Our Little Tax Write-Off

Jacob has hit twelve weeks and likely twelve pounds! He is growing so much each week that I can hardly believe he was once so tiny inside me. It is such a miracle that he started out as a bunch of cells and grew into this little person.

In addition to getting bigger, we can tell that he is growing developmentally too. He has better control over his movements and is starting to discover what his hands can do. We are able to make him smile and sometimes laugh. He has learned that he can make objects move by hitting them, and he recognizes certain sounds. He even can entertain himself in the mornings for quite a while. I just love watching him play and look around his crib through our monitor. And, when one of us finally goes in to get him, he has a big smile and lots of coos. It makes waking up so much fun.

That doesn’t mean that every moment is easy. There are still times he cries and we don’t know what is bothering him. Or, there are the pee or spit up accidents when we just changed him. Sometimes there is poo everywhere. But, we love him and happily take the challenges as long as we get those smiles.

Jacob cries, and we come running to decipher his sounds and try to figure out what he wants. I mean, it could only be one of a few things (ok, sometimes it could be a combination of multiple things). Either he is hungry, needs a diaper change, has gas, or is otherwise uncomfortable. Despite how demanding our little man is, we love him so much. His little sounds are so cute. His laugh makes us smile. I could stare into his eyes forever — especially when he is just staring at you.

The little things crack us up too. Sometimes he toots so hard that it scares him. Sometimes, I think that he will lift off like a rocket and go into orbit. Sometimes his mom and I just stare at him in amazement after a toot and say, “Wow, that was really impressive.”

Then there are the times, like today, when he lies asleep on my shoulder with his little mouth just a bit open. It is the cutest thing. And then when he is in a really good mood and laughing and trying to speak, but pretty much gibberish comes out — now THAT is adorable. We can’t wait for his first words. So far we have only gotten “hi” when we play with him and occasionally an “ow” after a sneeze. By the way, even his sneezes are adorable.

When mommy lifts him, he stretches his arms out above his head and she says, “Superman!”

This morning, I was changing him after he spit up on his onesie. As soon as I get his new onesie on, he spits up on that too and then starts to laugh. I think he is toying with me.

All of these little things make him who he is and we love him so much. I look at his little face each night after he has fallen asleep and think that it is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. We are truly blessed to have him in our lives and are very thankful.

Jacob is two months old, which means he was due for his first big round of vaccines. At the appointment, the doctor said it looked like he is developing very normally, and at 10 pounds and 6 ounces he is not as chunky as we thought he would be. When it came time for the shots, I tried to be brave and positive even when holding him still for the nurse. It still made me sting, however, when I saw his face go from happy to crying in a split second. He only cried for about half a minute though. Then he kind of just looked dazed like he didn’t know what was going on.

Later on, we could tell the poor guy’s legs hurt. Every time he kicked them he would give off a little cry. He also didn’t want to eat and just wanted to nap most of the rest of the day. To make us feel better, Jacob slept in our room for the first time in a very long time. Unfortunately for me, all the sleep he got in the afternoon and evening meant he woke up hungry a few times in the middle of the night. Oh well, that is why coffee exists.

Our next adventure awaits this week as daddy goes to a conference and mommy gets to have Jacob all to herself!

Born May 6th, our little man is now two months old. Fatherhood is the toughest, yet most rewarding thing that I have ever done. The tough parts are really tough. I mean, I am starting to wonder if there is even a need to iron my shirts in the morning. Odds are that they will get spit up on or pee’d on. Some days you run on 4 or 5 hours of sleep. Val probably gets even less. Sometimes you question what you are doing because he is fine with mommy, but loves to cry with you. Sometimes things get tough and frustration hits you. However, when you see is little face in the morning and he is happy to see you too, it becomes clear that it is all worth it and you know that he has enriched your lives.

Jacob is gearing up for his first Independence Day, and turning 8 weeks old today! It is strange how quickly time has passed, and I am realizing how soon I will be back at work. While I am looking forward to getting into a familiar routine, I will miss the leisurely mornings spent with Jacob when he is all smiles and gurgles.

He has been doing okay even though we are going through a mini heat wave. I make sure he stays inside during the hottest parts of the day and is nice and cool. I am so thankful we have central air, we would all be miserable without it. He spent a short period in just a diaper yesterday, and didn’t complain despite his hating being naked.

Next week will be his two week check up and vaccines…I hope mom and dad survive their baby boy getting his shots!

Jacob has reached the 7 week mark and seems to be thriving despite catching his first cold. He is such a cute baby, and mom and dad are loving every second with him despite his fussy moments.

We are still dealing with all the little details that come with having a baby. Today we left him with Grandma Gonzales for a few hours while we caught a movie. Mom remembered to leave milk, but forgot the bottles! That is what a night of under 5 hours of sleep will get you! At least I remembered to leave enough diapers and wipes 🙂

I am also still learning the best way to get my boy to burp so he doesn’t spit up so much. I read a bunch of techniques from other moms and already had a little success with 4 burps at his last feeding.

David and I are still getting used to leaving Jacob with others, but it is weird. This weekend we will give the Bonilla clan a chance to spend lots of time with him while we attend a wedding. I know they will enjoy every second. Next we get to look forward to getting back into exercising. I have a ways to go to get back to pre-pregnancy weight, but know with a few healthy changes to my diet and the start of an exercise routine I will make it!

Jacob is growing so fast. He was already outgrowing many of his newborn outfits. Hint to future parents: Don’t stock up too much on newborn outfits. You’ll get about a month out of them. Anyways, now, after his latest accident told us enough was enough, he has officially transitioned from newborn diapers to size 1. I am kind of sad to see him grow so fast and leave behind all of his cute little outfits. At the same time, I am excited to see my little man get bigger. Soon he will fit into his 49ers clothes!

I am so excited to celebrate David’s first Father’s Day today! Jacob is so lucky to have such a loving and involved Daddy. I am so in love with my husband for the dad he is. I always knew he would be great at parenthood, and he continues to prove me right.

David lets me rest all throughout the day despite all he has to do, he provides meals to me so I can be strong and nurse our son, and he takes Jacob on walks in his baby carrier to soothe his crying. He isn’t afraid of a poopy diaper or to get spit up on. He is excited to see his son every morning and kisses him every night. He wants to do everything right for his little boy.

For all these reasons and more, I know Jacob has the perfect Daddy for him.

Time flies by so fast. Jacob still seems so new to us. It is difficult to believe that he is already a month old. Earlier this afternoon, Jacob got a call from grandma and grandpa Bonilla who sang him a happy birthday song. The rest of the day was spent like the majority of his days. Sleeping, waking up, getting changed, eating, and repeat. After dinner, Jacob joined mom and dad on a trip to Yogurtland to celebrate.

I told Jacob today that he has turned our lives upside down, but we would not have it any other way. He filled an empty part of our lives that we did not even know was there. He truly is a blessing to Valerie and myself.

Today, Jacob is 4 weeks old and doing well. On Thursday, he will be a month old. Caring for him takes up the majority of our time, but he is 100% worth all of the effort. We were at Target today and numerous people stopped to look at our adorable little man. Jacob fills our hearts with joy and we are enjoying watching him grow so fast.

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.

More photos of Jacob by Snider Photo and Design

Jacob is now three weeks old and growing every day. I am amazed by how he is slowly changing. His face looks fuller and he is definitely getting heavier. He looks more like his daddy now, and I struggle to see what features of mine he has. I think we determined he has part of my nose.

Life is slowly settling into a routine. Most of what we do centers around when Jacob needs to eat or when we think he will be asleep. I try to get at least one nap in each day, but it isn’t always easy. He sometimes had a hard time staying asleep, but we are learning what works. Last night he had a long three and a half (almost 4) hour stretch of sleep! I actually woke up before he did to feed him.

It was hard sometimes the first few weeks, but I love my new life and routine. He is asleep in my arms and all is right with the world 🙂

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.

Jacob had his first doctor’s visit today, and is gaining weight like a champ. Babies usually lose some of their birth weight in the first few days of life, and get back to it by two weeks old. Jacob was born 6 lbs 7 oz and went down to 5lbs 13 oz when he came home. Today he is at 6 lbs 4 oz! I am so proud of my boy. He cried through the whole appt, but he checks out as a healthy baby.

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.

I now have two favorite men in my life! My son is the most precious little baby, and I couldn’t love David more for helping me create this little miracle. We are incredibly blessed and enjoying each and every second (even the hard ones).

So, having Jacob didn’t happen exactly as I imagined it would. It was a challenging, scary experience with the decision to have a cesarean section but I know my doctor was only suggesting what would be best for both the baby and me. While I wish things could have been different, the end result was the same. I have a gorgeous, healthy son who, despite being only two days old, has completely become the center of my world. I am so grateful for having my little family grow by one. As we look towards taking baby Jacob home, I pray every night that we have a smooth transition to our new life together.

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.

Sometime in the second half of this pregnancy I had a feeling that our little man would come on Cinco de Mayo. I guess he is already starting to prove me wrong! I know I have no control over when he wants to make his appearance, but it sure was nice to sit back and dream!

Now that time is winding down, and while I should be focused on the task of labor and delivery, I can’t help but think of all the things I will soon be able to eat without worrying about my blood sugar levels! While having gestational diabetes was probably the best thing that could have happened for my pregnancy (didn’t end up gaining to much weight or needing any insulin), it came with lots of difficulties. I had to learn how to poke my finger and test my blood 4 times a day, learn how to count carbs and find the right balance in my diet, avoid all the delicious treats that a pregnant woman SHOULD be able to indulge in, and make sure I got off my booty and exercise every single day. It was tough, and not without a few tears, but I made it!

This whole pregnancy has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much about myself, about my relationship with David, about family, and about faith. I am grateful for every second I have had where it is just me and baby. He has grown so much inside me, and to see his face will be to know a miracle of God. I will keep focusing on that thought to get me through this next step, and to sustain me as we begin the journey into parenthood.

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.

Last night I was having some discomfort with some contractions. I mostly ignored them (not too painful) but suggested to David that we try timing them to “practice”. Imagine my surprise when they were coming every 3 minutes on the dot! It was right before bed, so I was getting ready to try and sleep around them when David was already putting on his pants and loading the car. I figured that if they were coming that frequently and I could feel them, we might as well go get it checked out.

So, off to Torrance Memorial Hospital we went with no traffic or issues. The staff was really nice and I felt fine so we put me on the monitors to see what was going on. I did have regular contractions that got a bit stronger, but there was no progress in dilation. So, after a little over an hour there we packed up and headed back home.

I guess Baby B was just keeping us on our toes for now! I was able to sleep and now David and I have a better idea of what to expect when we have to go for the real thing. So today I am planning on just seeing where the day leads. If I do start feeling those contractions again, at least now I know that it isn’t the main event until it REALLY hurts.

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.

Today marks my 38th week of pregnancy. As long as that sounds, it feels like it has gone by so fast! I guess that is because I know there is only one more milestone to get through, so days of pregnancy updates are limited. Now it is all about the tiny human who is about to come in to the world.

I feel incredibly lucky to not be one of those miserable pregnant ladies who is trying to do all she can to get labor started. I have had so much energy and can still get around pretty easily. I hope that means baby wants to stick around with me a little longer cause I have been providing a good home. Maybe things will change in the next 14 days until my due date, but for now I will continue to feel grateful.

I think we are as ready as we are going to be for our little man to come home. I am so looking forward to just seeing his face! I know we could have done the 3D ultrasound thing, but since we already found out he’s a boy we might as well have SOME sense of surprise. Will he have my nose and David’s eyes? Will he have a full head of hair? Will he be a quiet baby or keep us up all day and night? So much to learn about this baby, it will be so exciting to get to know him.