Our Little Tax Write-Off

Jacob and I were sitting in his room talking and I realized I didn’t make a nine month post! Well, I was talking and he was saying “mamama” and “bbblllbbb” and laughing at my toes. Now he is contentedly laying on his back and sucking his thumb.

I can’t believe it has been nine months since Jacob was born. It seems like time is flying by. He is so much bigger now. Even though he is still working on crawling and picking up small food with his hands, he is learning so many new skills. He is overall a smart, happy, loving baby.

It is hard to believe that, as of today, Jacob is already 8 months old. Just 4 months away from his first birthday. It seems like just last week that he started eating solid foods, but that was almost 2 months ago. Jacob has spent the past two weeks off from daycare and hanging out with mommy. Today was his first day back. He went to the Aquarium of the Pacific for the first time over the weekend and was fascinated by all of the sea life.

Since he has been home for the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of waking up to his laughter as he and mommy would play in the mornings. Then I would jump out of bed and head over to see him. As soon as he sees me, he will just give me a big smile. It is one of the best feelings in the world to be able to make your child smile like that.

These past 8 months have gone by quickly and I can’t wait to see what awaits us in future months.

I am starting to think back on this past year and realizing how much our lives have changed. Last year at this time I was pregnant and just starting to really feel Jacob moving. We were preparing in many small ways to bring him into our home, not knowing what he will or will not need. As 2013 progressed we watched my belly grow, welcomed home a tiny little baby, and watched him blossom into a 7 month old little man. We have had sleep deprived days and nights, been peed and spit up on, sucked out countless boogies and changed diaper after diaper.

But we have also had first smiles and laughs, rolling over and playtime, hugs and slobbery kisses, and cuddly naps together. We have seen Jacob grow longer and heavier, and had to put away those cute first outfits. While I think it is amazing how much the year changed from start to finish, I am more in awe with all that will come next year.

In 2014 we should have crawling, walking and standing, the move to finger foods and sippy cups, understanding of words, and many more teeth. We will also see Jacob celebrate his first birthday. I don’t know how we will keep up!

I know we have more challenges and triumphs ahead, and as a team we will all get through it.

We are amazed at how fast our little man is growing and his fascination with everything around him continues to grow as well. He is becoming quite a handful, but is uniquely Jacob. He is starting to put sounds together. He knows “up” when he wants to be picked up. “Mamamama” is usually a call to mommy and means that he wants food or wants to be comforted. I’ll even get a “dadadada” occasionally. He has his likes and dislikes as far as baby food is concerned and he loves Mum-Mum crackers. They are one of the few things that he will hold himself to eat.

Jacob had a great first Christmas. He woke up to find that Santa brought him a new jumper with all kinds of fun toys attached and stuffed his stocking with all kinds of other goodies. Of course, mommy and daddy helped him discover those goodies.

Then it was off to grandma and grandpa Gonzales’ house to open gifts with his cousins and spend some more quality time (he was there on Christmas Eve) with family.

Then it was off to grandma and grandpa Bonilla’s house in Pasadena to spend time with my family. He was once again showered with gifts, ate with the family, went for a walk with auntie Linda, and even got to go see Christmas lights.

After a long day, he returned home to get all snug in his bed and dream of all of the toys he would play with later. It is needless to say that our house is packed full with all of his new stuff. However, we are grateful that so many people love him enough to want to make him happy.

Jacob on Christmas morning with his new jumper

Jacob opening gifts at the Gonzales house

Jacob surrounded by his gifts at the Bonilla house

Our little man is a big 7 months old now. He turned 7 months yesterday and has spent the last few days in a suite at the Red Rock Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. Valerie was here for a work conference so we all tagged along. Sadly, he spend most of that time in the room because he was fighting a cold. He did get to leave the room for our meals though, but he did not leave the resort because it was freezing outside. Literally. Night temperatures were below the freezing mark and day temperatures were not that much better.

He seems to be better now. Much better than his 103+ degree temperature high. Once he felt better, he was his normal happy, smiley, and curious self. He was fascinated by the casino lights and the grandness of the resort. We just love his curiosity and watching him experience things for the first time.

Today, Team Bonilla attended the Ohana Potluck at our church and Jacob had so much fun watching all of the little kids running around and playing. One day, that will be him. We are blessed to be part of such a great community.

And I have been meaning to upload this for ages. For those that were not in attendance, here is a video of Jacob’s dedication from September 29, 2013 at South Bay Community Church in Torrance.

I say “semi” because they are not exactly solids. Last night, Jacob started with a mostly watery mix of rice cereal and breast milk. We will slowly make it less watery and make his way to his little mashed carrots or peas. Other than they fact that it is far too slow for him, he does not seem to mind it. It is messier than his normal feedings, but we all had to start somewhere.

This is a big step for Jacob. So big that we recorded over 8 minutes of video from his first semi-solid meal. Yup. I said over 8 minutes of him just chowing down.

Tonight, he had some more and already fully understand how being fed with a spoon works. Except, once he gets tired of the slowness and inefficiency of eating in this way rather than just out of a bottle, he likes to play with his food by blowing bubbles in it and sending it everywhere.

We have known that Jacob’s been teething for quite a while now, and during our trip it seemed the drool and hands in the mouth increased a lot. He also woke up more often at night, but thought it may be from such a different environment. One day I saw a little bump in his mouth and I have been waiting for something to emerge.

Tonight was the night! At dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Gonzales and family, I finally felt a sharp little hard, poky thing when Jacob put my finger in his mouth! His bottom right tooth has started to poke through! David and I are in shock even though we knew this was happening. I guess we are both a little sad that our little baby is growing so fast. We hate to see him in pain from this process, but know he is going to need us more than ever to comfort him and give lots of love.

I can’t wait for more tooth to poke out so I can show a picture with his toothy grin.

Tonight is our final night in Kauai. Tomorrow we head back home. This was our first vacation as a family since Jacob entered our lives. Jacob has discovered a few things. He likes to swim. He likes the wind. He can poop just about anywhere (ask us later about the pooptastophy on a mountain top). He is fascinated by chickens and roosters. He’s intrigued by Hawaiian food and even tried to grab it right off of our forks a few times. He likes to sing. He likes luaus. He can get his toes into his mouth. Most importantly, he knows how to attract the ladies. They stop to look at him or talk to him and that is when he works his magic with his smile. One local even said that she would wait for him!

Jacob celebrated his 6 month birthday here. There is no better place to do so than this paradise. Valerie and I learned that there is no such thing as a stress free vacation when you have a baby. It is a lot of work. However, watching Jacob experience all of these things for the first time, building memories, and getting photos and video that will allow us to look back and remember these good times were all worth it.

We look forward to many more trips with our little man.

Jacob’s first tooth is coming in and he is not having any fun with that. Despite that, today was his six month birthday and it was filled with fun. As usual, he woke up early today. Then grandma and grandpa Gonzales, mommy, daddy, and he went into Koloa, picked up some breakfast, a birthday cupcake, and some sandwiches for our packed lunch.

Then we drove up/through Kokee State Park and had a picnic atop the mountain. We sang to Jacob and mommy ate his cupcake. He is way too young for cupcakes. After that, we walked through the Kauai Coffee Plantation. Then we all headed to Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center for gourmet farmer’s market.

We also played a voicemail for Jacob of grandma and grandpa Bonilla singing happy birthday to him.

Jacob is getting so big and becoming more and more curious about the world around him. Each day, he makes us laugh. We smile when he smiles and we love spending time with him. Traveling with him has been tough, but these memories that we are gaining are worth it. We know he will not remember it, but at least we have the pictures to prove he was here in Hawaii.

We are a few days in to our vacation and Jacob seems to be doing well. He is experiencing so many new things and it isn’t too overwhelming yet (we think). Jacob is a real trooper and we are relaxing despite all the work it is to keep him both entertained AND quiet for our hotel room neighbors. We may owe them a bottle of champagne.

One of the highlights from yesterday was a river tour and luau at the Smith Family property on the Wailua river. Jacob took a nap right before getting on the boat, but ended up squealing due to his gums hurting from teething. We gave him some teething tablets, however, and he was happy on the way back. After that he was very hungry and tired, so he fell asleep during the luau dinner. The noise of the crowd and the show woke him up and he stayed awake all the way back to our hotel. Luckily, since he fell asleep closer to 10pm (instead of 6:30 like the first few nights) he slept all the way until 6:30am! Woo hoo!

Today we are going to take him to a little baby beach near our hotel. I think he will have fun splashing in the ocean while Mom is worrying about sand everywhere! We’ll see what happens 🙂

Well, it’s 5 AM local time and we are all awake. Jacob decided that 4 AM was time to play. The time difference between here and California has thrown him off. We’ll see what today brings.

Anyways, yesterday was his first day on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It was his first day seeing the ocean up close. He was fascinated by the waves. It was his first time putting his feet in the sand too. I’m not sure he knew what to make of that. These are the things that we love. Watching him experience things for the first time. It makes the usual even more special for us.

Luckily, we have an ocean front room so we have a beautiful view of the water from the 3rd floor of the resort. That means that leaving the sliding patio door cracked, we can listen to the waves crash all night and, being Hawaii, it is still not too cold for Jacob.

Our lucky little man will be spending his six month birthday on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Today is the start of his first vacation. This should be interesting and a big test for Valerie and myself. I am sure that the traveling part will be the toughest portion of this trip. It is amazing how much stuff someone so little needs. But our bags (many, many bags) are packed and we are ready to go.

I am so excited to see Jacob’s little face as he experiences new things like the beach, ocean, swimming pools, and the overall beauty of Kauai. I know he won’t remember it, but we will.

Jacob has only been five months old for a week and he is already showing us what a big boy he has become. He amazes us every day by doing something new or overcoming something difficult.

First, the hard stuff. He has been battling a stuffy sounding nose for over a week now, and it finally turned into a nasty sounding cough. He has it rough at night, but we are right there to soothe him. Luckily, the doctor thinks it may just be a sign of the next hard thing…teething! He is definitely starting the teething process, with drooly-ness ramped up, hands always in his mouth, and swollen bottom gums. I check his mouth every day to see if there is a little white tooth ready to poke out. We bought Jacob a little teething ring that can go in the fridge to get cold, and he seems to love to bite it. Lastly, he bumped his head for the first (and surely not last) time. He cried for about a minute, but after was his usual cute self. He didn’t even get a big bump! What a tough guy!

Despite these challenges, Jacob is so happy to learn new skills. He now pulls himself up to a sitting position by holding mommy’s hands (with help). He rolls onto his tummy if he wants to go to sleep during nap time. He is even trying to push himself up more when on his tummy to try and scoot! He sits on his bottom a little better, and may soon be ready to do it on his own. He grabs at the toys he wants and recognizes when we call his name. We even found his ticklish spots :). Being a parent to such a perfect boy is such a joy. I don’t know how David and I got to be so blessed!

As we prepare for our trip, I am looking forward to seeing him learn more about the world around him, especially the water in the pool and ocean. I hope he enjoys it as much as we enjoy him every day.

Jacob turned 5 months old on Sunday and we are amazed at how fast he has grown. He has a very distinct personality now. Overall, he is a very happy baby and amazingly, can entertain himself by making noises and staring at things like ceiling fans. And then when he sees us and smiles, it is heartwarming. Yesterday, Valerie came home and started holding him and he hugged her as tightly as he possibly could. When I give him kisses, he opens his mouth, not quit knowing how to give a kiss, but trying regardless. Oh, and television. He is fascinated by television. A habit that we are trying to break a bit. But if we are out and he sees a TV, he will stare at it in fascination.

Early next month will be a big test for us all. His first big trip. Jacob will be traveling to Hawaii. Kauai to be more specific. We picked that island because it is one that we are very familiar with already. So that may make things easier. We know that he will not remember the trip, but are excited to take plenty of pictures of him in paradise. He has never been on the beach before. He has seen the ocean from afar in Manhattan Beach, but he has ever actually been on the sand or touched the water with his toes. So we are excited for more first experiences with our little man.

On Sunday, we were so happy to have Jacob dedicated in front of our church at South Bay Community Church. The Bonilla and Gonzales clans were on hand to see our baby boy get dedicated. Some of our friends were on hand as well. We are so lucky to have family and friends that care about Jacob so much.

The dedication was short and pastor Greg led the prayer over Jacob and our whole church joined in. We got to speak to our church a little about Jacob and our hopes for his future. The dedication is more for the parents though. A promise that we will do our part to raise Jacob right.

It meant a lot to Valerie and myself and we were so excited during the days leading up to the dedication. We pray for Jacob all the time and I pray that I will be a good parent and role model for my son. I know that will be easier with an amazing woman like Valerie at my side.

Jacob has gotten over his latest hurdle, another round of sickness. I guess I should say that mom and dad got through it too! I don’t know if Jacob being sick is harder on him or us. At least he won’t remember it.

Despite having a fever off and on, Jacob was completely well for his child dedication at church. It makes me feel so good to know that the whole church prayed for him, and for David and me as parents. We will bring him up to know and love God so we can enjoy our faith together.

It is so funny how despite him being here for almost five months, we still are challenged as new parents every so often. Just when you feel you have everything figured out, there is another hurdle. Just yesterday he was crying and crying, so upset and everything we tried didn’t soothe him. Finally, after being passed back and forth between and David a few times, he gave a little toot and didn’t cry as much. We forgot about gas! Also, we are trying to plan our first trip with him, and there is so much to consider.

I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Jacob is now over 19 weeks old. About 4 and a half months. Every day I look at Jacob’s little face and am amazed at how fast he is growing. He is starting to roll over on his own, can almost balance himself sitting up, can support his own head really well, now understands that his hands are for grabbing things (especially dad’s chin and nose), is curious about his surroundings, and loves to laugh. We love him so much.

On Sunday, September 29, we will dedicate Jacob at our church. It is a simple and brief prayer for him and us so that we are able to bring him up right in God’s eyes. And we fully intend to do that. We want him to feel like our church is a big part of his life as he grows up. When he is old enough, it will be up to him to decide which path he plans to follow. Until then, it is up to us to make sure that we guide him the best that we can. I know that there will be tough days ahead. We will just pray and hope that things will work out for the best.

We also want him to know how blessed he is. He will (hopefully) never know what it is like to be homeless, starving, or alone. He is a lot luckier than so many people out there that are less fortunate and he should do what he can to help those people whenever he can.

Jacob is now over 4 months old and he has had the privilege of having Valerie as his mother during that timeframe. He could not have asked for a better mommy. Every day, I am amazed at how wonderful a mother she is and how naturally it comes to her. No matter how much is on her plate, her dedication to Jacob is a priority whether she be healthy or ill. She is the type of woman who, no matter what she is doing, is always thinking of her little man. Jacob is so very lucky to have someone like her always worrying and watching over him. I absolutely love to watch his little smile grow when he sees her and know that even at such a young age, he already has a lot of love in his heart for her.

Our handsome little boy is now 4 months old and it seems like he is growing so incredibly fast. He isn’t just bigger size-wise, but it seems like every day he discovers something new that he can do. Most recently he has started rolling over onto his tummy (despite hating tummy time) and flipping back. He is also discovering his toes and hands, grabbing at all kinds of toys (and Mom’s hair).

Jacob also spent his first night away from home with Grandma and Grandpa Gonzales. He did very well! I think mom and dad missed him more than he missed us. He is so easygoing…I can’t believe how lucky we are. There are more exciting milestones coming soon. Between now and six months he will be starting solid foods (baby foods), sitting up on his own, and maybe even growing some teeth!

David and I are so grateful for our incredible little blessing, that we will be doing a child dedication at our church soon. Jacob will grow up with good Christian values and morals, and learn to show gratitude like we are learning. It will be a special day for us all.

Jacob is almost 4 months old! In the last few weeks and days he is growing so much and we are so in awe of our little man. He is even going to school (daycare)! He really likes it there.

Life has been getting easier as we figure out our routine. Jacob is adjusting to everything well. He is working on rolling over now, which he almost has down. This just started happening today, so I think we are in for a lot more activity soon! When he is on his belly, Jacob also likes to try and scoot around. Time to start the baby proofing soon.

Between 4-6 months we can start solid foods. We are going to wait until he can sit up better, and when he starts looking interested in what we are eating. For now I will enjoy our time nursing.

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)