
There are just a few odds and ends to complete, but Baby B’s room is nearing completion. We hope he likes it. And if he doesn’t … he is a baby and can’t tell us so it doesn’t matter.
We’re ready when you are Baby B.
It’s so strange watching Valerie’s stomach and seeing it bulge, move and reshape itself. Baby B sure is getting active in there. That makes me think that I should probably pack my bag soon for the hospital since we will be there 2 days plus however long labor takes. Valerie pretty much has hers ready to go. Baby’s stuff will probably go in one of ours. Maybe he is getting ready to show himself soon. We are so excited.
Val hit the 36 week mark over the weekend. We had our weekly doctor appointment on Monday and things are looking good. She is measuring well and baby’s heartbeat is strong. The nurse said that we are now at a point where at any point from here on out, the baby being born would be ok. Meaning, he would be perfectly healthy being born at any point now. However, Val wants him to cook a little more. Hopefully he does not decide to be born during the NFL Draft. LOL.
Here we are picking up a few extra items on Monday at Buy Buy Baby.
We checked the mail today after we got home from the baby shower and my surprise for Valerie had shown up. Baby B already has tons of clothes, but this one has to be one of my favorites now because I had it made myself. Valerie loved it.
We want to thank everyone who joined us for our baby shower today! Thank you to our family and friends for making it out to help us celebrate all things Baby Bonilla. We are blessed to have such great family and friends and we had an amazing time. Thank you to Valerie’s family who went above and beyond, opening their home to everyone and setting everything up for the event.
On Monday, I was unable to go with Valerie to her doctor’s appointment which featured another quick ultrasound. I was devastated that I had to miss it. However, her mother was nice enough to accompany her and get some video for me to see. The nurse says that Baby B is still a boy. Just making sure!
Y’know, I have heard a lot of stories prior to Valerie getting pregnant. 3 AM cravings. Hormonal arguments or breakdowns. All kinda of wackiness. Ok, I know Valerie is not done yet, but at almost 35 weeks, she almost is. I must say, Valerie has been an absolute delight during this pregnancy. My mind was prepared for the worst. From a guy’s perspective, I don’t have one complaint about this pregnancy. If anything, it has probably brought us closer together.
I credit a lot of this to Valerie’s strength. She is one of the strongest, most mentally sound individuals that I know. She is just as organized and prepared for things as she ever was. Her husband on the other hand … well … we won’t talk about him here.
Valerie is going to make an excellent mother. I know this for a fact. Her kindness and love are so strong that Baby B will know he is part of a happy home. Myself? Well, I’ll just try not to be the weak link in all of this. I’m sure I will be a fine father, but compared to Valerie, I have a lot to live up to. She is just amazing.
Over the weekend, Valerie hit 34 weeks. We are getting close. Baby’s room is coming together and the baby shower is coming up soon. Valerie is trying to stay healthy with walks after every meal. Things are going well and we can’t wait to meet our little guy. Below is a picture taken on Sunday, March 31. I toyed with the idea of posting a “We are having twins” post here on April Fools Day. LOL.
According to Val’s iPhone app, our baby is now the size of a pineapple. That’s getting pretty big to me. Val said that she hopes that his hair does not come out “prickly.”
So yesterday we spent the entire day (8:30 AM to 5:30 PM) in our Prepared Childbirth class. I saw a real birth for the first time ever. It wasn’t a fake “made for TV or movie” birth, but the real deal. At first, I was nervous about watching it, but it turned out to be pretty amazing. They actually showed many. One in particular was one of the most amazing things I had ever seen. So as the baby was coming out, the mom giving birth in the hospital with a doctor and nurses all around her, reaches down and grabs the baby and pulls it out of herself and lays it on her chest. She pretty much just told everyone, “Get away. I got this” and then pulled it out like some super-woman. I nearly jumped up and yelled, “Did everyone just see that? Someone hit rewind! Where is the rewind button?!!” Except I probably would have said it with more colorful metaphors.
It was pure awesomeness.
Two pieces of Baby B’s furniture arrived today. They delivered the crib and dresser from Buy Buy Baby today. These are the bigger pieces that we will have so the room is starting to really take form. And later, the crib converts to a toddler bed and then a regular bed. So it should last. Before we went shopping, I had no idea cribs did that these days. Slowly, but surely, his room is coming together. On Tuesday, we had the whole house cleaned professionally and the carpets in the bedrooms, including his, were steam cleaned. We are looking forward to him enjoying his new room.
On Saturday, Valerie was 32 weeks along. But we forgot to take a picture over the weekend so you get one from yesterday. We had another doctor appointment yesterday. They are every two weeks now. Baby is doing well and sizing right. We are having our house deep cleaned today and then will start having baby’s furniture delivered next week or so.
Valerie says that she can feel the baby hiccuping in her. I didn’t even know babies could hiccup in there. That is very cool to me. I wonder what that feels like. I can feel kicks and big movements, but she feels every little thing so maybe I am missing out. Hiccups … amazing.
Sometimes, I think the baby knows when I am trying to feel him. Valerie will say that he is moving a lot and then when I try to feel, he will stop. Sometimes he stops if I even look at her. He is toying with me.
Valerie is at 30 weeks now. When we say it like that, it seems like the due date is closing in fast. There is still a lot to do. For example, having the baby’s room cleaned (and the house while we are at it), getting his furniture delivery dates set, decorating the room, going to our many classes, and much much more. We have so much going on right now and free time has become a luxury. Baby and mommy are still doing well and that is what is important.
Yesterday was our second wedding anniversary. After a wonderful dinner in Beverly Hills, Valerie and I exchanged cards. Accompanying her card was a little wrapped gift. When I finally opened it, I saw that it was a little baby onesie from Old Navy that said “I Love My Daddy” on the front. It was adorable and I absolutely loved it. I remember passing through a store one time and seeing “I Love My Mommy” or “I Love My Grandma” baby shirts and thinking, “Where are all of the ‘I Love My Daddy’ shirts?”
We painted the baby’s accent wall. And by we, I mean me. But Valerie picked the color and went with me to get the samples so it was a team effort. She loved the way it turned out. It will look really nice with some furniture and pictures hanging on the wall. Well, just the pictures will be hanging on the wall, not the furniture. Now we just need to have the room cleaned and we can begin scheduling the delivery dates for the furniture.
On Saturday, according to her iPhone app, Valerie entered her third trimester. We also started the shopping for Baby B’s nursery. On Saturday, we purchased the crib and dresser for the baby’s room and selected a color for the accent wall that we (and by we, I mean me) will paint. On Sunday, Valerie and her sister Erica went through Buy Buy Baby and started adding things to the registry. I arrived at the tail end of the trip to watch them work the scanning device as if they were in the Wild West gun fight and barcodes were the bad guys. At one point, I said “That’s cute” to a product and all I heard as I walked away was “beep” from Valerie scanning it.
So it was a busy weekend, but I am glad that Valerie is having fun.
